Distributed energy production in a polycentric scenario: policy reforms and community management

Any discussion of distributed energy systems inevitably centres on how they compare with the large energy systems, i.e. the traditional centralised model of energy production, and on the viability of local energy systems as alternatives in terms of efficiency and sustainability. At present, the debate on local energy systems and distributed energy production hinges mainly on questions of technology and engineering; at most, some reflections on economy are thrown in. What we believe is essential is to cast the net wider and include other dimensions. In particular, we also need to consider in greater depth the organisational and institutional issues involved \u2013 until now, less considered and discussed. In this perspective, the main question addressed by the present article is if and how new forms of local organisations can provide the crucial catalyst for a new polycentric distributed energy scenario. Copyright \ua9 2018 Informa UK Limite

Clinical features, prognosis, and long-term response to ranibizumab of macular CNVs in pattern dystrophies spectrum: a pilot study

Introduction. To analyze the morphological and functional features of choroidal neovascularizations (CNVs) in eyes affected by pattern dystrophies (PD), evaluating their long-term response to intravitreal ranibizumab, and comparing them with CNVs in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The mean goal is to identify possible disease biomarkers and to evaluate the long-term prognosis of CNVs in PD. Materials and Methods. A retrospective study of 42 patients with naïve CNV (26 PD and 16 AMD), for a total of 47 eyes (29 eyes in the PD group and 18 eyes in the AMD group). Each patient received a loading dose of ranibizumab (one monthly for three months) followed by pro re nata (PRN) reinjection protocol for a period of at least three years. Morphological OCT parameters (CRT, central retinal thickness; SRF, subretinal fluid; IRF, intraretinal fluid; SHRM, subretinal hyperreflective material; HRF, hyperreflective foci; HCD, hyperreflective crystalline deposits; cCT, central choroidal thickness; slCT, sublesional choroidal thickness; EZd, ellipsoid zone disruption; and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA in logMAR scale)) were reported at baseline and last follow-up. Results. At baseline, no significant differences were found between the two groups, except for choroidal thickness parameters that were significantly greater in the PD group ( = 0.009). Longitudinal PD analysis demonstrated reduction in BCVA ( = 0.009), decrease in CRT ( = 0.046), resolution of SRF in 61.6% of cases ( = 0.004) and SHRM in 30% ( = 0.034), and choroidal thinning both centrally ( = 0.004) and sublesional ( = 0.011) compared to baseline. At 3 years, the PD group received significantly more injections than the AMD ( = 0.011) and showed significantly thicker choroid ( = 0.033) and more frequent HRF ( = 0.006). Regarding the PD group, we found a negative correlation between age and choroidal thicknesses at baseline and at 3 years ( < 0.05); significant positive correlations were found between baseline BCVA and at 3 years ( < 0.001), BCVA at 3 years and IRF ( = 0.003) and SHRM at 3 years ( = 0.003); CRT baseline and CRT 3 years ( = 0.017); HCD at 3 years was associated with greater CRT ( = 0.04) and IRF at 3 years ( = 0.019). Conclusions. Early and long-term morphofunctional features of CNVs in PD and in AMD are overlapping. CNVs in PD have poorer long-term response to ranibizumab and higher choroidal thickness suggesting different pathogenetic and evolutionary mechanisms

Comunit\ue0 di pratiche della mobilit\ue0 urbana: innovazione, condivisione e behavioural economics

La qualit\ue0 della mobilit\ue0 \ue8 un tema centrale per lo sviluppo urbano. In primo luogo, la capacit\ue0 di soddisfare la domanda di mobilit\ue0 \ue8 un parametro essenziale per la competitivit\ue0 nell\u2019organizzazione del lavoro. In secondo luogo, l\u2019innovazione portata dall\u2019uso di app e social media pu\uf2 determinare l\u2019attrattivit\ue0 dei centri urbani e ottimizzare le scelte di mobilit\ue0 con riferimento alle preferenze individuali. Combinando questi obiettivi, diverse \u201ccomunit\ue0 di pratiche\u201d stanno proponendo innovative soluzioni per rispondere alle nuove esigenze del movimento. Si tratta di pratiche che fuoriescono dai percorsi istituzionalizzati e dai grandi investimenti (tipici del comparto tecnologico), favorendo e valorizzando le capacit\ue0 locali che le citt\ue0 possiedono: intercettando flussi di informazioni e relazioni dalla \u201ccomunit\ue0 di users\u201d, sperimentando nuove formule di condivisione, interazione e comunicazione tra gli individui, generando nuove organizzazioni e funzioni spaziali. L\u2019obiettivo della trattazione mira ad una riflessione sul ruolo che le istituzioni possono svolgere per garantire lo sviluppo di competenze e politiche territoriali orientate ad un approccio behavioural alla mobilit\ue0 urbana.Mobility plays a central role in the socio - economic dynamics of cities. The innovation recently brought into the market for mobility by apps and social media impacts upon the economic appeal of cities and benefits both the demand and the supply side s of the market. Several \u2018practice - based communities\u2019 now offer innovative solutions producing such effects. Their initiatives do not move through the traditional channels of policy and big investment, although they still contribute towards market efficien cy and appreciate the human capital of urban realities. They do so by collecting and conveying useful information to the whole community of users, by proposing new ways of sharing and using resources, and by favouring the equilibrium conditions in the mark et. This paper discusses practice - based communities and suggests what policymakers could (or should) do to promote similar initiatives

Chronic bacterial prostatitis: efficacy of short-lasting antibiotic therapy with prulifloxacin (Unidrox®) in association with saw palmetto extract, lactobacillus sporogens and arbutin (Lactorepens®)

Bacterial prostatitis (BP) is a common condition accounting responsible for about 5-10% of all prostatitis cases; chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) classified as type II, are less common but is a condition that significantly hampers the quality of life, (QoL) because not only is it a physical condition but also a psychological distress. Commonly patients are treated with antibiotics alone, and in particular fluoroquinolones are suggested by the European Urology guidelines. This approach, although recommended, may not be enough. Thus, a multimodal approach to the prolonged antibiotic therapy may be helpful.210 patients affected by chronic bacterial prostatitis were enrolled in the study. All patients were positive to Meares-Stamey test and symptoms duration was > 3 months. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a long lasting therapy with a fluoroquinolone in association with a nutraceutical supplement (prulifloxacin 600 mg for 21 days and an association of Serenoa repens 320 mg, Lactobacillus Sporogens 200 mg, Arbutin 100 mg for 30 days). Patients were randomized in two groups (A and B) receiving respectively antibiotic alone and an association of antibiotic plus supplement.Biological recurrence at 2 months in Group A was observed in 21 patients (27.6%) and in Group B in 6 patients (7.8%). Uropathogens found at the first follow-up were for the majority Gram - (E. coli and Enterobacter spp.). A statistically significant difference was found at the time of the follow-up between Group A and B in the NIH-CPSI questionnaire score, symptoms evidence and serum PSA.Broad band, short-lasting antibiotic therapy in association with a nutritional supplement (serenoa repens, lactobacillus sporogens and arbutin) show better control and recurrence rate on patients affected by chronic bacterial prostatitits in comparison with antibiotic treatment alone.NCT02130713Date of trial Registration: 30/04/2014

Calprotectin in nasal secretion: a new biomarker of non-type 2 inflammation in CRSwNP

We analysed calprotectin in sinonasal secretions of different chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) endotypes to assess its role as a biomarker of non-type 2 inflammation.We included primary diffuse CRSwNP patients (n = 41) and three different control groups [non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) (n = 13), non-allergic eosinophilic syndrome (NARES) (n = 10) and healthy subjects (n = 12)]. Calprotectin levels were detected in nasal secretions using a chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA).Calprotectin levels in nasal secretions were significantly higher in all non-type 2 endotypes of CRSwNP compared to healthy controls (p0.05). In contrast, in type-2 CRSwNP calprotectin was significantly lower compared to controls (p0.05). A significant correlation between calprotectin levels and neutrophilic count/HPF was found in CRSwNP (p0.01). Clinically, mean levels of calprotectin and neutrophilia were significantly higher in patients who previously underwent 3 or more endoscopic sinus surgeries (p0.05).Calprotectin in nasal secretions may be a biomarker of non-type 2 inflammation. Low levels of calprotectin are indicative of a type-2 immune response in both CRSwNP and non-allergic rhinitis. We observed that calprotectin levels significantly increased based on the number of previous surgeries.Calprotectina nel secreto nasale: nuovo biomarker di infiammazione non-tipo 2 nella poliposi nasale.Abbiamo analizzato i livelli di calprotectina nelle secrezioni nasali di diversi endotipi di CRSwNP, per valutarne il ruolo di marcatore di infiammazione non-tipo 2.Abbiamo incluso pazienti con CRSwNP diffusa primaria (n = 41) e tre diversi gruppi di controllo [rinite non allergica (NAR) (n = 13), rinite eosinofila non allergica (NARES) (n = 10) e soggetti sani (n = 12)]. I livelli di calprotectina sono stati dosati mediante test di chemoluminescenza.I livelli di calprotectina sono risultati significativamente più alti in tutti gli endotipi non-tipo 2 di CRSwNP, rispetto ai controlli sani (p0,05). Al contrario, nella CRSwNP tipo 2 essa è risultata inferiore rispetto ai controlli (p0,05). È stata riscontrata una correlazione significativa tra i livelli di calprotectina e la conta dei neutrofili/HPF (p0.01). I livelli medi di calprotectina aumentano inoltre nei pazienti in precedenza sottoposti a 3 o più ESS (p0,05).La calprotectina nelle secrezioni nasali può essere considerata un biomarcatore di infiammazione non-tipo 2 mentre bassi livelli di calprotectina sono indicativi di immunoflogosi di tipo 2. Abbiamo infine osservato che i livelli di calprotectina aumentano significativamente in relazione al numero di interventi chirurgici pregressi

Healthy and pro-inflammatory gut ecology plays a crucial role in the digestion and tolerance of a novel Gluten Friendly™ bread in celiac subjects : Randomized, double blind, placebo control in vivo study

Gluten Friendly™ (GF) is a new gluten achieved through a physicochemical process applied to wheat kernels. The goal of this research was to assess the in vivo effects of Gluten Friendly™ bread on celiac gut mucosa and microbiota. In a double-blind placebo-controlled intervention study, 48 celiac disease (CD) patients were randomized into 3 groups to eat 100 g of bread daily, containing different doses (0; 3 g; 6 g) of GF for 12 weeks. The small-bowel morphology (VH/CrD), intraepithelial densities of CD3+, celiac serology, MUC2, CB1, gut permeability, proinflammatory cytokines, gluten in stools, symptoms, and gut microbial composition were assessed. All 48 CD subjects experienced no symptoms. K-means analysis evidenced celiac subjects clustering around unknown parameters independent of GF dosage: K1 35%; K2 30%; K3 35%. VH/CrD significantly decreased in K1 and K2. VH/CrD did not correlate with IEL increase in K2. 33-mer was not detected in 47% and 73% of patients in both K1 and K2, respectively. VH/CrD and IEL did not change significantly and strongly correlated with the absence of 33-mer in K3. Inflammation and VH/CrD decrease are strongly related with the presence of proinflammatory species at the baseline. A boost in probiotic, butyrate-producing genera, is strongly related with GF tolerance at the end of the trial. Our research suggests that a healthy and proinflammatory ecology could play a crucial role in the digestion and tolerance of the new gluten molecule in celiac subjects. However, GF can be completely digested by gut microbiota of CD subjects and shapes it toward gut homeostasis by boosting healthy butyrate-producing populations. The clinical trial registry number is NCT03137862 (https://clinicaltrials.gov).publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Community Energy Enterprises in a polycentric society: new devices for local energy system

Book of proceedings: Annual AESOP Congress, Definite Space – Fuzzy Responsibility, Prague, 13-16th July, 2015New technologies for “local energy systems” have recently reached a degree of maturity that now allows for significant innovations and investments in community-based initiatives. As such, they could have a critical role in totally new polycentric development processes. While the issue of distributed energy is widely discussed in technological terms, a more articulate connection between distributed energy productions and local initiatives still needs to be elaborated and put into practice. The main objective of this paper is therefore to verify how the availability and advancement of certain current technologies – along with the potential of new forms of community organisations – can solve some of the economic and environmental problems that are becoming an increasingly critical and inexorable challenge in today’s world. The principal issue here is that the crucial obstacle to innovating the utilities supplying statutory services to local communities today remains basically our outdated legislation and regulation. In many countries, the legal setup for the entire supply system was actually devised to secure and perpetuate the interests of the centralised, statutory energy sectors. This analysis therefore suggests ways in which certain elements of our legal framework might be revised and reformulated so as to allow greater leeway for the proliferation of bottom-up initiatives in energy production.Published Versio

Distributed energy production in a polycentric scenario: policy reforms and community management

Any discussion of distributed energy systems inevitably centres on how they compare with the large energy systems, i.e. the traditional centralised model of energy production, and on the viability of local energy systems as alternatives in terms of efficiency and sustainability. At present, the debate on local energy systems and distributed energy production hinges mainly on questions of technology and engineering; at most, some reflections on economy are thrown in. What we believe is essential is to cast the net wider and include other dimensions. In particular, we also need to consider in greater depth the organisational and institutional issues involved – until now, less considered and discussed. In this perspective, the main question addressed by the present article is if and how new forms of local organisations can provide the crucial catalyst for a new polycentric distributed energy scenario