Agnese Viscido

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This study examined the risk factors for infections caused by carbapenem-resistant bacteria (CRAB) in critically ill patients who were already colonized with these bacteria. Researchers followed 564 patients in Italian ICUs from 2020 to 2023 and found that 381 of them (67.5%) developed a CRAB infection. Key findings included that having infections spread across multiple body sites, a high Charlson comorbidity index (3 or more health issues), being on mechanical ventilation, being male, and being colonized within 12 days of ICU admission all increased the risk of infection. Who this helps: This information helps doctors better manage the care of critically ill patients who are at risk for CRAB infections.

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Researchers studied an outbreak of a drug-resistant bacteria in a hospital in Rome from February to March 2025, where ten patients were infected or carried bacteria that produce two harmful enzymes, NDM-1 and OXA-48. Despite quick action to implement cleaning and isolation measures, the infection spread between wards, highlighting difficulties in keeping patients apart and preventing contact. This situation underscores the importance of advanced monitoring and strict infection control practices to stop the spread of dangerous bacteria in hospitals. Who this helps: This helps patients in hospitals, especially those in critical care units.

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This study focuses on a condition called Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease, which affects the intestines. The researchers found that specific signs of this disease were present in 70% of the patients they examined, indicating a significant link between the disease and intestinal issues. Understanding this connection is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, as it helps doctors identify the condition more effectively. Who this helps: This benefits patients with gastrointestinal problems and their doctors.

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This study looked at different blood tests to see how well they can help doctors understand the level of inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The researchers found that the Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI) was the most accurate test for spotting inflammation during a colonoscopy, with an accuracy score of about 63%. However, the best overall test remains fecal calprotectin, which is still more reliable than the new indices tested. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors treating IBD patients by improving their ability to assess inflammation.

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This study looked at three siblings with cystic fibrosis (CF) who had ongoing bacterial infections over ten years. Researchers found that these siblings had specific types of bacteria in their lungs, and their immune response was altered, showing higher levels of certain immune markers compared to other CF patients. This matters because understanding how these unique bacteria affect the immune system can help improve treatment and management of CF. Who this helps: This helps patients with cystic fibrosis and their doctors.

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This study looked at how secondary infections affect patients with blood cancers who also have COVID-19. Researchers found that 44.2% of 217 patients developed secondary infections, especially bloodstream (42.7%) and respiratory infections (30.5%). Overall, 29% of the patients died, but those with secondary infections had a much higher death rate of 47.4%, compared to 14.7% for those without them, which shows the critical need for better management of these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with blood cancers and their doctors understand the risks associated with COVID-19 and secondary infections.

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This study looked at how many patients with Celiac disease still have anemia even after following a gluten-free diet. Researchers examined the medical records of 311 patients—both adults and children—and found that while the number of adults with anemia dropped from 24% to 17.8% after 8-10 years on the diet, 17.8% of adults and 4.4% of children still had anemia despite being on the diet for a long time. This matters because it highlights that some patients, especially adults, may continue to struggle with anemia even after a significant period on a gluten-free diet, which can affect their overall health. Who this helps: This helps patients with Celiac disease and their doctors by highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring of anemia.

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This study focused on creating and testing tiny droplets (called nanoemulsions) made from essential oils of rosemary and thyme to deliver medicines that can fight infections resistant to antibiotics. The researchers found that their first version of these droplets (NEs-1) had favorable properties for use in the lungs and could effectively slow the growth of harmful bacteria, but it also had some toxic effects on cells. After adjusting the oil concentration, they developed a second version (NEs-2) that maintained its effectiveness against bacteria while reducing toxicity, which makes it a promising way to deliver antimicrobial treatments more safely. Who this helps: This benefits patients with respiratory infections, especially those at risk of antibiotic resistance.

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This study looked at the effectiveness and safety of the drug vedolizumab for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) over two years. Researchers found that about 31.6% of patients with Crohn’s disease and 39.7% with ulcerative colitis experienced clinical remission, and there were very few adverse events, averaging 0.14 per patient per year. Understanding who is more likely to benefit from this treatment helps improve patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at how inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, has changed since the introduction of new treatment strategies. Researchers found that in 2021, about 218 out of every 100,000 people had IBD, with surgery needed for 36% of Crohn's patients and 20% of ulcerative colitis patients within six years of diagnosis. Although more treatments are available, hospitalization rates have remained steady at around 16.5%, indicating that current management techniques have had a limited impact on altering the disease's course. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors.

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This study examined how well a new imaging technique called Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) performs in assessing inflammation in patients with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) during colonoscopy. Out of 31 patients, NBI showed good to excellent agreement with tissue evaluations, while the traditional Mayo Endoscopic Score (MES) didn't align well, indicating that NBI can provide more reliable measurements of disease activity. Better evaluation methods can lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with UC. Who this helps: This helps patients with Ulcerative Colitis and their doctors.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected cases of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) at a hospital in Rome. Researchers found that CDI cases dropped significantly during the pandemic, with a 20% decrease when comparing the COVID-19 period to before it, and continued to remain lower afterward. The findings suggest that the strict hygiene practices put in place during COVID-19 not only reduced CDI infections but also led to fewer cases of other tough-to-treat bacterial infections. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly those in hospitals who are at higher risk for infections.

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This study looked at how nutritional status, particularly micronutrient levels, relates to disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Researchers found that levels of hemoglobin, iron, ferritin, and vitamin D varied significantly between patients with active and inactive disease, with specific numbers indicating that iron and vitamin D were particularly useful for assessing disease activity. The findings matter because they suggest that monitoring these nutrients could help manage IBD, although their effectiveness in clearly distinguishing between active and inactive disease is not perfect. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with IBD and their doctors by highlighting important nutritional factors to monitor for better disease management.

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Researchers adapted European quality care standards for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to better fit Italy's healthcare system. They started with 101 statements from the European Crohn's Colitis Organisation and created 112 tailored criteria for Italian care, confirming 80 of the original statements while adding 12 new ones. This is important because it aims to improve the consistency and quality of IBD treatment in Italy, which can lead to better patient outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Italy.

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This study looked at how vitamin D supplements might affect people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), focusing on their chances of experiencing a relapse and the overall activity of the disease. The researchers found that taking vitamin D reduced the risk of clinical relapse by 36% in 458 patients with IBD, with the most significant benefits seen in those with Crohn's disease—showing a 53% lower relapse risk for those in remission. This is important because it suggests that vitamin D could be a useful addition to treatment plans, particularly for Crohn's disease patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with Crohn's disease, particularly those in remission.

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This study looked at how well a medication called cefiderocol (CFDC) works compared to another antibiotic, colistin (COL), for treating severe bloodstream infections caused by a tough bacteria known as carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB). Out of 104 patients, those treated with CFDC had a higher rate of successful treatment (66% versus 44.4%) and fewer side effects (10% versus 38.8% experienced adverse events), especially kidney issues. This matters because it suggests that CFDC could be a safer and more effective choice for treating these serious infections in vulnerable patients, particularly those with lung infections. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe CRAB bloodstream infections and their doctors.

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This study looked at how adjusting the dose of the antibiotic ceftazidime/avibactam based on kidney function affects survival in patients with bloodstream infections caused by KPC-producing bacteria. Out of 110 patients, those who received a reduced dose were more likely to die, with a risk 4.5 times higher compared to those on a full dose. This matters because it shows that dosing adjustments may lead to worse outcomes for these patients, possibly due to insufficient drug levels in their system. Who this helps: This helps patients with KPC-producing bloodstream infections and their doctors.

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This study looked at whether there's a link between diverticulosis (a digestive condition) and the presence of abnormal growths (neoplastic lesions) in the colon in patients who had screening colonoscopies. Researchers found that among 1,501 patients, those with diverticulosis had a statistically significant association with these growths, particularly adenomas, and every year of age increased the risk of developing these lesions. Understanding this connection is crucial because it could lead to more regular monitoring for patients with diverticulosis, potentially catching cancer earlier. Who this helps: This helps patients with diverticulosis and their doctors in managing their risk for colon cancer.

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This study looked at how well the drug Vedolizumab prevents Crohn's Disease patients from having their symptoms return after surgery, especially in high-risk cases. Of the six patients treated, five were in good condition with no signs of recurring disease after two years, but one had a significant relapse. This finding indicates that starting Vedolizumab soon after surgery may be an effective way to keep high-risk patients healthy longer. Who this helps: This benefits patients with high-risk Crohn's Disease who have undergone surgery.

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This study looked at a difficult case of a bloodstream infection caused by a bacteria called Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, which is hard to treat with usual antibiotics. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of a new antibiotic called cefiderocol and an older drug, levofloxacin, along with additional therapy to prevent the infection from coming back. Tests showed that this treatment worked well, highlighting a potential effective approach for similar infections. Who this helps: This benefits patients with difficult-to-treat bloodstream infections.

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This study looked at critically ill patients who were carrying a type of bacteria called carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) and examined the factors that led to bloodstream infections (BSI) and the associated risk of death. Out of 129 patients studied, 57 (about 44%) developed BSI, with factors like existing health problems, COVID-19, multiple infection sites, and the use of mechanical ventilation increasing the risk. Importantly, patients who received appropriate treatment early and showed improvement within 72 hours had a better chance of recovery. Who this helps: This information helps doctors identify and treat at-risk patients more effectively.

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This study looked at two health conditions: spondyloarthritis (SpA), which affects the joints and muscles, and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which affect the digestive system. Researchers found that 40-60% of patients with one of these conditions may have the other, leading to increased disability and a lower quality of life. It's important for doctors treating either condition to be aware of the signs of the other to ensure early diagnosis and better patient outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with either SpA or IBD benefit from this research through improved identification and treatment.

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This study looked at how nutrition affects people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), focusing on how poor nutrient intake and deficiencies can worsen their condition. The researchers found that addressing nutritional issues can help improve symptoms, achieve better remission rates, and enhance overall quality of life for these patients. Specifically, they reviewed 227 studies and found strong links between nutrition and disease outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and their doctors by highlighting the importance of proper nutrition in managing the disease.

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This study looked at a treatment called adsorptive cytapheresis for people with ulcerative colitis, a painful inflammation of the intestines. The researchers found that while this treatment is effective for some patients, its high cost and the need for special facilities have limited its use. However, adsorptive cytapheresis is safe and could be particularly beneficial for elderly patients and those who haven't responded well to other treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with ulcerative colitis, especially those who are elderly or have not responded to standard treatments.

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This study looked into how COVID-19 affects the digestive system, finding that the virus can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and loss of taste. Researchers noted that these issues arise from damage to the gut lining and inflammation, and they highlighted that the virus can survive the stomach’s harsh environment. This information is important because it helps doctors recognize and treat gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID-19 patients more effectively. Who this helps: This benefits patients experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms related to COVID-19.

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This study looked at how biological therapies compared to traditional treatments affect the time patients with Crohn's disease can avoid having surgery. It found that while patients on biological treatments experienced longer periods without surgery initially, after adjusting for other factors, there was no significant long-term difference in surgery-free survival between the two groups. The findings suggest that biological therapies might delay surgery but don’t greatly change the overall chances of needing it in the long run. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors in choosing effective treatment options.

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This study examined four patients diagnosed with Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) that affected their intestines, even though their condition is usually linked to other organs. The researchers found that these patients had a high number of IgG4-positive cells in their biopsy samples, which was important for their diagnosis. This matters because it highlights the need for doctors to consider IgG4-RD when patients have gastrointestinal issues that resemble Crohn's disease, as more people might have this condition than currently recognized. Who this helps: This helps patients with gastrointestinal problems and doctors diagnosing similar conditions.

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This study looked at whether taking antiplatelet medications (like aspirin) increases the risk of bleeding after colon surgery called polypectomy. The researchers found that, overall, patients on these medications had more post-surgery bleeding compared to those not on these drugs; specifically, the risk of delayed bleeding was significantly higher for those on P2Y12 inhibitors. This matters because while stopping these medications might reduce bleeding, it could raise the chances of serious heart problems. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing colonoscopy who are on antiplatelet therapy and their doctors in managing their treatment.

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This research looked at the role of vitamin D in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The findings show that many patients with IBD have low levels of vitamin D, which can worsen their condition, and that vitamin D may help protect the gut lining and manage inflammation. Understanding how vitamin D works in IBD could lead to better treatment options. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

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This study looked at how using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetylsalicylic acid (like aspirin) affects the risk of complications from diverticular disease, which can cause bleeding and infections in the colon. It found that people taking NSAIDs had almost seven times higher odds of experiencing diverticular bleeding and over three times higher odds of complicated diverticulitis. Patients using acetylsalicylic acid had about three times higher odds of diverticular bleeding and nearly 50% greater odds of complicated diverticulitis. This research is important because it highlights the risks associated with these common pain relievers for people with diverticular disease. Who this helps: This helps patients with diverticular disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at specific micro-RNAs in COVID-19 patients and how a genetic variation in one of these micro-RNAs might relate to severe disease. Researchers found that patients with COVID-19 had higher levels of two particular micro-RNAs (miRNA-122a and miRNA-146a), which could lead to issues with the immune response (inflammation and interferon pathways). However, the genetic variation studied did not appear to influence who gets severely sick from COVID-19. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by identifying potential biomarkers for monitoring COVID-19 severity.

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This study looked at how endoscopic scores (Mayo scores) affect long-term outcomes for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who are in clinical remission without steroids. It found that patients with a Mayo score of 0 had a significantly lower risk of relapse (about 67% less likely) compared to those with a score of 1. This matters because aiming for a Mayo score of 0 can help improve the chances of staying well long-term for UC patients. Who this helps: Patients with ulcerative colitis.

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Researchers studied hospital admissions for respiratory infections in children during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and found that such admissions dropped by 82.2% compared to the same time in 2016-2017. In 2020-2021, 54.1% of hospitalized children tested positive for a virus, primarily rhinoviruses, which remained common. This decline in infections, especially serious ones like RSV, highlights how pandemic measures effectively reduced respiratory illnesses in children. Who this helps: This helps children and their families by reducing the risk of serious respiratory infections during the pandemic.

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This study examined the presence of a virus called Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) in respiratory samples from 539 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Researchers found MCPyV in 23.5% of the samples, and its presence affected how certain immune genes were expressed differently across age groups. Notably, older patients with MCPyV showed lower levels of important immune markers than those without the virus, while younger patients had higher levels. Who this helps: This research benefits cystic fibrosis patients by shedding light on the role of viral infections in their respiratory health.

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This study looked at how different age groups respond to the virus that causes COVID-19, specifically focusing on certain proteins called interferons that help fight infections. It found that children have higher levels of these proteins even before infection, which may contribute to their milder symptoms; for example, children had higher levels of IFN-ε and IFN-ω compared to older adults. In contrast, older adults showed higher levels of specific genes linked to immune response that could be connected to severe illness. Who this helps: This research helps doctors understand why children experience less severe COVID-19, which can inform better treatment strategies for older adults.

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This study looked at two forms of the ACE2 gene in adults infected with SARS-CoV-2. Researchers found that a non-functional version of ACE2, called dACE2, was significantly increased in those infected with the virus, while the normal version (f-lACE2) showed little change. This is important because it helps us understand how the body responds to infection, and it might impact how we approach treatments for COVID-19. Who this helps: Patients with COVID-19 and healthcare professionals treating them.

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This study looked at patients who experienced new immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) or worsening of existing IMIDs after getting COVID-19 vaccines. Out of 153 vaccinated patients, 33 (30%) who had no prior IMID were newly diagnosed with conditions like pericarditis and vasculitis, while 69% of patients with a pre-existing IMID saw their condition worsen. Understanding these potential side effects is important for managing patient care and safety during vaccination efforts. Who this helps: Patients receiving COVID-19 vaccines, especially those with or at risk for immune conditions.

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This study looked at how common infections like bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections affect the body's immune response to human papillomavirus (HPV) in cervical cells. The researchers found that 42.5% of women had HPV, with most cases being high-risk types linked to cervical cancer. Women with HPV also had higher levels of certain immune markers when they had bacterial vaginosis compared to those without HPV, indicating that these infections can increase the risk of persistent HPV infection, which is important for cancer development. Who this helps: This research benefits women at risk of cervical cancer and healthcare providers working in women's health.

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This study looked at how different types of interferons (proteins that help the immune system) affect the expression of ACE2, a receptor that the SARS-CoV-2 virus uses to enter cells. Researchers found that in airway cells from 107 patients (59 children and 48 adults), higher levels of ACE2 were linked to an immune response marker, but this was not the case for furin, another protein involved in viral infections. This is important because it suggests that the increased ACE2 levels driven by interferon do not raise the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly since only a shorter version of ACE2 was increased. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those with respiratory diseases, understand their risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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This study looked at how often viruses cause community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults visiting the emergency room during peak flu season before COVID-19. The research found that about 31% of the 75 patients tested positive for a viral infection, with over half of those cases being H1N1 flu. Identifying these viral infections early is crucial because it can help doctors make better treatment decisions and reduce unnecessary testing. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with pneumonia and doctors treating them.

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This study looked at the immune response in HIV-infected men and how it relates to early signs of heart disease. Researchers found that levels of certain immune signals (IFN-α and IFN-β) and a gene (ISG56) were higher in HIV-infected patients, with significant differences compared to healthy individuals. Specifically, those with more than 50% narrowing of arteries had higher risk scores for heart disease, indicating that changes in the immune response could contribute to increased cardiovascular risks in these patients. Who this helps: This benefits HIV patients, especially those at risk for heart disease.

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This study looked at a rare but serious condition called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), which can occur in adults as a result of other diseases. They examined the case of an 83-year-old man who experienced severe fatigue, fever, and confusion, ultimately finding that his HLH was caused by anaplastic B cell lymphoma. This finding highlights the importance of quickly diagnosing HLH and identifying any underlying conditions to provide effective treatment. Who this helps: This helps doctors treat older adults with unexplained symptoms that could signal HLH.

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This research looked at how to safely treat pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as this condition often occurs during peak reproductive years. It found that while there are uncertainties about the safety of most drugs, most medications can be used effectively during pregnancy if prescribed properly. Not treating the disease could lead to worse outcomes for both the mother and baby, so it’s crucial for doctors and patients to make informed decisions together about treatment options. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of serum transglutaminase antibodies (tTGs) in detecting damage in the intestines of patients with celiac disease who are on a gluten-free diet. The researchers found that about 60% of patients still had intestinal damage but tested negative for tTGs after 18-24 months on the diet. This shows that relying solely on tTG tests can miss ongoing issues, and direct examination of intestinal tissue is still the best way to check for healing. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with celiac disease and their doctors by emphasizing the need for thorough testing.

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This study looked at a rare condition called lymphocytic gastritis (LG) and its links to celiac disease (CD). Researchers noted that LG is diagnosed when there are more than 25 specific immune cells in the stomach lining, and they found the condition can appear differently during examinations, from normal stomach lining to signs of inflammation or ulcers. The main cause of LG is often linked to celiac disease, and understanding this relationship helps in diagnosing and managing patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with celiac disease and doctors treating them.

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This research paper examines the potential of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as new tools for diagnosing colorectal cancer (CRC) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The findings suggest that while VOCs can help identify signs of intestinal inflammation and may differ for specific diseases, the evidence is not yet strong enough to make firm conclusions about their effectiveness for early cancer detection. Overall, this work highlights the need for more studies to understand how VOCs could improve CRC screening and management in patients with IBD. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with inflammatory bowel diseases and those at risk for colorectal cancer.

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This study looked at whether two types of viruses, KIPyV and WUPyV, were present in patients who had COVID-19. Out of 112 COVID-19 patients tested, 27 (or 24.1%) were also infected with KIPyV, while 5 (4.5%) had WUPyV, and 3 (2.7%) had both viruses at the same time. The findings are important because they suggest that these viruses might complicate COVID-19 cases, and more research is needed to understand their role and effects. Who this helps: This helps patients with COVID-19 and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at various stool tests that could help assess the severity of Crohn's disease, focusing on fecal lactoferrin and several other biomarkers. Researchers found that while fecal lactoferrin is not strongly linked to clinical symptoms, it performs well in detecting disease activity seen in examinations. This information is important because it suggests that lactoferrin could be valuable for tracking treatment responses and identifying patients at risk for relapsing after treatment, even though more research is needed to confirm its use fully. Who this helps: Patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at seven patients who developed pericarditis, an inflammation of the heart's outer lining, about 20 days after recovering from COVID-19. While pericarditis is usually common during acute COVID-19, these cases suggest that it can also arise afterward due to lingering inflammation. Four patients didn't improve with standard treatments but did recover when switched to stronger medications called glucocorticoids. Who this helps: This information benefits patients experiencing long-term effects of COVID-19 and their doctors in managing heart-related symptoms.