Application of small angle scattering (SAS) in structural characterisation of casein and casein-based products during digestion.

In recent years, small and ultra-small angle scattering techniques, collectively known as small angle scattering (SAS) have been used to study various food structures during the digestion process. These techniques play an important role in structural characterisation due to the non-destructive nature (especially when using neutrons), various in situ capabilities and a large length scale (of 1 nm to ∼20 µm) they cover. The application of these techniques in the structural characterisation of dairy products has expanded significantly in recent years. Casein, a major dairy protein, forms the basis of a wide range of gel structures at different length scales. These gel structures have been extensively researched utilising scattering techniques to obtain structural information at the nano and micron scale that complements electron and confocal microscopy. Especially, neutrons have provided opportunity to study these gels in their natural environment by using various in situ options. One such example is understanding changes in casein gel structures during digestion in the gastrointestinal tract, which is essential for designing personalised food structures for a wide range of food-related diseases and improve health outcomes. In this review, we present an overview of casein gels investigated using small angle and ultra-small angle scattering techniques. We also reviewed their digestion using newly built setups recently employed in various research. To gain a greater understanding of micro and nano-scale structural changes during digestion, such as the effect of digestive juices and mechanical breakdown on structure, new setups for semi-solid food materials are needed to be optimised.

Gastric devolution of transglutaminase-induced acid and rennet-induced casein gels using dynamic DIDGI® and static COST action INFOGEST protocols.

Limited studies in the literature have compared in vitro dynamic and in vitro static protocols for modelling the gastric digestive process of food systems. This experiment explores the differences between two different in vitro approaches to the devolution of a transglutaminase-induced acid gel (TG, pH 5.1-5.3) and rennet-induced gel (RG, pH 6.5-6.7). Gels were exposed to a simulated oral phase, followed by either the dynamic DIDGI® or static COST action INFOGEST protocol to simulate gastric conditions. Protein hydrolysis was evident from 15 min onwards for TG exposed to the dynamic protocol where levels continued to increase at a steady rate. In contrast, RG exhibited a notable lag-phase before levels increased from around 60 min onwards. Under the static protocol, protein hydrolysis was observed for both TG and RG upon exposure to the gastric environment which continued to increase over time. Despite these differences, similar levels of protein hydrolysis were found for TG and RG at the gastric endpoint using either protocol demonstrating that both the dynamic DIDGI® and static COST action INFOGEST methods provide a suitable and comparable environment for the in vitro digestion of casein protein under simulated gastric conditions.

Current evidence on the use of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasm: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Thromboembolic events in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are one of the most important causes of mortality and morbidity, in which vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) have been used mostly. Recently, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are used in venous thromboembolism (VTE) and cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT). With the adoption of data from CAT and VTE, the usage of DOACs in MPNs is increasing. AREAS COVERED: In this paper, we performed a systematic review to the current literature regarding the usage of DOACs in MPNs. Eleven studies involving 944 patients were included. The reasons for initiating DOACs were secondary prophylaxis for thrombosis (arterial or venous) and atrial fibrillation (AF) in 562 and 382 patients, respectively. A total of 84 (8.9%) recurrent thrombotic (arterial or venous) events recorded. Forty-six (8.1%) events occurred in the thrombosis group (arterial or venous) and 38 (9.9%) events occurred in patients with AF. EXPERT OPINION: Ease of management and patient comfort should be regarded as benefits of DOACs compared to VKAs. However, it would be appropriate to bring an individualized approach until we obtain high-quality data with prospectively designed studies involving more patients and longer follow-up time concerning the use of DOACs in patients with MPNs.

Influence of Clinical Decontamination Techniques on the Surface Characteristics of SLA Titanium Implant.

The study aims: 1. To perform diode laser, titanium (Ti) brush, and Ti curette treatment on sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) Ti surfaces, with/without H2O2 and CHX, 2. To investigate the influence of decontamination techniques on implant surface topography and hydrophilicity. Diode laser, Ti brush, and Ti curette treatments were performed on the Grade 4 Ti discs, with/without treatment with 3% H2O2 solution or 0.2% CHX. Surface characteristics were investigated via SEM, optical profilometry, and water contact angle meter. SEM findings revealed flat and scratched areas when treated with Ti curette and Ti brush. For diode laser, SEM showed melting in specific areas. Ra and Rt values were lower in all test groups than in the control group (p < 0.05). The adjunctive chemical treatment showed negligible effects in SEM images and surface roughness measurements compared to laser and mechanical treatment-only groups. H2O2 treatment resulted in enhanced hydrophilicity in either treatment modalities with a significant difference compared to the negative control group (p < 0.05). In all test groups, the hydrophilicity was enhanced compared to the negative control group (p < 0.05). Diode laser treatment had the least disruptive effect on the Ti surface characteristics. The use of other mechanical methods caused significant alterations in the surface roughness.

Investigating casein gel structure during gastric digestion using ultra-small and small-angle neutron scattering.

This study aimed to understand the structural devolution of 10% w/w rennet-induced (RG) and transglutaminase-induced acid (TG) gels in H2O and D2O under in vitro gastric conditions with and without pepsin. The real-time devolution of structure at a nano- (e.g. colloidal calcium phosphate (CCP) and micelle) and micro- (gel network) level was determined using ultra-small (USANS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) with electron microscopy. Results demonstrate that gel firmness or elasticity determines disintegration behaviour during simulated mastication and consequently the particle size entering the stomach. Shear of mixing in the stomach, pH, and enzyme activity will also affect the digestion process. Our results suggest that shear of mixing primarily results in erosion at the particle surface and governs gel disintegration behaviour during the early stages of digestion. Pepsin diffusivity, and hence action, occur more readily in the latter stages of gastric digestion via access to the particle interior. This occurs via the progressively larger pores of the looser gel network and channels created within the larger, less dense casein micelles of the RG gels. Gel firmness and brittleness were greater in the D2O samples compared to H2O, facilitating gel disintegration. Despite the higher strength and elasticity of RG compared to TG, the protein network strands of the RG gels become more compact when exposed to the acidic gastric environment with comparatively larger pores observed through SEM imaging. This led to a higher degree of digestibility in RG gels compared to TG gels. This is the first study to examine casein gel structure during simulated gastric digestion using scattering and highlights the benefits of neutron scattering to monitor structural changes during digestion at multiple length scales.