Differences in the composition of the bacterial element of the urinary tract microbiome in patients undergoing dialysis and patients after kidney transplantation

IntroductionThe development of molecular biology methods and their application in microbial research allowed the detection of many new pathogens that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). Despite the advances of using new research techniques, the etiopathogenesis of UTIs, especially in patients undergoing dialysis and patients after kidney transplantation, is still not fully understood.MethodsThis study aimed to characterize and compare the composition of the bacterial element of the urinary tract microbiome between the groups of patients undergoing dialysis (n = 50) and patients after kidney transplantation (n = 50), with positive or negative urine culture, compared to healthy individuals (n = 50).ResultsAsymptomatic bacteriuria was observed in 30% of the urine cultures of patients undergoing dialysis and patients after kidney transplantation, with Escherichia coli as the most dominant microorganism (73%) detected with the use of classical microbiology techniques. However, differences in the bacterial composition of the urine samples between the evaluated patient groups were demonstrated using the amplicon sequencing. Finegoldia, Leptotrichia, and Corynebacterium were found to be discriminative bacteria genera in patients after dialysis and kidney transplantation compared to the control group. In addition, in all of urine samples, including those without bacteriuria in classical urine culture, many types of bacteria have been identified using 16S rRNA sequencing.DiscussionThe revealed microbial characteristics may form the basis in searching for new diagnostic markers in treatment of patients undergoing dialysis and patients after kidney transplantation

Emerging Trends in Research on Food Compounds and Women’s Fertility: A Systematic Review

Pro-healthy behaviours, including the diet, are significant factors in maintaining women’s fertility health. However, to improve the patient’s nutrition management, it is important to seek food-derived bioactive compounds to support fertility treatment. This review analysed recent studies of food compounds related to fertility, using databases including PubMed, Web of Science and Science Direct as well as PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews) to ensure complete and transparent reporting of systematic reviews. This review lists foods associated with a higher birth rate, using original papers from the last five years (2015). The analysis included the impact of food compounds such as caffeine, fatty acids, folates and vitamin D, as well as the intake of fish, whole grains, dairy and soya. In addition, dietary patterns and total diet composition supporting women’s fertility were also analysed. The results will encourage further research on the relationship between food components and fertility

The Significance of Plant-Based Foods and Intense Physical Activity on the Metabolic Health of Women with PCOS: A Priori Dietary-Lifestyle Patterns Approach

The study aimed to analyse dietary-lifestyle patterns (DLPs) and their relation with visceral obesity and other metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. A total of 140 women were diagnosed with PCOS. The KomPAN® and The ShortIPAQ questionnaires analysed the food frequency intake, health habits, economic situation, and physical activity. The dual-energy-x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured the visceral and total adipose tissue. The analysis distinguished three DLPs: western (WDLP), prudent (PDLP) and active (ADLP). The WDLP was characterised by high visceral fat, increased intake of animal foods, sweets and sweetened beverages, white grains, junk and fried foods, and low plant foods. High intakes of plant foods and dairy, high daily meal frequency, and intense exercise characterised PDLP. ADLP was characterised by high visceral fat, intake of plant products, intense exercise, and low intake of junk and fried food. Women with LDL > 135 mg/dL had high adherence to WDLP, and with triglycerides >150 mg/dL had high adherence to WDLP [OR 7.73 (CI95% 1.79; 33.2), p p < 0,05]. In conclusion, plant-based foods related to PDLP and intense physical activity offer a significantly higher chance of improving metabolic health in women with PCOS

The Significance of Plant-Based Foods and Intense Physical Activity on the Metabolic Health of Women with PCOS: A Priori Dietary-Lifestyle Patterns Approach

The study aimed to analyse dietary-lifestyle patterns (DLPs) and their relation with visceral obesity and other metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. A total of 140 women were diagnosed with PCOS. The KomPAN&reg; and The ShortIPAQ questionnaires analysed the food frequency intake, health habits, economic situation, and physical activity. The dual-energy-x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured the visceral and total adipose tissue. The analysis distinguished three DLPs: western (WDLP), prudent (PDLP) and active (ADLP). The WDLP was characterised by high visceral fat, increased intake of animal foods, sweets and sweetened beverages, white grains, junk and fried foods, and low plant foods. High intakes of plant foods and dairy, high daily meal frequency, and intense exercise characterised PDLP. ADLP was characterised by high visceral fat, intake of plant products, intense exercise, and low intake of junk and fried food. Women with LDL &gt; 135 mg/dL had high adherence to WDLP, and with triglycerides &gt;150 mg/dL had high adherence to WDLP [OR 7.73 (CI95% 1.79; 33.2), p &lt; 0.05] and [3.70 (1.03; 13.27); p &lt; 0,05]. In conclusion, plant-based foods related to PDLP and intense physical activity offer a significantly higher chance of improving metabolic health in women with PCOS

Self-Reported Eating Speed Is Associated with Indicators of Obesity in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Eating speed (ES) as a dietary behaviour has become a widely discussed factor for weight management and obesity. This study analysed the relationship between ES and anthropometric indicators of obesity, including BMI and waist circumference (WC) in adults. A search conducted of PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct and Scopus found six longitudinal studies and fifteen cross-sectional studies published for further analysis. A quality assessment was performed with the MINORS checklist. Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis and almost all reviewed studies showed that ES was associated with BMI, and non-fast eaters had significantly lower BMI than fast eaters. Therefore, it was assumed that slowing down the ES may be an effective strategy for weight management and lowering obesity risk. There was also an association between WC and ES. Assessment of eating speed can be included in nutrition surveys to analyse obesity risk. More broadly, research is also needed to establish a validated and standardised methodology to determine eating speed. Further research needs to examine the links between eating speed, obesity, ethnicity, sex, food culture and chronic diseases