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Teen beauty trends: the ethics and impact of aesthetic medicine on adolescents
No full textDear Editor,
The increasing prevalence of aesthetic medicine among adolescents poses critical ethical,
medical, and psychological questions. Social media-driven beauty standards compel young
individuals to seek treatments for their beautification [1]. The recent ISAP 2024 Survey
highlighted the distribution of aesthetic procedures performed on individuals aged 17 or
younger, revealing a notable prevalence of interventions at a stage of ongoing physical and
psychological development. Rhinoplasty (i.e. non-surgical nose reshaping) emerges as the most
common procedure, with 45,512 cases representing 4.2% of the total, followed by botulinum
toxin injections (39,440 cases, 0.5%) and liposuction (22,959 cases, 1.1%). Additionally, breast
augmentation (13,269 cases, 0.8%), non-surgical fat reduction (13,354 cases, 1.9%), and external
genital surgery (7,097 cases, 1.9%) are also performed within this age grou
The experience of volunteer nurses providing health and social support to refugees during the war in Ukraine: a phenomenological study
No full textBackground: Wars worldwide inflict immense suffering and drive mass migrations to neighbouring countries. The Ukraine conflict has forced millions to flee, often lacking healthcare and family support. In response, volunteer health and social care networks, including nurses and doctors, were established to assist refugees. Among these, the “Coordination of Volunteer Nurses for Health Emergencies Association” (CIVES) played a key role in providing frontline care. Objective: This study explored the experiences of Italian volunteer nurses delivering health and social care to refugees during the Ukrainian conflict. Design: A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to examine the experiences of volunteer nurses from CIVES. Setting(s): The study involved volunteer nurses participating in a mission to support Ukrainian refugees. Participants: A total of 17 volunteer nurses (47.1 % female) from CIVES took part in the study. Methods: Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted between June and August 2024. Giorgi's phenomenological method was employed for data analysis, identifying key challenges and experiences among the nursing staff. Results: The analysis identified five central themes. First, a holistic approach to care was prominent, with nurses addressing not only physical health needs but also providing critical emotional and psychological support. Second, language and communication challenges emerged, often requiring nurses to rely on non-verbal cues and collaborative teamwork to bridge language barriers effectively. Third, a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration was evident, with nurses frequently working alongside psychologists, social workers, and cultural mediators to deliver comprehensive care. Fourth, the crisis revealed significant emotional and psychological impacts, particularly due to the trauma endured by refugees, including unaccompanied minors, which had a profound effect on the nurses themselves. Finally, personal adaptation and growth surfaced as a key theme, as participants described both personal fulfilment and professional development through their experiences. Conclusions: Volunteer nurses providing care to refugees face significant challenges, including emotional burdens and ethical dilemmas. The findings suggest a need for specialized training in holistic care and crisis management, emphasizing the importance of psychological support and multidisciplinary collaboration in disaster and conflict situations
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION OF SAPWOOD AND HEARTWOOD PROPORTIONS IN WOODEN FOUNDATION PILES IN RELATION TO BACTERIAL DECAY
No full textIn the historic city centre of Amsterdam (NL), the most widespread foundation system consists of wooden piles. Since these foundations are fully below the water table, they are mostly subjected to bacterial decay. This biodegradation phenomenon proceeds slowly over time, and usually involves the less durable sapwood, with heartwood remaining sound. Hence, obtaining an estimate of sapwood and heartwood proportions in wooden piles can provide information on how deep in the cross section bacterial decay is expected to proceed. This is relevant, for instance, when developing service life models, since the remaining sound cross section of a pile can be estimated. Thus, the present work involves a comprehensive investigation on sapwood and heartwood proportions in spruce, pine and fir wooden foundation piles from different construction periods, ranging from 1727 to 2019. The amount of sapwood and heartwood was determined with computed tomography (CT) scans on 49 wet discs retrieved from the piles. Such measured sapwood width was then compared with that predicted with an empirical model from literature, based on the number of annual rings and growth rate, obtaining a successful validation. Micro-drilling measurements were also conducted on the discs to identify decayed portions, which appeared to always affect (part of) the sapwood only. Finally, this outcome was further validated against a broader dataset of micro-drilling measurements taken on over 200 pile segments, for which the sapwood widths were predicted with the aforementioned empirical model, and were found to be overall greater than the corresponding decayed portions, even in wooden piles having been in service for 300 years
varco-porta salva-vita in caso di sisma
No full textIl dispositivo varco-porta salva-vita consiste in una pensilina statica, aggettante su entrambi i lati della parete implementata di porta taglia-fuoco, supportata da due portali in acciaio collegati tra loro e addossati al muro ma senza connessioni strutturali con esso, né con il pavimento, a vantaggio della reversibilità del sistema e di una sua più facile applicazione anche all’interno di beni immobili sottoposti a tutela. Le componenti principali del prodotto varco salva-vita sono appunto il telaio metallico, realizzato in tubolari standard, una pensilina, realizzata con lamiera forata e un anima in legno, implementata con un interfaccia luminosa che funziona da segnaletica in caso di emergenza. Il portale è rivestito con un carter che racchiude la struttura portante e le connessioni tra i due telai
Immunohistochemistry and molecular biology studies of apelin and apelin receptor in queen placenta
No full textPlacenta is a tissue where vasculogenesis, blood pressure and blood flow are dramatically important to allow normal embryonic and foetal growth and requires the production of numerous growth factors, hormones and transcription factors. Apelin is a pleiotropic peptide, and its major action relates to energy metabolism, cardiovascular function, body fluid homeostasis via its receptor. The involvement of the apelinergic system during pregnancy in veterinary medicine has been investigated only in bitches. Thereafter, the aim of our study was to investigate, for the first time, presence and distribution of this system in the queen placenta at mid- and end-gestation. Ten pregnant mixed-breed queens were used. The animals were equally divided into two groups based on the stage of pregnancy (mid and end gestation) and, with the written consent of their owners, were subjected to ovariohysterectomy or non-conservative caesarean section. The Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR) analysis showed the presence of transcripts for apelin and its receptor in all the foetal and maternal placenta samples processed. The immunohistochemical (IHC) study evidenced the presence and the distribution of positive immunoreactions for apelin and its receptor in all the samples observed. In particular, in the placental labyrinthic portion, apelin and apelin receptor immunopositivity was evident in the cytoplasm of trophoblasts and endothelial cells. The uterine glands also exhibited a positive immune reaction for apelin and corresponding receptor. Based on our results, apelin and its receptor, also in the queen placenta, could be an important system involved in the physiological development of placenta, embryo and foetal growth
Multiscalare, interoperabile, transdisciplinare Il potere e i limiti del geo-digitale nella valutazione dei contesti urbani
No full textIl contributo analizza l'evoluzione delle tecnologie geo-spaziali da strumenti di cartografia statica a sistemi dinamici di supporto alle decisioni (DSS), focalizzandosi sul ruolo emergente degli Urban Digital Twins nella governance territoriale. Attraverso una disamina critica dei rischi connessi al determinismo tecnologico e al digital divide, il testo evidenzia i limiti degli approcci tradizionali GIS-based, spesso carenti nella rappresentazione delle dinamiche temporali e sociali. In risposta a tali sfide, viene presentato il modello socio-tecnico adottato dal progetto Vitality e dalla piattaforma CityRhythm, che integra l'analisi morfologica con dati di presenza umana e percezione a livello strada. Tale approccio mira a superare la mera visualizzazione tridimensionale per approdare a una valutazione del "rischio esposto" e della vulnerabilità vissuta, promuovendo una pianificazione transdisciplinare orientata alla giustizia climatica e sociale
LIFE+ A_GreeNet Web Gis Data_Green Suite
No full textDescription:
This dataset contains a collection of georeferenced spatial data layers, produced as part of the LIFE+ A_GreeNet (Adriatic Climate Urban Network) project. These layers represent a wide range of environmental, climatic, socio-demographic, and urban planning characteristics across the study areas. The data collection, analysis, and modeling workflow of this project are detailed below, along with the produced files:
1. Foundation Data:
Limiti di progetto.gpkg: This initial layer delineates the boundaries of the project's study areas, within the administrative boundaries of each partner municipality.
2. Data Collection and Processing:
Mappe e database delle aree verdi e della loro qualità/stato di conservazione: Data layer containing the mapping of green areas and their quality and conservation status.
Suolo_SAVI.gpkg: Represents the Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index at a specific date, used in the study to assess the state of vegetation vigor within urbanized areas.
Stress termico_ST-LST.gpkg: Includes the Surface Temperature (ST) and Land Surface Temperature (LST) layers used to assess heat island effects and thermal stress.
Vulnerabilità socio-anagrafica.gpkg: Contains socio-demographic data (e.g., population density, age distributions, family structures, and fragility indicators) aggregated to the limits of ISTAT census sections.
3. Environmental and Climate Analysis and Planning:
Carta del Rischio.gpkg: The result of the cognitive framework is a qualitative-quantitative risk map developed through i) spatial
correlation of the processed data and ii) querying the GeoDB.
The following are the variables produced, which are combined with other indicators and spatial data of interest.
Together, make up the GeoDB dataset:
− socio-demographic fragility;
− soil quality: morphological-spatial vulnerability (SAVI Index);
− multi-temporal thermal stress (ST Index, LST Index);
− hydrogeological Management Plan (PAI), i.e. risk areas;
− educational institutions and health centers.
Griglie 10x10m.gpkg: A 10x10 meter spatial resolution grid system that serves as a homogeneous framework for data integration.
DC.2.1.0_Previsioni del PRG, stato di attuazione (sintesi).gpkg: A synthesis layer reflecting current land use according to the Municipal Regulatory Plan ("Piano Regolatore Generale") and the existing state of their implementation.
DC.2.1.X_Visione strategica dell'infrastruttura verde.gpkg: Contains the strategic vision for green infrastructure planning towards 2030 and 2050.
DC2.1.1_Scenari progettuali alla grande scala al 2030.gpkg and DC2.1.2_Scenari progettuali alla grande scala al 2050.gpkg: Contains specific and general projected interventions and scenarios at 2030 and 2050.
DA3.1.4_Progettazioni in corso e programmate.gpkg: Contains data on current or programmed projects.
Aree verdi proprietà.gpkg:
Aree verdi Previsioni Urbanistiche.gpkg:
Aree verdi esistenti 2.gpkg:
4. WebGIS Integration:
The different information layers of the project are loaded into a WebGIS platform where all these datasets are overlaid and analyzed. All raster or vector data are converted to raster images for visualization.
This dataset aims to analyze spatial correlations between different aspects of climate-related vulnerabilities in urban areas and serves as a reference for the A_GreeNet project.
Study Areas:
This dataset includes data related to the municipalities of:
Ancona - San Benedetto del Tronto - Martinsicuro - Alba Adriatica - Tortoreto - Giulianova - Roseto degli Abruzzi - Pineto - Silvi - Pescara
These locations form the core of the Adriatic Climate Urban Network within the LIFE+ A_GreeNet project.
Data Format:
All data layers are provided as GeoPackage (.gpkg) files, a widely supported open geospatial data format suitable for the storage and exchange of vector and raster data. This format is compatible with open-source GIS software such as QGIS.
To open a QGIS project saved within a GeoPackage:
Start QGIS: Open QGIS (or return to the start screen with no projects).
Open from GeoPackage: Go to "Project" > "Open from GeoPackage".
Select the GeoPackage: In the dialog box, locate and select the .gpkg file that contains your project.
Select the project file: Choose the .qgs file within the GeoPackage (e.g., project.qgs).
Open: Click "Open". Your project, including all the layers, will open from the single .gpkg file.
Supporting Resources:
A detailed explanation of the project and data collection methodologies is available in the project's deliverables.
Official website of the Life+ A_GreeNet project: https://www.lifeagreenet.eu/site/
The data layers were designed for use on the WebGIS platform created for the project: https://life.gishosting.eu/index.php/view/map?repository=life&project=demo_project_REV
Insights into the formation of pullulan nanofilm and its feasibility as probiotic-resided oral fast dissolving carrier
No full textOral fast dissolving films represent a novel dosage form for probiotics. To reduce the dependence of film preparation on synthetic materials, a polysaccharide-based oral fast dissolving nanofilm for probiotics was fabricated through pullulan (PUL) electrospinning. An electrospinnability map of PUL with varying physical properties was developed, identifying a molecular weight of 200 kDa and a concentration of 20 % as suitable conditions for achieving favorable fiber morphology. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and fluorescence assays confirmed that probiotics could be effectively encapsulated in the nano- film, with 92.6 % of viable cells retained after electrospinning. Results of thermogravimetric analysis and thermal test indicated that the heat resistance of the encapsulated bacteria was significantly improved (P < 0.05). After 28 days of storage, the loss of viable bacteria was higher at 25 degrees C (2.9 log) than at 4 degrees C (0.5 log). This observation is consistent with the results of accelerated storage test, which showed that probiotic nanofilms stored at 4 degrees C had a longer shelf life with an inactivation rate constant of 1.74 x 10(-5). Furthermore, the dissolution study revealed that the nanofilms could disintegrate in simulated saliva within 15 s, highlighting their potential as oral fast dissolving formulation
Abdominal Ultrasonography in Healthy Female Standard Donkeys
Get PDFKnowledge of the normal ultrasound anatomy in the donkey is essential to un-
derstand pathological changes and to reach an early diagnosis, considering the “dullness”
and stoicism of these animals in pain manifestations. The aims of this study were to docu-
ment which abdominal viscera could be identified using a transcutaneous ultrasonography
technique under field conditions in unsedated, standing donkeys to determine where the
different abdominal structures could be easily displayed and to describe any variation that
occurred between different donkeys and horses. In this work, the manual technique for
performing an ultrasound of the abdominal organs in a donkey is described, including
acoustic windows. In addition, several measurements were performed and correlated with
the age and weight of the animal to find possible variations. For several of the abdominal
viscera, donkeys were found to have similarities with horses, but some differences were
found, mostly related to kidney size and the technique for liver visualization. The wall
thickness of the colon was confirmed as higher compared to horses, while other intesti-
nal tracts were found to be comparable. A correlation between body weight and organ
measurements was only found for the length of both kidneys