linc00174 deteriorates the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy via miR-26a-5p/PTEN/Akt signalling cascade-mediated pyroptosis.

PURPOSE: We aim to investigate the potential role and underlying mechanisms of linc00174 on pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of DR. METHODS: Expression patterns of linc00174, miR-26a-5p and PTEN in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRMECs) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Biological functions of linc00174 on cell proliferation and pyroptosis were evaluated by CCK-8, flow cytometry, caspase-1 activity assays, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay was employed to verify the interaction between miR-26a-5p and linc00174/PTEN. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DR in mice was further constructed to verify the potential role of linc00174 in vivo. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemical staining were performed to assess the pathological changes and caspase-1 expression in retinal tissues. RESULTS: Up-regulated linc00174 and PTEN and down-regulated miR-26a-5p were uncovered in hRMECs treated with high glucose (HG). Mechanistically, linc00174 served as a sponge of miR-26a-5p to facilitate PTEN expression. Functionally, knockdown of linc00174 inhibited HG-induced pyroptosis of hRMECs via targeting miR-26a-5p. Moreover, linc00174/miR-26a-5p axis participated in HG-induced pyroptosis via PTEN/Akt signaling cascade. Further, silencing of linc00174 attenuated pyroptosis via regulating miR-26a-5p/PETN axis in DR mice. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our study reveals that linc10074 deteriorates the pathogenesis of DR via miR-26a-5p/PTEN/Akt signalling cascade, which may shed light on the discovery of potential therapeutic agents for DR treatment.

Dairy intake and bone health across the lifespan: a systematic review and expert narrative.

Over the past 30-years, the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans have included recommendations around dairy consumption, largely based on meeting recommendations for calcium intake with the intended purpose of osteoporosis prevention. Although dairy products provide more bone-beneficial nutrients (e.g., calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, and protein) per unit of energy than any other food group, the relevance of dairy products for long-term bone health and fracture prevention has resurged as some observational studies have suggested consumption to be associated with a greater risk of fractures. Given this controversy, we sought to synthesize the evidence on dairy consumption and bone health across the lifespan. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for English-language publications through June 2, 2020. Case-controlled, cross-sectional, prospective cohort or nestled case-control (or case cohort), and clinical trials reporting the effect of dairy products on bone mineral density, bone mineral content, and/or fractures were included in the systematic review. Two reviewers independently performed data extractions. Data from 91 publications, including 30 RCTs, 28 prospective cohorts, 23 cross-sectional studies, and 10 case-control studies were included in the systematic review. We assigned a "D" grade or "insufficient evidence" for the effect of dairy in infants and toddlers (0- to <36-months), children (3- to <10-years), and young adults (19- to <50-years). A "C" grade or "limited evidence" was assigned for the effect of dairy in adolescents (10- to <19-years). A "B" grade or "moderate" evidence was assigned for the effect of dairy in middle aged to older adults (≥50-years). Research on bone mass in adults between the ages of 20- to 50-years and individuals from other ethnic groups apart from Chinese females and Caucasians is greatly needed. Daily intake of low or nonfat dairy products as part of a healthy habitual dietary pattern may be associated with improved BMD of the total body and at some sites and associated with fewer fractures in older adults.

A novel regulatory network of linc00174/miR-150-5p/VEGFA modulates pathological angiogenesis in diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) has been regarded as a sight-threatening vascular complication of diabetes mellitus. Accumulating evidence has identified the involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in DR pathogenesis. We aim to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of linc00174 in the DR process. Samples of human vitreous humour from proliferative DR and non-diabetic individuals were collected to examine the levels of linc00174. Human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) exposed with high glucose (HG) were employed to simulate the pathological statues of DR. Short hairpin RNA specifically targeting linc00174 was applied. CCK-8, transwell, and matrigel tube formation were performed to evaluate cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay were conducted to verify the linc00174/miR-150-5p/vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) regulatory network. Western blotting was employed to determine the expression of VEGFA. Linc00174 was significantly elevated in patients with DR, as well as HG-stimulated HRMECs, of which knockdown repressed HG-induced proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. miR-150-5p was identified as a downstream effector to be involved in linc00174-mediated protective effects. miR-150-5p directly bound to the 3' untranslated region of VEGFA. The linc00174/miR-150-5p/VEGFA axis was confirmed in retinal vascular dysfunction. The linc00174 deteriorates diabetic retinal microangiopathy via regulating miR-150-5p/VEGFA pathway, indicating a novel therapeutic target for DR treatment.

Fruits, vegetables, and health: A comprehensive narrative, umbrella review of the science and recommendations for enhanced public policy to improve intake.

Fruit and vegetables (F&V) have been a cornerstone of healthy dietary recommendations; the 2015-2020 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that F&V constitute one-half of the plate at each meal. F&V include a diverse collection of plant foods that vary in their energy, nutrient, and dietary bioactive contents. F&V have potential health-promoting effects beyond providing basic nutrition needs in humans, including their role in reducing inflammation and their potential preventive effects on various chronic disease states leading to decreases in years lost due to premature mortality and years lived with disability/morbidity. Current global intakes of F&V are well below recommendations. Given the importance of F&V for health, public policies that promote dietary interventions to help increase F&V intake are warranted. This externally commissioned expert comprehensive narrative, umbrella review summarizes up-to-date clinical and observational evidence on current intakes of F&V, discusses the available evidence on the potential health benefits of F&V, and offers implementation strategies to help ensure that public health messaging is reflective of current science. This review demonstrates that F&V provide benefits beyond helping to achieve basic nutrient requirements in humans. The scientific evidence for providing public health recommendations to increase F&V consumption for prevention of disease is strong. Current evidence suggests that F&V have the strongest effects in relation to prevention of CVDs, noting a nonlinear threshold effect of 800 g per day (i.e., about 5 servings a day). A growing body of clinical evidence (mostly small RCTs) demonstrates effects of specific F&V on certain chronic disease states; however, more research on the role of individual F&V for specific disease prevention strategies is still needed in many areas. Data from the systematic reviews and mostly observational studies cited in this report also support intake of certain types of F&V, particularly cruciferous vegetables, dark-green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and dark-colored berries, which have superior effects on biomarkers, surrogate endpoints, and outcomes of chronic disease.

Calcium Intake and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting evidence exists regarding potential cardiovascular risks associated with high levels of calcium intake. PURPOSE: To update and reanalyze 2 systematic reviews to examine the effects of calcium intake on cardiovascular disease (CVD) among generally healthy adults. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; Scopus, including EMBASE; and previous evidence reports from English-language publications from 1966 to July 2016. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized trials and prospective cohort and nested case-control studies with data on dietary or supplemental intake of calcium, with or without vitamin D, and cardiovascular outcomes. DATA EXTRACTION: Study characteristics and results extracted by 1 reviewer were confirmed by a second reviewer. Two raters independently assessed risk of bias. DATA SYNTHESIS: Overall risk of bias was low for the 4 randomized trials (in 10 publications) and moderate for the 27 observational studies included. The trials did not find statistically significant differences in risk for CVD events or mortality between groups receiving supplements of calcium or calcium plus vitamin D and those receiving placebo. Cohort studies showed no consistent dose-response relationships between total, dietary, or supplemental calcium intake levels and cardiovascular mortality and highly inconsistent dose-response relationships between calcium intake and risks for total stroke or stroke mortality. LIMITATIONS: CVD disease outcomes were secondary end points in all trials. Dose-response metaregression analysis of cohort studies was limited by potential confounding, ecological bias, and imprecise measures of calcium exposures. Data were scarce regarding very high calcium intake-that is, beyond recommended tolerable upper intake levels. CONCLUSION: Calcium intake within tolerable upper intake levels (2000 to 2500 mg/d) is not associated with CVD risk in generally healthy adults. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Creating a literature database of low-calorie sweeteners and health studies: evidence mapping.

BACKGROUND: Evidence mapping is an emerging tool used to systematically identify, organize and summarize the quantity and focus of scientific evidence on a broad topic, but there are currently no methodological standards. Using the topic of low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) and selected health outcomes, we describe the process of creating an evidence-map database and demonstrate several example descriptive analyses using this database. METHODS: The process of creating an evidence-map database is described in detail. The steps include: developing a comprehensive literature search strategy, establishing study eligibility criteria and a systematic study selection process, extracting data, developing outcome groups with input from expert stakeholders and tabulating data using descriptive analyses. The database was uploaded onto SRDR™ (Systematic Review Data Repository), an open public data repository. RESULTS: Our final LCS evidence-map database included 225 studies, of which 208 were interventional studies and 17 were cohort studies. An example bubble plot was produced to display the evidence-map data and visualize research gaps according to four parameters: comparison types, population baseline health status, outcome groups, and study sample size. This plot indicated a lack of studies assessing appetite and dietary intake related outcomes using LCS with a sugar intake comparison in people with diabetes. CONCLUSION: Evidence mapping is an important tool for the contextualization of in-depth systematic reviews within broader literature and identifies gaps in the evidence base, which can be used to inform future research. An open evidence-map database has the potential to promote knowledge translation from nutrition science to policy.

Prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma with bile duct tumor thrombus after R0 resection: a matched study.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with bile duct tumor thrombus (BDTT) is rare. The present study aimed to determine post-surgical prognoses in HCC patients with BDTT, as outcomes are currently unclear. METHODS: We compared the prognoses of 110 HCC patients without BDTT (group A) to 22 cases with BDTT (group B). The two groups were matched in age, gender, tumor etiology, size, number, portal vascular invasion, and TNM stage. Additionally, 28 HCC patients with BDTT were analyzed to identify prognostic risk factors. RESULTS: The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 90.9%, 66.9%, and 55.9% for group A and 81.8%, 50.0%, and 37.5% for group B, respectively. The median survival time in groups A and B was 68.8 and 31.4 months, respectively (P=0.043). The patients for group B showed higher levels of serum total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase, a larger hepatectomy range, and a higher rate of anatomical resection. In subgroup analyses of patients with BDTT who underwent R0 resection, TNM stage III-IV was an independent risk factor for overall survival; these patients had worse prognoses than those with TNM stage I-II after R0 resection (hazard ratio=6.056, P=0.014). Besides, univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that non-R0 resection and TNM stage III-IV were independent risk factors for both disease-free survival and overall survival of 28 HCC patients with BDTT. The median overall survival time of patients with BDTT who underwent R0 resection was longer than that of patients who did not undergo R0 resection (31.0 vs 4.0 months, P=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: R0 resection prolonged survival time in HCC patients with BDTT, although prognosis remains poor. For such patients, R0 resection is an important treatment that determines long-term survival.

Hepatoprotective diterpenoids from the roots of Salvia grandifolia.

One new diterpenoid, grandifolia G (1), together with a known diterpenoid (6,7,8,8a-tetrahydro-6,6-dimethyl-2-oxonaphtho[1,8-bc]furan-3-yl)-4-methylfuran-3-carboxylic acid (2), was isolated from 70% EtOH extract of root of Salvia grandifolia. Their structures were determined by UV, IR, HRESIMS, NMR spectra. Compounds 1 and 2 (10 µM) exhibited hepatoprotective activities (61 and 55%) against DL-galactosamine-induced cell damage in HL-7702 cells.

The anti-aging effects of Chlorella polysaccharide extract in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Chlorella has a variety of biological activities, and it is worth further exploring its pharmacological effects. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant and anti-ageing activities of Chlorella polysaccharide extract (CPE). Further studies revealed that CPE exhibited anti-ageing, and antioxidant activities in vivo, including an extended Caenorhabditis elegans stress resistance, decreased deposition of lipofuscin, and reduced effects of amyloid ß protein on mobility, decreased levels of reactive oxygen species and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, it dramatically increased the expression of anti-stress and longevity genes and reduced the expression of ageing-related genes; therefore, it was hypothesised that the mechanism of the age-delaying effect of CPE was related to the insulin signalling pathway. In summary, CPE could delay ageing and provide a new avenue for the application and development of CPE.

Global distribution of zoonotic digenetic trematodes: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Digenetic trematodes, including blood flukes, intestinal flukes, liver flukes, lung flukes, and pancreatic flukes, are highly diverse and distributed widely. They affect at least 200 million people worldwide, so better understanding of their global distribution and prevalence are crucial for controlling and preventing human trematodiosis. Hence, this scoping review aims to conduct a comprehensive investigation on the spatio-temporal distribution and epidemiology of some important zoonotic digenetic trematodes. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases for articles, reviews, and case reports of zoonotic digenetic trematodes, without any restrictions on the year of publication. We followed the inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify relevant studies. And relevant information of the identified studies were collected and summarized. RESULTS: We identified a total of 470 articles that met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review finally. Our analysis revealed the prevalence and global distribution of species in Schistosoma, Echinostoma, Isthmiophora, Echinochasmus, Paragonimus, Opisthorchiidae, Fasciolidae, Heterophyidae, and Eurytrema. Although some flukes are distributed worldwide, developing countries in Asia and Africa are still the most prevalent areas. Furthermore, there were some overlaps between the distribution of zoonotic digenetic trematodes from the same genus, and the prevalence of some zoonotic digenetic trematodes was not entirely consistent with their global distribution. The temporal disparities in zoonotic digenetic trematodes may attribute to the environmental changes. The gaps in our knowledge of the epidemiology and control of zoonotic digenetic trematodes indicate the need for large cohort studies in most countries. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides important insights into the prevalence and global distribution of some zoonotic digenetic trematodes, firstly reveals spatio-temporal disparities in these digenetic trematodes. Countries with higher prevalence rate could be potential sources of transmitting diseases to other areas and are threat for possible outbreaks in the future. Therefore, continued global efforts to control and prevent human trematodiosis, and more international collaborations are necessary in the future.

Highway proximity associated with cardiovascular disease risk: the influence of individual-level confounders and exposure misclassification.

BACKGROUND: Elevated cardiovascular disease risk has been reported with proximity to highways or busy roadways, but proximity measures can be challenging to interpret given potential confounders and exposure error. METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional analysis of plasma levels of C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha receptor II (TNF-RII) and fibrinogen with distance of residence to a highway in and around Boston, Massachusetts. Distance was assigned using ortho-photo corrected parcel matching, as well as less precise approaches such as simple parcel matching and geocoding addresses to street networks. We used a combined random and convenience sample of 260 adults >40 years old. We screened a large number of individual-level variables including some infrequently collected for assessment of highway proximity, and included a subset in our final regression models. We monitored ultrafine particle (UFP) levels in the study areas to help interpret proximity measures. RESULTS: Using the orthophoto corrected geocoding, in a fully adjusted model, hsCRP and IL-6 differed by distance category relative to urban background: 43% (-16%,141%) and 49% (6%,110%) increase for 0-50 m; 7% (-39%,45%) and 41% (6%,86%) for 50-150 m; 54% (-2%,142%) and 18% (-11%,57%) for 150-250 m, and 49% (-4%, 131%) and 42% (6%, 89%) for 250-450 m. There was little evidence for association for TNF-RII or fibrinogen. Ortho-photo corrected geocoding resulted in stronger associations than traditional methods which introduced differential misclassification. Restricted analysis found the effect of proximity on biomarkers was mostly downwind from the highway or upwind where there was considerable local street traffic, consistent with patterns of monitored UFP levels. CONCLUSION: We found associations between highway proximity and both hsCRP and IL-6, with non-monotonic patterns explained partly by individual-level factors and differences between proximity and UFP concentrations. Our analyses emphasize the importance of controlling for the risk of differential exposure misclassification from geocoding error.

[BRPF2, a novel transcript of BRPF1 and their expression in mice tissues].

In order to identify a novel transcript of BRPF1 (BRPF2), a clone separated from mouse cDNA library was sequenced and submitted to GenBank. The expressions of BRPF1 and BRPF2 in different mice tissues were detected using RT-PCR and Northern blotting assays. The preliminary protein functions and conservative domains were analyzed by bioinformatic methods. The results indicated that BRPF2 was a novel transcript of BRPF1. Both BRPF1 and BRPF2 transcripts could be detected in most mice tissues, including liver, embryo, epididymis, testis, ovary and muscle. However, only BRPF2 transcript could be detected in the spleen. BRPF1 mRNA encoded 1 246 aa and the predicted molecular mass was 140 kDa, while BRPF2 encoded 442 aa, partly owing to the absence of a new stop codon. The results of CDD analysis suggested that BRPF2 lost the bromodomain and the PWWP domain compared to BRPF1. Because the bromodomain and the PWWP domain are the critical structures of BRPF1 to interact with histones and recruit the other transcriptional factors, BRPF2 (without these two critical domains) may serve as a negative regulatory factor of BRPF1 and be involved in the chromosome remodeling and transcriptional regulating.

Risk factors for difficult mask ventilation and difficult intubation among patients undergoing pharyngeal and laryngeal surgery.

Background: The prediction of difficult mask ventilation (DMV) and difficult intubation (DI) are key questions in anesthesia fields. DMV or DI related to pharyngeal and laryngeal diseases are a special kind of difficult airways. However, there is a lack of risk factors for prediction. Methods: This study retrospectively collected data from patients who were admitted to the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University from May 2014 to May 2018 and underwent laryngopharyngeal surgery under general anesthesia. Results: A total of 126 patients were included. Twenty patients suffered from DMV. Preoperative laryngeal obstruction classification (OR = 7.46, 95% CI: 2.56-21.76, P < 0.001) and airway patency after sevoflurane inhalation (OR = 10.96, 95% CI: 2.70-44.43, p = 0.001) were independently associated with DMV. Seventy-six patients could be intubated at the first attempt. Preoperative laryngeal obstruction grade (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.13-0.62, P = 0.002), neoplasm size (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.22-0.82, P = 0.011), and airway patency after sevoflurane inhalation (OR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.05-0.36, P < 0.001) were independently associated with first-attempt successful intubation. Conclusion: Among patients with pharyngeal and laryngeal diseases, the degree of laryngeal obstruction before the operation and the degree of airway obstruction after inhaling sevoflurane are the risk factors of DMV. The degree of laryngeal obstruction before the operation, airway obstruction after inhaling sevoflurane, and the neoplasm size are the risk factors of DI.

Expression, purification and characterization of a human single-chain Fv antibody fragment fused with the Fc of an IgG1 targeting a rabies antigen in Pichia pastoris.

Because the demand for rabies post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment has increased exponentially in recent years, the limited supply of human and equine rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG and ERIG) has failed to provide an adequate amount of the required passive immune component in PEP in countries where canine rabies is endemic. The replacement of HRIG and ERIG with a potentially cheaper and efficacious alternative biological for the treatment of rabies in humans, therefore, remains a high priority. In this study, we set out to assess a human single-chain Fv antibody fragment fused with the Fc of an IgG1 targeting a rabies antigen to develop a product that can be used as a component of the PEP cocktail. We cloned the ScFv fragment from a human ScFv library that was established previously and inserted this fragment into the expression vector pPICZαC/Fc. An active recombinant ScFv-Fc fusion protein was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris. The production of ScFv-Fc was optimized and scaled up in an 80L fermentor with yields exceeding 60mg/L. The ScFv-Fc protein was purified to more than 95% purity using a two-step scheme: ammonium sulfate fractionation and Protein A Sepharose CL-4B. The ScFv-Fc fusion protein neutralized rabies virus in a standard in vivo neutralization assay in which the virus was incubated with the ScFv-Fc molecules before intracranial inoculation in mice. Our results suggest that functional antibodies can be produced in P. pastoris and that ScFv-Fc fusion proteins have the potential to serve as therapeutic candidates.

Mutant soluble ectodomain of fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 IIIc attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.

We have developed a strong inhibitor (S252W mutant soluble ectodomain of fibroblast growth factor recptor-2 IIIc, msFGFR2) that binds FGFs strongly and blocks the activation of FGFRs. In vitro, msFGFR2 could inhibit the promoting effect of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 on the proliferation of primary lung fibroblasts. In vivo, msFGFR2 alleviated lung fibrosis through inhibiting the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and collagen deposit. In Western blotting of the right lung tissues and immunohistochemical assay, we found the level of p-FGFRs, p-mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and p-Smad3 in the mice of bleomycin (BLM) group treated with msFGFR2 was down dramatically compared with the mice of BLM group, which suggested the activations of FGF and TGF-ß signals were blocked meanwhile. In summary, msFGFR2 attenuated BLM-induced fibrosis and is an attractive therapeutic candidate for human pulmonary fibrosis.

Inhibitory effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on ovarian cancer metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Ginsenosides are main components extracted from ginseng, and ginsenoside Rg3 is one of the most important parts. Ginsenoside Rg3 has been found to inhibit several kinds of tumor growth and metastasis. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on human ovarian cancer metastasis and the possible mechanism. METHODS: The experimental lung metastasis models of ovarian cancer SKOV-3 and the assay of tumor-induced angiogenesis were used to observe the inhibitory effects of Rg3 on tumor metastasis and angiogenesis. The effect of Rg3 on invasive ability of SKOV-3 cells in vitro was detected by Boyden chamber, and immunofluorescence staining was used to recognize the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in SKOV-3 cells. RESULTS: In the experimental lung metastasis models of ovarian cancer, the number of tumor colonies in the lung and vessels oriented toward the tumor mass in each ginsenoside Rg3 group, was lower than that of control group. The invasive ability and MMP-9 expression of SKOV-3 cells decreased significantly after treatment with ginsenoside Rg3. CONCLUSIONS: Ginsenoside Rg3 can significantly inhibit the metastasis of ovarian cancer. The inhibitory effect is partially due to inhibition of tumor-induced angiogenesis and decrease of invasive ability and MMP-9 expression of SKOV-3 cells.

Research Priorities for Studies Linking Intake of Low-Calorie Sweeteners and Potentially Related Health Outcomes: Research Methodology and Study Design.

Background: In a world of finite research funding, efforts to prioritize future research topics are increasingly necessary. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify and prioritize the direction of future research in the broad area of low-calorie sweetener (LCS) intake and potentially related health outcomes by using a novel method that incorporates evidence mapping in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Future Research Needs (FRN) process. Methods: A diverse expert stakeholder panel was convened and engaged to identify research gaps and prioritize future research needs. An independent research team hosted a number of interactive webinars and elicited feedback through surveys and individual interviews with the stakeholder panel, which included policymakers, lay audience members, health providers, a research funder, individuals with food industry experience, and researchers of several different specialties. Results: The stakeholder panel generated and ranked a list of 18 FRN questions across 5 broad research areas. Overall, stakeholder panel members unanimously agreed that the research questions that will have the largest public health impact are those that address outcomes related to body weight, appetite, and dietary intake. Although the LCSs included in this FRN project have all been Generally Recognized as Safe by the FDA or approved as food additives, the recurrent concerns and confusions with regard to the "safety" of LCSs by consumers underscore the importance of communicating the science to the general public. Conclusion: Our project provides evidence that engaging a diverse expert stakeholder panel is an effective method of translating gaps in nutrition research into prioritized areas of future research.

Maillard reaction products and potatoes: have the benefits been clearly assessed?

Cooking foods affords numerous food safety benefits. During heating, Maillard reaction products (MRPs) are formed. MRPs contribute sensory aspects to food, including color, taste, and texture. One MRP, acrylamide, has been implicated in negative health outcomes; however, emerging data suggests MRPs may also deliver certain health benefits. The food industry has taken steps to decrease acrylamide formation, but the perception that high levels of acrylamide compromise the nutritional benefit of certain foods has continued. Potatoes are susceptible to MRP formation during cooking but also are considered an affordable, high nutrient content food. In particular, potatoes contribute significantly to fiber and potassium intakes in the U.S. population, two nutrients of need. How, then, should potatoes be judged for effects on health? A structured evidence assessment was conducted to identify literature, specifically clinical trials, on MRPs from potatoes and health, as well as nutritional contribution of potatoes. The results indicate limited human clinical data are available on negative health outcomes of potato-based MRPs, whereas potatoes are important contributors of key nutrients, such as fiber and potassium. Therefore, a balanced benefit-risk approach is warranted in order to assure that decreasing consumption of certain foods, like potatoes, does not lead to unintended consequences of nutrition inadequacies.

Trans fatty acids and cholesterol levels: An evidence map of the available science.

High intakes of industrial trans fatty acids (iTFA) increase circulating low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, which has implicated iTFA in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Published data on iTFA and LDL-C, however, represent higher intake levels than the U.S. population currently consume. This study used state-of-the-art evidence mapping approaches to characterize the full body of literature on LDL-C and iTFA at low intake levels. A total of 32 independent clinical trials that included at least one intervention or control group with iTFA at ≤3%en were found. Findings indicated that a wide range of oils and interventions were used, limiting the ability to determine an isolated effect of iTFA intake. Few data points were found for iTFA at <3%en, with the majority of low-level exposures actually representing control group interventions containing non-partially hydrogenated (PHO) oils. Further, it appears that few dose-response data points are available to assess the relationship of low levels of iTFA, particularly from PHO exposure, and LDL-C. Therefore, limited evidence is available to determine the effect of iTFA at current consumption levels on CHD risk.

Development of a Publicly Available, Comprehensive Database of Fiber and Health Outcomes: Rationale and Methods.

BACKGROUND: Dietary fiber is a broad category of compounds historically defined as partially or completely indigestible plant-based carbohydrates and lignin with, more recently, the additional criteria that fibers incorporated into foods as additives should demonstrate functional human health outcomes to receive a fiber classification. Thousands of research studies have been published examining fibers and health outcomes. OBJECTIVES: (1) Develop a database listing studies testing fiber and physiological health outcomes identified by experts at the Ninth Vahouny Conference; (2) Use evidence mapping methodology to summarize this body of literature. This paper summarizes the rationale, methodology, and resulting database. The database will help both scientists and policy-makers to evaluate evidence linking specific fibers with physiological health outcomes, and identify missing information. METHODS: To build this database, we conducted a systematic literature search for human intervention studies published in English from 1946 to May 2015. Our search strategy included a broad definition of fiber search terms, as well as search terms for nine physiological health outcomes identified at the Ninth Vahouny Fiber Symposium. Abstracts were screened using a priori defined eligibility criteria and a low threshold for inclusion to minimize the likelihood of rejecting articles of interest. Publications then were reviewed in full text, applying additional a priori defined exclusion criteria. The database was built and published on the Systematic Review Data Repository (SRDR™), a web-based, publicly available application. CONCLUSIONS: A fiber database was created. This resource will reduce the unnecessary replication of effort in conducting systematic reviews by serving as both a central database archiving PICO (population, intervention, comparator, outcome) data on published studies and as a searchable tool through which this data can be extracted and updated.