Decolorization of Phenol Red Dye by Immobilized Laccase in Chitosan Beads Using Laccase - Mediator - System Model

 يصف هدا العمل قصر الصبغة الحمراء من خلال تقييد  انزيم اللاكييز بالكايتوسان.  يتكون انزيم اللاكييزالتجاري من فطر العفن الابيض (Tvlac) حيث  يقيد بطريقة سهلة التحضير بحبيبات الكايتوسان المنشط  بالكلوترالديهايد . لقد تم تعزيز  توصيف الكايتوسان المحضر باستخدام تقنيات الـ  FTIR وال .SEMلقد قيد (46.2  وحدة/ مل) من انزيم  Laccase تماما في حبيبات الكايتوسان المحضره   بنسبة 0.8%  (v:v) من الكلوترالدهيد خلال (24) ساعة, استخدمت العوامل الوسطية الصناعية(HBT) والطبيعيةvanillin) ) لتعزيز عملية قصر  صبغة الفينول الاحمر من خلال انزيم اللاكييز المقيد. حيث وجد ان عملية القصر لحبيبات الكايتوسان تصل الى قيمتها العظمى %89 خلال180  دقيقة في حين تصل عملية القصر لحبيبات الانزيم المقيد بلكايتوسان الى(100%) خلال 120 دقيقة ولكن باستخدام HBT  وال vanillin  كمواد وسطية تصل عملية القصر 100% في 25 دقيقة و50 دقيقة على التوالي .ومن ناحية اخرى اعادة استخدام حبيبات  الانزيم المقيد بلكايتوسان  اعطت   نتيجة قصر 100% عند اول دورة ومن ثم بدت تتناقص تدريجيا النتائج مع عدد الدورات الى ان تصل الى فعالية 70% بعد 9 مرات للإعادة الاستخدام في عميلة قصر الصيغة.This work describes the enhancement of phenol red decolorization through immobilizing of laccase in chitosan and enzyme recycling. Commercial laccase from white rot fungus, Trametesversicolor (Tvlac), was immobilizedin to freshly prepared chitosan beads by using glutaraldehyde as a cross linker. Characterization of prepared chitosan was confirmed by FTIR and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Tvlac (46.2 U/mL) immobilized into chitosan beads at 0.8 % glutaraldehyde (v/v) within 24 hrs. Synthetic (HBT) and natural (vanillin) mediators were used to enhance dye decolorizoation. It was found that 89 % of phenol red was decolorized by chitosan beads within 180 min. in the absence of enzyme and mediator, while decolorization percentage of the dye was completed (100%) at 120 min. when chitosan immobilizedlaccase was applied. Moreover, the decolorization was completed within 25 and 50 min. in the presence of chitosan immobilized laccase and of HBT or vanillin respectively. On the other hand, the recycling of chitosan immobilized laccase was still decolorize phenol red and continued up to ninth cycle to reach  70% of dye decolorization

Study of the Optical Constants of the PMMA/PC Blends

The aim of the present work is concerned with the study of the optical constants of the PMMA/PC blend at different concentrations. The samples are casted as films from the PMMA and PC homopolymers and blend. These polymer systems are evaluated spectrophotometically. The absorption spectra of homopolymers and PMMA/PC blends at different concertation showed absorption changes in the wavelength range, which depends on the polymer type, and the concentration of the polymer blends. It was found that 50% ratio from these polymers showed higher absorption values in comparison with the homopolymers, besides, the absorption spectroscopy of the polymer blends did not always effect the similar information obtained from the spectroscopy of the homopolymers .A phenomenon was attributed to immiscibility or phase separation as associated with the blends formation. The results of the optical constant proved that 50%ratio was the best, which was attributed to the lowest energy gap (2.5 eV). Morphological investigations for the casted polymer systems were introduced

AU-Rich Element RNA Binding Proteins: At the Crossroads of Post-Transcriptional Regulation and Genome Integrity.

Genome integrity must be tightly preserved to ensure cellular survival and to deter the genesis of disease. Endogenous and exogenous stressors that impose threats to genomic stability through DNA damage are counteracted by a tightly regulated DNA damage response (DDR). RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are emerging as regulators and mediators of diverse biological processes. Specifically, RBPs that bind to adenine uridine (AU)-rich elements (AREs) in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of mRNAs (AU-RBPs) have emerged as key players in regulating the DDR and preserving genome integrity. Here we review eight established AU-RBPs (AUF1, HuR, KHSRP, TIA-1, TIAR, ZFP36, ZFP36L1, ZFP36L2) and their ability to maintain genome integrity through various interactions. We have reviewed canonical roles of AU-RBPs in regulating the fate of mRNA transcripts encoding DDR genes at multiple post-transcriptional levels. We have also attempted to shed light on non-canonical roles of AU-RBPs exploring their post-translational modifications (PTMs) and sub-cellular localization in response to genotoxic stresses by various factors involved in DDR and genome maintenance. Dysfunctional AU-RBPs have been increasingly found to be associated with many human cancers. Further understanding of the roles of AU-RBP in maintaining genomic integrity may uncover novel therapeutic strategies for cancer

The structural basis for high affinity binding of α1-acid glycoprotein to the potent antitumor compound UCN-01

The α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) is an abundant blood plasma protein with important immunomodulatory functions coupled to endogenous and exogenous ligand-binding properties. Its affinity for many drug-like structures, however, means AGP can have a significant effect on the pharmokinetics and pharmacodynamics of numerous small molecule therapeutics. Staurosporine, and its hydroxylated forms UCN-01 and UCN-02, are kinase inhibitors that have been investigated at length as antitumour compounds. Despite their potency, these compounds display poor pharmokinetics due to binding to both AGP variants, AGP1 and AGP2. The recent renewed interest in UCN-01 as a cytostatic protective agent prompted us to solve the structure of the AGP2–UCN-01 complex by X-ray crystallography, revealing for the first time the precise binding mode of UCN-01. The solution NMR suggests AGP2 undergoes a significant conformational change upon ligand binding, but also that it uses a common set of sidechains with which it captures key groups of UCN-01 and other small molecule ligands. We anticipate that this structure and the supporting NMR data will facilitate rational redesign of small molecules that could evade AGP and therefore improve tissue distribution

ISO 50001: 2018 and Its Application in a Comprehensive Management System with an Energy-Performance Focus

[EN] Business progress and human development are linked to the efficient management of energy resources. The research in this paper contributes to the generalized application of good practices that reduce the vulnerability of companies. The research focuses on energy efficiency through comprehensive management systems (CMS), and "thought based on risks and opportunities", considering the discussion about the revision of ISO 50001:2018, the basic approach of the model and the route to implement CMS for quality, safety and health in the workplace, environmental management, energy efficiency, and other risk components. This implementation route, with the acronym CMS QHSE3+, places special emphasis on the functions of strategic planning, operational and risk management, and controls, as well as on deliverables and references to examples, templates, standards, and documents, to facilitate its application general in small and medium enterprises and in the management of energy efficiency.We express our gratitude for the support received, to CAJACOPI ATLÁNTICO, QUARA Group, ASTEQ Technology, Simón Bolivar University, the Universitat Politècnica de València, SANTO TORIBIO Business Group, and to all the personalities and companies who offered us their contributions and their valuable points of view.Poveda-Orjuela, PP.; García-Díaz, JC.; Pulido-Rojano, A.; Cañón-Zabala, G. (2019). ISO 50001: 2018 and Its Application in a Comprehensive Management System with an Energy-Performance Focus. 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Vaginal Self-Sampling for Human Papillomavirus Infection as a Primary Cervical Cancer Screening Tool in a Haitian Population

Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as primary cervical cancer screening has not been studied in Caribbean women. We tested vaginal self-collection versus physician cervical sampling in a population of Haitian women

The clinical and microbiological utility of inhaled aztreonam lysine for the treatment of acute pulmonary exacerbations of cystic fibrosis: An open-label randomised crossover study (AZTEC-CF)

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to explore the clinical and microbiological outcomes associated with substituting inhaled aztreonam lysine for an intravenous antibiotic in the treatment of acute pulmonary exacerbations of CF. METHODS: An open-label randomised crossover pilot trial was conducted at a UK CF centre among 16 adults with CF and P. aeruginosa infection. Median [IQR] age was 29.5 [24.5-32.5], mean ± SD forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was 52.4 ± 14.7 % predicted. Over the course of two exacerbations, participants were randomised to sequentially receive 14 days of inhaled aztreonam lysine plus IV colistimethate (AZLI+IV), or dual IV antibiotics (IV+IV). Primary outcome was absolute change in % predicted FEV1. Other outcomes evaluated changes in quality of life, bacterial load and the lung microbiota. RESULTS: The difference between mean change in lung function at day 14 between AZLI+IV and IV+IV was +4.6% (95% CI 2.1-7.2, p=0.002). The minimum clinically important difference of the Cystic Fibrosis Revised Questionnaire (CFQ-R) was achieved more frequently with AZLI+IV (10/12, 83.3%) than IV+IV (7/16, 43.8%), p=0.05. No differences were observed for modulation of serum white cell count, C-reactive protein or sputum bacterial load. Microbiome compositional changes were observed with IV+IV (Bray-Curtis r2=0.14, p=0.02), but not AZLI+IV (r2=0.03, p=0.64). CONCLUSION: In adults with CF and P. aeruginosa infection experiencing an acute pulmonary exacerbation, AZLI+IV improved lung function and quality of life compared to the current standard treatment. These findings support the need for larger definitive trials of inhaled antibiotics in the acute setting. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT 2016-002832-34 ClinicalTrials.org NCT02894684

Etravirine pharmacokinetics in HIV-infected pregnant women

__Background__ The study goal was to describe etravirine pharmacokinetics during pregnancy and postpartum in HIV-infected women. __Methods__ IMPAACT P1026s and PANNA are on-going, non-randomized, open-label, parallel-group, multi-center phase-IV prospective studies in HIV-infected pregnant women. Intensive steady-state 12-h pharmacokinetic profiles were performed from 2nd trimester through postpartum. Etravirine was measured at two labs using validated ultra performance liquid chromatography (detection limits: 0.020 and 0.026 mcg/mL). __Results__ Fifteen women took etravirine 200 mg twice-daily. Etravirine AUC0-12 was higher in the 3rd trimester compared to paired postpartum data by 34% (median 8.3 vs. 5.3 mcg*h/mL, p = 0.068). Etravirine apparent oral clearance was significantly lower in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy compared to paired postpartum data by 52% (median 24 vs. 38 L/h, p = 0.025). The median ratio of cord blood to maternal plasma concentration at delivery was 0.52 (range: 0.19-4.25) and no perinatal transmission occurred. __Conclusion__ Etravirine apparent oral clearance is reduced and exposure increased during the third trimester of pregnancy. Based on prior dose-ranging and safety data, no dose adjustment is necessary for maternal health but the effects of etravirine in utero are unknown. Maternal health and infant outcomes should be closely monitored until further infant safety data are available. __Clinical Trial registration:__ The IMPAACT protocol P1026s and PANNA study are registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under NCT00042289 and NCT00825929