105,004 research outputs found
DNA analysis as tool for identification of bacteria in archaeological watellogged wood
No full textS32. Wooden artifacts: from wood identification to dating and
conservation/restoration strategies
DNA analysis as tool for identification of bacteria in archaeological waterlogged wood
Palla, Franco; University of Palermo; Palermo; Italy Barresi, Giovanna; University of
Palermo; Palermo; Italy
Di Carlo, Enza; University of Palermo; Palermo; Italy
In this work molecular techniques were applied in order to integrate the results obtained by
Optical (OM) and Scanning Electron (SEM) Microscopy, to understanding and assessing the
changes in the anatomical structure of archaeological waterlogged wood (Pinus sp.) induced by
bacteria colonization. Observation of wooden thin sections by OM showed the presence of black
and dark-brown areas (must probably due to sulphur compound) and mineral concretions. The
SEM micrographs revealed a specific cell wall alteration, attributable to bacterial activity and
abundant pyrite framboids (as single structure or clustered). The presence of sulfur compounds in
archaeological waterlogged wood, indicate both long-term burial in anoxic environment and
colonization by sulfate-reducing bacteria.
Molecular biology investigation was performed through ad hoc protocols by direct DNA
extraction from wood samples and in vitro amplification of bacteria DNA target sequences (16S,
ITS regions- rRNA).
The results reveal and identify bacterial genus as Pseudomonas, Cellulomonas, Xanthomonas
and Bacillus that, as reported in the related scientific literature, are the most common
cellulosolytic and ligninolytic bacteria.
Moreover were also revealed the presence of Marinobacter sp. and Desulforudis audaxviator,
respectively iron - oxidizing and sulfate - reducing bacteria.
The investigation protocol set up in this work can be applied to a range of wooden artifacts of
archaeological findings for both identification of bacteria colonization shed some light on the
degradation phenomena, indispensable for correct conservation and restoration strategies.
Corresponding author: Palla, Franco <[email protected]
Bioaerosol
No full textCultural heritage constitutive materials can provide excellent substrates for microbial colonisation, highly influenced by thermo-hygrometric parameters. In cultural heritage-related environments, a detrimental microbial load may be present both on artworks surface and in the aerosol. Confined environments (museums, archives, deposits, caves, hypogea) are characterised by peculiarstructures and different thermo-hygrometric conditions, influencing the development of a wide range of microbial species, able to induce artefact biodeterioration and to release biological particles in the aerosol (spores, cellular debrides, toxins, allergens) potentially dangerous for the human health (visitors/users). In order to
identify the real composition of the biological consortia, highlighting also the symbiotic relationships between microorganisms (cyanobacteria, bacteria, fungi) and macro-organisms (plants, bryophyte, insects), an interdisciplinary approach is needed.
The results from in vitro culture, microscopy and molecular biology analysis are essential for a complete understanding of both microbial colonisation of the cultural objects and the potential relationship with illness to human. Concerning the bioaerosol, of crucial importance are the time and techniques for sampling
Bacteria consortia and deterioration of archaeological waterlogged wood: identification by molecular and microscopy techniques
No full textIn this study molecular tools are applied to reveal and identify bacterial colonization in waterlogged wood to assessing the changes induced in anatomical structure, previously observed by Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy (1). The results obtained by observation of wooden thin sections (OM), shown the presence of black and dark-brown areas and mineral concretions. The SEM analysis revealed a specific cell walls alteration, attributable to bacterial activity, other than abundant pyrite framboids (FeS2). The presence of sulfur compounds in archaeological waterlogged wood can indicate both long-term burial in anoxic environment and colonization by sulfate-reducing bacteria. Molecular methods allow us extract microbial genomic DNA from wood samples and in vitro amplify (PCR) bacteria DNA target sequences (16S, ITS-rRNA) (2). Through sequences analysis of PCR products cellulosolytic and ligninolytic bacteria, such as Pseudomonas, Cellulomonas, Xanthomonas and Bacillus spp, have been revealed. Moreover the presence of Marinobacter sp. and Desulforudis audaxviator, respectively iron-oxidizing and sulfate-reducing bacteria, are identify. We hypothesize that this investigation approach, can be applied to a variety of wooden artifacts of archaeological findings for both characterization of microbial colonization in order to understanding the main degradation phenomena, indispensable for a correct conservation strategies.
(1) Safa A. et al. (2012) Using SEM in monitoring changes in archaeological wood: A review. Current Microscopy Contributions to Advances in Science and Technology (A. Méndez-Vilas, Ed.)
(2) Palla, F., (2012) Analytical techniques: analysis of microbial colonization. In Science and Conservation in Museum Collections, B. Fabbri (ed), Nardini, Firenze. 14, 459-470
Gilt stuccoes of the italian baroque
No full textC. Colombo, L. Toniolo, S. Bruni, P. Fermo, A. Casoli, G. Palla, C. L. Bianchi, Gilt stuccoes of the italian baroque. Studies in Conservation, 43, 1998, 201-208
Correction to: RarERN Path: a methodology towards the optimisation of patients’ care pathways in rare and complex diseases developed within the European Reference Networks (Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, (2020), 15, 1, (347), 10.1186/s13023-020-01631-1)
No full textFollowing the publication of the original article [1] we were informed that the authors’ given and family names had unfortunately been interchanged. The correct author names are shown here below: Rosaria Talarico, Sara Cannizzo, Valentina Lorenzoni, Diana Marinello, Ilaria Palla, Salvatore Pirri, Simone Ticciati, Leopoldo Trieste, Isotta Triulzi, Enrique Terol, Anna Bucher and Giuseppe Turchetti. The author names have been corrected in the author list of this Correction and updated in the original article
A Florentine family in crisis: the Strozzi in the fifteenth century.
No full textPhDIn 1434 the Strozzi lineage had held a leading position in
Florentine society and government for at least one hundred and fifty
years, and was one of the largest and wealthiest of the city's
patrician lineages. The records of the catasto of 1427 and of the
scrutiny of 1433 are used to give a profile of the dominant social,
economic and political position of the Strozzi before the advent of
Medicean dominance. Their record of electoral success, and the
political and cultural leadership of influential and respected men
such as Palla di Nofri and Matteo di Simone, with other factors, put
the Strozzi amongst the greatest enemies of the victorious Medicean
regime of late 1434. The effects of political opposition and exile
on the lineage are examined both directly, through records of office-holding,
and indirectly through such indicators as marriage alliances
and household wealth. The two most prominent lines of the Strozzi
were exiled after 1434. Palla di Nofri's life and preoccupations in
his Paduan exile are examined, together with the lives of his sons;
none of these Strozzi ever returned to Florence, pursued as they were
by the enmity of the Medicean regime. The very different careers of
Filippo di Matteo and his brother Lorenzo are also examined: how they
succeeded in founding a lucrative bank in Naples, and in returning to
Florence to 'rebuild' (rifare) the position of the Strozzi lineage
there. The final decades of the century saw the Strozzi in an
economically more secure position, due substantially to the efforts
of Filippo. Except for a very small number of its members admitted
into the regime, most of the lineage is here shown to have remained
excluded from significant political office until after the fall of
the Medici regime in 1494
Biocide
No full textBiodeterioration represents a revealing problem for the conservation of cultural heritage. It can be identified as a complex interaction within the ecosystem of a microbial community and its substrate and involves physical and chemical alterations resulting from biological and metabolic activity. Designing a diagnostic approach for evaluating the extent of the damage, identifying the biological community, and opting for an efficient methodology aimed at eliminating deteriogens is equally complicated. The correct approach would require understanding the nature of the biodeterioration and implementing methodologies respectful of human health which, however, avoid the indiscriminate killing of organisms. Different preventive or remedial methods are used for this purpose. They include well-known physical and mechanical methods with their operating limitations and the most frequently used chemical methods, supported by biocide products for the elimination or growth inhibition of target organisms. Unfortunately, most - if not all - biocides applied on artworks are toxic or otherwise polluting substances, and their degradation is frequently difficult, being persistent in the natural environment. Moreover, due to the fact that there are no specific formulations destined for conservation practice, commercial biocide products come from the medical or agricultural field, carrying with them their well-known negative effects. Research in this sector focuses on ways to replace toxic products with natural molecules that do not cause adverse effects, in addition to the application of alternative methods and the support of formulations for safe nontoxic novel compounds
Biotechnology for microbial monitoring of indoor cultural heritage environments
No full textAn integrated approach for the characterization of bioaerosol was employed in different sites (that include hypogeal and semi-confined areas), characterized by great cultural/artistic interest besides peculiar architectural structures, thermo- hygrometric and lighting parameters. These typologies of indoor environments preserve several artworks like mural paintings, stone-works, paper or parchments that are susceptible of microbial colonization. The presence of fungal spores and low air change can induce both potentially effects to human health (users/operators) or biodegradation of historical-artistic manufacts. We perform bioaerosol sampling by a portable sampler (Sartorius MD8), equipped with gelatin filters and non-invasive sampling (Nylon membrane or sterile swab) is carried out on works of art surface. Microbial consortia is revealed and characterized by Optical, Scanning Electron and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (OM, SEM, CLSM), in vitro culture and molecular analysis (PCR, sequencing, sequence analysis). The inter-disciplinary approach applied in this study, represents a valuable contribution for the proper planning of both direct and/or indirect biological growth control and for the conservative restoration procedure (1, 2).
This work was supported by Research Project It@cha - Italian Technologies for Advanced application in Cultural Heritage Assets, grant PON 01_00625 “Ricerca e Competitività” 2007-2013.
(1) Palla F. et al. (2006) Characterization of bacterial community in indoor environment. Heritage, Weathering and Conservation, 1: 361-365.
(2) Palla F. et al. (2010) Microscopy and molecular biology techniques for the study biocenosis diversity in semi-confined environments. Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage, 10: 185-194
Biocide
No full textBiodeterioration represents a revealing problem for the conservation of cultural heritage. It can be identified as a complex interaction within the ecosystem of a
microbial community and its substrate and involves physical and chemical alterations resulting from biological and metabolic activity. Designing a diagnostic
approach for evaluating the extent of the damage, identifying the biological community, and opting for an efficient methodology aimed at eliminating
deteriogens is equally complicated. The correct approach would require understanding the nature of the biodeterioration and implementing methodologies
respectful of human health which, however, avoid the indiscriminate killing of organisms. Different preventive or remedial methods are used for this purpose.
They include well-known physical and mechanical methods with their operating limitations and the most frequently used chemical methods, supported by biocide
products for the elimination or growth inhibition of target organisms. Unfortunately, most—if not all—biocides applied on artworks are toxic or otherwise
polluting substances, and their degradation is frequently difficult, being persistent in the natural environment. Moreover, due to the fact that there are no specific
formulations destined for conservation practice, commercial biocide products come from the medical or agricultural field, carrying with them their well known
negative effects. Research in this sector focuses on ways to replace toxic products with natural molecules that do not cause adverse effects, in addition to the application of alternative methods and the support of formulations for safe nontoxic novel compounds
BIODETERIORATION
No full textThe biodeterioration of organic and inorganic materials, as well as polymers, is a complex of alteration processes induced by the growing and metabolic activ- ity of organisms. It can be recognized on monuments, wall paintings, stone, wood, paper, vegetal/animal fibers, and parchment artworks. As defined by Hueck (1968), biodeterioration is “any undesirable change in the properties of a material caused by the vital activities of organisms”; this definition is accepted as the meaning of the phenomenon. Both macroorganisms (such as animals, plants and mosses) and microorganisms (such as autotrophic or het- erotrophic bacteria, microfungi, cyanobacteria, algae and lichens) represent the triggers of biodeterioration for cultural heritage. Understanding the mor- phological and physiological features of the biodeteriogens is required to establish the kind of interaction that occurs with the material and to assess the cause-effect of the biodeterioration action of a specific identified biological agent. For a complete evaluation of biodeterioration, a proper sampling and identification of the majority of biodeteriogens are required. Therefore, in order to apply a prompt and effective conservation to limit further damage, evaluating and quantifying the presence of biological systems that induce dam- age in heritage materials is indispensable
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