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Gold CL, Bertone-Johnson E. Self-reported history of breastfeeding in relation to recalled age at menarche in the United States. Am J Hum Biol 2024:e24067. [PMID: 38523370 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Menarche is a key life history event that shapes the female reproductive trajectory and is important to the study of human biology because of the associated epidemiological and social consequences later in life. Our question is whether breastfeeding is associated with the variation in timing of menarche. Using data from a college-aged female student population from Amherst, MA, we examined whether having been breastfed was associated with age at menarche. Of the 340 female participants with information on breastfeeding during infancy, we found that women who were breastfed (n = 286) had an adjusted mean age of menarche of 12.53 years (SE 0.09), while those who were not breastfed (n = 54) had an adjusted mean age of menarche of 12.04 years (SE 0.20; p < 0.03). We propose further research that explores a finer distinction between formula-fed, mixed-fed or predominantly breastfed infants, duration of breastfeeding and age at menarche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Gold
- Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
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Yue M, Zhang L. Exploring the Mechanistic Interplay between Gut Microbiota and Precocious Puberty: A Narrative Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:323. [PMID: 38399733 PMCID: PMC10892899 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota has been implicated in the context of sexual maturation during puberty, with discernible differences in its composition before and after this critical developmental stage. Notably, there has been a global rise in the prevalence of precocious puberty in recent years, particularly among girls, where approximately 90% of central precocious puberty cases lack a clearly identifiable cause. While a link between precocious puberty and the gut microbiota has been observed, the precise causality and underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This narrative review aims to systematically elucidate the potential mechanisms that underlie the intricate relationship between the gut microbiota and precocious puberty. Potential avenues of exploration include investigating the impact of the gut microbiota on endocrine function, particularly in the regulation of hormones, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Additionally, this review will delve into the intricate interplay between the gut microbiome, metabolism, and obesity, considering the known association between obesity and precocious puberty. This review will also explore how the microbiome's involvement in nutrient metabolism could impact precocious puberty. Finally, attention is given to the microbiota's ability to produce neurotransmitters and neuroactive compounds, potentially influencing the central nervous system components involved in regulating puberty. By exploring these mechanisms, this narrative review seeks to identify unexplored targets and emerging directions in understanding the role of the gut microbiome in relation to precocious puberty. The ultimate goal is to provide valuable insights for the development of non-invasive diagnostic methods and innovative therapeutic strategies for precocious puberty in the future, such as specific probiotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yue
- Microbiome-X, National Institute of Health Data Science of China & Institute for Medical Dataology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Microbiome-X, National Institute of Health Data Science of China & Institute for Medical Dataology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
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Higuchi Y, Matsumoto N, Fujiwara S, Ebuchi Y, Furujo M, Nakamura K, Kubo T, Yorifuji T. Association between infant breastfeeding practices and timing of peak height velocity: A nationwide longitudinal survey in Japan. Pediatr Res 2023; 94:1845-1854. [PMID: 37400541 PMCID: PMC10624627 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02706-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have discovered an association between infant feeding practices and puberty timing; however, most have involved female cohorts. We investigated the association between infant feeding practices and the timing of peak height velocity in boys and girls. METHODS Data on infant feeding methods and anthropometric measurements were collected from a nationwide Japanese birth cohort study. The age at peak height velocity (APV, years) was estimated and compared. Subsequently, the effects of breastfeeding duration were analyzed. RESULTS Of the 13,074 eligible participants, 650, 9455, and 2969 were formula-, mixed-, and exclusively breastfed, respectively. Among girls, the mean APV was significantly later in the mixed-fed (standardized regression coefficient (β): 0.094, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.004-0.180) and exclusively breastfed (β: 0.150, 95% CI: 0.056-0.250) groups than in the formula-fed group. Among boys, the mean APV was not significantly different among the three groups; however, a sensitivity analysis that excluded preterm birth revealed more significantly delayed APV in the breastfed-only group compared to the formula-fed group. Furthermore, a multiple linear regression model revealed that a longer breastfeeding period was associated with later APV. CONCLUSIONS Infant breastfeeding practices can affect the timing of peak height velocity in both boys and girls. IMPACT Several studies have discovered an association between infant feeding practices and puberty timing; however, most have involved female cohorts. Age at peak height velocity, derived from longitudinal height measurements, is a useful marker of secondary sexual maturity milestones in boys and girls. A Japanese birth cohort study revealed that breastfed children had a later age at peak height velocity than their formula-fed counterparts; this was more prominent among girls than boys. Furthermore, a duration-effect relationship was observed, where longer breastfeeding duration was associated with a later age at peak height velocity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousuke Higuchi
- Department of Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center, 1711-1 Tamasu, Kita-ku, Okayama, 701-1192, Japan.
| | - Naomi Matsumoto
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Shintaro Fujiwara
- Department of Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center, 1711-1 Tamasu, Kita-ku, Okayama, 701-1192, Japan
| | - Yuki Ebuchi
- Department of Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center, 1711-1 Tamasu, Kita-ku, Okayama, 701-1192, Japan
| | - Mahoko Furujo
- Department of Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center, 1711-1 Tamasu, Kita-ku, Okayama, 701-1192, Japan
| | - Kazue Nakamura
- Division of Neonatology, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center, 1711-1 Tamasu, Kita-ku, Okayama, 701-1192, Japan
| | - Toshihide Kubo
- Department of Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center, 1711-1 Tamasu, Kita-ku, Okayama, 701-1192, Japan
| | - Takashi Yorifuji
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
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Calcaterra V, Cena H, Sottotetti F, Rossi V, Loperfido F, Zuccotti G. Breast and Formula Milk and Early Puberty Onset. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1686. [PMID: 37892349 PMCID: PMC10605833 DOI: 10.3390/children10101686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Nutrients have an enormous impact on many hormonal systems and aspects of health, and nutrition status is a crucial regulator of growth and pubertal development in children and adolescents. In this narrative review, we explore the connection between these feeding methods and the timing of puberty to provide a clearer understanding of how infant nutrition might contribute to the early development of puberty. Puberty is a key stage in the transition from childhood to adulthood and the timing of puberty represents a significant biological milestone of growth. Breast milk seems to have a pivotal role in puberty onset, mainly due to its dynamism, which shape indirectly the gut microbiota in early life, besides direct exposure of the baby to the milk microbiota through gut-breast axis. Concerning breast and formula milk and their effects on the onset of puberty, a protective role of the former occurs. As for the potential harmful effects of soy-based formulas and the isoflavones that they contain, the studies reported demonstrate conflicting opinions, underlining the need for further research on this topic. A healthy and well-nourished diet from the earliest stages of life has significant preventive potential for overall well-being, reducing the risk of many health problems later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (V.R.); (G.Z.)
| | - Hellas Cena
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.S.); (F.L.)
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, General Medicine, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Sottotetti
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.S.); (F.L.)
| | - Virginia Rossi
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (V.R.); (G.Z.)
| | - Federica Loperfido
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.S.); (F.L.)
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (V.R.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
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Dalmartello M, Chiaffarino F, Esposito G, Cipriani S, Ricci E, La Vecchia C, Parazzini F, Persani L, Negri E. A systematic review on maternal and perinatal factors influencing breast development. Early Hum Dev 2023; 183:105816. [PMID: 37421688 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2023.105816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A secular trend towards earlier age at menarche has been reported, but the trend in breast development is less clear. We reviewed the evidence on the relationship between in utero and early life events and breast onset/development. METHODS Eligible studies were identified in PubMed and Embase databases. We selected studies in which female human exposure during fetal or the first years of life was measured or estimated, and associations with breast onset or development were evaluated. RESULTS Of the 49 cohort studies and 5 cross-sectional studies identified, 43 provided sufficient data to assess associations. High maternal weight, primiparity, and early weight gain, were related to an increased risk of early breast onset/development in most of the studies that analysed these associations, whereas late breast onset/development was associated with preterm birth. Results were inconsistent for smoking in pregnancy, maternal hypertensive disorders, breastfeeding, diabetes, and small for gestational age. No association emerged for maternal age at delivery, alcohol drinking, and selected drug use during pregnancy, and low birth weight. CONCLUSIONS The results of this review show that high maternal weight, primiparity and early weight gain were associated with an increased risk of early breast onset/development. Late breast onset/development was associated with preterm birth. Breast development is a key physical marker of puberty onset, and early puberty development is linked to consequences that can reverberate throughout life. Answering the questions about the interconnections between pre/postnatal environmental exposures and their impact on puberty, represents an important area of multidisciplinary research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Dalmartello
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Chiaffarino
- Gynaecology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Esposito
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sonia Cipriani
- Gynaecology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Ricci
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo La Vecchia
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Parazzini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Persani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eva Negri
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Diet and Nutrients Intakes during Infancy and Childhood in Relation to Early Puberty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14235004. [PMID: 36501034 PMCID: PMC9739867 DOI: 10.3390/nu14235004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The onset of puberty has become earlier over the decades, and nutrients and diet are related to the timing of puberty onset. Hence, we aimed to investigate the association between diet or nutrients in infancy, childhood and early puberty. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library were searched systematically up to 15 April 2022. The pooled relative risks (RRs) or regression coefficients (beta) were estimated using the random-effect model or fixed-effect model according to the heterogeneity between studies. Twenty-two articles on diet or nutrients in childhood and six about breastfeeding in infancy were included. The prolonged breastfeeding duration in infancy could reduce the risk of early menarche (beta 0.31, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.60, p = 0.045). The high intake of yogurt was associated with a 35% reduction in the risk of earlier menarche (RR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.89, p = 0.008). Girls with severe food insecurity experienced later menarche (RR 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.98, p = 0.027). Conversely, due to the high intake of protein, the risk of early menarche increased by 8% (RR 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.16, p = 0.016). High intake of yogurt, longer duration of breastfeeding, and food insecurity decreased the possibility of earlier menarche, while high intake of protein increased that risk. As a modifiable factor, diet and nutrients in infancy and childhood provide new insights into the future prevention of early puberty.
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Al-Taiar A, Al-Sabah R, Shaban L, Sharaf Alddin R, Durgampudi PK, Galadima H. Is age of menarche directly related to vitamin D levels? Am J Hum Biol 2022; 34:e23731. [PMID: 35179273 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Very few studies have examined the direct link between age of menarche and vitamin D level and controversial results have been reported. This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D and age of menarche in a group of adolescent girls in an area with plenty of sunshine. METHODS At baseline, data were collected on 722 middle schoolgirls that were randomly selected by probability proportional to size sampling method. Of this group, 598 were followed including 173 who had their menarche during the follow-up. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was measured at baseline using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Data on potential confounders were collected at baseline from the parents using self-administered questionnaire and from schoolgirls through face-to-face interview. Multiple linear regression and time-to-event analysis were used to investigate the association between 25OHD concentration and age of menarche. RESULTS The mean (SD) age of the study group was 12.51 (0.91) years while the main (SD) age of menarche was 11.82 (1.04) years. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L) among schoolgirls was 91.69%. We found no evidence for the association between 25OHD levels and age of menarche before (β, .00, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-0.01, 0.01]; p = .808) or after (β, .00, 95% CI [-0.01, 0.01]; p = .765) adjusting for potential confounders. We also found no evidence for association between 25OHD status and age of menarche before (p = .424) or after (p = .356) adjusting for potential confounders. Time-to-event analysis showed no association between 25OHD level or status and age of menarche (p = .850). CONCLUSION In Middle Eastern setting, where vitamin D deficiency is common despite plenty of sunshine, vitamin D is not a major determinant of the age at menarche. Regardless of the link between vitamin D and age of menarche, there are several other health benefits of having adequate vitamin D level during childhood and adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al-Taiar
- School of Community & Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Reem Al-Sabah
- Department of Community Medicine and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Lemia Shaban
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Life Sciences, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Reem Sharaf Alddin
- School of Community & Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Praveen K Durgampudi
- School of Community & Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Hadiza Galadima
- School of Community & Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
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Calcaterra V, Verduci E, Magenes VC, Pascuzzi MC, Rossi V, Sangiorgio A, Bosetti A, Zuccotti G, Mameli C. The Role of Pediatric Nutrition as a Modifiable Risk Factor for Precocious Puberty. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1353. [PMID: 34947884 PMCID: PMC8706413 DOI: 10.3390/life11121353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Puberty is a critical phase of growth and development characterized by a complex process regulated by the neuroendocrine system. Precocious puberty (PP) is defined as the appearance of physical and hormonal signs of pubertal development at an earlier age than is considered normal. The timing of puberty has important public health, clinical, and social implications. In fact, it is crucial in psychological and physical development and can impact future health. Nutritional status is considered as one of the most important factors modulating pubertal development. This narrative review presents an overview on the role of nutritional factors as determinants of the timing of sexual maturation, focusing on early-life and childhood nutrition. As reported, breast milk seems to have an important protective role against early puberty onset, mainly due to its positive influence on infant growth rate and childhood overweight prevention. The energy imbalance, macro/micronutrient food content, and dietary patterns may modulate the premature activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, inducing precocious activation of puberty. An increase in knowledge on the mechanism whereby nutrients may influence puberty will be useful in providing adequate nutritional recommendations to prevent PP and related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.M.); (M.C.P.); (V.R.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (C.M.)
- Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Elvira Verduci
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.M.); (M.C.P.); (V.R.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (C.M.)
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Vittoria Carlotta Magenes
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.M.); (M.C.P.); (V.R.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (C.M.)
| | - Martina Chiara Pascuzzi
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.M.); (M.C.P.); (V.R.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (C.M.)
| | - Virginia Rossi
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.M.); (M.C.P.); (V.R.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (C.M.)
| | - Arianna Sangiorgio
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.M.); (M.C.P.); (V.R.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (C.M.)
| | - Alessandra Bosetti
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.M.); (M.C.P.); (V.R.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (C.M.)
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.M.); (M.C.P.); (V.R.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (C.M.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Mameli
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (V.C.M.); (M.C.P.); (V.R.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (C.M.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
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