University of Bari Aldo Moro
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A Single Lesson on Dietary Education Improves Dietary Knowledge in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Real-Life Monocentric Italian Study
Get PDFBackground. It is unclear if dietary education may increase adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD). Study aim. We estimated the effect of dietary counseling on nutritional knowledge and adherence to MD in T2D adult patients. Methods. T2D patients who attended the Diabetology Center of the Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda were recruited (April to September 2019) and categorized into two groups: the intervention group (IG), receiving a 2.5-h education, and the control group (CG). The Moynihan questionnaire and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Assessment Questionnaire (MDAAQ) were administered to estimate the overall knowledge and adherence to MD at baseline (T0), 1 week (T1), and 1 month (T2) later. Results. Seventy-two individuals (69.5 ± 8.6 years old) were included in the IG, and 52 (67.7 ± 9.2 years old) were included in the CG. All patients had sufficient dietary knowledge and intermediate adherence to MD at baseline. Those assigned to the IG showed a significant reduction in the Moynihan score from T0 (24.9 ± 2.6) to T1 (20.3 ± 1.8; p < 0.001) and T2 (20.4 ± 2.2; p < 0.001). CG had the same Moynihan score as IG individuals at T0 (24.8 ± 1.8), but their dietary knowledge was unchanged at T1 and T2 (24.9 ± 1.8). MD adherence was similar at each time in the IG, with a MDAAQ score of 4.4 ± 1.7 (T0), 5.1 ± 1.7 (T1), and 5.3 ± 1.8 (T2), and in the CG (T0: 5.1 ± 1.7; T1: 5 ± 1.5; T2: 5.1 ± 1.5). Discussion and Conclusions. The 2.5-h dietary counseling session improves dietary knowledge, but it is not enough to improve adherence to MD
Grape pomace in diets for Podolian and crossbred young bulls: effects on growth performance, meat quality, and economic analysis of meat production
Get PDFThe use of local by-products in diets for beef cattle is a useful tool for circular economy; Apulia is the second Italian region for wine making that leads to the production of great amounts of grape pomace (GP), that has a high nutritional potential due to the presence of many bioactive compounds. Forty-eight male calves were used: 16 purebred Podolian, 16 Limousine × Podolian (L×P) and 16 Marchigiana × Podolian (M×P) crossbreeds. Within each genotype, two homogenous groups of eight animals were made and fed a control diet or a diet containing 20% Grape Pomace (GP). Animals were slaughtered at 600 kg. Podolian young bulls needed a longer period to reach the slaughtering weight, with significant differences as compared to the M×P (p< 0.05) and to the L×P (p< 0.01) bulls. L×P and P young bulls showed a greater GP feed consumption (p< 0.01). The carcasses from L×P young bulls were classified as U, while M×P and Podolian were scored as R. The Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of meat was lowered (p< 0.05) by the dietary inclusion of GP in all the genotypes. Ageing across 3, 9 and 14 days lowered the shear force in raw and cooked meat, that was greater (p< 0.05) in P bulls as compared to the other two crossbreeds; the MDA content of meat (p< 0.05) increased during storage, irrespective of the diet and genotype. The diet containing GP led to a lower (p< 0.05) concentration of palmitic acid, total Saturated Fatty Acids and total Mono Unsaturated Fatty Acids, while increasing (p< 0.01) the concentration of Linoleic acid, total Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids, total n-6 and total CLA (p< 0.05), in all the genotypes. For the M×P crossbred bulls, the GP variation rate was negative, while it was positive for the other two genotypes, showing a range of 0.46% in Podolian young bulls to 2.00% in L×P bulls. This preliminary study confirms the usefulness of dietary inclusion of grape pomace in young bulls’ diet with benefits in terms of economic circularity, and meat production and quality
Circular Economy, Ecological Transition and Taxation Models
No full textFrom a perspective of environmental sustainability and climate neutrality, according to the auspices of the 2015 Paris Agreement, over time, the attention of the European legislator has focused on economic models of production, supporting the transition from a "linear economy" system to a "circular economy" paradigm, also through the use of fiscal lever.
This evolution has been a harbinger of great opportunities, as, in ironing out diseconomies and reducing waste, has favored a virtuous ecological transition and oriented production in the direction of sustainability and respect for the environment, offering economic operators the possibility of becoming more competitive and obtaining considerable advantages.
To this end, the dimension of a promotional taxation cannot fail to assume particular importance, characterized by the metamorphosis from a linear taxation system to a circular taxation paradigm: the first, dominated by the principle of fiscal neutrality, loses sight of the extra-fiscal purposes to attribute importance only to those of revenue, ending up financing expenditure for expenditure and even waste; the second, through the imposition of waste and the use of fiscal eco-incentives, tends to encourage reuse and recycling, fully implementing the circular economy paradigm
A pilot study on the effect of video games on ASD children's mental health and behaviour and oral health management in Syria – 2023
Get PDFThis pilot study investigates the impact of video games on the mental health and behavior of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Syria. With the increasing prevalence of ASD and the growing popularity of video games, understanding the potential benefits and risks of gaming for children with ASD is crucial. The study explores whether video games can serve as a therapeutic tool or if they contribute to behavioral deterioration and addiction.
A sample of 50 children aged 6 to 12 years, diagnosed with ASD according to ICD-11 criteria, participated in the study. Data were collected through structured questionnaires completed by parents, assessing gaming habits, behavioural changes, and the level of video game addiction using the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale - Modified Short Form (IGDS9-SF). The study also evaluated the effects of replacing violent or repetitive games with more creative and interactive options, such as Minecraft and Super Mario Bros.
Results indicated that 90% of the children preferred playing video games over other activities, with boys showing a higher preference for violence and fighting games. Approximately 54% of the children exhibited signs of video game addiction, while 14% were classified as fully addicted. During gameplay, 74% of the children displayed negative behaviors, such as increased aggression and reduced communication. However, after switching to more constructive games, significant improvements in communication, social interaction, and behavior control were observed.
The study concludes that while video games offer potential benefits for children with ASD, including improved social skills, reduced anxiety, and enhanced problem-solving abilities, they also pose significant risks, particularly in terms of addiction and negative behavioral outcomes. The type of game played is a critical factor in determining the impact of gaming on children with ASD. A careful selection of games that promote creativity, cooperation, and cognitive development can help harness the positive aspects of gaming while mitigating its potential harms. This study highlights the need for further research into video game-based interventions tailored specifically for children with ASD, aiming to balance therapeutic benefits with the risks of excessive gaming
UNVEILING THE DARK SIDE OF PHOSPHOLAMBAN: THE ROLE OF CASCADE GENETIC TESTING
No full textIntracellular Ca2+ regulation is critical for cardiac function, with SERCA2a pumping Ca2+back into the sarcoplasmic reticulum for relaxation, counteracted by its reversible inhibitor phospholamban (PLN). Mutations in PLN, such as p.Leu39X, profoundly affect cardiac health. Homozygosity for Leu39X, described only twice in Greece (2001), is extremely rare and causes early–onset dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and heart failure, often requiring transplantation by the third decade. Heterozygotes display incomplete penetrance, with outcomes ranging from normal function to left ventricular hypertrophy or DCM
Investigating Bergamot Essential Oil (BEO) Properties: Cytoprotection in Neuronal Cells Exposed to Heavy Metals and Antibacterial Activities
No full textBergamot [Citrus × limon (L.) Osbeck, syn. C. × bergamia (Risso) Risso & Poit.] is primarily cultivated in the Calabria region of Italy and exploited in the food and perfumery industry. The epicarp of its fruit is a rich source of essential oil (BEO) containing mainly monoterpenes, which are known for their diverse biological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and neuromodulatory effects. Emerging evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD), where it contributes to neuronal dysfunction and cell death. Moreover, heavy metal exposure has been identified as a key environmental factor exacerbating oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in AD. This study aimed to explore whether BEO could mitigate heavy metal (Cd2+, Hg2+, and Pb2+)-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells, a model system for brain cells. MTT and calcein-AM assays were performed to examine the viability of the SH-SY5Y cells after exposure to each heavy metal itself, or in combination with BEO, whereas the LDH assay was carried out to determine the effects of BEO towards necrotic cell death induced by heavy metals. Furthermore, DCFH-DA was performed to determine whether BEO could protect SH-SY5Y from heavy metal-induced oxidative stress. This study also investigated the antibacterial properties of BEO on different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains belonging to the ATCC collection. These results suggest that BEO may help counteract heavy metal-induced neuronal damage, particularly Cd2+ toxicity, potentially reducing one of the environmental risk factors associated with AD. Additionally, its antimicrobial properties reinforce its relevance in preventing infections that may contribute to neuroinflammation in AD
When is the dimension of the sacred ill? When illness is inherent also to the communicative, relational and institutional system of a religious creed
No full textA strong religious drive can be a constitutive element of human identity, not only as it shapes the single subject but
also a whole social, institutional group. Religion, therefore, at the micro and macro level, can give rise to a high
level of awareness which can direct the view of life, orientations, discoveries, intuitions, building of meanings,
prospects for the future. In this way it becomes a fundamental factor in building the group’s idea of reality. However,
when a religious creed is characterized by excessive idealization, dogmatism, fanaticism, rigid hypocritical attitudes,
not to mention a reduced or entirely absent connection with the historicalsocial
context and cultural values, it can
combine and amplify some character traits and psychopathological components in vulnerable, fragile even if not
actually pathological subjects. Extending well beyond the single subject, it can create a maladaptive and deficient
or pathological context at the relational and institutional level. From this viewpoint, the present contribution is
based upon an expert case series investigation that is highly pertinent to the topic, offering points for reflection on
some defective and dysfunctional modes of communication, and on aberrant personal and institutional relationships
that can arise within some religious movements. These modes can aggravate or sometimes provoke situations that
may also have a legal relevance, requiring a technical assessment of an objective criminologicalclinical
and/or
psychologicalpsychiatric
nature to achieve a better understanding not only of the individual but also of the group
or institution
Chimica verde e biocatalisi per procedure sintetiche innovative ed ecosostenibili di API (principi attivi farmaceutici) e integratori alimentari
No full textQuesto progetto di dottorato si è concentrato sullo sviluppo di un metodo innovativo per la sintesi di alcaloidi bis-indolici, utilizzando miscele eutettiche profonde (Deep Eutectic Solvents, DES) come mezzo di reazione. In particolare, è stata ottimizzata la sintesi dell’indirubina, un composto di grande interesse farmacologico, individuando condizioni operative in grado di ridurre l’impatto ambientale rispetto ai metodi tradizionali. Quest’ultima sintesi è stata scalata con successo su scala multi-grammo, dimostrando la fattibilità del processo e il suo potenziale per applicazioni industriali. Inoltre, è stato allestito un impianto pilota per la produzione di indirubina in quantità significative, affrontando e risolvendo criticità come il controllo delle reazioni esotermiche e la gestione della formazione di schiuma. Parallelamente, sono stati sviluppati processi di funzionalizzazione dell’indirubina, sostituendo solventi tossici con altri di origine naturale e semplificando le metodologie di purificazione, con un ulteriore miglioramento in termini di sostenibilità e sicurezza. Un’altra linea di ricerca si è focalizzata sull’elaborazione di un saggio bidimensionale innovativo per l’analisi simultanea della quantità e dell’attività respiratoria dei biofilm, aprendo nuove prospettive sul loro sviluppo e metabolismo. Questo approccio è stato applicato per monitorare la produzione di biofilm e la respirazione cellulare in presenza di DES, che hanno mostrato effetti variabili sulla crescita cellulare e sulla formazione di biofilm.This doctoral project focused on the development of an innovative method for the synthesis of bis-indolic alkaloids using Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) as the reaction medium. Specifically, the synthesis of indirubin, a compound of significant pharmacological interest, was optimized by identifying operational conditions capable of reducing the environmental impact compared to traditional methods. This last reaction was successfully scaled to multi-gram levels, demonstrating the feasibility of the process and its potential for industrial applications. Furthermore, a pilot plant was set up to produce significant quantities of indirubin, thereby addressing and resolving challenges such as the control of exothermic reactions and the management of foam formation. In parallel, functionalization processes for indirubin were developed, replacing toxic solvents with naturally, bio-inspired alternatives and simplifying purification methodologies, further enhancing sustainability and safety. Another research line focused on developing an innovative two-dimensional assay for the simultaneous analysis of biofilm quantity and respiratory activity, opening new perspectives on their development and metabolism. This approach was applied to monitor biofilm production and cellular respiration in the presence of DES, which revealed variable effects on cell growth and biofilm formation
Il Green come elemento di valutazione di impatto delle tecnologie nel setting sanitario .
Get PDFGli ambienti ospedalieri sono stati tradizionalmente progettati per soddisfare esigenze cliniche specifiche, spesso trascurando l’impatto ambientale derivante dalla loro operatività quotidiana. Gli ospedali sono strutture altamente energivore, consumano ingenti risorse naturali e producono rilevanti quantità di rifiuti, contribuendo all’inquinamento ambientale.
In questo contesto si inserisce il presente progetto di dottorato, il cui principale obiettivo è approfondire alcune tematiche relative al modello di Green hospital, ovvero di ospedale pensato o ripensato in termini di sostenibilità. In particolare, i quattro aspetti che saranno oggetto di approfondimento sono il Waste Management in un contesto ospedaliero, impatto ambientale di disinfettanti e sterilizzanti utilizzati in ambiente ospedaliero; procedure di gestione e smaltimento dei prodotti utilizzati per le cure igieniche dei pazienti e analisi di impatto ambientale della gestione delle cartelle cliniche e incremento della sostenibilità ambientale attraverso l’uso della digitalizzazione e l’adozione della cartella clinica elettronica.
Il problema dei rifiuti in ambiente nosocomiale è molto discusso a livello internazionale. Le sale operatorie, insieme ai servizi di endoscopia, le procedure anestetiche e l’emodialisi sono le attività che producono la maggior quantità di rifiuti. Le strategie suggerite partono dalla formazione del personale sanitario e del management. La regola delle 5 R (ridurre, riutilizzare, riciclare, ripensare e ricercare) deve diventare una guida per la gestione dei rifiuti medici.
L’analisi di campo sui profili di tossicità dei disinfettanti e sterilizzanti, utilizzati in ambiente ospedaliero, ha evidenziato importanti lacune nelle informazioni sulla sicurezza per la salute umana e l’ambiente; in particolare, il 31,9% dei prodotti utilizzati dagli ospedali pugliesi e della Basilicata non documenta gli effetti sull’uomo e sull’ambiente in scheda tecnica. Il profilo di tossicità umana evidenzia che gli effetti irritanti sul sistema respiratorio, sulla pelle e sugli occhi sono le reazioni avverse più comuni. Dal punto di vista ambientale, l’assenza di dati degli effetti sugli ecosistemi e sulla vita acquatica evidenzia una lacuna nella nostra comprensione delle conseguenze a lungo termine di questi prodotti.
Nell’indagine sulla gestione e smaltimento dei prodotti per le pratiche adottate nell’igiene del paziente sono emerse differenze significative tra le aree operative, con un quadro di assenza di procedure standardizzate sul tema. Il prodotto più utilizzato risulta il sapone liquido. Per quanto riguarda lo smaltimento dei rifiuti e dei residui, una percentuale significativa del personale sanitario smaltisce i residui nella rete fognaria, sia per pazienti non autosufficienti che autosufficienti. Per quanto riguarda il packaging, i dispenser a muro ricaricabili e i flaconi biodegradabili sono le soluzioni più utilizzate. I risultati di questo studio mettono in luce la necessità di uniformare le pratiche operative attraverso protocolli standardizzati, suggerendo che politiche di approvvigionamento più omogenee potrebbero ridurre le disparità tra le aree operative.
Lo studio sull’analisi di impatto ambientale delle cartelle cliniche e loro digitalizzazione focalizza l’attenzione sul rifiuto “carta” che viene considerato rifiuto speciale e quindi non riciclabile. Dall’analisi campionaria si evidenzia come il numero dei fogli mostra una notevole variabilità tra le UO delle diverse aree cliniche, riflettendo la complessità della documentazione richiesta per la gestione e il monitoraggio dei pazienti. L’analisi dei costi complessivi delle cartelle cliniche evidenzia un impatto economico significativo che ha un peso sulla sostenibilità ambientale e sulla efficienza del servizio erogato col supporto cartaceo
Roadkill in a Mediterranean island: Evaluating ten-years of official records
Get PDFRoadkill is a global issue contributing to biodiversity decline which is increasingly recognized by scientists and decision-makers. In Cyprus, a biodiversity hotspot with one of the highest road densities in Europe, the impact of roads on wildlife has been largely overlooked due to the absence of life-threatening collisions. We analysed data from a 10-year roadkill dataset (2013–2022) collected systematically by the Department of Public Works across 27 main roads, primarily aimed at driver safety. Due to the absence of spatial attributes for roadkill locations, the dataset was analysed to identify taxonomic, seasonal, and temporal roadkill trends in Cyprus for the first time. A total of 1,985 roadkill incidents were recorded, involving seven wildlife taxa: foxes (44%), birds (26%), hedgehogs (11.5%), snakes (7%), hares, rats, and lizards. Most roadkill occurred in the Nicosia district (65%). Statistical analyses using chi-square tests with post-hoc Bonferroni corrections revealed strong associations between road types and taxa. Fox and bird roadkill incidents were most common on highways, while hedgehogs and snakes were frequent on secondary interurban or rural roads. Roads near protected areas exhibited higher roadkill frequencies than highways. A positive relationship between traffic volume and roadkill risk was evident, with higher traffic roads posing greater risks. Seasonal patterns showed increased roadkill during spring and summer, peaking in June. This synthesis provides crucial insights into roadkill patterns, offering guidance for conservation and mitigation actions. However, the current monitoring system, focused on driver safety, is inadequate for comprehensive roadkill reporting. Key limitations, such as the absence of spatial data and weaknesses in the protocol, have been identified, with recommendations for improvement proposed to enhance future monitoring efforts