Multicompartment body composition analysis in older adults: a cross-sectional study

Background During aging, changes occur in the proportions of muscle, fat, and bone. Body composition (BC) alterations have a great impact on health, quality of life, and functional capacity. Several equations to predict BC using anthropometric measurements have been developed from a bi-compartmental (2-C) approach that determines only fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM). However, these models have several limitations, when considering constant density, progressive bone demineralization, and changes in the hydration of the FFM, as typical changes during senescence. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to propose and validate a new multi-compartmental anthropometric model to predict fat, bone, and musculature components in older adults of both sexes. Methods This cross-sectional study included 100 older adults of both sexes. To determine the dependent variables (fat mass [FM], bone mineral content [BMC], and appendicular lean soft tissue [ALST]) whole total and regional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) body scans were performed. Twenty-nine anthropometric measures and sex were appointed as independent variables. Models were developed through multivariate linear regression. Finally, the predicted residual error sum of squares (PRESS) statistic was used to measure the effectiveness of the predicted value for each dependent variable. Results An equation was developed to simultaneously predict FM, BMC, and ALST from only four variables: weight, half-arm span (HAS), triceps skinfold (TriSK), and sex. This model showed high coefficients of determination and low estimation errors (FM: R2adj: 0.83 and SEE: 3.16; BMC: R2adj: 0.61 and SEE: 0.30; ALST: R2adj: 0.85 and SEE: 1.65). Conclusion The equations provide a reliable, practical, and low-cost instrument to monitor changes in body components during the aging process. The internal cross-validation method PRESS presented sufficient reliability in the model as an inexpensive alternative for clinical field use.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Teores de minerais em polpas e cascas de frutos de cultivares de bananeira

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a percentagem de matéria seca, o teor de minerais e a capacidade de fornecimento de minerais, com base na ingestão dietética de referência na polpa e na casca de frutos verdes e maduros de 15 cultivares de bananeira. Utilizaram-se quatro cachos por cultivar e seis frutos por unidade amostral. Foram coletadas amostras frescas da polpa e da casca, para digestões sulfúricas (0,2 g) e nitroperclóricas (0,5 g). Foram determinados: no extrato sulfúrico, o N total pelo método Kjeldahl; e, no extrato nitroperclórico, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn e Se. O P foi determinado por colorimetria, e os demais nutrientes, por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica. O teor de minerais na polpa e na casca foi expresso com base na média dos dois estádios. Há diferenças entre cultivares de bananeira quanto à concentração de macro e micronutrientes na polpa e na casca, mas não entre frutos verdes e maduros. A cultivar Terrinha apresentou a maior percentagem de matéria seca na polpa, e as cultivares Marmelo e Maçã, na casca. Para N, P, Fe, Zn e Cu, a casca apresentou duas vezes o teor da polpa. O teor de K e Mn na casca foi de aproximadamente quatro vezes o da polpa. A polpa da cultivar Caipira (AAA) e a casca das cultivares Prata e Pacovan (AAB) apresentam os maiores teores de minerais

2 nd Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease, 2015

Abstract Chagas disease is a neglected chronic condition with a high burden of morbidity and mortality. It has considerable psychological, social, and economic impacts. The disease represents a significant public health issue in Brazil, with different regional patterns. This document presents the evidence that resulted in the Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease. The objective was to review and standardize strategies for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of Chagas disease in the country, based on the available scientific evidence. The consensus is based on the articulation and strategic contribution of renowned Brazilian experts with knowledge and experience on various aspects of the disease. It is the result of a close collaboration between the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine and the Ministry of Health. It is hoped that this document will strengthen the development of integrated actions against Chagas disease in the country, focusing on epidemiology, management, comprehensive care (including families and communities), communication, information, education, and research