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Brizzi G, Riva G, Romano D. The Body Image Virtual Reality Assessment (BIVRA): Measuring the body representation through virtual reality. J Neuropsychol 2024. [PMID: 38576316 DOI: 10.1111/jnp.12366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Our physical and psychological well-being is significantly influenced by how we perceive our body, in addition to our thoughts and emotions associated with it. Dysfunctional body perceptions and attitudes play a key role in the development and maintenance of severe conditions such as eating disorders in both males and females. Given its relevance, some attempts have been made to improve body image assessment methods in terms of perceptual accuracy and body satisfaction taking advantage of technological advances such as virtual reality. However, existing applications have mainly focused on women and clinical conditions. In this study, we presented the Body Image Virtual Reality Assessment (BIVRA), a virtual reality figure rating scale to assess body image in both male and female subjects. We tested BIVRA's ability to measure perceptual accuracy and compared its results with a standardized body satisfaction questionnaire. Additionally, we investigated gender differences. BIVRA was found to be effective in assessing body image. We observed that a perceptually based task successfully captured both low and high levels of body representations, shedding light on the significant gender differences. The association between BIVRA and the body satisfaction questionnaires was moderated by gender, with a stronger association for women. While further validation of BIVRA is needed to fully exploit its potential, our results suggest that the integration of virtual reality into the assessment of body image and related disorders may significantly enhance our understanding of individuals struggling with body image issues and has the potential to advance current methods and techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Brizzi
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Humane Technology Laboratory, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Romano
- Department of Psychology and MIBTEC: Mind and Behavior Technological Center, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Monthuy-Blanc J, Corno G, Abou Chabake S. Exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on perceptual disturbances and dysfunctional eating attitudes and behaviors: A review of the literature. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1139261. [PMID: 37008865 PMCID: PMC10050699 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1139261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
From the outbreak of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) a new physical and social distancing environment has changed our lives and, more particularly, the way of perceiving oneself, as well as eating attitudes and behaviors. An increasing number of studies have highlighted a risky scenario in terms of negative perceptions of one’s body as well as disordered eating and eating disorder patterns in both clinical and general population. With regard to this postulate, this literature review posits two main concepts—perceptual disturbances and dysfunctional eating attitudes and behaviors—in the general and (sub-)clinical populations, to provide an understanding of these phenomena during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive and critical review of published scientific literature about perceptual disturbances (i.e., negative body image, body image disturbances, low body esteem) and dysfunctional eating attitudes and behaviors, including disordered eating (e.g., restrictive eating, binge-eating episodes, overeating, emotional eating) and eating disorders features in community (i.e., general population) and clinical and sub-clinical samples worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. The PubMed, ScienceDirect, Ebsco, and Google Scholar databases were searched. The initial search produced 42 references. Scientific publications from March 2020 to April 2022 were included, and among the works compiled, only published research articles have been retained. Purely theoretical papers were also excluded. The final selection consisted of 21 studies, covering both community, clinical (i.e., eating disorder population), and sub-clinical samples. The details of the results are discussed taking into consideration the potential impact of changes in the way we perceive ourselves and interact with others (e.g., the popularity of videoconferencing and the over-use of social network sites due to social isolation) as well as changes in eating attitudes and behaviors, physical activity and exercise (e.g., as an emotional response to the insecurity generated by the pandemic context), in community and (sub-)clinical samples. The discussion sheds light on two outcomes: (1) a summary of findings with methodological considerations; (2) an intervention continuum to deal with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic; (3) and a final conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johana Monthuy-Blanc
- Loricorps Research Unit, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Sciences of Education, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Johana Monthuy-Blanc,
| | - Giulia Corno
- Loricorps Research Unit, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychology and Psychoeducation, Laboratory of Cyberpsychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Sara Abou Chabake
- Loricorps Research Unit, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, LESPOIR Research Laboratory, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, TRAJETS Research Laboratory, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Varlamov AV, Yakovleva NV. Distortions of Body Perception during Immersion in Computer Virtual Reality Using Full-Body Tracking. RUDN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY AND PEDAGOGICS 2022. [DOI: 10.22363/2313-1683-2022-19-4-670-688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Person’s immersion in computer virtual reality (VR) is accompanied by numerous distortions in his/her perception due to the replacement of sensory stimuli coming through visual, auditory and partially proprioceptive channels. In this case, the person’s own body becomes an immersion tool, since its movements indirectly affect the movement of the avatar in VR. Performing actions in VR on behalf of the avatar contributes to the appearance of distortions in the perception of one’s own body due to the diffuse effect of actualizing the operational image at the moment of purposeful activity (the subjective body image is modified in accordance with the need to adapt to VR conditions). There are various ways of immersing in VR, taking into account the different degree of involvement of individual parts of the recipient’s real body in controlling a digital character. Thus, the full-body tracking (FBT) technology is becoming widespread, allowing the use of almost all human gross motor skills for projection onto the movements of the avatar. The purpose of the study was to establish the specific features of the distortion of a person’s perception of the size of his/her own body, after its being immersed in computer virtual reality, and the control over the avatar using the FBT technology. The study was conducted in two stages (in 2020 and 2021) in order to compare the intensity and direction of body image distortions of the subjects when they were immersed with and without the FBT technology. The OhShape VR app for mobile immersion without FBT and a modification of the VR Chat app for mobile immersion with FBT were used as experimental exposures. Psychometric data on the subjects’ perception of their own bodies were obtained using the psychometric data on the subjects’ perception of their own bodies were obtained using Moshe Feldenkrais’ methods for physical measurements. According to the results of the study, the use of FBT during immersion in VR leads to distortions in the perception of various body sizes by the subjects, including the trunk and legs, while mobile immersion without the use of FBT only causes distortions in the perception of the dimensions of the upper shoulder girdle. It should be noted that this observation testifies to the connection of distortions with the facts of the involvement of the corresponding parts of the real body of the subjects in the process of controlling the avatar. It is concluded that there are specific distortions in the perception of a person’s own body when being immersed in VR using FBT. Finally, an assumption is made about the possible connection of these distortions with the success of performing intra-environment mobile tasks.
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Ouellet M, Monthuy-Blanc J, Pauzé R, Rousseau M, Bouchard S. What my body looks like and what my body can do: A self-perception explanation of excessive exercise in young adults with anorexia and/or bulimia. Front Psychol 2022; 13:916294. [PMID: 36324769 PMCID: PMC9620860 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.916294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study examined the relationships between quantitative and qualitative dimensions of excessive exercise (EE) with the physical self-perception’s dimensions and perceptual perspectives of body image (i.e., allocentric/3rd person and egocentric/1st person perspectives). The eLoriCorps Immersive Body Rating Scale 1.1, the very short form version of the Physical Self-Inventory and the Exercise and Eating Disorder test were used. The study includes 36 people with anorexia and/or bulimia seeking an external and specialized transdisciplinary program for eating disorders. Results show a different correlational profile of physical self-perceptions depending on the dimension (qualitative or quantitative) used to define EE. Differences in the perspectives used to assess body dissatisfaction (allocentric or egocentric) were also found. Perceived physical appearance was the key predictor of the qualitative dimension of excessive exercise. Findings suggest that EE in patients with an eating disorder could be explained by the feeling of competence not only related to physical appearance but also to physical abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilou Ouellet
- GR2TCA-Loricorps-Groupe de Recherche Transdisciplinaire des Troubles du Comportement Alimentaire, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Research Center, Institut Paul Bocuse, Écully, France
| | - Johana Monthuy-Blanc
- GR2TCA-Loricorps-Groupe de Recherche Transdisciplinaire des Troubles du Comportement Alimentaire, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Johana Monthuy-Blanc,
| | - Robert Pauzé
- Department of Psychoeducation, Education Faculty, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Michel Rousseau
- Department of Psychoeducation, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bouchard
- GR2TCA-Loricorps-Groupe de Recherche Transdisciplinaire des Troubles du Comportement Alimentaire, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Chaire de Recherche du Canada en Cyberpsychologie Clinique, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
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Gutiérrez-Maldonado J. The Use of Virtual Reality Technology in the Treatment of Psychopathological Disorders. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11185358. [PMID: 36143005 PMCID: PMC9501337 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11185358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- José Gutiérrez-Maldonado
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Paseo Valle de Hebrón, 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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Riva A, Pigni M, Albanese ND, Falbo M, Di Guardo S, Brasola E, Biso F, Nacinovich R. Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescent Males: A Peculiar Psychopathological Profile. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11449. [PMID: 36141722 PMCID: PMC9517020 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Eating Disorders (EDs) are severe psychiatric disorders with high rates of mortality, multiple medical and psychiatric comorbidities associated, and often chronic illness. Historically, EDs are among the most gendered of psychiatric illnesses, and male presentations have been perceived as rare and unusual. This perception resulted in the systematic underrepresentation of males in research on Eds, and as consequence, in a scarcity of research investigating clinical and psychological features in this population. (2) Methods: The present study aims to evaluate clinical and psychopathological features in a sample of 287 children and adolescents, 27 males and 260 females with EDs, in order to identify similarities and differences. (3) Results: Males were younger than females, with similar medical and clinical conditions, but a different distribution of typology of EDs in middle childhood and middle adolescents. The Eating Disorders Inventory-3, TAS-20 for alexithymia and CDI for depressive symptoms' profiles are similar, while males showed higher scores at the global indexes of Symptom Checklist 90-Revised test in early adolescence. (4) Conclusions: Results suggest gender-specific similarities and differences in clinical and psychological features in children and adolescent males, which may require specific diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Riva
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Department, ASST Monza University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Maria Pigni
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Department, ASST Monza University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Nunzia Delia Albanese
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Department, ASST Monza University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Mariella Falbo
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Department, ASST Monza University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Simona Di Guardo
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Department, ASST Monza University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Eleonora Brasola
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Department, ASST Monza University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Francesco Biso
- Department of Business Engineering, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Renata Nacinovich
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Department, ASST Monza University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
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Corno G, Paquette A, Monthuy-Blanc J, Ouellet M, Bouchard S. The Relationship Between Women’s Negative Body Image and Disordered Eating Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:856933. [PMID: 35401386 PMCID: PMC8987766 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.856933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shed light on how the COVID-19 pandemic changed our lives, and most of them have documented its detrimental effect on eating habits. Until now, the effects of this global crisis on negative body image and its association with disordered eating behaviors remain largely understudied. This study aimed to investigate changes in frequency of disordered eating behaviors (i.e., restrictive eating, emotional eating, and overeating) and negative body image (i.e., shape and weight concern, and body dissatisfaction) among a community sample of women during the COVID-19 pandemic (October 2020–May 2021). Furthermore, we explored the possible relation between body image-related variables and changes in the frequency of disordered eating behaviors in the context of the pandemic. A total of 161 self-identified female participants enrolled in an online-based survey. Descriptive statistics showed that women did not report clinically significant levels of weight and body shape concerns, but participants reported being dissatisfied with their body. One sample Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests revealed a tendency toward an increasing of the frequency of all disordered eating behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multinomial logistic regressions showed that weight concerns predicted an overall increase in the frequency of restrictive eating behaviors, whereas higher body dissatisfaction was associated with a moderate self-perceived increase in the frequency of emotional eating. These results shed light on a risk pattern of phenomena in a non-clinical sample of women, as they represent the key risk factors for the development of eating disorders. Findings could have implications for designing and implementing prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Corno
- Laboratory of Cyberpsychology, Department of Psychology and Psychoeducation, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
- GR2TCA-Loricorps-Groupe de Recherche Transdisciplinaire des Troubles du Comportement Alimentaire, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Giulia Corno,
| | - Amélia Paquette
- Laboratory of Cyberpsychology, Department of Psychology and Psychoeducation, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Johana Monthuy-Blanc
- GR2TCA-Loricorps-Groupe de Recherche Transdisciplinaire des Troubles du Comportement Alimentaire, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marilou Ouellet
- GR2TCA-Loricorps-Groupe de Recherche Transdisciplinaire des Troubles du Comportement Alimentaire, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bouchard
- Laboratory of Cyberpsychology, Department of Psychology and Psychoeducation, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
- GR2TCA-Loricorps-Groupe de Recherche Transdisciplinaire des Troubles du Comportement Alimentaire, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
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Monthuy-Blanc J, St-Pierre MJ, Ménard J, St-Pierre L. La transdisciplinarité en santé, la puissance plutôt que l’absence des disciplines. ANNALES MEDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amp.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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eLoriCorps Immersive Body Rating Scale and eLoriCorps Mobile Versions: Validation to Assess Body Image Disturbances from Allocentric and Egocentric Perspectives in a Nonclinical Sample of Adolescents. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11051156. [PMID: 35268247 PMCID: PMC8910931 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11051156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing number of studies have used virtual reality (VR) for the assessment and treatment of body image disturbances (BIDs). This study, conducted in a community sample of adolescents, documents the convergent and discriminant validity between (a) the traditional paper-based Figure Rating Scale (paper-based FRS), (b) the VR-based Body Rating Scale (eLoriCorps-IBRS 1.1), and (c) the mobile app-based Body Rating Scale (eLoriCorps-IBRS 1.1-Mobile). A total of 93 adolescents (14 to 18 years old) participated in the study. Body dissatisfaction and body distortion were assessed through the paper-based FRS, the eLoriCorps-IBRS 1.1 and the eLoriCorps-IBRS 1.1-Mobile. Eating disorder symptoms, body image avoidance, and social physique anxiety were also measured. Correlation analyses were performed. Overall, the results showed a good and statistically significant convergence between allocentric perspectives as measured by the paper-based FRS, the eLoriCorps-IBRS 1.1 and the eLoriCorps-IBRS 1.1-Mobile. As expected, the egocentric perspective measured in VR produced different results from the allocentric perspective, and from cognitive–attitudinal–affective dimensions of BIDs, with the exception of body distortion. These differences support the discriminant validity of the egocentric perspective of eLoriCorps-IBRS 1.1 and are consistent with emerging evidence, highlighting a difference between experiencing the body from an egocentric (i.e., the body as a subject) and allocentric (i.e., the body as an object) perspective. The egocentric perspective could reflect a perceptual–sensory–affective construction of BIDs, whereas allocentric measures seem to be more related to a cognitive–affective–attitudinal construction of BIDs. Moreover, the results support the validity of the eLoriCorps-IBRS 1.1-Mobile with promising perspectives of implementation among young populations.
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Riva G, Malighetti C, Serino S. Virtual reality in the treatment of eating disorders. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 28:477-488. [PMID: 34048622 PMCID: PMC8362149 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Over the last 25 years, virtual reality (VR) has offered innovative solutions for targeting different key symptoms of eating disorders: from craving to negative emotions, from attentional biases to body dissatisfaction. The present narrative review assesses the existing literature in these areas trying to identify their different levels of clinical evidence. Specifically, the review presents four clinical approaches based upon VR and their implications in the treatment of eating disorders: VR cue exposure, VR reference frame shifting, VR for correcting body distortions and attentional biases. In general, existing findings demonstrate the clinical value of VR. On one side, the present review suggests that two VR-based techniques-VR exposure and reference frame shifting-have a significant research support and provide a possible advantage over traditional cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. On the other side, two emerging VR applications-multisensory body illusions and the use of VR for the modification of attentional biases-even if supported by preliminary data still need further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuro‐Psychology Lab.Istituto Auxologico ItalianoMilanItaly
- Humane Technology Lab.Università Cattolica del Sacro CuoreMilanItaly
| | - Clelia Malighetti
- Humane Technology Lab.Università Cattolica del Sacro CuoreMilanItaly
| | - Silvia Serino
- Humane Technology Lab.Università Cattolica del Sacro CuoreMilanItaly
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