Reduced Insulin Resistance and Oxidative Stress in a Mouse Model of Metabolic Syndrome following Twelve Weeks of Citrus Bioflavonoid Hesperidin Supplementation: A Dose-Response Study.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities affecting ~25% of adults and is linked to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Oxidative stress and inflammation are key drivers of MetS. Hesperidin, a citrus bioflavonoid, has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its effects on MetS are not fully established. We aimed to determine the optimal dose of hesperidin required to improve oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and glycemic control in a novel mouse model of MetS. Male 5-week-old C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat, high-salt, high-sugar diet (HFSS; 42% kcal fat content in food and drinking water with 0.9% saline and 10% high fructose corn syrup) for 16 weeks. After 6 weeks of HFSS, mice were randomly allocated to either the placebo group or low- (70 mg/kg/day), mid- (140 mg/kg/day), or high-dose (280 mg/kg/day) hesperidin supplementation for 12 weeks. The HFSS diet induced significant metabolic disturbances. HFSS + placebo mice gained almost twice the weight of control mice (p < 0.0001). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) increased by 40% (p < 0.0001), plasma insulin by 100% (p < 0.05), and HOMA-IR by 150% (p < 0.0004), indicating insulin resistance. Hesperidin supplementation reduced plasma insulin by 40% at 140 mg/kg/day (p < 0.0001) and 50% at 280 mg/kg/day (p < 0.005). HOMA-IR decreased by 45% at both doses (p < 0.0001). Plasma hesperidin levels significantly increased in all hesperidin groups (p < 0.0001). Oxidative stress, measured by 8-OHdG, was increased by 40% in HFSS diet mice (p < 0.001) and reduced by 20% with all hesperidin doses (p < 0.005). In conclusion, hesperidin supplementation reduced insulin resistance and oxidative stress in HFSS-fed mice, demonstrating its dose-dependent therapeutic potential in MetS.

Protein Disulfide Isomerase Endoplasmic Reticulum Protein 57 (ERp57) is Protective Against ALS-Associated Mutant TDP-43 in Neuronal Cells.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a severe neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons. Pathological forms of Tar-DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43), involving its mislocalisation to the cytoplasm and the formation of misfolded inclusions, are present in almost all ALS cases (97%), and ~ 50% cases of the related condition, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), highlighting its importance in neurodegeneration. Previous studies have shown that endoplasmic reticulum protein 57 (ERp57), a member of the protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) family of redox chaperones, is protective against ALS-linked mutant superoxide dismutase (SOD1) in neuronal cells and transgenic SOD1G93A mouse models. However, it remains unclear whether ERp57 is protective against pathological TDP-43 in ALS. Here, we demonstrate that ERp57 is protective against key features of TDP-43 pathology in neuronal cells. ERp57 inhibited the mislocalisation of TDP-43M337V from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. In addition, ERp57 inhibited the number of inclusions formed by ALS-associated variant TDP-43M337V and reduced the size of these inclusions. ERp57 was also protective against ER stress and induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, ERp57 modulated the steady-state expression levels of TDP-43. This study therefore demonstrates a novel mechanism of action of ERp57 in ALS. It also implies that ERp57 may have potential as a novel therapeutic target to prevent the TDP-43 pathology associated with neurodegeneration.

The assessment of dietary carotenoid intake of the Cardio-Med FFQ using food records and biomarkers in an Australian cardiology cohort: a pilot validation.

Dietary carotenoids are associated with lower risk of CHD. Assessment of dietary carotenoid intake using questionnaires can be susceptible to measurement error. Consequently, there is a need to validate data collected from FFQs which measure carotenoid intake. This study aimed to assess the performance of the Cardio-Med Survey Tool (CMST)-FFQ-version 2 (v2) as a measure of dietary carotenoid intake over 12-months against plasma carotenoids biomarkers and 7-Day Food Records (7DFR) in an Australian cardiology cohort. Dietary carotenoid intakes (ß- and α-carotene, lycopene, ß-cryptoxanthin and lutein/zeaxanthin) were assessed using the 105-item CMST-FFQ-v2 and compared to intakes measured by 7DFR and plasma carotenoid concentrations. Correlation coefficients were calculated between each dietary method, and validity coefficients (VCs) were calculated between each dietary method and theoretical true intake using the 'methods of triads'. Thirty-nine participants aged 37-77 years with CHD participated in the cross-sectional study. The correlation between FFQ and plasma carotenoids were largest and significant for ß-carotene (0.39, p=0.01), total carotenoids (0.37, p=0.02) and ß-cryptoxanthin (0.33, p=0.04), with weakest correlations observed for α-carotene (0.21, p=0.21) and lycopene (0.21, p=0.21). The FFQ VCs were moderate (0.3-0.6) or larger for all measured carotenoids. The strongest were observed for total carotenoids (0.61) and ß-carotene (0.59), while the weakest were observed for α-carotene (0.33) and lycopene (0.37). In conclusion, the CMST-FFQ-v2 measured dietary carotenoids intakes with moderate confidence for most carotenoids, however, there was less confidence in ability to measure α-carotene and lycopene intake, thus further research is warranted using a larger sample.

Hydroxychloroquine Induced Cardiotoxicity: A Case Series.

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) induced cardiotoxicity is a rare diagnosis and is often associated with chronic use of the medication. It has been shown that chronic HCQ use is associated with a drug-induced cardiomyopathy mainly driven by acquired lysosomal storage defects leading to hypertrophy and conduction abnormalities. As the only proven treatment is the discontinuation of the offending agent, prompt recognition is required to avoid further exposure to the drug and potential progression of disease. History, physical examination and advanced imaging modalities are useful diagnostic tools, but more invasive testing with an endomyocardial biopsy is required for definitive diagnosis. We present a descriptive case series of ten patients that were diagnosed with biopsy proven HCQ cardiotoxicity.

Exploring the antibiogram of soil isolates from an indian hospital precinct: link to antibiotic usage.

OBJECTIVE: Hospitals serve as hotspots of antibiotic resistance. Despite several studies exploring antibiotic resistance in hospitals, none have explored the resistance profile of soil bacteria from a hospital precinct. This study examined and compared the antibiogram of the soil isolates from a hospital and its affiliated university precinct, to determine if antibiotic resistant bacteria were present closer to the hospital. RESULTS: 120 soil samples were collected from JSS Hospital and JSS University in Mysore, India across three consecutive seasons (monsoon, winter and summer). 366 isolates were randomly selected from culture. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on 128 isolates of Pseudomonas (n = 73), Acinetobacter (n = 30), Klebsiella species (n = 15) and Escherichia coli (n = 10). Pseudomonas species exhibited the highest antibiotic resistance. Ticarcillin-clavulanic acid, an extended-spectrum carboxypenicillin antibiotic used to treat moderate-to-severe infections, ranked highest amongst the antibiotics to whom these isolates were resistant (n = 51 out of 73, 69.9%). Moreover, 56.8% (n = 29) were from the hospital and 43.1% (n = 22) were from the university precinct, indicating antibiotic resistant bacteria were closer to the hospital setting. This study highlights the effect of antibiotic usage in hospitals and the influence of anthropogenic activities in the hospital on the dissemination of antibiotic resistance into hospital precinct soil.

Mapping the core concepts of physiology across Australian university curricula.

Core concepts in physiology, designed by physiology educators to promote improved learning and teaching, have existed for over a decade. This study aimed to investigate the extent to which a set of 15 core concepts of physiology (developed by Michael and McFarland, U.S.-based educators) are reflected in the learning outcomes (LOs) of units (subjects) comprising physiology curricula in Australian universities. From publicly accessible online information, we identified 17 Australian universities that offered a physiology major for undergraduate degree students and downloaded 788 LOs from the 166 units that comprised the majors. Each LO was blindly mapped against the 15 core concepts by 8 physiology educators from 3 Australian universities. Additionally, text-matching software was employed to match keywords and phrases (identified as descriptors of the 15 core concepts) against the LOs. The frequency of individual words and two-word phrases for each core concept was calculated and ranked. There was variability in rating LOs for the same university among academic mappers; nevertheless, many of the 15 core concepts did not appear to be adequately covered in the LOs. Two core concepts most matched manually were in the top three most mapped by the software. These were, from most common, structure/function and interdependence. Our findings suggest a lack of alignment of LOs with the core concepts across Australian physiology curricula. This highlights the need for Australia-wide agreement on a set of core concepts in physiology as the first step in collaboratively improving assessment and learning and teaching practice in physiology.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first time an existing set of core concepts for physiology, developed by Michael and McFarland (U.S.-based educators), have been mapped against unit (subject) learning outcomes across physiology curricula in Australian universities to gauge uptake and the need for agreement on a set of core concepts in the Australian higher education context.

Altered gastrointestinal tract structure and microbiome following cerebral malaria infection.

Cerebral malaria (CM) is the most severe form of malaria with the highest mortality rate and can result in life-long neurological deficits and ongoing comorbidities. Factors contributing to severity of infection and development of CM are not fully elucidated. Recent studies have indicated a key role of the gut microbiome in a range of health conditions that affect the brain, but limited microbiome research has been conducted in the context of malaria. To address this knowledge gap, the impact of CM on the gut microbiome was investigated in mice. C57BL/6J mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) parasites and compared to non-infected controls. Microbial DNA from faecal pellets collected daily for 6-days post-infection were extracted, and microbiome comparisons conducted using 16S rRNA profiling. We identified significant differences in the composition of bacterial communities between the infected and the non-infected groups, including a higher abundance of the genera Akkermansia, Alistipes and Alloprevotella in PbA-infected mice. Furthermore, intestinal samples were collected post-cull for morphological analysis. We determined that the caecal weight was significantly lower, and the small intestine was significantly longer in PbA-infected mice than in the non-infected controls. We concluded that changes in microbial community composition were primarily driven by the infection protocol and, to a lesser extent, by the time of infection. Our findings pave the way for a new area of research and novel intervention strategies to modulate the severity of cerebral malaria disease.

Extra virgin olive oil improves HDL lipid fraction but not HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity: a double-blind, randomised, controlled, cross-over study (OLIVAUS).

Olive oil (OO) polyphenols have been shown to improve HDL anti-atherogenic function, thus demonstrating beneficial effects against cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of extra virgin high polyphenol olive oil (HPOO) v. low polyphenol olive oil (LPOO) on the capacity of HDL to promote cholesterol efflux in healthy adults. In a double-blind, randomised cross-over trial, fifty participants (aged 38·5 (sd 13·9) years, 66 % females) were supplemented with a daily dose (60 ml) of HPOO (320 mg/kg polyphenols) or LPOO (86 mg/kg polyphenols) for 3 weeks. Following a 2-week washout period, participants crossed over to the alternate treatment. Serum HDL-cholesterol efflux capacity, circulating lipids (i.e. total cholesterol, TAG, HDL, LDL) and anthropometrics were measured at baseline and follow-up. No significant between-group differences were observed. Furthermore, no significant changes in HDL-cholesterol efflux were found within either the LPOO and HPOO treatment arms; mean changes were 0·54 % (95 % CI (0·29, 1·37)) and 0·10 % (95 % CI (0·74, 0·94)), respectively. Serum HDL increased significantly after LPOO and HPOO intake by 0·13 mmol/l (95 % CI (0·04, 0·22)) and 0·10 mmol/l (95 % CI (0·02, 0·19)), respectively. A small but significant increase in LDL of 0·14 mmol/l (95 % CI (0·001, 0·28)) was observed following the HPOO intervention. Our results suggest that additional research is warranted to further understand the effect of OO with different phenolic content on mechanisms of cholesterol efflux via different pathways in multi-ethnic populations with diverse diets.

Extrusion of Cell Encapsulated in Boron Nitride Nanotubes Reinforced Gelatin-Alginate Bioink for 3D Bioprinting.

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, an innovative technology, has gained the attention of researchers as a promising technique for the redevelopment of complex tissue or organ structures. Despite significant advancements, a major challenge in 3D bioprinting is the limited number of suitable bioinks that fulfil the physiochemical requirements to produce complicated structures. Therefore, there is a demand for the production of bioinks for 3D bioprinting techniques. In this short communication, THP-1 cells encapsulated in boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) reinforced gelatin and alginate bioink was prepared. The study investigated the impact on the cells during printing using a fluorescence cell image. The results showed that the pure polymer bioinks demonstrated poor printability properties with the incorporation of cells. However, BNNT-combined bioink showed a significant increase in structural integrity even after the incorporation of cells. Furthermore, the scaffold structure was successfully printed with the cells incorporated bioink, and a considerable number of live cells were observed. With further studies, BNNTs as a promising nanomaterial for formulating bioink encapsulated with cells can be understood fully.

The anti-inflammatory effects of a Mediterranean diet: a review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Chronic noncommunicable diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and the majority are preventable with a healthy diet and lifestyle, but controversy remains as to the best approach. Greater adherence to a traditional Mediterranean diet has consistently been associated with lower morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease, diabetes and many cancers, and lower all-cause mortality. Despite the well known benefits on chronic disease risk there remains some scepticism as to the effects of this dietary pattern across populations outside the Mediterranean and the mechanisms of action of this traditional plant-based dietary pattern.This narrative review aims to summarize the latest evidence on the health protective effects of a traditional Mediterranean diet on chronic noncommunicable diseases, specifically focussing on the anti-inflammatory effects of this highly published dietary pattern. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent high-quality evidence now supports a Mediterranean diet in secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease with impacts on atherosclerosis progression, likely through reduction of systemic inflammation and irrespective of changes in cholesterol or weight. The Mediterranean diet has a low Dietary Inflammatory Index illustrating its anti-inflammatory potential. This dietary pattern beneficially modulates the gut microbiota and immune system, including emerging evidence for efficacy against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (coronavirus disease 2019). Emerging evidence shows clinicians are not routinely recommending a Mediterranean diet despite well known evidence due to barriers such as lack of training, patient materials and concerns about potential patient adherence. SUMMARY: The physiological mechanisms of action of this healthy diet pattern are becoming better understood to be multisystem and involving the gut. Larger controlled trials investigating mechanistic effects in broader non-Mediterranean populations are warranted. Although reflected in therapeutic guidelines for chronic disease management worldwide there are individual, clinical practice and health system barriers to its implementation that need a multisectoral approach to address.

Extra virgin olive oil high in polyphenols improves antioxidant status in adults: a double-blind, randomized, controlled, cross-over study (OLIVAUS).

PURPOSE: Olive oil polyphenols have been associated with cardiovascular health benefits. This study examined the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of extra-virgin high polyphenol olive oil (HPOO) vs. low polyphenol olive oil (LPOO) in healthy Australian adults. METHODS: In a double-blind cross-over trial, 50 participants (aged 38.5 ± 13.9 years, 66% females) were randomized to consume 60 mL/day of HPOO (320 mg/kg polyphenols) or LPOO (86 mg/kg polyphenols) for three weeks. Following a 2-week wash-out period, participants crossed-over to the alternate treatment. Plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and anthropometrics were measured at baseline and follow-up. RESULTS: Fourty-three participants completed the study. Although there were no significant differences between treatments in the total sample, plasma ox-LDL decreased by 6.5 mU/mL (95%CI - 12.4 to - 0.5) and TAC increased by 0.03 mM (95% CI 0.006-0.05) only in the HPOO arm. Stratified analyses were also performed by cardiovascular disease risk status defined by abdominal obesity (WC > 94 cm in males, > 80 cm in females) or inflammation (hs-CRP > 1 mg/L). In the subgroup with abdominal obesity, ox-LDL decreased by 13.5 mU/mL (95% CI - 23.5 to - 3.6) and TAC increased by 0.04 mM (95% CI 0.006-0.07) only after HPOO consumption. In the subgroup with inflammation, hs-CRP decreased by 1.9 mg/L (95% CI - 3.7 to -0.1) only in the HPOO arm. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were no significant differences between treatments, the changes observed after HPOO consumption demonstrate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of this oil, which is more pronounced in adults with high cardiometabolic risk (Clinical Trial Registration: ACTRN12618000706279).

A Step-By-Step Method to Detect Neutralizing Antibodies Against AAV using a Colorimetric Cell-Based Assay.

Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAV) have proven to be a safe and successful vector for transferring genetic material to treat various health conditions in both the laboratory and the clinic. However, pre-existing neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against AAV capsids pose an ongoing challenge for the successful administration of gene therapies in both large animal experimental models and human populations. Preliminary screening for host immunity against AAV is necessary to ensure the efficacy of AAV-based gene therapies as both a research tool and as a clinically viable therapeutic agent. This protocol describes a colorimetric in vitro assay to detect neutralizing factors against AAV serotype 6 (AAV6). The assay utilizes the reaction between an AAV encoding an alkaline phosphatase (AP) reporter gene and its substrate NBT/BCIP, which generates an insoluble quantifiable purple stain upon combination. In this protocol, serum samples are combined with an AAV expressing AP and incubated to permit potential neutralizing activity to occur. Virus serum mixture is subsequently added to cells to allow for viral transduction of any AAVs that have not been neutralized. The NBT/BCIP substrate is added and undergoes a chromogenic reaction, corresponding to viral transduction and neutralizing activity. The proportion of area colored is quantitated using a free software tool to generate neutralizing titers. This assay displays a strong positive correlation between coloration and viral concentration. Assessment of serum samples from sheep before and after administration of a recombinant AAV6 led to a dramatic increase in neutralizing activity (125 to >10,000-fold increase). The assay displayed adequate sensitivity to detect neutralizing activity in >1:32,000 serum dilutions. This assay provides a simple, rapid, and cost-effective method to detect NAbs against AAVs.

Environmental hotspots for antibiotic resistance genes.

Bacterial resistance toward broad-spectrum antibiotics has become a major concern in recent years. The threat posed by the infectious bacteria and the pace with which resistance determinants are transmitted needs to be deciphered. Soil and water contain unique and diverse microbial communities as well as pools of naturally occurring antibiotics resistant genes. Overuse of antibiotics along with poor sanitary practices expose these indigenous microbial communities to antibiotic resistance genes from other bacteria and accelerate the process of acquisition and dissemination. Clinical settings, where most antibiotics are prescribed, are hypothesized to serve as a major hotspot. The predisposition of the surrounding environments to a pool of antibiotic-resistant bacteria facilitates rapid antibiotic resistance among the indigenous microbiota in the soil, water, and clinical environments via horizontal gene transfer. This provides favorable conditions for the development of more multidrug-resistant pathogens. Limitations in detecting gene transfer mechanisms have likely left us underestimating the role played by the surrounding environmental hotspots in the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. This review aims to identify the major drivers responsible for the spread of antibiotic resistance and hotspots responsible for the acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes.

Twelve-Week Mediterranean Diet Intervention Increases Citrus Bioflavonoid Levels and Reduces Inflammation in People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The benefits of a Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) in the management of diabetes have been reported, but the contribution of polyphenol-rich citrus fruit has not been studied widely. Here, we report the sub-study findings of a previously conducted MedDiet intervention clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), where we aimed to measure the diet intervention effects on plasma citrus bioflavonoids levels and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. We analysed plasma samples from 19 (of original 27) participants with T2DM who were randomly assigned to consume the MedDiet intervention or their usual diet for 12 weeks and then crossed over to the alternate diet. Compared with baseline, MedDiet significantly increased levels of the citrus bioflavonoids naringin, hesperitin and hesperidin (by 60%, 58% and 39%, respectively, p < 0.05) and reduced plasma levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 (by 49%, p = 0.016). Oxidative stress marker 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) decreased by 32.4% (p = 0.128). Usual diet did not induce these beneficial changes. The reduced inflammatory profile of T2DM participants may, in part, be attributed to the anti-inflammatory actions of citrus bioflavonoids. Together with indications of improved oxidative stress, these findings add to the scientific evidence base for beneficial consumption of citrus fruit in the MedDiet pattern.

E-portfolios and Entrustable Professional Activities to support competency-based education in dietetics.

The concept of Entrustable Professional Activities, recently pioneered in medical education, has emerged to support the implementation of competency-based education. Although competency-based frameworks are widely used in healthcare professional education to develop outcomes-based curricula, assessment of student competency in professional placement settings remains challenging. The novel concept of Entrustable Professional Activities together with established methods of competency assessment, namely e-portfolios and self-assessment, was implemented in the "[La Trobe University Dietetic program in 2015-2016. This study aimed to appraise the e-portfolio and evaluate the use of Entrustable Professional Activities to assess competence. A mixed-methods evaluation, using qualitative and quantitative surveys with follow-up structured consultations, was conducted with final year dietetics students and their supervisors. Dietetics students were comfortable with Entrustable Professional Activities and competency-based assessment, whereas supervisors preferred Entrustable Professional Activity based assessment. All stakeholders valued student self-assessment and the ongoing use of structured e-portfolios to develop and document competency. The use of structured e-portfolios, student self-assessment, and the emerging concept of Entrustable Professional Activities are useful tools to support dietetics student education in professional placement settings.

Factors Associated With Half- and Full-Marathon Race-Related Injuries: A 3-Year Review.

OBJECTIVE: To better evaluate the relationships between training, demographics, and injury, this study sought to define race-related injury risk factors for half- and full-marathon runners. DESIGN: This 3-year, observational cross-sectional study included adults who participated in a half or full marathon. Prerace and 2-week postrace surveys collected data on demographics, training factors, and injuries. SETTING: This study took place during a nationally recognized marathon affiliated with a local hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Runners were recruited during the Expo in the days before the race. Postrace surveys were returned by 1043 half marathoners and 624 full marathoners (response rate, 83%). INTERVENTIONS: This was an observational study; independent variables included demographic data and race year. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary outcome was race-related injury that occurred during the race or within 2 weeks after the race. RESULTS: Race-related injuries were reported by 24% of half marathoners and 30% of full marathoners. For half and full marathoners, respectively, significant factors for injuries were previous injury, lower peak weekly training mileage, and lower weekly mileage before race training. Factors significant for only half-marathon injuries were younger age, female sex, shorter distance of longest training run, and no formal training program. Factors significant for only full-marathon injuries were higher body mass index, fewer days running per week, and fewer years of running experience. CONCLUSIONS: Previous running injuries, undertraining, and inexperience increased race-related injury risk; women had higher risk than men. Decreased risk of injury was associated with training loads of greater than 23 miles/week for half marathoners and 40 miles/week for full marathoners.

The Effect of High Polyphenol Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Australian Adults: A Randomized, Controlled, Cross-Over Study.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is suggested to be cardioprotective, partly due to its high phenolic content. We investigated the effect of extra virgin high polyphenol olive oil (HPOO) versus low polyphenol olive oil (LPOO) on blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness in healthy Australian adults. In a double-blind, randomized, controlled cross-over trial, 50 participants (age 38.5 ± 13.9 years, 66% female) were randomized to consume 60 mL/day of either HPOO (360 mg/kg polyphenols) or LPOO (86 mg/kg polyphenols) for three weeks. Following a two-week washout period, participants crossed over to consume the alternate oil. Anthropometric data, peripheral BP, central BP and arterial stiffness were measured at baseline and follow up. No significant differences were observed in the changes from baseline to follow up between the two treatments. However, a significant decrease in peripheral and central systolic BP (SBP) by 2.5 mmHg (95% CI: -4.7 to -0.3) and 2.7 mmHg (95% CI: -4.7 to -0.6), respectively, was observed after HPOO consumption. Neither olive oil changed diastolic BP (DBP) or measures of arterial stiffness. The reductions in SBP after HPOO consumption provide evidence for a potentially widely accessible dietary intervention to prevent cardiovascular disease in a multiethnic population. Longer intervention studies and/or higher doses of EVOO polyphenols are warranted to elucidate the potential effect on DBP and arterial stiffness.

Effect of Lupin-Enriched Biscuits as Substitute Mid-Meal Snacks on Post-Prandial Interstitial Glucose Excursions in Post-Surgical Hospital Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Hospital biscuit snacks offered to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients may adversely affect glycaemic control. This study investigated the effect of lupin mid-meal biscuit snacks, compared to spelt or standard hospital biscuits, on interstitial glucose levels in post-operative T2DM inpatients. In a pilot cross-over pragmatic study, 20 patients (74 ± 12 years) consumed, in order, lupin biscuits (20% lupin), wholemeal spelt and standard plain sweet biscuits as mid-meal snacks (2 biscuits each for morning and afternoon tea) on three consecutive days. Continuous glucose monitoring, appetite perceptions and bowel motions were recorded. Glucose levels were not significantly different in the first 90 min after mid-meal biscuit consumption at morning and afternoon tea, irrespective of type. However, after consuming the lupin biscuits only, glucose levels were significantly (p < 0.001) reduced 90 min postprandially after dinner, indicating a potential second-meal effect. Patients also reported improved satiety after lupin biscuit consumption on day 1, compared to days 2 and 3 (p = 0.018). These findings suggest that lupin-enriched biscuits may improve both glycaemic control and satiety in hospitalised T2DM patients, potentially contributing to reduced length of stay. Larger controlled studies are warranted to confirm these findings and inform potential revision of hospital menu standards for T2DM patients.

Use of a simulation-based advanced resuscitation training curriculum: Impact on cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality and patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Despite a continued focus on improved cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality, survival remains low from in-hospital cardiac arrest. Advanced Resuscitation Training has been shown to improve survival to hospital discharge and survival with good neurological outcome following in-hospital cardiac arrest at its home institution. We sought to determine if Advanced Resuscitation Training implementation would improve patient outcomes and cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality at our institution. METHODS: This was a prospective, before-after study of adult in-hospital cardiac arrest victims who had cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed. During phase 1, standard institution cardiopulmonary resuscitation training was provided. During phase 2, providers received the same quantity of training, but with emphasis on Advanced Resuscitation Training principles. Primary outcomes were return of spontaneous circulation, survival to hospital discharge, and neurologically favorable survival. Secondary outcomes were cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality parameters. RESULTS: A total of 156 adult in-hospital cardiac arrests occurred during the study period. Rates of return of spontaneous circulation improved from 58.1 to 86.3% with an adjusted odds ratios of 5.31 (95% CI: 2.23-14.35, P < 0.001). Survival to discharge increased from 26.7 to 41.2%, adjusted odds ratios 2.17 (95% CI: 1.02-4.67, P < 0.05). Survival with a good neurological outcome increased from 24.8 to 35.3%, but was not statistically significant. Target chest compression rate increased from 30.4% of patients in P1 to 65.6% in P2, adjusted odds ratios 4.27 (95% CI: 1.72-11.12, P = 0.002), and target depth increased from 23.2% in P1 to 46.9% in P2, adjusted odds ratios 2.92 (95% CI: 1.16-7.54, P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: After Advanced Resuscitation Training implementation, there were significant improvements in cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality and rates of return of spontaneous circulation and survival to discharge.

Effect of high polyphenol extra virgin olive oil on markers of cardiovascular disease risk in healthy Australian adults (OLIVAUS): A protocol for a double-blind randomised, controlled, cross-over study.

BACKGROUND: Previous clinical studies have suggested that high polyphenol extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) provides a superior cardioprotective effect compared to low polyphenol olive oil. However, further studies are required to replicate these results in non-Mediterranean populations. AIM: To investigate the effect of high polyphenol EVOO versus low polyphenol olive oil with known polyphenol composition on markers of cardiovascular disease risk in a healthy non-Mediterranean cohort. METHODS: In a double-blind randomised cross-over trial, the present study will examine the effect of high polyphenol EVOO versus low polyphenol olive oil in 50 healthy participants. Each intervention phase will be 3 weeks long with a 2-week washout period between each phase. Outcomes to be assessed include HDL cholesterol efflux, oxidised LDL, blood lipids, C-reactive protein, arterial stiffness, blood pressure and cognitive function. Dietary intake, physical activity levels and anthropometry will also be collected. DISCUSSION: Because of the rigorous trial design, novel and clinically relevant outcomes, the use of a well-characterised EVOO, and, in contrast to the current literature, the non-Mediterranean study population, the present study will provide a significant contribution to the understanding of the clinical importance of polyphenol intake in the Australian sociocultural context.