Publications by authors named "Sara Boccalini"

Objectives: To assess the image quality of ultra-high-resolution (UHR) virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) at 40 keV compared to 70 keV, using spectral photon-counting CT (SPCCT) and dual-layer dual-energy CT (DECT) for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

Methods And Materials: In this prospective IRB-approved study, 26 high-risk patients were included. CCTA was performed both with an SPCCT in UHR mode and with one of two DECT scanners (iQOn or CT7500) within 3 days.

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Introduction: Respiratory syncytial virus is a leading cause of respiratory hospitalisations in infants. This systematic review (registration number: CRD42021248309) aims to synthesise the available evidence on Respiratory Syncytial Virus-related hospitalisations among children aged 0 to 6 years in Italy.

Methods: The literature search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and International HTA, covering the period from January 2000 to July 2022, with a focus on studies that reported information on Respiratory Syncytial Virus-associated hospitalisation in children aged 0-6 years in Italy.

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Article Synopsis
  • * A review of Italian vaccination documents highlights HTA's role in evaluating vaccines between 2012-2025 but shows a lack of independent funding for HTA reports.
  • * Improved utilization of HTA is needed to ensure timely and evidence-based vaccine recommendations, filling gaps between research findings and policy decisions.
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The exchange of knowledge and best practices in adult immunization are essential to improve vaccination strategies across the European region. Italy has made groundbreaking progress in the field, being one of the first countries to propose a life-course vaccination schedule, broadening the traditional focus on childhood immunization to include adults. All vaccines included in Italy's vaccination schedule are free of charge.

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  • A cost-benefit analysis of Italy's pediatric National Immunization Program (NIP) evaluated its effectiveness against 14 pathogens for children aged 0-10, comparing health outcomes with and without vaccination for a 2020 birth cohort of 420,084.
  • The analysis estimated that the NIP prevents 1.8 million disease cases and 3,330 deaths, resulting in significant health improvements and cost savings; for every €1 spent on vaccination, €5.6 in societal costs were saved.
  • The findings underscore the importance of pediatric immunization investments, demonstrating a high benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 5.6 from a societal perspective and even higher when accounting for
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  • Around 90% of varicella (chickenpox) infections are mild, but adults can experience more severe cases, prompting a study in Florence, Italy, to assess immunity levels post-vaccination.
  • A survey of 430 adults (ages 18-94) showed that 89.5% tested positive for varicella antibodies, with no significant differences based on sex or nationality.
  • The findings indicated that while vaccination efforts have improved immunity, there is still a notable susceptibility (11.6%) among women aged 18-49, emphasizing the need for ongoing vaccination campaigns and awareness.
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Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease due to influenza viruses, causing a relevant number of illnesses and deaths each year worldwide. Influenza is a preventable disease by vaccination. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology of seasonal influenza in Italy through the analysis of data from the epidemiological and virological RespiVirNet surveillance system for the season 2010/2011 to 2023/2024 to identify the epidemiological key points to plan the most appropriate vaccination strategies.

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  • The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of spectral photon-counting computed tomography (SPCCT) compared to conventional CT for evaluating coronary artery blockages in high-risk patients.
  • It involved 26 patients who underwent both types of scans before invasive coronary angiography (ICA) to confirm findings.
  • Results showed that SPCCT had higher accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for detecting stenosis, reclassifying a significant number of cases compared to conventional CT.
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We encountered a case of mushroom intoxication complicated by "toxic-like" myocarditis. Because of the lack of systematized knowledge on this subject, we performed a systematic review of the literature on cardiac toxicity in mushroom poisoning (MP). The aim of this study was to identify and describe the severity, the causal relationship, and the mushroom species involved in other reported cardiac events associated with MP.

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Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection and HPV-related cancers can be prevented through vaccinations and mass cervical screening programmes. The Ministry of Health in Italy provides recommendations on primary and secondary prevention of HPV-related diseases, but the 19 Italian regions and 2 autonomous provinces have organisational and decision-making autonomy, with differences in the strategies for offering prevention. The aim of this study is to describe the HPV vaccination and cervical screening offered in all Italian regions.

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Introduction: Despite global immunization efforts, rubella remains a public health concern, particularly in high- and middle-income countries. This study focused on rubella seroprevalence in the province of Florence, Italy, aiming to identify susceptibility clusters, especially among women in their childbearing age.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2018 and December 2019, enrolling 430 adult subjects (age over 18 years).

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Background: The vaccines recommended during pregnancy are the Tdap, the influenza vaccine, and, during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the vaccine against COVID-19. This survey aimed at determining vaccination coverage among pregnant women and adverse events, reasons for vaccine refusal, and factors associated with vaccine uptake.

Methods: A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted on women who delivered between March and April 2022 at Careggi University Hospital in Florence, Italy.

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  • The study investigates the effectiveness of cardiac computed tomography (CT) in detecting complications of prosthetic heart valves (PHVs), focusing on advancements with photon-counting detectors (PCDs) compared to dual-energy dual-layer CT (DEDL-CT).
  • Researchers used a thoracic phantom with various PHVs and lesions to perform scans, analyzing image quality and artifacts such as blooming and streaks.
  • Results indicate that PCD-CT provides improved image clarity, with thinner metallic structures and significantly reduced artifacts compared to DEDL-CT.
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Objectives: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a frequent cause of acute lower respiratory infection in children, imposing a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems. This systematic review aimed to assess the economic burden and healthcare utilisation of RSV in children aged 0-59 months in Italy.

Study Design: Systematic review.

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Introduction: Diabetic patients are at a higher risk of getting pneumococcal disease and are therefore recommended to get vaccinated. The aim of our systematic review is the retrieval and analysis of all available evidence on the effect of pneumococcal vaccination on the risk of hospitalization and death in adult patients with diabetes.

Research Design And Methods: MEDLINEand EMBASE were searched from inception until January 2023.

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Introduction: To evaluate a reduced iodine volume protocol for lower extremity CT angiography (CTA) using dual-energy CT (DECT).

Methods: This retrospective study included consecutive patients who underwent lower extremity CTA from June to December 2022. A 10 ml 1:1 mixed test bolus was performed, followed by a 40 ml full bolus at a 2.

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CT systems equipped with photon-counting detectors (PCDs), referred to as photon-counting CT (PCCT), are beginning to change imaging in several subspecialties, such as cardiac, vascular, thoracic, and musculoskeletal radiology. Evidence has been building in the literature underpinning the many advantages of PCCT for different clinical applications. These benefits derive from the distinct features of PCDs, which are made of semiconductor materials capable of converting photons directly into electric signal.

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Background: Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is a key contributor to lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), affecting children aged 0-5 years and often leading to outpatient visits, emergency department utilization, and hospitalization. With the development of hRSV vaccines for mitigation, understanding the epidemiological impact of hRSV infections among 0-5-year-old pediatric outpatients in Italy is crucial.

Methods: This systematic review conducted searches on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the International HTA Database, yielding 20,845 English and Italian records from January 2000 to July 2022.

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