Archivio istituzionale della ricerca - Università dell'Insubria
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La bioetica di inizio vita nel diritto hindu e il (controverso) caso della gestazione per altri
No full textLo studio analizza la bioetica hindu relativa all’inizio vita, con attenzione al significato della procreazione per i fedeli. Esamina la genitorialità per sostituzione nei casi di infertilità e valuta la disciplina indiana sulla gestazione per altri, offrendo riflessioni conclusive su un tema oggi ampiamente dibattuto
Effects of Chewing Gum on Plaque Index: A 3-Dimensional Colorimetric Analysis
No full textBackground: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of xylitol- and fluoride-containing chewing gum in reducing dental plaque using a novel 3D colorimetric analysis, and to compare results with the Plaque Control Record (PCR). Methods: An acute intervention study was conducted on 34 healthy adults (18–45 years). A plaque-disclosing solution was applied, and intraoral scans were taken before and after 15 min of gum mastication. Plaque was quantified with PCR and the Placca Read software, which analyzes colorimetric patterns of scanned images. Statistical analyses (Shapiro–Wilk test, paired t-test) were performed with Jamovi Software version 1.6.14. Results: A significant reduction in plaque scores was observed after chewing gum (p < 0.05). Mean reduction reached −14.8% in the experimental group versus −3.9% in controls, where natural saliva flow and pigment washout may explain the modest decline. The 3D analysis provided precise measurements across all dental surfaces and showed strong correlation with PCR, supporting its validity. Conclusions: These findings indicate that functional chewing gum can significantly reduce plaque accumulation even after a single use, and that 3D colorimetric analysis offers a reliable, comprehensive alternative to conventional indices
Effective Conservative Management of Severe Scoliosis in a Girl with Prader-Willi Syndrome: A 20-Year Case Study Follow-Up
Get PDFBackground: Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare syndrome that presents in about 1 in 25,000 newborns. It is characterized by a typical phenotype that includes short stature, hypothyroidism and hypogonadism, cognitive and developmental delays, slow growth, obesity, and, in most patients, scoliosis. These patients generally have a life expectancy of less than 60 years, with respiratory distress being the leading cause of death; scoliosis is not the primary cause of these respiratory problems, but may contribute to their worsening. Therefore, accurately diagnosing and managing scoliosis is crucial for improving the life expectancy of PWS patients. Previous studies have shown a limited effectiveness of bracing due to a combination of factors, including generalized hypotonia, rapid early progression, poor brace compliance, and thus frequent progression to surgical intervention. Case presentation: This case report presents a 20-year follow-up of a female patient with PWS. Multiple clinical parameters were collected at every follow-up appointment. Throughout this extended observation and treatment period, the patient used two push-up braces of different rigidity, resulting in improvements in the thoracic and lumbar Cobb angle and the thoracic angle of trunk rotation. The treatment protocol was based on a shared decision with the parents and the patient. Conclusions: This case demonstrates how consistent and thorough follow-up can result in a successful, conservative treatment of a severe secondary scoliosis, thereby preventing the need for a major surgical procedure during growth
The numerical linear algebra of weights. Part I: from the spectral analysis to conditioning and preconditioning in the one-dimensional Laplacian case
Get PDFWeights are geometrical degrees of freedom that allow to generalize Lagrangian finite elements. They are defined through integrals over specific supports, well understood in terms of differential forms and integration, and lie within the framework of finite element exterior calculus. We adopt this formalism with the target of identifying supports that are appealing for a finite element approximation, describing weights in terms of a single parameter in the third- and fourth-order methods. To do so, we study the related parametric matrix-sequences, with the matrix order tending to infinity as the mesh size tends to zero. Using the generalized locally Toeplitz theory, we analyze the performance of weights-based finite elements on an elliptic operator. In particular, for degrees 3 and 4, we identify an optimal value for the weights location, which sits in a rather large interval where weights give rise to better conditioned stiffness matrices. With this at hand, we propose and test ad hoc preconditioners, in dependence of the discretization parameters and in connection with conjugate gradient method. The model problem we consider is a one-dimensional Laplacian, both with constant and non-constant coefficients. Numerical visualizations and experimental tests are reported and critically discussed, showing a confidence interval for the choice of the parameter
Intestinal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Influences Hyaluronan Homeostasis in the Rat Brain
No full text: Intestinal ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) can lead to multiple organ dysfunction, including the central nervous system (CNS), where a neuroinflammatory response may develop. Hyaluronan, a glycosaminoglycan component of the extracellular matrix, has been shown to modulate enteric neuronal and immune function during in vivo IRI in the rat small intestine. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential involvement of hyaluronan in the alterations induced by in vivo intestinal IRI in the rat hippocampus and striatum. Mesenteric ischemia was induced in anesthetized adult male rats for 60 min, followed by 24 h of reperfusion. Injured (IRI group), sham-operated (SHAM group), and non-injured (CTR group) animals were treated with the hyaluronan synthesis inhibitor 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU; 25 mg/kg). In the hippocampus and striatum of the IRI group, levels of both hyaluronan and neurocan, a proteoglycan primarily found in the central nervous system extracellular matrix, as well as the hyaluronan synthesizing enzyme Has2, were significantly downregulated compared to the CTR and SHAM groups. These changes were associated with alterations in the TLR4-NFκB-pIκB pathway, with the effects being more prominent in the hippocampus than in the striatum. Increased levels of IL6, co-localizing with the microglial marker S100β, were observed in both regions and were attenuated by 4-MU only in the hippocampus. Overall, these findings suggest that intestinal IRI may disrupt extracellular matrix homeostasis and induce hyaluronan-mediated enhancement of local proinflammatory signaling, primarily involving IL6 and microglial cells, mainly in the hippocampus. Such changes may contribute to the development of cognitive deficits and memory dysfunction associated with intestinal IRI
Rinnovare la narrazione degli spazi museali: analisi metodologica di un progetto di ricerca sul Museo Castiglioni di Varese
No full textPirfenidone to prevent fibrosis in acute respiratory distress syndrome: The PIONEER study protocol
Get PDFBackground: Pulmonary fibrosis is a major complication of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Pirfenidone is an approved treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It may attenuate ARDS-related fibrosis and decrease the need for prolonged ventilation. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate the effect of pirfenidone on ventilator-free days in patients with ARDS. Methods: In a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we plan to randomly assign 130 adults invasively ventilated for ARDS to receive pirfenidone or placebo for up to 28 days. The primary outcome is days alive and ventilator free at 28 days. Secondary outcomes include ICU-free days, hospital free days all at 28 day, ICU mortality and hospital mortality. We will also assess fibroproliferative changes on high-resolution CT scans at ICU discharge and quality of life. Data analysis will be on an intention-to-treat basis. Discussion: The trial is ongoing and currently recruiting. It will be the first randomized controlled study to investigate whether, compared to placebo, pirfenidone increases the number of days alive and ventilator-free in patients with ARDS. Its double-blind multicenter design will provide internal validity, minimal bias, and a degree of external validity. If our hypothesis is confirmed, this treatment would justify larger trials of this intervention. Trial registration: This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with the trial identification NCT05075161
Valorisation of Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS) biomass: potential bioenergy uses and biochar-driven soil remediation
Get PDFInvasive alien plant species (IAPS) are a global problem, threatening ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. The legislation mandates IAPS proper management, yet it is costly and produces large amounts of waste biomass that need to be disposed of. Valorising IAPS biomasses from eradication practices may offer ecological and economic benefits, embracing circular and bio-economy principles, and creating synergies with restoration projects. During the Ph.D. activity, we evaluated i) the energy production potential of the IAPS biomass through the analysis of plant functional traits, ii) the use of these biomasses for the production of biochar, and iii) the efficiency of IAPS-derived biochar as a phytoremediation tool in a multi-heavy metal contaminated soil.
In particular, we first used plant functional spaces (Global Spectrum of Plant Form and Function, and Grime’s CSR strategies) to identify the bioenergetic potential of IAPS’ biomasses. To this aim, we identified four IAPS groups representative of key trade-offs between plant economics and size variation, which correlated respectively with C:N (Carbon to Nitrogen ratio) and GHV (Gross heating value), indicating suitability for biochemical and thermal bioenergetic processes, respectively. Results demonstrated that the herbaceous IAPS were better suited to biochemical processes while woody IAPS were potentially better suited to thermal ones.
As the second step, we selected five herbaceous and five woody IAPS for small-scale biochar production and a consequent chemical-physical characterization. The analysis revealed differences between woody and herbaceous IAPS, the latter being more suitable for soil amendment due to their greater pH and macronutrient content, and the former characterized by higher lead adsorption from aqueous solutions being more appropriate for heavy-metal remediation. Finally, based on these findings, IAPS-derived biochars (from Ailanthus altissima and Solidago gigantea) combined with Urtica dioica powder were assessed in their remediation potential of an Arsenic and Lead-contaminated technosol with Phaseolus vulgaris used as indicator species. The amendments improved soil pore water properties and lowered Pb concentration, promoting plant growth, enhancing fine root traits, and reducing Pb plant uptake. Also, combining biochar and U. dioica powder improved the soil's enzymatic activities. On the contrary, when As was analysed, both biochar types mixed with the U. dioica powder, increased its mobility in soil pore water, leading to a higher plant root uptake, but no translocation to the aboveground organs occurred.Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) are a global problem, threatening ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. The legislation mandates IAPS proper management, yet it is costly and produces large amounts of waste biomass that need to be disposed of. Valorising IAPS biomasses from eradication practices may offer ecological and economic benefits, embracing circular and bio-economy principles, and creating synergies with restoration projects. During the Ph.D. activity, we evaluated i) the energy production potential of the IAPS biomass through the analysis of plant functional traits, ii) the use of these biomasses for the production of biochar, and iii) the efficiency of IAPS-derived biochar as a phytoremediation tool in a multi-heavy metal contaminated soil.
In particular, we first used plant functional spaces (Global Spectrum of Plant Form and Function, and Grime’s CSR strategies) to identify the bioenergetic potential of IAPS’ biomasses. To this aim, we identified four IAPS groups representative of key trade-offs between plant economics and size variation, which correlated respectively with C:N (Carbon to Nitrogen ratio) and GHV (Gross heating value), indicating suitability for biochemical and thermal bioenergetic processes, respectively. Results demonstrated that the herbaceous IAPS were better suited to biochemical processes while woody IAPS were potentially better suited to thermal ones.
As the second step, we selected five herbaceous and five woody IAPS for small-scale biochar production and a consequent chemical-physical characterization. The analysis revealed differences between woody and herbaceous IAPS, the latter being more suitable for soil amendment due to their greater pH and macronutrient content, and the former characterized by higher lead adsorption from aqueous solutions being more appropriate for heavy-metal remediation. Finally, based on these findings, IAPS-derived biochars (from Ailanthus altissima and Solidago gigantea) combined with Urtica dioica powder were assessed in their remediation potential of an Arsenic and Lead-contaminated technosol with Phaseolus vulgaris used as indicator species. The amendments improved soil pore water properties and lowered Pb concentration, promoting plant growth, enhancing fine root traits, and reducing Pb plant uptake. Also, combining biochar and U. dioica powder improved the soil's enzymatic activities. On the contrary, when As was analysed, both biochar types mixed with the U. dioica powder, increased its mobility in soil pore water, leading to a higher plant root uptake, but no translocation to the aboveground organs occurred
Natural Killer Cells in Graves’ Disease: Increased Frequency but Impaired Degranulation Ability Compared to Healthy Controls
Get PDFGraves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder, driven by the appearance of circulating autoantibodies (Ab) against the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor, thus causing hyperthyroidism. While antithyroid drugs, the only available treatment for GD, carry a significant risk of relapse, advances in immunology could pave the way for more effective therapies. Natural killer (NK) cells, divided into cytotoxic CD56dim and cytokine-secreting CD56bright subsets, regulate immune responses through cytokine production and cell lysis and may play a role in the pathogenesis of GD. To investigate their involvement, we conducted flow cytometry on peripheral blood samples from 131 GD patients at various stages (disease onset, on antithyroid drugs, and in remission) and 97 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC). We analyzed NK cell subsets, activating (CD16, CD69, NKG2D, NKp30) and inhibitory receptors (CD161, NKG2A), degranulation (CD107a), and intracellular cytokines expression (interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor α). Statistical comparisons were made between GD patients and HC and across disease stages. GD patients had a higher frequency of total NK cells (p < 0.028) and CD56bright NK cells (p < 0.01) but a lower frequency of CD56dim NK cells (p = 0.005) compared to HC. NK cells in GD patients expressed activating receptors more frequently, except for NKG2D, but had decreased cytokine expression and degranulation ability. At GD onset, patients had higher frequencies of total NK cells, CD56bright NK cells, and NK cells expressing activating receptors compared to patients receiving ATD treatment and those in remission. CD161+ NK cells were lower at GD onset and returned to levels of HC following treatment. Correlation analysis revealed that free thyroxine (FT4) levels were inversely correlated with CD107a+ NK cells (p < 0.05) and positively correlated with CD69+ NK cells (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that hyperthyroidism impairs NK cell degranulation, with the increased frequency of NK cells potentially compensating for their reduced function. This dysfunction may contribute to the unregulated immune response in GD, highlighting NK cells as a potential target for novel therapeutic strategies
Italian manufacturing productivity, 1976-2016: sectoral reallocation versus firms’ heterogeneity
No full textNew datasets collecting financial statements and off-balance sheet data on a wide number of medium and large Italian enterprises between 1976 and 2016. Besides collecting administrative records data, it also collects aggregated data. Sorces: Mediobanca, Le principali società italiane, ad annos; OECD Productivity Database, April 2024 ed.; OECD STAN Database, 2020 ed.; Eurostat, Labour productivity and unit labour costs at industry level dataset; ISTAT, Industrial Censuses, ad annos; EU Klem