24 research outputs found
Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Health Outcomes in Adolescents: An Umbrella Review
No full textContext Proper nutrition represents 1 of the domains of adolescents' well-being. In this context, the Mediterranean diet (MD), as a healthy, traditional, and sustainable dietary pattern, plays a crucial role in promoting adequate growth and preventing chronic noncommunicable diseases.Objective The currently available evidence on the effects of adherence to the MD (AMD) in association with several physical health outcomes in adolescence is summarized in this review.Data Sources Five electronic databases were searched.Study Selection Systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized clinical trials, published in English during 2013-2022, and that assessed the health impact of AMD among adolescents were eligible.Data Extraction Details on study design, methods, population, assessment of dietary patterns, health outcomes, and main results were extracted.Results The search yielded 59 references after removal of duplicates. Applying PICOS criteria, 4 systematic reviews and 3 meta-analyses ultimately were included in this review. The AMD was evaluated in association with overweight/obesity and adiposity in 2 studies, musculoskeletal health in another 2, inflammation in 1 study, and cardiometabolic health in 1 study. The seventh review examined all mentioned health outcomes (overweight and obesity, musculoskeletal health, inflammation, and cardiometabolic health) in relation to AMD.Conclusions Overall, this umbrella review showed limited evidence and a lack of consistency about the relation between AMD and health outcomes of interest in adolescence, indicating the need for more studies to better understand it.Systemic Review Registration PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023428712
Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and health outcomes in adolescents: An Umbrella Review
No full textBackground: Proper nutrition represents one of the domains of adolescents' well-being. In this context, the Mediterranean Diet (MD), as a healthy, traditional, and sustainable dietary pattern, plays a crucial role in promoting adequate growth and preventing chronic Non-Communicable Diseases. The present Umbrella Review aimed to summarise the currently available evidence on the effects of Adherence to MD (AMD) in association with several health outcomes in adolescence.
Methods: Five electronic databases were searched. Systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis of observational studies and randomised clinical trials, published in English language within 2013-2022, and assessed the health impact of AMD among adolescents were eligible. Details on study design, methods, population, assessment of dietary patterns, health outcomes, and main results were extracted.
Results: The search yielded 59 references, after duplicates removal. Applying PICOS criteria, four systematic reviews and three meta-analyses were included. The AMD was evaluated in association with overweight/obesity and adiposity in two studies, musculoskeletal health in other two, inflammation in one, and cardiometabolic health in another one. The remaining review examined all the mentioned health outcomes in relation to AMD.
Conclusions: Overall, this Umbrella Review showed limited evidence and a lack of consistency about the relation between AMD and health outcomes of interest in adolescence, recognising the need for further studies to better understand it. Umbrella Review Registration: PROSPERO registration number CRD42023428712
Assessment of Ultra-Processed Foods consumption and its impact on health: validation of a Food-Frequency Questionnaire and cross-sectional survey among Italian working adults - Study protocol
No full textIn recent years, a new way of thinking about food classification has emerged, no longer based on nutritional content but on processing. A clear example is NOVA classification, developed by Monteiro et al. in 2009, which divides foods into four categories. The fourth group, ultra-processed foods (UPFs), has attracted significant interest, so much so that increasing evidence suggests a potential association between high UPFs consumption and the development of Noncommunicable chronic diseases, overweight and obesity. However, the various limitations identified within the NOVA classification and in currently available studies have led to the recognition that further research is needed. Starting from a critical reassessment of the NOVA classification, this project aims to validate a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) specifically designed to estimate the consumption of UPFs, as well as the daily intake of macro- and micronutrients in the total diet, and, in a second phase, to assess its impact on health in a sample of Italian workers.
This study will involve a minimum of 436 healthy males and females aged ≥18 years, resident in Italy and with Italian citizenship. Enrolment will be carried out nationwide in selected workplaces. Participants’ membership will be voluntary, subject to a written informed consent, and disseminated using the organisations’ mailing list. Based on previously validated tools, the online self-administered FFQ will consider the differences between packaged, homemade and artisanal products, reflecting dietary habits of Italians. For each item, the frequency
of consumption and the serving size, using household units and images illustrating dishes in different portion sizes, will be indicated. To assess the tool's temporal stability, it will be administered on two separate occasions, at an interval of 3 to 10 months, and the data obtained will be compared. Additionally, participants will be asked to complete a 7-day weighed dietary record in the week following each administration to validate the FFQ. Data on demographic factors, socio-economic status and health status will also be collected and analysed.
The results will provide a new valid tool focused on food processing, potentially useful for future studies
Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and its main determinants in a sample of Italian adults: results from the ARIANNA cross-sectional survey
No full textIntroduction: Over the last years, many Mediterranean countries, including Italy, have witnessed a shift away from the Mediterranean Diet, thus contributing to the high rates of overweight and obesity. The survey "Adherence to Mediterranean Diet in Italy (ARIANNA)" aimed to evaluate the Adherence to Mediterranean Diet (AMD) and its main determinants in the Italian population. Materials and methods: This study started on March 2023 and was addressed to adults aged >= 17 years, born and resident in Italy, proficient in Italian. Data are collected electronically through a voluntary, anonymous and self-administered questionnaire on the project website. Univariate and then multivariate logistic regressions were performed to evaluate associations between AMD and demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, health status, and lifestyle. Results: On a total of 3,732 completed questionnaires, the 87.70% of the respondents was female and the 71.28% was 17-40 years old. The 83.82% of the respondents had medium AMD, 11.33% low and only 4.85% high. The multivariate analysis revealed that being male (p 40 years (p < 0.05), workers (p <= 0.001), and unemployed (p < 0.05), determined the probability of having a lower AMD. Vegans and vegetarian's diets positively contributed to a higher AMD (p < 0.001). Discussion: These results highlighted a medium AMD in the Italian adult participants and suggested the necessity to implement tailored public health intervention strategies to improve food habits
Dietary supplement in rheumatological diseases: a CReI-ISS cross-sectional survey to investigate their prescription and consumption
No full textRheumatological diseases represent a heterogeneous group of disorders, united by chronic inflammatory processes. Despite the increasing effectiveness of new therapies, the lack of adequate treatments and the occurrence of adverse drug reactions have led to the need for alternative strategies, including nutrition. Numerous studies have shown that diet can directly influence inflammatory processes; moreover, it plays an important role in the occurrence of comorbidities in the rheumatological conditions. Among possible alternative dietary strategies, a prominent role is played by dietary supplements, because of the belief that they can be a valuable aid, although not without adverse effects. They may be caused by improper use or drugs interaction, although the lack of data on their consumption hampers risk assessment.
The project aims to collect accurate information on the dietary supplement use in rheumatology to fill the existing gap in this field and enable risk characterization. A survey-based cross-sectional study has been designed. It was divided into two consecutive phases to investigate i) rheumatologists' knowledge, attitudes, and recommendations to patients regarding dietary supplements and ii) patients' intake of dietary supplements, with a focus on the specific product, unit consumed and motivation for consumption.
Questionnaires referring to a minimum of 236 rheumatologists and 2000 patients, distributed proportionally to the Italian population, will be collected. Information on sociodemographic variables, lifestyle, knowledge, consumption, and clinical practice on supplements will be sought. The results obtained will provide an understanding of the consumption of dietary supplements in rheumatology and establish the scientific basis of their use through a literature review. They will also allow the drafting of guidelines on their proper use in clinical practice in rheumatologic diseases and set up a validation of the rheumatologist's questionnaire by extending it to other health professional categories. Overall, this survey will allow us to better characterize the risk-benefit ratio of dietary supplements, preserving consumer health, and to increase people awareness about dietary supplements effects, so determining a conscious and safe use of them
The Algorithmic Horizon
No full textThis course outline was provided for student use. For a more detailed instructor version, and slide show presentation, please reach out to Mark Whitman at ([email protected]).In an era when decisions move faster than our ability to fully question them, The Algorithmic Horizon offers a timely call to pause and reflect on the systems we are building. Algorithms do not arrive preloaded with empathy or conscience; they come with logic, code, and the often-unexamined imprint of human priorities. This book is an invitation to examine those priorities, to challenge assumptions built into data-driven systems, and to lead with foresight and moral clarity. It asks us to slow down in our rush toward automation and consider the human stories behind the numbers. Dr. Whitman was indoctrinated in the Futures Research during his course of study at the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, then as a police chief. The history and forebearers of futures research were introduced. Since then, Mark Whitman has reviewed much authors’ research on the topic. Diedra Cardamone is a skilled success coach in the CITE Center at Alfred State College. She has embraced methods through which she can engage students using practical applications of math. Diedra is a graduate from the Merchant Marine Academy and furthered her education at Harvard University achieving her graduate degree in Education. She underscores a key principle in education through her refrain to students, “We can’t make you good, you are already good, you are in college. We can only make you better!” Mark Whitman’s humility in the face of advanced technology is striking—he never forgets that behind every algorithm are the humans who designed it and those affected by it. In this work, Mark and his co-author Deidra Cardamone emphasize values often overlooked in technical texts: empathy, ethics, and curiosity. These principles are woven through every chapter, reminding even the most data-driven among us that successful innovation is as much about understanding people as it is about understanding code. The author’s motivation for writing this book shines through in its accessible tone and inclusive approach. This work, The Algorithmic Horizon, frequently recounts how many students and professionals are intimidated by statistics or years removed from the classroom, may shy away from learning about algorithms. That is exactly who this book welcomes. Mark and Deidra have crafted The Algorithmic Horizon to be a guide for the wary as well as the curious—a book that demystifies predictive analytics without ever talking down to the reader. By combining Mark’s expertise in AI and anomaly detection with Deidra’s experience in coaching and education, they have built a resource that meets learners where they are. This hypothesis is coupled with the team-teaching concept; in fact, multiple teachers may engage in the same course to provide horizons of thought not conceived during daily life. Second, as educators, the authors felt this may also provide deeper avenues of understanding between instructors of topical materials and engage thoughtful enthusiasm for student and instructor at the same time. What makes this book special is its heart. The Algorithmic Horizon does more than teach forecasting models or anomaly detection techniques; it encourages a mindset of thoughtful inquiry. The authors consistently highlight the importance of asking why and for whom an algorithm is designed. They prompt future leaders to be curious, to interrogate patterns rather than accept them at face value. In a world increasingly defined by automated decisions, this book asserts the importance of human judgment and ethical reflection at every step. I believe this book will be a beacon for students and professionals alike. It carries a message that our relationship with technology must be guided by understanding and responsibility. As you read on, you will find yourself equipped with new tools and frameworks—but more importantly, you will find the confidence to use them wisely. The Algorithmic Horizon hands you both the compass and the moral map for navigating a data-driven future. Enjoy the journey and prepare to see that the future of algorithms is not just about machines—it is about us.SUNY Alfred State CollegeMathematics and Physic
Building audiences: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts
No full textBuilding Audiences examines the barriers to and the strategies for increasing audiences in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts sector. This research investigates the attitudes, beliefs and behaviours of current and potential audiences.
What is in the report?
The findings reveal the key barriers facing audience attendance include:
uncertainty about how to behave at cultural events and fear of offending
lack of awareness with audiences not actively seeking information about Indigenous arts
and outdated perceptions of the sector – that it is only perceived as ‘serious or educational’.
Building Audiences also considered several strategies to build audiences for Indigenous arts:
providing skills development, advice and resourcing to Indigenous practitioners within the arts sector;
increasing representation of Indigenous artists in the main programing of arts companies by including more Indigenous people in decision making roles;
promoting relationships between Indigenous arts and non-Indigenous companies to present their work to wider audiences;
introducing children and young people to Indigenous arts through schools and extracurricular activities;
allowing audiences to feel comfortable engaging by creating accessible experiences;
implementing long-term strategies to change negative perceptions of Indigenous arts.
The project was commissioned by the Australia Council for the Arts and funding partners include Australia Council for the Arts; Faculty of Business and Law and Institute of Koorie Education, Deakin University; Melbourne Business School, The University of Melbourne
Correction to: Sporadic Fatal Insomnia presenting with agrypnia excitata and rapidly progressive dementia: a case report (Journal of Neurology, (2023), 10.1007/s00415-023-11605-5)
No full textThe original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. The third author, Davide Gusmeo Curti, realised that only one of his first names is listed. The correct given name is Davide Gusmeo and family name is Curti. The original article has been corrected
How does sugar-sweetened beverage consumption relate to sleep and mental health in adolescents? A scoping review
No full textConservation planning
No full textPresented at the fifth 2022 CNHP Partners' meeting, Conserving Biodiversity in a Changing Colorado, held on March 11, 2022 in the Grand Ballrooms C and D of the Lory Student Center, Colorado State University Campus, Fort Collins, Colorado
