Peak Height Index Research Articles

Estimating Chlorophyll-a and Phycocyanin Concentrations in Inland Temperate Lakes across New York State Using Sentinel-2 Images: Application of Google Earth Engine for Efficient Satellite Image Processing

Harmful algae blooms (HABs) have been reported with greater frequency in lakes across New York State (NYS) in recent years. In situ sampling is used to assess water quality, but such observations are time intensive and therefore practically limited in their spatial extent. Previous research has used remote sensing imagery to estimate phytoplankton pigments (typically chlorophyll-a or phycocyanin) as HAB indicators. The primary goal of this study was to validate a remote sensing-based method to estimate cyanobacteria concentrations at high temporal (5 days) and spatial (10–20 m) resolution, to allow identification of lakes across NYS at a significant risk of algal blooms, thereby facilitating targeted field investigations. We used Google Earth Engine (GEE) as a cloud computing platform to develop an efficient methodology to process Sentinel-2 image collections at a large spatial and temporal scale. Our research used linear regression to model the correlation between in situ observations of chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and phycocyanin and indices derived from Sentinel-2 data to evaluate the potential of remote sensing-derived inputs for estimating cyanobacteria concentrations. We tested the performance of empirical models based on seven remote-sensing-derived indices, two in situ measurements, two cloud mitigation approaches, and three temporal sampling windows across NYS lakes for 2019 and 2020. Our best base model (R2 of 0.63), using concurrent sampling data and the ESA cloud masking—i.e., the QA60 bitmask—approach, related the maximum peak height (MPH) index to phycocyanin concentrations. Expanding the temporal match using a one-day time window increased the available training dataset size and improved the fit of the linear regression model (R2 of 0.71), highlighting the positive impact of increasing the training dataset on model fit. Applying the Cloud Score+ method for filtering cloud and cloud shadows further improved the fit of the phycocyanin estimation model, with an R2 of 0.84, but did not result in substantial improvements in the model’s application. The fit of the Chl-a models was generally poorer, but these models still had good accuracy in detecting moderate and high Chl-a values. Future work will focus on exploring alternative algorithms that can incorporate diverse data sources and lake characteristics, contributing to a deeper understanding of the relationship between remote sensing data and water quality parameters. This research provides a valuable tool for cyanobacteria parameter estimation with confidence quantification to identify lakes at risk of algal blooms.

Endogenous thrombin potential and time-dependent thrombin generation parameters are independent risk factors for mortality in the general population

BackgroundThrombin generation (TG) is used as a global test of coagulation and is an indicator of thrombosis and bleeding risk. Until now, data on the association of TG and mortality are inconclusive. ObjectivesWe investigated the association between TG and mortality in the prospective Moli-sani cohort (n = 21 920). MethodsTG was measured using calibrated automated thrombinography using PPP-Reagent Low. Lag time (LT), endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), peak height, time-to-peak (TTP), and velocity index were quantified. The association of TG and mortality was studied by Cox regression and adjusted for sex, age, body mass index, smoking, contraceptives, and medical history (cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and cancer). ResultsLT and TTP were 4.1 ± 1.0 minutes and 6.6 ± 1.5 minutes, on average. The peak height was 364 ± 88 nM, velocity index was 163 ± 63 nM/min, and ETP was 1721 ± 411 nM·min. ETP was negatively associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.86; 95% CI, 0.81-0.92; P < .001). Subjects in the lowest quintile of the ETP (ETPQ1) had a 1.3-fold higher mortality rate. Additionally, a high TTP/LT ratio was negatively associated with mortality (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.57-0.89; P = .003). Individuals in quintile 1 of the TTP/LT ratio had a 1.4-fold higher mortality rate compared with the remainder of the cohort. Subjects that were both in ETPQ1 and TTP/LTQ1 had a 1.8-fold higher mortality rate, regardless of whether they reported history of cardiovascular disease at baseline (HR, 1.61 [CI: 1.07-2.42]) or not (HR, 1.89 [CI: 1.51-2.36]). ConclusionLow ETP and TTP/LT ratios are independent risk factors for all-cause mortality in the general population.

The deterioration of starch physiochemical and minerals in high-quality indica rice under low-temperature stress during grain filling.

Low temperatures during the grain-filling phase have a detrimental effect on both the yield and quality of rice grains. However, the specific repercussions of low temperatures during this critical growth stage on grain quality and mineral nutrient composition in high-quality hybrid indica rice varieties have remained largely unexplored. The present study address this knowledge gap by subjecting eight high-quality indica rice varieties to two distinct temperature regimes: low temperature (19°C/15°C, day/night) and control temperature (28°C/22°C) during their grain-filling phase, and a comprehensive analysis of various quality traits, with a particular focus on mineral nutrients and their interrelationships were explored. Exposure of rice plants to low temperatures during early grain filling significantly impacts the physicochemical and nutritional properties. Specifically, low temperature increases the chalkiness rate and chalkiness degree, while decreases starch and amylopectin content, with varying effects on amylose, protein, and gelatinization temperature among rice varieties. Furthermore, crucial parameters like gelatinization enthalpy (ΔH), gelatinization temperature range (R), and peak height index (PHI) all significantly declined in response to low temperature. These detrimental effects extend to rice flour pasting properties, resulting in reduced breakdown, peak, trough, and final viscosities, along with increased setback. Notably, low temperature also had a significant impact on the mineral nutrient contents of brown rice, although the extent of this impact varied among different elements and rice varieties. A positive correlation is observed between brown rice mineral nutrient content and factors such as chalkiness, gelatinization temperature, peak viscosity, and breakdown, while a negative correlation is established with amylose content and setback. Moreover, positive correlations emerge among the mineral nutrient contents themselves, and these relationships are further accentuated in the context of low-temperature conditions. Therefore, enhancing mineral nutrient content and increasing rice plant resistance to chilling stress should be the focus of breeding efforts to improve rice quality.

A Short Thrombin Generation Time-to-Peak/Lag Time Ratio Is an Independent Risk Factor for Mortality in the General Population

Background Thrombin generation (TG) is used to detect small changes in coagulation indicating a bleeding or prothrombotic phenotype. Until now, large prospective studies are missing to study the association of TG parameters with the occurrence of future cardiovascular events and mortality. In this study, we investigated the prospective value of TG measured in baseline plasma samples of a large cohort (n=20,991) with overall mortality (1,098; 5.3%) with a median follow-up of 8.2 years. Methods Thrombin generation was measured by calibrated automated thrombinography (CAT) using PPP Reagent low. The lag time (LT), endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), peak height, time-to-peak (TTP) and velocity index (VI) were quantified. Subjects on anticoagulant therapy were excluded from analysis, because this affects the measurement of TG. Cox regression was used to analyze differences in survival in subjects according to their variations in the TG parameters. The reported results are obtained from a crude model considering only single TG parameters standardized for their standard deviation, and from a final multivariable model further adjusted for sex, age, BMI, smoking, contraceptive use, antiplatelet medication and medical history (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, history of cardiovascular diseases or cancer). Results The TG lag time at 1 pM tissue factor was 4.1 min ± 1.0 on average, and the peak height was 363 nM ± 89. The time-to-peak was 6.6 min ± 1.6 on average, the velocity index was 163 nM/min ± 63 and the endogenous thrombin potential was 1717 nM·min ± 415. The SD-standardized lag time was significantly associated with mortality risk in the crude model (HR LT=1.09; CI:1.03-1.16; p=0.002) and after adjustment for all covariates, including medical history (HR LT=1.09; CI: 1.03-1.15; p=0.002). In contrast, a short time-to-peak was significantly associated with reduced mortality risk (HR TTP=0.92; CI: 0.86-0.98; p=0.012). As the opposite associations of LT and TTP with mortality could have a synergistic effect on the mortality risk, we combined the variables into the novel TTP/LT-ratio. The mean TTP/LT ratio was 1.61 ± 0.14. The hazard ratio for mortality decreased by 40% for each standard deviation increment of the TTP/LT-ratio in the crude model (HR ratio=0.606; CI:0.562-0.654; p&amp;lt;0.001), and by 18% in the fully adjusted model (HR ratio=0.824; CI: 0.766-0.887; p&amp;lt;0.001). The TTP/LT-ratio variable was divided in quintiles for further analysis: Quintile 1 included subjects up to a TTP/LT-ratio of 1.50, quintile 2 ranged from 1.50 to 1.58, quintile 3 ranged from 1.58 to 1.62, quintile 4 ranged from 1.62 to 1.70, and quintile 5 consisted of subjects with a TTP/LT-ratio above 1.70. Subjects in TTP/LT-ratio quintile 1 had an increased mortality risk (HR ratio_Q1vsQ5 =2.96; CI: 2.42-3.63; p&amp;lt;0.001), even after full adjusting (HR ratio_Q1vsQ5 =1.46; CI: 1.18-1.79; p&amp;lt;0.001; Figures 1 and 2). Moreover, subjects in TTP/LT-ratio quintile 2, have a similar statistically significant, although less pronounced increase risk for mortality in the crude model (HR ratio_Q1vsQ5 =2.17; CI: 1.18-2.68; p&amp;lt;0.001) and the fully adjusted model (HR ratio_T2vsT5 =1.29; CI: 1.04-1.60; p=0.019; Figure 1). Conclusion A prolonged TG lag time and a shortened time-to-peak in the general population and within the normal ranges are risk factors for mortality. The combination of a long LT and a short TTP results in a low TTP/LT-ratio, which was identified as an independent risk factor for increased mortality risk in the general population.

Physicochemical Properties of Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) Starch.

Native starch extracted from wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) was evaluated for its intrinsic physicochemical properties. From the results, essential metals such as K, Ca, P, and Fe were detected along with some nonessential heavy metals below the WHO permissible limits. Bulk density was 0.13-0.63 g/mL. The water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, swelling power, and solubility of the starch were pH-responsive. Thermal profiles showed onset temperature, To (59.21 °C), peak temperature, Tp (60.22 °C), endset temperature, Tc (63.12 °C), gelatinization enthalpy, ΔHgel (0.54 J/g), temperature range of gelatinization, R (3.91 °C), and peak height index, PHI (1.87 J/g °C). Exhibiting a crystallite size of 0.03 nm, absorption peaks of 15.3119°, 24.4120°, and 18.4170°, corresponding to interplanar d-spacings of 3.7500 Ǻ, 5.14000 Ǻ, and 4.954610 Ǻ, were obtained. Evidence of C-H at 1338.1 cm-1, C-O at 640.0 cm-1, C-H stretch at 2829.7 cm-1, and a strong and broad O-H group at 3291.2 cm-1 were obtained. The starch granules had low particle sizes, were homogeneous, and were aggregates of irregular shapes. At a lower pH (2-4), the wild yam starch studied could be a potential absorbent material in the production of disposable diapers and female napkins and as biodegradable films due to its high hydrophobicity at a high pH (8-12).

Evaluation of volatile and thermal properties of boza, a traditional fermented beverage

Although boza is widely preferred and consumed, there is no detailed study on volatile and thermal characteristics. A liquid–liquidextraction (LLE) method has been proposed for the volatile extraction of boza using GC-MS. DB-Wax column from 50 °C to 250 °C at a rate of 4 °C/min with a final hold at 250 °C for 10 min. A helium gas was selected as a carrier gas with a 3.2 ml/min linear velocity. The retention time of the internal standard (4-nonanol) used in our study, was detected in the middle of the chromatogram, and the peak response was relatively stable. The odor activity values (OAVs) were utilized to elucidate the aroma and key odorant substances. Based on OAVs, the most important aroma compounds identified in boza were hexanoic acid [25.1, cheesy goat], 4-vinyl phenol [12.1, phenolic/burnt], acetoin [9.1, buttery/creamy], acetic acid [6.7, vinegary/irritant] and octan-2-ol [3.5, coconut]. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system was used to determine the organic acids in boza. The quality parameters of the method were established in terms of the linearity of the calibration, the limit of quantification, the limit of detection, and recovery experiments. The proposed method showed a good recovery from 79.47 to 109.96%. The proposed method was found to be specific as no interference peaks were observed for blank samples. Regarding thermal properties, onset temperature (To), peak temperature (Tp), and end set temperature (Te) increase with the heating rate. In contrast, with increasing temperature, there was a slight decrease in the endothermic peak width (EPW) and peak height index (PHI) values. The level of alcohol was 0.06% below the criteria of the Turkish Boza Standard (TSE 9778).

Global Hemostatic Assays for Risk Stratification of Thrombosis in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Arterial and venous thromboembolism are major complications of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), which include polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). The pathogenesis of thrombosis in MPN is not fully understood. Global hemostatic assays, including thrombin generation assay (TGA), rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), and thromboelastography (TEG), have been evaluated as predictive markers of hypercoagulability in MPNs. However, validation of these and other laboratory surrogates is lacking. The objective of this systematic review is to summarize the literature and to examine the utility of global hemostatic assays as predictive markers for hypercoagulability and occurrence of thrombosis in MPNs. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception to April 14, 2022, restricted to the English language. Criteria for eligible studies were studies that reported the results of TGA, ROTEM, and TEG in ET, PV, or PMF adult patients. Studies were required to have ≥10 subjects in each group. Two reviewers (A.T. and T.C.) independently searched the literature and extracted data from eligible studies. Disagreements were resolved by consensus or a third reviewer (C.K) when necessary. The methodological quality of included studies was appraised using the Newcastle - Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) assessment tool. A meta-analysis was planned given sufficient data from included studies. The study protocol is available on PROSPERO (CRD42022325893). Results: A total of 815 records were retrieved from the literature search. After screening by title and abstract, 745 records were excluded. The remaining 70 references underwent full text review, 30 of which met eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis. These 30 studies (15 full-texts and 15 abstracts) collectively enrolled 926 controls, 700 ET, 556 PV, and 192 PMF patients. The number of studies that reported TGA, ROTEM, and TEG were 26, 3, and 3, respectively. The number of participants in each study ranged from 25 to 212 including the controls. Two studies originated from Oceania, 1 from North America, and 27 from Europe. JAK2 mutation was reported only in 15 studies and only two studies reported quantitative variant allele frequencies. There were 5 studies that did not have healthy controls. All of these studies were cross sectional analyses; no longitudinal prospective age/sex matched controlled studies have been published. Of the 26 TGA studies, comparison of TGA parameters were made between MPN vs. controls (15 studies), MPN with thrombosis vs. without thrombosis (3 studies), JAK2 positive vs. negative MPNs (11 studies), and MPN with vs. without treatment (6 studies). There is heterogeneity in the types of samples (platelet poor plasma or platelet rich plasma), trigger reagents (amounts of tissue factor, phospholipid, and thrombomodulin), and the automated platforms that were used. Significant differences in the endogenous thrombin potential (9 studies), peak height (10 studies), lag time (6 studies), and velocity index (3 studies) were found between MPN and controls. Thirteen studies reported rates of arterial and venous thrombotic outcomes in MPN patients, which ranged from 19 to 45%. Only 1 study found an association of TGA parameters and thrombosis. Two ROTEM studies showed ET having higher maximum clot firmness and shorter clot formation time compared to controls. Two TEG studies showed increased alpha angle between MPN and controls and between PV and controls. Risk of bias assessment with NOS showed summary scores ranging 1-3 for abstracts and 4-9 for full text studies. We were not able to perform meta-analysis due to insufficient data and the high heterogeneity in study objectives and laboratory methods. Conclusions: Studies were limited by small sample sizes and inconsistent results and do not comprehensively reflect the effects of treatment, duration of disease, or clonal status. The role of these global hemostatic assays in predicting thrombotic events remains inconclusive. Future studies are necessary to establish the usefulness and validity of these surrogate markers as predictors of thrombotic complications in the MPNs. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Physicochemical characterization of cereal bran cell wall with special reference to its rheological and functional properties

ABSTRACT The cell wall is a non-starch polysaccharide and consists of various bioactive moieties. In addition, it has many functional and nutraceutical properties. The main purpose of this present research was to extract the cell wall from different cereal bran and to characterize it for nutritional and bioactive properties. In addition, the effects of the cereal bran cell wall (CBCW) on functional and rheological properties of wheat flour were elucidated. For this purpose, the cell wall was extracted from different cereal bran (maize, oat, and wheat) via an enzymatic method and characterized for its monosaccharides and phenolic acids contents. Additionally, the rheological properties of wheat flour with the addition of CBCW were determined using the farinograph and mixograph. The results showed that the cell wall contents in oat bran (43.31 ± 1.41%) were higher than those in wheat (41.53 ± 0.09%) and maize bran cell walls (37.31 ± 1.05%). The maize bran cell wall has higher arabinose, xylose, galactose, and glucuronic acid contents, followed by oat and wheat bran cell walls. Furthermore, the oat bran cell wall contained higher total phenolic acid contents as compared to maize and wheat bran. Nevertheless, the ferulic acid content was high in the maize bran cell wall. Moreover, incorporation (2%) of CBCW significantly improved the rheological properties of wheat flour. The water absorption (66.04 ± 0.23%), dough stability (4.54 ± 0.6 min), peak height (66.02 ± 0.03BU), and mixing tolerance index (70.02 ± 0.07%) were high in wheat flour with the addition of oat bran cell walls followed by wheat and maize bran cell walls. Furthermore, the dough development time (6.75 ± 0.25 min) was the highest in the control sample and the lowest mixing time was observed in C4 (5.41 ± 0.12 min), while the softness of dough (139.4 ± 0.02%) was decreased more significantly through the oat cell wall than wheat and maize. Conclusively, CBCW contained different bioactive moieties that have numerous positive effects on the rheological and functional properties of wheat flour.

Thrombin Generation as a Method to Identify the Risk of Bleeding in High Clinical-Risk Patients Using Dual Antiplatelet Therapy

Background: Patients using dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention are at risk for bleeding. It is currently unknown whether thrombin generation can be used to identify patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy with increased bleeding risk.Objectives: To investigate whether thrombin generation measurement in plasma provides additional insight into the assessment of bleeding risk for high clinical-risk patients using dual antiplatelet therapy.Methods: Coagulation factors and thrombin generation in platelet-poor plasma were measured in 93 high clinical-risk frail patients using dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention. During 12-month follow-up, clinically relevant bleedings were reported. Thrombin generation at 1 and 6 months after percutaneous coronary intervention was compared between patients with and without bleeding events.Results: One month after percutaneous coronary intervention, the parameters of thrombin generation, endogenous thrombin potential, peak height, and velocity index were significantly lower in patients with bleeding in the following months compared to patients without bleeding. At 6 months follow-up, endogenous thrombin potential, peak height, and velocity index were still (significantly) decreased in the bleeding group as compared to non-bleeders. Thrombin generation in the patients' plasma was strongly dependent on factor II, V, and VIII activity and fibrinogen.Conclusion: High clinical-risk patients using dual antiplatelet therapy with clinically relevant bleeding during follow-up show reduced and delayed thrombin generation in platelet-poor plasma, possibly due to variation in coagulation factors. Thus, impaired thrombin-generating potential may be a “second hit” on top of dual antiplatelet therapy, increasing the bleeding risk in high clinical-risk patients. Thrombin generation has the potential to improve the identification of patients using dual antiplatelet therapy at increased risk of bleeding.

Viscothermal Behavior and Structural Characterization of Temperate Highland Himalayan Rice Cultivars

AbstractFour of five Indica and three japonica rice cultivars, widely cultivated under temperate condition in highland Himalayas are evaluated for nutritional, pasting and thermal properties and are subsequently subjected to structural characterization. Out of the different cultivars, highest peak viscosity (3990 cP), breakdown viscosity (2015 cP), final viscosity (5580 cP), setback viscosity (3605 cP); onset temperature (75.97 °C), peak temperature (83.17 °C), conclusion temperature (93.66 °C), enthalpy of gelatinization (6.66 J g−1) and peak height index (0.92) are recorded for Jhelum. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also reveals that some morphological difference existed in these genotypes. All the cultivars show an A type X‐ray diffraction pattern with different degrees of crystallinity ranging from 21.21 % to 39.42 %. ATR‐FTIR in combination with Raman spectroscopy provides some useful information about functional groups of molecules and validates that some dissimilarities exist in structure and chemical profile of these varieties. Based on the pasting behavior, Jhelum is considered best for cooking purposes while Koshikari, due to its good nutritional profile, can be explored for nutritional improvement programs in future. The outcome of this study serves as basic guideline to plan future research on such varieties and to formulate selection indices for developing quality rice from highland Himalayan rice cultivars.

Mechanistic Studies of Thrombin Generation Assay to Evaluate Procoagulant Potential of Fitusiran

Introduction: Fitusiran is a once-monthly subcutaneously administered RNA interference therapeutic targeting antithrombin III (AT) to rebalance hemostasis in patients with hemophilia A and B with or without inhibitors. As for other non-FVIII therapies in development, there is a need to better assess the procoagulant potential of fitusiran. Using thrombin generation assays (TGA), we studied the hemostatic activity in hemA plasma with low AT levels in the presence and absence of varying factor VIII (FVIII) levels to mimic conditions associated with breakthrough bleeds. To better understand the impact of AT depletion in the assay, we monitored multiple TGA parameters as well as the levels of several coagulation components potentially influencing the reactions. Methods: Pooled HemA plasma was applied to an AT affinity resin to remove AT. Residual AT activity was 5% and additional AT was spiked back to produce HemA plasmas with various amounts of AT (5, 10, 20 and 100%). FVIII was spiked into the 4 plasmas at 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, and 100 IU/dL and all samples were analyzed by Calibrated Automated Thrombography (Stago). Thrombin generation parameters were calculated by thrombinoscope software.After the TGA reaction, samples were further analyzed by immunoblot for evaluation of thrombin-AT (TAT) and alpha2-macroglobulin-thrombin (a2M:T) complex formation, as well as remaining (pro)thrombin, AT and a2M levels . In parallel, a2M:T complex levels were assessed by ELISA capture of a2M followed by addition of thrombin substrate to directly measure the thrombin activity stemming from a2M-inhibited thrombin. . Results: TGA parameters for FVIII titrations in HemA plasmas with reduced AT were calculated and compared to the FVIII standard curves generated in HemA plasma with normal AT levels for each TGA parameter (lag time, time to peak, peak height, ETP and velocity index). As expected, a greater reduction of AT activity in hemA plasma correlated with increased thrombin generation compared to hemA plasma (with 100% AT). The apparent FVIII-like activity observed at low AT conditions in HemA plasma was dependent on the TGA parameter evaluated, with velocity index suggesting the lowest and ETP the highest FVIII-like activity. Furthermore, particularly at lower starting levels of AT, AT is depleted during the TGA reaction and leads to enhanced levels of a2M:T complex as observed by immunoblot or a2M:T chromocapture assays. Importantly, the a2M:T complex is capable of cleaving the assay substrate and contributing to the TGA signal. Typically, the a2M:T generated signal is calculated and substracted by the thrombinoscope software. However, under low AT conditions, increased levels of a2M-T lead to substrate consumption at later stages of the reaction, resulting in erroneous underestimation of the a2M:T activity that does not agree with direct measurement of a2M: T levels. These limitations need to be taken into consideration when interpreting TGA data under conditions of low AT activity. While this remains an area of investigation, parameters derived earlier in the reaction prior to AT depletion and significant levels of a2M:T complex formation may better correlate with the true hemostatic potential associated with AT inhibition. Conclusion: Our results show that TGA can be a valuable tool to measure the hemostatic potential associated with fitusiran therapy. We demonstrate that reduced levels of AT are associated with enhanced thrombin generation, but that activity comparison to FVIII varies significantly depending on the TGA parameter analyzed. In addition we show that under low AT conditions, AT can become depleted leading to a2M:T complex accumulation which may lead to overestimation of some TGA parameters. This overestimation is likely an artifact of the TGA method as it is a closed in vitro system that can be influenced by the depletion of components or accumulation of products. Our results suggest that TGA parameters calculated early in the reaction are less influenced by some of these limitations and may be better predictors of the true hemostatic activity of fitusiran. Furthermore, a2M may play a more active role during fitusiran treatment, ensuring free thrombin does not migrate outside of the site of injury. Disclosures Kattula: Sanofi: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Salvador:Sanofi: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Wang:Sanofi: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Ismail:Sanofi: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. van der Flier:Sanofi: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Leksa:Sanofi: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Salas:Sanofi: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company.

Visco-thermal and structural characterization of water chestnut flour.

In order to increase flour recovery, resistant starch content and to lower the glycemic index and glycemic load, the water chestnuts were subjected to pre-optimized conditions of pre-conditioning. The low glycemic index water chestnut flour (F1) obtained thereafter was analyzed for different functional, viscous, thermal and structural properties. F1 exhibited improved functional properties due to gelatinization of starch followed by retrogradation during pre-conditioning which confirms its feasibility for development of diverse food products in comparison to commercially available market flour (F2). Pasting properties-peak viscosity, hold viscosity, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity and set back viscosity (SBV) were found significantly (p < 0.01) higher in case of F1 than F2. Higher peak viscosity of F1 can be accorded to its higher swelling capacity than F2. Further, higher SBV of F1 suggests its susceptibility towards retrogradation and gel formation. Differential scanning calorimetry results revealed that gelatinization temperature, endothermic peak width, onset, peak and conclusion temperatures were significantly (p < 0.01) lower, whereas enthalpy of gelatinization and peak height index were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in case of F1 as compared to F2. Lower gelatinization transition temperatures of F1 could be attributed to its more water absorption ability than F2 which suggests its potential as a thickening agent in foods. ATR-FTIR studies revealed high absorbance ratio at 1047/1022cm-1 in F1 as compared to F2 which confirmed the presence of packed double helices within the starch crystalline regions in F1 sample. Scanning electron microscopy showed the smooth, plumper and fused granules in F1 whereas disintegrated granules were observed in F2.

Exploring the effect of cereal bran cell wall on rheological properties of wheat flour

The objective of present study was to probe the effect of cereal bran cell wall addition on farinographic and mixographic characteristics of wheat flour dough. For the purpose, bran cell wall was isolated from three varieties of each cereal (wheat, barley, maize) according to respective method. Additionally, cereal bran cell walls were added in wheat flour with concentrations of 1% and 2% and rheological properties were determined through farinograph and mixograph. Addition of cereal bran cell walls significantly improved rheological properties of wheat flour. Higher increase in water absorption capacity (71.55 ± 0.30%), dough stability (8.80 ± 0.09 min), peak height (74.11 ± 0.31 BU), and mixing tolerance index (74.54 ± 0.30%) of dough was observed with the addition of barley cell wall followed by wheat and maize bran cell walls at 2%. Moreover, dough development time (2.78 ± 0.38 min), mixing time (4.12 ± 0.27 min), and softness of dough (123.60 ± 0.79%) were decreased more significantly through barley cell wall than wheat and maize cell walls. Conclusively, exploitation of cereal bran cell wall in cereal-based products improves product quality. Practical applications Cereal bran cell walls were added in wheat flour and various properties of wheat dough such as water absorption capacity, dough development time, mixing time, softness of dough, dough stability, mixing tolerance index, and peak height were improved. Utilization of cell wall in cereal-based products can fulfill many objectives including improving product quality, shelf life, value addition, and maintaining good health of the consumers. Novel products with improved rheology can be introduced in market as functional foods against various diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cancer, and bacterial infections.

Extraction, characterization, physicochemical and rheological properties of two different varieties of chickpea starch

AbstractThe variations in physiochemical, rheological, morphological, and thermal properties of extracted starches of two chickpea varieties (PDG‐5 and BG‐1076) were evaluated. Both the varieties resulted in starch yields 28.2–31.2 g/100 g. Amylose content was 30.2–31.2%. Morphological study by scanning electron microscopy of starches of both the varieties of chickpea revealed the presence of oval, spherical shaped granules with smooth surfaced, with mean granular length of 2 to 30 μm and width of 3 to 10 μm. Rheological properties of extracted starches at selected concentration (1–5%) were evaluated in flow viscometry and dynamic oscillatory mode to assess flow properties in terms of shear stress, shear rate, apparent viscosity, elastic, and viscous modulus. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the presence of polysaccharides bands. X‐ray diffraction patterns showed that extracted starches are mixture of both A‐ and B‐type crystal. Thermal and pasting properties of chickpea starches were determined using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and rapid visco analyzer, respectively. Onset (T0), peak (Tp), end (Tc) temperature, enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔH), peak height index, and gelatinization temperature range were measured by DSC. DSC thermograms revealed that T0, Tp, and Tc values of chickpeas were ranged from 65.6°C to 66.5°C, 69.6°C to 71.1°C, and 75.6°C to 76.2°C, respectively, whereas the corresponding enthalpy values varied between 14.8 and 15.6 J/g. The viscosity values at the peak, hold, final, breakdown, and setback viscosity for PDG‐5 variety were 2,562, 2,200, 3,646, 852, and 1,456 cP, respectively, and the corresponding values for BG 1076 were 4,848, 3,416, 6,384, 1,452, and 2,978 cP. It was observed that starches from BG‐1076 variety with low swelling power had higher solubility and pasting temperature.

Limited factor VIIa surface localization requirement of the factor VIIa–induced overall thrombin generation in platelet‐rich hemophilia A plasma

BackgroundThrombin generation assay (TGA) and thrombelastography (TEG) are increasingly employed, global, in vitro methods for assessment of the procoagulant potential of plasma/blood and possibly ideally suited tools to monitor, for example, therapy with recombinant factor VIIa (FVIIa). It remains controversial to what extent results obtained with spiked and postinfusion samples reflect the outcome in patients. ObjectiveTo characterize the TGA response to FVIIa in hemophilic plasma and compare with TEG data. MethodsHemophilia A (HA) was induced in platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) from healthy volunteers, followed by spiking with FVIIa, γ‐carboxyglutamic acid (Gla)‐domainless FVIIa or V158D/E296V/M298Q‐FVIIa (FVIIaDVQ). Samples were triggered with tissue factor and analyzed by TGA and TEG in parallel. ResultsAddition of 25 nmol L−1 FVIIa to HA PRP normalized TEG parameters angle and R time, as well as TGA lag time, but had poor effects on the thrombin peak height and velocity index. All parameters (at least) returned to normal levels either upon adding a much higher concentration of FVIIa (~1500 nmol L−1) or by using the superactive variant FVIIaDVQ. Surprisingly, Gla‐domainless derivatives of FVIIa and FVIIaDVQ also yielded considerable effects in HA PRP. ConclusionsThe good general responses to clinically effective concentrations of FVIIa (25 and 75 nmol L−1) seen in TEG analyses, as well as for TGA lag time, were accompanied by far‐from‐normal thrombin peaks. A near‐normal thrombin peak response required the presence of considerably higher FVIIa activity but, intriguingly, relied only marginally on a functional Gla domain (ie, on platelet surface localization).

Effects of postsilking weak‐light stress on the flour quality of spring maize

AbstractBackground and objectivesThe low sunlight from June to July caused by cloudy weather in Southern China has a detrimental influence on the grain yield and quality of spring maize because this period overlaps with the grain filling stage. A field trial was conducted to study the effects of postsilking shading (30% and 50% light deprivation defined as moderate sunlight [MS] and severe shading [SS], respectively, and with plants under natural sunlight as the control) on grain weight, nutrient contents, pasting, and thermal properties in 2016–2017. Zhengdan958 (ZD958) and Suyu30 (SY30) were used as materials.FindingsMS and SS reduced the grain weight by 26.7% and 42.4% for ZD958 and by 17.4% and 25.7% for SY30 in 2016, respectively. In 2017, the decrease was 6.8% and 2.7% for ZD958 and SY30, respectively, and no difference was observed between MS and SS. Shading reduced the starch content and increased the protein content, and the effects were severe when a large amount of sunlight was deprived. SS increased the starch granule size in both varieties and years. MS resulted in an increase in 2016, but no increase was observed in 2017. Peak, trough, and breakdown viscosities decreased under shading. Similar reductions were generally observed between MS and SS. Shading exerted minimal effects on gelatinization and retrogradation temperatures, but the gelatinization enthalpy and peak height index gradually decreased with decreasing sunlight intensity. The retrogradation percentage increased under shading, and this increment was similar for MS and SS in 2016 and gradually intensified with increasing light deprivation in 2017.ConclusionsShading reduced starch and amylose contents and increased protein contents and starch granule size. These effects induced low peak and breakdown viscosities and high retrogradation percentage. The high viscosities and low retrograde of SY30 indicated that it has better grain quality than ZD958.Significance and noveltyShading deteriorates flour viscosity and increases the retrogradation tendency by reducing grain starch content and increasing protein content and starch granule size.

Hydroxypropyl and nanocrystal derivatives of white (Colocasia antiquorium) and red (Colocasia esculenta) cocoyam starches: functional, pasting, thermal and structural properties

Hydroxypropyl starch derivatives were prepared from the reaction of propylene oxide with the native starches of white and red cocoyam under alkaline conditions while starch nanocrystal derivatives were produced via acid hydrolysis method. The native starches and their hydroxypropyl derivatives were analyzed for functional behaviours, pasting properties, thermal properties, X-ray diffractometry and morphology while the starch nanocrystals were analyzed for solubility, X-ray diffractometry and morphology. Molar substitution values of the hydroxypropyl starch derivatives ranged between 0.23 and 0.26 and their degree of substitution ranged between 0.02 and 0.03. After derivation, the swelling power and water solubility of the native starches increased from 12.74 ± 0.02 to 21.36 ± 0.04 g/g (white cocoyam starch, WCS), 12.17 ± 0.04 to 18.06 ± 0.04 g/g (red cocoyam starch, RCS) and 11.61 ± 0.03 to 21.20 ± 0.06% (WCS), 12.21 ± 0.02 to 25.36 ± 0.05% (RCS) respectively. Except breakdown, all the pasting parameters (peak viscosity, hot paste viscosity, cold paste viscosity, setback, peak time and pasting temperature) significantly decreased (p < 0.05) as the levels of substitution increased. The gelatinization temperatures and peak height index reduced with an increase in substitution levels. Both native and hydroxyproylated starches exhibited CB-type X-ray patterns while the nanocrystals had V-type patterns. The starch nanocrystals formed precipitates with chloroform, but were practically insoluble in other solvents. The morphology of their microstructures revealed that the native starches were spherical and polygonal in shape while the nanocrystal starches appeared as aggregates. The starches studied could serve as alternative sources in meeting the ever-increasing demands of starch for food and non-food applications.

Physicochemical Properties of Starch from Dioscorea pyrifolia tubers.

Starch from Dioscorea pyrifolia tubers was characterized for its proximate composition, physicochemical properties and toxicity. This starch contains 44.47±1.86% amylose, 4.84±0.29% moisture, 0.88±0.21% ash, 1.34±0.11% proteins and 92.73±0.48% carbohydrates. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed a type-C starch with a relative crystallinity of 23.31±2.41%. The starch granules are polyhedral, with a diameter of 2.8 to 5.6μm and average size of 3.93±1.47μm. Initial, peak and finishing gelatinization temperatures for the starch were 71.51±0.07, 75.05±0.15, and 78.25±0.18°C, respectively; the gelatinization enthalpy was 3.86±0.02J/g, and the peak height index was 1.09±0.05. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a weight loss of 85.81±0.52% and a decomposition temperature of 320.16±0.35°C, which indicated that there was good thermal stability of the starch. Fish embryo toxicity (FET) showed that the starch was not toxic and that it was suitable for food and non-food industries.

Effect of amylose, particle size & morphology on the functionality of starches of traditional rice cultivars

The research was carried out to investigate the effect of starch powder particle size, morphology, amylose content and varietal effect on physicochemical, X-ray diffraction pattern, thermal and pasting characteristics. The results indicated that starches isolated from seven traditional rice cultivars of temperate region of India have possessed higher yield (82.47–86.83%) with lower degree of granule damage and higher level of starch crystallinity (36.55–39.15%). The water and oil binding capacities were observed to correlate positively with amylose content. The bulk density and color parameters of starches were found to have linked with starch powder particle size coupled with arrangement and morphology of the starch granules. The rice cultivars having smaller starch powder particle size indicated lowest degree of crystallinity. Morphological studies revealed that the starches with tightly packed granules had greater mean granular width, while granules with openly spaced granular morphology depicted the higher values for mean granular length. The peak height index (PHI) among different starches ranged from 1.01 to 2.57 whereas the gelatinization range varied from 10.66 to 10.88. Concluding, the differences in distributional pattern of starch granule size and shape and powder particle size indicated a significant effect on the functional properties of starch.

Effect of granular characteristics on the viscoelastic and mechanical properties of native chestnut starch (Castanea sativa Mill)

Chestnut starch (Castanea sativa Mill) gels from two cultivars, Longal and Lada, showed different mechanical and rheological properties, being dependent on aging temperature. Gels were more elastic at 5 °C evidenced by the higher intensity of relaxation spectra showing a slower relaxation process. Shape of the relaxation spectra was almost insensitive to aging temperature suggesting a similar interaction at the two temperatures. Lada gels had the lowest equilibrium modulus indicating a more fragile gel in the presence of shear disturbances. Under uniaxial compression Longal gels were the most deformable before fracture and yield higher apparent Young modulus showing also a higher firmness. Both starches contained a similar amylose content but amylose leached from Longal presented a higher molecular weight being this the determinant factor for explaining the differences in viscosity, gel firmness and cold past viscosity. Longal starch presented lower gelatinization temperature range, higher peak height index, amylopectin molecular weight and degree of external organization of starch granules suggesting a more rigid swollen starch granules that contribute to the reinforcement of Longal gels. Longal amylopectin structural features such as higher abundance of short chains might explain the higher breakdown during pasting and lower gelatinization temperature. Lada higher gelatinization temperature range is in line with a higher diversity of cluster with different double helix stabilities that can be due to the heterogeneity of the side chains involved in the double helixes. Results indicate that granule properties play an important role during gelation of chestnut starch and impact on their rheological and mechanical properties.