Nutrition
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Structured lipid emulsion improves the nitrogen balance and is rapidly cleared from the blood of moderately catabolic patients. However, the effects of structured lipids on inflammatory reactions during major surgery are not clear. This study investigated the effect of a parenteral structured triacylglycerol emulsion on leukocyte adhesion molecule expression and inflammatory mediator production in rats undergoing a total gastrectomy. ⋯ These results suggest that, compared with the LCT and MCT/LCT groups, rats administered STG had lower plasma lipid concentrations and leukocyte integrin expressions. In addition, STG administration may cause increased recruiting of neutrophils and monocytes at the site of injury and enhance antipathogenicity in rats undergoing a total gastrectomy.
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Preoperative carbohydrate loading with clear fluids is thought to reduce surgery-related insulin resistance (IR). However, IR per se is already present in some patients scheduled for elective surgery. Data on the safety of preoperative oral carbohydrate loading in patients with IR undergoing surgery is lacking. We aimed to evaluate the effects of preoperative carbohydrate loading on the glucometabolic state and gastric content of patients with and without IR. ⋯ Patients with IR receiving a carbohydrate-rich drink before surgery appear not to be affected adversely by the beverage. Furthermore, they also obtain the probable beneficial effects related to these drinks and, like patients without IR, can undergo surgery safely.
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Dietary caloric restriction (CR) has been found to reduce systemic markers of inflammation and may attenuate the effects of chronic inflammatory conditions. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of long-term CR on naturally occurring chronic inflammatory periodontal disease in a nonhuman primate model. ⋯ Males demonstrated greater risk for naturally occurring periodontal disease than females. Long-term CR may differentially reduce the production of local inflammatory mediators and risk for inflammatory periodontal disease among males but not females.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of food fortification on nutritional and functional status in frail elderly nursing home residents at risk of malnutrition.
Malnutrition is a frequent problem in the elderly and is associated with an impaired functional status and higher morbidity and mortality. In this study we evaluated the effect of a 12-wk nutritional intervention with fortified food on nutritional and functional status in nursing home residents at risk of malnutrition. ⋯ Standard food in this nursing home provided sufficient energy and macronutrients. Provision of snacks was not effective in increasing energy intake. Although nutritional status improved, functional status did not increase as a consequence. Functional frailty in this study population seems to be influenced more by age-related morbidity and immobilization than by nutritional intake.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Red blood cell metallothionein as an indicator of zinc status during pregnancy.
We describe the levels and patterns of change in red blood cell (RBC) metallothionein (MT) during pregnancy and the neonate and relate RBCMT to other indicators of zinc and iron status. ⋯ Changes in RBCMT throughout pregnancy were consistent with the hypothesized role of MT in regulating zinc homeostasis. RBCMT appears to not be responsive during pregnancy to changes in zinc status achieved with supplements.