Archivio Istituzionale della Ricerca- Università degli Studi di Foggia
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The epigenetic mechanisms of ketamine in the treatment of depression: a systematic review
No full textAim: Ketamine antidepressant effects go beyond immediate receptor action, involving lasting transcriptional and epigenomic changes that support its rapid, long-lasting benefits. The present systematic review synthesized existing preclinical and clinical evidence on the epigenetic mechanisms of ketamine in the treatment of depression. Methods: A comprehensive search of three electronic databases was conducted through April 2025. Of 264 records screened, 18 studies met inclusion criteria most of which were preclinical. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251063429). Results: Most preclinical studies (n = 7) consistently showed that ketamine may modulate histone acetylation and methylation, boosting transcription of neuroplasticity-related genes. Six studies implicated non-coding RNAs–particularly microRNAs–in sustaining antidepressant effects. Five studies reported that ketamine reversed promoter hypermethylation in genes linked to synaptic signaling and stress, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor, restoring their expression. These effects were strongest in brain areas key to emotional regulation, like the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, and nucleus accumbens. Indirect epigenetic mechanisms have been implicated in the regulation of circadian clock and inflammatory genes. Conclusions: Ketamine may exert multilayered epigenetic modulation, leading to the reactivation of key neuroplasticity pathways. Although preclinical findings were strong, limited human data highlighted the need for translational studies to determine the clinical relevance of these mechanisms
Time and climate roles in driving soil carbon distribution and stability in particulate and mineral-associated organic matter pools
No full textUnderstanding the accumulation and stability of soil organic matter (SOM) pools as a function of time (i.e., soil age) and climate (i.e., precipitation and temperature) represents a crucial challenge. This study aims at investigating the effect of both climate and time on SOM distribution into particulate and mineral-associated organic matter (POM and MAOM, respectively), using two chronosequences located along a climate gradient. The contribution of POM and MAOM to soil organic carbon (SOC) storage differs between the climo-chronosequences and with depth. The ratio between MAOM and POM pools (MAOM/POM) ranges from 0.9 to 2.0 and from 1.4 to 3.5 in the wetter and cooler and in the drier and warmer chronosequence, respectively. Regardless of the chronosequence, the MAOM/POM ratio increases with depth, highlighting a more important role of the mineral-associated fraction in carbon storage in deeper soils. The concentration of organic carbon in mineral-associated (MAOC) and particulate (POC) pools along the soil profile in the wetter and cooler chronosequence is 2× and 3× higher, respectively, than in soils from the drier and warmer one. In particular, in the wetter and cooler chronosequence, MAOC and POC concentrations decrease with soil age. In the drier and warmer chronosequence, only POC concentration decreases with soil age, whereas MAOC concentration generally increases. The thermal stability of the MAOM fraction increases with soil age and depth only in the drier and warmer climatic conditions, whereas no differences with depth occur in the wetter and cooler chronosequence. Furthermore, the MAOM energy density decreases with soil depth and age in both chronosequences. Independently of the chronosequence, POM represents the most labile pool with higher energy density. In conclusion, time and climate play a different role in SOC distribution between the pools and on their relative stability. Soil age drives MAOM stability in drier and warmer conditions, whereas a wetter and cooler climate determines a higher SOC accumulation in both pools, although these greater carbon stocks are negatively correlated with their stability
The Role Of Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging In Minimally Invasive Rectal Cancer Surgery: Tissue Perfusion And Lymph Node Mapping
No full textBACKGROUND Despite advances in minimally invasive robotic surgery, key challenges persist—
particularly in accurately staging lymphatic spread and assessing anastomotic perfusion. Real-time
fluorescence-guided surgery using intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) has gained popularity in
rectal cancer procedures. This study aims to evaluate whether fluorescence imaging with ICG, can
improve intraoperative identification of lymph nodes and ensure adequate anastomotic perfusion to
reduce leakage risk.
MATERIALS AND METHODS Between September 2020 and December 2024, 40 patients with
rectal cancer underwent minimally invasive anterior rectal resection at the University Unit of
General Surgery, Policlinico of Foggia. All underwent robotic or laparoscopic surgery and were
divided into two groups: Group A received both preoperative peritumoral and intraoperative
intravenous ICG injections; Group B did not receive ICG.
RESULTS The comparative analysis between patients undergoing ICG-guided surgery (Group A)
and those without ICG (Group B) showed trends favoring the ICG group, though most differences
were not statistically significant. Group A had a slightly higher average number of harvested and
positive lymph nodes, and intraoperative ICG fluorescence led to modified lymphadenectomy in
30% of cases and resection margin adjustments in 25%. Group A achieved 100% optimal
mesorectal excision versus 75% in Group B. Notably, no anastomotic leaks occurred in Group A,
compared to a 10% leak rate in Group B, suggesting a possible benefit of ICG in preventing
complications. A Pearson correlation test showed no statistically significant associations, but a
weak positive trend indicates that larger studies may reveal more definitive advantages of ICG-
guided surgery.
CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the feasibility and safety of ICG fluorescence imaging in
minimally invasive rectal cancer surgery. While statistical significance was not consistently
achieved, ICG use was associated with improved lymph node mapping, better mesorectal excision
quality, earlier bowel recovery, and fewer anastomoti
[Impella 5.5®: the latest innovation in the field of left ventricular assist systems]
No full text: The Impella 5.5® (Abiomed Inc., Danvers, MA, USA) is a temporary mechanical circulatory support device utilized for the management of cardiogenic shock. In this review, we outline the device's key features, paying particular attention to its indications and contraindications, the surgical technique for implantation, and potential complications. Additionally, we emphasize the potential benefits of using the Impella as a bridge to left ventricular assistance device implantation, a safe strategy to mitigate the risk of right heart failure
Ageing and wellness tourism: topical prevalence and sentiment map (TPSMap) for quality assessment
No full textWellness tourism for older adults has gained popularity in the hospitality industry, emphasizing relaxation, rejuvenation, and well-being through health-focused amenities. Senior travellers are especially drawn to services that support physical and mental health,
such as accessible facilities and tranquil surroundings. To understand service quality, a
new tool—the topical prevalence and sentiment map (TPSMap)—analyses TripAdvisor
reviews, revealing key areas where hotels can enhance their offerings for older adults.
This analysis highlights seniors’ preferences for peaceful settings, quality lodging, culinary experiences, and accessibility. Accessibility, a critical factor, showed lower sentiment
scores, indicating unmet needs. Improvements in accessibility features and room service
are essential, as they significantly impact senior travellers’ satisfaction. By mapping topics
based on prevalence and sentiment, the TPSMap offers actionable insights for hoteliers
and stakeholders, helping optimize service delivery, enhance customer experiences, foster
loyalty, and meet the specific needs of this demographic, driving long-term success in the
competitive hospitality industry
Recalcitrant macular edema after pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair: risk factors and response to intravitreal dexamethasone implant
No full textIntroduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate risk factors for recalcitrance to topical therapy of post-surgical macular edema (PSME) after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair and its response to intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX-I). Methods: This two-center retrospective study reviewed the charts of pseudophakic patients who had undergone vitrectomy for RRD and experienced PSME within 6 months of surgery. A regression model analyzed the relationship between the recalcitrance of PSME to topical therapy and independent variables, including clinical data, surgical steps, and OCT parameters recorded at 1 month after surgery. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) of eyes with responsive and recalcitrant PSME to topical therapy, the latest treated with DEX-I, were compared over follow-up. Results: Of the 361 eyes screened, 42 (11.7%) experienced PSME. Among those, all the eyes with recalcitrant PSME (21/42) received at least one DEX-I (1.38 ± 0.49 implant). The mean follow-up was 11.9 ± 0.3 months. Disrupted retinal outer layers (p = 0.02) and hyperreflective foci (HRF) (p = 0.01) were linked to recalcitrant PSME. An increased risk for recalcitrance was observed in the presence of HRF (OR: 7.69; IC: 1.31–44.9; p = 0.02). Over follow-up, BCVA and CMT were significantly (p < 0.01) worse in implanted eyes that experienced the more significant fluctuation of CMT (189.2 ± 104.7 μm (range: 58–409 μm); p < 0.01) with a reimplant rate of 42.8%. No one of the implanted eyes experienced ocular hypertension requiring intervention or other complications. Conclusion: HRF were found to be a risk factor for recalcitrance to topical therapy of PSME. Limited response to DEX-I was observed in such cases
A Preliminary Investigation into Heavy Metal Tolerance in Pseudomonas Isolates: Does the Isolation Site Have an Effect?
No full textOne hundred presumptive Pseudomonas isolates, recovered from 15 sites impacted by anthropogenic activity in the Foggia district (Italy), were screened for key adaptive and functional traits important for environmental applications. The isolates were phenotypically characterized for their ability to grow under combined pH (5.0–8.0) and temperature (15–37 °C) conditions, to produce proteolytic enzymes, pigments, and exopolysaccharides, and to tolerate SDS. Moreover, the resistance to six environmentally relevant heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Zn, As) was qualitatively assessed. The results highlighted wide inter-strain variability, with distinct clusters of isolates showing unique combinations of stress tolerance, enzymatic potential, and resistance profile. PERMANOVA analysis revealed significant effects of both the isolation site and the metal type, as well as their interaction, on the observed resistance patterns. A subset of isolates showed co-tolerance to elevated temperatures and heavy metals. These findings offer an initial yet insightful overview of the adaptive diversity of soil-derived Pseudomonas, laying the groundwork for the rational selection of strains for bioaugmentation in contaminated soils