5,115 research outputs found
Il filosofo, i libri, gli editori: Croce, laterza e la cultura europea
No full textThe book is a revised edition of 'COLI, Daniela - Croce, Laterza e la cultura europea, Bologna, Il Mulino, 1983, Saggi Società editrice il Mulino, 251Published version of EUI PhD thesis, 198
Innovative methods for the diagnosis and treatment of implant-associated infections
No full textIndwelling devices and prosthesis are increasingly used in modern medicine practices. Failures of prosthetic joint devices constitute an important complication. Especially, the management of patients with a septic failure is characterized by difficulties in the diagnosis and by frequent treatment failures, with infection relapses. Thus, the goal of our studies was to establish and evaluate innovative methods for the diagnosis, prophylaxis and treatment of prosthetic infections.
The accurate differentiation between septic and aseptic loosening of the implants is difficult. Nuclear medicine methods are promising, non-invasive procedures aiming to visualize the specific accumulation at sites of infection of an injected radiotracer. In our study, we compared in vitro and in the tissue cage mouse model of implant infection: 99mTc-UBI, 99mTc-ciprofloxacin, 99mTcN-CIPROCS2 and 111In-DTPA-biotin for targeting E. coli and S. aureus. Radiochemical purity of the labeled agents ranged between 94 % and 98 %. Stability in serum was high for all tracers. In vitro binding assays displayed a rapid and non-displaceable bacterial binding for all tested agents. Using the tissue cage mouse model, the tested agents accumulated in vivo in infected sites, being 99mTc-ciprofloxacin and 111In-DTPA-biotin from 4 h p.i. discriminative for both E. coli and S. aureus infections, whereas 99mTc-UBI 29-41 and 99mTcN-CiproCS2 discriminated only for E. coli infected cages. The measured tissue cage to blood (T/NT) ratios remained lower than 3, a finding that in our opinion may constitute a limiting factor for the use of the tested tracers in patients.
Following, we evaluated the potentials for targeting infections of the novel transcobalamin II non-binder 99mTc-labeled derivative of Vitamin B12 (99mTc-PAMA(4)-Cbl). For comparison, we tested in parallel the labeled native vitamin 57Co-Cbl and the 99mTc-PAMA(4)-Cbl derivative. In vitro binding to a S. aureus and an E. coli strain was specific and could be antagonized by addition of unlabeled Cbl. 99mTc-PAMA(4)-Cbl showed lower in vitro binding than 57Co-Cbl to E. coli, but similar binding to S. aureus. In vivo, 57Co-Cbl showed gradual accumulation into the cage fluids, and discriminated only for E. coli infected cages. On the contrary, 99mTc-PAMA(4)-Cbl showed a rapid kinetic, it was rapidly cleared from most tissues and was able to discriminate both S. aureus and E. coli infected from sterile cages at 4 h p.i.. Thus, the new 99mTc-PAMA(4)-Cbl derivative may represent a promising candidate for bacterial imaging in humans.
In addition, we demonstrated the validity of the mouse tissue cage model for screening radiotracers targeting infections. The negative control, 99mTc-DTPA, showed rapid accumulation and clearance from both sterile and infected cages, whereas, the positive control, 67Gallium citrate, accumulated selectively in infected cages between 48 h and 72 h p.i.
Early and accurate detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is essential in the hospital and the outpatient setting. We established a calorimetry assay for discrimination of MRSA from methicillin susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). The assay consisted of paired heat measurements of batch cultures in pure medium and in medium supplied with cefoxitin. Relative heat was calculated as ratio between the total heat, measured in the presence and absence of cefoxitin. Using a relative heat cutoff of 0.4, 19 of 20 MRSA (95%) and 10 of 10 MSSA (100%) clinical isolates were correctly identified within 5 h. Thus, microcalorimetry may be successfully applied in routine screening for MRSA and potentially be extended to screen resistance patterns of other pathogens and antibiotic agents.
Ga3+ is a semi-metal element competing for iron-binding sites of transporters and enzymes. We investigated the activity of gallium maltolate (GaM), against laboratory and clinical strains of MSSA, MRSA and methicillin susceptible or resistant S. epidermidis (MSSE, MRSE). The MICs of GaM were higher for S. aureus (375-2000 µg/ml) than S. epidermidis (94-200 µg/ml). Minimal biofilm inhibitory concentrations (MBIC) were 3000-≥6000 (S. aureus) and 94-3000 µg/ml (S. epidermidis). In time-kill studies, GaM exhibited a slow and dose-dependent killing mechanism. Sub-inhibitory concentrations of GaM inhibited growth-related heat production measured in a batch calorimeter. The GaM minimal heat inhibitory concentrations (MHIC) correlated well with the MIC values. Thus, GaM exhibited activity against staphylococci, but high concentrations were required. These data supports the potential use of GaM for local application, including treatment of wound infections, MRSA decolonization and implant coating.
Finally, we investigated the efficacy of linezolid, alone and in combination with rifampin (rifampicin), against MRSA in a guinea pig model of foreign-body infection. In vitro, linezolid was bacteriostatic against the tested strain. In time-kill studies, development of rifampin resistance was observed with rifampin alone, but was prevented by the addition of linezolid. After the administration of single intraperitoneal doses, linezolid concentrations into sterile cage fluids remained above the MIC during 12 h. Antimicrobial treatments administered to animals with cage implant infections were given twice daily for 4 days. Linezolid alone reduced planktonic bacteria in cage fluid during treatment. Efficacy in eradication of cage-associated infection was achieved only when linezolid was combined with rifampin, with cure rates being between 50% and 60%. For comparison, the levofloxacin-rifampin combination was tested and demonstrated the highest cure rate (91%). Thus, the linezolid-rifampin combination may be a treatment option for infections caused by quinolone-resistant MRSA
Variations on the Author
No full text“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
Review of Victoria Kahn, Neil Saccamano, and Daniela Coli, eds. Politics and the Passions, 1500-1850.
No full textVictoria Kahn, Neil Saccamano, and Daniela Coli, eds. Politics and the Passions, 1500-1850. Princeton and Oxford: Princeton University Press, 2006. vi + 314 pp. ISBN 0691118620 (paper)
In situ large size non conventional shear tests for the mechanical characterization of a bimrock in The Santa Barbara open pit mine (Italy)
No full textA high mine slope in the disused Santa Barbara open pit mine (Tuscany, Italy) is cut in the Shale-Limestone Chaotic Complex (SLCC), which is a typical bimrock made up of a scaly-fabric clayey matrix including heterometric calcareous blocks. The slope shows evidence of instability phenomena: mainly rotational landslides and toppling countercracks. In order to characterize the mechanical behaviour of the SLCC bimrock, in situ large size non conventional shear tests were performed. The aim of in situ tests is to overcome the size limitation of laboratory specimens and namely to take into account the influence of calcareous blocks on the strength of the bimrock. Bimrock’s strength parameters under natural conditions can be evaluated by means of a limit-equilibrium analysis taking into account shear test data and the geometry of the sliding surface
Imparare le lingue per abbracciare il mondo
No full textL’autrice che si colloca, come Daniela Zorzi, tra i fautori di una linguistica “impegnata”, propone in ricordo della studiosa amica, una riflessione sul ruolo cruciale del multilinguismo e delle lingue- culture, per il successo professionale e il benessere sociale, nella società contemporanea. Il multilinguismo appare come un’urgenza educativa che interpella studiosi e formatori a tutti i livelli al fine di promuovere nei giovani un apprendimento consapevole efficace ed autonomo.Multilingualism constitutes an urgent objective for education, which needs to involve teachers and researchers at all levels if we are to promote effective and autonomous learning in the young. Like Daniela Zorzi, the author considers herself a socially engaged linguist, and in memory of her friend’s work, offers a reflection on the key roles of languages and cultures and of multilingualism for professional success and social welfare today
Modeling of complex geological rock mixtures under triaxial testing conditions
No full textComplex geological mixtures of rock inclusions randomly distributed in a weaker matrix can raise challenging issues for a proper geomechanical characterization.
These materials, also referred as bimrocks, are widespread all around the world and can be recognized in a vast range of geological formations. Although most of these formations are assumed to be controlled by the matrix mechanical properties, several studies, instead, showed that the overall behavior is strongly influenced by the presence of the rock fragments and, in particular, by their volumetric content.
In the present study, the overall mechanical behavior and strength characteristics of rock mixtures during triaxial tests were studied using a 3-D finite element.
A script routine was specifically developed for the 3-D model generation. Given a specific volumetric content and preferred inclusion orientation, the routine generates cylindrical specimens with ellipsoidal inclusions. Ellipsoidal surface intersections are governed by applying an algebraic separation condition which states the contact condition between two inclusions (i.e., separated, overlapped, or overlapped at a single point).
The preliminary FEM analysis on specimens with spherical inclusions indicated a marked influence of the inclusion’s volumetric content on the mechanical properties of the bimrock. Different behaviors were observed for welded and unwelded specimens.
Further studies will focus on the effect of ellipsoidal inclusions
Reclamações ambientais em Aveiro, Portugal: atores, preocupações, padrão territorial e resoluções
No full textThis paper presents an environmental diagnosis based on public complaints on environmental
issues submitted to the Environmental Department of the Aveiro City Council, Portugal, between
2000 and 2005. It discusses the potential influences of these in local environmental planning
and governance. The paper has been organised into five sections. The first of these introduces
the study. The second section focuses on the conceptual approaches relating to environmental
grassroots movements, the main actors involved in these movements and the role played by
local government. It also contains a brief review of the most recent urban environmental
quality challenges in the European context together with a description of the main features of
the associated political and legal framework in Portugal. The third section describes the case
study and the methodology used. The results of the empirical study are detailed in the fourth
section. The final section critically analyses these results with emphases on the temporal
evolution of the submission of complaints, the actors involved, the local environmental problems
and their associated spatial pattern as well as the responses given by the City Council. This
information may then be used to provide a useful indicator for the perception of environmental
quality as well as a credible instrument for the visualisation and evaluation of local performance
in terms of environmental planning and management.AlBan Programme - n. E05M053040B
Jak rozumieć „historyczność” biblijnego Daniela? Różne kierunki wyjaśniania orędzia Księgi Daniela
No full textThe subject of this article is the issue of the historicity of the figure of Daniel, who is the main character of the biblical book bearing his name. The question of whether Daniel is a historical or just a literary figure is important because it influences the exegesis of the text of the Book of Daniel. First, the author will indicate the reasons for questioning the historicity of Daniel, and then he will present different approaches to interpreting the content of the Book of Daniel.Przedmiotem artykułu jest kwestia historyczności postaci Daniela, który jest głównym bohaterem księgi biblijnej noszącej jego imię. Pytanie o to, czy Daniel jest postacią historyczną, czy tylko literacką, jest ważne z tego powodu, że ma wpływ na egzegezę tekstu Księgi Daniela. Najpierw autor wskaże powody, na podstawie których podważa się historyczność Daniela, a następnie przedstawi różne podejścia w interpretacji treści Księgi Daniela
Selected Works of Daniela Krolupperová in Leisure Education for Reading
No full textThis thesis is concerned with usage of selected works of contemporary Czech author Daniela Krolupperová in leisure time education to reading. The thesis is divided into two parts - theoretical and practical. In theoretical part the curriculum vitae and literary creation of the crucial author of publishing houses Albatros, Mladá fronta and Portál Daniela Kroulupperová is presented. Further, literary genre preferred by the author, target groups and selected methods of her work incl. texts used in practical parts, are described. There are also working sheets, their verification in practice and reflection in practical part
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