Wound Care Self-Efficacy Assessment of Italian Registered Nurses and Wound Care Education in Italian Nursing Education System: A Cross-Sectional Study

Wounds are a major public health challenge for nurses, and poor wound care has important implications for patients and health care systems. The aim of this study is to assess the Italian registered nurses’ (RNs) perception in the area of wound care, regarding their knowledge, tasks of care delivery, wound management, values, and attitudes, exploring also the previous specific education received during nursing education. An observational online web-based survey was used to assess learning goals and content for wound care education in undergraduate nursing education and the skills and level of self-efficacy in this area during clinical practice. The data were collected between April and May 2022. A total of 210 RNs were interviewed and divided into five national geographic areas. Northwestern RNs showed a better education about the wound care area during university courses: the rate of RNs that did not receive any training in the wound care area was lower than in other Italian geographical areas. Southern RNs presented a better knowledge about factors that expose the wound to becoming chronic, wound drains care, and the ability to assess diabetic foot. This study showed that, in Italy, education in wound care among nursing students is relatively poor, and many skills are achieved during an RN’s career in an empirical way

Arabidopsis thaliana sirtuins control proliferation and glutamate dehydrogenase activity

Sirtuins are part of a gene family of NAD-dependent deacylases that act on histone and non-histone proteins and control a variety of activities in all living organisms. Their roles are mainly related to energy metabolism and include lifetime regulation, DNA repair, stress resistance, and proliferation. A large amount of knowledge concerning animal sirtuins is available, but data about their plant counterparts are scarce. Plants possess few sirtuins that have, like in animals, a recognized role in stress defense and metabolism regulation. However, engagement in proliferation control, which has been demonstrated for mammalian sirtuins, has not been reported for plant sirtuins so far. In this work, srt1 and srt2 Arabidopsis mutant seedlings have been used to evaluate in vivo the role of sirtuins in cell proliferation and regulation of glutamate dehydrogenase, an enzyme demonstrated to be involved in the control of cell cycle in SIRT4-defective human cells. Moreover, bioinformatic analyses have been performed to elucidate sequence, structure, and function relationships between Arabidopsis sirtuins and between each of them and the closest mammalian homolog. We found that cell proliferation and GDH activity are higher in mutant seedlings, suggesting that both sirtuins exert a physiological inhibitory role in these processes. In addition, mutant seedlings show plant growth and root system improvement, in line with metabolic data. Our data also indicate that utilization of an easy to manipulate organism, such as Arabidopsis plant, can help to shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the function of genes present in interkingdom species

The ram cichlid (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) learns an associative task: a new fish species for memory research

Abstract Fish are the most species rich and evolutionarily oldest vertebrate taxon. This represents opportunities for biologists who intend to employ laboratory animals in their comparative or translational research. Yet, the overwhelming majority of such studies use a single fish species, the zebrafish, a suboptimal strategy from the comparative standpoint. Neuronal plasticity (learning and memory) is perhaps one of the most complex biological phenomena from a mechanistic standpoint, and thus its analysis could benefit from the use of evolutionarily ancient and simple vertebrate model organisms, i.e., fish species. However, learning & memory research with the zebrafish has been replete with problems. Here, we employ a novel fish species, the ram cichlid, we argue will be particularly appropriate for this purpose for practical as well as ethological/ecological reasons. First, we investigate whether the ram cichlid exhibits innate preference for certain colours (red, blue, yellow or green) in a four-choice task, the plus maze. Subsequently, we pair the apparently least preferred colour (green, the conditioned stimulus or CS) with food reward (the unconditioned stimulus, US) in the plus maze, a CS–US associative learning task. After eight pairing trials, we run a probe trial during which only the CS is presented. At this trial, we find significant preference to the CS, i.e., acquisition of memory of CS–US association. We argue that our proof-of-concept study demonstrating fast acquisition of CS–US association in the ram cichlid, coupled with the universal utility of some genome editing methods, will facilitate the mechanistic analysis of learning and memory

Weak binding to the A2RE RNA rigidifies hnRNPA2 RRMs and reduces liquid–liquid phase separation and aggregation

hnRNPA2 is a major component of mRNA transport granules in oligodendrocytes and neurons. However, the structural details of how hnRNPA2 binds the A2 recognition element (A2RE) and if this sequence stimulates granule formation by enhancing phase separation of hnRNPA2 has not yet been studied. Using solution NMR and biophysical studies, we find that each of the two individual RRMs retain the domain structure observed in complex with RNA but are not rigidly confined (i.e. they move independently) in solution in the absence of RNA. hnRNPA2 RRMs bind the minimal rA2RE11 weakly but at least, and most likely, two hnRNPA2 molecules are able to simultaneously bind the longer 21mer myelin basic protein A2RE. Upon binding of the RNA, NMR chemical shift deviations are observed in both RRMs, suggesting both play a role in binding the A2RE11. Interestingly, addition of short A2RE RNAs or longer RNAs containing this sequence completely prevents in vitro phase separation of full-length hnRNPA2 and aggregation of the disease-associated mutants. These findings suggest that RRM interactions with specific recognition sequences alone do not account for nucleating granule formation, consistent with models where multivalent protein:RNA and protein:protein contacts form across many sites in granule proteins and long RNA transcripts.This article is published as Ryan, Veronica H., Scott Watters, Joshua Amaya, Balabhadra Khatiwada, Vincenzo Venditti, Mandar T. Naik, and Nicolas L. Fawzi. "Weak binding to the A2RE RNA rigidifies hnRNPA2 RRMs and reduces liquid–liquid phase separation and aggregation." Nucleic Acids Research (2020). DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa710. Posted with permission.</p

Changed epidemiology of ICU acquired bloodstream infections over 12 years in an Italian teaching hospital

Background: We compared the etiology of 203 ICU-acquired laboratory confirmed bloodstream infections (LC-BSI) prospectively collected between January 2000-December 2007 (first period) with 83 LC-BSI recorded between January 2010-December 2012 (second period), after the diffusion in 2008 of K. pneumoniae expressing carbapenem-resistance due to K. pneumoniae carbapenemases production (KPC-CR-Kp). Methods: In the general ICU of teaching hospital "Umberto I" in Rome, all ICU-acquired LC-BSI episodes occurring in patients admitted to ICU ≥ 48h were included. Baseline characteristics, clinical features, antimicrobial resistance and outcome were recorded. All isolated strains multidrug resistance (MDR) were evaluated according to the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) guidelines. Results: Overall the study included 329 isolates, 214 in 2000-2007 and 115 in 2010-2012. In the second period we registered a Gram-positive reduction (55.1% vs. 26.9%; P<0.01) and Gram-negative increase (40.2% vs. 69.6%; P < 0.01). In 2000-2007 staphylococci were responsible for 45.8% LC-BSI's, whereas 18.3% during 2010-2012. Enterobacteriaceae increased dramatically (15.4% vs. 39.2%; P < 0.01), especially Klebsiella spp. (5.6% vs. 31.3%; P < 0.01). LC-BSI associated mortality decreased among Gram-positive (56.8% vs. 51.6%), but increased in Gram-negative (41.9% vs. 60.0%; P < 0.03), especially in Enterobacteriaceae (RR 2.13; 95% CI 1.21 - 3.73; P < 0.01). MDR increased remarkably among Enterobacetriaceae (51.5% vs. 73.3%). The study highlighted the associated mortality for Enterobacteriaceae when comparing MDR to non-MDR microorganisms. Conclusion: ICU-acquired LC-BSI etiology shifted from Gram-positive to Gram-negative during the study period in our ICU. Also associated mortality decreased among the former, whereas it increased in the latter. Last MDR increased enormously among Enterobacteriaceae with the diffusion of KPC (75% of strains), adding significantly to associated mortality (RR 2.17; 1.16-4.05; P < 0.01). COPYRIGHT © 2015 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

Biocompatible Silver Nanoparticles: Study of the Chemical and Molecular Structure, and the Ability to Interact with Cadmium and Arsenic in Water and Biological Properties

In the field of research for designing and preparing innovative nanostructured systems, these systems are able to reveal the presence of heavy metals in water samples, and can efficiently and selectively interact with them, allowing for future applications in the field of water remediation. We investigated the electronic and molecular structure, as well as the morphology, of silver nanoparticles stabilized by mixed biocompatible ligands (the amino acid L-cysteine and the organic molecule citrate) in the presence of cadmium and arsenic ions. The molecular, electronic, and local structure at the ligands/silver nanoparticles interface was probed by the complementary synchrotron radiation-induced techniques (SR-XPS, NEXAFS and XAS). The optical absorption (in the UV-Vis range) of the nanosystem was investigated in the presence of Cd(II) and As(III) and the observed behavior suggested a selective interaction with cadmium. In addition, the toxicological profile of the innovative nanosystem was assessed in vitro using a human epithelial cell line HEK293T. We analyzed the viability of the cells treated with silver nanoparticles, as well as the activation of antioxidant response

Candida endocarditis: systematic literature review from 1997 to 2014 and analysis of 29 cases from the Italian Study of Endocarditis

Candida Endocarditis (CE) is a deadly disease. It is of paramount importance to assess risk factors for acquisition of both Candida native (NVE) and prosthetic (PVE) valve endocarditis and relate clinical features and treatment strategies with the outcome of the disease. Areas covered: We searched the literature using the Pubmed database. Cases of CE from the Italian Study on Endocarditis (SEI) were also included. Overall, 140 cases of CE were analyzed. Patients with a history of abdominal surgery and antibiotic exposure had higher probability of developing NVE than PVE. In the PVE group, time to onset of CE was significantly lower for biological prosthesis compared to mechanical prosthesis. In the whole population, greater age and longer time to diagnosis were associated with increased likelihood of death. Patients with effective anti-biofilm treatment, patients who underwent cardiac surgery and patients who were administered chronic suppressive antifungal treatment showed increased survival. For PVE, moderate active anti-biofilm and highly active anti-biofilm treatment were associated with lower mortality. Expert commentary: Both NVE and PVE could be considered biofilm-related diseases, pathogenetically characterized by Candida intestinal translocation and initial transient candidemia. Cardiac surgery, EAB treatment and chronic suppressive therapy might be crucial in increasing patient survival

Risk factors and outcomes of endocarditis due to non-HACEK gram-negative bacilli: Data from the prospective multicenter Italian endocarditis study cohort

Objective: To investigate predisposing factors and outcomes of non-HACEK Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) infective endocarditis (IE) in a multicenter, contemporary cohort.Patients and Methods:Patients with IE due to GNB prospectively observed in 26 Italian centers from 2004 to 2011 were analyzed. Using a case-control design, each case was compared to three controls with IE by other etiologies matched for age and sex. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for GNB IE. Factors associated with early and late mortality were assessed by Cox regression analysis.Results:The study group comprised 58 patients with GNB IE.Escherichia coliwas the most common pathogen followed byPseudomonas aeruginosaandKlebsiella pneumoniaeGenitourinary tract as source of infection (OR 13.59, 95% CI 4.63-39.93, p<.001), immunosuppression (OR 5.16, 95% CI 1.60-16.24, p=.006) and presence of a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) (OR 3.57, 95% CI 1.55-8.20, p=.003) were factors independently associated with GNB IE. The in-hospital mortality was 13.8%, and rose up to 30.6% at 1 year. A multidrug-resistant etiology was associated with in-hospital (HR 21.849, 95% CI 2.672-178.683, p=0.004) and 1-year mortality (HR 4.408, 95% CI 1.581-12.287, p=0.005).Conclusions:The presence of a genitourinary focus, immunosuppressive therapy and an indwelling CIED are factors associated with GNB IE. MDR etiology is the major determinant of in-hospital and long-term mortality

San Giovanni Incarico (Frosinone): ricerche topografiche e archeologiche sul sito di Fabrateria Nova

Tra le attività di ricerca del Laboratorio di Topografia Antica e Fotogrammetria (LabTAF) del Dipartimento di Beni Culturali dell’Università del Salento si inserisce il “Progetto Fabrateria Nova”, realizzato nell’ambito di un accordo di collaborazione tra Soprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici del Lazio, Istituto Archeologico Germanico - Sezione di Roma, Università degli Studi di Cassino, Università del Salento e Comune di San Giovanni Incarico (FR). Le indagini hanno riguardato la città romana ed il territorio ad essa appartenuto; l’attività di ricerca si è articolata in laboratorio e sul terreno seguendo le seguenti principali strategie d’azione: aerofotogrammetria finalizzata all’archeologia, uso della fotografia aerea verticale ed obliqua con applicazioni specialistiche, esplorazione archeologica del territorio mediante ricognizione diretta sistematica, ricognizione aerea a bassa quota. Il saggio di scavo realizzato nel settore SE della colonia di Fabrateria Nova ha portato all’individuazione di un edificio termale di grandi dimensioni, orientato secondo l’impianto urbanistico e realizzato probabilmente nel corso del I sec. d.C., che è andato ad occupare uno degli isolati ad est della grande piazza porticata. Delle terme è stato individuato il muro perimetrale orientale in opera mista. Nel settore meridionale dell’edificio sono stati messi in luce parte di un corridoio che immetteva in due ambienti di servizio, due praefurnia e due ambienti riscaldati con suspensurae (interpretabili come calidaria); nel settore settentrionale, dove le strutture sono meno conservate a causa di pesanti interventi agricoli, è stata individuata solo in parte una vasca articolata da una nicchia e decorata da lastre di marmo

Candida Infective Endocarditis Report of 15 Cases From a Prospective Multicenter Study

Candida species are an uncommon cause of infective endocarditis (IE). Given the rarity of this infection, the epidemiology, prognosis, and optimal therapy of Candida IE are poorly defined. We conducted a prospective, observational study at 18 medical centers in Italy, including all consecutive patients with a definite diagnosis of IE admitted front January 2004 through December 2007. A Candida species was the causative organism in 8 cases of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE), 5 cases of native valve endocarditis (NVE), I case of pacemaker endocarditis, and I case of left ventricular patch infection. Candida species accounted for 1.8% of total cases, and for 3.4% of PVE cases. Most patients (86.6%) had a health care-associated infection. PVE associated with a health care contact occurred after a median of 225 days from valve implantation. Ten patients (66.6%) were treated with caspofungin alone or in combination with other antifungal drugs. The overall mortality rate was 46.6%. Mortality was higher in patients with PVE (5 of 8 cases, 62.5%) than in patients with NVE (2 of 5 patients, 40%). A better outcome was observed in patients treated with a combined medical and surgical therapy. Candida IE should be classified as an emerging infectious disease, usually involving patients with intravascular prosthetic devices, and associated with substantial related morbidity and mortality. Candida PVE usually is a late-onset disease, which becomes clinically evident even several months after an initial episode of transient candidemia. (Medicine 2009;88: 160-168