Nutrition
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The aims of this study were to determine vitamin D status (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [s-25(OH)D3]) and examine possible associations between vitamin D status and vitamin D-rich dietary sources, sun exposure, and body mass index in preschool children ages 4 to 6 y. ⋯ The majority of the preschool children (81%) had s-25(OH)D3 >50 nmol/L. Children with overweight status had an increased risk of s-25(OH)D3 ≤50 nmol/L, and children who had not been on sun vacations were at a greater risk of s-25(OH)D3 ≤75 nmol/L.
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Gastrointestinal dysmotility in critically ill patients is important as enteral nutrition is crucial. However, normal gut motility is impaired under conditions of critical illness subsequent to severe insult. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) form an extensive network associated with the myenteric plexus in the enteric nervous system. There are few reports about ICC distribution in critically ill patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate ICC in critically ill patients. ⋯ Critical illness is associated with diminished numbers of ICC in the colon. This finding could have implications for dysmotility in critically ill patients.
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Micronutrient deficiencies are common among people living with HIV (PLWHIV). The clinical and immunologic consequences of micronutrient deficiencies have been poorly explored in the context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of zinc and selenium deficiency (dietary intake and serum concentrations) and analyze their associations with absolute CD4+ T-cell counts, inflammation markers, and metabolic disorders in a cohort of antiretroviral-experienced HIV-infected individuals. ⋯ Suboptimal zinc and selenium intake and serum concentration deficiencies are highly prevalent in treated HIV-positive individuals and are associated with body composition, BMD, and inflammation. Clinical trials should be designed to explore the effect of zinc and selenium supplementation on metabolic, inflammatory, and immunologic parameters on the HIV-positive population.
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This study aimed to evaluate the effect of preoperative immunonutrition on the rate of postoperative complication and survival of patients with gastric cancer. ⋯ Preoperative immunonutrition in patients with gastric cancer did not reduce postoperative complications or length of hospital stay. More studies are needed to confirm the benefit of immunonutriton supplementation for overall survival when associated with other protective factors.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of phase angle (PhA) as a severity indicator of chronic liver diseases. ⋯ PhA was shown to be an independent prognostic indicator for cirrhosis and may be related to survival in these patients.