Impact of Brewers' Spent Grain-Containing Biscuit on Postprandial Glycaemic Response in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome: A Crossover Randomised Controlled Trial.

Brewers' spent grain (BSG) is a fibre and protein-rich by-product of beer-brewing. Fermenting BSG with Rhizopus oligosporus can further increase its content of soluble fibre, protein and certain antioxidants. Since nutrients rich in BSG can improve postprandial glycaemic response, this study assessed the postprandial glucose response (PPGR) and postprandial insulin response (PPIR) controlling effect of consuming 30% wheat flour substituted biscuits with autoclaved BSG (ABSG) or fermented BSG (FBSG) in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The effect on postprandial lipid panel, breath hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) concentration and subjective appetite response was also examined. Fifteen subjects with MetS participated in this crossover randomised controlled trial, and blood was collected at 9 time-points for 4 h after consumption of control biscuits (Control), ABSG and FBSG. A significant interaction effect was observed (Pinteraction = 0.013) for the glucose time-points concentration. At 180 min, the glucose concentration was lowered after the consumption of ABSG (p = 0.010) and FBSG (p = 0.012) compared to the Control. Moreover, the FBSG resulted in a significantly lower glucose incremental area under curve (iAUC) compared to the Control (p = 0.028). Insulin level was also lowered at 180 min after the ABSG (p = 0.010) and FBSG (p = 0.051) consumption compared to the Control. However, no difference was noted for postprandial lipid panel, breath H2 and CH4 concentration and subjective appetite response. In conclusion, the consumption of BSG-incorporated biscuits can attenuate PPGR, and fermented BSG incorporation conferred a further PPGR controlling benefit.

Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Insights From a Prospective Registry of Asian Elite Athletes.

Background: Asian representation in sport is increasing, yet there remains a lack of reference values for the Asian athlete's heart. Consequently, current guidelines for cardiovascular screening recommend using Caucasian athletes' norms to evaluate Asian athletes. This study aims to outline electrocardiographic and echocardiographic characteristics of the Asian athlete's heart using a Singaporean prospective registry of Southeast (SE) Asian athletes. Methods and Results: One hundred and fifty elite athletes, mean age of 26.1 ± 5.7 years (50% males, 88% Chinese), were evaluated using a questionnaire, 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and transthoracic echocardiogram. All ECGs were analyzed using the 2017 International Recommendations. Echocardiographic data were presented by gender and sporting discipline. The prevalence of abnormal ECGs among SE Asian athletes was 6.7%-higher than reported figures for Caucasian athletes. The abnormal ECGs comprised mainly anterior T wave inversions (ATWI) beyond lead V2, predominantly in female athletes from mixed/endurance sport (9.3% prevalence amongst females). None had echocardiographic structural abnormalities. Male athletes had reduced global longitudinal strain compared to females (-18.7 ± 1.6 vs. -20.7 ± 2.1%, p < 0.001). Overall, SE Asian athletes had smaller left ventricular cavity sizes and wall thickness compared to non-Asian athletes. Conclusion: SE Asian athletes have higher abnormal ECG rates compared to Caucasian athletes, and also demonstrate structural differences that should be accounted for when interpreting their echocardiograms compared to athletes of other ethnicities.