Dietary intake of elderly outpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

PurposeChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often associated with malnutrition, which is in turn associated with poor outcomes. Accordingly, in COPD patients adequate nutrition might improve several clinical and functional outcomes. Nevertheless, information about nutrient intake of older populations with COPD is still scanty.Materials and methodsWe analysed data of 523 elderly attending a geriatric ambulatory. Of these, 165 had a diagnosis of COPD, while 358 were control participants, matched for demographic characteristics and free from respiratory diseases. COPD was diagnosed according to the global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD) criteria. The intake of micro and macronutrients was recorded using the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition (EPIC) questionnaire. Nutrient intake of COPD patients was compared with that of the control group and with recommended dietary allowances RDA.ResultsCOPD patients had a lower energy intake, as compared with control participants (29.4 vs 34.4 kcal/kg of ideal weight; P < .0001), due to reduced intake of carbohydrates and proteins. Accordingly, in the energy intake was lower than recommended in 52% of COPD patients, vs 30% of controls (P < .0001). The intake of calcium, potassium, folate, cholecalciferol, retinol, and thiamine was lower than RDA in over 75% of COPD patients.ConclusionsThe diet of elderly COPD outpatients does not provide the recommended energy intake, nor does it meet the RDA for many micronutrients. Such deficits are more severe than in age matched non- respiratory subjects.     

Perceived Stress and Eating Behaviors by Sex,Obesity Status,and Stress Vulnerability: Findings from the Vitamins and Lifestyle (VITAL) Study

Stress has been associated with eating patterns in human studies with differences due to the type and duration of stressor, type of food, and individual susceptibility factors. Laboratory and smaller epidemiological studies have reported stress-associated preferences for foods high in sugar and fat; associations have been found more consistently among women and people who are obese. Larger studies are needed to sufficiently test these relationships. The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between self-reported amount of stress and dietary nutrient intakes (percentage energy from fat, carbohydrates, added sugar) and dietary behaviors (number of eating occasions and servings of fruits and vegetables, high-fat snacks, fast-food items, and sweetened drinks) by sex, obesity status, and stress vulnerability. Linear regression was used to estimate associations of perceived stress with eating patterns among 65,235 older adults while adjusting for demographic factors, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol intake, number of comorbidities, and other relevant covariates. Higher perceived stress was associated with greater intake of energy from fat, high-fat snacks, and fast-food items as well as lower intake of energy from carbohydrates (all P for trend ≤0.002). Among those with high perceived stress vulnerability, perceived stress was associated with fewer eating occasions (P for interaction <0.0001). Although associations were small, significant relationships were found for perceived stress arising from everyday experiences among an older, mostly white population. These findings have public health implications and suggest that stress may be important to consider in programs promoting healthy eating.     

Potassium-rich diet and risk of stroke: Updated meta-analysis

Recently a few prospective population studies provided additional and heterogeneous information concerning the reported statistical associations between potassium (K) intake and stroke risk. Therefore, we updated our previous meta-analysis of K intake and risk of cerebrovascular events.Three studies were added to the previous analysis, and the results of the comparison between the event rate in the two extreme categories of K intake were used. Pooled analysis of 14 cohorts (overall 333,250 participants and 10,659 events) showed an inverse and significant association between K intake and risk of stroke (Relative Risk: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.72–0.90).Our results indicated a favorable effect of higher K intake on risk of stroke. These results confirm the appropriateness of worldwide recommendations for a population increased consumption of potassium-rich foods to prevent cardiovascular disease.     

A qualitative study to develop an instrument for initial nurse assessment

Complex health care needs focus on accountability and necessity of inclusion of nurses in documenting and monitoring clinical care plans have brought in the concept of initial nurse assessment and nursing process. However, no standardized form exists in the Armed Forces Medical Services to document initial nursing observations while a patient is being admitted in service hospitals.A focus group design was utilized to explore and conceptualize an initial nurse assessment form that may be utilized by service hospitals.     

艾滋病元素医学食疗中心

笔者自2003年至2006年用元素医学食疗法治疗40余例艾滋病获突破，其中完全治愈两人，一个5岁小女孩、一个是65岁老人。2006年5月40岁中年妇女，在进行Hiv病毒抗体检验开始转阴，病人为生活所迫外出打工终止食疗，于6月份再7欠进行Hiv病毒抗体检验又转变为阳性。笔者于是决定对即将痊愈艾滋病人集中食疗，效果非常有效，建立艾滋病元素医学食疗中心是个好办法。     

主食药膳在糖尿病治疗中的研究与应用

目的:研究主食药膳在糖尿病治疗中的作用。方法:采用自主研发的定量糖尿病药膳馒头为早餐主食,作为控制血糖的辅助治疗手段,将90例糖尿病患者按照随机、对照原则进行观察其辅助治疗作用的临床疗效。结果:治疗组总有效率为70%,明显优于对照组1和对照组2。结论:糖尿病药膳馒头具有辅助治疗糖尿病作用,能有效控制糖尿病患者餐后2h血糖(PG2h)。     

Histopathology and apoptosis in an animal model of reversible renal injury

High adenine phosphate (HAP) diet serves as an animal model of chronic renal failure (RF). Induction of RF and establishment of end organ damage require long exposure periods to this diet. Previously, we have shown that RF is reversible after diet cessation even after protracted administration. In this study, we explored the underlying renal changes and cellular pathways occurring during administration and after cessation of the diet. Kidneys were obtained from rats fed HAP diet for 7 weeks, and from rats fed HAP diet followed a 10 week recovery period on normal diet. The kidneys of HAP diet group were significantly enlarged due to tubular injury characterized by massive cystic dilatation and crystal deposition. Kidney injury was associated with markers of apoptosis as well as with activation of apoptosis related pathways. Diet cessation was associated with a significant reduction in kidney size, tubules diameter, and crystals deposition. The recovery from renal injury was coupled with regression of apoptotic features. This is the first study showing the potential reversibility of long standing RF model, allowing optimal evaluation of uremia-chronic effects.