Nutritional Status Research Articles

Supplementation of essential amino acids suppresses age-associated sleep loss and sleep fragmentation but not loss of rhythm strength under yeast-restricted malnutrition in Drosophila.

Sleep quality and quantity decrease with age, and sleep disturbance increases the risk of many age-associated diseases. There is a significant relationship between nutritional status and sleep outcomes, with malnutrition inducing poor sleep quality in older adults. However, it remains elusive whether, and if so how, nutritional supplementation prevents age-associated sleep problems. Here, we utilized Drosophila to investigate the effects of a malnutrition diet with restricted yeast, a primary protein source, and supplementation of ten essential amino acids (EAAs) on sleep profiles during aging. Compared with the standard diet containing 2.7% yeast, the malnutrition diet containing 0.27% yeast significantly decreased target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling and shortened the lifespan of male Canton-S flies. By contrast, age-associated sleep loss, sleep fragmentation, and loss of rhythm strength were similarly observed under both diets. Supplementation of the malnutrition diet with EAAs in restricted yeast significantly ameliorated age-associated sleep loss and sleep fragmentation without altering loss of rhythm strength. It also rescued decreased TOR signaling activity but not the shortened lifespan, suggesting that the effects of EAAs on sleep integrity are independent of TOR activity and lifespan regulation. These results may help to develop dietary interventions that improve age-related sleep problems in humans.

Predictive value of nutritional status and serological indicators in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment

BACKGROUND Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in elderly individuals is a transitional stage between normal cognition and dementia. Understanding the risk factors for MCI and identifying those at high risk are extremely important for the elderly population. AIM To analyze the risk factors for MCI in the elderly population and construct a clinical prediction model. METHODS Total 295 elderly individuals presenting with memory loss diagnosed at Wuxi People's Hospital between March 2021 and March 2024 were included. Comprehensive demographic, clinical, and serological data were collected for analysis. Participants were categorized into either an MCI group or a normal group based on their performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale. An elaborate clinical predictive model was developed to predict the likelihood of MCI in stroke patients; its accuracy was evaluated using area under curve values and calibration curves. RESULTS The results of the study showed that old age, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, high-salt diet, high-cholesterol diet, decreased red blood count, increased neutrophil lymphocyte ratio and increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were risk factors for the onset of MCI, with A high vitamin diet and elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol being protective factors. In addition, the prediction model constructed in this study exhibits good degrees of differentiation and calibration. CONCLUSION The risk factors for MCI are diverse. Early identification of individuals at high risk of MCI can better intervene and improve their quality of life of MCI patients.

Exploring the determinants of malnutrition in 2–5 year Iranian children using structural equation modeling: national food and nutrition surveillance

BackgroundChildhood malnutrition remains a critical public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality among children aged 2–5 years. This study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status of 2–5 y children and to explore the main determinants of child malnutrition in eight food insecure provinces of Iran.MethodsIn each province, participants were invited to attend the health house/center to complete the questionnaire on the pre-appointed day. In this study, an android application comprising electronic questionnaires was employed for data collection. Anthropometric, dietary, food security and socioeconomic status (SES) assessments were performed. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was done to assess the structural relationship of malnutrition indicators (z-score of height to age (HAZ), z-score of weight to age (WAZ) and z-score of weight to height (WHZ)) with other variables.ResultsOverall, 2247 children aged 42.2 ± 0.3 months were enrolled in the study, of whom 1048 (46.6%) were female and 1438 (64%) were urban residents. Based on Z score criteria, 216 (10.1%) of the studied children had less than − 2SD HAZ, 193 (8.4%) had lower than − 2SD WHZ and 188 (8.1%) had lower than − 2SD WAZ. The prevalence rates of stunting, wasting and underweight were not significantly different between boys and girls. Nevertheless, the occurrence of stunting was significantly higher in children residing in rural than in urban areas (p = 0.025). SEM analysis revealed that higher SES had a positive relationship with HAZ (0.089), WAZ (0.163) and WHZ (0.109). The effect of SES was greatest on WAZ, indicated by the highest absolute value of a path coefficient. There were specific indirect effects of father’s education on HAZ (0.032, p = 0.001), WHZ (0.045, < 0.001) and WAZ (0.061, < 0.001) through effect on SES and DDS. SES had a direct effect on DDS (0.202).ConclusionsOur findings using SEM approach provided more concrete evidence for the effect of the household’s SES on child’s nutritional status. Nevertheless, we still need to monitor the studied population in the context of our surveillance program to document more conclusive causal associations.

Unraveling the Link between Obesity and Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review of the Underlying Mechanisms

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) and obesity are significant global health concerns with potentially complex interactions. Obesity, through its effects on metabolism, inflammation, and the immune system, may influence TB susceptibility, progression, and treatment outcomes. This systematic review aims to analyze the published literature on the relationship between obesity and TB, focusing on the underlying mechanisms. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar was conducted for articles published in the last 10 years. The search strategy included keywords such as "tuberculosis," "TB," "obesity," and "BMI." Articles were selected using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) method. Results: The review identified 11 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The studies revealed a complex relationship between obesity and TB, with nutritional status, immunity, and diabetes mellitus (DM) playing key roles. Obesity can alter the immune response to TB, potentially increasing the risk of disease and affecting treatment efficacy. Conclusion: The relationship between obesity and TB is multifaceted, with obesity potentially influencing both disease susceptibility and outcomes. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to develop targeted interventions for individuals with both obesity and TB.

Analyzing Food Security Scales: Evidence and Methods in the FAO Context

Food security remains a critical global challenge, necessitating robust and precise measurement tools to effectively address and mitigate issues of hunger and malnutrition. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has introduce a range of metrics and methodologies to assess food security across different regions and populations. This comprehensive review aims to analyze the current evidence and methodologies used in the FAO context to measure food security, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This review synthesizes data from numerous peer-reviewed studies, reports, and FAO publications, focusing on the period from 2000 to 2023. These tools are examined in terms of their conceptual frameworks, measurement techniques, data collection methods, and practical applications in diverse settings. The FIES, introduce by FAO in collaboration with the Voices of the Hungry project, offers a direct estimate of food insecurity based on individuals' experiences. This scale has been widely adopted due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and ability to provide comparable data across different contexts. he study's findings might be limited by the fact that participants reported their own experiences, which could be influenced by cultural norms or a tendency to answer in a way that is socially acceptable. Despite, these challenges, the FIES remains a valuable tool for monitoring food insecurity trends globally. The GFSI, produced by the Economist Intelligence Unit with support from FAO, provides a comprehensive measure of food security by integrating data on affordability, availability, quality, and safety of food. This index is beneficial for its broad scope and ability to highlight underlying factors affecting food security. Nonetheless, the GFSI faces criticism for its heavy reliance on secondary data sources, which may not always be up-to-date or accurately reflect on-the-ground realities. Furthermore, the index’s focus on national-level data may overlook intra-country disparities and localized food insecurity issues. The IPC, another key FAO tool, categories the severity and magnitude of food insecurity in different regions, providing a standardized approach to assess and compare food security situations. The IPC's strength lies in its multi-dimensional nature, incorporating various indicators such as food consumption, livelihood changes, and nutritional status. However, its complexity and resource-intensive nature can pose challenges for consistent implementation, particularly in resource-limited settings. The systematic review highlights that while FAO's food security scales offer valuable insights, there is room for enhancement. Combining qualitative and quantitative data, improving the timeliness and accuracy of data collection, and incorporating more localized assessments can strengthen these tools. Additionally, integrating new technologies such as remote sensing and mobile data collection can further improve the precision and efficiency of food security measurements.

Retraction: Nutritional status, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of different fruits and vegetables' peels.

Retraction: Nutritional status, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of different fruits and vegetables' peels.

Effect of Preoperative Body Composition on Postoperative Anastomotic Leakage in Oncological Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy—A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Surgery for esophageal cancer has an associated high rate of postoperative complications such as anastomotic leakage (AL) and fistulas. Pre-operative sarcopenia as a loss of skeletal muscle mass and function is identified as a potential prognostic factor in determining the outcomes of oncological surgical resections for esophageal cancers. In this study, we evaluated the impact of body composition on postoperative complications in esophageal cancer surgery. Methods: In this cohort study, we analyzed patients’ body composition at the level of the third lumbar vertebra on CT scans before Ivor Lewis resections for esophageal cancers between January 2015 and December 2022. Patients with a skeletal muscle index (SMI) ≤ 38.5 cm2/m2 in women and ≤52.4 cm2/m2 in men were classified as sarcopenic. Postoperative complications were categorized following the Dindo–Clavien classification and included AL, postoperative pneumonia, length of hospital stay, and failure-to-rescue which were compared between the sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients. Results: From a group of 111 patients with Ivor Lewis esophagectomy, 70 patients (63.1%) were classified as sarcopenic based on the SMI and the previously published gender-specific cut-off values. AL occurred at 12.6% (5.6% in adenocarcinoma). Within the whole cohort, patients with AL had a significantly low SMI of 43.487 ± 8.088 vs. 48.668 ± 7.514; p = 0.012. Additionally, the SMI showed a negative correlation to the length of postoperative hospital stay (r = −0.204; p = 0.032; N = 111). The failure-to-rescue rate was higher in the group of sarcopenic patients (12.8% vs. 8%). Conclusions: Our data showed a correlation between SMI and AL. This effect could not be seen in gender-specific SMI. This study showed a lower failure-to-rescue rate in non-sarcopenic patients after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. These findings underscore the crucial role of determining the preoperative nutritional and body composition status as measured by the preoperative CT scans.

Exploring Individuals' Views and Feedback on a Nutritional Screening Mobile App: Qualitative Focus Group Study.

Malnutrition is a major global health challenge. Worldwide, approximately 390 million adults are underweight, while 2.5 billion are overweight. The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) has been implemented successfully in the United Kingdom to assess the nutritional status of patients in health care settings. Currently, MUST is available as a web-based tool or as a paper-based version, However, the paper tool can lead to calculation errors, and web-based tools require internet access, limiting use in some communities. The MUST app uses clear and simple navigation and processes information precisely, so could potentially improve the accuracy and accessibility of malnutrition screening for health care professionals (HCP) in all settings. This study aimed to explore the views of HCPs on the content, functionality, and usability of a newly developed mobile app for MUST. We performed a qualitative study using deductive and inductive framework analysis. A series of online focus groups (~1 hour each) were conducted, exploring potential users' views on the app's content design, functionality, and usefulness, which was set in demonstration mode and not available for direct use with patients. Each focus group used a semistructured approach and predefined topic guide. Participants were recruited consecutively and United Kingdom-wide using advertisements through emails, newsletters, and on social media across appropriate local and national networks. Participants had the opportunity to look at the app on their phones before giving feedback and an on-screen demonstration of the app was provided during the focus group. Data were analyzed using deductive and inductive framework analysis. In total, 8 online focus groups were conducted between August 2022 and January 2023. Participants (n=32) were dietetic and nutrition HCPs or educators with experience in using MUST in clinical or community settings. Data analysis revealed three broad themes: (1) improving the app for better use in practice, (2) user experience of design, and (3) barriers and facilitators in different settings. Overall feedback for the app was positive with potential users considering it to be very useful for improving routine and accurate screening, particularly in the community, and mainly because of the automatic calculation feature, which may help with improving discrepancies. Participants generally considered the app to be for professional use only, stating that patients may find it too clinical or technical. Participants also made suggestions for app sustainability and improvements, such as incentives to complete the demographics section or the option to skip questions, and the addition of more subjective measures and instructions on measuring ulna length. The MUST app was positively evaluated by potential users, who reported it was user-friendly and an accessible way to screen for malnutrition risk, whilst improving the accuracy of screening and availability in community settings.

Good practices for the industrial cultivation of the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis under a greenhouse in a temperate zone (northern Italy)

Arthrospira, Spirulina, and Limnospira are cyanobacteria widely known as food supplements or additives and cultivated worldwide under the commercial name of spirulina. Many studies have been focused on the improvement of operational conditions for optimizing cell growth and harvesting. At present, greater attention is paid to obtaining a good-quality, possibly food-grade, product that can be added to different food formulations and to reducing the environmental impact by saving water and avoiding or minimizing the release of mineral salts in the environment. A few studies have addressed these aspects although, in most cases, through laboratory experiments or pilot plants. This study focused on the effects of medium recycling, monitored at each harvesting step, and nutrient replenishment on Arthrospira platensis growth, biomass, biochemical composition, and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) production, in a production plant located in a temperate zone (northeastern Italy). Four out of the seven largest ponds (11,000 L each) of the plant were followed for a three-month semi-continuous cultivation, which included the period with the highest biomass productivity. Recycling the culture medium after biomass harvest effectively allowed the best nutritional status of the cells. Biomass productivity increased from June to August 2023 (mean values: 0.029 and 0.038 g L-1 d-1 at 25–26 °C and 27–29 °C, respectively). Protein, polysaccharides, and C-phycocyanin contents were 62, 22, and 12%, respectively, while EPS was &amp;lt; 7 mg L-1. The biochemical composition did not vary during the cultivation period, differently from previous studies performed with small culture volumes and for a short time.

Factors influencing Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir concentration in patients with COVID-19

BackgroundIn the filed of antiviral therapy, effective therapeutic concentration is beneficial to shorten the recovery time of patients and reduce the transmission rate.The aim of this study is to retrospectively analyze the factors that lead to the drug concentration of Nirmatrelvir /Ritonavir (NMV/RTV) not reaching the standard.MethodsIn this study, the NMV/RTV drug concentration(Cnmv/rtv) data (n = 114) of COVID-19 patients over 18 years old were collected from May 2022 to July 2022, and the results of the patients were retrospectively compared. According to the analysis of the early study of NMV/RTV, combined with the research results at home and abroad, according to whether the measured drug concentration > 987 ng/ml, the patients were divided into target group and non-target group,The non-target group was defined as not reaching the trough concentration level.ResultsSerum NMV/RTV concentration in adult patients was correlated with prognostic nutritional index [PNI, (P < 0.05)], height (P < 0.05), weight (P < 0.05) and creatinine clearance [Crcl, (P < 0.05)]. Multivariate analysis showed that height, weight, PNI, lymphocyte (LYM) and CrCl were independent influencing factors of NMV/RTV trough concentration. However, after the correction of BMI calculation, there was no correlation between NMV/RTV and BMI, so in the clinical medication plan, the drug was not adjusted according to the height and weight.ConclusionsThe serum NMV/RTV concentration of adult patients gradually decreased with the increase of CrCl. For patients with high and low CrCl, the trough concentration of NMV/RTV should be continuously monitored and the dosing regimen should be adjusted to achieve the target trough concentration in these patients to reduce the effect of CrCl. PNI is also a key factor affecting drug concentration. For poor nutritional status, drug concentration should be closely monitored and the dose should be adjusted.

Association of the nutritional risk index recorded prior to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with the clinical prognosis in children

AbstractIntroductionThe nutritional risk index (NRI), calculated using serum albumin levels and body weight ratio is a known prognostic factor in adult hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). However, its usefulness in pediatric HCT settings remains unclear.MethodsIn a retrospective study, we examined pre‐transplant NRI impact on outcomes in 82 pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic HCT.ResultsThe 2‐year non‐relapse mortality (NRM) rate was 7.94% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.05%–19.8%) and 30.8% (95% CI, 16.7%–52.2%) in the high and low NRI groups, respectively (p = 0.0037).ConclusionWe found that poor nutritional status prior to pediatric HCT led to a worse prognosis, including increased NRM.

Dietary Modulation of the Immune System

Recent insights into the influence of nutrition on immune system components have driven the development of dietary strategies targeting the prevention and management of major metabolic-inflammatory diseases. This review summarizes the bidirectional relationship between nutrition and immunocompetence, beginning with an overview of immune system components and their functions. It examines the effects of nutritional status, dietary patterns, and food bioactives on systemic inflammation, immune cell populations, and lymphoid tissues, as well as their associations with infectious and chronic disease pathogenesis. The mechanisms by which key nutrients influence immune constituents are delineated, focusing on vitamins A, D, E, C, and B, as well as minerals including zinc, iron, and selenium. Also highlighted are the immunomodulatory effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as bioactive phenolic compounds and probiotics, given their expanding relevance. Each section addresses the implications of nutritional and nutraceutical interventions involving these nutrients within the broader context of major infectious, metabolic, and inflammatory diseases. This review further underscores that, while targeted nutrient supplementation can effectively restore immune function to optimal levels, caution is necessary in certain cases, as it may increase morbidity in specific diseases. In other instances, dietary counseling should be integrated to ensure that therapeutic goals are achieved safely and effectively.

Risk factors for surgical site infection after patellar fracture surgery in the elderly

BackgroundPatellar fractures are a common knee injury among elderly patients, with a high risk of developing surgical site infections (SSI) postoperatively, which severely affects patient prognosis and quality of life. Elderly patients are more susceptible to SSI due to various factors such as decreased immune function and chronic diseases. Therefore, identifying the risk factors for SSI is of great clinical significance for prevention.ObjectiveThis study aims to analyze the risk factors for postoperative SSI in elderly patients with patellar fractures, providing a basis for developing more effective clinical prevention and treatment strategies.MethodsThis retrospective study collected data from 856 elderly patients who underwent patellar fracture surgery at Baoding First Central Hospital between January 2017 and December 2023. Patients were divided into SSI and non-SSI groups based on the occurrence of SSI, and their demographic data, comorbidities, and laboratory results were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for SSI, and ROC curve analysis was conducted to determine the optimal cutoff point for predictive indicators.ResultsThe incidence of SSI was found to be 2.1%. Univariate analysis showed that BMI, surgical delay, diabetes, hematocrit (HCT), and albumin (ALB) were significantly associated with SSI. Logistic regression analysis further confirmed that BMI (p = 0.043), surgical delay (p = 0.000), HCT (p = 0.038), ALB (p = 0.015), and diabetes (p = 0.022) were independent risk factors for SSI. ROC curve analysis indicated that the optimal cutoff points for BMI, HCT, and ALB were 25.39 kg/m2, 35.62%, and 39.3 g/L, respectively, with an AUC of 0.794 for the combined predictive indicators.ConclusionHigh BMI, surgical delay, diabetes, low HCT, and low ALB are independent risk factors for postoperative SSI in elderly patients with patellar fractures. Preoperative management targeting these high-risk factors, such as optimizing patient weight, controlling diabetes, and improving nutritional status, can effectively reduce the incidence of SSI and improve postoperative outcomes. Future multicenter studies may further validate these findings and provide additional prevention strategies.

The Sources of Nutrients for the Growing Ear of Winter Wheat in the Critical Cereal Window

The process of winter bread wheat (WW) nutrient management in the Critical Cereal Window (CCW) has a decisive impact on yield component formation and, consequently, the grain yield (GY) and grain protein content (GPC). This hypothesis was verified in a single-factor field experiment carried out in the 2013/2014, 2014/2015, and 2015/2016 seasons. It consisted of seven nitrogen-fertilized variants: 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200, and 240 kg N ha−1. The mass of nutrients in ears was determined in the full flowering stage. The mass balance of nutrients (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) was determined in leaves and stems. These sets of data were first used to calculate the soil nutrient uptake and then to predict the GY and GPC. Three nutrients, i.e., N, Ca, and Mg, were the main predictors of ear biomass. The set of ear nutrients significantly predicting GY and GE consisted of Ca, P, and Zn. Overall, this indirectly indicates a balanced N status for the ear. A positive nutrient balance in leaves, indicating their remobilization, was found for N, P, Fe, Zn, and Cu. Negative values, indicating a net nutrient accumulation in the non-ear organs of WW, were found for the remaining nutrients. The greatest impact on the GY and its components was observed for the balance of Mg and P but not N. The predictive worth of the nutrient balance for stems was much lower. The GPC, regardless of the type of indicator, depended solely on the N balance. Meanwhile, the main nutrient sources of N and Fe in ears were leaves and stems due to their uptake from the soil. For Cu, the primary source was soil, completed by its remobilization from leaves. For the remaining nutrients examined, the key source for the ear was soil, which was completed by remobilization from leaves and stems. Mg and Ca differed from other nutrients because their source for ears was exclusively soil. They were invested by WW in the ears and non-ear organs, mainly in the stems. The effective use of the yield potential of WW and other cereals requires insight into the nutritional status of the canopy at the beginning of the booting stage. This knowledge is necessary to develop an effective N management strategy and to correct and possibly apply fertilizers to improve both the yield and the GPC.

Impact of nutrition risk index, prognostic nutritional index and skeletal muscle index on early myelosuppression of first-line chemotherapy in stage IV gastric cancer patients

BackgroundIn gastric cancer (GC) patients, malnutrition is common and has a negative impact on treatment tolerance, survival, and prognosis. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between prechemotherapy nutritional state and early myelosuppression in stage IV GC patients treated with first-line chemotherapy.MethodsThis retrospective study included patients with stage IV GC who received first-line chemotherapy between July 2012 and December 2021. Clinical and laboratory data were collected within 1 week before chemotherapy to calculate nutrition risk index, prognostic nutritional index. Pretreatment abdominal computed tomography scans were used to quantify skeletal muscle index (SMI). The main measurable outcome was the incidence of grade ≥ 2 early myelosuppression after chemotherapy.ResultsAmong 102 patients eligible for analysis, 50% were malnourished, 50% were poor prognoses and 49% were sarcopenic at baseline.The side effects were generally well managed, with a 26.5% occurrence of grade 3/4 side effects. Pre-chemotherapy patients with low Nutrition Risk Index (NRI) (p = 0.002), low prognostic nutritional index (PNI) (p = 0.001), and low SMI (p = 0.001) had significantly higher incidences of grade ≥ 2 myelosuppression occurred after the first cycle of chemotherapy. Moreover, the high level of PNI was associated with higher completion rate of chemotherapy (p = 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that SMI at baseline (p = 0.006) and hemoglobin level (p = < 0.001) were prognostic factors for grade ≥ 2 early myelosuppression.ConclusionStage IV GC patients with low NRI, low PNI and low SMI experienced significantly more grade ≥ 2 early myelosuppression during the first line of chemotherapy.

Prognostic value of inflammatory and nutritional indexes among patients with unresectable advanced gastric cancer receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy—a retrospective study

Background Recent studies have revealed that inflammatory factors and nutritional status of patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) are related to the efficacy of drug therapy and patient prognosis. This study seeks to evaluate the correlation between inflammatory markers, nutritional status, and clinical outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based therapies among inoperable AGC patients. Method This retrospective study included 88 AGC patients who received ICIs combined with chemotherapy. Inflammatory and nutritional indicators from patients before and after two cycles of treatment were collected. Finally, the correlations between these indicators and the clinical response and survival of AGC patients with ICI treatment were examined. Results The results revealed that an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) score of 0, neutrophil count to lymphocyte count ratio (NLR) &lt; 2.84, platelet count to lymphocyte count ratio (PLR) &lt; 82.23, lymphocyte count to monocyte count ratio ≥ 2.35, the hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte and platelet score (HALP) ≥ 31.17, prognostic nutritional index (PNI) ≥ 46.53, albumin ≥ 41.65, the decreased HALP group and the decreased PNI group were significantly correlated with improved objective response rate. Additionally, an ECOG PS score of 0, NLR &lt; 2.84 and the decreased HALP group was associated with a superior disease control rate. Meanwhile, an ECOG PS score of 0 (progression-free survival (PFS): P = 0.003; overall survival (OS): P = 0.001) and decreased PLR following treatment (PFS: P = 0.011; OS: P = 0.008) were significant independent predictors of PFS and OS. Lastly, a systemic immune inflammation index ≥ 814.8 was also a positive independent predictor of OS among AGC patients. Conclusion Our study supports the potential of inflammatory and nutritional factors to serve as predictors of the efficacy and prognosis in patients undergoing ICI-based therapies for AGC. However, further investigations are necessary to validate these findings.

EVALUATION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY FOOD PROGRAM AS AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE THE NUTRITION OF STUNTING TODDLERS IN THE WORK AREA OF THE PUSKESMAS KARANGDORO

The Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI) in 2021 the prevalence of stunting was 24.4% and in 2022 the prevalence decreased by 2.8% to 21.6%. The prevalence of stunting in Central Java has decreased from 20.9% in 2021 to 20.8% in 2022. Karangdoro Health Center in 2023 has a prevalence of stunting with a total of 614 toddlers. One of the efforts in handling stunting cases is through a supplementary feeding program to achieve optimal nutritional status and prevent stunting. This study aims to determine the inputs, processes, outputs, and outcomes in the implementation of the supplementary feeding program for stunting toddlers in the Karangdoro Puskesmas working area, East Semarang District in 2024. Using a qualitative approach with a case study design, 17 informants were selected by purposive sampling. Data collection using in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation was conducted in September 2024. The results of the input, process, output, and outcome research show that the implementation of the PMT program is good, but there are several things that have not run optimally such as the lack of educational media facilities and infrastructure, refusal to provide additional food from families of toddlers, lack of supervision and monitoring from nutrition implementers, as well as program achievements that have not been maximized and the decline in stunting rates that are still fluctuating. The supplementary feeding program in the Karangdoro Puskesmas working area requires improvement and monitoring or supervision from the puskesmas.

Associations of sarcopenia and malnutrition with 30-day in-hospital morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery.

Sarcopenia and malnutrition often occur simultaneously in adults with cardiovascular diseases. Our objective was to determine the associations of preoperative sarcopenia and malnutrition with major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE) after cardiac surgery. We retrospectively analyzed 154 consecutive patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery between January 2015 and June 2018 at two institutions in Japan. Sarcopenia and nutritional status were preoperatively assessed by bilateral psoas muscle volume index (PMVI) using CT scans and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), respectively. The median age in the total cohort was 69 years, and 43% were women. Within 30 days after surgery, 20 patients developed in-hospital MACCE and 7 patients died of any cause. Low PMVI (<72.25 cm3/m2) and low PNI (<48.15) were each independent predictors of postoperative MACCE occurrence with odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 3.58 (1.22-10.53) and 3.73 (1.25-11.09) when adjusted for age and sex, and 3.25 (1.07-9.87) and 3.27 (1.08-9.89) when adjusted for preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin-receptor blocker, and anticoagulant. In addition, the combination of low PMVI and low PNI conferred the highest risk of in-hospital MACCE among the 4 groups (ie, the low PMVI, low PNI, low PMVI+low PNI, and neither low PMVI nor low PNI groups). Preoperative low PMVI and low PNI were respectively associated with 30-day in-hospital MACCE occurrence after cardiac surgery. Notably, coexistence of these reductions further enhanced the risk of postoperative MACCE.

Biogeochemistry of peat deposits of the Holocene section of the Vydrinsky bog (southern Baikal region)

Drilling cores from peat deposits of the Vydrinsky bog with a thickness of 4.4 m and an age of 13,100 cal. years, composed of lowland, transitional and high-moor types of peat, were studied in detail. The processes of post-sedimentary transformations of swamp sediments during early diagenesis are considered, the distribution of elements, the formation of authigenic minerals and the chemical composition of swamp waters are studied. The destruction of organic matter begins already in the upper intervals of peat at the early stages of diagenesis. Pyrograms do not have clearly defined high-temperature peaks, “rudiments” of the macromolecular structure of kerogen, which indicates a low degree of transformation of peat organic matter. A high number of organotrophic, ammonifying, nitrifying, phosphate-mobilizing microorganisms, a small number of Fe- and Mn-oxidizing microorganisms, and sulfate-reducing bacteria were revealed. The presence of organotrophic microorganisms throughout the section indicates that the biogeochemical processes of the carbon cycle cover the entire thickness of the peat deposit. A small amount of S (II) indicates a low intensity of sulfate reduction processes. Lowland peat is characterized by high contents of Si, Al, Fe, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zr, La and anomalous contents of Cu, Zn, which is a consequence of the formation of the bog under conditions of rich mineral nutrition. In the ash part of the transitional peat, a decrease in the contents of Si, Fe, Sr, Br, K Si, Ca, Ba, Cu, Zn and La is noted, which reflects the gradual weakening of the connection of the peat deposit with the underlying rocks. In the near-surface horizon of high-moor peat, there is an increase in the contents of K, Mn, Zn, Hg, Pb and As, which is associated with an increase in atmospheric dust and anthropogenic impact on the bog ecosystem in the 20th and 21st centuries. Bog waters of low-lying peat are characterized by high contents of the main ions, Al, Fe, Mn, Sr, while transitional peat is characterized by a decrease in DOC, SO42–, HCO3–, Al, Fe, Ni, Ca, Mg. The oligotrophic strata is characterized by the development of Fe oxides and hydroxides, the presence of vivianite is noted for transitional peats, and the eutrophic part of the peat deposit includes rhodochrosite and sulfides of Fe, Cu, and Zn.

Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis in Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Infants to Assess Nutritional Status: Breakthroughs and Insights

Background/Objectives: To obtain bioelectrical data to assess nutritional status for extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants upon reaching term-corrected age. Methods: A descriptive, observational, prospective, and single-center study, which included ELBW preterm infants was performed. The study variables collected were gestational age, sex, and anthropometry at birth and at term-corrected age. Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) was performed by a phase-sensitive device (BIA 101 BIVA PRO AKERN srl, Pisa, Italy). The components of the impedance vector—resistance (R) and reactance (Xc)—were normalized for body height (H). For each subject, the measurement was taken between the 36th and 44th weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA). A semi-quantitative analysis of body composition was performed using the vector modality of the BIA. Using the RXc graph method, the bivariate 95% confidence intervals of the mean vectors were constructed. From the bivariate normal distribution of R/H and Xc/H, the bivariate 95%, 75%, and 50% tolerance intervals for this cohort were drawn. The individual impedance vectors were compared with the distribution of the vectors from other populations. Results: 85 ELBW infants (40 male, 45 female) were included, with a mean gestational age at birth of 26 + 6 weeks (±1.76). Mean R/H was 870.33 (±143.21) Ohm/m and Xc/H was 86.84 (±19.05) Ohm/m. We found differences in the bioelectrical data with regard to gender, with resistance values being significantly higher in females. Our ellipses align closely with those from other term neonatal cohorts. Conclusions: Bioelectrical data and the confidence and tolerance ellipses of an ELBW infant cohort are presented and can be used as a reference standard for nutritional assessment at discharge.