Archivio Istituzionale della Ricerca - Università degli Studi di Pavia
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Impacts of an antioxidant-rich diet and lifestyle factors on gut microbiota diversity and brain health: an exploratory analysis from the NutBrain Study
No full textBackground and aims: Healthy diet and lifestyle have been linked to improved gut microbiota diversity
and neurocognitive outcomes. However, few human studies have simultaneously examined an
antioxidant-rich diet (ARD) in combination with other lifestyle factors and their effects on gut micro biota diversity, brain morphometry, and cognitive function. Our aim was to investigate how the dietary
antioxidant capacity and a healthy lifestyle profile influence gut microbiota diversity and composition,
brain morphometry, and global cognitive function in older adults.
Methods: In a cross-sectional analysis of the NutBrain study (2019–2023), a cohort of 246 dementia-free
individuals aged ≥65 years, completed a 3-day food diary to estimate the total dietary antioxidant
capacity (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity - ORAC). Global cognitive function was assessed using the
Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Gut microbiota α- and β-diversities and taxa abundances were
derived by 16S rRNA amplicon-based sequencing of stool samples. Brain morphometry - including total
brain, white matter, grey matter, and ventricular cerebrospinal fluid volumes - was assessed using
magnetic resonance imaging. Multiple linear regression models, accounting for many potential con founders (i.e.: socio-demographics, use of drugs, energy intake, inflammatory and anthropometric
markers, and APOE genotyping) examined how ORAC, both alone and combined with smoking and
physical activity (devising a healthy lifestyle score, Hscore), affected microbiota diversity, MMSE scores,
and brain volumes.
Results: Higher ORAC adherence was associated with greater gut microbiota diversity (p ≤ 0.05). Several
taxa, such as Barnesiella, Coprococcus, Ruminococcus, Parabacteroides, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group,
and Clostridia UCG-014 group exhibited increased abundances within the highest ORAC and Hscortertiles, as compared to the lowest ones. The highest tertile of total ORAC was also positively and
significantly associated with greater total brain, white matter, and grey matter volumes (p ≤ 0.05).
These associations were stronger in participants classified as having a favourable lifestyle profile
(regular physical activity, non-smokers), with notable correlations observed for total brain volume, gut
α-diversity, white matter volume and MMSE (p ≤ 0.05).
Conclusions: ARD is associated with increased gut microbiota diversity and enrichment of specific taxa,
better cognitive function and brain morphometry outcomes. These associations were stronger in in dividuals with a healthy lifestyle profile
Ereditare il patrimonio culturale religioso. Lomello e la Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
No full textDal 2023 il corso di Restauro Architettonico dell’Università di Pavia, grazie ad un accordo con la Diocesi di Vigevano e la Parrocchia di Lomello, ha attivato un programma didattico presso la Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore a Lomello per approfondire la storia e il restauro dell’architettura e la conservazione del patrimonio culturale religioso. Il progetto didattico ha prodotto tre importanti mostre dedicate al restauro della Basilica, della Canonica e alla rigenerazione di attività creative a livello locale.
Questo volume testimonia tutte queste attività didattiche presso la Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore a Lomello tra il 2023 e il 2026 e apre nuove ed interessanti prospettive di conservazione e valorizzazione del patrimonio culturale religioso.
Since 2023, the Architectural Restoration course at the University of Pavia, thanks to an agreement with the Diocese of Vigevano and the Parish of Lomello, has launched an educational program at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Lomello to explore the history and restoration of architecture and the conservation of religious cultural heritage. This educational project has produced three important exhibitions dedicated to the restoration of the Basilica, the Canonica, and the regeneration of creative activities at the local level. This volume documents all these educational activities carried out at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Lomello between 2023 and 2026 and opens new and compelling perspectives for the conservation and enhancement of religious cultural heritage
Ambiguità e patologie nei contratti di trasferimento tecnologico
No full textABSTRACT
The present doctoral thesis examines technology transfer agreements (“TTAs”) as a key tool for fostering innovation in today’s knowledge-based economy. Built on the idea that collaboration and knowledge-sharing drive both corporate growth and social welfare, the research explores how TTAs enable the circulation and valorization of protected knowledge. By combining Italian general and specific law provision, as well as contractual perspectives, the work aims at providing a comprehensive framework to understand their structure, functions, and challenges.
A special focus is placed on the practice of “constructive ambiguity”: the deliberate use of vague contractual clauses to bridge negotiation gaps, reduce transaction costs, and create flexibility for future adjustments. While this technique can be strategically valuable, it also carries risks, especially when ambiguity touches on core contractual obligations, potentially leading to disputes and costly litigation.
The research argues that ambiguity should not be dismissed as merely problematic but should be consciously managed. When supported by careful due diligence, balanced risk allocation, and mutual trust, constructive ambiguity can serve as a driver of adaptability and long-term stability in contractual relations. A specific section of the dissertation is dedicated to the analysis of clauses used in contractual practice, with particular attention given to assessing their strengths and weaknesses, as well as identifying possible areas for improvement, with the aim of developing a set of best practices.
The analysis also addresses the pathologies most frequently associated with TTAs, such as the invalidity of licensed intellectual property rights, conflicts over trade secret protection, and market changes affecting the exploitation of transferred technologies. These situations highlight the importance of allocating risks ex ante and of employing contractual safeguards capable of mitigating severe consequences for the parties involved
NaFeNb(PO4)3 as an Electrode Material for Sodium-Ion Batteries: Insights into Phase Evolution and Capacity Fading
No full textThe NaFeNb(PO4)3, NFNP, material has been designed as a candidate anode material for sodium-ion batteries, as in its pristine form it combines the presence of Fe(III) and Nb(V)-available for possible reduction upon Na insertion-allowing for the formal introduction of 3 Na ions at reasonable potentials, and the robust NASICON structure with open channels for Na migration. The NFNP material has been successfully obtained by the solid-state route and fully characterized in terms of structure and transport properties by means of diffraction, XAS, and DFT analysis. Although promising, the electrochemical testing reveals that the initially satisfactory results in terms of capacity and Coulombic efficiencies fade upon cycling. The in-depth operando investigation, with the implementation of in situ XRD and XAS, unveiled a phase transition upon cycling; this involves the formation and accumulation of a low-symmetry secondary phase delivering lower capacity related to the Nb redox couples
Exploring the impact of stigmatization on mental health in persons with liver disease: a scoping review
No full textPatients with liver conditions such as hepatitis B, C, and D, cirrhosis, metabolic dysfunction - associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and metabolic dysfunction - associated steatohepatitis (MASH) frequently experience public, self, and structural stigma, which contribute to psychological distress, reduced Quality of Life (QoL), and lower engagement with healthcare. Stigma is often fueled by misconceptions linking liver disease to personal behaviour, moral failure, or contagion, disproportionately affecting marginalised populations. In this context, this scoping review examines how stigma impacts mental health among individuals living with liver disease, mapping key psychological and psychosocial outcomes. Following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify quantitative studies published between 2014 and 2024. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Across studies, stigma was consistently associated with adverse psychological and social outcomes. Depression was the most frequently assessed outcome and showed robust associations with stigma, particularly internalised shame and social judgement. Anxiety was linked to fear of disclosure and social rejection. Stigma was also associated with reduced health-related quality of life across emotional, physical, and social domains. Additional themes included concealment, social isolation, and identity-based shame. Stigma varied by disease aetiology - moralising stigma in hepatitis C and alcohol-related liver disease, lifestyle-related stigma in MASLD, and racialised stigma in hepatitis B - and by demographic characteristics, with higher levels reported by younger individuals, women, and transgender persons. Overall, stigma emerges as a pervasive and under-recognised determinant of mental health in liver disease. Addressing stigma requires patient-centred strategies, including non-stigmatising language, intersectional awareness, and integrated psychosocial care, with the active involvement of patient advocacy groups to ensure that interventions are inclusive, equitable, and effective
Ethanol as a psychoactive substance and the importance of external quality assessment (EQA) in clinical and forensic laboratories
No full textBackground: Ethanol is a widely consumed psychoactive substance with significant forensic and public health implications. The accurate determination of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is critical in both clinical and forensic settings, necessitating rigorous quality control measures. External Quality Assessment (EQA) programs play a fundamental role in standardizing analytical performance across laboratories. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the EQA program in monitoring and improving BAC determinations among diagnostic laboratories in the Lombardy region from 2020 to 2024. Methods: A total of 58 ethanol-spiked whole blood samples were analyzed by participating laboratories over a five-year period. BAC was quantified using Headspace Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HS-GC–MS) and Headspace Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection (HS-GC-FID). Statistical assessments included calculation of the coefficient of variation (CV), z-scores, and interlaboratory comparisons following ISO 13528 standards. Results: The study demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in BAC measurement variability over time ( p = 0.0008). While most results complied with forensic guidelines, variability was higher in samples with BAC near the legal threshold of 0.5 g/L, with 49.3 % of measurements exceeding and 50.7 % falling below the threshold. Methodological differences between HS-GC–MS and HS-GC-FID were noted, although both techniques remained within acceptable performance limits. Conclusions: EQA programs confirmed to improve BAC measurement reliability. However, interlaboratory variability, particularly around forensic cutoffs, highlights the need for further methodological harmonization. Future efforts should focus on refining calibration protocols, integrating advanced quality assurance strategies, and expanding proficiency testing at the national level to ensure consistent forensic and clinical BAC determinations
A mouse model of cardiac immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis reveals insights into tissue accumulation and toxicity of amyloid fibrils
No full textImmunoglobulin light chain (LC) amyloidosis (AL) is one of the most common types of systemic amyloidosis but there is no reliable in vivo model for better understanding this disease. Here, we develop a transgenic mouse model producing a human AL LC. We show that the soluble full length LC is not toxic but a single injection of pre-formed amyloid fibrils or an unstable fragment of the LC leads to systemic amyloid deposits associated with early cardiac dysfunction. AL fibrils in mice are highly similar to that of human, arguing for a conserved mechanism of amyloid fibrils formation. Overall, this transgenic mice closely reproduces human cardiac AL amyloidosis and shows that a partial degradation of the LC is likely to initiate the formation of amyloid fibrils in vivo, which in turn leads to cardiac dysfunction. This is a valuable model for research on AL amyloidosis and preclinical evaluation of new therapies