In memory of Marco Leonardi

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How to Engage the Crowds to Create Value? Evidence from the Pathfinder Arena Case

Reward-based crowdfunding has emerged in recent years as an interesting channel business that can leverage to obtain new financial resources outside the traditional ones. In this study, we explore how the creators of a reward-based crowdfunding campaign have engaged the crowd to create value and co-create knowledge to reduce both financial and market risks. Accordingly, we analyze the case study of the Kickstarter Campaign for Pathfinder Arena, a board game created by Giochi Uniti, an Italian Gaming Company. Through the lens of the social identity theory, we show that backers can generate the feedback processes needed to improve the product, when they want to belong in a community and when they want to interact with the creators. This research could have important implications for both researchers and future creators of reward-based crowdfunding projects, showing them the way to implement some instrument for involving the crowd to generate value

Simulated models for testing performance of a radiofrequency ablation device for spine tumors

Effectiveness of simulation models to assess performance a radiofrequency tumor ablation device

Tephra-stratigraphical study of the 1988-1989 eruption of Tokachi-dake Volcano, central Hokkaido

Twenty-three small-scale eruptions took place at Tokachi-dake from December 16, 1988 to March 5, 1989. The pyroclastic fall deposits, ballistic fragments, and pyroclastic surge and flow deposits were dispersed over the flank and leeward areas of the volcano. Because the pyroclasts of each eruption were well-preserved in snow during the winter, the stratigraphy and distribution of these deposits could be studied in detail. The volume of the pyroclastic fall deposits are nearly equal to those of the pyroclastic surge and flow deposits. The total volume of these pyroclasts is estimated to be 7.4×105 m3. Judging from the sequential changes of the volume and composition of the pyroclasts, the characteristic features of the eruption can be summarized as follows: At first, a vent was opened by ejection of altered rock fragments in December, 1988. Then, essential fragments were ejected in January, 1989. Finally the activity level of magma declined and the altered rock fragments content increased again in February to March, 1989

Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging to identify pseudocapsule invasion in renal tumors

Purpose: To evaluate accuracy of MRI in detecting renal tumor pseudocapsule (PC) invasion and to propose a classification based on imaging of PC status in patients with renal cell carcinoma. Methods: From January 2017 to June 2018, 58 consecutive patients with localized renal cell carcinoma were prospectively enrolled. MRI was performed preoperatively and PC was classified, according to its features, as follows: MRI-Cap 0 (absence of PC), MRI-Cap 1 (presence of a clearly identifiable PC), MRI-Cap 2 (focally interrupted PC), and MRI-Cap 3 (clearly interrupted and infiltrated PC). A 3D image reconstruction showing MRI-Cap score was provided to both surgeon and pathologist to obtain complete preoperative evaluation and to compare imaging and pathology reports. All patients underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. In surgical specimens, PC was classified according to the renal tumor capsule invasion scoring system (i-Cap). Results: A concordance between MRI-Cap and i-Cap was found in 50/58 (86%) cases. ρ coefficient for each MRI-cap and iCap categories was: MRI-Cap 0: 0.89 (p < 0.0001), MRI-Cap1: 0.75 (p < 0.0001), MRI-Cap 2: 0.76 (p < 0.0001), and MRI-Cap3: 0.87 (p < 0.0001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and AUC were: MRI-Cap 0: Se 97.87% Spec 83.3%, PPV 95.8%, NPV 90.9%, and AUC 90.9; MRI-Cap 1: Se 77% Spec 95.5%, PPV 83.3%, NPV 93.5%, and AUC 0.86; MRI-Cap 2- iCap 2: Se 88% Spec 90%, PPV 79%, NPV 95%, and AUC 0.89; MRI-Cap 3: Se 94% Spec 95%, PPV 88%, NPV 97%, and AUC 0.94. Conclusions: MRI-Cap classification is accurate in evaluating renal tumor PC features. PC features can provide an imaging-guided landmark to figure out where a minimal margin could be preferable during nephron-sparing surgery

Clinical and imaging selection criteria treating lumbar disc herniations by oxygen-ozone therapy, corticosteroid and local anaesthetic.

Radicular lumbar back pain is an important public health problem not already provided with a unequivocal treatment approach. Medical and physical therapies represent the first solution, however when these are not successful, the second therapeutic step is still controversial and mini-invasive treatment may play an important role. In these cases oxygen-ozone therapy has been proved to be a very safe and effective option that is widely used with different modalities. This paper, by reviewing oxygen-ozone therapy literature data, aims to propose an effective procedural technique and to clarify patient's selection criteria; furthermore complications and follow-up management are also considered

Initial Experience Using the New pHLO 0.072-inch Large-Bore Catheter for Direct Aspiration Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Purpose A direct aspiration, first pass technique (ADAPT) has been introduced as a rapid and safe thrombectomy strategy in patients with intracranial large vessel occlusion (LVO). The aim of the study is to determine the technical feasibility, safety, and functional outcome of ADAPT using the newly released large bore pHLO 0.072-inch aspiration catheter (AC; Phenox). Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively (October 2019–November 2021) from 2 comprehensive stroke centers. Accessibility of the thrombus, vascular recanalization, time to recanalization, and procedure-related complications were evaluated. National Institutes of Health stroke scale scores at presentation and discharge and the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at 90 days post-procedure were recorded. Results Twenty-five patients (14 female, 11 male) with occlusions of the anterior circulation were treated. In 84% of cases, ADAPT led to successful recanalization with a median procedure time of 28 minutes. In the remaining cases, successful recanalization required (to a total of 96%; modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score 2b/3) the use of stent retrievers. No AC-related complications were reported. Other complications included distal migration of the thrombus, requiring a stent-retriever, and symptomatic PH2 hemorrhage in 16% and 4%, respectively. After 3 months, 52% of the patients had mRS scores of 0–2 with an overall mortality rate of 20%. Conclusion Results from our retrospective case series revealed that thrombectomy of LVOs with pHLO AC is safe and effective in cases of large-vessel ischemic stroke. Rates of complete or near-complete recanalization after the first pass with this method might be used as a new benchmark in future trials

Percutaneous Computed Tomography-Guided Oxygen-Ozone (O₂O₃) Injection Therapy in Patients with Lower Back Pain—An Interventional Two-Year Follow-Up Study of 321 Patients

Objectives: To assess the effect of oxygen-ozone therapy guided by percutaneous Computed Tomography (CT) compared to corticosteroids in individuals experiencing lower back pain (LBP) not attributed to underlying bone-related issues. Methods: A total of 321 patients (192 males and 129 females, mean age: 51.5 ± 15.1 years) with LBP were assigned to three treatment groups: group A) oxygen-ozone only, group B) corticosteroids only, group C) oxygen-ozone and corticosteroids. Treatment was administered via CT-guided injections to the intervertebral disc (i.e., intradiscal location). Clinical improvement of pain and functionality was assessed via self-reported pain scales and magnetic resonance (MR) and CT imaging. Results: At all follow-up times, the mean score of the numeric rating scale and the total global pain scale (GPS) of study groups receiving oxygen-ozone (groups A and C) were statistically significantly lower than the study group receiving corticosteroids only (group B), with p &lt; 0.001. There was a statistically significant difference between groups A and C at 30 days for the numeric rating scale. Conclusions: The percutaneous application of oxygen-ozone in patients with LBP due to degeneration of the lumbosacral spine showed long-lasting significant pain reduction of up to two years post-treatment when compared to corticosteroids alone. Combination therapy of oxygen-ozone and corticosteroids can be useful as corticosteroids showed statistically significant improvement in LBP earlier than the oxygen-ozone-only treatment.</p

A djuvant treatment in patients at high risk of recurrence of thymoma: Efficacy and safety of a three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy regimen

The clinical benefits of postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) for patients with thymoma are still controversial. In the absence of defined guidelines, prognostic factors such as stage, status of surgical margins, and histology are often considered to guide the choice of adjuvant treatment (radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy). In this study, we describe our single-institution experience of three-dimensional conformal PORT administered as adjuvant treatment to patients with thymoma. METHODS: Twenty-two consecutive thymoma patients (eleven male and eleven female) with a median age of 52 years and treated at our institution by PORT were analyzed. The patients were considered at high risk of recurrence, having at least one of the following features: stage IIB or III, involved resection margins, or thymic carcinoma histology. Three-dimensional conformal PORT with a median total dose on clinical target volume of 50 (range 44-60) Gy was delivered to the tumor bed by 6-20 MV X-ray of the linear accelerator. Follow-up after radiotherapy was done by computed tomography scan every 6 months for 2 years and yearly thereafter. RESULTS: Two of the 22 patients developed local recurrence and four developed distant metastases. Median overall survival was 100 months, and the 3-year and 5-year survival rates were 83% and 74%, respectively. Median disease-free survival was 90 months, and the 5-year recurrence rate was 32%. On univariate analysis, pathologic stage III and presence of positive surgical margins had a significant impact on patient prognosis. Radiation toxicity was mild in most patients and no severe toxicity was registered. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant radiotherapy achieved good local control and showed an acceptable toxicity profile in patients with high-risk thymoma