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Background Pruritus often accompanies chronic skin diseases, exerting considerable burden on many areas of patient functioning; this burden and the features of pruritus remain insufficiently characterized. Objective To investigate characteristics, including localization patterns, and burden of pruritus in patients with chronic dermatoses. Methods We recruited 800 patients with active chronic skin diseases. We assessed pruritus intensity, localization, and further characteristics. We used validated questionnaires to assess quality of life, work productivity and activity impairment, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality. Results Nine out of every 10 patients had experienced pruritus throughout their disease and 73% in the last 7 days. Pruritus often affected the entire body and was not restricted to skin lesions. Patients with moderate to severe pruritus reported significantly more impairment to their sleep quality and work productivity, and they were more depressed and anxious than control individuals and patients with mild or no pruritus. Suicidal ideations were highly prevalent in patients with chronic pruritus (18.5%) and atopic dermatitis (11.8%). Conclusions Pruritus prevalence and intensity are very high across all dermatoses studied; intensity is linked to impairment in many areas of daily functioning. Effective treatment strategies are urgently required to treat pruritus and the underlying skin disease.

BACKGROUND Functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) are a common health problem in the pediatric population. Research suggests that several environmental modifiable factors, such as physical activity, growth status and dietary habits, may determine the symptoms of the disease. The aim of this pilot study was to assess whether the frequency and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms are associated with dietary intake, physical activity level and BMI in children with functional abdominal pain (FAP). METHODS The study enrolled 25 children (5-11 years old) with diagnosed FAP. Dietary intake data were collected using a 7-day food diary. Patients were asked about physical activity at school and during their free time. Participants collected information about gastrointestinal symptoms over a 2-week period. The frequencies of abdominal pain and stools were recorded as number of events per day; the severity of abdominal pain was assessed using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, and stool consistency based on the Bristol Stool Form Scale. Differences between groups were verified with the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS In the group of children with insufficient intake of fiber, abdominal pain intensity was significantly higher (median: 1.75 points/day, IQR: 1.18-2.32) than among participants with adequate intake (median: 0.29 points/day, IQR: 0.08-0.57; p = 0.006). Stool frequency was significantly lower in children who reported moderate physical activity in their free time (median: 0.86 times/day, IQR: 0.64-1.14) than in children with high free time physical activity (median: 1.36 times/day, IQR: 1.29-1.50; p = 0.031). There was no significant association between other lifestyle factors and gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that simple recommendations relative to modifiable lifestyle factors, such as diet or physical activity, may reduce abdominal pain intensity and improve stool frequency in children with FAP.

Purpose The aim of current systematic review was to update the body of evidence on associations between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and risk of cancer mortality, site-specific cancer in the general population; all-cause, and cancer mortality as well as cancer reoccurrence among cancer survivors. Methods A literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case–control and cohort studies published up to April 2020 was performed using PubMed and Scopus. Study-specific risk estimates for the highest versus lowest adherence to the MedDiet category were pooled using random-effects meta-analyses. Certainty of evidence from cohort studies and RCTs was evaluated using the NutriGrade scoring system. Results The updated search revealed 44 studies not identified in the previous review. Altogether, 117 studies including 3,202,496 participants were enclosed for meta-analysis. The highest adherence to MedDiet was inversely associated with cancer mortality (RRcohort: 0.87, 95% CI 0.82, 0.92; N = 18 studies), all-cause mortality among cancer survivors (RRcohort: 0.75, 95% CI 0.66, 0.86; N = 8), breast (RRobservational: 0.94, 95% CI 0.90, 0.97; N = 23), colorectal (RRobservational: 0.83, 95% CI 0.76, 0.90; N = 17), head and neck (RRobservational: 0.56, 95% CI 0.44, 0.72; N = 9), respiratory (RRcohort: 0.84, 95% CI 0.76, 0.94; N = 5), gastric (RRobservational: 0.70, 95% CI 0.61, 0.80; N = 7), bladder (RRobservational: 0.87, 95% CI 0.76, 0.98; N = 4), and liver cancer (RRobservational: 0.64, 95% CI 0.54, 0.75; N = 4). Adhering to MedDiet did not modify risk of blood, esophageal, pancreatic and prostate cancer risk. Conclusion In conclusion, our results suggest that highest adherence to the MedDiet was related to lower risk of cancer mortality in the general population, and all-cause mortality among cancer survivors as well as colorectal, head and neck, respiratory, gastric, liver and bladder cancer risks. Moderate certainty of evidence from cohort studies suggest an inverse association for cancer mortality and colorectal cancer, but most of the comparisons were rated as low or very low certainty of evidence.

Introduction: A diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) has been shown to reduce symptoms among adult patients and children with irritable bowel syndrome. There are no studies investigating the effectiveness of the low FODMAP diet in pediatric patients with functional abdominal pain (FAP). Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the low FODMAP diet in reducing gastrointestinal symptoms in children with FAP in comparison to the control diet based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Methods: Twenty-seven children with diagnosed FAP were randomized to 2 groups. Each group received an intervention: the low FODMAP diet or the diet based on NICE. All food was prepared and delivered by a catering company. Data regarding gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded by participants during the 2-week baseline assessment and 4-week dietary intervention. The frequencies of abdominal pain and stools were reported as a number of events per day. The severity of abdominal pain was assessed using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale. The assessment of stool consistency was based on the Bristol Stool Form Scale. Results: The tendency toward the improvement in abdominal symptoms was noted in the low FODMAP group but without statistical significance. No significant differences in stool consistency were observed in this group. The NICE group experienced significant reduction in abdominal pain intensity and frequency (p < 0.01) and improvement in stool consistency (93% reporting normal stool, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this pilot study suggest that the low FODMAP diet is not effective in the reduction of symptoms in children with FAP.

Ageing involves significant changes in skeletal muscle mass and its functioning. This study aimed to identify the major nutrient patterns (NPs) present in a sample of adult Polish women and evaluate their associations with the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI). A cross-sectional study initially recruited 527 women, and a final analysis was carried out on 275 women aged 32–60 years. Nutrient intake was assessed using fourteen repetitions of 24-hour dietary recall. NPs were derived using principal component analysis. Associations between adherence to NPs and the SMI were evaluated using linear regression models. Three NPs were identified: ‘Animal Protein-Vitamins’, ‘Fibre-Plant Protein-Minerals’ and ‘Fats’. In the adjusted model, the upper tertile compared to the bottom tertile of the ‘Animal Protein-Vitamins’ NP was related to a higher SMI (β = 0.123 95% CI: 0.019; 0.227; P for 1-SD increase of NP score = 0.009). No associations between the SMI and the ‘Fibre-Plant Protein-Minerals’ and ‘Fats’ NPs were observed. Our results indicate that high adherence to animal product-rich patterns might be related to higher muscle mass in adult women. Research on the influence of dietary and nutrient patterns on the quality of muscle tissue may contribute to the setting of guidelines for nutritional protection of skeletal muscle with ageing and, consequently, dietary recommendations that would improve the quality of women’s lives at the later stage of life.

Zearalenone (ZEN) and its metabolites, alpha-zearalenol (α-ZEL) and beta-zearalenol (β-ZEL), are ubiquitous in plant materials used as feed components in dairy cattle diets. The aim of this study was to confirm the occurrence of ZEN and its selected metabolites in blood samples collected from different sites in the hepatic portal system (posthepatic–external jugular vein EJV, prehepatic–abdominal subcutaneous vein ASV and median caudal vein MCV) of dairy cows diagnosed with mastitis, ovarian cysts and pyometra. The presence of mycotoxins in the blood plasma was determined with the use of combined separation methods involving immunoaffinity columns, a liquid chromatography system and a mass spectrometry system. The parent compound was detected in all samples collected from diseased cows, whereas α-ZEL and β-ZEL were not identified in any samples, or their concentrations were below the limit of detection (LOD). Zearalenone levels were highest in cows with pyometra, where the percentage share of average ZEN concentrations reached 44%. Blood sampling sites were arranged in the following ascending order based on ZEN concentrations: EJV (10.53 pg/mL, 44.07% of the samples collected from this site), ASV (14.20 pg/mL, 49.59% of the samples) and MCV (26.67 pg/mL, 67.35% of the samples). The results of the study indicate that blood samples for toxicological analyses should be collected from the MCV (prehepatic vessel) of clinically healthy cows and/or cows with subclinical ZEN mycotoxicosis. This sampling site increases the probability of correct diagnosis of subclinical ZEN mycotoxicosis.

Plant materials can be contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins and their derivatives, whose toxic effects on humans and animals may remain subclinical. Zearalenone (ZEN), a low-molecular-weight compound, is produced by molds in crop plants as a secondary metabolite. The objective of this study will be to analyze the in vivo correlations between very low monotonic doses of ZEN (5, 10, and 15 μg ZEN/kg body weight—BW for 42 days) and the carryover of this mycotoxin and its selected metabolites from the intestinal contents to the intestinal walls, the mRNA expression of estrogen receptor alfa (ERα) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) genes, and the mRNA expression of genes modulating selected colon enzymes (CYP1A1 and GSTP1) in the intestinal mucosa of pre-pubertal gilts. An in vivo experiment will be performed on 60 clinically healthy animals with initial BW of 14.5 ± 2 kg. The gilts will be randomly divided into a control group (group C, n = 15) and three experimental groups (group ZEN5, group ZEN10, and group ZEN15; n = 15). Group ZEN5 will be administered per os 5 μg ZEN/kg BW (MABEL), group ZEN10—10 μg ZEN/kg BW (NOAEL), and group ZEN15—15 µg ZEN/kg BW (low LOAEL). In each group, five animals will be euthanized on analytical dates 1 (exposure day 7), 2 (exposure day 21), and 3 (exposure day 42). Samples for in vitro analyses will be collected from an intestinal segment resected from the following regions: the third (horizontal) part of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, and descending colon. The experimental material will be collected under special conditions, and it will be transported to specialist laboratories where samples will be obtained for further analyses.

Simple Summary According to the available data, colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant neoplasms. Depending on the location, type of cancer or gender, it is ranked 2nd to 4th in terms of incidence in the world. CRC, year by year, shows an increasing tendency in terms of both morbidity and deaths. Many factors may be responsible for the development of this disease, including genetic and environmental factors. Considering all the aspects, we made efforts to systematize the available literature data in terms of epidemiology, risk factors, type and nature of symptoms, development stages, available and future diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Abstract This review article contains a concise consideration of genetic and environmental risk factors for colorectal cancer. Known risk factors associated with colorectal cancer include familial and hereditary factors and lifestyle-related and ecological factors. Lifestyle factors are significant because of the potential for improving our understanding of the disease. Physical inactivity, obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption can also be addressed through therapeutic interventions. We also made efforts to systematize available literature and data on epidemiology, diagnosis, type and nature of symptoms and disease stages. Further study of colorectal cancer and progress made globally is crucial to inform future strategies in controlling the disease’s burden through population-based preventative initiatives.

Summary Obesity management guidelines consistently advise aerobic training for weight loss, whereas recommendations for other training modalities are sparse. This systematic review and network meta‐analysis (NMA) aimed to compare the long‐term effects of different training modalities on anthropometric outcomes in patients with obesity. MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science were searched to identify the following: (1) randomized controlled trials (RCTs); (2) conducted in adults with a mean body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2; (3) comparing aerobic, resistance, combined, or high‐intensity interval training head‐to‐head or to control for ≥6 months; and (4) reporting changes in body weight (BW), BMI, waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), or fat‐free mass (FFM). Random‐effects NMA models were fitted in a frequentist approach. GRADE framework was used to assess certainty of evidence. Thirty‐two RCTs with 4774 participants with obesity were included in this review. Aerobic training was ranked as best for improving BW, BMI, and WC and combined training for improving FM, as well as equally with resistance training most effective for improving FFM. Low to moderate certainty of evidence supports use of aerobic training to improve anthropometric outcomes in obesity, and its combination with resistance training provides additional benefit for reducing FM and increasing FFM.

Diet plays an inevitable role in human health and disease prevention [...]

Background Sleep disturbance remains insufficiently characterized in many dermatoses. Objective To investigate the prevalence, burden, and factors associated with sleep disturbance in dermatologic patients. Methods We recruited 800 patients and recorded pruritus characteristics and sociodemographic and clinical parameters. Validated questionnaires were used to assess sleep disturbance, psychological distress, health-related quality of life, and work productivity. Results Two thirds of patients met criteria of poor sleep, which was associated with psychological distress, diminished health-related quality of life, and lost work productivity. Patients with average and maximum pruritus on the visual analog scale exceeding 5 and 6.5 points, respectively, were at high risk of suffering pruritus-related sleep disturbance. Overall pruritus intensity and its nocturnal exacerbation contributed independently to sleep disturbance. Psychological distress was of even higher impact on sleep than pruritus and almost a third of the relationship between pruritus intensity and sleep was mediated by psychological distress. Conclusion Sleep disturbance is prevalent in dermatologic patients and constitutes a considerable burden. Clinical implication Dermatologic patients with intense pruritus and psychological distress should be examined for sleep disorders. Adequate antipruritic therapy and complementary psychotherapy in affected patients may help them regain restorative sleep.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between diet quality, perception of benefits consumption, and fermented dairy product intake in a representative sample of the Polish population. The study was carried out in February 2020. 2009 men and women were randomly sampled from the representative Polish population stratified for two age groups (19–30 and 66–75 years). Dairy product intake was evaluated using a qualitative frequency questionnaire. Diet quality was assessed by calculating the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score. Perceived health benefits of dairy product consumption were assessed with a literature-based questionnaire. The Health Concern Scale was used to measure participants’ attitudes toward health. Median intake of fermented dairy products was 0.8 portion/day (IQR: 0.4–1.6). Intake of fermented dairy products was associated with higher MEDAS. We observed that people with the highest intake of fermented dairy product consumed more oils, vegetables, wine, legumes, fish and seafood, sweets and pastries, nuts, and higher preference for white meat and were more likely to report perceived benefits to maintain body weight, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve immune and dental health. Moreover, a high intake of fermented dairy products was positively related to paying more attention to health. Our study identified patterns of health behaviors associated with frequent consumption of fermented products. We observed that the intake of fermented dairy products is associated with better diet quality, consumer self-consciousness, and a greater attitude to own health.

Athletes use different combinations of weight loss methods during competition preparation. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize pre-competition weight loss models, which describe these combinations. The second aim was to determine if any existing model pose a higher risk of severe dehydration and whether any of the models could be continued as a lower-risk option. The third aim was to explore whether athletes who used different weight management strategies could be differentiated based on age, sex, training experience or anthropometric parameters. Study participants were randomly selected from Olympic taekwondo competitors and 192 athletes were enrolled. Active (47% weight-reducing athletes), passive (31%) and extreme (22%) models have been described. In the extreme model, athletes combined the highest number of different weight loss methods (3.9 &plusmn, 0.9 methods vs. 2.4 &plusmn, 0.9 in active and 1.5 &plusmn, 0.6 in passive), reduced significantly more body mass than others (6.7 &plusmn, 3.5% body mass vs. 4.3 &plusmn, 1.9% and 4.5 &plusmn, 2.4%, p &lt, 0.01) and all of them used methods with the highest risk of severe dehydration. The active and passive models could be continued as a lower-risk option, if athletes do not combine dehydrating methods and do not prolong the low energy availability phase. The extreme model carried the highest risk of severe dehydration. Every fifth weight-reducing taekwondo athlete may have been exposed to the adverse effects of acute weight loss. Taekwondo athletes, regardless of age, sex, training experience and anthropometric parameters, lose weight before the competition and those characteristics do not differentiate them between models.

The aim of this study was primarily to evaluate differences between parental opinion about the diet and overall changes in children&rsquo, s symptoms of functional abdominal pain (FAP) during the low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diet and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) diet. Secondly, this paper examined the agreement between parental perception of children&rsquo, s symptoms and children&rsquo, s self-assessment of symptoms during the diet in both treatment groups. Twenty-seven children with diagnosed functional abdominal pain (FAP) were randomized to one of two group, receiving the low FODMAP diet or the diet based on NICE guidelines. Children reported gastrointestinal symptoms at baseline and during the diet. At the end of the intervention, parents assessed their children&rsquo, s diet and symptoms changes, using Likert scales. The agreement between parental and children assessments of gastrointestinal symptoms was defined as the percentage of compatible answers. In the low FODMAP group a significantly lower percentage of parents (38%) declared that it was easy to follow the diet, compared to the NICE group (57%), (p = 0.017). A high percentage of parents in both groups reported improvement in all symptoms of children during dietary intervention. A high level of agreement was also observed between parental and children&rsquo, s self-assessment of abdominal pain intensity and frequency. Our research suggests that in parental opinion the low FODMAP diet is as effective as the diet based on NICE guidelines in children with FAP. However, the low FODMAP diet may seem more difficult to follow, and this may have had an impact on the effectiveness and acceptability of the FODMAP diet by children.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and lethal types of cancer worldwide. The developing of this disease includes many factors such as genetic, socioeconomic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, and nutrition habits. The aim of the study is the determination of zearalenone and its metabolite level in the biological samples of participants at risk of CRC, in relation to the nutrition data and information on the quality of life dependent on health. In the cohort clinical trial, 150 participants aged between 50 and 65 will be studied. The participants will be assigned into two groups depending on the colonoscopy result. Participants will be tested at dietary intake, quality of life, sleep time and quality, stress level as well as biochemical parameters of the blood. Moreover, in the biological samples, concentration of zearalenone and its metabolites (α-zearalenol and β-zearalenol) as well as the characteristics of gastrointestinal bacterial will be determined, and the end of the trial for both groups and their results will be compared. Taking into account the possible effect of mycotoxins and nutrition habits on the development of cancer, the results obtained may allow the formulation of new nutritional recommendations and reduce the development and occurrence of CRC.

The role of nutritional status of pregnant women and birth outcomes is ambiguous. Recent studies show that pre-pregnancy body weight is equally important as weight gain during pregnancy. Body mass index (BMI) is the most accessible and easy to check a nutritional status index, which may help to control the gestation and predict infant health outcome. This study aimed to examine the associations between pre-pregnancy body mass index and the infant birth parameters. A presented observational study was offered to 200 pregnant women from Antenatal Clinic at Jersey General Hospital in 2017. Total number of 83 women agreed to take part in this project. Diet, lifestyle, socio-economic, and demographic data were obtained from participants. Delivery and birth data were taken from hospital records. Offspring feeding data and selected anthropometric measurements for mothers and their newborns were also collected. Differences between BMI for delivery type and way of feeding were verified with chi-square test. Differences and correlation between maternal BMI and newborn outcomes were verified with Kruskal-Wallis’ test and Spearman's rank test. Mean BMI of mothers included to the study was 22.8 ± 4.4 with mean weight 61.9 ± 11.6. Before pregnancy BMI was normal in 67% women and about 23% was overweight or obese. We do not observed differences between delivery type and way of feeding during first 48 hours, and women in BMI categories. Also no differences and correlation were observed for the Apgar score, gestational age of birth, and newborn's weight and length at birth. However, newborn weight correlated with newborn length (r = 0.433) and gestational age (r = 0.568) at birth. Concluding, the maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was not correlated with type of delivery, way of feeding and newborn outcomes. Previous studies show that high pre-pregnancy maternal BMI may be associated with adverse offspring outcomes at birth and later life. Future extended research is needed to explain these relations, with inclusion of the specific factors as maternal diet, lifestyle and ethnicity.

It is estimated that in Central and Eastern Europe 8–12% of men are infertile, and in the case of 20% of infertile couples in the region, indicates a 56% part of the malefactor in the occurrence of infertility. Numerous studies have shown that a healthy diet with a high intake of fish and seafood, poultry, vegetables, fruits, legumes, through the high content of antioxidants are associated with better parameters of semen quality and reduced risk of asthenozoospermia. Men's diets may affect spermatogenesis as reflected in semen quality indicators, but the literature on the relation between meat intake and semen quality is limited. Our objective was to prospectively examine the relation between meats including red, poultry, proceesed and fish and indicators of semen quality. Men in subfertile couples presenting for evaluation at the Olsztyn Hospital Fertility Center were invited to participate in an ongoing study of environmental factors and fertility. This cross-sectional study was carried out in 208 men aged 18–55 years from Northern-Eastern Poland. Semen samples were collected at the clinic and analyses were performed by an experienced technician. Semen microscopic measurements were determined with the use of computer-aided semen analysis (CASA) and evaluated according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. A total of men completed a validated food-frequency questionnaire and subsequently provided semen samples. We used linear mixed regression models to examine the relation between meat intake and semen quality indicators (total sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility, morphology, and semen volume) while adjusting for potential confounders. After adjustment for age, BMI, physical activity, residence place and education, one serving increase in intake of processed meat was associated with a 56% higher risk of abnormal progressive sperm motility (OR = 1.56 95%CI:1.09–2.21). Consuming processed meat may have a negative impact on sperm counts and morphology. Potentially, these products may be a significant source of saturated and trans fatty acids, xenobiotics, mainly xenoestrogen, and steroids. Is need to clarify the potential effect of meat products, especially processed meat, on male reproductive potential in RCTs or longitudinal studies. Future findings may be useful to establish a more precise recommendation connected with red and processed meat intake in the context of reproductive health.

Semen quality is a key indicator of male fecundity and therefore is closely related to male fertility. In recent decades a significant decrease of semen parameters was observed worldwide. Except for environmental pollution, low physical activity, body weight and comorbidities, unhealthy diet was linked to semen quality decline. Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) due to its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, is considered as beneficial for semen. However, results of existing studies are inconclusive. The aim of this review was to pool associations between adherence to the MedDiet and semen quality parameters in observational studies. Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase and Scopus were searched until April 2019 with no restriction to language or time. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they filled following criteria: (1) observational design (retrospective or prospective), (2) adherence to MedDiet assessed using score or data-driven method and (3) semen quality parameters (total motility, progressive motility, total count, concentration or volume) as outcomes. Mean differences or odds ratios of abnormal semen parameters between the highest and lowest quintiles of MedDiet were converted to standardized mean differences (SMD). Random effects models with inverse variance method were used to pool differences. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q test and I2 statistic with value > 50% indicating substantial heterogeneity. Five cross-sectional studies extracted from 840 articles, met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Higher adherence to MedDiet compared to lower adherence was associated with increased total (SMD = 0.59 95%CI: 0.12–1.06, I2 = 80%, pheterogenity < 0.01, n = 4) and progressive (SMD = 0.53 95%CI: 0.16–0.91, I2 = 0%, pheterogenity = 0.94, n = 2) sperm motility. No associations were observed between adherence to MedDiet and total sperm count (SMD = 0.14 95%CI: -0.20–0.48, I2 = 70%, pheterogenity < 0.01, n = 5), concentration (SMD = 0.22 95%CI: -0.04–0.47, I2 = 48%, pheterogenity = 0.10, n = 5), volume (SMD = 0.02 95%CI: -0.20–0.25, I2 = 21%, pheterogenity = 0.28, n = 5), as well as morphology (SMD = -0.10 95%CI: -0.36–0.16, I2 = 38%, pheterogenity = 0.18, n = 4). The results suggest that higher adherence to the MedDiet may have a protective effect on semen quality, probably by increased intake of antioxidant-rich products. Limitations of findings include substantial between-study heterogeneity and use of cross-sectional design. Beneficial effects of the MedDiet on semen quality have to be confirmed in further prospective studies.

Breakfast is considered to be the most important meal of the day, which significantly contributes to overall dietary quality. Global trends suggest a decline in breakfast consumption frequency in all age groups over the years. Breakfast skipping is associated with increased risk of weight gain, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, which are crucial risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Regular breakfast consumption as a modifiable risk factor might be of great interest for cardiovascular prevention. Several prospective cohort studies showed contradictory findings on breakfast skipping and CVD risk. To the best knowledge of authors, this topic was not covered by any previous meta-analysis. Therefore, this review aimed to summarise the evidence on the association between breakfast skipping and CVD risk in prospective studies with particular emphasis on dose-response relationship and quality of existing evidence. A comprehensive search of the literature was performed using PubMed and Embase databases until February 2019, with no restriction to language and date. Inclusion criteria were as following: (1) participants aged ≥ 18 years, (2) prospective design, (3) information about breakfast consumption/skipping frequency and (4) outcome is the risk of CVD including coronary heart disease, stroke or heart failure. For high versus low comparison, random effects model was applied using the inverse variance method. Greenland-Longenecker method was used to conduct linear dose-response meta-analysis. Potential nonlinear association were examined using restricted cubic splines model. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Cochrane Q test and I2 statistic with value > 50% indicating substantial heterogeneity. Quality of evidence was assessed using NutriGrade tool. Out of 877 records identified in the literature search, four prospective cohort studies with 7258 CVD cases were included. Comparing breakfast skipping to regular breakfast consumption, there was a positive association with CVD risk (RR = 1.17 95%CI: 1.02–1.34, I2 = 39%, pheterogenity = 0.14). In linear dose-response meta-analysis, each additional day of breakfast skipping was related to 2% higher risk of CVD (RR = 1.02 95%CI: 1.00–1.04, I2 = 15%, pheterogenity = 0.31, n = 3). No non-linear association was observed (pnon-linearity = 0.53, n = 3). The quality of evidence for these associations was rated as low. This review indicated that breakfast skipping is associated with increased risk of CVD. Potential implementation of these findings in cardiovascular prevention has to consider low trust in existing evidence. Further prospective studies on this topic have to focus on the type of foods and meals consumed during breakfast, as well as BMI mediation.

The influence of individual lifestyle factors is widely described in studies on semen quality. However, their synergistic effect is often neglected. The aim of the study was to examine the association between semen quality and dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet, physical activity (PA), and the two separately and in combination. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 207 men aged 20&ndash, 55. Dietary data were collected by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and analysed according to the DASH scoring index. Physical activity was evaluated by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Semen parameters were assessed via the computer-aided semen analysis (CASA). Adherence to the DASH diet was associated with higher sperm count (&Delta, T3-T1 = 82.1 mln/ej) and concentration (&Delta, T3-T1 = 24.6 mln/mL). Higher PA was related to higher sperm count (&Delta, T3-T1 = 69.4 mln/ej), total (&Delta, T3-T1 = 11.9%), and progressive motility (&Delta, T3-T1 = 8.5%) and morphology (&Delta, T3-T1 = 2.8%) in the crude model and remained significant after adjustment. The combination of the DASH diet and PA, was significantly positively associated with sperm count (&Delta, T3-T1 = 98.1 mln/ej), sperm concentration (&Delta, T3-T1 = 17.5 mln/mL), total (&Delta, T3-T1 = 11.8%), and progressive motility (&Delta, T3-T1 = 10.0%) and morphology (&Delta, T3-T1 = 3.3%) in both models. Adherence to the DASH diet was related to higher sperm count and concentration, whereas after its combination with physical activity it was also positively correlated with sperm motility and morphology.

The etiology of diminished sperm quality in about 30% of male infertility cases generally remains unexplained. Some studies have suggested that specific nutritional factors can affect semen quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate an association between dietary patterns (DPs) and the risk of abnormal semen quality parameters in men. This cross-sectional study was carried out in 114 men aged 20&ndash, 55 years from Poland. Semen parameters were assessed via computer-aided semen. Diet was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). DPs were derived using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Two DPs were derived: Pro-healthy and Western. After adjusting for potential confounders, the risk of abnormal progressive motility was significantly higher in the middle (OR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.03&ndash, 8.09) and upper (OR: 7.78, 95% CI: 1.52&ndash, 15.06) tertiles of the Western DP. A trend for increased risk of the abnormal total count, progressive motility, and morphology (P-trend &lt, 0.050) was found in Western DP. To conclude, the Western DP may increase the risk of abnormal semen parameters, whereas no association was found in the case of Pro-healthy DP. These findings stand in contrast to an increasing number of research findings indicating a positive relation between intake of healthy foods or diet and semen quality parameters. The results highlight the need to study whether modifications in diet and lifestyle factors improve semen quality.

A child's diet has an important impact on their quality of life, and with functional gastrointestinal disorders becoming an increasing issue, a child's diet has become recognised as an area to be investigated in how to treat such disorders. Katarzyna Miroslawa Boradyn and Katarzyna Eufemia Przybylowicz from the University of Warmia and Mazury explore the potential of a low FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) diet as an effective treatment for these disorders.Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) are one of the most prevalent disorders diagnosed by paediatricians.[1] Within this wide range, functional abdominal pain (FAP) is a disorder particularly common among school-age children and it can substantially affect their quality of life.[2] A child's diet has a significant influence on the occurrence of symptoms.[1] So far, previously tested therapies have not provided an effective treatment that would alleviate the symptoms and improve the microbiota.[2] Researchers from Monash University in Australia developed a diet based on the elimination, or at least a reduction, of foods high in FODMAP. These compounds are characterised by high resistance to digestion, low level of absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and long fermentation in the gut.[1],[3] Depending on the type of sugar, FODMAPs are found in various foods. Fructo-oligosaccharides are contained among others in wheat, rye, onions, garlic and artichokes and galacto-oligosaccharides are a component of legumes. Lactose is mainly found in milk and other dairy products. The richest food sources of fructose are honey, apples, pears, watermelon and mango; and of sorbitol are: stone fruits, apples, pears and sugar-free mints/gum. Mannitol is found in sugar-free mints/gum and is also one of the components in mushrooms and cauliflower.[4]Existing evidence suggests that the use of a low FODMAP diet is associated with the reduction of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease and coexisting functional symptoms.[3],[4] Moreover, an experimental study in children confirmed that a low FODMAP diet reduced abdominal pain in children with IBS by 50%.[1] Interestingly, to our knowledge, no previous studies have investigated the impact of low FODMAP diet in children with FAP.Currently, two approaches have been suggested in planning a low FODMAP diet: bottom-up and top-down. The bottom-up method allows you to specify the patient's limit of FODMAP and is a gradual elimination of single products (or groups of products) from the diet until the symptoms have been alleviated. This progressive method can be applied in (1) patients who have not been diagnosed with IBS, but experience symptoms affecting their life quality; (2) patients who have already started elimination of other components from their diet; or (3) patients who struggle to follow a diet low in FODMAP. …

Univ Sao Paulo InCorHCFMUSP Cardiol, Fac Med, Inst Coracao, Programa Posgrad Ciencias, Sao Paulo, Brazil

The aim of the work was to compare models of food eating by mothers and their daughters. The study included 97 pairs of mothers (43.3±6.0 years old) and their daughters (16.0±3.1 years old). Food intake was described by food frequency intake method using the calibrated FFQ questionnaire. Products were aggregated into 15 groups using the factor analysis and the tree diagram. Using the clusters analysis separately for mothers and daughters clusters were separated, that corresponded with characteristic eating models. Significant correlation between the amount of food eaten by mothers and daughters was proven for all 15 groups of products (from 0.25 to 0.57; p

BACKGROUND Epidemiological research has identified a relationship between maternal physical activity, early nutrition and infant birth weight with likelihood of developing future diseases. The aim of the study was to determine a relationship between gestational weight gain and physical activity during pregnancy to the nutritional status of newborns. MATERIAL AND METHODS The presented study was conducted in the period from February 2010 until November 2012 in the gynecological and obstetric clinics in Warminsko-Mazurskie voivodeship with various levels of reference. The research subjects included 510 women in the puerperal period aged 18-36. The scope of the research included an assessment of the selected anthropometric parameters of both pregnant women (body mass, height, BMI, gestational weight gain) and newborns (infant birth weight, infant length, Ponderal Index), as well as an analysis of the connections between the gestational weight gain, physical activity during pregnancy and anthropometric parameters of newborns. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS In the study group there was a significant percentage of women characterised by an inactive lifestyle and excessive gestational weight gain. There were significantly higher neonatal birth anthropometric parameters in women with abnormal excessive gestational weight gain than in women with normal and inappropriate - low gestational weight gain. The highest percentage of women with appropriate weight gain was observed in the group of women who are physically active, although this requires confirmation in larger population. Our studies have not shown statistically significant differences between the gestational weight gain and nutritional status of newborns in relation to the level of physical activity of pregnant women.