Fibre Intakes and the Main Food Sources of Fibre in Adolescent Males

Background: Based on the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey, the mean dietary fibre intake in adolescent males aged between 15 and 18 years was at 21.9 grams (g) per day, which was well below the adequate intake (AI) for their age group of 28 g/day. Given the role of dietary fibre in promoting optimal health as well as the potential of changing dietary patterns and food sources over time, an update on the dietary fibre intakes of New Zealand adolescent males is warranted. Objective: To determine the current mean intake of dietary fibre and the main food sources of fibre in New Zealand adolescent males aged between 15 and 18 years. Methods: The Survey of Nutrition Dietary Assessment and Lifestyle (SuNDiAL) study is an ongoing clustered, cross-sectional survey in New Zealand that began in 2019. The data presented in this thesis were collected between February and April 2020. Male participants were enrolled from 6 high schools nationwide in Otago, Wellington, Christchurch, Rotorua, Tauranga and Auckland. High schools were selected based on a student roll of at least four hundred. Socio- demographics and bowel habits were self-reported with an online questionnaire. Height and weight were measured, and a Body Mass Index z-score was generated for each participant. Dietary data were assessed via two interviewer-led 24-hour multi-pass dietary recalls on non-consecutive days. The dietary data entered into FoodWorks 9 (Xyris Software, Australia) were used to estimate mean energy and fibre intakes for each participant. These were adjusted for within-person variation using a Multiple Source Method (MSM) program to represent usual intakes. The proportion of total fibre intake provided from the 33 food groups was estimated using Stata Statistical Analysis Software 16.0 (StrataCorp, Texas). Results: One hundred and thirty-five male participants enrolled in our study. One hundred and two of those completed one 24-hour recall and seventy-two completed a second recall. Overall, the mean fibre intake was at 24.1 g/day (95% CI: 22.2, 25.9), which was lower than the AI of 28 g/day. Bread was the single largest food source of fibre intake contributing to eighteen percent, with thirty-nine percent of the male participants consuming white bread, followed by grains and pasta, and fruits at almost twelve percent and vegetables at eleven percent. Only one hundred and twenty-nine male participants completed the bowel habits questionnaire. Fifty percent of the male participants had bowel movements of either 5, 6 or 7 times a week, with the greatest frequency at 7 times a week, and sixty-eight percent had a Type 3 stool type on the Bristol Stool Chart, indicating regular bowel habits with a normal stool consistency among the adolescent male population. Conclusion: The mean dietary fibre intake of this convenience sample of adolescent schoolboys was lower than the recommended. Given the influence of dietary fibre on optimal health promotion and chronic disease prevention, encouraging and supporting the adolescent male population to increase fibre-dense foods and whole grains consumption in accordance with the New Zealand dietary guidelines may help in achieving their AI for dietary fibre

Cartilage regeneration by chondrogenic induced adult stem cells in osteoarthritic sheep model

Objectives: In this study, Adipose stem cells (ADSC) and bone marrow stem cells (BMSC), multipotent adult cells with the potentials for cartilage regenerations were induced to chondrogenic lineage and used for cartilage regenerations in surgically induced osteoarthritis in sheep model. Methods: Osteoarthritis was induced at the right knee of sheep by complete resection of the anterior cruciate ligament and medial meniscus following a 3-weeks exercise regimen. Stem cells from experimental sheep were culture expanded and induced to chondrogenic lineage. Test sheep received a single dose of 2×107 autologous PKH26-labelled, chondrogenically induced ADSCs or BMSCs as 5 mls injection, while controls received 5 mls culture medium. Results: The proliferation rate of ADSCs 34.4±1.6 hr was significantly higher than that of the BMSCs 48.8±5.3 hr (P = 0.008). Chondrogenic induced BMSCs had significantly higher expressions of chondrogenic specific genes (Collagen II, SOX9 and Aggrecan) compared to chondrogenic ADSCs (P = 0.031, 0.010 and 0.013). Grossly, the treated knee joints showed regenerated de novo cartilages within 6 weeks post-treatment. On the International Cartilage Repair Society grade scores, chondrogenically induced ADSCs and BMSCs groups had significantly lower scores than controls (P = 0.0001 and 0.0001). Fluorescence of the tracking dye (PKH26) in the injected cells showed that they had populated the damaged area of cartilage. Histological staining revealed loosely packed matrixes of de novo cartilages and immunostaining demonstrated the presence of cartilage specific proteins, Collagen II and SOX9. Conclusion: Autologous chondrogenically induced ADSCs and BMSCs could be promising cell sources for cartilage regeneration in osteoarthritis

Probiotics (Bifidobacterium longum) increase bone mass density and upregulate sparc and Bmp-2 genes in rats with bone loss resulting from ovariectomy

Probiotics are live microorganisms that exert beneficial effects on the host, when administered in adequate amounts. Mostly, probiotics affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the host and alter the composition of gut microbiota. Nowadays, the incidence of hip fractures due to osteoporosis is increasing worldwide. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats have fragile bone due to estrogen deficiency and mimic the menopausal conditions in women. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum) on bone mass density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), bone remodeling, bone structure, and gene expression in OVX rats. The rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups (sham, OVX, and the OVX group supplemented with 1 mL of B. longum 108–109 colony forming units (CFU)/mL). B. longum was given once daily for 16 weeks, starting from 2 weeks after the surgery. The B. longum supplementation increased (p < 0.05) serum osteocalcin (OC) and osteoblasts, bone formation parameters, and decreased serum C-terminal telopeptide (CTX) and osteoclasts, bone resorption parameters. It also altered the microstructure of the femur. Consequently, it increased BMD by increasing (p < 0.05) the expression of Sparc and Bmp-2 genes. B. longum alleviated bone loss in OVX rats and enhanced BMD by decreasing bone resorption and increasing bone formation

The past and current updates on diagnostic aspects of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint disease leading to the destruction of joint structures, which in turn causes severe and chronic pain to the patient. Since OA is a troubling and disruptive disease, numerous researches have been done into diagnosing this disease, both in the early and the late stages of the disease. Diagnostic modalities such as radiography, computed-tomography (CT), micro-computed tomography (μ-CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been used in OA research. Not only that, more advance measurements and criteria have been established to standardize OA research. Currently, the OA research has been delving into proteomic studies to search for potential disease biomarkers. Biomarkers such as urinary C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type 2 (uCTX-II) and cartilage oligometric protein (COMP) have shown potential to be both diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. For this review paper, the developments in diagnostic modalities are discussed focusing more on proteomic and biomarker studies

Long term effect of cryopreservation on primary human skin cells

Cryopreservation is essential for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This study was carried out to assess the effect of cryopreservation on skin cells and evaluate the performance of cells after 12 months of cryopreservation. Redundant skin tissue samples were obtained from surgery with consent from patients. The tissue was cleaned, processed and cultured until passage 3. Upon confluency, cells were trypsinised and total cell yield and viability were determined before and after being cryopreserved. Sterility and immunocytochemistry analysis for collagen type I (Col-1) and cytokeratin 14 (CK14) antibodies were also performed on cells cryopreserved for one, three, six and twelve months. There is no significant difference in growth rates for cryopreserved cells for 1 to 12 months, except for fibroblasts at 6 months. Cell viability for both keratinocytes and fibroblasts decreased with time (65%± 3.5% - 89%± 4.5%). Sterility testing showed no contamination after 12 months of cryopreservation. Immunocytochemistry analysis showed positive expression for CK14 (keratinocytes) and Col -1 (fibroblasts) after 12 months of cryopreservation. Morphologically, keratinocytes and fibroblasts were able to retain its phenotype. The loss in viability is consistent in all samples and possibly due to thermal-cycling effect. Immunocytochemistry and consistent cell growth analysis showed that keratinocytes and fibroblasts were able to retain their characteristics in cryopreservation condition. These preliminary findings show that primary skin cells can be stored via cryopreservation and still retain their characteristics. However, further investigations using longer periods of cryopreservation (24 months, 48 months) should be conducted

Improved functional recovery of osteoarthritic knee joint after treatment with chondrogenically induced multipotent cells

The aim of this study was to quantify the functional improvements of osteoarthritic (OA) knee joints after treatment with chondrogenically induced pluripotent stem cells. OA was induced in the right knee joints by the resection of the anterior cruciate ligament and medial meniscus. Nine sheep were divided equally into 3 groups. Two treatment groups received either autologous chondrogenically induced adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) or bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs), while the control group received basal medium. Electromyography evaluations (EMGs) were conducted at week 0 (pre-OA), 8 (post-OA) and 24 (post-treatment), and compared to ascertain recovery in joint function. Multifocal subchondral lesions were developed after OA inductions and the treatment groups demonstrated the presence of regenerated neocartilages, evidenced by the presence of PKH26 tracking dye. Post-treatment EMGs showed that the controls retained significant reductions in amplitude compared to the pre-OA values, whereas ADSCs and BMSCs samples had no further significant reductions in amplitude post treatments (p<0.05). ADSCs and BMSCs treated knee joints had structural regeneration of cartilage; confirmed by PKH26 dye. The EMG analysis provided evidence of functional recovery associated to the structural regenerations

Pengaruh suhu sinteran terhadap kebioaktifan wolastonit daripada abu sekam padi dan batu kapur

Tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk mengenal pasti kesan rawatan suhu yang berbeza terhadap kebioaktifan wolastonit yang disintesis menggunakan teknik sol gel. Abu sekam padi dan batu kapur digunakan sebagai bahan awalan untuk menghasilkan wolastonit. Nisbah campuran kalsium oksida dan silika dioksida CaO/SiO2 ditentukan pada 55:45 dan dimasukkan ke dalam autoklaf pada suhu 135°C dengan tekanan 0.26 MPa selama 8 jam. Campuran serbuk CaO dan SiO2 tersebut disinter pada suhu yang berbeza (1150°C dan 1250°C) dan diuji sifat kebioaktifan secara rendaman dalam larutan cecair badan tersimulasi (SBF) selama 1,3,5,7 dan 14 hari secara in vitro. Sifat fizikal dan kebioaktifan wolastonit sebelum dan selepas direndam dalam larutan SBF dan beberapa pencirian telah dijalankan menggunakan teknik analisis XRD, FESEM, EDX dan FTIR. Campuran serbuk CaO-SiO2 yang telah diautoklaf dan disinter pada suhu 1250°C menghasilkan puncak tunggal pseudowolastonit. Ujian kebioaktifan menunjukkan lapisan amorfus kalsium fosfat (ACP) dengan julat nisbah Ca/P 1.9-1.51 terbentuk lebih pantas pada sampel wolastonit yang disinter pada suhu 1250°C berbanding pembentukan ACP pada sampel tersinter 1150°C

Mechanical and bioactive properties of mullite reinforced pseudowollastonite biocomposite

Bioactive composites consist of pseudowollastonite and mullite synthesized from natural resources was developed for bone implant applications. To realize such applications, a mechanical test of these composites and in vitro bioactivity in SBF solution were studied. The present paper reports pseudowollastonite synthesized from the rice husk ash and limestone reinforced with 10, 20 and 30 wt. % of mullite. Influence of sintering temperature, phase composition, morphology towards mechanical properties of various pseudowollastonite-mullite (PSW-M) composites was examined prior to the bioactivity test. It was found that pseudowollastonite with the addition of 20 wt. % of mullite sintered at 1150°C gave the best result for diametral tensile strength (DTS) and hardness with the value of 8.8 ± 0.15 MPa and 3.79 ± 0.13 GPa, respectively. The obvious increment in the mechanical strength was due to the formation of liquid phase CaAl2O3 during sintering at 1150°C. In addition, the formation of fibrous apatite (HA) layer of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) with Ca/P ratio 1.8 on PSW20M sample confirmed the good bioactivity of the composite

Intramedullary cement osteosynthesis (IMCO): a pilot study in sheep

The application of bone substitutes and cements has a long standing history in augmenting fractures as a complement to routine fracture fixation techniques. Nevertheless, such use is almost always in conjunction with definite means of fracture fixation such as intramedullary pins or bone plates. The idea of using biomaterials as the primary fixation bears the possibility of simultaneous fixation and bone enhancement. Intramedullary recruitment of bone cements is suggested in this study to achieve this goal. However, as the method needs primary testings in animal models before human implementation, and since the degree of ambulation is not predictable in animals, this pilot study only evaluates the outcomes regarding the feasibility and safety of this method in the presence of primary bone fixators. A number of two sheep were used in this study. Tibial transverse osteotomies were performed in both animals followed by external skeletal fixation. The medullary canals, which have already been prepared by removing the marrow through proximal and distal drill holes, were then injected with calcium phosphate cement (CPC). The outcomes were evaluated postoperatively by standard survey radiographs, morphology, histology and biomechanical testings. Healing processes appeared uncomplicated until week four where one bone fracture recurred due to external fixator failure. The results showed 56% and 48% cortical thickening, compared to the opposite site, in the fracture site and proximal and distal diaphyses respectively. This bone augmentative effect resulted in 264% increase in bending strength of the fracture site and 148% increase of the same value in the adjacent areas of diaphyses. In conclusion, IMCO, using CPC in tibia of sheep, is safe and biocompatible with bone physiology and healing. It possibly can carry the osteopromotive effect of the CPCs to provide a sustained source of bone augmentation throughout the diaphysis. Although the results must be considered preliminary, this method has possible advantages over conventional methods of bone fixation at least in bones with compromised quality (i.e. osteoporosis and bone cysts), where rigid metal implants may jeopardize eggshell cortices

Characterization of titanium ceramic composite for bone implants applications

Bone implants are widely used to restore bone loss due to several factors including but not limited to osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and road injuries. Current bone implant materials restore mechanical stability but suffer from a lack of osteointegration and will need to be replaced after long term use. To circumvent this, tissue engineering which capitalizes on the use of cells, biochemical factors and biodegradable materials aim to develop a biological substitute that restores, maintain or improve tissue functions. Central to the improvement of the tissue function and its stability through the implant relies on its interaction with the host tissue. Hence, a bioactive implant that promotes osteointegration is more desirable than an inert implant. In this study, metal-ceramic composites are explored for their suitability to be used as bone implants in the future. Fabrication of the composite was optimized using hot press compression and vacuum sintering method. Data presented include physicochemical characteristics of titanium-hydroxyapatite and titanium-wollastonite analyzed via SEM, FTIR, XRD, 3D laser microscopy and mechanical test. Evidence of material biocompatibility with primary human osteoprogenitor cells is also provided. Both titanium hydroxyapatite and titanium wollastonite possess the potential as the future of metal-ceramic composites as they possess the bioactivity of ceramic while still maintaining its core titanium body as a source of strength