Vaccine Acceptance in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Immunomodulating therapies, which are commonly used in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), have been linked to an increased risk of contracting opportunistic infectious diseases, the majority of which are preventable through vaccination. Nonetheless, vaccination rates in these patients are suboptimal, and frequently lower than in the general population. The COVID-19 immunization schedule provided a new scenario for investigating vaccine acceptance in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with uncertainty and concerns emerging and the number of subjects receiving the third and fourth doses of the vaccine gradually decreasing. This study investigated IBD patients' attitudes towards previous COVID-19 vaccine programs and identified the factors that influence their adherence. It considered demographic and disease-related factors as well as the role of gastroenterologists and primary care physicians (PCPs). METHODS: Data were collected through a self-completed questionnaire administered to all adult IBD patients (age > 18) who visited the Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition division at the University of L'Aquila (Italy) for a regular follow-up between November 2021 and December 2022. Non-IBD gastroenterological outpatients who visited during the same period were included as a control group. RESULTS: A total of 178 patients were included in the analysis. The IBD group consisted of 77 patients, 48.1% with CD and 51.9% with UC; the mean age was 49.5 years and 51.9% were female. Overall, 94.8% of IBD patients had undergone at least one vaccine dose and 79.2% had received two doses, versus 8% of the control group (p < 0.0001). A total of 84.4% of IBD patients reported their propensity towards COVID-19 vaccination, with an average agreement score significantly higher than the controls (p = 0.0044). The trust of IBD patients in the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine (p < 0.0001) and its role in hastening pandemic resolution (p < 0.0001) is strongly related to motivation and propensity. Concerns about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine in IBD (p = 0.0202) and fear of vaccine-induced flare-ups (p = 0.0192) were reported as the main barriers. No correlation was found between COVID-19 vaccine propensity and clinical features like the type of IBD, years of disease, activity, and ongoing treatment. Regarding the recommendations received from physicians to get vaccinated against COVID-19, IBD patients relied heavily on their gastroenterologists for advice, while the control group relied mainly on their PCPs. CONCLUSIONS: The overall positive attitude towards vaccinations reported in our study was better than that observed for other vaccines. The relationship of trust with the gastroenterologist should be used to boost vaccination against other preventable diseases in IBD patients. Our findings add information on the factors influencing vaccine propensity, which can be used to improve current vaccination strategies.

Study on Psychological Stress Perceived among Employees in an Italian University during Mandatory and Voluntary Remote Working during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: This cross-sectional study examined the perceived psychological well-being of administrative/technical employees and researchers/lecturers at the University of L'Aquila (Italy) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was carried out in two different periods of 2022: April 2022, when remote working was still mandatory, and December 2022, when the pandemic emergency had ended and, in Italy, remote working had become voluntary for two days a week and exclusively for administrative staff. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Perceived psychological well-being was investigated using the GHQ-12 (Global Health Questionnaire, short-form with 12 items), a self-administered questionnaire created on Google Forms and sent via email to all the employees of the University of L'Aquila. Statistical analysis was conducted using means, standard deviations, and frequency tables for the descriptive analysis of socio-demographic data, while the t-test or Wilcoxon test and the Χ2 test were used to verify the statistical difference and association between categorical variables. RESULTS: Overall, 365 employees, including 118 administrative/technical and 247 research/teaching staff, participated in the survey in April 2022 when remote working was mandatory. Among them, 219 (52.8%) were female and 196 (47.2%) were male. In December 2022, 266 employees engaged in voluntary remote working, including 184 (69.2%) women and 82 (30.8%) men, took part in the study. The most represented age group was 50-59 years old (36.3% of study participants). During mandatory remote working, 83.4% of lecturers reported a perceived level of psychological distress ranging from moderate to severe versus 69.5% of technicians. The percentage of self-reported psychological distress was higher among the technicians forced to work from home (n. 118-42.9%) vs. the technicians working from home on a voluntary basis (n. 157-57.1%), with GHQ score being >14 in 65.5% of enforced remote workers vs. 62.3% of voluntary remote workers. During mandatory remote working, there was a significant difference in the GHQ-12 score between administrative and research staff, particularly related to items such as loss of self-confidence, emotional pressures, and diminished productivity. Moreover, from the comparison between the group of administrative staff engaged in mandatory remote working and those in voluntary remote working for specific GHQ-12 items, a statistically significant difference emerged concerning the perception of not being able to overcome difficulties; the GHQ-12 score was higher in the first group. Significant differences in the overall GHQ-12 score were evident between male and female lecturers, as the latter reported higher levels of perceived stress during mandatory remote working. DISCUSSION: The results confirm that remote working could be associated with a better psychological state of administrative university staff, especially in the case of voluntary remote working. During mandatory remote working, a difference was observed between teaching and administrative staff, with higher stress in the first group and among women. Therefore, our sample appears fragmented in the self-assessment of psychological well-being during remote working, possibly due to profound differences in the organization of work activities between lecturers and administrative employees. Additionally, the increased perception of stress by female lecturers compared to males may reflect gender disparities, as women working from home during the pandemic experienced an increased workload including domestic activities. CONCLUSIONS: Remote working is a type of working that has both advantages and disadvantages. An advantage is undoubtedly a better work-life balance; however, the risks of technostress, workaholism, increased sedentary behaviour, and social isolation are negative aspects. This study provides an indicative overview of the psychological state related to remote working in a university setting during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The study might therefore serve as a starting point for further research on the impact of remote working on self-reported psychological well-being, especially in the university environment.

Factors associated with chronic pelvic pain in women with endometriosis: A national study on clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyles, quality of life, and perceptions of quality of care, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a persistent inflammatory condition that affects women of reproductive age and causes pelvic pain. Chronic pelvic pain is a chronic regional pain syndrome involving the pelvic area. OBJECTIVES: This survey aimed to characterize the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyles, quality of life, and perceptions of quality of care in women with endometriosis who reported chronic pelvic pain during the Covid pandemic. DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among the Italian population from July to September 2021. METHODS: Snowball sampling was used to interview a large sample of adult women who reported a diagnosis of endometriosis, through a self-reported questionnaire. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with chronic pelvic pain. The primary outcome was describing women who reported chronic pelvic pain. RESULTS: A total of 661 out of 1045 (63%) women who responded to the survey reported chronic pelvic pain. The multivariable analysis evidenced that chronic pelvic pain was related to physical and mental quality perception, pelvic floor disorders (adjusted odds ratio = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.10-2.27; p = 0.012), dyspareunia (adjusted odds ratio = 1.87; 95% CI = 1.31-2.65; p < 0.001), adhesions syndrome (adjusted odds ratio = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.05-2.11; p = 0.026), and the delay in diagnosing endometriosis (adjusted odds ratio = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.00-1.09; p = 0.034). The only social factor associated with chronic pelvic pain was marital status (adjusted odds ratio = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.46-0.93; p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: In the pandemic period, there was a very high prevalence of chronic pelvic pain in women with endometriosis in Italy. The pandemic highlighted the need for careful attention to diagnose endometriosis and the need for psychological and partner support, which would allow better pain management and prevent chronicity.

Investigating Unhealthy Behaviors Associated with SF-36 Domains in Women with Endometriosis-Findings from a Web-Based Survey Data Set.

Unhealthy behaviors may contribute to the development and the progression of chronic diseases with negative consequences on patients' quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between unhealthy behaviors (physical inactivity, tobacco consumption, and alcohol consumption) and health-related quality of life, measured with the SF-36 questionnaire, in women with endometriosis. To achieve this, data from a previous cross-sectional web survey among Italian adult women were analyzed. A total of 1045 responses were included in the analysis. Among the SF-36 subscales, the lowest score was recorded in the energy/fatigue domain: mean = 35.536 (Standard Deviation = 18.452). Smoking and physically inactive women had lower scores than non-smoking and physically active women, respectively, in each SF-36 domain. Women who drank more than one unit of alcohol a day, on average, reported lower scores than women with an alcohol intake <1 unit a day, for the following SF-36 domains: role limitations due to physical health, role limitations due to emotional problems, and emotional well-being. The multivariable analysis evidenced that employment, physical inactivity, and tobacco consumption were significant predictors for each SF-36 domain (p < 0.05). Physical inactivity and tobacco consumption had negative effects on the SF-36 subscales. Our results showed the need to monitor unhealthy behaviors to improve the overall well-being of women with endometriosis. Tailored strategies addressing smoking cessation, promoting physical activity, and moderating alcohol intake may aid in enhancing health-related quality of life in this vulnerable population.

Vaccination status among COVID-19 patients and duration of Polymerase Chain Reaction test positivity: evaluation of immunization schedule and type of vaccine.

Background: The introduction of the vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 has represented a cornerstone in the containment of the pandemic. Our aim was to assess the vaccination schedules in relation to the infection free interval and to the duration of positivity in case of infection. Study design: This study involves the SARS-CoV-2 infected people managed by the Local Health Authority ASL 1 Abruzzo. The data collected included: vaccine administration date, vaccine type, information on the Polymerase Chain Reaction test positivity, and demographic variables, such as age and sex. Methods: The duration of Polymerase Chain Reaction test positivity was assessed in relation to the vaccination status, the vaccine type and the time interval between the last vaccination dose and the first nasopharyngeal positive swab over the considered period. Results: The infection duration (DAYS) was significantly shorter in subjects vaccinated with a booster dose than unvaccinated subjects (12.8 vs 14.6; p<0.0001) and subjects vaccinated with the primary series only (12.8 vs 14.1; p<0.0001). Duration of PCR positivity was shorter with heterologous immunisation than with other vaccination schedules (p=0.0317). Conclusions: This study highlights, in a large cohort of patients, the association between vaccination schedule and the response to infection.

Occupational risk perception of construction workers: a cross sectional study.

Introduction: Construction workers are often exposed to significant injury risk. The aim of our study is to assess their occupational hazards and injury risk perception. Methods: We administered 256 questionnaires to construction workers. The survey was aimed at collecting information regarding occupational risk and hazard exposure perception, risk control and behavioral self-assessment. We analyzed the data obtained in order to highlight any associations between injury risk perception and anamnestic, occupational, behavioral or perceptual factors. Results: Participants were prevalently males (92.37%) aged 21-60 years (94%). They showed a job seniority level of 21.3 (11.51) on average and, ranging from a 1 to 10 score, a danger awareness of 6.8 (2.9), a lack of prevention measures 6.0 (3.3), an improper behavior of 7.3 (2.7), an unpredictable fate of 6.0 (2.9). These factors resulted significantly associated with the injury risk perception. Multivariable analysis highlighted that the injury risk perception was associated with the lack of prevention measure and unpredictable fate. On the other hand, we found a negative association with the workers' improper behaviors. Conclusion: Workers' perception showed fairly uniform average values even when occupational risk was demonstrated. Our analysis suggests a positive correlation between injury risk perception and the idea that injuries are due both to fate and to chance; it also shows a negative correlation between injury risk perception and the idea that injuries are due to improper behavior. A lack of fully comparable studies confirms the need for further studies on the injury risk perception of construction workers.

Implementation of community health care services to counter the SARS-CoV2 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged many countries worldwide since December 2019. The high infection rates, and the need for health care assistance for individuals with comorbidities, strained the national health care systems around the world. Outbreak peaks increased the burden on hospitals that where perceived as high-risk places by people, who often decided to cancel or defer hospital visits. Thus, Italian Local Health Authorities had to develop new organizational models to meet the increased health care needs of the population. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of strengthened community health services on the hospital burden. METHODS: We analysed the number of Emergency Department access at the Hospital De Lellis covered by the Local Health Authority in Rieti, from March 2020 to November 2021. We then assessed the effects of community health services: the Special District Continuing Care Units (SDCUs) and the the COVID hub, on the COVID-19-related ED access, admission and mortality rates. A Chi-squared test for trend and three multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate the trends and the possible predictors of COVID ED access, COVID hospital admissions, and deaths. RESULTS: Being male (OR = 1.41, CI95% 1.05-1.90; p = 0.022) and older age (OR = 1.03, CI95% 1.02-1.04; p < 0.0001) increase the likelihood of hospitalisation for Sars-CoV-2. The implementation of the nursing and medical SDCUs contributed to reducing COVID-19-related deaths (OR = 0.09, CI95% 0.03-0.29; p < 0.0001). The simultaneous implementation of the COVID hub and of the nursing SDCUs had a synergistic effect in reducing the likelihood of hospitalisation (OR = 0.24, CI95% 0.09-0.65; p = 0.005). The subsequent implementation of the medical SDCUS has further contributed to lowering the admission rates. These protective effects persisted also after potential cofounders, such as age, sex, clinical condition on admission, and the immunisation status, were adjusted. CONCLUSIONS: These measures have helped in the management of patients in a complex context such as that of a pandemic by reducing the hospital load and playing an important role in the management of the pandemic. Further studies could assess the transferability of this model in a non-pandemic context.

Assessing the Physical and Psychological Well-being of Construction Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Study in Italy.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study aimed to assess the physical and psychological health of construction workers and examine the relationship between their well-being and the preventive measures implemented against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: During occupational visit, the workers were invited to participate the survey. Two measurements were made and compared: after the Italian lockdown and on the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Fifty-three workers participated in the study. The percentage of workers who considered themselves in good health increased from 66.0% to 81.1%, and there was a significant decrease in the 12-item General Health Questionnaire score (16.8 vs 14.0, P = 0.0003). This reduction was associated with a higher perception of security by preventive measures. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the importance of addressing the health and safety concerns of construction workers during the pandemic, and the positive impact of effective preventive measures.

The Perception of the Quality of Professional Healthcare Assistance for the Management of Endometriosis: Findings from a National Survey in Italy.

(1) Background: endometriosis is included in the list of chronic and disabling pathologies. This study aimed to examine patients' points of view about the quality of care for endometriosis during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) Methods: we conducted a survey on knowledge about endometriosis, management of endometriosis, perceived mental and physical well-being, and perceived changes in the quality of care during the pandemic; (3) Results: out of 1065 participants, 875 were included in the analysis, with an average age of 34. Overall, patients had positive perceptions of care accessibility and cleanliness (95%), but less satisfaction with visit hours (86%). Those with better physical and psychological health were more satisfied with service hours, while those treated at specialised centres were more content with cleanliness. Satisfaction with clarity was linked to specialist treatment, and perceived availability to listen correlated with age, complications, and overall health status; (4) Conclusions: patients' perspectives are crucial for patient education and advocate for specialised interdisciplinary networks to support endometriosis management and patients' well-being. These findings highlight the importance of considering patient viewpoints, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on healthcare systems and suggest a need for further research from the patient's perspective.

SARS-CoV-2 Emergency Management in the ASL 1 Abruzzo Companies, Italy: An Autumn 2022 Cross-Sectional Investigation.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic still represents a public health emergency that affects workplaces and forces employers to develop technical, organizational and procedural measures safeguarding workers' health, particularly 'fragile' ones. This research aimed to assess employers' adherence to the emergency measures planned by the Italian government to hinder COVID-19 during Autumn 2022. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Autumn 2022, with an 18-item questionnaire derived from the Italian State's governmental indications, sent by email to 51 companies of Marsica and Peligna Valley, L'Aquila, Southern Italy. RESULTS: A total of 20 recruited companies (65% were micro-enterprises, belonging to the food and financial sector) responded to the questionnaire within a mean time of 18 days (±11.64), which was lower for medium- and large-sized companies as well as for banking sector ones (p < 0.05). As regards intervention strategies, sanitization (92.7% of positive answers) and specific training (83.3%) showed almost full compliance in contrast to working organization (47.5%) and social distancing (61.7%). The companies that reported managing fragility (50%) belong almost exclusively to the banking sector, with predominantly office-based tasks. CONCLUSIONS: The study provided insight into critical issues relating to compliance with national legislative directives and the crucial role of occupational physicians as global advisors for all workplaces.

Occurrence and congener profiles of dioxins (PCDDs), furans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in ovine and caprine milk samples collected in a very polluted site in Central Italy.

Concentrations of 7 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), 10 polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and 18 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), including 12 dioxin-like (DL-PCBs) and 6 non-dioxin-like PCBs (NDL-PCBs) were measured in 16 ovine and caprine milk samples collected in the territory of Bussi sul Tirino, central Italy, a Site of National Interest (SNI) due to its high and widespread environmental pollution. All the analyzed samples were compliant with the maximum levels fixed by Commission Regulation (EU) 1259/2011 for the content of PCDD/Fs and the sum of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs. In two cases, contamination levels of the sum of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs were higher than the action levels fixed by EU Recommendation 663/2014. The statistical analysis, performed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA), revealed that the differences in contamination profiles of the different milk samples were independent of the distance of the farms from the Bussi illegal landfill but likely related to local emission sources influencing the exposure to POPs of studied animals.

Community pharmacists' perceptions and experiences of stress during COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacists play a crucial role in the COVID-19 pandemic scenario, performing frontline roles for the community, and supporting the healthcare system. This study aimed at investigating stress and its correlates among this category of workers at a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: The participants for this study were employees of the "Municipal Pharmaceutical Company" of L'Aquila (Italy). Data were collected using an anonymous, web-based, self-administered questionnaire. Two independent surveys were conducted, from June to July 2020, and in January 2021. RESULTS: Two separate groups of respondents were involved: a total of 37 workers participated in the first survey (mean age 44.9 ± 10.7, 75.7% women) and 18 in the second survey (mean age 45.9 ± 9.2, 94.4% women). The average total scores of the perceived stress (GHQ-12 score) increased significantly from 15.5 to 18.2 (p = 0.0438), showing a moderate level of stress in the category investigated. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a strong emotional exhaustion in the study sample of pharmacists, who reported high-risk perceptions and fear. A comprehensive assistance should be granted to support the well-being of healthcare workers who provide an essential service, despite the high risk of infection.

COVID-19: opinions and behavior of Italian general population during the first epidemic phase.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: On January 9, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that Chinese health authorities had identified a new coronavirus strain never before isolated in humans, the 2019-nCoV later redefined SARS-CoV-2, that still today represent a public health problem. The present survey started on 10 February 2020 with the aim of a) assessing the risk perception in healthcare workers and young students, following the evolution of attitudes, perception and knowledge over time, b) provide useful information to the general population during survey. RESULTS: A study sample consisting of 4116 Italian individuals of both sexes was enrolled. High levels of risk perception, low perception of self-efficacy and low levels of knowledge scores (24.55 ± 5.76 SD) were obtained indicating the need for continuous population monitoring as well as further communication strategies carried out at institution levels. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study could help public health authorities in carrying out informative campaigns for general population and could be an important tool in evaluating public knowledge and misperceptions during the management of the COVID-19. (www.actabiomedica.it).

E-Learning Satisfaction, Stress, Quality of Life, and Coping: A Cross-Sectional Study in Italian University Students a Year after the COVID-19 Pandemic Began.

(1) Background: The objective was to investigate e-learning satisfaction in a sample of university students by evaluating quality of life, stress sociality, and coping. (2) Methods: This was an online survey involved 471 students attending the University of L'Aquila from June to July 2021. The primary goal was estimating the e-learning satisfaction as measured by the E-learning Satisfaction Scale, while the secondary outcomes were studying its relationship with demographic factors, the perception of quality of life, sociality, stress, and coping strategies using a hierarchical regression model. (3) Results: A total of 136 participants were males (29%); the mean age was 25 years. The results revealed that the satisfaction score was 30.6, and the mean stress level was 19.4. Students suffered psychologically and physically for 14 days a month. The sociality score was 36. With respect to coping strategies, students reported higher scores for "Acceptance" (6.0), "Active coping" (6.2), and "Planning" (6.4). E-learning satisfaction was significantly related to age and course attendance. It was positively associated with the social presence score and coping strategies such as self-blame and religion, while it was inversely related to stress and unhealthy days. (4) Conclusions: The students revealed a positive propensity to use e-learning despite the end of quarantine. Sociality, stress, quality of life, and coping seemed to play an important role in student's e-learning satisfaction.

Does Quality of Care (QoC) Perception Influence the Quality of Life (QoL) in Women with Endometriosis? Results from an Italian Nationwide Survey during Covid Pandemic.

(1) Background: Endometriosis is a chronic and progressive illness that generates a slew of issues, lowering the quality of life of women. The purpose of this study was to look at the quality of life in women with endometriosis and how it relates to the quality of care. (2) Methods: This study is an online survey performed in Italy during the COVID pandemic using the Italian version of the Health Questionnaire SF-36 and a questionnaire for assessing the quality of care received. (3) Results: 1052 women with a self-reported diagnosis of endometriosis participated in the survey. The mean levels of Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) were 38.89 ± 10.55 and 34.59 ± 11.17, respectively. A total of 77% of women judged the services they received positively, and 51% considered the coordination between healthcare professionals to be satisfactory. The satisfaction index mean was 23.11 ± 4.80. PCS was positively related to Occupation, high educational level, physical activity, and health care satisfaction. MCS was positively related to higher age, physical activity, and health care satisfaction. (4) Conclusions: The study indicated that satisfaction with health care was a significant predictor of QoL in women with endometriosis, for both physical and mental health.

Experience and attitudes on vaccinations recommended during pregnancy: survey on an Italian sample of women and consultant gynecologists.

Active immunization in pregnancy is recommended for the influenza and the tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccines. Evidence indicates vaccine effectiveness in preventing influenza-related hospitalizations and pertussis in early infancy. We investigate vaccine uptake in pregnant and non-pregnant women through a sample of young women and consultant gynecologists, along with the potential predisposing and/or enabling factors affecting attitudes to vaccination (knowledge, beliefs, barriers). A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and September 2019, with a sample of 251 women and 14 consultant gynecologists at the Local Health Authority (ASL01) of the Abruzzo Region (Italy), using an anonymous, self-report questionnaire survey. Among the participants, 5.6% of women had received influenza vaccination, 16.4% had received Tdap during pregnancy and only 1.2% had received both vaccines. The assessment of the psychometric attitudinal variables has suggested a more positive willingness to receive Tdap than influenza vaccine among women, as the former is considered more important for the maternal and neonatal health. Health care workers have reported vaccine safety concerns, lack of information, and misconceptions about the need for vaccination as barriers to immunization in pregnant women. The results of this study will contribute to defining the goals and strategies to increase vaccine uptake under the current recommendations, through promoting effective training programs for all health care workers involved (gynecologists, obstetricians, public health physicians).

Exposure assessment to inhalable and respirable dust in the post - earthquake construction sites in the city of l'Aquila.

OBJECTIVES: Following an earthquake that occurred in middle Italy in 2009, the involved territory hosted in 10 years thousands of construction sites. The aim of this study is to assess inhalable, respirable, and respirable crystalline silica exposure of the construction workers involved in the rebuilding activities. METHODS: Six construction companies joined the study and hosted the air sampling activities. We identified four work tasks: bricklayer and similar; scaffolder and carpenter; manual demolition; other tasks. We reported 8-h time-weighted concentrations. RESULTS: The "All tasks" geometric mean concentration of inhalable dust was 4.73 mg/m3 and the higher, TLV exceeding exposure was observed for "Manual demolition workers" (13.92 mg/m3 , GM). The "All tasks" geometric mean concentration of respirable dust was 0.25 mg/m3 and no TLV-exceeding exposure (geometric mean values) was observed among the work-related groups. About the respirable crystalline silica dust exposure, the "All tasks" average concentration was 0.004 mg/m3 . No TLV-exceeding exposure was observed among the whole data sample. CONCLUSIONS: The comparison of the results shows that manual demolition workers are exposed to high levels of inhalable dust, exceeding the TLV-TWA (Threshold Limit Values-Time Weighted Average) limit of 10 mg/m3 . About the respirable dust concentration, none of the analyzed work task dust concentrations exceeded the TLV-TWA limit of 3 mg/m3 (geometric mean values). Measurements of respirable crystalline silica dust have shown levels below the threshold limit value of 0.025 mg/m3 . Our findings overall match with the available scientific data.

Quality of Life among Pediatric Neurocognitive, Speech, and Psychomotor Rehabilitation Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study on an Italian Sample.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to estimate the perceived quality of life and its relationship with sociodemographic and professional factors, perception of susceptibility to COVID-19, and stress. DESIGN: It was a longitudinal study. SUBJECTS: Professionals, working in Italian centers for pediatric neurocognitive, speech, and psychomotor rehabilitation. METHODS: Participants were interviewed online twice during the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy. The questionnaire included: (i) The measures of health-related quality of life to perform the Summary Index of Unhealthy Days, (ii) modified items from the "Standard questionnaire on risk perception of an infectious disease outbreak" and (iii) the items of the General Health Questionnaire. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty professionals out of 130 participated in the first interview, while only 50 therapists took part in the second interview (dropout rate: 61%). The Summary Index of Unhealthy Days was 8 days at the first interview, and it decreased to 6 days at the second interview; however, the reduction was not significant (F = 3.22; p = 0.079). The multivariable analysis showed that the rehabilitation providers with moderate or severe stress level were more likely to have a negative perception of the quality of life (ORadj = 7.155; 95% CI: 2.8-18.2), and this result was confirmed at the second interview. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that in a severe public health emergency, the mental health and quality of life of rehabilitation professionals must be a topic of focus to enhance psychological resilience, to prevent burnout and to reduce rehabilitation errors.

Distance education during COVID 19: an Italian survey on the university teachers' perspectives and their emotional conditions.

BACKGROUND: Following the COVID-19 pandemic, distance education (DE) replaced traditional "face-to-face" teaching and has become the main method of teaching. The aim of this study was to 1) evaluate the impact of DE by teachers in our department during the second semester of the 2019-20 academic year following the March-May 2020 Italian national lockdown and 2) evaluate the relationship between DE and the emotional well-being of teachers during the period of home confinement. METHODS: Ninety-seven university teachers (51.5% women; most represented age group 60-69 years range, 40.2%) responded to an anonymous online cross-sectional survey between July 15 - September 30, 2020, on the advantages and disadvantages of DE, developed by one online teacher focus group. The emotional conditions were assessed by a short version of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). The internal consistency reliability survey and the 10-item BDI-II were measured by Cronbach's alpha. A correlation analysis (r-Pearson) was conducted between the overall evaluation of the experience of DE and the variables included in the study. RESULTS: Teachers reported difficulties in technical aspects, and in psychological factors, as the discomfort of "speaking in the void" (64.7%). The absence of "face-to-face" eye contact with the students was complained by 81% of teachers. Significant impairments in sleep patterns and loss of energy were reported, with female teachers having greater difficulty concentrating than their male colleagues. A quarter of teachers showed depressive symptoms of varying severity. The most satisfied teachers were those most stimulated by DE (r = 0.752, p < 0.000), who showed a lower impact of depressive symptoms (r = - 0.289, p = 0.005). The teaching load in hours influenced the perception of disadvantages (r = 0.214, p = 0.035) and contributed to a lower appreciation of the challenges of DE. The more significant the manifestation of depressive symptoms during the lockdown was, the greater the subjective recovery of a good emotional condition once the domestic confinement was over (r = 0.344, p = 0.001), despite maintaining DE. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights the impact of technical, didactic, and psychological difficulties of DE, reported by our teachers. The appreciation of their new learning promoted by DE seemed related to better emotional well-being of university teachers accepting this "challenge" in their important role in the high-education system, influencing good learning and promoting students' professional success.

Long-term immune protection against HBV: associated factors and determinants.

In Italy, vaccination against hepatitis B became compulsory for all the newborns and 12-years-old adolescents in 1991. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the persistence of long-term protection against HBV in medical students of the University of L'Aquila and in postgraduates Medical Doctors (HCWs) working in San Salvatore Hospital. The second aim was to study the variables associated with a protective anti-HBs antibody level, such as age at vaccination, gender, time elapsed from the last dose of vaccination.Three hundred and forty-two subjects were enrolled from January 2017 to January 2019 and a blood sample was collected to evaluate the levels of serum HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc. Statistical analysis calculated a multivariable logistic regression model to examine predictors of a protective anti-HBs titer. The larger part (239, 70%) of the students had an anti-HBs titer >10 mIU/mL, those were statistically significant older (26.7 vs 24.5 years, p < .001), vaccinated at age 12 years (83.5% vs 59.9% among vaccinate at infancy, p < .001) and more frequently attending postgraduate medical school (80.8% vs 57.5% among healthcare profession school, p < .001). The multivariable logistic regression model showed that HBV vaccination at age of 12 was significantly and independently associated with protective titers (OR = 10.27, p = .019).The results agreed with literature on HBV vaccination, confirming the efficacy of vaccination after 20 years. In particular, our results suggest that adolescent administration is the main predictor of a protective title, regardless of gender, course and years since vaccinations.