Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition
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NutritionDay is an annual worldwide cross-sectional multicentre audit. This report aimed to describe the results of nutritionDay 2010 in Jinling hospital, providing a map of the prevalence of malnutrition and actual nutrition therapy practice in different units. The risk factors to malnutrition and length of hospital stay were also investigated. ⋯ The prevalence of malnutrition was high. Higher age may be the main contributor to longer length of hospital stay. This was the first study to obtain data from hospitalized patients' nutritional status in China during the nutritionDay audit and the valuable results could supply evidence for clinical nutrition support.
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Asia Pac J Clin Nutr · Jan 2013
Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding in low birth weight infants at NICU discharge and the start of complementary feeding.
The aim of the present study was to clarify clinical factors in low birth weight infants and their mothers associated with exclusive breastfeeding at both neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge and the start of complementary feeding. One hundred and fifteen low birth weight children and 98 mothers attending the follow-up clinic of two tertiary NICUs in Nara prefecture (Japan), between June and September, 2011, were enrolled. The relationship between the feeding categories at NICU discharge or the start of complementary feeding, and clinical factors of the mothers and low birth weight infants collected by either their charts or a face-to-face interview was analyzed. ⋯ In low birth weight infants, a shorter stay at NICU and an earlier start of oral nutrition were associated factors with exclusive breastfeeding at the start of complementary feeding. None of maternal factors were found to be associated with exclusive breastfeeding at the start of complementary feeding. Conclusively, starting of oral nutrition as early as possible is thought to be crucial for introducing exclusive breastfeeding in low birth weight infants both at NICU discharge and the start of complementary feeding.
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Asia Pac J Clin Nutr · Jan 2012
ReviewAn original discovery: selenium deficiency and Keshan disease (an endemic heart disease).
This is a review article telling a 50-years old story about the studies on selenium deficiency and Keshan disease in China, an endemic heart disease with high case-fatality, as an example of translational research. Extensive cross-sectional epidemiological studies showed that low selenium concentrations in cereal grains and low selenium status of local residents were associated with the occurrence of Keshan disease. ⋯ Based on the above evidence, it was concluded that selenium deficiency is the major cause of Keshan disease, although other etiological factors could not be ruled out. The implications of the findings include: provided critical scientific evidence for selenium being an essential trace element for humans; as scientific basis for identifying minimum requirement and RDA/RNI for selenium; and as solid reference for the formulation of effective preventive measures for Keshan disease in China.
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Asia Pac J Clin Nutr · Jan 2012
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyValidity and correspondence of non-invasively determined hemoglobin concentrations by two trans-cutaneous digital measuring devices.
Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration is the central diagnostic indicator for anemia, including nutritional anemia. The objective of this study was to compare the Hb values determined by two portable, non-invasive devices across a wide Hb spectrum against formal laboratory measurements, and with each other. Eighty Guatemalan adults (40 highland men, 40 lowland pregnant women) provided venous blood for formal Hb colorimetric determination. ⋯ The inter-site Lin coefficient was r=0.84. Sensitivity and specificity were variable across devices, depending on Hb cut-off and measurement procedures. With Hb cut-off values of <12.0 g/dL for adult (non-pregnant women and <13.0 g/dL for adult men), the Haemospect device's performance here would provide adequate potential for screening purposes.
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Asia Pac J Clin Nutr · Jan 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on serum adiponectin levels and some metabolic risk factors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common female endocrine disorder associated with several risk factors of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on serum adiponectin levels and some metabolic risk factors in PCOS patients. ⋯ Omega-3 fatty acids had some beneficial effects on serum adiponectin levels, insulin resistance and lipid profile in PCOS patients and may contribute to the improvement of metabolic complications in these patients.