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Cutica I, Cincidda C, Oliveri S, Mainetti R, Borghese NA, Pravettoni G. Effectiveness of Serious Games in Improving Genetic Literacy and Genetic Risk Awareness in the General Public: A Pilot Study. Games Health J 2024; 13:75-83. [PMID: 37878321 DOI: 10.1089/g4h.2022.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Genomics is an integral part of medical science; however, European citizens' literacy on basic genetic concepts is still poor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Serious Games (SGs) in increasing genetic literacy in laypeople and to assess the impact of SGs on participants' perceived self-efficacy (SE) in managing genetic risk implications. Materials and Methods: Two minigames and an adventure game were created, together with leaflets reporting the same information as the SGs. Sixty participants enrolled at baseline and completed a brief sociodemographic questionnaire and an ad hoc questionnaire assessing their genetic knowledge. They were assigned to the SGs group (30 subjects) or to the Leaflets group (30 subjects) by matching age and sex. Both groups had about 40 minutes to play the SGs or to read the leaflets. In the postlearning session, participants completed the same genetic knowledge questionnaires administered at baseline and five items from the Self-Efficacy Scale, whereas the SGs group also filled in the In-Game Experience Questionnaire. Results and Conclusion: Results showed that learning genetic concepts through SGs was comparable to learning through leaflets. Playing SGs was also associated with poor feelings of frustration or annoyance, good engagement in the game challenges and contents, and positive feelings, particularly in subjects under 30 years. Participants perceiving SE increased significantly in both Leaflets and SGs groups, but the effect was higher for SGs players. SGs have the potential to increase genetic literacy in the public by making the learning process more engaging, pleasant and by enhancing SE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cutica
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Clizia Cincidda
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Oliveri
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Mainetti
- Applied Intelligent Systems Laboratory (AISLab), Department of Computer Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - N Alberto Borghese
- Applied Intelligent Systems Laboratory (AISLab), Department of Computer Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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Cincidda C, Oliveri S, Sanchini V, Pravettoni G. The role of caregivers in the clinical pathway of patients newly diagnosed with breast and prostate cancer: A study protocol. Front Psychol 2022; 13:962634. [DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.962634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundCaregivers may play a fundamental role in the clinical pathway of cancer patients. They provide emotional, informational, and functional support as well as practical assistance, and they might help mediate the interaction and communication with the oncologists when care options are discussed, or decisions are made. Little is known about the impact of dyadic dynamics on patient-doctor communication, patient's satisfaction, or adherence to the therapies. This study protocol aims to evaluate the efficacy of a psychological support intervention on patients-caregivers relationship and their alignment in the treatment decision-making (TDM) process and estimate related improvement in patient' compliance/adherence to treatments.MethodsA total of 102 patients-caregivers' dyads will be involved, among breast and prostate cancer patients. The study entails a pre- post- evaluation through psychological questionnaires, with a randomization of participants in two conditions, the experimental one in which subjects participate in a psychological support consultation, and the control one, where dyads do not receive any intervention. A follow up after 6 months from the enrollment is planned.DiscussionA positive impact of the psychological support intervention on patients' anxiety, depression, distress, and perceived social support is expected. Such improvements can directly affect patients' satisfaction and adherence to treatments. Data gathered from this study may inform health care providers, policy makers, and public health managers about the importance of caregiver's involvement in the cancer care pathway, and the best way to manage it. A further impact is to develop a specific intervention protocol to support caregivers' involvement in cancer care pathway, improve patient's wellbeing, the interaction with physicians and the compliance with the cancer treatment.
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Ongaro G, Brivio E, Cincidda C, Oliveri S, Spinella F, Steinberger D, Cutica I, Gorini A, Pravettoni G. Genetic testing users in Italy and Germany: Health orientation, health-related habits, and psychological profile. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e1851. [PMID: 35166046 PMCID: PMC8922951 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rapid advances in genomic knowledge and widespread access to the web contributed to the development of genetic services by private companies or medical laboratories. In the European landscape, though, there is not a single coherent regulatory approach to genetic testing (GT). The study aimed to investigate differences and similarities between two populations of GT users, Italians and Germans, in terms of health‐related behaviors, psychological characteristics, and attitudes toward genetic information. Methods Ninety‐nine Italian GT users from one private genetic company and 64 Germans GT users from one medical laboratory, completed an ad hoc self‐administered questionnaire. Results Results showed significant differences in health‐related behaviors (unhealthy eating behaviors, smoking behaviors, and frequency in medical check‐ups), with Germans reporting higher levels of unhealthy eating habits and smoking behaviors than Italians; Italian users also were more medically controlled. Furthermore, German participants were less willing to change their lifestyle following the GT results compared to Italian participants. Regarding psychological variables, German users felt more confident about their physical well‐being and they seemed more motivated than Italians to avoid becoming unhealthy. Finally, two samples differed in the way they accessed genetic testing (with the Italians guided predominately by a physician in contrast with the Germans who were recommended by friends) and managed genetic testing results (with Italian participants significantly more willing to share results with doctors than German participants, who preferred sharing with the family). Conclusion The analysis of cultural and organizational differences could help in defining adequate guidelines for counseling, and provide inputs for regulators in different European contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ongaro
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Brivio
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Clizia Cincidda
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Oliveri
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Steinberger
- Institute for Humangenetics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Bio.logis Digital Health GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Bio.logis Center for Humangenetics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ilaria Cutica
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gorini
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Oliveri S, Cincidda C, Ongaro G, Cutica I, Gorini A, Spinella F, Fiorentino F, Baldi M, Pravettoni G. What people really change after genetic testing (GT) performed in private labs: results from an Italian study. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 30:62-72. [PMID: 33840815 PMCID: PMC8738765 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-021-00879-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the widespread diffusion of direct-to-consumer genetic testing (GT), it is still unclear whether people who learn about their genetic susceptibility to a clinical condition change their behaviors, and the psychological factors involved. The aim of the present study is to investigate long-term changes in health-related choices, individual tendencies and risk attitudes in an Italian sample of GT users. In the context of the Mind the Risk study, which investigated a sample of Italian adults who underwent GT in a private laboratory, 99 clients participated in the follow up assessment. They completed a self-administered questionnaire investigating: (a) clinical history and motivation for testing, (b) lifestyle and risk behaviors, (c) individual tendencies toward health, and (d) risk-taking attitude and risk tolerance. Such variables were measured at three different time-points: T0—before GT, T1—at 6 months after genetic results, and T2—at 1 year from results. Results showed that, at baseline, participants who stated they intended to modify their behavior after GT results, effectively did so over time. This result held both for participants who received a positive or negative test result. In general, a healthier diet was the most frequently observed long-term behavioral change. As regards psychological variables, a risk-taking attitude and risk tolerance did not seem to affect the decision to change the lifestyle. Finally, we found an overall reduction in anxiety and worry over health over time, but also a reduction in the motivation for health promotion and prevention, health esteem, and positive expectations for their health in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Oliveri
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - Clizia Cincidda
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Ongaro
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cutica
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gorini
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Marina Baldi
- GENOMA Group, Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Sebri V, Cincidda C, Savioni L, Ongaro G, Pravettoni G. Worry during the initial height of the COVID-19 crisis in an Italian sample. The Journal of General Psychology 2021; 148:327-359. [PMID: 33522456 DOI: 10.1080/00221309.2021.1878485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the earliest months of 2020, the COVID-19 emergency reached a pandemic status of international concern. In this situation, people tended to think more about current difficulties and their negative consequences due to the fear of infection and changed daily life during quarantine. The aim of this study was to explore the severity of worry in relation to individual characteristics and emotions during COVID-19 outbreak in the Italian people. Socio-demographic questions and standardized self-report questionnaires were administered online. Results highlighted a moderate level of worry, anxiety and distress. People with higher perceptions of COVID-19 severity exhibited higher levels of worry in contrast to those who perceived a greater control over the possibility of infection. Multiple regression analysis indicated that coping styles, emotion regulation strategies and personality traits significantly contributed to explain the variance in worry scores. Findings supported that cognitive reappraisal, emotion-focused coping and extraversion were protective factors for worry, while expressive suppression, dysfunctional and problem-focused coping, and neuroticism were related to high worry. However, neuroticism and dysfunctional coping were particularly important predictors of worry. This paper also considers possible psychological interventions that might be implemented in order to deal with mental health issues emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Sebri
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Clizia Cincidda
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Savioni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Ongaro
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Altaany Z, Khabour OF, Alzoubi KH, Alkaraki AK, Al-Taani G. The Perception of Premarital Genetic Screening within Young Jordanian Individuals. Public Health Genomics 2021; 24:182-188. [PMID: 34192692 PMCID: PMC9984666 DOI: 10.1159/000517162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the past two decades, the attention of public health has been drawn to premarital genetic screening (PGS) programs to reduce birth defects and avoid genetic disorders. In Jordan, the high rate of genetic hemoglobinopathies compelled the government to implement an obligatory PGS program before marriage. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge, opinion, and practice of young Jordanians concerning PGS. METHODS Using a pretested questionnaire, this cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample from Jordan. The measures included respondents' demographics, and beliefs/opinions regarding PGS. RESULTS A total of 432 participants completed the survey. The majority (87.8%) had a positive attitude toward PGS program. Reasons behind this positive attitude were preventing transmission of genetic diseases, reducing family breakdown/psychosocial problems, and financial burdens of having a child with genetic disease. In fact, 49.8% of participants were willing to change their marriage decision in case of receiving incompatible results. Moreover, most of the participants (75.1%) demanded the implementation of a law that prohibits incompatible marriages. A positive attitude toward PGS was found to be associated with female gender and having a university education. CONCLUSIONS Young Jordanians have a positive attitude toward the implementation of PGS. Yet, educational programs should be drawn up to the target population before getting married emphasizing the important role of PGS in the wellness of the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaid Altaany
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Omar F. Khabour
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Karem H. Alzoubi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Almuthanna K. Alkaraki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ghaith Al-Taani
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
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Oliveri S, Marton G, Vergani L, Cutica I, Gorini A, Spinella F, Pravettoni G. Genetic Testing Consumers in Italy: A Preliminary Investigation of the Socio-Demographic Profile, Health-Related Habits, and Decision Purposes. Front Public Health 2020; 8:511. [PMID: 33134235 PMCID: PMC7578342 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim of the study: Genetic testing is becoming increasingly common in clinical practice and health management; nonetheless, little is known about how the population approaches genetic services through private companies. Our study aims to describe socio-demographic aspects, health-related habits, and overall beliefs and knowledge about genetic risk and testing in a population of Italian citizens who decided to undergo a genetic examination through a private genetic company. Study design: A sample of 152 clients from an Italian private genetic company completed an ad-hoc survey from September 2016 to February 2018, addressing socio-demographic data, health habits, psycho-physic condition, perceived utility of genetic results, decision purposes about data sharing, and behavioral changes after results. Results: Participants (mean age 42.4) were predominantly female (82.2%) and were overall well-educated. Their main source of information were physicians (77%), and 41.1% entrusted the management of results to the same. Thirty-eight percentage underwent genetic analysis for cancer predisposition, 31.3% for fertility problems, 24% for dietary or intolerance issues in the period of enrolment. More than half of them (62.7%) reported a family history of the disease, and overall 69% had a current or past experience with a disease. Clients perceived the genetic screening as useful to adopt behaviors that may prevent disease onset (37.7%), to know their “real health status” (27.4%), and to adopt health-related behaviors (23.3%). 62.8% claimed they were motivated to change behaviors after results (healthier diet, practice exercise, medical checks), and they wanted to share results with their physician and family members. Discussion/Conclusion: The overview of consumers' profiles in Italy and other European countries can contribute to tailoring and regulating genetic services in a way that could be efficient in terms of healthy choices, behaviors, and health resource expenditures for the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Oliveri
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Marton
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Vergani
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cutica
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gorini
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Oliveri S, Durosini I, Cutica I, Cincidda C, Spinella F, Baldi M, Gorini A, Pravettoni G. Health orientation and individual tendencies of a sample of Italian genetic testing consumers. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 8:e1291. [PMID: 32500972 PMCID: PMC7434739 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Over the last decade, genetic testing (GT) had markedly spread in European countries and struggled the debate concerning the psychological effects on the population. The aim of this study was to investigate the individual tendencies of GT consumers in a sample of Italian citizens. Methods A total of 152 Italian clients from GenomaLab, a private genetic company, were enrolled from February 2016 to September 2018 and completed an ad hoc survey. Results Results showed that GT consumers were motivated to preserve their well‐being, they felt responsible for their health, they were neither pessimistic nor optimistic toward negative occurrences, and poorly inclined to take high risks in their lives. Participants who had suffered from a disease in the past appear to be less tolerant to the uncertainty for future negative events. Conclusion Our results depict Italian GT consumers as health‐oriented, focused on prevention, who do not have a pessimistic perception of their condition but do not like to “bet” on their health, and probably their intention (and belief) is to acquire genetic information in order to reduce uncertainty and increase their decision‐making “power” related to their health. Taken together, all these results contribute to describe the population of GT users in European countries, to regulate the provision of GT results and to entail the communication of genetic risk information based on a consumers’ personal profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Oliveri
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Durosini
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cutica
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Clizia Cincidda
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marina Baldi
- GENOMA Group, Molecular Genetics Laboratories, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gorini
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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