Publications by authors named "Ricci G"

Road safety applications for automotive scenarios rely on the ability to estimate vehicle positions with high precision. Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and, in particular, the global positioning system (GPS), are commonly used for self localization. But, especially in urban vehicular scenarios, due to obstructions, they may not provide the requirements for crucial position-based applications.

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Background: Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is common in children with asthma but can be present also in children without asthma, especially athletes. Differential diagnosis includes several conditions such as exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO), cardiac disease, or physical deconditioning. Detailed medical history, clinical examination and specific tests are mandatory to exclude alternative diagnoses.

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Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by the presence of endometrium-like tissue outside the uterus, primarily affecting pelvic organs and tissues. In this study, we explored platelet activation in endometriosis. We utilized the STRING database to analyze the functional interactions among proteins previously identified in small extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from the peritoneal fluid of endometriosis patients and controls.

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Human C1q is a multifaceted complement protein whose functions range from activating the complement classical pathway to immunomodulation and promoting placental development and tumorigenesis. It is encoded by the , , and genes located on chromosome 1. C1q, unlike most complement components, has extrahepatic expression by a range of cells including macrophages, monocytes and immature dendritic cells.

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To the best of our knowledge, no studies in the literature have reported on the relationship between the pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) concentration and undernutrition during pregnancy in sheep. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of undernutrition on the blood concentration of PAGs in pregnant ewes carrying single and multiple fetuses, undergoing either dietary energy restriction or receiving 100% of their energy requirements during the period of maximal placenta growth. From d 24 to 100 of pregnancy, the ewes were fed ryegrass hay and two different iso-proteic concentrates, fulfilling either 100% of the ewes' energy requirements (control group; n = 30, 14 singleton pregnancies, 16 multiple pregnancies) or only 50% (feed-restricted group; n = 29; 11 singleton pregnancies, 18 multiple pregnancies).

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  • The study aimed to assess the prevalence, age distribution, and functional status of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in Italy, highlighting improvements in care recommendations.
  • The survey involved data collection from 31 reference centers across the country, identifying key demographic and functional factors among 972 diagnosed individuals aged 6 months to 48 years.
  • Results showed a prevalence of 1.65/100,000 people, with 43% ambulant and 57% non-ambulant, and most patients did not require significant respiratory or nutritional support.
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Wildfires lead to socio-economic and environmental impacts. These impacts include hydrological instability, which can cause severe damage, especially where infrastructures are present. Post-rehabilitation measures can be useful in reducing or preventing erosion or hydrogeological risks.

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  • Early detection of recurrences in gynecological cancers is vital, and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis via liquid biopsy shows promise for monitoring disease progression.
  • The study assessed the effectiveness of digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (dPCR) in detecting ctDNA in three patients with confirmed cancer relapses post-surgery, using patient-specific mutations identified through whole-exome sequencing.
  • Results indicated that dPCR could detect increased ctDNA levels before traditional serum markers like CA125, but also highlighted the challenges of tumor heterogeneity, as one patient did not show ctDNA signals despite clinical signs of relapse.
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  • Four mortar samples were taken from a 1st-century Roman well-cistern in the Northern Lagoon of Venice, analyzed using advanced techniques like PLM, QPA-XRPD, and SEM-EDS to identify their composition.
  • The mortars were found to be lime-based, containing local alluvial materials, ceramic fragments, and unusual pyroclastic aggregates that showed significant interaction with the lime, suggesting the use of natural pozzolans to enhance durability.
  • Geochemical analysis indicated that the volcanic materials in the mortars likely originated from the Phlegraean Fields volcanic district in Italy, but many of the finer volcanic particles had altered due to pozzolanic reactions in the highly alkaline lagoon environment.
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  • Long-term issues in chromatin assembly during DNA replication can significantly impact how cells maintain their epigenetic information and decide their fate.
  • Researchers studied the effects of quickly removing a key protein called CAF-1, which is crucial for building chromatin, by using advanced techniques like single-cell genomics and live microscopy.
  • The loss of CAF-1 slows DNA replication, makes new DNA more accessible, triggers a unique cellular response that reduces histone mRNA levels, and ultimately leads to cell-cycle arrest influenced by p53, highlighting the immediate consequences of faulty chromatin assembly.
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This case report examines the combined use of fibrinogen concentrate, four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC), and idarucizumab, a specific antidote for dabigatran, to reverse the anticoagulant effects of dabigatran and apixaban-induced coagulopathy. An 86-year-old patient, receiving apixaban therapy, presented to the Emergency Department after intentionally ingesting 50 tablets of dabigatran. The combination therapy contributed to the rapid normalization of coagulation parameters and stabilization of the patient's clinical status without subsequent thromboembolic complications.

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Introduction: The contribution of Cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) in mitochondrial energy transduction mechanisms and mitochondrial activities awaits deeper investigations. Our study aims to assess the impact of CB1 absence on the mitochondrial compartment in the liver, focusing on both functional aspects and remodeling processes.

Methods: We used CB1 and CB1 male mice.

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  • Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is an X-linked neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the DMD gene, impacting dystrophin production in muscle tissues, which is important for patient care and treatment development.
  • A study of 943 BMD patients revealed the median age at diagnosis was 7.5 years, with significant findings including that about 13.5% lost mobility by an estimated age of 69, while 30% experienced cardiac issues.
  • Different types of DMD mutations correlated with variations in disease progression, particularly affecting loss of ambulation and heart functionality, highlighting the importance of precise genetic characterization for managing BMD.
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In recent years, an increasing number of fully organic molecules capable of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) have been reported, often with very small or even inverted singlet-triplet (INVEST) energy gaps. These molecules typically exhibit complex photophysics due to the close energy levels of multiple singlet and triplet states, which create various transition pathways toward emission. A predictive model for the rates of these transitions is thus essential for assessing the suitability of new materials for light-emitting devices.

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  • FSHD is a myopathy linked to changes in DNA methylation at the D4Z4 locus, and this study evaluates the effectiveness of a methylation assay as a diagnostic tool.
  • The research involved 218 individuals suspected of having FSHD, comparing traditional molecular testing with the new methylation assay to assess accuracy and consistency.
  • The refined methylation assay showed high sensitivity (90%), specificity (100%), and accuracy (93%), indicating its potential for early detection, even in asymptomatic individuals with a family history of FSHD.
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This paper explores the potential implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) in agriculture, specifically focusing on soil and water management in Southern Italy, particularly in the Apulia and Basilicata regions. Through a tailored questionnaire, it investigates farmers' perceptions of the utility of NBSs, addressing key issues in the region and evaluating their role in addressing soil and water management challenges. Findings reveal primary challenges such as drought, floods, and water pollution, with soil erosion being a major concern.

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Background: Epilepsy, characterized as a network disorder, involves widely distributed areas following seizure propagation from a limited onset zone. Accurate delineation of the epileptogenic zone (EZ) is crucial for successful surgery in drug-resistant focal epilepsy. While visual analysis of scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) primarily elucidates seizure spreading patterns, we employed brain connectivity techniques and graph theory principles during the pre-ictal to ictal transition to define the epileptogenic network.

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Some syndiotactic-rich polyolefins, generally difficult to synthesize through stereospecific polymerization of the corresponding monomers, were prepared by homogeneous non-catalytic hydrogenation of syndiotactic 1,2 poly(1,3-diene)s with diimide, arising from thermal decomposition of p-toluene-sulfonyl-hydrazide. All the polymers synthesized were structurally characterized by means of several analytical techniques, such as FT-IR, NMR (H, C and 2D), DSC, and GPC, and herein illustrated.

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This study aimed at comparing the anesthetic efficacy of lidocaine injection versus pledgets soaked in lidocaine and epinephrine during radiosurgery of inferior turbinates. The study prospectively enrolled 120 outbound patients, who were randomly assigned to group 1 -anaesthesia with tampon soaked in lidocaine and adrenaline- or group 2 -anesthesia with tampon followed by lidocaine and adrenaline injection. The following parameters were evaluated by a visual analogue scale 1 h after surgery: pain, anxiety, chocking sensation and difficulty swallowing.

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  • Seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (SAR) is a common problem for many people, especially in Western countries, and researchers studied its connection to different types of pollen and non-pollen allergens.
  • The study looked at the IgE antibodies in patients' blood to see how these antibodies reacted to both grass pollen and a specific dust mite allergen.
  • The results showed that having more IgE responses to dust mite proteins was linked to having higher overall IgE levels for pollens, but lower levels for the dust mite allergen itself.
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Background: Age is one of the major risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD) which is considered the most common adult-onset dementia. There is little information about age-related changes during brain dementia.

Methods: This study observed age-related variations in the brain throughout adulthood in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the AD and healthy brains.

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