Feltre

Researchers are conducting an international multicenter study to develop a new simplified endoscopic score focused on vascular features of the colon to distinguish between inactive and mild inflammation in ulcerative colitis UC. This study aims to compare the new scores ability to define disease activity and remission against existing endoscopic and histological scores, as well as to predict long-term clinical outcomes. Additionally, the study seeks to adapt artificial intelligence AI algorithms to enhance disease assessment and outcome prediction using various enhanced endoscopic techniques. The study will use high-definition white light endoscopy WLE-HD along with texture and colour enhancement imaging TXI, red dichromatic imaging RDI, and narrow-band imaging NBI modes. It includes several phases developing the score using video analysis and expert consensus, validating it in a large group of UC patients, assessing its reproducibility among gastroenterologists, and creating AI algorithms to standardize grading and prediction. Patients undergoing colonoscopy for disease assessment or surveillance will have colonoscopy with biopsies, blood and stool samples taken to monitor inflammation. Participants will be followed up at 6 and 12 months with clinic or telephone assessments to evaluate disease activity using the Partial Mayo Score and clinical outcomes. Researchers will analyze the diagnostic performance of the new score within six months and correlate it with existing scores and AI developments over two years. The study involves collecting clinical data, imaging, biopsies, blood, and stool samples to thoroughly assess and predict UC disease activity and outcomes.

This research aims to study the epidemiology of invasive bacterial diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumococcus, Neisseria meningitidis meningococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae hemophilus. These infections can cause severe illness and serious complications. The study focuses on monitoring these infections to guide public health efforts, evaluate vaccine impacts, and plan prevention and treatment strategies by identifying circulating strains and assessing vaccine failures. The study uses molecular diagnostic testing to identify these bacteria from blood samples, even when traditional culture methods may fail due to prior antibiotic use or sample handling issues. Pediatric and adult patients diagnosed with invasive bacterial diseases caused by these pathogens are included. This approach enables more accurate detection and characterization of the bacteria. Participants diagnosed with these invasive bacterial infections will have their samples analyzed using molecular methods. Researchers will monitor the incidence rates of these infections in children, the distribution of bacterial types, and the proportion of cases preventable by vaccination. The study will also assess vaccine failure rates. The average study duration for outcome measurement is about one year, supporting improved surveillance and public health interventions.