Publications by authors named "Mei Tom"

Background: There is a need to adopt valid techniques to assess skeletal muscle (SM) in clinical practice. SM can be precisely quantified from computed tomography (CT) images. This study describes how registered dietitians (RDs), trained to quantify SM from CT images, implemented this technique in clinical practice.

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In January 2022, a group of experts came together to discuss current perspectives and future directions in nutritional immunology as part of a symposium organized by the Canadian Nutrition Society. Objectives included (1) creating an understanding of the complex interplay between diet and the immune system from infants through to older adults, (2) illustrating the role of micronutrients that are vital to the immune system, (3) learning about current research comparing the impact of various dietary patterns and novel approaches to reduce inflammation, autoimmune conditions, allergies, and infections, and (4) discussing select dietary recommendations aimed at improving disease-specific immune function. The aims of this review are to summarize the symposium and to identify key areas of research that require additional exploration to better understand the dynamic relationship between nutrition and immune function.

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Background: Consensus definitions for disease-associated malnutrition and sarcopenia include reduced skeletal muscle mass as a diagnostic criterion. There is a need to develop and validate techniques to assess skeletal muscle in clinical practice. Skeletal muscle mass can be precisely quantified from computed tomography (CT) images.

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The goals of this practice-based, observational study were to describe the prevalence of low bone mineral density in patients at the Edmonton Cystic Fibrosis Centre, and to determine if body mass index and previous systemic corticosteroid use of over one month's duration were predictors of low bone mineral density. One hundred and thirteen pediatric and adult patients were studied. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine region was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

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