StochKit-FF: Efficient Systems Biology on Multicore Architectures

The stochastic modelling of biological systems is an informative, and in some cases, very adequate technique, which may however result in being more expensive than other modelling approaches, such as differential equations. We present StochKit-FF, a parallel version of StochKit, a reference toolkit for stochastic simulations. StochKit-FF is based on the FastFlow programming toolkit for multicores and exploits the novel concept of selective memory. We experiment StochKit-FF on a model of HIV infection dynamics, with the aim of extracting information from efficiently run experiments, here in terms of average and variance and, on a longer term, of more structured data.Comment: 14 pages + cover pag

Catheter-Related Late Complications in Cancer Patients During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Study

Background: Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) and midline catheters are crucial for chemotherapy and supportive care in cancer patients. Their use requires ongoing monitoring to prevent late complications such as infections, dislodgements, and replacements. The COVID-19 pandemic challenged healthcare systems, potentially increasing these complications due to reduced outpatient services and limited specialized personnel. Objectives: This study compared the incidence of late complications associated with PICCs and midline catheters in cancer patients during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at a Cancer Center in Italy from March 2020 to April 2024. Catheter-related complications were divided into two cohorts: during the pandemic (March 2020-March 2022) and post-pandemic (April 2022-April 2024). The primary outcome was the incidence of late complications requiring device removal, categorized as infections, dislodgements, and replacements. Statistical analyses included the Chi-squared test for categorical variables and the Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous variables. Results: Of 4104 PICC and midline catheter placements, 2291 removals were recorded, with 550 (24%) due to late complications-404 during the pandemic and 146 post-pandemic (p < 0.001). Suspected infections were the most frequent complication, significantly higher during the pandemic (p < 0.001). Dislodgements and replacements also decreased markedly post-pandemic. Limited outpatient services and disrupted healthcare workflows likely contributed to higher complication rates during the pandemic. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted catheter management in cancer patients, increasing late complications. The post-pandemic decline highlights the importance of consistent care, infection prevention, remote monitoring, and stronger healthcare resilience to reduce risks in future crises

The Relationship Between Pain Catastrophizing and Spiritual Well-Being in Adult Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Context: Chronic cancer-related pain adversely affects patients' physical and psychological well-being. Pain catastrophizing intensifies pain perception and emotional distress, whereas spiritual well-being may provide essential coping mechanisms. The interplay between spiritual well-being and pain catastrophizing in cancer patients is not thoroughly studied. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between spiritual well-being and pain catastrophizing in cancer patients experiencing chronic pain. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from June 2023 to June 2024 at cancer center enrolling patients with cancer and pain intensity ≥4/10. Participants completed the Pain Catastrophizing Scale and the FACIT-Spiritual Well-being Scale (FACIT-Sp-12) including the domains Meaning, Peace, Faith. Demographic data, symptom burden, and Karnofsky performance status were also collected. A Generalized Additive Model was employed to assess associations between scores of Pain Catastrophizing Scale and spiritual well-being domains, controlling for symptom burden and demographic variables. Results: Ninety-seven patients, mostly male, with gastrointestinal cancer, a mean age of 62.9 years and mean Karnofsky score 44.4 (SD 7.7) completed the study. Higher levels of Peace (β = -1.96, p = 0.004) and Faith (β = -0.99, P = 0.031) were significantly associated with lower pain catastrophizing, while meaning was not significantly associated (β = 0.87, P = 0.237). Increased symptom burden was positively correlated with higher pain catastrophizing (β = 0.16, P = 0.005). The model explained 38.9% of the variance in pain catastrophizing scores (Adjusted R2 = 0.389). Conclusion: Spiritual well-being, specifically the Peace and Faith domains, is inversely related to pain catastrophizing in cancer patients. Integrating spiritual care into pain management strategies may enhance coping mechanisms and reduce emotional distress, thereby improving patients' quality of life

Auditory hallucinations simulation in mental health nursing education: a scoping review

Objectives: This scoping review aims to identify the state of the art of simulation in nursing education for patients with mental health problems presenting auditory hallucinations. Specifically, it aims to identify outcomes studied in the literature, existing tools used to simulate auditory hallucinations, the effectiveness of such methodology and tools, and learners' experience and satisfaction. Design: A Scoping Review was performed by consulting the PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web Of Science, PsycINFO (Ovid), including full-text articles published between 2013 and 2023. Review methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey & O'Malley framework and integrating relevant aspects of the Johanna Briggs Institute methodology for Scoping Review. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was followed for reporting. Quality apprisal was also performed. Results: Thirteen studies were included. Retrived evidence suggests the effectiveness of the methodology and student satisfaction. However, some risks have been outlined that nursing educators must necessarily consider. Conclusion: Evidence supports the use of this type of simulation, which, however, is not risk free

Assessment of malnutrition risk in post-stroke patients: a systematic literature review

Stroke is one of the main causes of death, especially when associated with malnutrition. Assessment of nutritional status in all stages of the disease is therefore mandatory to improve clinical outcome

An integrated modelling approach for R5-X4 mutation and HAART therapy assessment

We have modelled the within-patient evolutionary process during HIV infection using different methodologies. New viral strains arise during the course of HIV infection. These multiple strains of the virus are able to use different coreceptors, in particular the CCR5 and the CXCR4 (R5 and X4 phenotypes, respectively)influence the progression of the disease to the AIDS phase. We present a model of HIV early infection and CTLs response which describes the dynamics of R5 quasispecies, specifying the R5 to X4 switch and effects of immune response. We illustrate dynamics of HIV multiple strains in the presence of multidrug HAART therapy. The HAART combined with X4 strain blocker drugs might help to reduce infectivity and lead to slower progression of disease. On the methodology side, our model represents a paradigm of integrating formal methods and mathematical models as a general framework to study HIV multiple strains during disease progression, and will inch towards providing help in selecting among vaccines and drug therapies. The results presented here are one of the rare cases of methodological cross comparison (stochastic and deterministic) and a novel implementation of model checking in therapy validation

La valutazione del Rischio Clinico percepito in un Blocco Operatorio:analisi sperimentale e progetto di intervento

Razionale. La finalità dello studio consiste nell’analisi delle attività infermieristiche in ambito operatorio e nella creazione di una mappatura delle criticità organizzative e di processo tramite strumenti testati e validati in altre realtà. Si proporrà un nuovo strumento di prevenzione del “rischio clinico” ed un progetto didattico di aggiornamento professionale rivolto al personale infermieristico. Obiettivo. La gestione dei processi di rischio all’interno di una struttura complessa quale un Blocco operatorio di chirurgia generale, rappresenta un difficile compito per infermieri e personale sanitario che vi lavora quotidianamente. obiettivo di questo lavoro è fornire informazioni relative e proporre un metodo integrato di formazione del personale e di controllo dei fattori di rischio utilizzando nuovi strumenti. Metodologia. utilizzo di metodiche di approccio al problema, come la SafetyWalkAround e l’analisi FMEcA adattandole al contesto operativo. A livello di formazione si sono utilizzati strumenti di indagine conoscitiva come l’intervista con questionario e il Focus group per la valutazione delle competenze e del livello culturale degli infermieri in materia. Risultati. Vengono descritti gli strumenti di indagine; si è creata una scheda di prevenzione del possibile “evento avverso” applicabile al contesto lavorativo. Si propone un corso di formazione al personale delineandone contenuti, modalità e verifica. Conclusioni. gli strumenti proposti forniscono un validissimo aiuto nell’identificazione delle criticità strutturali e assistenziali. il loro utilizzo ha permesso di evidenziare punti critici e la relativa ricerca di soluzioni concrete. La proposta di un corso di formazione è stata pienamente accettata dal personale infermieristico, propenso a migliorarsi per fornire livelli assistenziali più alti