Nutrition
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The aim of this study was to review and update information about food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) used by European countries. ⋯ FBDGs still seem insufficient as far as ethnic peculiarities, agreement on how to group foods, and subgroup population nutritional requirements.
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Plasm adiponectin is decreased in smokers. Adiponectin is emerging as a potential key molecular marker in atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum adiponectin levels and early atherosclerosis in smokers. Furthermore, the role of the KATP channel in the down-regulation of adiponectin by smoking was preliminarily explored. ⋯ Serum adiponectin level was an independent predictor of early atherosclerosis in smokers. Nicotine might decrease adiponectin in part through altering KATP channels in adipocytes.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum levels of 25(OH) vitamin D3 with midupper arm muscle circumference (MUAMC), handgrip strength and length of hospital stay (LOS) after hip fracture. ⋯ In conclusion, vitamin D serum levels were associated with handgrip strength but not with muscle mass or length of hospital stay after hip fracture.
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Antibiotic abuse is rampant in India, such that one may expect to see an increase of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI). However, we found that the incidence of CDI in India (1.67%) is no different from that reported in USA (1.6%) using similar techniques of detection (polymerase chain reaction test). We offer a possible explanation for this paradox. It is likely that a diet rich in fiber, yogurt, and possibly turmeric may have a protective role in decreasing the incidence of CDIs in India.
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Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common cause of blindness. Although an association between hypovitaminosis D and type 1 diabetes is known, the association between vitamin D (VD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its complications such as DR has been unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of VD in T2D patients with and without DR. ⋯ Results from this study suggest a possible association between VDD and T2D, but not specifically with DR. Further investigations are warranted.