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Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common disease of pregnancy, but with very limited knowledge of its impact on human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in breast milk. This study aimed to explore the lactational changes in the concentration of HMOs in exclusively breastfeeding GDM mothers and the differences between GDM and healthy mothers. A total of 22 mothers (11 GDM mothers vs. 11 healthy mothers) and their offspring were enrolled in the study and the levels of 14 HMOs were measured in colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk. Most of the HMOs showed a significant temporal trend with decreasing levels over lactation; however, there were some exceptions for 2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL), 3-Fucosyllactose (3-FL), Lacto-N-fucopentaose II (LNFP-II), and Lacto-N-fucopentaose III (LNFP-III). Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) was significantly higher in GDM mothers in all time points and its concentrations in colostrum and transitional milk were correlated positively with the infant’s weight-for-age Z-score at six months postnatal in the GDM group. Significant group differences were also found in LNFP-II, 3′-Sialyllactose (3′-SL), and Disialyllacto-N-tetraose (DSLNT) but not in all lactational periods. The role of differently expressed HMOs in GDM needs to be further explored by follow-up studies.

Bone metabolism is a complicated process, which involves bone modeling and remodeling. If this process is unbalanced, bone loss and resultant osteoporosis might occur. Recently, nutrition supplementations such as n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are considered to be used on improving the bone metabolism and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. To more precisely assess the effects of n‐3 PUFA supplementation on bone mass and clarify its potential mechanism, we have conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Based on the strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 articles were included in this meta‐analysis. The results in articles show that n‐3 PUFAs could slightly enhance the level of bone mineral density (BMD) (0.005 g/cm2; 95% CI, 0.000–0.010) (n = 7), which was the primary outcome for the research in comparison with the control group. In addition, the results also illustrate that the increasing effect on BMD (0.024 g/cm2; 95% CI, 0.020–0.028) became more significant for postmenopausal women. N‐3 PUFAs had no significance on the level of bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) (−0.24 µg/L; 95% CI, −0.86 to 0.39) and osteocalcin (−0.63 μg/L; 95% CI, −1.84 to 0.57) (n = 5), which are the specific markers of bone formation. When compared with the eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid supplementation, the supplementation form of α‐linolenic acid significantly increased the content of BALP (0.396 µg/L; 95% CI, 0.069–0.724). The effects of n‐3 PUFAs on bone resorption biomarkers containing type I collagen cross‐linked C‐terminal peptide (CTX) and type I collagen cross‐linked N‐terminal peptide (NTX) are considered and used in our study. Results indicated that participants who received n‐3 PUFAs significantly decreased the level of CTX in the human body (−0.367 μg/L; 95% CI, −0.726 to −0.007) (n = 4). However, there was no significant difference in NTX levels in humans after supplementation with n‐3 PUFA (−1.744 µg/L; 95% CI, −3.970–0.481) (n = 3). For postmenopausal women, it presented a significant decreasing level of CTX (−0.393 µg/L; 95% CI, −0.651 to −0.135) and NTX (−2.082 µg/L; 95% CI, −2.970 to −1.195) within their bodies. In conclusion, these findings suggested that n‐3 PUFAs might have a beneficial effect on bone health, especially for α‐linolenic acid supplementation form or for postmenopausal women., N‐3 PUFAs may play a beneficial role on bone health by inhibiting bone resorption, as well as promoting bone formation and enhancing BMD, especially for ALA intervention form or for postmenopausal women. In addition, n‐3 PUFAs supplementations might have short‐term effects for bone turnover markers and long‐term effects for BMD.

BACKGROUND In recent years, more and more studies have shown that internet-based health management can help patients with hypertension control their blood pressure. However, there is a lack of similar research in China. OBJECTIVE We designed this study to clarify the impact of long-term internet-based health management on the control of clinical parameters in patients with hypertension. These results are also expected to identify the relevant factors affecting the control of clinical parameters in hypertension more accurately toward developing more targeted health management strategies. METHODS This was a longitudinal study of internet-based health management in the five provinces of northwest China. The inclusion criteria were aged ≥18 years and no serious cognitive disease or mental disorder. After collecting the physical examination data of 8567 people in the five northwest provinces in 2013, we conducted online health management (including diet, exercise, and behavior) and follow-up. In the physical examination in 2013, 1008 new patients with hypertension were identified, who were divided into a good blood pressure control group and poor blood pressure control group. Physical examination and a questionnaire survey were conducted every 2 years to understand the changes of health management on the subjects’ health-related behaviors. We then analyzed the changes of clinical indicators related to hypertension and the influencing factors related to blood pressure control in patients with hypertension. All statistical analyses were performed using R software (version 4.1.2) and a P value RESULTS A total of 8567 people met the inclusion criteria and underwent health management. Self-comparison showed that after 4 years of health management, the smoking cessation rate and amount of exercise significantly increased (both PP=.005), whereas the high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels decreased (P=.007). The newly discovered patients with hypertension in 2013 were further screened. After 4 years of health management, their smoking cessation rate increased significantly (P=.03) and the amount of exercise increased but not significantly (P=.08). In terms of clinical indicators, the diastolic blood pressure considerably decreased (PP=.13). The correlation analysis of blood pressure control in patients with new-onset hypertension showed that gender (female) and changing relevant factors according to health management behaviors (BMI; cereals and potatoes intake; fish, livestock meat, and eggs intake; fruit intake; and physical activity) were the protective factors of blood pressure control. CONCLUSIONS Internet-based health management has a significant and long-term effect on blood pressure control in patients with hypertension.

Infants with congenital deficiency have high risk of glucose metabolism disorder, and often experience rapid growth in early childhood. However, the role of rapid growth on glucose metabolism is controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the association of rapid growth with fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). We searched EMBASE and Medline for English articles, and CNKI and WANFANG database for Chinese articles. Studies measuring the associations between rapid growth and insulin or HOMA-IR were included. Relevant information was extracted independently by two reviewers. Random effects model was adopted for combined and stratified analyses. At last, twenty-two relevant studies for insulin and 20 for HOMA-IR were identified. Rapid growth was associated with high insulin (weighted mean differences [WMD] 5.544, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.436, 9.653], P = 0.008) and high HOMA-IR (WMD 0.194, 95% CI [0.098, 0.290], P 0.001). This elevated association was statistically significant in rapid growth subjects that were6 years old, full-term, and from developed countries. However, rapid growth among low birth weight subjects did not lead to high insulin and HOMA-IR, but decreased HOMA-IR among preterm children (WMD -0.305, 95% CI [-0.607, -0.004], P = 0.047). Follow-up age was positively correlated with HOMA-IR (r = 0.095, P 0.001). This meta-analysis suggested that rapid growth would result in high insulin and HOMA-IR, especially for full-term infants. However, rapid growth is relatively harmless for subjects who are6 years old, low birth weight or SGA, and is even protective for preterm subjects.

The electrical conductivity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been demonstrated to be highly sensitive to the change of vapor/gas molecules in the local environment owing to the large specific surface area and quantum size effect, which enable CNTs to be an ideal sensing material for next-generation room-temperature gas sensors. However, the sensing properties of CNT films or networks cannot be maximized because of the inevitable agglomeration during the fabrication process. Herein, three-dimensional (3D) SiO₂@multiwalled CNTs (MWCNTs) core–shell nanospheres have been first used to fabricate room-temperature gas sensors, which were prepared using an electrostatic self-assembly method. The as-fabricated 3D SiO₂@MWCNTs sensor exhibits a recorded sensitivity of 82.61% toward 1 ppm nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) at room temperature, which is 1.97 times higher than that of devices based on random two-dimensional (2D) MWCNTs. Meanwhile, the recovery time of ∼44 s is smaller than that of a 2D MWCNT gas sensor. Such an ultrahigh sensing performance is attributed to an effective utilization of the large specific surface area of MWCNT networks with 3D structures. We believe that our findings will contribute to the further development of high-performance CNT-based sensing devices and also provide a new approach to fabricate the sensing devices using one-dimensional nanomaterials.

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is considered as one of the ideal sensing materials for high-performance room-temperature gas sensors owing to its large specific surface areas, numerous active sites, ...

Used low density lipoprotein receptor knockout(LDLR KO) hamster as the model similar to human dyslipidemia to observe the lipid-lowering effect of equol on heterozygotes.With soy-free high cholesterol high fat diet, 12-week-old LDLR KO female heterozygous hamsters were randomly divided into negative control group(no addition), positive control group(add 0.004% ezetimibe), genistein group(add 0.1%), and low, medium and high-dose groups of equol(add 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1% respectively). Body weight, food consumption and blood lipid were continuously monitored for 12 weeks after feeding each group. Finally, liver morphology and lipid metabolism related genes expressions were checked.There was no significant difference in body weight and average weekly food intake among the groups. The blood lipids in negative control group increased over time, and the cholesterol and triglyceride levels of LDLR KO heterozygous hamsters were significantly reduced by ezetimibe in the second week, while the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was also significantly decreased. The lipid-lowering effects of genistein and equol were weaker than ezetimibe, and there was significant difference between the two groups after 12 weeks, but the decrease of HDL-c was not as significant as ezetimibe. Compared with genistein, the effect of medium and high dose equol was stronger. At 12 weeks, the liver weight ratio also decreased significantly, and the liver lipid accumulation was inhibited, especially in the high dose of equol. The expression of ApoAI, SREBP-2 and HMGCR were significantly up-regulated by equol and genistein.Equol could reduce female LDLR KO hamster blood lipid. It may play a role in lipid lowering by inhibiting cholesterol absorption besides estrogen receptor pathway, but it is weaker than NPC1 L1 inhibitor. At the same time, up-regulation of ApoAI inhibits the decrease of high-density lipoprotein and reduces lipid accumulation in liver.

Summary Background & aims To establish the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and risks of mortality and disability among the Elderly. Methods A systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis was performed. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar were searched systematically until December 2017 for relative studies reporting the hazard ratio (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of all-cause mortality or disability across different BMI categories. Results 44 studies (37 studies on all-cause mortality and 9 studies on disability) were included in the meta-analysis. The restricted cubic spline model presents a U-shape trend, which suggests a relationship between BMI and all-cause mortality. As BMI increased, the all-cause mortality decreased from 1.49 (95% CI: 1.31, 1.71) to 0.96 (95% CI: 0.93, 0.98) in the 14.0–27.9 range and increased from 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94, 0.99) to 1.95 (95% CI: 1.37, 2.77) in the 28.0–47.9 range. In comparison with the reference BMI (23.0–23.9), the 24.0–29.0 BMI presented a significant protective effect, whereas 33.0 BMI presented a significant risk effect on all-cause mortality. For disability, the restricted cubic spline model shows a nonlinear relationship. Individuals with >28.0 BMI and 33.0 BMI were 19% (95% CI: 1.01, 1.40) and 43% (95% CI: 1.13, 1.82) more prone to disability risks compared with those in the reference group, respectively. Conclusions The lower-end recommended BMI range, underweight, and obesity among the elderly is associated with significantly increased risks of mortality and disability. The 23.0–28.0 BMI range may be the healthy weight range for the elderly group.

Background: Numerous studies have investigated the effects of the supplementation of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) on the number of bacteria in the gut that are good for health, but the results have been inconsistent. Additionally, due to its high fermentability, supplementation of FOS may be associated with adverse gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and flatulence. Therefore, we assessed the effects of FOS interventions on the composition of gut microbiota and gastrointestinal symptoms in a systematic review and meta-analysis. Design: All randomized controlled trials published before 10 July 2022 that investigated the effects of FOS supplementation on the human gut microbiota composition and gastrointestinal symptoms and met the selection criteria were included in this study. Using fixed or random-effects models, the means and standard deviations of the differences between the two groups before and after the intervention were combined into weighted mean differences using 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Eight studies containing 213 FOS supplements and 175 controls remained in this meta-analysis. Bifidobacterium spp. counts significantly increased during FOS ingestion (0.579, 95% CI: 0.444–0.714) in comparison with that of the control group. Subgroup analysis showed greater variation in Bifidobacterium spp. in adults (0.861, 95% CI: 0.614–1.108) than in infants (0.458, 95% CI: 0.297–0.619). The increase in Bifidobacterium spp. counts were greater in the group with an intervention duration greater than 4 weeks (0.841, 95% CI: 0.436–1.247) than an intervention time less than or equal to four weeks (0.532, 95% CI: 0.370–0.694), and in the group with intervention doses > 5 g (1.116, 95% CI: 0.685–1.546) the counts were higher than those with doses ≤ 5 g (0.521, 95% CI: 0.379–0.663). No differences in effect were found between FOS intervention and comparators in regard to the abundance of other prespecified bacteria or adverse gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusions: This is the first meta-analysis to explore the effect of FOS on gut microbiota and to evaluate the adverse effects of FOS intake on the gastrointestinal tract. FOS supplementation could increase the number of colonic Bifidobacterium spp. while higher dose (7.5–15 g/d) and longer duration (>4 weeks) showed more distinct effects and was well tolerated.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the effect of folic acid supplements on infant and child allergic diseases through systematic review and meta-analysis.Design: PubMed, The Cochrane Library and references of related articles published before January 1, 2020 were searched.Setting: Meta-analysis was used to explore the influence of folic acid on skin allergies (eczema, and atopic dermatitis) and respiratory allergies (asthma, wheezing, and allergic rhinitis).Participants: Data were collected from 15 studies with 244,018 individual participants from five different countries for meta-analysis.Results: Folic acid was confirmed as a risk factor for allergic diseases in infant and child. The risk of allergic diseases dramatically increased when maternal folic acid intake Conclusions: This study suggested that folic acid intake can be a risk factor for allergic diseases, especially respiratory tract allergies among infants and young children. Furthermore, pregnant women should pay attention to supplementation of folic acid from both folic acid supplements and fortified foods with folic acid during pregnancy.

Microbial colonization of very preterm (VPT) infants is detrimentally affected by the complex interplay of physiological, dietary, medical, and environmental factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an infant formula containing the specific prebiotic mixture of scGOS/lcFOS (9:1) and glycomacropeptide (GMP) on the composition and function of VPT infants’ gut microbiota. Metagenomic analysis was performed on the gut microbiota of VPT infants sampled at four time points: 24 h before the trial and 7, 14, and 28 days after the trial. Functional profiling was aggregated into gut and brain modules (GBMs) and gut metabolic modules (GMMs) based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella aerogenes, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were dominant species in both the test group and the control group. After the 4-week intervention, the abundance of Bifidobacterium in the test group was significantly increased. We found two GBMs (quinolinic acid synthesis and kynurenine degradation) and four GMMs (glutamine degradation, glyoxylate bypass, dissimilatory nitrate reduction, and preparatory phase of glycolysis) were significantly enriched in the test group, respectively. The results of this study suggested that formula enriched with scGOS/lcFOS (9:1) and GPM is beneficial to the intestinal microecology of VPT infants.

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is considered as one of the ideal sensing materials for high-performance room-temperature gas sensors owing to its large specific surface areas, numerous active sites, and high carrier mobility. However, the sensing performance cannot be maximized due to the inevitable sheet stacking and agglomeration. Herein, we firstdemonstrate multichannel room-temperature gas sensors using magnetic-field-induced alignment of three-dimensional (3D) Fe

To clarify the relationship between different breastfeeding duration and postpartum weight retention through meta-analysis.In this study, all relevant studies that described the effect of breastfeeding duration on postpartum weight retention were identified from Pubmed, Cochrane, and WANGFANG databases and so on (1960-2016). This meta-analysis had been registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42016038409).Fourteen cohort studies involving 66 comparisons were included. Compared with bottle-feeding mothers, breastfeeding mothers had significantly lower postpartum weight retention of -0.38 kg (95% confidence interval: -0.64, -0.11 kg). Subgroup analysis showed that, mothers who were primipara, less than 30 years old or normal pre-pregnancy body mass index had lower postpartum weight retention. When breastfeeding duration were stratified into12 weeks, 12 weeks-24 weeks, 24 weeks-48 weeks, and ≥48 weeks, postpartum weight retention in breastfeeding women presented a U-shaped trend: a decline during early breastfeeding duration (year 1) (from 0.23 kg at 12 weeks to -1.58 kg at 24-48 weeks) and then an increase in the follow-up duration (from -1.58 kg at 24-48 weeks to -0.97 kg at more than 48 weeks).Our results indicated that breastfeeding including exclusive breastfeeding and mixed breastfeeding were inversely related to postpartum weight retention. The decreasing influence of breastfeeding was more significant when the lactating mothers were less than 30 years old, primipara, normal pre-pregnant body mass index, or breastfeeding duration for 6-12 months.

Background Noncommunicable disease (NCD) has become the leading cause of mortality and disease burden worldwide. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out to investigate the prevalence of NCDs and risk factor control on dietary behaviors and dietary intake in China, Japan, and Korea. Results There were significant differences among the three countries on the prevalence of hypertension (24.5% in China, 17.6% in Korea, and 15.2% in Japan), diabetes (8.9% in China, 5.7% in Korea, and 4.8% in Japan), hyperlipidemia (13.1% in China, 9.2% in Korea, and 6.9% in Japan), and angina pectoris (3.6% in China, 1.7% in Korea, and 1.5% in Japan). The prevalence rate of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and angina pectoris was highest in China and lowest in Japan. However, 82.2%, 48.4%, and 64.4% of Chinese, Koreans, and Japanese presented good dietary behavior, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis found that sex, age, and marital status were predictors of good dietary behavior. In addition, in comparison with subjects without hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia, subjects with hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia significantly improved their dietary behaviors and controlled their intake of salt, sugar, and oil. Conclusions The prevalence of NCDs and trends in major modifiable risk factor control in China, Korea, and Japan remain troubling. Public efforts to introduce healthy lifestyle changes and systematic NCDs prevention programs are necessary to reduce the epidemic of NCDs in these three Asian countries., Highlights • The prevalences of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia were highest in China. • The prevalences of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia were lowest in Japan. • Some dietary behaviors improved hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. • These dietary behaviors differed by sex, age, and marital status.

Background Previous studies have suggested that children that are picky eaters may have a different and less varied diet than non-picky children, but the literature on picky eating in Chinese children is limited. Objectives To assess the prevalence of picky eating in 6–35 month-old Chinese children, and to explore how parents' perceptions of picky eating relate to children's intake and body composition. Methods 1414 6-35 month-old infants and toddlers from 8 Chinese cities were included in this study. Questionnaires were used to collect information on family demographic factors, child picky eating behaviors, food group rejection, and parents' perception of child weight status. Dietary intake data was collected via 24-h recall. Children's length/height and weight were measured. Results The reported prevalence of picky eating was higher in 24–35 month-olds (36% of children) compared to 6-11 month-olds (12%). There were no consistent significant differences in dietary intakes of nutrients between picky and non-picky eaters. Picky eating children whose parents indicated that they avoided eggs or fruit had lower intakes of these food groups compared to non-picky eaters, whereas those reported to avoid meat had higher meat intakes. Weight status was underestimated by parents of both picky and non-picky children. Conclusions Picky eating seems to occur at similar prevalence rates in China as has been reported in other countries. Parents' perceptions of food refusal do not reflect actual intakes, nor do nutrient intakes of picky eaters show additional gaps compared to non-picky eating children. In healthy children with typical growth patterns, picky eating seems to be a normal phase of development experienced by some children, without substantial consequences on their nutrient or food group intakes.

To investigate the effect of racemic equol and equol enantiomers on the proliferation of colorectal cancer HCT-15 cell and the potential mechanism.3-( 4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide( MTT) assay was used to detect the effect of different concentrations of racemic equol and equol enantiomers( 0, 0. 5, 1, 5 and 10 μmol/L) on the proliferation of colorectal cancer HCT-15 cell. Western blot was used to detect the expression of estrogen receptor( ER)and nuclear factor 2 related factor 2( Nrf2).Racemic equol and( R) equol inhibited the proliferation of HCT-15 cell in a dose-dependent manner, whereas( S) equol had no effect on the proliferation of HCT-15 cell. Racemic equol increased the expression of ERβ and Nrf2, while( R) equol increased the expression of Nrf2.Racemic equol can inhibit the proliferation of HCT-15 cell through estrogenic and antioxidative activity. R equol can inhibit the proliferation of HCT-15 cell through antioxidative activity, while( S) equol has no effect on the proliferation of HCT-15 cell.

Summary Background & aims This study aims to assess the relationship among prepregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, and postpartum weight retention, and to clarify the predictors of the amount of weight retained by Chinese women after pregnancy. Methods The multistage stratified random sampling was used in the cross-sectional study. Results The subjects included 1643 women. Mean gestational weight gain was 15.9 kg and mean postpartum weight retention was 5.1 kg. 43.2% of women gained excessive gestational weight gain and 53.3% of women gained 5 kg or more postpartum weight retention. In addition, the proportions of underweight women with inadequate weight gain and overweight women with excessive weight gain were 24.2% and 52.3%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that the adjusted OR of excessive gestational weight gain was 1.74 (95% CI: 1.09–2.79) in overweight women compared with normal weight women. The postpartum weight retention and the proportion of women with postpartum weight retention of 5 kg or more were significantly higher in the excessive gestational weight gain women than in the adequate gestational weight gain women in all three body mass index groups. The adjusted OR of a weight increase of 5 kg or more was at least 1.90 for underweight, normal weight, and overweight women with a gestational weight gain above the recommended amount compared with those with a gestational weight gain within the recommended amount. Conclusions Gestational weight gain above the recommended amount increases the risk of postpartum weight retention in all body mass index groups.

ObjectiveTo determine the association of gestational weight gain (GWG) or pre-pregnancy BMI with postpartum weight retention (PPWR).DesignMeta-analysis.SettingPubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, Current Contents Connects and Biosis Previews were used to search articles.SubjectsPublications that described the influence of pre-pregnancy BMI or GWG on PPWR.ResultsSeventeen studies that satisfied the eligibility criteria were included in the analyses. Women with inadequate and excessive GWG had significantly lower mean PPWR of −2·14 kg (95 % CI –2·43, –1·85 kg) and higher PPWR of 3·21 kg (95 % CI 2·79, 3·62 kg), respectively, than women with adequate GWG. When postpartum time spans were stratified into 1–3 months, 3–6 months, 6–12 months, 12–36 months and ≥15 years, the association between inadequate GWG and PPWR faded over time and became insignificant (−1·42 kg; 95 % CI −3·08, 0·24 kg) after ≥15 years. However, PPWR in women with excess GWG exhibited a U-shaped trend; that is, a decline during the early postpartum time span (year 1) and then an increase in the following period. Meta-analysis of qualitative studies showed a significant relationship between excessive GWG and higher PPWR risk (OR=2·08; 95 % CI 1·60, 2·70). Moreover, meta-analysis of pre-pregnancy BMI on PPWR indicated that mean PPWR decreased with increasing BMI group.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that GWG, rather than pre-pregnancy BMI, determines the shorter- or longer-term PPWR.

Studies have yet to determine whether or not equol can explain the chemopreventive effect of soy. In the present study, a single oral dose of 5 mg 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) was administered to 120 rats. After ovariectomy, these rats were divided into eight different treatment groups: control group (CG); high isoflavone (HI); middle isoflavone (MI); low isoflavone (Li); high equol (HE); middle equol (ME); low equol (LE); and oestrogen group (EG). At week 24 after DMBA was administered, tumour incidences were 60% (9/15) in CG, 13.3% (2/15) in the MI group, 13.3% (2/15) in the Li group, 6.7% (1/15) in the LE group, and 73.3% (11/15) in EG. Isoflavone/equol groups exhibited significantly lower incidences of tumour and longer mean latent period compared with CG and EG. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly decreased in the plasma of the rats in HI and MI groups as well as in equol treatment groups compared with CG. Moreover, RT-PCR and western blotting show that the mRNA and protein expression levels of ERα and ERβ were significantly higher in isoflavone/equol treatment groups than in CG. In conclusion, isoflavone/equol intake can significantly inhibit the development of post-menopausal mammary tumours by antioxidant activities and oestrogenic activities.

The hydrotreated Li–W co-doped ZnO (LWZO:H) thin films was prepared on quartz glass substrates by RF magnetron sputtering at substrate temperature 100 °C with varied hydrogen flow ratios. The X-ray diffraction spectra indicated that the hydrotreating Li–W co-doped ZnO films showed a preferred orientation toward the c-axis. The chemical compositions of all samples were confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which clearly showed the existence of W as a doping element into ZnO crystal lattice. The surface morphology of LWZO:H thin films changed with the increasing R value can clearly be seen. The average transmittance of the films was found to be almost 85 % for the wavelength range of 400–1,200 nm. Meanwhile, the optical band gap increase of the films may be attributed to the band Burstein–Moss effect.

To determine the associations between isoflavone (49.72% genistin, 5.32% daidzin, 34.54% glycitin) and breast cancer risk, 150 rats were given 5 mg 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene and half of them were ovariectomized. Then normal rats and ovariectomized rats were divided into 5 groups: control group, isoflavone high (HI), middle (MI), or low (LI) dose group consuming 100, 500, or 1000 mg isoflavones/kg diet, estrogen group (2.5 mg stilboestrol/kg diet). After 24 weeks, tumor incidences were 73% in control group, 7% in HI, 7% in MI, 27% in LI, and 80% in estrogen group for normal rats; 60% in control group, 13% in HI, 7% in MI, 13% in LI, and 73% in estrogen group for ovariectomized rats. Isoflavone treatment decreased tumor incidence and mean tumor number per rat and increased mean latent period compared with those in control group and estrogen group group significantly (p

The hydrogen doped ZnO (ZnO:H) thin films were deposited on quartz glass substrates by radio frequency magnetron sputtering. The doping characteristics of ZnO:H thin films with varied hydrogen flow ratio were investigated. At low hydrogen flow ratio (H2/(H2+Ar)≤0.02), the ZnO:H thin films exhibited dominant (002) peaks from X-ray diffraction and the lattice constants became smaller. The particles were mainly a columnar structure. The particles’ size became smaller, and the island-like structure appeared on the thin films surface. In addition, the low resistivity properties of ZnO:H thin films was ascribed to the increase of the carriers concentration and carriers mobility; When the hydrogen flow ratio was more than 0.02 (M≥0.02), two absorption bands at 1400–1800 cm−1 and 3200–3900 cm−1 were observed from the FT-IR spectra, which indicated that the ZnO:H thin films had typical Zn–H bonding, O–H bonding (hydroxyl), and Zn–H–O bonding (like-hydroxyl). The scanning electron microscope (SEM) results show that a large number of hydroxyl agglomeration formed an island-like structure on the thin films surface. The absorption peak at about 575 cm−1 in the Raman spectra indicated that oxygen vacancies (VO) defects were produced in the process of high hydrogen doping. In this condition, the low resistivity properties of ZnO:H thin films were mainly due to the increasing electron concentration resulted from VO. Meanwhile, the Raman absorption peaks at approximately 98 cm−1 and 436 cm−1 became weaker, and the (002) XRD diffraction peak quenched and the lattice constants increased, which shows that the ZnO:H thin films no longer presented a typical ZnO hexagonal wurtzite structure. With the increasing of hydrogen flow ratio, the optical transmittance of ZnO:H thin films in the ultraviolet band show a clear Burstein–Moss shift effect, which further explained that electron concentration was increased due to the increasing VO with high hydrogen doping concentration. Moreover, the optical reflectance of the thin films decreased, indicating the higher roughness of the films surface. It was noteworthy that etching effect of H plasma was obvious in the process of heavy hydrogen doping.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the major public health concerns in China. However, little has been known yet about the background social factors that influence lifestyles as possible NCD risk factors. This qualitative study aimed to explore facilitators and barriers of adopting healthy lifestyles among residents in a rural community of China. Three age-stratified focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in Fangshan district of Beijing in 2013. A FGD guide was designed to elicit the participants’ perception and experience regarding their lifestyles. The audio-records were transcribed, and data were qualitatively analyzed through thematic approach. Through social capital framework with bonding, bridging, and linking classifications, we identified the following facilitators and barriers to adopt healthy lifestyles. (1) Facilitators: mutual support from family/friends and motivation to participate in regular exercises (bonding); cooperative relationships with community health workers (bridging); and nationwide high level of healthy lifestyle awareness (linking). (2) Barriers: negative influence from family/friends, insufficient support from family/friends, peer pressure and tolerance towards unhealthy lifestyles (bonding); insufficient support from health professionals (bridging); and inequity in allocation of public resources (linking). This study revealed that bonding, bridging and linking social capital would work as facilitators and barriers to adopt healthy lifestyles among rural residents in China.

ObjectiveSeparate meta-analyses based on case–control and cohort studies have reported different results on the relationship between coffee consumption and colorectal cancer risk. To clarify the effect of coffee intake on colorectal cancer risk, we performed a meta-analysis based on both case–control and cohort studies.DesignReview study.SettingWe identified case–control and cohort studies related to coffee consumption and colorectal cancer risk listed on MEDLINE, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, EMBASE, Science Citation Index and PubMed (until May 2011).SubjectsResearch literature on the relationship between coffee consumption and colorectal cancer risk.ResultsTwenty-five case–control (15 522 cases) and sixteen cohort studies (10 443 cases) were included in the meta-analysis. Comparing the highest v. the lowest/non category of coffee consumption, the combined results from case–control studies showed a significant relationship with colorectal cancer (OR = 0·85, 95 % CI 0·75, 0·97) and colon cancer (OR = 0·79, 95 % CI 0·67, 0·95), but not rectal cancer (OR = 0·95, 95 % CI 0·79, 1·15). For cohort studies, there was a slight suggestion of an inverse association with colorectal cancer (relative ratio = 0·94; 95 % CI 0·88, 1·01) and colon cancer (OR = 0·93, 95 % CI 0·86, 1·01), rather than rectal cancer (OR = 0·98, 95 % CI 0·88, 1·09). In subgroup analyses using case–control studies, significant inverse associations were found in females for colorectal cancer and in Europe for colorectal and colon cancer, while the subgroup analyses of cohort studies found that coffee drinks substantially decreased risk of colon cancer only in Asian women.ConclusionsResults from case–control studies suggest coffee consumption can significantly decrease the risks of colorectal cancer and colon cancer, especially in Europe and for females.

Exposure to soy isoflavones has been associated with low mortality of prostate cancer. In this study, we examined the effects of (±)equol and two representative isoflavones, daidzein and genistein, on migration and invasion in human prostate cancer DU145 cells. First of all, the three regents did not show significant growth inhibitive effect in DU145 cells until the treatments last for 72 h. Treatment with 5 µM, 10 µM, 50 µM (±)equol, 0.5 µM, 1 µM, 5 µM daidzein and genistein for 24 h decreased cell migration and invasion significantly. (±)equol activated phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten at protein level but not mRNA level, which activated antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2. A reduction of malondialdehyde concentration, the product of lipid per-oxidation, was observed as well. Moreover, matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator, the crucial members in metastasis, were down-regulated. Overall, our data indicate that (±)equol, daidzein and genistein may have significant anti-invasion effect in DU145 cells (in vitro). The effects induced by (±)equol may relate to its anti-oxidant effect mediated by phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten.

In recent years, the possibility that coffee consumption is associated with an increased incidence of coronary heart disease has gained renewed interest. Although epidemiological studies have failed to show consistently that coffee drinking is a factor in the development of coronary heart disease, reports suggest that coffee consumption may alter blood lipoprotein patterns and contribute to coronary heart disease by this mechanism. However, epidemiological studies and experimental studies investigating the associations of coffee consumption and serum lipids have yielded conflicting results. In addition, previous studies have showed that the effect of coffee consumption on serum lipids may be influenced by different brewing method, different coffee oil and caffeine content. This review will discuss the effect of coffee consumption and serum lipids and explore the possible influence factors and can act as a comprehensive treatise regarding the benefits and risks of coffee consumption on serum lipids.

Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of eating behaviour regarding dietary variety and nutrient intake of children. However, the association between picky eating and growth of children is still a topic of debate. This study sought to estimate the prevalence of picky eating and to identify possible associations with the growth of school-age children in China. In this survey, 793 healthy children aged 7–12 years were recruited from nine cities and rural areas in China using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Data collected included socio-demographic information and parents' perceptions of picky eating using a structured questionnaire, nutrient intake using 24-hour dietary recall, weight and height using body measurements, and intelligence using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. Blood samples were collected and analysed for minerals. The prevalence of picky eating reported by parents was 59.3% in children. Compared with non-picky eaters, picky eaters had a lower dietary intake of energy, protein, carbohydrates, most vitamins and minerals, and lower levels of magnesium, iron, and copper in the blood (p

This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of infants aged 0 to 5 months by different feeding approaches. A cross-sectional study on infant nutrition was performed in eight cities in China. A total of 622 infants from birth to 2 months of age and 456 infants from 3 months to 5 months of age were included in this study. Mix-fed infants received breast milk and complementary foods from birth to 2 months of age. Approximately 38.2% of mix-fed infants received excessive vitamin A, and 15.6% of infants exceeded the tolerable upper intake levels (ULs) of zinc. For artificially fed infants who received only complementary foods, approximately 20% and 12.5% infants received inadequate dietary vitamin A and zinc intakes, respectively. The vitamin A and zinc intakes of half of the infants exceeded the ULs. Results showed that the usual intake distribution of the infants from 3 months to 5 months of age were similar to that of the infants from birth to 2 months of age. The common vitamin A and zinc intakes were also severely imbalanced. In addition, higher disease prevalence and lower Z scores of length-forage, weight-for-age, and weight-for-length were found in artificially fed infants and mix-fed infants compared with those in breast-fed infants. In conclusion, the usual nutrient intakes were adequate for the majority of Chinese infants, except for an important number of infants at risk for imbalance of vitamin A and zinc intakes.为了评价不同喂养方式0-5月婴儿的营养状况，我们在中国8城市实施了婴儿营养 横断面调查。总共调查了622名0-2月婴儿和456名3-5月婴儿。混合喂养婴儿指同 时摄入母乳和辅食的婴儿。研究结果发现0-2月婴儿中，38.2%的混合喂养婴儿摄 入过量的维生素A，15.6%的混合喂养儿摄入过量的锌。对于只摄入辅食的人工 喂养儿来说，大约分别有20%和12.5%的婴儿摄入维生素A和锌的量不足。而超 过一半的人工喂养儿摄入过量的维生素A和锌。3-5月的婴儿营养摄入状况与0-2 月婴儿的营养摄入状况大致相同，也存在严重的维生素A和锌摄入失衡状况。此 外，与母乳喂养儿相比，人工喂养儿和混合喂养儿有较高的疾病发病率和较低 的年龄别身高，年龄别体重和身高别体重评分。总之，对于中国城市0-5月婴儿 来说，除了维生素A和锌存在不同程度的营养失衡状况之外，其他大多数的营养 素均摄入充足。

Infancy is a critical period of growth and physiological development, in which breast milk is the best source of nutrients. Compared to western countries, research on breast milk of Chinese population are limited. Thus, it is necessary to measure breast milk energy and macronutrient concentrations of healthy urban Chinese mothers at different lactation stages, to expand the database of milk composition of Chinese population, and to examine whether dietary or other maternal factors can affect the levels of macronutrients in breast milk.Breast milk of full expression of one side breast from 436 urban Chinese lactating mothers at 5-11 days, 12-30 days, 31-60 days, 61-120 days, and 121-240 days postpartum was obtained at 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Total energy, lactose, protein, and fat contents were measured. 24-hour dietary recall was surveyed, and maternal nutrient intakes were analyzed.Milk composition changed over the course of lactation and large individual variations were documented. The concentrations were 61.3 kcal/dl for total energy, 7.1 g/dl for lactose, 0.9 g/dl for protein, and 3.4 g/dl for fat in mature milk. Stage of lactation was a strong factor affecting milk composition. Minimal evidence was found for associations between maternal current dietary intake and milk macronutrient concentration, consistently with prior research. Maternal body mass index (BMI) was positively associated with milk fat content, to a greater extent than did dietary intake. All other maternal characteristics were not significant for milk composition.These findings suggest that milk composition is generally weakly associated with maternal factors except for stage of lactation, and is likely to be more susceptible to long-term maternal nutritional status than short-term dietary fluctuation.

OBJECTIVE Global clinical trials are important because they facilitate rapid delivery of new and effective drugs to patients Assessment of the current situation of clinical trials conducted in Asia is critical for improving performance of global clinical trials. However, review reports from China or other Asian countries are not yet available. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate the current quality of clinical trials conducted in Shanghai, as well as Beijing. METHODS Questionnaires were distributed to medical doctors attending institutes in Beijing and Shanghai in which clinical trials have been conducted. These questionnaires were delivered and collected from both areas by the Peking University research team of Beijing and the Fudan University research team of Shanghai respectively. Analysis and evaluation were conducted by research teams from both China and Japan. RESULTS Subjects were randomly selected by the respective research team. A total of 145 questionnaires in Beijing and 162 in Shanghai were administered: all 307 questionnaires were completed. In total, 57.2% and 74.5% of respondents from Beijing and Shanghai, respectively, reported participation in audits and inspections on an annual basis conducted by their own institute. A total of 49.2% and 56.0% of respondents from Beijing and Shanghai, respectively, reported that they received reports after the audits and inspections by an institute. 23.5% and 37.7% of respondents from Beijing and Shanghai, respectively, reported participation in audits conducted annually by external authorities. A total of 18.9% and 29.5% of respondents from Beijing and Shanghai, respectively, reported that they received reports after the audits and inspections by an external authority. CONCLUSIONS Our research suggests that clinical trials in Shanghai, as well as in Beijing, are conducted vigorously and appropriately monitored by audits and inspections conducted by concerned institutes and/or by an external authority.

To evaluate the effect of treatment with β-conglycinin, a major soyabean protein, on blood lipids in menopausal women, we recruited 100 hyperlipidaemic women aged 40–60 years old. Participants were randomly allocated to three groups: placebo group (n 34, four casein tablets/d); low dose group (n 33, four tablets containing 2·3 g β-conglycinin/d); high-dose group (n 33, eight tablets containing 4·6 g β-conglycinin/d). The mean serum TAG concentration was significantly reduced after 6 and 12 weeks of β-conglycinin intervention by 0·44 (sd 0·20) and 0·78 (sd 1·03) mmol/l in the low-dose group, and by 0·46 (sd 0·17) and 1·25 (sd 1·06) mmol/l in the high-dose group, respectively. One-way ANOVA revealed that serum TAG concentrations in the low-dose and high-dose groups were significantly lowered compared with the placebo group at weeks 6 and 12 (Psd 0·72) and 0·52 (sd 0·97) mmol/l at week 12, respectively (PP

To assess the effects of soybean isoflavone on reproductive development in SD rats.Forty 4 week-old SD rats (20 males and 20 females) were randomly divided into a control group and a soy isoflavone (SI) group according to their body mass, and were fed with normal diet or normal diet added with soy isoflavone (100 mg/kg BW), respectively. The body weight, daily food intake, estrous cycle, fertility index, pregnant index, gestation length, number of pups, blood hormone level, the weight of reproduction organ and the quality of sperm of the parental generation and the sex ratio, anogenital distance, vagina opening time, prepuce separation time of F1 generation were recorded. The data were analyzed by two independent t test, and the data of pups in each litter were analyzed as a unit.Compared with the control group, the body weight and food utilization of male and female rats in SI group were lower before copulation (P0.05). The total number of sperm of parental males was higher (P0.05). Serum luteinizing hormone (LH) level of parental male was lower (P0.05), serum luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL) and progesterone (P) of parental female were lower in SI group (P0.05). There were no significant differences of other indices such as estrous cycle, mating index, fertility index between two groups.SI has certain effect on the bodyweight of parental males, food utilization of females, and the total number of sperm and the level of some hormones.

Improving effects on serum triacylglyceride in women with hypertriacylglycerolemia by soybean beta-conglycinin.A placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study was conducted in 100 women aged 40-60 with TC6.22 mmol/L (or TG1.70 mmol/L). The subjects were administered beta-conglycinin 4.6g (high dose) in 8 test tablets and 2.3g(low dose) in 4 test tablets daily for the two test groups and 4 placebo tablets containing no beta-conglycinin for the control group for 12 weeks.Compared to the control group, serum triacylglycerol in the high dose group was significantly reduced at the 6th week (P0.001) and the 12th week (P = 0.001) of the trial. Serum triacylglycerol in the low dose group was reduced at the 6th week (P0.001) of the trial.Soybean beta-conglycinin seemed to have a positive effect of reducing serum triglycerides and improving serum lipids in people with hyperlipidemia.