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Comparison of dietary macro and micronutrient intake with physical activity levels among children with and without autism: A case- control study

22 August 2020

Abstract Background: Physical activity is an important part of healthy lifestyle especially for autistic children. A few studies have previously compared the differences of diet intake and physical activity patterns in autistic and healthy children. This study was aimed to compare the macro-and micronutrient intake and physical activity patterns between children with and without autism. Materials and Methods: The present case-control study was conducted on 59 boys aged 6 to 13 years with autism and healthy children. Dietary intake of subjects was measured by Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The physical activity level was recorded for seven days using an ActiGraph accelerometer which categorized by the time of each participant spent, in sedentary, moderate and vigorous activity. Results: The findings revealed that there were significant differences in intake of many dietary factors including energy (p <0.05), carbohydrate (p<0.05), sugar (p<0.05), fructose (p<0.01), vitamin D (p<0.05), Vitamin C (p<0.01), Calcium (p<0.01), Iron (p<0.05), Magnesium (p<0.05) and Manganese (p<0.05) between autistic and healthy children. Furthermore, sedentary and moderate activity levels were significantly higher in children with autism compared with healthy children (p <0.05). Percent calories from fat was positively associated with heavy physical activity (r= 0.258, p<0.05). multivariate linear regression analysis showed that after control for change in BMI and dietary energy intake the calorie from fat, vitamin C and caffeine were negatively associated with physical activity level (r = -0.571, p <0.05 Vs. r= -0.573, p<0.05 Vs. r= -0.371, p<0.01, respectively). Conclusion: It is concluded that there is a significant difference in food intake and physical activity levels in children with autism compared with healthy children. The potential role of diet especially calorie from fat, vitamin C, and caffeine should be considered to have applicable physical activity recommendations for children with ASD.

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Risk of gestational diabetes mellitus following assisted reproductive technology: systematic review and meta-analysis of 59 cohort studies

19 August 2020

Abstract Objective: The use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has been associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in previous studies, but its risk has not been consistent. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the risk of GDM in women who conceived with ART via a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Methods: ISI Web of Knowledge, Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases were searched to identify studies that evaluated the risk of GDM through May 2017 using the relevant keywords. Two reviewers independently performed the screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. Meta-analysis was performed with a random effects model. Results: The search yielded 957 records relating to GDM and use of ART, from which 59 eligible cohorts were selected for meta-analysis (n?=?96,785). There was evidence of substantial heterogeneity among these studies (?(2)((58))?=?3072.34, p?I-2=98.1%). The pooled estimate of GDM risk using the random effects model was 9.00% (95% CI: 7.90?10.20). Visual inspection of the funnel plot indicated the presence of low publication bias, but Egger?s test did not reveal publication bias. Conclusions: The findings revealed that the risk of GDM was very high among women who conceived with ART treatment. GDM screening, management, and improved care are vital in ART pregnancy.

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