Metal-Halide Perovskite Submicrometer-Thick Films for Ultra-Stable Self-Powered Direct X-Ray Detectors

Metal-halide perovskites are revolutionizing the world of X-ray detectors,due to the development of sensitive,fast,and cost-effective devices.Self-powered operation,ensuring portability and low power consumption,has also been recently demonstrated in both bulk materials and thin films.However,the signal stability and repeatability under continuous X-ray exposure has only been tested up to a few hours,often reporting degradation of the detection performance.Here it is shown that self-powered direct X-ray detectors,fabricated starting from a FAPbBr_(3)submicrometer-thick film deposition onto a mesoporous TiO_(2)scaffold,can withstand a 26-day uninterrupted X-ray exposure with negligible signal loss,demonstrating ultra-high operational stability and excellent repeatability.No structural modification is observed after irradiation with a total ionizing dose of almost 200 Gy,revealing an unexpectedly high radiation hardness for a metal-halide perovskite thin film.In addition,trap-assisted photoconductive gain enabled the device to achieve a record bulk sensitivity of 7.28 C Gy^(−1)cm^(−3)at 0 V,an unprecedented value in the field of thin-film-based photoconductors and photodiodes for“hard”X-rays.Finally,prototypal validation under the X-ray beam produced by a medical linear accelerator for cancer treatment is also introduced.

Enhanced Urban Sprawl Monitoring over the Entire District of Rome through Joint Analysis of ALOS AVNIR-2 and SENTINEL-2A Data

Based on the continuation of our past study, the present analysis is conducted to examine recent effects of the urbanization process occurring over the entire district of Rome. Overlays of ALOS AVNIR-2 and SENTINEL-2A satellite images, collected over a 6 years period, were validated via Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, in a particular procedure applied to urban land and agricultural transformations. The use of Copernicus SENTINEL-2A imagery has improved the previous results on urban processes, by reducing the uncertainty of the discrimination of land cover classes and facilitating the photo-interpretation. Statistical analysis was performed via the Urban Area Profile index in order to quantify the sprawl phenomenon, by defining several landscape metrics. This work, to be enriched in the future by means of complementary information available from Copernicus radar sensors, like the one onboard Sentinel-1, completes the series of observations on land use published by the Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, which stopped back in 2008.

Are we close to using Alzheimer blood biomarkers in clinical practice?

Alzheimer's disease(AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease histologically characterized by the presence of extraneuronal plaques,mainly formed by the 42-aminoacid isoform of amyloid-(Aβ_(1-42)),and by intraneuronal neurofibrillary to ngles,mainly formed by the tau protein and its hyperphosphorylated isoforms(p-tau).AD is the most common cause of dementia,with an estimated lifetime risk of about 1 in 10 for men and 1 in 5 for women.

Transperineal laser ablation of the prostate as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer: The results of a Delphi consensus project

Objective: To evaluate transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) with Echolaser® (Echolaser® TPLA, Elesta S.p.A., Calenzano, Italy) as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa) using the Delphi consensus method.Methods: Italian and international experts on BPH and PCa participated in a collaborative consensus project. During two rounds, they expressed their opinions on Echolaser® TPLA for the treatment of BPH and PCa answering online questionnaires on indications, methodology, and potential complications of this technology. Level of agreement or disagreement to reach consensus was set at 75%. If the consensus was not achieved, questions were modified after each round. A final round was performed during an online meeting, in which results were discussed and finalized.Results: Thirty-two out of forty invited experts participated and consensus was reached on all topics. Agreement was achieved on recommending Echolaser® TPLA as a treatment of BPH in patients with ample range of prostate volume, from <40 mL (80%) to >80 mL (80%), comorbidities (100%), antiplatelet or anticoagulant treatment (96%), indwelling catheter (77%), and strong will of preserving ejaculatory function (100%). Majority of respondents agreed that Echolaser® TPLA is a potential option for the treatment of localized PCa (78%) and recommended it for low-risk PCa (90%). During the final round, experts concluded that it can be used for intermediate-risk PCa and it should be proposed as an effective alternative to radical prostatectomy for patients with strong will of avoiding urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Almost all participants agreed that the transperineal approach of this organ-sparing technique is safer than transrectal and transurethral approaches typical of other techniques (97% of agreement among experts). Pre-procedural assessment, technical aspects, post-procedural catheterization, pharmacological therapy, and expected outcomes were discussed, leading to statements and recommendations.Conclusion: Echolaser® TPLA is a safe and effective procedure that treats BPH and localized PCa with satisfactory functional and sexual outcomes.

Traffic Fluxes and Urban Congestion: A Simple Approach with the <i>Attractors</i>’ Method

Situations of heavy and congested traffic in urban areas have been analysed by using a statistical approach based on both the identification of specific locations that attract drivers in a multipoint-to-multipoint traffic structure and their classification (attractor’s value) as a function of the number of people visiting them by car in different time ranges. By using a Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) function, attractors’ distribution density values have been estimated and then integrated with nodal and critical traffic points and traffic density in a “congestion” map. Finally, cross-comparing congestion values with the location of buildings, the road network and the Corine Land Use/Land Cover environmental classification, a “Quality of Life” map has been generated. The authors use this term because the congestion of traffic flows, with all the problems that it entails (such as long travel time, air and acoustic pollution, and so on) is a good indicator of the quality of life, especially in small towns. Results show that this type of “off-line” analysis would allow administrators to identify, quickly and at low cost, areas where citizens’ quality of life is most affected by traffic noise and jumps and, hence, to focus costly ground measurements and interventions primarily there.

Monitoring Domoic Acid in Marine Phytoplankton by Disposable Immunosensors

Advances in sensor technology have allowed the significant progress in the monitoring of noxious compounds in the sea, providing real-time detection so as to prevent risks associated with the diffusion and dispersion of toxic substances in the environment. An important element in the overall picture is the harmful algal blooms which pose serious threats to marine ecosystems through the production of toxins that accumulate in filter-feeders and ultimately impact both human health and fisheries. Domoic acid is a neurotoxic amino acid produced by marine planktonic diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia. Here we monitored domoic acid production by natural Pseudo-nitzschia populations in phytoplankton samples collected along the Middle Tyrrhenian coast, over the course of one year, using selective immunosensors based on screenprinted electrodes, using differential pulse voltammetry as the electrochemical technique, to yield quantitative outputs. In this work, disposable devices have been applied for monitoring the production of domoic acid on algal extracts and the results have been validated by conventional high pressure liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection methods. The data obtained revealed the presence of domoic acid in Italian phytoplankton, especially in coastal impacted areas, highlighting the potential risk of toxin entering into marine food webs and the environment. Immunosensors based on screen-printed electrodes prove to be effective tools for annual monitoring of domoic acid in seawater samples, thus providing a reliable early warning system relative to health and economic impact of algal toxins.

A Novel“Monte Carlo”Simulator Aimed to Model High Energy Up-to-date Radiation Sources and Radiation Transport inside Matter

We have faced the challenge of developing a tool devoted to simulate the transport of photons and accelerated particles(ionizing radiation entities)inside matter,where the choice of transporting medium shall be free for the user and non-homogeneities shall be modeled and managed.The solution has been a project that exploits fully statistical Monte Carlo approach,employing a digitalizing board to produce random samples.The system heredities many concepts from electronics devices simulators,but it finds different applications and we present one of them for effectiveness demonstration.

The Effect of Bergamot-Derived Polyphenolic Fraction on LDL Small Dense Particles and Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

The occurrence of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) represents an independent risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease states in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. Moreover, both the size of LDL particles and liver dysfunction identified as non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represent important biomarkers for the development of cardiometabolic risk in patients with MS. Here we studied the effect of bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF) in patients with MS and NAFLD. 107 patients were enrolled at the San Raffaele IRCCS (Rome). All of them showed ultrasonografic evidences of NAFLD and at least three out of five previous identified criteria for the diagnosis of MS. Patients were divided into two groups: one receiving placebo and the second receiving BPF 650 mg twice a day for 120 consecutive days. In the group receiving BPF 650 mg twice a day, a significant reduction of fasting plasma glucose, serum LDL cholesterol and triglycerides alongside with an increase of HDL cholesterol was found. This effect was accompanied by significant reduction of both ultrasonographic and metabolic biomarkers of NAFLD. Moreover, a significant reduction of small dense LDL particles, as detected via proton NMR Spectroscopy, was found after BPF treatment. In conclusion, our data confirm the beneficial effect of bergamot-extract in patients with MS an effect highlighted by significant reduction of small dense LDL particles and by improvement of NAFLD biomarkers. This suggests a potential preventive role of bergamot derivatives in reducing cardiometabolic risk.

Impact of the Community-Based Active Monitoring Program on the Long Term Care Services Use and In-Patient Admissions of the Over-74 Population

Introduction: Social isolation increases in the over-74 population and it is a risk factor for death and Long Term Care (LTC) use. In order to prevent the negative consequences of social isolation on this population community interventions focused on strengthening the social network should be intensified. The aim of this paper is to describe the impact on health care use of a Community-based pro-Active Monitoring Program (CAMP) providing phone monitoring to all the clients and home visits according to the individual’s needs. Methodology: In order to provide an evaluation of the program outcomes, the rates of clients’ hospitalization and admissions to Long Term Care facilities during 2011 have been assessed. The observed rates have been compared with expected ones calculated on available information for similar population. A cost-analysis has been also carried out to analyze the program sustainability. Results: The studied sample is made up by 1408 over-74 citizens followed up during 2011 in Rome (Italy) by CAMP. The cumulative observation time was 1362 p/y;61 individuals died during 2011 (death rate 4.3%). The hospital admission rate observed among CAMP’s clients was 254‰ (357/1408;CL95% ± 91‰), lower than the 282‰ reported for the over-74 population of Rome. This translates into 39 averted hospitalization. The LTC admission rate is also reduced among CAMP’s clients (9/1,408, 6.6‰ CL95% ± 0.8‰ vs. 9.7‰ reported for a comparable sample);it translates into 4 averted LTC admissions. The averted cost ranged between 47,153 € and 220,117 € according to the range of services used by the clients, which translates into a percentage of estimated cost reduction on yearly basis ranged between 3% and 12.5% of the whole cost of services used by the studied population. Discussion: The paper suggests the capacity of CAMP to reduce both the over-74 hospitalization rate and use of LTC. Cost analysis also indicates a cost reduction as a consequence of the CAMP implementation. Further studies including a control group and a detailed cost-benefit analysis are needed to check the program sustainability on larger population.

Bisphosphonates and adipogenesis: Evidence for alendronate inhibition of adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes through a vitamin D receptor mediated effect

Background: Adipocyte and osteoblast derive from the same mesenchimal progenitor. Age-related decrease in bone mass is accompanied by an increase in marrow adipose tissue. Vitamin D3 (VD3) inhibits adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Recently it has been demonstrated that alendronate (ALN) inhibits adipogenesis while promoting osteoblast differentiation of mesenchimal stem cells. Aim of the Study: To evaluate the role of ALN on adipocyte differentiation in vitro and the potential synergic role of VD3 co-treatment. Procedures: Murine 3T3-L1 and 3T3-F442A preadipocytes were routinely differentiated in presence of ALN and VD3 10-9 - 10-7 M for 7 days and then stained with Oil Red O. The effect of these treatments on mRNA expression of the main molecular markers of adipocyte differentiation (PPARγ and C/EBPα) and VD Receptor (VDR) were analyzed through RT-PCR. Results: Both ALN and VD3 showed a marked anti-adipogenic effect on 3T3-L1 cells. Co-incubation of ALN 10-8 M and VD3 10-9 M displayed no synergic effect on inhibition of adipogenesis. PPARγ mRNA expression was significantly reduced by ALN and VD3. mRNA expression of C/EBPα was reduced only by VD3 treatment. An increase in VDR mRNA expression of 3T3-L1 cells was observed with both ALN and VD3. On the contrary, 3T3-F442A cells, which are in a more advanced adipogenic differentiation stage compared to 3T3-L1, did not express detectable levels of VDR. Interestingly, adipose differentiation of 3T3-F442A was not affected by ALN nor VD3. These results suggest that VDR may represent the molecular target of the anti-adipogenic effect of ALN. Conclusion: VDR plays a critical role in mediating the anti-adipogenic effect of ALN. Further studies to clarify this mechanism are warranted.

Nature can still be the strongest help against aging and neurodegeneration:the sirtuins way

Unfortunately,ag ing is not a reversible phenomenon and the processes of senescence are unavoidable.However,the biological effects of aging may be turned back,and with those,it can be reduced risk of all age-related illnesses,such as cardiovascular diseases,cancer,diabetes,and neurodegenerative diseases,including Alzheimer’s disease(AD),and Parkinson’s diseases(PD).In the latest decades,scientists worldwide therefore have developed several strategies,either natural or pharmacological,to counteract aging phenomena,with the final goal to improve human life expectancy.The main scientific rationale beyond these strategies focuses on the opportunity to reduce chronic low-grade inflammation(inflammaging),the increase in oxidative stress damage,and the impairment in the immune system,all typical mechanisms of senescence(Verdaguer et al.,2012).

Acid-sensing ion channel 1a:a novel target in Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease(AD)represents the most common form of dementia and is characterized by a progressive decline of cognitive functions.Complex multifactorial processes underlie AD pathophysiology,including amyloid-beta(Aβ)toxicity,tau protein hyperphosphorylation,syna ptic dysfunction,oxidative stress,and neuroinflammation(J u and Tam,2022).

Mepolizumab induced palmoplantar psoriasis:A case report

BACKGROUND Atopic dermatitis and asthma are two diseases whose pathogenesis is largely attributable to the activation,at least in the initial stages,of T helper(Th)-2 Lymphocytes,the related cytokine axis,and B lymphocytes with antibody production.Psoriasis is conversely a pathology resulting from a recruitment of Th-17 and Th-1 lymphocytes,after an initial role of innate immunity.Mepolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against interleukin(IL)-5,a central cytokine in the Th-2 axis,therefore involved in the pathogenesis of asthma.Several authors have described the appearance of psoriatic lesions in patients with asthma or atopic dermatitis following the therapy with dupilumab,a monoclonal antibody that blocks the interleukin(IL)-4,another Th-2 cytokine.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of a 59-year-old patient who developed psoriasiform lesions on the palms after mepolizumab therapy for asthma,for the activation of the parallel cytokine cascade after the blockade of IL-5.We successfully treated the patient with a topical calcipotriol and betamethasone ointment.CONCLUSION We should investigate with further attention the possible impact on the human immunological ecosystem put in place by the inhibition of the activity of individual inflammatory mediators,so as to be able to recognize the initial adverse effects early.

A systematic investigation of radiation collapse for disruption avoidance and prevention on JET tokamak

To produce fusion reactions efficiently,thermonuclear plasmas have to reach extremely high temperatures,which is incompatible with their coming into contact with material surfaces.Confinement of plasmas using magnetic fields has progressed significantly in the last years,particularly in the tokamak configuration.Unfortunately,all tokamak devices,and particularly metallic ones,are plagued by catastrophic events called disruptions.Many disruptions are preceded by anomalies in the radiation patterns,particularly in ITER-relevant scenarios.These specific forms of radiation emission either directly cause or reveal the approaching collapse of the configuration.Detecting the localization of these radiation anomalies in real time requires an innovative and specific elaboration of bolometric measurements,confirmed by visible cameras and the inversion of sophisticated tomographic algorithms.The information derived from these measurements can be interpreted in terms of local power balances,which suggest a new quantity,the radiated power divided by the plasma internal energy,to determine the criticality of the plasma state.Combined with robust indicators of the temperature profile shape,the identified anomalous radiation patterns allow determination of the sequence of macroscopic events leading to disruptions.A systematic analysis of JET campaigns at high power in deuterium,full tritium,and DT,for a total of almost 2000 discharges,proves the effectiveness of the approach.The warning times are such that,depending on the radiation anomaly and the available actuators,the control system of future devices is expected to provide enough notice to enable deployment of effective prevention and avoidance strategies.

Targeting the glucocorticoid receptor-CCR8 axis mediated bone marrow T cell sequestration enhances infiltration of anti-tumor T cells in intracranial cancers

Brain tumors such as glioblastomas are resistant to immune checkpoint blockade therapy,largely due to limited T cell infiltration in the tumors.Here,we show that mice bearing intracranial tumors exhibit systemic immunosuppression and T cell sequestration in bone marrow,leading to reduced T cell infiltration in brain tumors.Elevated plasma corticosterone drives the T cell sequestration via glucocorticoid receptors in tumor-bearing mice.Immunosuppression mediated by glucocorticoid-induced T cell dynamics and the subsequent tumor growth promotion can be abrogated by adrenalectomy,the administration of glucocorticoid activation inhibitors or glucocorticoid receptor antagonists,and in mice with T cell-specific deletion of glucocorticoid receptor.CCR8 expression in T cells is increased in tumor-bearing mice in a glucocorticoid receptor-dependent manner.Additionally,chemokines CCL1 and CCL8,the ligands for CCR8,are highly expressed in bone marrow immune cells in tumor-bearing mice to recruit T cells.These findings suggested that brain tumor-induced glucocorticoid surge and CCR8 upregulation in T cells lead to T cell sequestration in bone marrow,impairing the anti-tumor immune response.Targeting the glucocorticoid receptor-CCR8 axis may offer a promising immunotherapeutic approach for the treatment of intracranial tumors.

Effect of a counseling-supported treatment with the Mediterranean diet and physical activity on the severity of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

AIM To determine the clinical effectiveness of nutritional counseling on reduction of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) severity, weight loss, metabolic and anthropometric indexes and liver enzymes.METHODS Forty-six adults with NAFLD received a 6-mo clinical and a dietary intervention(based on Mediterranean diet) carried out respectively by a gastroenterologist and a nutritionist with counseling license. The counseling process consisted of monthly meeting(about 45 min each). The effect of the treatment was evaluated monitoring liver enzymes, metabolic parameters, cardiovascular risk indexes, NAFLD severity [assessed by ultrasound(US)] and related indexes. All parameters were assessed at baseline. Biochemistry was also assessed at mid-and end-interventions and US was repeated at end-intervention.RESULTS The percentage of patients with steatosis grade equal or higher than 2 was reduced from 93% to 48% and steatosis regressed in 9 patients(20%). At the end of the treatment the end-point concerning the weight(i.e., a 7% weight reduction or achievement/maintenance of normal weight) was accomplished by 25 out of 46 patients(i.e., 54.3%). As far as the liver enzymes is concerned, all three liver enzymes significantly decrease during the treatment the normalization was particularly evident for the ALT enzyme(altered values reduced from 67% down to 11%). Several parameters, i.e., BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, AST, ALT, GGT, HDL, serum glucose, Tot-Chol/HDL, LDL/HDL, TG/HDL, AIP, HOMA, FLI, Kotronen index, VAI, NAFLD liver fat score and LAP, showed a significant improvement(P < 0.01) between baseline and end-treatment.CONCLUSION Outcomes of this study further strengthen the hypothesis that Med Diet and more active lifestyle can be considered a safe therapeutic approach for reducing risk and severity of NAFLD and related disease states. The proposed approach may be proposed as a valid and recommended approach for improving the clinical profile of NAFLD patients.

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction:Which is the best therapeutic option?

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction(MGOO)is a clinical condition characterized by the mechanical obstruction of the pylorus or the duodenum due to tumor compression/infiltration,with consequent reduction or impossibility of an adequate oral intake.MGOO is mainly secondary to advanced pancreatic or gastric cancers,and significantly impacts on patients’survival and quality of life.Patients suffering from this condition often present with intractable vomiting and severe malnutrition,which further compromise therapeutic chances.Currently,palliative strategies are based primarily on surgical gastrojejunostomy and endoscopic enteral stenting with self-expanding metal stents.Several studies have shown that surgical approach has the advantage of a more durable relief of symptoms and the need of fewer re-interventions,at the cost of higher procedure-related risks and longer hospital stay.On the other hand,enteral stenting provides rapid clinical improvement,but have the limit of higher stent dysfunction rate due to tumor ingrowth and a subsequent need of frequent reinterventions.Recently,a third way has come from interventional endoscopic ultrasound,through the development of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy technique with lumen-apposing metal stent.This new technique may ideally encompass the minimal invasiveness of an endoscopic procedure and the long-lasting effect of the surgical gastrojejunostomy,and brought encouraging results so far,even if prospective comparative trial are still lacking.In this Review,we described technical aspects and clinical outcomes of the above-cited therapeutic approaches,and discussed the open questions about the current management of MGOO.

Lumen-apposing metal stents for malignant biliary obstruction: Is this the ultimate horizon of our experience?

In the last years, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has evolved from a purely diagnostic technique to a more and more complex interventional procedure, with the possibility to perform several type of therapeutic interventions. Among these, EUS-guided biliary drainage (BD) is gaining popularity as a therapeutic approach after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in distal malignant biliary obstruction (MBO), due to the avoidance of external drainage, a lower rate of adverse events and re-interventions, and lower costs compared to percutaneous trans-hepatic BD. Initially, devices created for luminal procedures (e.g., luminal biliary stents) have been adapted to the new trans-luminal EUSguided interventions, with predictable shortcomings in technical success, outcome and adverse events. More recently, new metal stents specifically designed for transluminal drainage, namely lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS), have been made available for EUS-guided procedures. An electrocautery enhanced delivery system (EC-LAMS), which allows direct access of the delivery system to the target lumen, has subsequently simplified the classic multi-step procedure of EUS-guided drainages. EUS-BD using LAMS and ECLAMS has been demonstrated effective and safe, and currently seems one of the most performing techniques for EUS-BD. In this Review, we summarize the evolution of the EUS-BD in distal MBO, focusing on the novelty of LAMS and analyzing the unresolved questions about the possible role of EUS as the first therapeutic option to achieve BD in this setting of patients.

Hepatitis C virus eradication with directly acting antivirals improves health-related quality of life and psychological symptoms

BACKGROUND Alterations in health-related quality of life(HRQoL)and neuropsychological disorders were described in the hepatitis C virus(HCV)patients.Although several studies investigated the modifications of HRQoL after HCV eradication,no data exists on the modifications of neuropsychological symptoms.AIM To investigate the effect of directly acting antivirals(DAAs)treatment on HRQoL and neuropsychological symptoms.METHODS Thirty nine patients with HCV infection underwent a neuropsychological assessment,including Zung-Self Depression-Rating-Scale,Spielberg State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Y1-Y2 and the Toronto-Alexithymia Scale-20 items before and after DAAs treatment.HRQoL was detected by Short-Form-36(SF-36).RESULTS All HRQoL domains,but role limitation physical and bodily pain,significantly improved after treatment.Interestingly,after DAAs treatment,all domains of HRQoL returned similar to those of controls.Each neuropsychological test significantly improved after HCV eradication.A significant correlation was observed among each psychological test and the summary components of SF-36.At multiple linear regression analysis including each psychological test as possible covariates,Zung-Self Depression Rating Scale(Zung-SDS)score was independently and significantly related to summary components of the SF-36 in the basal state and the difference between Zung-SDS score before and after treatment was the only variable significantly and independently related to the modification of HRQoL induced by the treatment.CONCLUSION Neuropsychological symptoms strongly influenced HRQoL in HCV patients and there was a significant improvement of neuropsychological tests and HRQoL after DAAs treatment.

Combined Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques for Studying the Large Roman Urban System Expansion during the Last Twenty Years

Several factors may contribute to on-going challenges for spatial planning and policy in megacities such as Rome, including rapid population shifts, poorly organized areas, and lack of data through which monitoring urban growth and land use change. This research was conducted to examine past and current effects of the urbanization process, occurred over the large Roman urban system, on the basis of multi-source and multi-temporal optical remote sensing (RS) data, collected between 1990 and 2013. These changes were then validated via Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, in a particular procedure applied to urban land/agricultural transformations. The proposed approach, based on geo-statistical methods, was used to calculate the index of innovative space (AP Index), useful for the monitoring of the urban sprawl phenomenon. Strong evidence of urban expansion over the north-eastern quarter of the city, accompanied by environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity, is provided. Urban infill developments are expected to emerge in the south-eastern areas too, and these might increase urban pressure as well. In conclusion, RS and GIS technologies together with ancillary data can be used to assist decision makers in preparing future plans to find out appropriate solutions to urbanization encroachment.