The Combination of Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery: First Experience with the Dexter Robotic System™ in Visceral Surgery

INTRODUCTION

For over two decades, abdominal surgical procedures have been safely performed robotically. After the first patent expiration, alternative robotic systems entered the market. The Dexter Robotic System™ is a small-format, modular, and robotic platform consisting of a surgeon's console, two patient carts with instrument arms, and one endoscope arm. We report our initial experiences with Dexter since its installation at our visceral surgery department.

METHODS

The system and surgical setup are described. Demographic and perioperative data of all operated patients as well as the system docking times were analyzed.

RESULTS

From 56 procedures performed with Dexter, the most common ones included cholecystectomy (n = 15), inguinal hernia repair (TAPP; unilateral n = 15; bilateral n = 3), and right oncologic hemicolectomy (n = 15). The median docking time was 6 min (2-16 min) and was reduced to 4 min in the last tertile of procedures performed.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, Dexter can be implemented without any major challenges, and visceral surgical procedures of simple to medium complexity can be performed safely. The simplicity and accessibility of the system along with the ease of switching between robotics and laparoscopy could be particularly suitable for beginners in robotic surgery.

Endoluminal Vacuum Therapy Using a New "Fistula Sponge" in Treating Defects of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract-A Comparative, Retrospective Cohort Study

Background and Objectives: Anastomotic insufficiencies (AI) and perforations of the upper gastrointestinal tract (uGIT) result in high morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic stent placement and endoluminal vacuum therapy (EVT) have been established as surgical revision treatment options. The Eso-Sponge® is the only licensed EVT system with limitations in treating small defects (<10 mm). Therefore, a fistula sponge (FS) was developed for the treatment of such defects as a new therapeutic approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate both EVT options' indications, success rates, and complications in a retrospective, comparative approach. Materials and Methods: Between 01/2018 and 01/2021, the clinical data of patients undergoing FS-EVT or conventional EVT (cEVT; Eso-Sponge®, Braun Melsungen, Melsungen, Germany) due to AI/perforation of the uGIT were recorded. Indication, diameter of leakage, therapeutic success, and complications during the procedure were assessed. FSs were prepared using a nasogastric tube and a porous drainage film (Suprasorb® CNP, Lohmann & Rauscher, Rengsdorf, Germany) sutured to the distal tip. Results: A total of 72 patients were included (20 FS-EVT; 52 cEVT). FS-EVT was performed in 60% suffering from AI (cEVT = 68%) and 40% from perforation (cEVT = 32%; p > 0.05). FS-EVT's duration was significantly shorter than cEVT (7.6 ± 12.0 d vs. 15.1 ± 14.3 d; p = 0.014). The mean diameter of the defect was 9 mm in the FS-EVT group compared to 24 mm in cEVT (p < 0.001). Therapeutic success was achieved in 90% (FS-EVT) and 91% (cEVT; p > 0.05). Conclusions: EVT comprises an efficient treatment option for transmural defects of the uGIT. In daily clinical practice, fistulas < 10 mm with large abscess formations poses a special challenge since intraluminal cEVT usually is ineffective. In these cases, the concept of extraluminal FS placement is safe and effective.

Mitochondrial complexome and import network

Mitochondria perform crucial functions in cellular metabolism, protein and lipid biogenesis, quality control, and signaling. The systematic analysis of protein complexes and interaction networks provided exciting insights into the structural and functional organization of mitochondria. Most mitochondrial proteins do not act as independent units, but are interconnected by stable or dynamic protein-protein interactions. Protein translocases are responsible for importing precursor proteins into mitochondria and form central elements of several protein interaction networks. These networks include molecular chaperones and quality control factors, metabolite channels and respiratory chain complexes, and membrane and organellar contact sites. Protein translocases link the distinct networks into an overarching network, the mitochondrial import network (MitimNet), to coordinate biogenesis, membrane organization and function of mitochondria.

C9ORF72 Deficiency Results in Neurodegeneration in the Zebrafish Retina

Hexanucleotide repeat expansions within the gene C9ORF72 are the most common cause of the neurodegenerative diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This disease-causing expansion leads to a reduction in C9ORF72 expression levels in patients, suggesting loss of C9ORF72 function could contribute to disease. To further understand the consequences of C9ORF72 deficiency in vivo, we generated a c9orf72 mutant zebrafish line. Analysis of the adult female spinal cords revealed no appreciable neurodegenerative pathology such as loss of motor neurons or increased levels of neuroinflammation. However, detailed examination of adult female c9orf72-/- retinas showed prominent neurodegenerative features, including a decrease in retinal thickness, gliosis, and an overall reduction in neurons of all subtypes. Analysis of rod and cone cells within the photoreceptor layer showed a disturbance in their outer segment structure and rhodopsin mislocalization from rod outer segments to their cell bodies and synaptic terminals. Thus, C9ORF72 may play a previously unappreciated role in retinal homeostasis and suggests C9ORF72 deficiency can induce tissue specific neuronal loss.

A Qualitative Review of Barriers and Facilitators Identified While Implementing the Native Students Together Against Negative Decisions Curriculum in a Multisite Dissemination and Implementation Study

Culturally-adapted evidence-based programs (EBPs) are needed to promote healthy behaviors among Native teens and young adults. Little is known about the facilitators and barriers of implementing and sustaining EBPs in Native communities. This paper aims to identify those factors described by educators who implemented the Native Students Together Against Negative Decisions (STAND) curriculum.

METHODS

We conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 44 Native STAND educators from 48 sites throughout the United States. We used a modified grounded theory approach to explore barriers, facilitators, and sustainability factors related to implementing Native STAND.

RESULTS

We learned that disruptions to staffing, coordination, and organizational factors were the most common barriers. Factors that improved implementation success included: tailoring the program to local needs/constraints, having a supportive Project Manager, improved fidelity due to check-in calls, and participation in summer training. Factors that improved sustainability included: access to needed infrastructure, administrative support, community support, and student interest.

DISCUSSION

The delivery of Native STAND was further improved by person-to-person communication and resource sharing across sites. Sustaining EBPs in AI/AN settings requires culturally-tailored technical assistance, sufficient implementation funds for materials and staffing, and a community of peer educators to inspire forward progress.

CONCLUSION

EBPs that reflect the needs and experiences of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth are necessary to address systemic inequities in adolescent health outcomes. The Native STAND Dissemination and Implementation study is among the first to assess facilitators and barriers to program delivery in diverse AI/AN settings.

Millifluidic magnetophoresis-based chip for age-specific fractionation: evaluating the impact of age on metabolomics and gene expression in yeast

A novel millifluidic process introduces age-based fractionation of S. pastorianus var. carlsbergensis yeast culture through magnetophoresis. Saccharomyces yeast is a model organism for aging research used in various industries. Traditional age-based cell separation methods were labor-intensive, but techniques like magnetic labeling have eased the process by being non-invasive and scalable. Our approach introduces an age-specific fractionation using a 3D-printed millfluidic chip in a two-step process, ensuring efficient cell deflection in the magnetic field and counteracting magnetic induced convection. Among various channel designs, the pinch-shaped channel proved most effective for age differentiation based on magnetically labeled bud scar numbers. Metabolomic analyses revealed changes in certain amino acids and increased NAD+ levels, suggesting metabolic shifts in aging cells. Gene expression studies further underlined these age-related metabolic changes. This innovative platform offers a high-throughput, non-invasive method for age-specific yeast cell fractionation, with potential applications in industries ranging from food and beverages to pharmaceuticals.

Conserved quality control mechanisms of mitochondrial protein import

Mitochondria carry out essential functions for the cell, including energy production, various biosynthesis pathways, formation of co-factors and cellular signalling in apoptosis and inflammation. The functionality of mitochondria requires the import of about 900-1300 proteins from the cytosol in baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and human cells, respectively. The vast majority of these proteins pass the outer membrane in a largely unfolded state through the translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane (TOM) complex. Subsequently, specific protein translocases sort the precursor proteins into the outer and inner membranes, the intermembrane space and matrix. Premature folding of mitochondrial precursor proteins, defects in the mitochondrial protein translocases or a reduction of the membrane potential across the inner mitochondrial membrane can cause stalling of precursors at the protein import apparatus. Consequently, the translocon is clogged and non-imported precursor proteins accumulate in the cell, which in turn leads to proteotoxic stress and eventually cell death. To prevent such stress situations, quality control mechanisms remove non-imported precursor proteins from the TOM channel. The highly conserved ubiquitin-proteasome system of the cytosol plays a critical role in this process. Thus, the surveillance of protein import via the TOM complex involves the coordinated activity of mitochondria-localized and cytosolic proteins to prevent proteotoxic stress in the cell.

Enrichment and Quantitation of Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitory Peptides in Quinoa upon Systematic Malting

Food-derived peptides with an inhibitory effect on dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) can be used as an additive treatment for type 2 diabetes. The inhibitory potential of food depends on technological protein hydrolysis and gastrointestinal digestion, as the peptides only act after intestinal resorption. The effect of malting as a hydrolytic step on the availability of these peptides in grains has yet to be investigated. In this study, quinoa was malted under systematic temperature, moisture, and time variations. In the resulting malts, the DPP-IV inhibition reached a maximum of 45.02 (±10.28) %, whereas the highest overall concentration of literature-known inhibitory peptides was 4.07 μmol/L, depending on the malting parameters. After in vitro gastrointestinal digest, the inhibition of most malts, as well as the overall concentration of inhibitory peptides, could be increased significantly. Additionally, the digested malts showed higher values in both the inhibition and the peptide concentration than the unmalted quinoa. Concerning the malting parameters, germination time had the highest impact on the inhibition and the peptide concentration after digest. An analysis of the protein sizes before and after malting gave first hints toward the origin of these peptides, or their precursors, in quinoa.

Dose-response relationship in cognitive behavioral therapy for depression: A nonlinear metaregression analysis

OBJECTIVE

Evidence on the optimal "dose" of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating major depressive disorder is sparse. This analysis aimed to evaluate the dose-response curve in CBT using a nonlinear approach, whereby "dose" was defined as number of treatment sessions. The dose-response curve of CBT was compared to other psychotherapies and pharmacological treatments for depression.

METHOD

A systematic review and metaregression analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the efficacy of CBT in adults with acute depression was conducted. Treatment arms examining other psychosocial or pharmacological interventions were also analyzed. Cubic spline metaregression techniques were used to model nonlinear dose-response curves.

RESULTS

Seventy-two studies and 7,377 participants were included. Modeling the dose-response curve between change of depression symptom severity and the number of CBT sessions resulted in a nonlinear curve characterized by a strong improvement in symptom severity from baseline within the first eight sessions. Symptom reduction continues in the further course of the treatment, but at a slower pace. A similar pattern of symptom development was found for other therapies as well, although the prominence of early improvement and overall effect sizes vary across treatment arms.

CONCLUSION

Results imply a general tendency for the strongest alleviation of depressive symptom severity in early stages of CBT treatment, thus, if aiming at symptom alleviation, speak for short CBT interventions. However, these findings have to be discussed in the light of the limited data regarding the sustainability of treatment effects in short-term therapies and effects beyond symptomatic changes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

[Influence of guideline recommendations, care structures and individual factors on the use of psychosocial therapies in severely mentally ill people]

OBJECTIVE

The influence of guideline recommendations and other factors on the utilization of psychosocial interventions in people with severe mental illness was examined.

METHODS

Data from a cross-sectional study of 397 people with severe mental illness were analysed descriptively.

RESULTS

Patients are less likely to receive therapies with a strong recommendation compared to other levels of recommendation. Various other factors are diffusely associated with utilization rates, but no ubiquitous predictors could be identified across all therapies.

CONCLUSION

Current practice in the use of psychosocial interventions does not follow guideline recommendation strength. Interventions with strong recommendations are probably not available across services. Consequently, routine practice is not able to follow guideline recommendations according to their strength. Other consistent predictors could not be identified.

Role of the small protein Mco6 in the mitochondrial sorting and assembly machinery

The majority of mitochondrial precursor proteins are imported through the Tom40 β-barrel channel of the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM). The sorting and assembly machinery (SAM) is essential for β-barrel membrane protein insertion into the outer membrane and thus required for the assembly of the TOM complex. Here, we demonstrate that the α-helical outer membrane protein Mco6 co-assembles with the mitochondrial distribution and morphology protein Mdm10 as part of the SAM machinery. MCO6 and MDM10 display a negative genetic interaction, and a mco6-mdm10 yeast double mutant displays reduced levels of the TOM complex. Cells lacking Mco6 affect the levels of Mdm10 and show assembly defects of the TOM complex. Thus, this work uncovers a role of the SAMMco6 complex for the biogenesis of the mitochondrial outer membrane.

Identification of MIMAS, a multifunctional mega-assembly integrating metabolic and respiratory biogenesis factors of mitochondria

The mitochondrial inner membrane plays central roles in bioenergetics and metabolism and contains several established membrane protein complexes. Here, we report the identification of a mega-complex of the inner membrane, termed mitochondrial multifunctional assembly (MIMAS). Its large size of 3 MDa explains why MIMAS has escaped detection in the analysis of mitochondria so far. MIMAS combines proteins of diverse functions from respiratory chain assembly to metabolite transport, dehydrogenases, and lipid biosynthesis but not the large established supercomplexes of the respiratory chain, ATP synthase, or prohibitin scaffold. MIMAS integrity depends on the non-bilayer phospholipid phosphatidylethanolamine, in contrast to respiratory supercomplexes whose stability depends on cardiolipin. Our findings suggest that MIMAS forms a protein-lipid mega-assembly in the mitochondrial inner membrane that integrates respiratory biogenesis and metabolic processes in a multifunctional platform.

[Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation Services: A New Socio-Law Perspective In Psychiatric Care]

The equality of mentally ill people with somatically ill people and the provision of community care were central topics of the Psychiatry-Enquête. With regard to medical rehabilitation services, this goal has not been implemented to date. The amendments to the Ninth Book of the Social Code (SGB IX) made by the Federal Participation Act (BTHG) again open up the possibility of making outreach medical rehabilitation services accessible to people with severe mental illnesses.

[The German Guideline on Liver Transplantation by DGVS and DGAV]

The S2k guideline "Liver Transplantation", jointly developed by the German Society of Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS) and the German Society of General and Visceral Surgery (DGAV), represents the first German-language guideline for the care of adult patients before and after liver transplantation. This guideline has been crafted through a collaborative, consensus-based approach, involving experts from various disciplines. It integrates current scientific insights and clinical experience to ensure optimal care for patients undergoing liver transplantation. Targeting health care professionals in diagnostics and therapy, patient advocates, affected individuals, and their families, the guideline aims to establish a framework for common decisions in clinical practice.

Characterization of molar mass and conformation of relevant (non-)starch polysaccharides in cereal-based beverages

Arabinoxylans, β-glucans, and dextrins influence the brewing industry's filtration process and product quality. Despite their relevance, only a maximum concentration of β-glucans is recommended. Nevertheless, filtration problems are still present, indicating that although the chemical concentration is essential, other parameters should be investigated. Molar mass and conformation are important polymer physical characteristics often neglected in this industry. Therefore, this research proposes an approach to physically characterize enzymatically isolated beer polysaccharides by asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation coupled to multi-angle light scattering and differential refractive index detector. Based on the obtained molar masses, root-mean-square radius (rrms from MALS), and hydrodynamic radius (rhyd), conformational properties such as apparent density (ρapp) and rrms/rhyd can be calculated based on their molar mass and size. Consequently, the ρapp and rrms/rhyd behavior hints at the different structures within each polysaccharide. The rrms/rhyd 1.2 and high ρapp values on low molar mass dextrins (1-2·105 g/mol) indicate branches, while aggregated structures at high molar masses on arabinoxylans and β-glucans (2·105 -6·106 g/mol) are due to an increase of ρapp and a rrms/rhyd (0.6-1). This methodology provides a new perspective to analyze starch and non-starch polysaccharides in cereal-based beverages since different physical characteristics could influence beer's filtration and sensory characteristics.

UFM1 E3 ligase promotes recycling of 60S ribosomal subunits from the ER

Reversible modification of target proteins by ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins (UBLs) is widely used by eukaryotic cells to control protein fate and cell behaviour1. UFM1 is a UBL that predominantly modifies a single lysine residue on a single ribosomal protein, uL24 (also called RPL26), on ribosomes at the cytoplasmic surface of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)2,3. UFM1 conjugation (UFMylation) facilitates the rescue of 60S ribosomal subunits (60S) that are released after ribosome-associated quality-control-mediated splitting of ribosomes that stall during co-translational translocation of secretory proteins into the ER3,4. Neither the molecular mechanism by which the UFMylation machinery achieves such precise target selection nor how this ribosomal modification promotes 60S rescue is known. Here we show that ribosome UFMylation in vivo occurs on free 60S and we present sequential cryo-electron microscopy snapshots of the heterotrimeric UFM1 E3 ligase (E3(UFM1)) engaging its substrate uL24. E3(UFM1) binds the L1 stalk, empty transfer RNA-binding sites and the peptidyl transferase centre through carboxy-terminal domains of UFL1, which results in uL24 modification more than 150 Å away. After catalysing UFM1 transfer, E3(UFM1) remains stably bound to its product, UFMylated 60S, forming a C-shaped clamp that extends all the way around the 60S from the transfer RNA-binding sites to the polypeptide tunnel exit. Our structural and biochemical analyses suggest a role for E3(UFM1) in post-termination release and recycling of the large ribosomal subunit from the ER membrane.

The first robotic-assisted hysterectomy below the bikini line with the Dexter robotic system™

Background

Robotic-assisted hysterectomy (RAH) is a widely accepted minimally invasive approach for uterus removal. However, as RAH is typically performed in the umbilical region, it usually results in scars in cosmetically suboptimal locations. This is the first case of RAH with cervicosacropexy performed below the bikini line, using the new Dexter robotic system™.

Objectives

The aim of this article is to show the surgical steps of the first RAH with cervicosacropexy performed below the bikini line with the new Dexter robotic system™ (Distalmotion), and furthermore assess the feasibility of this approach using this robotic platform.

Materials and Methods

A 43-year-old woman with uterine adenomyosis and recurrent uterine prolapse underwent a robotic-assisted subtotal hysterectomy with cervicosacropexy, performed below the bikini line, using the Dexter robotic system™, at the Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein (UKHS) in Kiel, Germany.

Main outcome measures

Perioperative data, surgical approach specifics, objective, and subjective outcomes of this new approach.

Results

The procedure was performed without intra-operative complications; estimated blood loss was 10 ml. Operative time was 150 minutes, console time 120 minutes, total docking time 6 minutes. Dexter performed as expected; no device-related issues or robotic arm collisions occurred. The patient did not require pain medication and was released on the second postoperative day.

Conclusion

RAH performed below the bikini line using the Dexter robotic system™ is a feasible, safe, and adequate procedure. These initial results should be confirmed and further extensively refurbished with larger patient cohorts, and functional and psychological outcomes need further investigation.

Mitochondrial entry gate as regulatory hub

Mitochondria import 1000-1300 different precursor proteins from the cytosol. The main mitochondrial entry gate is formed by the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM complex). Molecular coupling and modification of TOM subunits control and modulate protein import in response to cellular signaling. The TOM complex functions as regulatory hub to integrate mitochondrial protein biogenesis and quality control into the cellular proteostasis network.

Liver transplantation for HCC in cirrhosis: Are Milan criteria outdated?

In Germany, organ allocation is based on the MELD-system and lab-MELD is usually low in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhosis. Higher medical urgency can be achieved by standard exception for HCC (SE-HCC), if Milan criteria (MC) are met. Noteworthy, UNOS T2 reflects MC, but excludes singular lesions < 2 cm. Thus, SE-HCC is awarded to patients with one lesion between 2 and 5 cm or 2 to 3 lesions between 1 and 3 cm. These criteria are static and do not reflect biological properties of HCC.We present a retrospective cohort of 111 patients, who underwent liver transplantation at UKSH, Campus Kiel between 2007 and 2017. No difference was found in overall survival for patient cohorts using Milan, UCSF, up-to-seven, and French-AFP criteria. However, there was a significantly reduced survival, if microvascular invasion was detected in the explanted organ and in patients with HCC-recurrence. The exclusive use of static selection criteria including MC appear to limit the access to liver transplantation.

The cost-utility of an intervention for children and adolescents with a parent having a mental illness in the framework of the German health and social care system: a health economic evaluation of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Children of families with a parent with a mental illness have an increased risk of developing social and mental health problems resulting in decreased quality of life. Therefore, children and adolescents living in families with a parent with mental illness are regarded as a target group for preventive interventions. To date, only a few economic evaluation studies for interventions directed at preventing the intergenerational transmission of mental health problems exist. In this investigation we estimated the cost utility of an intervention for the support of children and adolescents with a parent having a mental illness from the perspective of the German health and social care system.

METHODS

We randomly assigned a total of 214 families with 337 children and adolescents to the intervention (INT) group (108/170) or the control (TAU) group (106/167). Families in the intervention group received on average eight intervention sessions (50-90 min) over 6 months. We estimated total cost of illness by means of the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service Receipt Inventory (CAMHSRI) over 24 months. For the estimation of Quality-Adjusted Live Years (QALYs) we applied the KIDSCREEN-10. For estimating the incremental cost-utility of the intervention compared to treatment as usual we used the net-benefit approach.

RESULTS

We estimated the annual cost of illness amounting to € 3784.59 (SD € 8581.11) in the TAU group and € 3264.44 (SD € 9431.89) in the INT group. The annual cost difference between INT and TAU was € - 516.14 (SE 1124.95) which was not significant (p ≤ 0.05). We estimated the average QALY to be 0.759 (SD 0.073) in the TAU group and 0.763 (SD 0.072). The QALY difference between INT and TAU was 0.0037 (SE 0.0092) which was not significant (p ≤ 0.05). The incremental cost utility ratio (ICUR) indicated that the gain of one additional year in full health by means of the intervention was associated with the saving of € 139.49. However, the stochastic insecurity of the ICUR did not allow a unique decision about the cost-utility of the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

More information on the economic value of the intervention for families with a parent with mental illness in comparison to treatment as usual in Germany is needed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02308462; German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00006806.

Microscopic analysis of gluten network development under shear load-combining confocal laser scanning microscopy with rheometry

A comprehensive in-situ analysis of the developing gluten network during kneading is still a gap in cereal science. With an in-line microscale shear kneading and measuring setup in a conventional rheometer, a first step was taken in previous works toward fully comprehensible gluten network development evaluation. In this work, this setup was extended by an in-situ optical analysis of the evolving gluten network. By connecting a laser scanning microscope with a conventional rheometer, the evaluation of the rheological and optical protein network evolution was possible. An image processing tool for analyzing the protein network was applied for evaluating the gluten network development in a wheat dough during the shear kneading process. This network evaluation was possible without interruption or invasive sample transfer comparing it to former approaches. The shear kneading system was able to produce a fully developed dough matrix within 125% of the reference dough development time in a classical kneader. The calculated network connectivity values from frequency testing ranged over all samples was in good agreement with traditional kneaded wheat dough just over peak consistency.

Structure Strengthening Phenomena of Gluten Matrices under Different Stress Types

To predict the achievable product volume with respect to the gas retention capacity of the gluten matrix in wheat flour doughs, strain hardening evaluation is crucial. But assessing these structure hardening phenomena in wheat flour dough systems is still a challenging task. In this work, a simple shear method applied to kneaded dough samples was tested and compared to biaxial extension tests performed with a lubricated squeezing flow method. The comparability of shear-induced structure hardening with biaxial extension tests was shown. Structure hardening and breakdown after overload were visualized using shear flow and a comparison of the obtained shear flow over Hencky strain curve peaks. To predict the behavior of the analyzed flours according to their composition, a correlation analysis of the flour and dough properties was performed. The influence of the HMW glutenin subunits on the sensitivity of the dough matrix according to the applied shear speed (0.1 and 1.0 mm/s) could be shown with a correlation coefficient of 0.94. The LMW glutenin subunits, on the other hand, showed a high correlation coefficient of 0.89 with the achievable network connectivity parameter z [-] gained from frequency sweep testing.

COX17 acetylation via MOF-KANSL complex promotes mitochondrial integrity and function

Reversible acetylation of mitochondrial proteins is a regulatory mechanism central to adaptive metabolic responses. Yet, how such functionally relevant protein acetylation is achieved remains unexplored. Here we reveal an unprecedented role of the MYST family lysine acetyltransferase MOF in energy metabolism via mitochondrial protein acetylation. Loss of MOF-KANSL complex members leads to mitochondrial defects including fragmentation, reduced cristae density and impaired mitochondrial electron transport chain complex IV integrity in primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts. We demonstrate COX17, a complex IV assembly factor, as a bona fide acetylation target of MOF. Loss of COX17 or expression of its non-acetylatable mutant phenocopies the mitochondrial defects observed upon MOF depletion. The acetylation-mimetic COX17 rescues these defects and maintains complex IV activity even in the absence of MOF, suggesting an activatory role of mitochondrial electron transport chain protein acetylation. Fibroblasts from patients with MOF syndrome who have intellectual disability also revealed respiratory defects that could be restored by alternative oxidase, acetylation-mimetic COX17 or mitochondrially targeted MOF. Overall, our findings highlight the critical role of MOF-KANSL complex in mitochondrial physiology and provide new insights into MOF syndrome.

Formation response of kilned specialty malt odorant markers to controlled malting process parameters

Kilned specialty malts provide relevant colour and flavour characteristics to beer and other beverages. Alongside the thermal load, the availability of Maillard precursors directly affect the malt aroma formation. To investigate the influence of process parameters on the flavour characteristics of kilned specialty malts, a full factorial design of experiments was applied varying malt modification degree, curing temperature and time in three levels (33). Analysis of response surfaces revealed a predominant influence of the modification degree and curing temperature on the formation of Strecker aldehydes and pyrazines. Odorants such as 2-methylpropanal and 2-ethyl3,6-dimethylpyrazine presented higher concentrations varying between 429.45 and 478.22 µg∙Kgmalt-1 and 12.49 to 16.75 µg∙Kgmalt-1 respectively, at samples produced under 100 °C and high modification degree. Sensory analysis revealed strong correlations between the odorant markers and typical malt flavour attributes, endorsing the applicability of such methodology on the development and optimisation of kilned malt specialities.

Influence of Hydrothermal Treatment of Brewer's Spent Grain on the Concentration and Molecular Weight Distribution of 1,3-1,4-β-D-Glucan and Arabinoxylan

Brewer's spent grain (BSG) is the most abundant residual in the brewing process. Non-starch polysaccharides such as 1,3-1,4-β-D-glucan (β-glucan) and arabinoxylan (AX) with proven beneficial effects on human health remain in this by-product in high amounts. Incorporating the valuable dietary fiber into the food industry could contribute to a healthy diet. However, a major challenge is extracting these dietary fibers (i.e., β-glucan and AX) from the solid residue. In this study, hydrothermal treatment (HT) was applied to dissolve the remaining water-insoluble carbohydrates from BSG with the aim to extract high amounts of β-glucan and AX. Particular focus was placed on the molecular weight (MW) range above 50 kDa and 20 kDa, respectively, as these are considered to have health-promoting effects. Different treatment temperatures, reaction times, and internal reactor pressures were tested to determine the best process settings to achieve high yields of β-glucan and AX and to examine the influence on their molecular weight distribution (MWD). Overall, 85.1% β-glucan and 77.3% AX were extracted corresponding to 6.3 g per kg BSG at 160 °C and 178.3 g kg-1 at 170 °C, respectively. However, less than 20% of both fiber substances were in the desirable MW range above 50 kDa and 20 kDa, respectively. When lower temperatures of 140 and 150 °C were applied, yields of only 3.0 g kg-1 β-glucan and 128.8 g kg-1 AX were obtained, whereby the proportion of desirable fiber fractions increased up to 45%. Further investigations focused on the heat-induced degradation of monosaccharides and the formation of undesirable by-products (i.e., HMF and furfural) that might pose a health risk.