Diagnostic Approach to Pneumonia in Immunocompromised Hosts.

In immunocompromised patients, pneumonia presents a diagnostic challenge due to diverse etiologies, nonspecific symptoms, overlapping radiological presentation, frequent co-infections, and the potential for rapid progression to severe disease. Thus, timely and accurate diagnosis of all pathogens is crucial. This narrative review explores the latest advancements in microbiological diagnostic techniques for pneumonia in immunocompromised patients.

The reemergence of Streptococcus pyogenes in skin and soft tissue infections: a review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and management strategies.

Purpose Of Review: To discuss skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) caused by group A Streptococcus (GAS) by focusing on their pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and management strategies.

Recent Findings: GAS is responsible for a wide range of infections from mild disease to severe fatal invasive infections with high mortality rates. Invasive GAS (iGAS) infections affect both young and old individuals and account for 1.

Real-Life Experience with Tildrakizumab in Plaque Psoriasis with Palmoplantar Involvement: A Multi-Center Retrospective Italian Study.

Introduction: Palmoplantar psoriasis (PPp) has a profound negative impact on patients' quality of life, and it represents a therapeutic challenge, as palms and soles are difficult to treat area. Although the efficacy profile of tildrakizumab has been well evaluated in the literature, data on its use for PPp are still limited. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tildrakizumab on moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis with involvement of the palmoplantar area.

The "central vein sign" to differentiate multiple sclerosis from migraine.

Objective: To investigate, in two cohorts including patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and migraine, (i) the prevalence of the "central vein sign" (CVS), (ii) the spatial distribution of positive CVS (CVS+) lesions, (iii) the threshold of CVS+ lesions able to distinguish MS from migraine with high sensitivity and specificity.

Methods: A total of 70 patients with MS/clinically isolated syndrome and 50 age- and sex-matched patients with migraine underwent a 3-T magnetic resonance imaging scan. The CVS was evaluated according to current guidelines, excluding eight patients with migraine who did not show white matter (WM) lesions.

Exploring case definitions and the natural history of respiratory syncytial virus in adult outpatients: First-season results of the RESPIRA-50 study.

Background: Data on the natural history of the community-acquired RSV in adult outpatients are limited. It is also unclear whether the existing influenza surveillance platforms based on influenza-like illness (ILI) case definitions are efficient for RSV. The two-season RESPIRA-50 study was established in 2023 to identify an optimal RSV case definition and to explore the natural history of RSV.

KIF18A and CDK1 as combined therapeutic targets in cervical and endometrial carcinomas: based on bioinformatics analysis and experiments.

Background: Chromosomal instability (CIN) has been identified as a factor that increases the susceptibility of tumor cells to kinesin family member 18A (KIF18A) inhibitors. Limited research exists on genes that are associated with sensitization to KIF18A inhibitors (KIF18Ais). Our study aimed to identify a gene linked to heightened sensitivity to KIF18Ais in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC) and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC).

Automated extraction of standardized antibiotic resistance and prescription data from laboratory information systems and electronic health records: a narrative review.

Antimicrobial resistance in bacteria has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. In the era of big data and of the consequent frequent need for large study populations, manual collection of data for research studies on antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic use has become extremely time-consuming and sometimes impossible to be accomplished by overwhelmed healthcare personnel. In this review, we discuss relevant concepts pertaining to the automated extraction of antibiotic resistance and antibiotic prescription data from laboratory information systems and electronic health records to be used in clinical studies, starting from the currently available literature on the topic.

Impact of Fluconazole Resistance on the Outcomes of Patients With Candida parapsilosis Bloodstream Infections: A Retrospective Multicenter Study.

Background: This study assesses the impact of fluconazole resistance on 30-day all-cause mortality and 1-year recurrence in patients with Candida parapsilosis bloodstream infections (BSI).

Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was performed at 3 hospitals in Italy and Spain between 2018 and 2022. Adult patients with positive blood cultures for C.

Posaconazole for Prevention of COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A European Multicentre Case-Control Study (POSACOVID).

Background: This study investigated the impact of posaconazole (POSA) prophylaxis in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure receiving systemic corticosteroids on the risk for the development of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA).

Methods: The primary aim of this prospective, multicentre, case-control study was to assess whether application of POSA prophylaxis in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients reduces the risk for CAPA development. All consecutive patients from centre 1 (cases) who received POSA prophylaxis as standard-of-care were matched to one subject from centre 2 and centre 3 who did not receive any antifungal prophylaxis, using propensity score matching for the following variables: (i) age, (ii) sex, (iii) treatment with tocilizumab and (iv) time at risk.

Omadacycline for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections.

Purpose Of Review: To evaluate the current evidence on the use of omadacycline for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs).

Recent Findings: This narrative review examines the available data on the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, safety profile, and comparative effectiveness of omadacycline in treating SSTIs, with a focus on its potential role in everyday clinical practice.

Summary: Omadacycline is a viable option for outpatient therapy and early discharge in patients with SSTIs, particularly in frail populations and those undergoing chronic polypharmacotherapy.

A data-driven model of disability progression in progressive multiple sclerosis.

This study applies the Gaussian process progression model, a Bayesian data-driven disease progression model, to analyse the evolution of primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Utilizing data from 1521 primary progressive multiple sclerosis participants collected within the International Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Alliance Project, the analysis includes 18 581 longitudinal time-points (average follow-up time: 28.2 months) of disability assessments including the expanded disability status scale, symbol digit modalities, timed 25-foot-walk, 9-hole-peg test and of MRI metrics such as T1 and T2 lesion volume and normalized brain volume.

Immunogenicity and safety of the MF59-adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine in non-elderly adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: In Europe, the age indication for the MF59-adjuvanted quadrivalent influenza vaccine (aQIV) has recently been extended from ≥65 to ≥50 years. Considering that the earliest approval of its trivalent formulation (aTIV) in Italy was for people aged ≥12 years, we aimed to systematically appraise data on the immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety of aTIV/aQIV in non-elderly adults.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted according to the available guidelines and studies were searched in MEDLINE, Biological Abstracts, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and clinical trial registries.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus: A WAidid Consensus Document on New Preventive Options.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of respiratory infections, particularly affecting young infants, older adults, and individuals with comorbidities. : This document, developed as a consensus by an international group of experts affiliated with the World Association of Infectious Diseases and Immunological Disorders (WAidid), focuses on recent advancements in RSV prevention, highlighting the introduction of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and vaccines. : Historically, RSV treatment options were limited to supportive care and the monoclonal antibody palivizumab, which required multiple doses.

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Multi-view fusion of diffusion MRI microstructural models: a preterm birth study.

Objective: High Angular Resolution Diffusion Imaging (HARDI) models have emerged as a valuable tool for investigating microstructure with a higher degree of detail than standard diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (dMRI). In this study, we explored the potential of multiple advanced microstructural diffusion models for investigating preterm birth in order to identify non-invasive markers of altered white matter development.

Approach: Rather than focusing on a single MRI modality, we studied on a compound of HARDI techniques in 46 preterm babies studied on a 3T scanner at term-equivalent age and in 23 control neonates born at term.

Burden of human rabies disease: its potential prevention by means of Rabipur vaccine.

Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease transmitted mainly by bites of infected animals, especially dogs, which are responsible for 99% of human cases. Despite being preventable, it remains a neglected disease in low-income countries, with approximately 60,000 deaths per year, mostly concentrated in Africa and Asia. The real worldwide burden of rabies is probably underestimated, as death-reporting systems are inadequate and active surveillance is limited.

Stevens-Johnson induced by imiquimod 5% cream: a case report.

Imiquimod 5% cream is an approved treatment for actinic keratoses, superficial basal cell carcinomas, and anogenital warts. Severe systemic side effects associated with imiquimod 5% cream are rare, although a few cases of erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been described. We present a case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome associated with topical treatment with imiquimod of two superficial basal cell carcinomas.

Comparative efficacy and safety of treatment regimens for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in people living with HIV: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a serious opportunistic infection in people living with HIV (PWH) who have low CD4 counts. Despite its side effects, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is currently considered the primary treatment for PCP.

Objectives: The objectives of this study are to compare the efficacy (treatment failure and mortality) and tolerability (treatment change) of PCP treatment regimens with a frequentist network meta-analysis.

Respiratory Viruses in Patients With Hematological Malignancy in Boreal Autumn/Winter 2023-2024: EPICOVIDEHA-EPIFLUEHA Report.

Community-acquired respiratory viral infections (CARV) significantly impact patients with hematological malignancies (HM), leading to high morbidity and mortality. However, large-scale, real-world data on CARV in these patients is limited. This study analyzed data from the EPICOVIDEHA-EPIFLUEHA registry, focusing on patients with HM diagnosed with CARV during the 2023-2024 autumn-winter season.

Mycobiome analyses of critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is a life-threatening complication in patients with severe COVID-19. Previously, acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with COVID-19 has been associated with lung fungal dysbiosis, evidenced by reduced microbial diversity and colonization. Increased fungal burden in the lungs of critically ill COVID-19 patients is linked to prolonged mechanical ventilation and increased mortality.

Frailty and Overall Survival of Older Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A Prospective Analysis.

Background/objectives: Over 60% of diagnoses of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) occur in patients aged over 65. The benefits of radiotherapy (RT) combined with chemotherapy remain controversial in geriatric patients. Frailty stratification is underutilized in clinical practice despite evidence suggesting its predictive power.

Bullous pemphigoid and mucous membrane pemphigoid humoral responses differ in reactivity towards BP180 midportion and BP230.

Background: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) and mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) are rare autoimmune blistering disorders characterized by autoantibodies (autoAbs) targeting dermo-epidermal junction components such as BP180 and BP230. The differential diagnosis, based on both the time of appearance and the extension of cutaneous and/or mucosal lesions, is crucial to distinguish these diseases for improving therapy outcomes and delineating the correct prognosis; however, in some cases, it can be challenging. In addition, negative results obtained by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) with BP and MMP sera, especially from patients with ocular involvement, often delay diagnosis and treatment, leading to a greater risk of poor outcomes.