33145 research outputs found
Sort by
Immigrazione, cittadini e "noncittadini" in Roma antica, terra e comunità
No full textIl contributo si concentra sul tema dell’assegnazione collettiva di terra nel
504 a.C., in seguito all’arrivo a Roma da Inregillo di Appio Claudio, e nel caso della proposta di Spurio Cassio avanzata nel 486 a.C.; accenna anche alla distinzione tra cittadini e ‘noncittadini’ riguardo la proprietà della terra, sintomaticamente definita da Plinio il Vecchio come ‘madre terra’ dei Romani.The paper addresses the collective assignments of land in 504 BCE, following Appius Claudius’ arrival in Rome from Inregillus, and in 486 BCE due to the proposal advanced by Spurius Cassius. A major focus of the study is the distinction between citizens and non-citizens regarding the ownership of land, symptomatically defined by Pliny the Elder as the ‘mother land’ of the Romans
A2A receptor antagonist 4-(2-((6-Amino-9-ethyl-8-(furan-2-yl)-9H-purin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)phenol, a promising adenosine derivative for glioblastoma treatment
No full textAdenosine, a pervasive signaling molecule mediated by its interaction with G-protein-coupled receptor subtypes, especially the A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR), plays a crucial role in cancer treatment. Recently, A2AAR targeting adenosine analogs have been proposed as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. However, the molecules targeting A2AAR and their mode of action in inhibiting glioblastoma cell progression remain unknown. We synthesized six adenosine derivatives substituted at the 9-, 2- and/or N6- and/or 8- positions, and their anti-proliferative efficacy against the GBM cell lines LN229 and SNB19 was assessed. Molecular dynamic simulation integrated with experimental analyses, including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis assay, ligand binding assay, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) profiling, PAMPA assay, and 3D spheroid analysis, were performed to identify the interaction efficacy of the potential derivative with A2AAR and its ability to prevent GBM cell progression. The most potent A2AAR derivative (ANR), 4-(2-((6-Amino-9-ethyl-8-(furan-2-yl)-9H-purin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)phenol (ANR 672) inhibits 5′-N-Ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA)-induced cAMP validating the antagonistic property with higher cytotoxicity effect against GBM cells. ANR 672 showed higher affinity toward A2AAR (Ki = 1.02 ± 0.06 nM) and exhibited significant IC50 concentrations of ∼ 60–80 μM, than FDA approved drug istredefylline. The A2AAR-ANR 672 interaction profile showed well-defined hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts, indicating a typical binding mechanism inside the receptor pocket and a higher degree of conformational flexibility than the A2AAR-Istradefylline complex. The antagonist effect of ANR 672 blocked the A2AAR signaling pathway, leading to necrosis-mediated cell death and cell cycle arrest at the S-phase in both the GBM cells. ANR 672 treated 3D tumour spheroids analysis with real-time spheroid volume and cell proliferation analysis revealed the potential ability of ANR 672 against GBM cell growth. Drug-likeness assessments also showed favorable pharmacokinetic profiles for ANR 672. Further validation of blood-brain barrier crossing potential revealed that ANR 672 possesses moderate permeability. Our findings shed light on how ANR 672 exerts its GBM-suppressive effect through the interaction of A2AAR. These preclinical results suggest that A2AAR blockade could be a unique strategy for treating GBM
Deep-Water Volcaniclastic Layers in the Late Messinian Apennines Foreland Basin Unravel the First Calc-Alkaline Rhyolitic Eruption in the Central Italy Magmatic System
No full textA package of upper Messinian volcaniclastic layers (UMVLs), exposed in the deep-water foreland basin system of the central Apennines (Italy), is the volcanic product of a rhyolitic eruption dated to 5.5 Ma. These UMVLs are an important marker for stratigraphic correlations along the central Apennines foreland basin system, but their source is still debated and poorly understood. Italian Plio-Quaternary volcanism exhibits significant petrological and geochemical variability, causing debate over magma genesis and differentiation. Investigating the magmatic evolution of central Italy is crucial for understanding one of the most complex geodynamic settings on Earth. The first evidence of efficient magma differentiation, producing eruptible calc-alkaline rhyolitic magmas, is the San Vincenzo eruption at 4.41 Ma. Our sedimentological and petrological analyses of UMVL exposures indicate a possible volcanic source in the northeastern Tuscany Magmatic Province. This discovery implies a developed transcrustal magma reservoir system and suggests that efficient magma differentiation capable of producing eruptible calc-alkaline rhyolitic magma occurred about one million years earlier than the San Vincenzo eruption, marking these UMVLs as the first rhyolitic eruption associated with Italian Plio-Quaternary volcanism
Open letter: A global call to strengthen national soil biodiversity action through coordination and harmonization
No full textSoil biodiversity remains one of the least systematically studied components of global biodiversity, largely invisible in policy agendas. A coordinated soil biodiversity monitoring approach is urgently needed to enable national-level action
Evaluation of Clinical and Quality of Life Effects of Oral Semaglutide Use in Type 2 Diabetes from a Public Health View: A Prospective Study in Italy
No full textBackground and Aim: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) continues to pose a significant public health challenge worldwide. Among therapeutic options, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have proven effective in optimizing glycemic control and improving cardiometabolic profiles. Semaglutide, now available in an oral formulation, represents a modern strategy to improve patient adherence while supporting glucose and weight regulation. This study primarily investigated the effects of oral semaglutide on key metabolic indicators and secondary endpoints included cardiovascular risk markers (blood pressure and lipid profile) and patient-reported quality of life (QoL). Study Design and Methods: A longitudinal, prospective observational study was conducted involving patients with T2D across two Italian healthcare facilities. Participants were assessed at baseline (T0) and at three subsequent intervals—6 months (T1), 12 months (T2), and 18 months (T3)—following the initiation of oral semaglutide use. Key Findings: Out of 116 participants enrolled, 97 had complete and analyzable data. Across the 18-month follow-up, significant improvements were observed in glycemic parameters, with a notable reduction in HbA1c levels (T0 vs. T3, p = 0.0028; p ≤ 0.05, statistically significant). Self-reported outcomes showed enhanced quality of life, especially in treatment satisfaction and perceived flexibility (T0 vs. T3, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Daily administration of 14 mg oral semaglutide in individuals with T2D resulted in substantial benefits in glycemic regulation, weight reduction, cardiovascular risk management, and overall patient satisfaction. These findings reinforce its potential role as a sustainable and effective option in long-term diabetes care from both a clinical and public health perspective
Evaluation of Plastic Pollution and associated Multidrug Resistant Bacteria in a River of Central Italy
No full textAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) and plastic pollution represent two global
environmental and public health challenges. River ecosystems play a central role in
the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes
(ARGs), with plastic debris providing an additional vehicle for their persistence and
transmission. This thesis investigates the interplay between ARB colonizing plastic
materials and those present in river water, focusing on third-generation cephalosporin
(3GC)-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in the Chienti River (Marche, Italy). Using a
multidisciplinary approach, which combines microbiological, molecular, and
metagenomic analyses, we identified a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR)
profiles in 3GC-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Additionally, we
detected carbapenem-resistant enterobacteria (CRE), including Klebsiella
pneumoniae ST1519, recorded for the first time in a natural environment in Italy. The
resistome analysis of plastic-associated bacteria revealed a high abundance of ARGs
conferring resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics, such as beta-lactams,
glycopeptides, and tetracyclines, alongside mobile genetic elements (MGEs) such as
integrons, which facilitate their horizontal gene transfer. These findings emphasize
the potential of rivers and plastics to act as reservoirs for priority resistant pathogens
challenging the public health care system. To address the growing need for a rapid
AMR surveillance, this work also contributed to the development of a
CRISPR/Cas12a-based molecular detection toolbox capable of identifying ARGs
with high sensitivity. This portable and adaptable tool, initially validated in clinical
isolates, bridges the gap between laboratory and in-field environmental monitoring,
representing a promising solution for real-time AMR detection
Cathodes Development and Cell Manufacturing for Innovative Li-ion and Na-ion Batteries
No full textThe present thesis work is focused on the study of cathode materials and the related cell
manufacturing to obtain Li-ion and Na-ion batteries for possible practical applications. In particular,
the use of a Fe/Mn-based mixed olivine cathode in both systems, the scalability of electrode
processing and manufacturing in Li-ion cells, and the proof-of-concept evaluation of full-cell
balancing, coupling layered oxide cathodes and Sn- or Si-based alloying anodes, are herein studied
in this thesis.
Energy production has been worldwide moving toward renewable sources to overcome the several
drawbacks presently attributed to the massive use of fossil fuels. In these regards, electrochemical
energy storage (EES) systems, in particular rechargeable batteries, play the most relevant role in
storing green energy. Relevantly, to achieve the goals of sustainability, good management, and safety,
non-toxic, cheap, and stable polyanionic phospho-olivines have been promoted and largely used in
commercial batteries, despite low ionic and electronic conductivity and relatively low working
potential (i.e. 3.45 V vs. Li+
/Li for LiFePO4), which could be increased using other transition metals,
such as Mn. Additionally, the possible implementation of Na-ion batteries for stationary storage could
also increase the sustainability of EES systems, due to the abundancy of sodium with respect to
lithium, while the alkali metal substitution requires notable and dedicated studies. Furthermore, the
optimization of other practical aspects regarding electrodes and cell manufacturing (i.e. slurry
properties, coating procedure, electrode balancing etc.) is another key parameter to obtain
improvement on battery performances, especially on industrial scale. On the other hand, the high
energy density of layered oxide cathodes is required in different applications, making relevant the
study of these materials, particularly when combined with anodes with high theoretical capacity (i.e.
alloying-based anodes).
In the first chapter a mixed LiFe0.6Mn0.4PO4 (LFMP) olivine cathode was synthesized and
characterized in terms of structure, morphology and electrochemical features in lithium metal cell.
Therefore, due to the positive results in conventional electrolyte, LFMP was studied in a lithium metal
polymer battery with a solid configuration, using a polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether-based
electrolyte, showing promising outcomes in terms of capacity, efficiency, and retention.
Subsequently, LFMP was electrochemically converted to NaFe0.6Mn0.4PO4 (NFMP) with triphylite
structure for application in Na-ion battery. The NFMP cathode was deeply characterized in terms of
structure, morphology and electrochemical features in sodium metal cell with encouraging findings,
and afterwards compared with the lithium analogue LFMP in terms of ion transport and interfacial
characteristics using various electrochemical techniques, combined with the calculation of the
distribution of relaxation times (DRT) functions. Furthermore, the electrochemical reaction
mechanism and structure of NFMP cathode were additionally investigated by means of ex-situ and
in-situ (operando) XAS experiments.
In the second chapter the role of conductive carbon additives and the refining of electrode
manufacturing using commercial LiMn0.7Fe0.3PO4 (LMFP73) as active material have been studied.
The optimization of additive content, mixing protocol, solid content, coating speed, and electrode
loading was carried out to produce electrodes suitable for industrial use, subsequently coupled with
graphite anode to achieve lab-scale coin-type full-cells and upscaled single-layer pouch cell,
presenting promising stable capacity retained for over 100 cycles and good energy density at the
electrodes level. The last chapter is focused on full-cell balancing using layered oxide cathodes and alloying-based
anodes. LiNi0.2Co0.2Al0.1Mn0.45O2 (LNCAM) was synthetized and deeply characterized in Li-cell.
Particularly, its relevant irreversibility during first charge is advantageously exploited for
compensating the pristine inefficiency of a Li-alloying silicon oxide composite without any
preliminary treatment in proof-of-concept full-cells with different N/P ratios. Moreover, a sodiated
version of a tin-carbon (Sn-C) alloying material was obtained exploiting a versatile chemical strategy,
and the NaxSn-C anode was combined with sodium-deficient layered oxide cathode
(NaNi0.2Co0.2Al0.1Mn0.45O2, NCAM) for application in proof-of-concept Na-ion full-cell investigated
by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and ex-situ measurements. For both studied systems the
applicability of the proposed balancing methods is evidenced, despite further optimization is required
to enhance the efficiency of the batteries
Effects of Temperature on the Static Response of Bridges: A Case Study
No full textTo ensure the long-term safety, durability, and performance of bridges, it is critical to account for the effects of thermal variations on structural behavior. Temperature changes induce volumetric expansions and contractions, which—when restrained—generate mechanical stresses that may compromise structural integrity. Accurately understanding and quantifying these thermal effects is especially important in the context of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), where temperature-induced responses must be distinguished from other structural signals to avoid misinterpretation of the bridge's condition.
Modern SHM systems incorporate advanced sensing technologies, such as thermocouples, fiber-optic sensors, and infrared imaging, to acquire real-time temperature data. These systems facilitate the analysis of thermal gradients, long-term temperature trends, and their relationship to mechanical responses.
This study presents the design and initial findings of a static monitoring system implemented on an operational roadway bridge selected as a case study. The monitoring system provides continuous data on temperature-related structural behavior, supporting the identification of trends and potential anomalies. The bridge is instrumented with strain gauges, thermocouples, inclinometers, and displacement transducers. Based on the case study, the paper also explores different methodologies for monitoring and interpreting thermal effects by integrating temperature measurements with structural response data to evaluate their correlation
Il progetto del verde verticale e orizzontale
No full textIl contributo si inserisce nel volume che raccoglie l’esperienza di URGES, un progetto finanziato dal POR FESR Basilicata 2014-2020 e sviluppato da un partenariato composto dall’Università della Basilicata, nel ruolo di capofila, dalle Università di Lubiana, Siviglia, Chieti-Pescara, Reggio Calabria e dall’Agenzia Lucana di Sviluppo e di Innovazione in Agricoltura. Acronimo di “Urban Green Shapes”, URGES è un progetto di ricerca interdisciplinare aperto alla partecipazione di ricercatori, cittadini, enti ed aziende, che si è posto l’obiettivo di studiare e dimostrare come “forme di verde” possano contribuire ad elevare la qualità urbana e architettonica, l’efficienza energetica e il benessere degli abitanti nella città contemporanea. Per oltre due anni, si è occupato di studiare strategie innovative di rigenerazione urbana basate sul greening e sulle Nature-based solutions (NBS), mettendo in campo competenze architettoniche, paesaggistiche, agronomiche, ambientali e sociali e ponendo lo sguardo sui quartieri di edilizia pubblica come l’Arco di Matera; un’espansione nata negli anni Novanta del secolo scorso con un Piano di Edilizia Economica Popolare, che nel realizzarsi ha disatteso quell’“armonica osmosi fra città e campagna” che il suo primo progettista, Marcello Fabbri, aveva ben prefigurato con il suo disegno originale
High-Fat-Diet-Induced Kidney Injury in Rats: The Role of Tart Cherry Supplementation
No full textThe kidney plays a crucial role in the complex inter-organ communication that occurs during obesity, leading to the development of oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. Dysfunction of the transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels contributes to this pathophysiology. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of antioxidant-rich fruit tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) on kidney morphology and protein expression in rats with diet-induced obesity (DIO). Methods include histological staining and immunohistochemical and Western blot assays. Obese rodents were fed with seed powder (DS) and seed powder plus juice (DJS) of the tart cherry. Results demonstrated that rats fed a high-fat-diet (HFD) showed a significant reduction in renal expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) following tart cherry supplementation. Furthermore, the study provided evidence that TRP channels, specifically TRP canonical 1 (TRPC1) and TRP melastatin 2 (TRPM2), were significantly upregulated in obese animals (p < 0.05 vs. CHOW rats) and markedly downregulated following tart cherry supplementation (p < 0.05 vs. DIO rats). In conclusion, these TRP proteins offer new insights for identifying targets and biomarkers for developing therapeutic strategies against HFD-induced renal damage, characterized by glomerulosclerosis, fibrosis, and inflammation. Tart cherries supplementation exerted a protective effect on the kidneys by reducing protein oxidation and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression