Nutrition
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Resting energy expenditure (REE) declines with age in healthy individuals, independent of the age-related decrease in lean body mass. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether this holds true in critically ill medical patients. Moreover, we assessed how measured REE compares with energy requirements calculated by prediction equations in different age groups. ⋯ REE and REEaBW decrease with age in critically ill medical patients. Age and body temperature are independent predictors of both REE and REEaBW. Prediction equations underestimate energy requirements in critically ill medical patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Water supplementation affects the fluid intake and serum levels of BDNF among the elderly nursing home residents.
The link between dehydration and fluid intake with brain function in elderly individuals has produced conflicting findings. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of water supplementation on fluid intake, cognitive and motor performance, and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in euhydrated and dehydrated elderly. ⋯ The present study demonstrated that 7 d of water supplementation increased the water and the total fluid intake in elderly individuals regardless of dehydration status. Serum BDNF levels increased during dehydration and reverted to physiologic levels after appropriate rehydration.
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After elective surgeries, low muscle mass and other specific body composition indexes, assessed by computed tomography (CT), are associated with adverse outcomes such as an increased risk for postoperative complications and higher mortality. However, limited information is available about the role of these indexes on short- and long-term outcomes in surgical patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of this study was to assess the association of body composition indexes with 90-d mortality in this specific patient cohort. ⋯ Specific body composition indexes may predict mortality in surgical patients admitted to the ICU. Low SMI and myosteatosis were independently associated with increased 90-d mortality.
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The aim of this study was to explore the use of mobile health applications as dietary self-monitoring tools, and their possible role in improving food choices. ⋯ Most participants searched for information on how to improve their diet. MyFitnessPal, a mobile health app with a diet-tracking feature, was reported to be helpful in changing dietary intake; furthermore, use of the application over a 3-wk period led to a significant reduction in sugary food intake.
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Myostatin has been assumed to be involved in the development of sarcopenia in patients with chronic liver disease, but the effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination on myostatin is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a sustained virologic response at 24 wk (SVR24) after direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy on serum myostatin levels in patients infected with HCV. ⋯ Viral eradication by DAA treatment did not decrease the serum myostatin level in patients infected with HCV.