University of Bari Aldo Moro
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Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in G3 gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: a missed opportunity for European patients?
No full textNo abstract availabl
High Concordance of E-Nose-Derived Breathprints in a Healthy Population: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
No full textHighlights: What are the main findings? E-nose breathprints in healthy subjects exhibited high concordance, with 138 out of 139 individuals clustering closely together, demonstrating low variability. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) explained 97.15% of the variance, reinforcing the stability of e-nose-based breath signatures under controlled conditions. What is the implication of the main finding? This study supports the feasibility of e-nose standardization, as breathprints from healthy individuals are reproducible and show minimal variability. Findings pave the way for clinical applications, suggesting that e-nose technology could reliably differentiate between normal and pathological breath signatures. Exhaled breath analysis using electronic noses (e-noses) is a promising non-invasive diagnostic tool. However, a lack of standardized protocols limits clinical implementation. This study evaluates the consistency of breathprints in healthy subjects using the Cyranose 320 e-nose to support standardization efforts. Breath samples from 139 healthy non-smoking subjects (age range 18–65 years) were collected using a standardized protocol. Participants exhaled into a Tedlar bag for immediate analysis with the Cyranose 320. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to reduce data dimensionality, and K-means clustering grouped subjects based on breathprints. PCA identified four principal components explaining 97.15% of variance. K-means clustering revealed two clusters: 1 outlier and 138 subjects with highly similar breathprints. The median distance from the cluster center was 0.21 (IQR: 0.18–0.24), indicating low variability. Box plots confirmed breathprint consistency across subjects. The high consistency of breathprints in healthy subjects supports the feasibility of standardizing e-nose protocols. These findings highlight the potential of e-noses for clinical diagnostics, warranting further research in diverse populations and disease cohorts
Development of a portable qPCR assay for early detection of Plasmopara viticola specie complex
No full textDowny mildew is a devastating grapevine disease worldwide caused by the oomycete Plasmopara
viticola. In its native area, five cryptic species have been identified and the aestivalis clade is
apparently the unique present in Europe, including southern Italy. A on-field quantitative
SybrGreen®-based PCR (qPCR) assay for detection and quantification of P. viticola complex was
developed employing an on-site molecular lab station (Generon S.p.A., San Prospero (MO), Italy).
A primer set (PLAV19) was designed to target the ITS1 region of the pathogen. Three primer
concentrations (200, 300 and 400 nM) and three annealing temperatures (56, 58 and 60°C) were
evaluated and 200 nM primer and an annealing temperature of 58°C yielded the most efficient and
specific amplification. Under these conditions, the assay showed a limit of detection (LoD) of
1.5 fg μL−1 of P. viticola DNA, corresponding to a quantification cycle (Cq) value of 34. Specificity
tests conducted using a panel of more than twenty grapevine pathogens and beneficial
microorganisms, and seven table grape cultivars, showed no evidence of unspecific amplification.
The assay was further validated using sporangia suspensions of P. viticola at 6 different
concentrations (from 105 to 100
) confirming its high sensitivity (even 1 sporangia). On-field P.
viticola quantitative detection was carried out on grape leaves and inflorescences with unspecific
symptoms, bunches with larvata-like symptoms, as well as on capture-spores tape, confirming the
validity of the protocol for early, rapid and accurate pathogen detection, which can be useful for
improving sustainable and effective management of downy milde
Advancing blind hyperspectral unmixing in remote sensing: comparing deep-inspired subspace learning methods
No full textHyperspectral imaging has rapidly become a key technology in modern remote sensing, enabling the acquisition of hundreds of contiguous spectral bands per pixel. This rich spectral information allows for the precise identification and characterization of materials even at a sub-pixel level. However, due to limited spatial resolution, each pixel often represents a mixture of multiple materials. As a result, advanced hyperspectral unmixing (HU) techniques are essential to accurately separate and interpret these mixed spectral signatures.
In this paper, we present a comprehensive overview of blind HU techniques, with an emphasis on the latest advancements in subspace learning methods. This broad category includes both Deep Nonnegative Matrix Factorization (DNMF) and approaches based on Autoencoder (AE). Our analysis covers the underlying theoretical principles, highlight key architectural differences, and assess practical implementation aspects of both approaches. Through extensive experiments on various benchmark datasets and real-world PRISMA satellite imagery, we evaluate the performance of DNMF and AE-based methods in terms of endmember extraction, abundance estimation, and computational cost. Our results offer insights into the relative strengths and trade-offs of these two deep-inspired paradigms, providing practical guidance for method selection in hyperspectral-based applications
Evaluation of the Economic Effects of Special Economic Zones, Free Trade Zones and Port Quality
No full textThis paper highlights the territorial importance of the presence of SEZs (Special Economic Zones) and FTZs (Free Trade Zones), the effects generated in macroeconomic terms, and the relevance of some contextual variables. Some research questions were asked regarding how relevant the presence or absence of SEZs/FTZs is for the purposes of attracting Foreign Direct Investments, the consequent income generated by them, the impact on foreign trade, and on the “quality of exports.” These elements are investigated to detect the magnitude of the importance of the presence of SEZs/FTZs, along with a positive and welcoming context represented by variables like GDP (Gross Domestic Product), population, taxation burden, and port endowment, which are sometimes taken for granted and not quantified jointly econometrically
Le emozioni come chiavi di lettura (del disagio) della società: a proposito dell'ultimo lavoro di Eva Illouz
No full textL'articolo si propone di presentare in modo selettivo l'ultimo lavoro di Eva Illouz prestando particolare attenzione al modo in cui l'autrice rivendica per la sociologia delle emozioni una rilevanza impensabile fino a qualche tempo f
Unlocking the potential of the low FODMAP diet: comprehensive insights into clinical efficacy, microbiome modulation, and beyond
No full textIntroduction: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) present significant challenges for both pediatric and adult populations. The low FODMAP diet (LFD) has gained prominence as an evidence-based dietary intervention, offering symptom relief for abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. However, concerns about adherence, nutritional adequacy, and long-term safety remain critical, particularly in pediatric populations. Areas covered: This narrative review examines the nature and physiological impact of FODMAPs, focusing on the practical application of the low-FODMAP diet (LFD) in adults and pediatric gastroenterology. Particular attention is given to emerging insights into its impact on gut microbiota and long-term safety. Expert opinion: While LFD effectively alleviates symptoms in FGIDs and functional symptoms in IBD, its restrictive nature demands professional supervision to mitigate nutritional risks. For pediatric patients, adherence and reintroduction protocols require optimization. Further research into personalized dietary approaches and microbiome-targeted strategies could enhance the clinical utility of the LFD, ensuring its long-term safety and efficacy for diverse patient groups
From Science to Dressing Room: Dietary Supplements for Elite Soccer Performance
No full textPurpose: The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the effects of commonly used dietary supplements on soccer performance and to bridge the gap between scientific evidence and their practical application by practitioners working with elite soccer players. Methods: Relevant literature involving dietary supplement use in soccer players was identified through searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Additionally, insights were gathered from a cross-sectional online questionnaire completed by practitioners (nutritionists, physicians, sport scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, and heads of performance) working with first-division men’s teams across five European leagues. Eligible respondents were over 18 years old with >2 years of experience in elite sport. The 20-question survey, designed on Qualtrics and pilot-tested for content validity, covered practitioner background, beliefs about supplementation, and real-world practices. The study was approved by the Ethical Independent Committee in Genoa, Italy (Ref. 2020/12). Results: Among performance-enhancing supplements, caffeine has been shown to improve endurance, sprint performance, power, and cognitive function, while creatine consistently enhances short-duration, high-intensity efforts. Beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate help reduce the buildup of acidity in muscles during repeated high-intensity exercise, supporting repeated sprint performance. For hydration and endurance support, dietary nitrates improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles, and glycerol enhances fluid retention in hot environments and during compressed match schedules, where players compete in multiple matches within a short recovery window. Regarding recovery aids, protein and tart cherry supplementation have been shown to accelerate recovery, reduce muscle damage, and support training adaptations. Field insights revealed that creatine and caffeine were widely adopted by practitioners (>90%), with protein powders also commonly recommended (>80%). In contrast, beta-alanine, tart cherry, and dietary nitrates were only partially integrated into daily practice (30%, 32%, and 48.5%, respectively), while sodium bicarbonate (24%) and glycerol (10.5%) were used by a minority. Conclusions: Although scientific evidence provides a strong foundation for the efficacy of dietary supplements, their translation into elite soccer practice is shaped by a range of practical factors, including cultural resistance, taste preferences, gastrointestinal side effects, established team routines, and individual player preferences. These findings highlight the importance of targeted education for players and staff, individualized supplementation plans, and close collaboration between nutritionists, coaches, and medical teams. However, our survey did not directly assess reasons for non-implementation. In addition to practical barriers reported by practitioners, unfamiliarity with current evidence likely contributes to this evidence–practice gap
Exploring relief for Behçet’s disease refractory oral ulcers: a comparison of TNF inhibitors versus apremilast
No full textObjectives: Oral and genital ulcers are the hallmark manifestation of Behçet’s disease (BD), significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Our study focuses on comparing the effectiveness and safety of TNF inhibitors (TNFis) and apremilast in controlling oral ulcers of BD, aiming to provide evidence-based guidance for physicians in selecting appropriate treatment modalities. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on BD patients treated between December 2016 and December 2021 with TNFis or apremilast for refractory oral ulcers. The study assessed treatment response by the absence of oral ulcers at 3 and 6 months, with additional evaluations for genital ulcers and articular involvement. Results: The study included 78 patients, equally allocated between TNFis and apremilast treatments. Both groups showed significant oral ulcer reduction at 3 (P < 0.001) and 6 months (P 1⁄4 0.01), with no significant difference between the treatments. Apremilast had a notable CS-sparing effect by the 3-month follow-up, persisting through 6 months. Both treatments were equally effective in reducing genital ulcers, with TNFis showing greater effectiveness in addressing articular involvement. Apremilast had a higher discontinuation rate due to gastrointestinal side effects. Conclusion: TNFis and apremilast are both effective for treating BD refractory oral ulcers. While TNFis may offer broader benefits for other disease manifestations, apremilast is distinguished by its CS-sparing effect, especially for patients with a milder disease phenotype. Treatment selection should consider individual disease severity and clinical features to ensure a personalized and effective management strategy
Updating of traditional groundwater budget and recharge assessment by using the APLIS method for the karst Scirca spring (Central Italy)
No full textA comparison between the values of mean annual recharge to the karst Scirca spring (Umbria-Marche Apennines, Central Italy), estimated by the Turc method
and the multi-parametric APLIS method, was carried out. The APLIS method was first used to evaluate the aquifer recharge in the 1959–2001 period, as for this
interval the spring water budget was previously evaluated by using the Turc formula. The results of both methods were compatible with each other. According to the discharge data available at the time, the Turc method indicated that the water surplus was about 65% of rainfall and that about 14% of water surplus was converted into runoff. The recharge calculated by the APLIS method for the same period corresponds to 62% of rainfall, roughly matching the mean annual discharge. The comparison among the two methods was repeated for the 2010–2022 period, since in the former analysis there were uncertainties about the natural spring discharge and the evaluated mean annual rainfall. The Turc method was used to evaluate mean annual evapotranspiration (ETR) in 2010–2022. ETR, estimated by adding to the rainfall amount the snow contribution, resulted to be 38% of the mean annual precipitation. The mean annual water surplus is therefore 62% of precipitation and equals the mean annual discharge of Scirca spring. According to these new results, runoff is therefore negligible. Mean annual recharge was then determined by APLIS. Results indicate that the percentage of annual precipitation contributing to recharge is 61%, very close to the mean
annual discharge of Scirca spring and to the water surplus determined by the Turc method