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Background/Objectives: This study explores the characteristics of the early mother–infant relationship in a sample of 30 mother–preterm infant dyads between 6 and 9 months, using a phenomenological observational tool called "Dance Steps". This tool examines the configuration and reciprocity of mother–infant interactions. The study also investigates how sociodemographic factors and maternal functioning variables, such as postnatal depression and perceived social support, may serve as risk or protective factors in the development of these interaction "Steps". Methods: Observations were conducted through video recordings of face-to-face caregiver–infant interactions during unstructured play sessions at neonatal follow-up visits. The data focused on identifying specific characteristics of reciprocity in the "dance steps". Results: The results reveal certain features of reciprocity are stable over time, demonstrating synchronicity and attunement in many of the "dance steps". Other "steps" evolve in response to the child's developing competence. Sociodemographic factors, particularly the mother's educational level and the infant's sex, significantly influence the "Dance". Postnatal depression negatively affected reciprocity in several steps, especially impacting the infant, whereas perceived social support had a lesser effect. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the importance of supporting mothers of preterm infants to adjust their interactions in ways that promote the child's developmental competence. This support is essential for fostering physical and emotional closeness during critical developmental transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising prevalence of mental illness is straining global mental health systems, particularly affecting older adults who often face deteriorating physical health and decreased autonomy and quality of life. Early detection and targeted rehabilitation are crucial in mitigating these challenges. Mindfulness acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) holds promise for enhancing motivation and well-being among the elderly, although delivering such psychological interventions is hindered by limited access to services, prompting exploration of remote delivery options like mobile applications. In this paper, we introduce the BrainHeart App (v.1.1.8), a mobile application tailored to improve physical and mental well-being in seniors. The app features a 10-day ACT program and other sections promoting healthy lifestyle. In a pilot study involving twenty participants, individuals engaged in daily mental exercises for 10 days using the app. Clinical evaluations, including assessments of psychological flexibility, overall cognitive profile, mindfulness disposition, cognitive fusion, and heart rate collected with Polar H10, were conducted at baseline (T0) and one month post-intervention (T1). Analysis revealed significant improvements in almost all neuropsychological scores, with high usability reported (system usability scale average score: 82.3 ± 9.31). Additionally, a negative correlation was found between usability and experiential avoidance (r = −0.51; p = 0.026), and a notable difference in heart rate was observed between baseline and post-intervention (F-value = 3.06; p-value = 0.09). These findings suggest that mindfulness-ACT exercises delivered via the BrainHeart App can enhance the well-being of elderly individuals, highlighting the potential of remote interventions in addressing mental health needs in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perceived Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is impaired in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).To our knowledge, no study has analyzed the effect of OSA diagnosis communication on HRQoL. We evaluated self-perceived HRQoL in patients afferent to our sleep center, in order to examine the effect of the diagnosis disclosure on their HRQoL. Methods: Two hundred ninety-seven consecutive outpatients (227 M) (mean age 54.1 ± 11.6 yrs, range 23-80 yrs) were evaluated, before first clinical visit and nocturnal diagnostic examination (Time A), and after diagnosis disclosure (Time B), with two self-reported questionnaires for HRQoL assessment: Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI), consisting of anxiety, depressed mood, positive well-being, self-control, general health, vitality subscales, and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), comprising Physical (PCS) and Mental Component Summaries (MCS). Results: Comparison of mean HRQoL scores at Time A with reference values, showed worse scores. Mean PGWBI Total and subscales scores improved at Time B. Similar improvement was observed for SF-12 MCS (p = 0.0148), but nor for SF-12 PCS. At Time B, Anxiety, Depression and Well-being PGWBI subscales became similar to reference values, while the scores in the other PGWBI subscales and SF-12 remained worse. Comparison between males and females showed higher HRQoL values for males at both times. Score changes were independent from age, gender, BMI, AHI, TSat90 and excessive daytime sleepiness. Conclusions: Diagnosis communication improves patients' HRQoL, regardless of the severity. Changes in HRQoL after diagnosis disclosure may be due to patients' motivation for medical check and diagnostic expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]