3,859 research outputs found
Franciscans and Mathematics. The Case of Mariotto Guiducci, Friar Minor and Abacus Master (1427- Post 1496
No full textIl contributo intende tracciare un profilo del fiorentino Mariotto Guiducci, frate minore e maestro d’abaco del XV secolo, autore di un trattato matematico conservato alla Biblioteca Nazionale di Firenze. Attraverso risultanze archivistiche e bibliografiche edite e inedite, il caso di studio può offrire ulteriori spunti per una riflessione intorno al tema, recentemente ripreso, dei rapporti tra francescanesimo e scienze matematiche fra medioevo e rinascimento. L’indagine proposta si articola in due parti: la prima parte apre uno squarcio sulla famiglia Guiducci e l’insegnamento della matematica pratica a Firenze e a Prato, accennando alla vita conventuale e all’esperienza di insegnante di fra Mariotto; la seconda è dedicata al codice autografo e al Libro d’arismetricha in esso contenuto, espressione di una cultura matematica tipica della tradizione abacistica.The paper focuses on the figure of Mariotto Guiducci, a Florentine franciscan friar and abacus master from the 15th century, author of a mathematical treatise preserved in the National Library of Florence. By archival and bibliographical records, the case study may offer further insights about the topic, recently revived, on the relationship between Franciscanism and the mathematical sciences between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The article is divided in two parts: the first opens a glimpse into the Guiducci family and the teaching of practical mathematics in Florence and Prato, hinting at the convent life and experience of Mariotto; the second part is dedicated to the autograph codex and the Libro d’arismetricha, expression of a mathematical culture typical of the abacus tradition
METABOLOMIC FINGERPRINTS OF NEONATAL DYSGLYCEMIA IN PRETERM INFANTS
No full textPreterm infants are exposed to glucose fluctuation, including hypo- and hyper-glycemia, as consequence of immaturity of metabolic and hormonal processes regulating glucose homeostasis. Neonatal provision of brain metabolic fuels, including glucose and other metabolites, are thought to be significant determinant of neurodevelopment, though evidence linking neonatal glucose homeostasis to long-term neurodevelopment remains controversial. The aim of this study is to investigate the metabolomic changes associated with neonatal dysglycemia detected with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in infants born preterm and their long-term neurodevelopmental effect. This was a monocentric prospective observational study conducted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the University Hospital of Padova. We included preterm infants with birth weight (BW) <1500 g or gestational age (GA) ≤32 weeks, who were started on a continuous glucose sensor within 48 hours of life. Euglycemia is defined as glucose sensor value between 4 and 8 mmol/L; hypoglycemia below 4 mmol/L and hyperglycemia above 8 mmol/L. Glycemic variability (GV) was described as percentage of time spent in each category of glycemia out of total time of monitoring and as coefficient of variation (CV). Targeted metabolomic analysis was applied to plasma samples collected during glucose monitoring and performed on an Acquity Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) coupled to Mass Spectrometer (MS). Neurodevelopment was assessed at 12 months corrected age (CA) with Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID) III and gap-overlap (GO) task. Statistical analysis was conducted with non-parametric test using linear regression and univariate analysis. 52 infants were included in the analysis, enrolled between March 2020 and June 2023. Females were 53%, median GA and BW were 29.7 weeks and 1215 g respectively. Targeted metabolomic analysis was performed for 40 patients. Follow-up assessment was available for 43/44 participants. CGM data revealed median time in euglycemic range (TIR) and a CV of 81.8% and 0.19 respectively, negatively correlated with each other (tau b-0.339, p-value<0.001). According to tertile distribution of TIR and CV, we found higher intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (0% vs 43%, p-value 0.016) and lower auxological parameter at birth (BW centile 59° vs 17°, p-value 0.015) in those with higher GV. Both extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) (8% vs 57%, p-value 0.001), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (0% vs 36%, p-value 0.018) prevailed in infants with higher GV. Targeted metabolomic analysis showed higher GV associated with more mobilization of gluconeogenic precursors as lactic acid (421.783 vs 621.894 μM, p-value 0.050) and alanine (365.413 vs 433.433 μM, p-value 0.028), higher level of long chain acylcarnitines as myristoylcarnitine (0.028 vs 0.046 μM, p-value 0.010) and stearoylcarnitine (0.224 vs 0.380 μM, p-value 0.039) and imbalance of metabolites implying in insulin sensitivity as carnosine (12.672 vs 5.328 μM, p-value 0.007), cystathionine (9.452 vs 4.576 μM, p-value 0.016) and DOPA (0.016 vs 0.009 μM, p-value 0.024). GV impaired kynurenine pathway with lower neuroprotective metabolites (p=0.043, tau b=-0.236). Long-term follow up revealed lower performance in communication (BSID III 97 vs 91, p-value 0.016); lower visual attention at GO task was related to GV (tau b 0.389; p-value 0.030). The study demonstrated that GV of preterm infants was influenced by perinatal factors and related to short and long-term clinical outcomes, suggesting GV as a marker of early neonatal health. Targeted metabolomic analysis described the imbalance of several metabolomic pathway involved in alternative energetic substrates and of kynurenine pathway. These findings gave plausibility to the hypothesis of negative influence of neonatal dysglycemia on developing brain
Wireless sensor networks: Enabling technology for ambient intelligence
No full textWireless sensor networks are one of the most rapidly evolving research and development fields for microelectronics. Their applications are countless, and the market potentials are huge. However, many technical hurdles have to be overcome to achieve a widespread diffusion of wireless sensor network technology. This paper summarizes the trends of evolution in wireless sensor network nodes, focusing on hardware architectures and fabrication technology. We describe four generations of sensor networks (obtrusive, parasitic, symbiotic and bio-inspired), moving from the recent past to the future. We outline the key research challenges and the common themes in the field. [All rights reserved Elsevier
Parametri di crescita e produzione del frumento tenero (Triticum aestivum L.) II). Traspirazione, temperatura fogliare, ritmo e durata della fase di granigione in varietà di differente precocità e con disponibilità idriche differenziate.
No full textWireless sensor networks: Enabling technology for ambient intelligence
No full textWireless sensor networks are one of the most rapidly evolving research and development fields for microelectronics. Their applications are countless, and the market potentials are huge. However, many technical hurdles have to be overcome to achieve a widespread diffusion of wireless sensor network technology. This paper summarizes the trends of evolution in wireless sensor network nodes, focusing on hardware architectures and fabrication technology. We describe four generations of sensor networks (obtrusive, parasitic, symbiotic and bio-inspired), moving from the recent past to the future. We outline the key research challenges and the common themes in the field. [All rights reserved Elsevier
Parametri di crescita e produzione del frumento tenero (Triticum aestivum L.). III) Effetto della disponibilità idrica sull' accumulo della sostanza secca e delle proteine nelle cariossidi di varietà di diversa precocità
No full textAttachment mental states and inferred pathways of development in borderline personality disorder: a study using the Adult Attachment Interview
No full textWe report the outcome of an investigation on how specific attachment states of mind and corresponding risk factors related to different DSM Axis I comorbidities in subjects with BPD. Mental representations of attachment in four BPD sub-groups (BPD and Anxiety/Mood Disorders, BPD and Substance Use and Abuse Disorders, BPD and Alcohol Use and Abuse Disorders, and BPD and Eating Disorders) were assessed in 140 BPD subjects using the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). In addition to the global attachment picture in which Insecure organized (Dismissing 51% and Enmeshed 35%) and Insecure disorganized categories (40%) were overrepresented, significant differences in attachment category were found between the four BPD sub-groups. Axis I comorbidities corresponded with attachment features on the internalizing/externalizing functioning dimension of the disorder. Furthermore, specific constellations of inferred developmental antecedents and attachment states of mind corresponded differentially with the BPD sub-groups. Implications for developmental research and clinical nosology are discussed
Monthly Intramuscular Neridronate for the Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: Results of a 6-Year Prospective Italian Study
No full textPurpose. Oral bisphosphonates (BPs) are the most commonly used medications for osteoporosis (OP), but their poor gastrointestinal (GI) absorption and tolerance hamper compliance. Intramuscular (IM) neridronate (NE), an amino-BP, is an easy-to-administer, effective, and safe alternative to oral BPs. We assessed the 6-year effects of monthly IM NE on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover biomarkers (BMs) in postmenopausal OP. Methods. This single-center, prospective study enrolled postmenopausal osteoporotic outpatients with gastric intolerance to BPs (based on Tuscany Region's law GRT n. 836 20/10/2008). They received 25mg IM NE once a month (with vitamin D and calcium if necessary) for 6 years. BMD was evaluated at lumbar spine (L1-L4), femoral neck (FN), and total femur (TF) at baseline (BL) and every 12 months afterwards. At BL, month 3, and every 12 months after BL, total and ionized calcium, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone 1-84, bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), osteocalcin, and N- and C-terminal telopeptides were assayed. Results. Overall, 60 women (mean age: 62.3 +/- 7.5 years) received monthly IM NE for 6 years, with vitamin D and calcium supplementation in 81.3% of cases. Compared to BL, BMD increased significantly already after 1 year at all sites (4.5 +/- 0.9% for L1-L4, 4.5 +/- 0.8% for TF, and 2.1 +/- 0.6% for FN, P0.05), and the changes were maintained over time, whereas FN further improved up to year 3 and remained stable afterwards (P0.05). All BMs, except for total calcium and BALP, progressively decreased over time (P0.05). No fractures and significant adverse events were reported. Conclusion. The monthly administration of IM NE represents a manageable and effective option, in terms of BMD and bone BM improvement, for the long-term treatment of postmenopausal OP women with gastric intolerance to BPs. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03699150
Iga deficiency
No full textIgA deficiency (D-IgA) in the paediatric population is often an occasional finding during tests performed for other reasons in children in whom an immunodeficiency disorder is not suspected. D-IgA is the most common primary immunodeficiency with a variable prevalence according to ethnicity, estimated on 1 case/600 in the Caucasian population. IgA should be dosed twice in a child > 4 years of age to confirm the deficiency, which is defined by the presence of serum IgA < 0.07 g/l. The other classes of immunoglobulins should always be dosed. Most patients with D-IgA will not require any treatment or follow-up (85% are asymptomatic), apart from screening for coeliac disease, which is 10 to 20 times more frequent in patients with D-IgA. In the case of a child with D-IgA with recurrent infections (mainly affecting the respiratory and, less commonly, the gastrointestinal tract), signs and symptoms of alarm must always be sought and valued for other types of primary immunodeficiency (especially the common variable immunodeficiency), which, although rarely, can be associated with D-IgA. Patients with D-IgA, in particular adolescents and adults, have a higher risk than the general population of developing autoimmune diseases. The family should be informed of this possible occurrence, but specific laboratory evaluations are not necessary. Four clinical cases are presented: an occasional finding of D-IgA in a healthy child, the association with coeliac disease, the association with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and IgA deficiency in a patient with an immunodeficiency disorder (ataxia-telangectasia)
Parametri di crescita e produzione del frumento tenero (Triticum aestivum L.) I). Variazioni della resistenza stomatica in varietà di diversa precocità, in funzione della disponibilità idrica.
No full text- …
