Archivio Istituzionale della Ricerca - Università degli Studi di Pavia
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Evaluating the psychometric properties of the 24-item and 12-item real relationship inventory-client forms
No full textThe current study assessed the psychometric properties of the long (24 items) and brief (12 items) versions of the Real Relationship Inventory–Client (RRI-C) in a United States sample. The RRI-C is the most used quantitative measure of the real relationship construct, yet its psychometric properties have not been explored outside its development studies. A sample of 700 adults in individual psychotherapy was recruited in the study and filled out a comprehensive battery of measures. Analytical techniques included confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM), multigroup CFA, multigroup factor analysis alignment, item response theory, internal reliability assessments, Bland-Altman regression analysis, and calculation of reliable change benchmark thresholds. Both RRI-C versions demonstrated a bifactor structure encompassing Genuineness and Realism dimensions. The bifactor ESEM model provided strong fit: χ2[210] = 482.464, CFI = 0.999, TLI = 0.998, RMSEA = 0.043, SRMR = 0.020 for the 24-item RRI-C; χ2[45] = 111.916, CFI = 0.999, TLI = 0.998, RMSEA = 0.046, SRMR = 0.028 for the 12-item RRI-C. McDonald’s omega total was 0.97 and 0.95 respectively. The correlation between the total scores of the two versions was r = 0.98; the average discrepancy was 1.85 points higher for the comprehensive version with a slope of -0.013 (p = 0.12). Both versions showed functionally identical reliability and factor structure when therapy is online vs. in-person. Significant correlations were found between the RRI-C and the Working Alliance Inventory (r = 0.68 and r = 0.67 for the 24-item and 12-item versions, respectively, both p < .001) and the Session Evaluation Scale (r = 0.62 and r = 0.58, respectively, both p < 0.001). This study substantiates the sound psychometric properties of the 24-item and 12-item RRI-C
A GIS-based multiscale mapping framework to assess and visualize complex and polygenetic geomorphic systems – A novel ‘Geomorphic Entities’ approach
No full textThis paper presents a novel GIS-based methodological framework for multiscale digital mapping and database implementation in sediment dynamics assessments. It relies on the concept of ‘Geomorphic Entities’ (GEs), which are polygon objects representing complex, polygenetic geomorphic systems. GEs allow mapping ‘focal landforms’ as elementary mapping units, while the database stores hierarchical information on sediment sources/sinks classification, process composition, activity, and morphodynamics. We tested this approach in the upper Val d’Arda (N-Apennines, Italy), integrating pre-existing geomorphological datasets with field assessments, photointerpretation, terrain analysis, semi-automated landform classification, and manual digital mapping to produce an Inventory Map of GEs. The primary result is a WebGIS application, allowing end-users to consult and query geospatial data and associated attributes interactively. By combining geomorphological and GIS expertise, this framework addresses the limitations of classical symbol-oriented maps, supporting scientific and applied purposes. It complements traditional mapping methods by structuring complex geomorphological data for use in integrated modelling procedures
Bone cell differentiation and mineralization in wild-type and osteogenesis imperfecta zebrafish are compromised by per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
No full textPerfluorinated compounds (PFAS) are well recognized toxic pollutants for humans, but if their effect is equally harmful for healthy and fragile people is unknown. Addressing this question represents a need for ensuring global health and wellbeing to all individuals in a world facing the progressive increase of aging and aging related diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) exposure on development and skeletal phenotype using the osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) zebrafish model Chihuahua (Chi/+), carrying a dominant glycine substitution in the α1 chain of collagen I and their wild-type (WT) littermates. To this purpose Chi/+ and WT zebrafish expressing the green fluorescent protein under the early osteoblast marker osterix were exposed from 1 to 6 days post fertilization to 0.36, 1.5 and 3.0 mg/L PFOS, 0.005 and 0.5 mg/L PFOA and 0.01, 0.48 and 16.0 mg/L PFHxA, and their development and skeletal phenotype investigated. Morphometric measurements, confocal microscopy evaluation of operculum area delimited by the fluorescent preosteoblasts and mineral deposition analysis following alizarin red staining were employed. PFOS and the highest concentration of PFHxA significantly impaired standard length in both genotypes. Osteoblast differentiation was significantly compromised by PFOS and by PFOA only in Chi/+. Limited to WT exposed to PFOA a reduced mineralization was also observed. No effect was detected after PFHxA exposure. Apoptosis was only activated by PFOA, specifically in Chi/+ mutant operculum osteoblasts. Interestingly, an altered lipid distribution in both WT and mutant fish was revealed after exposure to both pollutants. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that PFAS impair operculum development mainly compromising cell differentiation in mutant fish whereas alter lipid hepatic distribution in both genotypes with a more severe effect on Chi/+ preosteoblast survival. These results represent a first warning sign of the negative impact of PFAS exposure in presence of genetically determined skeletal fragility
Arte, icona, business. Trasformazioni di un dispositivo di ricordo (tras)portabile
No full textintroduzione storiografica e metodologica al numero monografico della rivista, con analisi dell'evoluzione della produzione e dell'uso del souvenir italiano sul lunghissimo periodo, dal XVIII al XXI secolo, tra trasformazioni del gusto e del costume, dal turismo d'élite al turismo di massa. L'introduzione include la presentazione dei casi di studio analizzati dagli autori del fascicolo
EFFECT OF EGG CONSUMPTION ON HEALTH OUTCOMES: AN UPDATED UMBRELLA REVIEW OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS AND META-ANALYSIS OF OBSERVATIONAL AND INTERVENTION STUDIES
No full textAims
To evaluate the effect of egg consumption on health outcomes.
Data synthesis
A systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Lilacs, and Web of Science was developed using terms ("egg consumption" or "egg intake") and (“health” or “chronic diseases” or “diabetes” or “cancer” or “cholesterol” or “dyslipidemia”), and meta-analyses of observational or interventional studies published since January 2020 were included. The studies’ quality was evaluated through AMSTAR-2 and NutriGrade, and the strength of evidence according to sample size, heterogeneity, and quality of articles.
Fourteen meta-analyses were included (10 observational, 4 interventional studies). The wide range of outcomes, with substantial variability and high heterogeneity, indicated a lack of robust evidence. The overall quality of studies was critically low. The level of evidence was very weak for all the significant associations: risk of heart failure (RR 1.15; 95%CI: 1.02–1.30), cancer mortality (RR 1.13; 95%CI 1.06–1.20), higher levels of LDL cholesterol (WMD 7.39; 95%CI 5.82–8.95), total cholesterol (WMD 9.12; 95%CI 7.35–10.89), and apolipoprotein B-100 (WMD 0.06; 95%CI 0.03–0.08). Conversely, egg intake has been weakly associated with improvements in HDL cholesterol (WMD 1.37; 95%CI 0.49–2.25), apolipoprotein A1 (WMD 0.03; 95%CI 0.01–0.05), and growth parameters in children (WMD 0.47; 95%CI 0.13–0.80). No evidence of association was found among all cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality risk between high vs. low egg consumption.
Conclusion
Due to the critically low strength of studies, insufficient evidence is available to discourage egg consumption, suggesting eggs can be part of a healthy diet
Contested Water. The Management of Natural Resources and the Emergence of Sustainability Problems in Northern Italy During the Early Modern Period
No full textIn this essay I present the main objectives and the first provisional results of a project on the management of natural resources and the emergence of sustainability problems in the low plain of early modern Lombardy, northern Italy. More precisely, I focus on some social institutions and large landowners in the low plains close to Milan and Brescia. I show how it is possible to explore sustainability in the past through the study and analysis of records of conflicts over the use of environmental resources, and also how this phenomenon must be analysed and interpreted in a holistic way, from multiple perspectives
Traffic Control via Fleets of Connected and Automated Vehicles
No full textIn this paper, we propose three control strategies, based on different levels of cooperation (centralized, decentralized and quasi-decentralized), to improve density dependent traffic performance indexes, such as fuel consumption, by acting on a small number of Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) operating as moving bottlenecks on the surrounding flow. We rely on a multi-scale approach to model mixed traffic of CAVs in the bulk flow. In particular, CAVs are individually tracked and they are allowed to overtake (if on distinct lanes) or queuing (if on the same lane). Controlling CAVs desired speeds allows to act on the system to minimize the selected cost function. For the proposed control strategies, we apply both global optimization and a Model Predictive Control approach. In particular, we perform numerical tests to investigate how the CAVs number and positions impact the result, showing that few, optimally chosen vehicles are sufficient to significantly improve the selected performance indexes, even using a decentralized control policy. Simulation results support the attractive perspective of exploiting a very small number of vehicles as endogenous control actuators to regulate traffic flow on road networks, providing a flexible alternative to traditional control methods
SEMSeeker: Un pacchetto R per condurre studi di associazione epigenetici basati su epimutazione stocastica
No full textQuesta tesi sviluppa un framework computazionale per valutare le mutazioni epigenetiche stocastiche (SEM), concentrandosi sulla loro identificazione, analisi e validazione attraverso diversi dataset. La ricerca affronta la sfida di rilevare con precisione le SEM: cambiamenti rari e casuali nei marcatori epigenetici che possono avere implicazioni biologiche significative. Il framework integra diversi metodi analitici, tra cui analisi di associazione, analisi di arricchimento e studi comparativi, per validare le prestazioni dei marcatori identificati.
La tesi inizia con una panoramica completa sull’epigenetica, includendo la sua storia, le definizioni e il significato biologico. Successivamente, vengono delineati gli obiettivi e la struttura della ricerca, seguiti dallo sviluppo di un pacchetto software, SEMseeker, progettato per facilitare l’analisi delle SEM. Il pacchetto è validato utilizzando dataset relativi alla Sindrome di Beckwith-Wiedemann e ai cambiamenti epigenetici legati all’età, dimostrando la sua efficacia nell’identificare e analizzare le SEM.
I risultati dell’analisi dei dataset relativi all’Alzheimer e all’osteoporosi validano ulteriormente il framework, evidenziandone la capacità di rilevare SEM associate a queste condizioni. Le prestazioni del framework vengono valutate e la sua applicabilità dimostrata attraverso studi di caso, tra cui l’esposizione alla diossina dei veterani della guerra del Vietnam.
La tesi si conclude con una discussione sui limiti dell’approccio attuale e sui possibili miglioramenti futuri. Il framework computazionale sviluppato fornisce uno strumento solido per lo studio delle mutazioni epigenetiche stocastiche, contribuendo a una comprensione più ampia della variabilità epigenetica e del suo impatto sulla salute umana.This thesis develops a computational framework to assess stochastic epigenetic mutations (SEMs), focusing on their identification, analysis, and validation across multiple datasets. The research addresses the challenge of accurately detecting SEMs: rare and random changes in epigenetic markers that can have significant biological implications. The framework integrates several analytical methods, including association analysis, enrichment analysis, and comparative studies, to validate the performance of identified markers.
The thesis begins with a comprehensive overview of epigenetics, including its history, definitions, and biological significance. It then outlines the objectives and structure of the research, followed by the development of a software package, SEMseeker, designed to facilitate the analysis of SEMs. The package is validated using datasets related to Beckwith-Wiedeman Syndrome and age-related epigenetic changes, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying and analyzing SEMs.
Results from the analysis of Alzheimer's and osteoporosis datasets further validate the framework, showcasing its ability to detect SEMs associated with these conditions. The framework's performance is evaluated, and its applicability is demonstrated through case studies, including Vietnam War veteran dioxin exposure.
The thesis concludes with a discussion of the limitations of the current approach and potential future improvements. The developed computational framework provides a robust tool for studying stochastic epigenetic mutations, contributing to the broader understanding of epigenetic variability and its impact on human health
L'approccio One Health nell'era digitale: la nuova sfida lanciata dalle Nazioni Unite
No full textL'OMS ha recentemente adottato un approccio olistico alle complesse sfide sanitarie globali. Si tratta di un approccio che può avvalersi oggi delle nuove tecnologie digital
Prediction of long-term drug-free outcomes in ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative rheumatoid arthritis by combined clinical and ultrasound assessment of residual disease: a 5-year prospective study
No full textObjective: To delineate, within the framework of current clinical practice and criteria, the sustainability of first-line immuno-suppressive treatment discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the impact of residual disease in remission on long-term drug-free (DF) outcomes.
Methods: RA patients, referring to the Pavia early arthritis clinic (EAC) between 2009 and 2021 and achieving remission after Disease Activity Score-driven methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy, were recruited. Eligible patients underwent DF follow-up at 3-month intervals over 5 years after MTX discontinuation. Pre-selected clinical, serological and ultrasound (US) exposure variables at MTX withdrawal were analysed using multivariable Cox regression to predict time-to-flare.
Results: Of 761 EAC patients with RA, 132 started DF follow-up (person-months: 3678). 62 experienced a flare after a median (range) of 9 (3-60) months, resulting in a progressive decline in flare-free survival throughout the observation period. Whole-cohort multivariate Cox regression identified anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) positivity (HR: 4.20, 95% CI 2.37 to 7.44) and hands' joints with grey scale (US-GS) alterations (GS>1; HR: 2.18, 95% CI 1.20 to 3.93) as independent predictors. ACPA-positive patients in Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) remission displayed a flare-free survival estimate at 5 years of 6.4% (95% CI 1.2 to 35.7) versus 78.2% (95% CI 67.4 to 90.8) for ACPA-negative patients in SDAI remission without residual US-GS alteration in hands' joints (n=59); the latter group showing no evidence of radiographic progression and functional deterioration.
Conclusions: Long-term DF remission is attainable in a niche subset of ACPA-negative RA. Examining clinical and subclinical residual synovial abnormalities during remission allows for effective preemptive identification of this subset in real life