Cultivable microbial diversity, peptide profiles, and bio-functional properties in Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

Introduction

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) communities shape the sensorial and functional properties of artisanal hard-cooked and long-ripened cheeses made with raw bovine milk like Parmigiano Reggiano (PR) cheese. While patterns of microbial evolution have been well studied in PR cheese, there is a lack of information about how this microbial diversity affects the metabolic and functional properties of PR cheese.

Methods

To fill this information gap, we characterized the cultivable fraction of natural whey starter (NWS) and PR cheeses at different ripening times, both at the species and strain level, and investigated the possible correlation between microbial composition and the evolution of peptide profiles over cheese ripening.

Results and discussion

The results showed that NWS was a complex community of several biotypes belonging to a few species, namely, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus helveticus, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis. A new species-specific PCR assay was successful in discriminating the cheese-associated species Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, and Lacticaseibacillus zeae. Based on the resolved patterns of species and biotype distribution, Lcb. paracasei and Lcb. zeae were most frequently isolated after 24 and 30 months of ripening, while the number of biotypes was inversely related to the ripening time. Peptidomics analysis revealed more than 520 peptides in cheese samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive survey of peptides in PR cheese. Most of them were from β-caseins, which represent the best substrate for LAB cell-envelope proteases. The abundance of peptides from β-casein 38-88 region continuously increased during ripening. Remarkably, this region contains precursors for the anti-hypertensive lactotripeptides VPP and IPP, as well as for β-casomorphins. We found that the ripening time strongly affects bioactive peptide profiles and that the occurrence of Lcb. zeae species is positively linked to the incidence of eight anti-hypertensive peptides. This result highlighted how the presence of specific LAB species is likely a pivotal factor in determining PR functional properties.

Medium-term outcome of liver recipients from COVID-19 donors

Background

COVID-19 is associated with thrombotic complications and can result in hepatobiliary injury. Excellent early outcomes have been reported in recipients of solid non-lungs organs from SARS-CoV-2-infected donors, however longer follow-up data are lacking. We aimed to describe the medium-term outcome of our liver transplants (LT) from COVID-19 donors.

Methods

From 11/2020 to 03/2022, we consecutively enrolled all patients who received a graft from COVID-19 donor in our Centre. Protocol liver biopsy and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) after 1-year from LT were reported.

Results

In the study period 12/213 (5.6%) adult LT patients received a COVID-19 donor (11 active, 1 resolved COVID-19)¹. Eleven patients underwent end-to-end biliary anastomosis and 1 biliodigestive anastomosis. Recipients’ and donors’ characteristics are reported in table 1. Two recipients tested SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive on nasopharyngeal swab at LT and one was treated with sotrovimab on day-1 after LT. None of the patients developed COVID-19 after LT. One patient underwent hepatic artery thrombectomy at day-1 and died after 320 days for HCC recurrence. Until now: -10 patients underwent protocol MRCP (median time from LT 562 days, IQR 245-614), which showed: 7 no visible abnormalities, 1 donor-recipient's bile duct size discrepancy, 2 caliber changes <50% at the anastomotic level (untreated for the absence of cholestasis); -7 patients underwent protocol liver biopsy (median time from LT 553 days, IQR 311-557) which showed 1 acute cellular rejection (RAI 4/9) successfully treated with steroids; no signs of fibrosis, rejection or biliopathy in the other 6 patients.

Conclusions

11/12 patients who received a LT from COVID-19 donors are alive, without evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. At a median follow-up of 1.5 years, protocol liver biopsy and MRCP did not show biliopathy, supporting the utilization of COVID-19 donors to expand the donor pool and reduce the waiting list mortality.

Characterization of Cell-Envelope Proteinases from Two Lacticaseibacillus casei Strains Isolated from Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

In the present work, two cell-envelope proteinases (CEPs) from Lacticaseibacillus casei strains PRA205 and 2006 were characterized at both the biochemical and genetic levels. The genomes of both L. casei strains included two putative CEPs genes prtP2 and prtR1, but only prtR1 was transcribed. The extracted PrtR1 proteinases were serine proteinases with optimal activity at 40 °C and pH 7.5, and were activated by Ca²⁺ ions. Interestingly, PrtR1 from L. casei PRA205 exhibited high residual activity at pH 4 and at 5 °C, suggesting its possible exploitation for fermented food production. The caseinolytic activity against αS1- and β-casein indicated that both PrtR1s belonged to the PI/PIII type. These PrtR1s cleaved β-casein peptide bonds preferentially when amino acid M or N was present at the P1 subsite and amino acids A and D were at the P1' subsite. Several bioactive peptides were found to be released from PrtR1 after αs1- and β-casein hydrolysis.

Durability of Dolutegravir-Based Regimens: A 5-Year Prospective Observational Study

This study evaluates the frequency and causes of dolutegravir (DTG) discontinuation along 5 years of follow-up, in both antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naive and experienced people living with HIV (PLWH). This is a prospective multi-center cohort study enrolling PLWH on DTG from July 2014 until November 2020. DTG-durability was investigated using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve. The Cox proportional-hazards model was used for estimating the hazard ratio (HR) of DTG discontinuation for any cause, and for adverse events (AEs). Nine hundred sixty-three PLWH were included, 25.3% were women and 28.0% were ART-naive. Discontinuations for any causes were 10.1 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 8.9-11.5] per 100 person-years, similar in most regimens, with the apparent exception of tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine+DTG (p < 0.0001). In the multivariable Cox regression model, non-Caucasian ethnicity, age ≥50 years, and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were associated with a higher probability of DTG interruption. The incidence rate of virological failure was 0.4 (95% CI 0.2-0.7) per 100 person-years, while the estimated discontinuation rate for AEs was 4.0 (3.2-4.9) per 100 person-years. Thirty-four DTG interruptions were due to grade ≥3 events (10 central nervous system, 6 hypersensitivity, 3 renal, 3 myalgia/asthenia, 3 abdominal pain, 2 gastrointestinal, and 7 other events). People with lower body mass index, age ≥50 years, and lower eGFR were at higher risk of AEs, while dual combinations were protective (HR 0.41 compared with abacavir/lamivudine/DTG, 95% CI 0.22-0.77). In this prospective observational study, we found high DTG durability and a low rate of virological failures. Dual therapies seemed protective toward AEs and might be considered, when feasible, a suitable option to minimize drug interactions and improve tolerability.

Antioxidant and Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitory Peptides Obtained from Alcalase Protein Hydrolysate Fractions of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Bran

Proteins from hemp bran (HPB), a byproduct of the hemp seed food-processing chain, were chemically extracted, hydrolyzed by Alcalase, and separated by membrane ultrafiltration into four fractions (MW <1, 1-3, 3-5, and >5 kDa). The antioxidant and antihypertensive properties of the initial extract and the fractions were evaluated by in vitro assays for their ability to scavenge radical species, bind with metal ions, reduce ferric ions, and inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity. Bioactive peptides were identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry and sequence comparison with BIOPEP and BioPep DB databases. The hydrolysate was strongly antioxidant and ACE-inhibiting; the most bioactive peptides were further concentrated by ultrafiltration. Of the 239 peptides identified, 47 (12 antioxidant and 35 ACE-inhibitory) exhibited structural features correlated with the specific bioactivity. These results highlight the promise of hydrolysate and size-based HPB fractions as natural functional ingredients for the food or pharmaceutical industry.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of three sticky traps to monitor four species of cockroaches (Hexapoda: Blattaria) with simulated use tests

Background

Cockroaches are the pest of major concern for the disinfestation programs of the sanitary system in Italy. Hygienic-sanitary interest is linked to the role of mechanical vectors of pathogens and to their allergological potential. Sticky traps are the best tool to monitor the presence of these insects and several types of them are available on the market. In most of the cases the traps are not indicated for a given species, but, instead, generically for cockroaches. Domestic cockroaches differ in morphology, size and habits. Consequently, the effectiveness of the trap can change in relation to the target species.

Materials and methods

In this study three of the most employed traps in Italy were compared: the INDIA trap with and without its attractant tablet (hereafter mentioned as INDIA-A and INDIA-E, respectively), the ZAPI Simply trap and the CATCHMASTER Spider & Insect Glue trap. We chose the four most common species of cockroach (Blattodea) in Italy, Blatta orientalis (L.), Periplaneta americana (L.) (Blattidae), Blattella germanica (L.) and Supella longipalpa (F.) (Blattellidae). Each species of cockroach was tested separately inside arenas containing one of the traps. Each test (one species with one kind of trap) was replicated five times.

Results and discussion

The INDIA-A trap collected more cockroaches of every species, followed by the INDIA-E. The ZAPI trap caught less specimens of each species in respect to the INDIA traps, with the only exception of B. orientalis, for which the ZAPI trap caught more than the INDIA-E. The CATCHMASTER trap performed significantly less for all the species. B. orientalis was the species most abundantly caught by all traps, followed by B. germanica, S. longipalpa and P. americana. No significant difference was observed in the catch according to the developmental stage. In general, there was no particular predisposition of any trap to catch a particular species.

Conclusions

It is not possible to indicate a model of trap for each species of cockroach, but it is clear that different traps have different performances in terms of attractiveness and capture. Therefore, the choice of the trap affects the results of the monitoring, and as consequence, the evaluation of the infesting population of the pest.

Insects and SARS-CoV-2: Analysis of the Potential Role of Vectors in European Countries

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus responsible for the pandemic that developed in China in late 2019. Transmission of the virus is predominantly direct, through exposure to infected respiratory secretions. As far as we know, arthropods play a key role in the transmission and spread of several viruses, and thus their role in the spread of COVID-19 deserves to be studied. The biological transmission of viral agents through insects is very complex. While mechanical transmission is more likely to happen, biological transmission is possible via blood-sucking arthropods, but this requires a high grade of compatibility between the vector and the pathogen. If the biological and mechanical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by blood-sucking arthropods is excluded, a mechanical transmission by urban pests could take place. This risk is very low but it could be important in isolated environmental conditions, where other means of transmission are not possible. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in non-blood-sucking arthropods in infected buildings, like hospitals and retirement homes, should be investigated.

Black, green, and pink pepper affect differently lipid oxidation during cooking and in vitro digestion of meat

Lipid oxidation products generated during meat digestion may contribute to the apparent epidemiological link between red meat intake and the risk of cardiovascular diseases and colorectal cancer. The aim of this work was to assess the lipid oxidation inhibitory activity of black, green, and pink pepper during cooking and in vitro digestion of meat. Peppers were characterized for their phenolic profiles by LC-ESI-MS and the antioxidant properties. Pink pepper showed the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activities. Then, the peppers were added to meat either before or after cooking, and the meat was subjected to in vitro digestion. Pink pepper added before cooking was the most effective, with an inhibition of 80% and 72% in lipid hydroperoxides and TBA-RS formation after digestion, respectively. These findings suggest that peppers, particularly pink pepper, can be used to minimize lipid oxidation in the gastro-intestinal tract and for the design of healthy dietary patterns.

Influence of linseed and antioxidant-rich diets in pig nutrition on lipid oxidation during cooking and in vitro digestion of pork

Enrichment of pig diets with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is considered an emerging strategy to increase their intake in the human diet. However, PUFA are particularly vulnerable to oxidative reactions leading to the generation of toxic compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of pig diets with extruded linseed (L), either or not in combination with synthetic antioxidants (E, tocopheryl-acetate and selenium) or natural extracts (P, grape-skin and oregano), and basal diet (C, without linseed) on the oxidative stability in raw, grilled and in vitro digested pork. The diet supplementation with antioxidant-rich ingredients resulted in the accumulation of specific metabolites in meat. Actually, 11 different phenolic- and 6 tocopherol-derived metabolites were identified by UHPLC/HR-MS. These metabolites were potentially correlated with the reduction in the oxidative phenomena occurring during meat cooking and digestion. Specifically, 16% and 35% reduction in the amounts of lipid hydroperoxides and TBA-RS were assessed after cooking of meat from P diet, respect to the L diet. Diet supplementations with α-tocopheryl acetate and selenium reduced the oxidative reactions only during meat cooking. A significant reduction was attended at the end of in vitro digestion, showing about 24% and 34% hydroperoxides and TBA-RS concentration reductions, respectively, in P diet samples respect to the L ones. Thus, our study suggests that the appearance of phenolic metabolites in meat could be associated to a reduction in the oxidative phenomena during meat cooking and digestion.

Domestic cooking methods affect the stability and bioaccessibility of dark purple eggplant (Solanum melongena) phenolic compounds

Eggplant is an important component of the Mediterranean Diet, which becomes edible after cooking. This study determined the fate of dark purple eggplant phenolic compounds after baking, boiling, frying, grilling and digestion. Thirty-seven phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in raw eggplant. Frying determined a 74% increase in total hydroxycinnamic acids whereas a decrease was observed after boiling (27%), grilling (51%), and baking (60%). After digestion, 45%, 33% and 22% of total phenolic compounds resulted bioaccessible in baked, grilled and fried dark purple eggplant. Fried eggplant displayed the highest amount of phenolic compounds (751.46 mg/100 g) after digestion. The cooking methods differently affected the release of individual phenolic compounds. Baking and grilling resulted in higher amount of bioaccessible caffeoylquinic acids whereas frying in di-caffeoylquinic acids and hydroxycinnamic acid-amides. A careful design of the cooking method may be pivotal to modulate the release of specific phenolic compounds.

Cavitation clusters in lipid systems - Ring-up, bubble population, and bifurcated streamer lifetime

The processing of oils is vital to their ultimate use within the food industry. Control over the physical properties of such materials could be achieved through the application of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU). However, the exact mechanism, centred upon acoustic cavitation, is currently unclear. To investigate the cavitation environment in oils further, the ring-up of a HIU source in an oil media is studied in the presence and absence of a pre-existing bubble population. High-speed imaging and acoustic measurements within the system is demonstrated to be extremely useful in characterising the dynamics present under non steady-state conditions. The behaviour of the clusters generated in the first 1000 ms under these conditions is shown to be significantly different depending on the bubble population. A bifurcated streamer (BiS), originating from a unique bi-cluster event, is only observable in the presence of a bubble population during the ring-up process to higher cluster orders. In addition, the lifetime of this BiS event is highly temperature dependent and is shown to be a good marker for the viscosity of the oil employed.

SHadow Under the Lamp (SHUL): Smoking behavior of the health professionals

Background

Smoking cessation is the best option a health professional can offer to the patients for averting the preventable causes of mortality and morbidity.

Purpose

To determine smoking behavior, preferred cessation methods, and attitudes towards smoking cessation amongst health professionals.

Methods

The cross-sectional study, conducted in six countries, included doctors and nurses working at different hospital settings. Participants responded anonymously to an online questionnaire.

Results

Among 1109 participants, 36% were from Saudi Arabia, 14% from Nepal, 14% from Indonesia, 12% from Australia, 12% from Jordan, and 12% from Pakistan. Mean age was 33 years, 61% were females and 58% were nurses. One in eight (12%) was daily smoker. Among current smokers, 42% smoked 2-9 cigarettes/day, and 26% had their first cigarette within 5-30 minutes after waking up. Half of the smokers perceived it as 'very important' to quit smoking, 30% had tried to quit in the last six months, and 31% preferred to have a group quit program with the same health professionals. Only 17% had formal training on smoking cessation, but 57% were interested to receive one. Half of the participants said they (53%) 'always' asked patients if they smoked, but 89% said they advised to quit, 76% said they assessed intention to quit, 28% said they assisted by providing materials on cessation, and 33% said they arranged follow up for cessation. Compared to current smokers, never smokers were more likely to 'always' ask patients if they smoked (78% vs. 22%, p = 0.044, ORs 1.39, 95%CIs 1.01-1.91), assist smokers by setting quit dates (74% vs. 26%, p = 0.039, ORs 1.54, 95%CIs 1.03-2.29), arrange follow up (77% vs. 23%, p = 0.044, ORs 1.40, 95%CIs 1.01-1.94).

Conclusions

Health professionals reported moderately good behavior around advice to smokers, but it is much worse among current smokers. Health professionals who smoke should be both encouraged to quit and to better support their patients to do so.

Key messages

Smoking cessation support for patients was not good among health professionals, who were smokers. Health professionals need to quit smoking in order to provide better cessation support for patients.

Peptide Profiling and Biological Activities of 12-Month Ripened Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Proteolysis degree, biological activities, and water-soluble peptide patterns were evaluated in 12 month-ripened Parmigiano Reggiano (PR) cheeses collected in different dairy farms and showing different salt and fat content. Samples classified in high-salt and high-fat group (HH) generally showed lower proteolysis degree than samples having low-salt and low-fat content (LL). This positive correlation between salt/fat reduction and proteolysis was also confirmed by the analysis of biological activities, as the LL group showed higher average values of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory and antioxidant activities. UHPLC/HR-MS allowed the identification of 805 unique peptides: LL and HH groups shared 59.3% of these peptides, while 20.9% and 19.9% were LL and HH specific, respectively. Frequency analysis of peptides identified a core of 183 peptides typical of 12-month ripened PR cheeses (corresponding to the 22.7% of total peptides), but no significant differences were detected in peptide patterns between LL and HH groups. Forty bioactive peptides, including 18 ACE-inhibitors and 12 anti-microbial peptides, were identified, of which 25 firstly found in PR cheese. Globally, this work contributed to unraveling the potentially healthy benefits of peptides fraction in PR cheese and provided prior evidence that PR with reduced fat/salt content showed the highest antihypertensive and antioxidant activities.

Exo-Ocean Exploration with Deep-Sea Sensor and Platform Technologies

One of Saturn's largest moons, Enceladus, possesses a vast extraterrestrial ocean (i.e., exo-ocean) that is increasingly becoming the hotspot of future research initiatives dedicated to the exploration of putative life. Here, a new bio-exploration concept design for Enceladus' exo-ocean is proposed, focusing on the potential presence of organisms across a wide range of sizes (i.e., from uni- to multicellular and animal-like), according to state-of-the-art sensor and robotic platform technologies used in terrestrial deep-sea research. In particular, we focus on combined direct and indirect life-detection capabilities, based on optoacoustic imaging and passive acoustics, as well as molecular approaches. Such biologically oriented sampling can be accompanied by concomitant geochemical and oceanographic measurements to provide data relevant to exo-ocean exploration and understanding. Finally, we describe how this multidisciplinary monitoring approach is currently enabled in terrestrial oceans through cabled (fixed) observatories and their related mobile multiparametric platforms (i.e., Autonomous Underwater and Remotely Operated Vehicles, as well as crawlers, rovers, and biomimetic robots) and how their modified design can be used for exo-ocean exploration.

Microbial Fermentation of Industrial Rice-Starch Byproduct as Valuable Source of Peptide Fractions with Health-Related Activity

The rice-starch processing industry produces large amounts of a protein-rich byproducts during the conversion of broken rice to powder and crystal starch. Given the poor protein solubility, this material is currently discarded or used as animal feed. To fully exploit rice's nutritional properties and reduce this waste, a biotechnological approach was adopted, inducing fermentation with selected microorganisms capable of converting the substrate into peptide fractions with health-related bioactivity. Lactic acid bacteria were preferred to other microorganisms for their safety, efficient proteolytic system, and adaptability to different environments. Peptide fractions with different molecular weight ranges were recovered from the fermented substrate by means of cross-flow membrane filtration. The fractions displayed in vitro antioxidant, antihypertensive, and anti-tyrosinase activities as well as cell-based anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects. In the future, the peptide fractions isolated from this rice byproduct could be directly exploited as health-promoting functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical preparations. The suggested biotechnological process harnessing microbial bioconversion may represent a potential solution for many different protein-containing substrates currently treated as byproducts (or worse, waste) by the food industry.

Cultivable non-starter lactobacilli from ripened Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses with different salt content and their potential to release anti-hypertensive peptides

The impact of salt and fat intake on human health drives the consumer's attention towards dairy food with reduced salt and fat contents. How changes in salt and fat content modulate dairy LAB population and the associated proteolytic activities have been poorly studied. Here, non-starter LAB populations from 12 Parmigiano Reggiano (PR) cheeses (12-month ripened), clustered in low salt and fat content (LL-PR) and high salt and fat content (HH-PR) groups, were investigated and identified at specie-level with molecular assays. Lactobacillus rhamnosus was dominant in HH-PR samples, whereas Lactobacillus paracasei in LL-PR samples. (GTG)₅ rep-PCR analysis discriminated 11 and 12 biotypes for L. rhamnosus and L. paracasei isolates, respectively. Screening for proteolytic activity identified L. rhamnosus strains more proteolytic than L. paracasei, and, within L. rhamnosus species, HH-PR strains were generally more proteolytic than LL-PR strains. Two L. rhamnosus representatives, namely strain 0503 from LL-PR and strain 2006 from HH-PR, were functionally characterized in cow milk fermentation assay. HH-PR strain 2006 overcame LL-PR strain 0503 in acidification performance, leading to a fermented milk with higher angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant activities. L. rhamnosus 2006 was more prone to release VPP, while L. rhamnosus 0503 released higher amount of IPP. This study provides evidences that salt/fat content affects NSLAB cultivable fraction and the associated proteolytic ability resulting in a complex occurrence of bioactive peptides featuring health-promoting properties.

Comparative peptidomic profile and bioactivities of cooked beef, pork, chicken and turkey meat after in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion

This study was designed to investigate the potential contribution of bioactive peptides to the biological activities related to the consumption of pork, beef, chicken and turkey meat following in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion. After extraction of the peptidic fractions from digested samples, the bioactivities were evaluated by in vitro antioxidant activity as well as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibition assays. Pork and turkey meat appeared to be the best sources of antioxidant peptides. Pork was found to be the best source of DPP-IV-inhibitory peptides whereas chicken meat supplied peptides with the highest ACE-inhibitory activity. The comprehensive analysis of the peptidomic profile of digested samples was performed by nano-LC-ESI-QTOF MS/MS analysis. A total of 217, 214, 257 and 248 peptides were identified in digested pork, beef, chicken and turkey meat, respectively. Chicken and turkey meat showed the highest similarity in peptide sequences with 202 common peptides. Sixty-two peptides matched with sequences with previously demonstrated biological activity. In particular, 35 peptides showed ACE-inhibitory activity and 23 DPP-IV inhibitory activity. Twenty-two bioactive peptides were commonly released from the different types of meat. The relative amount of identified bioactive peptides were positively correlated to the biological activities of the different digested meats. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The present study describes for the first time a comprehensive peptide profile of four types of meat after in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion. The peptide inventory was used to identify 62 bioactive peptides with ACE- and DPPIV-inhibitory and antioxidant activities. The bioactivity analysis revealed interesting and significant differences between the studied meats. The originality of this work lay in the description of intrinsic differences in physiological functions after the ingestion of meat proteins from different species. In a context in which the current research scene relates meat consumption to the onset of chronic pathologies, this peptide profiling and bioactivity analysis shed light on the possible health benefits of peptides released from meat proteins. In fact, this paper represents a sort of detailed peptide list that may help to predict which peptides could be generated after meat intake and detectable at gastro-intestinal level. It also provides a thorough investigation of novel biological activities associated to meat protein hydrolysates, giving a new positive aspect to meat consumption.

Protocatechuic and 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acids Inhibit Protein Glycation by Binding Lysine through a Metal-Catalyzed Oxidative Mechanism

The mechanism of inhibition of advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation by protocatechuic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DHPA) has been studied using a widespread applied in vitro model system composed of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and supraphysiological glucose concentrations. Protocatechuic acid and DHPA inhibited the formation of Amadori compounds, fluorescent AGEs (IC₅₀ = 62.1 ± 1.4 and 155.4 ± 1.1 μmol/L, respectively), and N^ε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (IC₅₀ = 535.3 ± 1.1 and 751.2 ± 1.0 μmol/L, respectively). BSA was pretreated with the two phenolic acids, and the formation of BSA-phenolic acid adducts was estimated by nanoflow liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Results showed that the tested phenolic acids bound key sites of glycation in BSA through a metal-catalyzed oxidative mechanism. The antiglycative activity mechanism involved the formation of BSA-phenolic acid adducts, and it is unlikely that this occurs in vivo. These results raise the problem to design in vitro models closer to physiological conditions to reach biologically sound conclusions.

Smoking among female daily smokers in Surabaya, Indonesia

OBJECTIVES

Nationally representative studies suggest 1-2% of Indonesian women (2.3 million) smoke various tobacco products daily; however, in recent years, there has been concern that the tobacco industry has successfully increased female smoking. Our objective was to describe current cigarette smoking behaviors, past quit attempts, and intention to quit of female daily smokers in Surabaya, Indonesia.

STUDY DESIGN

Survey.

METHODS

Female daily smokers (n = 112) in Surabaya, Indonesia, the country's second largest city, were recruited to participate in a survey during 2018. Convenience sampling was utilized in two malls. Potential participants were intercepted in or near designated smoking areas and invited to the nearby data collection site. Survey items from Global Adult Tobacco Survey and the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project were utilized.

RESULTS

Participants self-reported smoking 13.8 cigarettes per day (7.3 white machine-rolled cigarettes per day, 4.2 kreteks per day, and 2.4 roll-your-own cigarettes per day). Over 75% smoked their first cigarette within 30 min of waking. Over 53% had a heaviness of smoking index score suggesting moderate or high addiction. Approximately half (51%) did not attempt to quit smoking in the previous 12 months, and 55% planned to quit beyond 6 months or not at all.

CONCLUSIONS

Our sample smoked five to six more cigarettes per day than female daily smokers in previous national surveys. Relative to previous studies, our data suggest an unexpected preference for white machine-rolled cigarettes and that there could be, at a minimum, pockets of increased smoking and addiction among female daily smokers in Indonesia.

Antiproliferative Activity and Cell Metabolism of Hydroxycinnamic Acids in Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines

In this study, we investigated the antiproliferative activity and the stability and metabolic fate of the main dietary hydroxycinnamates, using two colonic adenocarcinoma cell models (Caco-2 and SW480). Dihydrocaffeic and dihydroferulic acids were the most effective against cell proliferation in both cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 71.7 ± 1.1 and 83.1 ± 1.1 μmol/L, respectively ( P < 0.05) in Caco-2. At 200 μmol/L, caffeic and ferulic acids inhibited SW480 proliferation by 40.8 ± 1.6 and 59.9 ± 1.3%, respectively. Hydroxycinnamic acids with a catechol-type structure were degraded in Caco-2 cell medium, resulting in the production of H₂O₂. Intracellular Caco-2 UDP-glucuronosyltransferases and catechol- O-methyltransferases were able to form glucuronide and methyl conjugates. However, only the sulfate conjugates were detected after incubation with SW480. In addition, simple hydroxycinnamates were released from quinic and aspartic conjugates. The remarkable effect of dihydrocaffeic and dihydroferulic acids against cell proliferation is of paramount importance, since these compounds are the main metabolites detectable at the colonic level.

Bioactivity and cell metabolism of in vitro digested sweet cherry (Prunus avium) phenolic compounds

In this study, the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of two cherry cultivars was assessed. The phenolic profile was modified during in vitro digestion, with a considerable decrease of total and individual phenolic compounds. Hydroxycinnamic acids and especially coumaroylquinic acids showed the highest bioaccessibility. Isomerisation of caffeoylquinic and coumaroylquinic acids was observed after in vitro digestion. Modification of the phenolic profile after digestion resulted in an increased or decreased scavenging activity depending on the assay. In vitro digested phenolic-rich fractions also showed antiproliferative activity against SW480 but no effect against Caco-2 cell lines. Both Caco-2 and SW480 cell lines were able to metabolise cherry phenolic compounds with remarkable differences. An accumulation of glycosylated flavonols was observed in SW480 medium. In conclusion, phenolic compounds from cherries and especially hydroxycinnamic acids were efficiently released and remained bioaccessible after in vitro digestion, resulting in antioxidant and antiproliferative activities.

Changes in HCV Viremia following LDL Apheresis in a HCV Positive Patient with Familial Hypercholesterolemia

It has been suggested that hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be associated with beta-lipoprotein in human serum. According to this, the LDL receptor could promote endocytosis of such a virus. In the present study, we evaluated the changes in HCV viremia in a HCV positive patient with familial hypercholesterolemia, undergoing both selective (DALI System, Fresenius) and non-selective (plasma exchange) LDL apheresis. HCV-RNA levels did not decrease following selective LDL apheresis, on the contrary showed a random, odd variation pattern (from –35% to +72%). Conversely, plasma exchange steadily induced a drop in HCV viremia (–35/43%), to a lower extent than that of a totally intravascular plasmaprotein, i.e., alpha 2-macroglobulin (–53/54%). These data indicate that beta-lipoprotein may not function as a plasma carrier of HCV, at least in the present case. Moreover, a continuous, quantitatively unforeseeable circulation of HCV virions from the intravascular plasma compartment to other extravascular and intracellular sites, seems to occurr during an apheresis session.

A simplified regimen of targeted antifungal prophylaxis in liver transplant recipients: A single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is a severe complication of liver transplantation burdened by high mortality. Guidelines recommend targeted rather than universal antifungal prophylaxis based on tiers of risk.

METHODS

We aimed to evaluate IFI incidence, risk factors, and outcome after implementation of a simplified two-tiered targeted prophylaxis regimen based on a single broad-spectrum antifungal drug (amphotericin B). Patients presenting 1 or more risk factors according to literature were administered prophylaxis. Prospectively collected data on all adult patients transplanted in Turin from January 2011 to December 2015 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Patients re-transplanted before postoperative day 7 were considered once, yielding a study cohort of 581 cases. Prophylaxis was administered to 299 (51.4%) patients; adherence to protocol was 94.1%. Sixteen patients developed 18 IFIs for an overall rate of 2.8%. All IFI cases were in targeted prophylaxis group; none of the non-prophylaxis group developed IFI. Most cases (81.3%) presented within 30 days after transplantation during prophylaxis; predominant pathogens were molds (94.4%). Only 1 case of candidemia was observed. One-year mortality in IFI patients was 33.3% vs 6.4% in patients without IFI (P = .001); IFI attributable mortality was 6.3%. At multivariate analysis, significant risk factors for IFI were renal replacement therapy (OR = 8.1) and re-operation (OR = 5.2).

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of a simplified targeted prophylaxis regimen appeared to be safe and applicable and was associated with low IFI incidence and mortality. Association of IFI with re-operation and renal replacement therapy calls for further studies to identify optimal prophylaxis in this subset of patients.

Age, Sex, and Racial Differences in Neuroimaging Use in Acute Stroke: A Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Limited information is available regarding differences in neuroimaging use for acute stroke work-up. Our objective was to assess whether race, sex, or age differences exist in neuroimaging use and whether these differences depend on the care center type in a population-based study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic) and transient ischemic attack were identified in a metropolitan, biracial population using the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study in 2005 and 2010. Multivariable regression was used to determine the odds of advanced imaging use (CT angiography/MR imaging/MR angiography) for race, sex, and age.

RESULTS

In 2005 and 2010, there were 3471 and 3431 stroke/TIA events, respectively. If one adjusted for covariates, the odds of advanced imaging were higher for younger (55 years or younger) compared with older patients, blacks compared with whites, and patients presenting to an academic center and those seen by a stroke team or neurologist. The observed association between race and advanced imaging depended on age; in the older age group, blacks had higher odds of advanced imaging compared with whites (odds ratio, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.12-1.61; P < .01), and in the younger group, the association between race and advanced imaging was not statistically significant. Age by race interaction persisted in the academic center subgroup (P < .01), but not in the nonacademic center subgroup (P = .58). No significant association was found between sex and advanced imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Within a large, biracial stroke/TIA population, there is variation in the use of advanced neuroimaging by age and race, depending on the care center type.

Consumer sensory evaluation and chemical composition of beef gluteus medius and triceps brachii steaks from cattle finished on forage or concentrate diets

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of cattle finishing diet and muscle type on meat quality. Consumer sensory response, proximate composition, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), fatty acid composition, and volatile compounds were assessed from the gluteus medius (GM) and triceps brachii (TB) muscles of cattle ( = 6 per diet) which were grain-finished (USUGrain) on conventional feedlot or 2 forage diets, a perennial legume, birdsfoot trefoil-finished (USUBFT; ), and grass-finished (USUGrass; ). Diet had an interacting effect with muscle for all sensory attributes ( ≤ 0.002), except aroma and flavor ( ≥ 0.078). In forage-finished beef, tenderness, fattiness, overall liking, and WBSF tenderness of GM was greater ( < 0.05) than TB, whereas for USUGrain, the tenderness, fattiness, overall liking, and WBSF tenderness of both muscles were similar ( > 0.05) but the juiciness of TB was more liked than USUGrain GM ( < 0.05). The juiciness of forage-finished beef did not differ ( > 0.05) between GM and TB. Lower ( < 0.05) intramuscular fat (IMF) percent was determined for USUGrass beef in comparison with USUGrain beef. The IMF percent of USUBFT beef was similar ( > 0.05) to both USUGrass and USUGrain beef. However, IMF percent was not impacted by muscle type ( = 0.092). The ratio of -6:-3 fatty acids was affected by muscle dependent on diet ( = 0.016). The ratio of -6:-3 fatty acids was affected by the interaction of muscle × diet ( = 0.016). Between forage diets (USUGrass and USUBFT), -6:-3 ratios were similar ( > 0.05) between GM and TB, whereas within USUGrain, the GM was greater ( < 0.05) than the TB. Cumulative MUFA was greater ( < 0.05) in USUGrain compared with both USUGrass and USUBFT, which were similar ( > 0.05). Strecker aldehydes, ketones, pyrazines, and methional were affected ( ≤ 0.036) by muscle and found to have a greater concentration in GM compared with TB. Overall, consumers determined that USUGrain GM and TB had similar ( > 0.05) quality ratings. However, within forage-finished beef, the GM was perceived more frequently ( < 0.05) to be of premium quality and the forage-finished TB was more frequently ( < 0.05) rated as having unsatisfactory quality. These findings were in agreement with ratings of tenderness and overall liking. Therefore, in the context of our consumer group grilled GM and TB steaks, grain-finished beef provided more uniform quality and eating experience compared with forage-finished beef.