Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Vittorio Gattini, Marco Napoletano, Alessandra Bonotti, Aldo Mignani, Francesca Cosentino, Giovanni Guglielmi, Poupak Fallahi, Alfonso Cristaudo, Rudy Foddis
Summary: In response to a meningococcal epidemic outbreak, there was a significant increase in demand for antimeningococcal vaccination among healthcare workers at the University Hospital of Pisa. A total of 41.1% of the population received the vaccine, with better compliance observed among women, older healthcare workers, those with lower educational qualifications, doctors, and healthcare workers in specific departments.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Randa H. Ali, Mohamed E. Ali, Reham Samir
Summary: This study developed a novel chemical protocol to produce Neisseria meningitidis ghost vaccine. The vaccine candidate showed both safety and immunogenicity. In animal model, it induced a significantly higher humoral immune response and better serum bactericidal assay values compared to the commercial vaccine. However, clinical studies are needed to further evaluate its effectiveness.
Article
Immunology
Kathryn A. Matthias, Kristie L. Connolly, Afrin A. Begum, Ann E. Jerse, Andrew N. Macintyre, Gregory D. Sempowski, Margaret C. Bash
Summary: Recent studies have found that Neisseria meningitidis vaccines lacking specific proteins can provide protection against Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in mice, and the antibodies produced can cross-react with N. gonorrhoeae. This finding supports the development of a cross-protective vaccine against Neisseria infections.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Zhenyu Li, Yumeng Li, Yan Wang, Yongli Hou, Hui Cao, Xiaoxia Wu, Sihai Hu, Dingxin Long
Summary: The study demonstrates that using Chi-CpG NP and Chi-C48/80 NP as combination adjuvants can enhance the immunogenicity of NMB0315, induce higher levels of antibody production, and promote a more balanced cellular/humoral immune response. These adjuvants also boost the production of proteins like interferon and interleukin, further enhancing the immune response.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ala-Eddine Deghmane, Muhamed-Kheir Taha
Summary: Bexsero (R) is a multicomponent vaccine that provides protection against invasive meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B isolates. It has good immunogenicity and requires booster doses in infants and young children. It may also be effective against non-B isolates.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Estera Jachowicz, Magdalena Gebicka, Daria Plakhtyr, Myroslav Shynkarenko, Juri Urbanowicz, Maciej Mach, Jacek Czepiel, Jakub Marchewka, Jadwiga Wojkowska-Mach
Summary: The study compared the annual incidence of vaccine-preventable childhood diseases in EU and EFTA countries over the past 5 years, showing variations in vaccine schedules and disease epidemiology. The increasing incidence of diseases like measles, potentially influenced by anti-vaccine movements and misinformation, highlights the need for standardization of vaccine schedules and documentation in EU countries.
Article
Immunology
Arianna Neri, Massimo Fabiani, Anna Maria Barbui, Caterina Vocale, Alessandro Miglietta, Cecilia Fazio, Anna Carannante, Annapina Palmieri, Paola Vacca, Paola Stefanelli, Luigina Ambrosio
Summary: This study evaluated the presence of neutralizing antibodies over time in different cohorts of children vaccinated against serogroup C Neisseria meningitidis. The results showed a significant decline in antibody titers every year, particularly in children vaccinated with the MCC vaccine.
Article
Immunology
Silvia Perez-Vilar, Graca M. Dores, Paige L. Marquez, Carmen S. Ng, Maria Cano, Anuja Rastogi, Lucia Lee, John R. Su, Jonathan Duffy
Summary: Analysis of the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System data on the MenB-4C vaccine in the United States did not reveal any new safety concerns. The majority of reports were non-serious and the reported adverse events were consistent with the safety experience described in clinical studies and the product's package insert. Continued post-marketing surveillance is still warranted.
Article
Immunology
Kaunda Yamba, Evans Mpabalwani, Ruth Nakazwe, Evans Mulendele, Goitom Weldegebriel, Jason M. Mwenda, Reggis Katsande, Linda de Gouveia, Elizabeth Chizema-Kawesha, Raphael Chanda, Belem Matapo, James C. L. Mwansa, Chileshe Lukwesa-Musyani
Summary: In Zambia, the main pathogens causing bacterial meningitis in children under 5 years are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis, with some strains showing resistance to penicillin. The introduction of PCV10 vaccine has led to a decrease in pneumococcal meningitis and the proportion of PVC10 serotypes after vaccination, but there is a concern about serotype replacement and penicillin resistance that require continued surveillance for policy-making.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Emma Ispasanie, Lukas Muri, Marc Schmid, Anna Schubart, Christine Thorburn, Natasa Zamurovic, Thomas Holbro, Michael Kammueller, Gerd Pluschke
Summary: Inhibitors of complement components C5 and/or C3 are used to treat diseases caused by dysregulation of complement activation. However, these inhibitors increase the risk of invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis. In this study, the effect of inhibitors targeting different complement pathways on serum bactericidal activity (SBA) against serogroup B meningococci was compared.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Sara Borghi, Ana Antunes, Andreas F. Haag, Marco Spinsanti, Tarcisio Brignoli, Enea Ndoni, Vincenzo Scarlato, Isabel Delany
Summary: NHBA is a surface-exposed lipoprotein expressed by Neisseria meningitidis, and its expression is controlled by temperature. Lower temperatures result in higher NHBA expression, leading to increased surface exposure. This temperature-regulated expression might be relevant during transmission and the initial interaction within the host nasopharynx.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nichlas Hovmand, Lene Fogt Lundbo, Gitte Kronborg, Sidsel Skou Voss, Hakon Sandholdt, Steen Hoffmann, Palle Valentiner-Branth, Thomas Ben
Summary: In Denmark, the incidence of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W has increased, with higher mortality compared to other serogroups. Age and manifestation are associated with increased risk of infection and death.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Christine Robin, Rabah Redjoul, Aude Terrade, Ala-Eddine Deghmane, Ludovic Cabanne, Catherine Cordonnier, Muhamed-Kheir Taha
Summary: This study investigated the immunogenicity and safety of the 4CMenB recombinant vaccine in adult hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients. The results showed that the vaccine induced immune responses, but some recipients lost immunity after 9 months.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Mingliang Chen, Odile B. Harrison, Holly B. Bratcher, Zhiyan Bo, Keith A. Jolley, Charlene M. C. Rodrigues, James E. Bray, Qinglan Guo, Xi Zhang, Min Chen, Martin C. J. Maiden
Summary: The study revealed the expansion of quinolone-resistant Neisseria meningitidis clone China(CC4821-R1-C/B) from China to other countries, highlighting the potential of causing a pandemic on a global scale.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Yusuke Ota, Reina Okada, Hideyuki Takahashi, Ryoichi Saito
Summary: This study established a mismatched PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay for detecting mutations in gyrA associated with ciprofloxacin-resistant Neisseria meningitidis. The assay showed correlation with gyrA sequencing and has the potential to contribute to appropriate antibiotic selection for meningococcal chemoprophylaxis and prevent the spread of ciprofloxacin-resistant N. meningitidis.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Anna Tessari, Francesca Sperotto, Federico Pece, Giulia Pettenuzzo, Nicola Porcellato, Elisa Poletto, Maria Cristina Mondardini, Andrea Pettenazzo, Marco Daverio, Angela Amigoni
Summary: This observational study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ketamine as an adjuvant for analgesia and sedation in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). The results showed that ketamine infusion significantly reduced pain scores and the need for opioids and benzodiazepines. Adverse events were minor and reversible. Overall, ketamine infusion appeared to be a valid strategy for ensuring comfort and sparing traditional sedative drugs in difficult-to-sedate PICU patients.
Article
Immunology
Giovanni Gabutti, Tiziana Grassi, Francesco Bagordo, Marta Savio, Maria Cristina Rota, Paolo Castiglia, Tatjana Baldovin, Francesco Napolitano, Alessandra Panico, Matilde Ogliastro, Claudia Maria Trombetta, Savina Ditommaso, Fabio Tramuto
Summary: The aim of this study was to analyze the seroprevalence of varicella in Italy and evaluate the impact of varicella vaccination. The overall seroprevalence was 91.6% with higher rates in females and increasing prevalence in younger age groups. The comparison with previous surveys showed significantly higher prevalence in children and adolescents, indicating the positive impact of varicella vaccination in Italy.
Review
Immunology
Silvia Ricci, Chiara Azzari, Emanuele Amodio, Paolo Castiglia
Summary: In Italy, vaccination against serogroup B is recommended for infants aged 3-13 months, serogroup C for infants aged 13-15 months, and serogroups A, C, Y, and W for adolescents aged 12-18 years. A quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine, MenACYW-TT (MenQuadfi; Sanofi), is recommended based on its high seroprotection rates and low incidence of adverse events in these age groups.
EXPERT REVIEW OF VACCINES
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Maria Pokorska-Spiewak, Ewa Talarek, Malgorzata Aniszewska, Magdalena Pluta, Anna Dobrzeniecka, Magdalena Marczynska, Giuseppe Indolfi
Summary: This clinical trial examined the efficacy and safety of SOF/VEL in children aged 6-18 years with chronic HCV infection. The results showed that the treatment was highly effective and safe, especially in younger patients.
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Francesca Sperotto, Anne-Sylvie Ramelet, Marco Daverio, Maria Cristina Mondardini, Florian von Borell, Sebastian Brenner, Dick Tibboel, Erwin Ista, Paula Pokorna, Angela Amigoni
Summary: This study found significant variability in the monitoring and management of iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome (IWS) and delirium in European pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). PICUs using an analgosedation protocol were more likely to monitor and manage IWS and delirium, as well as implement gradual reduction of analgosedation and promote early mobilization.
Review
Microbiology
Sandra Trapani, Alice Caporizzi, Silvia Ricci, Giuseppe Indolfi
Summary: Human bocavirus (HBoV) has emerged as an increasingly reported pathogen, primarily associated with respiratory tract infections in adults and children. It can act as a co-infectious agent or an isolated viral pathogen, and has also been found in asymptomatic individuals. This review provides an overview of HBoV's epidemiology, risk factors, transmission, pathogenicity, detection methods, and clinical features, including severe infections requiring hospitalization and rare fatal cases. Tissue viral persistence, reactivation, reinfection, and the burden of HBoV disease are also evaluated.
Article
Remote Sensing
G. Inserra, A. Buono, F. Nunziata, M. Virelli, M. Migliaccio
Summary: This paper investigates the use of polarimetric SAR measurements for reservoirs' waterline estimation and finds that cross-polarized channel and inter-channel phase are noisy and uninformative for designing coherent polarimetric waterline extraction methods.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REMOTE SENSING
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Maria Pokorska-Spiewak, Ewa Talarek, Malgorzata Aniszewska, Magdalena Pluta, Anna Dobrzeniecka, Magdalena Marczynska, Giuseppe Indolfi
Summary: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of treatment with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of children with chronic hepatitis C. The study found that treatment with SOF/VEL improved children's physical well-being and showed a trend towards better scores in social support and peers. However, there was poor to moderate agreement between child self-reports and parent proxy reports.
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Virology
Chiara Rubino, Camilla Bechini, Mariangela Stinco, Donatella Lasagni, Giuseppe Indolfi, Sandra Trapani
Summary: This study assessed the prevalence of thromboembolic events (TEs) in children hospitalized during a five-year period, particularly in patients with COVID-19 and MIS-C. The occurrence of TEs was higher in patients with COVID-19 or MIS-C compared to children without these conditions. The prevalence of TEs was significantly higher in patients with MIS-C.
Review
Microbiology
Federica Attaianese, Sara Guiducci, Sandra Trapani, Federica Barbati, Lorenzo Lodi, Giuseppe Indolfi, Chiara Azzari, Silvia Ricci
Summary: This review comprehensively summarizes the immune response to human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) infection, including innate and adaptive immune components, recognition of the virus, inflammatory response, natural killer cells, antigen presentation, T cell response, and antibody production. Understanding the complex immune response to hRSV infection is crucial for developing effective interventions against this significant respiratory pathogen.
Article
Primary Health Care
Francesco Lapi, Ettore Marconi, Davide L. Vetrano, Alessandro Rossi, Erik Lagolio, Vincenzo Baldo, Claudio Cricelli
Summary: This study aims to assess the burden of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) and related sequelae in primary care. It found that these conditions have a significant impact on healthcare systems, particularly in individuals aged 25 or older. Effective communication on the importance of meningococcal vaccination in adults should be strengthened.
Article
Pediatrics
Maria Vincenza Mastrolia, Silvia Boscia, Luisa Galli, Lorenzo Lodi, Laura Pisano, Ilaria Maccora, Silvia Ricci, Ilaria Pagnini, Edoardo Marrani, Chiara Azzari, Gabriele Simonini
Summary: Leishmaniasis is linked to HLH, and the measurement of CD8(+) CD38(high)/HLA-DR+ T cells is crucial in distinguishing HLH from sepsis or healthy individuals in children presenting with shock and organ failure.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Chiara Paolin, Lorenzo Zanetto, Sara Frison, Federica Boscolo Mela, Anna Tessari, Angela Amigoni, Marco Daverio, Claudia Maria Bonardi
Summary: The objective of this study was to describe the clinical features of young infants with apneas as a clinical sign of COVID-19. The study included 4 infants who required respiratory support for severe COVID-19 with recurrent apneas. A review of the literature found a total of 17 young infants with COVID-19 and apneas. Most cases (88%) had apnea as an initial symptom and two cases experienced recurrence after 3-4 weeks. The children underwent various neurological workups and required different levels of respiratory support, but all patients had a complete recovery.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Muhammad Adil, Ferdinando Nunziata, Andrea Buono, Domenico Velotto, Maurizio Migliaccio
Summary: In this study, the polarimetric scattering characteristics of a ship and the surrounding sea using fully polarimetric L-band synthetic aperture radar data were analyzed. The polarized component in the backscattered signal was found to be the main source of variability of the target-to-clutter ratio against the incidence angle.
IEEE GEOSCIENCE AND REMOTE SENSING LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Demetrio Lamloum, Marco Dettori, Pino La Corte, Maria Ruth Agnoli, Andrea Cappai, Arianna Viarchi, Antonella Arghittu, Thomas Gerhard Wolf, Paolo Castiglia, Guglielmo Campus
Summary: This study provides the first description of the oral health status of schoolchildren in Burundi, revealing that dental caries remains a major problem in Burundi and other African countries. Addressing untreated caries requires a multifaceted approach, including strengthening oral health infrastructure, promoting oral health education, providing affordable dental services, and encouraging healthier eating habits.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)