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Climate change is varying the mean and pattern of the climatic factors as well as it is increasing the frequency of extreme events. Consequently, these changes trigger the variation in the speed and rate of the degradation processes of historical building materials and collections. In this regard, it is necessary to adapt existing technologies, as well as introduce new ones capable of decreasing the incidence of environmental factors, given the ongoing climate change. Nevertheless, in scientific literature, practical adaptive solutions to climate change are rarely examined in the context of built heritage or evaluated in real applications. Therefore, this review after a brief introduction on the impacts of the main climate factors on heritage materials, examines various regional and field-specific solutions for preserving heritage materials in the face of changing climatic conditions. The main finding of the review is the classification of adaptive solutions applicable to buildings into three categories: traditional measures, adaptive technologies, and emerging technologies. Moreover, this work will contribute to generating interest in this field and promote the development of appropriately tailored adaptive solutions for the mitigation of the climate change effects on historical buildings. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In female mosquitoes, host-seeking and preference as well as several other important behaviors are largely driven by olfaction. Species of the Afrotropical Anopheles gambiae complex display divergent host-preference that are associated with significant differences in their vectorial capacity for human malaria. Olfactory sensitivity begins with signal transduction and activation of peripheral sensory neurons that populate the antennae, maxillary palps and other appendages. We have used shotgun proteomics to characterize the profile of soluble proteins of antennae and maxillary palps of three different species: An. coluzzii , An. arabiensis and An. quadriannulatus that display remarkable differences in anthropophilic behavior. This analysis revealed interspecific differences in the abundance of several proteins that comprise cuticular components, glutathione S-transferase and odorant binding proteins, the latter of which known to be directly involved in odor recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illicit drugs have been recently identified as a serious environmental problem because of the growing evidence regarding their occurrence in aquatic environment and potential toxicity towards non-target organisms. Among them, cocaine (COC) and its main metabolites, namely benzoylecgonine (BE) and ecgonine methyl ester (EME), are commonly measured in freshwaters worldwide at levels that might cause diverse sub-lethal effects to aquatic organisms. Thus, the present study was aimed at investigating the potential adverse effects induced by the exposure to environmental concentrations (0.04, 0.4, 4 and 40 nM) of COC, BE, and EME on zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) embryos at 96 h post fertilization. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the Trypan Blue exclusion method, while primary and fixed genetic damages were evaluated by the Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis (SCGE) assay, and the DNA diffusion assay together with the Micronucleus test, respectively. The involvement of oxidative stress in the mechanism of action (MoA) of all tested drugs was assessed by measuring the activity of defense enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST) and the expression of their encoding genes. Exposure to COC and both metabolites significantly reduced cell viability, increased DNA fragmentation and promoted the onset of apoptotic cells and micronuclei in zebrafish embryos. Results from oxidative stress-related endpoints and gene expression suggested that the observed genotoxicity may be caused by an overproduction of free radicals that imbalanced the oxidative status of embryos. The integration of biomarker responses into a synthetic index showed that at each tested concentration, BE and EME had a similar toxicity and were both more toxic than COC. Our data confirmed the potential toxicity of environmental concentrations of COC, BE, and EME, suggesting the need of further in-depth studies to shed light on their MoA and long-term toxicity towards non-target aquatic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spurred by current research policy, we are witnessing a significant growth in the number of studies that observe and describe sexual diversities in human physiology and sex prevalence in a large number of pathologies. Yet we are far from the comprehension of the mechanisms underpinning these differences, which are the result of a long evolutionary history. This Essay is meant to underline female reproductive function as a driver for the positive selection of the specific physiological features that explain male and female differential susceptibility to diseases and metabolic disturbances, in particular. A clear understanding of the causes underlying sexual dimorphisms in the physio-pathology is crucial for precision medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the contamination from plastics and non -synthetic particles in the three freshwater bivalve mollusks Unio elongatulus, (native) and Corbicula fluminea and Dreissena polymorpha (invasive), collected in Lake Maggiore, the second greatest Italian lake. Organisms were collected from eight sites located throughout the lake, during three years (2019–2021). The quali-quantitative characterization of particles has been carried out using a Fourier Transform Infrared Microscope System (μFT-IR). Results showed that both plastics and non -synthetic particles released in the water are taken up by bivalves, even though low intake-up to 6 particles/individuals-were measured for all the three species. Microfibers of both synthetic (polyester, polyamide) and natural (cellulose) origin represented the particles mostly ingested by bivalves. A significant decrease of particle loads was observed in 2020 with respect to 2019 and 2021, significantly different for D. polymorpha and U. elongatulus , suggesting a transient reduction of the particle release in the lake in this year. Our findings highlight the need to improve the understanding of the mechanisms of uptake and clearance of these contaminants by filter feeding organisms, and their adverse consequences in realistic environmental conditions. [Display omitted] • Pollution by plastics and non-synthetic particles in freshwater bivalves. • Microfibers represent the anthropogenic particles mostly ingested by bivalves. • Low accumulation of particles for all the three species regardless the sampling site. • Transient reduction of particles accumulation during lock-down for SARS-covid19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The particle swarm optimization algorithm is primarily inspired by the natural behaviour of swarms and achieves important results in different applications. However, it is not exempt from stagnation in local optima and has a tendency to prematurely converge to them. Novelty Search is a concept that appeared recently in different fields of computational intelligence. It aims at exploring non-visited areas of the search space through solutions that bring novelty to already discovered solutions. The novelty of this work can be divided into two steps: on one side, this article proposes a variant of the particle swarm optimization algorithm which uses Novelty Search concepts to improve the algorithm's performance. Our proposal is first checked and compared using the CEC 2005 benchmark suite and then, we apply it to solve a real-world optimization problem: the design of a combustion system targeting the reduction of pollutant emissions and fuel consumption. The combustion chamber design phase usually is a complex and time-consuming process even with advanced supercomputers, since it depends on several input variables which are highly non-linear and with crossed interaction. Then, the second contribution of this work is to develop a methodology that couples a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation tool with the new optimization algorithm for minimizing the specific fuel consumption of a compression-ignited engine, while constraining the NO x and soot emissions. A 3D-CFD model of the combustion system was built to predict and analyse the performance of the combustion system and hence, select the parameters with a higher impact on the system. The method reduces the computational time and includes tools for the automatic preparation of the input parameters and geometry of the system. The input parameters correspond to geometrical variables that control the bowl shape, the number of holes in the injector, the injection pressure, the swirl number and the exhaust gas recirculation rate. Results show how the simulation tool and the new PSO with Novelty Search algorithm allow us to obtain a new combustion system that minimizes the fuel consumption by 3%, simultaneously reducing NO x and soot emissions. • The method integrates particle swarm optimization with Novelty Search to improve the convergence. • The method is used for the development of a combustion system of a propulsion unit with ultra-low emissions. • 9 parameters that have a high impact on the combustion were chosen for the optimization with fast convergence. • Optimized case minimized NO x and soot emissions, reducing fuel consumption in a 3% simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abtract Objectives To describe the clinical, pathological, serological, and radiological characteristics of juxta-vertebral masses occurring in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Methods We analyzed the clinical records of patients with juxta-vertebral lesions from our GPA study cohort and reviewed the English literature for other cases of GPA with juxta-vertebral localization. Results Out of 74 patients in our GPA study cohort, six (8%) had juxta-vertebral lesions. We found 10 cases of juxta-vertebral GPA described in the English literature. Overall, juxta-vertebral lesions were detected at GPA onset in 11/16 (69%) patients, and preferentially occurred on the right side of the spine (12/15 patients, 80%). Fifteen patients (94%) with juxta-vertebral lesions had systemic GPA. Juxta-vertebral lesions were associated with back pain at GPA onset in 8/16 (50%) patients. In all of them juxta-vertebral lesions resolved or improved after treatment. Conclusions Preference for the right-anterior side of the spine, increased 18 FDG uptake on PET scan, low or absent invasiveness of the surrounding tissues, and occurrence in the context of systemic disease were the main features of juxta-vertebral GPA. Symptomatic lesions showed a better response to immunosuppressive therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background IgG 4 -related disease (IgG 4 -RD) is a systemic condition of unknown cause characterized by highly fibrotic lesions with dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates. CD4 + T cells constitute the major inflammatory cell population in IgG 4 -RD lesions. Objective We used an unbiased approach to characterize CD4 + T-cell subsets in patients with IgG 4 -RD based on their clonal expansion and ability to infiltrate affected tissue sites. Methods We used flow cytometry to identify CD4 + effector/memory T cells in a cohort of 101 patients with IgG 4 -RD. These expanded cells were characterized by means of gene expression analysis and flow cytometry. Next-generation sequencing of the T-cell receptor β chain gene was performed on CD4 + SLAMF7 + cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and CD4 + GATA3 + T H 2 cells in a subset of patients to identify their clonality. Tissue infiltration by specific T cells was examined by using quantitative multicolor imaging. Results CD4 + effector/memory T cells with a cytolytic phenotype were expanded in patients with IgG 4 -RD. Next-generation sequencing revealed prominent clonal expansions of these CD4 + CTLs but not CD4 + GATA3 + memory T H 2 cells in patients with IgG 4 -RD. The dominant T cells infiltrating a range of inflamed IgG 4 -RD tissue sites were clonally expanded CD4 + CTLs that expressed SLAMF7, granzyme A, IL-1β, and TGF-β1. Clinical remission induced by rituximab-mediated B-cell depletion was associated with a reduction in numbers of disease-associated CD4 + CTLs. Conclusions IgG 4 -RD is prominently linked to clonally expanded IL-1β– and TGF-β1–secreting CD4 + CTLs in both peripheral blood and inflammatory tissue lesions. These active, terminally differentiated, cytokine-secreting effector CD4 + T cells are now linked to a human disease characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the feelings experienced by nurses in caring the first visit to a critical patient. Background: Understand the ethical aspects from the first experiences in the nursing profession lead us to reflect on the teaching-learning methodologies and also their improvements. Methods: A study with a mixed and exploratory approach was realized with the nurses. Results: From 72 (100.0%) nurses who participated in the study, 56 (77.8%) did their first visit to critical patients in the clinical practice and did not feel prepared. The feelings mentioned were as follows: insecurity due to lack of skill, risk both to the patient and also the professional, feelings of fear, anxiety, discomfort and related aspects to ethical competence. Conclusion: The feelings experienced by professionals led us to reflect about the function of institutions, which must have the commitment and the responsibility of providing to the society able professionals who are acting safely and with technical and scientific expertise in valuing human integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the elaboration of the management plan for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Crespi d’Adda, a late-nineteenth-century company town that was inscribed in the World Heritage List in 1995 due to the integrity of its urban structure and the functional continuity of its productive and residential system. At the time of inscription, a management plan was not mandatory, and inscription did not produce a real development strategy able to counter the risks arising from de-industrialisation. The management plan preparation, launched in 2007, was assumed to represent an opportunity to ensure both protection and sustainable evolution. The process of elaboration made it necessary to promote coordination and dialogue among different institutions. This permitted enhancement of local governance. Moreover, the management plan acted as a framework within which to set guidelines for intervention on the external and internal features of the buildings, aimed at preserving the values of the site through the implementation of good practices. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present study investigated the influence of nano-TiO 2 (1 mg L −1 ) on 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) (46 pg L −1 ) bioconcentration and toxicity in the European sea bass ( Dicentrarchus labrax ) during 7 days in vivo exposure. A multimarkers approach was applied in different organs: detoxification in liver; innate immunity and pro-inflammatory response and adaptive immunity in gills and spleen; genotoxicity in peripheral erythrocytes and muscle. Bioconcentration of 2,3,7,8-TCDD in presence of nano-TiO2 was investigated in liver, skin and muscle as well as interaction between nano-TiO2 and organic pollutants in artificial sea water (ASW). Nano-TiO2 negatively influenced immune response induced by 2,3,7,8-TCDD in spleen but not in gills and reduced the DNA damage induced by 2,3,7,8-TCDD in erythrocytes. nano-TiO2 did not interfere with 2,3,7,8-TCDD detoxification and bioconcentration according to the observed no interaction of the nano-TiO2 with organic pollutants in ASW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the fundamentals in the ecotoxicological studies is the need of data comparison, which can be easily reached with the help of a standardized biological model. In this context, any biological model has been still proposed for the biomonitoring and risk evaluation of freshwaters until now. The aim of this review is to illustrate the ecotoxicological studies carried out with the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha in order to suggest this bivalve species as possible reference organism for inland waters. In detail, we showed its application in biomonitoring, as well as for the evaluation of adverse effects induced by several pollutants, using both in vitro and in vivo experiments. We discussed the advantages by the use of D. polymorpha for ecotoxicological studies, but also the possible limitations due to its invasive nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background IgG 4 -related disease (IgG 4 -RD) is a poorly understood, multiorgan, chronic inflammatory disease characterized by tumefactive lesions, storiform fibrosis, obliterative phlebitis, and accumulation of IgG 4 -expressing plasma cells at disease sites. Objective The role of B cells and IgG 4 antibodies in IgG 4 -RD pathogenesis is not well defined. We evaluated patients with IgG 4 -RD for activated B cells in both disease lesions and peripheral blood and investigated their role in disease pathogenesis. Methods B-cell populations from the peripheral blood of 84 patients with active IgG 4 -RD were analyzed by using flow cytometry. The repertoire of B-cell populations was analyzed in a subset of patients by using next-generation sequencing. Fourteen of these patients were longitudinally followed for 9 to 15 months after rituximab therapy. Results Numbers of CD19 + CD27 + CD20 − CD38 hi plasmablasts, which are largely IgG4 + , are increased in patients with active IgG 4 -RD. These expanded plasmablasts are oligoclonal and exhibit extensive somatic hypermutation, and their numbers decrease after rituximab-mediated B-cell depletion therapy; this loss correlates with disease remission. A subset of patients relapse after rituximab therapy, and circulating plasmablasts that re-emerge in these subjects are clonally distinct and exhibit enhanced somatic hypermutation. Cloning and expression of immunoglobulin heavy and light chain genes from expanded plasmablasts at the peak of disease reveals that disease-associated IgG 4 antibodies are self-reactive. Conclusions Clonally expanded CD19 + CD27 + CD20 − CD38 hi plasmablasts are a hallmark of active IgG 4 -RD. Enhanced somatic mutation in activated B cells and plasmablasts and emergence of distinct plasmablast clones on relapse indicate that the disease pathogenesis is linked to de novo recruitment of naive B cells into T cell–dependent responses by CD4 + T cells, likely driving a self-reactive disease process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the combined effects of ocean acidification (OA) and pollution to the polychaete Syllis prolifera inhabiting the CO 2 vent system of the Castello Aragonese (Ischia Island, Italy). We investigated the basal activities of antioxidant enzymes in organisms from the acidified site and from an ambient-pH control site in two different periods of the year. Results showed a limited influence of acidified conditions on the functionality of the antioxidant system. We then investigated the responsiveness of individuals living inside the CO 2 vent compared to those from the control to face exposure to acetone and copper. Results highlighted a higher susceptibility of organisms from the vent to acetone and a different response of antioxidant enzymes in individuals from the two sites. Conversely, a higher tolerance to copper was observed in polychaetes from the acidified-site with respect to controls, but any significant oxidative stress was induced at sublethal concentrations. [Display omitted] • CO 2 vent systems are natural laboratory for studying the effects of multiple stressors. • We assess the effects of OA and pollution, using polychaetes naturally exposed to OA. • Limited influence of OA on the activity of antioxidant enzymes in polychaetes. • Polychaetes from the vent were more susceptible to acetone but more tolerant to Cu respect to controls. • Tolerance to OA could influence polychaete susceptibility to environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How T follicular (Tfh) cells contribute to many different B-cell class-switching events during T-cell–dependent immune responses has been unclear. Diseases with polarized isotype switching offer a unique opportunity for the exploration of Tfh subsets. Secondary and tertiary lymphoid organs in patients with elevated tissue expression levels of IgE (Kimura disease, KD) and those of IgG 4 (IgG 4 -related disease, IgG 4 -RD) can provide important insights regarding cytokine expression by Tfh cells. We sought to identify disease-specific Tfh cell subsets in secondary and tertiary lymphoid organs expressing IL-10 or IL-13 and thus identify different cellular drivers of class switching in 2 distinct types of fibrotic disorders: allergic fibrosis (driven by type 2 immune cells) and inflammatory fibrosis (driven by cytotoxic T lymphocytes). Single-cell RNA sequencing, in situ sequencing, and multicolor immunofluorescence analysis were used to investigate B cells, Tfh cells, and infiltrating type 2 cells in lesion tissues from patients with KD or IgG 4 -RD. Infiltrating Tfh cells in tertiary lymphoid organs from IgG 4 -RD were divided into 6 main clusters. We encountered abundant infiltrating IL-10 –expressing LAG3 + Tfh cells in patients with IgG 4 -RD. Furthermore, we found that infiltrating AICDA + CD19 + B cells expressing IL-4 , IL-10 , and IL-21 receptors correlated with IgG 4 expression. In contrast, we found that infiltrating IL-13–expressing Tfh cells were abundant in affected tissues from patients with KD. Moreover, we observed few infiltrating IL-13–expressing Tfh cells in tissues from patients with IgG 4 -RD, despite high serum levels of IgE (but low IgE in the disease lesions). Cytotoxic T cells were abundant in IgG 4 -RD; in contrast, type 2 immune cells were abundant in KD. Our analysis revealed a novel subset of IL- 10 + LAG3 + Tfh cells infiltrating the affected organs of IgG 4 -RD patients. In contrast, IL-13+ Tfh cells and type 2 immune cells infiltrated those of KD patients. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal carbonization is considered a powerful technology to convert sewage sludge (SS) into a valuable carbonaceous solid known as hydrochar (HC). Up to now criteria for landfill application of SS and HC are based only on physicochemical properties and levels of pollutant residues. Nevertheless, to ensure their safe environmental applications it is mandatory to develop biosensors which can provide relevant information on their toxic potential for natural ecosystems. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the suitability of a contact assay using zebrafish embryo/larvae combined with sub-lethal end-points to evaluate the hazard associated with SS and related HC exposure. A suite of biomarkers was also applied on larvae, related to detoxification and oxidative stress as the activity of Ethoxyresorufin- O -deethylase, glutathione- S -transferase, and catalase, the content of reactive oxygen species and the behavioral assay using the DanioVision™ chamber. Legacy priority pollutants were also measured either in SS and HC tested samples and in contact waters. The exposure to SS caused higher lethality compared to HC. No significant changes in the activity of oxidative stress markers was observed upon exposure to both matrices. The behavioral test showed a hypoactivity condition in larvae exposed to both SS and HC with the effects of SS stronger than HC. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of trace elements and halogenated compounds in either SS, HC. Heavy metals were also released in contact waters, while volatile hydrocarbons (C6–C10) and halogenated compounds resulted below LOD (<0.05 μ L−1). Our study highlights the suitability of zebrafish embryotoxicity test, coupled with behavioral traits, as screening tool for assessing potential risks, associated with the landfill application of both SS and HC, for aquatic wildlife. [Display omitted] • Bioassays are needed to ensure the safe environmental application of hydrochar. • Contact test with zebrafish as valid screening tool for sludge and hydrochar. • Sludges and hydrochars induced acute toxicity and hypoactivity on zebrafish larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The responsiveness of CYP1A (gene transcription and EROD enzyme activity) in the cell line Poeciliopsis lucida hepatoma (PLHC-1) upon exposure to extracts of contaminated soil samples was investigated and compared to levels of PCDD/PCDFs and PCBs including non-ortho obtained by GC/MS analysis. Soil samples A and B were collected in sites A and B. Two fractions, not purified (np) and purified (p), were obtained from each sample and analyzed for PCDD/PCDF and PCB content by GC/MS; in parallel they were tested for 24h with PLHC-1. CYP1A response was investigated at gene (RT-qPCR) level and as 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) enzyme activity. Chem-TEQs and Bio-TEQs were then calculated. ∑TEQ calculated for PCDD/Fs and PCBs was 0.081pg/g and 20.32pg/g for samples A and B, respectively. PLHC-1 showed less up-regulation of cyp1a gene on exposure to the two purified fractions (Ap 2.1-fold and Bp 1.8-fold) than to non-purified fractions (up to 15-fold for Anp and 13-fold for Bnp). EROD was also induced 2.38- and 9.44-fold in the two purified fractions (Ap and Bp) compared to model inducer 2,3,7,8-TCDD, and up to 16.03-fold for non-purified Anp and 33.79-fold for Bnp. The combination of CYP1A response, obtained in a PLHC-1 cell-based bioassay, with contaminant residue analysis provided a better description of the presence and toxicity of dioxin-like compounds in an environmental matrix. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Despite the emergence of free tissue transfer, the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) still has a role in anterior base skull reconstruction (when free tissue transfer is not feasible). The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of external PMMF in anterior skull base reconstruction. A retrospective study from 1977 to 2006 was conducted at Yale New Haven Hospital. 16 patients (mean age 64 years), presenting with a malignant tumour of the anterior base skull, were included. The primary pathology was recurrent squamous carcinoma. Tumour resection resulted in orbital exenteration in 60%, and bone resection of the anterior skull base in 81% of patients. The initial skin defect was 49cm2 (range 16–100cm2). The PMMF was the primary reconstructive choice in 87%, and utilized after free flap failure in two cases. Three minor complications were noted. Orbital exenteration and anterior base skull resection is a surgical procedure that leads to significant reconstructive challenges. The PMMF remains a safe and versatile reconstructive tool in anterior skull base tumour resection. The externalized pedicle allows this flap to reach periorbital and anterior skull base. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]