Significant production of vanillin and in vitro amplification of ech gene in local bacterial isolates / Produção significativa de vanilina e amplificação in vitro do gene ech em isolados bacterianos locais

Abstract Vanillin is the major component which is responsible for flavor and aroma of vanilla extract and is produced by 3 ways: natural extraction from vanilla plant, chemical synthesis and from microbial transformation. Current research was aimed to study bacterial production of vanillin from native natural sources including sewage and soil from industrial areas. The main objective was vanillin bio-production by isolating bacteria from these native sources. Also to adapt methodologies to improve vanillin production by optimized fermentation media and growth conditions. 47 soil and 13 sewage samples were collected from different industrial regions of Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Kasur. 67.7% bacterial isolates produced vanillin and 32.3% were non-producers. From these 279 producers, 4 bacterial isolates selected as significant producers were; A3, A4, A7 and A10. These isolates were identified by ribotyping as A3 Pseudomonas fluorescence (KF408302), A4 Enterococcus faecium (KT356807), A7 Alcaligenes faecalis (MW422815) and A10 Bacillus subtilis (KT962919). Vanillin producers were further tested for improved production of vanillin and were grown in different fermentation media under optimized growth conditions for enhanced production of vanillin. The fermentation media (FM) were; clove oil based, rice bran waste (residues oil) based, wheat bran based and modified isoeugenol based. In FM5, FM21, FM22, FM23, FM24, FM30, FM31, FM32, FM34, FM35, FM36, and FM37, the selected 4 bacterial strains produced significant amounts of vanillin. A10 B. subtilis produced maximum amount of vanillin. This strain produced 17.3 g/L vanillin in FM36. Cost of this fermentation medium 36 was 131.5 rupees/L. This fermentation medium was modified isoeugenol based medium with 1% of isoeugenol and 2.5 g/L soybean meal. ech gene was amplified in A3 P. fluorescence using ech specific primers. As vanillin use as flavor has increased tremendously, the bioproduction of vanillin must be focused.

Resumo A vanilina é o principal componente responsável pelo sabor e aroma do extrato de baunilha e é produzida de três formas: extração natural da planta da baunilha, síntese química e transformação microbiana. A pesquisa atual teve como objetivo estudar a produção bacteriana de vanilina a partir de fontes naturais nativas, incluindo esgoto e solo de áreas industriais. O objetivo principal era a bioprodução de vanilina por meio do isolamento de bactérias dessas fontes nativas. Também para adaptar metodologias para melhorar a produção de vanilina por meio de fermentação otimizada e condições de crescimento. Foram coletadas 47 amostras de solo e 13 de esgoto de diferentes regiões industriais de Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad e Kasur; 67,7% dos isolados bacterianos produziram vanilina e 32,3% eram não produtores. Desses 279 produtores, 4 isolados bacterianos selecionados como produtores significativos foram: A3, A4, A7 e A10. Esses isolados foram identificados por ribotipagem como fluorescência A3 Pseudomonas (KF408302), A4 Enterococcus faecium (KT356807), A7 Alcaligenes faecalis (MW422815) e A10 Bacillus subtilis (KT962919). Os produtores de vanilina foram posteriormente testados para produção aprimorada de vanilina e foram cultivados em diferentes meios de fermentação sob condições de crescimento otimizadas para produção aprimorada de vanilina. Os meios de fermentação (FM) foram: à base de óleo de cravo, à base de resíduos de farelo de arroz (resíduos de óleo), à base de farelo de trigo e à base de isoeugenol modificado. Em FM5, FM21, FM22, FM23, FM24, FM30, FM31, FM32, FM34, FM35, FM36 e FM37, as 4 cepas bacterianas selecionadas produziram quantidades significativas de vanilina. A10 B. subtilis produziu quantidade máxima de vanilina. Essa cepa produziu 17,3 g / L de vanilina em FM36. O custo desse meio de fermentação 36 foi de 131,5 rúpias / L. Esse meio de fermentação foi um meio à base de isoeugenol modificado com 1% de isoeugenol e 2,5 g / L de farelo de soja. O gene ech foi amplificado em A3 P. fluorescence usando primers específicos para ech. Como o uso da vanilina como sabor aumentou tremendamente, a bioprodução da vanilina deve ser focada.

Effective diffusion coefficients and bioconversion rates of inhibitory compounds in flocs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Background: Fermentation strategies for bioethanol production that use flocculating Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast need to account for the mechanism by which inhibitory compounds, generated in the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials, are tolerated and detoxified by a yeast floc. Results: Diffusion coefficients and first-order kinetic bioconversion rate coefficients were measured for three fermentation inhibitory compounds (furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural, and vanillin) in self-aggregated flocs of S. cerevisiae NRRL Y-265. Thièle-type moduli and internal effectiveness factors were obtained by simulating a simple steady-state spherical floc model. Conclusions: The obtained values for the Thiéle moduli and internal effectiveness factors showed that the bioconversion rate of the inhibitory compounds is the dominant phenomenon over mass transfer inside the flocs.

Persistence and efficacy of a new formulation based on dog allomonal repellents against Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato tick / Persistência e eficácia de uma nova formulação baseada em repelentes alomônios de cães contra o carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato

Abstract Beagles are less susceptible to Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato tick due to the production of the allomones benzaldehyde and 2-hexanone. Our previous published work showed that these compounds can reduce tick burden on susceptible dogs. Here we tested the hypothesis that an increase in repellent dose and release rate could increase repellent efficacy and persistence. Slow-release formulations of these compounds, with higher doses and release rates, were tested on artificially-infested dogs. Ten dogs were randomly assigned to two groups with five dogs each. The treated group received collars with slow-release formulations of the compounds attached, while the control group received collars with clean formulations attached. Five environmental infestations were performed, with the number of ticks (at all stages) on the dogs being counted once a day for 40 days. No significant increase in repellent efficacy was observed with the higher doses and release rates, whereas a greater persistence in repellent activity was observed. Treatment with the formulations resulted in a two-to-three-fold reduction in the number of immature stage ticks for up to three weeks. However, the number of adults was similar in both groups. Loss of repellent activity after the third week of testing coincided with a marked change in the relative release rates for the two compounds. It is hypothesized that relative amounts, rather than absolute amounts, of repellent release from slow-release formulations are important for repellent activity. We also hypothesize that the avoidance of less-preferred hosts by ticks relies on olfactory-mediated perception of specific blends of volatile cues from less preferred hosts.

Resumo Beagles são menos suscetíveis ao carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato devido à produção de benzaldeído e 2-hexanona. Nosso trabalho anterior já publicado mostrou que esses compostos podem reduzir a carga de carrapatos em cães suscetíveis. Aqui testamos a hipótese de que um aumento na dose destes repelentes e na taxa de liberação poderia aumentar a eficácia e a persistência do efeito repelente. As formulações de liberação lenta destes compostos, com doses e taxas de liberação mais elevadas foram testadas em cães infestados artificialmente. Dez cães foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos com cinco cães cada. O grupo tratado recebeu colares contendo formulações de liberação lenta dos compostos, enquanto o grupo controle recebeu colares com formulações limpas. Cinco infestações ambientais foram realizadas, com o número de carrapatos (em todas as fases) nos cães sendo contados, uma vez ao dia, por 40 dias. Não se observou aumento significativo na eficácia do repelente com doses e taxas de liberação mais elevadas e, enquanto observou-se maior persistência na atividade repelente. O tratamento com as formulações resultou em uma redução de duas a três vezes no número de carrapatos dos estágios imaturos, por até três semanas. No entanto, o número de adultos foi semelhante em ambos os grupos. A perda de atividade repelente após a terceira semana de teste coincidiu com uma mudança nas taxas de liberação relativa para os dois compostos. A hipótese é que as quantidades relativas, ao invés das quantidades absolutas de liberação lenta, são importantes para a atividade repelente. Então, a hipótese é de que a repelência apresentada por hospedeiros menos susceptíveis aos carrapatos depende da percepção pelos carrapatos de misturas específicas de voláteis liberados por estes hospedeiros.

Action of vanillin (Vanilla planifolia) on the morphology of tibialis anterior and soleus muscles after nerve injury / Ação da vanilina (Vanilla planifolia) sobre a morfologia dos músculos tibial anterior e sóleo após lesão nervosa

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the action of vanillin (Vanilla planifolia) on the morphology of tibialis anterior and soleus muscles after peripheral nerve injury. Methods Wistar rats were divided into four groups, with seven animals each: Control Group, Vanillin Group, Injury Group, and Injury + Vanillin Group. The Injury Group and the Injury + Vanillin Group animals were submitted to nerve injury by compression of the sciatic nerve; the Vanillin Group and Injury + Vanillin Group, were treated daily with oral doses of vanillin (150mg/kg) from the 3rd to the 21st day after induction of nerve injury. At the end of the experiment, the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles were dissected and processed for light microscopy and submitted to morphological analysis. Results The nerve compression promoted morphological changes, typical of denervation, and the treatment with vanillin was responsible for different responses in the studied muscles. For the tibialis anterior, there was an increase in the number of satellite cells, central nuclei and fiber atrophy, as well as fascicular disorganization. In the soleus, only increased vascularization was observed, with no exacerbation of the morphological alterations in the fibers. Conclusion The treatment with vanillin promoted increase in intramuscular vascularization for the muscles studied, with pro-inflammatory potential for tibialis anterior, but not for soleus muscle.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a ação da vanilina (Vanilla planifolia) sobre a morfologia dos músculos tibial anterior e sóleo após lesão nervosa periférica. Métodos Ratos Wistar foram divididos em quatro grupos, com sete animais cada, sendo Grupo Controle, Grupo Vanilina, Grupo Lesão e Grupo Lesão + Vanilina. Os animais dos Grupos Lesão e Grupo Lesão + Vanilina foram submetidos à lesão nervosa por meio da compressão do nervo isquiático, e os Grupos Vanilina e Grupo Lesão + Vanilina foram tratados diariamente com doses orais de vanilina (150mg/kg) do 3o ao 21o dia após a indução da lesão nervosa. Ao término do experimento, os músculos tibial anterior e sóleo foram dissecados e seguiram o processamento de rotina em microscopia de luz, para posterior análise morfológica. Resultados A compressão nervosa promoveu alterações morfológicas características de denervação, sendo que o tratamento com vanilina foi responsável por respostas distintas nos músculos estudados. Para o tibial anterior, houve aumento do número de células satélites, núcleos centrais e atrofia das fibras, bem como desorganização fascicular. Já no sóleo, houve apenas aumento da vascularização, sem exacerbação das alterações morfológicas nas fibras. Conclusão O tratamento com vanilina promoveu o aumento da vascularização intramuscular para os músculos estudados, com potencial pró-inflamatório para o tibial anterior, o que não ocorreu no músculo sóleo.

Further characterization of o-nitrobenzaldehyde degrading bacterium Pseudomonas sp: ONBA-17 and deduction on its metabolic pathway

A previously reported o-nitrobenzaldehyde (ONBA) degrading bacterium Pseudomonas sp. ONBA-17 was further identified and characterized. Based on results of DNA base composition and DNA-DNA hybridization, the strain was identified as P. putida. Its degradation effect enhanced with increase of inoculum amount and no lag phase was observed. Higher removal rate was achieved under shaking conditions. All tested ONBA with different initial concentrations could be completely degraded within 5 d. In addition, degradative enzyme(s) involved was confirmed as intra-cellular distributed and constitutively expressed. Effects of different compounds on relative activity of degradative enzyme(s) within cell-free extract were also evaluated. Finally, 2-nitrobenzoic acid and 2, 3-dihydroxybenzoic acid were detected as metabolites of ONBA degradation by P. putida ONBA-17, and relevant metabolic pathway was preliminary proposed. This study might help with future research in better understanding of nitroaromatics biodegradation.

Efecto de la ingesta aguda de vanillina sobre la resistencia insulínica en humanos / Effect of a single oral dose of vanillin on insulin resistance in humans

Background: NADPH oxidase is a source of reactive oxygen species that may contribute to insulin resistance (IR). Aim: To assess the effect of a single oral dose of vanillin (a putative inhibitor of the enzyme) on IR in humans. Material and Methods: Using a crossover, random, double-blind design, eight lean and 10 obese males ingested 600 mg of vanillin or placebo followed by the ingestion of 75g of glucose. Serum/plasma glucose, free-fatty acids, insulin, glutathione, C reactive protein concentrations and red blood cell glutathione concentration were determined. Insulin resistance was estimated by the Matsuda index. Results: Under fasting conditions, obese individuals had higher glucose and insulin and lower red blood cell glutathione levels than their lean counterparts (p < 0.01). Serum free-fatty acids, total and oxidized plasma glutathione concentrations were similar in both groups. After glucose ingestion, obese individuals had a lower red blood cell total glutathione concentration and increased plasma oxidized glutathione concentration than their lean counterparts (p < 0.05). In addition, obese participants had a higher level of IR (p < 0.001) and impaired serum free-fatty acid suppression (p < 0.001) than their lean counterparts. Ingestion of vanillin did not modify any of these variables when compared with placebo in obese individuals. In lean volunteers a reduction in Matsuda index was detected when vanillin was administered, compared to placebo (4.3 +/- 0.6 and 3.6 +/- 0.6 respectively; p < 0.05). Conclusions: IR was ameliorated after vanillin ingestion among lean but not obese participants.

Toxicidad aguda oral de la o-vainillina / Acute oral toxicity of o-vanillin

El 2-hidroxi-3-metoxibenzaldehído (o-vainillina) posee una probada actividad anti sickling y una baja actividad hemolítica sobre hematíes SS y normales, por lo que puede ser eficaz en el tratamiento de la anemia drepanocítica, enfermedad genética de alta prevalencia a nivel global. En este sentido se desarrolló un estudio de toxicidad aguda oral, con el objetivo de determinar sus efectos adversos. Se administró una dosis de 2 000 mg/kg de peso corporal a un grupo de ratas (3 hembras y 3 machos) y el vehículo a otro grupo utilizado como control. Los animales se mantuvieron en observación durante 14 días, se determinaron las variaciones de peso, la presencia o no de síntomas y signos clínicos, y la necropsia al finalizar el estudio. Como resultado no se observó disminución del peso corporal en ninguno de los grupos experimentales, presentaron síntomas como: piloerección, respiración acelerada, actividad disminuida, acicalamiento, aislamiento a la esquina de la caja y la muerte de un animal. El análisis macroscópico de los órganos no detectó variación alguna. La DL50 de la o-vainillina se encuentra por encima de 2 000 mg/kg de peso corporal, según el sistema global armonizado.

2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (o-vanillin) has a proven anitsickling activity and a low haemolytic activity on SS and normal red corpuscles, so it may be efficient in the treatment of drepanocytic anemia, a genetic disease of high prevalence at the world level. In this sense, an acute oral toxicity study was conducted aimed at determining its adverse effects. A dose of 2 000 mg/kg of body weight was administered to a group of rats (3 females and 3 males), where the vehicle was given to the control group. The animals were observed for 14 days. The variations of weight, the presence or not of symptoms and clinical signs, and the necropsy at the end of the study were determined. Body weight reduction was not observed in any of the experimental groups. They presented symptoms such as piloerection, accelerated breathing, reduced activity, grooming, and isolation on the corner of the cage. One animal died. The macroscopic analysis of the organs did not detect any variation. The DL 50 of o-vanillin was over 2000 mg/kg of body weight according to the globally harmonized system.

The fumigant and repellent activity of aliphatic lactones against Pediculus humanus capitis (Anoplura: Pediculidae)

New alternative insecticides are necessary for the chemical control of head lice. In this study the fumigant knockdown time 50 percent (KT50) and repellency index (RI) of three aliphatic lactones was compared with two essential oils and DDVP, against permethrin-resistance Pediculus humanus capitis from Argentina. In the fumigant assay, none of the lactones were effective compared to the highest activity of eucalyptus (KT50 15.53 m). In the repellency test, the three lactones were equally or more effective (RI ranging from 60.50 to 76.68) than the positive control (piperonal). These lactones are promising as head lice repellents.

Determination of the responsible molecular zone for the chalcones bacteriostatic activity

Foi estudada a bioatividade de compostos com estrutura de acetofenoma e benzadeído pela metodologia cinético-turbidimétrica. Os agentes testados näo inibiram o desenvolvimento de S. aureus ATCC 25.923, mas foram eficientes para E. coli ATCC25.992. Os resultados foram satisfatoriamente interpretados, a partir da fórmula anteriormente proposta, para estudo do mecanismo de açäo bacteriostática. Na comparaçäo de substâncias de estruturas similares, definiu-se a Eficácia Bacteriostática Percentual (Ebp) de um fármaco com Ebp = 100/CIM, em que 100 é o fator percentual arbitrário e CIM é a concentraçäo inibitória mínima do fármaco, em ug/ml. Na comparaçäo das Ebp dos pares de acetofenonas e benzaldeídos apropriados, encontra-se que: Ebp (acetofenona) + Ebp (benzaldeído) <<<< Ebp (chalcona) A maior Ebp, observada para as chalconas deve-se à presença na estrutura de chalcona da ligaçäo dupla Calfa=Cbeta, que possibilita a intensificaçäo do deslocamento eletrônico no anel B da molécula, aumentando a polarizaçäo do grupo carbonila e a oxidrila vizinha (2) é a responsável pela presença da atividade bacteriostática destas substâncias

Xantina oxidasa hepática: experiencias con inhibidores / Liver xanthine oxidase: experiences with inhibitors

Los grupos amino de la XOD (Xantina oxidasa) del hígado de rata son inhibidos por reactivos como el benzaldehído y el 2,4-dinitrofluorbenceno. Esta inhibición ocurre más rápidamente a elevados pH y es progresiva e irreveersible. Estos reactivos atacan grupos amino de la XOD, pero no se excluye que haya otros grupos que puedan ser bloqueados. Si se representa la inhibición en función de la unión con el benaldehído o 2,4-dinitrofluorbenceno, se observa que una fracción relativamente pequeña del total de grupos amino de la XOD es más reactiva a esta inhibició y que estos grupos amino se modifican por estos inhibidores. Los estudios de unión del benzaldehído sugieren dos clases de actividad enzimática, presentes en igual proporción, pero difieren en su sensibilidad frente al benzaldehído. Los parámetros cinéticos de la actividad residual de la XOD tratada con benzaldehído se asemejan a los de la enzima nativa, excepto el comprotamiento inhibitorio frente a altas concentraciones de sustrato