Rheumatic diseases in HIV-infected patients in the post-antiretroviral therapy era: a tertiary care center experience

Clinical Rheumatology - The aim of the study was to calculate the proportion of rheumatic diseases in HIV patients who were receiving ART and to identify association of the HIV medications with the...     

The use of nutritional supplements among recreational athletes in Athens, Greece

Although the use of nutritional supplements by professional athletes and the benefits thereof have been extensively studied, information on recreational athletes' use of supplements is limited. This study investigated the consumption of nutritional supplements, source of information and supply of supplements, and level of awareness with regard to the relevant legislation among individuals who undertake regular exercise in Athens, Greece. A closed-ended, anonymous questionnaire was answered by 329 subjects (180 men, 149 women), age 30.6 ± 12.1 yr, from 11 randomly selected gym centers. Preparations declared as anabolic agents by the users were submitted to a gas chromatographic analyzer coupled to a mass spectrometric detector. Consumption of nutritional supplements was reported by 41% of the study population, with proteins/amino acids and vitamins being the most popular. Age (r = .456, p = .035), sex (χ2 = 14.1, df = 1, p < .001), level of education (χ2 = 14.1, df = 3, p < .001), and profession (χ2 = 11.4, df = 4, p = .022) were associated with the subjects' decision to consume nutritional supplements. Most (67.1%) purchased products from health food stores. Only 17.1% had consulted a physician or nutritionist, and one third were aware of the relevant legislation. Two preparations were detected containing synthetic anabolic steroids not stated on the label. In conclusion, use of nutritional supplements was common among recreational athletes in Athens, Greece. A low level of awareness and low involvement of health care professionals as sources of information and supply were observed.     

Pubertal Maturation of Contemporary Greek Boys: No Evidence of a Secular Trend

Purpose

To examine pubertal status of contemporary Greek boys and compare the data with those of a previous study we performed in the year 1996.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study of 932 healthy boys, aged from 8.05 to 16.05 years. Development of the genitalia (G) and pubic hair was assessed by the method of Tanner and testicular volume (TV) was determined with a Prader orchidometer. Genitalia stage 2 (G2) was assessed by probit analysis.

Results

Median (95% confidence interval [CI]) age at G2, defined as TV 4 mL, was 11.3 (10.9–11.6) years, almost the same age as in our study performed in 1996, which was 11.4 (10.7–11.7) years (p = .21). When G2 was defined as change in scrotum texture and TV2 mL, median (95% CI) age at onset of puberty was 10.9 (10.5–11.3) years, again similar to the study performed in 1996 which was 11.0 (10.7–11.4) (p = .32). Median (95% CI) age of pubic hair development was 11.2 (10.8–11.6) years versus 11.5 (11.1–12.0) years in 1996, p = .015.

Conclusions

Our data provide no evidence of a secular trend for gonadarche in Greek boys, although such a trend was evident for pubarche.