Nutrition
-
Liver cirrhosis is often accompanied by portal hypertension and malnutrition, two common complications that seriously affect treatment efficacy and quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the effect of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) on body mass index (BMI) and metabolism in individuals with cirrhotic portal hypertension, and the risk factors that affect changes of BMI. ⋯ This study suggests that individuals with cirrhosis treated with TIPS may see improvement in overall clinical and physical status, as measured by increased weight and BMI. Our data also indicate that pre-TIPS blood ammonia is positively associated with post-TIPS BMI.
-
Because it is involved in calcium homeostasis, vitamin D is a prohormone with many implications for health, especially bone health. Hypovitaminosis D is considered pandemic worldwide, with important health health consequences. The aim of our study was to evaluate vitamin D levels in children living in a southern region of Italy with high exposure to sunlight for at least 5 mo a year along with contributing factors. ⋯ More than 80% of our population had 25(OH)D less than sufficiency cutoff levels. Results highlight a high prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency in our area, even during summer. It is important to establish screening, supplementation guidelines, and pediatric cutoff levels to optimize vitamin D status in children, taking into account age, nutritional status, and seasonality.
-
The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of substituting handgrip strength (HGS) for muscle mass as a constituent in the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) to diagnose malnourished patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. ⋯ HGS can be a substitute for muscle mass as a constituent in the diagnostic criteria of GLIM in patients with GI cancer.
-
Universal salt iodization has been adopted by many countries to address iodine deficiency. More recently, salt-reduction strategies have been widely implemented to meet global salt intake targets of <5 g/d. Compatibility of the two policies has yet to be demonstrated. This study compares urinary iodine excretion (UIE) according to 24-h urinary sodium excretion, between South Africa (SA) and Ghana; both countries have implemented universal salt iodization, but in Ghana no salt-reduction legislation has been implemented. ⋯ Monitoring and surveillance of iodine status is recommended in countries that have introduced salt-reduction strategies, in order to prevent reemergence of iodine deficiency.
-
Arterial stiffness, particularly of the aorta, is an independent predictor of future cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality, and hypertension. Arterial stiffening may be caused or exacerbated by the composition of the diet. Current research has indicated that habitual dietary patterns may influence arteriosclerosis, or the thickening and hardening of the artery walls, but has yet to identify a specific food group as the culprit. In young, college-aged adults, dietary fat intake and alcohol consumption tend to be higher compared to other periods throughout the life cycle. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the influence of dietary fat and alcohol consumption on the vascular health of apparently healthy young adults. ⋯ These results indicate the potential roles of dietary fat and alcohol consumption in early vascular aging by stiffening the arteries of young, college-aged adults, which may in turn contribute to future adverse cardiovascular disease outcomes.