The impact of leucine supplementation on body composition and glucose tolerance following energy restriction: an 8-week RCT in adults at risk of the metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: L-Leucine (Leu) supplementation may benefit fat-free mass (FFM) per se and glucose metabolism. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether Leu supplementation during energy restriction blunted the loss of FFM, enhanced the loss of fat mass (FM) and improved glucose tolerance. DESIGN: Thirty-seven adults, aged 20-65 years, with increased waist circumference and at least one other metabolic syndrome (MetS) component, were selected. We employed a two-arm parallel, double blind, randomized control trial (RCT) design. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (leucine - 3 g/d) or placebo (lactose - 2.67 g/d), while following an individualised energy restricted diet for an 8-week period. Detailed body composition (DEXA), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin and components of MetS were measured before and after the trial. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) assessed the effect of Leu on an intention-to-treat (ITT) principle. Bootstrapping method with 1000 bootstrap samples was used to derive parameter estimates, standard errors, p-values, and 95% confidence intervals for all outcomes. RESULTS: Adjusted for baseline values and other covariates, FFM (p = 0.045) and lean tissue mass (LTM) (p = 0.050) were significantly higher following Leu. These outcomes were modified by a significant treatment x sex interaction that indicated Leu had the greater effect in men. However, on adjustment for body composition changes, there was no difference in insulin sensitivity, oral glucose tolerance, or change in MetS components following Leu. CONCLUSION: Short-term leucine supplementation during energy restriction resulted in a greater preservation of FFM and LTM particularly in men, but did not impact glucose metabolism.

Evidence of low vitamin D intakes in the Australian population points to a need for data-driven nutrition policy for improving population vitamin D status.

BACKGROUND: Nearly one in four Australian adults is vitamin D deficient (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations [25(OH)D] < 50 nmol L-1 ) and current vitamin D intakes in the Australian population are unknown. Internationally, vitamin D intakes are commonly below recommendations, although estimates generally rely on food composition data that do not include 25(OH)D. We aimed to estimate usual vitamin D intakes in the Australian population. METHODS: Nationally representative food consumption data were collected for Australians aged ≥ 2 years (n = 12,153) as part of the cross-sectional 2011-2013 Australian Health Survey (AHS). New analytical vitamin D food composition data for vitamin D3 , 25(OH)D3 , vitamin D2 and 25(OH)D2 were mapped to foods and beverages that were commonly consumed by AHS participants. Usual vitamin D intakes (µg day-1 ) by sex and age group were estimated using the National Cancer Institute method. RESULTS: Assuming a 25(OH)D bioactivity factor of 1, mean daily intakes of vitamin D ranged between 1.84 and 3.25 µg day-1 . Compared to the estimated average requirement of 10 µg day-1 recommended by the Institute of Medicine, more than 95% of people had inadequate vitamin D intakes. We estimated that no participant exceeded the Institute of Medicine's Upper Level of Intake (63-100 µg day-1 , depending on age group). CONCLUSIONS: Usual vitamin D intakes in Australia are low. This evidence, paired with the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Australia, suggests that data-driven nutrition policy is required to safely increase dietary intakes of vitamin D and improve vitamin D status at the population level.

Vitamin D Fortification of Milk Would Increase Vitamin D Intakes in the Australian Population, but a More Comprehensive Strategy Is Required.

Low vitamin D status (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration < 50 nmol/L) is prevalent in Australia, ranging between 15% and 32% in the adolescent and adult populations. Vitamin D intakes are also low across the population and were recently estimated at 1.8−3.2 µg/day on average, assuming equal bioactivity of the D vitamers. In combination, these findings strongly suggest that data-driven nutrition policy is needed to increase vitamin D intake and improve status in the Australian population. Food fortification is a potential strategy. We used up-to-date vitamin D food composition data for vitamin D3, 25(OH)D3, vitamin D2, and 25(OH)D2, and nationally representative food and supplement consumption data from the 2011−2013 Australian Health Survey, to model a fortification scenario of 0.8 µg/100 mL vitamin D for fluid dairy milks and alternatives. Under the modelled fortification scenario, the mean vitamin D intake increased by ~2 µg/day from baseline to 4.9 µg/day from food only (7.2 µg/day including supplements). Almost all individual intakes remained substantially below 10 µg/day, which is the Estimated Average Requirement in North America. In conclusion, this modelling showed that fortification of fluid milks/alternatives with vitamin D at the current permitted level would produce a meaningful increase in vitamin D intake, which could be of potential benefit to those with a low vitamin D status. However, this initial step would be insufficient to ensure that most of the population achieves the North American EAR for vitamin D intake. This approach could be included as an effective component of a more comprehensive strategy that includes vitamin D fortification of a range of foods.

Vitamin D Food Fortification and Biofortification Increases Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations in Adults and Children: An Updated and Extended Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Low vitamin D status is a global public health issue that vitamin D food fortification and biofortification may help to alleviate. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effect of vitamin D food fortification and biofortification on circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations. We expanded the scope of earlier reviews to include adults and children, to evaluate effects by vitamin D vitamer, and investigate linear and nonlinear dose-response relations. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and gray and unpublished literature sites for randomized controlled trials, including people of all ages, with the criteria: absence of illness affecting vitamin D absorption, duration ≥4 wk, equivalent placebo food control, dose quantification, dose ≥5 µg/d, baseline and endpoint or absolute change in 25(OH)D concentrations reported, random allocation, and participant blinding. Quality was assessed using the Jadad Scale. RESULTS: Data from 34 publications (2398 adults: 1345 intervention, 1053 controls; 1532 children: 970 intervention, 562 controls) were included. Random-effects meta-analysis of all studies combined (mean dose 16.2 µg/d) indicated a pooled treatment effect of 21.2 nmol/L (95% CI: 16.2, 26.2), with a greater effect for studies using cholecalciferol than ergocalciferol. Heterogeneity was high (I2  > 75%). Metaregression analyses for all studies combined suggested positive effect differences for baseline circulating 25(OH)D concentrations <50 nmol/L, dose ≥10 µg/d and a negative effect difference when the intervention arm included a calcium dose ≥500 mg/d greater than the control arm. Dose-response rates were found to be nonlinear (Wald test for nonlinearity P < 0.001). For all studies combined, a threshold occurred at ∼26 nmol/L for a dose of ∼21 µg/d. CONCLUSIONS: These results support use of vitamin D food fortification to improve circulating 25(OH)D circulations in populations. This work was registered with PROSPERO as CRD42020145497.

Efficacy of vitamin D food fortification and biofortification in children and adults: a systematic review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to assess the effect of vitamin D food fortification and biofortification on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations. INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency is a global issue with considerable implications for public health. Many people do not receive sufficient sun exposure for adequate endogenous vitamin D synthesis, nor sufficient dietary vitamin D to meet their requirements. Increasing sun exposure may increase the risk of skin cancer, and vitamin D supplementation is not favored as a population-wide solution. Previous systematic reviews have shown a dose-dependent effect of vitamin D-fortified foods on circulating 25(OH)D concentrations. However, previous reviews did not investigate the efficacy of vitamin D fortification and biofortification in children, and several new fortification and biofortification trials in adults have been published since these earlier systematic reviews were conducted. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review will consider randomized controlled trials that investigate the effect of vitamin D food fortification and biofortification on serum 25(OH)D concentrations in children and adults. METHODS: CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PubMed will be searched for relevant studies published in English. Following a screening of titles and abstracts by a single author, relevant full-text articles will be independently reviewed by two authors. Two authors will independently assess methodological quality using the JBI critical appraisal checklist for randomized controlled trials. Data will be independently extracted by two authors. A meta-analysis will be conducted, and heterogeneity will be statistically tested. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42020145497.

Mapping Cortical and Subcortical Asymmetry in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Findings From the ENIGMA Consortium.

BACKGROUND: Lateralized dysfunction has been suggested in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, it is currently unclear whether OCD is characterized by abnormal patterns of brain structural asymmetry. Here we carried out what is by far the largest study of brain structural asymmetry in OCD. METHODS: We studied a collection of 16 pediatric datasets (501 patients with OCD and 439 healthy control subjects), as well as 30 adult datasets (1777 patients and 1654 control subjects) from the OCD Working Group within the ENIGMA (Enhancing Neuro Imaging Genetics through Meta Analysis) Consortium. Asymmetries of the volumes of subcortical structures, and of measures of regional cortical thickness and surface areas, were assessed based on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans, using harmonized image analysis and quality control protocols. We investigated possible alterations of brain asymmetry in patients with OCD. We also explored potential associations of asymmetry with specific aspects of the disorder and medication status. RESULTS: In the pediatric datasets, the largest case-control differences were observed for volume asymmetry of the thalamus (more leftward; Cohen's d = 0.19) and the pallidum (less leftward; d = -0.21). Additional analyses suggested putative links between these asymmetry patterns and medication status, OCD severity, or anxiety and depression comorbidities. No significant case-control differences were found in the adult datasets. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest subtle changes of the average asymmetry of subcortical structures in pediatric OCD, which are not detectable in adults with the disorder. These findings may reflect altered neurodevelopmental processes in OCD.

Recreational Centres' Facilities and Activities to Support Healthy Ageing in Singapore.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the physical and social environment (facilities and activities) of Singapore's Recreational Centres (RCs) and female patrons' (>50 years) perception of the RC facilities and activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 RCs were audited, and 22 face-to-face interviews were undertaken. RESULTS: Physical activity classes were the main activity offered (mean = eight classes per month), with walking (29.8%) and aerobics sessions (17.5%) being the most frequent. Nutrition classes and social activities were offered less often (mean = one class per month). The activities were well received by patrons, offering opportunities to interact while participating in physical activity and nutrition classes. However, the need for staff training, consideration of patron's abilities and the desire to engage in alternative activities were expressed. CONCLUSION: Overall, RCs' facilities and activities were well liked by the patrons but opportunities for improvements were identified. Regular reviews of facilities and activities through consultation with the RC patrons and managers are needed to ensure that the facilities and activities remain relevant and practical to the patrons. This will help to support active lifestyles and healthy eating practices among older adults residing within the community.

Temporal Relation Between Youths' Perceived Spirituality and Indicators of Positive Development.

Using data from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development (PYD), we employed a cross-lagged model to examine the temporal order of the relationship between PYD and youths' spirituality. Our sample consisted of 1,842 youth from 32 states in the continental United States. Mean age across the two waves of data used in this study was 15.5 and 16.6, respectively. The cross-lagged model allowed us to test the model suggesting that youth must develop certain abilities (e.g., Cs of PYD) prior to constructing and internalizing abstract notions of spirituality. Findings supported this argument, with relations varying across conceptions of spirituality. This study provides a more comprehensive understanding of mechanisms and processes linking youths' spirituality and PYD, highlighting several important implications for research and practice.

Effect of PolyGlycopleX (PGX) Consumption on Blood Lipid Profiles in Healthy, Low CVD Risk Overweight Adults.

Raised blood lipid levels are associated with a risk of a cardiovascular disease (CVD). Moderate reductions in several CVD factors such as total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol concentrations may be more effective in reducing overall risk than a major reduction in just one. A blind, randomised controlled trial was conducted with 120 healthy overweight (BMI 25⁻30) adults aged 25⁻70 years who were non-smokers, not diabetic and of low risk of cardiovascular disease, as assessed by the Framingham risk equation. Participants consumed 4.5 g PolyGlycopleX (PGX) as softgel capsules (PGXS) or 5 g PGX granules (PGXG) or 5 g rice flour (RF) with meals three times a day for 12 weeks. Total, LDL and non-HDL cholesterol were all significantly reduced (-6%, -5% and -3.5%, respectively) post the PGX granule treatment; however, PGX in softgel capsule form did not affect blood lipid profiles. Daily consumption of PGX granules in overweight low CVD risk adults produced lipid changes indicating a CVD preventative benefit.

Dissociable auditory mismatch response and connectivity patterns in adolescents with schizophrenia and adolescents with bipolar disorder with psychosis: A magnetoencephalography study.

BACKGROUND: There is overlap between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder regarding genetic risk as well as neuropsychological and structural brain deficits. Finding common and distinct event-response potential (ERP) responses and connectivity patterns may offer potential biomarkers to distinguish the disorders. OBJECTIVE: To examine the neuronal auditory response elicited by a roving mismatch negativity (MMN) paradigm using magnetoencephalography (MEG). PARTICIPANTS: 15 Adolescents with schizophrenia (ASZ), 16 adolescents with bipolar disorder with psychosis (ABP), and 14 typically developing individuals (TD) METHODS: The data were analysed using time-series techniques and dynamic causal modelling (DCM). OUTCOME MEASURES: MEG difference wave (deviant - standard) at primary auditory (~90ms), MMN (~180ms) and long latency (~300ms). RESULTS: The amplitude of difference wave showed specific patterns at all latencies. Most notably, it was significantly reduced ABP compared to both controls and ASZ at early latencies. In contrast, the amplitude was significantly reduced in ASZ compared to both controls and ABP. The DCM analysis showed differential connectivity patterns in all three groups. Most notably, inter-hemispheric connections were strongly dominated by the right side in ASZ only. CONCLUSIONS: Dissociable patterns of the primary auditory response and MMN response indicate possible developmentally sensitive, but separate biomarkers for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Dietary fat and physiological determinants of plasma chylomicron remnant homoeostasis in normolipidaemic subjects: insight into atherogenic risk.

TAG depleted remnants of postprandial chylomicrons are a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that in the fasted state, the majority of chylomicrons are small enough for transcytosis to arterial subendothelial space and accelerate atherogenesis. However, the size distribution of chylomicrons in the absorptive state is unclear. This study explored in normolipidaemic subjects the postprandial distribution of the chylomicron marker, apoB-48, in a TAG-rich lipoprotein plasma fraction (Svedberg flotation rate (Sf>400), in partially hydrolysed remnants (Sf 20-400) and in a TAG-deplete fraction (Sf<20), following ingestion of isoenergetic meals with either palm oil (PO), rice bran or coconut oil. Results from this study show that the majority of fasting chylomicrons are within the potentially pro-atherogenic Sf<20 fraction (70-75 %). Following the ingestion of test meals, chylomicronaemia was also principally distributed within the Sf<20 fraction. However, approximately 40 % of subjects demonstrated exaggerated postprandial lipaemia specifically in response to the SFA-rich PO meal, with a transient shift to more buoyant chylomicron fractions. The latter demonstrates that heterogeneity in the magnitude and duration of hyper-remnantaemia is dependent on both the nature of the meal fatty acids ingested and possible metabolic determinants that influence chylomicron metabolism. The study findings reiterate that fasting plasma TAG is a poor indicator of atherogenic chylomicron remnant homoeostasis and emphasises the merits of considering specifically, chylomicron remnant abundance and kinetics in the context of atherogenic risk. Few studies address the latter, despite the majority of life being spent in the postprandial and absorptive state.

Effect of Fibre Supplementation on Body Weight and Composition, Frequency of Eating and Dietary Choice in Overweight Individuals.

Fibre supplementation can potentially reduce energy intake and contribute to weight loss. The mechanism may be reduced frequency of eating, resulting in reduced food consumption. The objective of this research was to determine the effectiveness of fibre supplementation with PolyGlycopleX® (PGX®), on body weight and composition, frequency of eating and dietary intake in 118 overweight adults. In a three-arm, parallel, blind, randomised controlled trial participants were randomised to one of three groups; 4.5 g PGX as softgels (PGXS), 5 g PGX granules (PGXG) or 5 g rice flour (RF) control. Prior to supplementation and at 12 weeks, participants captured before and after images of all food and beverages consumed within 4 days using a mobile food record app (mFR). The mFR images were analysed for food group serving sizes and number of eating occasions. In the PGXG group, per-protocol analysis [corrected] analysis showed there was a significant reduction in waist circumference (2.5 cm; p = 0.003). Subgroup analysis showed that PGXG supplementation at the recommended dose resulted in a reduction in body weight (-1.4 ± 0.10 kg, p < 0.01), body mass index (BMI) reduction (-0.5 ± 0.10, p < 0.01), reduced number of eating occasions (-1.4 ± 1.2, p < 0.01) and a reduced intake of grain food (-1.52 ± 1.84 serves, p = 0.019). PGXG at the recommended dose resulted in a reduction in weight and BMI which was significantly greater than that for RF (p = 0.001). These results demonstrate the potential benefits of PGX fibre in controlling frequency of eating and in weight loss.

Golden bananas in the field: elevated fruit pro-vitamin A from the expression of a single banana transgene.

Vitamin A deficiency remains one of the world's major public health problems despite food fortification and supplements strategies. Biofortification of staple crops with enhanced levels of pro-vitamin A (PVA) offers a sustainable alternative strategy to both food fortification and supplementation. As a proof of concept, PVA-biofortified transgenic Cavendish bananas were generated and field trialed in Australia with the aim of achieving a target level of 20 µg/g of dry weight (dw) ß-carotene equivalent (ß-CE) in the fruit. Expression of a Fe'i banana-derived phytoene synthase 2a (MtPsy2a) gene resulted in the generation of lines with PVA levels exceeding the target level with one line reaching 55 µg/g dw ß-CE. Expression of the maize phytoene synthase 1 (ZmPsy1) gene, used to develop 'Golden Rice 2', also resulted in increased fruit PVA levels although many lines displayed undesirable phenotypes. Constitutive expression of either transgene with the maize polyubiquitin promoter increased PVA accumulation from the earliest stage of fruit development. In contrast, PVA accumulation was restricted to the late stages of fruit development when either the banana 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase or the expansin 1 promoters were used to drive the same transgenes. Wild-type plants with the longest fruit development time had also the highest fruit PVA concentrations. The results from this study suggest that early activation of the rate-limiting enzyme in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway and extended fruit maturation time are essential factors to achieve optimal PVA concentrations in banana fruit.

Consumption of the Soluble Dietary Fibre Complex PolyGlycopleX(®) Reduces Glycaemia and Increases Satiety of a Standard Meal Postprandially.

The effect of consumption of PolyGlycopleX(®) (PGX(®)) was compared to wheat dextrin (WD) in combination with a standard meal, on postprandial satiety and glycaemia in a double-blind, randomised crossover trial, of 14 healthy subjects trained as a satiety panel. At each of six two-hour satiety sessions, subjects consumed one of three different test meals on two separate occasions. The test meals were: a standard meal plus 5 g PGX; a standard meal plus 4.5 g of PGX as softgels; and a standard meal plus 5 g of WD. Subjects recorded fullness using a labelled magnitude scale at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min and the total area under the curve (AUC), mean fullness vs. time was calculated. The meals with PGX (in granular and softgel form) gave higher satiety (AUC) (477 ± 121 and 454 ± 242 cm·min), than the meal with WD (215 ± 261 cm·min) (p < 0.001). Subjects had blood glucose levels measured after the meals with PGX (granules) and WD. Glucose response (AUC) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) after the PGX meal than for the WD meal.  The high viscosity reported for PGX is a likely mechanism behind the significant satiety and blood glucose modulating effects observed in this study.

Relations between youths' conceptions of spirituality and their developmental outcomes.

This study uses a positive youth development (PYD) approach to explore whether differences in youths' conceptions of spirituality were linked to patters of difference regarding 6 domains of PYD. Using data from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, findings revealed a consistent trend across 6 domains of positive development. Youth who had coherent conceptions of being spiritual generally scored highest on measures of positive development, whereas youth in the ambiguous spirituality group (i.e., less coherent) scored the lowest. However, follow-up analyses reveal that such relations did not hold over time. Implications of findings include youth development professionals aiming to nurture the spiritual growth of youth should encourage more coherent notions of spirituality among the youth they serve.

Certain dietary patterns are beneficial for the metabolic syndrome: reviewing the evidence.

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a global public health issue of increasing magnitude. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to be hardest hit due to large population numbers, rising obesity, and insulin resistance (IR). This review assessed the protective effects of dietary patterns and their components on MetS. A literature search was conducted using prominent electronic databases and search terms that included in combination: diet, dietary components, dietary patterns, and metabolic syndrome. Articles were restricted to prospective studies and high quality randomized controlled trials that were conducted on humans, reported in the English language, and within the time period of 2000 to 2012. Traditional factors such as age, gender, physical activity, and obesity were associated with risk of MetS; however, these potential confounders were not always accounted for in study outcomes. Three dietary patterns emerged from the review; a Mediterranean dietary pattern, dietary approaches to stop hypertension diet, and the Nordic Diet. Potential contributors to their beneficial effects on prevalence of MetS or reduction in MetS components included increases in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and dairy components, calcium, vitamin D, and whey protein, as well as monounsaturated fatty acids, and omega-3 fatty acids. Additional prospective and high quality randomized controlled trial studies that investigate Mediterranean dietary pattern, the dietary approaches to stop hypertension diet, and the Nordic Diet would cement the protective benefits of these diets against the MetS.

Pharmacologic modalities in the treatment of osteoradionecrosis of the jaw.

Managing osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the facial bones is a challenge in maxillofacial head and neck surgery. Changes in understanding of ORN of the jaws has led to new studies using novel therapeutic modalities to manage this disorder. These treatment regimens may allow medical management to replace major reconstructive surgery for some patients who have already undergone chemoradiotherapy or combined modality therapy for head and neck cancer.

Total phenolic and phytosterol compounds and the radical scavenging activity of germinated Australian sweet lupin flour.

In addition to their favourable nutritional profile, legumes also contain a range of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds and phytosterols which may protect against chronic diseases including cancer and cardiovascular disease. Germination of some legume seeds has been previously reported to increase the concentration of the bioactive compounds. In this study, the effect of germination of Australian Sweet Lupin (ASL) seeds for 9 days on the concentration of some bioactive compounds and the radical scavenging activity in the resulting flour was determined. The concentration of total phenolic compounds in methanolic extracts of germinated ASL flour was determined using Folin Ciocalteu reagent and phytosterols in oil extracts were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. The methanolic and oil extracts were also used to determine radical scavenging activity toward 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. In the methanolic extracts of germinated ASL flour, phenolic contents and the antioxidant activity were significantly increased following germination (700 and 1400 %, respectively). Analysis of the oil extracts of germinated ASL flour revealed that the concentration of phytosterols and the antioxidant activity were also increased significantly compared to ungerminated ASL flour (300 and 800 %, respectively). The relative proportion of phytosterols in germinated ASL flour was: ß-sitosterol (60 %), stigmasterol (30 %) and campesterol (10 %). Germination increases the concentration of bioactive compounds and the radical scavenging activity in the germinated ASL flour.

Effect of growing location, malaxation duration and citric acid treatment on the quality of olive oil.

BACKGROUND: The total phenolic compounds of olive oil exert antiradical activity at cellular level and can prevent cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and cancer. Increased awareness of its health benefits has increased the consumption of olive oil around the world. An alternative processing technique effective in increasing the amount of oil extracted while maintaining the oil quality is needed to meet the rising global demand for olive oil. RESULTS: Addition of 0.3 g mL(-1) citric acid at 1:1000 (v/w) to olive paste followed by a 30 min malaxation period significantly increased the oil recovery, concentration of total phenolic compounds and antiradical activity by 46.23, 120.27 and 31.48% respectively. While there was no significant effect on the acidity, the peroxide value was significantly reduced by 63.85%. The organoleptic characteristics of the olive oil extracted with citric acid were also comparable to those of the control. CONCLUSION: Addition of 0.3 g mL(-1) citric acid (i.e. 30% w/v) at 1:1000 (v/w) to olive paste followed by a 30 min malaxation period in a Blixer(®) 4.0 blender is the most promising extraction technique to improve the oil recovery, concentration of total phenolic compounds and antiradical activity of the extracted olive oil without compromising other quality parameters.

Comparative efficacy of two daily use mouthrinses: randomized clinical trial using an experimental gingivitis model.

Two antimicrobial agents, a fixed combination of essential oils (EOs) and 0.07% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) are found in commercially available mouthrinses, Listerine® Antiseptic and Crest® Pro HealthTM, respectively. Both mouthrinses have been shown to control dental plaque and gingivitis in short and longer term studies. The aim of this study was to determine the comparative effectiveness of these two mouthrinses using a 2-week experimental gingivitis model. Qualified subjects were randomly assigned to one of three mouthrinse groups: a fixed combination of EOs, 0.07% CPC, or negative control (C) rinse. Following baseline clinical assessments and a dental prophylaxis, subjects began a two-week period in which they rinsed twice daily with their assigned rinse and abstained from any mechanical oral hygiene procedures or other oral care products. Subjects were reassessed at the end of the two-week period. One hundred and forty-seven subjects were randomized and 142 completed this study. After two weeks use, the EOs rinse was superior (p < 0.011) to the CPC rinse in inhibiting the development of gingivitis, plaque, and bleeding, with 9.4% and 6.6% reductions compared to CPC for gingivitis and plaque, respectively. Both rinses were superior to the negative control rinse (p < 0.001). This study demonstrates that the essential oil-containing mouthrinse has superior antiplaque/antigingivitis effectiveness compared to the 0.07% CPC-containing mouthrinse without mechanical oral hygiene influence.