Background/Objectives: Surgical site infections are a serious public health concern, representing a significant burden on healthcare systems and society. Their occurrence is influenced by several factors, including patient demographics, healthcare facilities and the specific circumstances surrounding surgery. The use of prophylactic antibiotics in this context carries both potential benefits and risks. The aim of this study is to investigate potential risk factors that may adversely affect the development of SSIs, as well as to assess the appropriateness and adherence to perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis. Methods: This observational study was conducted from October 2023 to October 2024 at the University Hospital of Messina, Italy, a hospital performing both thoracic and vascular surgery. Data were collected using a questionnaire regarding socio-demographic data, risk factors, clinical and surgical data and details regarding the administration of antibiotics. Results: This study included 117 patients with an average age of 63 ± 12.36 SD years, 70.9% from the Thoracic Surgery Unit and 29.1% from the Vascular Surgery Unit. The most administered antibiotic was cefazolin, and antibiotic administration time was in compliance with the guidelines. Conclusions: Our data show that the implementation of evidence-based guidelines, healthcare professionals’ education and correct antibiotic use can reduce the burden of SSIs by improving patient care.

Background: Vaccination constitutes a low-cost, safe, and efficient public health measure that can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases and benefit the community. The fact that vaccination effectiveness varies among populations, and that the causes of this are still unclear, indicates that several factors are involved and should be thoroughly examined. The “intestinal microbiota” is the most crucial of these elements. Numerous clinical studies demonstrate the intestinal microbiota’s significance in determining the alleged “immunogenicity” and efficacy of vaccines. This systematic review aimed to review all relevant scientific literature and highlight the role of intestinal microbiota in COVID-19, Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholerae, and rotavirus vaccinations. Materials and Methods: The MESH terms “vaccines” and “microbiota” were used to search the major scientific databases PubMed, SciVerse Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials. Results: Between February 2024 and October 2024, the analysis was conducted using electronic databases, yielding a total of 235 references. Finally, 24 RCTs were chosen after meeting all inclusion criteria: eight studies of COVID-19, two studies of Salmonella typhi, three studies of Vibrio cholerae, and eleven studies of rotavirus. Only six of these demonstrated good study quality with a Jadad score of three or four. Conclusions: According to the review’s results, the intestinal microbiota surely plays a role in vaccinations’ enhanced immunogenicity, especially in younger people. As it is still unclear what mechanisms underlie this effect, more research is needed to better understand the role of the intestinal microbiota.

Background and Aim: Food hygiene is fundamental to public health, ensuring safe and nutritious food free from contaminants, and is vital for economic development and sustainability. The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system is a crucial tool for managing risks in food production. Despite global recognition of food safety’s importance, significant disparities exist, especially in Southern Italy, where diverse food production, tourism, and economic factors pose challenges to enforcing hygiene standards. This study evaluates non-compliance with food hygiene regulations within a Local Health Authority (LHA) in Calabria, Southern Italy, to inform effective public health strategies. Materials and Methods Authorized by the Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service (FHNS) of the LHA, the study covers January 2022 to December 2024, analyzing 579 enterprises with 1469 production activities. Inspections followed EC Regulation No. 852/2004, verifying the correct application of procedures based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles, including the operator’s monitoring of Critical Control Points (CCPs), and adherence to Good Hygiene Practices (GHPs). Non-compliances were classified by severity, and corrective and punitive actions were applied. Data were analyzed annually and across the full period using descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests to assess trends. Results: Inspection coverage increased markedly from 29.8% of production activities in 2022 to 62.5% in 2023, sustaining 62.0% in early 2024, exceeding the growth of new activities. Inspections were mainly triggered by RASFF alerts (22.4%), routine controls (20.0%), and verification of previous prescriptions (14.3%). The most frequent corrective measures were long-term prescriptions (28.6%), violation reports (22.9%), and short-term prescriptions (20.0%). Enterprises averaged 4.61 production activities, highlighting operational complexity. Conclusions: This study provides a granular analysis of food hygiene non-compliance within a Local Health Authority (LHA) in Southern Italy, to inform effective public health strategies. While official control data may be publicly available in some contexts, our research offers a unique, in-depth view of inspection triggers, non-compliance patterns, and corrective measures, which is crucial for understanding specific regional challenges. The analysis reveals that the prevalence of long-term prescriptions and reliance on RASFF alerts indicate systemic challenges requiring sustained interventions.

Background and Aim: In 2021, healthcare expenditure in Italy represented 7.3% of the national gross domestic product, with approximately 80% attributed to the management of chronic diseases—an increasing burden associated with population aging. Population stratification tools have emerged as critical instruments for the efficient allocation of healthcare resources, particularly for high-need, high-cost individuals. This systematic review aimed to identify, classify, and evaluate existing population stratification tools based on their characteristics, validation status, and practical applications. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines to examine adult population stratification models grounded in healthcare needs. The review encompassed studies retrieved from major scientific databases and included both national and international implementations. Results: The initial search yielded 140,111 records, from which 17 distinct stratification tools were identified. Of these, nine had undergone validation through peer-reviewed studies. Within the Italian context, only six tools were in active use—three of which were developed as region-specific algorithms, while the remaining three employed internationally established software platforms. Conclusions: Population stratification tools provide a robust framework for assessing both clinical complexity and resource utilization, thereby facilitating the design of integrated care pathways and evidence-based policy decisions. In the context of proactive and personalized healthcare delivery, such tools play a pivotal role in enhancing system efficiency, informing strategic planning, and promoting equitable access to care.

Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is a multidimensional and multidisciplinary approach for analyzing the medical–clinical, social, organizational, economic, ethical, and legal implications of a technology, through the evaluation of multiple dimensions such as efficacy, safety, costs, and social–organizational impact. In the healthcare context, “technology” refers to any tool—including pharmaceuticals (or, in this case, vaccines)—that is applied to healthcare practice. HTA focuses on assessing both the real and potential effects of a given technology, either prospectively or throughout its life cycle, as well as the consequences that the introduction or exclusion of an intervention may have on the healthcare system, the economy, and society at large.

Background/Objectives: Solar elastosis, a key histopathological alteration in skin photodamage, results from chronic UV exposure and photoaging. Clinically, it manifests as deep wrinkles, laxity, and a dull complexion. The growing demand for effective treatments has spurred the development of numerous therapeutic strategies. This systematic review aims to synthesize and critically evaluate the scientific evidence regarding interventions for treating the clinical and histological manifestations of solar elastosis, to provide an updated overview and guide future clinical practice. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles published in the last ten years. Clinical studies on adults with signs of solar elastosis and photoaging, evaluating therapeutic interventions, were included. Primary outcomes were clinical and histopathological improvements, while secondary outcomes included skin elasticity, safety, and patient satisfaction. This review was registered in the PROSPERO database under registration number CRD420251086680. Results: Twenty-two studies, totaling 608 participants, were included. The analyzed therapies comprised a wide range of strategies, including energy-based devices (laser, radiofrequency), stem cell derivatives, bioactive topical compounds, and growth factor-rich plasma. Device-assisted and biologically augmented interventions consistently improved visible photoaging outcomes and skin elasticity, with selective histologic remodeling, heterogeneous effects on barrier function, and an overall acceptable safety profile, with mild and transient adverse events. Patient satisfaction was consistently high. Conclusions: Therapeutic strategies in solar elastosis and photoaging, particularly those combining energy-based devices with regenerative agents, have proven effective in improving the structural and functional aspects of photodamaged skin. Although the results are promising, the current literature is limited by methodological heterogeneity and small sample sizes. High-quality randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are needed to establish standardized, evidence-based protocols.