Article
Oncology
Chuansong Quan, Zhenjie Zhang, Guoyong Ding, Fengwei Sun, Hengxia Zhao, Qinghua Liu, Chuanmin Ma, Jing Wang, Liang Wang, Wenbo Zhao, Jinjie He, Yu Wang, Qian He, Michael J. Carr, Dayan Wang, Qiang Xiao, Weifeng Shi
Summary: This study conducted in Shandong Province, Northern China, found a decrease in influenza antibody levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also revealed that vaccination significantly increased antibody levels. Therefore, it is recommended to continue promoting vaccination and maintaining nonpharmaceutical interventions to prevent an elevated influenza risk in China.
FRONTIERS OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Piero Poletti, Marcello Tirani, Danilo Cereda, Giorgio Guzzetta, Filippo Trentini, Valentina Marziano, Claudia Toso, Alessandra Piatti, Raffaella Piccarreta, Alessia Melegaro, Aida Andreassi, Maria Gramegna, Marco Ajelli, Stefano Merler
Summary: The study found that professionals partially accustomed to managing infectious diseases had higher odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection, indicating the need for optimized organization of clinical wards and personnel, provision of appropriate personal protective equipment, and training for all workers directly exposed to COVID-19 patients to reduce infection risks in healthcare settings.
Article
Sport Sciences
Horacio Caniza, Francisco Forriol, Osvaldo Pangrazio, Mario Gil-Conesa
Summary: This article mainly discusses the suspension of major sporting events during the COVID-19 pandemic and how international tournaments can be conducted safely during the pandemic. The analysis of the CONMEBOL Copa America indicates that international sporting competitions can still be conducted safely even in high-risk epidemiological situations.
Article
Economics
Sergio Galletta, Tommaso Giommoni
Summary: We estimate that the 1918 influenza pandemic had an impact on income inequality in Italian municipalities. The more severely affected municipalities experienced higher levels of income inequality in the short and medium term, primarily due to an increase in the income share held by the rich at the expense of other strata of the population.
REVIEW OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Luca Villa, Alessia Libera Gazzonis, Carolina Allievi, Claudia De Maria, Maria Flaminia Persichetti, Giulia Caracappa, Sergio Aurelio Zanzani, Maria Teresa Manfredi
Summary: This study investigated the seroprevalence of three tick-borne pathogens in Italian horses and highlighted the importance of tick control. The study found that tick-borne diseases in horses are an emergent problem worldwide, with climate and ecological changes as well as horse movements between countries playing important roles in their spread.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dao Nguyen Vinh, Nguyen Thi Duy Nhat, Erwin de Bruin, Nguyen Ha Thao Vy, Tran Thi Nhu Thao, Huynh Thi Phuong, Pham Hong Anh, Stacy Todd, Tran Minh Quan, Nguyen Thi Le Thanh, Nguyen Thi Nam Lien, Nguyen Thi Hong Ha, Tran Thi Kim Hong, Pham Quang Thai, Marc Choisy, Tran Dang Nguyen, Cameron P. Simmons, Guy E. Thwaites, Hannah E. Clapham, Nguyen Van Vinh Chau, Marion Koopmans, Maciej F. Boni
Summary: The study used principal components analysis to analyze influenza data from Vietnam, establishing the relationship between antibody profiles and age, and estimating annual attack rates for different influenza subtypes. The findings suggest that dimensionality reduction can be used to construct the age-seroprevalence relationship for antigenically variable pathogens.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
David M. Morens, Jaekeun Park, Jeffery K. Taubenberger
Summary: Despite our current understanding and resources, we cannot predict future pandemics caused by influenza A viruses. Concerns about an H5N1 avian influenza pandemic have been raised since 1997, but there are also other possible routes to pandemic influenza.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Martina Ferrari, Lorenza Di Marco, Alessandra Pivetti, Stefania Paduano, Chiara Vecchi, Veronica Bernabucci, Rosina Maria Critelli, Simone Lasagni, Monica De Maria, Donatella Venturelli, Monica Pecorari, Giorgia Boaretto, Giulia Fregni Serpini, Dante Romagnoli, Roberto Mantovani, Giovanni Battista Ceccherelli, Erica Villa
Summary: We investigated the SARS-CoV-2 antibody response in voluntary blood donors in Italy at different timepoints. Immediately after lockdown easing, 908 out of 25,657 donors (3.5%) had low IgG titers against nucleocapsid. In the following two years, titers increased despite few COVID-19 symptoms. Allergic rhinitis was found to be associated with a reduced risk for symptomatic COVID-19 according to multivariate analysis.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Gabriella Di Giuseppe, Concetta P. Pelullo, Andrea Paolantonio, Giorgia Della Polla, Maria Pavia
Summary: This study found a significant increase in healthcare workers' willingness to receive the influenza vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic, with main determinants including belief in the usefulness of influenza vaccine in distinguishing influenza and COVID-19 symptoms, willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination, no concern about influenza vaccine side effects, concern about transmitting influenza to patients, and previous influenza vaccination history. Strategies targeting enabling factors are essential to promote influenza vaccination adherence among healthcare workers in future seasons.
Article
Virology
Serena Marchi, Gianvito Lanave, Michele Camero, Francesca Dapporto, Alessandro Manenti, Linda Benincasa, Angela Acciavatti, Giulio Brogi, Simonetta Viviani, Emanuele Montomoli, Claudia Maria Trombetta
Summary: This study assessed the prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the general population of Siena province, Tuscany region, Italy. The results showed an increasing seroprevalence during 2020, especially from the end of summer, consistent with routine epidemiological surveillance of COVID-19 cases.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Subuhi Sherwani, Mohd Wajid Ali Khan, Arshi Mallik, Mahvish Khan, Mohd Saleem, Mohamed Raafat, Ayed A. Shati, Noor Alam
Summary: This study investigated the seroprevalence of serum antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 S1-RBD antigen in a population from the Hail region, KSA, during the pre-pandemic and early pandemic period. The results showed that subjects during the pandemic period exhibited significantly higher levels of serum antibodies than the pre-pandemic subjects. Additionally, a small number of pre-pandemic subjects also showed serum antibodies, suggesting prior exposure to other coronaviruses in the region. The study highlights the importance of developing better assays for surveillance, management, and future research.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Marios Koutsakos, Adam K. Wheatley, Karen Laurie, Stephen J. Kent, Steve Rockman
Summary: The global reduction in influenza cases during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, including the possible extinction of the B/Yamagata lineage, presents opportunities for improving the availability and effectiveness of influenza vaccines.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Andrew M. Adamu, Morgan Furlong, Samson Ogunlade, Alex A. Adikwu, Annabel S. Anyang, Arhyel Malgwi, Adeiza M. Abdulrahman, Nma A. Bida, Olajide A. Owolodun, Oyelola A. Adegboye
Summary: A study conducted in Nigeria found a seroprevalence rate of 10.33% for influenza A virus in camel populations. There were no significant differences in gender, age, location, and production system, except for usage.
Article
Immunology
Tor Kristian Andersen, Johanna Bodin, Fredrik Oftung, Bjarne Bogen, Siri Mjaaland, Gunnveig Grodeland
Summary: The 2009 swine flu pandemic exposed the limitations of egg-based vaccines in terms of global supply, prompting the urgent need for efficient new vaccine platforms; DNA vaccines have since been developed as a temperature stable, cost-effective option for pandemic responses, capable of inducing rapid protective immune responses without the need for adjuvants.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Walter N. Harrington, Christina M. Kackos, Richard J. Webby
Summary: The long history of preparing for and fighting influenza pandemics can inform the response to novel coronaviruses like SARS-Cov-2. Global influenza surveillance networks and detailed risk assessment tools have proven successful in containing outbreaks, such as the H7N9 influenza in 2013, and could serve as models for managing coronaviruses with pandemic potential. Containment efforts must continually adapt and incorporate new research and information gathered from global crises.
EXPERIMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Anesthesiology
Zaccaria Ricci, Valeria Raggi, Eleonora Marinari, Leonardo Vallesi, Luca Di Chiara, Caterina Rizzo, Katja M. Gist
Summary: This study described the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of acute kidney injury in critically ill children with cardiac disease. Severe AKI occurred in 43% of patients and was most often diagnosed early by urine output criteria. Late severe AKI was associated with worse outcomes.
JOURNAL OF CARDIOTHORACIC AND VASCULAR ANESTHESIA
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Anissa Jaljaa, Susanna Caminada, Maria Elena Tosti, Franca D'Angelo, Aurora Angelozzi, Claudia Isonne, Giulia Marchetti, Elena Mazzalai, Dara Giannini, Federica Turatto, Chiara De Marchi, Angela Gatta, Silvia Declich, Scilla Pizzarelli, Salvatore Geraci, Giovanni Baglio, Maurizio Marceca
Summary: This study assessed the risk of COVID-19 infection among migrants and ethnic minorities in the 53 countries belonging to the WHO European Region. The findings indicate that during the first year of the pandemic, migrants and ethnic minorities were at higher risk of exposure and infection, and they were disproportionately represented among COVID-19 cases. Some ethnic groups appear to be more at risk than others, with factors such as high-risk occupations, overcrowded accommodations, geographic distribution, social deprivation, and barriers to access to information contributing to the disparities.
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Chiara Sacco, Daniele Petrone, Martina Del Manso, Alberto Mateo-Urdiales, Massimo Fabiani, Marco Bressi, Antonino Bella, Patrizio Pezzotti, Maria Cristina Rota, Flavia Riccardo
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
M. G. Dente, F. Riccardo, S. Declich, A. Milano, C. Robbiati, U. Agrimi, A. Mantovani, S. Morabito, G. Scavia, F. Cubadda, L. Villa, M. Monaco, L. Mancini, M. Carere, S. Marcheggiani, A. Lavazza, M. Farina, O. Dar, M. Villa, P. Testori Coggi, S. Brusaferro
Summary: The implementation of preparedness strategies to prevent and mitigate global health threats is challenging. The One Health approach, which promotes collaboration among different disciplines and sectors, can be applied to national and international preparedness phases. This discussion focuses on identifying gaps and needs in preparedness strategies and proposes actionable recommendations for coordinated prevention and preparedness strategies for early assessment and management of global health threats.
Review
Immunology
Claudia Maria Trombetta, Serena Marchi, Emanuele Montomoli
Summary: This review focuses on the modern method of manufacturing licensed influenza vaccines using recombinant DNA technology. This method offers advantages such as high speed, scalability, biosafety, and flexibility, as well as improved reliability of hemagglutinin in the vaccine.
EXPERT REVIEW OF VACCINES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Serena Marchi, Gianvito Lanave, Michele Camero, Francesca Dapporto, Alessandro Manenti, Linda Benincasa, Angela Acciavatti, Giulio Brogi, Simonetta Viviani, Emanuele Montomoli, Claudia Maria Trombetta
Summary: This study assessed the prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the general population of Siena province, Tuscany region, Italy. The results showed an increasing seroprevalence during 2020, especially from the end of summer, consistent with routine epidemiological surveillance of COVID-19 cases.
Article
Immunology
Angela Stufano, Nicola Buonvino, Claudia Maria Trombetta, Daniela Pontrelli, Serena Marchi, Giuseppe Lobefaro, Leonarda De Benedictis, Eleonora Lorusso, Maria Teresa Carofiglio, Violetta Iris Vasinioti, Emanuele Montomoli, Nicola Decaro, Piero Lovreglio
Summary: This study investigated an outbreak of COVID-19 in an Italian correctional facility during the dominant circulation of the Omicron BA.1 variant. The results showed that the percentage of SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects among unvaccinated inmates was significantly higher than in vaccinated groups, further supporting the importance of increasing vaccination coverage in correctional facilities.
Article
Immunology
Donatella Panatto, Alexander Domnich, Maria Chironna, Daniela Loconsole, Christian Napoli, Alessandra Torsello, Ilaria Manini, Emanuele Montomoli, Elena Pariani, Silvana Castaldi, Andrea Orsi, Giancarlo Icardi
Summary: This study investigated the epidemiology of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) among Italian adults and estimated the effectiveness of the 2021/22 season influenza vaccine. The results showed that influenza cases were mostly detected among non-vaccinated individuals, indicating a protective effect of influenza vaccination.
Article
Immunology
Tiziana Grassi, Francesco Bagordo, Marta Savio, Maria Cristina Rota, Francesco Vitale, Antonella Arghittu, Laura Sticchi, Giovanni Gabutti, Sero-Epidemiol Study Grp
Summary: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of pertussis IgG antibodies in the Italian population. The results showed a significantly higher mean antibody concentration in males compared to females, highlighting the possible role of adolescents and adults in the transmission of B. pertussis.
Article
Immunology
Giovanna Milano, Elena Capitani, Andrea Camarri, Giovanni Bova, Pier Leopoldo Capecchi, Giacomo Lazzeri, Dario Lipari, Emanuele Montomoli, Ilaria Manini
Summary: Winter in the northern hemisphere is characterized by seasonal epidemics of influenza viruses, which have different patterns each year. In the 2021/2022 season, after the absence of influenza viruses last season, cases of influenza reemerged but remained below the seasonal average. There was also co-circulation of influenza viruses and the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic virus, highlighting the need for constant monitoring of these viruses throughout the year.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Luigi De Angelis, Francesco Baglivo, Guglielmo Arzilli, Gaetano Pierpaolo Privitera, Paolo Ferragina, Alberto Eugenio Tozzi, Caterina Rizzo
Summary: Large Language Models (LLMs) have gained attention due to the release of ChatGPT, a user-centered chatbot by OpenAI. This perspective article discusses the evolution of LLMs and the impact of ChatGPT in the field of artificial intelligence. LLMs offer multiple opportunities in scientific research, particularly in Natural Language Processing (NLP) tasks. However, the use of LLMs, including ChatGPT, presents ethical and practical challenges, especially in the medical field, where it has the potential to impact public health and exacerbate the spread of misinformation.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Alexander Domnich, Giovanna Milano, Elena Capitani, Andrea Camarri, Giovanni Bova, Pier Leopoldo Capecchi, Emanuele Montomoli, Ilaria Manini
RESPIRATORY MEDICINE AND RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Domenico Martinelli, Filippo Quattrone, Francesca Fortunato, Elisa Di Maggio, Antonietta Filia, Maria Cristina Rota, Pier Luigi Lopalco, Rosa Prato
Summary: In Europe, the implementation of National Immunisation Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) has not been optimal, despite their establishment in most countries. A survey conducted within the European Joint Action on Vaccination (EU-JAV) collected information on decision-making processes regarding the introduction of new vaccines or changes to recommendations. Disease burden and availability of financial resources were identified as the most relevant criteria. Collaboration between NITAGs could lead to better workload optimization and resource utilization.
Article
Immunology
Francesco Baglivo, Mariano Magri, Luigi De Angelis, Valerio Aprile, Martina Minelli, Raffaele Stifini, Pierluigi Lopalco, Caterina Rizzo, Alberto Fedele
Summary: This study found that heterologous vaccination schedules may be more effective in preventing Omicron SARS-CoV2 infection compared to homologous vaccination schedules, with some heterologous schedules performing better than homologous ones.
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Francesco Baglivo, Luigi De Angelis, Virginia Casigliani, Guglielmo Arzilli, Gaetano Pierpaolo Privitera, Caterina Rizzo
JMIR MEDICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
