Effect of dietary anthocyanins on biomarkers of type 2 diabetes and related obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Anthocyanins have been reported for the protective effects against type 2 diabetes and related obesity. This meta-analysis examined the benefits of anthocyanins on type 2 diabetes and obesity biomarkers in animals and humans. The study included 21 clinical trials and 27 pre-clinical studies. A systematic search was conducted using the following inclusion criteria: in vivo rodent studies; human randomized clinical trials, both aimed at assessing the fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein; and study duration of at least two weeks. Out of the 201 examined publications, 48 were shortlisted after implementation of the selection criteria. Results of clinical trials demonstrated that consumption of anthocyanin-rich food significantly reduced the FBG (p < 0.0001), HbA1c (p = 0.02), TC (p = 0.010), TG (p = 0.003), LDL (p = 0.05) and increases the HDL (p = 0.03) levels. Similarly, pre-clinical studies demonstrated the amelioration of the HbA1c (p = 0.02), FBG, TC, TG, and LDL (p < 0.00001), with non-significant changes in the HDL (p = 0.11). Sub-group analysis indicated dose-dependent effect. This compilation confirms that consuming anthocyanin-rich foods positively correlates with the reduction in the blood glucose and lipid levels in diabetic and obese subjects.

Comparison of wheatgrass juices from colored wheat (white, black, blue, and purple) for health promoting phytochemicals.

Wheatgrass juice is a low-acid functional drink extracted from white wheat seedlings. It is cherished by consumers due to its potent health benefits. The present study was conducted to develop and analyze wheatgrass juice from colored wheat lines to meet consumers increasing demand for a novel functional drink. The conventional lyophilized wheatgrass juice powder (WJLP) was found to contain significant chlorophyll content (0.3%), soluble phenolic content (0.6%), protein content (20%), moderate essential amino acid index (EAAI; 86%), high K (RDA; 11.6%) and antioxidant activity. Whereas, black WJLP had 564.2% higher anthocyanins, 30.5% higher chlorophyll, 87.5% higher soluble phenolic content, 10.2% higher proteins, 31.5% higher EAAI, and 112.5% higher antioxidant activity compared to white WJLP. Overall, the biochemical parameters of WJLP were increased in the order of white < blue < purple < black. The findings indicate that a proper cultivar selection can improve the nutritional value of wheatgrass juice.

Adenoid Morphology and Other Prognostic Factors for Otitis Media with Effusion in School Children.

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the children having enlarged adenoids with and without otitis media with effusion (OME) concerning clinical features like mouth breathing, snoring, recurrent episodes of cold, hearing impairment and specific morphology of adenoid. Further, the flora of adenoid tissue and middle ear fluid were also compared. Methods: One hundred and twenty children having clinical features suggestive of enlarged adenoids with [Group A (n = 60)] or without [Group B (n = 60)] OME were included in this cross-sectional study. All patients underwent clinical examination, diagnostic nasal endoscopy, radiography of the nasopharynx, blood absolute eosinophil count and immittance. Core adenoid tissue was subjected to microbiological culture after adenoidectomy. OME fluid was subjected to microbial analysis after myringotomy. Results: In group A patients, snoring was present in 90% (p = 0.011), adenoid facies in 76.6% (p < 0.001) and tubal tonsil enlargement in 86.7% (p < 0.001). The parts related to the development of OME were: behind the posterior cushion in 86%, touching the posterior end of septum in 76.7%, inside nasal cavity in 70% and completely covering the Eustachian tube orifices in 95% (p < 0.001 in all of them). Conclusion: Specific morphology of adenoid enlargement and tubal tonsil enlargement was more critical in predicting the risk of developing OME and not just the grade of adenoid hypertrophy. The microbial flora in the adenoid core was similar in children with and without OME.

Clinical Management of Root Resorption: A Report of Three Cases.

Root resorption is a pathological condition that may be an endodontic challenge if not diagnosed and treated correctly. The recent advances in the imaging technologies and material science have enabled the clinician to visualize the structural changes accurately and repair them with materials providing favourable seal ability. In this article, we report three cases of root resorption with different presentations which were diagnosed with the help of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and successfully managed. The series highlights the importance of diagnosis in unusual clinical situations and recommends early commencement of optimal management for longevity of tooth for health and function.

Effect of Green Coffee Bean Extract on Streptococcus mutans Count: A Randomised Control Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Mouth rinses have been popularly used as a supplementary oral hygiene aid. A lot of commercially available mouth rinses possess few adverse effects, which has necessitated the search for alternative and herbal mouth rinses. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of rinsing with green coffee bean extract in comparison with chlorhexidine mouthwash and sterile water on salivary Streptococcus mutans count. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized parallel controlled clinical trial was planned and 45 subjects aged between 18-22 years were selected. The subjects were divided into three groups (n=15 in each group): Group A: Study group: 2% Green coffee bean extract, Group B: Positive control: 0.2% Chlorhexidine (CHX), Group C: Negative control: Sterile water. Group A subjects rinsed mouth with 5 ml of 2% Green coffee bean extract for one minute. Group B subjects rinsed mouth with 5 ml 0.2% CHX mouthwash for one minute. Group C subjects rinsed mouth with 5 ml of Sterile water for one minute twice daily for two weeks. Baseline samples (Pre rinse) were collected on day 1 and post rinsing saliva samples were collected after 14 days. The samples were cultured using Mitis Salivarius Agar enriched with Bacitracin and colonies were counted using a hand held digital colony counter. The statistical analysis was done using paired t-test, One-way variance ANOVA and Post-Hoc tests. RESULTS: The Green coffee bean extract group showed a statistical significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans colony count before and after intervention which was comparable with CHX group. CONCLUSION: Green coffee bean extract as a mouthwash can be explored as a safe and effective alternative to CHX mouthwash.