Sleep quality among Italian university students: the UnSleep multicenter study.

Background: Scientific evidence demonstrates that poor sleep quality can lead to various health problems. This study aimed to investigate sleep patterns among Italian university students and identify several factors that may contribute to its quality. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: An electronic questionnaire regarding sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, and sleep-related habits, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, was distributed between January 2022 and July 2023 among students belonging to 12 universities located in Northern, Central, and Southern Italy. Results: On a total of 1,674 questionnaires collected, the participants (mean age 24.06±4.56 years, 71.3% F) reported an average number of hours of nocturnal sleep equal to 6.89±1.28 hours. A total of 927 (54.6%) of respondents showed a poor sleep quality (PSQI >5). Regression analysis showed that better sleep quality is associated with lower age, attending universities in Northern Italy, less time spent on electronic devices during the day, not being used to study at night and not playing videogames before sleep. Conclusion: From a public health perspective, our findings suggest that public health operators should raise the awareness of young adults about the importance of sleep quality for maintaining good health, as well as the impact that certain behaviors can have on sleep.

Effects of Sulfur Thermal Water inhalations in long-COVID syndrome: spa-centred, double-blinded, randomised case-control pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The long-COVID syndrome is characterised by a plethora of symptoms. Given its social and economic impact, many studies have stressed the urgency of proposing innovative strategies other than hospital settings. In this double-blind randomised case-control trial, we investigate the effects of sulfur thermal water inhalations, rich in H2S, compared to distilled water inhalations on symptoms, inflammatory markers, nasal microbiome in long-COVID patients. METHODS: 30 outpatients aged 18-75, with positive diagnosis for long-COVID were randomised in two groups undergoing 12 consecutive days of inhalations. The active Group (STW) received sulfur thermal water inhalations whereas the placebo group received inhalations of sterile distilled non-pyrogenic water (SDW). Each participant was tested prior treatment at day 1 (T0), after the inhalations at day 14 (T1) and at 3 months follow-up (T2). At each time point, blood tests, nasal swabs for microbiome sampling, pulmonary functionality tests (PFTs) and pro-inflammatory marker measure were performed. RESULTS: The scores obtained in the administered tests (6MWT, Borg score, and SGRQ) at T0, showed a significant variation in STW group, at T1 and T2. Serum cytokine levels and other inflammatory biomarkers reported a statistically significant decrease. Some specific parameters of PFT's showed ameliorations in STW group only. Changes in the STW nasopharyngeal microbiota composition were noticed, especially from T0 to T2. CONCLUSIONS: Inhalations of sulfur thermal water exerted objective and subjective improvements on subjects affected by long-COVID. Significant reduction of inflammatory markers, dyspnea scores and quantitative and qualitative changes in the nasopharyngeal microbiome were also assessed.

Occurrence of Uncultured Legionella spp. in Treated Wastewater Effluent and Its Impact on Human Health (SCA.Re.S Project).

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) provide optimal conditions for the environmental spread of Legionella. As part of the Evaluation of Sanitary Risk Related to the Discharge of Wastewater to the Ground (SCA.Re.S) project, this study was conducted to evaluate the presence of Legionella in WWTP effluent and in groundwater samples collected from two wells located downstream from the plant. The samples were analyzed to determine the concentrations of Legionella spp using the standard culture-based method and molecular techniques, followed by genomic sequencing analysis. Legionella was detected only with the molecular methods (except in one sample of effluent positive for L. pneumophila serogroup 6), which showed viable Legionella pneumophila and L. non-pneumophila through the use of free DNA removal solution in both the effluent and groundwater, with concentrations that progressively decreased downstream from the plant. Viable L. pneumophila appeared to be slightly more concentrated in warm months. However, no significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) in concentrations between cold and warm months were observed. A genotypic analysis characterized the species present in the samples and found that uncultured Legionella spp, as yet undefined, constituted the prevalent species in all the samples (range 77.15-83.17%). WWTPs play an important role in the hygienic and sanitary quality of groundwater for different uses. The application of Legionella control systems during the purification of effluents is warranted to prevent possible outbreaks of legionellosis.

In Silico Predicting the Presence of the S100B Motif in Edible Plants and Detecting Its Immunoreactive Materials: Perspectives for Functional Foods, Dietary Supplements and Phytotherapies.

The protein S100B is a part of the S100 protein family, which consists of at least 25 calcium-binding proteins. S100B is highly conserved across different species, supporting important biological functions. The protein was shown to play a role in gut microbiota eubiosis and is secreted in human breast milk, suggesting a physiological trophic function in newborn development. This study explores the possible presence of the S100B motif in plant genomes, and of S100B-like immunoreactive material in different plant extracts, opening up potential botanical uses for dietary supplementation. To explore the presence of the S100B motif in plants, a bioinformatic workflow was used. In addition, the immunoreactivity of S100B from vegetable and fruit samples was tested using an ELISA assay. The S100B motif was expected in silico in the genome of different edible plants belonging to the Viridiplantae clade, such as Durio zibethinus or Malus domestica and other medicinal species. S100B-like immunoreactive material was also detected in samples from fruits or leaves. The finding of S100B-like molecules in plants sheds new light on their role in phylogenesis and in the food chain. This study lays the foundation to elucidate the possible beneficial effects of plants or derivatives containing the S100B-like principle and their potential use in nutraceuticals.

The Role of Gut Microbiota in Different Types of Physical Activity and Their Intensity: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intense exercise during training requires dietary modulation to support health and performance and differs in different types of activities. Diet, supplementation with prebiotics and probiotics, and, more recently, even physical activity can potentially improve health outcomes by modifying and protecting the gut microbiota. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate the modulation of gut microbiota in different types and intensities of physical activity and different lifestyles of athletes. METHODS: The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024500826). RESULTS: Out of 1318 studies, only 10 met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The pilot study's meta-regression analysis highlights the role of type and intensity of exercise in changing the B/B (Bacillota/Bacteroidota) ratio (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: As gut training becomes more popular among athletes, it is necessary to map interactions between microbiota and different types of physical activity, personalized diets, physical activities, and ergogenic supplements to enhance performance and athletic wellness.

A snapshot of Physical Education in Italian primary schools: assessing the resources available for an instrument of health promotion.

Background: Regular physical activity is crucial in preventing chronic diseases. International health authorities recommend that children and adolescents engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day to achieve health benefits. Offering regular exercise opportunities to young people can promote the development of healthy lifestyles. In 2021, a new regu-lation introduced up to two compulsory hours of Physical Education per week in Italy and established that Physical Education should be entrusted to adequately trained teachers. The present study aimed to assess, from the perspective of the new teachers, the resources available for Physical Education in Italian primary schools. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among primary school Physical Education teachers during the year 2022-2023. Their opinion about the school resources were analyzed in light of their demographic characteristics and work experience. Results: Out of the 118 participating teachers, 96 (81.3%) reported the presence of a gym in their school. Participants expressed satisfaction with the size and windows of the gym, particularly for the schools of the North, as well as the adequacy of outdoor spaces. However, lower levels of satisfaction for locker rooms and gym small equipment emerged, especially among those teachers with less work experience. Conclusions: The introduction of the Physical Education teacher figure in Italian primary schools was an important step for health promotion in our country. However, some aspects related to the structural resources should be considered in future policies.

Knowledge and self-perceived competence about cardiopulmonary resuscitation among youths: a cross-sectional study in a sample of Italian undergraduates.

Introduction: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is fundamental to improve the outcomes of a life-threatening event. The correct knowledge of first aid actions to provide may guarantee the victim's survival. This study was aimed at evaluating the competence about cardiopulmonary resuscitation and its predictors in a sample of Italian undergraduate students. Methods: Information on socio-demographic characteristics, first aid training, knowledge of stroke and heart attack symptoms and perceived ability to provide first aid, were collected through a web-based questionnaire. Results: On a total of 744 respondents (mean age 23.9±5.4 years, 62.5% female), 71.4% identified correctly first aid actions, 59.9% and 60.8% showed a good knowledge of stroke and heart attack symptoms, respectively. However, only 39.0% of them declared their ability to intervene in case of emergency. Attending a healthcare degree course and having had first aid training were associated with knowledge of symptoms and perceived ability to provide first aid. Female gender was negatively related with perceived ability to intervene. Conclusions: In spite of the satisfactory level of knowledge, these findings highlight the need to enhance the competence about cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the lay population, especially among females.

Can Digital Technologies Be Useful for Weight Loss in Individuals with Overweight or Obesity? A Systematic Review.

Digital technologies have greatly developed and impacted several aspects of life, including health and lifestyle. Activity tracking, mobile applications, and devices may also provide messages and goals to motivate adopting healthy behaviors, namely physical activity and dietary changes. This review aimed to assess the effectiveness of digital resources in supporting behavior changes, and thus influencing weight loss, in people with overweight or obesity. A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023403364). Randomized Controlled Trials published from the database's inception to 8 November 2023 and focused on digital-based technologies aimed at increasing physical activity for the purpose of weight loss, with or without changes in diet, were considered eligible. In total, 1762 studies were retrieved and 31 met the inclusion criteria. Although they differed in the type of technology used and in their design, two-thirds of the studies reported significantly greater weight loss among electronic device users than controls. Many of these studies reported tailored or specialist-guided interventions. The use of digital technologies may be useful to support weight-loss interventions for people with overweight or obesity. Personalized feedback can increase the effectiveness of new technologies in motivating behavior changes.

The Multifaceted S100B Protein: A Role in Obesity and Diabetes?

The S100B protein is abundant in the nervous system, mainly in astrocytes, and is also present in other districts. Among these, the adipose tissue is a site of concentration for the protein. In the light of consistent research showing some associations between S100B and adipose tissue in the context of obesity, metabolic disorders, and diabetes, this review tunes the possible role of S100B in the pathogenic processes of these disorders, which are known to involve the adipose tissue. The reported data suggest a role for adipose S100B in obesity/diabetes processes, thus putatively re-proposing the role played by astrocytic S100B in neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative processes.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Dietary Interventions and Microbiome in Phenylketonuria.

Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) comprise a diverse group of monogenic disorders caused by enzyme deficiencies that result either in a toxic accumulation of metabolic intermediates or a shortage of essential end-products. Certain IEMs, like phenylketonuria (PKU), necessitate stringent dietary intervention that could lead to microbiome dysbiosis, thereby exacerbating the clinical phenotype. The objective of this systematic review was to examine the impact of PKU therapies on the intestinal microbiota. This research was conducted following the PRISMA Statement, with data from PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. A total of 18 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were published from 2011 to 2022. Significant reductions in several taxonomic groups in individuals with PKU when compared to the control group were detected in a quantitative analysis conducted across seven studies. The meta-analysis synthesis indicates a contrast in biodiversity between PKU subjects and the control population. Additionally, the meta-regression results, derived from the Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio data, suggest a potential influence of diet in adult PKU populations (p = 0.004). It is worth noting that the limited number of studies calls for further research and analysis in this area. Our findings indicate the necessity of enhancing understanding of microbiota variability in reaction to treatments among PKU subjects to design tailored therapeutic and nutritional interventions to prevent complications resulting from microbiota disruption.

The S100B Protein: A Multifaceted Pathogenic Factor More Than a Biomarker.

S100B is a calcium-binding protein mainly concentrated in astrocytes in the nervous system. Its levels in biological fluids are recognized as a reliable biomarker of active neural distress, and more recently, mounting evidence points to S100B as a Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern molecule, which, at high concentration, triggers tissue reactions to damage. S100B levels and/or distribution in the nervous tissue of patients and/or experimental models of different neural disorders, for which the protein is used as a biomarker, are directly related to the progress of the disease. In addition, in experimental models of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, traumatic and vascular acute neural injury, epilepsy, and inflammatory bowel disease, alteration of S100B levels correlates with the occurrence of clinical and/or toxic parameters. In general, overexpression/administration of S100B worsens the clinical presentation, whereas deletion/inactivation of the protein contributes to the amelioration of the symptoms. Thus, the S100B protein may be proposed as a common pathogenic factor in different disorders, sharing different symptoms and etiologies but appearing to share some common pathogenic processes reasonably attributable to neuroinflammation.

Consumption of Energy Drinks among Italian University students: a cross-sectional multicenter study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the caffeinated Energy Drinks (EDs) consumption among a large sample of Italian undergraduates and its association with some of the major lifestyle risk factors. METHODS: Students attending twelve public Italian universities were involved between October 2021 and May 2022. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, ED consumption, and on health-related behaviors of participants was collected by the use of a web-based questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 2165 students participated in the study and 15.2% of them reported having used caffeinated EDs in the last six months, mainly once a month (41.5%). In comparison with non-users, ED users showed a higher proportion of males (p < 0.001) and a higher father's educational level (p = 0.003), came mainly from Northern universities (p = 0.004) and life sciences degree courses (p < 0.001). Besides, ED users reported higher BMI values (p = 0.003), more particular dietary regimens (p < 0.001), higher levels of weekly moderate-vigorous physical activity (p < 0.001) and participation in sports (p < 0.001) and in team sports (p = 0.003), and higher proportion of smokers (p < 0.001) and alcohol drinkers (p = 0.005). ED use was negatively related with female gender (OR 0.546; 95% CI 0.374-0.798), the Mediterranean diet (OR 0.587; 95% CI 0.362-0.951) and coming from the center of Italy (OR 0.500; 95% CI 0.275-0.909) and positively associated with tobacco smoke (OR 1.712; 95% CI 1.176-2.492) and participation in a team sport (OR 1.686; 95% CI 1.051-2.707). CONCLUSION: These findings could encourage figures engaged in education to increase the students' awareness on this issue in order to prevent the excessive use of EDs and associated unhealthy behaviors, especially in the most interested subgroups.

S100B Affects Gut Microbiota Biodiversity.

This in vivo study in mice addresses the relationship between the biodiversity of the microbiota and the levels of S100B, a protein present in enteroglial cells, but also in foods such as milk. A positive significant correlation was observed between S100B levels and Shannon values, which was reduced after treatment with Pentamidine, an inhibitor of S100B function, indicating that the correlation was influenced by the modulation of S100B activity. Using the bootstrap average method based on the distribution of the S100B concentration, three groups were identified, exhibiting a significant difference between the microbial profiles. Operational taxonomic units, when analyzed by SIMPER analysis, showed that genera regarded to be eubiotic were mainly concentrated in the intermediate group, while genera potentially harboring pathobionts often appeared to be more concentrated in groups where the S100B amounts were very low or high. Finally, in a pilot experiment, S100B was administered orally, and the microbial profiles appeared to be modified accordingly. These data may open novel perspectives involving the possibility of S100B-mediated regulation in the intestinal microbiota.

Vitamin D status and COVID-19 prevention in a worker subgroup in Italy.

BACKGROUND: Low levels of vitamin D are widespread in the world's population and associated with sun exposure, genetics, and lifestyles. Office workers in different occupational sectors seem more vulnerable than others. Scientific evidence reports a contribution of vitamin D in resistance to infections, opening to supplementation as a preventive action against pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. OBJECTIVE: A pilot campaign in the workplace during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was conducted based on the preliminary measurement of vitamin D amount and its integration. METHODS: A preventive action to contrast the deficiency of vitamin D was offered to a population of 700 bank employees. Vitamin D supplementation was performed between April and June 2021, on workers (n = 139) and showed 25(OH)D serum levels ≤ 30 ng/ml. Demographic, anthropometric and lifestyle information were collected by survey and changes in the serum 25(OH)D amounts were monitored. RESULTS: The adherence of the target population to the prevention campaign was 21%. 75% of the enrolled workers had low levels of vitamin D. After the intervention, serum vitamin D levels increased (1.28-fold;p = 0.0001) and 80% of the subjects reported optimal values > 30 ng/ml. Only 2.9% reported slight flu-like symptoms, but only 0.7% was confirmed as COVID-19, with respect to a ten-fold higher incidence in the general population. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D supplementation can be achieved by simple and noninvasive approaches and can bring along further insights into health literacy on diet and lifestyles, representing an opportunity to protect the population by the widespread state of vitamin deficiency.

Assessment of dietary supplement consumption among Italian university students: The multicenter DiSCo study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the consumption of dietary supplements (DSs) and related sociodemographic characteristics or behaviors in Italian undergraduates. METHODS: A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was carried out between October 2021 and May 2022 involving undergraduates from 12 public universities. The use of DSs in the previous 6 mo, the aim and reason for use, the purchasing channel, and related adverse effects were explored and compared by sex. A logistic regression was performed to highlight possible associations between sociodemographic, anthropometric, and behavioral characteristics of participants and supplement consumption. RESULTS: The use of DSs was reported by 71.5% of the 2165 respondents. Supplementation was related to sex (odds ratio [OR] 0.690; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.516-0.924, for men), vegetarian or vegan (OR 4.814; 95% CI, 1.669-13.887) and other particular diet regimens (OR 1.819; 95% CI, 1.282-2.580), sport (OR 1.688; 95% CI, 1.116-2.553), and type of sport (OR 0.629; 95% CI, 0.423-0.936, for team sports). Women were more likely to use DSs following a doctor's prescription and to buy them in a pharmacy (P < 0.001) but reported more adverse effects (P = 0.018) than men. The main aim pursued was general health; proteins, amino acids, and non-caffeinated energy supplements were consumed to improve physical performance and caffeinated energy supplements for mental performance. CONCLUSIONS: Diet supplementation was common in the sample examined, especially in women, and associated with particular dietary regimens and sports, especially individual sports. Female consumers follow specialists' indications more than males. These results highlight the need for educational interventions about diet supplementation for this category of users.

Consumption patterns of energy drinks in university students: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Energy drink (ED) use is promoted to stimulate mental and/or physical activity, and their popularity has increased over the years, especially among young people. However, the use of EDs is often improper, and can induce adverse effects for human health. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the literature to characterize the prevalence of ED consumption and motivations for use among undergraduate students. Furthermore, adverse effects and health-related behaviors associated with ED consumption were explored. METHODS: This systematic review was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines, and the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were used for data research. RESULTS: A total of 71 articles published between 2007 and 2021 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The estimated overall prevalence of ED consumption was 42.9% in undergraduate students (95% confidence interval, 42.5%-43.3%), with significant heterogeneity among studies (Q test: P < 0.001; I2 = 99.4%). The main reasons for use were engagement in study, projects or examinations, stay awake or alert, and physical activity/sport engagement. Sleep disturbance and increased heart rate or blood pressure were the most commonly reported adverse effects. ED consumption was frequently associated with alcohol use and smoking. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the inappropriate use of EDs and related unhealthy behaviors should be identified early, and addressed through effective educational interventions..

Alcohol Mixed with Energy Drinks (AmED) Use among University Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In the last decades, there has been a huge increase in the consumption of both Energy Drinks (EDs) and alcohol and, concurrently, these two trends generated the additional practice of mixing ED with alcohol, known as Alcohol mixed with Energy Drink (AmED). One of the most important group of AmED consumers is represented by young. Indeed, the study population of the researches in this field are mainly represented by college students and the results evidence a great range of negative consequences for health. The purpose of the systematic review was to explore the prevalence of AmED consumption among undergraduate students, together with motivations to their use, adverse effects and health-related behaviors associated to AmEDs use. The review was conducted according to the PRISMA Statement and PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were interrogated. 42 articles, published from 2008 to 2021, were included in the review. An overall prevalence rate of 37% was estimated for AmEDs use in undergraduates, with geographical differences. Although a decrease in consumption was observed throughout the studied period, a continuous monitoring on this phenomenon is needed for identifying those risk groups that could develop risky behaviors related to AmEDs consumption and provide them targeted educational interventions.

Studying Respiratory Symptoms Related to Swimming Pools Attendance in Young Athletes: The SPHeRA Study.

This study investigates the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and the training factors possibly associated with them in a sample of young Italian competitive swimmers. A questionnaire about training information and symptoms was administered to participants during the winter and summer 2021 training seasons. In total, 396 athletes took part in the study. In the winter training subgroup (n = 197), we found significant associations between increasing training hours per session and the presence of nasal congestion/rhinorrhoea (OR = 3.10; p = 0.039) and cough (OR = 3.48; p = 0.015). Total training hours per week were significantly associated with nasal congestion/rhinorrhoea (OR = 1.12; p = 0.010). In the summer group (n = 199), the same factors were not associated with respiratory symptoms. Having an allergy was significantly related to nasal congestion/rhinorrhea in both the logistic models (model 1 OR = 2.69, p = 0.013; model 2 OR = 2.70, p = 0.012), while having asthma significantly increased the risk of coughing (OR = 3.24, p = 0.033). The kind of environment (indoor or outdoor facilities) did not affect the studied symptoms either in summer or winter. Further investigations are needed to better understand the mechanisms involved in the development of respiratory symptoms in swimmers, particularly on how inflammation and remodelling develop and which environmental conditions can favour these processes.

Swimming at the Time of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study among Young Italian Competitive Athletes.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, several restriction measures were imposed to control the virus transmission, with important repercussions on different sectors, including sport. This study aimed to explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Italian competitive swimmers by analyzing how the disease and the restriction measures affected their training. In total, 396 competitive swimmers (mean age 16.0 ± 3.2 years) participated. A questionnaire was used to collect their general information, to assess whether they had had COVID-19 and the number of training days lost due to the disease or to the closure of swimming facilities, and the possible alternative training adopted. Twenty-four (6.1%) participants had had COVID-19 and lost, on average, 32 training days. The closure of facilities caused an interruption in swimming training for about 18% of the participants. The majority of these continued their training, mainly through home-based exercise, but reduced their weekly training time (-8 median hours/week). A positive association was found between regularly adopted weekly training volume and that assumed during pandemic closure (OR 9.433, CI95% 1.644-54.137, p = 0.012), suggesting that the previous level of engagement in sport can represent a predictor of exercise maintenance in challenging situations such as a pandemic. Further studies are needed to identify personal, environmental, and social resources that can help individuals to counteract the negative effects of restriction measures.

Antimicrobial Effectiveness of Innovative Photocatalysts: A Review.

Waterborne pathogens represent one of the most widespread environmental concerns. Conventional disinfection methods, including chlorination and UV, pose several operational and environmental problems; namely, formation of potentially hazardous disinfection by-products (DBPs) and high energy consumption. Therefore, there is high demand for effective, low-cost disinfection treatments. Among advanced oxidation processes, the photocatalytic process, a form of green technology, is becoming increasingly attractive. A systematic review was carried out on the synthesis, characterization, toxicity, and antimicrobial performance of innovative engineered photocatalysts. In recent decades, various engineered photocatalysts have been developed to overcome the limits of conventional photocatalysts using different synthesis methods, and these are discussed together with the main parameters influencing the process behaviors. The potential environmental risks of engineered photocatalysts are also addressed, considering the toxicity effects presented in the literature.