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Scarpato E, Salvatori G, Barbaglia M, Casero D, Cazzato T, Righetti V, Staiano A, Davanzo R. Breastfeeding support among re-hospitalized young children: a survey from Italy. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:3. [PMID: 38191497 PMCID: PMC10775476 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01573-x] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2021, the Task Force on Breastfeeding of the Italian Ministry of Health released a document calling for the provision of breastfeeding support in case of re-hospitalization of the child after birth. Since type and quality of breastfeeding support during re-hospitalization in Italian Pediatric Units (PUs) is largely unknown, the Breastfeeding Section of the Italian Society of Pediatrics (TASIP) conducted an ad hoc national survey. METHODS In March 2023, a specifically designed electronic questionnaire was sent to the Directors of 328 PUs, who were requested to fill it online. RESULTS Data from 161 PUs were received, with a response rate of 48.7%. Our results highlighted that 18.6% of units do not provide training on breastfeeding for healthcare professionals and 46% of PUs lack of an ad hoc policy on breastfeeding support in case of re-hospitalization of the child. Although 88.2% of PUs provide breast pumps to the mothers of the re-hospitalized young children, 34.8% lack of a protocol on the storage of expressed breast milk. CONCLUSIONS Breastfeeding support for the mothers of hospitalized breastfed young children appears to be suboptimal in Italian PUs. Interventions aimed to structure and improve the quality of breastfeeding support for the mother-child dyad are needed, particularly developing protocols and providing a training on breastfeeding to the majority of healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Scarpato
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Section of Pediatrics, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Salvatori
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Deborah Casero
- Pediatric Dpt, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo-Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Annamaria Staiano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Section of Pediatrics, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Davanzo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell'Istria 65/1, 34100, Trieste, Italy.
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Pruccoli G, Castagno E, Raffaldi I, Denina M, Barisone E, Baroero L, Timeus F, Rabbone I, Monzani A, Terragni GM, Lovera C, Brach del Prever A, Manzoni P, Barbaglia M, Roasio L, De Franco S, Calitri C, Lupica M, Felici E, Marciano C, Santovito S, Militerno G, Abrigo E, Curtoni A, Quarello P, Bondone C, Garazzino S. The Importance of RSV Epidemiological Surveillance: A Multicenter Observational Study of RSV Infection during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020280. [PMID: 36851494 PMCID: PMC9963567 DOI: 10.3390/v15020280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The restrictive measures adopted worldwide against SARS-CoV-2 produced a drastic reduction in respiratory pathogens, including RSV, but a dramatic rebound was thereafter reported. In this multicenter retrospective observational study in 15 Pediatric Emergency Departments, all children <3 years old with RSV infection admitted between 1 September and 31 December 2021 were included and compared to those admitted in the same period of 2020 and 2019. The primary aim was to evaluate RSV epidemiology during and after the COVID-19 pandemic peak. The secondary aims were to evaluate the clinical features of children with RSV infection. Overall, 1015 children were enrolled: 100 in 2019, 3 in 2020 and 912 in 2021. In 2019, the peak was recorded in December, and in 2021, it was recorded in November. Comparing 2019 to 2021, in 2021 the median age was significantly higher and the age group 2-3 years was more affected. Admissions were significantly higher in 2021 than in 2020 and 2019, and the per-year hospitalization rate was lower in 2021 (84% vs. 93% in 2019), while the duration of admissions was similar. No difference was found in severity between 2019-2020-2021. In conclusion, after the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in RSV cases in 2021 exceeding the median seasonal peak was detected, with the involvement of older children, while no difference was found in severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Pruccoli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University of Turin, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, A.O.U. Città Della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Emanuele Castagno
- Department of Pediatric Emergency, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, A.O.U. Città Della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Irene Raffaldi
- Department of Pediatric Emergency, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, A.O.U. Città Della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Denina
- Department of Pediatric Emergency, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, A.O.U. Città Della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Elisa Barisone
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0113135396
| | - Luca Baroero
- Department of Pediatrics, Martini Hospital, 10141 Turin, Italy
| | - Fabio Timeus
- Pediatrics Department, Chivasso Hospital, 10034 Chivasso (TO), Italy
| | - Ivana Rabbone
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Alice Monzani
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Lovera
- Department of Pediatrics, A.O. S.Croce e Carle, 12100 Cuneo, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Manzoni
- Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale Degli Infermi di Ponderano, University of Turin, 13900 Biella, Italy
| | | | - Luca Roasio
- Department of Pediatrics, Edoardo Agnelli Hospital, 10064 Pinerolo (TO), Italy
| | - Simona De Franco
- Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale di Borgomanero, 28021 Borgomanero (NO), Italy
| | - Carmelina Calitri
- Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale di Rivoli, 10098 Rivoli (TO), Italy
| | - Maddalena Lupica
- Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale di Rivoli, 10098 Rivoli (TO), Italy
| | - Enrico Felici
- Pediatric and Pediatric Emergency Unit, Children’s Hospital, AO SS Antonio e Biagio e C. Arrigo, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Cinzia Marciano
- Pediatric and Pediatric Emergency Unit, Children’s Hospital, AO SS Antonio e Biagio e C. Arrigo, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Savino Santovito
- Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale Maria Vittoria, ASL Città di Torino, 10143 Turin, Italy
| | - Gaia Militerno
- Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale Cardinal Massaia, 14100 Asti, Italy
| | - Enrica Abrigo
- Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale Cardinal Massaia, 14100 Asti, Italy
| | - Antonio Curtoni
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Molinette Hospital, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Quarello
- Department of Pediatric Onco-Hematology, University of Turin, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, A.O.U. Città Della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Claudia Bondone
- Department of Pediatric Emergency, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, A.O.U. Città Della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Garazzino
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University of Turin, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, A.O.U. Città Della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
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Guala A, Folgori G, Silvestri M, Barbaglia M, Danesino C. Vitamin B6 Neonatal Toxicity. Case Rep Pediatr 2022; 2022:3171351. [PMID: 36524152 PMCID: PMC9747291 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3171351] [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] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin B6 is a micronutrient required by the body. It acts as a coenzyme in biochemical reactions. Vitamin B6 toxicity is not caused by the intake of food-based sources. The few reported cases of vitamin B6 toxicity are always caused by overdosing of nutritional supplements. Chronic toxicity typically occurs with peripheral neuropathy such as paraesthesia, ataxia, and imbalance, paradoxically mimicking vitamin B6 deficiency. However, the prognosis is favorable, and symptoms usually show improvement once excessive vitamin B6 levels return to the physiological range. We report a newborn presenting with diffuse tremor at birth, interpreted as secondary to the mother's intake of high doses of a supplement containing vitamin B6 during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As expected, the newborn's serum levels of vitamin B6 were high. The tremors disappeared when the maternal supplement was stopped.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Guala
- SOC Pediatrics, Castelli Hospital, Verbania, Italy
| | - Giulia Folgori
- SOC Pediatrics, Castelli Hospital, Verbania, Italy
- Post-graduate School in Pediatrics, University “Piemonte Orientale”, Novara, Italy
| | | | | | - Cesare Danesino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Gobbi M, Brunani A, Arreghini M, Baccalaro G, Dellepiane D, La Vela V, Lucchetti E, Barbaglia M, Cova A, Fornara E, Galli S, Cimolin V, Brugliera L, Capodaglio P. Nutritional status in post SARS-Cov2 rehabilitation patients. Clin Nutr 2022; 41:3055-3060. [PMID: 34049750 PMCID: PMC8056781 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2021.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS After prolonged hospitalization, the assessment of nutritional status and the identification of adequate nutritional support is of paramount importance. In this observational study, we aimed at assessing the presence of a malnutrition condition in SARS-Cov2 patients after the acute phase and the effects of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program on nutritional and functional status. METHODS We recruited 48 patients (26 males/22 females) admitted to our Rehabilitation Unit after discharge from acute Covid Hospitals in northern Italy with negative swab for SARS-Cov2. We used the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria to identify patients with different degrees of malnutrition. Patients underwent a 3 to 4-week individual multidisciplinary rehabilitation program consisting of nutritional intervention (energy intake 27to30 kcal/die/kg and protein intake 1-1.3 g/die/kg), exercise for total body conditioning and progressive aerobic exercise with cycle- and arm-ergometer (45 min, 5 days/week). At admission and discharge from our Rehabilitation Unit, body composition and phase angle (PhA) (BIA101 Akern), muscle strength (handgrip, HG) and physical performance (Timed-Up-and-Go, TUG) were assessed. RESULTS At admission in all patients the mean weight loss, as compared to the habitual weight, was -12.1 (7.6)%, mean BMI was 25.9 (7.9) kg/m2, mean Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Index (ASMI) was 6.6 (1.7) kg/m2 for males and 5.4 (1.4) kg/m2 for females, mean phase angle was 2.9 (0.9)°, mean muscle strength (HG) was 21.1 (7.8) kg for males and 16.4 (5.9) kg for females, mean TUG value was 23.7 (19.2) s. Based on GLIM criteria 29 patients (60% of the total) showed a malnutrition condition. 7 out of those 29 patients (24%) presented a mild/moderate grade and 22 patients (76%) a severe grade. After a rehabilitation program of an average duration of 25 days (range 13-46) ASMI increased, with statistically significant differences only in females (p = 0.001) and HG improved only in males (p = 0.0014). In all of the patients, body weight did not change, CRP/albumin (p < 0.05) and TUG (p < 0.001) were reduced and PhA increased (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS We diagnosed a malnutrition condition in 60% of our post SARS-Cov2 patients. An individualized nutritional intervention with adequate energy and protein intake combined with tailored aerobic and strengthening exercise improved nutritional and functional status.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Gobbi
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy,Corresponding author
| | - A. Brunani
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy
| | - M. Arreghini
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy
| | - G. Baccalaro
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy
| | - D. Dellepiane
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy
| | - V. La Vela
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Eating Disorder, Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - E. Lucchetti
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy
| | - M. Barbaglia
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy
| | - A. Cova
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy
| | - E. Fornara
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy
| | - S. Galli
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy
| | - V. Cimolin
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - L. Brugliera
- Department of Rehabilitation and Functional Recovery, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - P. Capodaglio
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy,Department of Surgical Sciences, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Finale E, Spadea T, Mondo L, Arnulfo A, Capuano A, Ghiotti P, Barbaglia M, Guala A. Streptococcus agalactiae in pregnancy and the impact of recommendations on adherence to guidelines: an Italian area-based study. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 35:7826-7830. [PMID: 34112050 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.1937982] [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] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Streptococcus agalactiae, a species of β-haemolytic streptococcus belonging to Lancefield's group B (GBS), is known as a common infecting agent transmitted to infants during childbirth, causing sepsis, meningitis, or both, with a high incidence of mortality. Following the observation of a great variability between regional laboratories both in the methodology and in the results of tests for the detection of GBS in pregnancy, with high percentages of false negative results, in 2010 the Department for Health Policies of Piedmont, Italian region, issued specific recommendations for adhere to international guidelines. Our aim was to assess whether the impact of the publication of the recommendations has been lasting over time. METHODS We analyzed the regional birth certificate register from 2006 to 2018, to evaluate the annual number of deliveries, the number of Streptococcus agalactiae tests in pregnancy and the percentage of positive culture results. We also evaluated the consistency of the percentage of positive tests with the expectations based on the guidelines and compared the two time periods before and after introduction of regional recommendations using a multivariate regression model. RESULTS The mean proportion of women tested for GBS vaginal-rectal swabs during pregnancy increased from 83.5% in 2006 to 90.7% in 2018 with the biggest rise in 2010, the t-test for the comparison of the two means was statistically significant (p < .001). The mean positivity rate increased from 12.7% to 19.2%, with a rise in 2010, with a significant t-test (p < .001). CONCLUSION The results suggested a significant impact of the recommendations on the compliance and results regarding the carrying out and culture of vagino-rectal swabs for GBS, with better appropriateness of peripartum antibiotic therapy and possible reduction of GBS related neonatal sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Finale
- Dipartimento Materno-Infantile ASL VCO, Verbania, Italia
| | - Teresa Spadea
- Servizio Sovrazonale di Epidemiologia ASL TO3, Grugliasco, Italia
| | - Luisa Mondo
- Servizio Sovrazonale di Epidemiologia ASL TO3, Grugliasco, Italia
| | | | - Andrea Capuano
- Dipartimento Materno-Infantile ASL VCO, Verbania, Italia
| | | | | | - Andrea Guala
- Dipartimento Materno-Infantile ASL VCO, Verbania, Italia
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Barbaglia M, Finale E, Noce S, Vigo A, Arioni C, Visentin R, Scurati-Manzoni E, Guala A. Skin-to-skin contact and delivery room practices: a longitudinal survey conducted in Piedmont and the Aosta Valley. Ital J Pediatr 2019; 45:95. [PMID: 31375123 PMCID: PMC6679473 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-019-0688-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sudden unexpected postnatal collapse of presumably healthy neonates during early skin-to-skin contact is a rare, yet recognized occurrence, associated with a high risk of mortality and morbidity. A survey was conducted in 2012 in 30 delivery wards throughout Piedmont and the Aosta Valley to evaluate the environmental and logistical aspects that could be linked to SUPC. The survey was again conducted in 2016 in 28 delivery wards in Piedmont and the Aosta Valley in order to evaluate organizational improvements introduced after ministerial indications and recommendations by the Italian Society of Neonatology were published in 2014, in light of new findings regarding the phenomenon. Methods A questionnaire specifically asking about the organization of delivery wards, and surveillance or supervision during early skin-to-skin contact, was sent to all of the hospitals taking part in the survey in both 2012 and 2016. The collected data were elaborated anonymously and the statistical analysis was performed by using the two by two table. Results In 2012, 28 out of 30 delivery wards in Piedmont and Aosta, with a total of 31,074 newborns out of 35,435, were evaluated in all of the environmental and logistical aspects that might be cause for SUPC to occur. An identical survey was taken again in 2016; 26 out of 28 wards participated with a total of 27,484 newborns out of 30,339. In 2012, early skin-to-skin contact took place immediately in all the delivery rooms in 27 wards, and soon after in the post-partum room in one; in 11 out of 28 wards there was early skin-to-skin contact in the operating theater itself, following caesarean sections (11/26 in 2016). Routine newborn care was given after 3 h in 8 delivery wards (7/26 in 2016); after 2 h in 12 (7/26 in 2016); after 1 h in 2 (4/26 in 2016); after 30 min in 3 (2/26 in 2016); after 10 min in 1 (0/26 in 2016); after 1 or 2 min in 1 (0/26 in 2016) and at any time in one ward (6/26 in 2016). Conclusion Periodic surveys of delivery wards are useful for the assessment of all the aspects and risk factors that need to be changed in order to implement safe early skin-to-skin contact. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13052-019-0688-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelangelo Barbaglia
- Struttura Complessa Pediatria, Ospedale Castelli, Azienda Sanitaria Locale VCO, Verbania, Italy
| | - Enrico Finale
- Struttura Complessa Pediatria, Ospedale Castelli, Azienda Sanitaria Locale VCO, Verbania, Italy. .,Dipartimento Materno Infantile VCO, Ospedale Castelli, Verbania, Italy.
| | - Silvia Noce
- Centro di Riferimento Regionale per la SIDS, ASO/ OIRM/Sant'Anna, Torino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vigo
- Centro di Riferimento Regionale per la SIDS, ASO/ OIRM/Sant'Anna, Torino, Italy
| | - Cesare Arioni
- Struttura Complessa Pediatria, Ospedale Umberto Parini, Azienda Sanitaria Locale della Valle d'Aosta, Aosta, Italy
| | - Raffaella Visentin
- Struttura Complessa Pediatria, Ospedale Castelli, Azienda Sanitaria Locale VCO, Verbania, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Guala
- Struttura Complessa Pediatria, Ospedale Castelli, Azienda Sanitaria Locale VCO, Verbania, Italy
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Abstract
Rapunzel syndrome is a rare form of tricobezoar with a tail extending from the stomach into the small bowel; surgical removal is generally required. About 60 cases have been reported and described in the literature since 1968. We present the case of an 8-year-old girl who, during the course of a genetic consultation, was initially assigned with a clinical suspicion of ectodermal dysplasia. Surgical intervention, which resulted in the extraction of a tricobezoar of enormous size and extension, led us to the diagnosis of Rapunzel syndrome. The possibility of a tricobezoar should be considered in all cases of adolescent patients who present signs of intestinal occlusion or sub-occlusion, suffer from psychiatric disorders, and have a history of trichotillomania. Endoscopic methodology, medical imaging and clinical diagnostics are fundamental for a differential diagnosis. Psychiatric follow-up is advised to prevent recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Finale
- Maternal-Child Department, ASL Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.,Pediatrics Department, Castelli Hospital, Verbania
| | | | - Cesare Danesino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Guala
- Maternal-Child Department, ASL Verbano-Cusio-Ossola
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Milanese M, Niedbalski J, Moroso R, Barbaglia M, Mayer R, Castillo F, Guichón S. Small plasma focus as neutron pulsed source for nuclides identification. Rev Sci Instrum 2013; 84:103501. [PMID: 24182104 DOI: 10.1063/1.4823522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we present preliminary results on the feasibility of employing a low energy (2 kJ, 31 kV) plasma focus device as a portable source of pulsed neutron beams (2.45 MeV) generated by nuclear fusion reactions D-D, for the "in situ" analysis of substances by nuclear activation. This source has the relevant advantage of being pulsed at requirement, transportable, not permanently radioactive, without radioactive waste, cheap, among others. We prove the feasibility of using this source showing several spectra of the characteristic emission line for manganese, gold, lead, and silver.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Milanese
- Centro de Investigaciones en Física e Ingeniería del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CONICET-UNCPBA), Pinto 399, Tandil 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Ballardini G, Spruzzola A, Boneschi L, Visentin R, Boscardini L, Barbaglia M, Guala LA. [To reduce the pain of heel prick in the newborn: comparison of six types of lancets]. Pediatr Med Chir 2012; 34:182-5. [PMID: 23173410 DOI: 10.4081/pmc.2012.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Heel prick is an usual method performed to get a blood sample for newborn screening. Its wide use justifies the effort in reducing the pain as much as possible and some simple steps, including the use of spring heelsticks, are recommended by national and international guide-lines. But not all the heelsticks cause the same pain and allow to get enough blood for the screening. The aim of this work was to test six automatic heelstick devices with regard to the pain in heel prick measured with NIPS scale and, at the same time, to value their effectiveness in getting a blood sample suitable for filter paper for newborn screening. The following devices were assessed: Amnes Minilet Lancets, Wuxi Xinda Ltd, Exxe Safe Blade, Lifescan Stik Johnson & Johnson, One Touch Ultra Soft, Accu-Chek Safe T Pro Plus. The device Exxe Safe Blade statistically differs from all others: it is the least painful and it doesn't need any prick repetition.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ballardini
- S.O.C. Pediatria, Ospedale Castelli, Verbania, ASL VCO Regione Piemonte
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10
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Gaggero M, Mariani L, Guarino R, Patrucco G, Ballardini G, Boscardini L, Barbaglia M, Bello L, Guala A. Vitamin D at term of pregnancy and during lactation in white and black women living in Northern Italy. Minerva Ginecol 2010; 62:91-96. [PMID: 20502421] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
AIM Evaluate the vitamin D serum status in a population of white and black mothers who live in the same geographic area of northern Italy (45 degrees 8' N of latitude) and its correlation with vitamin D serum concentrations of the respective newborns at birth, at 2 and 12 months. METHODS Twelve white woman-infant pairs and 12 black woman-infant pairs were recruited from January through March 2006. The study population had no pre-existing disease and delivered at term of pregnancy (37-41 weeks of gestational age). Only black infants were given vitamin D supplementation from birth to 1 year of age. RESULTS Eleven black and 12 white women had low vitamin D serum levels at term of pregnancy. Similarly, black and white newborns were both vitamin D deficient at birth. After 12 months white women re-gained physiological vitamin D serum levels, whereas black women maintained a status of vitamin D deficiency. Black newborns who were given supplementation showed lower vitamin D serum concentrations as compared with white newborns at 1 year of age. CONCLUSION These data showed that all the women living in the same region of northern Italy without any supplementation are equally vitamin D deficient at term of pregnancy regardless of their skin pigmentation. Consequently, every woman should be supplied with additional vitamin D during pregnancy and lactation, though such supplementation seems to exert the most beneficial effects in black women.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gaggero
- Department of Pediatrics, Castelli Hospital, Verbania, Italy
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Lodolo L, Barbaglia M, Canale C, Rossi C, Guala A, Cappuccia N. Multicentre epidemiological survey on the incidence of Streptococcus agalactiae in pregnancy. Microbiol Med 2010. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2010.2495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Guala A, Bertone A, Barbaglia M, Orioli L, Boscardini L, Rallo M, Bignamini E. Lack of improvement in the modality of beta2 administration in pediatric departments: survey in Piedmont and Aosta Valley. Minerva Pediatr 2010; 62:51-55. [PMID: 20212398] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM In recent years many consensus conferences of scientific societies have reaffirmed the advantages of metered dose inhalator (MDI) and spacer administration compared to classic aerosol in acute asthma and maintenance therapy. Faced with a more than convincing documentation, the practitioners have shown a controversial attitude concerning this type of administration. At the same time, as a general acceptance of its superiority there is an inexplicable lack of use. METHODS This survey was carried out in 2006 and it involved pediatric hospital wards in Piedmont and Aosta Valley to evaluate the use of spacers in acute asthma in hospitalised children undergoing treatment. These results were compared to those obtained from another survey carried out in 2008 using identical questionnaires in the same departments in order to evaluate the implementation of such a practice. RESULTS In the two years between one survey and the other no increase in the use of MDI and spacer has been detected, but, on the contrary, a consistent decrease. CONCLUSION Notwithstanding the amount of evidence concerning its superiority compared to nebulisers MDI and spacer is not commonly used for asthma therapy yet. A "promotional" multidisciplinary intervention could play a determining role in the implementation of such a practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Guala
- Pediatric Department, Castelli Hospital, Verbania, Italy.
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Barbaglia M, Ardizzi A, Guzzaloni G, Moreni G, Fatica P, Grugni G, Morabito F. [Growth in stature in infantile-juvenile obesity]. Minerva Pediatr 1991; 43:433-6. [PMID: 1886527] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to assess the effect of juvenile simple adiposity on growth. The height (measured using a Hapenden stadiometer) of 1443 subjects (799 boys and 644 girls) aged from 6 to 16 was measured. The Quetelet index (QI) of adiposity was used; all subjects examined exceeded the 95th centile of the standard Cronk and Roche scale. Heights are expressed as standard deviation scores (SDS) and are compared to the British Standard. Adipose boys are taller than British boys up to the age of 12, then the difference lessens and the average heights of 15-year-old adipose boys are below the 50th centile of British growth charts. Female subjects showed a higher SDS from 6 to 8 years, after which the difference lessens gradually, and after 13 years the average height is below the 50th centile of British standards. Adipose boys are taller than normal boys during childhood; in prepuberty and puberty this difference lessens and during puberty they are shorter than British boys. This growth model is probably due to advanced skeletal maturity in adipose subjects with the result that at puberty growth lessens because it is exhausted. The wide epidemiological cross-sectional study confirms that growth is favourable in juvenile adiposity but does not alter adult height.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Barbaglia
- Divisione di Auxologia, Centro Auxologico Italiano di Piancavallo, IRCCS
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Barbaglia M, Guzzaloni G, Moreni G, Ardizzi A, Morabito F. [Assessment of final body height of a group of persons with juvenile obesity]. Minerva Pediatr 1990; 42:485-7. [PMID: 2082175] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Essential adiposity positively influences growth during childhood, but little is known about its effects on final height. A study was performed in 39 subjects (20 males and 19 females, mean age 10.7 for males, and 8.2 years for females) affected by essential adiposity to assess height during and at the end of the developmental age. During childhood the height of adipose subjects included in the study exceeded the mean values for matched chronological ages from the British reference sample (0.716 SDS for males, 0.587 for females). In adulthood, this advantage was completely reversed: the height of males in the study was in line with mean values (0.069 SDS), whereas the females were slightly under the mean height of the reference group (0.165 SDS). Since height is known to be heavily influenced by genetic factors, the results have been corrected for genetic bias. Improved results are obtained following correction for genetic influence: males (0.890 SDS), females (0.584 SDS). In conclusion, childhood adiposity has a positive influence on growth during the developmental age, and also appears to have a positive influence on genetic potential, as may be deduced from the height of the parents, thus improving final height.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Barbaglia
- Divisione di Auxologia, Centro Auxologico Italiano di Piancavallo, IRCCS, Milano
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Benso L, Guidetti Morisio L, Pastorin L, Vista N, Rota A, Orrù D, Gambotto S, Barbaglia M, Segal A, Callipari D. [The sitting height of children in Turin. Males and females from 3 to 11 years of age]. Minerva Pediatr 1988; 40:133-9. [PMID: 3173267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Benso L, La Maestra L, Conrieri M, Barbaglia M, Segal A, Lucchiari P. [Age of onset of puberty in Turin males. II]. Minerva Pediatr 1986; 38:1079-81. [PMID: 3807854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Benso L, Conrieri M, La Maestra L, Barbaglia M, Segal A, Lucchiari P. [Age of onset of puberty in Turin females. I]. Minerva Pediatr 1986; 38:1077-8. [PMID: 3807853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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