Effect of triticale grain characteristics, scouring, and extrusion conditions on physico-chemical properties, antioxidant activity, and volatile compounds of flat bread

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of grain preparation technology, extrusion cooking conditions, and triticale cultivars on physico-chemical properties of crisp bread. Triticale cultivars used in the experiments differed in protein content, starch content, amylolytic activity, and viscosimetric properties. The type of the twinscrew extruder used has an effect on starch degradation, phenolic contents, and antioxidant activity of the product, but a greater effect on those characteristics is found for grain scouring prior to extrusion. All factors had an effect on volatile compound amounts in crisp bread, but the direction and range of these changes were random in character. Results of this study show that triticale grain can be useful raw material for the production of flat bread

Tebentafusp (IMCgp100) in the treatment of uveal melanoma — from preclinical evidence to clinical practice

Tebentafusp (IMCgp100) is a novel bispecific immunotherapy that contains a specifically engineered soluble T-cellreceptor (TCR) capable of recognising the gp100 epitope on the surface of tumour cells presented by human leukocyteantigen-A*02:01 (HLA- A*02:01 (HLA-A2) is a specific allele within the HLA-A2 group). The HLA-A2 is then fused tothe single-chain variable fragment of anti-CD3, which binds to T-cells and destroys them. Tebentafusp has been shownto cause a significant increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels that are detrimental to the tumour. The preliminaryresults of tebentafusp in solid tumours are encouraging, particularly in advanced/metastatic uveal melanoma (UM).In a randomised phase III study (IMCgp100-202; n = 378), patients with untreated HLA*02:01 positive metastatic UM(mUM), tebentafusp significantly improved overall survival (OS) with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.51 compared to the investigator’schoice, mainly pembrolizumab (82%). The one-year OS rate for tebentafusp was 73% compared to 59%for pembrolizumab. For comparison, the single-arm GEM1402 study (n = 52) reported a one-year OS rate of 52% forthe combination of nivolumab and Ipilimumab in metastatic UM. The most common adverse reactions related totebentafusp include cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and dermatological reactions such as rash. It is the first drugwith OS benefit in advanced/metastatic UM patients. However, further research is needed to optimise its use, improvepatient selection, develop combination therapies and identify predictive and prognostic biomarkers

Impact of muscle mass on survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation beyond the Milan criteria

Background: Access to the liver transplant waitlist for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) depends on tumour presentation, biology, and response to treatments. The Milan Criteria (MC) represent the benchmark for expanded criteria that incorporate additional prognostic factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the added value of skeletal muscle index (SMI) in HCC patients beyond the MC. Method: Patients with HCC that were transplanted beyond the MC were included in this retrospective multicentre study. SMI was quantified using the Computed Tomography (CT) within 3 months prior to transplantation. Cox regression models were used to identify predictors of overall survival (OS). The discriminative performance of SMI extended Metroticket 2.0 and AFP models was also assessed. Results: Out of 889 patients transplanted outside the MC, 528 had a CT scan within 3 months prior to liver transplantation (LT), of whom 176 (33%) were classified as sarcopenic. The median time between assessment of the SMI and LT was 1.8 months (IQR: 0.77–2.67). The median follow-up period was 5.1 95% CI [4.7–5.5] years, with a total of 177 recorded deaths from any cause. In a linear regression model with SMI as the dependent variable, only male gender (8.55 95% CI [6.51–10.59], P < 0.001) and body mass index (0.74 95% CI [0.59–0.89], P < 0.001) were significant. Univariable survival analysis of patients with sarcopenia versus patients without sarcopenia showed a significant difference in OS (HR 1.44 95% CI [1.07 − 1.94], P = 0.018). Also the SMI was significant (HR 0.98 95% CI [0.96–0.99], P = 0.014). The survival difference between the lowest SMI quartile versus the highest SMI quartile was significant (log-rank: P = 0.005) with 5 year OS of 57% and 71%, respectively. Data from 423 patients, describing 139 deaths, was used for multivariate analysis. Both sarcopenia (HR 1.45 95% CI [1.02 − 2.05], P = 0.036) and SMI were (HR 0.98 95% CI [0.95–0.99], P = 0.035) significant. On the survival scale this translates to a 5 year OS difference of 11% between sarcopenia and no sarcopenia. Whereas for SMI, this translates to a survival difference of 8% between first and third quartiles for both genders. Conclusions: Overall, we can conclude that higher muscle mass contributes to a better long-term survival. However, for individual patients, low muscle mass should not be considered an absolute contra-indication for LT as its discriminatory performance was limited

Adjuvant interferon gamma in patients with pulmonary atypical Mycobacteriosis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>High antibiotic resistance is described in atypical Mycobacteriosis, mainly by <it>Mycobacterium avium </it>complex (MAC).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in two hospitals to evaluate the effect of interferon (IFN) gamma as immunoadjuvant to chemotherapy on patients with atypical mycobacteria lung disease. Patients received placebo or 1 × 10⁶IU recombinant human IFN gamma intramuscularly, daily for one month and then three times per week up to 6 months as adjuvant to daily oral azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, ethambutol and rifampin. Sputum samples collection for direct smear observation and culture as well as clinical and thorax radiography assessments were done during treatment and one year after. Cytokines and oxidative stress determinations were carried out in peripheral blood before and after treatment.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Eighteen patients were included in the IFN group and 14 received placebo. Groups were homogeneous at entry; average age was 60 years, 75% men, 84% white; MAC infection prevailed (94%). At the end of treatment, 72% of patients treated with IFN gamma were evaluated as complete responders, but only 36% in the placebo group. The difference was maintained during follow-up. A more rapid complete response was obtained in the IFN group (5 months before), with a significantly earlier improvement in respiratory symptoms and pulmonary lesions reduction. Disease-related deaths were 35.7% of the patients in the placebo group and only 11.1% in the IFN group. Three patients in the IFN group normalized their globular sedimentation rate values. Although differences in bacteriology were not significant during the treatment period, some patients in the placebo group converted again to positive during follow-up. Significant increments in serum TGF-beta and advanced oxidation protein products were observed in the placebo group but not among IFN receiving patients. Treatments were well tolerated. Flu-like symptoms predominated in the IFN gamma group. No severe events were recorded.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These data suggest that IFN gamma is useful and well tolerated as adjuvant therapy in patients with pulmonary atypical Mycobacteriosis, predominantly MAC. Further wider clinical trials are encouraged.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN70900209.</p

Strawnosc skrobi natywnych i modyfikowanych

Artykuł przedstawia najważniejsze informacje na temat czynników wpływających na strawność skrobi. Ponadto w prezentowanym artykule podjęto próbę zebrania danych literaturowych dotyczących strawności in vitro i in vivo preparatów skrobi modyfikowanych.The paper shows the most important information on factors affecting starch digestibility. In addition this article reviews literature data on digestibility of modified starches in vitro and in vivo

Porownanie wartosci odzywczej wybranych makaronow instant

Celem pracy było porównanie wartości odżywczej makaronów instant. Badaniu poddano 8 makaronów - 4 wyprodukowane według technologii opracowanej w Centralnym Laboratorium Przemysłu Koncentratów Spożywczych „KONCLAB" w Poznaniu oraz 4 inne producentów krajowych i zagranicznych. Oznaczono podstawowy skład chemiczny badanych produktów, a także strawność in vitro skrobi przed i po przygotowaniu makaronów do spożycia oraz zawartość błonnika pokarmowego z podziałem na frakcję rozpuszczalną i nierozpuszczalną. Stwierdzono, że makarony instant typu orientalnego charakteryzowały się wyższą zawartością tłuszczu oraz wyższą wartością energetyczną w porównaniu z makaronami instant otrzymanymi innymi metodami. Wykazano wysoką strawność in vitro skrobi w większości badanych makaronów, zarówno przed (> 80%), jak i po przygotowaniu do spożycia (> 90%). Najwyższą zawartością błonnika pokarmowego w suchej masie produktu (7,08%) charakteryzował się importowany makaron instant otrzymywany z semoliny metodą parowania.The aim of this work was to compare the nutritional value of instant noodle samples. Eight types of instant noodles were studied - four of which were produced on a base of original technology worked out by Central Research Laboratory of Food Concentrates Industry KONCLAB and the others were made by various domestic and foreign producers. The chemical composition, energy value and contents of dietary fiber (total, soluble and insoluble) were determined. Starch digestibility in studied instant noodles was determined before and after cooking. It was noticed that instant noodles of oriental type had higher contents of fat and energy value in comparison to the others. High value in vitro starch digestibility was in the most of the samples before and after cooking (> 80% and > 90% respectively). The highest content of dietary fiber (7,08% d.m.) was in the sample of instant noodles produced of semolina by steam method