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Pierantoni L, Andreozzi L, Stera G, Toschi Vespasiani G, Biagi C, Zama D, Balduini E, Scheier LM, Lanari M. National survey conducted among Italian pediatricians examining the therapeutic management of croup. Respir Med 2024; 226:107587. [PMID: 38522591 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107587] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Practice-to-recommendations gaps exist in croup management and have not been critically investigated. This study examined the therapeutic management of croup among a national sample of Italian pediatric providers. METHODS A survey was administered online to a sample of primary care and hospital-based pediatricians. Demographic data, perception regarding disease severity, treatment and knowledge of croup, choices of croup treatment medications, and knowledge of and adherence to treatment recommendations were compared between hospital and primary care pediatricians. Oral corticosteroids alone, oral corticosteroids with or without nebulized epinephrine and nebulized epinephrine plus oral or inhaled corticosteroids were considered the correct management in mild, moderate and severe croup, respectively. The determinants for correct management were examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Six hundred forty-nine pediatricians answered at least 50% of the survey questions and were included in the analysis. Providers reported extensive use of inhaled corticosteroids for mild and moderate croup. Recommended treatment for mild, moderate and severe croup was administered in 46/647 (7.1%), 181/645 (28.0%) and 263/643 (40.9%) participants, respectively. Provider's age and knowledge of Westley Croup Score were significant predictors for correct management of mild croup. Being a hospital pediatrician and perception of croup as a clinically relevant condition were significant for moderate croup. CONCLUSIONS Significant differences exist between recommended guidelines and clinical practice in croup management. This study suggests wide variability in both the treatment of croup and clinical decision making strategies among hospital and primary care pediatricians. Addressing this issue could lead to noteworthy clinical and economic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Stera
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Gaia Toschi Vespasiani
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlotta Biagi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Zama
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Balduini
- Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Marzuillo P, Guarino S, Alfiero S, Annicchiarico Petruzzelli L, Arenella M, Baccelli F, Brugnara M, Corrado C, Delcaro G, Di Sessa A, Gallotta G, Lanari M, Lorenzi M, Malgieri G, Miraglia Del Giudice E, Pecoraro C, Pennesi M, Picassi S, Pierantoni L, Puccio G, Scozzola F, Taroni F, Tosolini C, Venditto L, Pasini A, La Scola C, Montini G. Acute kidney injury in children hospitalised for febrile urinary tract infection. Acta Paediatr 2024. [PMID: 38641985 DOI: 10.1111/apa.17247] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
AIM To determine (i) prevalence and the risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) in children hospitalised for febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) and (ii) role of AKI as indicator of an underlying VUR. AKI, in fact, is favoured by a reduced nephron mass, often associated to VUR. METHODS This retrospective Italian multicentre study enrolled children aged 18 years or younger (median age = 0.5 years) discharged with a primary diagnosis of fUTI. AKI was defined using Kidney Disease/Improving Global Outcomes serum creatinine criteria. RESULTS Of 849 children hospitalised for fUTI (44.2% females, median age 0.5 years; IQR = 1.8), 124 (14.6%) developed AKI. AKI prevalence rose to 30% in the presence of underlying congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). The strongest AKI predictors were presence of CAKUT (OR = 7.5; 95%CI: 3.8-15.2; p = 9.4e-09) and neutrophils levels (OR = 1.13; 95%CI: 1.08-1.2; p = 6.8e-07). At multiple logistic regression analysis, AKI during fUTI episode was a significant indicator of VUR (OR = 3.4; 95%CI: 1.7-6.9; p = 0.001) despite correction for the diagnostic covariates usually used to assess the risk of VUR after the first fUTI episode. Moreover, AKI showed the best positive likelihood ratio, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and specificity for VUR. CONCLUSION AKI occurs in 14.6% of children hospitalised for fUTI and is a significant indicator of VUR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Marzuillo
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Guarino
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Alfiero
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Mattia Arenella
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Baccelli
- Pediatric Nephrology and Dialysis, Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Ciro Corrado
- Pediatric Nephrology, "G. Di Cristina" Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulia Delcaro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Anna Di Sessa
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Gallotta
- Pediatric Nephrology and Dialysis, Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maya Lorenzi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Pediatric Clinic, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Gabriele Malgieri
- Pediatric Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Santobono Children's Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuele Miraglia Del Giudice
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Pecoraro
- Pediatric Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Santobono Children's Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Pennesi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Picassi
- Pediatria C, Ospedale Donna Bambino, Verona, Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Puccio
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Taroni
- Pediatric Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Laura Venditto
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Pediatric Clinic, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Andrea Pasini
- Pediatric Nephrology and Dialysis, Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio La Scola
- Pediatric Nephrology and Dialysis, Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Montini
- Pediatric Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Giuliana and Bernardo Caprotti Chair of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
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Mohebbi E, Pavoni E, Pierantoni L, Stipa P, Hemmetter A, Laudadio E, Mencarelli D. Towards graphene-based asymmetric diodes: a density functional tight-binding study. Nanoscale Adv 2024; 6:1548-1555. [PMID: 38419871 PMCID: PMC10898435 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00603d] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Self-consistent charge density functional tight-binding (DFTB) calculations have been performed to investigate the electrical properties and transport behavior of asymmetric graphene devices (AGDs). Three different nanodevices constructed of different necks of 8 nm, 6 nm and 4 nm, named Graphene-N8, Graphene-N6 and Graphene-N4, respectively, have been proposed. All devices have been tested under two conditions of zero gate voltage and an applied gate voltage of +20 V using a dielectric medium of 3.9 epsilon interposed between the graphene and the metallic gate. As expected, the results of AGD diodes exhibited strong asymmetric I(V) characteristic curves in good agreement with the available experimental data. Our predictions implied that Graphene-N4 would achieve great asymmetry (A) of 1.40 at |VDS| = 0.2 V with maximum transmittance (T) of 6.72 in the energy range 1.30 eV. More importantly, while the A of Graphene-N4 was slightly changed by applying the gate voltage, Graphene-N6/Graphene-N8 showed a significant effect with their A increased from 1.20/1.03 under no gate voltage (NGV) to 1.30/1.16 under gate voltage (WGV) conditions. Our results open up unprecedented numerical prospects for designing tailored geometric diodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Mohebbi
- Department of Science and Engineering of Matter, Environment and Urban Planning (SIMAU), Marche Polytechnic University 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Eleonora Pavoni
- Department of Science and Engineering of Matter, Environment and Urban Planning (SIMAU), Marche Polytechnic University 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Information Engineering Department, Marche Polytechnic University 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Pierluigi Stipa
- Department of Science and Engineering of Matter, Environment and Urban Planning (SIMAU), Marche Polytechnic University 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Andreas Hemmetter
- Advanced Microelectronic Center Aachen (AMICA), AMO GmbH 52074 Aachen Germany
| | - Emiliano Laudadio
- Department of Science and Engineering of Matter, Environment and Urban Planning (SIMAU), Marche Polytechnic University 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Davide Mencarelli
- Information Engineering Department, Marche Polytechnic University 60131 Ancona Italy
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Brigadoi G, Demarin GC, Boracchini R, Pierantoni L, Rossin S, Barbieri E, Tirelli F, Cantarutti A, Tempo G, Giaquinto C, Lanari M, Da Dalt L, Donà D. Comparison between the Viral Illness Caused by SARS-CoV-2, Influenza Virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Other Respiratory Viruses in Pediatrics. Viruses 2024; 16:199. [PMID: 38399975 PMCID: PMC10891516 DOI: 10.3390/v16020199] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are the most common infectious syndromes, primarily caused by viruses. The primary objective was to compare the illness courses between historical RTIs and recent SARS-CoV-2 infections. The study cohort consisted of RTI cases evaluated at the Pediatric Emergency Departments of Padua and Bologna, discharged or admitted with microbiologically confirmed viral RTI between 1 November 2018 and 30 April 2019 (historical period) and 1 March 2020 and 30 April 2021 (recent period). We evaluated the risk of oxygen or respiratory support, hospitalization, antibiotic therapy, and complications among different viral infections. The odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated through mixed-effect logistic regression models, including a random intercept on the individual and hospital. We identified 767 RTIs: 359 in the historical period compared with 408 SARS-CoV-2 infections. Infections of SARS-CoV-2 had a lower risk of being admitted (OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.03-0.07), receiving respiratory support (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.06-0.58), needing antibiotic therapy (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.22-0.56) and developing complications (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.14-0.51) compared to all other viral RTIs. COVID-19 in children is clinically similar to other viral RTIs but is associated with a less severe infection course. Thus, most prevention strategies implemented for SARS-CoV-2 should still be considered during RSV and Influenza epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Brigadoi
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.C.D.); (C.G.); (D.D.)
| | - Giulia Camilla Demarin
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.C.D.); (C.G.); (D.D.)
| | - Riccardo Boracchini
- Laboratory of Healthcare Research & Pharmacoepidemiology, Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (R.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Sara Rossin
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.R.); (F.T.); (L.D.D.)
| | - Elisa Barbieri
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.C.D.); (C.G.); (D.D.)
| | - Francesca Tirelli
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.R.); (F.T.); (L.D.D.)
| | - Anna Cantarutti
- Laboratory of Healthcare Research & Pharmacoepidemiology, Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (R.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Gaia Tempo
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Carlo Giaquinto
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.C.D.); (C.G.); (D.D.)
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Liviana Da Dalt
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.R.); (F.T.); (L.D.D.)
| | - Daniele Donà
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.C.D.); (C.G.); (D.D.)
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Pérez Caballero LM, Neira D'Angelo F, Tschentscher R, Gottschalk A, Salem AM, Carbonell D, Dudita-Kauffeld M, Bruch A, Alamaro E, Pasquini L, Ceroni P, Grozdanova A, Privitera S, Vermang B, Schulz P, Mencarelli D, Pierantoni L, Midrio M, Leithead W, Gurruchaga I, Haberl R, Vermaut J, Kauffeld M. Developing the next generation of renewable energy technologies: an overview of low-TRL EU-funded research projects. Open Res Eur 2023; 3:8. [PMID: 37886228 PMCID: PMC10598454 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.15276.1] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
A cluster of eleven research and innovation projects, funded under the same call of the EU's H2020 programme, are developing breakthrough and game-changing renewable energy technologies that will form the backbone of the energy system by 2030 and 2050 are, at present, at an early stage of development. These projects have joined forces at a collaborative workshop, entitled ' Low-TRL Renewable Energy Technologies', at the 10th Sustainable Places Conference (SP2022), to share their insights, present their projects' progress and achievements to date, and expose their approach for exploitation and market uptake of their solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernanda Neira D'Angelo
- Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, 5612 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Roman Tschentscher
- Process Chemistry and Functional Materials, Sintef Industry, Oslo, 0314, Norway
| | - Axel Gottschalk
- Institute of Process Engineering, Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences, Bremerhaven, 27568, Germany
| | - Ahmed M. Salem
- Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Constructions Engineering (D.E.S.T.E.C.), University of Pisa, Pisa, 56122, Italy
- Mechanical Power Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Tanta, Tanta, 31521, Egypt
| | - Daniel Carbonell
- SPF Institute for Solar Technology, OST Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Rapperswil, 8640, Switzerland
| | - Mihaela Dudita-Kauffeld
- SPF Institute for Solar Technology, OST Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Rapperswil, 8640, Switzerland
| | - Arnaud Bruch
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission, France, Grenoble, 38054, France
| | | | - Luca Pasquini
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Paola Ceroni
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", University of Bologna, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Privitera
- Institute for Microelectronic and Microsystems (IMM), National Research Council, Italy, Catania, 95121, Italy
| | - Bart Vermang
- imo-imomec, Hasselt University, Hasselt, 3500, Belgium
- imo-imomec, Imec, Genk, 3600, Belgium
- imo-imec, EnergyVille, Genk, 3600, Belgium
| | - Philip Schulz
- Institut Photovoltaïque d’Île de France (IPVF), CNRS, Palaiseau, 91120, France
| | | | | | | | - William Leithead
- Wind Energy and Control Centre (WECC), University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G11XQ, UK
| | - Ignacio Gurruchaga
- SPF Institute for Solar Technology, OST Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Rapperswil, 8640, Switzerland
| | - Robert Haberl
- SPF Institute for Solar Technology, OST Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Rapperswil, 8640, Switzerland
| | - Jasper Vermaut
- Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
| | - Michael Kauffeld
- Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Environmental Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, 298R+86, Germany
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Dondi A, Manieri E, Gambuti G, Varani S, Campoli C, Zama D, Pierantoni L, Baldazzi M, Prete A, Attard L, Lanari M, Melchionda F. A 10-Year Retrospective Study on Pediatric Visceral Leishmaniasis in a European Endemic Area: Diagnostic and Short-Course Therapeutic Strategies. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:23. [PMID: 38200929 PMCID: PMC10779246 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010023] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a potentially fatal disease, with an increasing occurrence in northern Italy, affecting children and both immunocompetent and immunocompromised adults. METHODS This retrospective study conducted at the St. Orsola University Hospital of Bologna, Italy, evaluates the characteristics of 16 children (with a median age of 14.3 months) who were hospitalized between 2013 and 2022 for VL. RESULTS Seventy-five percent of patients presented with a triad of fever, cytopenia, and splenomegaly. An abdominal ultrasound examination revealed splenomegaly and hypoechoic spleen abnormalities in 93.8% and 73.3% of cases, respectively. Five VL cases were complicated by secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Eleven patients were treated with a single 10 mg/kg dose of Liposomal Amphotericin B (L-AmB), while five received two doses (total of 20 mg/kg); one of the former groups experienced a recurrence. The fever generally decreased 48 h after the first L-AmB dose, and hemoglobin levels normalized within a month. The splenomegaly resolved in approximately 4.5 months. CONCLUSIONS Pediatricians should consider VL in children with fever of an unknown origin, anemia, cytopenia, and splenomegaly. In our experience, abdominal ultrasounds and molecular tests on peripheral blood contributed to diagnosis without the need for bone marrow aspiration. The short-course therapy with two 10 mg/kg doses of L-AmB is safe and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Dondi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Elisa Manieri
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (E.M.)
| | - Giacomo Gambuti
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (E.M.)
| | - Stefania Varani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Unit of Microbiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Caterina Campoli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.C.); (L.A.)
| | - Daniele Zama
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Michelangelo Baldazzi
- Pediatric and Adult CardioThoracic and Vascular, Oncohematologic and Emergency Radiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Arcangelo Prete
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna S. Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.P.); (F.M.)
| | - Luciano Attard
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.C.); (L.A.)
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.D.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Fraia Melchionda
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna S. Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.P.); (F.M.)
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Fabi M, Meli M, Leardini D, Andreozzi L, Maltoni G, Bitelli M, Pierantoni L, Zarbo C, Dondi A, Bertulli C, Bernardini L, Pession A, Lanari M. Body Mass Index (BMI) Is the Strongest Predictor of Systemic Hypertension and Cardiac Mass in a Cohort of Children. Nutrients 2023; 15:5079. [PMID: 38140337 PMCID: PMC10745364 DOI: 10.3390/nu15245079] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension (HTN) is a well-established cardiovascular (CV) risk factor in adults. The presence of HTN in children appears to predict its persistence into adulthood. Early diagnosis of HTN is crucial to reduce CV morbidity before the onset of organ damage. AIM The aim of this study is to investigate cardiac damage in HTN, its risk factors (RFs), and evolution. METHODS We conducted a prospective/retrospective study involving children referred to the Childhood Hypertension Outpatient Clinic. This study included clinical and echocardiographic assessments of cardiac morphology and function at three time points: enrollment (T0) and follow-up (T1 and T2). RESULTS Ninety-two patients (mean age 11.4 ± 3 years) were enrolled. Cardiac eccentric and concentric hypertrophy were present in 17.9% and 9%, respectively, with remodeling in 10.5%. Overweight/obese subjects exhibited significantly higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), frequency of HTN, and body mass index (BMI) at T0 compared with patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). SBP and BMI persisted more during follow-up. Normal-weight vs. overweight/obese patients were significantly more likely to have normal geometry. Positive correlations were found between BMI and left ventricular (LV) mass at T0, BMI and SBP at T0 and T1. Gender, BMI, SBP, and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) significantly predicted LV mass index (LVMI), but only BMI added significance to the prediction. During follow-up, the variation of BMI positively correlated with the variation of SBP, but not with LVMI. CONCLUSIONS In our cohort, body weight is strongly associated with HTN and cardiac mass. Importantly, the variation in body weight has a more significant impact on the consensual variation of cardiac mass than blood pressure (BP) values. A strict intervention on weight control through diet and a healthy lifestyle from early ages might reduce the burden of CV morbidity in later years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Fabi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (L.A.); (L.P.); (A.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Matteo Meli
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.B.); (C.Z.); (L.B.)
| | - Davide Leardini
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (L.A.); (L.P.); (A.D.); (M.L.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulio Maltoni
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Maria Bitelli
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.B.); (C.Z.); (L.B.)
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (L.A.); (L.P.); (A.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Chiara Zarbo
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.B.); (C.Z.); (L.B.)
| | - Arianna Dondi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (L.A.); (L.P.); (A.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Cristina Bertulli
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Luca Bernardini
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.B.); (C.Z.); (L.B.)
| | - Andrea Pession
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (L.A.); (L.P.); (A.D.); (M.L.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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8
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Pellegrino R, Timitilli E, Verga MC, Guarino A, Iacono ID, Scotese I, Tezza G, Dinardo G, Riccio S, Pellizzari S, Iavarone S, Lorenzetti G, Simeone G, Bergamini M, Donà D, Pierantoni L, Garazzino S, Esposito S, Venturini E, Gattinara GC, Lo Vecchio A, Marseglia GL, Di Mauro G, Principi N, Galli L, Chiappini E. Acute pharyngitis in children and adults: descriptive comparison of current recommendations from national and international guidelines and future perspectives. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:5259-5273. [PMID: 37819417 PMCID: PMC10746578 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05211-w] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to provide a comparison of the current recommendations about the management of acute pharyngitis. A literature search was conducted from January 2009 to 2023. Documents reporting recommendations on the management of acute pharyngitis were included, pertinent data were extracted, and a descriptive comparison of the different recommendations was performed. The quality of guidelines was assessed through the AGREE II instrument. Nineteen guidelines were included, and an overall moderate quality was found. Three groups can be distinguished: one group supports the antibiotic treatment of group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS) to prevent acute rheumatic fever (ARF); the second considers acute pharyngitis a self-resolving disease, recommending antibiotics only in selected cases; the third group recognizes a different strategy according to the ARF risk in each patient. An antibiotic course of 10 days is recommended if the prevention of ARF is the primary goal; conversely, some guidelines suggest a course of 5-7 days, assuming the symptomatic cure is the goal of treatment. Penicillin V and amoxicillin are the first-line options. In the case of penicillin allergy, first-generation cephalosporins are a suitable choice. In the case of beta-lactam allergy, clindamycin or macrolides could be considered according to local resistance rates. Conclusion: Several divergencies in the management of acute pharyngitis were raised among guidelines (GLs) from different countries, both in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach, allowing the distinction of 3 different strategies. Since GABHS pharyngitis could affect the global burden of GABHS disease, it is advisable to define a shared strategy worldwide. It could be interesting to investigate the following issues further: cost-effectiveness analysis of diagnostic strategies in different healthcare systems; local genomic epidemiology of GABHS infection and its complications; the impact of antibiotic treatment of GABHS pharyngitis on its complications and invasive GABHS infections; the role of GABHS vaccines as a prophylactic measure. The related results could aid the development of future recommendations. What is Known: • GABHS disease spectrum ranges from superficial to invasive infections and toxin-mediated diseases. • GABHS accounts for about 25% of sore throat in children and its management is a matter of debate. What is New: • Three strategies can be distinguished among current GLs: antibiotic therapy to prevent ARF, antibiotics only in complicated cases, and a tailored strategy according to the individual ARF risk. • The impact of antibiotic treatment of GABHS pharyngitis on its sequelae still is the main point of divergence; further studies are needed to achieve a global shared strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Pellegrino
- Department of Health Sciences, Postgraduate School of Pediatrics, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Edoardo Timitilli
- Department of Health Sciences, Postgraduate School of Pediatrics, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Alfredo Guarino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Iride Dello Iacono
- Unit of Allergology, Division of Internal Medicine, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Benevento, Italy
| | | | - Giovanna Tezza
- Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale San Maurizio, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Giulio Dinardo
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Riccio
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Sofia Pellizzari
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Pediatric Clinic, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sonia Iavarone
- Department of Maternal, Infantile, and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Lorenzetti
- Residency School of Pediatrics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Daniele Donà
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Garazzino
- Department of Paediatrics, Infectious Diseases Unit, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Susanna Esposito
- Paediatric Clinic, University Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Lo Vecchio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Marseglia
- Department of Pediatrics, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Mauro
- Pediatric Primary Care, National Pediatric Health Care System, Caserta, Italy
| | - Nicola Principi
- Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Galli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Firenze, Italy
| | - Elena Chiappini
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy.
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Firenze, Italy.
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9
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Dondi A, Manieri E, Betti L, Dormi A, Carbone C, Biagi C, Pierantoni L, Zama D, Paglione M, Lanari M. Exposure to outdoor air pollution and risk of hospitalization for bronchiolitis in an urban environment: A 9-year observational study. Pediatr Pulmonol 2023; 58:2786-2794. [PMID: 37378432 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26583] [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: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outdoor air pollution is supposed to influence the course of bronchiolitis, but the evidence is limited. The present study aimed at evaluating the role of outdoor air pollutants on hospitalization for bronchiolitis. METHODS Infants aged ≤12 months referred for bronchiolitis to our Pediatric Emergency Department in Bologna, Italy, from 1 October 2011 to 16 March 2020 (nine epidemic seasons) were retrospectively included. Daily concentrations of benzene (C6 H6 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ), particulate matter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5 ), and ≤10 μm (PM10 ), and the mean values of individual patient exposure in the week and the 4 weeks before hospital access were calculated. The association between air pollutants exposure and hospitalization was evaluated through logistic regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 2902 patients were enrolled (59.9% males; 38.7% hospitalized). Exposure to PM2.5 in the 4 weeks preceding bronchiolitis was identified as the main parameter significantly driving the risk of hospitalization (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.055 [1.010-1.102]). After stratifying by season, higher values of other outdoor air pollutants were found to significantly affect hospitalization: 4-week exposure to C6 H6 (Season 2011-2012, 4.090 [1.184-14.130]) and PM2.5 (Season 2017-2018, 1.282 [1.032-1.593]), and 1-week exposure to C6 H6 (Season 2012-2013, 6.193 [1.552-24.710]), NO2 (Season 2013-2014, 1.064 [1.009-1.122]), PM2.5 (Season 2013-2014, 1.080 [1.023-1.141]), and PM10 (Season 2018-2019, 1.102 [0.991-1.225]). CONCLUSION High levels of PM2.5 , C6 H6 , NO2 , and PM10 may increase the risk of hospitalization in children affected by bronchiolitis. Open-air exposure of infants during rush hours and in the most polluted areas should be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Dondi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Manieri
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ludovica Betti
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ada Dormi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Carbone
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlotta Biagi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Zama
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Paglione
- Italian National Research Council-Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (CNR-ISAC), Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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10
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Pierantoni L, Lasala V, Dondi A, Cifaldi M, Corsini I, Lanari M, Zama D. Antibiotic Prescribing for Lower Respiratory Tract Infections and Community-Acquired Pneumonia: An Italian Pediatric Emergency Department's Real-Life Experience. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1922. [PMID: 37763325 PMCID: PMC10532937 DOI: 10.3390/life13091922] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) are among the most frequent reasons for referrals to the pediatric emergency department (PED). The aim of this study is to describe the management of antibiotic prescription in febrile children with LRTI or CAP admitted to a third-level PED and to investigate the different variables that can guide physicians in this decision-making. METHODS This is an observational, retrospective, monocentric study including patients < 14 years old who were presented to the PED for a febrile LRTI or CAP during the first six months of the year 2017. Demographic and clinical data, PED examinations, recommended therapy, and discharge modality were considered. Two multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed on patients with complete profiles to investigate the impact of demographic, laboratory, and clinical variables on antibiotic prescription and hospital admission. RESULTS This study included 584 patients with LRTI (n = 368) or CAP (n = 216). One hundred and sixty-eight individuals (28.7%) were admitted to the hospital. Lower age, higher heart rate, and lower SpO2 were associated with an increased risk of hospitalization. Antibiotics were prescribed to 495 (84.8%) patients. According to the multivariate logistic regression, the diagnosis and duration of fever were substantially linked with antibiotic prescription. CONCLUSIONS The present study reports real-life data about our PED experience. A high rate of antibiotic prescription was noted. In the future, it is necessary to improve antibiotic stewardship programs to increase clinical adherence to guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (I.C.); (M.L.); (D.Z.)
| | - Valentina Lasala
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Arianna Dondi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (I.C.); (M.L.); (D.Z.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marina Cifaldi
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Corsini
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (I.C.); (M.L.); (D.Z.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (I.C.); (M.L.); (D.Z.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Zama
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (I.C.); (M.L.); (D.Z.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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11
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Roggiani S, Zama D, D’Amico F, Rocca A, Fabbrini M, Totaro C, Pierantoni L, Brigidi P, Turroni S, Lanari M. Gut, oral, and nasopharyngeal microbiota dynamics in the clinical course of hospitalized infants with respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1193113. [PMID: 37680746 PMCID: PMC10482328 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1193113] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and hospitalization in infants worldwide. The nasopharyngeal microbiota has been suggested to play a role in influencing the clinical course of RSV bronchiolitis, and some evidence has been provided regarding oral and gut microbiota. However, most studies have focused on a single timepoint, and none has investigated all three ecosystems at once. Methods Here, we simultaneously reconstructed the gut, oral and nasopharyngeal microbiota dynamics of 19 infants with RSV bronchiolitis in relation to the duration of hospitalization (more or less than 5 days). Fecal samples, oral swabs, and nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected at three timepoints (emergency room admission, discharge and six-month follow-up) and profiled by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Results Interestingly, all ecosystems underwent rearrangements over time but with distinct configurations depending on the clinical course of bronchiolitis. In particular, infants hospitalized for longer showed early and persistent signatures of unhealthy microbiota in all ecosystems, i.e., an increased representation of pathobionts and a depletion of typical age-predicted commensals. Discussion Monitoring infant microbiota during RSV bronchiolitis and promptly reversing any dysbiotic features could be important for prognosis and long-term health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Roggiani
- Microbiomics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Zama
- Paediatric Emergency Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica D’Amico
- Microbiomics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rocca
- Paediatric Emergency Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Fabbrini
- Microbiomics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Camilla Totaro
- Specialty School of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Paediatric Emergency Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Brigidi
- Microbiomics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Turroni
- Unit of Microbiome Science and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Paediatric Emergency Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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12
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Farina M, Joseph CH, Azman SNA, Morini A, Pierantoni L, Mencarelli D, di Donato A, Pietrangelo T, Al Hadi R. Analytical expressions for spreading resistance in lossy media and their application to the calibration of scanning microwave microscopy. RSC Adv 2023; 13:21277-21282. [PMID: 37456547 PMCID: PMC10346358 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra03766e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper presents the analytical derivation of spreading resistance expressions for diverse geometries of a conducting probe submerged in a lossy medium. Resulting equations can be used to calibrate scanning impedance/scanning microwave microscopes operating in liquid. The expressions are systematically validated through numerical and experimental methods for the calibration of an inverted Scanning Microwave Microscope (iSMM) when operating in a lossy saline medium, such as Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM), a widely used medium for supporting the growth of biological cells. The calibration process within DMEM plays an important role in the quantitative local evaluation of electromagnetic properties of biological samples under physiological conditions. Additionally, measurements are performed in distilled water for comparative analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Farina
- Department of Information Engineering, Università Politecnica delle Marche Via Brecce Bianche 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - C H Joseph
- Department of Information Engineering, Università Politecnica delle Marche Via Brecce Bianche 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - S N Afifa Azman
- Department of Information Engineering, Università Politecnica delle Marche Via Brecce Bianche 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Antonio Morini
- Department of Information Engineering, Università Politecnica delle Marche Via Brecce Bianche 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Department of Information Engineering, Università Politecnica delle Marche Via Brecce Bianche 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Davide Mencarelli
- Department of Information Engineering, Università Politecnica delle Marche Via Brecce Bianche 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Andrea di Donato
- Department of Information Engineering, Università Politecnica delle Marche Via Brecce Bianche 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Tiziana Pietrangelo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G d'Annunzio Chieti-Pescara I-66013 Chieti Italy
| | - Richard Al Hadi
- École de Technologie Supérieure (ETS), Université du Quebec Canada
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13
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Romeni S, Losanno E, Koert E, Pierantoni L, Delgado-Martínez I, Navarro X, Micera S. Combining biophysical models and machine learning to optimize implant geometry and stimulation protocol for intraneural electrodes. J Neural Eng 2023. [PMID: 37369194 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ace219] [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: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Peripheral nerve interfaces have the potential to restore sensory, motor, and visceral functions. In particular, intraneural interfaces allow targeting deep neural structures with high selectivity, even if their performance strongly depends upon the implantation procedure and the subject's anatomy. Here, we propose an optimization workflow that can guide both the pre-surgical planning and the determination of maximally selective multisite stimulation protocols for implants consisting of several intraneural electrodes, and we characterize its performance in silico. 

Approach. We use hybrid models (HMs) of neuromodulation in conjunction with machine learning and evolutionary optimization to perform for the first time a true in silico optimization of implant geometry, implantation and stimulation protocols using morphological data from the human median nerve at a reduced computational cost.

Main results. Our method allows establishing the optimal geometry of multi-electrode intraneural implants, the optimal number of electrodes to implant, their optimal insertion, and a set of multipolar stimulation protocols that lead in silico to selective activation of all the muscles innervated by the human median nerve. 

Significance. Our work consists of a set of methods and guidelines to use effectively HMs for optimizing personalized neuroprostheses for sensory and motor function restoration, and for bioelectronic medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Romeni
- TNE Lab, EPFL, 9 Ch. des Mines, Geneve, 1202, SWITZERLAND
| | - Elena Losanno
- Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, Pisa, 56127, ITALY
| | - Elisabeth Koert
- RWTH Aachen University, Templegraben 55, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, 52056, GERMANY
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, Pisa, Toscana, 56127, ITALY
| | - Ignacio Delgado-Martínez
- Unitat de Fisiologia Mèdica, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona Facultat de Medicina, Av. Can Domenech s/n., Campus UAB., Building M, M4-118, Bellaterra, 08193, SPAIN
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Institute of Neuroscience, Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona, Ed M, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, SPAIN
| | - Silvestro Micera
- Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Rte Cantonale, Lausanne, 1015, SWITZERLAND
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14
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Cerasi S, Leardini D, Lisanti N, Belotti T, Pierantoni L, Zama D, Lanari M, Prete A, Masetti R. Author Correction: The role of presepsin in pediatric patients with oncological and hematological diseases experiencing febrile neutropenia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10356. [PMID: 37365254 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37445-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cerasi
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology "Lalla Seràgnoli", IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 11, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Leardini
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology "Lalla Seràgnoli", IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 11, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Nunzia Lisanti
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology "Lalla Seràgnoli", IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 11, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tamara Belotti
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology "Lalla Seràgnoli", IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 11, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Zama
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Prete
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology "Lalla Seràgnoli", IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 11, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Riccardo Masetti
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology "Lalla Seràgnoli", IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 11, 40138, Bologna, Italy
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Autore G, Bernardi L, Ghidini F, La Scola C, Berardi A, Biasucci G, Marchetti F, Pasini A, Capra ME, Castellini C, Cioni V, Cantatore S, Cella A, Cusenza F, De Fanti A, Della Casa Muttini E, Di Costanzo M, Dozza A, Gatti C, Malaventura C, Pierantoni L, Parente G, Pelusi G, Perrone S, Serra L, Torcetta F, Valletta E, Vergine G, Antodaro F, Bergomi A, Chiarlolanza J, Leoni L, Mazzini F, Sacchetti R, Suppiej A, Iughetti L, Pession A, Lima M, Esposito S. Antibiotic Prophylaxis for the Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections in Children: Guideline and Recommendations from the Emilia-Romagna Pediatric Urinary Tract Infections (UTI-Ped-ER) Study Group. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1040. [PMID: 37370359 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12061040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) represents one of the most common infectious diseases and a major cause of antibiotic prescription in children. To prevent recurrent infections and long-term complications, low-dose continuous antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP) has been used. However, the efficacy of CAP is controversial. The aim of this document was to develop updated guidelines on the efficacy and safety of CAP to prevent pediatric UTIs. Methods: A panel of experts on pediatric infectious diseases, pediatric nephrology, pediatric urology, and primary care was asked clinical questions concerning the role of CAP in preventing UTIs in children. Overall, 15 clinical questions were addressed, and the search strategy included accessing electronic databases and a manual search of gray literature published in the last 25 years. After data extraction and narrative synthesis of results, recommendations were developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) methodology. Results: The use of CAP is not recommended in children with a previous UTI, with recurrent UTIs, with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) of any grade, with isolated hydronephrosis, and with neurogenic bladder. CAP is suggested in children with significant obstructive uropathies until surgical correction. Close surveillance based on early diagnosis of UTI episodes and prompt antibiotic therapy is proposed for conditions in which CAP is not recommended. Conclusions: Our systematic review shows that CAP plays a limited role in preventing recurrences of UTI in children and has no effect on its complications. On the other hand, the emergence of new antimicrobial resistances is a proven risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Autore
- Pediatric Clinic, University Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Luca Bernardi
- Pediatric Clinic, University Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Filippo Ghidini
- Pediatric Surgery, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Claudio La Scola
- Pediatric Clinic, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Berardi
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giacomo Biasucci
- Pediatrics and Neonatology Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Federico Marchetti
- Pediatrics and Neonatology Unit, Ravenna Hospital, AUSL Romagna, 48121 Ravenna, Italy
| | - Andrea Pasini
- Pediatric Clinic, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Capra
- Pediatrics and Neonatology Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | | | - Vera Cioni
- Pediatric Unit, Sassuolo Hospital, AUSL Modena, 41049 Sassuolo, Italy
| | - Sante Cantatore
- Pediatrics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Cella
- Pediatrics and Neonatology Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Francesca Cusenza
- Pediatric Clinic, University Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Alessandro De Fanti
- Pediatrics Unit, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Elisa Della Casa Muttini
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Dozza
- Pediatric Unit, Pavullo Hospital, AUSL Modena, 41026 Pavullo, Italy
| | - Claudia Gatti
- Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | | | - Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Parente
- Pediatric Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pelusi
- Pediatrics Surgery, Rimini Hospital, AUSL Romagna, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Serafina Perrone
- Neonatology Unit, University Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Serra
- Pediatric Unit, Imola Hospital, AUSL Imola, 40026 Imola, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Valletta
- Pediatric Unit, Forlì Hospital, AUSL Romagna, 47122 Forlì, Italy
| | - Gianluca Vergine
- Pediatric Clinic, Rimini Hospital, AUSL Romagna, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Bergomi
- Primary Care Pediatrician, AUSL Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | | | - Laura Leoni
- Primary Care Pediatrician, AUSL Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Franco Mazzini
- Primary Care Pediatrician, AUSL Romagna, 47521 Cesena, Italy
| | | | - Agnese Suppiej
- Pediatric Clinic, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Iughetti
- Pediatrics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Pession
- Pediatric Clinic, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Lima
- Pediatric Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, University Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
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Pavoni E, Mohebbi E, Stipa P, Pierantoni L, Mencarelli D, Dragoman M, Aldrigo M, Laudadio E. First-principles investigation of interface phenomena in hafnium-based metal-insulator-metal diodes. Nanoscale Adv 2023; 5:2748-2755. [PMID: 37205281 PMCID: PMC10187026 DOI: 10.1039/d2na00739h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Metal-insulator-metal (MIM) diodes are very interesting in many different applications exploiting environment-friendly renewable energy solutions. Moreover, since the dimensions of such devices are at the nanoscale, the size and the characteristics of their constitutive elements can drastically influence their macroscale performance. As it could be difficult to describe in detail the physical phenomena occurring among materials in nanoscale systems, in this work first-principles calculations have been used to study the structural and electrical properties of three different hafnium oxide (HfO2)-MIM diodes. These devices have been simulated at the atomistic level by interposing 3 nm of HfO2 between drain and source electrodes made of gold and platinum, respectively. The monoclinic and orthorhombic polymorphs of HfO2 have been considered to model different types of MIM diodes, and the interface geometries have been optimized to compute the current-voltage characteristics, reflecting the tunneling mechanisms occurring in such devices. The calculation of the transmission pathways has also been carried out to investigate the effects of atomistic coordinates despite the use of the same material. The results demonstrate the role of the Miller indices of metals and the influence of the HfO2 polymorphs on the MIM properties. In this study, the importance of interface phenomena on the measurable properties of the proposed devices has been investigated in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Pavoni
- Marche Polytechnic University Via Brecce Bianche 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Elaheh Mohebbi
- Marche Polytechnic University Via Brecce Bianche 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Pierluigi Stipa
- Marche Polytechnic University Via Brecce Bianche 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Marche Polytechnic University Via Brecce Bianche 60131 Ancona Italy
| | | | - Mircea Dragoman
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, IMT-Bucharest 077190 Voluntari (Ilfov) Romania
| | - Martino Aldrigo
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, IMT-Bucharest 077190 Voluntari (Ilfov) Romania
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17
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Piccirilli G, Rocca A, Borgatti EC, Gabrielli L, Zama D, Pierantoni L, Leone M, Totaro C, Pavoni M, Lazzarotto T, Lanari M. Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Load Kinetics and Clinical Course of Acute Bronchiolitis in Hospitalized Infants: Interim Results and Review of the Literature. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050645. [PMID: 37242316 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050645] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants. The role of RSV load in disease severity is still debated. We present the interim results of a prospective monocentric study enrolling previously healthy infants hospitalized for RSV bronchiolitis, collecting nasopharyngeal aspirates every 48 h from admission to discharge, and evaluating RSV load dynamics in relation to clinical outcome measures of bronchiolitis severity, including: need, type and duration of oxygen therapy, length of hospitalization, and the bronchiolitis clinical score calculated at admission. The results showed that the highest viral replication occurs within the first 48 hours after admission, with a significant decrease at subsequent time points (p < 0.0001). Moreover, higher RSV-RNA values were associated with the need for oxygen therapy (p = 0.03), particularly high-flow nasal cannula type (p = 0.04), and longer duration of respiratory support (p = 0.04). Finally, higher RSV load values were correlated with lower white blood cells, especially lymphocyte counts and C-reactive protein levels (p = 0.03, p = 0.04, and p = 0.01, respectively), as well as with patients of a younger age (p = 0.02). These data suggest that RSV may actively contribute to the clinical severity of bronchiolitis, together with other potential non-viral factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Piccirilli
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rocca
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Eva Caterina Borgatti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Liliana Gabrielli
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Zama
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Leone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Camilla Totaro
- Specialty School of Pediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Pavoni
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Tiziana Lazzarotto
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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18
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Pavoni E, Modreanu MG, Mohebbi E, Mencarelli D, Stipa P, Laudadio E, Pierantoni L. First-Principles Calculation of MoO 2 and MoO 3 Electronic and Optical Properties Compared with Experimental Data. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2023; 13:1319. [PMID: 37110904 PMCID: PMC10144520 DOI: 10.3390/nano13081319] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
MoO3 and MoO2 systems have attracted particular attention for many widespread applications thanks to their electronic and optical peculiarities; from the crystallographic point of view, MoO3 adopts a thermodynamically stable orthorhombic phase (α-MoO3) belonging to the space group Pbmn, while MoO2 assumes a monoclinic arrangement characterized by space group P21/c. In the present paper, we investigated the electronic and optical properties of both MoO3 and MoO2 by using Density Functional Theory calculations, in particular, the Meta Generalized Gradient Approximation (MGGA) SCAN functional together with the PseudoDojo pseudopotential, which were used for the first time to obtain a deeper insight into the nature of different Mo-O bonds in these materials. The calculated density of states, the band gap, and the band structure were confirmed and validated by comparison with already available experimental results, while the optical properties were validated by recording optical spectra. Furthermore, the calculated band-gap energy value for the orthorhombic MoO3 showed the best match to the experimental value reported in the literature. All these findings suggest that the newly proposed theoretical techniques reproduce the experimental evidence of both MoO2 and MoO3 systems with high accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Pavoni
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (E.P.); (E.M.); (P.S.)
| | | | - Elaheh Mohebbi
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (E.P.); (E.M.); (P.S.)
| | - Davide Mencarelli
- Department of Information Engineering, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (D.M.); (L.P.)
| | - Pierluigi Stipa
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (E.P.); (E.M.); (P.S.)
| | - Emiliano Laudadio
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (E.P.); (E.M.); (P.S.)
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Department of Information Engineering, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (D.M.); (L.P.)
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19
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Biagi C, Betti L, Manieri E, Dondi A, Pierantoni L, Ramanathan R, Zama D, Gennari M, Lanari M. Different Pediatric Acute Care Settings Influence Bronchiolitis Management: A 10-Year Retrospective Study. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030635. [PMID: 36983790 PMCID: PMC10056632 DOI: 10.3390/life13030635] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Bronchiolitis is the main cause of hospitalization in infants. Diagnosis is clinical, and treatment is based on hydration and oxygen therapy. Nevertheless, unnecessary diagnostic tests and pharmacological treatments are still very common. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate whether the setting of bronchiolitis care influences diagnostic and therapeutic choices. The management of 3201 infants, referred to our Italian Tertiary Care Center for bronchiolitis between 2010 and 2020, was analyzed by comparing children discharged from the pediatric emergency department (PEDd group) undergoing short-stay observation (SSO group) and hospitalization. Antibiotic use in PEDd, SSO, and ward was 59.3% vs. 51.6% vs. 49.7%, respectively (p < 0.001); inhaled salbutamol was mainly administered in PEDd and during SSO (76.1% and 82.2% vs. 38.3% in ward; p < 0.001); the use of corticosteroids was higher during SSO and hospitalization (59.6% and 49.1% vs. 39.0% in PEDd; p < 0.001); inhaled adrenaline was administered mostly in hospitalized infants (53.5% vs. 2.5% in SSO and 0.2% in PEDd; p < 0.001); chest X-ray use in PEDd, SSO, and ward was 30.3% vs. 49.0% vs. 70.5%, respectively (p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, undergoing SSO was found to be an independent risk factor for the use of systemic corticosteroid and salbutamol; being discharged at home was found to be a risk factor for antibiotic prescription; undergoing SSO and hospitalization resulted as independent risk factors for the use of CXR. Our study highlights that different pediatric acute care settings could influence the management of bronchiolitis. Factors influencing practice may include a high turnover of PED medical staff, personal reassurance, and parental pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Biagi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (L.B.)
| | - Ludovica Betti
- Specialty School of Pediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (L.B.)
| | - Elisa Manieri
- Specialty School of Pediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Arianna Dondi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Ramsiya Ramanathan
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda—Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Daniele Zama
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Monia Gennari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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20
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Romagnoli A, D'Agostino M, Pavoni E, Ardiccioni C, Motta S, Crippa P, Biagetti G, Notarstefano V, Rexha J, Perta N, Barocci S, Costabile BK, Colasurdo G, Caucci S, Mencarelli D, Turchetti C, Farina M, Pierantoni L, La Teana A, Al Hadi R, Cicconardi F, Chinappi M, Trucchi E, Mancia F, Menzo S, Morozzo Della Rocca B, D'Annessa I, Di Marino D. SARS-CoV-2 multi-variant rapid detector based on graphene transistor functionalized with an engineered dimeric ACE2 receptor. Nano Today 2023; 48:101729. [PMID: 36536857 PMCID: PMC9750890 DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2022.101729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Reliable point-of-care (POC) rapid tests are crucial to detect infection and contain the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The emergence of several variants of concern (VOC) can reduce binding affinity to diagnostic antibodies, limiting the efficacy of the currently adopted tests, while showing unaltered or increased affinity for the host receptor, angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). We present a graphene field-effect transistor (gFET) biosensor design, which exploits the Spike-ACE2 interaction, the crucial step for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Extensive computational analyses show that a chimeric ACE2-Fragment crystallizable (ACE2-Fc) construct mimics the native receptor dimeric conformation. ACE2-Fc functionalized gFET allows in vitro detection of the trimeric Spike protein, outperforming functionalization with a diagnostic antibody or with the soluble ACE2 portion, resulting in a sensitivity of 20 pg/mL. Our miniaturized POC biosensor successfully detects B.1.610 (pre-VOC), Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Omicron (i.e., BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, BA.5, BA.2.75 and BQ.1) variants in isolated viruses and patient's clinical nasopharyngeal swabs. The biosensor reached a Limit Of Detection (LOD) of 65 cps/mL in swab specimens of Omicron BA.5. Our approach paves the way for a new and reusable class of highly sensitive, rapid and variant-robust SARS-CoV-2 detection systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Romagnoli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Mattia D'Agostino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pavoni
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Chiara Ardiccioni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefano Motta
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Crippa
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giorgio Biagetti
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Valentina Notarstefano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Jesmina Rexha
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
| | - Nunzio Perta
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
| | - Simone Barocci
- Department of Clinical Pathology, ASUR Marche AV1, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Brianna K Costabile
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Sara Caucci
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Torrette, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Mencarelli
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Claudio Turchetti
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Farina
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Anna La Teana
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Richard Al Hadi
- Alcatera Inc., 1401 Westwood Blvd Suite 280, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Francesco Cicconardi
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Ave, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Mauro Chinappi
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Emiliano Trucchi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Filippo Mancia
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Stefano Menzo
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Torrette, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Blasco Morozzo Della Rocca
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilda D'Annessa
- Institute of Chemical Science and Technologies, SCITEC-CNR, Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Marino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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21
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Joseph CH, Luzi F, Azman SNA, Forcellese P, Pavoni E, Fabi G, Mencarelli D, Gentili S, Pierantoni L, Morini A, Simoncini M, Bellezze T, Corinaldesi V, Farina M. Nanoscale Characterization of Graphene Oxide-Based Epoxy Nanocomposite Using Inverted Scanning Microwave Microscopy. Sensors (Basel) 2022; 22:9608. [PMID: 36559977 PMCID: PMC9783995 DOI: 10.3390/s22249608] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Scanning microwave microscopy (SMM) is a novel metrological tool that advances the quantitative, nanometric, high-frequency, electrical characterization of a broad range of materials of technological importance. In this work, we report an inverted near-field scanning microwave microscopy (iSMM) investigation of a graphene oxide-based epoxy nanocomposite material at a nanoscopic level. The high-resolution spatial mapping of local conductance provides a quantitative analysis of the sample's electrical properties. In particular, the electrical conductivity in the order of ∼10-1 S/m as well as the mapping of the dielectric constant with a value of ∼4.7 ± 0.2 are reported and validated by the full-wave electromagnetic modeling of the tip-sample interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. H. Joseph
- Department of Information Engineering, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Luzi
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - S. N. Afifa Azman
- Department of Information Engineering, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Pietro Forcellese
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pavoni
- Department of Information Engineering, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianluca Fabi
- Department of Information Engineering, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Mencarelli
- Department of Information Engineering, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Serena Gentili
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Mathematical Science, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Department of Information Engineering, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Morini
- Department of Information Engineering, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Michela Simoncini
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Mathematical Science, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Tiziano Bellezze
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Valeria Corinaldesi
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Farina
- Department of Information Engineering, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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22
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Pavoni E, Mohebbi E, Mencarelli D, Stipa P, Laudadio E, Pierantoni L. The Effect of Y Doping on Monoclinic, Orthorhombic, and Cubic Polymorphs of HfO 2: A First Principles Study. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2022; 12:nano12234324. [PMID: 36500946 PMCID: PMC9740846 DOI: 10.3390/nano12234324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
HfO2 can assume different crystalline structures, such as monoclinic, orthorhombic, and cubic polymorphs, each one characterized by unical properties. The peculiarities of this material are also strongly related to the presence of doping elements in the unit cell. Thus, the present paper has the main purpose of studying and comparing twelve different systems characterized by diverse polymorphs and doping percentages. In particular, three different crystalline structures were considered: the monoclinic P21/c, the orthorhombic Pca21, and the cubic Fm3¯m phases of HfO2. Each one has been studied by using Y as a doping agent with three different contents: 0% Y:HfO2, 8% Y:HfO2, 12% Y:HfO2, and 16% Y:HfO2. For all the systems, density functional theory (DFT) methods based on PBE/GGA, and on the HSE hybrid functionals were used to optimize the geometry as well as to study their optical properties. Depending on the polymorphs, Y affects the formation energy in different ways and causes changes in the optical properties. When the percentage of Y did not exceed 12%, a stabilization of the cubic phase fraction and an increase of the dielectric constant was observed. Additionally, the calculated optical bandgap energies and the refractive index are examined to provide an overview of the systems and are compared with experimental data. The bandgaps obtained are in perfect agreement with the experimental values and show a slight increase as the doping percentage grows, while only minor differences are found between the three polymorphs in terms of both refractive index and optical band gap. The adopted first principles study generates a reasonable prediction of the physical-chemical properties of all the systems, thus identifying the effects of doping phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Pavoni
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Elaheh Mohebbi
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Mencarelli
- Information Engineering Department, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Stipa
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Emiliano Laudadio
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Information Engineering Department, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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23
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Mohebbi E, Pavoni E, Mencarelli D, Stipa P, Pierantoni L, Laudadio E. PBEsol/HSE functional: a promising candidate for vanadium dioxide (B) characterization. RSC Adv 2022; 12:31255-31263. [PMID: 36349030 PMCID: PMC9623555 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra04322j] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A VO2(B) polymorph has been thoroughly investigated by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations to evaluate the structure, Raman spectrum, cohesive energy, phonon band structure, an delectronic and optical properties. Among the computed Raman modes, eight of them have been assigned to the VO2(B) structure in full agreement with the corresponding experimental spectra. The minimized structure of the VO2(B) polymorph indicated the presence of negative frequencies in its phonon dispersion curves, confirming the dynamic instability of this material. Herein, the combination of generalized gradient approximation (GGA)/PBEsol with a hybrid HSE functional has been employed to perform ab initio calculations on VO2(B), since the conventional semi-local DFT calculations are believed to underestimate the band gap of materials. By considering the electronic structure calculations, for the first time, we found that the calibration of the PBEsol functional can efficiently model the metallic-like properties of VO2(B) with a band gap of 0.26 eV, while the corresponding electronic bandgap of VO2(B) based on the HSE functional possesses a larger band gap of 0.67 eV. The prediction of optical characteristics of VO2(B) indicated that the optical conductivity of VO2(B) lies in the infrared region of light. This work strongly suggests the combination of GGA/PBEsol with HSE hybrid functionals to carefully describe the physical properties of smart materials exploitable in electronics and optoelectronics applications. The nanostructure of VO2(B) looks promising for IR photodetectors and smart windows applications as a semiconductor material with excellent optical features. It is predicted that in the future VO2(B) will continue to expand the envelope of its capabilities because of its remarkable properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Mohebbi
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic UniversityAncona 60131Italy
| | - Eleonora Pavoni
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic UniversityAncona 60131Italy
| | - Davide Mencarelli
- Information Engineering Department, Marche Polytechnic UniversityAncona 60131Italy
| | - Pierluigi Stipa
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic UniversityAncona 60131Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Information Engineering Department, Marche Polytechnic UniversityAncona 60131Italy
| | - Emiliano Laudadio
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic UniversityAncona 60131Italy
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24
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Dona’ D, Montagnani C, Di Chiara C, Venturini E, Galli L, Lo Vecchio A, Denina M, Olivini N, Bruzzese E, Campana A, Giacchero R, Salvini F, Meini A, Ponzoni M, Trapani S, Rossi E, Lombardi MH, Badolato R, Pierri L, Pruccoli G, Rossin S, Colomba C, Cazzato S, Pacati I, Nicolini G, Pierantoni L, Bianchini S, Krzysztofiak A, Garazzino S, Giaquinto C, Castelli Gattinara G. COVID-19 in Infants Less than 3 Months: Severe or Not Severe Disease? Viruses 2022; 14:v14102256. [PMID: 36298812 PMCID: PMC9612333 DOI: 10.3390/v14102256] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Compared to adults, severe or fatal COVID-19 disease is much less common in children. However, a higher risk for progression has been reported in infants. Different pediatric COVID-19 severity scores are reported in the literature. Methods: Subjects under 90 days of age admitted to 35 Italian institutions for COVID-19 were included. The severity of COVID-19 was scored as mild/moderate or severe/critical following the classification reported in the literature by Venturini, Dong, Kanburoglu, and Gale. To assess the diagnostic accuracy of each classification system, we stratified all enrolled patients developing a posteriori severity score based on clinical presentation and outcomes and then compared all different scores analyzed. Results: We included 216 infants below 90 days of age. The most common symptom was fever, followed by coryza, poor feeding, cough, and gastrointestinal manifestations. According to Venturini, Dong, Kanburoglu, and Gale’s severity scores, 18%, 6%, 4.2%, and 29.6% of infants presented with severe/critical disease, respectively. A correlation analysis between these four scores and the a posteriori severity score assigned to all enrolled subjects was performed, and a crescent strength of correlation from Gale (R = 0.355, p < 0.001) to Venturini (R = 0.425, p < 0.001), Dong (R = 0.734, p < 0.001), and Kanburoglu (R = 0.859, p < 0.001) was observed. Conclusions: The percentage of infants with severe COVID-19 varies widely according to the score systems. A unique clinical score should be designed for neonates and infants with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Dona’
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3388946412
| | - Carlotta Montagnani
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Division, Anna Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Costanza Di Chiara
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Venturini
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Division, Anna Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Luisa Galli
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Division, Anna Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Lo Vecchio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Denina
- Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases Unit, University of Turin, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Nicole Olivini
- Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, UOC Pediatria Multispecialistica, Fiumicino, 00050 Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenia Bruzzese
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Campana
- Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, UOC Pediatria Multispecialistica, Fiumicino, 00050 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Filippo Salvini
- Department of Pediatrics, Niguarda Hospital, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Meini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Pediatric Clinic, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Matteo Ponzoni
- Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Sandra Trapani
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Division, Anna Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | | | - Mary Haywood Lombardi
- Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, UOC Pediatria Multispecialistica, Fiumicino, 00050 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Badolato
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Pediatric Clinic, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Luca Pierri
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Pruccoli
- Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases Unit, University of Turin, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Rossin
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Department for Woman and Child Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Claudia Colomba
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Infectious Diseases Unit, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cazzato
- Paediatric Unit, Department of Mother and Child Health, Salesi Children’s Hospital, 60123 Ancona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pacati
- Paediatric Unit, Ospedale Bolognini ASST Bergamo Est, 24068 Seriate, Italy
| | | | - Luca Pierantoni
- Medical and Surgical Science Department, S Orsola University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sonia Bianchini
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrzej Krzysztofiak
- Pediatric and Infectious Diseases Unit, Academic Department, Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Garazzino
- Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases Unit, University of Turin, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Carlo Giaquinto
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
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25
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Giacalone M, Pierantoni L, Selvi V, Morabito A, Baldazzi M, Lima M, Lanari M, Masi S, Incerti F, Fierro F, Basile M, Lo Piccolo R, Catania VD, Bettini I, Parri N. Midazolam premedication in ileocolic intussusception: a retrospective multicenter study. Eur J Pediatr 2022; 181:3531-3536. [PMID: 35732982 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-022-04524-6] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Ileocolic intussusception is a common cause of bowel obstruction. When spontaneous reduction does not occur, non-operative management through enema reduction is necessary. Despite the evidence indicating that sedatives favor success in the reduction, their use is still not a common practice. To determine if midazolam (MDZ) before enema improves the rate of procedure success, we retrospectively reviewed charts of patients admitted to two Italian pediatric emergency departments. Outcome measures were the success rate of the enema, recurrence, and need for surgery. Patients were grouped according to the use of MDZ or not, before hydrostatic reduction attempt. We included 69 and 37 patients in the MDZ and non-MDZ groups, respectively. The two groups did not differ in demographics, clinical characteristics, and ultrasound findings. Intussusception reduction after the first enema attempt occurred in 75% (MDZ group) and 32.4% (non-MDZ group) of patients (P < .001); 27.9% (MDZ group) and 77.8% (non-MDZ group) of patients underwent surgery (P < .001). Among them, spontaneous reduction of intussusception during the induction of general anesthesia occurred in 31.6% and 42.9% of patients, respectively (P .43). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only MDZ had a positive effect on the result of the enema (OR 7.602, 95%CI 2.669-21.652, P < .001). CONCLUSION Procedural sedation with MDZ for enema reduction of intussusception can increase the success rate and lead to a better management of patients. WHAT IS KNOWN • Despite the evidence of the usefulness of sedatives in the reduction of intussusception, their use is still not a common practice. WHAT IS NEW • Midazolam during enema reduction of intussusception can increase the success rate and consequently lead to better management of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Giacalone
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Trauma Center, Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy.
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valeria Selvi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences Radiodiagnostic Unit 2, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.,Radiology Department, Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonino Morabito
- Department of Emergency, Critical Area and Pediatric Surgery, Meyer University Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Mario Lima
- Pediatric Surgery, S. Orsola University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Masi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Filippo Incerti
- Department of Emergency, Critical Area and Pediatric Surgery, Meyer University Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Fierro
- Radiology Department, Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Massimo Basile
- Radiology Department, Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberto Lo Piccolo
- Department of Emergency, Critical Area and Pediatric Surgery, Meyer University Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Irene Bettini
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Niccolò Parri
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Trauma Center, Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
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26
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Zama D, Leardini D, Biscardi L, Corsini I, Pierantoni L, Andreozzi L, Lanari M. Activity of a Pediatric Emergency Department of a Tertiary Center in Bologna, Italy, during SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. Pediatr Rep 2022; 14:366-374. [PMID: 36136082 PMCID: PMC9505070 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric14030043] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the pediatric emergency department (ED) of Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy faced a reorganization to better deal with the new clinical needs. We herein describe the main changes in the organization and in the attendances to our pediatric ED. From the 1 March 2020 to the 31 January 2022, 796 children positive for SARS-CoV-2 presented to our pediatric ED, but only 26 required hospitalizations, of which only 9 for COVID-19 related reasons. During this period, we also registered a temporal correlation between multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) admissions and the peaks of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Italian population. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remained during last year the viral infection with the highest hospitalization rate. The analysis and description of the changes in the activity of the pediatric ED during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic may help to better understand the routinary activity and be prepared for any possible new challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Zama
- Unit of Pediatrics Emergency, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Leardini
- Specialty School of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Biscardi
- Specialty School of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-051-214-4231
| | - Ilaria Corsini
- Unit of Pediatrics Emergency, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Unit of Pediatrics Emergency, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Unit of Pediatrics Emergency, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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27
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Mohebbi E, Pavoni E, Mencarelli D, Stipa P, Pierantoni L, Laudadio E. Insights into first-principles characterization of the monoclinic VO 2(B) polymorph via DFT + U calculation: electronic, magnetic and optical properties. Nanoscale Adv 2022; 4:3634-3646. [PMID: 36134342 PMCID: PMC9400504 DOI: 10.1039/d2na00247g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
We have studied the structural, electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of the VO2(B) polymorph using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). This polymorph was found to display four optimized structures namely VO2(B)PP, VO2(B)LP, VO2(B)PPD, and VO2(B)LPD using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) PBE exchange-correlation functional by including/excluding van der Waals interaction. Our derivation provides a theoretical justification for adding an on-site Coulomb U value in the conventional DFT calculations to allow a direct comparison of the two methods. We predicted a zero bandgap of the VO2(B) structure based on GGA/PBE. However, by GGA/PBE + U, we found accurate bandgap values of 0.76, 0.66, and 0.70 eV for VO2(B)PP, VO2(B)LP, and VO2(B)PPD, respectively. The results obtained from DFT + U were accompanied by a structural transition from the metallic to semiconductor property. Here, we verified the non-magnetic characteristic of the monoclinic VO2(B) phase with some available experimental and theoretical data. However, the debate on the magnetic property of this polymorph remains unresolved. Imaginary and real parts of the dielectric function, as computed with the GGA/PBE functional and the GGA/PBE + U functional, were also reported. The first absorption peaks of all considered geometries in the imaginary part of the dielectric constants indicated that the VO2(B) structure could perfectly absorb infrared light. The computed static dielectric constants with positive values, as derived from the optical properties, confirmed the conductivity of this material. Among the four proposed geometries of VO2(B) in this study, the outcomes obtained by VO2(B)PPD reveal good results owing to the excellent consistency of its bandgap, magnetic and optical properties with other experimental and theoretical observations. The theoretical framework in our study will provide useful insight for future practical applications of the VO2(B) polymorph in electronics and optoelectronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Mohebbi
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic University 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Eleonora Pavoni
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic University 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Davide Mencarelli
- Information Engineering Department, Marche Polytechnic University 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Pierluigi Stipa
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic University 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Information Engineering Department, Marche Polytechnic University 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Emiliano Laudadio
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic University 60131 Ancona Italy
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28
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Pierantoni L, Stera G, Andreozzi L, Pellegrino F, Dondi A, Fabi M, Corsini I, Ghizzi C, Lanari M. Multicentre study revealed significant gaps between evidence-based recommendations for using corticosteroids for croup and clinical practice. Acta Paediatr 2022; 111:2010-2016. [PMID: 35751481 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16468] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM Adherence to croup management recommendations has been poorly investigated. This study aimed to describe the treatment patterns in two paediatric emergency departments and analyse the adherence to recommendations. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of children diagnosed with croup in two Italian pediatric emergency departments in 2017. Data on clinical presentation, corticosteroid administration and home therapy were collected. Length of stay, hospitalisation and re-access rates were compared among different corticosteroid treatment groups. RESULTS We enrolled 632 patients (61.1% males) with a mean age of 42.8±55.1 months. Corticosteroids were administered to 403 (63.8%) children in the emergency departments. Dexamethasone was administered to 1 (0.4%) patient. Inhaled and oral corticosteroids were given to 342 (54.1%) and 226 (35.8%) patients, respectively. Home therapy was prescribed for 603 (95.4%) patients, either with inhaled (86.2%) and/or oral (43.8%) corticosteroids. The re-access rate was 2.8%. The actual pharmaceutical costs were an estimated 10 times higher than they would have been if the recommendations had been followed. CONCLUSION A significant gap between the evidence and clinical practice for croup treatment was observed. Improving adherence to the recommendations could lead to clinical and economic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Giacomo Stera
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Pellegrino
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Arianna Dondi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Marianna Fabi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsini
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
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Pavoni E, Mohebbi E, Stipa P, Mencarelli D, Pierantoni L, Laudadio E. The Role of Zr on Monoclinic and Orthorhombic Hf xZr yO 2 Systems: A First-Principles Study. Materials (Basel) 2022; 15:ma15124175. [PMID: 35744234 PMCID: PMC9229089 DOI: 10.3390/ma15124175] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
HfO2 shows different polymorphs, including monoclinic and orthorhombic ones, that exhibit singular properties. Moreover, the character of HfO2 is also influenced by the Zr atoms as a doping agent. Here, an extensive study of the monoclinic P21/c and the orthorhombic Pca21 polymorphs of HfO2, Hf0.75Zr0.25O2, and Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 is reported. For all six systems, density functional theory (DFT) methods based on generalized gradient approximations (GGAs) were first used; then the GGA + U method was settled and calibrated to describe the electrical and optical properties of polymorphs and the responses to the oxygen vacancies. Zr had different effects in relation to the polymorph; moreover, the amount of Zr led to important differences in the optical properties of the Pca21 polymorph. Finally, oxygen vacancies were investigated, showing an important modulation of the properties of HfxZryO2 nanostructures. The combined GGA and GGA + U methods adopted in this work generate a reasonable prediction of the physicochemical properties of o- and m-HfxZryO2, identifying the effects of doping phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Pavoni
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (E.P.); (E.M.); (P.S.)
| | - Elaheh Mohebbi
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (E.P.); (E.M.); (P.S.)
| | - Pierluigi Stipa
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (E.P.); (E.M.); (P.S.)
| | - Davide Mencarelli
- Information Engineering Department, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (D.M.); (L.P.)
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Information Engineering Department, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (D.M.); (L.P.)
| | - Emiliano Laudadio
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (E.P.); (E.M.); (P.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Camporesi A, Morello R, Ferro V, Pierantoni L, Rocca A, Lanari M, Trobia GL, Sciacca T, Bellinvia AG, De Ferrari A, Valentini P, Roland D, Buonsenso D. Epidemiology, Microbiology and Severity of Bronchiolitis in the First Post-Lockdown Cold Season in Three Different Geographical Areas in Italy: A Prospective, Observational Study. Children (Basel) 2022; 9:children9040491. [PMID: 35455535 PMCID: PMC9024462 DOI: 10.3390/children9040491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to understand the epidemiology, disease severity, and microbiology of bronchiolitis in Italy during the 2021–2022 cold season, outside of lockdowns. Before COVID-19, the usual bronchiolitis season in Italy would begin in November and end in April, peaking in February. We performed a prospective observational study in four referral pediatric centers located in different geographical areas in Italy (two in the north, one in the center and one in the south). From 1 July 2021 to 31 January 2022, we collected all new clinical diagnoses of bronchiolitis in children younger than two years of age recording demographic, clinical and microbiological data. A total of 657 children with a clinical diagnosis of bronchiolitis were enrolled; 56% children were admitted and 5.9% required PICU admission. The first cases were detected during the summer, peaking in November 2021 and declining into December 2021 with only a few cases detected in January 2022. RSV was the commonest etiological agent, while SARS-CoV-2 was rarely detected and only since the end of December 2021. Disease severity was similar in children with RSV vs. non-RSV bronchiolitis, and in those with a single infectious agent detected compared with children with co-infections. The 2021–2022 bronchiolitis season in Italy started and peaked earlier than the usual pre-pandemic seasons, but had a shorter duration. Importantly, the current bronchiolitis season was not more severe when data were compared with Italian published data, and SARS-CoV-2 was rarely a cause of bronchiolitis in children younger than 24 months of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Camporesi
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Rosa Morello
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (P.V.)
| | - Valentina Ferro
- Department of Pediatric Emergency, Bambin Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (A.R.); (M.L.)
| | - Alessandro Rocca
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (A.R.); (M.L.)
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (A.R.); (M.L.)
| | - Gian Luca Trobia
- Pediatric and Pediatric Emergency Room Unit, Cannizzaro Emergency Hospital-Catania, 95126 Catania, Italy; (G.L.T.); (T.S.); (A.G.B.)
| | - Tiziana Sciacca
- Pediatric and Pediatric Emergency Room Unit, Cannizzaro Emergency Hospital-Catania, 95126 Catania, Italy; (G.L.T.); (T.S.); (A.G.B.)
| | - Agata Giuseppina Bellinvia
- Pediatric and Pediatric Emergency Room Unit, Cannizzaro Emergency Hospital-Catania, 95126 Catania, Italy; (G.L.T.); (T.S.); (A.G.B.)
| | - Alessandra De Ferrari
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Piero Valentini
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (P.V.)
| | - Damian Roland
- Paediatric Emergency Medicine Leicester Academic (PEMLA) Group, Leicester Hospital, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK;
- Social science APPlied to Healthcare Improvement REsearch, SAPPHIRE Group, Health Sciences, Leicester University, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Danilo Buonsenso
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (P.V.)
- Center for Global Health Research Studies, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-30154390
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Midrio M, Pierantoni L, Boscolo S, Truccolo D, Mencarelli D. Nano-antenna array for high efficiency sunlight harvesting. Opt Express 2022; 30:7017-7034. [PMID: 35299474 DOI: 10.1364/oe.450020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Solar rectennas are promising devices for energy harvesting. Capability of rectennas to convert incident light into useful energy depends on the antenna efficiency, that is the ratio between the power transferred to the load vs the incoming power. In this work, we first emphasize that for the efficiency to be calculated accurately, antennas need to be treated as receiving devices, not as transmitting ones. Then, we propose an arrangement of antennas that differs from those published so far in three respects: (1) the proposed arrangement is formed by an array of nano-antennas with sub-wavelength inter-element spacing, (2) it comprises a reflecting mirror, and (3) it allows for dual polarization operation. Through numerical simulations, we show that the small lattice pitch we use is responsible for frequency flattening of the lattice impedance over the whole solar spectrum, eventually allowing for excellent matching with the antennas' loads. Also, the small pitch allows for a smooth dependence of the receiving efficiency on the angle of incidence of sunlight. Finally, we show numerically that the reflecting mirror also allows for an almost complete cancellation of light scattered by the receiving antennas. The final result is a polarization insensitive receiving theoretical efficiency larger than 70% over the whole 300-3000 nm spectral range, with a less than 10% energy wasting due to back-scattering of sunlight.
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Lanari M, Venturini E, Pierantoni L, Stera G, Castelli Gattinara G, Esposito SMR, Favilli S, Franzoni E, Fusco E, Lionetti P, Maffeis C, Marseglia G, Massella L, Midulla F, Zanobini A, Zecca M, Villani A, Staiano A, Galli L. Eligibility criteria for pediatric patients who may benefit from anti SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody therapy administration: an Italian inter-society consensus statement. Ital J Pediatr 2022; 48:7. [PMID: 35022088 PMCID: PMC8754075 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01187-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The fast diffusion of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have called for an equally rapid evolution of the therapeutic options.The Human recombinant monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and by the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) in subjects aged ≥12 with SARS-CoV-2 infection and specific risk factors.Currently the indications are specific for the use of two different mAbs combination: Bamlanivimab+Etesevimab (produced by Eli Lilly) and Casirivimab+Imdevimab (produced by Regeneron).These drugs have shown favorable effects in adult patients in the initial phase of infection, whereas to date few data are available on their use in children.AIFA criteria derived from the existing literature which reports an increased risk of severe COVID-19 in children with comorbidities. However, the studies analyzing the determinants for progression to severe disease are mainly monocentric, with limited numbers and reporting mostly generic risk categories.Thus, the Italian Society of Pediatrics invited its affiliated Scientific Societies to produce a Consensus document based on the revision of the criteria proposed by AIFA in light of the most recent literature and experts' agreement.This Consensus tries to detail which patients actually have the risk to develop severe disease, analyzing the most common comorbidities in children, in order to detail the indications for mAbs administration and to guide the clinicians in identifying eligible patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Italian Association of Children's Hospital (AOPI), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giacomo Stera
- Postgraduate School of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Susanna Maria Roberta Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children's Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Favilli
- Cardiology Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Emilio Franzoni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eleonora Fusco
- Postgraduate School of Pediatrics, University of Florence, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Lionetti
- Gastroenterology Unit, NEUROFARBA Department, University of Florence, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudio Maffeis
- Pediatric Clinic B, Mother and Child Hospital, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics, and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Marseglia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pavia, San Matteo Foundation IRCCS Policlinico, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Massella
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatric Subspecialties, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Midulla
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marco Zecca
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alberto Villani
- General Pediatrics Unit, Pediatric Emergency and General Pediatrics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Annamaria Staiano
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Galli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Cataldo A, La Pietra M, Zappelli L, Mencarelli D, Pierantoni L, Bellucci S. MacGyvered Multiproperty Materials Using Nanocarbon and Jam: A Spectroscopic, Electromagnetic, and Rheological Investigation. J Funct Biomater 2022; 13:5. [PMID: 35076523 PMCID: PMC8788530 DOI: 10.3390/jfb13010005] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
As part of a biopolymer matrix, pectin was investigated to obtain an engineered jam, due to its biodegradability. Only a few examples of pectin-based nanocomposites are present in the literature, and even fewer such bionanocomposites utilize nanocarbon as a filler-mostly for use in food packaging. In the present paper, ecofriendly nanocomposites made from household reagents and displaying multiple properties are presented. In particular, the electrical behavior and viscoelastic properties of a commercial jam were modulated by loading the jam with carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplates. A new nanocomposite class based on commercial jam was studied, estimating the percolation threshold for each filler. The electrical characterization and the rheological measurements suggest that the behavior above the percolation threshold is influenced by the different morphology-i.e., one-dimensional or two-dimensional-of the fillers. These outcomes encourage further studies on the use of household materials in producing advanced and innovative materials, in order to reduce the environmental impact of new technologies, without giving up advanced devices endowed with different physical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Cataldo
- ENEA Centro Ricerche Casaccia, DISPREV Santa Maria di Galeria, 00123 Rome, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (L.Z.); (D.M.); (L.P.)
- National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN), National Laboratories of Frascati, 00044 Frascati, Italy; (M.L.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Matteo La Pietra
- National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN), National Laboratories of Frascati, 00044 Frascati, Italy; (M.L.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Leonardo Zappelli
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (L.Z.); (D.M.); (L.P.)
| | - Davide Mencarelli
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (L.Z.); (D.M.); (L.P.)
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (L.Z.); (D.M.); (L.P.)
| | - Stefano Bellucci
- National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN), National Laboratories of Frascati, 00044 Frascati, Italy; (M.L.P.); (S.B.)
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Biagi C, Cavallo A, Rocca A, Pierantoni L, Antonazzo D, Dondi A, Gabrielli L, Lazzarotto T, Lanari M. Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Manifestations in Hospitalized Children with Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infection. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122553. [PMID: 34946154 PMCID: PMC8707942 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is one of the main causes of both upper and lower respiratory infections in school-aged children, accounting for up to 40% of community-acquired pneumonia. Younger children are also affected, and extrapulmonary manifestations have been recently reported in the pediatric population. We carried out a retrospective analysis of MP-positive patients admitted to the Pediatric Emergency Unit of S. Orsola Malpighi University Hospital in Bologna, the largest tertiary pediatric referral center in the Emilia–Romagna region, Northern Italy, between 2012 and 2020. We identified 145 patients with MP infection (82 males and 63 females), 27% of which were younger than 2 years; the median age was 5 years (interquartile range 1–9). The clinical presentation partially differed between age groups. School-aged children were more likely to have a chest X-ray-confirmed pneumonia (p = 0.013), while younger children required oxygen therapy more often (p = 0.048). Seventy-four children (51%) showed extrapulmonary manifestations, mainly gastrointestinal (30%) and dermatological (14%). Neurological symptoms were more frequent in children older than 6 years (p = 0.006). The rate of other extrapulmonary manifestations did not differ significantly between age groups. This study shows that MP infection is a frequent cause of pediatric hospitalization, including of children younger than 2 years. Clinicians should be aware of the variable clinical expressions of MP, including extrapulmonary manifestations, to achieve a correct diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Biagi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (A.R.); (L.P.); (D.A.); (A.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Alessandra Cavallo
- Specialty School of Pediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-051-2143012
| | - Alessandro Rocca
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (A.R.); (L.P.); (D.A.); (A.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (A.R.); (L.P.); (D.A.); (A.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Davide Antonazzo
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (A.R.); (L.P.); (D.A.); (A.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Arianna Dondi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (A.R.); (L.P.); (D.A.); (A.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Liliana Gabrielli
- Microbiology Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.G.); (T.L.)
| | - Tiziana Lazzarotto
- Microbiology Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.G.); (T.L.)
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (A.R.); (L.P.); (D.A.); (A.D.); (M.L.)
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Esposito S, Biasucci G, Pasini A, Predieri B, Vergine G, Crisafi A, Malaventura C, Casadio L, Sella M, Pierantoni L, Gatti C, Paglialonga L, Sodini C, La Scola C, Bernardi L, Autore G, Canto GD, Argentiero A, Cantatore S, Ceccoli M, De Fanti A, Suppiej A, Lanari M, Principi N, Pession A, Iughetti L. Antibiotic Resistance in Paediatric Febrile Urinary Tract Infections. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2021; 29:499-506. [PMID: 34801739 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) is currently considered the most frequent cause of serious bacterial illness in children in the first 2 years of life. UTI in paediatrics can irreversibly damage the renal parenchyma and lead to chronic renal insufficiency and related problems. To avoid this risk, an early effective antibiotic treatment is essential. Moreover, prompt treatment is mandatory to improve the clinical condition of the patient, prevent bacteraemia, and avoid the risk of bacterial localization in other body sites. However, antibiotic resistance for UTI-related bacterial pathogens continuously increases, making recommendations rapidly outdated and the definition of the best empiric antibiotic therapy more difficult. Variation in pathogen susceptibility to antibiotics is essential for the choice of an effective therapy. Moreover, proper identification of cases at increased risk of difficult-to-treat UTIs can reduce the risk of ineffective therapy. In this review, the problem of emerging antibiotic resistance among pathogens associated with the development of paediatric febrile UTIs and the best potential solutions to ensure the most effective therapy are discussed. Literature analysis showed that the emergence of antibiotic resistance is an unavoidable phenomenon closely correlated with the use of antibiotics themselves. To limit the emergence of resistance, every effort to reduce and rationalise antibiotic consumption must be made. An increased use of antibiotic stewardship can be greatly effective in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Esposito
- Paediatric Clinic, University Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Biasucci
- Paediatrics and Neonatology Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Andrea Pasini
- Paediatric Clinic, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Sant'Orsola, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Predieri
- Paediatrics Unit, Maternal-infantile Department, University Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Antonella Crisafi
- Paediatrics Unit, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Luca Casadio
- Paediatrics and Neonatology Unit, Ravenna Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Marcello Sella
- Pediatric Clinic, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Romagna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Paediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Sant'Orsola, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Gatti
- Paediatric Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Letizia Paglialonga
- Paediatric Clinic, University Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Sodini
- Paediatric Clinic, University Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Claudio La Scola
- Paediatric Clinic, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Sant'Orsola, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Bernardi
- Paediatric Clinic, University Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Autore
- Paediatric Clinic, University Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Dal Canto
- Paediatric Clinic, University Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alberto Argentiero
- Paediatric Clinic, University Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sante Cantatore
- Paediatrics Unit, Maternal-infantile Department, University Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Martina Ceccoli
- Paediatrics Unit, Maternal-infantile Department, University Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandro De Fanti
- Paediatrics Unit, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Agnese Suppiej
- Paediatric Clinic, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Paediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Sant'Orsola, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Pession
- Paediatric Clinic, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Sant'Orsola, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Iughetti
- Paediatrics Unit, Maternal-infantile Department, University Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Biagi C, Scarpini S, Paleari C, Fabi M, Dondi A, Gabrielli L, Gennari M, Lanari M, Pierantoni L. Impact of Guidelines Publication on Acute Bronchiolitis Management: 10-Year Experience from a Tertiary Care Center in Italy. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2221. [PMID: 34835347 PMCID: PMC8625287 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory tract infection in infants. According to evidence-based guidelines, diagnosis is clinical, there is no need for routine use of laboratory or instrumental tests and therapy is primarily supportive, based on oxygen and adequate fluid supplementation. Nevertheless, unnecessary diagnostic tests and pharmacological treatments are still very common. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate how the management of bronchiolitis has changed in the last ten years in a Tertiary Care Center in Italy, assessing adherence to national guidelines. Considering the publication of the Italian inter-society consensus document in 2014, we compared patients admitted in the prior four epidemic seasons with patients admitted in the latter six epidemic seasons. The comparison between the two groups showed a significant reduction in the prescription of systemic corticosteroids (58.9% vs. 41.8%, p < 0.001), nebulized epinephrine (73.8% vs. 38.3%, p < 0.001) and antibiotics (59.5% vs. 42.3%, p < 0.001), together with a drastic decrease in the use of chest X-ray (92.2% vs. 54.4%, p < 0.001). On the contrary, the use of inhaled salbutamol remained substantially stable over time (39.4% vs. 37.6%, p = 0.505). Despite the encouraging results, further efforts are needed to limit the prescription of ineffective therapies like antibiotics and inhaled salbutamol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Biagi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (M.F.); (A.D.); (M.G.); (M.L.); (L.P.)
| | - Sara Scarpini
- Specialty School of Pediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Camilla Paleari
- Specialty School of Pediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Marianna Fabi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (M.F.); (A.D.); (M.G.); (M.L.); (L.P.)
| | - Arianna Dondi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (M.F.); (A.D.); (M.G.); (M.L.); (L.P.)
| | - Liliana Gabrielli
- Microbiology Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Monia Gennari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (M.F.); (A.D.); (M.G.); (M.L.); (L.P.)
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (M.F.); (A.D.); (M.G.); (M.L.); (L.P.)
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (M.F.); (A.D.); (M.G.); (M.L.); (L.P.)
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Venturini E, Montagnani C, Garazzino S, Donà D, Pierantoni L, Vecchio AL, Krzysztofiak A, Nicolini G, Bianchini S, Galli L, Villani A, Gattinara GC. Treatment of children with COVID-19: update of the Italian Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases position paper. Ital J Pediatr 2021; 47:199. [PMID: 34620212 PMCID: PMC8495664 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01132-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlotta Montagnani
- Infection Disease Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Garazzino
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniele Donà
- Department for Woman and Child Health, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Lo Vecchio
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrzej Krzysztofiak
- Universitarian-Hospital Department, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sonia Bianchini
- Department of Pediatrics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Galli
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alberto Villani
- Universitarian-Hospital Department, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Esposito S, Maglietta G, Di Costanzo M, Ceccoli M, Vergine G, La Scola C, Malaventura C, Falcioni A, Iacono A, Crisafi A, Iughetti L, Conte ML, Pierantoni L, Gatti C, Caminiti C, Biasucci G. Retrospective 8-Year Study on the Antibiotic Resistance of Uropathogens in Children Hospitalised for Urinary Tract Infection in the Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10101207. [PMID: 34680787 PMCID: PMC8532648 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10101207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and spread of antibiotic resistance is an increasingly important global public health problem, even in paediatric urinary tract infection (UTI). In light of the variability in the data, it is necessary to conduct surveillance studies to determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in specific geographical areas to optimize therapeutic management. In this observational, retrospective, multicentre study, the medical records of 1801 paediatric patients who were hospitalised for UTI between 1 January 2012, and 30 June 2020, in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, were analysed. Escherichia coli was the most frequently detected pathogen (75.6%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.9%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.5%). Overall, 840 cases (46.7%) were due to antimicrobial-resistant uropathogens: 83 (4.7%) extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing, 119 (6.7%) multidrug resistant (MDR) and 4 (0.2%) extensively drug resistant (XDR) bacteria. Empirical antibiotic therapy failed in 172 cases (9.6%). Having ESBL or MDR/XDR uropathogens, a history of recurrent UTI, antibiotic therapy in the preceding 30 days, and empirical treatment with amoxicillin or amoxicillin/clavulanate were significantly associated with treatment failure, whereas first-line therapy with third-generation cephalosporins was associated with protection against negative outcomes. In conclusion, the increase in the resistance of uropathogens to commonly used antibiotics requires continuous monitoring, and recommendations for antibiotic choice need updating. In our epidemiological context, amoxicillin/clavulanate no longer seems to be the appropriate first-line therapy for children hospitalised for UTI, whereas third-generation cephalosporins continue to be useful. To further limit the emergence of resistance, every effort to reduce and rationalise antibiotic consumption must be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, University Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0521-903524
| | - Giuseppe Maglietta
- Research and Innovation Unit, University Hospital, 43126 Parma, Italy; (G.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Margherita Di Costanzo
- Paediatrics and Neonatology Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, 29122 Piacenza, Italy; (M.D.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Martina Ceccoli
- Paediatrics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.C.); (L.I.)
| | - Gianluca Vergine
- Paediatrics Unit, Rimini Hospital, AUSL Romagna, 47921 Rimini, Italy; (G.V.); (M.L.C.)
| | - Claudio La Scola
- Paediatric Clinic, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | | | - Alice Falcioni
- Paediatric Unit, Forlì Hospital, AUSL Romagna, 47121 Forlì, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Iacono
- Paediatrics and Neonatology Unit, Ravenna Hospital, AUSL Romagna, 48121 Ravenna, Italy;
| | - Antonella Crisafi
- Paediatrics Unit, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Iughetti
- Paediatrics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.C.); (L.I.)
| | - Maria Luisa Conte
- Paediatrics Unit, Rimini Hospital, AUSL Romagna, 47921 Rimini, Italy; (G.V.); (M.L.C.)
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Paediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Claudia Gatti
- Paediatric Surgery, University Hospital, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Caterina Caminiti
- Research and Innovation Unit, University Hospital, 43126 Parma, Italy; (G.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Giacomo Biasucci
- Paediatrics and Neonatology Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, 29122 Piacenza, Italy; (M.D.C.); (G.B.)
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Pierantoni L, Mencarelli D. Nanoscale Ferroelectrics for Advanced Electronics and Microwave Applications [Guest Editorial]. IEEE Nanotechnology Mag 2021. [DOI: 10.1109/mnano.2021.3097490] [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: 11/10/2022]
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Pierantoni L, Lo Vecchio A, Lenzi J, Corsi V, Campana L, Luca Trobia G, Amendolea A, Di Felice B, Alighieri G, Fabrizio GC, Bisceglia M, Peia F, Chiale F, Bartolomei B, Siciliano C, Di Battista C, Passone E, di Giovanni C, Piergentili E, Donà D, Buonsenso D. Parents' Perspective of Antibiotic Usage in Children: A Nationwide Survey in Italy. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2021; 40:906-911. [PMID: 34437339 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibiotics represent the most widely prescribed drugs in children worldwide, both in hospital and community settings. A comprehensive approach to understanding the reasons and determinants of antibiotic prescription in the pediatric age is needed. This study aimed to assess parents' attitudes and perspectives about antibiotic use. METHODS Prospective observational study was conducted in all Italian Regions between February 1 and April 30, 2020, using a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS Six thousand six hundred twenty-five parents from all Italian regions completed the survey. Seventy-six percent of parents were aware that only bacteria are the target of antibiotics, but 92.9% knew that the antibiotic has no direct effect on fever. Antibiotic self-prescription (10.4%) or by remote consultation by phone call (19.9%) or message (9.6%) were relatively common. Ninety-three percent of parents were aware that excessive use of antibiotics could select resistant bacteria and 84.7% of them knew that they could actively fight antibiotic resistance. About two thirds of participants (66.1%) received information on antibiotic resistance from their family pediatrician. Parents born of Italy or those with lower income had a higher probability of having less information from pediatricians or knowledge of proper antibiotic use. DISCUSSION Our study suggests that parents' knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotic use and prescription are improving compared with previous studies, while there is still a gap regarding antibiotic resistance, particularly on practices that can reduce its burden. Our study's negative finding is that families from low-income settings or those born abroad have significantly more misconceptions about important antibiotic practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pierantoni
- From the Pediatric Emergency Department, IRCSS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Lo Vecchio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences-Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Jacopo Lenzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Vincenza Corsi
- Department of Pediatrics, PO San Francesco Nuoro, Nuoro, Italy
| | - Lara Campana
- Department of Pediatrics, A. Cardarelli Hospital, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Trobia
- Pediatric and Pediatric Emergency Room Unit, "Cannizzaro" Emergency Hospital Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Giovanni Alighieri
- Family Pediatrician, Unità di Pediatria e TIN, Azienda Ospedaliera Cardinale Giovanni Panico, Tricase, Italy
| | - Giovanna Carmela Fabrizio
- Unità Operativa Complessa Pediatria e Neonatologia Ospedale Madonna delle Grazie, ASM Matera, Matera, Italy
| | - Massimo Bisceglia
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Crotone, Calabria
| | - Francesco Peia
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Paediatric Department, ASST Lecco, Lecco, Italy
| | - Federica Chiale
- Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Postgraduation School of Pediatrics, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Eva Passone
- Department of Pediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria "Santa Maria della Misericordia" di Udine, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
| | | | | | - Daniele Donà
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Danilo Buonsenso
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Ge-melli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Global Health Research Institute, Istituto di Igiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
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Pierantoni L, Dondi A, Biagi C, Scozzarella A, Camela F, Lanari MA. Subcutaneous emphysema of the neck as a complication of high flow nasal cannula therapy in children: a case report. Emer Care J 2021. [DOI: 10.4081/ecj.2021.9615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) is a noninvasive technique for respiratory support increasingly used in the pediatric wards for the management of respiratory failure. Few data are reported about the safety of HFNC. We describe the case of a 3-months-old infant admitted for acute bronchiolitis Respiratory Syncyctial Virus-related and treated with HFNC for severe respiratory distress. 12 hours after the beginning of HFNC a subcutaneous swelling of the neck, attributable to subcutaneous emphysema, became clinically evident. Radiological imaging showed pneumomediastinum with air leaking up to the neck. Patient was moved to PICU where he further worsened due to a mediastinal shift requiring drainage and mechanical ventilation. He was then progressively weaned from ventilation and was discharged from the hospital. Pneumomediastinum may occur during HFNC, particularly in moderate-severe cases of acute bronchiolitis. Patients undergoing HFNC should be strictly monitored in order to promptly recognize this complication and treat the child appropriately.
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Krzysztofiak A, Chiappini E, Venturini E, Gargiullo L, Roversi M, Montagnani C, Bozzola E, Chiurchiu S, Vecchio D, Castagnola E, Tomà P, Rossolini GM, Toniolo RM, Esposito S, Cirillo M, Cardinale F, Novelli A, Beltrami G, Tagliabue C, Boero S, Deriu D, Bianchini S, Grandin A, Bosis S, Ciarcià M, Ciofi D, Tersigni C, Bortone B, Trippella G, Nicolini G, Lo Vecchio A, Giannattasio A, Musso P, Serrano E, Marchisio P, Donà D, Garazzino S, Pierantoni L, Mazzone T, Bernaschi P, Ferrari A, Gattinara GC, Galli L, Villani A. Italian consensus on the therapeutic management of uncomplicated acute hematogenous osteomyelitis in children. Ital J Pediatr 2021; 47:179. [PMID: 34454557 PMCID: PMC8403408 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01130-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHOM) is an insidious infection of the bone that more frequently affects young males. The etiology, mainly bacterial, is often related to the patient's age, but it is frequently missed, owing to the low sensitivity of microbiological cultures. Thus, the evaluation of inflammatory biomarkers and imaging usually guide the diagnosis and follow-up of the infection. The antibiotic treatment of uncomplicated AHOM, on the other hand, heavily relies upon the clinician experience, given the current lack of national guidelines for the management of this infection. METHODS A systematic review of the studies on the empirical treatment of uncomplicated AHOM in children published in English or Italian between January 1, 2009, and March 31, 2020, indexed on Pubmed or Embase search engines, was carried out. All guidelines and studies reporting on non-bacterial or complicated or post-traumatic osteomyelitis affecting newborns or children older than 18 years or with comorbidities were excluded from the review. All other works were included in this study. RESULTS Out of 4576 articles, 53 were included in the study. Data on different topics was gathered and outlined: bone penetration of antibiotics; choice of intravenous antibiotic therapy according to the isolated or suspected pathogen; choice of oral antibiotic therapy; length of treatment and switch to oral therapy; surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS The therapeutic management of osteomyelitis is still object of controversy. This study reports the first Italian consensus on the management of uncomplicated AHOM in children of pediatric osteomyelitis, based on expert opinions and a vast literature review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Krzysztofiak
- Paediatric and Infectious Disease Unit, Academic Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Elena Chiappini
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Venturini
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Livia Gargiullo
- Department of Emergency, Acceptance and General Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Roversi
- Paediatric and Infectious Disease Unit, Academic Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlotta Montagnani
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Bozzola
- Department of Emergency, Acceptance and General Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Chiurchiu
- Paediatric and Infectious Disease Unit, Academic Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Vecchio
- Rare Disease and Medical Genetics, Academic Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Elio Castagnola
- Infectious Disease Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Paolo Tomà
- Department of Imaging, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Rossolini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Renato Maria Toniolo
- Surgery Department, Traumatology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children's Hospital, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Cirillo
- Department of Imaging, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Cardinale
- Department of Pediatrics and Emergency, Pediatric Allergy and Pulmunology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria "Consorziale-Policlinico", Ospedale Pediatrico Giovanni XXIII, Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Novelli
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Beltrami
- Department of Orthopaedic Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery, AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudia Tagliabue
- Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvio Boero
- Department of Pediatric Orthopaedics, IRCCS Istituto 'Giannina Gaslini', Children's Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Daniele Deriu
- Paediatric and Infectious Disease Unit, Academic Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Bianchini
- Department of Pediatrics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Grandin
- Department of Emergency, Acceptance and General Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Samantha Bosis
- Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Ciarcià
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Ciofi
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Tersigni
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Bortone
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Trippella
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Lo Vecchio
- Section of Paediatrics, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Paola Musso
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Serrano
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Marchisio
- Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Donà
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Woman and Child Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Garazzino
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Paola Bernaschi
- Microbiology Unit, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Luisa Galli
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Alberto Villani
- Department of Emergency, Acceptance and General Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Pierantoni L, Andreozzi L, Ambretti S, Dondi A, Biagi C, Baccelli F, Lanari M. Three-Year Trend in Escherichia coli Antimicrobial Resistance among Children's Urine Cultures in an Italian Metropolitan Area. Children (Basel) 2021; 8:children8070597. [PMID: 34356576 PMCID: PMC8303248 DOI: 10.3390/children8070597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in children, and Escherichia coli is the main pathogen responsible. Several guidelines, including the recently updated Italian guidelines, recommend amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (AMC) as a first-line antibiotic therapy in children with febrile UTIs. Given the current increasing rates of antibiotic resistance worldwide, this study aimed to investigate the three-year trend in the resistance rate of E. coli isolated from pediatric urine cultures (UCs) in a metropolitan area of northern Italy. We conducted a retrospective review of E. coli-positive, non-repetitive UCs collected in children aged from 1 month to 14 years, regardless of a diagnosis of UTI, catheter colonization, urine contamination, or asymptomatic bacteriuria. During the study period, the rate of resistance to AMC significantly increased from 17.6% to 40.2% (p < 0.001). Ciprofloxacin doubled its resistance rate from 9.1% to 16.3% (p = 0.007). The prevalence of multidrug-resistant E. coli rose from 3.9% to 9.2% (p = 0.015). The rate of resistance to other considered antibiotics remained stable, as did the prevalence of extended spectrum beta-lactamases and extensively resistant E. coli among isolates. These findings call into question the use of AMC as a first-line therapy for pediatric UTIs in our population, despite the indications of recent Italian guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pierantoni
- Division of Pediatric Emergency, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (A.D.); (C.B.); (M.L.)
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Specialty School of Paediatrics—Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Simone Ambretti
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Arianna Dondi
- Division of Pediatric Emergency, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (A.D.); (C.B.); (M.L.)
| | - Carlotta Biagi
- Division of Pediatric Emergency, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (A.D.); (C.B.); (M.L.)
| | - Francesco Baccelli
- Specialty School of Paediatrics—Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Division of Pediatric Emergency, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (A.D.); (C.B.); (M.L.)
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De Rose C, Pierantoni L, Buonsenso D. COVID-19 and lung ultrasound: reasons why paediatricians can support adult COVID-19 units during critical epidemiologic periods. J Ultrasound 2021; 25:413-417. [PMID: 34046862 PMCID: PMC8159720 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-021-00591-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina De Rose
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, S. Orsola University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Danilo Buonsenso
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy. .,Global Health Research Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italia. .,Istituto Di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italia.
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Xiao P, Mencarelli D, Chavez-Angel E, Joseph CH, Cataldo A, Pierantoni L, Sotomayor Torres CM, Sledzinska M. Reversing the Humidity Response of MoS 2- and WS 2-Based Sensors Using Transition-Metal Salts. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2021; 13:23201-23209. [PMID: 33950679 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c03691] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional materials, such as transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), are attractive candidates for sensing applications due to their high surface-to-volume ratio, chemically active edges, and good electrical properties. However, their electrical response to humidity is still under debate and experimental reports remain inconclusive. For instance, in different studies, the impedance of MoS2-based sensors has been found to either decrease or increase with increasing humidity, compromising the use of MoS2 for humidity sensing. In this work, we focus on understanding the interaction between water and TMDs. We fabricated and studied humidity sensors based on MoS2 and WS2 coated with copper chloride and silver nitrate. The devices exhibited high chemical stability and excellent humidity sensing performance in relative humidity between 4 and 80%, with response and recovery times of 2 and 40 s, respectively. We have systematically investigated the humidity response of the materials as a function of the type and amount of induced metal salt and observed the reverse action of sensing mechanisms. This phenomenon is explained based on a detailed structural analysis of the samples considering the Grotthuss mechanism in the presence of charge trapping, which was represented by an appropriate lumped-element model. Our findings open up a possibility to tune the electrical response in a facile manner and without compromising the high performance of the sensor. They offer an insight into the time-dependent performance and aging of the TMD-based sensing devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Xiao
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Departamento de Física, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Davide Mencarelli
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 1, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- INFN-Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, via E. Fermi 40, 00044 Frascati, Italy
| | - Emigdio Chavez-Angel
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christopher Hardly Joseph
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 1, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonino Cataldo
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 1, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- INFN-Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, via E. Fermi 40, 00044 Frascati, Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 1, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- INFN-Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, via E. Fermi 40, 00044 Frascati, Italy
| | - Clivia M Sotomayor Torres
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marianna Sledzinska
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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Rocca A, Biagi C, Scarpini S, Dondi A, Vandini S, Pierantoni L, Lanari M. Passive Immunoprophylaxis against Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Children: Where Are We Now? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3703. [PMID: 33918185 PMCID: PMC8038138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) represents the main cause of acute respiratory tract infections in children worldwide and is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants. RSV infection is a self-limiting condition and does not require antibiotics. However hospitalized infants with clinical bronchiolitis often receive antibiotics for fear of bacteria coinfection, especially when chest radiography is performed due to similar radiographic appearance of infiltrate and atelectasis. This may lead to unnecessary antibiotic prescription, additional cost, and increased risk of development of resistance. Despite the considerable burden of RSV bronchiolitis, to date, only symptomatic treatment is available, and there are no commercially available vaccines. The only licensed passive immunoprophylaxis is palivizumab. The high cost of this monoclonal antibody (mAb) has led to limiting its prescription only for high-risk children: infants with chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, neuromuscular disorders, immunodeficiencies, and extreme preterm birth. Nevertheless, it has been shown that the majority of hospitalized RSV-infected children do not fully meet the criteria for immune prophylaxis. While waiting for an effective vaccine, passive immune prophylaxis in children is mandatory. There are a growing number of RSV passive immunization candidates under development intended for RSV prevention in all infants. In this review, we describe the state-of-the-art of palivizumab's usage and summarize the clinical and preclinical trials regarding the development of mAbs with a better cost-effectiveness ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rocca
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.R.); (C.B.); (A.D.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Carlotta Biagi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.R.); (C.B.); (A.D.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Sara Scarpini
- Specialty School of Paediatrics—Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Arianna Dondi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.R.); (C.B.); (A.D.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Silvia Vandini
- Pediatrics and Neonatology Unit, Imola Hospital, 40026 Imola, Italy;
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.R.); (C.B.); (A.D.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS), Sant’Orsola Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (A.R.); (C.B.); (A.D.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
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Di Donato A, Fabi G, Mencarelli D, Pierantoni L, Morini A, Farina M. Heterodyne phase shifting method in scanning probe microscopy. J Opt Soc Am A Opt Image Sci Vis 2021; 38:378-386. [PMID: 33690467 DOI: 10.1364/josaa.415042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The present paper describes a novel implementation of the continuous phase shifting method (PSM), named heterodyne holography, in a scanning probe microscope configuration, able to retrieve the complex scattered field in on-axis configuration. This can be achieved by acquiring a continuous sequence of holograms at different wavelengths in just a single scan through the combination of scanning interference microscopy and a low-coherent signal acquired in the frequency domain. This method exploits the main advantages of the phase shifting technique and avoids some limits relative to off-axis holography in providing quantitative phase imaging.
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Pierantoni L, Lenzi J, Lanari M, De Rose C, Morello R, Di Mauro A, Lo Vecchio A, Valentini P, Buonsenso D. Nationwide COVID-19 survey of Italian parents reveals useful information on attitudes to school attendance, medical support, vaccines and drug trials. Acta Paediatr 2021; 110:942-943. [PMID: 33047328 PMCID: PMC7677859 DOI: 10.1111/apa.15614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences S. Orsola University Hospital Bologna Italy
| | - Jacopo Lenzi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna Bologna Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences S. Orsola University Hospital Bologna Italy
| | - Cristina De Rose
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS Rome Italy
| | - Rosa Morello
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS Rome Italy
| | - Antonio Di Mauro
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit “Aldo Moro” university of Bari Bari Italy
| | - Andrea Lo Vecchio
- Department of Translational Medical Science – Section of Pediatrics University of Naples “Federico II” Naples Italy
| | - Piero Valentini
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS Rome Italy
| | - Danilo Buonsenso
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS Rome Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Roma Italia
- Center for Global Health Research and Studies Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome Italy
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Fioravanti N, Pierantoni L, Mencarelli D, Turchetti C, Hamao S, Okamoto H, Goto H, Eguchi R, Fujiwara A, Kubozono Y. Fabrication of ring oscillators using organic molecules of phenacene and perylenedicarboximide. RSC Adv 2021; 11:7538-7551. [PMID: 35423277 PMCID: PMC8694958 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra00511a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Organic field-effect transistors (FETs) can be applied to radio-frequency identification tags (RFIDs) and active-matrix flat-panel displays. For RFID application, a cardinal functional block is a ring oscillator using an odd number of inverters to convert DC voltage to AC. Herein, we report the properties of two ring oscillators, one formed with [6]phenacene for a p-channel FET and N,N′-dioctyl-3,4,9,10-perylenedicarboximide (PTCDI-C8) for an n-channel FET, and one formed with 3,10-ditetradecylpicene ((C14H29)2-picene) for a p-channel FET and PTCDI-C8 for an n-channel FET. The former ring oscillator provided a maximum oscillation frequency, fosc of 26 Hz, and the latter a maximum fosc of 21 Hz. The drain–drain voltage, VDD, applied to these ring oscillators was 100 V. This may be the first step towards a future practical ring oscillator using phenacene molecules. The values of field-effect mobility, μ in the p-channel [6]phenacene FET and n-channel PTCDI-C8 FET, which form the building blocks in the ring oscillator with an fosc value of 26 Hz, are 1.19 and 1.50 × 10−1 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively, while the values in the p-channel (C14H29)2-picene FET and n-channel PTCDI-C8 FET, which form the ring oscillator with an fosc of 21 Hz, are 1.85 and 1.54 × 10−1 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. The μ values in the p-channel FETs are higher by one order of magnitude than those of the n-channel FET, which must be addressed to increase the value of fosc. Finally, we fabricated a ring oscillator with ZrO2 instead of parylene for the gate dielectric, which provided the low-voltage operation of the ring oscillator, in which [6]phenacene and PTCDI-C8 thin-film FETs were employed. The value of fosc obtained in the ring oscillator was 24 Hz. In this ring oscillator, the VDD value applied was limited to 20 V. The durability of the ring oscillators was also investigated, and the bias stress effect on the fosc and the amplitude of the output voltage, Vout are discussed. This successful operation of ring oscillators represents an important step towards the realization of future practical integrated logic gate circuits using phenacene molecules. A ring oscillator consisting of p-channel and n-channel organic FETs.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Fioravanti
- Department of Information Engineering
- Università Politecnica della Marche
- Ancona I-60131
- Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Department of Information Engineering
- Università Politecnica della Marche
- Ancona I-60131
- Italy
| | - Davide Mencarelli
- Department of Information Engineering
- Università Politecnica della Marche
- Ancona I-60131
- Italy
| | - Claudio Turchetti
- Department of Information Engineering
- Università Politecnica della Marche
- Ancona I-60131
- Italy
| | - Shino Hamao
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science
- Okayama University
- Okayama 700-8530
- Japan
| | - Hideki Okamoto
- Division of Earth, Life and Molecular Sciences
- Okayama University
- Okayama 700-8530
- Japan
| | - Hidenori Goto
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science
- Okayama University
- Okayama 700-8530
- Japan
| | - Ritsuko Eguchi
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science
- Okayama University
- Okayama 700-8530
- Japan
| | - Akihiko Fujiwara
- Department of Nanotechnology for Sustainable Energy
- Kwansei Gakuin University
- Sanda 669-1337
- Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kubozono
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science
- Okayama University
- Okayama 700-8530
- Japan
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50
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Buonsenso D, De Rose C, Pierantoni L. Doctors' shortage in adults COVID-19 units: a call for pediatricians. Eur J Pediatr 2021; 180:2315-2318. [PMID: 33594541 PMCID: PMC7885982 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-021-03995-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Since its first description in China, SARS-CoV-2 has been spreading all over the world causing millions of 31 infections and hundreds of thousands of deaths. The massive raise of cases all over the world even during the current second wave is leading to unprecedented pressures on healthcare services. Growing evidence is highlighting that COVID-19 is a systemic condition that requires doctors with multiple expertise. Paediatricians are trained in these skills. Considering the issue of staff shortage that is facing every country in the world, and the complexity of COVID-19, pediatricians may represent an important source of ready and skilled specialists that can quickly translate the pediatric practice in the COVID-19 care. In conclusion, we highlight through our experience several parallels between the pediatric clinical practice and clinical conditions described in patients with COVID-19 as well as the diagnostic tools and the measures taken in 39 patients with COVID-19. What is Known: • The massive raise of cases all over the world is leading to unprecedented pressures on healthcare services. • Growing evidence is highlighting that COVID-19 is a systemic condition that requires doctors with multiple expertise. What is New: • Pediatricians are trained daily in these skills. • Considering the issue of staff shortage that is facing every country in the world, and the complexity of COVID-19, pediatricians may represent an important source of ready and skilled specialists that can quickly translate the pediatric practice in the COVID-19 care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Buonsenso
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy. .,Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Bologna, Italy. .,Global Health Research Institute, Istituto di Igiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.
| | - Cristina De Rose
- grid.411075.60000 0004 1760 4193Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- grid.8142.f0000 0001 0941 3192Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Bologna, Italy
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