Management of HIV-1 infection in the paediatric age

Introduction of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) and implementation of preventive strategies during pregnancy have resulted in a dramatic reduction of the mortality rate in HIV-1 infected children by over 80-90% and in a decrease in the risk of mother-to-child transmission (MCTC) of HIV-1 to approximately 1-2%. However the MCTC remains the main source of HIV-1 infection within the paediatric population. The risk of disease progression is inversely correlated with the age of the child, with the youngest children at greatest risk of rapid disease progression, but in the first year of life it is not possible to identify infants at greatest risk; therefore, according to all the international guidelines, it is necessary to start antiretroviral therapy in all infants < 12 months of age. This article provides a summary of the clinical features of the infection and of the methods for diagnosis. Furthermore it offers an overview of antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1 infected children, including a description of the main classes of antiretroviral drugs, the most common side effects and some issues concerning the disclosure of diagnosis. The objectives of this study are to make a set of practical suggestions to paediatricians for the optimum management of the infection and the antiretroviral therapy

Management of HIV-1 infection in the paediatric age

Introduction of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) and implementation of preventive strategies during pregnancy have resulted in a dramatic reduction of the mortality rate in HIV-1 infected children by over 80-90% and in a decrease in the risk of mother-to-child transmission (MCTC) of HIV-1 to approximately 1-2%. However the MCTC remains the main source of HIV-1 infection within the paediatric population. The risk of disease progression is inversely correlated with the age of the child, with the youngest children at greatest risk of rapid disease progression, but in the first year of life it is not possible to identify infants at greatest risk; therefore, according to all the international guidelines, it is necessary to start antiretroviral therapy in all infants < 12 months of age. This article provides a summary of the clinical features of the infection and of the methods for diagnosis. Furthermore it offers an overview of antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1 infected children, including a description of the main classes of antiretroviral drugs, the most common side effects and some issues concerning the disclosure of diagnosis. The objectives of this study are to make a set of practical suggestions to paediatricians for the optimum management of the infection and the antiretroviral therapy

Small Molecole Inhibitors of Histone Arginine Methyltransferases: Homology Modeling, Molecular Docking, Binding Mode Analysis, and Biological Evaluation.

The screening of the inhibition capabilities of dye-like small molecules from a focused library against both human PRMT1 and Aspergillus nidulans RmtA is reported as well as molecular modeling studies (homology modeling, molecular docking, and 3-D QSAR) of the catalytic domain of the PRMT1 fungal homologue RmtA. The good correlation between computational and biological results makes RmtA a reliable tool for screening arginine methyltransferase inhibitors. In addition, the binding mode analyses of tested derivatives reveal the crucial role of two regions, the pocket formed by Ile12, His13, Met16, and Thr49 and the SAM cisteinic binding site subsite. These regions should be taken into account in the design of novel PRMT inhibitors

ON-Tech: from Roman mortars to green innovative solutions

ON-Tech project is based on the idea to produce modern and green restoration mortars according to the recipe of ancient mortars from the Trajan Aqueduct (Rome, II century AD), which showed high durability and resistance thanks to a synergic combination of raw materials, grain size and production technology. The main objective is to realize eco-friendly restoration mortars, not harmful to humans and compatible with ancient materials, with high performance and minimum CO2 production to make them more effective and sustainable, to preserve cultural heritage for future generations. First, a preliminary characterization of three typologies of Pozzolan materials from the surrounding of Bracciano Lake has been provided by means of optical microscopy (OM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS). The results showed differences in the matrix, leucite crystals (presence, dimension, typology), amount of phenocrystals (clinopyroxenes and feldspars) and porosity. After the preliminary investigations, the pozzolan materials compatible with ancient samples were chosen for the new formulations, which have been then analyzed from the mineralogical point of view by FTIR and XRPD and non-destructive tests (usb analysis, peeling tests, Karsten tube, sponge test) in order to assess physical and mechanical characteristics and durability of the new products