Perioperative Oral Administration of Cystine and Theanine Enhances Recovery After Distal Gastrectomy

Background: It has been reported that cystine and theanine, amino acids related to glutathione synthesis, have immunomodulatory effects, such as suppressing inflammation after strenuous exercise. In this study, we examined the effects of oral administration of cystine and theanine during the perioperative period as a pilot study. Methods: Forty‐three cases of distal gastrectomy for cancer conducted in our department were assigned to the cystine and theanine group (CT group) or to the placebo control group (P group), and a randomized, single‐blind, parallel‐group study was then performed. Cystine (700 mg) and theanine (280 mg) or a placebo was administered to participants for 10 continuous days (4 days before to 5 days after surgery). Changes in pre‐ and postoperative interleukin (IL)–6, C‐reactive protein (CRP), albumin, white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, total lymphocyte count, resting energy expenditure (REE), and body temperature were compared and examined. Results: Ten patients were excluded, leaving 33 patients in the study. The CT group had significantly lower IL‐6 values (postoperative day [POD] 4), CRP levels (POD 7), neutrophil counts (POD 4), and body temperatures (POD 5) than the P group (P < .05). In addition, REE in the P group peaked on day 1 (1.14 ± 0.16 [pre‐ and postoperative ratio]), whereas the CT group did not show any increase on POD 1 (0.99 ± 0.21, P < .05 vs P group). Conclusions: This study suggests that oral administration of cystine and theanine during the perioperative period may alleviate postgastrectomy inflammation and promote recovery after surgery.     

Les manifestations des infections liées au cathéter chez les patients en nutrition parentérale à domicile

ObjectiveManifestations of catheter-related infections (CRI) can be various; we studied the symptoms leading to the diagnosis.MethodsDuring 14 months, we have identified clinical and laboratory manifestations and germs responsible. The results are expressed either as a percentage or median and comparisons with Fisher's exact test.ResultsForty-nine patients out of 192 presented 60 episodes of CRI. For 75%, fever and/or chills during the infusion led to a rapid diagnosis. For 25% of cases, the ILC has been evocated after receiving a biological balance disturbed (16.7%) or found during hospitalization for another reason (8.3%). In 73.3% of cases, a history of fever and/or chills was then found, without alerting the patient. Other symptoms, which were sometimes the warning signs were headache (45%), myalgia (40%), gastrointestinal symptoms (33.3%) and hypotension (20%). Laboratory abnormalities were elevated CRP (86.4%), decreased lymphocytes (59.6%), a change in platelets (43.3%) or leukocytes (40%), renal impairment (45%) and liver (37.5%). Gram-negative bacilli were more often responsible for typical forms as gram-positive cocci were isolated in 86.7% of rough forms (P < 0.000).ConclusionsA CRI can manifest by other clinical signs as fever and/or chills. Biological monitoring can sometimes detect crude forms. Educating patients is crucial to learn the early diagnosis of ILC in home parenteral nutrition.     

Cultivar Effect on Moringa oleifera Glucosinolate Content and Taste: A Pilot Study

Leaves of the tropical tree Moringa oleifera are widely promoted in areas of chronic malnutrition as nutritional supplements for weaning infants and nursing mothers. Adoption, in these circumstances may hinge upon taste, which can vary greatly amongst cultivars. It is widely assumed that this taste variation is primarily germplasm-dependent, and results from the breakdown of glucosinolates to isothiocyanates. Leaves of 30 accessions, grown at a single field plot, were sampled 3 times over the course of a year. Taste, assessed in a masked protocol, was not related to glucosinolate content of the leaves.     

The role of the placenta in fetal nutrition and growth.

The placenta plays a key role in the nutrition of the fetus. It mediates the active transport of nutrients and metabolic wastes across the barrier separating maternal and fetal compartments, as well as modifying the composition of some nutrients through its own metabolic activity. The function of the placenta is essential to the growth of a healthy fetus; it is becoming apparent that the activities of the placenta are in turn modulated by signals originating from the fetus. Communication between placenta and fetus is especially critical in intrauterine growth retardation. The importance of the interaction of factors like insulin-like growth factor and epidermal growth factor with their receptors is becoming increasingly clear.     

Wound Management in Hand Therapy

Competent wound management is critical to successful rehabilitation of the injured hand. The occupational therapist who treats patients with such injuries must know what is involved and how various treatment procedures and activities impact healing. This paper will review the physiology of wound healing, present a framework for evaluation of the wounded hand and provide practical suggestions for treatment.