Adherence issues related to sublingual immunotherapy as perceived by allergists

Objectives: Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a viable alternative to subcutaneous immunotherapy to treat allergic rhinitis and asthma, and is widely used in clinical practice in many European countries. The clinical efficacy of SLIT has been established in a number of clinical trials and meta-analyses. However, because SLIT is self-administered by patients without medical supervision, the degree of patient adherence with treatment is still a concern. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception by allergists of issues related to SLIT adherence. Methods: We performed a questionnaire-based survey of 296 Italian allergists, based on the adherence issues known from previous studies. The perception of importance of each item was assessed by a VAS scale ranging from 0 to 10. Results: Patient perception of clinical efficacy was considered the most important factor (ranked 1 by 54% of allergists), followed by the possibility of reimbursement (ranked 1 by 34%), and by the absence of side effects (ranked 1 by 21%). Patient education, regular follow-up, and ease of use of SLIT were ranked first by less than 20% of allergists. Conclusion: These findings indicate that clinical efficacy, cost, and side effects are perceived as the major issues influencing patient adherence to SLIT, and that further improvement of adherence is likely to be achieved by improving the patient information provided by prescribers. © 2010 Scurati et al, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd

Digitalization Processes and Bridge Information Modeling for Existing Bridges

7noBridges constant assessment, monitoring and retrofitting are key aspects to prevent inadequate damage situations. Considering the importance of these processes, a new official guideline for Bridge evaluation, classification and monitoring has been issued in Italy. The usage of BIM methodology comes as a logical solution to store and manage all information related to the bridge surveillance process and create a unique database. In the present work, HBIM methodologies are implemented for the creation of a damage database and new approaches are tested for the application of the guidelines directly on the BIM environment. Using the dismantled structures of Largo Grosseto bridge as a case study and damage information previously recovered as input data, HBIM models are created using two different methodologies: Parametric modelling and Mesh-to-BIM process. Moreover, the utility of the database created is expanded thanks to the usage of visual programming tools. The evaluation of the modelling processes highlights the effectiveness of BIM for infrastructure monitoring and classification. The results obtained demonstrate the way towards a new BIM monitoring standard procedure for infrastructure surveillance processes.mixedembargoed_20221212Polania D.R.; Tondolo F.; Osello A.; Fonsati A.; De Gaetani C.; Trincianti C.; Gazulli D.Polania, D. R.; Tondolo, F.; Osello, A.; Fonsati, A.; De Gaetani, C.; Trincianti, C.; Gazulli, D