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Could thyrotropin serum level characterize major depressive disorder phenotype? A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textPurpose: Aim of this systematic review is to evaluate if and how thyrotropin (TSH) serum level levels may influence major depressive disorders (MDD) in drug naïve patients, and if it could characterize MDD phenotype. Methods: A PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science databases was researched up to January 2025. The studies eligible addressed the questions define based on the PICO framework: (1) Are TSH levels different between first episode drug-naïve (FEDN) patients diagnosed with MDD and healthy subjects? (2) What are the TSH levels in FEDN patients diagnosed with MDD who attempt suicide compared to who do not? This review followed PRISMA guidelines. The quality assessment and the risk of bias were analyzed using QUADAS-2. Results: We included 45 studies in the qualitative synthesis, and 18 in the quantitative one, encompassing a total of 34,448 participants. Our systematic review showed conflicting data about TSH levels in FEDN MDD patients compared to healthy subjects. However, the meta-analysis showed in 6,224 patients that higher TSH levels are related to an increased risk of suicide attempt (Standardized Mean Difference = 1.848 mIU/L, C.I. 95%:1.506 to 2.190) with moderate-high heterogeneity across studies (I2 = 67%, p = .009). Conclusion: We showed conflicting data about TSH levels in FEDN MDD patients compared to healthy subjects. On the contrary, the meta-analysis evidenced significant higher TSH levels among MDD patients with suicide attempt than those without it. The clinical implications of this finding have yet to be established
The Application of Three Dimensional Digital Technologies in Historic Gardens and Related Cultural Heritage: A Scoping Review
Get PDFThis paper presents a comprehensive scoping review of the application of 3D digital technologies in the documentation, conservation, and management of historic gardens and related cultural heritage. By analyzing a curated selection of literature, this study assessed the current state of research, highlighting trends in publications, the geographic distribution of contributors, and the key technologies employed. Using bibliometric methods and visualization tools, followed by a case study review, this review identified significant research hotspots and technical methodologies, particularly focusing on advanced techniques such as mobile laser scanning, UAV photogrammetry, and point cloud processing and their relationships with end users. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating multiple technologies to capture the diverse elements of historic gardens, including architectural features, vegetation, and topography. This review also underscores the significance of dynamic landscapes facing challenges posed by environmental degradation and urban development pressures. Moreover, it discusses the limitations of existing research and outlines future opportunities, such as the development of 4D documentation systems and the incorporation of AI for improving heritage management. This paper concludes by recommending interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement to enhance the accessibility, understanding, and sustainable management of historic gardens through innovative technological applications
The Role of Surgery Along the Diffuse Low-Grade Glioma Timeline: Insights into Surgical Paradigms
No full textDiffuse low-grade glioma (DLGG) present a complex challenge in neurosurgery because of their infiltrative characteristics and the potential for malignant transformation over time.
Historically, DLGG management emphasized a conservative approach, balancing tumor control with preservation of neurological function. However, recent advancements in neuroimaging, intraoperative mapping techniques, and adjuvant therapies have reshaped surgical strategies, promoting more aggressive resections with improved patient survival.
Longitudinal studies have elucidated the natural history of DLGGs, guiding clinicians in determining optimal timing for surgical intervention based on tumor growth kinetics and patient-specific factors.
The incorporation of sophisticated imaging techniques, such diffusion tensor imaging and functional MRI, has transformed preoperative planning, allowing surgeons to more precisely define tumor boundaries and minimize damage to eloquent areas during resection. In this clinical setting, the combination of brain mapping techniques and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring is the cornerstone to maximize tumor resection while minimizing the risk of postoperative permanent neurological deficits.
This chapter examines the pivotal role of surgery in the DLGG management, with a focus on its significance across different stages of gliomagenesis. Emphasis is placed on surgical indications in incidental, symptomatic LGGs, and during disease progression, alongside an exploration of surgery’s role in controlling tumor-related epilepsy
Lavoro e ambiente: sostenibilità e inclusione alla luce dell'art. 41 Cost. riformato
No full textIl filone normativo europeo composto da Green Deal, Tassonomia Ue, procedure di attuazione dell’ESG, discipline sulla rendicontazione non finanziaria, di sostenibilità e sulla due diligence ha rafforzato il legame tra agire economico e diritto del lavoro, che ne dovrebbe arginare le derive, accompagnando le imprese nel percorso di just transition.
Il diritto del lavoro nasce con una chiara ed evidente vocazione di tutela della persona rispetto alle asimmetrie di informazione e di potere a cui è esposta la parte “debole” del contratto. Tuttavia, nel tempo, arricchisce le proprie funzioni protettive volgendo lo sguardo all’ambiente esterno: prima, attraverso la normativa di
prevenzione della salute e sicurezza sul lavoro e, ora, nel solco della svolta ambientalista della Costituzione.
Il diritto del lavoro, che fa propri gli obiettivi europei di sicurezza, sostenibilità e inclusione sociale, può aiutare le organizzazioni, situate responsabilmente nei territori e lungo le catene del valore, a meglio gestire la “casa comune” di fronte agli stress imposti dalle condotte umane anche, come sancisce l’art. 9 Cost., nell’interesse
delle future generazioni
La tutela della salute mentale nei Centri di permanenza per i rimpatri
Get PDFDopo una panoramica sul diritto alla salute mentale nell’ordinamento ita- liano, l’analisi si concentra sulla tutela del diritto alla salute degli immigrati irregolari, evidenziando come, sebbene siano in vigore normative specifiche per tutelare questo diritto anche per chi non ha cittadinanza italiana, la sua effettiva attuazione risulta an- cora in larga parte insufficiente. Questo sembra derivare sia dalle incertezze norma- tive, sia dalla garanzia in concreto del diritto alla salute da parte degli enti preposti. La riflessione si concentra quindi sulle garanzie del diritto alla salute all’interno dei Centri di permanenza per i rimpatri, sottolineando non solo la sua frequente negazione, ma anche il ricorso alla sedazione, ovvero a pratiche di tipo contenitivo
Energy balance analysis suggests that lactate is not a direct cause of the slow component of oxygen uptake kinetics
Get PDFPurpose: The mechanisms of oxygen uptake (V ̇O2) slow component in the severe exercise intensity domain are still a matter of debate. We tested the hypothesis that the rate of blood lactate ([La]) accumulation above maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) is a major cause of V ̇O2 slow component. Methods: On 13 males exercising on a cycle-ergometer, we measured gas exchanges, heart rate, and [La] during maximal incremental exercise test to determine maximal aerobic power (w.max) and at constant power exercise tests at 60%, 65%, 70%, and 80% of w.max. Results: Maximal V ̇O2 was 3.19 ± 0.37 l·min−1, w.max was 283 ± 28 W. At 60% w.max all variables attained steady state in all subjects. Power at MLSS was 177 ± 21 W. At 80% w.max a clear V ̇O2 slow component was observed in all subjects, exercise lasted 11.3 ± 3.1 min and [La] was 7.4 ± 2.2 mmol at 5 min and 11.5 ± 3.6 mmol at 10 min. The energy balance computed at 80% w.max resulted compatible with the principles of the energetics of muscular exercise, if we assume linear [La] increase, and thus constant metabolic power provided by [La] accumulation. Conversely, the metabolic power provided by V ̇O2 slow component increases with time. This contrast is incompatible with the tested hypothesis that consequently must be rejected. Conclusion: This study excluded [La] accumulation as a main cause of V ̇O2 slow component
Eco-sustainable preparation of oxides and integration into renewable energy devices and sensors
No full textQuesta tesi esplora la preparazione ecosostenibile degli ossidi metallici e la loro integrazione in dispositivi per l’energia rinnovabile e sensori, contribuendo allo sviluppo di tecnologie per l’energia pulita e il monitoraggio ambientale. Lo studio si concentra sulla sintesi, caratterizzazione e applicazione dell’Ossido di Nichel-Ceria Drogata con Gadolino (NiO-GDC) per celle a combustibile a ossidi solidi (SOFC) e dell’Ossido di Zinco (ZnO) per sensori di gas, con un’enfasi su approcci di fabbricazione sostenibili.
Per le SOFC, la modellazione computazionale con Ansys Fluent e PuMA viene utilizzata per analizzare il trasporto dei gas, la cinetica di reazione e la gestione termica, fornendo indicazioni per migliorare l’efficienza delle celle a combustibile. Sperimentalmente, gli anodi nanostrutturati a base di NiO-GDC vengono fabbricati con il metodo vapor-liquid-solid (VLS), controllando con precisione i parametri chiave di crescita. Tecniche avanzate di caratterizzazione, tra cui SEM, XRD, spettroscopia Raman e analisi elettrochimiche, confermano l’integrità strutturale e il potenziale dei nanofili NiO-GDC per il miglioramento delle prestazioni delle SOFC.
Nel campo della rilevazione dei gas, film sottili nanoporosi di ZnO vengono integrati in strutture di transistor a effetto di campo a gate flottante (FGFET) per la rilevazione di NO2. Le simulazioni con il software Silvaco-Atlas dimostrano la maggiore sensibilità dei sensori FGFET rispetto ai sensori resistivi tradizionali. Il processo sperimentale di fabbricazione, che prevede deposizione con magnetron sputtering e ossidazione termica, conferma che i sensori ZnO-FGFET ottimizzati presentano una sensibilità più elevata, tempi di risposta più rapidi ed eccellente selettività, anche in condizioni di umidità variabile.
Integrando la modellazione computazionale con la validazione sperimentale, questa ricerca contribuisce allo sviluppo di SOFC e sensori di gas efficienti e sostenibili. I risultati supportano gli sforzi globali per la produzione di energia pulita e il monitoraggio ambientale, dimostrando il potenziale dei materiali ossidi ecocompatibili per le tecnologie energetiche e di rilevazione di nuova generazione.This thesis explores the eco-sustainable preparation of metal oxides and their integration into renewable energy devices and sensors, contributing to the advancement of clean energy technologies and environmental monitoring. The study focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and application of Nickel Oxide-Gadolinium Doped Ceria (NiO-GDC) for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), as well as Zinc Oxide (ZnO) for gas sensors, emphasizing sustainable fabrication approaches.
For SOFCs, computational modeling using Ansys Fluent and PuMA software is conducted to analyze the gas transport, reaction kinetics, and thermal management, providing insights into improving fuel cell efficiency. Experimentally, nanostructured NiO-GDC anodes are fabricated using the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) method, with precise control over key growth parameters. Advanced characterization techniques, such as SEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical analysis, validate the structural integrity and the potential of NiO-GDC NWs for enhancing SOFC performance.
In the field of gas sensing, ZnO nanoporous thin films are integrated into floating-gate field-effect transistor (FGFET) structures for NO2 detection. Silvaco-Atlas simulations demonstrate the superior sensitivity of FGFET sensors compared to traditional resistor-based sensors. The experimental fabrication process, involving sputtering deposition and thermal oxidation, confirms that the optimized ZnO-FGFET sensors exhibit higher sensitivity, faster response times, and excellent selectivity, even under varying humidity conditions.
By integrating computational modeling with experimental validation, this research advances the development of efficient and sustainable SOFCs and gas sensors. The findings contribute to global efforts in clean energy production and environmental monitoring, demonstrating the potential of eco-friendly oxide-based materials in next-generation energy and sensing technologies
Multimuons in cosmic-ray events as seen in ALICE at the LHC
Get PDFALICE is a large experiment at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. Located 52 meters underground, its detectors are suitable to measure muons produced by cosmic-ray interactions in the atmosphere. In this paper, the studies of the cosmic muons registered by ALICE during Run 2 (2015–2018) are described. The analysis is limited to multimuon events defined as events with more than four detected muons (Nμ > 4) and in the zenith angle range 0◦ 100) obtained with QGSJET-II-04 and SIBYLL 2.3d is compatible with the data, while EPOS-LHC produces a significantly lower rate (55% of the measured rate). For both QGSJET-II-04 and SIBYLL 2.3d, the rate is close to the data when the composition is assumed to be dominated by heavy elements, an outcome compatible with the average energy Eprim ∼ 1017 eV of these events. This result places significant constraints on more exotic production mechanisms
Neuro-Nutritional Approach to Neuropathic Pain Management: A Critical Review
No full textPain is a significant global public health issue that can interfere with daily activities, sleep, and interpersonal relationships when it becomes chronic or worsens, ultimately impairing quality of life. Despite ongoing efforts, the efficacy of pain treatments in improving outcomes for patients remains limited. At present, the challenge lies in developing a personalized care and management plan that helps to maintain patient activity levels and effectively manages pain. Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition resulting from damage to the somatosensory nervous system, significantly impacting quality of life. It is partly thought to be caused by inflammation and oxidative stress, and clinical research has suggested a link between this condition and diet. However, these links are not yet well understood and require further investigation to evaluate the pathways involved in neuropathic pain. Specifically, the question remains whether supplementation with dietary antioxidants, such as melatonin, could serve as a potential adjunctive treatment for neuropathic pain modulation. Melatonin, primarily secreted by the pineal gland but also produced by other systems such as the digestive system, is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties. It is found in various fruits and vegetables, and its presence alongside other polyphenols in these foods may enhance melatonin intake and contribute to improved health. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of neuropathic pain and examine the potential role of melatonin as an adjunctive treatment in a neuro-nutritional approach to pain management