Nutrition
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Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a small organic compound whose concentration in blood increases after ingesting dietary l-carnitine and phosphatidylcholine. Recent clinical studies show a positive correlation between elevated plasma levels of TMAO and an increased risk for major adverse cardiovascular events defined as death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Several experimental studies suggest a possible contribution of TMAO to the etiology of cardiovascular diseases by affecting lipid and hormonal homeostasis. ⋯ Although in humans TMAO is known mainly as a waste product of choline metabolism, a number of studies suggest an involvement of TMAO in important biological functions in numerous organisms, ranging from bacteria to mammals. For example, cells use TMAO to maintain cell volume under conditions of osmotic and hydrostatic pressure stresses. In this article, we reviewed well-established chemical and biological properties of TMAO and dietary sources of TMAO, as well as looked at the studies suggesting possible involvement of TMAO in the etiology of cardiovascular and other diseases, such as kidney failure, diabetes, and cancer.
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Anthocyanins are a group of water-soluble pigments that confer the blue, purple, and red color to many fruits. Anthocyanin-rich fruits can be divided into three groups based on the types of aglycones of their anthocyanins: pelargonidin group, cyanidin/peonidin group, and multiple anthocyanidins group. Some fruits contain a major anthocyanin type and can serve as useful research tools. ⋯ Additionally, fruit polyphenols other than anthocyanins could contribute to their antiinflammatory effects. Furthermore, blueberries could exert their health effects with other mechanisms such as improving intestinal microbiota composition. In summary, this classification system can facilitate our understanding of the absorption and metabolic processes of anthocyanins and the health effects of different fruits.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Efficacy of zinc sulfate supplement on febrile seizure recurrence prevention in children with normal serum zinc level: A randomised clinical trial.
Serum zinc level might be related to pathogenesis of febrile seizure (FS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of oral zinc supplementation on FS recurrence prevention in non-zinc-deficient children. ⋯ Zinc supplementation should be considered as effective and safe in prevention of FS recurrence.
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Comparative Study
Predicted versus measured resting energy expenditure in patients requiring home parenteral nutrition.
Guidelines from the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) recommend between 20 and 35 kcal/kg daily for patients requiring home parenteral nutrition (PN). Other guidelines use predictive equations. However, these equations have not been validated. Indirect calorimetry is recommended as the gold standard for determining resting energy expenditure (REE). The aim of this study was to compare the frequently used equations with measured REE. ⋯ If REE cannot be measured by indirect calorimetry in patients qualified for HPN, the Ireton-Jones equation and the 20 kcal/kg/d ESPEN recommendation seem to be the most appropriate ones as it provides results that constitute the best approximation of calorimetric examination results.
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The nutritional status of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been shown to be associated with mortality. However, there have not been, to our knowledge, any studies on the association between nutritional status and disease severity. The present study investigated the hypothesis that nutritional status was negatively associated with disease severity using the ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R). ⋯ Nutritional status, as assessed by BMI and GNRI, was negatively associated with disease severity using ALSFRS-R. The present study suggested that intake of nutrients decreases with disease progression in ALS patients.