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Since the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide, healthcare workers—resident physicians in particular—have been hugely involved in facing the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing unprecedented challenges in fighting the disease. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of poor sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and alterations in mood state profiles in this category. This cross-sectional study, conducted in 2020, enrolled 119 subjects from a university hospital in southern Italy. Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaires were administered to physicians divided into four areas: anesthesiology, medicine, service, and surgery. In the overall sample, approximately 45% reported poor sleep quality, although only nine subjects (8%) reported an ESS score that suggested excessive daytime sleepiness. Alterations in mood profiles were also observed; the Vigor and Fatigue factors were the most altered. In particular, anesthesiologists seem to be the most affected category, showing a profound decrease in Vigor with a concomitant increase in Fatigue. Considering the possible consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, preventive measures should be adopted, especially those aimed at facilitating a better turnover of physicians, optimizing the working schedule, and improving the organization of work.
Chiara Costa; Michele Teodoro; Giusi Briguglio; Ermanno Vitale; Federica Giambò; Giuliano Indelicato; Elvira Micali; Sebastiano Italia; Concettina Fenga. Sleep Quality and Mood State in Resident Physicians during COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 8023 .
AMA StyleChiara Costa, Michele Teodoro, Giusi Briguglio, Ermanno Vitale, Federica Giambò, Giuliano Indelicato, Elvira Micali, Sebastiano Italia, Concettina Fenga. Sleep Quality and Mood State in Resident Physicians during COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (15):8023.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChiara Costa; Michele Teodoro; Giusi Briguglio; Ermanno Vitale; Federica Giambò; Giuliano Indelicato; Elvira Micali; Sebastiano Italia; Concettina Fenga. 2021. "Sleep Quality and Mood State in Resident Physicians during COVID-19 Pandemic." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 15: 8023.
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.
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 StyleGiuseppe 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 StyleGiuseppe 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.
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.
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 StyleVenerando 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 StyleVenerando 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.
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.
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 StyleAndrea 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 StyleAndrea 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.
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.
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 StyleElio 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 StyleElio 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.
Fluoro-edenite (FE), asbestiform fiber found in Biancavilla (Sicily, Italy), presents various characteristics similar to the asbestos group, in particular two fibrous phases tremolite and actinolite. Indeed, epidemiological studies have shown that FE fibers have similar effects to those of asbestos fibers. Such studies have reported a high incidence of malignant mesothelioma (MM), an aggressive neoplasm of the serosal membranes lining the pleural cavity, in individuals residing there due to FE exposure in Biancavilla related to environmental contamination. Evidence has led to the classification of FE as a Group 1 human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The aim of this systematic review is to compare the results achieved in in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo experimental studies involving FE in order to update the current knowledge on the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms responsible for FE-mediated MM development as well as the availability of effective biomarkers for MM prevention and diagnosis. This review is focused on the pathophysiological mechanisms mediated by inflammation induced by FE fiber exposure and which are responsible for MM development. This review also discusses the discovery of new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for the management of this pathology. It is known that the risk of cancer development increases with chronic inflammation, arising from enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO• production stimulated by the body to remove exogenous agents, causing DNA damage and enhanced signal transduction that may lead to activation of oncogenes. Studies concerning MM biomarker discovery indicate that several biomarkers have been proposed for MM, but mesothelin is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved biomarker for MM, with limitations. In recent studies, in silico analysis to identify selected miRNAs highly deregulated in cancer samples when compared with normal control have been developed. This in silico approach could represent an effort in the field of biomarker discovery for MM.
Veronica Filetti; Ermanno Vitale; Giuseppe Broggi; Maria P. Hagnäs; Saverio Candido; Anna Spina; Claudia Lombardo. Update of in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo fluoro‑edenite effects on malignant mesothelioma: A systematic review (Review). Biomedical Reports 2020, 13, 1 -1.
AMA StyleVeronica Filetti, Ermanno Vitale, Giuseppe Broggi, Maria P. Hagnäs, Saverio Candido, Anna Spina, Claudia Lombardo. Update of in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo fluoro‑edenite effects on malignant mesothelioma: A systematic review (Review). Biomedical Reports. 2020; 13 (6):1-1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVeronica Filetti; Ermanno Vitale; Giuseppe Broggi; Maria P. Hagnäs; Saverio Candido; Anna Spina; Claudia Lombardo. 2020. "Update of in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo fluoro‑edenite effects on malignant mesothelioma: A systematic review (Review)." Biomedical Reports 13, no. 6: 1-1.
MacroH2A1 has two splice isoforms, macroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2, that have been studied in several form of cancer. In the literature there are not many scientific papers dealing with the role of macroH2A1 in breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most frequent form of malignancy in females. It tend to metastasize to the bone in ~70% of patients. Despite treatment, new bone metastases will still occur in 30–50% of cases with advanced disease. Overall 5-year survival after the diagnosis of bone metastasis is ~20%. Osteoclasts and osteoblasts of the bone microenvironment are engaged by soluble factors released by neoplastic cells, resulting in bone matrix breakdown. This malfunction enhances the proliferation of the cancer cells, creating a vicious cycle. We investigated immunohistochemical expression of macroH2A1 in primitive breast cancer, focusing on the comparison of metastatic and non-metastatic cases. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical expression of macroH2A1 has been evaluated both in all cases of nodal metastases and in distant metastases. Our data demonstrated that macroH2A1 expression was higher expressed in metastatic breast cancer (77%) vs. non-metastatic breast cancer (32%). Also in analyzed metastases cases, a high macroH2A1 expression was detected: 85 and 80% in nodal and distant metastases cases, respectively. These results supported the fact that macroH2A1 is more highly expressed in breast cancer with worst prognosis.
Giuseppe Broggi; Veronica Filetti; Antonio Ieni; Venerando Rapisarda; Caterina Ledda; Ermanno Vitale; Silvia Varricchio; Daniela Russo; Claudia Lombardo; Giovanni Tuccari; Rosario Caltabiano; Carla Loreto. MacroH2A1 Immunoexpression in Breast Cancer. Frontiers in Oncology 2020, 10, 1 .
AMA StyleGiuseppe Broggi, Veronica Filetti, Antonio Ieni, Venerando Rapisarda, Caterina Ledda, Ermanno Vitale, Silvia Varricchio, Daniela Russo, Claudia Lombardo, Giovanni Tuccari, Rosario Caltabiano, Carla Loreto. MacroH2A1 Immunoexpression in Breast Cancer. Frontiers in Oncology. 2020; 10 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiuseppe Broggi; Veronica Filetti; Antonio Ieni; Venerando Rapisarda; Caterina Ledda; Ermanno Vitale; Silvia Varricchio; Daniela Russo; Claudia Lombardo; Giovanni Tuccari; Rosario Caltabiano; Carla Loreto. 2020. "MacroH2A1 Immunoexpression in Breast Cancer." Frontiers in Oncology 10, no. : 1.
Studies show that smokers have a lower work performance due to time spent smoking, increased fatigue perception and are more absent from work due to smoking-related diseases. The workplace could represent an important location to promote smoking cessation. This study is a multi-center, controlled trial for smoking cessation counseling at the participants' workplace, where 656 randomized participants received four sessions of group motivational interviewing or four sessions of very brief advice and were followed up for 52 weeks. The Continuous Quit Rate (CQR) was higher for the smoking cessation counseling group than for the very brief advice group during weeks 9 to 12 (17.5% vs. 3.6%) weeks 9 to 24 (13.4% vs. 3.4%) and weeks 9 to 52 (10.3% vs. 3.1%). This study demonstrated that motivational interviewing is an efficacious smoking cessation approach for smokers at their workplace. The short-term and long-term cessation rate of the intervention of the smoking cessation counseling group exceeded that of very brief advice.
Pasquale Caponnetto; Marilena Maglia; Daniele Floresta; Caterina Ledda; Ermanno Vitale; Riccardo Polosa; Venerando Rapisarda. A randomized controlled trial to compare group motivational interviewing to very brief advice for the effectiveness of a workplace smoking cessation counseling intervention. Journal of Addictive Diseases 2020, 38, 465 -474.
AMA StylePasquale Caponnetto, Marilena Maglia, Daniele Floresta, Caterina Ledda, Ermanno Vitale, Riccardo Polosa, Venerando Rapisarda. A randomized controlled trial to compare group motivational interviewing to very brief advice for the effectiveness of a workplace smoking cessation counseling intervention. Journal of Addictive Diseases. 2020; 38 (4):465-474.
Chicago/Turabian StylePasquale Caponnetto; Marilena Maglia; Daniele Floresta; Caterina Ledda; Ermanno Vitale; Riccardo Polosa; Venerando Rapisarda. 2020. "A randomized controlled trial to compare group motivational interviewing to very brief advice for the effectiveness of a workplace smoking cessation counseling intervention." Journal of Addictive Diseases 38, no. 4: 465-474.
Elio Romano; Marco Pirozzi; Marco Ferri; Aldo Calcante; Roberto Oberti; Ermanno Vitale; Venerando Rapisarda. The use of pressure mapping to assess the comfort of agricultural machinery seats. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 2020, 77, 1 .
AMA StyleElio Romano, Marco Pirozzi, Marco Ferri, Aldo Calcante, Roberto Oberti, Ermanno Vitale, Venerando Rapisarda. The use of pressure mapping to assess the comfort of agricultural machinery seats. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. 2020; 77 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElio Romano; Marco Pirozzi; Marco Ferri; Aldo Calcante; Roberto Oberti; Ermanno Vitale; Venerando Rapisarda. 2020. "The use of pressure mapping to assess the comfort of agricultural machinery seats." International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 77, no. : 1.
The effects of night shift work on health status have been widely studied. Night workers seem to smoke more, eat badly and show a low propensity to physical activity. Night work can be associated with an increase in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders, alterations in immune response, diabetes, aging, hormonal imbalance, and premature death; alteration of circadian rhythm is also regarded as a risk factor for breast cancer and neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, several studies have highlighted the effects of sleep deprivation on clinical performance, quality of care and personal safety of healthcare personnel. No studies have investigated the effects of night work on Italian resident physicians and compared its effect across specialties. This study aims to assess the prevalence of sleep disorders, possible cognitive impairment and mood states, in relation to night shift work among resident physicians. 80 resident physicians, attending the postgraduate training into an Hospital located in the South of Italy, were divided into 4 areas (medical, surgical, services and anaesthesia). They were recruited from July 2017 to June 2018 and participated to a survey consisting of 4 questionnaires to investigate the presence of sleep deprivation and sleep quality (Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), their cognitive status (Mini Mental State examination) and mood profiles (Profile of Mood States, POMS). Analysis of variance was used for comparison of questionnaires scores across specialties. Authors reported no sleep deprivation, no sleep disorders and their outcomes, no changes in intellectual efficiency and no cognitive impairment in this population, neither in the areas performing night shifts nor in those involving only day shifts. Mood states measured by POMS showed a borderline level of Anger-Hostility (A) value among the residents of the medical area and services, and an increase slightly beyond the physiological levels of the T-score 50 of Fatigue-Inertia (F) always in the same groups. An increase in the Vigour-Activity (V) value beyond T-score 50 levels was also observed among residents of all the areas considered. Emotional involvement could be attributed to the gap between high professional demand and lack of experience and knowledge among trainees. Tutors should help their students in order to identify earlier changes in the mood. Improvement in the organization of the trainee's activity could reduce the emotional overload.
Chiara Costa; Stefania Mondello; Elvira Micali; Giuliano Indelicato; Antonino Andrea Licciardello; Ermanno Vitale; Giusi Briguglio; Michele Teodoro; Concettina Fenga. Night shift work in resident physicians: does it affect mood states and cognitive levels? Journal of Affective Disorders 2020, 272, 289 -294.
AMA StyleChiara Costa, Stefania Mondello, Elvira Micali, Giuliano Indelicato, Antonino Andrea Licciardello, Ermanno Vitale, Giusi Briguglio, Michele Teodoro, Concettina Fenga. Night shift work in resident physicians: does it affect mood states and cognitive levels? Journal of Affective Disorders. 2020; 272 ():289-294.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChiara Costa; Stefania Mondello; Elvira Micali; Giuliano Indelicato; Antonino Andrea Licciardello; Ermanno Vitale; Giusi Briguglio; Michele Teodoro; Concettina Fenga. 2020. "Night shift work in resident physicians: does it affect mood states and cognitive levels?" Journal of Affective Disorders 272, no. : 289-294.
Fluoro-edenite (FE), an asbestiform fiber, is responsible for many respiratory pathologies: chronic obstructive diseases, pleural plaques, fibrosis, and malignant mesothelioma. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is one of the first cytokines produced in response to lung tissue damage. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a protein with protective effects against oxidative stress. It is up regulated by several stimuli including pro-inflammatory cytokines and factors that promote oxidative stress. In this research, the in vivo model of sheep lungs naturally exposed to FE was studied in order to shed light on the pathophysiological events sustaining exposure to fibers, by determining immunohistochemical lung expression of MIF and HO-1. Protein levels expression of HO-1 and MIF were also evaluated in human primary lung fibroblasts after exposure to FE fibers in vitro. In exposed sheep lungs, MIF and HO-1 immunoexpression were spread involving the intraparenchymal stroma around bronchioles, interstitium between alveoli, alveolar epithelium and macrophages. High MIF immunoexpression prevails in macrophages. Similar results were obtained in vitro, but significantly higher values were only detected for HO-1 at concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/mL of FE fibers. MIF and HO-1 expressions seem to play a role in lung self-protection against uncontrolled chronic inflammation, thus counteracting the strong link with cancer development, induced by exposure to FE. Further studies will be conducted in order to add more information about the role of MIF and HO-1 in the toxicity FE-induced.
Carla Loreto; Rosario Caltabiano; Adriana Carol Eleonora Graziano; Sergio Castorina; Claudia Lombardo; Veronica Filetti; Ermanno Vitale; Giuseppe Rapisarda; Venera Cardile; Caterina Ledda; Venerando Rapisarda. Defense and protection mechanisms in lung exposed to asbestiform fiber: The role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and heme oxygenase-1. European Journal of Histochemistry 2020, 64, 1 .
AMA StyleCarla Loreto, Rosario Caltabiano, Adriana Carol Eleonora Graziano, Sergio Castorina, Claudia Lombardo, Veronica Filetti, Ermanno Vitale, Giuseppe Rapisarda, Venera Cardile, Caterina Ledda, Venerando Rapisarda. Defense and protection mechanisms in lung exposed to asbestiform fiber: The role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and heme oxygenase-1. European Journal of Histochemistry. 2020; 64 (2):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarla Loreto; Rosario Caltabiano; Adriana Carol Eleonora Graziano; Sergio Castorina; Claudia Lombardo; Veronica Filetti; Ermanno Vitale; Giuseppe Rapisarda; Venera Cardile; Caterina Ledda; Venerando Rapisarda. 2020. "Defense and protection mechanisms in lung exposed to asbestiform fiber: The role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and heme oxygenase-1." European Journal of Histochemistry 64, no. 2: 1.
Since the first half of the 1980s, burnout in teachers has been the object of particular attention by many international authors. Teachers are subject, more than other professions, to numerous and heavy pressures, covering the peculiarity of the profession. The objectives of the present research are to measure the predictive role of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment on the quality of teaching in a group of elementary school teachers. We carried out a cross-sectional study involving 324 Sicilian female teachers, who worked in three school orders: Kindergarten, primary school, and the first year of middle school. Participants completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the assessment teaching scale for primary school teachers (ECAD-EP), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). In reference to the level of burnout, the correlation analysis underlined the presence of a positive correlation between: Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization; and a negative correlation between exhaustion and depersonalization. Furthermore, a predictive role of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment on the quality of teaching in a group of primary school teachers was found.
Monica Pellerone; Venerando Rapisarda; Maria Chiara Antonietta Trischitta; Ermanno Vitale; Tiziana Ramaci. Burnout and Self-Perceived Instructional Competence: An Exploratory Study of a Group of Italian Female Elementary School Teachers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 1356 .
AMA StyleMonica Pellerone, Venerando Rapisarda, Maria Chiara Antonietta Trischitta, Ermanno Vitale, Tiziana Ramaci. Burnout and Self-Perceived Instructional Competence: An Exploratory Study of a Group of Italian Female Elementary School Teachers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (4):1356.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMonica Pellerone; Venerando Rapisarda; Maria Chiara Antonietta Trischitta; Ermanno Vitale; Tiziana Ramaci. 2020. "Burnout and Self-Perceived Instructional Competence: An Exploratory Study of a Group of Italian Female Elementary School Teachers." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 4: 1356.
Background: Homocysteine is a sulfur amino acid whose metabolism is activated in two pathways: remethylation to methionine, which requires folate and vitamin B12, and transsulfuration to cystathionine, which needs pyridoxal-5’-phosphate. High homocysteine level increases the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular diseases, and cognitive impairment. Some evidence showed that exposure to these metals increased plasma homocysteine levels. Methods: A systematic review was carried out to clarify the relationship between homocysteine blood levels and exposure to toxic heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, and Chromium). Results: The results of this systematic review indicate that exposure to Pb, Cr, Cd, and Hg is connected with nonphysiological homocysteine levels or vitamin B12 and folate serum concentrations. Conclusions: These findings reinforce the importance of involvement in exposure to heavy metals in homocysteine metabolism. This supports the role of blood metals as potential upstream modifiable risk factors to prevent the development of other established risk factors as hyperhomocysteinemia.
Caterina Ledda; Emanuele Cannizzaro; Piero Lovreglio; Ermanno Vitale; Angela Stufano; Angelo Montana; Giovanni Li Volti; Venerando Rapisarda. Exposure to Toxic Heavy Metals Can Influence Homocysteine Metabolism? Antioxidants 2019, 9, 30 .
AMA StyleCaterina Ledda, Emanuele Cannizzaro, Piero Lovreglio, Ermanno Vitale, Angela Stufano, Angelo Montana, Giovanni Li Volti, Venerando Rapisarda. Exposure to Toxic Heavy Metals Can Influence Homocysteine Metabolism? Antioxidants. 2019; 9 (1):30.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCaterina Ledda; Emanuele Cannizzaro; Piero Lovreglio; Ermanno Vitale; Angela Stufano; Angelo Montana; Giovanni Li Volti; Venerando Rapisarda. 2019. "Exposure to Toxic Heavy Metals Can Influence Homocysteine Metabolism?" Antioxidants 9, no. 1: 30.
Hand injuries after high-pressure injection are a medical emergency. These events occur frequently in workers during industrial cleaning, painting, and lubrication, and may have devastating consequences, leading to eventual amputation and poor functional outcomes. The authors have investigated the evolution, management, and outcome. Medical records of occupational medicine units and hand surgery units were collected in order to spot the high-pressure gear accident cases. Records were analyzed by dividing the subjects into two groups: those treated within 6 h and after 6 h of the trauma. A follow-up was carried out at least 1 year after treatment; the post-treatment outcomes were assessed. Of the 71 (100%) subjects, 26 (37%) were treated ≤6 h and 45 (63%) >6 h. A total of 28% (n = 20) underwent amputation. In 61% of cases, accidents had occurred in the iron and steel sector. High viscosity materials with a delayed treatment beyond 6 h seemed to determine compartmental syndrome and following amputation. A significantly better outcome was reported among subjects treated ≤6 h compared to those treated >6 h, 20% (n = 7) versus 26% (n = 9), respectively. Early management of this type of injury is crucial. The results of this study may contribute to providing guidelines to occupational physicians in order to best manage this type of emergency.
Ermanno Vitale; Caterina Ledda; Roberto Adani; Mario Lando; Massimo Bracci; Emanuele Cannizzaro; Luigi Tarallo; Venerando Rapisarda. Management of High-Pressure Injection Hand Injuries: A Multicentric, Retrospective, Observational Study. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2019, 8, 2000 .
AMA StyleErmanno Vitale, Caterina Ledda, Roberto Adani, Mario Lando, Massimo Bracci, Emanuele Cannizzaro, Luigi Tarallo, Venerando Rapisarda. Management of High-Pressure Injection Hand Injuries: A Multicentric, Retrospective, Observational Study. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2019; 8 (11):2000.
Chicago/Turabian StyleErmanno Vitale; Caterina Ledda; Roberto Adani; Mario Lando; Massimo Bracci; Emanuele Cannizzaro; Luigi Tarallo; Venerando Rapisarda. 2019. "Management of High-Pressure Injection Hand Injuries: A Multicentric, Retrospective, Observational Study." Journal of Clinical Medicine 8, no. 11: 2000.
Changes in the health care environment, together with specific work-related stressors and the consequences on workers’ health and performance, have led to the implementation of prevention strategies. Among the different approaches, those which are mindfulness-based have been institutionally recommended with an indication provided as to their effectiveness in the management of stress. The aim of the present study was to analyze the efficacy of the mindfulness-based IARA Model® (an Italian acronym translatable into meeting, compliance, responsibility, autonomy) in order to ameliorate perceived stress, anxiety and enhance emotional regulation among health care professionals (HCPs; i.e., doctors, nurses, and healthcare assistants). Four hundred and ninety-seven HCPs, 215 (57.2%) of which were women, were randomly assigned to a mindfulness-based training or control group and agreed to complete questionnaires on emotion regulation difficulties (DERS), anxiety, and perceived stress. Results showed that HCPs who attended the IARA training, compared to the control group, had better emotional regulation, anxiety and stress indices after 6 months from the end of the intervention. Furthermore, the results confirmed the positive relationship between emotional regulation, perceived stress and anxiety. The present study contributes to literature by extending the effectiveness of IARA in improving emotional regulation and well-being in non-clinical samples. Moreover, the study provides support for the idea that some specific emotional regulation processes can be implicated in perceived stress and anxiety. From the application point of view, companies should invest more in stress management intervention, monitoring and training, in order to develop worker skills, emotional self-awareness, and relational resources.
Massimiliano Barattucci; Anna Maria Padovan; Ermanno Vitale; Venerando Rapisarda; Tiziana Ramaci; Andrea De Giorgio. Mindfulness-Based IARA Model® Proves Effective to Reduce Stress and Anxiety in Health Care Professionals. A Six-Month Follow-Up Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 16, 4421 .
AMA StyleMassimiliano Barattucci, Anna Maria Padovan, Ermanno Vitale, Venerando Rapisarda, Tiziana Ramaci, Andrea De Giorgio. Mindfulness-Based IARA Model® Proves Effective to Reduce Stress and Anxiety in Health Care Professionals. A Six-Month Follow-Up Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16 (22):4421.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMassimiliano Barattucci; Anna Maria Padovan; Ermanno Vitale; Venerando Rapisarda; Tiziana Ramaci; Andrea De Giorgio. 2019. "Mindfulness-Based IARA Model® Proves Effective to Reduce Stress and Anxiety in Health Care Professionals. A Six-Month Follow-Up Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 22: 4421.
Measles is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) that also commonly affects health-care workers (HCWs). Measles immunization of HCWs was strongly recommended by international health authorities, in order to limit the spreading of the illness to susceptible patients and colleagues. An observational study, evaluating the immunization and vaccination status against measles of HCWs working at three Sicilian university hospitals, was conducted. All subjects not completely immune (vaccinated with only one dose in their lifetime), not immune (not vaccinated or not naturally immunized), and with an unknown immunization status were considered not immunized. Among HCWs operating in the three Sicilian university hospitals, 54.6% were not immune against measles. The average age of not immune HCWs was 51.3 (SD ± 9.8), ranging between 25 and 71 years old. In particular, 46.9% of HCWs not immunized worked in “at-risk” hospital units, based on medical conditions of patients which increases the probability of contracting an infection. Vaccination coverage rates observed against measles are considerably lower than other European countries and inadequate. It is therefore crucial to tackle vaccine hesitancy among HCWs, promoting strategies targeted to evaluate immunization status against VPDs and to significantly increase vaccine coverages, such as tailored training and vaccination offer or compulsory vaccination programs.
Claudio Costantino; Caterina Ledda; Cristina Genovese; Eleonora Contrino; Ermanno Vitale; Carmelo Massimo Maida; Raffaele Squeri; Francesco Vitale; Venerando Rapisarda. Immunization Status against Measles of Health-Care Workers Operating at Three Sicilian University Hospitals: An Observational Study. Vaccines 2019, 7, 175 .
AMA StyleClaudio Costantino, Caterina Ledda, Cristina Genovese, Eleonora Contrino, Ermanno Vitale, Carmelo Massimo Maida, Raffaele Squeri, Francesco Vitale, Venerando Rapisarda. Immunization Status against Measles of Health-Care Workers Operating at Three Sicilian University Hospitals: An Observational Study. Vaccines. 2019; 7 (4):175.
Chicago/Turabian StyleClaudio Costantino; Caterina Ledda; Cristina Genovese; Eleonora Contrino; Ermanno Vitale; Carmelo Massimo Maida; Raffaele Squeri; Francesco Vitale; Venerando Rapisarda. 2019. "Immunization Status against Measles of Health-Care Workers Operating at Three Sicilian University Hospitals: An Observational Study." Vaccines 7, no. 4: 175.
Winter pruning is a cultivation practice necessary for maintaining the balance between the vegetative and the productive activity of plants and requires many working days using hand scissors. This operation involves the subjects carrying out a series of gestures that are repeated with considerable frequency, which are all musculo-skeletal disorders risk factors (MSDs) for the hand-wrist area. The aim of this study was to investigate the forces applied to pruning tools. Using a sensor matrix, peak and average forces were measured which are exerted while cutting branches of 3 different diameters, from 5 wine-grape cultivars. Samples were tested on 8 participants using sensored scissors to record, in 6 hand areas, the forces necessary to cut. Results showed that while cutting, the factors which can impact the force employed (peak and average forces) by the subjects are branch diameter and percentage of branch humidity. Cut duration was inversely related to the size of the subject's hand. The middle finger area of the hand recorded the highest force average and peak levels, while the hand region least affected during the cuts was the farthest from the thumb. The study enabled the highlighting of which factors influence the forces employed by the operator while cutting grape branches, and to identify the hand regions where muscle activation is at its most. These findings can be relevant in preventing MSDs. Further studies need to be conducted with a larger number of subjects.
Elio Romano; Luciano Caruso; Domenico Longo; Ermanno Vitale; Giampaolo Schillaci; Venerando Rapisarda. Investigation of hand forces applied to a pruning tool - pilot study. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 2019, 26, 472 -478.
AMA StyleElio Romano, Luciano Caruso, Domenico Longo, Ermanno Vitale, Giampaolo Schillaci, Venerando Rapisarda. Investigation of hand forces applied to a pruning tool - pilot study. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine. 2019; 26 (3):472-478.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElio Romano; Luciano Caruso; Domenico Longo; Ermanno Vitale; Giampaolo Schillaci; Venerando Rapisarda. 2019. "Investigation of hand forces applied to a pruning tool - pilot study." Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 26, no. 3: 472-478.
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are exposed to biological hazards on a daily basis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the risks of infection after occupational exposure to blood or body fluids among HCWs operating in the period 2013–2014, in a university hospital of Southern Italy. The frequency of accidents during the 2-year period was always lower than 5%. In 2013, 103 cases occurred; in 2014, the number of injuries had significantly decreased (n = 60). In 2013, an anti-hepatitis B surface antigen protective titer was only found in 70% of cases; in 2014, the subjects with a positive titer rose to 82%. No HCWs showed seroconversion to the main blood-borne pathogens. The implementation of strict prevention measures after the accidents reported in 2013 allowed the significant reduction of the number of injuries in 2014.
Venerando Rapisarda; Carla Loreto; Ermanno Vitale; Serena Matera; Rosalia Ragusa; Giuseppe Coco; Lucia Rapisarda; Caterina Ledda. Incidence of sharp and needle-stick injuries and mucocutaneous blood exposure among healthcare workers. Future Microbiology 2019, 14, 27 -31.
AMA StyleVenerando Rapisarda, Carla Loreto, Ermanno Vitale, Serena Matera, Rosalia Ragusa, Giuseppe Coco, Lucia Rapisarda, Caterina Ledda. Incidence of sharp and needle-stick injuries and mucocutaneous blood exposure among healthcare workers. Future Microbiology. 2019; 14 (9s):27-31.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVenerando Rapisarda; Carla Loreto; Ermanno Vitale; Serena Matera; Rosalia Ragusa; Giuseppe Coco; Lucia Rapisarda; Caterina Ledda. 2019. "Incidence of sharp and needle-stick injuries and mucocutaneous blood exposure among healthcare workers." Future Microbiology 14, no. 9s: 27-31.
Medical residents (MRs) are healthcare workers (HCWs) who are likely to be exposed to blood-borne pathogens such as hepatitis B virus (HBV). A total of 220 (100%) MRs from Catania University Hospital (Italy) were enrolled for a seroprevalence study in the framework of occupational surveillance in order to evaluate HBV vaccination coverage. For each MR, Hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg), Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb), Hepatitis B core antiboy (HbcAb), Hepatitis C antibody (HCV-Ab) and HIV antibody (HIV-Ab) were assessed. No one was found to be positive for: HbsAg, HbcAb, HCV-Ab or HIV-Ab. HBV vaccination coverage was found in 80% of those tested. A total of 45 MRs showed a nonprotective antibody titer; in eight, complete vaccination had never been carried out; in 37, the vaccination had been carried out, but the antibody titer was not protective. This research showed high adherence to HBV vaccination; however, the vaccine coverage of HCWs is still suboptimal. Vaccinations for HCWs should be made mandatory.
Venerando Rapisarda; Giuseppe Nunnari; Paola Senia; Francesca Vella; Ermanno Vitale; Paolo Murabito; Monica Salerno; Caterina Ledda. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage among medical residents from Catania University Hospital, Italy. Future Microbiology 2019, 14, 41 -44.
AMA StyleVenerando Rapisarda, Giuseppe Nunnari, Paola Senia, Francesca Vella, Ermanno Vitale, Paolo Murabito, Monica Salerno, Caterina Ledda. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage among medical residents from Catania University Hospital, Italy. Future Microbiology. 2019; 14 (9s):41-44.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVenerando Rapisarda; Giuseppe Nunnari; Paola Senia; Francesca Vella; Ermanno Vitale; Paolo Murabito; Monica Salerno; Caterina Ledda. 2019. "Hepatitis B vaccination coverage among medical residents from Catania University Hospital, Italy." Future Microbiology 14, no. 9s: 41-44.
Carla Loreto; Claudia Lombardo; Rosario Caltabiano; Vera Filetti; Ermanno Vitale; Danilo Seminara; Sergio Castorina; Concettina Fenga; Caterina Ledda; Venerando Rapisarda. Immunohistochemical expression and localization of MMP-9, MMP-13, E-Cadherin and Ki-67 in road pavers' skin chronically exposed to bitumen products. Histol. Histopathol. 2019, 18116 .
AMA StyleCarla Loreto, Claudia Lombardo, Rosario Caltabiano, Vera Filetti, Ermanno Vitale, Danilo Seminara, Sergio Castorina, Concettina Fenga, Caterina Ledda, Venerando Rapisarda. Immunohistochemical expression and localization of MMP-9, MMP-13, E-Cadherin and Ki-67 in road pavers' skin chronically exposed to bitumen products. Histol. Histopathol.. 2019; ():18116.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarla Loreto; Claudia Lombardo; Rosario Caltabiano; Vera Filetti; Ermanno Vitale; Danilo Seminara; Sergio Castorina; Concettina Fenga; Caterina Ledda; Venerando Rapisarda. 2019. "Immunohistochemical expression and localization of MMP-9, MMP-13, E-Cadherin and Ki-67 in road pavers' skin chronically exposed to bitumen products." Histol. Histopathol. , no. : 18116.