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Prof. Rapisarda Venerando
Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania

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Journal article
Published: 09 June 2021 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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The Serine and Arginine-Rich Splicing Factor 1 (SRSF1) has a proto-oncogenic function, being associated with angiogenesis and frequently overexpressed in many human malignant neoplasms. Its immunohistochemical expression has never been investigated in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). We evaluated SRSF1 immunoexpression and its possible relation to angiogenesis in a selected cohort of 10 fluoro-edenite(FE)-induced MPM cases. Methods: Immunohistochemical analyses with an anti-SRSF1 antibody were performed. We interpreted the cases as positive if tumor cell nuclei were stained; a semi-quantitative analysis of the cases was performed by evaluating the intensity of staining and the percentage of tumor positive cells. A microvessel density (MVD) count was also performed. Results: High and low immunoexpressions of SRSF1 were seen in six and four MPMs, respectively. A trend of shorter overall survival was found in FE-induced MPM patients with SRSF1 overexpression. In addition, a significant association between high-MVD and high SRSF1 immunoexpression (p = 0.0476) was found. Conclusions: SRSF1 appears to be involved in MPM pathogenesis and its immunoexpression may represent a prognostic biomarker capable of identifying subgroups of patients with different prognosis. However, given the preliminary nature of the present study, further investigations on larger series, and additional in vitro studies, are required to validate our findings.

ACS Style

Giuseppe Broggi; Giuseppe Angelico; Veronica Filetti; Caterina Ledda; Claudia Lombardo; Ermanno Vitale; Venerando Rapisarda; Carla Loreto; Rosario Caltabiano. Immunohistochemical Expression of Serine and Arginine-Rich Splicing Factor 1 (SRSF1) in Fluoro-Edenite-Induced Malignant Mesothelioma: A Preliminary Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 6249 .

AMA Style

Giuseppe Broggi, Giuseppe Angelico, Veronica Filetti, Caterina Ledda, Claudia Lombardo, Ermanno Vitale, Venerando Rapisarda, Carla Loreto, Rosario Caltabiano. Immunohistochemical Expression of Serine and Arginine-Rich Splicing Factor 1 (SRSF1) in Fluoro-Edenite-Induced Malignant Mesothelioma: A Preliminary Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (12):6249.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giuseppe Broggi; Giuseppe Angelico; Veronica Filetti; Caterina Ledda; Claudia Lombardo; Ermanno Vitale; Venerando Rapisarda; Carla Loreto; Rosario Caltabiano. 2021. "Immunohistochemical Expression of Serine and Arginine-Rich Splicing Factor 1 (SRSF1) in Fluoro-Edenite-Induced Malignant Mesothelioma: A Preliminary Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 12: 6249.

Journal article
Published: 01 June 2021 in Vaccines
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Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools and have greatly contributed to eliminating or controlling several serious vaccine-treatable diseases over the past century. To curb the spread of COVID-19, efficacious vaccination is emerging as essential in mitigating the disease and preventing deaths. Health care workers (HCW) are one of the first groups to receive vaccinations, so it is important to consider their attitudes to COVID-19 vaccination to better address barriers to widespread vaccination acceptance. This study aimed to evaluate variables that are linked with the recommendation of vaccines and intention to take-up vaccination against COVID-19 among the HCWs, in the context of the current pandemic. The study was conducted during the first week of the vaccination campaign dedicated to Italian HCWs, beginning in December 2020, and it involved all doctors in a public hospital in Sicily. The following questionnaires were administered: (1) The perceived vaccine trust questionnaire, measuring the degree of trust in vaccines by healthcare professionals both in general and for the protection of healthcare professionals themselves and patients; (2) the positive and negative affect scale-state (PANAS), for assessing positive and negative emotions in relation to their work as “frontline care providers”; (3) The locus of control of behaviour (LCB) to measure the extent to which subjects perceive responsibility for their personal behaviour (internal vs. external); (4) recommendation vaccines item, referring to the intention to recommend vaccination. The findings suggest that socio-demographic control variables (age, gender, and seniority) showed little or no predictive power in vaccine recommendation, while vaccine confidence, positive emotions, and internal locus of control were excellent predictors of vaccine recommendations by doctors. Younger doctors, both in age and experience, are more confident in vaccines and recommend them more frequently. It is essential to improve institutional communication addressed to doctors to enhance their role as vaccination facilitators.

ACS Style

Venerando Rapisarda; Francesca Vella; Caterina Ledda; Massimiliano Barattucci; Tiziana Ramaci. What Prompts Doctors to Recommend COVID-19 Vaccines: Is It a Question of Positive Emotion? Vaccines 2021, 9, 578 .

AMA Style

Venerando Rapisarda, Francesca Vella, Caterina Ledda, Massimiliano Barattucci, Tiziana Ramaci. What Prompts Doctors to Recommend COVID-19 Vaccines: Is It a Question of Positive Emotion? Vaccines. 2021; 9 (6):578.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Venerando Rapisarda; Francesca Vella; Caterina Ledda; Massimiliano Barattucci; Tiziana Ramaci. 2021. "What Prompts Doctors to Recommend COVID-19 Vaccines: Is It a Question of Positive Emotion?" Vaccines 9, no. 6: 578.

Journal article
Published: 05 April 2021 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
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The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a joint health promotion intervention on a cohort of healthcare workers (HCWs) who had at least one cardiovascular risk factor. The HCWs were assessed at three different times, i.e., time zero (T0), after 6 months (T6), and after 12 months (T12). The following parameters were measured at a medical examination: physical activity, blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), routine laboratory tests, plicometric analysis, work ability index (WAI), and body image dissatisfaction (BID). Among the 447 HCWs, 38 HCWs were included in the study; 45% (n = 17) were male. At T12, the average blood pressure, waist/hip ratio (WHR) index, BMI, total cholesterol, triglyceride level, and blood glucose values were reduced. The levels of physical activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet had progressively increased. The WAI showed a significant shift from low to good work performance at T12, as well as BID score. This is the first study that has analyzed work performance in relation to a workplace health promotion through a multidisciplinary approach. This health promotion intervention that combined diet and sport activity has led to a significant change in HCWs’ lifestyles and body perceptions, as well as their ability to work. This project highlights the importance of using a multidisciplinary approach and the workplace setting in health promotion programs.

ACS Style

Venerando Rapisarda; Emanuele Cannizzaro; Martina Barchitta; Ermanno Vitale; Diana Cinà; Fabrizia Minciullo; Serena Matera; Massimo Bracci; Antonella Agodi; Caterina Ledda. A Combined Multidisciplinary Intervention for Health Promotion in the Workplace: A Pilot Study. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2021, 10, 1512 .

AMA Style

Venerando Rapisarda, Emanuele Cannizzaro, Martina Barchitta, Ermanno Vitale, Diana Cinà, Fabrizia Minciullo, Serena Matera, Massimo Bracci, Antonella Agodi, Caterina Ledda. A Combined Multidisciplinary Intervention for Health Promotion in the Workplace: A Pilot Study. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021; 10 (7):1512.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Venerando Rapisarda; Emanuele Cannizzaro; Martina Barchitta; Ermanno Vitale; Diana Cinà; Fabrizia Minciullo; Serena Matera; Massimo Bracci; Antonella Agodi; Caterina Ledda. 2021. "A Combined Multidisciplinary Intervention for Health Promotion in the Workplace: A Pilot Study." Journal of Clinical Medicine 10, no. 7: 1512.

Review
Published: 02 April 2021 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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In December 2019, several cases of atypical pneumonia were detected in Wuhan city, Hubei province, inland China. The initial outbreak was of considerable size first in China subsequently spread to the rest of the world. Immediately after the epidemic (which according to the World Health Organization had risen to pandemic status), the problem of whether or not to update the occupational risk assessment arose, also considering how the biological risk from SARS CoV-2 should be understood: specific or generic. To this end, we conducted a literature review to identify national health legislation and policies, examining how Italy has addressed the COVID-19 emergency in occupational health planning, in order to develop considerations on the need to update the Risk Assessment Document following the pandemic status. The data that emerged from the review of current legislation allowed us to conclude that the risk from SARS-CoV-2 is in most work activities to be understood as a generic or aggravated generic risk, requiring the employer to apply and control the preventive measures suggested by health authorities to contain the spread of the virus.

ACS Style

Luigi Cirrincione; Venerando Rapisarda; Walter Mazzucco; Rosanna Provenzano; Emanuele Cannizzaro. SARS-CoV-2 and the Risk Assessment Document in Italian Work; Specific or Generic Risk Even If Aggravated? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 3729 .

AMA Style

Luigi Cirrincione, Venerando Rapisarda, Walter Mazzucco, Rosanna Provenzano, Emanuele Cannizzaro. SARS-CoV-2 and the Risk Assessment Document in Italian Work; Specific or Generic Risk Even If Aggravated? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (7):3729.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Luigi Cirrincione; Venerando Rapisarda; Walter Mazzucco; Rosanna Provenzano; Emanuele Cannizzaro. 2021. "SARS-CoV-2 and the Risk Assessment Document in Italian Work; Specific or Generic Risk Even If Aggravated?" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 7: 3729.

Review
Published: 22 March 2021 in Epidemiologia
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Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first observed in Wuhan, Hubei Province (China) in December 2019, resulting in an acute respiratory syndrome. Only later was COVID-19 considered a public health emergency of international concern and, on 11 March 2020, the WHO classified it as pandemic. Despite being a respiratory virus, the clinical manifestations are also characterized by cardiological involvement, especially in patients suffering from previous comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus, its complications being potentially serious or fatal. Despite the efforts made by the scientific community to identify pathophysiological mechanisms, they still remain unclear. A fundamental role is played by the angiotensin 2 converting enzyme, known for its effects at the cardiovascular level and for its involvement in COVID-19 pathogenesis. The goal of this paper was to highlight the mechanisms and knowledge related to cardiovascular involvement during the first pandemic phase, as well as to emphasize the main cardiological complications in infected patients.

ACS Style

Andrea Canalella; Ermanno Vitale; Francesca Vella; Paola Senia; Emanuele Cannizzaro; Caterina Ledda; Venerando Rapisarda. How the Heart Was Involved in COVID-19 during the First Pandemic Phase: A Review. Epidemiologia 2021, 2, 124 -139.

AMA Style

Andrea Canalella, Ermanno Vitale, Francesca Vella, Paola Senia, Emanuele Cannizzaro, Caterina Ledda, Venerando Rapisarda. How the Heart Was Involved in COVID-19 during the First Pandemic Phase: A Review. Epidemiologia. 2021; 2 (1):124-139.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Andrea Canalella; Ermanno Vitale; Francesca Vella; Paola Senia; Emanuele Cannizzaro; Caterina Ledda; Venerando Rapisarda. 2021. "How the Heart Was Involved in COVID-19 during the First Pandemic Phase: A Review." Epidemiologia 2, no. 1: 124-139.

Journal article
Published: 08 March 2021 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Vaccines constitute highly effective tools for controlling and eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) and are assessed to avert between two to three million deaths per year globally. Healthcare personnel (HCP) constitute a priority group for several vaccinations. However, studies indicate significant rates of vaccine hesitancy among them and, therefore, of acceptance of vaccination recommendations. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a university hospital in Southern Italy to assess the knowledge and attitudes of HCP about VPDs before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, estimate their intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and search for determinants that may influence their choice. A self-administered questionnaire was used. HCP improved their knowledge about VPDs and were more favorable to vaccinations in September–December 2020 compared to January–December 2019. Overall, 75% of respondents would get a COVID-19 vaccine. Our findings indicate a potential role of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on Italian HCP’s knowledge and attitudes towards vaccines.

ACS Style

Caterina Ledda; Claudio Costantino; Mario Cuccia; Helena C. Maltezou; Venerando Rapisarda. Attitudes of Healthcare Personnel towards Vaccinations before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 2703 .

AMA Style

Caterina Ledda, Claudio Costantino, Mario Cuccia, Helena C. Maltezou, Venerando Rapisarda. Attitudes of Healthcare Personnel towards Vaccinations before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (5):2703.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Caterina Ledda; Claudio Costantino; Mario Cuccia; Helena C. Maltezou; Venerando Rapisarda. 2021. "Attitudes of Healthcare Personnel towards Vaccinations before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 5: 2703.

Journal article
Published: 06 March 2021 in Diagnostics
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To date, there is poor evidence on the transmission of infection in individuals handling the bodies of deceased persons infected with SARS-CoV-2 and in particular, during autopsies. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that when appropriate strategies are adopted autopsy is a safe procedure with a minimal infection risk for all subjects involved (pathologists, technical personnel, and others) when proper strategies are adopted. We performed 16 autopsies on cadavers of persons who had died with confirmed COVID-19 with different post-mortem intervals (PMI). To confirm the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, for each autopsy, 2 swabs were sampled from lungs, while to evaluate environmental contamination, 11 swabs were taken at three different times: T0 (before autopsy), T1 (at the end of the autopsy, without removing the corpse), and T2 (after cleaning and disinfecting the autopsy room). Specifically, 2 swabs were sampled on face shields used by each pathologist, and 4 swabs were collected on the autopsy table; 4 swabs were also collected from walls and 1 from floor. Lung swabs confirmed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in all cases. Environmental swabs, collected at T0 and T2 were all negative, while swabs sampled at T1 were shown to be positive. Interestingly, no association was shown between PMI length and environmental contamination. Infection control strategies for safe management of clinical forensic autopsies of bodies with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are also described.

ACS Style

Cristoforo Pomara; Monica Salerno; Francesco Sessa; Massimiliano Esposito; Martina Barchitta; Caterina Ledda; Patrizia Grassi; Aldo Liberto; Anna Mattaliano; Venerando Rapisarda; Margherita Ferrante; Antonella Agodi. Safe Management Strategies in Clinical Forensic Autopsies of Confirmed COVID-19 Cases. Diagnostics 2021, 11, 457 .

AMA Style

Cristoforo Pomara, Monica Salerno, Francesco Sessa, Massimiliano Esposito, Martina Barchitta, Caterina Ledda, Patrizia Grassi, Aldo Liberto, Anna Mattaliano, Venerando Rapisarda, Margherita Ferrante, Antonella Agodi. Safe Management Strategies in Clinical Forensic Autopsies of Confirmed COVID-19 Cases. Diagnostics. 2021; 11 (3):457.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Cristoforo Pomara; Monica Salerno; Francesco Sessa; Massimiliano Esposito; Martina Barchitta; Caterina Ledda; Patrizia Grassi; Aldo Liberto; Anna Mattaliano; Venerando Rapisarda; Margherita Ferrante; Antonella Agodi. 2021. "Safe Management Strategies in Clinical Forensic Autopsies of Confirmed COVID-19 Cases." Diagnostics 11, no. 3: 457.

Journal article
Published: 09 February 2021 in Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease
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Family physicians or pediatricians and general practitioners (GPs) work in non-hospital settings. GPs usually visit many patients, frequently at their homes, with low potential, if any, to control the work setting. Particularly during the initial phases of the COVID-19 outbreak, they were not informed about the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients, with inadequate information regarding the risk, a lack of suitable protective measures and, in some cases, deficient or poor accessibility to personal protective equipment (PPE). During the first wave of COVID-19, primary care physicians were on the front line and isolated the first cases of the disease. The present study aims to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in a cohort of 133 GPs working in Catania (Italy) after the first wave of COVID-19. Serological analysis revealed a low seroprevalence (3%) among GPs. The low seroprevalence highlighted in the results can be attributed to correct management of patients by GPs in the first wave. It is now hoped that mass vaccination, combined with appropriate behavior and use of PPE, can help further reduce the risk of COVID-19 disease.

ACS Style

Caterina Ledda; Flavia Carrasi; Maria Longombardo; Gianluca Paravizzini; Venerando Rapisarda. SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Post-First Wave among Primary Care Physicians in Catania (Italy). Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 2021, 6, 21 .

AMA Style

Caterina Ledda, Flavia Carrasi, Maria Longombardo, Gianluca Paravizzini, Venerando Rapisarda. SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Post-First Wave among Primary Care Physicians in Catania (Italy). Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease. 2021; 6 (1):21.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Caterina Ledda; Flavia Carrasi; Maria Longombardo; Gianluca Paravizzini; Venerando Rapisarda. 2021. "SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Post-First Wave among Primary Care Physicians in Catania (Italy)." Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 6, no. 1: 21.

Case report
Published: 29 January 2021 in Healthcare
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Phorate is a systemic organophosphorus pesticide (OP) that acts by inhibiting cholinesterases. Recent studies have reported that long-term low/moderate exposure to OP could be correlated with impaired cardiovascular and pulmonary function and other neurological effects. A 70-year-old farmer died after an intention ingestion of a granular powder mixed with water. He was employed on a farm for over 50 years producing fruit and vegetables, and for about 20 years, he had also applied pesticides. In the last 15 years, he used phorate predominantly. The Phorate concentration detected in gastric contents was 3.29 µg/mL. Chronic exposure to phorate is experimentally studied by histopathological changes observed in the kidney. In the light of current literature, our case confirms that there is an association between renal damage and chronic exposure to phorate in a subject exposed for years to the pesticide. Autopsies and toxicological analyses play a key role in the reconstruction of the dynamics, including the cause of the death.

ACS Style

Angelo Montana; Venerando Rapisarda; Massimiliano Esposito; Francesco Amico; Giuseppe Cocimano; Nunzio Nunno; Caterina Ledda; Monica Salerno. A Rare Case of Suicide by Ingestion of Phorate: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature. Healthcare 2021, 9, 131 .

AMA Style

Angelo Montana, Venerando Rapisarda, Massimiliano Esposito, Francesco Amico, Giuseppe Cocimano, Nunzio Nunno, Caterina Ledda, Monica Salerno. A Rare Case of Suicide by Ingestion of Phorate: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature. Healthcare. 2021; 9 (2):131.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Angelo Montana; Venerando Rapisarda; Massimiliano Esposito; Francesco Amico; Giuseppe Cocimano; Nunzio Nunno; Caterina Ledda; Monica Salerno. 2021. "A Rare Case of Suicide by Ingestion of Phorate: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature." Healthcare 9, no. 2: 131.

Journal article
Published: 18 January 2021 in Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews
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: FluorFluoro-edenite (FE) is an asbestos-like amphibole present in the bentonitic lavas extracted from a stone quarry in Biancavilla, a village sited in the Etnean Volcanic Area (Italy).o-edenite (FE) is an asbestos-like amphibole present in the bentonitic lavas extracted from a stone quarry in Biancavilla, a village sited in the Etnean Volcanic Area (Italy). : Thoracic pathologies are the results of excessive inflammatory processes that are the early response of the immune system to inhaled fibers. As demonstrated for asbestos, fibers may trigger immune system cells in an acute and/or chronic manner. This review aims to clarify the pathways of inflammation in workers exposed to FE fibers. : Based on the articles reviewed, it seems that a permanent stimulus created by repeatedly inhaling the FE fibers and their persistence in the body can act as a trigger both in promoting inflammatory processes and in the immunological induction of autoimmune disease.

ACS Style

Caterina Ledda; Claudia Lombardo; Elisabetta A. Tendi; Maria Hagnas; Gianluca Paravizzini; Vera Filetti; Venerando Rapisarda. Pathway of Inflammation due to Asbestiform Fiber “Fluoro-edenite” Exposure: An Update. Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews 2021, 16, 73 -75.

AMA Style

Caterina Ledda, Claudia Lombardo, Elisabetta A. Tendi, Maria Hagnas, Gianluca Paravizzini, Vera Filetti, Venerando Rapisarda. Pathway of Inflammation due to Asbestiform Fiber “Fluoro-edenite” Exposure: An Update. Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews. 2021; 16 (2):73-75.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Caterina Ledda; Claudia Lombardo; Elisabetta A. Tendi; Maria Hagnas; Gianluca Paravizzini; Vera Filetti; Venerando Rapisarda. 2021. "Pathway of Inflammation due to Asbestiform Fiber “Fluoro-edenite” Exposure: An Update." Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews 16, no. 2: 73-75.

Journal article
Published: 27 November 2020 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Over the past years, in the agricultural field, geo-localization has been introduced in order to develop specific farming processes, optimize resources, and reduce environmental pollution. Researchers have found alternative driving methods to traditional ones, such as assisted and semi-automatic driving. The aim of this study was to monitor the musculoskeletal efforts necessary to carry out different kinds of driving. The muscular strain was assessed using surface electromyographic devices, the distribution of the pressure exerted by the operator’s body on the seat was observed by using two barometric pads applied on the seat back and on the seat, respectively, while the body movements and postures were analyzed through a Microsoft Kinect Camera 3D acquisition system. Results showed a significantly greater muscular activation during manual and assisted driving conditions. The pressure exerted by the operator on the barometric pads was significantly higher in manual and semi-automatic driving modes than in the assisted one. A remarkable increase in the average swinging speed of examined joints was also detected, as well as the distances run by the joints in semi-automatic driving. From our study, assisted driving seems to be the best driving mode both in terms of joint economy and from the efficiency of agricultural processes.

ACS Style

Elio Romano; Carlo Bisaglia; Aldo Calcante; Roberto Oberti; Alberto Zani; Denis Vinnikov; Andrea Marconi; Ermanno Vitale; Massimo Bracci; Venerando Rapisarda. Assessment of Comfort Variation among Different Types of Driving Agricultural tractors: Traditional, Satellite-Assisted and Semi-Automatic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 8836 .

AMA Style

Elio Romano, Carlo Bisaglia, Aldo Calcante, Roberto Oberti, Alberto Zani, Denis Vinnikov, Andrea Marconi, Ermanno Vitale, Massimo Bracci, Venerando Rapisarda. Assessment of Comfort Variation among Different Types of Driving Agricultural tractors: Traditional, Satellite-Assisted and Semi-Automatic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (23):8836.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elio Romano; Carlo Bisaglia; Aldo Calcante; Roberto Oberti; Alberto Zani; Denis Vinnikov; Andrea Marconi; Ermanno Vitale; Massimo Bracci; Venerando Rapisarda. 2020. "Assessment of Comfort Variation among Different Types of Driving Agricultural tractors: Traditional, Satellite-Assisted and Semi-Automatic." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 23: 8836.

Journal article
Published: 16 November 2020 in Vaccines
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Influenza is an infectious disease with a high impact on the population in terms of morbidity and mortality, but despite International and European guidelines, vaccination coverage rates among healthcare workers (HCWs) remain very low. The aim of the present study was to evaluate influenza vaccination adherence in the three Sicilian University Hospitals of Catania, Messina, and Palermo and to understand the attitudes and perceptions of vaccinated healthcare workers and the main reasons for vaccination refusal. A cross-sectional survey through a self-administered questionnaire was conducted during the 2019/2020 influenza season. Overall, 2356 vaccinated healthcare workers answered the questionnaire. The main reason reported for influenza vaccination adherence during the 2019/2020 season was to protect patients. Higher self-perceived risk of contracting influenza and a positive attitude to recommending vaccination to patients were significantly associated with influenza vaccination adherence during the last five seasons via multivariable analysis. Fear of an adverse reaction was the main reason for influenza vaccine refusal. In accordance with these findings, Public Health institutions should develop and tailor formative and informative campaigns to reduce principal barriers to the immunization process and promote influenza vaccination adherence among HCWs.

ACS Style

Claudio Costantino; Caterina Ledda; Raffaele Squeri; Vincenzo Restivo; Alessandra Casuccio; Venerando Rapisarda; Giorgio Graziano; Davide Alba; Livia Cimino; Arianna Conforto; Gaetano Bruno Costa; Smeralda D’Amato; Francesco Mazzitelli; Francesco Vitale; Cristina Genovese. Attitudes and Perception of Healthcare Workers Concerning Influenza Vaccination during the 2019/2020 Season: A Survey of Sicilian University Hospitals. Vaccines 2020, 8, 686 .

AMA Style

Claudio Costantino, Caterina Ledda, Raffaele Squeri, Vincenzo Restivo, Alessandra Casuccio, Venerando Rapisarda, Giorgio Graziano, Davide Alba, Livia Cimino, Arianna Conforto, Gaetano Bruno Costa, Smeralda D’Amato, Francesco Mazzitelli, Francesco Vitale, Cristina Genovese. Attitudes and Perception of Healthcare Workers Concerning Influenza Vaccination during the 2019/2020 Season: A Survey of Sicilian University Hospitals. Vaccines. 2020; 8 (4):686.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Claudio Costantino; Caterina Ledda; Raffaele Squeri; Vincenzo Restivo; Alessandra Casuccio; Venerando Rapisarda; Giorgio Graziano; Davide Alba; Livia Cimino; Arianna Conforto; Gaetano Bruno Costa; Smeralda D’Amato; Francesco Mazzitelli; Francesco Vitale; Cristina Genovese. 2020. "Attitudes and Perception of Healthcare Workers Concerning Influenza Vaccination during the 2019/2020 Season: A Survey of Sicilian University Hospitals." Vaccines 8, no. 4: 686.

Review
Published: 24 October 2020 in Cancers
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Thyroid cancer (TC) represents the most common malignancy of the endocrine system, with an increased incidence across continents attributable to both improvement of diagnostic procedures and environmental factors. Among the modifiable risk factors, insulin resistance might influence the development of TC. A relationship between circadian clock machinery disfunction and TC has recently been proposed. The circadian clock machinery comprises a set of rhythmically expressed genes responsible for circadian rhythms. Perturbation of this system contributes to the development of pathological states such as cancer. Several clock genes have been found deregulated upon thyroid nodule malignant transformation. The molecular mechanisms linking circadian clock disruption and TC are still unknown but could include insulin resistance. Circadian misalignment occurring during shift work, jet lag, high fat food intake, is associated with increased insulin resistance. This metabolic alteration, in turn, is associated with a well-known risk factor for TC i.e., hyperthyrotropinemia, which could also be induced by sleep disturbances. In this review, we describe the mechanisms controlling the circadian clock function and its involvement in the cell cycle, stemness and cancer. Moreover, we discuss the evidence supporting the link between circadian clockwork disruption and TC development/progression, highlighting its potential implications for TC prevention, diagnosis and therapy.

ACS Style

Roberta Malaguarnera; Caterina Ledda; Agnese Filippello; Francesco Frasca; Vincenzo Cristian Francavilla; Tiziana Ramaci; Maria Chiara Parisi; Venerando Rapisarda; Salvatore Piro. Thyroid Cancer and Circadian Clock Disruption. Cancers 2020, 12, 3109 .

AMA Style

Roberta Malaguarnera, Caterina Ledda, Agnese Filippello, Francesco Frasca, Vincenzo Cristian Francavilla, Tiziana Ramaci, Maria Chiara Parisi, Venerando Rapisarda, Salvatore Piro. Thyroid Cancer and Circadian Clock Disruption. Cancers. 2020; 12 (11):3109.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Roberta Malaguarnera; Caterina Ledda; Agnese Filippello; Francesco Frasca; Vincenzo Cristian Francavilla; Tiziana Ramaci; Maria Chiara Parisi; Venerando Rapisarda; Salvatore Piro. 2020. "Thyroid Cancer and Circadian Clock Disruption." Cancers 12, no. 11: 3109.

Editorial
Published: 08 September 2020 in Cancers
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Occupational carcinogens have been shown to cause a considerable disease burden at a national and global level

ACS Style

Caterina Ledda; Venerando Rapisarda. Occupational and Environmental Carcinogenesis. Cancers 2020, 12, 2547 .

AMA Style

Caterina Ledda, Venerando Rapisarda. Occupational and Environmental Carcinogenesis. Cancers. 2020; 12 (9):2547.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Caterina Ledda; Venerando Rapisarda. 2020. "Occupational and Environmental Carcinogenesis." Cancers 12, no. 9: 2547.

Editorial
Published: 05 September 2020 in Applied Sciences
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Over the last years, biomarkers have increasingly expanded and become early and specific end points for monitoring cellular responses to various disease states and exposures to drugs and chemical agents. They have enjoyed some success as predictors of health outcomes for a number of clinical diseases, but their application for chemical exposure risk assessments has been more limited. Biomarkers may be classified into markers of exposure, effect, and susceptibility. To be useful in providing linkage to human exposure, biomarkers should be as specific as possible to the exposure agents and highly sensitive, so to detect even low levels of exposure.

ACS Style

Caterina Ledda; Venerando Rapisarda. Biomarkers and Human Biomonitoring in Occupational Medicine. Applied Sciences 2020, 10, 6181 .

AMA Style

Caterina Ledda, Venerando Rapisarda. Biomarkers and Human Biomonitoring in Occupational Medicine. Applied Sciences. 2020; 10 (18):6181.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Caterina Ledda; Venerando Rapisarda. 2020. "Biomarkers and Human Biomonitoring in Occupational Medicine." Applied Sciences 10, no. 18: 6181.

Editorial
Published: 16 July 2020 in Cancers
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Breast cancer, the most frequently occurring cancer in women, is a major public health problem, with over 1 million estimated new cases worldwide and nearly 459,000 related deaths every year

ACS Style

Venerando Rapisarda; Caterina Ledda. 3rd Etnean Occupational Medicine Workshop—Breast Cancer and Work. Cancers 2020, 12, 1925 .

AMA Style

Venerando Rapisarda, Caterina Ledda. 3rd Etnean Occupational Medicine Workshop—Breast Cancer and Work. Cancers. 2020; 12 (7):1925.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Venerando Rapisarda; Caterina Ledda. 2020. "3rd Etnean Occupational Medicine Workshop—Breast Cancer and Work." Cancers 12, no. 7: 1925.

Journal article
Published: 28 May 2020 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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With the aim of investigating the possible moderating effect of job control and dispositional mindfulness between different sources of organizational stress and job satisfaction, a correlational study was designed involving health care workers (HCWs). The following questionnaires were administered and completed by 237 HCWs: (1) Occupational Stress Indicator (OSI), to measure the sources of stress at work (managerial role, climate power, climate structure, internal relationships), and job satisfaction; (2) Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) to assess the individual’s level of attention to what is taking place in the present; (3) Job Control Scale (JCS) to assess the perceived control at work. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to test the hypothesized relationships between variables; the results showed that, between the different sources of stress, the organizational climate dimension was negatively associated with job satisfaction; moreover, mindfulness attention moderated the relationship between climate stress and job satisfaction; unexpectedly, the interaction between job control and the organizational climate dimension was not significant in affecting job satisfaction. This study can provide useful information for Human Resources Management (HRM) practices regarding job and mental control interventions and empowerment, and possibly offer a new interpretation of the role of attention to what is happening in the present moment and autonomy between climate stressors and occupational satisfaction.

ACS Style

Tiziana Ramaci; Venerando Rapisarda; Diego Bellini; Nicola Mucci; Andrea De Giorgio; Massimiliano Barattucci. Mindfulness as a Protective Factor for Dissatisfaction in HCWs: The Moderating Role of Mindful Attention between Climate Stress and Job Satisfaction. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 3818 .

AMA Style

Tiziana Ramaci, Venerando Rapisarda, Diego Bellini, Nicola Mucci, Andrea De Giorgio, Massimiliano Barattucci. Mindfulness as a Protective Factor for Dissatisfaction in HCWs: The Moderating Role of Mindful Attention between Climate Stress and Job Satisfaction. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (11):3818.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tiziana Ramaci; Venerando Rapisarda; Diego Bellini; Nicola Mucci; Andrea De Giorgio; Massimiliano Barattucci. 2020. "Mindfulness as a Protective Factor for Dissatisfaction in HCWs: The Moderating Role of Mindful Attention between Climate Stress and Job Satisfaction." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 11: 3818.

Communication
Published: 08 May 2020 in Sustainability
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The COVID-19 emergency has significantly transformed the working environment and job demands. Providing care was emotionally difficult for healthcare workers. Uncertainty, stigmatisation, and potentially exposing their families to infection were prominent themes for healthcare workers (HCWs) during the crisis, which first broke out in China at the end of 2019, and then in Italy in early 2020. This study examined the effects of stigma, job demands, and self-esteem, and the consequences of working as a “frontline care provider” with patients infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19). A correlational design study involved 260 healthcare workers (HCWs) working in a large hospital in southern Italy. The following questionnaires were administered: (1) the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), for assessing psychological and physical demands; (2) the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL) to measure the quality individuals feel in relation to their work as “frontline care providers”, through three dimensions: compassion fatigue (CF), burnout (BO), and compassion satisfaction (CS); (3) the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, for evaluating individual self-esteem; (4) a self-administered multiple-choice questionnaire developed by See et al. about attitudes of discrimination, acceptance, and fear towards HCWs exposed to COVID-19. The findings suggest that stigma has a high impact on workers’ outcomes. Stigma may influence worker compliance and can guide management communication strategies relating to pandemic risk for HCWs.

ACS Style

Tiziana Ramaci; Massimiliano Barattucci; Caterina Ledda; Venerando Rapisarda. Social Stigma during COVID-19 and its Impact on HCWs Outcomes. Sustainability 2020, 12, 3834 .

AMA Style

Tiziana Ramaci, Massimiliano Barattucci, Caterina Ledda, Venerando Rapisarda. Social Stigma during COVID-19 and its Impact on HCWs Outcomes. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (9):3834.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tiziana Ramaci; Massimiliano Barattucci; Caterina Ledda; Venerando Rapisarda. 2020. "Social Stigma during COVID-19 and its Impact on HCWs Outcomes." Sustainability 12, no. 9: 3834.

Protocol
Published: 29 April 2020 in Sustainability
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SARS-CoV-2, identified in Wuhan, China, for the first time in December 2019, is a new viral strain, which has not been previously identified in humans; it can be transmitted both by air and via direct and indirect contact; however, the most frequent way it spreads is via droplets. Like the other viruses belonging to the same family of coronaviruses, it can cause from mild flu-like symptoms, such as cold, sore throat, cough and fever, to more severe ones such as pneumonia and breathing difficulties, and it can even lead to death. Since no effective specific drug therapy has been found yet, nor any vaccine capable of limiting the spread of this pathogen, it is important for ways of preventing the spread of this infection to be established. The purpose of our research was to provide a protocol to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection in light of the limited information related to this coronavirus. In detail, we analysed and searched targeted evidence-based guidelines issued in the various countries affected by this epidemic up till now. In addition, we analyzed the recommendations for the prevention and control of other epidemics caused by other pathogens belonging to the same family of coronaviruses or others that present the same mechanisms of transmission. General organizational measures regarding the containment and management of the epidemiological emergency of COVID-19 have been imposed by the competent authorities for an adequate and proportionate management of the evolution of the epidemiological situation. The prevention and protection organizational measures therefore aim to minimize the probability of being exposed to SARS-CoV-2. For this purpose, measures must also be taken at work to avoid new infections or even the spread of the virus where it has already been present. Furthermore, environmental measures are aimed at reducing the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to individuals through contact with infected subjects, objects, equipment, or contaminated environmental surfaces. Protective devices must be used whenever there is potentially close contact with a suspect case, especially when the potentially infected person does not wear a surgical mask that could reduce the spread of viruses in the environment. By adopting this specific prevention and protection measures recommended in the workplace, it will be possible to help overcome this COVID-19 pandemic.

ACS Style

Luigi Cirrincione; Fulvio Plescia; Caterina Ledda; Venerando Rapisarda; Daniela Martorana; Raluca Emilia Moldovan; Kelly Theodoridou; Emanuele Cannizzaro. COVID-19 Pandemic: Prevention and Protection Measures to Be Adopted at the Workplace. Sustainability 2020, 12, 3603 .

AMA Style

Luigi Cirrincione, Fulvio Plescia, Caterina Ledda, Venerando Rapisarda, Daniela Martorana, Raluca Emilia Moldovan, Kelly Theodoridou, Emanuele Cannizzaro. COVID-19 Pandemic: Prevention and Protection Measures to Be Adopted at the Workplace. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (9):3603.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Luigi Cirrincione; Fulvio Plescia; Caterina Ledda; Venerando Rapisarda; Daniela Martorana; Raluca Emilia Moldovan; Kelly Theodoridou; Emanuele Cannizzaro. 2020. "COVID-19 Pandemic: Prevention and Protection Measures to Be Adopted at the Workplace." Sustainability 12, no. 9: 3603.

Review
Published: 16 April 2020 in Applied Sciences
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Shift work (SW) comprises a work schedule that involves recurring times of nonstandard work hours balanced to a fixed daily work plan with regular day work times and has been evaluated as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A) by IARC. SW may result in increased age acceleration. This systematic review aims to elucidate the usefulness of telomere length as a biomarker of biological aging in shift workers. All studies analyzed underline a shortening of telomere length in SW, and aging in shift workers and duration of work. Methodologies to measure biological aging are possible to advance efforts to clarify the basic biology of aging and provide clinicians an instrument to communicate complex health advice to workers. Telomere length measures can also give an instrument for precision medicine, useful for occupational physicians in age-related screening conditions.

ACS Style

Caterina Ledda; Carla Loreto; Venerando Rapisarda. Telomere Length as a Biomarker of Biological Aging in Shift Workers. Applied Sciences 2020, 10, 2764 .

AMA Style

Caterina Ledda, Carla Loreto, Venerando Rapisarda. Telomere Length as a Biomarker of Biological Aging in Shift Workers. Applied Sciences. 2020; 10 (8):2764.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Caterina Ledda; Carla Loreto; Venerando Rapisarda. 2020. "Telomere Length as a Biomarker of Biological Aging in Shift Workers." Applied Sciences 10, no. 8: 2764.