Nutrition
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Chumlea's formulas are a way of predicting height from knee height (KHt), including among individuals >60 y of age who cannot stand upright. However, the formulas were developed with white and African American people and have not yet been validated in native Africans >60 y of age. The aims of the study were to assess Chumlea's formulas in older people in central Africa and to propose a new validated formula for the same population. ⋯ Chumlea's formulas provided a poor estimate of height in this population sample. The proposed formula more accurately estimates height in older native Africans. This formula should be tested in other sub-Saharan African countries to extend its use in clinical practice and in future studies.
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In obesity or anorexia, changes in body composition and mostly alterations in fat mass distribution are observed. The lymphatic system, which is implicated in fat absorption, might play a major role in the phenotype and development of these pathologies. In this study, two mice animal models were used: the high-fat diet model used for obesity and the activity-based anorexia model for anorexia. ⋯ Expression levels of lymphatic markers also were impaired in these models. Both obesity and anorectic models induced lymphatic system alterations mainly in the jejunum and ileum parts of the intestine. These alterations are associated with lipid absorption modifications.
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We report the case of a 62-y-old woman with short bowel syndrome (SBS) and chronic renal failure, successfully treated with teduglutide, who underwent comprehensive systematic nutritional assessment including bioelectrical impedance vectorial analysis (BIVA). The patient did not tolerate the attempt of gradual suspension of parenteral nutrition (PN), bumping into the worsening of nutritional status and renal function. She was declared eligible for teduglutide, a glucagonlike peptide 2 analog that stimulates structural and functional intestinal adaptation and increases nutrient and fluid absorption. ⋯ At 1 y, weight and serum albumin were reduced (-7.5 kg and -0.6 g/dL, respectively); FFM, PhA, and HGS slightly decreased; hydration status and renal function were preserved; and QoL subtly improved. No relevant clinical complications or metabolic imbalances occurred. The inclusion of BIVA in the comprehensive systematic nutritional assessment of SBS patients treated with teduglutide could be proposed for appropriate and safe management, particularly in the presence of renal impairment.
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Konjac oligo-glucomannan (KOG) is a non-digestible dietary fiber that is resistant to digestion and absorption in gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Thus, it might be used as an alternative management for constipation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of KOG on gut motility and microbiota to relieve constipation in mice. ⋯ These results suggest that KOG acts as a prebiotic and stimulant laxative for relief and prevention of constipation.