Pathway collages: personalized multi-pathway diagrams.

Background: Metabolic pathway diagrams are a classical way of visualizing a linked cascade of biochemical reactions. However, to understand some biochemical situations, viewing a single pathway is insufficient, whereas viewing the entire metabolic network results in information overload. How do we enable scientists to rapidly construct personalized multi-pathway diagrams that depict a desired collection of interacting pathways that emphasize particular pathway interactions?

Results: We define software for constructing personalized multi-pathway diagrams called pathway-collages using a combination of manual and automatic layouts.

Correcting a marginal riboflavin deficiency improves hematologic status in young women in the United Kingdom (RIBOFEM).

Background: Moderate riboflavin deficiency is prevalent in certain population groups in affluent countries, but the functional significance of this deficiency is not clear. Studies have indicated a role for riboflavin in the absorption and use of iron.

Objective: We investigated the effect of riboflavin supplementation on hematologic status in a group of moderately riboflavin-deficient women aged 19-25 y in the United Kingdom.

Prebiotic evaluation of a novel galactooligosaccharide mixture produced by the enzymatic activity of Bifidobacterium bifidum NCIMB 41171, in healthy humans: a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled intervention study.

Background: Galactooligosaccharides are selectively fermented by the beneficial member of the colonic microflora contributing to the health of the host.

Objective: We assessed the prebiotic potential of a novel galactooligosaccharide produced through the action of beta-galactosidases, originating from a probiotic Bifidobacterium bifidum strain, against a galactooligosaccharide produced through the action of an industrial beta-galactosidase and a placebo.

Design: Fifty-nine healthy human volunteers participated in this study.