Ofeleein i mi Vlaptin-Volume II: Immunity Following Infection or mRNA Vaccination, Drug Therapies and Non-Pharmacological Management at Post-Two Years SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic.

The persistence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has triggered research into limiting transmission, morbidity and mortality, thus warranting a comprehensive approach to guide balanced healthcare policies with respect to people's physical and mental health. The mainstay priority during COVID-19 is to achieve widespread immunity, which could be established through natural contact or vaccination. Deep knowledge of the immune response combined with recent specific data indicates the potential inferiority of induced immunity against infection. Moreover, the prevention of transmission has been founded on general non-pharmacological measures of protection, albeit debate exists considering their efficacy and, among other issues, their socio-psychological burden. The second line of defense is engaged after infection and is supported by a plethora of studied agents, such as antibiotics, steroids and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, antiviral medications and other biological agents that have been proposed, though variability in terms of benefits and adverse events has not allowed distinct solutions, albeit certain treatments might have a role in prevention and/or treatment of the disease. This narrative review summarizes the existing literature on the advantages and weaknesses of current COVID-19 management measures, thus underlining the necessity of acting based on the classical principle of "ofeleein i mi vlaptin", that is, to help or not to harm

Cognitive function of idiopathic childhood epilepsy

Most children with epilepsy are of normal intelligence. However, a significant subset will have temporary or permanent cognitive impairment. Factors that affect cognitive function are myriad and include the underlying neuropathology of the epilepsy, seizures, epileptiform discharges, psychosocial problems, age at seizure onset, duration of epilepsy, and side effects associated with antiepileptic drugs. This review article discusses cognitive function in children with idiopathic epilepsy and the effects of antiepileptic drugs on cognitive function in children

COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Effectiveness against Elderly Frail People

The frail, elderly population is often characterized by poor immunogenicity post COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. “Inflame-ageing” and “immune-senescence” are pathogenetic mechanisms that might explain this phenomenon. Complex interplay with cytokines and microbiota is also implicated in this inflammatory cascade. The abovementioned population, although very important from immunologic perspective, has barely been included in the mRNA vaccination clinical trials

COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Effectiveness against Elderly Frail People

The frail, elderly population is often characterized by poor immunogenicity post COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. “Inflame-ageing” and “immune-senescence” are pathogenetic mechanisms that might explain this phenomenon. Complex interplay with cytokines and microbiota is also implicated in this inflammatory cascade. The abovementioned population, although very important from immunologic perspective, has barely been included in the mRNA vaccination clinical trials

Antineoplastic Activity of 9″-Lithospermic Acid Methyl Ester in Glioblastoma Cells

To date, many potent compounds have been found which are derived from plants and herbs and possess anticancer properties due to their antioxidant effects. 9″-Lithospermic acid methyl ester is an effective natural compound derived from the Thymus thracicus Velen. It has been proven that this compound has substantial properties in different diseases, but its effects in cancer have not been thoroughly evaluated. The aim of this work was to study the effects of 9″-Lithospermic acid methyl ester (9″-methyl lithospermate) in U87 and T98 glioblastoma cell lines. Its effects on cellular viability were assessed via Trypan Blue and Crystal Violet stains, the cell cycle analysis through flow cytometry, and cell migration by employing the scratch wound healing assay. The results demonstrated that 9″-methyl lithospermate was able to inhibit cellular proliferation, induce cellular death, and inhibit cell migration. Furthermore, these results were intensified by the addition of temozolomide, the most prominent chemotherapeutic drug in glioblastoma tumors. Further studies are needed to reproduce these findings in animal models and investigate if 9″-lithospermic acid methyl ester represents a potential new therapeutic addition for gliomas

Correlation between Pacifier Use in Preterm Neonates and Breastfeeding in Infancy: A Systematic Review

Background: Breastfeeding is very important for the proper nutrition and growth of the child, as well as, the health of the mother. To start breastfeeding, the neonate must have extensive oral capacities for sucking functions but, premature neonates may not have the muscle strength needed to suck successfully. However, the non-nutritive sucking achieved by using a pacifier, has been identified by previous research as a factor associated with shorter duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding. This study aims to perform a systematic review to investigate the relationship between pacifier use in preterm neonates and breastfeeding in infancy. Methods: We included prospective studies, as well as randomized controlled studies that evaluated the association between pacifier use by preterm neonates and of breastfeeding in infancy. Ten research articles from PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar and Crossref were included in the review from a total of 1455 articles. The results differ depending on the type of study.Most prospective studies have shown a negative correlation between pacifier use and breastfeeding, while the randomized controlled studies found a positive correlation. Conclusions: Pacifier use in preterm infants helps transition from tube to oral feeding, breastfeeding, faster weight gain and earlier discharge from the NICU. However, the relationship between pacifiers and breastfeeding is more complicated, as it appears to be influenced by additional risk factors