University of Bari Aldo Moro
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No full textIl volume nasce dal progetto “Terza Missione e Responsabilità Sociale delle Università per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile dei Territori” (bando CUIA 2024) e raccoglie contributi di studiose e studiosi del Dipartimento di Ricerca e Innovazione Umanistica dell'Università di Bari e della Universidad Nacional de La Matanza per indagare, in chiave interdisciplinare e internazionale, la Terza Missione come dimensione trasformativa dell’università nell’orizzonte della sostenibilità. Dopo il quadro teorico-storico (dall’università imprenditoriale alla co-creazione per la sostenibilità), i saggi offrono casi e analisi: l’esperienza argentina del Programa Vincular e le tensioni tra funzione critica e imperativo assistenziale; il progetto “Egnazia” come laboratorio permanente che integra ricerca, didattica e valorizzazione; il Festival “Michael” quale modello di reti transnazionali e impatti socio-economici. Emergono sfide (valutazione degli impatti, risorse, culture organizzative) e opportunità (Agenda 2030, tecnologie digitali), verso un rinnovato patto sociale tra università e società
New insights into Pseudomonas syringae species complex causing leaf spots and bunch necrosis on table grape in Puglia
No full textPseudomonas syringae is described as a species complex including different pathovars and the related species and acting as plant pathogens and beneficials. In 2025, fields surveys were conducted in 22 vineyards located in Bari province of cvs. Allison (1), Autumn Crisp (3), Italia (3), Ivory (1), Jack's Salute (1), Red Globe (6), Regal (1), Ruby Rush (1), Scarlotta (1), Sweet Globe (3), and Superior (1) at the phenological stages from BBCH55 (Inflorescences swelling, flowers closely pressed together) to BBCH75 (Berries pea-sized, bunches hang). Symptomatic shoots, leaves and bunches showing respectively black streak, leaf spots and bunch necrosis were sampled and bacteria were isolated on nutrient agar medium. Bacterial colonies were obtained from 'Red Globe' and 'Sweet Globe' showing leaf spots and bunch necrosis. The colonies were transferred to King B medium, and the fluorescent ones were transferred to hypersucrose medium, where two main groups of isolates were observed. One showed levaniform colonies, addressing P. syringae pv. syringae (Pss), and the other convex colonies with yellow mucoid material, addressing Pseudomonas viridiflava. All were negative to oxidase test and positive to the tobacco hypersensitivity test. Conversely to Pss, P. viridiflava isolates were also positive to potato soft rot test. All isolates were inoculated on grape leaves and wide necrotic area appeared after 48 h. 16SrDNA-BLASTn analysis confirmed the morphological and biochemical identification. In conclusion, we report that Pss and P. viridiflava are associated with leaf spots and bunch necrosis on table grapes, and their management should be considered in crop protection strategies
The Imaging of Primary Fallopian Tube Carcinoma: A Literature Review
No full textSimple Summary Primary Fallopian tube carcinomas (PFTCs) are rare gynecological malignancies that are notoriously challenging to diagnose at an early stage due to their nonspecific symptoms and their resemblance to ovarian cancer. This review consolidates current knowledge on their clinical presentation and diagnostic approaches, with specific emphasis on strategies of imaging for the early identification of the disease. By synthesizing existing evidence, we highlight how enhanced diagnostic awareness and refined imaging protocols can improve early detection. These findings aim to improve the recognition of early-stage Fallopian tube malignancies, thereby advancing patient care and guiding future research in gynecologic oncology.Abstract Primary Fallopian tube carcinomas (PFTCs) are rare malignancies that are often misclassified as ovarian cancers due to overlapping clinical and pathological features. This frequent misdiagnosis contributes to the under-recognition of PFTCs, which account for a larger proportion of pelvic malignancies than historically reported. The central aim of this literature review is to highlight the critical importance of and methods for achieving an early diagnosis of Fallopian tube cancer, to improve patient outcomes. We classify benign and malignant fallopian tube neoplasms and evaluate the essential role of clinical evaluation and advanced imaging techniques, considering especially ultrasound, MRI, and PET-CT, in achieving an accurate and timely diagnosis. While histopathology remains the gold standard, imaging is pivotal for differentiating benign from malignant tubal lesions. This review details clinical manifestations, diagnostic pitfalls, and the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to management. We conclude that advancing early detection through refined diagnostic criteria is essential to guiding effective, patient-specific therapeutic interventions
OLIVANDER: a counterfactual-based method to generate adversarial Windows PE malware
No full textArtificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming cybersecurity practices thanks to the amazing accuracy performance achieved with several AI-based malware detection systems. However, several recent studies have shown that AI decision models can be vulnerable to adversarial attacks. In malware detection scenarios, adversarial attacks are realistic manipulations of existing malware, which preserve the executable and malicious behaviour but evade the malware detection measures. In this study, we consider Windows Portable Executable (PE) malware, which is currently trending to prominent malware types, and we show that counterfactual explanations can be used to drive the generation of realistic adversarial Windows PE malware to evade AI-based detection. In particular, the proposed method OLIVANDER works in a black-box manner, which is the most restrictive attack option, as the evasion method interacts with the target decision system to evade by merely knowing the model input and output. The evaluation study explores the effectiveness of the proposed evasion method in terms of evasion ability, efficiency of computation, and attack transferability compared to two state-of-the-art evasion methods. In addition, the performed evaluation accounts for performances on commercial anti-malware systems
The Intimate Life of Computers: Digitizing Domesticity in the 1980s by Reem Hilu (review)
No full textThe 1980s marked a crucial transition for personal computing.
As technology became cheaper and more portable, new uses were discovered for what had once been the exclusive domain of research institutes and companies
I nove dell’Orsa maggiore. La svolta giovane del cineromanzo
No full textLa pratica editoriale dei cineromanzi ha un’ampia diffusione sul territorio italiano all’inizio degli anni Cinquanta: fratelli minori dei più noti fotoromanzi, questi rotocalchi propongono ai lettori e alle lettrici trasposizioni a fumetti delle pellicole cinematografi che coeve, ricorrendo a fotogrammi e fotografi e di scena. Nonostante gran parte dei cineromanzi di quel decennio si rivolgano a un pubblico femminile, promuovendo trasposizioni di film melodrammatici e sentimentali, alcune testate si differenziano tanto per i contenuti proposti, quanto per il pubblico di riferimento. Tra queste, un caso significativo è quello di "Orsa Maggiore. Fotosettimanale di film per la gioventù". Il periodico, pubblicato per soli nove numeri tra aprile e giugno 1956, ha infatti il merito di ripensare il formato del cineromanzo, alla luce di un target giovane. Il presente saggio mira a riflettere sull’avventura editoriale di "Orsa Maggiore", ponendo l’attenzione su tre aspetti: le politiche che guidano la selezione dei lungometraggi trasposti; le strategie di adattamento che guidano il passaggio dallo schermo alla carta; le rubriche di accompagnamento che, in una sorta di virtuale controcanto, offrono uno sguardo reale (o presunto tale) sul pubblico
Data-Driven Innovations in Food Safety: The Role of AI and Big Data in METROFOOD-IT
No full textThe growing complexity of global food supply chains, coupled with stringent demands for safety, authenticity, and regulatory compliance, necessitates innovative approaches leveraging advanced technologies. METROFOOD-IT addresses these challenges by integrating cutting edge analytical techniques such as NIR/IR spectroscopy, GC-MS, and microbiome sequencing with a dedicated High-Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure (Urania), optimized for machine learning (ML) and big data analytics. Practical applications demonstrate the system's effectiveness, from detecting olive oil adulteration using deep learning to verifying PDO products through interpretable AI techniques. The implementation of Explainable AI methods ensures transparency in predictive models, addressing both scientific rigor and consumer trust requirements. The METROFOODIT approach not only enhances current quality control measures but also provides a scalable model for future applications in the agri-food sector, setting new standards for data-driven food analysis and regulatory compliance. The findings underscore the project's potential to reshape industry practices while maintaining scientific accountability and operational efficiency
Effectiveness of GLP-1RA according to different type 2 diabetes phenotypes: A retrospective study
Get PDFAims: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a heterogeneous disease, with varying pathogenetic mechanisms influencing treatment response. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) offer clear metabolic benefits in T2D, but interindividual variability in response is observed. This retrospective study investigated whether GLP-1RA effectiveness varies by T2D phenotypes (severe insulin-deficient diabetes [SIDD], severe insulin-resistant diabetes [SIRD], mild obesity-related diabetes [MOD], mild age-related diabetes [MARD]) and assessed predictors of HbA1c reduction. Materials and Methods: Individuals attending the Endocrinology Unit at the University Hospital Policlinico Consorziale in Bari, Italy, between 01 January 2014, and 31 August 2024, were evaluated for participation. T2D phenotypes were assigned using the algorithm by Bello-Chavolla. The primary outcome was the difference in HbA1c change from baseline among phenotypes, and predictors were identified using SHAP and multivariable regression. Time to treatment failure (HbA1c >7.0%) was estimated with Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results: Among 181 patients, SIDD individuals yielded a significantly greater HbA1c reduction (−2.6%[1.9]) versus other phenotypes (p < 0.0001). Baseline HbA1c was the strongest predictor of HbA1c reduction. SIDD was linked to faster treatment failure (HR 3.69, 95% CI 1.37–9.94;p < 0.01), but this effect disappeared after adjustment for baseline HbA1c. Conclusion: This study adds to the emerging evidence against the hard clustering approach to T2D phenotyping in terms of response to treatment and time to treatment failure, particularly with GLP-1RA
WHOLE-GENOME SEQUENCING AND PHENOTYPING OF NEGLECTED AND UNDERUTILIZED VEGETABLE MELONS FROM THE SALENTO DIVERSITY CENTRE (SOUTHERN ITALY)
No full textThe species Cucumis melo L. includes two neglected and underutilized vegetable crops, cucumber
melon (C. melo subsp. melo var. chate) and snake melon (C. melo subsp. melo var. flexuosus). In
particular, cucumber melon was highly popular in Mediterranean civilizations during Antiquity
and the Middle Ages, whereas today its cultivation is largely confined to the Apulia Region
(southern Italy), especially the Salento area. Here, we describe the collection and characterization
of thirteen cucumber melon and two snake melon populations from Salento, locally known as
meloncella, spuredda and cucummaru. Whole-genome resequencing of DNA pools was conducted
to investigate genetic diversity within and between populations. Notably, the cucumber melon
population UBGCMC111, which is widely cultivated and traded, exhibited the lowest
heterozygosity, likely due to strong selective pressure exerted by farmers. Genetic analyses
revealed the divergence of UBGCMC111 and another population, UBGCMC053, which originates
from a unique area in Salento with historical linguistic and cultural ties to Greek heritage. Despite
some unique patterns of variation, the two snake melon populations clustered together with
cucumber melons, suggesting an overall genetic similarity between the chate and flexuosus
botanical varieties. A total of 1,307 alleles were found to be fixed and private to different
populations under study, potentially valuable for their traceability. Among them, one allele,
specific to the population UBGCMC111, was associated with a gene putatively involved in fruit
development and morphogenesis, which might explain its characteristically deeply grooved
pepos. In addition, two alleles, specific to the population UBGCMC124, were associated with
genes putatively involved in photosynthesis, possibly related to its distinct pale green pepos.
Replicated field trials enabled germplasm characterization for morpho-agronomic traits, and the
selection of superior populations for yield potential and earliness. Overall, this study safeguards
valuable C. melo genetic diversity from further genetic erosion. Additionally, it provides genomic
and phenotypic data, laying a foundation for integrating largely unexplored genetic resources
into mainstream agrifood systems and breeding programs
Caratterizzazione biochimica e ruolo fisiologico dei membri della famiglia dei trasportatori mitocondriali
No full textI mitocondri sono organuli essenziali per la produzione di energia nelle cellule eucariotiche, composti da una membrane mitocondriale interna ed una esterna, separate da uno spazio intermembrana.
I carriers mitocondriali (MC) sono proteine codificate da geni nucleari, localizzate prevalentemente nella membrana mitocondriale interna ed adibite al trasporto di metaboliti importanti, che costituiscono una grande famiglia (MCF) di trasportatori della membrana mitocondriale interna con caratteristiche strutturali ben definite. Nonostante siano stati identificati 53 membri della famiglia MCF in H. sapiens, 58 in A. thaliana e 53 in S. cerevisiae, molti rimangono ancora sconosciuti.
La prima parte di questo lavoro si concentra sulla caratterizzazione biochimica dell’isoforma 1 del trasportatore ADP/ATP di A. thaliana (AtAAC1) e sull'identificazione del suo ruolo fisiologico nelle piante, investigando anche il possibile coinvolgimento del carrier aspartato/glutammato (AGC) di uomo e D. melanogaster nel trasporto di GABA. AtAAC1, precedentemente studiato, è stato meglio caratterizzato utilizzando il metodo EPRA, che evidenzia caratteristiche biochimiche di proteine non ancora investigate. Studi fisiologici hanno mostrato che una ridotta espressione di AAC1 compromette la concentrazione di ATP, l'ultrastruttura mitocondriale e la crescita delle radici, ma anche le fasi vegetative e riproduttive, con un ridotto numero di foglie e massa delle rosette e un aumento della dimensione delle silique e del peso dei semi. Ciò sottolinea l'importanza di questo trasportatore, la cui funzione non può essere compensata da altre isoforme di AAC o trasportatori di nucleotidi adenilici, e permette di comprendere gli effetti della partizione subcellulare degli adenilati, dall'ultrastruttura allo sviluppo e alla riproduzione della pianta.
Studi precedenti in D. melanogaster hanno suggerito che AGC potesse essere responsabile dell'accumulo di GABA nei mitocondri. Il GABA, un importante neurotrasmettitore inibitorio nel sistema nervoso di invertebrati e vertebrati, svolge un ruolo fondamentale nella proliferazione, migrazione e differenziazione delle cellule staminali neurali. Il suo metabolismo cellulare coinvolge compartimenti ben definiti e per la sua degradazione viene trasportato nella matrice mitocondriale. Poiché il trasportatore di GABA non è stato ancora identificato, in questo studio si è testato il trasporto di GABA mediato dalle isoforme umane e di D. melanogaster di AGC, utilizzando lo stesso approccio sperimentale della caratterizzazione di AtAAC1. I risultati mostrano che le isoforme di splicing in D. melanogaster (Aralar1-PA e Aralar1-PE) e le isoforme umane (AGC1/aralar1 e AGC2/citrin) non trasportano GABA né in omoscambio né in eteroscambio con glutammato o aspartato, e che il GABA non inibisce le loro attività di scambio. Perciò, AGC non è deputato al trasporto di GABA.
Nella seconda parte si è studiata la composizione lipidica mitocondriale delle cellule deprivate di proteine coinvolte nei processi di fusione mitocondriale, OPA1 e mitofusine1/2. Utilizzando la HILIC-ESI-HR MS, è stato analizzato il profilo dei fosfolipidi mitocondriali delle cellule MEF prive di OPA1 e mitofusine. Sono state identificate 157 composizioni sommarie diverse tra quattro principali classi di fosfolipidi - fosfatidilcoline, fosfatidiletanolamine, fosfatidilinositoli e cardiolipine. I dati ottenuti hanno rivelato una diminuzione delle specie alchil/acil in fosfatidilcoline e fosfatidiletanolamine e un aumento delle catene acil-insature in tutte le classi di fosfolipidi nei knockout rispetto al WT. Questi risultati suggeriscono un rimodellamento del profilo dei fofolipidi, coerente con i cambiamenti nell'ultrastruttura mitocondriale e con un alterato trasporto di fosfolipidi dal reticolo endoplasmatico ai mitocondri quando le proteine di fusione vengono meno.Mitochondria are dynamic organelles, essential for metabolic energy production in eukaryotic cells, consisting of inner and outer mitochondrial membranes separated by an intermembrane space. Mitochondrial carriers (MCs) belong to a family of eukaryotic transporters, known in higher organisms as the solute carrier family 25 (SLC25), which are mostly localized in the inner mitochondrial membrane and catalyze the exchange of important metabolites. MCs exhibit typical sequence features. To date, 53 members of MCF have been identified in Homo sapiens, 58 in Arabidopsis thaliana and 35 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Despite this, many MCF members remain uncharacterized. The first part of this work focuses on the biochemical characterization of AAC1 (ADP/ATP carrier isoform 1) from Arabidopsis thaliana and the identification of its physiological role in plants, but it also investigates the possible involvement of human and D. melanogaster AGC (aspartate/glutamate carrier) isoforms in GABA transport into mitochondria by direct transport assays. AtAAC1, previously studied, has been best characterized here using the EPRA method, able to highlight biochemical features of protein never investigated before. Physiological studies showed that reduced AAC1 expression impairs cellular ATP concentration, mitochondrial ultrastructure and root growth. These effects also affect vegetative and reproductive stages, with reduced leaf number and rosette mass and increased silique size and seed weight. This highlights the importance of AAC1, that cannot be compensated by other AAC isoforms or adenine nucleotide carriers, and establish a framework for understanding the systemic effects of impaired subcellular adenylate partitioning, from subcellular ultrastructure and physiology to overall plant development and reproduction. Regarding AGCs, previous studies in Drosophila melanogaster suggested a putative role for mitochondrial AGC in promoting GABA accumulation in mitochondria. GABA, a key inhibitory neurotransmitter in invertebrate and vertebrate nervous systems, plays a role in neural stem cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Its cellular metabolism involves well-defined compartments and its uptake from the cytosol into the mitochondrial matrix is required for degradation. Since GABA carrier remains unidentified, this study tested GABA transport by D. melanogaster and human AGCs using the same approach as for AtAAC1. Results show that D. melanogaster spliced AGC isoforms (Aralar1-PA and Aralar1-PE) and human AGC isoforms (AGC1/aralar1 and AGC2/citrin) do not transport GABA in homo- or in hetero-exchange with glutamate or aspartate, nor does GABA inhibit their exchange activities. Thus, AGC isoforms are not responsible for GABA transport, leaving the mitochondrial GABA transporter unidentified in humans and D. melanogaster. The second part of this work studies mitochondrial lipid composition in cells depleted of proteins involved in mitochondrial fusion processes, specifically optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) and mitofusins 1 and 2 (Mfn1/2). Using Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography (HILIC) combined with Electrospray Ionization-High Resolution MS, the mitochondrial phospholipid (PL) profile of MEF cells lacking OPA1 and Mfn1/2 was analyzed. 157 different sum compositions across four main PL classes-phosphatidylcholines (PCs), phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), phosphatidylinositols (PIs), and cardiolipins (CLs)–were identified. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses of HILIC-ESI-MS data revealed a decrease in alk(en)yl/acyl species in PC and PE classes and an increase in unsaturated acyl chains across all PL classes in knockout cells compared to WT MEF lines.These findings suggest a reshaping of the PL profile, consistent with changes in mitochondrial ultrastructure and an altered PLs transport from ER to mitochondria when fusion proteins are depleted