Nutrition
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The aim of this study was to assess the effects of an arginine-based immunonutrition intervention for patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery on postsurgical utilization and cost outcomes. ⋯ These findings suggest that arginine-based immunonutrition should be thoroughly evaluated for incorporation into clinical practice for patients undergoing elective surgery. Moreover, there is a need to assess the effects of the intervention in other hospitals both within and outside Washington.
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Resting energy expenditure (REE) and physical activity (PA) undergo variations during chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to use a metabolic Holter (SenseWear Armband [SWA]) to assess REE, total energy expenditure (TEE), and PA changes in patients undergoing chemotherapy to ensure the appropriate calorie intake. To our knowledge, this is the first study to do so. ⋯ The present data excluded significant variations of REE and PA in the course of chemotherapy in patients who do not experience weight loss and who have a Karnofsky performance status of >50. Nutritional counseling based on SWA measurements is useful to support nutritional status in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
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Meal consumption and diet quality are important for healthy development during adolescence. The aim of this study was to determine the association between meal habits and diet quality in Brazilian adolescents. ⋯ This study showed a parallelism between daily consumption of meals with healthier eating and greater adherence to traditional Brazilian food habits. Skipping meals was associated with a low-quality diet, especially concerning to the low consumption of fruits and vegetables and a high intake of sodium and calories from solid fats, added sugars, and alcoholic beverages. Therefore, the adoption of regular meal habits may help adolescents improve their diet quality.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of taste-related factors (craving for sweets, using food as a reward and pleasure) and food neophobia with nutritional status and food intake among teenagers. ⋯ The results of the present study indicated that, in contrast to food neophobia, taste-related factors can be associated with body fat and inadequate food choices in teenagers. However, this was a cross-sectional study and further cohort studies should be performed for in-depth investigation of a causal relationship between the findings of this research.
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Low skeletal muscle mass adversely affects outcomes in cirrhotic patients; however, its affect in patients with acute variceal bleeding remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low skeletal muscle mass on outcomes in patients with cirrhosis and acute variceal bleeding. ⋯ Low skeletal muscle mass is an independent predictor of 6-wk mortality in cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding.