Introduction: The emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogens due to the improper use of antibiotics have become increasingly apparent in recent years. Objective: This retrospective comparative analysis aimed to assess and compare antibiotic prescription trends in Italy across two different regions based on geographic area and healthcare structure. One region represents a large hospital institution, while the other represents a populous local Italian health agency. The study also examined the impact of documented antibiotic stewardship programs and efforts to promote responsible antibiotic use at all levels, in alignment with international goals. Antibiotic consumption data were collected from the Umberto I Polyclinic Hospital and the ASL Napoli 3 South Local Health Agency. Methods: To compare consumption between regions, a standardized comparison using the Defined Daily Dose (DDD) was employed. The internal management system of each healthcare facility records all prescriptions and drug dispensations, and these data were extrapolated for this retrospective study. Results: A comparative assessment between the first half of 2022 and 2023 (January–June) highlighted a significant increase in beta-lactam antibiotic consumption, showing a twofold rise compared to the previous year’s term. Regarding prescription averages, there was a noticeable increase of +29.00% in hospitalizations and +28.00% in hospital discharges within the ASL Napoli 3 South. Conversely, at Policlinico Umberto I, there was a marginal increase of +1.60% in hospitalizations and a decrease of −7.40% in hospital discharges. Conclusions: The study offers valuable insights into expenditure patterns and antibiotic consumption, underscoring the need for enhanced prescribing practices and awareness campaigns to address the issue of antibiotic resistance. The findings stress the importance of implementing international guidelines to combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance and ensure the effective management of infectious diseases.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a global social burden, with alcohol being the most prevalent psychoactive substance used by older individuals. Alcohol intake is a recognized carcinogen and is regulated by alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) and aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs), with activity and expression determined by genetic factors. Alcohol withdrawal challenges include tremors, diaphoresis, anxiety, sleeplessness, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol also stimulates cholinergic interneurons and increases the sensitivity of 5-HT3 receptors within the nucleus accumbens, which play a critical role in reward and addiction. Chronic alcohol consumption alters the mesolimbic dopaminergic system, an important neural pathway involved in reward processing. First-line pharmacotherapies for AUD include oral naltrexone and acamprosate, disulfiram, and nalmefene. Off-label therapies include baclofen, topiramate, gabapentin, ondansetron, and cytisine. Understanding altered neuronal signaling pathways by alcohol helps identify effectors involved in mitigating central actions and offers new therapeutic perspectives for alcohol addiction rehabilitation.

Alcohol is a prevalent psychoactive substance and a risk factor for developing injuries and non-communicable diseases, representing a significant health and economic burden. Alcohol involves numerous molecular pathways. Its metabolism is regulated by alcohol dehydrogenases and aldehyde dehydrogenases; it also stimulates cholinergic interneurons, increasing the sensitivity of 5-HT3 receptors, while chronic alcohol consumption alters the mesolimbic dopaminergic system involved in reward processing. The treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD) is essential to manage complex patients, following an evidence-based approach. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a clear and practical summary to support and assist healthcare professionals in the Italian context. Approved pharmacological treatments for AUD include oral naltrexone and acamprosate, sodium oxybate, disulfiram, and nalmefene. Off-label therapies include baclofen, topiramate, gabapentin, pregabalin, ondansetron, and cytisine. A more informed clinical and practical approach that understands the altered neuronal signaling pathways is essential for offering effective, efficient, appropriate, and safe therapeutic algorithms for complex patients with alcohol use disorder. A comprehensive framework should include integrated treatments with a personalized approach.

Introduction: The use of fibrobronchoscopy increased significantly for collecting airway microbiological samplesand during percutaneous tracheostomies and difficult intubations. Reusable bronchoscopes pose risks of contamination and damage due to their fragile structure and difficulties of cleaning and sterilization; single-use bronchoscopes have been introduced, offering reliability in terms of vision, maneuverability, suctioning capacity, and sterility, reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections and improving logistical management.Methods: The study analyzed healthcare workers’ and management’s perceptions of single-use bronchoscopesversus reusable ones. Among the main objectives were to evaluate the organizational impact, quality, and performance of bronchoscopes, while also analyzing opinions on device features, safety in infection prevention, and ease of use during training.Results: In this analysis 66% of clinicians rated optimal image quality, and 90% of respondents highly appreciatedthe “plug & play” feature of disposable endoscopes; also, 45% of clinicians noted no significant differences in aspiration performance. Healthcare professionals felt more exposed to infectious agents with reusable endoscopes, believing disposable endoscopes required less vigilance and monitoring. In training, 80% of doctors and 100% of nurses considered disposable endoscopes more suitable due to their greater ease of use. Finally, the Overall Satisfaction of all healthcare workers was 75%.Conclusion: The analysis of results demonstrated that the use of single-use bronchoscopes in anesthesia andresuscitation is highly comparable in terms of clinical effectiveness to reusable ones and that significant advantages in costs and organizational impact were highlighted, positively impacting the daily workflow of healthcare workers.