Ganciclovir penetrates into the cerebrospinal fluid of an infant with congenital cytomegalovirus infection

Currently, there is no evidence whether ganciclovir, or its oral prodrug valganciclovir, penetrates into the cerebrospinal fluid of human infants treated for congenital cytomegalovirus infection. Here we report a case study providing evidence that ganciclovir, administered as valganciclovir, reaches the infant's cerebrospinal fluid when used at the currently recommended dose for congenital cytomegalovirus infection

Early onset sepsis in very low birth weight newborn infants

Early onset sepsis (EOS) is a severe problem affecting very low birth weight (VLBW) infants and is associated with a threefold increased risk of mortality. Although advances in perinatal care have led to improved survival of VLBW infants over recent decades, survival without major neonatal morbidity has not increased. The authors reviewed the current literature on EOS, focusing on the peculiarities concerning risk factors, etiology, diagnosis, treatment and outcome in very low birth weight infants, and on the recent advances in the management of this condition

Towards a National-Scale Dataset of Geotechnical and Hydrological Soil Parameters for Shallow Landslide Modeling

One of the main constraints in assessing shallow landslide hazards through physically based models is the need to characterize the geotechnical parameters of the involved materials. Indeed, the quantity and quality of input data are closely related to the reliability of the results of every model used, therefore data acquisition is a critical and time-consuming step in every research activity. In this perspective, we reviewed all official certificates of tests performed through 30 years at the Geotechnics Laboratory of the Earth Science Department (University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy), compiling a dataset in which 380 points are accurately geolocated and provide information about one or more geotechnical parameters used in slope stability modeling. All tests performed in the past (in the framework of previous research programs, agreements of cooperation, or to support didactic activities) were gathered, homogenized, digitalized, and geotagged. The dataset is based on both on-site tests and laboratory tests, it accounts for 40 attributes, among which 13 are descriptive (e.g., lithology or location) and 27 may be of direct interest in slope stability modeling as input parameters. The dataset is made openly available and can be useful for scientists or practitioners committed to landslide modeling

Towards a National-Scale Dataset of Geotechnical and Hydrological Soil Parameters for Shallow Landslide Modeling

One of the main constraints in assessing shallow landslide hazards through physically based models is the need to characterize the geotechnical parameters of the involved materials. Indeed, the quantity and quality of input data are closely related to the reliability of the results of every model used, therefore data acquisition is a critical and time-consuming step in every research activity. In this perspective, we reviewed all official certificates of tests performed through 30 years at the Geotechnics Laboratory of the Earth Science Department (University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy), compiling a dataset in which 380 points are accurately geolocated and provide information about one or more geotechnical parameters used in slope stability modeling. All tests performed in the past (in the framework of previous research programs, agreements of cooperation, or to support didactic activities) were gathered, homogenized, digitalized, and geotagged. The dataset is based on both on-site tests and laboratory tests, it accounts for 40 attributes, among which 13 are descriptive (e.g., lithology or location) and 27 may be of direct interest in slope stability modeling as input parameters. The dataset is made openly available and can be useful for scientists or practitioners committed to landslide modeling.</jats:p

Placental Transfer of Persistent Organic Pollutants: A Preliminary Study on Mother-Newborn Pairs

The aim of this study was to characterize the placental transfer of some environmental pollutants, and to explore the possibility of quantitatively predicting in utero exposure to these contaminants from concentrations assessed in maternal blood. Levels of toxic substances such as pesticides (p,p’-DDE, β-HCH, and HCB), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were determined in serum samples of 38 pregnant women living in Rome and in samples of cord blood from their respective newborns. The study was carried out in the years 2008–2009. PCB mean concentrations in maternal serum and cord serum ranged from 0.058 to 0.30, and from 0.018 to 0.064 ng/g·fw respectively. Arithmetic means of PFOS and PFOA concentrations in mothers and newborns were 3.2 and 1.4 ng/g·fw, and 2.9 and 1.6 ng/g·fw. A strong correlation was observed between concentrations in the maternal and the foetal compartment for PFOS (Spearman r = 0.74, p < 0.001), PFOA (Spearman r = 0.70, p < 0.001), PCB 153 (Spearman r = 0.60, p < 0.001), HCB (Spearman r = 0.68, p < 0.001), PCB 180 (Spearman r = 0.55, p = 0.0012), and p,p’-DDE (Spearman r = 0.53, p = 0.0099). A weak correlation (p < 0.1) was observed for PCBs 118 and 138

Effect of infections, DNA methylation and telomere length on frailty trajectories in hospitalized older patients: the INFRAGEN study protocol

Background: Infectious diseases are among the most common causes of hospitalization in older adults and may lead to a high burden on the individual’s health and healthcare system. However, it is unclear whether and to which extent these events might affect frailty, fastening its development or hampering its reversion. The aims of the INFRAGEN project are 1) to assess the impact of acute infections on frailty trajectories in older inpatients, and 2) to evaluate the modifying effect of sociodemographic, clinical, functional, and genetic/epigenetic factors on that association. Methods: INFRAGEN is a multicenter prospective observational study that will be conducted in the acute Geriatric Units of four Italian centers (Ferrara, Padova, Monza, and Napoli). The project will involve individuals aged ≥ 70 with no or mild-to-moderate pre-admission frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale [CFS] &lt; 6) and diagnosis of acute infectious diseases at the time of hospital admission or during hospitalization. For each participant, we will record data concerning the multidimensional geriatric assessment and the type and severity of infectious diseases (diagnosed according to ICD-9 codes). Blood samples will be collected to assess Global DNA methylation, Leukocyte Telomere Length (LTL), and levels of circulating markers associated with biological processes related to frailty (inflammatory state, dysmetabolism, brain modifications, and oxidative stress). Frailty status will be evaluated through the CFS and Frailty Index at admission (referring to the 2&nbsp;weeks before hospitalization), hospital discharge, and after 3&nbsp;months. In a subsample, genetic/epigenetic analyses will also be performed at the 3-month follow-up. Discussion: INFRAGEN will contribute to exploring the complex pathophysiologic mechanisms of frailty in the context of infections in older adults through a translational approach. Trial registrations: NCT06430073 (ClinicalTrials.gov); Registration date: 2024–05-28