[Relationship between nutrient-related dietary pattern and mild cognitive impairment in middle-aged and elderly people in 15 provinces of China].

Objective: To explore the relationship between nutrient-related dietary pattern and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in middle-aged and elderly people. Methods: A total of 6 444 middle-aged and elderly people aged ≥55 years were selected in 2018 China Health and Nutrition Survey. MCI was evaluated by Mini-Mental State Examination, and the intakes of various foods were obtained by consecutive 3-day 24-hour dietary survey and weighing method. The intakes of various nutrients and total dietary energy were calculated based on the food composition table. Demographic and social information, lifestyle and health status of the respondents were obtained through questionnaire survey and physical measurements. In this study, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, iron, copper and selenium were selected as dependent variables. Nutrient-related dietary patterns were extracted by reduced rank regression method, and the relationship between dietary patterns and MCI was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Six dietary patterns were extracted in this study, and dietary pattern 1 with the highest explanatory degree was selected for subsequent analysis. Dietary pattern 1 was characterized by higher intakes of legume products, vegetables, fruits, nuts, pork, aquatic products and plant oil. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of MCI was lower in Q4 dietary score group than in Q1 dietary score group (OR=0.69, 95%CI: 0.49-0.98) in the 55-64 age group. In people with sleep duration of 8 hours per day, the risk of MCI was reduced in Q2, Q3 and Q4 dietary score groups compared with the Q1 dietary score group, with OR values of 0.68 (95%CI: 0.51-0.92), 0.67 (95%CI: 0.49-0.92) and 0.65 (95%CI: 0.45-0.92), respectively. Interaction analysis showed that the risk for MCI increased in those aged 65-74 years and ≥75 years compared with those aged 55-64 years in Q1 dietary score group. However, the risk for MCI decreased in both age groups as dietary pattern scores increased. Compared with those with sleep duration less or more than 8 hours per day in Q1 dietary score group, those with sleep duration of 8 hours per day in Q2 and Q3 dietary score groups had a reduced risk for MCI. Conclusion: Dietary patterns with higher intakes of legume products, vegetables, fruits, nuts, pork, aquatic products, and plant oil are negatively associated with MCI in people aged 55-64 years and those who slept 8 hours per day, and may reduce the risk of MCI with aging.

A new direct compression mechanism of structural transition in Poria cocos extract composite particles.

The structural transition to generate amorphous translucent grains in Poria cocos dry extract (PCE) composite particles was found and studied as a new direct compression mechanism. The pressure and displacement sensing techniques were used to obtained stress-strain profiles during compression. The Exponential function, Kawakita model, Shapiro model and Heckel model were used to analysis mechanical properties of powders. 12 parameters derived from compression models and powder physical properties were applied to partial least squares method (PLS) for analyzing powder compression mechanism. It was found that only the oven-dried PCE composite particles undergoes the structural transition and generate translucent grains scattered and embedded in tablet, and these tablets have excellent mechanical stability. The structural transition in plant dry extract as the PCE composite particles could be exploited to improve powder compression and tabletability.

[Mechanism of Fuke Qianjin Capsules in treating intrauterine adhesion in rats through TGF-ß1-PI3K/Akt signaling pathway].

To explore the effect of Fuke Qianjin Capsules on anti-endometrial fibrosis in intrauterine adhesion(IUA) rats through TGF-ß1-PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway. With female SD rats as the object, IUA rat models were established through mechanical injury and infection, and they were randomly divided into normal group, sham operation group, Bujiale group(0.63 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and high-dose Fuke Qianjin Capsules group(1.008 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), medium-dose Fuke Qianjin Capsules group(0.504 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), low-dose Fuke Qianjin Capsules group(0.252 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)). The rats were sacrificed 21 days after drug administration, and the uterus and liver were removed after blood collection from the abdominal aorta. The morphology of the uterus was observed with the naked eyes; the pathological and morphological changes of the uterine tissue and liver were observed by HE staining; the degree of fibrosis of the uterine tissue was observed by Masson staining; the expressions of TGF-ß1, TNF-α and IL-6 in serum were detected; the expressions of TGF-ß1, PI3 K, Akt, p-Akt protein in uterine tissue were detected by Western blot. The results showed that Fuke Qianjin Capsules could improve the pathological changes of uterine tissues in IUA rats, without damage to liver tissues, and reduce the expressions of TGF-ß1, TNF-α and IL-6 in serum(P<0.01); significantly reduce TGF-ß1, PI3 K, p-Akt protein expression in uterine tissues(P<0.05, P<0.01). It is indicated that Fuke Qianjin Capsules could exert the anti-endometrial fibrosis effect by regulating the TGF-ß1-PI3 K/Akt signal pathway, so as to achieve the effect in treating IUA rats, especially with the best effect in medium-dose Fuke Qianjin Capsules group.

Effect of Protein Supplementation Combined with Resistance Training on Muscle Mass, Strength and Function in the Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The loss of muscle mass, strength and function associated with increasing age has various health ramifications, including the elevated risk for falls, fractures, frailty, poor quality of life, and mortality. Several studies have confirmed the effects of protein supplementation and RT (resistance training) for this age-related change independently, but whether a combination of the two produces a stronger effect remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore whether a combination of protein supplementation and RT leads to reduction of muscle mass, strength and function in the elderly. METHODS: We retrieved RCTs (randomized controlled trials) reporting the effects of protein supplementation combined with RT on muscle mass, strength and function in the elderly, published before May 2018 through PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and manual searches. RESULTS: Twenty-one RCTs were included, involving 1,249 participants. The results showed that protein supplementation combine with RT significantly enhances the muscle mass and strength of the older adults, where FFM (fat-free mass) increased by 0.23 kg (95% CI: 0.09, 0.38; P=0.002), ASMM (appendicular skeletal muscle mass) by 0.39 kg (95% CI: 0.14, 0.64; P=0.002), handgrip strength by 0.29 kg (95% CI: 0.08, 0.50; P=0.008), knee extension strength by 0.27 kg (95% CI: 0.06, 0.47; P=0.013), leg press strength by 0.33 kg (95% CI: 0.01, 0.64; P=0.04), but no significant effects were seen on muscle function. CONCLUSION: Compared to simple RT, protein supplementation combine with RT is more effective in enhancing the muscle mass and strength in the elderly, and the findings do not support the benefit of combination treatment for muscle function.

[Clinical features and short-term prognosis of Holmes' tremor].

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics and short-term prognosis of Holmes' tremor (HT) patients. Methods: The clinical and imaging data of HT patients in 5 teaching hospitals between January 2014 and January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, and Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (TRS) was used to compare the clinical severity and short-term prognosis between the different subtypes. Results: (1) The time from primary disease to tremor onset was 2 days to 20 months (median time 29 d) in 23 patients with HT enrolled, and the most common cause of HT was cerebrovascular disease (78.3%). (2) The most common involved locations were midbrain (65.2%), thalamus (47.8%) and cerebellum (30.4%). No significant difference in total TRS scores between the isolated lesion group (12 cases) and multiple lesions group (11 cases) (P=0.57), while the scores of the mesencephalic group (15 cases) was significantly higher than the non-mesencephalic group (8 cases) (P=0.00). (3) One case was treated with deep brain stimulation (DBS), while 22 cases were treated with medical therapy. Levodopa combined with clonazepam (7/12) and single levodopa (9/20) were partially effective. (4) At the 3-month follow-up after discharge, patients received DBS had good prognosis. Among the 22 patients treated with medicine, only 8 (36.4%) patients had good outcomes. The short-term prognosis was not significantly different between the isolated and multiple lesion groups (P=0.40), while it was worse in the mesencephalic group than the non-mesencephalic group (P=0.02). Conclusion: The most common cause of HT is cerebrovascular disease, and primary lesions are midbrain, thalamus, and cerebellum. The pharmacologic agents are partially valid for disease control of HT and the short-term prognosis is poor, while the patients with mesencephalic involvement have more severe tremor and worse prognosis.

Soil microbial community structure in the rhizosphere of Robinia pseudoacacia L. seedlings exposed to elevated air temperature and cadmium-contaminated soils for 4 years.

The co-occurrence of heavy metal contamination of soils and increasing air temperature can affect the microbial community in rhizosphere soils by altering the allocation of plant photosynthates to roots. Here, we investigated the community structure of bacteria, fungi, ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and ammonia oxidizing archaea (AOA) in the rhizosphere of Robinia pseudoacacia L. seedlings exposed to elevated air temperature (+1.99 °C) and cadmium (Cd) for 4 years. Elevated temperature increased the richness of bacterial and AOA communities by 15.1% to 43.8% and by 1.4% to 18.6%, respectively, and decreased fungal and AOB richness by 3.7% to 28.7% and by 2.1% to 30.6%, respectively, under Cd exposure. Elevated temperature combined with Cd exposure decreased fungal diversity by 1.5% to 14.0%. However, elevated temperature decreased the diversity of bacteria, AOB and AOA by 1.4%, 17.4% and 10.1%, respectively, under 1.0 mg Cd kg-1 dry soil and increased the diversity of these taxa by 1.5%, 15.3% and 9.2%, respectively, under 5.0 mg Cd kg-1 dry soil relative to Cd exposure alone. Elevated temperature led to increased abundance of genera such as Methylobacterium, Stenotrophomonas, and Archangium and decreased abundance of genera including Ramlibacter, Microascus and Nitrosospira under Cd exposure. Over all, 4 years of exposure to elevated temperature had a greater effect on the community structure of bacteria, fungi, AOB and AOA when combined with Cd pollution.

Berberine Ameliorates Periodontal Bone Loss by Regulating Gut Microbiota.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) is a risk factor for periodontitis, and current therapeutics against PMO prevent the aggravated alveolar bone loss of periodontitis in estrogen-deficient women. Gut microbiota is recognized as a promising therapeutic target for PMO. Berberine extracted from Chinese medicinal plants has shown its effectiveness in the treatment of metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes via regulating gut microbiota. Here, we hypothesize that berberine ameliorates periodontal bone loss by improving the intestinal barriers by regulating gut microbiota under an estrogen-deficient condition. Experimental periodontitis was established in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, and the OVX-periodontitis rats were treated with berberine for 7 wk before sacrifice for analyses. Micro-computed tomography and histologic analyses showed that berberine treatment significantly reduced alveolar bone loss and improved bone metabolism of OVX-periodontitis rats as compared with the vehicle-treated OVX-periodontitis rats. In parallel, berberine-treated OVX-periodontitis rats harbored a higher abundance of butyrate-producing gut microbiota with elevated butyrate generation, as demonstrated by 16S rRNA sequencing and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Berberine-treated OVX-periodontitis rats consistently showed improved intestinal barrier integrity and decreased intestinal paracellular permeability with a lower level of serum endotoxin. In parallel, IL-17A-related immune responses were attenuated in berberine-treated OVX-periodontitis rats with a lower serum level of proinflammatory cytokines and reduced IL-17A+ cells in alveolar bone as compared with vehicle-treated OVX-periodontitis rats. Our data indicate that gut microbiota is a potential target for the treatment of estrogen deficiency-aggravated periodontal bone loss, and berberine represents a promising adjuvant therapeutic by modulating gut microbiota.

Discrete Superconducting Phases in FeSe-Derived Superconductors.

A general feature of unconventional superconductors is the existence of a superconducting dome in the phase diagram. Here we report a series of discrete superconducting phases in the simplest iron-based superconductor, FeSe thin flakes, by continuously tuning the carrier concentration through the intercalation of Li and Na ions with a solid ionic gating technique. Such discrete superconducting phases are robust against the substitution of 20% S for Se, but they are vulnerable to the substitution of 2% Cu for Fe, highlighting the importance of the iron site being intact. The superconducting phase diagram for FeSe derivatives is given, which is distinct from that of other unconventional superconductors.

In Metastatic Non-small cell Lung Cancer Platinum-Based Treated Patients, Herbal Treatment Improves the Quality of Life. A Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background: According to clinical experience, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbs added to platinum-based therapy (PBT) improve the Quality of Life (QOL) in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, but this must be prospectively validated. Patients and Methods: Based on clinical impressions regarding the effect of adding TCM herbs to platinum-based chemotherapy, we anticipated that 2 × 21 patients would be sufficient to obtain significant results with an α < 0.05 and power (1 - ß) of 90%. To be on the safe side, we enrolled at least 28 patients in each group. In a prospective randomized controlled trial, 61 uniquely defined consecutive patients (PBT+PLACEBO, N = 32; PBT+TCM, N = 29) with stage IIIB-IV, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance scores (PS) = 0-1 and TCM syndrome combined Qi-Yin deficiency were enrolled. These 61 patients were selected from originally 154 consecutive stage IIIB-IV lung cancer patients in the enrollment period. Patients were hospitalized and strictly controlled/surveyed during the entire 2-month treatment period, to guarantee use of or abstinence from TCM herbal and placebo fluids. Occurrence of nausea-vomiting, QOL by Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (FACT-L) scales and changes in ECOG "improved and stable rates" were compared before and after two treatment cycles. Results: Before treatment, the clinico-pathologic and QOL features in PBT+PLACEBO and PBT+TCM patients did not differ (P > 0.10). The only side effects attributed by some of the patients to the TCM herbs were transient, mild gastric/abdominal heaviness in the first 2 weeks, but these also occurred amongst the PBT+PLACEBO patients (17 and 13%, P > 0.10). The incidence rates of nausea during treatment were 17% in PBT+TCM versus 75% in PBT+PLACEBO; vomiting rates were 14 and 56% (P < 0.0001 and 0.002). Moreover, ECOG "improved and stable rates" were 90% in the PBT+TCM versus 69% in the PBT+PLACEBO group (P = 0.04). In PBT+TCM patients, FACT-L social/familial and functional subscales were better after 2 months' treatment (P = 0.02 and 0.03). Contrarily, in PBT+PLACEBO patients, the QOL variables total score, physical and emotional subscales were worse after PBT treatment (P = 0.03, 0.0001, and 0.003). Conclusion: In stage IIIB-IV ECOG-PS = 0-1 NSCLC patients with Qi-Yin deficiency and platinum-based chemotherapy, adding TCM herbal medication improves the QOL. As this category of patients constitutes 40% of all metastatic NSCLCs, these results could have significant clinical impact.

Leaf defense system of Robinia pseudoacacia L. seedlings exposed to 3years of elevated atmospheric CO2 and Cd-contaminated soils.

Short-term exposure to elevated CO2 increases cadmium (Cd) uptake in some plant species (wheat, poplars, and willows), which triggers an increase in antioxidative system activity to deal with additional reactive oxygen species that are generated. Here, we examined leaf defenses in Robinia pseudoacacia L. seedlings exposed to elevated CO2+Cd for 3years. Three years of elevated CO2 decreased Cd uptake into leaves and the Cd content in soils and increased the pH of rhizosphere soil relative to ambient CO2. In plants exposed to Cd stress, leaf chlorophyll content was greater under elevated CO2 than under ambient CO2. Superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activity increased, glutathione content increased, and malondialdehyde and phytochelatins contents decreased under elevated CO2+Cd relative to Cd alone. Proline, soluble sugars, flavonoids, saponins, and phenolic acids contents were greater under elevated CO2+Cd than under Cd alone, and condensed tannin content was lower. Overall, long-term elevation of CO2 enhanced the leaf defense system of R. pseudoacacia exposed to Cd by stimulating antioxidant enzyme activity, osmotic adjustment, and the production of glutathione, flavonoids and phenolic acids. Future research should focus on understanding the mechanisms involved in the decrease in Cd uptake into leaves and Cd content in soils and the increase in rhizosphere soil pH under long-term exposure to elevated CO2.

Growth under elevated air temperature alters secondary metabolites in Robinia pseudoacacia L. seedlings in Cd- and Pb-contaminated soils.

Plant secondary metabolites play a pivotal role in growth regulation, antioxidant activity, pigment development, and other processes. As the global climate changes, increasing atmospheric temperatures and contamination of soil by heavy metals co-occur in natural ecosystems, which alters the pH of rhizosphere soil and influences the bioavailability and mobility of metals. Elevated temperatures in combination with heavy metals are expected to affect plant secondary metabolites, but this issue has not been extensively examined. Here, we investigated secondary metabolites in Robiniapseudoacacia seedlings exposed to elevated temperatures using a passive warming device in combination with Cd- and Pb-contaminated soils. Heavy metals significantly stimulated the accumulation of saponins, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids in leaves and stems; alkaloid compounds increased in leaves and decreased in stems, and condensed tannins fluctuated. Elevated temperatures, alone and in combination with Cd and Pb, caused increases in secondary metabolites in the plant tissues. Phenolic compounds showed the greatest changes among the secondary metabolites and significant interactive effects of temperature and metals were observed. These results suggest that slightly elevated temperature could enhance protective and defense mechanisms of Robinia pseudoacacia seedlings exposed to heavy metals by stimulating the production of secondary metabolites.

Polycatechol nanosheet: a superior nanocarrier for highly effective chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy in vivo.

The integration of phototherapy and chemotherapy in a single system holds great promise to improve the therapeutic efficacy of tumor treatment, but it remains a key challenge. In this study, we describe our recent finding that polycatechol nanosheet (PCCNS) can be facilely prepared on a large scale via chemical polymerization at 4 °C, as an effective nanocarrier for loading high-density CuS nanocrystals as a photothermal agent. The resulting CuS/PCCNS nanocomposites exhibit good biocompatibility, strong stability, and a high photothermal conversion efficiency of ∼45.7%. The subsequent loading of anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) creates a superior theranostic agent with pH- and heat-responsive drug release, leading to almost complete destruction of mouse cervical tumor under NIR laser irradiation. This development offers an attractive theranostic agent for in vivo chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy toward biomedical applications.

A survey of outcomes and management of patients post fragility fractures in China.

UNLABELLED: We found that the fragility hip and vertebral fractures caused excess mortality rates in this Chinese female population, which was unexpectedly lower than those in western countries and other Asian countries. This was the first nationwide survey relating to post-fracture outcomes conducted among Chinese population in Mainland China. INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the mortality, self-care ability, diagnosis, and medication treatment of osteoporosis following fragility hip and vertebral fractures through a nationwide survey among female patients aged over 50 in Mainland China. METHODS: This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study based on medical chart review and patient questionnaire. Female patients aged 50 or older admitted for low-trauma hip or vertebral fractures and discharged from Jan 1, 2008 to Dec 31, 2012 were followed. RESULTS: Total of 1151 subjects of hip fracture and 842 subjects of vertebral fracture were included. The mean age was 73.4 ± 10.0, and the median of duration from index fracture to interview was 2.6 years. The overall 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year, and 5-year cumulative mortality rates were 3.5, 7.0, 11.2, 13.1, and 16.9 %, respectively. The first year mortality rates in hip (3.8 %, 95% CI 3.3-4.4 %) and vertebral fracture (3.1 %, 95% CI 2.5-3.7 %) were significantly higher than that in the general population (1.6 %). Impaired self-care ability was observed in 33.2, 40.6, and 23.8 % of overall, hip fracture, and vertebral fracture group, respectively. The overall diagnosis rate of osteoporosis was 56.8 %, and bone mineral density (BMD) measurement had never been conducted in 42.0 % among these women. After the index fracture, 69.6 % of them received supplements and/or anti-osteoporotic medications, among which 39.6 % only received calcium with/without vitamin D supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: The osteoporotic hip and vertebral fractures caused excess mortality rates in this population of Mainland China. The current diagnosis and medical treatment following the fragility fractures is still insufficient in Mainland China.

Agriculture facilitated permanent human occupation of the Tibetan Plateau after 3600 B.P.

Our understanding of when and how humans adapted to living on the Tibetan Plateau at altitudes above 2000 to 3000 meters has been constrained by a paucity of archaeological data. Here we report data sets from the northeastern Tibetan Plateau indicating that the first villages were established only by 5200 calendar years before the present (cal yr B.P.). Using these data, we tested the hypothesis that a novel agropastoral economy facilitated year-round living at higher altitudes since 3600 cal yr B.P. This successful subsistence strategy facilitated the adaptation of farmers-herders to the challenges of global temperature decline during the late Holocene.

A 90-day oral toxicity study on a new strain of Lactobacillus paracasei in rats.

Lactobacillus paracasei is a species of bacteria that has been suggested to have probiotic benefits. To investigate the subchronic toxicity of L. paracasei GW080, a 90-feeding study was conducted in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (10 rats/sex/group) and treated with 0, 1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 g/kg body weight (approximately equivalent to 0, 2.5×10(9), 5.0×10(9) and 1×10(10)cfu/kg bw) of test material by gavage for 90 days. Daily clinical observations and weekly measurement of body weights and food consumption were conducted. Blood samples were obtained on day 46 and day 91 for the measurement of hematology and clinical chemistry parameters. Animals were euthanized for necropsy. Selected organs were weighted and recorded. Histological examination was performed on all tissues from animals in the control and high dose groups. No mortality, body weight, food consumption or treatment-related findings in clinical observations, macroscopic or microscopic examinations were observed. Differences between treated and control groups in some hematology and clinical chemistry parameters were not considered treatment-related. The no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for L. paracasei GM080 was considered to be 5.0 g/kg body weight (approximately equivalent to 1×10(10)cfu/kg bw) for both genders, the highest dose tested.

Antioxidant and B vitamin intake in relation to cognitive function in later life in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies provide some evidence for an association between intake of antioxidants and B vitamins, and cognitive function in later life, but intervention studies have not provided clear evidence of beneficial effects. The possibility that those with higher cognitive ability during earlier adult life consume more nutrient-rich diets in later life could provide an alternative explanation for the associations seen in observational studies. METHODS: Survey of 1091 men and women born in 1936 living in Edinburgh, Scotland, in whom previous cognitive ability was available from intelligence quotient (IQ) measurements at age 11 years. At age 70 years, participants carried out a range of cognitive tests and completed a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). RESULTS: A total of 882 participants returned completed FFQs from which intake of ß-carotene, vitamin C, B12, folate and riboflavin was estimated. IQ at age 11 years was positively associated with dietary intake of vitamin C (P=0.048) and inversely associated with dietary intake of riboflavin (P<0.001) at age 70 years, and was higher in those taking folate supplements at age 70 years (P<0.005). Weak associations between intake of vitamins B12, C, riboflavin and folate and cognitive performance at age 70 years were attenuated by adjustment for confounding variables, including IQ at age 11 years. In the fully adjusted models, the proportion of total variance in cognitive function at age 70 years accounted for by intake of these nutrients was less than 1%. CONCLUSION: These results provide no evidence for a clinically significant beneficial association between intake of these antioxidants and B vitamins, and cognitive function at age 70 years.

A subchronic oral toxicity study of almond skins in rats.

Almond skins have been suggested to have some potential benefits. To investigate the subchronic toxicity of almond skins, a 90-feeding study was conducted in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (20 rats/sex/group) and received a diet containing 0%, 2.5%, 5.0% and 10% (w/w) almond skins for 90 days. Daily clinical observations and weekly measurement of body weights and food consumption were conducted. Ophthalmic examinations were performed at pre-test and termination. Blood samples were obtained on day 46 and day 91 for the measurement of hematology, coagulation and clinical chemistry parameters. Urine samples were collected on day 91 for urinalysis. Animals were euthanized for necropsy. Selected organs were weighted and recorded. Histological examination was performed on all tissues from animals in the control and high-dose groups. No mortality, body weight, ophthalmic abnormalities or treatment-related findings in clinical observations, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis parameters, macroscopic or microscopic examinations were observed. Differences between treated and control groups in weight gain, food consumption, clinical chemistry, and organ weight were not considered treatment-related. The no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for almond skins was considered to be 10% (w/w) for both genders (females, 9.7 g/kg body weight/day; males, 8.2g/kg body weight/day).

Repeatability and validity of a food frequency questionnaire in free-living older people in relation to cognitive function.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the repeatability and validity of a self-administered, 175-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in free-living older people and to assess whether these are influenced by cognitive function. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: 189 free-living people aged 64-80 y were recruited from participants in a previous study. DESIGN: To assess repeatability, 102 (52 M, 50 F) participants completed the FFQ on two occasions three months apart. To assess validity, another 87 participants (44 M, 43 F) completed the FFQ and a four-day weighed diet record three months later. 25 nutrients were studied. RESULTS: For repeatability, Spearman rank correlation coefficients were above 0.35 (p<0.05) for all nutrients. Cohen's weighted Kappa was above 0.4 for all nutrients except starch, riboflavin, retinol, beta-carotene, and calcium. There were no substantial differences in correlation coefficients between sub-groups divided by short-term memory test score. There was no clear pattern for correlation coefficients in sub-groups divided by executive function test score. For validity, the Spearman rank correlation coefficients were above 0.2 (p<0.05) for all nutrients except fat, mono-unsaturated fatty acids, niacin equivalents and vitamin D, and Cohen's weighted kappa was above 0.4 for alcohol and was above 0.2 for 13 other nutrients. Participants in the lowest-score groups of short-term memory and executive function had the lowest median Spearman correlation coefficient. CONCLUSIONS: The FFQ had reasonable repeatability and validity in ranking nutrient intakes in this population though the results varied between nutrients. Poor short-term memory or executive function may affect FFQ validity in ranking nutrient intakes.

Does taking vitamin, mineral and fatty acid supplements prevent cognitive decline? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Observational studies have shown associations between nutritional status and cognition in later life but evidence from intervention studies is unclear. The present study systematically reviewed the evidence on the effect of nutrient supplementation on cognitive function in people aged >or=65 years. METHODS: Databases including MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched up to 1 September 2006. Randomized controlled trials using at least one kind of vitamin, mineral or omega-3 fatty acid, evaluating standardized neuropsychological test(s), were included. There were no restrictions on participants' baseline nutritional status or cognitive function. Quality assessment and data abstraction were conducted by one author and checked by another. RESULTS: Of 4229 articles retrieved, 22 trials (3442 participants) were identified. Many were small, short duration and of poor methodology. Only 16 out of 122 cognitive tests were significantly different between groups. A meta-analysis showed no significant effect of taking B vitamins or antioxidant vitamins on global cognitive function. There was insufficient evidence to evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on any cognitive domains. CONCLUSION: There was little evidence of a beneficial effect from taking B vitamins or antioxidant supplements on global cognitive function in later life. Larger-scale randomized controlled trials of longer duration in selected age groups are needed.

Effects of dietary arsenic levels on serum parameters and trace mineral retentions in growing and finishing pigs.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary arsenic (As) levels on growth performance, serum biochemistry, and the retention of iron, copper, and zinc in tissues of growing and finishing pigs. Ninety-six crossbred pigs were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments. The corn-soybean basal diets were supplemented with 0, 10, 20, and 30 mg As/kg. Arsenic trioxide was used as the arsenic source. The feeding experiment lasted for 78 d. The results showed that the high arsenic diet decreased average daily gain (ADG) (p<0.05) and increased feed gain ratio (F/G) (p<0.05). Arsenic intake significantly increased (p<0.05) serum gamma-gultamyltransferase (GGT), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and decreased (p<0.05) total protein, urea nitrogen, creatinine, and triglycerides. Glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) activity, albumin, and cholesterol were not affected (p>0.05). Arsenic feeding elevated (p<0.05) liver and kidney copper concentration, but reduced (p<0.05) copper concentration in heart, bile, and lymphaden of intestine mesentery. There were increases in iron levels in liver, bile, spleen, thymus, and pancreas in pigs fed the high As diets (p<0.05), but iron contents in kidney, heart, and serum were decreased by the arsenic treatment (p<0.05). Zinc concentrations were increased (p<0.05) in liver, kidney, and thymus of pigs with arsenic treatment, but decreased (p<0.05) in bile and lymphaden of intestine mesentery. This study suggested that high dietary As levels could alter serum biochemical parameters and the retention of copper, iron, and zinc in the viscera of growing and finishing pigs.