Publications by authors named "C Macchi"

The sensitivity of positron annihilation characteristics to changes in the molecular packing in network-forming polymers has been demonstrated since the early 1980s. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) is a unique technique that can provide direct information on the free volume in polymers through the experimental parameters of the free volume hole distribution, their mean value, and volume fraction. This knowledge is currently applied for PALS investigations on the main processes that govern the molecular organization in some green polymers when subjected to different synthesis procedures or environmental conditions (humidity, physical aging, temperature).

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The experimental study of the stumble phenomena is essential to develop novel technological solutions to limit harmful effects in at-risk populations. A versatile platform to deliver realistic and unanticipated tripping perturbations, controllable in their strength and timing, would be beneficial for this field of study. We built a modular tripping-eliciting system based on multiple compliant trip blocks that deliver unanticipated tripping perturbations.

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  • - The introduction of ETI therapy has improved life expectancy for adults with cystic fibrosis, but it raises concerns about long-term health issues, particularly cardiovascular risks due to existing factors linked to CF.
  • - A study involving 58 adults with CF assessed changes in cardiac and metabolic biomarkers after 6 months on ETI therapy, revealing increased cholesterol and triglycerides levels while inflammatory markers decreased.
  • - The findings indicate a disruption in hormone regulation related to obesity and cardiovascular risk, suggesting that while ETI improves some aspects of health, it negatively affects lipid profiles in patients, leading to potential metabolic issues.
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  • - Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome linked to broad systemic symptoms, and researchers explored its potential connection to mitochondrial dysfunction by studying blood cells from 50 FMS patients and 20 healthy individuals.
  • - While no significant differences in mitochondrial respiration were found between the groups, FMS patients had a notably lower bioenergetic health index (BHI) indicating poorer mitochondrial function, particularly in those with more severe symptoms.
  • - The study showed a moderate negative correlation between BHI and both fibromyalgia severity scores and widespread pain index, suggesting that mitochondrial impairment may play a role in musculoskeletal pain rather than affecting the central nervous system.
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Good data quality is vital for personalising plans in rehabilitation. Machine learning (ML) improves prognostics but integrating it with Multiple Imputation (MImp) for dealing missingness is an unexplored field. This work aims to provide post-stroke ambulation prognosis, integrating MImp with ML, and identify the prognostic influential factors.

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