Systems and Molecular Biology of Longevity and Preventive Medicine: Brain-Energy-Microbiome-Exposome Synergies in Blue Zones and the Cilento Case.

Longevity and healthy aging result from the complex interaction of genetic, epigenetic, microbial, behavioral, and environmental factors. The central nervous system-particularly the cerebral cortex-and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) play key roles in integrating external and internal signals, shaping energy metabolism, immune tone, and emotional regulation. This narrative review examines how the brain-ANS axis interacts with epigenetic regulation, telomere dynamics, the gut microbiome, and the exposome to influence biological aging and resilience.

Non-Interventional Monitoring on Antibiotic Consumption in a Critical Care Setting: A Three-Year Comparative Analysis.

: Hospitals are environments where care-related infections (HAIs) can occur, including those caused by resistant microorganisms. In addition, inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a serious public health challenge. As part of the "Choosing Wisely-Italy" initiative, this study complements a previous publication on hand hygiene compliance in an intensive care unit (ICU) by analyzing antibiotic consumption over the same period and comparing it with the previous two years.

Validation of a Questionnaire on the Post-COVID-19 Condition (Long COVID): A Cross-Sectional Study in Italy.

Background/objectives: Long COVID is a condition that was initially recognized by social support groups, and later by the scientific and medical communities. It affects COVID-19 survivors at various levels of severity, including young people, children and non-hospitalized people. Although the exact definition is unclear, the most common symptoms are fatigue and shortness of breath, which persist for months.

Ageing Trajectories: Exposome-Driven Pathobiological Mechanisms and Implications for Prevention from Blue Zones and Italian Longevity Hotspots Such as Cilento and Sicilian Mountain Villages.

Ageing is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, with increasing evidence highlighting the exposome as a key determinant of healthspan. This review explores the impact of environmental exposures, focusing in particular on pollution, endocrine disruptors, and climate change on the development of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancer, and metabolic disorders. Additionally, it examines protective factors that contribute to healthy ageing.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Consumption of Anxiolytics, Antipsychotics, and Antidepressants in South Italian Region.

The COVID-19 lockdown had significant consequences on the mental health of millions of people, leading to the increasing prescription and use of psychotropic drugs. Due to the lack of data in the current literature, this study aims to estimate the trends in the consumption of anxiolytics, antipsychotics, and antidepressants before and during the pandemic on people in the South Italian region. We conducted a retrospective observational study, retrieving prescriptions of anxiolytics, antipsychotics, and antidepressants dispensed in pharmacies of the Basilicata region (South Italy) for the period 2019-2021.

An Exploratory Investigation of Representations of Herpes Zoster and Adjuvanted Recombinant Herpes Zoster Vaccination in a Sample of Fragile Adults in Italy.

In the context of the Italian National Herpes Zoster Vaccine program, an exploratory survey was conducted on a sample of fragile adult patients to investigate the representations of the disease and its prevention to build future local vaccination campaigns. An ad hoc questionnaire was administered to 271 fragile adult patients who had adjuvanted recombinant Herpes Zoster vaccination to detect the following: knowledge and perception of the disease and its risks; information sources and confidence in the information sources used; and perception of the Herpes Zoster vaccination. Fragile adult patients have the representation of Herpes Zoster as a serious disease (86.

The Power of Environment: A Comprehensive Review of the Exposome's Role in Healthy Aging, Longevity, and Preventive Medicine-Lessons from Blue Zones and Cilento.

Aging and longevity are shaped by the exposome, a dynamic network of environmental, social, and biological factors. Understanding how these exposures interact with biological mechanisms can inform strategies for healthier aging. : This review explores the exposome as a dynamic system encompassing both protective and risk factors, with a specific focus on how beneficial environmental exposures, microbiome diversity, lifestyle behaviors, and resilience mechanisms contribute to successful aging.

The Beneficial Effects of Lactobacillus Strains on Gut Microbiome in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Background/objectives: Growing evidence suggests that the gut-brain axis influences brain function, particularly the role of intestinal microbiota in modulating cognitive processes. Probiotics may alter brain function and behavior by modulating gut microbiota, with implications for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this review is to systematically review the current literature exploring the effects of probiotic supplementation on gut microbiota and cognitive function in AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Qualitative research on clinical risk perception in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Background: the Pediatric Intensive Care field is characterized by the criticality of newborns and children who access it, as well as by a high complexity of care. This entails the need of an optimal integration between the various professional figures working in Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) and their ability to work in team.

Purpose: to describe how nurses perceive clinical risk and relate to it; to identify adverse events and related risk factors.

Age Differences and Prevalence of Comorbidities for Death and Survival in Patients with COVID-19: A Single-Center Observational Study in a Region of Southern Italy.

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has resulted in a considerable number of deaths worldwide. The virus damages the pulmonary artery endothelium, leading to a condition known as microvascular pulmonary inflammatory thrombotic syndrome (MPITS), which can be fatal and cause multiple organ failure. The presence of preexisting comorbidities has been shown to significantly impact the severity and prognosis of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Potential Impact of Physical Activity on Measures of Well-Being and Quality of Life in People with Rare Diseases: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study in Italy.

Background: Rare diseases constitute a heterogeneous group of approximately 7000-8000 conditions, distinguished by their low prevalence. Collectively, they present a significant global health challenge, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is estimated that rare diseases affect approximately 10% of the global population, which places a significant burden on individuals, families, and society.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Strains Collected from Clinical Samples in a Hospital in Southern Italy.

Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria represent a serious threat to global public health. Recently, due to its increased resistance to carbapenems and -lactams, has become one of the main causes of septicemia, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. It is crucial to take immediate action and implement effective measures to prevent further spread of this issue.

Anti-Herpes Zoster Vaccination of Fragile Patients in Hospital Setting: A Nudge Intervention in Italy.

Background: A nudge intervention against Herpes Zoster, created and implemented in Italy, is presented in order to administer the Shingrix vaccine on a sample of frail patients, as required by the National Prevention Plan. Individual and contextual factors associated with vaccine adherence were investigated.

Method: 300 frail adult subjects underwent a full vaccine cycle with recombinant-Shingrix vaccine (RZV vaccine).

Current Epidemiological Status and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of .

The spread of antibiotic resistance represents a serious worldwide public health issue, underscoring the importance of epidemiology research in determining antimicrobial strategies. The purpose of this research was to investigate antibiotic resistance in isolates from clinical samples over seven years at the University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona" in Salerno, Italy. is an important opportunistic pathogen associated with a wide spectrum of clinical diseases, including pneumonia, keratitis, meningitis, and urinary tract and wound infections.

A Narrative Review Exploring the Similarities between Cilento and the Already Defined "Blue Zones" in Terms of Environment, Nutrition, and Lifestyle: Can Cilento Be Considered an Undefined "Blue Zone"?

Longevity is rightly considered one of the greatest achievements of modern society, not only as a function of lifespan, but, more importantly, as a function of healthspan. There are Longevity Blue Zones (LBZs), regions around the world, such as in Okinawa, Japan; the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; Icaria, Greece; and Ogliastra, Sardinia, that are characterized by a significant percentage of residents who live exceptionally long lives, often avoiding age-related disability to a significantly higher degree than in the Western way of life. Longevity is not a universal phenomenon, so if there are places in the world with characteristics similar to the LBZs, it is important to identify them in order to better understand what other factors, in addition to the known ones, might contribute to a long and healthy life.

An epidemiological qualitative/quantitative SWOT-AHP analysis in order to highlight the positive or critical aspects of dental implants: A pilot study.

Objectives: In recent years, dental implants are increasing in popularity due to their high success rate, demonstrated functionality, and aesthetic treatment results. Scientific research is very active in proposing improvements in the quality and survival of implants, taking into consideration various aspects. The objective of this study was to provide a holistic epidemiologic view of the state of dental implants, using a systematic approach based on a multimethod SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis and AHP (analytical hierarchical process) qualitative-quantitative analysis to identify the characteristics that can determine their success or failure.

Scale of Assessment of Caregiver Care Burden of People With Dementia: A Systematic Review of Literature.

Cases of dementia have increased significantly in recent years. The family represents the main cornerstone of assistance to the elderly suffering from dementia, in particular the caregiver. Family members who take on the role of caregiver are subjected to physical, psychological, emotional, social and financial stress, which can be conceptualised with the term "burden".

Antimicrobial Resistance in before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

(PA) is a major Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen causing several serious acute and chronic infections in the nosocomial and community settings. PA eradication has become increasingly difficult due to its remarkable ability to evade antibiotics. Therefore, epidemiological studies are needed to limit the infection and aim for the correct treatment.

Individual and Contextual Determinants of Flu Vaccination Adherence: A University Nudge Intervention.

Introduction: The University of Salerno has implemented a nudge intervention with the aim of promoting vaccine adherence among employees of academia and identifying individual and contextual determinants that influence adherence.

Method: A purpose-built questionnaire was used during the reference period of October-December 2022 in order to assess levels of state anxiety (STAI-Y1), perceived stress (PSS-10), and public sentiments, which influence vaccination behavior, with consequences for the whole population (VCI).

Results: Analysis of the results revealed a difference in mean scores on the PSS: those who have always adhered to the vaccination campaign compared to those who have never been vaccinated perceived higher levels of stress (12.

A LC-MS/MS based methodology for the environmental monitoring of healthcare settings contaminated with antineoplastic agents.

Background: Adverse health events associated with the exposure of healthcare workers to antineoplastic drugs are well documented in literature and are often related to the chemical contamination of work surfaces. It is therefore crucial for healthcare professionals to validate the efficiency of safety procedures by periodic biological and environmental monitoring activities where the main methodological limitations are related to the complexity, in terms of chemical-physical features and chemical-biological stability, of the drugs analyzed.

Materials And Methods: Here we describe the evaluation and application of a UHPLC-MS/MS based protocol for the environmental monitoring of hospital working areas potentially contaminated with methotrexate, iphosphamide, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, irinotecan, and paclitaxel.

Old, Nonagenarians, and Centenarians in Cilento, Italy and the Association of Lifespan with the Level of Some Physicochemical Elements in Tap Drinking Water.

Longevity, as a complex life-history trait, shares an ontogenetic relationship with other quantitative traits, such as epigenetic and environmental factors. Therefore, it is important to identify environmental factors that may modify the epigenome to establish healthy aging. This study explored the association between tap drinking water and longevity in Cilento, Italy, to understand whether trace elements in local drinking water may have an influence on old, nonagenarian, and centenarian people and promote their health and longevity.

Clinical Status, Nutritional Behavior, and Lifestyle, and Determinants of Community Well-Being of Patients from the Perspective of Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study of Young Older Adults, Nonagenarians, and Centenarians in Salerno and Province, Italy.

Longevity is rightly considered one of the greatest achievements of modern society. Biomedical research has shown that aging is the major risk factor for many diseases, so to find the right answers to aging it is necessary to identify factors that can positively influence longevity. This study investigated the clinical status, nutritional behavior, lifestyle, and social and community determinants of the well-being of young older adults and nonagenarians/centenarians in Salerno and province through the judgment of their physicians.

Potential Mechanisms by which Glucocorticoids Induce Breast Carcinogenesis through Nrf2 Inhibition.

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. Several studies indicate that, in addition to established risk factors for breast cancer, other factors such as cortisol release related to psychological stress and drug treatment with high levels of glucocorticoids may also contribute significantly to the initiation of breast cancer. There are several possible mechanisms by which glucocorticoids might promote neoplastic transformation of breast tissue.

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Campaign: Risk Perception, Emotional States, and Vaccine Hesitancy in a Sample of Adolescents' Vaccinated Parents in Southern Italy.

Background: The international strategic plan for COVID-19 vaccines remains the practical option for the protection of health. However, vaccine hesitancy remains an obstacle to full population vaccination, with rapid developments in COVID-19 vaccines and concerns about efficacy acting as influencing factors.

Aim: The present study investigated the perception of vaccine hesitancy among parents of adolescents in order to explore the reasons and related emotional states.