Health-Related quality of life by 31-item Cervantes scale in breast cancer survivors undergoing adjuvant endocrine therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Instruments to manage adverse effects of endocrine therapy with Aromatase inhibitors (AI) may improve adherence and persistence to treatment and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL). The 31-item Cervantes Scale (CS-31) is an HRQL questionnaire with particularities of the perimenopausal and postmenopausal period that could be an appropriate instrument to assess HRQL in Breast Cancer (BC) survivors. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to perform additional validation of the CS-31 for BC survivors undergoing adjuvant endocrine therapy. METHODS: This prospective study was performed at three time points named T0, T1, and T2: initial, intermediate, and final follow-up period, respectively, totaling 24 months of follow-up. At each time point, the participants completed the CS-31, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue (FACIT-F), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The internal consistency, construct validity, responsiveness analyses, and known-group validity of CS-31 were evaluated. RESULTS: This study included 89 postmenopausal women diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive early BC in adjuvant endocrine therapy with AI. The internal consistency was good (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89). Construct validity received a positive rating, with 100% of results consistent with prior hypotheses. A prospective improvement in HRQL was identified for the CS-31 Global Score and FACIT-F Total Score and for most of their domains. Furthermore, women with anxiety and depression by HADS presented worse HRQL by CS-31. CONCLUSION: The authors identified that the CS-31 seems to be appropriate for use in oncology medical routine and may help to monitor adverse effects and HRQL of BC survivors during adjuvant endocrine therapy.

Association between sleep duration and quality with food intake, chrononutrition patterns, and weight gain during pregnancy.

To analyse the association between sleep duration and quality with food intake, chrononutrition patterns, and weight gain during pregnancy. A prospective cohort study was conducted with 100 pregnant women. Data collection occurred once during each gestational trimester. The assessment of sleep quality and duration was performed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Food intake was assessed using three 24-h recalls in each trimester. Body weight was measured during the three trimesters, and height was measured only once to calculate the BMI. Linear regression analyses were performed to associate sleep duration and quality with food consumption and weight gain variables. Longer sleep duration was associated with a later dinner in the first trimester (ß = 0·228, P = 0·025) and earlier in the third trimester (ß = -0·223, P = 0·026), in addition to a later morning snack in the second trimester (ß = 0·315, P = 0·026). Worse sleep quality was associated with higher total energy intake (ß = 0·243, P = 0·044), total fat (ß = 0·291, P = 0·015) and the chrononutrition variables such as a higher number of meals (ß = 0·252, P = 0·037), higher energetic midpoint (ß = 0·243, P = 0·044) and shorter fasting time (ß = -0·255, P = 0·034) in the third trimester. Sleep quality was also associated with a higher BMI in the first trimester of pregnancy (ß = 0·420, P = < 0·001). Most of the associations found in the present study show that poor sleep is associated with higher energy and fat intake and higher BMI. Longer sleep duration was associated with a later dinner in early pregnancy and an earlier dinner in late pregnancy, as well as with a later morning snack in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Is the Caloric Midpoint Associated with Food Cravings and Food Intake in Pregnant Women?

Objective: The field of chrononutrition suggests that mealtime can influence food intake. Previous studies have linked the caloric midpoint - defined as the time at which 50% of the daily energy is consumed - with different aspects of food consumption. However, its relationship with food craving remains unexplored. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between caloric midpoint, food craving, and food consumption in pregnant women.Methods: The study comprised 233 pregnant women classified as early eaters (caloric midpoint ≤ 1:00pm) and late eaters (caloric midpoint >1:00pm). Food craving were assessed using Food Craving Trait and State Questionnaires. Energy and nutrient intake, as well as mealtimes, were assessed using a 24-h food recall.Results: No association between caloric midpoint and food craving was found. However, late eaters consumed more calories (2039.47 kcal vs 1843.44 kcal; p < 0.001), carbohydrates (255.06 g vs 211.12 g; p = 0.002), total fat (73.1 g vs 64.8 g; p = 0.003), monounsaturated fat (21.33 mg vs 18.59 mg; p = 0.002) and saturated fat (24.37 mg vs 22.21 mh; p = 0.01) and had higher consumption of calories and macronutrients in the first (calories: 275.63 vs 213.41, p = 0.007; carbohydrate: 170.42 vs 142.54, p = 0.01; total fat: 56.49 vs 50.17, p = 0.04) and second (calories: 213.21 vs 151.59, p = 0.04; carbohydrate: 130.44 vs 96.6, p = 0.04; protein: 15.17 vs 13.71, p = 0.03) afternoon snack, dinner (calories: 576.89 vs 412.4, p < 0.001; carbohydrate: 230.76 vs 169.45, p < 0.001; protein: 80.48 vs 68.9, p = 0.02; total fat: 212.77 vs 147.12, p < 0.001) and late-night snack (calories: 135.75 vs 68.3, p = 0.04; total fat: 13.23 vs 22.45, p = 0.04) than early eaters.Conclusion: Pregnant women who concentrate their meals at later times consumed more calories, macro and micronutrients throughout the day and in the night meals when compared to early eaters.

Health-Related quality of life by 31-item Cervantes scale in breast cancer survivors undergoing adjuvant endocrine therapy

ABSTRACT Introduction Instruments to manage adverse effects of endocrine therapy with Aromatase inhibitors (AI) may improve adherence and persistence to treatment and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL). The 31-item Cervantes Scale (CS-31) is an HRQL questionnaire with particularities of the perimenopausal and postmenopausal period that could be an appropriate instrument to assess HRQL in Breast Cancer (BC) survivors. Objective This study aimed to perform additional validation of the CS-31 for BC survivors undergoing adjuvant endocrine therapy. Methods This prospective study was performed at three time points named T0, T1, and T2: initial, intermediate, and final follow-up period, respectively, totaling 24 months of follow-up. At each time point, the participants completed the CS-31, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue (FACIT-F), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The internal consistency, construct validity, responsiveness analyses, and known-group validity of CS-31 were evaluated. Results This study included 89 postmenopausal women diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive early BC in adjuvant endocrine therapy with AI. The internal consistency was good (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89). Construct validity received a positive rating, with 100% of results consistent with prior hypotheses. A prospective improvement in HRQL was identified for the CS-31 Global Score and FACIT-F Total Score and for most of their domains. Furthermore, women with anxiety and depression by HADS presented worse HRQL by CS-31. Conclusion The authors identified that the CS-31 seems to be appropriate for use in oncology medical routine and may help to monitor adverse effects and HRQL of BC survivors during adjuvant endocrine therapy.

Time-Related Eating Patterns Are Associated with the Total Daily Intake of Calories and Macronutrients in Day and Night Shift Workers.

The aim of the study was to investigate whether time-related eating patterns are associated with the daily intake of calories and macronutrients in Brazilian male military police officers (n = 81; 29-day and 52-night workers; mean age: 36.4 ± 0.9 and 38.5 ± 0.7 years, respectively). Energy and macronutrient intake were determined by a non-consecutive 3-day food recall. Time-related eating patterns, such as the time of the first and the last meals, eating duration, and caloric midpoint, were evaluated. Individuals were classified as "early" or "late" eaters according to the median caloric midpoint. Night shift workers showed a later eating time for the last meal (p < 0.001), longer eating duration (p < 0.001), and later caloric midpoint (p = 0.037) than day workers. Late eaters from both workgroups consumed more 24 h energy (p = 0.028), fat in calories (p = 0.006) and protein (calories: p < 0.001; percentage of total calories: p = 0.042), and less carbohydrates in calories (p = 0.010) intake than early eaters. The time of the first meal was negatively correlated with 24 h energy (p = 0.024) and carbohydrate (p = 0.031) intake only in day workers. The time of the last meal was positively correlated with 24 h energy (day workers: ß = 0.352; p = 0.044; night workers: ß = 0.424; p = 0.002) and protein (day workers: ß = 0.451; p = 0.013; night workers: ß = 0.536; p < 0.001) intake for both shift workers, and with carbohydrate (ß = 0.346; p = 0.016) and fat (ß = 0.286; p = 0.042) intake only in night workers. Eating duration was positively correlated with energy (day workers: ß = 0.473; p = 0.004; night workers: ß = 0.320; p = 0.023) and carbohydrate (day workers: ß = 0.418; p = 0.011; night workers: ß = 0.364; p = 0.010) intake in both groups. Thus, time-related eating patterns indicative of intake later at night are associated with increased daily energy and macronutrient intake.

Is chronotype associated with dietary intake and weight gain during pregnancy? A prospective and longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: The effects of chronotype on dietary intake and weight gain during pregnancy have not been addressed in the literature. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of chronotype on eating patterns, energy, and macronutrient intake and distribution, as well as weight gain during pregnancy. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study carried out with 100 pregnant women in the first, second, and third gestational trimesters. Dietary intake was assessed by three 24-h dietary recalls in each trimester, totaling nine recalls. Energy and macronutrient intake and distribution were evaluated at meals throughout the day. Chronotype was derived from midsleep time on free days, and the scores obtained were categorized into tertiles. Recommendations from the Institute of Medicine were used to assess the adequacy of weight gain. Generalized estimating equation models were used to determine the effects of chronotype and gestational trimester on eating patterns, daily energy, macronutrient distribution, and weight gain. RESULTS: Pregnant women with values for midsleep time on free days indicative of eveningness have breakfast later and also have higher energy and carbohydrate intake at dinner than "morning" women. Pregnant "morning" women showed better diet quality in terms of milk and dairy and saturated fat. Also, despite the tendency for all tertiles to gain excess weight during pregnancy, we found that pregnant women with a tendency to eveningness had worse adequacy of gestational weight gain in the third trimester than "morning" women (2.24 ± 0.25 versus 1.22 ± 0.14, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pregnant women with a tendency to eveningness consume breakfast later in the day and exhibit greater consumption of energy and carbohydrates in the evening, as well as a worse standard of gestational weight gain in the third trimester. Our results emphasize the importance of considering chrononutrition variables in prenatal nutritional guidelines to promote maternal and fetal health.

Circadian misalignment measured by social jetlag from early to late pregnancy and its association with nutritional status: a longitudinal study.

A mismatch between circadian and social clocks leads to a circadian misalignment, which has been widely measured by social jetlag (SJL). There are several studies measuring SJL, but it has not been studied in pregnant women. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the occurrence of SJL throughout pregnancy and to verify whether there is an effect of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) on SJL throughout pregnancy. The baseline of the present study was conducted with 205 1st trimester pregnant women of whom 100 were followed in their 2nd and 3rd trimester. SJL was calculated based on the absolute difference between mid-sleep time on workdays versus work-free days. The pre-pregnancy BMI and current BMI (kg/m2) were calculated. Linear regression and Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE) adjusted for confounders were used to determine the association between SJL and the gestational trimesters (time), and anthropometric variables. Most of the pregnant women (54.5%) presented SJL > 1 h in the first gestational trimester. We also found an isolated effect of the gestation trimester on the SJL mean. In this sense, pregnant women had a decrease in SJL from the second to the third trimester (1.33 ± 0.08 versus 1.12 ± 0.07, respectively; p = 0.012). GEE analyzes showed that pregnant women of a normal weight showed a decrease in SJL from the second to the third trimester (1.29 ± 0.11 and 0.93 ± 0.08, respectively, p = 0.032), but this was not found in the other groups of nutritional status (underweight, overweight and obesity). In addition, a positive association between SJL and pre-gestational BMI in the third trimester (ß = 0.200, p = 0.046) was found. SJL is quite prevalent during the gestational period and excessive BMI both before and during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of having SJL > 1 h in the third and second trimesters, respectively. In addition, pregnant women of normal weight-but not underweight or overweight-had decreased SJL from the second to the third trimester.

Oral Nutritional Supplementation Affects the Dietary Intake and Body Weight of Head and Neck Cancer Patients during (Chemo) Radiotherapy.

Considering the symptoms of (chemo) radiotherapy and the reduction in food intake in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, this study aimed to investigate the association between treatment time points and oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) on dietary intake to estimate the frequency of energy and nutrient inadequacy, and also to evaluate body weight changes (BWC). Dietary intake data of 65 patients were obtained from 24-h dietary recalls and prevalence of inadequacy was calculated before or at the beginning (T0), in the middle (T1), and at the end of treatment (T2). BWC were calculated as the weight difference considering the previous weight reported and/or measured. Energy and macronutrient intake decreased in T1 and then improved in T2 (p < 0.001 for both). Micronutrient intake increased during treatment due to ONS use, but still presented a high probability of inadequate intake. In particular, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6 showed almost 100% of probability of inadequacy for those who did not use ONS. Finally, overweight patients suffered a higher weight accumulated deficit with a delta of -15 kg compared to other BMI (body mass index) categories. Therefore, we strongly recommend initiating nutritional counseling in conjunction with prophylactic ONS prescription from diagnosis to adjust nutrient intake and minimize weight loss.

Higher energy intake at night effects daily energy distribution and contributes to excessive weight gain during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of nighttime energy intake on daily energy and macronutrient distribution and weight gain during pregnancy. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study carried out with 100 pregnant women and the data collection occurred once per trimester. A dietary intake was assessed by three 24-h dietary recalls in each trimester, totaling nine dietary recalls. The distribution of energy and macronutrient intake was evaluated at meals throughout the day in each trimester and overall pregnancy. Women were classified as having "lower" or "higher" nighttime intake (1900 to 0559) if consumption in this period were below or above the median of the population, respectively, for at least two trimesters. Recommendations from the Institute of Medicine were used to assess the adequacy of weight gain. Generalized estimating equation models were used to determine the effects of nighttime intake and gestational trimesters on daily energy distribution and weight gain. RESULTS: In overall pregnancy, the higher group consumed a higher percentage of energy and macronutrients in the evening meals, and less energy, proteins, and lipids in morning meals when compared with the lower group. Also, women in the higher group had greater excessive weight gain in the third trimester compared with the lower group. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women with a higher energy intake at night had a lower percentage of energy, protein, and lipid intake in morning meals and a higher percentage of energy and macronutrient intake in the evening meals during pregnancy. A worse standard of gestational weight gain in the third trimester was also observed in pregnant women with a higher energy intake at night.

Effects of timing of food intake on eating patterns, diet quality and weight gain during pregnancy.

Studies have suggested that meal timing plays a role in nutritional health, but this subject has not been sufficiently studied in pregnant women. We analysed the effect that timing of food intake has on eating patterns, diet quality and weight gain in a prospective cohort study with 100 pregnant women. Data were collected once per trimester: 4th-12th, 20th-26th and 30th-37th weeks. Food intake was evaluated using three 24-h dietary recalls, which were used to assess eating patterns and diet quality. Distribution of energy and macronutrient intake throughout the day was considered eating patterns. Diet quality was assessed using the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index-Revised. Weight gain was evaluated during each trimester. Women were classified as early or late timing of the first and last eating episodes if these values were below or above the median of the population, respectively (first eating episode = 08.38 hours; last eating episode = 20.20 hours). Generalised estimating equation models adjusted for confounders were used to determine the effects of timing of the first and last eating episodes (groups) and gestational trimesters (time) (independent variable) on eating patterns, diet quality and weight gain (dependent variables). Early eaters of the first eating episode have a higher percentage of energy and carbohydrate intake in morning and a lower at evening meals. They also have a better diet quality for fruit components when compared with late eaters of the first eating episode. Our results emphasise the importance of considering meal timing in the nutritional antenatal guidelines to promote maternal-fetal health.

The impact of a higher eating frequency on the diet quality and nutritional status of women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

The present study investigated the association between eating frequency (EF), diet quality and nutritional status of fifty-five women with breast cancer (BC) undergoing chemotherapy (CT), with three follow-ups, before the first cycle (T0), after the intermediate cycle (T1) and after the last cycle of CT (T2). Dietary data were obtained by nine 24-h dietary recalls (24HR), and the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index Revised (BHEI-R) was used for qualitative analysis of diet. The average EF was established by adding the number of daily eating episodes in the three 24HR of each time. Anthropometric variables were obtained at three times. Women who reported higher EF (equal to or above median value (T0 and T1: 4·67; T2: 4·33 eating episodes)) presented better anthropometric parameters, in T0 and T1, as well as higher scores for BHEI-R specific groups and BHEI-R Total score in T1 and T2. In generalised linear models, the continuous variable EF was negatively associated with all the anthropometric variables in T0 and with the waist:height ratio in T1. There were positive associations for the BHEI-R groups at the three times: Total Fruit; Whole Fruit; Total Vegetables; Dark Green and Orange Vegetables and Legumes. At T1 and T2 the EF was positively associated with the BHEI-R Total score, and also with Whole Grains in T1. The results suggest that a higher EF was associated with a better diet quality during CT in women with BC. In contrast, an inverse association was observed between EF and anthropometric parameters before the first cycle of treatment.

Prospective Analysis of Food Consumption and Nutritional Status and the Impact on the Dietary Inflammatory Index in Women with Breast Cancer during Chemotherapy.

Considering the implications of adverse effects of chemotherapy (CT) and the potential impact of diet on patients' recovery, this study aimed to prospectively evaluate the association between the consumption of food groups, patients' Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) scores, and their nutritional status. Anthropometric and dietary assessments of 55 women with breast cancer (BC) were performed at three time points. T0 is the time point after the first CT cycle, T1 is the time point after the intermediate CT cycle, and T2 is the time point after the last CT cycle. We identified a significant increase in weight, body mass index, and waist circumference during CT. Consumption of poultry and eggs was higher in T1 when compared to T2, while consumption of total fruit and total vegetables was higher at T0 compared to T1 and T2. The diet became more pro-inflammatory over the course of treatment (X2(2) = 61.127), and was related to higher abdominal adiposity. Total fruit (T0: R2 = 0.208, T1: R2 = 0.095, T2: R2 = 0.120) and total vegetable consumption (T0: R2 = 0.284, T1: R2 = 0.365, T2: R2 = 0.580) predicted DII® change at the three-time points. Meanwhile, consumption of total grains was significantly associated only with T1 (R2 = 0.084) and T2 (R2 = 0.118), and consumption of simple sugars was significantly associated only with T0 (R2 = 0.137) and T1 (R2 = 0.126). Changes in food consumption led to an increase in the inflammatory profile of the diet, suggesting the necessity to improve the guidelines during and after CT. These results reinforce the need to promote healthier eating practices in concert with maintaining a healthy nutritional status in women with BC treated with CT.

Is there agreement between evaluators that used two scoring systems to measure acute radiation dermatitis?

To analyze the agreement between the nurses evaluating radiodermatitis that used the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) and the World Health Organization (WHO) scales.A prospective and longitudinal study conducted in 2016 to 2017, in a university hospital. We analyzed 855 images of irradiated sites of 100 breast cancer women during radiotherapy. In order to evaluate the agreement between 3 observers that evaluated theses irradiated sites Krippendorff's alpha and weighted kappa were obtained and analyzed.The pairwise agreement among the evaluators was fair and moderate (RTOG scale: 0.408, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.370-0.431; WHO scale: 0.559, 95% CI 0.529-0.590). In addition, the general agreement rates were 10.2% and 29.2%, respectively. When assessing the overall absolute agreement between the evaluators according with different phototypes and types of surgery, there was a fair agreement according to the RTOG scale when evaluating patients with phototype V or VI and mastectomy (3.7% and 8.8%, respectively).The RTOG and WHO scales should be used with caution in clinical practice to identify the prevalence of radiodermatitis and the severity. Another point of caution is that skin phototype and the type of surgery may influence the analysis outcome. An illustrative scale was designed and proposed, by our group, aiming to improve accuracy and agreement between evaluators that will be tested in subsequent clinical studies.

Time-related eating patterns and chronotype are associated with diet quality in pregnant women.

Animal studies strongly suggest that timed feeding can have beneficial physiological effects, including protection against the obesogenic and metabolic consequences of a high-fat diet. However, the relationship between variables related to the timing of eating and diet quality in pregnancy women, which is considered as a period of nutritional vulnerability, is still poorly described in the literature. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the associations between time-related eating patterns and chronotype with diet quality of pregnant women. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 pregnant women in the first gestational trimester (≤12 weeks of gestation). The information regarding food intake was obtained by three 24-Hour Dietary Recall (24HR). Time-related eating patterns, i.e., the interval between the first and the last meal (eating duration), nightly fasting, time of the first and last meals, and number of meals eating on a day were determined. Chronotype was derived using the mid-sleep time on free days on weekends, with a further correction for calculated sleep debt. Diet quality was evaluated using the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index-Revised (BHEI-R), validated for the Brazilian population. Linear regression modeling analyses adjusted for confounders were used to investigate the association between time-related eating patterns and chronotype with diet quality. The BHEI-R total score was negatively associated with time of the first meal (ß =  -0.355; p = 0.002; r2 adjusted = 0.141), and positively associated with eating duration (ß = 0.262; p = 0.024; r2 adjusted = 0.086) and number of meals (ß = 0.273; p = 0.019; r2 adjusted = 0.091). In addition, the score of total fruit component was negatively associated with chronotype (ß = -0.236; p = 0.033; r2 adjusted = 0.078), time of the first meal (ß = -0.393; p = 0.001; r2 adjusted = 0.171), and positively associated with eating duration (ß = 0.259; p = 0.022; r2 adjusted = 0.087) and number of meals (ß = 0.376; p = 0.001; r2 adjusted = 0.159). The score for whole fruit component was negatively associated with time of the first meal (ß = -0.388; p = 0.001; r2 adjusted = 0.152), and positively associated with number of meals (ß = 0.403; p = 0.001; r2 adjusted = 0.164). A longer eating duration, earlier time of the first meal, higher number of meals and morningness tendency are associated with a better diet quality in the first gestational trimester - higher scores of the total BHEI-R and/or fruit components. We suggest that nutritional guidelines should consider time-related eating patterns and chronotype to ensure good diet quality of pregnant women since the beginning of gestation, contributing on prevention of metabolic-nutritional complications.

Relationship between food perceptions and health-related quality of life in a prospective study with breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the perceptions related to dietary intake with the domains and subscales of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in women with breast neoplasms receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: In this prospective study, 55 women with breast cancer were followed up during chemotherapy at three different times (T0, T1, T2). Before chemotherapy, perceptions related to food consumption were evaluated. HRQL was analyzed with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and Br23 instruments 21 days after each investigated cycle. The differences (T2-T0) in the subscales and HRQL domains were correlated with the differences (T2-T0) in the appetite scores. Spearman's correlation was used to verify a possible correlation between differences in functional and overall HRQL domains (T2-T0) and differences in appetite scores for certain foods and between the differences in some subscales of EORTC QLQ-C30 and Br23 (T2-T0) and differences in appetite scores for certain food groups (T2-T0). RESULTS: Correlations between pain and appetite for bitter taste and between an increased appetite for juices and pain intensification or fatigue were identified, and pain was correlated with an appetite for starchy foods. An appetite for vegetables, legumes and meat/eggs was correlated with physical function. The only significant correlation with social functions occurred between the appetite for sweet foods and these functions. We found a correlation between overall health, emotional function, social function and physical function and the appetite for juices. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy alters the individual's relationship with food and, consequently, the individual's HRQL.

Relationship between food perceptions and health-related quality of life in a prospective study with breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the perceptions related to dietary intake with the domains and subscales of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in women with breast neoplasms receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: In this prospective study, 55 women with breast cancer were followed up during chemotherapy at three different times (T0, T1, T2). Before chemotherapy, perceptions related to food consumption were evaluated. HRQL was analyzed with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and Br23 instruments 21 days after each investigated cycle. The differences (T2-T0) in the subscales and HRQL domains were correlated with the differences (T2-T0) in the appetite scores. Spearman's correlation was used to verify a possible correlation between differences in functional and overall HRQL domains (T2-T0) and differences in appetite scores for certain foods and between the differences in some subscales of EORTC QLQ-C30 and Br23 (T2-T0) and differences in appetite scores for certain food groups (T2-T0). RESULTS: Correlations between pain and appetite for bitter taste and between an increased appetite for juices and pain intensification or fatigue were identified, and pain was correlated with an appetite for starchy foods. An appetite for vegetables, legumes and meat/eggs was correlated with physical function. The only significant correlation with social functions occurred between the appetite for sweet foods and these functions. We found a correlation between overall health, emotional function, social function and physical function and the appetite for juices. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy alters the individual's relationship with food and, consequently, the individual's HRQL.

Impact of chemotherapy on perceptions related to food intake in women with breast cancer: A prospective study.

Breast cancer (BC) treatment includes mostly chemotherapy (CT), which can cause side effects like nausea, taste changes, early satiety, slow gastric emptying and xerostomia. In this way, the individual's relationship with food may change during the treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of chemotherapy on perceptions related to food intake of women with BC. Fifty-five women with BC were followed, and data were collected at three periods during first-line CT: beginning (T0), intermediate (T1) and end (T2). A visual analogue scale (VAS) (0 to 10 cm) for hunger, appetite for various food categories and meal enjoyment was investigated. The frequency and intensity of side effects were evaluated using a 4 cm scale. The results showed a higher prevalence of taste changes in T1 (p = 0.044) and more nausea in T1 and T2 (p = 0.018). Furthermore, the intensity of nausea was higher in T2 (p = 0.01) than in the other periods. We observed moderate hunger in T0, T1 and T2 (p = 0.113), but the overall appetite increased between T0 and T2 (p = 0.003). Meal enjoyment was reduced from T0 to T1and returned back to the initial value in T2 (p = 0.021). The appetite for salty (p = 0.004) and spicy (p = 0.03) foods was increased in T1. There was an increase of body weight (p = 0.008), body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.009) and waist circumference (WC) (p = 0.03) during CT. CT changes food hedonism, increasing the overall appetite and the appetite for salty and spicy foods. Moreover, we observed the negative impact of CT on meal enjoyment and an increase in side effects and anthropometric parameters.

Effect of the implementation of the mixed cafeteria system in a hospital nutrition and dietetic service.

INTRODUCTION: The type of service offered by the nutrition and dietetics service (NDS) of a hospital has a direct impact on food waste. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate waste in the transition from a simple to a mixed cafeteria service. METHODOLOGY: The study was carried out in a NDS of a University Hospital during 60 days (30 days for each type of service). The meals prepared and distributed and the leftovers of lunch and dinner were weighed. RESULTS: Per capita values of non-usable leftovers were below the acceptable range (7-25 g), not varying with the service transition (p = 0.3) at lunch. At dinner, on the contrary, values were above the acceptable range, with a median of 190 g and 202 g, also showing no difference with the service modification (p = 0.5). At lunch, with the transition, there was a reduction in the plate waste-ingestion (p < 0.0001), percentage of plate waste-ingestion (p < 0.0001) and percentage of non-usable foods (p = 0.007). At dinner, there was a reduction in the plate waste-ingestion (p < 0.0001) and in the percentage of plate waste-ingestion (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The modification of the service type was effective in reducing the plate waste-ingestion, but did not lead to operational modifications of the service, since the amount of non-usable leftovers remained high at dinner. Greater control of the production and distribution of meals is suggested, as well as training of food handlers and supervisors, implementation of standardized operating procedures and cost control in order to reduce waste, which has an economic, social and political impact.

Food intake and the nutritional status of women undergoing chemotherapy. / Consumo alimentar e estado nutricional de mulheres em quimioterapia.

The objective behind this study was the analysis of food intake and the nutritional status of women with breast cancer (BC) undergoing chemotherapy (CT). The quantitative dietary evaluation was performed in accordance with Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI), whereas the qualitative evaluation was performed through the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index - Revised (BHEI-R).From among the total number of patients (n = 20), 60% (n = 12) presented waist circumference, equal to or higher than 88cm. It was noted that 75% (n = 15) individuals were overweight. The average intake for calcium, copper, iron, dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, niacin, vitamin B6 and zinc, were found to be below adequate intake levels, while the intake of vitamin C, phosphorus, manganese, sodium and thiamine were all found to be above DRIs recommendations. As for the analysis of the BHEI-R, 80% (n = 16) of the patients presented a "diet that needs modifications", while 20% (n = 4) presented a "healthy diet". Noted from these observations was the presence of a high overweight rate, a discrepancy in the intake of micronutrients and a diet that needed improvements. In this manner, the establishment and use of a nutritional intervention protocol are very important when it comes to the improvement of the diet in patients with BC and who are undergoing CT.

Consumo alimentar e estado nutricional de mulheres em quimioterapia / Food intake and the nutritional status of women undergoing chemotherapy

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o consumo alimentar e o estado nutricional de mulheres com câncer de mama (CM) em quimioterapia (QT). A avaliação dietética quantitativa foi realizada de acordo com as Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) e a avaliação qualitativa pelo Índice de Qualidade da Dieta Revisado (IQD-R). Dentre o total de pacientes (n = 20), 60% (n = 12) apresentaram circunferência da cintura igual ou superior a 88 cm. Foi verificado 75% (n = 15) de indivíduos com excesso de peso. A média da ingestão de cálcio, cobre, ferro, fibra alimentar, magnésio, potássio, vitamina A, niacina, vitamina B6 e zinco encontrava-se abaixo da recomendação de ingestão adequada e o consumo de vitamina C, fósforo, manganês, sódio e tiamina encontrava-se acima. Quanto à análise do IQD-R, 80% (n = 16) das pacientes apresentaram uma “dieta que requer modificações”, enquanto que 20% (n = 4) apresentaram uma “dieta saudável”. Observou-se elevado excesso de peso, desequilíbrio na ingestão de micronutrientes e dieta que necessita melhorias. Dessa forma, a criação e a utilização de um protocolo de intervenção nutricional são de grande relevância para melhorar a dieta de pacientes com CM que realizam QT.

Abstract The objective behind this study was the analysis of food intake and the nutritional status of women with breast cancer (BC) undergoing chemotherapy (CT). The quantitative dietary evaluation was performed in accordance with Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI), whereas the qualitative evaluation was performed through the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index – Revised (BHEI-R).From among the total number of patients (n = 20), 60% (n = 12) presented waist circumference, equal to or higher than 88cm. It was noted that 75% (n = 15) individuals were overweight. The average intake for calcium, copper, iron, dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, niacin, vitamin B6 and zinc, were found to be below adequate intake levels, while the intake of vitamin C, phosphorus, manganese, sodium and thiamine were all found to be above DRIs recommendations. As for the analysis of the BHEI-R, 80% (n = 16) of the patients presented a “diet that needs modifications”, while 20% (n = 4) presented a “healthy diet”. Noted from these observations was the presence of a high overweight rate, a discrepancy in the intake of micronutrients and a diet that needed improvements. In this manner, the establishment and use of a nutritional intervention protocol are very important when it comes to the improvement of the diet in patients with BC and who are undergoing CT.