Trapani

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 investigating the treatment of coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR), a condition where the artery narrows again after stent placement, despite advances in drug-eluting stents. This trial compares two methods of guiding percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ISR: one using intracoronary optical coherence tomography (OCT) along with angiography, and the other using angiography alone. The goal is to understand whether OCT guidance improves acute PCI performance for ISR patients. Participants with ISR showing 70% to 99% narrowing in a vessel between 2.25 and 5.75 mm will be randomly assigned to two groups. The first group will have PCI guided by OCT and angiography, with OCT runs before and after PCI, and additional OCT imaging allowed during the procedure. The second group will have PCI guided only by angiography, but OCT imaging will still be performed before and after PCI without the operator seeing the OCT results to maintain blinding. Operators in both groups may use various approved tools and techniques during PCI as needed. During the study, patients will undergo imaging and PCI procedures with detailed documentation of the treatment plans and any changes after OCT review. Researchers will measure changes in artery cross-sectional area after PCI as the primary outcome. Safety and procedural details will be closely monitored. The total participation includes the PCI procedure and follow-up imaging to assess treatment effectiveness.

This research investigates the mid- and long-term results of different surgical methods used to correct anorectal malformations (ARM) with perineal or vestibular fistula in children. It is a national, multicenter, ambispective (combining retrospective and prospective) longitudinal cohort study including patients who had surgery between 2020 and 2027. The study aims to compare surgical techniques such as posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP), anterior sagittal anorectoplasty (ASARP), and transanal proctoplasty (TAP) by looking at functional outcomes like fecal continence, complications, quality of life, constipation, and bowel management needs.