Evaluation of Microbial Adhesion and Biofilm Formation on Nano-Structured and Nano-Coated Ortho-Prosthetic Materials by a Dynamic Model.

The bio-engineering technologies of medical devices through nano-structuring and coating was recently proposed to improve biocompatibility and to reduce microbial adhesion in the prevention of implantable device-related infections. Our aim was to evaluate the ability of new nano-structured and coated materials to prevent the adhesion and biofilm formation, according to the American Standard Test Method ASTM-E2647-13. The materials composition was determined by X-ray Fluorescence and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy.

[Asbestos in drinking water and hazards to human health: a narrative synthesis].

The term asbestos refers to six unique fibrous minerals mostly used in the production of asbestos cement sheets and pipes. According to the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there exists at least "sufficient evidence" that all types of asbestos may cause cancer in humans (mesothelioma, lung cancer, laryngeal tumor and ovarian cancer). The only asbestos limit in drinking water is 7 million fiber/liter.

Improving Cleaning and Disinfection of High-Touch Surfaces in Intensive Care during Carbapenem-Resistant Endemo-Epidemic Situations.

High-touch surfaces cleaning and disinfection require the adoption of effective and proper executed protocols, especially during carbapenem-resistant (CRAB) endemo-epidemic situations. We evaluated the effectiveness and residual disinfectant activity of disposable pre-impregnated wipes (Modified Operative Protocol, MOP) in reducing environmental bioburden versus a two-step Standard Operative Protocol (SOP) in a 12-bed Intensive Care Unit. Five high-touch surfaces were cleaned and disinfected either according to the SOP (alcohol-based cleaning and chlorine-based disinfection) or using quaternary ammonium compounds-based disposable wipes (MOP).

[Legal and management issues of public health requirements for swimming pools in Regione Toscana].

In this paper we describe the laws and rules applying to swimming pools. Authorization activity title for recreational swimming pools is regulated according to articles 80 and 86 of the TULPS R.D.

Robotic versus open pancreatoduodenectomy: a propensity score-matched analysis based on factors predictive of postoperative pancreatic fistula.

Background: Improvement in morbidity of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) largely depends on the reduction in the incidence of clinically relevant (CR) postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF).

Methods: After internal validation of the clinical risk score (CRS) of POPF, and identification of other predictive factors for POPF, robotic (RPD), and open (OPD) PDs were stratified into risk categories and matched by propensity scores. The primary endpoint of this study was incidence of CR-POPF.