Sexting in adolescence: what are the reasons? An empirical study.

Objectives: This study aims to provide an in-depth analysis on the phenomenon of sexting through the investigation of the motivations that lead adolescents to such practice. We took account of gender differences and the more used varieties of sexting behaviors. Recent studies have pointed out that sexual purposes, instrumental motivations and body image reinforcement, as well as the pressure exerted by partners and friends, seem to be the reasons that push teenager to resort to sexting. The aim of our research is to evaluate which of these motivations are mainly associated to sexting behaviors. Method: Our sample involved 157 teenagers aged from 13 and 20 years (M=17,39), among which 110 were female. We administered the sample the Questionnaire on Sexting Behaviors and the Questionnaire on Sexting Motivations. Results: Our results found that 69,4% of participants (n=109) reported having done sexting at least once. Statistically relevant differences emerged in favor of the male group as concerns the subdimension of received sexts and that of sent own sexts. On the other hand, no statistically significant differences were found in relation to gender and concerning the three sexting motivations, even if the results of a multivariate linear regression model have indicated that only Instrumental/aggravate reasons (p < .001) and Sexting forced by partner (p = 0.15) significantly predicted sexting. Conclusions: The role played by Instrumental motivations is a worrying wake-up call, since such behaviors can prelude to violent actions like dating violence and cyberbullying. Therefore, more in-cisive and early preventive measures are needed.

[Integrated project of personalisation school curricula and training].

OBJECTIVES: To strengthen the motivation to study, promote awareness of their attitudes and actions of orientation / re-orientation to the profession, making the learning experience more stimulating and training in order to staunch the sharp drop-out affecting the school. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The project, coordinated by psychologists, involved the administration of AMOS Test as a tool to detect the variables of interest (self-image, ambitions and motivations, concerns for the future, soft skills etc.) in a sample of students belonging the CFP of Lazio. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 632 students (aged between 14 and 20 years and made up 70.6% of females). The sample is divided between the Agency's structures Formation of the Province of Frosinone: Anagni (7,3%); Cassino (24,7%); Ferentino (10,9%); Frosinone (31,8 %); Pontecorvo (4,1%) and Sora (21,2%) that offer various training courses: a wellness area (81%), electronic / mechanical area (12%), administrative one (7%). Most of the students have poor self-esteem and con dence in their own resources. They have a poor perception of their skills both profes- sionally and personally, have trouble thinking of an ambitious future with a 'negative self-image'. Few have plans for the future and are determined to achieve them and bring them forward, demonstrating uncertainty about future careers. CONCLUSIONS: The survey findings emerges the need of the students to have a support not only educational but also cognitive and emotional. Possible proposals for action are: the implementation of techniques such as cooperative learning, action learning, problem solving, the 'activation of a door psychological listening and the like.

Body image and health behaviors: is there a relationship between lifestyles and positive body image?

The study illustrates a research on the relationship between body image and lifestyles in a sample of 262 young amateur athletes that have a regular attendance of a gym in Cassino (Central Italy). The following questionnaires were used: Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ34), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Short form 12 items (SF12). The participants were 257 (response rate 98.1%) mainly of young age (18-24 years, 63.8%), single (72%), with a senior high school diploma (57.2%), students (63%). For almost all the BSQ-34 questionnaire items differences for gender were found, with Females more worried than males. 187 (72.8%) reported some vigorous activity during a week, 207 (80.5%) some moderate activity, and 229 (89.1%) walking. The participants had a median PCS score of 54.2 (range: 24.5-64.8) and a median MCS score of 43.8 (range: 9.3 - 58.7). The mean score of the Mediterranean diet was 4.8 (median = 5; Range = 1-8), and only 72 individuals (11.7%) had optimal score (over or equal to 6).

Role of multidetector CT angiography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound in redefining follow-up protocols after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

PURPOSE: Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is an appealing alternative to computed tomography angiography (CTA) for the follow-up of patients who underwent endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). We sought to evaluate the accuracy of CEUS compared with a particularly tailored protocol of CTA performed with a 64-row multidetector CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study prospectively enrolled 88 consecutive patients for CEUS and CTA imaging during follow-up after EVAR, yielding 142 paired examinations. The outcome is represented by three main goals: identification and characterisation of endoleaks, evaluation of graft patency and measurement of aneurysm diameter. Triple-phase CTA was the gold standard. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity of CEUS compared with CTA in endoleak and graft patency evaluation were 91.89% and 100% and 72% and 100%, respectively. A very high correlation between CTA and CEUS diameter measurements was established. CEUS did not appear superior to CTA in endoleak detection, probably because a tailored CTA protocol with a delayed phase (180 s) allows detection of low-flow endoleaks. CONCLUSIONS: Patient management was not different following CEUS and CTA results. CTA cannot yet be completely replaced, but several limitations (radiation exposure, contrast agent) encourage redefining the routine follow-up imaging modality. We suggest an algorithm of surveillance alternating CTA and CEUS.

A new FSA approach for in situ γ ray spectroscopy.

An increasing demand of environmental radioactivity monitoring comes both from the scientific community and from the society. This requires accurate, reliable and fast response preferably from portable radiation detectors. Thanks to recent improvements in the technology, γ spectroscopy with sodium iodide scintillators has been proved to be an excellent tool for in-situ measurements for the identification and quantitative determination of γ ray emitting radioisotopes, reducing time and costs. Both for geological and civil purposes not only (40)K, (238)U, and (232)Th have to be measured, but there is also a growing interest to determine the abundances of anthropic elements, like (137)Cs and (131)I, which are used to monitor the effect of nuclear accidents or other human activities. The Full Spectrum Analysis (FSA) approach has been chosen to analyze the γ spectra. The Non Negative Least Square (NNLS) and the energy calibration adjustment have been implemented in this method for the first time in order to correct the intrinsic problem related with the χ(2) minimization which could lead to artifacts and non physical results in the analysis. A new calibration procedure has been developed for the FSA method by using in situ γ spectra instead of calibration pad spectra. Finally, the new method has been validated by acquiring γ spectra with a 10.16 cm × 10.16 cm sodium iodide detector in 80 different sites in the Ombrone basin, in Tuscany. The results from the FSA method have been compared with the laboratory measurements by using HPGe detectors on soil samples collected particular, the (137)Cs isotopes has been implemented in the analysis since it has been found not negligible during the in-situ measurements.

[Breast feeding in the province of Padua from 1978 to 1993]. / Allattamento al seno in provincia di Padova dal 1978 al 1993.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The authors report the results of an epidemiological study on breastfeeding from 1978 to 1993, followed by the same operators using the same method in the same territory, a semi-rural area of the province of Padua. In particular, they report the results for 1993 and compare them with those of earlier years and with those in Selvazzano, a town lying on the outskirts of the city of Padua. METHODS: A total of 963 of the 1115 women who had given birth during the study period were interviewed (85.6%). RESULTS: The frequency of breastfeeding rose from 61% in 1978 to 81% in 1993 and its mean duration from 4 to 6.3 months. The frequency of breastfeeding in Selvazzano was slightly lower (72%) as was the mean duration (5.8 months). The factor which most strongly influenced breastfeeding was the mother's work: its frequency was 66.1% for factory workers, 89.9% for housewives, 79.2% for office workers and teachers, 85.7% for shopkeepers-craftworkers and 75% for managerial staff. From the overall data it was observed that the frequency of breastfeeding increased in parallel to the length of time off work after birth: it rose from 69% among working women taking 3 months off work to 86% in housewives and those taking > or = 13 months off work. The level of education had less of an effect on the decision to breastfeed: the frequency of breastfeeding in mothers with high-school diplomas or university degrees was 85% compared to 79% in those with a lower level of education. According to this study the age of the mother did not influence the frequency of breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: The authors emphasise the need to carry out concrete new initiatives in favour of working mothers.

[Necrotizing histiocytic lymphadenitis (Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease): contribution of 2 cases]. / Linfadenitis histiocítica necrotizante (enfermedad de Kikuchi-Fujimoto): aportación de dos casos.

The necrotizing lymphadenitis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto is an uncommon disease in Spain. In a review of the literature we found only five cases reported until 1995. We report here two patients with the diagnosis of this entity in an area hospital during a one-year period. This fact contrasts with the low frequency of this disease reported so far in our country. The cases were two young women who were investigated because of cervical lymph node enlargement and headache. The lymph node biopsy revealed typical findings of the necrotic phase of the Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease in one case; the histology in the other case was characteristic of the so called proliferative phase. The two patients evolved spontaneously with a favorable outcome. Lymph node enlargements resolved in less than three months. All microbiological investigations performed were negative. One of the two patients was receiving intranasal calcitonin when symptoms developed. The incidence of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease might be higher than considered. The spontaneous resolution of the disease and the requirement of the histological examination for its diagnosis are factors limiting its identification.

[Fever of unknown origin in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus]. / Fiebre de origen desconocido en pacientes infectados por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana.

BACKGROUND: To describe the clinical features and the final diagnosis of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus who presented fever of unknown origin. METHODS: Retrospective study, from November 1989 to January 1994, of all patients infected with HIV who had fever of unknown origin and who were admitted to a community hospital in a Mediterranean area in Alicante (Spain). Fever of unknown origin was defined as fever exceeding 38.3 degrees C lasting for at least three weeks with no diagnosis in the first three days of hospitalization after fulfilling clinical exam, three blood cultures, acid-fast bacilli stain in sputum and chest-X-ray. RESULTS: Of a cohort of 231 patients, 27 (12%) were evaluated because of fever of unknown origin during their follow-up. Patients' mean age was 31 years (interval, 22-75) and intravenous drug use (81%) was the most common risk factor for HIV infection. A total of 31 episodes of fever of unknown origin were reviewed. Twenty-three (74%) episodes occurred in patients with less than 200 CD4 lymphocytes/mm3. A final diagnosis of fever of unknown origin was achieved in 24 (77%) episodes: visceral leishmaniasis (n = 11), tuberculosis (n = 9), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (n = 1), CNS toxoplasmosis (n = 1), cryptococcal meningitis (n = 1) and drug adverse reaction (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: HIV-infected patients with fever of unknown origin very often show severe immunodeficiency. Cryptococcal antigen testing should be carried out in the initial evaluation of fever of unknown origin in HIV-infected patients. In our area, 64% of episodes of fever of unknown origin were caused by visceral leishmaniasis or tuberculosis.

[Obesity, overweight and physical activity in elementary school children]. / Obesità, sovrappeso e attività sportiva in una popolazione di allievi di scuola elementare.

This research presents an epidemiological study on the prevalence of obesity and overweightness in an Elementary School population. 243 children of third and fourth grade (males 52.26% and females 47.74%, 9-10 years old) of the Selvazzano (Padova) District, were evaluated during the annual medical visit. The Body Max Index (BMI) and the Cole index were calculated. The parents filled out a questionnaire which investigated the level and quality of involvement in sports. The statistical analysis was executed by the ANOVA test and post Hoc analysis. 59.02% of the children resulted within the ponderal normality with the Cole index < or = 110, 13.5% resulted overweight (Cole index 110 divided by 120), 20% resulted obese (Cole index 120 divided by 140), 7.3% resulted highly obese (Cole index > 140). High level obesity was found in fourth grade boys (p < 0.0001). As far as sports are concerned, it is noted that 173 children (73.3%) practise some sport. The more practised sports, swimming (44.5%), soccer (27.1%) and gymnastic (15.02%), are practised twice a week by 58.3% of the children. Obesity and overweight in the examined population result high even in relation to data found in literature. When choosing a sport activity to prevent overweightness or obesity, one should advise parents, school operators and students to choose a sport with a great caloric consumption, at least 250-300 kcal per session, twice a week, along with a change in active lifestyle. Regarding swimming, the most practised sport, children should be sent at an early age (4-5 years old) in order to anticipate learning of the athletic gesture, and to do this at an age in which obesity and overweightness have less an incidence.

[Health demands in adolescence. The results of 2 epidemiological studies in the Padua area in 1990-1992]. / Domanda di salute in adolescenza. Risultati di 2 indagini epidemiologiche nel padovano negli anni 1990-1992.

UNLABELLED: In order to make a detailed analysis of the specific requirements of adolescent health in this country, local health unit n. 19 in Padua performed an epidemiological survey with the collaboration of 15 general physicians who were asked to record all ambulatory visits by 13-24 year olds on a special form. The survey, which lasted two years, revealed that of a total of 4748 records, 2112 (44.48%) were male and 2636 (55.51%) were female. The age at which the greatest number of visits was recorded was 18. The majority of adolescents attended alone (68.48%) and this pattern tended to increase with age. The frequency of annual attendance was 86.64%. In order of frequency, diagnoses included: requests for certificates and prescriptions (21.76%); respiratory disease and influenza (21.61%); obstetric and gynecological problems (8.61% of the total and 15.52% of female attendance) which together with auxoendocrinological problems amounted to a frequency of 10.55%; psychological problems (6.53%); dermatological diseases (6.324%); problems involving the osteomuscular structure, problem of the digestive tract (4.93%); nervous disorders and diseases of the sense organs (4.87%); medication and requests for information (3.60%); nephro-uro-andrological problems (3.26%). IN CONCLUSION: the high rate of attendance at medical clinics does not show that adolescents are an often ill population but that the doctor has been selected as the prime interlocutor for all health-related problems. It should also be pointed out that the majority of problems tend to be reported as somatic, whereas only a minimum part (6.53%) are classified as psychological. This analysis confirms, however, that the health requirements presented as somatic often involve a psychological component.

[Improvement of verbal hallucinations after treatment of orolingual dyskinesia with tiapride]. / Besserung verbaler Halluzinationen nach Behandlung orolingualer Dyskinesien mit Tiaprid.

In a patient with schizophrenia, verbal psychomotor hallucinations were reduced after successful treatment of drug-induced orolingual dyskinesia. On the basis of this observation, we discuss possible pathophysiological mechanisms which could underly so-called verbal hallucinations.

[Congenital adrenogenital syndrome and virilizing adrenocortical tumor in prepuberal females. Problems of diagnosis and therapy in 2 cases of virilization]. / La sindrome adreno-genitale congenita e il tumore corticosurrenale virilizzante nella femmina prepubere. Problemi di diagnosi e terapia in due casi di virilizzazione.

After reviewing the causes of virilization in the newborn and grown female child, the Authors describe a case of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (S.A.G.C.) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency in a newborn and a case of virilizing adrenal tumor in a four and half years old female child. The diagnostic and therapeutical approach of these unhealthy forms is argued and, on the ground of the personal observation and literature data, the frequent incidence of virilizing adrenocortical tumors within the same family is remarked and underlined.

[Revision of diagnostic and therapeutic activities in neonatal respiratory distress at a second-level intensive care center]. / Revisione dell'attività di diagnosi e terapia del distress respiratorio neonatale in un centro di terapia intensiva di secondo livello.

From January 1980 till June 1987, 62 children with important respiratory problems were hospitalized in the neonatal pathology department. They were the 4.6% of the patients. Subjects suffering from heart-disease were no taken into consideration because they were transferred to a third level centre. The newborn infants who showed a respiratory distress cleared up with the only oxygen therapy were not studied. 39 newborn infants were treated with C.P.A.P., 12 of these ere cured with mechanical ventilation. 23 new-born infants immediately needed the use of the mechanical ventilation. The pathologies which caused the respiratory distress were in frequency order: hyaline membrane disease (41), pulmonary hypoatelectasis (16), serious dismaturity (2), connatal bronchopneumonia (1), post-asphyxial syndrome (1), endocranial haemorrhage (1). The global mortality was of the 32.2%. The mortality among the new-born infants who had been subjected to mechanical ventilation was of the 51.4%. The new-born infants who have suffered sequela that cause disability were 4: bronchopulmonary dysplasia (2), retrolental fibroplasia (1), spastic tetraparesis (1).

[Connatal neuroblastoma IV-S. Clinical and therapeutic considerations on a case]. / Neuroblastoma connatale IV-S. Considerazioni cliniche e terapeutiche su di un caso.

The authors describe an original case of connatal neuroblastoma (stage IV-S), observed at birth, for the presence of subcutaneous nodules, in rapid expansion. Therapeutical approach is discussed (treatment or no treatment) on the base of literature data.