San Raffaele Open Research Data Repository
Not a member yet
162 research outputs found
Sort by
Blood RNA features for Multiple sclerosis diagnosis
No full textThese datasets include levels of whole blood RNA features selected by machine learning algorithms and applied to distinct train and test cohorts of patients with clinically isolated syndromes, multiple sclerosis and healthy controls recruited and analyzed for the project Grant RF-2018- 12367731 that was funded by the Italian Ministry of Health
Circulating MAIT cells in multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
No full textData referred to the study financed by the Ministry of Health (RF-2018-12367731) and published in the article https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1436717/ful
T cell-derived IFN-γ Suppresses T Follicular Helper Cell Differentiation and Antibody Responses
No full textCD4+ T cells play a critical role in antiviral humoral and cellular immune responses. We have previously reported that subcutaneous lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (s.c. LCMV) infection is characterized by a stark compartmentalization of CD4+ T cells, leading to strong TH1 polarization but virtually absent T follicular helper (TFH) cells, a key driver of humoral immunity. Here, we investigated the mechanisms responsible for this impaired TFH differentiation. We found that T-bet+ cells induced by s.c. LCMV infection encompass a TH1 subset expressing Granzyme-B (GzmB) and a Tcf-1+ subset that retains the potential for TFH differentiation without expressing mature TFH markers. Interestingly, IFN-γ blockade enables full differentiation of Tcf-1+ cells into TFH, formation of germinal centers and increased antibody production. Of note, the suppression of TFH cells by IFN-γ is not directly mediated through CD4+ T cells but rather involves another cell type, likely dendritic cells (DCs). Our study provides novel insights into the mechanisms directing early CD4+ T cell polarization and affecting humoral responses to viruses, laying a foundation for the development of effective vaccine strategies
The insula modulates the effects of aerobic training on cardiovascular function and ambulation in multiple sclerosis
No full textCardiovascular dysregulation is a frequent non-motor manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS), potentially linked to structural damage in autonomic control regions such as the insular cortex. This study examined the role of insular integrity in modulating cardiovascular fitness (CF) and ambulation, and its influence on the efficacy of aerobic training (AT) in people with MS. A total of 61 MS patients (20 with relapsing–remitting and 41 with progressive MS) were retrospectively analyzed and randomized into two intervention arms: an AT group (MS-AT, n = 31) performing moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, and a motor training control group (MS-C, n = 30) performing non-aerobic exercises. Each patient underwent clinical, cardiopulmonary, and MRI evaluations at baseline and after 24 training sessions over 2–3 months.
Two separate healthy control groups were included: one for cardiopulmonary assessment (HC-clinic, n = 20) and another for imaging comparison (HC-MRI, n = 60). At baseline, MS patients demonstrated significantly reduced VO₂max, HR reserve (HRR), and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) performance compared to healthy controls, alongside widespread gray matter atrophy including the bilateral insula. Notably, the presence of left insular T2-hyperintense lesions correlated with impaired HRR.
Following AT, the MS-AT group—particularly patients without insular lesions—showed significant improvement in 6MWT distance and preservation of insular volume. In contrast, the MS-C group exhibited progressive left insular atrophy. Moreover, greater gains in walking capacity were significantly associated with more limited loss of left anterior insular volume.
These results highlight the insula’s role in modulating both baseline cardiovascular impairment and training-related functional improvements. Assessing insular integrity via MRI may offer predictive value for rehabilitation outcomes and guide individualized aerobic training strategies in MS care
Thalamic nuclei volume partially mediates the effects of aerobic capacity on fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis
No full textFatigue is a prevalent and disabling symptom in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), affecting both cognitive and physical domains. This study explored the relationship between aerobic capacity, thalamic nuclei volumes, and fatigue, and assessed whether thalamic integrity mediates the effect of aerobic fitness on fatigue perception. The study retrospectively enrolled 83 pwMS (36 with relapsing–remitting MS and 47 with secondary progressive MS) and 63 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC). All participants underwent 3T brain MRI to quantify thalamic and global brain volumes. Fatigue was evaluated using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), and aerobic capacity was assessed via peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak) from cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), available for all pwMS and 22 HC.
Compared to HC, pwMS exhibited significantly lower VO₂peak and thalamic volumes and higher global, physical, and cognitive fatigue scores. In pwMS, higher VO₂peak was associated with lower fatigue (MFIS and pMFIS) and with greater volume in the laterodorsal thalamic nuclei cluster (Dor). Furthermore, lower Dor volume was linked to greater fatigue in all MFIS domains. Mediation analyses revealed that the Dor cluster partially mediated the beneficial effects of VO₂peak on global fatigue (21% indirect effect) and cognitive fatigue (32% indirect effect), but not physical fatigue.
These findings suggest that aerobic capacity influences fatigue in pwMS, partly via structural preservation of specific thalamic subregions, especially the laterodorsal nuclei. While physical fatigue may be more directly influenced by systemic or extra-thalamic factors, cognitive fatigue appears partially dependent on thalamic integrity. This underscores the potential neuroprotective role of cardiorespiratory fitness and highlights the Dor thalamic cluster as a critical neural substrate in MS-related fatigue. Targeting aerobic capacity through rehabilitation may not only alleviate fatigue but also support thalamic structural integrity in pwMS
Institutional Changes to Embed Citizen Science in RPOs: The Case of UniSR as an Implementer Partner of the European Project TIME4CS
No full textInstitutional barriers and lack of engagement in research-performing organisations (RPOs) may limit the development and impact of Citizen Science (CS) initiatives. In the present case study, we detail the transformative and multidisciplinary approach of Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (UniSR) through the European project TIME4CS, showcasing how tailored roadmaps and mutual learning with other RPOs with established support structures and expertise for CS were able to overcome these challenges.
The approach involved several key steps: 1) creation of a de novo research organization area dedicated to Research Development; 2) formation of a multidisciplinary core team to implement TIME4CS activities; 3) mapping the initial and final levels of awareness of CS among UniSR researchers through surveys; 4) developing and implementing a detailed communication plan, including seminars, newsletters, articles, and a repository of CS resources; 5) involvement of UniSR students, professors, researchers but also research support officers in the initiatives; 6) establishment of a contact point for stakeholders interested in CS and active participation in ECSA groups; 7) support to the development of pilot initiatives and projects of CS.
To collect information regarding the awareness and the interest of the research community in Citizen Science, after one year from the beginning of the TIME4CS project we shared a survey among researchers. To measure the impact of TIME4CS on the UniSR research community, 2 months after the end of the 36-month-long project (M36+2) we repeated as a follow-up the survey. The data here deposited refer to these surveys.
The academic impact includes increased awareness and engagement in CS initiatives among UniSR researchers. The actions triggered by the TIME4CS project have led to the emergence of several new CS research projects, enhancing UniSR's research excellence and contributing to its strategic goals of internationalization and competitiveness. This case study provides a model for overcoming institutional barriers in the promotion of CS and enhancing research excellence.
The wider impact of the initiatives includes fostering a more collaborative and inclusive research environment at UniSR. By involving researchers, students, professors, research support officers, and external stakeholders, the project promoted a culture of Open Science and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). The activities also contribute to the broader scientific community by participating in European Citizen Science Association (ECSA) groups and sharing resources and best practices, potentially influencing other institutions to adopt similar approaches
Ceruloplasmin administration in the preclinical mouse model of aceruloplasminemia reveals a sex-related variation in biodistribution
No full textraw data and images for the genertion of the figures in the manuscript "Ceruloplasmin administration in the preclinical mouse model of aceruloplasminemia reveals a sex-related variation in biodistribution" by Belloli S, Monterisi C, Rainone P, Coliva A, Zanardi A, Conti A, Caricasole A, Moresco RM, Alessio M. (Published in Communications Biology, 2025
Association between CKD and frailty in the FRASNET study
No full textThe dataset includes the row data shown in Tables 1-2 and in graph in Figure 1 of the paper: Lanzani C, Citterio L, Concas MP, Barruscotti A, Zagato L, Simonini M, Brioni E, El Boustani M, Damanti S, Rovere-Querini P, Manfredi AA, Manunta P. The association between CKD and frailty in the FRASNET study: suggestion of a novel eGFR threshold as a key determinant of frailty in the elderly. Journal of Nephrology 2025. doi: 10.1007/s40620-025-02442-y
This study deals with frailty, a geriatric syndrome marked by reduced physiological reserves, linked to organ dysfunction. However, the specific contribution of kidney function to frailty remains underexplored. The aim is to assess the impact of kidney function on frailty in a large population of older adults.
The FRASNET (Frailty and Sarcopenia Network) cohort included 1183 individuals (59.9% females, age 65–93). Among them, 27.7% of subjects were classified as robust, 37.6% were pre-frail, and 34.7% were frail. The prevalence of frailty increased with age (43% in individuals over 76 years of age) and was associated with obesity (28.3%) and polytherapy (23.2%). Whole estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 73.8 (IQR 62.4, 84.7) ml/min/1.73 m2. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) increased across frailty classes from 15.2% in robust to 29.0% in frail individuals (P < 0.001). Among young-old subjects (65–75 years old), comorbidity was the main determinant of frailty, whereas in older subjects, when eGFR was below 53.5 ml/min/1.73 m2, it was associated with frailty (P < 0.002). Fractional excretion of sodium progressively increased across frailty classes, from 0.71% in robust individuals (IQR 0.46–1.03) to 0.79% in frail subjects (IQR 0.48–1.17) (P = 0.04).
This study revealed a strong relationship between CKD and frailty, identifying a new eGFR threshold associated with frailty in older adults, thus highlighting the potential role of the often-overlooked tubular function in older individuals
Dopamine neuron dysfunction and loss in the PrknR275W mouse model of Juvenile Parkinsonism
No full textTEM images of substantia nigra pars compacta of WT and PrknR275W mice at 6 months of ag
IL-10-producing regulatory cells impact on Celiac Disease evolution
No full textIn the manuscript "IL-10-producing regulatory cells impact on celiac disease evolution" (doi: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.109923), we showed that IL-10-producing cells are fundamental in controlling pathological T-cell responses to gluten. In brief, our major findings are:
1) Gluten ingestion induces systemic inflammation in CD patients;
2) Gliadin-specific IFN-g+ T cells are present in patients regardless of tissue damage;
3) The presence of DC-10 in mucosal infiltrates is a hallmark of potential CD patients;
4) In potential CD, DC-10 maintain mucosal homeostasis and protect the gut from damage.
The datasets here loaded contain all the clinical and immunological data, supporting our conclusions, that have been used to build the manuscript.
An additional file (raw_data_description) contains the main guidelines to correctly associate the raw data with the corresponding figure/table in the manuscript