The masonries of the roman bridge of Sant'Antioco (Sardinia, Italy)

The bridge of Sant’Antioco is an architectural specialty dating back most probably to Roman origin, interested by many other interventions during the following centuries. It represents a piece of art of a unique road net in its kind, for its function in connecting not only the opposite banks of a river but also a small island with the dry land. Additionally, its architectural design does not have any analogies in other episodes. It has been studied following an interdisciplinary approach, with the aim of combining the historical, architectural and constructive knowledge with methods used in geologic and geochemical investigations, intending to elucidate the various phases that this architectural monument underwent within the course of the centuries. Specifically, the ultimate goal of the present research is to gain a more profound comprehension of this architecture, which is essential to define a correct and qualified restoration and conservation process

BIM-ORIENTED ALGORITHMIC RECONSTRUCTION OF BUILDING COMPONENTS FOR EXISTING HERITAGE

Abstract. This study is part of a more complex research aimed at establishing guidelines to simplify the digitalization process used to manage existing building heritage. Working in a BIM environment, this paper will present two different algorithms: a modelling algorithm, a data analysis algorithm, and relative applications in the digitalization of a contemporary building. All the archival data required for the digitalization process was collected and those in two-dimensional digital vector format have aroused particular interest because they enabled initiation of the reconstruction process of the BIM model. One of the two algorithms allowed us to identify recurrent elements in a CAD drawing, based on geometric 2D primitives. The final outcome of the first phase involves quadrilateral or circular surfaces and can be viewed in algorithmic environment. The next phase involves applying a unique coloured sign to the identified sections and then export them all in a BIM software. This tool produced unexpected positive results: the presence of a small coloured grid emphasized the discrepancies created between the two-dimensional drawings and the vertical elements. We were thus able to identify the objects with these inconsistencies: they were verified using accurate surveys and then corrected.</p

Interdisciplinary study for knowledge and dating of the San Francesco convent in Stampace, Cagliari – Italy (XIII-XXI century)

The Franciscan monastery, situated in the historic center of Cagliari (Sardinia), was founded in the thirteenth century, and transformed during the later centuries, up to the present day. The complexity of the case and the lack of objective data about its history has led us to carry out an interdisciplinary inquiry, in order to achieve a better knowledge of the building, preliminary for the drafting of a restoration project that respects all the signs that the time left. Starting from a deep examination of the indirect sources, turned out to be incomplete, the investigation continued with the execution of a survey with laser scanner and with the characterization of materials and related diseases of degradation. For the laser scanner survey we used a Faro Focus 3D, versatile and lightweight instrument that allows to perform scans with high speed point acquisition and high accuracy. For data elaboration we used the JRC 3D Reconstructor Software by the Gexcel srl. The characterization of the materials was performed on a reasoned sampling of natural and artificial materials, referring to masonry, interstitial mortars and plasters, carried out at strategic points, representative of the various phases of the construction. The samples were studied through mineralogical-petrographic methods with instrumental techniques for the analysis of component materials (OM, X-Ray diffraction). The data obtained, crossed with the results of the reconstruction of historical maps, of the examination of masonry techniques and of the analysis of pattern elements (arches, vaults, decorative elements), have facilitated stratigraphic analysis and helped to advance chronological reasoned hypothesis referring to the building. Besides, an interdisciplinary approach for the study of cultural heritage is very important to define a proper restoration and conservation intervention

The phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor sildenafil decreases the proinflammatory chemokine IL-8 in diabetic cardiomyopathy: in vivo and in vitro evidence

Purpose: Interleukin (IL)-8 is a proinflammatory C-X-C chemokine involved in inflammation underling cardiac diseases, primary or in comorbid condition, such diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). The phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor sildenafil can ameliorate cardiac conditions by counteracting inflammation. The study aim is to evaluate the effect of sildenafil on serum IL-8 in DCM subjects vs. placebo, and on IL-8 release in human endothelial cells (Hfaec) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) under inflammatory stimuli. Methods: IL-8 was quantified: in sera of (30) DCM subjects before (baseline) and after sildenafil (100&nbsp;mg/day, 3-months) vs. (16) placebo and (15) healthy subjects, by multiplatform array; in supernatants from inflammation-challenged cells after sildenafil (1&nbsp;µM), by ELISA. Results: Baseline IL-8 was higher in DCM vs. healthy subjects (149.14 ± 46.89 vs. 16.17 ± 5.38&nbsp;pg/ml, p &lt; 0.01). Sildenafil, not placebo, significantly reduced serum IL-8 (23.7 ± 5.9&nbsp;pg/ml, p &lt; 0.05 vs. baseline). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for IL-8 was 0.945 (95% confidence interval&nbsp;of 0.772 to 1.0, p &lt; 0.01), showing good capacity of discriminating the response in terms of drug-induced IL-8 decrease (sensitivity of 0.93, specificity of 0.90). Sildenafil significantly decreased IL-8 protein release by inflammation-induced Hfaec and PBMC and downregulated IL-8 mRNA in PBMC, without affecting cell number or PDE5 expression. Conclusion: Sildenafil might be suggested as potential novel pharmacological tool to control DCM progression through IL-8 targeting at systemic and cellular level

Analysis and Geographical Representation of Cilento’s Monastic Architecture

This paper is part of a wider research on the Cilento monastic architec-tures of Italo-Greek origin located in southern Campania (Italy). The investigationconcentrates on the study, updating and analysis of the existing constructions forthe enrichment of the geographical information databases of the Cilento. On thisopportunity, the analysis focuses specifically on two monuments of Basilian foun-dation: the Abbey of Santa Maria di Pattano, in Vallo della Lucania, and the churchof San Nicola di Myra in Sacco Vecchia. The first case study presents superfe-tations that make it difficult to read the architectural languages and to interpretits conformation. On the other hand, the church of San Nicola in Myra, despitebeing located in one of the most famous ghost towns of the Cilento countrysideand showing important deterioration, still preserves its original morphology, char-acterized by a splendid hieratic character that is completely Basilian. The study ofthese constructions was carried out with digital models and geographic informa-tion systems, in order to obtain the original conformation of the Badia of Pattano.The comparative analysis of the information gathered on the other monument wasused to obtain the necessary data to clarify and identify the main constructionpatterns of the Byzantine and Basilian architectures of the area. These data willserve to enrich the current information and, furthermore, to develop more specificmultidisciplinary analyses in the future

Randomised clinical trial: a Lactobacillus GG and micronutrient-containing mixture is effective in reducing nosocomial infections in children, vs. placebo

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial infections are a major public health issue and preventative strategies using probiotics and micronutrients are being evaluated. AIM: To investigate the efficacy of a mixture of Lactobacillus GG and micronutrients in preventing nosocomial infections in children. METHODS: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in hospitalised children. Children (6 months to 5 years of age) received Lactobacillus GG (6 × 10(9) CFU/day) together with vitamins B and C and zinc or placebo, for 15 days, starting on the first day of hospitalisation. The incidence of gastrointestinal and respiratory nosocomial infections after discharge was determined by follow-up telephone call at 7 days. After 3 months, another telephone call estimated the incidence of further infections during follow-up. RESULTS: Ninety children completed the follow-up. Of 19/90 children with a nosocomial infection (20%), 4/45 children (9%) were in the treatment group and 15/45 (33%) in the placebo group (P = 0.016). Specifically, 2/45 (4%) children in the treatment group vs. 11/45 (24%) children in the placebo group (P = 0.007) presented with diarrhoea. The duration of hospitalisation was significantly shorter in the treatment group (3.9 days ± 1.7 vs. 4.9 ± 1.2; P = 0.003). At the follow-up, a total of 11/45 (24.4%) children in the treatment group had at least one episode of infection compared to 22/45 (48.9%) in the placebo group (P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: A mixture containing Lactobacillus GG and micronutrients may reduce the incidence of nosocomial infections, supporting the hypothesis that this may represent a valid strategy to prevent nosocomial infections

Rtg signaling sustains mitochondrial respiratory capacity in hog1-dependent osmoadaptation

Mitochondrial RTG-dependent retrograde signaling, whose regulators have been characterized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, plays a recognized role under various environmental stresses. Of special significance, the activity of the transcriptional complex Rtg1/3 has been shown to be modu-lated by Hog1, the master regulator of the high osmolarity glycerol pathway, in response to osmotic stress. The present work focuses on the role of RTG signaling in salt-induced osmotic stress and its interaction with HOG1. Wild-type and mutant cells, lacking HOG1 and/or RTG genes, are compared with respect to cell growth features, retrograde signaling activation and mitochondrial function in the presence and in the absence of high osmostress. We show that RTG2, the main upstream regulator of the RTG pathway, contributes to osmoadaptation in an HOG1-dependent manner and that, with RTG3, it is notably involved in a late phase of growth. Our data demonstrate that impairment of RTG signaling causes a decrease in mitochondrial respiratory capacity exclusively under os-mostress. Overall, these results suggest that HOG1 and the RTG pathway may interact sequentially in the stress signaling cascade and that the RTG pathway may play a role in inter-organellar metabolic communication for osmoadaptation

Impaired radial artery compliance in normotensive subjects with familial hypercholesterolemia

Hypercholesterolemia impairs arteriolar dilatation, but whether the vascular abnormalities accompanying this condition include large artery function is unknown. We addressed this issue in 13 normotensive subjects with familial hypercholesterolemia (serum cholesterol 401.6 \ub1 16.9 mg/dl, mean \ub1 S.E., FHC) and no evidence of atherosclerotic lesions, in whom radial artery (RA) diameter and blood pressure (BP) were measured beat to beat by an echotracking and a Finapres device, respectively. RA compliance (RAG) was derived from the diameter/BP relationship and expressed over the systo-diastolic BP range, both at baseline and after a 12-min brachial artery occlusion. RAC was expressed also as the area under the RAC/BP curve divided for pulse BP. Measurements included maximal forearm blood flow (plethysmography) and minimal forearm vascular resistance (FVR) which were obtained from the values following the 12-min brachial arterial occlusion. Data were collected before and after 6- and 24-month lipid lowering treatment (simvastatin 40 mg/day). Ten age-matched normotensive normocholesterolemic healthy subjects (N) served as controls. Compared to N, baseline RAC was strikingly reduced in FHC (-53.5%, P &lt; 0.01). After ischemia RAC increased significantly and markedly in N (+38.7, P &lt; 0.01), while only a modest and non-significant increase was observed in FHC. Minimal FVR was markedly higher in FHC than in N (3.5 \ub1 0.9 vs 1.6 \ub1 0.1 units, P &lt; 0.01). In FHC (7 subjects) RAC remained unchanged after 6 months of lipid lowering treatment, but increased markedly (+55.2%, P &lt; 0.05) when treatment was prolonged to 24 months. Lipid lowering treatment also reduced minimal FVR, the effect being significant bath after 6 and after 24 months. No changes in RAC and minimal FVR were seen after 6 months in controls. Thus, in subjects with a marked increase in serum cholesterol due to FHC, not only arteriolar dilatation, but also RAC and distensibility are markedly impaired. This impairment can be favourably affected by an effective lipid lowering treatment of long duration

Continuous flow left ventricular assist devices do not worsen endothelial function in subjects with chronic heart failure: a pilot study

Aims: To evaluate endothelial function in subjects with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), comparing them with subjects with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction on the list for heart transplant (HT) and with HT patients with a normal systolic cardiac function to identify any differences. Methods: We enrolled 28 subjects with LVAD, 55 subjects with HT, and 42 subjects with heart failure on the transplant list. The subjects underwent a general physical examination, assessment of laboratory blood parameters, and assessment of endothelial function through flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of brachial artery. Results: The three groups were homogeneous as regards age, gender, smoke abuse, C-reactive protein (CRP) and FMD parameters (P&nbsp;=&nbsp;ns). In LVAD group percentage of FMD change showed an inverse correlation with CRP (rho: −0.5, P: 0.003), a well-known marker of inflammation and tissue damage. Conclusions: Continuous flow related to LVAD seems to not worsen endothelial function. Endothelial function was not affected by cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes, obesity, and tobacco habit), by the functional status expressed by New York Heart Association class, by the left ventricular systolic function and by the presence or absence of ischaemic heart disease in all the populations analysed. CRP was the only factor able to influence percentage of FMD change in patient with LVAD, reinforcing the hypothesis that inflammation is the main determinant of endothelial function

Testicular germ cell tumors acquire cisplatin resistance by rebalancing the usage of DNA repair pathways

Despite germ cell tumors (GCTs) responding to cisplatin-based chemotherapy at a high rate, a subset of patients does not respond to treatment and have significantly worse prognosis. The biological mechanisms underlying the resistance remain unknown. In this study, by using two TGCT cell lines that have acquired cisplatin resistance after chronic exposure to the drug, we iden-tified some key proteins and mechanisms of acquired resistance. We show that cisplatin-resistant cell lines had a non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ)-less phenotype. This correlated with a reduced basal expression of TP53-binding protein 1 (53BP1) and DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs) proteins and reduced formation of 53BP1 foci after cisplatin treatment. Consistent with these observations, modulation of 53BP1 protein expression altered the cell line’s resistance to cisplatin, and inhibition of DNA-PKcs activity antagonized cisplatin cytotoxicity. Dampening of NHEJ was accompanied by a functional increase in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by the homologous recombination repair pathway. As a result, cisplatin-resistant cells were more resistant to PARP inhibitor (PARPi) monotherapy. Moreover, when PARPi was given in combination with cisplatin, it exerted an additive/synergistic effect, and reduced the cisplatin dose for cytotoxicity. These results suggest that treatment of cisplatin-refractory patients may benefit from low-dose cis-platin therapy combined with PARPi