Parthenope University of Naples
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Performing Collaborative Governance through Platforms: A Study on the Mediterranean Blue Economy Community
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Novel Biological Strategies for Melanoma Therapy: A Focus on lncRNAs and Their Targeting
No full textSimple Summary
Although available treatments for metastatic melanoma have significantly improved the clinical outcome of patients, there is still a portion of patients whose tumor progresses. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches for melanoma are needed, which could include targeting specific lncRNAs altered in this neoplasm. Indeed, the lncRNAs aberrant expression influences several hallmarks of melanoma cells and contributes to the acquisition of drug resistance. This review focuses on the main lncRNAs altered in melanoma, highlighting the consequences of their aberrant expression on the phenotypic plasticity of melanoma cells. Furthermore, we investigated their possible targeting using nucleic acid-based techniques or natural products such as phytochemicals. Finally, we explored the advances in nanotechnology for the specific delivery of lncRNAs into cancer tissues and to avoid potential side effects.
Abstract
Increasing evidence revealed that restoring the correct expression of lncRNAs could have implications in the management of melanoma patients. In this context, here, we aim to dissect the main characteristics of lncRNAs altered in melanoma and their crosstalk with the signaling pathways involved in the progression of this disease. We also highlight the role of nucleic acid-based techniques and natural compounds (i.e., phytochemicals) as a therapeutic tool to increase or silence their expression in cancer cells. Finally, we explore the advances in nanotechnologies as delivery systems to efficiently carry these chemicals into cancer cells, thus limiting their potential off-target effects. The analysis of the literature showed that HOTAIR, MALAT1, and H19 are the oncogenic lncRNAs most studied in melanoma, while MEG3 is an important tumor suppressor decreased in this cancer. The aberrant expression of these lncRNAs affects several hallmarks of cancer, e.g., proliferation, motility, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition, promoting the melanoma plasticity and drug resistance. In this frame, siRNA, antisense oligonucleotide, and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing appear to be the most effective nucleic acid strategies to restore the physiologic expression of lncRNA, while curcumin, resveratrol, and quercetin are the main phytochemicals able to target and influence the expression of lncRNAs altered in cancer. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive overview regarding the role of lncRNAs in the phenotype plasticity of melanoma cells and their potential targeting using RNA-based therapy and natural products
Gut Microbiota Modulation Through Mediterranean Diet Foods: Implications for Human Health.
No full textThe Mediterranean diet (MD) is widely recognized for its health benefits, particularly
in modulating gut microbiota composition and reducing the risk of metabolic,
cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. Characterized by a high intake of plantbased
foods, monounsaturated fats, and polyphenols, primarily from extra virgin olive oil,
the MD fosters the growth of beneficial gut bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium
prausnitzii, and Roseburia, which produce short-chain fatty acids that enhance gut barrier integrity,
reduce inflammation, and improve metabolic homeostasis. Clinical and preclinical
studies have proved that the MD is associated with increased microbial diversity, reduced
pro-inflammatory bacteria, and improved markers of insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism,
and cognitive function. Additionally, the MD positively influences the gut microbiota
in various conditions, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration,
potentially mitigating systemic inflammation and enhancing neuroprotective mechanisms.
Emerging evidence suggests that MD variants, such as the Green-MD, and their integration
with probiotics can further optimize gut microbiota composition and metabolic parameters.
While the beneficial impact of the MD on the gut microbiota and overall health is well
supported, further long-term clinical trials are needed to better understand individual
variability and improve dietary interventions tailored to different populations
Terminology in Italy. A rising field of research
No full textThis contribution aims to trace a profile of the recent history of Italian research on terminology, taking into consideration the most relevant studies on the subject conducted in the field of Italian linguistics. In the first part, we will frame the most important works in LSPs in this area. The second part focuses on the role of the Italian Association for Terminology (Ass.I.Term) and other research institutions in recognising Italy’s need for a systematic reflection on terminology, from both a theoretical and practical point of view
Italian labour productivity: a wage-led decline
No full textThis paper aims at explaining productivity behaviour through wage share dynamics in Italy in the period ranging from
1960 to 2023. To this end, the growth rate of GDP per worker measured at full time equivalent and the wage share at
factor cost - suitable for measuring the weight of labour on production choices – are connected through an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) cointegrating technique. The estimates, identifying a univocal direction of causality, reveal that a change in the wage share affects, through a coefficient of about 0.2, the productivity growth rate in the same direction in the long-term. Results support the idea that the strategy of wages’ containment contributed to shape a productive model discouraging investments and organizational improvements while favouring low value-added sectors. The reduction of workers’ bargaining power, the flexibilization of the labour market and the general drastic reduction in labour costs, enhanced to compete on international markets and institutionalized through legislation since the 80s, gave further impetus to this process, undermining the Italian growth potential. Further checks, including other variables affecting productivity, not only confirm the results but also indicate that low productivity is neither linked to an excessive presence of the public sector nor to the reduction of unemployment. The Italian wage stagnation is therefore not just a matter of inequality and poverty but a challenge for the entire productive system
Analyzing Information Exchange in Parkinson’s Disease via Eigenvector Centrality: A Source-Level Magnetoencephalography Study
No full textBackground: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that manifests through motor and non-motor symptoms. Understanding the alterations in brain connectivity associated with PD remains a challenge that is crucial for enhancing diagnosis and clinical management. Methods: This study utilized Magnetoencephalography (MEG) to investigate brain connectivity in PD patients compared to healthy controls (HCs) by applying eigenvector centrality (EC) measures across different frequency bands. Results: Our findings revealed significant differences in EC between PD patients and HCs in the alpha (8–12 Hz) and beta (13–30 Hz) frequency bands. To go into further detail, in the alpha frequency band, PD patients in the frontal lobe showed higher EC values compared to HCs. Additionally, we found statistically significant correlations between EC measures and clinical impairment scores (UPDRS-III). Conclusions: The proposed results suggest that MEG-derived EC measures can reveal important alterations in brain connectivity in PD, potentially serving as biomarkers for disease severity
Balancing sustainability and circular justice: The challenge of the energy transition
No full textThe shift to renewable energy is no longer an option but a critical need for addressing climate change. Nevertheless, it frequently culminates in exacerbating existing socioeconomic disparities, disproportionately affecting already vulnerable communities. This study examines the intersection of the circular economy (CE), the energy transition, and justice concerns through a literature review of 169 publications. By employing a comprehensive approach to analyse the environmental and social implications of renewable energy generation, distribution, and waste treatment, it advocates for circular justice as a framework to mitigate the disparities that arise from such a shift. The findings emphasise the necessity of an inclusive strategy that incorporates distributive, procedural, and recognitional justice into circular energy practices. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of developing evaluation tools that balance sustainability with social equity, thereby promoting a decarbonised future that is equitable for all, globally inclusive, and resilient. Policymakers and industry leaders should advocate for social frameworks that guarantee equitable participation and outcomes, moving beyond an exclusive focus on resource efficiency. Looking ahead, future research should concentrate on advancing technologies that support sustainable, inclusive energy transitions on a global scale. Aligning technological innovation with justice is essential to ensure that the transition to a carbon-free future benefits all, particularly those who have been historically marginalised
