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Turbulence in clouds is known to enhance particle collision rates, as widely demonstrated for warm rain formation. A similar impact on ice growth processes is expected but a solid observational basis is missing. A statistical analysis of a 15‐month data set of cloud radar observations allows for the first time to quantify the impact of turbulence on ice aggregation and riming in Arctic low‐level mixed‐phase clouds. Increasing eddy dissipation rate (EDR), from below 10−4 to above 10−3 m2 s−3, yields larger ice aggregates, and higher particle concentration, likely caused by increasing fragmentation. In conditions more favorable to riming, higher EDR is associated with dramatically higher particle fall velocities (by up to 125%), under similar liquid water paths, indicative of markedly higher degrees of riming. Our findings thus reveal the key role of turbulence for cold precipitation formation, and highlight the need for an improved understanding of turbulence‐hydrometeor interactions in cold clouds. Plain Language Summary Liquid and frozen precipitation mainly forms by collision and subsequent aggregation of small particles. Collisions between cloud particles, such as droplets and ice crystals, are thought to be increased by turbulence. While this effect has been intensively studied for liquid‐only clouds, the impact of turbulence on ice‐ice collisional growth (aggregation) and ice‐liquid collisional growth (riming) is expected but has so far been poorly quantified. We study the effect of turbulence on aggregation and riming based on a long‐term remote‐sensing data set of low‐level clouds containing both ice and liquid particles, recorded at the Arctic site of Ny‐Ålesund, Svalbard. Cloud radar observations are used to retrieve the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy (i.e., the eddy dissipation rate; EDR), which is the relevant quantity driving increases in collision rates, and to characterize ice particle properties. We find evidence that higher EDR regimes enhance the aggregation of particles, and are associated with signatures of increased ice particle concentration, possibly caused by the production of particle fragments upon collision. In temperature regimes more favorable to riming, turbulence dramatically enhances the particles' fall velocity, denoting higher degrees of riming. Our findings thus highlight a key role of turbulence for the formation of precipitable ice. Key Points Relation between turbulence and ice growth investigated based on long‐term remote sensing data set of Arctic low‐level mixed‐phase clouds Higher eddy dissipation rate (EDR) correlates with larger ice aggregates, and possibly higher degrees of fragmentation High EDR is an essential component needed for the formation of rimed particles

Ground-based precipitation observations are sparse in the Arctic but are needed to better understand precipitation processes and to provide reference data sets for models and satellite products. This study presents new, temporally highly resolved precipitation measurements from a Pluvio precipitation gauge and a Parsivel disdrometer at the Arctic research station AWIPEV, part of the Ny-Ålesund Research Station, Svalbard. Using the information on the precipitation phase by Parsivel, we derived a temperature-dependent separation of precipitation into liquid and solid mass. The Pluvio precipitation amount and the Parsivel/temperature-based precipitation type were analyzed for the period August 2017–December 2021 and related to the presence of synoptic-scale weather systems, i.e., atmospheric rivers (ARs), cyclones and fronts, detected from ERA5 reanalysis data. ARs occurred only 8 % of the time at Ny-Ålesund but contributed to about 42 % of the total precipitation amount with a high liquid mass fraction (72 %). Cyclones occurred 20 % of the time and were associated with 39 % of the precipitation, mainly in solid form (62 %). Frontal systems play a minor role in the precipitation amount at Ny-Ålesund. Extreme events, i.e., days with daily precipitation sums above the 98th percentile, contribute 18 % to the total precipitation amount. All of these events are related to enhanced water vapor transport, often in the form of ARs and in combination with fronts and a high liquid mass fraction. Liquid precipitation in winter is mainly connected to ARs. These new measurements will help to better characterize uncertainties in gauge-based precipitation observations and the local variability of precipitation.

We present a comprehensive quality-controlled 15-month dataset of remote sensing observations of low-level mixed-phase clouds (LLMPCs) taken at the high Arctic site of Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, Norway. LLMPCs occur frequently in the Arctic region and extensively affect the energy budget. However, our understanding of the ice microphysical processes taking place in these clouds is incomplete. The dual-wavelength and polarimetric Doppler cloud radar observations, which are the cornerstones of the dataset, provide valuable fingerprints of ice microphysical processes, and the high number of cases included allows for the compiling of robust statistics for process studies. The radar data are complemented with thermodynamic retrievals from a microwave radiometer, liquid base height from a ceilometer, and wind fields from large-eddy simulations. All data are quality controlled, especially the cloud radar data, which are accurately calibrated, matched, and corrected for gas and liquid-hydrometeor attenuation, ground clutter, and range folding. We finally present an analysis of the temperature dependence of Doppler, dual-wavelength, and polarimetric radar variables, to illustrate how the dataset can be used for cloud microphysical studies. The dataset has been published in Chellini et al. (2023) and is freely available at: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7803064.

Background Exposure to asbestos continues to be a global health hazard, with significant mortality linked to asbestos-related diseases. Despite asbestos bans in many countries, including Italy (1992), former asbestos workers continue to experience health risks and psychological distress. This study examines the psychological impact of asbestos exposure among former workers enrolled in the Tuscany Region’s health surveillance program, focusing on risk perception, emotional distress, and service evaluation. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to September 2022, involving 362 former asbestos-exposed workers participating in the Tuscany Region’s health surveillance program. Participants were interviewed via structured telephone surveys administered by trained psychologists. The questionnaire assessed asbestos-risk perception, self-perceived asbestos exposure, psychological distress (sadness, anxiety, anger, fear), and satisfaction with health services. Statistical analyses, including generalized logistic regression models, were performed to evaluate associations between risk perception and psychological symptoms. Results Among participants, 77.9% believed they were at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease in the future, and 61.1% reported significant past exposure. Emotional distress was prevalent, with high self-perceived levels of sadness (mean: 5.1), anger (5.3), fear (4.9), and anxiety (4.0). Risk perception strongly correlated with psychological distress: those who believed they were at future risk exhibited higher levels of fear (OR: 2.86) and anger (OR: 2.56), while those who were uncertain about their past exposure showed increased anxiety (OR: 13.0) and anger (OR: 3.60). Additionally, knowing someone affected by an asbestos-related disease was associated with greater sadness (OR: 3.92) and fear (OR: 3.94). Despite psychological distress, health surveillance services were well-rated, particularly in staff availability (56.6%) and assistance quality (55.2%). Conclusions This study emphasizes the psychological effects of asbestos exposure over the long term, underlining the need for integrated mental health support within health surveillance programs. The strong link between risk perception and emotional distress suggests that psychological interventions, like counselling and education ought to be used in conjunction with medical monitoring. Addressing these needs can enhance the well-being of former asbestos-exposed workers, mitigating the lasting effects of exposure-related uncertainty and fear. Future research should focus on developing targeted interventions to support this vulnerable population.

Objectives The purposes of this study are to describe the epidemiology of pericardial and tunica vaginalis testis mesothelioma and assess the role of asbestos exposure for these rare diseases. Methods Based on incident pericardial and tunica vaginalis testis mesothelioma cases collected from the Italian national mesothelioma registry (ReNaM) in the period 1993-2015, incidence rates, survival median period and prognostic factors have been evaluated. A case-control study has been performed to analyze the association with asbestos exposure (occupational and non-occupational) for these diseases. Results Between 1993 and 2015, 58 pericardial (20 women and 38 men) and 80 tunica vaginalis testis mesothelioma cases have been registered with a mean annual standardized (world standard population as reference) incidence rates of 0.049 (per million) in men and 0.023 in women for the pericardial site, and 0.095 for tunica vaginalis testis mesothelioma. Occupational exposure to asbestos was significantly associated with the risk of the diseases [odds ratio (OR) 3.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.85-7.31 and OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.93-6.04 in pericardial and tunica vaginalis testis mesothelioma, respectively]. The median survival was 2.5 months for pericardial and 33.0 months for tunica vaginalis testis mesotheliomas. Age was the main predictive factor for survival for both anatomical sites. Conclusions For the first time in an analytical study, asbestos exposure was associated with pericardial and tunica vaginalis testis mesothelioma risk, supporting the causal role of asbestos for all anatomical sites. The extreme rarity of the diseases, the poor survival and the prognostic role of age have been confirmed based on population and nationwide mesothelioma registry data.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is common in older people. Inhaled medications are the mainstay of pharmacological treatment of COPD, and are typically administered by handheld inhalers, such as pressurised metered-dose inhalers and dry powder inhalers, or by nebulisers. For each of the three major categories of aerosol delivery devices, several new inhalers have recently been launched, each with their own particularities, advantages and disadvantages. Consequently, broader availability of new drug–device combinations will increase prescription opportunities. Despite this, however, there is limited guidance available in published guidelines on the choice of inhalers, and still less consideration is given to elderly patients with COPD. The aim of this article is to provide a guide for healthcare professionals on device selection and factors to be considered for effective inhaled drug delivery in elderly COPD patients, including device factors (device type and complexity of use), patient factors (inspiratory capabilities, manual dexterity and hand strength, cognitive ability, co-morbidities) and considerations for healthcare professionals (proper education of patients in device use).

Since its debut theatre has brought conflict to the stage: with oneself, the other and the context. Theatre configures itself as a place that keeps away the background noises. It represents an instrument of authenticity, made up of acts and relationships, which are conveyed by a corporeality that involves in the daily school scene, typical scene of conflict mediation. Referring to experiences conducted in the last ten years, we highlight some pedagogical strategies to improve of relationships and to the personal development. Theatre face discomfort also through paralinguistic strategies and speeches providing tools to learn about and manage emotional states.

Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) is a peptide from the transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β superfamily, typically found at low levels in mammalian tissues, but significantly upregulated during cellular stress or injury. Initially recognised for its role in inducing anorexia and vomiting, GDF15 is now seen as a broader regulator of homeostasis, although its effects on gastrointestinal function remain unclear. This study examined GDF15's impact on the gastric fundus, a key region for appetite regulation. In ex vivo rodent gastric smooth muscle, GDF15 receptors were detected, and exposure to GDF15 caused smooth muscle depolarization, leading to increased mechanical activation. Morphological analyses revealed changes in the contractile apparatus, resembling cholinergic excitatory pathways. These effects were blocked by atropine, indicating muscarinic receptor involvement. Taken together, these findings suggest that GDF15 enhances gastric contractility by influencing cholinergic tone. Further studies will shed light on its mechanism of action and on the potential translational perspective of current results, elucidating whether elevated plasma levels of GDF15 observed in several physiological and pathological conditions can also have repercussions in gastric physiology, appetite regulation and weight loss.

Background/Objectives: Physiological and psychological health could be altered in modern societies due to stressful environments and activities. A multimodal training based on nutrition, physical activity, breathing and hugging was proposed for improving physiological parameters in a group of women compared to a control group. Methods: 33 women (41 ± 15 years old) were enrolled, divided in two groups, and assessed before and after 6 weeks. Heart rate parameters, superficial adipose tissue (SAT), and trunk rotational range of motion (ROM) were measured. Stroop test and Forward Digit Span Task (FDST) were administered, in order to assess cognitive functions. Results: The trained group showed a significant improvement in the very low-frequency domain of heart rate variability (p = 0.002), a reduction in the high-frequency domain (p = 0.003), an improvement in the number of women with a physiological SAT (p = 0.014), and an improvement in memory (p = 0.005). In the control group, only improvements in the performances of memory (p = 0.029) and attention (p = 0.004) at Stroop test were observed. Conclusions: Changes in cardiac parameters and physiological level of adipose tissue showed significant variations following the multimodal training. For attention and memory, the improvements were observed also in the control group and could be related to a learning effect of the tests.

Adipokines are peptide hormones produced by the adipose tissue involved in several biological functions. Among adipokines, adiponectin (ADPN) has antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also modulate food intake at central and peripheral levels, acting on hypothalamus and facilitating gastric relaxation. ADPN exerts its action interacting with two distinct membrane receptors and triggering some well-defined signaling cascades. The ceramidase activity of ADPN receptor has been reported in many tissues: it converts ceramide into sphingosine. In turn, sphingosine kinase (SK) phosphorylates it into sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P), a crucial mediator of many cellular processes including contractility. Using a multidisciplinary approach that combined biochemical, electrophysiological and morphological investigations, we explored for the first time the possible role of S1P metabolism in mediating ADPN effects on the murine gastric fundus muscle layer. By using a specific pharmacological inhibitor of SK2, we showed that ADPN affects smooth muscle cell membrane properties and contractile machinery via SK2 activation in gastric fundus, adding a piece of knowledge to the action mechanisms of this hormone. These findings help to identify ADPN and its receptors as new therapeutic targets or as possible prognostic markers for diseases with altered energy balance and for pathologies with fat mass content alterations.