Zein-based nanostructured coatings: A green approach to enhance virucidal efficacy of protective face masks.

Face masks represent a valuable tool to prevent the spreading of airborne viruses; however, they show poor comfort and scarce antiviral efficacy. Zein-based coatings are herein exploited to enhance antiviral performance. Zein functionalization is done through acidifying agents (lactic acid, LA).

The Role of Newborn Pulse Oximetry Screening for Detecting Critical Congenital Heart Defects: A Narrative Review.

Critical congenital heart diseases are life-threatening, with a high morbidity rate and mortality among newborns; in fact, a newborn discharged from the hospital with undiagnosed heart disease may experience severe complications during the initial days or weeks of their life, necessitating emergency care and even death. Among all kinds of critical congenital heart disease, coarctation of the aorta is one of the most difficult to diagnose because it only becomes noticeable a few days after birth, when patients have already been discharged from the hospital. This underlines the importance of having a reliable diagnostic tool to discover these diseases.

Oxidative Stress in Fetuses and Newborns.

In recent years, significant research has uncovered new mechanisms by which molecules and substances that act as free radicals generate oxidative stress in the biological system, contributing to various forms of injury and disease [...

Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Current Understanding and Challenges for the Future.

This perspective reviews the definition and current understanding of necrotizing enterocolitis and evaluates a future prevention approach to this multifactorial disease. An overview of the prevention approach in general is presented, where key aspects and emerging criticisms are identified. In addition, key elements of early diagnosis and treatment are presented, together with some of their challenges and ambiguities.

Laryngeal Mask for Minimally-Invasive Surfactant Administration: A Narrative Review.

The cornerstone of treatment for respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants is surfactant administration, traditionally performed through an invasive procedure involving tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Consequently, there has been a growing interest in exploring less invasive methods of surfactant delivery to mitigate the associated risks. Currently, several techniques are under evaluation, including intratracheal instillation using a thin catheter, aerosolized or nebulized administration, and guided administration by supraglottic airway devices.

Laryngeal Mask Airway in Neonatal Resuscitation: A Survey of the Union of European Neonatal and Perinatal Societies.

Introduction: Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) use in neonatal resuscitation is limited despite existing evidence and recommendations. This survey investigated the knowledge and experience of healthcare providers on the use of the LMA and explored barriers and solutions for implementation.

Methods: This online, cross-sectional survey on LMA in neonatal resuscitation involved healthcare professionals of the Union of European Neonatal and Perinatal Societies (UENPS).

Use and Efficacy of I-gel in Complicated Intubations in Newborn Infants: A Review of Case Reports in the Literature.

Introduction: Current guidelines for neonatal resuscitation suggest the use of a laryngeal mask when ventilation with both facemask and endotracheal tube has failed in newborns weighing >2000 g or delivered ≥ 34 weeks of gestation age. Paediatric I-gel is one of the latest supraglottic airway management devices suitable for children and newborns. I-gel use was effective in guaranteeing adequate ventilation in patients with anatomic abnormalities in case of respiratory impairment or during surgical procedures after the induction of anaesthesia.

An ecological analysis of socio-economic determinants associated with paediatric vaccination coverage in the Campania Region: A population-based study, years 2003-2017.

Introduction: Vaccines are the most cost-effective and straightforward intervention against severe infectious diseases. However, in Europe and in Italy, paediatric vaccination coverage for certain vaccines remains suboptimal, with considerable regional differences in Italy. Vaccine coverage varies significantly due to socio-economic and organisational factors.

Zein-Based Nanoparticles as Active Platforms for Sustainable Applications: Recent Advances and Perspectives.

Nanomaterials, due to their unique structural and functional features, are widely investigated for potential applications in a wide range of industrial sectors. In this context, protein-based nanoparticles, given proteins' abundance, non-toxicity, and stability, offer a promising and sustainable methodology for encapsulation and protection, and can be used in engineered nanocarriers that are capable of releasing active compounds on demand. Zein is a plant-based protein extracted from corn, and it is biocompatible, biodegradable, and amphiphilic.

A Survey of the Union of European Neonatal and Perinatal Societies on Neonatal Respiratory Care in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

(1) Background: Our survey aimed to gather information on respiratory care in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in the European and Mediterranean region. (2) Methods: Cross-sectional electronic survey. An 89-item questionnaire focusing on the current modes, devices, and strategies employed in neonatal units in the domain of respiratory care was sent to directors/heads of 528 NICUs.

Hypoxic ischemic brain injury: animal models reveal new mechanisms of melatonin-mediated neuroprotection.

Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation play a key role in the development of hypoxic-ischemic (H-I) induced brain damage. Following H-I, rapid neuronal death occurs during the acute phase of inflammation, and activation of the oxidant-antioxidant system contributes to the brain damage by activated microglia. So far, in an animal model of perinatal H-I, it was showed that neuroprostanes are present in all brain damaged areas, including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum.

Vitamin K insufficiency and the prophylaxis strategy in term healthy infants: A multicentre study.

Background/aim: Late vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) during early infancy is a serious problem worldwide. Vitamin K (VK) deficiency commonly occurs in newborns who are exclusively breastfed. Protein Induced by VK Absence (PIVKA-II) has been identified as an early indicator of subclinical VK deficiency in neonates, surpassing prothrombin time.

Identification of organizational barriers to HPV vaccination uptake in medical students in southern Italy: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Despite proven efficacy, HPV vaccination coverage is still suboptimal. Factors influencing vaccination uptake are education attainment, socio-economic position, and knowledge about HPV. This study aimed to assess HPV vaccination uptake and its correlates among medical students and identify logistic-organizational barriers, knowledge, and attitudes with regard towards HPV vaccination to improve current public health vaccination strategies.

MiR-126 and miR-146a as Melatonin-Responsive Biomarkers for Neonatal Brain Ischemia.

Despite advances in obstetric and neonatal care, challenges remain in early identification of neonates with encephalopathy due to hypoxia-ischemia who are undergoing therapeutic hypothermia. Therefore, there is a deep search for biomarkers that can identify brain injury. The aims of this study were to investigate the serum and brain expressions of two potential biomarkers, miR-126/miR-146a, in a preclinical model of hypoxia-ischemia (HI)-induced brain injury, and to explore their modulation during melatonin treatment.

SUMOylation inhibitor TAK-981 (subasumstat) synergizes with 5-azacytidine in preclinical models of acute myeloid leukemia.

Acute myeloid leukemias (AML) are severe hematomalignancies with dismal prognosis. The post-translational modification SUMOylation plays key roles in leukemogenesis and AML response to therapies. Here, we show that TAK-981 (subasumstat), a first-in-class SUMOylation inhibitor, is endowed with potent anti-leukemic activity in various preclinical models of AML.

Knowledge and attitude factors associated with the prevalence of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) booster vaccination in healthcare workers in a large academic hospital in Southern Italy in 2022: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: In Europe, there is still suboptimal tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) booster coverage. This study aimed to assess coverage status, knowledge, and attitude on Tdap vaccination in healthcare workers (HcWs) of the University Hospital "Federico II" in Naples, Southern Italy, in 2022, to improve current vaccination strategies.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated anonymous questionnaire.

LDPE and PLA Active Food Packaging Incorporated with Lemon by-Products Extract: Preparation, Characterization and Effectiveness to Delay Lipid Oxidation in Almonds and Beef Meat.

Low-density polyethylene-based packaging with 4% lemon extract (LDPE/4LE) and two polylactic-based (PLA) packaging materials with 4% and 6% lemon extract (PLA/PEG/4LE and PLA/6LE) were produced. O and water permeability tests were performed, the total and individual phenolic compounds content were measured, and the films' antioxidant activities were determined. The films' ability to delay lipid oxidation was tested in two model foods: almonds, packaged with LDPE/4LE, PLA/4LE and PLA/6LE for a maximum period of 60 days at 40 °C (accelerated assay); and beef meat, packaged with the PLA/6LE for a maximum period of 11 days at 4 °C.

Variation in delivery room management of preterm infants across Europe: a survey of the Union of European Neonatal and Perinatal Societies.

The aim of the present study, endorsed by the Union of European Neonatal and Perinatal Societies (UENPS) and the Italian Society of Neonatology (SIN), was to analyze the current delivery room (DR) stabilization practices in a large sample of European birth centers that care for preterm infants with gestational age (GA) < 33 weeks. Cross-sectional electronic survey was used in this study. A questionnaire focusing on the current DR practices for infants < 33 weeks' GA, divided in 6 neonatal resuscitation domains, was individually sent to the directors of European neonatal facilities, made available as a web-based link.

Oxygen for the Newborn: Friend or Foe?

Oxygen supplementation is widely used in neonatal care, however, it can also cause toxic effects if not used properly. Therefore, it appears crucial to find a balance in oxygen administration to avoid damage as a consequence of its insufficient or excessive use. Oxygen toxicity is mainly due to the production of oxygen radicals, molecules normally produced in humans and involved in a myriad of physiological reactions.

Melatonin in Newborn Infants Undergoing Surgery: A Pilot Study on Its Effects on Postoperative Oxidative Stress.

Surgery is frequently associated with excessive oxidative stress. Melatonin acts as an antioxidant and transient melatonin deficiency has been described in neonatal surgical patients. This randomized, blinded, prospective pilot study tested the hypothesis that oral melatonin supplementation in newborn infants undergoing surgery is effective in reducing perioperative oxidative stress.

Brain Damage in Preterm and Full-Term Neonates: Serum Biomarkers for the Early Diagnosis and Intervention.

The Brain is vulnerable to numerous insults that can act in the pre-, peri-, and post-natal period. There is growing evidence that demonstrate how oxidative stress (OS) could represent the final common pathway of all these insults. Fetuses and newborns are particularly vulnerable to OS due to their inability to active the antioxidant defenses.