Nutrition
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We evaluated the behavior of serum albumin concentrations in response to metabolic stress that is associated with cardiac surgery and the role of this protein as a predictor of clinical outcome in children at high surgical risk who undergo operative correction of congenital heart defects. ⋯ The results suggest that hypoalbuminemia is common among children who have heart disease and are at high surgical risk, and serum albumin concentrations lower than 3 g/dL may be related to outcome in the period after cardiac surgery.
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We assessed the current state of undernutrition as observed in 1905 patients hospitalized in 12 Cuban health care institutions, as part of a Latin American, multinational survey similar in design and goals. ⋯ A high malnutrition rate was observed among participating hospitals. The design and inception of policies that foster intervention programs focusing on early identification of hospital malnutrition and its timely management is suggested to decrease its deleterious effects on outcomes of health care in the participating hospitals.
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The present work was designed to study the effects of the two main isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12, on liver composition and hepatic fatty acid oxidation in hamsters. ⋯ These results suggest that the addition of 0.5% of these CLA isomers to the diet do not induce toxic effects in liver after 6 wk of feeding. Intake of trans-10,cis-12 isomer but not of cis-9,trans-11 CLA increases liver fatty acid oxidation. This effect leads to decreased hepatic and serum triacylglycerols.
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This review provides an update of recent studies of dietary fiber and weight and includes a discussion of potential mechanisms of how dietary fiber can aid weight loss and weight maintenance. ⋯ The average fiber intake of adults in the United States is less than half recommended levels and is lower still among those who follow currently popular low-carbohydrate diets, such as Atkins and South Beach. Increasing consumption of dietary fiber with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes across the life cycle is a critical step in stemming the epidemic of obesity found in developed countries. The addition of functional fiber to weight-loss diets should also be considered as a tool to improve success.
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Disease severity is considered an important risk factor for malnutrition in hospitalized patients. We investigated the effect of social factors and disease parameters on the development of malnutrition. ⋯ These data show that patients who are older, less educated, and live alone are at high risk of developing malnutrition. Thus special attention should be given to these risk groups when evaluating nutritional status and nutritional support.