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Aim: We investigated how to use Internet user searches to gauge the impact of a celebrity illness on global public interest. Methods: The study design is cross-sectional. Data on Internet searches were obtained from Google Trends (GT) for the period between 2017–2022 using the search words "Ramsay Hunt syndrome" (RHS), "Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2," "Herpes zoster," and "Justin Bieber." The frequency of specific page views for "Ramsay Hunt syndrome," "Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 1," Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2," Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 3," "Herpes zoster," and "Justin Bieber" were collected via a Wikipedia analysis tool that shows the number of times a specific page is viewed. Statistical analyses were performed using the Pearson (r) and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rho). Results: GT data, in 2022, show a strong correlation for Justin Bieber and RHS or RHS type 2 (r = 0.75); similarly, Wikipedia data show a strong correlation for Justin Bieber and the others explored terms (r > 0.75). Furthermore, the correlation was strong between GT and Wikipedia for RHS (rho = 0.89) and RHS type 2 (rho = 0.88). Conclusions: The peak search times for the GT and Wikipedia pages were during the same period. Useful new tools and analyses of Internet traffic data may be effective in assessing the impact of announced celebrity uncommon illnesses on global public interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The total number of cancer-related deaths and new cancer cases in 2020 was 19.3 billion and 10.8 billion, respectively. Therefore, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of neoplastic disease, as well as management of comorbidities, are of paramount importance. In this regards, poor nutritional status and mental disorders are comorbidity conditions frequently observed in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to assess the association between malnutrition and anxiety in hospitalized adult cancer patients. Methods: This is a retrospective study. Nutrition Risk Screening (NRS) 2002, body mass index (BMI), daily calorie intake, and weight difference between admission and discharge were used to evaluate nutritional status. Anxiety was assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A). Ordered logistic and linear logistic regressions adjusted for sex and age were used to estimate the association between malnutrition and anxiety in cancer patients. Results: A total of 90 patients were included. Higher NRS risk [aβ = 0.85; 95% CI (0.28–1.42); p = 0.004], disease stage [aβ = 0.77; 95% CI (0.08–1.47); p = 0.029], and cachexia [aβ = 2.20; 95% CI (0.75–3.65); p = 0.003] were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms. Moreover, cancer site different than gastrointestinal cancers was associated with a lower risk of anxiety symptoms [aβ = − 2.11; 95% CI (− 3.55/ − 0.66); p = 0.005]. Conclusion: In the current study, we found a relatively high rate of malnourished patients, indicating the importance of routinely assessing nutritional status and screening cancer patients for mental health issues. This approach could help physicians to treat both in a timely manner, thereby significantly reducing the burden of the disease and improving the quality of life of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dementia affects 5–8% of the population aged over 65 years (~50 million worldwide). Several factors are associated with increased risk, including diet. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has shown potential protective effects against several chronic diseases. Aims: This systematic review with meta-analysis aim was to assess the association between adherence to the MedDiet and the risk of dementia in the elderly. Methods: PRISMA-2020 guidelines were followed. PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus were searched on 17 July 2023. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale tool was used to assess the risk of bias. The protocol was pre-registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD 42023444368). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Publication bias was assessed by visual inspection of the funnel plot and by Egger’s regression asymmetry test. The final effect size was reported as OR or HR, depending on the study design of the included studies. Results: Out of 682 records, 21 were included in the analysis. The pooled OR was 0.89 (95% CI = 0.84–0.94) based on 65,955 participants (I2 = 69.94). When only cohort studies were included, HR was 0.84 (95% CI = 0.76–0.94) based on 55,205 participants (I2 = 89.70). When only Alzheimer Disease was considered OR was 0.73 (95% CI = 0.62–0.85) based on 38,292 participants (I2 = 63.85). Discussion: Despite the relatively low risk reduction associated with higher adherence to MedDiet among elderly, it should be considered that this population is the most affected. Conclusions: Adherence to MedDiet could be an effective non-pharmacological measure to reduce the burden of dementia, even among elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many European countries requirements for retirement have been tightened, causing an increase in work participation of older workers, in spite their potentially poorer health may limit their work ability. This study aimed at assessing the diffusion of health problems and exposure to unfavorable working conditions among ageing workers in two Italian surveys, as well as comparing them with those observed in the same surveys conducted before the 2011 Italian pension reform tightening the normal retirement age. The 2013 National Health Survey (NHS) and Labour Force Survey (LFS) were employed to assess the prevalence of poor perceived health, health conditions and functional limitations, and of exposure to physical, psychosocial and organization factors at work, among 60–64 years workers. Poisson regression models were used to estimate Prevalence Ratios of health outcomes and unfavorable working conditions in the two surveys, compared to data from the 2005 (NHS) and 2007 (LFS) corresponding surveys, respectively. Among both men and women, approximately one quarter had at least one physical disorder or functional limitations and 15% poor mental health. Exposure to different ergonomic factors (15–30%) and working during unsocial hours (19%) were particularly diffused. A significant increase in the prevalence of functional limitations and of working at night or during unsocial hours was found in 2013, compared to corresponding data from 2005 and 2007, respectively. Our results indicate that exposure to ergonomic and organizational hazards should be reduced among ageing workers, to avoid decreased work ability, health damage or early exit from the labour market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Due to the introduction of the compulsory vaccination law in Italy, and the following intense debate, the aim of this study was to assess the opinion of Italian Public Health residents and their knowledge on this issue. Subjects and methods: Data were collected using a previously developed and validated online questionnaire that was sent by email to Public Health Residents attending the 35 Post-Graduate Schools of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine in Italy. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression was performed for data analysis, and a 0.05 level of significance was chosen. Results are expressed as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Out of 554 medical doctors, 359 filled in the questionnaire, of which 56.8% were female. Those who had a positive opinion about the Law also strongly agreed/agreed with the following statements: caregivers who do not comply with the mandatory vaccination law should be fined; the Law is the only way to prevent, contain and reduce public health risks; documentation of legally mandated vaccines should be required for children to attend preschools; mandatory vaccinations are necessary and the Decree Law should not be modified; the Law emphasises the importance of all the vaccinations provided by the National Immunisation Plan. Conclusion: Italian Public Health residents agree with compulsory vaccination, considering it a useful and effective tool aimed at increasing the vaccination coverage rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]