Publications by authors named "Fabio Scarpa"

Widespread screening is crucial for the early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness. The development of portable technologies, such as smartphone-based ophthalmoscopes, able to image the optical nerve head, represents a resource for large-scale glaucoma screening. Indeed, they consist of an optical device attached to a common smartphone, making the overall device cheap and easy to use.

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The ongoing mpox outbreak in sub-Saharan Africa has highlighted the critical need for equitable vaccine access and robust logistical support. However, these factors alone are insufficient to ensure the success of vaccination campaigns in regions characterized by unique epidemiological and immunological challenges. One significant issue is the high prevalence of helminth infections, which are known to impair immune responses to vaccines, potentially reducing both short-term efficacy and long-term antibody titers.

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Wolbachia-based mosquito control strategies have gained significant attention as a sustainable approach to reduce the transmission of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. These endosymbiotic bacteria can limit the ability of mosquitoes to transmit pathogens, offering a promising alternative to traditional chemical-based interventions. With the growing impact of climate change on mosquito population dynamics and disease transmission, Wolbachia interventions represent an adaptable and resilient strategy for mitigating the public health burden of vector-borne diseases.

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Multidrug-resistant is a significant healthcare challenge that particularly affects vulnerable patients through opportunistic nosocomial infections. Surveillance is crucial for monitoring the prevalence of these infections. Eighty-four KPC strains (2019-2022) were collected from patients admitted in Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico.

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We adopted a morphometric approach to provide statistical support for the description of two different morphotypes (I, reproductive, II, non-reproductive) firstly observed in specimens caught in a population from Sardinia Island (western Mediterranean). The morphometric study was preceded by molecular taxonomic identification using the mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The presence or absence of the pathogen , responsible for the plague, was also investigated using the ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) marker.

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Article Synopsis
  • The paper introduces an open-access repository that compiles data on measles virus infections and passenger movements in Europe from 2011 to 2023.
  • It includes comprehensive information on reported measles cases and MMR vaccination coverage from credible sources like WHO and ECDC.
  • The dataset allows for in-depth analysis of cross-border disease transmission, highlighting the need for strong vaccination efforts and ongoing international surveillance to control measles outbreaks.
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Following the increased mass mortality of populations in the Mediterranean, reliable protocols for the transport, maintenance, and controlled reproduction of this highly endangered species were drawn up within the European Life Pinna project. To test these protocols, the large Pinnidae , which shares similar habits to , has been used. In December 2022, a transport trial of nine specimens of from Trieste (NE Italy) to Camogli (NW Italy) was carried out.

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Background: Climate change significantly influences the distribution and severity of tropical diseases. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events are transforming the habitats of vectors like mosquitoes and ticks, promoting their proliferation and geographic spread. These changes have facilitated the resurgence of diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya fever in previously unaffected areas, including parts of Europe and Italy.

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Dengue virus circulation is on the rise globally, with increased epidemic activity in previously unaffected countries, including within Europe. In 2023, global dengue activity peaked, and Italy reported the highest number of dengue cases and local chains of transmission to date. By curating several sources of information, we introduce a novel data repository focused on dengue reporting in Italy.

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The family includes a number of negative RNA viruses known for their wide host range and significant zoonotic potential. In recent years, there has been a surge in the identification of emerging zoonotic paramyxoviruses, particularly those hosted by bat species, which serve as key reservoirs. Among these, the genera Henipavirus and Pararubulavirus are of particular concern.

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Article Synopsis
  • HPV is a common virus linked to cervical and other cancers, and the development of HPV vaccines has significantly decreased disease rates worldwide.
  • Despite their effectiveness, challenges such as low vaccination in lower-income countries, vaccine hesitancy, and healthcare access disparities hinder global immunization efforts.
  • This review discusses the mechanisms, safety, and real-world efficacy of HPV vaccines, current distribution challenges, public health policies, and future innovations in HPV vaccination strategies.
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The One Health concept underscores the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, necessitating an integrated, transdisciplinary approach to tackle contemporary health challenges. This perspective paper explores the pivotal role of genomics and bioinformatics in advancing One Health initiatives. By leveraging genomic technologies and bioinformatics tools, researchers can decode complex biological data, enabling comprehensive insights into pathogen evolution, transmission dynamics, and host-pathogen interactions across species and environments (or ecosystems).

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Article Synopsis
  • * An analysis of viral genome sequences combined with epidemiological data revealed that Italy experienced four significant epidemic waves between 2021 and 2023, marked by reduced fatalities and influenced by variants like Alpha, Delta, and Omicron.
  • * This study emphasizes the need for adaptable public health strategies and continuous genomic surveillance to effectively track virus evolution and prepare for potential future outbreaks.
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