Dietary Fermentable Carbohydrates Research Articles

505 Utilizing porcine hepatocyte cultures to test the effect of short chain fatty acids on androstenone metabolism

Abstract Boar taint is an off-putting odor found in the meat of entire male pigs due to the accumulation of androstenone and skatole in the fat. Development of boar taint is dependent on the balance between the rate of synthesis and metabolism of these compounds. Prior studies have shown that feed ingredients high in fermentable carbohydrates, including chicory root, sugar beet pulp, and Jerusalem artichoke decreased the synthesis of skatole in the hindgut and altered the metabolism in the liver, resulting in a skatole concentrations comparable with castrated males. However, the mechanism of how these dietary fermentable carbohydrates affect liver metabolism is not well understood. Metabolism of boar taint compounds takes place in a two-phase process, regulated by various enzymes and cytochrome families. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced from the microbial fermentation of fiber and have been shown to have regulatory effects on histone deacetylases and gene expression in humans, providing a potential mechanism in which feed high in dietary fiber reduces boar taint. The purpose of this study was to assess if SCFA directly affect the metabolism of androstenone in liver hepatocytes. Primary hepatocytes were isolated from the liver of 6 [(Yorkshire x Landrace) x Duroc] boars weighing around 90 kg. Cells were treated in triplicate with acetate, butyrate, propionate, and various combinations for 24 h to alter gene expression. Two sets of wells acted as a control, not being treated with SCFAs. The cells were then incubated with androstenone for 3 h, and media was extracted, and metabolite production was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The effects of treatments were using a one-way ANOVA with a Dunnet’s adjustment for multiple comparisons to a control. Results showed the combined acetate, butyrate, and propionate treatment had the greatest effect on androstenone glucuronide production when compared with the control, resulting in significant increases (P < 0.05) ranging from 82 ± 1.6% to 1 ± 2.4% in individual boars. Other treatments had a similar effect, significantly increasing the production of androstenone glucuronide but to a lesser degree. Butyrate increased production ranging from 40 ± 2.2% to 5±1.5% (P < 0.05), propionate from 38 ± 3.6% to 3 ± 2.6% (P < 0.05), acetate and butyrate from 61±3.9% to 1 ± 2.8% (P < 0.05), acetate and propionate from 70±3.5% to 5±1.7% (P < 0.05), and butyrate and propionate from 82 ± 2.5% to 4 ± 1.1% (P < 0.05) when compared with the control. In conclusion, this trial provided evidence that SCFAs produced by the microbial fermentation of fiber can significantly increase hepatic androstenone metabolism in some animals, with a wide range in these effects among individual boars. Future research will involve assessing the effects of SCFAs on hepatic skatole metabolism.

Complete versus incomplete caries removal procedures and their effects on dental pulp in primary teeth - An in vivo study.

Dental caries results from an ecologic shift within the dental biofilm from a balanced population of microorganisms to an acidogenic, aciduric, and cariogenic microbiological population developed and maintained by frequent consumption of fermentable dietary carbohydrates. Total caries removal (TCR) of deep lesion may result in pulpal exposure requiring more invasive treatment. Hence, current pediatric dentistry has shifted to minimally invasive treatment that avoids more complex, time-consuming procedure, and the child's discomfort. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare clinical performance and radiographic changes after complete and incomplete caries removal procedures. The study was conducted on 60 primary molars in children aged 6-9 years. Selected 60 primary molars were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 (PCR): infected dentin was removed, while the affected dentin was maintained on the pulpal wall. Group 2 (TCR): both infected and affected dentin were removed through low-speed carbide bur and hand excavator. Teeth were evaluated at 4 and 6 months clinically and radiographically. The proportion was compared using Fisher's exact test. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21 was used for analysis. The level of significance was kept at 5%. The clinical and radiographic success rates of ICR and CCR in primary teeth with deep carious lesions were high and did not differ significantly, indicating that the retention of carious dentin does not interfere with pulp vitality. Thus, ICR is a reliable minimally invasive approach that might replace the CCR in primary teeth when correctly indicated.

Synergistic Activity of Moringa Oleifera and Thyme Vulgaris Essential Oil Against Streptococcus Mutans: An Observational Study

Background: Dental caries still remain a highly prevalent disease among all age groups especially children. It is caused due to repetitive and/or prolonged demineralization of tooth enamel caused by exposure to low pH from organic acids produced by acidogenic oral bacteria during fermentation of dietary carbohydrates. Streptococcus mutans is a facultative anaerobic , gram positive cocci commonly found in the human oral cavity which plays an important role in causing dental caries. Moringa oleifera Lam. (drumstick tree) is a Moringaceae family member which possesses a variety of advantageous biological properties, such as immunomodulatory, anticancer, antiulcer and antimicrobial properties. Thymus vulgaris is a pleasant smelling perennial shrub which has a direct influence on many bacteria species. The use of combinations of these two EOs and their components are thus a new approach to increase the antimicrobial efficacy of EOs , taking advantage of their synergistic and additive effects. Materials and methods: The broth microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC) of the essential oils. The MIC of Moringa, Thyme and combination of the both essential oils against S.mutans which were used in the assay were assessed at a different concentration level. Results: The antimicrobial activity of M.oleifera, T.vulgaris and combination of both the essential oils was proven with the MIC value of 2.5%v/v, 0.03906% and 0.03906% respectively. Conclusion: The combination of Moringa oleifera and Thymus vulgaris essential oil can be used as a good antimicrobial agent to treat various Streptococci borne oral infections. Further incorporation of this oil into the drug formulations is also recommended to treat S.mutans borne oral as well as systemic infections.

Diet nutrient digestibility and growth performance in weaned pigs fed barley differing in fermentable starch and fibre profile

Barley grain containing both fermentable starch and fibre might be attractive as energy source in weaned pig diets because of benefits on gut health. Rapidly fermentable carbohydrates and slowly fermentable fibre may decrease diarrhoea in weaned pigs serving as prebiotics. Steam explosion processing may disrupt the fibre matrix of cereal hulls, increasing slowly fermentable fibre of barley grain. Five diets were formulated to provide 10.0 and 9.6 MJ net energy (NE)/kg, 1.32 and 1.22 g standardised ileal digestible (SID) lysine/MJ NE for phase 1 (day 0–14) and phase 2 (day 14–28), respectively. Diets contained 593–644 g cereal grain/kg: 1) low-fermentable hulled barley (LFB); 2) LFB steam-exploded (LFB-SE; 1.2 MPa, 120 s); 3) high-β-glucan (70 g/kg) hull-less barley (HFBB); 4) high amylose (168 g/kg) hull-less barley (HFAB); or 5) low-fermentable wheat (LFW). A total of 220 pigs in 11 blocks of 5 pens each were fed 1 of 5 diets starting 1-week post-weaning for 28 days. For phase 1, the coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD) of gross energy (GE) and crude protein (CP) of diets was greatest (P < 0.05) for LFW, intermediate for HFBB, followed by LFB-SE, LFB and lowest for HFAB. The calculated NE value was greatest (P < 0.05) for LFW, intermediate for LFB-SE, and lowest for HFBB, LFB and HFAB. For phase 2, the CATTD of GE was greater (P < 0.05) for LFW and HFBB than LFB, LFB-SE and HFAB; the CATTD of CP was greatest (P < 0.05) for LFW, intermediate for HFBB, followed by LFB, HFAB, and lowest for LFB-SE; calculated NE value was greatest (P < 0.05) for HFBB and LFW, intermediate for LFB and HFAB, and lowest for LFB-SE. For the entire trial (day 0–28), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG) of pigs did not differ among diets, but gain-to-feed (ADG/ADFI) was lowest (P < 0.05) for the LFB-SE diet. For day 21–28, pigs fed LFB-SE diet had greater (P < 0.01) ADFI than pigs fed HFAB diet, whereas pigs fed LFW, LFB and HFBB were intermediate. Faeces consistency of pigs did not differ between LFB and LFW diets, but pigs fed LFB diet had firmer (P < 0.05) faeces than pigs fed HFBB, HFAB and LFB-SE diets. To conclude, the wheat diet had greater GE and CP digestibility than barley diets. Among barley diets, the HFBB had greater GE and CP digestibility than both LFB and LFB-SE; the HFAB diet ranked lowest. However, feeding barley to replace wheat grain in nursery diets formulated to equal NE value and SID amino acid content did not affect growth performance. Finally, dietary fermentable carbohydrates in barley made faeces less firm. Steam explosion of hulled barley grain did not increase GE or CP digestibility.

Natural products’ potential to maintain/ameliorate oral health: A review

Many diseases such as human dental caries result in the destruction of tooth structure; dental caries is an infectious disease leading to the destruction of tooth structure due to the acids produced on the fermentation of dietary carbohydrates by acidogenic bacteria. Bacteria colonise non-shedding oral surfaces, and produce lactic, acetic, and formic acids. Preserving tooth structure using fluoride in dental products may have its adverse effects on human health. The use of fluoride-containing dental products without supervision in children when the teeth are developing can lead to fluorosis. Therefore, the main aim of the present review was to identify natural oral healthcare products having minimum or no adverse effects in maintaining the integrity of tooth enamel. The active compounds observed in the natural plant products till date are polyphenolic compounds which contain antibacterial effects, and a potential to shift demineralisation to remineralisation. But their mechanism of action remain unclear. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of these natural products and enhance their effect.

The role of rumen epithelial urea transport proteins in urea nitrogen salvage: A review.

The symbiotic relationship between the host and the rumen microbiome plays a crucial role in ruminant physiology. One of the most important processes enabling this relationship is urea nitrogen salvaging (UNS). This process is important for both maintaining ruminant nitrogen balance and supporting production of their major energy supply, bacterially-derived short chain fatty acids (SCFA). The key step in UNS is the trans-epithelial movement of urea across the ruminal wall and this is a highly regulated process. At the molecular level, the key transport route is via the facilitative urea transporter-B2, localized to ruminal papillae epithelial layers. Additional urea transport through aquaporins (AQP), such as AQP3, is now also viewed as important. Long-term regulation of these ruminal urea transport proteins appears to mainly involve dietary fermentable carbohydrates; whereas, transepithelial urea transport is finely regulated by local conditions, such as CO2 levels, pH and SCFA concentration. Although the key principles of ruminal urea transport physiology are now understood, there remains much that is unknown regarding the regulatory pathways. One reason for this is the limited number of techniques currently used in many studies in the field. Therefore, future research in this area that combines a greater range of techniques could facilitate improvements to livestock efficiency, and potentially, reductions in the levels of waste nitrogen entering the environment.

Distinctive Clinical Correlates of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth with Methanogens

Most patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) produce hydrogen by fermentation of dietary carbohydrates; however, ∼30% of patients with SIBO are colonized with Archaea, anaerobic organisms that produce methane. SIBO is associated with a plethora of symptoms and conditions, but their diagnostic significance is unclear. We aimed to determine if specific symptoms and conditions are associated with methanogenic SIBO. This study received institutional review board approval (IRB00059873). In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we queried a database of glucose breath tests conducted for suspected SIBO at our tertiary care medical center, which included data on the presence or absence of gastrointestinal symptoms and conditions often associated with SIBO. All patients had undergone a standardized breath testing protocol. In a cohort of 1461 patients, 33.1% were SIBO positive; of these, 49.8% produced only hydrogen, 38.8% produced only methane, and 11.4% produced both gases. The following factors distinguished patients with hydrogen-producing SIBO, but not methanogenic SIBO, from SIBO-negative patients: vitamin B12 deficiency (odds ratio, 1.44; confidence interval [CI], 1.01-2.06; P= .046), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (odds ratio, 2.14; CI, 1.09-4.18; P= .027), cholecystectomy (odds ratio, 1.42; CI, 1.06-1.91; P= .020), and diabetes (odds ratio, 1.59; CI, 1.13-2.24; P= .008). The absence of vitamin B12 deficiency was the sole discriminating factor between methanogenic and hydrogenic SIBO (odds ratio, 0.57; CI, 0.34-0.97; P= .038). Patients with SIBO caused by methane-producing Archaea display a different spectrum of associated symptoms and clinical conditions compared with patients with SIBO caused by hydrogen-producing bacteria, particularly a lower incidence of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Effect of Dietary Fermentable Carbohydrate Supplementation on Amino Acid Homeostasis

Abstract Objectives Homeostasis of amino acids (AA) such as branched chain AAs (BCAAs), and aromatic AAs are associated with glucose regulation. Fermentable carbohydrates (FC), such as xylooligosaccharide (XOS), have been shown to improve glucose and lipid metabolism. Therefore, we aim to study the potential of dietary FC to modulate systemic and tissue specific amino acid (AA) homeostasis in normal physiological condition. Two FCs of different molecular size were included in this study, XOS (0.3–1 kDa) and a new sulfated fucose containing polysaccharide (SPS) isolated from seaweed (82 kDa). Methods Male C57BL6 mice at age 7 week were randomized into three groups and fed AIN93M, AIN93M supplemented with 2% XOS or SPS (w/w) for 8 weeks (n = 6–8/group). SPS was prepared from Laminaria japonica. At the end of the intervention, fasting serum samples were collected and processed for glucose, insulin, AA analysis. Liver and skeletal muscle samples were frozen and processed for AA analysis. Results Blood glucose was significantly lower in XOS-fed mice but not SPS-fed mice compared to mice fed the control AIN93M diet. No significant differences in blood insulin, lipids, AA as well as body weight and fat depots were observed among the three experimental groups (XOS, SPS and control). In skeletal muscle, the concentration of total free AA, as well as 9 AAs (Asp, Glu, Arg, Tyr, Met, Phe and BCAAs) was significantly lower and 1 AA (Thr) was higher in SPS mice compared to control mice, while free AA levels in skeletal muscle were not significantly different between XOS and control mice. In liver, levels of total free AA, Arg, Thr and leucine metabolite ketoleucine were significantly lower in XOS mice compared to control mice. No significant change in free AA levels in liver was observed between SPS and control mice. Conclusions Our data show the differential modulation of systemic and tissue-specific AA and glucose homeostasis by dietary XOS and SPS intake, indicating the key role that AA signaling may play in metabolic homeostasis. Funding Sources This project was supported by the National Institutes of Health and UCLA Center for Human Nutrition.

Anticariogenic Activity of Mucuna Pruriens Mediated Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles

Introduction: Dental caries which is the most common disease of the oral cavity are caused due to demineralization of the inorganic substance and the subsequent destruction of the organic substance of the tooth. They start with the adherence of bacteria to the structures of the tooth, which then will gradually lead to the formation of plaque, culminating in the demineralization of enamel caused by the fermentation of dietary carbohydrates. Mucuna pruriens has long been used as Ayurvedic medicine, as a means to treat Parkinsonism primarily. It is also known to have a variety of other activities which include antiepileptic, antidiabetic, anticariogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and also cytotoxic effects. Materials and Methods: 1g Mucuna pruriens was dissolved in distilled water and was boiled for 5 minutes, Titanium dioxide extract was prepared by dissolving the extract in 90ml of distilled water. The mixture was then placed on an orbital shaker for an hour. Result: Maximum activity against all the three oral pathogens were observed at 100 μL. Conclusion: From this study, we can conclude that the high potential of Mucuna pruriens mediated Titanium dioxide nanoparticles is evident on S. mutans and E. faecalis

Recent advances in enamel and dentin remineralization

Dental caries is a complex, multifactorial, and transmittable infectious disease that is caused during the demineralization–remineralization process in the presence of fermentable dietary carbohydrates, saliva, and cariogenic oral flora. The chemical basis of the demineralization–remineralization process is similar for enamel, dentin. In this review, we have enlisted numerous types of remineralizing agents; remineralizing techniques have been researched, and many of them are being used clinically, with significantly predictable positive results.

Xylitol, a Promising Allied for Oral Heath

This work aimed to carry out a literature review correlating the use of xylitol with the prevention of dental caries, which is a chronic and multifactorial disease, caused by organic acids originated from the fermentation of dietary carbohydrates (dependent sucrose) by bacteria and, when associated with a limited ability to correct oral pH, lead to tooth decalcification, a process known as demineralization. The cariogenic potential of the oral microbiota is genetically determined and is accentuated by the availability of sucrose. Under these conditions, the metabolic pathways favor the reduction of pH, demineralization of the dental substrate and the synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides that act as an energy supply and adhesive strategy. Xylitol is an alcoholic sugar that hardly undergoes fermentation by oral bacteria. Therefore, it has been recommended as a substitute for sugar, especially when food is eaten between meals, helping to prevent tooth decay. The antimicrobial activity of xylitol occurs when the compound is incorporated into the bacterial cell, through the phosphorylation process in the glycolytic pathway of the bacterium, forming xylitol-5-phosphate, that is not metabolized by any enzyme, characterizing it as an intermediate compound. Xylitol is a safe nutrient for human use, and several studies have analyzed the influence of xylitol in dental caries prevention. However, there is a need for more robust clinical trials for the evaluation of the effectiveness of xylitol under ideal conditions propitious to its use. Key words: Dental caries, Streptococcus mutans, Xylitol.

Effects of low protein diets with amino acids supplementation on biochemical and faeces parameters in weaned piglets

Effects of low protein diets with amino acids supplementation on biochemical and faeces parameters in weaned piglets

The impact of dietary fermentable carbohydrates on a postinflammatory model of irritable bowel syndrome

A low fermentable carbohydrate (FODMAP) diet is used in quiescent inflammatory bowel disease when irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms occur. There is concern that the diet could exacerbate inflammation by modifying microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. We examined the effect of altering dietary FODMAP content on inflammation in preclinical inflammatory models. C57BL/6 mice were given 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water for 5days and recovered for 3weeks (postinflammatory, n=12), or 5days (positive-control, n=12). Following recovery, DSS-treated or control mice (negative-control, n=12) were randomized to 2-week low- (0.51g/100g total FODMAP) or high-FODMAP (4.10g) diets. Diets mimicked human consumption containing fructose, sorbitol, galacto-oligosaccharide, and fructan. Colons were assessed for myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and histological damage. Supernatants were generated for perforated patch-clamp recordings and cytokine measurement. Cecum contents were analyzed for microbiota, SCFA, and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA). Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni. Inflammatory markers were higher in the positive-control compared with negative-control and postinflammatory groups, but no differences occurred between the two diets within each treatment (MPO P>.99, histological scores P>.99, cytokines P>.05), or the perforated patch-clamp recordings (P>.05). Microbiota clustered mainly based on DSS exposure. No difference in SCFA content occurred. Higher total BCFA occurred with the low-FODMAP diet in positive-control (P<.01) and postinflammatory groups (P<.01). In this preclinical study, reducing dietary FODMAPs did not exacerbate nor mitigate inflammation. Microbiota profile changes were largely driven by inflammation rather than diet. Low FODMAP intake caused a shift toward proteolytic fermentation following inflammation.

Elimination of Fermentable Carbohydrates to Reduce Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Pediatric Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Narrative Review.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is classified as a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel function. Although the pathophysiology of IBS is incompletely understood, fermentable carbohydrates are implicated as a potential cause of symptoms. An elimination diet, such as a low-FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) diet, represents a potential intervention for reducing GI symptoms in patients with IBS. The role of fermentable carbohydrates in symptom onset is well studied in adult patients with IBS; however, less research exists in the pediatric population. This review sought to explore evidence for the role of dietary fermentable carbohydrate elimination to reduce GI symptoms (abdominal pain, stool changes, abdominal bloating) in children and adolescents (4-19 years of age) diagnosed with IBS based on Rome III or IV criteria. Five studies of neutral to positive quality rating were identified and analyzed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Process. These studies demonstrate that dietary elimination of fermentable carbohydrates, such as through a low-FODMAP diet, reduces the severity of 1 or more GI symptoms in about one-quarter to one-half of pediatric patients with IBS. Patients without improvement are considered "nonresponders" and may require an alternative intervention. More research is needed to establish the best way to identify patients who would respond to elimination diets vs other IBS treatment strategies.

The VicRK Two-Component System Regulates Streptococcus mutans Virulence.

Streptococcus mutans is considered the predominant etiological agent of dental caries with the ability to form biofilm on the tooth surface. And, its abilities to obtain nutrients and metabolize fermentable dietary carbohydrates to produce acids contribute to its pathogenicity. The responses of S. mutans to environmental stresses are essential for its survival and role in cariogenesis. The VicRK system is one of the 13 putative TCS of S. mutans. The conserved functions of the VicRK signal transduction system is the key regulator of bacterial oxidative stress responses, acidification, cell wall metabolism, and biofilm formation. In this paper, it was discussed how the VicRK system regulates S. mutans virulence including bacterial physiological function, operon structure, signal transduction, and even post-transcriptional control in its regulon. Thus, this emerging subspecialty of the VicRK regulatory networks in S. mutans may strengthen our understandings aimed at providing a basis for the prevention of dental caries.

Consumption of non-digestible oligosaccharides elevates colonic alkaline phosphatase activity by up-regulating the expression of IAP-I, with increased mucins and microbial fermentation in rats fed a high-fat diet.

We have recently reported that soluble dietary fibre, glucomannan, increased colonic alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the gene expression without affecting the small-intestinal activity and that colonic ALP was correlated with gut mucins (index of intestinal barrier function). We speculated that dietary fermentable carbohydrates including oligosaccharides commonly elevate colonic ALP and gene expression as well as increase mucin secretion and microbial fermentation. To test this hypothesis, male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a diet containing 30 % lard with or without 4 % fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), raffinose (RAF) and lactulose (LAC), which are non-digestible oligosaccharides or isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMOS; some digestible oligosaccharides) for 2 weeks. Colon ALP activity, the gene expression and gut luminal variables including mucins, organic acids and microbiota were measured. Colonic ALP was significantly elevated in the FOS, RAF and LAC groups, and a similar trend was observed in the GOS group. Colonic expression of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP -I), an ALP gene, was significantly elevated in the FOS, GOS and RAF groups and tended to be increased in the LAC group. Dietary FOS, GOS, RAF and LAC significantly elevated faecal mucins, caecal n-butyrate and faecal ratio of Bifidobacterium spp. Dietary IMOS had no effect on colonic ALP, mucins, organic acids and microbiota. Colon ALP was correlated with mucins, caecal n-butyrate and faecal Bifidobacterium spp. This study demonstrated that non-digestible and fermentable oligosaccharides commonly elevate colonic ALP activity and the expression of IAP-I, with increasing mucins and microbial fermentation, which might be important for protection of gut epithelial homoeostasis.

Diet nutrient and energy digestibility and growth performance of weaned pigs fed hulled or hull-less barley differing in fermentable starch and fibre to replace wheat grain

Starch and fibre composition of feed grain may alter site of digestion and fermentation of energy-yielding nutrients within the swine gut. Especially dietary amylose and β-glucan increase fermentation; however, their effect on growth performance has not been well defined. Starting 1 week post-weaning (BW, 7.3 kg), 240 pigs were fed 5 diets that contained 630–706 g cereal grain/kg differing in fermentable carbohydrates: high-fermentable β-glucan hull-less barley (HFB), high-fermentable amylose hull-less barley (HFA), moderate-fermentable hull-less barley (MFB); low-fermentable hulled barley (LFB) or low-fermentable hard red spring wheat (LFW). Diets were formulated to provide 9.7 and 9.4 MJ net energy (NE)/kg and 1.32 and 1.22 g standardised ileal digestible lysine/MJ NE for Phase 1 (day 1–14) and Phase 2 (day 15–35), respectively. The coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD) of gross energy (GE) was greatest (P < 0.05) for MFB and LFW for both phases and was lower (P < 0.05) for LFB than HFB and HFA for Phase 1 and HFA for Phase 2. The CATTD of crude protein (CP) was greater (P < 0.05) for LFW than the 4 barley diets for both phases. The CATTD of CP was greater (P < 0.05) for HFA and LFB than HFB and MFB for Phase 2. Calculated NE value for Phase 1 was greatest (P < 0.05) for MFB, greater (P < 0.05) for LFW than LFB and HFB and greater (P < 0.05) for HFA than HFB. Calculated NE value for Phase 2 was greater (P < 0.05) for MFB than LFB, HFB and HFA and greater (P < 0.05) for LFW than HFA. For the entire trial (day 1–35), gain:feed (G:F) did not differ (P > 0.05) among diets. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was greater (P < 0.05) for LFB, LFW or MFB than HFA. The ADFI was greater (P < 0.05) for LFB than HFB. Average daily gain tended to be greater (P = 0.07) for LFB than HFA. Faeces consistency was greater (P < 0.05) for LFW than HFB or HFA and greater (P < 0.05) for LFB than HFB. In conclusion, moderate dietary fermentable carbohydrates did not alter feed intake, gain and G:F of weaned pigs; however, high dietary fermentable carbohydrates may reduce feed intake, gain and faeces consistency. Nevertheless, hulled and hull-less barley replacing wheat grain in diets did not affect feed intake, gain and G:F in weaned pigs.

Oral Hygiene Improvement using Combined Mouthwash with Plant extracts

Dental caries considered as one of the most common infectious diseases affecting mankind today, the dissolution of tooth structure by acid produced as a result of the fermentation of dietary carbohydrates by oral bacteria. The antimicrobial susceptibility of medicinal plants including black pepper, black cumin, cinnamon, cardamom on toothpaste and mouthwash against oral isolates for healthcare improvement was studied. Different oral isolates from 50 selected individuals aged 3 to 60 years were obtained from both genders, and a total of 59 bacterial and yeast isolates were collected, purified, and tested against four different commercial medicinal plants extracts for antimicrobial susceptibility profile. A total of 10 mouthwashes was purchased, and the combined action of the medicinal plants with mouthwash was studied against oral isolates. We found a higher bacterial population was in the age group of 3–40 years than other two groups, with approximately 44%. In addition, the combined action of acetone plant extracts (alone) against oral isolates showed increasing effect profile up to 61.02% when combination A (Ci/N) was added. Also, While, the combined action of medicinal plants with mouthwash was improved 100% with combination C. We conclude that the combination C (P/N/Ca/Ci) with mouthwash showed high susceptibility against oral isolates.

Evaluating the Dental Caries-Related Information on Brazilian Websites: Qualitative Study.

BackgroundDental caries is the most common chronic oral disease, affecting 2.4 billion people worldwide who on average have 2.11 decayed, missing, or filled teeth. It impacts the quality of life of patients, socially and economically. However, the comprehension of dental caries may be difficult for most people, as it involves a multifactorial etiology with the interplay between the tooth surface, the dental biofilm, dietary fermentable carbohydrates, and genetic and behavioral factors. Therefore, the production of effective materials addressed to the education and counseling of patients for the prevention of dental caries requires a high level of specialization. In this regard, the dental caries-related contents produced by laypersons and their availability on the Internet may be low-quality information.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the readability and the quality of dental caries-related information on Brazilian websites.MethodsA total of 75 websites were selected through Google, Bing, Yahoo!, and Baidu. The websites were organized in rankings according to their order of appearance in each one of the 4 search engines. Furthermore, 2 independent examiners evaluated the quality of websites using the DISCERN questionnaire and the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria. The readability of the websites was assessed by the Flesch Reading Ease adapted to Brazilian Portuguese (FRE-BP). In addition, the information presented on the websites was categorized as etiology, prevention, and treatment of dental caries. The statistical analysis was performed using Spearman rank correlation coefficient, Mann-Whitney U test, hierarchical clustering analysis by Ward minimum variance method, Kruskal-Wallis test, and post hoc Dunn test. P<.05 was considered significant.ResultsThe Web contents were considered to be of poor quality by DISCERN (mean 33.48, standard deviation, SD 9.06) and JAMA (mean 1.12, SD 0.97) scores, presenting easy reading levels (FRE-BP: mean 62.93, SD 10.15). The rankings of the websites presented by Google (ρ=−.22, P=.08), Baidu (ρ=−.19, P=.53), Yahoo! (ρ=.22, P=.39), and Bing (ρ=−.36, P=.23) were not correlated with DISCERN scores. Moreover, the quality of websites with health- and nonhealth-related authors was similar (P=.27 for DISCERN and P=.47 for JAMA); however, the pages with a greater variety of dental caries information showed significantly higher quality scores than those with limited contents (P=.009).ConclusionsOn the basis of this sample, dental caries-related contents available on Brazilian websites were considered simple, accessible, and of poor quality, independent of their authorship. These findings indicate the need for the development of specific policies focused on the stimulus for the production and publication of Web health information, encouraging dentists to guide their patients in searching for recommended oral health websites.

Nutrition, dental caries and periodontal disease: a narrative review.

To provide a narrative review of the role of macro- and micronutrients in relation to dental caries, gingival bleeding and destructive periodontal disease. This review is based on systematic reviews (when available) and comparative human studies. Dental caries cannot develop without the presence of dietary fermentable carbohydrates, in particular sugar. The susceptibility to develop caries in the presence of carbohydrates may be influenced by genetics and micronutrients such as vitamin D. Gingival bleeding and destructive periodontal disease are sensitive markers to both abnormalities in macronutrient content (excessive carbohydrates or poly-unsaturated fat intake, deficient protein intake) and micronutrient intake (e.g. vitamin C and B12). Dental caries and periodontal diseases are a sensitive alarm bell for an unhealthy diet, which predicts the future onset of the diseases of civilizations.