The Effect of Sn-2 Palmitate on Blood Glucose, Lipids and Body Composition in Middle-Aged and Elderly Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Controlled Trial.

Sn-2 palmitate is widely used in infant formula. However, little is known about its effects on metabolism and body composition in middle-aged and elderly adults. In a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, we enrolled Chinese adults aged 45-75 years with self-reported constipation. Individuals were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to a 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoyl-glycerol (OPO)-enriched oil (66% palmitic acid in the sn-2 position) or a control vegetable oil (24% palmitic acid in the sn-2 position) daily for 24 weeks. Skim milk powder was used as the carrier for both fats. Interviews and body composition were performed at baseline, week 4, week 12 and week 24. A fasting blood draw was taken except at week 4. This study was a secondary analysis and considered exploratory. A total of 111 adults (83 women and 28 men, mean age 64.2 ± 7.0 years) were enrolled, of whom 53 were assigned to the OPO group and 57 to the control group. During the intervention, blood glucose, triglyceride, the triglyceride-glucose index, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and remnant cholesterol remained stable, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased in both groups (p = 0.003). No differences in change were observed between the groups (all p > 0.05). From baseline to week 24, the level of visceral fat increased slightly (p = 0.017), while body weight, total body water, protein, soft lean mass, fat-free mass, skeletal muscle and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) decreased in two groups (p < 0.01). At weeks 4, 12 and 24, the SMI decreased less in the OPO group than in the control group, with a trend towards significance (p = 0.090). A 24-week daily intake of sn-2-palmitate-enriched oil had no adverse impact on fasting blood glucose, lipids and body composition compared with the control vegetable oil in Chinese adults (funded by Chinese Nutrition Society National Nutrition Science Research Grant, National Key Research and Development Program of China and Wilmar (Shanghai) Biotechnology Research & Development Center Co., Ltd.; ChiCTR1900026480).

Investigation of selenium and selenium species in Cardamine violifolia using in vitro digestion coupled with a Caco-2 cell monolayer model.

Inadequate Se intake can enhance vulnerability to certain health risks, with supplementation lessening these risks. This study investigated the bioavailability of Se and Se species in five Se compounds and in Se-rich Cardamine violifolia using in vitro digestion coupled with a Caco-2 cell monolayer model, which enabled the study of Se transport and uptake. Translocation results showed that SeCys2 and MeSeCys had high translocation rates in C. violifolia leaves (CVLs). The uptake rate of organic Se increased with time, and MeSeCys exhibited a higher uptake rate than that for SeCys2 and SeMet. The translocation mechanisms of SeMet, Se(IV), and Se(VI) were passive transport, whereas those of SeCys2 and MeSeCys were active transport. The bioavailability of organic Se was higher than that of inorganic Se, with a total Se bioavailability in CVLs of 49.11 %. This study would provide a theoretical basis for the application of C. violifolia in the functional food.

Effects of Different Drying Methods on the Selenium Bioaccessibility and Antioxidant Activity of Cardamine violifolia.

Understanding the effects of drying on the selenium (Se) content and Se bioaccessibility of Se-rich plants is critical to dietary supplementation of Se. The effects of five common drying methods (far-infrared drying (FIRD), vacuum drying (VD), microwave vacuum drying (MVD), hot air drying (HD), and freeze vacuum drying (FD)) on the content and bioaccessibility of Se and Se species in Cardamine violifolia leaves (CVLs) were studied. The content of SeCys2 in fresh CVLs was the highest (5060.50 µg/g of dry weight (DW)); after FIRD, it had the lowest selenium loss, with a loss rate of less than 19%. Among all of the drying processes, FD and VD samples had the lowest Se retention and bioaccessibility. FIRD, VD, and FD samples have similar effects on antioxidant activity.

Vitamin A Nutritional Status of Urban Lactating Chinese Women and Its Associated Factors.

We aimed to investigate dietary vitamin A (DVA) intake, serum vitamin A (SVA) concentrations, and breast milk vitamin A (BMVA) concentrations of urban lactating Chinese women and explore the associated factors. We recruited 326 lactating women from ten cities in China and collected their dietary information, blood samples, and breast milk samples. SVA and BMVA were assessed with high-performance liquid chromatography. Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis H tests, Chi-square tests, Spearman correlation tests, and multiple regression analyses were conducted. The median (25th, 75th) of DVA, SVA and BMVA were 372.36 (209.12, 619.78) µg RAE/day, 1.99 (1.71, 2.35) µmol/L, and 1.67 (1.13, 2.15) µmol/L, respectively. Only 3.1% of lactating women met the recommended nutrient intake of Vitamin A (VA), and 20.6% had a BMVA level below 1.05 µmol/L. Compared to underweight or normal weight women, overweight or obese lactating women had lower DVA and BMVA but higher SVA (p = 0.022; p = 0.030; p = 0.003). Multiparous women had a higher risk of inadequate BMVA (p = 0.023) than primiparous women. SVA and BMVA were positively associated with DVA, especially for lactating women not using VA supplements (ß = 0.174, 95%CI = 0.025, 0.324, p = 0.022; ß = 0.501, 95%CI = 0.208, 0.795, p = 0.001). There was no association between SVA and BMVA (ß = 0.165, 95%CI = -0.037, 0.366, p = 0.109). In conclusion, VA nutritional status among Chinese urban lactating women needs more attention, especially for those who are obese, overweight, or higher parity. Increased DVA may contribute to increased BMVA.

Portulaca oleracea extract relieves skin barrier damage induced by increased photosensitivity after GA peeling.

PURPOSE: We aimed to find active substances to help relieve the symptoms caused by increased photosensitivity after alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peeling. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was provided to 66 patients who received AHA peeling therapy to understand if increased photosensitivity existed and its specific symptoms. We verified increased photosensitivity after AHA peeling by monitoring cell viability to detect the combined toxicity of glycolic acid (GA) and UVB in HaCaT cells. The ELISA method was used to determine the expression of KLK7, FLG, IL-1ß, and IL-8 to correlate damage to the skin barrier and inflammation induced by GA and UVB and the relieving effects of Portulaca oleracea extract. RESULTS: Our survey results showed that 6.06% of people were more sensitive to sunlight after AHA peeling than before. Experiments at the cellular level showed that UVB induced cytotoxicity on HaCaT cells pre-treated with GA. Combined exposure of GA and UVB induced up-regulation of KLK7 and down-regulation of FLG and increased inflammatory cytokines of IL-1ß and IL-8. P. oleracea extract inhibited the reduction of FLG and increased KLK7, IL-1ß, and IL-8 expression caused by combined exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that combined exposure to GA and UV disrupted the skin barrier and induced significant inflammation. These results provided a theoretical basis for increased photosensitivity after chemical peeling. P. oleracea extract ameliorated GA and UVB-induced impaired skin barrier function and inflammation in HaCaT cells and may have the potential to relieve photosensitivity after AHA peeling.

Cold atmospheric plasmas target breast cancer stemness via modulating AQP3-19Y mediated AQP3-5K and FOXO1 K48-ubiquitination.

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is selective against many cancers with little side effect, yet its molecular mechanism remains unclear. Through whole transcriptome sequencing followed by assays in vitro, in vivo and using clinical samples, we propose CAP as a promising onco-therapy targeting cancer stemness via the AQP3/FOXO1 axis. CAP-generated reactive species penetrated cells via AQP3 and suppressed RPS6KA3, a shared kinase of AQP3 and FOXO1. Reduced AQP3-19Y phosphorylation suppressed SCAF11-mediated AQP3-5K K48-ubiquitination that led to sabotaged FOXO1 stability. Inhibited FOXO1 phosphorylation retarded its regulatory activities in maintaining cancer stemness including ALDH1 and IL6. Enhanced anti-cancer efficacy was observed through combining CAP with Atorvastatin in vitro and in vivo. We propose CAP as a 'selective' onco-therapeutic against cancer stemness, with the AQP3/FOXO1 axis being one molecular mechanism. We report SCAF11 as an E3 ubiquitin ligase of both AQP3 and FOXO1, identify AQP3-5K as an AQP3 K48-ubiquitination site, and emphasize the essential role of AQP3-19Y in this process. We reposition Atorvastatin into the onco-therapeutic portfolio by synergizing it with CAP towards enhanced efficacy. We anticipate the efficacy of CAP in targeting malignancies of high stemness alone or as an adjuvant therapy towards the hope of ultimate cancer cure.

Flavonoid biosynthesis in four Dendrobium species based on transcriptome sequencing and metabolite analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dendrobium is a genus of plants used as traditional Chinese herbal medicines, with high economic and medicinal value. METHODS AND RESULTS: To reveal the mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis in Dendrobium, the metabolites and transcriptomes of four Dendrobium species (D. chrysotoxum, D. nobile, D. fimbriatum, and D. denneanum) were analyzed comprehensively. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed ten flavonoid compounds in Dendrobium. In total, 100,096 unigenes were obtained from the transcript database of the four Dendrobium species. Among the identified differentially expressed genes, 51 were associated with flavonoid biosynthesis, and 670 differentially expressed transcription factors were predicted, including 194 MYB, 87 bHLH, and 100 WRKY family transcription factors, respectively. Transcriptome analysis showed that the expression levels of structural genes such as chalcone synthase (CHS), cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (C4H), and flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase (F3'H) were lower in D. chrysotoxum, D. nobile, and D. fimbriatum than those in D. denneanum, which may be the main reason for the low flavonoid contents in D. chrysotoxum, D. nobile, and D. fimbriatum. CONCLUSIONS: The expression level of structural genes corresponded to the accumulation level of flavonols in the different Dendrobium species. The results deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis in Dendrobium and provide novel insights into the synthesis and accumulation of flavonoids in Dendrobium.

Dietary citrate supplementation enhances longevity, metabolic health, and memory performance through promoting ketogenesis.

Citrate is an essential substrate for energy metabolism that plays critical roles in regulating cell growth and survival. However, the action of citrate in regulating metabolism, cognition, and aging at the organismal level remains poorly understood. Here, we report that dietary supplementation with citrate significantly reduces energy status and extends lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster. Our genetic studies in fruit flies implicate a molecular mechanism associated with AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), target of rapamycin (TOR), and ketogenesis. Mice fed a high-fat diet that supplemented with citrate or the ketone body ß-hydroxybutyrate (ßOHB) also display improved metabolic health and memory. These results suggest that dietary citrate supplementation may prove to be a useful intervention in the future treatment of age-related dysfunction.

The Light-Induced WD40-Repeat Transcription Factor DcTTG1 Regulates Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Dendrobium candidum.

Dendrobium candidum is used as a traditional Chinese medicine and as a raw material in functional foods. D. candidum stems are green or red, and red stems are richer in anthocyanins. Light is an important environmental factor that induces anthocyanin accumulation in D. candidum. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully unraveled. In this study, we exposed D. candidum seedlings to two different light intensities and found that strong light increased the anthocyanin content and the expression of genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis. Through transcriptome profiling and expression analysis, we identified a WD40-repeat transcription factor, DcTTG1, whose expression is induced by light. Yeast one-hybrid assays showed that DcTTG1 binds to the promoters of DcCHS2, DcCHI, DcF3H, and DcF3'H, and a transient GUS activity assay indicated that DcTTG1 can induce their expression. In addition, DcTTG1 complemented the anthocyanin deficiency phenotype of the Arabidopsis thaliana ttg1-13 mutant. Collectively, our results suggest that light promotes anthocyanin accumulation in D. candidum seedlings via the upregulation of DcTTG1, which induces anthocyanin synthesis-related gene expression.

[Effect of acupuncture and moxibustion at "Feishu""Dazhui"and "Fengmen"on the expression of CC chemokine ligand 1 and CC chemokine receptor 8 in lung tissue of rats with asthma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protein expression of CC chemokine ligand 1 (CCL1) and CC chemokine receptor 8 (CCR8) in the lung tissue of rats and the mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion at "Feishu"(BL13), "Dazhui" (GV14) and "Fengmen"(BL12) in the treatment of asthma. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into blank， model, acupuncture and moxibustion groups，n=10 in each group. Ovalbumin sensitization via intraperitoneal injection was performed to establish a model of asthma. The rats in the acupuncture group and the moxibustion group were given acupuncture for 20 min or circling moxibustion for 10 min at BL13, GV14 and BL12, once a day for 7 days. H.E. staining was used to observe the morphological changes of lung tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) in lung tissue and immunohistochemistry was used to measure the protein expression of CCL1 and CCR8 in lung tissue. RESULTS: H.E. staining showed that the rats in the blank group had regular bronchial lumens and alveolar arrangement, with no inflammatory cell infiltration and aggregation around the bronchi; the rats in the model group had the infiltration and aggregation of a large number of inflammatory cells around the bronchi, stenosis of bronchial lumens, wall thickening, and alveolar structural disorder; compared with the model group, the acupuncture group and the moxibustion group had lower degrees of inflammatory cell infiltration and aggregation around the bronchi, stenosis of bronchial lumens, and wall thickening, as well as regular alveolar arrangement. The model group had significantly higher protein expression of CCL1 and CCR8 and mRNA expression of STAT6 than the blank group (P<0.05), and the acupuncture group and the moxibustion group had significantly lower protein expression of CCL1 and CCR8 and mRNA expression of STAT6 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture and moxibustion can intervene against airway inflammation by inhibiting the protein expression of CCL1 and CCR8 and STAT6 signal transduction in lung tissue, which may be one of the mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of asthma.

["SHAO's five-needle method" as the main treatment for allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome: a multi-center randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effect differences between "SHAO's five-needle method" and routine acupoint selection on allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome. METHODS: A total of 210 patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome were randomly divided into an observation group (105 cases, 4 cases dropped off) and a control group (105 cases, 4 cases dropped off). The patients in the observation group were treated with "SHAO's five-needling method", and the acupoints of Feishu (BL 13), Dazhui (GV 14), Fengmen (BL 12), Yintang (GV 29), Shangyingxiang (EX-HN 8) and Hegu (LI 4), etc. were selected; the patients in the control group was treated with routine acupuncture, and the acupoints of Feishu (BL 13), Zhongfu (LU 1), Taiyuan (LU 9), Dingchuan (EX-B 1), Danzhong (CV 17), Yintang (GV 29), Fengmen (BL 12) and Zusanli (ST 36), etc. were selected. The treatment in the two groups was given once a day, 6 times a week, for 4 weeks. The score of symptoms and signs was observed before and after treatment as well as 1 month, 2 months and 3 months after treatment. The forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and eosinophils in peripheral blood were measured before and after treatment in the two groups. After treatment, the clinical therapeutic effect was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 98.0% (99/101) in the observation group, which was superior to 94.1% (95/101) in the control group (P<0.01). Compared before treatment, the total score of symptoms and signs in the two groups was significantly decreased at 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks of treatment (P<0.01); after treatment and at each time point of follow-up, the total score of symptoms and signs in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). Compared with 4 weeks of treatment, the total score of symptoms and signs at each time point of follow-up was not statistically different in the observation group (P>0.05), and the total score of symptoms and signs in the third month of follow-up in the control group was significantly increased (P<0.05). After treatment, FEV1 and PEF in the two groups were increased (P<0.01), eosinophil count in peripheral blood was decreased (P<0.01), and the improvement in the observation group was greater than that in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: "SHAO's five-needle method" can improve the clinical symptoms and pulmonary function, reduce the count of eosinophils in peripheral blood in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome, and the curative effect is better than routine acupuncture.

Translation of nutrient recommendations into personalized optimal diets for Chinese urban lactating women by linear programming models.

BACKGROUND: Lactating women need to consume a high-quality diet to replete nutrient stores depleted during pregnancy and to ensure sufficient nutrition for breastfeeding. However, several studies reported suboptimal dietary quality and nutrient intake of lactating mothers in China. The objectives of this study was to apply dietary modeling method to develop individualized optimal diets, which meet the nutrient requirements for lactating women in urban China. METHODS: Data were collected from a sample of 576 lactating women from 0 to 240 days postpartum during the Maternal Infant Nutrition Growth study conducted between 2011 and 2012 in three cities including Beijing, Guangzhou, and Suzhou. Dietary intake data were collected with an interviewer-administered 24-h survey. Linear programming was applied to develop dietary plans that meet recommendations for lactation women in the China Dietary Reference Intakes 2013 and the Chinese Dietary Guideline 2016, while with least deviation from the observed dietary intake. RESULTS: Through dietary modeling, individual optimal diets were developed for 576 lactating women. The optimal diets met all the food and nutrient intake constraints set in the linear programming models. The large difference between observed and optimized diets suggests that the nutrient needs of lactating mothers in China may only be met after substantial dietary changes. In addition, the analysis showed that it was difficult to meet the recommended intake for six nutrients: vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, calcium, selenium, and dietary fiber. Moreover, four clusters in the optimized diets were identified by K-means cluster analysis. The four clusters confirmed that the optimal diets developed by linear programming could characterize the variety in dietary habits by geographical regions and duration of lactation. CONCLUSION: Linear programming could help translate nutrient recommendations into personal diet advices for a sample of urban lactating mothers from China. The study showed that dietary modeling is helpful to support healthy eating of lactation women by translating dietary guidelines into personalized meal plans. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Maternal Infant Nutrition Growth study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with identifier NCT01971671 . Registration date October 29, 2013.

The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Observational studies have indicated an inverse association between vitamin D levels and the risk of diabetes, yet evidence from population interventions remains inconsistent. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched up to September 2017. Data from studies regarding serum 25(OH)D, fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were pooled. Twenty studies (n = 2703) were included in the meta-analysis. Vitamin D supplementation resulted in a significant improvement in serum 25(OH)D levels (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 33.98; 95%CI: 24.60-43.37) and HOMA-IR (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.57; 95%CI: -1.09~-0.04), but not in other outcomes. However, preferred changes were observed in subgroups as follows: short-term (WMDFBG = -8.44; 95%CI: -12.72~-4.15), high dose (WMDFBG = -8.70; 95%CI: -12.96~-4.44), non-obese (SMDFasting insulin = -1.80; 95%CI: -2.66~-0.95), Middle Easterners (WMDFBG = -10.43; 95%CI: -14.80~-6.06), baseline vitamin D deficient individuals (WMDFBG = -5.77; 95%CI: -10.48~-1.05) and well-controlled HbA1c individuals (WMDFBG = -4.09; 95%CI: -15.44~7.27). Vitamin D supplementation was shown to increase serum 25(OH)D and reduce insulin resistance effectively. This effect was especially prominent when vitamin D was given in large doses and for a short period of time, and to patients who were non-obese, Middle Eastern, vitamin D deficient, or with optimal glycemic control at baseline.

[Comparison between "five needles therapy" and conventional acupuncture for individual symptoms and signs of asthma of latent cold phlegm-fluid in the lung].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect difference between acupuncture of "five needles therapy" and conventional acupuncture for asthma of latent cold phlegm-fluid in the lung. METHODS: Two hundred and ten cases were randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group, 105 cases in each one. Finally 7 cases were dropped out in the observation group; 6 cases in the control group. Feishu (BL 13), Dazhui (GV 14), Fengmen (BL 12) were used in the observation group; conventional acupuncture was used in the control group, and the main acupoints were Feishu (BL 13), Zhongfu (LU 1), Tiantu (CV 22), Danzhong (CV 17), Kongzui (LU 6), Dingchuan (EX-B 1), Fenglong (ST 40), Fengmen (BL 12), Taiyuan (LU 9). The needles were retained for 30 min each time, once a day for continuous 12 days. The scores of the individual symptoms and signs were observed before treatment and on the 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th days, including pant, cough, cough up phlegm, fullness and oppression in the chest and diaphragm, wheezing rale and shortness of breath. The clinical effects were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The scores of six individual symptoms and signs on the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th days in the two groups were lower than those before treatment (all P<0.05), except the score of wheezing rale in the control group on the 3rd day (P>0.05). The scores of pant, wheezing rale, cough on the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th days in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05), except the score of wheezing rale score on the 3rd day (P>0.05). There were no significant difference between the two groups about the scores of cough up phlegm, fullness and oppression in the chest and diaphragm and shortness of breath on the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th days (all P>0.05), except the score of fullness and oppression in the chest and diaphragm in the observation group was lower than that in the control group on the 12th day (P<0.05). 46 cases were clinical cured, 39 cases were markedly effective, 10 cases were effective and 3 cases were ineffective in the observation group with the total effective rate of 96.9%. 23 cases were clinical cured, 43 cases were markedly effective, 24 cases were effective and 9 cases were ineffective in the control group with the total effective rate of 90.9%. The difference was statistical (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: "Five needles therapy" has significant therapeutic effect for asthma of latent cold phlegm-fluid in the lung, which is better than conventional acupuncture.

[Teaching countermeasures on the student problems in the practice and training course of the science of acupuncture-moxibustion treatment].

The student problems existing in the practice and training course of acupuncture-moxibustion treatment include unsolid basic knowledge, inexperienced basic skills and poor comprehensive utilization ability. The writers proposed the effective countermeasures accordingly. Firstly, the students are required to go over the related knowledge in advance, targeting the weakness, and complement the basic knowledge. Secondly, the teachers provide the demonstration and guidance for the practice to improve the basic skills. Thirdly, the clinical simulation is adopted for the comprehensive training to enhance the comprehensive utilization ability. The countermeasures mentioned above improve effectively the basic skills and comprehensive ability in the students and lay the foundation for the future clinical work.

Ludwigia octovalvis extract improves glycemic control and memory performance in diabetic mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H. Raven (Onagraceae) extracts have historically been consumed as a healthful drink for treating various conditions, including edema, nephritis, hypotension and diabetes. AIM OF THE STUDY: We have previously shown that Ludwigia octovalvis extract (LOE) can significantly extend lifespan and improve age-related memory deficits in Drosophila melanogaster through activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Since AMPK has become a critical target for treating diabetes, we herein investigate the anti-hyperglycemic potential of LOE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Differentiated C2C12 muscle cells, HepG2 hepatocellular cells, streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and high fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetic mice were used to investigate the anti-hyperglycemic potential of LOE. The open field test and novel object recognition test were used to evaluate spontaneous motor activity and memory performance of HFD-induced diabetic mice. RESULTS: In differentiated C2C12 muscle cells and HepG2 hepatocellular cells, treatments with LOE and its active component (ß-sitosterol) induced significant AMPK phosphorylation. LOE also enhanced uptake of a fluorescent glucose derivative (2-NBDG) and inhibited glucose production in these cells. The beneficial effects of LOE were completely abolished when an AMPK inhibitor, dorsomorphin, was added to the culture system, suggesting that LOE requires AMPK activation for its action in vitro. In streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice, we found that both LOE and ß-sitosterol induced an anti-hyperglycemic effect comparable to that of metformin, a drug that is commonly prescribed to treat diabetes. Moreover, LOE also improved glycemic control and memory performance of mice fed a HFD. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that LOE is a potent anti-diabetic intervention that may have potential for future clinical applications.

Regional, socioeconomic, and dietary factors influencing B-vitamins in human milk of urban Chinese lactating women at different lactation stages.

BACKGROUND: Adequate B-vitamins concentrations in human milk are considered to be a prerequisite for healthy development of infants in early life. This study aims to determine the concentrations of B-vitamins in human milk from Chinese women and the relationships between their concentrations and different geographical origin, lactation stages, socioeconomic characteristics, and dietary intake. METHODS: Human milk was obtained from 443 healthy lactating women from Beijing (n = 150), Suzhou (n = 146), and Guangzhou (n = 147) cities. Thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B3 (nicotinamide and nicotinic acid), and vitamin B6 (pyridoxal, pyridoxine, and pyridoxamine) in human milk were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Pantothenic acid, biotin, and folates in human milk were analyzed by microbiological assay. The information from one 24-h dietary recall and socioeconomic characteristics were collected by interview and structured questionnaire, respectively. RESULTS: B-vitamins concentrations in human milk varied greatly among individuals. The median concentrations of B-vitamins of postpartum 5-11 d, 12-30 d, 31-60 d, 61-120 d, and 121-240 d were respectively as follows: thiamine 3.13, 5.07, 4.28, 5.65, 6.28 (µg/100 g); riboflavin 20.8, 20.2, 11.9, 13.6, 15.6 (µg/100 g); vitamin B3 194.0, 300.0, 261.0, 212.5, 218.0 (µg/100 g); pantothenic acid 236.5, 291.0, 254.0, 179.0, 189.0 (µg/100 g); vitamin B6 6.34, 7.58, 8.60, 9.34, 10.20 (µg/100 g); biotin 0.462, 0.834, 0.606, 0.523, 0.464 (µg/100 g); folates 0.730, 2.390, 2.440, 2.420, 2.330 (µg/100 g). The levels of B-vitamins presented regional differences and varied significantly among different lactation stages. The inversely associations of thiamine, vitamin B6, and folates with maternal BMI were found in multivariate analyses (p < 0.05), as well as higher pantothenic acid, folates, and biotin concentrations in lactating women with supplement intake when compared with those without (p < 0.05). Riboflavin concentrations associated with regular exercise was found in multivariate analyses (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicated regional and socioeconomic factors, lactation stage, and supplement intake may influence B-vitamins concentrations of human milk in healthy Chinese mothers. Further studies on accurate and complete analysis of all vitamin forms are crucial for giving a more comprehensive understanding of vitamin status in human milk. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01971671. Registered 13 October 2013.

Food groups consumed by infants and toddlers in urban areas of China.

BACKGROUND: Food consumption patterns of young children in China are not well known. OBJECTIVE: Characterised food groups consumed by infants and young children in urban China using data from the Maternal Infant Nutrition Growth (MING) study. DESIGN: One 24-h dietary recall was completed for 1,350 infants and young children (436 infants aged 6-11 months and 914 young children aged 12-35 months), who were recruited from maternal and child care centres in eight cities via face-to-face interviews with the primary caregiver. All foods, beverages and supplements reported were assigned to one of 64 food groups categorised into the following: milk and milk products, grains, vegetables, fruits, protein foods and desserts/sweets. The percentage of infants and young children consuming foods from specific food groups was calculated, regardless of the amount consumed. RESULTS: Less than half of infants consumed breast milk (47%), whereas 59% of infants consumed infant formula and 53-75% of young children consumed growing-up (fortified) milk. Rice was the number one grain food consumed after 6 months (up to 88%) and the consumption of infant cereal was low. About 50% of infants did not consume any fruits or vegetables, and 38% of young children did not consume any fruits on the day of the recall. Only 40% of all children consumed dark green leafy vegetables and even fewer consumed deep yellow vegetables. Eggs and pork were the most commonly consumed protein foods. CONCLUSIONS: The data provide important insight for developing detailed food consumption guidelines for this population group. Mothers of infants should be encouraged to continue breastfeeding after the first 6 months. Parents should be advised to offer a wide variety of vegetables and fruits daily, particularly dark green leafy and deep yellow vegetables and colourful fruits. The consumption of fortified infant cereal should be advocated to improve the iron intake of Chinese infants.

[Penetration moxibustion with different dosage for insomnia of insufficiency of heart and spleen type].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy differences between acupuncture combined with 40-min penetration moxibustion and 60-min penetration moxibustion at back-shu points for insomnia of insufficiency of heart and spleen type. METHODS: Sixty patients of insomnia with insufficiency of heart and spleen type were randomly assigned into a 40-min group and a 60-min group. The two groups were treated with acupuncture at Jueyinshu (BL 14), Xinshu (BL 15), Geshu (BL 17), Pishu (BL 20), Shendao (GV 11) and Zhiyang (GV 9). With moxibustion box, the penetration moxibustion was applied at the back until sweating and redness on the back. The moxibustion was given for 40 min in the 40-min group and 60 min in the 60-min group. The treatment was given once a day, five days per week. Each session was consisted of 5 treatments, with an interval of 2 days between session and totally 4 consecutive weeks were provided. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), TCM symptom scale were observed and recorded before and after treatment in the two groups. The even temperature at raising period, effective period, reducing period, as well as minimum high temperature, comfortable temperature, minimum cold temperature and medication status were compared; also the effect was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 96.6% (28/29) in the 60-min group, which was higher than 89.3% (25/28) in the 40-min group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the total score of PSQI and sleep quality, sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep disorder, daytime dysfunction as well as the total TCM symptom score and its drowsiress in the morning, palpitation, amnesia, appetite were reduced after treatment in the 40-min group (all P<0.05). After treatment, the total score and each score of PSQI as well as total score and each score of TCM symptom scale were reduced after treatment in the 60-min group (all P<0.05). After treatment, the total score and each score of PSQI as well as total score and each score of TCM symptom scale were significantly different between the two groups (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture combined with penetration moxibustion can improve the symptomsof insomnia with insufficiency of heart and spleen type, which is more significant in the 60-min group, indicating prolonged time of penetration moxibustion can improve sleep latency.

[Learning method of self-evaluation and mutual-evaluation for practical teaching of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Technique curriculum:application and exploration].

The application and significance of learning method of self-evaluation and mutual-evaluation for practical teaching of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Technique curriculum were investigated. The practical teaching followed theory teaching in the curriculum plan, which applied grouping pattern to provide demonstration, practice and assessment. According to the technique points of practical teaching, the teachers established evaluation form and listed detailed points of self-evaluation and mutual evaluation. The focus was student assessment, including individual self-evaluation, subject-evaluation intra-group evaluation, external-group evaluation and teacher evaluation. 100 points were taken as maximum score, including 10 points in the self-evaluation from operator, 20 points in the evaluation from receiver, 20 points in the intra-group evaluation, 20 points in external-group evaluation and 30 points in teacher evaluation. Through practical application, it was found learning system of self-evaluation and mutual-evaluation had important significance in promoting mutual learning among students, improving students' learning enthusiasm and initiative, and helping teachers understand and improve their roles.