Social Carrying Capacity of Mass Tourist Sites: Theoretical and Practical Issues about its Measurement

Congestion is an important management problem at mass tourist sites. This essay focuses on the social carrying capacity (SCC) of a tourist site as indicator of residents’ and visitors’ perception of crowding, intended as the maximum number of visitors (MNV) tolerated. In case of conflict between the residents’ MNV tolerated and the visitors’ MNV tolerated, the policy-maker has to mediate. We consider the case in which the residents’ SCC is lower than the visitors’ SCC, and the site SCC is the result of a compromise between these two aspects of the SCC. This can be measured by making reference to two criteria of choice: the utility maximisation criterion and the voting rule. The use of one method rather than the other depends on the data available about the individual preferences on crowding. Assuming that individual preferences are known, a maximisation model for the computation of the site SCC is conceived. It represents the case in which the residents’ SCC is the limiting factor. The site SCC is intended as the number of visitors which maximises the social welfare function. Because a local policy-maker maximises the welfare of residents, in this model visitors are represented by those residents whose welfare wholly depends on the tourism sector, while the social costs due to crowding are borne by those residents who are partially or totally independent from tourism. Nevertheless, in practice, the individual preferences about crowding are not always known. In this case, the MNV tolerated can be computed by applying the majority voting rule. It is shown that, under certain conditions, the optimum number of visitors, obtained through a maximisation model, is equal to the MNV tolerated by the majority of voters.Sustainable tourism development, Tourism carrying capacity, Social carrying capacity, Maximisation criterion, Majority voting rule, Overcrowding, Mass tourist site

Physiopathology of Bone Modifications in β-Thalassemia

β-thalassemia major (βTM) or Cooley anemia is characterized by significantly reduced or absent synthesis of β-globin chains, which induces important pathologic consequences including hemolytic anemia, altered erythropoiesis, and bone marrow overstimulation. The pathogenesis of bone changes in patients with βTM is not yet completely understood. However, an unbalance in bone mineral turnover resulting from increased resorption and suppression of osteoblast activity has been detected in βTM patients. The abnormal regulation of bone metabolism may be related to hormonal and genetic factors, iron overload and iron chelation therapy, nutritional deficits, and decreased levels of physical activity. Here, we review the most recent findings on the physiopathology of bone abnormalities in βTM. Clinical presentation and radiological features of βTM-related bone changes are also discussed

A Distinct Pattern of Circulating Amino Acids Characterizes Older Persons with Physical Frailty and Sarcopenia: Results from the BIOSPHERE Study

Physical frailty and sarcopenia (PF&S) are hallmarks of aging that share a common pathogenic background. Perturbations in protein/amino acid metabolism may play a role in the development of PF&S. In this initial report, 68 community-dwellers aged 70 years and older, 38 with PF&S and 30 non-sarcopenic, non-frail controls (nonPF&S), were enrolled as part as the "BIOmarkers associated with Sarcopenia and Physical frailty in EldeRly pErsons" (BIOSPHERE) study. A panel of 37 serum amino acids and derivatives was assayed by UPLC-MS. Partial Least Squares\u207bDiscriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) was used to characterize the amino acid profile of PF&S. The optimal complexity of the PLS-DA model was found to be three latent variables. The proportion of correct classification was 76.6 \ub1 3.9% (75.1 \ub1 4.6% for enrollees with PF&S; 78.5 \ub1 6.0% for nonPF&S). Older adults with PF&S were characterized by higher levels of asparagine, aspartic acid, citrulline, ethanolamine, glutamic acid, sarcosine, and taurine. The profile of nonPF&S participants was defined by higher concentrations of \u3b1-aminobutyric acid and methionine. Distinct profiles of circulating amino acids and derivatives characterize older people with PF&S. The dissection of these patterns may provide novel insights into the role played by protein/amino acid perturbations in the disabling cascade and possible new targets for interventions

COVID-19 atypical Parsonage-Turner syndrome: a case report

Background Neurological manifestations of Sars-CoV-2 infection have been described since March 2020 and include both central and peripheral nervous system manifestations. Neurological symptoms, such as headache or persistent loss of smell and taste, have also been documented in COVID-19 long-haulers. Moreover, long lasting fatigue, mild cognitive impairment and sleep disorders appear to be frequent long term neurological manifestations after hospitalization due to COVID-19. Less is known in relation to peripheral nerve injury related to Sars-CoV-2 infection. Case presentation We report the case of a 47-year-old female presenting with a unilateral chest pain radiating to the left arm lasting for more than two months after recovery from Sars-CoV-2 infection. After referral to our post-acute outpatient service for COVID-19 long haulers, she was diagnosed with a unilateral, atypical, pure sensory brachial plexus neuritis potentially related to COVID-19, which occurred during the acute phase of a mild Sars-CoV-2 infection and persisted for months after resolution of the infection. Conclusions We presented a case of atypical Parsonage-Turner syndrome potentially triggered by Sars-CoV-2 infection, with symptoms and repercussion lasting after viral clearance. A direct involvement of the virus remains uncertain, and the physiopathology is unclear. The treatment of COVID-19 and its long-term consequences represents a relatively new challenge for clinicians and health care providers. A multidisciplinary approach to following-up COVID-19 survivors is strongly advised

Uso de efluentes líquidos de tambo para mejorar la fertilidad del suelo y productividad de los cultivos

Un experimento a campo se realizó en Esperanza (Santa Fe) sobre un suelo Argiudol típico con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto de la aplicación de diferentes dosis de efluente líquido de tambo sobre la fertilidad del suelo y sobre la productividad y calidad de cultivos anuales. El experimento fue sembrado con raigrás anual (Lolium multiflorum) y luego con sorgo doble propósito (Sorghum bicolor) respetando un diseño completamente aleatorizado con tres tratamientos y tres repeticiones. La composición química del efluente fue determinada previamente para determinar las dosis a aplicar. En cada oportunidad la cantidad de efluentes aplicada sobre el suelo (tratamientos) fue: 0 (T0), 80.000 (T1) y 160.000 L ha-1 (T2). En muestras de suelo disturbadas se analizaron los contenidos de macro y micronutrientes. En el raigrás se determinó la producción de materia seca en cuatro cortes, en el sorgo se hizo un único corte. En el tejido vegetal se determinó cenizas (Cz), nitrógeno (N), fósforo (P), sodio (Na), potasio (K) y calcio (Ca). Hubo respuestas significativas en la productividad del raigrás y del sorgo, sin que se produjeran cambios en el contenido de nutrientes, aunque se verificó alteración de la composición morfológica (relación tallos, hojas, panoja) en el sorgo, mejorando su calidad. No se verificaron modificaciones significativas de las propiedades químicas del suelo, a pesar de que las cantidades adicionadas de N y Na fueron bastante elevadas. Esto sugiere la ocurrencia de pérdidas importantes vía procesos de lixiviación y volatilización, que deberían ser monitoreadas.A field experiment was set up in Esperanza (Santa Fe State) in a Typic Argiudoll in order to evaluate the effects of application different quantities of liquid dairy cattle slurry on soil fertility, as a consequence, on the forage productivity and quality. The trial was sown with ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam), and then with sorghum (Sorghum bicolour (L) Moench) according a design completely randomized with tree treatments and tree replications. Chemical characteristics of the dairy cattle slurry were determined to calculate the applications rates. At each time, the applied amounts of manure (treatments) were: 0 (T0), 80.000 (T1) and 160.000 L ha-1 (T2). Disturbed soil samples were analyzed to determine the macro and micronutrients contents. The dry matter production of ryegrass was determined in four cuts, while in sorghum was performed only one cut. The content of ashes (Cz), total nitrogen (Nt), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) were determined in the vegetal tissues. The treatments affected significantly the ryegrass and sorghum dry matter productivity, without causing changes in the nutrient contents of the tissues. Alterations of the sorghum morphological composition (relationship shoot, leaves and panicle) were observed, which improved its quality. Soil properties remained unaltered in spite of the high quantities of Nt and Na that were added. This fact indicates the occurrence of important nutrient losses via lixiviation and volatilization that should be monitored.EEA RafaelaFil: Gambaudo, Sebastián. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela; ArgentinaFil: Gambaudo, Sebastián. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Imhoff, Silvia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Imhoff, Silvia. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Carrizo, María Eugenia. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Marzetti, Martín. Profesional independiente; ArgentinaFil: Racca, Sofía. Profesional independiente; Argentin

Physiopathology of Bone Modifications in β-Thalassemia

anemia is characterized by significantly reduced or absent synthesis of β-globin chains, which induces important pathologic consequences including hemolytic anemia, altered erythropoiesis, and bone marrow overstimulation. The pathogenesis of bone changes in patients with βTM is not yet completely understood. However, an unbalance in bone mineral turnover resulting from increased resorption and suppression of osteoblast activity has been detected in βTM patients. The abnormal regulation of bone metabolism may be related to hormonal and genetic factors, iron overload and iron chelation therapy, nutritional deficits, and decreased levels of physical activity. Here, we review the most recent findings on the physiopathology of bone abnormalities in βTM. Clinical presentation and radiological features of βTM-related bone changes are also discussed

Use of dairy cattle slurry to improve soil fertility and crop productiviy

Un experimento a campo se realizó en Esperanza (Santa Fe) sobre un suelo Argiudol típico con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto de la aplicación de diferentes dosis de efluente líquido de tambo sobre la fertilidad del suelo y, como consecuencia, sobre la productividad y calidad de cultivos anuales. El experimento fue sembrado con raigrás anual (Lolium multiflorum Lam) y luego con sorgo doble propósito (Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench), respetando un diseño completamente aleatorizado con tres tratamientos y tres repeticiones. La composición química del efluente fue determinada previamente para determinar las dosis a aplicar. En cada oportunidad la cantidad de efluentes aplicada sobre el suelo (tratamientos) fue: 0 (T0), 80.000 (T1) y 160.000 L ha-1 (T2). En muestras de suelo disturbadas se analizaron los contenidos de macro y micronutrientes. En el raigrás se determinó la producción de materia seca en cuatro cortes, mientras que en el sorgo se hizo un único corte. En el tejido vegetal se determinó cenizas (Cz), nitrógeno total (Nt), fósforo (P), sodio (Na), potasio (K) y calcio (Ca). Hubo respuestas significativas en la productividad del raigrás y del sorgo, sin que se produjeran cambios en el contenido de nutrientes, aunque se verificó alteración de la composición morfológica (relación tallos, hojas, panoja) en el sorgo, mejorando su calidad. No se verificaron modificaciones significativas de las propiedades químicas del suelo, a pesar de que las cantidades adicionadas de Nt y Na fueron bastante elevadas. Esto sugiere la ocurrencia de pérdidas importantes vía procesos de lixiviación y volatilización, que deberían ser monitoreadas.A field experiment was set up in Esperanza (Santa Fe State) in a Typic Argiudoll in order to evaluate the effects of application different quantities of liquid dairy cattle slurry on soil fertility, as a consequence, on the forage productivity and quality. The trial was sown with ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam), and then with sorghum (Sorghum bicolour (L) Moench) according a design completely randomized with tree treatments and tree replications. Chemical characteristics of the dairy cattle slurry were determined to calculate the applications rates. At each time, the applied amounts of manure (treatments) were: 0 (T0), 80.000 (T1) and 160.000 L ha-1 (T2). Disturbed soil samples were analyzed to determine the macro and micronutrients contents. The dry matter production of ryegrass was determined in four cuts, while in sorghum was performed only one cut. The content of ashes (Cz), total nitrogen (Nt), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) were determined in the vegetal tissues. The treatments affected significantly the ryegrass and sorghum dry matter productivity, without causing changes in the nutrient contents of the tissues. Alterations of the sorghum morphological composition (relationship shoot, leaves and panicle) were observed, which improved its quality. Soil properties remained unaltered in spite of the high quantities of Nt and Na that were added. This fact indicates the occurrence of important nutrient losses via lixiviation and volatilization that should be monitored.Fil: Gambaudo, Sebastian Pedro. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Santa Fe. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela; ArgentinaFil: Imhoff, Silvia del Carmen. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe; ArgentinaFil: Carrizo, Maria Eugenia. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe; ArgentinaFil: Marzetti, Martín. No especifica;Fil: María Sofía Racca. No especifica

99Tc mibi scintimammography in patients with high and intermediate risk mammography.

Mammographic lesions can be classified into categories of high (HR), intermediate (IR) and low risk of breast cancer. We have performed Tc-99m MIBI scintimammography on 85 patients with high or intermediate risk lesions in order to verify its ability to diagnose cancer before biopsy. The scintimammography was performed in prone lateral view; all the patients were submitted to excisional biopsy. HR lesions showed 86% of cancers and scintigraphic accuracy of 0.81. The accuracy of scintimammography was 0.97 in lesions larger than 1 cm. IR lesions showed 47% of cancel with scintigraphic accuracy of 0.95. The scintigraphic sensitivity was 0.97 lesions larger than and 0.50 in lesion smaller than 1 cm, whereas the specificity was always about 90%. Out results suggest that scintimammography can substantially decrease the need of biopsy for breast cancel diagnosis

Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy of Skeletal Muscle Tissue: Expanding Biomarkers in Primary Mitochondrial Myopathies

Primary mitochondrial myopathies (PMM) are a group of mitochondrial disorders characterized by a predominant skeletal muscle involvement. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the biochemical profile determined by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic technique would allow to distinguish among patients affected by progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO), the most common PMM presentation, oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD), and healthy controls. Thirty-four participants were enrolled in the study. FTIR spectroscopy was found to be a sensitive and specific diagnostic marker for PEO. In particular, FTIR spectroscopy was able to distinguish PEO patients from those affected by OPMD, even in the presence of histological findings similar to mitochondrial myopathy. At the same time, FTIR spectroscopy differentiated single mtDNA deletion and mutations in POLG, the most common nuclear gene associated with mitochondrial diseases, with high sensitivity and specificity. In conclusion, our data suggest that FTIR spectroscopy is a valuable biodiagnostic tool for the differential diagnosis of PEO with a high ability to also distinguish between single mtDNA deletion and mutations in POLG gene based on specific metabolic transitions