Journal of the American College of Nutrition
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Magnesium (Mg) declines after traumatic brain injury (TBI), a decline believed associated with ensuing neuronal cell death and subsequent functional impairment. While Mg's effects on motor and cognitive deficits following TBI have been well studied, few studies have addressed post-traumatic depression as an outcome parameter, despite its being a major clinical problem with an incidence of between 6 and 77%. We investigated the incidence of post-traumatic depression/anxiety in an animal model of diffuse TBI, and explored the use of magnesium sulfate (MgSO(4)) as an interventional treatment. ⋯ The improvement in post-traumatic depression/anxiety conferred by Mg adds further weight to available evidence of Mg's benefit as a neuroprotective agent after TBI.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Flavonoid-rich dark chocolate improves endothelial function and increases plasma epicatechin concentrations in healthy adults.
Dark chocolate derived from the plant (Theobroma cacao) is a rich source of flavonoids. Cardioprotective effects including antioxidant properties, inhibition of platelet activity, and activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase have been ascribed to the cocoa flavonoids. ⋯ Flavonoid-rich dark chocolate improves endothelial function and is associated with an increase in plasma epicatechin concentrations in healthy adults. No changes in oxidative stress measures, lipid profiles, blood pressure, body weight or BMI were seen.
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Currently most nutritional assessment techniques are based on their ability to predict clinical outcomes. However, the validity of any of these techniques to truly measure "nutritional risk" has not been proved. We have therefore prospectively assessed the prognostic value of two nutritional assessment techniques and nonnutritional factors in determining outcome after major abdominal surgery. ⋯ Malnutrition is a marker of bad outcomes. Both Subjective Global Assessment and Nutritional Risk Index nutrition tests are predictive for malnutrition and postoperative complications in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Comparison of a very low-carbohydrate and low-fat diet on fasting lipids, LDL subclasses, insulin resistance, and postprandial lipemic responses in overweight women.
Very low-carbohydrate diets are widely used for weight loss yet few controlled studies have determined how these diets impact cardiovascular risk factors compared to more traditional low-fat weight loss diets. The primary purpose of this study was to compare a very low-carbohydrate and a low-fat diet on fasting blood lipids, LDL subclasses, postprandial lipemia, and insulin resistance in overweight and obese women. ⋯ Compared to a low-fat weight loss diet, a short-term very low-carbohydrate diet did not lower LDL-C but did prevent the decline in HDL-C and resulted in improved insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese, but otherwise healthy women. Small decreases in body mass improved postprandial lipemia, and therefore cardiovascular risk, independent of diet composition.
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To compare the diet quality and overweight status of free-living adults, ages 20 years and older, grouped based on their fast food intake status. ⋯ Fast food consumption was associated with a diet high in energy and energy density and low in essential micronutrient density. Frequent fast food consumption may contribute to weight gain.