It is an honor to join Topics in Clinical Nutrition as Editor. As an acute care dietitian, clinical nutrition manager, and dietetic internship director, I am privileged to contribute to a journal which effectively addresses topics relevant to clinicians and educators. My sincerest thanks to Dr Judith Gilbride and Elizabeth Young for their support during this transition. I strive to continue their outstanding work with the journal. Dr Gilbride has graciously agreed to remain with Topics in Clinical Nutrition as a member of the Editorial Board where she will continue to share her expertise.

This issue highlights nutrition challenges and opportunities around the world. Several articles focus on nutrition research and collaborative work within a global context.

Alkhaldy and Mosli of King Abdualziz University in Saudi Arabia evaluated the impact of patient simulation-based learning on Saudi dietetics students' self-efficacy with the nutrition care process through a pre-/postintervention study. They found that a group of 41 Saudi dietetics undergraduates were successful in applying the nutrition care process following the training. Student participants expressed positive attitudes toward patient simulation-based learning, often mentioning better communication skills.

Metin and Pars of Hacettepe University in Turkey assessed the knowledge and clinical competence of nurses with enteral nutrition (EN). Three hundred and twenty-seven nurses from 3 hospitals completed a questionnaire which revealed important differences in routine EN practices as well as with perceived EN knowledge and competence. They concluded that since daily practice may not always reflect evidence-based guidelines, further EN training programs and communication are needed.

Wright et al evaluated the findings of a hands-on malnutrition workshop for Ghanaian dietitians. The program evaluation revealed improved knowledge, application skill, and confidence in identifying malnutrition, a major public health concern in Ghana. The authors note the importance of adjusting presentation materials and addressing culture-based norms to ensure culturally appropriate training.

Gaba and Soliman of City University of New York provided a review of the impact of congenital Zika syndrome caused by the Zika virus, which although relatively rare in the United States, remains an active presence in 85 countries. Identifying that common consequences of Zika infection have possible nutrition interventions, the authors highlight common features impacting nutritional status as well as potential ways to address the nutrition issues of affected infants and children.

Howells, Sauer, and Shanklin from Kansas State University conducted a gap analysis of education through an online survey of 214 clinical nutrition managers (CNMs). Results show CNMs identify education as important although educational needs were not met for all job tasks. The greatest educational opportunities were seen in regulatory and accreditation standard compliance and management of human and financial resources. These results can be used to shape continuing education opportunities and strategies for CNMs.

Adams et al conducted a study examining diet, sleep quality, and cardiovascular fitness activity in 55 overweight and obese college females to better clarify the relationship between diet and sleep. Their findings demonstrated that poor sleep predicted lower rates of exercise, which predicted poorer diet. The authors conclude that sleep should be prioritized in health and wellness determination in this population.

Folsom and Hannon studied the nutrition knowledge, nutrient intake, eating behaviors, and glycemic control of 25 adolescents with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes (T1D) compared to 25 adolescents with a T1D diagnosis of at least 3 years. They found that while nutrition knowledge increased over the 12 months after diagnosis and was associated with improved glycemic control, adolescents with T1D are at higher risk for disordered eating behaviors. More study is needed to determine how to best incorporate medical nutrition therapy in the treatment of newly diagnosed T1D in adolescents to optimize healthy eating behaviors.

A narrative review by Lutes, Zelig, and Radler at Rutgers University examined the safety and feasibility of intermittent fasting (IF) during chemotherapy for breast cancer. Their review of 3 articles highlights the need for further study in this area. Their findings demonstrate that well-nourished women with breast cancer can safely engage in IF between 24 and 72 hours without contributing to chemotherapy side effects. They identified that IF was generally feasible for the majority, but not all, participants as determined by side effects, weight loss, bloodwork, protocol adherence, and quality of life. A randomized, controlled trial would provide further insight into this supportive therapy.

Barr et al provided a case review of 3 preterm infants with phenylketonuria (PAH deficiency) highlighting the considerations and modifications needed to provide appropriate nutrition to this high-risk population. Clinical challenges center around the increased protein needs, dynamic growth patterns, and feeding challenges of preterm infants with PAH deficiency. Findings from the case review suggest that blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels are more likely to decrease below the desired range and preterm infants may require significantly more dietary Phe than term infants with PAH deficiency. Established clinical guidelines for preterm infants with PAH deficiency would assist clinicians in the care of this population.

Thank you for your interest in and support of Topics in Clinical Nutrition. Please let us know if you are interested in contributing as an author or reviewer. We are open to comments and suggestions for future topics in our goal to remain practice oriented and to continue addressing the needs of dietitians and clinicians.

-Kelly Kane, MS, RD, CNSC

Editor

Topics in Clinical Nutrition