ß-Carotene production from sugarcane molasses by a newly isolated Rhodotorula toruloides L/24-26-1.

Production of carotenoids by yeast fermentation is an advantaged technology due to its easy scaling and safety. Nevertheless, carotenoid production needs an economic culture medium and other efficient yeast stains. The study aims to isolate and identify a yeast strain capable of producing carotenoids using a cost-effective substrate. A new strain was identified as Rhodotorula toruloides L/24-26-1, which can produce carotenoids at different pretreated and unpretreated sugarcane molasses concentrations (40 and 80 g/L). The highest biomass concentration (18.6 ± 0.6 g/L) was reached in the culture using 80 g/L of hydrolyzed molasses. On the other hand, the carotenoid accumulation reached the maximum value using pretreated molasses at 40 g/L (715.4 ± 15.1 µg/g d.w). In this case, the ß-carotene was 1.5 times higher than that on the control medium. The yeast growth in molasses was not correlated with carotenoid production. The most outstanding production of The DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP tests demonstrated the antioxidant activity of the obtained carotenogenic extracts. This research demonstrated the R. toruloides L/24-26-1 strain biotechnological potential for carotenoid compounds. The yeast produces carotenoids with antioxidant activity in an inexpensive medium, such as sulfuric acid pretreated and unpretreated molasses.

Expression of a ß-glucosidase from Trichoderma reesei in Escherichia coli using a synthetic optimized gene and stability improvements by immobilization using magnetite nano-support.

The enzymatic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars is determined by the enzymatic activity of cellulases; consequently, improving enzymatic activity has attracted great interest in the scientific community. Cocktails of commercial cellulase often have low ß-glucosidase content, leading to the accumulation of cellobiose. This accumulation inhibits the activity of the cellulolytic complex and can be used to determine the enzymatic efficiency of commercial cellulase cocktails. Here, a novel codon optimized ß-glucosidase gene (B-glusy) from Trichoderma reesei QM6a was cloned and expressed in three strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli). The synthetic sequence containing an open reading frame (ORF) of 1491 bp was used to encode a polypeptide of 497 amino acid residues. The ß-glucosidase recombinant protein that was expressed (57 kDa of molecular weight) was purified by Ni agarose affinity chromatography and visualized by SDS-PAGE. The recombinant protein was better expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3), and its enzymatic activity was higher at neutral pH and 30 °C (22.4 U/mg). Subsequently, the ß-glucosidase was immobilized using magnetite nano-support, after which it maintained >65% of its enzymatic activity from pH 6 to 10, and was more stable than the free enzyme above 40 °C. The maximum immobilization yield had enzyme activity of 97.2%. In conclusion, ß-glucosidase is efficiently expressed in the microbial strain E. coli BL21 (DE3) grown in a simplified culture medium.

Resequencing the Yaroslavl cattle genomes reveals signatures of selection and a rare haplotype on BTA28 likely to be related to breed phenotypes.

The genomes of local livestock could shed light on their genetic history, mechanisms of adaptations to environments and unique genetics. Herein we look into the genetics and adaptations of the Russian native dairy Yaroslavl cattle breed using 22 resequenced individuals and comparing them with two related breeds (Russian Kholmogory and Holstein), and to the taurine set of the 1000 Bull Genomes Project (Run 9). HapFLK analysis with Kholmogory and Holstein breeds (using Yakut cattle as outgroup) resulted in 22 regions under selection (q-value < 0.01) on 11 chromosomes assigned to Yaroslavl cattle, including a strong signature of selection in the region of the KIT gene on BTA6. The FST (fixation index) with the 1000 Bull Genomes Dataset showed 48 non-overlapping top (0.1%) FST regions of which three overlapped HapFLK regions. We identified 1982 highly differentiated (FST > 0.40) missense mutations in the Yaroslavl genomes. These genes were enriched in the epidermal growth factor and calcium-binding functional categories. The top FST intervals contained eight genes with allele frequencies quite different between the Yaroslavl and Kholmogory breeds and the rest of the 1000 Bull Genomes Dataset, including KAT6B, which had a nearly Yaroslavl breed-specific deleterious missense mutation with the highest FST in our dataset (0.99). This gene is a part of a long haplotype containing other genes from FST and hapFLK analyses and with a negative association with weight and carcass traits according to the genotyping of 30 phenotyped Yaroslavl cattle individuals. Our work provides the industry with candidate genetic variants to be focused on in breed improvement efforts.

Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens Kunth) as Source of Bioactive Compounds: A Review.

Lippia graveolens is a traditional crop and a rich source of bioactive compounds with various properties (e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, UV defense, anti-glycemic, and cytotoxicity) that is primarily cultivated for essential oil recovery. The isolated bioactive compounds could be useful as additives in the functional food, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Carvacrol, thymol, ß-caryophyllene, and p-cymene are terpene compounds contained in oregano essential oil (OEO); flavonoids such as quercetin O-hexoside, pinocembrin, and galangin are flavonoids found in oregano extracts. Furthermore, thermoresistant compounds that remain in the plant matrix following a thermal process can be priced in terms of the circular economy. By using better and more selective extraction conditions, the bioactive compounds present in Mexican oregano can be studied as potential inhibitors of COVID-19. Also, research on extraction technologies should continue to ensure a higher quality of bioactive compounds while preventing an undesired chemical shift (e.g., hydrolysis). The oregano fractions can be used in the food, health, and agricultural industries.

Toward predictive modeling of catheter-based pulmonary valve replacement into native right ventricular outflow tracts.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary insufficiency is a consequence of transannular patch repair in Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) leading to late morbidity and mortality. Transcatheter native outflow tract pulmonary valve replacement has become a reality. However, predicting a secure, atraumatic implantation of a catheter-based device remains a significant challenge due to the complex and dynamic nature of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). We sought to quantify the differences in compression and volume for actual implants, and those predicted by pre-implant modeling. METHODS: We used custom software to interactively place virtual transcatheter pulmonary valves (TPVs) into RVOT models created from pre-implant and post Harmony valve implant CT scans of 5 ovine surgical models of TOF to quantify and visualize device volume and compression. RESULTS: Virtual device placement visually mimicked actual device placement and allowed for quantification of device volume and radius. On average, simulated proximal and distal device volumes and compression did not vary statistically throughout the cardiac cycle (P = 0.11) but assessment was limited by small sample size. In comparison to actual implants, there was no significant pairwise difference in the proximal third of the device (P > 0.80), but the simulated distal device volume was significantly underestimated relative to actual device implant volume (P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that pre-implant modeling which assumes a rigid vessel wall may not accurately predict the degree of distal RVOT expansion following actual device placement. We suggest the potential for virtual modeling of TPVR to be a useful adjunct to procedural planning, but further development is needed.

Comparison of 3D Echocardiogram-Derived 3D Printed Valve Models to Molded Models for Simulated Repair of Pediatric Atrioventricular Valves.

Mastering the technical skills required to perform pediatric cardiac valve surgery is challenging in part due to limited opportunity for practice. Transformation of 3D echocardiographic (echo) images of congenitally abnormal heart valves to realistic physical models could allow patient-specific simulation of surgical valve repair. We compared materials, processes, and costs for 3D printing and molding of patient-specific models for visualization and surgical simulation of congenitally abnormal heart valves. Pediatric atrioventricular valves (mitral, tricuspid, and common atrioventricular valve) were modeled from transthoracic 3D echo images using semi-automated methods implemented as custom modules in 3D Slicer. Valve models were then both 3D printed in soft materials and molded in silicone using 3D printed "negative" molds. Using pre-defined assessment criteria, valve models were evaluated by congenital cardiac surgeons to determine suitability for simulation. Surgeon assessment indicated that the molded valves had superior material properties for the purposes of simulation compared to directly printed valves (p < 0.01). Patient-specific, 3D echo-derived molded valves are a step toward realistic simulation of complex valve repairs but require more time and labor to create than directly printed models. Patient-specific simulation of valve repair in children using such models may be useful for surgical training and simulation of complex congenital cases.

Polyphenolic characterisation and antiprotozoal effect of extracts obtained by maceration, ultrasound, microwave and ultrasound/microwave of Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass.

Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass. (Asteraceae) has antiprotozoal properties and contains extractable phenolic compounds by the maceration method (M). However, new extraction proposals such as ultrasound (U), microwaves (MW), and ultrasound/microwaves (U/MW) have emerged to optimise yields, but it is unknown if these methods modify effectiveness. Therefore, the study consisted of extracting the aerial part of P. ruderale with ethanol using the M, U, MW and U/MW methods to study its composition by RP-HPLC-ESI-MS, its total polyphenol content and its effect against Entamoeba histolytica. The study showed that U, MW and U/MW did not modify the extraction yield compared to M, but they did change the composition and the total polyphenol content. All extracts contain phloretin, caffeic acid 4-O-glucoside, todolactol A, quercetin 3-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside, luteolin and 3,7-dimethylquercetin, and affected the growth of E. histolytica. However, M and U extracts were the most effective at 5 mg/mL.

Recovery and purification of Aspergillus niger phytase from crude extract using AOT / isooctane reversed micelles.

This work describes the successful extraction of Aspergillus niger phytase from a crude extract (CE) obtained from solid-state fermentation by reversed micelle system using anionic surfactant sodium bis (2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) in isooctane achieved in two simple steps: forward and backward extractions. The effects of potassium chloride (KCl) concentration, pH of the aqueous solution, and AOT concentration that affect the system were examined. The best result for the forward extraction was obtained with the CE solution at pH 4.0, 50 mM KCl, and 100 mM AOT, while for the backward extraction the best result was achieved with a stripping aqueous solution at pH 5.5 containing 200 mM KCl, achieving a purification factor of 4.03, 1.15 times higher than that reported for the conventional purification process. Phytase purity was demonstrated by SDS-PAGE (89 kDa) and its activity by zymogram, confirming the efficiency of the process with low time consumption (∼40 min).

Production of an Enzymatic Extract From Aspergillus oryzae DIA-MF to Improve the Fructooligosaccharides Profile of Aguamiel.

Aguamiel is a natural sap produced by some species of agave plants, such as Agave salmiana, A. atrovirens, or A. angustifolia. It is a product with a high concentration of fructose, glucose or sucrose, although its composition may vary depending on the season in which it is produced, and may also contain agave fructans (or agavins) or fructooligosaccharides (FOS). It has been reported that FOS can be produced by enzymes that act on sucrose or inulin, transfructosylating or hydrolyzing these materials, respectively. Due to the sugar content in aguamiel, the application of an enzymatic complex produced by Aspergillus oryzae DIA MF was carried out. This complex was characterized by 1-D electrophoresis SDS-PAGE, and its transfructosylation and hydrolysis activities were determined by HPLC. In order to determine the conditions at which the concentration of FOS in this beverage increased, kinetics were carried out at different temperatures (30, 50, and 70°C) and times (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, and 15 h). Finally, the antioxidant and prebiotic activities were evaluated. FOS concentration in aguamiel was increased from 1.61 ± 0.08 to 31.01 ± 3.42 g/ L after 10 h reaction at 30°C applying 10% enzymatic fraction-substrate (v/v). Antioxidant activity was highly increased (34.81-116.46 mg/eq Trolox in DPPH assay and 42.65 to 298.86 mg/eq Trolox in FRAP assay) and growth of probiotic bacteria was higher in aguamiel after the enzymatic treatment. In conclusion, after the application of the enzymatic treatment, aguamiel was enriched with FOS which improved antioxidant and prebiotic properties, so it can be used as a functional food.

Patient-specific pediatric silicone heart valve models based on 3D ultrasound.

PURPOSE: Patient-specific heart and valve models have shown promise as training and planning tools for heart surgery, but physically realistic valve models remain elusive. Available proprietary, simulation-focused heart valve models are generic adult mitral valves and do not allow for patient-specific modeling as may be needed for rare diseases such as congenitally abnormal valves. We propose creating silicone valve models from a 3D-printed plastic mold as a solution that can be adapted to any individual patient and heart valve at a fraction of the cost of direct 3D-printing using soft materials. METHODS: Leaflets of a pediatric mitral valve, a tricuspid valve in a patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and a complete atrioventricular canal valve were segmented from ultrasound images. A custom software was developed to automatically generate molds for each valve based on the segmentation. These molds were 3D-printed and used to make silicone valve models. The models were designed with cylindrical rims of different sizes surrounding the leaflets, to show the outline of the valve and add rigidity. Pediatric cardiac surgeons practiced suturing on the models and evaluated them for use as surgical planning and training tools. RESULTS: Five out of six surgeons reported that the valve models would be very useful as training tools for cardiac surgery. In this first iteration of valve models, leaflets were felt to be unrealistically thick or stiff compared to real pediatric leaflets. A thin tube rim was preferred for valve flexibility. CONCLUSION: The valve models were well received and considered to be valuable and accessible tools for heart valve surgery training. Further improvements will be made based on surgeons' feedback.

Compuestos fenólicos de Tagetes lucida Cav. con efecto antibacteriano por daños a la membrana / Phenolic compounds of Tagetes lucida Cav. with antibacterial effect due to membrane damage

Tagetes lucida Cav. (Asteraceae = Compositae) se usa para tratar infecciones estomacales. El estudio se centró en evaluar la composición y el efecto antimicrobiano de un extracto de T. lucida Cav. La planta se extrajo con etanol al 10% p/v, y la composición del extracto se analizó por Rp-HPLC-MS. El efecto antibacteriano se evaluó contra Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Salmonella choleraesuis utilizando métodos de difusión por disco, microdilución y bioautografía. Los ensayos de sytox y cometa fueron utilizados para evaluar el mecanismo de acción. De esta forma, se detectaron nueve compuestos fenólicos en el extracto de T. lucida. El extracto exhibió actividad solo en S. aureus (MIC de 4.000 mg/ml). La bioautografía reveló que los compuestos fenólicos podrían actuar sinérgicamente. Las pruebas de sytox y cometa mostraron una acción antibacteriana del extracto sobre la membrana bacteriana y el ADN de esta cepa bacteriana.

Tagetes lucida Cav. (Asteraceae=Compositae) is used for treating stomach infections. The study focused on evaluating the composition and antimicrobial effect of an extract of T. lucida Cav. The plant extracted with ethanol at 10% w/v, and the extract composition analyzed by Rp-HPLC-MS. The antibacterial effect was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella choleraesuis using disk diffusion, microdilution and bioautography methods. The sytox and comet assays were used to evaluate the mechanism of action. In this way, nine phenolic compounds were detected in the extract of T. lucida. The extract exhibited activity only on S. aureus (MIC of 4.000 mg/ml). The bioautography revealed that the phenolic compounds could act synergistically. The sytox and comet tests showed an antibacterial action of the extract on the bacterial membrane and DNA of this bacterial strain.