THE UPPER PLEISTOCENE “ISOLA DI COLTANO SANDS” 1 (ARNO COASTAL PLAIN, TUSCANY ITALY): REVIEW OF STRATIGRAPHIC DATA ANDTECTONIC IMPLICATIONS FOR THE SOUTHERN MARGIN OF THE VIAREGGIO BASIN

We present and discuss previously published stratigraphic and chronological (mainly archaeological remains) data about the “Isola di Coltano Sands”(ICS), with the support of unpublished core stratigraphies and taking into account the geological frame of the Arno coastal plain. ICS outcrops in the southern portion of the extensional Viareggio Basin, forming three isolated small-sized reliefs rising up to 15 m above the present-day Arno coastal plain on both sides of the Arno River. We document that the deposits outcropping north of the Arno River (Palazzetto site) reasonably belong to the Holocene prograding beach-ridge system to which they are physically juxtaposed. Indeed, both sedimentological and morphological characteristics indicate that the Palazzetto sands were exclusively formed by wind-related processes, likely occurred during the late Holocene according to the presence of Eneolithic artefacts. Conversely, the common presence of Mousterian artefacts at the Castagnolo and Coltano sites, located south of the Arno River, documents an age older than 40 kyr (upper Pleistocene) for these reliefs. Moreover, new stratigraphic data show that ICS are constituted by alluvial deposits with evidences of repetitive fluvial erosion episodes. All these features,, indicate that ICS can be reasonably included into the Late Pleistocene Vicarello Formation, widely outcropping along the southern margin of the Leghorn Hills. In this context, an estimated age ranging between MIS 6 and MIS 3 can be hypothesized for the ICS. However, the occurrence of Upper Pleistocene reliefs formed by alluvial deposits (Coltano and Castagnolo sites) in the southern portion of the Arno coastal plain seems to conflict with the acknowledged interpretation of the area as an extensional, subsiding setting. Moreover, the sharp morphological boundary dividing the flat Holocene coastal plain from the Quaternary Leghorn Hills is roughly coincident with the SW-NE transpressive fault (Sillaro line) that subdivides the subsiding area (Viareggio Basin, to which the Arno plain belongs) from the uplifting area (Leghorn mounts). Thus, our review of the available stratigraphic and chronological data strongly suggests the occurrence of a geological connection between the southern portion of the Arno coastal plain, specifically of the Castagnolo and Coltano reliefs, and the Leghorns Hills where the Vicarello Formation outcrops. This connection, which may have strong consequences on the geotectonic interpretation of the study area, and the formation 50 age of ICS needs to be better investigated in the future with new high-resolution tectonic and absolute chronological data

Early-Middle Pleistocene benthic turnover and oxygen isotope stratigraphy from the Central Mediterranean (Valle di Manche, Crotone Basin, Italy): data and trends

Ostracod faunal turnover and oxygen isotope data (foraminifera) along the Valle di Manche (VdM) section are herein compiled. Specifically, the material reported in this work includes quantitative palaeoecological data and patterns of ostracod fauna framed within a high-resolution oxygen isotope stratigraphy (δ18O) from Uvigerina peregrina. In addition, the multivariate ostracod faunal stratigraphic trend (nMDS axis-1 sample score) is calibrated using bathymetric distributions of extant molluscs sampled from the same stratigraphic intervals along the VdM section. Data and analyses support the research article “Dynamics of benthic marine communities across the Early-Middle Pleistocene boundary in the Mediterranean region (Valle di Manche, Southern Italy): biotic and stratigraphic implications” Rossi et al. [1]

Colore e colorimetria contributi multidisciplinari Vol XIa

Il colore, come è noto, è oggetto di interesse nell'ambito di svariati settori dell'attività umana e da tempo costituisce un tema di studio e di approfondimenti rigorosi che, oltre ad apportare sostanziali contributi all'avanzamento delle conoscenze scientifiche sul fenomeno, hanno originato, come era lecito attendersi, interessanti implementazioni pratiche nel più ampio contesto socioeconomico. Il 1° Ottobre dell'anno 2004, a Parma, in occasione del VII Convegno di Colorimetria, come evoluzione del precedente gruppo di Colorimetria e Reflectoscopia SIOF fondato nel 1995, si è costituito il Gruppo del Colore, con l’obiettivo di favorire l’aggregazione multi- ed interdisciplinare di tutte quelle realtà e persone che in Italia si occupano del colore e della luce da un punto di vista scientifico, culturale e professionale. Il 16 settembre del 2011, a Roma, in occasione della VII Conferenza del Colore, l'assemblea dei soci ha manifestato la volontà che il Gruppo del Colore diventasse un'associazione autonoma, e così è dal 2012. Questi sono gli atti delle sessioni in lingua italiana della XI Conferenza del Colore

Geoarchaeology of Magdala harbour and Tel Akko (Israel)

With the support of the MISTRALS-ENVIMED-GEOSISRAEL program and A*MIDEX GEOMED project, we have been able to reconstruct the palaeo-environmental evolution of two ancient harbours in Israel. Harbour geoarchaeology was mainly developed in Israel by the late Avner Raban, founding member of the RIMS multidisciplinary research unit in 1972 at Haifa University. Since these pionneering years, a series of geoarchaeological projects have focused on different ancient harbours, mainly at Caesarea, Dor, and Atlit. Paradoxically, landscape evolution of the major harbour sites of Magdala and Tel Akko have been neglected until two comprehensive multidisciplinary archaeological projects were recently started. Recent excavations undertaken in the ancient city of Magdala, located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, have unearthed a harbour structure extending for more than 100 m, dating from the late Hellenistic (167-63 BC) to the middle Roman (70-270 AD) periods, with well-preserved quays and mooring stones. An integrated (geomorphological, sedimentological, micropalaeontological and archaeological) study of the sedimentary succession buried beneath the ancient harbour area reveals the harbour’s main evolutionary stages, shedding new light on the natural versus anthropogenic controls on sedimentation. Three sedimentary sequences reflect the recent palaeoenvironmental evolution of Magdala. These include: 1) a pre-harbour foundation sequence; 2) a harbour sequence from the 3rd-2nd centuries BC to the first half of the 1st century AD. The substantial increase of ostracod species (Pseudocandona albicans) preferring calm waters and fine-grained facies point to the establishment of a protected, shallow and organic-rich setting. The increase in sodium and potassium concentrations is accompanied by the sudden appearance of Heterocypris salina, a brackish-tolerant species, and by the dominance of noded valves of Cyprideis torosa ; and 3) a harbour abandonment sequence dated ca. 270-350 years AD. Archaeological excavations at Tel Akko, east of the present city, revealed imported artifacts and evidence for maritime trade from the Middle Bronze Age (2200–1500 years BC) onwards. The findings strongly indicated that a harbour had been developed on this site even though its exact location and associated facilities were still to be determined. Sedimentological and paleontological analyses together with 14C dating of cores provide new palaeo-environmental information allowing for the reconstruction of shoreline changes over the last 4000 years. Firstly, we propose that the southern face of the tell constituted the harbor environment,with lagoonal-marine characteristics until ca. 2800 years BP; and that the site was protected by a natural rocky breakwater and a spit which were eventually silted up and transformed into a continental marsh. This environment might have been used as a harbour by inhabitants before the archaic period. Secondly, it seems that the west side of the tell was lined by a sandy coast that had prograded offering an open anchorage until the Persian period. These results must be cross-validated by future archaeological excavations aimed at more accurately locating the ancient harbour structures. 2013, Kaniewski D., Van Campo E., Morhange C., Guiot J., Zviely D., Shaked I., Otto T., Artzy M., Early urban impact on Mediterranean coastal environments, Nature Scientific Reports, 3. 2013, Sarti G., Rossi V., Amorosi A., De Luca S., Lena A., Morhange C., Ribolini A., Sammartino I., Bertoni D., Zanchetta G., Magdala harbour sedimentation (sea of Galilee, Israel), from natural to anthropogenic control, Quaternary International, 303, pp. 120-131. 2014, Anthony E. J., Marriner N., Morhange C., Human influence and the changing geomorphology of Mediterranean deltas and coasts over the last 6000 years: from progradation to destruction phase? Earth Science Reviews, 139, pp. 336–361. 2014, Kaniewski D., Van Campo E., Morhange C., Guiot J., Zviely D., Le Burel S., Otto T., Artzy M., Vulnerability of ecosystems facing long-term changes along the Mediterranean coast of Israel, PLoS ONE, 9, 7. 2014, Marriner N., Morhange C., Kaniewski D., Carayon N., Ancient harbour infrastructure in the Levant: tracking the birth and rise of new forms of anthropogenic pressure, Nature Scientific Reports, 4, 5554. 2014, Morhange C., Salamon A., Bony G., Flaux C., Galili E., Goiran J.-P., Zviely D., Geoarchaeology of tsunamis and the revival of neo-catastrophism in the Eastern Mediterranean, in Rome "La Sapienza" Studies on the Archaeology of Palestine & Transjordan (ROSAPAT 11), Overcoming catastrophes, pp. 31-51. 2015, Morhange C., Marriner N., Carayon N., The geoarchaeology of ancient Mediterranean harbours, in French geoarchaeology in the 21st century, G. Arnaud-Fassetta and N. Carcaud eds., CNRS editions, Alpha, Paris, pp. 281-289. 2015, Rossi V., Sammartino I., Amorosi A., Sarti G., De Luca S., Lena A., Morhange C., New insights into the palaeoenvironmental evolution of Magdala ancient harbour (Sea of Galilee, Israel) from ostracod assemblages, geochemistry and sedimentology, Journal of Archaeological Science, 54, pp. 356-373

Soil characterization for shallow landslides modeling: a case study in the Northern Apennines (Central Italy)

In this paper, we present preliminary results of the IPL project No. 198 \u201cMulti-scale rainfall triggering models for Early Warning of Landslides (MUSE).\u201d In particular, we perform an assessment of the geotechnical and hydrological parameters affecting the occurrence of landslides. The aim of this study is to improve the reliability of a physically based model high resolution slope stability simulator (HIRESSS) for the forecasting of shallow landslides. The model and the soil characterization have been tested in Northern Tuscany (Italy), along the Apennine chain, an area that is historically affected by shallow landslides. In this area, the main geotechnical and hydrological parameters controlling the shear strength and permeability of soils have been determined by in situ measurements integrated by laboratory analyses. Soil properties have been statistically characterized to provide more refined input data for the slope stability model. Finally, we have tested the ability of the model to predict the occurrence of shallow landslides in response to an intense meteoric precipitation

HDAC1 inhibition by MS-275 in mesothelial cells limits cellular invasion and promotes MMT reversal

Peritoneal fibrosis is a pathological alteration of the peritoneal membrane occurring in a variety of conditions including peritoneal dialysis (PD), post-surgery adhesions and peritoneal metastases. The acquisition of invasive and pro-fibrotic abilities by mesothelial cells (MCs) through induction of MMT, a cell-specific form of EMT, plays a main role in this process. Aim of this study was to evaluate possible effects of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, key components of the epigenetic machinery, in counteracting MMT observed in MCs isolated from effluent of PD patients. HDAC inhibitors with different class/isoform selectivity have been used for pharmacological inhibition. While the effect of other inhibitors was limited to a partial E-cadherin re-expression, MS-275, a HDAC1-3 inhibitor, promoted: (i) downregulation of mesenchymal markers (MMP2, Col1A1, PAI-1, TGFβ1, TGFβRI) (ii) upregulation of epithelial markers (E-cadherin, Occludin), (iii) reacquisition of an epithelial-like morphology and (iv) marked reduction of cellular invasiveness. Results were confirmed by HDAC1 genetic silencing. Mechanistically, MS-275 causes: (i) increase of nuclear histone H3 acetylation (ii) rescue of the acetylation profile on E-cadherin promoter, (iii) Snail functional impairment. Overall, our study, pinpointing a role for HDAC1, revealed a new player in the regulation of peritoneal fibrosis, providing the rationale for future therapeutic opportunities

A Case of Lymphocytic Leukemia in a Bearded Dragon (Pogona Vitticeps) and a Review of Literature

The present paper reports the case of a 3 years old, female Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) presenting lethargy, anorexia,weight loss, and anemia and marked leukocytosis at CBC. The majority of leukocytes were lymphocytic/lymphoblastic cells (97%). Immunocytochemical staining of blood smears marked for CD3 (neg) and CD79a (pos) suggested immunophenotype B. The patient died after one month from diagnosis. Histology evidenced lymphoid infi ltration in the heart, spleen, liver, kidneys and gut. In addition, in the bone marrow a massive infi ltration of lymphoid cells confi rmed the diagnosis of leukemia. Immunohistochemistry confi rmed the CD79a positivity of a large part of infi ltrating lymphoid cells indicating a B cells immunophenotype of the neoplastic population. The presence of lymphocytosis and multiorgan infi ltration supported the diagnosis of lymphocytic leukemia. Finally, a revision of the literature has also been mad

Prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in a child affected by rituximab-resistant autoimmune hemolytic anemia: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Autoimmune hemolytic anemia in children younger than 2 years of age is usually characterized by a severe course, with a mortality rate of approximately 10%. The prolonged immunosuppression following specific treatment may be associated with a high risk of developing severe infections. Recently, the use of monoclonal antibodies (rituximab) has allowed sustained remissions to be obtained in the majority of pediatric patients with refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We describe the case of an 8-month-old Caucasian girl affected by a severe form of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, which required continuous steroid treatment for 16 months. Thereafter, she received 4 weekly doses of rituximab (375 mg/m²/dose) associated with steroid therapy, which was then tapered over the subsequent 2 weeks. One month after the last dose of rrituximab, she presented with recurrence of severe hemolysis and received two more doses of rrituximab. The patient remained in clinical remission for 7 months, before presenting with a further relapse. An alternative heavy immunosuppressive therapy was administered combining cyclophosphamide 10 mg/kg/day for 10 days with methylprednisolone 40 mg/kg/day for 5 days, which was then tapered down over 3 weeks. While still on steroid therapy, the patient developed an interstitial pneumonia with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, which required immediate admission to the intensive care unit where extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy was administered continuously for 37 days. At 16-month follow-up, the patient is alive and in good clinical condition, with no organ dysfunction, free from any immunosuppressive treatment and with a normal Hb level.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This case shows that aggressive combined immunosuppressive therapy may lead to a sustained complete remission in children with refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia. However, the severe life-threatening complication presented by our patient indicates that strict clinical monitoring must be vigilantly performed, that antimicrobial prophylaxis should always be considered and that experienced medical and nursing staff must be available, to deliver highly specialized supportive salvage therapies, if necessary, during intensive care monitoring.</p