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Abstract Recent findings suggest that prism adaptation can extend its effects beyond spatial attention, modulating the performance of different cognitive tasks by acting on cerebellar, parietal and temporal-frontal networks. We tested groups of healthy subjects to investigate the effects of rightward vs. leftward prism adaptation vs. neutral lenses exposure in a series of memory tasks, probing either short-term (Digit span, Corsi span) or long-term memory (Supraspan verbal and spatial learning). In the short-term memory tasks, leftward prism adaptation selectively increased verbal span, while rightward prism adaptation increased spatial span. In the long-term memory tasks, leftward prism adaptation selectively increased verbal supraspan, i.e., increased the number of digits in the correct sequence reproduced and reduced the number of repetitions needed to learn the supraspan sequence. On the other hand, rightward prism adaptation selectively increased spatial supraspan, i.e. it increased the number of spatial positions in the correct sequence reproduced and reduced the number of repetitions needed to learn the supraspan sequence. Moreover, rightward, but not leftward, prism adaptation selectively increased supraspan recall after a delay interval, regardless of the stimulus material, i.e., it increased the number of digits or spatial positions recalled after a delay interval. Neutral lenses exposure did not influence any memory task. These findings suggest that prism adaptation can induce both modality/hemispheric-specific and process-specific effects on short-term and long-term explicit memory.

Background: Prismatic adaptation (PA) is a visuomotor technique using prismatic glasses that are capable of moving the visual field and to affect the excitability of certain brain areas. The aim of this pilot study was to explore potential acute effects of PA on penalty kick accuracy and postural control in youth soccer players. Methods: In this randomized crossover study, seven young male soccer players performed three PA sessions (rightward PA, r-PA; leftward PA, l-PA; sham PA, s-PA) with a washout period of 1-week between them. Immediately before and after each PA session, penalty kick accuracy and postural control were assessed. Results: We detected an increase in penalty kick accuracy following PA, regardless of the deviation side of the prismatic glasses (F1,5 = 52.15; p = 0.08; ηp2 = 0.981). In detail, our results showed an increase in the penalty kick accuracy toward the right target of the football goal following r-PA and toward the left target of the football goal following l-PA. We detected a significant effect on the sway path length (F2,12 = 10.42; p = 0.002; ηp2 = 0.635) and the sway average speed (F2,12 = 9.17; p = 0.004; ηp2 = 0.605) parameters in the stabilometric test with open eyes following PA, regardless of the deviation side of the prismatic glasses. In detail, our results showed a significant difference in both the stabilometric parameters (p = 0.016 and p = 0.009, respectively) only following l-PA. Conclusion: The findings of this pilot study indicate that PA could positively affect penalty kick accuracy and postural control suggesting that PA could be used as a visual training technique in athletes.

BackgroundRectovaginal fistulas following an obstetric anal sphincter injury's repair are rare in developed country and their management could be challenging, particularly in cases of delayed repair. This study emphasizes the importance of accurately diagnosing and promptly repairing such fistulas for optimal patient well-being.CaseA 30-year-old patient presented with gas incontinence and a greenish discharge from the vagina, 6 months after delivering her baby. Examination revealed a small pinhole lesion on the posterior vaginal wall, and an endoanal ultrasound confirmed the presence of a rectovaginal fistula. Surgical repair was delayed for 9 months due to the patient's breastfeeding. The fistula was eventually repaired through a transrectal approach, with excision of the fistulous tract and closure of both the rectum and vagina. A laparoscopic protective ileostomy was also performed due to the delayed repair. However, a recurrence of the fistula was detected 8 months later, requiring a second repair. The patient underwent physiotherapy for the anal sphincter and achieved optimal sphincter function. After 6 months, the ileostomy was successfully closed, and the patient remained continent.ConclusionsThis case highlights the importance of early recognition and prompt repair of rectovaginal fistulas following obstetric anal sphincter injury. Delayed repairs pose greater challenges and increase the risk of recurrence. Individualized surgical approaches, skilled pelvic floor repair, and a multidisciplinary approach are crucial for successful outcomes. This case underscores the need for careful planning and consideration of patient characteristics in the management of rectovaginal fistulas, aiming to achieve optimal outcomes and patient well-being.

Abstract Introduction and importance The most common complication of pelvic organ prolapse is stress urinary incontinence, whereas hydronephrosis or stasis ulcers are quite rare and typical of severe stages. The best treatment for this unusual presentation is still controversial. Here we present our approach. Case presentation Here we present the case of a 70-year-old White/Caucasian woman who presented to our hospital with genital procidentia lasting for 10 years that was associated with both hydronephrosis and stasis ulcers. Clinical findings and investigations The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantitation system was used to assess the severity of the prolapse, being evaluated as stage IV with the apical compartment leading. A thorough search of the literature was conducted to find any similar cases and evaluate the best evidence treatment. Interventions and outcomes A no-mesh procedure comprising vaginal hysterectomy, axial apex suspension, and anterior and posterior repair with ulcerated skin removal resulted in complete resolution of both mechanical and functional symptoms. At 3- and 6-month follow-up visits, a satisfying vaginal profile without hydronephrosis was seen. The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantitation at 6 months follow-up was as follows: Aa -3, Ba -3, C -7; gh 2, pb 3, tvt 9; Ap -3, Bp -3. Relevance and impact Pelvic organ prolapse involves many organs and causes further complications, leading seldom to renal insufficiency and stasis ulcers. A temporary solution to the obstruction can be achieved by utilizing a pessary, but this device cannot be applied when a stasis ulcer has been previously established. The use of mesh for pelvic floor repair is controversial, but a previous vaginal ulcer may represent a contraindication. A complete evaluation and a challenging surgery may allow the recovery of complicated and severe pelvic organ prolapse. Native tissue pelvic repair gives no erosion postsurgical risk, which is the typical complication of the prosthesis.

AimThis study aimed to explore the effect of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) of the right and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in people with self-reported dysregulated eating behaviors but without a diagnosis of eating disorders (EDs).MethodsParticipants were randomly divided into two equivalent groups according to the side (right or left) of the hemisphere to be stimulated and they were tested before and after a single iTBS session. Outcome measurements were scores on self-report questionnaires assessing psychological dimensions related to eating behaviors (EDI-3), anxiety (STAI-Y), and tonic electrodermal activity.ResultsThe iTBS interfered with both psychological and neurophysiological measures. Significant variations of physiological arousal after iTBS of both the right and left DLPFC were witnessed by increased mean amplitude of non-specific skin conductance responses. With regard to the psychological measures, the iTBS on the left DLPFC significantly reduced the scores of the EDI-3 subscales drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction. Interestingly, these two scales are two of the three EDI-3 clinic scales (drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, and bulimia) used as specific markers to assess the onset and/or maintenance of eating disorders.ConclusionOur results show that the left DLPFC iTBS has an impact on the psychological dimensions that are risk factors for the onset of eating disorders, suggesting that an altered hemispheric asymmetry similar to that encountered in clinical populations is present in normal subjects even in the absence of clinical symptoms.