University of Bari Aldo Moro
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Leuconostoc mesenteroides strain MS4-derived bacteriocins: A potent antimicrobial arsenal for controlling Xylella fastidiosa infection
No full textXylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca (Xfp) currently presents a serious threat to agriculture in Europe and in the Mediterranean, following its discovery in several countries. Addressing this bacterial plant disease with traditional agricultural practices and management strategies has proven inadequate, highlighting the urgent need for effective and environmentally safe antibacterial solutions. In this study, we explored the antibacterial activity of the lactic acid bacterium Leuconostoc mesenteroides strain MS4-derived bacteriocins against Xfp, utilizing a combination of in vitro and in planta experiments. In particular, the cell-free precipitate (CFP) derived from strain MS4 culture in MRS broth, suppressed Xfp growth on BCYE agar plate, whereas protease K-treated CFP was inactive, highlighting the presence of antimicrobial compounds of proteinaceous nature. Additionally, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy analyses showed that the CFP exhibits a bactericidal effect on Xfp cells, characterized by membrane disruption and subsequent cellular damage. The whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis revealed that MS4 genome consists of a circular chromosome of 1860,891 bp and a circular plasmid of 37,317 bp and most importantly to encompass six bacteriocin-encoding genes, with a peptide size ranging from 45 to 59 amino acids. MALDI-TOF/TOF MS and RPLC-ESI-MS assays performed on cell-free supernatant (CFS) confirmed the secretion of four (out of 6) bacteriocins (denoted MK-45, MR-53, MW-56, and MG-58) by MS4 in MRS broth. In spot assays, these bacteriocins displayed significant lethality against Xfp, with a minimum lethal concentration between 0.2 and 0.4 mg/mL. The application of CFP on Xfp-infected Nicotiana benthamiana plants, implemented both as preventive and curative approach, successfully controlled the infection, resulting in no visible symptoms 40 days post-inoculation. The finding of MS4 as a natural source of various potent bacteriocins against Xfp, coupled with a significant production under low-cost and uncomplicated laboratory conditions, make of MS4 a cost-effective and realistic option for sustainable management of Xf-related diseases
Tunneling nanotubes between bone marrow stromal cells support transmitophagy and resistance to apoptosis in myeloma
Get PDFMultiple myeloma (MM) flourishes within the bone marrow (BM), a
metabolically unique microenvironment with pronounced spatial
oxygen-glucose gradient
Femtosecond laser techniques for fabrication of QTF and tailoring of its optical properties for gas sensing applications
Get PDFThis Ph.D. thesis reports on the development of femtosecond (fs) laser machining processes fabrication of QTF and tailoring of its optical properties for gas sensing applications . Pursuing such a strategy would allow for the exploitation of many advantages of fs-laser processing such high precision and quality of processing, low environmental impact and flexible production processes.
The issue related to the transparency of quartz in the 1 to 5 μm range has been addressed by developing a blackening approach for quartz crystals. This strategy consists in the laser surface texturing of the target material, in order to enhance its optical absorption in a particular wavelength range. In particular, a femtosecond pulsed laser was used to create matrices-like patterns on the surfaces of quartz crystal wafers. These matrix patterns were designed to reduce and flatten the quartz transmittance across the wavelength range of interest. Finally, a proof of concept was demonstrated by implementing two laser-textured QTF as photodetector in a LITES setup for detection of two water vapor absorption features at 1.39 μm and 7.38 μm.
An environmental-sustainable method for QTF prototype production was developed through direct laser cut of quartz wafers exploiting femtosecond laser ablation. This activity was performed in collaboration with the FOLAS Lab research group in their facilities at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at University of Ljubljana. This method exploited a milling channel approach to cut through the complete depth of the target wafers. This process was characterized as function of the femtosecond laser working parameters and was then employed for the cut of actual QTFs. The resonant properties of the laser-cut devices were evaluated experimentally by means of photoacoustic excitation and they were found to be comparable both to their simulated behavior and to the performances of standard QTFs, thus confirming the validity of this manufacturing technique
Ho ancora le mani per scrivere. Testimonianze dal genocidio a Gaza
No full textTestimonianze dal genocidio a Gaza.
Quarantaquattro traduttori, tra docenti di lingua araba nelle università italiane e altri esperti, hanno tradotto i testi inclusi in questo libro con l’intento di offrire al lettore sprazzi di vita tanto spesso oscurati dai mezzi di informazione. Si tratta della raccolta di duecentoventidue storie brevi di persone che dall’interno della Striscia di Gaza raccontano l’ultimo genocidio, quello ancora in corso. Sono testimonianze di persone semplici, operai e contadini, disoccupati e casalinghe, medici e infermieri, scrittori e accademici: i lutti, lo sfollamento, la vita sotto i bombardamenti, le emozioni, le paure, le preoccupazioni per i figli e per i propri cari
Intelligenza Artificiale e educazione alla politica. Dal pensiero calcolante allo spirito meditante
No full textAnalizzando l’avvento pervasivo dell’Intelligenza Artificiale e utilizzando
il “Dilemma dei Tre Corpi” quale analogia per discutere la complessa
interrelazione tra avanzamento tecno-scientifico, mutamenti socioculturali e
ruolo della paideia civile, l’articolo esplicita la necessità di superare una citizenship
education calcolante e adattiva, promuovendo uno pensiero meditante
atto a governare l’innovazione algoritmica, orientandola verso nuove forme
di coesistenza uomo-macchina.Analysing the pervasive advent of Artificial Intelligence and
employing the “Three Body Problem” as an analogy to discuss the intricate
interrelation between techno-scientific advancement, sociocultural shifts, and
the role of civic paideia, the article explicates the necessity of transcending a
calculating and adaptive citizenship education, promoting a meditative thinking
capable of governing algorithmic innovation and orienting it towards new
forms of human-machine coexistence
Optimizing Tenebrio molitor powder as ingredient in breadmaking: Impact of enzymatic hydrolysis on dough techno-functional properties and bread quality
No full textEdible insects have garnered significant attention due to their potential to provide high-quality proteins,
nevertheless, despite the appealing composition, their large-scale utilization still needs improving. In this study,
a two-step enzymatic treatment with Alcalase® and Flavourzyme® was set up to improve protein bioaccessibility
and digestibility of Tenebrio molitor powder (TMP) and a first comprehensive analysis of its
impact on bread’s nutritional and technological properties was performed. An integrated approach, including the
combination of electrophoretic and chromatographic techniques was used to monitor the proteolysis extent.
During the treatment, peptide concentration changed in the first few hours of treatments (increasing significantly
from 145 to 439 mg/g). A modification of the protein profile was also observed, whereas a 7-fold increase of free
amino acids was found by the end of the hydrolysis. The treatment also affected TMP emulsifying capacity,
foaming activity, as well as other techno-functional properties. Since these changes led to hypothesizing a
positive influence on leavened products volume and nutritional quality, breads fortified with TMP were produced
using mixture-process experimental design. Substitution reduced bread dough viscosity, nevertheless, fortified
breads had higher protein, lipid, and ash contents than the control, meeting EU nutritional claim requirements
for protein content. The use of enzymatic treated TMP provided a higher content of proline and arginine, and a
different volatile organic profile, with higher concentrations of amino acids catabolism products (2-methylbutanal,
3-methylbutanal, and 2-pentylfuran). The fortification also impacted bread visual-textural features
(hardness, color) in a more pronounced manner as the inclusion rate increased
Optimization of irrigation and fertigation in smart agriculture: An IoT-based micro-services framework
No full textEfficient management of water and fertilizer resources is crucial for achieving sustainability and productivity in agriculture. This paper presents an AI-powered microservices solution that optimizes irrigation and fertigation practices. The proposed system integrates IoT nodes for real-time data collection on environmental conditions, soil moisture levels, and nutrient crop needs. Fertigation and irrigation decision-making are modeled as a data-driven sequential decision problem. At each decision stage, real-time data serve as input to an AI planning model aimed at satisfying nutrient and water demands while minimizing water and fertilizer waste. The system allows supervision by the farmer through a mobile app and a Digital Twin, enabling the design of crop planting layouts and providing detailed information on real-time decisions implemented in the field, as well as water and fertilizer consumption. The proposed solution manages diverse crop species with distinct water and nutrient requirements. Efficient data exchange is facilitated through a push-pull communication paradigm between the IoT nodes and cloud services. This approach offers several benefits, including greater control over data flow, energy savings, and increased flexibility in resource management
LA TRANSIZIONE GREEN E LE “NUOVE” ECONOMIE
No full textL’articolo esamina l’importanza del fenomeno della transizione green capace di modificare il tradizionale paradigma economico ormai non più sostenibile. La sua evoluzione è l’economia circolare che intende realizzare obiettivi che consentono di aumentare il benessere, non solo in termini di guadagno, ma anche in termini di capitale umano, sociale e culturale superando le esternalità del processo produttivo tradizionale. Ciò ha comportato l’esigenza di trovare nuovi “modi” di fare economia, che realizzano in pieno la transizione verde e che siano più vicini all’uomo e ai bisogni dell’uomo. In questo contesto si inserisce l’economia sociale e solidale e l’orange economy. La prima si fonda su attività dove i soggetti agiscono in favore di altri non per la pretesa di una ricompensa ma per l’aspettativa che questi ultimi, in futuro, si possano adoperare a loro vantaggio, basandosi sui doveri di solidarietà. L’altra si basa sulle attività culturali e creative che producono ricchezza e posti di lavoro senza inquinare e senza consumare materie prime.The article examines the importance of the green transition phenomenon, which is able to change the traditional economic paradigm since it is no longer sustainable. The evolution is the circular economy, which allow to increase the welfare, not only in terms of earnings, but also in terms of human, social and cultural capital by overcoming the externalities of the traditional production process. This has led to the emergence of founding new “ways” to do business that can fully realize the green transition and that can be closer to man and man’s needs. In this context, the “social and solidarity economy” and the “orange economy” have been included. The first one is based on activities where individuals act in favor of others not because of the expectation of a reward but because of the expectation that, in the future, the others can work for their benefit, because of the importance of solidarity. The other one is based on cultural and creative activities which can produce richness and new jobs without polluting and without consuming raw material
Devices for minimally invasive liver parenchyma transection: the SICE (Italian Society of Endoscopic Surgery) Italian and International survey
No full textBackgrounds Minimally Invasive Liver Surgery (MILS), encompassing laparoscopic (L-MILS) and robotic (R-MILS) approaches, has revolutionized liver surgery, offering reduced morbidity, shorter hospital stays, and improved outcomes while maintaining oncological efficacy. Despite the widespread use of L-MILS, parenchyma liver transection techniques and devices remain debated. This study investigates the adoption of transection devices (TDs) in MILS among 86 hospitals, focusing on surgical practices, device utilization, and outcomes. Methods The Italian Society of Endoscopic Surgery (SICE) endorsed a cross-sectional internet-based survey targeting general and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary surgeons. Results Responses from 86 centers revealed that 77% of institutions is available a robotic platform, with an adoption rate of 87.50% in high-volume centers. L-MILS remains the predominant technique for liver resections, also in case of major hepatectomies, although R-MILS is increasingly utilized. For minor L-MILS, more than 50% of respondents use ultrasonic shears and electrosurgical pencil and advanced bipolar devices, while about 40% of surgeons adopt Cavitronic Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator (CUSA) in major resections. R-MILS procedures predominantly used Maryland bipolar forceps and vessel sealers, with hybrid techniques (30%) integrating laparoscopic devices (e.g., CUSA) to address robotic device limitations. Conclusion The minimally invasive approach to liver parenchymal transection is a key component of this surgical procedure. For major hepatectomies, the CUSA device remains the most effective tool, whereas ultrasonic shears, electrosurgical pencil, and advanced bipolar devices are more suited for minor resections. Despite limited access to specialized instruments, R-MILS achieves favorable outcomes in liver transection by employing the crash-clamp technique or hybrid strategies
A Greener Vascular Surgery: A Survey of Current Green Practices
No full textObjective: Climate change is an environmental emergency. With healthcare systems contributing to 5% of carbon emissions globally, environmental sustainability is an important consideration when delivering surgical services. This survey aimed to understand current green practices across vascular centres. Methods: A survey on routine sustainable practices and the feasibility of implementing greener practices was developed between the Vascular and Endovascular Research Network and the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland. The survey was delivered using the Qualtrics online survey tool and distributed through mailing lists and social media. The survey was open to completion by all vascular healthcare professionals internationally. Responses were collected between 02/06/2023 and 15/09/2023. Results: 115 vascular healthcare professionals across 14 different countries responded. Disposable theatre materials were used in 85% (98/115) of respondents' centres. Most centres used electronic patient records (investigation requests (76%; 85/112), observation charts (81%; 91/112), prescriptions (74%; 83/112)). Paper recycling policies were available in 52% (58/112) of respondents' centres. All the respondents agreed that vascular surgery can be greener. 80% (92/115) of respondents reported environmental sustainability was never discussed in departmental meetings and 24% (28/115) reported their department engaged with management to implement more sustainable practices. Barriers to change included finance (77%; 89/115), competing priorities (84%; 97/115) and lack of engagement (82%; 94/115). Conclusion: This survey identified areas where vascular services could be more environmentally friendly, including reducing the use of disposable materials and improving recycling. Vascular health professionals are largely supportive of implementing changes to reduce the carbon footprint