A novel mono-physics particle-based approach for the simulation of cardiovascular fluid-structure interaction problems

Background and Objective: Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) is required in the study of several cardiovascular engineering problems were the mutual interaction between the pulsatile blood flow and the tissue structures is essential to establish the biomechanics of the system. Traditional FSI methods are partitioned approaches where two independent solvers, one for the fluid and one for the structure, are asynchronously coupled. This process results into high computational costs. In this work, a new FSI scheme which avoids the coupling of different solvers is presented in the framework of the truly incompressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics (ISPH) method. // Methods: In the proposed FSI method, SPH particles contribute to define both the fluid and structural domains and are solved together in a unified system. Solid particles, geometrically defined at the beginning of the simulation, are linked through spring bounds with elastic constant providing the material Young's modulus. At each iteration, internal elastic forces are calculated to restore the springs resting length. These forces are added in the predictor step of the fractional-step procedure used to solve the momentum and continuity equations for incompressible flows of all particles. // Results: The method was validated with a benchmark test case consisting of a flexible beam immersed in a channel. Results showed good agreement with the system coupling approach of a well-established commercial software, ANSYS®, both in terms of fluid-dynamics and beam deformation. The approach was then applied to model a complex cardiovascular problem, consisting in the aortic valve operating function. The valve dynamics during opening and closing phases were compared qualitatively with literature results, demonstrating good consistency. // Conclusions: The method is computationally more efficient than traditional FSI strategies, and overcomes some of their main drawbacks, such as the impossibility of simulating the correct valve coaptation during the closing phase. Thanks to the incompressibility scheme, the proposed FSI method is appropriate to model biological soft tissues. The simplicity and flexibility of the approach also makes it suitable to be expanded for the modelling of thromboembolic phenomena

The model of schools for health in Europe: startup of the IGEA network for the city of Palermo

The contribution analyses the process of creating of the IGEA network (Integrated Generativity Actors) inscribed in the framework of the Schools for Health in Europe (SHE network). This model moves from a focus on school context only (as single setting) to the integration of schools and their surrounding community services, sports clubs, hospitals, workplace, informal contexts (building integrated multi-setting approach) (SHE, 2019; Novara & Guidi, 2022). According to an eco-social approach in health promotion, actions at the school level should always be linked with actions in the local community (Laverack, 2020) in order to develop healthy cities that are inclusive, safe and resilient (WHO, 2016). That is the priority assumption of the European network of schools that promote health, which includes 43 European countries since 1992, as well as Italy. An agreement between ASP (Agency Healthcare Local) and the University of Palermo supports, technically and scientifically, the SHE network (called IGEA) of the metropolitan city of Palermo, in the process of building and starting up it. The aim is to implement a structured and systematic plan for the health, well-being and social capital development of all pupils and teaching and non-teaching staff. The partnership between ASP and University of Palermo had enable the realization of this plan trough different phases: 1. Information and sharing of specialist documentation and sources relating to the network of schools that promote health, according to the indications of the European model (SHE network manual and related annexes), disseminating concepts, terminology, assumptions, actions, values, goals and a common language. 2. Analysis of training needs, consisting in the design and implementation of an electronic form for the collection and analysis of preliminary information about the general orientation of schools interested in health issues. 3. Training aimed at school managers, with face-to-face and interactive work sessions, in order to stimulate their awareness of the global model of health, pursued by the SHE network. 4. Group work, composed of all school actors (students, managers, families, technical staff, local stakeholders), to investigate and develop the four components of the SHE Model (healthy school policy, school physical and social environments, community and services links, health personal skills). 5. Drafting of the health plan of each school from a health global perspective. Phases to become / remain a health promoting school will be illustrated and particularly the way in which the process had initiated, upscaled, sustained, and inspired in Palermo and in Sicily, bringing together 18 schools in a new network agreement capable to drive a bottom up decisional process about policy and actions promoting global health

The role of internalized transphobia, loneliness, and social supportin thepsychological well-being of a group of Italian transgender and gender non-conforming youths: A moderated-mediation model

The contribution investigates the quality of life of transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC)people in according to the support received from social and family context. Although TGNC youth represent a highly resilient community capable of successfully overcoming adverse life circumstances, they still experience social stigma that negatively impacts their health (Molnar, 2018), especially if approached to the possibility of being rejectedby the family and peer group.An additional risk is represented by the common idea that the sex assigned at birth must be aligned with gender identity (Nadal et al., 2012) on which the support (Lev, 2013) can play a role as a moderator. Objectives of thisresearch are:1) evaluating how internalized transphobia (IT) and loneliness are correlated withthe quality of life; 2) clarifying whether social support would act as a protective factor in the quality of life of research participants. The research used a multimethod approach through a questionnaire divided into 5 sections including 4 different scales (Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale; Gender Minority Stress and Resilience Scale; Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support; Scala Revised University of California at Los Angeles Loneliness Scale). Thus, within the framework of the minority stress, this paper aims to investigate the role of loneliness as a mediator of the relationship between IT and psychological well-being (PW), as well as the moderating role of social support. A total of 79 Italian TGNC youths (45 binary and 34 non binary) aged 18 to 30 years (M = 23.73, SD = 3.59) participated in an online survey. A moderated mediation model was tested using the PROCESS Macro for SPSS with gender identity and age as control variables. Results showed that: (1)IT was negatively associated with PW(b = -0.03, p = 0.001); (2) IT was positively associated with loneliness (b = 0.03, p< 0.001); (3) loneliness was negatively associated with PW(b = -0.49, p = 0.001); and (4) loneliness partially mediated the relationship between IT and PW(b = -0.19, p = 0.006). In addition, social support proved to be a significant moderator, as the effect of IT on PW decreased with moderate (b = -0.03, 95% C.I. [-0.04, -0.01], p = 0.001) and high social support (b = -0.04, 95% C.I. [-0.06, -0.01], p < 0.001), but not with low (p< 0.05). Other clinical and social implications of our findings are discussed in terms of individual, interpersonal, and structural stigma.Based on our findings, it is advisable both to expand the social network, promoting intimate and community relationships, and to take charge, on a clinical level, of the experiences of loneliness that can become radicalized over time also through the early experiences of one's personal and family history

The Role of Internalized Transphobia, Loneliness, and Social Support in the Psychological Well-Being of a Group of Italian Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youths

Although transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) youth represent a highly resilient community capable of successfully overcoming adverse life circumstances, they still face social stigma that negatively impacts their health, being at risk of developing negative feelings toward their own TGNC identity (i.e., internalized transphobia). A poorly investigated dimension in TGNC health research is perceived loneliness. Thus, within the minority stress theory, the present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of loneliness and the moderating role of social support in the relationship between internalized transphobia and psychological well-being among 79 Italian TGNC youths aged 18 to 30-years-old who participated in an online survey. The main results show that loneliness partially mediated the relationship between internalized transphobia and psychological well-being. In addition, social support emerged as a significant moderator, as the impact of internalized transphobia on psychological well-being decreased at moderate and high levels of social support, but not at low levels. The findings have significant implications for clinical practice and psychosocial interventions to reduce the impact of internalized stigma and stress on psychological healt

The Role of Internalized Transphobia, Loneliness, and Social Support in the Psychological Well-Being of a Group of Italian Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youths

lthough transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) youth represent a highly resilient community capable of successfully overcoming adverse life circumstances, they still face social stigma that negatively impacts their health, being at risk of developing negative feelings toward their own TGNC identity (i.e., internalized transphobia). A poorly investigated dimension in TGNC health research is perceived loneliness. Thus, within the minority stress theory, the present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of loneliness and the moderating role of social support in the relationship between internalized transphobia and psychological well-being among 79 Italian TGNC youths aged 18 to 30-years-old who participated in an online survey. The main results show that loneliness partially mediated the relationship between internalized transphobia and psychological well-being. In addition, social support emerged as a significant moderator, as the impact of internalized transphobia on psychological well-being decreased at moderate and high levels of social support, but not at low levels. The findings have significant implications for clinical practice and psychosocial interventions to reduce the impact of internalized stigma and stress on psychological health

Quali sono i fattori di successo delle famiglie multilingue? La relazione tra atteggiamenti linguistici e dinamiche familiari e di comunità

The article focuses on the emotional, cognitive, and social climate in which multilingual families make and influence language choices. It investigates what impact the choices can have on the general well-being of the family, regarding both the intergenerational relationship and the community context. The research suggests that the linguistic attitudes of migrant families can stimulate and implement potential well-being. It consists of the conscious management of the specific and complex dynamic activated in a multilingual family

The photo diaries method to catch the daily experience of Italian university students during COVID-19 lockdown

The aim of this research was to explore Italian students’ lockdown experience during the COVID-19 pandemic to understand their emotions and the coping strategies they played out during their daily lives at home through photo diaries. The research was carried out in six Italian universities involving 109 participants. The task required each student to take one photo per day for one week in T1 and one in T2, representing their mood during their daily life at home and to give it a title and a brief description. Overall, 1,526 photographs with texts were collected. The main subjects of the photographs were objects, the most frequent coping strategy was self-distraction, and most participants expressed emotions of joy and anticipation but also sadness and fear. Then, the associations between the characteristics of their photos and the emotions and coping strategies from their diary entries were analyzed. For example, emotional support and joy were positively associated with family, pets, and food, while fear and sadness were represented with objects. Implications of the results are discussed, including considerations about using photo diaries during collective disasters

Direct sunlight facility for testing and research in HCPV

A facility for testing different components for HCPV application has been developed in the framework of “Fotovoltaico ad Alta Efficienza” (FAE) project funded by the Sicilian Regional Authority (PO FESR Sicilia 2007/2013 4.1.1.1). The testing facility is equipped with an heliostat providing a wide solar beam inside the lab, an optical bench for mounting and aligning the HCPV components, electronic equipments to characterize the I-V curves of multijunction cells operated up to 2000 suns, a system to circulate a fluid in the heat sink at controlled temperature and flow-rate, a data logging system with sensors to measure temperatures in several locations and fluid pressures at the inlet and outlet of the heat sink, and a climatic chamber with large test volume to test assembled HCPV modules

Very Early PSA Response to Abiraterone in mCRPC Patients: A Novel Prognostic Factor Predicting Overall Survival

BACKGROUND Abiraterone Acetate (AA) is approved for the treatment of mCRPC after failure of androgen deprivation therapy in whom chemotherapy is not yet clinically indicated and for treatment of mCRPC progressed during or after docetaxel-based chemotherapy regimen. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of early PSA decline for detection of therapy success or failure in mCRPC patients treated with AA in post chemotherapy setting.PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 87 patients with mCRPC treated with AA. Serum PSA levels were evaluated after 15, 90 days and then monthly. The PSA flare phenomenon was evaluated, according to a confirmation value at least one week apart. The primary endpoint was to demonstrate that an early PSA decline correlates with a longer progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoind was to demonstrate a correlation between better outcome and demographic and clinical patient characteristics.RESULTS We have collected data of 87 patients between Sep 2011 and Sep 2014. Early PSA response (≥ 50% from baseline at 15 days) was found in 56% evaluated patients and confirmed in 29 patients after 90 days. The median progression free survival (PFS) was 5,5 months (4,6-6,5) and the median overall survival (OS) was 17,1 months (8,8-25,2). In early responders patients (PSA RR ≥ 50% at 15 days), we found a significant statistical advantage in terms of PFS at 1 year, HR 0.28, 95%CI 0.12-0.65, p=0.003, and OS, HR 0.21 95% CI 0.06-0.72, p=0.01. The results in PFS at 1 years and OS reached statistical significance also in the evaluation at 90 days.CONCLUSION A significant proportion (78.6%) of patients achieved a rapid response in terms of PSA decline. Early PSA RR (≥ 50% at 15 days after start of AA) can provide clinically meaningful information and can be considered a surrogate of longer PFS and OS