The growing interest in vitamin D is positively related to that of its kidney complications and is negatively related to that of bone benefit: an analysis based on Google Trends (Preprint)

Background. The benefits of vitamin D relate to muscle strength, cardiovascular health, and prevents osteoporosis. Objective. This study aimed to explore trends of global interest on vitamin D, hypercalcaemia, adverse kidney effects (stones and kidney failure) and osteoporosis. Methods. An electronic search was conducted with Google Trends, limiting searches based on the "health" criterion. Results. Worldwide interest in vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol or calciferol), kidney stones and kidney failure is progressively growing over time. On the other hand, vitamin D was found to be negatively correlated with hypercalcaemia and bone density. Another result of our analysis is the distribution of the popularity of searches across countries. In particular, the global popularity for vitamin D3 seems higher than that of vitamin D2 and also shows different geographical preferences. The growing interest in vitamin D parallels that of kidney stones and kidney failure, while decreasing popularity has been noted for hypercalcaemia and bone density. Conclusions. The research volumes help to clarify the changes in the trends of use of supplements and the development of their complications, according to the different geographical areas, socioeconomic status and online literac

Pediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Long-Term Complications: Clinical and Health Implications

Transitional medicine is defined as the branch of medicine which deals with the transition from the pediatric to adult healthcare system [...]

Sleep Disordered Breathing in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An In-Depth Review of Correlations and Complexities

Sleep-disordered breathing is a significant problem affecting the pediatric population. These conditions can affect sleep quality and children’s overall health and well-being. Difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behavioral patterns characterize autism spectrum disorder. Sleep disturbances are common in children with ASD. This literature review aims to gather and analyze available studies on the relationship between SDB and children with autism spectrum disorder. We comprehensively searched the literature using major search engines (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). After removing duplicates, we extracted a total of 96 records. We selected 19 studies for inclusion after a thorough title and abstract screening process. Seven articles were ultimately incorporated into this analysis. The research findings presented herein emphasize the substantial influence of sleep-disordered breathing on pediatric individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These findings reveal a high incidence of SDB in children with ASD, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and specialized treatment. Obesity in this population further complicates matters, requiring focused weight management strategies. Surgical interventions, such as adenotonsillectomy, have shown promise in improving behavioral issues in children with ASD affected by OSA, regardless of their obesity status. However, more comprehensive studies are necessary to investigate the benefits of A&T treatment, specifically in children with ASD and OSA. The complex relationship between ASD, SDB, and other factors, such as joint hypermobility and muscle hypotonia, suggests a need for multidisciplinary treatment approaches. Physiotherapy can play a critical role in addressing these intricate health issues. Early sleep assessments and tailored weight management strategies are essential for timely diagnosis and intervention in children with ASD. Policy initiatives should support these efforts to enhance the overall well-being of this population. Further research is crucial to understand the complex causes of sleep disturbances in children with ASD and to develop effective interventions considering the multifaceted nature of these conditions

Experimental Test of an Event-Based Corpuscular Model Modification as an Alternative to Quantum Mechanics

We present the first experimental test that distinguishes between an event-based corpuscular model (EBCM) [H. De Raedt et al.: J. Comput. Theor. Nanosci. 8 (2011) 1052] of the interaction of photons with matter and quantum mechanics. The test looks at the interference that results as a single photon passes through a Mach-Zehnder interferometer [H. De Raedt et al.: J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 74 (2005) 16]. The experimental results, obtained with a low-noise single-photon source [G. Brida et al.: Opt. Expr. 19 (2011) 1484], agree with the predictions of standard quantum mechanics with a reduced $\chi^2$ of 0.98 and falsify the EBCM with a reduced $\chi^2$ of greater than 20

On the reconstruction of diagonal elements of density matrix of quantum optical states by on/off detectors

We discuss a scheme for reconstructing experimentally the diagonal elements of the density matrix of quantum optical states. Applications to PDC heralded photons, multi-thermal and attenuated coherent states are illustrated and discussed in some details.Comment: 10 pages, presented at Palermo "TQMFA2005" Conference. To appear on "Open Systems & Information Dynamics" (2006

The use of inhaled corticosteroid in preschool wheezers: what's the point today?

Among the preschool children who wheeze two different groups can be identify: children who have a viral infection and those who respond to multiple triggers, such as exercise or allergens

Improved implementation of nonclassicality test for a single particle

Recently a test of nonclassicality for a single qubit was proposed [R. Alicki and N. Van Ryn, J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 41, 062001 (2008)]. We present an optimized experimental realization of this test leading to a 46 standard deviation violation of classicality. This factor of 5 improvement over our previous result was achieved by moving from the infrared to the visible where we can take advantage of higher efficiency and lower noise photon detectors.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figur

Structured Light Plethysmography (SLP): Management and follow up of a paediatric patient with pneumonia

Structured Light Plethysmography (SLP) is a non-invasive method to study chest and abdominal movement during breathing and can identify abnormal contributions of the different regions of the chest. M.D hospitalized for pneumonia, underwent SLP and spirometry at admission (T0), after 48 hours (T1), and after one month (T2). SLP parameters showed expiratory flow limitation, information consistent with the spirometric parameters collected, and reduced motion in the area effected by pneumonia, with improvement and normalization at T1 and T2. This method gave useful information about the contribution to the respiratory movement of the lung area affected by pneumonia so we can speculate a possible use in the follow-up of children affected by pneumonia or other respiratory diseases, and who are not able to perform a spirometric test

Thrombotic risk in children with COVID-19 infection: A systematic review of the literature

Objective: Coagulation and inflammatory parameters are mildly altered in children with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection, and laboratory evidence of a proinflammatory and procoagulant state has been noted in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). It is not clear whether this pediatric condition is related to thrombotic events. With this study we reviewed the literature for thrombotic complications in children with COVID-19 infection and MIS-C. Data sources: We searched the Medline PubMed Advanced Search Builder, Scopus, Web Of Science, and Google Scholar electronic databases (until 1 January 2021) using the medical subject headings (MeSH) terms and text words (their combinations and truncated synonyms): (THROMBOSIS OR THROMBOPHILIA) AND (CHILD OR CHILDREN OR INFANT) AND (COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2). Study eligibility criteria: Inclusion criteria were children with COVID-19 or SARS-COV-2 infection. The search was limited to articles published in English. Exclusion criteria were: reviews of published studies, studies published only as abstracts, letters or conference proceedings, discussion papers, animal studies, or editorials. Results: After screening for duplicates, the initial search yielded 86 records: 12 were case reports involving 19 children; comorbidities were absent or mild in 73.7%. The most common site of thrombosis the lung (21%); the most often used drug was heparin (42%). Two studies were an international survey (n = 337 patients) and a large multicenter study (n = 186 patients with MIS-C). The risk of ischemic stroke in SARS-CoV-2 infection (0.82%) and deep venous thrombosis in MIS-C (4.3%) was lower in children than in adults. Conclusions: Thrombodic or thromboembolic events are rare in pediatric patients with COVID-19 infection and MIS-C. Nonetheless, as in adults, a high index of suspicion should be maintained in children with COVID-19 infection or MIS-C, particularly in those with comorbidities predisposing to thrombotic events

Pediatric Ocular Health and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Review

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects neurobehavioral, cognitive, and cardiovascular aspects, particularly in children, by obstructing the upper airways during sleep. While its impact in adult ocular health is recognized, there is ongoing debate about OSA's relevance in pediatrics. This review explores the relationship between OSA and ocular health in children, focusing on the effects and potential improvements through treatment. A systematic search found 287 articles through PubMeD/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect; 94.4% were excluded. After careful selection, six English articles were included, addressing the effects of OSA on children's eyes. Three studies examined choroidal alterations, three explored retinal and optic nerve changes, and two analyzed ocular changes following otorhinolaryngological intervention. The immediate correlation in children is inconclusive, but age may be a contributing factor. Pediatric OSA patients exhibit corneal anomalies and increased optic nerve thickness, possibly due to intermittent hypoxia. OSA influences retinal vascular density in children, with increased density after treatment and reduced choroidal thickness in cases of adenotonsillar hypertrophy. This review emphasized OSA's significant impact on children's ocular health, revealing alterations in the optic nerve, choroid, retina, and cornea. While the direct correlation with the optic nerve is not always evident, OSA raises intraocular pressure and induces structural changes. Treatment holds promise, highlighting the need for regular monitoring to promptly address childhood OSA