3,139 research outputs found
Alexithymia, dissociation and emotional regulation in eating disorders: Evidence of improvement through specialized inpatient treatment
No full textThe research into emotional regulation in eating disorders (EDs) has shown specificimpairments and maladaptive coping strategies in patients, and there is an increasinginterest in the role of the emotional domain in the treatment outcome. This studyaims to evaluate the effect of a specialized inpatient treatment characterized by bothan intensive and comprehensive standardized multidisciplinary programme based oncognitive–behavioural therapy and a flexible and personalized componentimplemented by third-wave interventions. A cohort of 67 female ED patients(anorexia nervosa = 28, bulimia nervosa = 28 and binge eating disorder = 11)underwent an evaluation of emotional regulation difficulties, alexithymia and dissociative symptomatology at admission to a specialized ED ward. The psychological modifications were subsequently re-evaluated upon discharge, after an inpatients treatment of 60 days, examining specific changes in the specific psychopathology. A significant improvement after specialized ED treatment was shown in alexithymia, emotional regulation difficulties and dissociation symptoms,with higher effect sizes in patients with higher alexithymia scores. As regards the specific effect of the psychological improvement, changes into alexithymia score shave shown specific correlations with ED psychopathology (p < 0.010) and with difficulties in emotional regulation (p < 0.010) in patients with higher alexithymia levels at admission. Emotional regulation and dissociation should therefore be evaluated in ED patients and may be improved with specific therapeutic approaches,while alexithymia remains a clinical trait, even with a significant reduction
Direct replacement of antibodies with molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanoparticles in ELISA - development of a novel assay for vancomycin
No full textA simple and straightforward technique for coating microplate wells with molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) to develop ELISA type assays is presented here for the first time. NanoMIPs were synthesized by a solid phase approach with immobilized vancomycin (template) and characterized using Biacore 3000, dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy. Immobilization, blocking and washing conditions were optimized in microplate format. The detection of vancomycin was achieved in competitive binding experiments with a HRP-vancomycin conjugate. The assay was capable of measuring vancomycin in buffer and in blood plasma within the range 0.001-70 nM with a detection limit of 0.0025 nM (2.5 pM). The sensitivity of the assay was three orders of magnitude better than a previously described ELISA based on antibodies. In these experiments nanoMIPs have shown high affinity and minimal interference from blood plasma components. Immobilized nanoMIPs were stored for 1 month at room temperature without any detrimental effects to their binding properties. The high affinity of nanoMIPs and the lack of a requirement for cold chain logistics make them an attractive alternative to traditional antibodies used in ELIS
More than a symptom: qualitative exploration of embodied control and restlessness in compulsive movement in eating disorders
No full textBackground: Compulsive physical activity is a common but underexplored feature of eating disorders (ED). Beyond calorie expenditure, it often serves complex psychological, symbolic, and embodied functions. Understanding how these behaviors are experienced and change during treatment can guide more effective interventions. This study explored the lived experience of compulsive movement in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED), and examined whether diagnosis or duration influenced narrative change during inpatient care. Methods: Sixty-five inpatients with EDs (mean age = 22.15 years; range 16–33) completed an open-ended questionnaire within the first week of admission (T0) and during the final week of hospitalization (T1). The Clinical Interview for Compulsive Exercise [10] was adapted to a written format to elicit spontaneous narratives about movement. Reflexive thematic analysis identified shared themes in T0. For the longitudinal analysis, the T0 and T1 narratives were compared between individuals to capture changes in meaning, content, and emotional tone. The original interview domains were merged into five thematic categories to describe improvement, persistence, or worsening, and subgroup comparisons were made by diagnosis and duration (≤ 3 vs. >3 years). Results: Five overarching themes emerged at T0: control and compensation, emotional regulation, rigidity and rituality, motor restlessness and bodily discomfort, and covert activity/non-exercise movement. By T1, most of the participants described reduced guilt, greater flexibility, and increased self-awareness. However, persistent restlessness and subtle compensatory activity were reported, particularly in the long-duration group (> 3 years). Diagnostic subgroups differed in emphasis: AN participants often framed movement as a moral duty, BN participants as a means of regulating mood, and BED participants in relation to body image concerns or “getting back on track” with healthy routines. Conclusions: Compulsive movement in EDs is a multifaceted, transdiagnostic phenomenon. Inpatient care can foster meaningful narrative change, although embodied restlessness may require longer-term treatment. Clinicians should address both the behavioral and symbolic dimensions of movement to support long-lasting recovery
The Hidden Spectrum Within Eating Disorders: Clustering Neurodivergent Traits and Sensory Sensitivity
No full textObjective: Emerging research suggests that autistic traits and sensory sensitivities are prevalent among individuals with eating disorders (EDs), particularly females. Traditional diagnostic approaches may overlook the heterogeneity of neurodevelopmental features within this population. A person-centered approach could uncover meaningful subgroups and guide individualized treatment strategies. This study aimed to identify neurocognitive profiles among cisgender female ED patients, focusing on autistic traits, sensory sensitivity, social cognition, and clinical severity, through a dimensional and person-centered clustering approach. Method: A total of 164 cisgender female patients were assessed using the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-10), Girls Questionnaire for Autism Spectrum Condition (GQ-ASC), Sensory Perception Quotient (SPQ-10), Story-based Empathy Task (SET), and clinical measures including the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). Hierarchical cluster analysis (Ward's method) was conducted on standardized scores. Between-cluster comparisons and multinomial logistic regression assessed the robustness and predictive validity of the cluster solution. Results: Four distinct clusters emerged, differing significantly in autistic traits, sensory sensitivity, social cognition, and ED severity (all p < 0.001). Profiles included a neurodivergent high-risk group, a cognitively compensated group, a sensory-reactive group, and a classically symptomatic group. Multinomial logistic regression predicted cluster membership with 94% accuracy. Discussion: Neurodevelopmental dimensions meaningfully differentiate ED subgroups and may inform more personalized, stratified care. These findings highlight the importance of integrating autistic traits, sensory processing, and social cognition into ED assessment and treatment planning. Public Significance Statement: This study identifies four distinct neurodevelopmental and clinical profiles among women with eating disorders, defined by differences in autistic traits, sensory sensitivity, and social cognition. Understanding these profiles can help clinicians recognize the diversity of presentations in eating disorders and adapt interventions to the specific needs of each individual, particularly those with neurodivergent features, ultimately promoting more personalized and effective care
Tryptase serum level as a possible indicator of scombroid syndrome.
No full textScombroid syndrome (histamine fish poisoning--HFP) is a complex of symptoms caused by biogenic amines, mainly histamine, contained in seafood. The diagnosis of HFP is quite difficult as the symptoms of this particular condition are similar to the symptoms of a normal allergic syndrome.We have collected 10 cases (3 male and 7 female) of HFP and 50 non-HFP patients (35 female and 15 male) with allergic disorders, all from the Emergency Department of Ospedale Civile Maggiore in Verona.As expected, tryptase serum concentrations of most of the patients with allergic or anaphylactic disorders were increased above normal value (24.4+/-8.0 ng/mL mean+/-SD, normal value<11 ng/mL), whereas the tryptase serum concentrations of all the 10 patients with HFP were within the normal range (8.1+/-1.8 ng/mL).Our data suggest that tryptase serum concentrations can discriminate between the allergic and HFP syndromes. As the tryptase half-life is 90-120 min, blood samples must be taken 1-2 h from the beginning of symptoms.Finding a biomarker could help physicians to formulate a correct diagnosis and thus in choosing the best therapeutic strategy. In this work, we analyzed the role of tryptase serum concentrations to differentiate real allergic syndromes from the HFP syndrome, which causes similar histamine-mediated effects by a different mechanism
Coaching early career teachers in urban elementary schools: A mixed method study
No full textCoaching for urban early career teachers (ECTs) offers promise and aligns with features of effective professional development to support the implementation of evidence-based practices. However, the functional components and key elements of coaching and coach supervision are not well specified in the literature. The goal of the current study was to examine adherence and feasibility of a coaching intervention designed to provide urban ECTs with concentrated support in classroom management and engaging learners—two instructional domains that are robust predictors of attrition (Ingersoll and Strong in Rev Educ Res 81:201–233, 2011). Coaches (n = 6) worked with ECTs (n = 15) in three urban, high-poverty elementary schools during the 2-year intervention. A mixed-method design was employed, such that qualitative data (i.e., semi-structured interviews) and quantitative data (i.e., adherence measures) were collected concurrently, remained independent during analyses, and were integrated during interpretation (Creswell and Clark in Designing and conducting mixed methods research. Sage, Thousand Oaks, 2007). Findings revealed that ECTs generally received the intended frequency and duration of coaching but with fewer opportunities for post-conferences. Coach supervision, on average, was delivered with intended frequency, with variability across coaches. Thematic analyses highlighted coach provision of emotional and instrumental support, emphasized consistent coaching as critical, and that time was a significant barrier to ECT participation in coaching. Supervision promoted social support among coaches and provided opportunities to adapt the model to ECT needs.Peer reviewe
Communautés et écriture en ligne. Histoire, devenir, un dialogue
No full textIn this interview, Elisa Bricco talks to writer Benoît Vincent about
the transformations that have taken place over the last twenty years
as a result of the technological turn in literary production. We look
at the repercussions of technology’s hold over literary production, and
in particular at the development of the notion of author in the context
of collective writing. The example of the General Instin project will
be used to highlight some of the issues raised by digital technology in
relation to the production of literary texts.Dans cet entretien, Elisa Bricco discute avec l’écrivain Benoît Vincent
sur les transformations qui sont survenues dans les vingt dernières
années à cause du tournant technologique de la production littéraire. On
s’interroge sur les répercussions de l’emprise de la technologie sur le
faire littéraire et notamment sur le développement de la notion d’auteur
dans le contexte de l’écriture collective. L’exemple du projet Général
Instin servira pour mettre en lumières quelques enjeux du numérique
par rapport à la production de textes littéraires
Communautés et écriture en ligne. Histoire, devenir, un dialogue
No full textIn this interview, Elisa Bricco talks to writer Benoît Vincent about the transformations that have taken place over the last twenty years as a result of the technological turn in literary production. We look at the repercussions of technology’s hold over literary production, and in particular at the development of the notion of author in the context of collective writing. The example of the Général Instin project will be used to highlight some of the issues raised by digital technology in relation to the production of literary texts.Dans cet entretien, Elisa Bricco discute avec l’écrivain Benoît Vincent sur les transformations qui sont survenues dans les vingt dernières années à cause du tournant technologique de la production littéraire. On s’interroge sur les répercussions de l’emprise de la technologie sur le faire littéraire et notamment sur le développement de la notion d’auteur dans le contexte de l’écriture collective. L’exemple du projet Général Instin servira pour mettre en lumières quelques enjeux du numérique par rapport à la production de textes littéraires
Comment on Bandelli and Porcelli/1 - Against Moral Panic, in Defence of Data
No full textElisa Giomi’s commentary is an answer to Bandelli and Porcelli’s essay “Femicide in Italy. ‘Femminicidio,’ Moral Panic and Progressivist Discourse” [2016]. Although Giomi assumes that Bandelli and Porcelli effectively illustrate the instrumentalization of lethal violence against women in Italian political discourse, yet she criticizes their reading of the “femminicidio narrative” as a phenomenon of moral panic that locates the threat in the typical Italian heterosexual family/couple: all the available empirical findings confirm that these are precisely the contexts where lethal aggressions against women most frequently occur. The author also disagrees with the authors’ conclusion that the femminicidio narrative authorized “the application of a gender paradigm to the official reading of domestic/partner violence” in 2012/13 Italian public discourse. Finally, she contends that in their essay the “feminist discourse” is represented in a stereotypical way, one that is instrumental in depicting it as a hegemonic discourse
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