RESUMO
PURPOSE: Our study aimed to 1) investigate the differences of muscle parameters in relation to each SARC-F component/question; and 2) explore the relationship between SARC-F score with these muscle parameters using various landmarks derived from computed tomography (CT) scans of patients with cancer. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional analysis of a cohort comprised of consecutive patients with cancer, displaying CT scans. SARC-F questionnaire was utilized as a proxy for muscle functionality, with a score ≥4 indicating a poor status. Muscle assessment via CT measurements was performed using single cross-sectional images at the level of the third lumbar vertebrae (L3) in the abdominal region, the thigh region, and the total gluteal region at the level of the second sacral vertebrae. Skeletal muscle (SM) cross-sectional area, SM index (normalized to height2), and SM radiodensity (SMD) were evaluated for all anatomical landmarks. RESULTS: A total of 128 patients were included in this analysis (53.1% females, 61.7% older adults). Patients with SARC-F scores ≥4 demonstrated significantly lower values of SMD across all landmarks assessed. Those reporting difficulties related to strength (P = 0.039), requiring assistance in walking (P = 0.033), and climbing stairs (P = 0.012) exhibited significantly lower SMD values at the L3 landmark. At gluteus and thigh levels, only patients experiencing difficulty climbing stairs (P = 0.012) showed significantly lower values of SMD. Only SMD at gluteus level was independently associated with SARC-F score (ßadjusted -0.09, 95% CI -0.16 to -0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that individuals with poor muscle composition may experience a higher risk of sarcopenia/poor muscle functionality.
RESUMO
Infant feeding practices impact children's nutritional and health status, influencing growth and development. This study aimed to analyse the evolution of infant feeding practices from 9 to 24 months of age, considering infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators and food processing. The infant feeding practices in children from the Brazilian site of the MAL-ED study were evaluated at 9 (n = 193), 15 (n = 182) and 24 months (n = 164) using 24-h dietary recalls. IYCF indicators were evaluated, and the extent of food processing was evaluated, using the NOVA classification. Breastfeeding declined significantly over time, from 77.6% at 9 months to 45.1% at 24 months. Although dietary diversity did not significantly change during the study period (80.5% at 24 months), the minimum acceptable diet significantly increased from 67.9% to 76.1% at 24 months (p < 0.0005). All the studied children consumed sweetened beverages from 9 months. Unhealthy food consumption and zero vegetable or fruit consumption significantly increased over time (p < 0.0005). Unprocessed food consumption decreased from 9 to 24 months of age (p < 0.0005), while ultra-processed food consumption increased (p < 0.0005) during the study period. Logistic regressions showed that, at 9 months, breastfed children presented a lower risk for ultra-processed food consumption (odds ratio [OR] = 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.13-0.77); and children reaching the minimum acceptable diet presented more risk for ultra-processed food consumption (OR = 2.31; 95% CI = 1.01-5.27). In conclusion, data showed a reduction in the quality of infant feeding practices over the first 2 years of life, with a decrease in breastfeeding and an increase in the consumption of unhealthy and ultra-processed foods.