Nutrition
-
The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the Metabolic Score for Visceral Fat (METS-VF) with the risk for hypertension and to compare the ability of the METS-VF, the metabolic score for insulin resistance, visceral adiposity index, waist-to-height ratio, waist circumference, and body mass index to predict hypertension incidence based on a large prospective study of rural Chinese individuals. ⋯ The present study indicated that METS-VF was positively associated with hypertension incidence and performed better in predicting hypertension risk than five other indices, which suggests that METS-VF is a reliable predictor of hypertension in the Chinese population.
-
Skeletal muscle loss and osteoporosis are major medical and socioeconomic concerns as the global population ages. Studies have reported that skeletal muscle mass correlates to bone mineral density (BMD). The psoas muscle index (PMI), measured as the L3 cross-sectional areas of the right and left psoas divided by the square of height, has a positive correlation with the total volume of skeletal muscle in the body. This study aimed to evaluate relationships between PMI and BMD and fracture risk estimated by the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX). ⋯ PMI was significantly associated with BMD and fracture risk. PMI measurement is straightforward and may increase the diagnosis rate of osteoporosis and fracture risk.
-
To evaluate the associations of hand grip strength (HGS) with body composition, functional capacity, muscle quality, and inflammatory markers in people receiving maintenance hemodialysis. ⋯ Participants with low HGS showed higher inflammation and lower functional capacity. In addition to muscle mass, inflammation and nutritional status also affect HGS.
. -
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a pandemic, affecting nearly 180 million people worldwide as of June 22, 2021. Previous studies have examined the association between the mean vitamin D (Vit D) concentration of each country and COVID-19 infection and mortality rate in European countries. The aim of the present study was to critically evaluate the relationship between prevalence of mild and severe Vit D deficiency in each country and COVID-19 infection, recovery, and mortality using updated data and a different methodological approach. ⋯ The prevalence of neither mild nor severe Vit D deficiency was associated with the number of COVID-19 infections in European countries. Thus, it is an important parameter to consider when implementing preventive measures to face COVID-19.
-
We sought to evaluate the effect of socioeconomic conditions and variables related to the COVID-19 pandemic on the food insecurity of students during suspension of classes in public schools. ⋯ The prevalence of food insecurity was high, and policies for the distribution of food baskets may not be sufficient to guarantee food security for the most vulnerable families with a greater number of children. Considering the possible worsening of food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, the National School Feeding Program has the potential to play a strategic role in promoting food security for students.