Publications by authors named "Valeria DI Onofrio"

This cross-sectional study was aimed to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding dietary supplements (DS) and nutraceuticals among athletes, gym practitioners, and individuals who did not exercise regularly. A total of 372 participants, aged 18-65, completed a questionnaire covering demographics, supplement usage, and three validated tools: the Knowledge about Dietary Supplements (KaDS), Supplements Knowledge Score (SKS), and Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice towards Nutraceuticals (KAPN). Significant differences were found in the use of vitaminised water, protein powder, glucosamines, beetroot juice, creatine, omega-3, and pre-workout supplements among the groups, with gym practitioners reporting the highest usage.

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Background: The aims of the study were to determine, in the urine and oral samples of young adults, the genotype-specific prevalence of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection, the HPV DNA type-specific prevalence in unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals, and the determinants of HPV infection.

Methods: Selected participants were asked to fill in a self-administered questionnaire and to self-collect urine and saliva samples.

Results: Among the 1002 participants, 81 (8.

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The COVID-19 pandemic period was marked by the absence or reduced circulation of some infectious diseases. Legionellosis may have been affected by the prevention measures adopted to counter COVID-19. Legionellosis is a form of pneumonia interstitial that is normally transmitted via aerosol-containing bacteria (genus ), that could be present in contaminated water sources and is often associated with travel and with staying in hotels.

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This review aims to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on performance and performance-related conditions in athletes by evaluating randomized controlled studies from the MEDLINE (Pubmed), Web of Science, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus (EBSCO) databases. From a total of 2304 relevant articles, 13 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Seven studies concern endurance athletes, one to rugby players, three refer to non-specified athletes, one to badminton players, and one involves baseball players.

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Background: The association between Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) and obesity (Ob) is no longer unexpected due to unhealthy lifestyle mostly in adolescents. We compared clinical-biochemical characteristics, adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD), lifestyle habits and physical fitness across different weight categories of T1DM adolescents from Campania Region. As second aim, we assessed the relationship among lifestyle and physical fitness in these patients.

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Unlabelled: , also known as spirulina, is currently one of the most well-known algae supplements, mainly due to its high content of bioactive compounds that may promote human health. Some authors have hypothesized that spirulina consumption could protect subjects from exercise-induced oxidative stress, accelerate recovery by reducing muscle damage, and stimulate the immune system. Based on this, the main goal of this review was to critically analyze the effects of spirulina on oxidative stress, immune system, inflammation and performance in athletes and people undergoing exercise interventions.

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The goal of this review was to critically evaluate the research on the effects of Spirulina (SP) supplementation on pathological conditions in the general population, considering its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. On a total of 1621 records screened, eighteen studies published between 2001 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria. Despite variability in research methodology and patient conditions, the findings of these studies generally support the benefits of supplementing diet with SP in subjects with both transmittable and non-transmittable diseases.

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The aim of this review was to appraise the literature on the effects of probiotics supplementation on gastrointestinal (GI) and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) risk and prognosis in athletes. The search was conducted using the following electronic databases: MEDLINE (PubMed); Web of Science; Scopus; and SPORTDiscus (EBSCO). According to the PRISMA guidelines, randomized controlled studies performed on healthy athletes with a note dose of probiotics supplementation were considered.

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Background: Biofilms have been found growing on implantable medical devices. This can lead to persistent clinical infections. The highly antibiotic-resistant property of biofilms necessitates the search for both potent antimicrobial agents and novel antibiofilm strategies.

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Introduction: Balneotherapy centers of Ischia island (Italy) offer treatments for different dermatological diseases (psoriasis, acne, atopic dermatitis) and upper respiratory tract infections. In this study, we integrated morphological and molecular approaches to give a focus on isolation and screening of extremophile bacteria from Ischia thermal mud for potential antimicrobial applications.

Methods: Samples were collected during 2019 at four sites.

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Objective: Adolescents may be vulnerable to misleading nutritional information and adopt unhealthy food habits. In addition, specific features related to physical training, either aimed to improve fitness or to comply with sport demands, may influence food habits of the youth. This cross-sectional study was aimed to compare nutrition knowledge, food habits and adherence to Mediterranean diet in youth engaged in fitness training, competitive sports or inactive.

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Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) defines an intermediate state between normal ageing and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Identification of MCI subjects who will progress to AD (MCI-AD) is today of crucial importance, especially in light of the possible development of new pathogenic therapies. Several evidences suggest that miRNAs could play relevant roles in the biogenesis of AD, and the links between selected miRNAs and specific pathogenic aspects have been partly explored.

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On February 2020, the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) epidemic began in Italy. In order to contain the spread of the virus, the Italian government adopted emergency measures nationwide, including closure of schools and universities, workplaces and subsequently lockdown. This survey was carried out among Italian undergraduates to explore their level of knowledge about the epidemic and the behaviors they adopted during the lockdown.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the microbial air contamination values obtained by active sampling (colony-forming units per cubic metre, CFU/m3) and by passive sampling (Index of microbial air contamination, IMA) and to calculate the corresponding equations. Air sampling was performed in ten dental clinics (DC), before (T0), during (T1) and after (T2) the clinical activity, for five consecutive days, once a month for a period of three months, for a total of 450 air samplings. The correlation was evaluated using the Spearman test, and a p value below 0.

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This narrative review aims to critically analyze the effects of exercise on health in aging. Here we discuss the main clinical and biomolecular modifications induced by long-term recreational football training in older subjects. In particular, the effects induced by long-term recreational football training on cardiovascular, metabolic and musculo-skeletal fitness, together with the modifications in the muscle expression of hallmarks related to oxidative metabolism, DNA repair and senescence suppression pathways and protein quality control mechanisms will be provided.

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The present study assesses the in vitro antibiofilm potential activity of extracts of wild and . The active ingredients of the extracts were obtained with a technique named Naviglio (rapid solid-liquid dynamic extraction, RSLDE) which is based on an innovative and green solid-liquid extraction methodology. The extracts were tested against models of mono- and polymicrobial biofilm structures of clinically antibiotic-resistant pathogens, ATCC 10031 and ATCC 90028.

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Two natural mixtures, fermented extract (BGE) and cannabinol oil extract (CBD), were assessed for their ability to inhibit and remove biofilms on soft contact lenses in comparison to a multipurpose Soft Contact Lens-care solution present on the Italian market. (ATCC 9027 strain) and clinical strains isolated from ocular swabs were tested. Quantification of the biofilm was done using the microtiter plate assay and the fractional inhibitory concentration index was calculated.

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Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of traits of orthorexia nervosa (ON) and muscle dysmorphia (MD) in a group of undergraduates, investigate the associations between the risk of these conditions and the type of university course attended, the individual characteristics (gender, BMI, amount of physical activity, supplements and medicines use, dieting) and the risk of eating disorders (EDs).

Methods: A self-reported questionnaire consisting of a socio-demographic section and three tests validated for the evaluation of a risk of ON (ORTO-15), MD (MDDI-ITA) and EDs (EAT-26) was completed by 918 students from three Italian universities.

Results: 29.

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The emerging concern about the increase of antibiotic resistance and associated biofilm has encouraged scientists to look for alternative antibiotics such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). This study evaluated the ability of melittin to act as an antibacterial biofilm inhibitor and biofilm remover considering isolates from dairy industry. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), minimum biofilm inhibitory concentrations (MBICs), and biofilm removal activities were studied in polymicrobial biofilms produced from isolates.

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Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with a prion diminished quality of life, especially due to the severe complications that it implicates. Changing dietary habits is an absolute priority, as well as implementing nutritional motivational programs. The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of a nutritional intervention in improving the health of patients affected by T2D.

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Background: This study aimed to analyze the effects of a long-term community-based combined exercise program consisting of aerobic, resistance, flexibility and agility/balance training associated with motivational interviewing on physical fitness, physiological parameters and Physical Activity (PA) levels in middle-aged and older patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).

Methods: Sixty-nine diabetic subjects (mean age 63 ± 5.2 y, 62.

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Introduction: Nutrition and physical activity are key elements in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. A community-based, multidisciplinary educational intervention aimed to improve quality of life and disease self-management in sedentary, overweight/obese type 2 diabetic patients was implemented in Naples, South Italy.

Methods: The 9-month intervention included a motivational program, a nutrition program, and an exercise program.

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Article Synopsis
  • Type II diabetes is increasingly common globally, particularly in industrialized nations, leading to significant economic costs due to healthcare needs.
  • Adapted Exercise therapy (AE) is proposed as an effective new health technology to enhance the management of Type II diabetes and reduce complications.
  • A Budget Impact Analysis in Campania, Italy, suggests that implementing a structured AE program over five years could lower the number of patients with complications and associated healthcare costs.
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa is frequently isolated in swimming pool settings. Nine recreational and rehabilitative swimming pools were monitored according to the local legislation. The presence of P.

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Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a physical activity promotion intervention in community-dwelling older adults based on a free program of exercise adapted for older adults aged ≥60 years managed by trainees from the Movement Sciences degree course.

Methods: A total of 160 adults aged 60-82 years were randomly allocated into the intervention and control group. The exercise program consisted of 1-h sessions carried out twice a week for a year.

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