Chronic endometritis (CE) is a persistent inflammatory condition of the endometrium characterized by abnormal infiltration of plasma cells into the endometrial stroma. Frequently associated with repeated implantation failure, recurrent pregnancy loss, and infertility, CE significantly impacts women's health, contributing to conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding and endometriosis. Treatment typically involves antibiotic therapy; however, the efficacy of these treatments is increasingly compromised by the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe Anthropocene era is marked by unprecedented human-induced alterations to the environment, resulting in a climate emergency and widespread ecological deterioration. A staggering number of up to one million species of plants and animals are in danger of becoming extinct, which includes over 10 % of insect species and 40 % of plant species. Unrestrained release of greenhouse gases, widespread deforestation, intense agricultural practices, excessive fishing, and alterations in land use have exceeded the ecological boundaries that were once responsible for humanity's wellbeing.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Compared with the general population, international migrants arriving in Europe face severe socioeconomic challenges that result in higher HIV prevalence and limited access to health care, potentially leading to negative outcomes. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the incidence of HIV-related outcomes among international migrants arriving in Europe compared with the incidence among the general population.
Methods: We did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify studies investigating HIV-related outcomes in migrants and the general population living with HIV in Europe.
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a Global Health challenge, with diagnostic delays contributing significantly to its spread. This study investigates the differences in diagnostic delays between native and migrant TB patients in Italy, examining patient-related diagnostic delay (PDD), health system-related diagnostic delay (HDD), and total diagnostic delay (TDD).
Methods: We conducted a retrospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study of TB cases in 10 Italian hospitals from 2018 to 2023.
Purpose: While cycling offers several health benefits, repetitive loading and maintenance of static postures for prolonged periods expose cyclists to low back pain (LBP). Despite high LBP prevalence in cyclists, underlying pathomechanics and specific lumbar region muscle activation patterns during cycling are unclear. Here, we compared lumbar erector spinae (ES) muscles activation and spatial distribution activity in cyclists with and without recent LBP history.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Limited evidence is available about sleep quality changes associated with the use of Cabotegravir (CAB), a new, long-acting (LA) antiretroviral (ARV) drug belonging to the class of Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs).
Methods: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was calculated in 53 people living with HIV (PLWH) under the care of the outpatient services of two Italian Infectious Diseases Centers in Apuliabefore (M0) and seven months after (M7) the switch to LA CAB. Global scores and relative subitems were compared using paired sample tests.
Introduction: The current Infectious Disease Society of America and American Thoracic Society (IDSA/ATS) guidelines recommend linezolid or vancomycin as an empiric treatment for methicillin-resistant (MRSA) pneumonia in hospitalized patients with specific risk factors,. A nasal PCR-assay for MRSA, with its high negative predictive value, can guide a rapid antibiotic de-escalation avoiding unnecessary anti-MRSA treatment. The indiscriminate use of these drugs has contributed to the emergence of resistant strains leading to adverse effects without any survival benefit, increasing hospital stays and associated costs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGait dysfunction (GD) is a common impairment of Parkinson's disease (PD), which negatively impacts patients' quality of life. Among the most recent rehabilitation technologies, a lower-limb powered exoskeleton (LLEXO) arises as a useful instrument for gait training in several neurological conditions, including PD. However, some questions relating to methods of use, achievable results, and usefulness compared to traditional rehabilitation methodologies still require clear answers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Climate change is contributing to increase the frequency and severity of climate disasters in Mozambique, leading, since 2019, to extensive damage to infrastructure and displacement 1.3 million people. Aim of this study is to evaluate baseline preparedness to vector-borne and water-borne infections among households and internally displaced people exposed to climate disasters in Mozambique.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNurses play a pivotal role in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, the success of local and national AMR containment efforts hinges on the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of nursing staff and undergraduate students. This study aims to explore the determinants of nurses' KAP regarding AMR, offering insights to control the emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogens.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The eco-climatic crisis has been defined by the World Health Organization as the "single biggest health threat facing humanity," influencing both the emergence of zoonoses and the spread of vector-borne and water-borne diseases. The aim of this survey was to explore knowledge, eco-anxiety and attitudes toward the ecological and climate crisis among young Italian doctors and medical students.
Methods: A cross-sectional, multicenter survey was conducted from November 2022 to June 2023, by administering an anonymous questionnaire to Italian doctors and students of medicine.
Background: The role of intravenous fosfomycin (iv-FOS) as a part of combination therapy for Gram-negative bacteria bloodstream infections (GNB-BSI) needs to be evaluated in clinical practice, as in vitro data show potential efficacy.
Methods: All consecutive patients with a GNB-BSI from 01 January 2021 to 01 April 2023 were included. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to persistent and debilitating symptoms referred to as Post-Acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) This broad symptomatology lasts for months after the acute infection and impacts physical and mental health and everyday functioning. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of long-term impairment of working ability in non-elderly people hospitalised for COVID-19. This cross-sectional study involved 322 subjects hospitalised for COVID-19 from 1 March 2020 to 31 December 2022 in the University Hospital of Bari, Apulia, Italy, enrolled at the time of their hospital discharge and followed-up at a median of 731 days since hospitalization (IQR 466-884).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRegarding skeletal muscle hypertrophy, resistance training and nutrition, the most often discussed and proposed supplements include proteins. Although, the correct amount, quality, and daily distribution of proteins is of paramount importance for skeletal muscle hypertrophy, there are many other nutritional supplements that can help and support the physiological response of skeletal muscle to resistance training in terms of muscle hypertrophy. A healthy muscle environment and a correct whole muscle metabolism response to the stress of training is a prerequisite for the increase in muscle protein synthesis and, therefore, muscle hypertrophy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRemdesivir (RDV) was the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication for COVID-19, with discordant data on efficacy in reducing mortality risk and disease progression. In the context of a dynamic and rapidly changing pandemic landscape, the utilization of real-world evidence is of utmost importance. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of RDV on patients who have been admitted to two university referral hospitals in Italy due to COVID-19.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Mental health (MH) is extremely relevant when referring to people living with a chronic disease, such as people living with HIV (PLWH). In fact - although life expectancy and quality have increased since the advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART) - PLWH carry a high incidence of mental disorders, and this burden has been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this scenario, UNAIDS has set new objectives for 2025, such as the linkage of at least 90% of PLWH to people-centered, context-specific MH services.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: In Europe and Italy, marginalized communities have a higher risk for both contracting sexually transmitted infections (STI) and progressing towards adverse outcomes.
Objectives: This study focuses on the screening of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis among homeless individuals and agricultural migrant workers living in Apulia, Italy. It aims to assess STI prevalence and investigate factors that might hinder return to collect test results.
Human genital papilloma virus infection is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection in the world. It is estimated that more than 75% of sexually active women contract this infection in their lifetime. In 80% of young women, there is the clearance of the virus within 18-24 months.
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