-
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and... Dec 2023Low skeletal muscle mass (myopenia) is common in cancer populations and is associated with functional decline and mortality, but prior oncology studies did not assess...
BACKGROUND
Low skeletal muscle mass (myopenia) is common in cancer populations and is associated with functional decline and mortality, but prior oncology studies did not assess total body skeletal muscle mass. Instead, they measured surrogates such as cross-sectional area (CSA) of skeletal muscle at L3 from computed tomography (CT) or appendicular lean mass (ALM) from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). D3-creatine (D3Cr) dilution is a non-invasive method to assess total body skeletal muscle mass, which has been examined in a variety of populations but not in cancer. To compare the associations of D3Cr muscle mass, CT CSA, and DXA ALM with myopenia and physical function, we conducted a cross-sectional study among 119 patients with colon cancer (2018-2022).
METHODS
For each technique (D3Cr, CT and DXA), myopenia was defined as the lowest sex-specific quartile of its measurement. Physical function was measured by the short physical performance battery and grip strength. We calculated Pearson correlations (r) among three techniques, computed Cohen's kappa coefficients (κ) to assess the agreement of myopenia, and estimated Pearson correlations (r) of three techniques with physical function. All analyses were sex-specific.
RESULTS
Sixty-one (51.3%) participants were male, the mean (standard deviation) age was 56.6 (12.9) years, and most (68.9%) had high physical function (short physical performance battery: ≥11 points). Correlations and myopenia agreement among three techniques were greater in men than women; for example, regarding D3Cr muscle mass versus CT CSA, r was 0.73 (P < 0.001) for men versus 0.45 (P < 0.001) for women, and κ was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.65, 0.99) for men versus 0.24 (95% CI: -0.08, 0.52) for women. Among men, higher D3Cr muscle mass was significantly correlated with faster gait speed (r = 0.43, P < 0.01) and stronger grip strength (r = 0.32, P < 0.05); similar correlations were observed for CT CSA and DXA ALM. However, among women, no measure of muscle or lean mass was significantly associated with physical function.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study using D3-creatine dilution method to assess muscle mass in a cancer population. Regardless of the techniques used for muscle or lean mass assessment, we observed stronger correlations, greater myopenia agreement, and more significant associations with physical function in men with colon cancer than women. D3Cr, CT and DXA are not interchangeable methods for assessing myopenia and physical function, especially in women with colon cancer. Future studies should consider relative advantages of these techniques and examine the D3-creatine dilution method in other cancer types.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Creatine; Cross-Sectional Studies; Absorptiometry, Photon; Muscular Atrophy; Colonic Neoplasms; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 37899757
DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13353 -
Ecology and Evolution Jul 2023Carnivorous mammals disperse seeds through endozoochory and diploendozoochory. The former consists of ingestion of the fruit, passage through the digestive tract, and...
Carnivorous mammals disperse seeds through endozoochory and diploendozoochory. The former consists of ingestion of the fruit, passage through the digestive tract, and expulsion of the seeds, a process that allows scarification and dispersal of the seeds over long or short distances. The latter is typical of predators that expel seeds that were contained in the prey and the effects of which may differ from those of endozoochory with respect to the retention time of the seeds in the tracts, as well as their scarification and viability. The objective of this study was to conduct an experimental evaluation comparing the capacity of each mammal species in terms of the dispersal of seeds and, at the same time, to compare this capacity through the two dispersal systems: endozoochory and diploendozoochory. We measured dispersal capacity using indices of recovery, viability, changes in testas, and retention time of seeds in the digestive tract. fruits were collected in the Sierra Fría Protected Natural Area in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and were administered in the diet of captive mammals: gray fox (), coati () and domestic rabbits (). These three mammals represented the endozoochoric dispersers. For the diploendozoochoric treatment, seeds excreted by rabbits were incorporated into the diets of captive mammals: bobcat () and cougar (), in a local zoo. Seeds present in the scats were then collected, and recovery rates and retention times were estimated. Viability was estimated by X-ray optical densitometry and testa thicknesses were measured and surfaces checked using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed a recovery of seeds greater than 70% in all the animals. The retention time was <24 h in the endozoochory but longer at 24-96 h in the diploendozoochory ( < .05). Seed viability ( ± SD) was decreased in rabbits (74.0 ± 11.5%), compared to fruits obtained directly from the canopy (89.7 ± 2.0%), while gray fox, coati, bobcat, and cougar did not affect seed viability ( < .05). An increase in the thickness of the testas was also observed in seeds excreted from all mammals ( < .05). Through evaluation, our results suggest that mammalian endozoochory and diploendozoochory contribute to the dispersal of by maintaining viable seeds with adaptive characteristics in the testa to promote forest regeneration and restoration. In particular, feline predators can provide an ecosystem service through scarification and seed dispersal.
PubMed: 37408625
DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10262 -
PloS One 2024Bone mineral density is an important indicator of osteoporosis, and its variation with volatile organic compounds exposure has rarely been studied. However, the...
BACKGROUND
Bone mineral density is an important indicator of osteoporosis, and its variation with volatile organic compounds exposure has rarely been studied. However, the relationship between chloroform (an essential volatile organic compounds component) and bone mineral density remains unclear. Consequently, we aimed to explore the relationship between chloroform alone and bone mineral density or bone mineral content.
METHODS
Herein, 2,553 individuals aged 18 and above from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) in 2009-2010, 2013-2014, and 2017-2020, were included. We employed two independent t-tests and multi-linear regression models to statistically assess the relationship between chloroform exposure and BMD/BMC in the spine and femoral area.
RESULTS
A "V"-shaped correlation between chloroform exposure and bone mineral density or bone mineral content (BMD/BMC) was observed in the unadjusted model, particularly in the Ward's triangle and femoral neck as a whole. A negative correlation was specifically observed for the Ward's triangle BMD/BMC and L4 BMD/BMC. On the other hand, in the adjusted model, a dominantly negative correlation between the L4 BMC and chloroform exposure was observed over a range of exposure levels. The subgroup analysis revealed a negative correlation between chloroform concentrations and BMC in the femur and spine, especially in women and the 65-80 age population.
CONCLUSION
Our study revealed a "V" shaped correlation between chloroform and BMD/BMC of the femur and spine in U.S. adults. This finding highlights the fact that prolonged exposure to chloroform may cause the changes in BMD/BMC.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Female; Bone Density; Chloroform; Cross-Sectional Studies; Nutrition Surveys; Volatile Organic Compounds; Absorptiometry, Photon
PubMed: 38427675
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290132 -
Scientific Reports Dec 2023Serum uric acid (SUA) has been discovered to be associated with bone mineral density (BMD), but its relationship with trabecular bone score (TBS) remains unclear. Thus,...
Serum uric acid (SUA) has been discovered to be associated with bone mineral density (BMD), but its relationship with trabecular bone score (TBS) remains unclear. Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate the association between SUA levels and TBS. Our study included 5895 individuals over 20 years old (3061 men and 2834 women) from NHANES 2005-2008. To analyze the association between SUA and TBS, multivariate linear regression models with covariate adjustments were applied. Furthermore, population description, stratified analysis, single factor analysis, smooth curve fitting, interaction analysis, and threshold effect and saturation effect analysis were also conducted. After adjusting for covariates, SUA showed a strong negative relationship with total TBS (β = 0.319; 95% CI 0.145-0.494; P < 0.001). The relationship between SUA levels and total TBS was found to be nonlinear, with inflection points at 4.8 mg/dL for the overall population, 4.2 mg/dL for women, and 5.7 mg/dL for non-Hispanic whites, indicating a saturation effect. Additionally, no interactions were found in any of the subgroups. Our study found a negative association between SUA and total TBS in adults. Maintaining SUA at a saturated level can benefit in preventing osteoporosis and fractures.
Topics: Male; Adult; Humans; Female; Young Adult; Cancellous Bone; Uric Acid; Cross-Sectional Studies; Nutrition Surveys; Lumbar Vertebrae; Bone Density; Absorptiometry, Photon
PubMed: 38057416
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48739-5 -
Graefe's Archive For Clinical and... Jan 2024Corneal scars after infectious keratitis lead to insufficient transparency and irregular astigmatism, affecting visual acuity; therefore, they should be accurately... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
PURPOSE
Corneal scars after infectious keratitis lead to insufficient transparency and irregular astigmatism, affecting visual acuity; therefore, they should be accurately evaluated to estimate visual function. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate corneal irregularity and scarring after infectious keratitis using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).
METHODS
This was an observational clinical study. We included patients who had corneal scarring after treatment of infectious keratitis between 2014 and 2021 at University of Tokyo Hospital. We retrospectively examined best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), average keratometric power, central corneal thickness (CCT), and four components of the Fourier harmonic analysis including spherical and asymmetry components, as well as regular astigmatism and higher-order irregularity. We included anterior and posterior corneal data and compared results with those of contralateral healthy eyes. Additionally, we quantitatively evaluated the densitometry of the cornea obtained using AS-OCT.
RESULTS
A total of 122 eyes of 61 patients were examined; male predominance was observed (n = 37), and the mean patient age was 55.3 ± 19.4 years. Comparisons with contralateral healthy eyes showed that BSCVA worsened (0.30 ± 0.83 and 0.93 ± 1.36 logMAR, respectively, P = 0.003), and CCT (531.1 ± 46.2 and 591.8 ± 132.4 μm, respectively, P < 0.001) and corneal densitometry (84.4 ± 11.8 and 111.9 ± 19.2 grayscale units, respectively, P < 0.001) increased significantly in affected eyes. The asymmetry component and higher-order irregularities that were not corrected with spectacles significantly increased (both P < 0.001), and there were no significant differences in the changes among the bacterial, fungal, herpetic, and acanthamoeba types of keratitis.
CONCLUSION
Corneal scarring persisted after treatment for infectious keratitis, and the asymmetry and irregularities of corneal astigmatism increased as visual acuity deteriorated. AS-OCT with the Fourier harmonic analysis was useful for evaluating corneal topographic changes in patients with corneal scarring after keratitis.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Female; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Cicatrix; Astigmatism; Retrospective Studies; Cornea; Keratitis; Corneal Topography; Corneal Injuries
PubMed: 37470808
DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06157-3 -
BMC Chemistry Nov 2023Two simple and rapid chromatographic methods were developed and validated for the analysis of levamisole and triclabendazole simultaneously in pure and pharmaceutical...
Simultaneous analysis of the of levamisole with triclabendazole in pharmaceuticals through developing TLC and HPLC-PDA chromatographic techniques and their greenness assessment using GAPI and AGREE methods.
Two simple and rapid chromatographic methods were developed and validated for the analysis of levamisole and triclabendazole simultaneously in pure and pharmaceutical products. The first method is thin-layer chromatography (TLC) with densitometry, and the second method is high-performance liquid chromatography with PDA detection (HPLC-PDA). A Hypersil BDS C18 column with dimensions of 4.6 × 150 mm and a particle size of 5 µm was used in the HPLC-PDA method. An isocratic condition was used to carry out the separation, and the mobile phase was made up of acetonitrile and a 0.03 M potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer in double-distilled water. The ratio of the mobile phase preparation was 70:30 (v/v), and the flow rate was 1 mL/min. A wavelength of 215 nm was employed for analyte detection. Precoated silica gel 60 F254 aluminium plates were used for the TLC method's separation. Mobile phase was made of ethyl acetate, hexane, methanol, and ammonia (69:15:15:1) for the separation. The detection wavelength selected was 215 nm. According to the International Council for Harmonization (ICH) guidelines, the proposed methods were validated and it was found that the two chromatographic methods are accurate, precise, and linear for both compounds in the range of 3.75-37.5 and 6-60 mg/L for the HPLC method for levamisole and triclabendazole, respectively and in the range of 2-14 µg/spot for the TLC method. The developed methods greenness profile was assessed using AGREE and ComplexGAPI tools.
PubMed: 37996961
DOI: 10.1186/s13065-023-01087-x -
Journal of Bone and Mineral Research :... Sep 2023A significant increase in the risk of hip fracture was observed in middle-aged men living with human immunodeficiency virus (MLWH), almost a decade earlier than those...
A significant increase in the risk of hip fracture was observed in middle-aged men living with human immunodeficiency virus (MLWH), almost a decade earlier than those without infection. Data regarding cortical and trabecular bone deficit of hip, an important determinant of bone strength, in MLWH are limited. Quantitative CT was performed in consecutive MLWH aged ≥30 years between November 2017 and October 2018 at Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea. Volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and cortical bone mapping parameters of hip (cortical thickness [CTh], cortical bone vBMD [CBMD], cortical mass surface density [CMSD], endocortical trabecular density [ECTD]) were compared to age-matched and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls (1:2) using a community-based healthy adults cohort. Among 83 MLWH and 166 controls (mean age: 47.2 years; BMI: 23.6 kg/m ), MLWH had lower total hip vBMD (280 ± 41 versus 296 ± 41 mg/cm ), CMSD (155 versus 160 mg/cm ), and ECTD (158 versus 175 mg/cm ) than controls that remained robust after adjustment for covariates (adjusted β: total hip vBMD, -18.8; CMSD, -7.3; ECTD, -18.0; p < 0.05 for all). Cortical bone mapping revealed localized deficit of CTh, CBMD, and CMSD in the anterolateral trochanteric region and femoral neck in MLWH compared to controls, with a more extensive ECTD deficit. In MLWH, lower CD4 T-cell count (/100 cells/mm decrement) and protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimen (versus non-PI regimen) at the time of antiretroviral treatment initiation were associated with lower total hip vBMD (adjusted β -7.5 for lower CD4 count; -28.3 for PI-based regimen) and CMSD (adjusted β -2.6 for lower CD4 count; -12.7 for PI-based regimen; p < 0.05 for all) after adjustment for covariates including age, BMI, smoking, alcohol use, hepatitis C virus co-infection, tenofovir exposure, and CT scanner types. MLWH had lower hip bone density with cortical and trabecular bone deficit compared to community-dwelling controls. © 2023 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Topics: Adult; Middle Aged; Male; Humans; Cancellous Bone; HIV; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Femur Neck; Bone Density; HIV Infections; Absorptiometry, Photon
PubMed: 37358254
DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.4873 -
BMC Endocrine Disorders Nov 2023The association between segmental body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) remains uncertain. The primary aim of this cross-sectional investigation was to...
OBJECTIVE
The association between segmental body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) remains uncertain. The primary aim of this cross-sectional investigation was to elucidate the connection between segmental body composition and BMD within the United States adult population.
METHODS
We selected a cohort of 10,096 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database, with a mean age of 39 years and a mean BMI of 28.5 kg/m². The parameter of segmental body composition was achieved by quantifying body fat and lean mass percentages across various anatomical regions, including the torso, Android, Gynoid, arms and legs. We conducted a weighted multivariate linear regression analysis to investigate the association between segmental body composition and total BMD. Additionally, subgroup analysis was performed based on age and gender.
RESULTS
We found an inverse association between fat proportion in each anatomical region and total BMD, with the arm and leg regions demonstrating the most significant negative correlation. Conversely, a positive correlation was observed between lean mass and BMD across all anatomical regions. These associations remained consistent in subgroup analyses.
CONCLUSION
Our investigation revealed a negative association between adipose levels in various anatomical regions and BMD among Americans aged 20 to 59. Importantly, higher fat proportion in the extremities exerted the most deleterious impact on BMD. Furthermore, an increase in lean mass within each anatomical region was ascertained to confer a positive effect on bone health. Consequently, the evaluation of segmental body composition is well-positioned to predict bone health status.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Bone Density; Nutrition Surveys; Cross-Sectional Studies; Body Composition; Adipose Tissue; Absorptiometry, Photon; Body Mass Index
PubMed: 37940909
DOI: 10.1186/s12902-023-01506-z -
BMC Women's Health Sep 2023Circulating micro-RNAs have been proposed as a new type of biomarker in several diseases, particularly those related to bone health. They have shown great potential due...
BACKGROUND
Circulating micro-RNAs have been proposed as a new type of biomarker in several diseases, particularly those related to bone health. They have shown great potential due to their feasibility and simplicity of measurement in all body fluids, especially urine, plasma, and serum.
AIM
This study aimed to evaluate the expression of a set of mRNAs, namely miR-21, miR-24, mir-100, miR-24a, miR-103-3p, and miR-142-3p. Their proposed roles in the progression of osteoporosis were identified using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis in premenopausal women. In addition, their correlations with osteocalcin (OC), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), and deoxypyridinoline (DPD) bone markers were explored.
METHODS
A total of 85 healthy premenopausal women aged 25-50 years old were included in this study. Based on a DXA scan (Z-score) analysis and calcaneus broadband ultrasound attenuation scores (c-BUAs), measured via quantitative ultrasound (QUS), the subjects were classified into three groups: normal group (n = 25), osteopenia (n = 30), and osteoporosis (n = 30). Real-time-PCR and immunoassay analyses were performed to determine miRNA expression levels and serum OC, s-BAP, and DPD, respectively, as biomarkers of bone health.
RESULTS
Among the identified miRNAs, only miR-21, miR-24, and mir-100 were significantly upregulated and increased in the serum of patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis, and miR-24a, miR-103-3p, and miR-142-3p were downregulated and significantly decreased in osteoporosis. Both upregulated and downregulated miRNAs were significantly correlated with BMD, c-BUA, OC, s-BAP, and DPD.
CONCLUSION
A group of circulating miRNAs was shown to be closely correlated with the parameters BMD, c-BUA, OC, s-BAP, and DPD, which are traditionally used for bone-health measurements. They could be identified as non-invasive biomarkers in premenopausal patients with osteoporosis. More studies with large sample sizes are recommended to estimate the mechanistic role of miRNAs in osteoporosis pathogenesis and to provide evidence for the use of these miRNAs as a non-invasive method of diagnosing clinical osteoporosis, especially in premenopausal patients.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; MicroRNAs; Osteoporosis; Bone Diseases, Metabolic; Body Fluids; Absorptiometry, Photon
PubMed: 37689658
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02626-3 -
The American Journal of Clinical... Oct 2023New recommendations for the assessment of malnutrition and sarcopenia include body composition, specifically reduced muscle mass. Three-dimensional optical imaging (3DO)...
Cross-sectional assessment of body composition and detection of malnutrition risk in participants with low body mass index and eating disorders using 3D optical surface scans.
BACKGROUND
New recommendations for the assessment of malnutrition and sarcopenia include body composition, specifically reduced muscle mass. Three-dimensional optical imaging (3DO) is a validated, accessible, and affordable alternative to dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
OBJECTIVE
Identify strengths and weaknesses of 3DO for identification of malnutrition in participants with low body mass index (BMI) and eating disorders.
DESIGN
Participants were enrolled in the cross-sectional Shape Up! Adults and Kids studies of body shape, metabolic risk, and functional assessment and had BMI of <20 kg/m in adults or <85% of median BMI (mBMI) in children and adolescents. A subset was referred for eating disorders evaluation. Anthropometrics, scans, strength testing, and questionnaires were completed in clinical research centers. Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC) assessed agreement between 3DO and DXA; multivariate linear regression analysis examined associations between weight history and body composition.
RESULTS
Among 95 participants, mean ± SD BMI was 18.3 ± 1.4 kg/m in adult women (N = 56), 19.0 ± 0.6 in men (N = 14), and 84.2% ± 4.1% mBMI in children (N = 25). Concordance was excellent for fat-free mass (FFM, CCC = 0.97) and strong for appendicular lean mass (ALM, CCC = 0.86) and fat mass (FM, CCC = 0.87). By DXA, 80% of adults met the low FFM index criterion for malnutrition, and 44% met low ALM for sarcopenia; 52% of children and adolescents were <-2 z-score for FM. 3DO identified 95% of these cases. In the subset, greater weight loss predicted lower FFM, FM, and ALM by both methods; a greater percentage of weight regained predicted a higher percentage of body fat.
CONCLUSIONS
3DO can accurately estimate body composition in participants with low BMI and identify criteria for malnutrition and sarcopenia. In a subset, 3DO detected changes in body composition expected with weight loss and regain secondary to eating disorders. These findings support the utility of 3DO for body composition assessment in patients with low BMI, including those with eating disorders. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03637855.
Topics: Adult; Male; Child; Adolescent; Humans; Female; Body Mass Index; Sarcopenia; Body Composition; Malnutrition; Absorptiometry, Photon; Weight Loss; Feeding and Eating Disorders
PubMed: 37598747
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.08.004