The American journal of clinical nutrition
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Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. ⋯ Over the past decade, US adult SSB consumption has increased. SSB comprises a considerable source of total daily intake and is the largest source of beverage calories. SSB consumption is highest among subgroups also at greatest risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
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L-Arginine is an important precursor of nitric oxide (NO) and protein synthesis. Arginine is produced in the body (mainly kidney) by de novo production from citrulline and by protein breakdown. Arginine availability appears to be limited in sepsis. ⋯ Citrulline production is severely low in patients with sepsis and is related to diminished de novo arginine and NO production. These metabolic alterations contribute to reduced citrulline and arginine availability, and these findings warrant further studies of therapeutic nutritional interventions to restore arginine metabolism in sepsis.
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The glycemic index (GI) characterizes foods by using the incremental area under the glycemic response curve relative to a similar amount of oral glucose. Its ability to differentiate between curves of different shapes, the peak response, and other aspects of the glycemic response is debatable. ⋯ The GI provides a good summary of postprandial glycemia. It predicts the peak (or near peak) response, the maximum glucose fluctuation, and other attributes of the response curve.
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Little information is available about the financial charges incurred by patients with short-bowel syndrome (SBS). This is particularly true for pediatric SBS patients who receive some of the most complex medical care. ⋯ This study was the first to calculate the total costs for pediatric SBS patients and to provide an in-depth analysis of these patients' actual utilization of health care services. This information may help guide health care providers and families who have children with SBS. The comprehensive care of pediatric SBS patients costs significantly more than has previously been estimated. Contrary to previous views, home care significantly increases each year after diagnosis.