Publications by authors named "Agostoni C"
Importance: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are prevalent in children, prompting frequent health care consultations, especially among those with fever. Probiotics show potential as an adjuvant treatment for URTIs, but evidence in children is limited.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a probiotic mixture containing Bifidobacterium breve M-16V, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 in shortening fever duration among children with URTIs.
Poor nutrition in early life represents a relevant public health issue globally. The current study aimed to characterize eating habits among preschoolers and investigate the relationship with parents' nutritional status. A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study carried out at the Child Dentistry Clinics of the Istituto Stomatologico Italiano, Milan, Italy, including 171 patients aged 12-71 months and their parents, was conducted.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The simultaneous identification of multiple respiratory viruses is common in infants hospitalized with respiratory tract infections. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the main pathogens in bronchiolitis, although codetection of rhinovirus, influenza and other respiratory viruses may occur in about one-third of cases. The relevance of viral codetection on disease severity is still controversial.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMendelian disorders of the epigenetic machinery (MDEMs) include a large number of conditions caused by defective activity of a member of the epigenetic machinery. MDEMs are characterized by multiple congenital abnormalities, intellectual disability and abnormal growth. that can be variably up- or down-regulated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFZinc (Zn) is a trace element involved in numerous physiological processes, including enzyme function, gene transcription, and cell signaling. Its importance is especially pronounced in preterm infants, who are at high risk of Zn deficiency due to disrupted transplacental transfer, high nutrient demands, and medical complications. The inherent risk of Zn deficiency in this population is further increased by poor Zn dietary intake.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- - The study examined the effects of binge drinking on adolescent blood chemistry, focusing on glucose, sodium, calcium, potassium, and acid-base balance, by analyzing medical records from 173 teenagers treated at a Milan hospital between 2013 and 2023.
- - Results showed that while glucose, sodium, and calcium levels were generally stable, there were significant cases of hypokalemia and an overwhelming presence of acute respiratory acidosis among binge drinkers.
- - The findings indicate that binge drinking in adolescents leads to notable disturbances in acid-base balance and potassium levels, but has little impact on glucose, sodium, and calcium levels.
Article Synopsis
- The review explores how polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are linked to various mental health disorders including dementia, schizophrenia, and anorexia nervosa by analyzing multiple types of studies.
- Evidence gathered indicates that PUFAs, especially ALA, EPA, and DHA, have neuroprotective properties that can improve brain function and behavior.
- A decrease in these fatty acids has been observed in populations with mental health disorders, suggesting that PUFA supplementation could serve as a promising treatment to help combat neuronal degeneration.
Objectives: The present study investigated the relationship between fatty acid levels in whole blood in women undergoing in vitro fertilization and four successive assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on data from a prospective cohort study conducted between 2014 and 2016.
Results: Participants were 238 women undergoing in vitro fertilization and participating in a study on the role of lifestyle habits and diet in ART outcomes.
Article Synopsis
- * The study involved 81 children aged 0 to 12, and results showed the FAQLQ-PF had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.94) and was effective in assessing HRQOL.
- * Key findings indicated that HRQOL was affected by the number of food allergies, symptoms experienced, and parental concerns, but not by sex or general health status, providing valuable insights for managing food allergies among Greek children.
Article Synopsis
- A pilot study conducted in July 2022 at the Ntele camp in Mozambique aimed to assess anemia prevalence and its predictors among children aged 6-59 months living there as internally displaced persons.
- Out of 245 children analyzed, 83% were found to be anemic, with 12% experiencing severe anemia and 39% affected by malaria.
- The study highlighted a significant correlation between malaria and moderate to severe anemia, indicating an urgent public health concern for children in this camp, particularly emphasizing the vulnerability of younger age groups.
In high-income countries, shopping for non-prescription multivitamin-multimineral supplements has tremendously increased. The purpose of this labeling analysis is to inform on the daily elemental iron (with or without vitamin C) supply provided by multivitamin-multimineral supplements sold online by Amazon in Western and Southern Europe (amazon.es, amazon.
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- This study investigates three chromatinopathies (Wiedemann-Steiner, Kleefstra, Coffin-Siris syndromes) known for similar symptoms like intellectual disability and growth issues, to explore their potential metabolic connections.
- Eleven patients participated in the study, where researchers conducted physical exams and assessed resting energy expenditure, finding no significant differences between these conditions and healthy controls.
- The findings highlight the importance of epigenetic factors in growth and neurodevelopment, suggesting that certain clinical features should be monitored in these syndromes, while emphasizing the need for further research into energy metabolism.
Background: Consumption of ultra-processed foods [UPFs] may be associated with negative health outcomes. Limited data exist regarding the potential role of UPFs in the occurrence of allergic diseases. The underlying mechanisms underpinning any such associations are also poorly elucidated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: The fatty acid (FA) supply of human milk (HM) contributes to health outcomes. Sampling fresh HM to analyze its FA content is challenging because of its ever-changing nature. Also, obtaining samples from lactating mothers is challenging.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRisk factors for Early Childhood Caries in Italian preschoolers: A cross-sectional analysis.
Eur J Paediatr Dent
December 2024
Aim: Early childhood caries (ECC) represent a relevant public health issue in paediatric population globally. The current study aimed to investigate the main risk factors of this condition.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out at the Child Dentistry Clinics of the Istituto Stomatologico Italiano, Milan, Italy, including patients aged 12-71 months and their parents.
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to explore the frequency and characteristics of tenosynovitis in young patients with new-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who have active ankle disease and whether its detection impacts the likelihood of achieving inactive disease status.
- It involved 45 children, showing that 62.2% had tenosynovitis detected via ultrasound (US), while 37.8% had isolated arthritis, with no significant differences in achieving inactive disease between those with and without tenosynovitis.
- The findings suggest that even though tenosynovitis is common at the onset of JIA, it does not negatively affect the chances of reaching clinically inactive disease early in the treatment process.
Factors behind Antibiotic Therapy: A Survey of Primary Care Pediatricians in Lombardy.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
August 2024
Article Synopsis
- - Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major health concern mainly due to the incorrect use of antibiotics for non-bacterial illnesses, prompting the study of pediatricians' prescription habits in Lombardy.
- - A survey of 253 pediatricians revealed that while many recognize the importance of a national AMR strategy, half view AMR as rare in children, with diagnostic uncertainty being a key factor influencing their antibiotic prescriptions.
- - The study concluded that the challenge in accurately diagnosing infections is the primary factor affecting antibiotic use, overshadowing influences such as parental pressure and legal fears.
The Role of Breastfeeding in Acute Respiratory Infections in Infancy.
Pediatr Infect Dis J
November 2024
Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) affect the respiratory tract, are often caused by viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus, and present symptoms such as coughing, fever, respiratory distress, and breathing difficulty. The global adherence to exclusive breastfeeding (BF) for the first 6 months of life has reached 44%, supported by the World Health Organization and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund efforts. BF provides vital nutrients and contributes to infant immune system development, protecting against infections.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground And Aims: Physical performance is a major contributor of mobility and independence during older life. Despite a progressive decline in musculoskeletal function starts from middle age, several factors acting during the life-course can negatively influence musculoskeletal functional capacities. Lifestyle interventions incorporating nutrition and physical exercise can help maximizing the muscle functional capacities in early life as well as preserving them later in life.
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