Objective: This study investigates the effects of a late evening snack (LES), of 200 kcal of rice ball, on energy metabolism in cirrhotic patients. Impaired nutritional metabolism has been associated with cirrhosis, and frequent intake of small meals may prevent early-onset starvation, and maintain nourishment in these patients. Subjects: Twenty-one cirrhotic patients and 26 control subjects (Control) were recruited for this study. Patients were subsequently treated by LES (LC-LES) and by a non-LES regimen (LC-NLES).Method: Resting energy expenditure and respiratory quotient (RQ) were assessed by indirect calorimetry at 0830, 1130 and 1430. Blood glucose and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were measured just before the energy metabolism measurements. The regular diet included three major meals and LES, at 0900, 1200, 1800 and 2100, respectively. The Control and LC-NLES groups received only the major meals, whereas the LC-LES group received three meals plus 200 kcal LES for 7 days. There was no difference in the total energy intake among Control, LC-NLES and LC-LES groups. Results: Respiratory quotient in LC-NLES was significantly lower than that of Control at 0830. Respiratory quotient value in LC-LES significantly elevated from that in LC-NLES. The RQ values did not differ among Control, LC-NLES and LC-LES at 2 h after the meal (1130 and 1430). Non-esterified fatty acids in LC-LES were lower than that in LC-NLES after overnight fasting. Conclusions: The ingestion of a 200 kcal rice ball LES can improve the nutritional metabolism in cirrhotic patients.

and desulfurization of hot metal by adding Na2C03 was studied experimentally. The results obtained are as follows: (1) The dephosphorization ratio was improved with lower temperature of hot metal, lower Si content and greater quantity of Na2C03 added. (2) The desulfurization ratio was slightly improved with lower temperature of hot metal. No effect on the ratio was observed with variations in the Si content and quantity of Na2C03 added. (3) Though the dephosphorization was attained in 3-6 min after addition of Na2C03 under high Si content, rephosphorization was observed subsequently.

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