The yeast-like fungus Aureobasidium thailandense LB01 produces a new biosurfactant using olive oil mill wastewater as an inducer

In this study, the biosurfactant production by an Aureobasidium thailandense LB01 was reported for the first time. Different agro-industrial by-products (corn steep liquor, sugarcane molasses, and olive oil mill wastewater) were evaluated as alternative low-cost substrates. The composition of the culture medium was optimized through response surface methodology. The highest biosurfactant production (139 ± 16 mg/L) was achieved using a culture medium containing yeast extract (2 g/L); olive oil mill wastewater (1.5%, w/w); glucose (6 g/L) and KH2PO4 (1 g/L) after 48 h of fermentation. The partially purified biosurfactant exhibited a critical micelle concentration of 550 mg/L, reducing the surface tension of water up to 31.2 mN/m. Its molecular structure was found to be similar to a lauric acid ester. The biosurfactant exhibited a better performance than the chemical surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in oil dispersion assays, thus suggesting its potential application in bioremediation.The authors acknowledge the Biotechnology laboratory (UFC) and Doctor Tatiana Nunes, as well as CAPES, CNPq and FUNCAP for the financial support. This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UID/BIO/04469/2013 unit and COMPETE 2020 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006684) and under the scope of the Project RECI/BBB-EBI/0179/2012 (FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-027462) and the Project MultiBiorefinery − Multi-purpose strategies for broadband agro-forest and fisheries by-products valorisation: a step forward for a truly integrated biorefinery (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016403). The authors also acknowledge financial support from BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000004) and Project BioInd − Biotechnology and Bioengineering for improved Industrial and Agro-Food processes (NORTE-07–0124-FEDER-000028) funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte2020 − Programa Operacional Regional do Norte.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Potencial estabilizante de éster de sacarose em suco de graviola (Annona muricata, L.)

Esteres de sacarose são compostos com propriedades tensoativas (biosurfactantes), isto é, capazes de reduzir a tensão superficial e promover a emulsificação de líquidos imiscíveis. Como todas as emulsões, o suco de graviola não é fisicamente estável e é propenso a uma separação de fases. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a aplicação do éster de sacarose na estabilização de emulsões de suco de graviola. O éster de sacarose foi adicionado às amostras de suco de graviola nas proporções de 1:10, 1:50 e 1:100 (éster de sacarose:suco de graviola) e caracterizado de acordo com a tensão superficial, índice de emulsificação, potencial zeta e análise microscópica. A análise microscópica apresentou maior aglomerado de glóbulos na amostra B (1:10, éster de sacarose:suco de graviola, p/v). Os resultados das demais análises indicaram que a amostra C (1:50, éster de sacarose:suco de graviola, p/v) apresentou a melhor estabilidade, com uma tensão superficial de 35 N/m e um índice de emulsificação de 50.4 % durante 24 horas de experimento

Sustainable lipase production by Diutina rugosa NRRL Y-95 through a combined use of agro-industrial residues as feedstock

The potential use of alternative culture media towards the development of a sustainable bioprocess to produce lipases by Diutina rugosa is clearly demonstrated. First, a synthetic medium containing glucose, peptone, yeast extract, oleic acid, and ammonium sulfate was proposed, with lipase activity of 143 U/L. Then, alternative culture media formulated with agro-industrial residues, such as molasses, corn steep liquor (CSL), and olive mill waste (OMW), were investigated. An experimental design was conducted, and only CSL concentration was found to have a positive effect in lipase production. The highest lipase activity (561 U/L) was produced on a mixture of molasses (5 g/L), CSL (6 g/L), OMW (0.5\\% v/v), 0.5 g/L of ammonium sulfate, and 3 g/L of peptone at 24 h of cultivation. Lipase production was also carried out in a 1-L bioreactor leading to a slightly higher lipase activity at 24 h of cultivation. The semi-purified enzyme exhibits an optimum temperature and pH of 40 \textdegreeC and 7.0, respectively. Finally, the media cost per unit of lipase produced (UPC) was influenced by the medium components, specially by the inducer used. The lowest UPC was obtained when the agro-industrial residues were combined and used at the improved concentrations.The study is funded by CAPES, CNPq, and FUNCAP (from Brazil) for the financial support that made this work possible. In addition, the study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit, the BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000004) funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte2020-Programa Operacional Regional do Norte, and the Project LIGNOZYMES (POCI-01-0145- FEDER-029773).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Enzymatic synthesis of sugar esters and their potential as surface-active stabilizers of coconut milk emulsions

Sugar esters are compounds with surfactant properties (biosurfactants), i.e., capable of reducing the surface tension and promote the emulsification of immiscible liquids. On the other hand, as with all emulsions, coconut milk is not physically stable and is prone to phase separation. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the synthesis of fructose, sucrose and lactose esters from the corresponding sugars using Candida antarctica type B lipase immobilized in two different supports, namely acrylic resin and chitosan, and evaluate its application in the stabilization of coconut milk emulsions. The enzyme immobilized on chitosan showed the highest yield of lactose ester production (84.1%). Additionally, the production of fructose ester was found to be higher for the enzyme immobilized on the acrylic resin support (74.3%) as compared with the one immobilized on chitosan (70.1%). The same trend was observed for the sucrose ester, although with lower percentage yields. Sugar esters were then added to samples of fresh coconut milk and characterized according to their surface tension, emulsification index and particle size distribution. Although the microscopic analysis showed similar results for all sugar esters, results indicated lactose ester as the best biosurfactant, with a surface tension of 38.0 N/m and an emulsification index of 54.1%, when used in a ratio of 1:10 (biosurfactant: coconut milk, v/v) for 48 hour experiments.The authors acknowledge the AlBan Programme (European Union Programme of High Level Scholarships for Latin America) for financial support of N. Lopes through the research grant E07D401544BR. Furthermore, the authors acknowledge the Chemical Engineering Department e Federal University of Ceara (Campus of Pici - Brazil) and Biotechnology Laboratory - Federal University of Ceara for enabling the use of their laboratory facilities

Mismatch Negativity contribution in Multiple Sclerosis patients

Mismatch Negativity is a functional index of the supratemporal auditory cortex. AIM: The aim of the present study on Mismatch Negativity (MMN) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients was to evaluate if the MMN can be correlated with cognitive deficits assessed by the Paced Auditory Addition Task - PASAT. METHOD: a clinical study in forty females and 20 males separated in two groups: control individuals and those with a definite diagnosis of MS underwent a duration and frequncy MMN. The MMN latencies and negative amplitudes obtained from the MS group were compared to the ones from the control group. The scores from the Paced Auditory Addition Task were correlated either with the presence or the absence of MMN. RESULTS: MMN was found in 60% of the individuals with multiple sclerosis within the auditory stimulation protocol with varied durations, and in 45 % within the auditory stimulation protocol with frequency variations. There were no statistically significant differences in latencies and amplitudes when compared to controls. We found a statistically significant correlation for the lack of MMN wave together with cognitive disorder asserted by the PASAT. CONCLUSIONS: The MMN correlated to the cognitive deficit assessed by the PASAT.O Mismatch Negativity (MMN) é um potencial evocado auditivo endógeno, gerado por mudanças no processo de discriminação que ocorrem no córtex auditivo que avalia a memória sensorial auditiva. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar se, quando presente, o MMN pode ser utilizado como um índice funcional do córtex auditivo supratemporal e correlacionar com comprometimento cognitivo, avaliado pelo Teste Auditivo Compassado de Adição Seriada (PASAT). MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Um grupo controle e outro com diagnóstico definido de EM foram submetidos ao registro do MMN com estímulos auditivos com variação de duração e de freqüência. O grupo de EM foi submetido ao PASAT. As latências e as amplitudes negativas do MMN foram comparadas entre os grupos. Os escores do PASAT foram correlacionados com a presença ou ausência do MMN nos dois protocolos de estimulação auditiva. RESULTADOS: O MMN esteve presente em 60% dos indivíduos no grupo de EM no protocolo de estimulação auditiva com variação de duração, e em 45% no protocolo de estimulação auditiva com variação de freqüência. Encontrou-se uma correlação estatisticamente significante entre a ausência da onda do MMN com a presença de comprometimento cognitivo avaliado pelo PASAT. CONCLUSÕES: A ausência do MMN se correlaciona com comprometimento cognitivo avaliado pelo PASAT.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Programa de Pós-graduação em Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia de Cabeça em PescoçoUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UFMG Faculdade de MedicinaUFMG Departamento de PsicologiaUFMGPontifícia Universidade Católica de São PauloUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisUNIFESP, EPM, Programa de Pós-graduação em Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia de Cabeça em PescoçoUNIFESPSciEL

The family of the child with sickle cell disease and the nursing team: critical review

This critical literature review aims at demonstrating the state of the art of a thematic family with a sickle cell disease child and the nursing team. The PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO, and BDENF databases were searched using the key words: sickle cell anaemia, nursing, family and child. Eleven articles were selected and the important points in respect to the quanti-qualitative aspects of the studies are described. A referential analysis of the content was performed which identified the following themes: scientific knowledge, nursing care and education. The necessity of specific knowledge about sickle cell disease was demonstrated: this is important for nursing care to be effective and contribute to a better quality of life and so that the survival of these children is prolonged. It is worth noting that the Brazilian production on sickle cell disease, in general, is scarce and incipient in particular in respect to studies about the family with a sickle cell disease child and nursing teamTrata-se de uma revisão crítica da literatura com vistas a evidenciar o estado da arte da temática família da criança com doença falciforme e a relação com a equipe de enfermagem. Foram utilizadas as bases de dados PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO, BDENF e Medline, com os descritores anemia falciforme, enfermagem, família e criança. Foram selecionados 11 artigos e realizada análise quantitativa e qualitativa, sendo esta fundamentada no referencial de análise de conteúdo, emergindo os seguintes temas: conhecimento científico, assistência de enfermagem e educação. Evidenciou-se a necessidade do conhecimento científico sobre doença falciforme para que a assistência de enfermagem seja efetiva e contribua com uma melhor qualidade de vida e aumento da sobrevida destas crianças. Vale ressaltar que a produção brasileira sobre doença falciforme e seus envolvidos - família, criança e equipe de enfermagem - é escassa e incipiente.25726

Leucemia linfocítica crônica: anormalidades cromossômicas e a sua relação com o estágio clínico CD38 e o ZAP-70

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most prevalent type of leukemia in the West. It is characterized by an extremely variable clinical course. The aim of the study was to detect the most frequent chromosomal abnormalities in patients with CLL using FISH, and assess them regarding age, gender, clinical stage and CD38 and ZAP-70 expressions. We found 51.7% of the patients with chromosome abnormalities. The most frequent one was del 13q14 in 34.5% of cases. It was associated to other alterations in 17.2%. 17p13 deletions were found in 17.2% and trisomy 12 in 13.8% (in isolation in 6.9% and associated to del 13q14, in 6.9% of the cases). An 11q22 deletion was found in one case associated to a 13q14 deletion. To better evaluate the relationship between chromosome aberrations and other prognostic factors in CLL, two cytogenetics groups were considered: favorable (13q deletion in isolation and no alteration) and unfavorable outcomes (trisomy 12, 17p13 deletion, 11q22 deletion and two simultaneous alterations).The unfavorable alterations were more frequently seen among young individuals (<60y). There were more females (70%) than males in this group (p=0.04). In relation to the Binet's staging system, patients with unfavorable cytogenetic alterations, tended to be B and C stages, while in the favorable group prevailed patients in stage A. Additionally, patients with poor prognostic cytogenetics tended to express CD38 and ZAP-70 proteins.A leucemia linfocítica crônica (LLC) é o tipo de leucemia mais prevalente no Ocidente e é caracterizada por curso clínico extremamente variável. O objetivo deste estudo foi detectar as anomalias cromossômicas mais freqüentes em pacientes com LLC, empregando a técnica FISH, e correlacioná-las com idade, sexo, estádio clínico, expressão de CD 38 e ZAP-70. Foram encontradas alterações cromossômicas em 51,7% dos pacientes. A mais freqüente foi a del 13q14, observada em 34,5% dos casos e que esteve associada a outras anomalias em 17,2%. Deleção 17p13 foi encontrada em 17,2% e trissomia 12 em 13,8% (isolada em 6,9% e associada à del 13q14 em 6,9%). Deleção 11q22 foi observada em um caso em concomitância à del 13q14. Para melhor avaliar a relação entre alteração cromossômica e outros fatores prognósticos em LLC, dois grupos citogenéticos foram considerados: favorável (deleção 13q isolada e ausência de alterações) e desfavorável (trissomia 12, deleção 17p13, deleção 11q22 e duas anomalias simultâneas). As alterações desfavoráveis foram mais freqüentemente observadas em indivíduos jovens (<60 anos) e em mulheres (70%)(p=0,04). Em relação ao sistema de estadiamento de Binet, houve tendência dos pacientes com alterações cromossômicas desfavoráveis apresenteram-se nos estágios B e C enquanto no grupo favorável prevaleceram aqueles com estágio A. Em adição, pacientes com achados citogenéticos de prognóstico desfavorável tiveram tendência a expressar proteínas CD 38 e ZAP-70.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de MedicinaUNIFESP, EPMSciEL

Immobilization of Candida antarctica Lipase Type B by Adsorption on Activated Carbon

The immobilization of Candida antarctica lipase type B on activated carbon was studied. Adsorption conditions were investigated in order to improve enzyme activity and stability in organic media. Results showed that biocatalyst activity and recovered activity were improved with increasing concentrations of ammonium sulphate on the supernatant during enzyme adsorption. Hydrophobic interactions were the driving force of the immobilization process. Nevertheless, the specific and recovered activity of the immobilized enzyme is affected by pH of adsorption, and best results were obtained when lipase adsorption was conducted near the enzyme isoeletric point (pI 6.0). Operational stability of the immobilized enzyme was markedly improved when lipase loading was increased from 74.15 U g-1 to 112.34 U g-1. After the sixth cycle of butyl butyrate synthesis, it retained around 10 % of the initial activity. Derivatives prepared in this work were tested and compared to a commercial derivative and results showed that they were a suitable biocatalyst to be used in the synthesis of flavours, such as butyl butyrate

The antiapoptotic effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor reduces infarct size and prevents heart failure development in rats

Background/Aim. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) reduces myocardial injury and improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction (MI). We investigated the early alterations provided by G-CSF and the chronic repercussions in infarcted rats. Methods. Male Wistar rats (200-250g) received vehicle (MI) or G-CSF (MI-GCSF) (50 mu g/kg, sc) at 7, 3 and 1 days before MI surgery. Afterwards MI was produced and infarct size was measured 1 and 15 days after surgery. Expression of anti-and proapoptotic proteins was evaluated immediately before surgery. 24 hours after surgery, apoptotic nuclei were evaluated. Two weeks after MI, left ventricular (LV) function was evaluated, followed by in situ LV diastolic pressure-volume evaluation. Results. Infarct size was decreased by 1 day pretreatment before occlusion (36 +/- 2.8 vs. 44 +/- 2.1% in MI; P<0.05) and remained reduced at 15 days after infarction (28 +/- 2.2 vs. 36 +/- 1.4% in MI; P<0.05). G-CSF pretreatment increased Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL protein expression, but did not alter Bax in LV. Apoptotic nuclei were reduced by treatment (Sham: 0.46 +/- 0.42, MI: 15.5 +/- 2.43, MI-GCSF: 5.34 +/- 3.34%; P<0.05). Fifteen days after MI, cardiac function remained preserved in G-CSF pretreated rats. The LV dilation was reduced in MI-G-CSF group as compared to MI rats, being closely associated with infarct size. Conclusion. The early beneficial effects of G-CSF were essentials to preserve cardiac function at a chronic stage of myocardial infarction2813340CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESPsem informaçã