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On a sublinear nonlocal fractional problem
No full textThis paper deals with existence results of nonnegative solutions for a one-parameter
sublinear elliptic boundary-value problem driven by the classical fractional Laplacian operator. The
existence of a weak solution for any parameter beyond the first resonance has been proved by
using a slight variation of the classical Mountain Pass result due to Ambrosetti and Rabinowitz
Two bis-maltol-polyamines: Synthesis, characterization and studies of their palladium(II) complexes exploring their potential anticancer activity
No full text: The interest in the antineoplastic and binding properties shown by the bis-maltol polyamine family, particularly Malten and Maltonis, prompted us to study the Pd2+ complexes of these latter from both a biological and metallo-receptor point of view. The Malten-Pd2+ complex can lodge hard species such as Sr2+ in its coordination-driven preorganized pocket, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction. UV-Vis and NMR data showed that Malten-Pd2+ forms even at acidic pH and exists in aqueous solution in a wide range of pH. The mononuclear complex is stable enough not to release Pd2+ in solution for a long period of time (at least one week), thus Malten-Pd2+, similarly to Maltonis-Pd2+, is suitable to be tested in biological analyses. Studies on the U937 cell line revealed that the effect on cell survival reduction induced by Malten is partially lost in Malten-Pd2+, while no differences where monitored between the effects of Maltonis-Pd2+ and Maltonis, suggesting that the availability of free maltol moieties, that is retained in Maltonis-Pd2+, but not in Malten-Pd2+, is crucial to guarantee the biological activity of these compounds
El texto literario como herramienta en la enseñanza de ELE en un contexto universitario italiano. Diseño de una unidad de aprendizaje
No full textCampagna di scavo presso il Tempio G di Selinunte, Missione diretta da Oscar Mei. Responsabile del cantiere archeologico
No full textChe ne sarà dei tirocini formativi?
No full textL'articolo si interroga sulle prospettive della disciplina dei tirocini formativi alla luce dell'evoluzione delle fonti e delle sentenze della Corte costituzional
Early Development of an Innovative Nanoparticle-Based Multimodal Tool for Targeted Drug Delivery: A Step-by-Step Approach
No full textProstate cancer is the most common tumor in men in developed countries and it often responds poorly to conventional treatments. Monoclonal antibody (MoAb) therapy, for this pathology, has grown tremendously in the past decades, exploiting naked and conjugated antibodies to cytotoxic payloads to form antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). Several studies have been carried out conjugating biomolecules against prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), highly expressed in this tumor, to cytotoxic drugs. Nano-based formulations show high potential in targeted drug delivery to enhance the bioavailability of drugs. Our research aimed to evaluate the feasibility of setting up a nanoparticle-based multimodal tool for targeted drug delivery, describing the step-by-step approach and to perform a first screening of these fluorescent PEGylated silica nanoparticles employed in selective cancer cell targeting and killing. These nanoparticles featured a core–shell structure to contemporarily conjugate the antibody and the cytotoxic payload monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) using a step-by-step approach. We compared the cytotoxic effect of this multimodal nanotool near the antibody-MMAE and free MMAE. We found a lower cytotoxicity effect of the nanoparticle-based construct compared to free drugs, likely because of the preservation of the previously observed receptor-mediated endocytosis. Nanomedicine is confirmed as a powerful alternative to organic drug delivery systems, even if some aspects, such as drug loading efficacy, release, scalable manufacturing and long-term stability, need to be deepened
Fundamental questions in meiofauna research highlight how small but ubiquitous animals can improve our understanding of Nature.
Get PDFThis paper identifies the top-50 priority questions
for meiofaunal research, highlighting their critical
roles in biogeochemical cycles and biodiversity. It
calls for a balanced research agenda, international
cooperation, and advances in technology to
overcome current challenges and unlock
meiofauna’s full potential
Lower-Limb Flexibility Profile in 142 Competitive Female Football Players: A Cross-Sectional Study
No full textBackground/Objectives: The ROM-SPORT is a test battery for assessing flexibility
that measures the range of motion (ROM) in the sport. Restricted or optimal ROM is
associated with an increased risk of injury or improved athletic performance, respectively.
The aim of the present study was to determine the normative values of the lower limb’s
flexibility profile by ROM assessment in female football players. Methods: Lower-limb
flexibility (11 ROM tests) was measured using the ROM-SPORT battery in 142 female
football players (19.42 ± 4.45 years). The tests were performed at the beginning of the
training sessions in the first two weeks of the pre-season. Standardized Z-scores (on a scale
of 0 to 100 [T-score]) were calculated from the mean and standard deviation to classify
the ROM of each movement into three qualitative categories (poor [>−3 to −2], average
or normal [−1 to 1; 68.2%], and optimal [1 to >3]) and a traffic light system to facilitate
interpretation of the results. Results: The results show normal (or average) ROM values at
32–37◦ for ankle dorsiflexion with the knee extended; 37–43◦ for ankle dorsiflexion with the
knee flexed; 46–54◦ for hip internal rotation; 54–61◦ for hip external rotation; 31–37◦ for hip
adduction; 70–76◦ for hip abduction with the hip flexed; 41–45◦ for hip abduction with the
hip neutral; 135–141◦ for hip flexion; 73–82◦ for hip flexion with the knee extended; 15–21◦
for hip extension; 121–132◦ for knee flexion. The normative data presented in this study can
be utilized by researchers and practitioners in the women’s football league in a variety of
ways, provided similar data collection methods are used. Conclusions: Flexibility training
is recommended to overcome normal or average ROM and optimize athletic performance
with lower injury risk in female football players
Development of an Integrated Analysis Methodology for Lean Manufacturing and Sustainable Development in the Mechanical Engineering Industry
Get PDFQuesta tesi esplora la relazione tra Lean Manufacturing e sostenibilità nel settore della metalmeccanica, concentrandosi in particolare sul suo impatto sulle prestazioni economiche, ambientali e sociali. Lo studio sviluppa un quadro integrato per valutare gli effetti delle tecniche lean sui tre pilastri della sostenibilità. La ricerca è strutturata in tre capitoli, ognuno dei quali impiega un metodo diverso per esaminare questa interazione. Il primo capitolo fornisce una panoramica teorica attraverso due revisioni sistematiche della letteratura (SLR), che esplorano la connessione più ampia tra lean e sostenibilità e gli impatti specifici degli strumenti lean sulle tre dimensioni della sostenibilità. Il secondo capitolo valuta i risultati di un progetto lean presso Schnell SpA, un'azienda metalmeccanica italiana, utilizzando la Sustainable Value Stream Mapping (Sus-VSM) per misurarne gli effetti sulle metriche di sostenibilità. Il terzo capitolo indaga 115 aziende del settore metalmeccanico italiano, analizzando l'adozione della Lean Manufacturing e il suo rapporto con la sostenibilità e identificando le barriere e i fattori che ne favoriscono l'implementazione. I risultati suggeriscono che, sebbene le pratiche di Lean Manufacturing migliorino l'efficienza operativa e la sostenibilità, rimangono ancora delle sfide complesse, in particolare per quanto riguarda le barriere economiche, operative e culturali. La tesi apporta preziose intuizioni su come la Lean Manufacturing possa guidare la sostenibilità attraverso tutti i pilastri, promuovendo la competitività nel lungo periodo attraverso pratiche aziendali responsabili.This thesis explores the relationship between Lean Manufacturing and sustainability within the mechanical engineering sector, focusing specifically on its impact on economic, environmental, and social performance. The study develops an integrated framework to assess the effects of lean techniques on the three pillars of sustainability. The research is structured into three chapters, each employing a different method to examine this interaction. The first chapter provides a theoretical overview through two systematic literature reviews (SLRs), which explore the broader connection between lean and sustainability and the specific impacts of lean tools on the three sustainability dimensions. The second chapter assesses the outcomes of a lean project at Schnell SpA, an Italian mechanical engineering company, using Sustainable Value Stream Mapping (Sus-VSM) to evaluate the effects on sustainability metrics. The third chapter surveys 115 companies in the Italian mechanical engineering sector, analysing the adoption of Lean Manufacturing and its relationship with sustainability and identifying barriers and enablers to its implementation. The findings suggest that while Lean Manufacturing practices improve operational efficiency and sustainability, challenges remain, particularly regarding economic, operational, and cultural barriers. The thesis contributes valuable insights into how Lean Manufacturing can drive sustainability across all pillars, with particular emphasis on fostering long-term competitiveness through responsible business practices
Redox modulation via a synthetic thiol compound reshapes energy metabolism in endothelial cells and ameliorates angiogenic expression in a co-culture study with activated macrophages
Get PDFThe vascular endothelium is the first interface exposed to circulating compounds and oxidative as well as pro-inflammatory stimuli. Nowadays, cysteine pro-drugs are emerging as new and potential therapies in cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases due to their cytoprotective effects. In this study, the effects of redox modulation by a synthetic thiol compound, i.e., I-152, a precursor of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and cysteamine (MEA), were evaluated after 6 h and 24 h treatment on human umbilical cord endothelial cell (HUVECs) energy metabolism. Following I-152 treatment, higher cysteine and glutathione (GSH) content were detected via HPLC, in concomitance with I-152 derivatives, i.e., NAC and MEA. Untargeted metabolomics confirmed GSH upregulation and NAC presence in addition to I-152 itself and other metabolites, such as dithiol compound (NACMEAA) and triacetylated I-152. Mass spectrometry revealed that I-152 boosted ATP production, specifically through the mitochondrial OXPHOS, as determined via Seahorse assay without inducing oxidative stress. Additionally, I-152 treatment of HUVECs before co-culture with LPS-stimulated macrophages provided GSH and cysteine sustainment and attenuated the transcription of adhesion molecules as well as iNOS expression. Identifying the impact of redox regulation in physiological conditions and the possible metabolic targets could aid the application of novel thiol-based therapeutics