Publications by authors named "Laura Campo"
Background: The prognosis for patients with several types of cancer has substantially improved following the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors, a novel type of immunotherapy. However, patients may experience symptoms both from the cancer itself and from the medication. A prototype of the eHealth tool Cancer Patients Better Life Experience (CAPABLE) was developed to facilitate symptom management, aimed at patients with melanoma and renal cell carcinoma treated with immunotherapy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The study examined the impact of night-shift work on hormone levels in female hospital workers, particularly focusing on steroid hormones, vitamin D, and melatonin.
- Ninety-seven female participants included nurses on a rapid rotating night-shift schedule and day workers, with various hormonal levels measured in serum and saliva.
- Findings indicated that night-shift work led to higher levels of certain stress-related hormones while not affecting overall circadian rhythms of cortisol and melatonin, nor increasing estradiol levels.
Article Synopsis
- The digital economy's growth has affected labor markets, particularly in food delivery, raising concerns about occupational safety and health (OSH) for riders in Milan, Italy.
- The study involved structured interviews with 240 delivery riders, primarily male and under 35, revealing high rates of road accidents and health issues like musculoskeletal disorders.
- Findings highlight the need for collaborative efforts among policymakers and stakeholders to improve OSH standards and working conditions for food delivery riders, contributing to sustainable development goals.
Article Synopsis
- Hospital A, with an infectious disease specialist program, had better management of CDI, avoiding unnecessary treatments and leading in guideline adherence compared to Hospital B.
- Both hospitals showed no significant differences in mortality and recurrence rates, but Hospital B had higher chances of patient readmission and emergency visits due to CDI.
- Overall, specialized CDI programs help improve patient care and may lead to more efficient use of hospital resources.
Article Synopsis
- The study focused on assessing benzene exposure among plant workers involved in the regeneration of waste oil, a key part of the EU's circular economy initiative.
- The research involved monitoring 59 workers using personal air samplers and analyzing urine samples for benzene and its metabolites, finding that exposure levels were consistently below occupational limits.
- Results indicated no significant differences in benzene exposure based on job tasks or worker type, although smokers exhibited higher exposure levels than non-smokers, suggesting that routine activities in this industry do not pose significant health risks from benzene.
Article Synopsis
- Air pollution significantly harms health, especially for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly, highlighting the need for immediate action.
- A participatory approach encourages public involvement and awareness, which can help address research challenges related to air quality.
- The MAPS-MI projects in Milan focus on engaging school communities in assessing air pollution impacts and developing educational initiatives, showing positive results in promoting awareness and community participation.
Article Synopsis
- The COVID-19 pandemic forced many dental clinics to shut down or limit services, leading to a surge in the use of Teleorthodontics for remote consultations and treatment monitoring.
- A survey was conducted at the University of Illinois, Chicago, involving 364 orthodontic patients and faculty, to assess their acceptance and willingness to continue using Teleorthodontics post-pandemic.
- Results showed high satisfaction rates (92%) among users, with many patients appreciating the convenience and time savings, while about 30% of providers reported positive interactions and expressed interest in recommending it for future use.
Article Synopsis
- Anticoagulation in patients with cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis is shown to significantly reduce all-cause mortality and liver-related mortality, based on an individual patient data meta-analysis of 500 patients.
- The study indicates that patients receiving anticoagulation had a higher rate of recanalization compared to those who did not.
- However, there was an increased risk of non-portal-hypertension-related bleeding in the anticoagulation group, suggesting a trade-off between benefits and risks.
Article Synopsis
- Chemotherapy can cause neurotoxicity, leading to issues like cognitive impairment (often called "chemo-brain") and peripheral neuropathy, which affect patients' everyday lives.
- The study used an online questionnaire to assess the self-reported effects of neurotoxicity on cancer patients' health and daily activities, revealing significant negative impacts on personal, social, and work facets of their lives.
- The findings highlight the urgent need for better management and support for chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity, as current treatment strategies and healthcare advice are inadequate.
Article Synopsis
- The study analyzed out-of-pocket (OOP) costs faced by Italian cancer patients, revealing an average annual expenditure of €1841.81, primarily on transport and diagnostic exams.
- OOP costs were found to be higher in northern and central Italy compared to the south, with factors such as education level and advanced disease phase significantly affecting expenses.
- The findings suggest a need for the NHS to enhance its services for patients with advanced cancer to address these financial burdens effectively.
Article Synopsis
- A study in Milan examined air pollution exposure in urban school children, revealing significant health risks linked to factors like season and environmental tobacco smoke.
- Monitoring included personal and biological assessments of pollutants like VOCs, benzene, and MTBE, showing higher exposure levels during winter.
- Findings highlighted the need for traffic-reduction strategies and parental education to reduce children's exposure to harmful air pollutants.
Assessing Smoking Habits, Attitudes, Knowledge, and Needs among University Students at the University of Milan, Italy.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
September 2022
Article Synopsis
- College campuses are important for smoking prevention programs aimed at young adults.
- A survey of 64,801 students at the University of Milan found significant differences in smoking habits, attitudes toward smoking policies, and awareness of dangers among different faculties.
- The study highlights the need for tailored prevention campaigns that consider students' specific educational backgrounds to effectively address smoking-related issues.
Complementary and Integrative Approaches to Cancer: A Pilot Survey of Attitudes and Habits among Cancer Patients in Italy.
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med
August 2022
Article Synopsis
- Cancer patients often use traditional, complementary, integrative, and alternative medicine (TCIM) like herbal products and mind-body practices, with a significant 72.3% reported usage.
- Many began using TCIM after their cancer diagnosis, primarily seeking to alleviate side effects and regain balance, but a concerning 67.5% did so without consulting a doctor.
- There is a critical need for providing patients with reliable information on the safe and effective use of TCIM to help them understand the benefits and risks involved.
Article Synopsis
- COVID-19 has created increased risks for orthodontists due to potential transmission, but there is limited information on these risks within the orthodontic community.
- A study at the University of Illinois Chicago analyzed SARS-CoV-2 positivity rates among orthodontic patients from June to October 2021, comparing them to local rates in Chicago.
- Out of 1,437 participants, only nine tested positive for COVID-19 (0.626% positivity rate), all asymptomatic, indicating a continued risk of transmission to orthodontic providers, especially during times of higher local infection rates.
Article Synopsis
- A study in Italy found that smoking among young people is still common and created a questionnaire to assess smoking habits, e-cig, and heated tobacco use among university students.
- The questionnaire, consisting of 84 items, underwent thorough validation by experts and was pilot tested with 114 students, revealing strong validity scores.
- Results showed that a small percentage identified as smokers or former smokers, with a significant majority spending time with smokers and recognizing the important role of healthcare professionals in smoking prevention.
Article Synopsis
- The study aims to assess and explain financial toxicity (FT) experienced by cancer patients in Italy despite having a public healthcare system that minimizes out-of-pocket expenses.
- Conducted across ten oncological centers in diverse regions of Italy, the research involved 184 cancer patients aged 18 and older who were undergoing or had recently completed active treatment.
- A 30-item questionnaire was used to measure FT, revealing a robust score system with high reliability and internal consistency, highlighting key factors that contribute to FT in this patient population.
Article Synopsis
- The MOPEAD project aimed to find new ways to detect early stages of Alzheimer's disease and raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis.
- Four different strategies were employed for early detection: a web-based prescreening tool, an open house initiative, a primary care protocol, and pre-screening in diabetes clinics.
- Out of 2,847 people screened, 1,129 were identified as high-risk for Alzheimer's, showing varying success rates among the different strategies used.
Article Synopsis
- The study measured the exposure levels of formaldehyde and xylene in a large pathology lab to ensure worker safety and adherence to occupational limits from 2017 to 2020.
- Risk management strategies, like altering lab layouts and practices, were implemented to mitigate exposure risks, showing significant improvement after initial findings showed levels exceeding the limits.
- The results demonstrated reduced formaldehyde exposure after changes were made, while xylene levels remained consistently below safety limits throughout the study.
Article Synopsis
- The study aims to discover individuals in the community with early signs of Alzheimer's who may not visit memory clinics.
- A marketing campaign and an online pre-screening tool were implemented across five European countries to detect at-risk individuals, resulting in 547 out of 1487 people identified.
- Of those further evaluated, over half were confirmed to have mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's, validating the effectiveness of the web-based tool for early identification.
Article Synopsis
- General practitioners (GPs) are crucial for early dementia detection, but often fail to diagnose it on time, prompting a study on their attitudes and barriers in five European countries.
- Out of 343 GPs surveyed, 74% believe early diagnosis is important, but opinions vary by country regarding reimbursement and consultation time for patients.
- If an effective drug for slowing Alzheimer’s progression were available, 59% of GPs indicated they would change how they approach early diagnosis, highlighting the impact of treatment options on diagnostic practices.
Article Synopsis
- The study assessed how much air pollution, specifically particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), affects adults living and working in Milan, Italy.
- Researchers monitored personal exposure to various pollutants over 24 hours and analyzed urine samples to check for corresponding biomarkers.
- Results showed significant levels of PM and VOCs in personal exposure, with commuting and environmental factors being major contributors to the pollutant levels detected in both air and urine samples.
Article Synopsis
- Air pollution poses significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups like children, and understanding exposure factors can improve assessment methods and policy interventions.
- A study involving 73 and 89 schoolchildren in Milan monitored their exposure to equivalent black carbon (EBC) across two seasons, revealing higher levels during the cold season and commutes.
- Key findings indicated that children's EBC exposure heavily depended on factors like meteorological conditions, transportation duration, and parental smoking habits, suggesting local interventions, especially during peak traffic times, could effectively reduce their exposure.
Article Synopsis
- The paper introduces a new patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) designed to evaluate financial toxicity in cancer patients in Italy, emphasizing the nation's universal healthcare system.
- Through focus groups with 34 patients/caregivers and a survey with 97 oncologists, the research identifies key themes that inform the development of this measurement tool.
- Ultimately, a preliminary version of the questionnaire featuring 30 items was created after extensive testing for importance and comprehension, marking the initial stage of a broader study on financial toxicity assessment.
Clinical Applicability of the Specific Risk Score of Dementia in Type 2 Diabetes in the Identification of Patients with Early Cognitive Impairment: Results of the MOPEAD Study in Spain.
Angel Michael Ortiz Zuñiga Rafael Simó Octavio Rodriguez-Gómez Cristina Hernández Adrian Rodrigo Laura Campo
J Clin Med
August 2020
Article Synopsis
- The Diabetes Specific Dementia Risk Score (DSDRS) was evaluated to see if it effectively screens for cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients aged over 65.
- A study involved 112 T2D patients, leading to 82 being referred for further assessment; however, many declined due to comorbidities or lack of interest.
- The results showed that the DSDRS is a valuable tool for identifying cognitive impairment, as a significant portion of referred patients were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia.