Search Results (786)

Background/Objectives: Socioeconomic stressors, such as financial strain, rising living costs, and perceived price burden, have gained relevance in the post-pandemic period and may adversely affect adolescent mental health. This study examined the association between subjective financial stress and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and emotional/behavioral difficulties among adolescents in Northern Italy. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2025 Corona and Psyche South Tyrol (COP-S) population survey. A total of 2554 adolescents aged 11–19 years and their parents participated; 1598 adolescents provided complete data for analyses of socioeconomic stressors (parent-reported Family Affluence Scale III, adolescent self-reported and parent proxy and self-reported burden due to price increases). Mental health outcomes included depressive symptoms (PHQ-2), generalized anxiety (SCARED-GAD), and emotional/behavioral difficulties (SDQ). Associations were assessed using chi-square tests, Kendall’s tau correlations, and two-factor ANOVA models. Results: Elevated depressive symptoms were present in 10.7% of adolescents, emotional/behavioral difficulties in 13.9%, and anxiety symptoms in 27.9% of adolescents. Female adolescents consistently showed higher symptom levels in all domains. Self-reported financial burden was the strongest and most consistent correlate of mental health problems, demonstrating small-to-moderate positive correlations with depressive symptoms (τ = 0.20, p < 0.001), emotional/behavioral difficulties (τ = 0.14, p < 0.001), and anxiety (τ = 0.25, p < 0.001). Parent-reported burden showed weaker and less consistent associations, and the Family Affluence Scale III was not significantly related to any of the mental health outcomes. ANOVA models indicated that adolescents’ own perception of financial burden significantly predicted anxiety levels in both age groups (11–14 and 15–19 years), whereas discrepancies between adolescent and parent burden perceptions were particularly relevant among younger adolescents. Conclusions: In this affluent European region, subjective financial strain, especially adolescents’ perception of burden due to rising prices, is a stronger determinant of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and psychosocial difficulties than parental burden reports or structural affluence indicators. Adolescents, especially females, appear to be particularly vulnerable. These findings underscore the importance of addressing subjective financial stress in adolescent mental health and public health strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Postoperative Delirium (POD) is a frequent complication in older patients undergoing elective surgery. Although multicomponent interventions are effective, deficits in interdisciplinary communication and intersectoral collaboration persist. This study developed and evaluated the “Geriatric Delirium Pass (GeDePa)”, a paper-based tool to systematically document risk factors for POD across care settings. Methods: A multi-method design was applied, comprising (i) a structured literature review, (ii) semi-structured expert interviews, and (iii) a standardized online survey utilizing the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method (RAM). A total of 21 healthcare professionals (general practitioners, geriatricians, anaesthetists, surgeons, and nurses) were recruited from Salzburg, Austria, and South Tyrol, Italy (2023–2024). Results: Healthcare professionals confirmed the GeDePa’s practical applicability for early POD risk detection across care settings. The expert rating using the RAM Disagreement Index (DI) method deemed all 45 risk factors as sufficiently relevant and, with the exemption of two risk factors (alcohol use, intraoperative complications), feasible. A detailed analysis provided a more differentiated picture, with full consensus reached for only 18 items. Several factors with uncertain consensus (e.g., cognitive impairment and polypharmacy) were retained based on strong evidence in the literature. Others were excluded despite high ratings if they were considered redundant or impractical (e.g., detailed intraoperative complications). In total, 38 of the 45 risk factors were retained. Conclusions: The GeDePa is a feasible and relevant tool for structured delirium risk assessment and enhancing interdisciplinary communication between primary and hospital care. The finalized German and Italian versions are now available and will undergo further testing and implementation in clinical practice. Full article

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a major cause of death during mountain activities in the Alpine regions. Due to the time-critical nature of these emergencies and the logistical challenges of remote terrain, emergency medical services (EMS) are investigating the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to deliver automated external defibrillators (AEDs). This study presents a geospatial strategy for optimising AED delivery by UAVs in mountainous environments, using the Province of South Tyrol, Italy, as a model region. A Geographic Information System (GIS) framework was developed to identify suitable sites for vertical drone ports based on terrain, infrastructure, and regulatory constraints. A Low-Altitude-Flight Elevation Model (LAFEM) was implemented to generate obstacle-avoiding, regulation-compliant 3D flight paths using least-cost path analysis. The results identified 542 potential vertical-port locations, covering approximately 49% of South Tyrol within ten minutes of flight, and demonstrated significant time savings for AED delivery in field tests compared with manual and Euclidean routing. These findings show that integrating GIS-based vertical-port placement and terrain-adaptive UAV routing can substantially improve AED accessibility and response times in mountainous regions. The LAFEM model aligns with U-space airspace regulations and supports safe, automated AED deployment for improved outcomes in OHCA emergencies. Full article

As global demand for critical minerals intensifies with the expansion of energy transition technologies and advanced manufacturing, developing sustainable and efficient exploration strategies has become a national priority. In this shift, AI-driven exploration technologies are emerging as a transformative force, reshaping how mineral resources are discovered, assessed, and managed. This study analyzes the global research landscape in critical mineral exploration by examining patent and scientific publication data to evaluate both research efficiency and knowledge spillover capacity. Using data envelopment analysis and super-efficiency modeling, we compare national R&D performance, identify leading countries, and quantify diffusion dynamics. The results reveal significant disparities: countries such as the United States, South Korea, and Canada demonstrate high research efficiency and strong spillover effects, supported by active innovation ecosystems and technological adoption. In contrast, resource-rich nations including China, Australia, and Russia show limited diffusion due to weaker AI-based innovation incentives and insufficient industry–academia collaboration. Italy stands out as an effective model of policy-driven R&D utilization and technological diffusion. These findings highlight the strategic importance of combining AI-enabled exploration, qualitative research impact, and international cooperation. The study offers policy implications for countries seeking to strengthen resource security and enhance competitiveness through sustainable and innovation-driven mineral exploration. Full article

Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) is a novel flavi-like virus first identified in 2010 in Rhipicephalus microplus in the Jingmen region of Hubei Province, China and has been reported in different Asian countries, Central and South America, Africa, and Europe. Beyond ticks, JMTV has been detected in a range of other arthropods and in vertebrate hosts. In humans, JMTV has been found in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Kosovo and Turkey, and in febrile patients with a history of tick bites in China, suggesting it may be a novel human pathogen. To investigate the presence of JMTV in Italy, we developed a One-step real-time RT-PCR assay and applied it to individually screen 1150 ticks collected from northeastern, central, and southern Italy. JMTV RNA was detected in multiple tick species, including Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., Dermacentor marginatus, and Hyalomma marginatum with a prevalence ranging from 0.52% to 18.42% in questing ticks. The detection of JMTV in ticks from all surveyed areas, indicates that the virus is geographically widespread in Italy. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive surveillance strategies to identify new areas of active virus circulation and to investigate the potential impact of JMTV on public health. Full article

In the last few decades, Italy has emerged as an important destination for South Asian migrants, particularly from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. While these groups contribute heavily to essential sectors such as agriculture, logistics, care work, and construction, they are often found in insecure, informal, and low-protection jobs. But at the same time, many migrants indicated moderate to high levels of job satisfaction even under such adverse circumstances. This study examines multidimensional job satisfaction among South Asian migrants in Italy and examines the effects of structural and demographic characteristics (region, nationality, sex, household size, and year of arrival) on the outcomes of satisfaction of job dimensions. A three-phase quantitative approach was applied: descriptive analysis to identify satisfaction distributions across five aspects of work; Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) and cluster analysis to identify typologies of satisfaction profiles; and multinomial logistic regression to estimate the likelihood of belonging to low, medium, or high satisfaction categories. The results demonstrate the presence of three different latent clusters of satisfaction; namely, high, moderate, and low, and indicate that regional location and nationality are the best predictors of satisfaction in most areas of the job. Such factors as sex and year of arrival had little impact. Comparing the self-evaluation of migrants with their structural positions, the study provides new empirical data on the problem of the migrant satisfaction paradox and draws more attention to the necessity of policies that can mitigate regional labor market inequalities and improve the general quality of job of migrant workers. Full article

Congenital patellar luxation (PL) and cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) are among the most prevalent hereditary musculoskeletal disorders in dogs. Despite their frequency, the microstructural alterations in the stifle joint capsule associated with these conditions remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize histomorphological changes in the joint capsule of dogs affected by PL and/or CCLR. Capsule samples were collected from dogs undergoing corrective surgery for PL or CCLR, while control tissue was obtained from dogs with unrelated orthopedic conditions. Histological evaluation assessed capsule thickness, the organization of its layers (stratum fibrosum, stratum subsynoviale, and stratum synoviale), synovial cell number, and villous or plicae formation. Associations with disease type, chronicity, sex, age, breed, and weight were analyzed. Dogs with PL and CCLR exhibited increased superficial synovial cell layers compared to controls, whereas chronic cases showed reduced villous formation (SEF = 2.46). Absence or marked reduction of the stratum subsynoviale correlated with PL and prolonged lameness. In PL cases, the stratum synoviale was frequently absent, whereas CCLR cases exhibited an increase in overall capsular thickness. These findings reveal distinct histomorphological remodeling in PL and CCLR, suggesting that chronic instability drives degenerative changes. Understanding these alterations may aid in early diagnosis, improve treatment strategies, and inform breeding programs targeting joint stability in predisposed breeds. Full article

Background/Objectives: Eating disorders (EDs) in adolescents are increasingly prevalent. In South Tyrol, a bilingual region in Northern Italy, not only actual gender and age prevalences can be compared to screening rates, but even the comparability of screening tools across languages can be examined. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis integrated clinical registry data with representative, online school-recruited adolescents (11 to 17) self-reports. 166 clinically diagnosed cases and 1465 screened adolescents (1246 German, 219 Italian), were examined. The SCOFF questionnaire (cutoff ≥ 2 for German and ≥3 for Italian), body mass index, body image perception, psychosocial and lifestyle indicators in proxy and self-reports were examined using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: The clinical dataset for 2024 has a prevalence rate of 0.4%. The SCOFF screening tool identified symptomatic cases in 10.6%, and an age-increasing trend among females. The overall SCOFF-prevalence did not differ between language versions, although responses to individual items varied significantly. Predictors of ED included body image, psychosomatic complaints, problematic social media use, and low social support, with differences between genders. Parents tended to underestimate their children’s perception of being “too thick.” Conclusions: In early adolescence, preventive strategies are needed and targeted interventions in late adolescence. For early detection and intervention, gender-sensitive prevention and active parental involvement is needed. The SCOFF questionnaire demonstrates utility across both languages, but bilingual comparison highlights the need for culturally adapted tools and cross-language validation. Full article

Problematic Internet use is an emerging concern in adolescent mental health and is closely linked to psychological distress and emotional regulation. This cross-sectional study analyzed self-reported data from 1550 adolescents aged 11–19 years in South Tyrol, a linguistically and culturally diverse region in Northern Italy. Problematic Internet use was measured using the validated Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS-2), along with standardized instruments for depressive symptoms (PHQ-2) and anxiety (SCARED-GAD). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that depression and anxiety symptoms were the strongest independent predictors of higher GPIUS-2 scores. In contrast, demographic factors such as gender, family language, urbanization, migration background, and parental education were not significantly associated with PIU. Modest associations were observed between GPIUS-2 scores and both perceived economic burden and parental use of digital control tools. Perceived family support showed a small protective effect. These findings underscore the central role of emotional vulnerability in adolescent PIU and suggest that interventions should focus on supporting mental health and adaptive coping rather than solely targeting screen time or structural family characteristics. Full article

Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting both domestic and wild birds, posing a significant threat to poultry farming worldwide. This study aims to analyze the key landscape and population factors associated with H7 avian influenza outbreaks across the Euro-Asian continent and to identify high-risk areas in Russia for the virus’s introduction and subsequent spread. Two models were developed using the Maximum Entropy algorithm (MaxEnt): An introduction model predicting the likelihood of avian influenza presence based on climatic, landscape, wild waterfowl and semiaquatic bird population density data; and a spread model estimating outbreak risk in poultry farms using data on synanthropic birds, poultry flock density, and proximity to wild bird habitats. The first model was trained via maximum likelihood using data from H7 avian influenza outbreaks in Europe (Italy, Germany, France, Denmark, Lithuania, the Netherlands) and Southeast Asia (China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Cambodia, North Korea, South Korea, Vietnam). The second model was trained using output from the first model. Specifically, areas with a predicted probability of H7 outbreak between 0.9 and 1.0 were used as occurrence points for the model in Russia. The results demonstrated that both models achieved high predictive reliability for avian influenza outbreaks in the Russian Federation: the introduction model (AUC = 0.855) and the spread model (AUC = 0.993). Areas with a high probability of disease occurrence were identified in the Central, Southern, North Caucasian, and Volga Federal Districts. These findings underscore the necessity of enhanced disease surveillance in these regions, as well as in the border areas of the Ural, Siberian, and Far Eastern Federal Districts. The authors recommend strengthening biosecurity measures, enhancing wild bird monitoring in high-risk areas, and maintaining stocks of relevant vaccines to timely contain the outbreaks. Full article

Background/Objectives: Engaging patients, caregivers, and community groups in health research priority-setting ensures that research agendas reflect genuine needs and enhance patient-centered care. Regions with cultural and linguistic diversity, such as South Tyrol in northern Italy, face challenges in achieving fair representation. This study aimed to identify health services research priorities in South Tyrol, a culturally and linguistically diverse region in Italy, through a bilingual participatory survey involving general practitioners (GPs) and patient and social interest organizations (PSIOs). Methods: A cross-sectional online survey (August–September 2025) was conducted among invited PSIOs (n = 64) and regional GPs (n = 290). A bilingual, self-developed questionnaire assessed organizational characteristics, priority ratings for predefined topics, experiences with research participation, and preferred participation modes. The data were analyzed descriptively. Group comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney U and chi-square tests with effect size calculation. Associations were examined using Spearman’s correlation. Free-text responses were thematically content-coded. Results: Ninety-five responses were analyzed, including nine general practitioners (9.5%) and 86 participants (90.5%) from patient and social interest organizations, of whom 27 (28.4%) held leadership or board positions. Across all groups, the highest-rated research priorities included children and adolescent mental health, palliative and end-of-life care, and continuity of primary care. Willingness to participate in future research was expressed by 38% of the respondents, with an additional 52% indicating conditional interest. Online surveys were the most preferred mode of participation, followed by workshops and board meetings. Conclusions: Participatory bilingual approaches are feasible in South Tyrol and highlight priorities that are highly relevant for patient-centered health services. Future initiatives should strengthen the structures for research participation, enhance GP engagement, and link identified priorities to research funding and policy action. Full article

Usage-Based Insurance (UBI), also referred to as telematics-based insurance, has been experiencing a growing global diffusion. In addition to being well established in countries such as Italy, the United States, and the United Kingdom, UBI adoption is also accelerating in emerging markets such as Japan, South Africa, and Brazil. In Japan, telematics insurance has shown significant growth in recent years, with a steadily increasing subscription rate. In South Africa, UBI adoption ranks among the highest worldwide, with market penetration placing the country among the top three globally, just after the United States and Italy. In Brazil, UBI adoption is expanding, supported by government initiatives promoting road safety and innovation in the insurance sector. According to a MarketsandMarkets report of February 2025, the global UBI market is expected to grow from USD 43.38 billion in 2023 to USD 70.46 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% over the forecast period. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of both electric and internal combustion vehicles equipped with integrated telematics systems, which enable insurers to collect data on driving behavior and to tailor insurance premiums accordingly. In this paper, we analyze a large dataset consisting of trips recorded over five years from 100,000 policyholders across the Italian territory through the installation of black-box devices. Using univariate and multivariate statistical analyses, as well as Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) with Zero-Inflated Poisson distribution, we examine claims frequency and assess the relevance of various synthetic indicators of driving behavior, with the aim of identifying those that are most significant for insurance pricing. Full article

The white poplar (Populus alba L.) is an economically significant tree species with a natural distribution spanning an extensive region of Eurasia. Nevertheless, there is currently no hypothesis regarding the historical shaping of this range. In this study, we collected and sequenced 36 individuals of white poplar from disparate regions of Russia and Kazakhstan. Additionally, we employed available genomic data of white poplars from Italy, Hungary, and China. A genomic approach was employed to collate data on the location of glaciers in different periods, along with information on the natural and artificial distribution of white poplar. This enabled the formulation of the first hypothesis regarding the formation of the modern range of this plant. It is hypothesized that during the period of maximum glaciation, three refugia existed: the South European, Transcaucasian, and Altai–Middle Asian refugia. Postglacial migration from these refugia led to the formation of modern populations of P. alba in Eastern Europe (including the European part of Russia), the Caucasus, and Siberia, respectively. Full article

Oropouche virus (OROV), an emerging arbovirus of the Peribunyaviridae family, is responsible for acute febrile illness and, in some cases, neurological or hemorrhagic complications. Although traditionally confined to tropical areas of Central and South America, the 2024–2025 epidemic has signaled a major shift in its geographic and clinical profile, with sustained transmission in the Caribbean, over 15,000 confirmed cases, and the first imported infections reported in Europe and the United States. New clinical observations include fatalities in previously healthy adults, suspected vertical transmission with adverse fetal outcomes, and potential sexual transmission. Despite entomological data indicating low competence of European mosquito species and the absence of the main vector Culicoides paraensis, the increasing frequency of imported cases underscores the need for continued vigilance. Diagnostic limitations and clinical overlap with other arboviruses further complicate early detection. This review summarizes current knowledge on OROV’s epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and clinical features, and highlights the urgent need for integrated surveillance, diagnostic readiness, and coordinated research efforts. Emphasis is placed on Europe’s preparedness strategies, with Italy’s Jubilee 2025 offering a real-world case study for managing arboviral threats during mass gatherings. Full article

Background and Objectives: Evaluating osteoarthritis (OA) care quality is increasingly relevant for service improvement and benchmarking purposes. The Osteoarthritis Quality Indicator questionnaire (OA-QI) measures patient-reported guideline-concordant care; however, no version has been tested in Italian primary care or bilingual contexts. This study aimed to introduce the OA-QI version 3 (OA-QI v3) in German and Italian, assess its applicability in practice, and examine its acceptability and reliability. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the South Tyrolean General Practice Research Network. Thirty-eight general practitioners recruited 266 patients with hip or knee OA. Patients completed the OA-QI v3 in German or Italian, with subsamples for comprehensibility testing (n = 38) and retest reliability after 14 days (n = 36). Test–retest reliability was analyzed using percent agreement, Cohen’s κ, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and standard error of measurement. The smallest detectable change was analyzed to estimate factual change. Results: Response rate reached 95% of the targeted patients. Patient feedback showed good comprehensibility and ease of use in both languages. Adherence to recommended quality indicators varied, with strengths in physical activity advice, NSAID prescription, and pain assessment, but gaps in weight management, occupational counseling, and assistive devices. Test–retest reliability ranged from fair to substantial at the item level (κ = 0.33–0.69) and was moderate for the total score (ICC = 0.55, 95% CI 0.28–0.74). While measurement error restricted individual-level interpretation, reliability at the practice or institutional level supports application for benchmarking and quality monitoring. Conclusions: The OA-QI v3 was feasible, acceptable, and reliable for group-level assessments in South Tyrol. These findings position OA-QI v3 as a practical tool for identifying care gaps and guiding quality improvement, while providing important lessons for the full validation of the German and Italian versions in larger cross-national samples. Full article