Coenzyme Q10 as a treatment for fatigue and depression in multiple sclerosis patients: A double blind randomized clinical trial

Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the chronic inflammatory and demyelinating disorder of central nervous system which is accompanied with disability and negative life style changes such as fatigue and depression. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on fatigue and depression in patients with MS.

Methods: We performed a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effect of CoQ10 supplement (500?mg/day) vs. placebo for 12?weeks. Fatigue symptoms were quantified by means of fatigue severity scale (FSS) and the Beck depression inventory (BDI) was used to assess depressive symptoms.

Results: A significant decrease of FSS was observed in CoQ10 group during the intervention (P?=?0.001) and significant increase of FSS change was observed within placebo group (P?=?0.001). Repeated measure analysis of variance showed a significant time-by-treatment interaction for FSS (baseline 41.5?±?15.6 vs. endpoint 45?±?13.6; F_1,45?=?55.23, P?<?0.001, η²?=?0.56) and BDI (baseline 17.8?±?12.2 vs. endpoint 20.4?±?11.4; F_1,45?=?40.3, P?<?0.001, η²?=?0.48), indicating significant decrease of FSS and BDI in CoQ10 group compared to placebo group.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that CoQ10 supplementation (500?mg/day) can improve fatigue and depression in patients with multiple sclerosis.     

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and nutritional status are clinically useful in predicting prognosis in colorectal cancer patients

Abstract

Background: Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and nutritional status may provide a prognostic value in colorectal cancer (CRC). Thus, aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of nutritional status and NLR in CRC patients.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in CRC patients. The independent variables were body mass index (BMI), weight loss (WL) and NLR. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds chance of low NLR. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression were used to evaluate the overall survival at 5?years old.

Results: In the 148 patients evaluated, the most prevalent nutritional status was overweight/obesity (43.2%) and 27.0% had severe WL. Sixty-seven subjects (45.3%) had NLR ≥ 3 that was associated with the lower OS (P?<?0.001). There was a higher OS for overweight/obese patients (P?=?0.002) and a lower among subjects with severe WL (P?=?0.009). The NLR ≥3 (HR: 3.639; 95% CI, 1.708–7.771) was an independent poor prognostic factor for OS. Patients without WL (HR: 0.367, 95% CI, 0.141–0.954) and classified as overweight/obesity (HR: 0.260; 95% CI, 0.106–0.639) presented better prognostic.

Conclusion: NLR, WL, BMI assessments are promising prognostic indicators in the CRC.     

Factors Associated with Sarcopenia in Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Introduction; Sarcopenia are frequently observed in cancer patients and was associated with poor prognosis. Objectives; to determine the association of nutritional status, body composition, and clinic parameters with sarcopenia in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods; We conducted a cross-sectional study of 197 patients with CRC. The sarcopenia elements, including lumbar skeletal muscle index (SMI), handgrip strength, and gait speed were measured. The SMI was assessed by computed tomography at third lumbar vertebra. Phase angle (PA), serum albumin (SAlb), muscle attenuation (MA), and the scored patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) were also evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analysis of factors associated with sarcopenia were performed. Results; Sarcopenia was present in 29 of 195 patients (15%) and was significantly correlated with advance age, lower body mass index (BMI), SAlb, PA, MA, higher PG-SGA score, and malnutrition (PG-SGA B). In univariate analysis, age, BMI, SAlb, PA, MA, PG-SGA score, and malnutrition (PG-SGA B) were associated with sarcopenia. Multivariable analysis revealed that BMI, SAlb, PA, MA, and PG-SGA score were independent predictors of sarcopenia. Conclusion; BMI, SAlb, PA, MA, and PG-SGA score were independent predictors of sarcopenia in patients with CRC.     

Nutritional and Functional Status in Newly Hospitalized Older Patients Who are Not Underweight

Although malnutrition is commonly associated with being underweight, it occurs whenever nutrient intakes are inadequate, regardless of current body weight. The aim of the study was to determine nutritional status as a predictor of functional status among older patients without underweight according to body mass index (BMI) at hospital admission. This cross-sectional study enrolled 90 patients aged ≥65 years (mean age 78.1?±?6.4). Assessments included basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (bADL, IADL), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and BMI. Most of respondents were at risk of malnutrition (46%) or malnutrition (17%) according to MNA. Patients with/at risk of malnutrition had lower scores in bADL (p?=?0.020), IADL (p?=?0.010) and MNA (p?r?=?0.34, r?=?0.42, respectively) and negatively with age (r?=??0.33, r?=??0.21). MNA scores were also significant predictors of staying independence in bADL (β?=?0.53, p?β?=?0.45, p?相似文献   

The Effect of Dietary Intervention Along with Nutritional Education on Reducing the Gastrointestinal Side Effects Caused by Chemotherapy Among Women with Breast Cancer

Gastrointestinal (GI) side effects caused by chemotherapy in women with breast cancer are common but poorly understood which might be controlled by nutritional intervention. Thus, the major aim of this study was to assess the effect of dietary intervention along with nutritional education on reducing these side effects. The present study is a single-center, single-controlled, and randomized trial. A total of 150 patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy were randomly assigned into intervention group to receive dietary intervention and nutritional education (n?=?73) or control group (n?=?67) for 10?weeks, after their three sessions of chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was the GI symptoms after each session of chemotherapy that were measured by a designed questionnaire based on ROMIII questionnaire. The severity of GI side effects in the dietary intervention along with nutritional education was decreased significantly in the third session of chemotherapy compared to the first session, which include reflux disorder (P?=?0.05), anorexia (P?<?0.001), nausea (P?=?0.002), constipation (P?<?0.001), and diarrhea (P?<?0.001). Moreover, significant reductions were observed in the severity of GI side effects in the intervention group compared to control group after the third session (P?<?0.001). After adjusting the analysis for baseline values including age, job, education level, weight, and body mass index, significant changes were observed for GI side effects in the intervention group compared to the control group (P?<?0.001). This study showed beneficial effects of individualized dietary intervention along with nutritional education on reducing diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and nausea in women with breast cancer during the chemotherapy.     

Nutritional,immunological and antioxidant defense status of outpatients diagnosed with colorectal cancer – a case–control study of the little-studied population

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate nutritional and immunological status of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in a little-studied population from developing country, Pakistan. Data on 81 CRC patients and 37 healthy controls (HCs) were collected on nutritional status, nutrient intake, percent body fat (%BF), selected immunological parameters, phytochemical index (PI), healthy eating index (HEI), and prognostic nutrition index (PNI). Blood samples were used for immunological and antiradical defense potential (expressed as 50% hemolysis time; HT₅₀). Results show 40/81 (49.4%) patients reported weight loss in past 3–6?mo, Significant differences were found in HEI values between patients vs. HCs, and between patients in low vs. high PNI groups (P, for all trends <0.05). Patients in the higher PNI group were heavier, had higher % BF, higher energy intake, and higher PI score as compared to patients in the low PNI group (P?<?0.05). Low PNI was positively associated with non-significantly lower CD4:CD8 ratios, higher B-cells and NK cells (P, for all trends >0.05), but with significantly higher hs-CRP levels, and lower HT₅₀ values (P, for all trends <0.001). In conclusion, CRC patients in a little-studied population have compromised nutritional and immunological health with lower HEI and PNI scores.     

Cachexia Stage,Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment,Phase Angle,and Handgrip Strength in Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer

The aim of this study was to correlate patients with gastrointestinal cancer, classified according to different stages of cancer cachexia (SCC) as proposed by Fearon, with nutritional assessment tools such as PG-SGA, phase angle (PA), and handgrip strength. One hundred one patients with a mean age of 61.8 ± 12.8 yr, with 58.4% being men were included. 32.6% were malnourished according to the body mass index (BMI). A severe or moderate malnutrition had been diagnosed in 63.3% when assessed using the PG-SGA, 60.4% had decreased handgrip strength, and 57.4% had lower grades of PA. Among the patients in the study, 26% did not have cachexia, 11% had precachexia, 56% cachexia, and 8% refractory cachexia. The PG-SGA, PA, and handgrip strength were associated with cachexia (P ≤ 0.001). An increased risk of death was found in patients with cachexia [RR: 9.1; confidence interval (CI) 95%: 0.1–90.2, P = 0.039], refractory cachexia (RR: 69.4, CI 95%: 4.5–1073.8, P = 0.002), and increased serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (P < 0.001). In conclusion, most of the patients with digestive system cancer had cachexia or refractory cachexia in the first nutritional assessment. Nutritional risk, as determined by PG-SGA, was correlated with PA and handgrip strength. High CRP levels, cachexia, and refractory cachexia were prognostic factors for cancer patients.     

Cancer-related fatigue mediates the relationships between physical fitness and attendance and quality of life after participation in a clinical exercise program for survivors of cancer

Purpose

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common and limiting symptom reported by survivors of cancer, negatively impacting health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Exercise improves CRF, HRQoL, and physical fitness in survivors. Prospective research trials have shown that exercise-associated fitness improvements effects on HRQoL are mediated by CRF; however, this has not been investigated in a pragmatic real-world setting. This study utilizes data from a large heterogenous population of survivors participating in a clinical exercise program to investigate this mediation effect, as well as effects of program attendance.

Methods

Data were collected from 194 survivors completing the BfitBwell Cancer Exercise Program (July 2016–February 2020). Changes in HRQoL, CRF, and fitness were calculated and program attendance collected. Basic correlation analyses were performed. Linear regression analyses were performed to assess mediation by CRF.

Results

All measures of CRF, HRQoL, and physical fitness significantly improved following the exercise program. Improvements in physical fitness were significantly correlated with improvements in HRQoL (r?=?0.15–0.18), as was program attendance (r?=?0.26) and CRF (r?=?0.59). The effects of physical fitness and program attendance on HRQoL were at least partially mediated by the effects of CRF.

Conclusion

This study extends research findings on how exercise programs improve HRQoL in survivors of cancer to a real-world setting. Results indicate that clinical exercise programs should target reductions in CRF in survivors (during or after treatment) through improvements in physical fitness to improve HRQoL and that high attendance should be encouraged regardless of fitness changes.

     

Low Transthyretin Levels Predict Poor Prognosis in Cancer Patients in Palliative Care Settings

Objectives: Although transthyretin (TTR) is a nutritional indicator and is influenced by systemic inflammation, it may be a good prognostic indicator for cancer patients in palliative care settings. This study investigates the correlation between low TTR levels and survival among cancer patients in palliative care settings.

Methods: This was a sub-analysis of a prospective, multicenter cohort study. Patients who had advanced-stage cancer and who were newly referred to palliative care services were eligible to participate; however, those receiving anti-tumor therapy were excluded. Survival analyses were performed to clarify predictors of poor prognosis.

Results: A total of 144 patients were enrolled (45.1% female; median age, 72?years). Cox regression analysis revealed that low TTR levels (<10.9?mg/l) (hazard ratio 1.74, P?=?0.025), poor muscle power (1.71, P?=?0.045), and fatigue (1.89, P?=?0.024) were predictors of poor prognosis. Median survival in patients with low TTR levels (<10.9?mg/l) was 26?days, which was significantly shorter than those with high TTR levels (≥10.9?mg/l) (50?days; P?<?0.001).

Conclusion: Low TTR levels may be indicators for poor prognosis among cancer patients in palliative care settings.     

Nutritional status assessed by the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) is associated with qualities of diet and life in Korean cerebral infarction patients

ObjectiveAssessment of the nutritional status of patients with cerebral infarction (CI) is important because their nutritional status influences disease outcome. The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional status of patients with CI using the scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) and to investigate the relation of the quality of their diet and life with their nutritional status.MethodsSeventy-three patients with CI were recruited from Kyung Hee University Oriental Medical Center in Seoul, Korea, from May to July 2007. The subjects' PG-SGA, dietary quality (Dietary Diversity Score, Dietary Variety Score, and Diet Quality Index–International), and quality of life (Stroke-Specific Quality of Life, modified Barthel Index, and Beck Depression Inventory) were investigated.ResultsThe patients were classified by PG-SGA categories as well nourished (26.0%), moderately malnourished (49.3%), or severely malnourished (24.7%). Quality of diet assessed by the Dietary Diversity Score and Dietary Variety Score was significantly lower in severely malnourished patients (P < 0.001). The overall dietary quality expressed by the Diet Quality Index–International was significantly greater in the well-nourished group, followed by the moderately malnourished and severely malnourished groups. Quality of life assessed by the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life and modified Barthel Index was significantly lower in the malnourished group (P < 0.05). Quality of diet (P < 0.001) and life (P < 0.05) in patients with CI were significantly correlated with their nutritional status.ConclusionThe PG-SGA is a useful nutritional assessment tool for patients with CI with stable vital signs. When patients with CI were categorized according to their PG-SGA score, well-nourished patients demonstrated better diet quality and better quality of life.     

Randomized Study of the Effect of Dietary Counseling During Adjuvant Chemotherapy on Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting,and Quality of Life in Patients With Breast Cancer

Patients with breast cancer (PsBC) usually face with chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of nutritional counseling on CINV and quality of life (QoL) of PsBC. 150 PsBC were randomly assigned for receiving a personalized diet, which contained 1.2–1.5?g/kg of protein, 30% of energy from fat and 55–60% of energy from carbohydrate, a face to face nutrition education, and a pamphlet which contained beneficial nutrition information to reduce the severity of CINV before each chemotherapy session for three times (n?=?75) or regular care (n?=?75). CINV, QoL, and dietary intake were evaluated after each chemotherapy session. Nausea rating index, overall nausea index, and visual analog scale (P?<?0.001) were dramatically lower in the intervention group. Global health status/QoL as well as physical functioning, role functioning, emotional functioning, and cognitive functioning (P?<?0.001) were significantly better in the intervention group. Patients in the control group experienced more fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, dyspnea, loss of appetite, constipation, and diarrhea (P?<?0.001). Nutrition counseling during adjuvant chemotherapy among PsBC reduced the occurrence of CINV and led to significant improvements in the QoL.     

Profiling Determinants of Resting Energy Expenditure in Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Background: Understanding resting energy expenditure (REE) is important for determining energy requirements; REE might be altered in individuals with cancer. The objective of this study was to characterize determinants of REE in patients with stages II–IV colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods: REE was measured via indirect calorimetry in patients with newly diagnosed CRC. Computerized tomography images from medical records ascertained skeletal muscle and total adipose tissue cross-sectional areas, which were then transformed to lean soft tissue (LST) and fat mass (FM) values (in kg). Linear regression assessed determinants of REE.

Results: 86 patients were included (n?=?55, 64.0% male; 60?±?12?years old; median body mass index: 27.6, interquartile range: 24.3–31.2?kg/m²), with most (n?=?40) having stage III disease. Age, sex, and weight were significant predictors of REE [R² = 0.829, standard error of the estimate (SEE): 128?kcal/day, P?<?0.001]. Replacing weight with LST and FM yielded a similar model, with age, sex, LST, and FM predictive of REE (R² = 0.820, SEE: 129?kcal/day, p?<?0.001).

Conclusion: Age, sex, weight, LST, and FM were the main contributors to REE. Further investigation of REE changes over time and its relationship to total energy expenditure, dietary intake, and clinical outcomes should be explored.     

Plasma Cytokines as Potential Response Indicators to Dietary Freeze-Dried Black Raspberries in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Oral consumption of freeze-dried black raspberries attenuated neoplastic changes in colorectal tissue markers of apoptosis, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. To determine whether plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were associated with berry treatment and changes in colorectal tissue markers of apoptosis, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis, plasma and biopsy samples of adenocarcinoma and adjacent normal-appearing colorectal tissue were collected before and during berry treatment from 24 CRC patients who had not received prior therapy and drank a slurry of black raspberry powder (20 g in 100 ml drinking water) 3 times a day for 1 to 9 wk. Plasma concentrations of GM-CSF (+0.12 ± 0.04 pg/mL; P = 0.01) and IL-8 (-1.61 ± 0.71 pg/mL; P = 0.04) changed in patients receiving berries for more than 10 days. These changes were correlated with beneficial changes in markers of proliferation (r_{ΔGM-CSF, ΔKi67 carcinoma - normal} = ?0.51) and apoptosis (r_{ΔIL-8, ΔTUNEL carcinoma - normal} = ?0.52) observed in colorectal tissue taken within the same week. Plasma concentrations of GM-CSF and IL-8 may serve as noninvasive indicators to monitor tissue response to berry-based interventions for CRC.     

The scored Patient-generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) and its association with quality of life in ambulatory patients receiving radiotherapy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the scored Patient-generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) tool as an outcome measure in clinical nutrition practice and determine its association with quality of life (QoL). DESIGN: A prospective 4 week study assessing the nutritional status and QoL of ambulatory patients receiving radiation therapy to the head, neck, rectal or abdominal area. SETTING: Australian radiation oncology facilities. SUBJECTS: Sixty cancer patients aged 24-85 y. INTERVENTION: Scored PG-SGA questionnaire, subjective global assessment (SGA), QoL (EORTC QLQ-C30 version 3). RESULTS: According to SGA, 65.0% (39) of subjects were well-nourished, 28.3% (17) moderately or suspected of being malnourished and 6.7% (4) severely malnourished. PG-SGA score and global QoL were correlated (r=-0.66, P<0.001) at baseline. There was a decrease in nutritional status according to PG-SGA score (P<0.001) and SGA (P<0.001); and a decrease in global QoL (P<0.001) after 4 weeks of radiotherapy. There was a linear trend for change in PG-SGA score (P<0.001) and change in global QoL (P=0.003) between those patients who improved (5%) maintained (56.7%) or deteriorated (33.3%) in nutritional status according to SGA. There was a correlation between change in PG-SGA score and change in QoL after 4 weeks of radiotherapy (r=-0.55, P<0.001). Regression analysis determined that 26% of the variation of change in QoL was explained by change in PG-SGA (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: The scored PG-SGA is a nutrition assessment tool that identifies malnutrition in ambulatory oncology patients receiving radiotherapy and can be used to predict the magnitude of change in QoL.     

Serum levels of phytoestrogens as biomarkers of intake in Mexican women

Abstract

Phytoestrogens have generated interest in human health in view of their potential effect to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. Serum levels of phytoestrogens have been proposed as an alternative to measure the exposure of phytoestrogens. We evaluated the use of serum as a biomarker of phytoestrogen’s intake in healthy women. Phytoestrogens in serum (luteolin, kaempferol, equol, biochanin A, formononetin, quercetin, naringenin, coumestrol, secoisolariciresinol, genistein, matairesinol, enterolactone, enterodiol, daidzein, glycitein and resveratrol) were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS. Subjects were asked to recall all foods and beverages consumed the previous 24 h. Association of dietary intake and serum concentrations was performed by Spearman correlation. Correlations were found for naringenin (r?=?0.47, p?<?0.001), luteolin (r?=?0.4 p?<?0.001), genistein (r?=?0.32, p?<?0.01) enterolactone (r?=?0.35, p?=?0.0553), coumestrol (r?=?0.26, p?=?0.0835) and resveratrol (r?=?0.29, p?=?0.0517). Serum levels as biomarkers of intake along with a 24-h recall would be useful in order to investigate the relationship between phytoestrogens and health.     

Effects of a Texture-Modified,Enriched, and Reshaped Diet on Dietary Intake and Body Weight of Nursing Home Residents with Chewing and/or Swallowing Problems: An Enable Study

Abstract

This proof-of-concept study investigated the effects of an innovative nutrition concept, comprising texture modification, enrichment, and reshaping, on dietary intake and nutritional status of 16 nursing home residents with chewing and/or swallowing problems (mean age 86.5?±?7.4 years) in a pre-test post-test design. During 6?weeks with usual texture-modified diet (P1) energy and protein intake were constant. After the implementation of the innovative diet, daily energy intake increased by 204.2 (median) [interquartile range 95.8–444.4] kcal (P?=?0.011), and protein intake by 18.3 [9.9–26.3] g (P?<?0.001) and remained constant during the following 6?weeks (P2). Body weight decreased during P1 (–0.5 [–1.4 to 0.2] kg), and increased during P2 (+1.1 [0.0 to 1.7] kg, P?=?0.004). The present nutrition concept turned out to be a promising strategy for nutritional management of chewing and/or swallowing problems, however, the effects need to be confirmed in larger studies.     

Association of Patient-Reported Outcomes and Nutrition with Body Composition in Women with Gynecologic Cancer Undergoing Post-Operative Pelvic Radiotherapy: An Observational Study

Pelvic radiotherapy is associated with gastrointestinal toxicities and deterioration of nutritional status. This study aimed to investigate the association of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and nutritional status with body composition changes in women who underwent hysterectomy and post-operative radiotherapy for gynecologic cancer. We analyzed data of 210 patients treated with post-operative pelvic radiotherapy for gynecologic cancer between 2013 and 2018. The PRO version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) was used for gastrointestinal toxicity assessment. The Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) was used for nutritional assessment. Skeletal muscle index was measured from computed tomography scans at the L3 vertebral level. A reduction in skeletal muscle index ≥ 5% was classified as muscle loss. Odds ratios were calculated through logistic regression models. The PG-SGA score increased from the beginning to the end of radiotherapy (1.4 vs. 3.7, p < 0.001). Patients with PRO-CTCAE scores ≥ 3 had significantly higher PG-SGA scores at the end of radiotherapy than those with PRO-CTCAE scores ≤ 2 (8.1 vs. 2.3, p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, PRO-CTCAE scores ≥ 3 and PG-SGA scores ≥ 4 at the end of radiotherapy were independently associated with increased risk of muscle loss (odds ratio: 8.81, p < 0.001; odds ratio: 72.96, p < 0.001, respectively). PROs and PG-SGA may be considered as markers of muscle loss after post-operative pelvic radiotherapy for gynecologic cancer.     

Handgrip Dynamometry and Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment in Patients with Nonresectable Lung Cancer

Introduction: Undernutrition is frequently associated with advanced lung cancer. Accurate nutritional assessment tools are important to provide the proper nutritional therapy. Handgrip dynamometry has already been used in these patients, and the findings suggest that it is a good indicator of nutritional status. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between nutritional status and handgrip strength (HGS) in patients with nonresectable lung cancer. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving thirty-seven subjects with nonresectable lung cancer. Nutritional status was obtained using Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), and muscle function was evaluated by HGS using a Jamar® handgrip dynamometer on the nondominant hand. The results of both methods were compared and correlated. Results: According to PG-SGA, 73% (n = 27) of the patients were moderately undernourished, and 8% (n = 3) were severely undernourished. In total, 81% (n = 30) were undernourished. HGS was below the 50th percentile in 57% of the patients (n = 21). We found a significant association between nutritional status according to PG-SGA and HGS (P = 0.026, CI = 95%). Conclusions: Handgrip dynamometry can be a useful tool to evaluate the functional and nutritional status. It can be included in lung cancer patients evaluation, along with other nutritional assessment tools.     

Flexible Eating Behavior Predicts Greater Weight Loss Following a Diet and Exercise Intervention in Older Women

Eating behaviors (cognitive restraint, flexible and rigid restraint, disinhibition, hunger) have been associated with obesity and weight loss success in middle-aged individuals, but little is known about these relationships in older adults. This study examined relationships between eating behaviors and weight loss in overweight/obese older women (n?=?61; 69?±?3.6 years; body mass index?=?31.1?±?5.0?kg/m²) completed a 6-month behavioral weight loss intervention. Baseline, postintervention, and change measures of eating behaviors (51-items Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire) were assessed for relationships with weight loss. In the final regression model, an increase in flexible restraint accompanied by a decrease in rigid restraint predicted greater weight loss (adjusted R²?=?0.21, Model F (4, 56)?=?4.97, P?P?>?0.05). Results suggest encouraging a flexible approach to eating behavior and discouraging rigid adherence to a diet may lead to better intentional weight loss for overweight and obese older women.     

Acute effects of theanine,caffeine and theanine–caffeine combination on attention

Objective: l-theanine is a constituent of tea which is claimed to enhance cognitive functions. We aimed to determine whether theanine and theanine–caffeine combination have acute positive effects on cognitive and neurophysiological measures of attention, compared to caffeine (a positive control) and a placebo in healthy individuals.

Design: In a placebo-controlled, five-way crossover trial in 20 healthy male volunteers, we compared the effects of l-theanine (200?mg), caffeine (160?mg), their combination, black tea (one cup) and a placebo (distilled water) on cognitive (simple [SVRT] and recognition visual reaction time [RVRT]) and neurophysiological (event-related potentials [ERPs]) measures of attention. We also recorded visual (VEPs) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) to examine any effects of treatments on peripheral visual and motor conduction, respectively.

Results: Mean RVRT was significantly improved by theanine (P?=?0.019), caffeine (P?=?0.043), and theanine–caffeine combination (P?=?0.001), but not by tea (P?=?0.429) or placebo (P?=?0.822). VEP or MEP latencies or SVRT did not show significant inter-treatment differences. Theanine (P?=?0.001) and caffeine (P?=?0.001) elicited significantly larger mean peak-to-peak N2-P300 ERP amplitudes than the placebo, whereas theanine–caffeine combination elicited a significantly larger mean N2-P300 amplitude than placebo (P?P?=?0.029) or caffeine (P?=?0.005). No significant theanine?×?caffeine interaction was observed for RVRT or N2-P300 amplitude.

Discussion: A dose of theanine equivalent of eight cups of back tea improves cognitive and neurophysiological measures of selective attention, to a degree that is comparable with that of caffeine. Theanine and caffeine seem to have additive effects on attention in high doses.