Celiac disease and immigration in Northeastern Italy: the “drawn double nostalgia” of “cozonac” and “panettone” slices

Abstract

Many investigators consider children’s drawings to be an important test in the evaluation of stress and anxiety, but few studies have examined the reliability and validity of indicators of emotional distress in children’s projective drawings. In this report, we describe screening tests in children coming to the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in Northeastern Italy from non-European Union regions and suspected to have celiac disease, the problems involved in diagnosis of the disease, and the “drawn double nostalgia” of Romanian children for both Italian food and traditional Romanian foods. Of 3150 Western European cases, we found 712 with positive antibodies for IgA/IgG antitransglutaminase, 174 with a positive antiendomysium antibody confirmation test, and 20 with an IgA deficit. Of the children examined, 93% were children native to Western Europe, 4% were immigrants from Eastern Europe, and 1.6% originated from Africa. Among these, four Romanian children with celiac disease brought in their drawings, as requested in a hospital questionnaire. The prevalence of celiac disease is destined to increase among immigrants. Economic problems are common, and the twin nostalgia of immigrant children for foods and tastes that are “cozonac” (from the native country) and “panettone” (Italian cake flavor) represents a problem that will be difficult to resolve. Only some children’s hospitals in Italy, ie, Burlo Garofolo and Gaslini, public and private foundations, or volunteer associations would be able to deal with this problem.

The utility of nostalgia for unhealthy populations: A systematic review and narrative analysis

“…The research relevant to Theme II was not restricted to addictive behaviour. Three studies (Espinoza‐Ortega, 2021; Parco et al, 2011; Viladrich & Tagliaferro, 2016) focused on the association between nostalgia and unhealthy eating. The content of the nostalgia reported was again anchored in the positive memories associated with the unhealthy behaviour—unhealthy foods.…”

“…We drew all samples from the United States except for Espinoza‐Ortega (2021) who conducted their research with participants residing in Mexico, and Parco et al (2011) who conducted their research with participants residing in Italy.…”

“…Participants engaged in one of the following unhealthy behaviours: Disordered gambling ( k = 5; Kim & Wohl, 2015, Studies 1 and 2; Salmon et al, 2018; Salmon & Wohl, 2020; Wohl et al, 2018, Study 1), excessive drinking ( k = 4; Kim & Wohl, 2015, Study 3; Lasaleta, 2013; Lee et al, 2006; Wohl et al, 2018, Study 2), unhealthy eating ( k = 3; Espinoza‐Ortega, 2021; Parco et al, 2011; Viladrich & Tagliaferro, 2016), smoking ( k = 1; Bottorff et al, 2000) and sedentary behaviour ( k = 1; Sharp et al, 2018).…”

Microbial Proteases in Baked Goods: Modification of Gluten and Effects on Immunogenicity and Product Quality

“…As wheat contains dietary fibre and is fortified with minerals and vitamins, celiac disease patients, especially children, with a gluten-free diet lack such nutrients and are at risk of dietary unbalance. Additionally, they could be psychologically affected due to the drastic dietary changes to gluten-free foodstuffs [ 11 ]. Thus, increasing interest in gluten-free products has resulted in the necessity of developing more options and variety to satisfy these needs.…”

News in Celiac Disease about Differential Diagnosis from Romania

“…Unfortunately, we have same circumstances among Romanian immigrants in northern Italy. The twin nostalgia of immigrant children for foods and tastes from the native country represents a problem that will be difficult to resolve [54]. A balanced caloric GFD, fat and protein to make sure an ideal nutritional status and prevent long-term complications is also necessary [55].…”