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Background: Since ancient times, man has learned to use plants to obtain natural dyes, but this traditional botanical knowledge (TBK) is eroding. In the late, during, and the early 1800s, there was an increase in research related to dye species, and this allowed the development of industry and economy in rural contexts of Southern Italy. Today, dyes are mainly obtained from synthetic products, and this leads to risks for human health related to pollution. Methods: Starting from the literature, three catalogs of the dyeing species (plants, algae, fungi, and lichens) used in the Mediterranean Basin and mainly in Southern Italy have been created. Percentages of parts used and colors extracted from species have been recorded and analyzed. The plant species present in the catalogs have been verified in the territories of Southern Italy, and the data have been registered. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted, in the region of Southern Italy, to verify the erosion level of traditional botanical knowledge, linked to the ethnobotanical dyeing, over time. Results: A total of 524 species were recorded among plants, algae, fungi, and lichens, and related parts used and extracted pigments. Most uses concern the stems and leaves, and the most frequent color is yellow. From the on-field survey operations, 283 plant species have been verified. These represent 64.31% of the species reported in the flora of the dye plants produced. The results, from the ethnobotanical survey, show that only 8.6% of TBK remained in the collective memory. Conclusions: This catalog is among the largest in this sector and is the basis for studies related to the restoration of an eco-sustainable economy which would allow the development of marginal areas present throughout Southern Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Women with adenomyosis are at higher risk of endometriosis recurrence after surgery. This study was to assess if the lymphatic vessel network drained from the uterus to near organs where endometriosis foci lied. Methods: A prospective, observational study, Canadian Task Force Classification II-2, was conducted at Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy. 104 white women aged 18–43 years were enrolled consecutively for this study. All patients underwent laparoscopy for endometriosis and a tubal dye test was carried out. Results: Evidence of dye dissemination through the uterine wall and outside the uterus was noted in 27 patients (26%) with adenomyosis as it permeated the uterine wall and a clear passage of the dye was shown in the pelvic lymphatic vessels regardless whether the tubes were unobstructed. Histological assessment of the uterine biopsies confirmed adenomyosis. Conclusion: Adenomyosis is characterized by ectatic lymphatics that allow the drainage of intrauterine fluids (the dye and, perhaps, menstrual blood) at minimal intrauterine pressure from the uterine cavity though the lymphatic network to extrauterine organs. Certainly, this may not be the only explanation for endometriosis dissemination but the correlation between the routes of the dye drainage and location of endometriosis foci is highly suggestive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Purple codices are among the most prestigious artworks of Medieval age. [•] Parchment was dyed with Tyrian purple mixed with other lesser value dyes such as folium or orchil. [•] Only non-invasive techniques were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A set of samples collected from two 16th century silk tapestries belonging to Quirinale Palace in Rome and presently under restoration at the Opificio delle Pietre Dure (Florence, Italy) was investigated in order to disclose the nature of the dyes employed in their production. The identification of the colouring materials was achieved through the application of an optimised reliable procedure, based on dimethylsulfoxide extraction of the dyes from the yarns followed by a hydrolysis treatment in an acidic methanolic solution with hydrochloric acid; the extract is then analysed by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (DAD). This study has lead to the identification of a wide range of colours; expensive dyes were used to dye the analysed silk yarns: coccid dyestuffs, madder, weld, young fustic, tannins and an indigoid dye were identified. Moreover, the use of safflower has been assessed for the first time in a European fabric. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on the concept of color perception, dyestuffs and color terms in the 12th century French literature with reference to the journal "Romania," by T.D. Hill. T.D. Hill explained the concept of color perception with the help of the color theory that originated at the medical schools in Salerno, Italy and predicted to be circulated to Northern France and England. It states that the concept of resurrection is linked with the green color.

The materials used in the decoration of ancient roman building have been the object of investigation by means of non-destructive and micro-destructive techniques. A number of spectroscopic analysis, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), micro-Raman, and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, on three fragments of architectural decorative painted elements from an excavation near Licata (Sicily), have been performed with the aim to identify the pigments composition and their interaction with the matrix. The fragments have been dated by the archaeologists to late III B.C and the end of I B.C (such an attribution agrees well with historical information about the site) and showed four different coloration: red, yellow, light blue, and black. LIBS, emerged only in the last years as a very promising tool for the analysis and the characterization of elemental composition of a large variety of objects in the field of cultural heritage. The technique is based on the spectroscopic detection and identification of the light emission from excited atomic species in the plasma produced by a high energy laser pulse focused onto the surface of the sample. Although LIBS can give information about the pigments' atomic composition, structural ones have been gained with micro-Raman spectroscopy. Thus, the combined LIBS and micro-Raman measurements allowed the pigments' identification for all of the four colorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In order to identify new crop suitable for indigo production in Italy, seasonal variation in productivity of indigo precursors was studied in woad (Isatis tinctoria L., Family Cruciferae) and in dyer''s knotweed (Polygonum tinctorium Ait., Family Polygonaceae), grown in central Italy under temperate climate. Indigo precursors, indoxyl-3-ketogluconate (isatan B) and indoxyl-β-d-glucoside (indican), were measured in leaves by HPLC analysis under well watered versus rain fed field conditions, and the amount of indigo derived by stoichiometric calculations. Woad showed lower indigo potential than dyer''s knotweed, evaluated as either amount of indigo either per leaf weight or per plant. However, in water stress conditions, woad appeared to be drought tolerant as opposed to dyer''s knotweed revealed very sensitive. In fact, in dyer''s knotweed leaf yield was over 50% reduced in water stress field conditions, characterizing central and southern Italy during July and August, as compared to some 30% in woad. Dyer''s knotweed appears to be more productive, providing water is supplied appropriately, thus making proper irrigation plans necessary to achieve sustainable high yields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: This paper reports the results of investigations carried out from 1977 to today in some areas of Italy (Latium, Marche, Abruzzo and to a limited extent in Sardinia) concerning traditional uses of dyeing plants in the household. Results: Twenty-nine plants are described, distributed in 23 families, and for each species the vernacular name, the way it is used and the locations of traditional use are given. Other plants used in the past in the above-mentioned regions are recalled. Conclusion: Among the new findings - not mentioned in previous literature, see references - is Muscari neglectum (purplish). Nowadays atavistic dye uses still persist only in Nule (Sardinia). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early implantation may preserve the alveolar anatomy, and the placement of a fixture in a fresh extraction socket helps to maintain the bony crest. Although a number of clinical studies exist, no histological reports show the outcome of implantation in fresh extraction sockets without the use of membranes in humans compared to implants placed in mature bone. Methods: Forty-eight healthy patients, receiving at least 4 fixtures in each of 2 symmetrical quadrants, underwent placement of 1 experimental fixture placed in a fresh extraction socket (TI) and 1 contralateral fixture in mature bone (CI). TI were placed after atraumatical tooth extraction, with a surgical site at the apex of the socket and a tight contact between the fixture and the socket's walls, but without the use of filling materials or membranes. The flap was coronally repositioned to obtain primary wound closure. Immediately after surgical intervention, a standardized periapical radiograph was taken. Second-stage surgery was done after 6 months. Six months after the second surgery, a second standardized periapical radiograph was taken and clinical parameters (bleeding and plaque index) recorded. Marginal bone loss (MBL) from the time of implant placement to the time of fixture removal was calculated by comparing periapical radiographs. TI and CI were then removed by a hollow drill to obtain histological specimens. Non-demineralized sections were stained by acid fuchsin and toluidine blue, and by von Kossa to evaluate the degree of bone mineralization. The percentage of direct implant-bone contact (DBC) was calculated by a computerized microscopic digitizer. Results: No significant differences in the clinical and radiographic parameters were observed between the 2 experimental categories. There was no statistically significant difference between TI and CI for DBC either in the maxilla or in the mandible. No connective or fibrous tissues were present around TI or CI. Bone resorption was not present in any of the histological sections. Conclusions: The present study shows that when a screw-type dental implant is placed without the use of barrier membranes or other regenerative materials into a fresh extraction socket with a bone-to-implant gap of 2 mm or less, the clinical outcome and degree of osteointegration does not differ from implants placed in healed, mature bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study is a survey of the traditional uses of plants in the Ancona district, in the Marche region, Central Italy. Methods: The information derives from ethnobotanical investigations conducted with an open questionnaire among the rural population in three areas of the Ancona district that are representative of the socio-economic and environmental assets of the entire district: the Mount Conero area on the Adriatic coast; the municipality of Osimo, as an inland hilly area; and the 'Gola della Rossa–Frasassi' area, in the Apennines. Results: A total of 120 informants cited 195 species. The ethnobotanical data concern medicinal (122 species), food (119), veterinary (53), superstitious/religious (61), cosmetic (30), domestic (27), dyeing (17), recreational (17), repellent (15), craft (10), and miscellaneous (29) uses, along with inclusion in local sayings and proverbs (25). The species with the greatest number of categories of use here was Sambucus nigra L. Among the other species with the greatest numbers of categories of use, there were Matricharia chamomilla L., Salvia officinalis L., Urtica dioica L., Papaver roheas L., and Rosa canina L. For each use, comparisons with national and regional literature were made. Conclusions: Some uses are commonly known across the three areas; others are sectoral and are new for the Marche region. The survey increases our present-day knowledge of the traditional local uses of plants in the Marche region, in terms of medicinal and food uses, and of ethnobotanical aspects as a whole, which will allow many of these uses to be preserved in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses textile dyeing laboratory equipment from Salce of Italy. The company can provide a complete line of products for all laboratory dying purposes, including volumetric dispensers, powder dispensers, automatic bottle washer, drying units and a full range of accessories for the yarn dying laboratories. The company also offers the new Modulab, which encloses in all-in-one machine a complete range of laboratory machines. This unit integrates and gathers a complete laboratory, granting and functionality, speed, efficiency in one of the most compact machines on the market.

Isatis tinctoria L. (Brassicaceae), commonly known as woad, is a biennial species with erect stem, hastate leaves, and yellow flowers clustered in racemes. Fruits are pendulous siliques. This species, probably indigenous of southeastern Asia, was used for the extraction of adyeing agent called 'indigo'. Woad was introduced in ancient times in Italy and the first records of its cultivation date back to the Roman period. For many centuries, woad cultivation remained stable, but grew dramatically in the eighteenth century. In that century, the Societa Economiche established by Bourbons encouraged the cultivation ofit in Southern Italy. Near Caserta, in Campania region (Italy) a factory for the extraction of dyeing agents was established and the dye was used in textile production in San Leucio (Caserta). The cultivation of I. tinctoria is abandoned today, although this species grows spontaneously as a weed in Italy. The authors discuss the history of woad and some ancient extractive and dyeing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]