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Beccia F, Di Marcantonio M, Causio FA, Schleicher L, Wang L, Cadeddu C, Ricciardi W, Boccia S. Integrating China in the International Consortium for Personalised Medicine: a position paper on innovation and digitalization in Personalized Medicine. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:464. [PMID: 38355452 PMCID: PMC10865700 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18009-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The advent of Personalized Medicine (PM) holds significant promise in revolutionizing healthcare by tailoring treatments to individual patients based on their data. However, its successful implementation requires the seamless integration of innovative technologies and presents formidable challenges in terms of sustainability. To tackle these challenges head-on, the International Consortium for Personalized Medicine (ICPerMed) was established, and the IC2PerMed project, as part of this consortium, seeks to foster collaboration between the European Union (EU) and China in the field of Personalized Medicine. Based on the results collected by the project, the objective of this study is to discern the key priorities for the implementation of Personalised Medicine concerning Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Big Data and digital solutions, with a particular emphasis on data management and protection. METHODS A Delphi survey was conducted to gather expert's consensus on the main priorities for actions on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Big Data and digital solutions in the field of Personalized Medicine. RESULTS The survey identified seven priorities in the area of Big Data and digital solutions, including data interoperability, standards, security measures, and international partnerships. Additionally, twelve priorities were identified for the innovation-to-market process, emphasizing cost-effectiveness, need assessment, and value definition in resource allocation. CONCLUSIONS The effective implementation of new technologies in Personalized Medicine research and practice is essential for the advancement of healthcare systems in both the European and Chinese contexts. The identified priorities play a pivotal role in promoting the sustainability of health systems and driving innovation in the implementation of Personalized Medicine. Addressing challenges related to data interoperability, standards, security, international collaboration, cost-effectiveness, and value assessment is of utmost importance in order to propel the progress of Personalized Medicine in healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Beccia
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italia
| | | | - Francesco Andrea Causio
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italia
| | | | | | - Chiara Cadeddu
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italia
| | - Walter Ricciardi
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italia
| | - Stefania Boccia
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italia
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia
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Calabrò GE, Causio FA, Pires Marafon D, Sassano M, Moccia F, Pastorino R, Boccia S. Public attitudes, knowledge and educational needs toward genetic testing and omics sciences: a pilot survey conducted in Italy. Eur J Public Health 2024; 34:75-78. [PMID: 37889589 PMCID: PMC10843941 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckad189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancements in genomics have significant implications for public health, making citizens' education vital for informed decision-making. Based on two literature reviews' findings and a survey conducted with experts from the Italian Network of Genomics in Public Health, we conducted a pilot survey on Italian citizens' attitudes, knowledge and educational needs toward genetic testing and omics sciences. Our results demonstrate a widespread interest in genetic testing and uncertainties regarding associated risks, with 99% of participants acknowledging insufficient knowledge of genetic testing. There is an urgent need for educational tools to improve citizens' literacy and engagement in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Elisa Calabrò
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Andrea Causio
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Denise Pires Marafon
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Sassano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Pastorino
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Boccia
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Causio FA, Beccia F, Hoxhaj I, Huang HY, Wang L, Wang W, Farina S, Osti T, Savoia C, Cadeddu C, Ricciardi W, Boccia S. Integrating China in the International Consortium for Personalized Medicine: A Position Paper on Personalized Medicine in Sustainable Healthcare. Public Health Genomics 2023; 27:1-11. [PMID: 38061342 DOI: 10.1159/000534010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over the last decade, the emergence and spread of personalized medicine (PM) have defined a substantial revolution in healthcare. In principle, healthcare system sustainability is challenged by the investments required for research and development, as well as the adoption of PM techniques in routine clinical care. The "Integrating China in the International Consortium for Personalized Medicine" (IC2PerMed) EU-funded project aims to integrate China into the "International Consortium for Personalized Medicine" (ICPerMed). IC2PerMed aims to align the EU and China's research agendas in this field to enable a swift development of approaches in the EU and China with strong leverage upon EU-Chinese collaborations. METHODS Within this project, we first mapped relevant policies on PM in both the EU and China, and then we involved European and Chinese experts in PM in workshops and Delphi surveys in order to identify relevant priorities for the implementation of PM in sustainable healthcare. RESULTS As a result of this process, we identified nine overarching priorities, each addressing specific aspects of the sustainability of healthcare systems and PM implementation, with the main goal of supporting policymakers in integrating PM approaches in the EU and China. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION The implementation of PM in health systems is appealing in terms of improved accuracy in diagnostics, treatment, and prevention of disease, as well as reduction of the side effects resulting from inefficient use of drugs. Research, development, and implementation of needed techniques require time and resources that can slow the adoption of PM in healthcare systems. The nine priorities we identified address some of the most critical points, trying to lay the foundations for a comprehensive approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Andrea Causio
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Beccia
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilda Hoxhaj
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Hui-Yao Huang
- Academic Director, Clinical Trials Center of National Cancer Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lily Wang
- Jingyi Alliance Clinical Application, BGI, Beijing, China
| | - Wenya Wang
- Center of Biotherapy, Beijing Tsinghua Changgang Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Sara Farina
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Osti
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Cosimo Savoia
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Cadeddu
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Ricciardi
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Boccia
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Cascini F, Gentili A, Melnyk A, Beccia F, Causio FA, Solimene V, Battilomo S, Paone S, Borghini A, Bartolo M, Chiarolla E, Ricciardi W. A new digital model for the Italian Integrated Home Care: strengths, barriers, and future implications. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1292442. [PMID: 38035284 PMCID: PMC10682786 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1292442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fidelia Cascini
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- General Directorate of Health Information System and Statistics, Ministero della Salute, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Gentili
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Andriy Melnyk
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Beccia
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Andrea Causio
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Solimene
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Battilomo
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Paone
- Italian National Agency for Regional Healthcare Services (Agenas), Rome, Italy
| | - Alice Borghini
- Italian National Agency for Regional Healthcare Services (Agenas), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Emilio Chiarolla
- General Directorate of Health Information System and Statistics, Ministero della Salute, Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Ricciardi
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Cascini F, Gentili A, Causio FA, Altamura G, Melnyk A, Beccia F, Pappalardo C, Lontano A, Ricciardi W. Strengthening and promoting digital health practice: results from a Global Digital Health Partnership's survey. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1147210. [PMID: 37404277 PMCID: PMC10315462 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1147210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objective The capacity to promote and disseminate the best evidence-based practices in terms of digital health innovations and technologies represents an important goal for countries and governments. To support the digital health maturity across countries the Global Digital Health Partnership (GDHP) was established in 2019. The mission of the GDHP is to facilitate global collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the design of digital health services, through the administration of surveys and white papers. Objective The scope of this study is to critically analyze and discuss results from the Evidence and Evaluation GDHP Work Stream's survey, understand how governments and countries intend to address main obstacles to the digital health implementation, identify their strategies for a communication of effective digital health services, and promote the sharing of international based best practices on digital health. Methods This survey followed a cross-sectional study approach. A multiple-choice questionnaire was designed to gather data. Choices were extracted from research publications retrieved through a rapid review. Results Out of 29 countries receiving the survey, 10 returned it. On a scale from 1 to 5, eHealth systems/platforms (mean = 3.56) were indicated as the most important tool for centralized infrastructure to collect information on digital health, while primary care (mean = 4.0) represented the most voted item for healthcare services to collect information on digital health. Seven Countries out of 10 identified lack of organization, skepticism of clinicians, and accessibility of the population as a barriers to adopt digital health implementation, resulting to be the most voted items. Finally, the most endorsed priorities in digital health for Countries were the adoption of data-driven approaches (6 Countries), and telehealth (5 Countries). Conclusion This survey highlighted the main tools and obstacles for countries to promote the implementation of evidence-based digital health innovations. Identifying strategies that would communicate the value of health care information technology to healthcare professionals are particularly imperative. Effective communication programs for clinicians and the general population in addition to improved digital health literacy (both for clinicians and citizens) will be the key for the real implementation of future digital health technologies.
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Beccia F, Causio FA, Hoxhaj I, Huang HY, Wang L, Wang W, Farina S, Osti T, Savoia C, Cadeddu C, Ricciardi W, Boccia S. Integrating China in the international consortium for personalised medicine. a position paper on healthcare professionals' education and citizens' empowerment in personalised medicine. BMC Med Educ 2023; 23:438. [PMID: 37316817 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04420-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Personalised medicine (PM) has been fostered by technological and medical advances, but all stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, citizens and policy makers, should achieve adequate health literacy to promote PM implementation. The "Integrating China in the International Consortium for Personalised Medicine" (IC2PerMed) project, funded by the International Consortium for Personalised Medicine, focuses on this issue by highlighting the need to educate healthcare professionals and empower citizens. Within the aforementioned project, building on a mapping of European and Chinese policies in PM, experts in the field of PM participated in an online workshop and a following two-round Delphi survey, in order to identify the priority areas of intervention for healthcare professionals' education and curricula, engagement and empowerment of citizens and patients. RESULTS Nine experts completed the survey and reached a consensus on seventeen priorities: seven were related to health professionals' education and curricula, whereas ten on citizen and patients' awareness and empowerment. CONCLUSION These priorities emphasized the importance of education and health literacy, multidisciplinary and international collaboration, public trust, and consideration of ethical, legal, and social issues. The present experience highlights the relevance of the involvement of stakeholders in informing decision-makers, developing appropriate national plans, strategies, and policies, and ensuring the adequate implementation of PM in health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Beccia
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1 Rome, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Francesco Andrea Causio
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1 Rome, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Ilda Hoxhaj
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1 Rome, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Hui-Yao Huang
- Clinical Trials Center of National Cancer Center, Beijing, China
| | | | - Wenya Wang
- Center of Biotherapy, Beijing Tsinghua Changgang Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Sara Farina
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1 Rome, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Tommaso Osti
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1 Rome, Rome, 00168, Italy.
| | - Cosimo Savoia
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1 Rome, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Chiara Cadeddu
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1 Rome, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Walter Ricciardi
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1 Rome, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Stefania Boccia
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1 Rome, Rome, 00168, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, 00168, Italy
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Causio FA, Hoxhaj I, Beccia F, Marcantonio MD, Strohäker T, Cadeddu C, Ricciardi W, Boccia S. Research and innovation in personalized medicine: a descriptive synthesis of actors in the EU and China. Per Med 2023. [PMID: 37195152 DOI: 10.2217/pme-2023-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Aim: Research and innovation (R&I) actors are fundamental in shortening the translational gap of personalized medicine in health systems. In the context of the 'Integrating China in the International Consortium for Personalized Medicine' project, we aimed to map the current landscape of R&I actors in the field of personalized medicine in the EU and China. Methods: A two-phase desk research study was conducted. Results: We identified 78 R&I actors. Research and technology organizations were the most frequent in both the EU and China. The identified R&I actors were active in a wide range of fields. The EU and China have many different R&I actors addressing personalized medicine-related issues, with few characteristics in common. Conclusion: More efforts are needed to ensure these R&I actors are encouraged to work together to bridge each other's gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Andrea Causio
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Ilda Hoxhaj
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, 00168, Italy
- Department of Surgery Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, 35122, Italy
| | - Flavia Beccia
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | | | | | - Chiara Cadeddu
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Walter Ricciardi
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Stefania Boccia
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, 00168, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, 00168, Italy
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Agazzi C, Magliozzi M, Iacoviello O, Palladino S, Delvecchio M, Masciopinto M, Galati A, Novelli A, Causio FA, Zampino G, Ruggiero C, Fischetto R. Novel Variant in the USP9X Gene Is Associated with Congenital Heart Disease in a Male Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review. Mol Syndromol 2023; 14:158-163. [PMID: 37064340 PMCID: PMC10090979 DOI: 10.1159/000527424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The X-chromosomal USP9X gene encodes a deubiquitylating enzyme involved in protein turnover and TGF-β signaling during fetal and neuronal development. USP9X variants in females are primarily associated with complete loss-of-function (LOF) alleles, leading to neurodevelopmental delay and intellectual disability, as well as a wide range of congenital anomalies. In contrast, USP9X missense variants in males often result in partial rather than complete LOF, specifically affecting neuronal migration and development. USP9X variants in males are associated with intellectual disability, behavioral disorders, global developmental delay, speech delay, and structural CNS defects. Facial dysmorphisms are found in almost all patients. Case Presentation We report the case of an Italian boy presenting dysmorphism, intellectual disability, structural brain anomalies, and congenital heart disease. Using next-generation sequencing analysis, we identified a hemizygous de novo variant in the USP9X gene (c.5470A>G, p.Met1824Val) that was never reported in the literature. Conclusion We provide an overview of the available literature on USP9X variants in males, in order to further expand the genotypic and phenotypic landscape of male-restricted X-linked mental retardation syndrome. Our findings confirm the involvement of USP9X variants in neuronal development and corroborate the possible association between the novel USP9X variant and congenital heart malformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Agazzi
- Rare Diseases Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Monia Magliozzi
- Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Onofrio Iacoviello
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Paediatric Medicine, Giovanni XXIII Children's Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefano Palladino
- Radiology Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Giovanni XXIII Children's Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Maurizio Delvecchio
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Paediatric Medicine, Giovanni XXIII Children's Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Maristella Masciopinto
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Paediatric Medicine, Giovanni XXIII Children's Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessio Galati
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Paediatric Medicine, Giovanni XXIII Children's Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Novelli
- Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Andrea Causio
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Zampino
- Rare Diseases Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Ruggiero
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Paediatric Medicine, Giovanni XXIII Children's Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Rita Fischetto
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Paediatric Medicine, Giovanni XXIII Children's Hospital, Bari, Italy
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Cascini F, Beccia F, Causio FA, Muscat NA, Ricciardi W. Editorial: Digitalization for precision healthcare. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1078610. [PMID: 36530708 PMCID: PMC9755876 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1078610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fidelia Cascini
- Section of Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Beccia
- Section of Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy,*Correspondence: Flavia Beccia
| | - Francesco Andrea Causio
- Section of Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Natasha Azzopardi Muscat
- Department of Health Services Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Walter Ricciardi
- Section of Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Beccia F, Di Pilla A, Causio FA, Federico B, Specchia ML, Favaretti C, Boccia S, Damiani G. Narrative Review of the COVID-19 Pandemic's First Two Years in Italy. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:15443. [PMID: 36497543 PMCID: PMC9736498 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Italy was the first country in the western world to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, arguably among the worst-affected ones, counting 12 million cases and 150 thousand deaths two years since the first case. Facing new challenges, Italy has enacted different strategies and policies to limit the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and treat those affected by COVID-19. This narrative review provided an overview of factors, measures, and actions that shaped Italy's first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic by investigating epidemiological data and using a mixed-method approach. This narrative review aimed to summarize the most relevant aspects and measures and analyze available data to provide policymakers and healthcare providers with the instruments to learn from this pandemic and improve their preparedness for future pandemic events. The first two years of the pandemic differ in that, during the first year, significant necessary changes to the way health systems were organized were implemented, increasing healthcare spending and adopting social and physical distancing measures that were stricter than the ones adopted in the second year. However, as the pandemic progressed, increased knowledge of the virus and related variants, as well as the introduction of highly effective vaccines, which were not equally available to the whole population, resulted in a stratification of COVID-19 infections and deaths based on factors such as age, vaccination status, and individual susceptibility to the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Beccia
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Pilla
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Andrea Causio
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Federico
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, Università degli Studi di Cassino e del Lazio Meridionale, 03043 Cassino, Italy
| | - Maria Lucia Specchia
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Favaretti
- Centre on Leadership in Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Boccia
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Damiani
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Causio FA, Villani L, Mariani M, Pastorino R, De Waure C, Ricciardi W, Boccia S. Vaccination coverage trends in European Union from 1980 to 2020: A joinpoint Regression Analysis. Eur J Public Health 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac129.306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Vaccinations are successful, cost-effective public health interventions; nevertheless, vaccine hesitancy represents a concern and several EU countries have implemented mandatory vaccinations to counteract it. The assessment of vaccination coverage data is helpful to clarify the reason behind this choice better and assess its impact. Data were extracted from the WUENIC database as of July 2021. All the 27 EU countries were included, considering the period from 1980 to 2020 (depending on data availability). Coverage indicators on seven vaccinations scheduled during the first year of life to prevent nine vaccine-preventable diseases were considered. Joinpoint regression was run using Joinpoint Trend Analysis Software 4.9.0.0. For each coverage indicator, the last two trends in time identified by the joinpoint regression were considered to identify countries with a positive vaccination coverage trend (having either the last trend significantly positive or the second last significantly negative but followed by a trend reversal) or a negative coverage trend (having either the last trend significantly negative or the second last significantly positive but followed by a trend reversal). To assess each country, we collated together information on each coverage indicator. A total of 180 jointpoint regressions were run. At least one joinpoint was observed in 144 cases: 39 (27.1%) showed a significant positive trend, and 49 (34%) had a significantly negative one. In 36 cases, there was a single trend lacking a joinpoint, either positive (21, 58.3%), negative (8, 22.2%), or not showing a change (7, 19.4%). Overall, 14 countries had mostly negative vaccination coverage trends, whereas 13 had mostly positive vaccination coverage trends. Systematised data collection and analysis of vaccination coverage trends are needed to support public health systems. EU countries differ broadly, but the overall situation shows that coverage trends are a key issue to be addressed.
Key messages
• Vaccination coverage in the EU shows a general negative trend. The assessment and comparison of coverage trends across EU countries could make policymakers able to respond to critical issues timely.
• Mandatory vaccinations have been issued in different countries to prevent vaccination coverages from decreasing. Some countries have not issued any mandate but show high vaccination coverages.
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Affiliation(s)
- FA Causio
- Section of Hygiene, UCSC Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - L Villani
- Section of Hygiene, UCSC Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - M Mariani
- Section of Hygiene, UCSC Rome , Rome, Italy
| | | | - C De Waure
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia , Perugia, Italy
| | | | - S Boccia
- Section of Hygiene, UCSC Rome , Rome, Italy
- Department of Woman, Child and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS , Rome, Italy
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Beccia F, Causio FA, Farina S, Savoia C, Osti T, Di Marcantonio M, Morsella A, Cadeddu C, Ricciardi W, Boccia S. Personalised Medicine in shaping sustainable healthcare: a Delphi survey within the IC2PerMed project. Eur J Public Health 2022. [PMCID: PMC9594064 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac129.429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Personalised medicine (PM) has the potential to transform health systems and make them more sustainable, by making the population healthier and allocating resources efficiently. European Union and China have become world leaders in the field of PM, increasing collaborations worldwide. In this context, the EU Commission in 2020 launched the IC2PerMed (Integrating China in the International Consortium for Personalised Medicine) project to provide key solutions to enable the convergence of European and Chinese stakeholders toward a common approach in PM. Methods From a mapping exercise of policies and programs in PM in EU and China, we identified 20 priority items for shaping sustainable healthcare. Such items were submitted to several Chinese and European experts in PM involved in a 3-round Delphi survey. Experts were asked to review the items’ content and rate their validity and relevance on a 5-point Likert scale. Priorities reaching a Content Validity Index of more than 79% were included, between 70 and 79% were revised, and less than 70% were excluded. Results Of 20 priorities submitted, 9 reached consensus. The priorities hinge on the resources allocation, defining in advance priority investment, and identifying new payment models for public reimbursement, health technology impact, and assessment importance, while integrating end-user perceptions into the whole innovation process. In addition, the pivotal role of multidisciplinary and cross-sectorial collaborations emerged. Ethical, legal, and social implications and the related costs should be always considered in policymaking, evaluation, and management of technological innovation. Conclusions Integrating resources and setting a clear agenda for the implementation of PM would lead to a faster and more efficient translation into clinical practice. Developing policies valuing all the stakeholders’ contributions would implement PM adoption. Key messages • Healthcare systems sustainability is a priority and PM could make the population healthier and help allocate resources more efficiently, hence reducing the overall costs of healthcare. • The inter-sectoral collaborations in healthcare are fundamental to achieving the best standard of care. All stakeholders and policymakers should engage to foster sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Beccia
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome, Italy
| | - FA Causio
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome, Italy
| | - S Farina
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome, Italy
| | - C Savoia
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome, Italy
| | - T Osti
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome, Italy
| | - M Di Marcantonio
- Faculty of Economics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome, Italy
| | - A Morsella
- Faculty of Economics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome, Italy
| | - C Cadeddu
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome, Italy
| | - W Ricciardi
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome, Italy
| | - S Boccia
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS Public Health Area, , Rome, Italy
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Cascini F, Beccia F, Causio FA, Melnyk A, Zaino A, Ricciardi W. Scoping review of the current landscape of AI-based applications in clinical trials. Front Public Health 2022; 10:949377. [PMID: 36033816 PMCID: PMC9414344 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.949377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Clinical trials are essential for bringing new drugs, technologies and procedures to the market and clinical practice. Considering the design and the four-phase development, only 10% of them complete the entire process, partly due to the increasing costs and complexity of clinical trials. This low completion rate has a huge negative impact in terms of population health, quality of care and health economics and sustainability. Automating some of the process' tasks with artificial intelligence (AI) tools could optimize some of the most burdensome ones, like patient selection, matching and enrollment; better patient selection could also reduce harmful treatment side effects. Although the pharmaceutical industry is embracing artificial AI tools, there is little evidence in the literature of their application in clinical trials. Methods To address this issue, we performed a scoping review. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we performed a search on PubMed for articles on the implementation of AI in the development of clinical trials. Results The search yielded 772 articles, of which 15 were included. The articles were published between 2019 and 2022 and the results were presented descriptively. About half of the studies addressed the topic of patient recruitment; 12 articles reported specific examples of AI applications; five studies presented a quantitative estimate of the effectiveness of these tools. Conclusion All studies present encouraging results on the implementation of AI-based applications to the development of clinical trials. AI-based applications have a lot of potential, but more studies are needed to validate these tools and facilitate their adoption.
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Nurchis MC, Lontano A, Pascucci D, Sapienza M, Marziali E, Castrini F, Messina R, Regazzi L, Causio FA, Di Pilla A, Vetrugno G, Damiani G, Laurenti P. COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign among the Health Workers of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS: A Cost–Benefit Analysis. IJERPH 2022; 19:ijerph19137848. [PMID: 35805506 PMCID: PMC9265476 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Vaccinations generate health, economic and social benefits in both vaccinated and unvaccinated populations. The aim of this study was to conduct a cost–benefit analysis to estimate the costs and benefits associated with the COVID-19 vaccination campaign for health workers in Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS (FPG). The analysis included 5152 healthcare workers who voluntarily received the Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, divided into physicians, nurses and other health workers. Data about vaccine cost, administration and materials were derived from administrative databases of the FPG from 28 December 2020 to 31 March 2021. The costs associated with the COVID-19 vaccination campaign amounted to EUR 2,221,768, while the benefits equaled EUR 10,345,847. The benefit-to-cost ratio resulted in EUR 4.66, while the societal return on investment showed a ratio of EUR 3.66. The COVID-19 vaccination campaign for health workers in FPG has high social returns and it strengthens the need to inform and update decision-making about the economic and social benefits associated with a vaccination campaign. Health economic evaluations on vaccines should always be considered by decision-makers when considering the inclusion of a new vaccine into the national program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Cesare Nurchis
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.N.); (G.V.); (G.D.); (P.L.)
- Department of Health Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (M.S.); (E.M.); (F.C.); (R.M.); (L.R.); (F.A.C.); (A.D.P.)
| | - Alberto Lontano
- Department of Health Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (M.S.); (E.M.); (F.C.); (R.M.); (L.R.); (F.A.C.); (A.D.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Domenico Pascucci
- Department of Health Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (M.S.); (E.M.); (F.C.); (R.M.); (L.R.); (F.A.C.); (A.D.P.)
| | - Martina Sapienza
- Department of Health Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (M.S.); (E.M.); (F.C.); (R.M.); (L.R.); (F.A.C.); (A.D.P.)
| | - Eleonora Marziali
- Department of Health Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (M.S.); (E.M.); (F.C.); (R.M.); (L.R.); (F.A.C.); (A.D.P.)
| | - Francesco Castrini
- Department of Health Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (M.S.); (E.M.); (F.C.); (R.M.); (L.R.); (F.A.C.); (A.D.P.)
| | - Rosaria Messina
- Department of Health Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (M.S.); (E.M.); (F.C.); (R.M.); (L.R.); (F.A.C.); (A.D.P.)
| | - Luca Regazzi
- Department of Health Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (M.S.); (E.M.); (F.C.); (R.M.); (L.R.); (F.A.C.); (A.D.P.)
| | - Francesco Andrea Causio
- Department of Health Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (M.S.); (E.M.); (F.C.); (R.M.); (L.R.); (F.A.C.); (A.D.P.)
| | - Andrea Di Pilla
- Department of Health Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (M.S.); (E.M.); (F.C.); (R.M.); (L.R.); (F.A.C.); (A.D.P.)
| | - Giuseppe Vetrugno
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.N.); (G.V.); (G.D.); (P.L.)
- Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Damiani
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.N.); (G.V.); (G.D.); (P.L.)
- Department of Health Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (M.S.); (E.M.); (F.C.); (R.M.); (L.R.); (F.A.C.); (A.D.P.)
| | - Patrizia Laurenti
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.N.); (G.V.); (G.D.); (P.L.)
- Department of Health Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (M.S.); (E.M.); (F.C.); (R.M.); (L.R.); (F.A.C.); (A.D.P.)
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Pastorino R, Pezzullo AM, Villani L, Causio FA, Axfors C, Contopoulos-Ioannidis DG, Boccia S, Ioannidis JPA. Change in age distribution of COVID-19 deaths with the introduction of COVID-19 vaccination. Environ Res 2022; 204:112342. [PMID: 34748775 PMCID: PMC8570444 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Most countries initially deployed COVID-19 vaccines preferentially in elderly populations. We aimed to evaluate whether population-level vaccine effectiveness is heralded by an increase in the relative proportion of deaths among non-elderly populations that were less covered by vaccination programs. ELIGIBLE DATA We collected data from 40 countries on age-stratified COVID-19 deaths during the vaccination period (1/14/2021-5/31/2021) and two control periods (entire pre-vaccination period and excluding the first wave). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We meta-analyzed the proportion of deaths in different age groups in vaccination versus control periods in (1) countries with low vaccination rates; (2) countries with age-independent vaccination policies; and (3) countries with standard age-dependent vaccination policies. RESULTS Countries that prioritized vaccination among older people saw an increasing share of deaths among 0-69 year old people in the vaccination versus the two control periods (summary proportion ratio 1.32 [95 CI% 1.24-1.41] and 1.35 [95 CI% 1.26-1.44)]. No such change was seen on average in countries with age-independent vaccination policies (1.05 [95 CI% 0.78-1.41 and 0.97 [95 CI% 0.95-1.00], respectively) and limited vaccination (0.93 [95 CI% 0.85-1.01] and 0.95 [95 CI% 0.87-1.03], respectively). Proportion ratios were associated with the difference of vaccination rates in elderly versus non-elderly people. No significant changes occurred in the share of deaths in age 0-49 among all 0-69 deaths in the vaccination versus pre-vaccination periods. CONCLUSIONS The substantial shift in the age distribution of COVID-19 deaths in countries that rapidly implemented vaccination predominantly among elderly provides evidence for the population level-effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination and a favorable evolution of the pandemic towards endemicity with fewer elderly deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Pastorino
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health - Public Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Maria Pezzullo
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Villani
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Andrea Causio
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Cathrine Axfors
- Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Stefania Boccia
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health - Public Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - John P A Ioannidis
- Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, of Epidemiology and Population Health, of Biomedical Data Science, and of Statistics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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16
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Causio FA, Hoxhaj I, Beccia F, Di Marcantonio M, Strohäker T, Cadeddu C, Ricciardi W, Boccia S. Big data and ICT solutions in the European Union and in China: A comparative analysis of policies in personalized medicine. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221129060. [PMID: 36329830 PMCID: PMC9623355 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221129060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Several countries are either planning or implementing national strategies for the development and integration of Personalized Medicine (PM) into their healthcare systems. Personalized Medicine is an undisputed priority of the European Commission (EC), which has funded the project "Integrating China into the International Consortium for Personalized Medicine" (IC2PerMed), in order to ensure a common basis for Sino-European collaborations. By mapping the current PM landscape in the European Union (EU) and in China, IC2PerMed aims to provide key solutions toward a synergistic and coordinated approach in the field of PM. Methods An extensive desk research was conducted, aimed at identifying documents on PM-related policies, programs, and action plans in the EU and in China, published up to November 2020. The search was conducted by exploring scientific and gray literature, and official institutional repositories. A descriptive summary condensed the information retrieved for both. Results Since 2013, the year of publication of the first PM policy by the EC "Use of omics technologies in PM development," several documents have been published. PM is a key element of the policy agenda also in China, which in 2016 integrated PM into the 13th National Five-Year Plan, followed by the publication of several policies on technology infrastructure and big data. Both in the EU and China, especially in recent years, these policies addressed in detail the issues of big data, data interoperability and exchange, while defining the standards of information and communication infrastructures. Conclusions In order to allow optimal collaboration, it is essential to understand similarities and differences between the respective policy strategies, with particular attention to data management and adopted infrastructures. The results of this project may enable the development of joint Sino-European research and innovation initiatives, promoting developments in the field of PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Andrea Causio
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and
Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilda Hoxhaj
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and
Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Beccia
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and
Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Chiara Cadeddu
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and
Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Ricciardi
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and
Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Boccia
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and
Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health-Public Health
Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Cascini F, Causio FA, Failla G, Melnyk A, Puleo V, Regazzi L, Ricciardi W. Emerging Issues From a Global Overview of Digital Covid-19 Certificate Initiatives. Front Public Health 2021; 9:744356. [PMID: 34869157 PMCID: PMC8639869 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.744356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fidelia Cascini
- Section of Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy,*Correspondence: Fidelia Cascini
| | - Francesco Andrea Causio
- Section of Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanna Failla
- Department of Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Andriy Melnyk
- Section of Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Valeria Puleo
- Section of Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Luca Regazzi
- Section of Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Walter Ricciardi
- Section of Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy,Scientific Direction, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Pavia, Italy
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Acampora A, Grossi A, Barbara A, Colamesta V, Causio FA, Calabrò GE, Boccia S, de Waure C. Increasing HPV Vaccination Uptake among Adolescents: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E7997. [PMID: 33143171 PMCID: PMC7663345 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a well-known fundamental strategy in the prevention of cervical cancer, as it is always caused by HPV infection. In fact, primary prevention of the infection corresponds to primary prevention of HPV-related cancers and other diseases. Since an effective prevention at the population level is the final goal, it is mandatory for healthcare systems to achieve a high HPV vaccination coverage among the adolescents to reduce the circulation of the virus and the burden of HPV-related diseases. This research identified, through a systematic literature review, 38 papers on strategies adopted to increase HPV vaccination coverage among adolescents. The evaluated strategies targeted adolescents/parents and/or healthcare providers and could be grouped in three main types: (1) reminder-based, (2) education, information, and communication activities, and (3) multicomponent strategies. Several types of strategy, such as those relied only on reminders and integrating different interventions, showed a positive impact on vaccination coverage. Nonetheless, the heterogeneity of the interventions suggests the importance to adapt such strategies to the specific national/local contexts to maximize vaccination coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Acampora
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (A.G.); (A.B.); (V.C.); (F.A.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Adriano Grossi
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (A.G.); (A.B.); (V.C.); (F.A.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Andrea Barbara
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (A.G.); (A.B.); (V.C.); (F.A.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Vittoria Colamesta
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (A.G.); (A.B.); (V.C.); (F.A.C.); (S.B.)
- Unità Operativa Complessa Direzione Sanitaria S. Spirito e Nuovo Regina Margherita, Local Health Unit ASL RM1, 00193 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Andrea Causio
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (A.G.); (A.B.); (V.C.); (F.A.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Giovanna Elisa Calabrò
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (A.G.); (A.B.); (V.C.); (F.A.C.); (S.B.)
- VIHTALI (Value in Health Technology and Academy for Leadership & Innovation), Spin-Off of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Boccia
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (A.G.); (A.B.); (V.C.); (F.A.C.); (S.B.)
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health—Public Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Chiara de Waure
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
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Di Fede E, Massa V, Augello B, Squeo G, Scarano E, Perri AM, Fischetto R, Causio FA, Zampino G, Piccione M, Curridori E, Mazza T, Castellana S, Larizza L, Ghelma F, Colombo EA, Gandini MC, Castori M, Merla G, Milani D, Gervasini C. Expanding the phenotype associated to KMT2A variants: overlapping clinical signs between Wiedemann-Steiner and Rubinstein-Taybi syndromes. Eur J Hum Genet 2020; 29:88-98. [PMID: 32641752 PMCID: PMC7852672 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-020-0679-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysine-specific methyltransferase 2A (KMT2A) is responsible for methylation of histone H3 (K4H3me) and contributes to chromatin remodeling, acting as "writer" of the epigenetic machinery. Mutations in KMT2A were first reported in Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome (WDSTS). More recently, KMT2A variants have been described in probands with a specific clinical diagnosis comprised in the so-called chromatinopathies. Such conditions, including WDSTS, are a group of overlapping disorders caused by mutations in genes coding for the epigenetic machinery. Among them, Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) is mainly caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in CREBBP or EP300. In this work, we used next generation sequencing (either by custom-made panel or by whole exome) to identify alternative causative genes in individuals with a RSTS-like phenotype negative to CREBBP and EP300 mutational screening. In six patients we identified different novel unreported variants in KMT2A gene. The identified variants are de novo in at least four out of six tested individuals and all of them display some typical RSTS phenotypic features but also WDSTS specific signs. This study reinforces the concept that germline variants affecting the epigenetic machinery lead to a shared molecular effect (alteration of the chromatin state) determining superimposable clinical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Di Fede
- Genetica Medica e Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Valentina Massa
- Genetica Medica e Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.,"Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Bartolomeo Augello
- Unità di Genetica Medica, IRCSS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Squeo
- Unità di Genetica Medica, IRCSS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Emanuela Scarano
- Ambulatorio di Malattie Rare, Sindromologia ed Auxologia U.O. Pediatria AOU S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Perri
- Ambulatorio di Malattie Rare, Sindromologia ed Auxologia U.O. Pediatria AOU S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rita Fischetto
- U.O.C. Malattie Metaboliche Genetica Medica, PO Giovanni XXIII, AOU Policlinico Consorziale, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Andrea Causio
- U.O.C. Malattie Metaboliche Genetica Medica, PO Giovanni XXIII, AOU Policlinico Consorziale, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Zampino
- Centro Malattie Rare e Difetti Congeniti, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Università Cattolica, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Piccione
- Dipartimento di scienze per la promozione della salute e la cura della madre e del bambino "G. D'Alessandro", Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elena Curridori
- Dipartimento di clinica pediatrica e malattie rare, Ospedale pediatrico Antonio Cao, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tommaso Mazza
- Unit of Bioinformatics IRCSS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Stefano Castellana
- Unit of Bioinformatics IRCSS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Lidia Larizza
- Research Laboratory of Medical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo Ghelma
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Adele Colombo
- Genetica Medica e Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Gandini
- Genetica Medica e Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Castori
- Unità di Genetica Medica, IRCSS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Merla
- Unità di Genetica Medica, IRCSS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Donatella Milani
- UOSD Pediatria ad alta intensità di cura, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Cristina Gervasini
- Genetica Medica e Biologia Applicata, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy. .,"Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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20
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Fusco C, Nardella G, Fischetto R, Copetti M, Petracca A, Annunziata F, Augello B, D'Asdia MC, Petrucci S, Mattina T, Rella A, Cassina M, Bengala M, Biagini T, Causio FA, Caldarini C, Brancati F, De Luca A, Guarnieri V, Micale L, D'Agruma L, Castori M. Mutational spectrum and clinical signatures in 114 families with hereditary multiple osteochondromas: insights into molecular properties of selected exostosin variants. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:2133-2142. [PMID: 30806661 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HMO) is a rare autosomal dominant skeletal disorder, caused by heterozygous variants in either EXT1 or EXT2, which encode proteins involved in the biogenesis of heparan sulphate. Pathogenesis and genotype-phenotype correlations remain poorly understood. We studied 114 HMO families (158 affected individuals) with causative EXT1 or EXT2 variants identified by Sanger sequencing, or multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and qPCR. Eighty-seven disease-causative variants (55 novel and 32 known) were identified including frameshift (42%), nonsense (32%), missense (11%), splicing (10%) variants and genomic rearrangements (5%). Informative clinical features were available for 42 EXT1 and 27 EXT2 subjects. Osteochondromas were more frequent in EXT1 as compared to EXT2 patients. Anatomical distribution of lesions showed significant differences based on causative gene. Microscopy analysis for selected EXT1 and EXT2 variants verified that EXT1 and EXT2 mutants failed to co-localize each other and loss Golgi localization by surrounding the nucleus and/or assuming a diffuse intracellular distribution. In a cell viability study, cells expressing EXT1 and EXT2 mutants proliferated more slowly than cells expressing wild-type proteins. This confirms the physiological relevance of EXT1 and EXT2 Golgi co-localization and the key role of these proteins in the cell cycle. Taken together, our data expand genotype-phenotype correlations, offer further insights in the pathogenesis of HMO and open the path to future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Fusco
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Grazia Nardella
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Fischetto
- Unit of Metabolic Diseases and Medical Genetics, University Hospital, P.O. Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Copetti
- Unit of Biostatistics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Antonio Petracca
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Francesca Annunziata
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Bartolomeo Augello
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Maria Cecilia D'Asdia
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Simona Petrucci
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Mattina
- Unit of Medical Genetics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Annalisa Rella
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Matteo Cassina
- Unit of Clinical Genetics, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mario Bengala
- Dipartimento di Oncoematologia, U.O.C Laboratorio di Genetica Medica, Fondazione Policlinico di Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Biagini
- Unit of Bioinformatics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Francesco Andrea Causio
- Unit of Metabolic Diseases and Medical Genetics, University Hospital, P.O. Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Camilla Caldarini
- Division of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Gaetano Pini, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Brancati
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.,Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata (IDI) IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro De Luca
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Vito Guarnieri
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Lucia Micale
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Leonardo D'Agruma
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Marco Castori
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
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Acampora A, Grossi A, Barbara A, Colamesta V, Causio FA, Calabrò GE, Boccia S, De Waure C. Increasing HPV vaccination uptake among adolescents: A Systematic Review. Eur J Public Health 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz185.455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for the development of several pathologies besides the cervical cancer and HPV vaccination is a key strategy for primary prevention. The aim of this research was to identify strategies adopted to increase HPV vaccination coverage among the adolescents.
Methods
A systematic review was carried-out by searching electronic databases (Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science) using selected keywords as “papillomavirus vaccine”, “vaccination strategy” and “efficacy”. Articles conducted in high-income countries and evaluating the impact of one or more strategies on vaccination coverage (initiation e/o completion) in adolescents were included.
Results
Out of 3571 single citations screened, 42 papers (2011-2018) were included. Study size ranged from 50 to 325229 individuals. The major part of the studies was from the United States (n = 35; 83,3%) and conducted with an experimental design (n = 17; 40,5%). The evaluated outcomes included first dose uptake, schedule completion, vaccination timeliness and the number of administered doses. Identified strategies included reminds (9), education activities (9), multicomponent strategies (22) and others (2) and were focused on adolescents/parents and/or healthcare providers. Significant positive results were reported in seven studies (77,8%) evaluating the impact of reminds, four studies (44,4%) on education strategies, and in 12 studies (54,5%) on multicomponent strategies. Offering vaccination in “bundle” or during any medical visit was also reported as significantly effective.
Conclusions
Increasing the vaccination coverage is essential to achieve HPV-related diseases control. Several types of strategies are available and showed a positive impact on vaccination uptake, in particular those relied on reminds. Nonetheless, the heterogeneity of interventions suggests the importance to adapt such initiatives to the specific context in order to maximize the improvement in vaccination uptake.
Key messages
Several types of strategies to increase vaccination uptake are available at international level and showed a positive impact among adolescents. These interventions are heterogeneous suggesting the importance of their adaptation to the specific context in order to gain the maximum improvement in vaccination uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Acampora
- Institute of Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - A Grossi
- Institute of Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - A Barbara
- Institute of Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - V Colamesta
- Institute of Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- UOC Direzione Sanitaria S. Spirito e Nuovo Regina Margherita, Local Health Unit ASL RM1, Rome, Italy
| | - F A Causio
- Institute of Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - G E Calabrò
- Institute of Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - S Boccia
- Institute of Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - C De Waure
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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22
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Fischetto R, Palumbo O, Ortolani F, Palumbo P, Leone MP, Causio FA, Pesce S, Digilio MC, Carella M, Papadia F. Clinical and molecular characterization of a second family with the 12q14 microdeletion syndrome and review of the literature. Am J Med Genet A 2017; 173:1922-1930. [PMID: 28407409 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.38253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The 12q14 microdeletion syndrome is a rare condition characterized by low birth weight, failure to thrive, short stature, learning disabilities, and osteopoikilosis. To date, 20 cases of 12q14 deletion have been reported in the literature, displaying both phenotypic than genetic variability. We report on three familial cases, a mother and two brothers, with severe short stature. The mother and elder brother presented with osteopoikilosis while the younger brother had severe short stature and developmental delay. SNP array analysis revealed a 1.9 Mb heterozygous 12q14.2q14.3 deletion in all three patients encompassing 14 genes and 3 miRNAs. In addition, the younger brother carried a paternal 11q13.4 duplication including the SHANK2 gene. This latter patient was investigated for developmental delay and did not show osteopoikilosis, confirming the role of age in the clinical presentation of this condition. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second family described with the syndrome. Comparing the clinical and molecular data of our patients with those previously reported we performed a detailed genotype-phenotype correlation confirming the association between growth retardation and osteopoikilosis when the rearrangement includes both LEMD3 and HMGA2 genes. In addition, we suggest the XPOT, TBK1, WIF1 genes as candidates for the clinical features observed in our patients and discuss for the first time the possible involvement of some microRNAs, when deleted, in the etiology of the phenotypes in 12q14 microdeletion syndrome patients. We expect the interpretation of our findings to be useful both from a molecular point of view and for genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Fischetto
- U.O.C. Malattie Metaboliche Genetica Medica, PO Giovanni XXIII, A.O.U. Policlinico Consorziale, Bari, Italy.,Istituto di Biologia e Genetica Generale, Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Orazio Palumbo
- Laboratorio di Genetica Medica, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Federica Ortolani
- U.O.C. Malattie Metaboliche Genetica Medica, PO Giovanni XXIII, A.O.U. Policlinico Consorziale, Bari, Italy
| | - Pietro Palumbo
- Laboratorio di Genetica Medica, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Maria Pia Leone
- Laboratorio di Genetica Medica, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze del suolo, della pianta e degli alimenti, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Andrea Causio
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Sabino Pesce
- U.O.C. Malattie Metaboliche Genetica Medica, PO Giovanni XXIII, A.O.U. Policlinico Consorziale, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Carella
- Laboratorio di Genetica Medica, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Francesco Papadia
- U.O.C. Malattie Metaboliche Genetica Medica, PO Giovanni XXIII, A.O.U. Policlinico Consorziale, Bari, Italy
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