Determinants of weight, psychological status, food contemplation and lifestyle changes in patients with obesity during the COVID-19 lockdown: a nationwide survey using multiple correspondence analysis

Introduction The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forced most of the Italian population into lockdown from 11 March to 18 May 2020. A nationwide survey of Italian Clinical Nutrition and Dietetic Services (Obesity Centers or OCs) was carried out to assess the impact of lockdown restrictions on the physical and mental wellbeing of patients with obesity (PWO) who had follow-up appointments postponed due to lockdown restrictions and to compare determinants of weight gain before and after the pandemic. Methods We designed a structured 77-item questionnaire covering employment status, diet, physical activity and psychological aspects, that was disseminated through follow-up calls and online between 2 May and 25 June 2020. Data were analyzed by multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and multiple linear regression. Results A total of 1,232 PWO from 26 OCs completed the questionnaires (72% female, mean age 50.2 +/- 14.2 years; mean BMI 34.7 +/- 7.6 kg/m(2); 41% obesity class II to III). During the lockdown, 48.8% gained, 27.1% lost, while the remainder (24.1%) maintained their weight. The mean weight change was +2.3 +/- 4.8 kg (in weight gainers: +4.0 +/- 2.4 kg; +4.2% +/- 5.4%). Approximately 37% of participants experienced increased emotional difficulties, mostly fear and dissatisfaction. Sixty-one percent reduced their physical activity (PA) and 55% experienced a change in sleep quality/quantity. The lack of online contact (37.5%) with the OC during lockdown strongly correlated with weight gain (p < 0.001). Using MCA, two main clusters were identified: those with unchanged or even improved lifestyles during lockdown (Cluster 1) and those with worse lifestyles during the same time (Cluster 2). The latter includes unemployed people experiencing depression, boredom, dissatisfaction and increased food contemplation and weight gain. Within Cluster 2, homemakers reported gaining weight and experiencing anger due to home confinement. Conclusions Among Italian PWO, work status, emotional dysregulation, and lack of online communication with OCs were determinants of weight gain during the lockdown period

Derivatized volatile organic compound characterization of Friulano wine from Collio (Italy\u2013Slovenia) by HS-SPME-GC-MS and discrimination from other varieties by chemometrics

Purpose: Methods to assess the authenticity and traceability of wines have been extensively studied as enhancers of food quality, allowing producers to obtain market recognition and premium prices. Among analytical techniques, the volatilome profile attained by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry is acquiring more and more attention by the scientific community, together with the use of chemometrics Design/methodology/approach: The volatilome profile of three varieties of blanc wines from the Collio area (namely Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia and Friulano) between Italy and Slovenia, was determined by head space-solid phase micro extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, enhancing the carbonyl compounds identification with O-(2, 3, 4, 5, 6-pentafluorobenzyl)-hydroxylamine with the aim of identifying the autochthonous Friulano variety. Findings: A two-step chemometric approach based on an unsupervised technique (PCA) followed by a supervised one (PLS-DA) allowed to identify possible markers for discriminating the Friulano Collio variety from the others, in particular two chemical classes were identified by PCA (ketones and long chain esters). PLS-DA showed 87% accuracy in classification. A correct classification (i.e. non-Friulano Collio) of a group of wines obtained from the same grape variety but produced in an extra-Collio area was obtained as well. The results confirmed the benefits of using a derivatization step prior to volatile organic compounds analysis. Research limitations/implications: Among methods to assess the authenticity and traceability of wines, volatilome profile of wines determined by head space-solid phase micro extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, enhanced by the carbonyl compound identifications with O-(2, 3, 4, 5, 6-pentafluorobenzyl)-hydroxylamine, may have a key role in conjunction with chemometrics and, in particular with principal component analysis and partial least square discriminant analysis. Practical implications: Among methods to assess the authenticity and traceability of Friulano wine, volatilome profile of wines determined by head space-solid phase micro extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, enhanced by the carbonyl compound identifications with O-(2, 3, 4, 5, 6-Pentafluorobenzyl)Hydroxylamine hydrochloride, may have a key role in conjunction with chemometrics. Originality/value: Few works investigated both wine traceability with a volatilome enhancer and chemometrics of the Friulano wine variety obtaining such an improvement in this wine variety discrimination

Moran’s Index

Moran’s index is a measure of spatial autocorrelation

Indagine statistica sulla qualità di un negozio di haute-couture della provincia di Lecce

Negli ultimi decenni, la qualità del servizio è divenuta un'area di rilevante interesse di analisti, managers e ricercatori, per il notevole impatto esercitato dalla stessa sulla soddisfazione del cliente/utente (customer satisfaction) e conseguentemente sulla fidelizzazione e redditività di un'impresa. Al fine di garantire il raggiungimento ed il mantenimento di una leadership competitiva, un'impresa deve infatti offrire sul mercato uno standard qualitativo elevato, in grado di soddisfare le esigenze e le aspettative del cliente/utente del servizio. Nel presente lavoro è stata realizzata un'indagine campionaria al fine di valutare il livello di soddisfazione della clientela di un noto negozio di haute couture della Provincia di Lecce. L'approccio metodologico utilizzato si è basato sul modello SERVQUAL

A nonparametric spatio-temporal approach for multiple CUSUMs of evapotranspiration

In recent years, the interest in natural resources management is increased. In this context, control charts, developed to monitor and maintain quality in industrial processes, are a useful moni- toring and decision tool. In this paper, the behavior of an agro-metereological variable, named evapotranspiration, in an area of the northern part of Italy during a 25-year span (from 1992 to 2016) is studied through a nonpara- metric spatio-temporal geostatistical analysis and multiple CUSUM control charts. In particular, the probability that the variable registers an “out of control” is estimated for three decades period from the 10th to the 30th of January 2017

Spatial multivariate analysis for a global measure of aquifer salt contamination

Several environmental studies carried out in the last decades, aim at developing methodologies for the management and safeguard of groundwater resources, especially in those areas where surface water resources are totaly absent. In Lecce district (Italy), the quality and quantity of the water in the deep aquifer is endangered by both the phenomenon of urbanization and long periods of drought. Moreover, in this area the problems of groundwater exploitation and pollution are significantly increased because of salt contamination caused by seawater intrusion. In this paper, the concentrations of three water chemical constituents, which are indicative of salt contamination level, have been studied. Geostatistical and classical multivariate techniques have been used, in order to define a global measure of salt pollution and estimate values of this measure at non-sampled locations over the domain of interest

Characterization of dried and freeze-dried sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) samples with headspace gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry and evaluation of an electronic nose discrimination potential

Processed samples (air-dried @ 40 and @ 60 \ub0C and freeze-dried) of sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.), an autochthonous spice with interesting market potential, were analyzed by headspace gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry and classification capabilities of an electronic nose in discriminating between samples with stepwise forward statistics were evaluated as well. Freeze-drying process was the most preservative in terms of limiting darkening without compromising appearance of the final product, providing weight loss of about 85% and water activity below the limit for mold growth issues. Headspace analysis of samples highlighted the presence of 35 volatiles grouped as terpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated terpenes, sesquiterpen hydrocarbons, phenyl propanoids, not-terpenic aldehydes and not-terpenic ketones. Correlations emerged between selected sensors and some detected volatile organic compounds. Stepwise linear discriminant analysis and simple K-nearest neighbors obtained a 100% overall correct classification rate in cross-validation of the electronic nose in classifying samples, whereas stepwise quadratic discriminant analysis and Naive-Bayes gave 93.3%. The sea fennel could be a new interesting spice to launch in the food market and the electronic nose showed the potential to be used in monitoring the industrial process aimed at extending its shelf-life. \ua9 2018 Elsevier Lt

Inferenza statistica per gli exit-poll del 2007 in provincia di Lecce

Nell'ambito di un'indagine campionaria, il piano di campionamento riveste un ruolo fondamentale, poiché da esso dipende essenzialmente la qualità dei risultati dell'indagine stessa. In questo lavoro, dopo una breve introduzione sul campionamento statistico e sulla procedura di individuazione della numerosità ottimale nell'ambito dei problemi inferenziali su una percentuale, saranno presentati i risultati degli exit-poll riguardanti le percentuali di preferenza per il candidato sindaco eletto alle amministrative svoltesi nel maggio-giugno2007, in alcuni comuni della Provincia di Lecce. Le stime dei risultati elettorali si sono rivelate coerenti con i dati ufficiali di scrutinio finale per la maggior parte dei comuni considerati

Mid-Term Follow Up of TAPP Hernia Repair Without Staples and Glue: An Audit of the Data

Groin hernia repair by using the laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair approach presents lower post-operative pain with a quicker return to normal patient activity compared to the open technique. Nevertheless, the long learning curve, general anaesthesia, and increased costs due to devices are the arguments against TAPP. Currently, the only mesh fixation techniques are those using glue or tacks. We report the audit of two years follow-up about our experience using a self-gripping lightweight mesh Parietex ProGrip™ (Covidien, Trevoux, France). The records of 39 patients for the first 50 procedures were reported. We registered wound infection, hematoma, seroma, neuralgia, numbness, and recurrence. In our opinion, TAPP procedure with ProGrip™ mesh is a feasible procedure without using fixation devices; costs, chronic pain and recovery are improved. Moreover, in the medium-term follow-up, we are able to reduce foreign body sensation and numbness

Biopsia del linfonodo sentinella in anestesia locale nel trattamento del carcinoma mammario

Aim: Validation of oncological and reconstructive effectiveness of Nipple Sparing Mastectomy in patients affected by DCIS. Methods: Seven patients affected by DCIS, fulfilling appropriate reconstructive and oncological criteria to undergo nipple sparing subcutaneous mastectomy. The technique was offered to each women without cancerous cells at frozen section in the major ducts. All operations were performed with a two stage technique with temporary expanders and permanent implants. A contra-lateral adjustment was performed whenever required. Results: All patients were alive after a median follow-up of 5.5 years and free of disease. No patients had recurrences either in the nipple areola complex and in the cutaneous flaps. In two cases with large breast and border-line indication to the technique, we observed a partial necrosis of the nipple-areola, in a bilateral case both the expanders had to be removed for flap necrosis. Conclusions: Nipple Sparing mastectomy is a potentially safe technique even in DCIS patients with a long term follow-up. The reconstructive indications need to be carefully selected to avoid increased complications