External validation of WGS-based antimicrobial susceptibility prediction tools, KOVER-AMR and ResFinder 4.1, for Escherichia coli clinical isolates.

Objective: To externally validate whole genome sequence-antimicrobial susceptibility testing phenotype prediction tools KOVER-AMR and ResFinder 4.1 for Escherichia coli clinical isolates from Dutch routine care.

Methods: A random sample of 234 E.

Prevalence of methicillin-resistant (MRSA) carriage and pattern of antibiotic resistance among sheep farmers from Southern Italy.

Purpose: We conducted a cross-sectional study to measure the prevalence of methicillin-resistant (MRSA) colonization, with a particular focus on livestock associated (LA)-MRSA in farmers working in contact with livestock (sheep) in one Italian region. Furthermore, we have assessed the antimicrobial resistance pattern of isolates and the association of carriage with specific characteristic of farms and working tasks.

Patients And Methods: Demographic data, occupational history, and contact with animals information was collected.

Prevalence of carriage and pattern of antibiotic resistance, including methicillin resistance, among contact sport athletes in Italy.

Athletes participating in contact or collision sports have a great chance of acquiring infections. The risk factors for colonization and infections include frequent antibiotic use, close contact situations, skin trauma, sharing of sports equipment, and poor hygiene. Therefore, our specific goals were to determine (1) prevalence of among different types of contact sport athletes which were barely studied in the European region, (2) antimicrobial resistance of isolates, and (3) association of carriage with particular risk factors of spor t practices.

HPV vaccination coverage and willingness to be vaccinated among 18-30 year-old students in Italy.

Objectives: In Italy, free HPV vaccination has been offered to 12 years-old girls since 2007, while for males only since 2015.

The Aims Of Our Study Were: to measure HPV vaccination coverage among young women; to assess willingness to receive HPV vaccination among unvaccinated males and females; to evaluate the association of coverage and attitudes with knowledge regarding HPV and with sexual behavior.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in an Italian region among 18-30 year-old students attending medical and healthcare professions schools.

Parent perspectives on childhood vaccination: How to deal with vaccine hesitancy and refusal?

Background: The aims of the study are to evaluate attitudes about childhood vaccines and vaccine refusal or delay among parents and to assess the role played by the variables mapped as potential determinants to suggest strategies that could improve childhood vaccination rates.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was intended for parents of kindergarteners. Parental attitudes were measured using the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey, to screen for Vaccine Hesitancy (VH).

Antibiotic prescriptions to adults with acute respiratory tract infections by Italian general practitioners.

Purpose: The overuse, misuse, and underuse of antimicrobial agents often lead to the spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The aim of our study was to describe the pattern of antibiotic prescriptions for acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs) among the adult population and the factors associated with antibiotic prescribing.

Patients And Methods: The study involved patients who visited a general practitioner with suspected acute RTI.

Prevalence of Livestock-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (LA-MRSA) Among Farm and Slaughterhouse Workers in Italy.

Objective: We measured the prevalence of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) in swine livestock workers, examined LA-MRSA resistance profile, and associated carriage with the working activities.

Methods: Information was collected on demographics and occupational history. Swabs were collected and tested for the isolation of S.

Prospective surveillance of healthcare-associated infections and patterns of antimicrobial resistance of pathogens in an Italian intensive care unit.

Background: The study aimed to evaluate the distribution of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), the incidence rates and device utilization ratio (DUR) of device-associated infections (DAIs), as well as the distribution and patterns of antimicrobial resistance of the responsible pathogens.

Methods: Eligible patients who were admitted to an adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU) from May 1, 2013 to December 31, 2016 were included in the surveillance. Demographics, intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors, information regarding infection and isolated pathogens with antibiogram results were collected.

Ventilator Bundle and Its Effects on Mortality Among ICU Patients: A Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of the ventilator bundle in the reduction of mortality in ICU patients.

Data Sources: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library for studies published until June 2017.

Study Selection: Included studies: randomized controlled trials or any kind of nonrandomized intervention studies, made reference to a ventilator bundle approach, assessed mortality in ICU-ventilated adult patients.

Non-typhoidal in Calabria, Italy: a laboratory and patient-based survey.

Introduction: Although there has been a decrease in the number of cases of salmonellosis in the European Union, it still represents the primary cause of foodborne outbreaks. In Calabria region, data are lacking for the incidence of human non-typhoid salmonellosis as active surveillance has never been carried out.

Objective: To report the results of a laboratory and patient-based morbidity survey in Calabria to describe the incidence and distribution of serovars isolated from humans, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance patterns.

Role of serum ferritin level on overall survival in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes: Results of a meta-analysis of observational studies.

Background: The role of serum ferritin (SF) as a prognostic factor has been analyzed in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), but the prognostic role of elevated SF levels is still controversial in lower risk MDS patients. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of all available published literature to evaluate whether elevated SF levels are associated with a worse overall survival (OS) among patients with low risk MDS.

Material And Methods: A systematic bibliographic search of relevant studies was undertaken in accordance with guidelines for meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology.

Extended anticoagulation and mortality in venous thromboembolism. A meta-analysis of six randomized trials.

Data on all-cause mortality in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) and prolonged anticoagulation are inconclusive. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of all-cause mortality in patients with VTE at intermediate risk of recurrence, i.e.

Immunogenicity and Safety of Intradermal Influenza Vaccine in the Elderly: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Introduction: Immunosenescence makes the elderly more susceptible to influenza complications and less responsive to vaccination. An intradermal formulation (IDflu) is one of several strategies being investigated to increase the immunogenicity of influenza vaccines.

Objective: The overall goal of the study was to assess the safety and immunogenicity of IDflu compared with the intramuscular route (IMflu) in the elderly.

Over-the-Counter Drugs and Complementary Medications Use among Children in Southern Italy.

The use of nonprescription medicines (NPDs) for children illnesses without a doctor's suggestion can lead to unnecessary medication use and is not free of risks. The aim of our study was to examine attitudes and practice of parents towards NPDs use for their children. We also investigated the conditions that may predict NPDs use.