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Rapid and Innovative Method in Detecting Hypersensitivity to Metals: Titanium Dental and Surgical Implants as a Cause of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Elderly Patients View Digital Media
Innovation Showcase Zulfiqar Aslam
Research has shown that both public and private hospitals worldwide lack the proper facilities to conduct Metal Allergy Metal Allergy LTT (Lymphocyte transformation test) (type IV) and MELISA (Memory Lymphocyte Immuno-Stimulation Assay (blood test)) to aid the diagnosis of metal hypersensitivity. Titanium alloys are widely used in surgical implants and it is proving to have positive long-term outcomes while maintaining good health, but its success is influenced by various factors. This study is focused on developing smart testing devices and techniques for checking patients for metal allergies like titanium, nickel, cobalt, and gold within the hospital premises before performing dental and orthodontic surgical procedures which may lead to various medical risks in young as well as elderly people. These risks are associated with mental disorders such as mood swings, depression, anxiety, phobias, bipolar effective disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia and dementia.
Featured Alzheimer Fest: New Ways of Communicating Disease in a Complex Society View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Giulia Alonzo
The research explores the intersection between cultural festivals and Alzheimer’s disease, examining whether these seemingly disparate realms can converge. Festivals are public celebrations that foster community and shared experiences, as articulated by Richards (2017) and supported by the concept of collective mental states described by Giannini (2020). This study investigates whether an Alzheimer Festival can serve as a platform for enhancing understanding and reducing stigma surrounding the disease. The theoretical framework integrates Event Studies, emphasizing how festivals can create communal bonds (Getz 2009; Alonzo & Ponte di Pino 2021), and theories related to the communication of illness. Previous studies indicate that caregivers often experience isolation and loneliness due to the stigma associated with Alzheimer's (Hung et al. 2021; Bolland et al. 2015). The research seeks to determine if a festival focused on Alzheimer's can shift narratives and foster community among caregivers. Methodologically, the study will employ an ethnographic approach featuring participant observation and semi-structured interviews, with data collection occurring between September and October 2024. Ultimately, the research seeks to answer several critical questions: Can festivals change social representations and combat stigma? Is the festival a venue for advocacy? What roles do various participants play, and how might their interactions at the festival influence caregivers' well-being post-event? This study contributes to an understanding of how festivals can impact the communication of serious illnesses like Alzheimer’s, facilitating connections and support within affected communities.
Writing as a Wellness Practice: Reflective Strategies for Emotional Resilience and Connection
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Heather Martin
Studies have shown that expressive writing supports both mental and physical health, with benefits ranging from reduced stress to improved immune function. The paper extends that research by exploring writing as a wellness practice in diverse community settings. Drawing on empirical and practice-based research, I reflect on insights gleaned through writing workshops facilitated in nonclinical settings with emergency first responders, K–12 teachers, older adults, and university students among others. Findings situate writing as both a private and communal act that supports emotional regulation, meaning-making, and social connection. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all model, I share practical learnings and participant perspectives that emerged across varied contexts. In dialogue with extant research in psychology and public health, this work engages perspectives informed by writing studies, highlighting the role of narrative, voice, and audience in the wellness potential of a writing practice. The study also addresses ethical considerations and adaptive strategies for bringing these practices into educational and community environments. Ultimately, I argue that writing-based wellness practices can meaningfully strengthen community wellbeing—especially when grounded in lived experience, relational intelligence, and the transformative power of storytelling.
Supporting Children's Healthy Development through Outdoor Play in the Perception of Adult Stakeholders from Underprivileged Urban Areas View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Katarzyna Okulicz Kozaryn, Hanna Nalecz, Anna Dzielska
Outdoor play is one of the facilitators of children’s wellbeing and healthy development, contributing to better focus, resilience and lower stress. The international B-challenged project aims to stimulate children's outdoor play by creating, implementing and evaluating interventions in cooperation with children and adult actors. Its starting point is the recognition of local stakeholders’ attitudes towards this action. We conducted in-depth individual interviews (IDI) with representatives of local government, district council, police, NGOs, representatives of sport and educational facilities, parents, architects (n=12) from the Warsaw district characterized by high concentration of social and economic problems. Key categories and sub-categories identified in IDIs: 1. Importance of the project - Dominant belief is that outdoor play protects against overuse of modern technologies; 2. Possibilities of implementation - Local needs and facilities for outdoor play; 3. Respondent’s roles and abilities – Current activities in the area of children’s education and leisure time; 4. Respondent’s potential - Ideas to increase outdoor play; 5. Barriers - administrative, financial and political factors, social attitudes, limited accessibility and infrastructure, threats related to road traffic and the high availability and visibility of alcohol and drugs in the neighborhood. Despite the general consensus on the importance of outdoor play for children’s health and development, implementing appropriate measures in underprivileged urban environments is difficult, often for reasons beyond the control of local stakeholders. However, with the involvement and good cooperation of various groups, positive changes are possible.
