Four-week omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation for liver left lateral section volume reduction in individuals with morbid obesity undergoing bariatric surgery: A double blind, multicenter, randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Liver steatosis in morbidly obese individuals undergoing bariatric surgery increases liver volume and may complicate the surgical procedure. This study aimed to assess whether a 4-week supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is effective in reducing liver left lateral section (LLLS) volume. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial included morbidly obese individuals with metabolic syndrome undergoing bariatric surgery at 3 French bariatric centers between 2017 and 2020. The experimental group had a 4-week preoperative supplementation with omega-3 PUFA, whereas the control group had only placebo. The primary outcome was the reduction of the LLLS volume measured with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). RESULTS: 42 patients were randomized and 37 completed the study (19 in the experimental group and 18 in the placebo group). The mean LLLS volume decreased of 3.3% (±9.6) in the experimental group vs 1.0% (±18.3) in the placebo group, indicating that omega-3 PUFA were not effective in reducing the LLLS volume compared to the placebo (p = 0.3741). Omega-3 PUFA supplementation was not effective in reducing total liver volume, liver steatosis, rate of liver injuries during surgery and operative time. CONCLUSION: A 4-week preoperative supplementation with omega-3 PUFA was not effective in reducing LLLS volume in morbidly obese individuals undergoing bariatric surgery.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Lockdown on the Preoperative Care Program of Patients Scheduled for Bariatric Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of the SARS-CoV-2 lockdown on dietary habits, body weight, left hepatic lobe volume, use of micronutrient supplements, micronutrient status, frequency of physical activity, and evolution of comorbidities in patients undergoing preoperative care for BS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated the dietary habits (including use of micronutrient supplements and frequency of physical activity) of 36 patients who were candidates for BS from March to May 2020; 7-day food dietary records, body weight, left hepatic lobe volume by ultrasound, micronutrient status, and evolution of comorbidities were assessed. RESULTS: All patients completed the study. Of the participants, 44.4% (16/36), 47.2% (17/36), and 27.8% (10/36) followed the preoperative indications for vegetables, fruits, and legumes, respectively, whereas over 50% did not. Furthermore, 30.6% (11/36) and 55.6% (20/36) of participants followed the prescribed recommendations for carbohydrates/sweets products and alcohol, respectively. A total of 61.1% (22/36) of participants experienced new foods and new culinary preparations. In addition, at the time of the study, we found that only 11.1% (4/36) were engaged in prescribed physical activity and only 36.1% (13/36) were taking prescribed micronutrient supplements. Compared to the initial weight, we observed an increased body weight and body mass index (+4.9%, p = 0.115; +1.89%, p = 0.0692, respectively), and no improvement in left hepatic lobe volume, micronutrient status, or comorbidities was recorded for any patient in the anamnesis. CONCLUSIONS: Lockdown determined by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has negatively affected the preoperative program of BS candidates, resulting in a postponement to the resumption of bariatric surgical activity.

Gender and AB0 Blood Type Differences in a Unicentric Group of University Professors in Southern Italy Who Received the Vaxzevria COVID-19 Vaccine: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Vaccine Side Effects, Attitudes, and Hesitation.

Vaccination has been a key protective behavior for COVID-19. This study investigated the clinical status of university professors administered the Vaxzevria COVID-19 vaccine, to monitor for any adverse reaction, and to understand attitude and hesitancy to vaccination. Data were collected through an online survey. The study received approval from the relevant ethics committee "Comitato Etico Campania Sud". Multivariate logistic regressions were used to calculate significant predictors of the outcomes of interest. A gender and AB0 blood type difference in adverse vaccine reactions was found. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that female gender, city residence, blood type A+ and B-, and chronic underlying medical conditions or comorbidities were more strongly implicated in the occurrence of adverse reactions, whereas blood type 0 Rh+ or blood type A Rh- were protective factors of adverse reactions to the Vaxzevria vaccine. Both genders did not show serious adverse reactions to the Vaxzevria vaccine. Based on our results, we are able to support the hypothesis that AB0 blood type and gender difference appear as predictors of Vaxzevria COVID-19 vaccine reactogenicity. Furthermore, in the study population, the degree of concern and hesitation to undergo vaccination was minimal.

Extreme Longevity: Analysis of the Direct or Indirect Influence of Environmental Factors on Old, Nonagenarians, and Centenarians in Cilento, Italy.

Longevity is rightly considered one of the greatest achievements of modern society, an achievement understood as the possibility of increasing the healthy part of life and not only its full duration. This study investigated the phenomenon of regional longevity in Cilento by analyzing the association between longevity indicators and some environmental factors, in order to understand if factors such as altitude, climate, UNESCO protected areas, and hinterland can directly or indirectly influence the measure of healthy living and lead to longevity. Demographic and environmental data were collected through the Archives of the Cilento municipalities, the National Institute of Statistics, the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, and the Italian National Commission for UNESCO. The Geographically Weighted Regression were used to determine the association between longevity indicators and environmental factors. Correlation analysis between the longevity indicators was investigated in order to have a complete picture of longevity in Cilento. It was discovered that Cilento longevity is mainly found in the central area of the territory and from there, by age groups, it widens towards the south-eastern area. This designated area is part of the hilly area of the Cilento, at an altitude between 400 and 700 m above sea level. The towns of this area are part of the UNESCO heritage and are characterized by a transitional climate between Mediterranean and temperate climate. Moreover, the correlation analysis between the six indicators of longevity has confirmed a linear relationship between the six variables and this indicates that in the years to come there will be the probabilities of a generational turn over between the old, great old, nonagenarians and current centenarians, provided that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic subsides.