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Background The present study aimed to examine how different meal and snack patterns are associated with micronutrient intakes and diet quality among a nationally representative sample of Greek children and adolescents aged 1-19 years from the cross-sectional Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (n = 598). Methods Meal and snack patterns were derived using 24-h dietary recalls. Mean adequacy ratio (MAR) was used as an overall measure of diet quality. Multiple linear regression adjusted for covariates was conducted to examine associations between eating patterns, nutrient intakes and MAR. Results Four most frequently reported eating schemes were identified including breakfast (B), lunch (L), dinner (D) and two snacks (S) (20.9%); B, L, D and 1S (16.2%); B, L, D and 3S (10.8%); and B, L and D (7.9%). Based on these schemes, the daily consumption of all main meals from the majority of the sample was highlighted. In children and adolescents aged 4-19 years, increasing snack frequency was positively associated with intakes of vitamin D, vitamin K, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folate, magnesium, copper and selenium. An inverse association was recorded for vitamin E, vitamin B6 , calcium and iron. Among children aged 1-3 years, only niacin and copper were significantly associated with number of snacks, with the group of 'B-L-D-2S' presenting the highest intake. As for the overall diet quality, among all participants, there was no significant association of MAR with the type of meal and snack pattern, and thus the snack frequency. Conclusions Snacking behaviour is a common practice among children and adolescents. Modifying current snack foods with nutrient-rich choices could lead to an improvement of their diet's nutritional quality.

Background The present study aimed to assess micronutrient intake among Greek adults and to identify the main food sources that contribute to it. Methods Food consumption data from 2389 participants in the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS), collected with 24-h recalls, was used to calculate micronutrient intakes. Usual nutrient intake was estimated according to the National Cancer Institute method. Nutrient adequacy was estimated using the estimated average requirement (EAR) cut-point method, when available, or adequate intake otherwise. The probability approach was used to determine iron intake adequacy in females of reproductive age. Food group contribution for each nutrient assessed was derived to identify their main food sources. Results Almost all individuals had vitamin D intake below EAR, whereas vitamins A, E, K and C, as well as potassium intake, were also insufficient in a considerable percentage of the population (>70% in most age groups). Calcium intake was substantially below the EAR for females aged >50 years and males >70 years; the same for magnesium in males >70 years. Furthermore, 50% of females, including those of reproductive age, had intake of folate below EAR. More than 50% of the population (to 79%) exceeded the upper tolerable limit for sodium (2300 mg day-1 ). Food contribution analysis revealed that most vitamins were derived from low-quality foods (i.e. fast-food). Conclusions A significant proportion of adults residing in Greece have low nutrient intake and poor food selections. These results provide guidance to public health policy makers for developing strategies to improve the dietary quality in Greece.

Objective Diabetes mellitus is a disease associated with many complications leading to premature death. The aim of this study was to estimate prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and the proportion of the population unaware of the condition, in association with modifiable risk factors. Study design Data from the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey were used (n = 3773 adults, 40.8% men) and were obtained by trained personnel. Methods Diabetes mellitus disease status was categorized as per the International Classification of Diseases codes (10th version). A subsample from the two main metropolitan areas was used to assess T2D and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) (n = 990; 38.2% men) from plasma analysis. Results The prevalence of T2D in the population was 5.2% in total, reaching 13.7% in adults aged >60 years (no sex differences). IFG was observed in 27.3% of adults in the two metropolitan areas, and 40% were unaware of having T2D in this subsample. The likelihood of having T2D significantly increased with age and body weight, whereas it decreased with higher educational level and physical activity (P for all Conclusion The high T2D prevalence in adults, especially among the older age-groups, suggests a major public health problem in Greece.

Objective:To assess the usual dietary intake of twenty micronutrients and to identify their food sources in a representative sample of Greek children and adolescents.Design:Cross-sectional data from the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS). Vitamin and mineral intakes were estimated from two 24 h dietary recalls by sex and age groups. Estimates were calculated using the National Research Council method and the statistical software package Stata13 to account for within- and between-person variations. The prevalence of nutrients’ inadequacy among sample was estimated using the estimated average requirement (EAR) cut-point method. The contribution of food groups to nutrient intake was estimated to identify micronutrients food sources.Setting:Greece.Participants:Children and adolescents aged 1–19 years (n 577) who provided sufficient and plausible 24-h recalls.Results:A substantial percentage of children and adolescents had insufficient intakes of numerous micronutrients. Usual intake of vitamins D, K and potassium was inadequate in practically all individuals. Vitamin A, folate, Ca and Mg were also insufficient to a considerable percentage, especially in girls aged 14–18 years. Pantothenic acid was highlighted as nutrient of interest since only one out of ten boys 9–13 years and girls 14–19 years had intake above the EAR. Data demonstrated that food groups highly ranked in energy contribution were not necessarily important sources of micronutrients.Conclusions:Results suggest that micronutrient density of Greek children and adolescents’ diet should be improved. These findings might be used by public health policy-makers to help young people optimise their food choices in Greece.

Background: Because of the increased burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD), country specific risk prediction models to forecast future CVD events and mortality are recommended, for primary prevention. The aim of this study was to recalibrate the HellenicSCORE, to accurately estimate the 10-year risk CVD mortality of Greek adults. Methods: Data from the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS) were used (N = 1012; 37.9% males). Information on age, smoking, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and total blood cholesterol from adults >40 years of age were derived following validated health survey protocols. Individual scores were calculated using these data and beta-coefficients derived from ESC SCORE. Results: Both updated HellenicSCORE II charts had lower risk estimates compared to the older version and were closer to the ESC SCORE charts, particularly at the extremes. No significant age difference by sex was observed (mean 59.5 (SD 13.1) years in total) in the population. Women had a significant higher mean total cholesterol compared to men [212.9 (39.5) vs 204.6 (41.2) mg/dl, respectively; p = 0.0343], but smoking prevalence and mean SBP was significantly higher in men [p for all

Background and aims Empirically-derived dietary patterns have been shown to have both positive and adverse associations with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Yet, such associations remain unclear in the Greek population. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between empirically-derived dietary patterns and the presence of CVD and CVD-related medical conditions in a nationally representative sample of Greek adults. Methods and results Adult participants (≥20 years old) of the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS) were included (N = 3552; 41.2% men; 43.7 years, SD: 18.1). Dietary patterns were derived by principal component analysis using 24-h recall data. The presence of dyslipidemia (elevated cholesterol and/or triglycerides), hypertension, coronary heart disease, and total CVD, was defined according to the International Clinical Diagnosis (ICD)-10 codes. Odds ratios of CVD outcomes were estimated across dietary patterns using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Three dietary patterns -Traditional (proxy Mediterranean), Western, and Prudent-were identified explaining 16.5% of the total variance in consumption. Logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, total caloric intake, sociodemographic characteristics, and other CVD risk factors, showed an inverse association between the Traditional dietary pattern and CVD presence (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.30–0.95), and a positive association between the Western pattern and dyslipidemia (1.52; 1.02–2.26). No association was found between the Prudent pattern and CVD outcomes. Conclusion The variability of food intake combinations in the Greek population seem to be associated with the presence of CVD and CVD related conditions. Such findings are imperative for national monitoring and informed priority setting.

Serum 25(OH)D deficiency is becoming an epidemic. The aim was to assess vitamin D status of the adult Greek population in relation to intake, sun exposure and other factors, using data from the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS).Data from 1084 adult participants (37.8% males) were analyzed. Vitamin D intake was assessed using 24-h recalls. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was evaluated and related to anthropometric measurements and other covariates including supplements used, by sex. Variables significantly associated with 25(OH)D 20 ng/ml were assessed using simple and multiple logistic regression.Median vitamin D intake from food was 1.23 mcg/day (0.60, 2.44), with 9.1% consuming supplements. Median serum 25(OH)D was 16.72 ng/ml, with no sex differences (P = 0.923). The odds of having 25(OH)D 20 ng/ml significantly decreased with being very active (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35, 0.98), increasing length of sun exposure [1-3 h/day (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.44, 0.80),3 h/day (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.24, 0.55)], and skin colour [light to medium skin (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.24, 0.91), fairly dark skin colour (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.17, 0.67) and dark or very dark skin colour (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.15, 0.75)], compared to respective baseline levels. The odds significantly increased with obesity (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.24, 3.08), and spring season of blood sample collection (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.22, 2.50).Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Greek adults. Relevant public health policies are highly recommended, which could include vitamin D fortification. and suggestion for increased but safe sun exposure.

Background The aim of the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey was to assess nutritional intake, health status and various behaviors in a representative sample of the Greek population. Methods Data collection took place from 01.09.2013 to 31.05.2015. Random stratified sampling was performed by (a) geographical density criteria of Greece (7 regions), (b) age group of the reference population ( 65 years) and (c) gender distribution. The final population enrolled included (throughout Greece), 4574 individuals (42.5% men; 57.5% women of who 47.2% were from Athens metropolitan area, 18.5% from Central Macedonia, and the remaining 34% almost equally scattered throughout the country (p for the comparisons with official statistics by region, age group and sex > 0.7). Questionnaires developed were based on extensive review of the literature, following a validation procedure when necessary. Results Preliminary analyses revealed that 32% of the adult population were overweight and 15.5% were obese, with significant gender differences in total and per age group (p

Hypertension is a major risk of cardiovascular diseases. This study&rsquo, s aim was to examine associations between hypertension and a priori known lifestyle risk factors, including weight status and Mediterranean diet adherence. The study included a representative sample of the adult population (N = 3775 (40.8% males)), from the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS), which took place from September 2013 to May 2015. Demographic and anthropometric data were collected using validated questionnaires, and blood pressure (BP) measurements were performed for the two main metropolitan areas (N = 1040, 41.1%). Hypertension diagnosis was according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) guidelines. Weighted proportions, extended Mantel&ndash, Haenszel (M&ndash, H) analyses, and multiple logistic regressions (for the survey data) were performed. Mean systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were 118.6 mmHg and 72.2 mmHg respectively, with both values being higher in males compared to females in all age groups (p &lt, 0.001). Study participants with hyperlipidemia or diabetes, and those overweight, were almost twice as likely to be hypertensives, with the odds increasing to 4 for those obese (p for all, &lt, 0.05). Stricter Mediterranean diet adherence significantly decreased the likelihood of hypertension by 36% (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.439, 0.943), and a significant interaction was found between Mediterranean diet adherence and weight status on hypertension. The presence of hypertension is clustered with comorbidities, but is significantly associated with modifiable risk factors, including Mediterranean diet and weight status, underlining the need for personalized medical nutritional treatment.

We have developed an automated, highly sensitive and specific method for identifying and enumerating circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in the blood. Blood samples from 10 prostate, 25 colorectal and 4 ovarian cancer patients were analysed. Eleven healthy donors and seven men with elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels but no evidence of malignancy served as controls. Spiking experiments with cancer cell lines were performed to estimate recovery yield. Isolation was performed either by density gradient centrifugation or by filtration, and the CTCs were labelled with monoclonal antibodies against cytokeratins 7/8 and either AUA1 (against EpCam) or anti-PSA. The slides were analysed with the Ikoniscope® robotic fluorescence microscope imaging system. Spiking experiments showed that less than one epithelial cell per millilitre of blood could be detected, and that fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) could identify chromosomal abnormalities in these cells. No positive cells were detected in the 11 healthy control samples. Circulating tumour cells were detected in 23 out of 25 colorectal, 10 out of 10 prostate and 4 out of 4 ovarian cancer patients. Five samples (three colorectal and two ovarian) were analysed by FISH for chromosomes 7 and 8 combined and all had significantly more than four dots per cell. We have demonstrated an Ikoniscope® based relatively simple and rapid procedure for the clear-cut identification of CTCs. The method has considerable promise for screening, early detection of recurrence and evaluation of treatment response for a wide variety of carcinomas.