Effect of Calcium Derived from Lithothamnion sp. on Markers of Calcium Metabolism in Premenopausal Women.

A double-blind crossover pilot trial tested the hypothesis that botanically derived calcium could demonstrate greater influence over calcium metabolism markers compared with a nonplant-derived calcium carbonate supplement or placebo. Twelve fasting female subjects received a single oral dose of Aquamin F™ (derived from the marine algal Lithothamnion sp.), or calcium carbonate, or placebo.

Self-assembling DNA nanotubes to connect molecular landmarks.

Within cells, nanostructures are often organized using local assembly rules that produce long-range order. Because these rules can take into account the cell's current structure and state, they can enable complexes, organelles or cytoskeletal structures to assemble around existing cellular components to form architectures. Although many methods for self-assembling biomolecular nanostructures have been developed, few can be programmed to assemble structures whose form depends on the identity and organization of structures already present in the environment.

Kinetics and Thermodynamics of Watson-Crick Base Pairing Driven DNA Origami Dimerization.

We investigate the kinetics and thermodynamics of DNA origami dimerization using flat rectangle origami components and different architectures of Watson-Crick complementary single-stranded DNA ("sticky end") linking strategies. We systematically vary the number of linkers, the length of the sticky ends on the linker, and linker architecture and measure the corresponding yields as well as forward and reverse reaction rate constants through fluorescence quenching assays. Yields were further verified using atomic force microscopy.

An assembly funnel makes biomolecular complex assembly efficient.

Like protein folding and crystallization, the self-assembly of complexes is a fundamental form of biomolecular organization. While the number of methods for creating synthetic complexes is growing rapidly, most require empirical tuning of assembly conditions and/or produce low yields. We use coarse-grained simulations of the assembly kinetics of complexes to identify generic limitations on yields that arise because of the many simultaneous interactions allowed between the components and intermediates of a complex.

A natural seaweed derived mineral supplement (Aquamin F) for knee osteoarthritis: a randomised, placebo controlled pilot study.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a slowly destructive process that may be influenced by a nutritional mineral balance in the body.

Methods: This small, double blind, placebo controlled pilot study investigated the impact of treatment with a natural multi-mineral supplement from seaweed (Aquamin) on 6 minute walking distance (6 MWD), range of motion (ROM), and pain and joint mobility measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index in subjects with moderate to severe OA of the knee during gradual withdrawal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that were being used daily for pain management. Subjects (n = 29) with moderate to severe OA of the knee were randomised to receive either Aquamin (2400 mg/d) or Placebo for up to 12 weeks.

A whey-protein supplement increases fat loss and spares lean muscle in obese subjects: a randomized human clinical study.

Background: This study evaluated a specialized whey fraction (Prolibratrade mark, high in leucine, bioactive peptides and milk calcium) for use as a dietary supplement to enhance weight loss.

Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, parallel-arm, 12-week study. Caloric intake was reduced 500 calories per day.

A natural mineral supplement provides relief from knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

Background: This small, pilot study evaluated the impact of treatment with a natural multi-mineral supplement from seaweed (Aquamin) on walking distance, pain and joint mobility in subjects with moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee.

Methods: Subjects (n = 70) with moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee were randomized to four double-blinded treatments for 12 weeks: (a) Glucosamine sulfate (1500 mg/d); (b) Aquamin (2400 mg/d); (c) Combined treatment composed of Glucosamine sulfate (1500 mg/d) plus Aquamin (2400 mg/d) and (d) Placebo. Primary outcome measures were WOMAC scores and 6 Minute Walking Distances (6 MWD).

New therapy for the prevention and prophylactic treatment of acute radiation syndrome.

The risk of military personnel, first responders and civilians being exposed to lethal doses of ionising radiation is greater now than it was during the Cold War. Due to the increasing likelihood of exposure to ionising radiation, the need for medical radiation countermeasures has been recognised as a high priority in the US. At present, no approved drugs are available for the prevention or treatment of acute radiation syndrome, even though this is a top national priority.

HUM5007, a novel combination of thermogenic compounds, and 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone: each increases the resting metabolic rate of overweight adults.

This study tested the hypothesis that 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone alone (7-Keto) and in combination with calcium citrate, green tea extract, ascorbic acid, chromium nicotinate and cholecalciferol (HUM5007) will increase the resting metabolic rate (RMR) of overweight subjects maintained on a calorie-restricted diet. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, overweight adults on a calorie-restricted diet were randomized to three 7-day treatment periods with 7-Keto, HUM5007 or placebo. Resting metabolic rate was measured by indirect calorimetry at the beginning and end of each treatment period with a 7-day washout between testing periods.

Effect of lean system 7 on metabolic rate and body composition.

Objective: This study evaluated whether a commercial weight-loss product (Lean System 7) would result in less reduction in resting metabolic rate (RMR) in overweight subjects on a calorie-restricted diet and exercise regimen than in subjects using diet and exercise alone.

Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, healthy overweight adults were given three capsules of a commercial weight-loss product twice daily or an identical placebo and followed a calorie-restricted diet and an exercise program for 8 wk. RMR, body weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, and body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry were measured at baseline and week 8.