Molecular characterization of microbial population dynamics during sildenafil citrate degradation

Little is known about pharmaceutical and personal care products pollutants (PPCPs), but there is a growing interest in how they might impact the environment and microbial communities. The widespread use of Viagra (sildenafil citrate) has attracted great attention because of the high usage rate, the unpredictable disposal and the unknown potential effects on wildlife and the environment. Until now information regarding the impact of Viagra on microbial community in water environment has not been reported. In this research, for the first time, the genetic profile of the microbial community, developing in a Viagra polluted water environment, was evaluated by means of the 16S and 18S rRNA genes, for bacteria and fungi, respectively, amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and separated using the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) technique. The DGGE results revealed a complex microbial community structure with most of the population persisting throughout the experimental period. DNA sequences from bands observed in the different denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiles exhibited the highest degree of identity to uncultured bacteria and fungi found previously mainly in polluted environmental and treating bioreactors. Biotransformation ability of sildenafil citrate by the microbial pool was studied and the capability of these microorganisms to detoxify a polluted water ecosystem was assessed. The bacterial and fungal population was able to degrade sildenafil citrate entirely. Additionally, assays conducted on Daphnia magna, algal growth inhibition assay and cell viability determination on HepG2 human cells showed that biotransformation products obtained from the bacterial growth was not toxic. The higher removal efficiency for sildenafil citrate and the lack of toxicity by the biotransformation products obtained showed that the microbial community identified here represented a composite population that might have biotechnological relevance to retrieve sildenafil citrate contaminated sites. © 2008 Humana Press

La Resurrezione by Pericle Fazzini in the Aula Paolo VI at the Vatican. The restoration of contemporary art by sacred multi-disciplinary dimensions

The preservative restoration of the great work of Pericle Fazzini (1913-1987), entitled La Resurrezione in the Aula Paolo VI at the Vatican, has involved the workers of the Fonderia Del Giudice (Nola), and (for free) the authors of this paper, as researchers of the Faculty Architecture “Luigi Vanvitelli” and of the Benecon Research Center, for over seventy days.. The University contribution was orientated towards the scientific project of its conservation and restoration, as well as providing a repertoire of diagnostic tests that have supported the intervention protocol, appropriately designed, applied by the Foundry and confirmed by the Directorate of the Vatican Museums and Laboratories.. The essays describe the multidisciplinary methodology, analytical operations as well as techniques that have marked all the development and implementation phases of the preservative restoration, from concept to project, from shipyard to communication. At the same time, particular attention was given to the spectacular architectural space designed by Pier Luigi Nervi.. In line with the Tenth Forum topics, the work was inspired by the minimal intervention – remote analysis and non-invasive interventions – accurately planned, for the best expected result, that has returned the dazzling image to the statue as Pericle Fazzini has realized in a mixed alloy of bronze and brass. The work has also provided material and structural integrity of the articulated metallic mass

Dermoscopy of Nodular Hidradenoma, a Great Masquerader: A Morphological Study of 28 Cases

Nodular hidradenoma is an uncommon, benign, adnexal neoplasm of apocrine origin which is a clinical simulator of other tumours

Dermoscopy of lymphangioma circumscriptum: A morphological study of 45 cases

Background/Objectives: The dermoscopy of lymphangioma circumscriptum, also known as superficial lymphatic malformation, remains to be clarified. Methods: Digital dermoscopic images of 45 histopathologically confirmed cases of lymphangioma circumscriptum collected from nine hospitals in Spain, Italy and Turkey were evaluated for the presence of dermoscopic structures and patterns. Results: Our study shows that the most common structure found in lymphangioma circumscriptum was the presence of lacunae (89% of cases). The latter were red or dark-coloured in 18 cases (45%), yellowish or whitish in 14 cases (35%) and multicoloured in eight cases (20%). The second most common dermoscopic structure was the presence of vascular structures, which were found in 82% of cases, followed by white lines (47%), the hypopyon sign or two-tone lacunae (42%) and scales (7%). Conclusions: Dermoscopy is useful in improving the diagnosis of lymphangioma circumscriptum with characteristic structures and patterns and could assist in elucidating the presence of blood in lymphatic channels

Effect of Bilastine on Diabetic Nephropathy in DBA2/J Mice

Diabetic nephropathy is an unmet therapeutic need, and the search for new therapeutic strategies is warranted. Previous data point to histamine H1 receptor as a possible target for glomerular dysfunction associated with long term hyperglycaemia. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of the H1 receptor antagonist bilastine on renal morphology and function in a murine model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Diabetes was induced in DBA2/J male mice and, from diabetes onset (glycaemia ≥200 mg/dL), mice received bilastine (1−30 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage for 14 consecutive weeks. At the end of the experimental protocol, diabetic mice showed polyuria (+195.5%), increase in Albumin-to-Creatine Ratio (ACR, +284.7%), and a significant drop in creatinine clearance (p < 0.05). Bilastine prevented ACR increase and restored creatinine clearance in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting a positive effect on glomerular filtration. The ultrastructural analysis showed a preserved junctional integrity. Preservation of the basal nephrin, P-cadherin, and synaptopodin expression could explain this effect. In conclusion, the H1 receptor could contribute to the glomerular damage occurring in diabetic nephropathy. Bilastine preserved the glomerular junctional integrity, leading to the hypothesis of anti-H1 antihistamines as a possible add-on therapy for diabetic nephropathy

Histamine H 4 receptor antagonism prevents the progression of diabetic nephropathy in male DBA2/J mice

Due to the incidence of diabetes and the related morbidity of diabetic nephropathy, identification of new therapeutic strategies represents a priority. In the last few decades new and growing evidence on the possible role of histamine in diabetes has been provided. In particular, the histamine receptor H4R is emerging as a new promising pharmacological target for diabetic nephropathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of selective H4R antagonism by JNJ39758979 on the prevention of diabetic nephropathy progression in a murine model of diabetes induced by streptozotocin injection. JNJ39758979 (25, 50, 100 mg/kg/day p.o.) was administered for 15 weeks starting from the onset of diabetes. Functional parameters were monitored throughout the experimental period. JNJ39758979 did not significantly affect glycaemic status or body weight. The urine analysis indicated a dose-dependent inhibitory effect of JNJ39758979 on Albumin-Creatinine-Ratio, the Creatinine Clearance, the 24 h urine volume, and pH urine acidification (P < 0.05). The beneficial effects of JNJ39758979 on renal function paralleled comparable effects on renal morphological integrity. These effects were sustained by a significant immune infiltration and fibrosis reduction. Notably, megalin and sodium-hydrogen-exchanger 3 expression levels were preserved. Our data suggest that the H4R participates in diabetic nephropathy progression through both a direct effect on tubular reabsorption and an indirect action on renal tissue architecture via inflammatory cell recruitment. Therefore, H4R antagonism emerges as a possible new multi-mechanism therapeutic approach to counteract development of diabetic nephropathy development