Archivio istituzionale della ricerca - Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna
Archivio istituzionale della ricerca - Alma Mater Studiorum Università di BolognaNot a member yet
336958 research outputs found
Sort by
High-Grade Early-Onset Prostate Cancer: Assessment of TMPRSS2::ERG-Negative Tumors Suggests Low Frequency of Germline Alterations and a Pathogenic Role for HOXB13
No full textEarly onset prostate cancer (EOPC; defined herein as prostate cancer [PCa] affecting men ≤ 55 years-old) tends to show low histologic grade, likely representing early detection of indolent tumors that would otherwise be diagnosed later in life. A small subset of EOPC exhibits Gleason scores consistent with high-risk disease (Grade Groups 4 to 5; high-grade EOPC [HG-EOPC] hereafter). In this study, we assess the clinicopathologic features of HG-EOPC, with genomic analysis of ERG-negative cases. We assessed HG-EOPC using immunohistochemistry for ERG (as a surrogate marker of TMPRSS2::ERG), PMS2 (as a surrogate marker of MLH1/PMS2 inactivation), and MSH6 (as a surrogate marker of MSH2/MSH6 inactivation). Selected ERG negative cases were assessed using Oncopanel, which interrogates 447 genes, including PCa-relevant genes. Ninety-six samples from 96 individual patients (median age: 52 y; range: 40 to 55 y) were included in the study. Immunohistochemical staining with ERG was performed in 95 cases, 52 (54%) of which showed negative staining. PMS2 was performed in 93 cases, being retained in 92 (98.9%) and lost in 1 (1.1%). MSH6 was performed in 96 cases, being retained in 92 (95.8%), lost in 2 (2.1%), and equivocal in 2 (2.1%). Sequencing of 23 ERG-negative primary tumors showed enrichment for alterations that are typically associated with castration resistance, including loss of 8p (>50%), gains of 8q (>50%), and inactivation of CDK12 (n=4). The cohort also showed a relatively high frequency of pathogenic TP53 (n=7) and SPOP (n=4) variants. Pathogenic BRCA2 variants and mismatch repair deficiency were identified in 1 case each. Interestingly, >50% of the tumors showed HOXB13 amplification. In conclusion, TMPRSS2::ERG fusion-negative HG-EOPC shows a high frequency of genomic alterations typically enriched in castration-resistant neoplasms but variants of potential germline origin (including those in mismatch repair genes) are rare. These results demonstrate that HG-EOPC is driven largely by somatic events
Taíno Objects in Early Modern Italian Collections
No full textThe text illustrates the history of Taíno artifacts in early modern Italian collection
Outcomes of carotid endarterectomy in symptomatic octogenarian patients
No full textIntroduction: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the standard treatment for symptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ipsilateral cerebral ischemic symptoms in the last 3months - SCS) in patients suitable for open surgery. Given the increasing age of the general population, this treatment is performed in octogenarian patients with increasing frequency. However, this population was not included in the historical randomized controlled trials and there is a lack of available data on perioperative complications, specifically the severity of possible postoperative stroke. The aim of this study is to report the outcomes of CEA for SCS in octogenarians and to evaluate the characteristics of postoperative stroke, in comparison to non-octogenarians. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients treated with CEA from 2012 to 2023 for SCS. Patients were divided according to their age in non-octogenarian (<80year-old) and octogenarian (≥80 year-old) and compared according to type of preoperative symptoms and timing of intervention. The primary endpoints of this study were to analyze the postoperative stroke and death rate and to assess the severity of postoperative stroke in octogenarian and non-octogenarian patients using the National Institute of Health Institute of Stroke Scale (NIHSS) classification. Follow-up was performed with yearly clinical visit. Results: A total of 664 symptomatic patients were treated by CEA, 157(24 %) were octogenarian (mean age 84 ± 4) and had similar preoperative characteristics of non-octogenarian except for the distribution of preoperative neurological type of symptoms: transient ischemic attack (TIA) 51 %vs42 %,P = .05, amaurosis fugax (AF) 14 %vs5 %,P = .001; stroke 36 %vs53 %,P = .01. The timing between symptoms and surgery was similar between the octogenarian and non-octogenarian patients 10 ± 8vs8 ± 7 days(P = .22). The overall postoperative rate of stroke and death was 3.1 %, similar between octogenarian and non-octogenarian: 3.7 %vs.3.1 %,P = .39. The type of preoperative symptoms did not affect the outcome between older and younger patients: TIA 3.4 %vs.3.3 %,P = .63; AF 0 %vs0 %,P = .1.0 and stroke 3.5 %vs.3.3 %,P = 1.0. In octogenarian patients stroke and death rate was similar independently on the timing of CEA performance: 3.9 %, if performed within 48h, 3.7 % between 2days and 14 days and 3.4 % after 2 weeks, P = .72. Postoperative stroke rate was similar in the two groups: 15(2.9 %) in non-octogenarians and 5(3 %) in octogenarian patients (P = .1); but moderate/severe stroke (NIHSS ≥ 5) was more frequent in octogenarian patients: 2 % vs 0.4 %, P = .05 The mean follow-up was 68±14 months and at 5-year the ipsilateral stroke free survival was 97.6 % ± 4 % with no differences between octogenarian and non-octogenarian: 95.2 % ± 6 %vs98.1 % ± 3 %,P = .32. Conclusion: SCS octogenarian submitted to CEA have a low rate of perioperative and follow-up events, comparable with non-octogenarian. The timing and the type of symptoms do not seem to affect the CEA outcome. However, when a postoperative stroke occurs in the older patients, its severity is greater
Hepatic decompensation is the major driver of mortality in patients with HCC treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab: The impact of successful antiviral treatment
No full textBackground and Aims: Unlike other malignancies, hepatic functional reserve competes with tumor progression in determining the risk of mortality from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the relative contribution of hepatic decompensation over tumor progression in influencing overall survival (OS) has not been assessed in combination immunotherapy recipients. Approach and Results: From the AB-real observational study (n = 898), we accrued 571 patients with advanced/unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, Child-Pugh A class treated with frontline atezolizumab + bevacizumab (AB). Hepatic decompensation and tumor progression during follow-up were studied in relationship to patients' OS using a time-dependent Cox model. Baseline characteristics were evaluated as predictors of decompensation in competing risks analysis. During a median follow-up of 11.0 months (95% CI: 5.1-19.7), 293 patients (51.3%) developed tumor progression without decompensation, and 94 (16.5%) developed decompensation. In multivariable time-dependent analysis, decompensation (HR: 19.04, 95% CI: 9.75-37.19), hepatocellular carcinoma progression (HR: 9.91, 95% CI: 5.85-16.78), albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade 2/3 (HR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.69-2.77), and number of nodules >3(HR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.28-2.08) were independently associated with OS. Pretreatment ALBI grade 2/3 (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR]: 3.35, 95% CI: 1.98-5.67) was independently associated with decompensation, whereas viral etiology was protective (sHR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.34-0.87). Among patients with viral etiology, effective antiviral treatment was significantly associated with a lower risk of decompensation (sHR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.25-0.93). Conclusions: Hepatic decompensation identifies patients with the worst prognosis following AB and is more common in patients with baseline ALBI >1 and nonviral etiology. Effective antiviral treatment may protect from decompensation, highlighting the prognostic disadvantage of patients with nonviral etiologies and the importance of multidisciplinary management to maximize OS
Mapping Research Data at the University of Bologna
No full textThis article presents an analysis of research data management (RDM) practices at the University of Bologna (UniBO). It is based on qualitative data manually collected from 29 data management plans (DMPs) and recorded within a table based on 27 relevant ‘DMP variables’. The study examines aspects such as data types and formats, handling of personal data, and repository selection for long-term preservation. Using descriptive statistics, we address three core questions: (1) What is the diversity of research data managed at UniBO? (2) What recurring challenges and patterns can inform data stewardship services? (3) Is there evidence of interdisciplinary data production? Findings reveal significant overlaps across disciplines in terms of data types and formats, with limited emphasis on data reuse, while common challenges include confidentiality, privacy protection, intellectual property rights, and long-term preservation. The results underscore growing awareness of RDM and provide insight on the type of institutional training and support that should be prioritized to address emerging needs
Enhanced Properties of 3D-Printed Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites through Itaconic Acid Polyester Grafting
No full textVat photopolymerization (VP) is a powerful additive manufacturing process to produce high-resolution 3D objects from liquid photocurable resins, but the mechanical performance of its standard materials restricts its use in high-demanding applications. In this study, graphene oxide (GO), a widely investigated nanomaterial, was surface-functionalized by grafting the sustainable and photocurable poly(butylene itaconate-co-adipate) (PBIA) polyester to address these limitations. The covalent grafting of PBIA significantly improved the colloidal stability and dispersibility of GO in photocurable formulations, eliminating the need for extensive homogenization during the formulation of the nanocomposite resin. PBIA-coated GO (GO@PBIA) was easily miscible with VP resins, enabling the fabrication of 3D-printed nanocomposites with superior mechanical properties. At low filler concentrations (0.05 wt %), the GO@PBIA composites increased their elastic modulus up to 57% and tensile strength up to 100% compared to the base polymer, outperforming analogous composites prepared with unmodified GO. Surface modification also enhanced the deformability of the matrix, making these composites suitable for applications under tensile and flexural loads. Optical and morphological analyses confirmed the homogeneous distribution of GO@PBIA within the polymer matrix, demonstrating improved filler-matrix interactions, while electrical conductivity measurements proved that the surface modification approach proposed does not affect the conductive conjugated π system of the nanomaterial. This work highlights the potential of polymer-grafted GO as a multifunctional nanofiller to enhance the mechanical properties and processability of VP-based materials, paving the way for their use in high-performance applications
HD 163296 and its giant planets: Creation of exo-comets, interstellar objects and transport of volatile material
No full textContext. The birth of giant planets in protoplanetary discs is known to alter the structure and evolution of the disc environment, however most of our knowledge is focussed on its effects on the observable gas and dust. The impact on the evolution of the invisible planetesimal population remains insufficiently studied, yet mounting evidence from the Solar System shows how the appearance of its giant planets played a key role in shaping the habitability of the terrestrial planets. Aims. We investigate the dynamical and collisional transport processes of volatile elements by planetesimals in protoplanetary discs that host young giant planets using the HD 163296 system as our case study. HD 163296 is one of the best-characterised protoplanetary discs and has been proposed to host at least four giant planets on wide orbits as well as a massive planetesimal disc. The goal of this study is to assess the impact of the dynamical and collisional transport on the disc as well as on existing and forming planetary bodies. Methods. We performed high-resolution n-body simulations of the dynamical evolution of planetesimals embedded in HD 163296s protoplanetary disc across and after the formation of its giant planets, accounting for the uncertainty on both the disc and planetary masses as well as for the effects of aerodynamic drag of the disc gas and the gas gravity. To quantify the impact probabilities with existing and possible undiscovered planetary bodies, we processed the output of the n-body simulations with well-tested statistical collisional algorithms from studies of the asteroid belt. Results. In our simulations the formation of giant planets in the HD 163296 system creates a large population of dynamically excited planetesimals, the majority of which originate from beyond the CO snowline. The excited planetesimals are then transported to the inner disc regions as well as scattered outward beyond the protoplanetary disc and into interstellar space. In the inner disc, potential solid planets can be enriched in volatile elements to levels that are comparable or larger than those of the Earth, while giant planets can be enriched to the levels of Jupiter and Saturn. Conclusions. The formation of giant planets on wide orbits impacts the compositional evolution of protoplanetary discs and young planetary bodies on a global scale. The collisional enrichment of the atmospheres of giant planets can alter or mask the signatures of their formation environments; this process can also provide independent constraints on the disc mass. In our simulations protoplanetary discs with giant planets on wide orbits prove efficient factories of interstellar objects
Alberto Manzi maestro (1924-2024)
No full textIl volume raccoglie gli atti del convegno svoltosi a Bologna nel 2024 in occasione del centenario della nascita di Alberto Manzi. I contributi, che costituiscono una più ampia rielaborazione degli interventi, intendono aprire nuove e innovative piste di ricerca su Alberto Manzi, sia sul versante storico-educativo sia su quello pedagogico-didattico. L’opera è arricchita da memorie scolastiche di ex allievi e collaboratori, tese a riflettere sull’eredità del celebre maestro protagonista di Non è mai troppo tardi e rimasto nella memoria collettiva, ma ancora da approfondire a livello di ricerca per il molteplice contributo offerto al rinnovamento della società e della scuola italiana nel secondo dopoguerra
Come (so)stare nel colloquio Spunti di riflessione e lezioni chiave per la formazione in servizio sociale
No full textIn questo momento storico il servizio sociale continua a essere organizzato attorno a macro-categorie e target specifici di utenza, mentre i bisogni reali di singoli e collettività si presentano sempre più complessi, fluidi ed eterogenei.
In questo scenario, la transizione tra formazione e lavoro appare segnata da crepe e discontinuità: studentesse e studenti chiedono spazi ibridi di apprendimento, dove teoria ed esperienza possano intrecciarsi per meglio affrontare le future sfide del campo.
Il volume nasce come spazio generativo e di passaggio tra mondo universitario e pratica professionale, offrendo un terreno di riflessione attorno a uno degli strumenti cardine del servizio sociale: il colloquio. Le voci di undici assistenti sociali con esperienza pluriennale in diversi ambiti di intervento restituiscono racconti che mettono in luce difficoltà, tensioni, ma anche risorse e possibilità trasformative, mostrando come il colloquio sia, al tempo stesso, tecnica, relazione, spazio etico di confronto e capacitazione
Symmetrical Cockcroft-Walton Voltage Multipliers with Multiple Intermediate Loads for Ionic Propulsion in Atmosphere
No full textThe design of power electronic systems can be challenging when various components of a system require different medium to high DC voltage levels. Symmetrical voltage multipliers are among the most widely used devices that convert low AC voltage to higher DC voltage using a series of capacitors and diodes. Connecting multiple loads to intermediate stages of the multiplier chain can be advantageous in applications such as ion-propelled aerial vehicles. The main thruster can be connected to the final stage while smaller side thrusters to the intermediate stages of the chain, increasing power density. This configuration simplifies the implementation and could be suitable for size- and weightsensitive applications. This paper evaluates the average output voltage of full-wave and hybrid symmetrical voltage multipliers when a generic number of loads are connected to intermediate stages of the multiplication chain