Nutrition
-
Maintaining muscle quality throughout life is crucial to human health and well-being. Muscle is the most extensive form of protein storage in the human body; skeletal muscle mass is determined by the balance between muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and muscle protein breakdown (MPB). MPB provides amino acids needed by various organs; however, excessive MPB, especially with aging, may cause loss of muscle mass and a decline in motor function, even threatening life. ⋯ Amino acids other than BCAAs such as threonine and tryptophan may also have MPS-stimulating effects, and alternatives to BCAAs, such as β-hydroxy-β-methyl butyrate and branched-chain keto acids are also worthy of further investigation. Amino acids coordinate protein synthesis and degradation through the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1); however, the amino acid-mTORC1-protein synthesis pathway is complex, and new insights into amino acid control continue to emerge. Understanding how amino acids control MPS is of forward-looking significance for treating muscle mass loss during human aging.
-
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is myocardial necrosis resulting from myocardial ischemia, and its risk factors are usually a combination of the consumption of tobacco, inadequate diet, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle, in addition to preexisting comorbidities. These risk factors may compromise cellular integrity, affecting physiologic and nutritional components. The phase angle (PhA) has been measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to identify the quality of the cell membrane and the distribution of body fluids. The aim of this study was to verify if the standardized PhA (SPhA) is a predictor of short- and long-term adverse cardiovascular events in patients after AMI. ⋯ SPhA was a predictor of longer LOS, but not of long-term adverse cardiac events in patients following AMI.
-
This study aimed to explore the consequences of the pandemic lockdown among the Italian general population by focusing on depression and emotional overeating (EO). ⋯ QuarantEat highlighted high levels of depression and EO right after the end of pandemic lockdown measures, and outlined the importance of the relationships between mental health and health risk behaviors, such as smoking, exercise, diet, and changes in eating behaviors due to the pandemic lockdown. Planning interventions using a holistic approach and reaching every individual to overcome the limits caused by the restrictive lockdown measures is essential.
-
Pancreatitis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia may cause discontinuation of chemotherapy, thus adversely affecting treatment outcomes. Enteral nutrition (EN) is recommended for acute pancreatitis. The optimal use of EN for leukemia-related pancreatitis is under debate. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical efficacy of EN for children with leukemia-related pancreatitis. ⋯ Early EN within 7.5 days could reduce the risk for secondary infection and significant weight loss for pediatric leukemia-related pancreatitis, with decreased serum amylase and lipase levels, in a safe and effective manner. Beneficial effects of EN within 72 h were not observed.
-
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is accredited as a functional food because of its nutraceutical compounds. These dietary components may help heal lesions and ulcer scars in the stomach. This research was designed to examine the antioxidant and antiulcerative potential of sweet potato (red skin, white flesh) against aspirin-induced gastric ulcers in a rabbit model. ⋯ The results for the antiulcer parameters ascertained the antiulcer activity of sweet potato in aspirin-induced gastric ulcer models.