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The protein S100B is a part of the S100 protein family, which consists of at least 25 calcium-binding proteins. S100B is highly conserved across different species, supporting important biological functions. The protein was shown to play a role in gut microbiota eubiosis and is secreted in human breast milk, suggesting a physiological trophic function in newborn development. This study explores the possible presence of the S100B motif in plant genomes, and of S100B-like immunoreactive material in different plant extracts, opening up potential botanical uses for dietary supplementation. To explore the presence of the S100B motif in plants, a bioinformatic workflow was used. In addition, the immunoreactivity of S100B from vegetable and fruit samples was tested using an ELISA assay. The S100B motif was expected in silico in the genome of different edible plants belonging to the Viridiplantae clade, such as Durio zibethinus or Malus domestica and other medicinal species. S100B-like immunoreactive material was also detected in samples from fruits or leaves. The finding of S100B-like molecules in plants sheds new light on their role in phylogenesis and in the food chain. This study lays the foundation to elucidate the possible beneficial effects of plants or derivatives containing the S100B-like principle and their potential use in nutraceuticals.

Background: Intense exercise during training requires dietary modulation to support health and performance and differs in different types of activities. Diet, supplementation with prebiotics and probiotics, and, more recently, even physical activity can potentially improve health outcomes by modifying and protecting the gut microbiota. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate the modulation of gut microbiota in different types and intensities of physical activity and different lifestyles of athletes., Methods: The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024500826)., Results: Out of 1318 studies, only 10 met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The pilot study's meta-regression analysis highlights the role of type and intensity of exercise in changing the B/B (Bacillota/Bacteroidota) ratio ( p = 0.001)., Conclusions: As gut training becomes more popular among athletes, it is necessary to map interactions between microbiota and different types of physical activity, personalized diets, physical activities, and ergogenic supplements to enhance performance and athletic wellness.

The S100B protein is abundant in the nervous system, mainly in astrocytes, and is also present in other districts. Among these, the adipose tissue is a site of concentration for the protein. In the light of consistent research showing some associations between S100B and adipose tissue in the context of obesity, metabolic disorders, and diabetes, this review tunes the possible role of S100B in the pathogenic processes of these disorders, which are known to involve the adipose tissue. The reported data suggest a role for adipose S100B in obesity/diabetes processes, thus putatively re-proposing the role played by astrocytic S100B in neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative processes.

Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) comprise a diverse group of monogenic disorders caused by enzyme deficiencies that result either in a toxic accumulation of metabolic intermediates or a shortage of essential end-products. Certain IEMs, like phenylketonuria (PKU), necessitate stringent dietary intervention that could lead to microbiome dysbiosis, thereby exacerbating the clinical phenotype. The objective of this systematic review was to examine the impact of PKU therapies on the intestinal microbiota. This research was conducted following the PRISMA Statement, with data from PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. A total of 18 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were published from 2011 to 2022. Significant reductions in several taxonomic groups in individuals with PKU when compared to the control group were detected in a quantitative analysis conducted across seven studies. The meta-analysis synthesis indicates a contrast in biodiversity between PKU subjects and the control population. Additionally, the meta-regression results, derived from the Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio data, suggest a potential influence of diet in adult PKU populations ( p = 0.004). It is worth noting that the limited number of studies calls for further research and analysis in this area. Our findings indicate the necessity of enhancing understanding of microbiota variability in reaction to treatments among PKU subjects to design tailored therapeutic and nutritional interventions to prevent complications resulting from microbiota disruption.

S100B is a calcium-binding protein mainly concentrated in astrocytes in the nervous system. Its levels in biological fluids are recognized as a reliable biomarker of active neural distress, and more recently, mounting evidence points to S100B as a Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern molecule, which, at high concentration, triggers tissue reactions to damage. S100B levels and/or distribution in the nervous tissue of patients and/or experimental models of different neural disorders, for which the protein is used as a biomarker, are directly related to the progress of the disease. In addition, in experimental models of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, traumatic and vascular acute neural injury, epilepsy, and inflammatory bowel disease, alteration of S100B levels correlates with the occurrence of clinical and/or toxic parameters. In general, overexpression/administration of S100B worsens the clinical presentation, whereas deletion/inactivation of the protein contributes to the amelioration of the symptoms. Thus, the S100B protein may be proposed as a common pathogenic factor in different disorders, sharing different symptoms and etiologies but appearing to share some common pathogenic processes reasonably attributable to neuroinflammation.

S100B is an astrocytic cytokine that has been shown to be involved in several neurodegenerative diseases. We used an astrocytoma cell line (U373 MG) silenced for S100B, and stimulated it with amyloid beta-peptide (Aβ) as a known paradigm factor for astrocyte activation, and showed that the ability of the cell (including the gene machinery) to express S100B is a prerequisite for inducing reactive astrocytic features, such as ROS generation, NOS activation and cytotoxicity. Our results showed that control astrocytoma cell line exhibited overexpression of S100B after Aβ treatment, and subsequently cytotoxicity, increased ROS generation and NOS activation. In contrast, cells silenced with S100B were essentially protected, consistently reducing cell death, significantly decreasing oxygen radical generation and nitric oxide synthase activity. The conclusive aim of the present study was to show a causative linkage between the cell expression of S100B and induction of astrocyte activation processes, such as cytotoxicity, ROS and NOS activation.

This in vivo study in mice addresses the relationship between the biodiversity of the microbiota and the levels of S100B, a protein present in enteroglial cells, but also in foods such as milk. A positive significant correlation was observed between S100B levels and Shannon values, which was reduced after treatment with Pentamidine, an inhibitor of S100B function, indicating that the correlation was influenced by the modulation of S100B activity. Using the bootstrap average method based on the distribution of the S100B concentration, three groups were identified, exhibiting a significant difference between the microbial profiles. Operational taxonomic units, when analyzed by SIMPER analysis, showed that genera regarded to be eubiotic were mainly concentrated in the intermediate group, while genera potentially harboring pathobionts often appeared to be more concentrated in groups where the S100B amounts were very low or high. Finally, in a pilot experiment, S100B was administered orally, and the microbial profiles appeared to be modified accordingly. These data may open novel perspectives involving the possibility of S100B-mediated regulation in the intestinal microbiota.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, several restriction measures were imposed to control the virus transmission, with important repercussions on different sectors, including sport. This study aimed to explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Italian competitive swimmers by analyzing how the disease and the restriction measures affected their training. In total, 396 competitive swimmers (mean age 16.0 ± 3.2 years) participated. A questionnaire was used to collect their general information, to assess whether they had had COVID-19 and the number of training days lost due to the disease or to the closure of swimming facilities, and the possible alternative training adopted. Twenty-four (6.1%) participants had had COVID-19 and lost, on average, 32 training days. The closure of facilities caused an interruption in swimming training for about 18% of the participants. The majority of these continued their training, mainly through home-based exercise, but reduced their weekly training time (-8 median hours/week). A positive association was found between regularly adopted weekly training volume and that assumed during pandemic closure (OR 9.433, CI95% 1.644-54.137, p = 0.012), suggesting that the previous level of engagement in sport can represent a predictor of exercise maintenance in challenging situations such as a pandemic. Further studies are needed to identify personal, environmental, and social resources that can help individuals to counteract the negative effects of restriction measures.

S100B is an astrocytic protein behaving at high concentration as a damage-associated molecular pattern molecule. A direct correlation between the increased amount of S100B and inflammatory processes has been demonstrated, and in particular, the inhibitor of S100B activity pentamidine has been shown to ameliorate clinical scores and neuropathologic-biomolecular parameters in the relapsing-remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model of multiple sclerosis. This study investigates the effect of arundic acid (AA), a known inhibitor of astrocytic S100B synthesis, in the chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, which is another mouse model of multiple sclerosis usually studied. By the daily evaluation of clinical scores and neuropathologic-molecular analysis performed in the spinal cord, we observed that the AA-treated group showed lower severity compared to the vehicle-treated mice, particularly in the early phase of disease onset. We also observed a significant reduction of astrocytosis, demyelination, immune infiltrates, proinflammatory cytokines expression and enzymatic oxidative reactivity in the AA-treated group. Overall, our results reinforce the involvement of S100B in the development of animal models of multiple sclerosis and propose AA targeting the S100B protein as a focused potential drug to be considered for multiple sclerosis treatment.

Background: tattooing and piercing are increasingly common, especially among youths. However, several health complications may be associated with these practices if basic hygiene rules are not respected. This multicenter study was aimed at exploring tattoo and piercing experiences reported by a large sample of Italian undergraduate students through a public health perspective., Methods: tattooed and/or pierced students attending 12 Italian universities were asked to complete a web-based questionnaire regarding their body art experience., Results: out of 1472 respondents, 833 (56.6%) were tattooed and 1009 (68.5%) were pierced. The greatest proportion of tattooed students (93.9%) got her/his first tattoo in a tattoo studio, while most of the pierced were serviced in a jewelry store (48.0%). The pierced ones were less informed on health issues related to the procedure (56.0% versus 77.8% of tattooed p < 0.001), and tattooists were reportedly more attentive to hygiene rules (instrument sterilization 91.5% versus 79.1% of piercers, p < 0.001; use of disposable gloves 98.2% versus 71% of piercers, p < 0.001)., Conclusions: educational interventions for both professionals and communities are needed to improve the awareness and the control of health risks related to body art throughout the Italian territory.

Tattooing and piercing may lead to health complications. The present multicenter cross-sectional study aimed to assess awareness and knowledge of health risks related to body art and to identify their possible determinants among a large sample of undergraduates in Italy. A web-based questionnaire collecting information on socio-demographic characteristics, awareness, knowledge, and some potential predictors was administered to undergraduates attending twelve Italian universities. The level of knowledge was expressed as the number of correct answers (0-11 for tattooing, 0-14 for piercing). A total of 2985 participants (mean age 23.15 ± 3.99, 73.9% F) participated in the study. Although 95.4% of the respondents were aware of possible health consequences of body art, a low level of specific knowledge was registered for both tattooing (mean number of correct answers 5.38 ± 2.39) and piercing (5.93 ± 3.12) consequences. Lower knowledge was associated with the attendance of non-life science course and with lower duration of academic education for both tattoo and piercing. Lower knowledge of tattooing risks was related with commuter status, while lower knowledge of piercing risks was associated with lower father's education. These findings highlight the need to enhance information campaigns targeted to youths to increase their awareness of possible health risk of body art.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to countries enforcing the use of facial masks to prevent contagion. However, acquisition, reuse, and disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE) has generated problems, in regard to the safety of individuals and environmental sustainability. Effective strategies to reprocess and disinfect PPE are needed to improve the efficacy and durability of this equipment and to reduce waste load. Thus, the addition of photocatalytic materials to these materials, combined with light exposure at specific wavelengths, may represent promising solutions. To this aim, we prepared a series of masks by depositing micrometer-sized TiO 2 on the external surfaces; the masks were then contaminated with droplets of bacteria suspensions and the coatings were activated by light radiation at different wavelengths. A significant reduction in the microbial load (over 90%, p < 0.01) was observed using both Gram negative ( E. coli ) and Gram positive ( S. aureus ) bacteria within 15 min of irradiation, with UV or visible light, including sunlight or artificial sources. Our results support the need for further investigations on self-disinfecting masks and other disposable PPE, which could positively impact (i) the safety of operators/workers, and (ii) environmental sustainability in different occupational or recreational settings.

In the last decade, active video games (exergames) have been proposed in obesity prevention and treatment as a potential tool to increase physical activity. This review was aimed to assess the possible role of exergames in reducing weight-related outcomes among overweight/obese children and/or adolescents. The databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus were interrogated to detect controlled studies involving healthy overweight/obese children and adolescents in interventions based exclusively on exergames. Out of a total of 648 articles found, 10 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The included studies differ for duration, setting and type of intervention, frequency of active game sessions, and outcomes considered. Seven out of ten studies reported better outcomes in children/adolescents involved in the interventions, with significant differences between groups in four, while three studies found better outcomes in control groups. These results suggest a possible positive effect of active video games on weight-related outcomes in obese children and adolescents. However, further research is still needed to define if they can be effectively used in childhood obesity treatment and which may be the most effective approach. The potentiality of the new digital media in this field should be explored.

Background : From March to May 2020, lockdown measures were adopted in Italy to contain the epidemic of the novel Coronavirus. People were forced to restrict their movement and social contacts, therefore having a higher risk of inactivity. This study, carried out among Italian undergraduates, explored their sedentary and physical activities (PA) during the lockdown with respect to their previous habits. Methods : An electronic questionnaire was administered once to students attending three Italian universities after the end of lockdown. Results : A total of 1430 students (mean age 22.9 ± 3.5 years, 65.5% females) completed the questionnaire. All the sedentary behaviors increased significantly, and all the physical activities decreased significantly during the lockdown. Time spent using electronic devices showed the highest increase (+52.4 min/day), and walking the greatest decrease (-365.5 min/week). Being younger than 22 years old, female, and previously active, attending the universities of Naples and Rome and having at least one graduate parent were associated with the achievement of recommended levels of PA even during the lockdown. Conclusions : This study highlights the reduction of PA among Italian undergraduates in the course of home-confinement due to the CoViD-19 pandemic. The practice of adequate PA during the lockdown was mainly associated with the previous adoption of an active lifestyle. Promoting active lifestyles during the non-pandemic period may have had positive effects also in case of lockdown.

The crosstalk between human gut microbiota and intestinal wall is essential for the organ's homeostasis and immune tolerance. The gut microbiota plays a role in healthy and pathological conditions mediated by inflammatory processes or by the gut-brain axes, both involving a possible role for S100B protein as a diffusible cytokine present not only in intestinal mucosa but also in faeces. In order to identify target proteins for a putative interaction between S100B and the microbiota proteome, we developed a bioinformatics workflow by integrating the interaction features of known domains with the proteomics data derived from metataxonomic studies of the gut microbiota from healthy and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) subjects. On the basis of the microbiota composition, proteins putatively interacting with S100B domains were in fact found, both in healthy subjects and IBD patients, in a reduced number in the latter samples, also exhibiting differences in interacting domains occurrence between the two groups. In addition, differences between ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease samples were observed. These results offer the conceptual framework for where to investigate the role of S100B as a candidate signalling molecule in the microbiota/gut communication machinery, on the basis of interactions differently conditioned by healthy or pathological microbiota.

Many disinfection treatments can be adopted for controlling opportunistic pathogens in hospital water networks in order to reduce infection risk for immunocompromised patients. Each method has limits and strengths and it could determine modifications on bacterial community. The aim of our investigation was to study under real-life conditions the microbial community associated with different chemical (monochloramine, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide) and non-chemical (hyperthermia) treatments, continuously applied since many years in four hot water networks of the same hospital. Municipal cold water, untreated secondary, and treated hot water were analysed for microbiome characterization by 16S amplicon sequencing. Cold waters had a common microbial profile at genera level. The hot water bacterial profiles differed according to treatment. Our results confirm the effectiveness of disinfection strategies in our hospital for controlling potential pathogens such as Legionella , as the investigated genera containing opportunistic pathogens were absent or had relative abundances ≤1%, except for non-tuberculous mycobacteria, Sphingomonas , Ochrobactrum and Brevundimonas . Monitoring the microbial complexity of healthcare water networks through 16S amplicon sequencing is an innovative and effective approach useful for Public Health purpose in order to verify possible modifications of microbiota associated with disinfection treatments.

Natural spa springs are diffused all over the world and their use in pools is known since ancient times. This review underlines the cultural and social spa context focusing on hygiene issues, public health guidelines and emerging concerns regarding water management in wellness or recreational settings. The question of the "untouchability" of therapeutic natural waters and their incompatibility with traditional disinfection processes is addressed considering the demand for effective treatments that would respect the natural properties. Available strategies and innovative treatments are reviewed, highlighting potentials and limits for a sustainable management. Alternative approaches comprise nanotechnologies, photocatalysis systems, advanced filtration. State of the art and promising perspectives are reported considering the chemical-physical component and the biological natural complexity of the spa water microbiota.

Healthcare facilities (HF) represent an at-risk environment for legionellosis transmission occurring after inhalation of contaminated aerosols. In general, the control of water is preferred to that of air because, to date, there are no standardized sampling protocols. Legionella air contamination was investigated in the bathrooms of 11 HF by active sampling (Surface Air System and Coriolis ® μ) and passive sampling using settling plates. During the 8-hour sampling, hot tap water was sampled three times. All air samples were evaluated using culture-based methods, whereas liquid samples collected using the Coriolis ® μ were also analyzed by real-time PCR. Legionella presence in the air and water was then compared by sequence-based typing (SBT) methods. Air contamination was found in four HF (36.4%) by at least one of the culturable methods. The culturable investigation by Coriolis ® μ did not yield Legionella in any enrolled HF. However, molecular investigation using Coriolis ® μ resulted in eight HF testing positive for Legionella in the air. Comparison of Legionella air and water contamination indicated that Legionella water concentration could be predictive of its presence in the air. Furthermore, a molecular study of 12 L. pneumophila strains confirmed a match between the Legionella strains from air and water samples by SBT for three out of four HF that tested positive for Legionella by at least one of the culturable methods. Overall, our study shows that Legionella air detection cannot replace water sampling because the absence of microorganisms from the air does not necessarily represent their absence from water; nevertheless, air sampling may provide useful information for risk assessment. The liquid impingement technique appears to have the greatest capacity for collecting airborne Legionella if combined with molecular investigations., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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. aeruginosa was correlated to chlorine concentration. The ability of the isolates to form a biofilm on plastic materials was also investigated. In 59.5% of the samples, microbial contamination exceeded the threshold values. P. aeruginosa was isolated in 50.8% of these samples. The presence of P. aeruginosa was not correlated with free or total chlorine amount (R² < 0.1). All the isolates were moderate- to strong-forming biofilm (Optical Density O.D.570 range 0.7-1.2). To control biofilm formation and P. aeruginosa colonization, Quantum FreeBioEnergy© (QFBE, FreeBioEnergy, Brisighella, Italy), has been applied with encouraging preliminary results. It is a new, promising control strategy based on the change of an electromagnetic field which is responsible for the proliferation of some microorganisms involved in biofilm formation, such as P. aeruginosa., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.