RISULTATI A LUNGO TERMINE SULL'EFFICACIA DEL TRATTAMENTO CON RADIOFREQUENZA DELLA RINOPATIA IPERTROFICA

Clinical and Epidemiologic Features of Viral Gastroenteritis in Hospitalized Children: An 11-Year Surveillance in Palermo (Sicily)

In order to acquire information regarding viral agents and epidemiologic features of severe paediatric Viral Acute Gastroenteritis (VAGE) across multiple seasons in the pre-rotavirus-vaccine era, the epidemiologic characteristics of VAGE were investigated among paediatric patients hospitalized in a major Sicilian paediatric hospital from 2003 to 2013. Overall, 4725 children were observed and 2355 (49.8%) were diagnosed with a viral infection: 1448 (30.6%) were found positive to rotavirus, 645 (13.7%) to norovirus, 216 (4.6%) to adenovirus, and 46 (0.97%) to astrovirus. Viral infections showed different patterns of hospitalization in terms of age at risk (younger for rotavirus and adenovirus…

Ischemic cardiovascular disease in workers occupationally exposed to urban air pollution – A systematic review

Introduction Cardiovascular disease is the first cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Among several known risk factors, researchers also focus their attention on the chronic exposure to air pollution. There is much evidence that exposure to air pollution, especially to ultrafine particles, can damage the endothelium and can favour cardiovascular diseases in the general population. Occupational exposition could be an additive risk factor for the cardiovascular system. This article presents a scientific review of the linkage between occupational exposure to air pollution and ischemic heart disease. Material and methods A scientific review was undertaken, followed by PRISMA Statements. …

TREND DI NOTIFICA DELLE PRINCIPALI TOSSINFEZIONI ALIMENTARI IN CALABRIA E SICILIA PRIMA E DOPO L'ABOLIZIONE DEL LIBRETTO DI IDONEITA' SANITARIA PER ALIMENTARISTI

Analytical Performance Issues

Contaminated hospital surfaces have been demonstrated to be an important environmental reservoir of microorganisms that can increase the risk of nosocomial infection in exposed patients. As a consequence, cleaning and disinfecting hospital environments play an important role among strategies for preventing healthcare-associated colonization and infections. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether adenosine triphosphate (ATP) presence, measured by bioluminescence methods, can predict microbiological contamination of hospital surfaces. The study was carried out between September and December 2012 at the University Hospital "P. Giaccone" of Palermo. A total of 193 randomly selected…

Trends in epidemiology: the role of denominator fluctuation in population based estimates

Background Population estimates are of paramount importance for calculating occurrence and association measures although they can be affected by problems of accuracy and completeness. This study has performed a simulation of the impact of Italian population size variability on incidence rates. Methods Data have been obtained by the Italian National Institute of Statistics. For each year expected cases were calculated at increasing fixed rates (up to 1,000/100,000) and were considered constant in the “following year”, calculating statistical differences (P Results In Italy and in other regions, statistically significant higher RRs were found in 2012 vs. 2011 whereas statistically significant…

Validation and reproducibility of dietary assessment methods in adolescents: a systematic literature review.

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present work was to determine what dietary assessment method can provide a valid and accurate estimate of nutrient intake by comparison with the gold standard.DesignA MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane and related references literature review was conducted on dietary assessment methods for adolescents reporting the validity and/or reproducibility values. A study quality assessment on the retrieved FFQ was carried out according to two different scoring systems, judging respectively the quality of FFQ nutrition information and of FFQ validation and calibration.SettingThe present review considered adolescents attending high schools and recruited in ho…

L'ABOLIZIONE DEL LIBRETTO DI IDONEITA' SANITARIA PER ALIMENTARISTI PUO' AVER INFLUENZATO IL TREND DI NOTIFICA DELLE TOSSINFEZIONI ALIMENTARI? ANALISI DELLE NOTIFICHE DELLE PRINCIPALI TOSSINFEZIONI ALIMENTARI NELLE REGIONI MERIDIONALI ED INSULARI NEL PERIODO 1996-2009

Effetti delle campagne di vaccinazione attiva contro l'influenza tra il personale dell'Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico

Prevalence and distribution of odontogenic cysts in Sicily: 1986-2005.

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of odontogenic cysts (OCs) in Sicily and evaluate their distribution during a 20-year period. A cross-sectional retrospective study was carried out in 1,310 cysts of the jaw diagnosed in 12,197 individuals, who consecutively attended the Odontostomatologic Clinic of Palermo from 1986 to 2005. 1,273 cysts were classified as odontogenic, whereas only 37 were non-odontogenic. In the former group, the most frequent lesions were radicular cysts (84.5%), followed by dentigerous OCs (11.4%). Inflammatory radicular cysts were observed more in male gender, younger age at diagnosis and anterior maxilla as site of presentation. Unlike dentigerou…

Prevalence of Toscana and Sicilian Phlebovirus Antibodies in Classic Kaposi Sarcoma Case Patients and Control Subjects in Sicily

To assess whether arthropod bites promote Kaposi sarcoma (KS), we determined the seroprevalence of Sicilian (SFSV) and Toscana (TOSV) phlebovirus antibodies in 30 patients with classic KS and 100 controls in Sicily. Nine (6.9%) subjects, all controls, were positive for SFSV, whereas 41 (31.5%) were positive for TOSV. Seroprevalence with immunoglobulin (Ig) M or IgG against either virus was significantly higher in controls (43% vs 13.3% in case patients; P < .01). Adjusted for age, IgG seroprevalence was significantly lower in KS patients compared to controls (adjusted odds ratio, 0.22; 95% confidence interval, .07–.72). Low phlebovirus seroprevalence in patients with KS may reflect incapaci…

CONOSCENZE, COMPORTAMENTI ED ATTITUDINI NEI CONFRONTI DELLA VACCINAZIONE ANTINFLUENZALE DEI MEDICI IN FORMAZIONE SPECIFICA IN MEDICINA GENERALE DELLA SICILIA OCCIDENTALE

BODY MASS INDEX (BMI), SOVRAPPESO ED OBESITA' IN UN CAMPIONE RAPPRESENTATIVO DELLA POPOLAZIONE RESIDENTE IN UNA CITTADINA DELLA SICILIA OCCIDENTALE

Screening for Latent Tuberculosis Infection among Students of Healthcare Professions and Postgraduates of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Palermo

Introduction and objective: Italy is a country with a low incidence of tuberculosis and in the last fifty years the annual number of TB cases decreased from 12,247 to 4,418, showing a reduction of approximately 64% in the number of cases and 71% in incidence. Despite of this encouraging trend, in the last years the epidemiology of tuberculosis changed and today it is a re-emerging infectious. The aim of this study is to measure the prevalence of positivity to tuberculosis infection (latent TB) in students, without any obvious manifestation of disease, attending degree courses of the health care professions and postgraduate medical courses of the School of Medicine of the University of Paler…

Outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2): First Evidences From International Scientific Literature and Pending Questions

On 31 December, 2019, a cluster of 27 pneumonia cases of unknown etiology was reported by Chinese health authorities in Wuhan City (China) [...]

IL RISCHIO INFETTIVO NEL RIUNITO ODONTOIATRICO

Hygienic-sanitary quality of ready-to-eat salad vegetables on sale in the city of Palermo (Sicily).

Epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 cases in non-Italian nationals in Sicily: identifying vulnerable groups in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sicily, Italy

As in other parts of the world, undocumented migrants in Italy suffer worse health status due to their immigration enforcement situation and other vulnerabilities such as precarious illegal jobs, exploitation and abuse or barriers to higher education, with higher prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic, as other pandemics, has not affected everyone equally. The undocumented was one of the most affected groups with regard to hospitalization rates and mortality worldwide. Sicily is one of the gates of entrance to Europe for migrants and asylum seekers from Africa and Asia. Herein, we described the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 cases in Sicily to com…

Indagine conoscitiva sul potenziale inquinamento del gruppo idrico del riunito nei reparti della clinica odontoiatrica dell’AOUP “P. Giaccone.

CARATTERISTICHE EPIDEMIOLOGICHE DELLA VITA RIPRODUTTIVA E DEPRIVAZIONE SOCIO-ECONOMICA IN UN CAMPIONE DELLA POPOLAZIONE FEMMINILE ADULTA RESIDENTE IN UNA CITTADINA SICILIANA

ESPOSIZIONE A RESIDUI DI FITOFARMACI IN POPOLAZIONE GENERALE RESIDENTE IN UN COMUNE SICILIANO: DATI PRELIMINARI

Evidence-based practice (EBP)

Influenza vaccination among healthcare workers and absenteeism from work due to influenza-like illness in a teaching hospital in Palermo

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background&lt;/strong&gt;: Annual flu vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) is recommended worldwide as the best way to prevent influenza and to avoid its transmission. However, in several European Countries, vaccination rate among HCWs is still less than 25%. The aim of this study was to determine the HCW vaccination coverage during a three year period in a large University Hospital, identifying socio demographic and occupational variables involved in the decision to accept influenza vaccination. Moreover, for the 2007-2008 season, we also assessed the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in reducing influenza-related absenteeism.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt…

Estimating the burden of hospitalization for pneumococcal pneumonia in a general population aged 50 years or older and implications for vaccination strategies

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of human infectious diseases worldwide. Despite this documented evidence, data on pneumococcal disease rates among general populations are scant because of the frequent lack of cultural identification. In this study we propose a model for estimating the burden of pneumococcal pneumonia on hospitalizations. The study was performed by analyzing administrative and clinical data of patients aged 50 years or older, resident in Sicily, and hospitalized, from 2005 to 2012. Demographic information, admission/discharge dates, discharge status, and up to 6 discharge diagnoses coded according to ICD-9 CM were collected for each hospitalized patient. During the…

Knowledge, risk perception and behaviours in swimming pool users of Palermo city, Sicily

Abstract To assess knowledge, risk perception and behaviours of a sample of swimming pool users in Palermo. A total of 498 subjects were interviewed by self-administered anonymous questionnaire including socio-demographic questions, knowledge/risk perception and behaviours. Overall, 289 subjects (58%) had a mean of 1.9±1.2 healthy behaviours. Age older than 30 years (OR=0.46; 95% CI=0.26–0.81), female sex (OR=0.52; 95% CI=0.35–0.76) and a high knowledge score (OR=0.15; 95% CI=0.03–0.69) were significantly associated with having healthy behaviours in both univariate and multivariate analysis. Unhealthy behaviours can be frequently found in swimming pool bathers and, particularly, in some tar…

CONTROLLO DI Contaminazione microbica AMBIENTALE NEGLI Ambulatori Odontoiatrici DELL'AOUP Paolo Giaccone di Palermo.

Sorveglianza delle ssi nel reparto di cardiochirurgia dell’a.o.u.p. di Palermo -

Factors associated with poor adherence to MMR vaccination in parents who follow vaccination schedule.

Due to median vaccination coverage far from elimination level, Italy is still an European country with high number of measles cases per million of people. In this study we explored potential socioeconomic, medical and demographic factors which could influence the propensity of family members for measles vaccination schedule. A cross-sectional study was performed through a questionnaire administered to the parents of children who received the first dose of MMR vaccine in two different vaccination centers in the Palermo area from November 2012 to May 2013. Overall, the role played by internet (OR 19.8 P = 0.001) and the large number of children in a family (OR 7.3 P ≤ 0.001) were the factors …

Coverage, efficacy or dosing interval: which factor predominantly influences the impact of routine childhood vaccination for the prevention of varicella? A model-based study for Italy

Background Varicella is a highly infectious disease with a significant public health and economic burden, which can be prevented with childhood routine varicella vaccination. Vaccination strategies differ by country. Some factors are known to play an important role (number of doses, coverage, dosing interval, efficacy and catch-up programmes), however, their relative impact on the reduction of varicella in the population remains unclear. This paper aims to help policy makers prioritise the critical factors to achieve the most successful vaccination programme with the available budget. Methods Scenarios assessed the impact of different vaccination strategies on reduction of varicella disease…

Educational Changes in Preventing Infective Risk Due to Occupational Blood-Borne Exposure.

Survey sulle patologie asbesto-correlate osservate in una realtà italiana fortemente associata ad esposizione professionale ad amianto.

Obiettivi La Sicilia tra il 1993 ed il 2004 è stata la quinta regione italiana per numero di mesoteliomi. Inoltre, la Provincia di Palermo presenta il maggior numero di casi incidenti in tutta la Regione nel sesso maschile, ed è storicamente caratterizzata da una forte esposizione lavorativa ad amianto (cantieristica navale e ferroviaria). Partendo da questi presupposti, l’obiettivo principale del seguente lavoro è quello di effettuare un’analisi dei casi di asbestosi, placche pleuriche, carcinoma polmonare e mesotelioma asbesto-correlati osservati a Palermo e provincia nel periodo 2005-2009. Metodi Sono stati presi in esame i casi di patologia asbesto-correlata oggetto di delega di indagin…

Delayed-type hypersensitivity in classic Kaposi sarcoma patients and controls

Background: Immune perturbation likely affects the development of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) among people infected with the KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). We tested whether KSHV-seropositive individuals or cases of classic KS (cKS), which typically originates in the leg, had differing delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) in the forearm or leg. Methods: Mantoux DTH with three antigens (Candida, tetanus, PPD) was performed on the forearm and leg of 15 cKS cases, 14 KSHV-positives without KS, and 15 KSHV-negative controls. The diameters of induration responses were compared by group and body site. Results: Leg DTH was greater than forearm DTH among controls (mean difference 5.6 mm, P=0.0004), where…

Vaccination against the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) among healthcare workers in the major teaching hospital of Sicily (Italy)

The aim of the study was to investigate factors involved in vaccination acceptance among healthcare workers (HCWs) and adverse reactions rates associated with pandemic influenza vaccination. The study was carried out in the major teaching hospital of Sicily from November 2009 to February 2010 on 2267 HCWs. A total of 407 (18%) HCWs were vaccinated against the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1). A logistic regression analysis indicates an increased risk of non-vaccination against pandemic influenza in females (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.3-2.1) compared to males, in nurses/technicians/administrative workers (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.3-2.2) compared to doctors/biologists, and in HCWs who were non-vaccinat…

Colonizzazione pneumococcica in bambini in eta' scolare e possibile trasmissione intrafamiliare: l'esperienza dello studio "BINOCOLO" in Sicilia.

INTRODUZIONE La colonizzazione orofaringea da pneumococco interessa il 90% dei bambini nel primo anno di vita ed i contatti familiari possono giocare un ruolo cruciale nella stessa. Per analizzare i fattori associati alla colonizzazione da pneumococco e alla possibile trasmissione intra-familiare, è stato realizzato il progetto BINOCOLO: "Bambini Insieme ai NOnni COntro LO Pneumococco" su una popolazione studentesca e relativi familiari co- residenti. METODI Per l'arruolamento dei partecipanti allo studio, sono state identificate due scuole primarie del Comune di Palermo. Per ogni soggetto reclutato, un questionario e un tampone orofaringeo sono stati raccolti attraverso un team opportuname…

Safety of Rotavirus Vaccination in Preterm Infants Admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Sicily, Italy: A Multicenter Observational Study

Rotavirus (RV) is among the most common vaccine-preventable diseases in children under five years of age. Despite the severity of rotavirus pathology in early childhood, rotavirus vaccination for children admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), who are often born preterm and with various previous illnesses, is not performed. This multicenter, 3-year project aims to evaluate the safety of RV vaccine administration within the six main neonatal intensive care units of the Sicilian Region to preterm infants. Methods: Monovalent live attenuated anti-RV vaccination (RV1) was administered from April 2018 to December 2019 to preterm infants with gestational age &ge; 28 weeks. Vaccine a…

Immunoglobulin M seropositivity for Toscana virus in a random population sample in Sicily.

Summary Objectives High Toscana virus (TOSV) antibody seropositivity rates have been documented in the last decade, especially in the Mediterranean area. It is unclear if these rates are associated with a recent or past exposure to the virus. This is of importance, as primary infection can cause neurologic complications, especially in adults. The aim of the present study was to assess the current active TOSV circulation in western Sicily. Methods A cross-sectional seroprevalence study was conducted on 271 individuals aged 4–92 years, sampled from the general population of a small city. Each participant completed a self-administered questionnaire and provided serum, which was analyzed for th…

PARAMETRI STRUTTURALI DI SITI SPORTIVI INDOOR E RISCHIO RADON. RISULTATI PRELIMIARI DI UN'INDAGINE NELLE PALESTRE A PALERMO.

Survey on attitudes, behaviours and perceptions of General Practitioner trainees towards influenza vaccination in Western Sicily (Italy)

A survey to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with the risk of foodborne infection in a sample of Sicilian general population

&lt;abstract&gt; &lt;p&gt;Although foodborne infections contracted at home are frequent diseases worldwide, there is a general lack of information. Main purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of a sample of the general Sicilian population about the risk of contracting foodborne diseases. It was carried out through a web-based questionnaire to a Sicilian population sample. The questionnaire collected socio-demographic data, health issues, KAP and self-reported diseases. Scores were calculated for summarizing the results. A total of 373 subjects participated into the study. Overall, 65.15% of the participants were females, 48.26% of all…

Seroprevalence of and risk factors for Leishmania seropositivity in a sample population of Western Sicily (Italy)

Background: Leishmania is a vector-borne parasite responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of and risk factors for Leishmania infantum seropositivity in a sample of Sicilian population.Methods: A total of 260 subjects were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire and requested for an venous blood sample.Results: Overall, 36 subjects (13.8%) were seropositive against L. infantum with a statistically significant higher prevalence of positivity in older subjects (p=0.04). After adjustment for age, a higher risk for Leishmania seropositivity was found in subjects who had pets living outdoors and untreated with anti-p…

EFFETTI DELLE CAMPAGNE DI VACCINAZIONE ATTIVA CONTRO L'INFLUENZA TRA IL PERSONALE DELL'AZIENDA OSPEDALIERA UNIVERSITARIA POLICLINICO DI PALERMO (AOUP)

L’aderenza ai programmi vaccinali per la prima infanzia nella popolazione di origine straniera regolarmente residente. L’esperienza di quattro centri vaccinali nella Città di Palermo.

Could university training and a proactive attitude of coworkers be associated with influenza vaccination compliance? A multicentre survey among Italian medical residents

Background Although influenza vaccination has been demonstrated to be safe and effective, vaccination coverage rates among health care workers and among medical residents appear generally low. Several investigations have been performed worldwide to analyze the healthcare workers’ educational deficiencies. This multicentre survey aimed to investigate at a nationwide level training quality and work environment associated with seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among Italian medical residents. Methods A retrospective cohort study was carried out from April 2012 to June 2012 on medical residents regularly attending the post-graduate medical schools of 18 Italian Universities via an anonymous…

Patologie asbesto-correlate osservate a Palermo e Provincia tra lavoratori esposti ad amianto [Asbestos-related diseases observed in Palermo (Italy) among workers exposed to asbestos]

È stato realizzato uno studio su lavoratori professionalmente esposti ad amianto con l'obiettivo di esaminare i casi di patologia asbesto-correlata nella Provincia di Palermo tra il 2005 e il 2009. I dati sono stati raccolti dalle cartelle cliniche e dai verbali delle deleghe di indagine da parte delle Procure di Palermo e di Termini Imerese al Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza negli Ambienti di Lavoro dell'Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale (ASP 6) di Palermo. La regressione logistica multinomiale evidenzia una associazione significativa tra fumo di tabacco e carcinoma polmonare e tra coloro che hanno cominciato a lavorare precocemente e la presenza di asbestosi e placche pleuriche. La casist…

The Quality of Life among Siblings of Autistic Individuals: A Scoping Review

Autism spectrum disorders are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders presenting at a tender age, defined by qualitative deficits in social interactions and communication, thus having a substantial influence on the subject’s family unit. Quality of life (QoL) refers to a person’s perspective of their life situation, cultural and value background, objectives, expectations, and standards. When focusing on childhood and adolescence, age-related changes should be considered. For this scoping review, the authors used three peer-review literature database sources (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and ERIC) to delve deeper into components of the QoL of non-autistic siblings of autistic indivi…

Neutralizing Antibodies Response against SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern Elicited by Prior Infection or mRNA BNT162b2 Vaccination.

In order to determine the humoral protective response against SARS-CoV-2, the vaccine-induced and naturally induced neutralizing antibodies (NtAbs) responses against SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating in Italy through in vitro live virus neutralization assay were evaluated. A total of 39 SARS-CoV-2 recovered subjects (COVID-19+) and 63 subjects with a two-dose cycle of the BNT16262 vaccine were enrolled. A single serum sample was tested for COVID-19+ at 35–52 days post-positive swab, while vaccinees blood samples were taken at one (V1) and at three months (V3) after administration of the second vaccine dose. Significantly higher NtAb titers were found against B.1 and Alpha in both COVID-19+ an…

Effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines in Adolescents Over 6 Months

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES On June 4, 2021, Italy launched the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination of adolescents to slow down the COVID-19 spread. Although clinical trials have evaluated messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine effectiveness in adolescents, there is limited literature on its real-world effectiveness. Accordingly, this study aimed to estimate the effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and mild or severe COVID-19 in a cohort of Sicilian adolescents within a 6 month observation period. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted with adolescents aged 12 to 18 years, residents o…

REAZIONI AVVERSE CORRELATE ALLA VACCINAZIONE CONTRO L'INFLUENZA PANDEMICA (H1N1) PRESSO L'AZIENDA OSPEDALIERA UNIVERSITARIA "P. GIACCONE" (A.O.U.P.) DI PALERMO

Wastewater-based epidemiology for early warning of SARS-COV-2 circulation: A pilot study conducted in Sicily, Italy

There is increasing evidence of the use of wastewater-based epidemiology to integrate conventional monitoring assessing disease symptoms and signs of viruses in a specific territory. We present the results of SARS-CoV-2 environmental surveillance activity in wastewater samples collected between September 2020 and July 2021 in 9 wastewater treatment plants (WTPs) located in central and western Sicily, serving over 570,000 residents. The presence of SARS-CoV-2, determined in 206 wastewater samples using RT-qPCR assays, was correlated with the notified and geo-referenced cases on the areas served by the WTPs in the same study period. Overall, 51% of wastewater samples were positive. Samples we…

Analytical performance issues: comparison of ATP bioluminescence and aerobic bacterial count for evaluating surface cleanliness in an Italian hospital.

Contaminated hospital surfaces have been demonstrated to be an important environmental reservoir of microorganisms that can increase the risk of nosocomial infection in exposed patients. As a consequence, cleaning and disinfecting hospital environments play an important role among strategies for preventing healthcare-associated colonization and infections. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether adenosine triphosphate (ATP) presence, measured by bioluminescence methods, can predict microbiological contamination of hospital surfaces. The study was carried out between September and December 2012 at the University Hospital “P. Giaccone” of Palermo. A total of 193 randomly selected…

EPIDEMIOLOGIA DELLA LEISHMANIOSI IN SICILIA: STIMA DEL BURDEN DI MALATTIA ATTRAVERSO L’ANALISI DEI FLUSSI SANITARI CORRENTI.

INTRODUZIONE: La Sicilia è notoriamente terra endemica per la leishmaniosi, ma mancano, allo stato attuale, dei sistemi di sorveglianza attiva che permettano di quantificare precisamente il carico di malattia attribuibile a questa patologia protozoaria. Obiettivo del presente lavoro è stato quello di analizzare i flussi sanitari correnti disponibili al fine di stimare l’impatto della leishmaniosi sulla popolazione siciliana residente. MATERIALI E METODI: Lo studio ha analizzato due fonti: a) tutte le notifiche in classe II di leishmaniosi effettuate tra gennaio 2010 e dicembre 2013; b) le schede di dimissione ospedaliera (SDO) riportanti i codici ICD9-CM 085.1, 085.2, 085.3, 085.4, 085.5 ed…

Hospitalisation of children aged 0-59 months with rotavirus gastro-enteritis before the introduction of routine vaccination (Sicily 2003-2012).

Background: Recent evidence demonstrates that rotavirus vaccination is the best strategy for reducing rotavirus gastro-enteritis (RVGE) in young children. Aims: This study describes the epidemiology of RVGE hospitalisation of Sicilian children before universal rotavirus vaccination was introduced into the regional immunisation programme in January 2013. Methods: An observational study was undertaken by analyzing data obtained from the Regional Hospital Discharge database, including hospitalisation from 2003 to 2012 of subjects aged 0-59 months who lived in Sicily. Children discharged with the rotavirus-specific ICD-9-CM code of 008·61 on first or any diagnosis stage were considered to be RV…

Comparative validity of the ASSO - Food Frequency Questionnaire for the web-based assessment of food and nutrients intake in adolescents

Background : A new web-based food frequency questionnaire (the ASSO–FFQ) was developed within the ASSO Project funded by the Italian Ministry of Health. Objective : The aim of the present study is to assess the validity of the ASSO–FFQ at food groups, energy, and nutrients level. Design and subjects : The validation study compared the ASSO–FFQ against a weighted food record (WFR) measuring foods, beverages and supplements intake, compiled during the week following the ASSO–FFQ administration. Ninety-two subjects aged 14–17, recruited from secondary schools in Palermo (Italy), completed the ASSO–FFQ and WFR. The intake of 24 food groups, energy, and 52 nutrients were taken as main outcomes. …

Treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss with transtympanic injection of steroids as single therapy: a randomized clinical study.

The aim of this study was to verify the efficacy and the safety of transtympanic dexamethasone to treat sudden sensorineural hearing loss as first and single drug method. Considering ethical implication of performing a mininvasive procedure on middle ear, we matched such proposed treatment with systemic prednisone administration that represents the widest adopted protocol. Randomized prospective study was conducted. The inclusion criterion was a sudden sensorineural hearing loss of at least 30 dB across three contiguous frequencies over a period of 24 h. Group A received transtympanic steroid injections; Group B received oral administration of steroids. 25 patients were treated with transty…

Sanità pubblica e malattie cronico-degenerative

Varicella vaccination as useful strategy for reducing the risk of varicella-related hospitalizations in both vaccinated and unvaccinated cohorts (Italy, 2003-2018).

The present study summarizes evidences of the impact that varicella vaccination (VV) introduction and coverage can have on varicella attributable hospitalization rates.A retrospective observational study was carried out by considering hospital discharge records and VV coverage at 24 months collected from 2003 to 2018 by the Italian Ministry of Health. All hospitalizations records reporting an ICD-9 CM 052.X code as the principal diagnosis or any of the five secondary diagnoses were considered as related to varicella. The hospitalization rate reduction was evaluated by calculating average annual percent change (AAPC) through joint-point analysis.Hospitalization rates showed a decreasing tren…

Prevalence of influenza vaccination among nurses and ancillary workers in Italy: Systematic review and meta analysis

Italian Ministry of Health recommends vaccination for seasonal influenza to all healthcare workers (HCW), particularly to nurses who have an important interaction with patients. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review in order to estimate the pooled prevalence of influenza vaccinations among nurses and ancillary workers in Italy and analyze the enhancing and hindering factors. Results: The review was performed using 15 articles, 6 containing the prevalence of vaccination for nurses and ancillary workers, while the others qualitative analysis. In all the selected articles the score calculation has been performed by using a protocol for observational studies. The nurses and an…

Valutazione metodologica della contaminazione microbica dell’aria in sala operatoria: campionamento attivo e campionamento passivo

OBIETTIVI: Valutazione della qualità microbiologica dell’aria nelle sale operatorie dell’A.O.U.P. “P. Giaccone” di Palermo mediante metodi di campionamento attivo e passivo. MATERIALI: Nel secondo semestre del 2009 sono stati effettuati campionamenti di aria in 20 sale operatorie (10 a flusso laminare e 10 a flusso turbolento) sia in condizioni di attività sia in condizioni di riposo. I punti di prelievo per il campionamento attivo sono stati: 1) il centro stanza 2) il VCCC; per il campionamento passivo 1) centro stanza 2) fondo stanza. Sono stati monitorati i seguenti parametri: carica batterica totale (CBT), carica micetica totale (CMT), Staphilococcus aureus ed Indice Microbico Aria (IMA…

Effetti pleiotropici della terapia orale con Acido AlfaLipoico nel diabete tipo 2: valutazioni da una casistica ambulatoriale

Differences and Similarities between Allergic and Nonallergic Rhinitis in a Large Sample of Adult Patients with Rhinitis Symptoms

&lt;i&gt;Background:&lt;/i&gt; Allergic rhinitis (AR) and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) may present with different clinical and laboratory characteristics. &lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt; A total of 1,511 consecutive patients, aged 18–81 years, diagnosed with rhinitis, 56% females and 44% males, underwent complete allergic evaluation including skin prick test, blood eosinophil counts, nasal eosinophil counts, peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) measurement and evaluation of nasal symptoms using a visual analog scale (VAS). &lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt; A total of 1,107 patients (73%)had AR, whereas 404 (27%) had NAR. Patients with NAR were older and predominantly female. A higher nasal eosinophils co…

Studio multicentrico su attitudini, pratiche e conoscenze dei Medici in Formazione Specialistica relativamente alla vaccinazione antinfluenzale.

Analisi della scarsa attitudine alla vaccinazione antinfluenzale dei medici italiani del futuro: risultati di uno studio multicentrico condotto in 18 Università Italiane.

Introduzione: Nel corso della stagione influenzale, gli Operatori Sanitari (OS) rappresentano una delle categorie lavorative maggiormente investite dalla responsabilità di limitare la diffusione della patologia influenzale tra i pazienti ospedalizzati e contemporaneamente di proteggere se stessi garantendo la continuità dell'assistenza sanitaria nei periodi di maggiore assenteismo lavorativo e sovraccarico delle attività assistenziali (picco influenzale stagionale). La vaccinazione antinfluenzale, ormai riconosciuta sicura ed efficace, rappresenta ancora oggi una argomento di dibattito tra gli OS, nonostante le raccomandazioni dei Center for Disease Control and Prevention Statunitense ed Eu…

Healthcare-associated infections over an eight year period in a large university hospital in Sicily (Italy, 2011–2018)

Background: Up to 7% of hospitalised patients acquire at least one healthcare-associated infection (HAI). The aim of the present study was to quantify the burden of HAIs in an Italian hospital, identifying involved risk factors. Methods: Prevalence point study carried out from 2011 to 2018. For each recruited patient, a data entry form was compiled including information on demographics, hospital admission, risk factors, antimicrobial treatment, and infection if present. Results: A total of 2844 patients were included and 218 (7.03%) reported an infection. HAI prevalence rates showed a significant increase (average annual per cent change (AAPC) +33.9%; p=0.018) from 2011 to 2014 whereas from…

Livelli biologici di inquinanti organici persistenti in un campione di popolazione generale di Calatafimi-Segesta (TP): risultati preliminari dello studio EPHICS

Can influenza vaccination coverage among healthcare workers influence the risk of nosocomial influenza-like illness in hospitalized patients?

Background Approximately 20% of healthcare workers are infected with influenza each year, causing nosocomial outbreaks and staff shortages. Despite influenza vaccination of healthcare workers representing the most effective preventive strategy, coverage remains low. Aim To analyse the risk of nosocomial influenza-like illness (NILI) among patients admitted to an acute care hospital in relation to influenza vaccination coverage among healthcare workers. Methods Data collected over seven consecutive influenza seasons (2005–2012) in an Italian acute care hospital were analysed retrospectively. Three different sources of data were used: hospital discharge records; influenza vaccination coverage…

Impact on rotavirus gastro-enteritis hospitalisation during the first year of universal vaccination in Sicily

Rotavirus (RV) vaccines represents the best strategy for reducing rotavirus gastro-enteritis (RVGE) among children and the introduction of RV vaccination in immunization programmes is strongly recommended by international health authorities.1,2

Occurrence of a case of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and B co-infection during the epidemic season 2012–2013

Abstract We report the detection of one case of co-infection with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and B, occurred during the 2012–2013 influenza season in Sicily. The dual infection was identified in a 18-year-old boy, who was not covered by specific vaccination and who had no other pre-existing risk factors. He presented classical symptoms of influenza-like illness developing no respiratory complications. A(H1N1)pdm09 viral concentration was initially about 10-fold higher than B virus, whereas its clearance was more rapidly achieved than in the case of B virus infection. Although influenza co-infection appears to be a rare event, a continued influenza surveillance activity is recommended, in order …

Il Sistema di emergenza-urgenza sanitaria in Italia

Schools opening and Covid-19 diffusion: Evidence from geolocalized microdata

Are schools triggering the diffusion of the Covid-19? This question is at the core of an extensive debate about the social and long-run costs of stopping the economic activity and human capital accumulation from reducing the contagion. In principle, many confounding factors, such as climate, health system treatment, and other forms of restrictions, may impede disentangling the link between schooling and Covid-19 cases when focusing on a country or regional-level data. This work sheds light on the potential impact of school opening on the upsurge of contagion by combining a weekly panel of geocoded Covid-19 cases in Sicilian census areas with a unique set of school data. The identification o…

Use of ATP bioluminescence for assessing the cleanliness of hospital surfaces: A review of the published literature (1990–2012)

Summary: Hospital cleanliness tends to be considered by patients and the public as an important indicator of the general quality of healthcare. Tests for detecting the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as a proxy of microbial contamination are increasing in popularity, and several studies have been conducted on this topic in the last few decades. The aim of the present study was to review the published literature on this topic and summarize and discuss the available results. The review focused on relevant English-language articles that were identified through searches of two databases [PubMed and Scopus (1990–2012)] by using the keywords “ATP”, “bioluminescence”, “hospital”, and “sur…

Antibodies Responses to SARS-CoV-2 in a Large Cohort of Vaccinated Subjects and Seropositive Patients

COVID-19 is a current global threat, and the characterization of antibody response is vitally important to update vaccine development and strategies. In this study we assessed SARS-CoV-2 antibody concentrations in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients (N = 272) and subjects vaccinated with the BNT162b2 m-RNA COVID-19 vaccine (N = 1256). For each participant, socio-demographic data, COVID-19 vaccination records, serological analyses, and SARS-CoV-2 infection status were collected. IgG antibodies against S1/S2 antigens of SARS-CoV-2 were detected. Almost all vaccinated subjects (99.8%) showed a seropositivity to anti-SARS-COV-2 IgG and more than 80% of vaccinated subjects had IgG concentrations &gt

Il metodo colturale tradizionale e la bioluminiscenza per la valutazione della sanificazione delle superfici. Correlazione tra i risultati di un'indagine condotta nelle degenze dell'AOUP "P. Giaccone" di Palermo.

VALUTAZIONE DELL'ESPOSIZIONE A FITOFARMACI IN POPOLAZIONE GENERALE DI UN COMUNE SICILIANO: DATI PRELIMINARI

Analisi dei dati di notifica delle malattie trasmesse con gli alimenti (MTA), in Italia dal 1996 al 2009, in relazione all’abolizione del libretto di idoneità sanitaria per l’alimentarista (LISA).

Introduzione La procedura della certificazione del LISA prevista da una legge del lontano 1962, è stata messa in discussione, quale strumento efficace e costo-efficace di prevenzione primaria, fin dalla fine degli anni ’80. La sua abolizione ha modificato il programma di Sanità pubblica in cui era inserito, facendo maggiore spazio a strumenti di autocontrollo, formazione sanitaria e responsabilizzazione del personale della filiera alimentare. Lo scopo del presente lavoro è di effettuare, per tutto il territorio italiano, un confronto fra i dati delle notifiche delle principali MTA relativi al periodo antecedente con quelli del periodo successivo all’abolizione del LISA. Materiali e Metodi I…

La Promozione della Salute nelle scuole: misure antropometriche in un campione di una popolazione scolastica di un Comune Siciliano.

POSSIBILI FONTI DI ESPOSIZIONE A FITOFARMACI IN UN CAMPIONE RAPPRESENTATIVO DI POPOLAZIONE NELLA SICILIA OCCIDENTALE

School-age vaccination, school openings and Covid-19 diffusion

This article investigates the relationship between school openings and Covid-19 diffusion when school-age vaccination becomes available. The analysis relies on a unique geo-referenced high frequency database on age of vaccination, Covid-19 cases and hospitalization indicators from the Italian region of Sicily. The study focuses on the change of Covid-19 diffusion after school opening in a homogeneous geographical territory (i.e., with the same control measures and surveillance systems, centrally coordinated by the Regional Government). The identification of causal effects derives from a comparison of the change in cases before and after school opening in the school year 2020/21, when vaccin…

Sorveglianza attiva per le I.O. presso l’U.T.I. dell’Azienda Ospedaliera di Sciacca, risultati preliminari

Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and enteric protozoa among homosexual men in western Sicily (south Italy)

Introduction. In recent years an increase in the number of sexu- ally transmitted infections (STIs) in men who have sex with men (MSM) has been reported in different industrialised countries. Because few epidemiological data on the STIs/MSM population in Sicily are available, a survey was conducted to assess the preva- lence of STIs/enteric protozoa and risky sexual behaviours among MSM in western Sicily. Methods. In 2010, 74 MSM with median age of 30 years old, were recruited via networks. All participants to the study were interviewed by anonymous self-administered questionnaire in order to collect social/demographic information, clinic data and STI-related risky sexual behaviours. After …

Serum concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the inhabitants of a Sicilian city.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides are common environmental contaminants that have been associated with human health problems. OBJECTIVES: To assess serum concentrations of several organochlorine contaminants in general population living in a city with an ancient agricultural tradition and to identify possible exposure sources in Sicily. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 101 individuals. Each participant answered a face-to-face questionnaire submitted by well-trained personnel and provided a serum sample which was analyzed for the concentrations of PCBs, HCB, HCHs and DDTs by using gas-chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. RESULTS: HCB, p…

Differing kinetics of anti-spike protein IgGs and neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 after Comirnaty (BNT162b2) immunization

Abstract Aims Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has had a serious worldwide impact on human health. On December 2020, an immunization campaign with a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (Comirnaty-BNT162b2 Pfizer-BioNTech) was started in Italy, first targeting healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aims to investigate the antibodies that are response against SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Methods and Results The kinetics and the persistence of both anti-S1/S2 IgGs and neutralizing antibodies (Nt-Abs) were investigated in 76 HCWs through a 4-month follow-up with multiple testing points starting at the first dose. Temporal analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Abs titre kinetics showed three diff…

SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load, IFNλ Polymorphisms and the Course of COVID-19: An Observational Study

The course of SARS-CoV-2 infection ranges from asymptomatic to a multiorgan disease. In this observational study, we investigated SARS-CoV-2 infected subjects with defined outcomes, evaluating the relationship between viral load and single nucleotide polymorphisms of genes codifying for IFN&lambda

La vaccinazione anti-rotavirus: nuova sfida per la promozione della salute

ATTITUDINI E CONOSCENZE SULLA VACCINAZIONE ANTINFLUENZALE TRA I MEDICI IN FORMAZIONE SPECIALISTICA PRESSO L'UNIVERSITA' DEGLI STUDI DI PALERMO

Ricerca di residui di prodotti fitosanitari in campioni biologici umani, impatto sulla salute e prospettive diagnostiche.

Clinical Care Conditions and Needs of Palliative Care Patients from Five Italian Regions: Preliminary Data of the DEMETRA Project

In order to plan the right palliative care for patients and their families, it is essential to have detailed information about patients&rsquo

Human papilloma virus infection and vaccination: Pre-post intervention analysis on knowledge, attitudes and willingness to vaccinate among preadolescents attending secondary schools of palermo, sicily

In recent years, vaccination coverage rates against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in Europe have shown a decreasing trend and remain below the required standard. The present study aims to assess knowledge and attitudes regarding HPV infection and vaccination among a representative sample of preadolescents of Palermo, Italy. A survey was carried out throughout two questionnaires, before and after carrying out an educational intervention scheduled during school hours. A total of 1702 students attending first-grade secondary schools of the province of Palermo were enrolled (response rate 68.9%). Students attending third classes (adj OR = 1.18

Indagine conoscitiva sui requisiti organizzativi-strutturali dei complessi operatori svolta presso l'AOUP "Paolo Giaccone" di Palermo

Long-Term Efficacy of Radiofrequency Treatment of Turbinate Hypertrophy: A Patient Based Point of View

Nasal turbinate hypertrophy is a major cause of nasal airway obstruction that affects up to 20% of the European general population. This study aims to determine the efficacy of radiofrequency treatment as perceived by patients during a 2-years period. From 2007 to 2009, an observational study was conducted on 36 patients who consecutively underwent temperature-controlled radiofrequency tissue volume reduction. A questionnaire was administered to each patient in order to collect demographic data, lifestyle habits, health status and visual analogue scale (VAS) score of perceived symptoms. Mean VAS scores of nasal obstruction, headache, rhinorrhoea and anosmia after treatment were significantl…

Pneumococcal Colonization in the Familial Context and Implications for Anti-Pneumococcal Immunization in Adults: Results from the BINOCOLO Project in Sicily

The spread of Streptococcus pneumoniae within families has been scarcely investigated so far. This feasibility study aimed to estimate the prevalence of pneumococcal carriage in school-aged children and co-habiting relatives and to explore the potential link between the family environment and the sharing of pneumococcal serotypes covered by the vaccine. Oropharyngeal samples of 146 subjects belonging to 36 different family groups were molecularly tested for pneumococcal detection and serotyping. The overall prevalence of pneumococcal carriage was 65.8% (n = 96/146), whereas it was higher among schoolchildren (77.8%, n = 28/36); subjects of seven years of age had the highest odds of being co…

Assessing the Costs of Home Palliative Care in Italy: Results for a Demetra Multicentre Study

Background: The sustainability of palliative care services is nowadays crucial inasmuch as resources for palliative care are internationally scarce, the funding environment is competitive, and the potential population is growing. Methods: The DEMETRA study is a multicentre prospective observational study, describing the intensity of care and the related costs of palliative home care pathways. Results: 475 patients were enrolled as recipients of specialized palliative home care. The majority of recipients were cancer patients (89.4%). The mean duration of palliative care pathways was 46.6 days and mean home care intensity coefficient equal to 0.6. The average daily cost of the model with the…

Knowledge, attitudes and risk of HIV, HBV and HCV infections in hairdressers of Palermo city (South Italy)

Background: The hairdressing trade may potentially expose its practitioners and their customers to blood-borne infections. Methods: Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards occupational risk of HIV, HBV and HCV infections were evaluated in a cross-sectional survey, conducted during spring 2008, in 105 out of 112 randomly selected hairdressers of Palermo. Participants were queried by answering to an anonymous questionnaire. Results: Most of hairdressers (93.3%) knew that HIV and hepatitis are transmitted through parenteral route and could also be transmitted by razors. The availability of gloves was inadequate, up to 30% of the participants never used them and up to 50% usually reused the…

Residui di prodotti fitosanitari in campioni biologici umani ed impatto sulla salute.

Efficacia della sorveglianza microbiologica e di un intervento tempestivo in una unita’ di terapia intensiva dell’A.O.U.P. di Palermo -

Adverse Reactions to Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine: A Prospective Cohort Study Based on an Active Surveillance System

To date, Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused high morbidity and mortality worldwide. To counteract the pandemic scenario, several vaccines against the etiological factor of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were developed and tested. At the end of December 2020, BNT162b2 (Comirnaty, Pfizer-BioNTech) was the first and only authorized vaccine in Italy for selected categories, such as healthcare workers, fragile patients and people aged over 80 years old. To master our knowledge about BNT162b2 adverse reactions (ARs), an active surveillance system based on instant messaging was realized for voluntary participants who had been vaccinated at COVID-19 Vaccination …

The "aRIANNA" Project: An Observational Study on a Model of Early Identification of Patients with Palliative Care Needs through the Integration between Primary Care and Italian Home Palliative Care Units

Objective: The aim of this study was to illustrate the characteristics of patients with palliative care (PC) needs, early identified by general practitioners (GPS), and to analyze their care process in home PC services. Background: Early identification and service integration are key components to providing quality palliative care (PC) services ensuring the best possible service for patients and their families. However, in Italy, PC is often provided only in the last phase of life and for oncological patients, with a fragmented service. Methods: Multicenter prospective observational study, lasting in total 18 months, implemented in a sample of Italian Home Palliative Care Units (HPCUs), enr…

Impact of universal vaccination against varicella in Italy: Experiences from eight Italian Regions.

In Italy, the introduction of Universal Varicella Vaccination (UVV) has been decided but postponed, as a national programme, until 2015, when data from Regions which have already implemented it will be available. Starting from 2003, eight Italian Regions (Basilicata, Calabria, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Apulia, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany and Veneto) have progressively introduced UVV, in their immunization programme, with different schedules in children aged 13-15 months and 5-6 years, currently a two-dose schedule is adopted by all Regions. In June 2013, an Interregional Group on Varicella Vaccination (IGVV) has been established in order to assess the effectiveness of varicella vaccination with …

La vaccinazione antinfluenzale come Strumento di Sanità pubblica e di prevenzione. Esperienza dell'Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico (AOUP) "P. Giaccone "di Palermo. Analii

L’ESPERIENZA DELLA SICILIA QUALE REGIONE CAPOFILA NELLA INTRODUZIONE DELLA VACCINAZIONE UNIVERSALE CONTRO I ROTAVIRUS

La gastroenterite da rotavirus (GARV) rappresenta uno dei principali bisogni assistenziali durante l’età pediatrica. Purtroppo, in Italia, in assenza di notifica obbligatoria e di specifici sistemi di sorveglianza, le uniche valutazioni epidemiologiche disponibili sulle GARV sono rese possibili dall’analisi delle ospedalizzazioni. Il presente lavoro ha avuto l’obiettivo di valutare le ospedalizzazioni per GARV e per intussuscezione, avvenute in Sicilia in soggetti di età compresa tra 0 e 60 mesi, negli anni 2003-2012 (periodo prevaccinale) e 2013 (anno di introduzione della vaccinazione antirotavirus). Nel periodo in esame si sono osservate 9.886 ospedalizzazioni per GARV con una media annu…

Coverage or Efficacy: Which Factor is the Most Influential for Reducing Varicella with Routine Childhood Vaccination in Italy?

Diagnosis of Influenza: Only a Problem of Coding?

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Objective:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; To evaluate the characteristics of hospital discharge diagnoses of influenza measured by using specific International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9 CM) codes. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Subjects and Methods:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The study was conducted for the 3 years 2007, 2008 and 2011. The database included (1) administrative and clinical data on Sicilian patients admitted to acute care hospitals and (2) data from the influenza virological surveillance of 10 European countries (FluNet database). All Sicilian patients diagnosed with at least 1 ICD-9 CM code for influenza (487.0, 487.1 and 487.9) were considere…

Valutazione dell’adeguatezza dei comportamenti del personale nei complessi operatori dell’AOUP “P. Giaccone” di Palermo

Valutazione della qualità igienica del gruppo idrico nei riuniti della clinica odontoiatrica del Policlinico Universitario di Palermo

Evaluation of the Burden of HPV-Related Hospitalizations as a Useful Tool to Increase Awareness: 2007–2017 Data from the Sicilian Hospital Discharge Records

In light of the implementation of human papillomavirus (HPV) prevention strategies, epidemiological studies in different geographical areas are required in order to assess the impact of HPV-related diseases. The purpose of the present study was to describe the burden of HPV-related hospitalizations in Sicily. A retrospective observational study estimated 43,531 hospitalizations attributable to HPV from 2007 to 2017. During the observed period, there was a decrease for all HPV-related conditions with a higher reduction, among neoplasms, for cervical cancer (annual percent change (APC) = &minus

Decline in hospitalization rates for herpes zoster in Italy (2003-2018): reduction in the burden of disease or changing of hospitalization criteria?

Background: Herpes Zoster (HZ) is a very demanding disease caused by the reactivation of latent Varicella Zoster Virus. The main aim of this study was to estimate the burden of the HZ hospitalizations in Italy from 2003 to 2018 evaluating temporal trends. Methods: Retrospective population-based study analyzing Hospital Discharge Records. Hospitalization records reporting the ICD-9 CM 053.X code in the principal diagnosis or in any of the five secondary diagnoses were considered as cases. Trends of hospitalization rates have been evaluated by Joinpoint analyses. Results: Overall, 99,036 patients were hospitalized with HZ in the 16-year period of the study, and 83,720 (84.5%) of these patient…

Presence of Giardia in ready-to-eat vegetable salads on sale in the city of Palermo (Sicily, Southern Italy).

Sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men living in Western Sicily (south Italy)

First detection of SARS-CoV-2 A.23.1 sub-lineage in migrants arriving to Italy via the Mediterranean Sea and public health implications

A meta-analysis of the validity of FFQ targeted to adolescents.

AbstractObjectiveThe present work is aimed at meta-analysing validity studies of FFQ for adolescents, to investigate their overall accuracy and variables that can affect it negatively.DesignA meta-analysis of sixteen original articles was performed within the ASSO Project (Adolescents and Surveillance System in the Obesity prevention).SettingThe articles assessed the validity of FFQ for adolescents, compared with food records or 24 h recalls, with regard to energy and nutrient intakes.SubjectsPearson’s or Spearman’s correlation coefficients, means/standard deviations, kappa agreement, percentiles and mean differences/limits of agreement (Bland–Altman method) were extracted. Pooled estimates…

Epidemiologia e prevenzione primaria e secondaria delle malattie infettive

Hospital, local palliative care network and public health: how do they involve terminally ill patients?

Background: Over one quarter of the health care expenditures is estimated to be spent for patients in the last year of life (LYL). For these patients, palliative care (PC) has been suggested as a response for improving the standards of care and reducing health costs. The aim of this study was to analyze a cohort of LYL people, in terms of comparing hospitalised patients who had been referred for PC to patients receiving usual care (UC). Methods: Retrospective study carried out on patients resident in Lecco (Italy) who died between 2012 and 2013. Records of patients were obtained from the Death certificate registry and cross-linked with Regional Healthcare Information System, Hospital Discha…

Valutazione della didattica nel corso di laurea "Tecniche della prevenzione nell'ambiente e nei luoghi di lavoro"

Immunization against Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) in a Cohort of Nursing Students Two Decades after Vaccination: Surprising Feedback

Health-care students can be exposed to biological risks during university training. The persistence of long-term immunogenicity against hepatitis B virus (HBV) was analyzed in a cohort of nursing students two decades after primary vaccination. A total of 520 students were enrolled at the University of Palermo and were evaluated for levels of anti-HBsAg antibodies. The students were examined during the first year of their Degree Course and were checked two years later. All students with anti-HBsAg &lt

Influenza vaccination coverage among medical residents: An Italian multicenter survey

Although influenza vaccination is recognized to be safe and effective, recent studies have confirmed that immunization coverage among health care workers remain generally low, especially among medical residents (MRs). Aim of the present multicenter study was to investigate attitudes and determinants associated with acceptance of influenza vaccination among Italian MRs. A survey was performed in 2012 on MRs attending post-graduate schools of 18 Italian Universities. Each participant was interviewed via an anonymous, self-administered, web-based questionnaire including questions on attitudes regarding influenza vaccination. A total of 2506 MRs were recruited in the survey and 299 (11.9%) of t…

La vaccinazione antinfluenzale come Strumento di Sanità pubblica e di prevenzione. Esperienza dell'Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico (AOUP) "P. Giaccone "di Palermo. Analisi e confronto della copertura da vaccino negli anni 2005-2009.

Introduzione Le Linee guida per la prevenzione e controllo dell'influenza, emanano Ogni anno dal Ministero della Salute, raccomandano la vaccinazione per tutti Coloro Che svolgono Funzioni lavorative di primario interesse collettivo. Il personale sanitario rappresenta, un tal Riguardo, un obiettivo strategico della campagna da vaccino antinfluenzale SIA per la possibile trasmissione dell'influenza aviaria Pazienti SIA Perchè l'eventuale assenteismo Potrebbe inficiare la qualità e la Capacità dell'Assistenza erogata. La trasmissione dell'influenza ad un Paziente è sicuramente un importante Rischio nosocomiale in Quanto l'Infezione virale PUÒ portare ad un aggravamento dello stato di salute d…

Evaluation of varicella vaccine effectiveness as public health tool for increasing scientific evidence and improving vaccination programs

Brazil; Chickenpox Vaccine; Humans; Immunization Programs; Public Health; Vaccination; Chickenpox; Viral Vaccines.

Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in plastic surgery: A prospective study of 1100 adult patients.

Summary Background Although guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs) exist, specific guidelines for plastic surgery are missing and there is a tendency towards excessive administration of antibiotics. A total of 1100 patients were prospectively studied according to an evidence-based protocol to investigate if limiting antibiotic prophylaxis to high-risk cases does increase the infection rate. Methods Between April 2009 and April 2010, 1100 consecutive patients undergoing elective reconstructive or cosmetic procedures were enrolled. Procedures were classified into four groups, and prophylactic antibiotics were only administered perioperatively in 23.4%…

MALATTIE A TRASMISSIONE ALIMENTARE (MTA) E RISCHIO LEGATO AL CONSUMO DI PRODOTTI IN POLVERE PER L'INFANZIA (PIF). PERCEZIONI, ATTITUDINI E CONOSCENZE IN UN CAMPIONE DI PEDIATRI DI LIBERA SCELTA (PLS) DI PALERMO.

Does thyroid surgery for Graves' disease improve health-related quality of life?

Abstract PURPOSE: Graves' disease can induce alterations of the psychosocial well-being that negatively influence the overall well-being of patients. Among the current treatments, surgery has limited indications, and its impact on the health-related quality of life has not been well clarified. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of surgery on the quality of life. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for Graves' disease in our surgical unit between April 2002 and December 2009 were administered a questionnaire concerning four issues: organic alterations and clinical manifestations, neurovegetative system disturbances, impairment of daily activities, psyc…

Clinical Severity in Different Waves of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Sicily: A Model of Smith’s “Law of Declining Virulence” from Real-World Data

Background: The COVID-19 epidemic had a rapid spread worldwide with a continuous and fast mutation of the virus, resulting in the emergence of several variants of concern (VOC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the severity of each VOC among SARS-CoV-2 infected subjects by investigating deaths, ICU admissions, intubations, and severe critical symptoms. Methods: An ecological observational study was performed to evaluate mortality rates and clinical characteristics of 321,490 unvaccinated Sicilian SARS-CoV-2 cases observed from 2 March 2020 to 27 March 2022. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by multivariate logistic regression analysis evaluating factors…

Sorveglianza delle Infezioni Nosocomiali in una Unità di Cardiochirurgia di Palermo.

Burden and viral aetiology of influenza-like illness and acute respiratory infection in intensive care units

The purpose of this investigation was to study the viral aetiology of influenza-like illness (ILI) and acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) among patients requiring intensive care unit admission. A cross-sectional retrospective study was carried out in Sicily over a 4-year period. A total of 233 respiratory samples of patients with ILI/ARTI admitted to intensive care units were molecularly analyzed for the detection of a comprehensive panel of aetiologic agents of viral respiratory infections. About 45% of patients was positive for at least one pathogen. Single aetiology occurred in 75.2% of infected patients, while polymicrobial infection was found in 24.8% of positive subjects. Influe…

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization in a level III neonatal intensive care unit: Incidence and risk factors

Objective: To describe epidemiologic features and identify risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) acquisition in a level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Setting: A prospective, cohort study in a university-affiliated NICU with an infection control program including weekly nasal cultures of all neonates. Methods: Demographic, clinical, and microbiologic data were prospectively collected between June 2009 and June 2013. Molecular characterization of MRSA isolates was done by multilocus variable number tandem repeat fingerprinting, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec typing, and on representative isolates by multilocus sequence typing and s. pa typing. …

Respiratory Syncytial Virus: New Challenges for Molecular Epidemiology Surveillance and Vaccination Strategy in Patients with ILI/SARI.

Several respiratory pathogens are responsible for influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe respiratory infections (SARI), among which human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) represents one of the most common aetiologies. We analysed the hRSV prevalence among subjects with ILI or SARI during the five influenza seasons before the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Sicily (Italy). Respiratory specimens from ILI outpatients and SARI inpatients were collected in the framework of the Italian Network for the Influenza Surveillance and molecularly tested for hRSV-A and hRSV-B. Overall, 8.1% of patients resulted positive for hRSV. Prevalence peaked in the age-groups &lt

Emergency department performances during overcrowding: the experience of the health protection agency of Brianza.

Background: Hospital emergency departments (ED) can contribute to improve health outcomes and reduce costs of health care system. This study evaluated ED admissions during a twelve months period, analyzing characteristics of patients who underwent to emergency care in order to understand factors involved in ED overcrowding and promote adequate management. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed a twelve months window, with in-depth focus on December/January when almost all EDs reported overcrowding. All ED admissions were recorded in electronic schedules including: demographic characteristics, time/date of the access, incoming triage code, diagnosis, performed procedures, discharge, time…

Factors Affecting Hesitancy to mRNA and Viral Vector COVID-19 Vaccines among College Students in Italy

Vaccine hesitancy (VH) may be significant in jeopardizing efforts to mass containment of COVID-19. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on a sample of 2667 Italian college students, before the COVID-19 vaccines became available for this age group (from 7 May to 31 May 2021). An online survey was created to obtain information about socio-demographic, health-related, and psychological factors linked to mRNA and viral vector COVID-19 vaccines. Statistically significant higher VH (30.4%) and vaccine resistance (12.2%) rates were found for viral vector than mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (7.2% and 1.0%, respectively; p &lt; 0.001). Factors related to viral vector VH were partially different from tho…

LA VACCINAZIONE ANTINFLUENZALE COME STRUMENTO PER LA RIDUZIONE DELL'ASSENTEISMO DEL PERSONALE. ESPERIENZA DELL'AZIENDA OSPEDALIERO UNIVERSITARIA POLICLINICO (AOUP) "P. GIACCONE" DI PALERMO.

Use of ICT to support epidemiological surveillance on a community of university students during SARS-CoV-2 phase 3 pandemic

Populations documenting to date low incidence rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection are immunologically susceptible and at high exposure risk of new COVID-19 outbreaks during phase 3 of the pandemic. Following the experience documented by other countries with regard to the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to counteract the current pandemic, Italy has implemented a contact tracing system based on a mobile application. In this work, we describe the proposal of a complementary ICT-based prototypal model of COVID-19 prevention and surveillance system, involving the university students as sentinels acting both in the academic community and the general population.

Analysis of hospitalizations due to intussusception in Sicily in the pre-rotavirus vaccination era (2003–2012)

Background: Intussusception is the most common cause of bowel obstruction in infants with an incidence ranging from 9-328 cases per 100,000 infants aged 0-11 months. Causes underlining this clinical manifestation are still unknown. Possible relationship with a withdrawn tetravalent rotavirus vaccine was not confirmed by post-licensure studies and actually no increased risk of intussusception was found between infants vaccinated with both the recently licensed rotavirus vaccines. Aim of this study is to analyze the intussusception hospitalizations in Sicily from 2003 to 2012 before the introduction of rotavirus universal vaccination and its possible relation with rotavirus gastroenteritis tr…

Impact of Palliative Care in Evaluating and Relieving Symptoms in Patients with Advanced Cancer. Results from the DEMETRA Study

Background: Cancer patients experience multiple symptoms throughout the course of the disease. We aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the symptom burden in patients with advanced cancer at admission to specialist palliative care (PC) services and seven days later to estimate the immediate impact of PC intervention. Patient and methods: The analysis was based on an observational, prospective, multicenter study (named DEMETRA) conducted in Italy on new patients accessing network specialist PC centers during the period May 2017&ndash

Evaluation of the Disk Diffusion Method Compared to the Microdilution Method in Susceptibility Testing of Anidulafungin against Filamentous Fungi

ABSTRACT Susceptibility testing of anidulafungin (AFG) against 32 mold isolates showed an excellent correlation between disk diffusion (DD) and broth microdilution methods. Based on our data, a 2-μg disk of AFG and a 24-h reading time might represent the best parameters for AFG DD testing against filamentous fungi.

Who should get COVID-19 vaccine first? A survey to evaluate hospital workers’ opinion

Prospective planning of COVID-19 vaccines allocation will be essential to maximize public health and societal benefits while preserving equity. Decisions about how to allocate limited supplies of vaccines need to be clear about the criteria used in setting priorities, with a specific commitment to transparency and communication. The aim of our study was to think through these competing demands, focusing on the opinion of healthcare workers (HCWs). The primary endpoint of the study was to assess the opinion of all the HCWs in a University based Italian Hospital about the fairest priority order to COVID 19 vaccines and to understand on which criteria the prioritization preferences of HCWs are…

RESIDUI DI FITOSANITARI IN FLUIDI BIOLOGICI UMANI E VALUTAZIONE DELL'ESPOSIZIONE IN POPOLAZIONE GENERALE DI UN COMUNE SICILIANO: PROGETTAZIONE DI UNO STUDIO.

Socio-Demographic Factors Involved in a Low-Incidence Phase of SARS-CoV-2 Spread in Sicily, Italy

Background: The present study analysed SARS-CoV-2 cases observed in Sicily and investigated social determinants that could have an impact on the virus spread. Methods: SARS-CoV-2 cases observed among Sicilian residents between the 1 February 2020 and 15 October 2020 have been included in the analyses. Age, sex, date of infection detection, residency, clinical outcomes, and exposure route have been evaluated. Each case has been linked to the census section of residency and its socio-demographic data. Results: A total of 10,114 patients (202.3 cases per 100,000 residents

Body mass index and factors associated with overweight and obesity: a crosssectional study of adult subjects living in a small city of Western Sicily (Italy)

Background: although the epidemiological features of overweight and obesity have been well described, especially for very populous urban areas, less evidences are available for small urban areas. The aim of the present work was to assess BMI and factors associated with overweight and obesity in a representative sample of general population of a small city of Western Sicily (Italy). Methods: four hundred and eleven randomly selected adult subjects from general population living in a small Sicilian city with 7 144 inhabitants were interviewed by a standardized questionnaire investigating life-styles, eating habits, anthropometric measurements (weight, height and BMI) and socio-economic depriv…

Effetti delle campagne di vaccinazione attiva contro l’influenza tra il personale dell’Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico di Palermo (AOUP).

Contrast-induced Nephropathy after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Simple Lesions: Risk Factors and Incidence are Affected by the Definition Utilized

Aim To compare the incidence, and risk factors, in-hospital and at the 18-month prognosis of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) according to the definition utilized: as an increase in serum creatinine (Scr) ≥0.5 mg/dL (CIN 1) or as an increase in Scr ≥25% above baseline values (CIN 2). Methods and Results We prospectively evaluated CIN according to two different definitions in 150 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in simple lesions employing a low-medium dose of contrast media. Incidence of CIN was higher using the CIN 2 definition than CIN 1 (9.3% vs. 4%; p=0.0133). Patients with CIN 1 had a higher incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (66.7% vs. 13.9%; p=…

STILI DI VITA ED INDICI DI DEPRIVAZIONE IN UN CAMPIONE RAPPRESENTATIVO DELLA POPOLAZIONE RESIDENTE IN UNA CITTADINA DELLA SICILIA OCCIDENTALE

Seroprevalence of and risk factors for Toscana and Sicilian virus infection in a sample population of Sicily (Italy).

Summary Objective The present study aimed to assess seroprevalence of and risk factors for Toscana (TOSV) and Sicilian (SFSV) virus infections in a sample of Sicilian subjects. Methods A cross-sectional seroepidemiological study was conducted on 271 individuals. Each participant completed a self-administrated questionnaire and provided a serum sample which was analyzed for the presence of IgG specific anti-TOSV and anti-SFSV viruses. Results Overall, 90 subjects (33.2%) were positive for TOSV IgG, 25 (9.2%) were positive for SFSV IgG and 11 (4%) were positive for both the viruses. A higher risk for TOSV seropositivity was found in participants who were older (adjOR = 1.02 per year; 95% CI =…

Antibodies Responses to SARS-CoV-2 in a Large Cohort of Vaccinated Subjects and Seropositive Patients

Background: COVID-19 is a current global threat and characterisation of antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 is vitally important to update vaccine development and strategies. Methods: In this study we assessed SARS-CoV-2 antibody concentrations in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients (N=272) and subjects vaccinated with BNT162b2 m-RNA Covid-19 vaccine (N=1,256). For each participant socio-demographic data, COVID-19 vaccination records, serological analyses and SARS-CoV-2 infection status have been collected. IgM and IgG antibodies against S1/S2 antigens of SARS-CoV-2 were detected. Findings: Almost all vaccinated subjects (99·8%) showed a seropositivity to anti-SARS-COV-2 IgG and more than 80% vaccinat…

Vaccination against the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) among healthcare workers in the major teaching hospital of Sicily (Italy).

A METHODOLOGY DEVELOPMENT FOR A WEB-BASED SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM OF ADOLESCENT FOOD HABITS AND LIFESTYLES – THE ASSO PROJECT

ASSO Project (Adolescents Surveillance System and Obesity prevention) is a study financed by the Italian Ministry of Health, aimed at developing an innovative web-based system for a standardized collection of data on food consumptions, lifestyles and body size in the adolescents attending high schools. One of the main objectives of the project is to develop user-friendly and cost-effective tools to create a web-based software. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on the most valid dietary and physical activity/fitness assessment methods used in the target population has been perfomed. The implementation of the software is being done by using JAVA and the data archive system is based on MySQ…

Invasive pneumococcal diseases in children aged 1-59 months in sicily, Italy: Importance of active family paediatrician surveillance and vaccination coverage

Purpose: Aim of this study was to analyze pediatric invasive pneumococcal disease rates several years after the implementation of infant pneumococcal vaccination. Methods: The study was carried out in Sicily and involved about 30,000 children, aged 1-59 months, actively monitored by 100 family pediatricians during 2010 and 2011. All children who met the inclusion criteria were considered eligible, recorded using a stan-dardized case report form and investigated for the presence of S. pneumoniae in speci-mens from sterile sites. Results: None of the 40 eligible children was confirmed as a case of invasive pneumococ-cal disease. The incidence rate of invasive pneumococcal disease cases was 0.…

Kinetics of Anti-Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Titers in Nurse Students after a Two-Year Follow-Up

Infection caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be prevented through a safe and effective vaccine. This study analysed the kinetics of serum antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (anti-HBs) titers in relation to previous vaccine boosters in Italian nursing students who were followed up for two years. Serum anti-HBs titers were evaluated at the first visit, after vaccine booster (if required) and at visit after two years. Overall, 483 students (mean age = 21.7 years

Sorveglianza attiva delle patologie pneumococciche invasive dell'età pediatrica: l’esperienza della Regione Sicilia nel triennio 2009-2011

S.pneumoniae is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children globally. Since 2007 the World Health Organization has recommended anti-pneumococcal vaccination to reduce the burden of invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD). The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of IPD in Sicilian children and describe the distribution of serotypes in subjects with IPD following the recent introduction of a universal vaccination program. Active surveillance of IPD (PneumoNet) was carried out in Sicily from 2009 to 2011 by nine reference hospitals (one per province) and one-hundred randomly sampled family pediatricians. Hospital discharge data of participating hospitals were also analyzed…

Familial Mediterranean Fever and Diet: A Narrative Review of the Scientific Literature

Background: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an inherited autoinflammatory disease characterized by short acute attacks, with an as yet unknown cause. Several authors have investigated the role of some foods as potential triggers. This narrative review aims to analyze the correlation between diet and FMF clinical outcomes. Methods: The review was carried out following PRISMA statement guidelines, including all cross-sectional, case-crossover, and trial studies written in English and conducted between 1974 and 2022. Results: Overall, 642 records were identified through PubMed/MEDLINE (292) and Scopus (350), and seven studies were included: three out of seven (43%) studies evaluated FMF …

Red wine extract prevents neuronal apoptosis in vitro and reduces mortality of transgenic mice.

In this work, we have investigated the effects of nutritional antioxidants as antidegenerative agents on glutamate-induced apoptosis in primary cultures of cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). Glutamate-induced apoptosis is also associated with intracellular [Ca(2+)]i overload, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), depression of cell energy metabolism, cytochrome c release, and increase in caspase-3 activity. Pretreatment (3 h) with red wine extract (5 microg/mL) and ascorbic acid (30 microM) blocks glutamate-induced apoptosis in CGNs. In vivo experiments carried out on transgenic mice expressing the human mutated Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) G93A (mSOD1(G93A)) show that mice fed…

Efficacy of a coordinated strategy for containment of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria carriage in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the context of an active surveillance program

AbstractBackgroundAntimicrobial resistance in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients is a threat, due to the frequent use of antimicrobial treatment and invasive devices in fragile babies. Since 2014 an active surveillance program of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) carriage has been in place in the five NICUs of Palermo, Italy. In 2017 an increase in the prevalence of MDR-GNB, and in particular of extended-spectrum β-lactamases-producingKlebsiella pneumoniae(ESBL-KP), was observed in “Civico” hospital NICU.AimTo assess the impact of a coordinated intervention strategy in achieving long-lasting reduction of MDR-GNB prevalence in the NICU.MethodsRectal swabs were ob…

Paediatric acute rheumatic fever in developed countries: Neglected or negligible disease? Results from an observational study in Lombardy (Italy)

Introduction: Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) is a multisystemic disease that results from an autoimmune reaction due to group A streptococcal infection. The disease affects predominantly children aged 5 to 15 years and although its incidence in developed Countries declined since the early 1900s, to date there is a paucity of data that confirm this epidemiological trend. Objective: The study aimed to assess the burden of ARF in term of hospitalization and to describe the characteristics of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) in the paediatric population of Lombardy. Study design: The study was carried out by analyzing hospital discharge records of patients resident of Lombardy and aged 0–17 years old w…

Obiettivi strategici della prevenzione: controllo, eliminazione ed eradicazione delle malattie

A mid-term estimate of 2018/2019 vaccine effectiveness to prevent laboratory confirmed A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) influenza cases in Sicily (Italy)

Abstract Influenza season started in Italy during the month of October 2018, approaching the epidemic peak in January 2019. This report aim to explore the mid-term virologic surveillance data of the 2018–2019 influenza season in Sicily and to estimate the effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccine (VE) against A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) influenza viruses. A test-negative design was used to evaluate influenza VE. In Sicily, almost all influenza infections were sustained by influenza type A viruses, of which 62.3% were A(H3N2) and 36.3% A(H1N1)pdm09. A reduction of laboratory confirmed influenza cases in Sicilian population immunized against influenza were observed. In particular, an overall s…

Sorveglianza delle Infezioni Nosocomiali nel reparto di Cardiochirurgia dell'AOUP di Palermo

Can technical, functional and structural characteristics of dental units predict Legionella pneumophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination?

Legionella pneumophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are common colonizers of water environments, particularly dental unit waterlines. The aim of this study was to assess whether the technical, functional and structural characteristics of dental units can influence the presence and the levels of opportunistic pathogens. Overall, 42 water samples were collected from dental units in a teaching hospital in Palermo, Italy, including 21 samples from the 21 taps supplied by the municipal water distribution system and 21 samples from oral rinsing cups at 21 dental units. L. pneumophila was present in 16 out of 21 water samples (76.2%) from dental units, and the median concentration was higher in samp…

The impact of ten years of infant universal Varicella vaccination in Sicily, Italy (2003-2012).

Introduction Universal varicella vaccination in Sicily was introduced in infant population since 2003, with a rapidly increasing coverage. Aim of the present study was to analyze changes in the epidemiology of varicella since the introduction of universal vaccination. Methods The study was performed by analyzing Sicilian administrative/clinical data on varicella case notifications and hospitalizations from 2003 to 2012 (ICD-9-CM discharge diagnosis codes 052 and 052.×). MMR+V and V coverage were also calculated for each birth cohort. Moreover, blood samples drawn in 2013/2014 from general population stratified by age were tested for varicella antibodies. Results From 2003 to 2012, 15 433 va…

Lo stato dell'arte dell'introduzione della vaccinazione antipneumococcica coniugata nei soggetti > 50 anni nei calendari vaccinali regionali italiani

Differences in Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus-specific and herpesvirus-non-specific immune responses in classic Kaposi sarcoma cases and matched controls in Sicily

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) might develop because of incompetent immune responses, both non-specifically and specifically against the KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 15 classic (non-AIDS) KS cases, 13 KSHV seropositives (without KS) and 15 KSHV-seronegative controls were tested for interferon-γ T-cell (enzyme-linked immunospot [Elispot]) responses to KSHV-latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA), KSHV-K8.1 and CMV/Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) peptide pools. The forearm and thigh of each participant was also tested for delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) against common recall antigens. Groups were compared with Fisher exact test and multinomial logistic regress…

PNPLA3 and TLL-1 Polymorphisms as Potential Predictors of Disease Severity in Patients With COVID-19

Albeit the pathogenesis of COVID-19 remains unclear, host’s genetic polymorphisms in genes involved in infection and reinfection, inflammation, or immune stimulation could play a role in determining the course and outcome. We studied in the early phase of pandemic consecutive patients (N = 383) with SARS-CoV-2 infection, whose subsequent clinical course was classified as mild or severe, the latter being characterized by admission to intensive therapy unit or death. Five host gene polymorphisms (MERTK rs4374383, PNPLA3 rs738409, TLL-1 rs17047200, IFNL3 rs1297860, and INFL4 rs368234815) were assessed by using whole nucleic acids extracted from nasopharyngeal swabs. Specific protease cleavage …

Additional file 1: of Coverage, efficacy or dosing interval: which factor predominantly influences the impact of routine childhood vaccination for the prevention of varicella? A model-based study for Italy

Technical appendix - dynamic transmission model for Italy. (DOCX 299 kb)

Results after one year of rotavirus universal mass vaccination in Sicily

Background Rotavirus (RV) vaccination is the best strategy to prevent hospitalizations due to rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) and is strongly recommended by international health authority [1]. The Sicilian Health Department introduced rotavirus universal mass vaccination (RUMV) into regional immunizations schedule in 2013 (mean vaccination coverage = 31%). Intussusception is the invagination of one segment of the intestine within a more distal segment and even though the etiology is still unknown, in 1998, a relationship with a tetravalent rotavirus vaccine that was promptly withdrawn was suggested [2]. Post licensure surveillance studies have not confirmed previous findings and no increas…

Could a Behavioral Model Explain Adherence to Second-Level Colonoscopy for Colon Cancer Screening? Results of a Cross-Sectional Study of the Palermo Province Population

According to Italian Essential Levels of Assistance (ELA), a colonoscopy is strongly recommended after a positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT) due to its effectiveness in early colorectal cancer detection. Despite the evidence, the Palermo province population (Italy), after a positive FOBT, have a lower colonoscopy adherence compared to Italian standards. This cross-sectional study analyzed patients’ perceptions of colonoscopy procedures to understand the reasons for non-adherence. Patients with a positive FOBT who did not undergo a colonoscopy within the national organized screening program were administered a telephone interview based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) questionnaire. The …

Body mass index and factors associated with overweight and obesity: a crosssectional in a small city of Western Sicily (Italy)

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background&lt;/strong&gt;: although the epidemiological features of overweight and obesity have been well described, especially for very populous urban areas, less evidences are available for small urban areas. The aim of the present work was to assess BMI and factors associated with overweight and obesity in a representative sample of general population of a small city of Western Sicily (Italy).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods&lt;/strong&gt;: four hundred and eleven randomly selected adult subjects from general population living in a small Sicilian city with 7 144 inhabitants were interviewed by a standardized questionnaire investigating life-styles, eating h…

Are medical residents a "core group" for for future improvement of influenza vaccination coverage in health-care workers? A study among medical residents at the University Hospital of Palermo (Sicily)

Abstract Despite international recommendations, vaccination coverage among European healthcare workers, including physicians, is widely recognized as unsatisfactory. In order to plan tailored vaccination campaigns and increase future coverage, we investigated reasons for refusing vaccination and determinants associated with influenza vaccine uptake among young health care workers. A survey was carried out during September and October 2010 on medical residents attending post-graduate Schools of the Medical Faculty at the University of Palermo (Italy). Each participant completed an anonymous web-based questionnaire including items on demographic and occupational characteristics, knowledge, at…

Conoscenze, percezione del rischio e abitudini dei frequentatori di due piscine pubbliche della città di Palermo

The web-based ASSO-food frequency questionnaire for adolescents: relative and absolute reproducibility assessment

Background A new food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) has been recently developed within the Italian Adolescents and Surveillance System for the Obesity prevention (ASSO) Project; it was found to be appropriate for ranking adolescents in food and nutrient levels of intake. The aim of this study was to assess the relative and absolute reproducibility of the ASSO-FFQ for 24 food groups, energy and 52 nutrients. Methods A test-retest study was performed on two ASSO-FFQs administered one month apart of each other to 185 adolescents, aged 14–17 and attending secondary schools in Palermo (Italy). Wilcoxon test assessed differences in median daily intakes between the two FFQs. Agreement was evaluate…

Effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination on SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 in Sicily over an Eight-Month Period

In order to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the burden of disease, since 27 December 2020, Sicily has introduced a regional COVID-19 vaccination campaign. This study aimed at estimating the effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines on SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19. A retrospective cohort study was carried out on 3,966,976 Sicilian adults aged 18 years or more, who were followed-up from 1 January 2021 to 30 September 2021. The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, severe COVID-19, and COVID-19 death or intubation during the study period was compared among vaccinated with two mRNA doses and unvaccinated individuals. Cox regression, adjusted for age and sex, and a joint-point analysis…

Generation and validation of algorithms to identify subjects with dementia using administrative data

Objectives: To generate and validate algorithms for the identification of individuals with dementia in the community setting, by the interrogation of administrative records, an inexpensive and already available source of data. Methods: We collected and anonymized information on demented individuals 65 years of age or older from ten general practitioners (GPs) in the district of Brianza (Northern Italy) and compared this with the administrative data of the local health protection agency (Agenzia per la Tutela della Salute). Indicators of the disease in the administrative database (diagnosis of dementia in the hospital discharge records; use of cholinesterase inhibitors/memantine; neuropsycho…