Ultrasound-Guided Centrally Inserted Central Catheter (CICC) Placement in Newborns: A Safe Clinical Training Program in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: Centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs) are increasingly used in neonatal care. CICCs have garnered attention and adoption owing to their advantageous features. Therefore, achieving clinical competence in ultrasound-guided CICC insertion in term and preterm infants is of paramount importance for neonatologists. A safe clinical training program should include theoretical teaching and clinical practice, simulation and supervised CICC insertions. METHODS: We planned a training program for neonatologists for ultrasound-guided CICCs placement at our level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Modena, Italy. In this single-centre prospective observational study, we present the preliminary results of a 12-month training period. Two paediatric anaesthesiologists participated as trainers, and a multidisciplinary team was established for continuing education, consisting of neonatologists, nurses, and anaesthesiologists. We detail the features of our training program and present the modalities of CICC placement in newborns. RESULTS: The success rate of procedures was 100%. In 80.5% of cases, the insertion was obtained at the first ultrasound-guided venipuncture. No procedure-related complications occurred in neonates (median gestational age 36 weeks, IQR 26-40; median birth weight 1200 g, IQR 622-2930). Three of the six neonatologists (50%) who participated in the clinical training program have achieved good clinical competence. One of them has acquired the necessary skills to in turn supervise other colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: Our ongoing clinical training program was safe and effective. Conducting the program within the NICU contributes to the implementation of medical and nursing skills of the entire staff.

New Lidocaine-Based Pharmaceutical Cocrystals: Preparation, Characterization, and Influence of the Racemic vs. Enantiopure Coformer on the Physico-Chemical Properties.

This study describes the preparation, characterization, and influence of the enantiopure vs. racemic coformer on the physico-chemical properties of a pharmaceutical cocrystal. For that purpose, two new 1:1 cocrystals, namely lidocaine:dl-menthol and lidocaine:d-menthol, were prepared. The menthol racemate-based cocrystal was evaluated by means of X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, Raman, thermal analysis, and solubility experiments. The results were exhaustively compared with the first menthol-based pharmaceutical cocrystal, i.e., lidocaine:l-menthol, discovered in our group 12 years ago. Furthermore, the stable lidocaine/dl-menthol phase diagram has been screened, thoroughly evaluated, and compared to the enantiopure phase diagram. Thus, it has been proven that the racemic vs. enantiopure coformer leads to increased solubility and improved dissolution of lidocaine due to the low stable form induced by menthol molecular disorder in the lidocaine:dl-menthol cocrystal. To date, the 1:1 lidocaine:dl-menthol cocrystal is the third menthol-based pharmaceutical cocrystal, after the 1:1 lidocaine:l-menthol and the 1:2 lopinavir:l-menthol cocrystals reported in 2010 and 2022, respectively. Overall, this study shows promising potential for designing new materials with both improved characteristics and functional properties in the fields of pharmaceutical sciences and crystal engineering.

Neonatal septic shock, a focus on first line interventions.

Septic shock is a main cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates. Septic shock evolves from compensated to uncompensated through 3 distinct phases. Prompt diagnosis is challenging, since neonatal septic shock may overlap with the physiological changes occurring at birth. The outcome of septic shock depends on a prompt recognition of symptoms and a strict adherence to cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines. Fluid administration plays a major role in the initial management of septic shock. If there is no response to volume filling, inotropes must be infused within one hour of onset (dopamine, dobutamine, adrenaline). Life-threatening infections require immediate and aggressive empiric use of antimicrobials. In the pediatric age, delay in antibiotic initiation for treating septic shock is associated with poor outcome and increased risk of mortality. There is a gap regarding first line interventions in neonatal septic shock. This review addresses initial interventions in the treatment of neonatal septic shock and discusses currently available evidences., These interventions may allow to improve the outcome if they are promptly carried out.

Spectroscopic investigations, concentration dependent SERS, and molecular docking studies of a hydroxybenzylidene derivative.

Spectroscopic analysis, density functional theory (DFT) studies and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of (E)-N'-(5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-4-trifluoromethyl) benzohydrazide (CHTB) have been studied on different silver colloids in order to know the particular chemical species responsible for the spectra. Very significant shifts are observed for Raman and SERS wavenumbers. Observed changes in the υ-ring modes may be due to surface interaction of the π-electrons and the presence of this suggested that RingII is more tilted in both cases than RingI and the molecule assumes a tilted orientation for the concentration 10-3 M. Orientation changes are seen in concentration dependent SERS spectra. The molecular electrostatic potential has also been constructed to determine the electron rich and poor site of CHTB. The molecular docking studies indicate that the binding affinity and hydrogen bond interactions with the receptors may be supporting evidence for further studies in designing other pharmaceutical applications of CHTB.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Infectious Risks Related to Umbilical Venous Catheter Dwell Time and Its Replacement in Newborns: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence.

The use of umbilical venous catheters (UVCs) has become the standard of care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to administer fluids, medications and parenteral nutrition. However, it is well known that UVCs can lead to some serious complications, both mechanical and infective, including CLABSI (Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections). Most authors recommend removing UVC within a maximum of 14 days from its placement. However, the last Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice (INS) guidelines recommends limiting the UVC dwell time to 7 to 10 days, to reduce risks of infectious and thrombotic complications. These guidelines also suggest as an infection prevention strategy to remove UVC after 4 days, followed by the insertion of a PICC if a central line is still needed. Nevertheless, the maximum UVC dwell time to reduce the risk of CLABSI is still controversial, as well as the time of its replacement with a PICC. In this study we reviewed a total of 177 articles, found by using the PubMed database with the following search strings: "UVC AND neonates", "(neonate* OR newborn*) AND (UVC OR central catheter*) AND (infection*)". We also analyze the INS guidelines to provide the reader an updated overview on this topic. The purpose of this review is to give updated information on CVCs infectious risks by examining the literature in this field. These data could help clinicians in deciding the best time to remove or to replace the UVC with a PICC, to reduce CLABSIs risk. Despite the lack of strong evidence, the risk of CLABSI seems to be minimized when UVC is removed/replaced within 7 days from insertion and this indication is emerging from more recent and larger studies.

Concentration dependent SERS, DFT and molecular docking studies of a ureido derivative with antitubercular properties.

Spectroscopic analysis, density functional theory (DFT) studies and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of antimycobactetial 4-[3-(4-acetylphenyl)ureido]-2-hydroxybenzoic acid (AUHB) have been studied on different silver sols. For Raman and SERS wavenumbers, very large changes are observed. Observed variations in the modes of ring may be due to surface π-electron interactions and presence of this indicated that poly substituted ring is more inclined than para substituted phenyl ring and assumes a inclined position for concentration 10-3 M. Changes in orientation are seen in SERS spectra depending on concentration. In order to find electron-rich and poor sites of AUHB, molecular electrostatic potential was also constructed. The molecular docking results show that binding affinity and interactions with the receptor DprE1 may be supporting evidence for further studies in design further AUHB pharmaceutical applications. Based on antitubercular activity of 4-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) and urea derivatives we designed, synthesized and investigated mutual PAS-urea derivatives as potential antimycobacterial agents.

Spectroscopic investigations, concentration dependent SERS, and molecular docking studies of a benzoic acid derivative.

Spectroscopic analysis, density functional theory (DFT) studies and surface enhanced Raman scattering of 4-((3-bromo-5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino)benzoic acid (BCHB) have been studied on different silver colloids concentrations in order to know the particular chemical species responsible for the spectra. For Raman and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) wavenumbers, changes are observed. Observed variations in the modes of ring may be due to interaction of the π-electrons and presence of this indicated that RingII is more inclined than RingI and the BCHB assumes inclined orientation for concentration 10-3 M. Changes in orientation are seen in SERS spectra depending on concentration. In order to determine the electron-rich and poor sites of BCHB, the molecular electrostatic potential was also constructed. The molecular docking studies show that the bindings and interactions with the receptors may be supporting evidence for further studies in design further BCHB pharmaceutical applications.

Investigating Novel Syntheses of a Series of Unique Hybrid PLGA-Chitosan Polymers for Potential Therapeutic Delivery Applications.

Discovering new materials to aid in the therapeutic delivery of drugs is in high demand. PLGA, a FDA approved polymer, is well known in the literature to form films or nanoparticles that can load, protect, and deliver drug molecules; however, its incompatibility with certain drugs (due to hydrophilicity or charge repulsion interactions) limits its use. Combining PLGA or other polymers such as polycaprolactone with other safe and positively-charged molecules, such as chitosan, has been sought after to make hybrid systems that are more flexible in terms of loading ability, but often the reactions for polymer coupling use harsh conditions, films, unpurified products, or create a single unoptimized product. In this work, we aimed to investigate possible innovative improvements regarding two synthetic procedures. Two methods were attempted and analytically compared using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC) to furnish pure, homogenous, and tunable PLGA-chitosan hybrid polymers. These were fully characterized by analytical methods. A series of hybrids was produced that could be used to increase the suitability of PLGA with previously non-compatible drug molecules.

Phoenicians Preferred Red Pigments: Chemical Compositions of Make-Up Powders Found in Archaeological Sites from Sicily.

Little is known concerning Phoenician and Punic cosmetics, and pertinent studies and analyses on archaeological finds are particularly scanty. The present study has taken into account 22 archaeological red and pink Punic make-up samples collected in several Sicilian museums. The samples were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, Raman microscopy, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The analyses revealed an interesting and unusual variability in the use of raw materials, ranging from the mineral to the organic world. Not only traditional dye-based pigments were identified, but also rare ones never reported previously for this use. We show also an occurrence unusual in antiquity of a lead chromate block presumably intended to be ground just before its use in cosmetics.

Cyclodextrin-based nanosponges for the targeted delivery of the anti-restenotic agent DB103: A novel opportunity for the local therapy of vessels wall subjected to percutaneous intervention.

Nano-sized colloidal carriers represent innovative drug delivery systems, as they allow a targeted and prolonged release of poorly water-soluble drugs, improving their bioavailability and modifying their pharmacokinetic parameters. In this work we describe cyclodextrin-based nanosponges, obtained through polimerization of ß-cyclodextrin with diphenyl carbonate as the cross-linking agent, loaded with a novel multi-effective heterocyclic compound, DB103, able to regulate key cellular events involved in the remodelling of vessels wall. Fabrication and drug-loading procedures, as well as physical-chemical characterization and drug-release profile of the novel colloidal system are reported. Results achieved demonstrate the ability of nanosponges to enclose efficiently the target drug and release it slowly and continuously, thus suggesting the exploitability of the novel system for the local therapy of vessels wall subjected to percutaneous intervention.

Structural, electronic, thermodynamical and charge transfer properties of Chloramphenicol Palmitate using vibrational spectroscopy and DFT calculations.

The global problem of advancing bacterial resistance to newer drugs has led to renewed interest in the use of Chloramphenicol Palmitate (C27H42Cl2N2O6) [Palmitic acid alpha ester with D-threo-(-),2-dichloro-N-(beta-hydroxy-alpha-(hydroxymethyl)-p-nitrophenethyl)acetamide also known as Detereopal]. The characterization of the three polymorphic forms of Chloramphenicol Palmitate (CPP) was done spectroscopically by employing FT-IR and FT-Raman techniques. The equilibrium geometry, various bonding features, and harmonic wavenumbers have been investigated for most stable form A with the help of DFT calculations and a good correlation was found between experimental data and theoretical values. Electronic properties have been analyzed employing TD-DFT for both gaseous and solvent phase. The theoretical calculation of thermodynamical properties along with NBO analysis has also been performed to have a deep insight into the molecule for further applications.

Chemico-physical investigation of tenofovir loaded polymeric nanoparticles.

Tenofovir (PMPA), an acyclic nucleoside phosphonate analog, is one of the most important drugs used for the HIV treatment. Unfortunately, several adverse reactions are related to its i.v. administration owing to the saturation of an anionic renal transporter. In order to improve the drug administration, the PMPA was embedded into a new type of nanocarriers based on poly-(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and/or chitosan (CH). The strategies for the preparation of nanoparticles (Nps) with a more efficient drug loading respect to the one reported in the literature for PMPA nanoencapsulation were investigated. CH was added in the first inner emulsion or in the external phase during the second emulsion of water/oil/water (W/O/W) Nps. The addition of CH in the first inner emulsion was the most promising technique. The Nps have a Z-average of 230 nm, a Z-potential of -3 mV and an EE% of 15 that was 2.5-3 times higher than that obtained with PLGA Nps or CH Nps. In vitro release studies showed a limited control on drug release in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) while an initial burst effect followed by a slow drug release was observed in acidic receiving phase (pH 4.6). These results suggest the PLGA/CH Nps should be an effective and attractive anti-HIV drug carrier to study the cellular uptake and drug delivery on target cells such as macrophages.

A multi-analytical approach for the characterization of powders from the Pompeii archaeological site.

Nine black powders found in Pompeii houses in three different types of bronze vessels (cylindrical theca atramentaria, unguentaries, and aryballoi) were characterized in order to assess a correspondence between the composition and the type of vessel and, possibly, to verify if these powders were inks or not. For the compositional characterization, a multi-analytical approach was adopted, which involved the use of scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, Raman, X-ray diffraction, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and pyrolysis GC/MS. Powders contained in cylindrical theca atramentaria form a homogeneous group, and their organic and inorganic compositions suggest that they were writing inks, while powders contained in unguentaries and aryballoi could have had several different uses, including writing inks and cosmetics. Furthermore, the composition profile of the powders found in cylindrical cases shows that, at 79 AD: , in Pompeii, carbon-based inks were still used for writing, and iron gall inks had not been introduced yet.

An integrated analytical approach for characterizing an organic residue from an archaeological glass bottle recovered in Pompeii (Naples, Italy).

Within the framework of an Italian research project aimed at studying organic residues found in archaeological objects from the Roman period, the chemical composition of the contents of several glass vessels recovered from archaeological sites from the Vesuvian area (Naples, Italy) was investigated. In particular, this paper deals with the study of an organic material found in a glass bottle from the archaeological site of Pompeii using a multi-analytical approach, including FT-IR, direct exposure mass spectrometry (DE-MS) and GC-MS techniques. The overall results suggest the occurrence of a lipid material of vegetable origin. The hypothesis that the native lipid material had been subjected to a chemical transformation procedure before being used is presented and discussed.

Investigation on a Roman copper alloy artefact from Pompeii (Italy).

A selection of samples, obtained from a particular copper-alloy domestic artefact of Roman style from Pompeii, has been analysed by using different techniques (IR, Raman, SEM-EDX, FAAS), in order to investigate the chemical nature and composition of the metals utilised for such manufacturing pieces. The surface analysis of the bright red metallic microfragments conducted by different analytical techniques, emphasises the presence of pure unalloyed copper and confirms the absence of other metallic species on the upper layers. On the contrary, the mapping analysis of the section of the laminar metal of the investigated sample shows a consistent enrichment in tin content. Finally, destructive analysis by FAAS confirms that the artefact looks like a bronze metal alloy, with a medium Sn content of about 6.5%.