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A Report on Fungal (1→3)-α-d-glucans: Properties, Functions and Application.
Złotko, K, Wiater, A, Waśko, A, Pleszczyńska, M, Paduch, R, Jaroszuk-Ściseł, J, Bieganowski, A
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2019;(21)
Abstract
The cell walls of fungi are composed of glycoproteins, chitin, and α- and β-glucans. Although there are many reports on β-glucans, α-glucan polysaccharides are not yet fully understood. This review characterizes the physicochemical properties and functions of (1→3)-α-d-glucans. Particular attention has been paid to practical application and the effect of glucans in various respects, taking into account unfavourable effects and potential use. The role of α-glucans in plant infection has been proven, and collected facts have confirmed the characteristics of Aspergillus fumigatus infection associated with the presence of glucan in fungal cell wall. Like β-glucans, there are now evidence that α-glucans can also stimulate the immune system. Moreover, α-d-glucans have the ability to induce mutanases and can thus decompose plaque.
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Pullulan production from agro-industrial waste and its applications in food industry: A review.
Singh, RS, Kaur, N, Kennedy, JF
Carbohydrate polymers. 2019;:46-57
Abstract
Pullulan is a microbial exopolysaccharide produced from Aureobasidium pullulans by submerged fermentation of a medium supplemented with carbon, nitrogen and other essential nutrients. These nutrients are expensive which increase the cost of pullulan production. The requirement of alternative cost-effective substrates for pullulan production is a prerequisite. Agro-based industries generate a large volume of solid/liquid waste and its accumulation generates a severe environmental impact. These wastes are composed of carbohydrates, proteins and other constituents, and can be used as substrates for the development of low-cost processes for the production of various microbial products. This could be a good environmental friendly waste management system. Pullulan production from agro-industrial wastes can be carried out by both submerged and solid-state fermentation by A. pullulans. Owing to its unique properties, pullulan has wide applications in many food-based industries. This review highlights pullulan production from agro-industrial wastes and potential applications of pullulan in various food industries.
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Bulking for stress urinary incontinence in men: A systematic review.
Toia, B, Gresty, H, Pakzad, M, Hamid, R, Ockrim, J, Greenwell, T
Neurourology and urodynamics. 2019;(7):1804-1811
Abstract
AIMS: An updated literature review on outcomes in men treated with currently commercially available bulking agents was performed to determine whether this is a reasonable option in selected patients. METHODS The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework of systematic reviews. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, and Embase was undertaken. Abstracts were independently screened by two investigators to include men with stress urinary incontinence treated with a peri-urethral injection of bulking agents currently available in the market. RESULTS Only eight original articles met the inclusion criteria. The bulking agents used were Macroplastique in five studies (total 123 patients), Opsys, Durasphere, and Urolastic in one study each (10, 7, and 2 patients, respectively). Only one study was randomized; Macroplastique vs AUS in men with mild or total incontinence. The included populations were heterogeneous and encompassed endoscopic, perineal, abdominal and laparoscopic prostate surgery as well as spinal cord injuries and urethral sphincter insufficiency. Significant dissimilarity was evident for the duration of incontinence (9-108 months), mean volume of bulking agent used (2.3-13.5 mL), number of cushions (1-5), depth and position of the cushions. The outcomes varied significantly, with reported dry rates between 0% and 83%. Outcomes were limited by relatively short follow-up in most studies. CONCLUSION Following initial enthusiasm and then dismay with collagen-based compounds, sparse and heterogeneous literature data were produced on newer non-migrating and nonabsorbable bulking agents. Some studies have suggested encouraging, if short term outcomes, however, future studies are needed in this field to support recommendations for widespread use.
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4.
Callose balancing at plasmodesmata.
Wu, SW, Kumar, R, Iswanto, ABB, Kim, JY
Journal of experimental botany. 2018;(22):5325-5339
Abstract
In plants, communication and molecular exchanges between different cells and tissues are dependent on the apoplastic and symplastic pathways. Symplastic molecular exchanges take place through the plasmodesmata, which connect the cytoplasm of neighboring cells in a highly controlled manner. Callose, a β-1,3-glucan polysaccharide, is a plasmodesmal marker molecule that is deposited in cell walls near the neck zone of plasmodesmata and controls their permeability. During cell differentiation and plant development, and in response to diverse stresses, the level of callose in plasmodesmata is highly regulated by two antagonistic enzymes, callose synthase or glucan synthase-like and β-1,3-glucanase. The diverse modes of regulation by callose synthase and β-1,3-glucanase have been uncovered in the past decades through biochemical, molecular, genetic, and omics methods. This review highlights recent findings regarding the function of plasmodesmal callose and the molecular players involved in callose metabolism, and provides new insight into the mechanisms maintaining plasmodesmal callose homeostasis.
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A review on versatile applications of blends and composites of pullulan with natural and synthetic polymers.
Tabasum, S, Noreen, A, Maqsood, MF, Umar, H, Akram, N, Nazli, ZI, Chatha, SAS, Zia, KM
International journal of biological macromolecules. 2018;(Pt A):603-632
Abstract
Pullulan is a non-ionic, linear, water-soluble and a neutral polysaccharide. It is composed of α-(1,6) repeated maltotriose units via α-(1,4) glycosidic bond having chemical formula (C6H10O5)n. It shows non-immunogenic, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and non-mutagenic properties. It is used in food edible coatings, films, as flocculant, foaming agent and adhesive. It may also be used as a carrier for bioactive compounds and a protective packaging for food and pharmaceutical products. Therefore, it is blended with different polymers such as carrageenan, mucilages, chitosan, cellulose, sodium alginate, starch, polyethyleneimine, whey-protein, polyisopropylacrylamide, histone, jeffamine, polyamidoamine, pemulen, hyaluronic acid, polyvinyl alcohol and caboxymethyl cellulose. In this article, a comprehensive overview of combination of pullulan with natural and synthetic polymers and their applications in biomedical field involving drug delivery system, tissue engineering, wound healing and gene therapy, is presented. It also describes the utilization of pullulan based materials in food industry, water treatment and pharmaceutical industry. All the technical scientific issues have been addressed; highlighting the recent advancements.
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Emerging models on the regulation of intercellular transport by plasmodesmata-associated callose.
Amsbury, S, Kirk, P, Benitez-Alfonso, Y
Journal of experimental botany. 2017;(1):105-115
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Abstract
The intercellular transport of molecules through membranous channels that traverse the cell walls-so-called plasmodesmata-is of fundamental importance for plant development. Regulation of plasmodesmata aperture (and transport capacity) is mediated by changes in the flanking cell walls, mainly via the synthesis/degradation (turnover) of the (1,3)-β-glucan polymer callose. The role of callose in organ development and in plant environmental responses is well recognized, but detailed understanding of the mechanisms regulating its accumulation and its effects on the structure and permeability of the channels is still missing. We compiled information on the molecular components and signalling pathways involved in callose turnover at plasmodesmata and, more generally, on the structural and mechanical properties of (1,3)-β-glucan polymers in cell walls. Based on this revision, we propose models integrating callose, cell walls, and the regulation of plasmodesmata structure and intercellular communication. We also highlight new tools and interdisciplinary approaches that can be applied to gain further insight into the effects of modifying callose in cell walls and its consequences for intercellular signalling.
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Potential of glucans as vaccine adjuvants: A review of the α-glucans case.
Moreno-Mendieta, S, Guillén, D, Hernández-Pando, R, Sánchez, S, Rodríguez-Sanoja, R
Carbohydrate polymers. 2017;:103-114
Abstract
α-Glucans are present in virtually all domains of life, and these glucose chains linked by α-1,4- and α-1,6-linked branches form the most important storage carbohydrates in cells. It is likely for this reason that α-glucans are not generally considered as bioactive molecules as β-glucans are. Nevertheless, it is known that depending on their source, many α-glucans play important roles as modulators of immune response. Recent efforts have attempted to elucidate the mechanisms through which α-glucans exert their immunostimulant effects; however, the main challenge is the accurate identification of the receptors of immune cells involved in their recognition. Here, we review the adjuvant properties reported for some polysaccharides and ultimately focus on α-glucans and how their structural characteristics, such as molecular weight, solubility and derivatization, influence their immunostimulatory properties. As a final point, we discuss the potential and associated challenges of using these polysaccharides as adjuvants, particularly in mucosal vaccination.
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Low GDP Solution and Glucose-Sparing Strategies for Peritoneal Dialysis.
Szeto, CC, Johnson, DW
Seminars in nephrology. 2017;(1):30-42
Abstract
Long-term exposure to a high glucose concentration in conventional peritoneal dialysis (PD) solution has a number of direct and indirect (via glucose degradation products [GDP]) detrimental effects on the peritoneal membrane, as well as systemic metabolism. Glucose- or GDP-sparing strategies often are hypothesized to confer clinical benefits to PD patients. Icodextrin (glucose polymer) solution improves peritoneal ultrafiltration and reduces the risk of fluid overload, but these beneficial effects are probably the result of better fluid removal rather than being glucose sparing. Although frequently used for glucose sparing, the role of amino acid-based solution in this regard has not been tested thoroughly. When glucose-free solutions are used in a combination regimen, published studies showed that glycemic control was improved significantly in diabetic PD patients, and there probably are beneficial effects on peritoneal function. However, the long-term effects of glucose-free solutions, used either alone or as a combination regimen, require further studies. On the other hand, neutral pH-low GDP fluids have been shown convincingly to preserve residual renal function and urine volume. The cost effectiveness of these solutions supports the regular use of neutral pH-low GDP solutions. Nevertheless, further studies are required to determine whether neutral pH-low GDP solutions exert beneficial effects on patient-level outcomes, such as peritonitis, technique survival, and patient survival.
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Callose synthesis during reproductive development in monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants.
Shi, X, Han, X, Lu, TG
Plant signaling & behavior. 2016;(2):e1062196
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Abstract
Callose, a linear β-1,3-glucan molecule, plays important roles in a variety of processes in angiosperms, including development and the response to biotic and abiotic stress. Despite the importance of callose deposition, our understanding of the roles of callose in rice reproductive development and the regulation of callose biosynthesis is limited. GLUCAN SYNTHASE-LIKE genes encode callose synthases (GSLs), which function in the production of callose at diverse sites in plants. Studies have shown that callose participated in plant reproductive development, and that the timely deposition and degradation of callose were essential for normal male gametophyte development. In this mini-review, we described conserved sequences found in GSL family proteins from monocotyledonous (Oryza sativa and Zea mays) and dicotyledonous (Arabidopsis thaliana and Glycine max) plants. We also describe the latest findings on callose biosynthesis and deposition during reproductive development and discuss future challenges in unraveling the mechanism of callose synthesis and deposition in higher plants.
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Effect of Polydextrose on Subjective Feelings of Appetite during the Satiation and Satiety Periods: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Ibarra, A, Astbury, NM, Olli, K, Alhoniemi, E, Tiihonen, K
Nutrients. 2016;(1)
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Subjective feelings of appetite are measured using visual analogue scales (VAS) in controlled trials. However, the methods used to analyze VAS during the Satiation (pre- to post-meal) and Satiety (post-meal to subsequent meal) periods vary broadly, making it difficult to compare results amongst independent studies testing the same product. This review proposes a methodology to analyze VAS during both the Satiation and Satiety periods, allowing us to compare results in a meta-analysis. METHODS A methodology to express VAS results as incremental areas under the curve (iAUC) for both the Satiation and Satiety periods is proposed using polydextrose as a case study. Further, a systematic review and meta-analysis on subjective feelings of appetite was conducted following the PRISMA methodology. Meta-analyses were expressed as Standardized Mean Difference (SMD). RESULTS Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. There were important differences in the methods used to analyze appetite ratings amongst these studies. The separate subjective feelings of appetite reported were Hunger, Satisfaction, Fullness, Prospective Food Consumption, and the Desire to Eat. The method proposed here allowed the results of the different studies to be homogenized. The meta-analysis showed that Desire to Eat during the Satiation period favors polydextrose for the reduction of this subjective feeling of appetite (SMD = 0.24, I² < 0.01, p = 0.018); this effect was also significant in the sub-analysis by sex for the male population (SMD = 0.35, I² < 0.01, p = 0.015). There were no other significant results. CONCLUSION It is possible to compare VAS results from separate studies. The assessment of iAUC for both the Satiation and Satiety periods generates results of homogeneous magnitudes. This case study demonstrates, for the first time, that polydextrose reduces the Desire to Eat during the Satiation period. This may explain, at least in part, the observed effects of polydextrose on the reduction of levels of energy intake at subsequent meals.