Exploring Vegetarian and Omnivorous Approaches to Cardiovascular Risk and Body Composition.

The role of nutrition in preventing non-communicable diseases has been widely studied in recent years, with indications that non-animal-based diets might improve body composition and therefore bring multiple health benefits. For all of these reasons, the main purpose was to compare body composition and metabolic status between vegetarian and omnivorous individuals and relate these values with cardiovascular risk. The present analysis included 176 participants (61 vegetarians and 115 omnivores). Body composition was assessed using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, biochemical parameters obtained from capillary blood, and the 10-year cardiovascular risk (10RCVD) calculated by the QRISK3 score. No statistical differences were found between groups regarding body composition. Concerning metabolic markers, vegetarian individuals showed reduced values of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol (p < 0.05). There were no differences in 10RCVD between groups. In both diets, moderate correlations between groups were found for cardiovascular risk and visceral adipose tissue. Our results suggest that the vegetarian regimen might be associated with better cardiometabolic biomarkers and better cardiovascular health, although controversial with the body composition trends observed. In conclusion, the results suggest that cardiovascular risk appears to be more influenced by body composition, mainly fat tissue, over dietary patterns itself.

Omnivore and vegetarians show similar body composition and skin physiology across body regions-A comparative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Skin physiology seems to be influenced by dietary choices and body composition, although links between these factors remain poorly characterised. In the present manuscript, we elaborate on the potential relationships among food groups, body composition and skin physiology in omnivores and vegetarians. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study involved 181 participants, 129 omnivores and 52 vegetarians. The main functions of the skin measured in our laboratory were transepidermal water loss, deep and superficial epidermal hydration, skin elasticity, and carotenoid content. Skin variables obtained from different body regions were made comparable by a new Proportional Skin Index calculated to respect their relative representativity. RESULTS: No statistical differences were found when comparing both groups' body composition and skin variables from different body regions, with the exception of the skin carotenoid content significantly higher in the vegetarian group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although dietary patterns significantly differed between groups, with vegetarians consuming fewer animal-derived products and more plant-based foods, multiple linear regression analysis revealed no differences or association between the dietary pattern and the skin physiology. These findings highlight the need for further research to elucidate the specific impact of diet and food groups and body composition on skin physiology.

Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Its Relationship to Metabolic Markers and Body Composition in Portuguese University Students.

BACKGROUND: Transitioning to university involves several changes, which might affect dietary habits. The present study aimed to assess the potential relationships involving adherence to the MedDiet, body composition, and metabolic markers within a Portuguese university sample. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involved 70 participants, 52 women, and 18 men (23.00 ± 7.00 years old and a BMI of 21.99 ± 2.79 kg/m2). The average MedDiet adherence of participants was 9.23 points, as evaluated by the 14 point validated questionnaire, with classifications of low and high (under or over 9 points, respectively). Body composition was assessed using X-ray dual densitometry (DXA), and metabolic markers were collected from capillary blood. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in HDL cholesterol and the total/HDL cholesterol ratio were found between groups. Lower levels (p < 0.05) of visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), BMI, and waist circumference were found in the higher MedDiet adherence group. Those measures were negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with the adherence scores to the MedDiet. CONCLUSION: Higher adherence to MedDiet seemed to have a favorable and important impact on lipid profiles, primarily HDL-c. A positive relationship between MedDiet adherence and body composition distribution was also described, mostly due to the influence of higher adherence to MedDiet at lower levels of VAT and SAT in Portuguese university students.

Bioimpedance and Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry Are Not Equivalent Technologies: Comparing Fat Mass and Fat-Free Mass.

Bioimpedance (BIA) is the most frequently used technology for body composition assessment at a daily clinical level, mostly due to its low price and user-friendly operation. However, many doubts persist regarding its physiological meaning and applicability. The present study aimed to compare one BIA system and the Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) for the characterization of body composition in a previously selected cohort of healthy adult participants. A descriptive observational cross-sectional study included a final sample of 121 participants, 93 women and 28 men, with a mean age of 28.26 ± 9.72 years old and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 22.68 ± 3.13 kg/m2. Statistics involved paired t-tests and agreement analysis by the Bland-Altman method. BIA underestimated the percent body fat (%BF) by 5.56% and overestimated Fat-Free Mass (FFM) by 2.90 kg. A strong positive correlation between both technologies was found for FFM (r = 0.980) and the %BF (r = 0.932), but the disagreement was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Although DXA and BIA seem to correlate, these technologies are not congruent. Therefore, the risk of (mis)interpretation and bias is clear with BIA, potentially impacting the nutritional planning of clinical dietitians and the further results of its patients.

Comparison between Different Groups of Vegetarianism and Its Associations with Body Composition: A Literature Review from 2015 to 2021.

BACKGROUND: Vegetarian and vegan diets have become increasingly popular in the last years for many reasons, including their association with various health benefits when compared to omnivorous diets. The main objective of the study was to collect recent (2015-2021) scientific evidence for potential implications between a vegetarian/vegan diet and an individuals' body composition. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, with 22 studies selected for inclusion in our collective evaluation. Of the 22 studies included, there were 12 randomized controlled trials, 1 nonrandomized controlled trial, 1 comparative study, and 8 cross-sectional. The overall sample included in this study consists of 436,178 participants, 10,090 of whom were vegetarians, 5044 vegans, and 421,044 omnivores. RESULTS: Most studies, 17 out of 22, reported a significant positive relationship between a plant-based diet and body composition. CONCLUSION: There is scientifically sound evidence that vegan or vegetarian diets are associated with weight and body mass index reduction and, in some cases, fat mass distribution changes.

Nutrition Literacy of Portuguese Adults-A Pilot Study.

Nutrition is an essential factor in the prevention and treatment of some chronic diseases. For this reason, the population must know about nutrition, healthy food, and dietetics so that the promotion of healthier eating habits can lead to a consequent decrease in chronic disease incidence. That said, the present study aimed to assess nutrition literacy in the Portuguese population. Three hundred thirty participants aged between 18 and 65 years old were included in an observational, quantitative, and cross-sectional research. After the analysis, it was found that the vast majority of the study population (65.2%) had a good level of nutrition literacy. The participants having upper educational qualifications, following a specific diet, presenting an adequate BMI, having family members trained in the field of nutrition, and those who studied or worked in the field of health sciences reported a higher level of nutrition literacy. In conclusion, it seems to be essential to identify the population groups with the lowest nutrition knowledge so that it would be possible to apply personalized measures and to promote better literacy, reducing the prevalence and incidence of diseases and improving quality of life.

Periradicular lesions in HIV-infected patients attending the faculty of dentistry: clinical findings, socio-demographics status, habits and laboratory data - seeking an association.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of periradicular lesions in HIV-infected Brazilian patients and to assess the correlation of several factors with the periradicular status. METHOD: One hundred full-mouth periapical radiographs were evaluated. A total of 2,214 teeth were evaluated for the presence of periradicular lesions, caries lesions, coronal restorations, pulp cavity exposure and endodontic treatment. RESULTS: The prevalence of periradicular lesions was 46%. There were no significant differences between individuals with or without periradicular lesions with respect to their socio-demographic status, habits, laboratory data and route of HIV infection. However, the presence of a periradicular lesion was statistically correlated with the number of teeth with endodontic treatment (p = 0.018), inadequate endodontic treatment (p = 0.025), images suggesting pulp cavity exposure (p = 0.002) and caries lesions (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of periradicular lesions in HIV-infected individuals was 46% and was not related to HIV infection.

Periradicular lesions in HIV-infected patients attending the faculty of dentistry: clinical findings, socio-demographics status, habits and laboratory data - seeking an association

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of periradicular lesions in HIV-infected Brazilian patients and to assess the correlation of several factors with the periradicular status. METHOD: One hundred full-mouth periapical radiographs were evaluated. A total of 2,214 teeth were evaluated for the presence of periradicular lesions, caries lesions, coronal restorations, pulp cavity exposure and endodontic treatment. RESULTS: The prevalence of periradicular lesions was 46%. There were no significant differences between individuals with or without periradicular lesions with respect to their socio-demographic status, habits, laboratory data and route of HIV infection. However, the presence of a periradicular lesion was statistically correlated with the number of teeth with endodontic treatment (p = 0.018), inadequate endodontic treatment (p = 0.025), images suggesting pulp cavity exposure (p = 0.002) and caries lesions (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of periradicular lesions in HIV-infected individuals was 46% and was not related to HIV infection. .

Antimicrobial activity of three temporary endodontic coronal sealers / Atividade antimicrobiana de três seladores coronários temporários em Endodontia

Objective: The object of the present study is to analyze, in vitro, the antimicrobial activity of three temporary endodontic coronal sealers.Methods: The materials tested were Tempo® (Vigodent, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), IRM® (Dentsply, Petrópolis, Brazil) and Coltosol® (Vigodent, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The agar diffusion method was used for this analysis. Nine plates containing the agar blood culture medium were inoculated withhuman saliva and in each plate three equidistant cavities were made and filled with one of the materials tested. Two plates were not inoculatedand served as the negative control of the culture medium. All the plates were incubated in bacteriological incubators, in aerobiosis, for 48 hours, at 37oC. The inhibition halos of bacterial growth were measured in millimeters. Results: Tempo® (Vigodent, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) did not show a inhibition halo of bacterial growth in any of the nine plates. Coltosol® (Vigodent, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) produced halos in all plates, and IRM® (Dentsply, Petrópolis, Brazil) in 4 out of 9 plates. In all the tests, the halos produced by Coltosol® (Vigodent, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) were more pronounced than the ones produced by IRM® (Dentsply, Petrópolis, Brazil) (p<0.05). The temporary coronal sealer Coltosol® (Vigodent, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) presented the most prominent antimicrobial activity, followed by the temporary coronal sealer IRM® (Dentsply, Petrópolis, Brazil). Conclusion: Among the materials tested, it was concluded that the Coltosol® (Vigodent, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) presented the highest antimicrobial activity.

Objetivo: Avaliar, in vitro, a atividade antimicrobiana de três seladores coronários temporários utilizados em Endodontia. Métodos: Os materiais testados foram o Tempo® (Vigodent, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil), IRM® (Dentsply, Petrópolis, Brasil) e Coltosol® (Vigodent, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil). O método utilizado para a avaliação foi o teste de difusão em ágar. Nove placas contendo o meio de cultura ágar-sangue foram inoculadas com saliva humana e em cada uma foram confeccionados 3 furos eqüidistantes sendo cada um preenchido com um dos materiais testados. Duas placas foram inoculadas e serviram como controle negativo do meio de cultura. Todas as placas foram incubadas em estufa bacteriológica, em aerobiose, por 48 horas, à temperatura de 37ºC. Os halos de inibição do crescimento bacteriano foram medidos em milímetros.Resultados: O selador temporário Tempo® (Vigodent, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil) não apresentou halo de inibição do crescimento bacteriano nas nove placas. Coltosol® (Vigodent, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil) produziu halo de inibição em todas as placas enquanto que o IRM® (Dentsply, Petrópolis, Brasil) produziu halo em 4 das 9 placas. Em todos os testes, os halos produzidos pelo Coltosol® (Vigodent, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil) foram maispronunciados que os do IRM® (Dentsply, Petrópolis, Brasil) (p<0.05). O selador coronário temporário Coltosol® (Vigodent, Rio de Janeiro,Brasil) apresentou a atividade antimicrobiana mais pronunciada, seguido pelo IRM® (Dentsply, Petrópolis, Brasil). O selador temporário Tempo®(Vigodent, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil) não apresentou qualquer atividade antimicrobiana. Conclusão: Dentre os materiais testados, podemos concluir que o Coltosol® (Vigodent, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil) é o que apresenta maior atividade antimicrobiana.

Periodontal disease in HIV-infected adults in the HAART era: Clinical, immunological, and microbiological aspects.

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has decreased the incidence and prevalence of several oral manifestations such as oral candidiasis, hairy leukoplakia, and Kaposi's sarcoma in HIV-infected patients. Regarding periodontal disease the findings are not clear. This disease represents a group of chronic oral diseases characterized by infection and inflammation of the periodontal tissues. These tissues surround the teeth and provide periodontal protection (the gingival tissue) and periodontal support (periodontal ligament, root cementum, alveolar bone). Clinical, immunological, and microbiological aspects of these diseases, such as linear gingival erythema (LGE), necrotizing periodontal diseases (NPD) (necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis [NUG], necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis [NUP] and necrotizing stomatitis), and chronic periodontitis, have been widely studied in HIV-infected individuals, but without providing conclusive results. The purpose of this review was to contribute to a better overall understanding of the probable impact of HIV-infection on the characteristics of periodontal infections.

Factors associated with specific clinical forms of oral candidiasis in HIV-infected Brazilian adults.

OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the association among factors related with specific clinical forms of oral candidiasis (OC) in HIV-infected Brazilian adults. DESIGN: This study was conducted with 590 HIV-infected adults from 1997 to 2004. The OC diagnosis was based in accordance with the EC-Clearinghouse classification. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to measure the association between HAART and OC, with pseudomembranous [PC], erythematous [EC], and angular cheilitis [AC]) adjusted for HIV-related diseases, smoking, alcohol consumption, injecting and non-injecting drug use. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighteen (37.0%) individuals were undergoing HAART. The prevalence of PC, EC and AC was 21.2%, 15.7% and 8.8%, respectively. Approximately 64% of the individuals with PC and EC, and 76.5% with AC had absolute CD4 levels ≤200cells/mm(3). The results of the multivariate analysis showed that subjects not undergoing HAART had a significantly higher odds ratio for PC [OR 3.67 (95% CI: 1.97-6.80)] and EC [OR 1.88 (95% CI: 1.04-3.39)], and AC [OR 4.56 (95% CI: 1.58-13.19)]. In addition, smoking [OR 2.58 (95% CI: 1.43-4.68)] and pneumocystis pneumonia [OR 1.92 (95% CI: 1.07-3.42)] were associated with PC, while high alcohol consumption [OR 3.40 (95% CI: 1.13-10.18)] and cytomegalovirus infection [OR 2.34 (95% CI: 1.06-5.15)] were associated with EC. CONCLUSION: The data indicates that the odds of having all clinical forms of OC are higher in HIV-infected adults not receiving HAART.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and the prevalence of apical periodontitis and endodontic treatment in an adult Brazilian population.

INTRODUCTION: This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and endodontic treatment in type 2 diabetic individuals as compared with nondiabetics from an adult Brazilian population. METHODS: Full-mouth radiographs from 30 type 2 diabetic and 60 age- and sex-matched nondiabetic individuals were examined, and the presence of AP lesions in untreated and root canal-treated teeth was recorded. The number of teeth and the prevalence of root canal treatment were also evaluated. RESULTS: AP was significantly more present in teeth from diabetic individuals (98/652, 15%) than in nondiabetic controls (162/1,368, 12%) (P = .05). A separate analysis of untreated and treated teeth revealed that significance was mostly because of the prevalence of AP in untreated teeth, which was 10% in diabetics and 7% in nondiabetics (P = .03). No significant difference between diabetics and nondiabetics was observed for the other parameters under study, including the prevalence of AP in root canal-treated teeth, the number of teeth in the oral cavity, the number of treated teeth per individual, the number of individuals with at least 1 AP lesion or 1 root canal treatment, and the number of teeth with AP per individual (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: AP was significantly more prevalent in untreated teeth from type 2 diabetics. This suggests that diabetes may serve as a disease modifier of AP in the sense that individuals with diabetes can be more prone to develop primary disease. However, findings do not confirm that diabetes may influence the response to root canal treatment because treated teeth had no increased prevalence of AP when compared with controls.