1,720,981 research outputs found
Martino Jasoni tra luogo d’immigrazione e luogo d’origine. Il viaggio migratorio come duplice rito di passaggio
No full text
Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress for Neonatal Lung Disease
Full text linkThe transition from prenatal to postnatal life causes a significant increase in arterial oxygen tension and the activation of metabolic pathways enabling the newborn's adaptation to the extra-uterine environment. The balance between pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant systems is critical to preserve cellular functions. Indeed, oxidative stress (OS) occurs when the production of free radicals is not balanced by the activity of intracellular antioxidant systems, contributing to cellular and tissue damage. Perinatal OS may have serious health consequences during the postnatal period and later in life. Namely, OS has been recognized as the major cause of lung injury in newborns, especially those preterm born, due to their immature lung and antioxidant systems. The development of OS biomarkers has gained increasing research interest since they may provide useful insights about pathophysiological pathways underlying OS-mediated pulmonary diseases in newborns. Moreover, their implementation in clinical settings may help to early identify high risk-newborns and to provide targeted treatment. Ideally, a biomarker should demonstrate ease of use, biological validity and reproducibility, high sensitivity and specificity. However, none of the clinically validated biomarkers so far have been qualified for neonatal lung disease. Additionally, the complex technical procedures and the high cost of such determinations have hampered the use of OS biomarkers in clinical practice. This review aims to evaluate the current evidence on the application of biomarkers of oxidative stress for neonatal lung disease and exploring the most relevant issues affecting their implementation in practice, as well as the associated evidence gaps and research limitations
WIDENING THE SCOPE OF NEXT GENERATION SEQUENCING APPLICATIONS IN PEDIATRIC MEDICAL GENETICS
Full text linkAdvances in DNA sequencing technologies through Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) approaches have enabled genome-wide discovery of chromosomal copy-number variants and single-nucleotide changes. NGS technologies are rapidly expanding our ability to identify and better define disease-causing mutations and genotype-phenotype correlation. Pediatric patients may particularly benefit from the introduction of these new technologies. Pediatricians must keep up with all these new skills, both in their residency programs as well as in their continuing medical education programs
An unusual association of left-sided gastroschisis and persistent right umbilical vein
Full text linkGastroschisis is a full-thickness congenital abdominal wall defect usually occurring to the right of the umbilicus. About twenty cases of left-sided gastroschisis have been reported, without reference to the laterality of the umbilical vein. This first case highlights the importance of considering and reporting this association by the perinatal team
Current Insights on Early Life Nutrition and Prevention of Allergy
Full text linkThe incidence of allergic diseases in childhood appears to have significantly increased over the last decades. Since environmental factors, including diet, have been thought to play a significant role in the development of these diseases, there is great interest in identifying prevention strategies related to early nutritional interventions. Breastfeeding is critical for the immune development of newborns and infants through immune-modulating properties and it impacts the establishment of a healthy gut microbiota. However, the evidence for a protective role of breastfeeding against the development of food allergy in childhood is controversial, and there is little evidence to support the benefits of an antigen avoidance diet during lactation. Although it is not possible to draw a definitive conclusion about the protective role of breast milk against allergic diseases, exclusive breastfeeding is still recommended throughout the first 6 months of life due to associated health benefits. Furthermore, recommendations regarding complementary feeding in infancy have been significantly modified over the last few decades. Several studies have shown that delayed exposure to allergenic foods does not have a role in allergy prevention and recent guidelines recommend against delaying the introduction of complementary foods after 6 months of age, both in high- and low-risk infants. However, trials investigating this dietary approach have reported equivocal results so far. This review summarizes the available high-quality evidence regarding the efficacy of the principal dietary interventions proposed in early life to prevent allergic diseases in children
- …
