• The humanities in medical education - what is the future? Letter

    Walsh, Kieran
  • Issues raised by "incidental findings" and their ethical implications Editorial

    Petrini, Carlo; Alleva, Enrico
  • Effect of healthcare on mortality: trends in avoidable mortality in Umbria, Italy, 1994-2009 Original Articles and Reviews

    Stracci, Fabrizio; Bianconi, Fortunato; Masanotti, Giuseppe Michele; Brunori, Valerio; La Rosa, Francesco

    Abstract in English:

    OBJECTIVE: Avoidable mortality trends over the period 1994-2009 were calculated to evaluate health intervention by the health system of Umbria, a region of central Italy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mortality data were supplied by the regional causes of death registry. Rates were standardized to the 2001 census Italian population. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze the trends. RESULTS: Overall avoidable mortality rates decreased significantly both in males (-3.9% per year) and in females (-3.6% per year). Mortality rates from ischemic heart and cerebrovascular disease about halved in the study period in both sexes. Avoidable mortality increased slightly only for a few causes (e.g. lung cancer in females). CONCLUSION: The overall trend of avoidable mortality indicates that the regional health/ preventive system is performing well.
  • Viral infections acquired indoors through airborne, droplet or contact transmission Original Articles and Reviews

    La Rosa, Giuseppina; Fratini, Marta; Libera, Simonetta Della; Iaconelli, Marcello; Muscillo, Michele

    Abstract in English:

    BACKGROUND: Indoor human environments, including homes, offices, schools, workplaces, transport systems and other settings, often harbor potentially unsafe microorganisms. Most previous studies of bioaerosols in indoor environments have addressed contamination with bacteria or fungi. Reports on the presence of viral aerosols in indoor air are scarce, however, despite the fact that viruses are probably the most common cause of infection acquired indoor. OBJECTIVE: This review discusses the most common respiratory (influenza viruses, rhino-viruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial viruses, and enteroviruses) and gastrointestinal (noroviruses) viral pathogens which can be easily transmitted in indoor environments. RESULTS: The vast majority of studies reviewed here concern hospital and other health facilities where viruses are a well-known cause of occupational and nosocomial infections. Studies on other indoor environments, on the other hand, including homes, non-industrial workplaces and public buildings, are scarce. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of regulations, threshold values and standardized detection methods for viruses in indoor environments, make both research and interpretation of results difficult in this field, hampering infection control efforts. Further research will be needed to achieve a better understanding of virus survival in aerosols and on surfaces, and to elucidate the relationship between viruses and indoor environmental characteristics.
  • Uveitis heralding previously unknown luetic and HIV infection: syphilitic uveitis in an Italian referral center Original Articles and Reviews

    Restivo, Lucia; Abbouda, Alessandro; Nardella, Chiara; Bruscolini, Alice; Pirraglia, Maria Pia; Pezzi, Paola Pivetti

    Abstract in English:

    PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine the incidence of luetic uveitis in the last seven years at our uveitis center and to describe the characteristics and the role of uveitis in the diagnosis of syphilitic infection with or without unknown HIV infection. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed syphilitic uveitis in patients observed at our center between 2004 and 2010. The diagnosis was based on the serological evidence for syphilis, uveitis, exclusion of other etiologies. All patients had HIV testing. RESULTS: We describe 14 new cases of luetic uveitis: 6 co-infected with previously unknown HIV-infection had panuveitis, while the most common presentation in HIV-negative patients was posterior uveitis. CONCLUSIONS: Syphilis has been recognized as reemerging disease. The ocular inflammation can be the first symptom of syphilis. This study underlines the importance of a prompt and correct diagnosis of this ocular disease.
  • Communication and cultural interaction in health promotion strategies to migrant populations in Italy: the cross-cultural phone counselling experience Original Articles and Reviews

    Taglieri, Filippo Maria; Colucci, Anna; Barbina, Donatella; Fanales-Belasio, Emanuele; Luzi, Anna Maria

    Abstract in English:

    INTRODUCTION: In the last 10 years migration processes have progressively increased worldwide and in Italy about 5 millions of residing migrants are estimated. To meet health needs of these new residents, effective relational and communication tools, which allow a reciprocal intercultural interaction within health care structures, are therefore necessary. AIM: This article faces the main features of the relational-communication processes associated with health promotion and care in the migrant population in Italy to the aim of identifying the key and critical points within the interaction between different cultures, focusing on the role of specific professional figures, including cultural mediators and health educators. RESULTS: Within the activity of HIV phone counselling operated by Psyco-socio-behavioural, Communication and Training Operating Unit of National Institute of Health in Italy, an intercultural approach was successfully experienced in a project targeted to migrants (2007-2008). Specifically, the presence of cultural mediators answering in the languages of main migrants' groups allowed the increase of calls from migrant people and of the information provided.
  • Prevalence of smoking habits, attitudes, knowledge and beliefs among Health Professional School students: a cross-sectional study Original Articles and Reviews

    Ferrante, Margherita; Saulle, Rosella; Ledda, Caterina; Pappalardo, Roberto; Fallico, Roberto; La Torre, Giuseppe; Fiore, Maria

    Abstract in English:

    OBJECTIVES: To examine smoking prevalence, attitudes, knowledge and behaviours/beliefs among Health Professional School students according to the Global Health Professional Student Survey (GHPSS) approach. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Catania University Medical Schools. The GHPSS questionnaires were self-administered. Logistic regression model was performed. The level of significance was p < 0.05. RESULTS: 422 students answered to the questionnaire. Prevalence of current smokers was 38.2%. 94.3% of the total sample believe that health professionals should receive specific training to quit smoking, but only 21.3% of the sample received it during the study courses. CONCLUSIONS: Given the high prevalence of smokers among health professionals and their key role both as advisers and behavioral models, our results highlight the importance of focusing attention on smoking cessation training addressed to them.
  • The biology of MDR1-P-glycoprotein (MDR1-Pgp) in designing functional antibody drug conjugates (ADCs): the experience of gemtuzumab ozogamicin Original Articles and Reviews

    Cianfriglia, Maurizio

    Abstract in English:

    BACKGROUND: The treatment of cancer remains a formidable challenge owing to the difficulties in differentiating tumor cells from healthy cells to ameliorate the disease without causing intolerable toxicity to patients. In addition, the emergence of MDR1-Pgp mediated multi-drug resistance (MDR) it is a biological phenomenon that inhibits the curative potential of chemotherapeutic treatments. One way to improve the selectivity of therapeutic molecules in tumors would be to target them on the tumor site, thereby sparing normal tissues. AIMS: In this overview, we will discuss the biological factors influencing the safety and efficacy of the humanized mAb hP67.6 linked to the potent cytotoxic drug calicheamicin-gamma1 (gemtuzumab ozogamicin) that target CD33 cell surface antigen expressed on AML cells. In addition, we highlight key aspects of MDR1-Pgp biology as a platform to understand its functional role in gemtuzumab ozogamicin immunotherapy which is tightly linked to an accurate assessment of the MDR status of AML cells. DISCUSSION: Several factors may affect the efficacy and safety of immunoconjugates. These include the common issues of chemical and antibody therapeutics such as specificity, heterogeneous target antigen expression and the complex pharmacokinetics profile of conveyed antibody. Further, the delivered drug may not be sufficient for providing therapeutic benefit, since the curative cytotoxic compound may be affected by intrinsic or acquired resistance of target cells. These and other potential problems, as well as the possible ways to overcome them will be discussed in this review by examining the biological factors involved in safety and efficacy of the first in class antibody drug conjugate (ADC) gentuzumab ozogamicin. Despite this set-back, the extensive recorded data and the lessons learned from gentuzumab ozogamicin recently withdrawn from the market for safety concerns helped to pave the way for next generations of clinically promising new ADCs which are currently investigated in clinical trials and two of them, Brentuximab vedotin, and Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) have been recently approved for commercial distribution in US by Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
  • Traumatic events, post-migration living difficulties and post-traumatic symptoms in first generation immigrants: a primary care study Original Articles and Reviews

    Aragona, Massimiliano; Pucci, Daniela; Mazzetti, Marco; Maisano, Bianca; Geraci, Salvatore

    Abstract in English:

    OBJECTIVES: To study potentially traumatic events (PTE), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, somatization and post-migration living difficulties (PMLD) in primary care immigrants. DESIGN: Patients self-rated transculturally validated questionnaires. Those with and without PTSD were compared on all variables. The influence of the number of PTE and of PMLD on PTSD was measured. RESULTS: 391 patients completed the questionnaires. Prevalence of PTSD was 10.2%. PTE and PMLD were frequent in the whole sample but more common in PTSD subjects. Either the number of PTE and of PMLD significantly increased the likelihood to have a PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: PTE, PMLD, PTSD and related conditions (anxiety, depression and somatization) are frequent among immigrants in primary care, and either PTE and PMLD significantly influence resulting psychopathology. The implications in clinical practice are discussed.
  • Simulation of monitoring strategies for atrial arrhythmia detection Original Articles and Reviews

    Censi, Federica; Calcagnini, Giovanni; Mattei, Eugenio; Gargaro, Alessio; Biancalana, Gianluca; Capucci, Alessandro

    Abstract in English:

    INTRODUCTION: The current external monitoring strategies used to detect atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial tachycardia (AT) episodes are based either on transient periods of short-term ECG recordings or on infrequent period of long-term continuous monitoring. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of short-term daily ECG monitoring strategies for the detection of AF events. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The investigation was based on simulations performed on data extracted from Burden II study (patients implanted with pacemaker for brady-tachy syndrome), reporting date, time and duration of each episodes. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We found that a short-term daily temporally-optimized ECG monitoring allows to detect a higher percentage of episodes than 1-day Holter monitoring and to be at least as effective as a 7-days monitoring.
  • Sexual behaviours of clients of sex workers reported within phone calls at HIV/AIDS/STIs Italian Helpline Original Articles and Reviews

    Mulieri, Ilaria; Gallo, Pietro; Fanales-Belasio, Emanuele; Colucci, Anna; D'Ippoliti, Alessia; Luzi, Anna Maria

    Abstract in English:

    BACKGROUND: Clients of sex workers represent a relevant target for interventions aimed at the prevention of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Within prevention strategies, the AIDS and sexually transmitted infections helpline (Telefono Verde AIDS/ IST, TVA-IST) of National Institute of Health in Italy has provided, since 1987, specific information and counselling interventions. AIM: The present study reports data on anagraphical characteristics and behaviours of clients of sex workers, anonymously reported at TVA-IST in the period 1987-2010. DISCUSSION: Among 95 149 phone calls (14% of the total) considered 99.5% came from males, over 80% aged under 37 years and prevalently from Northern Italy. Among sexual behaviours, unprotected sexual intercourses were reported in the 26% of the calls. Subjects under 27 years reported a higher frequency of unprotected anal intercourse, while they used protection with oral and vaginal intercourses in a greater extent than older ones. Due to differential behaviours within clients of sex workers, specific informative strategies for this targeted population should adequately consider age-related differences.
  • Targeting MDR1-P-glycoprotein (MDR1-Pgp) in immunochemotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) Original Articles and Reviews

    Cianfriglia, Maurizio

    Abstract in English:

    BACKGROUND: Monoclonal antibodies represent the fastest growing sector of pharmaceutical biotechnology and a number of antibody-based biopharmaceuticals have been approved for cancer treatment. However, in many cases the antibodies used for the treatment of tumors offer only a modest survival benefit to cancer patients. AIMS: In the present review-article we intend to analyze: i) the curative regimen gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) -mediate characterized by the absence of cytotoxic drugs MDR1-Pgp substrates to overcome the mechanism of action of this multidrug transporter, ii) the safety and efficacy of MDR reversing strategy in AML outcome and, iii) chemical and biological MDR modulators playing a dual relevant medical role as a therapeutic and MDR reversing agents but not yet entered in the clinical setting of AML. Since the similar multidrug transporter protein MDR1-Pgp and its down modulation factors may affect safety and efficacy of already generated antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) a comprehensive overview of the most clinically representative immunoconjugates is reported. DISCUSSION: ADCs represent one of the most promising strategies to enhance the antitumor activity of antibodies. ADCs comprise an antibody (or an antibody fragment) conjugated to a cytotoxic drug via a chemical linker. The therapeutic concept of ADCs is to use an antibody as a vehicle to selectively delivering a cytotoxic drug specifically to a tumor cell, in most cases by means of binding to target cell surface antigen. As a consequence, ADCs have significant potential for enhancing the antitumor activity of "naked" antibodies and reducing the systemic toxicity of the conjugated drugs.
  • Inequalities in maternal care in Italy: the role of socioeconomic and migrant status Original Articles and Reviews

    Lauria, Laura; Bonciani, Manila; Spinelli, Angela; Grandolfo, Michele E.

    Abstract in English:

    INTRODUCTION: Maternal care is affected by socioeconomic factors. This study analyses the effect of maternal education, employment and citizenship on some antenatal and postnatal care indicators in Italy. METHODS: Data are from two population-based follow-up surveys conducted to evaluate the quality of maternal care in 25 Italian Local Health Units in 2008/9 and 2010/1 (6942 women). Logistic models were applied and interactions among independent variables were explored. RESULTS: Education and employment status affect antenatal and postnatal care indicators and migrant women are less likely to make use of health opportunities. Low education status exacerbates the initial social disadvantage of migrants. Migrant women are also more affected by socioeconomic pressure to restart working early, with negative impact on postnatal care. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions focusing on women's empowerment may tackle inequalities in maternal care for those women, Italians or migrants, who have a worse initial maternal health literacy due to their lower socioeconomic conditions.
  • Clinical researches on the efficacy of spa therapy in fibromyalgia: a systematic review Original Articles and Reviews

    Fraioli, Antonio; Grassi, Marcello; Mennuni, Gioacchino; Geraci, Andrea; Petraccia, Luisa; Fontana, Mario; Conte, Stefano; Serio, Angelo

    Abstract in English:

    BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic widespread pain, tenderness at muscle and tendon insertions point when digital pressure is applied, sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, depressive episodes, anxiety, and other functional somatic syndromes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether balneotherapy with mineral waters and mineral-water containing mud is effective in the management of fibromyalgia. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the literature regarding spa therapy in the treatment of the fibromyalgia. We searched many databases for articles published between 2000 and 2012 and we selected 7 studies among 65 articles retrieved. A total of 142 patients received balneotherapy and 129 were controls. CONCLUSIONS: Study data confirms that spa therapy could improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia including pain, depression and minor symptoms.
  • Surgical experimentation and clinical trials: differences and related ethical problems Brief Notes

    Petrini, Carlo

    Abstract in English:

    Surgical techniques are not introduced into clinical practice as the result of randomised clinical trials (RCT), but usually through the gradual evolution of existing techniques or, more rarely, through audacious departures from the norm that are decided by a surgical team on the basis of experience. Sham surgery is held by some to be not only an ethically acceptable procedure but also a perfectly fit and proper one, as it could endow surgical experiments with the strict methodological and statistical precision typically associated with RCTs. This article first briefly examines some of the methodological aspects of both RCTs and surgical experiments and then offers a few considerations regarding the ethical issues raised by sham surgery.
  • Untitled document ERRATA CORRIGE

  • Untitled document Book Reviews, Notes and Comments

    Cheyne, Federica Napolitani
  • Untitled document Publications from International Organizations on Public Health

    Rossi, Anna Maria
Istituto Superiore di Sanità Roma - Rome - Italy
E-mail: annali@iss.it