1,720,973 research outputs found
How outdoor and indoor green spaces affect human health: a literature review
No full textBackground. The analysis of the complex interactions between outdoor or indoor greenness and the health of individuals and ecosystems is a topic of current and growing interest. Study design. This review aims to examine and summarise the results of studies conducted to evaluate the effects of exposure to greenness on various aspects of human health and the natural environment.Methods. For this purpose, in April 2024 we searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, Google Scholar and specialised books.Results. Evidence gathered demonstrates a remarkable correlation between exposure to outdoor and indoor greenness and the improvement of mental health, including the reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression. Contact with greenness is also associated with improvements in physical health, such as reductions in blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation, as well as in cognitive abilities, concentration, and overall recovery.These benefits are recognisable both in outdoor spaces, such as urban parks, oases, and public gardens, and in indoor spaces, through the introduction of plants and nature-evoking elements in living and working environments. The presence of vegetation in indoor environments, such as offices, schools, healthcare facilities, prisons, and others, can contribute to improving the quality of social spaces, fostering communication, and collaboration, and attenuating aggressiveness and inequalities, thereby increasing employee satisfaction and work efficiency. The combination of outdoor/indoor green spaces and the well-being of the living environment includes exposure to greater biodiversity, mitigation of extreme weather events, absorption of atmospheric pollutants, attenuation of urban background noise, and increased privacy. The presence of vegetation in urban areas has a positive impact on social cohesion, promoting interpersonal interaction and facilitating the development of more cohesive and inclusive communities, thus supporting a sense of belonging and collective identity. Conclusions. In conclusion, these results underline the importance of considering contact with greenness as a fundamental element in promoting the psychophysical health and well-being of individuals and ecosystems, suggesting the adoption of nature-based therapies and interventions in public health policies and urban planning practices
Cytogenetic Effects in Children Exposed to Air Pollutants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textThe aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the association between exposure to ambient air pollutants and micronuclei (MN) frequency in children. This work was performed according to the Cochrane Collaboration and the PRISMA guidelines and recommendations. Articles published before November 2021 were identified by an advanced search on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science databases. A critical appraisal using a specific tool was conducted to assess the quality of each included study. All analyses were carried out by using the Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 software (The Cochrane Collaboration, London, UK). One hundred and forty-five references were firstly identified, and, at the end of selection process, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies carried out a direct evaluation through the use of air samplers, whereas the other ones accessed environmental databases (n = 2) or used other tools (n = 3). In two cases, exposure was not directly investigated, with children sampled in two different areas with well-known different levels of pollution. The overall effect size (ES) was 1.57 ((95% CI = 1.39; 1.78), p-value < 0.00001) (total evaluated subjects: 4162), which highlighted a statistically significant association between outdoor air pollution and MN frequency in children. As a high MN frequency has been associated with a number of pathological states and a higher risk of developing chronic degenerative diseases, our results should be taken into consideration by policy makers to design and implement interventions aimed at reducing the introduction of pollutants in the atmosphere as well as at minimizing the exposure extent, particularly in children
Effect of Cooking and Domestic Storage on the Antioxidant Activity of Lenticchia di Castelluccio di Norcia, an Italian PGI Lentil Landrace
No full textThe aim of this work was to characterise Lenticchia di Castelluccio di Norcia (an Italian PGI lentil landrace) and assess the impact of cooking and storage on antioxidant activity. After opening the package (T0), samples were analysed using a set of chemical assays (i.e., total phenolic content, DPPH, ABTS, and ORAC assays). Analyses were also conducted on boiled, pressure-cooked, and 6-month-stored (T1) products. At both T0 and T1, raw Lenticchia di Castelluccio di Norcia PGI showed higher total phenolic content (T0: 9.08 mg GAE/g, T1: 7.76 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (DPPH T0: 33.02 µmol TE/g, T1: 29.23 µmol TE/g; ABTS T0: 32.12 µmol CE/g, T1: 31.77 µmol CE/g; ORAC T0: 3.58 μmol TE/g, T1: 3.60 μmol TE/g) than boiled and pressure-cooked samples. Overall, pressure-cooking led to a smaller decline in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity than the common boiling procedure. Domestic storage led to a significant reduction in total phenolic content—both in raw and cooked products—but not in antioxidant activity. In summary, these results highlighted interesting amounts of phenols and antioxidant properties of this product, showing the impact of routine procedures. Given the relevance of pulses as sustainable plant-based meat alternatives and their importance in the prevention of non-communicable diseases, health professionals should consider these aspects in the context of correct nutrition education and scientific communication
Moderate red wine intake and cardiovascular health protection: a literature review
No full textWine is a complex matrix consisting primarily of water (86%) and ethyl alcohol (12%), as well as other different molecules, such as polyphenols, organic acids, tannins, compound minerals, vitamins and biologically active compounds which play an important role in the specific characteristics of each wine. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020, moderate red wine consumption-defined as up to two units of alcohol per day for men and up to one unit of alcohol per day for women-significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease which represents the major causes of mortality, and disability, in developed countries. We reviewed the available literature concerning the potential relationship between moderate red wine consumption and cardiovascular health. We searched Medline, Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) for randomized controlled studies and case-control studies published from 2002 to 2022. A total of 27 articles were selected for the review. According to epidemiological evidence, drinking red wine in moderation lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Red wine contains both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ingredients; however, it is yet unclear which is to blame for these effects. Combining wine with the diet of healthy individuals may add additional benefits. New studies should focus more on the characterization of the individual components of wine, to allow the analysis and study of the impact of each of them on the prevention and treatment of certain diseases
Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) and Lifestyle Medicine (LM) for support and care of patients with type II diabetes in the COVID-19 era: a cross-observational study
No full textIntroduction: Diabetes affects 425 million people worldwide (range 20-79 years). Of these, between 87% and 91% are affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), and 79% live in medium/low income countries. Objectives: the main objective of the study was to observe, through the administration of specific questionnaires, the relationship existing between metabolic clinical parameters, quality of life of patients with DM2 and adherence to the MedDiet at first access to Diabetes Center in the period after the COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary objective was to observe the results obtained both qualitatively and quantitatively. Materials and methods: the study was a cross-sectional study. Two types of questionnaires were administered; the first (Medi-Lite) that expresses with specific score the level of "Mediterraneanness" diet while the second concerns the assessment of the SF-36 quality of life. Quantitative data such as biochemical and anthropometric parameters were collected and, through multiple regression, based on the method of least squares (OLS Model) and through the Gretl open source software were analyzed. Results: fifty-two of the 90 patients at first access to the recruiting center in the period considered, met the inclusion criteria and and written consent. None of the estimated coefficients was statistically significant except Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), with a p-value < 0.0466. With an improvement in the level of "Mediterraneanness" there is a favorable relationship regarding creatinine, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), DBP and glycemia. Conclusions: The necessary post-COVID-19 territorial management cannot fail to take into consideration this new method of care which puts the patient and the community to which they belong at the center of the complex process of assistance
Eating and lifestyle habits and primary school health-related programs: a survey involving Italian children and teachers
No full textBackground. Childhood overweight and obesity represent serious public health concerns in several countries worldwide, including
Italy, where the highest prevalence in Europe of overweight and obesity among primary school children was recorded. Among
others, primary schools represent suitable social environments for health education projects. In this perspective, to optimize resources
and plan successful activities, it is necessary, first of all, to analyze the context of the intervention.
Study design. A pilot survey involving children and teachers was conducted in a primary school in Jesi (Le Marche Region,
Italy).
Methods. A questionnaire was submitted by teachers between May and June 2023 to 104 pupils (aged 6–11) from the five different
primary school system classes. A qualitative questionnaire was also filled out by the same teachers (n = 5) who were present while
the children were filling the eating/lifestyle questionnaire.
Results. Most of the children (96.1%) had breakfast before school, with milk and cereal (51.5%) representing the preferred combination.
During recess, 59.2% of pupils usually have a sandwich, 23.3% usually have sweet snacks, whereas only 2.9% have a
fruit. Over 55% of the sample preferred drinking high-sugar beverages to water, and 15.5% declared going to a fast-food restaurant
more than once a week. Over 17% of children did sport only once a week or less often. Over 64% of children habitually played
videogames, and 77.6% normally watched TV or played with a tablet/smartphone while eating. Finally, the teachers’ interview
highlighted that there were no active health-related projects addressed to the pupils, and the school did not normally organize meetings
with health professionals to increase children’s and their parents’ knowledge and awareness about healthy eating habits.
Conclusions. This preliminary investigation analyzed the context for a future health and nutrition education project and will assist
researchers in planning successful activities and increasing the efficiency of the intervention
How the COVID-19 pandemic has affected eating habits and physical activity in breast cancer survivors: the DianaWeb study
Full text linkPURPOSE: Breast cancer (BC) survivors are increasingly interested in learning about healthy lifestyles to reduce the risk of BC recurrence and mortality. The DianaWeb study, a community-based participatory research, offers BC patients a specific interactive website to help them in adopting and maintain correct lifestyles, in line with World Cancer Research Fund recommendations. However, to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries introduced restrictions which, inevitably, caused sudden lifestyle changes. The current study aimed at evaluating changes in lifestyle in BC survivors before, during, and after the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We used data of 224 BC cancer survivors enrolled in the DianaWeb study. We evaluated the adherence to physical activity (PA) guidelines, to Mediterranean diet (MD), and WCRF recommendations, at baseline, during and after the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. We estimated the association between PA, MD, and WCRF adherence with sociodemographic characteristics, years from enrolment in the DianaWeb study, and type of breast cancer. RESULTS: As expected, during confinement periods, we observed a significant decrease in walking activity and in the percentage of patients performing vigorous PA. In post-quarantine, total weekly energy expenditure increased significantly. BC patients participating in the DianaWeb study for more than 3 years were more likely to be more active. There were no changes in MD and WCRF adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the proposed interactive website was useful in achieving durable lifestyle changes, that have not been undermined either during the COVID-19 pandemic. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Patient education is essential for guiding BC survivors toward improving their health outcomes; therefore, an interactive website like the one proposed by the DianaWeb study may be useful to improve healthy lifestyles. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11764-022-01294-w
Mediterranean Diet Adherence in Italian Children: How much do Demographic Factors and Socio-Economic Status Matter?
No full textObjectives. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the degree of children's adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD), to estimate the weekly cost of MD, and to assess the role of food cost and demographic/socio-economic factors as potential barriers to comply with a healthy dietary model.Methods. Data collection was conducted through an online questionnaire sent to parents of children (6-11 years old) living in Italy. This survey allowed the collection of demographic/socio-economic information about the family and their dietary habits. Adherence to the MD in children was assessed through the KIDMED index. The weekly diet cost was calculated based on the food prices of two Italian supermarket chains. Descriptive statistics and inferential tests were run to evaluate the sample's characteristics and correlations between diet cost, socio-demographics, and adherence to MD.Results. Data highlighted that 31.5% of the children achieved high compliance with the MD, whereas 22.2% showed low adherence. The average diet cost increased significantly with the increasing level of adherence to the MD (Spearman's Rho = 0.322, p = 0.018). Moreover, results showed that a high parent educational level was positively associated with the KIDMED score (Spearman's Rho = 0.323, p = 0.017). No significant correlations were found between dietary cost and other characteristics such as economic status and house type.Conclusions for Practice. Despite the small sample size, our results suggest that nutrition education interventions targeted at children and their parents/caregivers might favour more conscious dietary choices, which in turn will help reduce the differences in diet quality caused by the educational level gaps existing in families.Mediterranean Diet (MD) adherence may be affected by many factors, among which demographic, social, and economic ones are of great relevance. Family characteristics may, in turn, have an impact on the dietary model and nutritional status of children, who represent a vulnerable and underinvestigated population in this specific context.This study explored the cost of MD in Italian families with at least one child and highlighted that parents' educational level correlates with children's compliance to MD more decisively than demographic and economic factors. This suggests that targeted nutrition education interventions might lead families towards healthier food choices, mitigating existing educational differences
The DianaWeb cohort during the first COVID-19 lockdown: changes in eating behaviour in women with breast cancer
No full textBackground and aim of the work: Home confinement during the first wave of COVID-19 subverted people's routines and generated a lot of stress among individuals. In addition to the 'pure' mental health consequences-a major public health concern, itself-this stressful situation led to a risk of worsening eating behaviours. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential deterioration of dietary habits in a cohort of women with breast cancer (BC). Methods: We used data from 781 women with BC enrolled in the DianaWeb project. We used validated questionnaires to collect data concerning socio-demographic/anthropometric parameters, quality of life (QoL), lifestyle and the change in dietary habits before and during the lockdown period (December 2019 and June 2020). Results: Data showed that psychiatric treatment, QoL and health perception significantly affected the food choices of the cohort (p = 0.048, p=0.002, and p=0.001, respectively), decisively contributing to a worsening in their eating behaviour. Moreover, sedentary behaviour during the lockdown also influenced food choice (p = 0.010): individuals who increased their sedentary behaviour were more likely to decrease their intake of recommended foods (p = 0.033). Conclusions: In summary, emotional state and mood-here investigated as QoL and health perception-definitely affected dietary habits in women with BC in the first COVID-19 lockdown. Given the centrality of correct eating behaviour in BC management, psychological aspects should not be contemplated merely as confined mental health matters but should be definitely taken into consideration also as factors that seriously affect an individual's healthy lifestyle
Green Tea Consumption and Risk of Breast Cancer and Recurrence—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
No full textBreast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women and several factors are involved in its onset. Green tea (GT) has been shown to have potential beneficial effects on different types of cancer. The aim of this review was to evaluate the association between GT regular consumption and risk of BC in women. The risk of BC recurrence and risk of BC in relation to menopausal status were also evaluated. A literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to perform the systematic review and meta-analysis. Full texts were downloaded for 40 studies; however, only 13 records were included in the meta-analysis. Eight were cohort studies and five were case-control studies. The pooled sample consisted of 163,810 people. An inverse statistically significant relationship between GT and BC risk, with an Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.85 ((95% CI = 0.80–0.92), p = 0.000)), was found. Egger’s linear regression test did not show a potential publication bias (intercept 0.33, t = 0.40, p = 0.695), which was also confirmed by the symmetry of the funnel plot. Moreover, no high statistical heterogeneity (Chi2 = 31.55, df = 13, I2 = 58.79%, p = 0.003) was found. The results of this meta-analysis showed a potential protective effect of GT consumption on BC, especially for BC recurrence
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