Engineering geological mapping of near-surface rock mass quality of folded and thrusted arenaceous flysch units in the Northern Apennines (Italy)

The regionalized knowledge of the quality of near-surface rock masses is an important tool for land management/planning, as well as for guiding further in-depth studies aimed at landslide and earthquake risk assessment and civil engineering planning. The characterization of heterogeneous rock masses like flysch units represents a relevant challenge to engineering geologists due to the complex structure of these materials, which results from both their depositional context and tectonic history. Flysches are widespread all over the Apennines chain and their mechanical characterization is a difficult task given the occurrence of intercalation of layers with different lithology and strength. Moreover, the complexity of the thrust and fold tectonic framework makes the regional distribution of these characters difficult to predict. The aim of this work is to provide a method to map the near-surface rock masses quality for an arenaceous flysch widely cropping out in the outer Northern Apennines (Torrente Carigiola Formation, Aquitanian; Bettelli et al., 2002). This formation is mapped in both the geological map of the Regione Toscana (Italy) at the scale of 1:10,000 and the geological sheet “252 – Barberino di Mugello” (Bettelli et al., 2002) of the Italian Geological Map at the scale of 1:50,000 (CARG). It is made up by intercalated arenaceous (A) and pelitic (P) layers characterized by variable A/P ratio. The rock mass quality is evaluated by estimating, for a set of representative rock outcrops, the Rock Mass Quality Index (RQI; Disperati et al. 2016; Mammoliti et al. 2018). This index results from the analysis of both systematic Schmidt hammer rebound measurements (R) acquired at the nodes of a regular grid (ca. 20 R measurements for ca. 15-25 nodes) and the determination of the unit weight for representative outcrop rock samples. For the same outcrops, also the A/P ratio and bedding attitude are determined. The results show a positive linear correlation between RQI and the A/P ratio, confirming that the latter parameter is an important feature controlling the rock mass strength. This correlation is used to assess the distribution of both parameters within a set of geological cross sections traced normal to the regional structures trend (main thrusts and km-scale folds). Then, the structural features available from the literature geological maps allow us to extrapolate both the RQI and A/P ratio from the profiles to the map scale. Finally, a further set of the same rock outcrop data acquired after the above-described modelling procedure is used to check the accuracy of the method

The new engineering geological map (carta litotecnica) of Tuscany (Italy)

Municipal administrations in Italy must be provided with thematic maps and documentation which describe the geological, geomorphological, lithological, hydrogeological and hydraulic characters useful to manage spatial planning issues. Among these documents, a “Lithotechnical” (or “Lithological-Technical”) map is drawn up, generally at the scale of 1:10,000, by organizing the geological formations into lithotechnical units according to their lithological and physical-mechanical properties. Often, this map also integrates the results of previous field and borehole investigations. However, this map is characterized by a certain degree of subjectivity because it is supported by few specific quantitative data. We present a new method for the regional scale engineering geological classification of sub-surface rock and soil masses obtained by integrating the geological map at the scale of 1:10,000 as a reference document, with a large set of data obtained through the collection and processing of new lithological and physical-mechanical observations and measurements of the outcropping geological formations. The adopted procedure involves both the extensive in situ use of the Schmidt's hammer and the execution of laboratory tests, such as the Slake Durability Test (Franklin & Chandra, 1972) and the determination of the rock unit weight. These tools and tests allow us to acquire a large set of quantitative in situ and laboratory data with known repeatability to obtain a regional scale GIS database providing the classification of the lithological and physical-mechanical characteristics of a wide range of geological formations. As a first step, each outcrop is classified according to a new engineering geological nomenclature system described by the code XXv[y]_[Z] whose values are obtained by integrating: i) a lithological parameter XXv evaluated from both typical characters of the geological formations under analysis and outcrop observations; ii) an engineering geological parameter [y] obtained by the results of the Slake Durability Test; iii) an engineering geological parameter [Z] (Rockmass Quality Index - RQI) evaluated at the outcrop scale on the basis of a large set of sclerometric measurements. The results of outcrop classification are stored into a point topology GIS dataset and are then processed and spatialized in order to assign the XXv[y]_[Z] code to the geological formations, thus obtaining the new engineering geological map. Within the framework of research agreements among Regione Toscana administration, the Consorzio LaMMA, the CNRIGG and the Department of Earth, Environmental and Physical Sciences of the University of Siena, the latter being the leader for their implementation, more than 300 geological formations were analysed and classified, and the new engineering geological GIS map was realized in Tuscany for the provinces of Arezzo, Florence, Lucca, Massa-Carrara, Pistoia, Prato and Siena (ca. 15,000 km2)

Interdisciplinary stepwise approach for an effective and safe Mechanical Transvenous Lead Extraction

Aims: Mechanical force applied during leads removal is the main cause for major complications andcardiovascular injuries. Aim of this study was to retrospectively analyse safety and effectiveness of astepwise interdisciplinary approach for mechanical transvenous lead extraction.Methods: From February 2011 to December 2017, 71 patients (pts) underwent electronic leadsextraction for Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIED) complications. Mean age was 70±11 years(range 34-92). A total of 160 leads were managed with a mean time from implantation to extraction of33±39 months (range 4-300). Lead type were atrial (37%), Ventricular (49%) and Coronary sinus (14%).Indication for lead removal were pocket/lead erosion (73%), isolated lead infection (10%), dysfunction orupgrading (17%), respectively. Data on algorithm of treatment, procedural success, complications as wellas 30 day mortality are reported.</p

Geology of the northwestern portion of the Ferriere-Mollieres Shear Zone, Argentera Massif, Italy

<p>The Ferriere-Mollieres Shear Zone (FMSZ) is a regional shear zone cross-cutting the Argentera External Crystalline Massif (Western Alps). It shows a NW-SE striking dextral shear zone separating two Variscan migmatitic complexes: the Tinèe to the SW and the Gesso-Stura-Vesubiè to the NE. Geological-structural mapping at 1:10,000 scale focused on the characterization of mylonitic deformation. A deformation gradient has been observed towards the core of the shear zone marked by the occurrence of ultramylonites and rare phyllonitic layers. Protomylonites passing to unsheared migmatites occur in the outer zones. Low-angle shear zones with a top-to-the S and SW sense of shear cross-cut the previous mylonitic foliation. The FMSZ is a Variscan transpressive shear zone activated during the Late Carboniferous under amphibolite-facies metamorphic condition. The shear zone has been partially reactivated under greenschist-facies metamorphic conditions during Alpine Orogenesis.</p

Choroidal remodeling following different anti-VEGF therapies in neovascular AMD

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate choroidal morphology remodeling in AMD-associated type 1 macular neovascularization using two different anti-VEGF drugs. We registered 73 treatment-naïve eyes with a diagnosis of exudative AMD and type 1 MNV. Patients received 3 monthly intravitreal aflibercept (n = 36, aflibercept group [AG]) or brolucizumab (n = 37, brolucizumab group [BG]). Baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and anatomical (structural optical coherence tomography) parameters were collected at “T1 control”, before the loading phase (LP) of intravitreal injection, and at “T2 control”, 1 month after the last injection. The main outcomes measured were choroidal vascularity index (CVI), sub-foveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), and central macular thickness (CMT). Our results displayed significant SFCT reduction in both groups between T1 and T2 (p  0.05) after the loading aflibercept injections. Moreover, only the BG displayed a significant choroidal remodeling (stromal choroidal area [SCA], total choroidal area [TCA] and CVI) at T2 (p < 0.05). In particular, a relevant stromal and total choroidal volume reduction was noted, accompanied by an increase in CVI. To conclude, the latter modifications of the choroidal morphology were found significant between two groups (p < 0.05). Our analysis showed a significant impact of brolucizumab on choroidal morphology in eyes affected by type 1 nAMD. This effect was found relevant when compared with aflibercept

Iron modulates the membrane-binding and the intracellular trafficking of 5-lipoxygenase: functional implications in neurodegeneration

Iron modulates the membrane-binding and the intracellular trafficking of 5-lipoxygenase: functional implications in neurodegeneration Beatrice Dufrusine1, Andrea Di Francesco1, Annalaura Sabatucci1, Clotilde Beatrice Angelucci2, Sergio Oddi2,3, Claudio D’Addario1,3, Dieter Steinhilber4, Mauro Maccarrone3,5* and Enrico Dainese1,3* 1Faculty of Biosciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, 64100, Italy; 2 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, 64100, Italy; 3 European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy; 4 Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany; 5 Center of Integrated Research, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Italy. *Equally senior authors. Introduction 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) is a non-heme iron-containing enzyme catalyzing the initial steps in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes, inflammatory eicosanoids that are capable of promoting neurodegeneration. Iron accumulation has been demonstrated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here we present the structure of 5-LOX in solution and a new molecular mechanism throughout the iron content of the enzyme is able to influence its membrane binding and subcellular distribution in THP-1 macrophages. Methods 3D structure in solution and membrane binding experiments were done using Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) approaches, as reported [1]. Confocal fluorescence microscopy, subcellular fractionation and western blot (WB) analysis were carried out as already described [1]. Late Onset AD (LOAD) patients and non-demented healthy subjects (CT) were recruited as described [2]. Results SAXS analysis revealed that 5-LOX in solution is mostly organized as a homodimer. Iron removal from the recombinant human 5-LOX altered the catalytic activity of the enzyme, and impaired its membrane-binding ability. THP-1 cells exposed to increasing amounts of iron showed a redistribution of the cytosolic 5-LOX to the nuclear compartment. Additionally, a significant correlation between plasma levels of the 5-LOX end-product LTB4 and hemoglobin was observed in a population of healthy subjects and AD patients. Conclusions These results suggest that exogenous iron modulates 5-LOX activity by increasing its ability to bind to nuclear membranes, further supporting a new role for iron in inflammation-based neurological diseases where its homeostasis is altered. Acknowledgements. M.M. and E.D. wish to thank EU for granting the Biostruct-X project within the FP VII programme. [1] E. Dainese et al., FASEB J. 24 (2010) 1725-1736. [2] A. Di Francesco et al., JAD 37 (2013) 3-8

On the role of adenosine a2a receptor gene transcriptional regulation in parkinson’s disease

Adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs) have attracted considerable attention as an important molecular target for the design of Parkinson’s disease (PD) therapeutic compounds. Here, we studied the transcriptional regulation of the A2AR gene in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from PD patients and in the striatum of the well-validated, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced PD mouse model. We report an increase in A2AR mRNA expression and protein levels in both human cells and mice striata, and in the latter we could also observe a consistent reduction in DNA methylation at gene promoter and an increase in histone H3 acetylation at lysine 9. Of particular relevance in clinical samples, we also observed higher levels in the receptor gene expression in younger subjects, as well as in those with less years from disease onset, and less severe disease according to clinical scores. In conclusion, the present findings provide further evidence of the relevant role of A2AR in PD and, based on the clinical data, highlight its potential role as disease biomarker for PD especially at the initial stages of disease development. Furthermore, our preclinical results also suggest selective epigenetic mechanisms targeting gene promoter as tool for the development of new treatments