University of Bari Aldo Moro
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Grape pomace as a valuable source of nutraceuticals in Deep Eutectic Solvents ready-to-use extracts
No full textAgro-industrial waste represents one of the main causes of global environmental pollution. For this reason, the valorization of these by-products through their reuse as sources of bioactive compounds is a challenging aim of research and industry. In this work, two varieties of grape pomace (Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot) were selected for solid-liquid extraction with employment of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as sustainable green media, using hydroalcoholic solutions as references. Extracts obtained from both fresh and dried grape pomaces were chemically characterized for their phenolic profiles through HPLC-DAD, and eight out of fifteen phenolic compounds, selected as standards, were detected and quantified. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated in vitro through the DPPH photometric assay. Choline Chloride/Urea (1:4 mol/mol + 40% water) extracts have been the most promising in this regard. Moreover, our extracts exhibited good antibacterial activities, in particular for the Betaine/Lactic acid (1:4 mol/mol + 40% water) DES ones. Starting from this evidence, seventeen different red and white grape pomaces were then extracted with four previously selected DESs and the phenolic profile of the resulting extracts was again characterized by HPLC-DAD. The samples with the most promising bioactivity, namely Merlot and Sangiovese extracted with Betaine/Lactic Acid (1:4 mol/mol + 40% water) and Choline Chloride/Ascorbic Acid (2:1 mol/mol + 40% water), were additionally characterized by LC-ESI-TOF-MS, while bioavailability and antimicrobial studies are now ongoing, with the final aim to employ these products as ready-to-use food and/or feed supplements
The new frontiers of Brand Engagement
No full textThe main problem in today's economies appears to be the overcapacity of
most production sectors, where it is the customers, and not the products,
that are in short supply; in other words, the real problem today is demand
and not supply.
Savvy companies need to develop brands that precisely define promises
and at the same time work to deliver and realise them, always looking for
new value to add to what they deliver to the customer, thus fuelling
customer satisfaction.
The brand strategies of companies operating in international markets
today tend to be increasingly affected by the globalisation phenomenon.
In the past, companies operating in such markets were inclined to develop
different strategies in relation to the country in which they were called
upon to compete. Today, however, they tend to develop marketing policies
aimed at the growth of global brands, i.e. linked to the same positioning
in all markets. It is a matter of affirming and developing, on a global level, positive brand
attitudes. All the activities that the company implements contribute to the
creation of the brand image, not only actions strictly related to the
corporate product, but also choices that closely relate to the corporate
brand, such as, for example, corporate choices with a view to
environmental sustainability and support for society.
The advantage of benefiting from a global image does not only refer to the
important economies of scale that result from an integrated brand
management. Managers regard the global image as an essential advantage
for the brand management itself.
In recent years, the debate on the role of innovation in branding policies
to interface with the market has been reinvigorated. In fact, it is precisely
from the growing interest shown by both the academic and managerial
worlds that various strands of study have taken off, from which emerges
the attempt to integrate and criticise the founding theory.
The crowded commercial scenarios of the contemporary scene, together
with intra-trade competition11 and the progressive spread of specialised
production know-how, have led to a natural updating of the concepts of
brand and quality
Presenza, caratterizzazione genetica e suscettibilità agli antimicrobici di specie batteriche responsabili di compromissione delle performance riproduttive in due razze asinine a rischio di estinzione: Martina Franca (Italia) e Andalusia (Spagna).
No full textNel contesto dell'economia verde, l'allevamento degli asini sta suscitando un rinnovato interesse grazie alla loro adattabilità a nuove forme di produzione, tra cui carne, latte, pelli, onoterapia e turismo, favorendo così la crescita di piccole imprese rurali.
Un elemento importante nello studio dei patogeni è l'analisi MLST (Multilocus Sequence Typing), utile per definire i diversi Sequence Types (STs) a cui appartengono gli organismi isolati, al fine di comprendere meglio i modelli di evoluzione genetica e le correlazioni epidemiologiche dei patogeni, fornendo una base per lo sviluppo di strategie efficaci di prevenzione e controllo. Inoltre, l'analisi WGS (Whole Genome Sequencing) consente di prevedere un profilo di resistenza antimicrobica tramite l'identificazione dei geni coinvolti in questo processo.In the context of the green economy, donkey breeding have been garnering renewed attention due to their suitability for new forms of production, including meat, milk, hides, onotherapy, and tourism, thereby allowing for the growth of small rural businesses.
Important in the study of pathogens is MLST analysis for the definition of the different Sequence Types (STs) to which isolated organisms belong, to better understand the genetic evolutionary patterns and epidemiological correlations of pathogens and provide a basis for the development of effective prevention and control strategies. In addition, WGS analysis gives the possibility of predicting an antimicrobial resistance profile through the identification of genes involved in this process
Spatial dataset of the project ModLand - Open sites dating to the Copper (4th - 3rd mill. BCE) and Bronze Ages (2nd mill. BCE) in Southeast Italy
No full textSpatial dataset of the project ModLand - Granted MUR_SoE - Next Generation EU Host Institution: DIRIUM, University of Bari Aldo Moro. Open sites dating to the Copper (4th - 3rd mill. BCE) and Bronze Ages (2nd mill. BCE). It includes excavated open-air sites, which refer to settlements and/or related functional areas—such as cooking structures—that may indicate settlement or human activity there, as well as surface collections. Data have been collected from available literature and recently published web-dataset. Caves have not been included
Establishing the ELIXIR Microbiome Community
No full textMicrobiome research has grown substantially over the past decade in terms of the range of biomes sampled, identified taxa, and the volume of data derived from the samples. In particular, experimental approaches such as metagenomics, metabarcoding, metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics have provided profound insights into the vast, hitherto unknown, microbial biodiversity. The ELIXIR Marine Metagenomics Community, initiated amongst researchers focusing on marine microbiomes, has concentrated on promoting standards around microbiome-derived sequence analysis, as well as understanding the gaps in methods and reference databases, and identifying solutions to the computational overheads of performing such analyses. Nevertheless, the methods used and the challenges faced are not confined to marine microbiome studies, but are broadly applicable to other biomes. Thus, expanding this Marine Metagenomics Community to a more inclusive ELIXIR Microbiome Community will enable it to encompass a broader range of biomes and link expertise across ‘omics technologies. Furthermore, engaging with a large number of researchers will improve the efficiency and sustainability of bioinformatics infrastructure and resources for microbiome research (standards, data, tools, workflows, training), which will enable a deeper understanding of the function and taxonomic composition of the different microbial communities
An overview of the FreeStyle Libre monitoring system for individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes
No full textIntroduction: Diabetes is a chronic disease with high prevalence, necessitating advanced technology to achieve glycemic targets and reduce complications. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has become a cornerstone in diabetes management, with the Freestyle Libre (FSL) systems being some of the most widely used devices. Areas covered: This review focuses on FSL systems, each including an all-in-one sensor and transmitter, a handheld reader and a Mobile Medical App (MMA). Glucose data are uploaded to a dedicated cloud-based platform for analysis. Over the years, FSL has evolved with new features offering valuable support for individuals with diabetes, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Clinical trials and real-world studies have demonstrated efficacy and safety across diverse populations, including individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, adolescents, and pregnant women with diabetes. Expert opinion: FSL is a user-friendly system that meets the needs of patients and healthcare providers. The MMA allows a review of glucose metrics and pattern identification, and supports educational strategies and patient-tailored treatment. Future advancements, including ketone monitoring, integration with wearables and other devices, and telemedicine applications, will further optimize diabetes care and prevention
Dalla Nuova Programmazione al PNRR. Un progetto per una nuova politica di sviluppo nel nuovo contesto globale
No full textA trent’anni dalla fine dell’Intervento Straordinario e venticinque dalla elaborazione e messa in cantiere della “Nuova Programmazione” (NP) abbiamo bisogno
di elaborare un nuovo paradigma per quelle che sono state ribattezzate politiche di
coesione. Partendo anche dal nome che forse dovrebbe aderire più precisamente
all’unico obiettivo legittimo delle politiche territoriali, quello della crescita e dello
sviluppo. In questa ricerca dobbiamo partire dagli elementi più chiari di fallimento
del paradigma precedente e tenere conto delle situazioni di contesto. Il disegno
del nuovo sistema, quindi, non può prescindere dai risultati della letteratura sulle
politiche di sviluppo territoriale e in particolare da una puntuale disamina dei
fallimenti della politica di coesione in Italia. L’idea che la politica di coesione sia
fallita in Italia per mancanza di supporto politico o di finanziamenti è a dir poco
curiosa. Delle varie politiche economiche che il nostro Paese ha realizzato, nessuna
ha avuto una continuità, una struttura assicurata dal finanziamento e dal Quadro
Europeo, ed il vantaggio di essere amministrata dagli stessi soggetti che l’avevano
progettata, così a lungo. La distrazione di fondi, che pure è avvenuta, tuttavia non
ha mai generato situazioni di mancanza di fondi. Al contrario gli obiettivi di spesa
nei vari cicli di rendicontazione sono sempre stati centrati a livello europeo solo
in extremis, e sui fondi nazionali mai centrat
HIV-related outcomes among migrants living in Europe compared with the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textBackground Compared with the general population, international migrants arriving in Europe face severe socioeconomic challenges that result in higher HIV prevalence and limited access to health care, potentially leading to negative outcomes. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the incidence of HIV- related outcomes among international migrants arriving in Europe compared with the incidence among the general population.
Methods We did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify studies investigating HIV-related outcomes in migrants and the general population living with HIV in Europe. Six authors (EDV, VP, VS, SDG, MC, and RN) independently searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from database inception until July 22, 2023 (with an update on March 3, 2024), then screened titles and abstracts of all potentially eligible articles. Studies were included if they were observational studies; investigated clinical, virological, or immunological outcomes in migrants living with HIV; were conducted in Europe; had at least one control group of non-migrants living in a European country; and were in English. Titles and abstracts were screened for eligibility followed by a full-text assessment by two authors (EDV, VP, VS, SDG, MC, or RN). Data were extracted from articles using a structured Redcap form. Primary outcomes of our systematic review were (1) mortality, (2) AIDS-defining condition, (3) combined outcome of AIDS or death, (4) treatment discontinuation, (5) rate of loss to follow-up, (6) virological failure, and (7) immunological failure. Data were reported as relative risks (RRs) or odds ratios with their 95% CIs. The study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42024501191.
Findings Of the 1316 articles identified (1297 in the initial search and 19 in the updated search), 18 were included in our systematic review, consisting of 104 597 participants who were followed up for a mean of 86·6 months. The meta- analysis, adjusted for potential confounders, showed that migrants present similar mortality risk (RR 0·88, 95% CI 0·75–1·04), but higher risk for AIDS-defining conditions (1·21, 1·11–1·31), treatment discontinuation (2·39, 1·49–3·29), loss to follow-up (2·53, 1·41–4·53), and virological failure (1·93, 1·34–2·52) compared with the general population. Subanalyses for WHO regions showed that risk was driven mainly by migrants from the African region.
Interpretation Compared with the non-migrant population, migrants living in Europe with HIV face higher risks for progression to AIDS, loss to follow-up, treatment discontinuation, and virological failure. Interventions aimed to improve HIV care among migrants living in Europe are urgently needed
Interventions to support breastfeeding among mothers living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Get PDFBackground. Breastfeeding improves infant survival, especially in low-resource settings. Although the risk of postnatal transmission is below 1% among virologically suppressed mothers living with HIV, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates and retention in HIV care remain suboptimal. This review evaluated the effect of non-pharmacological interventions aimed at supporting breastfeeding among people living with HIV (PLWH).
Methods. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to Jan 1, 2025, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing facility- and community- based interventions. Outcomes included any breastfeeding, EBF, maternal-infant retention, and maternal viral suppression. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB2 tool. Data were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis, and evidence certainty was rated using GRADE. The study adhered to PRISMA statements and was registered with PROSPERO, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42025636327.
Findings. Eight RCTs (n=3,715) from South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, and India were included. Healthcare support was associated with a borderline increase in maternal viral suppression (RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.00–1.47), corresponding to 140 more per 1,000 mothers. Pooled interventions improved EBF uptake (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.06–1.80), corresponding to 92 more per 1,000 mothers. Certainty of evidence was low to very low.
Conclusions. Facility- and community-based interventions may increase EBF among PLWH. The main limitation of the included RCT was the absence of blinding. No publication bias was detected. More context-specific trials are needed to assess their impact on HIV-related outcomes
FeNO 350 mL/s: Unlocking the Small Airways to Achieve Clinical Remission in Severe Asthma-A Pilot Study
No full textBackground: Several studies focused on the importance of managing small airways disease in the treatment of severe asthma, whose improvement can improve respiratory symptoms, lung function, and airways inflammation, potentially reaching the objective of clinical remission. Methods: Twenty-five patients with severe asthma and without bronchiectasis were enrolled. They were started on biological therapies with Omalizumab, Dupilumab, Benralizumab or Mepolizumab. Follow-up evaluations were conducted at baseline (T0) and after one year of biological therapy (T1). Assessments included clinical evaluations, spirometry, questionnaires, and inflammatory markers. Results: Predictive analysis identified baseline FeNO 350 mL/s levels as a significant predictor of clinical remission in both univariable and multivariable analysis. Higher FeNO 350 mL/s levels at T0 were associated with an increased likelihood of achieving remission (p = 0.012). The optimal cutoff value for FeNO 350 mL/s was determined to be 18 ppb, based on the Younden Index. Conclusions: Following patients with severe asthma on biological therapy for one year, FeNO 350 mL/s could be used as a predictive factor of clinical remission, highlighting its importance as inflammatory marker not only in small airways disease, but also in predicting clinical remission in severe asthmatic patients