Combined Molecular Mismatch Approaches to Predict Immunological Events Within the First Year After Renal Transplantation.

Several molecular mismatch assessment approaches exist, but data on their combined use are limited. In this study, we aimed to define distinct risk groups for rejection based on the combination of three molecular mismatch assessment approaches (i.e.

Functional Natural Killer-cell Genetics and Microvascular Inflammation After Kidney Transplantation: An Observational Cohort Study.

Background: Recent evidence highlights the pivotal role of natural killer (NK) cells in allograft rejection.

Methods: We explored associations of missing self and gene polymorphisms determining the phenotype and/or functionality of NK cells with microvascular inflammation (MVI) in a single-center cohort of 507 consecutive kidney transplant recipients. Patients were genotyped for killer cell Ig-like receptors and polymorphisms in 4 selected genes (FCGR3AV/F158 [rs396991], KLRC2wt/del, KLRK1HNK/LNK [rs1049174], and rs9916629-C/T).

HEV ORF2 protein-antibody complex deposits are associated with glomerulonephritis in hepatitis E with reduced immune status.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, one of the most common forms of hepatitis worldwide, is often associated with extrahepatic, particularly renal, manifestations. However, the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here, we report the development of a de novo immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis (GN) in a kidney transplant recipient with chronic hepatitis E.

Effect of the addition of cocoa sweatings and time of fermentation on flavor compounds and sensory perception of 100% roasted cocoa liquor.

Fermentation is critical for producing high-quality cocoa, yet its kinetics and resulting chemical and sensory outcomes are poorly understood and thus difficult to manage. Cocoa sweatings (CS), the liquid runoff produced early during fermentation and typically drained off, may beneficially affect fermentation outcome when added back into the fermenting mass. Here, we report how back-addition of CS affects composition and sensory perception of roasted cocoa liquor after 5, 6, and 7 days of fermentation.

Effectiveness of Dry Cleaning Treatments for Removing Milk Chocolate from Valve/Pipe Assemblies and Pilot-scale Chocolate Processing Equipment.

Dark chocolate produced on equipment used to manufacture milk chocolate can contain milk due to cross-contact. This study evaluated the use of dry cleaning methods for removing milk chocolate residue from a butterfly or ball valve attached to a stainless steel pipe and from pilot-scale equipment used in chocolate manufacture. Milk-free dark chocolate (40 °C) was pumped through a milk chocolate-contaminated valve/pipe assembly after no cleaning, use of a pig purging treatment, or a 40 °C cocoa butter flush.

Orthorexia Nervosa and Healthy Orthorexia in a Physically Active North American Population.

The Teruel Orthorexia Scale (TOS) defines two related but distinct constructs: Orthorexia Nervosa (OrNe), a pathological fixation on a healthy diet, and Healthy Orthorexia (HeOr), an interest in a healthy diet independent of psychopathology. Here, we (a) assessed both types of Orthorexia in a large North American sample using the TOS and (b) explored if engaging in regular physical activity was associated with a greater risk of Orthorexia. A cohort of physically active adults ( = 927; 41% men) completed the TOS, as well as the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA), to broadly assess aerobic physical activity level and participation in strength and/or flexibility training.

Distinct Sensory Hedonic Functions for Sourness in Adults.

Over the last half-century, variable responses to sweetness have repeatedly been shown to fall into a small number of hedonic responses, implying that looking only at group means may can obfuscate meaningfully different response patterns. Comparative data for sourness is quite sparse, especially in adults. While increased liking with higher acid concentration has been reported for some children, in adults, sourness is classically assumed to be aversive, with a monotonic drop in liking with increasing sourness.

The Second International Consensus Guidelines on the Management of BK Polyomavirus in Kidney Transplantation.

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) remains a significant challenge after kidney transplantation. International experts reviewed current evidence and updated recommendations according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE). Risk factors for BKPyV-DNAemia and biopsy-proven BKPyV-nephropathy include recipient older age, male sex, donor BKPyV-viruria, BKPyV-seropositive donor/-seronegative recipient, tacrolimus, acute rejection, and higher steroid exposure.

Evaluation of public submissions to the USDA for labeling of cell-cultured meat in the United States.

With the rapid advancement of cell-cultured meat processing technologies and regulations, commercialization of cell-cultured meat to market shelves requires the implementation of labeling that informs and protects consumers while ensuring economic competitiveness. In November 2022, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) completed its first pre-market consultation of cell-cultured meat and did not question the safety of these products for human consumption. As of June 2023, commercialization of cell-cultured meat products has become a reality in the United States.

Using Herbs/Spices to Enhance the Flavor of Commonly Consumed Foods Reformulated to Be Lower in Overconsumed Dietary Components Is an Acceptable Strategy and Has the Potential to Lower Intake of Saturated Fat and Sodium: A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Analysis and Blind Tasting.

Background: Foods lower in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars (ie, overconsumed dietary components) must have an acceptable flavor profile to promote intake.

Objective: The aim of this research was to model the influence of using herbs/spices as flavor-enhancers when reducing overconsumed dietary components in commonly consumed foods and evaluate acceptance of these flavor-enhanced reformulations.

Design: Ten leading sources of overconsumed dietary components were identified using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015-2018 dietary data.

Texture term usage and hedonic ratings in two age-diverse cohorts of Americans.

This study explores the use of food texture terms by adults in the northeastern United States. The purpose of the study was to compare the effect of food texture on food liking and texture term usage among age groups via two complementary online surveys that differed in the specific task given to participants. Survey 1 gathered common food items associated with 25 texture terms using open-ended questions from 345 participants (45% men, 55% women; age range = 20-79 years); it also collected liking scores for foods with these textures.

Randomized Trial to Assess the Clinical Utility of Renal Allograft Monitoring by Urine CXCL10 Chemokine.

Significance Statement: This study is the first randomized controlled trial to investigate the clinical utility of a noninvasive monitoring biomarker in renal transplantation. Although urine CXCL10 monitoring could not demonstrate a beneficial effect on 1-year outcomes, the study is a rich source for future design of trials aiming to explore the clinical utility of noninvasive biomarkers. In addition, the study supports the use of urine CXCL10 to assess the inflammatory status of the renal allograft.

Roasting and Cacao Origin Affect the Formation of Volatile Organic Sulfur Compounds in 100% Chocolate.

Chocolate is a highly appreciated food that develops its characteristic flavors in large part during the roasting of cacao beans. Many functional classes have been noted for their importance to chocolate flavor, including volatile organic sulfur compounds (VSCs). Despite this, the effect of roasting on the concentration of VSCs has never been thoroughly assessed.

Excellent Clinical Long-Term Outcomes of Kidney Transplantation From Small Pediatric Donors (Age ≤ 5 Years) Despite Early Hyperfiltration Injury.

Background: The use of small pediatric donors (age ≤ 5 years and body weight < 20kg) for adult transplant recipients is still regarded controversially in terms of early complications, long-term outcomes, and development of hyperfiltration injury due to body size mismatch.

Objective: To investigate long-term outcomes of adult renal allograft recipients receiving a kidney from small pediatric donor (SPD) in terms of kidney function and early features of hyperfiltration injury such as histological changes and proteinuria.

Design: Retrospective, single center study.

Autoimmunity and immunodeficiency associated with monoallelic LIG4 mutations via haploinsufficiency.

Background: Biallelic mutations in LIG4 encoding DNA-ligase 4 cause a rare immunodeficiency syndrome manifesting as infant-onset life-threatening and/or opportunistic infections, skeletal malformations, radiosensitivity and neoplasia. LIG4 is pivotal during DNA repair and during V(D)J recombination as it performs the final DNA-break sealing step.

Objectives: This study explored whether monoallelic LIG4 missense mutations may underlie immunodeficiency and autoimmunity with autosomal dominant inheritance.

The classical pathway triggers pathogenic complement activation in membranous nephropathy.

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease characterized by glomerular immune complexes containing complement components. However, both the initiation pathways and the pathogenic significance of complement activation in MN are poorly understood. Here, we show that components from all three complement pathways (alternative, classical and lectin) are found in renal biopsies from patients with MN.

Incidence of new onset glomerulonephritis after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination is not increased.

Numerous cases of glomerulonephritis manifesting shortly after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination have been reported, but causality remains unproven. Here, we studied the association between mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and new-onset glomerulonephritis using a nationwide retrospective cohort and a case-cohort design. Data from all Swiss pathology institutes processing native kidney biopsies served to calculate incidence of IgA nephropathy, pauci-immune necrotizing glomerulonephritis, minimal change disease, and membranous nephropathy in the adult Swiss population.

Effect of processing on the anti-inflammatory efficacy of cocoa in a high fat diet-induced mouse model of obesity.

Obesity causes inflammation which may lead to development of co-morbidities like cardiovascular diseases. Cocoa is a popular food ingredient that has been shown to mitigate obesity and inflammation in preclinical models. Cocoa typically undergoes fermentation and roasting prior to consumption, which can affect the polyphenol content in cocoa.

Salivary α-amylase activity and flow rate explain differences in temporal flavor perception in a chewing gum matrix comprising starch-limonene inclusion complexes.

Starch-guest inclusion complexes (ICs) are a novel, clean-label flavor encapsulation system with the potential to improve stability of aroma volatiles. While amylase has been shown to modulate guest release in vitro, release by sensory perception has not been evaluated. Here, Temporal Check-All-That-Apply (TCATA) and CATA were used to compare flavor perception of starch-limonene ICs to uncomplexed limonene, and the differences in perception were explored as a function of participant salivary α-amylase activity (sAA) and salivary flow rate (sFR).