IRIS UNIME
Not a member yet
103940 research outputs found
Sort by
Dexippo il Lacedemone: Un capo mercenario tra Occidente e Oriente
No full textSenofonte e Diodoro attestano l’attività di un capo mercenario, Dexippo, il cui impegno militare si svolse in diversi contesti geografici – la Sicilia e l’Asia Minore – e in contesti cronologici differenti ma coerenti tra loro: Diodoro colloca l’attività del personaggio in Sicilia al tempo della rivincita cartaginese del 409 a.C., preludio all’affermazione tirannica di Dionisio a Siracusa, mentre Senofonte, nell’Anabasi, lo registra come uno dei capi mercenari che parteciparono alla spedizione dei Diecimila in Asia Minore tra il 401 e il 399 a.C. Pur aderendo all’opinione di coloro che ritengono che i due Dexippo fossero in realtà la stessa persona, intendiamo qui riesaminare, per la prima volta, la presenza di Dexippo nell’Anabasi e offrire alcune riflessioni volte a suffragare e rafforzare l’identificazione del commilitone di Senofonte con il capo mercenario che in precedenza era stato al servizio dei Siracusani e di cui ci parla Diodoro
Intercorporeality and the Problem of Other Minds
No full textThis paper develops an embodied account of the problem of other minds. I argue
that our capacity to recognize others, and to be recognized by them, as individu-
als capable of subjective experience and knowledge, is rooted in a pre-reflective
intersubjectivity, articulated through Merleau-Ponty’s notion of intercorporeality.
On this view, the body plays a twofold role. At a basic level, social understanding
arises through bodily attunement: in perceiving others’actions, our bodies simu-
late their experiences, thereby generating a corporeal mode of understanding. At a
second level, the body contributes to the construction of meaning, as suggested by
data on the embodiment of language and, specifically, on the embodiment of meta-
phors. This twofold role of the body is clarified through the case of schizophrenia.
Reframing the problem of other minds in embodied terms carries epistemological
implications. If the recognition of others as epistemic agents is rooted in bodily self-
experience, disturbances of embodiment undermine the very conditions of epistemic
relatedness
Sculpting perfection: advancements in hybrid laser therapy for scar management
No full textScarring resulting from wound healing has significant physical and emotional implications, especially in visible areas. This study explores advancements in scar management using hybrid laser therapy. Scar prevention methods, including laser therapy, have gained attention. The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of combining fractional ablative CO2 and non-ablative Erbium glass 1570 nm lasers, both independently. The study involved 51 patients with diverse scars, grouped based on intervention timing and scar characteristics. Laser treatments utilized fractional ablative CO2 and non-ablative Erbium glass 1570 nm lasers. Patients were evaluated using clinical features and subjective assessments. The Vancouver Scar Scale measured scar improvement. Adverse effects were documented. Data collection involved consistent photography and evaluations at intervals. The study demonstrated significant improvements in scar appearance across various parameters, especially with early interventions. The hybrid laser therapy approach yielded positive outcomes. Scar improvement was observed in terms of extension, size, shape, pigmentation, vascularity, and elasticity. Subjects reported reduced discomfort, itching, pain, and tension. Patient satisfaction was high. Adverse effects were mild and well-tolerated. This research underscores the importance of addressing scar management with hybrid laser therapy. Early interventions showed pronounced improvements in scar appearance and subjective satisfaction. The study provides insights into scar treatment, offering a comprehensive guideline for optimizing outcomes. By merging technology and regenerative approaches, scars are redefined as symbols of healing and resilience. The study showcases the potential for individualized care and emphasizes the transformative impact of combining cutting-edge techniques in scar management
Cor triatriatum dexter in dogs: a silent bystander or a potential time bomb? A focused literature review from a professional perspective
No full textCongenital heart diseases (CHDs) are structural anomalies present at birth, resulting from aberrant embryonic development. In veterinary medicine, CHDs are an important reason for disease and death in both dogs and cats. Their prevalence varies across species and breeds, with certain defects being more common in specific breeds due to genetic predisposition. In this article, we will focus specifically on cor triatriatum dexter (CTD), an uncommon congenital defect that involves the division of the right atrium into two chambers by a fibromuscular membrane. This malformation can have serious consequences, depending on the severity of the obstruction created by the membrane, and the presence of the often-associated congenital anomalies. It can range from mild, clinically silent anomalies to severe defects that result in heart failure, cyanosis, or sudden death.
The present review aims to (i) explore the pathophysiology of CTD in dogs; (ii) outline the clinical scenario underlying the increased interest in CHDs by overviewing the evolution of appropriate diagnostic techniques and the treatment options available; and (iii) provide a discussion from a medical–legal and ethical point of view
Adverse effects on the endocrine and reproductive system of single and combined orthophthalates in female rats following short‐term exposure
No full textPlasticizers like phthalate acid esters (PAEs) are ubiquitous. High exposition through contaminated food consumption and
plastic product use is considered a serious public health issue since it May cause disruption of certain human endocrine
functions. Numerous studies Have shown a strong link between exposure to PAEs and serious hormonal system dysfunction.
However, most current studies highlight individual compound exposure that does not reflect real environmental interactions.
The Main aim of the present study was the investigation of single and mixed PAE effects on female rats. Sexual hormone
secretion, hepatic enzyme activities, and thyroid and ovarian histology were examined. For 21 days, animals (n = 88) in different
groups were intraperitoneal injected with increased doses of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate
(DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), (DEHP + DBP), (DEHP + BBP), (DBP + BBP), and (DEHP + DBP + BBP). Results
showed the existence of a dose-dependent relationship. The ovarian hormone secretion decreases as the PAEs’ injected dose
increases. An opposite response was observed for the enzymatic activity. For all dosages, DBP induced the most significant
moderate effect compared to the control group, while the mixture (DEHP + DBP + BBP) induced the most severe one. Thyroid
and ovary histological tissue sections showed a structural abnormality, such as damage to folliculogenesis, a decrease
in the viability of the follicles, and apoptosis of the granulosa cells. The study suggests paying particular attention to the
interaction reactions of these emerging molecules between them and their synergistic mechanism
Gli smart contract. Profili di qualificazione giuridica e di applicabilità pratica.
No full textLe opportunità offerte dalle nuove tecnologie hanno cambiato la vita di tutti. I sistemi robotici e di intelligenza artificiale elaborano dati in maniera massiccia aggregandoli e disaggregandoli fra loro ad una velocità elevatissima, rendono più veloci le decisioni e permettono ai soggetti di essere più informati e precisi nella definizione di ogni attività. In particolare gli smart contracts consentono di automatizzare operazioni commerciali che prima potevano svolgersi solo manualmente. Sul piano della disciplina, per governare le questioni che gli smart contract pongono e per prevenire i conflitti che possano eventualmente sorgere a seguito del loro utilizzo, si richiede un flessibile adattamento delle norme di diritto interno ai nuovi procedimenti di formazione e conclusione dei contratti. Solo laddove le fonti applicabili dovessero mancare, il procedimento di inclusione dei nuovi strumenti nell’attuale quadro normativo potrebbe richiedere l’intervento del legislatore
Mitigation of C-deposits in plasma-assisted non-oxidative methane coupling using a water-cooled double dielectric barrier discharge reactor
No full textThe non-oxidative coupling of methane into hydrogen and light hydrocarbons is a promising route for methane chemical valorisation and efficient production of building blocks for the chemical industry. Making this reaction at ambient conditions and using renewable energy to avoid CO2 emissions is a challenge compared to current solutions. We show here that using a non-thermal plasma double dielectric barrier discharge (DDBD) reactor with a water-circulating ground electrode makes it possible to realise a stable and selective process at ambient conditions. A systematic investigation is performed to determine how the reactor configuration influences plasma discharge characteristics, CH4 conversion, selectivity, and energy efficiency. The impact of varying the applied power, the discharge gap, and the gas mixture composition is studied using optical emission spectroscopy (OES) to clarify the mechanism. The results reveal radically different plasma chemistry when reducing the discharge gap to the micrometric scale (0.5 mm), resulting in a plasma confinement near the surface of the electrode, enhancing the selective activation of the C-H bond. The proposed system exhibits outstanding stability over 50 h of continuous testing, achieving a carbon balance of almost 100 % with the micrometric gap and mitigating the formation of undesired coke byproducts
In Vitro Osteogenic Stimulation of Human Adipose-Derived MSCs on Biofunctional 3D-Printed Scaffolds
No full textBackground: Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs) are widely used in regenerative medicine due to their ability to proliferate and differentiate. Bone tissue engineering represents an innovative alternative to traditional grafts by combining biomimetic materials, stem cells, and bioactive factors to promote bone regeneration. Gellan gum (GG) is a promising scaffold material owing to its excellent biocompatibility and favorable physicochemical characteristics; however, chemical modifications such as methacrylation are necessary to enhance its mechanical strength and long-term stability. In this in vitro study, osteoprogenitor cells are cultured for 21 days on three 3D-printed GGMA-based scaffolds to evaluate their biological response: (i) neat GGMA, (ii) GGMA functionalized with hydroxyapatite (HAp), and (iii) GGMA functionalized with eumelanin derived from black soldier fly (BSF-Eumelanin). Methods: Cell adhesion, viability, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation are evaluated using MTT assays, histological staining (H&E and Alizarin Red S), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and gene expression analysis of key osteogenic markers. Results: Our results show that all GGMA-based scaffolds support cell adhesion, growth, and proliferation, while BSF-Eumelanin and HAp notably enhance osteogenic differentiation compared to neat GGMA. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of embedding bioactive factors into GGMA scaffolds to improve osteoconductive and osteoinductive performance, offering a promising strategy for bone repair
Effetti in vitro e in vivo dei Prodotti per la "Personal Care" su invertebrati e vertebrati acquatici
No full textL’aumento demografico esponenziale, verificatosi negli ultimi decenni, ha determinato un aumento dell’attività agricola e industriale che, a sua volta, ha portato a un incremento nella richiesta e nella produzione. Tali incrementi sono la ragione dello sversamento, all’interno degli ecosistemi, di tonnellate di sostanze (xenobiotici) di origine naturale o sintetica che ad oggi rappresentano uno dei problemi principali per la salute umana ed ambientale.
Annualmente, infatti, sono oltre 15.000 gli xenobiotici che raggiungo i bacini idrici e di questi, circa 3000 vengono classificati come contaminanti emergenti (ECs): sostanze che non manifestano uno standard per la salute rappresentando, pertanto, una minaccia potenziale o reale per l’ambiente e per l’uomo. Nella grande categoria degli ECs sono rientrati dal 2007 anche i prodotti farmaceutici e per la cura della persona (PPCPs) la cui presenza nei comparti acquatici è aumentata in particolar modo al seguito della pandemia da COVID-19.
In merito alla categoria dei PPCPs, la letteratura scientifica ha concentrato il suo sforzo sull’implementazione delle conoscenze degli effetti che l’accumulo di farmaci ha sulle comunità ambientali e sull’essere umano. Ciò ha portato a una maggiore regolamentazione con leggi più definite e stringenti. Tale sforzo di ricerca scientifica, però, non è riflesso nei prodotti per la cura della persona (PCPs) che spesso presentano leggi poco precise, contraddittorie tra gli Stati e un conseguenziale minore controllo sulle immissioni ambientali e sugli effetti su specie e uomo.
Nonostante le scarse conoscenze e le informazioni contrastanti, il mercato dei PCPs è un mercato in crescita con una spesa annua proiettata a passare dai circa 483 miliardi nel 2025. La maggiore spesa comporterà, altresì, il maggior accumulo nelle acque delle loro componenti di scarto che non degradate dai sistemi di depurazione continueranno ad interagire con le specie non bersaglio con effetti sconosciuti.
Alla luce di tale scenario, lo scopo del presente lavoro di dottorato è stato quello di andare a valutare i potenziali effetti tossici che cinque composti chimici (Alcol Polivinilico, Benzisotiazolinone, Glicole Polietilenico, Laurilsolfato di Sodio e Quaternium-15), selezionati al seguito di un’attenta ricerca bibliografica in quanto comunemente presenti o di nuova introduzione all’interno delle formulazioni dei PCPs, hanno su organismi modello invertebrati (Mytilus galloprovincialis; Pinctada imbricata) e vertebrati (Cyprinus carpio; Danio rerio; Xenopus laevis). Come per le sostanze, la scelta delle specie modello è stata effettuata, al seguito di ricerca bibliografica, per diverse loro qualità fra cui: essere buoni bioindicatori, essere comuni fonti alimentari e per la condivisione (D. rerio e X. laevis) di parte del loro patrimonio genetico con l’essere umano. Inoltre, ulteriore scopo del lavoro è stato quello di tentare di proporre possibili soluzioni all’inquinamento da PCPs mediante la conduzione di analisi che vedevano l’impiego di nutraceutici naturali.
La valutazione è stata effettuata mediante l’utilizzo di test in vitro ed in vivo con esposizioni di tipo acuto e subcronico atte ad analizzare la citotossicità e la embriotossicità dei composti selezionati.
Attraverso lo studio della vitalità cellulare, della regolazione del volume cellulare decrescente, l’attività di fagocitosi e l’osservazione di stress ossidativo valutate sugli organismi invertebrati, si è potuto appurare come i composti chimici utilizzati provocavano alterazioni significative, rispetto ai gruppi di controllo, in almeno uno dei test condotti a sottolineare gli effetti più o meno negativi della presenza in ambiente dei PCPs in questione.
I danni osservati nel M. galloprovincialis sono apparsi, però, essere limitati quando gli esemplari sono stati esposti sia all’inquinante che al nutraceutico naturale a supporto dell’ipotesi inziale degli effetti benefici dati dall’inserimento di prodotti di origine naturale nelle formulazioni dei PCPs.
Alla stessa maniera, i test di embriotossicità sui vertebrati hanno fatto registrare significatività negative, rispetto ai gruppi di controllo, al seguito dell’esposizione agli agenti chimici in questione. Gli embrioni, infatti, hanno presentato tassi di mortalità elevati, modificazioni nei tassi di schiusa, comparsa di malformazioni, variazioni della frequenza cardiaca e cambiamenti nella lunghezza media in maniera più o meno marcata nelle diverse concentrazioni scelte.
I risultati ottenuti dal presente lavoro, e di seguito riportati in dettaglio, confermano ed evidenziano le scarse conoscenze che abbiamo in materia di PCPs e delle ricadute che la continua immissione delle loro componenti hanno sull’ambiente e sulla salute umana. Inoltre, pone l’attenzione sulla possibilità di integrare con successo all’interno dei PCPs, qualora non fosse possibile la completa sostituzione delle sostanze in questione, prodotti più “verdi” con lo scopo di andare a contrastare l’effetto dei potenziali inquinanti prevenendo e salvaguardando il benessere degli ecosistemi.
I dati di seguito presentati vanno ad arricchire la scarsa letteratura in materia di PCPs, sottolineando quanto sia imperativo continuare la ricerca al fronte della quantità di prodotti dalle composizioni innovative che giornalmente entrano nel mercato raggiungendo l’ambiente. Solo analisi più dettagliate potranno, infatti, portare alla completa salvaguardia ambientale e umana
Fatigue influences embodiment perception and motor performance in multiple sclerosis subjects: a cross-sectional immersive virtual reality study
No full textBackground: Multiple sclerosis (MS) represents a major cause of acquired disability in adults worldwide. Fatigue and upper limb (UL) impairments are common and disabling symptoms in people with MS (pwMS), even in the early stage of the disease. Rehabilitation proved to be effective in ameliorating Fatigue and UL function in pwMS. In particular, virtual reality (VR) represents a promising tool for delivering treatments in a highly engaging way, reproducing real-life gestures in a naturalistic manner. Immersive VR (IVR) tools can boost subjects’ immersion and presence, but very scarce evidence is currently available on IVR effects in this population. Aim: This study aims to test the feasibility of an IVR system for UL training in pwMS, analyzing clinical correlations of embodiment, fatigue, and UL motor performance. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving pwMS and age- and sex-matched healthy controls. pwMS under 65 years old reporting uni- or bilateral UL impairment were enrolled; no restrictions were applied regarding sex, MS phenotype, and disease severity (EDSS scores). All subjects underwent a single session of IVR UL training (Oculus Quest 2) using a previously developed and clinically tested IVR system. PwMS were assessed through the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), the Nine-Hole-Peg-Test (NHPT), and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Moreover, we collected measures of hand peak velocity during task execution and responses to a standardized questionnaire related to embodiment perception, (i.e. subjects’ feeling of being part of the virtual context) in terms of body ownership and motor agency, administered after the training session. Results: 25 pwMS were enrolled (Females: 56%, mean age: 53 ± 7 years) with EDSS scores ranging from 3.5 to 8 and with a mean score at the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) (0–84) of 35 ± 14. None of our subjects reported symptoms of cybersickness or any other adverse effects. All patients reported very high satisfaction rates (median score = 5 on a 5-point Likert scale, interquartile range (IQR) = 4–5); they also experienced strong subjective impression of both body ownership and motor agency (median score on a 9-points rated scale: body ownership = 9 (IQR = 8–9), motor agency = 9 (IQR = 8–9)). The median peak velocity of all patients exhibited a significant correlation with MFIS (ρ= – 0.57, p = 0.036). The MFIS score showed a significant correlation with embodiment and, specifically, a moderate correlation with agency (ρ= - 0.57, p = 0.036). Notably, low and high-fatigued pwMS showed significant differences in hand peak velocity achieved (p = 0.005) and in embodiment perception on the motor agency domain (p = 0.004) and body ownership one (p = 0.024), which means that higher MS-related fatigue seems associated with weaker embodiment perception, particularly affecting the experienced sense of motor interaction. No statistically significant differences in satisfaction, embodiment, and peak velocity rates were found when comparing pwMS and healthy controls. Conclusions: IVR use in pwMS seems feasible and well-tolerated. Additionally, MS-related fatigue showed a significant role in determining the rate of perceived embodiment, thus conditioning UL kinematics, in pwMS exposed to an IVR session