University of Verona
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EXPLORING RESTORATIVE SPACES: ATTENTION RESTORATION AND BIOPHILIC DESIGN APPLIED TO A PUBLIC PARK
Get PDFAlthough a large body of evidence has shown that contact with natural environments has a restorative effect on humans, there is still not a full understanding of which elements/features of nature most reinforce perceived restorativeness. Involving people in identifying these elements is essential within a Participatory Design framework. This study investigates perceptions of restorative spaces in the ‘Gole of Breggia’ Park, a protected area in Canton Ticino, Switzerland, valued for its geological, natural, and cultural significance. During a participatory design event, 51 stakeholders interested in the park’s preservation participated in seven focus groups. They are asked to identify the most restorative areas within the park and the characteristics that define them. Each group also geolocated these areas on a map to analyze their morphological and physical features. The obtained data will undergo a Content Analysis using the four dimensions of restorativeness identified by the Attention Restoration Theory (i.e., Fascination, Being-Away, Coherence, Scope) and the 15 Biophilic Design Patterns identified by Terrapin Bright Green (divided into Nature in Space, Nature Analogues, and Nature of the Space) as categories of analysis. This approach will allow us to determine which factors described by the two theoretical frameworks occur most frequently among the participants' responses and verify whether the same factors characterize clusters of restorative places. The findings will be shared with stakeholders to refine strategies for enhancing the park’s restorative potential. The findings highlight how participation approaches can inform strategies for valorizing natural spaces, fostering alignment between theoretical constructs and practical applications
Replantation after avulsion of permanent teeth: clinical procedures and adherence of cases reports to IADT Guidelines: a scoping review
No full textAvulsive trauma to permanent teeth is a critical dental emergency, particularly in children and adolescents, where timely intervention is essential for preserving aesthetics, function, and psychological well-being. This scoping review evaluates clinical adherence to the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) guidelines for the replantation of avulsed permanent teeth, with a specific focus on the 2012 and 2020 versions. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science yielded 812 records, from which 92 studies were included after rigorous screening. Findings indicate that while adherence to IADT guidelines is generally observed, a greater alignment with the 2012 guidelines persists even in cases reported after the 2020 update. Adaptations of the guidelines were common, often reflecting case-specific considerations. Despite the IADT's standardized framework, long-term outcomes for replanted teeth remain unpredictable, with failure rates ranging from 55% to 96%. Key challenges include complications like ankylosis and root resorption, particularly in delayed replantation. These issues underscore the need for enhanced focus on long-term management and prognosis in future guideline updates. The review highlights the critical role of replantation in preserving aesthetics, functionality, and psychological stability, especially for adolescents in developmental stages. However, limitations in current guidelines regarding long-term care and medico-legal clarity necessitate revisions to address complications, future prosthetic needs, and comprehensive follow-up protocols. Structured guidelines have significantly advanced the management of dental avulsions, yet further research and refinement are essential to improve outcomes and provide clearer medico-legal guidance, ensuring optimal care for affected patients
Smoking-related gestures and anxiety: a preliminary study in treatment-seeking smokers
No full textBackground: The act of smoking is not solely driven by nicotine dependence, but also involves behavioral and sensorimotor components that may independently contribute to addiction maintenance. Among these, gestural rituals such as holding and bringing the cigarette to the mouth may play a role in emotional regulation and self-soothing, particularly in individuals with anxiety. This study aimed to explore the relationship between smoking-related gestures, nicotine dependence, and anxiety symptoms in a sample of smokers seeking addiction treatment. Methods: A total of 81 treatment-seeking smokers were recruited from an Addiction Medicine Unit. Nicotine dependence was assessed using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), anxiety symptoms were measured with the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the importance of smoking-related gestures was rated on a 7-point Likert scale via a single-item question. Correlational and non-parametric tests (Spearman's rho, Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher's exact test) were used to analyze associations among the variables. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between anxiety levels and the perceived importance of smoking gestures (ρ = 0.254, p = 0.0224). No significant association emerged between BAI categorical levels and FTND categories (p = 0.346). A trend toward significance was observed between anxiety severity and FTND levels [χ2(4) = 8.521, p = 0.0742], but no significant correlation was detected between gesturality and FTND measures. Conclusion: These preliminary findings suggest that smoking-related gestures may be particularly salient for individuals with elevated anxiety, potentially functioning as ritualized coping behaviors independent of nicotine intake. This dimension may help explain why some smokers struggle to quit despite low biochemical dependence. Future studies should develop validated instruments to assess smoking-related motor patterns and explore tailored interventions targeting the behavioral components of tobacco use
Nutritional status as a potential modulator of tumor morphology relative to disease-free survival: the role of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index among patients with colorectal liver metastases
No full textBackground: Malnutrition is highly prevalent among oncologic patients and can affect both survival and therapeutic responses. The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a validated nutritional score used in elderly populations to predict morbidity and mortality. However, the relationship between GNRI and tumor burden remains unknown. Methods: Patients aged > 65 years who underwent curative-intent resection for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) were identified from an international, multi-institutional database. The association between clinicopathologic factors, tumor burden score (TBS), and GNRI was assessed. Results: A total of 230 patients aged > 65 years who underwent curative resection for CRLM were included. The median GNRI was 104.5 (IQR, 111.5-129.8). TBS was categorized as low (n = 94 [45.2%]) or medium-high (n = 114 [54.8%]). A low GNRI defined as <= 92 was associated with worse median disease-free survival (DFS; 7.1 months [IQR 6.1-19.4] in the low GNRI group vs 19.6 months [IQR, 15.1-56.9] in the high GNRI group; P =.004). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, a low GNRI was associated with a higher risk of disease recurrence (hazard ratio, 1.91 [95% CI, 1.15-3.15]; P =.003). In contrast, an improved nutritional status (GNRI > 92) was associated with a longer median DFS among patients with both low TBS (56.87 months [IQR, 22.00-not available {NA}] vs 12.90 months [IQR, 4.60-NA]) and medium-high TBS (15.10 months [IQR, 11.60-21.75] vs 6.40 months [IQR, 4.20-NA]) (both P <.05). There was no difference in DFS among patients who had high TBS and a low-risk GNRI (> 92) compared with individuals who had low TBS (P =.13). Conclusion: Improving the nutritional status of patients with resectable CRLM in the preoperative setting could mitigate the effect of a higher tumor burden on prognosis. (c) 2025 Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies
La vita indipendente
No full textIl capitolo approfondisce il significato di vita indipendente in relazione al tema del progetto di vita. Riporta gli esiti di una ricerca che ha visto coinvolti diverse associazioni che sostengono percorsi di vita indipendente per persone con disabilita
Safety and feasibility of robotic approach to choledochal cysts in adults: a multicenter European experience
No full textCholedochal cysts (CCs) are rare congenital anomalies of the bile ducts associated with an increased risk of biliary malignancy. Surgical management typically involves cyst excision, cholecystectomy, and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. While minimally invasive techniques are gaining popularity, their application for CCs management in adults remains underreported and limited to isolated cases. This study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of robotic approach for CC excision in adult patients. We conducted a retrospective observational study of 22 adult patients who underwent robotic surgery for CCs across nine European hepatopancreatobiliary centers. Data were collected on perioperative and postoperative outcomes, including operative time, blood loss, complications, and hospital stay. The cohort included 22 patients with a median age of 51.5 years (IQR 38-61). Seventeen cases (77.5%) were classified as Todani type I, four (18%) as type III, and one (4.5%) as type IVb. The median operative time was 337 min (IQR 236-449), with a median blood loss of 50 mL (IQR 50-100). The median hospital stay was 6 days (IQR 5-9). Postoperative complications occurred in 6 patients (27%), including 3 cases (14%) of biliary leakage, 1 case of bleeding (5%), 1 case of abdominal collection (5%), and 1 case (5%) of pancreatic fistula. Two of these patients (9%) required reoperation (Clavien-Dindo IIIb). No malignancies were found on pathologic examination. This multicentric analysis demonstrates the feasibility and safety of robotic surgery for CCs in adults, achieving precise excision and reconstruction with minimal morbidity. However, variability in reconstruction techniques highlights the need for standardization. Further multicenter, long-term studies are essential to validate the superiority of robotic approaches over traditional methods
Tailoring CZTSSe Solar Cell Performance: Comparison of Flexible Molybdenum Foil and Sputtered Molybdenum Back Contacts
No full textFlexible CZTSSe (CuZnSn(S,Se)) solar cells on flexible molybdenum foil (MF) substrates are showing promise for being a candidate for the next-generation large-area and lightweight solar technologies. However, the nature of the back contact continues to be a decisive factor influencing absorber morphology, crystallinity, and the ultimate final device performance. In this work, we provide a comprehensive analysis and comparison of a variety of back contact configurations of flexible and rigid Mo substrates. We analyze four configurations in detail: MF, sputtered Mocoated MF, 10 nm NaF-coated MF, and MoOx-interlayered MF. We compare these with standard rigid devices on sputtered Mo on soda-lime glass (SLG) substrates.The work examines the impact of each back contact on the CZTSSe absorber growth behavior based on grain size, grain distribution, and defect passivation. Furthermore, solar devices are also prepared and examined to find the impact of back contact engineering on the main performance characteristics
Predictors of Suboptimal Response After Radiofrequency Ablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules
Get PDFObjective: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has gained recognition as a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for managing symptomatic benign thyroid nodules. However, predicting RFA efficacy remains challenging, especially in identifying patients who may require multiple treatment sessions. The aim of the present study is to identify predictors of suboptimal volume reduction (SVR), defined as failure to achieve a volume reduction greater than 5% between 6 and 12 months after procedure and persistence of symptoms. Methods: A retrospective single-center analysis of consecutive patients who underwent a single RFA procedure for benign thyroid at Verona University Hospital between 2020 and 2023 was conducted. Clinical data, including nodule volume and compressive symptoms, were collected preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 12 months post-RFA. Regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of SVR and persistence of symptoms. Results: A total of 50 patients were included. Baseline nodule volume, higher ACR-TIRADS score, and higher body mass index (BMI) were identified as independent predictors of SVR (p < 0.05). At 12 months, 18.4% of patients reported persistent compressive symptoms; however, no significant predictors of symptom persistence were identified. Conclusions: RFA is effective in reducing benign thyroid nodule volume, with a minority of patients experiencing persistent symptoms. Baseline nodule volume, ultrasonographic characteristics, and BMI significantly influence RFA outcomes, suggesting the need for additional procedures. Further studies are required to identify predictors of treatment response, enhancing patient selection and optimizing therapeutic efficacy
The challenge of ultra‐rarity: Dual diagnosis of Lafora disease and developmental encephalopathies linked to TRIO and SHANK3 pathogenic variants
Get PDFWe report two cases of dual genetic diagnoses involving Lafora disease (LD) and co-occurring neurodevelopmental disorders caused by pathogenic variants in TRIO and SHANK3, respectively. LD is an ultra-rare, autosomal recessive, severe form of progressive myoclonus epilepsy affecting previously healthy children or adolescents. In both patients, the presence of developmental delay, intellectual disability, and behavioral abnormalities was consistent with a primary genetic disorder-TRIO-related neurodevelopmental disorder in one, and Phelan-McDermid syndrome in the other. However, the onset of epilepsy with atypical features, coupled with progressive neurological decline in one patient and a positive family history of LD in the other, prompted the additional diagnosis of LD. These cases illustrate how overlapping clinical presentations can obscure the presence of concomitant genetic conditions, potentially delaying diagnosis and appropriate management. Our findings underscore the importance of considering dual diagnoses and show that phenotypical variability in ultra-rare disorders such as LD may be influenced by concurrent genetic conditions.Plain Language Summary This report describes two patients who have both Lafora disease, an ultra-rare, progressive type of epilepsy, and other rare genetic disorders that affect development and behavior. In one case, the patient showed a progressive and unusual neurological deterioration, while the other had atypical epileptic seizures and a family history of Lafora disease. These cases highlight how different genetic conditions can share similar symptoms, making it difficult to identify all the issues a patient may have. Understanding these overlaps is important for proper diagnosis and treatment
Walls, bridges and the company political role
Get PDFThe mode of governance that has dominated the management of enterprises since the 19th century based on the concept of “homo economicus” has reached its limits and must now be considered as obsolete in front of the evolution of the social, economic and natural environment. Then, the time has come to reconsider radically the role of enterprises in the economic and business environment in order to restore their legitimacy. Unfortunately, many governments are pursuing policies resulting in isolating enterprises and people from each other, which have been proved by economic and management history to be bound to fail. These governments build walls with the illusion of protecting their countries whereas people and enterprises need bridges to develop knowledge, innovation and common wellbeing. This paper analyzes how the option of walls is a dead-end street and the option of bridges is the way to take up the lethal challenges that men are faced with