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Background: Capsule endoscopy (CE) has become a widespread modality for non-invasive evaluation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, with several CE models having been developed throughout the years. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate performance measures such as completion, detection and retention rates of CE. Methods: Literature through to August 2021 was screened for articles regarding all capsule types: small bowel, double-headed capsule for the colon or PillCam®Crohn's capsule, magnetically-controlled capsule endoscopy, esophageal capsule and patency capsule. Primary outcomes included detection rate (DR), completion rate (CR) and capsule retention rate (RR). DR, CR and RR were also analyzed in relation to indications such as obscure GI bleeding (OGIB), known/suspected Crohn's disease (CD), celiac disease (CeD), neoplastic lesions (NL) and clinical symptoms (CS). Results: 328 original articles involving 86,930 patients who underwent CE were included. OGIB was the most common indication (n = 44,750), followed by CS (n = 17,897), CD (n = 11,299), NL (n = 4989) and CeD (n = 947). The most used capsule type was small bowel CE in 236 studies. DR, CR and RR for all indications were 59%, 89.6% and 2%, respectively. According to specific indications: DR were 55%, 66%, 63%, 52% and 62%; CR were 90.6%, 86.5%, 78.2%, 94% and 92.8%; and RR were 2%, 4%, 1%, 6% and 2%. Conclusions: Pooled DR, CR and RR are acceptable for all capsule types. OGIB is the most common indication for CE. Technological advancements have expanded the scope of CE devices in detecting GI pathology with acceptable rates for a complete examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoride (F-) is the most reactive ion present in the human environment. It is commonly known to occur in bones and teeth, and it is used in the prevention of caries. If supplied in excess, fluoride has a toxic effect. In extreme cases, fluoride intoxication may lead to serious illnesses such as the fluorosis of teeth and bones. The aim of the study was to analyse correlations between the content of F- in hair and environmental factors, nutritional habits and anthropometric data of men and women from various regions of Poland. The level of fluoride was measured in the hair samples from n = 565 people (n = 273 women and n = 292 men, 16.9 to 73.2 years old) using the potentiometric method and an ion-selective electrode. The researchers carried out surveys regarding the personal characteristics of the participants and their nutritional habits. In our study, we demonstrated that despite the use of filters and devices that limit the entry of pollutants into the environment, 15% of the volunteers taking part in our study manifested fluoride values at the same level as employees of an aluminium factory who were exposed to this element due to their place of work. 68% of the examined persons belonged to the category classified as having a moderately increased level of fluoride accumulated in hair. Factors such as the gender, size of the village/town and anthropometric conditions did not significantly influence the level of fluoride in hair, unlike the location of one's residence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Functional gastrointestinal disorders are prevalent worldwide and alterations of gutbrain axis and intestinal barrier integrity may play a pivotal role in both the pathophysiology and clinical course of these bowel malfunctions. We aimed to assess the prevalence of abdominal pain in a selected adult population of Poland to determine potential environmental factors associated with gastrointestinal complaints. Methods: There were 1479 individuals - 657 women (44.42%) and 822 men (55.58%), aged 24.20±6.08 years. The responders fulfilled an authors' questionnaire based on Rome II and III criteria focused on the abdominal pain prevalence and environmental factors involved in its occurrence. Results: The frequency of abdominal pain was found to be as high as 19.2%. Male gender (n=822) and basic education level (n=151) lowered the risk of abdominal pain occurrence (OR=0.7, p<0.012 and OR=0.5, p<0.021, respectively). Psychological distress, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antibiotics usage were found as risk factors of abdominal pain (OR=2.503, p<0.01; OR=3.308, p<0.01; OR=3.105, p<0.01, respectively). Conclusions: Abdominal pain is prevalent in young adult inhabitants of Poland, especially in women. Intense psychological stress, as well as PPIs and antibiotics usage elevate the risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vegetables and fruit are an essential part of a healthy and balanced diet. It has been shown that regular consumption of fruit and vegetables can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. However, in the past 8 years fruit and vegetable consumption among Polish youth has significantly decreased., Materials and Methods: Patients involved in the project were participants of the Woodstock Festival Poland 2014. During three days of the festival, 615 young adults (18–35 years) were enrolled in the study. The study participants had to fill in a questionnaire that included questions about the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption, portion sizes, and knowledge of the recommended daily intake. We also measured basic anthropometric parameters., Results: The data from our study showed that 97.6% of respondents consumed fewer than 4 servings of vegetables and fruit. In addition 39% of them ate 2 or fewer vegetable servings per day. We found that men ate significantly less fruit and fewer vegetables than women (p < 0.05). Additionally, almost 75% of men responded that proper consumption of fruit and vegetables should be at the level of 2–3 servings, and only 22.3% of them said that the proper level is 4–5 servings., Conclusions: We need to keep in mind that only clear information about vegetables and fruit, as well as highlighting the importance of the principles of nutrition, can give effective results in the future. It also appears that nutritional education should be conducted not only at the early stages of development but also in adolescents.