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Identification of autoantibodies against neuronal and glial targets in CNS and PNS disorders.
No full textIn recent decades, research has significantly advanced the understanding of autoimmunity's role in neurological disorders affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. While several autoantibody targets have been identified, the pathogenic mechanisms remain to be elucidated, or their pathogenicity has yet to be confirmed. Several lines of evidence suggest a possible autoimmune aetiology in neuropathies. Autoantibodies to neuronal surface antigens have been discovered to be involved in the development of pain, with CASPR2 antibodies being particularly relevant, as 50% of CASPR2 Ab-positive patients manifest pain. In vitro and in vivo studies further support the pathogenicity of some autoantibodies, and some patients have shown the benefit of immunotherapy. In particular, small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a peripheral neuropathy characterized by pain and autonomic dysfunction. Although various causes are associated with this disease, over 50% of cases are idiopathic. For instance, FGFR3 antibodies have been detected in 17% of iSFN patients and TS-HDS antibodies in 20%, though their clinical significance is debated. Recently, new potential autoantibody targets, including MX1, DBNL, and KRT8, have been identified, along with PlexinD1 antibodies, which in vivo and in vitro studies supported their pathogenic role. This thesis explores autoimmunity’s role in neurological diseases by developing assays to detect autoantibodies in patient serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Cell-based assays (CBAs) were developed to identify antibodies against mGluR1, mGluR5, and AK5. A cohort of SFN patients was screened using CBAs and ELISAs for known pain-associated antibodies and potential novel targets, identifying and characterizing positive cases. Additionally, serum reactivity on murine dorsal root ganglia neurons and human sensory neurons derived from iPSCs was evaluated to detect unknown antigens. Our findings highlight a potential role for autoimmunity in SFN and pain development, emphasizing the need to identify novel antibody targets and clarify their possible pathogenic role in neurological diseases
Aesthetics, subcultures and lifestyle: arts, somaesthetics, sound system culture
No full textIl presente lavoro si occupa di estetica filosofica e della sua applicabilità a fenomeni del popular musicale. Il primo capitolo è composto da una generale riflessione sulle direzioni dell'estetica contemporanea, attraverso le lenti di numerosi autori, quali Arnold Berleant e Richard Shusterman. Inoltre si tenta una parziale ricostruzione storica della disciplina dell'estetica. Il secondo capitolo principalmente cerca di inviduare le cause e le motivazioni storiche che hanno portato al travagliato rapporto tra filosofia e popular music, mettendo a bilancio anche l'impatto che la tecnologia ha avuto nell'arte e nella musica in particolare. Nel terzo capitolo invece viene tematizzata la cultura sound system e alcune pratiche creative che la compongono, in qualità di formazione culturale su cui è possibile riflettere in maniera filosoficamente stimolante.This work deals with philosophical aesthetics and its applicability to popular music phenomena. The first chapter is composed of a general reflection on the directions of contemporary aesthetics, through the lenses of numerous authors, such as Arnold Berleant and Richard Shusterman. Furthermore, a partial historical reconstruction of the discipline of aesthetics is attempted. The second chapter mainly tries to identify the causes and historical motivations that led to the troubled relationship between philosophy and popular music, also taking stock of the impact that technology has had on art and music in particular. In the third chapter, however, the sound system culture and some creative practices that compose it are thematized, as a cultural formation on which it is possible to reflect in a philosophically stimulating way
Monostatic and bistatic radar techniques for planetary surface exploration across the solar system
No full textThis doctoral thesis investigates the potential of centimeter-wavelength bistatic radar and meter-scale monostatic radar sounding techniques for planetary exploration, leveraging data from two sophisticated missions: the Cassini mission to Saturn and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The first part of this thesis examines radio science bistatic radar experiments conducted by the Cassini orbiter on Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, known to host stable liquid hydrocarbon seas and lakes at its poles. Reflections from solid terrain were generally weaker and intermittent, while strong, narrow reflections from Titan’s liquid bodies under oblique observation configurations enabled accurate retrieval of surface dielectric constants (connected to liquid composition) and surface roughness. Statistical differences in dielectric constants across the seas were found, though even the highest measured relative permittivity values indicate that ethane is a minor constituent of surface liquids on Titan. Lakes in the Northern Lake District appear uniform in both roughness and composition. The second part of this work focuses on SHARAD observations of Mars’ water ice-rich South Polar cap, where radargrams reveal a pervasive elevated radar background, commonly termed “fog”, that either underlies or obscures radar-bright parallel reflectors. These reflectors have been correlated with dust-rich layers formed by Mars’ orbital variations, but the fog lacks attribution and is generally associated with surface roughness and/or volume scattering. However, our quantitative analysis shows that this background pattern could also stem from densely packed, thin, fragmented, or low-dust-content layers generating specular reflections. This finding suggests that two contrasting radar patterns—bright continuous reflectors and dimmer pervasive backgrounds—might arise from similar dustrich geological structures. These insights may facilitate the interpretation of radargrams of icy moons, where complex subsurface features such as fractures, volume scattering, and slushy or impurity-rich layers are anticipated, especially for Europa
An infinite treasure to be unveiled. Religious tourism and ecclesiastical cultural heritage: comparative legal reflections and innovative solutions for ancient problems and new challenges
No full textIl presente elaborato si propone di indagare il rapporto di profonda continuità tra la mobilità umana ispirata dalla fede e i beni culturali ecclesiastici allo scopo di individuare le loro concrete espressioni nella realtà dell’esperienza collettiva e individuale e ravvisare quelle ancora da esplorare. Premessa una disamina del binomio ‘turismo religioso’ e delle sue origini, il primo capitolo perlustra la stratificata normativa in materia di turismo religioso tanto da parte statale quanto da parte confessionale, mettendone in luce l’inscindibile relazione con i tesori storici e artistici gemmati, in particolare, dal grembo della Chiesa cattolica. Sul loro peculiare statuto epistemologico indugia precipuamente il secondo capitolo, il quale, ispezionando le fonti di diritto canonico universale e particolare italiano (anche relative ai beni di proprietà degli Istituti di vita consacrata e delle Società di vita apostolica), sottolinea come esse siano dirette a evitare che una ‘culturalità’ profana soffochi l’ecclesialità, autentica ratio essendi di questi beni. Il terzo capitolo, invece, è suddiviso in tre parti: nelle prime due viene ricostruita la disciplina unilaterale e pattizia circa i beni culturali riferibili alla Chiesa onde dimostrare come il legislatore italiano, ancorché abbia superato la vetusta accezione di ‘culto’ della Legge Bottai, sia tuttora troppo poco attento al quid proprium di questi beni; mentre nella terza si illustrano gli inediti orizzonti dischiusi dal mezzo informatico per alcune tipologie di beni ecclesiastici di interesse culturale. Il quarto capitolo volge lo sguardo oltre i confini nazionali, analizzando sia la legislazione unilaterale sia quella bilateralmente convenuta circa i beni culturali della Chiesa cattolica in Spagna, al fine di tracciare alcune prospettive di comparazione nelle conclusioni della dissertazione.The paper aims to investigate the relationship of profound continuity between human mobility inspired by faith and ecclesiastical cultural heritage in order to identify their concrete expressions in the reality of collective and individual experience and identify those still to be explored. After an examination of the binomial ‘religious tourism’ and its origins, the first chapter explores the stratified legislation on religious tourism both from the state and from the confessional side, highlighting its inseparable relationship with the historical and artistic treasures that have sprouted, in particular, from the womb of the Catholic Church. The second chapter focuses mainly on their peculiar epistemological status, which, inspecting the sources of universal and particular Italian canon law (also relating to the assets owned by Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life), underlines how they are aimed at preventing a profane ‘culturality’ from suffocating the ecclesiality, the authentic ratio essendi of these assets. The third chapter, instead, is divided into three parts: in the first two, the unilateral and contractual discipline regarding the cultural assets referable to the Church is reconstructed in order to demonstrate how the Italian legislator, even though it has overcome the antiquated meaning of ‘cult’ of the Bottai Law, is still too little attentive to the quid proprium of these assets; while in the third, the new horizons opened up by the computer medium for some typologies of ecclesiastical assets of cultural interest are illustrated. The fourth chapter looks beyond national borders, analyzing both the unilateral and bilaterally agreed legislation regarding the cultural assets of the Catholic Church in Spain, in order to outline some comparative perspectives in the conclusions of the dissertation
Exploring the role of vaginal lactobacilli derivatives in woman health
No full textThe healthy human vaginal ecosystem is most often dominated by either one or a combination of the following Lactobacillus species: Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus jensenii and Lactobacillus iners. Bacterial derivatives, such as extracellular vesicles (EVs) and exopolysaccharides (EPS), play critical roles in bacteria-host and bacteria-bacteria communication, influencing vaginal ecosystem dynamics.
This study investigated vaginal lactobacilli derivatives and their beneficial effects. EVs from L. crispatus BC5 and L. gasseri BC12 were isolated and analyzed for their impact on human epithelium microbial colonization. EPS released by L. crispatus (BC1, BC4, BC5) and L. gasseri (BC9, BC12, BC14) were also studied for their effects on microbial biofilms. Focusing on L. crispatus, a dominant vaginal species linked to health, we explored the role of capsular EPS in biofilm formation and bacteria-host interactions by silencing its biosynthetic pathway.
We reported that: i) EVs from L. crispatus BC5 and L. gasseri BC12 enhanced lactobacilli adhesion to human epithelial cells and reduced pathogen adhesion. ii) Released EPS from L. crispatus and L. gasseri enhanced biofilm formation of lactobacilli in a dose-dependent manner while inhibiting pathogen biofilm formation. iii) Genetic manipulation of L. crispatus strains turned out to be challenging, L. crispatus SL9 was the only strain competent for constructing a capsular EPS-deficient mutant. Using this strain as a study model we showed that capsular EPS contribute to the biofilm structure and modify the composition/exposure of some cell-wall molecules, thus affecting lactobacilli adhesion and immunogenicity in the vagina niche.
In conclusion, this PhD study gives new insights on the functional role of complex structures and metabolites derived from vaginal lactobacilli concerning women's health and symbiosis. This supports the hypothesis of using EVs and EPS as potential postbiotics with a therapeutic and/or preventive approach to restore/maintain a healthy vaginal ecosystem
Mitigation strategies and sustainability in ruminant nutrition: in vitro studies on the reduction of methane emission by different feed additives
No full textMethane (CH₄) emissions from ruminants are a key concern for improving the environmental sus-tainability of livestock production. This thesis investigates different strategies to reduce CH₄ emissions and enhance sustainability across five studies. The first study evaluated circular feed ingredients such as bakery by-products and wheat distiller grains in dairy cow diets. Results showed a 4.7% increase in milk yield and 22.5% reduction in milk urea nitrogen, without compromising fiber digestibility or rumen health, supporting their sustainable use. In the second study, we used the Gas Endeavour System® to standardize in vitro CH₄ measure-ments. Rumen fluid was tested from cows at different stages and feeding times. Post-feeding ru-men fluid from lactating cows produced the highest CH₄ emissions, averaging 42.3 ml/g DM compared to 33.9 ml/g DM for fasting cows. These findings highlight the importance of standard-ized protocols to ensure reliable emission data. The third study evaluated the effects of chestnut tannins and oregano essential oil on CH₄ emis-sions and rumen fermentation. Tannins reduced CH4 by 10.1% but decreased dry matter digestibil-ity by 11.9%. Oregano oil showed no significant effects under the tested conditions. The fourth study examined nitrate supplementation as a CH₄ mitigation strategy. The highest ni-trate dose (1000 mg/L) resulted in a 53.7% reduction in CH₄ emissions but also led to altered fer-mentation and a 21.4% decrease in digestibility, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to its use. The fifth study applied life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the introduction of an automatic milking system (AMS) at the University of Bologna’s dairy farm. The AMS led to a 15% increase in milk yield and a 7.9% reduction in milk’s carbon footprint, demonstrating how technology can support sustainability. Overall, the thesis presents integrated strategies to mitigate CH₄ while improving productivity and resource efficiency in livestock systems
Silicon in agroecological agroforestry fruit woody systems
No full textSilicon (Si) plays a crucial role in enhancing plant resilience and productive capacity. The thesis integrates literature and experimental research to advance our understanding of Si dynamics from soil-plant systems, particularly within Mediterranean agroecosystems. Chapter 1 reviews current research on Si, identifying critical gaps in Si acquisition and accumulation in fruit and woody species. Innovative agroecological (AE) and agroforestry (AF) models are proposed to bolster ecosystem resilience. Chapter 2 employs interdisciplinary methodologies to characterize soil Si pools and their spatial distribution within the soil matrix, revealing how practices and environment influence Si availability, guiding future precision agriculture and sustainable soil management efforts. Chapter 3 focuses on the economically and culturally significant grapevine (Vitis vinifera) in the Mediterranean. By examining Si concentrations and leaf distribution in the cv. Gaglioppo grafted onto various rootstocks, the study reveals genotype-dependent Si accumulation with rootstocks 17-37 Mgt, and 140 R, demonstrating higher Si concentrations compared to K5BB under hydroponic +Si conditions. Advanced microscopy highlights Si deposition and leaf structures. Insight suggests that rootstocks can improve tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses and enhance overall viticultural performance. Chapter 4 explores Si nutrition within agroforestry systems by intercropping grapevines with Fraxinus ornus, a resilient woody species. Intercropping improved Si uptake in grapevine leaves and unveiled novel patterns of Si distribution in woody tissues and plant metabolic responses. Chapter 5 surveys selected Mediterranean maquis species to assess variations in plant and soil Si concentration. Analyses highlight site-specific nutrient dynamics and plant–soil interactions, providing deeper insights into Si in semi-arid ecosystems. Collectively, these integrated studies underscore Si’s importance in plant and ecosystem resilience, offering a framework for developing Si-based AE and AF systems. Further research into Si transporters, microbiology, and rhizosphere mechanisms could deepen our understanding of Si processes and their broader implications in agroecosystems
Integrative perspectives on bivalve sex determination: A comparative and evolutionary analysis across phylogeny
No full textSex determination (SD) in bivalves remains largely unexplored despite their socio-economic importance. This is due to the diversity of mechanisms across species, involving both genetic and environmental factors, and the apparent absence of heteromorphic sex chromosomes, which complicates research. This study integrates comparative genomics, phylogenetic analyses, and in-situ visualization to investigate the molecular basis of SD in bivalves. Key components of gene families known for SD in Metazoa were analyzed, focusing on the Dmrt, Sox, and Fox gene families, which tend to evolve rapidly. Notably, Dmrt-1L and Sox-H were identified as fast-evolving genes in bivalves, supporting their involvement in male SD. To further explore their roles, mRNA in-situ hybridization chain reaction (HCR) was used to assess their transcription patterns in Mytilus galloprovincialis embryos and larvae. Expression patterns of Fox-L2, linked to female SD, and the germline marker Vasa/Vasa were also analyzed. Dmrt-1L and Sox-H were not transcribed during early development (up to 72 hours post-fertilization), while Fox-L2 showed increasing sex-unbiased expression at gastrulation. Vasa-positive cells, marking primordial germ cells, appeared only after larval formation, suggesting SD occurs later in development. This study highlights the value of integrative approaches in researching non-model organisms, providing a foundational reference for SD in bivalves and expanding our understanding of their reproductive biology
Spatial analyses with Geographic Information Systems: development of land suitability assessment methods for agricultural facilities and nature-based solutions
No full textThis study develops and tests GIS-MCDA methodologies for land suitability in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, focusing on an aquaponic systems and nature-based solutions (NbS). The first objective involves determining optimal locations of an innovative integrated multi-trophic aquaponic systems, while the second addresses NbS for the maximisation of carbon sequestration across urban, peri-urban and agricultural zones with three specific NbS.
For the aquaponic system analysis, the region was divided into 50 × 50 m grid cells, each of them was assigned a suitability score from 0 to 8. Here, a score of 0 indicates unsuitability, 1 represents minimal suitability and 8 denotes maximum suitability. A significant portion of the assessed area was deemed unsuitable for aquaponic facilities. However, over 86.4% of the suitable areas received scores of 6, 7, or 8, highlighting the overall high potential of the Emilia-Romagna region for aquaponic development.
The NbS analysis was tailored to maximise carbon sequestration. Each environmental zone was subdivided into 30 × 30 m cells, assigned suitability values from 1 (least suitable) to 5 (most suitable). Findings suggest that street tree NbS are most suitable for urban areas, green spaces area NbS for peri-urban areas and buffer strip NbS for agricultural areas. The results offer a strategic framework for sustainable spatial planning, allowing policymakers to identify optimal locations for implementing new NbS.
The robustness of the models was validated using sensitivity analyses, confirming the reliability of the proposed methodologies
Quantitative assessment of disease severity in Ebstein’s Anomaly by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging: from bench to bedside
No full textBackground:
Ebstein’s Anomaly (EA) exhibits significant anatomical and clinical heterogeneity, warranting a systematic approach to risk stratification. While the Carpentier classification (CC) is commonly employed for qualitative disease assessment, there is increasing interest in quantitative imaging parameters, to guide personalized monitoring strategies and therapeutic interventions.
Aims:
This study aimed to: 1) evaluate the association between cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) parameters, CC, and symptoms of clinical decompensation; 2) determine whether CMR-derived markers may predict the need for bidirectional cavo-pulmonary anastomosis (BCPA), in-hospital hemodynamic instability, and significant right ventricular (RV) dysfunction following tricuspid valve surgery.
Methods:
This retrospective study evaluated consecutive patients diagnosed with EA undergoing 1.5 Tesla CMR at a tertiary care centre. CC and quantitative indices were derived from steady-state free precession sequences.
Results:
In a total population of 60 patients (53% male, median age 22 years), CMR parameters most strongly associated (p<0.001) with CC included indexed displacement of the septal (SLDi) and inferior (ILDi) leaflets, Ebstein’s valve rotation angle, functional RV ejection fraction, indexed atrialized RV end-diastolic volume, and the atrialized or functional RV-to-anatomical RV ratio. Decreasing left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 0.85, 95%CI 0.75-0.97, p=0.01) and increasing ILDi (OR 1.05, 95%CI 1.00-1.10, p=0.04) emerged as the most prominent variables associated with symptoms of clinical decompensation. Additionally, ILDi was significantly linked to the need for BCPA (OR 1.15, 95%CI 1.03-1.28, p=0.01), in-hospital hemodynamic instability (OR 1.09, 95%CI 1.01-1.18, p=0.02) and significant RV dysfunction at discharge (OR 1.08, 95%CI 1.01-1.17, p=0.03).
Conclusions:
Several quantitative CMR indices proved to be effective in distinguishing between Carpentier classes and they may be valuable in an integrated CMR-based approach to assess EA severity. Among these, ILDi may serve as a useful metric in guiding surgical decision-making, particularly regarding the addition of BCPA, as it reflects both the extent of TV abnormality and RV atrialization