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L’Organizzazione Mondiale della Sanità (OMS) ha recentemente stigmatizzato l’abitudine al fumo come una delle più gravi emergenze sanitarie globali. I dispositivi elettronici per il rilascio di nicotina (DERN), o sigarette elettroniche (e-cigs) sono state immesse sul mercato proprio con lo scopo di fornire al soggetto fumatore la possibilità di assumere nicotina esalando vapore, da un sistema che non prevede la combustione, e proposti al pubblico come metodi a “ridotto rischio per la salute”. Largamente diffusi, specialmente tra i più giovani, in alcuni paesi sono stati addirittura inclusi nei programmi integrati di lotta al tabagismo. Tuttavia, ad oggi, alcuni prestigiosi enti scientifici come il National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) ha ribadito come i dati sui possibili effetti tossicologici siano ancora limitati esortando la comunità scientifica a condurre studi indipendenti. Negli ultimi anni il nostro gruppo di ricerca ha studiato alcuni aspetti tossicologici associati all’esposizione dei vapori di e-cigs nel modello animale. Abbiamo rilevato aldeidi tossiche nello svapato e nei polmoni di ratto esposto per 4 settimane ed è stato osservato un marcato incremento degli enzimi del metabolismo degli xenobiotici, elevate concentrazione di radicali liberi (ROS), e una inattivazione dei principali enzimi antiossidanti in linea con i marcatori di danno ossidativo a livello sistemico e d’organo (DNA, lipidi, proteine). Test di mutagenesi effettuati su sangue e urine (comet, micronulcei, Ames) hanno evidenziato la potenzialità genotossica associata all’esposizione di e-cig. E’ interessante notare come i risultati delle analisi emocitometriche mostrino l’andamento tipico di pazienti affetti da brocopneumopatie ostruttive (COPD), con un marcato aumento dei neutrofili. I nostri studi hanno inoltre dimostrato come la scelta dell’atomizzatore, quindi del valore di resistenza applicata al sistema, sia inversamente associato alle concentrazioni di ROS e composti carbonilici rilasciati come formaldeide, acetaldeide e acroleina, indipendentemente dal voltaggio applicato. I dati in vivo confermano l’ipotesi di una tossicità direttamente dipendente dal tipo di atomizzatore scelto dal consumatore a parità di condizioni sperimentali. I risultati evidenziano inoltre come resistenze sub-Ohmiche producano un danno più marcato all’epitelio tracheale, mentre a livello polmonare, le immagini di microscopia elettronica mostrano come passando da un atomizzatore a resistenza di 1,5 Ohm a valori sub-Ohmici, il conseguente aumento del vattaggio determini una riduzione del numero e diametro dei bronchioli, fino ad una marcata disorganizzazione del parenchima polmonare con collasso alveolare, presenza di cellule in apoptosi e necrosi. Nel complesso, i risultati suggeriscono come l’utilizzo di e-cig possa costituire un serio rischio per la salute e che la personalizzazione del dispositivo e le modalità di utilizzo influenzino significativamente il rilascio di composti tossici e l’impatto sul sistema respiratorio.

Numerosi studi sperimentali suggeriscono un ruolo chemiopreventivo della vitamina E (VE) nei confronti di numerose patologie tumorali incluso il cancro alla prostata (CA). Tuttavia, le evidenze epidemiologiche più recenti non confermano tale ipotesi, e lo studio clinico SELECT ha addirittura evidenziato un aumento dell’incidenza di CA alla prostata in pazienti sani al momento dell’arruolamento, ai quali era stata somministrata VE giornalmente alla dose di 400 UI/die. Essendo noto in letteratura come alcune isoforme del citocromo P450 (CYP) siano sovra espresse in lesioni prostatiche maligne, e che la VE, agisca come induttore del CYP in alcuni tessuti, abbiamo ipotizzato che l’aumento dell’incidenza di CA possa coinvolgere un meccanismo co-cancerogenico legato all’induzione CYP. L’esposizione a VE produce una marcata induzione del CYP in cellule epiteliali di prostata RWPE-1, incluse le isoforme responsabili dell’attivazione degli Idrocarburi Policiclici Aromatici (IPA), accompagnata da un significativo aumento delle specie reattive dell’ossigeno (ROS). Inoltre, il pathway pro-infiammatorio COX-2-dipendente risulta incrementato, caratteristica che si osserva in diverse forme tumorali incluso quelle che interessano la prostata. Il fenomeno è stato confermato nel modello animale; è stato osservato un aumento delle monoossigenasi e dell’espressione genica di alcune isoforme CYP a livello prostatico unito a una maggiore concentrazione di ROS, in linea con marcatori di danno ossidativo a livello proteico e lipidico, nella prostata di ratto. L’esposizione di cellule IMR90 a VE ha evidenziato un effetto genotossico riportando un’aumentata frequenza dei micronuclei (MN). Il potenziale co-cancerogeno di VE è stato poi confermato dallo studio della trasformazione cellulare mediate l’uso di cellule BALB/c 3T3. Cellule pre-incubate con VE e successivamente esposte a benzo[a]pirene mostrano un significativo incremento della frequenza di trasformazione rispetto a quello senza della vitamina. Il presente studio dimostra come la VE possa, in determinate condizioni, agire come co-cancerogeno tramite un meccanismo CYP-dipendente, causando danno al DNA e promovendo la trasformazione cellulare.

In this paper we report an experimental study to assess the process of Sr-isotope uptake from the soil and its transfer to the grapevine and then to the wine made through micro-vinification. The experimental work has been carried out with a deep control of the boundary conditions (i.e., type of soil, geologic substratum, ground water supply, etc.) on 11 selected vine-plant sites over a period of four harvest years. Sr-isotopes have been determined on grape-bunches, grapevine sap, on the bioavailable fraction of the soil, on bulk soil, and on the rocks of the substratum. No significant Sr-isotope variability has been observed among micro-vinifications from different harvest years. A slight but significant Sr-isotope variability occurred among wines from rows embedded on different soil type. The Sr-isotope data on micro-vinifications well match those of grapevine sap and bioavailable fraction of soils, all of them falling well within the whole geological range of the bedrock, despite an evident decoupling between bioavailable fraction, whole soils and bedrocks does exist. This decoupling has been ascribed to differential geochemical behaviour of minerals in response to pedogenetic processes. The findings of our experiments indicate that the biological activity of the vine is not able to change the original 87Sr/86Sr composition up-taken from the bio-available fraction of the soil. Thus, the 87Sr/86Sr of the wine is an unadulterated feature of the terroir.

An analytical protocol for high-precision, in situ microscale isotopic investigations is presented here, which combines the use of a high-performing mechanical microsampling device and high-precision TIMS measurements on micro-Sr samples, allowing for excellent results both in accuracy and precision. The present paper is a detailed methodological description of the whole analytical procedure from sampling to elemental purification and Sr-isotope measurements. The method offers the potential to attain isotope data at the microscale on a wide range of solid materials with the use of minimally invasive sampling. In addition, we present three significant case studies for geological and life sciences, as examples of the various applications of microscale 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios, concerning (i) the pre-eruptive mechanisms triggering recent eruptions at Nisyros volcano (Greece), (ii) the dynamics involved with the initial magma ascent during Eyjafjallajökull volcano’s (Iceland) 2010 eruption, which are usually related to the precursory signals of the eruption, and (iii) the environmental context of a MIS 3 cave bear, Ursus spelaeus. The studied cases show the robustness of the methods, which can be also be applied in other areas, such as cultural heritage, archaeology, petrology, and forensic sciences.

The active volcano of Ischia, the well-known island off-shore the city of Naples, has had a discontinuous volcanic activity characterised by caldera-forming paroxysmal eruptions, lava flows, and lava domes for >150 kyr. The overall geochemical composition of erupted magmas includes shoshonite, latite, and trachyte/trachyphonolite. In a complementary study, we demonstrated that the evolution of Ischia trachytes with Sr 10 wt.% outcrop a few kilometers apart at Procida island, and suggest that the evolved latites and trachytes at Ischia might have originated by crustal assimilation processes affecting Procida basalts. However, Energy Constrained Assimilation and Fractional Crystallisation modelling sets robust constraints against this hypothesis and provide geochemical arguments for a pristine mantle-derived radiogenic isotope signature for trachytes and latites, implying that they also evolved from parental basaltic magmas in a closed-system environment akin to trachytes with Sr

To assess the beneficial or harmful effects of systemic prophylactic antibiotics at extraction of teeth, apart from third molars, vs no antibiotic or placebo administration. Furthermore, if antibiotics are beneficial, to determine which type, dosage, duration and timing of administration is the most effective.The Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (to 30 January 2016) and MEDLINE (1 January 1950 to 30 January 2016) were searched. There were no language or date restrictions placed on the searches of the electronic databases. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of parallel group design, with a follow-up of at least 2 weeks, comparing the administration of various prophylactic antibiotic regimens vs no antibiotics to people undergoing extraction of teeth, not including third molars, were included. Outcome measures were postoperative complications/adverse events, post-operative pain and swelling. Screening of eligible studies, assessment of the risk of bias of the trials and data extraction were conducted in triplicate by three independent review authors. Results were to be expressed as risk ratios (RRs) using a random-effects model for dichotomous outcomes, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity, including both clinical and methodological factors, was to be investigated.No relevant RCT was identified.There is no RCT to determine if the antibiotic therapy is needed at extraction of teeth, excluding third molars. Properly designed and conducted RCTs are needed to understand the role of the antibiotic therapy for tooth extraction. Conflict-of-interest statement: This systematic review was self-funded and the authors have no conflict of interests to declare.

Odontología

La ricostituzione della filiera produttiva e la tracciabilità dell’intero percorso degli alimenti dalla produzione alla vendita sono divenuti una parte essenziale della ricerca nel campo dell’agroalimentare, soprattutto per gli alimenti di pregio. Tra questi il vino è sicuramente il prodotto che è stato oggetto di maggiore attenzione, anche in considerazione del progressivo sviluppo dei marchi DOC e DOCG e dell’importanza economica assunta dal concetto di Terroir, che ne definisce l’inscindibile legame con il territorio come elemento determinante per la sua valorizzazione economica. La comunità scientifica e gli organismi internazionali hanno dedicato grande attenzione alla messa a punto di metodologie scientifiche e tecnologie idonee alla certificazione di qualità dei vini di pregio. Le analisi dei rapporti isotopici di elementi leggeri (idrogeno, carbonio e ossigeno) sono diffusamente utilizzate per il controllo dell’autenticità del vino e sono state inserite in regolamenti CEE e nazionali. Quest’analisi non è tuttavia risolutiva per il riconoscimento e la tracciabilità geografica del vino a causa della loro forte dipendenza da fattori climatici locali e dall’andamento atmosferico stagionale. Per questo motivo la ricerca si è indirizzata verso lo studio di elementi caratteristici del sistema substrato/suolo di provenienza con l’obiettivo di risalire dalla composizione chimico-fisica del prodotto vino al suo areale (territorio) d’origine. Infatti la composizione chimica e isotopica della matrice inorganica è legata alla natura del suolo di impianto della vigna, che eredita le proprie caratteristiche composizionali e qualitative direttamente dal substrato geologico e dunque può rappresentare la sua impronta digitale e fornire uno strumento efficace per la sua tracciabilità.

PURPOSE: 1) To test a new perfusion device able to alternate demineralizing/nondemineralizing solutions, as an acid attack system, and 2) to standardize the dentin demineralization procedure, in order to define the in vitro secondary caries inhibiting potential of different restorative materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A fluoride-containing adhesive/composite resin (group A), an experimental adhesive/composite resin (group B), and a glass-ionomer cement (group C) were used to restore 24 Class II cavities in extracted molars. Optimal conditions to obtain dentin demineralization inside the perfusion device were identified and applied to restored teeth. Dentin demineralization after perfusion was analyzed by microradiography. The output parameters were lesion morphology, dentin mineral volume percentage, and integrated mineral loss (Delta Z, % volume x microm) of the exposed (outer lesions) and marginal (inner lesions or caries inhibition zones, CIZs) dentin. RESULTS: Demineralization increased as follows: group A < group B < group C. Group A behaved better than group B, probably due to fluoride content, as indicated by Delta-Z values, higher number of CIZs, and few inner lesions. Group C showed a marginal protective effect, demonstrated by the frequent CIZs and Delta-Z positive values. This effect, however, was unable to reduce the high demineralization, probably due to the critical handling characteristics, inducingthe worst marginal adaptation. CONCLUSION: A new dynamic perfusion device was tested and a reproducible procedure was standardized in order to achieve in vitro conditions that could better simulate the pH changes of oral environment. A limited fluoride protective effect was demonstrated by using the perfusion system, whereas a perfect marginal adaptation was shown as a paramount factor to prevent restoration failure.

The Roccamonfina Volcano is characterised by a two stage volcanic activity, divided by volcano- tectonic collapses. Ultrapotassic leucite-bearing rocks are confined in the pre-caldera stage and display geochemical characteristics very similar to those of other volcanoes of the Roman Province. Shoshonitic rocks have been poured out from cinder cones and domes both within the caldera and on the external flanks of the pre-caldera Roccamonfina volcano. On the basis of new trace element and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope data, Roccamonfina shoshonitic rocks show differences with respect to shoshonites from Northern Roman Province, and recall closely those of the Neapolitan volcanoes. Eventually, in the very last phases of volcanic activity, sub-alkaline magmas are found both as enclaves in trachytic domes, and as final lavas vented by a fracture within the Monte Santa Croce dome. Ultrapotassic rocks that built up the pre-caldera composite volcano are plagioclase-bearing leucitites and, similarly to other Roman Provinces volcanoes, have by high levels of incompatible trace elements with an orogenic signature having troughs at Ba, Ta, Nb, Ta, and Ti, and peaks at Cs, K, Th, U, and Pb. Initial values of 87Sr/86Sr range from 0.709261 to 0.709987, of 143Nd/144Nd range from 0.512134 to 512195, of 206Pb/204Pb range from 18.788 to 18.851, of 207Pb/204Pb range from 15.685 to 15.701, and of 208Pb/204Pb range from 39.048 to 39.076. Shoshonites show a larger differentiation degree but, as a whole, lower levels of incompatible trace elements with similar pattern of incompatible trace element contents with respect to earlier ultrapotassic leucite-bearing rocks. On the other hand, shoshonitic rocks have Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopes consistently different than pre-caldera ultrapotassic leucite-bearing rocks. 87Sr/86Sr ranges from 0.706604 to 0.708332, 143Nd/144Nd ranges from 0.512179 to 0.512382, 206Pb/204Pb ranges from 18.838 to 19.153, 207Pb/204Pb ranges from 15.661 to 15.694, and 208Pb/204Pb ranges from 38.999 to 39.212. High-K calc-alkaline samples have intermediate isotopic values between ultrapotassic plagioclase leucitites and shoshonites, but the lowest levels of incompatible trace element contents. The genesis of this uncommon association is investigated in details. It is argued that ultrapotassic magmas have been generated in a modified lithospheric mantle after crustal- derived metasomatism. Interaction between metasomatic agent and lithospheric upper mantle produced a low-melting metasomatised veined network. Pure partial melting of vein mineralogy produced pre-caldera leucite-bearing ultrapotassic magmas. Leucite-free magmas have been generated further melting, at higher temperature, of the same meltasomatic mantle previously depleted by the ectraction of ultrapotassic rocks. We suggest that a key role in this second episode of melting is played by little but significant addition of astenospheric upper mantle material from foreland mantle, flowing through the corner of the Ionian present day subducted slab during its roll-back

Osservare i territori in contrazione attraverso la pratica del cammino, permette di esperire le sfumature che caratterizzano questi territori posti ai margini: in questo contributo si osserva la dimensione dell'inselvatichimento. Che si tratti di aree urbane dismesse, di aree rurali non più coltivate o di aree montane troppo complesse per rispondere alla competitività produttiva di territori più accessibili, nel momento in cui l'essere umano rallenta i processi di continua trasformazione del suolo e dei significati, il selvatico si riappropria degli spazi dimenticati. Si propone così uno sguardo sulle diverse realtà in cui il selvatico ri-appare e si prova a considerarlo come un nuovo soggetto possibile in quello che è stato chiamato "il secolo urbano". Observing the shrinking territories through the practice of walking allows us to experience the nuances that characterize territories placed on the margins: in this contribution I observe the dimension of re-wilding. Whether it is dismissed urban areas, rural areas no longer cultivated or mountain areas too complex to respond to the productive competitiveness of more accessible territories, when human beings slow down the processes of continuous transformation of the soil, the wild takes back the forgotten spaces. Thus I propose to observe the different realities in which the re-wilding processes appear and I try to consider the wild as a new possible subject in what has been called "the urban century".

Il saggio riflette sul tema della Temporaneità considerata, ormai, prassi strettamente connessa a quello dell’urban shrinkage, condizione centrale nel dibattito scientifico quanto nell’agenda politica di diverse città europee. Dagli anni ’90 a livello globale, nelle città e nei territori abbondano i luoghi dell’abbandono e dell’inutilizzato che ci restituiscono uno scenario di progressiva contrazione non solo demografica ma anche economica e sociale. In questo controverso quadro di mutazione strutturale delle città e dei territori si stanno sperimentando strategie, strumenti e schemi di governance efficaci per governare la decrescita e l’abbandono il cui comun denominatore è il ricorso all’uso temporaneo. Tale modalità d’uso dello spazio è diventato un vero e proprio trend urbano rivestendo, contestualmente, sempre più centralità tanto nel dibattito scientifico quanto in quello politico, traducendosi in innumerevoli pratiche che stanno ridisegnando i paesaggi dell’abbandono. Tali esperienze possono essere considerate occasioni per ridefinire gli immaginari urbani? O per sperimentare nuove forme di produzione di pubblico e restituire centralità alle comunità locali nei processi di riconversione e trasformazione urbana? Il saggio si propone di dare una risposta a tali quesiti. The essay reflects on the theme of Temporariness considered a practice closely related to that of urban shrinkage, a central condition to the scientific debate and into the political agenda of several European cities. Since the 1990s globally, places of abandonment have abounded in cities, returning us to a scenario of progressive shrinkage not only demographic but also economic and social. In this controversial framework of structural mutation of cities and territories effective strategies, tools and governance schemes are being experimented with to govern degrowth and abandonment whose common denominator is the recourse to temporary use. This mode of space use has become a real urban trend, contextually holding increasing centrality in both scientific and political debate, translating into countless practices that are reshaping the landscapes of abandonment. Can such experiences be considered opportunities to redefine urban imaginaries? Or to experiment with new forms of public production and to restore centrality to local communities in processes of urban redevelopment and transformation? The essay aims to provide an answer to these questions.

Partendo da una difficoltà che è quella di dare un nome a dimensioni che non hanno chiara definizione, il testo introduce il lavoro di indagine e di progetto sviluppato durante e in seguito al Laboratorio del Cammino 2022. In questa occasione si sono attraversati i territori in contrazione delle province di Biella e Torino e lo sguardo è stato rivolto ai/alle pionieri/e (umani e non) capaci di abitare un territorio alle volte ostile ma ricco di nuove possibilità. Starting from the effort needed to name realities that have no clear definition, the contribution introduces the field research and project work developed during and after the "Laboratorio del Cammino", 2022. On this occasion, territories in contraction were crossed in the provinces of Biella and Turin and the gaze was turned to the pioneers (human and not-human) capable of inhabiting a territory that is sometimes hostile but full of new possibilities.

Partendo dalla concezione di "rischio" e contrapponendola a quella di "azzardo", il testo introduce il lavoro di indagine e le proposte interattive nate durante e in seguito dell'esperienza del Laboratorio del cammino che nel 2021 attraversavai territori in contrazione delle province di Torino e Biella. Starting from the concept of "risk" and opposing it with that of "hazard", the text introduces the investigation work and the interactive proposals developed during and following the experience of the "Laboratorio del Cammino" which in 2021 crossed the shrinking territories of the Turin and Biella provinces.

(1) Background: It is recommended that an athlete, in order to ensure correct nutrition and performance, should consume between 1.2 and 2.0 g/kg/day of protein, while the daily recommended protein intake for a non-athlete is 0.8and 0.9 mg/kg/day. It is unclear if athletes living in Mediterranean countries are able to meet protein requirements without supplementation, since Mediterranean diet de-emphasizes meat and meat products. (2) Methods: 166 athletes (125 males) enrolled between 2017 and 2019 were required to keep a dietary journal for three consecutive days (2 workdays and 1 weekend day). Athletes had to be &gt, 18 years old, train in a particular sport activity more than 3 h a week and compete at least at an amateur level. Journal data were collected and then translated into macro-nutrient content (grams of protein, carbohydrates, and lipids) by a nutritionist. (3) Results: The protein intake reported by this specific population vary slightly from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), Dietitians of Canada (DC), and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) joint statement recommendation level. Average protein levels without protein supplementation fell within the protein guidelines. Counterintuitively, the intake among those who supplemented their diet with protein was higher compared with those who did not, even when excluding the contribution of supplements. Although the majority of subjects participating in the study were able to meet protein intake recommended for athletes without protein supplementation, 27% of athletes were below the guideline range. (4) Conclusions: these data suggest that athletes&rsquo, nutrition should be more often evaluated by a nutritionist and that they will benefit from increasing their nutritional knowledge in order to make better food choices, resorting to protein supplementation only when effectively needed.

In evolutionary terms, life on the planet has taken the form of independently living cells for the majority of time. In comparison, the mammalian radiation is a relatively recent event. The common mammalian ancestor was probably small and short-lived. The "recent" acquisition of an extended longevity and large body mass of some species of mammals present on the earth today suggests the possibility that similar cellular mechanisms have been influenced by the forces of natural selection to create a convergent evolution of longevity. Many cellular mechanisms are potentially relevant for extending longevity; in this assay, we review the literature focusing primarily on two cellular features: (1) the capacity for extensive cellular proliferation of differentiated cells, while maintaining genome stability; and (2) the capacity to detect DNA damage. We have observed that longevity and body mass are both positively linked to these cellular mechanisms and then used statistical tools to evaluate their relative importance. Our analysis suggest that the capacity for extensive cellular proliferation while maintaining sufficient genome stability, correlates to species body mass while the capacity to correctly identify the presence of DNA damage seems more an attribute of long-lived species. Finally, our data are in support of the idea that a slower development, allowing for better DNA damage detection and handling, should associate with longer life span.

A huge progress has been achieved in mammalian in vitro technique. Instead, of the many trials to develop marine invertebrate cell cultures, only a few have obtained them and only from few tissues. Since in vitro cell culture of invertebrates could be very useful for many aspects of basic and applied science, in this work we investigate and describe the development of a technique for the establishment of cell cultures from gill, mantle and gonadic tissue of the Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum). We maintained viable cultures for up to 25 days. Culture viability and proliferation were tested with 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) and with trypan blue, while an antibody against the ATP-dependent RNA helicase VASA, a protein expressed in the germline, and in multipotent stem cells of some animals, was used to verify the presence of these cell types. Following the described protocol: 1) explant resulted the better source to obtain cell cultures, when compared to enzymatic dissociation; 2) cultures of suspended cells were viable for longer period than adherent cells; 3) cell cultures obtained from tissues sampled in September-October performed better compared to other periods of the year, regarding maintenance and growth; 4) the tissue from which we obtained longer-lived cell cultures was gonadic tissue, especially form samples that show more undifferentiated germ cells and more VASA-stained cells. This study describes the challenges concerning the development of in vitro culture techniques for aquatic invertebrates.