To synthesize existing knowledge on the phenomenon of cybersickness and discomfort associated with the use of HMDs in delivering fully immersive VR experiences within educational contexts. Virtual reality (VR) plays an increasingly important role in education; however, head-mounted displays (HMDs) may trigger cybersickness and discomfort. A systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42024583656) in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases were searched to identify primary studies in English or Italian, published from 2013 to 2024. Twenty-five studies were included. Ad hoc questionnaires followed by the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire and the Motion Sickness Assessment Questionnaire were mainly used to detect cybersickness. In 12 studies, inconsistent or very low scores of cybersickness were reported. Oculomotor disturbances were the most frequently documented negative effects, followed by disorientation. Discomfort was assessed in eight studies, mainly with ad hoc questionnaires, with five of them reporting inconsistent or minimal discomfort. Students and professionals should be informed about the possibility of some adverse effects, especially if they undertake daily activities after the educational sessions (e.g. oculomotor issues and driving).

Background: Taurolidine lock is known to be effective in preventing catheter-related infections in a variety of venous access devices, including long term venous access devices for chemotherapy. Though, literature about the use of taurolidine for treating catheter colonization or catheter-related blood stream infection is scarce. Method: We have retrospectively reviewed the safety and efficacy of 2% taurolidine lock for treatment of catheter-colonization and of catheter-related bloodstream infection in cancer patients with totally implanted venous access devices. Diagnosis of colonization or catheter-related infection was based on paired peripheral and central blood cultures, according to the method of Delayed Time to Positivity. Results: We recorded 24 cases of catheter-related infection and two cases of colonization. Taurolidine lock—associated with systemic antibiotic therapy—was successful in treating all cases of catheter-related infection, with disappearance of clinical symptoms, normalization of laboratory values, and eventually negative blood cultures. Taurolidine lock was also safe and effective in treating device colonization. No adverse effect was reported. Conclusion: In our retrospective analysis, 2% taurolidine lock was completely safe and highly effective in the treatment of both catheter-colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infection in cancer patients with totally implanted venous access devices.

Aztreonam-avibactam (ATM-AVI) and ceftazidime-avibactam plus aztreonam (CAZ/AVI-ATM) represent therapeutic strategies for infections caused by metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing Enterobacterales. This perspective synthesizes mechanistic rationale, microbiologic determinants of activity, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic principles, and available clinical outcomes to compare these regimens and identify knowledge gaps. We critically reviewed mechanistic, microbiological, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic, and clinical evidence relevant to the use of ATM-AVI and CAZ/AVI-ATM against MBL-producing Enterobacterales. Both approaches are expected to provide activity against MBL-producing organisms; however, important distinctions exist. ATM-AVI ensures fixed and predictable co-exposure of aztreonam and avibactam, minimizing the risk of pharmacokinetic asynchrony inherent to administering CAZ/AVI with separate aztreonam. The efficacy of ATM-AVI may nevertheless be influenced by organism-specific resistance mechanisms and pharmacologic variables. CAZ/AVI-ATM offers a pragmatic alternative but introduces logistical complexity and potential variability in inhibitor exposure. Observational data appear more favorable for ATM-AVI, although direct comparisons are not available. In the absence of direct comparative trials, regimen selection should consider renal function, infection syndrome, and the feasibility of sustaining adequate inhibitor exposure.

Promotion of self-care is an important issue in the treatment of chronic diseases such as venous leg ulcers, as adequate self-care can prevent complications and ulcer recurrence. However, only a few tools have been developed and tested to assess the knowledge of patients with venous leg ulcers. This study aimed to translate, adapt and validate in an Italian language and context a questionnaire to assess the knowledge of patients with venous leg ulcers about their disease (pathophysiology, risk factors, lifestyle changes due to ulcer) and the proper management of the ulcer to prevent recurrence. This is a cross-sectional study divided into two phases: (1) translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the 'Educational Interventions in Venous Leg Ulcer Patients' tool in a six-stage process and (2) validation and reliability study with patients with active ulceration. There was great agreement for the English-to-Italian translation. In content validation, the tool showed good applicability among experts. Adjustments were made to improve semantic equivalence, and the questionnaire was made to be easy and quick to administer. The results of the target population showed a low level of knowledge among the patients. Knowing the deficiencies of the patients makes it possible to create educational projects to improve their abilities. Now more than ever, it is necessary to improve self-care and patient knowledge, allowing home care, improving autonomy, and avoiding hospital care that results in higher costs and risks. This questionnaire could be used in future studies to identify topics that need to be reinforced through education and to improve the awareness and self-care of these patients.

Background/Objectives: Elastomeric infusion pumps have emerged as a transformative tool in outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT), enabling continuous intravenous administration outside hospital settings, enhancing patient autonomy, reducing healthcare costs, and playing a role in antimicrobial stewardship. This aim of this review is to update current evidence on antibiotic stability in elastomeric infusion pumps, analyzing environmental factors, clinical efficacy, and practical challenges associated with OPAT implementation. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed and the Cochrane Library, focusing on studies published between 2022 and 2025. Included studies assessed antibiotic stability in elastomeric pumps under real-world and laboratory conditions, examining factors such as temperature sensitivity, light exposure, and material interactions. Results: Findings indicate considerable variability in antibiotic stability, with some agents maintaining prolonged efficacy while others degrade rapidly under certain conditions. Antibiotics with greater stability are better suited for OPAT, whereas those prone to degradation present challenges for continuous infusion. Clinical studies report favorable treatment outcomes, including high cure rates and manageable adverse event profiles. However, discrepancies between laboratory-controlled conditions and real-world settings highlight the necessity for more comprehensive stability evaluations to ensure optimal antibiotic selection and administration in OPAT programs. Conclusions: Optimizing antibiotic formulations, standardizing stability protocols, and advancing elastomeric pump technologies are essential for enhancing OPAT effectiveness. Future research should focus on real-world simulation studies and refining device materials to expand the range of stable antibiotics, ensuring safer and more efficient outpatient antimicrobial therapy.