Influence of legume-derived proteins with varying solubility on the direct expansion of corn starch during twin-screw extrusion processing.

This study analyzed the effect of the inclusion of legume-derived proteins, specifically pea and fava bean protein, with varying solubility levels on the expansion of corn starch. Three different proteins exhibiting low, medium, or high solubility were mixed with corn starch to obtain blends containing 15%, 25%, and 35% (w/w) of the protein. Extrusion was performed on a twin-screw extruder at three different screw speeds (200, 400, and 600 rpm), a moisture content of 16% (w.b.), and a die temperature of 140°C. Obtained extrudates were analyzed for their expansion, unit density, and hydration properties, namely, water solubility index (WSI) and water absorption index (WAI). Extrudates containing the protein with the highest solubility showed different patterns than those that had proteins with low or medium solubility. Expansion ratio (ER) increased from a maximum of 3.55 ± 0.24 for pure corn starch up to 5.45 ± 0.43 when incorporating 35% of the protein with medium solubility but significantly decreased down to 1.24 ± 0.08 when incorporating 35% of the most soluble protein. The influence on the system parameters, as well as on the hydration properties, was also greatest for the blends containing the protein with the highest solubility. Even though significant Pearson correlations were observed between protein solubility and ER (r = -0.579), unity density (r = 0.614), WSI (r = -0.634), torque (r = -0.612), as well as specific mechanical energy (r = -0.451), further research is needed to evaluate if the solubility is indeed the reason for certain behaviors or if other protein characteristics are more critical for expansion. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This manuscript provides practical information on the influence of the addition of legume-derived proteins with different solubility levels on direct expansion. The obtained results may help the industry with the selection of the appropriate proteins for inclusion levels in producing high protein direct-expanded extruded food products.

The TT Genotype of the KIAA1524 rs2278911 Polymorphism Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Multiple Myeloma.

BACKGROUND: The KIAA1524 gene encodes an oncoprotein, CIP2A, which inhibits the phosphorylation of the Akt kinase B, stabilizes the c-Myc protein, and, through that, promotes cancerogenesis. An increase in CIP2A expression has been observed in numerous solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma (MM). The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical impact of the functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the KIAA1524 gene (rs2278911, 686C > T) in MM patients. METHODS: The study group consisted of 128 patients with de novo MM. EDTA venous blood samples were collected prior to the treatment. The SNPs were analyzed by Real-Time PCR with the use of specific Taqman probes. RESULTS: Multivariable analysis revealed that variables independently associated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS) included thrombocytopenia, delTP53 and IGH/CCND1 translocation and the TT genotype of the KIAA1524 gene (686C > T) (median PFS: 6 vs. 25 months; HR = 7.18). On the other hand, autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) was related to a lower risk of early disease progression. Moreover, light chain disease, International Staging System (ISS) 3, poor performance status, hypoalbuminemia, IGH/FGFR3 translocation and the TT genotype of the KIAA1524 gene (686C > T) were independent prognostic factors associated with shorter overall survival (OS) (median OS: 8 vs. 45 months; HR = 7.08). CONCLUSION: The evaluation of the SNP 686C > T of the KIAA1524 gene could be used as a diagnostic tool in MM patients at risk of early disease progression and death.

ICP-MS Multi-Elemental Analysis of the Human Meninges Collected from Sudden Death Victims in South-Eastern Poland.

Metals perform many important physiological functions in the human body. The distribution of elements in different tissues is not uniform. Moreover, some structures can be the site of an accumulation of essential or toxic metals, leading to multi-directional intracellular damage. In the nervous system, these disorders are especially dangerous. Metals dyshomeostasis has been linked to a variety of neurological disorders which end up leading to permanent injuries. The multi-elemental composition of the human brain is still the subject of numerous investigations and debates. In this study, for the first time, the meninges, i.e., the dura mater and the arachnoid, were examined for their elemental composition by means of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Tissue samples were collected post mortem from those who died suddenly as a result of suicide (n = 20) or as a result of injuries after an accident (n = 20). The interactions between 51 elements in both groups showed mainly weak positive correlations, which dominated the arachnoid mater compared to the dura mater. The study showed differences in the distribution of some elements within the meninges in the studied groups. The significant differences concerned mainly metals from the lanthanide family (Ln), macroelements (Na, K, Ca, Mg), a few micronutrients (Co), and toxic cadmium (Cd). The performed evaluation of the elemental distribution in the human meninges sheds new light on the trace metals metabolism in the central nervous system, although we do not yet fully understand the role of the human meninges.

Methylation of DROSHA and DICER as a Biomarker for the Detection of Lung Cancer.

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Early diagnosis may improve the prognosis. Methods: Using quantitative methylation-specific real-time PCR (qMSP-PCR), we assessed the methylation status of two genes (in two subsequent regions according to locations in their promoter sequences) related to carcinogenesis, DICER and DROSHA, in 101 plasma samples (obtained prior to the treatment) of lung cancer patients and 45 healthy volunteers. Results: The relative level of methylation of DROSHA was significantly lower (p = 0.012 for first and p < 0.00001 for the second region) and DICER significantly higher (p = 0.029 for the first region) in cancer patients. The relative level of methylation of DROSHA was significantly (p = 0.037) higher in patients with early-stage NSCLC (IA-IIIA) and could discriminate them from healthy people with a sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 76% (AUC = 0.696, 95% CI: 0.545-0.847, p = 0.011) for the first region and with a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 85% (AUC = 0.795, 95% CI: 0.689-0.901, p < 0.0001) for the second region. Methylation analysis of the first region of the DICER enabled the distinction of NSCLC patients from healthy individuals with a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 60% (AUC = 0.651, 95% CI: 0.517-0.785, p = 0.027). The limitations of the study include its small sample size, preliminary nature, being an observational type of study, and the lack of functional experiments allowing for the explanation of the biologic backgrounds of the observed associations. Conclusion: The obtained results indicate that the assessment of DICER and DROSHA methylation status can potentially be used as a biomarker for the early detection of lung cancer.

The Food-Specific Serum IgG Reactivity in Major Depressive Disorder Patients, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients and Healthy Controls.

There is an increasing amount of evidence which links the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with food IgG hyperreactivity. Some authors have suggested that food IgG hyperreactivity could be also involved in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of this study was to compare levels of serum IgG against 39 selected food antigens between three groups of participants: patients with MDD (MDD group), patients with IBS (IBS group) and healthy controls (HC group). The study included 65 participants (22 in the MDD group, 22 in the IBS group and 21 in the HC group). Serum IgG levels were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Medical records, clinical data and laboratory results were collected for the analysis. IgG food hyperreactivity (interpreted as an average of levels of IgG antibodies above 7.5 µg/mL) was detected in 28 (43%) participants, including 14 (64%) from the MDD group, ten (46%) from the IBS group and four (19%) from the HC group. We found differences between extreme IgG levels in MDD versus HC groups and in IBS versus HC groups. Patients with MDD had significantly higher serum levels of total IgG antibodies and IgG against celery, garlic and gluten compared with healthy controls. The MDD group also had higher serum IgG levels against gluten compared with the IBS group. Our results suggest dissimilarity in immune responses against food proteins between the examined groups, with the highest immunoreactivity in the MDD group. Further studies are needed to repeat and confirm these results in bigger cohorts and also examine clinical utility of IgG-based elimination diet in patients with MDD and IBS.