Archivio istituzionale della ricerca - Università dell'Insubria
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Impact of cosmic-ray propagation on the chemistry and ionisation fraction of dark clouds
No full textAims. A proper modelling of the cosmic-ray ionisation rate within gas clouds is crucial to describe their chemical evolution accurately. However, this modelling is computationally demanding because it requires the propagation of cosmic rays throughout the cloud over time. We present a more efficient approach that simultaneously guarantees a reliable estimate of the cosmic-ray impact on the chemistry of prestellar cores. Methods. We introduce a numerical framework that mimics the cosmic-ray propagation within gas clouds and applies it to magnetohydrodynamic simulations performed with the code GIZMO. It simulates the cosmic-ray attenuation by computing the effective column density of H2 that is traversed, which is estimated using the same kernel weighting approach as employed in the simulation. The obtained cosmic-ray ionisation rate is then used in post-processing to study the chemical evolution of the clouds. Results. We found that cosmic-ray propagation affects deuterated and non-deuterated species significantly and that it depends on the assumed cosmic-ray spectrum. We explored correlations between the electron abundance, the cosmic-ray ionisation rate, and the abundance of the most relevant ions (HCO+, N2H+, DCO+, N2D+, and o-H2D+), with the purpose of finding simple expressions that link them. We provide an analytical formula to estimate the ionisation fraction, X(e- ), from observable tracers and applied it to existing observations of high-mass clumps. We obtained values of about 10- 8, which is in line with previous works and with expectations for dense clouds. We also provide a linear fit to calculate the cosmic-ray ionisation rate from the local H2 density, which is to be employed in three-dimensional simulations that do not include cosmic-ray propagation
Asymmetric jurisdiction clauses under the Brussels-Lugano and Hague regimes
Get PDFAsymmetric jurisdiction clauses are choice of court agreements which bind one party to bring proceedings exclusively before the designated court and give the other party a right to choose, in addition to that court, other competent courts. The most common type of asymmetric clauses are the so-called Rothschild clauses. The article considers the enforceability requirements which asymmetric clauses must satisfy in order to be covered by the Brussels-Lugano regime, their effects under Regulation 1215/2012 and the Lugano Convention of 2007 and the issue of whether asymmetric clauses are covered by Art. 31(2) of Regulation 1215/2012, as well as the applicability of the Hague regime. To this end, reference is made to the relevant jurisprudence of the ECJ and national courts, with particular reference to the recent Lastre judgment in which the ECJ imposed for the first time limits on the validity of asymmetric clauses, while leaving open some important questions
Spatial and temporal evaluations of the liquid argon purity in ProtoDUNE-SP
No full textLiquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs) rely on highly pure argon to ensure that ionization electrons produced by charged particles reach readout arrays. ProtoDUNE Single-Phase (ProtoDUNE-SP) was an approximately 700-ton liquid argon detector intended to prototype the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) Far Detector Horizontal Drift module. It contains two drift volumes bisected by the cathode plane assembly, which is biased to create an almost uniform electric field in both volumes. The DUNE Far Detector modules must have robust cryogenic systems capable of filtering argon and supplying the TPC with clean liquid. This paper will explore comparisons of the argon purity measured by the purity monitors with those measured using muons in the TPC from October 2018 to November 2018. A new method is introduced to measure the liquid argon purity in the TPC using muons crossing both drift volumes of ProtoDUNE-SP. For extended periods on the timescale of weeks, the drift electron lifetime was measured to be above 30 ms using both systems. A particular focus will be placed on the measured purity of argon as a function of position in the detector
Advancements in Cytomegalovirus Management Among Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Insights From the ESOT CMV Workshop 2023
No full textCytomegalovirus (CMV) infection poses significant challenges in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, impacting graft outcomes, morbidity, and in some cases survival. The ESOT CMV Workshop 2023 convened European experts to discuss current practices and advances in the management of CMV with the aim of improving the quality of life of transplant recipients. Discussions covered crucial areas such as preventive strategies, diagnostic challenges, therapeutic approaches, and the role of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) monitoring. Despite advances, ambiguity persists in optimal CMV management across European transplant centers. Preventive strategies, including universal prophylaxis and pre-emptive therapy, are effective but consensus is lacking with respect to the preferred approach. Diagnostic challenges such as standardization of viral load thresholds and detection of end-organ disease complicate timely intervention. While newer therapies like maribavir hold promise for treating complicated CMV infections, sustaining viral clearance remains a challenge. Integrating CMI monitoring into CMV management could personalize treatment decisions but has limitations in in terms of predictive value and accessibility. Further research is needed to fill these gaps and optimize CMV management. The collaborative efforts, led by the European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT), aim to standardize and improve CMV care, ensuring better outcomes for SOT recipients
Dallo statuto dei diritti del contribuente all'accertamento con adesione e agli altri istituti deflattivi del processo tributario - Paragrafo 7 "L'invalidità, l'inesistenza e l'irregolarità degli atti tributari alla luce della nuova disciplina statutaria"
No full textAnalisi della nuova disciplina statutaria delle invalidità degli atti tributari
Effect of orally administered L. crispatus M247 in favoring HR-HPV clearance and CST shift: results from a randomized, multi-center, placebo-controlled trial
Get PDFEpidemiological evidence support the idea that CST I, L. crispatus-dominated vaginal microbiota, could protect women form cervical HPV infection also favoring the HPV clearance. Our prospective, multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on 62 women newly diagnosed of HPV infection without visible cervical lesions at colposcopy, was mainly aimed at evaluating the role exerted by the oral treatment (daily, 4 months) with the strain L. crispatus M247 in prompting the HR-HPV clearance and CST shift. The results of our study demonstrated that the probiotic treatment significantly increased versus control: (i) the HPV clearance (60% versus 31.8%), and (ii) the number of negative PAP tests (83.3% versus 71.4%), favoring also the vaginal microbiota eubiosis. Particularly, the vaginal microbiota analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between the observed HPV clearance and: (i) a reduced richness; (ii) an increased relative presence of L. crispatus; and (iii) an increased number of women with a CST I microbiota. While a larger study would further strengthen these findings, the current evidence provides encouraging insights into the potential efficacy of the oral treatment with the strain L. crispatus M247
Biomechanical Analysis of Different Pacifiers and Their Effects on the Upper Jaw and Tongue
No full textAim: Pacifiers play a critical role in the early stages of craniofacial and palate development during infancy. While they provide comfort and aid in soothing, their use can also have significant impacts on the growth and function of the oral cavity. This study aimed to simulate and predict the behavior of six different types of pacifiers and their functional interaction with the tongue and palate, with the goal of understanding their potential effects on orofacial growth and development. Materials and Methods: Biomechanical analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) mathematical models was employed to evaluate the behavior of six different commercial pacifiers in contact with the palate and tongue. Three-dimensional solid models of the palate and tongue were based on the mathematical framework from a 2007 publication. This allowed for a detailed investigation into how various pacifier designs interact with soft and hard oral tissues, particularly the implications on dental and skeletal development. Results: The findings of this study demonstrate that pacifiers exhibit different interactions with the oral cavity depending on their geometry. Anatomical–functional pacifiers, for instance, tend to exert lateral compressions near the palatine vault, which can influence the hard palate and contribute to changes in craniofacial growth. In contrast, other pacifiers apply compressive forces primarily in the anterior region of the palate, particularly in the premaxilla area. Furthermore, the deformation of the tongue varied significantly across different pacifier types: while some pacifiers caused the tongue to flatten, others allowed it to adapt more favorably by assuming a concave shape. These variations highlight the importance of selecting a pacifier that aligns with the natural development of both soft and hard oral tissues. Conclusions: The results of this study underscore the crucial role of pacifier geometry in shaping both the palate and the tongue. These findings suggest that pacifiers have a significant influence not only on facial bone growth but also on the stimulation of oral functions such as suction and feeding. The geometry of the pacifier affects the soft tissues (tongue and muscles) and hard tissues (palate and jaw) differently, which emphasizes the need for careful selection of pacifiers during infancy. Choosing the right pacifier is essential to avoid potential negative effects on craniofacial development and to ensure that the benefits of proper oral function are maintained. Therefore, healthcare professionals and parents should consider these biomechanical factors when introducing pacifiers to newborns
Inflammatory and oxidative responses to PET nanoplastics in the leech Hirudo verbana: a comparative analysis of acute and chronic exposure
Get PDFNanoplastics (NPs) are emerging environmental contaminants with the potential to induce cellular stress and immune dysregulation in aquatic organisms. In this study, the freshwater leech Hirudo verbana was used as a non-conventional invertebrate model to investigate the effects of acute (24-72 hours) and chronic (1 week-1 month) exposure to polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics (PET NPs). A multidisciplinary approach combining microscopy, histology, immunocytochemistry, and qPCR was employed to evaluate PET NP uptake and biological responses. PET NPs were internalised in leech tissues and detected in macrophage-like cells. Both exposure regimes triggered a time- and dose-dependent inflammatory response, characterised by macrophage-like cell recruitment, angiogenic remodelling, and upregulation of the pro-inflammatory marker HmAIF-1. Endothelial activation was confirmed by increased CD31 expression and neovascularisation. Furthermore, oxidative stress was evidenced by altered expression of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes. Overall, PET NPs induced conserved immune and stress responses in H. verbana, supporting its relevance as an alternative model for nanoplastic ecotoxicology. These findings contribute to our understanding of NP-induced pathophysiology and reinforce the need for further investigation into the ecological impact of plastic pollution on freshwater invertebrates
An approach to sustainability and circularity regarding the influence of the heat treatment duration of sugar syrup and the addition of Aronia Melanocarpa by-products as powder on the physico-chemical characteristics of artisanal chocolate
No full textThe main aim of the current research was to assess the possibilities of integrating Aronia Melanocarpa coarse powder, a by-product resulting from the processing of aronia juice, to obtain innovative chocolate with an appropriate commercial formula, in the context of the circular economy and sustainability approach, thus valorising the mentioned waste. Aronia powder is a versatile product that can be easily integrated into semi-viscous or thick food products. The experimental protocol was based on the factorial combination between 3 different concentrations of coarse Aronia powder addition (1%, 2%, 3%) plus an untreated control, and two durations of heat treatment of the sugar syrup at 103.5°C (7 and 10 minutes). The research results showed that both the concentration of chokeberry powder addition and the heat treatment duration had a significant impact on the textural parameters maximum strength and mechanical work, as well as on the colour components L*, a∗ and b*, whereas pH was only affected by Aronia powder addition. This research highlights the need to identify the most effective Aronia powder addition percentage and the technological process to obtain a qualitative or healthy chocolate