Enzymatic crosslinking of lignin nanoparticles and nanocellulose in cryogels improves adsorption of pharmaceutical pollutants

Pharmaceuticals, designed for treating diseases, ironically endanger humans and aquatic ecosystems as pollutants. Adsorption-based wastewater treatment could address this problem, however, creating efficient adsorbents remains a challenge. Recent efforts have shifted towards sustainable bio-based adsorbents. Here, cryogels from lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNF) and lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) were explored as pharmaceuticals adsorbents. An enzyme-based approach using laccase was used for crosslinking instead of fossil-based chemical modification. The impact of laccase treatment on LNPs alone produced surface-crosslinked water-insoluble LNPs with preserved morphology and a hemicellulose-rich, water-soluble LNP fraction. The water-insoluble LNPs displayed a significant increase in adsorption capacity, up to 140 % and 400 % for neutral and cationic drugs, respectively. The crosslinked cryogel prepared by one-pot incubation of LNPs, LCNF and laccase showed significantly higher adsorption capacities for various pharmaceuticals in a multi-component system than pure LCNF or unmodified cryogels. The crosslinking minimized the leaching of LNPs in water, signifying enhanced binding between LNPs and LCNF. In real wastewater, the laccase-modified cryogel displayed 8-44 % removal for cationic pharmaceuticals. Overall, laccase treatment facilitated the production of bio-based adsorbents by improving the deposition of LNPs to LCNF. Finally, this work introduces a sustainable approach for engineering adsorbents, while aligning with global sustainability goals.

Lignin nanoparticles as co-stabilizers and modifiers of nanocellulose-based Pickering emulsions and foams

Nanocellulose is very hydrophilic, preventing interactions with the oil phase in Pickering emulsions. This limitation is herein addressed by incorporating lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) as co-stabilizers of nanocellulose-based Pickering emulsions. LNP addition decreases the oil droplet size and slows creaming at pH 5 and 8 and with increasing LNP content. Emulsification at pH 3 and LNP cationization lead to droplet flocculation and rapid creaming. LNP application for emulsification, prior or simultaneously with nanocellulose, favors stability given the improved interactions with the oil phase. The Pickering emulsions can be freeze-dried, enabling the recovery of a solid macroporous foam that can act as adsorbent for pharmaceutical pollutants. Overall, the properties of nanocellulose-based Pickering emulsions and foams can be tailored by LNP addition. This strategy offers a unique, green approach to stabilize biphasic systems using bio-based nanomaterials without tedious and costly modification procedures.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10570-023-05399-y.

Lignin nanoparticle-decorated nanocellulose cryogels as adsorbents for pharmaceutical pollutants

Adsorption is a relatively simple wastewater treatment method that has the potential to mitigate the impacts of pharmaceutical pollution. This requires the development of reusable adsorbents that can simultaneously remove pharmaceuticals of varying chemical structure and properties. Here, the adsorption potential of nanostructured wood-based adsorbents towards different pharmaceuticals in a multi-component system was investigated. The adsorbents in the form of macroporous cryogels were prepared by anchoring lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) to the nanocellulose network via electrostatic attraction. The naturally anionic LNPs were anchored to cationic cellulose nanofibrils (cCNF) and the cationic LNPs (cLNPs) were combined with anionic TEMPO-oxidized CNF (TCNF), producing two sets of nanocellulose-based cryogels that also differed in their overall surface charge density. The cryogels, prepared by freeze-drying, showed layered cellulosic sheets randomly decorated with spherical lignin on the surface. They exhibited varying selectivity and efficiency in removing pharmaceuticals with differing aromaticity, polarity and ionic characters. Their adsorption potential was also affected by the type (unmodified or cationic), amount and morphology of the lignin nanomaterials, as well as the pH of the pharmaceutical solution. Overall, the findings revealed that LNPs or cLNPs can act as functionalizing and crosslinking agents to nanocellulose-based cryogels. Despite the decrease in the overall positive surface charge, the addition of LNPs to the cCNF-based cryogels showed enhanced adsorption, not only towards the anionic aromatic pharmaceutical diclofenac but also towards the aromatic cationic metoprolol (MPL) and tramadol (TRA) and neutral aromatic carbamazepine. The addition of cLNPs to TCNF-based cryogels improved the adsorption of MPL and TRA despite the decrease in the net negative surface charge. The improved adsorption was attributed to modes of removal other than electrostatic attraction, and they could be π-π aromatic ring or hydrophobic interactions brought by the addition of LNPs or cLNPs. However, significant improvement was only found if the ratio of LNPs or cLNPs to nanocellulose was 0.6:1 or higher and with spherical lignin nanomaterials. As crosslinking agents, the LNPs or cLNPs affected the rheological behavior of the gels, and increased the firmness and decreased the water holding capacity of the corresponding cryogels. The resistance of the cryogels towards disintegration with exposure to water also improved with crosslinking, which eventually enabled the cryogels, especially the TCNF-based one, to be regenerated and reused for five cycles of adsorption-desorption experiment for the model pharmaceutical MPL. Thus, this study opened new opportunities to utilize LNPs in providing nanocellulose-based adsorbents with additional functional groups, which were otherwise often achieved by rigorous chemical modifications, at the same time, crosslinking the nanocellulose network.

Wood hemicelluloses as effective wall materials for spray-dried microcapsulation of polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich oils

The most commonly-used and effective wall materials (WMs) for spray-dried microencapsulation of bioactive compounds are either costly, or derived from unsustainable sources, which lead to an increasing demand for alternatives derived from sustainable and natural sources, with low calories and low cost. Wood hemicelluloses obtained from by-products of forest industries appear to be attractive alternatives as they have been reported to have good emulsifying properties, low viscosity at high concentrations, high heat stability and low heat transfer. Here, we investigated the applicability of spruce galactoglucomannans (GGM) and birch glucuronoxylans (GX), to encapsulate flaxseed oil (FO, polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich plant based oil) by spray drying; and the results were compared to those of the highly effective WM, gum Arabic (GA). It was found that depending on solid ratios of WM:FO (1:1, 3:1 and 5:1), encapsulation efficiency of GGM was 88-96%, and GX was 63-98%. At the same encapsulation ratio, both GGM and GX had higher encapsulation efficiency than GA (49-92%) due to their ability to produce feed emulsions with a smaller oil droplet size and higher physical stability. In addition, the presence of phenolic residues in GGM and GX powders enabled them to have a greater ability to protect oil from oxidation during spray drying than GA. Physiochemical properties of encapsulated powders including thermal properties, morphology, molecular structure, particle size and water adsorption intake are also investigated. The study has explored a new value-added proposition for wood hemicelluloses which can be used as effective WMs in the production of microcapsules of polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich oils for healthy and functional products in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Altered activities of CYP1A1 and CYP19A1 enzymes in women using SSRI medication during pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used medication for the treatment of depression during pregnancy. Their use may affect various biological molecules such as enzymes which regulate placental hormonal production and xenobiotic metabolism. Our aim was to investigate the effect of maternal SSRI use on activities of three placental enzymes.

METHODS

We analyzed activities of xenobiotic metabolism enzymes cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), aromatase (CYP19A1), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) from placental microsomal and cytosolic subcellular fractions. Term placentas were collected from 47 SSRI users and 49 control women participating Kuopio Birth cohort (KuBiCo) during the years 2013-2015. Among SSRI users, escitalopram was the most widely used SSRI medication.

RESULTS

The mean enzyme activities of all studied enzymes were lower in SSRI users compared to controls. A statistically significant difference was observed in the enzyme activities of CYP19A1 (p = 0.001) and CYP1A1 (p = 0.002) between the study groups after adjusting for use of additional medication, gestational diabetes, sex of the newborn and gestational weeks at delivery. SSRI use had no significant effect on placental GST enzyme activity.

DISCUSSION

Our results indicate that SSRI medication alters placental enzyme activities. This may lead disturbances in maternal steroid hormone balance as well as in xenobiotic metabolism and may provide risk for both developing fetus and pregnant women.

Simultaneous metabolomics analysis of atrial tissue, pericardial fluid and blood reveal novel metabolite signatures of the pathophysiology and biomarkers related to permanent atrial fibrillation

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common, complex, and clinically relevant arrhythmia [1]. It is a growing medical condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality, but its pathophysiology has remained widely unknown [2].

Aims

We aim to unravel the complex pathophysiological mechanisms of AF and identify clinically relevant AF-related metabolites. We aim to identify targets for therapeutical interventions and biomarkers for AF diagnostics. Our study material is unique as we can safely study human heart and pericardial fluid in addition to blood, that has been mainly examined in previous studies.

Material and methods

Patients recruited were undergoing cardiac surgery due to valve defects at the University Hospital. For our research, we collected preoperative blood samples and intraoperative right atrial appendage biopsy and pericardial fluid. For our metabolomics study on AF patients, we selected 16 patients with permanent AF and 17 age, gender and underlying disease matched control patients (Fig. 1). Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to identify molecules and metabolites related to AF. We integrated targeted assays for absolute quantification of specific metabolites with untargeted metabolomics to discover novel compounds and metabolites.

Results

Untargeted mass spectrometry (MS) metabolite analysis identified altogether 15751 molecular features and metabolites divided unequally between the sample types (Fig. 2). Altogether, we found 1041 (p<0.05) metabolites from the heart tissue, 774 from the pericardial fluid and 382 from the blood. There were 61 metabolites associated with permanent AF that were found in all three sample types. The approach and our research set-up also allowed us to distinguish metabolites that entered directly from heart tissue to blood and those that remained in heart tissue and pericardial fluid. According to the identified metabolites in the heart tissue, permanent AF was associated with a clear metabolite signature including signs of dysregulated energy -, histidine -, glutathione -, purine -, sugar -, and lipid metabolism and antioxidant defense. Altogether we identified altered, circulating AF-related biomarkers including novel carnitines and acylcarnitines, aminoacids, metabolites from immune response and lipid metabolism. Among the highest statistical significance with qualifiable difference (multivariate α-level 0.0007) we found two novel circulating molecules with known MS spectrum and molecular weight.

Conclusions

We identified totally new pathophysiological processes and novel potential metabolites related to permanent AF to be used as AF biomarkers. Permanent AF is associated with dysreculation of multiple biologically relevant metabolic pathways.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Academy of FinlandThe Finnish Foundation for Cardiovascular Research

Overexpression of VEGF-B alters cardiac lipid metabolism and predisposes to heart failure

Background

The compensatory phase of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is characterised by sufficient mitochondrial density and energy production, but prolonged stress leads to cardiac decompensation and decreased mitochondrial biogenesis. This results in energy deficiency and compromised contractile ability, eventually leading to heart failure (HF). Vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B) is a potent inducer of cardiac angiogenesis and LVH, and more recently it has been associated with lipid metabolism and cardiac function. However, its exact role in these processes has remained unresolved.

Purpose

We wanted to elucidate the effects of VEGF-B overexpression on cardiac metabolism and the development of LVH and HF.

Methods

We used mice expressing VEGF-B transgene under cardiac-specific MHCα promoter and induced pressure overload with angiotensin II infusion. We monitored the cardiac function with high-resolution transthoracic echocardiography and performed immunohistochemical analyses to assess the level of cardiac fibrosis. Furthermore, we analyzed cardiac lipid metabolism with non-targeted LC-MS metabolite profiling and performed functional 3H -labelled triolein uptake studies combined with quantitative RT-PCR.

Results

In this study, we show that the cardiac-specific overexpression of VEGF-B leads to increased plasma triglyceride and free fatty acid levels but reduced cardiac lipid accumulation. Non-targeted LC-MS profiling analysis revealed that the level of cardiac glycerolipids and glycerophospholipids were significantly downregulated although changes in cardiac lipid uptake on functional or gene expression level were not detected. To assess how these metabolic changes affect the development of LVH and HF, we subjected MHCα-VEGF-B mice to angiotensin II infusion. Surprisingly, the survival of MHCα-VEGF-B mice dramatically started to decline after four days of angiotensin II infusion and was only 30% at the 14-day time point. Echocardiographic measurements revealed that the MHCα-VEGF-B mice developed severe HF seen as reduced ejection fraction when compared to control mice (32.2% vs. 64.2% respectively), significantly increased LV end-diastolic diameter and LV volume when compared to the controls. VEGF-B overexpression during pressure overload resulted in severe cardiac fibrosis and downregulation of genes responsible for lipid and glucose uptake, metabolic regulation and mitochondrial function indicating severe cardiac energy deficit. Interestingly, a high fat diet feeding prevented the development of HFrEF by 100% and the suppression of all metabolic pathways.

Conclusion

VEGF-B regulates cardiac energy production and the overexpression of VEGF-B results in cardiac energy deficit that during pressure overload leads to HFrEF and severe mortality.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): ERC and H2020

Circulating metabolome does not predict development of aortic stenosis

Background

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common valvular heart disease in Western world. CAVD is ranging from mild aortic valve sclerosis to severe obstructive aortic stenosis (AS). The development of AS has been associated with several risk factors including age, sex and hypertension. However, there is limited knowledge about factors that predict the development of aortic stenosis.

Purpose

We investigated if the circulating metabolite profile can predict the development of aortic stenosis in Finnish males.

Methods

We did a non-targeted LC-MS metabolomics analysis to baseline (1984–1989) serum samples from a prospective population-based Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease risk factor study (KIHD) cohort of 2682 random Finnish males aged from 42 to 60 years. During the follow-up (until year 2020), 53 subjects developed either moderate (peak flow gradient 36–64mmHg or mean flow gradient 20–40mmHg) or severe aortic valvular stenosis (peak flow gradient over 64mmHg or mean gradient over 40mmHg). The AS patients were collected from the KIHD database using appropriate ICD-10 -codes for aortic valvular disease (from baseline to the end of the year 2017) and the diagnosis was checked manually using hospital medical records of the individuals.

Results

The AS patients seemed to have altered lipid metabolism and possibly altered composition of gut microbiota, since several acylcarnitines (e.g. octanoylcarnitine [Cohen's d=−0.40], decanoylcarnitine [d=−0.43], layroylcarnitine [d=−0.41], and oleoylcarnitine [d=−0.40]), and branched chain amino acids (BCAA, e.g. leucine [d=0.39], and isoleucine [d=0.49]) had p-values below 0.05. However, after correction for multiple testing, there were no significant differences between the cases and controls.

Conclusions

The present preliminary results, in need of verification with a larger set of samples, suggest that subjects, who will later develop AS might have reduced levels of acylcarnitines and increased levels of BCAA when compared to matched controls. However, these changes do not have large effects sizes and are likely not good candidates for biomarkers to predict future diagnosis of AS.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The Finnish Cultural Foundation, The Finnish Foundation for Cardiovascular Research.

Active food packaging through controlled in situ production and release of hexanal

Transportation and storage of vegetables and fruits, including berries, is increasing to meet growing consumer demand for fresh foods. Ripening and softening of plant tissues may be slowed down by hexanal, a safe volatile compound that also has antimicrobial properties. Thus hexanal could be applied during the food distribution chain to slow down the spoilage of plant-based products and reduce food waste. Nonetheless, due to the rapid evaporation of hexanal, a constant supply is needed. Our aim was to develop a concept to incorporate food-grade sunflower oil in a polysaccharide aerogel matrix for controlled in situ production and release of hexanal. We compared enzyme- and light-catalyzed lipid oxidation reactions, determined the release of hexanal at different conditions, and performed storage stability tests of blueberries and cherry tomatoes. The lipid-loaded aerogels assessed here are a potential novel delivery matrix for controlled hexanal formation to extend the shelf life of plant-based products.

Tissue-specific study across the stem reveals the chemistry and transcriptome dynamics of birch bark

Tree bark is a highly specialized array of tissues that plays important roles in plant protection and development. Bark tissues develop from two lateral meristems; the phellogen (cork cambium) produces the outermost stem-environment barrier called the periderm, while the vascular cambium contributes with phloem tissues. Although bark is diverse in terms of tissues, functions and species, it remains understudied at higher resolution. We dissected the stem of silver birch (Betula pendula) into eight major tissue types, and characterized these by a combined transcriptomics and metabolomics approach. We further analyzed the varying bark types within the Betulaceae family. The two meristems had a distinct contribution to the stem transcriptomic landscape. Furthermore, inter- and intraspecies analyses illustrated the unique molecular profile of the phellem. We identified multiple tissue-specific metabolic pathways, such as the mevalonate/betulin biosynthesis pathway, that displayed differential evolution within the Betulaceae. A detailed analysis of suberin and betulin biosynthesis pathways identified a set of underlying regulators and highlighted the important role of local, small-scale gene duplication events in the evolution of metabolic pathways. This work reveals the transcriptome and metabolic diversity among bark tissues and provides insights to its development and evolution, as well as its biotechnological applications.

Terminalia laxiflora and Terminalia brownii contain a broad spectrum of antimycobacterial compounds including ellagitannins, ellagic acid derivatives, triterpenes, fatty acids and fatty alcohols

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Terminalia laxiflora Engl. & Diels, (Sudanese Arabic name: Darout الدروت) and Terminalia brownii Fresen (Sudanese Arabic name: Alshaf ألشاف) (Combretaceae) are used in Sudanese traditional folk medicine and in other African countries for treatment of infectious diseases, TB and its symptoms, such as cough, bronchitis and chest pain.

AIM OF STUDY

Because of the frequent use of T. laxiflora and T. brownii in African traditional medicine and due to the absence of studies regarding their antimycobacterial potential there was a need to screen extracts of T. laxiflora and T. brownii for their growth inhibitory potential and to study the chemical composition and compounds in growth inhibitory extracts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The plant species were collected in Sudan (Blue Nile Forest, Ed Damazin Forestry areas) and selected according to their uses in traditional medicine for the treatment of bacterial infections, including TB. Eighty extracts and fractions of the stem bark, stem wood, roots, leaves and fruits of T. laxiflora and T. brownii and nine pure compounds present in the active extracts were screened against Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC 14468 using agar diffusion and microplate dilution methods. Inhibition zones and MIC values were estimated and compared to rifampicin. HPLC-UV/DAD, GC/MS and UHPLC/Q-TOF MS were employed to identify the compounds in the growth inhibitory extracts.

RESULTS

The roots of T. laxiflora and T. brownii gave the best antimycobacterial effects (IZ 22-27 mm) against Mycobacterium smegmatis. The lowest MIC of 625 µg/ml was observed for an acetone extract of the root of T. laxiflora followed by methanol and ethyl acetate extracts, both giving MIC values of 1250 µg/ml. Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography purification of T. brownii roots resulted in low MIC values of 62.5 µg/ml and 125 µg/ml for acetone and ethanol fractions, respectively, compared to 5000 µg/ml for the crude methanol extract. Methyl (S)-flavogallonate is suggested to be the main active compound in the Sephadex LH- 20 acetone fraction, while ellagic acid xyloside and methyl ellagic acid xyloside are suggested to give good antimycobacterial activity in the Sephadex LH-20 ethanol fraction. RP-18 TLC purifications of an ethyl acetate extract of T. laxiflora roots resulted in the enrichment of punicalagin in one of the fractions (Fr5). This fraction gave a five times smaller MIC (500 µg/ml) than the crude ethyl acetate extract (2500 µg/ml) and this improved activity is suggested to be mostly due to punicalagin. 1,18-octadec-9-ene-dioate, stigmast-4-en-3-one, 5α-stigmastan-3,6-dione, triacontanol, sitostenone and β-sitosterol were found in antimycobacterial hexane extracts of the stem bark of both studied species. Of these compounds, 1,18-octadec-9-ene-dioate, stigmast-4-en-3-one, 5α-stigmastan-3,6-dione, triacontanol, sitostenone have not been previously identified in T. brownii and T. laxiflora. Moreover, both plant species contained friedelin, betulinic acid, β-amyrine and two unknown oleanane-type triterpenoids. Of the listed compounds, friedelin, triacontanol and sitostenone gave a MIC of 250 µg/ml against M. smegmatis, whereas stigmasterol and β-sitosterol gave MIC values of 500 µg/ml.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that T. laxiflora and T. brownii contain antimycobacterial compounds of diverse polarities and support the traditional uses of various parts of T. laxiflora and T.brownii as decoctions for treatment of tuberculosis. Further investigations are warranted to explore additional (new) antimycobacterial compounds in the active extracts of T. laxiflora and T. brownii.

Absorption of ibuprofen orodispersible tablets in early postoperative phase - a pharmacokinetic study

OBJECTIVE

Patient-controlled oral analgesia has gained popularity in postoperative pain management. Anesthesia and surgery delay gastrointestinal tract function and this may therefore decrease bioavailability of drugs taken by mouth. To hasten absorption, an orodispersible ibuprofen tablet has been developed. In this study, we evaluated the pharmacokinetics and feasibility of orodispersible ibuprofen tablets in spine surgery patients.

METHODS

The study design was a prospective clinical trial where each patient served as her/his own control. Fifteen patients aged 19-75 years were given two orodispersible ibuprofen 200 mg tablets the day before surgery and two more tablets immediately after surgery. Blood samples for ibuprofen concentrations were taken at intervals for 6 hours following pre- and postsurgical administration of ibuprofen.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative area under time-concentration curve for ibuprofen (AUC_0-360) was 4806 (SD 1104) min·mg/L, and after surgery it was 2141 (583) min·mg/L (mean difference 2664, 95% CI for difference 2003 to 3325, p < .001). The mean of the maximum preoperative plasma concentration of ibuprofen was three times higher, 26.7 (7.7) mg/L, than the postoperative value of 8.6 (2.1) mg/L (mean diff. 18.1, 95% CI 13.9 to 22.4, p < .001). Times to maximum concentration were similar pre- and postoperatively at 155 (58) minutes and 169 (113) minutes (p = .67). No serious or unexpected adverse events were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

While orodispersible ibuprofen tablets were feasible, ibuprofen absorption decreased immediately after surgery compared to the day before surgery. Thus, further studies are needed to establish the adequate initial postoperative dose.

Imaging connected porosity of crystalline rock by contrast agent-aided X-ray microtomography and scanning electron microscopy

We set out to study connected porosity of crystalline rock using X-ray microtomography and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) with caesium chloride as a contrast agent. Caesium is an important radionuclide regarding the final deposition of nuclear waste and also forms dense phases that can be readily distinguished by X-ray microtomography and SEM-EDS. Six samples from two sites, Olkiluoto (Finland) and Grimsel (Switzerland), where transport properties of crystalline rock are being studied in situ, were investigated using X-ray microtomography and SEM-EDS. The samples were imaged with X-ray microtomography, immersed in a saturated caesium chloride (CsCl) solution for 141, 249 and 365 days and imaged again with X-ray microtomography. CsCl inside the samples was successfully detected with X-ray microtomography and it had completely penetrated all six samples. SEM-EDS elemental mapping was used to study the location of caesium in the samples in detail with quantitative mineral information. Precipitated CsCl was found in the connected pore space in Olkiluoto veined gneiss and in lesser amounts in Grimsel granodiorite. Only a very small amount of precipitated CsCl was observed in the Grimsel granodiorite samples. In Olkiluoto veined gneiss caesium was found in pinitised areas of cordierite grains. In the pinitised areas caesium was found in notable excess compared to chloride, possibly due to the combination of small pore size and negatively charged surfaces. In addition, elevated concentrations of caesium were found in kaolinite and sphalerite phases. The findings concerning the location of CsCl were congruent with X-ray microtomography.

Phenolic residues in spruce galactoglucomannans improve stabilization of oil-in-water emulsions

HYPOTHESIS

Amphiphilic character of surfactants drives them at the interface of dispersed systems, such as emulsions. Hemicellulose-rich wood extracts contain assemblies (lignin-carbohydrate complexes, LCC) with natural amphiphilicity, which is expected to depend on their chemical composition resulting from the isolation method. Lignin-derived phenolic residues associated with hemicelluloses are hypothesized to contribute to emulsions' interfacial properties and stability.

EXPERIMENTS

We investigated the role of phenolic residues in spruce hemicellulose extracts in the stabilization of oil-in-water emulsions by physical and chemical approach. Distribution and changes occurring in the phenolic residues at the droplet interface and in the continuous phase were studied during an accelerated storage test. Meanwhile, the physical stability and lipid oxidation in emulsions were monitored.

FINDINGS

Naturally associated lignin residues in GGM act as vehicles for anchoring these hemicelluloses into the oil droplet interface and further enable superior stabilization of emulsions. By adjusting the isolation method of GGM regarding their phenolic profile, their functionalities, especially interfacial behavior, can be altered. Retaining the native interactions of GGM and phenolic residues is suggested for efficient physical stabilization and extended protection against lipid oxidation. The results can be widely applied as guidelines in tailoring natural or synthetic amphiphilic compounds for interfacial stabilization.

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase expression is associated with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and antrochoanal polyps

Chronic rhinosinusitis without and with nasal polyps (CRSwNP and CRSsNP), and antrochoanal polyps are different phenotypes with different pathomechanisms. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is an enzyme expressed in many cells involved in the catabolism of the essential amino acid tryptophan to kynurenine. IDO might have a role in allergic airway inflammation. The aim was to evaluate if IDO expression is associated with CRSsNP, CRSwNP, or ACP. One hundred fifty specimens from the nasal cavity and sinus mucosa were immunohistochemically stained with mAb anti-IDO. The expression of epithelial and leukocyte IDO was associated with CRSwNP and ACP. The presence of ASA intolerance, asthma, atopy, smoking and use of medication did not significantly change the results. The different expression of IDO could putatively indicate the differences in the pathomechanisms of CRSsNP, CRSwNP and ACP. Further studies on the role of IDO in upper airways pathologies are required.

Cannabinoid type 1 receptors in human skeletal muscle cells participate in the negative crosstalk between fat and muscle

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) antagonists such as rimonabant (Rim) represent a novel approach to treat obesity and related metabolic disorders. Recent data suggest that endocannabinoids are also produced by human adipocytes. Here we studied the potential involvement of endocannabinoids in the negative crosstalk between fat and muscle.

METHODS

The protein level of CB1R in human skeletal muscle cells (SkM) during differentiation was analysed using western blotting. SkM were treated with adipocyte-conditioned medium (CM) or anandamide (AEA) in combination with the CB1R antagonists Rim or AM251, and insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation and glucose uptake were determined. Furthermore, signalling pathways of CB1R were investigated.

RESULTS

We revealed an increase of CB1R protein in SkM during differentiation. Twenty-four hour incubation of SkM with CM or AEA impaired insulin-stimulated Akt(Ser473) phosphorylation by 60% and up to 40%, respectively. Pretreatment of cells with Rim or AM251 reduced the effect of CM by about one-half, while the effect of AEA could be prevented completely. The reduction of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by CM was completely prevented by Rim. Short-time incubation with AEA activated extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and impaired insulin-stimulated Akt(Ser473) phosphorylation, but had no effect on Akt(Thr308) and glycogen synthase kinase 3alpha/beta phosphorylation. In addition, enhanced IRS-1 (Ser307) phosphorylation was observed.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our results show that the CB1R system may play a role in the development of insulin resistance in human SkM. The results obtained with CM support the notion that adipocytes may secrete factors which are able to activate the CB1R. Furthermore, we identified two stress kinases in the signalling pathway of AEA and enhanced IRS-1(Ser307) phosphorylation, potentially underlying the development of insulin resistance.

Terpenoids: natural inhibitors of NF-kappaB signaling with anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential

Traditional medicine has been a fertile source for revealing novel lead molecules for modern drug discovery. In plants, terpenoids represent a chemical defense against environmental stress and provide a repair mechanism for wounds and injuries. Interestingly, effective ingredients in several plant-derived medicinal extracts are also terpenoid compounds of monoterpenoid, sesquiterpenoid, diterpenoid, triterpenoid and carotenoid groups. Inflammatory diseases and cancer are typical therapeutic indications of traditional medicines. Thus folk medicine supports the studies which have demonstrated that plant-derived terpenoid ingredients can suppress nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling, the major regulator in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and cancer.We review the extensive literature on the different types of terpenoid molecules, totalling 43, which have been verified both inhibiting the NF-kappaB signaling and suppressing the process of inflammation and cancer. It seems that during evolution, plants have established a terpene-based host defense which also represents a cornucopia of effective therapeutic compounds for common human diseases.

Route to broadband blue-light generation in microstructured fibers

We explore theoretically the possibility of generating broadband blue light by copropagating a short soliton pump pulse and a broader signal pulse in a microstructured fiber with a zero-dispersion wavelength located between the center wavelength of the pump and the signal pulses. We show that the unique properties of microstructured fibers should allow for broadening of the signal pulse's spectrum by as much as a factor of 50 through the conjugate action of cross-phase modulation and a soliton self-frequency shift. The physical mechanism that leads to this large spectral broadening is analyzed by use of an extended nonlinear Schrödinger equation.

Effect of cross-phase modulation on supercontinuum generated in microstructured fibers with sub-30 fs pulses

We investigate the effects of cross-phase modulation between the solitons and dispersive waves present in a supercontinuum generated in microstructured fibers by sub-30 fs pulses. Cross-phase modulation is shown to have a crucial importance as it extends the supercontinuum towards shorter wavelengths. The experimental observations are confirmed through numerical simulations.

Enhanced bandwidth of supercontinuum generated in microstructured fibers

Enhancement of the bandwidth of supercontinuum generated in microstructured fibers with a tailored dispersion profile is demonstrated experimentally. The fibers are designed to have two zero-dispersion wavelengths separated by more than 700 nm, which results in an amplification of two dispersive waves at visible and infrared wavelengths. The underlying physics behind the broad continuum formation is discussed and analyzed in detail. The experimental observations are confirmed through numerical simulations.

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography in the analysis of dietary fatty acids

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography utilising a semi-rotating cryogenic modulator was applied to the analysis of dietary milk derived fatty acids. Four column combinations were tested: two polar-nonpolar and two different nonpolarpolar column combinations. Best results were obtained with a nonpolar-polar column set, with narrow-bore (50 microm ID) Carbowax column as the second column. The GC x GC method clearly improved the separation efficiency of the fatty acids in comparison with one-dimensional GC analysis and proved to be suitable for the quantification of the analytes. The relative standard deviations (RSD) of the retention times in the first and second dimensions were on average 0.06% and 4.9%, respectively. The relative RSD for peak volumes was on average 2.9%.

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography in the analysis of urban aerosols

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography utilising a semi-rotating cryogenic modulator was applied to the analysis of urban aerosols. Samples were collected onto glass fibre filters using a high-volume sampler in Helsinki, Finland. Sample preparation included extraction into n-hexane-acetone mixture and clean-up on silver-impregnated silica column. Analyses were performed with GC x GC-FID and GC x GC-QMS equipment. Linearity of the method was good with R2 values greater than 0.994 for all analytes. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (oxy-PAHs) were identified and quantified in urban particulates. PAH and oxy-PAH concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 5.5 ng/m3.

Spectral broadening of femtosecond pulses into continuum radiation in microstructured fibers

We report on the influence of the choice of the pump wavelength relative to the zero-dispersion wavelength for continuum generation in microstructured fibers. Different nonlinear mechanisms are observed depending on whether the pump is located in the normal or anomalous dispersion region. Raman scattering and the wavelength dependence of the group delay of the fiber are found to play an important role in the process. We give an experimental and numerical analysis of the observed phenomena and find a good agreement between the two.

Technical knockout, a Drosophila model of mitochondrial deafness

Mutations in mtDNA-encoded components of the mitochondrial translational apparatus are associated with diverse pathological states in humans, notably sensorineural deafness. To develop animal models of such disorders, we have manipulated the nuclear gene for mitochondrial ribosomal protein S12 in Drosophila (technical knockout, tko). The prototypic mutant tko(25t) exhibits developmental delay, bang sensitivity, impaired male courtship, and defective response to sound. On the basis of a transgenic reversion test, these phenotypes are attributable to a single substitution (L85H) at a conserved residue of the tko protein. The mutant is hypersensitive to doxycyclin, an antibiotic that selectively inhibits mitochondrial protein synthesis, and mutant larvae have greatly diminished activities of mitochondrial redox enzymes and decreased levels of mitochondrial small-subunit rRNA. A second mutation in the tko gene, Q116K, which is predicted to impair the accuracy of mitochondrial translation, results in the completely different phenotype of recessive female sterility, based on three independent transgenic insertions. We infer that the tko(25t) mutant provides a model of mitochondrial hearing impairment resulting from a quantitative deficiency of mitochondrial translational capacity.

Association of angiotensin converting enzyme and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 promoter gene polymorphisms with features of the insulin resistance syndrome in patients with premature coronary heart disease

Polymorphisms of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) (insertion/deletion (I/D) in intron 16) and of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) (promoter 4G/5G) genes have been linked with coronary heart disease (CHD) and/or myocardial infarction (MI). We studied the association of polymorphisms in these genes with CHD with linkage and association analyses in 118 families with premature and severe CHD and in 110 healthy controls. In linkage analysis there was no evidence for a linkage of the ACE or PAI-1 loci with CHD. However, in quantitative linkage analysis the ACE locus was linked with fasting glucose (P=0. 047) and fasting free fatty acid levels (P=0.029). In association analysis the ACE genotype frequencies of probands with CHD did not differ from those of healthy controls. Normoglycemic probands with MI and with the ACE polymorphism DD genotype had characteristics of the insulin resistance syndrome. They had higher levels of 1-h glucose (P=0.008) and 2-h free fatty acids (P=0.011) in an oral glucose tolerance test and higher levels of total (P=0.005) and very-low-density lipoprotein triglycerides (P=0.006) than probands with the ID or the II genotypes. The PAI-1 gene polymorphism was not associated with any of the variables of glucose or lipid metabolism. In conclusion, the ACE and PAI-1 gene polymorphisms are not linked with early-onset CHD. However, the ACE gene polymorphism is associated with features of the insulin resistance syndrome.

Albumin clearance from human skeletal muscle during prolonged steady-state running

This study was designed to find out if the lymph flow, indicated as albumin clearance, from active skeletal muscle is maintained constant during a prolonged steady-state exercise. 99mTc-labelled albumin was injected bilaterally into the vastus lateralis muscles of eight endurance-trained men. The radioactivity at the injection site was monitored by a gamma-camera before, frequently during, and after a 2 h run at a controlled steady intensity of 69 +/- 4% of the maximal heart rate. The fractional clearance rate of albumin was calculated for each monitoring interval, and was expressed as percentage clearance per minute (% min(-1)). During the first 15 min of exercise the clearance rate was five times higher than at rest before the exercise (0.29 +/- 0.12 vs. 0.06 +/- 0.05% min(-1), P = 0.001). During the next 25 min of running the clearance rate fell to 0.19 +/- 0.08% min(-1) (P = 0.02), from which level it was further attenuated, being 0.12 +/- 0.04% min(-1) at the end of the exercise. After the exercise the clearance rate fell rapidly to the level of 0.04 +/- 0.03% min(-1). The results showed that the albumin clearance from working muscles is not constant during steady-state exercise, suggesting that lymph flow from exercising skeletal muscle may not be constant despite lymphatic pumping being assumed to be unchanged during the course of exercise (i.e. constant exercise intensity and running speed).

Comparison of in-line connected diode array and electrochemical detectors in the high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of coenzymes Q(9) and Q(10) in food materials

In-line connected electrochemical (EC) and diode array (DAD) detectors were compared in the reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) analysis of coenzymes Q(9) and Q(10) in some food materials (beef steak, beef heart, Baltic herring fillet, and rye flour). Coenzymes Q(9) and Q(10) were extracted from the samples using a 5:1 n-hexane-ethanol mixture. Coefficient of variation (CV%) of quadruplicate or quintuplicate determined samples for coenzymes Q(9) and Q(10) was <10 by both EC detector and DAD. Responses of the detection systems were linear in the range evaluated, 10-200 ng/injection, and had correlation coefficients exceeding 0.999. Recoveries of added coenzymes Q(9) and Q(10) varied 73-105% for DAD and 74-103% for EC detector, respectively. Detection limits for coenzymes Q(9) and Q(10) using the DAD system were 4 and 6 ng/injection, respectively, and 0.2 and 0.3 ng/injection by EC detection. Results derived from the two detection systems were generally similar. However, although EC detector was 20-fold more sensitive, the selectivity was, in some cases, poorer than that of DAD.

Identification of lipophilic pollutants discharged from a Finnish pulp and paper mill

Lipophilic organic compounds originating from kraft pulping and papermaking were identified by straight gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses. Samples analyzed included a primary clarifier effluent (PE) and a secondary clarifier effluent (SE) from the activated sludge treatment plant of a Finnish ECF-bleached (Elementally Chlorine Free) kraft pulp and paper mill. Liquid-liquid extraction composition of PE was compared with solid phase extraction (SPE) and dialysis of a semipermeable membrane device (SPMD) exposed to PE. Dichloromethane extracts of particulate material isolated from PE, sludges from both the primary and secondary clarifier, a sediment collected in the vicinity of the mill and whitefish subacutely exposed to the secondary treatment effluent were also investigated. Typical pulp mill-related compounds such as terpenes, terpenoids and aromatic compounds were identified in PE whereas these were non-detectable in SE. For example, thunbergene, thunbergol, squalene, longifolene and derivatives of abietic acid were observed in PE. Alkylated polycyclic aromatics were major compounds identified in the sediment sample with retene (C4-alkyl phenanthrene) as a predominant component.

Blunted furosemide action on cerebellar GABAA receptors in ANT rats selectively bred for high alcohol sensitivity

Furosemide specifically reverses the inhibition by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) of t-[35S]-butylbicyclophosphorothionate ([35S]TBPS) binding and increases the basal [35S]TBPS binding to the cerebellar granule cell layer GABAA receptors. For the selectivity of furosemide, an interplay between GABAA receptor alpha 6 and beta 2 or beta 3 subunits is needed. We have now investigated the furosemide sensitivity of cerebellar [35S]TBPS binding in the alcohol-sensitive (ANT) rat line that harbors a pharmacologically critical point mutation in the alpha 6 subunit [alpha 6 (Q1000)], increasing benzodiazepine affinity of the normally insensitive alpha 6-containing receptors. ANT receptors were less efficiently affected by furosemide, while a normal GABAA receptor antagonism was observed with a specific GABAA receptor antagonist SR 95531. Reduced [3H]muscimol binding in ANT samples and small alterations in situ hybridization signals for alpha 1, alpha 6, beta 2, beta 3, gamma 2 and delta subunit mRNAs failed to correlate with impaired cerebellar furosemide efficacy in individual animals. The alpha 6 (q100) ANT mutation was not responsible for the reduced efficacy of furosemide in the ANT rat line, as judged from the potent furosemide antagonism in recombinant ANT-type alpha 6 (Q100)beta 3 gamma 2 receptors. This data suggest that presence of a novel abnormality in the structure and/or expression of alpha 6 subunit-containing GABAA receptors in the ANT rat line.

Data quality and quality control of a population-based cancer registry. Experience in Finland

Cancer registries should pay great attention to the quality of their data, both in terms of completeness (all cancer patients in the population are registered) and accuracy (data on individual cancer patients must be correct). In addition to technical measures in the data processing, different types of checks and comparisons should be routine practice. Active research policy and ambitious, research-oriented staff with competence in medicine, biostatistics and computer science are essential in terms of maintaining good data quality.

Mental development of 2-year-old children exposed to alcohol in utero

In a prospective follow-up study, 60 children exposed to alcohol in utero were assessed by a psychologist (Bayley Mental scale) and a speech therapist (Reynell Verbal Comprehension scale) at a mean age of 27 months. Many mothers had been able to reduce their alcohol consumption during pregnancy, so the children could be divided into those exposed to heavy drinking during the first trimester only (group 1, n = 20), those exposed during the first and second trimesters (group 2, n = 20), and those exposed throughout pregnancy (group 3, n = 20). Forty-eight nonexposed children were examined to set the -2 SD limit for subnormal performance on the Bayley and Reynell tests. No definite effect of alcohol exposure on mental or language development was found in group 1. Children in group 3 scored significantly lower than children in group 1 both on the Bayley Mental scale and on the Reynell Verbal Comprehension scale; delay in language development was seen more often in group 2 than in group 1. The diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome was made in seven children (one in group 2 and six in group 3) and the diagnosis of fetal alcohol effects in 13 children (one in group 1, three in group 2, and nine in group 3). Efforts should be made to identify and find proper treatment for women who drink alcohol early in their pregnancies.

Cancer incidence among Finnish rubber workers

A follow-up study was carried out among workers in the processing and tire and tube fabrication departments of a Finnish rubber plant. A total of 1.331 workers were followed up for cancer through the files of the Finnish Cancer Registry from 1953 to 1976 (11,709 person years). The expected number of cancer cases was calculated on the basis of the age and sex-specific incidence rates for the urban population of the surrounding province. Twenty-one cancer cases were found against 18.9 expected (RR 1.1, 95% confidence interval 0.7-1.7). The risk of cancer of the digestive organs, respiratory organs, and urinary bladder was higher than expected, and the risk increased with the length of the follow-up time. However, the differences were not statistically significant.

A gene of the immunoglobulin H-chain cluster controls the murine antibody response to pneumococcal polysaccharide type 14

Mice of various strains were immunized with pneumococcal polysaccharide type 14 (pneumo-14), and their anti-pneumo-14 antibodies were measured by the Farr test. Mice of strains BALB/c, ST/b, NZB and CBA (Ig allotypes a, e or j) had 300-1700 ng of antibody nitrogen per millilitre of serum on day 7. The corresponding values for C57BL/Ka, RF or AKR mice (allotypes b, c or d) were 40-300 ng/ml. Two families of congenic strains were tested, one with the C57BL and the other with the BALB/c background genome. Their response was either high or low depending on the VH genes, and other gene loci had little effect on the concentration of anti-pneumo-14 antibodies.

Breast cancer incidence: geographical correlations in Finland

Correlation analysis was performed on breast cancer incidence and risk factors in geographical areas of Finland. Breast cancer risk is associated with fertility and taxable income but not with the size of the woman. Trends in risk factors indicate that the rapid increase in the incidence of breast cancer is likely to continue. It is concluded that factors which are reflected by the standard of living and fertility might act independently and not through the nutritional status, for which the size of the woman is an operational indicator.