Protein cross-linking in food

The aims of this paper are (1) to probe the relationship betweenmolecular structure and protein cross-linking ability for a range of small mol-ecules; (2) to establish whether this relationship holds within a food matrix;and (3) to test the impact of Maillard cross-linking on food functionality, par-ticularly texture, in wheat- and soy-based food systems. A variety of moleculeswere obtained, either commercially or via organic synthesis. Cross-linkingability was tested using our standard model system, employing ribonuclease Aand analyzing the results by SDS-PAGE. Molecules of varying reactivity weretested in wheat- and soy-based products, and the changes in functionality werecorrelated with changes in protein cross-linking. No simple relationship wasfound between molecular structure and ability to cross-link ribonuclease. Onlythe most reactive reagents were able to cross-link within the food matrix.Nevertheless, a low degree of cross-linking was shown to have significant con-sequences on the properties of wheat- and soy-based foods, suggesting that theMaillard reaction may represent a means to control food texture

Cervical spondylosis with spinal cord encroachment: should preventive surgery be recommended?

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>It has been stated that individuals who have spondylotic encroachment on the cervical spinal cord without myelopathy are at increased risk of spinal cord injury if they experience minor trauma. Preventive decompression surgery has been recommended for these individuals. The purpose of this paper is to provide the non-surgical spine specialist with information upon which to base advice to patients. The evidence behind claims of increased risk is investigated as well as the evidence regarding the risk of decompression surgery.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A literature search was conducted on the risk of spinal cord injury in individuals with asymptomatic cord encroachment and the risk and benefit of preventive decompression surgery.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Three studies on the risk of spinal cord injury in this population met the inclusion criteria. All reported increased risk. However, none were prospective cohort studies or case-control studies, so the designs did not allow firm conclusions to be drawn. A number of studies and reviews of the risks and benefits of decompression surgery in patients with cervical myelopathy were found, but no studies were found that addressed surgery in asymptomatic individuals thought to be at risk. The complications of decompression surgery range from transient hoarseness to spinal cord injury, with rates ranging from 0.3% to 60%.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>There is insufficient evidence that individuals with spondylotic spinal cord encroachment are at increased risk of spinal cord injury from minor trauma. Prospective cohort or case-control studies are needed to assess this risk. There is no evidence that prophylactic decompression surgery is helpful in this patient population. Decompression surgery appears to be helpful in patients with cervical myelopathy, but the significant risks may outweigh the unknown benefit in asymptomatic individuals. Thus, broad recommendations for decompression surgery in suspected at-risk individuals cannot be made. Recommendations to individual patients must consider possible unique circumstances.</p