Ecologie degli ambienti urbani: sfide applicative

Seguendo il percorso che l’Urban Environment Lab – UrbE-Lab – Antropologia applicata agli ambienti urbani, laboratorio permanente della Società Italiana di Antropologia Applicata, sta seguendo fin dalla sua fondazione, il contributo propone una riflessione sull’antropologia urbana contemporanea alla luce dei suoi utilizzi applicativi in ambito nazionale e internazionale. In particolare, l’articolo si concentra sulla nozione di ambiente urbano, inteso come asse essenziale per l’articolazione di un’antropologia relazionale e applicata. La prima parte dell’articolo ricostruisce il contesto storico e intellettuale che ha portato l’antropologia urbana contemporanea italiana ad adottare un approccio applicato. La seconda parte approfondisce gli approcci teorici, i temi, le metodologie e le prospettive che caratterizzano il lavoro di UrbE-Lab. La terza parte, basata su un dialogo con i contributi di questo dossier, discute alcune proposte teoriche ed etnografiche per articolare la nozione di ambiente urbano nel mondo contemporaneo, sempre alla luce delle sue ripercussioni applicative e pubbliche. Following the path that the Urban Environment Lab – UrbE-Lab – Antropologia applicata agli ambienti urbani, a permanent laboratory of the Italian Society of Applied Anthropology, has been following since its foundation, the contribution proposes a reflection on contemporary urban anthropology in the light of its applicative uses in the national and international sphere. In particular, the article focuses on the notion of the urban environment, understood as an essential axis for the articulation of a relational and applied anthropology. The first part of the article reconstructs the historical and intellectual context that led Italian contemporary urban anthropology to adopt an applied approach. The second part discusses in detail the theoretical approaches, themes, methodologies and perspectives that characterise the work of UrbE-Lab. The third part, based on a dialogue with the contributions in this dossier, discusses some theoretical and ethnographic proposals for articulating the notion of the urban environment in the contemporary world, always in the light of its applicative and public repercussions

The Changing Epidemiology of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: A 15‐Year Overview Comparing Italian and European Data

Background and Aims: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) represents a prominent cause of infant death in many countries. Epidemiological data has been variable over time because the related International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code is not consistent throughout countries and has changed over the years. The prevalence of SIDS is unclear, with estimates that do not reflect the number of patients who actually died from SIDS. This paper aims to assess the trend of SIDS in Italy and Europe during 2011–2018, and factors contributing to epidemiological data. Data for Italy were also integrated with an individual‐level analysis over the period 2003–2018. Methods: A two‐pronged analysis was performed starting from the Italian National Institute of Statistics and experimental data. The individual characteristics of SIDS infants were detailed in association with biomedical, socioeconomic, and cultural variables. Results: Total infant mortality has been continuously declining in Italy, from 4.15‰ in 2003 to 3.05‰ in 2018 (−26.5%) with rates significantly lower than the European average in the same period (mean Italy 3.05‰ vs. mean Europe 4.11‰). Considering only SIDS, the 28 European countries show an average value of 0.15/1000 deaths/births (2011–2018), with a decreasing temporal trend. Italy displays an average rate 75% lower (0.04/1000 births). The seasonality of the syndrome highlights a prevalence during cold months (60.7%) and no evidence of a significant effect of mother's age at birth was found. The mean age at death is prevalent in the postneonatal period. No statistically significant effects on Italian SIDS mortality have been found regarding economical, educational, and cultural aspects related to the care of infants. Conclusion: The data suggest a likely effect of different ways of classification of SIDS‐related deaths, although a different approach to the prevention campaigns could be responsible for data variability among countries. Results also suggest an urgent need to get insight into previously unexplored aspects, such as neuroanatomical, genetic, metabolic, and proteomic aspects, focusing especially on high‐risk groups to further clarify the etiopathogenesis of this syndrome

Effectiveness of nivolumab-based immunotherapy and prognostic stratification by the Meet-URO score in real-world older patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Introduction: The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) increases with age, yet older patients (≥70 years) are underrepresented in clinical trials. Evidence on the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and on reliable prognostic tools for this population remains limited. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nivolumab-based immunotherapy in older patients with metastatic RCC (mRCC) and assess the prognostic accuracy of the International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) and Meet-URO scores. Materials and Methods: This multicenter study included 889 patients with mRCC treated with nivolumab alone or in combination with ipilimumab, using data from the Meet-URO 15 study and the Italian Expanded Access Program. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and prognostic factors were analyzed by age group (<70 and ≥ 70 years) using Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate models. Results: Median OS and PFS were similar between younger and older patients (mOS: 23.5 vs. 25.1 months, HR: 1.02, p = 0.82; mPFS: 6.28 vs. 7.82 months, HR: 0.93, p = 0.40). The Meet-URO score outperformed the IMDC score in prognostic accuracy (p < 0.001), particularly in older patients. Non-clear cell histology was linked to shorter PFS (HR: 1.37, p = 0.05), while prior nephrectomy improved OS (HR: 0.55, p = 0.001). Limitations include the retrospective design and treatment heterogeneity. Prospective validation is needed. Discussion: In this large real-world cohort, outcomes in older patients with mRCC receiving nivolumab-based immunotherapy were comparable to those in younger patients. The Meet-URO score improved prognostic stratification and supported clinical decision-making

TREM2 macrophages mediate the beneficial effects of bariatric surgery against MASH

Background and Aims: For patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome, bariatric procedures such as vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) have a clear benefit in ameliorating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). While the effects of bariatric surgeries have been mainly attributed to nutrient restriction and malabsorption, whether immuno-modulatory mechanisms are involved remains unclear. Approach and Result: Using murine models, we report that VSG ameliorates MASH progression in a weight loss-independent manner. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that hepatic lipid-associated macrophages (LAMs) expressing the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) repress inflammation and increase their lysosomal activity in response to VSG. Remarkably, TREM2 deficiency in mice ablates the reparative effects of VSG, suggesting that TREM2 is required for MASH resolution. Mechanistically, TREM2 prevents the inflammatory activation of macrophages and is required for their efferocytic function. Conclusions: Overall, our findings indicate that bariatric surgery improves MASH through a reparative process driven by TREM2+ macrophages, providing insights into the mechanisms of disease reversal that may result in new therapies and improved surgical interventions

Labilità e ambiguità del tipo. Note a partire da un progetto "ibrido".

The 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

Efficacy of intrapartum bundles and interventions in reducing vaginal delivery-related perineal trauma: a systematic review

Objective: The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the current evidence on preventive interventions and bundles, including combinations of multiple techniques, aimed at reducing vaginal delivery-related perineal injury. Methods: A systematic research of literature was independently conducted on different databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE) by the authors, using a combination of the identified keywords and index terms as per current PRISMA guidelines. The research was restricted to papers published in English starting by 2000. Similar papers as previously published reviews and metanalysis satisfying the inclusion criteria were used as cross-reference to check for potential further inclusions. Findings: In total 14 papers have been identified to be included in our review, divided into 2 randomized controlled trials and 12 cohort studies (4 prospective cohort studies, 6 retrospective cohort studies, 1 prospective case-control study and 1 multicenter step-wedge cluster study). Conclusions: Bundles and interventions, including combinations of techniques and tools aimed at enhancing intrapartum perineal care are effective in reducing adverse perineal outcome after vaginal delivery. Most common features include training programs for labor professionals, pushing instructions and communication, hands-on technique for both reducing speed of delivery and perineal support, and restrictive use of medio-lateral episiotomy

Characterization of Bioactive Compounds and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Humulus lupulus (L.) cv. Cascade Leaves Throughout the Growing Season

Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) is recognised for its abundance of bioactive compounds, which make it a valuable natural resource. While much of the research has focused on the cones, hop leaves remain relatively unexplored, particularly in terms of changes occurring throughout the plant's growing cycle. In this context, the present study aims to characterize extracts from the leaves of the hop variety ‘Cascade,’ harvested monthly over the growing season. The extracts obtained were evaluated for total (poly)phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and (poly)phenolic profile using UPLC-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS. Additionally, their antimicrobial activity was assessed. The results highlighted the presence of bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential, with some variations observed at different stages of growth. Our analysis identified 29 distinct compounds, with their concentrations fluctuating throughout the plant's life cycle. Furthermore, the leaf extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, particularly during the early stages of the plant's growth