1,989 research outputs found
Chiara Lubich, Meditazioni: letteratura come relazione
No full textChiara Lubich (1920–2008), although the author of 32 books published in 26 countries (178 editions, 3.2 million copies), is better known for her social engagement, as reflected in numerous awards. She began to be regarded as a literary author only in the early 2000s, and primarily from a linguistic rather than literary perspective. This article focuses on her book Meditazioni (Meditations), reconstructs its genesis by tracing the writing process from the late 1950s to her death and the 2021 critical edition, and offers a literary analysis. This reveals Lubich as a forerunner of a new conception of literature: literature as relationship – not only between author and reader, but also among subject, inspiration, and the editorial process
Methods for radiolabeling nanoparticles (Part 3): therapeutic use
Full text link: Following previously published systematic reviews on the diagnostic use of nanoparticles (NPs), in this manuscript, we report published methods for radiolabeling nanoparticles with therapeutic alpha-emitting, beta-emitting, or Auger's electron-emitting isotopes. After analyzing 234 papers, we found that different methods were used with the same isotope and the same type of nanoparticle. The most common type of nanoparticles used are the PLGA and PAMAM nanoparticles, and the most commonly used therapeutic isotope is 177Lu. Regarding labeling methods, the direct encapsulation of the isotope resulted in the most reliable and reproducible technique. Radiolabeled nanoparticles show promising results in metastatic breast and lung cancer, although this field of research needs more clinical studies, mainly on the comparison of nanoparticles with chemotherapy
Imaging of vascular graft/endograft infection with radiolabeled white blood cell scan and [18F]FDG PET/CT
Full text linkDiagnosis of vascular graft/endograft infection (VGEI) is a challenge for clinicians due to the heterogeneity of clinical presentation and the complexity of its management. Microbiological culture is the gold standard, but it often fails to isolate the causative microorganism. A non-invasive imaging approach is therefore needed to assess VGEI. CTA is currently the first-choice imaging modality. Nuclear medicine techniques are recommended in case of negative or doubtful CTA results with persisting clinical suspicion. This review aims to summarize data from original studies published in the last decades regarding the role of both white blood cell (WBC) scans and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([18F]FDG PET/CT), their respective diagnostic performances, and their integration into the diagnostic approach for patients with a suspicion of VGEI
New approaches to image thyroid cancer cells and microenvironment.
No full textPoorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC) and undifferentiated thyroid cancer (UDTC) are still life-threatening pathologies, because of the lack of well-established diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. In the past, many attempts have been made to develop radiopharmaceutical to diagnose or treat radioactive iodine (RAI)-refractory metastases or recurrences, with limited results. Indeed, it was not possible to find a specific and overexpressed marker to be used as target of radiopharmaceuticals or targeted therapies. Nowadays, with novel advances in the field of tumor microenvironment, many new markers are available to be used as suitable targets for targeted therapies interfering with signalling pathways of cells involved in the mechanisms that favour tumor growth and metastatization. This opened new perspective in the use of radiopharmaceuticals targeting components of tumor microenvirorunent for early diagnosis, preoperative staging or therapy planning and follow up with targeted drugs. In the present review we present the state of novel approaches to image thyroid cance
Gamma camera imaging of inflammatory bowel diseases
No full textInflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) include Crohn's disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC), heterogeneous diseases characterized by a misfunction of the immune system and a chronic inflammation of bowel, often invalidating and requiring life-long treatment.
It is crucial to early diagnose these conditions and to promptly start an appropriate treatment that aims at resolving symptoms and preventing/delaying complications.
Diagnosis relies on endoscopic methods, but also imaging by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Nuclear medicine techniques are not first line diagnostic tools despite they are very sensitive modalities for the evaluation of the state of activity of the disease. To this purpose, specific radiopharmaceuticals have been developed as probes to detect specific molecular antigens, to obtain information on the activity of the disease but also on the nature of the process to tailor treatment and for follow-up. Among the many radiopharmaceuticals available, we will concentrate in particular, on the use of radiolabeled white blood cell scintigraphy
Diabetic Foot Infections. The Diagnostic Challenges
Full text linkDiabetic foot infections (DFIs) are severe complications of long-standing diabetes, and they represent a diagnostic challenge, since the differentiation between osteomyelitis (OM), soft tissue infection (STI), and Charcot's osteoarthropathy is very difficult to achieve. Nevertheless, such differential diagnosis is mandatory in order to plan the most appropriate treatment for the patient. The isolation of the pathogen from bone or soft tissues is still the gold standard for diagnosis; however, it would be desirable to have a non-invasive test that is able to detect, localize, and evaluate the extent of the infection with high accuracy. A multidisciplinary approach is the key for the correct management of diabetic patients dealing with infective complications, but at the moment, no definite diagnostic flow charts still exist. This review aims at providing an overview on multimodality imaging for the diagnosis of DFI and to address evidence-based answers to the clinicians when they appeal to radiologists or nuclear medicine (NM) physicians for studying their patients
Malignancies in β-thalassemia patients: first description of two cases of thyroid cancer and review of the literature.
No full textβ-Thalassemias are a group of hereditary blood disorders characterized by abnormalities in the synthesis of the β hemoglobin (Hb) chains. This disease causes excessive storage of iron in all organs and endocrine glands. Treatment of β-thalassemia major (β-TM) consists of regular blood transfusions, iron chelation and management of secondary complications of iron overload. Endocrine abnormalities are frequently observed. In the last 25 years, the clinical picture of the disease has changed progressively thanks to improvement of treatments. Today, the majority of thalassemic patients reach adult age. The better prognosis and the longer lifespan of affected patients could be responsible for the susceptibility to other concomitant diseases which can manifest during their life. In this context, the possibility and recent literature reports about some cases of malignancy in thalassemic patients open new scenarios for oncoming years. We describe first reports of endocrine malignancies in thalassemic patients. © 2011 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc
Chiara Lubich: A Saint for a New Global Unity
Full text linkIn this article the author offers an introduction to the life, thought, and impact of Chiara Lubich. He begins with a brief biographical overview and draws attention to some important features of her spiritual teaching: Jesus in the midst, Jesus Forsaken, Mary Desolate, the four nights. He draws attention to the Economy of Communion and as an expression of this spirituality in the world of business and economics, and to the figure of Chiara Luce Badano, a young adherent to the Spirituality of Unity who has been recognized as an example of how this spirituality can lead to holiness of life. The author’s judgment is that Chiara Lubich is “a saint of dialogue.
Manifesto per il museo post-etnografico
No full textThe author signes a poetic manifesto for the future of ethnographic museums, beyond colonial representational stereotypes and methodologies
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