Search

• Light transmission analysis of historical and modern commercial alum-tawed skin. • Assessing of the stability and durability of alum-tawed skin for use in restoration. • Hydrothermal stability of alum-tawed skin with respect to leather and parchment. • Durability and stability of alum-tawed skin after the artificial ageing process. • LTA as a tool for selecting the most suitable alum-tawed skin for restoration. Alum-tawed skin has been widely used in the past for the production of bookbindings elements because of its physical–mechanical properties and production process, easier and faster than that required for leather. Nevertheless, unlike for other skin-based materials employed in books production, such as parchment and leather, for alum-tawed skin the manufacturing process appears to be less standardized and rather few data are available in the literature on its durability and sensitivity to deterioration. In this work, a number of commercial samples of alum-tawed skin, from different manufactures and belonging to different animal species, were analysed by Light Transmission Analysis (LTA) to characterize their collagen hydrothermal stability, so as to gather useful information regarding their possible use for restoration works. The samples were then subjected to an artificial ageing process to assess their possible long term stability compared with that of some historical samples coming from 14th, 15th and 16th century bindings. The obtained results show that, as expected, the treatments the investigated alum-tawed skin samples undergo during the manufacture processes does not induce a level of stability of the collagen molecules higher than that of the vegetable and chrome tanning used for the leather treatment, although such treatment, in some cases, makes the alum-tawed skin slightly more stable than parchment. Moreover, accelerated ageing analysis showed that whatever the initial stability of the analysed samples, it decreases with ageing more rapidly and markedly than for parchment and leather, revealing a general lower durability of the alum-tawed skin to hydrothermal deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the effect of X-ray irradiation as a disinfection treatment in original ancient parchment samples, belonging to a discarded book cover of a 16th-century archival register, has been evaluated. Specifically, the bacterial and fungal species isolated from the book cover have been characterized and then irradiated with increasing doses of X-rays with the aim to evaluate the effectiveness of the antimicrobial protocol on the isolated microorganisms. The deterioration effects induced by the X-ray treatment as well as the natural aging on the collagen matrix of the parchment sample have been tested by employing several techniques, namely, Light Transmission Analysis, Fiber Optic Reflectance Spectroscopy, Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy, UV Resonant Raman spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy. The results reveal that the irradiation treatment applied to our ancient parchment samples deteriorated by biological attack and other naturally occurring phenomena, possibly associated with inappropriate conservation conditions, does not seem to induce further damage factors even when large doses of irradiation are employed. The X-rays-based disinfection treatment effects are limited on the collagen support and this confirms the potential of this method in mass disinfection of library and archival materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A 14th Century illuminated codex underwent an extensive restoration in 1739. The intervention was necessary because the volume was “rotten”. Some purple stains are still visible and passed through multiple pages in the thickness of the volume, with a pattern that suggested a resurgence of the infection after the restoration of the manuscript. The unusual appearance of the halos and the light-pink colouring of some of the spots indicated that a topical treatment of some kind could have been carried out. The stains were analysed by non-invasive and micro-invasive methods in order to reveal the chemicals used to disinfect or bleach them and the structural effects of the treatment on the collagen fibres. The chemical compound used to treat the stains of the codex contained sulphur and potassium, it was strongly acidic and in a liquid form. Based on both the results and the knowledge of that time, we hypothesised that in 1739 the restorer was aware of “infectious” nature of the stains and tried to stop the action of microorganisms. The attempt to stop the process would be the testimony of a diffuse knowledge on biodeterioration phenomena, not yet consolidated, but already present. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • 14th Century codex restored in 1739 because “rotten” by a microbial attack. • Microbial purple stains were reactivated after the restoration. • Structural and chemical evidence that a chemical compound was used on the stains. • Restorers aware of “infectious” nature of the stains: tried to stop them. • Hypothesis: tacit knowledge on biodeterioration phenomena since the 18th Century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the occasion of the 700th centenary of the death of Dante Alighieri, medium wave infrared imaging analysis of illuminations of the XIV-century code of the Divina Commedia (MS. 1102), hosted in the Biblioteca Angelica in Rome, was performed and discussed. The investigation was carried out by means of thermographic and reflectographic techniques on illuminations where the iconographic representation appeared severely damaged. In particular, through the combined use of both techniques, it was possible to recover the images of the damaged parts of the pictorial layer of the illuminations and of their underdrawings, displaying details of the "lost guardians", which was useful to reconstruct the conservative history of the precious manuscript. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• X-rays radiation to treat bio-deteriorated parchment. • Micro, meso, and nanoscale characterization of the x-rays induced surface variations. • Evaluation of the irradiation effects on collagen by AFM and SEM. • SEM characterization of the variations in the fibrillar structure and networking. • AFM evaluation of the of the Young's modulus variations. Bio-deterioration poses a serious risk in the preservation of ancient parchments. The deteriorating effects of microorganism can affect the surface layers of a membrane sheet causing the total loss of the written text and/or the decorative apparatus of which it is the vehicle. In this work the use of the X-ray radiation performed by an experimental setup, designed at ENEA Frascati, is proposed to inhibit the microbial growth. In order to find the most suitable dose for this purpose and to evaluate the deteriorating effect produced by the irradiation, a series of modern parchment samples has been treated and analysed by means of two microscopic techniques, namely Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The combined use of these techniques allows the assessment of alterations in the surface morphology and in the fibrillary networking of the collagen molecule within the parchment, thus enabling the evaluation of the applicability and suitability of the disinfection method proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the capability of Infrared Thermography to characterize in a non-destructive way the main features of illuminated manuscripts has been assessed. It has been shown how this technique can be exploited for a general investigation of the book materials, structure and decorative apparatus, providing information on the manufacturing method, the preservation state and the changes operated throughout the history of the artefact. The used thermographic approach provided infrared images which show also the non-visible surface and subsurface elements that constitute the illumination metastructure, intended as the structure of the entire pictorial system. A number of aspects, like the verification of the adhesion state of the gold leaf, the recovery of the pentimenti , the detection of metal foil residues and the characterization of the damage produced by fungi and bacteria have been studied. For each of the investigated features an interpretative model accounting for the infrared emission processes responsible of the thermogram generation has been proposed. Moreover, for every studied aspect, it has been shown how, based on the thermographic results, other complementary analyses can be directed like Infrared Reflectography, Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Fluorescence and the Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been tested in the study of Liber Regulae S. Spiritus de Saxia , a 14th century illuminated manuscript of great historical importance and artistic value, since the wide spectrum of the employed materials and the complexity of the structural changes operated during its history by extensive restoration make it a valid test-bed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper a method is presented based on the use of active infrared thermography for the detection of subsurface graphical features in artworks. A theoretical model for the thermographic signal describing the physical mechanisms which allow the identification of the buried features has been proposed and thereafter it has been applied to the analysis of the results obtained on specifically made test samples. It is shown that the proposed model predictions adequately describe the experimental results obtained on the test samples. A comparative analysis between the proposed technique and infrared reflectography is also presented. The comparison shows that active thermography can be more effective in the detection of features buried below infrared translucent layers and, in addition, that it can provide information about the depth of the detected features, particularly in highly IR diffusing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ethiopian magic scrolls are traditional parchment artifacts used by the Christians of Ethiopia as protection against disease and demonic possessions. On the occasion of their restoration in the Accademia delle Belle Arti di Bologna (Italy); a preliminary characterization before the treatments has been performed on four Ethiopian scrolls belonging to the Archivio storico della provincia di Cristo Re dei Frati Minori dell'Emilia Romagna of Bologna (Italy). In order to plan an effective preservative restoration procedure and; at the same time; to investigate the manufacturing techniques; the text and the decorations on the magic scrolls were studied and characterized. A combined approach by imaging and compositional techniques was used: Infrared Reflectography (IRR) for the preliminary characterization of the graphic supports and the identification of the points to sample the chemical measurements; and the spectroscopic analyses to clarify the hypothesized investigations and confirm the chemical composition of the inks. In particular; Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy has provided information relating to the molecular composition of inks and pigments; while a characterization of the constituent elements is obtained with the Ion Beam Analysis (IBA). The ink composition proved to be consistent with data generally documented in the literature and contributing to the expansion of knowledge on Ethiopian magic scrolls and their production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the different forms of art, the puppet theatre constitutes a long-standing and often little-known tradition. The use of puppets as support for acting dates back to the Greek age, and it was mainly developed during the modern period. The reason for such a large diffusion was due to the possibility of using affordable materials, such as papier-mâché, for the puppets' manufacture. In this paper, a method based on the combined use of pulsed thermography (PT) and mid-wave infrared reflectography (MIR) is, for the first time, proposed for the characterization of papier-mâché artworks. In particular, some puppets belonging to the collection of the Museo delle Civiltà in Rome and made by Olga Lampe Minelli, a 20th-century puppet master, were investigated in order to detect damaged areas, such as those affected by insect attacks, and, consequently, to specifically plan suitable restoration works. Finally, the investigations were also carried out after the restoration to evaluate the effectiveness of the adopted treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Children with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) have a milder clinical course than adults. We describe the spectrum of cardiovascular manifestations during a COVID-19 outbreak in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Methods A cross-sectional multicenter study was performed, including all patients diagnosed with Kawasaki disease (KD), myocarditis, and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) from February to April 2020. KD patients were compared with those diagnosed before the epidemic. Results KD: 8 patients (6/8 boys, all negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 [SARS-CoV-2]): complete presentation in 5/8, 7/8 immunoglobulin (IVIG) responders, and 3/8 showed transient coronary lesions (CALs). Myocarditis: one 5-year-old girl negative for SARS-CoV-2 and positive for parvovirus B19. She responded to IVIG. MIS-C: 4 SARS-CoV-2-positive boys (3 patients with positive swab and serology and 1 patient with negative swab and positive serology): 3 presented myocardial dysfunction and pericardial effusion, and 1 developed multicoronary aneurysms and hyperinflammation; all responded to treatment. The fourth boy had mitral and aortic regurgitation that rapidly regressed after steroids. Conclusions KD, myocarditis, and MIS-C were distinguishable cardiovascular manifestations. KD did not show a more aggressive form compared with previous years: coronary involvement was frequent but always transient. MIS-C and myocarditis rapidly responded to treatment without cardiac sequelae despite high markers of myocardial injury at the onset, suggesting a myocardial depression due to systemic inflammation rather than focal necrosis. Evidence of actual or previous SARS-CoV-2 infection was documented only in patients with MIS-C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most frequent cause of acquired heart disease in children in high-income countries because of coronary artery involvement. Risk factors for coronary lesions can vary in consideration of different genetic background and environmental factors. Methods: Multicenter retrospective and prospective study including 372 consecutive children (58% boys; mean age 34.3 ± 30.3 months, Caucasian 85%) was diagnosed with KD. We divided the cohort into 2 groups according to the presence of coronary anomalies (CAA) and aneurysms. We compared the groups and studied the risk factors for CAA and for aneurysms, the most severe lesions. Results: Children with CAA were 91/372 (24.46%, aneurysms 20/372, 5.37%). Children with CAA were more likely to have a longer duration of fever (p < 0.001), later day of treatment (p < 0.001), to be IVIG non-responders and late treated (p < 0.001), while age, clinical presentation, and seasonality were not different. They also had significantly higher WBC and neutrophils, lower lymphocytes, Hb and Na during the acute stage, and slower resolution of inflammation. Age, IVIG unresponsiveness, and presence of non-coronary cardiac findings were independent risk factors for CAA and for aneurysms, while neutrophils just for CAA. Age under 6 months was a risk factor for the aneurysm. Aneurysms occurred more frequently in the first quartile of the age of KD onset (under 14 months). Conclusion: Very young children with non-coronary cardiac findings are at increased risk for a more severe form of KD with aneurysms. These children could benefit from adjunctive therapy beside IVIG, especially if they have higher markers of inflammation, particularly neutrophils. Key points • Risk factors for coronary lesions can vary in consideration of different genetic background and environmental factors. • Risk factors for coronary involvement have been extensively studied in the Asian population, and others have been validated in cohorts with mixed ethnicities. • In our predominantly Caucasian population, non-coronary cardiac findings, age younger than 6 months, and IVIG unresponsiveness are independent risk factors for a more severe form of KD with aneurysms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, an experimental method based on the use of pulsed thermography is proposed for the depth-resolved characterization of double-layered structures of cultural heritage items. A quantitative evaluation of the inspected features was achieved by comparing thermographic data with theoretical predictions provided by specifically developed theoretical models for the analysis of the thermographic signal. In this respect, thermographic models for both optically opaque and semi-transparent materials were employed to analyze the results obtained in copper alloys and paper-based original artworks, respectively. Thermographic inspections aimed at establishing the procedure adopted for the application of insertions in ancient bronze statues are presented. Finally, the evaluation of the depth position of graphical features buried beneath leaves of historical books is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Numerical model for solution of heat diffusion equation. • Thermographic investigation in optically semi-transparent materials. • Non-destructive detection of graphic features buried in cultural heritage artefacts. • Selective configurations for optical and thermal properties investigation in paper. In this paper, infrared thermography is applied to the quantitative characterization of optically semi-transparent media by using a newly introduced mathematical model. The method is specifically aimed to the detection and evaluations in graphic features buried beneath the surface of some particular kind of cultural heritage artefacts, such as books and documents. A numerical approach based on the finite element method, is proposed for solving the model equations. The computed thermographic signal depends on different inspected material physical properties, which have been selectively evaluated by comparing the theoretical results with the experimental ones in specifically designed test samples. Thereafter, the model is applied to the analysis of the results obtained in the case of graphic elements buried within samples constituted by the same previously characterized materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since resistance to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is associated with coronary lesions (CALs) in Kawasaki disease (KD), it is crucial to identify patients at risk to protect them from coronary involvement. The available risk scores to predict IVIG resistance were developed in Asian populations in whom their effectiveness has been proven, but data on non-Asian children are limited. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability of the Kobayashi, Egami, and Formosa risk scores to predict IVIG resistance and CALs in Italian patients with KD. A multicenter retrospective analysis involving children with KD diagnosed between 2000 and 2015 was carried out: 257 patients were enrolled (57.9% boys, 89.9% Caucasian); 43 patients were IVIG resistant (16.7%). The scores have low sensitivity and specificity in predicting IVIG resistance: respectively, KS 64% and 62.5%, ES 41.4% and 77.4%, and FS 70.8% and 44.9%. The predictive value of the 3 scores for predicting CALs was also poor.Conclusion: Kobayashi, Egami, and Formosa Scores are ineffective in predicting IVIG resistance and coronary involvement in a predominantly Caucasian cohort. A specific score system for mostly Caucasian children with KD is needed enable the early identification of those at risk for CALs who could benefit from intensified treatment. What is Known: • There are several risk scores developed in the Asian population to early identify patients with KD at risk for immunoglobulin-resistance and thus for coronary lesions. • Data are scarce on their effectiveness in non-Asian children. What is New: • We present a comprehensive analysis of the ability of 3 Asian risk scores in a cohort of mostly Caucasian children to predict immunoglobulin resistance and coronary involvement. • Low sensitivity and specificity of the Asian scores for immunoglobulin-resistance and coronary lesions suggest the need for criteria specific for different ethnicities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is a febrile systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology and the main cause of acquired heart disease among children in the developed world. To date, abdominal involvement at presentation is not recognized as a risk factor for a more severe form of the disease. Objective: To evaluate whether presenting abdominal manifestations identify a group at major risk for Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)-resistance and coronary lesions. Methods: Retrospective study of KD patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2015 in 13 pediatric units in Italy. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of abdominal manifestations at onset. We compared their demographic and clinical data, IVIG-responsiveness, coronary ectasia/aneurysms, laboratory findings from the acute and subacute phases. Results: 302 patients (181 boys) were enrolled: 106 patients with, and 196 patients without presenting abdominal features. Seasonality was different between the groups (p = 0.034). Patients with abdominal manifestations were younger (p = 0.006) and more frequently underwent delayed treatment (p = 0.014). In the acute phase, patients with abdominal presentation had higher platelet counts (PLT) (p = 0.042) and lower albuminemia (p = 0.009), while, in the subacute phase, they had higher white blood cell counts (WBC) and PLT (p = 0.002 and p < 0.005, respectively) and lower red blood cell counts (RBC) and hemoglobin (Hb) (p = 0.031 and p 0.009). Moreover, the above mentioned group was more likely to be IVIG-resistant (p < 0.005) and have coronary aneurysms (p = 0.007). In the multivariate analysis, presenting abdominal manifestations, age younger than 6 months, IVIG- resistance, delayed treatment and albumin concentration in the acute phase were independent risk factors for coronary aneurysms (respectively p<0.005, <0.005, = 0.005 and 0.009). Conclusions: This is the first multicenter report demonstrating that presenting gastrointestinal features in KD identify patients at higher risk for IVIG-resistance and for the development of coronary aneurysms in a predominantly Caucasian population. Clinical trial registration: 8/20014/O/OssN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present an application of the infrared thermography to the study of illuminations. In particular, we analyze a 15th century antiphonary from the Biblioteca Angelica of Rome to characterize the conservation state and the structure of the illuminations on the occasion of its planned restoration. We show the results achieved from the stratigraphic investigation of the gilded surface, the parchment substrate and the underdrawing. The obtained information have been, then, used to direct the necessary restoration steps and also to assess the effectiveness of the treatments by a comparative analysis of the thermograms recorded before and after the restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an opto-thermal approach based on the use of active infrared thermography (IRT) for the study of texts hidden inside the bookbinding structure of ancient books. In particular we focus our investigation on the detection and characterization of texts on paper scraps, belonging to earlier handwritten or printed leaves, used for the making of bookbindings and lying between the end papers and the cover. A qualitative description of the physical mechanisms allowing the identification of texts is proposed and a comparative analysis of the results obtained by means of different IRT experimental configurations is presented. The results show that active IRT can be a very useful tool for the detection and the identification of underlying texts whose reading can provide useful information on the specific history of ancient books. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unilateral absence of the pulmonary artery (UAPA) is a rare congenital malformation often associated with other cardiac anomalies; however it may occur as an isolated lesion. Isolated absence of the right pulmonary artery is twice more frequent than that of the left pulmonary artery. Patients with isolated UAPA are usually asymptomatic at birth; thereafter they may develop a progression of symptoms such as exercise intolerance, dyspnea, chest pain, hemoptysis and recurrent pulmonary infections. As patients may remain asymptomatic or have vague symptoms, the diagnosis of isolated UAPA can be difficult to make in infancy. Indeed, most cases described in literature are adults. Due to the rarity of neonatal presentation, there is no consensus regarding the treatment of this malformation. Case presentation: Herein, the case of a two-day-old term female infant, born after uneventful pregnancy, who required a cardiological assessment for a light murmur, is reported; an echocardiogram demonstrated an isolated unilateral absence of the right pulmonary artery, confirmed by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed 1 month after child’s birth. Besides this finding, MRI showed a slightly increased lumen and size of the main and left pulmonary arteries. The right lung was shown to be perfused by some systemic collateral arteries. In the absence of any other cardiovascular malformation, our patient did not need any treatment. As symptoms may occur later in life, a thorough clinical and cardiological follow up was immediately started. Three years later, she is still asymptomatic, showing adequate growth, without any sign of pulmonary hypertension. Conclusions: Isolated UAPA is a very rare malformation with a diverse clinical presentation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second case of neonatal presentation of UAPA reported in literature to date. We believe that our case report supports the opinion that a prompt cardiological evaluation is needed whenever a newborn shows signs and/or symptoms of cardiorespiratory concern. Any missed neonatal diagnosis of UAPA may contribute to the later age at presentation, with resultant higher risk of morbidity and mortality and greater therapeutical difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]