Applications of yeast flocculation in biotechnological processes

A review on the main aspects associated with yeast flocculation and its application in biotechnological processes is presented. This subject is addressed following three main aspects – the basics of yeast flocculation, the development of “new” flocculating yeast strains and bioreactor development. In what concerns the basics of yeast flocculation, the state of the art on the most relevant aspects of mechanism, physiology and genetics of yeast flocculation is reported. The construction of flocculating yeast strains includes not only the recombinant constitutive flocculent brewer’s yeast, but also recombinant flocculent yeast for lactose metabolisation and ethanol production. Furthermore, recent work on the heterologous β-galactosidase production using a recombinant flocculent Saccharomyces cerevisiae is considered. As bioreactors using flocculating yeast cells have particular properties, mainly associated with a high solid phase hold-up, a section dedicated to its operation is presented. Aspects such as bioreactor productivity and culture stability as well as bioreactor hydrodynamics and mass transfer properties of flocculating cell cultures are considered. Finally, the paper concludes describing some of the applications of high cell density flocculation bioreactors and discussing potential new uses of these systems.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) – PRAXIS XXI - BD11306/97

Histopathologic Findings in Two Cases with History of Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments Insertion

Intrastromal corneal ring segments (INTACS) implantation for mild myopia or keratoconus is simple and effective in most cases. Rarely, major complications can occur due to implantation. In this case report, we present two examples of possible intraoperative and postoperative complications of INTACS. The first case had histopathologic documentation of Descemet's membrane perforation as an intraoperative complication and the second case had accumulation of foamy histiocytes along the lamellar channels which has not been previously reported. These complications suggest further study is required on the long term effect of INTACS implantation on corneal tissue

New Exact Solutions for New Model Nonlinear Partial Differential Equation

In this paper we propose a new form of Padé-II equation, namely, a combined Padé-II and modified Padé-II equation. The mapping method is a promising method to solve nonlinear evaluation equations. Therefore, we apply it, to solve the combined Padé-II and modified Padé-II equation. Exact travelling wave solutions are obtained and expressed in terms of hyperbolic functions, trigonometric functions, rational functions, and elliptic functions

Novel genomic microsatellite markers for genetic population and diversity studies of tropical scalloped spiny lobster (Panulirus homarus) and their potential application in related Panulirus species

Fourteen polymorphic microsatellites with perfect di-, tri-, and tetra-nucleotide repeats were identified for Panulirus homarus using Roche 454 whole-genome sequencing method. Microsatellites were efficiently co-amplified in four multiplexes and a singleplex, providing consistent and easily interpretable genotypes. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 11 with the observed and expected heterozygosity ranging between 0.000-0.532 and 0.031-0.836, respectively. A significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed for majority of the loci, probably due to homozygote excess. Genetic linkage disequilibrium analysis between all the possible pairs of the loci showed significant departure from the null hypothesis in the loci pairs Pho-G11-Pho-G33 and Pho-G33-Pho-G57. High success in primer cross-species amplification of these microsatellite markers indicates their utility for genetic studies of different Panulirus species

Prophylactic influences of prebiotics on gut microbiome and immune response of heat-stressed broiler chickens

Abstract Climatic changes and elevated ambient temperature are significant environmental stressors with a negative impact on birds’ physiological, immunological, and behavioral status, increasing their susceptibility to stressors and immunosuppression and consequently increasing intestinal permeability (leaky gut). Prebiotics have been utilized to stop or diminish the harmful effects of stress in chickens. We aimed to evaluate the role of mannan-oligosaccharides, and beta-d-glucan prebiotics supplements in drinking water against experimentally induced heat stress (HS) on broiler chickens and study their impact on birds’ performance, gut microbiome, and immune response. A total of 120 1-day-old Ross broiler chicks were allocated into four groups (30 birds/group), and each group was subdivided into triplicates (10 birds each). The experimental groups were classified as follows; the 1st (G1) control birds, the 2nd (G2) birds exposed experimentally to HS, the 3rd (G3) birds administered prebiotics in drinking water without exposure to HS, and the 4th (G4) birds exposed to HS and administered prebiotics in drinking water. After each vaccination, blood samples and serum samples were collected to evaluate the birds’ immune status. Fecal samples were also collected for the molecular evaluation of the gut microbiome based on the genetic analyses and sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. The results showed that HS has reduced the birds’ performance and badly affected the birds’ immune response and gut microbiome. However, the addition of prebiotics to drinking water, with or without stress, enhanced the growth rate, maintained a normal gut microbiome, and improved immune parameters. Moreover, the usage of prebiotics improved the chicken gut microbiome and alleviated the negative effect of heat stress. Administering prebiotics significantly (p < 0.05) increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria and eradicated pathogenic ones in the birds’ gut microbiome. Prebiotics showed a positive effect on the gut microbiome and the immune status of chickens under HS in addition to their efficacy as a growth promoter

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characteristics of Antimicrobial Resistance of Gram-negative Bacteria isolated From Pet Animal

Most animal feeds are set from protein-rich raw materials. These protein constituents may possess various hazards, particularly highly drug-resistant pathogens, causing a bad impact not only on the pet's health, but also on their owners. In the current study, a total of 2100 pet food and 100 pets’ fecal swabs were collected and bacteriologically examined from 2017 to 2020. It was revealed that the percentage of Gram-negative bacteria isolated from pet food and fecal swabs was 49% and 56% respectively. E. coli, Proteus sp., and K. pneumoniae were the most isolated bacteria in percentages of 12.4%, 8.4%, and 4.9% respectively from Pet food and 25%, 7%, 12% respectively from pet fecal swabs. In addition, Enterobacter cloacae, P. aeruginosa, Aeromonas hydrophila, Citrobacter sp., P. fluorecens, and Y. enterocolitica were isolated from pet food in order to 3.8%, 3.5%, 3.2%, 2.6%, 2.6% and 2.1% respectively. Salmonella sp. isolated from pet food was 0.6% while it was 5% from pet fecal swabs. The most predominant salmonella serotype isolated from pet food and pet fecal swabs was S. Typhimurium. Furthermore, S. Virchow, S. Anatum, S. Kentucky, S. Kedougou and S. Infantis were isolated serotypes from Pet food in percentages of 15.7%, 23.1%, 15.4%, 7.7%, and 7.7% respectively. While S. Nitra, S. Ibargi, S. Enteritidis and S. Boecker were isolated from pet fecal swabs at a percentage of 20% for each. On the other hand, O158 was the most predominant E. coli serogroup isolated from pet food and pet fecal swabs in percentages of 30.4% and 30.8% respectively followed by O157 in percentages of 21.7% and 26.9% respectively. O26 was isolated from pet food and pet fecal swabs in percentages of 13% and 7.7% for each. O119 was isolated from pet food and pet fecal swabs in percentages of 4.3% and 3.8% respectively. O86, O27, O44, O55, and O78 were isolated from pet food in the percentage of 4.3%, 8.7%, 4.3%, 4.3%, and 8.7%respectively. While O114, O111, and O125 were isolated serotypes from pet fecal swabs in percentages of 15.4%, 3.8%, and 11.5% respectively. This study revealed that the antimicrobial sensitivity test of 80% of Salmonellae were resistant to Cefotaxime and Colistin sulphate while 50%, 30, and 20% of isolates were resistant to Gentamicin, Tetracycline, and Cefepime respectively, while 40% of Salmonellae were resistant to Chloramphenicol, Enrofloxacin, and Amoxicillin-clavulanate. Also 60% of Salmonellae showed resistance to Trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole and Ciprofloxacin. Detection of Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase resistance genes (blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaCTX-M) in Pets using Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed the presence of blaTEM and blaSHV genes in all tested isolates in 12 samples out of 12 (100%) and has shown that the ratio of blaCTX-M is 5 out of 12samples (41.6 %)

Optic Nerve Avulsion: Pattern and Etiologies at a Tertiary Eye Care Center in Saudi Arabia: An 8-Year Retrospective Study

Mohammad Al Amry,1 Lamia AlHijji,2 Sahar M Elkhamary,3 Ahmed Mousa,4 Abdulrahman AlGaeed,3 Huda AlGhadeer1 1Emergency Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2Ophthalmology Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 3Radiology Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 4Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Huda AlGhadeer, Emergency Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, PO Box 7191, Riyadh, 11462, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966 1 4821234 extension 2500, Email [email protected]: Optic nerve avulsion (ONA) is a rare but serious presentation of ocular trauma. This study investigates the presenting characteristics and etiologies of all cases of ONA over an 8-year-period at a tertiary eye care center in the Middle East.Methods: The medical records of patients diagnosed with ONA at an Ophthalmic Emergency Department between November 2014 and November 2022 were analyzed in this retrospective cohort study. Data were collected on patient age, sex, affected eye, cause of injury and imaging studies. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at presentation and at the last follow-up visit, and the duration of follow-up were documented.Results: The study sample was comprised of 44 eyes of 43 patients with ONA with median age of 16.5 (9.3– 26.8) years ranging from 2 years old to 70 years old. There were (35;79.5%) males and (9; 20.5%) females. Most cases presented with an affected left eye (27; 61.4%) followed by the right eye (16; 36.4%) and only one patient (2.3%) had bilateral ONA. The most common cause of trauma resulting in ONA was a metallic object (8;18.2%). This study demonstrates the value of multi-sequence Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the setting of unexplained vision loss when other modalities are inadequate or inconclusive.Conclusion: Ophthalmic morbidity resulting from ONA can be devastating. Metallic object injuries were the most prevalent cause of ONA. The presence of associated media opacities challenges the initial diagnosis of ONA. In the vast majority of cases, the vision ended as no light perception (NLP), indicating permanent vision impairment.Keywords: avulsion, ocular, optic nerve, traum

Dopamine D2 receptor gene polymorphisms in newborn infants of drug-using women

OBJECTIVES To determine the characteristics of dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2) polymorphisms in drug-exposed and unexposed neonates and the relationship to neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). DESIGN Retrospective case-control analysis between drug-exposed and unexposed infants between DRD2 polymorphisms, drug exposure and NAS treatment. PATIENTS Drug-exposed (n=48) and drug-free (n=49) infants born between March 1999 and December 2006. METHODS Analysis of DNA for the Taq1A, -141Ins/Del and Ser311Cys DRD2 polymorphisms. Drug exposure was determined by antenatal maternal drug and alcohol history. Frequency measures of DRD2 polymorphisms were compared between drug-exposed infants, treatment NAS medication and with control infants. SETTING Tertiary maternity hospital, Sydney, Australia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES All infants were born in a good condition (25.7% <37 weeks gestation). Opiates (methadone and heroin) were used by 45 (93.8%) of drug-exposed mothers. The A2A2 allele was more common in drug-exposed infants (37 (77.0%) versus 23 (46.9%), p=0.003) but the A1A2 allele was more common in control infants (23 (46.9%) versus 4 (8.3%), p=0.00002). The-ins allele was more common in control (39 (79.6%) versus 20 (41.7%), p=<0.01) and unmedicated drug-exposed (14/25 (56%) versus 5/23 (21.7%), p=0.02) infants. The majority of infants (41 (83.7%) controls versus 41 (85.4%), p=1.000) expressed the least common, Ser polymorphism. CONCLUSIONS DRD2 polymorphisms are detectable from DNA obtained from stored blood spots. The -ins allele is more common in control and unmedicated drug-exposed infants. Further study is recommended to explore postneonatal outcomes especially in relation to neuropsychiatric behaviours.This study was supported by the Cornucopia Foundation and the Royal Hospital for Women Foundation and by funding from the Leslie Stevens Fund for Newborn Research, The Cornucopia Foundation and The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation