Immunohistochemistry to Highlight Intraepithelial Lymphocytes in Formalin-Fixed and Frozen Duodenal Biopsies: Comparability of Results and Cut-Off Revision.

Background And Aim: TcRγδ+ and CD3+ intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) counting is crucial for celiac disease (CD) diagnosis. TcRγδ+ staining by immunohistochemistry (IHC) is usually performed on frozen optimal-cutting-temperature-compound (OCT)-embedded sections that are not routinely stored in most hospitals. We implemented an IHC protocol for TcRγδ+ IELs on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) duodenal sections, and performed it along with CD3 staining to estimate cut-offs useful for CD diagnosis for both markers.

Impact of hospital-related indicators on healthcare-associated infections and appropriateness of antimicrobial use according to a national dataset.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent a major threat in Europe. Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are crucial to lower their occurrence, as well as antimicrobial stewardship to ensure appropriate use of antibiotics. Starting from Italian national data, this study aimed at: (i) describing IPC indicators, prevalence of HAIs, antimicrobial use and appropriateness of antibiotic use in Italy; (ii) estimating effects of IPC variables on HAI prevalence and on the proportion of antibiotics without specific reason.

Forecasting local hospital bed demand for COVID-19 using on-request simulations.

Accurate forecasting of hospital bed demand is crucial during infectious disease epidemics to avoid overwhelming healthcare facilities. To address this, we developed an intuitive online tool for individual hospitals to forecast COVID-19 bed demand. The tool utilizes local data, including incidence, vaccination, and bed occupancy data, at customizable geographical resolutions.

Mpox vaccination willingness, determinants, and communication needs in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, in the context of limited vaccine availability in the Netherlands (Dutch Mpox-survey).

Introduction: In the 2022 multicountry mpox (formerly named monkeypox) outbreak, several countries offered primary preventive vaccination (PPV) to people at higher risk for infection. We study vaccine acceptance and its determinants, to target and tailor public health (communication-) strategies in the context of limited vaccine supply in the Netherlands.

Methods: Online survey in a convenience sample of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, including transgender persons (22/07-05/09/2022, the Netherlands).

High monkeypox vaccine acceptance among male users of smartphone-based online gay-dating apps in Europe, 30 July to 12 August 2022.

We assess monkeypox vaccination acceptance among male adults in the European Region. We conducted an online survey through two dating apps targeting men who have sex with men, from 30 July to 12 August 2022. We developed Bayesian hierarchical logistic regression models to investigate monkeypox vaccination acceptance.

Colonoscope "Looping" During Ileo-Colonoscopy in Children is Significantly Different to that Observed in Adult Practice.

Objectives: Ileo-colonoscopy (IC) can be technically challenging because of unpredictable colonoscope loop formation. Aims of this study were to assess the risk of loop formation and to attempt to understand which factors were likely to predispose to which subtype of loop.

Methods: Prospective study conducted on children referred for an IC at Sheffield Children's Hospital.

The Use of an Adipofascial Flap to Prevent Extensor Tendon Adhesions After Plating of the Proximal Phalanx of the Fingers: A Comparative Study.

Background: Extensor tendon adhesions occurring after proximal phalangeal (P1) fractures are not uncommon. A previous report described the use of an adipofascial flap (AFF) to prevent adhesions after dorsal plating of the P1. The purpose of the study is to examine the results of open reduction and internal fixation with the use of an AFF (F group) and without (N group, that is, no flap used) in a larger group of patients.

Attitude of students of health professions towards a health care workers' mandatory vaccination: a multi-center cross-sectional survey.

Introduction. Seasonal influenza epidemics represent a cost that affects companies in terms of sick leave and lost productivity, therefore vaccination can improve occupational health. The vaccination of Healthcare Workers (HCW) has a dual function because in addition to protecting the workers, it also protects the most fragile patients.

How do Twitter users react to TV broadcasts dedicated to vaccines in Italy?

Background: Social media monitoring during TV broadcasts dedicated to vaccines can provide information on vaccine confidence. We analyzed the sentiment of tweets published in reaction to two TV broadcasts in Italy dedicated to vaccines, one based on scientific evidence [Presadiretta (PD)] and one including anti-vaccine personalities [Virus (VS)].

Methods: Tweets about vaccines published in an 8-day period centred on each of the two TV broadcasts were classified by sentiment.

Point prevalence data on antimicrobial usage in Italian acute-care hospitals: Evaluation and comparison of results from two national surveys (2011-2016).

Objectives And Design: Data from the Italian national point-prevalence survey (PPS) of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) were used to evaluate antimicrobial usage (AMU) in Italy and to identify targets for future interventions.

Methods: The second Italian PPS was conducted in 2016 as part of the European PPS initiated by the ECDC. We compared these results with those of the first national survey, conducted in 2011.

Sub-10-minute High-quality Diagnostic Colonoscopy With Terminal Ileum Intubation in Children Is Feasible and Safe.

Objectives: To critically appraise ileocolonoscopy (IC) practice in a large tertiary center, where IC is exclusively performed by experienced pediatric colonoscopists, particularly focusing on indications for the procedure; bowel preparation efficacy; IC completion rates and timings; diagnostic yield; and complications.

Patients And Methods: We prospectively evaluated all patients referred to our clinic between July 2015 and June 2016. Data on age, height and weight, sex, surgical history, indications for colonoscopy, bowel preparation given, and bowel cleansing efficacy were collected.

Data on cardiac defects, morbidity and mortality in patients affected by RASopathies. CARNET study results.

A comprehensive description of morbidity and mortality in patients affected by mutations in genes encoding for signal transducers of the RAS-MAPK cascade (RASopathies) was performed in our study recently published in the International Journal of Cardiology. Seven European cardiac centres participating to the CArdiac Rasopathy NETwork (CARNET), collaborated in this multicentric, observational, retrospective data analysis and collection. In this study, clinical records of 371 patients with confirmed molecular diagnosis of RASopathy were reviewed.

Investigating paternal preconception risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in a population of internet users.

Background: Paternal preconception risk factors such as smoking, exposure to environmental substances, medication use, overweight and advanced age correlate with the occurrence of malformations and birth defects in the offspring. Nonetheless, the prevalence of risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in the male population has been scarcely investigated and no report on preconception interventions targeting prospective fathers is available. We conducted a web-based survey to measure the prevalence of paternal preconception risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in an Italian population of Internet users.

Can Twitter Be a Source of Information on Allergy? Correlation of Pollen Counts with Tweets Reporting Symptoms of Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis and Names of Antihistamine Drugs.

Pollen forecasts are in use everywhere to inform therapeutic decisions for patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC). We exploited data derived from Twitter in order to identify tweets reporting a combination of symptoms consistent with a case definition of ARC and those reporting the name of an antihistamine drug. In order to increase the sensitivity of the system, we applied an algorithm aimed at automatically identifying jargon expressions related to medical terms.

Web-based surveillance of public information needs for informing preconception interventions.

Background: The risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes can be minimized through the adoption of healthy lifestyles before pregnancy by women of childbearing age. Initiatives for promotion of preconception health may be difficult to implement. Internet can be used to build tailored health interventions through identification of the public's information needs.

Levels of Galectin-3 and Stimulation Expressed Gene 2 in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis: a pilot study.

Endometriosis is a puzzling disorder with obscure pathogenesis. Several studies suggest that peritoneal fluid is a key inflammatory environment in the development and progression of the disease. This study analyzed the levels of two inflammatory factors - Galectin-3 and Stimulation Expressed Gene 2 - in the peritoneal fluid of 15 women affected by endometriosis and 8 controls.

The influence of cigarette smoking on a population of infertile men and women.

Purpose: This study aimed at investigating the effect of cigarette smoking on semen parameters in infertile men and on antral follicle count (AFC) and reproductive hormone levels in infertile women.

Methods: In 648 men (200 smokers and 448 non-smokers) sperm concentration, motility and morphology were compared according to smoking status. In the female population, AFC and basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol were measured in 296 women (102 smokers and 194 non-smokers).