Melatonin as a master regulator of cell death and inflammation: molecular mechanisms and clinical implications for newborn care

Melatonin, more commonly known as the sleep hormone, is mainly secreted by the pineal gland in dark conditions and regulates the circadian rhythm of the organism. Its intrinsic properties, including high cell permeability, the ability to easily cross both the blood–brain and placenta barriers, and its role as an endogenous reservoir of free radical scavengers (with indirect extra activities), confer it beneficial uses as an adjuvant in the biomedical field. Melatonin can exert its effects by acting through specific cellular receptors on the plasma membrane, similar to other hormones, or through receptor-independent mechanisms that involve complex molecular cross talk with other players. There is increasing evidence regarding the extraordinary beneficial effects of melatonin, also via exogenous administration. Here, we summarize molecular pathways in which melatonin is considered a master regulator, with attention to cell death and inflammation mechanisms from basic, translational and clinical points of view in the context of newborn care

Consensus protocol for EEG and amplitude-integrated EEG assessment and monitoring in neonates

The aim of this work is to establish inclusive guidelines on electroencephalography (EEG) applicable to all neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Guidelines on ideal EEG monitoring for neonates are available, but there are significant barriers to their implementation in many centres around the world. These include barriers due to limited resources regarding the availability of equipment and technical and interpretive round-the-clock personnel. On the other hand, despite its limitations, amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) (previously called Cerebral Function Monitor [CFM]) is a common alternative used in NICUs. The Italian Neonatal Seizure Collaborative Network (INNESCO), working with all national scientific societies interested in the field of neonatal clinical neurophysiology, performed a systematic literature review and promoted interdisciplinary discussions among experts (neonatologists, paediatric neurologists, neurophysiologists, technicians) between 2017 and 2020 with the aim of elaborating shared recommendations. A consensus statement on videoEEG (vEEG) and aEEG for the principal neonatal indications was established. The authors propose a flexible frame of recommendations based on the complementary use of vEEG and aEEG applicable to the various neonatal units with different levels of complexity according to local resources and specific patient features. Suggestions for promoting cooperation between neonatologists, paediatric neurologists, and neurophysiologists, organisational restructuring, and teleneurophysiology implementation are provided

THE FIRST SYNTHESIS OF ALL POSSIBLE STEREOISOMERS OF THE (E)-4,5-DIHYDROXYDEC-2-ENAL, IN HOMOCHIRAL FORM

The first synthesis of the four possible isomers of (E)-4,5-dihydroxydec-2-enal, a cytotoxic product of microsomal lipid peroxidation, is accomplished starting with D- and L-arabinose, D-ribose and D-lyxose by an identical reaction sequence. Each pentose was diacetonised and subjected to a Wittig reaction for the introduction of a four carbon chain. A selective cleavage of the terminal isopropylidene acetal and the oxidation of the diolic system affords a noraldehyde which is treated with (formylmethylene)triphenylphosphorane to afford the target molecule after regeneration of the diolic system

Interorganellar calcium signaling in the regulation of cell metabolism: A cancer perspective.

Organelles were originally considered to be individual cellular compartments with a defined organization and function. However, recent studies revealed that organelles deeply communicate within each other via Ca2+ exchange. This communication, mediated by specialized membrane regions in close apposition between two organelles, regulate cellular functions, including metabolism and cell fate decisions. Advances in microscopy techniques, molecular biology and biochemistry have increased our understanding of these interorganelle platforms. Research findings suggest that interorganellar Ca2+ signaling, which is altered in cancer, influences tumorigenesis and tumor progression by controlling cell death programs and metabolism. Here, we summarize the available data on the existence and composition of interorganelle platforms connecting the endoplasmic reticulum with mitochondria, the plasma membrane, or endolysosomes. Finally, we provide a timely overview of the potential function of interorganellar Ca2+ signaling in maintaining cellular homeostasis

Synthesis of all four isomers of (E)-4,5-dihydroxydec-2-enal using osmium-catalysed asymmetric dihydroxylation

The enantioselective synthesis of the four possible isomers of (E)-4,5-dihydroxydec-2-enal, a cytotoxic product formed in peroxidised liver microsomal lipids, is accomplished via a Sharpless AD reaction alone or associated as appropriate with a regioselective epimerisation of one of the introduced hydroxy group

Tale madre.. tale figlio!

Evidenza del problema comune di ipocalcemia nei bambini di origine medio-orientale ricoverati presso la Neonatologia di Ferrara, riconducibile al deficit materno di Vitamina D