S n 47168 ver 11

DXA was performed by one single experienced technician using a DXA scan (Hologic Inc., Bedford, MA, USA, QDR 4500 W). The coefficient of variation for fat mass (FM) was < 1.5%. Body composition was measured in the whole body and, with the use of specific anatomic landmarks determined by a standard software (Hologic Inc., S/N 47168 VER. 11.2), in the trunk, which included neck, chest, abdominal, and pelvic areas. The upper perimeter was the inferior edge of the chin and the lower borders intersect the middle of the femoral necks without touching the brim of the pelvis. Scans were performed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

DEXA scans were performed by one single experienced technician according to the manufacturer’s instructions (Hologic Inc., Bedford, MA, USA, QDR 4500 W). Percentage body fat composition was measured as previously described in the whole body (%) and, with the use of specific anatomic landmarks determined by a standard software (Hologic Inc., Bedford, MA, USA, S/N47168 VER. 11.2), in the trunk [13 (link),36 (link)]. The abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was measured separately (g). Limits of the abdominal VAT area were defined as follows: upper cut line by the lower edge of the rib cage; pelvic cut line just above the iliac crest; lateral lines positioned at the inner edge of the abdominal muscle wall, bilaterally. The coefficient of variation for FM was <1.5%.

Human body composition parameters were measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (Hologic A Inc., Bedford, MA, USA, QDR 4500W). All scans were administered by trained research technicians using standardized procedures recommended by GE-Healthcare. The instrument was calibrated daily. Whole body as well as regional body composition were assessed. Delimiters for regional analysis were determined by standard software (Hologic Inc., Marlborough, MA, USA, S/N 47168 VER. 11.2). Regions of the head, trunk, arms and legs were distinguished with the use of specific anatomic landmarks.
Therefore, for each patient, the following parameters were measured: whole-body fat mass (FM, kg and %), truncal fat mass (TFM, kg and %), appendicular fat mass (AFM), lean mass (kg). Appendicular lean mass (ALM, kg) was determined by summing lean mass measurements of the arms and legs. Fat distribution was assessed by upper body/lower body fat index, calculated as the ratio between upper body fat (head, arms and trunk fat, kg) and lower body fat (leg fat, kg) [30 (link)].