Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2022-08-02"
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- Mono and multilayer active films containing green tea to extend food shelf lifePublication . Vieira, Dalila M.; Andrade, Mariana; Vilarinho, Fernanda; Sanches Silva, Ana; Rodrigues, Pedro; Castro, M. Cidália; Machado, Ana VeraAn active packaging film made of one and two-layers structure based on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was produced with the incorporation of green tea extract (GTE) at different amounts by blown film extrusion. Film structure, optical, mechanical, antioxidant and barrier properties were characterized. The films revealed homogeneous film surface, the presence of GTE increases the tensile properties, improves friction coefficient and reduces LDPE films transparency. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity and barrier properties (water and oxygen) were enhanced, even at low concentrations. This study demonstrates the benefits of GTE incorporation into LDPE matrix, mainly in coextruded films, and its potential to develop an active and sustainable food packaging film at industrial scale.
- Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES)-Mediated Translation and Its Potential for Novel mRNA-Based Therapy DevelopmentPublication . Marques, Rita; Lacerda, Rafaela; Romão, LuísaMany conditions can benefit from RNA-based therapies, namely, those targeting internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) and their regulatory proteins, the IRES trans-acting factors (ITAFs). IRES-mediated translation is an alternative mechanism of translation initiation, known for maintaining protein synthesis when canonical translation is impaired. During a stress response, it contributes to cell reprogramming and adaptation to the new environment. The relationship between IRESs and ITAFs with tumorigenesis and resistance to therapy has been studied in recent years, proposing new therapeutic targets and treatments. In addition, IRES-dependent translation initiation dysregulation is also related to neurological and cardiovascular diseases, muscular atrophies, or other syndromes. The participation of these structures in the development of such pathologies has been studied, yet to a far lesser extent than in cancer. Strategies involving the disruption of IRES-ITAF interactions or the modification of ITAF expression levels may be used with great impact in the development of new therapeutics. In this review, we aim to comprehend the current data on groups of human pathologies associated with IRES and/or ITAF dysregulation and their application in the designing of new therapeutic approaches using them as targets or tools. Thus, we wish to summarise the evidence in the field hoping to open new promising lines of investigation toward personalised treatments.
- Trends of Exposure to Acrylamide as Measured by Urinary Biomarkers Levels within the HBM4EU Biomonitoring Aligned Studies (2000–2021)Publication . Poteser, Michael; Laguzzi, Federica; Schettgen, Thomas; Vogel, Nina; Weber, Till; Murawski, Aline; Schmidt, Phillipp; Rüther, Maria; Kolossa-Gehring, Marike; Namorado, Sónia; Van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Appenzeller, Brice; Dufthaksdóttir, Edda; Olafsdottir, Kristin; Haug, Line Småstuen; Thomsen, Cathrine; Barbone, Fabio; Rosolen, Valentina; RAMBAUD, Loic; RIOU, Margaux; Göen, Thomas; Nübler, Stefanie; Schäfer, Moritz; Zarrabi, Karin H.A.; Gilles, Liese; Rodriguez Martin, Laura; Schoeters, Greta; Sepai, Ovnair; Govarts, Eva; Moshammer, HannsAcrylamide, a substance potentially carcinogenic in humans, represents a very prevalent contaminant in food and is also contained in tobacco smoke. Occupational exposure to higher concentrations of acrylamide was shown to induce neurotoxicity in humans. To minimize related risks for public health, it is vital to obtain data on the actual level of exposure in differently affected segments of the population. To achieve this aim, acrylamide has been added to the list of substances of concern to be investigated in the HBM4EU project, a European initiative to obtain biomonitoring data for a number of pollutants highly relevant for public health. This report summarizes the results obtained for acrylamide, with a focus on time-trends and recent exposure levels, obtained by HBM4EU as well as by associated studies in a total of seven European countries. Mean biomarker levels were compared by sampling year and time-trends were analyzed using linear regression models and an adequate statistical test. An increasing trend of acrylamide biomarker concentrations was found in children for the years 2014–2017, while in adults an overall increase in exposure was found to be not significant for the time period of observation (2000–2021). For smokers, represented by two studies and sampling for, over a total three years, no clear tendency was observed. In conclusion, samples from European countries indicate that average acrylamide exposure still exceeds suggested benchmark levels and may be of specific concern in children. More research is required to confirm trends of declining values observed in most recent years.