Nutrition
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To evaluate homocysteine and total cysteine levels in prepubertal children and to determine the association between these levels and obesity, increased waist circumference, glucose levels, and lipid profile alterations. ⋯ The association of abdominal obesity in prepuberty with levels of homocysteine and cysteine found in this study of a prepubertal population could be an early and independent predictor of cardiovascular risk.
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We investigated whether a reduced iso-α acid derived from an extract of Humulus lupulus L., META060, had an effect on weight gain, body composition, and metabolism in a high-fat-diet (HFD) fed mouse model. ⋯ META060 has potential therapeutic value for managing obesity and insulin resistance, and further research into the mechanism of action is warranted.
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Endovascular injury induced by balloon withdrawal leads to the increased activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the vascular wall allowing the proliferated smooth muscle cells (SMCs) to digest the surrounding extracellular matrix and migrate from the media into the intima leading to the intimal thickening. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract (NL) on intimal thickening of rat carotid artery injured by balloon catheter and on the proliferation and migration of cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced by tumor necrosis factor-α. ⋯ Thus, the results suggest that NL can be considered of therapeutic value in the prevention of atherosclerosis because restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty can be considered a model of "accelerated atherosclerosis."
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Vitamin C status and perception of effort during exercise in obese adults adhering to a calorie-reduced diet.
Moderate energy restriction and exercise are recommended for effective weight loss. Obese individuals oxidize less fat and report a higher perceived exertion during exercise, characteristics that may negatively influence exercise behavior. Because vitamin C status has been linked to fatigability, we compared the effects of vitamin C supplementation on self-reported fatigue and on the respiratory exchange ratio and the Ratings of Perceived Exertion scale during moderate exercise in healthy obese adults adhering to a hypocaloric diet. ⋯ These data provide preliminary evidence that vitamin C status may influence fatigue, heart rate, and perceptions of exertion during moderate exercise in obese individuals.
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Limited data are available on the incidence and risk factors for infection in patients requiring home parenteral nutrition (HPN). ⋯ Adult patients on HPN exhibit a very high incidence of post-hospital infections. Higher mean blood glucose levels during predischarge hospitalization and the use of peripherally inserted central catheters at discharge are associated with an increased risk of BSI in the postdischarge home setting.