A Multivitamin Mixture Protects against Oxidative Stress-Mediated Telomere Shortening.

Telomeres are nucleotide repeat sequences located at the end of chromosomes that protect them from degradation and maintain chromosomal stability. Telomeres shorten with each cell division; hence telomere length is associated with aging and longevity. Numerous lifestyle factors have been identified that impact the rate of telomere shortening; high vitamin consumption has been associated with longer telomere length, whereas oxidative stress is associated with telomere shortening.

Counteracting health risks by Modulating Homeostatic Signaling.

Homeostasis was initially conceptualized by Bernard and Cannon around a century ago as a steady state of physiological parameters that vary within a certain range, such as blood pH, body temperature, and heart rate [1,2]. The underlying mechanisms that maintain homeostasis are explained by negative feedbacks that are executed by the neuronal, endocrine, and immune systems. At the cellular level, homeostasis, such as that of redox and energy steady state, also exists and is regulated by various cell signaling pathways.

β -Glucan Improves Protective Qi Status in Adults with Protective Qi Deficiency-A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, and Double-Blinded Trial.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that β -glucan enhances protective qi (PQi), an important Chinese medicine (CM) concept which stipulates that a protective force circulates throughout the body surface and works as the first line of defense against "external pernicious influences".

Methods: A total of 138 participants with PQi deficiency (PQD) were randomized to receive β -glucan (200 mg daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. Participants' PQi status was assessed every 2 weeks via conventional diagnosis and a standardized protocol from which a PQD severity and risk score was derived.

Proof-of-Concept and Feasibility Study to Evaluate the Effect of β-Glucan on Protective Qi Deficiency in Adults.

Objective: To preliminarily explore the potential effect of β-glucan on Chinese medicine (CM) concept protective qi deficiency (PQD), and the methodology for future definitive studies.

Methods: To have a standardized assessment of PQD, a list of 13 potentially PQD-relevant parameters were firstly created, each with defined quantitative or categorial scales. Using the data from 37 participants with (21 cases) or without (16 cases) PQD, multivariate logistic modeling was conducted to create a preliminary diagnostic PQD risk score.

Correction: Nicodemus-Johnson, J.; et al. Fruit and Juice Epigenetic Signatures Are Associated with Independent Immunoregulatory Pathways. Nutrients 2017, 9, 752.

We would like to submit the following correction to our recently published paper [1] due to the error in illustration of the abbreviation eFORGE. The details are as follows:[..

Fruit and Juice Epigenetic Signatures Are Associated with Independent Immunoregulatory Pathways.

Epidemiological evidence strongly suggests that fruit consumption promotes many health benefits. Despite the general consensus that fruit and juice are nutritionally similar, epidemiological results for juice consumption are conflicting. Our objective was to use DNA methylation marks to characterize fruit and juice epigenetic signatures within PBMCs and identify shared and independent signatures associated with these groups.

Outcomes of Recurrent Rectal Cancer after Transanal Excision.

Successful surgical salvage after transanal excision (TAE) of rectal cancers has historically been considered feasible, but results vary. We examine our experience in surgical salvage of locally recurrent rectal cancers after TAE. A retrospective review of patients undergoing salvage surgery for locally recurrent early-stage rectal cancer after TAE from March 1990 to March 2008 at our institution is presented here.

The effect of dietary supplements on the quality of life of retired professional football players.

Professional football players may experience negative health consequences when they retire such as chronic pain, cognitive problems as well as other consequences of sports-related injuries. The purpose of this pilot study is to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with multiple nutrients on the quality of life of retired football players. Fifteen retired players received daily supplementation of fish oil with cholecalciferol, antioxidants, natural vitamins and minerals, polysaccharides and phytosterol-amino acid complex for 6 months.

Barcoded pyrosequencing analysis of the microbial community in a simulator of the human gastrointestinal tract showed a colon region-specific microbiota modulation for two plant-derived polysaccharide blends.

The combination of a Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem with ad hoc molecular techniques (i.e. pyrosequencing, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and quantitative PCR) allowed an evaluation of the extent to which two plant polysaccharide supplements could modify a complex gut microbial community.

Neurologic effects of exogenous saccharides: a review of controlled human, animal, and in vitro studies.

Objectives: Current research efforts are centered on delineating the novel health benefits of naturally derived saccharides, including growing interest in their abilities to influence neurologic health. We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to consolidate all controlled studies assessing various roles of exogenous saccharide compounds and polysaccharide-rich extracts from plants, fungi, and other natural sources on brain function, with a significant focus on benefits derived from oral intake.

Methods: Studies were identified by conducting electronic searches on PubMed and Google Scholar.

Immunomodulatory dietary polysaccharides: a systematic review of the literature.

Background: A large body of literature suggests that certain polysaccharides affect immune system function. Much of this literature, however, consists of in vitro studies or studies in which polysaccharides were injected. Their immunologic effects following oral administration is less clear.