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Purpose: Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNENs) are a group of clinically rare and heterogeneous tumors of the pancreas. Currently there are no studies investigating the gender difference in PNEN susceptibility. Thus, the purpose of this study was aimed at examining how gender shapes risk factors, clinicopathological features, and comorbidities in PNENs. Methods: The study design consisted of an Italian multicenter, retrospective study. The study included all consecutive patients with PNENs followed at the participating centers. Two hundred and twenty-nine patients (105 males,124 females, age 54 ± 0.98 years) with PNENs were enrolled at the participating centers. The clinicopathological features (age, gender, BMI, histology, tumor size, tumor grade, distant metastasis, hormonal function, and diagnostic circumstances), comorbidities (cardiovascular diseases (CVD), pancreatitis, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and potential risk factors (smoking and drinking) were included in the analysis. Results: Females were slightly prevalent (54.15%). PNENs were diagnosed at younger age in females compared to males (p = 0.04). The prevalence of CVD was significantly higher in males than in females (p = 0.006). In the female group, the presence of T2DM was significantly associated with higher tumor grade (p = 0.04) and metastatic disease (p = 0.02). The proportion of smokers and alcohol drinkers was significantly higher in the male group (p < 0.001). No significant gender differences were detected regarding the other parameters included in the analysis. Conclusions: This study has identified gender differences of PNENs in terms of age at diagnosis, associated comorbidities, and potential risk factors. A gender-tailored approach could become a potential strategy to better understand the natural history of PNENs and improve the effectiveness of PNENs clinical management.

Aim: To investigate the potential association among Craniopharyngioma (CP), chronotypes and metabolic risk profile. Subjects and Methods: The study population included 28 patients (46.4% males; 42.6 ± 15.8 years) and 28 controls, age, gender and BMI matched (46.4% males; 46.5 ± 12.9 years). In this study sample, we evaluated: anthropometric measurements (waist circumference, WC; BMI), plasma glucose, lipid profile, and systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure. Morningness-Eveningness was measured with the Horne-Ostberg Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), which included 19 questions about preferred sleep time and daily performance. Results: in both patients and controls grade I obesity was detected in 15 subjects (53.6%), grade II obesity in 13 subjects (46.4%). In the patient group, the mean score of chronotype was 47.8 ± 12.6. In particular, 9 patients (32.1%) exhibited the morning chronotype, 6 (21.4%) the intermediate chronotype and 13 (46.4.%) the evening chronotype. No significant difference was found in gender and age among the chronotype categories. Patients with the evening chronotype had higher blood pressure values and worse metabolic parameters than those with the morning chronotype. In the control group, the mean score of the chronotype was 57.6 ± 9.5. In particular, 16 (57.1%) subjects exhibited the morning chronotype, 10 (35.7%) the intermediate chronotype and only 2 (7.1.%) the evening chronotype. The prevalence of intermediate and evening chronotypes was higher in females than males (p = 0.021), while males have a higher prevalence of the morning chronotype. Subjects with intermediate and evening chronotypes had worse metabolic parameters than those with the morning chronotype. In patients, the chronotype score was inversely correlated to WC, BMI, SBP, DBP, plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and positively correlated with HDL cholesterol. No correlation was found between age and chronotype. In controls, the chronotype score was inversely correlated to WC, BMI, plasma glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol. No correlation was found among chronotype and age, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol. Considering the whole population of the study (patients and controls), at logistic regression the chronotype score was significantly associated with the presence of CP. Conclusions: for the first time thus far, our study puts the light on the association of the CP with chronotypes and metabolic alterations in this disease, which are the main determinants of the reduced quality of life, higher morbidity and mortality in this setting of patients. This finding suggests that alterations of chronotype might represent an adjunctive risk for CP patients and a possible target for their integrate management.

Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma are neuroendocrine neoplasms, originating in the adrenal medulla and in parasympathetic and sympathetic autonomic nervous system ganglia, respectively. They usually present as localized tumours curable with surgery. However, these tumours may exhibit heterogeneous clinical course, ranging from no/minimal progression to aggressive (progressive/metastatic) behavior. For this setting of patients, current therapies are unsatisfactory. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown outstanding results for several types of solid cancers. We therefore aimed to summarize and discuss available data on efficacy and safety of current FDA-approved immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. After an extensive search, we found 15 useful data sources (four full-published articles, four supplements of scientific journals, seven ongoing registered clinical trials). The data we detected, even with the limit of the small number of patients treated, make a great expectation on the therapeutic use of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Besides, the newly detected predictors of response will (hopefully) be of great helps in selecting the subset of patients that might benefit the most from this class of drugs. Finally, new trials are in the starting blocks, and they are expected to shed in the next future new light on a therapy, which is considered a milestone in oncology.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity represent a global public health problem. Current nutritional recommendations focused on weight loss and overall dietary quality. However, there is no consensus on the optimal macronutrient composition of the diet, particularly for the long-term management of T2DM in subjects with obesity. An international panel of experts reviewed and critically appraised the updated literature published on the topic. This review primarily examines the evidence for areas of consensus and uncertainty about nutritional therapy in patients with T2DM and obesity. The aim of this article is to provide nutritional advice to manage these patients in clinical practice. © 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Obesity and its related co-morbidities, namely type 2 diabetes (T2D), pose a significant global public health problem. Insulin resistance (IR) in muscle and liver is the core pathophysiologic defect that underlies obesity preceding and predicting the onset of T2D in susceptible humans. There is a broad population with IR that has no indication for prescription of medications, who still need medical consultation and specific advice in this respect. This prevalent need can be achieved by appropriate diet, exercise, and other behavioral therapies for lifestyle interventions. Despite a well-recognized role of IR in the progression to metabolic diseases, no specific nutritional recommendations exist to manage this condition, to the best of our knowledge. An international panel of experts reviewed and critically appraised the updated literature published about this topic. This review primarily examines the evidence for areas of consensus and ongoing uncertainty or controversy about diet and exercise approaches for IR. The aim of this article is to present the most common IR states, namely obesity and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and provide nutritional advice to manage IR, hyperinsulinemia, and reactive hypoglycemia. These nutritional guidelines could prevent progression or worsening of IR with resultant beta-cell failure and, as a result, T2D. © 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

The epidemic of obesity is growing steadily across the whole world. Obesity is not only a merely aesthetic disease but is the "mother" of most chronic diseases such as associated with a range of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and cancer. However, although there is a need to find a strategy to stop this epidemic disease, most of the times the current nutritional strategies are not effective in weight loss and in long term weight maintenance. Very low-calorie ketogenic diets (VLCKD) is increasingly establishing as a successful nutritional pattern to manage obesity; this is due to rapid weight loss that gives rise to a positive psychological cycle which in turn increases the compliance to diet. Another important key point of VLCKD is the ability to preserve fatty free mass which is known to play a role of paramount importance in glucose metabolism. Despite the clinical evidence of VLCKD there are paucity of data regarding to its management. Therefore, we will provide a useful guide to be used by nutrition experts taking care of subjects with obesity. In particular, we will report recommendations on the correct use of this therapeutic approach for weight loss and management of side effects.

We developed and tested an innovative physical training method in older adults that embeds the gym program into everyday life in the most conservative way possible. Physical training was included in the activities of local parishes where older women from Southern Italy spend most of their free time and was delivered by trained physical therapists with the support of an ICT tool known as CoCo. 113 older women (aged 72.0 [69.0-75.0] years) noncompliant to conventional exercise programs participated to the study. 57 of them underwent the final anthropometric assessment and 50 the final physical tests. In study completers handgrip strength and physical performance evaluated with the chair-stand, the two minutes step and the chair-sit and -reach tests significantly improved. Quality of life as evaluated with the EuroQol-5dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire improved as well. In conclusion, a training program designed to minimally impact on life habits of older people is effective in improving fitness in patients noncompliant to other to physical exercise programs.

Obesity, whose prevalence is pandemic and continuing to increase, is a major preventable and modifiable risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, as well as for cancer. Furthermore, epidemiological studies have shown that obesity is a negative independent prognostic factor for several oncological outcomes, including overall and cancer-specific survival, for several site-specific cancers as well as for all cancers combined. Yet, a recently growing body of evidence suggests that sometimes overweight and obesity may associate with better outcomes, and that immunotherapy may show improved response among obese patients compared with patients with a normal weight. The so-called 'obesity paradox' has been reported in several advanced cancer as well as in other diseases, albeit the mechanisms behind this unexpected relationship are still not clear. Aim of this review is to explore the expected as well as the paradoxical relationship between obesity and cancer prognosis, with a particular emphasis on the effects of cancer therapies in obese people.

Fil: Luccini, Eduardo. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Luccini, Eduardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Excelencia en Procesos y Productos de Córdoba; Argentina Fil: Flores, M. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Ramírez, K. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Pérez Pinedo, H. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Herrera, Luis Alberto. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Parodi, M. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Parodi, M. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Ingeniería y Agrimensura; Argentina Fil: Matar, Maricel. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Matar, Maricel. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Ingeniería y Agrimensura; Argentina Fil: Gómez Insausti, J. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Barrea, L. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Barrea, L. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Ingeniería y Agrimensura; Argentina Fil: Mechini, M. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Calcagno, G. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Resumen: La capacidad de captación y almacenamiento de CO2 atmosférico por diferentes especies vegetales es un parámetro crucial a determinar ante el presente escenario de cambio climático planetario. En este trabajo se cuantifica y compara la captura y el almacenamiento de CO2 por la flora nativa de tres regiones muy disímiles de Perú, de las cuales algunas comparten especímenes en común. Las regiones comprendidas son el humedal costero de Villa María, el Lago Titicaca en el Altiplano de Puno y la selva amazónica de Loreto. El muestreo abarca desde especies gramíneas hasta arbóreas. Se delimitaron áreas representativas ocupadas homogéneamente por cada especie donde se realizaron muestreos de campo. En la etapa de laboratorio, el contenido de carbono en la estructura vegetal se determinó prioritariamente por método de “Walkley y Black” y la captura de dióxido de carbono se estimó mediante el “factor de conversión de carbono a dióxido de carbono”. Los valores de cantidad de dióxido de carbono capturado abarcan desde 44 tCO2/ha en la especie gramínea hinea del humedal costero hasta 644 tCO2/ha en árboles grandes de la selva amazónica. Abstract: The capacity for atmospheric CO2 uptake and storage by different native vegetal species is a crucial parameter to determine given the present planetary climate change scenario. In this work, the CO2 uptake and storage by native flora in three very different regions of Perú, several of them having common specimens, is quantified and compared. Spanned regions are the Villa María coastal wetland, the Titicaca Lake within the Puno Highland and the Loreto Amazonic jungle. Samples cover from grass up to trees. Representative areas were delimited, occupied mainly by homogeneous coverage of each species where field samplings were made. In the laboratory stage, the “Walkley and Black” method was used to determine the carbon content and the “carbon-to-carbon dioxide conversion factor” was used to estimate the carbon dioxide uptake. Carbon dioxide uptake values range from 44 tCO2/ha for the grass species of hinea within the coastal wetland up to 644 tCO2/ha for big trees within the Amazonia jungle.

Background: Bone impairment and malnutrition are associated with significant disability and mortality. PERSSILAA is an European project developing health services to detect and prevent frailty in older adults by addressing cognitive, physical and nutritional. Methods: Subjects underwent anthropometric measurements, calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) scan and PREDIMED (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea) questionnaire. Aim: To investigate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and bone health. Results: 87 subjects (4 males and 83 females) 70.1±4.9 aged, were examined. Mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 28.7±4.7(kg/m2): in particular 28 subjects (32.2%) resulted obese, 42 (48.3%) overweight, and only 17 (19.5%) with normal weight. Mean T score was -1.2±1.2: in particular 13 subjects (14.9%) resulted osteoporotic; 43 (49.5%) osteopenic; and 31 (35.6%) with normal bone mineral density. Regarding adherence to MD, 9 subjects (10.3%) were poorly adherent; 41 (47.2%) average adherent; 37 (42.5%) highly adherent. T-score was associated with PREDIMED score and osteoporotic subjects presented the lowest PREDIMED score (5.8±2.2). Conclusions: These preliminary data show a significant correlation between the adherence to the MD and bone health parameters. The association between MD and bone health highlights the potential beneficial effects of nutritional interventions promoting a Mediterranean food pattern, as safe adjuvant treatment in ageing

Fil: Quispe Prado, W. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Quispe Prado, W. Universidad Nacional José María Arguedas. Facultad de Ingeniería; Perú Fil: Herrera, Luis Alberto. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Sichez Muñoz, J. Universidad Nacional José María Arguedas. Facultad de Ingeniería; Perú Fil: Parodi, Miguel Ángel. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Ingeniería y Agrimensura; Argentina Fil: Parodi, Miguel Ángel. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Matar, Maricel. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Matar, Maricel. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Ingeniería y Agrimensura; Argentina Fil: Gómez Insausti, J. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Calcagno, G. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Barrea, L. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Mechini, M. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Luccini, E. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Luccini, E. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Excelencia en Productos y Procesos de la Provincia de Córdoba; Argentina Resumen: Se estudia el modo de dispersión de un dado contaminante vertido en un curso de agua mediante un método experimental consistente en el uso de un “marcador” o sustancia “traza”. Se aplica en un tramo de 100 metros del río Chumbao en la Provincia de Andahuaylas, Perú. En la práctica, el marcador utilizado es una solución de sal común (cloruro de sodio) vertido mediante un tubo de dos pulgadas, recolectando las muestras tramo abajo cada 30 segundos. Analizando la conductividad eléctrica de las muestras se estima la concentración de marcador en cada punto de recolección, y con ello los posibles valores de los parámetros de dispersión de un eventual contaminante sobre el río. Se comprueba que un modelo simple de dispersión gaussiana representa de un modo suficientemente preciso las condiciones observadas. Abstract: The dispersion of a given contaminant poured in a water course is studied through an experimental method consistent in the use of a “marker” or “trace” substance. It is applied in a 100 m section of Chumbao River in Andahuaylas Province, Perú. In practice, the used tracer is a common salt (sodium chloride) solution poured through a two-inch tube, collecting samples at the end of the section at a rate of 30 seconds. The concentration of tracer at each collection point is estimated by analyzing the electric conductivity of the samples, and from them the possible values of the dispersion parameters of an eventual contaminant on the river. It is verified that a simple Gaussian dispersion model is precise enough to represent the observed conditions.

Fil: Pérez Pinedo, H. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Luccini, E. Pontificia Universidad Católica, Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería del Rosario; Argentina Fil: Luccini, E. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Excelencia en Productos y Procesos de la Provincia de Córdoba; Argentina Fil: Herrera, Luis Alberto. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Parodi, M. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Ingeniería y Agrimensura; Argentina Fil: Parodi, M. Pontificia Universidad Católica, Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería del Rosario; Argentina Fil: Matar, Maricel. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Matar, Maricel. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Ingeniería y Agrimensura; Argentina Fil: Barrea, L. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Barrea, L. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Ingeniería y Agrimensura; Argentina Fil: Mechni, M. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Masramón, E. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Resumen: Se cuantifica la captura de CO2 por la flora nativa de totora (Schoenoplectus californicus) en los humedales de Villa María, sobre la costa del Pacífico en Perú. Se delimitó el área representativa ocupada por esta especie para evitar zonas heterogéneas y se cuadriculó la zona trazando líneas que atraviesen toda el área, donde se realizaron muestreos aleatorios de 1 m2 de la parte aérea y de la raíz de la biomasa. El contenido de carbono en la estructura vegetal se determinó por método de “Walkley y Black” y la captura de dióxido de carbono se estimó mediante el “factor de conversión de carbono a dióxido de carbono”. Se obtuvo un valor de contenido de dióxido de carbono capturado por totora (partes aérea +raíz) de 84.05 tCO2/ha comprobándose que, entre otros importantes servicios al medio ambiente y al Ser Humano, estos humedales actúan de modo crucial en la captación de CO2 atmosférico ante el presente escenario de cambio climático planetario. Abstract: The CO2 uptake by native flora species of totora (Schoenoplectus californicus) at the Villa Maria wetlands in Perú was studied. Representative areas were delimited, defining lines throughout the area where 1 m2 samples were randomly taken of the aerial and the root parts of the biomass. The Walkley and Black method was used to determine the carbon content and the carbon-to-carbon dioxide conversion factor was used to estimate the carbon dioxide uptake. Carbon dioxide uptake values for totora (aerial + root parts) of 84.05 tCO2/ha were obtained demonstrating that, together with other important services to the environment and to the Humans, these wetlands have a crucial role for the uptake of atmospheric CO2 in the present planetary climate change scenario.

Fil: Parodi, M. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Parodi, M. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Instituto de Física de Rosario; Argentina Fil: Parodi, M. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Parodi, M. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Ingeniería y Agrimensura; Argentina Fil: Herrera, Luis Alberto. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Matar, Maricel. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Matar, Maricel. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Ingeniería y Agrimensura; Argentina Fil: Barrea, L. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Barrea, L. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Instituto de Física de Rosario; Argentina Fil: Barrea, L. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Mechni, M. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Masramón, E. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Luccini, E. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería; Argentina Fil: Luccini, E. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Instituto de Física de Rosario; Argentina Fil: Luccini, E. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Resumen: Se realiza una revisión sobre los antecedentes de las Redes Neuronales Artificiales (RNA) como método de análisis de bases de datos medioambientales, aplicado en las diversas áreas de la Ingeniería Ambiental en general y de Impacto Ambiental en particular. Se describe como ejemplo, la aplicación de RNA en los algoritmos de inversión de datos obtenidos por sensado remoto satelital, para la medición de variables geofísicas Abstract: A review of the history of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) as a method of analysis of environmental data, applied to different areas of Environmental Engineering in general, and Environmental Impact in particular is presented. As an example, ANN applications dealing with the satellital remote measurements of geophysical variables are described.

Gut microbiota is represented by different microorganisms that colonize the intestinal tract, mostly the large intestine, such as bacteria, fungi, archaea and viruses. The gut microbial balance has a key role in several functions. It modulates the host’s metabolism, maintains the gut barrier integrity, participates in the xenobiotics and drug metabolism, and acts as protection against gastro-intestinal pathogens through the host’s immune system modulation. The impaired gut microbiota, called dysbiosis, may be the result of an imbalance in this equilibrium and is linked with different diseases, including cancer. While most of the studies have focused on the association between microbiota and gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas, very little is known about gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). In this review, we provide an overview concerning the complex interplay between gut microbiota and GEP NENs, focusing on the potential role in tumorigenesis and progression in these tumors.

Introduction In Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) adult patients, sleep-breathing disorders, especially obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), are very common, whose missed or delayed diagnosis can contribute to further increase cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Purpose The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate differences in sleep-breathing parameters obtained by overnight cardiorespiratory polygraphy in 13 adult PWS patients and 13 individuals with non-syndromic obesity as controls matched by age, sex, and BMI. Methods In all subjects’ anthropometric parameters, body composition using bioimpedance analysis and overnight cardiorespiratory monitoring parameters were obtained. Results Ten (76.9%) PWS patients were diagnosed with OSAS, most notably nine (69.2%) and one PWS (7.7%) with mild and severe OSAS, respectively. Compared with the control group, PWS patients had evidence of higher apnoea–hypopnea index (AHI) (p = 0.04) and oxyhaemoglobin desaturation index (ODI) (p = 0.009). However, no differences were found between the two groups regarding OSAS categories or diagnosis of nocturnal respiratory failure. In the PWS group, there were no significant correlations among AHI, ODI and hypoxemia index (T90) and anthropometric measurements, fat mass (FM), and FM percentage (%). Conversely, in the control group, the sleep-related respiratory indices evaluated correlated positively with BMI, waist circumference, FM and FM%. Conclusions This study confirmed that AHI and ODI indices were worse in PWS than in age, sex and BMI-matched controls. The lack of their significant association with the anthropometric parameters and FM supported the existence of PWS-related mechanisms in OSAS pathophysiology that are independent of visceral obesity and FM.

Background Cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) are recognized as the main causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. In recent years eating speed (ES) has been of particular interest since some studies have associated it with the development of obesity and CMD. However, the different impact of the ES at which main meals are eaten on the risk of developing these diseases has not yet been identified. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of ES at the main meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) on the risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases (type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia and hypertension) in middle-aged Caucasian subjects with obesity. Methods For this purpose we carried out a cross-sectional, observational study. One hundred and eighty-seven middle-aged subjects aged 43.6 ± 16 years were enrolled of which anthropometric parameters and lifestyle habits were studied. A dietary interview was performed to collect information about meal duration and eating habits at the main meals. According to median value of meal duration, meals were classified in two groups: fast eating group (FEG) and slow eating group (SEG). Results The prevalence of dyslipidaemia was more than twice in FEG compared to SEG at lunch and dinner. For all main meals, FEG had a significantly higher risk of dyslipidaemia than SEG (p Conclusion The results of our study suggest that fast eating increases at lunch and dinner increase the risk of developing dyslipidaemia in obesity.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity represent a global public health problem. Current nutritional recommendations focused on weight loss and overall dietary quality. However, there is no consensus on the optimal macronutrient composition of the diet, particularly for the long-term management of T2DM in subjects with obesity. An international panel of experts reviewed and critically appraised the updated literature published on the topic. This review primarily examines the evidence for areas of consensus and uncertainty about nutritional therapy in patients with T2DM and obesity. The aim of this article is to provide nutritional advice to manage these patients in clinical practice.

Purpose: Data regarding vitamin D status in patients affected by gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine tumor (NET) are limited and often showing contrasting results. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of vitamin D deficiency (

Simple Summary Neuroendocrine neoplasms and their main subtype neuroendocrine tumors have an increasing incidence worldwide, associated with a high survival and prevalence rate. Both the tumor itself and systemic therapy can have an impact on patients' nutrition. Conversely, preliminary data suggest that malnutrition has a negative impact on the development and prognosis of neuroendocrine tumors, as does obesity. The aim of this review is to condense the latest evidence on the role of the most widely used dietary patterns, the Mediterranean diet, the ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting, in the context of neuroendocrine tumors. Nutritional plans are an integral part of the multidisciplinary treatment team of patients with neuroendocrine tumors because they improve the patient's quality of life. The nutritional approach must be tailored, based on nutritional needs and nutritionally manageable signs and/or symptoms related to drug treatment. Neuroendocrine neoplasms are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with increasing incidence, high prevalence, and survival worldwide. About 90% of cases are well differentiated forms, the so-called neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), with slow proliferation rates and prolonged survival but frequent development of liver metastases and endocrine syndromes. Both the tumor itself and systemic therapy may have an impact on patient nutrition. Malnutrition has a negative impact on outcome in patients with NETs, as well as obesity. In addition, obesity and metabolic syndrome have been shown to be risk factors for both the development and prognosis of NET. Therefore, dietary assessment based on body composition and lifestyle modifications should be an integral part of the treatment of NET patients. Nutrition plans, properly formulated by a dietician, are an integral part of the multidisciplinary treatment team for patients with NETs because they allow an improvement in quality of life, providing a tailored approach based on nutritional needs and nutritional manageable signs and/or symptoms related to pharmacological treatment. The aim of this review is to condense the latest evidence on the role of the most used dietary models, the Mediterranean diet, the ketogenic diet, and intermittent fasting, in the context of NETs, while considering the clinical and molecular mechanisms by which these dietary models act.

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder caused by the lack of expression of genes on the paternally inherited chromosome 15q11.2-q13 region. The three main genetic subtypes are represented by paternal 15q11-q13 deletion, maternal uniparental disomy 15, and imprinting defect. Clinical picture of PWS changes across life stages. The main clinical characteristics are represented by short stature, developmental delay, cognitive disability and behavioral diseases. Hypotonia and poor suck resulting in failure to thrive are typical of infancy. As the subjects with PWS age, clinical manifestations such as hyperphagia, temperature instability, high pain threshold, hypersomnia and multiple endocrine abnormalities including growth hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone deficiencies, hypogonadism and central adrenal insufficiency due to hypothalamic dysfunction occur. Obesity and its complications are the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in PWS. Several mechanisms for the aetiology of obesity in PWS have been hypothesized, which include aberration in hypothalamic pathways of satiety control resulting in hyperphagia, disruption in hormones regulating appetite and satiety and reduced energy expenditure. However, despite the advancement in the research field of the genetic basis of obesity in PWS, there are contradictory data on the management. Although it is mandatory to adopt obesity strategy prevention from infancy, there is promising evidence regarding the management of obesity in adulthood with current obesity drugs along with lifestyle interventions, although the data are limited. Therefore, the current manuscript provides a review of the current evidence on obesity and PWS, covering physiopathological aspects, obesity-related complications and conservative management.

Cancer cells (CCs) predominantly use aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect) for their metabolism. This important characteristic of CCs represents a potential metabolic pathway to be targeted in the context of tumor treatment. Being this mechanism related to nutrient oxidation, dietary manipulation has been hypothesized as an important strategy during tumor treatment. Ketogenic diet (KD) is a dietary pattern characterized by high fat intake, moderate-to-low protein consumption, and very-low-carbohydrate intake (

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age, whose lifestyle approach is an essential part of the treatment. Recently, chronotype, i.e., a trait that determines individual’s circadian preference in behavioral and biological rhythms, has been reported to play a role in determining nutrition preferences and the risk of developing chronic diseases. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate if chronotype categories (morning, evening, and neither) could be used as tool to screen eating habits in women with PCOS. In this observational cross-sectional study, we assessed anthropometric measurements, lifestyle habits, chronotype categories, adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, dietary pattern, and metabolic parameters in 112 women with PCOS. Chronotype was classified as morning in 27.7%, evening in 42.9%, and neither in 29.5% of subjects. Women with PCOS with evening chronotype showed significantly higher percentages of grade I (p = 0.003) and grade II obesity (p = 0.001), did less regular exercise (p < 0.001), and most of them were smokers (p < 0.001) compared to those with neither and morning chronotypes. Women with PCOS with evening chronotype were significantly more insulin resistant (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HoMA-IR) cut off > 2.5) than other two chronotypes (p < 0.001). Women with PCOS with evening chronotype had the lowest PREvención con DIetaMEDiterránea (PREDIMED) score, consumed more calories (p < 0.001), total (p < 0.001) and simple carbohydrates (p < 0.001), total fat (p < 0.001) and saturated fatty acids (p < 0.001), polyunsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.001) and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.001), and less fiber (p < 0.001) than women with PCOS with other chronotypes. In addition, women with PCOS with evening chronotype consumed less extra virgin olive oil (p = 0.001), legumes (p = 0.038), fish/seafood (p < 0.001), and tree nuts (p = 0.041) than women with PCOS of the other two chronotype categories and less red wine (p < 0.001) and more red/processed meat (p < 0.001) than women with PCOS with morning chronotype. In conclusion, in women with PCOS, evening chronotype has been associated with a most severe insulin resistance and unhealthiest eating habits. Thus, chronotype assessment could be an effective tool to screen the eating habits, and more generally the lifestyle, of women with PCOS.

Background Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) is currently a promising approach for the treatment of obesity. However, little is known about the side effects since most of the studies reporting them were carried out in normal weight subjects following Ketogenic Diet for other purposes than obesity. Thus, the aims of the study were: (1) to investigate the safety of VLCKD in subjects with obesity; (2) if VLCKD-related side effects could have an impact on its efficacy. Methods In this prospective study we consecutively enrolled 106 subjects with obesity (12 males and 94 females, BMI 34.98 ± 5.43 kg/m2) that underwent to VLCKD. In all subjects we recorded side effects at the end of ketogenic phase and assessed anthropometric parameters at the baseline and at the end of ketogenic phase. In a subgroup of 25 subjects, we also assessed biochemical parameters. Results No serious side effects occurred in our population and those that did occur were clinically mild and did not lead to discontinuation of the dietary protocol as they could be easily managed by healthcare professionals or often resolved spontaneously. Nine (8.5%) subjects stopped VLCKD before the end of the protocol for the following reasons: 2 (1.9%) due to palatability and 7 (6.1%) due to excessive costs. Finally, there were no differences in terms of weight loss percentage (13.5 ± 10.9% vs 18.2 ± 8.9%; p = 0.318) in subjects that developed side effects and subjects that did not developed side effects. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that VLCKD is a promising, safe and effective therapeutic tool for people with obesity. Despite common misgivings, side effects are mild, transient and can be prevented and managed by adhering to the appropriate indications and contraindications for VLCKD, following well-organized and standardized protocols and performing adequate clinical and laboratory monitoring.

Purpose: Gender differences in patients diagnosed with non-functioning Pituitary Adenomas (NFPA) in a National Referral Center for Pituitary Tumors at the Federico II University of Naples, Italy. Methods: Patients newly diagnosed with non-functioning sellar masses found on pituitary Magnetic Resonance Imaging from January 1st 2016 to December 31th 2018 underwent anthropometric measurements, basal evaluation of pituitary function, and metabolic assessment. Fatty live index (FLI) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were calculated. Results: Seventy-three patients (35 males, 51.1 ± 17.0 years; 38 females, 41.8 ± 18.1 years) presented with NFPA. Lesions > 1 cm (85.7% vs. 47.3%; χ2 = 10.26, p = 0.001) and hypopituitarism (77.1% vs. 7.9%; χ2 = 33.29, p = 0.001) were more frequent in males than females. The highest sizes of pituitary adenomas were significantly associated with male gender (OR = 1.05, p = 0.049; R2 = 0.060; IC 1.00–1.10). Headache (62.8% vs. 31.6%; χ2 = 5.96, p = 0.015) and visual field deficits (57.1% vs. 26.3%; χ2 = 5.93, p = 0.015) were significantly more frequent in males than in females. There was no sex difference in obesity prevalence, but the metabolic syndrome was more common among males than females (60.6% vs. 26.3%; χ2 = 7.14, p = 0.001). FLI was also higher in males (69.6 ± 27.3 vs. 49.2 ± 31.3; p < 0.001), while there were no differences in VAI. Conclusions: Apart from the possible delay in the diagnosis induced by the gender differences in symptom presentation, the higher prevalence of macroadenomas amongst NFPA in males compared with females let to hypothesize a key role of the sex hormone profile as predictive factors of their biological behavior and metabolic profile. Further studies are, however, mandatory to better support the influence of gender differences on onset, progression, and metabolic consequences of NFPA.

Genetic and molecular disparities between men and women have a role in the differing incidence, pathophysiology, clinical signs, and treatment outcome of several cancers. Sex differences in cancer incidence are attributed to regulation at the genetic/molecular level and to sex hormones that in turn modulate gene expression in various cancers. Sex differences in the incidence of cancer, its aggressiveness, and the disease prognosis have been reported for several types of cancer but little is known for pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNENs). The aim of this Opinion article is to provide an overview of sex differences in PNENs in terms of epidemiology, pathophysiology, treatment responses, prognosis, and survival. This overview might allow better tailoring of the management of PNENs.

The interaction between nutrition and the immune system is very complex. In particular, at every stage of the immune response, specific micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals play a key role and often synergistic, and the deficiency of only one essential nutrient may impair immunity. An individual's overall nutrition status and pattern of dietary intake (comprised of nutrients and non-nutritive bioactive compounds and food) and any supplementation with nutraceuticals including vitamins and minerals, can influence positively or negatively the function of the immune system. This influence can occur at various levels from the innate immune system and adaptive immune system to the microbiome. Although there are conflicting evidence, the current results point out that dietary supplementation with some nutrients such as vitamin D and zinc may modulate immune function. An update on the complex relationship between nutrition, diet, and the immune system through gut microbiota is the aim of this current review. Indeed, we will provide the overview of the link among immune function, nutrition and gut microbiota, paying particular attention at the effect of the Mediterranean diet on the immune system, and finally we will speculate the possible role of the main one functional supplements on immune function.