Assessment of the Impact of a Centralized Heating System Equipped with Programmable Thermostatic Valves on Building Energy Demand

Abstract The aim of the work presented in this paper concerns the assessment of actual energy savings achieved adopting a common tool of building thermal automation systems such as thermostatic valves. The idea comes from the study of the European Standard CEN EN15232 "Energy performance of buildings - Impact of Automation, Controls and Building Management" which highlights how the inclusion in buildings of automation systems leads to a reduction of energy consumption for the whole building. Starting from here, the actual advantages for the single user in adopting programmable thermostatic valves was evaluated taking into account the possible differences in heating energy demands due to an on/off timetable customization. The case study is a reference building sited in three different locations in Italy with two different values of envelope insulation. By means of Trnsys17 tool the reference building was divided into six thermal zones each one modelling an apartment. The possibility to customize the on/off timetable, through the use of programmable thermostatic valves, may introduce thermal dispersions. As a matter of facts when a user switch off his heating terminals his apartment tends to be a heat sink for the adjacent ones. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if the switching inhomogeneity due to the customization may constitute sensible energy penalties to other users. The results of this study may provide a contribution to the definition of the correct management policies of the terminals customization in order to optimize the use of the building automation systems

Effect of Toothpaste on the Surface Roughness of the Resin-Contained CAD/CAM Dental Materials: A Systematic Review

Background: The purpose of this review is to describe the possible effect of toothbrushing on surface roughness of resin-contained CAD/CAM materials. Methods: Systematic literature search for articles published in peer-reviewed journals between January 2000 and February 2020 has been conducted, which evaluated the effect of brushing on surface roughness of resin-contained CAD/CAM dental materials. The research was conducted in Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and Science Direct using a combination of the following MeSH/Emtree terms: “brushing”, “resin-based”, “dental”, “CAD/CAM”, and “surface roughness”. Results: A total of 249 articles were found in the search during initial screening. Fifty-five articles were selected for the full-text evaluation after the steps of reading of abstract/title and remotion of duplicate. Only six articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The Cohen’s Kappa agreement test showed an index of 0.91 for full-text. Discussion: Four of five selected articles identified an increase of surface roughness on resin-contained CAD/CAM materials after toothbrushing. Although all the articles examined used different toothpastes with no homogeneous relative dentine abrasivity (RDA) and cycles of brushing, the findings are about the same. The possible reason is attributable to the compositions of the resin-contained CAD/CAM materials. Conclusions: The surface roughness of most resin-contained CAD/CAM materials was affected by artificial toothbrushing. Correct knowledge of the composition of the dental material and toothpastes is fundamental to avoid an increase of surface roughness on prosthetic rehabilitation

Distinct mechanisms mediate X chromosome dosage compensation in Anopheles and Drosophila

Sex chromosomes induce potentially deleterious gene expression imbalances that are frequently corrected by dosage compensation (DC). Three distinct molecular strategies to achieve DC have been previously described in nematodes, fruit flies, and mammals. Is this a consequence of distinct genomes, functional or ecological constraints, or random initial commitment to an evolutionary trajectory? Here, we study DC in the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae. The Anopheles and Drosophila X chromosomes evolved independently but share a high degree of homology. We find that Anopheles achieves DC by a mechanism distinct from the Drosophila MSL complex–histone H4 lysine 16 acetylation pathway. CRISPR knockout of Anopheles msl-2 leads to embryonic lethality in both sexes. Transcriptome analyses indicate that this phenotype is not a consequence of defective X chromosome DC. By immunofluorescence and ChIP, H4K16ac does not preferentially enrich on the male X. Instead, the mosquito MSL pathway regulates conserved developmental genes. We conclude that a novel mechanism confers X chromosome up-regulation in Anopheles. Our findings highlight the pluralism of gene-dosage buffering mechanisms even under similar genomic and functional constraints

Novel anticancer drug 5h-pyro[3,2-a] phenoxazin-5-one (PPH) regulates lncRNA HOTAIR and HOXC genes in human MCF-7 cells

Breast cancer in women is the second most commonly cancer, after skin cancer. The percentage of mortality risk for breast cancer is 1 in 37 women (2.7%), which makes breast cancer represent the second cause of cancer death in women. Recently, new research based on previously published work in systemic chemotherapy and endocrine therapy field, have improved the incidence rates. The quinonic nucleus is common to many natural and synthetic products associated with anticancer and antibacterial activities, these compounds are typically DNA-intercalating agents. The Class I Homeobox genes (HOX in human and hox in mouse) control embryonic development and specific determination of positional identity anteroposterior axis of the human body. The HOX genes, are 39 transcription factors related to morphological, physiological disease. It has been demonstrated that any deregulation into the network is able to induce neoplastic transformation. Particularly, HOXC locus collaborating with lncRNA HOTAIR play a key role in breast cancer. In this study, our group evaluated the chemical and metabolic stability of new anticancer molecule 5H-pyro[3,2-a] phenoxazin-5-one (PPH). In a recent paper, we have already demonstrated that a new and potent anticancer synthetic iminoquinone, the 5H-pyrido[3,2-a]phenoxazin-5-one (PPH), is able to inhibit a large number of lymphoblastoid and solid-tumor-derived cells at submicromolar concentrations. Based on our previous research, we decided to analyze the cytotoxic effect and capability of PPH to control the lncRNA HOTAIR and HOXC locus gene expression in human breast cancer cells MCF-7, in order to demonstrate its role like potential new breast cancer antitumor drug

Chemistry meets Industry and Society A creative showcase conference

Buffalo milk contributes to 13% of the world milk production and is abundantly produced in Southern Italy regions. Buffalo milk is appreciated for its nutritive properties and is highly suitable for the manufacturing of wide range of dairy products. Several studies showed many bioactive peptides in different dairy species such as bovine, ovine and caprine milk, but few studies have been conducted on the buffalo dairy products (1). The present work is focused on the identification of bioactive peptides released after in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion of protein fraction isolated from buffalo-milk dairy products by ultra- and nanofiltration pilot plant. The gastrointestinal digests of protein fractions were monitored by RP-UHPLC-DAD, while, the peptide identification was carried out by UHPLC-Orbitrap-based tandem mass spectrometry. 165 peptides were identified in Yoghurt, 152 in Scamorza, 146 in Mozzarella, 136 in Grana and Ricotta and 120 in Ice Cream samples (1). The peptides belong to both buffalo caseins (αs1-, β-, k-CN) and whey proteins (α-LA, β-LG). Six G.I. digests of dairy products were tested in a model of oxidative stress using IEC-6 cells. Among them, buffalo ricotta cheese was the most active. UHPLC-PDA-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of two abundant β-lactoglobulin peptides (BRP: YVEELKPTPEGDL, f:60-72 and BRP2: SFNPTQL, f:168-174). To confirm the hypothesized chemical structures and study their specific biological activity, the peptides were synthesized by conventional solid-phase peptide synthesis methods. The antioxidant potential of the identified peptides was then evaluated in a model of hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative stress in IEC-6 cell line. The peptides reduce ROS release and increase nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 activation and the expression of antioxidant cytoprotective factors such as heme oxygenase 1, NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 and superoxide dismutase (2). The bioavailability of β-lactoglobulin peptides was evaluated in intestinal transport studies through Caco-2 cell monolayer. Only BRP2 showed equal bi-directional transport and linear permeability, suggesting that it was mainly absorbed through passive diffusion. In addition to its local effects, administration of BPR2 on mice mesenteric arteries counteracts the Angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction by Nrf2 nuclear translocation, reduction of active form of Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) and NADPH oxidase activity. The analysis at molecular level of treated vessels showed an induction of Nrf2 translocation to nucleus associated with increased expression of MnSOD and Rac1 deactivation. The data indicate how protein fraction of buffalo ricotta cheese could be an important source of antioxidant compounds, as well as YVEELKPTPEGDL and SFNPTQL peptides could be considered as an “ingredient” for nutraceuticals formulations and functional and personalized foods, in order to prevent the onset of some gastrointestinal pathologies and cardiovascular diseases

Novel Anticancer Drug 5H-pyro[3,2-a] Phenoxazin-5-one (PPH) Regulates lncRNA HOTAIR and HOXC genes in Human MCF-7 Cells

Breast cancer in women is the second most commonly cancer, after skin cancer. The percentage of mortalityrisk for breast cancer is 1 in 37 women (2.7%), which makes breast cancer represent the second cause of cancerdeath in women. Recently, new research based on previously published work in systemic chemotherapy andendocrine therapy field, have improved the incidence rates. The quinonic nucleus is common to many naturaland synthetic products associated with anticancer and antibacterial activities, these compounds are typicallyDNA-intercalating agents. The Class I Homeobox genes (HOX in human and hox in mouse) control embryonicdevelopment and specific determination of positional identity anteroposterior axis of the human body. The HOXgenes, are 39 transcription factors related to morphological, physiological disease. It has been demonstratedthat any deregulation into the network is able to induce neoplastic transformation. Particularly, HOXC locuscollaborating with lncRNA HOTAIR play a key role in breast cancer. In this study, our group evaluated the chemical and metabolic stability of new anticancer molecule 5H-pyro[3,2-a] phenoxazin-5-one (PPH). In a recent paper, we have already demonstrated that a new and potent anticancersynthetic iminoquinone, the 5H-pyrido[3,2-a]phenoxazin-5-one (PPH), is able to inhibit a large number oflymphoblastoid and solid-tumor-derived cells at submicromolar concentrations. Based on our previous research, we decided to analyze the cytotoxic effect and capability of PPH to control thelncRNA HOTAIR and HOXC locus gene expression in human breast cancer cells MCF-7, in order to demonstrateits role like potential new breast cancer antitumor drug

New insights in pediatrics in 2021: choices in allergy and immunology, critical care, endocrinology, gastroenterology, genetics, haematology, infectious diseases, neonatology, neurology, nutrition, palliative care, respiratory tract illnesses and telemedicine

In this review, we report the developments across pediatric subspecialties that have been published in the Italian Journal of Pediatrics in 2021. We highlight advances in allergy and immunology, critical care, endocrinology, gastroenterology, genetics, hematology, infectious diseases, neonatology, neurology, nutrition, palliative care, respiratory tract illnesses and telemedicine

A Review on Risk Management of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) Infection in Dental Practice: Focus on Prosthodontics and All-Ceramic Materials.

Background: A novel β-coronavirus infection (COVID-19) was first detected in Wuhan city, spreading rapidly to other countries and leading to a pandemic. Dental professionals and patients are exposed to a high risk of COVID-19 infection, particularly in the prosthodontic practice, because of the bio-aerosol produced during teeth preparation with dental handpieces and the strict contact with oral fluids during impression making. This paper aimed to provide an overview to limit the risk of transmission of COVID-19 infections during prosthetic procedures in dental offices. Methods: An electronic search was conducted on the electronic databases of PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Embase, Scopus, Dynamed, and Open Grey with the following queries: (COVID-19) AND/OR (SARS-CoV-2) AND/OR (Coronavirus) AND/OR (contaminated surface) AND/OR (cross-infection) AND/OR (Prosthodontics) AND/OR (dental ceramic) AND/OR (glass-ceramic). A manual search was performed as well. Results: From the 1023 collected records, 32 papers were included. Conclusions: Dental offices are at high risk of spreading SARS-CoV-2 infection due to the close contact with patients and continuous exposure to saliva during dental procedures. Therefore, pre-check triages via telephone, decontamination, the disinfection of impressions, the sterilization of scanner tips, and the use of specific personal protective equipment, dental high-speed handpieces with dedicated anti-retraction valves, and effective mouthwashes are strongly recommended

Radiomics of Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer\u27s: MR, MRS, & PET

This work aims to review and assess the current state of Radiology research in Alzheimer’s Disease to complement and coordinate multi-modal research progress via Radiomics. Alzheimer’s Disease. Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is a center that utilizes the different standard methods for the use of clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for advancing. Early diagnosis and assessing the efficacy of treatment and related biomarkers for Alzheimer\u27s’ Disease. ADNI databases can be assessed to analyze the patterns and changes in imaging and CSF biomarker data with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease patients. The use and observation of biomarkers try to either directly or indirectly measure the pathology of AD as a predictor of dementia or screen for early cognitive decline. These predictors will make it easier to select patients with mild impairment and healthy elderly patients for treatment and even disease prevention trials. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) is a potential biochemical imaging marker for AD that can recognize patients with the disease prior to the onset of clinical symptoms. Changes in the concentration of a few metabolites in MRS can serve as stand-in markers for pathogenic abnormalities in AD although 31P MRS is gaining ground at high field MRI centers. ADNI-MRI protocols have been adjusted to be compatible with the latest phase called ADNI-3 which started in mid 2017. Regardless of the vendor, e.g., GE, Siemens, and Phillips, all protocols from the second phase ADNI-2 are used on the third phase ADNI-3 three Tesla models. The most critical MRI sequences used in screening for Alzheimer’s Disease are T1 weighted, ASL, MP-RAGE, T2* GRE, 3D-FLAIR, High Resolution Hippocampus, DWI, and EPI-BOLD sequences. The advance in brain diffusion imaging (DWI) and Resting State functional MRI (RSfMRI) are emerging AD MRI tools. Tau PET, also known as Tau Positron Emission Tomography, is a promising method for predicting cognitive abnormalities that is more accurate than amyloid PET and today’s MRI. It can support prognosis in the preclinical and prodromal stages of AD. It has demonstrated remarkable diagnosis efficacy for differentiating non-AD neurodegenerative diseases from AD dementia

New insights in pediatrics in 2021: choices in allergy and immunology, critical care, endocrinology, gastroenterology, genetics, haematology, infectious diseases, neonatology, neurology, nutrition, palliative care, respiratory tract illnesses and telemedicine

In this review, we report the developments across pediatric subspecialties that have been published in the Italian Journal of Pediatrics in 2021. We highlight advances in allergy and immunology, critical care, endocrinology, gastroenterology, genetics, hematology, infectious diseases, neonatology, neurology, nutrition, palliative care, respiratory tract illnesses and telemedicine