ARUd’A (Università “G. d’Annunzio CHIETI -PESCARA)
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Diagnostic and prognostic roles of endothelial- and platelet-derived extracellular vesicles in cardiovascular diseases
Full text linkExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound structures released by all cell types. They play a critical role in intercellular communication by transferring their cargo, comprising proteins, lipids, metabolites, RNAs, miRNAs, and DNA fragments, to recipient cells. This transfer influences gene expression, signaling pathways, and cellular behavior. Due to their ability to alter the physiology of recipient cells, EVs hold significant therapeutic potential. Additionally, EVs are implicated in various physiological and pathological processes, including immune regulation, cancer progression, and cardiovascular diseases. EVs have been detected in many biological fluids, such as peripheral blood, saliva, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and breast milk. The cargo of EVs dynamically reflects the physiological and pathological state of their parent cells, making them promising candidates for liquid biopsies in various clinical conditions. Specifically, different EV subtypes in cardiovascular diseases have been studied, with both endothelial and platelet-derived EVs playing significant roles in cardiovascular pathologies. This review focuses on the diagnostic and prognostic potential of endothelial and platelet-derived EVs in cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the role of EV subpopulations
Microplastics in Agricultural Crops and Their Possible Impact on Farmers’ Health: A Review
No full textThe indiscriminate use of plastic products and their inappropriate management and disposal contribute to the increasing presence and accumulation of this material in all environmental zones. The chemical properties of plastics and their resistance to natural degradation lead over time to the production of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics, which are dispersed in soil, water, and air and can be absorbed by plants, including those grown for food. In agriculture, MPs can come from many sources (mulch film, tractor tires, compost, fertilizers, and pesticides). The possible effects of this type of pollution on living organisms, especially humans, increase the need to carry out studies to assess occupational exposure in agriculture. It would also be desirable to promote alternative materials to plastic and sustainable agronomic practices to protect the safety and health of agricultural workers
Transform or combine? Tracing the irreducibility of human actions with respect to chatbot by examining definitions and evaluation tests
No full textAre creativity and intelligence distinct or coinciding concepts? How do they
determine distinctions between humans and chatbots? Is it also possible to
distinguish between incapacities? Integrating ethnomethodology and discursive
analysis, the research examines the differences between human and A.I. incapacities
by analysing the theoretical assumptions and international tests used by
programmers to evaluate interactions: a) Turing Test; b) Winograd and Winogrande
Test; c) Lovelace Test
Voce "Elia, frate"
No full textLa voce illustra le vicende biografiche di frate Elia, detto da Cortona, uno dei primi seguaci di Francesco d'Assisi e suo vicario, che ricoprì il ruolo di ministro generale dell'ordine dei frati Minori, fino alla sua deposizione, avvenuta nel 1239. La voce è articolata in ulteriori due sottosezioni: Lettera enciclica per la morte di Francesco; La Croce di frate Elia
Emerging Evidence on Balneotherapy and Thermal Interventions in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Full text linkBackground: Post-COVID-19 syndrome affects 10–60% of SARS-CoV-2 survivors. While conventional treatments show limited efficacy, emerging evidence suggests the potential benefits of balneotherapy in managing persistent symptoms. We aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of balneotherapy and thermal treatment interventions in treating post-COVID-19 syndrome. Methods: We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, searching major databases through 31 January 2024. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and pilot studies investigating thermal spa treatments for adult post-COVID-19 patients. Results: Analysis of six eligible studies (n = 617) demonstrated significant therapeutic benefits. The largest cohort (n = 159) showed 47% reduction in fatigue and 48% reduction in muscle pain (p < 0.01). Comprehensive spa therapy achieved complete symptom resolution in one-third of the participants. Combined spa-ubiquinol therapy improved metabolic function (p < 0.05). All interventions demonstrated favorable safety profiles. Conclusions: Preliminary evidence suggests balneotherapy effectively ameliorates multiple post-COVID-19 symptoms, particularly fatigue, muscle pain, and exercise intolerance. While safety profiles appear favorable, larger randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols are needed to establish definitive therapeutic recommendations
The role of social class in academic university contexts: exploring students' academic self-concept, educational expectations, and achievement goals
Full text linkIntroduction: Despite international progress, socioeconomic inequalities continue to significantly impact young people's opportunities to realize their full potential and actively engage in society. Research has demonstrated that socioeconomic factors are critical risk factors for undergraduate students' adaptation and academic success. However, the psychological processes underlying this phenomenon remain inadequately understood.
Methods: To address this gap, we conducted two studies involving university students. Study 1 explored the relationship between socioeconomic status (both objective [parents' educational attainment] and subjective [subjective social status] indicators), students' academic self-concept, and educational expectations. In Study 2, we investigated the moderating role of achievement goals in the relationship between socioeconomic status and academic self-concept.
Results: The findings indicated that socioeconomic barriers were negatively related to students' educational expectations through academic self-concept. Additionally, low performance-avoidance goals were found to enhance first-generation students' academic self-concept.
Discussion: These results underscore the importance of supporting students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, thereby improving their self-perceptions in academic settings and assisting them to achieve their educational goals
The Geometry of Coincidence: Nicholas of Cusa and the Quadrature of the Circle
No full textThis book offers a contribution to our understanding of Nicholas of Cusa’s theory of geometry. It is based not only on his—generally more famous—philosophical texts (e.g., De docta ignorantia, Idiota, etc.), but also, and more significantly, on the strictly speaking mathematical texts drafted between 1445 and 1459, where Cusanus attempts to provide a solution to the vexata quaestio of the squaring of the circle. First critically edited in 2010—and translated into Italian by the author in 2020—Cusanus’ Scripta mathematica are here scrutinized as to their context, genesis, and content, in order to shed light, on the one hand, on the philosophical and theological motives behind Cusanus’ mathematical endeavours; and, on the other hand, on the scope and limits of Cusanus’ geometrical constructive attempts to reach “mathematical perfection”. In addition to providing a scrupulous survey of Cusanus’ sources on mathematics, this book focuses on a little explored aspect in Cusanus’ work, namely his original theory of geometrical space as men’s space, where the activity of mensurare takes place, establishing relations of continuous proportionality to the original unity. In conclusion, the author provides an extensive account on the reception of Cusanus’ mathematical texts, from their early dissemination to the reactions of several thinkers throughout history, ensuring a full and rounded overview of Cusanus’ work in geometry, mathematics, and philosophy
Nozioni e visioni di Sicilia tra passato e presente nell'età degli Antonini: Pausania il Periegeta
No full text. La Sicilia nella Periegési rientra nella categoria della «Grecia indiretta». È la categoria dalla struttura coerente della Periegési, il cui centro di interesse è la Grecia rintracciabile nella coeva provincia d’Acaia - la Grecia delle città, dei grandi santuari e delle grandi tradizioni - si dipartono molteplici segnali di interesse per altra Grecia. Oggetto di riflessione e indagine sono i nessi, le occasioni, le modalità di ricezione di queste proiezioni verso l'esterno del contenuto specifico della Periegési, e insieme le motivazioni e le finalità di Pausania nella loro selezione e esposizione
Over-the-counter Psychosis: A Systematic Review of the Misuse of Antihistamines, Cough Medicines, and Decongestants and the Risk of Developing Psychosis
No full textBackground: The widespread availability and accessibility of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines play a vital role in modern healthcare systems, enabling individuals to manage minor health concerns independently. However, certain OTC medications possess pharmacological properties that render them susceptible to misuse and abuse, including stimulants, laxatives, sedatives, and opiate-containing products. Misuse involves improper dosage, duration, or indication, while abuse entails non-therapeutic use to achieve psychoactive effects or other illicit purposes, potentially leading to dependence and addiction. This review explores the risk of developing psychotic symptoms associated with OTC drug misuse. Synthesizing existing literature, it comprehensively examines the relationship between antihistamines, cough medicines, and decongestants misuse, and the onset of psychotic symptoms. Methods: A systematic literature review was carried out using Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science databases through the following search strategy: ("diphenhydramine" OR "promethazine" OR "chlorpheniramine" OR "dimenhydrinate" OR "dextromethorphan" OR "pseudoephedrine" OR codeine- based cough medicines) AND ("abuse" OR "misuse" OR "craving" OR "addiction") NOT review NOT (animal OR rat OR mouse). For data gathering purposes, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was followed. Research methods were registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024527558). Results: We analysed 46 relevant studies out of an initial pool of 2,677 articles. Key findings indicate that antihistamines, dextromethorphan, and other OTC drugs can induce psychotic symptoms, such as paranoia, hallucinations, and thought disorders when abused. Dextromethorphan is particularly associated with a chronic tendency towards psychosis, whereas other substances more commonly result in acute substance-induced psychosis. Conclusion: The study underscores the necessity for increased awareness and specific interventions to address the misuse of OTC drugs and their potential to cause significant psychiatric disorders, emphasizing the broader public health implications of such misuse
Increased pre-alpha functional connectivity in dementia with Lewy bodies
No full textBackgroundResting-state EEG studies have shown that neurodegenerative dementias like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) can alter cortical functional connectivity. In DLB, the presence of a pre-alpha rhythm suggests frequency-specific network dysfunctions that remain poorly understood.ObjectiveIn the present study we tested the hypothesis that electroencephalography (EEG) recordings in DLB patients may show abnormal cortical functional connectivity.MethodsResting-state EEG activity was recorded in 73 DLB, 70 AD, and 41 healthy control (HC) participants from seven European DLB Consortium Centers. We used eLORETA to calculate lagged linear connectivity (LLC) from EEG sources at delta, theta, pre-alpha, alpha, beta, gamma bands.ResultsStatistical analyses revealed greater fronto-occipital connectivity at the theta and pre-alpha bands in the DLB group compared to the AD and HC groups. Furthermore, the DLB and AD groups displayed reduced alpha LLC compared to the HC group.ConclusionsThe results suggest that in DLB patients, resting-state EEG pre-alpha activity is not a local process. Instead, it may reflect enhanced functional connectivity, possibly propagating dysfunctional thalamocortical connectivity, within long fronto-occipital tracts