As I finish editing and organizing the array of timely articles and projects at the beginning of a new year, I reflect on the season of remembrance and renewal.
We remember the goodness of our authors and reviewers for sharing their knowledge and expertise. In particular, we remember a fellow editor, Dr Annette Natow, who helped me decide to become the sole editor of TICN in 1999. She was kind and caring and willing to lend her insights and freely gave me important advice. She is remembered in a tribute from her close friend and colleague, Jo-Ann Heslin, following this editorial.
New knowledge and additional research is needed to renew our scholarship and improve our approach to practicing the art and science of nutrition. The 31 authors in the first issue of 2010 have worked hard to generate new knowledge, ask relevant questions, and answer them. They represent a cadre of professionals committed to the advancement of nutrition and dietetic practice.
Nutrition assessments and intervention are critical components of the provision of nutrition services in various settings. An online survey was conducted to identify how registered dietitians initiate these functions, respond or make referrals, and use protocols for pediatric cancer patients. DeLoid et al found that 60% completed a nutrition assessment once a diagnosis was made and 80% used screening tools. They found a need for further study to understand inconsistencies and address the standardization of nutrition care protocols and screening tools.
Interest in waist circumference size as a chronic disease predictor has increased in the last decade. Colby et al used NHANES data to determine the relationship between macronutrient intake patterns and waist circumference of adults. The data analysis revealed that total and saturated fat intakes above recommended intakes and fiber and carbohydrate intakes below recommended intakes were related to a larger waist circumference in this sample.
Nutrition assessment of patients with liver disease requires careful intervention by the dietetic team. Several tools can be used to detect and prevent malnutrition and are reviewed by MacDonald et al. They recommend that advanced-practice skills are necessary for improving the nutritional status of patients with liver disease.
Williams and Seiverling address a controversial problem faced by nutrition practitioners. They review the range of eating problems of children with autism spectrum disorders. Comparisons are made on the types and possible causes of eating disorders in children with and without autism. A variety of interventions are also presented to improve communications, socialization, and behaviors that affect eating for children with autism spectrum disorders.
An online pilot study survey was conducted by Pollock and Edelstein to report dietitians' participation in lactation education and certification. One-fourth of the respondents in the pilot study were members of breast-feeding advocacy programs, but only 8 of the 65 respondents sought certification in lactation or breast-feeding education.
Focus group interviews were employed by a Clemson research team to examine diet behaviors and environmental influences on food choices among Hispanic adults in South Carolina (by Chavez-Martinez et al). Analysis of their data was similar to that of other studies and has identified a need to provide guidelines for developing culturally compatible nutrition education materials and programs.
Wall-Bassett et al examine food consumption in primary school children in Dominica in the British West Indies. They compared intakes in 3 schools and ranked food items by average weight and number of children. They found that more traditional than nontraditional foods were consumed by schoolchildren with a trend to an evolving diet with fewer local agricultural products and traditional foods.
Cooking shows have made an impact on viewers' appreciations of food. Silva et al examine the healthfulness of 2 cooking shows on the basis of a Healthy Recipe Index. They found, on average, that the recipes on the 2 shows contained excessive amounts of saturated fat, sodium, and calories, and made suggestions for devising more healthful recipes.
Sobal et al look at beliefs related to selecting whole-grain foods. They surveyed dietitians, health club members, and WIC/state fair participants who consume whole grains, and asked when and asked where they are consumed. Then their findings may help influence increased whole-grain consumption through education and counseling, policy changes, and food marketing.
The 2009 Thanks to Reviewers remembers their contributions to TICN. The editorial board expresses its gratitude for a successful year of practice-based articles crafted by our talented authors, refined and refereed by our reviewers, and interpreted and applied by our readers. Thanks to all of you for another great year for Topics in Clinical Nutrition.
For 2010, a new online manuscript submission system has been initiated and is available at http://www.editorialmanager.com/tin. If you have any problem accessing the system, please contact the Associate Editor Elizabeth M. Young at [email protected].
-Judith A. Gilbride, PhD, RD, FADA
Editor