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AbstractIn brewing research, non-Saccharomycesyeasts have gained attention in recent years, owing to their potential to influence the characteristics and flavor of beer. The Lachanceagenus possesses an uncommon trait, the production of significant amounts of lactic acid during alcoholic fermentation. This trait could potentially be harnessed for brewing purposes, particularly for the production of low alcohol beer. In this study, the potential of Lachancea fermentatistrain KBI 12.1 was investigated for the production of low alcohol beer in low gravity wort. KBI 12.1 was characterized for sugar utilization, hop sensitivity, phenolic off-flavor (POF) production, and propagation performance. Lab scale fermentation trials in diluted wort (6.6°P) were conducted and compared to a brewers’ yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiaeWLP001. Fermentations were monitored for lactic acid and ethanol production, pH drop, and sugar consumption. In the final beers, amino acid and free amino nitrogen (FAN) content were determined and secondary metabolites were quantified. Lachancea fermentatiKBI 12.1 showed to be unable to utilize maltotriose. The strain exhibited no POF production, minor hop sensitivity, and excellent propagation performance. Amino acid and FAN consumption were much lower compared to that of the brewers’ yeast. In the final beer fermented with KBI 12.1, the lactic acid concentration reached 1.3 g/L, giving the beer a sour taste. During sensory analysis, the beer was additionally described to have a fruity character. In conclusion, Lachancea fermentatiKBI 12.1 proved to be a suitable strain for brewing purposes, with promising traits with regard to nonalcoholic and low alcohol beer brewing.

Protein acetylation and deacetylation events are finely regulated by lysine-acetyl-transferases and lysine-deacetylases and constitute an important tool for the activation or inhibition of specific cellular pathways. One of the most important lysine-acetyl-transferases is p300, which is involved in the regulation of gene expression, cell growth, DNA repair, differentiation, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis. A well-known target of p300 is constituted by the tumor suppressor protein p53, which plays a critical role in the maintenance of genomic stability and whose activity is known to be controlled by post-translational modifications, among which acetylation. p300 activity toward p53 is negatively regulated by the NAD-dependent deacetylase SIRT1, which deacetylates p53 preventing its transcriptional activation and the induction of p53-dependent apoptosis. However, the mechanisms responsible for p53 regulation by p300 and SIRT1 are still poorly understood. Here we identify the nucleosome assembly protein TSPY-Like 2 (TSPYL2, also known as TSPX, DENTT, and CDA1) as a novel regulator of SIRT1 and p300 function. We demonstrate that, upon DNA damage, TSPYL2 inhibits SIRT1, disrupting its association with target proteins, and promotes p300 acetylation and activation, finally stimulating p53 acetylation and p53-dependent cell death. Indeed, in response to DNA damage, cells silenced for TSPYL2 were found to be defective in p53 activation and apoptosis induction and these events were shown to be dependent on SIRT1 and p300 function. Collectively, our results shed new light on the regulation of p53 acetylation and activation and reveal a novel TSPYL2 function with important implications in cancerogenesis.

This study presents an analytical method for the quantification of fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) in cereals and cereal-based products, considering diverse ingredients, such as different cereals in addition to wheat, pulses, or pseudocereals. All carbohydrates have been separated, identified, and quantified with a high-performance anion-exchange chromatographic system coupled with a pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD). The total fructan content and the average degree of polymerization (DPav) have been determined after enzymatic hydrolysis to the monomers glucose and fructose, on the basis of the principle of the official method for fructan quantification in food products, AOAC 997.08. The methods for extraction, separation, and detection as well as fructan determination are based on several other studies and were modified in order to minimize interferences in the analysis. The method has been validated with regard to the limits of detection and quantification, the linearity, the repeatability, and the accuracy as well as the DPavof the fructans.

Resveratrol (RSV), is a stilbene-based compound exerting wide biological properties. Its analogue 4,4′-dihydroxy-trans-stilbene (DHS) has shown improved bioavailability and antiproliferative activity in vitroand in vivo. One of the hypotheses on how resveratrol works is based on SIRT1 activation. Since their strict structural similarities, we have explored a potential interaction between DHS and SIRT1, in comparison with the parental molecule.

This work presents the results of a multidisciplinary study on iconographic elements and painting technique of painted tombstones from Paestum (Italy), dated from the end of the V century to the end of the IV century BC. The focus was a botanical and zoological analysis of the flora and fauna present in 33 tombs, from both the iconographic and chemical point of view. Pigments (red, yellow, orange, pink, blue, green, black, grey and brown) have been studied by XRF and Raman techniques. The animal and vegetal elements (the formers generally represented with more accuracy and details) in Paestum funerary art are not simply decorations, but they have numerous meanings, in both decorative systems and figured scenes, related to the ideal image of the dead (the social status of the dead, victory, heroic transfigurations, the voyage to the afterlife, etc.). Their high frequency confirms their important symbolism in funeral rituals. The artists' palette is quite limited and coherent with the contemporary funerary art in the Mediterranean basin. The use of Egyptian blue and of a red ochre enriched in manganese is interesting and deeper studies on these materials could help to better clarify the commercial background of Paestum during the 4th century BC.

Storage proteins from barley, wheat and rye are toxic to gluten sensitive consumers. These consumers include those suffering from coeliac disease, which account for up to 1% of the global population, and non‐coeliac gluten sensitivity that may affect even greater numbers of the population. Codex Alimentarius has published guidelines and limits of gluten in gluten‐free foods, which are applied in Europe, and similar guidelines apply in the rest of the world. The storage proteins present in barley are hordeins. These proteins are broken down and used by the plant as a source of amino acids during germination and growth of the barley embryo. The objective of this study was to extend the germination stage of the malting process and look at the effect on beer hordeins. Standard MEBAK methods were used to develop an extended malting process and produce three different malts, germinated for 3, 5 or 7 days. The quality of malt was assessed and model beers were produced from each malt to test the effect of modification on levels of beer hordeins. Malt germinated for 7 days produced beer 18 mg/kg hordeins corresponding to a reduction of 44% compared with the beer made from malt germinated for 3 days characterized by a hordein content equal to 32 mg/kg. The malting loss was increased during the 7 days of germination but otherwise all malts were of high quality. The results showed that malting conditions have a significant impact on beer hordeins. Copyright © 2018 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling

Genomic medicines have significant therapeutic potential to cure rare genetic diseases and cancer, but currently, most treatments rely on ex vivocell editing, which is time consuming, costly, and suffers from logistic and manufacturing challenges. In contrast, in vivodelivery of genomic medicines would unlock new therapeutic areas and provide broader patient access. However, the success of in vivodelivery is dependent on the development of safe delivery vehicles capable of transporting the genomic medicines to their intended target tissues and cells. In recent years, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as versatile delivery solutions for RNA therapeutics but have seldom been used fo r in vivodelivery beyond liver and muscle tissue. Challenges in extrahepatic delivery of LNPs include adequate tissue-specific targeting to achieve therapeutic levels of genome editing while avoiding anti-drug immune responses. We have developed novel LNPs designed to deliver RNA payloads to either T cells or hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in vivo.

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are an effective tool in regenerative medicine notably for their intrinsic plentiful paracrine activity rather than differentiating properties. The hMSC secretome includes a wide spectrum of regulatory and trophic factors, encompassing several naked molecules as well as different kinds of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Among EVs, exosomes represent an intriguing population, able to shuttle proteins, transcription factors, and genetic materials, with a relevant role in cell-to-cell communication, modulating biological responses in recipient cells. In this context, the extracellular milieu can greatly impact the paracrine activity of stem cells, modifying their metabolism, and the dynamics of vesicle secretion. In the present study, we investigated the effects elicited on exosome patterning by tailored, ad hocformulated lipid supplementation (Refeed®) in MSCs derived from human fetal membranes (hFM-MSCs). Wound healing experiments revealed that stem cell exposure to exosomes obtained from Refeed®-supplemented hFM-MSCs increased their migratory capability, although the amount of exosomes released after Refeed®supplementation was lower than that yielded from non-supplemented cells. We found that such a decrease was mainly due to a different rate of exosomal exocytosis rather than to an effect of the lipid supplement on the endocytic pathway. Endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis was modified by supplementation, through the upregulation of PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) and inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α). Increased expression of these proteins did not lead to stress-induced, unfolded protein response (UPR)-mediated apoptosis, nor did it affect phosphorylation of p38 kinase, suggesting that PERK and IRE1α overexpression was due to augmented metabolic activities mediated by optimization of a cellular feeding network afforded through lipid supplementation. In summary, these results demonstrate how tailored lipid supplementation can successfully modify the paracrine features in hFM-MSCs, impacting both intracellular vesicle trafficking and secreted exosome number and function.

Liposarcomas are rare mesenchymal tumors that usually develop in lower extremities or retroperitoneum; cervico-mediastinal presentation is quite uncommon. These neoplasms are commonly diagnosed at a late stage because they remain asymptomatic until nearby structures are compressed. This makes radical excision particularly challenging. To date, alternative chemoradiotherapy protocols have not yet been standardized. We report a case of a 55-year-old man with a right laterocervical mass and without substantial symptoms. Fine-needle aspiration cytology results were compatible with a well-differentiated liposarcoma. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed the magnitude of the mass, which was expanding into the mediastinum; displacing the trachea, esophagus, cervical neurovascular bundle, and thoracic aorta; and encasing the brachiocephalic artery. Compression of the left brachiocephalic vein resulted in a focal enhancement spot in the fourth liver segment, the expression of superior vena cava compression, which can promote the development of collateral venous pathways, such as the caval-mammary-phrenic-hepatic capsule-portal venous pathway. The mass was successfully excised by a team of surgical subspecialists (otorhinolaryngologists and thoracic, cardiac, and vascular surgeons). Adjuvant tomotherapy was administered to increase local disease control. The patient remained disease-free 38 months postoperatively. This case underlines the importance of accurate pre-operative radiologic evaluation in patients presenting with neck masses but without substantial symptoms. Because of the involvement of many critical structures, the cooperation of many surgical subspecialties is mandatory to achieve a satisfying oncologic outcome.

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The decoration of ceramic tiles “ink-jet revolution” has brought significant advantages to tiles manufacturing, but the explosive diffusion, until 4–5 years ago, of this technique has not been accomplished by an adequate scientific research. Among all the features that have to be studied yet, one of the most important is the influence of the new generation inks on the total emission at ceramic chimneys. In this paper, we present a first characterization of emissions from a set of commercial inks and vehicles: they were collected by propter firing of samples in an electric kiln and analyzed by GC–MS. This study is part of a larger research project, which includes the chemical characterization and the evaluation of thermal behavior of inks and vehicles by TG-DTA and other techniques. The obtained results permit to divide common vehicles into 3 classes, depending on their thermal behavior and emissions pattern. Inks, most of which present an ester based formulation, sometimes mixed with glycols or paraffins, follow the behavior of their single components. The most common formulation leads to the presence in the emission pattern of evaporation products (2-ethylhexyl esters of lauric, myristic, decanoic and octanoic acids) and decomposition products (mainly aldehydes and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol).

Aroma is an important quality parameter for wheat bread, and most of the aroma compounds in yeast-fermented bread are caused by the fermentative action of yeast. In this study, the impact of various strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, originating from the beverage industry, were investigated on the aroma profile of wheat bread. Seven volatiles were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry after thermal desorption (GC-MS TD) from the bread crumb. The results showed yeast strain-dependent production of aroma compounds. Descriptive sensory analysis resulted in an overall taste acceptance by the panelists for breads baked with S. cerevisiaebaker's yeast, T-58, and Blanc. The panel acceptance can be explained by the production of sensory-active compounds such as 3-methyl-1-butanol and 2,3-butandiol. Furthermore, the panelists preferred bread samples with a less bitter (r= –0.934, P< 0.01) and less cheesy taste (r= –0.865, P< 0.03). Also the visual aspects play an important role, shown by correlation between the specific volume and the overall appearance (r= 0.928, P< 0.01). Aroma profile analysis offers a tool for the selection of new yeast strains, increasing the bread variety on the market. Consequently, aroma production as a yeast quality characteristic should be taken into account for the selection of new strains involved in breadmaking.

Barley malt contains hordein proteins, which gluten-sensitive consumers cannot tolerate. Beer produced from barley malt also contains hordeins. Aspergillus nigerprolyl endoprotease (AN-PEP) is an enzyme that has been used effectively to reduce beer hordeins during fermentation. The objective of this study was to apply AN-PEP during the steeping and germination of barley and evaluate the impact on malt quality characteristics and the hordein content of model beers. Pilot-scale malting trials were performed, and the barley was germinated for either 3 or 5 days with and without AN-PEP. Model beers were produced from malts, and the levels of beer hordeins were tested using an R5 antibody-based competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The malt friability, extract, viscosity, and several other quality parameters were measured following industry-standard MEBAK methods. Treatment of malt with AN-PEP for 5 days resulted in a 46% reduction in beer hordeins compared with beer produced from the 5 day control malt, and the quality of the AN-PEP treated malt was comparable to untreated malt. Applying enzymes to germinating grain is a novel way to influence the levels of hordeins in barley malt beers.