In this paper, we present the first microfluidic junctions for droplet generation directly engraved on lithium niobate crystals by micromachining techniques, preparatory to a fully integrated opto-microfluidics lab-on-chip system. In particular, laser ablation technique and the mechanical micromachining technique are exploited to realise microfluidic channels in T- and cross junction configurations. The quality of both lateral and bottom surfaces of the channels are therefore compared together with a detailed study of their roughness measured by means of atomic force microscopy in order to evaluate the final performance achievable in an optofluidic device. Finally, the microfluidics performances of these water-in-oil droplets generators are investigated depending on these micromachining techniques, with particular focus on a wide range of droplet generation rates.

f Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a postsuppurative sequela caused by Streptococcus pyogenes infections affecting school-age children. We describe here the occurrence of an ARF outbreak that occurred in Bologna province, northeastern Italy, between November 2012 and May 2013. Molecular analysis revealed that ARF-related group A Streptococcus (GAS) strains belonged to the M-18 serotype, including subtypes emm18.29 and emm18.32. All M-18 GAS strains shared the same antigenic profile, including SpeA, SpeB, SpeC, SpeL, SpeM, and SmeZ. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) analysis revealed that M-18 GAS strains grouped separately from other serotypes, suggesting a different S. pyogenes lineage. Single nucleotide polymorphisms and phylogenetic analysis based on whole-genome sequencing showed that emm18.29 and emm18.32 GAS strains clustered in two distinct groups, highlighting genetic variations between these subtypes. Comparative analysis revealed a similar genome architecture between emm18.29 and emm18.32 strains that differed from noninvasive emm18.0 strains. The major sources of differences between M-18 genomes were attributable to the prophage elements. Prophage regions contained several virulence factors that could have contributed to the pathogenic potential of emm18.29 and emm18.32 strains. Notably, phage ⌽SPBO.1 carried erythrogenic toxin A gene (speA1) in six ARF-related M-18 GAS strains but not in emm18.0 strains. In addition, a phage-encoded hyaluronidase gene (hylP.2) presented different variants among M-18 GAS strains by showing internal deletions located in the ␣-helical and TS␤H regions. In conclusion, our study yielded insights into the genome structure of M-18 GAS strains responsible for the ARF outbreak in Italy, thus expanding our knowledge of this serotype. Streptococcus pyogenes, group A streptococcus (GAS), is a Gram-positive bacterium responsible for a wide spectrum of diseases ranging from moderate or mild infections to severe invasive diseases such as necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS). Several GAS infections can cause severe postinfectious sequelae, including acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, acute rheumatic fever (ARF), and rheumatic heart disease (1).ARF is a systemic disorder resulting from an autoimmune disease following a GAS infection that usually occurs in children between 5 and 15 years of age (2). During the last several decades, the incidence of ARF cases has significantly declined in the United States and Western Europe, whereas it remains high in Eastern Europe, Asia, and Australia (3). However, the resurgence of ARF in several geographical areas, including United States, is a matter of concern (4).S. pyogenes possesses different virulence factors such as the M protein and superantigens (SAgs) that contribute to the pathogenesis of GAS infection (1). On the basis of the high variability of the M protein among GAS strains, the 5=-terminal sequence of the emm gene (emm typing) is considered a reliable molecular marke...

This review aims to investigate the physiological mechanisms that underlie the hydro-electrolyte balance of the human body and the most appropriate hydration modalities for individuals involved in physical and sports activities, with a focus on ultra-endurance events. The role of effective hydration in achieving optimal sports performance is also investigated. An adequate pre-hydration is essential to perform physical and sporting activity in a condition of eu-hydration and to mantain physiologic levels of plasma electrolyte. To achieve these goals, athletes need to consume adequate drinks together with consuming meals and fluids, in order to provide an adequate absorption of the ingested fluids and the expulsion of those in excess through diuresis. Therefore, there are important differences between individuals in terms of sweating rates, the amount of electrolytes loss and the specific request of the discipline practiced and the sporting event to pursue.

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A Arqueologia cresce em possibilidades na interface com os Estudos de Cultura Material, particularmente ao se aproximar de tempos mais recentes. O processo de construção de narrativas a partir das coisas é um domínio que pode ser aprofundado, do ponto de vista das linguagens, bem como do seu papel no processo de produção do conhecimento. O estudo tanto da construção de narrativas, quanto a aproximação aos Estudos de Cultura Material se mostram terreno fértil para pesquisadores, bem como campo em experimentações para estudantes de graduação. Nesse artigo desenvolvemos o potencial de exercícios de construção de narrativas a partir de práticas interdisciplinares com estudantes de graduação, especialmente em atenção a relação das coisas com as pessoas e os espaços. É apresentada também uma breve reflexão sobre a aproximação da arqueologia com a literatura. Nesse caso, trazemos para a cena Howard Philips Lovecraft e sua literatura Fantástica de Horror, observando como ela conversa e nos faz pensar sobre os estudos das coisas do passado.