Nutrition
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The term diet quality has recently gained considerable attention in nutritional research. Despite widespread use, it is often poorly defined and remains difficult to measure. Confusion surrounds the term, as there is no consensus on how to define quality of the diet or to pin down a framework for producing a standard indicator. ⋯ Most of the unresolved issues are related directly or indirectly to the multidimensional and open-textured nature of the concept. This review aims to elucidate several debated key points to understand the reasons behind this confusion and address the complexity of how to define and quantify this concept. A standardized and well-defined framework of diet quality is of great importance for both consumers and scientists from different disciplines.
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The aim of this study was to test the relationship between anthropometry, ultrasonography, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for the assessment of body composition in clinical practice. ⋯ Both anthropometry and ultrasonography provide a reliable estimate of visceral adipose tissue in a non-obese population compared with DXA, whereas anthropometry prediction of subcutaneous adiposity is weak. Physicians should be aware of the limits of these techniques for the assessment of body composition.
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Several studies have concluded a positive association between abdominal obesity, general obesity, and chronic diseases. However, the best anthropometric measures to predict the risk for chronic diseases should be clarified in each population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the predictive power of A Body Shape Index (ABSI), body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-height ratio and Clinica Universidad de Navarra-Body Adiposity Estimator for metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks among Iranians in different age and sex categories. ⋯ Based on the AUC, we concluded that ABSI is a weak predictor for CVD risks and MetS. More studies are needed to determine the best predictor of CVD risk among the Iranian population.
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The use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is suggested to induce oxidative stress, reflected by an imbalance between prooxidant and antioxidant substances. The majority of studies published have either focused on only one aspect (prooxidant or antioxidant side) or covered only a short observation period. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of CPB on the balance of prooxidative markers and antioxidant substances in one single group of patients, being able to estimate the degree of oxidative stress. ⋯ Our findings indicate that the oxidative stress event after CPB can be divided into two phases: Immediately after reperfusion, a massive oxidative stress occurs, reflected by the increase in malondialdehyde. During convalescence, there must be an ongoing situation of oxidative stress, especially in the water-soluble compartment, leading to the consumption of vitamin C. Because the main antioxidant substance, vitamin C, did not increase again over the entire observation period, supplementation should be given consideration.
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The aim of this study was to explore, based on sex and age, knowledge regarding weight, height, and the perception of body shape in Spanish adults who attend dietary consultation. We also wanted to determine the participants' desired body shapes and what they considered their best health status. ⋯ Age and sex influence the perception of excess weight and body image. This could condition the demand of dietary treatment to improve the nutritional status.