Concentrations Of Asparagine Research Articles

Effects of Nitrogen plus Sulfur Fertilization and Seeding Density on Yield, Rheological Parameters, and Asparagine Content in Old Varieties of Common Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Numerous epidemiological studies have highlighted the positive effects on health of wholegrain bakery products made from ‘old’ common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties. However, ‘old’ common wheat varieties display poor rheological properties, and there is limited information on its free asparagine (ASN) content, the main precursor to acrylamide during the baking process. This paper evaluates the effects of two seeding density levels (SD: 200 and 350 seed m−2), three nitrogen levels (NL: 35, 80 and 135 kg N ha−1), and two sulfur levels (SL: 0 and 6.4 kg S ha−1) towards improving the grain yield (GY), rheological characteristics, and ASN content of 14 ‘old’ common wheat varieties. SL and SD treatments significantly increased GY without decreasing the protein content (PC), while NL significantly increased the PC without affecting GY. The dough strength (W) increased significantly with increasing SL and NL but was significantly reduced with increasing SD. ASN significantly increased by 111% as NL increased from 35 to 135 kg ha−1, while ASN significantly decreased by 85.1% with the SL treatment. The findings show that 135 kg N ha−1 combined with 6.4 kg S ha−1 can improve the technical performance of ‘old’ wheat wholegrain flours while maintaining the ASN as low as possible.

Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components Are Associated With Altered Amino Acid Profile in Chinese Han Population.

ObjectiveRecent studies have found that the levels of plasma amino acids, such as branched-chain amino acids and aromatic amino acids, were associated with visceral obesity, insulin resistance, future development of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, few studies have involved a Chinese Han population. This study aimed to examine the association between amino acid profile and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in the Chinese Han population.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study, which enrolled a cohort of 473 participants from a community. We employed the isotope internal standard method to determine the plasma concentrations of 28 amino acids using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Participants were divided into MetS (n = 72) and non-MetS groups (n = 401) to analyze the association between amino acids and MetS and its components.ResultsThe prevalence of MetS was 15.2% according to the criteria. Plasma concentrations of isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), valine (Val), tyrosine (Tyr), tryptophan (Trp), phenylalanine (Phe), glutamic acid (Glu), aspartic acid (Asp), alanine (Ala), histidine (His), methionine (Met), asparagine (Asn), and proline (Pro) were significantly higher in the MetS group than those in the non-MetS group (P < 0.05), but taurine (Tau) was significantly lower (P < 0.05). When MetS components were increased, the concentrations of these 13 amino acids significantly increased (P < 0.05), but Tau concentration was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). We extracted the amino acid profile by principal component analysis (PCA), PC1 and PC2, which extracted from the 14 amino acids, were significantly associated with MetS (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 1.723, 1.325–2.085 and 1.325, 1.043–1.684, respectively). A total of 260 non-MetS participants were followed up effectively, and 42 participants developed new-onset MetS within 5 years. We found that the amino acid profile of PC1 was linked to the occurrence of future MetS. Decreased Tau was correlated with the future development of MetS.ConclusionParticipants with MetS exhibit an abnormal amino acid profile, and its components gradually increase when these amino acids are altered. Amino acid PCA profile can be employed for assessing and monitoring MetS risk. Finally, decreased Tau may be linked to the future development of MetS.

Acrylamide formation during pan-frying of mung bean sprouts

Acrylamide (AA) in foods is mainly generated from free asparagine through the Maillard reaction with reducing sugars. Mung bean sprouts are often eaten pan-fried (stir-fried or sauteed). The Food Safety Committee in Japan estimated that the intake of AA from pan-fried/sauteed sprouts was substantially high. Here we analyzed AA formation during pan-frying of mung bean sprouts. Raw sprouts contained about 780, 600, and 380 mg/100 g of fructose, glucose, and asparagine, respectively. The sprouts turned brown gradually during pan-frying, and the AA content increased with up to 9 min of heating; AA of 100 and 200 µg/100 g raw sample was reached after 3 and 9 min of heating, respectively. The sugar content decreased during pan-frying, although the asparagine content did not decrease significantly. When a homogenate of mung bean sprouts was incubated with asparaginase, the asparagine content and the AA generated by pan-frying were reduced. When the sprouts were pretreated at 37 °C for 3 h or 60 °C for 1 h, the AA formation by pan-frying was mitigated.

The Effect of L-Glutamine on Basal Albumen and Yolk Indices, and Albumen Amino Acids Composition

Simple SummaryAt present, with increased consumers’ focus on eating healthy, it is expected that egg protein content and amino acids profile are among the components of eggs that play critical roles in egg selection. Thus, this research investigated the effect dietary L-glutamine supplementation has on basal albumen and yolk indices as well as albumen protein amino acid profile. The study shows a potential role of L-glutamine supplementation for enhancing nutritional values of eggs by the decrease of albumen lipid content and the change of amino acid profile.The current study tested the hypothesis that 1.0% dietary inclusion of L-glutamine (Gln), an non-essential amino acid that influences protein synthesis, can improve internal egg quality, including amino acids profile. Thirty-week-old Bovans Brown laying hens in their middle laying period were assigned to one of the two experimental groups (12 replicate cages, 2 hens/cage) with Gln in the form of alpha-ketoglutarate (10 g/kg) or without Gln inclusion. The experimental period lasted for 30 wks, from the 31st to the 60th week of age of hens, when eggs were collected and selected egg quality indices were determined. Gln supplementation had no effect on albumen and egg yolk share, albumen and yolk basal indices and composition, including yolk cholesterol content. However, Gln decreased the lipid content of the egg albumen (p < 0.001), and influenced albumen amino acid profile, increasing content of asparagine (p < 0.05), phenylalanine (p < 0.05), proline (p < 0.001), tryptophan (p < 0.01), and tyrosine (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the study shows a potential role of Gln supplementation for enhancing nutritional values of eggs by lower lipid content and higher amino acid profile.

Lifestyle correlates of eight breast cancer-related metabolites: a cross-sectional study within the EPIC cohort

BackgroundMetabolomics is a promising molecular tool for identifying novel etiological pathways leading to cancer. In an earlier prospective study among pre- and postmenopausal women not using exogenous hormones, we observed a higher risk of breast cancer associated with higher blood concentrations of one metabolite (acetylcarnitine) and a lower risk associated with higher blood concentrations of seven others (arginine, asparagine, phosphatidylcholines (PCs) aa C36:3, ae C34:2, ae C36:2, ae C36:3, and ae C38:2).MethodsTo identify determinants of these breast cancer-related metabolites, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis to identify their lifestyle and anthropometric correlates in 2358 women, who were previously included as controls in case-control studies nested within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort and not using exogenous hormones at blood collection. Associations of each metabolite concentration with 42 variables were assessed using linear regression models in a discovery set of 1572 participants. Significant associations were evaluated in a validation set (n = 786).ResultsFor the metabolites previously associated with a lower risk of breast cancer, concentrations of PCs ae C34:2, C36:2, C36:3, and C38:2 were negatively associated with adiposity and positively associated with total and saturated fat intakes. PC ae C36:2 was also negatively associated with alcohol consumption and positively associated with two scores reflecting adherence to a healthy lifestyle. Asparagine concentration was negatively associated with adiposity. Arginine and PC aa C36:3 concentrations were not associated to any of the factors examined. For the metabolite previously associated with a higher risk of breast cancer, acetylcarnitine, a positive association with age was observed.ConclusionsThese associations may indicate possible mechanisms underlying associations between lifestyle and anthropometric factors, and risk of breast cancer. Further research is needed to identify potential non-lifestyle correlates of the metabolites investigated.

Low Acrylamide Flatbreads Prepared from Colored Rice Flours and Relationship to Asparagine and Proximate Content of Flours and Flatbreads.

Acrylamide is a potentially toxic compound present in many plant-based foods, such as coffee, breads, and potato fries, which is reported to have carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and antifertility properties in vivo, suggesting the need to keep the acrylamide content of widely consumed food as low as possible. As pigmented rice contains bioactive phenolic and flavonoid compounds, the objective of this study was to potentially enhance the beneficial properties of flatbreads by evaluating the acrylamide content and proximate composition of 12 novel flatbreads prepared from the following commercial pigmented rice seeds: Black Japonica, Chinese Black, French Camargue, Himalayan Red, Long Grain Brown, Purple Sticky, Short Grain Brown, Wehani, Wild, Indian Brown Basmati, Organic Brown Jasmine, and Organic Jade Pearl. Although acrylamide levels ranged from 4.9 µg/kg in Long Grain Brown to 50.8 µg/kg in Chinese Black, the absolute values were all low (though statistically significantly differences existed among varieties). Acrylamide content did not correlate with its precursor asparagine. The variations in protein, carbohydrate, fat, ash, dry matter, and water content determined by proximate analysis, and the reported health benefits of colored rice cultivars used to prepare the flatbreads, might also be useful for relating composition to nutritional qualities and health properties, facilitating their use as nutritional and health-promoting functional foods.

Expanded Access Program: Evaluating Safety of Erythrocytes Encapsulating L-Asparaginase in Combination with Polychemotherapy in Patients Under 55 Years Old with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) at Risk to Receive Other Formulations of Asparaginase

Expanded Access Program: Evaluating Safety of Erythrocytes Encapsulating L-Asparaginase in Combination with Polychemotherapy in Patients Under 55 Years Old with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) at Risk to Receive Other Formulations of Asparaginase

Pegcrisantaspase in Combination with Venetoclax for Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Phase 1 Study

Background:Despite new therapeutic advances, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) still has poor outcomes, especially in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) disease with complex karyotype (CK) and/or TP53 mutation. Venetoclax (Ven), an oral BCL-2 inhibitor, in combination with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTIs) has been approved by the FDA for treatment of newly diagnosed AML in adults who are unfit for intensive therapy with encouraging results, but the combination has been found to be less effective in patients with R/R AML.AML cells have been shown to be sensitive to extracellular glutamine depletion or manipulation of intracellular glutamine metabolism. Asparaginase converts asparagine and glutamine to aspartate and glutamate, decreasing plasma concentrations of asparagine and glutamine, with anti-leukemia activity. We previously published that crisantaspase produced complete plasma glutamine depletion in patients without dose-limiting toxicities and was associated with anti-leukemic activity in R/R AML (Emadi et al. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2018). In preclinical studies, we found that Pegcrisantaspase (PegC), a long-acting crisantaspase, not only had potent single-agent anti-AML activity, but also synergized with Ven in CK-AML cell lines and primary cells in vitro and in vivo (Emadi et al. Leukemia 2021). Ven-PegC targets the mTOR-eIF4E-driven ribosomal translational protein synthesis apparatus in AML. With no standardized treatment and poor outcomes for R/R AML, there is an unmet need for effective treatment options.Trial Design: We present an ongoing, non-randomized, open-label Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating Ven administered orally daily in combination with PegC administered intravenously every 14 days in 28-day treatment cycles in adults patients with R/R AML. The trial consists of two phases: dose escalation (four cohorts) and dose expansion at the final recommended phase 2 doses (RP2Ds).Adult patients with a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of AML whose disease has relapsed or is refractory to at least one line of AML therapy and with adequate organ function and no prior history of pancreatitis or ≥ Grade 3 thrombohemorrhagic events are eligible for this trial. All patients with FLT3, IDH1 or IDH2 mutation must have received at least one line of therapy with an available FLT3/IDH1/IDH2 inhibitor to be eligible for this trial. The study will include CK-AML and TP53-mutated AML.The primary objectives of the trial are to evaluate the safety and tolerability of Ven-PegC and estimate the maximum tolerated doses (MTDs) and/or biologically active doses (e.g. RP2D) of Ven-PegC in patients with R/R AML. The primary endpoints of the trial are incidences of regimen-limiting toxicities (RLTs) and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). The secondary endpoints include the rates of complete remission (CR) and composite complete remission (CR+CRh+CRi), event-free survival, overall survival, the rate of conversion from transfusion dependence to transfusion independence, and achievement of MRD <0.02% within 2 cycles of treatment with Ven-PegC. If a patient does not achieve at least hematologic improvement within 3 cycles of treatment, the patient will be taken off study. Responding patients can continue with the assigned doses until progression.The study uses a 3+3 design. Up to 24 subjects will be enrolled during dose escalation (in case exactly one RLT occurs in the first three patients enrolled at each of the four dose levels). Another 10 subjects will be enrolled at the final RP2D in an expansion cohort, for a total of 16 patients treated at the RP2D. The study is currently open at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier is NCT04666649. [Display omitted] DisclosuresEmadi: Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; NewLink Genetics: Research Funding; Servier: Research Funding; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Servier: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Secura Bio.: Consultancy; KinaRx, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Co-founder.

Serum metabolites associated with increased insulin resistance and low cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight adolescents

Background and aimsObesity affects metabolism, increasing the risk of developing non-communicable diseases in adolescence, due to excess adipose tissue and low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). The metabolomics approach allows the elucidation of metabolites, which may have the concentrations altered by several factors, such as body composition (BC). We aimed to analyze the metabolomic profile of normal-weight and overweight adolescents and associate the metabolites with clinical markers related to BC, insulin resistance (IR), and CRF. Methods and resultsThe sample was composed of 57 adolescents and divided into two groups: the normal-weight group (NWG, n = 24) and the overweight group (OWG, n = 33). They underwent blood collection and anthropometric, BC, and CRF assessment. Blood serum samples were analyzed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy (600 MHz). The OWG presented higher values of body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fasting glucose, insulin, IR, cholesterol, and percentage of fat mass (%FM) and lower levels of peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) compared with the NWG. The OWG presented lower concentrations of 3-hydroxyisovalerate, glutamate, and methionine as well as higher concentrations of aspartate, asparagine, creatine, glycerol, myo-inositol, proline, pyruvate, tyrosine, and valerate compared with the NWG. The concentrations of glutamate, myo-inositol, creatine, methionine, and valerate correlated with %FM; pyruvate and valerate positively correlated with IR; and glutamate, tyrosine, and valerate negatively correlated with CRF. ConclusionChanges in the BC lead to changes in the metabolomic profile of adolescents, and the altered metabolites are associated with increased IR and low CRF. These results indicate new targets for health monitoring and prevention of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in adolescents.

Restricted Nitrogen and Water Applications in the Orchard Modify the Carbohydrate and Amino Acid Composition of Nonpareil and Carmel Almond Hulls.

Hull rot disease of almond (Prunus dulcis), caused by the fungus Rhizopus stolonifer, is prevalent in well maintained orchards where trees are provided plenty of water and nitrogen to increase the growth and yield. The predominantly grown variety Nonpareil is considered very susceptible to hull rot, while the pollinator variety Carmel is more resistant. Reduced nitrogen rates and restricted irrigation scheduling decreased the incidence and severity of hull rot in Californian orchards. As a part of our research, the hull composition of Australian almond fruits of Nonpareil and Carmel varieties, grown under two levels of irrigation (high and low) and two levels of nitrogen (high and low), were analysed using 1H NMR-based metabolomics. Both Nonpareil and Carmel hulls contained sugars such as glucose, sucrose, fructose and xylose, and amino acids, particularly asparagine. Variety was the major factor with Nonpareil hulls significantly higher in sugars and asparagine than Carmel. Within varieties, nitrogen influenced the relative concentrations of glucose, sucrose and asparagine. In Nonpareil, high nitrogen high water (the control) had relatively high glucose and asparagine content. High nitrogen low water increased the sucrose component, low nitrogen high water increased the glucose component and low nitrogen low water increased the sucrose and asparagine components. In Carmel, however, high nitrogen low water and low nitrogen high water increased sucrose and asparagine, and low nitrogen low water increased sucrose and glucose. Hull rot symptoms are caused by fumaric acid production by R. stolonifer growing within the hull. These changes in the hull composition under different nitrogen and water scenarios have the potential to affect the growth of R. stolonifer and its metabolite production in hull rot disease.

Genome-wide identification and comprehensive expression analysis of VviASN and VviGS gene families during seed development/abortion in grapevine

Asparagine synthetase (ASN) and glutamine synthetase (GS) play important roles in nitrogen metabolism and recycling in plants. In this study, we performed the characterization and expression analysis of the ASN and GS gene families in grape. It contains two ASN genes, VviASN1 and VviASN2, and five GS genes, VviGS1.1, VviGS1.2, VviGS1.3, VviGS2a and VviGS2b. For each gene, full-length complementary DNAs were cloned and the properties of encoded protein were predicted using bioinformatics approaches. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the transcript levels of VviASN1, VviASN2, VviGS1.1, VviGS1.2 and VviGS2b during ovule (seed) development were higher in seedless cultivars than in seeded. It was showed that asparagine (Asn) content in the seeds of seedless grapes was higher than in seeded, while glutamine (Gln) content was higher in seeded. Levels of both amino acids increased during early seed development, then decreased as development progressed. Based on correlation between amino acid content and gene expression, VviASN1 may play a major role in the synthesis of Asn in grape seeds. VviASN1 and VviASN2 were highly expressed in flower and leaf, respectively. VviGS1.1, VviGS2a and VviGS2b were highly expressed in leaf, while VviGS1.2 was highly expressed in root. In summary, our findings suggest novel roles for the VviASN and VviGS genes families during seed development/abortion in grapevine.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SEEDS OF PLANTS LUPINUS ANGUSTIFOLIUS L. AND LUPINUS ALBUS L. OF THE KALININGRAD REGION

The aim of the work was to study the chemical composition of seeds of plants Lupinus albus L., Lupinus angustifolius L., growing in the Kaliningrad region. Lupin is a promising crop due to the high content of biologically valuable protein in its seeds, as well as minerals, unsaturated fatty acids, water - and fat-soluble biologically active substances. The paper considers the amino acid, mineral, and fatty acid composition of seeds, presents data on the content of water-soluble vitamins in them, and shows the component composition of chloroform extracts of seeds.&#x0D; The total number of amino acids (47.72±0.37 and 38.655±0.32%, respectively) was found in the seeds of narrow-leaved and white lupine, and a high content of glutamic acid and asparagine was found. The macronutrient composition, which is dominated by potassium, phosphorus and calcium, was studied. Among the microelements of seeds, manganese, iron, zinc and silicon predominate. A particularly high content of manganese in white lupin seeds (192.14±1.67 mg per 100 g) was noted. Analysis of the fatty acid composition of lupin seed oils showed a high degree of unsaturation with a high content of oleic and linoleic acids. Both types of lupine contain thiamine, pyridoxine, and niacin, while white lupine seeds also contain Pantothenic and folic acids. Сhromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the fraction isolated by chloroform from lupine seeds showed the presence of substances of the terpenes class (farnesene, neofitadiene, γ-tocopherol) and steriodic alcohols (campesterol, β-sitosterol).

Leaf-nitrogen status affects grain yield formation through modification of spike differentiation in maize

• A moderate nitrogen rate ensures appropriate nitrogen content in leaves. • An appropriate nitrogen content in leaves affects grain yield formation by adjusting spike differentiation. • The leaf-N status influences spike differentiation through N accumulation and transport. Spike differentiation plays a pivotal role in maize ( Zea mays L.) yield formation. However, it is unclear if leaf-N status affects yield formation by modifying spike differentiation. To understand how the spike differentiation is affected by leaf N content, as affected by the N rate, a field experiment was conducted. The experiment consisted of four N rates: N0 (0 kg N ha –1 ), N1 (129 kg N ha 1 ), N2 (184.5 kg N ha −1 ), and N3 (300 kg N ha −1 ). At zero (N0) or low (N1) N rate, N stress significantly reduced the leaf N content of summer maize, which in turn reduced the N accumulation and N transfer from leaves to spike during spike differentiation, compared to the moderate N rate (N2), especially at the tassel-floret and ear-spikelet differentiation stage (FT-SE). So the reproductive growth was delayed by 2–4 days under N0 and N1, abortive florets of the ear were increased by 28.2–166.2 %, and the anthesis-silking interval was lengthened by 2–4 days, compared with N2, which reduced the kernel set and subsequently the silk and grain number per ear. Appropriate N rate (N2) could increase N metabolism-related enzymatic activities and increase the content of glutamine (Gln) and asparagine (Asn) in leaves, which in turn increased N transfer to spike to promote spike differentiation and decrease abortive florets. Finally, the silk and kernel set under N2 were increased, which resulted in an increased in grain number per ear and yield by 3.5–27.4 % and 13.1–41.8 %, respectively, compared with N0 or N1. However, the excessive N rate (N3) demonstrated a threshold, which no longer promoted spike differentiation. Moreover, leaves had an N-absorption peak at the FT-SE, and the N content positively correlated with the total numbers of silks and florets per ear. The efficient absorption of N at the FT-SE was beneficial to increase floret fertility. Collectively, a moderate N fertilizer rate (around 185 kg N ha −1 ) assured appropriate N accumulation in leaves and N transfer to spike, improved spike development and increased floret fertility, grain number and yield.

Effect of Methionine Supplementation on Rumen Microbiota, Fermentation, and Amino Acid Metabolism in In Vitro Cultures Containing Nitrate.

This study evaluated the effect of methionine on in vitro methane (CH4) production, rumen fermentation, amino acid (AA) metabolism, and rumen microbiota in a low protein diet. We evaluated three levels of methionine (M0, 0%; M1, 0.28%; and M2, 1.12%) of in the presence of sodium nitrate (1%) in a diet containing elephant grass (90%) and concentrate (10%). We used an in vitro batch culture technique by using rumen fluid from cannulated buffaloes. Total gas and CH4 production were measured in each fermentation bottle at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, 72 h of incubation. Results revealed that M0 decreased (p < 0.001) the total gas and CH4 production, but methionine exhibited no effect on these parameters. M0 decreased (p < 0.05) the individual and total volatile fatty acids (VFAs), while increasing (p < 0.05) the ruminal pH, acetate to propionate ratio, and microbial protein content. Methionine did not affect ruminal AA contents except asparagine, which substantially increased (p = 0.003). M2 increased the protozoa counts, but both M0 and M1 decreased (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of Firmicutes while increasing (p < 0.05) the Campilobacterota and Proteobacteria. However, Prevotella and γ-Proteobacteria were identified as biomarkers in the nitrate group. Our findings indicate that methionine can increase ruminal asparagine content and the population of Compylobactor.

Preharvest 1-methylcyclopropene treatment effects on fruit quality attributes and targeted metabolites in ‘Wonhwang’ pears stored at room temperature after cold storage

Preharvest 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) spray treatment effects on fruit quality attributes and targeted metabolites were investigated in ‘Wonhwang’ Asian pears during the shelf-life period following cold storage. The preharvest 1-MCP treatment was sprayed 1 week before harvest, and then the pears were stored at 1°C for up to 3 months and then transferred to room-temperature conditions for the shelf-life period. The soluble solids content (SSC) was higher in the preharvest 1-MCP-treated fruit than in untreated fruit at harvest and during the second half of the shelf-life period after cold storage. However, preharvest 1-MCP treatment aggravated the incidence and severity of flesh browning. The contents of asparagine, histidine, valine, and isoleucine were higher in the preharvest 1-MCP-treated fruit than in the untreated fruit during the shelf-life period after cold storage. The results of principal component analysis loading plot indicated that preharvest 1-MCP treatment was strongly associated with leucine, tryptophan, histidine, valine, and isoleucine. In addition, the results of Pearson's correlation coefficient networking indicated that preharvest 1-MCP treatment affected the differential responses of fruit quality attributes and targeted metabolites during the shelf-life period after cold storage. Therefore, the results suggested that preharvest 1-MCP treatment could alter SSC levels and certain targeted metabolites along with internal tissue colour variables in ‘Wonhwang’ pears during the shelf-life period after short-term cold storage.

Effects of Sprouting and Fermentation on Free Asparagine and Reducing Sugars in Wheat, Einkorn, Oat, Rye, Barley, and Buckwheat and on Acrylamide and 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Formation during Heating.

Usage of sprouted grains is an increasing trend in thermally processed foods. Sprouting alters the composition of sugars and amino acids, which are Maillard reaction precursors. Free asparagine, total free amino acids, and sugars were monitored during sprouting and yeast and sourdough fermentations. Acrylamide and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) were analyzed in heated samples. The asparagine concentration decreased up to 40% after 24-36 h of sprouting, except for buckwheat, and then increased to the initial concentration after 48 h and several folds after 72 h. The increased amount of reducing sugars after sprouting caused higher acrylamide and HMF formation even if the asparagine concentration was lower. Acrylamide and HMF formation decreased after fermentation of sprouted wholemeal because sugars and asparagine were consumed by yeast. A pH drop of 3 units by sourdough fermentation decreased acrylamide formation but increased HMF formation. Results indicated that sprouted cereal products should be produced under controlled conditions to be used in heated foods.

The Relationship Between Varieties and Acrylamide Formation in Roasted Barley

Attempts being made to increase the awareness for addressing the acrylamide issues among barley breeders and food technologists. Selection from existing hulled barley varieties and genotypes for low free asparagine accumulation and specifying the optimal roasting conditions in coffee-substitutes based on roasted barley offer suitable mitigation interventions and strategies at the agronomic and the industrial scales to avoid excessive acrylamide formation and to generate safe barley products for dietary use. To these interventions, this study aims to compare the acrylamide forming potential of three hulled barley varieties with different genotypic origins grown under normal agronomic conditions during two growing seasons of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020, then used for roasted coffee-substitutes manufacture, and correlate this to different roasting temperatures and acrylamide concentrations. Mean squares of genotypes were highly significant (P ≤ 0.05) for all agronomic characteristics and free asparagine accumulation (12.96**, 12.65**) in both seasons. Acrylamide concentrations in coffee substitutes showed strong negative or weak correlations with glucose, sucrose, fructose, and maltose and strong positive correlations (r =‎0.8029& 0.8025) with free asparagine contents (318.2-682.3& ‎322.3‎-681.5 ‎mg Kg-1) in the grains in both seasons. Indicating free asparagine is the main determinant of acrylamide-forming potential in different barley genotypes. The acrylamide concentrations in the ground (<10-242.8µg kg-1) and brewed (0.26-1.70‎ µg 70 mL-1) coffee substitutes significantly increased as roasting temperatures increased at 180, 200& 220C, except for variety Giza133 decreased shortly at 220C. These levels did not exceed the recommended limit (500 µg kg-1) by the European Commission; however, overconsumption should be of concern. Roasting temperatures significantly (P ≤ 0.05) influenced the physical properties of the roasted barley grains and the physicochemical properties of coffee substitutes with strong correlations with acrylamide concentrations. This study exhibits an indicator to help risk managers and decision-makers to set priorities for further action for addressing the acrylamide problem.

Towards Accelerated Autolysis? Dynamics of Phenolics, Proteins, Amino Acids and Lipids in Response to Novel Treatments and during Ageing of Sparkling Wine

Premium sparkling wine produced by the traditional method (analogous to the French méthode champenoise) is characterised by the development of aged wine character as a result of a second fermentation in the bottle with lees contact and lengthy ageing. Treatments (microwave, ultrasound, or β-glucanase enzymes) were applied to disrupt the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and added to the tirage liquor for the second fermentation of Chardonnay-Pinot Noir base wine cuvée and compared to a control, to assess effects on the release of phenolics, proteins, amino acids, and lipids at 6, 12 and 18 months post-tirage. General responses to wine ageing included a 60% increase in the total phenolic content of older sparkling wines relative to younger wines and an increase in protein concentration from 6 to 12 months bottle age. Microwave and β-glucanase enzyme treatments of yeast during tirage preparation were associated with a 10% increase in total free amino acid concentration and a 10% increase in proline concentration at 18 months bottle age, compared to control and ultrasound treatment. Furthermore, microwave treatment was associated with elevated asparagine content in wine at 18 months bottle age, relative to the control and the other wines. The β-glucanase enzyme and ultrasound treatments were associated with significant accumulation of total lipids, which were driven by 2-fold increases in the phospholipid and monoacylglycerol components in wine at 18 months bottle age and, furthermore, the microwave treatment was associated with elevated triacylglycerol at 18 months bottle age. This study demonstrates that the use of yeast treatments at the tirage stage of sparkling wine production presents an opportunity to manipulate wine composition.

Commercial Organic Versus Conventional Whole Rye and Wheat Flours for Making Sourdough Bread: Safety, Nutritional, and Sensory Implications.

Organic farming is gaining a broad recognition as sustainable system, and consumer demand for organic products has increased dramatically in the recent past. Whether organic agriculture delivers overall advantages over conventional agriculture is, however, contentious. Here, the safety, nutritional, and sensory implications of using commercial organic rye, soft, and durum wheat flours rather than conventional-made sourdough bread have been investigated. Culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches were used to explore the microbial architecture of flours and to study their dynamics during sourdough propagation. Besides biochemical features, the main nutritional (amino acid content, asparagine level, and antioxidant activity) characteristics of sourdoughs were investigated, and their effect on the structural, nutritional, and sensory profiles of breads assessed. Overall, the organic farming system led to flours characterized by lower content of asparagine and cell density of Enterobacteriaceae while showing higher concentration of total free amino acids. Differences of the flours mirrored those of sourdoughs and breads. The use of sourdough fermentation guaranteed a further improvement of the flour characteristics; however, a microbial and sensory profile simplification as well as a slight decrease of the biochemical parameters was observed between breads with sourdough after one-cycle fermentation and 10 days of propagation.

Alterations of Amino Acid Concentrations and Photosynthetic Indices in Light Irradiated Arabidopsis thaliana during Phytoextraction

Hyperaccumulation of heavy metals is substantial in some hyperaccumulators; however, few studies have been conducted to reveal the effect of light irradiation on the variations of representative amino acids and photosynthetic indices, which can represent the antioxidant capacity of plants during phytoremediation. The physiochemical responses of Arabidopsis thaliana to Cd stress were compared during six light irradiation treatments. The results of the experiment showed that the stress adaptation of A. thaliana was enhanced in all light irradiation treatments, except for monochromatic blue-light irradiation. The concentrations of glutamic acid and glutamine decreased significantly in pure blue light compared with the other treatments. The decrease in the concentrations of these two amino acids might be induced by an intensive biosynthesis of defensive factors, as manifested in the declined photosynthetic indices. Concentrations of aspartic acid and asparagine involved in the ammonification, absorption, and transportation of nitrogen in vascular plants increased in the red and blue combined irradiation treatments compared with the control, corresponding to the improved photosynthetic capacity of the species. The concentration of proline, which can represent environmental stresses including metal toxicity and excessive light energy, generally increased with an increasing ratio of blue light. This study proposes the key roles of amino acids and photosynthetic indices in light-motivated Cd pollution responses in A. thaliana.