Central sensitization symptoms in vulvodynia: exploring the role of temperament, personality traits, childhood adverse events, defense mechanisms, and mental pain on quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Vulvodynia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by persistent vulvar pain, occurring without clinically identifiable disorders. Central sensitization (CS) is suggested to play a role in the pathophysiology of vulvodynia, as for other nociplastic pain conditions. AIM: This study delves into the complex interplay between psychosocial factors and CS burden in women with vulvodynia, aiming to identify potential predictors (temperament, personality traits, childhood adverse events, defense mechanisms, and mental pain) and understand their impact on quality of life (QoL). METHODS: A cohort-based cross-sectional web survey of 357 women with vulvodynia. OUTCOMES: Outcomes included 8 self-report measures to assess the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) and psychological variables, including sensory processing sensitivity, traumatic experiences, personality traits, defense mechanisms, and mental pain. RESULTS: Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted in study 1, revealing that the following predicted higher CSI scores in women with vulvodynia: higher emotional overexcitability, decreased low sensory threshold, increased bodily threat experiences, elevated psychoticism, greater use of immature and neurotic defense mechanisms, and heightened mental pain. The final regression model identified the following as the strongest predictors of CS: low sensory threshold (ß = 0.316), bodily threat experiences (ß = 0.145), neurotic defenses (ß = 0.210), and mental pain (ß = 0.269). In study 2, the model presented interactions among these psychological factors in predicting CSI values explaining 48.9% of the variance in CS, 30.3% in psychological QoL, and 57.1% in physical QoL. CLINICAL TRANSLATION: This model opens discussion for tailored psychological interventions aimed to improve overall QoL in women with vulvodynia. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Strengths of the study include innovative insights into the interplay between psychological variables and the construct of CS and quality of life. As a limitation, the research was conducted as a cross-sectional study with self-reported measures. CONCLUSION: The study calls for comprehensive assessments that consider physical and mental aspects, paving the way for holistic health care approaches in the management of vulvodynia.

Central sensitivity in fibromyalgia: testing a model to explain the role of psychological factors on functioning and quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: Central sensitivity (CS) is defined as an increased responsiveness of nociceptive neurons in the central nervous system to normal or subthreshold inputs. CS has recently been linked to the psychological burden associated with chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia (FM). The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of specific psychological constructs on CS in patients with FM. In Study 1, we explore the influence of temperament, personality, childhood trauma, defence mechanisms, and mental pain on CS. In Study 2, our goal is to test the role of the best predictors of CS in influencing quality of life (QoL) and FM functioning through a path analysis model. METHODS: A total of 510 women with FM participated online, completing a self-administered protocol. Data collection took place between April and June of 2023. RESULTS: In Study 1, higher levels of low sensory threshold (ß=0.210), traumatic experiences of physical threat (ß=0.141), neurotic defences (ß=0.124), and mental pain (ß=0.241) emerged as the strongest predictors of increased CS. In Study 2, the presented model demonstrated a satisfactory fit (chi2=27.200; df=10; p=0.002; GFI=0.984; NFI=0.949; CFI=0.967; RMSEA=0.061 [95% CI 0.034-0.090]) with large and medium effect sizes on physical (-0.576) and psychological (-0.190) QoL. CONCLUSIONS: The study underscores the pivotal role of psychological dimensions in influencing CS levels and their relationships with QoL in patients with FM.

Psychological dissociation and temporal integration/segregation across the senses: An experimental study.

There are no studies that have experimentally tested how temporal integration/segregation of sensory inputs might be linked to the emergence of dissociative experiences and alterations of emotional functioning. Thirty-six participants completed 3 sensory integration tasks. Psychometric thresholds were estimated as indexes of temporal integration/segregation processes. We collected self-report measures of pre-task trait levels of dissociation, as well as pre- post-task changes in both dissociation and emotionality. An independent sample of 21 subjects completed a control experiment administering the Attention Network Test. Results showed: (i) a significant increase of dissociative experiences after the completion of sensory integration tasks, but not after the ANT task; (ii) that subjective thresholds predicted the emergence of dissociative states; (iii) temporal integration efforts affected positive emotionality, which was explained by the extent of task-dependent dissociative states. The present findings reveal that dissociation could be understood in terms of an imbalance between "hyper-segregation" and "hyper-integration" processes.

Spatial and cross-sectoral input spillover effects: the case of the Italian tourism industry.

The aim of this paper is to extend the literature on multisectoral industries productivity such as tourism by simultaneously analysing the multidimensional nature of the Italian tourism sector in the period 2011-2020, considering both cross-sectoral and spatial spillover effects. To further improve our analysis, we consider two fundamental features for policy decisions: high spatial detail of analysis and the multipurpose nature of the tourism industry. Empirical findings confirm the hypotheses that the productivity level of the Italian tourism industry depends on its ability to make to most of the different input factors coming from different sectors and on (positive and negative) input spillovers.

Validity of the Severity of Dependence Scale for detecting dependence behaviours in chronic migraine with medication overuse.

AIMS: In this study, we tested the validity of the Severity of Dependence Scale in detecting dependence behaviours in patients with chronic migraine and medication overuse (CM + MO) using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) and the Leeds Dependence Questionnaire as gold standard measures. METHODS: Four hundred and fifty-four patients with CM + MO filled in the Severity of Dependence Scale and the Leeds Dependence Questionnaire and underwent a psychological evaluation for the diagnosis of substance dependence according to the DSM-IV criteria. RESULTS: Sixty-nine percent of subjects (n = 313) presented substance dependence according to the DSM-IV criteria. These patients scored significantly higher than those without substance dependence in Severity of Dependence Scale total score (Z = -3.29, p = 0.001), and in items 1 (Z = -2.44, p = 0.015), 2 (Z = -2.50, p = 0.012), 4 (Z = -2.05, p = 0.04), and 5 (Z = -3.39, p = 0.001). Severity of Dependence Scale total score (ß = 0.13, SE = 0.04, z = 3.49, p < 0.001) was a significant predictor for substance dependence. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves showed that Severity of Dependence Scale discriminated patients with or without substance dependence. CONCLUSION: Severity of Dependence Scale could represent an interesting screening tool for dependency-like behaviors in CM + MO patients.

Development of the PERI-Gastric (PEritoneal Recurrence Index) and PERI-Gram (Peritoneal Recurrence Index NomoGRAM) for predicting the risk of metachronous peritoneal carcinomatosis after gastrectomy with curative intent for gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: A model that quantifies the risk of peritoneal recurrence would be a useful tool for improving decision-making in patients undergoing curative-aim gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: Five Italian centers participated in this study. Two risk scores were created according to the two most widely used pathologic classifications of GC (the Lauren classification and the presence of signet-ring-cell features). The risk scores (the PERI-Gastric 1 and 2) were based on the results of multivariable logistic regressions and presented as nomograms (the PERI-Gram 1 and 2). Discrimination was assessed with the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating curves. Calibration graphs were constructed by plotting the actual versus the predicted rate of peritoneal recurrence. Internal validation was performed with a bootstrap resampling method (1000 iterations). RESULTS: The models were developed based on a population of 645 patients (selected from 1580 patients treated from 1998 to 2018). In the PERI-Gastric 1, significant variables were linitis plastica, stump GC, pT3-4, pN2-3 and the Lauren diffuse histotype, while in the PERI-Gastric 2, significant variables were linitis plastica, stump GC, pT3-4, pN2-3 and the presence of signet-ring cells. The AUC was 0,828 (0.778-0.877) for the PERI-Gastric 1 and 0,805 (0.755-0.855) for the PERI-Gastric 2. After bootstrap resampling, the PERI-Gastric 1 had a mean AUC of 0.775 (0.721-0.830) and a 95%CI estimate for the calibration slope of 0.852-1.505 and the PERI-Gastric 2 a mean AUC of 0.749 (0.693-0.805) and a 95%CI estimate for the slope of 0.777-1.351. The models are available at www.perigastric.org . CONCLUSIONS: We developed the PERI-Gastric and the PERI-Gram as instruments to determine the risk of peritoneal recurrence after curative-aim gastrectomy. These models could direct the administration of prophylactic intraperitoneal treatments.

Enterotomy Closure after Minimally Invasive Distal Gastrectomy with Intracorporeal Anastomosis: A Multicentric Study.

INTRODUCTION: Despite progressive improvements in technical skills and instruments that have facilitated surgeons performing intracorporeal gastro-jejunal and jejuno-jejunal anastomoses, one of the big challenging tasks is handsewn knot tying. We analysed the better way to fashion a handsewn intracorporeal enterotomy closure after a stapled anastomosis. METHODS: All 579 consecutive patients from January 2009 to December 2019 who underwent minimally invasive partial gastrectomy for gastric cancer were retrospectively analysed. Different ways to fashion intracorporeal anastomoses were investigated: robotic versus laparoscopic approach; laparoscopic high definition versus three-dimensional versus 4K technology; single-layer versus double-layer enterotomies. Double-layer enterotomies were analysed layer by layer, comparing running versus interrupted suture; the presence versus absence of deep corner suture; and type of suture thread. RESULTS: Significantly lower rates of bleeding (p = 0.011) and leakage (p = 0.048) from gastro-jejunal anastomosis were recorded in the double-layer group. Barbed suture thread was significantly associated with reduced intraluminal bleeding and leakage rates both in the first (p = 0.042 and p = 0.010) and second layer (p = 0.002 and p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Double-layer sutures using barbed suture thread both in first and second layer to fashion enterotomy closure result in lower intraluminal bleeding and anastomotic leak rates.

Assessment Tasks and Virtual Exergames for Remote Monitoring of Parkinson's Disease: An Integrated Approach Based on Azure Kinect.

Motor impairments are among the most relevant, evident, and disabling symptoms of Parkinson's disease that adversely affect quality of life, resulting in limited autonomy, independence, and safety. Recent studies have demonstrated the benefits of physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs specifically targeted to the needs of Parkinsonian patients in supporting drug treatments and improving motor control and coordination. However, due to the expected increase in patients in the coming years, traditional rehabilitation pathways in healthcare facilities could become unsustainable. Consequently, new strategies are needed, in which technologies play a key role in enabling more frequent, comprehensive, and out-of-hospital follow-up. The paper proposes a vision-based solution using the new Azure Kinect DK sensor to implement an integrated approach for remote assessment, monitoring, and rehabilitation of Parkinsonian patients, exploiting non-invasive 3D tracking of body movements to objectively and automatically characterize both standard evaluative motor tasks and virtual exergames. An experimental test involving 20 parkinsonian subjects and 15 healthy controls was organized. Preliminary results show the system's ability to quantify specific and statistically significant (p < 0.05) features of motor performance, easily monitor changes as the disease progresses over time, and at the same time permit the use of exergames in virtual reality both for training and as a support for motor condition assessment (for example, detecting an average reduction in arm swing asymmetry of about 14% after arm training). The main innovation relies precisely on the integration of evaluative and rehabilitative aspects, which could be used as a closed loop to design new protocols for remote management of patients tailored to their actual conditions.

Percutaneous cervical coblation as therapeutic technique in the treatment of algo-dysfunctional pain of discal herniation.

OBJECTIVE: To confirm the validity of coblation nucleoplasty in reduction of cervical discogenic nature. STUDY DESIGN: In a monocentric prospective clinical observational study recruiting 20 patients, treated with percutaneous coblation for cervical discogenic pain in 16 months in our hospital, we have clinically evaluated 18 patients. The pain was scored with the Visual Analogic Scale (VAS) in a pre-procedural questionary, 3/4 monthly follow-up from treatment and, finally, in a long-term follow-up 2 years after procedure. RESULTS: The mean pre-procedural VAS score was 7.9 ± 1.6 (95%-Confidence Interval 7.198-8.634), while the mean post-procedural score after 3-4 months has been 2.5 ± 3.1 (95%-Confidence Interval 1.089-3.965) and 2.5 ± 2.5 (95%-Confidence Interval 1.367-3.687) after 2 years. Among 18 patients, in the shortly post-treatment follow-up, nine had a complete pain relief, four had a > 50% VAS reduction, two hada < 50% VAS reduction, three did not have any variation of VAS; after 2 years, six patients had a total pain resolution, eight had a > 50% VAS reduction, two hada < 50% VAS reduction, two did not have any benefit. No peri- and post-procedural complication has been observed. CONCLUSIONS: In a spite of a little sample, our results showed coblation as a valid therapeutic option to reduce cervical discogenic pain in medicine-refractory patients, as an alternative or a previous choice before a more invasive surgical treatment.

Sleep disturbances in Italian children and adolescents with epilepsy: A questionnaire study.

Sleep and epilepsy interact with each other in a complex bidirectional way. The main objective of this study was to characterize and determine the prevalence of sleep and behavioral disorders among Italian children and adolescents with epilepsy. We asked 84 consecutive parents/caregivers of patients with epilepsy aged between 6 and 17 years old to fill out the Sleep Disturbances Scale for Children (SDSC) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). An abnormal total sleep score was found in 20 subjects with epilepsy (23.8%), compared with 4 (4.4%) of control group (P < .001). Forty-eight patients (57.1%) had an abnormal score in at least one SDSC factor: disorders in initiating and maintaining sleep (DIMS; 13.1%), sleep breathing disorders (SBD; 13.1%), disorders of arousal (DA; 5.9%), sleep-wake transition disorders (SWTD; 15.5%), disorders of excessive somnolence (DOES; 20.2%), and sleep hyperhidrosis (SHY; 5.9%). Patients with epilepsy showed higher prevalence of behavioral/emotional disturbances in all CBCL domains but one compared with patients without epilepsy. The SDSC and CBCL total scores showed a significant correlation (R-square = 0.256; P < .001). Sleep and behavioral/emotional disorders are common in epilepsy during childhood and adolescence. The SDSC could be a valid tool to screen sleep disturbances in this group of patients.

A study of quiet eye's phenomenon in the shooting section of "laser run" of modern pentathlon.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the Quiet eye (QE) phenomenon on performances during the shooting section of "Laser Run" of Modern Pentathlon, in two samples of athletes (novices and experts). The "Laser Run" consists of running and shooting activities. The study involved 18 experienced athletes of the Italian National Team of Modern Pentathlon (i.e., "elite" group) and 18 young and nonexpert athletes of a local Pentathlon club (i.e., "novice" group). Participants performed, in ecological conditions, five trials of four series of shootings (as it occurs in the real competitions), for a total of 20 series. During the shooting trials, athletes wore a mobile Eye Tracking System to record eye movements (saccades, blinks, and fixations). Key measures of the study were QE parameters (QE Duration [QED], Relative QED [RQED], and QE Onset), as well as the performance (accuracy and time to perform the event). The results revealed that both groups of athletes had a longer QED, RQED, and an earlier onset during their best shots than during the worse ones. Furthermore, differences between the groups showed that elite athletes had an earlier onset and a shorter QED than the novice group of athletes. These results provide insightful information about different cognitive and perceptual processes involved in Modern Pentathlon's athletes' performances at both the elite and non-elite level.

Ratio-based staging systems are better than the 7th and 8th editions of the TNM in stratifying the prognosis of gastric cancer patients: A multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The current and the previous editions of the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) system for gastric cancer (GC; TNM8 and TNM7) have a high risk of stage-migration bias when the node count after gastrectomy is suboptimal. Hence, they are possibly not the optimal staging systems for GC patients. This study aims to compare the TNM with two systems less affected by the stage-migration bias, namely, the lymph nodes ratio (LNR) and the log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS), to assess which one is the best in stratifying the prognosis of GC patients. METHODS: The sample study included 1221 GC patients. Two 7-cluster staging systems based on the combination of pT categories and LNR and LODDS categories (TLNR and TLODDS) were compared with the two last editions of TNM, using the Akaike information criteria, the Bayesian information criteria, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve graphs. Further validation on an independent sample of 251 patients was carried out. RESULTS: The univariable and multivariable analyses and the ROC curves detected an advantage of the TLNR and TLODDS systems over the TNM. The TLNR and TLODDS showed the best accuracy both in the subgroup of patients with ≥16 nodes examined. The results were confirmed in the validation analysis. CONCLUSIONS: TLNR and TLODDS staging systems should be considered a valid implementation of the TNM for the prognostic stratification of GC patients. If these results are confirmed in further studies, the future implementation of the TNM should consider the introduction of the LNR or the LODDS along with the number of metastatic nodes.

Association Between Compliance to an Enhanced Recovery Protocol and Outcome After Elective Surgery for Gastric Cancer. Results from a Western Population-Based Prospective Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: The association between compliance to an enhanced recovery protocol (ERAS) and outcome after surgery for gastric cancer has been poorly investigated, particularly in Western patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the rate of adherence to the ERAS program was correlated with outcome and time of discharge. METHODS: A prospective, observational, multicenter study was designed to be performed at Italian referral centers for gastric surgery. The protocol was discussed and approved by the Italian Research Group on Gastric Cancer. Twenty-three ERAS domains were applied. A multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between ERAS compliance and overall and major complication rates. The Poisson regression model (measured as mean ratios) was used to assess the association of ERAS compliance rate and length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: Eight centers participated and 290 subjects with a median age of 73 years were enrolled. The overall rates of adherence to pre-, intra-, and postoperative ERAS items were 69.8%, 60.3%, and 82.5%, respectively. At the multivariate model, there was an association between overall rate of morbidity and an overall ERAS compliance rate greater than 70% (OR 0.413; 95% CI 0.235-0.7240; P 0.002). A similar association was found for major complications (OR 0.328; 95% CI 0.151-0.709; P 0.005). The Poisson regression showed that in patients with ERAS compliance rate >70%, LOS was reduced of approximately 20% (mean ratio 0.812; 95% CI 0.694-0.950; P 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a moderate compliance to an ERAS program and a significant association between adherence and outcomes.

Dynamic Tunneling Junctions at the Atomic Intersection of Two Twisted Graphene Edges.

The investigation of the transport properties of single molecules by flowing tunneling currents across extremely narrow gaps is relevant for challenges as diverse as the development of molecular electronics and sequencing of DNA. The achievement of well-defined electrode architectures remains a technical challenge, especially due to the necessity of high precision fabrication processes and the chemical instability of most bulk metals. Here, we illustrate a continuously adjustable tunneling junction between the edges of two twisted graphene sheets. The unique property of the graphene electrodes is that the sheets are rigidly supported all the way to the atomic edge. By analyzing the tunneling current characteristics, we also demonstrate that the spacing across the gap junction can be controllably adjusted. Finally, we demonstrate the transition from the tunneling regime to contact and the formation of an atomic-sized junction between the two edges of graphene.

Effects of Time to Application of Negative Pressure Therapy on Abdominal Infections After Colonic Perforation.

BACKGROUND: Negative pressure therapy (NPT) seems to improve surgical outcomes in open abdomen (OA) management of severe intra-abdominal infections (IAIs). The aim of this study was to compare the effects of immediate vs. delayed application of NPT on outcomes in patients with IAIs after colonic perforation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed 38 patients who received NPT during OA management for IAI after colonic perforation. The endpoints were treatment duration, definitive fascial closure and in-hospital mortality. We subdivided patients according to the timing of NPT application: immediate (at the end of the first OA procedure) and delayed (at I-II revision, at III revision, and after III revision). RESULTS: NPT was applied immediately in 15 cases (39.5%) and was delayed in 23 (60.5%): 14 (36.8%) at I-II revision, 7 (18.4%) at III revision, and 2 (5.3%) after III revision. Immediate NPT application was associated with the best outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: NPT should be used as soon as possible in OA management for IAIs due to colonic perforation.

In Situ Electrochemical AFM Imaging of a Pt Electrode in Sulfuric Acid under Potential Cycling Conditions.

Understanding the electrochemical behavior of Pt at the solid/liquid interface is of significant importance for the development of efficient electrochemical devices, such as fuel cells and water electrolyzers. In this work, the evolution of the surface morphology of a polycrystalline platinum under potential cycling conditions was investigated by in situ electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM). After 50 cycles between 0.05 and 1.8 V in 0.1 M H2SO4, the Pt surface is coarsened and nanoparticles of several nanometers appear on the surface. The critical upper and lower potentials for the formation of nanoparticles are found to be 1.8 and 0.8 V, respectively. The in situ AFM observation coupled with Cyclic Voltammerty reveals the periodic disappearance and reappearance of the nanoparticles, based on which the formation of nanoparticles is attributed to the deposition of dissolved Pt from solution, and a model for the nanoparticle formation is proposed. While the formation of a thick oxide layer is a prerequisite, the reduction process is found to have a strong influence on Pt nanoparticle formation as well. This investigation provides a visualization of the Pt electrode surface under electrochemical control in a large potential window, enabling a broader understanding of the Pt electrode roughening mechanisms.

Role of psychological factors in burning mouth syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic medical condition characterised by hot, painful sensations in the lips, oral mucosa, and/or tongue mucosa. On examination, these appear healthy, and organic causes for the pain cannot be found. Several studies have yielded scant evidence of the involvement of psychological and/or psychopathological factors, and several have outlined a model for the classification of BMS. Aim This review aims to provide a systematic review of research examining the psychological, psychiatric, and/or personality factors linked to BMS. Findings Fourteen controlled studies conducted between 2000 and the present were selected based on stringent inclusion/exclusion criteria. All studies but one reported at least some evidence for the involvement of psychological factors in BMS. Anxiety and depression were the most common and the most frequently studied psychopathological disorders among BMS patients. Discussion and conclusion Anxiety and depression play critical roles in this condition. Evidence on the role of personality characteristics of BMS patients has also been produced by a few studies. Further studies on the role of specific psychological factors in BMS are warranted, but the importance of a multidisciplinary approach (medical and psychological) to BMS is no matter of discussion.

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) disclosure in pediatric epilepsy: An Italian survey on "to tell or not to tell".

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although there has recently been significant debate regarding the importance of disclosing the risk of SUDEP, professional societies and clinical practice guidelines currently recommend that the risk of SUDEP be disclosed as part of a comprehensive epilepsy education program. Therefore, the primary aim of the present study was to examine whether healthcare providers treating pediatric patients with epilepsy in Italy would disclose the risk of SUDEP to the parents of children with epilepsy. METHODS: The present study assessed data from a questionnaire that collected sociodemographic information and clinicians' attitudes towards SUDEP. The survey was available online from September to December 2015. Chi-squared (χ2) tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed when appropriate, and a qualitative content analysis of open-ended questions was performed. FINDINGS: A total of 114 medical doctors (71 females and 43 males) completed the questionnaire. Of the respondents, 18 (16.2%) stated that all patients should be counseled about SUDEP, 22 (19.8%) thought that the majority should be, 58 (52.3%) said that only a minority should be, and 13 (11.7%) believed none should be. With respect to physicians' experience in counseling about SUDEP, only 2 (1.8%) counseled all their patients. A univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the factors associated with "not counseling about SUDEP at all" were the low number of patients with epilepsy they took care of (p<0.01), fewer years of experience (p=0.03), and the belief that it was safe from a legal point of view (p<0.001), The main reasons for counseling about SUDEP were refractory course of epilepsy (79%) and if the parent/patient requested information (65%). Additionally, the findings of the qualitative analysis highlighted the emotional difficulties that neuropediatricians encounter when dealing with the disclosure of SUDEP. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings showed that a minority of neuropediatricians in Italy counseled all parents of their patients about SUDEP. Educational training may help physicians better communicate with the patient/parents regarding this difficult issue.

Headache and psychological disorders in children and adolescents: a cross-generational study.

BACKGROUND: Headache and psychopathology (especially anxiety and mood disorders) are comorbid across the life span. The present study is a clinical contribution in the direction of studying the familial recurrence of headache, and the interplay of headache and psychopathology in children. METHODS: The clinical sample is composed by 130 headache patients (53 boys and 77 girls, age range 8-18), while the control group is composed by 87 healthy subjects from the general population (39 boys and 48 girls, age range 8-18). A structured interview according to International Classification for Headache Disorders-II criteria has been administered to the clinical group; the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Self Administrated Psychiatric Scales for Children and Adolescents (SAFA) have been used in order to assess psychopathology in both groups. RESULTS: The recurrence of headache in family members is confirmed by the present study, albeit limited to paternal side, χ2 (4, N.=130)=10.47, P=0.033. Results also showed that scores obtained by the clinical sample in CBCL and SAFA are generally higher than scores obtained by the control group, but without differences between headache sub-types. Finally, internalizing symptoms (anxiety and depression) in children correlate with mothers' point of view, r≥0.23, P<0.05, outlining a specific attunement between headache patients and their mothers. CONCLUSIONS: Headache runs in families, with high level of psychological disorders. Mothers are particularly attuned with the psychological needs of their headache children.

Alexithymia in chronic and episodic migraine: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Alexithymia is a term used to describe a disorder where patients have difficulty in expressing their own feelings in words. AIMS: The analysis of alexithymia in patients suffering from chronic migraine (CM) or episodic migraine (EM) compared to healthy controls. METHODS: Two clinical samples formed by 80 CM patients (21 males and 59 females, mean age: 44.65) and 44 EM patients (8 males and 36 females, mean age: 42.18) were enrolled. A group of 67 healthy subjects served as controls (26 males and 41 females, mean age: 41.21). All subjects were requested to fill in the 20-item version of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). RESULTS: We found a statistically significant difference between groups in Factor 1 (difficulty in describing feelings), F(2, 191) = 7.96, p < 0.001, and in TAS total, F(2, 191) = 5.37, p = 0.005. Post-hoc analyses revealed that CM patients had higher scores in TAS factor 1 and in TAS total than healthy controls. There were no significant differences between CM and EM patients, even if CM sufferers reported a trend towards higher scores in each TAS factor as well as in TAS total. CONCLUSIONS: Alexithymia emerges as a potential characteristic trait of migraine, regardless of disease severity.