1,721,411 research outputs found

    Baraldi, E.

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    Learn from international recommendations and experiences of countries that have successfully implemented monoclonal antibody prophylaxis for prevention of RSV infection

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    Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-mediated bronchiolitis causes a significant global health burden. Despite this, for several years, the only approved agent for RSV prophylaxis was the anti-RSV monoclonal antibody Palivizumab, reserved for a small population of infants at high risk of developing severe RSV disease. Recently, the availability and approval of nirsevimab to immunize all infants against RSV infection since their first RSV season represented a crucial paradigm shift in RSV prevention. Nirsevimab has been shown to be safe and effective (> 80%) against RSV lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in all infants and children at their first season of RSV. Surveillance studies have demonstrated 90% effectiveness in reducing all-cause hospitalizations, all-cause LRTI hospitalizations, RSV-related LRTI hospitalizations, and severe RSV-related LRTIs. Moreover, the consistency and reproducibility of the beneficial outcomes coming from the prophylaxis with nirsevimab highlights its potential to deliver substantial health benefits, positioning monoclonal antibody administration as a cornerstone in the fight against RSV-related morbidity and mortality. Implementing immunization strategies for infants and children is crucial to align the international experiences and guarantee universal protection. This review provided an updated overview of the monoclonal antibody strategy for preventing RSV infection

    EVALUATION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEMS IN THE AGRI-FOOD SECTOR

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    The "quality issue" in the agri-food sector has been gaining importance over the past few years. Firms are continually searching for techniques and tools which permit production of goods that meet as many as possible of the characteristics demanded by the market. Quality assurance methods and techniques can provide a useful tool for approaching evolving markets in the correct way. This paper focuses on a survey conducted in certain sub-sectors (fruit and vegetable, meal and pasta, wine) and is specifically restricted to the Emilia-Romagna region. The survey found that there is extensive awareness of and widespread interest in quality systems. However, the objective of initiating a pattern of renewal which incorporates quality systems has not yet been widely attained. The survey also highlighted a certain absence of the "quality culture" necessary for correctly addressing these issues. The second part of this paper focuses on the economic analysis of the costs related to quality systems (QS). Its aim is to apply a method for collecting data on activities and resources, and to analyse the results. The importance of QS-related costs is evident if we are to consider it an investment, entailing the deployment of management effort and funds, and yielding a set of benefits in return. Case study analyses were conducted utilising an original classification scheme. From the initial results it is possible to identify the principal cost categories. The method adopted could be useful for firms wishing to monitor their QS.Marketing,

    Early-life origin and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases

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    Chronic obstructive respiratory disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have their roots in the womb. Together with a genetic predisposition, prenatal and early-life factors, including maternal smoking, prematurity, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), have a pivotal role in later respiratory health. Then, inappropriate responses to respiratory viruses (especially respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus) and early allergic sensitization are the strongest contributors to the inception of wheezing and early-onset asthma. There is an urgent need for early disease biomarkers to identify profiles at higher risk of chronic respiratory conditions. Applying the “-omic” technologies to urine, blood and breath condensate, and non-invasive inflammometry seem promising in this regard. The description of specific risk profiles may be the key to the use of targeted personalized therapies

    Effect of Clodronate Treatment on Risk of Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

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    A systematic review and a meta-analysis of data of literature were performed to evaluate the efficacy of clodronate in the reduction of risk of fractures in patients with osteoporosis or tumour diseases. A systematic review was conducted to identify original articles, reviews, and any other literature report suitable for the purposes of the meta-analysis, limited to prospective randomized trials that included a placebo or an untreated control arm. The search has identified 18 trials, 13 of which in patients with cancer diseases (breast cancer and multiple myeloma were prevalent), 4 in patients with osteoporosis/low BMD, and 1 in elderly women living in community. A placebo control arm was used in 13 trials. Treatment and follow-up duration ranged from 3 months to 5 years. The meta-analysis showed that treatment with clodronate was associated with a reduction of the probability of new fractures compared with controls (OR = 0.572, 95 % CI 0.465–0.704 for new vertebral fractures; OR = 0.668, 95 % CI 0.494–0.905 for new non-vertebral fractures; and OR = 0.744, 95 % CI 0.635–0.873 for new overall fractures in those articles where vertebral and non-vertebral new fractures were not considered separately). Similar findings were observed in the separate analysis in patients with cancer forms or osteoporosis. The results of the meta-analysis have demonstrated that clodronate is effective in reducing the risk of vertebral, non-vertebral, and overall fractures in patients with skeletal fragility
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