OLD RAUMA (FINLAND): LIVING AND RESEARCHING VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE

[EN] Old Rauma is a Finnish medieval town. It was founded in the 15th century and although it went through several modifications, it maintained significative features of medieval Nordic urbanism and vernacular architecture. Buildings mostly consist of logs-timber structures, even if there are also few cases of stone constructions; dwellings are usually simple volumes composed of a stone cellar, a first main floor and an attic, that is used for ventilation and secondary domestic activities. The wood is the most used material and slabs, floors, doors, windows, finishing and decorations are made of it. People still live in traditional dwellings or use them with other functions. Some significant changes were necessary to adapt the buildings to the modern lifestyle: although some of them were quite modifying, the upgrades are often operated by using traditional techniques, materials and by maintaining the most relevant architectural features. Thank to this habit, Old Rauma is one of the largest and most important examples of Nordic traditional architecture. This text will present the results of 2 months of direct field research, by explaining the work methodology, its results and some considerations about them. The analysis has been conducted during a traineeship at Tammela Centre (Rauma) and it has been carried out by visual surveys, bibliographical researches, active participation to seminars and activities, photographical cataloguing and through interviews with local professionals, experts and inhabitants.The previous text presented the results of some months of research on Old Rauma urbanism, architecture, conservation and valorisation carried out by the author for her Master's Degree in Preservation of Architectural Heritage final dissertation. The work was directed by Camilla Mileto, Fernando López VegasManzanares and Lidia García Soriano, taking part in the research project 3D Past - Living and virtual visiting world heritage [Grant Agreement Ref Nº570729-CREA-1-2016-1-PT-CULTCOOP1], which was co-funded by the European Union, under the programme Creative Europe (2016-2020); the stay at Tammela Renovation Centre as trainee was possible thank to an Erasmus+ Traineeship Fellowship granted to the author by the Polytechnical University of ValenciaCaruso, M.; García-Soriano, L. (2020). OLD RAUMA (FINLAND): LIVING AND RESEARCHING VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE. International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences (Online). 44:11-18. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLIV-M-1-2020-11-2020S11184

Memorie della Gubbio romana. Proposte per la conservazione e la valorizzazione dell'area archeologica, del teatro, della Domus del banchetto e il Mausoleo di Pomponio Grecino.

Gubbio, città umbra nota per la sua fisionomia medievale, cela in sé preziose tracce del suo passato romano. Sebbene rimangano poche evidenze topografiche di questa fase storica numerosi sono stati i ritrovamenti di reperti e strutture ad essa legate verificatisi durante l’espansione urbana del secolo scorso. In particolare tre aree a ridosso della città storica ospitano alcuni dei maggiori monumenti romani pervenuti ai nostri giorni, affetti da problemi di conservazione e disconnessi all’interno del tessuto urbano a causa dell’edificazione post bellica. Questa tesi ha preso in esame il Teatro, la Domus del Banchetto ed il Mausoleo di Pomponio Grecino, principali monumenti ad oggi accessibili, con l’obiettivo di studiarli ed analizzarli per comprenderli e formulare dei piani di conservazione e manutenzione programmata. A livello urbano-paesaggistico, inoltre, sono state ipotizzate delle strategie progettuali volte a favorire la valorizzazione delle aree oltre che la fruizione e la conservazione delle strutture archeologiche

Spanish traditional architecture abandonment and destruction: an initial analysis of social risks, phenomena, and effects in earthen architecture

[EN] Throughout the last century, Europe’s traditional architecture has been affected by a severe and widespread trend of decline and abandonment. These are the result of worldwide cultural, social and technological modifications which have noticeably changed society, lifestyle and economy. These transformations are reflected directly in built heritage and places, often struggling to adapt to the new habits and needs and thus prone to disuse and destruction. The same processes and phenomena also affect intangible culture, such as traditional construction know-how, causing the loss of another essential part of the population’s heritage and identity. Spain is no exception. Due to industrial advances and the rural crisis which brought about major changes in lifestyle, culture and population, the country is now facing various critical situations connected to this trend. These include depopulation, overpopulation, tourist exploitation, and social discredit, which are a stark warning to the conservation of its traditional architecture, now in jeopardy. The following paper focuses on identifying the most important social phenomena within Spain in relation to the transformation, abandonment, and destruction of traditional architecture. Through this analysis, the study aims to provide an initial evaluation of their effects on Spanish earthen traditional constructions and so highlight the crucial aspects to be considered for the formulation of proper and effective strategies for conservation, management and valorisation.This text presented the early results of the author’s doctoral thesis, linked to the research research project “RISK-Terra. Earthen architecture in the Iberian Peninsula: study of natural, social and anthropic risks and strategies to improve resilience”, (funded by MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE; Ref.: RTI2018-095302-B-I00; main researchers: Camilla Mileto and Fernando Vegas López-Manzanares).Caruso, M.; Mileto, C.; Vegas López-Manzanares, F.; Cristini, V. (2022). Spanish traditional architecture abandonment and destruction: an initial analysis of social risks, phenomena, and effects in earthen architecture. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 55-62. https://doi.org/10.4995/HERITAGE2022.2022.14887556

A Systematic Review and Exploratory Meta-Analysis

The relationship between antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and sickle cell disease (SCD) has never been systematically addressed. Our aim was to evaluate potential links between SCD and aPL in all age groups. EMBASE/PubMed was screened from inception to May 2020 and Peto odds ratios for rare events were calculated. The pooled prevalence (PP) of IgG anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) was higher in individuals with SCD than in controls (27.9% vs 8.7%, P < 0.0001), that of IgM aCL was similar in the two groups (2.9% vs 2.7%); only individuals with SCD were positive for lupus anticoagulant (LA) (7.7% vs 0%, P < 0.0001). The PP of leg ulcers was similar between aPL positive and negative individuals (44% vs 53%) and between patients in acute crisis and stable patients (5.6% vs 7.3%). Reporting of aPL as a binary outcome and not as a titer precluded further interpretation. The results indicate that a prospective case-control study with serial measurements of a panel of aPL in SCD patients might be warranted, in order to understand further the possible pathogenic role of aPL in SCD.publishersversionpublishe

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

We evaluated the relevance of plasma homocysteine (HC) and the TT genotype of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism (rs1801133) in sickle cell disease (SCD) and associated vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) and ischemic stroke (IS). We identified in Embase and Medline 22 studies on plasma HC and 22 on MTHFR genotypes. Due to age-related HC differences, adult and paediatric SCD were separated: 879 adult SCD and 834 controls (CTR) yielded a neutral effect size; 427 paediatric SCD and 625 CTR favoured SCD (p = 0.001) with wide heterogeneity (I2 = 95.5%) and were sub-grouped by country: six studies (Dutch Antilles n = 1, USA n = 5) yielded a neutral effect size, four (India n = 1, Arab countries n = 3) favoured SCD (p < 0.0001). Moreover, 249 SCD in VOC and 419 out of VOC yielded a neutral effect size. The pooled prevalence of the MTHFR TT genotype in 267 SCD equalled that of 1199 CTR (4.26% vs. 2.86%, p = 0.45), and in 84 SCD with IS equalled that of 86 without IS (5.9% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.47); removal of one paediatric study yielded a significant effect size (p = 0.006). Plasma HC in paediatric SCD from Middle East and India was higher, possibly due to vitamin deficiencies. Despite its low prevalence in SCD, the MTHFR TT genotype relates to adult IS.publishersversionpublishe

Arquitectura de tierra y crecimiento urbano en Valencia: algunas reflexiones sociales sobre su conservación

[ES] La arquitectura de tierra constituye una expresión constructiva fundamental dentro del término municipal de Valencia. El crecimiento demográfico sufrido por la ciudad en los últimos 100 años tuvo consecuencias relevantes en su desarrollo urbano y arquitectónico, especialmente en un territorio que, durante muchos siglos, había mantenido una vocación agrícola. Además, la evolución técnica y cultural ha contribuido ulteriormente a cambios destacados en la estructura social y antropológica, con resultados significativos en el uso de la arquitectura. El presente trabajo aspira a evaluar cómo la conservación de la arquitectura de tierra se ve afectada en situaciones de superpoblación a través del caso de Valencia. Para presentar el contexto y sus características, en un primer momento se introducirá brevemente el crecimiento urbano del último siglo y también las técnicas de tierra tradicionalmente empleadas en la ciudad. Posteriormente, el trabajo se ocupará de destacar las situaciones de abandono y deterioros más relevantes, analizando las causas de tipo social y antropológico. En las conclusiones, se comentará el estado actual de la arquitectura de tierra y se propondrán algunas indicaciones básicas para mejorar su conservación.Caruso, M.; Vegas López-Manzanares, F.; Mileto, C. (2023). Arquitectura de tierra y crecimiento urbano en Valencia: algunas reflexiones sociales sobre su conservación. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 289-296. https://doi.org/10.4995/Icomos2022.2022.1537828929

“For sale: empty Spain” Raising awareness on abandoned buildings and depopulated villages

[EN] Population density is one of the most influential factors in the conservation of historic vernacular buildings. This factor is not directly linked with the constructive technique used but with the conservation and abandonment of traditional buildings. Since the mid-20th century many rural areas in the Iberian Peninsula, mostly inland, have suffered a loss of population. This is partly due to the start of industrialization which caused the population to move to the cities, as well as the high levels of poverty and abandonment in small inland towns which remain very isolated, even today. It is in this context that the Empty Spain teaching initiative arises, applicable to architectural preservation subjects taught at the ETS of Architecture (Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain), and encouraged by the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda promoted by United Nations. Raising awareness on global issues affecting society is essential in the awareness of social responsibility in education . This is even more the case for any professionals in training, especially architects, directly involved in key decisions on forms of construction and choice of materials. From the start it was felt that this involvement could help shape the framework needed to prompt motivation and undertake the changes to follow.This paper has been possible thanks to the initiative “UPV_PC_ACTS 2022 Propuestas Culturales de Arte, Ciencia, Tecnología y Sociedad” and in the frame of project “VerSus+ ǀ Heritage for PEOPLE” (financed by Creative Europe Programme) and project “RISK-Terra. Earthen architecture in the Iberian Peninsula: study of natural, social and anthropic risks and strategies to improve resilience” (funded by Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities).Cristini, V.; Baró Zarzo, JL.; Mileto, C.; Vegas, F.; Caruso, M.; Tortajada Montalva, E. (2022). “For sale: empty Spain” Raising awareness on abandoned buildings and depopulated villages. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 553-558. https://doi.org/10.4995/HERITAGE2022.2022.1576855355

Internalization of the constitutively active arginine 1152-->glutamine insulin receptor occurs independently of insulin at an accelerated rate.

Signals controlling the insulin receptor endocytotic pathway have been investigated using the R1152Q insulin receptor mutant (M). This mutant receptor exhibits high levels of insulin-independent kinase activity, impaired autophosphorylation, and lack of an insulin stimulatory effect on both auto- and substrate phosphorylation. NIH-3T3 fibroblasts expressing M receptors displayed a 2.5-fold higher 125I-insulin internalization rate than wild type (WT) but lacked insulin-induced receptor internalization and down-regulation. Cell surface recycling of internalized receptors also occurred at a higher rate in M cells and was unaffected by insulin. Cell preincubation with 35 mM Tris, which inhibits the insulin receptor degradative route, elicited no effect on M receptor recycling but inhibited that of WT by 40%. In contrast, the energy depleter 2,4-dinitrophenol, which inhibits normal insulin receptor retroendocytosis, impaired M receptor recycling 4-fold more effectively than that of WT. The release of internalized intact 125I-insulin was 6-fold greater in M than in WT fibroblasts and was almost completely inhibited by dinitrophenol, whereas insulin degradation by M cells was 4-fold decreased as compared with WT. Thus, internalization and recycling of the constitutively active Gln1152 receptor kinase occur in the absence of autophosphorylation. However, tyrosine phosphorylation appears to be required for proper sorting of endocytosed insulin receptors

Activation and mitochondrial translocation of protein kinase Cδ are necessary for insulin stimulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex activity in muscle and liver cells

In L6 skeletal muscle cells and immortalized hepatocytes, insulin induced a 2-fold increase in the activity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex. This effect was almost completely blocked by the protein kinase C (PKC) delta inhibitor Rottlerin and by PKCdelta antisense oligonucleotides. At variance, overexpression of wild-type PKCdelta or of an active PKCdelta mutant induced PDH complex activity in both L6 and liver cells. Insulin stimulation of the activity of the PDH complex was accompanied by a 2.5-fold increase in PDH phosphatases 1 and 2 (PDP1/2) activity with no change in the activity of PDH kinase. PKCdelta antisense blocked insulin activation of PDP1/2, the same as with PDH. In insulin-exposed cells, PDP1/2 activation was paralleled by activation and mitochondrial translocation of PKCdelta, as revealed by cell subfractionation and confocal microscopy studies. The mitochondrial translocation of PKCdelta, like its activation, was prevented by Rottlerin. In extracts from insulin-stimulated cells, PKCdelta co-precipitated with PDP1/2. PKCdelta also bound to PDP1/2 in overlay blots, suggesting that direct PKCdelta-PDP interaction may occur in vivo as well. In intact cells, insulin exposure determined PDP1/2 phosphorylation, which was specifically prevented by PKCdelta antisense. PKCdelta also phosphorylated PDP in vitro, followed by PDP1/2 activation. Thus, in muscle and liver cells, insulin causes activation and mitochondrial translocation of PKCdelta, accompanied by PDP phosphorylation and activation. These events are necessary for insulin activation of the PDH complex in these cells

Glucose regulates insulin mitogenic effect by modulating SHP-2 activation and localization in JAr cells.

The glucose effect on cell growth has been investigated in the JAr human choriocarcinoma cells. When JAr cells were cultured in the presence of 6 mm glucose (LG), proliferation and thymidine incorporation were induced by serum, epidermal growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor 1 but not by insulin. In contrast, at 25 mm glucose (HG), proliferation and thymidine incorporation were stimulated by insulin, serum, epidermal growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor 1 to a comparable extent, whereas basal levels were 25% lower than those in LG. HG culturing also enhanced insulin-stimulated insulin receptor and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) tyrosine phosphorylations while decreasing basal phosphorylations. These actions of glucose were accompanied by an increase in cellular tyrosine phosphatase activity. The activity of SHP-2 in HG-treated JAr cells was 400% of that measured in LG-treated cells. SHP-2 co-precipitation with IRS1 was also increased in HG-treated cells. SHP-2 was mainly cytosolic in LG-treated cells. However, HG culturing largely redistributed SHP-2 to the internal membrane compartment, where tyrosine-phosphorylated IRS1 predominantly localizes. Further exposure to insulin rescued SHP-2 cytosolic localization, thereby preventing its interaction with IRS1. Antisense inhibition of SHP-2 reverted the effect of HG on basal and insulin-stimulated insulin receptor and IRS1 phosphorylation as well as that on thymidine incorporation. Thus, in JAr cells, glucose modulates insulin mitogenic action by modulating SHP-2 activity and intracellular localization