Nutrition
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Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) have an increased risk for loss of skeletal muscle mass. Ultrasonography (US) is a safe and promising method to evaluate muscle mass. In this study, we aimed to assess the frequency and clinical associations of low muscle mass status in patients with SSc, investigate the correlations between muscle mass sonographically measured regional muscle thicknesses (MTs), and explore the utility of US in predicting low muscle mass. ⋯ Low muscle mass is prevalent in SSc and patients with diffuse disease are at particular risk for this condition. US measurement of abdominal and calf MTs may be used as a screening method to detect low muscle mass due to its high sensitivity and negative predictive value.
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Sarcopenia worsens the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to elucidate the plasma free amino acids (PFAAs) associated with sarcopenia or myosteatosis in the course of HCC recurrence. ⋯ Among the PFAAs, the level of BCAAs was associated with sarcopenia in the course of HCC recurrence.
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Timely and adequate nutrition after surgery is important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an intervention, developed using an integrated knowledge translation approach, designed to improve oral intake among postoperative colorectal patients. ⋯ A multifaceted intervention developed using an integrated knowledge translation approach has the potential to improve oral intake in patients who undergo colorectal surgery. A larger-scale trial is required to confirm these findings and assess the effects of the intervention on clinical outcomes and costs.
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The aim of this study was to analyze the association between survival and two validated methods of nutritional assessment: body composition through computed tomography (CT) scans and Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). ⋯ Together with cancer stage, both CT measurements and subjective assessment of nutritional status through PG-SGA can adequately identify cancer patients with a higher mortality risk, independent of age and sex. However, the latter is less costly and simple to use; it should be included as a valuable tool during management of patients with cancer.
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Continuous postprandial hyperglycemia is associated with the onset of cardiovascular disease. In recent years, the mRNA expression of inflammation-related genes in peripheral blood leukocytes has been shown to be induced by an increase in blood glucose levels. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the expression of inflammation-related genes in peripheral blood leukocytes in response to an increase in blood glucose from individuals who consumed two kinds of breakfast meals with different glycemic indexes (GIs). ⋯ The intake of a low-GI breakfast for 1 wk in healthy Japanese men resulted in lower postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels, which were accompanied by a reduced expression of inflammation-related genes in peripheral blood leukocytes.