A Mechanistic Investigation into Bone Bridge Formation Post-Growth Plate Injury in Rats Utilizing Single-cell Transcriptomic Sequencing and Its Relevance for Hydrogel Development in Bone Defect Repair

Introduction: Growth plate injury (GPI) can result in bone bridge formation, leading to limb length discrepancy and angular deformities in children. Bone bridge formation disrupts the normal structure of the growth plate and prematurely arrests longitudinal bone growth. However, the cellular heterogeneity and molecular mechanisms underlying this pathological process remain poorly understood. Recent advances in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) enable detailed characterization of complex ...

Exploration of the Association between Cathepsin B and Parkinson’s Disease, and Integrative Analyses of Genome-Wide Association and Transcriptomics Data Linking Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Infection and Parkinson’s Disease

This thesis comprises two independent studies investigating two different aspects of Parkinson’s disease (PD)–related associations. Study 1: Exploration of the Association between Cathepsin B and PD Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between Cathepsin B and PD, placing specific focus on the potential mediating role of N-acetylaspartate. Methods: GWAS summary data were utilized to perform a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis assessing the relationship between...

IL CONTRATTO DI EFFICIENTAMENTO ENERGETICO. Intersezioni tra profili di diritto privato e prospettive giuspubblicistiche

This dissertation examines the Energy Performance Contract (EPC) from a private law perspective, analysing its structure, cause, and legal qualification within the broader framework of the evolving energy market and the ecological transition. Although defined by Legislative Decree No. 102/2014 and framed within public-private partnerships under Legislative Decree No. 36/2023, the EPC lies at the intersection between contractual autonomy and the pursuit of environmental sustainability as a pub...

The Rare Variants and Transcriptomic Signatures of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Axial Spondyloarthritis

Objectives: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the axial skeleton and imposes a substantial disability burden. It can be classified into radiographic axSpA (r-axSpA) and non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA). AxSpA is highly heritable, with HLA-B27 accounting for about 20% and GWAS loci for <8% of r-axSpA heritability. In addition to genetic factors, transcriptional profiles of peripheral immune cells have provided important insights into axSp...

Tecnologie per la didattica: nuove prospettive di formazione e apprendimento inclusivo

The overall objective (addressed in the research discussion) is to understand whether the use of technologies and online communities of school professionals promotes learning, personalisation, inclusion, awareness and self-assessment of one's own educational activities. Based on these premises, the various chapters of the thesis were developed, retracing the history, theories and regulations that have contributed to the concept of inclusion, analysing digital tools and innovative teaching met...

Unravelling the physiology of facial motor control: voluntary and emotional pathways

Facial expressions are vital for social behaviour, especially for non-verbal communication since they convey human emotional states. Facial expressions are performed by the coordinated activity of facial muscles. These muscles have specific anatomical and histological features due to the wide range of functions they perform. However, the precise mechanisms of how these muscles are coordinated and influenced by emotional processes is still unclear. Therefore, the scientific work done during th...

Bridging Technology, Value Chains, and One Welfare: A Holistic Examination of Digital Transition in Dairy Production in Sub-Saharan Africa

Distribution of biological products by autonomous platforms for weed control in Mediterranean agricultural systems

This PhD thesis investigates the potential and effectiveness of proximal and remote sensing systems in different agricultural scenarios, particularly in crop management and production processes. The research aims to support the development of advanced decision-support systems (DSS) for optimising control strategies involving new organic pesticide products. Specific attention is devoted to the optimisation of targeted distribution strategies for biologically derived plant protection products (...

Evaluation of the Field Fertility Rate of Two Semen Extenders and a Novel Natural Approach using Cryptorchid Rams to Control Estral Activity in Sarda Sheep for Artificial Insemination

Artificial insemination (AI) is a key tool for genetic improvement in dairy sheep; however, its use in Sarda sheep remains limited due to variable fertility, management constraints, and reliance on hormonal estrus synchronization. This doctoral thesis aimed to evaluate practical and sustainable reproductive strategies to improve AI efficiency and reproductive management in Sarda sheep under field conditions. The thesis includes a general overview and three experimental studies. The first part...