Emotional abilities in preadolescents and adolescents with long-term cochlear implant use.

OBJECTIVES: Emotional abilities (EAs) are particularly important during preadolescence/adolescence, two challenging periods characterized by significant biological, physical, and cognitive changes. The present study attempted to a holistic EA approach in preadolescents/adolescents with cochlear implants (CI) and typical hearing (TH), considering various aspects such as perception, cognitive facilitation, comprehension, and management of emotions. A secondary aim was to identify significant demographic and audiological factors of EA development. METHODS: CI/TH groups were matched for chronological age, nonverbal IQ, gender, economic income, and maternal level of education. Each group consisted of 43 participants (age range 10-18 years). EAs were evaluated by using the multi-trait/method IE-ACCME test. Auditory-linguistic assessments included participants' lexical skills and Matrix performance as well. RESULTS: EA performance for perception and cognitive facilitation did not show any statistically significant CI/TH group differences (p > 0.05). Significant CI/TH differences emerged for emotion comprehension and management: CI group performed significantly worse in understanding emotional blends (t = 2.56, p = 0.014) but better in personal emotion management (t = -2.01, p = 0.048). For the CI group, gender showed statistically significant effects on cognitive facilitation in sensations, with males performing better than females (U = 129, p = 0.018). TH preadolescents showed significantly lower scores in understanding emotional changes in comparison to TH adolescents (U = 125.5, p = 0.01). Emotional blends understanding showed a weak negative correlation with Matrix performance (r = - 0.38, p = 0.013) and a moderate positive correlation with lexical skills (r = 0.40, p = 0.008). Relationships management showed various significant correlations: weak negative correlations with age at CI (r = - 0.38, p = 0.011) and Matrix performance (r = - 0.36, p = 0.016) as well as weak positive correlations with nonverbal-IQ (r = 0.38, p = 0.013) and positive moderate correlations with lexical skills (r = 0.49, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Cochlear implantation seems to show significant positive effects on emotional development in children, allowing them to achieve age appropriate EAs as they grow up and become preadolescents/adolescents. EA assessment in CI users may not only support monitorization of EA trajectory, but also early identification of any EA disorders, so that subjects with low EA profiles could be timely and properly intervened.

Robot's Inner Speech Effects on Human Trust and Anthropomorphism.

Inner Speech is an essential but also elusive human psychological process that refers to an everyday covert internal conversation with oneself. We argued that programming a robot with an overt self-talk system that simulates human inner speech could enhance both human trust and users' perception of robot's anthropomorphism, animacy, likeability, intelligence and safety. For this reason, we planned a pre-test/post-test control group design. Participants were divided in two different groups, one experimental group and one control group. Participants in the experimental group interacted with the robot Pepper equipped with an over inner speech system whereas participants in the control group interacted with the robot that produces only outer speech. Before and after the interaction, both groups of participants were requested to complete some questionnaires about inner speech and trust. Results showed differences between participants' pretest and post-test assessment responses, suggesting that the robot's inner speech influences in participants of experimental group the perceptions of animacy and intelligence in robot. Implications for these results are discussed.

Beyond emotional intelligence: The new construct of meta-emotional intelligence.

Meta-emotional intelligence is a recently developed multidimensional construct that, starting from the original ability model of emotional intelligence, focuses on the cognitive aspects of emotional abilities and on the metacognitive and meta-emotional processes that influence our emotional life. Thus, meta-emotional intelligence is the combination of emotional abilities and meta-emotional dimensions, such as the beliefs about emotions, the self-concept about one's emotional abilities, and the self-evaluation of performance. This article aims to illustrate the theoretical and methodological background of this construct and to describe the IE-ACCME test, an original multi-method tool that has been developed to measure the different variables that compose meta-emotional intelligence. Applications of this construct will be discussed, as well as future directions.

Teachers' Emotional Intelligence, Burnout, Work Engagement, and Self-Efficacy during COVID-19 Lockdown.

Teachers' psychological well-being is a crucial aspect that influences learning in a classroom climate. The aim of the study was to investigate teachers' emotional intelligence, burnout, work engagement, and self-efficacy in times of remote teaching during COVID-19 lockdown. A sample of 65 teachers (Mage = 50.49), from early childhood through lower secondary education, were recruited during a period of school closure to answer self-report questionnaires and other measures assessing study variables. Results showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers reported higher levels of burnout and lower levels of self-esteem due to multiple challenges related to remote teaching and the growing sense of insecurity regarding health safety in the school environment. However, the negative effects of COVID-19 on teachers' self-efficacy, work engagement, and burnout varied according to their own levels of emotional intelligence. These results demonstrate that emotional intelligence may support teachers in facing these challenges.

Do Migration and Acculturation Impact Somatization? A Scoping Review.

Somatization is a phenomenon in which the individual experiences physical symptoms attributable to mental projections. It is a widely used term in common parlance to figuratively describe a stressful situation. Syndromes directly related to the mind have been described; pathologies are influenced by somatization. However, the extent of somatization is also related to social and cultural factors. In fact, each culture expresses varying levels of somatization characteristic of the country of origin. A disease can even manifest with different symptoms in different ethnic groups. The migration process arises from the need for change on the part of those who undertake it and culminates in the integration of the person in the host country. This process induces changes in the person of a psychological nature, which also affects somatization. In fact, the most integrated subjects show levels of somatization comparable to those of the host country. These considerations support the thesis that psychological changes are an integral part of health and can affect the development of organic and somatized pathologies.

Sex differences in emotional and meta-emotional intelligence in pre-adolescents and adolescents.

The study focuses on sex differences in emotional and meta-emotional intelligence in a sample of 355 pre-adolescents and 164 adolescents. Emotional and meta-emotional intelligence were measured using the multi-trait multi-method IE-ACCME test, allowing to define individuals' profiles of ability EI, emotional self-concept, meta-emotional knowledge, meta-emotional ability in self-evaluation and meta-emotional beliefs. Meta-emotional dimensions refer to the awareness of individuals about their emotional abilities and to their beliefs about the functioning of emotions in everyday life. Results demonstrated that girls scored better than boys in ability-EI, in particular in adolescents' group, whereas boys reported higher score than girls in emotional self-concept in both groups of age. Result about meta-emotional knowledge and meta-emotional ability in self-evaluation revealed that boys systematically overestimate their emotional abilities whereas girls, particularly in the adolescent group, tend to underestimate them. Finally, in both age groups, girls scored higher than males in metaemotional beliefs. The adoption of the meta-emotional intelligence framework may help to explain the discordances about sex differences found in previous studies using self-report vs. performance measures of EI. Moreover, it may contribute to shed light on the nature-nurture debate and on the role of meta-emotional variables for explaining sex differences in EI.

The Role of Emotional and Meta-Emotional Intelligence in Pre-adolescents' Well-Being and Sociometric Status.

The study examined the relationships among emotional and meta-emotional intelligence, well-being, and sociometric status in 105 pre-adolescents. Emotional and meta-emotional intelligence were measured using the Intelligenza Emotiva: Abilità, Credenze e Concetto di Sé Meta-Emotivo (IE-ACCME) test (D'Amico, 2013), allowing to measure ability emotional intelligence (EI), emotional self-concept, meta-emotional knowledge, meta-emotional ability in self-evaluation, and meta-emotional beliefs. Meta-emotional dimensions refer to the awareness of individuals about their emotional abilities and to their beliefs about the functioning of emotions in everyday life. Eudemonic well-being and sociometric status were, respectively, measured using the well-known Psychological Well-Being (PWB) scale by Ryff's (1989) and registering the levels of acceptance/rejection from peers (Moreno, 1960). Results demonstrated that: pre-adolescents' meta-emotional beliefs are positively associated to eudemonic well-being: pre-adolescents with higher levels of ability EI, meta-emotional knowledge and meta-emotional self-evaluation are more accepted by others while those that overestimate their emotional abilities are more refused by peers. These results evidence that meta-emotional variables may play a crucial role in well-being and sociometric status, encouraging future studies on this issue.

Automation Inner Speech as an Anthropomorphic Feature Affecting Human Trust: Current Issues and Future Directions.

This paper aims to discuss the possible role of inner speech in influencing trust in human-automation interaction. Inner speech is an everyday covert inner monolog or dialog with oneself, which is essential for human psychological life and functioning as it is linked to self-regulation and self-awareness. Recently, in the field of machine consciousness, computational models using different forms of robot speech have been developed that make it possible to implement inner speech in robots. As is discussed, robot inner speech could be a new feature affecting human trust by increasing robot transparency and anthropomorphism.

Giant enchondroma recurrence of the proximal phalanx of the fifth finger: a case report.

Enchondroma (EC) is a benign and cartilage-forming tumor that causes intramedullary lesions. Moreover, EC is the most common bone tumor in the phalanges and metacarpal bones of the hand, deforming the structure and causing pain and functional limitation. The management of this neoplasia is the surgical treatment and the approach that is well-accepted consists in the curettage followed by the void augmentation with biological or synthetic fillers. The results from surgery are usually good and the recurrence rate is low (2-15%). In this article we report a case of EC recurrence of the proximal phalanx of the fifth finger of the hand after curettage and grafting. The patient was treated with the amputation of the fifth ray according to the Tsuge technique, obtaining a satisfying clinical result.

Acromion Clavicular Joint Reconstruction with LARS Ligament in Acute Dislocation.

BACKGROUND: The acromion clavicular joint dislocations are common injuries of the shoulder. The severity is dependent upon the degree of ligamentous injury. Surgical treatment is typically performed in higher grade acromioclavicular separation with several static and dynamic operative procedures with or without primary ligament replacement. METHODS: 47 patients with acute Rockwood type III, IV, and V injuries were treated surgically with LARS reconstruction. The success of technique was evaluated by radiographic outcomes for each patient at every follow-up visit (one, three, 12 months), while to assess pain reduction and clinical evaluation Visual Analogue scale score (VAS) and Constant-Murley score (CMA) was performed, respectively. An One Way Analysis of Variance (Kruskal-Wallis test), a multiple comparison Turket test, or a t-test (Mann-Whitney Rank Sum Test) were used when required. RESULTS: Follow-up radiographs revealed maintenance of anatomical reduction in 41 patients, and no bone erosions has been identified. In short-term joint functional recovery has been observed. Indeed, after 12 months pain on the VAS-scale in all groups decreased significantly (P < 0.05), and the CMS revealed a significant overall improvement (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that the use of the LARS allows to provide stability to the joint and especially to ensure its natural elasticity, relieving pain and improving joint function already one month post-surgery.

The treatment of wrist fractures with Epibloc system.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the distal extremity of the radius are the most common bone lesions of the superior extremity of the body, representing 17% of the fractures treated in First Aid facilities. The restoration of anatomical relationships in the radiocarpal joint is considered to be a prerequisite for good functional recovery. There are numerous methods of treatment of these fractures. The Epibloc system is a percutaneous endomedullary synthesis alternative to the plaster cast in wrist fracture treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors describe their experience with 81 fractures (63 type A2-3 fractures and 18 type C1) of the wrist treated with the Epibloc System (ES). The results were evaluated clinically, functionally and radiographically on the 7th, 14th, 35th, 90th day. The Gartland and Werley score modified by Sarmiento was used for the functional assessment of the wrist injuries RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (35.8%) had excellent results, 43 (53.1%) had good results. Forty-seven of the patients (58%) had a ROM of 100% of normal, with a dorsiflexion-palmar flexion (DF-PF) arc of 120 degrees or more. Seven (8.6 %) of the patients developed Sudeck's osteodystrophy. A "very moderate" or "moderate" malunion was observed in 19 cases (23.4% CONCLUSION: 1. The ES is a surgical technique for the treatment of numerous wrist fractures. These fractures can result in excellent mobility as well as a low rate of complications and secondary loss of reduction. 2. This method enables early functional recovery with low incidence of rigidity and algodystrophy. 3. This technique is best indicated for AO type A2-3 and type C1. 4. The ES is inadequate for patients with severe osteopaenia and markedly comminuted intra-articular fractures.

The treatment of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur with Endovis nail.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of fractures in the trochanteric area has risen with the increasing numbers of elderly persons with osteoporosis. The imperative goals of treatment are early mobilization by means of stable fixation using as minimally invasive a procedure as possible. Nowadays, there is an increasing interest in intramedullary nailing, especially for unstable intertrochanteric fractures. The aim of the present paper is to assess the efficacy of closed intramedullary osteosynthesis with the Endovis® proximal femoral nail in the treatment of peritrochanteric fractures to solve the problems associated with the use of intramedullary fixation devices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors describe their experience with 87 stable and unstable proximal extra-capsular femoral fractures treated with the Endovis femoral nail from July 2007 to March 2009. The results were evaluated clinically, functionally and radiographically during the 1st, 3th, 6th and 12th months post-op. Pre-injury activity and functional levels were recorded using the modified Harris hip score and V.A.S. score. RESULTS: Postoperative radiographs showed a near-anatomical fracture reduction in 85% of patients. Three were the cases of cut-out, one case of valgus and two cases of shortening of the operated leg (<1 cm). The Harris Hip Score increased between the thirtieth and ninetieth postoperative day, accompanied by a significant decrease in pain symptoms and functional limitation. CONCLUSION: 1. The application of an intramedullary nail provides primary stability of the fracture. 2. The Endovis nail constitutes a powerful synthesis for stable and unstable fractures of the trochanteric region, in which is difficult to reconstruct appropriate continuity between the medial and posterior cortical layers. 3.The good mechanical stability of the nail allows rapid mobilization and early functional recovery. 4. The presence of an additional anti-rotational screw and the free sliding mechanism of the lag screw may increase rotational stability of cervico-cephalic fragments and decrease overload on the femoral head.

Orthopaedic experience on inflammatory bowel disease (Lesniowski-Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis).

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The major types of IBD are Lesniowski-Crohn's disease (L-CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) sometimes presents with arthritic manifestations. The peripheral arthritis is a problem for the orthopaedist and the physiatrist. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed 65 Sicilian patients with IBD (38 with UC, 27 with L-CD) over a period of 5 years. All patients underwent clinical examinations, laboratory and imaging studies, and were screened for the presence of the rheumatoid factor. All patients also attended eight to ten 50-minute sessions of physiotherapy over a six-week period. RESULTS: 38 patients had UC (mean age 42.1 years, range: 19 - 75) and 27 patients had L-CD (mean age 37.2 years, range: 17 - 64 years). Arthritis occurred in 11 patients (17%): 7 with UC (18.4%) and 4 with L-CD (14.8%). The mean age of patients with arthritis was 35 and mean duration of pain and functional limitation was 28 months. In 9 patients, arthritis appeared after the onset of bowel symptoms with a mean duration of 20 months in UC and 24 months in L-CD; in two patients, arthritis preceded the onset of bowel symptoms for several months. Exercise and manual therapy did not bring about good symptomatic improvement in patients with shoulder pain; good short-term results were only noted for patients with knee and hip arthritis. CONCLUSION: The association between IBD and arthritis has been reported in the literature and confirmed in our study. The role of the orthopaedist is to eliminate pain and dysfunction. Physical therapy is an optimal initial approach. Prosthetic surgery should be chosen as a final option when medical and manual therapies are no longer able to improve the quality of life of the patient.

Bleeding in orthopaedic surgery: the role of blood transfusion and erythropoietin alpha.

High energy trauma is often responsible for acute bleeding. Long bone and pelvis fractures are correlated with increased blood loss. Hypovolaemia could become a life threatening complication especially in elderly patients because of the reduced physiological response. Furthermore it could compromise the course of associated morbidities. Haemorrage is also associated in both comminuted fractures and osteoporosis. An increased intraoperative bleeding often occurs when a prolonged surgical time is required to obtain an appropriate ostheosynthesis. The final consequence of a mayor bleeding is hypovolaemic shock. The reduced oxygen tension of the tissue may be responsible for heart attack, arrhythmia, stroke, multi organ deficiency. For these reasons, it is important to immediately recognize and correct all potential bleeding in order to avoid complications.