Nutrition
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The aims of this study were to assess the effectiveness of a low-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF) diet with and without a time-restricted feeding (TRF) protocol on weight loss and participating in three sequential dietary interventions (standard calorie-deficit diet, LCHF, and LCHF + TRF) on weight loss outcomes. ⋯ Patients can lose a similar amount of weight regardless of the diet they are following. Approximately 78.9% of patients achieved 5% weight loss with at least one of the diets and lost an average 11.1 kg (or 9.8%). This is nearly double what has been previously reported for one dietary intervention. Thus, participating in sequential diets may be associated with greater absolute weight loss, and likelihood of achieving a clinically significant weight loss.
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Molecular studies have demonstrated the importance of the exacerbated immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, called the cytokine storm, in more severe COVID-19. The pathophysiology is complex and involves several homeostatic factors; among them, a deficit of vitamin D draws attention because of its high frequency in the population. Some evidence suggests that people with low serum vitamin D levels have worse outcomes, often requiring intensive care. This review analyzed the studies available in the global literature addressing the benefits of vitamin D in COVID-19, relating serum levels to the severity of the disease, and indicating vitamin D as a possible prophylactic and therapy in infection.
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This study investigated how specific nutrition interventions were implemented at four US hospitals, compared rates of malnutrition diagnosis and assessment between physicians and registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), and examined how these differences affected the nutrition intervention received during patients' hospital stay. ⋯ The high level of agreement on assessment and malnutrition diagnosis suggests positive levels of malnutrition care coordination at the study hospitals. However, significant room for improvement exists in providing interventions to inpatients diagnosed with malnourishment. Differences in interventions may reflect dissimilar approaches commonly used by different practitioners and should be a topic of future study.
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High-dose intravenous vitamin C (HIVC) is a major concern when treating patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy of HIVC on hyperinflammation in patients with severe COVID-19. ⋯ HIVC has the potential benefit of attenuating hyperinflammation by reducing inflammatory marker levels in patients with severe COVID-19.
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Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is viral skin infection that is most commonly observed in children. Zinc homeostasis is essential for proper immune function, especially in host-virus interactions. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of oral zinc sulfate treatment in children with MC. ⋯ Our findings support the use of oral zinc sulfate as a therapy for children with MC.