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Background Aging of the workforce challenges European countries. Keeping aged workers healthy and productive, through health promotion, is a key goal of European labour policy. The aim of the present study was to collect experiences of workplace health promotion for older workers (WHPOW) conducted in 10 representative countries of Central Europe, Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. Methods A literature review of activities of WHPOW was conducted through a comprehensive search of major scientific databases and on the website of the major European Agencies on worker health promotion. The search was restricted to papers published in English from 2000 to 2015. Companies were asked for additional documentation about WHPOW programmes in a survey conducted with SurveyMonkey. Results A total of 756 initiatives regarding WHPOW were identified. 134 of these were guidelines, regulations, or review studies. The remaining 622 activities were intervention studies performed or promoted in the workplace and targeted at older workers or at the aging of the workforce. Most of the programs were carried out in Central Europe (295, 47.4%), less in East Europe (193, 31.0%) and in Mediterranean countries (134, 21.6%). Conclusion Our study shows that there are only a limited number of WHPOW actions throughout the 10 selected European Countries. While in Central Europe widespread interest in issues of aging workforce has resulted in national policies to encourage WHPO, not all the countries of Eastern Europe are equally well equipped. Lastly, in Southern Europe health promotion activities are largely inadequate compared to needs.

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Provider payment mechanisms were adjusted in many countries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Our objective was to review adjustments for hospitals and healthcare professionals across 20 countries. We developed an analytical framework distinguishing between payment adjustments compensating income loss and those covering extra costs related to COVID-19. Information was extracted from the Covid-19 Health System Response Monitor (HSRM) and classified according to the framework. We found that income loss was not a problem in countries where professionals were paid by salary or capitation and hospitals received global budgets. In countries where payment was based on activity, income loss was compensated through budgets and higher fees. New FFS payments were introduced to incentivize remote services. Payments for COVID-19 related costs included new fees for out- and inpatient services but also new PD and DRG tariffs for hospitals. Budgets covered the costs of adjusting wards, creating new (ICU) beds, and hiring staff. We conclude that public payers assumed most of the COVID-19-related financial risk. In view of future pandemics policymakers should work to increase resilience of payment systems by: (1) having systems in place to rapidly adjust payment systems; (2) being aware of the economic incentives created by these adjustments such as cost-containment or increasing the number of patients or services, that can result in unintended consequences such as risk selection or overprovision of care; and (3) periodically evaluating the effects of payment adjustments on access and quality of care.

In 2013, in a bid to combat Vaccine Hesitancy (VH) and provide information on vaccines by communicating with the general public and the health community (e.g., healthcare workers and public health operators), the Italian Society of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine (S.It.I.) published the national website “VaccinarSì”. The project was subsequently extended to ten Italian Regions. This led to the creation of the VaccinarSì Network, whose websites are publicly owned. The aim of this work was to present the framework of the websites of the VaccinarSì Network and to analyse user behaviour in the pre-COVID-19-era (dating from each website’s publication until 31 January 2020) and in the COVID-19-era (from 1 February 2020 to 31 January 2021). Some metrics such as the number of visits to the site (sessions, number of users and average session duration), user behaviour (pages viewed, bounce rate and organic search) and the session acquisition path (direct traffic, referrals and social traffic) were searched, extrapolated and processed with Google Analytics. Qualitative and normally distributed quantitative variables were summarised with their absolute (relative) frequencies and means. Statistical differences between the means of the two periods were evaluated through paired t-test. A two-tailed p-value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. When the total values recorded over the period were compared, an overall increase in metrics was observed—the number of individual users, visits and individual pageviews rose in a statistically significant way. Our study aimed to highlight how combining disciplines such as health education and digital communication via Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) represents the best strategy to support citizens. This approach gives them the tools to become independent and responsible players that are capable of voluntarily and consciously choosing to adhere to vaccination programs. The VaccinarSì Network’s goal for the future is to reach an even wider audience. By building each user’s critical knowledge, this network enables users to be active components of a wider, more empowered community.

BACKGROUND The last decades' increasing infertility risk factors have brought to a growing number of infertile couples. Knowledge regarding infertility and possible treatments ishowever-poor, leading to difficulty in coping and understanding. Knowing infertile couples' perceptions and needs may help clinicians develop services that better address these needs. METHODS This study aimed at assessing perceived knowledge, coping mechanisms and diagnostic-therapeutic pathways concerning infertility and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in a sample of Italian infertile couples trying to conceive. In this cross-sectional study, 199 subjects aged 25-55 years old who had difficulties conceiving were asked to fill a questionnaire regarding infertility and ART perceived knowledge, coping and diagnostic-therapeutic pathways they had been through. RESULTS The perceived knowledge score was 42.5%. Couples had difficulties understanding ART's success rate and the potential risks for the woman and foetus. Subjects from North of Italy, who were previously engaged in an ART procedure, those who had signed a written informed consent and were offered a specific counselling session had significantly higher mean score of perceived knowledge. Couples were handling the situation in a satisfactory way, supported also by their family, but the procedures, clinical examinations, therapies, medications, were considered complex and stressful by 66.5% of the respondents. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare providers should consider the couples' previous experience with infertility, the important role of informed consent and personalized counselling sessions. Counselling for infertile couples should have a broader, comprehensive approach, integrating psychological, social, ethical support, as well as health literacy, taking into consideration the infertile couples' preferences and needs.

Untangling the interdependency of infections, immunity and frailty may help to clarify their roles in the maintenance of health in aging individuals, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted such priority. In this scoping review we aimed to systematically collect the evidence on 1) the impact of common infections such as influenza, pneumonia and varicella zoster on frailty development, and 2) the role played by frailty in the response to immunization of older adults. Findings are discussed under a unifying framework to identify knowledge gaps and outline their clinical and public health implications to foster a healthier aging. Twenty-nine studies (113,863 participants) selected to answer the first question provided a moderately strong evidence of an association between infections and physical as well as cognitive decline - two essential dimensions of frailty. Thirteen studies (34,520 participants) investigating the second aim, showed that frailty was associated with an impaired immune response in older ages, likely due to immunosenescence. However, the paucity of studies, the absence of tools to predict vaccine efficacy, and the lack of studies investigating the efficacy of newer vaccines in presence of frailty, strongly limit the formulation of more personalized immunization strategies for older adults. The current evidence suggests that infections and frailty repeatedly cross each other pathophysiological paths and accelerate the aging process in a vicious circle. Such evidence opens to several considerations. First, the prevention of both conditions pass through a life course approach, which includes several individual and societal aspects. Second, the maintenance of a well-functioning immune system may be accomplished by preventing frailty, and vice versa. Third, increasing the adherence to immunization may delay the onset of frailty and maintain the immune system homeostasis, beyond preventing infections.

Aim To evaluate whether changes in bowel perfusion parameters measured by dynamic-CEUS (D-CEUS) can be used for monitoring response to therapy in active Crohn disease (CD). Methods Fifty-four CD patients were evaluated with d -CEUS before (T0) and after 2 (T1), 6 (T2) and 12 weeks (T3) of anti-TNFα therapy. Variations from baseline were calculated for: peak intensity, PI; area under the curve, AUC; slope of wash in, Pw; time to peak, TP; mean transit time, MTT (median percentage values) and were correlated with combined endoscopic/clinical response after 12 weeks and clinical relapse within 6 months. Results 70% of patients achieved combined endoscopic/clinical response (responders). The reduction in PI, AUC, Pw and MTT between T1 and T0 was higher in responders. Relapsers (21%) showed significantly lower reduction in delta PI and Pw at T1 and T2. At T3 they showed a new increase in PI and lower reduction in delta Pw. In relapsers, AUC showed a significantly lower decrease at T2 and T3, TP showed a significant reduction at T3 and MTT showed a progressive increase at the different time-points, reaching the statistical significance at T3. Conclusions d -CEUS might become a reliable predictor of combined endoscopic/clinical response and clinical relapse in CD.

Genomic testing expansion is accompanied by an increasing need for genetic counselling and intrafamilial communication. Genetic counselling can play an important role in facilitating intrafamilial communication and relationships. We conducted a cross-sectional, multicenter study including 252 Italian women, using a questionnaire divided in two sections, the first one to be filled after the pre-test counselling and the second after receiving BRCA test results. We assessed the factors influencing intrafamilial disclosure of genetic information for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, family members with whom probands are more prone to share genetic information, and the perceived understanding of information received by counselees during genetic counselling. Women were accompanied to the counselling more often by their husband/partner. Among those with a positive BRCA test result, 49% intended to communicate it to their offspring and 27% to their husband/partner. Younger women, those living with their husband/partner, and those who described family communication as open/profound and spontaneous/sincere had a higher probability of being accompanied during genetic counselling and discuss about it with relatives. Spontaneous/sincere or open/profound family communication and joyful/happy familial relationships were associated with the decision to undergo genetic testing as a responsibility towards relatives. Women had a good understanding of counselling contents (mean score 9.27 in a scale 1–10). Genetic counselling providers should consider that genetic information disclosure does not depend only on the clarity of the information provided, but also on pre-existing intrafamilial communication and relationships, family structure and marital status, indicating the need for a personalised approach accounting for these factors.

Background Genomic testing expansion for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) comes with an increased need for genetic counseling and intra-familial communication. Genetic counseling can play an important role in facilitating intra-familial communication and relationships, thus avoiding misunderstandings within the family. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, multicenter study including 252 Italian women, using a questionnaire divided in two sections; the first to be filled after the pre-test counseling and the second after receiving the genetic test results. This aimed at assessing the factors influencing the disclosure of genetic information for HBOC, family members that probands share genetic information with, and the degree of understanding of the information received by the counselees during genetic counseling. Results Women were accompanied to the counseling more by their husbands/partners. Among those with a positive test result, 49% shared it with their offspring and 27 % with their husband/partner. Younger women, those living with their husbands/partners and those who described family communication as open/deep had a higher probability of being accompanied at the genetic counseling and discuss about it with relatives. Being alone at the genetic counseling was significantly associated to non-existing familial relationship (p = 0.003) and problematic intra-familial communication (p = 0.005). Sincere or joyful familial relations were associated with the decision to undergo genetic testing as a responsibility towards relatives. Women had a good understanding of the counseling (mean score 9.2 in a scale1-10). Discussion Genetic counseling providers should consider that the disclosure of genetic information does not depend only on the clarity of the information provided, but also on pre-existing intra-familial communication and relationship, family structure and marital status, indicating the need of a personalized approach based on these factors. Key messages The disclosure of genetic information from women to their relatives in the case of HBOC is a complex relational process, which poses practical and ethical problems for individuals and families. Genetic counseling providers should be able to advice their patients on the importance of genetic information disclosure, considering, also, the pre-existing intra-familial communication dynamics.

Background Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) is a major cause of pneumonia worldwide representing a significant problem from the public health viewpoint. The aim of our study was to assess the frequency of SP in hospitalized patients with pneumonia and investigate its relationship with patients' characteristics. Methods A deterministic record linkage of hospital discharge and microbiology laboratory surveillance databases of a teaching hospital in Rome was used to identify all patients over 15 years old (y) with a diagnosis of pneumonia and a microbiological ascertainment between November 2010 and March 2013. Pneumonia ICD-9-CM codes were used to identify the study population. The frequency of SP was assessed with respect to patients' characteristics. Results 1216 (64% males) of a mean age 65 (SD = 18) y patients with pneumonia were identified. Of them, 707 (58%) had a positive microbiological result. Among the latter, mixed bacterial co-infections were detected in 552 (74%) cases. The most frequently isolated organism was SP in 288 (41%) cases. Nevertheless, SP was the sole isolated agent in only 6 (0.8%) cases. There were no significant differences between men and women with respect to the frequency of SP. Eventually, the frequency of SP among patients with a positive microbiological result was higher in the age group 15-64 y than in 65+ y (45% vs 37%, p = 0.038). When considering only subjects with at least one comorbidity the frequency of SP was higher among the 15-64 y age group (53% vs 44% in 15-64 y and 65+ y respectively, p = 0.040). Conclusions Our study revealed that SP was the most frequent isolated pathogen in hospitalized patients with pneumonia. However, the SP coexistence with other pathogens was present in the vast majority of cases. Interestingly, SP was highly frequent among people with comorbidities, in particular in the age group 15-64 y. This emphasizes the importance of vaccination in this group of patients. Key messages This study shows that more than 40% of pneumonia with a positive microbiological result are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Preventive strategies to limit Streptococcus pneumoniae infections among adults and individuals affected by comorbidities are needed.

Pertussis is quite common in adolescents and adults, but it is especially dangerous in new-borns. The national immunization plan (NIP) 2017-2019 recommended a Tdap booster for every pregnancy at 28-36 weeks, but adherence is still far from the optimal level. This work aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a dedicated pathway organized by the department of prevention to improve the Tdap coverage among pregnant woman attending antenatal class. The women attending from November 2019 to October 2019 the public antenatal class organized by the local health authority have been evaluated for their Tdap coverage in pregnancy. From May 2019, public health experts have been involved for 30 minutes during the first lesson to explain the NIP with a focus on vaccination in pregnancy. Then the eligible women (28-36 weeks not yet vaccinated) who voluntarily agree were accompanied to the ambulatory to be vaccinated. Pre-post Tdap vaccination coverage and pregnancy weeks at vaccination have been evaluated respectively by chi2 and t-test. 90 pregnant women have been included in the study. Their mean age was 32.3 (SD 5.2) and the overall Tdap coverage was 44.4%. The Pre-post Tdap coverage was 26.7%(12/45) before May 2019 and 62.2% (28/45) after the introduction of the new pathway (p = 0.001). 50% of the vaccinated women decided to receive the booster the same day of the antenatal lesson, while the remaining 50% delayed the vaccination till a maximum of 30 days. We observed a clinical, but not statistically, significant anticipation in the pregnancy week in which they received Tdap booster (32.4 weeks before and 31.3 after May 2019; p = 0.150). The introduction of a short intervention on vaccination in the antenatal class followed by the opportunity to receive the booster in a dedicated time and without waiting list significantly improved the Tdap coverage in pregnancy. This study encourages the cooperation among the different public health actors involved in the field of antenatal care. Key messages Antenatal class represents a great opportunity to improve vaccine confidence in pregnant women. Intervention aimed to ameliorate vaccine convenience could improve Tdap coverage in pregnancy.

Recurrent cystitis (RC) is a common disease, especially in females. Anatomical, behavioral and genetic predisposing factors are associated with the ascending retrograde route, which often causes bladder infections. RC seems to be mainly caused by agents derived from the intestinal microbiota, and most frequently by Escherichia coli. Intestinal contiguity contributes to the etiopathogenesis of RC and an alteration in intestinal permeability could have a major role in RC. The aim of this pilot study is to assess gut microbiome dysbiosis and intestinal permeability in female patients with RC. Patients with RC (n = 16) were enrolled and compared with healthy female subjects (n = 15) and patients with chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorders (n = 238). We calculated the Acute Cystitis Symptom Score/Urinary Tract Infection Symptom Assessment (ACSS/UTISA) and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) scores and evaluated intestinal permeability and the fecal microbiome in the first two cohorts. Patients with RC showed an increased prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms compared with healthy controls. Of the patients with RC, 88% showed an increased intestinal permeability with reduced biodiversity of gut microbiota compared to healthy controls, and 68% of the RC patients had a final diagnosis of gastrointestinal disease. Similarly, GI patients reported a higher incidence of urinary symptoms with a diagnosis of RC in 20%. Gut barrier impairment seems to play a major role in the pathogenesis of RC. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of microbiota and intestinal permeability in urinary tract infections.

This systematic review aims to summarize and update the current knowledge on the effectiveness of the existing interventions for alleviating loneliness and social isolation among older persons. A search of PubMed, ISI Web of science, SCOPUS, The Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases was performed. The terminology combined all possible alternatives of the following keywords: social isolation, loneliness, old people, intervention and effectiveness. Eligible studies were published between January 2011 and February 2016 in English or Italian language and regarded the implementation of loneliness/social isolation interventions among the older generations. Outcome measures in terms of the intervention effects needed to be reported. In total, 15 quantitative and five qualitative studies were ultimately included in this review. Eighteen interventions were reported across the quantitative studies. Six out of 11 group interventions (55%), one out of four mixed interventions (25%) and all three individual interventions reported at least one significant finding related to loneliness or social isolation. Our review suggested that new technologies and community engaged arts might be seen as a promising tool for tackling social isolation and loneliness among the older individuals. Future studies need to work on methodological quality and take into consideration the suggestions of the present literature in order to provide firm evidence.

Background The World Health Organization recommends flu vaccination as the most effective way to prevent the disease and its severe outcomes and has established the minimum vaccination coverage for people at risk at 75%. Even though healthcare workers (HCWs) represent a strongly recommended target group for flu vaccination campaigns, the average coverage among them is still inadequate. In flu season 2015/2016, our University Hospital tested Forum Theatre (FT) as a new participative strategy to foster HCWs engagement regarding flu vaccination. The aim of this study was to evaluate HCWs’ satisfaction with and perceived utility of FT. Material/Methods In 2015, five FT sessions were organized in hospital units which were considered at risk for flu based on the type of admitted patients. After each session, participants were asked to complete an assessment questionnaire. The χ2 test or the t-test was used to compare the proportion of participants who were satisfied with the FT and considered it useful (utility score). Data was analyzed according to gender, profession, and age. Results In all, 16.5% of HCWs who worked in four out of five of the units identified, participated in the FT sessions. Questionnaire results indicated that 74% of spectators were satisfied with their experience and 70% considered this methodology a useful approach for other health issues. Gender, age, and profession did not influence satisfaction or utility scores. Conclusions Participative strategies such as FT represent an innovative solution to increasing HCWs’ awareness of the importance of flu vaccination and could positively impact their adherence to vaccination recommendations. FT can also be a meaningful HCW teaching tool for learning about and changing attitudes toward other clinic and public health issues.

Corrigendum

Aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the response to therapy in Crohn's disease (CD) patients studied by MR Enterography (MRE) in comparison with Harvey Bradshaw Index (HBI).One hundred and sixty patients with histological proved CD have undergone MRE in the last years. Forty-six patients who repeated MRE after medical therapy within six months were selected for the study. Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity (MaRIA) was evaluated for each patient and used to define the MR judgment. In MRE we also evaluated wall thickening, longitudinal extension of wall thickening, presence of stratified mural hyperenhancement and extraintestinal signs. The clinical response to therapy was judged based on HBI and classified as improved, worsened or stable disease. Clinical judgment was correlated with MRE findings and the agreement was analysed using the Cohen Kappa test.Among 46 enrolled patients, 18 (39%) improved clinically, 4 (10%) worsened, 24 (51%) remained stable. MR judgment was in agreement with clinical assessment in 33 patients (72%), showing moderate significant concordance (Kappa = 0.49; p 0.01). No agreement was observed in 13 (28%) patients. Moreover, clinical improvement was significantly correlated to reduction of wall thickening, reduction of longitudinal extension of the disease and reduction of engorged vasa recta (p 0.05). Worsening conditions were significantly correlated to increased wall thickening (p = 0.05).MRE is useful in evaluating the response to therapy in CD patients.

Pneumonia still remains a problem from the clinical and public health viewpoint because of the relevant epidemiological burden. The etiological diagnosis is important in the light of avoiding unnecessary antibiotic treatment and choosing the most appropriate therapeutical approach. This study is aimed at providing evidence on the proportion of microbiological ascertainment in pneumonia-related hospitalizations in one of the most important teaching hospitals in Rome.The study relied on the record linkage of two administrative databases of the same hospital: the electronic hospital discharge register and the microbiology laboratory surveillance database.2819 records were identified, where 46% had a microbiological ascertainment, significantly higher in males than in females (51% vs 40%) and in cases of pneumonia reported in secondary diagnosis instead of primary diagnosis (52% vs 42%). Medical patients had significantly lower proportion of ascertainment compared to surgical patients (43% vs 67%) whereas there were not differences between patients with emergency and elective admission. The overall mortality was 17%. Mortality was significantly higher: in surgical compared to medical patients (27% vs 15%), in ventilated compared to not ventilated patients (41% vs 11%), in cases with secondary diagnosis of pneumonia compared to a primary diagnosis (23% vs 11% ) and in hospitalized in intensive care unit-ICU- rather than in non-ICU (71% vs 12%).The proportion of microbiological ascertaiment in pneumonia remains less than 50%. Albeit in line with other evidence, this result should call the attention on the impact of unknown etiological diagnosis on antibiotic treatment and resistance.

Psychological and social characteristics of individuals are important determinants of their health choices and behaviors. Social networks represent &ldquo, pipes&rdquo, through which information and opinions circulate and spread out in the social circle surrounding individuals, influencing their propensity toward important health care interventions. This paper aims to explore the relationship between students&rsquo, vaccination health choices and their social networks. We administered a questionnaire to students to collect data on individual students&rsquo, demographics, knowledge, and attitudes about vaccinations, as well as their social networks. Forty-nine pupils belonging to 4 classrooms in an Italian secondary school were enrolled in the study. We applied a logistic regression quadratic assignment procedure (LR-QAP) by regressing students&rsquo, positive responsive behavior similarity as a dependent variable. LRQAP findings indicate that students&rsquo, vaccination behavior similarity is significantly associated with after-school social ties and related social mechanisms, suggesting that pupils are more likely to share information and knowledge about health behaviors through social relationships maintained after school hours rather than through those established during the school day. Moreover, we found that vaccination behaviors are more similar for those students having the same ethnicity as well as for those belonging to the same class. Our findings may help policymakers in implementing effective vaccination strategies.

(1) Background: There is growing interest in the assessment of muscular mass in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as sarcopenia is associated with important outcomes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the percentage of sarcopenia in IBD patients, characterizing methods for assessment and clinical symptoms associated to it. (2) Methods: Consecutive IBD patients accessing the Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) were enrolled. Healthy patients, elderly or elderly sarcopenic patients, were enrolled as controls. Skeletal muscle mass was evaluated by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) or Bio-Impedensometric Analysis (BIA). Asthenia degree was assessed by subjective visual analogue scales (VAS). Quality of life was measured by the EQ-5D questionnaire. (3) Results: Patients with IBD showed a significant reduction in skeletal muscle mass than healthy controls with lower DEXA and BIA parameters. Moreover, IBD patients presented a lower perception of muscle strength with a higher incidence of asthenia and reduction in quality of life when compared with healthy controls. A significant association between loss in skeletal muscle mass and high asthenia degree was found, configuring a condition of sarcopenia in about one third of patients with IBD. (4) Conclusions: Sarcopenia is common in IBD patients and it is associated with fatigue perception as well as a reduction in quality of life. Therefore, routine assessment of nutritional status and body composition should be a cornerstone in clinical practice, bringing gastroenterologists and nutritionists closer together for a compact, defined picture.

Aim To explore the influence of Infliximab (IFX) on cancer progression in a murine model of colonic cancer associated to chronic colitis. Methods AOM/DSS model was induced in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were injected with IFX (5 mg/kg) during each DSS cycle while control mice received saline. Body weight, occult blood test and stool consistency were measured to calculate the disease activity index (DAI). Mice were sacrificed at week 10 and colons were analyzed macroscopically and microscopically for number of cancers and degree of inflammation. MTT assay was performed on CT26 to evaluate the potential IFX role on metabolic activity and proliferation. Cells were incubated with TNF-α or IFX or TNF-α plus IFX, and cell vitality was evaluated after 6, 24 and 48 h. The same setting was used after pre-incubation with TNF-α for 24 h. Results IFX significantly reduced DAI and body weight loss in mice compared with controls, preserving also colon length at sacrifice. Histological score was also reduced in treated mice. At macroscopic analysis, IFX treated mice showed a lower number of tumor lesions compared to controls. This was confirmed at microscopic analysis, although differences were not statistically significant. In vitro, IFX treated CT26 maintained similar proliferation ability at MTT test, both when exposed to IFX alone and when associated to TNF-α. Conclusion IFX did not increase colonic cancer risk in AOM-DSS model of cancer on chronic colitis nor influence directly the proliferation of murine colon cancer epithelial cells.

Lo scopo del nostro studio è stato quello di valutare i risultati a lungo termine della procedura di riduzione volumetrica dei turbinati inferiori mediante radiofrequenze (RVTR). Abbiamo eseguito una valutazione prospettica longitudinale a lungo termine di 305 pazienti affetti da rinite (114 allergici e 191 non allergici) refrattari alla terapia medica e sottoposti a intervento di RVTR (gennaio 2004 - dicembre 2010). I pazienti sono stati seguiti per un Follow-up medio di 39,70±19,41 mesi (minimo-24, massimo-60 mesi) e sono stati valutati mediante la somministrazione del questionario NOSE-scale prima e dopo l’intervento a distanza di un mese e successivamente ogni anno per 5 anni. I pazienti sono stati considerati affetti da recidiva durante il periodo di follow-up in caso di ricomparsa dei sintomi con un aumento del punteggio totale del NOSE scale di almeno il 75% e necessità di riassumere trattamenti medici. La ricorrenza è stata valutata mediante analisi di sopravvivenza con il metodo di Kaplan-Meyer. Complessivamente abbiamo documentato una buona soddisfazione dei pazienti per quanto riguarda la procedura, con un elevato controllo del dolore e poche complicanze. Nel post-operatorio abbiamo avuto un significativo miglioramento di ostruzione nasale e respirazione orale vicariante (p < 0,05). Dopo 36 mesi abbiamo osservato un peggioramento dei sintomi, in particolare, dopo 36 mesi con un progressivo crescente tasso di recidive significativamente più elevato nei pazienti allergici rispetto a quelli non-allergici (p < 0,05). Abbiamo anche osservato una leggera diminuizione della soddisfazione generale dei pazienti. Il nostro studio conferma la buona tollerabilità da parte dei pazienti della procedura di decongestione dei turbinati inferiori con radiofrequenze con un basso rischio di complicanze. I nostri dati confermano inoltre una buona efficacia a lungo termine nella maggior parte dei pazienti per almeno 36 mesi dopo l’intervento con una probabilità di rimanere liberi da recidiva in questo periodo sempre superiore a 0,8. Nei mesi successivi si assiste a una progressiva riduzione del beneficio clinico in particolare nei pazienti allergici, con una differenza statisticamente significativa rispetto ai pazienti non allergici (p < 0,05).

To evaluate the corneal topography and the topographic changes after ptosis surgery on patients affected by congenital and acquired blepharoptosis.Twenty eyes of 17 patients affected by acquired and congenital ptosis underwent surgical correction through anterior levator complex tightening. Computerized tomography (Syrius Sistem; CSO) was used to analyze any change in corneal astigmatism (CYL), simulated keratometry, anterior corneal symmetry index front, apical keratometry front, and central corneal thickness. Visual acuity, margin reflex distance, and levator function were also measured.After surgical ptosis repair, corneal topography demonstrated a reduction in average keratometry of 0.15 ± 0.47 diopters (D) and in corneal astigmatism of 0.26 ± 1.12 D. Significant differences were found in apical keratometry front (-1.84 ± 1.76 D) and in best-corrected visual acuity (-0.18 ± 0.06 logMAR) in the postoperative examinations. Central corneal thickness did not show significant differences between preoperative and postoperative examinations. Postoperative topographic maps showed a reduction of symmetry index front (0.10 ± 0.64 D).Eyelid ptosis modifies anterior corneal surface inducing refractive errors and modifying corneal astigmatism in patients, thus affecting the quality of vision. The surgical correction of blepharoptosis induces anterior corneal surface modification, restoring corneal symmetry and regular corneal astigmatism. Postoperative corneal topography showed normal corneal contours.

Genomic testing expansion is accompanied by an increasing need for genetic counselling and intrafamilial communication. Genetic counselling can play an important role in facilitating intrafamilial communication and relationships. We conducted a cross-sectional, multicenter study including 252 Italian women, using a questionnaire divided in two sections, the first one to be filled after the pre-test counselling and the second after receiving BRCA test results. We assessed the factors influencing intrafamilial disclosure of genetic information for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, family members with whom probands are more prone to share genetic information, and the perceived understanding of information received by counselees during genetic counselling. Women were accompanied to the counselling more often by their husband/partner. Among those with a positive BRCA test result, 49% intended to communicate it to their offspring and 27% to their husband/partner. Younger women, those living with their husband/partner, and those who described family communication as open/profound and spontaneous/sincere had a higher probability of being accompanied during genetic counselling and discuss about it with relatives. Spontaneous/sincere or open/profound family communication and joyful/happy familial relationships were associated with the decision to undergo genetic testing as a responsibility towards relatives. Women had a good understanding of counselling contents (mean score 9.27 in a scale 1-10). Genetic counselling providers should consider that genetic information disclosure does not depend only on the clarity of the information provided, but also on pre-existing intrafamilial communication and relationships, family structure and marital status, indicating the need for a personalised approach accounting for these factors.

Background The elderly, defined here as subjects aged ≥ 65 years, are among at-risk subjects for whom annual influenza vaccination is recommended. For the 2018/19 season, three vaccine types are available for the elderly in Italy: trivalent inactivated vaccine (TIV), adjuvanted TIV (aTIV) and quadrivalent inactivated vaccines (QIV). No health technology assessment (HTA) of seasonal influenza vaccination in the elderly has previously been conducted in Italy. Methods An HTA was conducted in 2017 to analyze the burden of influenza illness, the characteristics, efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of available vaccines and the related organizational and ethical implications. This was then contextualized to the 2018/19 influenza season. Comprehensive literature reviews/analyses were performed and a static mathematical model developed in order to address the above issues. Results In Italy, influenza is usually less common in the elderly than in other age-classes, but the burden of disease is the highest; >10% of infected elderly subjects develop complications, and about 90% of all influenza-related deaths occur in this age-class. All available vaccines are effective, safe and acceptable from an ethical standpoint. However, aTIV has proved more immunogenic and effective in the elderly. Furthermore, from the third payer’s perspective, aTIV is highly cost-effective and cost-saving in comparison with TIV and QIV, respectively. Nevertheless, vaccination coverage needs to be improved. Conclusions According to this HTA, aTIV appeared the vaccine of choice in the elderly. HTA should be reapplied whenever new relevant data become available.

Background Some studies have showed that seasonality is an important determinant of vitamin D (vitD) status. Objective We evaluated whether there are differences in individual trends of serum vitD level over one year in asthmatic and rhinitic children. Materials and methods Ninety-two asthmatic and rhinitic paediatric patients were followed up for one year and their serum vitD level was detected at three-month intervals, once in each season. Results We observed higher vitD levels at the end of summer and lower at the end of winter. However, the individual seasonal trend was very variable and unpredictable. If it is true that in a given season the majority of patients followed one direction (increase or decrease of serum vitD levels), nevertheless a substantial percentage behaved differently and unpredictably. For example, at the end of spring, 70% of patients showed an increase in serum vitD levels, but 30% showed a decrease. In addition, five individuals had a value ≥50 ng/ml in September and showed serum vitD levels ≥30 ng/ml throughout the year; 16 patients presented vitD value ≥40 ng/ml in September and always had ≥20 ng/ml in the other months. Conclusions The wide and unpredictable variability of the individual trend of serum vitD levels should be taken into account before deciding whether or not a drug supplementation is appropriate.

In Italy, the National Immunization Prevention Plan recommends for adolescents between ages 11 and 18 several vaccines, however their adherence is below the expected coverage. School-based delivery strategies might represent an alternative to primary care settings. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a school-based intervention aimed to increase the vaccination uptake among Italian secondary class students.One of the four schools in which a school-based multicomponent intervention was previously carried out has been matched with a control school in the same geographical area. Students' coverage for mandatory and recommended vaccinations was assessed before and after an 8 months period using the Local Health Authority Immunization Register.Seven hundred and fifty-five resident students in the RM Local Health Authority were included: 265 from the intervention school, 490 from the control school. At baseline, the two schools were comparable for grades and sex distribution; the intervention school had significant higher immunization rates for Meningococcal B, but lower ones for the 4th dose of dTap. After eight months, higher percentage of students received the HPV (30.5% vs 13.8% of females; p = 0.003) Meningococcal C (6.0% vs 2.0%; p = 0.005) and Meningococcal B (14.7% vs 0.3%; p0.001) vaccines in the intervention school compared with control. The pre-post differences between the two schools in the immunization rates were significantly higher in the intervention school for the HPV, Meningococcal C and B vaccines.This study demonstrates that a school-based health promotion project was effective in improving the recommended vaccines uptake among adolescents with potential interesting implication for the national target attainment. Considering the importance of informing and educating, innovative school-based health promotion programs could represent an excellent opportunity for the Local Health Authorities to get in touch with a hard-to-reach target. Performance in offering the vaccination in school facilities should be evaluated.

The Italian Ministry of Health has launched an alert about the reduction in vaccine coverage (VC), which decreased below 95% since 2014 for many paediatric vaccines, oppositely from the National Prevention Plan 2014-18 and the National Immunization Plan 2017-2019. Even though the growing vaccine hesitancy attracts the attention of the media in the last few years, the organization of an easily accessible and efficient supply network remains a crucial imperative for ensuring satisfactory and uniform vaccine coverage. Taking into consideration some critical issues identified within the vaccination centres of the Local Health Authority (ASL) RM/A, the local health management decided to improve the VC in deep collaboration with all the health professionals. The amelioration process includes the following actions: verifying the current situation, analysing the main concerns, evaluating the possible solution, and activating those already deemed feasible. This paper aims to describe in details the methodology used in the audit and to present the results and actions undertaken following this amelioration process.In the ASL RM/A, which counts 550.000 inhabitants, all the 5 vaccination centres started from 2014 to carry out at least one 30-hour audit each year in order to improve VC. The audits are structured according to the four steps defined by the Ministry of Health to address systematically the critical points identified, by implementing the improvement actions proposed by the audit team to the health management. The audits, accredited under the ECM for the medical and nursing personnel, started in February 2014 and the last edition of the program was completed in December 2016.During 20 meetings the audit "Centri Vaccinali" involved 11 professionals from 5 vaccine centres, who acknowledged being highly satisfied with the audit, which has been recognized as a valuable tool for improving their work. Following the activities performed in the VC improvement programme, throughout the 3-years period an in-depth review of the most relevant procedures implemented daily by the involved experts was conducted. Moreover, the share of goals and deadlines among the various professionals has leaded to a positive and fruitful collaboration of all experts working in the vaccination centres. This was achieved without creating an additional burden deriving from the improvement process activities. The analysis conducted after two years from the start of the programme has shown not just a significant improvement in vaccine coverage, but also an important increase in the number of vaccine sessions and in the total number of administered vaccines.Throughout the described process of improvement, the collaboration among health care professionals was significantly improved and immunization strategies were identified and shared among the centres. The audit demonstrated to be an effective methodology for facilitating the accessibility and usage of vaccination centres by the citizen/user as well as by the healthcare providers. It showed a quick and significant improvement that, by promoting accountability and transparency, will ensure greater efficacy and safety of vaccine services.

Background The number of Europeans aged over 65 will double between 2010 and 2060, reaching 30% of the European population. Nutrition is emerging as a key element of healthy life since both obesity and malnutrition are established risk factors for morbidity and disability. The aim of this umbrella review (UR) is to summarize the findings of all current systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyzes (MAs) on the effectiveness of nutritional intervention designed to promote healthy aging in older individuals. Methods Eligible articles published in English or Italian between January 2000 and May 2016 were identified in six databases. Only studies that analyzed nutritional interventions in the population of 65 years and over, or papers specifically targeting older adults were deemed eligible. Results Twenty-eight papers, out of which twenty-five SRs and three MAs, met the inclusion criteria and were included in this umbrella SR. Supplementation with vitamin D and other kind of products was highly effective in preventing falls and fractures. Furthermore, several interventions, ranging from the prescription of supplements to environmental and organizational programs, resulted in an improvement in energy and protein intake, as well as positive weight outcomes. Positive findings were also found for the elderly at risk of malnutrition and for older patients with dementia. Conclusions The findings of this UR indicate that the use of a wide range of supplements and environmental and organizational intervention improve a number of anthropometric, nutritional and functional indices in the elderly.