Mimicking Natural Metabolisms: Cell‐Free Flow Preparation of Dopamine

The biosynthesis of dopamine (DA) from L-tyrosine as starting material is an excellent yet challenging strategy. Here we developed a versatile, multi-enzymatic platform for the biocatalytic preparation of DA in a continuous mode with excellent conversion (90 %) and reaction time (45 min). The system exploits the immobilization of a decarboxylase from Bacillus pumilis (Fdc) and a tyrosinase from Agaricus bisporus (Tyr), which were combined to mimic the in-vivo synthesis of DA (both primary and secondary metabolisms) giving rise to an efficient strategy with a considerable reduction of process associated costs and environmental impact. To enhance the system automation, an in-line purification via catch-and-release procedure was added

experimental and numerical characterization of an oil free scroll expander

Abstract Micro-ORC systems are characterized by low efficiency values, but at the same time could be used as energy recovery systems in domestic applications for which reliability and low noise level represent the biggest challenges. In this paper, an integrated Reverse Engineering (RE)-Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methodology is applied in order to study the adaptation of a commercial scroll compressor to be used as an expander in a micro-ORC system. The analyses reported in this paper consist of: (i) the acquisition of the 5-kW oil-free scroll expander through a RE procedure and its CAD reconstruction, (ii) the set-up of fully three-dimensional transient simulations with the Chimera strategy using the Siemens PLM software, (iii) the validation of the computational analysis by means of experimental tests and finally, (iv) the analysis of the geometry-flow features like flank and axial gaps, coupled with the analysis of the scroll volumetric efficiency and overall performance. Chimera strategy is able to move the computational grid at each time step in order to accommodate the shape and size changes of the gas pockets. The scroll characterization was carried out using both experimental and numerical tests. Six different rotational velocities in the range of (400 – 2400) rpm with a fixed pressure level (7.5 bar) were tested for validating the numerical model using air as a working fluid. The numerical model was then used to calculate the scroll expander performance operating in an existing ORC system with R134a as working fluid

Inguinal polypropylene plug: A cause of unusual testicular tumor pelvic metastasis

We report the case of a patient who had undergone polypropylene plug placement 3 years before and referred to our institution with testicular tumor. CT scan demonstrated an enlargement of pelvic lymph nodes on the tumor side while retroperitoneal nodes were normal. Orchifunicolectomy was performed and histopathological examination showed a mixed germ cell tumor involving the tunica vaginalis, rete testis, epididymis and spermatic cord. After surgery the patient was addressed to adjuvant chemotherapy according to PEB scheme. Clinical re-staging showed a decrease of the pelvic bulk disease whereas retroperitoneal nodes were still normal and tumor markers were negative. Left external, internal and common iliac lymphadenectomy as well as left modified template nervesparing retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was performed. Intraoperatively the node bulk was firmly adherent to the external iliac artery and extended until the common iliac bifurcation. In the deeper part of this enlarged and firm lymphatic chain the polypropylene plug placed at the time of hernioplasty was found. Behind the plug all retroperitoneal nodes appeared normal and resulted negative on histopathologic examination. The patient had an unusual metastatization, probably due to the plug

Spatial and Temporal evolution of the subsidence phenomena in the Italian Peninsula

A large number of continuous GNSS (CGNSS) stations are nowadays available in Italy, this has already allowed an accurate monitoring of the horizontal and vertical kinematic pattern in the Italian peninsula in terms of linear trends. The crustal displacements can be considered as the result of several contributions: global, regional and local tectonic processes, climatic and meteorological phenomena, but also human activities. In particular, the groundwater exploitation for agricultural and industrial purposes and the extractive activities of gas, oil and geothermal fluids can induce displacements that can be greater than the ones due to natural contributions. Human activities could induce rapid changes in the local dynamic of the Earth crust and usually have stronger impact on the vertical component. Therefore, an accurate monitoring of the vertical displacements that takes into account also the spatial heterogeneity of the human activities is a major issue. In order to monitor and study the vertical velocity field in the Italian area, the observation of more than 600 CGNSS sites have been analysed using the GAMIT software package. The interdistances between the considered sites is about 40-50 Km and should allow a fairly good definition of the vertical velocity field and to study the possible spatial evolution of the pattern. The relatively long time interval of data acquisition (2001-2018) provides an important data set that make possible to identify different time evolutions with respect to the linear trend usually adopted in the GNSS time series analysis. The present vertical velocity field in the Italian peninsula and in particular along the coastal areas and neighbour zones will be shown. Preliminary studies about the spatial and temporal evolution of the subsidence phenomena in these areas will be also discussed

Spatial and Temporal evolution of the subsidence phenomena in the Italian Peninsula

A large number of continuous GNSS (CGNSS) stations are nowadays available in Italy, this has already allowed an accurate monitoring of the horizontal and vertical kinematic pattern in the Italian peninsula in terms of linear trends. The crustal displacements can be considered as the result of several contributions: global, regional and local tectonic processes, climatic and meteorological phenomena, but also human activities. In particular, the groundwater exploitation for agricultural and industrial purposes and the extractive activities of gas, oil and geothermal fluids can induce displacements that can be greater than the ones due to natural contributions. Human activities could induce rapid changes in the local dynamic of the Earth crust and usually have stronger impact on the vertical component. Therefore, an accurate monitoring of the vertical displacements that takes into account also the spatial heterogeneity of the human activities is a major issue. In order to monitor and study the vertical velocity field in the Italian area, the observation of more than 600 CGNSS sites have been analysed using the GAMIT software package. The interdistances between the considered sites is about 40-50 Km and should allow a fairly good definition of the vertical velocity field and to study the possible spatial evolution of the pattern. The relatively long time interval of data acquisition (2001-2018) provides an important data set that make possible to identify different time evolutions with respect to the linear trend usually adopted in the GNSS time series analysis. The present vertical velocity field in the Italian peninsula and in particular along the coastal areas and neighbour zones will be shown. Preliminary studies about the spatial and temporal evolution of the subsidence phenomena in these areas will be also discussed

Valorization of Apple Pomace: Production of Phloretin Using a Bacterial Cellulose‐Immobilized β‐Glycosidase

In the last decade, phloretin (PHL) has attracted increasing attention due to its remarkable biological properties, including antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects, becoming a leading ingredient in the cosmetic sector. In this work, an efficient, cost-effective, and highly productive biocatalytic strategy for the preparation of natural PHL has been developed starting from its glycosylated form, phloridzin, one of the main flavonoid components of apple processing waste (apple pomace). The process involved the use of the extremophilic β-glycosidase AHeGH1 immobilized on bacterial cellulose films in a two-liquid phase reaction system (water/2,2,5,5-tetramethyloxolane), allowing for the complete conversion of 5 g L−1 of substrate in 7 h of reaction (molar conversion >99%; isolated yield 95%). Since all the materials used in the biotransformation have been recovered and recycled (i.e., solvents, aqueous phase, and catalyst), this system can be considered a zero-waste reaction. Interestingly, a further leap forward in the overall bioprocess sustainability was achieved by producing bacterial cellulose, the support for enzyme immobilization, by fermentation of apple pomace. This allows for a biocatalytic process where both the substrate and the immobilization carrier derive from the same feedstock

Prognostic Factors Affecting Long-Term Survival after Resection for Noncolorectal, Nonneuroendocrine, and Nonsarcoma Liver Metastases

Aim. To evaluate feasibility and long-term outcome after hepatic resection for noncolorectal, nonneuroendocrine, and nonsarcoma (NCNNNS) liver metastases in a single center. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed our experience on patients who underwent surgery for NCNNNS liver metastases from 1995 to 2015. Patient baseline characteristics, tumor features, treatment options, and postoperative outcome were retrieved. Results. We included 47 patients. The overall 5-year survival (OS) rate after hepatectomy was 27.6%, with a median survival of 21 months. Overall survival was significantly longer for patients operated for nongastrointestinal liver metastases when compared with gastrointestinal (41 versus 10 months; p=0.027). OS was significantly worse in patients with synchronous metastases than in those with metachronous disease (10 versus 22 months; p=0.021). The occurrence of major postoperative complication negatively affected long-term prognosis (OS 23.5 versus 9.0 months; p=0.028). Preoperative tumor characteristics (number and size of the lesions), intraoperative features (extension of resection, need for transfusions, and Pringle’s maneuver), and R0 at pathology were not associated with differences in overall survival. Conclusion. Liver resection represents a possible curative option for patients with NCNNNS metastases. The origin of the primary tumor and the timing of metastases presentation may help clinicians to better select which patients could take advantages from surgical intervention

Biocatalyzed Synthesis of Benzoyl and Cinnamoylamides Inspired by Rice Phytoalexins

Worldwide, phytopathogenic fungi, bacteria, and viruses are responsible for huge crop losses each year, threatening agricultural progress and food security and causing massive economic damages. Pyricularia oryzae represents one of the most dangerous fungal phytopathogens being the cause of rice blast, a highly destructive disease widely distributed across the world. In this critical context, good agricultural practices necessarily need to be supported using novel, effective, and sustainable agrochemicals. It is known that plants naturally counteract exogenous infections by synthesizing defense secondary metabolites, known as phytoalexins. Inspired by N-benzoyltryptamine and N-cinnamoyltryptamine, two phytoalexins found in Oryza sativa, we designed a collection of tryptamine-based derivatives. The compounds were synthesized exploiting an enzymatic approach, using Candida antarctica Lipase B (CaL-B) as a biocatalyst and tert-amyl alcohol (t-AA) as an unconventional green solvent. The activity was evaluated against a panel of different phytopathogenic fungi as well as selected Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The obtained results pave the way for novel nature-inspired products as a valuable alternative to currently available pesticides