Nutrition
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The aims of this study was to determine the optimal cutoff values of non-paretic calf circumference (CC) that are indicative of low skeletal muscle mass and examine the association between a low CC and rehabilitation outcomes. ⋯ The optimal cutoff values of non-paretic CC for a low SMI were 33 cm for male and 32 cm for female Asian stroke rehabilitation patients. Sarcopenia can be defined using CC instead of SMI.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement between bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for assessment of body composition in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). ⋯ For body composition evaluation in patients with CKD, BIS applied using the whole body protocol, in normal hydration patients with CKD is as reliable as DXA; BIS must be used with caution in overhydration patients with ECW/ICW ≥ 0.7250. The newly developed equations are indicated for greater precision.
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The aim of this study was to seek potential natural compounds that can resist COVID-19 using computer virtual screening technology through molecular docking of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) 3CL hydrolytic enzyme (3CLpro) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ⋯ Red wine, Chinese hawthorn, and blackberry show promise for resisting COVID-19 and are thus recommended as supplements to prevent the infection of COVID-19 during its outbreak period.
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Observational Study
An exploratory study of selenium status in healthy individuals and in patients with COVID-19 in a south Indian population: The case for adequate selenium status.
The acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has affected millions of individuals, causing major health and economic disruptions worldwide. The pandemic is still raging, with a second and third wave in a few countries, while new infections steadily rise in India. Nutrition and immune status are two critical aspects of fighting the virus successfully. ⋯ The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.0003). Interestingly, the control group showed a borderline level of selenium, suggesting that the level of this micronutrient is not optimum in the population studied. The results of this exploratory study pave the way for further research in a larger population and suggest that selenium supplementation may be helpful in reducing the effects of the virus.
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Changes in muscularity during different phases of critical illness are not well described. This retrospective study aimed to describe changes in computed tomography (CT)-derived skeletal muscle area (SMA) and density (SMD) across different weeks of critical illness and investigate associations between changes in these parameters and energy and protein delivery. ⋯ Critically ill patients experience marked losses of SMA over the first month of critical illness, attenuated after wk 5 to 7. Energy and protein delivery were not associated with degree of muscle loss.