Life cycle assessment to support the design of a new road manufacturing process with recycled materials

L'abstract è presente nell'allegato / the abstract is in the attachmen

Nuovi paradigmi per le reti ecologiche: definizione di una metodologia GIS per l’analisi territoriale finalizzata all’individuazione e alla gestione di reti ecologiche alla scala del paesaggio

The thesis belongs to the concpetual foreground of territorial policies and planning practices for biodiversity conservation, focusing in the ecological network as a model useful in landscape planning. Ecological networks concept, attractive for its semplicity and intelligibility, leaves a real sense of imprecision and impracticability that motivate the need for a deep re-thinking of its foundamenal paradigms. This is the target of the research. The aim is to define a new GIS framework for planning capable to integrate in the latest advances in the theoretical landscape ecology, for a refinement of ecological network model towards a best integration in planning. Categorical representation of landscapes has heavily influenced the dominant paradigm (patch-matrix model) recognized meaningful in describing ecologicl processes. The inadequacy of this paradimg is the foundamental hypothesis of this research. The recognition of a complex system of hidden assumptions is demonstrated to be the real cause of failure for the ecologcal network concept and model for landscape planning. Furthermore a new theoretical development in landscape ecology (the landscape gradient model) was recognized as the new potential tool to redraw a unexplored relational domain between planning and ecology based on a process-based point of view. Thanks to recent development in GIS techniques a methodological proposal, aiming to demonstrate the skills of this new approach in facing planning problems, is presented

Static and thermal FE analysis of a Flexible Electronic BOard (FEBO) prototype and the characterization of its innovative materials

An FE model of an experimental flexible electronic board was built to determine its performance in terms of mechanical and thermal distortions, heat and transient thermal flow, thereby detecting critical issues and identifying opportunities for improvement. Commercial sensors were connected to the flexible board (100x40x2mm), which was based on a commercial thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), with a PEDOT-based conductive resin trapped in a PEGDA network, a biocompatible polymer. Three thermal loads (ΔT=175°C, ΔT=100°C, ΔT=50°C) were applied which revealed critical stresses for high ΔTs but at ΔT=50°C only the connectors had a critical σvm, while for ΔT=50°C + 1mm displacement a critical strain value occurred in one area of the substrate. Heat transient analysis and overheating simulations were performed to determine the heat flow behavior for the photodiode and accelerometer. FE analyses allow more studies to be undertaken to improve material properties and suggest redesign activities for similar concept demonstrators. The funds of the European Union and the Piedmont Region, and agreements with the most important players in SBE (Simulation Based Engineering) software sales and services, allowed the authors (ITACAe srl, Proplast, and Politecnico di Torino) to conduct industrial research and experimental development together with manufacturers and users of innovative technologies to identify, study and optimize the design parameters of the board while simultaneously contributing to its technological development

Crohn's-like ileo-colitis in patients affected by glycogen storage disease Ib: Two years' follow-up of patients with a wide spectrum of gastrointestinal signs

Aim: To investigate the presence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to evaluate the progression of bowel involvement after two years' follow-up in seven patients affected by glycogen storage disease type Ib (GSDIb). Methods: Seven patients (5F, 2M, aged 4.5-20.6 y) entered the study. Bowel involvement was evaluated by ileocolonoscopy and specific IBD serologic markers. To evaluate disease activity, Paediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI), terminal ileum wall thickness detected at ultrasonography (US), 99mTechnetium labelled autologous White Cell Scan (Tc-WCS) and barium meal with follow-through were investigated. Results: Ileocolonoscopy and histology examination revealed variable degrees of bowel involvement in all patients. The results of serologic markers were indicative of a Crohn's-like ileocolitis. US and Tc-WCS, could clearly define patients with severe inflammatory involvement, but failed to identify all patients with mild to moderate disease. For the most severely affected patients, anti-inflammatory agents and steroids were prescribed, whereas nutritional therapy with polymeric formula and antibiotics were assumed by two other patients and antibiotics only by one patient. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was prescribed to all patients. Ileocolonoscopy and histology data improved in all patients. The assumption of G-CSF and/or gastric drip feeding (g.d.f.) was inversely associated with the PCDAI results (p < 0.05). Conclusion: IBD is common in patients affected by GSDIb independently of the severity of gastrointestinal signs and symptoms. Different therapeutic approaches can be used according to the severity of IBD. G-CSF treatment and g.d.f. can be protective factors for IBD

Porpora trombotica trombocitopenica (PTT) o sindrome di Moschowitz: una vera urgenza ematologica

Summary Introduction Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a thrombotic microangiopathy caused by congenital or inherited disorders involving the processing of the ultra-large forms of von Willebrand factor. As a result, platelet-rich microthrombi form in the small arterial vessels of various organs, particularly those of the brain, heart, and kidneys. The idiopathic autoimmune form of TTP is the most common. There are various subgroups of acquired TTP associated with HIV infection, sepsis, pregnancy, autoimmune disease, various disseminated malignancies, and drugs. If not promptly treated, TTP is associated with high mortality, making it a true medical emergency. Materials and methods The article is based on a review of the literature published between January and October of 2009. Its aim is to clarify the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of TTP. Results Diagnostic criteria include the presence of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia associated with thrombocytopenia in the absence of other obvious causes. Assays of ADAMTS13 activity and titration of acquired antibodies against this enzyme are indicated in the follow-up of disease and as prognostic indicators. Treatment centers around daily plasma exchange associated with immunosuppressant drug therapy, particularly steroids and more recently the monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody rituximab. Discussion Despite improved treatment, TTP is still associated with significant mortality (10–20%), particularly when plasma exchange is initiated late. Relapse also occurs in a substantial proportion of patients (10–40%) although the frequency of this outcome may be reduced by rituximab therapy

Menstruation-Related Disorders-Dysmenorrhea and Heavy Bleeding-as Significant Epiphenomena in Women With Rheumatic Diseases

: Background: In women with rheumatic diseases (RDs) menstruation-related disorders have never been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate gynecological symptoms/disorders in fertile age women with RDs. Materials and methods: All patients (n = 200) filled up a self-administered questionnaire on their gynecological history, menstrual cycle pattern, menstrual-related symptoms, and quality of life (QoL). The RD group was then compared to a control group of 305 age-matched fertile age women. Results: Among patients with RDs, 58% had arthritis, 40% connective tissue diseases (CTDs), and 1.5% systemic vasculitis. No differences were observed between CTDs and arthritis, except for a family history of HMB which was more common among women with CTDs (p &lt; .01). When compared to controls, women with RDs reported more frequent heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) during adolescence (51.7 and 25.4%, respectively; p = .0001) and adult life (37.7 and 25.9%, respectively; p = .0065). Also, dysmenorrhea in adolescence was significantly more common among cases (55.6 and 45.4%, respectively; p = .0338). Gynecological pain (dysmenorrhea, non-menstrual pelvic pain, dyspareunia, dysuria, and dyschezia) in patients with RDs was more frequent than in controls (p = .0001, .0001, .0001, .0001, .0002, respectively). Considering women who reported moderate and severe symptoms in RDs, dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia remain significantly more frequent in women with RDs than in controls (p = .0001; p = .0022; respectively). QoL scores were significantly reduced in women with RDs, either in physical (p = .0001) and mental domains (p = .0014) of short-form 12. Conclusion: Women affected by RDs frequently presented menstruation-related disorders; thus, female patients with RDs should be questioned about gynecological symptoms and referred to the gynecologist for an accurate evaluation

Genome-wide Analyses Identify KIF5A as a Novel ALS Gene

To identify novel genes associated with ALS, we undertook two lines of investigation. We carried out a genome-wide association study comparing 20,806 ALS cases and 59,804 controls. Independently, we performed a rare variant burden analysis comparing 1,138 index familial ALS cases and 19,494 controls. Through both approaches, we identified kinesin family member 5A (KIF5A) as a novel gene associated with ALS. Interestingly, mutations predominantly in the N-terminal motor domain of KIF5A are causative for two neurodegenerative diseases: hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG10) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2 (CMT2). In contrast, ALS-associated mutations are primarily located at the C-terminal cargo-binding tail domain and patients harboring loss-of-function mutations displayed an extended survival relative to typical ALS cases. Taken together, these results broaden the phenotype spectrum resulting from mutations in KIF5A and strengthen the role of cytoskeletal defects in the pathogenesis of ALS.Peer reviewe

[18F]FDG PET/CT, a biomarker of inflammation in large vessel vasculitis

Large vessel vasculitides (LVV) are a group of rare cardiovascular diseases with a dysimmune background with a current incidence of about 2 subjects out of 1.000. LVV are systemic and pleomorphic disorders; several organs may be involved and the pathological process may lead to their dysfunction. Patients require numerous clinical and radiological investigations for correct prognostic and therapeutic strategy. Imaging examinations offer a great contribution in the management of the patient suffering from LVV by supporting clinical decisions and providing visual feedback of different disease phenotypes and laboratory tests. We conducted a single-center retrospective study to investigate the role of [18F]FDG PET/CT and parametric imaging in the evaluation of patients with a positive clinical phenotype for LVV. The aim is to improve diagnostic efficacy and discover new possible applications in long-term patient management, including treatment planning. We have recruited all patients who were referred with the clinical suspicion of acute onset and/or flair state of LVV to the Center of Nuclear Medicine, Santa Chiara University Hospital of Pisa and completed the [18F]FDG PET/CT examination during the 5-years period of April 2015 to September 2021. All patients’ clinical records were checked to be ensure of diagnostic precision. The study cohort included 185 patients (60% female and 40% male). The mean age of whole group was 66.89±14.34 years. The cohort included three groups – patients with giant cell arteritis, patients with Takayasu's arteritis and patients with secondary vasculitis. The total 212 [18F]FDG PET/CT examinations of 185 patients were collected. Out of 212 [18F]FDG PET/CT examinations, the 185 were first (baseline) evaluations (87%) while 27 patients (13%) were returned for follow-up clinical and [18F]FDG PET/CT assessment after mean 8.6±11 months. Main indication for [18F]FDG PET/CT assessment were disease flare or acute recurrence. These patients were considered as follow-up patients and their medical history and imaging were collected. The same clinical parameters and imaging analysis used for the positive baseline patients were also applied for all follow-up patients. The qualitative analysis was performed by recording the type of large vessel with the presence of uptake (corresponding to grades 1-2-3 of the Meller’s score). Examined vessels are the same as in the semiquantitative analysis proposed by Slart et al. (2018): thoracic aorta, abdominal aorta, subclavian arteries, axillary arteries, carotid arteries, iliac arteries and femoral arteries. The Total Vascular Score (TVS) was calculated as it represents the sum of Meller’s score of seven different vascular regions. In addiction, the TVS values were divided into four ranges indicating the increasing severity of vascular involvement: minimal (0-4), mild (5-10), moderate (11-15) and severe (16-21). Repeated measure ANOVA showed that there were no statistical differences in clinical parameters except of fever, which was significantly less frequent (McNemar’s chi-squared=7.7, p<0.05) in follow-up group compared to baseline. Meanwhile TVS was significantly lower (within subject contrast, p<0.05) during follow-up assessment compared to baseline [18F]FDG PET/CT. A borderline significancy in ANA positivity were also found: ANA status seems to decrease in follow-up period compared to baseline (between subject contrast, p=0.06). One can speculate that the immune dysregulation conditioned by circulating autoantibodies might influence self-sustaining parietal inflammation and thus, the TVS. Other interesting finding that becomes apparent after repeated measure ANOVA, is the fact of borderline significant interaction (p<0.05) between steroid therapy and fever, indicating that the effect of steroid therapy on TVS depends on the level of fever, and vice versa. In conclusion, TVS appears to be a reliable score for stratifying patients with LVV. This semiquantitative score offers valuable information for the clinician both in the initial assessment and during follow-up. TVS allows to manage patients with severe vasculitis in addition to evaluate the response to therapy: in case of non-response or persistence of inflammatory activity, [18F]FDG PET/CT can provide an indication to switch corticosteroid or insert a biological drug

Walkability as a tool for place-based regeneration: the case study of Iglesiente region in Sardinia (Italy).

The paper aims at exploring an extension of the concept of walkability to the rural contexts, focusing on the case study of the territory of Iglesiente, in Sardinia (Italy). The walkability paradigm is an operational framework of increasing interest in the field of urban planning, due to the intrinsic ability to read, in an innovative way, the accessibility approach and the mobility in the city between urban facilities. Nevertheless, it remains an open and slightly explored topic in rural and low-density contexts. The territory of the Iglesiente has a patrimony of nature and history of great interest for the peculiar relationship between the environmental and anthropic components related to the past mining activity: the city followed the production in the places where the mineral resources were present. Settlements in the Iglesiente area today appear poorly organized and fragmented both on the territorial and urban scale. In particular, each of the villages, which has undergone the strong impulse to grow by mining production, today shows an unresolved relationship with the places that were once dedicated to production, this even if many mining sites after long years of oblivion have recently restored and opened to the touristic fruition. The objective of this article is to focus the research on the inversion of the relationship between mining towns and places of production, rethinking and adapting the interpretative categories of walkability to rural contexts. The definition of paths inspired by the criterion of walkability to re-establish a relationship between Iglesiente area settlements and restored mining sites as urban facilities, appears to be a point of interest for a new interpretation of urban quality