Effect of initial pH of medium with potato wastewater and glycerol on protein, lipid and carotenoid biosynthesis by Rhodotorula glutinis

Background: Rhodotorula glutinis is capable of synthesizing numerous valuable metabolites with extensive potential industrial usage. This paper reports the effect of initial culture medium pH on growth and protein, lipid, and carotenoid biosynthesis by R. glutinis. Results: The highest biomass yield was obtained in media with pH 4.0\u20137.0, and the value after 72 h was 17.2\u201319.4 gd.w./L. An initial pH of the medium in the range of 4.0\u20137.0 has no significant effect on the protein (38.5\u201341.3 g/100 gd.w.), lipid (10.2\u201312.7 g/100 gd.w.), or carotenoid (191.7\u2013202.9 \u3bcg/gd.w.) content in the biomass or on the profile of synthesized fatty acids and carotenoids. The whole pool of fatty acids was dominated by oleic (48.1\u201353.4%), linoleic (21.4\u201325.1%), and palmitic acids (13.0\u201315.8%). In these conditions, the yeast mainly synthesized torulene (43.5\u201347.7%) and \u3b2-carotene (34.7\u201338.6%), whereas the contribution of torularhodin was only 12.1\u201316.8%. Cultivation in medium with initial pH 3.0 resulted in a reduction in growth (13.0 gd.w./L) and total carotenoid (115.8 \u3bcg/gd.w.), linoleic acid (11.5%), and torularhodin (4.5%) biosynthesis. Conclusion: The different values of initial pH of the culture medium with glycerol and deproteinized potato wastewater had a significant effect on the growth and protein, lipid, and carotenoid biosynthesis by R. glutinis

Antibacterial Optimization of Highly Deformed Titanium Alloys for Spinal Implants

The goal of the work was to develop materials dedicated to spine surgery that minimized the potential for infection originating from the transfer of bacteria during long surgeries. The bacteria form biofilms, causing implant loosening, pain and finally, a risk of paralysis for patients. Our strategy focused both on improvement of antibacterial properties against bacteria adhesion and on wear and corrosion resistance of tools for spine surgery. Further, a ~35% decrease in implant and tool dimensions was expected by introducing ultrahigh-strength titanium alloys for less-invasive surgeries. The tested materials, in the form of thin, multi-layered coatings, showed nanocrystalline microstructures. Performed direct-cytotoxicity studies (including lactate dehydrogenase activity measurement) showed that there was a low probability of adverse effects on surrounding SAOS-2 (Homo sapiens bone osteosarcoma) cells. The microbiological studies (e.g., ISO 22196 contact tests) showed that implanting Ag nanoparticles into Ti/TixN coatings inhibited the growth of E. coli and S. aureus cells and reduced their adhesion to the material surface. These findings suggest that Ag-nanoparticles present in implant coatings may potentially minimize infection risk and lower inherent stress

Abscisic Acid Insensitive 4 transcription factor is an important player in the response of Arabidopsis thaliana to two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) feeding.

Plants growing in constantly changeable environmental conditions are compelled to evolve regulatory mechanisms to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses. Effective defence to invaders is largely connected with phytohormone regulation, resulting in the production of numerous defensive proteins and specialized metabolites. In our work, we elucidated the role of the Abscisic Acid Insensitive 4 (ABI4) transcription factor in the plant response to the two-spotted spider mite (TSSM). This polyphagous mite is one of the most destructive herbivores, which sucks mesophyll cells of numerous crop and wild plants. Compared to the wild-type (Col-0) Arabidopsis thaliana plants, the abi4 mutant demonstrated increased susceptibility to TSSM, reflected as enhanced female fecundity and greater frequency of mite leaf damage after trypan blue staining. Because ABI4 is regarded as an important player in the plastid-to-nucleus retrograde signalling process, we investigated the plastid envelope membrane dynamics using stroma-associated fluorescent marker. Our results indicated a clear increase in the number of stroma-filled tubular structures deriving from the plastid membrane (stromules) in the close proximity of the site of mite leaf damage, highlighting the importance of chloroplast-derived signals in the response to TSSM feeding activity

Grey squirrels in central Italy: a new threat for endemic red squirrel subspecies

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The aspects of microbial biomass use in the utilization of selected waste from the agro-food industry

Cellular biomass of microorganisms can be effectively used in the treatment of waste from various branches of the agro-food industry. Urbanization processes and economic development, which have been intensifying in recent decades, lead to the degradation of the natural environment. In the first half of the 20th century, problems related to waste management were not as serious and challenging as they are today. The present situation forces the use of modern technologies and the creation of innovative solutions for environmental protection. Waste of industrial origin are difficult to recycle and require a high financial outlay, while the organic waste of animal and plant origins, such as potato wastewater, whey, lignin, and cellulose, is dominant. In this article, we describe the possibilities of using microorganisms for the utilization of various waste products. A solution to reduce the costs of waste disposal is the use of yeast biomass. Management of waste products using yeast biomass has made it possible to generate new metabolites, such as β-glucans, vitamins, carotenoids, and enzymes, which have a wide range of industrial applications. Exploration and discovery of new areas of applications of yeast, fungal, and bacteria cells can lead to an increase in their effective use in many fields of biotechnology

Torulene and torularhodin: “new” fungal carotenoids for industry?

Abstract Torulene and torularhodin represent the group of carotenoids and are synthesized by yeasts and fungi. The most important producers of these two compounds include yeasts of Rhodotorula and Sporobolomyces genera. The first reports confirming the presence of torulene and torularhodin in the cells of microorganisms date to the 1930s and 1940s; however, only in the past few years, the number of works describing the properties of these compounds increased. These compounds have strong anti-oxidative and anti-microbial properties, and thus may be successfully used as food, feedstock, and cosmetics additives. In addition, tests performed on rats and mice showed that both torulene and torularhodin have anti-cancerous properties. In order to commercialize the production of these two carotenoids, it is necessary to obtain highly efficient yeast strains, for example, via mutagenization and optimization of cultivation conditions. Further studies on the activity of torulene and torularhodin on the human body are also needed

Comparison of the Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Propolis from Urban Apiaries

Bee products from urban apiaries are increasingly used. They are mainly used to promote local apiaries and cities in which they are located. The aim of the study was to compare the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of propolis from 6 Polish apiaries located in cities (Legionowo, Torun, Cracow, Warsaw, Katowice, Lodz). The chemical composition was analyzed using liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) and the analysis of antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals (ABTS and DPPH) and FRAP. The obtained results showed the presence of 24 phenolic compounds in propolis extracts. The tested samples showed differentiation in terms of the content of individual chemical components, however, cinnamic acid and its derivatives were dominant. High antioxidant activity of the tested extracts was demonstrated (ABTS was in the range of 16.80–51.53 mg Te/mL, DPPH was in the range of 7.54–22.13 mg Te/mL, while FRAP reduction was in the range of 10.93–29.55 mg Te/mL). The obtained results compared with literature data on propolis from agricultural areas allow to conclude that propolis samples from both Poland types of areas are similar and can be classified as poplar propolis

Overview of a Knowledge Translation (KT) Project to improve the vaccination experience at school: The CARD™ System

Background: Students experience fear, pain, and fainting during vaccinations at school. While evidence-based interventions exist, no Knowledge Translation (KT) interventions have been developed to mitigate these symptoms. A multidisciplinary team-the Pain Pain Go Away Team- was assembled to address this knowledge-to-care gap. This manuscript provides an overview of the methodology, knowledge products, and impact of an evidence-based KT program developed and implemented to improve the vaccination experience at school. Methods: We adapted knowledge and assessed the barriers to knowledge use via focus group interviews with key stakeholder groups involved in school-based vaccinations: Students, nurses, school staff, and parents. Next, we developed project-specific goals and data collection tools and collected baseline data. We then created a multifaceted KT intervention called The CARDTM System (C-Comfort, A-Ask, R-Relax, D-Distract) to provide a framework for planning and delivering vaccinations using a studentcentred approach. Selected KT tools from this framework were reviewed in additional focus groups held in all stakeholder groups. The multifaceted KT intervention was then finalized and implemented in stages in two projects including grade 7 students undergoing school vaccinations and impact on student outcomes (e.g., symptoms of fear, pain, dizziness) and process outcomes (e.g., utilization of interventions that reduce student symptoms, vaccination rate) were assessed. Results: Participants reported that improving the vaccination experience is important. Based on participant feedback, an evidence-based multifaceted KT intervention called The CARDTM System was developed that addresses user needs and preferences. Selected KT tools of this intervention were demonstrated to be acceptable and to improve knowledge and attitudes about vaccination in the stakeholder groups. In two separate implementation projects, CARDTM helped grade 7 students prepare for vaccinations and positively impacted on their vaccination experiences. CARDTM improved vaccination experiences for other stakeholder groups as well. There was no evidence of an impact on school vaccination rates. Conclusion: We developed and implemented a promising multifaceted KT intervention called The CARDTM System to address vaccination-associated pain, fear, and fainting. Future research is recommended to determine impact in students of different ages and in different geographical regions and clinical contexts

Highly effective protocol for differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) into melanin-producing cells

Melanin is a black/brown pigment present in abundance in human skin. Its main function is photo-protection of underlying tissues from harmful UV light. Natural sources of isolated human melanin are limited; thus, in vitro cultures of human cells may be a promising source of human melanin. Here, we present an innovative in vitro differentiation protocol of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) into melanin-producing cells, delivering highly pigmented cells in quantity and quality incomparably higher than any other methods previously described. Pigmented cells constitute over 90% of a terminally differentiated population and exhibit features characteristic for melanocytes, i.e., expression of specific markers such as MITF-M (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor isoform M), TRP-1 (tyrosinase-related protein 1), and TYR (tyrosinase) and accumulation of black pigment in organelles closely resembling melanosomes. Black pigment is unambiguously identified as melanin with features corresponding to those of melanin produced by typical melanocytes. The advantage of our method is that it does not require any sophisticated procedures and can be conducted in standard laboratory conditions. Moreover, our protocol is highly reproducible and optimized to generate high-purity melanin-producing cells from iPS cells; thus, it can serve as an unlimited source of human melanin for modeling human skin diseases. We speculate that FGF-8 might play an important role during differentiation processes toward pigmented cells