The global prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and the associated health risks, such as cardiovascular, metabolic and mental issues, is an epidemic worldwide problem, particularly in the university population. Background/Objectives: University students are particularly vulnerable because of academic pressure and lifestyle changes. Despite the well-known benefits of physical activity in reducing mental stress and improving physical and mental well-being, the literature lacks effective interventions and standardized protocols for this population. This study aims to investigate the state of the art in literature regarding the correlation between the use of physical activity as a means of prevention and intervention and the effects on university students’ stress and mental well-being. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA protocol for scoping reviews, targeting university population with specific terms. Results: The review analyzed 61 articles and identified a consistent positive correlation between physical activity and stress reduction. Interventions included yoga, tai chi, aerobic exercise and moderate- or high-intensity exercise. A lack of standardized protocols were also evident. Conclusions: Physical activity is an effective means for managing stress and improving mental well-being among university students. An integrated approach combining different forms of exercise and strategies to regulate emotions could provide very effective effects on the mental well-being of students. Universities should propose physical activity programs in several forms to enable students to choose the most appropriate one and keep them active.

Robotic surgery (RS) technology has undergone rapid growth in the surgical field since its approval. In clinical practice, failure of robotic procedures mainly results from a surgeon’s inability or to a device malfunction. We reviewed the literature to estimate the impact of this second circumstance in RS and its consequent legal implications. According to data from the literature, device malfunction is rare. We believe it is necessary to complement surgical training with a technical understanding of RS devices.

Introduction: Obtaining a valid informed consent in the medical and surgical field is a long debated issue in the literature. In robotic surgery we believe in the necessity to follow three arrangements to make the informed consent more complete. Material and methods: This study presents correlations and descriptions based on forensic medicine concepts research, literature review, and the proposal of an integration in the classic concept of informed consent. Conclusion: In robotic surgery we believe in the necessity to follow three arrangements to make the IC more complete. Integrate the information already present in the informed consent with data on the surgeon’s experience in RS, the number of procedures of the department and the regional map of expertises by procedure.

Acute chemical intoxication represents one of the major causes of Emergency Room admittance, and possible errors in diagnosis are extremely frequent, especially when patients present generic and non-specific symptoms. Diquat, a bipyridyl class of herbicides, exerts high intrinsic toxicity as a consequence of free oxygen radicals, leading to cellular death and organ dysfunctions. Following ingestion, with the major source of absorption for suicidal purposes, the chemical induces local irritating effects; systemic symptoms appear later, while specific symptoms can occur in the following 48 h. A smoker and hypertensive 50-year-old man arrives at the E.R., reporting that an episode of herbicide inhalation occurred few hours earlier. Physical examination evidenced alkalosis with hypoxemia, leucocytosis, mild hyperglycaemia and moderate increase in creatine kinase and myoglobin. Despite blood creatine kinase and myoglobin values that were higher than normal, he was prescribed with hydration and anti-pain therapy. During the night, the man left the hospital; he returned the next morning at 8:45 a.m., with cardiorespiratory arrest, medium fixed non-reactive mydriasis, diffused cyanosis of the skin and of the mucous membranes, as well as imperceptible pulse and peripheral pressure. Despite resuscitation attempts, the patient died at 9:30 a.m.; the body was immediately transferred to the morgue. Autopsy and toxicological analyses were carried out nine days later, evidencing paraquat ingestion for suicidal purposes. GC/MS analyses to verify the presence of diquat were performed on body fluids and gastric and colon contents; all specimens resulted positive, thus confirming the cause of death as herbicide ingestion (blood diquat concentration of 1.2 mg/L; more than twice the minimum to observe a systemic poisoning). The procedure followed for patient management resulted to be not in line with the provisions of both guidelines and good clinical practices. Staff did not perform clinical-diagnostical monitoring of the patient’s condition or ask for more specific analyses (i.e., serum creatine phosphokinase monitoring). This misconduct led to a decrease in the patient’s chances to survive.

Background/Objectives. Burnout and occupational stress are significant issues among forensic professionals, impacting their well-being and job performance. This systematic review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the occupational stress and burnout experienced by forensic personnel, exploring the profound and multifaceted impact on their physical, mental, professional, and interpersonal well-being. Methods. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines using Scopus and WOS databases to search for articles published from 1 January 2000 to 31 August 2024. The search used keywords related to burnout and forensic professions. Inclusion criteria were original articles in English and French, while reviews, book chapters, editorials, and notes were excluded. A total of 10 studies were included after eliminating duplicates and excluding irrelevant articles. Results. The review identified seven key findings. (1) High levels of occupational stress and burnout among forensic personnel necessitate effective stress management strategies and resilience training; (2) autopsy technicians in Romania experience burnout and alexithymia, particularly related to traumatic events involving children, highlighting the need for specialized support systems; (3) disparities in burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were observed in autopsy technicians and resident doctors, suggesting tailored mental health resources; (4) organizational factors, such as peer support and compensation satisfaction, significantly impact burnout and secondary traumatic stress (STS) among sexual assault nurse examiners; (5) burnout among forensic physicians, both in Romania and Egypt, is linked to personality traits, job satisfaction, and socio-demographic factors; (6) pathologists face a range of health issues, including musculoskeletal problems and psychological disorders, underscoring the need for industry-specific health measures; and (7) the lack of wellness resources for forensic professionals calls for improved mental health support and training. Conclusions. The findings highlight the pervasive issue of burnout and stress among forensic professionals globally. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive stress management programs, tailored mental health resources, and organizational support. Future research should focus on developing and implementing effective interventions to enhance resilience and job satisfaction within this high-stress field.

In Italy, both parents have parental responsibility; as a general principle they have the power to give or withhold consent to medical procedures on their children, including consent for blood transfusion; however these rights are not absolute and exist only to promote the welfare of children. Methods: The Authors discuss ethical and legal framework for Jehovah’s Witness parents’ refusal of blood transfusion in Italy. They searched national judgments concerning Jehovah’s Witness parents’ refusal of blood transfusion – and related comments – in national legal databases and national legal journals, and literature on medical literature databases. Results: In the case of Jehovah’s Witness parents’ refusal of blood transfusion for their child, Italian Courts adopt measures that prevents the parents from exercise their parental responsibility not in the child’s best interest. Discussion: In the event that refusal by the parents, outside of emergency situations, exposes the child’s health to serious risk, health workers must proceed by notifying the competent authority, according also to the Italian Code of Medical Ethics. Conclusion: When the patient is a minor, the child’s best interest always come first.