Energy performance assessment of HVAC systems by inspection and monitoring

The paper discusses the collection and processing of energy performance data as part of the inspection of HVAC systems, aimed at identifying technically feasible and cost-effective Energy Conservation Opportunities (ECO), as required by EPBD. Case studies developed by the HARMONAC project have shown that low-cost or no-cost ECO's - mostly related to system operation and management - can be identified with an effective system monitoring. Building Management Systems (BMS) may be a powerful tool for this task, provided their HW and SW architecture is designed with adequate attention to energy monitoring. Dedicated instrumentation - such as electricity meters and temperature loggers - may also be employed as an alternative / integration to BMS monitoring. The paper also discusses the application of data analysis tools - such as "carpet plots" and "energy signatures" - to the identification of component malfunctioning, control problems, inadequate maintenance, or system schedule optimization, and to the evaluation of achieved energy saving

The role of CpsABCD in Streptococcus agalactiae capsule biosynthesis

Streptococcus agalactiae or group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a Gram-positive bacterium asymptomatically colonizing 15-35% of women in the gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts. During delivery, neonates born to mothers who carry GBS can be infected themselves and develop severe diseases such as sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis. Pre-partum screenings and prophylactic treatment with antibiotics have reduced the incidence of neonatal GBS disease to 0.04% in USA. But still, in the western world, S. agalactiae represents the major cause of bacterial meningitis in newborns and half of the infected suffer long-term neurodevelopmental defects. Moreover, GBS has also emerged as a pathogen in other patient populations such as the elderly, pregnant women, diabetics and individuals who are immunocompromised. Vaccines based on the capsule polysaccharide (CPS) of this pathogen are currently under development. The CPS is the main virulence factor of GBS, preventing complement deposition and opsonophagocytosis. The production of a CPS is ubiquitous in bacteria, and the Wzy pathway constitutes one of the prototypical mechanisms to produce these structures. This pathway has been characterized in detail in S. pneumoniae. Briefly, the repeating units of sugars composing the CPS are synthesized inside the cell by a group of glycosyltransferases. The repeating units are then flipped outside the membrane and incorporated into the growing polysaccharide chain by a polymerase. Lastly, the polysaccharide is attached to the cell wall peptidoglycan to create the CPS layer surrounding the bacterium. All the enzymes involved in this process are encoded in a single operon. The aim of this work is to investigate the role of the CpsABCD proteins encoded in the cps operon of GBS. These proteins are highly conserved in all GBS serotypes, as well as in some other related bacteria, but they are not involved in the synthesis of the basic repeating units of sugars. CpsA is reported to be a transcriptional regulator and/or an enzyme attaching the CPS to the cell wall. CpsBCD homologous proteins in S. pneumoniae constitute a putative phosphoregulatory system, but their role in GBS capsule biosynthesis is unclear. To investigate the role of these proteins we developed twelve knockout and functional GBS mutant strains and we examined them for CPS quantity, size, and attachment to the cell surface, as well as CpsD phosphorylation. Moreover, we used a bacterial two hybrid assay to investigate interdependencies between these proteins. We observed that in GBS CpsB, C and D constitute a phosphoregulatory system where the CpsD autokinase phosphorylates its C-terminal tyrosines in a CpsC-dependent manner. These Tyr residues are also the target of the cognate CpsB phosphatase. Analysis of cps operon transcription by qRT-PCR on the mutant strains suggested that CpsABCD are not involved in transcriptional regulation of this operon. Furthermore, all the mutant strains retained the capability to produce a CPS, confirming that these proteins are not involved in the synthesis of polysaccharides, however, differences in CPS length and attachment to the cell wall were observed. In particular, we observed that the CpsC extracellular domain appeared necessary for the production of high molecular weight polysaccharides and that the LytR domain of CpsA is required for the attachment of the CPS to the bacterial cell surface. Protein-protein interactions between CpsD and CpsC and between CpsA and CpsC were observed. These results allowed us to propose tentative roles for the proteins and their interdependencies. We propose a model where these proteins are fine-tuning the steps terminating the CPS biosynthesis, i.e. the balance between polymerization and attachment to the cell wall. In said model, CpsA competes with the CPS polymerase and attaches the CPS to the cell wall. This interplay depends on the cyclic phosphorylation of the CpsCD complex which modulates the activity of CpsA balancing the two competing activities. Ultimately, to investigate how differences in CPS length, amount and localization impact on S. agalactiae ability to interact with cells, an in vitro adhesion-invasion assay, using lung epithelial cells have been tested. Our results showed that strains with CPS length different from the wild type were defective in associations to cells. Moreover, strains lacking the capsule or producing very little CPS were more efficient in invading cells irrespective of the CPS length

Computational Biomechanics: In-Silico Tools for the Investigation of Surgical Procedures and Devices

Biomechanical investigations of surgical procedures and devices are usually developed by means of human or animal models. The exploitation of computational methods and tools can reduce, refine, and replace (3R) the animal experimentations for scientific purposes and for pre-clinical research. The computational model of a biological structure characterizes both its geometrical conformation and the mechanical behavior of its building tissues. Model development requires coupled experimental and computational activities. Medical images and anthropometric information provide the geometrical definition of the computational model. Histological investigations and mechanical tests on tissue samples allow for characterizing biological tissues\u2019 mechanical response by means of constitutive models. The assessment of computational model reliability requires comparing model results and data from further experimentations. Computational methods allow for the in-silico analysis of surgical procedures and devices\u2019 functionality considering many different influencing variables, the experimental investigation of which should be extremely expensive and time consuming. Furthermore, computational methods provide information that experimental methods barely supply, as the strain and the stress fields that regulate important mechano-biological phenomena. In this work, general notes about the development of biomechanical tools are proposed, together with specific applications to different fields, as dental implantology and bariatric surgery

Analysis of Multi-ingredient Food Supplements by Fingerprint HPTLC Approach

The increase of import/export of every kind of herbal products calls urgently for adequate controls. Analysis of herbal food supplement (botanicals) is a difficult task, like in the composition determination of a multi-ingredient product, where several botanical drugs were used. Actually, this is an important argument in consideration of health security. The authors reported the results of an analytical approach based on HPTLC (high performance thin layer chromatography) fingerprints comparison and tailored to determine the composition of marketed multi-ingredient botanicals. The method gave positive data in case of the presence of 3-5 species, whereas difficulties were recorded when the number of plants is increased

A polyphenol rich extract from Solanum melongena L. DR2 peel exhibits antioxidant properties and anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 activity in vitro

DR2B and DR2C extracts, obtained by ethanolic maceration of peel from commercially and physiologically ripe aubergine berries, were studied for the antioxidative cytoprotective properties and anti-HSV-1 activity, in line with the evidence that several antioxidants can impair viral replication by maintaining reducing conditions in host cells. The antioxidative cytoprotective effects against tBOOH-induced damage were assessed in Caco2 cells, while antiviral activity was studied in Vero cells; polyphenolic fingerprints were characterized by integrated phytochemical methods. Results highlighted different compositions of the extracts, with chlorogenic acid and delphinidin-3-rutinoside as the major constituents; other peculiar phytochemicals were also identified. Both samples reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and exhibited scavenging and chelating properties. DR2C partly counteracted the tBOOH-induced cytotoxicity, with a remarkable lowering of lactate metabolism under both normoxia and hypoxia; interestingly, it increased intracellular GSH levels. Furthermore, DR2C inhibited the HSV-1 replication when added for 24 h after viral adsorption, as also confirmed by the reduction of many viral proteins’ expression. Since DR2C was able to reduce NOX4 expression during HSV-1 infection, its antiviral activity may be correlated to its antioxidant properties. Although further studies are needed to better characterize DR2C activity, the results suggest this extract as a promising new anti-HSV-1 agent

Antiviral and antioxidant activity of a hydroalcoholic extract from Humulus lupulus L.

A hydroalcoholic extract from female inflorescences of Humulus lupulus L. (HOP extract) was evaluated for its anti-influenza activity. The ability of the extract to interfere with different phases of viral replication was assessed, as well as its effect on the intracellular redox state, being unbalanced versus the oxidative state in infected cells. The radical scavenging power, inhibition of lipoperoxidation, and ferric reducing activity were assayed as antioxidant mechanisms. A phytochemical characterization of the extract was also performed. We found that HOP extract significantly inhibited replication of various viral strains, at different time from infection. Viral replication was partly inhibited when virus was incubated with extract before infection, suggesting a direct effect on the virions. Since HOP extract was able to restore the reducing conditions of infected cells, by increasing glutathione content, its antiviral activity might be also due to an interference with redox-sensitive pathways required for viral replication. Accordingly, the extract exerted radical scavenging and reducing effects and inhibited lipoperoxidation and the tBOOH-induced cytotoxicity. At phytochemical analysis, different phenolics were identified, which altogether might contribute to HOP antiviral effect. In conclusion, our results highlighted anti-influenza and antioxidant properties of HOP extract, which encourage further in vivo studies to evaluate its possible application

Pedicularis L. Genus. Systematics, botany, phytochemistry, chemotaxonomy, ethnopharmacology, and other

In this review, the relevance of the plant species belonging to the Pedicularis L. genus has been considered from different points of view. Particular emphasis was given to phytochemistry and ethnopharmacology, since several classes of natural compounds have been reported within this genus and many of its species are well known to be employed in the traditional medicines of many Asian countries. Some important conclusions on the chemotaxonomic and chemosystematic aspects of the genus have also been provided for the first time. Actually, this work represents the first total comprehensive review on this genus

Stone/Coating Interaction and Durability of Si-Based Photocatalytic Nanocomposites Applied to Porous Lithotypes

The use of hybrid nanocoatings for the protection of natural stones has received increasing attention over the last years. However, the interaction of these materials with stones and, in particular, its modification resulting from the blending of nanoparticles and matrices, are yet little explored. In this work, the interaction of two nanocomposite coatings (based on alkylalkoxysilane matrices and TiO2 nanoparticles in water and 2-propanol) with two different porous stones is examined in detail by comparing their absorption behaviour and protection performance with those of the respective TiO2-free matrices. It is shown that the protective effectiveness of both matrices is not negatively affected by the presence of TiO2, as the desired water barrier effect is retained, while a significant photocatalytic activity is achieved. The addition of titania leads to a partial aggregation of the water-based matrix and accordingly reduces the product penetration into stones. On the positive side, a chemical interaction between titania and this matrix is observed, probably resulting in a greater stability of nanoparticles inside the protective coating. Moreover, although an effect of TiO2 on the chemical stability of matrices is observed upon UV light exposure, the protective performance of coatings is substantially maintained after ageing, while the interaction between matrices and nanoparticles results in a good retention of the latter upon in-lab simulated rain wash-out

Preventive medicine center and health care for students of medicine and health professions at the Sapienza University of Rome: a research protocol

This project aims to develop a Center of Preventive Medicine and Health Care for the students of Medicine and Health profession at Sapienza University of Rome. At the beginning of the university career students, both residents and nonresident s, have to face several difficulties such as: starting smoking or the increase in cigarette consumption ; the independent management of their own health (especially for non residents consequently to the distance of the family doctor) ; unhealthy diet; tuberculosis (TB) biological risk during their university training. These aspects , especially if present at the same time, act as a source stress and adversely affect the quality of life and the academic performance. Specific aims of the project will be: implementing an ambulatory of Preventive Medicine; implementing a virtual ambulatory of general medicine; creating a website on the problems mentioned above. Data collected will be computerized to keep an electronic health record (HER) and to use the information for the purposes of scientific research. The Centre will act in close relationship with the Central Administration, with the Headmasters of the Medical Faculties, and in close collaboration with the Center of Occupational Medicine of Sapienza University

Effects of ω-3 PUFA-enriched diet on growth parameters in a syngenic murine model of breast adenocarcinoma: a possible role for estrogen receptor alpha

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common tumour among women and 75% of BC are estrogen receptor (ER)dependent. In particular, ERα promotes tumour growth, while ERβ has an anti-proliferative effect [1]. Epidemiological data have linked ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) consumption to lower incidence of BC and several experimental studies showed the anti-proliferative effects of ω-3 fish oil in different tumour models [2,3]. Chia seed oil is rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA 18:3 ω-3), while corn oil is rich in linoleic acid (LA 18:2 ω-6), precursors of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and arachidonic acid (AA), respectively. Based on substrate availability, these FAs give rise to different eicosanoid signatures with opposite effects in cancer [4]. ω-3 PUFAs generate both anti-inflammatory prostanoids and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn could affect NF-κB. Indeed, NF-κB belongs to a family of transcription factors with a key role in inflammation and oxidative stress, but its role in tumour development is still controversial [5]. The aim of the study was to determine possible processes that are activated by dietary lipids regulating BC growth and metastasis.Fil: Vara Messler, Marianela. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Instituto de Biología Celular; Argentina.Fil: Vara Messler, Marianela. Universidad de Padova. Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Farmacológicas; Italia.Fil: Pasqualini, María Eugenia. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Instituto de Biología Celular; Argentina.Fil: Comba, Andrea. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Instituto de Biología Celular. Cátedra de Biología, Histología y Embriología; Argentina.Fil:Comba, Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud; Argentina.Fil: Toniolo, Alicia. Universidad de Padova. Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Farmacológicas; Italia.Fil: Trenti, Annalisa. Universidad de Padova. Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Farmacológicas; Italia.Fil: Quiroga, Patricia. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Instituto de Biología Celular; Argentina.Fil: Valentich, Mirta Ana. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Instituto de Biología Celular; Argentina.Fil: Valentich, Mirta Ana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud; Argentina.Fil: Bolego, Chiara. Universidad de Padova. Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Farmacológicas; Italia.Otras Ciencias de la Salu