Archivio Istituzionale della Ricerca- Università degli Studi di Foggia
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Modeling lymphocyte subset dynamics after ublituximab therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis: an Italian prospective study
No full textBackground and objectives: Ublituximab, a novel, glycoengineered anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, has recently entered clinical use for multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we aimed to delineate the longitudinal kinetics of circulating lymphocyte subsets over the first 6 months following ublituximab initiation. Secondarily, we aimed to investigate whether relevant baseline demographic and clinical characteristics predicted the residual counts at day 30 after infusion of CD3+CD8+ T cells and CD19+ B naive cells, the two subsets that exhibited the most distinctive early kinetics.
Methods: A real-world prospective study was performed at the MS Center of Foggia, Italy. Inclusion criteria were patients with a diagnosis of relapsing MS who started ublituximab between 1 December 2024 and 31 May 2025. Longitudinal trajectories were modeled with subject-specific random-intercept linear mixed-effects models. To identify determinants of early residual depletion, linear regression models were built.
Results: A total cohort of 16 patients was enrolled, with a median age of 47 (Q1-Q3 41-58), 69% men, median EDSS of 4.5, and median body mass index (BMI) of 26.9 kg/m2. Mixed-effects models showed a significant effect of time on all lymphocyte subsets. CD3+ T cells decreased by 1,577 cells/μL immediately after ublituximab infusion (p < 0.001), returning to baseline from day 7 onward. CD3+CD8+ T cells dropped by approximately 400 cells/μL within the first week (day 7 = 44 cells/μL; 95% CI 11-77) and stabilized from day 30. CD3+CD4+ T cells fell by 1,133 cells/μL post-infusion (p < 0.001), but rebounded from day 7 and remained stable through day 180. CD19+ naive B cells remained profoundly suppressed throughout the 6 months (all p < 0.001). CD16+CD56+ NK cells showed a transient reduction of 239 cells/μL at day 0 (p = 0.004), normalizing by day 7. Regression analyses at day 30 indicate no significant baseline predictors for CD3+CD8+ T or CD19+ naive B-cell recovery (R2 = 0.48 and 0.24, all p > 0.05). Infusion reactions were mild and self-limited; no adverse events occurred.
Discussion: In our cohort, ublituximab induced rapid, durable CD19+ naive B-cell depletion with only transient, reversible effects on other lymphocyte subsets and preserved immunoglobulin levels. This signature extends to older and high BMI patients, supporting ublituximab as a versatile therapeutic option across heterogeneous MS populations
Widely distributed but still poorly known–morphological study of Evimirus uropodinus (Parasitiformes: Eviphididae) nymphs and adults, using different observation methods
No full textCurrently, nine species are included in the genus Evimirus, with the widely distributed E. uropodinus (Berlese 1903), originally described from Italy (as Eviphis), the only representative of the genus in Europe. Other species of this genus, i.e. E. breviscuti Karg and Schorlemmer 2009; E. convergens (Berlese 1913); E. kargi Hirschmann 1975; E. leptogenitalis Karg 1979; E. minimus (Berlese 1920); E. pentagonius Karg 1996; E. pulcherpori Karg 1989 and E. scutellatus Halliday 2010, are known from Cuba, Java and India, New Guinea, Argentina, Java, New Caledonia, Saint Lucia (Lesser Antilles) and Australia, respectively. Females are the only instar reported so far for most of the described species. Males are known only in E. pentagonius and E. uropodinus, and juveniles were described exclusively in E. uropodinus. Although E. uropodinus seems to be the best-studied Evimirus species, the descriptions of its developmental stages require a thorough revision. Kaczmarek and Marquardt (2024) described in detail the E. uropodinus larva, combining light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations. This study extends the analysis to all postembryonic stages of this species. In the present paper, we provide full data on chaetotaxy in E. uropodinus protonymphs, the first ever for this species and genus. Moreover, triplicity of apotele in all stages, sexual dimorphism of chelicerae, and differences in the ventral morphology between LM and SEM are discussed. Two pairs of pore-like structures, producing secretions in E. uropodinus nymphs and adults, are detected: (1) the poststigmatal, which opens close to the stigma; and (2) the anterodorsal pores, close to insertions of setae z2 and z4 in protonymphs and insertions of z2 and s1 in deutonymphs and adults. Secretion was experimentally triggered in males and females to observe the phenomenon and the accompanying behaviour. The current study establishes E. uropodinus as the most thoroughly described species of the genus
Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the prostate: a rare tumor - case report and literature review
No full textIntroduction: Prostate cancer is the most prevalent non-cutaneous malignancy in men. Mucinous adenocarcinoma is a rare histological variant, accounting for less than 0.5% of cases. Its distinctive imaging and histopathological features present unique diagnostic challenges. Case presentation: A 57-year-old male presented with sexual dysfunction, painful ejaculation, and hematuria. Clinical examination revealed a markedly enlarged prostate. Imaging studies, including scrotal and transrectal ultrasound, computed tomography, and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), demonstrated a complex, multilobulated prostatic mass with fluid-fluid levels and imaging features suggestive of mucin accumulation. Prostate biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma with predominant mucinous features, including trabecular and cribriform patterns, and an ISUP grade group 4, indicating an aggressive tumor. On MRI, mucinous adenocarcinoma typically appears as a multicystic lesion with high T2 signal intensity and minimal diffusion restriction, which may delay diagnosis. These imaging characteristics differ from those of conventional prostate adenocarcinoma and can mimic benign cystic lesions. Discussion: Histopathological diagnosis is often challenging due to the extracellular mucin content. While treatment generally follows standard protocols for high-grade prostate cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy, the rarity of this variant leaves many questions regarding prognosis and optimal management unanswered. Conclusion: Awareness of the distinct imaging and histopathological features of mucinous adenocarcinoma is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Further research is needed to better understand its clinical behavior and to establish evidence-based treatment guidelines
Breeding for improving yield and grain quality of durum wheat in Southern Italy through the identification of ideal allelic combination of adaptation genes
No full textThis thesis investigates the genetic and environmental factors influencing key agronomic and quality traits in
durum wheat, focusing on the roles of vernalization (Vrn), photoperiod (Ppd), and reduced height (Rht) genes
across different genotype groups—landraces, old cultivars, and modern cultivars. The study spans three main
research areas: phenology and plant height, yield components, and grain quality and physical properties, using a
panel of 186 durum wheat genotypes evaluated over three consecutive years in southern Italy under rainfed
conditions and various sowing-by-season combinations.
The first study examines allelic diversity at Vrn, Ppd, and Rht loci and their effects on phenological stages and
plant height. Results highlight distinct allele combinations (ACs) within genotypes that adapt to early, optimal,
and delayed sowing dates. Modern cultivars exhibited shorter heading and flowering times and reduced height,
largely due to the presence of Vrn-A1c, photoperiod-insensitive Ppd-A1a alleles, and the semi-dwarf allele Rht-
B1b. Landraces and old cultivars, with fixed photoperiod-sensitive alleles and tall alleles at Rht loci, generally
displayed longer phenological stages and greater plant height, underscoring the impact of specific ACs on
adaptability and growth.
The second study explores the effect of these adaptation genes on yield components such as spike length, grain
number per spike, and grain weight. The presence of Vrn-A1c and Rht-B1b in modern cultivars was strongly
correlated with increased grain number and weight, suggesting that these alleles optimize yield under
Mediterranean climates, especially in earlier sowing conditions. In contrast, delayed sowing negatively
impacted yield components across all genotypes, with the adaptation genes at Vrn-A1 and Rht-B1 loci
modulating environmental responses and promoting yield stability in select genotypes.
The third study assesses grain quality traits—including protein, starch, carotenoid content, and physical
properties like grain size and weight—across genotypes and sowing conditions. Modern cultivars exhibited
higher starch and carotenoid levels due to photoperiod-insensitive Ppd-A1 alleles and semi-dwarf Rht-B1b
alleles, which accelerated maturity stages. Meanwhile, delayed sowing was associated with increased grain
protein and reduced carotenoid levels. These findings emphasize the combined influence of genetic and
environmental factors on durum wheat grain quality, with implications for targeted breeding strategies.
Together, these studies illustrate the potential of integrating key alleles into breeding programs to enhance
durum wheat's adaptability, yield, and quality under climate variability, offering valuable insights for
developing resilient crop varieties
Un’analisi critico-pedagogica delle learning cities: dimensioni epistemologiche e infrastrutture per una cultura dell’apprendimento permanente
No full textL’UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities promuove politiche di lifelong learning che ricordano l’idea della società dell’apprendimento presente nel Rapporto Faure e nel Rapporto Delors. Le learning cities hanno, però, incluso, negli ultimi anni, nei loro programmi anche obiettivi di natura economica e soprattutto orientati all’employability, al fine di promuovere una maggiore crescita regionale e risolvere al contempo problemi di natura ambientale e lavorativa. Considerate tali premesse, la finalità generale del presente contributo sarà quella di effettuare un’analisi critica su come le learning cities, a livello internazionale, abbiano finora concettualizzato l'apprendimento permanente sulla base dell’idea che hanno di progresso. Inoltre, quale il ruolo dell’adult education e quali dimensioni epistemologiche sottendono le learning cities? Quale il ruolo delle università e della pedagogia pubblica e sociale per lo sviluppo delle learning cities secondo una logica post-umanista
Trading algoritmico e abuso di posizione dominante: tutele e rimedi nei contratti conclusi ‘a valle’
No full textEnhancing 3D Printing Performance and Product Quality Through the Valorization of Food By‐Products and Waste
No full textThis review systematically explores the emerging use of food by-stream materials in 3D printing (3DP) applications, addressing the pressing need for sustainable resource utilization in the food sector. The review evaluates the potential of food by-products and waste, ranging from agricultural, animal, marine, microbial fermented biomass, and filamentous-fungi by-products to food consumption waste, for integration into 3DP techniques like fused deposition modeling, paste extrusion, direct ink writing, and selective laser sintering. Utilizing the PRISMA 2020 framework, a comprehensive literature analysis identified 80 relevant studies, categorized by material type and application. The findings indicate that plant-based by-stream materials encompassing sources like vegetable residues, fruit peels, nut and bean shells, and grain husks, dominate current 3DP research. These materials support biocomposite advancements across various fields, with notable applications in food-safe packaging, biomedical scaffolds, nutritious snacks, and sustainable construction materials. Several studies highlight significant improvements in mechanical strength, such as tensile and compressive performance, alongside enhanced biodegradability of nonedible printed products and nutrient content in edible printed products. Key process parameters, including extrusion speed, nozzle temperature, and layer thickness, have been optimized to accommodate the unique properties of these food by-stream materials, ensuring printing fidelity, smooth extrusion, and structural integrity, thereby maximizing their potential across diverse 3DP techniques and applications. This review highlights 3DP as a transformative approach in resource recovery, demonstrating how incorporating food by-stream materials aligns with circular economy goals by reducing waste and enabling eco-friendly production. By advancing customizable, nutrient-dense, and sustainable products, 3DP of food by-stream materials holds significant promise for addressing global food security and sustainability challenges
Between Chrónos and Kairós, towards a generative pedagogy: The relationship between time and talent in the era of immersive environments and digital innovation.
No full textIn un tempo segnato da accelerazioni sistemiche, mutazioni antropologiche e innovazioni tecnologiche, l’educazione è chiamata a risignificare la propria missione, riconfigurando il tempo e la relazione come assi fondativi di una pedagogia generativa. Il presente contributo esplora come la scuola possa diventare uno spazio capace di abitare il Kairós – il tempo opportuno dell’incontro, dell’ascolto e della scoperta – in contrasto con la logica standardizzante del Chronos. Viene proposta una riflessione teorica e pratica sulla centralità della relazione educativa nella fioritura del talento, inteso non come dote innata, ma come potenziale situato e trasformativo che emerge nel tessuto relazionale. In questo quadro, gli ambienti ibridi e immersivi, come l’Eduverso e i mondi virtuali 3D, rappresentano opportunità pedagogiche per restituire senso e profondità all’esperienza educativa, promuovendo partecipazione, agency e benessere. Attraverso riferimenti a pratiche scolastiche come il modello DADA e l’uso intenzionale delle tecnologie digitali, il saggio delinea una scuola sostenibile, pluritemporale e relazionale, orientata alla formazione integrale della persona e alla costruzione di futuri condivisi.In a time marked by systemic accelerations, anthropological mutations and technological innovations, education is called to re-signify its mission, reconfiguring time and relationship as founding axes of a generative pedagogy. This paper explores how school can become a space capable of inhabiting the Kairós – the opportune time for meeting, listening and discovery – in contrast with the standardizing logic of Chronos. A theoretical and practical reflection is proposed on the centrality of the educational relationship in the blossoming of talent, understood not as an innate gift, but as a situated and transformative potential that emerges in the relational fabric. In this framework, hybrid and immersive environments, such as the Eduverse and 3D virtual worlds, represent pedagogical opportunities to restore meaning and depth to the educational experience, promoting participation, agency and well-being. Through references to school practices such as the DADA model and the intentional use of digital technologies, the essay outlines a sustainable, multi-temporal and relational school, oriented towards the integral formation of the person and the construction of shared futures
Functional gastrointestinal disorders predictors in neonates and toddlers: A machine learning approach to risk assessment
No full textBackground: Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) can pose a great burden on affected children, their families, and the healthcare system. Due to the lack of knowledge about the pre cise pathophysiology of FGIDs, a proper identification of children at risk to develop FGIDs has never been attempted. The research aims to identify early-life risk factors for FGIDs such as in fantile colic, regurgitation, and functional constipation, within the first year of life. Methods: This prospective observational cohort study enrolled both term and preterm infants from a tertiary care university hospital between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022. The study employed both traditional statistical methods and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, specifically a random forest classification model, to identify key risk factors associated with the development of FGIDs. Based on these findings, an AI-based predictive model will be devel oped, along with a user-friendly, web-based interface designed for practical risk assessment. Results: 6060 infants were enrolled. 8.1 % were born preterm. According to random forest clas sification model by AI, birth weight (BW), cord blood pH, and maternal age were the most rel evant variables linked to development of FGIDs in the first year of life. Some discrepancies be tween potential risk factors identified through conventional statistics and AI were detected. Conclusion: For the first time machine learning allowed to identify BW, cord blood pH and ma ternal age as important variable for risk prediction of FGIDs in the first year of life. This practi cal risk assessment tool would help clinicians to identify infants at risk of FGIDs who would ben efit from a tailored preventive approach