Nutrition
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the energy balance (EB) of patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation, using total energy expenditure (TEE) assessment and total caloric intake (TCI). ⋯ Negative EB was highly prevalent among patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation, and was associated with the severity of liver disease. Negative EB was primarily affected by low food intake. The food intake data were characterized by low overall energy and protein intake and inadequate composition of the patient's diet plan, which tended to be characterized by specific nutrient deficiencies and excesses.
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The aim of this study was to estimate the concentration of cholecalciferol and 13-cis-retinoic acid (RA) in the plasma and pleural fluid of patients with tuberculosis (TB) against controls. ⋯ It was observed that in patients with TB there is a combined deficiency of cholecalciferol and 13-cis-RA compared with healthy volunteers. Because cholecalciferol and 13-cis-RA are in equilibrium with active ingredients of vitamins A and D, we feel that there is a combined deficiency of these vitamins in patients with TB. There is an evidence that concomitant vitamin A and D supplementation can kill intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro. Therefore, the observations made in this study can pave the path for a trial of combined supplementation of available formulations of vitamin A and D (cholecalciferol and 13-cis-RA) for novel anti-tubercular drug therapy. Because such an approach is host-based it has potential to treat even multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant forms of TB.
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Comparative Study
Adiposity and cardiovascular disease risk factors in renal transplant recipients: Are there differences between sexes?
The aim of this study was to evaluate high body adiposity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors prevalence, in renal transplant recipients (RTR), comparing men with women. ⋯ High body adiposity prevalence was high after transplantation and increased the risk for metabolic syndrome, an important CVD risk factor. Women showed higher total body adiposity values, abdominal obesity, and diabetes prevalence than men. Abdominal obesity increased the risk for dyslipidemia in women.
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The relationship between various anthropometric parameters and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients is conflicting. Recently a new anthropometric parameter emerged, namely, body shape index (BSI). BSI is based on waist circumference (WC) but is independent of height, weight, and body mass index in predicting mortality in the general population. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between BSI and mortality in HD patients. ⋯ In conclusion, BSI is not independently associated with mortality in HD patients.
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Observational Study
Vitamin D status and body fat measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in a general population of Japanese children.
For a general population of children, data on the relationship between vitamin D status and adiposity are limited. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between the serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) and body fat variables measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in a general population of Japanese children, including underweight, normal, and overweight children. ⋯ Vitamin D deficiency was associated with higher total and trunk adiposities in a general population of Japanese children, particularly boys.