A metagenomics method for the quantitative detection of bacterial pathogens causing hospital-associated and ventilator-associated pneumonia.

The management of ventilator-associated pneumonia and hospital-acquired pneumonia requires rapid and accurate quantitative detection of the infecting pathogen. To this end, we propose a metagenomic sequencing assay that includes the use of an internal sample processing control for the quantitative detection of 20 relevant bacterial species from bronchoalveolar lavage samples.

Comparison of DNA extraction methods for 16S rRNA gene sequencing in the analysis of the human gut microbiome.

The gut microbiome is widely analyzed using high-throughput sequencing, such as 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomic sequencing (SMS). DNA extraction is known to have a large impact on the metagenomic analyses. The aim of this study was to compare DNA extraction protocols for 16S sequencing.

Contribution of Clinical Metagenomics to the Diagnosis of Bone and Joint Infections.

Bone and joint infections (BJIs) are complex infections that require precise microbiological documentation to optimize antibiotic therapy. Currently, diagnosis is based on microbiological culture, sometimes complemented by amplification and sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene. Clinical metagenomics (CMg), that is, the sequencing of the entire nucleic acids in a sample, was previously shown to identify bacteria not detected by conventional methods, but its actual contribution to the diagnosis remains to be assessed, especially with regard to 16S rDNA sequencing.

Meralgia Paresthetica Successfully Treated with Palmithoylethanolamide.

Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is an uncommon entrapment mononeuropathy that is characterized by a sudden onset of paresthesia and numbness in the anterolateral surface of the thigh. Palmithoylethanolamide (PEA) is commonly used in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain and compressive neuropathies. Herein, we describe an otherwise healthy 28-year-old patient affected by posttraumatic MP for three months who was successfully treated with PEA (1200mg/day).

Integrated care pathways on dementia in Italy: a survey testing the compliance with a national guidance.

Dementias are chronic, degenerative neurological disorders with a complex management that require the cooperation of different healthcare professionals. The Italian Ministry of Health produced the document "Guidance on Integrated Care pathway for People with Dementia" (GICPD) with the specific objective of providing a standardized framework for the definition, development, and implementation of integrated care pathways (ICP) dedicated to people with dementia. We searched all available Italian territorial ICPs.

Methodological Issues in the Clinical Validation of Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease: The Paradigmatic Example of CSF.

The use of biomarkers is profoundly transforming medical research and practice. Their adoption has triggered major advancements in the field of Alzheimer's disease (AD) over the past years. For instance, the analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and neuroimaging changes indicative of neuronal loss and amyloid deposition has led to the understanding that AD is characterized by a long preclinical phase.

A systematic review on the epidemiology of normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Background: The aim of this systematic review is to gather all available studies reporting prevalence and incidence rates of iNPH and to assess their methodological quality and consistency.

Methods: All available studies published up to June 2019 were retrieved searching the databases PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. All included studies were qualitatively assessed by two independent reviewers using the MORE Checklist for Observational Studies of Incidence and Prevalence.

The issue of dementia in migrants and ethnic minorities: the perspective of National Dementia Plans.

Background: The occurrence of dementia among individuals with a migration background and composing ethnic minorities is being recognized as a global public health issue.

Aims: In the present study, we sought to explore if and how this phenomenon is mentioned and addressed by the existing National Dementia Plans (NDPs).

Methods: The 32 NDPs listed on the Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI)'s website were considered for the present analysis.

A Systematic Review of the Microbiome in Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

A relationship between gut microbiome and central nervous system (CNS), have been suggested. The human microbiome may have an influence on brain's development, thus implying that dysbiosis may contribute in the etiology and progression of some neurological/neuropsychiatric disorders. The objective of this systematic review was to identify evidence on the characterization and potential distinctive traits of the microbiome of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, as compared to healthy children.

Seasonal influenza vaccination among health-care workers: the impact of different tailored programs in four University hospitals in Rome.

Seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) of health-care workers (HCWs) is recommended in most countries to protect them and their patients from infection. Although SIV can reduce the risk of influenza complications among vulnerable patients, vaccination uptake is generally unsatisfactory. The present study aimed to assess the impact of different programs in promoting SIV uptake among HCWs during the season 2017/2018 in four teaching hospitals in Rome.

The Efficacy of Cocoa Polyphenols in the Treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Retrospective Study.

: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by cognition impairment that does not interfere with the usual activities of daily living. It is considered to be a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia. No treatment is available for MCI.

[The progressive patient care program as a model of field training of public health practitioners: the experience of the Roman Public Health Academy].

The management of healthcare facilities has become increasingly complex in recent years, leading to a greater demand for public health physicians in Italy. Public Health physicians are responsible for evaluating community needs, with particular attention to health determinants and, at the same time, to final user feedback. During their training, they must acquire the competencies to manage a wide range of problems.

Metabolomic Investigation of Staphylococcus aureus Antibiotic Susceptibility by Liquid Chromatography Coupled to High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry.

Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen that can readily acquire antibiotic resistance. For instance, methicillin-resistant S. aureus represents a major cause of hospital- and community-acquired bacterial infections.

[Epidemics of Hepatitis A and opportunities for vaccination: a focus on the category of men who practice sex with men (MSM)].

Hepatitis A is an infectious disease caused by a virus (HAV), which is highly contagious and widespread all over the world. In industrialized countries, Hepatitis A is commonly considered a disease with an important socio-economic impact, as the clinical disease affects mostly young adults. After the development of a specific anti-HAV vaccine, a reduction in the incidence of Hepatitis A was observed, with a subsequent change in the prevalence of HAV.

An Automated Sample Preparation Instrument to Accelerate Positive Blood Cultures Microbial Identification by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry (VitekMS).

Sepsis is the leading cause of death among patients in intensive care units (ICUs) requiring an early diagnosis to introduce efficient therapeutic intervention. Rapid identification (ID) of a causative pathogen is key to guide directed antimicrobial selection and was recently shown to reduce hospitalization length in ICUs. Direct processing of positive blood cultures by MALDI-TOF MS technology is one of the several currently available tools used to generate rapid microbial ID.

Biodegradable composite porous poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) scaffold supports mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and calcium phosphate deposition.

In recent decades, tissue engineering strategies have been proposed for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and bone fractures to overcome the limitations of the traditional surgical approaches based on allografts and autografts. In this work we report the development of a composite porous poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) scaffold suitable for bone regeneration. Scaffolds were produced by thermal sintering of porous microparticles.

Frequently asked questions on seven rare adverse events following immunization.

Routine mass immunization programs have contributed greatly to the control of infectious diseases and to the improvement of the health of populations. Over the last decades, the rise of antivaccination movements has threatened the advances made in this field to the point that vaccination coverage rates have decreased and outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases have resurfaced. One of the critical points of the immunization debate revolves around the level of risk attributable to vaccination, namely the possibility of experiencing serious and possibly irreversible adverse events.

Quadriceps muscles activity during gait: comparison between PFPS subjects and healthy control.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate if during a common activity as walking, altered quadriceps muscular activity may be present in patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) patients.

Methods: Forty subjects with clinically diagnosed PFPS and forty healthy males matching in age, weight, height and level of sport activity were enrolled in the study. Subjects were asked to walk on an instrumented walking path at their self-selected speed.

[Rare adverse events following immunization: coincidence].

The high standards of safety and effectiveness of vaccines have allowed them to get a prominent role in disease prevention and health protection. However, like any other intervention, vaccination is not free from risks. Rare adverse events occur after immunization in less than one in a thousand individuals and can be linked to vaccination by causality or coincidence.

Erectile Dysfunction in Individuals with Neurologic Disability: A Hospital-based Cross-sectional Study.

Objective: Neurogenic erectile dysfunction can be broadly defined as an inability to sustain or maintain a penile erection due to neurologic impairment. Sexual problems can occur due to any lesion affecting the central and peripheral nervous system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and causes of erectile dysfunction in a group of hospital inpatients suffering from neurologic disorders.

Nosocomial rotavirus infection: An up to date evaluation of European studies.

Rotavirus (RV) is worldwide considered as the most important viral agent of acute gastroenteritis in children less than 5 y. Since 2006, the availability of anti-RV vaccines has deeply modified the incidence and economic burden of RV infection. In Europe, some countries have introduced an anti-RV vaccination program in the last 10 y.

Pericardium matrix buttressing hinders the stapled bronchial stump healing.

Background: Biomechanical and histological properties of stapled bronchi with and without bovine pericardial matrix plus collagen reinforcement are analyzed.

Materials And Methods: Pneumonectomy with mechanical bronchial suture was performed in the swine model. Pigs were randomly assigned to three groups: three-row staplers without reinforcement (Traditional), with reinforcement (Buttressed) and control "wild type", non-resected normal bronchus (Normal).

Effect of mass media on influenza vaccine coverage in the season 2014/2015: a regional survey in Lazio, Italy.

Introduction: Adherence to vaccination program for Influenza virus is an important issue of Public Health in presence of many no-vaccine tendencies. The media event about some deaths, occurring after MF59 adjuvanted vaccine administration, has characterized the season 2014/15 vaccination program in Italy. Aim of the study is vaccination adherence assessment of the current season with regards to local health units (LHU) coordinators's perceptions in Lazio Region (IT).

Electromechanical delay of the knee flexor muscles after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using semitendinosus tendon.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether using only the semitendinosus as a tripled short graft would affect the electromechanical delay (EMD) of the knee flexors. EMD was evaluated in volunteers (N = 15) after they had undergone surgery for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction where the semitendinosus tendon alone was used as a graft. The results were compared with the intact leg and healthy controls (N = 15).