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The study examines the contents and the methodological and systemic guidelines concerning building facades, which are expressed in terms of morpho-typological, environmental, interactive and energy characters, according to the procedures of integrated operations with regard to the interaction with environmental, climatic and energy loads. In this respect, the study focuses on the dynamic and reactive behavior, mediation and interchange practices in relation to the control and conveyance of thermal, light and air flows, along with the calibration of components according to energy performances. The study is developed in accordance with the procedures of dematerialization, interconnection and permeability of building facades, by deepening the constituent practices of textures aimed at spatial, perceptual and evocative connections. The examination of facades relates to conceptual and experimental practices according to the development of plastic, organic and kinematic morpho-genetic processes, extended to a three-dimensional digital modeling and topology optimization aimed at calibrating performances and physical and geometric characteristics. In addition, this research considers the development of facade surfaces in communicative and interactive form as a medium for visual and mediatic transmission.

Humanity proceeds along the path of hybridization with the technological tool. The centre of gravity of the creative process moves within the computational man-tool ecosystem, with capital consequences: the instrument, like an “organ”, guides our way of thinking, designing, and planning. In this context two aspects of the process of architectural design will be explored in this chapter which requires more consideration from a methodological perspective: design optimization and architectural simulation. The optimization stage is related to the process of realizing the objective of architecture, inherently prescribing the outcome. Representation and simulation, on the other hand, are important as a tie between the concept (or an idea of the architect) and the materialization of that concept, that is, a link between the sensory and non-sensory. Both aspects are important but highlight a different side of the process.

Interaction of pathogenic bacteria with human cells is usually an essential step in the infection process. The bacterial invasion is stimulated by microbial binding to mammalian extracellular matrix proteins such as vitronectin, fibronectin or integrins. We have recently shown that some strains isolated from a clinical environment are able to grow at/or above 37°C. In particular, we demonstrated that P. fluorescens AF181 binds specifically to the surface of A549 human respiratory epithelial cells and that adhesiveness modulates the inflammatory response. In this study, the involvement of AlphaVBeta5 integrins and its respective natural ligand vitronectin (VN) in P. fluorescens AF181 adherence and invasion was examined. The host cell cytoskeleton and cellular tyrosine kinases seem to be solicited during the P. fluorescens-respiratory cell interaction; consequently, cytochalasin D and genistein decreased the bacterial adherence and internalization. Gene silencing of αv, β5 integrins and vitronectin reduced P. fluorescens adherence and internalization to A549 cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that AlphaVBeta5 integrins and their natural ligand VN are involved in P. fluorescens adherence and invasion in human epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a disease characterized by an abnormal pattern of keratinocyte growth and differentiation. Malassezia furfur forms part of the normal human skin flora. It may also be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. To define the role of M. furfur in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, we investigated how M. furfur regulates molecules involved in cell migration and proliferation. The experiments were performed using human keratinocytes and skin biopsies from M. furfur-positive and -negative psoriasis-affected patients. In addition, we examined the signal transduction mechanisms involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Western blot analysis was performed on human keratinocytes lysates treated or untreated with M. furfur and on biopsies from healthy and psoriasis patients. Signal transduction mechanisms involved were evaluated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay using the AP-1 inhibitor curcumin. RESULTS: We found that M. furfur up-regulates transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), integrin chain, and HSP70 expression in human keratinocytes via AP-1-dependent mechanism. In the biopsies of M. furfur-positive psoriasis-affected patients, an increase in TGF-beta1, integrin chains, and HSP70 expression was found. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that M. furfur can induce the overproduction of molecules involved in cell migration and hyperproliferation, thereby favoring the exacerbation of psoriasis.

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is responsible for serious infections in the immunocompromised host. Many skin lesions induced by P. aeruginosa have been described. Few investigations have been performed on the local action of P. aeruginosa components. Objectives: To shed light on the "in vivo" activity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and porins extracted from P. aeruginosa, by verifying their effects after inoculation in mouse skin through the observation of histological changes and immunohistochemical expression of collagen IV. Results: Both substances were able to induce a similar inflammatory process and a characteristics reversible change in collagen IV distribution. Interestingly, a fibroblast increase was observed at 24 h in the skin treated with porins, while it appeared later in the skin treated with LPS. Besides these changes, porins particularly increased collagen edema, together with disgregation of hypodermal structures. Moreover "in vitro", porins were able to stimulate fibloblasts 3T3 to convert 72 kDa type IV collagenase into the activated 62 kDa form and to release the 92 kDa collagenase. Conclusion: LPS and porins, released by Gram-negative bacteria during cell growth and lysis, interact with the host at target cells, such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts and immunocompetent cells, thus contributing significantly to the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa skin infections.

The article explores the social and financial importance of assuring quality social services to the elderly in Portugal who are experiencing poverty. It discusses the policy intervention of the European Union (EU) in Portugal which aims to combat poverty and social exclusion among the elderly. It cites the positive effects of institutional interventions which can promote active ageing and participation in social life. It also discusses the role of social services in promoting active ageing.

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (l? aeruginosa) is responsible for serious infections in the immunocompromised host. Many skin lesions induced by P. aeruginosa have been described. Few investigations have been performed on the local action of i? aeruginosa components. Objectives: To shed light on the "in vivo" activity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and porins extracted from i? aeruginosa, by verifying their effects after inoculation in mouse skin through the observation of histological changes and immunohistochemical expression of collagen IV. Results: Both substances were able to induce a similar inflammatory process and a characteristic reversible change in collagen IV distribution. Interestingly, a fibroblast increase was observed at 24 h in the skin treated with porins, while it appeared later in the skin treated with LPS. Besides these changes, porins particularly increased collagen edema, together with disgregation of hypodermal structures. Moreover "in vitro", porins were able to stimulate fibloblasts 3T3 to convert 72 kDa type IV collagenase into the activated 62 kDa form and to release the 92 kDa collagenase. Conclusion: LPS and porins, released by Gram-negative bacteria during cell growth and lysis, interact with the host at target cells, such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts and immunocompetent cells, thus contributing significantly to the pathogenesis of l? aeruginosa skin infections.

Pseudomonas fluorescens is a Gram-negative bacterium generally considered of scarce clinical significance. However, in the last few years, the isolation of P. fluorescens as the causative agent of nosocomial infections has rapidly increased. P. fluorescens is a psychrophile microorganism which grows at an optimal temperature of 25-30 degrees Celcius. In spite of this constraint, it has recently been reported that the human physiological temperature does not appear to be a barrier for this microorganism. In this study we examined the ability of P. fluorescens, grown at 28 degrees C or at 37 degrees C, to adhere to cultured human A549 pulmonary cells and to form biofilm. The ability of P. fluorescens to induce expression of proinflammatory cytokines, beta-defensin 2 and the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 was also investigated. Our results clearly indicate that inflammatory mediators are induced when the microorganism is grown at a lower temperature, while biofilm is formed only at 37 degrees C. The results presented are consistent with previous reports indicating P. fluorescens as an opportunistic pathogen and underscore the urgent need for further studies to better characterize the virulence of this microorganism.