Mitigation of acrylamide formation in wood oven baked pizza base using wholemeal and refined wheat flour with low free asparagine content: considerations on fibre intake and starch digestibility

BACKGROUND

In wheat-derived bakery products, the quantity of free asparagine (fAsn) has been identified as a key factor in acrylamide (AA) formation. Based on this assumption, four varieties of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), Stromboli, Montecarlo, Sothys and Cosmic, selected for their different fAsn content inside the grain, were studied to evaluate their potential in the production of pizza with reduced AA levels. To this purpose, wholemeal and refined flours were obtained from each variety.

RESULTS

The fAsn content ranged from 0.25 to 3.30 mmol kg-1, with higher values for wholemeal flours which also showed greater amount of ash, fibre and damaged starch than refined wheat flours. All types of flours were separately used to produce wood oven baked pizza base, according to the Traditional Speciality Guaranteed EU Regulation (97/2010). AA reduction in the range 47-68% was found for all the selected wheat cultivars, compared with a commercial flour, with significantly lower values registered when refined flour was used. Moreover, refined leavened dough samples showed decreased levels of fAsn and reducing sugars due to the fermentation activity of yeasts. Furthermore, it was confirmed that pizza made with wholemeal flours exhibited lower rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and rapidly available glucose (RAG) values compared to that prepared with the refined flour.

CONCLUSION

This study clearly shows that a reduced asparagine content in wheat flour is a key factor in the mitigation of AA formation in pizza base. Unfortunately, at the same time, it is highlighted how it is necessary to sacrifice the beneficial effects of fibre intake, such as lowering the glycaemic index, in order to reduce AA. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pulsed electrolysis - explained

Lately, there has been high interest in electrolysis under dynamic conditions, the so-called pulsed electrolysis. Different studies have shown that in pulsed electrolysis, selectivity towards certain products can be improved compared to steady-state operation. Many groups also demonstrated that the selectivity can be tuned by selection of pulsing profile, potential limits, as well as frequency of the change. To explain the origin of this improvement, some modeling studies have been performed. However, it seems that a theoretical framework to study this effect is still missing. In the present contribution, we suggest a theoretical framework of nonlinear frequency response analysis for the evaluation of the process improvement under pulsed electrolysis conditions. Of special interest is the DC component, which determines how much the mean output value under dynamic conditions will be different from the value under steady-state conditions. Therefore, the DC component can be considered as a measure of process improvement under dynamic conditions compared to the steady-state operation. We show that the DC component is directly dependent on nonlinearities of the electrochemical process and demonstrate how this DC component can be calculated theoretically as well as how it can be obtained from measurements.

A fast magnetic vector characterization method for quasi two-dimensional systems and heterostructures

The use of magnetic vector tomography/laminography has opened a 3D experimental window to access the magnetization at the nanoscale. These methods exploit the dependence of the magnetic contrast in transmission to recover its 3D configuration. However, hundreds of different angular projections are required leading to large measurement times. Here we present a fast method to dramatically reduce the experiment time specific for quasi two-dimensional magnetic systems. The algorithm uses the Beer-Lambert equation in the framework of X-ray transmission microscopy to obtain the 3D magnetic configuration of the sample. It has been demonstrated in permalloy microstructures, reconstructing the magnetization vector field with a reduced number of angular projections obtaining quantitative results. The throughput of the methodology is × 10-× 100 times faster than conventional magnetic vector tomography, making this characterization method of general interest for the community.

Study of Physico-Chemical Properties of Dough and Wood Oven-Baked Pizza Base: The Effect of Leavening Time

The research objective was to investigate the morpho-rheological, chemical, and structural changes of dough and Neapolitan pizza TSG as the leavening time varies and to evaluate their effects on the digestibility of starch and on the formation of acrylamide during baking. Pizza dough leavening was monitored for 48 h at 22 °C/80% RH, and the analyses were conducted at selected leavening times (0, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 48 h). It was observed that in 30 h the volume tripled and the viscoelastic dough relaxed in the first 4 h, as evidenced by the lower value of the relaxation percentage “a” and the higher rate of decay “b”, associated with a high value of the compression work, indicating the presence of a very strong gluten mesh. In the following hours, the dough lost elasticity, and in fact, the G’ modulus decreased due to the weakening of the weak interactions between the gluten proteins and the starch. This suggests that a long leavening improved the extensibility of the pizza disc, facilitating the action of the pizza maker. Thermal (TGA and DSC) and morphological (SEM) analyses evidenced the highest water removal rate from the dough, a wider starch gelatinization temperature range, a ∆H of 0.975 ± 0.013 J/g, and a more open and weak gluten structure in dough balls leavened for 16 h. As the leavening time increased, both dough and pizza base samples showed an increase in reducing sugars and free amino groups, while the rapidly digestible starch decreased in the dough following the metabolism of the yeasts and increased in the pizza base due to the starch gelatinization that occurs during baking, which makes it much more susceptible to α-amylase. Finally, the levels of acrylamide remained at the same values despite the higher availability of reducing sugars and its precursors during leavening.

Bioconversion of Cheese Whey and Food By-Products by Phaeodactylum tricornutum into Fucoxanthin and n-3 Lc-PUFA through a Biorefinery Approach

This study investigates the potential of utilizing three food wastes: cheese whey (CW), beet molasses (BM), and corn steep liquor (CSL) as alternative nutrient sources for the cultivation of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, a promising source of polyunsaturated eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and the carotenoid fucoxanthin. The CW media tested did not significantly impact the growth rate of P. tricornutum; however, CW hydrolysate significantly enhances cell growth. BM in cultivation medium enhances biomass production and fucoxanthin yield. The optimization of the new food waste medium was conducted through the application of a response surface methodology (RSM) using hydrolyzed CW, BM, and CSL as factors. The results showed a significant positive impact of these factors (p < 0.005), with an optimized biomass yield of 2.35 g L^-1 and a fucoxanthin yield of 3.64 mg L^-1 using a medium composed of 33 mL L^-1 of CW, 2.3 g L^-1 of BM, and 2.24 g L^-1 of CSL. The experimental results reported in this study showed that some food by-products from a biorefinery perspective could be utilized for the efficient production of fucoxanthin and other high-added-value products such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Glycerol amendment enhances biosulfidogenesis in acid mine drainage-affected areas: An incubation column experiment

Microbial sulfate (SO₄²⁻) reduction in Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) environments can ameliorate the acidity and extreme metal concentrations by consumption of protons via the reduction of SO₄²⁻ to hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and the concomitant precipitation of metals as metal sulfides. The activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria can be stimulated by the amendment of suitable organic carbon sources in these generally oligotrophic environments. Here, we used incubation columns (IC) as model systems to investigate the effect of glycerol amendment on the microbial community composition and its effect on the geochemistry of sediment and waters in AMD environments. The ICs were built with natural water and sediments from four distinct AMD-affected sites with different nutrient regimes: the oligotrophic Filón Centro and Guadiana acidic pit lakes, the Tintillo river (Huelva, Spain) and the eutrophic Brunita pit lake (Murcia, Spain). Physicochemical parameters were monitored during 18 months, and the microbial community composition was determined at the end of incubation through 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. SEM-EDX analysis of sediments and suspended particulate matter was performed to investigate the microbially-induced mineral (neo)formation. Glycerol amendment strongly triggered biosulfidogenesis in all ICs, with pH increase and metal sulfide formation, but the effect was much more pronounced in the ICs from oligotrophic systems. Analysis of the microbial community composition at the end of the incubations showed that the SRB Desulfosporosinus was among the dominant taxa observed in all sulfidogenic columns, whereas the SRB Desulfurispora, Desulfovibrio and Acididesulfobacillus appeared to be more site-specific. Formation of Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺ (oxy)hydroxysulfates was observed during the initial phase of incubation together with increasing pH while formation of metal sulfides (predominantly, Zn, Fe and Cu sulfides) was observed after 1–5 months of incubation. Chemical analysis of the aqueous phase at the end of incubation showed almost complete removal of dissolved metals (Cu, Zn, Cd) in the amended ICs, while Fe and SO₄²⁻ increased towards the water-sediment interface, likely as a result of the reductive dissolution of Fe(III) minerals enhanced by Fe-reducing bacteria. The combined geochemical and microbiological analyses further establish the link between biosulfidogenesis and natural attenuation through metal sulfide formation and proton consumption.

POS0731 ASSOCIATION OF PATIENT-REPORTED OUTCOMES WITH TYPE I INTERFERON GENE SIGNATURE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL COHORT STUDY (SPOCS)

Background

The aim of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Prospective Observational Cohort Study (SPOCS) is to examine the disease course of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in relation to their type I interferon gene signature (IFNGS) status.1 IFNGS has been associated with SLE disease activity.2

Objectives

To identify associations between IFNGS status and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) among patients receiving clinical care while enrolled in SPOCS.

Methods

This noninterventional, international, prospective, observational cohort study included adult patients (≥18 years) with moderate to severe SLE receiving standard therapy. Short Form 36 Health Survey version 2 (SF-36; 0–100), Lupus Quality of Life (LupusQoL; 0–100) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F; 0–52) were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Higher scores indicate better outcomes. Analyses were stratified by high or low IFNGS status (4-gene test) at baseline.

Results

Of 827 patients, mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 45.1 (14.0) years, 771 (93%) were female, 525 (63%) were IFNGS high, and 219 (26%) were IFNGS low. IFNGS-high patients were younger than IFNGS-low (mean [SD] 43.0 [13.7] vs 50.7 [12.9] years), had fewer comorbidities (83% vs 91%) and similar baseline disease activity (mean [SD]: SLE Disease Activity Index 2000, 9.8 [4.3] vs 9.2 [5.2]; Physician’s Global Assessment, both 1.5 [0.6]). At baseline, there were some differences in PROs between IFNGS-high and -low patients. At Month 12, changes in most domains did not meet the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Slight improvement was observed only in selected domains in the IFNGS-high group. This group was younger and had fewer comorbidities at baseline. (Table 1, Figure 1).

Table 1.

PRO Scores at Baseline and Month 12 by IFNGS Status

BaselineMonth 12Change From BaselineMCID (≥)PROTotal (n=810)IFNGS HighIFNGS Low (n=219)Total (n=431)IFNGS HighIFNGS Low (n=147)TotalIFNGS HighIFNGS Low(n=525)(n=279)SF-36Physical Component Summary37.4 (10.5)38.3 (10.5)+35.2 (10.6)139.8 (10.8)41.7 (10.4)+35.7 (10.8)2.3 (7.6)3.0 (8.1)*0.6 (6.4)2.5Mental Component Summary43.2 (11.6)43.6 (11.7)42.7 (11.6)44.9 (11.2)45.9 (10.6)43.4 (11.5)0.9 (9.2)1.4 (9.6)-0.3 (8.4)2.5LupusQoLPhysical health56.4 (27.4)58.1 (27.0)+52.1 (27.7)60.5 (26.9)65.0 (25.3)+52.5 (27.7)2.6 (18.1)5.0 (19.2)*-1.4 (16.4)3.4Pain54.3 (30.3)55.7 (29.8)50.2 (30.8)61.4 (28.5)66.0 (26.5)+52.6 (29.1)5.4 (23.8)8.1 (25.2)0.7 (21.3)8.5Planning61.4 (32.2)63.7 (31.8)+57.0 (32.2)66.3 (29.6)70.8 (27.8)+58.5 (30.8)2.9 (24.4)4.2 (24.7)-1.0 (22.9)6.5Intimate relationships58.0 (34.8)61.2 (34.1)+50.9 (34.8)59.8 (33.9)65.6 (32.3)+50.6 (34.7)-0.6 (24.5)-0.7 (25.9)-0.8 (22.3)9.2Burden to others50.7 (32.6)50.7 (32.6)50.4 (33.5)56.4 (30.7)59.7 (29.5)51.8 (31.7)3.1 (25.4)5.6 (26.0)*0.1 (23.9)5.3Emotional health66.3 (25.6)66.1 (26.0)67.8 (24.8)71.1 (24.7)72.9 (23.8)69.2 (24.7)1.8 (19.4)3.1 (20.3)-0.5 (18.1)3.4Body image62.6 (29.4)61.0 (30.1)66.4 (28.3)68.2 (27.6)70.3 (27.4)65.1 (27.0)2.0 (23.9)*4.1 (24.3)*-0.4 (22.1)1.1Fatigue48.6 (27.8)49.9 (27.6)45.5 (28.2)53.7 (26.9)57.4 (26.2)+46.9 (25.7)2.1 (19.3)3.5 (20.0)-0.9 (18.7)3.9FACIT-F25.8 (13.4)26.9 (13.4)+23.4 (12.9)28.7 (13.2)31.1 (12.7)+24.6 (12.9)2.3 (9.6)3.2 (10.2)0.6 (8.5)4.0

Data are mean (SD). Asterisks (*) indicate changes from baseline ≥ MCID. +Comparison between high and low IFNGS status by Mann-Whitney U test (nominal p-value<0.01).

Data for n are patients per subgroup and do not reflect responses per PRO assessment.

Conclusion

In this cohort study, patients with moderate to severe SLE had poor health status, health-related quality of life, and fatigue. A clinically meaningful change was not met in most PROs, suggesting patients continue to have a high need for improved treatment options.

References

[1]Hammond ER. BMJ Open 2020;10:e036563.

[2]Dall’era MC. Ann Rheum Dis 2005;64:1692–7.

Acknowledgements

Writing assistance by Shelley Harris, PhD (Fishawack). This study was sponsored by AstraZeneca.

Disclosure of Interests

Martin Aringer Speakers bureau: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chugai, HEXAL, Lilly, MSD, Mylan, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Galapagos, GSK, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Laurent Arnaud Speakers bureau: AstraZeneca, Consultant of: AstraZeneca, Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca, Christine Peschken Consultant of: AstraZeneca, GSK, Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca, Richard Furie Speakers bureau: AstraZeneca, Genentech, Consultant of: AstraZeneca, Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca, Eric F. Morand Speakers bureau: GSK, Novartis, Paid instructor for: AstraZeneca, Biogen, Eli Lilly, Consultant of: AstraZeneca, Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, Genentech, GSK, Janssen, Servier, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, GSK, Janssen, Caroline Seo Shareholder of: AstraZeneca, Employee of: AstraZeneca, Eleni Rapsomaniki Employee of: AstraZeneca, Jonatan Hedberg Shareholder of: AstraZeneca, Employee of: AstraZeneca, Jacob Knagenhjelm Shareholder of: AstraZeneca, Employee of: AstraZeneca, Tina Grünfeld Eén Shareholder of: AstraZeneca, Employee of: AstraZeneca, Barnabas Desta Shareholder of: AstraZeneca, Employee of: AstraZeneca, Raj Tummala Shareholder of: AstraZeneca, Employee of: AstraZeneca, Alessandro Sorrentino Shareholder of: Galapagov, Abbott Laboratories, Gilead Sciences, Moderna, Employee of: Janssen, Sanofi, AstraZeneca, Heide Stirnadel-Farrant Shareholder of: AstraZeneca, GSK, Employee of: AstraZeneca

POS0733 DISCORDANCE BETWEEN PATIENT GLOBAL ASSESSMENT AND PHYSICIAN GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF DISEASE ACTIVITY IN THE MODERATE TO SEVERE SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL COHORT STUDY (SPOCS)

Background

Emphasis in clinical research and care has been placed on the need to include evaluations that reflect the perspectives of both patients and physicians.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to analyze patient and physician assessments and to determine characteristics associated with concordance and discordance of these assessments.

Methods

Baseline data of patients with moderate to severe SLE enrolled in the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Prospective Observational Cohort Study (SPOCS)1 were analyzed. Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA) representing disease activity during the 4-week interval prior to baseline and Patient Global Assessment (PtGA) representing the impact of disease during a 1-month interval prior to baseline were independently scored on visual analogue scales (PGA 0-3; PtGA 0-100). Spearman’s rank (rho) was calculated to assess their correlation. A difference between PGA and PtGA scores ≥25 points defined discordance (after rescaling PGA to 0–100).2 Baseline characteristics associated with concordance and discordance were assessed.

Results

827 patients were included in this analysis. At baseline, the mean PGA score was 1.5 (SD 0.6, n=824), and the mean PtGA score was 51.1 (SD 25.5, n=790). The correlation between PGA and PtGA was low (rho=0.19, P<0.001, n=787) (Figure 1). PGA and PtGA scores were discordant in 301 (38%) of patients. Among those patients exceeding the threshold defining discordance, 152 (19%) had higher PGA scores than PtGA scores, and 149 (19%) had higher PtGA scores than PGA scores. The subgroup of PGA-higher discordant patients had higher mean SLEDAI-2K scores, greater serological activity, and more frequent type 1 interferon gene signature positivity, whereas PtGA-higher discordant patients were more likely to be using analgesics and/or anti-depressants, had higher mean BMI and were less likely to be employed (Table 1).

Table 1.

Characteristics associated with PGA and PtGA scoresa

Concordant (N=486)PGA higher (N=152)PtGA higher (N=149)P-value-1bP-value-2bAge, years45.5 (13.7)42.7 (14.4)46.4 (14.0)0.0220.043Race, White326 (71%)96 (66%)94 (69%)0.1920.360BMI, kg/m227.6 (7.2)25.6 (5.4)27.2 (6.4)0.0320.011Employed249 (51%)80 (53%)51 (34%)0.0010.001SLEDAI-2K total score10.0 (4.8)10.8 (5.1)8.2 (3.0)<0.001<0.001Positive ANA/anti-dsDNA436 (90%)143 (94%)127 (85%)0.0120.041Low Complement (C3 or C4)132 (46%)58 (60%)41 (43%)0.0140.026High IFNGS313 (71%)101 (78%)89 (64%)0.0140.049≥1 mild flare115 (24%)20 (13%)45 (30%)<0.0010.001≥1 moderate flare88 (18%)37 (24%)23 (16%)0.0570.120≥1 severe flare39 (8%)11 (7%)15 (10%)0.3720.628OCS daily dose0.0520.129No OCS214 (44%)57 (38%)62 (42%)>0–7.5 mg139 (29%)38 (25%)52 (35%)>7.5–15 mg75 (15%)37 (25%)18 (12%)>15 mg57 (12%)19 (13%)17 (11%)Immunosuppressants271 (56%)80 (53%)75 (50%)0.6900.467Biologics106 (22%)25 (16%)19 (13%)0.3640.032Analgesics152 (31%)22 (14%)46 (31%)<0.001<0.001Antidepressants123 (25%)31 (20%)52 (35%)0.0050.013

aMean (SD) for continuous, n (%) for nominal variables. Missing data was <10% of patients for the variables displayed. Denominators exclude missing data. bP-value-1 compares PGA higher vs PtGA higher. P-value-2 compares all 3 groups. Based on the chi-squared test for categorical variables and t-test or ANOVA for continuous variables.

IFNGS, type 1 interferon gene signature; OCS, oral corticosteroid; PGA, physician global assessment; PtGA, patient global assessment

Conclusion

Low correlation between PGA and PtGA suggests both should be used to acquire a broad perspective of the impact of disease on the overall health of patients. Different baseline characteristics were associated with the PGA-higher compared to the PtGA-higher discordant subgroups.

References

[1]Hammond ER, et al. BMJ Open. 2020;10:e036563.

[2]Challa DNV, et al. Rheumatol Ther. 2017;4:201–8.

Acknowledgements

Editing assistance by Rebecca S. Jones, PhD (Fishawack). This study was sponsored by AstraZeneca.

Disclosure of Interests

Laurent Arnaud Speakers bureau: AstraZeneca, Consultant of: AstraZeneca, Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca, Richard Furie Speakers bureau: AstraZeneca, Genentech, Consultant of: AstraZeneca, Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca, Eric F. Morand Speakers bureau: GSK, Novartis, Paid instructor for: AstraZeneca, Biogen, Eli Lilly, Consultant of: AstraZeneca, Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, Genentech, GSK, Janssen, Servier, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, GSK, Janssen, Christine Peschken Consultant of: AstraZeneca, GSK, Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca, Martin Aringer Speakers bureau: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chugai, HEXAL, Lilly, MSD, Mylan, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Galapagos, GSK, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Eleni Rapsomaniki Employee of: AstraZeneca, Jonatan Hedberg Shareholder of: AstraZeneca, Employee of: AstraZeneca, Jacob Knagenhjelm Shareholder of: AstraZeneca, Employee of: AstraZeneca, Caroline Seo Shareholder of: AstraZeneca, Employee of: AstraZeneca, Tina Grünfeld Eén Shareholder of: AstraZeneca, Employee of: AstraZeneca, Barnabas Desta Shareholder of: AstraZeneca, Employee of: AstraZeneca, Alessandro Sorrentino Shareholder of: Galapagov, Abbott LAboratories, Gilead Sciences, Moderna, Employee of: Janssen, Sanofi, AstraZeneca, Raj Tummala Shareholder of: AstraZeneca, Employee of: AstraZeneca, Heide Stirnadel-Farrant Shareholder of: AstraZeneca, GSK, Employee of: AstraZeneca

Beta-blocker/ACE inhibitor therapy differentially impacts the steady state signaling landscape of failing and non-failing hearts

Background

The molecular underpinnings of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) involves a complex remodeling of the contractile, metabolic and electrical functions. Current pharmacotherapy for patients presenting HFrEF includes combination of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and β-adrenergic receptor blockers (β-AR blockers). Yet, a knowledge gap exists regarding the molecular changes accompanying such treatment.

Purpose

The present study takes an omics approach to study protein and phosphorylation signaling derangement in HFrEF and to define the global changes resulting from treatment with β-AR blocker (metoprolol) and ACE inhibitor (enalapril) in control- and HFrEF hearts.

Methods and results

For induction of HFrEF, a tight and permanent ligature was applied to constrict the transverse aorta in male C57BL6 mice. Eight weeks post-surgery, an osmotic pump was implanted delivering either vehicle or treatment (enalapril, ACE inhibitor, and metoprolol, β-AR blocker) for a two week period. The proteome- and phosphoproteome of left ventricular tissue was resolved using high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The resulting dataset covered 6,004 proteins and 14,967 phosphorylation events. HFrEF was characterized by profound downregulation of mitochondrial proteins coupled with derangement of β-adrenergic and pyruvate dehydrogenase signaling. Upon treatment, phosphorylation changes consequent to HFrEF were reversed, including a reversal of Pdhk4 activity. In controls, treatment mainly led to downregulation of canonical PKA signaling. Overall, the signaling response elicited by treatment was profoundly different for failing than for control hearts.

Conclusions

We used state-of-the-art proteomics and phosphoproteomics approaches to analyze changes in protein abundance and phosphorylation state of the left ventricle resulting from combination therapy with a β-AR blocker and an ACE inhibitor in failing and non-failing hearts. Our observation of divergent signaling outcomes depending on the disease state of the heart underscores the importance of evaluating drug effects within the context of the specific conditions present in the recipient heart.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The Danish Council for independent ResearchLundbeck FoundationFondation Leducq Transatlantic Network of Excellence

The chaperonin CCT controls T cell receptor-driven 3D configuration of centrioles

T lymphocyte activation requires the formation of immune synapses (IS) with antigen-presenting cells. The dynamics of membrane receptors, signaling scaffolds, microfilaments, and microtubules at the IS determine the potency of T cell activation and subsequent immune response. Here, we show that the cytosolic chaperonin CCT (chaperonin-containing TCP1) controls the changes in reciprocal orientation of the centrioles and polarization of the tubulin dynamics induced by T cell receptor in T lymphocytes forming an IS. CCT also controls the mitochondrial ultrastructure and the metabolic status of T cells, regulating the de novo synthesis of tubulin as well as posttranslational modifications (poly-glutamylation, acetylation, Δ1 and Δ2) of αβ-tubulin heterodimers, fine-tuning tubulin dynamics. These changes ultimately determine the function and organization of the centrioles, as shown by three-dimensional reconstruction of resting and stimulated primary T cells using cryo-soft x-ray tomography. Through this mechanism, CCT governs T cell activation and polarity.

Characterization of sustainable polyhydroxyls, produced from bio-based feedstock, and polyurethane and copolymer urethane-amide foams

This manuscript presents data related to the research article entitled "Synthesis and characterization of sustainable polyurethane foams based on polyhydroxyls with different terminal groups" (DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2018.06.077) [1]. We provide Supplementary data on the chemical properties, in terms of FTIR characterization, of polyhydroxyls produced starting from bio-based feedstock (biosuccinic acid and 1,4 butandiol) and thermal properties (glass transition temperature-Tg and thermal degradation behavior) of polyurethane and copolymer urethane-amide foams manufactured from the aforementioned polyhydroxyls. The FTIR characterization elucidates the chemical structure of polyhydroxyls and allows to make some hypothesis on their reaction routes with the isocyanate molecules. The thermal characterization revealed that the addition of bio-based polyhydroxyls to the sample formulations improves both the glass transition and degradation temperature of the foams. These foamed products exhibit potential performances to be applied as a substitute for conventional polyurethane foams.

Current methods for mycotoxins analysis and innovative strategies for their reduction in cereals: an overview

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by moulds in food that are considered a substantial issue in the context of food safety, due to their acute and chronic toxic effects on animals and humans. Therefore, new accurate methods for their identification and quantification are constantly developed in order to increase the performance of extraction, improve the accuracy of identification and reduce the limit of detection. At the same time, several industrial practices have shown the ability to reduce the level of mycotoxin contamination in food. In particular, a decrease in the amount of mycotoxins could result from standard processes naturally used for food processing or by procedures strategically introduced during processing, with the specific aim of reducing the amount of mycotoxins. In this review, the current methods adopted for accurate analyses of mycotoxins in cereals (aflatoxins, ochratoxins, trichothecenes, fumonisins) are discussed. In addition, both conventional and innovative strategies adopted to obtain safer finished products from common cereals intended for human consumption will be explored and analysed. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Human PRDM2: Structure, function and pathophysiology

PRDM2/RIZ is a member of a superfamily of histone/protein methyltransferases (PRDMs), which are characterized by the conserved N-terminal PR domain, with methyltransferase activity and zinc finger arrays at the C-terminus. Similar to other family members, two main protein types, known as RIZ1 and RIZ2, are produced from the PRDM2 locus differing by the presence or absence of the PR domain. The imbalance in their respective amounts may be an important cause of malignancy, with the PR-positive isoform commonly lost or downregulated and the PR-negative isoform always being present at higher levels in cancer cells. Interestingly, the RIZ1 isoform also represents an important target of estradiol action downstream of the interaction with hormone receptor. Furthermore, the imbalance between the two products could also be a molecular basis for other human diseases. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying PRDM2 function could be useful in the pathophysiological context, with a potential to exploit this information in clinical practice.

Differences between graphene and graphene oxide in gelatin based systems for transient biodegradable energy storage applications

A comparison between graphene flakes and graphene oxide as filler in gelatin based systems for low-cost transient biodegradable energy storage applications has been carried out. The two bio-composites have been prepared and characterized by rheological measurements, cyclic voltammetry measurements, chronopotentiometry measurements and impedance spectroscopy. Differences in dielectric and mechanical properties have been correlated to the different structural organizations determinate by the hydrophobic/hydrophilic character of the used filler. In particular, the addition of the graphene oxide to the gelatin causes an increase in the elastic modulus with a parallel increase in the mechanical stability with time as compared to the composites obtained by adding graphene. Conversely, the surface capacitance is slightly increased by the graphene oxide addition compared to the pure gelatin sample. On the other hand, the introduction of the graphene flakes into the gelatin leads to a marked increase of the dielectric properties of the resulting bio-composite.

Light irradiation tuning of surface wettability, optical, and electric properties of graphene oxide thin films

In this work the preparation of flexible polymeric films with controlled electrical conductivity, light transmission and surface wettability is reported. A drop casted graphene oxide thin film is photo-reduced at different levels by UV light or laser irradiation. Optical microscopy, IR spectroscopy, electrical characterization, Raman spectroscopy and static water contact angle measurements are used in order to characterize the effects of the various reduction methods. Correlations between the optical, electrical and structural properties are reported and compared to previous literature results. These correlations provide a useful tool for independently tuning the properties of these films for specific applications.

Optical pseudomotors for soft x-ray beamlines

Optical elements of soft x-ray beamlines usually have motorized translations and rotations that allow for the fine alignment of the beamline. This is to steer the photon beam at some positions and to correct the focus on slits or on sample. Generally, each degree of freedom of a mirror induces a change of several parameters of the beam. Inversely, several motions are required to actuate on a single optical parameter, keeping the others unchanged. We define optical pseudomotors as combinations of physical motions of the optical elements of a beamline, which allow modifying one optical parameter without affecting the others. We describe a method to obtain analytic relationships between physical motions of mirrors and the corresponding variations of the beam parameters. This method has been implemented and tested at two beamlines at ALBA, where it is used to control the focus of the photon beam and its position independently.

Nanoscale imaging of buried topological defects with quantitative X-ray magnetic microscopy

Advances in nanoscale magnetism increasingly require characterization tools providing detailed descriptions of magnetic configurations. Magnetic transmission X-ray microscopy produces element specific magnetic domain images with nanometric lateral resolution in films up to ∼100 nm thick. Here we present an imaging method using the angular dependence of magnetic contrast in a series of high resolution transmission X-ray microscopy images to obtain quantitative descriptions of the magnetization (canting angles relative to surface normal and sense). This method is applied to 55–120 nm thick ferromagnetic NdCo₅ layers (canting angles between 65° and 22°), and to a NdCo₅ film covered with permalloy. Interestingly, permalloy induces a 43° rotation of Co magnetization towards surface normal. Our method allows identifying complex topological defects (merons or ½ skyrmions) in a NdCo₅ film that are only partially replicated by the permalloy overlayer. These results open possibilities for the characterization of deeply buried magnetic topological defects, nanostructures and devices.

Transmission X-ray microscopy allows for the imaging of magnetic domains in thin film materials. Here, the authors exploit the angular dependence of the magnetic contrast to extract out-of-plane canting angles of stripe domains and topological defects in NdCo₅ films buried under a NiFe layer.

Fast mold surface temperature evolution: relevance of asymmetric surface heating for morphology of iPP molded samples

It is widely accepted that mold temperature has a strong effect on the amount of molecular orientation and morphology developed in a non-isothermal flowing melt.

Performance of different commercial methods for determining minimum inhibitory concentrations of glycopeptides and linezolid against blood isolates of Staphylococcus aureus

The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of commercial systems (VITEK^® 2, Etest and Sensititre^®) in determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations of vancomycin, teicoplanin and linezolid of Staphylococcus aureus strains and to evaluate the reproducibility of each system in a clinical microbiology laboratory. In total, 115 strains of S. aureus isolated from blood cultures were tested with all three commercial methods as well as the broth microdilution method, which is designated as the standard for glycopeptides and linezolid. Fourteen different S. aureus strains were included in a reproducibility test for all methods and antibiotics. For these strains, antimicrobial susceptibility testing was repeated 10 times on different days with all four methods, each time using the same inoculum. All three commercial methods exhibited similar performance in categorisation of nearly all of the meticillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates. Discrepancies were registered for meticillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA); 2.5% of the strains in the intermediate or resistant category with the VITEK 2 system were not recognised as resistant by Etest and Sensititre. Moreover, none of the three commercial methods provided accurate results compared with homemade broth microdilution. Reproducibility of vancomycin and teicoplanin was 100% with VITEK 2 and Sensititre and 98.75% with Etest. Microdilution showed a reproducibility of 95.6% with vancomycin and 83.1% with teicoplanin. In contrast to previous reports, the best agreement with microdilution was exhibited by VITEK 2 both for MSSA and MRSA. For the antibiotics tested, the best reproducibility was obtained with the VITEK 2 and Sensititre systems.

Effect of transglutaminase on the mechanical and barrier properties of whey protein/pectin films prepared at complexation pH

The behavior of pectin and thermally denatured whey proteins at both different protein/polysaccharide ratios and different pH values was investigated. Our findings suggest the formation at pH 5.1 (complexation pH) of transglutaminase-catalyzed cross-links among soluble ionic whey protein/pectin complexes, which could be responsible for the observed increase of both tensile strength (2-fold) and elongation to break (10-fold) of films obtained in the presence of enzyme. Conversely, a significant reduction of elasticity, probably due to the formation of covalent bonds among single whey protein molecules, was observed when the films were prepared in the presence of the enzyme at pH 6.0. In addition, the presence of the enzyme at complexation pH significantly reduced film permeability. Atomic force and scanning electron microscopy revealed significant changes in the microstructure of the films prepared in the presence of TGase as well as in the morphology of their surface.

The emerging role of large immunophilin FK506 binding protein 51 in cancer

FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP51) is an immunophilin physiologically expressed in lymphocytes. Very recently, aberrant expression of this protein was found in melanoma; FKBP51 expression correlates with melanoma aggressiveness and is maximal in metastatic lesions. FKBP51 promotes NF-κB activation and is involved in the resistance to genotoxic agents, including anthracyclines and ionizing radiation. FKBP51 is a cochaperone with peptidyl-prolyl isomerase activity that regulates several biological processes through protein-protein interaction. There is increasing evidence that FKBP51 hyperexpression is associated with cancer and this protein has a relevant role in sustaining cell growth, malignancy, and resistance to therapy. There is also evidence that FKBP ligands are potent anticancer agents, in addition to their immunosuppressant activity. In particular, rapamycin and its analogs have shown antitumor activity across a variety of human cancers in clinical trials. Although, classically, rapamycin actions are ascribed to inhibition of mTOR, recent studies indicate FKBP51 is also an important molecular determinant of the drug's anticancer activity. The aim of this article is to review the functions of FKBP51, especially in view of the recent findings that this protein is a potential oncogene when deregulated and a candidate target for signaling therapies against cancer.

Short communication: technological and genotypic comparison between Streptococcus macedonicus and Streptococcus thermophilus strains coming from the same dairy environment

The species Streptococcus thermophilus is widely used for the preparation of several dairy products, and its technological contribution is clear. On the other hand, although Streptococcus macedonicus was first described more than 10 yr ago and, despite the scientific interest around this issue, the exact role of Strep. macedonicus in cheese making has yet to be clarified. In this study, 121 strains belonging to both species and isolated from the same dairy environment were genetically characterized by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR and compared for the main biochemical features of technological interest, such as acid production, galactose utilization, citrate metabolism, exopolysaccharide production, and lipolytic, ureolytic, exocellular proteolytic, and decarboxylasic activities. Analysis by RAPD-PCR highlighted a remarkable genotypic heterogeneity among strains in both species, and, at a similarity level of 78%, all the isolates and reference strains of Strep. thermophilus grouped together and were well separated from the strains of Strep. macedonicus, confirming that these 2 species are different microbial entities. Comparison between genetic and phenotypic or biotechnological data did not reveal any relationships.

Iterative retrieval of one-dimensional x ray wave field using a single intensity measurement

The problem of retrieving a complex function from the modulus of its Fourier transform has non-unique solutions in one dimension. Therefore iterative phase retrieval methods cannot in general be confidently applied to one-dimensional problems, due to the presence of ambiguities. We present a method for a posteriori reduction of the ambiguities based on the correlation analysis of the solution of a large number of runs of an iterative phase retrieval algorithm with different random starting phases. The method is applied to experimentally measured diffraction patterns from an x ray waveguide illuminated by hard x rays. We demonstrate the possibility of retrieving the complex wave field at the exit face of the waveguide and compare the result with theoretical prediction.

Putrescine-polysaccharide conjugates as transglutaminase substrates and their possible use in producing crosslinked films

Putrescine (1,4-diaminobutane) was covalently linked to alginate and low-methoxyl pectin to synthesize new aminated polysaccharides. Both putrescine-pectin and -alginate conjugates, although the latter at higher concentrations, were found to be able to act as effective acyl acceptor transglutaminase substrates in vitro using both dimethylated casein and soy flour proteins as acyl donors. Monodansylcadaverine, a well known acyl acceptor transglutaminase substrate, dose-dependently counteracted the covalent binding of the aminated polysaccharides to the proteins. Putrescine-pectin conjugate was also tested to prepare, in combination with soy flour proteins, edible films in the presence of purified microbial transglutaminase. Characterization of the enzymatically crosslinked films showed a significant decreased water vapor permeability, with respect to the ones obtained with non-aminated pectin in the presence of transglutaminase, as well as improved mechanical properties, such as high extensibility. Possible biotechnological applications of hydrocolloid films containing putrescine-polysaccharide derivatives enzymatically crosslinked to proteins were suggested.

Biochemical characterisation of the D60A mutant of the elongation factor 1alpha from the archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus

The D60A mutant of the elongation factor (EF) 1alpha from Sulfolobus solfataricus (Ss), was obtained as heterologous expressed protein and characterised. This substitution was carried out in order to analyse the involvement of this evolutionally conserved amino acid position in the interaction between the elongation factor and guanosine nucleotides and in the coordination of magnesium ions. The expression system used produced a folded protein able to catalyse, although to a slightly lower extent with respect to the wild-type enzyme, protein synthesis in vitro and NaCl-dependent intrinsic GTPase activity. The affinity for guanosine nucleotides was almost identical to that exhibited by wild-type SsEF-1alpha; vice versa, the GDP exchange rate was one order of magnitude faster on the mutated elongation factor, a property partially restored when the exchange reaction was analysed in the presence of the magnesium ions chelating agent EDTA. Finally, the D60A substitution only a little affected the high thermal stability of the elongation factor. From a structural point of view, the analysis of the data reported confirmed that this conserved carboxyl group belongs to a protein region differentiating the GDP binding mode among elongation factors from different organisms.

Molecular farming of human tissue transglutaminase in tobacco plants

In this study we have utilized Nicotiana tabacum with a molecular farming purpose in attempt of producing transgenic plants expressing the human tissue transglutaminase (htTG). Three plant expression constructs were used enabling targeting and accumulation of the recombinant protein into the plant cell cytosol (cyto), the chloroplasts (chl) and the apoplastic space (apo). Analysis of transgenic T(0) plants revealed that recombinant htTG was detectable in all three transgenic lines and the accumulation levels were in a range of 18-75 microg/g of leaf material. In the T(1) generation, the recombinant htTG was still expressed at high level and a significant catalytic activity was detected into the leaf protein extracts. Southern blot analyses revealed that apo and chl plants of T(1) generation possess a high copy number of the recombinant htTG in their genome, while the cyto plants carry a single copy.

Fennel waste-based films suitable for protecting cultivations

Biodegradable, flexible, and moisture-resistant films were obtained by recycling fennel waste and adding to fennel homogenates the bean protein phaseolin that was modified or not modified by the enzyme transglutaminase. All films were analyzed for their morphology, mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, and susceptibility to biodegradation under soil-like conditions. Our experiments showed that transglutaminase treatment of the phaseolin-containing fennel waste homogenates allowed us to obtain films comparable in their mechanical properties and water vapor permeability to the commercial films Ecoflex and Mater-Bi. Furthermore, biodegradability tests demonstrated that the presence of the enzyme in the film-casting sample significantly influences the integrity of such a product that lasts longer than films obtained either with fennel waste alone or with a mixture of fennel waste and phaseolin. These findings indicate the fennel-phaseolin film prepared in the presence of transglutaminase to be a promising candidate for a new environmentally friendly mulching bioplastic.