Impact of Body Composition and Sarcopenia on Mortality in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have alterations in body composition, such as low cell integrity, body cell mass, and disturbances in water distribution evidenced by higher impedance ratio (IR), low phase angle (PhA), as well as low strength, low muscle mass, and sarcopenia. Body composition alterations are associated with adverse outcomes. However, according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2), the impact of these alterations on mortality in COPD patients is not well-established. Our aims were to evaluate whether low strength, low muscle mass, and sarcopenia impacted mortality in COPD patients. METHODS: A prospective cohort study performance was conducted with COPD patients. Patients with cancer, and asthma were excluded. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Low strength and muscle mass, and sarcopenia were defined according to EWGSOP2. RESULTS: 240 patients were evaluated, of whom 32% had sarcopenia. The mean age was 72.32 ± 8.24 years. The factors associated with lower risk of mortality were handgrip strength (HR:0.91, CI 95%; 0.85 to 0.96, p = 0.002), PhA (HR:0.59, CI 95%; 0.37 to 0.94, p = 0.026) and exercise tolerance (HR:0.99, CI 95%; 0.992 to 0.999, p = 0.021), while PhA below the 50th percentile (HR:3.47, CI 95%; 1.45 to 8.29, p = 0.005), low muscle strength (HR:3.49, CI 95%; 1.41 to 8.64, p = 0.007) and sarcopenia (HR:2.10, CI 95%; 1.02 to 4.33, p = 0.022) were associated with a higher risk of mortality. CONCLUSION: Low PhA, low muscle strength, and sarcopenia are independently associated with poor prognosis in COPD patients.

Active Brazilian crack cocaine users: nutritional, anthropometric, and drug use profiles.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nutritional status of crack users and to analyze its correlation with drug use profiles. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 108 crack users. Anthropometric data were assessed through body mass index (BMI) and bioimpedance (BIA) measurements. A blood test to analyze hematocrit, hemoglobin, glucose, and lipid profiles was also performed. Crack use was determined through a standardized interview. RESULTS: Based on BMI and BIA, most individuals were eutrophic (about 70%). Regarding hematological parameters, we found that hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were below normal for 32.4 and 30.6% of patients, respectively. Considering normal parameters, a large part of the sample (60.2%) had low levels of HDL cholesterol and high levels of triglycerides (38%). There were no significant correlations between drug profile and nutritional variables. CONCLUSION: This is a pioneering study that examines the nutritional status of crack users. Our results showed that most crack users present normal anthropometric findings and the prevalence of underweight is low. However, blood analysis showed changes and a specific type of malnutrition.

Leptin levels and its correlation with crack-cocaine use severity: A preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Crack-cocaine is an important public health problem in Brazil and worldwide. It is a potent form of cocaine which results in rapid and damaging stimulating effects on the central nervous system through inhibition of the dopamine transporter. Some studies have suggested that both food and drugs - including crack, can act on the same brain reward mechanisms, altering the dopamine pathways that modulate behavioral responses. Our hypothesis was that leptin, a well-known peptide that modulates energy metabolism and appetite, can be used as a biomarker for drug use. METHODS: Anthropometric data, drug use profiles, and leptin serum levels were evaluated in a cross-sectional study of 40 crack-cocaine users. RESULTS: Leptin showed an inverse correlation with the severity of crack use, and this correlation remained when corrected by body mass index (BMI) and body composition by bioimpedance (BIA). The majority of subjects were eutrophic or overweight/obese considering BMI and BIA, and these variables were not significantly associated with the severity of crack use, but positively correlated with leptin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary findings suggest that leptin could be involved in drug use severity, perhaps through pathways similar to those whereby it modulates food intake. Considering the anthropometric parameters, these findings provide additional evidence that low weight is not predominant in crack users.

The stabilization of housekeeping transcripts in Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes evidences a global regulation of RNA decay during stationary phase.

The relative steady state concentration of mRNAs of four housekeeping single-copy type Trypanosoma cruzi genes (actin, triosephosphate isomerase, trypanothion reductase and the ribosomal protein S4) was analyzed throughout the growth curve. A distinguishable pattern was observed with maximal levels occurring at the logarithmic phase of growth and minimum levels occurring at the stationary phase. The half-lives of all analyzed messenger RNAs, and also of three molecular species of immature ribosomal RNAs were increased in cells isolated from stationary phase. These results suggest the occurrence of a novel global regulation mechanism that might protect transcripts from degradation in stationary epimastigotes, probably as a strategy to perpetuate through this quiescent stage.

Aceitabilidade e fatores associados ao consumo dietético em pacientes diabéticos de um hospital público universitário / Acceptability and factors associated with dietary consumption in diabetic patients of a public university

A dietoterapia é essencial para pacientes hospitalizados. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a aceitabilidade das refeições do almoço de pacientes que receberam a dietética para Diabetes Mellitus (DM) e verificar aspectos que podem interferir nesse consumo, como as estações do ano. Estudo quantitativo descritivo que avaliou o consumo da refeição almoço dos pacientes que receberam dietética DM em um período de verão e outro de inverno no ano de 2019. Os dados foram verificados em frequências absolutas, porcentagens, médias, e o teste estatístico foi o de regressão logística com a correlação de dados a um nível de significância de 95% (p <0,05) usando o software SPSS® 18.0. Foram selecionadas duas unidades de internação, com amostra de 49 indivíduos (63,3% do sexo masculino). Das 115 refeições servidas, 55,7% foram parcialmente consumidas ou não consumidas. O desperdício de pratos nas refeições do almoço apresentou média per capita de 64,15 g (consumo de 310,89g) no verão e de 135,99g (consumo de 248,12g) no inverno. O padrão do cardápio foi semelhante nas duas estações. Encontrou-se p <0,05 em relação à temporada na associação do odds ratio univariável. Pesquisas dessa natureza são importantes para auxiliar no prognóstico do paciente. (AU)

Diet therapy is essential for hospitalized patients. This study aimed to evaluate the acceptability of lunch meals in patients who received diet for diabetes mellitus (DM) and to verify aspects that may interfere with this consumption, such as seasons. This is a quantitative, descriptive study. The consumption of lunch meal in patients who received dietary DM in summer and a winter period in 2019 was evaluated. The data were verified in absolute frequencies, percentages, means, and the statistical test was the logistic regression with the association data at a 95% significance level (p <0.05) using the SPSS® 18.0 software. Two inpatient units were selected, with a sample of 49 individuals (63.3% males). Out of the 115 lunch meals served, 55.7% were partially consumed or not consumed. The plate waste for the lunch meals showed a mean per capita of 64.15 g (intake of 310.89g) in the summer and of 135.99g (intake of 248.12g) in winter. The menu pattern was similar for both seasons. It was found p <0.05 in relation to the season in the association of univariable odds ratio. This typo of research is important to assist in the patient's prognosis. (AU)

Active Brazilian crack cocaine users: nutritional, anthropometric, and drug use profiles

Objective: To evaluate the nutritional status of crack users and to analyze its correlation with drug use profiles. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 108 crack users. Anthropometric data were assessed through body mass index (BMI) and bioimpedance (BIA) measurements. A blood test to analyze hematocrit, hemoglobin, glucose, and lipid profiles was also performed. Crack use was determined through a standardized interview. Results: Based on BMI and BIA, most individuals were eutrophic (about 70%). Regarding hematological parameters, we found that hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were below normal for 32.4 and 30.6% of patients, respectively. Considering normal parameters, a large part of the sample (60.2%) had low levels of HDL cholesterol and high levels of triglycerides (38%). There were no significant correlations between drug profile and nutritional variables. Conclusion: This is a pioneering study that examines the nutritional status of crack users. Our results showed that most crack users present normal anthropometric findings and the prevalence of underweight is low. However, blood analysis showed changes and a specific type of malnutrition.

Transtornos alimentares em homens abstinentes de substâncias psicoativas em tratamento ambulatorial / Eating disorders in males abstinent from psychoactive substances during outpatient treatment

Introdução: A alimentação exerce um papel similar ao da droga psicotrópica pelo prazer que dá às pessoas, já que age no mesmo sistema de recompensa cerebral. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar a relação entre abstinência de substâncias psicoativas (SPAs) e transtornos alimentares em homens adultos em tratamento ambulatorial no Ambulatório de Adição da Unidade Álvaro Alvim do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal desenvolvido com 40 pacientes homens e realizado através de aplicação de questionários. O transtorno da compulsão alimentar periódica (TCAP) foi mensurado através da Escala de Compulsão Alimentar Periódica (ECAP), e para a anorexia nervosa foi utilizado o Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) ou Teste de Atitudes Alimentares. O estado nutricional dos indivíduos foi obtido através dos dados de índice de massa corporal (IMC). Resultados: O tempo de abstinência informado foi de 8 meses. A prevalência de obesidade foi de 17,5%, de sobrepeso, 37,5%, de eutrofia, 42,5%, e de desnutrição, apenas 2,5%. Quanto ao IMC, a média foi de 26,59 kg/m2 , o que caracteriza uma amostra com sobrepeso. Os indivíduos que apresentaram diagnóstico de TCAP foram aqueles com os valores de IMC significativamente mais altos (r = 0,47; p < 0,01), o que aponta uma relação de quanto maior o IMC, maior a pontuação para compulsão alimentar periódica. Conclusão: O perfil nutricional dos dependentes químicos em abstinência se caracteriza pelo excesso de peso, o que sugere uma troca de substâncias de abuso, com os alimentos de alto valor calórico e baixo valor nutricional entrando como substitutivos. Portanto, é importante que sejam promovidas novas estratégias terapêuticas para um melhor atendimento nutricional dos indivíduos em abstinência (AU)

Introduction: Food and psychotropic drugs play similar roles in terms of the pleasure they bring to people, since they act on the same brain reward system. Thus, the aim of the present study was to identify the relationship between abstinence from psychoactive substances and eating disorders in adult males during outpatient treatment at the Álvaro Alvim Unit of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 40 male patients with the application of questionnaires. Binge eating disorder (BED) was measured by the Binge Eating Scale (BES), and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was used for anorexia nervosa. Nutritional status was obtained through body mass index (BMI) data.Results: The informed period of abstinence was 8 months. The prevalence of obesity was 17.5%; overweight, 37.5%; normal weight, 42.5%; and malnutrition, only 2.5%. The average BMI was 26.59 kg/m2 characterizing a sample with overweight. Individuals who were diagnosed with BED are those with significantly higher BMI values (r = 0,47; p < 0,01), so the higher the BMI value the higher the binge eating score. Conclusion: The nutritional profile of abstinent drug addicts is characterized by excess weight, which suggests an exchange of substance abuse, with high-calorie, low-nutrient food becoming a substitute. However, it is important to promote new therapeutic strategies to improve nutritional care of abstinent individuals (AU)

Estado nutricional e hábitos alimentares de usuários em centro de atenção psicossocial de Porto Alegre, Brasil / Nutritional status and food habits of users in a psychosocial care center in Porto Alegre, Brazil

Introdução: O Centro de Atenção Psicossocial (CAPS) trabalha com o desenvolvimento de autonomia e responsabilização do usuário no seu tratamento. Levantamentos epidemiológicos mostraram que há relação entre Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) e transtornos psiquiátricos, sendo a obesidade um desafio para usuários e trabalhadores da saúde mental. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o estado nutricional e os hábitos alimentares de usuários de um CAPS em Porto Alegre, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal desenvolvido com 40 usuários. O estado nutricional foi avaliado pela classificação do IMC e circunferência da cintura, e os hábitos alimentares foram avaliados com um questionário publicado no Guia Alimentar da População Brasileira e um questionário com perguntas referentes ao tipo de transtorno mental, comorbidades e estilo de vida. A análise foi descritiva em frequência e percentuais. Resultados: A patologia mais frequente foi a esquizofrenia (65,9%). A obesidade apresentou maior prevalência (45%) e a circunferência da cintura apresentou valores acima do recomendado. Foi verificada grande alteração nos hábitos alimentares dos usuários. De acordo com o questionário proposto, 85,4% dos usuários precisam melhorar a alimentação, pois foi observado baixo consumo de frutas, verduras e legumes e grande consumo de açúcares, gorduras e produtos industrializados. Conclusão: Grande parte dos pacientes psiquiátricos apresentou excesso de peso e valor de circunferência da cintura elevada, além de hábitos alimentares pouco saudáveis, importantes fatores de risco para doenças crônicas.

Introduction: The Psychosocial Care Center (PSCC) works towards developing the user’s autonomy and accountability in the treatment. Epidemiological surveys have shown that there is a correlation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and psychiatric disorders, and obesity in particular poses a challenge for users and mental health workers. Thus, the objective of the study is to assess the nutritional status and dietary habits of the users of a PSCC from Porto Alegre, Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out with 40 users. Nutritional assessment was performed according to the classification of BMI and waist circumference. For the evaluation of eating habits, we used a questionnaire published on the Food. Guide of the Brazilian Population as well as questions regarding the type of mental disorder, comorbidity, and lifestyle. The analysis was descriptive of frequency and percentages. Results: The most frequent pathology was schizophrenia (65.9%). Obesity was more prevalent (45%) and waist circumference showed values above the recommended. A major change was seen in the dietary habits of users. According to the proposed questionnaire, 85.4% of users need to improve their eating habits since we observed low consumption of fruits and vegetables, and high intake of sugars, fats, and processed products. Conclusion: The majority of psychiatric patients presented with excess weight and high values of waist circumference, as well as poor dietary habits, which are all major risk factors for chronic diseases.

Alterações na composição corporal e em parâmetros antropométricos de dependentes de crack internados em unidade de adição / Changes in body composition and anthropometric parameters in crack-cocaine addicts admitted in an addiction unit

OBJETIVOS: Verificar as alterações da composição corporal e de parâmetros antropométricos de dependentes de crack internados para tratamento da adição. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte prospectivo, com 40 voluntários masculinos dependentes de crack, de 18 a 60 anos, em tratamento. Foram aferidos parâmetros antropométricos e de composição corporal, por meio de bioimpedância elétrica, na internação e alta hospitalar. RESULTADOS: Com idade média de 29,3 ± 6,9 anos, os pacientes tiveram, durante a abstinência, aumento de peso de 7,6 ± 3,7 kg; 11,6 ± 6,4% do peso corporal; 5,6 ± 4,2 cm de circunferência de cintura. Houve aumento de 4,2 ± 3,2 kg de gordura, 3,5 ± 3,0 kg de massa magra e de 2,5 ± 2,6 litros de água. Ao se internarem, 75% estavam eutróficos, 17,5% apresentavam sobrepeso e 5% apresentavam desnutrição, valores que, na alta, se alteraram para 50% de eutrofia e 47,6% de sobrepeso (IMC - Índice de Massa Corporal). Observou-se que a média de ganho de peso foi maior nas duas primeiras semanas de internação. CONCLUSÃO: Ao longo da internação, foram identificados ganho de peso e alterações de composição corporal e nos parâmetros antropométricos dos pacientes, refletindo em migração da eutrofia para o sobrepeso em parcela expressiva deles.

OBJECTIVES: Verify the alterations of body composition and of anthropometric parameters in crack addicted patients, hospitalized for addiction treatment. METHODS: Cohort prospective studies, with 40 crack addicted male volunteers, 18 to 60 years old, in treatment. Anthropometric parameters and body composition were measured, through bioelectric impedance analysis, within the hospital and at discharge. RESULTS: With an average age 29.3 ± 6.9 years, the patients have had, during abstinence, a weight gain of 7.6 ± 3.7 kg; 11.6 ± 6.4% of body weight; 5.6 ± 4.2 cm of waist circumference. There was an increase of 4.2 ± 3.2 kg of fat (obesity); 3.5 ± 3.0 kg of lean body mass and 2.5 ± 2.6 liters of water. When hospitalized, 17.5% of the patients presented overweight and 5% were malnourished, values that, at discharge, altered to 50% of eutrophy and 47.6% of overweight (BMI - Body Mass Index). It was observed that the average of weight gain increased in the first two weeks of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: During hospitalization a weight gain was identified as well as alterations in body composition and in anthropometric parameters of patients, resulting in migration from eutrophy to overweight, in an expressive group.

Trypanosoma cruzi ribosomal protein S4: characterization of its coding locus, analysis of transcripts, and antigenicity of the protein.

Two allelic genomic fragments containing ribosomal protein S4 encoding genes (rpS4) from Trypanosoma cruzi (CL-Brener strain) were isolated and characterized. One allele comprises two complete tandem repeats of a sequence encoding an rpS4 gene. In the other, only one rpS4 gene is found. Sequence comparison to the accessed data in the genome project database reveals that our two-copy allele corresponds to a variant haplotype. However, the deduced aminoacid sequence of all the gene copies is identical. The rpS4 transcripts processing sites were determined by comparison of genomic sequences with published cDNA data. The obtained sequence data demonstrates that rpS4 genes are expressed in epimastigotes, amastigotes, and trypomastigotes. A recombinant version of rpS4 was found to be an antigenic: it was recognized by 62.5% of the individuals with positive serology for T. cruzi and by 93.3% of patients with proven chronic chagasic disease.

Trypanosoma cruzi ribosomal protein S4: characterization of its coding locus, analysis of transcripts, and antigenicity of the protein

Two allelic genomic fragments containing ribosomal protein S4 encoding genes (rpS4) from Trypanosoma cruzi (CL-Brener strain) were isolated and characterized. One allele comprises two complete tandem repeats of a sequence encoding an rpS4 gene. In the other, only one rpS4 gene is found. Sequence comparison to the accessed data in the genome project database reveals that our two-copy allele corresponds to a variant haplotype. However, the deduced aminoacid sequence of all the gene copies is identical. The rpS4 transcripts processing sites were determined by comparison of genomic sequences with published cDNA data. The obtained sequence data demonstrates that rpS4 genes are expressed in epimastigotes, amastigotes, and trypomastigotes. A recombinant version of rpS4 was found to be an antigenic: it was recognized by 62.5 percent of the individuals with positive serology for T. cruzi and by 93.3 percent of patients with proven chronic chagasic disease.