What makes you feel good? Well-being in a gender and mattering lens

Gender and mattering are two critical points in assessing people's well-being. If we consider that well-being derives from a condition of social justice and from contexts in which one's own value is recognized, we understand that the condition of inequality between men and women and discriminatory attitudes such as sexism represent a great enemy of well-being. Starting from these considerations, the present thesis aims to investigate the effect of gender discrimination and mattering on well-being. In order to pursue this aim, three empirical studies were conducted. that have investigated the variations in well-being based on, respectively, different cultural contexts, the effect of other psychological and demographic variables, and the effect of traumatic and extraordinary events, as the COVID-19 pandemic. Study 1 aimed to test the psychometric validity of the I COPPE scale, for the measure of well-being, through the comparison between two very different countries, such as Italy and Argentina. The results confirmed that the I COPPE scale can measure well-being in different contexts without its validity being affected by socio-cultural differences. Study 2 aimed to investigate the effects of belief in a just world, neosexism, on well-being of men and women, via mattering. In particular, it was hypothesized a model in which personal and general beliefs in a just world positively affect the dimensions of well-being. In contrast, neosexism has a negative effect on well-being, and these relationships are mediated by mattering. The results partially confirmed the mediation hypotheses, showing that the personal and general beliefs in a just world and the neosexism have affected many dimensions of well-being, through mattering. Finally Study 3 aimed to detect changes in well-being, across time during the COVID-19 pandemic. This longitudinal study was carried out in two waves (March 2020 and May 2020) and the results showed some differences in the levels of well-being of men and women during the lockdown, were found. In conclusion the results obtained from the studies have been extensively discussed in the light of gender dynamics and mattering. Indeed, this thesis emphasizes the need, made even more urgent by the current emergency situation, that European governments will promote social fairness in general and gender equality in particular, focusing on women's mattering. Only in a country where all citizens are treated equally and valued for their abilities it is possible that a positive attitude towards others, different from oneself, develops. Only without hatred, discrimination and sexism are it possible to promote the well-being of both men and women

Laparoscopic management of a newborn with a right Amyand's hernia and a left incarcerated inguinal hernia

A one month old boy presented with left incarcerated inguinal hernia. After unsuccessful manual reduction, we decided to perform laparoscopic herniorrhaphy. Laparoscopic examination showed a left hernia with intestinal loops that entered into the internal inguinal ring, on the right side there was an unknown patency of the peritoneal vaginal duct with the appendix completely incarcerated within the sac. On the left side, the loops were reduced with a combined technique of external manual pressure and internal pulling by forceps; the bowel was inspected, and the hernia was repaired. On the right side, the appendix was strongly adherent with the peritoneal vaginal duct, and the reduction was not possible. The appendix was dissected from the sac using a 3-mm monopolar hook and than reduced into the abdomen, then right herniorrhaphy was performed. Two days after surgery, the baby had fever and abdominal distension. He was re-operated through mini-Pfannenstiel incision and an ischemic appendix was identified and removed. Postoperative period was uneventful. In our case, laparoscopy allowed for simultaneous reduction under direct visual control, inspection of the incarcerated organ, definitive repair and incidentally discovery and treatment of the contralateral incarcerated Amyand′s hernia. In case of incarcerated appendix, appendectomy is preferable during the same procedure to reduce the incidence of postoperative complications

Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication: An Excellent Treatment of Gerd-Related Respiratory Symptoms in Children-Results of a Multicentric Study

Respiratory manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), particularly chronic cough, are being recognized with increased frequency in children. This survey aimed to investigate the efficacy of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for treatment of GERD-related respiratory symptoms not responsive to medical therapy in neurological normal children

Laparoscopic extravesical ureteral reimplantation (LEVUR): A systematic review

Abstract BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation is a feasible method for treating ureteral pathology with good preliminary results in the literature. In this study, we review medium term results for laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation and discuss current developments of this procedure. METHODS: Medline and Embase databases were searched using relevant key terms to identify reports of paediatric laparoscopic extravesical ureteral reimplantation (LEVUR). Literature reviews, case reports, series of 20 years) were excluded. RESULTS: Five studies were assessed, overall, 69 LEVUR were performed in children. Despite different surgical technique, in all case the technique was respected. Patient demographics, preoperative symptoms, radiological imaging, complications, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Median success rate was 96%. Complications were reported in five cases. CONCLUSIONS: This study is limited by the data given in the individual series: varied criteria used for patient selection and outcome as well as inconsistent pre- and post-operative imaging data precluded a meta-analysis. But it demonstrates that the laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation is an effective procedure with good medium-term results. We believe that in well selected patients this procedure will become an established treatment option

The I COPPE Scale Short Form for measuring multidimensional well-being: Construct validity and reliability from US, Argentinian, and Italian large samples

The aim of this study is to present a short form of the I COPPE scale of multidimensional well‐being. We conducted two studies, which include four samples collected across three countries, namely United States, Argentina, and Italy. In the pilot study we tested during the data analysis phase whether it was feasible to reduce the full I COPPE scale by omitting the items dealing with past well‐being. Prompted by the positive results of the pilot study, we launched a final validation study with a sample of 2682 Italian people who completed the I COPPE scale short form, which is designed without items referring to past well‐being. Results from a series of confirmatory factor analyses show that the I COPPE scale short form presents acceptable levels of construct validity and reliability. Moreover, the 7‐factor correlated‐trait model proved to be the best fit for the data. We discuss advantaged of using the I COPPE scale short form along with limitations and future recommendations

Laparoscopic approach for gonadectomy in pediatric patients with intersex disorders

Abstract The birth of a child with a disorder of sex development (DSD) prompts a long-term management strategy that involves a myriad of professionals working with the family. There has been progress in diagnosis, surgical techniques and in understanding psychosocial issues related to this condition. However, since these kinds of disorders are rare and have many anatomical variations, individual care is necessary, especially regarding surgical management. Gonadectomy is indicated in a number of intersex disorders with a Y chromosome to reduce the associated risk of cancer. Recently, laparoscopy has gained wide acceptance in pediatric urology. Laparoscopy is also reported to be a useful tool for diagnosing and treating DSD because of its minimal invasiveness and favorable cosmetic outcome. However, reports of evaluation and management using laparoscopy for large numbers of DSD patients are limited and debate is still open about indications and timing of gonadectomy. In this study, we reviewed the literature of the last 10 years about the role of laparoscopic gonadectomy in patients with DSD. In the analyzed papers, all the procedures were accomplished successfully using laparoscopy. No conversions to open surgery neither intra-operative complications were reported in all series. Post-operative complications were reported only in one series and included 1 umbilical port infection [2% (1/50)] and 1 pelvic abscess [2% (1/50)], both treated with antibiotic therapy (grade I Clavien-Dindo). Of the analyzed series, 7/10 reported postoperative diagnosis of gonadal tumors. The histopathologic examinations revealed 15 cases of gonadoblastoma, 7 cases of dysgerminoma and 2 cases of seminoma. Analyzing the single series, the incidence of these tumors varied between 10% and 33%. The results of our review confirmed the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic gonadectomy in DSD patients. In our mind, laparoscopic gonadectomy should be accepted as the treatment of choice in children and adolescents with these rare conditions. It thereby eliminates the risk of malignancies of gonadal origin with the advantages of a minimally invasive procedure, with lower morbidity, quicker postoperative recovery and excellent cosmetic results

Well-Being and the COVID-19 Pandemic. A Community Psychology Systematic Review

The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects through the lens of community psychology. Our study applied PRISMA methodology, and it was carried out using the PsycInfo, PubMed, Embase, and EBSCO databases utilizing the keywords “connectedness,” “resilience,” “shared action,” “social action,” “trust,” “individual well-being,” and “social well-being.” We selected 12 of 216 eligible publications based on the inclusion criteria. The results indicated that the role of trust in institutions and others is a protective factor for communities that experience crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, developing social actions promoted connections and social support and that, in the absence of in-person communication, online communication promoted connections and reduced psychological distress and isolation. Finally, the study revealed that some psychosocial factors stem from declines in people’s well-being due to the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. Furthermore, our findings highlighted the role of technology as a positive communication tool for promoting connectedness and social support, as well as the social function of trust in institutions. Our results suggested that community interactions at the local and virtual levels should be viewed as positive actions to support institutions in detecting the most effective social intervention measures to stimulate individual and community well-being during the pandemic. These findings may serve as a guide for health policymakers in their efforts to face the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic supporting beneficial strategies for social planning and effective public policies. Finally, both the strengths and limitations of the research will be discussed in depth

Treatment of vesico-ureteral reflux in infants and children using endoscopic approaches

Abstract Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) represents one of the most significant risk factors for acute pyelonephritis in children. Endoscopic treatment of VUR dates back to 1981 when Matouschek first described injection of the ureteral orifice in an attempt to correct VUR. In addition, also Politano and colleagues and McDonald described successful correction of reflux using endoscopic techniques. After these reports subureteral Teflon injection (STING) came to be appreciated as a viable new way to less invasively correct one of the most common pediatric urologic problems. The technique is technically easy to perform and is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. It is performed in general anesthesia in children and may require repeat injections, particularly in patients with high-grade reflux. As for endoscopic technique, a main problem existed. The success in children with high grade reflux was less than reported for open or laparoscopic reimplant techniques. However, in the past 10 years, newer products have become available that are changing the indications for endoscopic correction. In these review, we analyzed the papers published in the literature on this topic to give to the readers an updated overview about the results of endoscopic treatment of VUR after 30-years of his first description