Archivio Istituzionale della Ricerca- Università degli Studi di Foggia
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Genetic polymorphisms and cytokine levels in ischemic stroke: associations with subtypes and prognosis
No full textIntroductionSome genetic polymorphisms are associated with the risk of stroke, although the individual contribution of such polymorphisms is considered modest.AimsTo evaluate the frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding proinflammatory cytokines and coagulation factors in stroke patients, the relationships between the serum levels of the cytokines analyzed with stroke subtypes and prognosis.Material and methodsA retrospective, cross-sectional, observational, analytical, case-control study. We performed genetic analysis to evaluate various genetic polymorphisms and analyzed cytokine levels at admission.Results429 patients with ischemic stroke and 195 control subjects without ischemic stroke. Patients with CEI subtype showed significantly higher levels of all the cytokines analyzed, namely, IL-10, TNF-alpha, and IL-6. Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher TNF-alpha (alpha), IL-6, and IL-1 beta levels were significantly associated with the LAAS and CEI subtypes. TNF-alpha, IL-1, and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients with recurrent stroke at follow-up. Of the three polymorphisms in the gene encoding PTSG2, the haplotypes rs6275 and rs20417 showed a different distribution between patients and controls.DiscussionThe reported association between ischemic stroke and immunoinflammatory variables agrees with previously reported associations between some proinflammatory and prothrombotic polymorphisms and the risk of ischemic stroke
Drug testing after use: what insights can be gained from a harm reduction perspective on visitors of the drugs information and monitoring system (DIMS) in the Netherlands?
No full textBackgroundInterventions aimed to mitigate drug-related harm include drug checking, which invloves a chemical analysis of a drug sample alongside personalized harm reduction advise. The Drug Information and Monitoring System (DIMS) represents a network of Drug Checking Services (DCS) in the Netherlands, which people who use drugs (PWUD) may visit before consumption, though not consistently. This paper describes the characteristics and experienced effects of PWUD who have their drugs tested after use, in relation to the analysis results of the submitted drug sample and the setting of use.MethodsData was collected between 2018 until 2022 encompassing a range of characteristics provided by the visitors. Statistical analyses were performed to find associations between the type of effects the visitor experienced and the (mis)match with the expected content of the drug sample or setting in which the sample was used.Results14% (N = 9472) of all samples submitted to DIMS (N = 66150) were used prior to attending a DCS. The majority of samples were sold as ecstasy (41%, N = 3460) and cocaine (17%, N = 1407). Most visitors were male (75%, N = 6359), purchased their drugs offline (96%, N = 8081), and reported having used the sample at a party/festival (43%, N = 3614), while 27% (N = 2320) used it in a home setting. Half of the visitors (49%, N = 4109) declared not having used the sample in combination with other psychoactive substances. Positive mental effects were less likely to be experienced when the detected drug content did not match the expected content, while negative mental effects were more likely. Moreover, visitors consuming their sample at a party/festival were more likely to experience positive mental and physical effects and less likely to experience negative mental and physical effects compared to people consuming their sample at home.ConclusionsBy identifying the characteristics of PWUD who have their drugs tested after use and by demonstrating that not only a (mis)match with the expected drug content, but also the setting in which the substance was used was associated with the drug experience, improved strategies can be developed to encourage individuals to visit a DCS before consumption, thereby reducing drug-related harm
Vaccinazioni per individui fragili: mappatura e analisi comparata dei modelli organizzativi di presa in carico, promozione e offerta vaccinale in Italia
No full textThe Current State of Italian Pomegranate Production: Agronomic, Crop Protection, Economic, and Managerial Perspectives
No full textPomegranate cultivation has gained interest in Italy, driven by the tree’s drought
tolerance and temperature requirements, which make it a suitable alternative crop for
farmers transitioning from traditional options like olives, cereals, or vineyards. Despite
its increasing popularity, particularly in Southern Italy, fragmented knowledge of this
crop hinders its diffusion. This review addresses these gaps by synthesizing knowledge
across agronomy, crop protection, economics, and managerial aspects. Also, the current
review identifies challenges and opportunities for pomegranate farmers. It offers insights
into different irrigation, fertilization, and training systems and different soil management
strategies by identifying suitable cultivars according to the market outcome. Furthermore,
this review examines the main biotic threats, such as the fungal diseases affecting this crop
all over the world and in Italy. Moreover, the work explores the extent to which abiotic
factors like drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures are responsible for fruit injuries
and reduced marketability. Lastly, this review collects market figures on pomegranate
production by identifying challenges that undermine market development and discusses
managerial strategies to increase the profitability of this crop while avoiding price competition
from non-European countries. Therefore, this detailed review, combining knowledge
from multiple disciplines, will support the Italian pomegranate sector’s growth, ensuring
farmers’ long-term profitability and environmental sustainability according to the EU’s
Farm to Fork strategy
Mediterranean diet: Why a new pyramid? An updated representation of the traditional Mediterranean diet by the Italian Society of Human Nutrition (SINU)
No full textIn recent decades, an increasing body of research has highlighted significant scientific evidence linking adherence to the Mediterranean diet with a reduced risk of chronic diseases. Simultaneously, concerns about the environmental impact of the food system have intensified, particularly considering projected population growth in the coming years. This work introduces a new graphical representation of the traditional Mediterranean dietary model, developed by a dedicated Working Group of the Italian Society of Human Nutrition (SINU). This new model emphasizes plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and extra-virgin olive oil, at its foundation, reflecting their historical and scientific significance in the Mediterranean diet. Animal products, particularly red and processed meats, are de-emphasized, with dairy, white meats, and eggs recommended for moderate, weekly consumption. The pyramid also advocates limiting added sugars, salt, and alcohol to address their links with chronic diseases. Sustainability principles are woven into the framework, prioritizing local, seasonal, and minimally processed foods while discouraging food waste. The pyramid aligns with global recommendations from FAO and WHO, offering a comprehensive guide to adopting a healthy, sustainable dietary lifestyle while preserving cultural traditions and addressing contemporary nutritional and environmental challenges
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Novel Inhalable Iloprost Formulations in Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells from Cystic Fibrosis Patients
No full textBuilding an Inclusive Society. From “Mission Inclusion” Research to the Creation of “Tessere Diverse” Portal
No full textThe contribution presents the research project “Mission Inclusion”, conducted by the Learning Sciences institute of the University of Foggia, which aims to promote the social and labour inclusion of people with disabilities in the national and local context. Starting from an in-depth analysis of the territory’s needs, the project aims to identify and implement effective practices that can serve as a model for future institutional interventions. The main research question investigates which strategies and approaches can best foster the inclusion and autonomy of people with disabilities, strengthening their role within the community and the labour market.
The paper will also explore the “Tessere Diverse” portal, a platform designed to facilitate the support network and sharing of experiences between different sectors, individuals, organisations and associations, improving the sharing of resources and opportunities to access services. The methodology, based on the observation and analysis of the real needs of the territory, is aimed at collecting useful data to develop models of good practice and concrete actions to support inclusion. In the article, these aspects will be examined, highlighting the project’s social and employment impact prospects
Effects of preconceptional social isolation on risk-taking behaviour and levels of neurochemical, neuroendocrine and neuroinflammatory markers in male offspring
No full textThe impact of chronic stress during the preconceptional period on the adolescent progeny has been poorly investigated. Although impulsivity and risk-taking behaviour are physiological during adolescence, they may represent key symptoms of psychiatric conditions of this life period. Here, we evaluated the possible development of risk-taking behaviour and cognitive dysfunctions in the male offspring of socially isolated female rats, housed in control or isolation conditions (as second stressful hit) from weaning to adolescence. Underlying neurochemical, neuroendocrine and neuroinflammatory alterations were also assessed. Increased distance travelled, time spent in the centre of an open field arena and in the open arms of an elevated plus maze were detected in the adolescent offspring of socially isolated females, together with reduced time spent in the wall, decreased latency time in the passive avoidance task and reduced discrimination index in the novel object recognition test. Elevations in glutamate levels, reduction of GABA concentrations, enhanced GLU/GABA ratio and expression of GFAP and CD11beta, as well as reduced NGF amount, were found in the prefrontal cortex of adolescent rats born from females exposed to social isolation before pregnancy. This same group showed a significant decrease of plasmatic oxytocin levels and enhanced vasopressin and prolactin concentrations, compared to controls. In conclusion, our results point toward a detrimental effect of female exposure to chronic social stress during preconception in inducing risk-taking behaviour in the adolescent male offspring, possibly via alterations of neurochemical, neuroinflammatory and neuroendocrine pathways, thus identifying adolescence as a specific window for preventive and therapeutic approaches
