Mechanisms of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance: lessons from animal model organisms.

Epigenetic inheritance is a phenomenon whereby stochastic or signal-induced changes to parental germline epigenome modulate phenotypic output in one or more subsequent generations, independently of mutations in the genomic DNA. While the number of reported epigenetic inheritance phenomena across phyla is exponentially growing, much remains to be elucidated about their mechanistic underpinnings, and their significance for organismal homeostasis and adaptation. Here, we review the most recent epigenetic inheritance examples in animal models, outlining molecular details behind environmental sensing by the germline, and the functional relationships connecting epigenetic mechanisms and phenotypic traits after fertilization.

Attitudinal variables and a possible mediating mechanism for vaccination practice in health care workers of a local hospital in L'Aquila (Italy).

Active immunization is an important concern for health care workers (HCWs) susceptible subjects and potential sources of infection for patients. However, the vaccine coverage for vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) is below recommended standards. The aims of the study were to estimate the hospitals' HCWs' susceptibility and vaccination coverage rates for VPDs and to analyze the role of HCWs' attitudes and knowledge as determinants of the immunization practices.

[Health status perception among the elderly of L'Aquila after the 2009 earthquake].

Objectives: to evaluate the health status' perception in relation to the displacement in the over-65-year population of L'Aquila, about three years after the earthquake of April 6th, 2009.

Design: a cross-sectional observational study was performed using a structured interview with a questionnaire divided into 36 closed and multiple questions.

Setting And Participants: interviews were conducted in the offices of general practitioners and at the Department of prevention - vaccinations service.

Well-being and perceived quality of life in elderly people displaced after the earthquake in L'Aquila, Italy.

On 6 April 2009, the city of L'Aquila was hit by a violent earthquake that destroyed almost all of its medieval centre, and the surviving inhabitants were evacuated and relocated in temporary quarters or undamaged homes. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceived quality of life of the elderly population 3 years after the earthquake in relation to the social and logistic issues of new housing. The study was carried out between October 2011 and March 2012, and involved 571 subjects aged over 65 years living in the municipality of L'Aquila.