Un indice per misurare la accessibilità di prossimità

IAPI (Inclusive Accessibiity by Proximity Index) misura, in ambiente GIS, l'accessibilità a servizi essenziali a partire dalle condizioni che favoriscono/sfavoriscono la pedonalità, la ciclabilità e le interazioni sociali a scala di quartiere. La sua sperimentazione in Bologna ha permesso sia di mappare la qualità dei percorsi ciclo-pedonali, sia di valutare l’accessibilità via mobilità attiva a servizi di quartiere, sia di valutare l’effetto di interventi puntuali di pedonalizzazione sulla qualità dei percorsi e degli spazi pubblici. Grazie alla facilità di calcolo, alla trasferibilità dell’approccio connessa all’uso di dati open source e alle opportunità di aggiornamento degli indicatori e dei coefficienti utilizzati, IAPI può contribuire alla costruzione di politiche multi-settore, a diverse scale

Un indice per misurare la accessibilità di prossimità

IAPI (Inclusive Accessibiity by Proximity Index) misura, in ambiente GIS, l'accessibilità a servizi essenziali a partire dalle condizioni che favoriscono/sfavoriscono la pedonalità, la ciclabilità e le interazioni sociali a scala di quartiere. La sua sperimentazione in Bologna ha permesso sia di mappare la qualità dei percorsi ciclo-pedonali, sia di valutare l’accessibilità via mobilità attiva a servizi di quartiere, sia di valutare l’effetto di interventi puntuali di pedonalizzazione sulla qualità dei percorsi e degli spazi pubblici. Grazie alla facilità di calcolo, alla trasferibilità dell’approccio connessa all’uso di dati open source e alle opportunità di aggiornamento degli indicatori e dei coefficienti utilizzati, IAPI può contribuire alla costruzione di politiche multi-settore, a diverse scale

Morphology and Optical Properties of Gas-Phase-Synthesized Plasmonic Nanoparticles: Cu and Cu/MgO

In this paper, an investigation of the properties of Cu and Cu/MgO nanoparticles (NPs) is presented. The NPs were obtained with gas-phase synthesis, and the MgO shells or matrices were formed via the co-deposition method on inert substrates. SEM and AFM were used to investigate the NP morphology on Si/SiOx, quartz, and HOPG. The Cu NPs revealed flattening of their shape, and when they were deposited on HOPG, diffusion and formation of small chains were observed. The embedding of Cu NPs in MgO was confirmed by TEM and EDX maps. XPS showed that Cu was in its metallic state, regardless of the presence of the surrounding MgO. UV–Vis revealed the presence of an intense localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) for Cu/MgO and for “bare” NPs. These results confirmed the role of MgO as a protective transparent medium for Cu, and the wavelength position of the LSPR in the Cu/MgO system was consistent with calculations. The wavelength position of the LSPR observed for “bare” and post-oxidized Cu NPs was probably affected by the formation of copper oxide shells after exposure to air. This study paves the way for the use of Cu/MgO NPs as plasmonic nanomaterials in applications such as photovoltaics and sensor technology

Experimental Pharmacology of Glucosamine Sulfate

Several clinical studies demonstrated that glucosamine sulfate (GS) is effective in controlling osteoarthritis (OA), showing a structure-modifying action. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism(s) by which GS exerts such action and about the effects of GS at a tissue level on osteoarthritic cartilage and other joint structures. Here we provide mechanistic evidence suggesting that in vitro GS attenuates NF-κB activation at concentrations in the range of those observed after GS administration to volunteers and patients, thus strengthening previous findings. Furthermore, we describe the effects of GS at a tissue level on the progression of the disease in a relevant model of spontaneous OA, the STR/ort mouse. In this model, the administration of GS at human corresponding doses was associated with a significant decrease of OA scores. Histomorphometry showed that the lesion surface was also significantly decreased, while the number of viable chondrocytes within the matrix was significantly increased. GS improved the course of OA in the STR/Ort mouse, by delaying cartilage breakdown as assessed histologically and histomorphometrically

Il costo sociale del morbillo in età pediatrica. L’epidemia a Palermo nel 1996-97

Objective To determine the direct and indirect costs associated with a measles epidemic occurring between September 1996 and August 1997 in Palermo (Italy) in paediatric-aged patients. Design A total of 2,029 cases of measles in a paediatric patient population were identified from a total of 38 paediatricians databases (24% of total). An extrapolation to the general population was then performed to estimate a total of 9,059 cases. Patient information obtained from the database such as patient age, risk factors, complications, vaccination history, as well as caretaker’s profession were included in a questionnaire compiled for each patient. Setting Inpatient and outpatient clinics in Palermo, Italy. Patients and participants Participants were paediatric-aged patients who had been diagnosed with measles. Included in the study was a group of previously vaccinated patients (6%). Main outcome measures and results The average cost of care was 464.000 Italian lire (Lit.) per case with a total cost of Lit. 4,2 billion for the entire epidemic. The direct costs comprehended 46.6% (Lit. 217.000 per case) of the total costs related to the measles epidemic and were subdivided according to in-patient care (55.4%), paediatric outpatient visits (33.5%) and drugs (9.7%). The average health-care cost associated to previously vaccinated patients (6%) was lower than for non-vaccinated patients, Lit. 110.000 vs Lit. 223.000 per case, respectively. Conclusion The demographic and economic data obtained highlights not only the social and economic impact of the epidemic, but also provides relevant information useful for cost-effectiveness analysis

Water-based training enhances both physical capacities and body composition in healthy young adult women

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a 9 weeks aquatic training program on aerobic capacity, muscle strength, flexibility, balance and body composition in 34 healthy young adult women. METHODS: Five typical water based exercises (WE) of known intensity were utilized during the classes; intensity ranged from “moderate” to “hard” according to ACSM criteria (RPE range 12–14). RESULTS: The group physical activity level and food intake were not significantly different before and after training. A significant decrease for the skin folds sum (−4.6 %) and for %fat mass (−3.8 %) calculated according to skin folds technique was found after training. DXA regional data showed a significant increase in the fat-free mass of arms (2.4 %) and trunk (0.9 %). According to the Astrand step test, the training program led to an increase of estimated maximal oxygen uptake (14.9 %) and a decrease in sub-maximal Heart Rate (−6.9 %). A significant change in the majority of the physical capacities tested was found: abdominal and upper body muscular endurance (21 and 36 %, respectively), leg flexors and extensors maximal strength (12 and 8 %, respectively) as well as balance (34 %) all improved after training (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A training program based on WE of known intensity and tailored to the ACSM recommendations can significantly improve cardio respiratory fitness, muscular endurance, strength, balance and some aspects of body composition in active young adult women

Different methods for monitoring intensity during water-based aerobic exercises.

The aim of this study was to compare different measurement techniques (indirect calorimetry, IC; heart rate monitoring, HR; an activity monitoring system, AH; rates of perceived exertion, RPE) to estimate physical activity intensity (light, moderate, vigorous) during water-based aerobic exercises (WE). Twelve healthy young women performed five common WE of 10-min duration at three frequencies in an indoor swimming pool. Data recorded from the 5th to 9th minute of exercise were averaged to obtain mean [Formula: see text] (IC), HR and AH values; RPE was recorded at the end of each WE. Oxygen uptake was also estimated from HR data using three different [Formula: see text] versus HR regression equation models. Significant correlations (p\ua0\ua00.7 in all cases). An ANOVA test showed no significant differences between all predicted and measured [Formula: see text] values; however, when the Bland & Altman analysis was considered, AH data showed the larger explained variances (95\% CI) and the larger standard errors. These data indicate that the most accurate way to estimate physical activity intensity during WE is based on HR measurements

Probable disseminated Mycobacterium abscessus subspecies bolletii infection in a patient with idiopathic CD4+ T lymphocytopenia: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Rapidly growing mycobacteria are opportunistic pathogens in patients with underlying riskfactors. Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. bolletii is a newly recognized member of rapidlygrowing mycobacteria, isolated from respiratory tract and cutaneous infections. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of chronic disseminated infection caused by M. abscessus subsp. bolletiiin a 38-year-old Sri Lankan man with idiopathic CD4+ T lymphocytopenia. Idiopathic CD4+T lymphocytopenia is a rare cause of immunodysfunction that, similar to humanimmunodeficiency virus infection. M. abscessus subsp. bolletii infection was diagnosed byculture isolation from two sputum samples. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of M. abscessus subsp. bolletiidisseminated infection in a patient affected by idiopathic CD4+ T lymphocytopenia. Incontrast to previous reports, the isolate of M. abscessus subsp. bolletii presented intermediateresistance to clarithromycin and was susceptible to cefoxitin and imipenem

Survey for major grapevine viruses in commercial vineyards of Northwestern Argentina

This study aimed to survey the occurrence of eight grapevine viruses in commercial vine yards located in the Calchaquíes Valleys in the northwest region of Argentina. A total of 103 samples of mature canes of vines showing either none or some viral-like symptoms were randomly collected. The samples were tested by RT-PCR/PCR-based assays for the screening of the following viruses: Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV), Grapevine leafroll-associated viruses (GLRaV-1, -2, -3, -4), Grapevine virus A (GVA), Grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated viruses (GRSPaV), and Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV). Sixty percent of the analyzed samples showed infection with some of the analyzed viruses, except GRBV. GLRaV-3 and GFLV were the most frequent viruses, present in 34% and 21% of the pos itive samples, respectively. This study represents the first survey report of the presence of grapevine viruses in the region of the Calchaquíes Valleys and contributes to the knowledge to maintain the sanitary status of commercial vineyards in Argentina.EEA SaltaFil: Rivadeneria, Monica. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Salta; ArgentinaFil: Galvan, Marta Zulema. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Aban, Marina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Salta; ArgentinaFil: Aban, Marina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Semke, Rosa Elena. Centro de Desarrollo Vitícola del Valle Calchaquí; ArgentinaFil: Rivadeneria, Josefina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Salta; ArgentinaFil: Rivadeneira, Josefina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Lanza Volpe, Melisa. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Mendoza; ArgentinaFil: Gomez Talquenca, Gonzalo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Mendoza; Argentin

The impact of antiretroviral therapy on iron homeostasis and inflammation markers in HIV-infected patients with mild anemia

BACKGROUND: Anemia is frequent during HIV infection and is predictive of mortality. Although cART has demonstrated to reduce its prevalence, several patients still experience unresolved anemia. We aimed to characterize iron homeostasis and inflammation in HIV-infected individuals with mild anemia in relation to cART. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, HIV-infected patients with mild anemia, CD4+ cells > 200/mm3 at baseline, maintaining virological response for 12 months after cART starting were selected within the Standardized Management of Antiretroviral Therapy Cohort (MASTER) cohort. Several inflammation and immune activation markers and iron homeostasis indexes were measured in stored samples, obtained at cART initiation (T0) and 12 months later (T1). Patients were grouped on the basis of hemoglobin values at T1: group A (> 13 g/dl) and B (< 13 g/dl). Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare biomarker values. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated for all variables. RESULTS: cART improved CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts and their ratio, but this effect was significant only in group A. Only these patients had mild iron deficiency at T0 and showed higher transferrin and lower percentage of transferrin saturation than patients of group B, but differences disappeared with cART. cART decreased inflammation in all patients, but group B had higher levels of all markers than group A, reaching statistical significance only for IL-8 values at T1 (16 vs 2.9 pg/ml; p = 0.017). Hepcidin and IL-6 levels did not show significant differences between groups. Hemoglobin levels both at T0 and T1 did not correlate with any marker. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline mild anemia in HIV-infected patients cannot always be resolved with durable efficient cART, possibly due to residual inflammation or immune activation rather than unbalanced iron homeostasis. Further research is needed on cytokine profiling to understand the mechanisms that induce anemia in HIV with suppressive cART