Roma 2 Local Health Authority (ASL) developed a strategy to control the COVID-19 epidemic in Hard-to-reach (HTR) migrant communities, addressing both the containment of clusters in informal settlements and access to COVID-19 vaccination. The strategy was based on a strong collaboration of different services across the ASL and with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). NGOs were involved in the active surveillance, reporting of COVID-19 suspected cases to the ASL and information to the communities.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The waning of the protective effect of COVID-19 vaccines and timing of booster doses are debated.
Methods: Population-based cohort study in the largest Health-Authority of Lazio region, Italy, on 946,156 residents aged 12+ (study period: 1 January 2021-10 January 2022). Vaccine effectiveness (VE) against any SARS-CoV-2 infection (symptomatic or asymptomatic) was estimated through multivariable negative-binomial models using unvaccinated person-time as a reference.
We estimated the effectiveness of Comirnaty and Vaxzevria vaccines among 371,423 residents in Lazio Region (Italy) vaccinated since 27/12/2020, and followed until diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection or 25/4/2021, whichever came first. By the end of follow-up most of the Comirnaty-cohort (60%) had received the second dose at recommended time of 21 days (98%), while the Vaxzevria-cohort had received only one dose. Adjusted hazard ratios of SARS-CoV-2 infection at weekly intervals since the first dose were estimated through a Cox regression model using 0-13 days as reference time-interval.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The inappropriate use of antibiotics has increased selective pressure and the spread of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, which reduces the possibility of effective treatment. A potential alternative therapeutic approach may be represented by essential oils, such as the distilled extract of bergamot ( Risso et Poiteau). Such natural products exercise numerous biological activities, including antimicrobial effects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the high fatality rate of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been putting a strain on the world since December 2019. Infected individuals exhibit unpredictable symptoms that tend to worsen if age is advanced, a state of malnutrition persists, or if cardiovascular comorbidities are present. Once transmitted, the virus affects the lungs and in predisposed individuals can elicit a sequela of fatal cardiovascular consequences.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe know that metabolic syndrome (MS) is a modern cardiovascular (CV) "epidemic", especially in western populations. MS is indeed strictly related to the risk of developing CV diseases (CVD) and/or diabetes. Therefore, the aim of our multi-center study was to promote a "healthy style" for fighting MS.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFor some years now, direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have entered the clinical practice for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) or prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, there is uncertainty on DOAC use in some clinical scenarios not fully explored by clinical trials, but commonly encountered in the real world. We report a Delphi Consensus on DOAC use in NVAF and VTE patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: The avoidable mortality (ME)represents the share of deaths that occurs at an early age (0-74 aa) for causes that cannot be faced by means of public health or health care measures. The work develops a strategic intervention plan aimed at the reduction of ME by identifying local priority actions based on epidemiologic and social-health data.
Methods: a working group among the Department of Prevention, Health Information Systems and Health District was set up.
Fingolimod exerts its therapeutic effect in multiple sclerosis by modulating sphingosine-1P receptors which are expressed in the heart mediating fingolimod first dose effects. Understanding potential interactions of baseline characteristics and autonomic profile with fingolimod first dose effects may add novel safety information and help explain cases requiring extension of the 6-hour ECG monitoring period. We aimed at characterizing the patient population treated with the first dose of fingolimod in clinical practice in an observational, multicenter, prospective 6-hours (up to 24) study.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is frequently associated with comorbidities occurring either independently or as consequences of COPD. Areas covered: This review examines the interactions between the pathophysiology of COPD and the most frequent comorbidities, and highlights the need for multidimensional clinical strategies to manage COPD patients with comorbidities. Expert commentary: Most COPD patients need to be approached in a complex and multifactorial scenario.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCongenital coronary-pulmonary fistulas are uncommon coronary anomalies. We present a case of a 63-year-old woman with a tortuous fistula between the proximal left anterior descending and main pulmonary artery which was effectively closed using an AMPLATZER Vascular Plug IV.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe investigated patients who showed a second-degree atrioventricular block (S-AVB) after the first fingolimod administration. We observed six patients with S-AVB, three Mobitz type I, and three type II. Monitoring continued on the second day for all patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA coronary angiography performed for the occurrence of atypical chest pain allowed us to discover a coronary-right ventricular fistula as a rare complication of myocardial penetration by a tined ventricular catheter implanted some years earlier.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInhalers and nebulisers are devices used for delivering aerosolised drugs in subjects with Chronic Airflow Obstruction (CAO). This multicentre, cross-sectional observational study was performed in a large population of outpatients with CAO regularly using home aerosol therapy and referring to chest clinics. The aims of the study were to compare the characteristics of the group of subjects with CAO who were using home nebulisers but also experienced with inhalers vs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown)
August 2007
During the implantation of a definitive pacemaker for complete atrioventricular block via the left subclavian vein, a rare and abnormal origin of the superior vena cava was detected. No such finding has ever been reported, leading us to adopt the contralateral approach.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFChronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD) patients with mild-moderate daytime hypoxia or normoxia (PaO2 > 60 mmHg) may also have transient oxygen desaturation during sleep. Revisiting literature, the authors consider various features of this condition: the prevalence, causes, diagnostic procedures, symptoms, predisposing factors, consequences and therapy. The conclusion is that isolated nocturnal oxygen desaturation in COPD patients is a pathologic condition not yet sufficiently cleared; it likely represents an intermediate step in the evolution of COPD to overt respiratory failure.
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