The first issue of Topics in Clinical Nutrition in 2019 presents a compilation of applied research projects and reviews, focusing on healthy eating assessment, approaches to managing diabetes and diet and chronic diseases. We are planning for more articles in 2019 on nutrition and aging, food and nutrition education, and systematic reviews and clinical case studies for disease conditions.
Hall and her colleagues did a review of malnutrition risks due to the side effects of esophageal cancer treatment. Based on the literature on the topic, they formulated 5 recommendations for consistent nutritional care. Their major message emphasizes improving patient outcomes when diet interventions are provided throughout the treatment regimen.
A review by Boyd and Zeigler examined the available evidence on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and diet and lifestyle modifications. The article describes PCOS, its role in fertility, and management of the condition. They did not find any evidence-based guidelines for managing diets for women with PCOS.
Tanweer et al conducted a study of 322 children with diarrhea and the use of oral hydration. Maternal characteristics supporting the successful application of oral rehydration were age, literacy, and employment. The authors call for targeted interventions to decrease the social and economic concerns of childhood diarrhea.
A cross-sectional project was conducted with 205 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in India to explore calcium intakes and activity levels. T2DM is considered a risk factor for osteoporosis. Raj and colleagues found close to 80% of patients consumed below the recommended daily amount.
A study by Burch et al assessed pre- and postknowledge of a nutrition education course stressing healthy eating, weight management, and T2DM. Fifty-four participants completed an English or Spanish version that tested acquisition of knowledge. Scores increased significantly from pre to posttest, with higher scores occurring for those taking the English version.
Flexible intensive insulin therapy (FIIT) is effective for some individuals with type 1 diabetes. Bisanz and Lanningham-Foster conducted a pilot study to find out the experiences of people who use FIIT for managing type 1 diabetes. Patients reported some successful outcomes. The authors encourage dietitians to help select appropriate candidates for FIIT and provide nutrition counseling and carbohydrate information.
Lozano and his colleagues identified factors related to healthy aging and social, economic, and environmental impacts on diet. They found several factors that could impede nutritional status, including low socioeconomic status, lack of interest in the usual diet, chronic disease, and multiple drugs for disease treatment. Other important considerations for this aging population were assistance with activities for daily living related to feeding and adequacy of support services.
A multiple-methods study by Gutschall et al explored the nutrition strategies that could address the management of chronic diseases for individuals in rural Appalachia. The researchers queried practitioners and community members who identified their perceptions. The qualitative data from participants allowed investigators to categorize subthemes from a rural nutrition care model. The 2 groups differed on their perspectives of nutrition strategies and recommended culturally sensitive materials for nutrition communications.
Thank you for your contributions over the past year, and we look forward to a productive 2019 for everyone who contributes to the journal. We extend good wishes for the new year and have a special Thanks to Reviewers section online for all that they do for us and our readers.
-Judith A. Gilbride, PhD, RDN, FAND
Editor
-Elizabeth Young, MA
Managing Editor