Behavioural, cognitive, and neurophysiological effects of a synbiotic supplementation enriched with pigmented corn extract or cornstarch in drug-naïve children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomised, double-blind, comparison-controlled clinical trial.

Background & Aims: Considerable interest has been recently given to the potential role of the gut-brain axis (GBA) -a two-way communication network between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system- in the pathogenesis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), suggesting the potential usefulness of probiotic and synbiotic supplementations. In light of the limited available evidence, synbiotic efficacy in ADHD children not taking medications should be clarified. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a synbiotic dietary supplementation on fatty acids levels as well as on microbiota composition, behaviour, cognition, and brain function in children with ADHD.

Inclusivity is child's play: pilot study on usability, acceptability and user experience of a sensory-motor PC game for children with cerebral palsy (GiocAbile).

Background: The use of video games in rehabilitation settings is gaining increasing popularity. However, the lack of commercial video games suitable for children with disabilities and the disappointing user experience of serious games limit their applicability. The aim of this study was to assess the usability, acceptability and user experience of GiocAbile, an active video game for children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Could an Immersive Virtual Reality Training Improve Navigation Skills in Children with Cerebral Palsy? A Pilot Controlled Study.

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) suffer deficits in their motor, sensory, and cognitive abilities, as well as in their visuospatial competences. In the last years, several authors have tried to correlate the visuospatial abilities with the navigational ones. Given their importance in everyday functions, navigation skills have been deeply studied using increasingly cutting-edge techniques such as virtual reality (VR).

Engagement of Families Attending Early Childhood Services During 5-Month School Closure Due to COVID-19: An Italian Experience.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, we experienced the suspension of both work-related and spare activities, with the closure of shops, companies, services, as well as schools. Children probably are the ones who have suffered the most from this situation, due to the limited socialization with peers and boredom experienced at home. In this context, schools and childhood services tried to relieve the negative effects brought by the pandemic through actions aimed at actively engaging students and their parents in promoting child development and wellbeing.

Breathing in vitro: Designs and applications of engineered lung models.

The aim of this review is to provide a systematic design guideline to users, particularly engineers interested in developing and deploying lung models, and biologists seeking to identify a suitable platform for conducting in vitro experiments involving pulmonary cells or tissues. We first discuss the state of the art on lung in vitro models, describing the most simplistic and traditional ones. Then, we analyze in further detail the more complex dynamic engineered systems that either provide mechanical cues, or allow for more predictive exposure studies, or in some cases even both.

Development of a dynamic in vitro stretch model of the alveolar interface with aerosol delivery.

We describe the engineering design, computational modeling, and empirical performance of a moving air-liquid interface (MALI) bioreactor for the study of aerosol deposition on cells cultured on an elastic, porous membrane which mimics both air-liquid interface exposure conditions and mechanoelastic motion of lung tissue during breathing. The device consists of two chambers separated by a cell layer cultured on a porous, flexible membrane. The lower (basolateral) chamber is perfused with cell culture medium simulating blood circulation.

Engineering hydrogel viscoelasticity.

The aim of this study was to identify a method for modifying the time-dependent viscoelastic properties of gels without altering the elastic component. To this end, two hydrogels commonly used in biomedical applications, agarose and acrylamide, were prepared in aqueous solutions of dextran with increasing concentrations (0%, 2% and 5% w/v) and hence increasing viscosities. Commercial polyurethane sponges soaked in the same solutions were used as controls, since, unlike in hydrogels, the liquid in these sponge systems is poorly bound to the polymer network.

Experimental Evaluation of Kidney Regeneration by Organ Scaffold Recellularization.

The rising number of patients needing renal replacement therapy, alongside the significant clinical and economic limitations of current therapies, creates an imperative need for new strategies to treat kidney diseases. Kidney bioengineering through the production of acellular scaffolds and recellularization with stem cells is one potential strategy. While protocols for obtaining organ scaffolds have been developed successfully, scaffold recellularization is more challenging.