Fostering Sustainability @UniTs

Promoting sustainability through innovative culture and models is nowadays a top task for universities. Their commitment oriented by the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) conveys the message that sustainability is not a "luxury" but an essential vehicle through which to pursue and guarantee everyone's rights, inclusion and future.Solving complex problems calls for collaboration among communities; aware of that, Italian universities set up the RUS - Italian University Network for Sustainable Development - which acts as a model to encourage collaboration between universities and cities, to spread social innovation at local level and to provide cultural awareness at national level. The University of Trieste (UniTs) joined the network in 2017. Consistent with its strategy for sustainability, UniTs has implemented measures on the macro-context (to raise public awareness and to support research) as well as on micro-context (to orientate behaviors and habits of its community). In particular, it focused on virtuous projects such as waste management, based both on the constant reduction of waste production and on the optimization of the use of materials and products (i.e. paper, glass, reagents), along with the setting of separate waste collection to reduce disposal and favor recycling. The paper will refer on the present framework and the implementation of new integrated projects, aimed at consolidating a community attentive and aware of sustainability

Oropharyngeal Adverse Events to Drugs and Vaccines: Pharmacovigilance Data From Italy (2019–2021)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to perform a descriptive analysis of oropharyngeal adverse events (AEs) related to drugs and/or vaccines in order to provide useful information for clinicians. Methods: Data related to three regions of Italy were analyzed from 2019 to 2021 by using the National Pharmacovigilance database. Results: Among overall 67,384 cases, 2773 (4.1%) reported at least one oropharyngeal AE. Most cases referred to females (71.0%) and adults (70.8%). The majority of cases were reported as not serious (68.4%) and the outcome was mainly positive (73.5%). The cases related to drugs (52.2%) were slightly more than those related to vaccines (47.8%), the latter nearly completely represented by COVID-19 vaccines. Among 3324 oropharyngeal AEs, the most commonly reported were oropharyngeal conditions (65.9%). The most reported AEs related to vaccines were paresthesia oral and oropharyngeal pain, whereas the most reported AEs related to drugs were throat tightness and angioedema. A marked under-reporting of osteonecrosis of the jaw (2.9%) was observed, despite this risk was well documented in the same country. Conclusions: This analysis suggested an under-reporting of oropharyngeal AEs and the need to better train dentists, dental hygienists, and also general practitioners

Oropharyngeal adverse drug reactions: knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) among Italian healthcare professionals and students

Introduction Pharmacovigilance plays a vital role in ensuring drug safety and protecting public health. Oropharyngeal adverse drug reactions (O-ADRs) are found to be under-reported, especially by oral health professionals, limiting the identification and management of these events.Aims This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of healthcare professionals and students regarding O-ADRs and to assess their specific expertise by a self-e-learning test.Materials and methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a KAP questionnaire between April 2023 and April 2024, involving 943 participants, including physicians, dentists, dental hygienists, and students. Additionally, three sets of self-e-learning tests on O-ADRs were administered. The study employed descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and logistic regression to analyze factors affecting KAP and reporting behaviors.Results Significant gaps in KAP were identified. Only 26.5% of participants demonstrated frequent best practices for reporting O-ADRs, with dentists and dental hygienists showing lower reporting rates (13.8% and 9.3%, respectively) compared to physicians (18.8%). The results of logistic regression analyses showed that practical knowledge was significantly associated with work experience (OR = 2.15, p = 0.026). Students exhibited the lowest levels of practical knowledge and reporting proficiency, with only 17.6% demonstrating competence. The self-e-learning test highlighted knowledge deficits: only 22.9% of participants correctly identified O-ADR associated with antiseptic mouth rinses, additional 30.2% recognized those linked to antimicrobial drugs.Conclusions This study highlights the need for targeted educational interventions to address gaps in O-ADR knowledge and practice. Tailored training, user-friendly digital tools, and a strong pharmacovigilance culture are crucial for improving reporting rates and ensuring patient safety

Global disparities in surgeons’ workloads, academic engagement and rest periods: the on-calL shIft fOr geNEral SurgeonS (LIONESS) study

: The workload of general surgeons is multifaceted, encompassing not only surgical procedures but also a myriad of other responsibilities. From April to May 2023, we conducted a CHERRIES-compliant internet-based survey analyzing clinical practice, academic engagement, and post-on-call rest. The questionnaire featured six sections with 35 questions. Statistical analysis used Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression (SPSS® v. 28). The survey received a total of 1.046 responses (65.4%). Over 78.0% of responders came from Europe, 65.1% came from a general surgery unit; 92.8% of European and 87.5% of North American respondents were involved in research, compared to 71.7% in Africa. Europe led in publishing research studies (6.6 ± 8.6 yearly). Teaching involvement was high in North America (100%) and Africa (91.7%). Surgeons reported an average of 6.7 ± 4.9 on-call shifts per month, with European and North American surgeons experiencing 6.5 ± 4.9 and 7.8 ± 4.1 on-calls monthly, respectively. African surgeons had the highest on-call frequency (8.7 ± 6.1). Post-on-call, only 35.1% of respondents received a day off. Europeans were most likely (40%) to have a day off, while African surgeons were least likely (6.7%). On the adjusted multivariable analysis HDI (Human Development Index) (aOR 1.993) hospital capacity > 400 beds (aOR 2.423), working in a specialty surgery unit (aOR 2.087), and making the on-call in-house (aOR 5.446), significantly predicted the likelihood of having a day off after an on-call shift. Our study revealed critical insights into the disparities in workload, access to research, and professional opportunities for surgeons across different continents, underscored by the HDI

Protocol of BRONJ prevention: successful use of antiseptics during oral surgical procedures

Aim: The overall prevention and treatment of Bisphosphonates related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) have been the goals of our project structured (labelled PROMaB) within the hospital AOUP “P. Giaccone” (Italy) in order to make better quality life of patients in therapy with amminobisphosphonates (NBP). Material and Methods: Among all procedures, in case of preprogrammed oral surgical procedure, oral antimicrobial rinses (i.e. chlorexidine 0,2% mouthwash and 0,5% gel, three times/day) plus oral systemic antibiotic therapy –e.g. amoxicilin/clavulanate- have been used to reduce the risk of BRONJ in secondary prevention (1 day before and 6 days after). Three hundred and twenty-one patients (206 F and 115 M; range 45-85 yrs; mean age 62,3) under treatment with NBP (80 ev vs 241 os) have been recruited for dental examination Results: 412 dental extractions have been carried out. From 2007 up to date, after application of preventive protocol, only 5 cases of BRONJ (based on clinical and radiological features) have been observed; the follow up was at least 2 years. Three patients with BRONJ were treated with zolendronic acid (1 for multiple mieloma, 1 for bone metastasis, 1 for osteoporosis in off label) and showed some risk factors; one female was in treatment with pamidronate for osteoporosis, and had coagulopathy; the last one suffered from osteoporosis treated with alendronate and clodronate. Conclusion: In conclusion, despite study limitation, this protocol could be an easy protocol during dental treatment among NBP patien

Fostering Sustainability @UniTs

Promoting sustainability through innovative culture and models is nowadays a top task for universities. Their commitment oriented by the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) conveys the message that sustainability is not a "luxury" but an essential vehicle through which to pursue and guarantee everyone's rights, inclusion and future.Solving complex problems calls for collaboration among communities; aware of that, Italian universities set up the RUS - Italian University Network for Sustainable Development - which acts as a model to encourage collaboration between universities and cities, to spread social innovation at local level and to provide cultural awareness at national level. The University of Trieste (UniTs) joined the network in 2017. Consistent with its strategy for sustainability, UniTs has implemented measures on the macro-context (to raise public awareness and to support research) as well as on micro-context (to orientate behaviors and habits of its community). In particular, it focused on virtuous projects such as waste management, based both on the constant reduction of waste production and on the optimization of the use of materials and products (i.e. paper, glass, reagents), along with the setting of separate waste collection to reduce disposal and favor recycling. The paper will refer on the present framework and the implementation of new integrated projects, aimed at consolidating a community attentive and aware of sustainability.</jats:p

Structure, Function, and Genetic Variation of CYP2D6, a Cytochrome Metabolizing Drugs

Cytochromes P450 (CYPs) are a large family of heme-containing monooxygenase enzymes involved in the metabolism of organic compounds. They take part in both the synthesis of endogenous compounds and the disposal of xenobiotics, being particularly involved in drug metabolism. Among the members of the family, the 2D6 isoform is the most extensively investigated one. Having a highly polymorphic nature, with remarkable inter-individual and inter-ethnic differences, its activity may differ significantly from individual to individual. As it is responsible for metabolizing many clinically relevant therapeutic compounds, its features make it difficult to strike a balance between the therapeutic and the toxic effects of drugs being taken. This chapter deals with the CYP superfamily, focusing on CYP2D6. Special emphasis has been given to the genetic polymorphism of the enzyme to provide the readers with a clear picture of its importance in the management of drug administration

Textural changes and heavy metal distribution in sediments after decontamination treatment by soil washing and attrition scrubber

Purpose: The study was aimed to provide information on the decontamination of sediments polluted with heavy metals by soil washing and attrition scrubber techniques, assessing the efficiency of a prototype machinery for the improvement of sediment quality dredged in the Ravenna Harbor (Italy). An additional purpose was to compare the heavy metal distribution in sediment fractions collected after these treatments. Materials and methods: Textural and geochemical characteristics were determined in bulk sediments and after the treatments of soil washing and attrition scrubbing by a smaller scale prototype. Statistical analyses were carried out to verify the heavy metal correlations at each step of the treatments. Results and discussion: Textural features after treatments showed moderate separation of sand and silt/clay fractions after soil washing and an increase of the fine fractions after attrition scrubbing. Bulk sediments polluted by arsenic (As) were decontaminated after treatments. Concerning heavy metals, mercury was concentrated in the sand while aluminum, As, cadmium, chrome, iron, manganese, zinc, and vanadium were concentrated in the silt/clay fraction. Bivariate plots showed a significant correlation of heavy metals with sand percentage after soil washing and attrition scrubbing. Conclusions: The results suggest that heavy metal concentrations were significantly affected by grain size distribution. Soil washing resulted in the complete decontamination of As in the sediments. The heavy metal concentration was altered in each step of the treatments according to three different trends