74 results
Search Results
2. The UP-TECH project, an intervention to support caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients in Italy: preliminary findings on recruitment and caregiving burden in the baseline population.
- Author
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Chiatti, Carlos, Rimland, Joseph M., Bonfranceschi, Franco, Masera, Filippo, Bustacchini, Silvia, and Cassetta, Laura
- Subjects
ALZHEIMER'S disease ,CAREGIVERS ,CLINICAL trials ,GOODNESS-of-fit tests ,NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL tests ,PROBABILITY theory ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,REGRESSION analysis ,RESEARCH funding ,SCALE analysis (Psychology) ,SELF-evaluation ,ASSISTIVE technology ,STATISTICS ,MULTIPLE regression analysis ,SOCIAL support ,BURDEN of care ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
Objectives:The paper describes recruitment results and characteristics of the UP-TECH clinical trial sample, including level of care services use, informal caregiver burden and its determinants. Methods:UP-TECH is designed to test innovative care solutions for community-dwelling patients with moderate stage Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers in Italy. Four hundred and fifty patient–caregiver dyads were randomized into three arms receiving different combinations of services, composed of case management interventions, nurse visits, assistive technology and educational brochures. The research nurses administered a questionnaire comprising an in-depth socio-demographic assessment and several clinical scales, such as Novak's Caregiver Burden Inventory. Analyses of baseline data were conducted using uni- and bi-variate statistics. Linear regressions were computed to identify de-confounded correlates of caregiver burden. Results:Four hundred and thirty-eight patient–caregiver dyads were recruited and randomized. In our sample, patients are predominantly women (71.5%), with an average age of 81.5 years and a mean Mini-Mental State Examination score of 16.2. Caregivers are mostly women (66.2%) and offspring (55.7%), with a mean caregiver burden score of 27.6. They provide more than 50 hours of care per week, while receiving an almost negligible support from public services. Factors associated with caregiver burden are female gender, kinship and the patient's behavioral disturbances. The most important factor associated with lower burden is the employment of a live-in care worker. Conclusion:The paper provides a comprehensive description of moderate stage Alzheimer's disease patients and their caregivers, suggesting useful markers of caregiver burden. The well-balanced randomization assures the reliability of the study data-set for prospective evaluation of care strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
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3. The role of the network of matches on predicting success in table tennis.
- Author
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Lai, Mirko, Meo, Rosa, Schifanella, Rossano, and Sulis, Emilio
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ATHLETIC ability ,BUSINESS networks ,MACHINE learning ,STATISTICS ,SUCCESS ,TENNIS ,SCOUTING (Athletics) ,DATA analysis ,SPORTS events ,PROFESSIONAL athletes - Abstract
The influence of training, posture, nutrition or psychological attitudes on an athlete’s career is well described in literature. An additional factor of success that is widely recognized as crucial is the network of matches that an athlete plays during a season. The hypothesis is that the quality of a player’s opponents affects her long-term ranking and performance. Even though the relevance of these factors is widely recognized as important, a quantitative characterization is missing. In this paper, we try to fill this gap combining network analysis and machine learning to estimate the contribution of the network of matches in predicting an athlete’s success. We consider all the official games played by the Italian table tennis players between 2011 and 2016. We observe that the matches network shows scale-free behavior, typical of several real-world systems, and that different structural properties are positively correlated with the athletes’ performance (Spearman
, p-value ). Using these findings, we implement three different tasks, such as talent identification, performance and ranking prediction. Results shows consistently that machine learning approaches are able to predict players’ success and that the topological features play an effective role in increasing their predictive power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] - Published
- 2018
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4. Scratching the Surface: Integrating Low-Visibility Zones and Large Rural Sites in Landscape Archaeology Using Point Sampling.
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Stek, Tesse D. and Waagen, Jitte
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ARCHAEOLOGICAL surveying , *LANDSCAPE archaeology , *ZONING , *LAND settlement patterns - Abstract
Whereas archaeological field survey is relatively fast and effective for the mapping of surface finds in Mediterranean landscapes, two challenges limit its potential for reconstructing ancient settlement patterns. First, field survey usually excludes portions of the landscape that are inaccessible or present low ground visibility due to vegetation or the terrain, and second, including large settlements sites poses logistical problems, as these tend to produce unmanageably high frequencies of finds. In this paper, we explore the potential value of point sampling for integrating these areas in standard transect field survey projects. For this experiment, we sampled a large rural Archaic–Roman period site and its off-site environs in Molise, central-southern Italy. We present a systematic statistical and spatial comparison between data derived from both methods on the same areas. As such, the experiment contributes to the current debate on how to compare and integrate data from survey projects that apply different techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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5. Merger Control in Italy 1995–2003: A Statistical Study of the Enforcement Practice by Mining the Text of Authority Resolutions.
- Author
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Noce, Mauro La, Bolasco, Sergio, Allegra, Elisabetta, Ruocco, Valerio, and Capo, FedericoM.
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ANTITRUST law ,MERGERS & acquisitions ,DATABASES ,STATISTICS ,SIMULATION methods & models - Abstract
The paper provides a consistency analysis of the decisions taken by the Italian Competition Authority within the 1995–2003 period, concerning its control over mergers and acquisitions. An ample database was constructed using the tools of textual analysis. This data base was generated in a semi‐automatic manner and handled with statistical methods, the final aim being the econometric specification – through a logit model – and estimation of the ‘de facto’ decision model of the Authority, thereby making its principles more transparent and predictable. Model simulation exercises, dependant on multivariate market scenarios, helped estimate the threshold levels triggering Authority intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2006
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6. Aggregated analysis of in-depth accident causation data.
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Usami, Davide Shingo, Giustiniani, Gabriele, Persia, Luca, and Gigli, Roberto
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CAUSATION (Law) ,TRAFFIC accidents ,ROAD safety measures ,IN-vehicle entertainment systems ,METHODOLOGY ,ATTRIBUTION (Social psychology) ,STATISTICS ,STATISTICAL models - Abstract
Data collected from in-depth road accident investigations are very informative and may contain more than 500 accident-related variables for a single investigated case. These data may be used to get a more detailed knowledge on accident and injury causation associated with a specific accident scenario. However, due to their complexity, studies using in-depth data at aggregated levels are not common. The objective of this paper is to propose a methodology to analyse aggregated accident causation charts in order to highlight strong and weak relationships between crash causes and pre-crash scenarios. These relationships can be taken into account when developing or assessing new road safety measures (e.g. in-vehicle systems). The methodology has been applied to an in-depth accident dataset derived from the European project SafetyNet. Four different pre-crash scenarios associated with the accident scenario ‘vehicles encountering something while remaining in their lane’ have been investigated. Even if generalization of these results should be done with care because of database representativeness issues, the methodology is promising, highlighting, for example, a well-defined causation pattern related to vehicles striking a vehicle in rear-end accidents. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
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- 2017
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7. Analysis of the interplay between depression, anxiety, and psychological resources in adolescence using self-report measures.
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Di Riso, Daniela, Bobbio, Andrea, Chessa, Daphne, Lis, Adriana, and Mazzeschi, Claudia
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PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation in adolescence ,AGE distribution ,ANALYSIS of variance ,DEPRESSION in adolescence ,FACTOR analysis ,GOODNESS-of-fit tests ,HIGH school students ,MULTIVARIATE analysis ,PSYCHOLOGICAL tests ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,SELF-evaluation ,SEX distribution ,STATISTICS ,ANXIETY disorders ,STRUCTURAL equation modeling ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
Objective. Following recent literature which stresses the importance of broadening the conceptualization of mental functioning in youth, this paper aims to investigate structural relations between indicators of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and psychological resources in non-referred Italian adolescents, as captured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ; Goodman 2001), the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS; Spence 1998) and the Children Depression Inventory (CDI; Kovacs 1992). Methods. A hierarchical model which considers both the interplays and overlaps between these instruments is tested by means of Confirmatory Factor Analysis, in order to explore the possibility to use the three tools within a meaningful screening battery. First, validity and reliability of SDQ, SCAS, and CDI is successfully controlled thanks to three appropriate preliminary studies, an evidence not already acquired in the Italian context for the adolescent population. Then, the focal study devises and tests a model that merges indicators of the SDQ, SCAS, and CDI scales into four correlated factors, that is, Psychological Resources, Externalized behavior problems, Internalized Fear and Internalized Anxious Misery. Conclusions. Overall, findings corroborate the combined use of SDQ, SCAS, and CDI as a screening battery for the assessment of mental functioning in youth adopting a dimensional rather than a categorical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
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8. Amateur football pitches: Mechanical properties of the natural ground and of different artificial turf infills and their biomechanical implications.
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Zanetti, ElisabettaM., Bignardi, Cristina, Franceschini, Giordano, and Audenino, AlbertoL.
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SPORTS injury prevention ,PHYSIOLOGICAL effects of acceleration ,ACCELEROMETERS ,BIOMECHANICS ,COMPARATIVE studies ,ELASTICITY ,FOOTBALL ,GROUND reaction forces (Biomechanics) ,PHYSICS ,PLANTS ,PROBABILITY theory ,RESEARCH funding ,SPORTS sciences ,STATISTICS ,DATA analysis ,NULL hypothesis - Abstract
Artificial turf is being used more and more often. It is more available than natural turf for use, requires much less maintenance and new products are able to comply with sport performance and athletes’ safety. The purpose of this paper is to compare the mechanical and biomechanical responses of two different artificial turf infills (styrene butadiene rubber, from granulated vehicle tires, and thermoplastic rubber granules) and to compare them to the performance of natural fields where amateurs play (beaten earth, substantially). Three mechanical parameters have been calculated from laboratory tests: energy storage, energy losses and surface traction coefficient; results have been correlated with peak accelerations recorded on an instrumented athlete, on the field. The natural ground proved to be stiffer (−15% penetration depth for a given load), and to have a lower dynamic traction coefficient (−48%); the different kinds of infill showed significantly different stiffnesses (varying by more than 23%) and damping behaviour (varying by more than 31%). In running, peak vertical accelerations were lowest in the artificial ground with thermoplastic rubber granules, while, in slalom, both artificial grounds produced higher horizontal peak accelerations compared to the natural ground. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for athletic performance and injury risk. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2013
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9. The downside of organizational identification: Relations between identification, workaholism and well-being.
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Avanzi, Lorenzo, van Dick, Rolf, Fraccaroli, Franco, and Sarchielli, Guido
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ATTITUDE (Psychology) ,CHI-squared test ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,CORPORATE culture ,EMPLOYEE attitudes ,EPIDEMIOLOGY ,GROUP identity ,INDUSTRIAL hygiene ,LONGITUDINAL method ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,RESEARCH funding ,SCALE analysis (Psychology) ,SELF-perception ,STATISTICS ,T-test (Statistics) ,DATA analysis ,WELL-being ,CROSS-sectional method ,COLLEGE teacher attitudes ,DATA analysis software ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
Employee organizational identification has been proposed and found to be positively related to employee health and well-being. The empirical evidence, however, is not unequivocal, and some authors have suggested possible downsides of identification with the organization as a whole or with a group within it. The potential negative effect of over-identification was tested empirically for the first time in the present paper. Two studies were conducted; Study 1 was cross-sectional and used a sample of Italian law court clerks (N=195) and Study 2 was longitudinal and employed a sample of Italian teachers (N=140 at T2). We proposed a curvilinear mediation model with identification curvilinearly predicting workaholism, and workaholism, in turn, negatively affecting employee well-being. This curvilinear link between organizational identification and workaholism means that workaholism at first decreases with growing identification, but when identification becomes too strong, workaholism increases. The results confirmed our hypotheses, and we discuss theoretical and practical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012
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10. Outcomes of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with harmonic scalpel after failure of continuous positive airway pressure in sleep apnea syndrome.
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Mora, Renzo, Salzano, Francesco Antonio, Mora, Francesco, and Guastini, Luca
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OPERATIVE otolaryngology ,ACADEMIC medical centers ,LONGITUDINAL method ,PAIN ,SCALES (Weighing instruments) ,SLEEP apnea syndromes ,SNORING ,STATISTICS ,T-test (Statistics) ,DATA analysis ,CONTINUOUS positive airway pressure ,DATA analysis software ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,EQUIPMENT & supplies - Abstract
Conclusions: Our data highlight that uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) with harmonic scalpel (HS) is a reliable treatment in selected patients affected by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and users of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Objectives: The aim of this paper was to verify the efficacy and applicability of UPPP with HS in the treatment of patients affected by OSA and users of CPAP. Methods: A total of 21 patients with a retropalatal obstruction and users of CPAP underwent UPPP with HS and were evaluated (before and 6 months after surgery) using the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI); oxygen desaturation index ≥4% (ODI
4 ); Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS); snoring level (SL); subjective assessment of the postoperative pain on postoperative days 1, 3, and 10; and number of days until return to solid food. Results: Six months after surgery: AHI decreased significantly ( p < 0.05) from 31.8 ± 2.83 to 9.0 ± 0.68; ODI4 was 2.1 ± 0.4 vs a preoperative value of 24.0 ± 1.9; ESS scores were also significantly decreased ( p < 0.05) from 14.0 ± 3.7 to 4.7 ± 2.2; SL was significantly lower ( p < 0.05) 1.6 ± 0.3 vs 7.9 ± 0.8. Postoperatively, patients experienced lower levels of pain and the median of time to return to normal diet was 3 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2012
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11. The word segmentation process as revealed by click detection.
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Gómez, David M., Bion, Ricardo A. H., and Mehler, Jacques
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ANALYSIS of variance ,COMMUNICATION devices for people with disabilities ,COMPUTER-aided design ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,EXPERIMENTAL design ,COMPARATIVE grammar ,PROBABILITY theory ,PSYCHOLINGUISTICS ,REACTION time ,SOUND ,SPEECH perception ,STATISTICS ,T-test (Statistics) ,DATA analysis ,PHONOLOGICAL awareness - Abstract
The click detection paradigm was once conceived as a method to study online syntactic processing, but well-controlled empirical investigations casted many doubts on the early findings based on it. In this paper, we show that click methods can still prove valid and useful. We asked adult participants to listen to an artificial speech stream composed of statistically defined trisyllabic nonce words, while having to detect clicks superposed on the stream. The clicks were presented either within or between consecutive words. After 2 minutes of exposure to the stream, participants were slower to detect clicks located within words than clicks located between words. This result suggests that methods like click detection are sensitive to online statistical computations, opening new possibilities to obtain a richer picture of the segmentation process than what was hitherto possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2011
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12. PATTERNS OF SEGREGATION IN CONTEMPORARY ROME.
- Author
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Mudu, Pierpaolo
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HUMAN migration patterns ,IMMIGRANTS ,SEGREGATION ,STATISTICS - Abstract
Significant migratory flows to Italy in the last 20 years have created much change in the major cities. Among them, Rome has the largest number of immigrants. Besides describing changes that are currently being observed in metropolitan Rome (e.g., specific trends toward segregation emerging in synch with international migration flows), this paper provides an analysis of available official statistics to identify whether, and to what extent, the Roman case can be used to discuss the same general and/or more specific trends that are occurring in other urban contexts. The paper then focuses on the development of the most important Italian multiethnic neighborhood, the Esquilino, in Rome's city center. The Esquilino area represents a different social construct because of the presence of rich and vibrant economic activities pursued by immigrants. The paper draws upon a multi-method research approach and addresses several questions related to the process of spatial segregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2006
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13. Effectiveness of a group resilience intervention for people with multiple sclerosis delivered via frontline services.
- Author
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Giovannetti, Ambra Mara, Solari, Alessandra, and Pakenham, Kenneth Ian
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MULTIPLE sclerosis ,WELL-being ,STATISTICS ,EVALUATION of human services programs ,ANALYSIS of variance ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,CLINICAL trials ,RESEARCH methodology ,MEDICAL care ,PSYCHOLOGISTS ,PSYCHOEDUCATION ,HEALTH outcome assessment ,MANN Whitney U Test ,PRE-tests & post-tests ,CRONBACH'S alpha ,T-test (Statistics) ,COMPARATIVE studies ,ACCEPTANCE & commitment therapy ,MENTAL depression ,QUALITY of life ,RESEARCH funding ,SCALE analysis (Psychology) ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,CHI-squared test ,REPEATED measures design ,INTRACLASS correlation ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,ANXIETY ,DATA analysis ,SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC factors ,CONTENT analysis ,PSYCHOLOGICAL resilience ,GROUP medical practice ,LONGITUDINAL method ,PSYCHOLOGICAL stress - Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based group resilience intervention (The REsilience and Activities for every DaY program, READY) delivered to people with MS (PwMS) via frontline Italian services. This is a single-arm longitudinal study (with a nested qualitative study). READY is composed of seven weekly in-person sessions (2.5-h each) plus a booster session five weeks later. Data were collected immediately before the program, after the booster session, and at 3-months follow-up. Thirty-three READY groups (237 participants) were run by thirty-three trained psychologists. Participants improved in resilience (primary outcome), anxiety, depression, stress, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and psychological flexibility and associated processes (acceptance, defusion, and values). Improvements on most outcomes occurred post-intervention and were maintained at a 3-month follow-up. No demographic or illness variables predicted these improvements. Psychological flexibility mediated improvements in resilience, anxiety, depression, stress, and HRQoL. Qualitative data confirmed READY feasibility and the positive psychological impacts on participants. Study findings support READY effectiveness with PwMS, its broad applicability in this population, and its delivery through frontline services. READY for MS is a highly structured, brief manualized group intervention. It is effective in improving participants' psychological functioning (resilience, anxiety, depression, stress, HRQoL, psychological flexibility, and related ACT processes). Psychological flexibility mediated the improvements in resilience, anxiety, depression, stress, HRQoL. READY can be effectively delivered through frontline services for PwMS without limitation in terms of participants' demographic and illness characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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14. Occurrence of Dysgeusia in Patients Being Treated for Cancer.
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Di Meglio, Jaclyn, Dinu, Monica, Doni, Laura, Rossi, Gemma, Giorgione, Roberta, Colombini, Barbara, Antonuzzo, Lorenzo, and Sofi, Francesco
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TUMOR treatment ,STATISTICS ,TASTE disorders ,ACADEMIC medical centers ,NUTRITIONAL assessment ,NAUSEA ,MUCOSITIS ,CANCER chemotherapy ,INTERVIEWING ,MANN Whitney U Test ,RISK assessment ,CANCER patients ,VOMITING ,MALNUTRITION ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,CHI-squared test ,SMELL disorders ,XEROSTOMIA ,DATA analysis software ,DATA analysis ,COMBINED modality therapy ,TUMORS ,IMMUNOTHERAPY - Abstract
The aims of this study were to assess the presence of dysgeusia in patients receiving anticancer therapy and to explore possible factors influencing its occurrence. A total of 242 adult patients with histological diagnoses of malignant neoplasia and undergoing all types of anticancer treatment were included in the analysis. Data were collected from May 2019 to November 2019 at the Unit of Medical Oncology of Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy. Dysgeusia was assessed using the Chemotherapy-induced Taste Alteration Scale (CiTAS), while treatment-related symptoms were assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). Patients were aged 68 ± 13 years, mostly males (65%). A large proportion of them was undergoing chemotherapy (42.2%), while the others were receiving immunotherapy (20.7%), hormone therapy (15.5%), targeted therapy (12.8%), or a combination of them. Overall, 21.5% of patients reported dysgeusia, 17.4% nausea, 10.7% dysosmia, 9.9% xerostomia, 4.5% mucositis, and only 3.7% vomiting. The targeted therapy showed the greatest adverse effects, followed by chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy. When patients with dysgeusia were analyzed, phantogeusia and parageusia was the most affected dimension of gustatory disorders. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in CiTAS scores were found according to treatment-related symptoms for nausea and mucositis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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15. Lymphedema quality of life questionnaire (LYMQOL): cross-cultural adaptation and validation in Italian women with upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer.
- Author
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Monticone, Marco, Ferriero, Giorgio, Keeley, Vaughan, Brunati, Roberto, Liquori, Valentina, Maggioni, Serena, Restelli, Maddalena, Giordano, Andrea, and Franchignoni, Franco
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LYMPHEDEMA ,STATISTICS ,PERSONAL beauty ,RESEARCH evaluation ,STATISTICAL reliability ,AFFECT (Psychology) ,RESEARCH methodology evaluation ,RESEARCH methodology ,FUNCTIONAL status ,CROSS-sectional method ,HEALTH surveys ,ARM ,PSYCHOMETRICS ,CRONBACH'S alpha ,MULTITRAIT multimethod techniques ,QUALITY of life ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,INTRACLASS correlation ,FACTOR analysis ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,DATA analysis ,DATA analysis software ,WOMEN'S health ,BREAST tumors ,PAIN management ,BODY image ,SYMPTOMS - Abstract
There is growing interest in measures that assess upper-limb lymphedema after breast cancer. Since no validated Italian version of the Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire for upper limbs (LYMQOL-UL) exists, we aimed to culturally adapt and validate an Italian version (LYMQOL-UL-IT) in order to allow its use in Italian patients. The LYMQOL-UL-IT was developed by means of forward-backward translation, review by an expert committee and a test of the pre-final version to evaluate its comprehensibility. The psychometric testing included reliability by internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC
(2.1) ), measurement error by calculating the minimum detectable change (MDC95 ), construct validity by confirmatory factor analysis, and evaluation of a priori hypotheses about the correlations between the four LYMQOL-UL domains, single items of the LYMQOL-UL, and measures of health-related quality of life and pain intensity (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient). The consensus-based version of LYMQOL-UL-IT was administered to 139 patients with upper-limb stable secondary iatrogenic lymphedema after breast cancer. The adapted questionnaire was well accepted as it was completed in less than 10 min, without missing answers or comprehension problems. Internal consistency was acceptable (α = 0.92-0.95). Test-retest reliability was good-to-excellent (ICC(2.1) = 0.73-0.96). The MDC95 for the four domains of the questionnaire was as follows: 0.64 scale points for Function, 0.40 for Appearance, 0.53 for Symptoms, and 0.81 for Mood. Factor analysis confirmed a 4-dimensional structure as originally conceived and the a priori hypotheses were met. The LYMQOL-UL-IT is reliable, sensitive to change and valid in patients with upper-limb stable secondary iatrogenic lymphedema after breast cancer. It can be used for clinical and research purposes. Lymphedema is a frequently unnoticed clinical condition that not only impacts physical functioning but often restricts the health-related quality of life in breast cancer survivors. The Italian version of the Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire for upper limbs (LYMQOL-UL-IT) is reliable, sensitive to change and valid in patients with upper-limb lymphedema after breast cancer. The LYMQOL-UL-IT tool can be recommended for clinical and research purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2022
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16. Well-Being in Highly Hypnotizable Persons.
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Biscuola, Edith, Bongini, Marianna, Belcari, Iacopo, Santarcangelo, Enrica L., and Sebastiani, Laura
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WELL-being ,COLLEGE students ,STATISTICS ,PERSONALITY ,ACADEMIC medical centers ,ANALYSIS of variance ,HYPNOTISM ,SEX distribution ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,EMOTIONS ,DATA analysis - Abstract
Copyright of International Journal of Clinical & Experimental Hypnosis is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2022
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17. Missed nursing care in a long-term rehabilitation setting: findings from a cross-sectional study.
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Danielis, Matteo, Fantini, Michela, Sbrugnera, Sonia, Colaetta, Tiziana, Maestra, Maria Rosa, Mesaglio, Maura, and Palese, Alvisa
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MEETINGS ,STATISTICS ,NURSING ,REHABILITATION centers ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,CROSS-sectional method ,ORAL health ,REGRESSION analysis ,LABOR demand ,MANN Whitney U Test ,MEDICAL errors ,RISK assessment ,NURSING education ,PEARSON correlation (Statistics) ,NURSES ,PHYSICAL mobility ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,DATA analysis software - Abstract
Background: There is a growing amount of literature that links missed nursing care (MNC) to negative patient outcomes, reduced patient safety and poor quality of care. However, only few studies have investigated this phenomenon in long-term rehabilitation settings. Aim: To explore MNC occurrence, type, reasons and predictors in three rehabilitation units. Design: A cross-sectional study was performed between August and September 2017. Method: 95 registered nurses and nursing assistants completed section A (interventions missed) and section B (perceived reasons for MNC) of the MISSCARE Survey tool. Descriptive, bivariate and linear regression analyses were performed. Findings: The top missed elements were patient ambulation (score 2.4 out of 5, Standard Deviation [SD] 0.8), mouth care (2.3, SD 0.8) and participation to multidisciplinary meetings (2.3, SD 1.1). Lack of personnel was the most frequent reason reported for MNC with a score of 2.9 out of 4 (SD 0.9). At the linear regression analysis, advanced nursing education (β = 3.58, CI 95% 1.32–5.84) and inadequate handovers (β = 3.64, CI 95% 0.37–6.91) both increased the perception of MNC occurrence. Conclusion: MNC occurrence in rehabilitation settings appears to be lower than in other contexts; however, the most commonly missed elements are similar to those reported in other settings. As good strategies to detect the difference between expected nursing care and the one delivered to patients, advanced education and good quality handovers seem beneficial. Further research is needed to establish more evidence on predictors by developing longitudinal study designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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18. Use of wearable sensors to assess patterns of trunk flexion in young and old workers in the Metalworking Industry.
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Porta, Micaela, Orrù, Pier Francesco, and Pau, Massimiliano
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LUMBAR pain ,STATISTICS ,RANGE of motion of joints ,ANALYSIS of variance ,TORSO ,AGE distribution ,WORK-related injuries ,ANTHROPOMETRY ,TIME ,MULTIVARIATE analysis ,ONE-way analysis of variance ,WEARABLE technology ,OCCUPATIONAL exposure ,RISK assessment ,COMPARATIVE studies ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,ANALYSIS of covariance ,STATISTICAL sampling ,DATA analysis ,METALLURGY ,DISEASE risk factors - Abstract
Workers exposed to repeated trunk flexions are at risk of onset of low-back disorders and in individuals aged over 50 this issue is exacerbated by the physiologic decline of the musculoskeletal system and longer lifetime occupational exposure. In this study, we investigated the existence of possible age-related differences in patterns of trunk flexion of workers in the metalworking industry. Thirty-three subjects were monitored during an actual shift using a wearable Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to assess trunk flexion angles (i.e. between 30° and 60°, 60°–90° and > 90°). Results show that older workers spent less time with their trunk flexed, regardless of the class of flexion considered, with respect to their younger colleagues. Although further studies are necessary to clarify the existence of strategies aimed at optimising trunk movements during ageing, the IMU-based approach appears useful in highlighting potentially harmful conditions, especially in workers with marked signs of decline in their physical capacities. Practitioner summary: Wearable sensors, which are well tolerated and minimally intrusive, represent a valid option to continuously monitor trunk posture in workers employed in metalworking industry. The results of this study show that they provide valuable information about the patterns of flexion of young and old individuals engaged in physically demanding tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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19. Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Italian Aachener Aphasie Bedside Test (I-AABT), a tool for Aphasia assessment in the acute phase.
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Muò, Rossella, Raimondo, Simona, Martufi, Francesca, Cavagna, Nicoletta, Bassi, Marta, and Schindler, Antonio
- Subjects
HOSPITALS ,STATISTICS ,STATISTICAL reliability ,RESEARCH methodology evaluation ,MANN Whitney U Test ,APHASIA ,SEVERITY of illness index ,INTER-observer reliability ,MULTITRAIT multimethod techniques ,INTRACLASS correlation ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,DATA analysis ,ACUTE diseases - Abstract
Background: Early recognition of post stroke aphasia is thought to be crucial to plan effective rehabilitation. The Aachener Aphasie Bedside Test (AABT) is a widely-used tool for aphasia assessment in acute phase. The AABT was translated into Italian (I-AABT) in 2011, but its psychometric properties had not yet been studied. Aims: The aims of the study were to assess the I-AABT 1) short-term test-retest and inter-rater reliability, 2) concurrent and construct validity, 3) responsiveness and 4) to develop preliminary Italian normative scores to stage aphasia severity. Methods & Procedures: Participants were recruited from three Italian hospitals and divided into four groups: 1) patients with acute aphasia (PwAA; n=116), 2) patients with post-acute aphasia (PwPA; n=54), 3) patients with right-hemisphere damage (PwRHD; n=48) and 4) patients without neurological disorders (PwND; n=30). The I-AABT was administered to all participants. The Aachner Aphasie Test (AAT) was administered to assess concurrent validity. Spearman's correlations and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were used to calculate reliability. Concurrent and construct validity were assessed through Spearman's correlations between I-AABT and AAT subscales and Mann-Whitney test, respectively. Wilcoxon signed test was used to assess responsiveness. Both normalized z and T scores were calculated to produce Italian normative scores. Finally, ROC curves were drawn to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the I-AABT Comprehension and Production subtests. Outcomes & Results. Test-retest and inter-rater ICCs were highly significant and strong (ICC >.837, ICC >.698, p<.001, respectively). Correlations between I-AABT and AAT Comprehension and Production subtests were significant and strong (rs>.611, p <.001). Mann-Whitney test confirmed statistically significant difference between PwAA, and both PwRHD and PwND for I-AABT Spontaneous Language, Comprehension and Production subtests. A significant improvement in the I-AABT items Semantic, Phonemic and Syntactic Spontaneous Language, Oral praxis, Object identification, Automatic Language and Naming (p <.05) was detected after intensive language therapy. Preliminary conversion tables were devised to classify comprehension and production impairment levels. I-AABT's AUC-ROC values for Comprehension and Production parts were significant to detect patients with aphasia with a cut value of 139.5 (sensitivity = 72.9%, specificity = 79.5%9) and 94.5 (sensitivity = 75.2%, specificity = 74.4%.), respectively. Conclusions: The I-AABT proved to be a reliable, valid and responsive tool for the assessment of aphasia in acute stroke patients; its use is recommended in everyday clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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20. T-PEC: a novel test for the elicited production of clitic pronouns in Italian. Preliminary data.
- Author
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Crocetti, Perla, Fancelli, Stefano, Colpizzi, Ilaria, Suozzi, Alice, Crocetti, Emanuele, Borgogni, Elisa, and Gagliardi, Gloria
- Subjects
LANGUAGE disorder diagnosis ,AFFINITY groups ,STATISTICS ,LINGUISTICS ,FISHER exact test ,PSYCHOMETRICS ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,STATISTICAL correlation ,RECEIVER operating characteristic curves ,DATA analysis ,LANGUAGE disorders in children ,INTELLIGENCE tests - Abstract
The study presented in this article aims at investigating the clinical usefulness of a novel test, called T-PEC, for the diagnosis of Developmental Language Disorder in Italian preschool children. The instrument exploits the production of clitic pronouns, in particular third person direct object clitics (3PDO-CL), as a clinical marker for the disorder. Psychometric properties and normative data were computed on a sample of 70 children ranging in age from 4.6 to 5.8 years: 22 children diagnosed as language-impaired by expert clinicians according to international guidelines, and 48 typically developing peers. The statistical analysis of the collected data revealed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.86) and confirmed the effectiveness of the T-PEC test in distinguishing typically developing and DLD children, especially when the latter showed morphosyntactic deficits (AUC = 79.9%). Its high accuracy, combined with the rapidity and easiness of its administration, makes the T-PEC test suitable for use in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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21. The Lombardy Emergency Medical System Faced with COVID-19: The Impact of Out-of-Hospital Outbreak.
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Fagoni, Nazzareno, Perone, Giovanna, Villa, Guido Francesco, Celi, Simone, Bera, Paola, Sechi, Giuseppe Maria, Mare, Claudio, Zoli, Alberto, and Botteri, Marco
- Subjects
AMBULANCES ,CHI-squared test ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,CRITICALLY ill ,EMERGENCY medical services ,EMERGENCY medicine ,EPIDEMICS ,LONGITUDINAL method ,SCIENTIFIC observation ,OXYGEN in the body ,PATIENTS ,STATISTICS ,DATA analysis ,RETROSPECTIVE studies ,SEVERITY of illness index ,TRANSPORTATION of patients ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,ODDS ratio ,MANN Whitney U Test ,KRUSKAL-Wallis Test ,COVID-19 - Abstract
The Lombardy region was among the areas most affected by COVID-19 infection worldwide; the Lombardy Emergency Medical System (EMS) responded immediately to this emergency. We analyzed several critical aspects to understand what occurred in that region. This retrospective study compares the events managed by the dispatch center and the characteristics of the patients transported to the hospital -age, sex, SpO
2 , deaths- managed by the EMS in Brescia and Bergamo provinces between March-April 2020 and March-April 2019. Ambulances' waiting time at the hospitals before discharging patients and the patients' severity at emergency department admission were also analyzed. EMS managed 37,340 events in March-April 2020, +51.5% versus 2019. "Breathing" or "Infective" events reported to the dispatch center increased more than ten-fold (OR 25.1, p < 0.0001) in March 2020 and two-fold in April 2020 compared to 2019 (OR 3, p < 0.0001). Deaths increased +246% (OR 1.7, p < 0.0001), and patients not transported to hospital +481% (OR 2.9, p < 0.0001) in March 2020 compared to 2019. In some hospitals, ambulances waited more than one hour before discharging the patients, and the emergency departments doubled the admission of critically ill patients. Transported patients for "Breathing" or "Infective" events were primarily males (OR 1.5, p < 0.0001). The patients had lower SpO2 in 2020 than in 2019 and they were younger. The Lombardy region experienced an unexpected outbreak in an extremely short timeframe and in a limited area. The EMS coped with this pandemic, covering an extremely higher number of requests, with a ten-fold increase in the number of events managed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2021
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22. Are two different speed endurance training protocols able to affect the concentration of serum cortisol in response to a shuttle run test in soccer players?
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Vitale, Jacopo Antonino, Povìa, Valerio, Belli, Ennio, Lombardi, Giovanni, Banfi, Giuseppe, and La Torre, Antonio
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ANALYSIS of variance ,BLOOD testing ,EXERCISE physiology ,EXERCISE tests ,HYDROCORTISONE ,LONGITUDINAL method ,PHYSICAL fitness ,RESEARCH funding ,SOCCER ,STATISTICS ,DATA analysis ,PHYSICAL training & conditioning ,PRE-tests & post-tests ,DATA analysis software ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
Soccer involves multiple high-intensity physical, technical and tactical actions; as result of this, soccer training must include high-intensity exercises, which can act as a stimulus to the hypothalamus pituitary-adrenal axis, resulting in a significant increase in circulating cortisol levels. This study examined the effect of 4 weeks of Speed Endurance Maintenance (SEM) and Speed Endurance Production (SEP) on the serum cortisol concentration in response to a 5-meter multiple shuttle run test (5-m MST) in young elite soccer players. Fifteen soccer players were divided to SEM (n = 7) or SEP (n = 8) training group. Blood drawings were performed four times: before and after the 5-m MST at baseline (T1a, T1b) and at follow-up (T2a, T2b). Both training regimes determined a cortisol secretion following the 5-m MST at both baseline and follow-up. Data on delta values highlighted that SEP had greater values than SEM at baseline and registered a significant decrease at the follow-up. This difference is probably due to the lack of specific speed endurance training for players of SEP group prior to the beginning of the protocol. The physiological mechanisms behind the observed biological differences should be deeply investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
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23. Burnout syndrome among Italian physiotherapists: a cross-sectional study.
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Corrado, Bruno, Ciardi, Gianluca, Fortunato, Luciano, and Servodio Iammarrone, Clemente
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PSYCHOLOGICAL burnout prevention ,AGE distribution ,PSYCHOLOGICAL burnout ,DEPERSONALIZATION ,PHYSICAL therapists ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,SEX distribution ,STATISTICS ,T-test (Statistics) ,DATA analysis ,PSYCHOSOCIAL factors ,CROSS-sectional method ,DATA analysis software ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,ONE-way analysis of variance - Abstract
Background: Burnout syndrome is a common psychological disorder among helping professionals. Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate the frequency and severity of burnout amongst a group of Italian physical therapists, to measure the association between burnout and selected individual and social factors concerning the therapists and, based on the findings, to suggest some preventative measures. Methods: A total of 118 Italian physical therapists participated in the study. The Italian version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey was employed to analyse the presence and the characteristics of burnout syndrome in the sample. Results: 45.8% of the physiotherapists were affected by burnout or at a high risk of developing the syndrome. Male and younger physical therapists were more predisposed to developing elevated levels of depersonalisation, compared to female and more experienced colleagues, respectively. Physiotherapists who treated neurological patients perceived they were less accomplished than those who treated orthopaedic patients. Conclusions: This study confirmed that Italian physical therapists are at a high risk of developing burnout syndrome; their psychological situation proves to be one of the worst, compared to colleagues from other countries. Primary predisposing factors for the syndrome included being young, male and specialising in neurological disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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24. A Rasch analysis of the Conley Scale in patients admitted to a general hospital.
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Pellicciari, Leonardo, Piscitelli, Daniele, Caselli, Serena, and La Porta, Fabio
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FACTOR analysis ,HOSPITAL patients ,RESEARCH methodology ,PSYCHOMETRICS ,PUBLIC hospitals ,RESEARCH evaluation ,STATISTICS ,DATA analysis ,RISK factors of falling down ,MULTITRAIT multimethod techniques ,RESEARCH methodology evaluation ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
Purpose: The Conley Scale (CS) is a widely used tool for assessing the risk of falling for inpatients. The purpose of this study was to assess its unidimensionality, internal construct validity, targeting and reliability using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Rasch analysis (RA). Methods: The CS was administrated to a sample of 58,370 subjects admitted to a general hospital. Results: The CFA supported the unidimensionality of the CS (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.040) only after adjusting for local dependency between two items. The scale did not fit the Rasch model (χ
2 18 = 4688.5; p = 0.0000) and this was confirmed notwithstanding adjusting for type-I error (by creating 10-subsample of 250 subjects) and extensive post-hoc modifications. The analysis of targeting showed a marked floor effect (47.1%), whereas the reliability appeared adequate for group measurement (0.800) only after adjusting for the skewed distribution of the calibrating sample. Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that the CS, although unidimensional, could not provide interval-scale measurement of the risk of falling, had a measurement range that mismatched the ability range of the population being measured, and had a reliability inadequate for individual person measurements. Given these findings, the use of the CS to identify inpatients at risk of falling is not recommended. The Conley Scale is a unidimensional tool according to Confirmatory Factor Analysis. However, Rasch analysis demonstrated that the tool could not provide interval-scale measurement of the risk of falling, had a measurement range that did not fit the ability range of the population being measured, and had a level of reliability which was inadequate for its intended purpose, that is individual person measurement. The diagnostic utility of the known published cutoff is severely hampered by the severe mistargeting and reduced reliability of the tool. Given these shortcomings, the Conley Scale cannot be recommended to identify inpatients at risk of falling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2019
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25. An Italian contribution to the study of the validity and reliability of the trait meta-mood scale.
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Giromini, Luciano, Colombarolli, Maíra Stivaleti, Brusadelli, Emanuela, and Zennaro, Alessandro
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RESEARCH evaluation ,AFFECT (Psychology) ,SELF-evaluation ,STATISTICS ,ETHNOLOGY research ,EMOTIONAL intelligence ,SAMPLE size (Statistics) ,DATA analysis ,RESEARCH methodology evaluation - Abstract
Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) is a field of study that is receiving increasingly attention in the literature, due to its relevance to a series of aspects of human psychological and social functioning. Aims: This study used archival data from an Italian sample encompassing 885 nonclinical adults, to contribute to the study of the validity and reliability of the Trait Meta Mood-Scale (TMMS), a widely used measure of self-perceived EI. Method: Statistical analyses focused on internal consistency, factor structure and concurrent validity of an Italian TMMS version. Results: Results confirmed previous international studies supporting the cross-cultural adaptability of the TMMS, showing adequate reliability and validity indexes for all TMMS scores. Conclusions: EI may be measured via self-report. Its relationship to psychopathology, however, deserves more research, as certain components of EI correlate positively with psychological suffering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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26. NOSE laparoscopic gastrectomies for early gastric cancer may reduce morbidity and hospital stay: early results from a prospective nonrandomized study.
- Author
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Hüscher, Cristiano G.S., Lirici, Marco Maria, and Ponzano, Cecilia
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TREATMENT effectiveness ,ANALYSIS of variance ,GASTRECTOMY ,LENGTH of stay in hospitals ,LAPAROSCOPIC surgery ,LONGITUDINAL method ,SCIENTIFIC observation ,STATISTICS ,STOMACH tumors ,SURGICAL complications ,DATA analysis software ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
Background:Natural orifice specimen extraction – NOSE laparoscopy is a promising technique that avoids mini-laparotomy, possibly reducing postoperative pain, wound infections and hospital stay. Recent systematic reviews have shown that postoperative morbidity associated with laparoscopically assisted gastrectomies is similar to that after open gastrectomies. More specifically, there is no difference in wound infection rate. The study objective was to evaluate whether postoperative morbidity and hospital stay may be reduced by transoral specimen extraction after laparoscopically assisted gastrectomy for early gastric cancer (EGC). Material and methods:A prospective, nonrandomized study was carried out starting in August 2012. Data from all patients operated on during the first year, with minimum 18 months follow-up, were collected to assess feasibility, oncologic results, postoperative morbidity, hospital stay and functional results. Overall, 14 patients were included and followed-up. After gastric resection, a 3 cm opening was created on the gastric stump, and the specimen, divided into three segments stitched one to each other, was sutured to the gastric tube and retrieved through the mouth. Results:Postoperative morbidity was 7.14% (1/14): one case of pneumonia. No wound infection occurred. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.7 ± 1.0 days. Conclusions:NOSE laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy is feasible and safe, with similar oncologic results as LAG, but decreased morbidity and hospital stay.ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHERCopyright of Minimally Invasive Therapy & Allied Technologies is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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27. Area-Level Deprivation and Adverse Consequences in People With Substance Use Disorders: Findings From the Psychiatric and Addictive Dual Disorder in Italy (PADDI) Study.
- Author
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Carrà, Giuseppe, Crocamo, Cristina, Borrelli, Paola, Tabacchi, Tommaso, Bartoli, Francesco, Popa, Ioana, Montomoli, Cristina, and Clerici, Massimo
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SUBSTANCE abuse & psychology ,ANALYSIS of variance ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,STATISTICAL correlation ,FISHER exact test ,SCIENTIFIC observation ,PROBABILITY theory ,RESEARCH funding ,STATISTICS ,DATA analysis ,RESIDENTIAL patterns ,SOCIAL context ,CROSS-sectional method ,PSYCHOLOGY of drug abusers ,DATA analysis software ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,ODDS ratio - Abstract
Background: Environmental factors may operate with individual ones to influence the risk of substance use. Research has focused on severe adverse consequences influenced by contextual variables. However, the literature on community level factors influencing substance use behaviors is relatively limited across Europe so far. Objective: We capitalized on data from a National survey, exploring individual and contextual characteristics, to study adverse consequences among people with substance use disorders. Methods: The impact of area-level deprivation on nonfatal overdose, hepatitis C or B infections, and major involvement with the criminal justice system, was explored. Logistic regression models with cluster-robust errors, modeling subject-level and area-level effects, were used. Results: Living in deprived and intermediate areas, as compared with affluent ones, was associated with greater likelihood of both nonfatal overdose and jail sentences longer than 6 months, though not of active viral hepatitis. Conclusions: Area-level deprivation may play an important role in determining adverse consequences in people with substance use disorders, also after controlling for individual-level characteristics. More research is needed to understand the aspects of social and physical environments that matter for drug outcomes before effective policy and research interventions can be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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28. Cardiovascular risk factors and hearing impairment: a non-automatic correlation.
- Author
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Pirodda, Antonio, Brandolini, Cristina, Raimondi, Maria Chiara, Pelligra, Irene, Strocchi, Enrico, Cicero, Arrigo F.G., Rosticci, Martina, and Borghi, Claudio
- Subjects
ATHEROSCLEROSIS complications ,ANALYSIS of variance ,ANTHROPOMETRY ,AUDIOMETRY ,AUDITORY perception testing ,BLOOD testing ,BLOOD pressure measurement ,CARDIOVASCULAR disease diagnosis ,CARDIOVASCULAR diseases risk factors ,CHI-squared test ,STATISTICAL correlation ,FISHER exact test ,HEARING disorders ,METABOLIC disorders ,MULTIVARIATE analysis ,OTOSCOPY ,RESEARCH funding ,STATISTICS ,DATA analysis ,DATA analysis software ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,KRUSKAL-Wallis Test ,DISEASE complications - Abstract
Background: In the literature the association between common cardiovascular risk factors and/or major events and inner ear diseases has been widely considered. Despite the controversial related results, a recent review underlines that while a direct and causal correlation between cardiovascular risk factors and hearing impairment is lacking, the former are thought to have an influence on hearing acuity: this should imply some correlation between arterial conditions and inner ear function. Aims: Aiming at verifying the reliability of the correlation between arterial conditions and inner ear function, the hearing function of a population with metabolic syndrome and a population without metabolic syndrome were matched. Methods: All the examined subjects were enrolled within the Brisighella Heart Study, in order to obtain a detailed knowledge of the cardiovascular and metabolic parameters. 142 subjects were enrolled, including 89 healthy subjects and 53 affected by metabolic syndrome, having ruled out those cases associated with external and/or middle ear pathologies, or unilateral sensorineural hearing loss or with a history of previous ototoxic drugs and ear surgery. Among the examined parameters was arterial stiffness, as evaluated by means of the Vicorder® device with a non-invasive procedure, which had not previously been considered in relation to labyrinthine function. Results: The lack of any statistically significant correlation between common cardiovascular risk factors and hearing deterioration, as emerged from the study, has a particular significance. Conclusions: The inference from this result is that the relationship between the systemic circulation and inner ear conditions must be more complex than frequently considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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29. Short-term effectiveness of psychotherapy treatments delivered at a university counselling service.
- Author
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Monti, Fiorella, Tonetti, Lorenzo, and Ricci Bitti, Pio Enrico
- Subjects
SERVICES for college students ,PSYCHOLOGY of college students ,UNIVERSITIES & colleges ,CHI-squared test ,COGNITIVE therapy ,COLLEGE students ,COUNSELING ,LONGITUDINAL method ,PROBABILITY theory ,PSYCHODYNAMIC psychotherapy ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,STATISTICS ,PSYCHOLOGICAL stress ,T-test (Statistics) ,TRANSLATIONS ,DATA analysis ,EFFECT sizes (Statistics) ,TREATMENT effectiveness ,DATA analysis software ,STUDENT health services - Abstract
This work aimed to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of psychotherapy delivered at the counselling service of the University of Bologna (Italy), by means of a single group longitudinal study including a 6-months follow-up. To this end, sixty-six students completed the 6-months follow-up and filled in the Symptom Questionnaire (SQ) three times, during the first and the last session of the psychotherapy, and 6 months after its conclusion. The majority of students presented a problem concerning mood (n = 35; 53.03%); students completed a programme of psychodynamic therapy (n = 38, 57.58%) or cognitive-behavioural therapy (n = 28, 42.42%). With reference to 10 out of 12 SQ dimensions, significant improvements were observed both after therapy and at the 6-months follow-up, in comparison to pre-treatment; furthermore no significant differences were observed between the end of psychotherapy and the follow-up. The present data indicate the effectiveness of the therapy in reducing students' distress at the end of treatment and also in the short-term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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30. Towards a cultural understanding of addictive behaviours. The image of the social environment among problem gamblers, drinkers, internet users and smokers.
- Author
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Venuleo, Claudia, Rollo, Simone, Marinaci, Tiziana, and Calogiuri, Sara
- Subjects
ALCOHOLISM ,CHI-squared test ,COMPARATIVE studies ,COMPULSIVE behavior ,CULTURE ,GAMBLING ,PROBABILITY theory ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,STATISTICAL sampling ,SCALE analysis (Psychology) ,SELF-evaluation ,SMOKING ,STATISTICS ,MATHEMATICAL variables ,INTERNET addiction ,LOGISTIC regression analysis ,DATA analysis ,SOCIAL context ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
The current study examines whether cultural differences in the way of interpreting the social environment affect the probability of different kinds of addictive behaviours. Subjective cultures of the social environment were detected through the questionnaire on the Interpretation of the Social Environment (ISE) in a convenience sample of 771 participants from Italy. Problem gambling, drinking, internet use and smoking were assessed. A problem group was identified and a healthy group was selected for each of the four kinds of harmful behaviours. Logistic regressions were used to compare problem groups and control on ISE scores of subjective cultures. Problem groups of gamblers, drinkers and internet users were found to differ from control in their evaluation of the social environment, which they considered very unreliable. The problem group of smokers differs from control in their relationship with the social environment, viewed as an anomic place. The findings support the idea that subjective cultures associated with a critical image of the social environment, disparaging social ties and the rules of living together, are more likely to be associated to a maladaptive pattern of behaviour, as addiction can be understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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31. Economic Deprivation as a Predictor of the Direction of Lethal Violence: An Analysis of Italian Provinces.
- Author
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Stack, Steven, Laubepin, Frederique, Vichi, Monica, Minelli, Giada, Lester, David, Ferracuti, Stefano, Girardi, Paolo, and Pompili, Maurizio
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DEPRIVATION (Psychology) ,SUICIDE risk factors ,SUICIDE statistics ,HOMICIDE rates ,ITALIAN provinces ,VIOLENCE ,PREVENTION of homicide ,SUICIDE prevention ,SUICIDE & psychology ,SOCIAL isolation ,DEMOGRAPHY ,HOMICIDE ,RURAL population ,STATISTICS ,SUICIDE ,SOCIOECONOMIC factors ,PSYCHOLOGY - Abstract
Research on suicide and homicide rates has neglected an integrated model seeking to explain social variation in the direction of lethal violence. The present investigation explores the association between measures of social deprivation on the relative incidence of suicide over homicide in Italian provinces. Data refer to official government sources on lethal violence rates and measures of social deprivation. The central dependent variable (SHR) is the tendency towards suicide measured as the suicide rate divided by the sum of the suicide and homicide rates. Data were available for 102 Italian provinces in the Census year 2001. The percentage of the population marked by two indicators of deprivation (low education, household population density) were negatively associated with the SHR. The results are largely consistent with a stream of previous research that connects deprivation with a relatively high probability for disadvantaged populations to direct aggression outwardly in the form of homicide rather than inwardly in the form of suicide. The present study specifies which elements of deprivation best predict the direction of violence and is the first study for the Italian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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32. Long-Term Abstinence and Quality of Life After a Socioecological Treatment Program: An Italian Experience.
- Author
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Pivetti, Monica, Scattino, Fabiola, Dattola, Alberto, and Gioga, Gianmaria
- Subjects
REHABILITATION of people with alcoholism ,INTERVIEWING ,LONGITUDINAL method ,RESEARCH methodology ,MOTIVATION (Psychology) ,QUALITY of life ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,SCALE analysis (Psychology) ,SELF-evaluation ,STATISTICS ,TELEPHONES ,DATA analysis ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
The article discusses outcomes of a brief residential alcohol treatment based on the socioecological method, as measured in terms of professional evaluation and quality of life. It mentions experiences of alcohol users included in a residential treatment program based on the socioecological approach. It also mentions assessment of treatment outcome through a quality-of-life (QoL) measure and professional service evaluation.
- Published
- 2016
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33. Assessment of nociceptive system in vegetative and minimally conscious state by using laser evoked potentials.
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De Salvo, S., Naro, A., Bonanno, L., Russo, M., Muscarà, N., Bramanti, P., and Marino, S.
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EVALUATION of medical care ,ARM ,COMPUTED tomography ,ELECTRODES ,ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY ,EVOKED potentials (Electrophysiology) ,BIOELECTRIC impedance ,LASERS ,LEG ,MAGNETIC resonance imaging ,NEUROPHYSIOLOGY ,NOCICEPTORS ,STATISTICS ,PERSISTENT vegetative state ,JUDGMENT sampling ,DATA analysis ,PAIN measurement ,WAVE analysis ,CROSS-sectional method ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,GLASGOW Coma Scale - Abstract
Primary objective: The aim of this study is to assess if laser evoked potentials (LEPs) examination should be considered as an objective evidence of potential or residual pain perception capacity in vegetative (VS) and minimally conscious state (MCS) patients and if it could be a feasible methodology in order to differentiate these two clinical entities. Research design: This is a cross-sectional observational study focusing on the role of LEP examination, which is an easy and objective neurophysiological approach of the nociceptive system. Methods and procedures: Thirteen VS and 10 MCS patients were enrolled. All subjects were evaluated clinically by using validated behavioural scales and underwent to upper and lower limbs LEP recording. Main outcomes and results: Intra-group LEPs analysis in VS patients highlighted significant differences for N2P2 latency (p = 0.036) and amplitude (p = 0.018). Inter-group LEPs analysis showed significant differences in post-anoxic condition for N2P2 latency (p = 0.034), amplitude (p = 0.034) and a trend in N2P2 latency in brain trauma (p = 0.07). Interestingly, correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between N2P2 amplitude and Coma Recovery Scale-Revised scoring in the post-traumatic VS (r = 0.823,p = 0.044). Conclusions: The findings lead to detection of potential markers of conscious pain perception in patients with DOC, with important impact on therapeutic and rehabilitative management, and provide new information that may allow a better differential diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
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34. Perinatal stress and food allergy: a preliminary study on maternal reports.
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Polloni, L., Ferruzza, E., Ronconi, L., Lazzarotto, F., Toniolo, A., Bonaguro, R., and Muraro, A.
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SIBLINGS ,COMPARATIVE studies ,FOOD allergy ,MATERNAL health services ,PSYCHOLOGY of mothers ,PUERPERIUM ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,SCALE analysis (Psychology) ,STATISTICS ,PSYCHOLOGICAL stress ,SURVEYS ,DATA analysis ,RETROSPECTIVE studies ,DATA analysis software ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,INFERENTIAL statistics ,PSYCHOLOGICAL factors ,CHILDREN ,PREGNANCY - Abstract
Maternal stress in fetal and early life has been associated with the development of respiratory allergies, but no studies exist about food allergy. Stressful events and the quality of caregiving provided, as they affect the emotional and physiologic regulation of the infant, could alter the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal and immune system, facilitating an increased allergic response. This study aimed to investigate the influence of perinatal stress, as perceived by mothers, on developing food allergy in childhood. A survey on pregnancy and the first three months after giving birth was submitted to 59 Italian mothers of at least one child suffering from severe food allergy and one completely healthy child, for a total of 118 children examined. The presence of stressful events and the quality of perinatal period for each child were assessed retrospectively. The food allergic children’s data were compared to siblings’ data through inferential statistics. The results showed a significantly higher number of stressful events occurred during patients’ perinatal period, compared to siblings, in particular bereavements in pregnancy and parenting difficulties in postpartum. Mothers reported harder pregnancies and more stressful, harder, and, in general, worse postpartum when referring to their food-allergic children, in comparison with their siblings (p < .05). Psychological aspects are demonstrated to be involved in the development of allergic diseases. This study constitutes the first step to examine the role of early stress and perinatal psychosocial factors in the pathogenesis of food allergy; further studies are necessary to understand individual psychological impact and its relations with genetic and biological factors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2015
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35. Parenting Practices and Child Misbehavior: A Mixed-Method Study of Italian Mothers and Children.
- Author
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Bombi, Anna Silvia, Di Norcia, Anna, Di Giunta, Laura, Pastorelli, Concetta, and Lansford, Jennifer E.
- Subjects
ANALYSIS of variance ,CHI-squared test ,CLUSTER analysis (Statistics) ,DISCIPLINE of children ,LONGITUDINAL method ,RESEARCH methodology ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,RELIABILITY (Personality trait) ,RESEARCH funding ,SCALE analysis (Psychology) ,STATISTICS ,DATA analysis ,BEHAVIOR disorders ,DATA analysis software ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
Objective.The present study uses a mixed qualitative and quantitative method to examine three main research questions: What are the practices that mothers report they use when trying to correct their children’s misbehaviors? Are there common patterns of these practices? Are the patterns that emerge related to children’s well-being?Design.Italian mother–child dyads (N = 103) participated in the study (when children were 8 years of age). At Time 1, mothers answered open-ended questions about discipline; in addition, measures of maternal physical discipline and rejection and child aggression were assessed in mothers and children at Time 1, 1 year later (Time 2), and 2 years later (Time 3).Results.Mothers’ answers to open-ended questions about what they would do in three disciplinary situations were classified in six categories: physical or psychological punishment, control, mix of force and reasoning, reasoning, listening, and permissiveness. Cluster analysis yielded three clusters: Group 1, induction (predominant use of reasoning and listening; 74%); Group 2, punishment (punitive practices and no reasoning; 16%); Group 3, mixed practices (combination of reasoning and punishment, as well as high control and no listening; 10%). Multiple-group latent growth curves of maternal physical discipline, maternal rejection, and child aggression were implemented to evaluate possible differences in the developmental trends from Time 1 to Time 3, as a function of cluster.Conclusions.Qualitative data deepen understanding of parenting because they shed light on what parents think about themselves; their self-descriptions, in turn, help to identify ways of parenting that may have long-lasting consequences for children’s adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
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36. Seasonal DXA-measured body composition changes in professional male soccer players.
- Author
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Milanese, Chiara, Cavedon, Valentina, Corradini, Giuliano, De Vita, Francesco, and Zancanaro, Carlo
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ADIPOSE tissues ,ANALYSIS of variance ,BODY composition ,LONGITUDINAL method ,PROBABILITY theory ,STATISTICS ,TIME ,DATA analysis ,EFFECT sizes (Statistics) ,PROFESSIONAL athletes ,BONE density ,REPEATED measures design ,LEAN body mass ,DATA analysis software ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,PHOTON absorptiometry - Abstract
This work investigated changes in body composition of professional soccer players attending an Italian Serie A club across the competitive season; it is original insofar as body composition was assessed at multiple time points across the season using the accurate three-compartment model provided by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA). Thirty-one players (4 goalkeepers, 13 defenders, 8 midfielders, 6 forwards) underwent DXA and anthropometry at pre-, mid- and end-season. One operator measured whole body and regional body composition (fat mass, FM; fat-free soft tissue mass, FFSTM; mineral mass). Two players were excluded from analysis due to serious injury. Data were analysed with repeated measures ANOVA; factors were season time point and playing position. Results showed that whole-body FM and %FM significantly (P < 0.001) decrease at mid-season (−11.9%; −1.3%, respectively) and end-season (−8.3%; −0.8%, respectively) whereas FFSTM significantly (P < 0.001) increase at mid-season (+1.3%) and end-season (+1.5%). Limited, but significant changes took place in bone mineral content. Some regional (upper and lower limbs, trunk) differences in the pattern of body composition changes across the season were also found. Changes were similar for all playing positions. It was concluded that professional soccer players undergo changes in their FM, FFSTM, and mineral mass across the season with some regional variations, irrespective of the playing position. Changes are mostly positive at mid-season, possibly due to difference in training between the first and second phase of the season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
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37. Determinants of functional outcome in hip fracture patients: the role of specific neuropsychiatric symptoms.
- Author
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Gialanella, Bernardo, Ferlucci, Cristina, Monguzzi, Vittoria, and Prometti, Paola
- Subjects
BONE fractures -- Psychological aspects ,CHI-squared test ,STATISTICAL correlation ,FISHER exact test ,BONE fractures ,HIP joint injuries ,LIFE skills ,LONGITUDINAL method ,NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL tests ,HEALTH outcome assessment ,STATISTICS ,AGITATION (Psychology) ,DATA analysis ,MULTIPLE regression analysis ,BEHAVIOR disorders ,GERIATRIC Depression Scale ,DATA analysis software ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,ONE-way analysis of variance ,PSYCHOLOGY - Abstract
Background: The correlation between single neuropsychiatric symptoms and functional outcome in hip fracture patients is little investigated in the literature, and it is not yet established which neuropsychiatric symptoms are the most important determinants of functional outcome. Aim: To determine which neuropsychiatric symptoms are the most important determinants of functional outcome. Methods: This prospective study was carried out in 204 consecutive patients with primary diagnosis of hip fracture admitted to our Rehabilitation Unit for a course of rehabilitation. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were assessed at admission with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Outcome measures of rehabilitation were: final score, efficiency and effectiveness in motor-Functional Independence Measure (motor-FIM), and discharge destination. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to assess the relationship between NPI variables and the outcome measures, while backward stepwise regression was used to identify determinants of the outcome measures. Results: Pearson's correlation showed that night-time behavior disturbances were related to all outcome measures, while agitation, depression, elation, apathy, disinhibition and irritability were significantly related to motor-FIM outcomes. At multivariate regression analysis agitation was the only determinant of final motor-FIM score, while irritability was the only determinant of efficiency and effectiveness in motor-FIM score. No neuropsychiatric symptom was a determinant of discharge destination. Conclusions: This study highlights that in hip fracture patients there are relationships between specific neuropsychiatric symptoms and functional outcome. Among the neuropsychiatric symptoms, irritability and agitation are the most important. They are associated to poor functional outcome and are the only determinants of motor-FIM outcome measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
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38. Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss in elderly patients: Univariate and multivariate analysis of potential clinical prognostic factors.
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Lionello, Marco, Tealdo, Giulia, Breda, Stefano, Giacomelli, Luciano, Staffieri, Alberto, and Marioni, Gino
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DIAGNOSIS of deafness ,AUDIOMETRY ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,FISHER exact test ,SENSORINEURAL hearing loss ,MULTIVARIATE analysis ,PROBABILITY theory ,RESEARCH funding ,STATISTICS ,T-test (Statistics) ,RETROSPECTIVE studies ,DATA analysis software ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,SUDDEN onset of disease ,ODDS ratio ,MANN Whitney U Test ,OLD age ,PROGNOSIS - Abstract
Objective: With an estimated incidence of 77 new cases per 100,000 population aged 65 years or above, idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is a common clinical finding in elderly patients. There is a shortage of information on the clinical factors capable of predicting hearing recovery and response to therapy. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively investigate the prognostic value of clinical variables in relation to hearing recovery in a cohort of consecutive elderly patients with ISSNHL. Study design: This investigation considered 49 consecutive elderly patients (≥ 65 years of age) treated for ISSNHL. Clinical parameters (signs, symptoms, comorbidities and treatments) and audiometric data were analysed using univariate and multivariate statistical approaches for prognostic purposes, i.e. to identify any correlation with hearing recovery, expressed according to Wilson's criteria. Results/Conclusions: No clinical signs and symptoms, and no specific therapeutic approaches correlated significantly with hearing recovery after ISSNHL in our multivariate model ( p > 0.05). In the univariate analysis, vascular disease correlated significantly with hearing gain after treatment ( p = 0.01). Further studies based on larger cohorts (especially in a prospective setting) are needed to further elucidate the prognostic role of clinical parameters in ISSNHL involving elderly patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
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- View/download PDF
39. Non-word repetition: The relationship between weak syllables and the omission of grammatical morphemes in children with specific language impairment.
- Author
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Dispaldro, Marco
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CHI-squared test ,STATISTICAL correlation ,LANGUAGE disorders in children ,RESEARCH funding ,PHYSIOLOGICAL aspects of speech ,STATISTICS ,DATA analysis ,TASK performance ,DATA analysis software ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,MANN Whitney U Test - Abstract
Non-word (NW) repetition in children with specific language impairment (SLI) is a skill related to, but genetically separate from, grammatical ability. Prosodic structure of the syllables may bridge the gap between these two abilities. A NW repetition task was compared in a group of 15 preschool Italian children with SLI (ranged in age from 3;11 to 5;8) and 15 younger typically developing children (aged from 2;11 to 3;7) matched for mean length of utterance (TD-MLU). Grammatical ability was tested through a probe for direct-object clitic pronouns which is one of the most useful clinical markers in the Italian language. In NW repetition, children with SLI deleted more syllables than the TD-MLU children. The omission of weak syllables in a pre-stress position was a significant predictor of the omission of clitic pronouns. The present study shows that the link between grammar and NW is due to a prosodic characteristic that is more universally challenging in children with SLI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
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40. Metal leaching in drinking water domestic distribution system: an Italian case study.
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Sorlini, Sabrina, Gialdini, Francesca, and Collivignarelli, Carlo
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WATER supply ,COMPARATIVE studies ,ENVIRONMENTAL health ,IRON ,LEAD ,METALS ,NICKEL ,SPECTROPHOTOMETRY ,STATISTICS ,WATER pollution ,ZINC ,DATA analysis ,DATA analysis software ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,IN vitro studies - Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate metal contamination of tap water in seven public buildings in Brescia (Italy). Two monitoring periods were performed using three different sampling methods (overnight stagnation, 30-min stagnation, and random daytime). The results show that the water parameters exceeding the international standards (Directive 98/83/EC) at the tap were lead (max = 363??g/L), nickel (max = 184??g/L), zinc (max = 4900??g/L), and iron (max = 393??g/L). Compared to the total number of tap water samples analyzed (122), the values higher than limits of Directive 98/83/EC were 17?% for lead, 11?% for nickel, 14?% for zinc, and 7?% for iron. Three buildings exceeded iron standard while five buildings exceeded the standard for nickel, lead, and zinc. Moreover, there is no evident correlation between the leaching of contaminants in the domestic distribution system and the age of the pipes while a significant influence is shown by the sampling methods. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2014
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41. Characterization of Static Balance Abilities in Elite Soccer Players by Playing Position and Age.
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Pau, Massimiliano, Ibba, Gianfranco, Leban, Bruno, and Scorcu, Marco
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AGE distribution ,ANALYSIS of variance ,ANTHROPOMETRY ,COMPARATIVE studies ,DIAGNOSIS ,POSTURAL balance ,EXERCISE physiology ,MULTIVARIATE analysis ,POSTURE ,SOCCER ,SPORTS sciences ,STATISTICS ,DATA analysis ,EFFECT sizes (Statistics) ,BODY mass index ,ELITE athletes ,DATA analysis software ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
In this study, we investigated the static balance of adult and adolescent elite soccer players to understand how expertise and playing position influence postural control. Seventy-one national level players were tested using a force platform to acquire Center-of-Pressure (COP) data in uni- and bipedal stance and calculate sway area (SA), COP path length, velocity and displacements. The results show significant differences in postural sway related to age and playing position only for single-limb stance. In particular, midfielders exhibited significantly lower values of SA with respect to defenders (–48%,p= 0.001) and the under-15 players exhibited SA 42–64% higher than all the others (p= 0.001). In the light of planning training or rehabilitation programs specific for each player’s role and age, sway measurements may supply useful, objective and reliable information only for the unipedal test as the bipedal standing appears not challenging enough to let differences in balance abilities emerge. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2014
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42. When Negation and Epistemic Modality Combine: The Role of Information Strength in Child Language.
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Moscati, Vincenzo and Crain, Stephen
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ANALYSIS of variance ,LANGUAGE acquisition ,LEARNING ,RESEARCH funding ,SEMANTICS ,STATISTICS ,DATA analysis - Abstract
Negative sentences with epistemic modals (e.g., Johnmightnot come/Johncannot come) contain two logical operators, negation and the modal, which yields a potential semantic ambiguity depending on scope assignment. The two possible readings are in a subset/superset relation, such that the strong reading (can not) asymmetrically entails the weak reading (might not). In this situation, a potential learnability issue arises. Based on the Semantic Subset Principle, we anticipated that children’s initial interpretations would sometimes differ from those of adults because children are expected to initially prefer strong (can not) readings for sentences that convey weak (might not) readings for adults. This proposal is investigated in two experiments using Standard Italian, which is an ideal testing ground for child language, in view of its simple modal paradigm. The results of these experiments confirm the predictions of the Semantic Subset Principle. Five-year-old Italian-speaking children were found to strongly favor the scope assignment that generates strong (can not) readings, even in cases where adults strongly favor the weak (might not) scope assignment. This result is discussed in relation to some recent alternative proposals (Gualmini & Schwarz, 2009; Musolino, 2006) that do not assume any initial bias toward the strong readings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2014
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43. Why Do Only a Minority of Men Report Severe Levels of Eating Disorder Symptomatology, When so Many Report Substantial Body Dissatisfaction? Examination of Exacerbating Factors.
- Author
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Dakanalis, Antonios, Timko, C. Alix, Favagrossa, Laura, Riva, Giuseppe, Zanetti, M. Assunta, and Clerici, Massimo
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EATING disorders ,BODY dysmorphic disorder ,BODY image ,PSYCHOLOGY of college students ,PSYCHOLOGY of men ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,REGRESSION analysis ,STATISTICS ,DATA analysis ,SOCIAL anxiety ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,DISEASE risk factors - Abstract
In recent years research employing female samples has indicated that although body dissatisfaction may be necessary for the onset of an eating disorder, it is not sufficient. This study examined body surveillance and difficulties in interpersonal domains (attachment anxiety and social anxiety) as potential moderators of the body dissatisfaction-eating disorder symptomatology relationship amongst Italian college men (N= 359). As expected, all examined variables were found to intensify this relationship such that body dissatisfaction was strongly related to men’s eating disorder symptomatology when each moderator was at its highest level (i.e., 1SDabove the mean). Practical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2014
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44. Percentage and determinants of missed HIV testing in pregnancy: a survey of women delivering in the Lazio region, Italy.
- Author
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Valle, Sabrina, Pezzotti, Patrizio, Floridia, Marco, Pellegrini, Maria Grazia, Bernardi, Stefania, Puro, Vincenzo, Tamburrini, Enrica, Rinaldi, Iolanda, Vittori, Giorgio, Perrelli, Fabrizio, Morelli, Alessandra, and Girardi, Enrico
- Subjects
DIAGNOSIS of HIV infections ,LEGAL compliance ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,EPIDEMIOLOGY ,MULTIVARIATE analysis ,PATIENT compliance ,PROBABILITY theory ,PROFESSIONS ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,RESEARCH funding ,SELF-evaluation ,STATISTICS ,SURVEYS ,DATA analysis ,DATA analysis software ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,PREGNANCY - Abstract
HIV testing is recommended as part of routine preconception and prenatal care but some cases of vertical transmission still occur because of missed HIV testing in pregnancy. We estimated the percentage of women missing HIV testing before delivery, and we evaluated factors related with it. An anonymous survey was distributed to women giving birth during a two-week period in the maternity units of hospitals in the Lazio region of Italy in 2011. Among the 1568 women who filled out the questionnaire, only 33.6% had an HIV test prior to conception, while 88.2% were tested during pregnancy; main reasons reported for missed testing were: not requested by the gynaecologist (57.0%), performed previously (20.7%), requested by the gynaecologist but not done (13.3%) and structural/organisational barriers (4.4%). The percentage of women who missed the HIV test as part of preconception care or during pregnancy was 9.1% (95% confidence interval, CI: 7.7–10.6). Multivariate analysis showed that those with missed test were younger (p= 0.05), of lower education level (p< 0.01), with a lower HIV-knowledge score (p< 0.01) and with fewer visits during pregnancy (p< 0.01). Around 10% of delivering women were not tested for HIV during pregnancy or as part of preconception care. Absence of a specific request by the gynaecologist was the most frequent reason given. The association of missed HIV testing with poor sociocultural level and limited maternal HIV knowledge emphasise the importance of promoting HIV information among women and prenatal care providers. Strategies to increase routine testing may include the adoption of an opt-out approach. Finally, availability of rapid HIV testing in the delivery room should be encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
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45. Individual and group treatment for patients with acquired brain injury in comprehensive rehabilitation.
- Author
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Vestri, Alec, Peruch, Francesca, Marchi, Silvia, Frare, Mara, Guerra, Paola, Pizzighello, Silvia, Meneghetti, Silvia, Nutbrown, Alison, and Martinuzzi, Andrea
- Subjects
CHI-squared test ,COMBINED modality therapy ,HEALTH care teams ,LIFE skills ,NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL tests ,MEDICAL rehabilitation ,MINNESOTA Multiphasic Personality Inventory ,OCCUPATIONAL therapy ,HEALTH outcome assessment ,PATIENTS ,PHYSICAL therapy ,PROBABILITY theory ,REHABILITATION centers ,SCALE analysis (Psychology) ,SUPPORT groups ,SOCIAL case work ,SPEECH therapy ,STATISTICS ,U-statistics ,DATA analysis ,GROUP process ,TREATMENT effectiveness ,PRE-tests & post-tests ,RETROSPECTIVE studies ,REHABILITATION for brain injury patients ,COGNITIVE rehabilitation ,TREATMENT duration ,FUNCTIONAL assessment ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
Primary objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that group rehabilitation is more effective than individual treatments and provides an improvement in clinical outcomes similar to that achieved by individual treatments alone. Research design: Two groups of patients were placed in different rehabilitation settings treated using the same rehabilitation approach. One received only individual treatments and the second group received a combination of both individual and group treatments. The independent variables were measured both pre- and post-treatment and compared between the two groups. Methods and procedures: Seventy-four patients treated with a comprehensive rehabilitation approach were divided into two groups: (a) individual treatment only and, (b) combined treatments (both individual and group). The outcome scales were LCF (Rancho Los Amigos Level of Cognitive Functioning), DRS (Disability Rating Scale) and FIM™ (Functional Independence Measure). Results: The whole sample had obtained statistically significant improvements in all of the outcome scales: LCF ( χ
2 = 45.26; p < 0.001), DRS ( z = −3.92; p < 0.001) and FIM ( z = −4.9; p < 0.001). The comparison between groups did not reveal any pre-treatment difference. Analysis of post-treatment, however, showed a greater improvement in the FIM scale for those in combined individual and group treatment ( z = −0.2544, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Group rehabilitation integrated with individual treatments is more effective than individual treatments alone in improving independence measured by the FIM™ scale. Both groups had obtained statistically significant clinical improvements, the improvement in the FIM™ scale was significantly better in the combined treatment group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
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46. Exploring the effect of depressive symptoms and ageing on metamemory in an Italian adult sample.
- Author
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Fastame, Maria Chiara
- Subjects
AGE distribution ,MENTAL depression ,NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL tests ,MEMORY ,PROBABILITY theory ,RESEARCH ,STATISTICS ,WELL-being ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate the effect of depression and age-related factors on metamemory measures in an Italian adult sample. Fifty-eight healthy participants were recruited in Northern Italy and were, respectively, assigned to the following groups: Young (20–30 years old), old (60–70 years old), and Very Old (71–84 years old). Participants were administered a battery of tests, including a word recall task, self-referent mnestic efficiency scales, general beliefs about memory, and depression measures. General beliefs about memory, self-efficacy, and beliefs about the control of personal memory were predicted by age, education, depression, and mnestic and cognitive efficiency. Finally, age-related differences were found in metamemory measures: the accuracy of mnestic control processes is thought to be lower by very old adults than by old and young individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
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47. AAI predicts patients’ in-session interpersonal behavior and discourse: a “move to the level of the relation” for attachment-informed psychotherapy research.
- Author
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Talia, Alessandro, Daniel, Sarah I.F., Miller-Bottome, Madeleine, Brambilla, Daniela, Miccoli, Denise, Safran, Jeremy D., and Lingiardi, Vittorio
- Subjects
ATTACHMENT behavior ,CONCEPTUAL structures ,INTERPERSONAL relations ,NONPARAMETRIC statistics ,PSYCHOLOGY ,PSYCHOTHERAPY ,STATISTICS ,U-statistics ,THEORY ,DATA analysis ,CLIENT relations ,INTER-observer reliability ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
There is currently little empirical evidence regarding how patients’ attachment patterns manifest in individual psychotherapy. This study compared the in-session discourse of patients classified secure, dismissing, and preoccupied on the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). Rather than focusing on content or form alone, this study analyzed how patients’ discourse elicits and maintains emotional proximity with the therapist. The AAI was administered to 56 patients prior to treatment and one session for each patient was rated with the Patient Attachment Coding System (PACS) by four independent raters, blind to patients’ AAI classification. Significant differences were found in the discourse of patients with different attachment patterns. Namely, secure and preoccupied patients showed more contact-seeking behavior than dismissing patients, who avoided emotional proximity more, while preoccupied patients resisted therapists’ help more than did secure and dismissing patients. These results suggest that the different attachment patterns may have distinctive manifestations in the psychotherapy process that can be tracked by external observers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Resource utilization and direct costs of pediatric HIV in Italy.
- Author
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Giacomet, V., Fabiano, V., Lo Muto, R., Caiazzo, M.A., Curto, A., Rampon, O., Zuccotti, G.V., and Garattini, L.
- Subjects
HIV infections ,HIGHLY active antiretroviral therapy ,ANALYSIS of variance ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,MEDICAL care costs ,PROBABILITY theory ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,RESEARCH funding ,STATISTICS ,EARLY medical intervention ,DATA analysis software ,ECONOMICS - Abstract
This multicenter, prospective, observational study assessed the global economic impact of HIV care in a large cohort of HIV-infected children and adolescents in Italy. Three pediatric departments of reference participated on a voluntary basis. Centers were asked to enroll all their children during the period April 2010–March 2011. At enrollment, a pediatrician completed a questionnaire for each patient, including the type of service at access (outpatient consultation or day hospital), laboratory tests, instrumental examinations, specialists' consultations, antiretroviral therapy and opportunistic illness prophylaxis. Eligible patients had a confirmed diagnosis of HIV infection caused by direct vertical maternal-fetal transmission, their age ranging from 0 to 24 years. Since patients routinely have quarterly check-ups in all three centers, we adopted a three-month time horizon. Health-care services were priced using outpatient and inpatient tariffs. Drug costs were calculated by multiplying the daily dose by the public price for each active ingredient. A total of 142 patients were enrolled. More than half the patients were female and the mean age was 14 years, with no significant differences by center. There were substantial differences in health-care management among the three centers, particularly as regards the type of access. One center enrolled the majority of its patients in day-hospital and prescribed a large number of clinical tests, while children accessed another center almost exclusively through outpatient consultation. Drug therapy was the main cost component and was very similar in all three centers. The day-hospital was the second highest cost component, much higher than outpatient consultation (including examinations), leading to significant differences between total costs per center. These findings suggest that a recommendation to the Italian National Health Service would be to use more outpatient consultation for patients' access in order to increase their efficiency in treating pediatric HIV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. Long-term results of intratympanic prednisolone injection in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
- Author
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Filipo, Roberto, Attanasio, Giuseppe, Cagnoni, Laura, Masci, Eleonora, Russo, Francesca Y., Cartocci, Giulia, Di Mario, Alessia, and Covelli, Edoardo
- Subjects
AUDIOMETRY ,SENSORINEURAL hearing loss ,FISHER exact test ,INJECTIONS ,MAGNETIC resonance imaging ,NONPARAMETRIC statistics ,STATISTICS ,TOMOGRAPHY ,TYMPANIC membrane ,DATA analysis ,PRE-tests & post-tests ,PREDNISOLONE - Abstract
Conclusion: The results demonstrate the stability of the efficacy over time of the intratympanic prednisolone protocol and they suggest that the spontaneous recovery does not significantly influence the long-term evaluation of intratympanic therapy. A 10-day follow-up after 3 days of intratympanic prednisolone administration can be considered a sufficient period to evaluate the effectiveness of the undertaken therapy. Objective: To assess the stability of the efficacy over time of intratympanic steroid therapy for patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Methods: A total of 122 patients received an intratympanic steroid injection of prednisolone daily for 3 days. Audiograms were performed before therapy and at 10 days and 1 year after therapy. Successful recovery was defined as complete and partial recovery using Siegel's criteria and complete and marked recovery following Furuhashi's criteria. Results: The comparison of audiometric data at study entry, at 10 days, and at 1 year after the treatment showed a statistically significant improvement of the mean pure tone audiometry. The evaluation of the hearing outcomes demonstrated a statistically significant improvement, with similar success rates when evaluated 10 days and 1 year after the treatment. Comparing the hearing outcomes at 1 year with the results at 10 days, no significant difference was detected between these two time points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Effectiveness of parent counselling in eating disorders.
- Author
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Abbate-Daga, Giovanni, Quaranta, Michela, Marzola, Enrica, Cazzaniga, Giovanna, Amianto, Federico, and Fassino, Secondo
- Subjects
TREATMENT of eating disorders ,COUNSELING methodology ,FAMILY psychotherapy ,ACADEMIC medical centers ,PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation ,ANOREXIA nervosa ,BULIMIA ,CHI-squared test ,OUTPATIENT services in hospitals ,HEALTH outcome assessment ,PARENTS ,PSYCHOLOGICAL tests ,RESEARCH funding ,SCALE analysis (Psychology) ,SELF-evaluation ,STATISTICS ,T-test (Statistics) ,DATA analysis ,BODY mass index ,TREATMENT effectiveness ,DATA analysis software ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
Eating Disorders (ED) are often severe illnesses entailing a heavy burden for families. Family therapy is recommended for young patients, but only a few studies have investigated therapeutic interventions with families tailored also to adult and longstanding patients. We recruited 87 families with daughters affected by an ED, aiming to assess the effectiveness of eight sessions of parent counselling. The primary outcome was the improvement of parents' coping abilities to achieve more effective support skills. Before treatment, 54% of parents showed poor coping resources whereas 43.7% of the sample improved after parent counselling. Parents with good coping resources responded significantly better to this treatment. Although future research is warranted, these preliminary findings support the effectiveness of parent counselling in ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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