Nutrition
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To our knowledge, the overall nutritional quality of the Japanese diet has not been assessed previously. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between adhering to a Japanese diet and nutrient intake. ⋯ The present findings suggest that adhering to a Japanese diet defined by the JDI score is associated with better nutrient intake. However, this dietary pattern also appears to be associated with high sodium intake.
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Objective Beta-casein is a major protein in breast milk and an important source for several bioactive peptides that are encrypted within the sequence. Beta-casomorphins (BCMs) are short-chain proteolytic peptides that are derived from the beta-casein protein and have opioid effects in newborns. Human milk is known to contain naturally occurring milk-protein-derived bioactive peptides but the identification of naturally occurring beta-casein-derived BCMs in human breast milk has been limited due to difficulties in the detection of BCM peptides, which are small and circulate in low concentrations. ⋯ Our study provides evidence of beta-casein-derived BCM peptides in human milk before infant digestion. Proteases that are present in milk are likely specific in their proteolysis of beta-casein. The identified bioactive BCM-8, -9, -10, and -11 as well as the precursor peptides meet the structural requirements to elicit opioid, immunomodulatory, antioxidative, and satiety functions in newborns.
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Biotin is a component of the vitamin B complex used in standard immunoassays to detect serum levels of various hormones and non-hormones, including thyrotropin (TSH) and thyroxine. These assays involve a strong bond between streptavidin and biotin, which serves as an anchor for measured analytes. Large doses of exogenous biotin for the treatment of certain medical conditions have resulted in assay interference, causing TSH to be spuriously lowered. Smaller doses of biotin found in dietary supplements also have caused assay interference. ⋯ Although the biotin-streptavidin interaction is sensitive for detecting serum levels of TSH, it is subject to interference by exogenous biotin at levels found in OTC products. The widespread use of OTC biotin for cosmetic purposes can adversely affect the diagnosis of the entire spectrum of functional thyroid disorders. Physicians must carefully and routinely question for the use of biotin before thyroid function testing.
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The aim of this study is to investigate the specific effects of vitamin A (VA) on diarrhea in rats and its potential targets to protect the intestinal mucosa. ⋯ VAD may aggravate the degree of diarrhea and intestinal mucosal damage during the duration of diarrhea, and VAS helps relieve diarrhea and improves intestinal damage likely by regulating the expression of TJ proteins. Therefore, VA plays a pivotal role in the protection of the intestinal mucosa during instances of diarrhea.
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Review Meta Analysis
Vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor for thyroid cancer: A meta-analysis of case-control studies.
The association between vitamin D deficiency and thyroid cancer is controversial. Some studies have demonstrated that higher serum vitamin D levels might protect against thyroid cancer, whereas others have not, or have even indicated the opposite to be the case. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the association between vitamin D deficicency and thyroid cancer and propose that vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for thyroid cancer. ⋯ Lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were associated with increased risk for thyroid cancer. On the other hand, vitamin D deficiency may act as a risk factor for thyroid cancer.