Jessica Preziosi, Silvia Salvi, Michelangela Danza, Elena Romano, Erika Colagiovanni, Francesca Rizzi, Silvia Buongiorno, Stefano Fruci, Sascia Moresi, Gloria Anderson
{"title":"Women's experiences of membrane sweeping for labour induction: a phenomenological qualitative study.","authors":"Jessica Preziosi, Silvia Salvi, Michelangela Danza, Elena Romano, Erika Colagiovanni, Francesca Rizzi, Silvia Buongiorno, Stefano Fruci, Sascia Moresi, Gloria Anderson","doi":"10.4415/ANN_26_02_08","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4415/ANN_26_02_08","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Membrane sweeping is a common but still invasive procedure offered to hasten labour in prolonged pregnancy. Rising labour induction rates have increased the use of interventions like membrane sweeping, though its impact on women's experiences remains unclear.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To explore women lived experiences of membrane sweeping in a tertiary Italian maternity unit and identify their informational needs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty women ≥40+0 to 41+6 weeks' gestation who underwent membrane sweeping were interviewed in-hospital 24-48 h postpartum. Semi-structured interviews (mean 18 min) were analysed with combined inductive-deductive content analysis.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Three themes emerged i) clarity and timing of information ii) baseline knowledge and information-seeking behaviour iii) physical and emotional experience of the procedure in relation to the onset of labour. In addition, some women reported the procedure as painful or required further pharmacological induction of labour, adding a layer of dissatisfaction in their narrations. However, most women stated that they would undergo membrane sweeping again in a future pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>When embedded in shared decision-making, membrane sweeping can be a well-accepted initial induction option. Moreover, structured antenatal education could be recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":502090,"journal":{"name":"Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita","volume":"62 2","pages":"156-162"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148267643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Andrea Cusumano, Benedetto Falsini, Francesco Martelli, Marco Lombardo
{"title":"A call for neurovascular monitoring in an era of longer missions and broader spaceflight participation. Commentary.","authors":"Andrea Cusumano, Benedetto Falsini, Francesco Martelli, Marco Lombardo","doi":"10.4415/ANN_26_02_01","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4415/ANN_26_02_01","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) has emerged as a critical neuro-ophthalmic risk for human space exploration, particularly as mission duration increases and access to space expands. Current spaceflight ocular surveillance and research protocols have prioritized structural imaging and selected neuroimaging/physiological assessments. However, accumulating evidence suggests that SANS is not confined to the posterior pole as a purely structural optic nerve head phenomenon but may also involve vascular and hemodynamic alterations. At the same time, structural changes at the optic nerve head may not fully capture the functional integrity of the afferent visual pathway. We therefore propose to define a more targeted extension of current SANS surveillance protocols incorporating ultra-widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (UWF-SS-OCTA), visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and pattern electroretinogram (ERG) into standardized pre-flight, in-flight (when feasible), and post-flight assessments. Beyond its relevance to astronaut health, this topic may also be of translational interest to the broader scientific and clinical community.</p>","PeriodicalId":502090,"journal":{"name":"Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita","volume":"62 2","pages":"97-99"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148267736","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marcello Di Pumpo, Francesco Andrea Causio, Stefania Boccia, Walter Ricciardi
{"title":"The double-edged sword of automation and the risks of AI's uneven impact on healthcare professions: a comment on the OECD artificial intelligence papers report. Commentary.","authors":"Marcello Di Pumpo, Francesco Andrea Causio, Stefania Boccia, Walter Ricciardi","doi":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_04","DOIUrl":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_04","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare, enhancing accuracy, personalizing care, and streamlining administrative tasks. The report published in May 2025 by the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) offers a taxonomy of health roles based on their susceptibility to automation through GenAI and robotics, ranging from low risk (e.g., physicians) to high risk (e.g., orderlies, transcriptionists). While AI augments many routine clinical tasks, roles requiring complex judgment and empathy remain largely human-driven. Key concerns arise from the potential uncritical adoption of these evaluations, which fragment healthcare roles and risk overlooking their integrative, relational nature. Additionally, industry-led implementation of AI may undervalue frontline clinical expertise and ethical considerations. To ensure responsible integration, multi-stakeholder strategies such as the European Pact for Skills and targeted upskilling initiatives are essential. Policymakers must guide AI adoption to redesign roles and education in ways that empower the workforce without sacrificing the core values of care.</p>","PeriodicalId":502090,"journal":{"name":"Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita","volume":"62 1","pages":"13-15"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147501578","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lucia Coppola, Giuseppina Scialò, Francesca Debegnach, Gianluca Frustagli, Viviana Iacovelli, Gabriele Lori, Martina Enza Grieco, Francesca Maranghi, Alessia Tammaro, Roberta Tassinari, Enrica Fabbrizi, Patrizia Di Matteo, Lorella Ciferri, Marco Dolci, Barbara Gigli, Alessandra Di Stasio, Beatrice Murri, Giacomo Toffol, Alessandro Ciccotosto, Miriana Callegari, Margherita Guarnieri, Angela Pasinato, Barbara De Santis, Cinzia La Rocca
{"title":"Biomonitoring and toxicological assessment of Ochratoxin A and Citrinin in a sex-gender perspective: The OTABioTox Project.","authors":"Lucia Coppola, Giuseppina Scialò, Francesca Debegnach, Gianluca Frustagli, Viviana Iacovelli, Gabriele Lori, Martina Enza Grieco, Francesca Maranghi, Alessia Tammaro, Roberta Tassinari, Enrica Fabbrizi, Patrizia Di Matteo, Lorella Ciferri, Marco Dolci, Barbara Gigli, Alessandra Di Stasio, Beatrice Murri, Giacomo Toffol, Alessandro Ciccotosto, Miriana Callegari, Margherita Guarnieri, Angela Pasinato, Barbara De Santis, Cinzia La Rocca","doi":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_06","DOIUrl":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_06","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Ochratoxin A (OTA) and citrinin (CIT) are toxic compounds produced by fungi that may contaminate a variety of food, posing significant health risks, particularly following chronic exposure. OTA, a potent nephrotoxin, is widely present in cereals, dried fruits, coffee and animal-derived products; CIT, which often co-occurs with OTA, also exhibits nephrotoxic effects.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This project aims to evaluate the exposure to OTA and CIT in adults and children of both sexes, and in breastfeeding women, and to investigate OTA toxicological effects using a juvenile animal model. The biomonitoring study analyzed OTA and CIT in urine, and OTA in breast milk. It also involved the evaluation of biomarkers of effect and the administration of food frequency questionnaires to assess dietary intake. The toxicological study employed an innovative animal model to identify early biomarkers of renal and endocrine effects and to elucidate OTA's mechanisms of action.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of risk characterization and support the development of public health strategies aimed at minimizing OTA and CIT exposure.</p>","PeriodicalId":502090,"journal":{"name":"Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita","volume":"62 1","pages":"32-39"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147501470","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"When enhanced games outpace public health and ethics. Commentary.","authors":"Ilaria Palmi, Simona Pichini, Renata Solimini","doi":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_01","DOIUrl":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_01","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The enhanced games, a new sports event scheduled to take place in the United States in the spring of 2026, propose a competition model in which the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) is openly permitted and encouraged. This initiative represents a radical departure from long-established sporting norms and is strongly criticised by major international institutions, due to its potential public health consequences and ethical implications. PEDs use poses significant risks, ranging from severe physical damage to long-term mental health effects. The enhanced games risk normalising these substances, particularly among vulnerable populations such as youth, who are highly influenced by elite athletes and media narratives. This commentary examines the conceptual frameworks underpinning sport, performance enhancement, and doping as well as the main issues that may arise in relation to these games. Particular emphasis is placed on the possible implications for public health, from both an ethical and a health perspective.</p>","PeriodicalId":502090,"journal":{"name":"Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita","volume":"62 1","pages":"1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147501519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Teresa Valero-Gaspar, Cesar Garriga, Brigid Unim, Rodrigo Feteira-Santos, Luigi Palmieri, Asunción Díaz, Carmen Rodríguez-Blázquez, Maria João Forjaz
{"title":"Indirect impact of COVID-19 pandemic on health and wellbeing: a narrative review.","authors":"Teresa Valero-Gaspar, Cesar Garriga, Brigid Unim, Rodrigo Feteira-Santos, Luigi Palmieri, Asunción Díaz, Carmen Rodríguez-Blázquez, Maria João Forjaz","doi":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_08","DOIUrl":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_08","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on global health, notably affecting patients with non-COVID-19 conditions, who faced substantial disruptions in their treatment and care. The aim of this narrative review was to identify the main indicators used in literature to evaluate the indirect impact of COVID-19 on health and wellbeing.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A literature search was conducted using PubMed from January 2021 to November 2022. The indicators were categorized into five main groups: burden of disease (BoD), life expectancy (LE), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), cost of illness and mental health status and were retrieved from 20 scientific articles.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) revealed substantial health losses; a decrease in LE was observed, with inequalities across population subgroups; HRQoL showed impairments in physical functioning, daily activities and emotional well-being; productivity losses were economically relevant and varied by context and elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression were reported.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The compiled indicators may contribute to the development of sustainable pandemic mitigation policies.</p>","PeriodicalId":502090,"journal":{"name":"Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita","volume":"62 1","pages":"53-66"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147501450","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Seroepidemiological studies: a cornerstone of public health strategies. Commentary.","authors":"Anita Muglia, Paola Stefanelli","doi":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_02","DOIUrl":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_02","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Well-designed population-based seroepidemiological studies can be useful to refine estimates of infectious agent transmission and disease severity, thus representing an important component of epidemiological surveillance. However, the interpretation of results may be hampered by heterogeneous data quality and the lack of standardized methodology in some cases. The development and use of highly sensitive and accurate tools, refined over the past decades, have facilitated the study of current and past exposure to infectious agents in target populations. In particular, seroepidemiological studies provide a detailed overview of past and current infection burdens (i.e., respiratory infectious diseases), helping to identify high-risk groups and biomarkers of disease severity. They also help to understand the evolutionary dynamics of the disease over time, providing crucial information on its spread and community impact. Investing time and resources in seroepidemiological studies is essential, not only for monitoring the population's immunological status, but also for implementing strategies that promote public health and predict future infectious diseases scenarios.</p>","PeriodicalId":502090,"journal":{"name":"Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita","volume":"62 1","pages":"6-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147501490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Massimo Danese, Vittoria D'Esposito, Rosario Miranda, Vincenza Dolo, Ilaria Giusti, Alessio Borean, Donato Rosa, Bruno Amato, Anna Rughetti, Valentina Del Greco, Laura Mazzucco, Antonio Aversa, Valter Cassutti, Francesco Casabona, Alfonso Maria Irollo, Carlo Setacci, Eugenio Caradonna, Andrea Ascoli Marchetti, Gaetano Caloprisco, Michele Angelo Farina, Pietro Formisano
{"title":"Expert Consensus on the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma in the context of regenerative medicine: moving forward to good clinical practice.","authors":"Massimo Danese, Vittoria D'Esposito, Rosario Miranda, Vincenza Dolo, Ilaria Giusti, Alessio Borean, Donato Rosa, Bruno Amato, Anna Rughetti, Valentina Del Greco, Laura Mazzucco, Antonio Aversa, Valter Cassutti, Francesco Casabona, Alfonso Maria Irollo, Carlo Setacci, Eugenio Caradonna, Andrea Ascoli Marchetti, Gaetano Caloprisco, Michele Angelo Farina, Pietro Formisano","doi":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_05","DOIUrl":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_05","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This paper summarizes the conclusions of the Expert Consensus (EC) on the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in regenerative medicine. The initiative aimed to promote appropriate and effective clinical use of PRP based on current scientific evidence and expert experience. The main objectives are: to define a flexible operative range for PRP, allowing for personalized application; to establish principles for standardized clinical practice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The methods used to develop this EC involved the scientific literature review, the data quality assessment, the evaluation of practical experiences, the critical summary of reviewed literature, the development of questions for expert panel and the drafting of consensus statements.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Recommendations emphasize compliance with legislation, proper device use and operator training. Adequate platelet load is essential for therapeutic efficacy; platelet recovery should be considered as quality standard. PRP has demonstrated effectiveness in managing diabetic and venous ulcers, osteoarthritis, and tendinopathies, although variability in protocols and inconsistent reporting limit the strength of evidence. Emerging applications include vasculitis, mucositis, and urogenital conditions, although further research is needed.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The EC encourages multicentre research, strict publication standards, and international collaboration to strengthen scientific foundations for PRP use in regenerative medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":502090,"journal":{"name":"Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita","volume":"62 1","pages":"16-31"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147501501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Carlo Giordani, Marcello Di Pumpo, Fabio Senarigo, Chiara Zambon, Maddalena Valli, Luca Gino Sbrogiò, Nadia Milano, Giulia Gusella, Tullio Zampieri, Francesco Allegro, Chiara Bovo, Laura Biasi, Elena Debora Toffanello, Pietro Viena, Angela Vinelli, Susanna Visonà, Michela Barbiero, Paolo Fortuna
{"title":"Building AI-ready health systems: the AULSS6 (Padua, Italy) local health authority artificial intelligence implementation strategy.","authors":"Carlo Giordani, Marcello Di Pumpo, Fabio Senarigo, Chiara Zambon, Maddalena Valli, Luca Gino Sbrogiò, Nadia Milano, Giulia Gusella, Tullio Zampieri, Francesco Allegro, Chiara Bovo, Laura Biasi, Elena Debora Toffanello, Pietro Viena, Angela Vinelli, Susanna Visonà, Michela Barbiero, Paolo Fortuna","doi":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_11","DOIUrl":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_11","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To present the strategy developed by the Local Health Authority AULSS6, Padua Province, Italy, for implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare systems.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Between December 2024 and December 2025, a series of structured meetings of a multidisciplinary Steering Committee were conducted. Ideas, priorities and initiatives were systematically collected, categorized, and refined through consensus.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The strategy produced several outcomes: an AI ethics and readiness checklist ensuring compliance with the EU AI Act, GDPR, (EU General Data Protection Regulation) and cybersecurity requirements; multi-level education programs for staff; systematic technology evaluation guidelines and HTA (Health Technology Assessment) evaluation studies planning; active participation in projects on AI for public health and clinical outcomes prediction and resource optimization; communication strategies designed to enhance transparency and trust. Collectively, these initiatives enabled AULSS6 to build institutional capacity for responsible AI adoption at the local level.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>AULSS6 shows that local health authorities can lead responsible AI implementation in healthcare. Its multidimensional approach close to the population offers a replicable, scalable model for health systems across Italy and Europe, advancing digital transformation through a bottom-up strategy close to the communities served.</p>","PeriodicalId":502090,"journal":{"name":"Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita","volume":"62 1","pages":"87-90"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147501460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Teresa D'Amore, Emanuela Testai, Emma Di Consiglio
{"title":"Advancing pesticide risk assessment: the role of adverse outcome pathways and new approach methodologies - what's next?","authors":"Teresa D'Amore, Emanuela Testai, Emma Di Consiglio","doi":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_07","DOIUrl":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_07","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>In recent years, the scientific community, together with regulatory authorities, institutions and stakeholders, joined in the common objective of changing the regulatory toxicology paradigm, moving from classical toxicological animal testing towards an exposure-driven risk assessment, based on mechanistic information derived from alternative methods, globally known as new approach methodologies (NAMs). The transition to the next generation risk assessment (NGRA) requires the collective effort of all involved actors. One approach addressing the needs of the NGRA is the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) concept. This construct describes a sequence of temporally and causally linked events at distinct levels of biological organization leading to an adverse health effect. The development, validation and implementation of AOPs at the regulatory level have become key objectives of several authorities.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this paper, the AOPs and AOP networks as applied by the European Food Safety Agency are analyzed, alongside the proposed batteries of NAMs.</p><p><strong>Results and discussion: </strong>Two case studies, (1) Parkinson's disease and pesticide exposure, and (2) exposure to substances with endocrine-disrupting properties and the development of uterine adenocarcinoma, are described. The analysis of the entire AOP construct for each case and the assembly of the specific NAMs allowed us to identify the strengths and limitations of the AOP strategy, as well as of each proposed test. Their integration and status are assessed within the current regulatory framework.</p>","PeriodicalId":502090,"journal":{"name":"Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita","volume":"62 1","pages":"40-52"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147501497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}