Influence of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids enriched lipid emulsions on nosocomial infections and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients: ICU lipids study.

OBJECTIVE: n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (contained in fish oil) have been shown to beneficially influence infection rate and clinical outcomes in surgical patients probably due to their immunomodulatory action. In contrast, study results of fish oil administration in critically ill patients are controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the prevalence of nosocomial infections and clinical outcomes in medical and surgical critically ill patients. DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter, randomized, comparative, double-blind study. SETTING: Seventeen Spanish ICUs during 4 years. SUBJECTS: A total of 159 medical and surgical intensive care patients with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score more than or equal to 13, expected to require total parenteral nutrition for at least 5 days. INTERVENTIONS: Patients received total parenteral nutrition prepared either with a lipid emulsion containing 10% fish oil or a fish oil-free lipid emulsion. The prevalence of nosocomial infections was detected during 28 days of ICU stay. Patients were followed 6 months after discharge from the ICU for length of hospital stay, hospital mortality, and 6-month mortality. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The number of patients with nosocomial infections was significantly reduced in the fish oil-receiving group (21.0% vs 37.2%, p = 0.035) and the predicted time free of infection was prolonged (21 ± 2 vs 16 ± 2 d, p = 0.03). No significant differences were detected for ICU, hospital, and 6-month mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that administration of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces the risk of nosocomial infections and increases the predicted time free of infections in critically ill medical and surgical patients. The administration of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids was safe and well tolerated.

Quality evaluation of total parenteral nutrition in an acute care setting.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the degree of compliance with internationally accepted standards defined for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) quality control in our hospital. The problems of quality which exist must be detected and possible solutions put into practice. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective study of critically ill patients treated with TPN during two years in a university teaching hospital (n=92). Assessment of quality was performed through measurements of compliance using 20 criteria. These were evaluated both individually and gathered in three categories: appropriate, safe and accurate TPN. Three summary/indicators were also established which assessed simultaneous compliance with all the criteria in each group. Criteria compliance was compared to standards values. Patient (age, sex, diabetes) and process (TPN indication, patient's outcome, type of diet used) variables were analysed (using logistic regression models) as factors potentially associated with compliance with the quality criteria. Corrective measures aimed at resolving the quality problem were applied to the deficient criteria, paying particular attention to those criteria which presented the highest percentage of errors in the study carried out using a Pareto analysis. RESULTS: Compliance of six criteria was significantly below standard values. Simultaneous compliance of all criteria by group was 17% in adjusted TPN, 38% in safe TPN and 94% in exact TPN. There was a negative association between an age over 65 years and both a correct indication of TPN (OR: 9.4) and the indicator compliance of all criteria in the adjusted TPN group (OR: 2.9). The absence of metabolic complications was influenced (P<0.05) by the use of standardized diets (OR: 0.3). Effects of the change: the simultaneous compliance with all the criteria of a group improved in all three groups, but this was statistically significant in the 'appropriate' TPN and 'safe' TPN groups. The criteria analysed individually improved after the corrective measures in five of the six criteria which had been below standard in the first evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The correct understanding and application of the indications, physiology and potential complications of TPN constitute the hub of the improvement process.

Gene expression changes in colon tissues from colorectal cancer patients following the intake of an ellagitannin-containing pomegranate extract: a randomized clinical trial.

The clinical evidence of dietary polyphenols as colorectal cancer (CRC) chemopreventive compounds is very weak. Verification in humans of tissue-specific molecular regulation by the intake of polyphenols requires complex clinical trials that allow for the procurement of sufficient pre- and postsupplementation tissue samples. Ellagitannins (ETs), ellagic acid (EA) and their gut microbiota-derived metabolites, the urolithins, modify gene expression in colon normal and cancer cultured cells. We conducted here the first clinical trial with 35 CRC patients daily supplemented with 900 mg of an ET-containing pomegranate extract (PE) and evaluated the expression of various CRC-related genes in normal and cancerous colon tissues before (biopsies) and after (surgical specimens) 5-35 days of supplementation. Tissues were also obtained from 10 control patients (no supplementation) that confirmed a large, gene- and tissue-specific interindividual variability and impact of the experimental protocol on gene expression, with some genes induced (MYC, CD44, CDKN1A, CTNNB1), some repressed (CASP3) and others not affected (KRAS). Despite these issues, the consumption of the PE was significantly associated with a counterbalance effect in the expression of CD44, CTNNB1, CDKN1A, EGFR and TYMs, suggesting that the intake of this PE modulated the impact of the protocol on gene expression in a gene- and tissue-specific manner. These effects were not associated with the individuals' capacity to produce specific urolithins (i.e., metabotypes) or the levels of urolithins and EA in the colon tissues and did not reproduce in vitro effects evidencing the difficulty of demonstrating in vivo the in vitro results.

How does coconut oil affect cognitive performance in alzheimer patients? / Influencia del aceite de coco en enfermos de alzhéimer a nivel cognitivo

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative dementia in developed world. This fact, coupled with the lack cure, makes new no pharmacological therapeutic strategies such as nutrient management to investigate. In this regard, it stresses the possible influence of coconut oil as alternative energy source capable of stopping the progressively neuronal death that occurs in this disease. Objectives: To assess the cognitive impact of coconut oil in Alzheimer's patients, and specifically in orientation, language-building, fixing, calculation-concentration and memory areas. Methods: Prospective, longitudinal, qualitative, analytical and experimental study through a clinical trial where 44 patients with Alzheimer's in region of Ribera (Valencia), of which half was selected to receive during 21 days, 40 ml coconut oil daily divided between breakfast (20 ml) and food (20 ml). Before and after administration of the oil, they were evaluated through cognitive test Mini-Mental State Examination to determine possible changes. Results: It was observed in patients who received coconut oil, that cognitive improvement after completion of the intervention, statistically significant improved in the orientation and language-construction areas. Conclusions: Coconut oil appears to improve cognitive abilities of Alzheimer's patients, with different intensity depending on the cognitive area.

Introducción: la enfermedad de Alzheimer es a día de hoy la demencia neurodegenerativa con mayor prevalencia en el primer mundo. Este hecho, unido a la falta de tratamiento farmacológico que cure la enfermedad, hace que se estudien nuevas estrategias terapéuticas no farmacológicas como es la administración de nutrientes. En este sentido, destaca la posible influencia del aceite de coco como fuente energética alternativa, capaz de frenar la muerte neuronal que se produce de modo progresivo en esta enfermedad. Objetivos: valorar el impacto del aceite de coco a nivel cognitivo en pacientes de alzhéimer, y concretamente en las áreas de orientación, lenguaje-construcción, fijación, cálculo-concentración y memoria. Métodos: estudio prospectivo, longitudinal, cualitativo, analítico y experimental a través de un ensayo clínico, donde se seleccionaron a 44 pacientes con alzhéimer de la zona de la Ribera (Comunidad Valenciana), de los cuales a la mitad se le administró durante 21 días, 40 ml diarios de aceite de coco repartidos entre desayuno (20 ml) y comida (20 ml). Antes y después de la administración del aceite, se les valoró a través del test cognitivo Mini-Examen Cognoscitivo, para determinar los posibles cambios. Resultados: en los enfermos que tomaron el aceite de coco se observó una mejora cognitiva tras finalizar la intervención, siendo estadísticamente significativa en las áreas de orientación y lenguaje-construcción. Conclusiones: el aceite de coco parece mejorar la capacidad cognitiva de los enfermos de alzhéimer, variando la intensidad de la misma en función del área cognitiva.

[Not Available]. / Estudio comparativo de la eficacia y seguridad de una nutrición parenteral formulada con dos lípidos distintos: SMOFlipid® frente a Clinoleic®. Estudio preliminar.

Introducción: la composición lipídica de las fórmulas de nutrición parenteral (NP) se postula como posible factor de evolución clínica.Objetivo: evaluar las diferencias en eficacia y seguridad de dos emulsiones lipídicas en NP.Material y métodos: estudio clínico prospectivo de pacientes posquirúrgicos sometidos a NP durante más de 7 días en un periodo de 2 años. Se administraron de forma indistinta 2 tipos de emulsiones lipídicas: enriquecida con ácidos grasos omega 3 (SMOFlipid Fresenius Kabi®) o con ácido oleico omega 9 (Clinoleic Baxter®). Se analizaron variables epidemiológicas, analíticas, complicaciones infecciosas y mortalidad.Resultados: se estudió un total de 154 pacientes con edad media de 64,36 ± 13,73 años, de los que 95 eran hombres (61%), 78 (51%) recibieron SMOFlipid® y 76 (49%) Clinoleic®. La estancia media fue de 16,91 ± 4,23 días, la duración de la NP 9,68 ± 3,25 días y la mortalidad del 11%. Se diagnosticaron 58 (37%) infecciones. No existieron diferencias significativas en cuanto a los parámetros analíticos lipídicos, hepáticos o nutricionales (medidos al inicio y al 7.º día) ni en su evolución (estancia media, complicaciones infecciosas ni mortalidad) entre los dos grupos de pacientes.Conclusión: los pacientes sometidos a NP presentan similares características evolutivas con independencia de la emulsión lipídica utilizada. La bibliografía actual apunta a un beneficio de la disminución del aporte de ácidos grasos omega 9, pero no se han encontrado diferencias significativas entre las fórmulas comparadas.

[MALNUTRITION IN THE ELDERLY PATIENT TO HOSPITAL ADMISSION, AN OLD PROBLEM UNSOLVED]. / DESNUTRICIÓN EN EL PACIENTE ANCIANO AL INGRESO HOSPITALARIO, UN VIEJO PROBLEMA SIN SOLUCIONAR.

OBJETIVE: to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in patients aged 65 years or more at admission and factors associated with its presence. Analyze excess hospital stay (EHS), economic impact and premature readmission rate associated with hospital malnutrition in elderly patient. MATERIAL AND METHOD: retrospective study conducted at the University Hospital Reina Sofía. All patients aged 65 years or older admitted to internal medicine in 2011. The sample size was calculated taking into account the income of the previous year, and considering a prevalence of malnutrition of 50% with a 95% and included error of 5%. To define the degree of malnutrition nutritional control tool (CONUT), which establishes a score based on albumin, total cholesterol and lymphocyte determination was used. To determine the factors associated with the presence of moderate to severe malnutrition analysis of multivariate logistic regression was performed. For each patient the EHS, premature readmissions and the associated cost to EHS was calculated. A threshold of statistical significance of 0.05 was used for all analyzes and were performed with SPSS v15.0. RESULTS: 310 patients, of whom 54.2% were women were included, the mean age was 80.1 years (SD: 6.8), ranging between 65 and 95 years. Regarding diagnosis at admission 27.4% were respiratory diseases, 22.6% of the circulatory and digestive 11.6%. The median Charlson index was 2.0, found that 36.8% of patients had high comorbidity. The most prevalent chronic diseases were diabetes mellitus (44.2%), chronic kidney disease (25.2%) and dementia (10.6). Regarding the CONUT, 75.8% of patients met the criteria of malnutrition: 42.6% mild, 28.7% moderate and severe 4.5%, of which only 46.6% had some nutritional support during admission. Factors associated with the presence of moderate to severe malnutrition were female gender (OR: 1.7; 95%: 1.1 - 2.8), age over 80 years (OR: 2.0, IC 95%: 1.2 - 3.5), and dementia (OR: 2.4; IC 95%:1.2 - 5.2). No association with comorbidity or with other chronic diseases was found. Regarding the EHS (days) differences between patients with moderate to severe malnutrition (4.7; IC 95%: 2.3 - 7.1) and normally nourished (-0.1; IC 95%: -1.4 - 1.2) (p = 0.001) were found, but were not for cases of mild malnutrition (1.6, 95%: 0.5-2.8) (p = 0.07).Regarding the rate of premature readmission in malnourished patients was 28/235 (11.9%). The cost associated with EHS / 100 patients was € 195 479.4 for moderate malnutrition, mild malnutrition € 73 484.8, and normally nourished patients represented a saving of € 12 353. CONCLUSIONS: hospital malnutrition in elderly patients remains an unsolved problem, given the high prevalence found, associated to an excess of hospital stay and increased hospital costs, especially in patients with moderate to severe malnutrition. The CONUT is a nutritional screening tool very useful for the speed and validity of their results, and allows detecting patients at risk or nutritional alert without lead to increased costs.

Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de desnutrición en pacientes con edad igual o superior a 65 años al ingreso hospitalario y los factores asociados a su presencia. Analizar el exceso de estancia hospitalaria (EEH), el impacto económico y la tasa de reingresos prematuros asociados a la desnutrición hospitalaria en pacientes de edad avanzada. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo realizado en el Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes con edad igual o mayor a 65 años que ingresaron en Medicina Interna durante 2011. Se calculó el tamaño muestral teniendo en cuenta los ingresos del año anterior, y considerando una prevalencia de desnutrición del 50% con un IC 95% y un error del 5%. Para definir el grado de desnutrición se empleó la herramienta Control Nutricional (CONUT), que establece una puntuación basada en la determinación de albúmina, colesterol total y linfocitos. Para determinar los factores asociados a la presencia de desnutrición moderada-grave se realizó un análisis de regresión logística multivariante. Para cada paciente se calculó el EEH, los reingresos prematuros y el coste asociado al EEH. Para todos los análisis se utilizó un dintel de significación estadística de 0,05 y se realizaron con el paquete estadístico SPSS v15.0. Resultados: se incluyeron 310 pacientes, de los cuales el 54,2% fueron mujeres, la edad media fue de 80,1 años (DE: 6,8), con un rango entre 65 y 95 años. En cuanto al diagnóstico al ingreso, el 27,4% correspondían a enfermedades del aparato respiratorio, 22,6% del circulatorio y 11,6% del digestivo. La mediana del Índice de Charlson fue de 2,0, encontrando que el 36,8% de los pacientes presentaban una comorbilidad alta. Las patologías crónicas más prevalentes fueron la diabetes mellitus (44,2%), la enfermedad renal crónica (25,2%) y la demencia (10,6). En relación con el CONUT, el 75,8% de los pacientes presentaban criterios de desnutrición: el 42,6% leve, el 28,7% moderada y el 4,5% grave, de estos, solo un 46,6% tuvo algún tipo de soporte nutricional durante el ingreso. Los factores asociados a la presencia de desnutrición moderada-grave fueron el sexo femenino (OR: 1,7; IC 95%: 1,1 ­ 2,8), edad mayor de 80 años (OR: 2,0, IC 95%: 1,2 ­ 3,5), y la demencia (OR: 2,4; IC 95%:1,2 ­ 5,2). No se encontró asociación con la comorbilidad ni con otras patologías crónicas. Respecto al EEH (días), se encontraron diferencias entre los pacientes con desnutrición moderada-grave (4,7; IC 95%: 2,3 ­ 7,1) y normonutridos (-0,1; IC 95%: -1,4 ­ 1,2) (p = 0,001), no siendo así para los casos de desnutrición leve (1,6; IC 95%: 0,5-2,8) (p = 0,07). En relación a la tasa de reingresos prematuros en pacientes desnutridos fue de 28/235 (11,9%). El coste asociado al EEH/100 pacientes fue de 195.479,4 € para la desnutrición grave-moderada, 73.484,8 € desnutrición leve, mientras que en los pacientes normonutridos supuso un ahorro de 12.353 €. Conclusiones: la desnutrición hospitalaria en el paciente anciano sigue siendo un problema sin resolver, dada la elevada prevalencia encontrada, asociándose a un exceso de estancia hospitalaria y a un aumento del gasto hospitalario, especialmente en pacientes con desnutrición moderada- severa. El CONUT es una herramienta de cribado nutricional de gran utilidad por la rapidez y validez de sus resultados, y permite detectar pacientes con riesgo o alerta nutricional, sin suponer un incremento de costes.

MicroRNAs expression in normal and malignant colon tissues as biomarkers of colorectal cancer and in response to pomegranate extracts consumption: Critical issues to discern between modulatory effects and potential artefacts.

SCOPE: MicroRNAs (miRs) are proposed as colorectal cancer (CRC) biomarkers. Pomegranate ellagic acid and their microbiota metabolites urolithins exert anticancer effects in preclinical CRC models, and target normal and malignant colon tissues in CRC patients. Herein, we investigated whether the intake of pomegranate extract (PE) modified miRs expression in surgical colon tissues versus biopsies from CRC patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Thirty-five CRC patients consumed 900 mg PE daily before surgery. Control CRC patients (no PE intake, n = 10) were included. Our results revealed: (1) significant differences for specific miRs between malignant and normal tissues modifiable by the surgical protocols; (2) opposed trends between -5p and -3p isomolecules; (3) general induction of miRs attributable to the surgery; (4) moderate modulation of various miRs following the PE intake, and (5) no association between tissue urolithins and the observed miRs changes. CONCLUSION: PE consumption appears to affect specific colon tissue miRs but surgery critically alters miRs levels hindering the discrimination of significant changes caused by dietary factors and the establishment of genuine differences between malignant and normal tissues as biomarkers. The components responsible for the PE effects and the clinical relevance of these observations deserve further research.

[PHARMACONUTRITION IN SEVERELY ILL PATIENT]. / FARMACONUTRICIÓN EN EL PACIENTE GRAVE.

"Pharmaconutrient" is a term applicable to those compounds which. in addition to their nutritional function, play a role as aids in the treatment of patients with severe pathologies, including sepsis, trauma, burns and major surgery, In general, enrichment of enteral an parenteral formulas with pharmaconutrients contribute to positively modulate the inflammatory response, infection and controlling the internal milieu, which in turn can be evaluated through lower mortality, hospital and intensive care units stay, days of mechanical ventilation and other parameters allowing to asses their effects. Arginine, glutamine, nucleotides, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant micronutrients, make up the nucleus of pharmaconutrients used with that aim, usually as mixtures of them. In the present review current evidence about the effects, indications, limitations, doses, potential adverse risks and even counter-indications is analysed.

El término farmaconutriente se aplica a aquellos compuestos que poseen un efecto añadido al meramente nutricional y que se utilizan como terapia coadyuvante en pacientes con patologías graves que incluyen sepsis, traumatismos, grandes quemados y enfermos quirúrgicos. En general, con su enriquecimiento en las fórmulas enterales o parenterales se pretende modular positivamente la respuesta inflamatoria, la infección y el control del medio interno, valorables a través de mortalidad, tiempo de estancia en hospital y en UCI, días de ventilación mecánica y otros parámetros que permiten dimensionar los efectos de su utilización. Arginina, glutamina, nucleótidos, ácidos grasos omega-3 y micronutrientes antioxidantes constituyen el núcleo de los farmaconutrientes utilizados con la finalidad antedicha, habitualmente en forma de mezclas. En la presente revisión se analiza la evidencia actual acerca de sus efectos, indicaciones, limitaciones, cantidades a aportar, peligros potenciales e incluso contraindicaciones.

Targeted metabolic profiling of pomegranate polyphenols and urolithins in plasma, urine and colon tissues from colorectal cancer patients.

SCOPE: Urolithins are bioactive metabolites produced by the gut microbiota from ellagitannins (ETs) and ellagic acid (EA). We investigated whether urolithins could be detected in colon tissues from colorectal cancer (CRC) patients after pomegranate extract (PE) intake. METHODS AND RESULTS: CRC patients (n = 52) were divided into controls and PEs consumers (900 mg/day for 15 days) before surgical resection. PEs with low (PE-1) and high (PE-2) punicalagin:EA ratio were administered. Twenty-three metabolites, but no ellagitannins, were detected in urine, plasma, normal (NT) or malignant (MT) colon tissues using UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS (UPLC, ultra performance liquid chromatography; QTOF, quadrupole TOF). Free EA, five EA conjugates, gallic acid and 12 urolithin derivatives were found in colon tissues. Individual and total metabolites levels were higher in NT than in MT, independently of the PE consumed. The maximal mean concentration (1671 ± 367 ng/g) was found in NT after consumption of PE-1 and the lowest concentration (42.4 ± 10.2 ng/g) in MT with PE-2. Urolithin A or isourolithin A were the main urolithins produced (54 and 46% patients with urolithin A or isourolithin A phenotype, respectively). High punicalagin content (PE-2) hampered urolithins formation. CONCLUSION: Significant levels of EA derivatives and urolithins are found in human colon tissues from CRC patients after consumption of pomegranate. Further studies are warranted to elucidate their biological activity.

[Nutritional support in the neurocritical patient]. / Soporte nutricional en el paciente neurocrítico.

Neurocritical patients have a metabolic condition that makes them particularly sensitive to protein-caloric malnutrition in a short period of time. Due to this, it is essential nutritional support treatment. But the neurocritical patient has physiological connotations that makes it difficult to be able to establish an early nutrition: persistent gastroparesis for days and exacerbated metabolic response with hyperglycemia is a challenge to the therapist.This review intends to respond to nutritional difficulties in neurocritical patients and also review pharmaco-nutritients that may be helpful for the subsequent clinical course.

Fatal heat stroke in a schizophrenic patient.

Objective. The case of a patient who developed a fatal post-exertional heat stroke is reported. Case Report. A 20-year-old man with a history of morbid obesity, hypertension, and schizophrenia was admitted to our intensive care unit because of multiorgan failure due to severe heat stroke. He had been working under the sun. Treatment included aggressive body cooling but, in spite of the best supportive care, the patient succumbed in a few hours. We concluded that the adverse event was possibly associated with his obesity and the use of antipsychotics. Histological evaluation revealed lesions consistent with severe hyperthermia and shock. Conclusions. Heat stroke is an uncommon clinical entity characterized by systemic heat and loss of the body's normal mechanisms for dealing with heat stress, such as sweating and temperature control. When heat stroke is diagnosed early and supportive care begins promptly the prognosis is optimal but it becomes a life-threatening disease when treatment is delayed. Lack of physical acclimatization and the use of certain medications that interfere with salt and water balance can impair thermoregulation under conditions of high environmental temperature. Health professionals must be adequately prepared to prevent, recognise, and treat them urgently.

Influencia del aceite de coco en enfermos de alzhéimer a nivel cognitivo / How does coconut oil affect cognitive performance in alzheimer patients?

Introducción: la enfermedad de Alzheimer es a día de hoy la demencia neurodegenerativa con mayor prevalencia en el primer mundo. Este hecho, unido a la falta de tratamiento farmacológico que cure la enfermedad, hace que se estudien nuevas estrategias terapéuticas no farmacológicas como es la administración de nutrientes. En este sentido, destaca la posible influencia del aceite de coco como fuente energética alternativa, capaz de frenar la muerte neuronal que se produce de modo progresivo en esta enfermedad. Objetivos: valorar el impacto del aceite de coco a nivel cognitivo en pacientes de alzhéimer, y concretamente en las áreas de orientación, lenguaje-construcción, fijación, cálculo-concentración y memoria. Métodos: estudio prospectivo, longitudinal, cualitativo, analítico y experimental a través de un ensayo clínico, donde se seleccionaron a 44 pacientes con alzhéimer de la zona de la Ribera (Comunidad Valenciana), de los cuales a la mitad se le administró durante 21 días, 40 ml diarios de aceite de coco repartidos entre desayuno (20 ml) y comida (20 ml). Antes y después de la administración del aceite, se les valoró a través del test cognitivo Mini-Examen Cognoscitivo, para determinar los posibles cambios. Resultados: en los enfermos que tomaron el aceite de coco se observó una mejora cognitiva tras finalizar la intervención, siendo estadísticamente significativa en las áreas de orientación y lenguaje-construcción. Conclusiones: el aceite de coco parece mejorar la capacidad cognitiva de los enfermos de alzhéimer, variando la intensidad de la misma en función del área cognitiva (AU)

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative dementia in developed world. This fact, coupled with the lack cure, makes new no pharmacological therapeutic strategies such as nutrient management to investigate. In this regard, it stresses the possible influence of coconut oil as alternative energy source capable of stopping the progressively neuronal death that occurs in this disease. Objectives: To assess the cognitive impact of coconut oil in Alzheimer’s patients, and specifi cally in orientation, language-building, fixing, calculation-concentration and memory areas. Methods: Prospective, longitudinal, qualitative, analytical and experimental study through a clinical trial where 44 patients with Alzheimer’s in region of Ribera (Valencia), of which half was selected to receive during 21 days, 40 ml coconut oil daily divided between breakfast (20 ml) and food (20 ml). Before and after administration of the oil, they were evaluated through cognitive test Mini-Mental State Examination to determine possible changes. Results: It was observed in patients who received coconut oil, that cognitive improvement after completion of the intervention, statistically significant improved in the orientation and language-construction areas. Conclusions: Coconut oil appears to improve cognitive abilities of Alzheimer’s patients, with different intensity depending on the cognitive area (AU)

Estudio comparativo de la eficacia y seguridad de una nutrición parenteral formulada con dos lípidos distintos: SMOFlipid® frente a Clinoleic®. Estudio preliminary / Comparative study on the efficacy and safety of parenteral nutrition formulated with two different fat emulsions: SMOFlipid® compared with Clinoleic®. Preliminary study

Introducción: la composición lipídica de las fórmulas de nutrición parenteral (NP) se postula como posible factor de evolución clínica. Objetivo: evaluar las diferencias en eficacia y seguridad de dos emulsiones lipídicas en NP. Material y métodos: estudio clínico prospectivo de pacientes posquirúrgicos sometidos a NP durante más de 7 días en un periodo de 2 años. Se administraron de forma indistinta 2 tipos de emulsiones lipídicas: enriquecida con ácidos grasos omega 3 (SMOFlipid Fresenius Kabi®) o con ácido oleico omega 9 (Clinoleic Baxter®). Se analizaron variables epidemiológicas, analíticas, complicaciones infecciosas y mortalidad. Resultados: se estudió un total de 154 pacientes con edad media de 64,36 ± 13,73 años, de los que 95 eran hombres (61%), 78 (51%) recibieron SMOFlipid® y 76 (49%) Clinoleic®. La estancia media fue de 16,91 ± 4,23 días, la duración de la NP 9,68 ± 3,25 días y la mortalidad del 11%. Se diagnosticaron 58 (37%) infecciones. No existieron diferencias significativas en cuanto a los parámetros analíticos lipídicos, hepáticos o nutricionales (medidos al inicio y al 7.º día) ni en su evolución (estancia media, complicaciones infecciosas ni mortalidad) entre los dos grupos de pacientes. Conclusión: los pacientes sometidos a NP presentan similares características evolutivas con independencia de la emulsión lipídica utilizada. La bibliografía actual apunta a un beneficio de la disminución del aporte de ácidos grasos omega 9, pero no se han encontrado diferencias significativas entre las fórmulas comparadas (AU)

Introduction: The fat composition of parenteral nutrition formulae has been put forward as a possible factor in clinical evolution. Objective: To evaluate the differences in efficacy and safety of two (2) fat emulsions for parenteral nutrition. Material and methods: Prospective clinical study of post-surgery patients under PN for more than seven days in a two-year period. Two types of fat emulsions were administered indistinctively. One is enriched with omega 3 fatty acids (SMOFlipid Fresenius Kabi®), the other one is enriched with omega 9 oleic acid (Clinoleic Baxter®). Epidemiological and analytical variables, infectious complications and mortality were analysed. Results: A total of 154 patients were studied. Their average age was 64.36 ± 13.73 years; 95 were men (61%). Out of the total number, 78 (51%) were given SMOFlipid® and 76 (49%) Clinoleic®. Average stay was 16.91 ± 4.23 days, parenteral nutrition was administered for 9.68 ± 3.25 days, mortality was 11%. 58 (37%) infections were diagnosed. When measured on the first (1st) and seventh (7th) days, there were no significant differences in regard to the lipid, hepatic or nutritional parameters, nor in their evolution (average stay, infectious complications, or mortality) between the two groups of patients. Conclusion: Patients on parenteral nutrition show similar evolutionary characteristic, independently of the fat emulsion administered. Current bibliography would suggest that a benefit could be gained from reducing the administration of omega 9 fatty acids, but no significant differences were found when comparing the two formulae (AU)

Occurrence of urolithins, gut microbiota ellagic acid metabolites and proliferation markers expression response in the human prostate gland upon consumption of walnuts and pomegranate juice.

Epidemiology supports the important role of nutrition in prostate cancer (PCa) prevention. Pomegranate juice (PJ) exerts protective effects against PCa, mainly attributed to PJ ellagitannins (ETs). Our aim was to assess whether ETs or their metabolites ellagic acid and urolithins reach the human prostate upon consumption of ET-rich foods and to evaluate the effect on the expression of three proliferation biomarkers. Sixty-three patients with BPH or PCa were divided into controls and consumers of walnuts (35 g walnuts/day) or pomegranate (200 mL PJ/day) for 3 days before surgery. Independently of the ETs source, the main metabolite detected was urolithin A glucuronide, (3,8-dihydroxy-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-one glucuronide) (up to 2 ng/g) together with the traces of urolithin B glucuronide, (3-hydroxy-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-one glucuronide) and dimethyl ellagic acid. The small number of prostates containing metabolites was likely caused by clearance of the compounds during the fasting. This was corroborated in a parallel rat study and thus the presence of higher quantities of metabolites at earlier time points cannot be discarded. No apparent changes in the expression of CDKN1A, MKi-67 or c-Myc were found after consumption of the walnuts or PJ. Our results suggest that urolithin glucuronides and dimethyl ellagic acid may be the molecules responsible for the beneficial effects of PJ against PCa.

Desnutrición en el paciente anciano al ingreso hospitalario, un viejo problema sin solucionar / Malnutrition in the elderly patient to hospital admission, an old problem unsolved

Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de desnutrición en pacientes con edad igual o superior a 65 años al ingreso hospitalario y los factores asociados a su presencia. Analizar el exceso de estancia hospitalaria (EEH), el impacto económico y la tasa de reingresos prematuros asociados a la desnutrición hospitalaria en pacientes de edad avanzada. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo realizado en el Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes con edad igual o mayor a 65 años que ingresaron en Medicina Interna durante 2011. Se calculó el tamaño muestral teniendo en cuenta los ingresos del año anterior, y considerando una prevalencia de desnutrición del 50% con un IC 95% y un error del 5%. Para definir el grado de desnutrición se empleó la herramienta Control Nutricional (CONUT), que establece una puntuación basada en la determinación de albúmina, colesterol total y linfocitos. Para determinar los factores asociados a la presencia de desnutrición moderada-grave se realizó un análisis de regresión logística multivariante. Para cada paciente se calculó el EEH, los reingresos prematuros y el coste asociado al EEH. Para todos los análisis se utilizó un dintel de significación estadística de 0,05 y se realizaron con el paquete estadístico SPSS v15.0. Resultados: se incluyeron 310 pacientes, de los cuales el 54,2% fueron mujeres, la edad media fue de 80,1 años (DE: 6,8), con un rango entre 65 y 95 años. En cuanto al diagnóstico al ingreso, el 27,4% correspondían a enfermedades del aparato respiratorio, 22,6% del circulatorio y 11,6% del digestivo. La mediana del Índice de Charlson fue de 2,0, encontrando que el 36,8% de los pacientes presentaban una comorbilidad alta. Las patologías crónicas más prevalentes fueron la diabetes mellitus (44,2%), la enfermedad renal crónica (25,2%) y la demencia (10,6). En relación con el CONUT, el 75,8% de los pacientes presentaban criterios de desnutrición: el 42,6% leve, el 28,7% moderada y el 4,5% grave, de estos, solo un 46,6% tuvo algún tipo de soporte nutricional durante el ingreso. Los factores asociados a la presencia de desnutrición moderada-grave fueron el sexo femenino (OR: 1,7; IC 95%: 1,1 - 2,8), edad mayor de 80 años (OR: 2,0, IC 95%: 1,2 - 3,5), y la demencia (OR: 2,4; IC 95%:1,2 - 5,2). No se encontró asociación con la comorbilidad ni con otras patologías crónicas. Respecto al EEH (días), se encontraron diferencias entre los pacientes con desnutrición moderada-grave (4,7; IC 95%: 2,3 - 7,1) y normonutridos (-0,1; IC 95%: -1,4 - 1,2) (p = 0,001), no siendo así para los casos de desnutrición leve (1,6; IC 95%: 0,5-2,8) (p = 0,07). En relación a la tasa de reingresos prematuros en pacientes desnutridos fue de 28/235 (11,9%). El coste asociado al EEH/100 pacientes fue de 195.479,4 Euros para la desnutrición grave-moderada, 73.484,8 Euros desnutrición leve, mientras que en los pacientes normonutridos supuso un ahorro de 12.353 Euros. Conclusiones: la desnutrición hospitalaria en el paciente anciano sigue siendo un problema sin resolver, dada la elevada prevalencia encontrada, asociándose a un exceso de estancia hospitalaria y a un aumento del gasto hospitalario, especialmente en pacientes con desnutrición moderada-severa. El CONUT es una herramienta de cribado nutricional de gran utilidad por la rapidez y validez de sus resultados, y permite detectar pacientes con riesgo o alerta nutricional, sin suponer un incremento de costes (AU)

Objetive: to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in patients aged 65 years or more at admission and factors associated with its presence. Analyze excess hospital stay (EHS), economic impact and premature readmission rate associated with hospital malnutrition in elderly patient. Material and method: retrospective study conducted at the University Hospital Reina Sofía. All patients aged 65 years or older admitted to internal medicine in 2011. The sample size was calculated taking into account the income of the previous year, and considering a prevalence of malnutrition of 50% with a 95% and included error of 5%. To define the degree of malnutrition nutritional control tool (CONUT), which establishes a score based on albumin, total cholesterol and lymphocyte determination was used. To determine the factors associated with the presence of moderate to severe malnutrition analysis of multivariate logistic regression was performed. For each patient the EHS, premature readmissions and the associated cost to EHS was calculated. A threshold of statistical significance of 0.05 was used for all analyzes and were performed with SPSS v15.0. Results: 310 patients, of whom 54.2% were women were included, the mean age was 80.1 years (SD: 6.8), ranging between 65 and 95 years. Regarding diagnosis at admission 27.4% were respiratory diseases, 22.6% of the circulatory and digestive 11.6%. The median Charlson index was 2.0, found that 36.8% of patients had high comorbidity. The most prevalent chronic diseases were diabetes mellitus (44.2%), chronic kidney disease (25.2%) and dementia (10.6). Regarding the CONUT, 75.8% of patients met the criteria of malnutrition: 42.6% mild, 28.7% moderate and severe 4.5%, of which only 46.6% had some nutritional support during admission. Factors associated with the presence of moderate to severe malnutrition were female gender (OR: 1.7; 95%: 1.1 - 2.8), age over 80 years (OR: 2.0, IC 95%: 1.2 - 3.5), and dementia (OR: 2.4; IC 95%:1.2 - 5.2). No association with comorbidity or with other chronic diseases was found. Regarding the EHS (days) differences between patients with moderate to severe malnutrition (4.7; IC 95%: 2.3 - 7.1) and normally nourished (-0.1; IC 95%: -1.4 - 1.2) (p = 0.001) were found, but were not for cases of mild malnutrition (1.6, 95%: 0.5-2.8) (p = 0.07).Regarding the rate of premature readmission in malnourished patients was 28/235 (11.9%). The cost associated with EHS / 100 patients was Euros 195 479.4 for moderate malnutrition, mild malnutrition Euros 73 484.8, and normally nourished patients represented a saving of Euros 12 353. Conclusions: hospital malnutrition in elderly patients remains an unsolved problem, given the high prevalence found, associated to an excess of hospital stay and increased hospital costs, especially in patients with moderate to severe malnutrition. The CONUT is a nutritional screening tool very useful for the speed and validity of their results, and allows detecting patients at risk or nutritional alert without lead to increased costs (AU)

Efecto gastroprotector del jugo de zanahoria (Daucus carota), col (Brassica oleracea ) y papa (Solanum tuberosum) / Effects of carrot (Daucus carota), cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and potato (Solanum tuberosum) juices as gastric mucosal protections

INTRODUCCIÓN: a muchos vegetales se les reconocen acciones beneficiosas sobre el aparato digestivo. A la zanahoria (Daucus carota), la col (Brassica oleracea) y la papa (Solanum tuberosum) la población les atribuye acciones gastroprotectoras. Objetivo: Comprobar experimentalmente la acción gastroprotectora de los jugos de zanahoria, col y papa. MÉTODOS: se utilizaron ratas Sprague-Dawley machos de 190 ± 10 g como modelo biológico; las úlceras gástricas se produjeron con 1 mL de etanol absoluto por cada animal. Los 40 animales fueron distribuidos en cinco grupos de ocho. El grupo 1 fue el control, el 2, el control positivo (atropina 20 mg/Kg), el 3 fue tratado con el jugo de col, el 4 con el de zanahoria y el 5 con el de papa. Media hora antes de la inducción de la úlcera, se administraron los jugos a una dosis de 400 mg/Kg sobre la base de los sólidos totales. Los animales se sacrificaron una hora después de la inducción de las úlceras, las cuales fueron cuantificadas, y se midió el área dañada. RESULTADOS: con todos los jugos empleados, se observó una disminución significativa del área afectada cuando se comparó con el control; sin embargo, solo en el grupo al que se administró el jugo de col, la disminución no presentó significación estadística con relación al grupo control positivo, por lo que el efecto gastroprotector fue similar a él. CONCLUSIONES: los jugos de zanahoria y papa presentaron un moderado efecto gastroprotector, el cual resultó alto en el grupo tratado con jugo de col.

INTRODUCTION: many vegetables are known for their beneficial effects on digestive system. Population attributed the benefits of carrot (Daucus carota), cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and potato (Solanum tuberosum) as gastric mucosal protections. OBJECTIVE: to prove experimentally the action of carrot (Daucus carota), cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and potato (Solanum tuberosum) juices as gastric mucosal protections. METHODS: sprague-Dawley male rats of 190 ± 10 g were used as biological models; ulcers were induced with 1 mL of absolute ethanol for each animal. Forty animals were distributed in five groups of eight. Group 1 was selected as control group, 2 as positive control (atropine 20 mg/Kg), 3 was treated with cabbage juice, 4 with carrot juice and 5 with potato juice. A half hour before the ulcer induction, all juices were administrated at a dose of 400 mg/Kg on the basis of total solids. Animals were sacrificed an hour after the ulcer inductions, ulcers were quantified, as well as, the damage area was measured. Results: a significant decrease of the affected area after using the juices was observed comparing to the control group; however, group which was given cabbage juice, did not show a significant statistical decrease in relation to the positive control group, that is why the effect as gastric mucosal protection was similar to it. CONCLUSIONS: carrot and potato juices had a moderated effect as gastric mucosal protections; on the other hand, group treated with cabbage did show a high effect on the digestive system.

Efecto gastroprotector del jugo de zanahoria (Daucus carota), col (Brassica oleracea ) y papa (Solanum tuberosum) / Effects of carrot (Daucus carota), cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and potato (Solanum tuberosum) juices as gastric mucosal protections

Introducción: a muchos vegetales se les reconocen acciones beneficiosas sobre el aparato digestivo. A la zanahoria (Daucus carota), la col (Brassica oleracea) y la papa (Solanum tuberosum) la población les atribuye acciones gastroprotectoras. Objetivo: Comprobar experimentalmente la acción gastroprotectora de los jugos de zanahoria, col y papa. Métodos: se utilizaron ratas Sprague-Dawley machos de 190 ± 10 g como modelo biológico; las úlceras gástricas se produjeron con 1 mL de etanol absoluto por cada animal. Los 40 animales fueron distribuidos en cinco grupos de ocho. El grupo 1 fue el control, el 2, el control positivo (atropina 20 mg/Kg), el 3 fue tratado con el jugo de col, el 4 con el de zanahoria y el 5 con el de papa. Media hora antes de la inducción de la úlcera, se administraron los jugos a una dosis de 400 mg/Kg sobre la base de los sólidos totales. Los animales se sacrificaron una hora después de la inducción de las úlceras, las cuales fueron cuantificadas, y se midió el área dañada. Resultados: con todos los jugos empleados, se observó una disminución significativa del área afectada cuando se comparó con el control; sin embargo, solo en el grupo al que se administró el jugo de col, la disminución no presentó significación estadística con relación al grupo control positivo, por lo que el efecto gastroprotector fue similar a él.Conclusiones: los jugos de zanahoria y papa presentaron un moderado efecto gastroprotector, el cual resultó alto en el grupo tratado con jugo de col(AU)

Farmaconutrición en el paciente grave / Pharmaconutrition in severely ill patient

El término farmaconutriente se aplica a aquellos compuestos que poseen un efecto añadido al meramente nutricional y que se utilizan como terapia coadyuvante en pacientes con patologías graves que incluyen sepsis, traumatismos, grandes quemados y enfermos quirúrgicos. En general, con su enriquecimiento en las fórmulas enterales o parenterales se pretende modular positivamente la respuesta inflamatoria, la infección y el control del medio interno, valorables a través de mortalidad, tiempo de estancia en hospital y en UCI, días de ventilación mecánica y otros parámetros que permiten dimensionar los efectos de su utilización. Arginina, glutamina, nucleótidos, ácidos grasos omega-3 y micronutrientes antioxidantes constituyen el núcleo de los farmaconutrientes utilizados con la finalidad antedicha, habitualmente en forma de mezclas. En la presente revisión se analiza la evidencia actual acerca de sus efectos, indicaciones, limitaciones, cantidades a aportar, peligros potenciales e incluso contraindicacione (AU)

'Pharmaconutrient' is a term applicable to those compounds which. in addition to their nutritional function, play a role as aids in the treatment of patients with severe pathologies, including sepsis, trauma, burns and major surgery, In general, enrichment of enteral an parenteral formulas with pharmaconutrients contribute to positively modulate the inflammatory response, infection and controlling the internal milieu, which in turn can be evaluated through lower mortality, hospital and intensive care units stay, days of mechanical ventilation and other parameters allowing to asses their effects. Arginine, glutamine, nucleotides, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant micronutrients, make up the nucleus of pharmaconutrients used with that aim, usually as mixtures of them. In the present review current evidence about the effects, indications, limitations, doses, potential adverse risks and even counter-indications is analysed (AU)

[Quality assessment and improvement in the indication and management of parenteral nutrition in a general surgery unit]. / Evaluación y mejora de la calidad en la indicación y el manejo de la nutrición parenteral en un servicio de cirugía general.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the degree of compliance with a variety of internationally accepted standards defined for Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) quality control in our Surgery Department. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospective study of patients treated with TPN over two years in the department of surgery of a university teaching hospital (n = 72). Assessment of quality was performed by measurements of compliance using 19 criteria. The criteria were divided into three groups according to characteristics of TPN standardisation: this must be "appropriate" to the nutritional requirements of the patient, "safe" in order to prevent complications and "accurate" in its daily programming. Corrective measures aimed at resolving the quality problem were applied to the deficient criteria over six months, paying particular attention to those criteria which had the highest percentage of errors in the study carried out using a Pareto analysis. During a third period of six months the information on all 19 criteria was gathered again and the improvement with regard to the standard values and to the compliance in the first period (using the value of z) was evaluated. RESULTS: The compliance with seven criteria was significantly below standard values: all those of the "appropriate" group, except the criteria "type of diet" and "composition of the diet", and the criteria "absence of complications" of the "safe" group, which was also the one with the highest number of grouped non-compliances. In the second period all the below standard criteria improved with compared to the first period. The criteria "time of fasting", "concordance" and "duration" were significantly improved. The criteria "time of fasting", "duration" and "latency" reached the standard. The rest of criteria that reached their standard in the first evaluation maintained the same results. CONCLUSIONS: Corrective measures introduced were effective since all the below standard criteria improved, including metabolic complications. Notwithstanding, it is necessary to continue in this line to improve the criteria still below standard.

Modelo experimental de hiperlipidemia con el empleo de caseína y grasas saturadas / Experimental model of hyperlipidaemia with the use of casein and saturated fats

En el presente trabajo se evaluó el efecto hiperlipídico de una dieta combinada de caseína y grasas saturadas, en un modelo biológico conformado por ratas Wistar. Se integraron tres grupos experimentales de seis animales cada uno: el primero (grupo control) consumió una dieta convencional; el segundo, una dieta convencional combinada con caseína y grasa de cerdo al 20 por ciento y el tercero, la dieta convencional suplementada solamente con grasa de cerdo al por ciento. Fueron cuantificados el colesterol y los triacilglicéridos por métodos enzimáticos en tres momentos diferentes: al comienzo del estudio, a los 15 días y al finalizar este. El incremento de peso corporal, una vez finalizada la investigación, no mostró diferencias significativas entre los grupos de experimentación. El grupo de la dieta combinada elevó el perfil lipídico más eficientemente que el que solo consumió grasas saturadas, lo cual confirma que el modelo experimental de hiperlipidemia inducida por dieta suplementada con caseína y grasas saturadas es el más eficaz para la elevación del perfil lipídico

In the current research it was evaluated the hyperlipidic effect of a combined diet with casein andsaturated fats, in a biological model conformed by Wistar's rats. Three experimental groups wereintegrated with six animals in each one. The first group (control group) consumed a conventionaldiet; the second group, a conventional diet combined with casein and pig fat at 20 %; and the thirdone, the same conventional diet supplemented just with pig fat at 20 %.The cholesterol andtriacylglycerols were quantified by means of enzymatic methods in three different moments: at thebeginning of the study, after 15 days and at the end of this. The increase of body weight, once itwas finished the research, didn't show significant differences among the experimental groups. Thegroup of the combined diet increased its lipidic profile more efficiently than the group that justconsumed saturated fats, which confirms that the experimental model of induced hyperlipidaemiaby supplemented diet with casein and saturated fats is the most effective for the elevation of lipidicprofile.