Allergic Rhinitis in Children: An Underestimated Disease.

Allergic rhinitis affects approximately 40% of children. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, sociodemographic features, comorbid illnesses, complications and quality of life in children referred to the outpatient clinic of "Allergic Rhinitis" in Penteli Children Hospital, Athens, Greece. We analyzed 590 pediatric patients referred to the outpatient clinic of "Allergic Rhinitis" in Penteli Children Hospital, Athens, Greece from 26/01/2012 to 20/11/2022. Allergic rhinitis was recorded as the one and only allergic disease in 59% of the children diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, concomitant asthma in 16% of them, atopic dermatitis in 8% and allergic conjunctivitis in 5%. 54% of asthmatic children was diagnosed allergic rhinitis, while 16% of allergic rhinitis children was diagnosed asthma. Skin tests were important diagnostic tools, not being necessary the measurement of total IgE in plasma. Eosinophils from nasal secretions were increased in 19% of the children with non-diagnostic cases and the diagnosis was local allergic rhinitis (LAR). Clinical presentations of allergic rhinitis were mainly nasal blockage, runny nose, recurrent sneezing and nasal itching. The most common complication was acute or chronic sinusitis 35%. Major associated comorbid illnesses among were tonsils hypertrophy, adenoid hypertrophy and inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Allergic rhinitis was reported in 78% of studied children and was frequently characterized by significant morbidity. Allergic rhinitis affected all paediatric age group and was peaked at age group 11-14 years and 5-7 years. There were associated epidemiological features, clinical manifestations, comorbid illnesses, complications and affectation of the quality of life in children.

Dietary Intakes, Knowledge, and Perceptions of Semi-professional Rugby Athletes in Scotland.

Background: Adequate nutritional intake plays a pivotal role in optimizing performance, recovery, and body composition goals. This study aimed to investigate the dietary intakes (DIs); nutritional knowledge (NK); and attitudes, perceptions, and challenges (APC) of semiprofessional rugby players in Scotland. Methods: Dietary intakes and NK of 24 male semiprofessional rugby players of a Super6 club were evaluated using validated questionnaires. Players were categorized as having good or poor NK according to NK scores. Diet-related APCs were assessed using researcher-developed questionnaires and 1-1 semi-structured interviews. Results: Mean ± SD total NK% was poor, 53.7 ± 11.9%. The 'Good' NK group scored significantly higher in the Weight Management (p = 0.014), Macronutrients (p < 0.001), Micronutrients (p = 0.001), and Sports Nutrition (p < 0.001) sections. Mean DIs from food sources were 26.3 ± 9.2 kcal/kg/day energy, 1.4 ± 0.4 g/kg/day protein, and 21.7 ± 10.1 g/day fibre. Median (25th,75th) carbohydrate intake was 3.0 (2.0, 3.0) g/kg/day, and 6.3 (2.3, 10.6) units/week alcohol. Mean ± SD fat and saturated fat (SFA) % total energy intake (EI) were 36.2 ± 3.7% and 12.8 ± 1.9%, respectively, and SFA %EI exceeded recommendations (p < 0.001). The 'Good' NK group had significantly higher intakes of all macronutrients (p < 0.05). Total NK% positively correlated with intakes of meat (r = 0.556, p = 0.011), cereals (r = 0.458, p = 0.042), dietary fat (r = 0.477, p = 0.034), vegetables (r = 0.487, p = 0.030), and alcoholic beverages (r = 0.541, p = 0.014). Supplement use was 68%. Players felt diet affected performance (94%) but 31% of them were unaware of any specific nutritional strategies. A healthy diet was perceived to be 'balanced' with 'variety from all food groups. Lack of time for preparation was described as the main barrier to healthy eating. Conclusions: Overall, players had poor NK, their fibre and carbohydrate intake was suboptimal, whereas saturated fat intake exceeded recommendations. Many lacked awareness of current sports nutrition guidelines. Further nutrition education may be needed to improve diet quality and aid performance goals.

Effectiveness of nutritional and exercise interventions to improve body composition and muscle strength or function in sarcopenic obese older adults: A systematic review.

Although sarcopenic obesity (SO) poses a major public health concern, a robust approach for the optimization of body composition and strength/function in SO has not yet been established. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of nutritional (focusing on energy and protein modulation) and exercise interventions, either individually or combined, on body composition and strength/function in older adults with SO. MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus were searched. Main inclusion criteria comprised sarcopenia as defined by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) and obesity defined as % body fat ≥40% (women) and ≥28% (men). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), randomized controlled crossover trials and controlled clinical trials with older adults (mean age ≥65 years) following a nutritional regimen and/or an exercise training program were considered. Out of 109 full text articles identified, only two RCTs (61 participants) met the inclusion criteria. One study was a nutritional intervention adding 15 g protein·day-1 (via cheese consumption) to the participants' habitual diet. The second study was a high-speed circuit resistance training intervention. Body composition did not change significantly in either of the studies. However, the exercise intervention improved significantly muscle strength and physical function. Although this review was limited by the small number of eligible studies, it provides evidence for the potential benefits of exercise and highlights the necessity for future research to develop effective interventions including dietary and exercise regimens to combat sarcopenic obesity.