The Feasibility of Using Computrition Software for Nutrition Research—A Pilot Study

We evaluated the feasibility of using Computrition to design and implement a low vs. typical sodium meal plan intervention for older adults. Dietitians used Computrition to design a 7-day meal plan with three caloric levels (≤1750, 2000, ≥2250 kcals/day) and two sodium densities (low = 0.9 mg/kcal; n = 11 or typical = 2 mg/kcal; n = 9). Feasibility was determined by post-hoc definitions of effectiveness, sodium compliance, palatability of diet, sustainability, and safety. Given the low number of participants in one of the three calorie groups, the higher calorie groups were combined. Thus, comparisons are between low vs. typical meal plans at two calorie levels (≤1750 or ≥2000 kcals/day). Overall, regardless of the calorie group, the meal plans created with Computrition were effective in reaching the targeted sodium density and were safe for participants. Furthermore, individuals appeared to be equally compliant and reported similar palatability across meal plans. However, one of the three criteria for the sustainability definition was not met. In conclusion, we successfully used Computrition to design low and typical sodium meal plans that were effective, compliable, and safe. Future studies of older adults in similar settings should focus on improving the palatability of the meal plans and scaling this protocol to larger studies in older adults.     

The Effect of Customized and Silicon Insoles on Mid- and Hindfoot in Adult Flexible Pes Planovalgus

BackgroundFlexible flat foot or pes planovalgus is a common foot deformity, and silicone and customized insole are commonly used as a non-operative treatment modality of flexible planovalgus. However, there are inadequate data and limited evidence available regarding the immediate effects of their use in midfoot and hindfoot of adults. The aim of this study is to quantify and compare the radiological parameters immediately on weightbearing with silicon and customized insoles and without them to assess the effect on midfoot and hindfoot of the flexible planovalgus in adults.MethodsA total number of 11 (8 females and 3 males) subjects with flexible pes planovalgus deformity without any other foot deformity were included in the study. Each patient was assessed three times in a random sequence without and with use of either silicon insoles or customized insole. The radiographic parameters without insole, with silicon insole, and with customized insole conditions were calculated using online available computer software Kinovea.ResultsOne-way ANOVA analysis was performed between groups (without insole, with silicone insole and with customized insole). The hindfoot parameters depicted that calcaneal inclination angle (CIA) was significant increased (P = 0.000) and talar declination angle (TDA) was significantly decreased (P = 0.003) only with the use of customized insole compared to without insole. The midfoot parameters depicted that the first metatarsal angle (FMA) and talonavicular coverage angle (TCA) were significantly lower with customized insole (P = 0.00) as compared to other two groups and significantly lower with silicone insole (P = 0.00) as compared to without insole group.ConclusionThe results imply that the compressibility of the insole material affects the forefoot and hindfoot biomechanics differently. This study concludes that silicone insole affects only the midfoot which bears 45% of bodyweight and customized insole affects both midfoot and more importantly the hindfoot which bears 55% of bodyweight.     

Development of decellularized conjunctiva as a substrate for the ex vivo expansion of conjunctival epithelium

This study was performed to develop a method to decellularize human conjunctiva and to characterize the tissue in terms of its deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) content, tensile strength, collagen denaturation, basement membrane, extracellular matrix components and its potential to support conjunctival epithelial growth. Human conjunctival tissues were subjected to a decellularization process involving hypotonic detergent and nuclease buffers. Variations in sodium dodecyl sulfate concentration (0.05–0.5%, w/v) were tested to determine the appropriate concentration of detergent buffer. DNA quantification, collagen denaturation, cytotoxicity and tensile strength were investigated. Human conjunctival cell growth by explant culture on the decellularized tissue substrate was assessed after 28 days in culture. Samples were fixed and paraffin embedded for immunohistochemistry including conjunctival epithelial cell markers and extracellular matrix proteins. Conjunctival tissue from 20 eyes of 10 donors (age range 65–92 years) was used. Decellularization of human conjunctiva was achieved to 99% or greater DNA removal (p < 0.001) with absence of nuclear staining. This was reproducible at the lowest concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate (0.05% w/v). No collagen denaturation (p = 0.74) and no difference in tensile strength parameters was demonstrated following decellularization. No significant difference was noted in the immunolocalization of collagen IV, laminin and fibronectin, or in the appearance of periodic acid–Schiff‐stained basement membranes following decellularization. The decellularized tissue did not exhibit any cytotoxicity and explant culture resulted in the growth of stratified conjunctival epithelium. Allogeneic decellularized human conjunctiva can be successfully decellularized using the described protocol. It represents a novel substrate to support the expansion of conjunctival epithelium for ocular surface cellular replacement therapies. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.