Anti-rubella seroprevalence assessment in an adult sample population in Italy.

Introduction: Despite global immunization efforts, rubella remains a public health concern, particularly in high- and middle-income countries. This study focused on rubella seroprevalence in the province of Florence, Italy, aiming to identify susceptibility clusters, especially among women in their childbearing age. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2018 and December 2019, enrolling 430 adult subjects (age over 18 years). Serum samples were collected, and anti-rubella antibodies were quantified using the ELISA test. Data were analyzed descriptively and compared by sex, nationality, and age groups using statistical tests. Results: The overall rubella seroprevalence was high (92.3%), with no significant differences between genders or nationalities. Among childbearing-age females (18-49 years), the highest seroprevalence was observed in the 30-39 age group (94.1%). However, susceptibility clusters exceeding the 5% threshold set by WHO were identified, especially in females aged 40-49 years (7.0%). Conclusions: Despite high overall seroprevalence, the study identified pockets of susceptibility, even in childbearing age women. Continuous monitoring, targeted immunization strategies, and public health interventions are recommended to maintain rubella elimination, emphasizing the importance of sustained vaccination efforts to protect vulnerable populations.

Impact of Influenza Vaccination on All-Cause Mortality and Hospitalization for Pneumonia in Adults and the Elderly with Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that can be worsened by complications such as seasonal influenza virus infections. The aim of the present meta-analysis is the systematic retrieval and analysis of all available evidence on the effects of an influenza vaccine on diabetic patients. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane databases from inception until April 2019. We included all types of studies reporting on the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in adult and elderly patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess risk of bias, the GRADE methodology was used to assess the evidence for each outcome. A total of 2261 studies were identified, of those, 6 studies completely fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In the 6 studies included in the analysis, influenza vaccination was associated with a lower mortality rate (Mantel Haenszel Odds Ratio (MH-OR), 95% CI: 0.54 (0.40; 0.74), p < 0.001). Patients who received influenza vaccination showed a lower risk of hospitalization for pneumonia (MH-OR, 95% CI: 0.89; (0.80; 0.98), p = 0.18). A sensitivity analysis using fixed effect model confirmed the results (MH-OR, 95% CI: 0.91; (0.87; 0.96); p = 0.001). The results of this meta-analysis are clinically relevant and support the recommendation for all persons with diabetes to receive influenza vaccination.

Trends in the use of seat belts and mobile phones and their seasonal variations in Florence (2005-2015).

INTRODUCTION: About 1.25 million people worldwide die every year because of road accidents. Risk is higher when drivers use mobile phones, whereas seat belts help to prevent crash-related injury. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence, associated factors, and temporal trend of the use of seat belts and mobile phones among drivers and passengers in Florence, Italy (2005-2015). METHODS: Use of seat belts and mobile phones use was monitored via direct observation in four areas in the province of Florence. We fitted Poisson regression models with robust variance to investigate the factors associated with the use of seat belts and mobile phones use by the drivers and to explore long-term trends and seasonal patterns in the two time-series. RESULTS: We observed a total of an overall 134,775 vehicles: seat belts were worn by 71.8% of drivers and front-seat passengers and 27.6% of back-seat passengers, while mobile phones were being used by 4.8% of drivers. Drivers were more likely to wear seat belt when transporting passengers (≥2 vs none: prevalence ratio [PR] 1.21, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.14-1.29) and while driving in the afternoon (PR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03-1.05), and less likely when the front-seat passenger was not wearing seat belts (PR 0.33, 95% CI 0.32-0.34). After an initial increase, seat belts use by the driver decreased over time (-0.5% each year during 2010-2015), with significant peaks and troughs in July and January, respectively. Mobile phone use by the driver was inversely associated with wearing seat belts (PR 0.67, 95% CI 0.64-0.70) and carrying passengers (≥2 vs. none PR 0.20, 95% CI 0.07-0.52). The proportion of drivers using mobile phones did not vary over time nor showed any clear seasonality. CONCLUSIONS: Drivers' risky behaviours (not wearing a seat belt and using a mobile phone) are associated, showing a global misperception of risk among a subset of drivers. The number of passengers and their behaviour is also associated with the driver's attitude. The effectiveness of primary enforcement laws has declined in Italy in recent years; therefore, other strategies should be devised and implemented.