Scorrano

Researchers are conducting an observational, prospective, multicenter study in Italian cardiology centers to evaluate how well patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) follow guideline-recommended treatments. The study also aims to assess the safety of these treatments, monitor treatment patterns in patients with acute heart failure, and observe treatment approaches in all chronic heart failure patients regardless of their ejection fraction levels. The study involves two phases of educational interventions and data collection. Initially, healthcare providers will receive education on guideline recommendations and treatment patterns, followed by 3 months of patient data collection or up to 30 consecutive patients with chronic or acute heart failure. After 6 months, treatment modifications and outcomes will be evaluated. Then, a second educational session will highlight gaps between guidelines and practice, followed by another 3 months of data collection. Patients will be followed for 12 months total, with ongoing monitoring of treatment changes and outcomes. Participants will be assessed at enrollment and during the follow-up periods through clinical evaluations and data collection on treatment adherence and safety. The main outcome measured is adherence to guideline-directed medical therapies over 6 months. The study includes evaluations at 6 and 12 months after enrollment, with close monitoring of treatment patterns and patient health status throughout the study duration.

Researchers are evaluating patients who have experienced athero-thrombotic events such as coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, or peripheral artery disease. The study aims to assess how well patients follow guideline recommendations, particularly focusing on improving cholesterol levels and other modifiable risk factors to reduce the chance of cardiovascular event recurrence. This observational and prospective study takes place across multiple cardiology centers in Italy to represent a broad patient population. The study includes several phases starting with an educational intervention to discuss guideline recommendations for secondary prevention. Following this, data is collected for three months or until 30 patients with documented cardiovascular conditions are enrolled, using a web-based case record form that identifies when guidelines are not followed and records reasons for non-adherence. After six months, primary and secondary outcomes are evaluated. A second educational intervention then shares findings from the first phase to highlight gaps in clinical practice, followed by another three-month data collection period and a further six-month outcome assessment. Finally, all patients are followed for 12 months to monitor longer-term results. Participants provide informed consent and are monitored through data collection forms that track adherence to guidelines and clinical outcomes. The main outcome measured is adherence to cholesterol management guidelines over six months. Additional assessments include adherence to recommendations for other cardiovascular risk factors. Throughout the study, researchers gather data to understand how guideline adherence affects patient health and to identify barriers to following best practices, with continuous follow-up over a year to evaluate sustained effects.

Researchers are investigating delivery outcomes by using the Artificial Intelligence Dystocia Algorithm (AIDA) method to evaluate fetal head position and progression during labor. The study focuses on both normal (eutocic) and difficult (dystocic) labors by measuring intrapartum ultrasound parameters such as Angle of Progression, Asynclitism Degree, Fetal Head-Symphysis Distance, and Midline Angle. This approach aims to improve prediction of delivery outcomes and neonatal health by assessing Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. The study monitors pregnant women using the AIDA method during labor with continuous intrapartum ultrasound to collect clinical, obstetric, and ultrasonographic data. Women are followed through labor and delivery while the AIDA device analyzes key geometric parameters to classify labor progression into five classes that indicate the likelihood of cesarean delivery or vaginal birth. This classification helps identify cases where intervention may be needed or can be safely avoided. Participants undergo intrapartum ultrasound assessments and clinical monitoring of labor progress, with data used by AIDA to guide predictions. Researchers measure labor outcomes one year after delivery, focusing on both mother and newborn health. The study tracks Apgar scores and labor outcomes to evaluate the accuracy of AIDA in assisting clinical decisions, aiming to improve labor management and reduce complications over the follow-up period.

This research focuses on invasive bacterial diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae, which lead to severe health problems and frequent serious complications. The study aims to understand the epidemiology of these infections, including the distribution of bacterial strains, to better plan prevention and treatment strategies. It highlights the importance of monitoring these infections to guide public health actions, detect vaccine failures, and assess the impact of vaccination programs. The study uses molecular diagnostic testing on blood samples to identify the pathogens, even when traditional culture methods fail due to prior antibiotic use or sample handling issues. Molecular diagnosis allows for more accurate detection of these bacteria regardless of their viability in samples. This testing is conducted on patients from hospitals within and outside the Tuscany region as part of ongoing surveillance. Participants include both pediatric and adult patients diagnosed with invasive bacterial diseases caused by these bacteria. Researchers will track the incidence rates of infections caused by each pathogen over about one year. The study involves collecting biological samples for molecular testing and monitoring the presence and types of bacteria. This will help improve understanding of infection trends and support the development of better prevention and treatment approaches.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of a combination of natural supplements—Epigallocatechin gallate, Vitamin D, D-chiro-inositol, and Vitamin B6—on the size of uterine fibroids in women. This study aims to understand how these supplements impact fibroid volume, especially in women who have fibroids with a diameter of 4 cm or more, or multiple fibroids, and who experience symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding or pelvic pain. Participants will be divided into two groups, with one group receiving the supplement combination and the other receiving a placebo. Those in the treatment group will take two tablets daily for three months, each tablet containing 150 mg of Epigallocatechin gallate, 25 mg of D-chiro-inositol, 5 mg of Vitamin B6, and 25 mcg of Vitamin D. The placebo group will receive maltodextrin tablets. The study compares the effects of these tablets over a three-month treatment period. Women in the study will be assessed at the beginning and at the end of the three-month period to measure the change in fibroid diameter. Researchers will monitor symptoms and measure fibroid size to evaluate the impact of the treatment. The study specifically includes women aged 30 to 40 years who are candidates for surgery and excludes those with high body mass index, pregnancy, breastfeeding, diabetes, or cancer diagnoses.