Nutrition
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Comparative Study
Problems in serum albumin measurement and clinical significance of albumin microheterogeneity in cirrhotics.
To clarify problems with the determination of serum albumin levels, the definition of hypoalbuminemia, and the implications of microheterogeneity of albumin, serum albumin was measured by using dye-binding methods and the authentic method (immunoassay) in patients with liver cirrhosis and healthy subjects. ⋯ These results show that adequate assessment of the pathophysiology and prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis and the efficacy of treatment is not possible with dye-binding methods for determination of serum albumin. Further, the conventional definition of hypoalbuminemia as a serum albumin level of 3.5 g/dL or lower should be reconsidered, and the clinical implications of qualitative changes in albumin should be investigated in consideration of the microheterogeneity of albumin, such as oxidized albumin and glycoalbumin.
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Comparative Study
Sedentarism affects body fat mass index and fat-free mass index in adults aged 18 to 98 years.
Body mass index does not discriminate body fat from fat-free mass or determine changes in these parameters with physical activity and aging. Body fat mass index (BFMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) permit comparisons of subjects with different heights. This study evaluated differences in body mass index, BFMI, and FFMI in physically active and sedentary subjects younger and older than 60 y and determined the association between physical activity, age, and body composition parameters in a healthy white population between ages 18 and 98 y. ⋯ A clear association was found between low physical activity or age and height-normalized body composition parameters (BFMI and FFMI) derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis. Physically active subjects were more likely to have high or very high or low FFMI. Older subjects had higher body weights and BFMI.
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Supplemental glutamine (Gln) has been demonstrated to improve the immunologic response and reduce mortality in rodents with sepsis. However, the effects of Gln on gut-associated lymphoid tissue function after infection and sepsis are not clear. We investigated the effects of Gln-supplemented diets before sepsis, Gln-enriched total parenteral nutrition (TPN) after sepsis, or both on the intestinal immunity in rats with gut-derived sepsis. ⋯ Preventive use of a Gln-supplemented enteral diet before CLP or intravenous Gln supplementation after CLP have similar effects in promoting proliferation of total lymphocyte in gut-associated lymphoid tissue, enhancing IgA secretion, and maintaining T-lymphocyte populations in Peyer's patches. Gln administered before and after CLP did not seem to have a synergistic effect on enhancing mucosal immunity in rats with gut-derived sepsis.
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Dietary intake patterns and socioeconomic variables are well-known indicators for assessing the nutrition status of a society. The Khasi society is matrilineal, and women play an important role in the tribal community, especially with respect to family nutrition. We investigated the existing food habits, beliefs, and trends contributing to the nutrition and health of these women. ⋯ We suggested dietary modifications to make up the dietary deficits of calcium, fat, and carotene, particularly during pregnancy and lactation, and incorporating nutrition education into the community development programs.