Mechanogated channels are fundamental components of bacterial cells that enable retention of physical integrity during extreme increases in cell turgor. Optical tweezers combined with microfluidics have been used to study the fate of individual Escherichia coli cells lacking such channels when subjected to a bursting stress caused by increased turgor. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting and electron microscopy complement these studies. These analyses show that lysis occurs with a high probability, but the precise path differs between individual cells. By monitoring the loss of cytoplasmic green fluorescent protein, we have determined that some cells release this protein but remain phase dark (granular) consistent with the retention of the majority of large proteins. By contrast, most cells suffer cataclysmic wall failure leading to loss of granularity but with the retention of DNA and overall cell shape (protein-depleted ghosts). The time span of these events induced by hypo-osmotic shock varies but is of the order of milliseconds. The data are interpreted in terms of the timing of mechanosensitive channel gating relative to osmotically induced water influx.

The seed coat (hull) of broad bean (Vicia faba) (BBH) is a significant secondary product of processing with a promising nutritional profile. Bean hull has a high fiber content (49%), yet it remains underexploited as an ingredient by the food industry. This study investigated the potential of this secondary product to partially replace wheat flour for the development of high-fiber breads. Bread formulations with a range of supplementation levels (0%, 11%, 21% and 31%) were developed and tested for their nutritional and physical properties. The proximate composition of breads revealed that at 31% replacement, the fiber content was 19.19 g/100 g bread, which was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than control breads (3.62 g/100 g bread). The physical (specific volume, density and color) and textural properties of breads were affected by the addition of bean hull. Specific volume and hardness of breads were significantly reduced at ≥21% replacement compared to the control, which may reduce acceptability of the product by some consumer groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that the gluten content of breads was significantly reduced with bean hull addition (62% depletion for 31% replacement). At 11%, 21% and 31% replacement, one portion (80 g of bread) contains 6.8 g, 11.6 g and 15.3 g of dietary fiber, respectively, which contributes 23%, 38% and 51% of the recommended daily fiber intake (30 g/day). In conclusion, bean hull can be a valuable source of dietary fiber in bread formulations. The study showed BBH could be used to replace up to 21% of the wheat flour without significantly impacting on bread texture and volume.

Despite considerable research the evidence around the antidiabetic properties of cinnamon remains equivocal, and this may be due to varietal differences which is an aspect that is understudied. This study systematically compared the anti-hyperglycaemic properties of the four major commercial cinnamon types used around the world (Chinese; Cinnamomum cassia [CC], Indonesian; C. burmanii [IC], Vietnamese; C. loureirii [VC], and Ceylon; C. zeylanicum [SC]). LC-MS analysis showed distinct diffrences in the phytochemical profiles of cinnamon with SC showing the lowest coumarin concentration. CC and IC had the highest polyphenol levels and antioxidant potential, and all four types differed significantly in their content (P < 0.001). All cinnamon types showed potent species-specific effects on starch digestion enzyme activity inhibition (P < 0.001), CC was most effective against α-amylase and all four strongly inhibited α-glucosidase compared to acarbose. Cinnamon significantly reduced starch breakdown during oral (P = 0.006) and gastric (P = 0.029) phases of gastro-intestinal digestion with IC and SC showing consistent effects. No effects of cinnamon were seen in the intestinal phase. IC, VC and SC showed the greatest potential to inhibit formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) during digestion. In conclusion, cinnamon demonstrates anti-hyperglycaemic properties, however effects are species-specific with best overall properties seen for Ceylon cinnamon.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s11130-019-00760-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to determine the prevalence of and associated risk factors for infection with oral high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in adult participants within England, and to explore any association with oral mucosal buccal epithelial cell and whole blood folate concentration.DesignThis was an observational study to determine oral HR-HPV prevalence in the study population. A case–control study was performed to explore the association between infection and folate status.SettingThis study was conducted in Sheffield, UK, between April 2013 and August 2014.ParticipantsSeven hundred participants, aged 18–60 years, were recruited from university students (n=179), university and hospital staff (n=163), dental hospital patients (n=13), Sexual Health Sheffield patients (n=122) and the general public (n=223).InterventionsParticipants completed a lifestyle and sexual behaviour questionnaire, provided an oral rinse and gargle sample for the detection of oral HR-HPV and an oral mucosal buccal epithelial cell sample for the measurement of oral mucosal buccal epithelial cell folate. A blood sample was collected for measurement of whole blood folate concentration.Outcome measuresThe prevalence of oral HR-HPV infection in the study population was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included associations between risk factors, folate status and infection.ResultsThe prevalence of oral HR-HPV infection in this cohort was 2.2% (15/680) with 0.7% (5/680) positive for HPV16 or HPV18. Twenty samples were excluded due to insufficient material for HPV detection. Participants with oral HR-HPV infection were more likely to be a former smoker, and have a greater number of sexual and oral sexual partners. Folate status was not linked to likelihood of HPV infection.ConclusionsThe prevalence of oral infection with HR-HPV in adult men and women in Sheffield in the North of England was low. Smoking and sexual behaviour were associated with HR-HPV positivity.Trial registration numberID14106.

Oil-in-water beverage emulsions (pH3.2) with different long-to short-chain triglyceride (LCT to SCT) ratios were used to encapsulate lycopene. Beverages containing 3% w/w oil from carrier lipids were prepared as follows (w/w): 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100 (corn oil:tributyrin). The beverages prepared using a low LCT to SCT ratio (0:100) were physically unstable mainly due to Ostwald ripening phenomena, as indicated by confocal laser microscopy. The oil droplet size was significantly reduced for emulsions formulated with corn oil (2.6 lm) compared with tributyrin (5.4 lm). Lycopene was not bioaccessible in beverages formulated with tributyrin only and bioaccessibility increased significantly with increasing the LCT to SCT ratio. Data indicated that bioaccessibility for lycopene is 2.7% for emulsions with high LCT ratios (>75). Results indicate that the carrier lipid phase of emulsion-based systems is critical for the formulation of functional drinks for the delivery of lipophilic bioactive compounds.