This issue provides highlights from many aspects of clinical nutrition including the evaluation of the efficacy of nutrition counseling in renal transplant recipients and the use of subjective global assessment (SGA) in critical illness. Nutrition on a global scale is also featured through examination of undernutrition in Suriname as well as highlighting international partnerships in dietetics and nutrition education. Mentorship experiences in didactic dietetics programs are also discussed. Finally, the importance of thiamine is brought forth in 2 articles related to the role of thiamine supplementation in refeeding syndrome as well as in a case study of the development of Wernicke's encephalopathy after sleeve gastrectomy.

Bunde et al conducted a retrospective study examining differences in weight gain and lipid levels in renal transplant recipients based upon the number of nutrition counseling sessions. They found that patients who had the fewest visits with the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) were more likely to experience posttransplant weight gain. Increased contact with the RDN was not associated with improvement in blood lipid levels in females, although some improvement was noted in males. The study suggests that nutrition counseling may be helpful in weight and blood lipid management in this population.

Poyant et al retrospectively applied the SGA in critically ill patients to examine the interrater reliability between RDNs and physicians in identifying malnutrition. The agreement between RDNs and physicians was found to be poor with inadequate validity, although it was noted that missing data in the electronic health record may have limited the ability of participants, particularly physicians, to complete the tool.

Van der Held-Horinga et al examined the association of ethnicity and adverse outcomes with disease-related undernutrition (DRU) in Suriname, a developing multiethnic South American country. By evaluating several anthropometric and body composition metrics, they found that DRU prevalence was high, although determinates of DRU varied between ethnic groups. Further research would help clarify whether ethnicity should be a part of DRU risk assessment in this population.

Steiner and Hewlings of Central Michigan University conducted a narrative review of thiamine supplementation in refeeding syndrome. Through evaluation of 11 case studies and 1 retrospective study, they identified that although refeeding syndrome management lacks a standardized approach, thiamine supplementation often contributes to improvements in symptoms and clinical outcomes. They conclude that thiamine supplementation is encouraged in refeeding syndrome due to the potential benefit. Current guidelines and doses are also discussed.

Brown and Parker of Rutgers University provide a review of micronutrient deficiency pre- and post-sleeve gastrectomy and highlight a case report of a patient who developed Wernicke's encephalopathy after gastric sleeve surgery. The importance of evaluating for micronutrient deficiencies in this population and the involvement of an RDN on the multidisciplinary team are emphasized.

Cummings et al describe global partnerships between Iowa State University and Oregon Health & Science University and their partners in Ghana and Lao People's Democratic Republic that seek to reduce disease-related burden while providing dietetics experiences in international settings. An overview of the programs including implementation strategies, barriers, challenges, and successes is highlighted.

Patten et al from Brigham Young University conducted a national survey of dietetics students' experiences and perceptions of mentoring. The most commonly identified mentor was a professor or instructor, and only a minority of students (20%) indicated not having a mentor. Answers to open-ended questions revealed themes that can provide insight to help support the development of formal and informal mentoring relationships in dietetics students.

Thank you for your support of the journal. We are always open to suggestions for future topics and areas of focus for our readers. Best wishes for a healthy and productive new year.

-Kelly Kane, MS, RD, CNSC

Editor