Nutrition
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Sarcopenia is characterized by muscle mass depletion and decrease in muscle power or physical activity. We previously reported that low skeletal muscle mass (SMM) is closely involved with posttransplant mortality in patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the effects of pretransplant sarcopenia on survival and examine sequential changes in sarcopenic parameters after LDLT. ⋯ This prospective study confirmed that pretransplant sarcopenia is closely associated with short-term survival after LDLT and that GS recovers before SMM.
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Comparative Study
Obesity paradox in patients with community-acquired pneumonia: Is inflammation the missing link?
Positive associations between body mass index (BMI) and clinical outcomes have been found and are called "the obesity survival paradox." However, whether obesity has protective effects or if this paradox is because of confounding remains unclear. Herein, we analyzed the effects of weight on long-term mortality in a large cohort of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and investigated whether the differential effects of obesity on inflammation pathways accounted for mortality differences. ⋯ Over a 6-y long-term follow-up, we found obesity to be associated with lower all-cause mortality in CAP patients, confirming the obesity paradox in this population. However, differences in inflammatory pathways did not explain these findings.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of branched-chain amino acid supplementation after radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma: A randomized trial.
Maintenance of liver function is important for better outcomes after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to examine the effects of oral branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation on liver function, intrahepatic recurrence rate, and incidence of complications after RFA for HCC. ⋯ Aminoleban EN may be beneficial for cirrhotic patients after RFA to relieve mental stress and reduce the risks for intrahepatic recurrence and complications.
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Comparative Study
Association between fat mass and bone mineral density among Brazilian women differs by menopausal status: The Pró-Saúde Study.
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and fat mass (FM) in a multiethnic population of Brazilian women and to evaluate the influence of total body mass and lean mass on this association. ⋯ Independently of the adjustment used, the results of the present study suggest the absence of an inverse association between FM and BMD in postmenopausal women. Additionally, when adjusted for lean mass, a direct association between FM and bone mass can be observed, suggesting that for postmenopausal women being slightly obese does not confer excessive risk for bone loss and may even result in a bone density advantage.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Smartphone technology facilitates dietary change in healthy adults.
Many individuals are advised to adhere to specific diet plans for their personal health; hence, it is important that tools are available to support these behaviors. Smartphone applications (apps) may assist health care professionals in educating their clients on specific dietary modifications. This pilot study focused on a single dietary modification, reducing sodium intake, to determine whether a commercial health app is useful for promoting dietary change. ⋯ These data suggest that smartphone apps have the potential to facilitate the implementation of dietary advice. This was a small pilot study with limited scope, and more research is necessary to determine the value of smartphone apps for facilitating dietary change.