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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common cause of end-stage liver disease. The aim of this controlled cross-sectional study was to assess the association between NAFLD and hidradenitis suppurativa. NAFLD was assessed using hepatic ultra-sound. A total of 125 patients with hidradenitis suppurativa and 120 patients without hidradenitis suppurativa were recruited, matched for age, sex and body mass index (< 25 or ≥ 25 kg/m2), a risk factor related to NAFLD. Both groups presented similar proportions of overweight or obesity (89.6% vs 90%). Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa presented significantly higher prevalence of NAFLD compared with those with non-hidradenitis suppurativa (57.6% vs 31.7%, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis confirmed independent association between hidradenitis suppurativa and NAFLD (odds ratio 2.79, 95% confidence interval 1.48–5.25; p = 0.001) besides age, body mass index, hypertension and hypertransaminasaemia. Hidradenitis suppurativa is significantly associated with the development of NALFD regardless of the presence of classic metabolic risk factors.

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) appears in most of cases in patients with advanced liver disease and is currently the primary cause of death in this population. Surveillance of HCC has been proposed and recommended in clinical guidelines to obtain earlier diagnosis, but it is still controversial and is not accepted worldwide. AIM To review the actual evidence to support the surveillance programs in patients with cirrhosis as well as the diagnosis procedure. METHODS Systematic review of recent literature of surveillance (tools, interval, cost-benefit, target population) and the role of imaging diagnosis (radiological non-invasive diagnosis, optimal modality and agents) of HCC. RESULTS The benefits of surveillance of HCC, mainly with ultrasonography, have been assessed in several prospective and retrospective analysis, although the percentage of patients diagnosed in surveillance programs is still low. Surveillance of HCC permits diagnosis in early stages allows better access to curative treatment and increases life expectancy in patients with cirrhosis. HCC is a tumor with special radiological characteristics in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, which allows highly accurate diagnosis without routine biopsy confirmation. The actual recommendation is to perform biopsy only in indeterminate nodules. CONCLUSION The evidence supports the recommendation of performing surveillance of HCC in patients with cirrhosis susceptible of treatment, using ultrasonography every 6 mo. The diagnosis evaluation of HCC can be established based on noninvasive imaging criteria in patients with cirrhosis.

Biofortified foods represent an alternative to minimize extreme and “hidden” hunger in people. Aiming to look at this sector as a business, this study seeks to identify potential demand in the consumer market regarding fortified foods in Brazil. In order to do these, multiple sources of data collection were adopted to access different markets for these products. In the first part of the research a survey of Brazilian government programs was carried out, which could encourage the demand of biofortified foods. In addition a conversation was undertaken with stakeholders seeking to identify the perception of agents who take part in the value chain, which included the project developer in Brazil (Embrapa) to the food industry. Additionally a quantitative research was carried out using Mann-Witney and Chi-square tests, and also Multiple Correspondence Analysis, aiming to evaluate the perception of final consumers regarding biofortified foods. Looking at the results a potential demand was identified for biofortified foods, through government programs as well as via the food industry, despite needing larger promotion amongst the Brazilian population, as the sample showed a considerable lack of awareness. In relation to biofortified foods each market showed different interests, such as Cascavel, Parana, which showed greater interst in School Meals with corn and cassava. While in the food industry the interest was more considerable for sweet potato, and amongst the final consumers there was a bigger interest in corn and beans. A potential demand in several markets for all biofortified foods was also shown.

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