Lipolytic production from solid-state fermentation of the filamentous fungus Penicillium polonicum and its applicability as biocatalyst in the synthesis of ethyl oleate.

Lipases represent versatile biocatalysts extensively employed in transesterification reactions for ester production. Ethyl oleate holds significance in biodiesel production, serving as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived diesel. In this study, our goal was to prospect lipase and assess its efficacy as a biocatalyst for ethyl oleate synthesis. For quantitative analysis, a base medium supplemented with Rhodamine B, olive oil, and Tween 80 was used. Solid-state fermentation utilized crambe seeds of varying particle sizes and humidity levels as substrates. In the synthesis of ethyl oleate, molar ratios of 1:3, 1:6, and 1:9, along with a total enzymatic activity of 60 U in n-heptane, were utilized at temperatures of 30 °C, 37 °C, and 44 °C. Reactions were conducted in a shaker at 200 rpm for 60 min. As a result, we first identified Penicillium polonicum and employed the method of solid-state fermentation using crambe seeds as a substrate to produce lipase. Our findings revealed heightened lipolytic activity (22.5 Ug-1) after 96 h of fermentation using crambe cake as the substrate. Optimal results were achieved with crambe seeds at a granulometry of 0.6 mm and a fermentation medium humidity of 60%. Additionally, electron microscopy suggested the immobilization of lipase in the substrate, enabling enzyme reuse for up to 4 cycles with 100% enzymatic activity. Subsequently, we conducted applicability tests of biocatalysts for ethyl oleate synthesis, optimizing parameters such as the acid/alcohol molar ratio, temperature, and reaction time. We attained 100% conversion within 30 min at 37 °C, and our results indicated that the molar ratio proportion did not significantly influence the outcome. These findings provide a methodological alternative for the utilization of biocatalysts in ethyl oleate synthesis.

Aspergillus sclerotiorum lipolytic activity and its application in bioremediation of high-fat dairy wastewater environments.

Oils and grease (O&G) have low affinity for water and represent a class of pollutants present in the dairy industry. Enzyme-mediated bioremediation using biocatalysts, such as lipases, has shown promising potential in biotechnology, as they are versatile catalysts with high enantioselectivity and regioselectivity and easy availability, being considered a clean technology (white biotechnology). Specially in the treatment of effluents from dairy industries, these enzymes are of particular importance as they specifically hydrolyze O&G. In this context, the objective of this work is to prospect filamentous fungi with the ability to synthesize lipases for application in a high-fat dairy wastewater environment. We identified and characterized the fungal species Aspergillus sclerotiorum as a good lipase producer. Specifically, we observed highest lipolytic activity (20.72 U g-1) after 96 h of fermentation using sunflower seed as substrate. The fungal solid fermented was used in the bioremediation in dairy effluent to reduce O&G. The experiment was done in kinetic from 24 to 168 h and reduced over 90% of the O&G present in the sample after 168 h. Collectively, our work demonstrated the efficiency and applicability of fungal fermented solids in bioremediation and how this process can contribute to a more sustainable wastewater pretreatment, reducing the generation of effluents produced by dairy industries.

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet activity of aqueous extracts of Citrus sinensis and Lippia alba : interactions and potential for the development of antithrombotics.

Citrus sinensis and Lippia alba are herbal medicines widely used in the form of tea (infusion, decoction), which ethanolic extracts have already shown great anticoagulant activity in vitro . For this reason, they seem to be excellent candidates for the development of new antithrombotics and also have the potential to interact with them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of aqueous extracts in blood coagulation and platelet aggregation, in addition to analysing the micromolecular composition of these species. Thrombin generation test (TGT) by the Calibrated Automated Thrombogram method and Platelet Aggregation Test by turbidimetry were performed to evaluate the biological activities, while the chemical composition was qualitatively evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography. Aqueous extracts were elaborated according to the folk use. All extracts were effective in reducing thrombin formation in TGT. Infusion of L. alba and infusion and decoction of C. sinensis at a concentration of 0.6 mg/ml significantly reduced platelet aggregation induced by ADP, and only the decoction of L. alba at the same concentration was able to significantly reduce collagen-induced platelet aggregation. The presence of phenylpropanoids and flavonoids in C. sinensis and L. alba extracts was verified. Furthermore, hesperidin was identified in C. sinensis through coinjection. C. sinensis and L. alba are rich in phenolics and demonstrated an in-vitro effect on important processes of haemostasis (blood coagulation, platelet agreggation), corroborating the potential of C. sinensis and L. alba for the development of antithrombotics and interact with them.

Tratamento cirúrgico de linfedema penoescrotal em um paciente com doença de Milroy: relato de caso / Surgical treatment of penoscrotal lymphedema in a patient with Milroy's disease: case report

Introdução: A doença de Milroy manifesta-se como linfedema de membros inferiores e região genital, o que provoca prejuízos físicos e sociais. Relato de Caso: Reporta-se um caso de linfedema penoescrotal severo em um paciente com doença de Milroy. Foi realizada a ressecção cirúrgica do tecido afetado e a reconstrução com retalhos locais e enxerto de pele. Discussão: A doença de Milroy é rara, de caráter autossômico dominante. Sua apresentação clínica é progressiva e decorre da hipoplasia dos vasos linfáticos dos membros inferiores. O tratamento em casos avançados é iminentemente cirúrgico. Conclusão: No caso apresentado, o tratamento cirúrgico é uma boa opção. O uso de retalho paraescrotal para escrotoplastia associado ao enxerto para cobertura do pênis proporciona bom resultado funcional.

Introduction: Milroy disease manifests itself as lymphedema of the lower limbs and genital region, which causes physical and social damage. Case Report: A case of severe-scrotal lymphedema in a patient with Milroy disease. Surgical resection of the affected tissue and reconstruction with local flaps and skin graft were performed. Discussion: Milroy disease is a rare autosomal dominant disease. The clinical presentation is progressive and results from hypoplasia of the lymphatic vessels of the lower limbs. Treatment in advanced cases is mainly surgical. Conclusion: In the case of a patient with Milroy disease and severe penoscrotal lymphedema, surgical treatment is a good option. The use of parascrotal flaps for scrotoplasty associated with a graft to recover the penis provides a good functional result.

Yeasts isolated from a lotic continental environment in Brazil show potential to produce amylase, cellulase and protease.

Yeasts have wide applicability in the industrial field, as in the production of enzymes used in biocatalysts. Biocatalysts are more efficient when compared to chemical catalysts, with emphasis on hydrolytic enzymes, such as amylase, cellulase and protease. Here we focused on prospecting yeasts, with a high capacity to synthesize hydrolytic enzymes, from a continental lotic ecosystem environment in Brazil. 75 yeasts were grown in Yeast Extract-Peptone-Dextrose (YPD) medium supplemented with antibacterial and their capacity for enzymatic production was tested in specific media. Accordingly, 64 yeasts showed enzyme production capacity. From those, six showed good enzyme indexes, 3 for amylase, 2 for cellulase and 1 for protease. All showed at least one hydrolytic enzyme activity for the tested enzymes (amylase, cellulase and protease), which suggested that the yeasts are metabolically active. By sequencing the 26S gene, we identified Naganishia diffluens and Apiotrichum mycotoxinivorans as the species with highest enzyme production activities. Those species showed potential for application as biological catalysts in the biotechnological scope, collaborating in a sustainable way for the development of industrial products.

Associated factors with the quality of life of adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The impact of Type 1 diabetes on adolescence can have consequences on the quality of life (QoL), which can affect its growth, development and management of the disease. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the QoL related to the health of adolescents with type 1 diabetes and if socioeconomic, demographic, clinical and anthropometric factors can be associated with it. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with adolescents with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) of both sexes and between 10 and 18 years old. QoL was assessed by the Quality of Life Instrument for Young Diabetics (total score and its dimensions - Satisfaction, Impact and Concerns) and socioeconomic and demographic, clinical and anthropometric data were evaluated. RESULTS: Among 53 adolescents with T1DM, more than 13% of adolescents rated QoL as poor. The worst QoL in the Satisfaction dimension was associated with overweight, assessed by the body mass index; the increased cardiometabolic risk, assessed by waist circumference; the adolescent's later age at diagnosis (11-17 years); and the adolescent's older age (15-18 years). The worst QoL assessed in the Impact dimension was associated with the female sex. The Concerns dimension and the Total QoL score were not associated with socioeconomic and demographic, clinical, and anthropometric variables. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the QoL Satisfaction dimension of adolescents with T1DM is associated with their age, age at diagnosis, overweight and increased waist circumference, while the Impact dimension is associated with sex, and the Concerns dimension and the Total QoL score were not associated with the factors studied. Knowing the importance of QoL and its related factors, it is necessary to propose health activities and strategies for the all-around improvement of these patients.