Publications by authors named "Maria Valentina Mussa"

Sleep is a fundamental human need; sleep disruption, in fact, causes an increase in the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, metabolic effects, changes in circadian rhythms, and pro-inflammatory responses. The scientific literature is finally starting to pay attention to the central role of sleep alterations in patients health. Oxaliplatin is extensively used for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer and other malignancies, with an increased frequency of use in recent years.

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Background: The use of herbs to treat illnesses was common in all historical eras. Our aim was to describe the phytotherapeutic substances that cancer patients use most commonly, and to determine whether their use can increase side effects.

Methods: This was a retrospective and descriptive study conducted among older adults actively undergoing chemotherapy, admitted at the Oncology DH Unit (COES) of the Molinette Hospital AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza in Turin (Italy).

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Purpose: Given the biological differences between females and males, sex-specific evaluations should be carried out to obtain better cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. To this purpose, our aim was to evaluate sex differences for toxicity in a cohort of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study in 329 CRC patients.

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Pancreatic carcinoma incidence showed a significant increase in men over the last few years and the prognosis remains poor. Patients are treated with different pharmacological plans with no evidence about gender-specific adverse effects. We aimed to investigate differences in the incidence of chemotherapy side effects in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, to provide insights toward a personalized assistance based in individual needs.

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After an acute cardiac event, many patients experience emotional disturbance. This is a normal response to the event and to hospitalization, but, if not treated with emotive and social support, the symptoms can evolve, resulting in emotional and behavioural disorders. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of the use of a new nursing relational tool, designed to support patients' emotional recovery.

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: Human papillomavirus infection (HPV) affects 70-80% of female population throughout the lifetime, exposing them to the risk of developing genital warts and cervical cancer. Despite these correlated risks and the demonstrated efficacy of the vaccine, coverage rates for two-three doses are around 70% in Italy and 67% in Piemonte (below the expected 95%). Aim of the study is to investigate whether this situation is due to a lack of information and awareness among young adults.

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Background: Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) is a central venous catheter suitable for patients who receive chemotherapy in Day Hospital regimen. The patient must be educated to a proper home management of the PICC through targeted education.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a targeted educational intervention through the comparison of: indi- vidual interview, brochure paper, informative video.

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