Search

The wine industry has been witnessing a growth in businesses crafting sustainability-certified wines and in the attention of consumers to sustainability, especially in the United States and Italy. To identify the characteristics of consumers who prefer sustainability-certified wine, this study analysed the relationship between consumers' demographics, wine buying behaviour, and interest in sustainability-certified wine, focusing on these two countries for comparison. Data were collected through an online survey of US and Italian consumers. Through correspondence analysis, k-modes clustering analysis, and multi-way correspondence analysis, this study revealed a stronger relationship between demographics and interest in sustainability-certified wine among US consumers than Italian consumers. In particular, middle-aged US consumers exhibited a greater interest than seniors. The patterns of connections between consumers' wine buying behaviour and interest in sustainable wine were similar for the two countries. In particular, consumers who purchase wine weekly had a keen interest, and those who purchase wine sporadically had no or little interest. Furthermore, this study uncovered the intricate relationship among various variables, providing a comprehensive understanding of the association between wine consumer characteristics and their interest in sustainability-certified wine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association of fever, focal hepatic lesions and peripheral hyper-eosinophilia (FHLH) can be observed in both infectious and non-infectious conditions. Fascioliasis, capillariasis, toxocariasis, all causes of visceral larva migrans (VLM), represent most of the former, whilst lymphomas, eosinophilic leukemias and mastocytosis belong in the non-infectious conditions. Methods: We prospectively followed a young patient presenting with FHLH in the Tuscany region of Italy. Results: The patient was subject to serological and parasitological examination in an attempt to clarify the origin of the lesions. Serologies for both Fasciola hepatica and Toxocara spp. were positive, with the latter presenting a higher index. We opted for treatment with a prolonged course of albendazole due to the serological results and being toxocariasis more frequent in our setting. The patient was then subject to radiological follow-up. The patient responded to treatment with albendazole as shown by a decrease in eosinophils, seronegativization for Toxocara spp., clinical and radiological improvement. Toxocariasis was hence considered the most likely diagnosis. Conclusions: Parasitic infections cannot be disregarded in the presence of FHLH. Differential diagnosis between these parasitic infections can be challenging due to the presence of similar clinical presentations and serological cross-reactions, and follow-up of the patient is needed to ensure optimal treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The palette used on a small painting on copper support, with the inscription "Boceto di Pablo Veronese" on the back, was characterized. Non-invasive techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and hand-held X-ray fluorescence (XRF) were proven to be highly effective for this. The objectives of the proposed work were twofold. On the one hand, the objective was the study, in situ, of the pigments of a painting on a copper support. On the other hand, it was to enrich the literature related to the study of paintings on metal supports, since few related studies are available despite the relatively large number of such 16th and 17th century paintings from Italy and Northern Europe. The results of the analysis showed a copper support with a base layer of gypsum mixed with ochre earths. Atop this layer is a sketch with lead white in the lighter areas and bone black in the darker shadow areas, suggesting that the artist performed a preliminary study of the luminosity of the scene. Finally, the upper or pictorial layer consists of a mix of pigments with some lead white to lower saturation and increase lightness, particularly evident in the flesh tones. The resulting palette thus includes lead white, vermilion, bone black, Naples yellow, and lazurite pigments. These results are compared to Veronese's other paintings, as well as to those of certain contemporary artists, and the use of the resulting pigments in 16th and 17th century Italian painting techniques is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This research investigates the web-based communication and promotion strategies applied by a sample of selected chocolatiers in Piedmont, a region in the northwest of Italy known for its ancient chocolate-making tradition. Methods: the AGIL scheme was used (A-adaptation, which evaluates the persuasive approach; G-goal achievement, which evaluates the informative approach; I-integration, which evaluates the communicative approach; and L-latent model, which evaluates the identity approach). Each A-G-I-L category, subdivided into subcategories containing variables, was specifically evaluated during the analysis of the companies' websites carried out by a group of experts. The five experts assigned a score for each variable and subcategory to each site. The average subcategory and category scores for each website were analyzed using principal component analysis, which allowed three communicative orientations to be defined: classic, consumer-centered, international-oriented. Results: In general, the results show a strong link between the tradition of artisan chocolate producers and the desire to create a relationship of trust in the brand on the part of consumers. Conclusions: This research is the first to contribute to the field of chocolate web-communication and provides a picture of a local production reality; it is interesting in terms of chocolate promotion styles based on the combination of tradition and innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental context: Emerging contaminants such as platinum are continuously released into aquatic environments. Analytical challenges, however, have restricted information on their geochemical cycles. We examine the potential use of platinum as a tracer of anthropogenic inputs in a model industrial/urban site (Genoa Harbor, Italy), and provide a first estimate of dissolved platinum baseline concentrations in the northern Mediterranean coast. Biogeochemical cycles that include processes to control platinum (Pt) distribution remain widely unknown in aquatic environments, especially in coastal systems. Dissolved Pt concentrations in coastal seawater (PtD) and in suspended particulate matter (SPM, PtP) were measured, together with master variables comprising dissolved oxygen, dissolved and particulate organic carbon, chlorophyll-a, turbidity, and ammonium levels, along two longitudinal profiles in the industrial Genoa Harbor (north-west Italy). Concentrations and spatial distribution of PtD and PtP levels reflect distinct concentration gradients that were attributed to different Pt sources such as hospital, domestic and industrial wastewater, atmospheric deposition, and/or road runoff. Concentrations reaching up to 0.18 ng L−1 PtD and 14 ng g−1 PtP reflect the impact of Pt urban inputs to coastal sites. These first data highlight considerable anthropogenic contamination in a confined harbor compared with the proposed reference value for the western Mediterranean surface seawater measured at external sites. Identified correlations between Pt levels and human pollution signals suggest the potential use of Pt as a new tracer of anthropogenic inputs that can be applied to other urbanised coastal systems. Biogeochemical processes that induce changes in the partitioning and fate of Pt in coastal seawater reflect a spatial variability and highlight the need for comprehensive environmental monitoring at an appropriate spatial scale. Environmental context. Emerging contaminants such as platinum are continuously released into aquatic environments. Analytical challenges, however, have restricted information on their geochemical cycles. We examine the potential use of platinum as a tracer of anthropogenic inputs in a model industrial/urban site (Genoa Harbor, Italy), and provide a first estimate of dissolved platinum baseline concentrations in the northern Mediterranean coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent introduction of direct antiviral agents (DAAs) has completely changed the scenario regarding hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. Certain countries' economic health programs prioritize DAAs according to specific clinical features of HCV-infected patients. The aim of this study was to define epidemiological, demographic and clinical characteristics of HCV-infected patients in the Tuscany region of central Italy.Methods: We enrolled HCV patients with chronic viral hepatitis who were referred to the outpatient services of 16 hospitals in Tuscany from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015. Case report forms contained patient information including main demographic data, blood chemistry data, viral hepatitis markers, instrumental evaluations (liver biopsy or transient elastometry, liver ultrasound), eligibility for DAAs, and liver transplantation or therapy already in progress.Results: Of all patients considered, 2919 HCV patients were enrolled (mean age: 57.44 ± 15.15; 54% males, 46% females). All routes of transmission were well represented (intravenous drug use in 20.7%; nosocomial/dental care in 20.6%; and coagulation factors/blood transfusions in 13.3%). Diabetes was the highest represented comorbidity (20.8%), followed by metabolic syndrome (15.5%) and ischemic heart disease (6.2%). The most prevalent HCV genotypes were 1b (47.4%) and 2 (16.5%). In the whole cohort of patients, 32.8% were cirrhotic (40 patients were listed for liver transplantation). Signs of portal hypertension were present mostly in the group older than 45 years (92.3%). Extrahepatic HCV-related diseases were present in 13.3% of cases (cryoglobulinemic syndrome in 58.3% and B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 10.5%).Conclusions: Our study provides evidence of a high prevalence of epidemiological changes in HCV infection with a major prevalence of advanced liver disease, such as portal hypertension, in this elderly cohort of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report focuses on epidemiological and clinical features of dengue fever (DF) in Tuscany (Italy) between 2006 and 2012. Sixty-one DF cases were diagnosed, 32 of which were in the period of Aedes albopictus activity. Some clinical (arthralgia/myalgia, nausea/vomiting, and skin rash), laboratory (leukopenia and thrombocytopenia), and epidemiological characteristics (travel in a continent other than Africa) significantly distinguished DF cases from other febrile illnesses. Our data stress the importance of increasing awareness on dengue in Italy among clinicians in order to reach an early diagnosis in returning travelers and to implement appropriate clinical and public health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Regional Studies is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To assess the prevalence ofChlamydia pneumoniae(CP) seropositivity and test the hypothesis that CP infection (CPI) is associated with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and levels of inflammatory biomarkers.Cross-sectional survey.Representative sample of the residents of Greve in Chianti and Bagno a Ripoli, two small towns located in the Chianti geographic area (Tuscany, Italy).A total of 1,304 (age-range: 20–103, 79% aged≥65) participants of the InCHIANTI study.CP seropositivity was assessed using immunofluorescence. Previous CPI was defined as immunoglobulin (Ig) G≥1/16 and<1/256, and recent CPI was defined as IgG≥1/512 or IgM≥1/16. Inflammatory markers included interleukin (IL)-6, soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6r), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-1β, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), iron, ferritin, and C-reactive protein (CRP). CV risk factors included smoking, body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, and hypertension.The prevalence of CP seropositivity was 75%, increased with age, and was higher in men than in women (P<.01). CPI was not associated with IL-1β, IL-1ra, iron, ferritin, CRP, BMI, lipids, and smoking. After adjusting for age and sex, previous or recent CPI was associated with higher TNF-α (P<.01), IL-6 (P<.03), sIL-6R (P<.01), and hypertension (P<.02). In additional age and sex-adjusted models, the associations between CPI and TNF-α, IL-6, sIL-6r, and hypertension appeared to be mutually independent.CP seropositivity is highly prevalent in the older population and is a significant, independent correlate of hypertension and circulating levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and sIL-6r. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early reports from Asia suggested that increased serum levels of the muscular enzyme creatine-(phospho)-kinase (CK/CPK) could be associated with a more severe prognosis in COVID-19. The aim of this single-center retrospective cohort study of 331 consecutive COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized during Italy's "first wave" was to verify this relationship, and to evaluate the role of possible confounding factors (age, body mass index, gender, and comorbidities). We subdivided our cohort in two groups, based on "severe" (n = 99) or "mild" (n = 232) outcomes. "Severe" disease is defined here as death and/or mechanical invasive ventilation, in contrast to "mild" patients, who were discharged alive with no need for invasive ventilation; this latter group could also include those patients who were treated with non-invasive ventilation. The CK levels at admission were higher in those subjects who later experienced more severe outcomes (median, 126; range, 10–1672 U/L, versus median, 82; range, 12–1499 U/L, p = 0.01), and hyperCKemia >200 U/L was associated with a worse prognosis. Regression analysis confirmed that increased CK acted as an independent predictor for a "severe" outcome. HyperCKemia was generally transient, returning to normal during hospitalization in the majority of both "severe" and "mild" patients. Although the direct infection of voluntary muscle is unproven, transient muscular dysfunction is common during the course of COVID-19. The influence of this novel coronavirus on voluntary muscle really needs to be clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article talks about measles which can be prevented by vaccine, the disease affecting the low income countries, highest infected people in Romania, Italy and Ukraine, analyzing the clinical features in hospitalization and therapeutic approach for the management. It talks about the prescription antibiotics to the patients that includes beta-lactams with macrolides or fluoroquinolones, effect of co-trimoxazole as prophylaxis for the prevention of pneumonia and children affected by measles.

• Patients with chronic hepatitis B virus are older than in the past. • About 22% of the patients are migrants; they are younger than Italians. • The widespread use of effective antivirals contributes to the infection prevention. • The cirrhosis likelihood was reduced by 40% than in the past. • Hepatitis Delta co-infection is present in about one-quarter of cirrhosis cases. The study measures trends in the profile of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus linked to care in Italy. A cross-sectional, multicenter, observational cohort (PITER cohort) of consecutive patients with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) over the period 2019-2021 from 46 centers was evaluated. The reference was the MASTER cohort collected over the years 2012-2015. Standard statistical methods were used. The PITER cohort enrolled 4583 patients, of whom 21.8% were non-Italian natives. Compared with those in MASTER, the patients were older and more often female. The prevalence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) declined (7.2% vs 12.3; P <0.0001) and that of anti-hepatitis D virus (HDV) remained stable (9.3% vs 8.3%). In both cohorts, about 25% of the patients had cirrhosis, and those in the PITER cohort were older. HBeAg-positive was 5.0% vs 12.6% (P <0.0001) and anti-HDV positive 24.8% vs 17.5% (P <0.0017). In the logistic model, the variables associated with cirrhosis were anti-HDV-positive (odds ratio = 10.08; confidence interval 7.63-13.43), age, sex, and body mass index; the likelihood of cirrhosis was reduced by 40% in the PITER cohort. Among non-Italians, 12.3% were HBeAg-positive (vs 23.4% in the MASTER cohort; P <0.0001), and 12.3% were anti-HDV-positive (vs 11.1%). Overall, the adherence to the European Association for the Study of the Liver recommendations for antiviral treatment increased over time. Chronic hepatitis B virus infection appears to be in the process of becoming under control in Italy; however, HDV infection is still a health concern in patients with cirrhosis and in migrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toscana Virus (TosV) was firstly isolated from phlebotomine in our Institute about fifty years ago. Later, in 1984–1985, TosV infection, although asymptomatic in most cases, was shown to cause disease in humans, mainly fever and meningitis. By means of genetic analysis of part of M segment, we describe 3 new viral isolates obtained directly from cerebrospinal fluid or sera samples of patients diagnosed with TosV infection in July 2020 in Tuscany region. Phylogenesis was used to propose the clustering of TosV lineage A strains in 3 main groups, whereas deep mutational analysis based on 12 amino acid positions, allowed the identification of 9 putative strains. We discuss deep mutational analysis as a method to identify molecular signature of host adaptation and/or pathogenesis. • Description of 50 years of TosV evolution. • Definition of TosV strains and isolates by means of phylogenenesis. • Analisys of amino acid mutations to identify markers of adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). • Continuous positive airway pressure (i.e., non-invasive ventilation) and invasive ventilatory support are often required to manage the acute respiratory failure in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). • Temperature >38 °C, lactate dehydrogenase >250 U/l, and d -dimer >1000 ng/mL were found to be independent risk factors associated with the requirement for non-invasive/invasive ventilator support. • Early inflammatory screening is warranted in order to stratify the illness severity and provide appropriate treatment. To investigate risk factors for non-invasive/invasive ventilatory support (NI/I-VS) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). All consecutive patients admitted to the Infectious Diseases Unit and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Santa Maria Annunziata Hospital (Florence, Italy), from February 25 to April 25, 2020, with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. NI/I-VS was defined as the need for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) (non-invasive ventilation) or mechanical ventilation, not including low-flow systems of oxygen therapy such as the Venturi mask or nasal cannula. Ninety-seven patients were enrolled; 61.9% (60/97) were male and the median patient age was 64 years. The in-hospital mortality was 9.3%. Thirty-five of the 97 patients (36%) required ICU admission and 94.8% (92/97) were prescribed oxygen therapy: 10.8% (10/92) by nasal cannula, 44.5% (41/92) by Venturi mask, 31.5% (29/92) by CPAP, 2.2% (2/92) by BPAP, and 10.8% (10/92) by mechanical ventilation following intubation. On univariate analysis, patients with a body mass index >30, type II diabetes mellitus, and those presenting with dyspnoea, asthenia, SOFA score ≥2 points, PaO 2 /FiO 2 <300, temperature >38 °C, increased levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase, and C-reactive protein, and a d -dimer >1000 ng/mL at admission more frequently underwent NI/I-VS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed temperature >38 °C (odds ratio (OR) 21.2, 95% confidential interval (95% CI) 3.5–124.5, p = 0.001), LDH >250 U/l (OR 15.2, 95% CI 1.8–128.8, p = 0.012), and d -dimer >1000 ng/mL (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.2–17.3, p = 0.027) as significantly associated with the requirement for NI/I-VS. A non-significant trend (p = 0.051) was described for PaO 2 /FiO 2 <300. Temperature >38 °C, LDH > 250 U/l, and d -dimer >1000 ng/mL were found to be independent risk factors for NI/I-VS in COVID-19 patients. In order to quickly identify patients likely at risk of developing a critical illness, inflammatory markers should be assessed upon hospital admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pemigatinib is approved for patients with pretreated, locally advanced or metastatic CCA harboring FGFR2 rearrangements or fusions. We aim to assess the effectiveness and safety of pemigatinib in real-world setting. A joint analysis of two multicentre observational retrospective cohort studies independently conducted in France and Italy was performed. All consecutive FGFR2-positive patients affected by CCA and treated with pemigatinib as second- or further line of systemic treatment in clinical practice, within or outside the European Expanded Access Program, were included. Between July 2020 and September 2022, 72 patients were treated with pemigatinib in 14 Italian and 25 French Centres. Patients had a median age of 57 years, 76% were female, 81% had ECOG-PS 0–1, 99% had intrahepatic CCA, 74% had ≥ 2 metastatic sites, 67% had metastatic disease at diagnosis, while 38.8% received ≥ 2 previous lines of systemic treatment. At data cut-off analysis (April 2023), ORR and DCR were 45.8% and 84.7%, respectively. Median DoR was 7 months (IQR: 5.8–9.3). Over a median follow-up time of 19.5 months, median PFS and 1-year PFS rate were 8.7 months and 32.8%. Median OS and 1-year OS rate were 17.1 months and 60.6%. Fatigue (69.4%), ocular toxicity (68%), nail toxicities (61.1%), dermatologic toxicity (41.6%) hyperphosphataemia (55.6%), stomatitis (48.6%), and diarrhea (36.1%) were the most frequent, mainly G1-G2 AEs. Overall incidence of G3 AEs was 22.2%, while no patient experienced G4 AE. Dose reduction and temporary discontinuation were needed in 33.3% and 40.3% of cases, with 1 permanent discontinuation due to AEs. These results confirm the effectiveness and safety of pemigatinib in a real-world setting. • Effectiveness of pemigatinib in advanced FGFR2-positive CCA patients was investigated. • ORR was 45.8%, DCR was 84.7%, median PFS was 8.7 months, median OS was 17.1 months. • Effectiveness and safety of pemigatinib was confirmed in a real-world setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The trigger for the ALICE muon spectrometer will be issued by single-gap, low resistivity bakelite resistive plate chambers (RPCs). The trigger system consists of four RPC planes arranged in two stations, for a total of 72 detectors. One hundred and sixteen detectors have been assembled and tested in Torino. The tests have been performed with the streamer mixture developed for heavy ion data-taking. The tests include: the detection of gas leaks and parasitic currents; the measurement of the efficiency with cosmic rays, with particular regard to the uniformity of the efficiency throughout the whole active surface, with a granularity of about ; the measurement of the dark current and of the mean and localised noise rate. All the RPCs produced have been characterised. Among them, the detectors to be finally installed in ALICE and some spare have been selected; 17% of all the produced detectors have been discarded. A short description of the test set-up is given. The results of the tests are presented, with particular regard to the performance of the selected detectors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction et objectifs: Dans les Alpes-Maritimes, les médecins libéraux généralistes et pédiatres ont reçu des visites confraternelles en 2000 et 2003 pendant la campagne « Antibios quand il faut », instaurée par le Groupe d’Étude et de Prévention des Infections de l’Enfant pour promouvoir l’usage prudent des antibiotiques lors des infections respiratoires de l’enfant. La crainte de complications infectieuses est souvent évoquée comme un obstacle par les praticiens. Les infections invasives communautaires chez l’enfant de moins de 15 ans ont donc été étudiées. Matériels et méthodes: De 1998 à 2007, deux enquêtes rétrospectives, à partir des données des laboratoires de microbiologie, ont répertorié les cas d’infection invasive avec isolement de S pneumoniae, N meningitidis, S pyogenes, H influenzae, dans les hémocultures, les liquides céphalorachidiens, pleuraux, synoviaux et péritonéaux. Résultats: Parmi les 171 infections invasives recensées, 66 % étaient dues àS. pneumoniae, 20 % àN. meningitidis, 8 % àS. pyogenes et 6 % àH. influenzae. Le taux d’incidence annuel global de ces infections était de 10,1 cas/100 000 enfants, celui des méningites de 3,4/100 000, celui des infections àS. pneumoniae de 6,7/100 000, sans évolution significative au cours de l’étude. Les modifications des résistances de S. pneumoniae à la pénicilline et à l’érythromycine étaient non significatives. La proportion de sérotypes de S. pneumoniae non contenus dans le vaccin conjugué heptavalent actuel était respectivement de 38 % et 49 % avant et après 2003. Conclusion: La stabilité de l’incidence de ces infections au cours des campagnes locale et nationale est rassurante. Les progrès apportés par la vaccination ne dispensent pas d’une poursuite de la lutte contre la résistance bactérienne. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]