Martina Chimienti

Dr. Martina Chimienti

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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28 February 2023 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MCMartina Chimienti
Martina Chimienti
GMgiustino morlino
giustino morlino
FIFabio Ingravalle
Fabio Ingravalle
AVAntonio Vinci
Antonio Vinci
ECEmilio Colarusso
Emilio Colarusso
Leonardo PalombiLeonardo Palombi
Leonardo Palombi
The purpose of our study is to examine whether cancer and treatments are associated with job loss or changes in employment status. Eight prospective studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, with a population aged 18–65 years, analyzing treatment regimen and psychophysical and social status in post-cancer follow-up of at least 2 years. In the meta-analysis, a comparison was made between recovered unemployed cases and cases from a standard reference population. Results are summarized graphically using a forest plot. We showed that cancer and subsequent treatment are risk factors for unemployment with an overall relative risk of 7.24 (lnRR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.32–2.63) or for change in employment status. Individuals undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment and those with brain and colorectal cancers are more likely to develop disabilities that negatively affect the risk of unemployment. Finally, variables such as low level education, female sex, older age, and being overweight before starting therapy are associated with higher risk of unemployment. In the future, it will be necessary for people with cancer to have access to specific health, social welfare, and employment support programs. In addition, it is desirable that they become more involved in their choice of therapeutic treatment.

30 August 2025 in Vaccines
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FLFrancesco Leonforte
Francesco Leonforte
CFClaudio Fiorilla
Claudio Fiorilla
GGGabriele Giorgianni
Gabriele Giorgianni
VNVito Nicosia
Vito Nicosia
FCFabio Massimo Contarino
Fabio Massimo Contarino
AMAntonio Mistretta
Antonio Mistretta
Background/Objectives: Influenza poses a substantial global public health challenge, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure, and recent strategies in Italy emphasize the principle of “appropriateness”—the alignment of specific vaccine formulations (e.g., adjuvanted or high-dose) with targeted risk groups to optimize protection. Nevertheless, challenges persist in ensuring the consistent administration of the most suitable vaccine, particularly among high-risk individuals who would benefit most. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using data from the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 influenza vaccination campaigns of the Local Health Authority of Catania. Vaccination data were analyzed by age group and vaccine type, based on national immunization guidelines. Population categories included individuals ≥ 65 years, adults 60–64 years, adults 18–59 years (with/without chronic conditions), children, and pregnant/postpartum women. Vaccine types analyzed were aQIV, QIV-HD, QIV-SD, QIVcc, and LAIV. Descriptive statistics were used, and Relative Risk (RR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) was calculated using the 60–64 age group as a reference. Analyses were performed with Stata 18.0. Results: In 2023–2024, 78.8% of individuals ≥ 65 received recommended vaccines, compared to 100% in the 60–64 group (RR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.225–0.231). Adults 18–59, children, and pregnant/postpartum women showed ≥99% adherence. In 2024–2025, appropriateness in the ≥65 group improved to 96.1% (RR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.118–0.128). All other groups maintained high adherence (≥99%), except for 6.2% of children aged 6 months–2 years who inappropriately received LAIV. Conclusions: Despite dramatically improved vaccination appropriateness in the elderly, a persistent and critical safety issue--inappropriate administration LAIV use in 6.2% of young children—highlights the need for targeted interventions to ensure complete patient safety.

24 August 2026 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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FLFrancesco Leonforte
Francesco Leonforte
VNVito Nicosia
Vito Nicosia
MMMichelangelo Mercogliano
Michelangelo Mercogliano
ACAndrea Cavallaro
Andrea Cavallaro
GMgiustino morlino
giustino morlino
MVMassimiliano Veroux
Massimiliano Veroux
Background/Objectives: Dietary supplement (DS) use is a growing trend among university students, often influenced by non-institutional information. This study investigated the lifetime prevalence, behavioural correlates, and self-reported adverse effects of DS use according to EU regulatory definitions, evaluating how consumption frequency and product diversity relate to safety outcomes and student receptivity toward educational initiatives. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2001 students at the University of Catania. Multivariable logistic regression models were utilized to identify factors associated with lifetime DS use and favourability toward informative meetings. Results: The lifetime prevalence of DS use was 55.7%. The strongest correlate of use was self-rated knowledge, with comparable odds among moderately (OR = 4.02; 95% CI: 3.17–5.10) and well/completely informed participants (OR = 4.70; 95% CI: 3.44–6.42). Increased odds of consumption were also associated with information from health professionals (OR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.59–3.02), friends (OR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.37–2.65), and enrollment in scientific fields (OR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.23–2.35). Overall, 34.6% of users reported at least one symptom temporally associated with supplement intake. Despite these reports, 74.3% of the sample welcomed institutional meetings, with favourability among users significantly associated with daily supplement intake (OR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.23–3.14) and smoking status (OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.24–2.54). Conclusions: The results highlight a gap between high self-rated knowledge and the frequency of self-reported side effects. The strong student interest in formal guidance underscores the need for universities to integrate evidence-based nutritional and supplement-safety education into their curricula to ensure safe supplementation practices.

28 February 2026 in Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GGGiuseppina Granvillano
Giuseppina Granvillano
MMMichelangelo Mercogliano
Michelangelo Mercogliano
AVAndrea Vecchietti
Andrea Vecchietti
Giuseppa MinutoloGiuseppa Minutolo
Giuseppa Minutolo
CLCamilla Lugli
Camilla Lugli
ALAntonio Lorenzon
Antonio Lorenzon
Skin diseases affect a considerable proportion of the population worldwide, with a substantial impact on quality of life. The power of certain foods, beverages, and dietary supplements for the primary prevention of these diseases remains poorly understood and is not widely disseminated. The aim of this umbrella review was to evaluate specific nutrients in the primary prevention of skin diseases. Manuscripts were extracted from four online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane) using keywords and MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms. The inclusion criteria were general populations and high-risk but disease-free individuals, food and dietary supplementation intake, their effects on the primary prevention of skin diseases, and systematic reviews or meta-analyses. When performing a further search, other studies were included, but manuscripts regarding risk factors and diets were excluded. A total of six studies were included in this umbrella review, which covered a period between 2001 and 2023 and included a total of 9,229 participants, either in utero or aged 0-80 years old. The preventive effect of green tea catechins on ultraviolet radiation-induced erythema was highlighted, as well as the role of Lactobacillus probiotics in infant atopic eczema. Finally, niacinamide supplementation reduced the incidence of basal and squamous cell carcinoma (the major subtypes of non-melanoma skin cancer). Despite the small number of studies identified, the emerging evidence provided some insights into the primary prevention of certain skin diseases and may serve as a foundation for future studies.