62 results on '"Giulia Fusi"'
Search Results
2. Healthcare professional and manager perceptions on drivers, benefits, and challenges of telemedicine: results from a cross-sectional survey in the Italian NHS
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Grazia Antonacci, Elisabetta Benevento, Sveva Bonavitacola, Lorella Cannavacciuolo, Emanuela Foglia, Giulia Fusi, Elisabetta Garagiola, Cristina Ponsiglione, and Alessandro Stefanini
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Telemedicine ,Telehealth ,Benefits ,Challenges ,Drivers ,Covid-19 ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background The Covid-19 pandemic provided new challenges and opportunities for patients and healthcare providers while accelerating the trend of digital healthcare transformation. This study explores the perspectives of healthcare professionals and managers on (i) drivers to the implementation of telemedicine services and (ii) perceived benefits and challenges related to the use of telemedicine across the Italian National Health Service. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was distributed to professionals working within 308 healthcare organisations in different Italian regions. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire (June-September 2021). Responses were analysed using summary statistics and thematic analysis. Results Key factors driving the adoption of telemedicine have been grouped into (i) organisational drivers (reduce the virus spread-80%; enhance care quality and efficiency-61%), (ii) technological drivers (ease of use-82%; efficacy and reliability-64%; compliance with data governance regulations-64%) and (iii) regulatory drivers (regulations’ semplification-84%). Nearly all respondents perceive telemedicine as useful in improving patient care (96%). The main benefits reported by respondents are shorter waiting lists, reduced Emergency Department attendance, decreased patient and clinician travel, and more frequent patient-doctor interactions. However, only 7% of respondents believe that telemedicine services are more effective than traditional care and 66% of the healthcare professionals believe that telemedicine can’t completely substitute in-person visits due to challenges with physical examination and patient-doctor relationships. Other reported challenges include poor quality and interoperability of telemedicine platforms and scarce integration of telemedicine with traditional care services. Moreover, healthcare professionals believe that some groups of patients experience difficulties in accessing and using the technologies due to socio-cultural factors, technological and linguistic challenges and the absence of caregivers. Conclusions Respondents believe that telemedicine can be useful to complement and augment traditional care. However, many challenges still need to be overcome to fully consider telemedicine a standard of care. Strategies that could help address these challenges include additional regulations on data governance and reimbursements, evidence-based guidelines for the use of telemedicine, greater integration of tools and processes, patient-centred training for clinicians, patient-facing material to assist patients in navigating virtual sessions, different language options, and greater involvement of caregivers in the care process.
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- 2023
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3. Hydatid of Morgagni in Young Female: A Rare Case of Acute Abdomen—Case Report and Literature Review
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Taisia Bollettini, Francesco Molinaro, Alice Benigna, Enrico Ciardini, Gabriele Centini, Natale Calomino, Giulia Fusi, Messina Mario, and Rossella Angotti
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Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Torsion of the hydatid of Morgagni is a rare condition which can cause acute abdominal pain in young female. We present a case report of a 13-year-old girl with acute abdominal pain and treated for torsion of the hydatid of Morgagni. Less than 20 cases of female younger than 18 years old with this condition are been described in the literature. Through our systematic review performed following the PRISMA statement, we want to emphasize the difficulty in diagnosis and the importance of considering this pathology in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in females with the aim of obtaining a timely surgical treatment to preserve fertility in these patients.
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- 2024
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4. Laparoscopic ovarian tissue collection for fertility preservation in children with malignancies: a multicentric experience
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Federica Perelli, Giulia Fusi, Luca Lonati, Tommaso Gargano, Michela Maffi, Stefano Avanzini, Federico Palo, Maria Dolores Blanco Verdú, Agustín Del Cañizo López, Carmen Garrido Colino, Giulia Perucca, Girolamo Mattioli, Fabrizio Gennari, Mario Lima, and Riccardo Guanà
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fertility-sparing ,cryopreservation ,cancer survivors ,pediatric cancer ,ovarian tissue collection ,minimally invasive surgery ,Surgery ,RD1-811 - Abstract
IntroductionLong survivors after childhood cancer are increasing thanks to oncological improvements. Their quality of life and fertility-sparing should be considered in the early phases of each oncological pathway. Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue removed before starting gonadotoxic therapies is the only fertility sparing procedure available for prepubertal children affected by cancer and it does not affect the timing of the start of the treatment.Materials and methodsThe present study shows the surgical and clinical outcomes following laparoscopic ovarian tissue collection (LOTC) for a total of 311 patients aged between 0 and 17 years old from four different European Centers.ResultsOnly two major complications were reported according to the Clavien Dindo classification (0.6%).DiscussionLOTC can be considered a safe procedure.
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- 2024
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5. A State-of-the-Art Review on the Role of Cognitive and Motor Reserve on Quality of Life: A Focus on Cardiovascular Patients in a Lifespan Perspective
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Jessica Giannì, Maura Crepaldi, Giulia Fusi, Francesca Colombi, Agostino Brugnera, Andrea Greco, Angelo Compare, and Maria Luisa Rusconi
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cognitive reserve ,motor reserve ,cardiovascular diseases ,quality of life ,aging ,Geriatrics ,RC952-954.6 - Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) reflect a huge and diversified condition that influences patient quality of life (QoL) both in the physical and mental aspects, especially in older adults who often present comorbidities and may be affected by cognitive decline. The concept of cognitive reserve (CR), which is built through life course experiences, has widely been considered a protective factor against cognitive decline, while the results of QoL in the field of CVDs are still controversial. In particular, there is a lack of evidence that explicitly explores the effects of CR on the QoL in CVD cases since studies have considered only single CR proxies (e.g., education) or specific cardiovascular conditions. Moreover, none of them have considered the motor reserve (MR), another recent concept that considers the amount of physical activity carried out during a lifespan. Its potential role in preventing age-related diseases has been observed, but more clarification is needed given the importance of the physical component in CVDs. The present state-of-the-art review aims to (i) examine how the literature conceives CR and its proxies in CVDs relating to QoL and (ii) integrate the concept of MR in this framework. Implications for clinical practice will also be discussed.
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- 2024
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6. Can Creativity and Cognitive Reserve Predict Psychological Well-Being in Older Adults? The Role of Divergent Thinking in Healthy Aging
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Giulia Fusi, Jessica Giannì, Virginia Maria Borsa, Laura Colautti, Maura Crepaldi, Massimiliano Palmiero, Francesca Garau, Salvatore Natale Bonfiglio, Ylenia Cao, Alessandro Antonietti, Maria Pietronilla Penna, Luca Rozzini, and Maria Luisa Rusconi
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aging ,cognitive reserve ,divergent thinking ,well-being ,emotional competence ,health ,Medicine - Abstract
The maintenance of psychological well-being (PWB) in the older adult population is a pivotal goal for our rapidly aging society. PWB is a multicomponent construct that can be influenced by several factors in the lifespan. The beneficial role of divergent thinking (DT) and cognitive reserve (CR) in sustaining older subjects’ PWB has been scarcely investigated so far. The present study aims to investigate the relationships between DT, CR, and PWB in a sample of 121 healthy older adults (61 females; M age: 73.39 ± 6.66 years; M education: 11.33 ± 4.81 years). The results highlight that better DT performance predicts higher CR, which mediates an indirect positive effect of DT on emotional competence, one of the PWB factors. It follows that DT and CR can be considered protective factors in aging, and their effects go beyond cognitive functioning, revealing a positive effect even on some PWB components. The practical implications regarding targeted health interventions for prevention in the older adult population to support well-being and promote healthy aging are discussed.
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- 2024
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7. The Effect of COVID-19 on Middle-Aged Adults’ Mental Health: A Mixed-Method Case–Control Study on the Moderating Effect of Cognitive Reserve
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Barbara Colombo, Giulia Fusi, and Kenneth B. Christopher
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COVID-19 ,cognitive reserve ,PTSD ,mental health ,text analysis ,Medicine - Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the vulnerability of adults to mental health effects, and the study of protective factors has become crucial. Cognitive reserve (CR) is a well-known protective factor against cognitive decline and several health factors; however, its protective effect on mental health during the pandemic has been rarely addressed. Thus, this study explored, through a mixed-method design, the effect of CR on perceived distress and PTSD-like symptoms in middle-aged participants who have survived severe COVID-19 and a matched control group. A total of 432 participants filled out self-report measures of CR, PTSD, depression, and anxiety, and were also asked to provide narration about their COVID-19-related experience. COVID-19 significantly affected the chances of reporting different mental health symptoms; levels of CR played a protective role in reducing their severity. Moreover, adults with higher CR seemed to be more realistic, focusing less on positive emotions, and elaborating more on the sense of anxiety when describing their experience: this might be an indication of a lower use of suppression to regulate emotions. Practical implications of these findings and future directions have been also discussed.
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- 2024
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8. The role of divergent thinking in interpersonal trust during the COVID-19 pandemic: creative aspects
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Massimiliano Palmiero, Rocco Palumbo, Irene Ceccato, Pasquale La Malva, Adolfo Di Crosta, Giulia Fusi, Maura Crepaldi, Maria Luisa Rusconi, and Alberto Di Domenico
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coronavirus ,creativity ,emotions ,group membership ,inclusive processing mode ,social identity ,Social sciences (General) ,H1-99 - Abstract
Interpersonal trust relies on positive expectations about other people. Social psychology distinguishes ingroup (individuals share social identity, e.g., family) from outgroup trust (individuals do not share social identity, e.g., strangers). We conducted an experimental study to test if divergent thinking, which relies on an inclusive processing mode, differently affected ingroup and outgroup trust during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 114 healthy college students, with no prior or current COVID-19 infection (mean age = 23.66, sd = 2.53, 89% women) was recruited. Interpersonal trust was measured by three ingroup and three outgroup trust items. Divergent thinking was measured by the alternative uses task, which asked to find alternative uses for common objects. Divergent thinking was scored by two independent raters in terms of fluency and quality of ideas. To control for generalized anxiety and mood states, the generalized anxiety disorder scale and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule were administered, respectively. To control for the inclusiveness of divergent thinking performance, the alternative uses task was administered using three types of instructions. Thus, the sample was divided in three groups of 38 participants according to the divergent thinking task instructions: “be-fluent: find as many different uses for the objects”, “be-creative: find creative uses for the objects”, and “be fluent and creative: find as many different and creative uses of the objects”. The hierarchical regression analyses showed that the quality, but not the quantity of divergent thinking positively predicted only outgroup trust, whereas the mood positively predicted ingroup trust. Divergent thinking task instructions did not affect interpersonal trust. Thus, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the quality of divergent thinking supports only outgroup trust based on the inclusive processing mode, meaning that people showing high ability to produce uncommon, remote and clever ideas are more inclusive and by consequence more prone to trust strangers. Limitations and implications are discussed.
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- 2023
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9. The Role of Cognition in Divergent Thinking: Implications for Successful Aging
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Laura Colautti, Virginia Maria Borsa, Giulia Fusi, Maura Crepaldi, Massimiliano Palmiero, Francesca Garau, Natale Salvatore Bonfiglio, Jessica Giannì, Maria Luisa Rusconi, Maria Pietronilla Penna, Luca Rozzini, and Alessandro Antonietti
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creativity ,divergent thinking ,executive functions ,crystallized intelligence ,cognitive reserve ,cognition ,Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry ,RC321-571 - Abstract
Promoting active and successful aging has become crucial to improve quality of life in later adulthood and reduce the impact of cognitive decline. Increasing evidence suggested that the ability to think creatively (e.g., via divergent thinking), similar to cognitive reserve, could represent a beneficial factor against the negative effects of aging. However, there is still little evidence investigating the relationships between divergent thinking, cognitive functions, and cognitive reserve in late adulthood. The present study explored these relationships in a sample of 98 individuals ranging from 61 to 88 years old (mean age: 72.44 ± 6.35). Results showed that visual, but not verbal, divergent thinking was affected by aging. Interestingly, visual divergent thinking performance was predicted by both the cognitive component of crystallized intelligence and cognitive reserve. Only the crystallized component of intelligence was found to mediate the aging effect on visual divergent thinking performance. These results suggest that in later adulthood a potential shift strategy to prior knowledge and semantic components over executive and control components of cognition could underlie a preserved ability to think divergently and, plausibly, creatively. Limitations of the study and implications for successful aging are discussed.
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- 2023
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10. Successful Elective Thoracoscopic Resection of Complicate Extralobar Bronchopulmonary Sequestration after Intrafoetal Vascular Laser Ablation: The Paediatric Surgeon’s Point of View
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Giulia Fusi, Agnès Sartor, Marion Groussolles, Solene Joseph, Julie Vial, Lea Roditis, Christophe Vayssière, and Olivier Abbo
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Pediatrics ,RJ1-570 - Abstract
Few reports of laser coagulation for foetal bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS), a rare congenital malformation characterised by the absence of tracheobronchial connection and the presence of a systemic feeding artery, have been published. Additionally, very few of them focus also on the postnatal management, with results limited and controversial. Postnatal treatment of residual malformation remains debated, hence the need to share our experience of a combined pre- and postnatal approach to complicated extra-lobar BPS. We report the case of a female foetus with the diagnosis of a pulmonary lesion. Due to mediastinal shift, unilateral compressive hydrothorax, ascites, and hydrops, a foetal treatment with ultrasound-guided laser coagulation of the anomalous vessel was performed. At birth, due to the persistence of the malformation, an elective delayed thoracoscopical surgery was performed. Prenatal laser ablation for complicated BPS is a life-saving procedure not always resulting in lesion disappearance. Thoracoscopical surgical exploration in case of persistent lesions at birth offers the possibility of a minimally invasive sequestrectomy feasible and safe.
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- 2023
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11. Lichen sclerosus in pediatric age: A new disease or unknown pathology? Experience of single centre and state of art in literature
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Rossella Angotti, Giulia Fusi, Elena Coradello, Clelia Miracco, Francesco Ferrara, Marina Sica, Alessandra Taddei, Gabriele Vasta, Mario Messina, and Francesco Molinaro
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Lichen sclerosus ,phimosis ,child ,Pediatrics ,RJ1-570 ,Surgery ,RD1-811 - Abstract
Lichen Sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with unknown etiology. In pediatric age the main disease “lichenlinked” is the phimosis in male. This is a retrospective study that reports the experience of our clinic and review of the literature. We included all patients affected by pathological phimosis, treated by circumcision between January 2015 and May 2020, older than 6 years old and with an histopathological diagnosis of lichen sclerosus. The aim was to identify prognostic factors based on histological report to plan the clinical management of patients. Statistical analysis was done. We included 207 patients. The mean age of children was 9,78 years (5-18 years, DS±3.29). Based on the histological features we divided patients in 2 groups: early lesions (70/207, 34%) and advanced (137/207, 66%). In term of complications lichen linked we considered meatal stenosis that needed of urethral dilatations. We included 7 patients (7/207, 3,4%). We report P value Statistical Significance in many aspects. An early diagnosis of LS and surgical treatment of foreskin are essential to prevent early and late complications in children. The size of sample is a limit of the study but results encourage our management.
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- 2022
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12. Rotavirus infection in newborn: A rare case of necrotizing enterocolitis
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Francesca Nascimben, Gaia Brenco, Francesco Molinaro, Giulia Fusi, Stefano Tursini, Mario Messina, and Rossella Angotti
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Necrotizing enterocolitis ,Rotavirus ,Newborns ,Pediatrics ,RJ1-570 ,Surgery ,RD1-811 - Abstract
Rotavirus infections in neonates are often asymptomatic, but they can become complicated, up to Necrotizing Enterocolitis.Aim of the study is to resume the history of a rare case of NEC due to Rotavirus infection comparing clinical features, lab tests and development of Rotavirus-NEC to bacterial-NEC in order to identify the correct management and the best therapeutical strategy for this group of patients.Our case report described the complicated story of a preterm female affected by Rotavirus-NEC who underwent surgery three times, but at least with good outcome.Different risks factors predispose to NEC due to Rotavirus such as prematurity, seasonality and formula feeding. Associated symptoms are abdominal distention, tenderness, bloody stools and fever. Development of NEC in newborns affected by Rotavirus is pathognomonic: only a very small percentage of newborns affected by Rotavirus infections develop NEC, but all of them need surgery which is resolutive most of time. The average hospital stay of surgical newborns affected by Rotavirus infection was longer than that of newborns surgically treated for bacterial gastrointestinal infections.Prevention of Rotavirus infections may be important to decrease the incidence of NEC, the morbidity and the mortality rate in neonatal period.
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- 2022
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13. Thoracoscopic excision of pediatric thymic cysts
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Fabiano Nino, Giulia Fusi, Edoardo Bindi, Michele Ilari, Carmine Noviello, Giovanni Torino, and Giovanni Cobellis
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Thymus ,Thymic cysts ,Thoracoscopy ,Children ,Pediatrics ,RJ1-570 ,Surgery ,RD1-811 - Abstract
Introduction: Thymic cysts are rare lesions that may be congenital or acquired, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis in pediatric neck-thoracic masses. They are most of the time asymptomatic, presenting as slow-growing, painless masses. Evolution is generally benign, however surgical excision is considered the first choice for treatment, and could be performed via open technique (sternotomy) or with minimally invasive technique (thoracoscopy). Both techniques are safe and present little risk of postoperative recurrence, although thoracoscopic approach presents some advantages in terms of reduced postoperative pain, reduced surgical time and reduced length of hospital stay. Case series: A retrospective review of medical records of all patients admitted to our center in the last 5 years for surgical treatment for thymic cysts was performed. We recorded and evaluated clinical data, surgical data and follow-up data. In the reference period 3 patients were admitted with thymic cysts at our center. They all underwent complete minimally invasive excision by video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Histopathological analysis revealed in 2 cases multilocular thymic cysts and in 1 case cystic thymic teratoma. Mean follow-up was 21 months. In the follow-up period any patients developed sympthoms, complications or relapses. Conclusion: According to our experience, thoracoscopic approach to thymic cyst is feasible, safe and allows a radical treatment of lesion offering excellent cosmetic results.
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- 2021
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14. Aging and Psychological Well-Being: The Possible Role of Inhibition Skills
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Giulia Fusi, Massimiliano Palmiero, Sara Lavolpe, Laura Colautti, Maura Crepaldi, Alessandro Antonietti, Alberto Di Domenico, Barbara Colombo, Adolfo Di Crosta, Pasquale La Malva, Luca Rozzini, and Maria Luisa Rusconi
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aging ,psychological well-being ,executive functions ,inhibition ,personal growth ,mental health ,Medicine - Abstract
(1) Background: Psychological well-being (PWB) is a multidimensional construct which is a key protective factor against chronic diseases in older adults. Numerous psychological and cognitive factors can influence older people’s PWB. However, while most studies have explored the effect of general cognition, only a few investigated the role of specific cognitive functions such as the efficiency of executive functions. Thus, the present study aimed to directly explore the relationships between PWB, age, and the core executive functions (namely working memory, flexibility, and inhibition). (2) Methods: A sample of 51 healthy older adults (age range: 60–88) were enrolled and tested both for PWB (by Ryff’s psychological well-being scale) and the core executive functions (by the Digit span backward, the Trail Making Test, and the Stroop test). (3) Results: Age and inhibitory skills are negatively correlated to the personal growth subscale of the PWB scale. Moreover, a hierarchical regression analysis showed that inhibition, but not working memory and flexibility, predicted the sense of continued growth and development (personal growth) of older adults, even after controlling for age and educational levels. Limitations and implications for future research and prevention interventions are discussed.
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- 2022
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15. Developmental Topographical Disorientation With Concurrent Face Recognition Deficit: A Case Report
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Maria Luisa Rusconi, Giulia Fusi, Chiara Stampatori, Angelo Suardi, Chiara Pinardi, Claudia Ambrosi, Tommaso Costa, and Flavia Mattioli
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developmental topographical disorientation ,neurodevelopmental disorders ,cognitive map ,face recognition ,spatial navigation ,case report ,Psychiatry ,RC435-571 - Abstract
Developmental topographical disorientation (DTD) has been defined as a developmental deficit in human navigational skills in the absence of congenital or acquired brain damage. We report the case of Lost In Space Again (LISA), a 22-year-old woman with a normal development and no clinical history of neurological or psychiatric diseases, evaluated twice, with an interval of 5 years. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination did not reveal any morphological alteration, while diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) showed a structural connectivity deficit (a decreased fractional anisotropy—FA) in the parieto–prefrontal and parieto–premotor pathway. The behavioral assessment showed different deficits in spatial and navigational tasks, which seemed to be connected to a poor ability to form a cognitive map of the environment. Moreover, LISA displayed a poor performance in high-level face encoding and retrieval. The aim of this case report is to share new insight about DTD in order to deepen the knowledge of this specific neurodevelopmental disorder. In conclusion, this novel DTD case (1) supports the hypothesis of the existence of different DTD subtypes; (2) sustains the evidence that DTD can co-occur (or not) with deficit in face recognition; and (3) highlights the need for an in-depth examination from both a neurocognitive and behavioral point of view of a possible common developmental defect between the formation of cognitive maps and the recognition of faces that might be in mental imagery skills. Future directions will be also discussed.
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- 2021
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16. Divergent Thinking Abilities in Frontotemporal Dementia: A Mini-Review
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Giulia Fusi, Maura Crepaldi, Laura Colautti, Massimiliano Palmiero, Alessandro Antonietti, Luca Rozzini, and Maria Luisa Rusconi
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divergent thinking ,review ,frontotemporal dementia ,semantic memory ,creativity ,Psychology ,BF1-990 - Abstract
A large number of studies, including single case and case series studies, have shown that patients with different types of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are characterized by the emergence of artistic abilities. This led to the hypothesis of enhanced creative thinking skills as a function of these pathological conditions. However, in the last years, it has been argued that these brain pathologies lead only to an augmented “drive to produce” rather than to the emergence of creativity. Moreover, only a few studies analyzed specific creative skills, such as divergent thinking (DT), by standardized tests. This Mini-Review aimed to examine the extent to which DT abilities are preserved in patients affected by FTD. Results showed that DT abilities (both verbal and figural) are altered in different ways according to the specific anatomical and functional changes associated with the diverse forms of FTD. On the one hand, patients affected by the behavioral form of FTD can produce many ideas because of unimpaired access to memory stores (i.e., episodic and semantic), but are not able to recombine flexibly the information to produce original ideas because of damages in the pre-frontal cortex. On the other hand, patients affected by the semantic variant are impaired also in terms of fluency because of the degradation of their semantic memory store. Potential implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.
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- 2021
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17. Challenge your Brain. Blogging during the COVID Lockdown as a Way to Enhance Well-Being and Cognitive Reserve in an Older Population
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Barbara Colombo, Giulia Fusi, Satinder Pabla, and Simona C.S. Caravita
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blogging ,cognitive reserve ,covid-19 ,older adults ,well-being ,Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry ,RC321-571 - Abstract
Background: The lockdown linked with COVID-19 restrictions has been reported to have severe consequences at an emotional and cognitive level, this was especially true for vulnerable populations, such as the older adults. This study aims at exploring the effect of a blog-based intervention implemented during COVID lockdown to increase the perceived well-being and cognitive reserve (CR) of a sample of American older adults. Methods: Forty-one participants (63% female), age range from 64 to 83, participated in a blog-based 5-week intervention. Their level of well-being as well as cognitive reserve were assessed before and after the intervention with specific scales. Participants were matched by age, gender and education level to a quasi-equivalent control group living in the same area who was tested on the same variables. Results: Results showed a significant increase in both perceived well-being and CR in the intervention group. A significant difference was also found when comparing the intervention group to the matched controls.
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- 2022
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18. Gastric duplication presenting as partial gastric outlet obstruction
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Giulia Fusi, Francesco Molinaro, Francesco Ferrara, Alessandra Taddei, Franco Roviello, Luigi Marano, Fabiola Rossi, Maurizio Costantini, Alessandro Cappelli, Mario Messina, and Rossella Angotti
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Bowel duplication ,Abdominal pain ,Child ,Pediatrics ,RJ1-570 ,Surgery ,RD1-811 - Abstract
We present a very rare case of gastric duplication treated with complete excision with two surgical procedures. We decided to report our case to share our experience that confirm the difficult of preoperative/intraoperative diagnosis of gastric duplication in a pediatric patient. Finally we reviewed the literature to date.
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- 2021
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19. Mesenteric cystic lymphangioma mimicking an ileo-colic intussusception
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Elisa Mina, Giulia Fusi, Rossella Angotti, Niccolò Nardi, Mohamed Vincenti, Mario Messina, Francesco Molinaro, and Mirko Bertozzi
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Mesenteric cystic lymphangioma ,Lymphangioma ,Intussusception ,Children ,Emergency ,Surgery ,Pediatrics ,RJ1-570 ,RD1-811 - Abstract
Lymphangioma accounts for 5% of benign pediatric tumors and less than 1% is located in the abdomen. Indeed mesenteric cystic lymphangioma is a rare benign abdominal mass and its pathogenesis is still unknown.Mesenteric cystic lymphangioma is often diagnosed incidentally. Nevertheless, in some cases its clinical presentation can mimic several common surgical pathologies. Here we describe a case of mesenteric cystic lymphangioma mimicking an ileo-colic intussusception.
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- 2020
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20. A Comparison of Divergent Thinking Abilities Between Healthy Elderly Subjects and MCI Patients: Preliminary Findings and Implications
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Giulia Fusi, Elena Ferrari, Marina Zanetti, Maura Crepaldi, Carol Bersanini, Anna Paladino, Laura Colautti, Luca Rozzini, Alessandro Antonietti, and Maria Luisa Rusconi
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mild cognitive impairment ,divergent thinking ,creativity ,aging ,dementia ,cognitive reserve ,Psychology ,BF1-990 - Abstract
ObjectiveDivergent thinking (DT) has attracted research interest because of its potential role in early diagnosis and rehabilitation programs for patients affected by neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, DT has received even more attention because of its proven relationship with cognitive reserve (CR) and the possibility of a standardized assessment. However, few studies have investigated this ability in dementia patients, and even less is known about patients affected by Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Thus, this study aims to investigate DT abilities in MCI patients.MethodsA total of 25 MCI patients and 25 healthy controls subjects (HC; from a random selection of 50) matched for age, gender, and educational level were enrolled. General cognitive functioning was measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), while the Abbreviated Torrance Test for Adults (ATTA) was selected to measure DT.ResultsMANOVA analysis did not reveal any significant differences in DT abilities between MCI patients and HC except for the figural indicator score. A logistic hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the figural indicator score added an 8% of accuracy in the prediction of the group variable over the general cognition measure (MoCA).ConclusionMCI patients seem to perform significantly worse than HC only in the figural DT score and this evidence has significant practical implications. First, that figural DT seemed to decrease even earlier than verbal DT and could therefore be taken into account for early diagnosis of MCI patients. On the contrary, the sparing of all the other DT skills (such as verbal DT skills, fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration) may suggest that, given its relationship with CR, verbal DT could instead be considered a possible target for prevention or early cognitive stimulation interventions.
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- 2020
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21. Traumatic buccal fat pad herniation in an infant
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Giulia De Giorgi, Rossella Angotti, Giulia Fusi, Lorenzo Salerni, Mario Messina, and Francesco Molinaro
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Pediatrics ,RJ1-570 ,Surgery ,RD1-811 - Abstract
Traumatic herniation of buccal fat pad (BFP) is very rare, usually seen in young children, from 5 months to 12 years of age. A minor injury or perforation of the buccinator muscle and buccal mucosa can cause the extrusion of the buccal fat pad into the oral cavity. A differential diagnosis is very important but a history of trauma, an absence of masses before the accident, anatomical site and fatty appearance should suggest the correct diagnosis. The treatment options are usually excision or repositioning of the herniated fat. For the present case report, a 7 month-old boy, diagnosed with traumatic buccal fat pad herniation, was successfully treated with surgical excision. Keywords: Buccal fat pad, Herniation, Children, Trauma
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- 2019
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22. Multiseptate gallbladder in a child
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Mirko Bertozzi, Ilaria Bizzarri, Rossella Angotti, Giulia Fusi, Stefania Ceppi, Giuseppe Di Cara, Susanna Esposito, Mario Messina, and Francesco Molinaro
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Pediatrics ,RJ1-570 ,Surgery ,RD1-811 - Abstract
Multiseptate gallbladder (MSG) is a rare congenital anomaly. MSG may be accompanied with other abnormalities of the biliary tree. MSG can be asymptomatic and most cases are detected incidentally. Nevertheless, some patients present with biliary pain or colicky abdominal pain due to biliary stasis and calculi. We report a case of MSG in a girl who presented with recurrent abdominal pain and normal laboratory work-up recovered after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A pediatric literature review of this rare anomaly is also performed. Keywords: Multiseptate gallbladder, Laparoscopic surgery, Children
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- 2019
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23. A rare cause of acute scrotum in a child: torsion of an epididymal cyst. Case report and review of the literature
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Mario Messina, Giulia Fusi, Francesco Ferrara, Edoardo Bindi, Chiara Pellegrino, Francesco Molinaro, and Rossella Angotti
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Acute scrotum ,Child ,Epididymal cyst ,Pediatrics ,RJ1-570 ,Surgery ,RD1-811 - Abstract
Torsion of an epididymal cyst is an extremely rare cause of acute scrotum in children and in young boys. Its reported incidence is 5-20%. The treatment is usually conservative. Many cases (up to 60%) regress spontaneously, especially if below 3 cm. Few cases have been reported in Literature (7 cases/2018). We add our patient as eighth case. He was a 13-year-old boy who was admitted for acute scrotum. Ultrasound excluded torsion of the testis and he was managed for 5 day conservatively. Based on clinical history and physical exam, we decided to perform a prompt surgery that revealed a torsion of epididymal cyst that was confirmed by histological exam.
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- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. Robot-assisted Heller myotomy for achalasia
- Author
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Giulia Fusi, Francesco Molinaro, Francesco Ferrara, Edoardo Bindi, Chiara Pellegrino, Chiara Calani, Mario Messina, and Rossella Angotti
- Subjects
Pediatrics ,RJ1-570 ,Surgery ,RD1-811 - Abstract
Achalasia is a rare neuromuscular esophageal disorder in children. There are many surgical options to treatment including botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, oral pharmacologic therapies with nitrates and calcium channel blockers, pneumatic dilation (PD), and surgical myotomy (open surgery, endoscopy, laparoscopy and recently robotic approach). In pediatric age, usually, Heller's myotomy is the main choice. Laparoscopic approach is known and standardized. Few robotic have been published. We decided to report our first case to share our experience with scientific community. Keywords: Achalasia, Child, Dysphagia, Myotomy, Robotic surgery
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Divergent thinking and the core executive functions: a state-of-the-art review.
- Author
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Massimiliano Palmiero, Giulia Fusi, Maura Crepaldi, Virginia Maria Borsa, and Maria Luisa Rusconi
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. Healthcare professional and manager perceptions on drivers, benefits and challenges of telemedicine: results from a cross-sectional survey in the Italian NHS
- Author
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Grazia Antonacci, Elisabetta Benevento, Sveva Bonavitacola, Lorella Cannavacciuolo, Emanuela Foglia, Giulia Fusi, Elisabetta Garagiola, Cristina Ponsiglione, and Alessandro Stefanini
- Abstract
Background: The Covid-19 pandemic provided new challenges and opportunities for patients and healthcare providers while accelerating the trend of digital healthcare transformation. This study explores the perspectives of healthcare professionals and managers on (i) drivers to the implementation of telemedicine services and (ii) perceived benefits and challenges related to the use of telemedicine across the Italian National Health Service. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was distributed to professionals working within 308 healthcare organisations in different Italian regions. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire (June-September 2021). Responses were analysed using summary statistics and thematic analysis. Results: Key factors driving the adoption of telemedicine have been grouped into (i) organisational drivers (reduce the virus spread-80%; enhance care quality and efficiency-61%), (ii) technological drivers (ease of use-82%; efficacy and reliability-64%; compliance with data governance regulations-64%) and (iii) regulatory drivers (regulations’ semplification-84%). Nearly all respondents perceive telemedicine as useful in improving patient care (96%). The main benefits reported by respondents are shorter waiting lists, reduced Emergency Department attendance, decreased patient and clinician travel, and more frequent patient-doctor interactions. However, only five respondents believe that telemedicine services are more effective than traditional care and 66% of the healthcare professionals believe that telemedicine can’t completely substitute in-person visits due to challenges with physical examination and patient-doctor relationships. Other reported challenges include poor quality and interoperability of telemedicine platforms and scarce integration of telemedicine with traditional care services. Moreover, healthcare professionals believe that some groups of patients experience difficulties in accessing and using the technologies due to socio-cultural factors, technological and linguistic challenges and the absence of caregivers. Conclusions: Respondents believe that telemedicine can be useful to complement and augment traditional care. However, many challenges still need to be overcome to fully consider telemedicine a standard of care. Strategies that could help address these challenges include additional regulations on data governance and reimbursements, evidence-based guidelines for the use of telemedicine, greater integration of tools and processes, patient-centred training for clinicians, patient-facing material to assist patients in navigating virtual sessions, different language options, and greater involvement of caregivers in the care process.
- Published
- 2022
27. Evolution of outcomes and complications of Flip Flap laparoscopic repair for inguinal hernia in children: 5 years' experience and practical implication in a third level Italian center
- Author
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Francesco MOLINARO, Francesca NASCIMBEN, Giulia FUSI, Gaia BRENCO, Marina SICA, Mario MESSINA, and Rossella ANGOTTI
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Surgery - Abstract
Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common pediatric surgeries that can be approached with an open or laparoscopic approach. Aim of this study was to describe outcomes and complications of Flip Flap inguinal hernia repair analyzing our experience in the last 5 years.280 children admitted at our Department with inguinal hernia requiring surgery between 2015 and 2020 were included. Secondary aim was to investigate how confidence of surgeons regarding VLS approach increase during time and how this particular technique represents a primary procedure useful to increase surgeons' skills in performing laparoscopic sutures.160 children (57%) underwent open approach, whereas 120 (43%) laparoscopic ligation of hernia. For each groups clinical and surgical data were recorded. We focused on comparing post-operative complications: the most frequent complication was hydrocele (n 4, 1.4%). Reported post-operative complication were not statistically different between two groups (open n=3, 1.8% vs laparoscopy n=1, 0.8%). No other postoperative complications were documented in our cohort for both groups. In laparoscopical group we registered 3 cases of ipsilateral recurrence (1.6%) and no cases of metachronous hernia.The choice of laparoscopic approach significanty increased from 22% in 2015 to 74% in 2020 (p0.05) as well as the percentage of male underwent to laparoscopical procedure (38% in 2015 to 74% in 2020, p0.05).It is known that the rate of complication or recurrence is similar for open or minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair. Laparoscopy offers advantages such as the possibility of visualize contralateral internal inguinal ring, reducing the incidence of methacronous inguinal hernia. Moreover, taking confidence with a minimally invasive technique such Flip Flap hernioplasty by performing it repeatedly over time, leads to an improvement of surgeons skills also in performing laparoscopic sutures, that can be helpful for other complex or tricky procedures.
- Published
- 2022
28. The impact of efficiency on asset quality in banking
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Giulia Fusi, Aristeidis Dadoukis, Oleg Badunenko, and Richard Simper
- Subjects
G28 ,Finance ,G18 ,Stochastic Frontier Analysis ,business.industry ,Asset quality ,Economics, Econometrics and Finance (miscellaneous) ,Non-performing Loans ,Banking ,Short-term Cost Efficiency ,Economics ,Long-term Cost Efficiency JEL Classifications: C33 ,G21 ,G01 ,business - Abstract
We investigate the impact of banks’ ability to minimise costs on asset quality, by assessing the temporal relationship between these variables in a sample of Italian banks over the period 2006–2015. We offer new insights into the channels through which bank efficiency affects non-performing loans by disentangling the short-term component of cost efficiency from its long-term component. We show that non-performing loans afflicting Italian banks can be explained by both efficiency components. A decrease in short-term cost efficiency precedes a worsening in banks’ asset quality, implying that regulators should consider adopting short-term efficiency as an early warning indicator of a deterioration in asset quality. We also present evidence of a trade-off between long-term efficiency and bank non-performing loans, which suggests that the removal of exogenous hindrances that prevent banks from allocating optimal levels of resources to the management of their loan portfolio should be a main policymakers’ objective.
- Published
- 2021
29. Prenatal diagnosis of an adrenal mature teratoma mimicking a neuroblastoma
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Camille Garcia, Giulia Fusi, Marion Gambart, Agnès Sartor, Anne Gomez-Mascard, and Olivier Abbo
- Abstract
Aim of the study: To present our experience with an adrenal antenatal mass firstly diagnosed as a left adrenal neuroblastoma that turned out to be a mature teratoma after anatomopathology. Case description: We present the case of an infant with an antenatal diagnosis of a left adrenal cystic image on the 22nd week of amenorrhea ultrasound. The fetal MRI showed a 20 x 13 mm non-calcified cystic formation of the left adrenal gland, compatible with a neuroblastoma.At birth, the diagnosis has been confirmed by an ultrasound that showed an anechogenic image of the left adrenal gland of 17 x 12 mm, with thin walls.Besides, in the 9 months interval between birth and the last CT scan, the image had minimally diminished in size. Then it stabilized at about 2 cm. The workup was otherwise normal. The infant was closely monitored during his first year and in the absence of significant regression of the adrenal mass, we decided to perform a left laparoscopical adrenalectomy. Unexpectedly, the anatomopathologist results showed a mature cystic adrenal teratoma. Conclusions: An adrenal mass diagnosed antenatally is generally a haemorrhage or a neuroblastoma. Only two other case of unexpected adrenal teratoma in infants are described in literature. Adrenal teratomas are very rare and those diagnosed antenatally even more. At present, we have no clinical, biological, or radiological evidence to suspect them before surgical removal.
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- 2022
30. The Effect of Psychological Symptoms on Divergent Thinking in Healthy Older Adults
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Giulia Fusi, Maria Luisa Rusconi, Marina Zanetti, Barbara Colombo, Maura Crepaldi, and Luca Rozzini
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Visual Arts and Performing Arts ,media_common.quotation_subject ,05 social sciences ,Psycghological Symptoms ,050109 social psychology ,Divergent thinking ,Creativity ,050105 experimental psychology ,Settore M-PSI/02 - Psicobiologia e Psicologia Fisiologica ,Elderly population ,Developmental and Educational Psychology ,0501 psychology and cognitive sciences ,Psychology (miscellaneous) ,Psychology ,Cognitive reserve ,media_common ,Clinical psychology - Abstract
The study of divergent thinking (DT) ability in the elderly population has experienced a renewed interest because of its proven relationship with cognitive reserve (CR). However, experimental resea...
- Published
- 2021
31. Recycling of Stoma Losses: A Good Practice for Neonates with High Output Stomas—Our Experience and Comparison with Literature
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Simona Negro, Simona Ditta, Francesco Molinaro, Francesco Ferrara, Barbara Tomasini, Rita Detti, Rossella Angotti, Edoardo Bindi, Mario Messina, Alessandra Taddei, M. Sica, and Giulia Fusi
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,business.industry ,mortality in newborns ,General surgery ,High output stoma ,Birth weight, mortality in newborns, neonatal care, neonatal infection ,Stoma (medicine) ,Birth weight ,Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health ,medicine ,neonatal infection ,Good practice ,business ,neonatal care - Abstract
Introduction: The recycling of proximal stoma losses is known as a good practice to manage patients with high output stoma. In our center, we introduced this practice about 10 years ago. We revised our series before and after recycling protocol and we reviewed the literature. Methods: This is a retrospective study. We included all neonates who underwent ileostomy between 2000 and 2019. They were divided into two groups, Group A and Group B, before and after the introduction of recycling of stoma losses. Demographic data were included. Outcomes evaluated to demonstrate the efficacy of stools recycling were: weight at the time of anastomosis and at discharge, length of total parenteral nutrition, and time (expressed in days) between anastomosis and passage of the stools. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test. P values Results: A total of 85 patients (29 females, 56 males) were included—Group A: 20 (24%) (13 males/7 females); Group B: 65 (76%) (43 males/22 females); Group A: 12/enterocolitis, 5/meconium-related ileum (MRI), 3/single intestinal perforation; Group B: 45 enterocolitis, 10/MRI, 8/single intestinal perforation, 1/an ileal atresia, 1/meconial peritonitis. Outcome about weight at anastomosis and discharge and about time of canalization were significant. Conclusion: We believe that the recycling of stoma losses is a safe and effective practice in neonates with ileostomy. Our technique of recycling is simple and practical. The benefit/risk rate is certain, in our opinion, in favor of the benefits as showed from our data.
- Published
- 2020
32. Challenge your Brain. Blogging during the COVID Lockdown as a Way to Enhance Well-Being and Cognitive Reserve in an Older Population
- Author
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Simona C.S. Caravita, Satinder Pabla, Giulia Fusi, and Barbara Colombo
- Subjects
Settore M-PSI/01 - Psicologia Generale ,Male ,kognitiv funksjon ,velvære ,Blogging ,General Neuroscience ,Brain ,COVID-19 ,Medisinske Fag: 700::Klinisk medisinske fag: 750::Nevrologi: 752 [VDP] ,General Medicine ,blogging ,Cognitive Reserve ,well-being ,Communicable Disease Control ,eldre ,Humans ,Female ,cognitive reserve ,older adults ,Aged - Abstract
Background: The lockdown linked with COVID-19 restrictions has been reported to have severe consequences at an emotional and cognitive level, this was especially true for vulnerable populations, such as the older adults. This study aims at exploring the effect of a blog-based intervention implemented during COVID lockdown to increase the perceived well-being and cognitive reserve (CR) of a sample of American older adults. Methods: Forty-one participants (63% female), age range from 64 to 83, participated in a blog-based 5-week intervention. Their level of well-being as well as cognitive reserve were assessed before and after the intervention with specific scales. Participants were matched by age, gender and education level to a quasi-equivalent control group living in the same area who was tested on the same variables. Results: Results showed a significant increase in both perceived well-being and CR in the intervention group. A significant difference was also found when comparing the intervention group to the matched controls.
- Published
- 2022
33. Tele-neuropsychological assessment tools in Italy: a systematic review on psychometric properties and usability
- Author
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Mario Bonato, Giulia Marchetti, Giulia Fusi, Alec Vestri, Aida Niang, Carmen De Caro, Alessia Corvaglia, Edoardo Nicolò Aiello, Simona Cintoli, Francesca Ognibene, Lorenzo Diana, Elia Zanin, Zanin, E, Aiello, E, Diana, L, Fusi, G, Bonato, M, Niang, A, Ognibene, F, Corvaglia, A, De Caro, C, Cintoli, S, Marchetti, G, and Vestri, A
- Subjects
Cognitive screening Italy ,Psychometrics ,Remote assessment ,Systematic review ,Tele-neuropsychology ,Aged ,Humans ,Pandemics ,Reproducibility of Results ,SARS-CoV-2 ,COVID-19 ,Quality of Life ,Review Article ,Dermatology ,Quality of life (healthcare) ,medicine ,Neuropsychological assessment ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Usability ,General Medicine ,Psychiatry and Mental health ,Mood ,Settore M-PSI/02 - Psicobiologia e Psicologia Fisiologica ,Telephone interview ,Observational study ,Neurology (clinical) ,business ,Psychology ,Psychometric ,Clinical psychology - Abstract
Background The current COVID-19 pandemic has abruptly catalysed a shift towards remote assessment in neuropsychological practice (tele-neuropsychology, t-NPs). Although the validity of t-NPs diagnostics is gaining recognition worldwide, little is known about its implementation in Italy. The present review by the Italian working group on tele-neuropsychology (TELA) aims at describing the availability, psychometric properties, and feasibility of t-NPs tools currently available in Italy. Methods Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. This work was pre-registered on the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42021239687). Observational studies reporting telephone-, videoconference- or web-based assessment of cognition/behaviour in Italian both healthy participants (HPs) and patients were included. Bias assessment was performed through ad hoc scales. Results Fourteen studies were included from an initial N = 895 (4 databases searched). Studies were subdivided into those focused on psychometric properties and those characterized by a predominant applied nature. The majority of studies addressed either adult/elderly HPs or neurological/internal patients. Multi-domain screening tools for cognition, behaviour, mood/anxiety and quality of life were the most represented. Findings regarding validity, reliability, sensitivity, specificity and clinical usability were reported for cognitive screenings — the telephone- and videoconference-based Mini-Mental State Examination and the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Discussion Positive albeit preliminary evidence regarding psychometric properties and feasibility in both clinical and non-clinical populations of Italian t-NPs brief screening tools are herewith provided. Further studies exploring clinical usability of t-NPs and psychometric properties/feasibility of tests for the in-depth assessment of specific cognitive domains are necessary. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10072-021-05719-9.
- Published
- 2022
34. Pandemic Lending: Micro and Macro Effects of Model-Based Regulation
- Author
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Franco Fiordelisi, GIULIA fusi, Angela Maddaloni, and David Marques-Ibanez
- Subjects
History ,Polymers and Plastics ,Business and International Management ,Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering - Published
- 2022
35. Divergent thinking and cognitive reserve: their role in psychological wellbeing and successful ageing
- Author
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Colautti, Laura, Virginia Maria Borsa, Giulia, Fusi, Maura, Crepaldi, Rachele, Canavesi, Chiara Maria Guarino, Antonietti, Alessandro, and Maria Luisa Rusconi
- Subjects
wellbeing ,ageing ,creativity ,divergent thinking ,cognitive reserve ,Settore M-PSI/01 - PSICOLOGIA GENERALE - Published
- 2022
36. The Controversial Effect of Age on Divergent Thinking Abilities: A Systematic Review
- Author
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Sara Lavolpe, Maria Luisa Rusconi, Giulia Fusi, and Maura Crepaldi
- Subjects
Visual Arts and Performing Arts ,media_common.quotation_subject ,aging ,Protective factor ,Cognition ,Workload ,Creativity ,divergent thinking ,cognitive abilities ,research methods ,Education ,Settore M-PSI/02 - Psicobiologia e Psicologia Fisiologica ,Systematic review ,Developmental and Educational Psychology ,Cognitive decline ,Psychology ,Divergent thinking ,Cognitive reserve ,media_common ,Cognitive psychology - Abstract
Divergent thinking (DT) is considered as an indicator of creative potential and a predictor of creative achievement. Furthermore, it is also conceptualized as an indicator of cognitive reserve (CR) in healthy elderly. CR refers to a functional benefit that can potentially offer protection against brain pathologies and is thereby considered a protective factor against cognitive decline. Creativity researchers have therefore attempted to understand the impact of the aging processes on DT abilities; however, it is difficult to draw a coherent picture from these studies. The aim of our systematic review was to more consistently summarize and interpret evidence about this topic. We selected 16 studies using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Our findings highlight a complex and multidimensional, rather than a simple linear relationship between the aging processes and DT performances, especially if the different DT indexes are considered separately. We also found that findings from more recent studies suggest that older subjects are able to think as divergently as younger people, particularly in the verbal domain, if no time constraints are imposed and if the workload is not too high. We conclude by discussing theoretical and methodological issues and implications for future research.
- Published
- 2020
37. Clinically Differentiated Abnormalities of the Architecture and Expression of Myosin Isoforms of the Human Cremaster Muscle in Cryptorchidism and Retractile Testis
- Author
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Angela Galgano, Francesco Molinaro, Nila Volpi, Paola Lorenzoni, Mario Messina, Francesco Grasso, M. Messina, Daniela Franci, Carlotta Plessi, Rossella Angotti, Giulia Fusi, and Margherita Aglianò
- Subjects
Male ,Pathology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Urology ,Myosins ,Testicular Diseases ,Genitofemoral nerve ,Retractile testis ,Cryptorchidism ,Hydrocele ,Biopsy ,Myosin ,medicine ,Humans ,Protein Isoforms ,Prospective Studies ,Child ,Abdominal Muscles ,Denervation ,Gubernaculum ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Infant ,medicine.disease ,Child, Preschool ,Cremaster muscle ,business - Abstract
Aim: To describe architecture and expression of myosin isoforms of the human cremaster muscle (CM) and to individuate changes in clinically differentiated abnormalities of testicular descent: cryptorchidism or undescended testis (UDT) and retractile testis (RT). Background: The CM is a nonsomitic striated muscle differentiating from mesenchyme of the gubernaculum testis. Morphofunctional and molecular peculiarities linked to its unique embryological origin are not yet completely defined. Its role in abnormalities of testicular descent is being investigated. Subjects and Methods: Biopsy samples were obtained from corrective surgery in cases of cryptorchidism, retractile testis, inguinal hernia, or hydrocele. Muscle specimens were processed for morphology, histochemistry, and immunohistology. Results and Conclusions: The CM differs from the skeletal muscles both for morphological and molecular characteristics. The presence of fascicles with different characterization and its myosinic pattern suggested that the CM could be included in the specialized muscle groups, such as the extrinsic ocular muscles (EOMs) and laryngeal and masticatory muscles. The embryological origin from the nonsomitic mesoderm is, also for the CM, the basis of distinct molecular pathways. In UDT, the histological alterations of CM are suggestive of denervation; the genitofemoral nerve and its molecular messengers directed to this muscle are likely defective. Compared with the other samples, RT has a distinct myosinic pattern; therefore, it has been considered a well-defined entity with respect to the other testicular descent abnormalities.
- Published
- 2020
38. Lichen sclerosus in pediatric age: A new disease or unknown pathology? Experience of single centre and state of art in literature
- Author
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Rossella Angotti, Giulia Fusi, Elena Coradello, Clelia Miracco, Francesco Ferrara, Marina Sica, Alessandra Taddei, Gabriele Vasta, Mario Messina, and Francesco Molinaro
- Subjects
Male ,Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus ,Adolescent ,Circumcision, Male ,Urethra ,Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health ,Humans ,Surgery ,Phimosis ,Child ,Retrospective Studies - Abstract
Lichen Sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with unknown etiology. In pediatric age the main disease “lichenlinked” is the phimosis in male. This is a retrospective study that reports the experience of our clinic and review of the literature. We included all patients affected by pathological phimosis, treated by circumcision between January 2015 and May 2020, older than 6 years old and with an histopathological diagnosis of lichen sclerosus. The aim was to identify prognostic factors based on histological report to plan the clinical management of patients. Statistical analysis was done. We included 207 patients. The mean age of children was 9,78 years (5-18 years, DS±3.29). Based on the histological features we divided patients in 2 groups: early lesions (70/207, 34%) and advanced (137/207, 66%). In term of complications lichen linked we considered meatal stenosis that needed of urethral dilatations. We included 7 patients (7/207, 3,4%). We report P value Statistical Significance in many aspects. An early diagnosis of LS and surgical treatment of foreskin are essential to prevent early and late complications in children. The size of sample is a limit of the study but results encourage our management.
- Published
- 2021
39. Developmental Topographical Disorientation With Concurrent Face Recognition Deficit: A Case Report
- Author
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Angelo Carlo Suardi, Maria Luisa Rusconi, Tommaso Costa, Giulia Fusi, Chiara Pinardi, Flavia Mattioli, Claudia Ambrosi, and Chiara Stampatori
- Subjects
RC435-571 ,spatial navigation ,Spatial memory ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Neurodevelopmental disorder ,developmental topographical disorientation ,medicine ,case report ,cognitive map ,face recognition ,neurodevelopmental disorders ,030304 developmental biology ,Psychiatry ,0303 health sciences ,Cognitive map ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,Topographical disorientation ,Magnetic resonance imaging ,medicine.disease ,Psychiatry and Mental health ,Settore M-PSI/02 - Psicobiologia e Psicologia Fisiologica ,medicine.symptom ,Psychology ,Neurocognitive ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,Mental image ,Cognitive psychology ,Diffusion MRI - Abstract
Developmental topographical disorientation (DTD) has been defined as a developmental deficit in human navigational skills in the absence of congenital or acquired brain damage. We report the case of Lost In Space Again (LISA), a 22-year-old woman with a normal development and no clinical history of neurological or psychiatric diseases, evaluated twice, with an interval of 5 years. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination did not reveal any morphological alteration, while diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) showed a structural connectivity deficit (a decreased fractional anisotropy—FA) in the parieto–prefrontal and parieto–premotor pathway. The behavioral assessment showed different deficits in spatial and navigational tasks, which seemed to be connected to a poor ability to form a cognitive map of the environment. Moreover, LISA displayed a poor performance in high-level face encoding and retrieval. The aim of this case report is to share new insight about DTD in order to deepen the knowledge of this specific neurodevelopmental disorder. In conclusion, this novel DTD case (1) supports the hypothesis of the existence of different DTD subtypes; (2) sustains the evidence that DTD can co-occur (or not) with deficit in face recognition; and (3) highlights the need for an in-depth examination from both a neurocognitive and behavioral point of view of a possible common developmental defect between the formation of cognitive maps and the recognition of faces that might be in mental imagery skills. Future directions will be also discussed.
- Published
- 2021
40. Diagnosis and treatment of primary hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) in older children
- Author
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Alessia D'Ignazio, Giulia Fusi, Francesco Molinaro, F. Roviello, Luigi Marano, Fabiola Rossi, C. Spinelli, M. Sica, Maurizio Costantini, Carlotta Plessi, and Rossella Angotti
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Roux-en-y reconstruction ,RD1-811 ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Down syndrome ,Pyloromyotomy ,Pediatrics ,RJ1-570 ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,medicine ,Billroth I ,Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Esophagogastroduodenoscopy ,Gastric outlet obstruction ,medicine.disease ,Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis ,Roux-en-Y anastomosis ,Surgery ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health ,Vomiting ,030211 gastroenterology & hepatology ,Gastrectomy ,medicine.symptom ,business - Abstract
Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is the most important cause of non-bilious vomiting during infancy and it is usually idiopathic. It is very rare in older children and adolescents, in which gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is more typically secondary to other conditions. Gastrointestinal malformation are frequently associated with Down syndrome and some of them (especially duodenal abnormalities) can be detected quite late. In infants the standard treatment of HPS is represented by a Ramstedt pyloromyotomy, while in adults a distal gastric resection is more indicated and it is usually associated to a Billroth I or II reconstruction. Case report We present an unusual case of a 12-year-old girl with Down syndrome, diagnosed with late-onset HPS. She came to our attention with periodic non-bilious vomiting and growth delay. She underwent multiple imaging examinations, which highlighted the presence of an HPS. Based on patient's age and the thickness of the pyloric muscle, we decided to perform a partial gastrectomy with a Roux-en-y reconstruction. Patient was discharged on the X day. She is now on follow up, gains weight and presents good conditions. Discussion HPS is rare but possible during childhood and adolescence. Diagnosis is usually performed through ultrasounds (US) and upper gastrointestinal radiological series (UGI), but sometimes further examinations are required (abdominal MRI, esophagogastroduodenoscopy). In older children since less invasive techniques are not effective, we have to consider partial gastrectomy. Based on our experience, Roux-en-y reconstruction is a valid option, associated with poor complication and good quality of life.
- Published
- 2021
41. Divergent Thinking Abilities in Frontotemporal Dementia: A Mini-Review
- Author
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Luca Rozzini, Maria Luisa Rusconi, Giulia Fusi, Massimiliano Palmiero, Laura Colautti, Alessandro Antonietti, and Maura Crepaldi
- Subjects
media_common.quotation_subject ,Mini Review ,review ,Standardized test ,frontotemporal dementia ,050105 experimental psychology ,Mini review ,03 medical and health sciences ,Fluency ,0302 clinical medicine ,medicine ,Semantic memory ,Settore M-PSI/01 - PSICOLOGIA GENERALE ,Psychology ,0501 psychology and cognitive sciences ,Function (engineering) ,General Psychology ,creativity ,media_common ,business.industry ,semantic memory ,05 social sciences ,Creativity ,medicine.disease ,divergent thinking ,BF1-990 ,Settore M-PSI/02 - Psicobiologia e Psicologia Fisiologica ,Erratum ,business ,Divergent thinking ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,Frontotemporal dementia ,Cognitive psychology - Abstract
A large number of studies, including single case and case series studies, have shown that patients with different types of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are characterized by the emergence of artistic abilities. This led to the hypothesis of enhanced creative thinking skills as a function of these pathological conditions. However, in the last years, it has been argued that these brain pathologies lead only to an augmented “drive to produce” rather than to the emergence of creativity. Moreover, only a few studies analyzed specific creative skills, such as divergent thinking (DT), by standardized tests. This Mini-Review aimed to examine the extent to which DT abilities are preserved in patients affected by FTD. Results showed that DT abilities (both verbal and figural) are altered in different ways according to the specific anatomical and functional changes associated with the diverse forms of FTD. On the one hand, patients affected by the behavioral form of FTD can produce many ideas because of unimpaired access to memory stores (i.e., episodic and semantic), but are not able to recombine flexibly the information to produce original ideas because of damages in the pre-frontal cortex. On the other hand, patients affected by the semantic variant are impaired also in terms of fluency because of the degradation of their semantic memory store. Potential implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.
- Published
- 2021
42. Pandemic Lending: The Unintended Effects of Model-based Regulation
- Author
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Franco Fiordelisi, GIULIA fusi, Angela Maddaloni, and David Marques-Ibanez
- Published
- 2021
43. Spatial navigation
- Author
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Maria Luisa Rusconi, Giulia Fusi, and Maura Crepaldi
- Subjects
Aging ,Human Spatial Navigation System ,Cognitive Maps ,Egocentric and Allocentric Reference Frames ,Assessment of Human Spatial and Navigational Abilities ,Spatial Navigation in Healthy Aging ,Spatial Navigation in Pathological Aging ,Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) ,Alzheimer Disease (AD) ,Spatial abilities ,Topographical disorientation ,Spatial cognition ,Landmarks ,Route ,Allocentric ,Mild cognitive impairment ,Cognitive neuroscience ,Alzheimer's disease ,Spatial navigation ,Cognitive maps ,Egocentric ,Survey ,Settore M-PSI/02 - Psicobiologia e Psicologia Fisiologica - Published
- 2021
44. Valutazione delle abilità creative: confronto fra un campione italiano di anziani sani e il campione normativo americano
- Author
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Giulia Fusi, Maura Crepaldi, and Maria Luisa Rusconi
- Subjects
creatività ,ATTA ,TTCT ,pensiero divergente ,pensiero convergente ,adulti ,anziani ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Applied psychology ,Convergent thinking ,Sample (statistics) ,050105 experimental psychology ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,creativity ,divergent thinking ,convergent thinking ,adults ,aging ,0501 psychology and cognitive sciences ,General Psychology ,media_common ,05 social sciences ,Cognition ,Creativity ,Test (assessment) ,Settore M-PSI/02 - Psicobiologia e Psicologia Fisiologica ,Reference sample ,Normative ,Psychology ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery - Abstract
Negli ultimi anni, osservazioni provenienti da studi in crescente aumento, mostrano quanto la creatività, nella forma di pensiero divergente e convergente, possa favorire il benessere psicologico e cognitivo grazie alle abilità di trovare strategie diverse di problem solving, di sviluppare al meglio le proprie potenzialità e di permettere ai soggetti più fragili, in particolare gli anziani, di trovare un sostegno per il superamento di difficoltà. È importante, quindi, avere a disposizione strumenti validi e condivisibili di valutazione delle abilità creative in ottica pre-ventiva, di promozione e di potenziamento. In questo articolo vengono presenta-ti i dati raccolti su un campione italiano di soggetti anziani sani tramite l'utilizzo del test di creatività ATTA (Abbreviated Torrance Test for Adults). Questo test in particolare è stato utilizzato in diversi studi descritti in letteratura ma è tarato solamente sulla popolazione americana. Risulta quindi utile fornire i dati di un campione di riferimento per ricerche future, presentando i dati preliminari ottenuti dalla somministrazione del test a adulti-anziani italiani, al fine di poter con-frontare questi con i dati normativi americani.
- Published
- 2020
45. An Unexpected Case of Life-Threatening Hydrothorax in a Child
- Author
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Giuseppe Di Cara, Marino Chiodi, Giulia Fusi, and Mirko Bertozzi
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Catheterization, Central Venous ,business.industry ,hydrothorax, children ,Hydrothorax ,medicine.disease ,children ,Emergency Medicine ,medicine ,Humans ,Intensive care medicine ,business ,Child - Published
- 2020
46. Considerations regarding pain management and anesthesiological aspects in pediatric patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery: robotic vs laparoscopic–thoracoscopic approach
- Author
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Francesco Molinaro, Pranvera Krasniqi, Laura Giuntini, Rosa Puzzutiello, Girolamo Mattioli, Clelia Zanaboni, Rossella Angotti, Sabino Scolletta, Giulia Fusi, Edoardo Bindi, Mario Messina, and Cristina Navarra
- Subjects
Male ,Risk ,Laparoscopic surgery ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Adolescent ,medicine.medical_treatment ,030232 urology & nephrology ,Psychological intervention ,Health Informatics ,Pediatric surgery ,Pediatrics ,Minimally invasive surgery ,Postoperative pain ,Robotic surgery ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Robotic Surgical Procedures ,Humans ,Pain Management ,Medicine ,Anesthesia ,Child ,Digestive System Surgical Procedures ,Retrospective Studies ,Pain, Postoperative ,business.industry ,Thoracoscopy ,Surgery ,Cardiothoracic surgery ,Child, Preschool ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,FLACC scale ,Anesthetic ,Urologic Surgical Procedures ,Female ,Laparoscopy ,Observational study ,business ,medicine.drug - Abstract
In the last decade, the applicability of robotic surgery has been demonstrated in many interventions, expanding the indications of minimally invasive surgery also to pediatrics. The aim of the study is to evaluate postoperative pain to demonstrate better control following robotic procedures compared to thoraco-laparoscopic surgery. An observational, retrospective, multicentre study was performed involving 204 children undergoing robot-assisted surgery and thoraco/laparoscopic surgery at the Istituto Giannina Gaslini in Genoa and the Siena University Hospital (2013-2017): 83 children underwent robotic-assisted surgery and 121 thoracic-laparoscopic surgery. Personal data and type of intervention were assessed, dividing the patients into four categories: thoracic, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary and urological surgeries. We analyzed the anesthetic risk according to ASA classification by type of intervention, the type of anesthesia used, the anesthetic drugs used during surgery and in the postoperative period. Both the problems that occurred during the procedures and the number of interventions converted into open during robotic surgery and laparoscopic thoracic surgery were analyzed. Pain was measured on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd day (FLACC or NRS scales). By comparing the two groups (robotics-non-robotics), the analysis shows that postoperative pain does not change with the chosen approach, but always maintains very low values, typical of minimally invasive surgery. The pain score is significantly higher in patients undergoing thoracic surgery, either robotic or thoracoscopic, compared to those undergoing gastrointestinal surgery (P corrected according to Bonferroni: 0.0006) and those undergoing urological intervention (P corrected according to Bonferroni: 0.04). In conclusion, no significant change in the intensity of postoperative pain between the two groups was found, while it is seen that the pain in patients undergoing thoracic interventions (robotic/thoracoscopic) is more intense than that reported for other types of interventions.
- Published
- 2020
47. Mesenteric cystic lymphangioma mimicking an ileo-colic intussusception
- Author
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Francesco Molinaro, Giulia Fusi, Mohamed Vincenti, Mirko Bertozzi, Elisa Mina, N. Nardi, Mario Messina, and Rossella Angotti
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,lcsh:Surgery ,Pediatric surgery ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Intussusception (medical disorder) ,Lymphangioma ,medicine ,Children ,Emergency ,Intussusception ,Mesenteric cystic lymphangioma ,Surgery ,business.industry ,lcsh:RJ1-570 ,lcsh:Pediatrics ,lcsh:RD1-811 ,medicine.disease ,Abdominal mass ,body regions ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health ,Abdomen ,030211 gastroenterology & hepatology ,Radiology ,medicine.symptom ,Presentation (obstetrics) ,business - Abstract
Lymphangioma accounts for 5% of benign pediatric tumors and less than 1% is located in the abdomen. Indeed mesenteric cystic lymphangioma is a rare benign abdominal mass and its pathogenesis is still unknown. Mesenteric cystic lymphangioma is often diagnosed incidentally. Nevertheless, in some cases its clinical presentation can mimic several common surgical pathologies. Here we describe a case of mesenteric cystic lymphangioma mimicking an ileo-colic intussusception.
- Published
- 2020
48. Meconium-related ileum in preterm and low birth weight children
- Author
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Francesco Molinaro, Francesco Ferrara, Giulia Fusi, Mario Messina, Rossella Angotti, Edoardo Bindi, and Chiara Pellegrino
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Infant ,Low birth weight ,Meconium ileus ,Premature ,business.industry ,Obstetrics ,Ileum ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Meconium ,Medicine ,Surgery ,medicine.symptom ,business - Published
- 2019
49. Remnant of the omphalomesenteric duct complicated by axial torsion in 16-months-old girl: case report and review of literature
- Author
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Francesco Molinaro, Francesco Ferrara, Rossella Angotti, Giulia Fusi, Gianni Guazzi, Chiara Pellegrino, Edoardo Bindi, and Mario Messina
- Subjects
Child ,Intestinal volvulus ,Vitelline duct ,business.industry ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Anatomy ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Axial torsion ,Medicine ,Surgery ,Girl ,business ,Duct (anatomy) ,media_common - Published
- 2019
50. Thoracoscopic excision of pediatric thymic cysts
- Author
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Giovanni Cobellis, Michele Ilari, Fabiano Nino, Giulia Fusi, Carmine Noviello, Giovanni Torino, and E. Bindi
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,RD1-811 ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Thymic cyst ,Pediatrics ,Asymptomatic ,RJ1-570 ,Lesion ,medicine ,Thoracoscopy ,Children ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Medical record ,medicine.disease ,Thymic cysts ,Thymus ,Surgery ,Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health ,Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery ,Teratoma ,medicine.symptom ,Differential diagnosis ,business - Abstract
Introduction Thymic cysts are rare lesions that may be congenital or acquired, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis in pediatric neck-thoracic masses. They are most of the time asymptomatic, presenting as slow-growing, painless masses. Evolution is generally benign, however surgical excision is considered the first choice for treatment, and could be performed via open technique (sternotomy) or with minimally invasive technique (thoracoscopy). Both techniques are safe and present little risk of postoperative recurrence, although thoracoscopic approach presents some advantages in terms of reduced postoperative pain, reduced surgical time and reduced length of hospital stay. Case series A retrospective review of medical records of all patients admitted to our center in the last 5 years for surgical treatment for thymic cysts was performed. We recorded and evaluated clinical data, surgical data and follow-up data. In the reference period 3 patients were admitted with thymic cysts at our center. They all underwent complete minimally invasive excision by video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Histopathological analysis revealed in 2 cases multilocular thymic cysts and in 1 case cystic thymic teratoma. Mean follow-up was 21 months. In the follow-up period any patients developed sympthoms, complications or relapses. Conclusion According to our experience, thoracoscopic approach to thymic cyst is feasible, safe and allows a radical treatment of lesion offering excellent cosmetic results.
- Published
- 2021
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