ABSTRACT
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient to be consumed in the habitual dietary intake, whose deficiency is associated with various disturbances. This study represents a validation of vitamin D status estimation using a semi-quantitative FFQ, together with data from additional physical activity and lifestyle questionnaires. This information was combined to forecast the serum vitamin D status. Different statistical methods were applied to estimate the vitamin D status using predictors based on diet and lifestyle. Serum vitamin D was predicted using linear regression (with leave-one-out cross-validation) and random forest models. Intraclass correlation coefficients, Lin's agreement coefficients, Bland-Altman plots and other methods were used to assess the accuracy of the predicted v. observed serum values. Data were collected in Spain. A total of 220 healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 78 years were included in this study. They completed validated questionnaires and agreed to provide blood samples to measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels. The common final predictors in both models were age, sex, sunlight exposure, vitamin D dietary intake (as assessed by the FFQ), BMI, time spent walking, physical activity and skin reaction after sun exposure. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the prediction was 0·60 (95 % CI: 0·52, 0·67; P < 0·001) using the random forest model. The magnitude of the correlation was moderate, which means that our estimation could be useful in future epidemiological studies to establish a link between the predicted 25(OH)D values and the occurrence of several clinical outcomes in larger cohorts.
Subject(s)
Life Style , Vitamin D Deficiency , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Humans , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Calcifediol/blood , Dietary Supplements , Eating , European People , Seasons , Vitamin D , Vitamin D Deficiency/diagnosis , Vitamin D Deficiency/epidemiology , Vitamins , Spain , Ergocalciferols/bloodABSTRACT
La morfea lineal en golpe de sable es una entidad dermatológica caracterizada por la inflamación esclerosante y progresiva del tejido cutáneo en la región frontal y/o en el cuero cabelludo. La cefalea y las crisis convulsivas son dos de los síntomas extracutáneos más frecuentes y están causados por el crecimiento subyacente de la lesión. Es importante un diagnóstico temprano para frenar la progresión e intentar evitar las complicaciones secundarias, principalmente neurológicas. El diagnóstico se basa en el cuadro clínico y el estudio histológico, que permite la confirmación definitiva. El tratamiento de elección es la terapia combinada con corticoides orales y metotrexato. Aun con el tratamiento farmacológico adecuado, esta patología puede presentar un curso recidivante y dejar secuelas a largo plazo. Se presenta el caso de una niña en quien se realizó un diagnóstico rápido de esta enfermedad, a pesar de un cuadro clínico inespecífico. Fue tratada con metotrexato oral con buena respuesta, sin efectos secundarios.
Linear morphea in coup de sabre is a dermatological entity characterized by progressive, sclerosing inflammation of the skin tissue in the frontal region and on the scalp. Headache and seizures are two of the most frequent extracutaneous symptoms and they are caused by the growth of the lesion towards underlying structures. An early diagnosis is important to stop cranial progression and try to avoid secondary complications, mainly neurological. The diagnosis is relied on compatible clinical signs and a pathological study that allows a definitive confirmation. The treatment of choice is combination therapy with oral corticosteroids and methotrexate. Despite an adequate pharmacological treatment, this pathology can present a recurrent course and cause long-term sequelae. We present the case of a girl who was diagnosed quickly, despite a not very noticeable symptoms. She has been treated with oral methotrexate with a good response, without side effect
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Child , Scleroderma, Localized/complications , Scleroderma, Localized/diagnosis , Scleroderma, Localized/drug therapy , Methotrexate , Disease Progression , HeadacheABSTRACT
Linear morphea in coup de sabre is a dermatological entity characterized by progressive, sclerosing inflammation of the skin tissue in the frontal region and on the scalp. Headache and seizures are two of the most frequent extracutaneous symptoms and they are caused by the growth of the lesion towards underlying structures. An early diagnosis is important to stop cranial progression and try to avoid secondary complications, mainly neurological. The diagnosis is relied on Morfea lineal en golpe de sable: a propósito de un caso Linear morphea in saber coup: about a case compatible clinical signs and a pathological study that allows a definitive confirmation. The treatment of choice is combination therapy with oral corticosteroids and methotrexate. Despite an adequate pharmacological treatment, this pathology can present a recurrent course and cause long-term sequelae. We present the case of a girl who was diagnosed quickly, despite a not very noticeable symptoms. She has been treated with oral methotrexate with a good response, without side effects.
La morfea lineal en golpe de sable es una entidad dermatológica caracterizada por la inflamación esclerosante y progresiva del tejido cutáneo en la región frontal y/o en el cuero cabelludo. La cefalea y las crisis convulsivas son dos de los síntomas extracutáneos más frecuentes y están causados por el crecimiento subyacente de la lesión. Es importante un diagnóstico temprano para frenar la progresión e intentar evitar las complicaciones secundarias, principalmente neurológicas. El diagnóstico se basa en el cuadro clínico y el estudio histológico, que permite la confirmación definitiva. El tratamiento de elección es la terapia combinada con corticoides orales y metotrexato. Aun con el tratamiento farmacológico adecuado, esta patología puede presentar un curso recidivante y dejar secuelas a largo plazo. Se presenta el caso de una niña en quien se realizó un diagnóstico rápido de esta enfermedad, a pesar de un cuadro clínico inespecífico. Fue tratada con metotrexato oral con buena respuesta, sin efectos secundarios.
Subject(s)
Scleroderma, Localized , Disease Progression , Female , Headache , Humans , Methotrexate , Scleroderma, Localized/complications , Scleroderma, Localized/diagnosis , Scleroderma, Localized/drug therapy , SkinABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Several studies have suggested a potential association between low vitamin D serum levels and several pathological conditions apart from the well-known bone disorders. Thus, vitamin D insufficiency has been linked to cardiometabolic risk factors including obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, as well as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE: This review intends to provide an overview of recent evidence from clinical studies on vitamin D [25- hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)] and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight adults. Furthermore, we also discussed potential mechanisms and limits of the retrieved results. METHODS: The search process was based on the selection of publications (RCT) listed in PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. RESULTS: Vitamin D status evidenced an inversely strong association with subcutaneous adipose tissue and visceral adiposity, but not significantly related to other bodyweight measures (i.e., body mass index). Studies have shown a potential inverse association of hypovitaminosis D with insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSION: The mechanisms by which vitamin D deficiency enhances adiposity, as well as putative association with metabolic syndrome features, remain still unclear. Further investigation would be required to conclude whether vitamin D has an independent role in preventing cardiometabolic disorders.
Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Diseases/complications , Metabolic Diseases/complications , Overweight/complications , Vitamin D Deficiency/complications , Adult , Body Mass Index , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Risk Factors , Vitamin D/bloodABSTRACT
Post-mortem study of the brain is extremely relevant to medico-legal autopsies. However, it can be difficult to handle due to its fragility. This article presents a study on the development of an arterial solidifying technique that can be applied to analyze arterial circulation, consequently easing the handling and later diagnosis of diseases in this anatomical site. Vinylpolysiloxane silicone is introduced into the internal carotid arteries until it completely fills the arterial tree, creating a detailed model of the arterial's internal anatomy. This technique is fast, easy to apply and requires no previous tissue fixation. In addition, it allows for further toxicological and pathological tests. In conclusion, this technique represents a simple, sensitive and efficient method to employ in conventional autopsies, which can help in the diagnosis of death.
