Human neuroinvasive Toscana virus infections in Italy from 2016 to 2023: Increased incidence in 2022 and 2023.

BackgroundToscana virus (TOSV) is transmitted to humans through bites of infected sand flies. Neuroinvasive TOSV infections are leading causes of meningitis/encephalitis in southern Europe and notifiable in Italy since 2016. In 2022-23, Italy experienced extreme climate anomalies and a concomitant increase in mosquito and tick-borne disease transmission.

Dark chocolate's impact on low-grade endotoxemia in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.

Background And Aims: Cocoa may have prebiotic effects and improve gut barrier function. However, it remains unclear whether dark chocolate can reduce lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This study aims to evaluate the effect of dark chocolate compared to milk chocolate on endotoxemia in patients with MASH.

Thirteen year experience of vitrectomy and air tamponade for primary retinal detachment repair with clinical outcomes.

Purpose: To report outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with air tamponade for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and investigate the impact of vitreous cortex remnants (VCR) on surgical outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective review of 900 patients treated for uncomplicated primary RRD between 2007 and 2020. Exclusion criteria included axial length > 26 mm, prior retinal surgery, giant retinal tear, PVR grade > B, and inadequate follow-up.

Sex differences in response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in Italian population.

Since the beginning of mass vaccination campaign for COVID-19 in Italy (December 2020) and following the rapidly increasing vaccine administration, sex differences have been emphasized. Nevertheless, incomplete and frequently incoherent sex-disaggregated data for COVID-19 vaccinations are currently available, and vaccines clinical studies generally do not include sex-specific analyses for safety and efficacy. We looked at sex variations in the COVID-19 vaccine's effectiveness against infection and severe disease outcomes.

Novel Diagnosis and Therapeutics Approaches in Retina Diseases.

We have warmly welcomed the opportunity to propose the Special Issue titled "Novel Diagnosis and Therapeutics Approaches in Retina Diseases", and numerous authors have decided to submit their works to it [...