The effect of agitation speed, enzyme loading and substrate concentration on enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose from brewer’s spent grain

Brewer’s spent grain components (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) were fractionated in a two-step chemical pretreatment process using dilute sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide solutions. The cellulose pulp produced was hydrolyzed with a cellulolytic complex, Celluclast 1.5 L, at 45 ºC to convert the cellulose into glucose. Several conditions were examined: agitation speed (100, 150 and 200 rpm), enzyme loading (5, 25 and 45 FPU/g substrate), and substrate concentration (2, 5 and 8% w/v), according to a 2 3 full factorial design aiming to maximize the glucose yield. The obtained results were interpreted by analysis of variance and response surface methodology. The optimal conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis of brewer’s spent grain were identified as 100 rpm, 45 FPU/g and 2% w/v substrate. Under these conditions, a glucose yield of 93.1% and a cellulose conversion (into glucose and cellobiose) of 99.4% was achieved. The easiness of glucose release from BSG makes this substrate a raw material with great potential to be used in bioconversion processes.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo), Brazil. Novozymes ( FAPESP )Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

Trends in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) research:A bibliometric review of original articles published between 2000 – 2023

Background: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a leading cause of neurodevelopmental disability globally. International organisations have highlighted an urgent need for improved prevention, diagnosis, and support. However, the evidence base needed to inform this is thought to be limited. We conducted two complementary reviews to i) describe trends in the volume and characteristics of original FASD research articles (Review 1) and ii) compare the volume of published research on FASD to that of other neurodevelopmental disorders (Review 2). Review 1. Methods: We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycInfo for original studies with FASD terms in the title, published between 2000–2023. We summarised study characteristics including the article topic(s), sample population, country of origin, and publication year using quantitative content analysis and time-series plots. Results: 854 studies were eligible. Studies showed a relative focus on diagnosis and screening, compared to prevention and intervention. FASD research originated from 31 countries, however most countries (68%) had fewer than 10 articles published over the 23-year review period.Review 2. Methods: We searched PubMed for records published between 2000–2023 with FASD, autism, or attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) terms in the title. We compared the volume of records for these conditions using descriptive statistics and time-series plots. Results: Out of the 64,069 records retrieved, 2% were for FASD, compared to 60% for autism and 38% for ADHD.Overall conclusions: FASD remains considerably under-researched. While there has been an increase in the number of original FASD research articles published annually over time, this is much lower than expected compared to publication trends for other neurodevelopmental conditions, and the wider scientific literature. Further research is needed to understand the impact of FASD across the lifespan, to inform evidence-based policy and support, and to advance progress in strength-based, stigma-reducing approaches to FASD research and practice

Trends in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) research:A bibliometric review of original articles published between 2000 – 2023

Background: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a leading cause of neurodevelopmental disability globally. International organisations have highlighted an urgent need for improved prevention, diagnosis, and support. However, the evidence base needed to inform this is thought to be limited. We conducted two complementary reviews to i) describe trends in the volume and characteristics of original FASD research articles (Review 1) and ii) compare the volume of published research on FASD to that of other neurodevelopmental disorders (Review 2). Review 1. Methods: We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycInfo for original studies with FASD terms in the title, published between 2000–2023. We summarised study characteristics including the article topic(s), sample population, country of origin, and publication year using quantitative content analysis and time-series plots. Results: 854 studies were eligible. Studies showed a relative focus on diagnosis and screening, compared to prevention and intervention. FASD research originated from 31 countries, however most countries (68%) had fewer than 10 articles published over the 23-year review period.Review 2. Methods: We searched PubMed for records published between 2000–2023 with FASD, autism, or attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) terms in the title. We compared the volume of records for these conditions using descriptive statistics and time-series plots. Results: Out of the 64,069 records retrieved, 2% were for FASD, compared to 60% for autism and 38% for ADHD.Overall conclusions: FASD remains considerably under-researched. While there has been an increase in the number of original FASD research articles published annually over time, this is much lower than expected compared to publication trends for other neurodevelopmental conditions, and the wider scientific literature. Further research is needed to understand the impact of FASD across the lifespan, to inform evidence-based policy and support, and to advance progress in strength-based, stigma-reducing approaches to FASD research and practice

Molecular Pathogenesis of Genetic and Inherited Diseases Decreased Thickness and Integrity of the Macular Elastic Layer of Bruch's Membrane Correspond to the Distribution of Lesions Associated with Age- Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in the elderly. In its severest form, choroidal neovessels breach the macular Bruch's membrane, an extracellular matrix compartment comprised of elastin and collagen laminae, and grow into the retina. We sought to determine whether structural properties of the elastic lamina (EL) correspond to the region of the macula that is predilected toward degeneration in AMD. Morphometric assessment of the macular and extramacular regions of 121 human donor eyes, with and without AMD, revealed a statistically significant difference in both the integrity (P < 0.0001) and thickness (P < 0.0001) of the EL between the macular and extramacular regions in donors of all ages. The EL was three to six times thinner and two to five times less abundant in the macula than in the periphery. The integrity of the macular EL was significantly lower in donors with early-stage AMD (P ‫؍‬ 0.028), active choroidal neovascularization (P ‫؍‬ 0.020), and disciform scars (P ‫؍‬ 0.003), as compared to unaffected, age-matched controls. EL thickness was significantly lower only in individuals with disciform scars (P ‫؍‬ 0.008). The largest gaps in macular EL integrity were significantly larger in all categories of AMD (each P < 0.0001), as compared to controls. EL integrity, thickness, and gap length in donors with geographic atrophy did not differ from those of controls. These structural properties of the macular EL correspond spatially to the distribution of macular lesions associated with AMD and may help to explain why the macula is more susceptible to degenerative events that occur in this disease. Bruch's membrane is a stratified extracellular matrix complex that lies between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the choroidal capillary bed, or choriocapillaris. It is comprised of two collagen-rich layers, referred to as the inner and outer collagenous layers, that flank a central domain of elastin and elastin-associated proteins. 1,2 A number of age-related changes have been described in Bruch's membrane, 3-23 the most prominent of which are drusen and basal laminar deposits. 24 -30 In addition, increases in thickness, enhanced basophilia and Sudanophilia, accumulation of membranous debris, decreases in hydraulic conductivity, and fragmentation and calcification of Bruch's membrane, have been described. These age-related alterations in Bruch's membrane could lead to a loss of the normal function of Bruch's membrane and promote degenerative changes in the aging eye. Various lines of evidence suggest that Bruch's membrane functions as a physical barrier to the egress of cells and vessels from the choroid into the sub-RPE and subretinal spaces. Disruption of, or damage to, this barrier is associated with loss of vision in a variety of ocula