Cyclic vomiting syndrome in children: a nationwide survey of current practice on behalf of the Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP) and Italian Society of Pediatric Neurology (SINP)

Background: Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is a rare functional gastrointestinal disorder, which has a considerable burden on quality of life of both children and their family. Aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic modalities and therapeutic approach to CVS among Italian tertiary care centers and the differences according to subspecialties, as well as to explore whether potential predictive factors associated with either a poor outcome or a response to a specific treatment. Methods: Cross-sectional multicenter web-based survey involving members of the Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP) and Italian Society of Pediatric Neurology (SINP). Results: A total of 67 responses were received and analyzed. Most of the respondent units cared for less than 20 patients. More than half of the patients were referred after 3 to 5 episodes, and a quarter after 5 attacks. We report different diagnostic approaches among Italian clinicians, which was particularly evident when comparing gastroenterologists and neurologists. Moreover, our survey demonstrated a predilection of certain drugs during emetic phase according to specific clinic, which reflects the cultural background of physicians. Conclusion: In conclusion, our survey highlights poor consensus amongst clinicians in our country in the diagnosis and the management of children with CVS, raising the need for a national consensus guideline in order to standardize the practice

Alimentazione, obesità e patologia respiratoria

In questo articolo sono descritte lepossibili connessioni tra obesità e patologie respiratori

Genetic structure of natural populations of Castanea sativa in Turkey: evidence of a hybrid zone

This study points out the evidence of a hybrid zone between two groups of genetically differentiated populations of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) in Turkey. Genetic structure, gene flow and introgression levels, based on 16 allozyme loci, were investigated on 34 population samples spanning the entire C. Sativa distribution area in this country. The occurrence of the hybrid zone, located in the Bithynian region, was inferred in a group of populations showing the following genetic characteristics: (i) enhanced genetic variability and intermediate allelic frequencies between those of the Western and Eastern groups of populations; (ii) shall, and concordant changes in allele frequencies; (iii) decreased gene flow with the Western and Eastern populations. Starting from the dine width estimated to be 324 km, strength of selection was evaluated from the gene Bow distance, as indicated from the degree of genetic structuring outside the hybrid zone. Evolutionary processes shaping the observed genetic differentiation and introgression are discussed on the basis of palynological data, palaeoclimatic events and evidence of hybridization found in other plant and animal species in the same region

The good bugs: the use of probiotics in pediatrics

Purpose of review There is growing evidence encouraging the use of probiotics in many conditions in children. However, given the wide number of probiotics available and contradictory data in the literature, the health-care provider is often faced with uncertainness about whether or not to use probiotics and which one(s) to choose. We here review current hypotheses regarding the efficacy and safety of probiotics and evaluate the available data on the use of probiotics in most common diseases in children. Considering that probiotics have strain-specific effects, we will focus on individual probiotic strains rather than on probiotics in general. Recent findings Strain-specific efficacy was clearly demonstrated with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii I-745 in the treatment of acute infectious diarrhea, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in infantile colics, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, and VSL#3 in irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, encouraging results are seen for use of probiotics in necrotizing enterocolitis, food allergy, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the data available for constipation are to be considered somewhat equivocal. Summary The clinical relevance of these findings indicates that healthcare providers need to take strain-specificity and disease specificity of probiotics into consideration when recommending probiotic for their patients

EXPOSURE TO STATIC MAGNETIC FIELDS IN NMR RESEARCH LABORATORIES

To obtain cumulative exposure of workers to static magnetic fields in research laboratories, isotropic magnetic flux density values generated by MR spectrometers were integrated over time. One need only to consider that in a non medical environment, exposure limits are regulated only by international guidelines and by good practice, while in MR diagnostic environment there is a proper legislation. In this paper, the AA also introduced a weighting function, incorporating the international guidelines limits, and tested it with the Italian legislation existing for medical workers. The results were stored on a personal dose card, in order to evaluate the daily exposure of the worker and to better study the long term effects to static magnetic fields

EXPOSURE TO STATIC MAGNETIC FIELDS IN NMR RESEARCH LABORATORIES

To obtain cumulative exposure of workers to static magnetic fields in research laboratories, isotropic magnetic flux density values generated by MR spectrometers were integrated over time. One need only to consider that in a non medical environment, exposure limits are regulated only by international guidelines and by good practice, while in MR diagnostic environment there is a proper legislation. In this paper, the AA also introduced a weighting function, incorporating the international guidelines limits, and tested it with the Italian legislation existing for medical workers. The results were stored on a personal dose card, in order to evaluate the daily exposure of the worker and to better study the long term effects to static magnetic fields