Analysis of persistence of human papillomavirus infection in men evaluated by sampling multiple genital sites.

Although human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been studied extensively in women, data on male infection are limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate persistence of HPV infection at multiple genital sites in men and to define potential associations with socio-behavioural characteristics.Penile, urethral and seminal specimens were tested by the INNO-LiPA HPV system (Innogenetics) and a PCR assay. Persistence was defined as the detection of same HPV type at ≥ 2 consecutive visits. The Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test were applied to estimate the likelihood of persistence.A total of 50 men (median age: 33 years) were followed for a median of 14.7 months. Altogether, 49…

A Fuzzy-based Clinical Decision Support System for coeliac disease

Coeliac disease (CD) is a permanent inflammatory disease of the small intestine characterized by the destruction of the mucous membrane of this intestinal tract. Coeliac disease represents the most frequent food intolerance and affects about 1% of the population, but it is severely underdiagnosed. Currently available guidelines require CD-specific serology and atrophic histology in duodenal biopsy samples to diagnose CD in adults. In paediatric CD, but recently in adults also, non-invasive diagnostic strategies have become increasingly popular. In order to increase the rates of correct diagnosis of the disease without the use of biopsy, researchers have recently been using approaches based …

La contaminazione indoor da Legionella spp: risultati preliminari di una indagine multicentrica italiana Legionella spp contamination in indoor air: preliminary results of an italian multicenter study

Serological and molecular identification of Legionella spp. isolated from water and surrounding air samples in Italian healthcare facilities

Abstract Background Legionella is an intracellular microorganism living in natural and artificial aquatic environments. Although its transmission to humans is linked to the inhalation of contaminated aerosols, there is no validated air sampling method for the control and prevention of the disease. The aim of the present study was to provide more information on the distribution of Legionella spp. in indoor environments and to determine whether the same Legionella strains are isolated from air and water samples. Methods Ten healthcare facilities located in seven regions of Italy were enrolled. The serological typing of Legionella spp. from water samples and the surrounding air by active and p…