Breast Cancer Prevention Practices and Knowledge in Italian and Chinese Women in Italy: Clinical Checkups, Free NHS Screening Adherence, and Breast Self-Examination (BSE).

Breast cancer remains a significant global concern, underscoring the critical need for early detection and prevention strategies. Primary and secondary preventive measures, such as routine screenings and behaviors like breast self-examination (BSE), play a crucial role in facilitating early diagnosis. While the National Health System (NHS) in Italy offers free regular screenings for women aged 50-69, there is a lack of clarity regarding the participation of both Italian and Chinese women residing in Italy in these screening programs. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by thoroughly assessing the involvement in regular clinical check-ups and the types of screening employed, the adherence to free screenings offered by the NHS, and the practice of BSE among women aged 50-69 of these two groups. Furthermore, it investigates their knowledge and perceptions regarding breast cancer and BSE. Results reveal disparities in breast cancer control practice between Italian and Chinese women in Italy: the former demonstrates higher adherence to clinical checkups (53% vs. 3%, p < 0.001), while both groups show low participation in free NHS screenings (70% vs. 4%, p < 0.001). Additionally, Chinese women reported significantly lower frequency of mammography (96% vs. 33%, p < 0.001) and ultrasound (69% vs. 16%, p < 0.001). The frequency of BSE also differed substantially, with 47% of Chinese women never performing BSE compared to 12% of Italian women (p < 0.001). This comprehensive exploration provides valuable insights, attitudes, and knowledge into the disparities and potential areas for improvement in breast cancer prevention, thus contributing to the overall well-being of these communities. The findings highlight the necessity for educational initiatives aimed at improving awareness and participation in screenings, particularly among the Chinese population. These initiatives could have profound implications for patient education by equipping women with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in proactive health behaviors.

Clinical Features of Takotsubo Syndrome and Its Differential Diagnostic Criteria in Clinical Nursing Practice: A Review of the Literature.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a heart disease that mimics the symptoms of a myocardial infarction (MI). The exact cause of TCM is unknown, but the main theory is that the syndrome is triggered by an excessive release of catecholamines, a consequence of factors related to stress or severe emotional distress. The aim of this review is to summarize the various scientific journal articles on the nursing differential diagnosis of TCM, on the specific nurse training (particularly the role of the Advanced Practice Nurse, APN), and on the nursing educational support for the patient after hospital discharge. RECENT FINDINGS: A literature review was conducted on Medline (via PubMed), Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Relevant indexed articles that investigated the elements characterizing TCM in nursing differential diagnosis and the role of the APN were identified. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included in the review; they highlighted the role of the nurse in identifying and educating patients with TCM. Nurses must have a thorough understanding of the syndrome, the onset symptoms, the unusual characteristics, and the probable etiology of TCM in order to recognize and promptly treat patients affected by this syndrome and have the opportunity to educate them after hospital discharge to reduce the possibility of recurrence.

Gambling and internet addiction: a pilot study among a Population of Italian Healthcare : Gambling and Internet Addition in a Healthcare Group.

AIM: Measuring the phenomenon of gambling and Internet addiction, with analysis of attitudes and psychophysical consequences among nurses working in different care settings. METHODS: An observational, cross sectional, multicenter study was conducted from April to September 2020. Participants' socio-demographic information, the "Internet Addiction Test" (IAT) scale, and the "South Oaks Gambling Screen" (SOGS) were collected in order to assess the overuse of and whether an individual has a problematic relationship with gambling, respectively. RESULTS: 502 nurses were enrolled in the study. Significant correlations were found (p < .001) between the IAT score and gender, number of years of work experience, job role, educational qualification; and between the SOGS and gender, number of years of work experience, job role and regions of Italy. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlighted an emerging social problem, and the results may be just the tip of the iceberg. Given the lack of knowledge of these phenomena and a high percentage of people who suffer from them but are afraid to admit it and get help, this study could also be useful in expanding knowledge and allow more professionals to get help and learn about possible treatments and cures for the resolution of these addictions.

Breast Cancer Prevention: The Key Role of Population Screening, Breast Self-Examination (BSE) and Technological Tools. Survey of Italian Women.

Breast cancer is the most common tumor among women worldwide and still remains the leading cause of death in women in Italy. Although survival from this pathology has increased, this disease and its treatment can have lasting or delayed effects that can greatly affect a woman's quality of life. Primary and secondary prevention are currently the best strategies to combat this cancer: improved lifestyle, early adherence to screening, Breast Self-Examination (BSE), and even now the use of technology, have become among the most important tools to ensure increasingly early diagnosis of this disease, which is a major cause of suffering and premature mortality in women. Indeed, early diagnosis of the disease can lead to a good prognosis and a high survival rate. This study investigates the attitude of Italian women to perform clinical checkups aimed at cancer prevention, particularly adherence to free screening programs offered by the National Health Service (NHS) for women in the 50-69 age group. The knowledge, use and emotional approach toward BSE as a screening tool and the use of dedicated apps for this purpose are also investigated. Low adherence to screening programs, lack of BSE practice, and nonuse of dedicated apps are just some of the results observed in this study. Therefore, it becomes essential to spread the culture of prevention, cancer awareness and the importance of screening throughout life.

Communicating bad news: attitudes and modes of communication of the health professions.

SUMMARY: TBackground. Information regarding ominous prognoses, which may cause concern and distress, should be provided carefully and cautiously, using non-traumatizing terminology, accommodating the patient's fears, and not excluding elements of hope. Goal. To analyze the difficulties of health care providers in the process of communicating bad news. Materials and Methods. An observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted from March to August 2021 among Italian Physicians and Nurses. Results. The results of the study indicate a greater participation of Nurse practitioners than Physicians, a fact that may indicate how necessary it is, to overcome the belief that the communication of bad news is of exclusive medical relevance. Among the participants in the study, about half, equal to 46.7% stated that they had no specific training, while the remainder claimed to have attended master's or higher education courses in 8.5% of cases, 23% attended conferences, while 21.8% acquired their skills through work experience. Conclusions. The communication of bad news, needs to be recognized in the same way as those procedures that characterize care itself, and for which the highest possible quality is sought.

Anxiety and Depression symptoms in Italian nurses during the Covid-19 pandemic.

SUMMARY: Background and Aim. Starting from March 9, 2020, the Italian government has proclaimed a state of health emergency due to the epidemic, which later became a SARSCoV- 2 infection pandemic. The present study aimed to perform differences and any potential risk factors in anxious and depressive symptoms in Italian nurses during the Covid-19 pandemic according to selected sociodemographic variables. Methods. In November 2020 an "ad hoc" questionnaire was administered online to all Italian nurses. In the first part, a whole series of socio-demographic variables relating to the reference sample were collected, as: gender, the department to which participants belonged, if the respondent suffered from pulmonary or cardiovascular diseases, if the nurse lived alone or with other cohabitants and whether during the pandemic the participant contracted the SARS-CoV-2 infection or not. In the second part of the questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was administered to quickly and easily assess the anxiety and depression levels among the Italian nurses during the Covid-19 pandemic. Results. 732 nurses agreed to participate to this survey. Among participants, 479 (65.3%) recorded an anxious symptomatology and 267 (6.4%) a depressive one. According to anxious symptoms, a significant difference was recorded between females and males (p min 0.001), as females recorded higher mild (24.04%), moderate (23.09%) and severe (13.39%) anxious symptom levels than males (Mild:1.50%; Moderate: 2.46%; Severe: 0.96%). By considering depressive symptoms according to socio demographic variables, only nurses without cardiovascular diseases recorded higher frequencies in mild (21.58%), moderate (8.47%) and severe (2.46%) depressive symptoms than nurses who suffered from a cardiovascular disease (Mild:2.05%; Moderate: 1.64%; Severe: 0.27%). Potential risk factors identified for anxious symptoms were: gender, both for mild (p min 0.001), moderate (p=.008) and severe (p=.003) anxious symptoms, and pulmonary diseases for severe anxious disorders (p=.014). Potential risk factors identified for the onset of depressive symptoms were: gender (p=.026), pulmonary diseases (p=.021), domestic partnership (p=.035), for mild symptoms; the presence of cardiac diseases (p=.006) for moderate symptoms. Conclusions. It urged to begin to further implement all forms of psychological support for nurses and further implementation of university nursing training programs that aim at both the technical and psychological management of the future professional to cope with maxi emergencies.

[Biological injuries in a hospital in Puglia: an observational study between nurses and nursing students]. / Gli infortuni a rischio biologico in una realtà ospedaliera pugliese: studio osservazionale in una coorte di infermieri e studenti infermieri.

SUMMARY: Introduction. An injury caused by a biological agent is an event that causes damage to the health of the operator. Nursing is one of the most affected professions. Objectives. This study aims to analyze and quantify the injuries caused by exposure to biological agents among working nurses and students of the degree course in Nursing at the "F. Miulli" Regional General Ecclesiastical Body, located in Acquaviva delle Fonti, province of Bari, Italy. Methods. The retrospective study was carried out by collecting data from May 2019 to July 2019. The data were collected from the archive of biological accidents for the five-year period 2014-2018. The data collected was divided according to the professional category of the subject: whether it is a nurse-worker, or a nurse-student, enrolled in the Nursing course of the University of Bari Aldo Moro. Results. 249 injuries caused by biological agents were recorded, of which 69.1% were female and 30.9% were male. The operating units most involved are the medical branch departments (55.4%). The anatomical sites most affected are the upper limbs with 205 cases. Discussion. It is necessary to invest in training and refresher campaigns for nursing staff and nursing students in order to ensure the standards of effectiveness of the services provided and safety in providing them.

[Observational study of the handover with the SBAR method at Bari Polyclinic complex]. / Studio osservazionale del passaggio di consegne col metodo SBAR nell'Azienda Consorziale Policlinico di Bari.

INTRODUCTION: The handing over of deliveries between the emergency service personnel 118 and the Emergency Medicine and Surgery staff (MeCHAU) is fundamental for the continuity of care for the patient. The study aims to investigate the methods of handing over medical staff from the ambulance to the MeCHAU nurses of the Policlinico di Bari to verify if it has been applied and, if so, to what extent the SBAR method has been used ("Situation", "Background", "Assessment", "Recommendation") recommended both in literature and by the World Health Organization (WHO). METHOD: A card was created referring to the SBAR method and was applied in all cases of trauma and illness accepted by the MeCHAU in the period between July-August 2017. For each case, the following were evaluated: start and end delivery times, total time, color code assigned by 118, color code assigned by MeCHAU, type of ambulance assigned. RESULTS: A total of 140 deliveries were considered. Of these, the average time in relation to the color code (in minutes), the number of information received based on the color code, whether or not the SBAR order was complied with and the completeness of deliveries based on the type was evaluated. of ambulance assigned from 118. CONCLUSIONS: From the results obtained, the transmission of deliveries has not been shown to be effective, resulting in prolonged times and a low percentage of information provided for all color codes. It follows that the use of the SBAR method in the handing over of deliveries could improve the effectiveness of the intervention and make the delivery.

Clinical teaching models for nursing practice: a review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical placements provide opportunities for student nurses to learn experientially, thanks to clinical - practical teaching models. For this purpose this review wanted to better investigate the latest methods developed in nursing education to ameliorate the theory practice model in nursing education teaching model. METHODS: The review of the literature was performed through a search of nursing specific data bases, including Cinahl, Capsur, Ovid, Cockrane Library, PubMed from January 2010 to September 2012. It included key words, such as: Clinical Model; Nursing Education Model; Nursing Practical Teaching Model; Theory-Practice Model. RESULTS: A total of 8 articles were found. Of these, only 4 articles were considered for this review because they better analyzed one clinical teaching model in nursing practice. Each article was structured analyzed, by considering the "PICOS" method, with reference to participants, interventions, comparisons, outcomes, and study design. DISCUSSION: Four innovative clinical teaching models for nursing practice were considered: the first one was the Problem-Based Leaning method in nursing education; the second one was the Self-Regulated Learning strategy; the third one was the developing nursing students' reflective skills associated as a key component in the perceived coherence between theory and practice; the fourth one was the computer-based clinical simulation. CONCLUSION: Each work performed an innovative clinical teaching model for nursing student. Some limitations were highlight, but all the literature revised emphasized the evaluation and feedback from students and the perceptions of their clinical activities is essential.

Comorbidity, Eating Behaviors and Smartphone Addiction in Italian Nurses' Characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggested how nurses experienced worse lifestyles than the general population by recording deterioration rates in healthy conditions. AIM: To assess differences between comorbidity, eating behavior, and smartphone addiction according to sex, Body Mass Index (BMI), age, work experience, shift, alcohol assumption, and physical activity in Italian nurses. METHODS: An online questionnaire was spread through some professional internet pages. Data included demographic characteristics, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), the Italian Version of the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, and the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SASSV). RESULTS: A total of 456 nurses were recruited. Significant differences were registered in the smartphone addiction score (p=0.030) and BMI scores and work experience (p=0.001), as underweight participants reported higher scores in the smartphone addiction attitude (2.4714 ± 1.25812) than the other subjects and also participants with the highest number of years in work experience also reported higher smartphone addiction scores (2.8074 ± 1.2022). Significant difference was reported in the CCI scores according to age (p<0.001): subjects aged over 61 years recorded higher scores in the CCI (1.67 ± 1.528) and also according to work experience and CCI scores (p<0.001), as participants employed between 21 and 30 years reported higher scores in the CCI (1.27 ± 1.382) and also to night shift (p=0.037), as participants who worked during the night shift also reported higher scores in the CCI. A significant difference was reported only for restrained eating attitude (p=0.034), as participants who declared to assume alcohol 2-3 times per month recorded higher levels in this eating attitude aspect (32.32 ± 7.181). CONCLUSION: Female nurses, overweight and obese nurses with low physical activity practice, seemed to spend more time with their smartphones. Healthcare organizations should consider findings to prevent unhealthy lifestyles among nurses, which could negatively influence the whole healthcare system.

Lifestyle Profiles of Italian Oncology Nurses according to Sex, Work Experience and Shift: An Exploratory Study.

(1) Background: Several researchers have highlighted a higher incidence of overweight and obesity among nurses, and others have analyzed the quality of nurses' eating habits and their related physical activity levels. The present study assessed the differences in personal habits among Italian oncology nurses according to sex, work experience and shift. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed during September-October 2023. A Google Moduli questionnaire was created and divulgated through Facebook and Instagram "Nurseallface" social pages. (3) Results: A total of 306 Italian oncology nurses agreed to participate in this study. Significant differences were reported between sex and the nutrition dimension (p = 0.018); male nurses reported higher levels in this dimension (2.69 ± 0.43) than females (2.56 ± 0.49). By considering the role of work experience in the health-promoting lifestyle profile, significant differences were recorded in the physical activity sub-dimension (p < 0.001), especially among nurses employed for more than 30 years who reported higher levels of physical activity (5.25 ± 0.23) than the other groups. By considering the shift role in the health-promoting lifestyle profile, significant differences were recorded with a health-promoting lifestyle general score (p = 0.046), especially among nurses employed only during the morning shift who recorded higher levels in health-promoting lifestyle than the others (one shift: 2.49 ± 0.29 vs. two shifts: 2.47 ± 0.24 vs. three shifts: 2.41 ± 0.25). Additionally, significant differences were reported in the physical activity dimension (p = 0.017), since nurses employed only during the morning shift recorded higher levels of physical activity than the others (one shift: 2.96 ± 1.28 vs. two shifts: 2.55 ± 0.94 vs. three shifts: 2.48 ± 1.20). Finally, a significant difference was recorded in the nutrition dimension (p = 0.017), since nurses employed during the morning and the afternoon shifts recorded higher levels of nutrition than the others (two shifts: 2.73 ± 0.39 vs. one shift: 2.63 ± 0.43 vs. three shifts: 2.56 ± 0.51). (4) Conclusions: Nurses represent the motive of healthcare organizations. Promoting healthy lifestyles among nurses would help healthcare organizations to have a healthy workforce, and nurses themselves can be advocates for policies to improve patient lifestyles and improve chronic disease prevention.

Validation and Measurement of Psychometric Properties of the "Nursing Work Environment Questionnaire" (NWE-q) in Italian Nurses.

Background: Evidence suggests that an optimal workplace is a physical, chemical, biological, organizational, social, and cultural condition in which each element contributes to the employer's condition. Purpose: To develop a nursing work environment questionnaire (NWE-Q). Patients and Methods: Convergent validity was measured using Pearson's correlation test. Internal consistency for each dimension of the Nursing Work Environment questionnaire (NWE-q) was performed thanks to the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Construct validity and factor structure of the data were also assessed. Reliability was evaluated by measuring internal consistency. Interclass correlation coefficient and convergent validity were also assessed. Group validity was evaluated according to the sociodemographic characteristics collected using an independent t-test. Results: 376 nurses participated in this study. Both Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measures of sampling adequacy were, and the Bartlett test of sphericity showed very strong evidence. Owing to oblique rotation, three main sub-dimensions were defined with good internal consistency for all items of the NWE-q (27 items), and each sub-dimension was registered. Very strong interclass correlations were assessed for the NWE-q total scores and for each sub-dimension, with the exception of the system dimensions, in which the interclass correlation showed a weak relationship. Strong positive evidence was found between the NWE-q for both the total and each sub-dimension correlated with the items of both the individual and organizational validated nursing performance questionnaires. Strong evidence was observed for both the organizational and system subdimensions according to shift and gender. Conclusion: The NWE-q was promptly completed in the online mode, and its scoring characteristics seemed to be more accessible and simpler to adopt.

Mindfulness and self-regulation intervention for improved self-neglect and self-regulation in diabetic older adults.

The current study aimed to assess the impact of combined interventions including mindfulness and self-regulation on self-neglect and self-regulation among Iranian older adults with type 2 diabetes. This was a three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial study conducted among 135 older diabetic patients in Shiraz, Iran. Three urban healthcare centers (clusters) were randomly assigned to three study groups. The intervention groups received either a Self-Regulation-based Intervention Program (SRIP) or a Combined Mindfulness and Self-Regulation Intervention Program (CMSRIP), while the control group received routine care and COVID-19 prevention training. These training programs, which consisted of text and video-based content, were conducted over 24 weeks using WhatsApp as a mobile-based communication platform. Outcomes were measured using the Elder Self-Neglect Scale and Short-Form Self-Regulation Questionnaire at baseline, week 4, and week 16 post-intervention, with data analysis conducted using SPSS 20 software. The CMSRIP led to significantly greater improvement in the score of self-regulation (χ2 = 73.23, P-Value = < .001) and a reduction in the score of self-neglect (χ2 = 62.97, P-Value = < .001) at both 4 weeks and 16 weeks after education compared to SRIP. In the control group, there was also a slight improvement. Improvement of self-regulation and reduction of self-neglect in all three groups were less in week 16 than in week 4. Nevertheless, the changes in the intervention groups were significantly better than the control group. This study confirmed a combination of mindfulness-based intervention and self-regulation intervention can effectively improve self-neglect and self-regulation behavior in older patients with type 2 diabetes.Trial registration: This trial (ISRCTN77260130) was retrospectively registered on 28/09/2021.

The effect of sex, age, work experience, education, shift, and ward on nursing autonomy perceptions.

BACKGROUND: In Italy, cultural and professional nursing improvements are reached thanks to the university-based education which marks the clinical competency and the professional autonomy in nursing decision-making. OBJECTIVE: To highlight how Italian nurses perceived their nursing autonomy level in the main action-points highlighted in the Italian regulation law according to sex, age, work experience, education, shift and ward. METHODS: A cohort explorative study was carried out from September 2022 to January 2023 to highlight how Italian nurses perceived their nursing autonomy levels in the main action-points highlighted in the Italian regulation law for the nursing profession according to demographic characteristics, like: gender, age, work of experience, education, shift, ward employment. RESULTS: A total of 403 nurses were enrolled. Significant differences were recorded in: decision-making authority in patient care and shift (p≤0.001) and ward employment (p = 0.045); ability to initiate nursing interventions and education (p < 0.001) and ward employment (p = 0.011); collaboration and communication with healthcare team members and education (p < 0.001) and ward employment (p = 0.010); independence in clinical judgment and critical thinking and shift (p < 0.001); responsibility for the planning and evaluation of nursing care and education (p = 0.005) and shift (p = 0.002) and ward employment (p = 0.013); autonomy in professional development and continuing education and shift (p < 0.001) and ward employment (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results highlighted the intricate world both of the healthcare surrounding and the abilities to act autonomously within the multiprofessional staff. Future studies will develop qualitative and phenomenological designs in order to better define in which fields nurses will act their professional autonomy.

Associations between "Cancer Risk", "Inflammation" and "Metabolic Syndrome": A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with metabolic syndrome exhibit simultaneously pro-thrombotic and pro-inflammatory conditions which more probably can lead to cardiovascular diseases progression, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and some types of cancer. The present scoping review is aimed at highlighting the association between cancer risk, inflammation, and metabolic syndrome. METHODS: A search strategy was performed, mixing keywords and MeSH terms, such as "Cancer Risk", "Inflammation", "Metabolic Syndrome", "Oncogenesis", and "Oxidative Stress", and matching them through Boolean operators. A total of 20 manuscripts were screened for the present study. Among the selected papers, we identified some associations with breast cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and cancer in general. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer and its related progression may also depend also on a latent chronic inflammatory condition associated with other concomitant conditions, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. Therefore, prevention may potentially help individuals to protect themselves from cancer.

Sex Differences in Anxiety and Depression Conditions among Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: Evidence suggested inconsistent results in anxiety and depression scores among female and male cancer patients. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess how anxiety and depression conditions among cancer patients vary according to sex. (2) Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). The protocol was registered in PROSPERO with id no. CRD42024512553. The search strategy involved combining keywords using Boolean operators, including "Anxiety", "Cancer", and "Depression", across several databases: Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The outcomes were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). (3) Results: Data were collected from five studies, enrolling a total of 6317 cancer patients, of whom 2961 were females and 3356 males. For each study, HADS-A and HADS-D scores were considered, also differentiating HADS scores according to cancer typology, and then three different meta-analyses were performed. Generally, females reported significantly higher levels of depression scores than males and, conversely, males reported significantly greater levels of anxiety than females. (4) Conclusions: Previous studies suggested higher rates of depression and anxiety conditions in females than in males, but the present data highlighted controversial findings, since males reported significantly higher levels of anxiety than females. In this scenario, the theoretical approach justified females being more open than males to expressing anxiety or depression conditions. It would be necessary for healthcare professionals to improve effective measures purposed at assessing and mitigating depressive symptoms in cases of advanced cancer, thereby improving their mental health, given the high rates of depression in advanced cancer patients, due to the difficulty level of performing their daily living activities, which deteriorate further over time.

Statistical analysis and generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) for assessing pain experience, pain-induced disability, and quality of life in Parkinson's disease patients.

The Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative condition characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, which can significantly impact various aspects of daily life. Among these aspects, pain is a prominent element. Despite the widespread use of therapies aimed at improving symptoms and quality of life, effective pain management is essential to enhance the quality of life of individuals affected by this disease. However, a detailed understanding of the factors associated with pain in PD is still evolving. In this study, we examined the disability caused by pain and the pain experienced by PD patients using two validated questionnaires, namely the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ) and the King's Parkinson's Disease Pain Questionnaire (KPPQ). Customized questions were also included to further explore the pain experience and management strategies adopted by PD patients. Through statistical analysis, we explored the relationships between questionnaire scores, socio-demographic data, and other relevant variables. Additionally, generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) was employed to gain a deeper understanding of patient responses. The results indicate the extent and impact of pain in PD and provide valuable insights for more targeted and personalized management. This study lays the foundation for future research and the development of interventions aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals affected by this condition.

Can Music Reduce Stress and Anxiety in the Operating Room Team? Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study in Northern Italy Healthcare Services.

BACKGROUND: Music evokes positive emotions and reduces stress and anxiety. Operating room (OR) staff face various challenges which can lead to high levels of stress. The aim of the study is to assess whether listening to music during intraoperative phases improves the work environment by reducing anxiety and stress in the entire surgical team. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted from February to September 2023, involving medical personnel, nursing staff, and nursing students. They were divided into two groups: Group 1 with music during surgical procedures, and Group 2 without music. Participants were administered two validated instruments: the Zung Anxiety Self-Assessment Scale (SAS) to measure anxiety, and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule to assess emotions generating stress. Additional items were included for demographics, job satisfaction, and the organization method. RESULTS: Music did not impact anxiety, but increased positive emotions while reducing negative ones. Music had an ancillary effect, highlighting the need for significant organizational interventions aimed at increasing operator satisfaction, including offering voluntary instead of mandatory assignments to nursing staff. CONCLUSIONS: Music appears to reduce stress in the intraoperative team when supported by a positive work environment in which assigned operators have chosen to work in the OR.

Effects of Long COVID on Psycho-Physical Conditions in the Italian Population: A Statistical and Large Language Model Combined Description.

BACKGROUND: Long COVID refers to the persistence or development of signs and symptoms well after the acute phase of COVID-19. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: To investigate the long-term outcomes of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in terms of psychological, social, and relational consequences within the Italian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional, and multicenter study using an online questionnaire distributed to a sample of the Italian population. By utilizing the Short Form 12 Health Survey (SF-12) and the Hikikomori scale, we assessed perceived quality of life and social isolation, respectively. The questionnaire also included an open-answer question: "What will you remember about the pandemic period?". We used generative artificial intelligence to analyze and summarize the corresponding answers. RESULTS: A total of 1097 people participated in this study. A total of 79.3% (n = 870) of participants declared that they had been hospitalized and 62.8% (n = 689) received home care. Physical symptoms included headaches (43%, n = 472) and asthma (30.4%, n = 334). Additionally, 29.2% (n = 320) developed an addiction during the pandemic and, among these, 224 claimed internet addiction while 73 declared an emotional addiction. Furthermore, 51.8% (n = 568) experienced limitations in carrying out daily life activities. According to the Hikikomori scale, participants with positive SARS-CoV-2 infection exhibited higher levels of isolation compared to the others (p < 0.001). Participants without COVID-19 showed higher levels of emotional support (p < 0.001). Our semiautomatic analysis of the open-ended responses, obtained by a procedure based on a free large language model, allowed us to deduce and summarize the main feelings expressed by the interviewees regarding the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The data collected emphasize the urgent need to investigate the consequences of long COVID in order to implement interventions to support psychological well-being.