Publications by authors named "V Kefala"
The interplay between nutrition and skin health provides a crucial lens for understanding, diagnosing, and managing eating disorders (EDs) such as anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge-eating disorder (BED). This review explores the dermatological manifestations resulting from the nutritional deficiencies commonly associated with EDs, including conditions like hair loss, xerosis, and brittle nails. These changes in the skin and its appendages often reflect deeper systemic dysfunctions, such as deficiencies in essential micronutrients (zinc, iron, and vitamins A and C), hormonal imbalances, and electrolyte disturbances.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAs the global population ages, the rising prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by abnormal protein aggregates, presents significant challenges for early diagnosis and disease monitoring. Identifying accessible tissue biomarkers is crucial for advancing our ability to detect and track the progression of these diseases. Among the most promising biomarkers is the skin, which shares a common embryological origin with the brain and central nervous system (CNS).
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- Viral infections, such as plantar warts and herpes labialis, are prevalent among young competitive swimmers, with a study examining 1,047 swimmers in Greek clubs revealing significant correlations with age and years of training.
- The study found that outdoor practice environments led to higher infection rates, and specific behaviors like walking barefoot and sharing equipment were linked to increased risks of herpes simplex and plantar warts.
- Effective prevention strategies, including proper hygiene and medical guidance, are crucial to minimizing the impact of these infections on swimmers' health and performance.
Article Synopsis
- Skin injuries are common in the sports community, particularly in beach volleyball, and include various types like wounds, bruises, and blisters.
- A study of 785 beach volleyball athletes in Greece aimed to evaluate injury rates, locations, and seasonal patterns while considering factors like age, gender, and training habits.
- Findings indicated significant correlations between injury types and factors such as gender and training duration, highlighting the importance of injury prevention for maintaining health and athletic performance.
Prevalence of sunscreen use and sunburn in Greek athletes: a cross-sectional study.
J Sports Med Phys Fitness
May 2024
Article Synopsis
- Many athletes in outdoor sports, like swimmers and beach volleyball players, often do not use sunscreen properly despite being at high risk for sun exposure and sunburn.
- The study revealed that a significant number of swimmers never use sunscreen, while beach volleyball players have a higher usage rate, especially females.
- The findings indicate a need for increased awareness and educational campaigns about sun protection to reduce the risks of skin damage and skin lesions among these athletes.