Vaccine hesitancy and knowledge regarding maternal immunization among reproductive age women in central Italy: a cross sectional study

BackgroundVaccination in pregnancy offers protection to the mother and the newborn. In Italy, influenza, pertussis, and COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended in pregnancy, but vaccination coverage is still far from the National Immunization Plan goals. We aimed to assess knowledge and attitude on maternal immunization in two groups of Italian women, in pregnancy and in reproductive age (non pregnant).MethodsA cross sectional study on Italian childbearing age women gathering information on their knowledge on maternal immunization and attitudes to receiving influenza and pertussis vaccines in pregnancy was carried out at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, between September 2019 and February 2020. Logistic and multinomial regressions were chosen as statistical tests for our analysis.Results1,031 women participated in the survey by answering the questionnaire. Out of these, 553 (53.6%) women were pregnant, and 478 (46.4%) were in the reproductive age. 37% (204/553) of pregnant women and 41% (198/476) of non pregnant women are aware of the existence of an immunization plan for pregnant women in Italy. The group with age between 20 and 30, for both pregnant women and women in the reproductive age, has a better knowledge of vaccination in pregnancy. Working status is a variable associated with more awareness about vaccination during pregnancy only for pregnant women (OR = 2.34, p < 0.00001). Educational status, trimester of pregnancy and knowledge on the topic are associated with vaccine hesitancy in our multivariate analysis for pregnant women. In the reproductive age group women who had a previous pregnancy are more likely to be hesitant towards vaccination in pregnancy, on the other hand the one with a higher knowledge and educational status are more likely to get vaccinated.ConclusionsThe study highlights the persistent vaccine hesitancy among Italian women of reproductive age and pregnant women. Despite healthcare providers being identified as a reliable source of information, their recommendations alone are insufficient to overcome vaccine hesitancy. Factors such as employment status, educational level, pregnancy trimester, and knowledge about vaccinations during pregnancy influence vaccine hesitancy. Tailored educational interventions and communication campaigns targeting these areas can help reduce vaccine hesitancy and promote maternal immunization

Hylleraas-like functions with the correct cusp conditions: K-shell electrons for the neutral atoms

We present simple correlated wavefunctions for the two K-shell electrons of neutral atoms. A variational method was chosen to calculate the mean energy of the ground state, in which the electrons are subject to a local Hartree potential representing the presence of the outer shell electrons. The functions are constructed in terms of exponential and power series, where special care has been taken in order to fulfill the exact behavior at the electron–electron and electron–nucleus coalescence points (Kato cusp conditions). Global properties, such as the energies and virial coefficients, as well as local properties, such as spatial mean values, are also analyzed.Fil: Rodriguez, Karina Viviana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Física del Sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Física. Instituto de Física del Sur; ArgentinaFil: Gasaneo, Gustavo. Universidad Nacional del Sur; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Mitnik, Dario Marcelo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciónes Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Astronomía y Física del Espacio. - Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Astronomía y Física del Espacio; ArgentinaFil: Miraglia, Jorge Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciónes Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Astronomía y Física del Espacio. - Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Astronomía y Física del Espacio; Argentin

Sensory and microbiological evaluation of traditional ovine ricotta cheese in modified atmosphere packaging

Ovine ricotta cheese is a traditional Sicilian dairy product characterised by high humidity and a short shelf life (2-4 days when refrigerated). The increasing demand for fresh food has prompted manufacturers to develop special packaging techniques, such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), that can extend the shelf life and maintain the organoleptic characteristics of ovine ricotta cheese. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the shelf life of fresh MAP-packed ovine ricotta cheese by monitoring the microbiological, chemical, physical and organoleptic characteristics of the product. Samples of a single batch were packed in MAP or vacuum packed and stored at 4°C for 24 and 7 days, respectively. Water activity, pH, physicochemical parameters and microbiological characteristics were examined. A sensory panel rated the product’s main organoleptic characteristics (colour, odour, flavour and texture). Results showed that MAP controlled the development of any unwanted microflora, but did not affect the development of intrinsic lactic floras or chemical parameters. Sensory analysis revealed that overall the MAP-packed ricotta remained acceptable for up to 15 days of storage. The vacuum-packed ricotta cheese, however, showed a progressive deterioration in organoleptic characteristics from day 5 onward and therefore had a shorter shelf life. In conclusion, the ability of MAP to extend the shelf life of a traditional regional product (such as fresh ovine ricotta cheese) guarantees consumers a quality product and provides opportunities for manufacturers to expand their markets beyond national boundaries

EFFECT OF miR-21, miR-182 AND let-7i ON TSP-1 EXPRESSION IN COLON CANCER CELL LINE

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate the expression of different genes, including genes involved in cancer progression, angiogenesis and metastasis. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) has been shown to contrast angiogenesis in vivo. TSP-1 expression levels are inversely correlated with tumor vascularity and metastasis in colon cancer. Bio-informatic statistical analysis indicated that TSP-1 is hypothetical target of miR-21, miR-182, overexpressed in CRC, and let-7i which expression is down-regulated in this tumor. In this work we investigated whether TSP-1 expression could be regulated by miR-21, mir-182 and let-7i in HT29 colon cancer cell line. Methods: To investigated whether miR-21, mir-182 and let-7i directly modulates TSP-1 expression, we transfected HT29 cell line with pre-mir21, pre-mir182 and pre-let7i by using siPortNeo FX tranfection agent and after 48h we evaluated TSP-1 mRNA, using Quantitative Real Time-PCR, and intracellular and secreted protein level performed by Western blotting and ELISA. To confirm the modulation of TSP-1 by miRNAs we transfected HT29 cell line with anti-mir to target the mature form of miR-21, miR182 and let-7i. Results: Using Real-Time PCR we did not find any variation of TSP-1 mRNA expression levels after transfection with pre-mir21 in HT29 cell line, but we observed a down-regulation of cytosolic and secreted protein by Western blot and ELISA. In cells transfected with pre-mir182 we did not observe any down-regulation both TSP-1 mRNA and cytosolic and secreted protein. Finally, we did not find any variation of TSP-1 level in cells transfected with let- 7i. Results were confirmed by transfection with anti-mir21, anti- mir182 and anti-let7i and, using the same method, we evaluated TSP-1 expression. Conclusions: Data suggest that mir-182 induces degradation of TSP-1 mRNA in HT29 cell line, whereas mir-21 affects probably by blockage of TSP-1 translation. Let-7i does not seem involved in regulation of TSP-1 expression in HT29 cells. Understanding the molecular mechanism by which miRNAs regulate TSP-1 expression could be used to restore TSP-1 expression to contrast angiogenic events in colon cancer

Evaluation of Der p 10 in a Cohort of European Children: Role of Molecular Diagnostics and Clinical Features

Background. Allergy toward the dust mite is steadily increasing on the European continent. This sensitization may be a risk factor for developing sensitization to other mite molecules such as tropomyosin Der p 10. This molecule often correlates with food allergy and the risk of anaphylaxis after ingesting mollusks and shrimps. Materials and Methods. We analyzed the sensitization profiles by ImmunoCAP ISAC of pediatric patients from 2017 to 2021. The patients under investigation were being followed for atopic disorders such as allergic asthma and food allergies. The study aimed to analyze the prevalence of sensitization toward Der p 10 in our pediatric population and assess the related clinical symptoms and reactions after ingestion of foods containing tropomyosins. Results. This study included 253 patients; 53% were sensitized toward Der p 1 and Der p 2; 10.4% were also sensitized to Der p 10. Assessing patients sensitized to Der p 1 or Der p 2, and Der p 10, we observed that 78.6% were affected by asthma (p<0.005) and had a history of prior anaphylaxis after ingestion of shrimp or shellfish (p<0.0001). Conclusion. The component-resolved diagnosis gave us a deeper understanding of patients’ molecular sensitization profiles. Our study showed that a fair proportion of children sensitive to Der p 1 or Der p 2 are also sensitive to Der p 10. However, many patients sensitized to all three molecules had a high risk of asthma and anaphylaxis. Therefore, the assessment of Der p 10 sensitization should be considered in atopic patients with sensitization to Der p 1 and Der p 2 to avoid encountering possible adverse reactions after ingesting foods containing tropomyosins

Consensus statement of the Italian society of pediatric allergy and immunology for the pragmatic management of children and adolescents with allergic or immunological diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has surprised the entire population. The world has had to face an unprecedented pandemic. Only, Spanish flu had similar disastrous consequences. As a result, drastic measures (lockdown) have been adopted worldwide. Healthcare service has been overwhelmed by the extraordinary influx of patients, often requiring high intensity of care. Mortality has been associated with severe comorbidities, including chronic diseases. Patients with frailty were, therefore, the victim of the SARS-COV-2 infection. Allergy and asthma are the most prevalent chronic disorders in children and adolescents, so they need careful attention and, if necessary, an adaptation of their regular treatment plans. Fortunately, at present, young people are less suffering from COVID-19, both as incidence and severity. However, any age, including infancy, could be affected by the pandemic. Based on this background, the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology has felt it necessary to provide a Consensus Statement. This expert panel consensus document offers a rationale to help guide decision-making in the management of children and adolescents with allergic or immunologic diseases