RESUMO
OPTIONAL FOR HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) is a widely used screening tool for mental health assessment however its traditional scoring methods and cutoffs may not adequately capture the mental health complexities of younger populations. METHODS: This study explores GHQ-12 responses from a sample of university students. Possible differences in means scores considering gender, age, academic field and degree course were assessed through t-test or one-way ANOVA as appropriate. To deeper understanding different levels of severity and individual item impact on general distress measurement, we applied Item-Response-Theory (IRT) techniques (two-parameters logistic model). We compared students' population with a population of workers who underwent a similar psychological evaluation. RESULTS: A total of 3834 university students participated in the study. Results showed that a significant proportion (79%) of students reported psychological distress. Females and younger students obtained significantly higher average scores compared to others. IRT analysis found item-specific variations in mental distress levels, with more indicative items for short-term fluctuations and potential severe mental health concerns. Latent class analysis identified three distinct subgroups among students (including 20%, 37%, 43% of the participants respectively) with different levels of psychological distress severity. Comparison with a population of adults showed that students reported significantly higher scores with differences in the scale behavior. CONCLUSION: Our results highlighted the unique mental health challenges faced by students, suggesting a reevaluation of GHQ-12 applicability and cutoff scores for younger populations, emphasizing the need for accurate instruments in mental health evaluation.
Assuntos
Estudantes , Humanos , Feminino , Masculino , Estudantes/psicologia , Estudantes/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto , Adulto Jovem , Saúde Mental , Inquéritos e Questionários/normas , Angústia Psicológica , Adolescente , Psicometria , Universidades , Estresse Psicológico/psicologiaRESUMO
The transition to higher education at University is a critical moment for young adults to acquire unhealthy habits regarding physical activity (PA) and adherence to a healthy diet. Negative behaviors might be maintained in the years to come with a major risk of suffering from a Non-Communicable Disease. This study aims to determine the relationship between diet and PA in the student community of University of Milano-Bicocca. Students between 18 and 30 years old completed an online survey (6949 students). Two analyses of covariance (ANCOVA), chi-square tests of independence, and a binomial logistic regression were performed to examine the relationship between adequacy of food consumption and PA, in association also with sociodemographic characteristics. Data show a strong correlation between behaviors analyzed, with a proportional positive association between PA and healthy diet. Nevertheless, a third of the sample students incur in incorrect habits for both diet and PA. Further, students performing intensive PA have the healthiest food consumption in general but the worst red meat and pork intake. Accordingly, men practice more PA but have a less adequate diet, exactly contrary to women. In conclusion, policies promoting consciousness of well-being would transform Universities into healthy hubs for virtuous habits.
Assuntos
Exercício Físico , Comportamento Alimentar , Estudantes , Humanos , Estudantes/estatística & dados numéricos , Estudantes/psicologia , Masculino , Feminino , Universidades , Adulto Jovem , Adulto , Adolescente , Estilo de Vida , Itália , Dieta , Inquéritos e Questionários , Comportamentos Relacionados com a SaúdeRESUMO
Statins are powerful lipid-lowering drugs that inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis via downregulation of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme-A reductase, which are largely used in patients with or at risk of cardiovascular disease. Available data on thromboembolic disease include primary and secondary prevention as well as bleeding and mortality rates in statin users during anticoagulation for VTE. Experimental studies indicate that statins alter blood clotting at various levels. Statins produce anticoagulant effects via downregulation of tissue factor expression and enhanced endothelial thrombomodulin expression resulting in reduced thrombin generation. Statins impair fibrinogen cleavage and reduce thrombin generation. A reduction of factor V and factor XIII activation has been observed in patients treated with statins. It is postulated that the mechanisms involved are downregulation of factor V and activated factor V, modulation of the protein C pathway and alteration of the tissue factor pathway inhibitor. Clinical and experimental studies have shown that statins exert antiplatelet effects through early and delayed inhibition of platelet activation, adhesion and aggregation. It has been postulated that statin-induced anticoagulant effects can explain, at least partially, a reduction in primary and secondary VTE and death. Evidence supporting the use of statins for prevention of arterial thrombosis-related cardiovascular events is robust, but their role in VTE remains to be further elucidated. In this review, we present biological evidence and experimental data supporting the ability of statins to directly interfere with the clotting system.
Assuntos
Inibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Redutases , Trombose , Tromboembolia Venosa , Humanos , Inibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Redutases/farmacologia , Inibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Redutases/uso terapêutico , Trombina/farmacologia , Tromboembolia Venosa/tratamento farmacológico , Fator V/farmacologia , Fator V/uso terapêutico , Coagulação Sanguínea , Trombose/tratamento farmacológico , Anticoagulantes/farmacologiaRESUMO
Atomically resolved scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are used to gain atomic-scale insights into the heteroepitaxy of lanthanum-strontium manganite (LSMO, La1-xSrxMnO3-δ, x ≈ 0.2) on SrTiO3(110). LSMO is a perovskite oxide characterized by several composition-dependent surface reconstructions. The flexibility of the surface allows it to incorporate nonstoichiometries during growth, which causes the structure of the surface to evolve accordingly. This happens up to a critical point, where phase separation occurs, clusters rich in the excess cations form at the surface, and films show a rough morphology. To limit the nonstoichiometry introduced by non-optimal growth conditions, it proves useful to monitor the changes in surface atomic structures as a function of the PLD parameters and tune the latter accordingly.
RESUMO
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common source of hip pain affecting a wide range of subjects. In this work, we assessed two tests, namely the balance test and the MuscleLab test, in comparison with the flexion-abduction-external rotation (FABER) and flexion-adduction-internal rotation (FADIR) tests, in order to evaluate the functionality of the neural-musculoskeletal system of the subjects affected by FAI based on the measurement of biomechanical parameters. Our goal was to investigate the early detection of an altered hip joint and to monitor pathology progression over time. A total of 52 subjects, 29 females and 23 males, with an average age of 42 ± 13 years presenting hip impingement diagnosed using X-ray, were enrolled. Twenty-eight patients without signs of hip impingements were used as the control group. The balance test, which evaluates the capacity of a person to keep the orthostatic position against terrestrial gravity, and the MuscleLab test, which measures the force and power generated by active muscles during a movement, as well as FABER and FADIR tests, were performed in each subject. The balance and MuscleLab tests presented 100% sensitivity and higher sensitivity in FAI diagnosis, with 72.9% and 70.4%, respectively, in comparison with those obtained using FABER and FADIR tests, with 59.6% and 67.3%, respectively. The evaluation of the neural-musculoskeletal system using the balance and MuscleLab tests can help in the early detection of the severity of hip impingements and the assessment of non-operative treatments used over time.
RESUMO
On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the birth of the Italian physician, Domenico Morichini (1773-1836), this study aims to commemorate this illustrious figure, who made a great contribution to the history of dentistry through his discovery of the presence of fluoride in dental enamel. Starting from a chemical analysis of the components of the enamel and osseous part of a fossilised elephant tooth discovered in Rome in 1802, Morichini demonstrated the presence of high amounts of fluoride, not only in these remains, but also in samples of human teeth. The Italian doctor, a Professor of Chemistry at the Sapienza University of Rome, also affirmed the importance of his discovery from a clinical perspective, as it enabled a better understanding of the chemical composition of enamel, changes in which he saw as the cause of most dental diseases. Morichini was a talented clinician and scientist, who also made contributions in other medical-scientific fields, as one of the first to suggest the electromagnetic nature of solar radiation based on experiments that were replicated internationally.
Assuntos
Elefantes , Fluoretos , Animais , Humanos , ItáliaRESUMO
In2O3-based catalysts have shown high activity and selectivity for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol; however, the origin of the high performance of In2O3 is still unclear. To elucidate the initial steps of CO2 hydrogenation over In2O3, we have combined X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations to study the adsorption of CO2 on the In2O3(111) crystalline surface with different terminations, namely, the stoichiometric, reduced, and hydroxylated surface. The combined approach confirms that the reduction of the surface results in the formation of In adatoms and that water dissociates on the surface at room temperature. A comparison of the experimental spectra and the computed core-level shifts (using methanol and formic acid as benchmark molecules) suggests that CO2 adsorbs as a carbonate on all three surface terminations. We find that the adsorption of CO2 is hindered by hydroxyl groups on the hydroxylated surface.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Media communication during the covid-19 pandemic has been relevant for the population to receive information about the ongoing number of cases, deaths, and social restriction measures. Notably, the effects of the communication methods on young adults during the covid-19 pandemic have not been studied. Therefore the present study aimed to investigate the influence of communication modality about covid-19 on the perception of risk and judgment among young adults. METHODS: A double-blind cross-sectional study was designed. Three hundred four subjects (age range19-25 years old) saw a 4-minute video concerning data communication on the covid-19 pandemic and compiled an online questionnaire about their perceptions. Two videos were randomized, one presenting the covid-19 data negatively (HARD video) while the other showed a positive ongoing resolution of the pandemic (SOFT video). Association tests and nominal logistic regression were used to evaluate differences in responses among the two groups. RESULTS: The two videos lead to different reactions. Participants showed higher disagreement concerning the video content in the "SOFT" group compared to the "HARD" group. The responses of the "SOFT" group were more to be optimistic (OR=2.87, 95% CI 1.311-6.27) than those who had seen the "HARD" video. The sense of helplessness was lower in the "SOFT" compared "HARD" group (OR=3.02, 95% CI 1.311-6.96). The perception of fear was higher for the "HARD" group (OR=2.91, 95% CI 1.21-7-02). DISCUSSION: The modality of data presentation influenced the perception and feelings about the covid-19 pandemic. Likely, pre-existing perception of a pessimistic perspective was present in both groups; thus, the video did not lead to any change in the behavior. CONCLUSIONS: The phobic or counter-phobic reactions shown in the study participants highlighted the importance of the reliability of the information received and how previous feelings may influence the perception of the information.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , Adulto Jovem , Humanos , Adulto , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Pandemias , SARS-CoV-2 , Estudos Transversais , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , ComunicaçãoRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Region of Lombardy in Italy and its Regional Emergency Service (Azienda Regionale Emergenza Urgenza [AREU]) created a dedicated 24/7 free phone service to help the Lombard population. After an invitation from their professional order, local midwives collaborated on the AREU project as volunteers to address the needs of women from antenatal to postnatal periods. The aim of this article was to explore the experiences of midwives who volunteered in the AREU project. STUDY DESIGN: This was a qualitative study using an interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA). METHODS: The experiences of midwives volunteering in AREU (N = 59) were explored using audio diaries. Written diaries were also offered as an alternative. Data collection took place between March and April 2020. Midwives were provided with semistructured guidance that indicated the main areas of interest of the study. The diaries were thematically analysed following a temporal criterion; a final conceptual framework was created from emerging themes and subthemes. RESULTS: The following five themes were identified: (1) choosing to join the volunteer project, (2) the day-to-day difficulties, (3) strategies to cope with the unexpected, (4) professional relationships and (5) reflecting on the personal experience. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to investigate the experiences of Italian midwives who volunteered in a public health project during a pandemic/epidemic. According to participants, taking part in the volunteer activities was informed by and impacted on both their professional and personal lives. Overall, the experiences of midwives who volunteered in AREU were positive and of humanitarian value. Providing midwifery services within a multidisciplinary team for the benefit of public health represented both a challenge and personal/professional enrichment.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , Tocologia , Feminino , Gravidez , Humanos , Pandemias , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Pesquisa Qualitativa , VoluntáriosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Antonio Scarpa (1752-1832) is generally remembered for his discoveries in the field of anatomy, but he also provided some important contributions to the history of surgery. METHODS: We analyzed main treatises written by Scarpa, highlighting how he contributed to the development of modern surgery. RESULTS: Scarpa made great innovations in three branches of surgery: abdominal surgery (hernia), orthopedics (clubfoot) and vascular surgery (aneurism). Furthermore, he contributed to the birth of modern ophthalmology.
Assuntos
Oftalmologia , Procedimentos Ortopédicos , Ortopedia , Masculino , HumanosRESUMO
The first half of the seventeenth century may be seen as the turning point of knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, as also demonstrated by the works by William Harvey (1578-1657) on the circulation of the blood. This article aims to present biographic context of the surgeon Gaspare Aselli (1581-1625) and his rather fortuitous discovery of the lacteals in Milan in 1622, that contributed to the comprehension of the lymphatic system. The experimentation on living animals (anatomia animata, living anatomy), and particularly the vivisection used by Gaspare Aselli provided the basis for much of the subsequent investigation of the human physiology. In particular, the discovery of lymphatics challenged the basis of the Galenic doctrine, denying the liver the central role it had formerly been granted in transforming food into blood and revolutionized the ancient hepatocentrism in favor of the modern concept of cardiocentrism.
Assuntos
Sistema Linfático , Vasos Linfáticos , Animais , Humanos , História do Século XVII , História do Século XVI , Sistema Linfático/anatomia & histologia , Fígado , Duodeno , Projetos de PesquisaRESUMO
Clean oxide surfaces are generally hydrophilic. Water molecules anchor at undercoordinated surface metal atoms that act as Lewis acid sites, and they are stabilized by H bonds to undercoordinated surface oxygens. The large unit cell of In2O3(111) provides surface atoms in various configurations, which leads to chemical heterogeneity and a local deviation from this general rule. Experiments (TPD, XPS, nc-AFM) agree quantitatively with DFT calculations and show a series of distinct phases. The first three water molecules dissociate at one specific area of the unit cell and desorb above room temperature. The next three adsorb as molecules in the adjacent region. Three more water molecules rearrange this structure and an additional nine pile up above the OH groups. Despite offering undercoordinated In and O sites, the rest of the unit cell is unfavorable for adsorption and remains water-free. The first water layer thus shows ordering into nanoscopic 3D water clusters separated by hydrophobic pockets.
RESUMO
This article explores the relationship between the Catholic Church and animal magnetism. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the Catholic Church had first tried to stem the rise of animal magnetism in a vague manner, but after a few decades, it eventually put a genuine veto in place. This measure was founded upon the dangers to morality and faith arising from the progressive polarization of the original doctrine in forms related to esotericism. Among the causes of the condemnation by the Congregation of the Holy Office, the primary ones were the naturalist interpretation of the miracles described in the Gospels and in the New Testament, and the possibility of falling under the control of a demonic spirit.