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The brine shrimp Artemia franciscana as a model for astrobiological studies: Physiological adaptations to Mars-like atmospheric pressure conditions
No full textUnderstanding the adaptation mechanisms of extremophiles to extreme environments is fundamental to predicting organisms' capacity to survive in space and plan future space exploration missions. This study explores the physiological and metabolic adaptations of nauplii of a eukaryotic organism, Artemia franciscana, hatched from cysts exposed to Mars-like pressure conditions (6 mbar) by analyzing aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress in nauplii. Mars-like pressure did not inhibit nauplii's hatching or in vivo respiration, indicating that the fundamental metabolic functions are preserved but affected cellular metabolism. The lower lactate levels suggested reduced anaerobic metabolism, and the reduction in the activity of Complex I of the electron transport chain, resulting in reduced in vitro respiration supported by pyruvate plus malate, suggested an effect on aerobic metabolism. However, the succinate-supported respiration remained stable according to unchanged Complex II activity. Changes in aerobic metabolism could affect Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production and management. We did not observe changes in ROS levels according to the unchanged activity of NADPH oxidase, a source of ROS in the early development stages of nauplii. A total antioxidant capacity reduction and increased susceptibility to oxidants were observed despite this. However, lipid and protein oxidative stress markers levels remained unchanged, likely due to the increased activity of antioxidant enzymes. Our results underscore the resilience of the cysts to Mars-like pressure conditions, indicating the potential of Artemia franciscana as a model organism in astrobiological research, opening new avenues for exploration in astrobiology
Teaching Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) in medical education: a scoping review
No full textPurpose: To gather and summarize evidence on educational and training formats for medical doctors in performing Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) in under- and postgraduate medical education. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the databases Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane and Embase to identify educational intervention studies and cohort studies related to CGA education and training for medical professionals. Additional references were incorporated through reference tracking. Studies included were then grouped according to competence level addressed during CGA trainings to create a current competence-based framework on educational tools to teach CGA to medical students and doctors. Results: Sixty eligible studies were identified, with 42 addressing the full implementation of CGA and 18 focusing on specific CGA domains. High variability in duration, intervention design and evaluation methods was consistently observed across the included studies. Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for further coordinated research in CGA education and training to consolidate evidence and pave the way to more innovative, high-quality healthcare systems capable of addressing the complexities of an aging society
La gratuità come dimensione umana del mercato
No full textThis article analyses the principle of gratuitousness in market relations, suggesting the
characteristics that actions inspired by it must possess. Starting from this analysis, the article
supports the neutrality of the market, whose trajectory can be oriented toward the common good
by the moral responsibility of people and thus by their ability to enrich exchange with sentiments
of gratuitousness
The role of hysteroscopy in patients with adenomyosis and infertility: bringing out the submerged
No full textObjective: To describe how hysteroscopic treatment of adenomyotic cystic lesions of the inner myometrium (IM), persisting after pharmacologic treatment, can improve reproductive outcomes in patients with multiple in vitro fertilization (IVF) failures. Design: Video case series demonstrating the infertility workup and the hysteroscopic treatment of adenomyotic cystic lesions of the IM in patients with infertility with multiple IVF failures. Setting: University tertiary care hospital—Fertility Center. Patient(s): Out of a large experience of patients with infertility and IM/junctional zone cystic adenomyosis undergoing IVF in the Fertility Center of our university hospital, we selected 3 patients for this case series. All 3 patients had a personal history of repeated implantation failure and sonographic evidence of adenomyosis (myometrial cysts). Exposure: Patients underwent initial pelvic 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional sonographic assessment, according to the protocol of the Fertility Center of our university hospital. All patients were diagnosed with adenomyosis (myometrial cysts). The patients were treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists 3.75 mg for at least 2 months to achieve hypoestrogenism (serum estradiol level, <40 pg/mL) and lesions shrinkage. If hypoestrogenism was not achieved, letrozole 2.5 mg/daily was added. In case of lesions persistence at ultrasound (i.e., cysts refractory to pharmacologic treatment), patients underwent hysteroscopy, and identified lesions were treated under sonographic guidance. One month after hysteroscopy, embryo transfer was performed. Main Outcome Measure(s): Achievement of pregnancy in women with infertility with multiple IVF failures and adenomyotic cystic lesions, undergoing medical and surgical treatment for adenomyosis. Result(s): Not all cystic adenomyotic lesions of the IM regress after hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis–suppressive treatment (GnRH agonist). When GnRH agonist treatment is not sufficient to achieve satisfactory hypoestrogenism, letrozole is an effective add-on. In cases of refractory lesions at ultrasound, hysteroscopic treatment can improve reproductive outcomes. Patients undergoing combined hysteroscopic and medical treatment achieved pregnancy. Conclusion(s): The optimal management of adenomyotic cystic lesions in patients undergoing IVF is debated. This case series suggests the usefulness of hysteroscopic treatment of adenomyotic cystic lesions persistent after medical therapy, in patients with infertility with a personal history of multiple IVF failures. We propose a combined medical and surgical treatment strategy. Further studies are required to validate the proposed protocol
Vertical Addition of a Public Masonry Building by a Cold-Formed Steel Structure
No full textIn recent years, the concept of sustainable development has gained prominence due to the growing inadequacy of energy production to meet consumer demands without impacting quality of life. The construction sector plays a significant role in this issue, as it is a major source of environmental impact. In response, policies focused on energy reduction emphasize the redevelopment of existing buildings to improve their energy efficiency. This context has also highlighted the challenge of finding living space in cities, especially in historic Italian city centres, where population growth is rapid. To address these challenges, economic and environmental solutions are needed to integrate the preservation of existing architecture with modern requirements. Vertical addition, as an alternative to traditional urban expansion, offers a viable solution. Recent Italian regulations support such initiatives, and this paper explores the structural behaviour of a public masonry building of Southern Italy subjected to vertical addition using cold-formed steel technology. The study first presents the design approach using a steel stick-built construction, then demonstrates its effectiveness in adding stories to the existing structure with minimal reinforcement, as verified through static non-linear analyses. Based on the numerical results, the vertical addition steel structure is successfully erected, marking a pioneering application of a lightweight, sustainable steel system to increase living units in Italian historic centres
Collegio dei docenti del Dottorato di ricerca in Diritti umani. Teoria, storia e prassi istituito presso l'Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II
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