The Influence of Training on New Army Recruits’ Energy and Macronutrient Intakes and Performance: A Systematic Literature Review

BackgroundNew army recruits undertake initial training to develop their skillset and physical and mental preparedness for military service. Recruits experience a range of stressors both physical and psychological, often at extremes, and in combination. These stressors place recruits at risk of suboptimal energy and macronutrient intakes, which may negatively influence their performance.ObjectiveThe objectives of this systematic literature review are to examine, against the Military Recommended Dietary Intakes (MRDIs), the energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fat intakes of army recruits and trainees undertaking initial training internationally, and identify any associated influence on their performance.DesignA systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Information sources were searched from their inception until May 2019.Main outcome measuresOutcome data included dietary intakes of energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fat before, during, and/or after army initial training, as well as measures of physical fitness and performance. A custom tool was used to assess the quality of included studies.ResultsThe results of 14 studies were synthesized. Six were conducted in the United States and four in each of Australia and Israel. Average energy intake represented 69% to 120% of the MRDIs before training commencement, 69% to 106% of the MRDIs in the early weeks of training and 56% to 77% of the MRDIs in the later weeks of training. Average carbohydrate and protein intakes represented 49% to 121% and 64% to 143% of the MRDIs, respectively, across the various time points. Three studies measured physical fitness and/or performance outcomes, with one showing a significant improvement in push-up performance when extra protein was provided.ConclusionsThe novel findings of this systematic literature review are that army recruits, internationally, are likely to be underconsuming energy for extended periods of their initial training, with greater deficits in carbohydrate intake compared with other macronutrients. Only a handful of studies investigated the subsequent influents on performance, with no definitive conclusions drawn in most instances. Further research is needed to understand the influence of suboptimal dietary intake on military relevant performance indicators to help better inform key stakeholders when devising nutrition guidance and strategies for army recruits in the future.     

Metabolic and Nutritional Issues Associated with Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the main genetic cause of infant death, is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective loss of motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord, accompanied by muscle wasting. Pathomechanically, SMA is caused by low levels of the survival motor neuron protein (SMN) resulting from the loss of the SMN1 gene. However, emerging research extends the pathogenic effect of SMN deficiency beyond motor neurons. A variety of metabolic abnormalities, especially altered fatty acid metabolism and impaired glucose tolerance, has been described in isolated cases of SMA; therefore, the impact of SMN deficiency in metabolic abnormalities has been speculated. Although the life expectancy of these patients has increased due to novel disease-modifying therapies and standardization of care, understanding of the involvement of metabolism and nutrition in SMA is still limited. Optimal nutrition support and metabolic monitoring are essential for patients with SMA, and a comprehensive nutritional assessment can guide personalized nutritional therapy for this vulnerable population. It has recently been suggested that metabolomics studies before and after the onset of SMA in patients can provide valuable information about the direct or indirect effects of SMN deficiency on metabolic abnormalities. Furthermore, identifying and quantifying the specific metabolites in SMA patients may serve as an authentic biomarker or therapeutic target for SMA. Here, we review the main epidemiological and mechanistic findings that link metabolic changes to SMA and further discuss the principles of metabolomics as a novel approach to seek biomarkers and therapeutic insights in SMA.     

Enhanced recovery (fast-track surgery) after total ankle replacement: The state of the art

The post-operative results of a total ankle replacement are not determined solely by an optimal surgical technique, but by an appropriate anesthesiological and rehabilitative post-operative approach. Enhanced functional recovery often depends on a multidisciplinary approach based on a correct framework of the patient and his needs, requests, and characteristics.Extensive bibliographical research has been performed on Pubmed, Google Scholar, Scopus.This comprehensive and inclusive review of the literature aims to examine the state of the art of “fast-track” protocols employed in total ankle replacement (TAR), considering pre-operative preparation, anesthetic management, intraoperative and surgical factors, post-operative rehabilitative care and reduction of hospitalization time.     

In vivo kinematics of fixed-bearing total ankle arthroplasty

BackgroundA good recovery of the physiological mobility of the ankle is an indication of patients’ satisfaction after total ankle arthroplasty, which does not generally match that of other consolidated procedures such as hip and knee replacement. The aim of this study was to investigate the kinematics of the Zimmer Total Metal Total Ankle (ZTMTA) during the different exercises.MethodsFifteen patients with ZTMTA were enrolled in this study. The patients performed non-weightbearing flexion-extension, stair climbing and descending, and fluoroscopic images were taken to capture the ankle movements. A combined images/three-dimensional models method was used to perform a kinematic analysis.ResultsPlantar-dorsiflexion resulted the main plane of movement, with the largest range of motion (ROM) of 23.3 ± 9.0° during flexion-extension. Inversion–eversion and adduction–abduction resulted lower than 10° in any trials.ConclusionsIn the investigated population, the ZTMTA allowed a good recovery of the mobility, with ROMs comparable to the healthy subjects.     

关于加强临床营养教育的若干建议

临床营养学作为一门重要的综合学科,已经成为临床治疗中重要的组成部分.临床营养教育是依靠临床营养学这门课程,为培养更加专业的临床营养学人才开展的一门新的教育课程.目前我国的临床营养学教育现状不容乐观,医学院校对临床营养学课程重视不够,在专业教学内容和课程建设方面均无法满足社会需求.通过借鉴国外营养教育制度,并结合国内临床营养人才需求现状,应注意不同专业的医学生在日后工作对临床营养的需求,逐渐开展临床营养学必修课教学,加强营养在临床应用的实践教学;并完善毕业后教育体系,对所有规范化培训的医师增加要求到临床营养科轮转培训且不少于1个月,对非临床医学的营养师要求到临床科室轮转至少2个月.提高进修临床医师继续教育及培训营养支持治疗的认识.临床营养专业的教学改革任重而道远,仍需我们不断完善理论体系,积极践行学科理论和知识,满足我国临床营养的人才需求,使社会认识到临床营养对促进健康、预防和治疗疾病的重要性.     

重症烧伤患者急救期输液及营养的路径护理

目的讨论研究对重症烧伤患者实行急救期输液及营养的路径护理的临床疗效与意义。方法选择医院烧伤科重症烧伤患者100例随机分组委观察组与对照组各50例。对照组给予急救期输液及营养常规护理。观察组提供急救期营养及输液路径护理。比较两组患者不同护理方式后营养状况、不良反应人数及护理满意度。结果治疗后观察组各项营养指标均显著优于对照组(P<0.05);观察组不良反应发生人数较少,护理服务满意程度较高。结论为重症烧伤患者提供急救期输液与营养路径护理可降低不良反应发生率并为患者加强营养支持,增强免疫力,有助于帮助其有效度过危险期,可促进患者后期治疗与恢复,更有助于拉近护患距离,提升医疗护理服务满意度。     

Understanding feeding practices of Latinx mothers of infants and toddlers at risk for childhood obesity: A qualitative study

Infancy and toddlerhood are critical stages for the development of habits that can lead to future obesity, and caregivers have an important influence on these habits. We conducted this qualitative semistructured interview study to explore the feeding practices of Latinx mothers of young children who are at risk for childhood obesity in order to identify targets for obesity prevention. We interviewed Latinx mothers (N = 14) of a child ages 6–18 months with a weight‐for‐length ratio > 85th percentile at the time of recruitment. Two researchers independently read through the interviews, identified sections of the interviews pertaining to feeding, and used constant comparative methods to identify the following common themes: mothers overwhelmingly reported permissive feeding styles, driving overfeeding and frequent night‐time feeding. Mothers expressed some difficulty with transitioning to solid foods and reported desiring to feed their child healthy foods by minimizing juice and giving vegetables. Paediatricians and WIC staff were viewed by mothers as trustworthy sources of nutrition information. Most identified a connection between their child's weight and diet, but many lacked the insight or capacity to change their current practices. The mothers in our study provide insight into factors that may predispose young children to obesity and thus potential avenues to support these families. Healthcare providers can better serve them by giving clear, actionable advice on healthy feeding practices for their child, while understanding constraints that may make healthy habits difficult to implement. Paediatricians should be honest about their child's weight status early on to allow time for intervention.     

肝代谢异常人群基于系统营养联合节律运动的干预效果研究

目的探讨采取系统营养联合节律运动对肝代谢异常人群干预效果的研究。方法选取56名肝代谢异常人群的受试者,每天按时进行系统营养和节律运动联合干预3个月,采用肝脏瞬时弹性成像技术(FibroScan)、生物电全身健康扫描系统(DDFAO)技术,对比干预前后肝脏脂肪衰减度、肝脏硬度以及肝脏区域的生物活性值。结果相比干预前,干预后受试者肝脏脂肪衰减度、肝脏硬度、肝糖原活性值显著降低(P<0.05),肝左叶及胆管区域活性值、肝右叶区域活性值均显著升高(P<0.05)。结论系统营养联合节律运动可显著降低受试者肝代谢异常的风险,对预防肝代谢异常和促进肝脏功能恢复有重要作用。