Archivio Istituzionale della Ricerca- Università del Piemonte Orientale
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So much promise, so little delivery: Underuse of biological evidence collected from sexual assault victims treated in an Italian specialised hospital centre
Full text linkIn an Italian hospital centre treating victims of sexual assault, requests for genetic testing of biological samples collected during forensic medical examinations (GT cases) were identified from 2003 to 2023, and details of the results of body fluid identification (BFI) and DNA analysis were obtained from the designated laboratories. Elements that could influence the decision to perform forensic DNA analysis were derived from the medical records of GT cases and a comparison group of patients whose samples were not genetically tested. The overall proportion of GT cases was 7.8 %, remaining limited even after the implementation of the National DNA Database (BDN-DNA) in 2017 (14.3 % in 2023). Items that were significantly more common in GT cases compared to the comparison group included: a positive sperm microscopy result; short time since intercourse (TSI) (80 % of GT cases); reported ejaculation; aggression by a stranger; group violence; absence of injuries. Male DNA profiles were obtained from 52.1 % of samples using a direct-to-DNA approach, and from 39.2 % using a traditional strategy involving differential extraction, depending on the preliminary BFI results. The success rate was significantly higher for shorter TSI and positive BFI test for semen, although male DNA profiles could be obtained in 18–27 % of semen negative samples. Only 25.0 % of eligible DNA profiles obtained after 2017 were uploaded to BDN-DNA. The results show the underuse of biological evidence in the investigation of sexual violence cases in the Italian criminal justice system and the lack of awareness of the potential of BDN-DNA
Lateral distribution of endometriotic lesions: the anatomical recesses hypothesis. A systematic review and meta-analysis
Full text linkPolicies and strategies on active and healthy ageing: a scoping review of the recommendations of European and international agencies
Full text linkBackground: Over the past six decades, life expectancy has significantly increased, with a concurrent decline in fertility rates, leading to unprecedented demographic shifts. These changes have deeply changed population structures and presented challenges for welfare systems, particularly regarding sustainability and intergenerational equity.
Aim: This study aimed to review recommendations from major international organizations [e.g., the World Health Organisation (WHO), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), European Union (EU)] to promote active and healthy ageing (AHA).
Methods: A scoping review was conducted to identify policy-relevant documents published between 2008 and 2023 by major international and European organizations. The search strategy, carried out via Google using targeted search strings and snowballing methods, identified 33 reports to be included. Inclusion criteria required that documents be targeted to policymakers and present recommendations for promoting AHA. Documents focused solely on treatment, frailty, or child/youth interventions were excluded. Data extraction was carried out independently by two reviewers.
Results: The elaboration of the 33 included policy-oriented reports published between 2008 and 2023 yielded 554 actions. These were classified across 19 policy sectors and grouped into 14 cross-sectoral strategies to support healthy ageing. The most represented sectors were health (37.5% of actions), labor, social welfare, and civil rights. Strategies included enhancing access to quality services, reducing non-communicable diseases, supporting prolonged working lives, enabling ageing in place, tackling socio-economic divides, and fostering better laws. Specific interventions ranged from tax incentives for a healthy diet to flexible retirement policies, caregiver support, and urban planning for inclusive environments.
Conclusion: There is a need for a multi-sectoral approach to policymaking, as healthy ageing promotion cannot rely solely on health policy. Focusing on preventive rather than disease-oriented actions, AHA policies must be grounded in equity, sustainability, and long-term planning. Despite limited rigorous evidence—often based on expert consensus—the study offers a practical classification system to guide national and local policy development. It provides a comprehensive framework to help governments shift from reactive healthcare to proactive, integrated approaches that promote lifelong wellbeing and support the sustainability of welfare systems amid demographic and epidemiological transitions
Exploring the Syndemic of Steatotic Liver Disease, Socioeconomic Inequities and Cancer Risk in the UK Biobank
No full textBackground: Steatotic liver disease (SLD), formerly known as fatty liver disease, is associated with increased cancer risk. However, the impact of socioeconomic inequities remains understudied. This study investigates the relationship between SLD, socioeconomic position (SEP) and cancer risk using a syndemic framework. Methods: Using UK Biobank data, we defined metabolic dysfunction-associated SLD (MASLD), MASLD with increased alcohol intake (MetALD) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD), based on the Fatty Liver Index, cardiometabolic criteria and alcohol consumption. SEP was derived via latent class analysis using education, household income and employment. We used Cox proportional hazards models to examine the associations between MASLD, MetALD and ALD and the incidence of any, obesity-related and digestive cancers. We then evaluated the combined effect of these SLD subcategories and SEP on cancer outcomes. Results: Among 325 476 individuals, 91 651 had MASLD, 25 649 MetALD and 8005 ALD. Over 11.7 years median follow-up, 35 775 first incident cancers occurred (15 426 obesity-related; 6959 digestive). MASLD, MetALD and ALD were each associated with an increased risk of all cancer outcomes (hazard ratios [HR] ranging from 1.09 to 1.73). The combination of MASLD and low SEP was associated with an increased risk of any (HR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.08–1.19), obesity-related (HR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.16–1.33) and digestive cancers (HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.23–1.53). Similar trends were observed for individuals with MetALD or ALD and low SEP across all cancer outcomes. Conclusion: SLD is independently associated with increased risk of any, obesity-related and digestive cancers. These risks are amplified by socioeconomic inequities, highlighting the need for integrated approaches that consider both clinical and social determinants of health
Telecare and elderly mortality: Evidence from Italian municipalities
Full text linkThe growing ageing of the population in developed economies has necessitated the progressive use of advanced information and communication technologies for the home care of elderly individuals. The effect of these technologies on elderly health outcomes remains an open issue. This study analyzes the impact of telecare on the mortality rate of elderly people in Italy using data at the municipal level and a doubly robust difference-in-differences design. Our results show that telecare services significantly reduced the mortality rate of the elderly aged 65 and over by 1.7 individuals per 1000 inhabitants. This effect is sizeable, since it is a 4 % decrease in the elderly mortality rate relatively to the average elderly mortality rate in the treated municipalities. The effect was greater in municipalities with a large proportion of childless elderly people, suggesting that telecare may be particularly useful for the elderly who find it more difficult to rely on strong family ties. Moreover, it was larger in small municipalities, indicating that telecare may be more effective in areas where there is a greater need to compensate for a lower provision of traditional social and health care services
Early lung ultrasound score changes predict the failure of non-invasive respiratory supports in acute hypoxemic patients: a multicenter prospective observational study
No full textBackground: To determine whether lung ultrasound (LUS) may early predict the failure of non-invasive respiratory support (high-flow nasal cannula-HFNC, continuous positive airway pressure-CPAP, non-invasive ventilation-NIV) in hypoxemic patients. Methods: In this prospective multicenter international observational study, we enrolled patients undergoing non-invasive treatments for hypoxemia (PaO2/FiO2 < 300 mmHg). LUS, PaO2/FiO2 and ROX index were assessed before (baseline) and 2 h after treatment start. Regional/global LUS aeration scores were computed (4 degrees of loss-of-aeration: 0-normal to 3-severe loss of aeration) in 6 regions per hemithorax (2 anterior, 2 lateral, 2 posterior). Failure was defined as need of respiratory support's escalation within 48 h (HFNC to CPAP to NIV, any support to intubation/ECMO). Results: We studied 100 patients (age 70 [57-76] years; female sex 39%; supports: 13 HFNC, 68 CPAP, 19 NIV); the overall rate of treatment failure was 22%. At the baseline, clinical and ultrasound parameters were similar in failing and non-failing patients; after 2 h, failing patients had lower PaO2/FiO2. (149 mmHg [124-201] vs. 200 [171-243]; p = 0.001), lower ROX index (7.8 [4.9-9.2] vs. 10.9 [7.9-13.8]; p = 0.003) and higher lateral (3.0 [1.0-6.0] vs. 1.5 [0.0-3.0]; p = 0.047), antero-lateral (4.0 [1.0-9.0] vs. 2.0 [0.0-4.0]; p = 0.027) and global (13.0 [8.0-17.0] vs. 10.0 [7.0-13.0]; p = 0.036) LUS aeration scores. No improvement in lung aeration was observed in failing patients within the initial 2 h of treatment (global LUS score variations 0.0 [-2.0-1.0] vs. -3.0 [-5.0 - -2.0]; p < 0.001). ROX index and antero-lateral/global LUS scores' variations were independent predictors of failure. AUCs for treatment failure were: 2-hour ROX index 0.71 [0.58-0.84], 2-hour PaO2/FiO2 0.73 [0.60-0.85], global LUS score variations 0.73 [0.62-0.89]. A combined clinical-ultrasound score (ROX-US) showed AUC of 0.82 [0.73-0.91]. A ROX-US≥1 identified the success of the treatment with sensitivity 95% and specificity 50%; a ROX-US≥2 identified the success of the treatment with sensitivity 45% and specificity 96%. Conclusions: Changes in LUS aeration scores induced by 2 h of non-invasive respiratory support help early predict the risk of treatment failure. LUS score improved only in responders and was an independent predictor of failure
Trump, la distopia al potere
No full textRecensione al volume di Fabio Armao e Davide Pellegrino, "Distopia americana. L’impatto della presidenza Trump sul sistema politico statunitense".
Cospirazionismo, clan politici, social media e potere economico: il trumpismo non è una parentesi, ma il prodotto di una democrazia trasformata in spettacolo permanente
Nitric Oxide Signaling in Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathology: Mechanisms, Dysregulation, and Therapeutic Frontiers
Full text linkNitric oxide (NO), a fundamental gaseous signaling molecule, is indispensable for cardiovascular homeostasis. This review synthesizes the expansive field of NO biology within the unifying framework of Nitric Oxide Equilibrium (NOE), i.e., the critical balance between its synthesis, bioavailability, and degradation. In a physiological state, NOE maintains vascular health by regulating blood pressure, preventing thrombosis, suppressing inflammation, and optimizing both cardiac and mitochondrial function. Here, we analyze how NOE disruption, primarily through oxidative stress and enzymatic dysfunction, underlies the pathogenesis of major cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, heart failure, ischemia–reperfusion injury, and cerebrovascular diseases like stroke. A critical evaluation of therapeutic strategies designed to restore NOE is presented, encompassing classic NO donors and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, alongside next-generation soluble guanylate cyclase modulators and precision nanomedicine approaches. By identifying key knowledge gaps and methodological hurdles, this review charts a course for future research focused on biomarker-guided interventions and personalized medicine. Ultimately, we frame the restoration of NOE as a paramount therapeutic goal, crucial to translating decades of molecular research into effective clinical practice
Gli effetti occupazionali della formazione tecnologica superiore. Gli ITS Academy del Piemonte
No full textIl partito nuovo di Togliatti (1944-1946)
No full text“Il secolo breve del comunismo italiano”, a cura di Guglielmo Pellerino, offre una ricostruzione chiara e critica della storia del PCI dalle origini fino allo scioglimento. Attraverso i contributi di storici e studiose di diverse generazioni, il volume ripercorre le grandi svolte del comunismo italiano: dalla lezione di Gramsci e Bordiga, alla clandestinità antifascista, dal “partito nuovo” di Togliatti fino alla stagione di Berlinguer e alla svolta della Bolognina. Il PCI emerge non solo come forza politica, ma come progetto culturale collettivo capace di incidere profondamente nella società italiana del Novecento. Con taglio divulgativo ma rigoroso, il libro intreccia vicende politiche, biografie, conflitti ideologici e trasformazioni sociali, restituendo complessità a una storia spesso semplificata. Un’opera pensata anche per le nuove generazioni, che invita a interrogarsi sull’eredità del comunismo italiano e sul valore attuale della sua esperienza. Testi di Francesca Chiarotto, Angelo d’Orsi, Alexander Höbel, Guido Liguori, Ottavia Dal Maso, Paolo Desogus, Michelangela Di Giacomo e Guglielmo Pellerino