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Purpose The aim of this study was to compare how two innovative laser titanium surfaces and sandblasted and acid-etched surfaces influence human osteoblast behavior during osteogenesis and the initial phases of bone deposition. Materials and methods Human osteoblasts from human adipose stem cells were sorted by flow cytometric analysis and induced to differentiate. After 40 days, the osteogenic differentiation was detected by alizarin red staining, and the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was evaluated with western blot (WB) and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PcR) analysis. After confluence, human osteoblasts were cultured onto two different innovative laser-obtained titanium surfaces (L1 and L2) and compared with one sandblasted and acid-etched (SBAE) surface as the control. At different times, human osteoblast behavior was evaluated with cell proliferation viability assay (MTT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive x-rays (EDAX), osteogenic markers with RT-PcR, and WB analysis of matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE), ALP, and osteocalcin (OCN). Results After cell sorting, the human osteoblasts from human adipose stem cells showed increasing values of ALP mRNA and protein expression. The osteogenic differentiation was confirmed by quantitative alizarin red staining assay. Profilometric and SEM analysis showed relevant differences between SBAE, L1, and L2 specimens. After 20 days of culture onto titanium samples, SEM evaluation showed a small number of human osteoblasts and isolated sites of bone matrix deposition in SBAE specimens. At the same time, on L1 surfaces, only an osteoblast mono-layer with initial bone deposition was found, while on L2 specimens, there was a thick network with flattened large stellate cells, many cellular interconnections with strong titanium adhesion, and a large complex mineralized structure of crystal bone. After 20 days, for all titanium samples, human osteoblasts culturing EDAX analysis showed the absence of impurities and a higher bone matrix deposition in L2 specimens compared with L1 and SBAE samples. Conclusion The innovative microtopography and nanotopography laser-induced surface showed high biocompatibility with primary human osteoblast cultures and the absence of impurities. The innovative laser texture was capable of influencing the osteogenic process, confirming the critical role of titanium surface characteristics in the cell adhesion and bone deposition during the early phases of osseointegration. The association of human adipose stem cells and titanium surfaces laser-induced with an innovative procedure could generate promising improvements and developments in orthopedics, maxillofacial, and dental implant surgery.

The Latin Colony (303 BC) of Alba Fucens (L’Aquila, Italy) is the largest archaeological area of the whole Apennines. Due to its extension, location and environmental context, the conservation of the site is particularly complex.For these reasons, in the paper a multiscale and multidisciplinary geoarchaeological study (remote sensing and UAV photogrammetry) of the site, to extract and measure morphostructural information to be associated to the environmental context, risk assessment and conservation, is reported.The study area is located on a higher geostructure with a subangular shape, which suggests a tectonic origin, with respect to the surrounding plain and bounded to the East by a large fan that takes place towards the Piana del Fucino.First, the geo-structural analysis, using the Landsat-8 and GeoEye multispectral sensors, was performed. The GeoEye satellite image allowed carrying out the morphological analysis of the archaeological area, its physical characteristics, the drainage pattern and the land use. Subsequently, after image processing of satellite data, a UAV survey was carried out in some relevant zones. Considering the UAV photogrammetry accuracy information, it was possible to extract data as map producing with several advantages (economic and time saving, minimum field work). With a multiscale and metric approach, the geomatics techniques allowed to deeply investigate some areas, creating detailed 3D models for evaluate risks and the decay. Finally, a general discussion about risk mitigation and conservation is reported.

Aim: The purpose of the study was the evaluation of the esthetic and physical changes produced on colored titanium Grade 5 (Ti6Al4V) laser treated surfaces to be used in implant dentistry for esthetic success. Materials and methods: Colored titanium surfaces were obtained with laser treatment. The physical and topographic properties were evaluated by stereo, light, and electron microscopy and profilometric analyses. L*a*b* colorimetric coordinates were measured by spectrometry, and the superficial chemical characteristics were evaluated by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Results: Within the complete palette of titanium colors, pinks (P1-P2), incarnadine (I), and white (W) obtained by laser were selected. The topography, texture, hues, saturation, roughness, and porosity of the samples were compared with those of machined (M) and sand-blasted and etched (SBAE) control surfaces. P1, P2, and I, similar in hue and roughness (Ra @ 0.5 &mu, m), had a microgroove spacing of 56 &mu, m and a decreasing porosity. The W sample with a &ldquo, checkerboard&rdquo, texture and a light color (L* 96.31) was similar to the M samples (Ra = 0.32 &mu, m), but different from SBAE (Ra = 1.41 &mu, m, L* 65.47). Discussion: The aspects of hard and soft tissue could result in an esthetic failure of the dental implant by showing the dark color of the fixture or abutment. The two different pinks and incarnadine surfaces showed favorable esthetic and physical features to promote dental implant success even in the maxillary anterior area with gingival recession, asymmetry, and deficiency. Conclusion: Titanium colored laser surfaces represent a valid alternative to those currently traditionally obtained and interesting and potential perspectives in the management of dental implants&rsquo, esthetic failure.

The archaeological site of Alba Fucens (L’Aquila, Italy) (303 BC) is the largest archaeological area of the whole Apennines. Extension, location and environmental context of the site require new methods for risk mitigation and conservation. In this paper, a multiscale geomatic approach, based on remote sensing and UAV photogrammetry, is reported. The main purpose is the extraction of architectonic and weathering information, useful for a better fruition and conservation. For a multiscale approach, very high resolution satellite images (WorldView2) and UAV Photogrammetry technique have been used. The satellite image processing, performed by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), High-pass filter, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and classification, allowed to detect buried or emerging structures and to estimate fire and erosion risks. On the other hand, UAV photogrammetry technique allowed to evaluate detailed architectural information of the buried (ima, media and summa caveae) and excavated amphitheatre structures (arena, podium and steps). Furthermore it was also possible to systematically acquire complete and reproducible data on stone materials (limestones) and their weathering (loss of stone material, natural or anthropogenic break out, deposits, efflorescences, dark or light crusts, biological colonization, granular and crumbly disintegration, flaking and fissures). With a multiscale and metric approach, the geomatic techniques allow to deeply investigate the monument-mapping and to create a detailed 3D models. In this way, the stone decay, the risks and their mechanisms can be evaluated, in order to plan and perform future actions and interventions for their mitigation.

White adipose tissue is a source of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) that are actively studied for their possible therapeutic use in bone tissue repair/remodeling. To better appreciate the osteogenic potential of these cells, we compared some properties of MSCs from human subcutaneous adipose tissue [subcutaneous-adipose stromal cells (S-ASCs)] and dental pulp stem cell (DPSCs) of third-impacted molars, the latter representing a well-established MSC source. Both undifferentiated cell types showed similar fibroblast-like morphology and mesenchymal marker expression. However, undifferentiated S-ASCs displayed a faster doubling time coupled to greater proliferation and colony-forming ability than DPSCs. Also, the osteogenic differentiation of S-ASCs was greater than that of DPSCs, as evaluated by the higher levels of expression of early osteogenic markers Runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2) and alkaline phosphatase at days 3-14 and of extracellular matrix mineralization at days 14-21. Moreover, S-ASCs showed a better colonization of the titanium scaffold. In addition, we investigated whether S-ASC osteogenic commitment was enhanced by adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) stimulation, as previously shown for DPSCs. Although A1R expression was constant during DPSC differentiation, it increased in S-ASC at day 21 from osteogenesis induction. Accordingly, A1R stimulation by the agonist 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyl-adenosine, added to the cultures at each medium change, stimulated proliferation only in differentiating DPSC and enhanced the osteogenic differentiation earlier in DPSCs than in S-ASCs. These effects were counteracted by cell pretreatment with a selective A1R antagonist. Thus, our findings suggest that S-ASCs could be advantageously used in regenerative orthopedics/dentistry, and locally released or exogenously added purines may play a role in bone repair/remodeling, even though this aspect should be more thoroughly evaluated.

This study deals with the application of two-dimensional proton nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry (2D 1H NMR-R) to the characterization of porous ceramics nearly free of magnetic compounds. Different microstructural properties were obtained by firing a diamagnetic mixture of kaolin, calcium, and magnesium carbonate over a wide range of maximum temperatures (600–1100 °C) and firing times at the maximum temperature (soaking times) (0–10 h). The 2D 1H NMR-R method relies on the correlated measurement of 1H longitudinal (T 1) and transverse (T 2) relaxation times of pore-filling water by which the properties of the interconnected pore space may be investigated. In the absence of significant magnetic susceptibility effect due to para- and ferro-magnetic compounds, the 2D 1H NMR-R maps allow studying the conjoint effects on pore size distribution and inter-pore coupling due to the variations in both time and temperature of firing. The NMR experiments were performed with a low-field 1H NMR sensor, which allows non-destructive and in situ analysis. For ceramic specimens fired at 600 and 700 °C, the fraction of smallest pores increases with firing time at the expenses of those with intermediate size. The pore shrinkage occurring at this stage, and likely associated with the transformation of kaolinite in metakaolinite, is affected in a similar way by soaking time and firing temperature, in line with the concept of equivalent firing temperature. At temperatures from 800 to 1100 °C, the structural modifications involving interconnectivity and average pore size are driven primarily by firing temperature and, secondarily, by soaking time. The 2D 1H NMR-R results are confirmed by more traditional, but destructive, mineralogical, and structural analyses like X-ray powder diffraction, helium pycnometry, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption method.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the Runt-related Transcription Factor 2 (RUNX2) protein expression role during human dental pulp development. Method: Samples of human dental papilla and dental pulp were obtained in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment from impacted third molars and tooth germs extracted at Chieti University Oral Science Department. All samples selected showed no radiographic or clinical caries evidence, periodontal disease or restoration. RUNX 2 expression was investigated performing Microarray, Western Blot and RT-PCR analysis. Microarray analysis was carried out using high density array containing 21.329 transcripts in replicates and data obtained were statistically analyzed using the S.A.M system (Significance Analysis of Microarray) and I.P.A. (Ingenuity Pathways analysis). Result: RT-PCR and Western Blot analysis data showed RUNX 2 expression was higher in human dental papilla than in dental pulp samples. Moreover, RUNX 2 were mapped to genetic networks available in the S.A.M system and IPA database and then ranked by score to show how their expression change during dental pulp development. Conclusion: In our research we observed the expression profile activity changes of RUNX2 gene family in different dental pulp maturity stages. In different tooth stage growth, the RUNX 2 gene behavior seem to play an important role as key regulator of genes family and proteins involved in human dental pulp and tooth tissues development

Aim of the present work is the characterization of mortars coming from religious, monumental and civil buildings significantly damaged by the 2009 earthquake in L’Aquila (Italy). The mortar characterization is performed in order to understand their characteristics (quality) in terms of raw materials, production and mix proportion. Moreover, in order to understand the role of the mortars in the mechanical behaviour of the masonries, non destructive mechanical tests have been performed in situ by Pin Penetration Resistance Test. The non destructive tests were correlated to the mineralogical and petrographical data. A whole characterization of the mortars is in fact fundamental, according to the last national technical standards, to reach adequate levels of knowledge as well as factors of confidence in order to design a proper structural project.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the different behavior of 3-dimensional biomaterial scaffolds-Bovine Bone (BB; Bio-Oss) and Hydroxyapatite (HA; ENGIpore)-during initial bone healing and development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human dental papilla stem cells (hDPaSCs) were selected with FACsorter cytofluorimetric analysis, cultured with osteogenic medium, and analyzed with Alizarin red stained after differentiation. The obtained osteoblast-like cells (OCs) were cultured with BB and HA. alkaline phosphatase (ALP), OC, MEPE, and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) expression markers were investigated performing Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. After 40 days, samples were analyzed by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: All the samples showed high in vitro biocompatibility and qualitative differences of OCs adhesion. RT-PCR and Western blot data exhibited similar marker rate, but ALP, OC, MEPE, and RUNX2expression, during initial healing and bone regeneration phase, was higher and faster in human dental papilla onto BB than in HA scaffolds. In biomaterials growth, RUNX2 seems to play an important role as a key regulator in human OCs from dental papilla bone development. CONCLUSION: Different surface BB scaffold characteristics seem to play a critical role in OCs differentiation showing different time of bone regeneration morphological characteristics as well as higher and faster levels of all observed markers. "To evaluate the different behavior of 3-dimensional biomaterial scaffolds-Bovine Bone (BB; Bio-Oss) and Hydroxyapatite (HA; ENGIpore)-during initial bone healing and development.. MATERIALS AND METHODS:. Human dental papilla stem cells (hDPaSCs) were selected with FACsorter cytofluorimetric analysis, cultured with osteogenic medium, and analyzed with Alizarin red stained after differentiation. The obtained osteoblast-like cells (OCs) were cultured with BB and HA. alkaline phosphatase (ALP), OC, MEPE, and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) expression markers were investigated performing Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. After 40 days, samples were analyzed by light and electron microscopy.. RESULTS:. All the samples showed high in vitro biocompatibility and qualitative differences of OCs adhesion. RT-PCR and Western blot data exhibited similar marker rate, but ALP, OC, MEPE, and RUNX2expression, during initial healing and bone regeneration phase, was higher and faster in human dental papilla onto BB than in HA scaffolds. In biomaterials growth, RUNX2 seems to play an important role as a key regulator in human OCs from dental papilla bone development.. CONCLUSION:. Different surface BB scaffold characteristics seem to play a critical role in OCs differentiation showing different time of bone regeneration morphological characteristics as well as higher and faster levels of all observed markers."

Renal Calculosis of Pandolfo III Malatesta (1370-1427) Valentina Giuffra, PhD, Luca Ventura, MD, Simona Minozzi, PhD, Agata Lunardini, Raimondo Quaresima, Lorenzo Arrizza, Gino Fornaciari, MD Division of Paleopathology, History of Medicine and Bioethics, Department of Oncology, Transplants and Advanced Technologies in edicine, University of Pisa, Italy; Department of Pathology, San Salvatore Hospital, L’Aquila, Italy; Department of Chemistry, hemical Engineering and Materials, University of L’Aquila, Italy; Centre of Electronic Microscopy, University of L’Aquila, Italy.

Self-assembled monolayers (SA.Ms) are ordered organic films formed by adsorption of an active organic coating on a so/id surface. Their formation provides an alternative. highly innovative, to current traditional chemical treatments of the titanium surfaces. Far this reason the structural phases, the formation and the growth of SAMs is describedfrom a surface science point of view. Particulars are given to SAJ!/s on titanium concerning surface morphology, chemical composition and affìnity of specifìc head group far Ti surfaces (silanes, siloxane, phosphonates and phosphates). Preparation, coating methodologies, limitations and techniques used far the characteri=ation of SAMs are reported. For their physicochemical characteristics and micro-nano scale features some perspectives of using SAMs in biomedi­ ca! application are outlined.

Arslantepe is located in the Malatya plain (Eastern Anatolia), an oasis in the Anti-Taurus Mountains, 15 km south-west of the River Euphrates. The site is an artificial mound (tell), approximately 30 m high and covering a surface of 4 ha, formed by the overlapping deposits of many occupations, built for millennia in the same place. Arslantepe has been occupied without interruption at least from the sixth millennium BC until the Roman and Byzantine periods (Fourth to sixth centuries AD).

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to investigate human osteoblast-like cell behavior and growth in the presence of 3 different titanium implant surfaces. MATERIALS: Human stem cells were first obtained and then sorted by fluorescence-activated cell sorter from mesenchymal stem cell clusters of human dental papilla. The obtained human dental papilla stem cells were induced to differentiate into osteoblast-like cells and were then analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses. The cells proliferated and were cultured onto 3 different titanium discs (sandblasted, sandblasted and large-grit acid-etched, and full contact coverage [FCC]) and analyzed by scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: In all analyses samples, a high cell activity was observed, with typical osteoblast mature morphostructural response on rough surface. The high number of osteoblast-like cells was found on titanium FCC discs. At the same time, scanning electron microscope analysis confirmed the high biocompatibility of this surface. CONCLUSION: The rapid maturation of the osteoblast-like cells on FCC titanium surface suggests that this structure could play a central role during initial phases of bone healing processes.

Water and milk of lime are usually adopted for conservative surfaces treatments, thanks to the conversion of lime into calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate is, as a matter of fact, very compatible with many carbonatic lithotypes and architectonic surfaces, because its characteristics are very similar to those of the materials to be restored. But there are some limiting aspects to treatments effectiveness: the reduced penetration depth, the binder concentration and the incompleteness carbonatation process. In order to improve lime treatments, Ca(OH) 2 particles with submicrometric dimensions (nanolimes) are recently introduced in Cultural Heritage conservation. Lime nanoparticles are typically produced by a chemical precipitation process in supersaturated aqueous solutions of the reactants (calcium chloride and sodium hydroxide). The aim of the present work is to analyse the nanolime carbonatation process in relation to some parameters, like time and the relative humidity conditions. For this scope, lime nanoparticles are therefore synthesised and characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM–TEM), electron diffraction measurements (ED) and dark field images (DFI). The possibility to improve the nanolime carbonatation process is investigated using an alcoholic suspension and by adding a baking soda solution in order to disaggregate particles and to increase CO 2 content in the suspension respectively. The efficiency of the nanolime carbonatation process is reported too. After that the lime nanoparticles are applied on natural lithotypes (“ Estoril ” and “ Pietra Serena ”) and some tests are performed in order to estimate the superficial consolidating and protective effect of the treatment: “Scotch Tape Test”, capillarity and imbibition tests. SEM analyses are performed to evaluate penetration depth and surface adhesion of nanolime treatments.

In the present paper, a study on laboratory scale to perform a treatment for valuable metals recovery from electronic and galvanic industrial wastes, is reported. The characterisation of the waste, performed by XRD, SEM, EDX and chemical analysis, showed a high metals content in the sludge, such as Cu, Ni, Mn, Pb, Sn, W. A leaching process, coupled by electrowinning, is then proposed in order to reduce the volume of the waste material and to recover selectively valuable metals, such as Cu and Ni. During the leaching step, carried out by using H2SO4, several factors were investigated (acid concentration, temperature and time of treatment). The leached liquor has been successfully treated with an electrowinning process, to recover copper and nickel. The copper and nickel depositions, were performed in acid and alkaline conditions, respectively. The Faraday yield was of about 95%. The energy consumption was 2.13 kWh and 4.43 kWh per kg of copper and nickel recovered, respectively. At the end of the process, about 94-99% of the initial content of Cu and Ni was recovered at the cathode. The experimental results obtained, showed the technical feasibility of the process.

Lichens are ubiquitous organisms formed by symbiotic associations of fungal hyphas and algae that also grow under often extreme environmental conditions. They produce secondary metabolites, the so-called lichen substances, whose structural characterization can give an important contribution to lichen taxonomy. Lichens are also widely employed as biomonitors of atmospheric pollution; being epiphyte organisms they tend, in fact, to accumulate exogenous compounds. Moreover, it could be questioned if the environmental stress alters their secondary metabolites production. Therefore, a new strategy for the analysis of the organic substances absorbed or metabolized by lichens has been developed. This method exploits the dry solid-phase microextraction (SPME) headspace technique coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Lichens coating the stone surfaces of monuments, located in small towns between high mountains and far away from urban environments, have been investigated. In the field of cultural heritage, this study can contribute to the knowledge of the state of conservation of outdoor exposed historical monuments.

Black organic films, which had accumulated over ages on stone monuments in ancient villages located in the Apennines in central Italy, were solvent-extracted and the extracts analyzed by capillary gas chromatography. The overall procedure, selection of the monuments and patina extraction followed by chromatographic analysis and processing of the data, was developed with the purpose of establishing a new methodology for clusterization of ancient monuments located in the same geographic area, or even of different parts of the same monument, according to the chemical substances deposited on their surfaces. This concept relies on the assumption that the black crusts present on the monument surface represent a chemical memory of the work of art itself, related to its history, topological location, and exposure to environmental conditions. Selection of the most appropriate extraction solvent, as well as treatment of the chromatographic data, was carried out with the aid of multivariate chemometric methods to obtain classification models.

A study on the biosorption of toxic metals (copper, nickel and lead) by a species of Arthrobacter sp. bacterium is reported in this work. Arthrobacter sp was tested as a biosorbing material free in solution and immobilised in a polymeric matrix of polyhydroxoethylmethacrylate. The equilibrium of the process was in all cases well described by the Langmuir isotherm. In the case of immobilised biomass, the Shrinking Core Model has been used for the fitting of experimental data. A good fit has been found in the case of controlling intraparticle diffusion in all experimental trials. A membrane process represents an alternative to immobilisation in polymeric matrices, which might be too expensive. A simulation has been performed by combining equilibrium data obtained in equilibrium biosorption trials and material balances in a membrane module. The simulation showed the technical feasibility of the biosorption process where biomass is confined inside the reactor by an appropriate membrane.

This study deals with the durability of immobilization matrices, drawing comparisons among the release characteristics of cementitious mortars with or without silica fume, before and after freezing-thawing cycles. Three different dosages of silica fume have been experimented, using silica fume as a substitute of cement. The results obtained from the leaching tests have emphasized, in all the matrices which had undergone the freeze-thaw cycles, an increase of the percentage of tracer released with respect to the same matrices before the freezing-thawing cycles. As a consequence of the freezing-thawing cycles, the velocity of release has also increased in all the experimented matrices. However, the tests have reconfirmed the positive effect of the addition of silica fume.

Copper methacrylate undergoes high-yield copolymerization with hydroxiethylmethacrylate in the presence of 1,1,1-tris(hydroximethyl)propane trimethacrylate under γ-rays irradiation at room temperature. The bluish-green materials are characterized by bulk expanded volume measurements and infrared and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and appear to be able to slowly release an appreciable percentage of the metal center embodied in the polymer network.

In the present work a nanolime, to be used in Cultural Heritage Conservation, is produced in order to evaluate its effectiveness on the conservation of some Italian sandstones. Lime nanoparticles are produced by a chemical precipitation process in supersaturated aqueous or alcoholic solutions of reactants. Then, they are characterised by transmission electron microscopy; hexagonal particles of dimension ranging from 50 to 600 nm are obtained. After that, the lime nanoparticles are applied on natural sandstones (Campolo and Grelio sandstones) and some tests are performed in order to estimate the consolidating effect of the treatment: “Scotch Tape Test”, “Surface abrasion test”, capillarity and imbibition tests, compressive strength and mercury intruded porosimetry.