Talitha Best

Neurologic effects of exogenous saccharides: a review of controlled human, animal, and in vitro studies.

Abstract Objectives Current research efforts are centered on delineating the novel health benefits of naturally derived saccharides, including growing interest in their abilities to influence neurologic health. We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to consolidate all controlled studies assessing various roles of exogenous saccharide compounds and polysaccharide-rich extracts from plants, fungi, and other natural sources on brain function, with a significant focus on benefits derived from oral intake. Methods Studies were identified by conducting electronic searches on PubMed and Google Scholar. Reference lists of articles were also reviewed for additional relevant studies. Only articles published in English were included in this review. Results Six randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies were identified in which consumption of a blend of plant-derived polysaccharides showed positive effects on cognitive function and mood in healthy adults. A separate controlled clinical study observed improvements in well-being with ingestion of a yeast beta-glucan. Numerous animal and in vitro studies have demonstrated the ability of individual saccharide compounds and polysaccharide-rich extracts to modify behavior, enhance synaptic plasticity, and provide neuroprotective effects. Discussion Although the mechanisms by which exogenous saccharides can influence brain function are not well understood at this time, the literature suggests that certain naturally occurring compounds and polysaccharide-rich extracts show promise, when taken orally, in supporting neurologic health and function. Additional well-controlled clinical studies on larger populations are necessary, however, before specific recommendations can be made.

Saccharide effects on cognition and well-being in middle-aged adults: a randomized controlled trial.

The current study used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design to investigate the effects of saccharide supplementation on cognition and well-being in middle-aged adults. Participants (N = 109; 45–60 years) took a teaspoon of a combination of saccharides or a placebo twice daily for 12 weeks (3.6 g per day). Before and after this supplementation period, participants completed alternate forms of standardized tests of cognition and self-report measures of well-being. Significant beneficial effects of saccharide supplementation were found for memory performance and indicators of well-being. The potential for these nutrients to optimize cognitive function and well-being in older adults warrants ongoing investigation.

Acute effects of a dietary non-starch polysaccharide supplement on cognitive performance in healthy middle-aged adults

Abstract Objective Certain plant polysaccharides may provide psychological health benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether they can acutely improve mood and cognitive function. Method In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, between subjects design trial, 73 middle-aged adults consumed 4 g of a proprietary mixture of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) (Ambrotose® complex), a rice flour placebo, or a sucrose control. Participants completed testing at baseline and 30 minutes post-consumption. Acute effects of consumption on mood, cognition, and blood glucose were evaluated during mental tests designed to induce mental fatigue. Results Significant improvement in recognition and working memory performance was observed in the group that consumed NSP compared with placebo or sucrose. Improvements in memory performance following NSP intake were independent of changes in blood glucose. Discussion This is the first report of acute behavioural improvement following plant polysaccharide intake in healthy middle-aged adults under conditions of mental fatigue. The findings suggest that certain NSP may enhance memory performance through mechanisms other than elevated blood glucose.

Association between dietary saccharide intake and self-reported memory performance in middle-aged adults.

The aims of the present study were to assess dietary intake of saccharides in middle-aged adults, and to determine whether intakes of these sugar nutrients were related to self-reported memory performance. A population-based sample of 1183 men and women (aged 40-60 years) completed questionnaires assessing everyday memory function. Dietary intake status of saccharides was estimated using a self-completed, quantified FFQ. After controlling for demographic and health measures (for example, time spent exercising, smoking and alcohol consumption), saccharide intake was related to better self-reported memory functioning. Thus, longer-term intakes of saccharides through the usual diet may be positively related to perceived memory performance in mid-life.

A role for dietary saccharide intake in cognitive performance

Abstract Objective: The current study investigated the relationship between dietary intake of saccharides and cognitive performance. Design: The study used a cross-sectional correlational design in which the relationship between saccharide intake and cognitive performance was investigated among younger and middle-aged adults. Methods: Forty-two young adults (18–30 years) and 42 middle-aged adults (45–62 years) completed a food diary on three non-consecutive days during 1 week in order to estimate dietary saccharide intake. In addition, participants completed a battery of cognitive measures that included measures assessing memory (verbal and visuo-spatial recall and recognition, working memory), speed of processing, attention and general cognitive ability. Results and conclusion: Results indicated that saccharide intake was related to performance only in verbal memory recall, and only for the middle-aged adults. Importantly, saccharide intake remained a significant predictor of verbal memory performance after controlling for education and health factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and exercise.

Dietary supplementation and the quality of life of retired football players

Methods Questionnaires were completed by 15 ambulatory retired football players with the average age of 49.6 (±8.2) years and average professional football career of 7.6 (±3.2) years. In this open label study, the subjects had daily intake of the following supplements for 6 months: Fish oil with vitamin D3, antioxidant, natural vitamin and mineral supplement, glyconutrient and a phytosterolamino acid complex. Outcome measures included “Healthy Days Measures” (CDC HRQOL-4), WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Memory Functioning Questionnaire (MFQ). Self-assessments of pain of joints and extremities as well as range of motion were also collected using a questionnaire. Mean differences were assessed between baseline and each data collection point at 1, 3 and 6 months. Results Statistically significant differences from baseline were obtained in key outcome measures. CDC HRQOL general health rating showed improvement at month 1 (p=0.008) and sustained to month 6 (p<0.0001). There was increased number of healthy days per month related to physical health and mental health and the improvement in the number of mental health days was significant at 6 months (p=0.029). WHOQOL-BREF showed improvement on the rating of quality of life at 6 months (p=0.038) and satisfaction with health in all measurement points (p<0.05). Both the Physical and Psychological Domains showed significant improvement at 6 months (p<0.05). General Rating of Memory using the MFQ showed significant improvement at 3 and 6 months (p<0.05). The POMS showed that the participants rated the Vigor scale significantly higher at 3 months compared to the baseline (p=0.024). Selfassessment of pain showed decreasing trends but only the elbow and knee pain showed statistically significant improvement at 1 and 3 months, (p<0.05). There were no adverse events related to the supplementation. Conclusions This preliminary study demonstrates that multiple dietary supplementations enhanced the quality of life of this special group of retired football players. However, a larger well controlled clinical trial is needed to determine whether these findings can be replicated not only in this special population but also in other group of retired athletes.

The political ecology of university-based social entrepreneurship ecosystems

Purpose This paper aims to explore the potential agency of university-based social entrepreneurship ecosystems (U-BSEEs) from a political ecology perspective. It addresses how higher education institutions can leverage their embedded role within a community to foster social entrepreneurship, by leveraging adult learning theories of andragogy and heutagogy in (social) entrepreneurship education. Design/methodology/approach This empirical study interviewed ten senior-level academics in the USA, the UK, Ireland and Australia with practical experience in the (social) entrepreneurship and social innovation space. Qualitative methods of structured interviews, coding and analysis were used as an appropriate procedure to examine the political ecology of U-BSEEs and the interconnectedness of its actors. Findings Key findings included criticisms of higher educations’ role in society; financial resources and university impact on stakeholders; the potential of student-based initiatives and programs leveraging andragogy and ideally heutagogy adult learning theories; and changes universities could implement to become key actors of U-BSEEs. Student engagement and cross-disciplinary work is apparently the modus operandi to successful university based ecosystem development. Research limitations/implications Research limitations included sample size and lack of junior and mid-level academic perspectives; surveys could be conducted in future research on the topic to generate quantitative data to strengthen findings. Implications of the research suggest that universities possess the necessary resources and personnel to serve as keystone actors of an ecosystem, but currently do not leverage the expertise available to them. Practical implications All respondents concurred that focusing on students as change agents, and building social entrepreneurship education programs could foster a trophic cascade of increased collaboration, economic growth, political capital and social good in the local and regional ecosystem. Originality/value This study is original in its attempt to build on the entrepreneurship ecosystem literature by considering the agency of U-BSEEs from a political ecology lens.

Could EGM player-tracking systems help link gamblers to treatment services in Australia: a thematic analysis of counsellor and community educators’ perspectives

Abstract There are a number of different pathways to care that people experiencing problems with gambling may pursue. The current research examined the potential of player-tracking systems, such as pre-commitment technology or loyalty cards, to improve the delivery of links to treatment. Thirty-three key informants from gambling treatment and community education in Australia were interviewed about the potential contributions of these technologies to helping link gamblers with problems to treatment services. Thematic analysis revealed three broad considerations for effective links to treatment using these technologies. First, links need to be appropriate in terms of the multitude of problems (other than gambling) that people might face with customized links appropriate to a gambler’s circumstances. Second, the presentation of the links should make them easy to notice and appropriately timed. Third, links should be provided as part of a broader strategy of harm minimization; by recognizing where people are in terms of behavioural change; providing positively framed guidance; and maintaining consistency with public health approaches. This research provides guidance based on informed expert opinion on what features of technology-driven links-to-treatment are likely to meet with greatest success.

Resilience of the Horticultural Community: Engaged Researchers Promoting Productivity and Profitability

Brown and Best analyse an agricultural research case study to highlight the interdependence of environmental, economic and social capitals and the roles each play in building sustainability and community resilience. Agricultural industries play a critical role as economic drivers of resilience in regional communities but profitability and productivity are influenced by a number of factors, including natural disasters. In this chapter, long-term industry production data, profitability trends, and grower perceptions of factors driving production and profit trends are analysed for the Bundaberg region in regional Queensland. Awareness in the agricultural industry of the constraints and drivers of productivity and profitability were found to contribute to the development of grower strategies for their own businesses, and therefore contribute to economic sustainability and community resilience.

The effect of dietary supplements on the quality of life of retired professional football players

Professional football players may experience negative health consequences when they retire such as chronic pain, cognitive problems as well as other consequences of sports-related injuries. The purpose of this pilot study is to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with multiple nutrients on the quality of life of retired football players. Fifteen retired players received daily supplementation of fish oil with cholecalciferol, antioxidants, natural vitamins and minerals, polysaccharides and phytosterol-amino acid complex for 6 months. Using an open-labeled repeated measures design, volunteers completed self-report assessment measures at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months. Outcome measures were CDC HRQOL-4, WHOQOL-BREF, POMS, MFQ and pain self-assessment. General health rating improvement on CDC HRQOL-4 from month 1 was sustained to month 6 (p<0.0001). Mental health days improved at 6 months (p<0.05). WHOQOL-BREF showed increased health satisfaction at all measurement points (p<0.05) and the Physical and Psychological Domain Scores at 6 months (p<0.05). MFQ General Rating of Memory improved at 3 and 6 months (p<0.05). Vigor scale in POMS was significant at 3 months (p<0.05). Decreased pain was noted only for the elbow at month 1 and the knee at month 3 (p<0.05). No adverse events were reported. Results of this study offer preliminary insight into using dietary supplements to support and optimize quality of life in retired football players. Further research using a placebo-controlled design is needed to characterize the potential benefit to physical and psychological well-being of multiple dietary supplementations for this cohort.