Department Of Nutrition Research Articles

Assessment of Sensory and Nutritional Attributes of Finger Millet-based Traditional Food Products of Assam, India

Background: Millet based diets contain multiple health promoting components and considered as climate-resilient course grain cereals. The United Nations designated 2023 as the 'International Year of Millets' to spotlight the resilience and health benefits of these climate-adaptable crops. In line with this, the Shree Anna (Millet) Gram Yojana was initiated to promote millet production and consumption, aiming to combat malnutrition. An essential aspect of this initiative is the substitution of millet for rice in traditional recipes, a strategy for sustainable food and nutritional security. This study, conducted by the AICRP on Women in Agriculture at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, focused on utilizing Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana) in Assam's traditional food products—Burbhuria pitha, Pat pitha, Tel pitha, and Mithoi. Aim: Evaluating the quality of these millet-based food products in terms of organoleptic properties and nutritional composition. Methodology: A nine-point hedonic scale was used to conduct sensory evaluations by ten trained and semi-trained panelists from the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, and nutritional composition was examined. ICAR WASP software was utilized to analyze the data using the Completely Randomized Design method. Results: Results indicated that Finger Millet substituted for rice in traditional food products of Assam received higher acceptability scores and exhibited improved nutritional profiles compared to control products. Conclusion: This study underscores the potential of value-added products with Finger Millet to enhance flavour, texture, taste, and nutritional value of traditional foods, offering benefits to the populace of Assam.

Test Levels of Protein, Fiber and Organoleptic Tempeh Cake as an Alternative Snack for Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Patients

The incidence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in Indonesia continues to increase. WHO reported a DM prevalence of 7% in Indonesia in 2013, while West Sumatra rose from 1,3% in 2013 to 1,8% in 2018. One of the efforts to address DM is food diversification, such as making cake from tempeh. This research aimed to determined tempeh cake's protein, fiber, and organoleptic quality. This type of research was an experiment using a Completely Randomized Design with 1 control (without tempeh) and 3 treatments (tempeh at 25g, 50g, and 75g), each with 2 replications for the organoleptic test. The best result from the organoleptic test was tested for protein content and fiber content. The research was carried out in July – November 2022 in the IBM laboratory, Department of Nutrition, Health Polytechnic, Ministry of Health, Padang, while protein and fiber analysis was carried out at the Industrial Research and Standardization Center in Padang. Observations included organoleptic quality (color, aroma, texture, taste) using a hedonic test, analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test and followed by the Mann-Whitney test if significant. The results showed that tempeh supplementation affected the color, aroma, texture, and taste of the cake. The best cake was with 50g tempeh addition (18,74% protein, 28,18% fiber). Panelists could distinguish the organoleptic characteristics of cakes with tempeh. The research concludes that tempeh addition increases the protein and fiber content of the cake. It is recommended to apply tempeh cake as a snack for DM patients, research its glycemic index, and evaluate its shelf life.

From Grain to Gut Health: Ragi Milk Extraction and Probiotic Product Development

This study aimed to optimize ragi milk extraction and develop probiotic-rich dairy alternatives at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. Ragi grains were pre-treated through soaking, germination, and drying to enhance milk extraction efficiency. Probiotic products, including ragi curd, ice cream, and ambli, were formulated and evaluated using sensory and nutritional analyses. The physical properties of ragi, such as uniform size, high density, and sphericity, underscored its suitability for food processing. Proximate analysis showed that ragi grains, compared to ragi malt, had lower moisture and higher fat and fibre content, enhancing storage stability. Sensory evaluations indicated that ragi curd was well-received, while ragi ice cream and one version of ragi ambli were particularly favoured for taste and overall acceptability. This research contributes to the development of nutritious, sustainable plant-based dairy alternatives, promoting millet consumption.

Nutilor (Moringa Leaf and Chicken Liver Nuggets) as Food for Stunting Prevention

Providing complementary foods for breast milk (MP-ASI) is very important because the age of >6 months to 2 years, nutrients are needed to support children's growth and development during the golden period. Nuggets are a high-protein food. Modifications were made to increase the nutritional value by adding chicken liver and Moringa leaves and substituting them with Nutilor (Moringa Leaf Liver Nuggets). The research aims to analyze panelists' nutritional value and acceptability regarding the color, aroma, taste, and texture aspects of Nutilor products, as well as knowing market analysis and product prices. The method was an experiment conducted in the Food Laboratory, Nutrition Department, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjung Karang. Nutilor with chicken liver substitution, namely: F1 (14%), F2 (16%), F3 (18%), F4 (20%). Organoleptic testing using the hedonic test method (color, aroma, taste, texture, and overall acceptability) was conducted with 75 panelists and one replication. The most preferred Nutilor products are analyzed for their nutritional content, determining food costs and selling prices. Data were analyzed univariately using the Likert scale method. The organoleptic test results showed that the most preferred formula was F3 (90:25), with a nutritional value per serving (60 grams), namely E 171.2 kcal, P 9.1 g, L 8.2 g, KH 16.1, fiber 0.16, iron (Fe) 2.6 mg, the selling price per portion is IDR. 5000. The preferred product is F3, and based on the Likert scale, each formula has different colors and aromas. In further research, you need to pay attention to the time and temperature when frying and measure the amount of lemon used during marination.

Association of Laboratory and Imaging Parameters in Different Types of Pancreatitis in Children in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Background: Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas, which might extend to local and distant extra-pancreatic tissues. It can be acute, acute recurrent or may be chronic. The diagnosis of different types of pancreatitis is based on a combination of clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory investigations and imaging techniques. Objective: To describe and find out the association of the laboratory and imaging profiles of different variety of pancreatitis in children. Methods: It was a an observational study conducted at the department of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from July 2018 through June 2020. A total of 48 cases were included in this study. The diagnosis of acute, acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis was based on diagnostic criteria made by INSPPIRE group. Clinical characteristics, hematological, biochemical and imaging profile of the different variety of pancreatitis and their hospital outcome were observed. Result: Among 48 cases, acute recurrent pancreatitis were 56.3%. Mean age of the patients at presentation was 10.3 years. Laboratory tests showed serum calcium and C-reactive protein was significantly altered among acute, acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis with characteristic imaging findings. Among imaging modalities, abdominal ultrasonogram showed swollen pancreas (58.3%) was significantly common in acute recurrent pancreatitis than chronic pancreatitis, whereas shrunken pancreas (28%) was significantly common findings in chronic pancreatitis. In addition to ultrasonogram, MRCP aided diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. Complications developed in 25% of acute pancreatitis cases, which included hypocalcemia (58.3%), ascites (86.7%), pleural effusion (66.7%), pseudocyst (33.3%) and pancreatic necrosis (25%). Hospital stay was significantly prolonged in acute pancreatitis cases, when compared to other types of pancreatitis . Conclusion: Low calcium level and high CRP level were found in acute pancreatitis than in acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis. Swollen pancreas with beaded and tortuous pancreatic ducts were found in case of chronic pancreatitis. Bangladesh J Child Health 2023; Vol 47 (2) : 95-102

Development and Evaluation of Flaxseed Butter

Aims: To investigate the proximates of developed flaxseed butter. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Community Science, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University and Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India between January 2024 and August 2024. Methodology: Three developed flaxseed butter with varying proportion of groundnut (75g to 60g) incorporated with groundnut oil and palm oil (1-3ml) was compared with control peanut butter to establish the nutritional profile as well as flaxseed butter made of 100% flaxseed was also compared to establish a baseline of its nutritional profile. Results: The study have shown that there was a significant (P < 0.05) difference on the fat and protein content of the flaxseed butter as compared to control peanut butter whereas no significant difference was observed on the moisture and ash content. Conclusion: The results of the current study indicate that the developed flaxseed butter improved the nutritional content.

Risk assessment of food additives including dietary exposure.

Lately, the entire society's focus has turned towards consuming more natural food products and the production of chemicals obtained utilising green technologies. The use of chemicals as food additives is a concern for consumers. For this reason, the search for natural and more sustainable additives is a key step to control food risks while meeting consumers' requirements. Essential oils could be considered potential green food additives on the basis of their valuable properties (chemical and microbiological). Unfortunately, there is currently a lack of knowledge regarding the safety associated with the consumption of essential oils and/or their nano-emulsions. In response to this issue, the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Toxicology and Legal Medicine (DNFSTLM) from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Seville, Spain, in partnership with the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, have engaged their efforts into the individual working programme titled 'Risk assessment of food additives including dietary exposure' as part of the European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme (EU-FORA). The individual programme was built on three modular pillars that were based on a 'learning-by-doing' approach. The fellow's activities focused on experimental toxicology and evaluation of the dietary intake for citrus essential oils nano-emulsions (CEO-NEs). The objective was to provide a foundation in toxicology and train the fellow with the skills necessary to conduct toxicological investigations for risk assessment. Acquiring expertise in applying the guidelines of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) was an important goal for the EU-FORA experience. Furthermore, the fellow received training in dietary risk assessment and participated in experimental research on the chemical characterisation, digestion processes and mechanism of action of bioactive compounds. In light of the results obtained, the individual programme was beneficial, the fellow being successfully trained and integrated into the hosting team. Furthermore, this project set the stage for further collaboration.

Nutritional and Bioactive Properties of Composite Flour Made from Hempseed and Corn Silk for Formulation of Fibre and Protein Rich Paratha

Aim: This study aims to analyze Nutritional and Bioactive properties of a novel composite flour and paratha made from it, developed by incorporating hemp seed flour, corn silk flour, and chickpea flour alongside wheat flour, targeting the creation of a high-protein and high-fiber flour blend for food product formulations. Study Design: A randomized experimental study was conducted to evaluate the functional and nutritional profile of the developed composite flour and paratha taking whole wheat flour as control. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food Science and Nutrition, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, between August 2019 to March 2023. Methodology: Various ratios of hemp seed, corn silk, and chickpea flours were blended with whole wheat flour to make the composite flour. Paratha, a common shallow fried Indian flatbread, was prepared from the blend. Sensory evaluation of the paratha was conducted to find in addition to analyses of functional properties, proximate composition, dietary fiber content, in vitro protein digestibility, bioactive compounds, and fatty acid profiles of both flour blend and paratha. Results: The composite flour demonstrated a higher water absorption capacity (179.63 ml/100g) than whole wheat flour (147.67 ml/100g). Proximate analysis revealed a crude protein content of 17.06% and crude fiber content of 7.81% in the composite flour, significantly exceeding than that of whole wheat flour. Total dietary fiber was recorded at 21.37 g/100g, with an in vitro protein digestibility of 76.70%. The total phenolic content was markedly higher in composite flour (223.51 mg GAE/100g) compared to whole wheat flour (49.82 mg GAE/100g). Sensory evaluation indicated that the parathas made from composite flour had acceptable taste and texture with superior nutritional profile. Conclusion: The study successfully developed a composite flour with superior nutritional attributes, highlighting the potential of incorporating wild and underutilized plant resources in sustainable food production. This novel composite flour can be a valuable addition to diets, offering enhanced protein, fiber, and bioactive compounds compared to traditional wheat flour, particularly in the preparation of nutritious parathas.

Phase angle: Differences between disease-related malnutrition, obesity and healthy people

IntroductionBioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a tool used in clinical nutrition and pure electrical data such as phase angle (PA) has shown prognostic value. It relates resistance and reactance indicating cellular health. ObjectiveTo determine differences in PA between patients with obesity and disease-related malnutrition (DRM) compared to the healthy population, and to establish associations between PA and other body composition (BC) parameters. Materials and methodsRetrospective observational study with 1079 patients from the Obesity and Nutrition Department of the Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León between April/2014 and August/2022 as well as 86 healthy controls. Demographic and anthropometric variables were collected and BC was performed with BIA Tanita MC780®. Diagnosis of malnutrition according to GLIM criteria and obesity with body mass index (BMI). ResultsPA50KHz in obesity group is 5.98º, DRM 4.79º and control group 6.08º. Statistically significant differences in PA between DRM and control groups, as well as DRM and obesity (p < 0.001). Weak positive correlation in total population (r = 0.452, p < 0.001) as well as control group (r = 0.463, p < 0.001) between BMI and PA. Weak negative correlation in the total population (r = −0.408, p < 0.001), DRM (r = −0.268, p < 0.001) and obesity (r = −0.342, p < 0.001) between age and PA. ConclusionsIn this study, significantly lower PA was observed in the DRM group than in the control and obesity groups. No statistically significant differences between PA in the obesity and control groups and no correlation between BMI and PA in the obesity group. More studies are needed to standardize cut-off points in different contexts and populations.

Development of Biscuits from Winged Beans (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus L.) as a Primary Source for Milk Production

Background: The high prevalence of stunting, notably in Aceh at 31.2%, highlights the urgent requirement for effective nutrition interventions. Utilizing local resources like winged bean flour in food products can play a vital role in enhancing maternal and infant health, addressing malnutrition, and improving breastfeeding outcomes Objective: This study aims to develop biscuits from winged beans (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus L.) as a primary source for enhancing milk production. Winged beans are known to be rich in protein and essential nutrients for the health of breastfeeding mothers. Methodology: This study employs a true experimental design involving clinical trials on rabbits, proximate analysis, and sensory acceptance testing. In the first year, the focus is on developing winged bean biscuit formulas, conducting nutritional and contamination tests, and measuring weight and milk volume in animal trials. The research will take place from March to August 2024 at various locations, including the Nutrition Department at Aceh Health Polytechnic and Syiah Kuala University. In this research, biscuits were produced with varying additions of winged bean flour at 0%, 10%, 15%, and 20% in the biscuit recipe. Results: The results indicate that biscuits containing winged bean flour can increase milk production in female rabbits and show significant weight gain after biscuit consumption. Proximate analysis reveals good nutritional content, while testing for harmful metal contamination ensures product safety. Organoleptic acceptance testing shows that these biscuits are well-received by consumers. These findings affirm the potential of winged beans as a local food source that can support the health of mothers and children, contributing to efforts to combat malnutrition in Indonesia. Conclusion:. Biscuit made from winged bean flour can enhance milk production and weight gain in female rabbits, while offering good nutritional content and being free from contamination. These findings support the potential of winged beans as a local food source to address malnutrition in Indonesia.

Impact of MaNu dietary counselling on Oxidative Stress and Gestational Weight Gain during pregnancy

Abstract According to the WHO guidelines, to counteract the excessive weight gain during pregnancy and to mitigate the increase in oxidative stress (OS) which naturally increases during pregnancy, a healthy lifestyle and a correct diet are crucial as preventive measures to promote health. The MaNu project was conceived precisely to control these factors through dietary counselling. We expect that pregnant women who voluntarily undergo an educational program consisting of specific and accurate dietary advice will be able to emphasize weight control and contain the increase in OS. Our randomized controlled trial (RCT) has a parallel group design and takes place in the Obstetrics and Clinical Nutrition Departments of Michele and Pietro Ferrero Hospital (Verduno, north-western Italy), where physiological pregnant women are enrolled between 12-17 gestational weeks (GWs). The educational intervention takes place between 12-24 GWs. Dietary habits were collected with a questionnaire and urine samples were analysed to quantify the OS using 15-F2t-isoprostane, malondialdehyde and total antioxidant power. The descriptive analyses are based on paired t-tests. Preliminary analyses on 76 women who completed two out of three time points (T0 and T1) indicate that, of women who received the intervention, 35% experienced excessive weight gain (based on guidelines), compared to 39% shown by controls. Following the counselling, the 15-F2t-isoprostane decreased significantly (mean T0=5.1 ng/ml vs. mean T1=3.5 ng/ml, p = 0.02). Concerning nutrient intake, a statistically significant reduction in sugar consumption has been found in the intervention group (mean T0=92.2 g vs. mean T1=83.3 g, p = 0.03). Conversely, no correlations have been detected between OS and the main pro and anti-oxidant macronutrients. Although promising, our findings need further verification since the RCT is still ongoing, and it is imperative to attain the anticipated sample size before drawing any definitive conclusions. Key messages • Dietary counselling during pregnancy should be implemented as a preventive strategy used to counteract potential pregnancy complications and ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby. • Healthy diet is essential to control the increase in oxidative stress levels during pregnancy and to prevent excessive weight gain, factors that can lead to the onset of pregnancy complications.

Growth Status of Bangladeshi Children in Functional Constipation: Experience From A Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Constipation is one of the common complaints of children with long-term hazardous consequences. It is a frequent cause of hospital visit in both primary and specialized care which needs proper evaluation and management. Recently in few studies, impairment of growth status has been reported as a result of functional constipation. But the relation is not well evaluated, especially in the pediatric population of our country. Aim: To assess the growth status of Bangladeshi children in functional constipation. Methods: This analytical study was conducted at the department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, BSMMU, Dhaka. A total 150 children aged 2-18 years were enrolled in this study. Children were divided into two groups, 75 having functional constipation (FC) and 75 healthy children with no constipation. Samples were collected randomly from pediatric out-patient department of BSMMU with consent of parents and child’s approval. Diagnosis of functional constipation was made by Rome IV criteria. Children with any red flag sign, chronic disease and on treatment of constipation were excluded from the study. Growth status (weight, height &amp; BMI) was evaluated by using growth charts. Data collected in semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS 23.0. Results: We evaluated 75 constipated children with the mean age of 7.61±3.50 years and 75 healthy children with the mean age of 7.40±3.88 years. The mean weight of children with functional constipation was 22.8±10.01 kg, mean height 117.7 ±18.4 cm and BMI 15.6±2.3 kg/m2. The mean weight of children with no constipation was 28.6± 13.72 kg, mean height 124.49±23.3 cm and BMI 18.11±2.9 kg/m2,demonstrated significant difference between two sets. In functional constipation group, on weight for age and height for age chart, 28% and 24% children were below the 3rd centile respectively and 18.6% children had BMI below 5th centile. All these parameters (weight, height, BMI) were statistically significant in compare to children without constipation and p value is &lt;.05. Presenting features of functional constipation were anorexia (64%), abdominal pain (73.3%), hard stool (84%), blood mixed hard stool (13.3%) and nausea (34%). Conclusion: Growth impairment occurs in children with functional constipation in comparison to children without constipation. Children aged 2 to 18 years with functional constipation may have decelerated weight, height and BMI growth. And this observation needs further large-scale multicenter study for ensuring optimal growth of children with constipation. J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2023; 15(1): 73-77

A Decade of Insights into Bilateral Adrenal Masses: Epidemiology, Clinical Profiles, and Therapeutic Approaches

Bilateral adrenal masses (BAMs) are rare, accounting for 10-15% of adrenal masses. Their diagnostic and therapeutic approaches differ from those of unilateral masses. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, and therapeutic profiles of BAMs. It is based on a retrospective analysis of 30 patient records from the Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Nutrition Department at CHU Hassan II in Fez, over a 12-year period. The average age of the patients was 53 years, with a male predominance (53.3%). BAMs were symptomatically revealed in 46.7% of cases, incidentally discovered in 23.3%, identified during tumor staging in 20%, and associated with a genetic syndrome in 10% of cases. Clinical examination revealed hypertension in 23.3% of patients, an abdominal mass in 10%, signs of adrenal insufficiency in 10%, hypercortisolism in 6.67%, and hyperandrogenism in 16% of cases. Biological assessment showed elevated urinary or plasma metanephrine derivatives in 9 patients, hypercortisolism in 3 patients, adrenal insufficiency in 3 patients, 11-β-hydroxylase enzyme block in 3 patients, and primary hyperaldosteronism in 1 patient. Adrenal computed tomography (CT) was performed in 29 patients. A staging workup, including PET scan, was requested in 20% of cases. MIBG scintigraphy was performed in 23.3% of patients. The investigations revealed 53% of BAMs were secreting and 47% non-secreting. There were 9 cases of pheochromocytomas, including 5 associated with a syndrome (3 MEN2a, 1 MEN2b, 1 VHL), 8 cases of non-secreting adenomas, 3 cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 11-β-hydroxylase enzyme block, 2 cases of adrenal metastases, 2 cases of adrenocortical carcinoma, 2 cases of adrenal cysts, 1 case of Conn’s adenoma, 1 case of cortisol-secreting adenoma, 1 case of primary adrenal lymphoma, and 1 case of adrenal hematoma. Treatment included the management of emergencies and preoperative preparation for patients eligible for surgery. Bilateral adrenalectomy was performed in 33.3% of patients, and unilateral adenectomy in 1 case of cortisol-secreting adenoma. Medical treatment was initiated in 16.6% of cases, and palliative treatment in 13.33% of cases. Surveillance alone was implemented in the remaining 33.3%. Prognosis depends on the type of adrenal mass, with outcomes marked by the death of one case of malignant adrenocortical carcinoma and one case of primary adrenal lymphoma. Our study, involving 30 cases of BAMs, highlights their clinical, biological, radiological, therapeutic, and prognostic characteristics. Data in the literature are limited compared to unilateral adrenal masses. Future larger studies are desirable for optimal management.

Evolution of metabolic disorders after resection of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas: a single-center study

Background and aims. Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors, responsible for inappropriate secretion of catecholamines, inducing metabolic disorders, increasing basal metabolic rate. Our study aimed to analyze the metabolic profile pre- and post-operatively in patients undergoing surgery for pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas and additionally to determine the predictive factors of metabolic remission. Methods. This was a retrospective, unicentric, descriptive, and analytical study with a duration of 9 years. It includes data from 35 patients followed up for pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma in the Endocrinology-Diabetology and Nutrition Department of a University Hospital Center. All patients underwent surgery for pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma. Results. Among the 35 patients, 51.4% of the patients with pheochromocytomas had diabetes mellitus, and 42.8% had dyslipidemia. We found that high levels of catecholamines were associated with the onset of diabetes. We also noted that patients with a long history of the disease were statistically at greater risk of developing dyslipidemia. After surgery, the body mass index of our patients had statistically increased, and 50% of patients experienced resolution or improvement of their diabetes. Improvement of dyslipidemia was observed in 53% of patients. We also found that the percentage of dyslipidemia was higher in patients who did not resolve their diabetes. Conclusion. Diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia are metabolic complications that must be investigated in patients with pheochromocytoma. Post-operative monitoring of body mass index and changes in glycemic and lipid levels is essential to adapt therapeutic management.

Assessment of vitamin D status in obese and non-obese patients: A case-control study

BackgroundVitamin D is an essential component of healthy bones and its deficiency is widespread in obese patients. Through our study, we aimed to look into vitamin D status in obese and non-obese patients and determine its association with hypertension, glucose levels, and lipid profiles. Patients and methodsA case-control study was laid out to compare serum Vitamin D levels between obese patients and controls. Obese patients (n= 67) over 18 years old were recruited from our Endocrinology-Diabetology and Nutrition department between March 2018 and September 2023. Controls (n = 60) were randomly assigned and were matched for age, sex, glycated hemoglobin, ethnicity, and geographic area. The levels of Vitamin D in the serum were determined in obese patients and non-obese controls. ResultsAverage serum Vitamin D concentration was established in both groups, reaching 10,41±4,2 ng/ml in obese patients and 15,14±6,1 ng/ml in the control group. The mean serum Vitamin D was significantly lower in the obese group (p = 0,000). A positive correlation was noticed between body fat and serum Vitamin D (p < 0,05). A significant correlation between vitamin D status and glycated hemoglobin in the obese group (p = 0,047) was found, whereas it was insignificant in the control group (p = 0,966). In addition, the correlation between vitamin D, blood pressure, and body mass index was significant (p= 0.004) as well as between vitamin D and triglycerides (p= 0.015) and cholesterol (p= 0.014). ConclusionVitamin D deficiency is common in obese patients, as highlighted by our study, which is in line with other findings. This may be explained by the fact that vitamin D must be supplied at a greater volume in obese patients. A significant correlation between BMI, vitamin D, glycated hemoglobin, blood pressure, triglycerides, and total cholesterol was found. The pathophysiology behind this association is complex. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between vitamin D, adipose tissue, and the other components of metabolic syndrome.

"Aware or not": Determining the Professional Awareness Rates of Nutrition and Dietetics Students and Identifying the Affecting Factors

The aim of the study is to determine the rates of professional awareness among nutrition and dietetics students and identify the factors that affect it. This cross-sectional study was conducted with A total of 226 dietetics students at the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, xxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx University. The main outcome measure of the study is to determine the professional awareness and affecting the factors. Study data were evaluated with descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis. Most students choose careers because of family support and the desire for health promotion. Awareness rates about professional regulations were evident (min 71.7%). Significant factors of awareness were individual (including professional love, interests, desires), practices, and trends or social effects. The identification of factors of awareness students experiencing professional challenges and recognize that there are common factors among dietetics students may increase awareness among educators, guide the development of course policies, and highlight the importance of mitigating major sources of awareness for students.

Ángulo de fase: diferencias entre desnutrición relacionada con la enfermedad, obesidad y población sana

IntroductionBioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a tool used in clinical nutrition and pure electrical data such as phase angle (PA) has shown prognostic value. It relates resistance and reactance indicating cellular health. ObjectiveTo determine differences in PA between patients with obesity and disease-related malnutrition (DRM) compared to the healthy population, and to establish associations between PA and other body composition (BC) parameters. Materials and methodsRetrospective observational study with 1079 patients from the Obesity and Nutrition Department of the Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León between April/2014 and August/2022 as well as 86 healthy controls. Demographic and anthropometric variables were collected and BC was performed with BIA Tanita MC780®. Diagnosis of malnutrition according to GLIM criteria and obesity with body mass index (BMI). ResultsPA50KHz in obesity group is 5.98°, DRM 4.79° and control group 6.08°. Statistically significant differences in PA between DRM and control groups, as well as DRM and obesity (p<0.001). Weak positive correlation in total population (r=0.452, p<0.001) as well as control group (r=0.463, p<0.001) between BMI and PA. Weak negative correlation in the total population (r=-0.408, p<0.001), DRM (r=-0.268, p<0.001) and obesity (r=-0.342, p<0.001) between age and PA. ConclusionsIn this study, significantly lower PA was observed in the DRM group than in the control and obesity groups. No statistically significant differences between PA in the obesity and control groups and no correlation between BMI and PA in the obesity group. More studies are needed to standardise cut-off points in different contexts and populations.

STUDENT OF PHARMACY, NURSE, PUBLIC HEALTH, NUTRITIONIST AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION READINESS TOWARD INTERPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION (IPE)

The implementation of interprofessional education (IPE) into higher education curricula is a significant method for creating professionals with the skills necessary for interprofessional collaboration (IPC), including those in the health sciences, nursing, pharmacy, and nutrition. Due to the changes in health services, which are becoming more integrated, it is vital to have the capacity for interprofessional collaboration. The readiness of the pupils for IPE must be assessed before to its implementation in order to identify the subjects that should be highlighted at that time. This research is a cross-sectional study using descriptive analysis method. The distribution of respondents was as all in 4th semester students, consist of department of Pharmacy (n=92), department of Nursing (n=88), department of Public Health (n=95), department of Nutrition (n=66) and department of Physical Education (n=42) in Faculty of Health Sciences. Questionnaire data collection was carried out online. The independent variable that is measured is the student's readiness for Interprofessional Education. The results findings there is a significant difference between the readiness of students in Nurse department and students of all department. The nurse department received the highest score (score = 68.47) and the Health Education received the lowest score (score = 65.59). But all department receive score &gt; 80% of the total score. There is still room for improvement in the areas related to the value of learning together in practical situations

Predictability of varicocele repair success: preliminary results of a machine learning-based approach.

Varicocele is a prevalent condition in the infertile male population. However, to date, which patients may benefit most from varicocele repair is still a matter of debate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether certain preintervention sperm parameters are predictive of successful varicocele repair, defined as an improvement in total motile sperm count (TMSC). We performed a retrospective study on 111 patients with varicocele who had undergone varicocele repair, collected from the Department of Endocrinology, Metabolic Diseases and Nutrition, University of Catania (Catania, Italy), and the Unit of Urology at the Selcuk University School of Medicine (Konya, Türkiye). The predictive analysis was conducted through the use of the Brain Project, an innovative tool that allows a complete and totally unbiased search of mathematical expressions that relate the object of study to the various parameters available. Varicocele repair was considered successful when TMSC increased by at least 50% of the preintervention value. For patients with preintervention TMSC below 5 × 106, improvement was considered clinically relevant when the increase exceeded 50% and the absolute TMSC value was >5 × 106. From the preintervention TMSC alone, we found a model that predicts patients who appear to benefit little from varicocele repair with a sensitivity of 50.0% and a specificity of 81.8%. Varicocele grade and serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels did not play a predictive role, but it should be noted that all patients enrolled in this study were selected with intermediate- or high-grade varicocele and normal FSH levels. In conclusion, preintervention TMSC is predictive of the success of varicocele repair in terms of TMSC improvement in patients with intermediate- or high-grade varicoceles and normal FSH levels.

Patient Malnutrition Risk or Number of Initial Nutrition Intervention Categories Can Be Used to Develop Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Staffing Models in the Inpatient Adult and Pediatric Hospital Setting: A Cohort Study

BackgroundMore data are needed to guide evidence-based, inpatient registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) staffing models. ObjectiveIdentify relationships between: 1) patient malnutrition risk or intervention categories and estimated total RDN care time (“care time”); and 2) care time and emergency department (ED) visits. DesignThis study was a prospective cohort study with data collection via RDN surveys, patient interviews, and medical record review. Participants/settingAdult (n = 550) and pediatric (n = 345) patients enrolled at 32 adult and 27 pediatric US hospitals from August 2019 to January 2023. Main outcome measuresCare time and ED visits within 90 days of hospital discharge were measured. Statistical analysisMultilevel, generalized linear, and negative binomial regression models were used to evaluate relationships between patient characteristics and Box-Cox–transformed care time and the relationship between Box-Cox–transformed care time and total ED visits. ResultsAfter adjusting for patient characteristics, adult patients classified as at malnutrition risk vs not at risk required a mean of 8% (95% CI 5% to 11%) more care time. Pediatric patients at medium or high compared with low malnutrition risk needed a mean of 21% (95% CI 4% to 40%) and 31% (95% CI 12% to 54%) more care time, respectively. Number of initial RDN interventions categories per patient (0 to 1 vs 2 to 3 or 4+) was associated with a mean of 10% (95% CI 7% to 14%) or 8% (95% CI 2% to 15%) more care time for adults and 17% (95% CI 5% to 32%) and 39% (95% CI 21% to 61%) more care time for children, respectively. More estimated total RDN care time was associated with significantly higher incidence rate ratios of ED visits (adults: incidence rate ratio 2.8; 95% CI 1.1 to 7.2; children: incidence rate ratio 1.7; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.8). ConclusionsPatient malnutrition risk or breadth of nutrition interventions required can inform nutrition department staffing. Intervention studies may better define relationships between care time and medical outcomes.