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Prospective observational study on the efficacy and tolerability of chlormethine gel in patients with Mycosis Fungoides and Sezary Syndrome
Get PDFLa Micosi Fungoide (MF) è la forma più comune di linfoma cutaneo primitivo a cellule T ed è una malattia caratterizzata tipicamente da un decorso indolente nelle fasi iniziali e da prognosi infausta nelle fasi avanzate. La sindrome di Sézary (SS) è una variante leucemica rara e aggressiva dei linfomi cutanei primitivi a cellule T ed è caratterizzata da eritrodermia, linfoadenopatia generalizzata e linfociti atipici circolanti. La clormetina gel (CG) rappresenta il primo agente citotossico chemioterapico in formulazione gel specificatamente sviluppato per il trattamento della MF. La CG è stata approvata inizialmente in monoterapia per i pazienti affetti da MF stadio IA-IB già trattati con skin directed therapy (SDT) negli USA, Israele, e poi in Europa. Successivamente l'indicazione si è estesa anche agli stadi avanzati e in combinazione con altri trattamenti, incluse le altre SDT e le terapie sistemiche. Lo scopo del presente studio è quello di valutare sia l’efficacia della CG nei pazienti affetti da MF/SS in termini di overall response rate e riduzione di mSWAT, che la tollerabilità al trattamento con particolare attenzione alla comparsa della dermatite da contatto.Mycosis Fungoides (MF) is the most common form of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, typically characterized by an indolent course in its early stages and a poor prognosis in its advanced stages. Sézary Syndrome (SS) is a rare, aggressive leukemic variant of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, characterized by erythroderma, generalized lymphadenopathy, and the presence of circulating atypical lymphocytes. Chlormethine gel (CG) is the first cytotoxic chemotherapy agent in gel formulation specifically developed for the treatment of MF. Initially approved as a monotherapy for patients with stage IA-IB MF who had already received skin-directed therapy (SDT), CG was approved in the USA, Israel, and subsequently in Europe. The indication was later expanded to include advanced stages and to be used in combination with other treatments, such as additional SDTs and systemic therapies. The aim of the present study is to evaluate both the efficacy of CG in MF/SS patients in terms of overall response rate and reduction of mSWAT, as well as the tolerability of the treatment, with particular attention to the development of contact dermatiti
Translational control of gene expression in plant development and stress response
Get PDFAccording to the central dogma of molecular biology, RNA levels should directly correlate with protein expression. However, empirical data from both plant and animal systems often reveal a weak correspondence between these molecular entities. This study reevaluates transcriptomic and proteomic datasets from Arabidopsis thaliana cotyledons and hypocotyls to illustrate instances of uncoupled transcript and protein levels. This phenomenon extends beyond developmental biology into stress response mechanisms. Analysis of the aquaporin gene AtPIP2F in Arabidopsis demonstrates a similar disjunction between RNA and protein expression, paralleled by the homologous gene VviPIP2;2 in Vitis vinifera (grapevine), where aquaporins play a pivotal role in managing hydraulic conductance and root water uptake under water stress conditions. Despite these parallels, the underlying reasons for the weak correlation in gene expression remain elusive. To delve into the regulatory mechanisms, polysome profiling was employed on Arabidopsis seedlings and Vitis vinifera leaves, focusing on translational control during development and in response to drought stress, respectively. The results indicate significant translational differences between cotyledons and hypocotyls of Arabidopsis, yet individual gene translation remained consistent across developmental stages. In Arabidopsis, AGO1 deficiency causes malformed leaves and sterile flowers. AGO1, regulated by miR168, plays a role in RNA silencing. miR168 binds to polysomes at day 6 but not at day 10, yet AGO1 protein levels decrease by day 10, suggesting complex regulation. In Vitis vinifera, the translation of aquaporin genes VviPIP2-5 and VviTIP2-1 was notably suppressed under drought conditions but showed recovery upon rehydration, underscoring the role of translational regulation in stress adaptation. This thesis elucidates the intricacies of post-transcriptional regulation, providing insights into the discordance between transcript and protein levels, and highlighting novel layers of gene expression control in plant development and stress response
Ready-to-eat products in vertical farming: advancing the research on improved lighting solutions and evaluation of sustainability for optimal baby-leaf kale production.
Get PDFVertical farming (VF) represents a promising urban agriculture solution, enabling efficient food production in controlled environments, using multi-layer shelves, artificial lighting, and soilless techniques with closed-loop irrigation. Despite its benefits in surface and water use efficiency, VF spreading is limited by high energy consumption due to lighting and climate control. This PhD project aimed to explore the VF sector focusing on baby-leaf kale, which represents a popular ready- to-eat product. The agronomic research carried out within AlmaVFarm facility explored the impact on baby-leaf kale growth and resource use efficiency (RUE) of light quality, through increasing Red and Blue ratios with and without a White light background in the ebb-and-flow system, and the effect of different combinations of photoperiod and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) while maintaining a constant daily light integral in the aeroponics. Accordingly, the spectral composition with increased red component (RB3 and W-RB3) significantly improved fresh yield, dry biomass and RUE compared to RB=1. Following this result, testing increasing RB ratio up to 9, RB5 ratio provided the best balance of growth, yield, and RUE, highlighting its effectiveness for kale cultivation. Furthermore, continuous photoperiod (24 hours) matched with lower PPFD in the aeroponics resulted in the highest biomass, leaf area, and light use efficiency, but also in the highest RUE, indicating that longer light exposure at lower intensity promoted growth. Additionally, from the LCA environmental analysis of a Swedish commercial VF producing baby-leaf, preliminary results provided encouraging figures, especially when considering the potential of VF and possible further strategies. These insights suggest that managing light features can significantly enhance the productivity and RUE of VF systems for improved kale baby-leaf. Additionally, the implementation of strategies such as symbiotic relationship with the buildings, renewable energy or different waste handling may further optimize VF diffusion and efficiency
The training in digital competences of university students at the Giovanni Maria Bertin faculty (University of Bologna)
Get PDFEsta tesis doctoral analiza las competencias digitales de los estudiantes de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación de la Universidad de Bolonia, en un contexto donde la formación en digitalización es cada vez más relevante para los futuros docentes. La investigación busca comprender cómo los estudiantes perciben su competencia digital y evalúan la formación recibida en este ámbito.
El objetivo del estudio es identificar fortalezas y áreas de mejora del plan de estudios, además de analizar los factores que facilitan u obstaculizan el desarrollo de estas competencias. La investigación sigue un enfoque mixto. En la fase cuantitativa, se utilizó el "Cuestionario de Competencia Digital para Futuros Maestros" (CCDFM), adaptado al contexto italiano y basado en el Marco DigCompEdu y los estándares ISTE. Para obtener una visión más completa, se incluyó un análisis cualitativo con siete preguntas diseñadas para este estudio.
Los resultados muestran que, aunque los estudiantes presentan un nivel básico de competencia digital, existen carencias en habilidades avanzadas, como el uso ético y la creación de contenido digital. También se analiza la autopercepción de la competencia digital en relación con factores como edad y género.
La investigación evidencia barreras en la integración de tecnología en la formación docente, influidas por limitaciones en el currículo y en los recursos disponibles.
En un mundo donde la tecnología avanza rápidamente, el desarrollo profesional docente en competencias digitales es clave para garantizar una educación de calidad. La formación en estas habilidades mejora su desempeño y les proporciona herramientas para guiar a las nuevas generaciones en la construcción de una sociedad preparada para el futuro.This doctoral thesis analyzes the digital competences of students at the Faculty of Education Sciences of the University of Bologna, in a context where training and education in digitalization are increasingly relevant for future teachers. This research arises from the need to understand how students perceive their own digital competence and evaluate the training they have received in this field during their university studies.
The aim of the study is to identify both strengths and areas for improvement in the curriculum, as well as analyze the factors that facilitate or hinder the development of these competences. The research follows a mixed-methods approach. In the quantitative phase, the "Cuestionario de Competencia Digital para Futuros Maestros" (CCDFM) was used, adapted to the Italian context and based on the DigCompEdu Framework and ISTE standards, to collect data on students' digital competences. To gain deeper insights and a more comprehensive understanding of students' perceptions, a qualitative analysis was also included, consisting of seven questions designed for this study.
The results show that, although students demonstrate a basic level of digital competence, significant gaps exist in advanced skills, such as ethical use and the creation of sophisticated digital content. The study also examines the self-perception of digital competence in relation to sociodemographic factors, such as age and gender.
Additionally, the research highlights barriers to integrating technology into teacher training, partly influenced by curriculum limitations and the availability of technological resources.
In a world where technology advances rapidly, the professional development of teachers in digital competences becomes essential to ensuring quality education. Training in these skills not only enhances their performance but also equips them with the necessary tools to guide new generations in building an informed and future-ready society.La presente tesi di dottorato analizza le competenze digitali degli studenti della Facoltà di Scienze della Formazione dell'Università di Bologna, in un contesto in cui la formazione e l'educazione alla digitalizzazione diventano sempre più rilevanti per i futuri insegnanti. Questa ricerca nasce dalla necessità di comprendere come gli studenti percepiscono la propria competenza digitale e valutano la formazione ricevuta in questo ambito durante il loro percorso universitario.
L’obiettivo dello studio è identificare sia i punti di forza sia le aree di miglioramento del curriculum, oltre ad analizzare i fattori che facilitano o ostacolano lo sviluppo di tali competenze. L'approccio metodologico della ricerca è misto. Nella parte quantitativa, è stato utilizzato il “Cuestionario de Competencia Digital para Futuros Maestros” (CCDFM), adattato al contesto italiano e basato sul Framework di Riferimento DigCompEdu e sugli standard ISTE, per ottenere dati sulle competenze digitali degli studenti. Per approfondire e ottenere una visione più completa delle percezioni degli studenti, è stata inclusa un’analisi qualitativa con sette domande progettate ad hoc per questo studio.
I risultati mostrano che, sebbene gli studenti manifestino un livello di competenza digitale di base, esistono importanti carenze nelle abilità avanzate, come l'uso etico e la creazione di contenuti digitali sofisticati. Si analizza inoltre l'autopercezione della competenza digitale in relazione a fattori sociodemografici, come età e genere.
La ricerca evidenzia anche le barriere nell'integrazione della tecnologia nella formazione degli insegnanti, condizionate in parte da limitazioni nel curriculum e nelle risorse tecnologiche disponibili.
In un mondo in cui la tecnologia avanza rapidamente, lo sviluppo professionale degli insegnanti nelle competenze digitali diventa fondamentale per garantire una formazione di qualità. La formazione in queste abilità migliora il loro rendimento e, allo stesso tempo, fornisce loro gli strumenti necessari per guidare le nuove generazioni nella costruzione di una società consapevole e preparata per il futuro
Advanced antenna systems for wireless power transfer, localization and train integrity
Get PDFThis thesis explores two distinct yet complementary research areas: Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) antenna systems and compact antenna solutions for Train Integrity Monitoring.
The primary focus is on WPT, a transformative technology enabling the efficient wireless transmission of power. This work investigates two radiating architectures, Frequency Diverse Arrays (FDAs) and Time-Modulated Arrays (TMAs), that are highly reconfigurable in real time, offering enhanced power transfer performance with reduced costs.
FDAs, traditionally used in radar due to their intrinsic scanning capabilities, are applied here for WPT for the first time. The radiation properties have been analysed and for the first time practical solutions have been proposed, trying to adapt the system for powering application. A novel scheme, Time-Controlled Frequency Diverse Arrays (TCFDAs), addresses FDA limitations by delivering precise power transmission to desired locations, outperforming conventional Phased Arrays (PAs) in medium- and high-power ranges, electing itself as one of the most interesting solution able to replace modern and expensive architectures with its multi-beam and highly reconfigurable radiation properties.
TMAs, first explored in the 1960s, offer dynamic control over the radiation pattern using time-varying signals. While previous studies primarily focus on theoretical optimizations, this thesis addresses practical challenges in TMA design, proposing innovative 2D solutions with circular symmetry for highly directive, reconfigurable power transfer and localization applications.
As a side activity, research on compact antenna systems for Train Integrity with the goal of providing a practical and efficient solution for co-locating multiple antennas without sacrificing performance is proposed. This work presents the design and validation of a compact wireless system with three co-located antennas operating in the 2.4 GHz band, intended for positioning purposes on secondary railway lines where the European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is unavailable. Using LoRa technology, the system enables low-power, long-range communication with acceptable latency
Dynamic modeling of multi-layered unconfined and confined aquifers in the presence of climate change
Get PDFThe Emilia-Romagna region (Italy) hosts extensive agricultural and industrial activity, and densely populated urban centers. Groundwater largely supplies the resulting high water demand, especially during droughts, whose frequency and intensity is expected to increase. This study estimates the evolution of groundwater conditions in part of Emilia-Romagna, considering climate change and human impacts. The goal is to evaluate the resilience of the regional multi-layered aquifer system to prolonged droughts, and outline potential guidelines for long-term sustainable groundwater management. A numerical groundwater flow model and a random forest algorithm are implemented to compare the performance of a physics-based and a machine learning model in simulating historical and future groundwater levels, and to explore the benefits of their combination. The groundwater model is developed in MODFLOW 6 and the random forest algorithm in R. Input data come from a MODFLOW model covering the entire Emilia-Romagna groundwater system by Arpae (Regional Agency for Prevention, Environment and Energy of Emilia-Romagna) and publicly accessible datasets on the Emilia-Romagna Region and Arpae repositories. Both methods are then applied to analyze scenarios under reduced precipitation and altered pumping, focusing on their combined effects on the regional aquifer system. Results show the aquifer system’s vulnerability to potential future droughts. Increased pumping amplifies precipitation reduction effects, while reduced abstraction can partly mitigate them. Critical hotspots are identified, emphasizing the importance of considering different spatial scales to develop effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. The random forest algorithm provides valuable insights into factors influencing groundwater head distribution, enhancing the groundwater model results interpretation and potential improvement. However, its lack of physical grounding limits its generalization capability. These findings highlight the value of integrating physics-based and machine learning techniques for improving their performance, making a significant contribution to groundwater modelling, which will become increasingly important in the future
Bioactive compounds of plants as modulators of heat stress and protein aggregation induced toxicity in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
No full textThe average global temperature increased by climate change represents a new environmental risk factor which influences people, animals and plants, in a complex interconnection that the One Health approach aims to address in order to promote global health. From the human health perspective, heat stress effects on neurotoxic protein aggregation, typical of several neurodegenerative diseases and, particularly, on a small family of abnormally long poly-glutamine (polyQ) repeats induced disorders, are still partially unknown. Simultaneously, plants respond to acute climate stressors enhancing their secondary metabolites production, known as beneficial in humans. This study investigates the protective and antioxidant potential against heat stress of several bioactive compounds of plants in Caenorhabditis elegans, thereafter focusing on erucin (ERN), an isothiocyanate naturally present in its oxidized form, sulforaphane, in broccoli, and in its precursor molecule, glucoerucin, in rocked salad leaves. Through the treatment of C.elegans strains expressing polyQ in different tissues, this research demonstrates that ERN protects from polyQ-induced toxicity both in standard and under heat stress conditions. Moreover, it evidences that ERN action is dependent on the catalytic subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase (aak-2/AMPKα2) and, downstream in this pathway, on the daf-16/FOXO transcription factor, since nematodes defective of aak-2/AMPKα2 and daf-16 did not respond to the treatment, respectively.
Additionally, the treatment of C.elegans models of Parkinson’s Disease, affected by a different source of neurotoxicity than polyQ disorders, i.e by α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates, evidences that ERN reduces α-syn-aggregates in standard conditions and improves the motility of worms even after heat stress.
Taken together, these results demonstrate ERN modulation of heat stress and protein aggregates induced toxicity and, at least partially, the pathway involved in its mechanism of action in C. elegans, justifying further pre-clinical studies in mice models of protein aggregation to test whether it could represent a potential neuroprotective compound even in humans
How to create sustainable winter sports participation legacy? a case study of Beijing 2022 winter sports participation legacy with critical realism ontology
Get PDFThe Olympic culture "Sport for All" (IOC, 2021b) propagates the shared vision of previous, present, and future hosts to increase sports participation. Evidence has been found in both academia and practice that hosting sports mega events (SME) has the potential to increase sports participation (A. Pappous, 2011; Weed et al., 2015) and facilitate sustainable development (Hindson et al., 1994; Hogan & Norton, 2000). Thus, it is important to learn from the past of the Olympic movement regardless of the geographical and cultural distances among host nations.
Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics impressed the world by achieving the ambitious "300 million" goal (IOC, 2022). However, international scholars have questioned the origins and feasibility of this goal. Besides curiosity about the number, many researchers have turned their eyes to the strategies, programs, and legacy delivery mechanisms behind them.
Our dissertation satisfied these curiosities by creating a theoretical approach and examining the political promise and the legacy delivery process. Firstly, we developed an integrated framework by combining CR with the "Three-Source Model" (Liu & Jiang, 2016). With the conceptual model, triangulation, and the Qualitative Quantitative Mixed Method, we examined whether Beijing 2022 has achieved the goal of "Motivating 300 million individuals to engage in winter sports" through Study 1 and how it happened via Study 2.
In the discussion, we focused on what could different stakeholders of the preceding and future Olympic Games learn from Beijing 2022 in terms of social sustainability and revealed that the bilateral paths would facilitate both the pre-game legacy and the post-game legacy. For future research, we suggest launching future studies addressing social reality, the efficiency, and effectiveness of the legacy delivery, and supporting regional development and knowledge sharing/ transfer with the advanced sport governing concept of “Big Society”
Post-transplant bone disease: diagnostic and therapeutic process
Get PDFBackground: Post-transplant bone disease (PTBD) represents an important cause of morbidity and mortality in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs): the pathogenesis is closely linked both to the pre-transplant and post-transplant period. Persistent hyperparathyroidism and the use of steroids are the most important risk factors for PTBD; bone turnover markers (BTMs) and their trend are a marker in fracture risk stratification. The aim of this study is to evaluate a cohort of de novo KTRs in an epidemiological, biochemical and instrumental way to identify patients with higher fracture risk and establish an early specific therapeutic approach.
Patients and Methods: Clinical, biochemical and instrumental data were measured at time 0 (from the third to the sixth month from KT) and time 1 (after 24 months from KT).
Results and Discussion: Thirty-two de novo KTRs were enrolled in the study with 21-31% of osteoporosis at different skeletal sites at time 0. BTMs represented a condition of high and low bone turnover for 16-22% and 6-19% of KTRs, respectively. An inverse correlation has been demonstrated between the values of densitometric tests and PTH value and cumulative dose of steroids. BMD change after KT was extremely variable and related to both cumulative dose of steroids and persistent hyperparathyroidism. Compared with patients with no change, patients with stability or gain of BMD had higher levels of BTMs and a greater decrease of BTMs from T0 to T1.
Conclusions: PTBD is one of the most important problems after KT with secondary hyperparathyroidism and steroids as key risk factors. BTMs and their change after KT are associated with BMD changes: the resolution of high bone turnover was responsible for BMD gain or stability. An evaluation of BTMs in the early post-transplant period could help to identify patients with higher fracture risk to early treat with anti-fracturative therapy
Promoting collection, reuse and recycling of electrical and electronic equipment
Get PDFE-waste poses significant environmental challenges, yet recycling rates remain low despite established infrastructure. Existing research has explored psychological drivers of recycling intentions but lacks insights into how these intentions translate into actions, the role of situational factors, and the potential of digital nudging to promote sustainable behaviours. This PhD thesis addresses these gaps through three interconnected studies, offering a comprehensive approach to enhancing e-waste management practices. The first study conducts a worldwide meta-analysis of 36 studies to identify key psychological antecedents of e-waste recycling behaviour, such as attitudes, convenience, and policy effectiveness, using constructs from prominent behavioural theories. These findings provide a robust theoretical foundation for understanding recycling behaviours. The second study investigates the influence of situational factors, including proximity and user experience of collection centres, on bridging the intention-behaviour. Using structural equation modelling with data from 700 participants gathered in Italy, the study demonstrates how convenience enhances recycling behaviours through normative and gain-based goals. The third study evaluates digital nudging strategies, specifically social comparison feedback, in influencing recycling and purchasing behaviours. An experimental survey of 524 Italian participants reveals nuanced effects, offering practical insights for designing pro-environmental digital interventions. Together, these studies provide actionable strategies to advance sustainable e-waste management and bridge critical research gaps