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The accurate identification of pigments is of principal relevance in the field of cultural heritage conservation and restoration practices. In this preliminary study, a first attempt to set up a procedure for accurate red pigment identification, based on the assessment of the correlations existing between visible reflectance spectrometry (vis-RS) and Raman data, is presented. The proposed approach involved the realization of a library consisting of data acquired on a set of 35 pure red historical pigments supplied by ©Kremer Pigmente. In particular, vis-RS data, collected through a Konica Minolta CM-2600d spectrophotometer, were registered, together with the position of the Extrema Points (E.P.s) encompassing both the maximum and minimum points of the first derivative of the % spectral reflectance factor (SRF%) curves. Portable Raman spectroscopy measurements were collected by a B&W Tek Inc. portable Raman spectrometer equipped with a 785 nm laser. For each tested pigment, the positions and relative intensities of the characteristic Raman peaks were considered. The library was then tested for the characterization of the red/reddish painted areas of the medieval wall painting located within The Norman Castle of Aci Castello (Catania, Italy), and was shown to be essential for the unambiguous identification of the pigment used. It is worth noting that this study represents the first novel attempt to establish a reliable and efficient methodology for pigment identification, offering promising prospects in reducing uncertainties and ambiguities arising from the application of a single stand-alone approach.

In this article the evaluation of the radon content in drinking water samples from the province of Reggio Calabria (Calabria, Southern Italy), is reported. In particular, the 222Rn activity concentration was measured by using the Liquid Scintillation Counting (LSC) PerkinElmer Tricarb 4910 TR setup, and it was compared with the parameter value (100 Bq L^(-1)) reported in the Italian Legislative Decree 28/2016. The annual effective dose for the population of the investigated areas, due to the ingestion of 222Rn dissolved in water, was then evaluated only in those cases in which the parameter value was exceeded. Noteworthy, results reported in this paper represent a main reference for the investigated areas and constitute a baseline for future investigations regarding background radioactivity levels.

In this article, an investigation into the natural radioactivity content in natural inorganic pigments was carried out, together with the assessment of the radiological health risk for the public related to external exposure to ionizing radiations, via High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) γ-ray spectrometry measurements and the calculation of several indices like the absorbed γ-dose rate (D), the annual effective dose equivalent outdoor (AEDEout) and indoor (AEDEin), and the activity concentration index (I). From the obtained results, it was possible to reasonably exclude radiological hazard effects. In addition, Pearson’s correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were carried out with the aim of determining correlations between natural radioactivity content and radiological indices and with the analyzed samples. As a result, five clusters of the investigated pigments were recognized at the highest level of detail based on their chemical composition and mineralogical nature.

The periodic evaluation of the Faraday cage efficiency for diagnostic Magnetic Resonance is mandatory by Italian legislation and it is recommended by manufacturers. An inadequate shielding could affect clinical images with artifacts, reducing the quality of examinations. The International reference standard for shielding effectiveness measurements is represented by IEEE Standard 299-2006, but it results poorly applicable in Magnetic Resonance sites. In this study, an alternative approach is proposed to simplify the applicability of the IEEE Standard. The experimental set-up for measurements is composed by a signal generator and a transmitting antenna, coupled with the signal generator. The novelty of the proposed methodology consists in the absence of the receiver antenna; for this purpose, the Magnetic Resonance scanner is used. This approach permits to test the entire Faraday cage by means of a single measure. If the Magnetic Resonance device picks up the radiofrequency signal from outside of the cage, this would be visible on the acquired images as a "zipper" artifact. Four Faraday cages, different in building materials, were tested by using the proposed methodology, and the results were compared with those obtained by using the IEEE Standard. The presence of the "zipper" artifact on the images made us inspect the entire Faraday cage and not just the openings, finding that the radiofrequency signal entered from an area without openings, thus denoting a poor construction of the cage. The proposed methodology provides an immediate evaluation of the shielding efficiency, furnishing information on the entire Faraday cage and not only on its apertures. The method is simple, easily reproducible, and constitutes a valid alternative to the IEEE Standard; in particular, during constancy tests.

In this paper, the evaluation of the Rn-222 radioactivity content in drinking water samples from the Calabria region, southern Italy, is reported as a case study. The Rn-222-specific activity in the analyzed groundwater samples for human use was evaluated by using the PerkinElmer Tricarb 4910 TR setup and compared with the parameter value (100 Bq L−1) reported in the reference Italian legislation, i.e., D.Lgs. 28/2016, derived from the European Directive 2013/51/Euratom. The radiological health risk for the population of the investigated area, due to the ingestion and inhalation of Rn-222 dissolved in water, was then evaluated by calculating the total annual effective dose, only in those cases where the parameter value was exceeded. The obtained results represent a main reference for the investigated area and are useful for determining any possible radiological health risk for human beings related to the ingestion of the investigated radionuclide. Moreover, they can also be used as a baseline for future investigations regarding background radioactivity levels.

We present some results, obtained using a multi-scale approach, based on the employment of different and complementary techniques, i.e., Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman and µ-Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy equipped with Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) analyses, Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS), of an integrated activity focused on the characterization of micro-fragments of original and previously restored paintings of the pictorial cycle at the San Panfilo Church in Tornimparte, sampled from specific areas of interest. The study was aimed, on one hand, at the identification of the overlapping restoration materials used during previous conservation interventions (documented and not), and, on the other hand, at understanding the degradation phenomena (current or previous) of the painted surfaces and the architectural structures. The study of stratigraphy allowed us to evaluate the number of layers and the materials (pigments, minerals, and varnishes) present in each layer. As the main result, the identification of blue, black, yellow, and red pigments (both ancient and modern) was achieved. In the case of blue pigments, original (azurite and lazurite) and retouching (Prussian blue and phthalo blue) materials were recognized, together with alteration products (malachite and atacamite). Traces of yellow ochre were found in the yellow areas, and carbon black in the blue and brown areas. In the latter, hematite and red ochre pigments were also recognized. The obtained results are crucial to support the methodological choices during the restoration intervention of the site, and help to ensure the compatibility principles of the materials on which a correct conservative approach is based.

Xerogels are solid materials derived from gels which consist of interconnected particles or polymers dispersed in a liquid [...]

In recent years, bioactive compounds have been the focus of much interest in scientific research, due to their low toxicity and extraordinary properties. However, they possess poor solubility, low chemical stability, and unsustainable bioavailability. New drug delivery systems, and among them solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), could minimize these drawbacks. In this work, morin (MRN)-loaded SLNs (MRN-SLNs) were prepared using a solvent emulsification/diffusion method, using two different lipids, Compritol® 888 ATO (COM) or Phospholipon® 80H (PHO). SLNs were investigated for their physical–chemical, morphological, and technological (encapsulation parameters and in vitro release) properties. We obtained spherical and non-aggregated nanoparticles with hydrodynamic radii ranging from 60 to 70 nm and negative zeta potentials (about −30 mV and −22 mV for MRN-SLNs-COM and MRN-SLNs-PHO, respectively). The interaction of MRN with the lipids was demonstrated via μ-Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and DSC analysis. High encapsulation efficiency was obtained for all formulations (about 99%, w/w), particularly for the SLNs prepared starting from a 10% (w/w) theoretical MRN amount. In vitro release studies showed that about 60% of MRN was released within 24 h and there was a subsequent sustained release within 10 days. Finally, ex vivo permeation studies with excised bovine nasal mucosa demonstrated the ability of SLNs to act as a penetration enhancer for MRN due to the intimate contact and interaction of the carrier with the mucosa.

Abstract Background Gyrodactylus salaris Malmberg, 1957 is an OIE (Office International des Epizooties)-listed parasitic pathogen and had until the current study been reported from 19 countries across Europe, although many of these records require confirmation. The last comprehensive evaluation regarding the distribution of G. salaris, however, was made in 2007, although some of the states identified as being G. salaris-positive were ascribed this status based on misidentifications, on partial data resulting from either morphological or molecular tests, or from records that have not been revisited since their early reporting. It is thus important to go through the reports on G. salaris to obtain a status for each country. Methods To provide a revised update of the G. salaris distribution, a literature review was necessary. This literature, however, was not always readily accessible and, in certain cases, the article only made superficial reference to the parasite without providing details or data to support the identification. In most cases, the original specimens were not deposited in a national collection. Additional Gyrodactylus material for the current study was obtained from selected salmonid populations with the aim to contribute to current understanding regarding the distribution of G. salaris. Additional parasite material collected for this study was processed following standard procedures for species identification in Gyrodactylus [1]. Results From the work conducted in the current study, G. salaris is reported from a further three regions in Italy, alongside three other species, and appears to occur extensively throughout central Italy without causing significant mortalities to its rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), host. The analysis of archive material from G. salaris-positive farms would suggest that G. salaris has been in this country since at least 2000. Material obtained from rainbow trout from Finland and Germany are confirmed as G. salaris, supporting existing data for these countries. No specimens of G. salaris, however, were found in the additional Gyrodactylus material obtained from rainbow trout reared in Portugal and Spain. A morphologically similar species, Gyrodactylus teuchis Lautraite, Blanc, Thiery, Daniel et Vigneulle, 1999, however, was found. Conclusions Following the present review, Gyrodactylus salaris is reported from 23 out of 50 recognised states throughout Europe; only records from 14 of these states have been confirmed by either morphology and/or by an appropriate molecular test and are considered valid, while only nine of these records have been confirmed by a combination of both methods.

In the present paper, an investigation on the natural and anthropic radioactivity and heavy metals content in a basalt aggregate for concrete from Sicily, Southern Italy, was performed as a case study. In particular, the evaluation of the specific activity of radium-226, thorium-232, potassium-40 and caesium-137 radionuclides was performed by using High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) γ-ray spectrometry, together with the estimation of several indexes developed to evaluate the radiological risk for the population related to radiation exposure, i.e., the alpha index (Iα), the radium equivalent activity (Raeq), the absorbed γ-dose rate (D) and the annual effective dose equivalent outdoor (AEDEout) and indoor (AEDEin). Moreover, measurements of the average heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, copper, mercury, nickel, lead, antimony, thallium and zinc) concentrations in the analyzed sample were performed by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Furthermore, with the aim to investigate any possible chemical pollution, the Enrichment Factor (EF), Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Contamination Factor (CF) and Pollution Load Index (PLI) were assessed. Finally, the identification of the source of the aforementioned radioisotopes of natural origin was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thus identifying the major mineralogical phases present in the investigated basalt aggregate for concrete.

This paper presents studies on natural and anthropogenic radioactivity determination in different mushroom species (Boletus Aereus, Boletus Edulis, Boletus Aestivalis, Agaricus Arvensis, Cantharellus Lutescens, Cantharellus Cibarius, Leccinum Quercinum, Macrolepiota Konradi, Lactarius Deliciosus) collected in Calabria, southern Italy, aimed at determining 137Cs and 40K content in analyzed samples, evaluating the bioconcentration levels and estimating the annual effective dose for ingestion to mushrooms consumers. For all investigated samples, experimental radioactivity results, obtained through High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometry, were found to be much lower than the specific activity limit set by the international legislation. Information about radionuclides bioaccumulation were given through the calculation of the bioconcentration factor. The effective dose due to the ingestion of mushrooms by adult members of the population was found to be much lower than the recommended level for the public (1 mSv y^(-1)). Results reported in this paper can provide useful information on the environmental risk and can be further used for a radiological mapping of the studied area.

In this article, the assessment of the radioactivity content in bovine meat from the Calabria region, Southern Italy, was performed. For this purpose, High Purity Germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometry measurements were carried out in order to investigate any possible radioactive contamination by natural (40K) and anthropogenic (137Cs) radionuclides. Experimental mean values were found to be in the range from (78.9 ± 10.5) Bq kg−1 to (88.2 ± 12.5) Bq kg−1 for 40K and lower than the minimum detectable activity (MDA) in all cases for 137Cs, respectively. Moreover, any possible radiological health risk was also estimated, by calculating the total annual effective dose due to the ingestion of bovine meat by adult members of the population and by comparing it with the total natural radioactivity value (external + internal) for humans. Obtained values are in the range from 10.3 µSv y−1 to 11.5 µSv y−1, several orders of magnitude lower than the value of the total exposure to natural radioactivity for human beings, i.e., 2.4 mSv y−1. It is worth noting that the used approach could be used, in principle, for the evaluation of the radiological risk due to the presence of radionuclides in a large variety of food samples of particular interest, and thus it can constitute a guideline for investigations focused on the monitoring of food quality.

The present work is aimed at the investigation of the ceramic bulk and pigmented glazed surfaces of ancient potteries dating back to XIX century A.D. and coming from the charming archeological site located in the Medieval Agsu town (Azerbaijan), a geographic area of special interest due to the ancient commercial routes between China, Asia Minor, and Europe. For the purpose of the study, complementary investigation tools have been exploited: non-destructive or micro-destructive investigation at elemental level by ion beam analysis (IBA) techniques, by using Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS), Proton-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) spectroscopy and ion-microbeam analysis, and chemical characterization at microscopic level, by means of synchrotron radiation (SR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy. The acquired information reveals useful for the identification of the provenance, the reconstruction of the firing technology, and finally, the identification of the pigment was used as a colorant of the glaze.

Potentially toxic elements contamination represents a universal problem of major concern, due to several adverse health effects on human beings when permissible concentration levels are overcome. In this sense, the assessment of potentially risky elements content in different environmental matrices plays a key role in the safeguarding of the quality of the environment, and thus of the strictly correlated public health. In this article, measurements of the average potentially toxic elements concentrations in pyroclastic products from Mt. Etna, Eastern Sicily and Southern Italy were performed together with a comparison with the allowable levels set by Italian legislation, with the aim to evaluate the level of toxicity imposed on the ecosystem. For this purpose, Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) measurements were performed to investigate any possible chemical pollution by potentially risky elements, by applying different indices such as Enrichment Factor (EF), Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Contamination Factor (CF) and Pollution Load Index (PLI). Finally, the multivariate statistical analysis was performed by processing potentially toxic elements content and pollution indices. It is worth noting that the used approach could be applied, in principle, for the evaluation of the chemical risk due to the presence of potentially toxic elements in a large variety of samples of particular environmental interest, and can constitute a guideline for investigations focused on the monitoring of the environmental quality.

Idebenone (IDE) is a powerful antioxidant that is potentially active towards cerebral diseases, but its low water solubility and fast first pass metabolism reduce its accumulation in the brain, making it ineffective. In this work, we developed cyclodextrin-based chitosan nanospheres (CS NPs) as potential carriers for nose-to-brain targeting of IDE. Sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) was used as a polyanion for chitosan (CS) and as a complexing agent for IDE, permitting its encapsulation into nanospheres (NPs) produced in an aqueous solution. Overloading NPs were obtained by adding the soluble IDE/hydroxypropyl-β-CD (IDE/HP-β-CD) inclusion complex into the CS or SBE-β-CD solutions. We obtained homogeneous CS NPs with a hydrodynamic radius of about 140 nm, positive zeta potential (about +28 mV), and good encapsulation efficiency and drug loading, particularly for overloaded NPs. A biphasic release of IDE, finished within 48 h, was observed from overloaded NPs, whilst non-overloaded CS NPs produced a prolonged release, without a burst effect. In vitro biological studies showed the ability of CS NPs to preserve the antioxidant activity of IDE on U373 culture cells. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) demonstrated the ability of CS NPs to interact with the excised bovine nasal mucosa, improving the permeation of the drug and potentially favoring its accumulation in the brain.

The Museo Egizio’s collection contains 200 precious and unique leather artifacts belonging to different historical periods. The materials used during the tanning and curing procedures affect the chemical and elemental composition of the surface of the samples as well as their preservation status, specifically through the hydration level within the bulk. Here we provide an experimental characterization of a series of samples from Museo Egizio that document an extensive denaturation phenomenon (gelatinization), by combining non-destructive techniques including surface probes (X-ray fluorescence, Raman scattering, and scanning electron microscopy enhanced by X-ray energy spectroscopy) and neutron-based bulk techniques (inelastic and deep-inelastic neutron scattering). Results show partial dehydration of the samples in the bulk, affecting the morphology of their surface, the presence of potassium alum, and iron oxides, as well as phosphates and hydroxides related to the tanning and curing procedures. Finally, we briefly discuss the need for a versatile and adaptable software package that is capable of combining quantitative analyses with complementary techniques including morphological, elemental, and chemical composition.

The natural (40K) and anthropogenic (137Cs) radioactivity concentration in four different typologies of early childhood (up to two years old) foods, i.e., homogenized fruit, homogenized meat, childhood biscuits and baby pasta, produced in Italy and sold in Italian large retailers, was investigated through High Purity Germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometry. The present study is carried out with the aim to: (i) evaluate the background levels of the investigated radionuclides in the analyzed early childhood foods, (ii) identify whether the twenty analyzed samples were appropriate for infant consumption and (iii) contribute to construct a database on the radioactivity of early childhood foods sold in Italy.

In the present study, we developed chitosan/hyaluronan nanoparticles (CS/HY NPs) for tumor targeting with vinblastine sulfate (VBL), that can be directed to the CD44 transmembrane receptor, over-expressed in cancer cells. NPs were prepared by coating with HY-preformed chitosan/tripolyphosphate (CS/TPP) NPs, or by polyelectrolyte complexation of CS with HY. NPs with a mean hydrodynamic radius (RH) of 110 nm, 12% polydispersity index and negative zeta potential values were obtained by a direct complexation process. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images showed spherical NPs with a non-homogeneous matrix, probably due to a random localization of CS and HY interacting chains. The intermolecular interactions occurring between CS and HY upon NPs formation were experimentally evidenced by micro-Raman (µ-Raman) spectroscopy, through the analysis of the spectral changes of characteristic vibrational bands of HY during NP formation, in order to reveal the involvement of specific chemical groups in the process. Optimized NP formulation efficiently encapsulated VBL, producing a drug sustained release for 20 h. In vitro studies demonstrated a fast internalization of labeled CS/HY NPs (within 6 h) on K-562 human myeloid leukemia cells. Pre-saturation of CD44 by free HY produced a slowing-down of NP uptake over 24 h, demonstrating the need of CD44 for the internalization of HY-based NPs.

The radiological quality of drinking water is directly associated with the health of the population. Indeed, it is well known that the presence of radionuclides in drinking water constitutes a health risk for humans because the consumption of such water increases the likelihood of incurring cancer. For this reason, all the studies aimed at developing new methodologies for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the radioisotopic composition of drinking water are absolutely desired by the international scientific community, as well as by the institutes that deal with the protection of public health. In this paper, a new methodological approach was developed for the evaluation of the 238U content in drinking water. A sample coming from Paola, Calabria region, southern Italy, was taken as a case study. The assessment was performed by using High Purity Germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometry, with the aim of quantifying the specific activity of the 234mPa radioisotope after a preconcentration procedure, and thus to assess the activity concentration of 238U, in the hypothesis of the secular radioactive equilibrium between it and its daughter. The obtained results were validated through the comparison with the 238U (µg/L) concentration as measured with Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).

The present paper illustrates the results of a diagnostic investigation performed on the oil on canvas painting “The Glory of St. Barbara” (1680–1688) by Mattia Preti. The painting is located inside the St. Barbara Church in Taverna (Catanzaro, Italy), the city that gave birth to the artist. In situ, non-invasive studies, by applying X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, along with laboratory micro-destructive analytical investigations, by employing electron probe microanalyses (EPMA) coupled with energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and micro-Raman (µ-Raman) spectroscopy, were combined to retrieve the color palette and identify the painting technique and style of the famous master. As a result of this multi-scale characterization, an extraordinary pictorial technique was revealed, enriching knowledge about one of the oldest pictorial traditions outlined by Mattia Preti, and solving doubts still existing about many of his investigated artworks. Moreover, the achieved results represent useful and essential tools to address management issues of the artwork, by providing valuable information for planning and monitoring future restoration interventions of the canvas.

A new radiological risk containment procedure, developed to manage the radiological risk in potentially contaminated areas, is presented here. This new methodological approach, systematically employed in sampling and site inspection activities in unknown areas from an environmental point of view, allowed the discovery of eight 226Ra orphan sources buried under the road surface, in a good state of conservation, in an industrial area of the Calabrian territory, southern Italy, and they are reported here as a case study. For workers performing sampling activities in areas for which information regarding the possible presence of contaminated material is missing, an in situ radiometric check is usually carried out as a potential radiological risk prevention, by measuring the levels of environmental radioactivity. Other than this, the procedure described in this article includes, as novelty, a series of progressive operations never carried out before all together for outdoor activities: the assessment of the presence (if any) of hot spots by recording radiometric anomalies, outdoor gamma spectrometry measurements in order to identify the radionuclides generating those anomalies, the sources unearthing activities, the management of the material found and the application of a risk containment protocol.

A combination of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance geometry (FTIR-ATR) and 2D correlation analysis (2D-COS) was applied here for the first time in order to investigate the temperature-dependent dynamical evolution occurring in a particular type of inclusion complex, based on sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) as hosting agent and Coumestrol (7,12-dihydorxcoumestane, Coum), a poorly-soluble active compound known for its anti-viral and anti-oxidant activity. For this purpose, synchronous and asynchronous 2D spectra were calculated in three different wavenumber regions (960–1320 cm−1, 1580–1760 cm−1 and 2780–3750 cm−1) and over a temperature range between 250 K and 340 K. The resolution enhancement provided by the 2D-COS offers the possibility to extract the sequential order of events tracked by specific functional groups of the system, and allows, at the same time, the overcoming of some of the limits associated with conventional 1D FTIR-ATR analysis. Acquired information could be used, in principle, for the definition of an optimized procedure capable to provide high-performance T-sensitive drug carrier systems for different applications.

Flour investigation, in terms of physical and chemical pollutants and mineral content, is of great interest, in view of its high consumption for nutritional purposes. In this study, eleven types of flour (five samples for each one), coming from large retailers and employed by people for different cooking food purposes, were investigated through high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometry, in order to estimate natural (40K) and anthropogenic (137Cs) radioisotope specific activity and thus, to assess the radiological risk due to the flour ingestion. Inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively-coupled plasma emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) were also employed to evaluate any possible heavy metal contamination and the mineral composition, and to perform multivariate statistical analysis to deduce the flour authenticity. The evaluation of dose levels due to flour ingestion was performed, for the age category higher than 17 years, taking into account the average yearly consumption in Italy and assuming this need to be satisfied from a single type of flour as a precaution. All obtained results are under the allowable level set by Italian legislation (1 mSv y−1), thus excluding the risk of ionizing radiation effects on humans. As far as heavy metal contamination is concerned, Cd and Pb concentrations turned out to be lower than the threshold values, thus excluding their presence as pollutants. Finally, the multivariate statistical analysis allowed to unambiguously correlate flour samples to their botanical origin, according to their elemental concentrations.

This study was aimed at preparing and characterizing solid lipid nanoparticles loading rutin (RT-SLNs) for the treatment of oxidative stress-induced diseases. Phospholipon 80H® as a solid lipid and Polysorbate 80 as surfactant were used for the SLNs preparation, using the solvent emulsification/diffusion method. We obtained spherical RT-SLNs with low sizes, ranging from 40 to 60 nm (hydrodynamic radius) for the SLNs prepared starting from 2% and 5% (w/w) theoretical amount. All prepared formulations showed negative zeta-potential values. RT was efficiently encapsulated within SLNs, obtaining high encapsulation efficiency and drug content percentages, particularly for SLNs prepared with a 5% theoretical amount of RT. In vitro release profiles and analysis of the obtained data applying different kinetic models revealed Fickian diffusion as the main mechanism of RT release from the SLNs. The morphology of RT-SLNs was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), whereas the interactions between RT and the lipid matrix were investigated by Raman spectroscopy, evidencing spectral modifications of characteristic bands of RT due to the establishment of new interactions. Finally, antioxidant activity assay on human glioblastoma astrocytoma (U373) culture cells showed a dose-dependent activity for RT-SLNs, particularly at the highest assayed dose (50 μM), whereas the free drug showed the lesser activity.

Abstract Background Goodeid topminnows are live-bearing fishes endemic to the Mexican Highlands (Mesa Central, MC). Unfortunately, in the MC, environmental degradation and introduced species have pushed several goodeid species to the brink of extinction. Invasive fishes can introduce exotic parasites, and the most abundant goodeid, blackfin goodea Goodea atripinnis Jordan, is parasitised by six exotic helminths. Poeciliids are widely dispersed invasive fishes, which exert negative ecological effects on goodeids. Poeciliids host several species of the monogenean genus Gyrodactylus von Nordmann, 1832, including pathogenic, invasive parasites. Here, we looked for evidence of Gyrodactylus species switching hosts from poeciliids to goodeids. Methods Fish were collected in rivers draining the MC into both sides of the continental divide. Hosts were screened for gyrodactylid parasites in localities where G. atripinnis and poeciliids occurred sympatrically. Gyrodactylus specimens were characterised morphologically (attachment apparatus) and molecularly (internal transcribed spacer region, ITS). A Bayesian phylogenetic tree using ITS sequences established relationships between gyrodactylids collected from goodeid fishes and those from parasites infecting poeciliids. Results Gyrodactylids were collected from G. atripinnis in six localities on both sides of the watershed where exotic poeciliids occurred sympatrically. Morphological and molecular analyses indicated the presence of four undescribed species of Gyrodactylus infecting this goodeid host. Gyrodactylus tomahuac n. sp., the most abundant and geographically widespread species, is described here. The other three Gyrodactylus spp. are not described, but their ITS sequences are used as molecular data presented here, are the only available for gyrodactylids infecting goodeid fishes. Morphological and molecular data suggest that two distinct groups of gyrodactylids infect goodeids, one of which shares a common ancestor with gyrodactylids parasitizing poeciliids. Conclusions No evidence was found of gyrodactylids switching hosts from invasive poeciliids to endemic goodeids, nor vice versa. Moreover, considering that G. atripinnis is known to host both Gyrodactylus lamothei Mendoza-Palmero, Sereno-Uribe & Salgado-Maldonado, 2009 and Gyrodactylus mexicanus Mendoza-Palmero, Sereno-Uribe & Salgado-Maldonado, 2009, with the addition of G. tomahuac n. sp. and the three undescribed Gyrodactylus spp. reported, at least six gyrodactylids may infect this host. This would make monogeneans the second most abundant parasite group infecting G. atripinnis, which to date is known to harbour 22 helminth species: nine digeneans, five nematodes, four cestodes, three monogeneans and one acanthocephalan.

Neutron radiography (NR) was here applied to study the effects of two different commercially available consolidants on the water absorption properties in a particular type of limestone (biocalcarenite), known as Pietra d’Aspra stone, which is one of the most extensively used lithotypes in Sicilian Baroque buildings. Our attention was mainly focused on the evaluation, using a fast and nondestructive visualization of water motion through capillarity, of the effectiveness of such layers as consolidating agents in view of preserving and maintaining both old and modern structures. The biocalcarenite was treated with nanosilica (Nano Estel®) and nanolime (CaLoSil®) by brushing it until full saturation, and then artificially weathered by salt crystallization and temperature/relative humidity jumps. Liquid distribution and height of the water front were monitored as a function of time. Significant differences in the water suction behavior among all the investigated samples were highlighted, which allowed us to gain insight into the coating/substrate interaction mechanisms which regulate the fluid mobility inside the porous network of the limestone.

We provide an overview of recent results obtained by the innovative application of mobile spectroscopy for in situ investigation in archaeometry. Its growing relevance is linked to the great advantages of avoiding the transport and eventual damage of precious artifacts and of allowing the analysis of those specimens that are, for example, built into infrastructures or in some way permanently affixed. In this context, some case studies of combined instrumental approaches, involving X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Raman spectroscopy, integrated by infrared thermography (IRT), are, in particular, discussed: the archaeological site of Scifì (Forza d’Agrò, province of Messina, Italy) and the Abbey of SS. Pietro e Paolo d’Agrò (Casalvecchio Siculo, province of Messina, Italy). In the first case, the elemental composition, as obtained by XRF, of two types of mortars belonging to two different chronological phases, dated back between the 3rd and the 5th century AD, allowed us to hypothesize a same origin area of their raw materials and a different production technique. Again, the combined use of XRF and Raman spectroscopies, supported by IRT technique, on pottery fragments of Greek-Hellenistic age and late imperial period, furnished important information concerning the receipts for the pigmenting agents of the finishing layer, allowing in some cases their unambiguous identification. In the second case, XRF data collected on bricks and stones from the external facade of the abbey allowed us to make some hypothesis concerning the provenance of their constituents materials, supposed to be in the area of valley of the river Agrò.

Abstract Background Gyrodactylus salaris Malmberg, 1957 has had a devastating impact on wild Norwegian stocks of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L., and it is the only Office International des Epizooties (OIE) listed parasitic pathogen of fish. The UK is presently recognised as G. salaris-free, and management plans for its containment and control are currently based on Scandinavian studies. The current study investigates the susceptibility of British salmonids to G. salaris, and determines whether, given the host isolation since the last glaciation and potential genetic differences, the populations under test would exhibit different levels of susceptibility, as illustrated by the parasite infection trajectory over time, from their Scandinavian counterparts. Methods Populations of S. salar, brown trout Salmo trutta L., and grayling Thymallus thymallus (L.), raised from wild stock in UK government hatcheries, were flown to Norway and experimentally challenged with a known pathogenic strain of G. salaris. Each fish was lightly anaesthetised and marked with a unique tattoo for individual parasite counting. A single Norwegian population of S. salar from the River Lærdalselva was used as a control. Parasite numbers were assessed every seven days until day 48 and then every 14 days. Results Gyrodactylus salaris regularly leads to high mortalities on infected juveniles S. salar. The number of G. salaris on British S. salar rose exponentially until the experiment was terminated at 33 days due to fish welfare concerns. The numbers of parasites on S. trutta and T. thymallus increased sharply, reaching a peak of infection on days 12 and 19 post-infection respectively, before declining to a constant low level of infection until the termination of the experiment at 110 days. Conclusions The ability of S. trutta and T. thymallus to carry an infection for long periods increases the window of exposure for these two hosts and the potential transfer of G. salaris to other susceptible hosts. This study demonstrates that G. salaris can persist on S. trutta for longer periods than previously thought, and that the role that S. trutta could play in disseminating G. salaris needs to be considered carefully and factored into management plans and epidemics across Europe.

This work focused on the study of decorated pottery dated back to the 16th century from the Roman archaeological site of Villa dei Quintili, a monumental complex located in the south-eastern part of Rome (Italy). A minero-petrographic and geochemical study was undertaken to analyse five archaeological samples in order to define textural features and raw materials used for their production, along with the chemical and physical composition of the superficial decorative glazed coatings. For this purpose, different analytical methods were used, such as polarising optical microscope (POM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-Raman spectroscopy, X-Ray fluorescence (XRF), and electron microprobe analysis coupled with energy dispersive spectrometry (EMPA-EDS). The results of such a multidisciplinary approach allowed us to achieve important results crucial to recognise the shards as majolica of the Renaissance period, improving knowledge about manufacturing processes of these renowned painted ceramic artefacts.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169168.].

Gyrodactylus salaris (Monogenea, Platyhelminthes) is a notifiable freshwater pathogen responsible for causing catastrophic damage to wild Atlantic salmon stocks, most notably in Norway. In some strains of Baltic salmon (e.g., from the river Neva) however, the impact is greatly reduced due to some form of innate resistance that regulates parasite numbers, resulting in fewer host mortalities. Gyrodactylus salaris is known from 17 European states; its status in a further 35 states remains unknown; the UK, the Republic of Ireland and certain watersheds in Finland are free of the parasite. Thus, the parasite poses a serious threat if it emerges in Atlantic salmon rearing regions throughout Europe. At present, infections are generally controlled via extreme measures such as the treatment of entire river catchments with the biocide rotenone, in order to remove all hosts, before restocking with the original genetic stock. The use of rotenone in this way in EU countries is unlikely as it would be in contravention of the Water Framework Directive. Not only are such treatments economically and environmentally costly, they also eradicate the potential for any host/parasite evolutionary process to occur. Based on previous studies, UK salmon stocks have been shown to be highly susceptible to infection, analogous to Norwegian stocks. The present study investigates the impact of a G. salaris outbreak within a naïve salmon population in order to determine long-term consequences of infection and the likelihood of coexistence. Simulation of the salmon/ G. salaris system was carried out via a deterministic mathematical modelling approach to examine the dynamics of host-pathogen interactions. Results indicated that in order for highly susceptible Atlantic strains to evolve a resistance, both a moderate-strong deceleratingly costly trade-off on birth rate and a lower overall cost of the immune response are required. The present study provides insights into the potential long term impact of G. salaris if introduced into G. salaris-free territories and suggests that in the absence of external controls salmon populations are likely to recover to high densities nearing 90% of that observed pre-infection.

Cryptic species complexes are common among parasites, which tend to have large populations and are subject to rapid evolution. Such complexes may arise through host-parasite co-evolution and/or host switching. For parasites that reproduce directly on their host, there might be increased opportunities for sympatric speciation, either by exploiting different hosts or different micro-habitats within the same host. The genus Gyrodactylus is a specious group of viviparous monogeneans. These ectoparasites transfer between teleosts during social contact and cause significant host mortality. Their impact on the guppy (Poecilia reticulata), an iconic evolutionary and ecological model species, is well established and yet the population genetics and phylogenetics of these parasites remains understudied. Using mtDNA sequencing of the host and its parasites, we provide evidence of cryptic speciation in Gyrodactylus bullatarudis, G. poeciliae and G. turnbulli. For the COII gene, genetic divergence of lineages within each parasite species ranged between 5.7 and 17.2%, which is typical of the divergence observed between described species in this genus. Different lineages of G. turnbulli and G. poeciliae appear geographically isolated, which could imply allopatric speciation. In addition, for G. poeciliae, co-evolution with a different host species cannot be discarded due to its host range. This parasite was originally described on P. caucana, but for the first time here it is also recorded on the guppy. The two cryptic lineages of G. bullatarudis showed considerable geographic overlap. G. bullatarudis has a known wide host range and it can also utilize a killifish (Anablepsoides hartii) as a temporary host. This killifish is capable of migrating overland and it could act as a transmission vector between otherwise isolated populations. Additional genetic markers are needed to confirm the presence of these cryptic Gyrodactylus species complexes, potentially leading to more in-depth genetic, ecological and evolutionary analyses on this multi-host-parasite system.