Energy Requirements Research Articles

Chyme reinfusion therapy in adults with severe acute intestinal failure: A descriptive cohort study

AbstractBackgroundChyme reinfusion therapy treats patients with high‐output fistulas or stomas by returning chyme to the distal gut. The role of this treatment in severe acute intestinal failure is currently unclear. The primary outcome of this study was a successful establishment of chyme reinfusion therapy, defined by the ability to replace parenteral nutrition for nutrition support.MethodsA descriptive cohort study of adult patients with severe acute intestinal failure due to a high‐output stoma and distal mucus fistula or a high‐output small intestinal fistula receiving chyme reinfusion therapy was undertaken. The effect of chyme reinfusion therapy on parenteral nutrition requirements, medication, nutrition status, liver function, and treatment cost were studied.ResultsTwenty‐four patients commenced treatment for a median of 44 (range, 3–571; total, 2263) days. Fifteen (62.5%) were successfully established for 1208 days, and nine continued treatment at home. Parenteral requirements, including volume, energy and nitrogen content, and frequency, were significantly reduced (P = 0.002), whereas anthropometric measurements remained stable. However, chyme therapy was not tolerated in nine patients (37.5%), and only two (8.3%) weaned fully from parenteral nutrition. Chyme reinfusion therapy was associated with a 47.6% reduction in parenteral energy requirements, 42.8% reduction in nitrogen, and 33.3% reduction in volume of parenteral nutrition requirements. Treatment was associated with a net cost of £30.05 ($40.27) per patient per day.ConclusionChyme reinfusion therapy was associated with reductions in the need for parenteral therapy and medication but did not replace parenteral nutrition or result in a significant cost saving.

Prioritizing Energy Performance Improvement Factors for Senior Centers Based on Building Energy Simulation and Economic Feasibility

This study examined energy performance improvement factors by analyzing both energy performance and the economic impacts to reduce energy costs for senior centers. A fact-finding survey was conducted on 20 senior centers in a metropolitan area, identifying key energy improvement factors. Energy simulations of the buildings were performed using ECO2, an officially certified energy assessment program in Korea, comparing the energy requirements before and after the improvements. The energy demand, energy consumption, and floor area were analyzed, with the J, K, and S standard models selected based on the median values of these factors. To assess the impact of the improvements, blower door tests were conducted on two senior centers before and after window upgrades. Based on the ECO2 simulations and the blower door test results, improvement priorities were identified in the following order: windows, exterior walls, boilers, roofs, and doors. Finally, an economic feasibility analysis applied the construction and heating costs to the standard models. Over a 40-year period, only boiler improvements generated a net profit. Without government support, this study recommends prioritizing boiler upgrades when selecting energy performance improvements.

Advancements in Geothermal Energy: Extraction Methods, Utilization Practices, and Future Improvements

Abstract. As a matter of fact, on account of the increasing energy requirements in the world and pressure on environmental conservation globally, geothermal power is becoming an increasingly important source of energy especially in recent years. With this in mind, the objective of this study is to examine as well as investigate developments in energy focusing on extraction techniques, utilization practices and future trends. At the same time, it also scrutinizes how Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) have been evolving and their capabilities in terms of accessing reserves as well as integration with other sustainable energy types. Notably, advances in drilling and heat transfer technologies have significantly improved efficiency of systems. According to the analysis, the report concludes that despite existing challenges such as costs, geothermal energys negligible environmental impact coupled with technological advancements has positioned it as a worthwhile green alternative for tomorrow. These results shed light on guiding further exploration of geothermal energy.

Stored Energy and Recovery: A Key Factor in Post-stroke Sarcopenia Management

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the effects of Stored Energy on changes in body weight (BW) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) in patients with post-acute stroke and sarcopenia. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients with stroke and sarcopenia consecutively admitted to a Japanese rehabilitation hospital between 2015 and 2022. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia in 2019 criteria. Total Stored Energy (kcal) was defined as total energy intake minus total energy requirements during hospitalization, and energy requirements were estimated as actual BW (kg) × 30 (kcal/day). Multiple regression analysis was used to adjust for the effects of confounders and to analyze the association between Total Stored Energy divided by length of hospital stay (= Stored Energy) and changes in BW and SMM during hospitalization. Results: Of the total 556 patients, 193 patients (mean age, 80 years; 43% male) were analyzed. The median (IQR) Total Stored Energy was -1544 (-18524, 16566) kcal and Stored Energy was -23 (-169, 165) kcal/day; 90 patients had Stored Energy > 0. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that Stored Energy was independently and positively associated with BW gain (β=0.412, P<0.001) and SMM gain (β=0.263, P<0.001). Conclusion: Stored Energy has a positive impact on BW and SMM in patients with post-acute stroke and sarcopenia.

Maternal undernutrition in the first eighty days of gestation negatively programs ovarian development in dairy calves

Abstract We hypothesized that in dairy cattle maternal energy restriction applied during two gestational windows (up to day 80 or 120 of gestation) impairs ovarian and cardiovascular development in juvenile female offspring. We also investigated the role of maternal leptin and testosterone in developmental programming in calves. Holstein-Friesian heifers were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups; starting 10 days before artificial insemination, they were individually fed at: (i) 0.6 of their maintenance energy requirements (M) up to day 80 (Nutrient Restricted, NR80) or (ii) day 120 of gestation (NR120); (iii) 1.8 M until day 120 of pregnancy (Control, CTR). Plasma leptin concentrations increased transiently in nutritionally restricted heifers pregnant with a single female calf, but maternal testosterone concentrations were not influenced by diet. Calves had similar body growth, but daughters of NR80 and NR120 had impaired ovarian development, as assessed by reduced gonadal weight, fewer surface antral & primary follicles and recovered COCs, as well as lower circulating AMH concentrations. Cardiovascular morphology and function in the offspring were not influenced by maternal diet, as determined by peripheral arterial blood pressure, echocardiography, post-mortem heart weight and aortic circumference. Regardless of its duration (until day 80 or 120 of gestation), nutritional restriction resulted in a similar alteration of ovarian development in juvenile progeny, but cardiovascular development was unaltered. Evidence suggests that the window of development that encompasses the peri-ovulatory period to the first 2.6 months of gestation is critical in ovarian programming and that maternal leptin may be involved.

Review of Post-Harvest Rice Cooling for Storage in the USA

The aim of this review paper is to document the role of post-harvest rice cooling in ensuring the safe storage of rice, given the ongoing increase in rice production. The United States exports substantial quantities of rice, with milled and rough rice being the primary exports. The industry has experienced growth, propelled by rising demand, a diverse population, and international trade. Effective storage of harvested rice is essential for year-round utilization, and the USA utilizes both on-farm and off-farm in-bin storage methods equipped with features like moisture control, pest management, and temperature regulation. The adoption of rice cooling technology for storage emerges as a solution to accelerate drying, prolong shelf life, and improve overall quality. Despite challenges such as upfront costs and energy requirements, cooling technology offers benefits for both short-term and long-term storage. Integrating cooling models into mathematical simulations becomes crucial for optimizing storage conditions. Research opportunities in post-harvest rice cooling focus on energy-efficient technologies, smart sensors, modern storage structures, microbial control methods, and economic evaluations. Future trends encompass automation, intelligent monitoring, climate-controlled storage, sustainability measures, and technological integration to enhance the efficiency and security of rice storage facilities in the USA.

Geoscience spillover: Gunnar Böðvarsson and the adoption of petroleum technologies in Iceland’s geothermal industry, 1940s–1970s

ABSTRACT During the twentieth century, Iceland became a leader in geothermal energy use, with hot water and steam providing for the heating of 9 out of 10 houses and almost one-third of the electricity supply. A crucial factor in the expansion of geothermal energy between the 1940s and 1970s were indirect ‘spillovers’ from the oil industry via the applied geosciences. While fundamentally different in end use, geothermal and hydrocarbon industries employ similar geoscientific methods for exploring and extracting fluids and gases. This article traces the spillovers from oil to geothermal by examining Iceland’s Geothermal Division and its founding director, Gunnar Böðvarsson. He saw the oil industry as a model and embraced its geoscientific exploration methods, oilwell rotary drilling and petroleum reservoir engineering. Adapted to the requirements of geothermal energy, petroleum technologies greatly improved the knowledge of geothermal reservoirs and the efficiency of well drilling and hot water and steam extraction. The geoscience spillover between oil and geothermal reveals an understudied dimension of geothermal history and the crucial role of the geosciences at the intersection of academia and energy industries, which also resulted in reverse spillovers from geothermal to oil and complicates the common dichotomization of fossil fuels vs. renewable alternatives.

Energy and protein nutrition adequacy in general wards among intensive care unit survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Adequate energy and protein provision is mandatory to optimize survival chances in critical illness, prevent loss of muscle mass, and reduce length of stay. Data are available concerning feeding adequacy in intensive care unit (ICU) participants, but little is known about the adequacy in post-ICU participants. This systematic review aimed to evaluate feeding adequacy in post-ICU participants and addressed causes of feeding interruption leading to suboptimal adequacy. For this systematic review, a bibliographic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Randomized controlled studies, non-randomized controlled studies, and observational studies conducted between January 1990 and November 2023 fulfilling the inclusion criteria were withheld. Eight studies were included. Outcomes reported were energy and protein adequacy, barriers, and feeding routes. Energy and protein requirements were determined in various ways, including indirect calorimetry and standardized and weight-based formulas. Energy adequacy ranged from 52% to 102% and protein adequacy between 63% and 86%. Participants were mainly fed with enteral nutrition (EN) or a combination of oral nutrition and EN. The main barrier reported for inadequate nutrition intake was feeding tube removal. Next to different ways in calculating targets and reporting results, a wide range in energy and protein adequacy was observed, but with constant protein underfeeding. Participants fed with EN or a combination of EN and oral nutrition had the best adequacy; inappropriate tube removal is a common barrier leading to inadequate therapy. Standardized reporting and larger studies are needed to guide nutrition care for post-ICU participants.

Review of Modelling the Compaction of High Aspect Ratio AgriculturalFeedstock Materials

Agriculture feedstock materials have low bulk density and are difficult to handle and transport. Compaction can enhance the agricultural feedstock density and could be an effective solution for handling problems. To develop a better compaction process, mathematical modelling can help understand the compaction mechanism and can help predict the mechanical behaviour of feedstock materials. This paper presents a review on the energy consumption, applied pressure, as well as rheological models to predict their compaction behaviour and thus help improve compacts’ mechanical strength and reduce densification costs. In summary, energy requirement for densification of biomass depends primarily upon the pressure applied, holding on time and properties of the material. From the published literature, it could be found that the Cooper-Eaton and the Kawakita-Ludde models that considers particle rearrangement and deformation mechanism can fit pressure and density of feedstock materials during compaction. The parameters in the rheological models were correlated to the properties of the feedstock materials and can be used for optimization of machine and operational parameters.

Dynamic changes of endogenous phytohormones and carbohydrates during spontaneous morphogenesis of Centaurium erythraea Rafn

Common centaury (Centaurium eryhtraea Rafn) is a medicinal plant species with vigorous morphogenic potential in vitro. The process of spontaneous shoot regeneration in a solid root culture is characteristic for this plant species. In this context, the aim of this work was to investigate the dynamic changes of endogenous phytohormones and carbohydrates content in root explants at different time points (0, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 60 days) during spontaneous centaury morphogenesis in vitro. Detailed analysis of cytokinins (CKs) showed that trans-zeatin (tZ) was the major bioactive CK at all time points. The corresponding riboside, tZ9R, was also determined in the majority of the identified transport forms, at all time-points. Further analysis of endogenous auxin revealed a significant increase in endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) after 21 days, when a huge jump in the ratio of IAA/bioactive CKs was also observed. The maximum total soluble sugar content was measured after 14 days, while a significant decrease was determined after 21 days, when the first regenerated adventitious shoots appeared. This undoubtedly indicates an increased energy requirement prior to the actual regeneration of the shoots. The obtained results indicate that the period from day 14 to day 21 involves the most dramatic disturbances in endogenous bioactive CKs, IAA and carbohydrate balance, which are very important and valuable factors for the onset of shoot regeneration.

Ultrafast Na-Ion Storage in Amorphization Engineered Hollow Vanadium Oxide/MXene Nanohybrids for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Hybrid Capacitors.

Sodium ion hybrid capacitors (SIHCs) address the high power and energy requirements in energy storage devices but face significant challenges arising from the slow kinetics and cycling instability of the anode side. Introducing atomic disorder and employing structural engineering in anode materials proves to be effective strategies for achieving rapid charge storage. Here, it is demonstrated that N-doped MXene encapsulated amorphous vanadium oxide hollow spheres (VOx@N-MXene HSs) offer multidirectional open pathways and sufficient vacancies, enabling reversible and fast Na+ insertion/extraction. Machine learning potentials, coupled with molecular simulation techniques, confirm the presence of more abundant pores within the amorphous vanadium oxide (VOx) structure. The simulation of the charging/discharging process elucidates the authentic reaction path and structural evolutions of the VOx@N-MXene HSs, providing sufficient insight into the atomic-scale mechanisms associated with these structural superiorities. The full SIHCs devices demonstrate a high energy density of 198.3 Wh kg-1, along with a long-term cycling lifespan of 8000 cycles. This study offers valuable strategies into the intricate design and exploration of amorphous electrodes, contributing to the advancement of next-generation electrochemical energy devices.

Dietary reference intake for military operations: a scoping review

Background Reports that collect and organize dietary reference intake (DRI) data for military operations in different countries and regions worldwide are limited.This scoping review aimed to collect and organize information on the status of formulating a DRI for military operations in each country. Methodology For the information search, we queried PubMed and Google for literature and reports on the DRI for military operations and summarized the content of the adopted literature and reports. Results The content and rationale for DRI for military operations in Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), the United States of America (USA), and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) can be summarized as follows: (1) Energy requirements: Four reports formulated physical activity levels (PALs) and corresponding energy requirements that differed from those for the civilian public. The PAL range for the military was set as high as 1.50–3.20, as opposed to the standard civilian upper PAL set at 1.20–2.20. (2) Protein: Three military reports outside of the UK had different standards than those for the civilian public with an increased intake in accordance with the high PAL while simultaneously preventing excessive intake.In the military, values were formulated 1.2–4.8 times higher than the standards for civilians (45–65 g/day to 55–307 g/day). (3) Macronutrient energy distribution: Four military reports established macronutrient energy distributions that differed from those for the civilian public. The DRI for the Australian and UK militaries was formulated such that as PAL increased, protein decreased, fat decreased or remained unchanged, and carbohydrate increased. (4) Sodium: Considering that military personnel sweat more due to high physical activity and their environment, two Australian and NATO reports were established with sodium levels that were twice as high as that of the civilian public (460–2,300 mg/day to 920–3,200 mg/day). Increasing sodium intake to <4,800 mg/day is recommended for individuals who sweat a lot or are not accustomed to hot environments. Conclusions The DRI in Australia, the UK, USA, and NATO consider the physical activity and operating environment of military personnel, differing from those of the civilian population in terms of (1) energy requirements, (2) protein, (3) macronutrient energy distribution, and (4) sodium.

A key feedback loop: building electricity infrastructure and electrifying metals production.

Energy infrastructure requires metals, and metals production requires energy. A transparent, physical model of the metals-energy system is presented to explore under what conditions this dependence constrains or accelerates the transition to a net-zero economy. While the mineral (as high as 340 Mt yr-1 iron ore, 210 Mt yr-1 limestone, 250 Mt yr-1 bauxite and 5.5 Gt yr-1 copper ore in the 2040-2050 decade, assuming no improvements) and total energy (up to 22 EJ yr-1) requirements for building low-carbon energy infrastructure are significant, it compares favourably with the current extraction and energy use supporting the fossil fuel system (15 Gt yr-1 fossil minerals and ~38 EJ yr-1). There are levers to significantly reduce material use and associated impacts over time. The metals industry can play a key reinforcing role in the transition by adapting to the increasing supply of renewable electricity. Specifically, direct electrolysis can extract metal from ore close to the thermodynamic limit, to make efficient use of low-C electricity. The unique features of emerging technologies for iron extraction, molten oxide electrolysis and molten sulphide electrolysis are considered in this evolving system. Electrification enables elegant separations and provides a pathway to build out infrastructure while reducing environmental impacts, though material efficiency measures will still be crucial to meet 2050 carbon budgets.This article is part of the discussion meeting issue 'Sustainable metals: science and systems'.

Overcoming clay structure challenges in lithium recovery from boron waste using high‐temperature pressure acid leaching

AbstractBoron mines contain significant amounts of lithium along with boron. After boron is extracted, lithium remains in the waste, which has a carbonate‐hosted clay‐type structure, along with other impurities. The scarcity of lithium resources and the increasing need for lithium worldwide make such resources economically important. Although the best hydrometallurgical method for the recovery of lithium trapped within the clay‐structured mineral resources is roasting with chemicals to disrupt the clay structure and acid leaching, the process is quite difficult and costly due to the high energy and chemical addition requirements. To overcome this challenge, this study proposed a high‐temperature–pressure sulphuric acid leaching process to recover lithium from the boron waste. Under the optimized conditions (liquid/solid ratio: 10, acid concentration: 1 M, temperature: 150°C, and contact time: 120 min), 100% of lithium was leached. The leaching mechanism was determined through mineral characterization (X‐ray diffractometry [XRD], X‐ray fluorescence spectrophotometer [XRF], scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy [SEM–EDX], Mastersizer), and a shrinking core heterogeneous kinetics model. It was found that high‐temperature–pressure sulphuric acid leaching disrupted clay structure and promoted the leaching of lithium, the leaching kinetics fit the shrinking core heterogeneous kinetics model, and was controlled by a dual mechanism with ash diffusion and chemical reactions on the particle surface. The reaction rate constants increased with increasing temperature, and the activation energy was found to be 32.17 kJ/mol.

Urine luck: Environmental assessment of yellow water management in buildings for urban agriculture

The increasing global demand for agricultural production poses challenges to maintain the needs for critical fertilizers such as nitrogen. This study explores the potential of human urine as a source of renewable nitrogen for fertilizer production. Through a life cycle assessment, three different urine management strategies were compared: (S1) an artificial wetland, (S2) an on-site lab-scale aerobic reactor for nitrogen recovery, and (S3) a centralized wastewater treatment plant. While scenario S2 had the highest impacts in 6 out of 8 categories, an advantage in marine eutrophication was identified. S2 showed high energy demand (750 kg MJ-eq) and ecotoxicity (602 kg 1.4-DCB-eq.) mainly due to energy requirements. Nitrogen production exceeded 2.3 times the yearly nitrogen demands of the building tomato production. Upscaling S2 reduces impacts up to 2 times, lowering the payback time from 29 to 13 years. Therefore, implementing large-scale nitrogen recovery systems in cities is encouraged.

The Impact of Combined Cranberry Supplementation and Weight Loss Diet on Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Apoptosis Biomarkers in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic liver disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of combined weight loss diet and cranberry supplementation on anthropometric measurements, inflammation and antioxidant biomarkers in patients with NAFLD. Methods: In this randomized, double-blinded, and controlled clinical trial, 41 NAFLD patients were supplemented with either cranberry or placebo tablets for 12 weeks. Both groups followed a diet of 500-1000 calories less than the estimated energy requirements. Serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), cytokeratin 18 M30 (CK-18 M30), chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were measured at both baseline and the end of the study. Results: Significant improvements in TAC were observed in the cranberry group and between the two groups (P=0.006 and P=0.011, respectively), but the changes in the placebo group were not significant (P=0.325). There were no statistically significant differences in the serum levels of MDA, CK-18 M30, CCL2 and TNF-α between the cranberry and the placebo groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: It seems that daily consumption of cranberry supplement would be beneficial in increasing serum levels of TAC. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of cranberry on NAFLD.

MANEJO NUTRICIONAL E CONSCIENTIZAÇÃO NA PREVENÇÃO DA OBESIDADE EM GATOS CASTRADOS

Feline obesity is one of the most prevalent health issues in cats, especially following neutering, a method used for population control. Neutering is an essential measure for public health and animal welfare, which is also associated with increased food intake in cats. This procedure leads to a hormonal decrease, resulting in a reduced energy requirement for the animal. This combination often leads to weight gain if nutritional control is not implemented. With this in mind, the aim of this study is to assess the knowledge of cat owners, through a questionnaire, about nutritional management for neutered cats, emphasizing their specific needs, challenges following neutering, and dietary strategies to ensure their health and quality of life. A total of 54 responses were included, revealing that no owner follows the manufacturer’s feeding recommendations. Most owners understand the importance of nutrition but practice improper feeding, including the provision of treats. However, all respondents indicated a willingness to improve the animals' nutritional management with appropriate guidance. To address these issues, an informational guide was developed to provide advice on appropriate feeding and care for cats post-neutering. This guide includes information on specific nutritional needs, the importance of dietary control, suggestions for physical activities, and general care to promote feline well-being. The initiative aims to support owners in implementing more informed and effective practices, helping to prevent issues such as obesity and promoting a better quality of life for their pets. Continuous education for owners is essential to ensure that neutered cats receive adequate care, thereby contributing to their health and happiness.

Insight into the Phylogenetic Relationships of Phasmatodea and Selection Pressure Analysis of Phraortes liaoningensis Chen & He, 1991 (Phasmatodea: Lonchodidae) Using Mitogenomes

Stick and leaf insects are a group among the Insecta that are famous for their extraordinary mimicry ability. Since the establishment of the Phasmatodea, their internal classification has been constantly revised. Mitochondrial genes as molecular markers have been widely used for species classification, but the phylogenetic relationships within the Phasmatodea remain to be thoroughly discussed. In the present study, five mitogenomes of Phasmatodea ranging from 15,746 bp to 16,747 bp in length were sequenced. Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) analyses were carried out based on a 13 PCGs data matrix (nt123) and a combined matrix of 13 PCGs and two rRNA genes (nt123_rRNA). The present study supports the conclusion that Phylliidae was the basal group of Neophasmatodea and confirms the monophyly of Lonchodinae and Necrosciinae, but it shows that Lonchodidae was polyphyletic. A sister group of Bacillidae and Pseudophasmatidae was also recovered. The phylogenetic tree based on the nt_123 dataset showed higher node support values. The construction of a divergent time tree in this study supported the conclusion that extant Phasmatodea originated in the Jurassic (170 Mya) and most lineages diverged after the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event. To explore whether the mitochondrial genes of Phraortes liaoningensis collected from high latitudes where low temperatures occur for eight months of the year are under selection pressure, this study used the branch-site model and the branch model to analyze the selection pressure on the 13 mitochondria protein-coding genes (PCGs). We found that both ND2 and ND4L of Ph. liaoningensis exhibited positive selection sites using the branch-site model. This study shows that a low-temperature environment causes mitochondrial genes to be selected to meet the energy requirements for survival.

Anthropometric profile and dietary intake of amateurs and professional mixed martial arts athletes

Nutritional habits and anthropometric profiles are directly linked to competitive performance; however, there is a great lack of information on amateur or professional mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes outside the competitive period. The aim of this study was to compare food consumption and anthropometric profile of amateur and professional MMA fighters. The sample was composed of 24 male MMA athletes, middleweight category (age: 27.5 ± 5.0 years; body mass: 79.0 ± 12.1 kg; height: 173.5 ± 0.1 cm; %BF: 19.5 ± 4.0 %, BMI: 26.0 ± 2.8 kg/m2). Food consumption was evaluated based on three 24-hour food diaries using the Multi-Step method in a non-competitive period and analyzed using the Dietbox v2.92 software. The professional group was younger (p = 0.001) than the amateur group. Total energy expenditure was similar between amateur (4364 ± 469 kcal) and professional (4312 ± 381 kcal). Amateur and professional reported an energy deficit between the estimated energy requirement and energy intake. Carbohydrate consumption was below the suggested minimum limits (amateur: 3.3 ± 1.6g/kg/day and professional: 3.3 ± 1.4g/kg/day). Protein intake was within the suggested limits (amateur: 1.4 ± 0.9g/kg/day and professional: 1.8 ± 0.8g/kg/day) and lipids presented borderline values about to with concerning the recommendations in the literature (amateur: 0.9 ± 0.6 / g/kg/day and professional: 1.8 ± 0.9 g/kg/day). Amateur and professional athletes did not differ in terms of food consumption and anthropometric profile. Both groups, amateur and professional, demonstrated negative energy balance and inability to reach the suggested levels of macronutrient intake according to the classification. Thus, it is recommended that both MMA groups receive attention regarding nutritional strategies.

Nutrition for patients on dialysis

Dietary recommendations for patients on dialysis are changing as our understanding of enteral microbiotal metabolism and bioavailability of nutrients from food improves.A diet low in phosphate and potassium is recommended for patients on hemodialysis. However, the absolute content does not reflect bioavailability: How much phosphate or potassium is taken up depends on food source (plant vs. animal) and to which grade it is processed. While both are nearly 100% bioavailable from industrially processed foods (additives such as dipotassium-phosphate and other salts), a much lower proportion is taken up from unprocessed plant foods high in fibre (ca. 20-40%). The DIET-HD study showed no significant association between dietary potassium and serum potassium in > 8 000 dialysis patients; and those with the highest low-processed, fresh plant-food consumption have the best survival. Dietary fibre improves colon transit time and thereby lessens symptoms of constipation. A diet low in sodium improves blood pressure and volume management in dialysis patients. The energy and protein requirements on dialysis are high: 25-35 kcal and 1-1,2 g protein per kg body weight per day (in relation to "ideal" body weight, if patient is overweight). Protein energy wasting is associated with higher stages of kidney disease, and malnutrition is associated with worse survival on dialysis. Nutritional status should be assessed on a regular basis using validated scores, and malnutrition should be addressed and treated.