University of Bari Aldo Moro
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La riforma del lavoro pubblico tra cahiers de doléances e principi fondativi
No full textIl saggio ripercorre il dibattito che ha investito la “tenuta” del sistema costruito dalla riforma del lavoro pubblico – dai bilanci più superficiali che riducono la privatizzazione a una mera unificazione della disciplina applicabile,
alle censure più radicali che ne disconoscono i risultati –, che viene ridimensionato a fronte dell’invarianza dei suoi principi fondativi e delle sue linee strutturali nel corso del processo riformatoreThe essay retraces the debate that has affected the “staying power” of the system built by the reform of public employment - from the most superficial evaluation that reduce privatization to a mere unification of the applicable discipline, to the most radical censures that ignore its results -, which is redimensioned in the face of the invariance of its founding principles and its structural lines during the reform process
Long term (TEN YEARS) follow-up in a trembling patient with parkinsonian signs without dopaminergic denervation
No full textSome patients presenting with Parkinson's disease (PD)-like features do not exhibit dopaminergic denervation, complicating clinical categorization. This case report describes a patient with a long-standing upper limb action tremor accompanied by parkinsonian signs, but without evidence of dopaminergic denervation, followed over an extended period of ten years. The case highlights the diagnostic challenges and underscores the importance of longitudinal observation in such atypical presentations. A 76-year-old man with tremor and parkinsonian features was followed for ten years with clinical observation, video recordings, kinematic movement analysis, and structural and functional neuroimaging, including DaT-SPECT. Clinical and kinematic evaluations revealed asymmetric upper limb action tremor, inconstant rest tremor, bradykinesia with sequence effect, re-emergent tremor, and progressive motor symptoms. Over time, tremor extended to cranial regions, and mild dystonic postures emerged. Structural neuroimaging ruled out secondary causes, and DaT-SPECT remained negative despite symptom progression. Dopaminergic therapy was ineffective, while propranolol and clonazepam provided partial relief. This case highlights that parkinsonian motor features − such as re-emergent tremor and bradykinesia with sequence effect − can manifest and progress over time in patients with tremor, even in the absence of dopaminergic denervation. These findings underscore the need for further research into the role of the dopaminergic system in trembling patients. Moreover, they emphasize the importance of long-term follow-up and the integration of biomarkers to enhance the characterization and diagnostic accuracy of tremor syndromes
Enhancing active aging through exercise: a comparative study of high-intensity interval training and continuous aerobic training benefits
No full textIntroduction: As global life expectancy increases, the importance of maintaining health and functional independence in older adults becomes paramount. This study investigates the comparative effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Continuous Aerobic Training (CAT) on physical fitness, cognitive function, and overall wellbeing in older populations. Methods: This review analyzed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on older adults (aged 60–85) engaged in High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Continuous Aerobic Training (CAT). Key metrics included cardiovascular fitness, measured via VO2 max tests and 6-minute walk tests; muscle strength, assessed using handgrip dynamometry and sit-to-stand tests; and cognitive performance, evaluated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Trail Making Tests (TMT). Mental health was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and quality of life was measured with the SF-36 Health Survey. A total of 18 RCTs were included. Results: Across the reviewed studies, both HIIT and CAT produced significant health benefits in older adults. HIIT led to a 15%–20% increase in VO2 max, a 12% improvement in muscle strength, and a 10%–15% enhancement in cognitive function, particularly in memory and executive tasks (MoCA scores). HIIT also reduced fall risk by 23%, likely due to its impact on dynamic balance and coordination. CAT, meanwhile, improved aerobic capacity by 10%–15% and was particularly effective in reducing depressive symptoms by 5%–10%, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). CAT also showed moderate benefits for mental wellbeing and mood regulation. Discussion: While both HIIT and CAT show significant short-term benefits, their long-term effects need more exploration. HIIT has demonstrated sustained improvements in VO2 max and cognitive function for up to 6 months, but its long-term impact on age-related decline is unclear. CAT offers lasting benefits for aerobic capacity and mental health, though more data are needed on its effect on long-term functional independence. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to assess the durability of these benefits and explore combining HIIT and CAT for optimal outcomes. Additionally, using wearable technology to track adherence and progress could provide valuable insights
LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY AND AI IN THE EU: A CHALLENGE AND A DRIVER FOR LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES: THE CASE OF FRENCH LANGUAGE
No full textThis proposal follows from a classroom activity involving students learning French as a foreign language. It concerns the use of YouTube’s speech-to-text tool in order to transcribe automatically oral speech and to revise it in the post-editing process with students. Speech-to-text tools will be considered as a driver for developing new innovative learning opportunities for foreign languages in the EU at a university level. Nevertheless, this opportunity could only be experimented if a language is written and gathers a linguistic repository for all levels of communication. In the EU, all the official languages are recognised and have the same rights in the official communication, but the same does not concern regional and/or minority languages, nor other languages spread in the EU. Hence, after drawing the status of the EU languages and the functioning of speech-to-text tools, it will be shown that the most represented language in AI is English, despite many other official or non-official languages. The discussion that will be presented deals with the respect of linguistic rights and diversity in the EU, and with the way in which EU initiatives may contribute to it, also by developing proper AI technologies
Trattatistica e gestione del demanio regio. Ipotesi per un confronto tra Regno di Sicilia e Regno d’Inghilterra nel secolo XIII
No full textQuesto studio analizza la gestione del demanio regio nei regni di Sicilia e Inghilterra nel XIII secolo, con particolare attenzione alle politiche economiche e ai quadri giuridici. Si esaminano le innovazioni nell’organizzazione e nel controllo del territorio messe in atto da Federico II in Sicilia, come l’espansione del demanio regio e il recupero
dei beni ad esso spettanti. Lo studio esplora anche le strategie implementate per rafforzare l’autorità reale, comprese l’espansione territoriale, la subordinazione dei legami feudali e la colonizzazione. Sono discussi inoltre i metodi di gestione delle risorse del dominio, come l’affitto indiretto e la gestione centralizzata del bestiame. Infine,
si analizza l’ipotesi di una trasmissione diretta del modello tardo-antico dall’Opus di Palladio, mediata dall’ordine cistercense, trovando metodi analoghi di gestione del dominio nel contesto inglese grazie alla figura del vescovo Pietro Des Roches
Capturing the transition from intermediate to neovascular AMD: Longitudinal changes in choroidal volume and choroidal vascularity index
No full textBackground: To perform a three-dimensional assessment of the choroid, including choroidal volume and choroidal vascularity index (CVI), during the transition from intermediate to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and following anti-VEGF therapy. Methods: A total of 42 participants (42 eyes) with intermediate AMD at baseline who developed neovascular AMD within 3 months were included in the analysis. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans at follow-up visits (after transition to neovascular AMD and 12 months after the initiation of anti-VEGF therapy) were compared with values at the latest visit with evidence of intermediate AMD to quantify longitudinal choroidal changes. Enhanced depth imaging (EDI) OCT scans were analyzed to obtain the following metrics: (i) choroidal volume, (ii) choroidal stromal volume, (iii) choroidal vascular volume, and (iv) CVI. Results: At baseline, the mean (median; IQR) choroidal volume (i.e., including both the stromal and vascular components) was 0.156 mm3 (0.149; 0.065), increasing to 0.163 mm3 (0.148; 0.068) at the follow-up when treatment-naïve exudative MNV was first detected (p = 0.013). After 12 months of anti-VEGF therapy, it returned to near-baseline levels at 0.156 mm3 (0.146; 0.065; p = 0.457). Similarly, the choroidal stromal and choroidal volumes increased at MNV detection but returned to baseline after treatment. Conversely, no alterations in CVI were observed between the baseline and follow-up visits. Conclusion: The transition from intermediate to exudative neovascular AMD is associated with a significant increase in choroidal volume, affecting both stromal and luminal components. After anti-VEGF treatment, these changes regress, returning to baseline levels
LA GIURISPRUDENZA EUROPEA IN MATERIA DI DATI PERSONALI: CONTINUITÀ, INNOVAZIONE E PROSPETTIVE DOPO LA SENTENZA MOUSSE
No full textLa tutela dei dati personali rappresenta un tema centrale nell'ordinamento europeo, caratterizzato da un continuo confronto tra esigenze investigative e diritti fondamentali. Questo saggio analizza le principali pronunce giurisprudenziali in materia, mettendole a confronto critico con la sentenza C-394/23 del 2025 (Mousse), per tracciare l'evoluzione del quadro normativo e giurisprudenziale riguardante la protezione dei dati personali. L'indagine approfondisce le implicazioni di tale evoluzione sia in termini di salvaguardia della privacy sia nel bilanciamento con l'innovazione tecnologica, offrendo un contributo al dibattito accademico e giuridico sulle modalità di interpretazione e applicazione del Regolamento Generale sulla Protezione dei Dati (RGPR) nei contesti commerciali e tecnologici
Empagliflozin Repurposing for Lafora Disease: A Pilot Clinical Trial and Preclinical Investigation of Novel Therapeutic Targets
No full textBackground: Lafora disease (LD) is an ultra-rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder with limited therapeutic options. Current treatments primarily address symptoms, with modest efficacy in halting disease progression, thus highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. Gene therapy, antisense oligonucleotides, and recombinant enzymes have recently been, and still are, under investigation. Drug repurposing may offer a promising approach to identify new, possibly effective, therapies. Methods: This study aims to investigate the conditions for repurposing empagliflozin, an SGLT2 (sodium/glucose cotransporter-2) inhibitor, as a potential treatment for LD and to establish a clinical protocol. Clinical phase: This 12-month prospective observational study will assess the safety and clinical efficacy of empagliflozin in two patients with early to intermediate LD stage. The primary endpoints will include changes in the severity of epilepsy and cognitive function, while the secondary endpoints will assess motor function, global function, and autonomy. Multiple clinical and instrumental evaluations (including MRI and PET with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose) will be performed before and during treatment. Safety monitoring will include regular clinical assessments and reports of adverse events. Preclinical phase: In silico studies (using both molecular docking calculations and reverse ligand-based screening) and in vitro cell-based assays will allow us to investigate the effects of empagliflozin (and other gliflozins) on some key targets likely implicated in LD pathogenesis, such as GLUT1, GLUT3, glycogen synthase (hGYS), and glycogen phosphorylase (GP), as suggested in the literature and digital platforms for in silico target fishing. Results: The expected outcome of this study is twofold, i.e., (i) assessing the safety and tolerability of empagliflozin in LD patients and (ii) gathering preliminary data on its potential efficacy in improving clinical and neurologic features. Additionally, the in silico and in vitro studies may provide new insights into the mechanisms through which empagliflozin may exert its therapeutic effects in LD. Conclusion: The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence in support of the repurposing of empagliflozin for the treatment of LD
Physicochemical profiles of mixed ruminal microbes in response to surface tension and specific surface area
No full textIntroduction: In ruminants, a symbiotic rumen microbiota is responsible for supporting the digestion of dietary fiber and contributes to health traits closely associated with meat and milk quality. A holistic view of the physicochemical profiles of mixed rumen microbiota (MRM) is not well-illustrated. Methods: The experiment was performed with a 3 x 4 factorial arrangement of the specific surface area (SSA: 3.37, 3.73, and 4.44 m(2)/g) of NDF extracted from rice straw and the surface tension (ST: 54, 46, 43, and 36 dyn/cm) of a fermented medium in a fermentation time series of 6, 12, 24, 48 h with three experimental units. Here, we used three rumen-fistulated adult Liuyang black goats as the rumen liquid donors for this experiment. Results: It was found that increasing SSA decreased the average acetate/propionate ratio (A/P, p < 0.05) and increased the molarity of propionate (p < 0.05). Increasing ST decreased total volatile fatty acid (tVFA) concentration (p < 0.01). Greater SSA increased (p < 0.01) MRM hydrophobicity, whereas increasing ST increased MRM cell membrane permeability (p < 0.01). The neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD, r = 0.937) and tVFA (r = 0.809) were positively correlated with the membrane permeability of MRM. Discussion: The surface tension of the artificial medium and substrate-specific surface area had a significant influence on MRM's fermentation profiles, hydrophobicity, and permeability. The results suggest that physical environmental properties are key in regulating rumen fermentation function and homeostasis in the gastrointestinal tract ecosystem
Exosomes from Adipose Tissue Mesenchymal Stem Cells, a Preliminary Study for In Vitro and In Vivo Application
No full textMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), particularly their secreted exosomes, small microvesicles, represent a major focus in regenerative medicine due to their therapeutic potential. Exosomes exhibit growth factors and cytokines and are loaded with microRNAs (miRNA) and short interfering RNA (siRNA) that can be transferred to other cells, potentially affecting their function. Exosomes are crucial mediators of intercellular communication, are immunomodulatory, and are promoters of tissue regeneration. Despite their promise, the standardized methods for exosome isolation and characterization remain weak. This exploratory study addresses this gap by detailing an effective method for isolating exosomes from adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs), emphasizing precipitation as a technique yielding a high efficiency and purity compared to other methods. Functionally, we aimed to confirm the AT-MSC exosomes’ ability to exert an effective protective activity on the skin and its main components, such as fibroblasts, collagen, and elastin. To achieve this goal, we had to demonstrate that AT-MSC exosomes are safe and free of toxic substances. They can express specific proteins such as CD9, CD63, and CD81, which are well-known exosome markers. These exosomes also contain key miRNAs, including miRNA-203 A, miRNA-203 B, and miRNA-3196, important for skin regeneration, as well as enhancers of cell integrity and proliferation. We eventually confirmed the ability of exosomes to exert protective and recovery effects on fibroblasts after H2O2-induced damage in vitro, as well as on mouse skin after UVB-induced damage in vivo. These effects were verified by measuring levels of reactive oxidative species (ROS), assessing SA-β-Galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity, analyzing the cell cycle, evaluating the telomere length of fibroblasts by RT-PCR, and conducting histological assessments of collagen and elastin structure in murine skin after UVB exposure. This exploratory work provides valuable insights into the isolation, characterization, and bioactive and reparative properties of exosomes from AT-MSCs, supporting their development for future studies and therapeutic applications