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In the medical field, the attention to the environmental impact of industrial processes and products is still limited. In recent years there has been an increased sensitivity towards the environment; meanwhile, the economic burden of hazardous waste disposal is becoming evident. Dialysis is a "big producer" of waste and it has been estimated that disposal costs can be up to 10-40% of the cost of disposables. So there are several reasons of interest on "ecodialysis": the high amount of waste defined as "potentially hazardous", which requires a very expensive management and the recyclability potential of the non-contaminated waste, that has not yet been fully explored in dialysis. This primary study has been performed in collaboration with the Politecnico di Torino. Its aim has been to define a schedule of activities by a few brainstorming sessions. This schedule is to be readily performed or it should be developed in detail to optimize, by reducing and recycling, the waste production during the dialysis session. The discussion identified seven basic points for the eco-sustainability of haemodialysis to: [1] reduce packaging; [2] facilitate separation of materials, and [3] their discharge; [4] differentiate materials; [5] clearly highlight the potentially hazardous materials; [6] improve the recyclability of plastic products; [7] propose a path of recovery and reuse. Although a full optimization requires a close cooperation with the manufacturers and is achievable only in the long term, the reduction of one pound of potentially contaminated materials could presently lead, on a national scale, to a saving of several million euros, which can be better employed in investments to improve our treatments.

Therapeutic muds have been applied-at "Terme dei Papi", Viterbo-to 30 subjects with subchronic extra-articular rheumatism (S.I.R., Italy 1986). Favourable effects have been obtained in a great majority of subjects treated. Improvement was obtained concerning provoked pain, spontaneous pain as well as function of sprained joints.

Cranial CT and/or MRI examinations were performed in 8 patients affected with mucopolysaccharidosis. Two patients were affected with mucopolysaccharidosis IH,1 had mucopolysaccharidosis IS, 1 had mucopolysaccharidosis IV A and 4 presented mucopolysaccharidosis VI. CT and MRI showed white matter changes consisting of symmetric and diffuse hypodense areas on CT, large areas and multiple spots of prolonged T1 and T2 value on MRI. Reduced gray/white matter contrast was demonstrated on T2-weighted sequences. Furthermore, CT and MRI showed thickening of the dura mater at the cranio-cervical junction, which caused subarachnoid space narrowing in all patients. Spinal cord compression was detected in 4 patients. Additional findings were mild to severe hydrocephalus, skull dysplasia and odontoid dysplasia. Owing to the progressive clinical course of all mucopolysaccharidosis, the authors stress the importance of a careful study of the cranio-cervical junction in all the patients with mucopolysaccharidosis examined by CT or MRI in order to demonstrate essential thickening of the dura mater. In the patients with symptomatic cord compression, surgery should be considered.

We studied the seasonal course of Leydig cells combined with spermatogenesis and blood testosterone concentrations. The reproductive cycle of Pipistrellus kuhli kuhli and Eptesicus serotinus is characterized by seminiferous tubules which reactivate after a period of complete quiescence extending for the whole winter hibernating sleep and spring (March-June) periods. During hibernation, Leydig cells show ultrastructural features which stress a low secretory activity with corresponding low concentration of blood testosterone. With the beginning of summer, Leydig cells increase their metabolic activity reaching a top in the mating season (fall) when also blood testosterone and spermatogenesis reach the highest levels. The authors, after some comparative morphological considerations with different hibernating animals, assert that the reproductive processes of these two bats are not strictly species-linked, but rather dependent, besides seasonal thermal changes, upon habitat and feeding sources.

N-methylnitrones and nitrovinyl derivatives from 1-substituted-2-chloroindol-3-carboxaldehydes were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activity. Some nitrovinyl derivatives displayed good in vitro activity against Gram-positive bacteria; the compound (II e), 1-(o-chlorobenzyl)-2-chloro-3-(2-nitroethenyl)indole, was more active than nitrofurantoin against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Some structure-activity relationships are discussed.

The fine structure of lymphatic vessels in the subepithelial, intramuscular and subserosal layers of the bladder of small Chelonia (Testudo graeca and Emys europaea) have been investigated during the winter and summer seasons. The vessels are made up of flat endothelial cells, which abluminal surface is encircled by a thick layer of connective fibrils. Peripheral cytoplasmatic processes of adjacent endothelial cells are connected by specialized junctional complexes (zonulae adhaerentes and occludentes) and show an uninterrupted course. No seasonal cytological modification is noted, whereas some morphological aspects typical of each individual network can be detected. Comparative aspects and the presence of intra endothelial channels are stressed. The latter, together with micropinocytotic vesicles, seem to play an essential role in the exchanges with the interstitium, while the intercellular junctions do not undergo any modification.

Compounds having 2-methoxynaphthalene as their parent nucleus were synthesized and evaluated for antiinflammatory effect according to the carrageenin paw edema method in rats. The synthetic routes for the preparation of isomeric 1,2- and 2,6-disubstituted derivatives are described. Replacement of the alpha-methylacetic moiety in naproxen by 4-hydroxybutyric acid side chain did not cause loss of activity.

As acyclic analogues of pyrimidine nucleosides, 1-[2-(2,3- dihydroxypropyloxy )ethyl]pyrimidines (III a-c) and 1-[[3-(2,3- dihydroxypropyloxy )-2-hydroxy]propyl]pyrimidines (III d-f) were synthesized and tested for in vitro activity against herpes simplex virus type 1. The compounds exhibited no significant antiherpetic activity.

The fine structure of hibernating bat spermatozoa (Vesperugo savi and Rinolophus f.e.) has been studied by SEM and TEM, during their prolonged storage in female reproductive tract. The main morphological aspects of sperm portions: head, neck, middle piece, principal piece and terminal piece have been described. The Author besides comparisons with other mammalian species and Chiroptera, suggests some typical ultrastructural features of these Chiroptera, as the complete absence of vacuoles in the nuclear chromatin and corrugated structures in the post-acrosomal zone. Moreover electron-dense material in the subacrosomal space and three mitochondria in the neck were observed. Two areas of fusion between outer dense fibers 3 and 8 and the inner ends of the respective longitudinal columns of the fibrous sheath and asymmetrical arrangement of the outer dense fibers of the principal piece were found.

Mannosidosis is a human lysosomal storage disease caused by and acid alpha-mannosidase deficiency. We have studied two affected Italian families and in this paper discuss the problems concerning the clinical and radiological findings, and laboratory assay as an access to diagnosis. Reference is made to our personal experience, as concerns the difficulties of carrier detection and of prenatal diagnosis.

The cyclical and seasonal modifications of the various epididymis regions (ductuli efferentes, head, body and tail) of Chiroptera (Vesperugo savi and Vesperugo piccolo) have been investigated. The ultrastructural seasonal features noticed in the ductus epididymis and principal, clear cells content confirm a double function (absorbing and synthetic) in these cells. Beside it, they seem to underline a close relationship with the phases of spermatogenesis and the eventually significant contributions of the epididymis regions to the spermatozoa maturation.

A series of 3-formyl-2-ethoxycarbonyl(carboxy)indole thiosemicarbazones 1-substituted were synthesized and evaluated for in vitro antiviral activity against vaccinia virus strain IHD. The thiosemicarbazone of 1-(m-chlorobenzoyl)-3-formyl-2-ethoxycarbonylindole [(II g); Table II] was the most active compound. Some structure activity relationships are discussed.

A series of 1-benzoyl- and 1-benzyl-2-chloro-3-formylindole thiosemicarbazones was synthesized and investigated for antiviral activity against vaccinia virus IHD strain and parainfluenza virus type 3, HA-I/CR-8 strain. The results confirmed the previously observed high activity against vaccinia virus of m-substituted benzoyl derivatives. On the contrary, the analogous benzyl derivatives showed marginal activity; the compound (V c), however, was the most active against the parainfluenza virus.

Submandibular and mesenteric lymph nodes of Chiroptera (Rinolophus f.e. and Pipistrellus p.) display a marginal sinus, located between the capsule and the cortical parenchima. There are also trabecular sinuses, which deepen in both the cortical and paracortical zones and medullary sinuses in the zona medullary. All the above mentioned sinuses are made up of a distinct endothelial cell wall lying on a variably thick layer of amorphous substance and collagen fibers. Moreover, the endothelial subcapsular wall of the marginal sinus and the endothelium lying the connective tissue septa form a continuous layer, whereas the endothelium adjacent to the parenchima in the marginal, trabecular and medullary sinuses exhibits and interrupted course, so as to allow a free to and from passage of cells between the parenchimal and sinus compartments. The Authors also compare the ultrastructural features of the lymph node sinuses in Chiroptera with those of other mammals including man.

The fine structure and morphological aspects of superficial and deep lymphatic vessels of Chiroptera' bladder (Vesperugo savi and Rinolophus f.e.) have been studied, under seasonal, physiological conditions of different lymphatic flux (winter lethargic state and summertime). The endothelial walls of subepithelial, intramuscular and subserosal-peritoneal, lymphatic networks show an uninterrupted course together with both simple and complex intercellular contacts, constantly jointed by specialized junctional complexes, such as zonulae adhaerentes and occludentes. The abluminal surface is often almost entirely encircled by a thick layer of fibrillary connective tissue. Seasonal cytological modifications of possible importance and morphological aspects typical of the each individual network have not been detected in the lymphatic endothelium. On the other hand the abundance distribution of clear intracytoplasmic vesicles and the frequent occurrence of micropinocytotic vesicles in the luminal and abluminal membrane surface have been shown. Canalicular structures have also been demonstrated, even if quantitatively less numerous with respect to those seen in the chiliferous vessels of the same species of Chiroptera. The Authors believe that most of the transendothelial transport in the above mentioned lymphatic vessels occur through the micropinocytotic vesicles and also through the intra-endothelial channels made up by the vessel wall, without any intervention of intercellular contacts or specialized junctions. The possible role of substances within the interstitium in inducing the appearance of canaliculi in the endothelial wall is discussed.

The fine structure of the epithelium lining the ductuli efferentes and the ductus epididymis of Chiroptera (Vesperugo savi and Vesperugo piccolo) has been investigated. The epithelium of ductuli efferentes is composed of two cell types: principal and ciliated cells, while the ductus epididymis shows four cell types: principal, clear, basal cells and lymphocytes. Cytological differences in principal and clear cells are described, which allow to subdivide epididymis into three regions: head, body and tail. It has also been possible to recognize in these cells both an absorbing and a synthetic function. Cytological features of principal and clear cells in relation to epididymis' function of spermatidic maturation are discussed.

New derivatives (esters, amides, nitriles, amidines, thiosemicarbazones and guanylhydrazones) of 1H-benz[e]indene-2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-1-oxo-3-carboxylic acid and 1H-benz[e]indene-2,3-dihydro-7-methyl-3-oxo-1-carboxylic acid were prepared and tested for antiviral activities in vitro against vaccinia virus, HID stock and parainfluenza type 3 virus, HA-I/CR-8 stock. Four compounds (II g), (II i), (III b), (III g), showed weak activity in vitro against vaccinia virus.

Some thiosemicarbazones of 1-acyl-2-chloro-3-formylindoles were synthesized and investigated for antiviral activity against vaccinia virus, HID stock and parainfluenza virus type 3 HA-I/CR-8 stock. Evidence of antiviral activity was found only against vaccinia virus, and was particular significant with the m-substituted 1-benzoyl-2-chloro-3-formylindoles. The first results of 2-substitution of chlorine by bromine in the indole skeleton, are reported.

Thiosemicarbazones of N-alkyl-2-chloroindole-3-carboxaldehydes were synthesized and investigated for antiviral activity against RNA virus (parainfluenza type 3, HA-I/CR-8 stock) and DNA virus (vaccinia virus, HID stock). The effect of lipophilicity on the activity against vaccinia virus was considered. Relative lipophilicities were measured by a reversed phase thin-layer chromatographic technique. The most active compound N-isopropyl-2-chloroindole-3-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone appeared comparable for its activity to methisazone.

We studied the morphological, histochemical and ultrastructural aspects of the hypothalamic-pituitary system in the Alosa fallax nilotica. The secretory activity of the preoptic nucleus and of the lateral tuberal nucleus was also investigated with regard to the gonadal growth and development during the reproductive sexual cycle and the changing migrational environmental conditions (anadromous and catadromous phases). The hypothalamic-pituitary system is formed by: centers of neurosecretion synthesis (parvo and magnocellular preoptic nucleus and lateral tuberal nucleus), a conduit system (preoptic infundibular-neurohypophyseal tract) and a collecting center (neurohypophysis intermediate lobe). The neurosecretory cells show two distinct types of secretory granules with different ultrastructural features probably representing the morphological expression of two distinct hormones. These cells show also characterizations of cytoplasmic areas related to peculiar cyclic functional stages concerned with the reproductive sexual cycle. We observed significant quantitative and qualitative changes of the neurons both in the parvo- and magnocellular preoptic nucleus and in the lateral tuberal nucleus during anadromous migration and during spawning and fertilization. Almost insignificant changes of the neurosecretory material were observed in the preoptic-pituitary tract and in the intermediate-neurohypophyseal lobe. The results show that the hypothalamic-pituitary neurosecretory system play an important role in the osmoregulation (magnocellular preoptic nucleus) and on the reproductive cycle (lateral tuberal nucleus). The system probably also controls some other metabolic activities (utilization of the stored material) linked to peculiar environmental and feeding conditions.

Fine structure of pineal gland was studied in some Chiroptera and compared with those of other micromammals. Three cells types were found in pineal parenchyma: pinealocytes, the most numerous cells, glial cells and Mastzellen. Some nervous cells were found in peripheral dorsal pineal gland. Pinealocytes show a clear or dark matrix which are different functional stages of the same cell. A large nucleus with irregular profiles and deep invaginations, several mitochondria and ribosomes, canalicular rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, large Golgi apparatus, lipid droplets, secretory and heterogeneous granules distinguish this cellular type. Centrioles often joined with a striated root (formed by alternating clear and dark discs), cytoplasmic process extending in the intercellular space as far as 3-4 mu including cilia showing a 9+0 pattern, osmiophilic vacuoles involved in secretion processes were observed too. Glial cells irregularly arranged tend to form small clusters: they show a dense and glycogen particles rich matrix. This matrix was very positive for non specific esterases reaction. Blood vessels are provided by a continuous endothelium resting on basal lamina, surrounded by a thick perivascular layer. Collagen fibers, pinealocytes processes, non-myelinated nerve fibers and Mastzellen were found in pervascular area.