Unveiling Hidden Prints: Optically stimulated luminescence for latent fingerprint detection

Fluorescent lighting and optical techniques have been widely utilized to enhance the detection of latent fingerprints. However, the development of new techniques is imperative to expand the range of surfaces from which latent fingerprints can be detected. When relying on traditional methods, fingerprint evidence can remain undetected or even disregarded due to insufficient detection and limited detail, especially when dealing with a luminescent background. In this study, we propose the utilization of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) applied to a Ba2SiO4 matrix, co-doped with Eu2+ and Dy3+, as a powerful method for visualizing latent fingerprints on various surfaces, including thin plastic bags, rigid duct tape, thin aluminum foil, and glass slices. This technique effectively eliminates any luminescent background and significantly enhances optical imaging. This represents the first successful application of OSL in the development of latent fingerprints, thus paving the way for more efficient and effective forensic techniques in the future.

Diabetes management in cancer patients. An Italian Association of Medical Oncology, Italian Association of Medical Diabetologists, Italian Society of Diabetology, Italian Society of Endocrinology and Italian Society of Pharmacology multidisciplinary consensus position paper

Cancer management has significantly evolved in recent years, focusing on a multidisciplinary team approach to provide the best possible patient care and address the various comorbidities, toxicities, and complications that may arise during the patient's treatment journey. The co-occurrence of diabetes and cancer presents a significant challenge for health care professionals worldwide. Management of these conditions requires a holistic approach to improve patients' overall health, treatment outcomes, and quality of life, preventing diabetes complications and cancer treatment side-effects. In this article, a multidisciplinary panel of experts from different Italian scientific societies provide a critical overview of the co-management of cancer and diabetes, with an increasing focus on identifying a novel specialty field, 'diabeto-oncology', and suggest new co-management models of cancer patients with diabetes to improve their care. To better support cancer patients with diabetes and ensure high levels of coordinated care between oncologists and diabetologists, 'diabeto-oncology' could represent a new specialized field that combines specific expertise, skills, and training.

MiRNA dysregulation underlying common pathways in type 2 diabetes and cancer development: an Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM)/Italian Association of Medical Diabetologists (AMD)/Italian Society of Diabetology (SID)/Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE)/Italian Society of Pharmacology (SIF) multidisciplinary critical view

Increasing evidence suggests that patients with diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes (T2D), are characterized by an increased risk of developing different types of cancer, so cancer could be proposed as a new T2D-related complication. On the other hand, cancer may also increase the risk of developing new-onset diabetes, mainly caused by anticancer therapies. Hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and chronic inflammation typical of T2D could represent possible mechanisms involved in cancer development in diabetic patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a subset of non-coding RNAs, ⁓22 nucleotides in length, which control the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression through both translational repression and messenger RNA degradation. Of note, miRNAs have multiple target genes and alteration of their expression has been reported in multiple diseases, including T2D and cancer. Accordingly, specific miRNA-regulated pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of both conditions. In this review, a panel of experts from the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM), Italian Association of Medical Diabetologists (AMD), Italian Society of Diabetology (SID), Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE), and Italian Society of Pharmacology (SIF) provide a critical view of the evidence about the involvement of miRNAs in the pathophysiology of both T2D and cancer, trying to identify the shared miRNA signature and pathways able to explain the strong correlation between the two conditions, as well as to envision new common pharmacological approaches.

Rapid In Situ Detection of THC and CBD in Cannabis sativa L. by 1064 nm Raman Spectroscopy

The need to find a rapid and worthwhile technique for the in situ detection of the content of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in Cannabis sativa L. is an ever-increasing problem in the forensic field. Among all the techniques for the detection of cannabinoids, Raman spectroscopy can be identified as the most cost-effective, fast, noninvasive, and nondestructive. In this study, 42 different samples were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy with 1064 nm excitation wavelength. The use of an IR wavelength laser showed the possibility to clearly identify THC and CBD in fresh samples, without any further processing, knocking out the contribution of the fluorescence generated by visible and near-IR sources. The results allow assigning all the Raman features in THC- and CBD-rich natural samples. The multivariate analysis underlines the high reproducibility of the spectra and the possibility to distinguish immediately the Raman spectra of the two cannabinoid species. Furthermore, the ratio between the Raman bands at 1295/1440 and 1623/1663 cm^–1 is identified as an immediate test parameter to evaluate the THC content in the samples.

Early prediction of pancreatic cancer from new-onset diabetes: an Associazione Italiana Oncologia Medica (AIOM)/Associazione Medici Diabetologi (AMD)/Società Italiana Endocrinologia (SIE)/Società Italiana Farmacologia (SIF) multidisciplinary consensus position paper

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a common cause of cancer-related death, due to difficulties in detecting early-stage disease, to its aggressive behaviour, and to poor response to systemic therapy. Therefore, developing strategies for early diagnosis of resectable PC is critical for improving survival. Diabetes mellitus is another major public health problem worldwide. Furthermore, diabetes can represent both a risk factor and a consequence of PC: nowadays, the relationship between these two diseases is considered a high priority for research. New-onset diabetes can be an early manifestation of PC, especially in a thin adult without a family history of diabetes. However, even if targeted screening for patients at higher risk of PC could be a promising approach, this is not recommended in asymptomatic adults with new-onset diabetes, due to the much higher incidence of hyperglycaemia than PC and to the lack of a safe and affordable PC screening test. Prompted by a well-established and productive multidisciplinary cooperation, the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM), the Italian Medical Diabetologists Association (AMD), the Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE), and the Italian Society of Pharmacology (SIF) here review available evidence on the mechanisms linking diabetes and PC, addressing the feasibility of screening for early PC in patients with diabetes, and sharing a set of update statements with the aim of providing a state-of-the-art overview and a decision aid tool for daily clinical practice.

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The incidence of PC is increasing and its prognosis is very poor; therefore, early detection is fundamental.

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New-onset diabetes may be an early manifestation of PC, often disappearing after its resection.

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Screening for PC is not currently recommended among people with new-onset diabetes, due to its high incidence.

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Thin subjects >50 years old at the time of diabetes onset, with sudden weight loss and severe hyperglycaemia are at higher risk.

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Currently some clinical models are promising for stratifying cancer risk in people with new-onset diabetes.

Antineoplastic dosing in overweight and obese cancer patients: an Associazione Italiana Oncologia Medica (AIOM)/Associazione Medici Diabetologi (AMD)/Società Italiana Endocrinologia (SIE)/Società Italiana Farmacologia (SIF) multidisciplinary consensus position paper

Most anticancer molecules are administered in body-size-based dosing schedules, bringing up unsolved issues regarding pharmacokinetic data in heavy patients. The worldwide spread of obesity has not been matched by improved methods and strategies for tailored drug dosage in this population. The weight or body surface area (BSA)-based approaches may fail to fully reflect the complexity of the anthropometric features besides obesity in cancer patients suffering from sarcopenia. Likewise, there is a lack of pharmacokinetic data on obese patients for the majority of chemotherapeutic agents as well as for new target drugs and immunotherapy. Therefore, although the available findings point to the role of dose intensity in cancer treatment, and support full weight-based dosing, empirical dose capping often occurs in clinical practice in order to avoid toxicity. Thus a panel of experts of the Associazione Italiana Oncologia Medica (AIOM), Associazione Medici Diabetologi (AMD), Società Italiana Endocrinologia (SIE), and Società Italiana Farmacologia (SIF), provides here a consensus statement for appropriate cytotoxic chemotherapy and new biological cancer drug dosing in obese patients.

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The worldwide spread of obesity is an emerging challenge also in cancer patients

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Weight or BSA-based approaches do not adequately address the critical issue of optimal dosing for cancer drugs under obesity

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Empirical dose capping is often employed in clinical practice to avoid toxicities among overweight and obese patients

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There is a lack of clinical and pharmacokinetic studies in this population

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Clinical practice recommendations should guide suitable dosing of cytotoxic and biological cancer drugs in obese patients

Antibacterial Activity of Amidodithiophosphonato Nickel(II) Complexes: An Experimental and Theoretical Approach

The reactions of 2,4-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-dithio-2,4-diphosphetane-2,4-disulfide (Lawesson's Reagent, LR) with benzylamine (BzNH2) and 4-phenylbutylamine (PhBuNH2) yield benzylammonium P-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N-benzyl-amidodithiophosphonate (BzNH3)(BzNH-adtp) and 4-phenylbutylammonium P-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N-(4-phenylbutyl)-amidodithiophosphonate (PhBuNH3)(PhBuNH-adtp). The relevant nickel complexes [Ni(BzNH-adtp)2] and [Ni(PhBuNH-adtp)2] and the corresponding hydrolysed derivatives (BzNH3)2[Ni(dtp)2] and (PhBuNH3)2[Ni(dtp)2] were prepared and fully characterized. The antimicrobial activity of the aforementioned amidodithiophosphonates against a set of Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogen bacteria was evaluated, and [Ni(BzNH-adtp)2] and [Ni(PhBuNH-adtp)2] showed antiproliferative activity towards Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus haemolyticus strains. density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to shed some light on the activity of reported compounds related to their tendency towards P-N bond cleavage.

The Selective Interaction of Pistacia lentiscus Oil vs. Human Streptococci, an Old Functional Food Revisited with New Tools

Pistacia lentiscus berry oil (LBO) represents a typical vegetal product of the Mediterranean basin that has been formally used in traditional cuisine for 100s of years. In addition to its interesting alimentary properties, this product could represent an interesting candidate in the field of research on the study of new anti-infective agents. In fact, in Mediterranean countries, lentisk oil still continues to be widely used in folk medicine for oral and skin affections, in particular, acute gingivitis, pediatric skin infections such as impetigo and foot plaques, and biofilm related infections often associated with Streptococcus spp. Following these observations, we have hypothesized a “lentisk oil-bacteria” interaction, placing particular emphasis on the different Streptococcal species involved in these oral and skin diseases. In accordance with this hypothesis, the use of standard antimicrobial-antibiofilm methods (MIC, MBC, MBIC) allowed the interesting behavior of these bacteria to be observed and, in this context, the response to lentisk oil appears to be correlated with the pathogenic profile of the considered microorganism. Two probiotic strains of S. salivarius K12/M18 appeared to be non-sensitive to this product, while a set of five different pathogenic strains (S. agalactiae, S. intermedius, S. mitis, S. mutans, S. pyogenes) showed a response that was correlated to the fatty acid metabolic pathway of the considered species. In fact, at different times of bacteria development, selective High Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis of the growth medium containing LBO detected a significant increase in free unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) in particular oleic, palmitic and linoleic acids, which are already known for their antibacterial activity. In this context, we have hypothesized that LBO could be able to modulate the pathogen/probiotic rate in a Streptococcal population using the fatty acid metabolic pathway to help the probiotic strain. This hypothesis was strengthened by performing antibacterial testing with oleic acid and an in silico evaluation of the Streptococcal MCRA protein, an enzyme involved in the production of saturated fatty acids from UFA. These results show that LBO may have been used in ancient times as a “natural microbial modulating extract” in the prevention of biofilm- associated diseases.

[Au(pyb-H)(mnt)]: A novel gold(III) 1,2-dithiolene cyclometalated complex with antimicrobial activity (pyb-H=C-deprotonated 2-benzylpyridine; mnt=1,2-dicyanoethene-1,2-dithiolate)

The novel heteroleptic cyclometalated complex [Au^III(py^b-H)(mnt)] (1; py^b-H=C-deprotonated 2-benzylpyridine; mnt =1,2-dicyanoethene-1,2-dithiolate) was tested against a panel of ten Gram positive (belonging to the Staphylococcus, Streptococcus spp. and Bacillus clausii), Gram negative (E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa) bacteria and three yeasts belonging to the Candida spp. Complex 1 showed a remarkable bacteriostatic antimicrobial activity against staphylococci, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of 1.56 and 3.13μg/mL for S. haemoliticus and S. aureus, respectively. Spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements, supported by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, were exploited to fully investigate the electronic structure of complex 1 and its relationship with the antimicrobial activity.

Oxamate salts as novel agents for the restoration of marble and limestone substrates: case study of ammonium N-phenyloxamate

The treatment of calcareous stone substrates, such as weathered marble and biomicritic limestone, with ammonium N-phenyloxamate results in the deposition of the corresponding monohydrated calcium salt.

Disulfide-based metal-free α-sulfanylation of ketones

An eco-friendly methodology for the direct α-sulfanylation of ketones has been developed by using diaryl disulfides as sulfanyl source affording ketosulfides in good to excellent yields and high selectivity.

Evaluation of antimicrobial-antibiofilm activity of a hydrogen peroxide decontaminating system used in dental unit water lines

A dental unit water line (DUWL) equipped with a device designed to automatically and continually flush a bacteriostatic solution of hydrogen peroxide (WHE) and a discontinuous disinfecting system (BIOSTER) was evaluated. In the first instance a preliminary sensitivity test on a large number of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) was tried with a H₂O₂ range from 100 to 800 ppm. The bacteria frequently reported in DUWL (including Pseudomonas spp, Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., E. coli) and some periodontal pathogens showed a minimum inhibitory concentration from 100 to 300 H₂O₂ ppm (also including M. marinum and C. albicans). However, H₂O₂ did not show any inhibitory effects against: A. actinomycetemcomitans, C. glabrata C. parapsilos, F. nucleatum, M. micros. In a second step, the DUWL was experimentally infected with S. faecalis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus. After disinfection steps with 3% H₂O₂, the inhibitory effect on planktonic forms and on sessile biofilm was measured. In a third step, the count of 16S rRNA gene copies by real time PCR at different points of the DUWL described an accrue of bacterial slime in “hot spot” regions characterized by irregular/slow water flux (valves, elbows). However these results suggest that hydrogen peroxide is not only able to inhibit bursts of planktonic bacteria inside the DUWL, but that it could also be effective against sessile biofilm containing heterotrophic microorganisms derived from domestic water line contamination. In addition some oral pathogens could be contaminating and surviving in DUWL.

Chemical and biological comparisons on supercritical extracts of Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir) Sch. Bip. with three related species of chrysanthemums of Sardinia (Italy)

In this manuscript, the authors compare the chemical composition and the biological effects of extracts of some Sardinian plant species: Glebionis coronaria (L.) Spach [=Chrysanthemum coronarium L.], locally known as 'caragantzu', Glebionis segetum (L.) Fourr. [=Chrysanthemum segetum L.], known as 'caragantzu masedu', and Sardinian endemic species Plagius flosculosus (L.) Alavi and Heywood [=Chrysanthemum flosculosus L.], known as 'caragantzu burdu'. In addition, the authors compare the pyrethrins contained in these species with an extract of Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Sch. Bip. [=Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Vis.], a commercial species rich in pyrethrins. The volatile fractions from chrysanthemum flowers were obtained by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with CO(2) at 90 bar and 50 degrees C and by hydrodistillation. Pyrethrins were extracted, together with other high molecular mass compounds, by SFE at high pressure, 300 bar and 40 degrees C. The composition of the volatile oils is determined by GC-MS analysis and the amount of pyrethrins by HPLC analysis. Moreover, the antibacterial and antimycotic activities of volatile fractions were investigated in order to compare to their traditional uses.

Supercritical CO2 extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum: chemical characterization and antityrosinase activity

The volatile oil of the bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum was extracted by means of supercritical CO2 fluid extraction in different conditions of pressure and temperature. Its chemical composition was characterized by GC-MS analysis. Nineteen compounds, which in the supercritical extract represented >95% of the oil, were identified. (E)-Cinnamaldehyde (77.1%), (E)-beta-caryophyllene (6.0%), alpha-terpineol (4.4%), and eugenol (3.0%) were found to be the major constituents. The SFE oil of cinnamon was screened for its biological activity about the formation of melanin in vitro. The extract showed antityrosinase activity and was able to reduce the formation of insoluble flakes of melanin from tyrosine. The oil also delayed the browning effect in apple homogenate. (E)-Cinnamaldehyde and eugenol were found to be mainly responsible of this inhibition effect.

Comparative analysis of the oil and supercritical CO2extract ofRidolfia segetum(L.) Moris

Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction allowed to obtain the volatile oil of different aerial parts of Ridolfia segetum (L.) Moris. Extraction conditions were as follows: pressure, 90 bar; temperature, 50 degrees C and carbon dioxide flow, Phi = 1.0 kg h(-1). Waxes were entrapped in the first separator set at 90 bar and -10 degrees C. The oil was recovered in the second separator working at 15 bar and 10 degrees C. The main components of the flower oil were alpha-phellandrene (19.4%), terpinolene (20.5%), piperitenone oxide (11.6%), beta-phellandrene (8.2%), (Z)-beta-ocimene (7.8%), myristicin (7.5%) and p-cymene (4.4%). The comparison with the hydrodistilled (HD) oil reveal that the significative difference was the content of sesquiterpenes which are higher in the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) products. Collection of samples at different extraction times during supercritical extraction, allowed to monitor the change of the oil composition. Lighter compounds, as hydrocarbon monoterpenes, were extracted in shorter times than the heavier hydrocarbon and oxygenated sesquiterpenes. The oil from the steams was characterized by a high content of alpha-phellandrene (12.9%), terpinolene (11.6%), myristicin (11.0%), p-cymene (9.9%), beta-phellandrene (8.2%) and (Z)-beta-ocimene (6.0%) while the main components of the fruits were found to be myristicin (70.8%), piperitenone oxide (19.9%) and dill apiole (4.2%).

Extraction ofLantana camaraessential oil by supercritical carbon dioxide: influence of the grinding and biological activity

The aim of this study was to produce Lantana camara essential oil by SFE and to study the effect of matrix grinding on the yield and/or composition of the extract. Experiments were carried out on grinding matrices (G) and on not grinding matrices (NG). The extracts were analyzed by GC-MS. A comparison with the oil obtained by hydrodistillation is also given. Finally, the antibacterial and antifungal activity of the various extracts has been assayed.

Isolation of Seseli bocconi Guss., subsp. praecox Gamisans (Apiaceae) volatile oil by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction

Isolation of the volatile concentrate from dried leaves of Seseli bocconi Guss. subsp. praecox Gamisans were obtained by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with carbon dioxide. Leaves from different zones of Sardinia (Italy) were collected and treated. Compositions of samples were analyzed by GC-MS. The volatile concentrate of S. bocconi from Buggerru was found to contain: himachalol (16.4%), sabinene (14.8%), beta-phellandrene (8.1%), cis-sabinene hydrate (4.5%). beta-Phellandrene (29.2%), undecane (9.6%), alpha-pinene (6.1%) and beta-guaiene (5.7%) were the main constituents of the volatile extract of S. bocconi from Carloforte. The volatile concentrate of S. bocconi of Ogliastra inland, was composed chiefly by alpha-humulene (17.7%), gamma-himachalene (9.3%), beta-phellandrene (8.0) and bicyclogermacrene (7.7%). The yields of extraction were in the range (0.13-0.60%). A comparison with the hydrodistilled oil revealed in each case a remarkable difference in composition.

Comparative analysis of the oil and supercritical CO2extract ofCymbopogon citratusStapf

Dried and ground leaves of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf.) were used as a matrix for supercritical extraction of essential oil with CO(2). The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of pressure on the supercritical extraction. A series of experiments were carried out, for 360 min, at 50 degrees C and at different pressures: 90, 100, 110 and 120 bar. Extraction conditions were chosen to maximize citral content in the extract oil. The collected extracts were analysed by GC-MS and their composition was compared with that of the essential oil isolated by hydrodistillation and by steam distillation. At higher solvent density the extract aspect changes passing from a characteristic yellow essential oil to yellowish semi-solid mass because of the extraction of high molecular mass compounds. The optimum conditions for citral extraction were 90 bar and 50 degrees C, at these conditions citral represent more than 68% of the essential oil and the extraction yield was 0.65% while the yield obtained from hydrodistillation was 0.43% with a content of citral of 73%.