Mendelian Randomization Indicates a Causal Role for Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal system. Omega-3 (ω₃) fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that are largely obtained from diet and have been speculated to decrease the inflammatory response that is involved in IBD; however, the causality of this association has not been established. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to assess genetic associations between 249 circulating metabolites measured in the UK Biobank as exposures and IBD as the outcome. The genome-wide association study summary level data for metabolite measurements and IBD were derived from large European ancestry cohorts. We observed ω₃ fatty acids as a significant protective association with IBD, with multiple modes of MR evidence replicated in three IBD summary genetic datasets. The instrumental variables that were involved in the causal association of ω₃ fatty acids with IBD highlighted an intronic SNP, rs174564, in FADS2, a protein engaged in the first step of alpha-linolenic acid desaturation leading to anti-inflammatory EPA and thence DHA production. A low ratio of ω₃ to ω₆ fatty acids was observed to be a causal risk factor, particularly for Crohn’s disease. ω₃ fatty acid supplementation may provide anti-inflammatory responses that are required to attenuate inflammation that is involved in IBD.     

Raman spectra of micellar casein powders prepared with wet blending of glycomacropeptide and micellar casein concentrate

Understanding the molecular properties and interactions of components within high-protein dairy powders is important in predicting rehydration performance. Raman spectroscopy was used to generate molecular information which provided insights into interactions between caseins in micellar casein concentrate (MCC) powder formulated with varying proportions of glycomacropeptide (GMP). The Raman bands showed intense peaks at 1446 to 1476 cm⁻¹ (due to CH₂ vibration) and 1653 to 1668 cm⁻¹ (due to C=O of Amide I and C=C bond) in MCC powder samples blended with GMP. Enhanced rehydration characteristics of MCC powder containing GMP matched with these differences in Raman peak intensity.     

建筑与结构设计之"合"——石上纯也与佐藤淳的合作访谈

现代建筑发展潮流中,日本建筑的设计风格独树一帜,新生代建筑师层出不穷,这离不开其独特的建筑文化环境,比如师承体系,与结构师之间的紧密合作等.此次访谈以建筑师与结构师的合作为主题,采访了石上纯也和佐藤淳两位先生,以了解和学习他们的工作模式.本文包括三部分:第一部分探讨合作模式,通过初期项目的讨论,阐述了双方合作开始的契机与发展,而海外项目中与当地事务所合作经验的对比,更显示出他们合作模式的独特性;第二部分探讨设计理念,通过两位老师在以往展览和建筑设计项目中关于自然的讨论,对场地的回应等,表达出他们彼此对建筑和结构设计理念的理解与思考;第三部分探讨对未来教育模式、新材料、新技术的建议与展望.