Transport-controlled growth decoupling for self-induced protein expression with a glycerol-repressible genetic circuit.

Decoupling cell formation from recombinant protein synthesis is a potent strategy to intensify bioprocesses. Escherichia coli strains with mutations in the glucose uptake components lack catabolite repression, display low growth rate, no overflow metabolism, and high recombinant protein yields. Fast growth rates were promoted by the simultaneous consumption of glucose and glycerol, and this was followed by a phase of slow growth, when only glucose remained in the medium. A glycerol-repressible genetic circuit was designed to autonomously induce recombinant protein expression. The engineered strain bearing the genetic circuit was cultured in 3.9 g L-1 glycerol + 18 g L-1 glucose in microbioreactors with online oxygen transfer rate monitoring. The growth was fast during the simultaneous consumption of both carbon sources (C-sources), while expression of the recombinant protein was low. When glycerol was depleted, the growth rate decreased, and the specific fluorescence reached values 17% higher than those obtained with a strong constitutive promoter. Despite the relatively high amount of C-source used, no oxygen limitation was observed. The proposed approach eliminates the need for the substrate feeding or inducers addition and is set as a simple batch culture while mimicking fed-batch performance.

Recombinant protein expression in proteome-reduced cells under aerobic and oxygen-limited regimes.

Industrial cultures are hindered by the physiological complexity of the host and the limited mass transfer capacity of conventional bioreactors. In this study, a minimal cell approach was combined with genetic devices to overcome such issues. A flavin mononucleotide-based fluorescent protein (FbFP) was expressed in a proteome-reduced Escherichia coli (PR). When FbFP was expressed from a constitutive protein generator (CPG), the PR strain produced 47% and 35% more FbFP than its wild type (WT), in aerobic or oxygen-limited regimes, respectively. Metabolic and expression models predicted more efficient biomass formation at higher fluxes to FbFP, in agreement with these results. A microaerobic protein generator (MPG) and a microaerobic transcriptional cascade (MTC) were designed to induce FbFP expression upon oxygen depletion. The FbFP fluorescence using the MTC in the PR strain was 9% higher than that of the WT bearing the CPG under oxygen limitation. To further improve the PR strain, the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex regulator gene was deleted, and the Vitreoscilla hemoglobin was expressed. Compared to oxygen-limited cultures of the WT, the engineered strains increased the FbFP expression more than 50% using the MTC. Therefore, the designed expression systems can be a valuable alternative for industrial cultivations.

Autistic Regression and Exposure to Industrial Chemicals: Preliminary Observations.

Exposure to industrial pollutants is a potential risk factor not fully explored in ASD with regression (ASD+R). We studied geographical collocation patterns of industrial air chemical emissions and the location of homes of children with ASD+R at different exposure times, compared with ASD cases without regression (ASD-R). Fifteen of 111 emitted chemicals collocated with ASD+R, and 65 with ASD-R. ASD+R collocated more strongly with different neurotoxicants/immunotoxicants a year before diagnosis, whereas ASD-R were moderately collocated with chemicals across all exposure periods. This preliminary exploratory analysis of differences in exposure patterns raises a question regarding potential pathophysiological differences between the conditions.

Refracture following vertebral fragility fracture when bone fragility is not recognized: summarizing findings from comparator arms of randomized clinical trials.

PURPOSE: Since vertebral fragility fractures (VFFs) might increase the risk of subsequent fractures, we evaluated the incidence rate and the refracture risk of subsequent vertebral and non-vertebral fragility fractures (nVFFs) in untreated patients with a previous VFF. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to February 2022 for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that analyzed the occurrence of subsequent fractures in untreated patients with prior VFFs. Two authors independently extracted data and appraised the risk of bias in the selected studies. Primary outcomes were subsequent VFFs, while secondary outcomes were further nVFFs. The outcome of refracture within ≥ 2 years after the index fracture was measured as (i) rate, expressed per 100 person-years (PYs), and (ii) risk, expressed in percentage. RESULTS: Forty RCTs met our inclusion criteria, ranging from medium to high quality. Among untreated patients with prior VFFs, the rate of subsequent VFFs and nVFFs was 12 [95% confidence interval (CI) 9-16] and 6 (95% CI 5-8%) per 100 PYs, respectively. The higher the number of previous VFFs, the higher the incidence. Moreover, the risk of VFFs and nVFFs increased within 2 (16.6% and 8%) and 4 years (35.1% and 17.4%) based on the index VFF. CONCLUSION: The highest risk of subsequent VFFs or nVFFs was already detected within 2 years following the initial VFF. Thus, prompt interventions should be designed to improve the detection and treatment of VFFs, aiming to reduce the risk of future FFs and properly implement secondary preventive measures.

Analysis of the role of perfusion, mechanical, and electrical stimulation in bioreactors for cardiac tissue engineering.

Since cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are globally one of the leading causes of death, of which myocardial infarction (MI) can cause irreversible damage and decrease survivors' quality of life, novel therapeutics are needed. Current approaches such as organ transplantation do not fully restore cardiac function or are limited. As a valuable strategy, tissue engineering seeks to obtain constructs that resemble myocardial tissue, vessels, and heart valves using cells, biomaterials as scaffolds, biochemical and physical stimuli. The latter can be induced using a bioreactor mimicking the heart's physiological environment. An extensive review of bioreactors providing perfusion, mechanical and electrical stimulation, as well as the combination of them is provided. An analysis of the stimulations' mechanisms and modes that best suit cardiac construct culture is developed. Finally, we provide insights into bioreactor configuration and culture assessment properties that need to be elucidated for its clinical translation.

Clinical Significance of SOX10 Expression in Human Pathology.

The embryonic development of neural crest cells and subsequent tissue differentiation are intricately regulated by specific transcription factors. Among these, SOX10, a member of the SOX gene family, stands out. Located on chromosome 22q13, the SOX10 gene encodes a transcription factor crucial for the differentiation, migration, and maintenance of tissues derived from neural crest cells. It plays a pivotal role in developing various tissues, including the central and peripheral nervous systems, melanocytes, chondrocytes, and odontoblasts. Mutations in SOX10 have been associated with congenital disorders such as Waardenburg-Shah Syndrome, PCWH syndrome, and Kallman syndrome, underscoring its clinical significance. Furthermore, SOX10 is implicated in neural and neuroectodermal tumors, such as melanoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), and schwannomas, influencing processes like proliferation, migration, and differentiation. In mesenchymal tumors, SOX10 expression serves as a valuable marker for distinguishing between different tumor types. Additionally, SOX10 has been identified in various epithelial neoplasms, including breast, ovarian, salivary gland, nasopharyngeal, and bladder cancers, presenting itself as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker. However, despite these associations, further research is imperative to elucidate its precise role in these malignancies.

A systematic review on the performance of fracture risk assessment tools: FRAX, DeFRA, FRA-HS.

PURPOSE: Preventing fragility fractures by treating osteoporosis may reduce disability and mortality worldwide. Algorithms combining clinical risk factors with bone mineral density have been developed to better estimate fracture risk and possible treatment thresholds. This systematic review supported panel members of the Italian Fragility Fracture Guidelines in recommending the use of best-performant tool. The clinical performance of the three most used fracture risk assessment tools (DeFRA, FRAX, and FRA-HS) was assessed in at-risk patients. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched till December 2020 for studies investigating risk assessment tools for predicting major osteoporotic or hip fractures in patients with osteoporosis or fragility fractures. Sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), and areas under the curve (AUCs) were evaluated for all tools at different thresholds. Quality assessment was performed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2; certainty of evidence (CoE) was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. RESULTS: Forty-three articles were considered (40, 1, and 2 for FRAX, FRA-HS, and DeFRA, respectively), with the CoE ranging from very low to high quality. A reduction of Sn and increase of Sp for major osteoporotic fractures were observed among women and the entire population with cut-off augmentation. No significant differences were found on comparing FRAX to DeFRA in women (AUC 59-88% vs. 74%) and diabetics (AUC 73% vs. 89%). FRAX demonstrated non-significantly better discriminatory power than FRA-HS among men. CONCLUSION: The task force formulated appropriate recommendations on the use of any fracture risk assessment tools in patients with or at risk of fragility fractures, since no statistically significant differences emerged across different prediction tools.

Protein-Mediated Electroporation in a Cardiac Voltage-Sensing Domain Due to an nsPEF Stimulus.

This study takes a step in understanding the physiological implications of the nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) by integrating molecular dynamics simulations and machine learning techniques. nsPEF, a state-of-the-art technology, uses high-voltage electric field pulses with a nanosecond duration to modulate cellular activity. This investigation reveals a relatively new and underexplored phenomenon: protein-mediated electroporation. Our research focused on the voltage-sensing domain (VSD) of the NaV1.5 sodium cardiac channel in response to nsPEF stimulation. We scrutinized the VSD structures that form pores and thereby contribute to the physical chemistry that governs the defibrillation effect of nsPEF. To do so, we conducted a comprehensive analysis involving the clustering of 142 replicas simulated for 50 ns under nsPEF stimuli. We subsequently pinpointed the representative structures of each cluster and computed the free energy between them. We find that the selected VSD of NaV1.5 forms pores under nsPEF stimulation, but in a way that significant differs from the traditional VSD opening. This study not only extends our understanding of nsPEF and its interaction with protein channels but also adds a new effect to further study.

Prognostic factors and combined use of tocilizumab and corticosteroids in a Spanish cohort of elderly COVID-19 patients.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in elderly patients is more aggressive and treatments have shown limited efficacy. Our objective is to describe the clinical course and to analyze the prognostic factors associated with a higher risk of mortality of a cohort of patients older than 80 years. In addition, we assess the efficacy of immunosuppressive treatments in this population. We analyzed the data from 163 patients older than 80 years admitted to our institution for COVID-19, during March and April 2020. A Lasso regression model and subsequent multivariate Cox regression were performed to select variables predictive of death. We evaluated the efficacy of immunomodulatory therapy in three cohorts using adjusted survival analysis. The mortality rate was 43%. The mean age was 85.2 years. The disease was considered severe in 76.1% of the cases. Lasso regression and multivariate Cox regression indicated that factors correlated with hospital mortality were: age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.22), alcohol consumption (HR 3.15, 95% CI: 1.27-7.84), CRP > 10 mg/dL (HR 2.67, 95% CI: 1.36-5.24), and oxygen support with Venturi Mask (HR 6.37, 95% CI: 2.18-18.62) or reservoir (HR 7.87, 95% CI: 3.37-18.38). Previous treatment with antiplatelets was the only protective factor (HR 0.47, 95% CI: 0.23-0.96). In the adjusted treatment efficacy analysis, we found benefit in the combined use of tocilizumab (TCZ) and corticosteroids (CS) (HR 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01-0.74) compared to standard treatment, with no benefit of CS alone (HR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.53-1.71). Hospitalized elderly patients suffer from a severe and often fatal form of COVID-19 disease. In this regard, several parameters might identify high-risk patients upon admission. Combined use of TCZ and CS could improve survival.

Glucose transport engineering allows mimicking fed-batch performance in batch mode and selection of superior producer strains.

BACKGROUND: Fed-batch mode is the standard culture technology for industrial bioprocesses. Nevertheless, most of the early-stage cell and process development is carried out in batch cultures, which can bias the initial selection of expression systems. Cell engineering can provide an alternative to fed-batch cultures for high-throughput screening and host selection. We have previously reported a library of Escherichia coli strains with single and multiple deletions of genes involved in glucose transport. Compared to their wild type (W3110), the mutant strains displayed lower glucose uptake, growth and aerobic acetate production rates. Therefore, when cultured in batch mode, such mutants may perform similar to W3110 cultured in fed-batch mode. To test that hypothesis, we evaluated the constitutive expression of the green fluorescence protein (GFP) in batch cultures in microbioreactors using a semi defined medium supplemented with 10 or 20 g/L glucose + 0.4 g yeast extract/g glucose. RESULTS: The mutant strains cultured in batch mode displayed a fast-growth phase (growth rate between 0.40 and 0.60 h-1) followed by a slow-growth phase (growth rate between 0.05 and 0.15 h-1), similar to typical fed-batch cultures. The phase of slow growth is most probably caused by depletion of key amino acids. Three mutants attained the highest GFP fluorescence. Particularly, a mutant named WHIC (ΔptsHIcrr, ΔmglABC), reached a GFP fluorescence up to 14-fold greater than that of W3110. Strain WHIC was cultured in 2 L bioreactors in batch mode with 100 g/L glucose + 50 g/L yeast extract. These cultures were compared with exponentially fed-batch cultures of W3110 maintaining the same slow-growth of WHIC (0.05 h-1) and using the same total amount of glucose and yeast extract than in WHIC cultures. The WHIC strain produced approx. 450 mg/L GFP, while W3110 only 220 mg/L. CONCLUSION: The combination of cell engineering and high throughput screening allowed the selection of a particular mutant that mimics fed-batch behavior in batch cultures. Moreover, the amount of GFP produced by the strain WHIC was substantially higher than that of W3110 under both, batch and fed-batch schemes. Therefore, our results represent a valuable technology for accelerated bioprocess development.

Glucose consumption rate-dependent transcriptome profiling of Escherichia coli provides insight on performance as microbial factories.

BACKGROUND: The modification of glucose import capacity is an engineering strategy that has been shown to improve the characteristics of Escherichia coli as a microbial factory. A reduction in glucose import capacity can have a positive effect on production strain performance, however, this is not always the case. In this study, E. coli W3110 and a group of four isogenic derivative strains, harboring single or multiple deletions of genes encoding phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS)-dependent transporters as well as non-PTS transporters were characterized by determining their transcriptomic response to reduced glucose import capacity. RESULTS: These strains were grown in bioreactors with M9 mineral salts medium containing 20 g/L of glucose, where they displayed specific growth rates ranging from 0.67 to 0.27 h-1, and specific glucose consumption rates (qs) ranging from 1.78 to 0.37 g/g h. RNA-seq analysis revealed a transcriptional response consistent with carbon source limitation among all the mutant strains, involving functions related to transport and metabolism of alternate carbon sources and characterized by a decrease in genes encoding glycolytic enzymes and an increase in gluconeogenic functions. A total of 107 and 185 genes displayed positive and negative correlations with qs, respectively. Functions displaying positive correlation included energy generation, amino acid biosynthesis, and sugar import. CONCLUSION: Changes in gene expression of E. coli strains with impaired glucose import capacity could be correlated with qs values and this allowed an inference of the physiological state of each mutant. In strains with lower qs values, a gene expression pattern is consistent with energy limitation and entry into the stationary phase. This physiological state could explain why these strains display a lower capacity to produce recombinant protein, even when they show very low rates of acetate production. The comparison of the transcriptomes of the engineered strains employed as microbial factories is an effective approach for identifying favorable phenotypes with the potential to improve the synthesis of biotechnological products.

Residential proximity to greenness and adverse birth outcomes in urban areas: Findings from a national Canadian population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Over the last decade, several studies have reported that residential proximity to vegetation, or 'greenness', is associated with improved birth outcomes, including for term birth weight (TBW), preterm birth (PTB), and small for gestational age (SGA). However, there remain several uncertainties about these possible benefits including the role of air pollution, and the extent to they are influenced socioeconomic status. METHODS: We addressed these gaps using a national population-based study of 2.2 million singleton live births in Canadian metropolitan areas between 1999 and 2008. Exposures to greenness, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were assigned to infants using the postal code of their mother's residence at the time of birth. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used to characterize greenness, while estimates of ambient PM2.5 and NO2 were estimated using remote sensing, and a national land-use regression surface, respectively. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to describe associations between residential greenness and the birth outcomes. Stratified analyses explored whether these associations were modified by neighbourhood measures of socioeconomic status. RESULTS: Mothers who lived in greener areas had a lower risk of low TBW, PTB, and SGA babies. These associations persisted after adjustment for ambient NO2 and PM2.5. Specifically, in fully adjusted models, an interquartile range (IQR = 0.16) increase in the NDVI within a residential buffer of 250 m yielded odds ratios of 0.93 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.92, 0.94), 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92, 0.95), and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.93, 0.95) for the outcomes of PTB, low TBW, and SGA, respectively. Similarly, an IQR increase in greenness was associated with a 16.3 g (95% CI: 15.3, 17.4) increase in TBW. We found inverse associations between greenness and the occurrence of adverse birth outcomes regardless of the socioeconomic status of the neighbourhood. INTERPRETATION: Our findings support the hypothesis that residential greenness contributes to healthier pregnancies, that these associations are independent from exposure to air pollution. , and that proximity to greenness benefits all mothers regardless of socioeconomic status.

Ambient Air Pollution and Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: An Updated Scoping Review.

To review and discuss recent findings on the associations between pediatric/early-life exposures to ambient air pollution and the risk of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). A scoping review was conducted using the Peters Micah et al. framework. We searched, selected, extracted, and reviewed information from published peer-reviewed papers from three bibliographic databases, chosen to cover a broad range of disciplines. Limits on date (last decade), language, and subject were placed on the database search. The search identified 109 papers from 2010 to June 2021. After screening, we identified nine articles with data on air pollution as a risk factor for IBD, but only four epidemiologic studies directly investigated the association between air pollution and IBD development in children and young adults. These four papers show that air pollution components have different associations with pediatric IBD (pIBD) incidence. Consequently, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and the oxidant capacity of air pollution (Ox) were positively associated with pIBD incidence, whereas the association effects of particulate matter (PM) and ozone (O3) exposures were not clear. Despite good scientific rationale and some studies, the evidence on the role that air pollution has in IBD development is limited, highlighting the need for further investigation. Future studies should include the epidemiology of air pollutants and its sources, identifying and understanding mechanisms linking air pollution and pIBD, and identifying signatures of biological responses to air pollutants.

Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field (nsPEF): Opening the Biotechnological Pandora's Box.

Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field (nsPEF) is an electrostimulation technique first developed in 1995; nsPEF requires the delivery of a series of pulses of high electric fields in the order of nanoseconds into biological tissues or cells. They primary effects in cells is the formation of membrane nanopores and the activation of ionic channels, leading to an incremental increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration, which triggers a signaling cascade producing a variety of effects: from apoptosis up to cell differentiation and proliferation. Further, nsPEF may affect organelles, making nsPEF a unique tool to manipulate and study cells. This technique is exploited in a broad spectrum of applications, such as: sterilization in the food industry, seed germination, anti-parasitic effects, wound healing, increased immune response, activation of neurons and myocites, cell proliferation, cellular phenotype manipulation, modulation of gene expression, and as a novel cancer treatment. This review thoroughly explores both nsPEF's history and applications, with emphasis on the cellular effects from a biophysics perspective, highlighting the role of ionic channels as a mechanistic driver of the increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration.

Multivariate optimization results in an edible extract from Ilex paraguariensis unexplored residues with a high amount of phenolic compounds.

Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil. plants are used for the preparation of food and drinks which are widely consumed worldwide. During the harvest season of these plants, 2-5 ton hec-1 of agricultural residue is generated, which remains underutilized. Therefore, this study aimed to obtain an edible extract with high content of bioactive compounds and antimicrobial properties from the agricultural residue of I. paraguariensis for industrial use in food applications. The extraction conditions were optimized through a multivariate experimental design using ethanol:water. The extracted compounds were characterized by HPLC-ESY-QTOF-MS. In the optimal extraction conditions, 55 compounds were extracted, including 8 compounds that were not previously reported in I. paraguariensis. The method proved to be simple, fast, economical and environmentally friendly, with the use of green solvents. This optimization allowed for the extraction of 15.07 g of phenolic compounds per 100 g of residue. The extract showed high antioxidant activity and the capacity to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus. Results indicate that it is possible to obtain an edible extract with a high content of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic compounds, from the I. paraguariensis residue, which has high prospects for the valorization of unexplored natural resources.

Variables Predicting Academic Success of Nursing Students: a Longitudinal Study in a Nursing Bachelor's Degree Program.

Background: Academic failure can negatively impact on the student, the university and the nursing workforce in the short term. The aim of this study is to analyze the characteristics and predictors of academic success in two cohorts of students of a Nursing Bachelor's Degree program. Methods: This longitudinal study enrolled students who attended the Nursing Bachelor's Degree program. The Tor Vergata University includes 21 Nursing Bachelor's Degree programs at several Sanitary Institutions of the Rome area, with a mean annual recruitment of 800 students. We considered two cohorts of students beginning the program in the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 academic years, respectively. The follow-up of these two cohorts ended in the 2017-2018 academic year. We considered socio-demographic and academic variables in the nursing field (pre-admission test grade, training exam grade in the first, second and third year and professional license exam grade). The outcome variable is academic success defined as gradua-tion on time; academic failure is defined as changing degree, delay in completion of the course, attrition and dismissal (failure to complete the studies). Data were collected at baseline (T0), at the end of the first year (T1), at the end of the second year (T2) and at the end of the third year (T3) of the course. A logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of academic success. Results: 2,041 students were enrolled, with an average age of 22.0 years (± 4.6, 18-50); 67.4% were female. Regarding academic success, 30.6% of students graduated on time and so achieved academic success, while 69.4% failed to complete the course within the established time: 5.4% (110/2,041) changed the course, the attrition rate was 7.3%, 0.3% (6/2,041) overdue from the course for expiring of the terms, 18.0% (368/2,041) is attending the course and 38.4% (784/2,041) graduated after more than three years. Pre-admission test grade (OR: 10.0, 95% CI: 10.020-10.054) and training exam grade at the second and third years (OR: 10.0 95% CI: 10.027-10.139; OR: 10.2 95% CI: 10.171-10.294) predicted academic success. Discussion and Conclusions: Some nursing students changed course during the last year of the program, while the training exam grade of the second and third years had predicted academic success; this is a brand new information derived from this study. In addition, we confirmed the association of age, gender, secondary school type and grade and preadmission test with academic success. For these reasons, clinical training should be improved and the quality of internship wards, as learning environments, should be monitored. Italian universities should undertake establishing the ideal cut-off in pre-admission tests to determine which students have a high probability of academic success.

Furfural biotransformation in Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1 and Acinetobacter schindleri ACE.

OBJECTIVES: To determine furfural biotransformation capabilities of Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1 and Acinetobacter schindleri ACE. RESULTS: Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1 and A. schindleri ACE could not use furfural as sole carbon source but when acetate was used as substrate, ADP1 and ACE biotransformed 1 g furfural/l in 5 and 9 h, respectively. In both cases, the product of this biotransformation was difurfuryl-ether as shown by FT-IR and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The presence of furfural decreased the specific growth rate in acetate by 27% in ADP1 and 53% in ACE. For both strains, the MIC of furfural was 1.25 g/l. Nonetheless, ADP1 biotransformed 2 g furfural/l at a rate of 1 g/l/h in the stationary phase of growth. A transcriptional analysis of possible dehydrogenases involved in this biotransformation, identified that the areB and frmA genes were highly overexpressed after the exposure of ADP1 to furfural. The products of these genes are a benzyl-alcohol dehydrogenase and an alcohol dehydrogenase. CONCLUSIONS: Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1 is a candidate for the biological detoxification of furfural, a fermentation inhibitor present in lignocellulosic hydrolysates, with the possible direct involvement of the AreB and FrmA enzymes in the process.

Carioca bean starch upon synergic modification: characteristics and films properties.

BACKGROUND: The use of damaged beans for starch isolation comprises an end-use alternative for a product that is not accepted by the consumer. For that reason, isolation and modification of Carioca bean starch should be explored and evaluated as a suitable source for biodegradable material. The present study aimed to evaluate the synergism of physical and chemical modifications on Carioca bean starch with respect to improving the properties of biodegradable films. A heat-moisture treatment (HMT) followed by oxidation by sodium hypochlorite was performed and vice versa. RESULTS: Synergism was noted in the starch properties compared to the single modification. When the oxidation was applied first, a higher amylose and carbonyl content was noted. HMT, isolated and as a second modification, caused a more pronounced effect on viscosity profile than the oxidized starch, with an increase in paste temperature and a decrease in viscosity, breakdown and final viscosity. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in the present study reflect a decrease in water vapor permeability, although a higher tensile strength was noted when oxidation was applied, as a single and as a first modification. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Homecare workers in Italy: a narrative review.

INTRODUCTION: The progressive ageing and ever-increasing life expectancy of the world's population are accompanied by an increase in chronic pathologies. Italy continues to be the nation with the highest percentage of senior citizens. Recent economic crises and movements of social change have led to a gradual increase in the use of homecare workers for the territorial and family management of chronic illnesses. Contrary to what has happened in other countries, in Italy an informal logic has prevailed regarding the recruitment and the employment of homecare workers, hindering the evolution of this sector. AIMS: This narrative review focuses on the role of homecare workers, as it appears in Italian researches. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted using the following electronic databases: CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, MEDLINE Complete, PsycINFO, and SocINDEX. Only studies conducted in the past 20 years with an Italian Homecare Worker (HCW) target population were considered. Data were extracted from each manuscript to allow for quick comparisons of information, such as research objectives, study methodologies, data collection tools, and relative results. Two reviewers independently extracted the following data for each study: region, setting context, participant characteristics, group description and sample, outcomes measured, and a description of the main results. RESULTS: From the analysis of heterogeneous Italian literature, the importance of homecare workers is clear. Their work not only influences assisted individuals but also informal caregivers and the direct costs of the Italian national health system. CONCLUSION: Homecare workers are important in Italian society. The little attention that the scientific literature has paid to this population may be due to the difficulty of finding subjects with a legal status and, therefore, who are willing to participate in specific investigations. Investigating the dyad of care and extending these investigations to the surrounding family context, seem to be the major priorities that should be explored by future research.

Comprehensive analysis of peptides and low molecular weight components of the giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps venom.

Ants (Hymenoptera, Apocrita, Aculeata, Formicoidea) comprise a well-succeeded group of animals. Like bees and wasps, ants are mostly venomous, having a sting system to deliver a mixture of bioactive organic compounds and peptides. The predatory giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps belongs to the subfamily Ponerinae that includes one of the largest known ant species in the world. In the present study, low molecular weight compounds and peptides were identified by online peptide mass fingerprint. These include neuroactive biogenic amines (histamine, tyramine, and dopamine), monoamine alkaloid (phenethylamine), free amino acids (e.g. glutamic acid and proline), free thymidine, and cytosine. To the best of our knowledge, most of these components are described for the first time in an ant venom. Multifunctional dinoponeratoxin peptide variants (pilosulin- and ponericin-like peptides) were characterized that possess antimicrobial, hemolytic, and histamine-releasing properties. These venom components, particularly peptides, might synergistically contribute to the overall venom activity and toxicity, for immobilizing live prey, and for defending D. quadriceps against aggressors, predators, and potential microbial infection.