Raquel Pedrero-Chamizo

Prevalence of overweight and obesity in non-institutionalized people aged 65 or over from Spain: the elderly EXERNET multi-centre study

Coupled with the growth of the older population, an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in this age group has occurred in the last decades. The main aims of the present study were (i) to provide an updated prevalence of overweight and obesity in a representative sample of the Spanish elderly population; (ii) to calculate the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity (SO) and (iii) to analyse the relationships between adiposity measurements and lifestyle. A cross‐sectional study was carried out in a sample of 3136 persons representative of the non‐institutionalized population ≥65 years of age. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standardized techniques and equipment. Overall, 84% of the population can be categorized as overweight and/or obese. The present study indicates that 67% of the Spanish elderly population has an increased percentage of fat mass and more than 56% suffer from central obesity. Moreover, SO is present in 15% of the Spanish elderly population. Finally, a strong relationship between both physically active and sedentary lifestyles and the level of adiposity was found. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among elderly people in Spain is very high and is still increasing. Lifestyle seems to be a determinant factor in the development of obesity among elderly people.

Sitting time increases the overweight and obesity risk independently of walking time in elderly people from Spain.

INTRODUCTION Obesity, defined as an excess of total body fat, is a matter of concern all over the world, and its prevalence is still increasing among elderly people. OBJECTIVES To examine whether sedentary behaviour (hours sitting per day) is associated with higher risk of central obesity, overweight-obesity and overfat in a representative sample of non-institutionalized Spanish elderly population and if so, whether hours walking per day modified this association. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional study in a sample of 3136 people ≥65 years of age. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standardized techniques and equipment. Active and sedentary behaviours were recorded by questionnaire. RESULTS For both men and women, the higher prevalence of overweight-obesity, central obesity and overfat was found in those who spent sitting more than 4h per day and walk less than 1h, compared with those who spent sitting less than 4h per day and walk more than 1h (all p<0.001, except for central obesity in women). In men, more than 4h sitting per day was associated with 1.7-fold higher odds of having central obesity compared with those sitting less than 4h per day (p<0.01). In women, this sedentary behaviour increased the risk of overweight-obesity and overfat by 1.5 and 1.4, respectively (p<0.01). Age or time spent walking did not significantly change these results. CONCLUSION Sitting time increases the risk of overweight-obesity and overfat in women and the risk of central obesity in men, independently of walking time.

Increased sedentary behaviour is associated with unhealthy dietary patterns in European adolescents participating in the HELENA study

Background/Objectives:To assess dietary patterns (DPs) in European adolescents and to examine their relationship with several indicators of sedentary behaviour.Subjects/Methods:A multinational cross-sectional study was carried out in 2202 adolescents (45.4% boys) aged 12.5–17.5 years. A self-reported questionnaire with information on sedentary behaviours, separately for weekdays and weekend days, and two non-consecutive 24 h-recalls were used. Principal component analysis was used to obtain DPs, and linear regression examined the association between DPs scores and sedentary behaviour.Results:Four DPs for boys (‘plant based’, ‘snacking’, ‘breakfast’ and ‘health conscious’) and five DPs for girls (‘confectionary and snacking’, ‘plant based’, ‘breakfast’, ‘animal protein’ and ‘health conscious’) were obtained. Boys who spent >4 h/day watching television (TV) had lower adherence to the ‘plant based’, ‘breakfast’ and ‘health conscious’ DPs, and higher adherence to the ‘snacking’ DP. Higher computer use and internet use for recreational reason were associated with higher adherence to the ‘snacking’ DP. In girls, TV viewing and using internet for recreational reasons for >4 h/day was associated with higher adherence to the ‘confectionary and snacking’ and lower adherence with ‘health conscious’ DP. Also, studying between 2 and 4 h during weekend days was associated with lower adherence to the ‘snacking’ and with higher adherence to the ‘plant based’ and ‘breakfast’ DPs.Conclusion:Adolescents’ DPs are related with the time spent in several sedentary behaviours. Such findings may help to generate interventions focusing on decreasing unhealthy dietary habits and specific sedentary behaviours.

Independent and Combined Effects of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior on Blood Pressure in Adolescents: Gender Differences in Two Cross-Sectional Studies

Objectives To examine the independent and combined association of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) on both systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in adolescents from two observational studies. Methods Participants from two cross-sectional studies, one conducted in Europe (n = 3,308; HELENA study) and the other in Brazil (n = 991; BRACAH study), were selected by complex sampling. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (outcomes), PA and SB, both independently and combined, and potential confounders were analyzed. Associations were examined by multilevel linear regression. Results Performing the recommended amount of PA (≥60 min/d) attenuated the effect of SB on DBP in BRACAH study girls and in boys from both studies. In contrast, PA did not attenuate the effects of SB on the SBP of girls in the HELENA study. The combination of less than recommended levels of PA with 2–4 h/d of sedentary behavior was found to be associated with increased SBP in boys from both studies. Conclusions Meeting current PA recommendations could mediate the association between SB and DBP in both sexes. In boys, the joint effect of low levels of PA and excessive sedentary activity increases SBP levels. Longitudinal studies are required to confirm these findings.

Higher levels of physical fitness are associated with a reduced risk of suffering sarcopenic obesity and better perceived health among the elderly. The EXERNET multi-center study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the associations between physical fitness levels, health related quality of life (HRQoL) and sarcopenic obesity (SO) and to analyze the usefulness of several physical fitness tests as a screening tool for detecting elderly people with an increased risk of suffering SO.DesignCross-sectional analysis of a population-based sample.SettingNon-institutionalized Spanish elderly participating in the EXERNET multi-centre study.Participants2747 elderly subjects aged 65 and older.MeasurementsBody weight, height and body mass index were evaluated in each subject. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance. Four SO groups were created based on percentage of body fat and relative muscle mass; 1) normal group, 2) sarcopenic group, 3) obesity group and 4) SO group. Physical fitness was evaluated using 8 tests (balance, lower and upper body strength, lower and upper body flexibility, agility, walking speed and aerobic capacity). Three tertiles were created for each test based on the calculated scores. HRQoL was assessed using the EuroQol visual analogue scale.ResultsParticipants with SO showed lower physical fitness levels compared with normal subjects. Better balance, agility, and aerobic capacity were associated to a lower risk of suffering SO in the fittest men (odds ratio < 0.30). In women, better balance, walking speed, and aerobic capacity were associated to a lower risk of suffering SO in the fittest women (odds ratio < 0.21) Superior perceived health was associated with better physical fitness performance.ConclusionsHigher levels of physical fitness were associated with a reduced risk of suffering SO and better perceived health among elderly. SO elderly people have lower physical functional levels than healthy counterparts.

Biomarkers of physical activity and exercise

Traditionally, biomarkers have been of interest in sports in order to measure performance, progress in training and for identifying overtraining. During the last years, growing interest is set on biomarkers aiming at evaluating health-related aspects which can be modulated by regular physical activity and sport. The value or concentration of a biomarker depends on many factors, as the training status of the subject, the degree of fatigue and the type, intensity and duration of exercise, apart from age and sex. Most of the biomarkers are measured in blood, urine and saliva. One of the main limitations for biochemical biomarkers is that reference values for blood concentration of biomarkers specifically adapted to physically active people and athletes are lacking. Concentrations can differ widely from normal reference ranges. Therefore, it is important to adapt reference values as much as possible and to control each subject regularly, in order to establish his/her own reference scale. Other useful biomarkers are body composition (specifically muscle mass, fat mass, weight), physical fitness (cardiovascular capacity, strength, agility, flexibility), heart rate and blood pressure. Depending on the aim, one or several biomarkers should be measured. It may differ if it is for research purpose, for the follow up of training or to prevent risks. For this review, we will get deeper into the biomarkers used to identify the degree of physical fitness, chronic stress, overtraining, cardiovascular risk, oxidative stress and inflammation.

Physical activity assessment in the general population: instrumental methods and new technologies

The objective measurement of human movement and the quantification of energy expenditure due to physical activity is an identified need in both research and the clinical setting. Validated and well-defined reference methods (double labelled water, direct calorimetry, indirect calorimetry) are expensive and mostly limited to the laboratory setting. Therefore, in the last years, several objective measurement devices have been developed which are appropriate for field studies and clinical settings. There is no gold standard among them, as all have limitations. Pedometers are small, non-expensive, count the steps taken and give information on total physical activity, but not about physical activity patterns and behaviour. Accelerometers are expensive, save information about frequency and intensity of physical activity, but not about type of physical activity. Both pedometers and accelerometers only save information about lower body movement, but reliability about the estimation of energy expenditure is limited. Heart rate monitoring relates intensity to energy expenditure, but gives no information about physical activity. GPS watches are portable, relatively inexpensive, non-invasive and provide distance, speed, and elevation with exact time and location, but are maybe limited for the assessment of brief higher speed movement and energy expenditure. Combined motion sensors combine accelerometry with the measurement of physiological variables and share advantages of single devices and are more precise. Manufacturer software which applies activity-specific algorithms for the calculation of energy expenditure can affect energy expenditure results. Most of the devices estimate energy expenditure more accurately at light to moderate intensities; underestimation increases at very light and higher intensity activities.

Sleep disturbance, obesity, physical fitness and quality of life in older women: EXERNET study group

Abstract Objectives: To investigate the association between physical fitness, obesity, health related quality of life (HRQoL) and sleep disturbance in 463 community-dwelling older Spanish women (66–91 years of age). Study design: Cross-sectional study. Method: Sleep disturbance was assessed with the Jenkins Sleep Scale. Active and sedentary behaviors were recorded by standardized questionnaires. HRQoL was assessed with the EuroQoL-5D. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standardized techniques. Body fat was measured using bioelectrical impedance. Physical fitness was evaluated by a set of eight tests. Results: Sleep disturbance was reported by 45.1% of women, being associated with higher body mass index (p < 0.05) and waist circumference (p < 0.01). Presence of insomnia was inversely associated with physical fitness. Women in the upper tertile of fitness index had 92.0% lower risk of sleep disturbance as compared to the lower tertile (p = 0.08), while women in the highest tertile of upper body strength had 76.4% lower risk of sleep disturbance as compared to the lower tertile (p < 0.05). Women without sleep disturbance showed better HRQoL. Conclusion: Sleep disturbance was associated with central obesity, lower physical fitness and reduced HRQoL. Interventions involving weight management and improvement of physical fitness may contribute to better sleep quality in older women.

Obesidad sarcopénica y condición física en octogenarios: proyecto multicéntrico EXERNET

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of trematode Aspidogastrea in the freshwater mussels in the Yangtze River basin within Anhui province, China. Methods: We initially harvested the freshwater mussels living in the Yangtze River running through Anhui area, and labeled them with corresponding number. Then the samples were dissected for isolating the flukes, which were identified by conventional staining. Results: Infection rate of trematode Aspidogastrea in freshwater mussels in the Yangtze River basin within the territory of Anhui province was 30.38℅(103/339)in general, and a total of 912 flukes of Aspidogastrea were detected in the 103 mussels, with average infection rate of 8.85 for each mussel. Conclusion: Trematode Aspdogastrea is prevalent in the freshwater bivalves living in the Yangtze River basin running through Anhui area, and the treamatode was identified as Aspidogaster sp. belong to Aspidogaste under Aspidogastridae of Aspidogastrea.Objective: to assess the use of oral nutritional supplements analyzing the reason for prescription and its implication in caloric-protein intake. Setting: study performed at a university hospital of 350 beds with medical and surgical specialties. Subjects, patients: Patients inclusion was done by selecting all starting oral nutritional supplement prescription. Exclusion criteria were being younger than 18 years, being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, having cognition or communication impairments, being on concomitant parenteral nutrition or requiring complete enteral diet, and/or using nasogastric tube for feeding. We also excluded special enteral diets, specifically designed for certain conditions. Interventions: One-year long prospective study on prescription of oral nutritional supplements. Through clinical chart review and personal interview, we recorded demographic data, nutritional parameters, characteristics of the diet and supplement, and caloricprotein intake prescribed and ingested. The data were introduced in an Access97 database and processed by means of SPSS software for Windows®. We performed a descriptive study of quantitative and qualitative variables, a χ2 analysis between qualitative variables, and a comparative analysis between means of all paired data by means of the student’s t test, and variance analysis between quantitative variables. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: we were only able to analyze 77 out of 130 prescriptions for nutritional supplements since we could not adequately interview the remaining patients, mainly due to neurological impairments. Mean age was 74.8 years (SD = 12) and 50.6% were women. The departments prescribing the highest number of supplements were hematology (22.1%) and internal medicine (20.8%). GI neoplasm was the most frequent diagnosis at admission (27.3%). The most frequent indication was kwashiorkor (45.5%), with 15.6% of patients being well nourished. Mean therapy duration was 11 days (SD = 11.1), and the main reason for termination was hospital discharge (70.1%). The supplement was concomitantly prescribed with the meals in 70.6% of the cases, and more than halfMaterial y metodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 55 pacientes de 65,4 ± 14,7 anos, 35,7% mujeres y 64,3% varones con un IMC 27,87 ± 5,56 kg/m (0% con IMC 30 kg/m ) en tratamiento con NPT con una duracion de 28 ± 5 dias (mas de 20 dias en el 75% de los casos). El 16,1% presentaba Diabetes Mellitus previa al inicio de NPT. En el 64,3% de los pacientes, la fistula ocurria tras cirugia reciente: en un 38.8% tras reseccion de colon, 16,6% de intestino delgado y 13,9% de estomago. La NPT se planificaba para aportar diariamente 1,5 × Gasto Energetico Basal, 1,5 g/kg/dia de proteinas, 6 mg de vitamina B 12 y 414 μg de acido folico. Ninguna solucion contenia hierro.Objective. To assess the impact of weight loss in clinical progression of the comorbidities in a group of morbid obese patients submitted to surgical treatment with the duodenal switch technique. Study setting. Between 2001-2006, we have operated by the duodenal crossing technique a total of 118 morbid obese patients (97 women and 21 men), mean age 42.6 years. Average pre-surgical BMI was 49.7, with average overweight of 69.1 kg. After surgical intervention, we have prospectively assessed the progression of the main comorbidities (arterial hypertension, diabetes, OSAS, osteoarticular pathology, dyslipidemia), according to the subscale of the BAROS scoring system. Postsurgical controls are done at months 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 and annually thereafter. We have followed-up 110 patients, of whom 90 presented comorbidities, being the ones studied. Results. At 3 months post-surgery, we observed a decrease in the mean value of %WL to 31%, and a mean BMI value of 41.3, the percentage of lost BMI being 40.3%. Most of the weight loss occurred within 2 years, with %WL of 74.8% and a percentage of lost BMI of 97.7%. In 68 patients (75.5%) there was resolution of their comorbidities, 14.4% having improvement, and 10% with no improvement in spite of the surgery. Of patients achieving complete resolution, almost all of them achieved it within two years after surgery. Cure rates correlate with weight loss, so that at 3 months, with a mean weight loss of 25 kg (BMI decrease of 8.4 points) the comorbidity resolution rate is 45.5%. At 12 months, with a mean decrease in BMI of 16.4 points, %WL of 61.6% and % of lost BMI of 70.4%, the comorbidity resolution rate is 89.7%. At two years, by the time most of the main comorbidities resolved (68 patients), the BMI decreased by 22.4 points, the %WL 74.8% and the % of lost BMI 97.9%. Conclusion. The aim of bariatric surgery is weight loss and overweight-associated comorbidities improvement. In our study, most of the comorbidities improvement started at the third month, with the highest improvement rate occurring within two years, verifying that there is a direct relationship between post-surgical weight loss comorbidities improvement and resolution in most of the cases.Objective: To investigate the breeding rate and breeding density of Carpoglyphus lactis in stored Fructus Jujubae in Anhui, China in order to provide a scientific basis for prevention of Carpoglyphus lactis(C. lactis) from spoiling the dried fruit of such category. Methods： By the breeding nature of C. lactis, we collected samples of Fructus Jujubae, which were kept over 6 months in general, from the dried fruit shop and (or) Chinese herbal medicine warehouse, and isolated C. lactis from those samples. The mite specimens were prepared, and microscopically and morphologically identified. Species classification was done in accordance with Hughes (1976). Result:C. lactis was identified in 19 of the 300 samples, with breeding density and breeding rate of 6.52 heads/g and 6.33%. Constitute ratio at distinct developmental phase was associated with adult (including nymph, 85.71%), larva(12.27%), hypopus (0.56%) and egg(1.45%), respectively. The richness index, diversity index and evenness index was1.644, 1.644 and 0.923, respectively. Conclusion： Carpoglyphus lactis appears infesting in large quantity in the Fructus Jujubae stored in the above places in Anhui province, and the density is higher. Therefore, it is urgent to take effective measures to prevent C. lactis from spreading over other dried products stored in the same room and potential human intestinal acariasis as a result of the biological contamination.Objective: To determine possible associations between the risk of breast cancer in Brazilian women and demographic, social and economical variables, and past dietary intake. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil, between june and november 2003 involving a group of 33 women recently diagnosed with breast cancer and a control group of 33 healthy women volunteers. Personal details, health history and past dietary intake were obtained via questionnaires and interviews. Data between groups were compared using χ2, Fisher, and Student’s t test, whilst associations were evaluated using a non-conditional logistic regression method and odds ratio (OR). Results: Statistically significant differences between the two groups were revealed with respect to age distribution (P = 0.007), family income level (P = 0.02), educational level (P 45 years), low family income (<

Physical strength is associated with Mini-Mental State Examination scores in Spanish institutionalized elderly.

520/month), poor educational level (primary school level or lower) and past regular consumption of pork fat and fatty meat may be factors associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.A case of peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis in a patient who suffered a Hirschsprung disease 30 year before is presented. TH present condition caused an irreversible intestinal obstruction and the patients received home parenteral nutrition without unremarkable complications longer than two years.Introduction: Clinical nutrition is an activity realized in most of Health Centres of France, Canada, Great Britain and USA. The aim of our work was to determine activity and resources of Nutrition Units of Hospitals in the Community of Castilla y Leon. Material and methods: A questionnaire was send to all Hospitals of Castilla y Leon (SACYL); Hospital UniMaterial y método: Se estudió una población de pacientes postquirúrgicos (n = 22; 12 hombres y 10 mujeres) de 72,9 años de promedio (DE = 13,5) que fueron apareados en razón de edad y además un 40% de ellos por sexo, en dos grupos: A) con gastrectomía total (73%) o parcial (23%) por neoplasia y B) control, presencia de íleo paralítico postquirúrgico de causa no neoplásica. La duración media de la NPT fue de 14 días (DE = 2) y 13 días (DE = 2) respectivamente siendo la composición estándar de 12 g/N2, 100 kcal no proteicas/g N2, carbohidratos/lípidos: 63/38; volumen: 1.550-2.250 mL. Se realizaron controles basales habituales antes de la cirugía y al final de la NPT. Se analizaron los niveles de: Hb, Hto, contaje de linfocitos, contaje de neutrófilos y bioquímicos: glucosa, urea, creatinina, proteínas y albúmina. Análisis estadístico: test no paramétrico U de Mann Whitney y correlación de Pearson.El Órgano Oficial de SENPE, Nutrición Hospitalaria, no ha parado de crecer y prosperar a lo largo de sus 26 años de existencia. La revista se ha ido haciendo un hueco merecido en las bases de datos electrónicas y repositorios, alcanzando a los lectores interesados en su temática, no solo en España e Iberoamérica, sino también en países de ámbito sajón y en otros muy lejanos. El éxito ha traído parejo un incremento de originales, que en 2006 permitió alcanzar la cifra de 1.000 páginas publicadas. La creciente exigencia de los revisores, rechazando un treinta por ciento de los artículos recibidos, no ha sido impedimento para esta progresión, de lo que nos congratulamos. Otro de los éxitos positivos de este éxito editorial ha sido el aumento de números suplementarios de NUTR HOSP, documentos monográficos relativos a congresos, cursos, eventos o conclusiones de grupos de trabajo. La proliferación de los suplementos, muy halagüeña al comienzo, empezó a preocuparnos por las posibles desviaciones de la esencia de la revista. Vaya por delante que todos los suplementos han cumplido siempre las pautas éticas exigibles por la revista y por la SENPE, pero lo que escapaba al ámbito del comité editorial era la garantía de originalidad de todas las contribuciones, la homogeneidad en su estructura de acuerdo con las normas de publicación de la revista y, lo que es más importante, la falta de revisión por pares de sus contenidos. Esto último contradice formalmente la esencia de una revista científica. Por ello, Nutrición Hospitalaria y su comité editorial se encontraron ante un dilema: si se renuncia a la edición de suplementos que apoyan acciones especiales de la SENPE, se deja de prestar un servicio muy importante a la sociedad. Si se continua, incumplimos la normativa de revisión por pares. Hemos consultado los entornos científicos internacionales y rápidamente encontramos la solución, que colegas como Clin Nutr vienen aplicando desde hace uno o dos años: los suplementos deben aparecer bajo la cobertura de un ISSN diferente, llevando su propia paginación correlativa, en volúmenes independientes. Esta solución, que nos ha parecido la idónea, ha sido refrendada por el Comité Científico y la Junta Directiva de la Sociedad, y empezará a implementarse a partir de mayo de 2008. Así, el lector recibirá, a lo largo de los próximos meses, suplementos de Nutr Hosp ligeramente distintos. Los contenidos científicos de esta nueva línea editorial vendrán avalados por el Comité Científico Educacional y la Junta Directiva de SENPE. Creemos que con esta nueva fórmula que, como decimos, está ampliamente implantada en otras revistas científicas, se propiciará la multiplicación de los suplementos científicos de diversa índole que, en definitiva, redundará en beneficio de los miembros de SENPE y de nuestros lectores en general, sin menoscabo de las características referentes a originalidad y control que se exigen a los artículos que se publiquen en Nutrición Hospitalaria.OBJECTIVES: To analyze the complications related to enteral nutritional support in patients with lateral amyotrophic sclerosis included in our home-based mechanical ventilation program (HMVP), with a special emphasis on gastrointestinal complications. METHOD: Retrospective, descriptive study of the patients included in our HMVP directed by intensive care physicians, by means of systematic review of the medical records (included in a Microsoft Access database) during the period 2004-2011. RESULTS: In the period 2004-2011, 73 patients with a diagnosis of lateral amyotrophic sclerosis were followed: 34 (46.6%) refused nutritional support through gastrostomy or nasogastric tube, whereas 39 (53.4%) accepted. Twenty (51.3%) of the 39 patients with (home-based nutritional support) were females. The mean age of the patients was 60.6 + 13.4 years (95% CI 56.4-64.8). Diagnoses at the time of inclusion in the HMVP were: LAS, 21 cases (53.8%), and LAS with bulbar impairment 18 (43.1%). 34 patients (87.2%) were fed through percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), 3 (7.7%) through surgical gastrostomy, and 3 (7.7%). PEG was performed at the time of inclusion of the patients in the program, with a mean duration of 222.7 + 356.6 days (95% CI: 110.8-334.7). In patients with LAS, the mean duration was 271.4 + 449.5 days (95% CI: 130.3-412.1), and with LAS and bulbar impairment of 126.4 + 131.3 days (95% CI: 90-172.6). The mean duration of the nasogastric tube was 7.3 + 4.8 months (95% CI: 4-10.6). The mean duration of enteral nutrition was 578.6 + 872.9 days (95% CI: 304.7-852.6). There were complications in 35 patients (89.7%), and no complications occurred in only 4 patients (10.3%) (See table 2). Constipation occurred after initiating EN in 30 patients (76.9%); however, it was already present in 18 of them (60%). The remaining gastrointestinal complications observed were: abdominal bloating (9 patients; 23.1%); abdominal pain (6; 15,.4%); nausea and vomiting (5; 12.8%); diarrhea (3; 7.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Gastrointestinal complications are the most common ones; constipation stands out as the main problem in patients with LAS and HEN. However it may not be considered as a complication exclusively due to nutritional support since it is also a manifestation in the disease course. The occurrence of granulomas is also common.Obesity combined with breast cancer is a public health problem, given the high incidence and prevalence of both diseases. The aim of this review is to determine the current status of research on the relationship between the body weight of breast cancer patients and their prognosis. Overweight and obesity at the time of diagnosis are associated with a worse prognosis in breast cancer survivors. Observational studies show that breast cancer mortality is 33% higher in obese than in non-obese survivors. Furthermore, weight gain after diagnosis is common in these patients and is even greater in those receiving chemotherapy. Weight gains of 2-8 kg are observed in 68% of patients 3 years after diagnosis. Each 5 kg increase in body weight is associated with a 13% increase in breast cancer specific mortality. The mechanisms that cause this weight gain are not totally known. A higher weight gain is also associated with higher the risk of co-morbid cardiometabolic diseases, which worsen the quality of life and shorten overall survival. On the other hand, excess adipose tissue is an indirect promoter of tumor cell proliferation and releases circulating estrogens. Hence, preventing excess weight is important in these patients. An important limitation is the small number of randomised controlled trials investigating the type of diet that could be recommended specifically to breast cancer survivors. The evidence from current studies suggests that a healthy diet, low in fat and simple sugars and with a high proportion of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain products, has the potential to reduce morbidity and the risk of recurrence significantly, thus improving prognosis and quality of life in the long term.Objective To investigate the species and breeding density of acaroid mites in the stored rhizomatic traditional Chinese medicinal materials in Anhui province, China, in order to supply evidences for control and prevention of such species. Methods The stored traditional Chinese medicinal materials of root-stock origins were collected in 30 herb stores and warehouses in 17 cities across Anhui province. Mites were collected by using Tullgren funnel and directicopy, and identified under microscopy. Results 22 species of acaroid mites, belonging to 15 genera under 5 families, were identified from the total 47 stored samples, in which Tyrophagus putrescentiae，Acarus farinae, Carpoglyphus lactis, and Cologlyplus berlesei were predominant. Conclusion Breeding density of acaroid mites was high in the stored rhizomatic traditional Chinese medicinal materials in Anhui province. This indicates that the traditional Chinese medicinal herbs of root-stock origins in storage are seriously contaminated by the acaroid mites, and such infestation should be positively controlled to reduce the potential harm to public health.INTRODUCTION For critically patients, enteral immunonutrition results in notable reductions in infections and in length of stay in hospital, but not on mortality, raising the question as to whether this relate to the heterogeneous nature of critically ill patients or to the absence of the altered absorption of specific nutrients within the immunonutrient mix (e.g. iron). Immune-associated functional iron deficiency (FID) is not only one of the many causes or anaemia in the critically ill, but also a cause of inappropriate immune response, leading to a longer duration of episodes of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and poor outcome. OBJECTIVE This prospective cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of FID in critically ill patients during their stay in intensive care (ICU) in order to find the more appropriate population of patients that can benefit from iron therapy. METHOD Full blood cell counts, including reticulocytes (RETIC), serum iron (SI), transferring levels (TRF) and saturation (satTRF), serum TFR receptor (sTfR), ferritin (FRT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in venous blood samples from 131 random patients admitted to the ICU for at least 24 h (Length of ICU stay, LIS; min: 1 day; max: 38 days). RESULTS Anaemia (Hb < 12 g/dL) was present in 76% of the patients (Hb < 10 g/dL in 33%), hypoferremia (SI < 45 microg/dl) in 69%; satTRF < 20% in 53%; FRT < 100 ng/mL in 23%; sTfR > 2.3 mg/dL in 13%; and CRP > 0.5 mg/dL in 88%. Statistically significant correlations (r of Pearson; *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01) were obtained for serum CRP levels and WBC**, Hb*, TRF**, satTRF*, and FRT**. There was also a strong correlation between TRF and FRT (-0.650**), but not between FRT and satTRF or SI. LIS correlated with Hb*, CRP**, TRF*, satTRF* and FRT**. CONCLUSIONS A large proportion of critically ill patients admitted to the ICU presented the typical functional iron deficiency (FID) of acute inflammation-related anaemia (AIRA). This FID correlates with the inflammatory status and the length of stay at the ICU. However, 21% of the ICU patients with AIRA had an associated real iron deficiency (satTRF < 20; FRT < 100 and sTfR > 2.3). Since oral supplementation of iron seems to be ineffective, all these patients might benefit of iv iron therapy for correction of real or functional iron deficiency, which in turn might help to ameliorate their inflammatory status.In August 1976, a young man named LeRoy fell from a ledge, fracturing his femur. Major internal bleeding was suspected. During a laparotomy, the trauma team ensured that all internal organs were intact and the orthopedic team set his fracture. Thirty days later, LeRoy died. He had eaten little; each day he only received three liters of glucose, the equivalent of 510 calories, intravenously. The glucose was insufficient to meet his nutritional needs, and he lost over 20% of his body weight during his hospital stay. The cause of death was due to “physicianinduced” malnutrition. Meanwhile, a paper around the same time documented that the prevalence of malnutrition in Boston hospitals was 44% and that malnutrition itself was a predictor of higher complication and death rates. As a result, like-minded physicians formed a society that created training programs and encouraged formation of hospital nutrition teams. Industry produced nutrition formulas and catheters. Complications in sick hospitalized patients plummeted while survival rates rose, and California passed legislation to mandate nutritional support. Though the health care industry recognized the importance of nutrition in patient care, Congress failed to pass fiscal support for nutrition teams. As a result, hospitals disbanded their newly created nutrition teams, nutrition education and skills declined, and hospital complications and death rates have risen again.Some bioethicists consider older age as a limiting factor for receiving special medical care. Older adults comprise the majority of home enteral nutrition patients (neoplams of the head, neck, and upper gastrointestinal tract neuromuscular swallowing disorders, dementia, etc) On the contrary, there are very few data on Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) in the elderly. We report these of a 75 years old man affected from a severe short bowel syndrome due to mesenteric thrombosis. After a hospital stay of two months he was sent home on HPN. His current caregiver was her wife, a 72 year old woman suffering from incipient Parkinson’s disease. HPN lasted for 11 years and was stopped because of clinical deterioration. During this time he presented 5 catheter- related infections (1.3 episodes/1,000 days). 5 catheters were used (average length 788 days). He was hospitalized four times because of HPN complications. Functional status was maintained along almost all the length of HPN. Conclusions: The rate of complications in this patient was similar to other groups of age receiving HPN. The technique was not burdensome for the family. Older age cannot be consider, by itself a limiting factor when receiving long term nutritional support.Patients submitted to hematopoietic stem cells transplantation (HSCT) have an increased risk for having hyponutrition, both in the phase prior to transplantation and after this one. The indication of specialized nutritional support is common in allogenic HSCT, whereas patients submitted to auto-HSCT need it in the presence of complications that compromise an adequate nutrients intake. Enteral nutrition through a nasogastric tube has difficulties in these patients; the presence of mucositis delays the indication for enteral nutrition, which usually is poorly tolerated. Thus, frequently parenteral nutrition needs to be used as the route for nutritional support. The use of specific substrates, such as glutamine, is a controversial issue.La edad media fue 4,29 anos (0,1-14,4); el 48% de los ninos tenian menos de 3,5 anos. En el 70% de los casos, el motivo de la indicacion fue la disminucion de la ingesta. La duracion media fue 116,16 dias (4-1.165), manteniendose durante menos de 100 dias en el 79% de los pacientes. El porcentaje calorico medio administrado fue del 68%, precisando el 48% de la serie un aporte < 50%. El tipo de acceso inicial fue la sonda nasogastrica en el 92% de los ninos, la gastrostomia en el 5% y la sonda nasoyeyunal en el 3%. El modo de alimentacion mas frecuentemente utilizado fue la administracion exclusivamente nocturna en el 39% de los casos. El soporte de modo continuo se realizo en el 32%. La dieta polimerica pediatrica se empleo en el 70% de los pacientes. Los datos antropometricos, a excepcion de la talla, mejoraron de forma significativa tras la aplicacion del soporte. El 33% de los pacientes mostraban un indice de Waterlow inicial ≥ 90%.Metodo: Se realizo una busqueda de GPC disponibles en Internet en New Zeland Guidelines Group, Nacional Institute for Clinical Excellence, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, Canadian Medical Association Infobase, Health Services/Technology Assesment, Fisterra y Medline. Se incluyeron ademas las direcciones de la ASPEN y la SENPE. Se recuperaron todas aquellas guias editadas o actualizadas en los ultimos cinco anos, en idioma ingles o castellano.Resumen es: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares representan la primera causa de muerte en Venezuela desde el ano 1967. Existen evidencias que demuestran que la lesion ...Material y metodo: Estudio retrospectivo. Cuando existe indicacion de administrar nutricion enteral en intestino, las enfermeras de nuestra Unidad colocan este tipo de sonda en la misma habitacion del enfermo, segun tecnica descrita por el fabricante. Despues de 24 horas de su colocacion, y sin fijarla en el ala de la nariz durante este tiempo, se realiza una radiografia de abdomen en decubito supino para valorar la situacion de la punta de la sonda (gastrica vs intestinal). Si no progresa a intestino, se reajusta la longitud introducida de la sonda y se repite la radiografia en las siguientes 24 horas. Ninguno de los pacientes tenian ventilacion asistida o sedo-relajacion. El exito en la colocacion se expresa como porcentaje de paso a traves del piloro.Introduction: Significant malnutrition exists in a high percentage of patients with head and neck cancer. Malnutrition is associated with defects in immune function that may impair the host response to malignancy. Malnutrition and immunosupression make patients highly susceptible to postoperative infections and complications. Objectives: Compare two immunoenhanced enteral nutritions with a control diet, and evaluate the effect in postoperative infections, length of stay and inflammatory markers. Patients: A population of 44 patients with oral and laryngeal cancer was enrolled in a randomized trial. At surgery, patients were randomly allocated to three groups: (group I); patients receiving an arginine-enhanced formula (group II); patients receiving a standard polymeric formula, and (group III) patients receiving an arginine, RNA and omega-3 fatty acids enhanced formula, in an isonitrogenous way. Results: The duration of enteral nutrition in the three groups was similar with an average duration of 14,5 ± 8 days. The length of postoperative stay was similar, with an average of 19,8 ± 8,5 days. Wound infections and general infections were more frequent in the control group. Fistula rates were not improved in the enhanced diet groups. No significant intergroup differences in the trend of the two plasma proteins (albumin, transferrin), lymphocytes, weight, IL-6, CPR and TNFα were detected. The control group showed the highest levels of TNFα at the fourteenth postoperative day. Gastrointestinal tolerance and diarrhoea rate were similar in all the patients. Conclusions: Immunoenhanced enteral nutrition formulas improved the infection rate in the postoperative of head and neck cancer patients. In the fistula rates, we observed that technical problems and nutritional status might have played an equally important role, and therefore the positive effect of immunonutrition in this parameter might have been overestimated.Introduction: Due to the high prevalence of overweight and obesity, new strategies are needed for its prevention and treatment. Nutritional Coaching (NC) has been shown to be effective in weight reduction, even though the innovation of this concept, it’s not always used properly. Objective: To verify if NC, added to dietary assessment, is an effective approach for weight loss in overweight or obese population, compared with only technical dietary assessment. Methodology: We performed a search for papers related to NC to establish quality parameters for this intervention. A systematic review was conducted, including randomized controlled trials that apply CN according to the selected parameters and comparing it with technical dietary assessment. Results: Eight high quality studies were included in the analysis. Among these, six revealed statistical differences on behalf of the group that received NC. Conclusion: Nutritional Coaching is an effective approach for weight reduction. Future nutritional coaching intervention research would benefit from clear definitions of this new model.Introducción: El control de calidad es fundamental en cualquier intervención de enfermería clínico-asistencial y más aun en el paciente crítico. El protocolo de Enfermería de Nutrición Parenteral Total (NPT), que incluye el cambio de bolsa de nutrición, equipo de perfusión y cuidado del catéter venoso central (CVC) define unas actividades básicas. Fundamentamos el seguimiento en dos aspectos principales: 1. El paciente tiene un potencial de complicaciones relacionadas con la inserción del CVC y su manipulación, y 2. las repetidas manipulaciones de la conexión del CVC al equipo durante el tratamiento puede incidir en las infecciones del mismo.Material y metodo: Se estudiaron 27 pacientes (16 hombres y 11 mujeres) con carcinoma de colon y una edad media de 62,1 anos ? 11,2 (M?DE), de los cuales un 59% estaban en un estadio III de la enfermedad. De los pacientes incluidos, 11 habian recibido tratamiento quimioterapico previo y 16 no. El protocolo de Oncologia supuso la administracion aislada de 5fluoracilo en el 80% de los pacientes combinado con Oxaliplatino en un 17%. En todos los casos se registraron parametros antropometricos y analiticos (hemograma completo, glucosa, creatinina, bilirrubina, ALAT, ASAT, fosfatasa alcalina, albumina y marcadores tumorales) determinados antes de la cirugia y al final de la nutricion parenteral. Para evaluar la posible influencia del soporte nutricional los pacientes fueron divididos en dos grupos, en funcion de si habian o no recibido tratamiento citostatico previo a la intervencion. El analisis estadistico se realizo con el test ?2 y el de Wilcoxon (SPSS 10.0), aceptandose un nivel de significacion estadistica para p < 0,05.