Archivio istituzionale della Ricerca - Università degli Studi di Parma
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Labilità e ambiguità del tipo. Note a partire da un progetto "ibrido".
No full textThe concept of architectural type, far from being a fixed or immutable notion, is revealed
as a dynamic design mechanism capable of generating adaptive and hybridisable
spatial configurations. Drawing on a critical re-reading of emblematic historical
precedents – from Hadrian’s Villa to the Certosa di Ema, from the Abbey of St. Gall
to the Bank of England – the essay investigates how the hybridisation of diverse typologies
has historically contributed to the articulation of architectural forms that
are both complex and flexible. Through typological reference, the design process becomes
responsive to context, materials, construction technologies, and contemporary
constraints, allowing for spatial configurations that exceed the scalar and programmatic
boundaries of their origins. Within this framework, type operates as both trace
and architectural promise – a generative rule that remains open to continuous variation
and re-elaboration.
This theoretical enquiry is grounded in two Milanese case studies: Giovanni Muzio’s
Palazzo dell’Arte and mare culturale urbano, a centre for artistic and cultural production
designed by the Bunker practice. The latter originates from a provisional
manifesto which, through metaphoric and imagistic language, defines the architectural
space as luminous, flexible, performative, and in ongoing dialogue with its urban
context. Realised on a peripheral site in Quarto Cagnino, the complex is organised
around a cardinal circulation spine connecting a series of autonomous and programme-
specific pavilions: theatres, ateliers, public spaces, a bistro, offices, rehearsal
rooms, and guest accommodations. The translucent enclosure that defines the site
operates simultaneously at the scale of the city as interface, scenographic backdrop,
and environmental filter. The project exemplifies the operational potential of typological
hybridisation: modular articulation of volumes, functional synergies across
heterogeneous programmes, integrated management of spatial connectivity, and a
systemic architectural capacity to accommodate variable patterns of use and evolving
programmatic scenarios
Rationale and study protocol of the MAMELI Cohort study (Mapping the Methylation of repetitive elements to track the Exposome effects on health: the city of Legnano as a Living lab)
No full textThe concept of the exposome encompasses all the factors influencing human health throughout the life course. The exposome induces epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, which influence gene expression and impact overall health. Several recent studies have explored how repetitive elements (REs) in the genome can be activated in response to environmental stimuli. However, most of these investigations have assumed that altered RE methylation is always detrimental to individual health. The MAMELI project proposes an alternative hypothesis: that some REs are plastic entities capable of responding physiologically to environmental stimuli without compromising genome stability. This hypothesis suggests that the ability of DNA to adapt to environmental triggers could be monitored and used as an indicator of health resilience. To test this hypothesis, the MAMELI project will enroll 6,200 participants from the city of Legnano (Italy) and will be conducted in three main phases: i) A total of 200 healthy participants will undergo DNA methylation analysis through third-generation sequencing at two time points: T0 (baseline) and T1 (6 months after T0). This phase aims to identify a set of REs ("differential REs") whose methylation changes in response to the exposome without affecting genome stability; ii) This phase will include 2,700 subjects (the original 200 participants from the discovery phase plus 2,500 additional subjects). The goal will be to develop a predictive algorithm (the MAMELI algorithm) that links the exposome to RE methylation status, creating a "RE methylation signature" reflecting the environmental impact on DNA methylation; iii) In this phase, the MAMELI algorithm will be applied to a separate cohort of 3,500 participants to compare the measured RE methylation signature with values predicted by the algorithm. Additionally, an intervention study will be embedded within the cohort to assess the reversibility of RE methylation following lifestyle changes. The MAMELI project offers a novel perspective in the field of epigenetics and environmental health, demonstrating how the epigenome can act as a sensor for environmental changes and how this interaction can be harnessed for disease prevention. If validated, the MAMELI algorithm could become a powerful tool for identifying individuals at risk and developing personalized interventions to improve global health outcomes
High-resolution quantitative biostratigraphy of planktonic foraminifera from the Early Miocene (ODP Leg 154 Site 926, Ceara Rise, Equatorial Atlantic Ocean)
No full textDuring the Early Miocene, the biostratigraphic resolution of planktonic foraminiferal zonations is relatively low, compared to the younger intervals of Neogene, and high-resolution quantitative records of planktonic foraminifera are scarce, especially at low latitudes. In addition, there is an ongoing debate regarding which bioevents best approximate the Aquitanian/Burdigalian boundary. In absence of a formal definition, the Base of the calcareous nannofossil Helicosphaera ampliaperta (dated at Ceara Rise at 20.43 Ma) has been provisionally adopted to mark the base of the Burdigalian Stage (e.g., Raffi et al., 2020). Here, the results of a high-resolution quantitative analysis of planktonic foraminiferal assemblages from Site 926 (ODP Leg 154, Ceara Rise) for the interval from 21.5 to 17.6 Ma are presented. Following the astronomically calibrated composite section of Site 926 (Shackleton et al., 1999; Pälike et al., 2006), samples were selected from nannofossil-foraminiferal chalk levels with a time resolution of ~30 kyr. This study provides the quantitative distribution patterns of the biostratigraphic marker species of the studied interval and allows the refinement of the stratigraphic position and age of the main bioevents. Age calibration of some identified bioevents, such as Top (T) Paragloborotalia pseudokugleri, Base (B) Globigerinoides altiaperturus, B Globigerinatella sp. and B Globorotalia praescitula, is in good agreement with the current biochronology (Raffi et al., 2020). Conversely, T P. kugleri appears younger than what reported in literature, postdating B H. ampliaperta. Notably, the age calibration of T P. kugleri and B G. altiaperturus closely aligns with the age of the top of magnetic polarity Chron C6An (19.97 Ma), possibly offering new perspectives on the selection of criteria for defining the base of the Burdigalian Stage. Further identified events, Top common (Tc) Paragloborotalia kugleri, Tc Tenuitella munda, T Globorotalia mendacis and T Ciperoella fariasi, enhance the biostratigraphic resolution of the studied interval. Finally, quantitative records of other biostratigraphic markers, such as Catapsydrax dissimilis, Paragloborotalia siakensis, P. birnageae, P. nana, Trilobatus trilobus gr. and Globigerinoides parawoodi gr., reveal details of their distribution pattern within the studied interval. Biostratigraphic correlation of Site 926 with other low-latitude (I)ODP Sites is hampered by inconsistencies in the relative stratigraphic positions of T P. pseudokugleri, T P. kugleri and calcareous nannofossil events, partly due to different resolution of the biostratigraphic analysis and partly due to the absence of important events (e.g., B Globigerinatella sp., B H. ampliaperta, Helicosphaera euphratis/H. carteri crossover) at some of the considered sites. Overall, these results may contribute to improving the biostratigraphic resolution and the accuracy of Early Miocene standard zonation
Interactive effects of APOE ɛ4 status and vascular burden on white matter microstructural integrity in aging with and without neurocognitive decline
No full textBackground: Carrying the Apolipoprotein (APOE) ε4 allele lowers age of onset and increases Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. Neuropathological findings suggest a mixed etiology in many AD patients, and vascular pathology is common. Objective: This study tested the interactive effect of APOE status and multiple vascular comorbidities on white matter (WM) microstructure in aging and early AD. Methods: 195 participants from the VPH-DARE@IT dataset were stratified in low/high vascular burden based on the Framingham Risk Score (BMI version). Tract-based spatial statistics was used for WM analyses. Results: There was a main effect of APOE, with APOE ɛ4 carriers having higher fractional anisotropy (FA) and lower axial diffusivity (AxD), mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusivity (RD) than non-carriers. There was a main effect of vascular burden with lower FA and higher AxD, MD, and RD in the high-burden than the low-burden group. A significant interaction between APOE genotype and vascular burden was also found for all diffusion indices. Post-hoc comparisons revealed lower left hemisphere WM integrity when comparing the low risk group (i.e., non-carriers low burden) to intermediate risk groups (i.e., non-carriers high burden or ɛ4 carriers low burden). The contrasts between the two intermediate risk groups showed altered WM integrity bilaterally. Only the non-carriers high burden showed greater alterations in WM integrity when compared with the high risk group (i.e., ɛ4 carriers high burden) mainly in right hemisphere tracts. Conclusions: These findings indicate an interactive effect of a risk gene and vascular comorbidities on WM integrity in aging and early AD
Double Glass Units simply supported on two sides: Analytical-numerical modeling and experimental testing
No full textInsulating Glass Units (IGUs), made of multiple sealed glass panes with gas-filled cavities, are key to thermal and acoustic building insulation. As modern designs demand high transparency and complexity, validating advanced structural models is crucial. This paper investigates the mechanical response of Double GUs (DGUs) simply supported on two opposite sides under concentrated and linear loads, with different geometries. The study combines advanced analytical and experimental approaches to capture the unique behavior of DGUs, governed by the interaction between the glass panes and the gas compressibility effects, and the coupling provided by the peripheral spacers. Numerical analyses by Finite Element Method (FEM) are developed, incorporating the effects of gas pressure variations, according to the Betti's Analytical Method (BAM) (soon included in the new Eurocode on structural glass). Experimental testing validates the analytical-numerical predictions. The findings confirm the accuracy of the models in predicting deflections and highlight key parameters affecting DGU performance. Specifically, the BAM model, conceived for IGUs supported on all four edges, is shown to predict pressure variations accurately for DGUs with two-side supports. This paper provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the structural behavior of DGUs, offering valuable insights for design and safety assessments
Agricultural potential and safety assessment of biochar obtained from river biomass
No full text: Biochar, a carbon-rich residue produced by controlled biomass decomposition in oxygen-deprived conditions, like pyrolysis or gasification, has gained attention as a soil enhancer for improving fertility and sequestering carbon. In this study, we analyzed a biochar produced from woody and herbaceous biomasses resulting from river cleaning operations. The potential impacts of biochar on fauna and flora were evaluated through tests on two soil invertebrates (Folsomia candida and Eisenia fetida/E. andrei) and several agricultural plant species. Toxicological assessments included the Ames test using Salmonella typhimurium; the Comet Assay, conducted on Cucumis sativus, Cichorium endivia, Lactuca sativa, Lepidium sativum, Sorghum saccharatum; and the MTS assay, performed on various human cell lines. Results showed that biochar did not negatively impact the collembolans or earthworms' survival, even at high concentrations. However, reproductive capacity declined significantly at concentrations above 2%. In plant assays, higher concentrations generally inhibited growth, while lower concentrations (1% to 2%) commonly used in agriculture promoted root elongation and, in some cases, increased germination rates. No harmful effects were detected in Ames test or in the cytotoxicity assay on human cell lines. Biochar did not negatively affect plant species survival or cause DNA damage, making it suitable as an agricultural soil conditioner
Right Ventricular Longitudinal Strain Predicts Weaning Success in Cardiogenic Shock Patients Supported by a Microaxial Flow Pump
No full textIMPORTANCE: The effect of left ventricular (LV) mechanical unloading on right ventricular (RV) function in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) remains poorly understood, yet may have significant implications for device weaning and patient outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the short-term effects of LV unloading using a transaortic valve axial flow pump (Impella) on RV function and to assess its predictive value for successful device weaning in patients with CS. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of CS patients who received Impella support between 2018 and 2021. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Single-center study conducted at the German Heart Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany. The study included 41 ICU patients with CS due to LV dysfunction who required Impella support for at least 72 hours. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Biventricular function was evaluated by echocardiography and advanced strain imaging during the weaning process. The primary outcome was successful Impella weaning. Associations between changes in RV free-wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) and weaning outcomes were assessed using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Patients received Impella support for a median duration of 216 hours (interquartile range, 144-264 hr). Eighteen patients (43.9%) were successfully weaned, while 23 (56.1%) required LVAD implantation (31.7%) or died (24.4%). LV unloading significantly improved RV systolic function, as demonstrated by increased RV fractional area change, tricuspid annular systolic velocity, and RVFWLS. Notably, patients who failed weaning showed a significantly lower change in RVFWLS (ΔRVFWLS) during the weaning process, which emerged as an independent predictor of weaning outcome. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Impella-mediated LV unloading enhances both LV and RV function in CS patients. However, inadequate RV longitudinal systolic reserve, as indicated by lower ΔRVFWLS during weaning, is associated with weaning failure and may guide clinical decisions regarding prolonged mechanical circulatory support or transition to durable devices
Time to metastasis as a prognostic factor in metastatic urothelial carcinoma: results from the ARON-2 study
No full textMetastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) may present with metastases at the time of initial diagnosis (synchronous) or develop them during follow-up (metachronous). The impact of the timing of metastasis on the outcome of mUC remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate overall survival (OS) stratified by time to metastasis (TTM) in patients receiving systemic therapy in different lines. Retrospective real-world data from the ARON-2 study were analyzed to compare patient outcomes according to TTM. Cohort 1 included 735 patients receiving first-line platinum-based chemotherapy, Cohort 2 included 1164 patients receiving second-line pembrolizumab, Cohort 3 included 588 patients receiving third-line enfortumab vedotin. TTM (synchronous vs. < 6 months, and ≥ 6 months) significantly influenced overall survival (OS) in Cohort 1 (19.2 vs. 22.3 vs. 27.4 months, p = 0.004) and Cohort 2 (14.6 vs. 15.4 vs. 21.2 months, p = 0.015), but not in Cohort 3. In the multivariable Cox analysis, TTM remained an independent prognostic parameter of poor OS in Cohort 1 (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.27; p = 0.016) and Cohort 2 (HR: 1.12, 95% CI 1.02-1.22; p = 0.014). Our findings suggest that the TTM in mUC significantly influences OS in patients receiving first-line platinum-based chemotherapy and second-line pembrolizumab. The prognostic role of TTM should be considered in the future clinical trial designs