Piero Marone

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This study looked at how often ulcers appear in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) after surgery compared to those with colon cancer (CC). The researchers found that 57% of Crohn's patients developed postoperative recurrence (POR), while only 3% of colon cancer patients had ulcers at the surgery site. This matters because it shows that the presence of ulcers may not indicate a true problem for Crohn's patients as it does in colon cancer patients, which could change how doctors evaluate postoperative issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at patients with Whipple's disease, a rare infection, to see how often they also had Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections. The researchers found that 38% of Whipple’s disease patients had H. pylori infections compared to only 12% of people without the disease, which is a significant difference. This matters because H. pylori can cause serious stomach problems, including cancer, and knowing this can help doctors better manage treatment for their patients with Whipple's disease. Who this helps: Patients with Whipple's disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at how an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) affected patient care in the Vascular Surgery ward of a hospital in Italy. After the program was implemented over 12 months, there was a notable decrease in infections from a specific resistant bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and the cost associated with certain antibiotics dropped significantly. These changes matter because they improve patient safety and save money for the hospital. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by reducing harmful infections and healthcare costs.

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This study looked at how a new Sepsis Project in the emergency room (ER) affected the survival rates of patients with sepsis, a severe infection. It found that the in-hospital death rate dropped from 18.9% before the project started to 12.7% after it was implemented. This is important because it shows that the new practices in the ER significantly improve outcomes for sepsis patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with sepsis.

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This paper reviews how a treatment called endobiliary radiofrequency ablation (ERFA) affects survival in patients with a type of cancer called unresectable cholangiocarcinoma, which usually has a poor prognosis with survival of less than one year. The research shows that ERFA can extend median survival by about 6 months and may improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy without raising the risk of complications. This is significant because it offers a new way to manage a challenging cancer and potentially improve patients' quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma and their doctors.

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This study looked at how effective colonoscopies are for people with Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Researchers found that while colonoscopies have been important for monitoring these patients, recent data suggest their effectiveness in preventing colorectal cancer may not be as strong as previously believed. This matters because it could change how doctors approach care for patients with Lynch syndrome and might lead to new guidelines for screening and prevention. Who this helps: Patients with Lynch syndrome and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a specific type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, called livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA), in patients at a hospital in Italy. Researchers found that about 1.4% of MRSA infections from blood samples and 1% from other types of samples were linked to LA-MRSA. Although these numbers are low, they are consistent over time and important because they help us understand the spread of this bacteria in hospitals and its potential impact on patient health. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare professionals by improving infection control practices.

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This study assessed the safety of Edible Pongamia Oil (EPO) to see if it could be used as a food ingredient. Researchers found that rats tolerated high doses of EPO without any harmful effects, even when given it in their diet for up to 90 days; the highest safe amount was 10% of their food, which is more than 5,000 mg/kg for males and nearly 6,500 mg/kg for females. These results are important because they show that EPO is not toxic and could be considered safe for human consumption. Who this helps: This helps food manufacturers and consumers looking for new safe ingredients.

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This research focused on a new method for identifying germs in hospitals called hypervariable-locus melting typing (HLMT). The study tested HLMT on 134 samples of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a germ that can cause serious infections. HLMT successfully identified high-risk types of this germ with 95% accuracy, performing as well as other more expensive methods used for tracking infections. Who this helps: This benefits hospitals and healthcare professionals working to control infections.

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This study looked at over 3,400 samples of Klebsiella bacteria from different environments, including hospitals and farms, near Pavia, Italy, over 17 months. Researchers found that there was little transfer of drug-resistant Klebsiella strains from animals and the environment to humans outside of clinical settings, meaning that the main danger comes from hospital environments. This discovery helps target efforts to control these infections and protect public health in hospital settings. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare facilities manage antibiotic-resistant infections more effectively.

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This study looked at two different solutions for cleaning out the bowels before a colonoscopy: one made of sodium picosulphate plus magnesium citrate (SPMC) and another made of polyethylene glycol plus ascorbic acid (PEG-ASC). Both preparations were similarly effective, with a success rate of 94.4% for PEG-ASC and 95.7% for SPMC. However, patients found SPMC easier to tolerate and were more willing to repeat the process compared to those using PEG-ASC, making SPMC a more comfortable option for bowel prep. Who this helps: This benefits patients preparing for colonoscopies.

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This study looked at infections caused by Listeria bacteria in a small area of northern Italy during 2017. Researchers found that 11 patients got sick from listeriosis, and 15 types of food, including seafood and cheese, were contaminated with the same bacteria. They discovered that several different strains of Listeria were present but none of the food samples were directly linked to the patients' illnesses. Who this helps: This information benefits public health officials and food safety regulators working to prevent foodborne illnesses.

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This study looked at how well gaseous ozone can kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus on different surfaces. The researchers found that ozone treatment can effectively reduce the virus's presence, which is important because the virus can live on surfaces for a long time and spread between people. This matters because it suggests a new way to keep environments safer from COVID-19. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare workers in reducing the risk of virus transmission in public spaces.

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Researchers in Pavia, Italy discovered a new type of bacteria called "Superficieibacter maynardsmithii" from the surface of an ATM. This bacteria is unique because it is sensitive to most antibiotics, meaning it doesn't have resistance genes that would make it harder to treat. They found it closely related to other bacteria but distinct from all known Klebsiella species, with a genetic similarity of 87.51% to another species called "Superficieibacter electus." Who this helps: This finding benefits doctors and researchers by providing new insights into antibiotic-sensitive bacteria for treating infections.

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Researchers studied the effects of two substances, β-caryophyllene and its epoxide, by feeding them to rats over 90 days. They found that high doses of β-caryophyllene led to weight loss and reduced food intake, while neither substance caused deaths or major health issues. The study identified safe consumption levels of 222 mg/kg for β-caryophyllene and 109 mg/kg for its epoxide, which is important for understanding how these substances might be used safely in food products. Who this helps: This helps food safety regulators and manufacturers.

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This study examined bloodstream infections caused by a type of E. coli that carries a specific gene (mcr-1) making it resistant to colistin, an older antibiotic. Out of 1,557 blood samples from hospitalized patients in Italy between 2012 and 2018, 14 cases (0.90%) showed this resistance. This finding is crucial because it highlights the increasing problem of multi-drug resistant infections in hospitals, which can limit treatment options for severely ill patients. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and hospital staff dealing with antibiotic-resistant infections.

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This study looked at how to identify colon cancer patients who are less likely to develop new tumors after their initial treatment, helping to determine whether they really need follow-up colonoscopies. Researchers found that 26.6% of patients in the first group and 27.1% in the second group had new tumors during their first follow-up colonoscopy. They identified some risk factors—such as having left-sided colon cancer or having advanced polyps—which made it likely for patients to develop new neoplasms; those without these risk factors could potentially skip the follow-up colonoscopy without missing any significant issues. Who this helps: This benefits colon cancer patients by reducing unnecessary procedures for those at low risk.

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This study examined how the rise in foreign-born residents in Pavia province, Italy, affected rates of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) over 20 years. Researchers analyzed data from 919 TB patients and found that while the number of TB cases among foreign-born patients increased, the rates of resistance to key medications were similar for both foreign-born and Italian patients. Specifically, 7.9% of Italian patients and 9.7% of foreign-born patients had resistance to isoniazid, and 4% of Italians and 5% of foreigners showed resistance to rifampicin, indicating that migration hasn't significantly impacted drug resistance in TB. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and healthcare providers managing TB cases.

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This research introduced EasyPrimer, a simple online tool that helps scientists design specific DNA segments needed for identifying bacteria, particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae. The study found that using just two primer pairs targeting a variable gene named wzi was as effective at distinguishing different strains of bacteria as a more complex method that used six pairs, saving time and resources. This is significant because it allows for quicker and cheaper tracking of bacterial outbreaks in hospitals, which can improve patient care and safety. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by enabling faster identification of bacterial infections.

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This research focused on creating an eco-friendly plaster by using sludge from stone cutting, which is generally waste. The scientists developed a new type of mortar that meets European standards for various necessary qualities, such as strength and insulation, and found that it effectively incorporates the sludge without releasing harmful metals into the environment. This is important because it provides a sustainable way to reuse industrial waste while also reducing costs in the stone industry. Who this helps: This benefits manufacturers in the construction and stone industries.

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This study looked at the long-term health and survival of 35 people with Whipple's disease over 20 years. They found that 9 patients faced complications related to their condition, and 3 patients died during the study. Additionally, more than half of the patients had serious health issues not directly linked to Whipple's disease, including cancers and heart problems, showing why ongoing, coordinated care is essential. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Whipple's disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a child who had a rare immune problem caused by a major defect in their body's ability to fight infections, specifically a lack of a receptor essential for immune responses. The child suffered from severe infections but was successfully treated with a stem cell transplant, which helped restore their immune function. This is important because it highlights a new understanding of how specific genetic changes can lead to serious health issues and shows that stem cell transplants can be a viable treatment option. Who this helps: This helps children with similar immune deficiencies and their doctors.

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This study looked at the gut bacteria of patients with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) to see how those with recurrent infections (rCDI) compare to those with no infections and to find out what this means for the severity of the disease. The researchers found that patients with rCDI had less variety in their gut bacteria compared to healthy controls, with specific changes in certain bacteria types. This matters because it helps us understand the differences in gut health between those with recurrent infections and those without, which can inform treatment strategies. Who this helps: Patients suffering from recurrent CDI infections.

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The study examined a tuberculosis (TB) screening program for asylum seekers in Pavia, Italy, focusing on identifying both latent and active TB infections. Out of 726 asylum seekers, most of whom were men from Sub-Saharan Africa, the program showed a very high participation rate of 98.2% for screening and 90.1% for preventive treatment, while also identifying seven cases of active TB. This is important because it demonstrates the effectiveness of screening and treating TB among new arrivals, which is crucial for public health in Europe. Who this helps: This benefits asylum seekers and public health officials working to control TB spread.

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This study looked at a 9-year-old boy who developed abdominal pain as the first sign of Lyme neuroborreliosis, a serious infection affecting the nervous system. The doctors confirmed the diagnosis using specific tests and scans, and after 12 months of follow-up, the boy showed no lasting neurological issues. This finding is important because it highlights that unusual symptoms, like abdominal pain, can be early signs of Lyme disease, urging doctors to consider this diagnosis in children with unexplained abdominal issues, especially in areas where Lyme disease is common. Who this helps: Pediatricians and children with unexplained abdominal pain.

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This study looks at how the bacteria in our intestines, known as gut microbiota, may affect treatment outcomes for patients with certain blood cancers, specifically those treated without chemotherapy. Researchers found that changes in gut bacteria can influence how well these treatments work and may cause side effects. This is important because understanding the relationship between gut bacteria and treatment could lead to more personalized therapies for patients with lymphoid malignancies. Who this helps: Patients with lymphoid malignancies receiving chemo-free treatments.

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This study looked at a fungus called Schizophyllum commune, which can occasionally cause respiratory infections in humans. They reported Italy's first case of a type of sinus infection caused by this fungus in a healthy person and highlighted how new diagnostic technology helped identify it quickly. Timely detection is crucial because it can prevent serious complications from the infection. Who this helps: This helps patients affected by fungal infections and doctors treating them.

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This study looked at a specific strain of bacteria called SMAL, which is often found in Italian hospitals. Researchers analyzed the genomes of 15 SMAL samples and found that this strain has a unique genetic structure with a high number of certain genetic elements called Insertion Sequences, but low genetic variability compared to related strains. This means SMAL doesn’t change much over time, which could explain why it stays in hospitals without causing widespread outbreaks. Who this helps: This research benefits healthcare professionals and public health officials monitoring bacterial infections in hospitals.

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This study looked at two specific groups of bacteria (Ko3 and Ko4) that can cause infections and diarrhea in humans. Researchers found that Ko3 and Ko4 have distinct genetic differences from other related bacteria, with Ko3 being 90.7% similar to one group and 95.5% similar to another. Understanding these differences is important for improving diagnoses and treatments for infections caused by these bacteria. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients by providing better identification and treatment options for bacterial infections.

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Researchers studied an outbreak of a drug-resistant bacteria called carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) in an Intensive Care Unit in Italy, affecting 23 patients from August 2015 to May 2016. They found that 12 patients were simply carrying the bacteria, while 11 had serious infections, including a cluster that caused five infections and seven deaths, with one strain showing resistance to a last-resort antibiotic. Understanding this outbreak helps hospitals manage and control similar infections in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients in intensive care and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how to improve the collection of blood tests for patients with sepsis in the emergency room. Before the project, only 0.4% of ER patients had blood cultures collected, with 18.4% of those testing positive for infection. After training the staff and improving procedures, the percentage of patients tested rose to 1.3%, and the positive results nearly doubled to 30.7%. This matters because it shows that better training leads to more accurate diagnoses and can help save lives by identifying infections earlier. Who this helps: This helps patients with sepsis and healthcare providers in the emergency room.

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This study looked at how often pregnant women receive false positive test results for a virus called human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) when screened for immunity during pregnancy. Researchers tested blood samples from 10 women who were told they had a new infection; none actually had evidence of HCMV. Out of 1,158 pregnant women tested, about 59% were initially positive for IgG antibodies, but 11 of these women (1.6%) were confirmed to not have the virus after further testing, which could lead to unnecessary worry and incorrect treatment. Who this helps: This information benefits pregnant women, their healthcare providers, and the care they receive during pregnancy.

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Researchers looked at how pain and physical activity affect brain function in older adults across the United States. They found that higher levels of physical activity were linked to better thinking skills, while pain didn't usually affect brain function. However, older adults who experienced both more pain and less physical activity tended to have lower cognitive scores. This matters because promoting more physical activity in the elderly can help improve their cognitive health. Who this helps: Patients, especially older adults, benefit from these findings.

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This study looked at a specific mutation (called L701 M) in a gene related to a type of fungus called Candida krusei, which can cause infections treated with echinocandin drugs. Researchers found that out of 25 samples, 22 had this mutation, yet they were still susceptible to echinocandins, indicating that this mutation might not directly cause drug resistance. Understanding this mutation helps clarify how C. krusei behaves in clinical settings, which is important for effectively treating infections. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers treating patients with Candida krusei infections.

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This study looked at two types of bacteria, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and its variant, that were causing food poisoning outbreaks linked to salami in northern Italy. Out of three outbreaks studied in 2010, one outbreak was traced to salami from artisan producers who all got meat from the same slaughterhouse; nearly 14% of salami tested from 2012 to 2013 had Salmonella, with half of those being the variant strain. This is important because it highlights a shift in the bacteria present in these food products, indicating that the variant strain is becoming more common, which could pose ongoing risks to public health. Who this helps: This helps patients by identifying potential sources of foodborne illness from contaminated salami.

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This study examined a rare case of a fungal infection called fungemia caused by the fungus Saprochaete capitata in a patient who was not undergoing cancer treatment and had just had heart surgery. They found that this infection is unusual in such patients and that S. capitata is resistant to common antifungal treatments, which emphasizes the need for quick identification of this fungus. Understanding this case is crucial for improving treatment strategies in similar situations, ensuring patients receive the right care as quickly as possible. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers treating patients in intensive care.

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This study looked at how the antibiotic rifaximin can help prevent bacterial infections in patients with liver cirrhosis, a serious condition. Researchers examined data from 649 hospitalized patients and found that those taking rifaximin had a significantly lower risk of developing bacterial infections—about 71% less likely—compared to those not on the antibiotic. This finding is important because it could lead to better treatment options and improved survival rates for patients with cirrhosis. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver cirrhosis.

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This study looked at three patients in Italy who developed serious infections caused by a type of bacteria (E. coli) that is resistant to colistin, an important antibiotic. Researchers found that all three infections had a specific gene (called mcr-1) that makes the bacteria resistant to this drug, indicating a concerning trend in antibiotic resistance. This matters because it shows that these tough bacteria are spreading, which could make it harder to treat infections in hospitals. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers working with patients facing difficult-to-treat infections.

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This study evaluated a diagnostic tool called the FilmArray™ GI panel, which is used to quickly identify infectious agents causing acute gastroenteritis and hemorrhagic diarrhea. Out of 168 stool samples tested, the panel found at least one potential pathogen in 54.8% of the cases, with the most common being rotavirus (13.9%), Campylobacter (10.7%), and Clostridium difficile (9.5%). The results show that the FilmArray™ GI panel improves the speed and accuracy of diagnosing these conditions, which is important for effective patient treatment. Who this helps: Patients experiencing gastroenteritis or diarrhea, especially children.

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This study looked at how adding sugar molecules (glycosylation) to proteins from the bacteria that cause tuberculosis affects their ability to trigger immune responses. Researchers found that glycosylation did not change the effectiveness of one protein (TB10.4) at activating B-cells, while another protein (Ag85B) continued to stimulate B-cells but had a reduced response from T-cells due to glycosylation. These findings are important because they provide insights into how to better design vaccines against tuberculosis, which remains a major global health threat. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare workers involved in tuberculosis treatment and vaccine development.

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This study looked at a serious infection in a young patient who had a catheter for chemotherapy, caused by a rare and tough bacteria called Chryseobacterium indologenes. The researchers found that using a special treatment called antibiotic-lock therapy with ciprofloxacin effectively cleared the infection and saved the catheter. This is important because it shows a new way to treat difficult infections without needing to remove the medical device. Who this helps: This helps pediatric cancer patients who rely on catheters for treatment.

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This study looked at the presence of Usutu virus antibodies in blood donors and forestry workers in Northern Italy. Researchers found that 18.1% of forestry workers and 1% of blood donors had antibodies against the virus, suggesting a higher circulation of the Usutu virus in this area than previously believed. This is important because it indicates that more people in this densely populated region may be exposed to the virus, which could have implications for public health and monitoring. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and local communities in Northern Italy.

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This study looked at patients who had their spleen removed (a procedure called splenectomy) to see how many received recommended vaccinations and how that affected their health. Out of 216 patients, about 68% got vaccinated, and those who did were less likely to die from severe infections, although some factors made it harder to see this link clearly. This research matters because it highlights the need for better vaccination compliance to prevent life-threatening infections in these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients who have had their spleen removed by ensuring they receive proper vaccinations.

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Researchers studied a listeriosis outbreak in Northern Italy between April and July 2015, caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which can lead to severe health issues, especially in vulnerable groups. They found that strains of Listeria from three infected patients and cheese produced at a small organic farm were genetically very similar, confirming the cheese as the likely source of the outbreak. This is important because it shows how advanced genetic testing can effectively trace foodborne illnesses, helping to prevent future outbreaks. Who this helps: This benefits patients and public health officials by improving food safety measures.

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This study looked at how some bacteria in newborns at a hospital in Naples became resistant to powerful antibiotics called carbapenems. They found that 20 babies had bacteria that were resistant to nearly all beta-lactam antibiotics, and the researchers identified a specific genetic element, a plasmid named pIncAC_KP4898, that played a key role in spreading this resistance. Out of these, 17 of the bacteria shared the same genetic profile, showing how quickly resistance can spread in a hospital setting. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare professionals understand and manage antibiotic resistance in vulnerable patients like newborns.

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This study looked at how personality traits affect brain function in American adults aged 51 and older. It found that traits like Extraversion, Conscientiousness, and Openness are linked to better cognitive abilities and memory, while traits such as Neuroticism and Agreeableness can negatively impact memory and thinking skills. Understanding these connections can help create targeted support for older adults at risk of cognitive decline based on their personality traits. Who this helps: This helps older adults and healthcare providers by guiding interventions for cognitive health.

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This study looked at tuberculosis (TB) cases in Pavia, Lombardy, Northern Italy from 1998 to 2013, focusing on both immigrant groups and Italian-born people. Over the 16 years, the proportion of TB cases in immigrants rose sharply from 1.7% to 54.5%, while the overall death rate associated with TB was 5.5%. Immigrants faced a higher risk of TB, but Italian patients had a higher mortality rate because they were older and had more health issues. Who this helps: This research benefits healthcare providers and policymakers in targeting TB prevention and treatment in immigrant populations.