Enzymatic Degumming of Ray Liver Oil Using Phospholipase A1: Efficiency, Yield and Effect on Physicochemical Parameters

Crude oils have components such as metals, pigments, phospholipids and waxes, which alter its physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics. These components are commonly removed during the refining process by physicochemical methods. In recent decades, the oil industry has desired the development of biotechnological processes to replace traditional methods. In this paper the enzymatic degumming of ray liver oil is presented as an alternative innovative, sustainable and process to chemical degumming. The traditional process was performed using citric acid, while the enzymatic process was performed using the enzyme phospholipase A1 as degumming agent. Both treatments were performed in a batch thermostated reactor. The efficiency of the enzyme process, assessed by removing phosphorus percentage content, was significantly higher compared to the traditional treatment, (54.70% and 81.31% respectively). The quality characteristics of crude and degummed oils was determined by acidity, peroxide, p-anisidine and TOTOX indexes, beyond moisture, fatty acids contents, color and density. The fatty acid profile was rich in polyunsaturated omega-3 ratio in all the samples analyzed. Quality parameters evaluated were slightly modified by both degumming processes, highlighting a favorable change in the color and appearance of the oil obtained by the process carried out with enzymes. The obtained results suggest that the enzymatic process produces significant improved quality and nutritional values, with better attempt fish oil characteristics for use in the pharmaceutical and functional foodsFil: Lamas, Daniela Lorena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Subsede Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero; ArgentinaFil: Massa, Agueda Elena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Subsede Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero; Argentin

Effect of nursery ground variability on condition of age 0+ year Merluccius hubbsi

This study examined the southern or Patagonian (41°–55° S) stock of Argentine hake Merluccius hubbsi, the more abundant of the two stocks on the Argentinean continental shelf. Pre-recruits (age 0+ year individuals) of this stock settle and grow in the San Jorge Gulf (45°–47° S, 65° 30′ W), a complex habitat with large spatial variability in environmental features. Relative condition factor, hepatosomatic index, lipid content and fatty-acid composition of muscle and liver, and diet information were combined with physical and biological data to evaluate: how nutritional status of age 0+ year hake varies spatially within the nursery ground; whether changes in condition are related to environmental factors and feeding; whether the indices are interchangeable metrics of condition. Both morphometric and biochemical indices showed dissimilar spatial trends; enhanced liver-based condition coincided with low salinity nutrient rich waters, higher chlorophyll-a values and abundances of Euphausia spp., the preferred prey at most stations, suggesting a bottom-up effect on age 0+ year hake condition. Diminished condition at stations where Thermisto gaudichaudii was the main prey could derive from lower prey quality in terms of energy density and essential fatty acids content. Coastal waters of the gulf would be essential habitats for M. hubbsi pre-recruits. Future monitoring of condition with liver-based indices is encouraged in the gulf, where interannual increasing trends of satellite-derived chlorophyll-a values have been observed, which could have implications for recruitment of the species.Fil: Temperoni, Brenda. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Subsede Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero; ArgentinaFil: Massa, Agueda Elena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Subsede Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Derisio, Carla María. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Subsede Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero; ArgentinaFil: Martos, Patricia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Subsede Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Ciencias Marinas; ArgentinaFil: Berghoff, Carla Florencia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Subsede Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero; ArgentinaFil: Viñas, Maria Delia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Subsede Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentin

Enzymatic hydrolysis of residues from the rough scad Trachurus lathami processing: characterization of the obtained fractions

El surel (Trachurus lathami) es un pez pelágicocostero que se captura de forma incidental durante la pesquería de caballa, constituyendo un descarte. La elaboración de conservas de surel descabezado y eviscerado es una estrategia utilizada para rentabilizar esta especie. Esta forma de comercialización genera una gran cantidad de residuos que constituyen una fuente rica de biocompuestos de interés comercial, entre los que se encuentran las proteínas y los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de la serie omega-3. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar las fases acuosas proteica y oleosa lipídica obtenidas mediante hidrólisis enzimática de residuos de surel. Para la reacción se utilizaron las proteasas alcalinas comerciales Alcalase® 2.4L y Purazyme AS 60L. Las condiciones fueron pH 8.0 y 55 ºC, durante 2 h, en un reactor termostatizado. La fase acuosa obtenida mostró un contenido proteico de alrededor del 73 % con ambas enzimas. El rendimiento del aceite extraído fue de aproximadamente el 58 % con Alcalase® 2.4L y de alrededor del 68 % con Purazyme AS 60L. Dentro de los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados se destacó el contenido de eicosapentaenoico (EPA) y docosahexaenoico (DHA) para ambos aceites obtenidos. Esto sugiere que a partir de cabezas y vísceras de Trachurus lathami se pueden obtener compuestos de interés para el aprovechamiento integral de estas pesquerías.The rough scad (Trachurus lathami) is a coastalpelagic fish that is caught incidentally during the mackerel fishery, constituting a discard. The elaboration of canned rough scad headed and gutted is a strategy to make this species profitable. this form of commercialization generates a large amount of waste that constitutes a rich source of biocompounds of commercial interest, among which are proteins and polyunsaturated fatty acids of the Omega-3 series. The objective of this work was to study the liquid proteic and oily lipid phases obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of rough scad residues. For the reaction, the commercial alkaline proteases Alcalase® 2.4L and Purazyme AS 60L were used. The conditions were pH 8.0 and 55 °C, for 2 hours, in a thermostatized reactor. The liquid phase obtained showed a protein content of around 73% with both enzymes. The yield of the extracted oil was 58% with Alcalase® 2.4L and 68% with Purazyme AS 60L. Within the polyunsaturated fatty acids, the content of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) stood out for both oils obtained. This suggests that compounds of interest can be obtained. The heads and viscera of Trachurus lathami for the utilization of these fisheries.Fil: Lamas, Daniela Lorena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Subsede Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero; ArgentinaFil: Massa, Agueda Elena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Subsede Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero; Argentin

Thymus vulgaris Essential Oil in Beta-Cyclodextrin for Solid-State Pharmaceutical Applications

: Antimicrobial resistance related to the misuse of antibiotics is a well-known current topic. Their excessive use in several fields has led to enormous selective pressure on pathogenic and commensal bacteria, driving the evolution of antimicrobial resistance genes with severe impacts on human health. Among all the possible strategies, a viable one could be the development of medical features that employ essential oils (EOs), complex natural mixtures extracted from different plant organs, rich in organic compounds showing, among others, antiseptic properties. In this work, green extracted essential oil of Thymus vulgaris was included in cyclic oligosaccharides cyclodextrins (CD) and prepared in the form of tablets. This essential oil has been shown to have a strong transversal efficacy both as an antifungal and as an antibacterial agent. Its inclusion allows its effective use because an extension of the exposure time to the active compounds is obtained and, therefore, a more marked efficacy, especially against biofilm-producing microorganisms such as P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, was registered. The efficacy of the tablet against candidiasis opens their possible use as a chewable tablet against oral candidiasis and as a vaginal tablet against vaginal candidiasis. Moreover, the registered wide efficacy is even more positive since the proposed approach can be defined as effective, safe, and green. In fact, the natural mixture of the essential oil is produced by the steam current method; therefore, the manufacturer employs substances that are not harmful, with very low production and management costs

Determining the Stress Field in Active Volcanoes Using Focal Mechanisms

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Understanding the user's point of view: when the doctor gets sick with cancer and seeks help

Background: When physicians confront a serious personal illness, they may discover that the transition to the “sick” role is challenging and not easy. We conducted a qualitative study in which a group of doctors with cancer (DP) was compared with a group of patients with cancer, not doctors (NDP) but with a degree of education, qualifications, and a professional role comparable to that of a doctor. Objectives: The main objective was to evaluate the effect of the diagnosis and the treatment of cancer on both the patient’s personal and professional life. It was also designed to understand the effect that the experience of cancer may have on the subsequent clinical practice of DP. Methods: The eligibility criteria included diagnosis of tumors of different sites and at any stage of disease treated with local (surgery, radiotherapy) or systemic (chemotherapy, hormonal, target) therapies or a combination of both; patients actively working. A semi-structured interview was used to collect information about the patient’s cancer experiences. In both groups, six main themes and ten subthemes were identified. Results: From July to November 2021, 59 patients were enrolled in the study. Among them, 29 were DP and 30 were NDP. The median age and gender were 55.9 years ± 9.3 SD (range 38-82 y), M/F ratio 12/17 for DP, and 56.3 years ± 8.9 SD (range 40-83 y), M/F ratio 11/19 for NDP, respectively. The main themes were: theme 1, practical aspects related to diagnosis: most of the DP did not encounter difficulties in performing the tests necessary to confirm the diagnosis of cancer, unlike what was observed in NDP. Theme 2, cancer diagnosis experience: Many DP and NDP felt prepared for their own cancer experience. Two-thirds of DP already knew their cancer prognosis from their previous background knowledge and one-third of NDP did not want to discuss the prognosis in depth with their referring oncologists for the fear of learning that their cancer had a poor prognosis. Theme 3, treatment experience: for many DP, having a professional background contributed to more active participation in care and also in the management of side effects of treatments. Most NDP were satisfied with the treatment received in the hospital and the relationship with the health professionals. Theme 4, changes in work: None of the patients from both the groups stopped working permanently or lost their job because of the disease. A higher number of DP and NDP reported a loss of interest in their job. Theme 5, changes in personal/family life and friendships: more than half of the patients in both groups developed a new perspective on their private lives. Theme 6, comfort from faith: most of the patients in both groups who followed a faith, found comfort in that faith. For DP only, we explored the theme of the change in the doctor/patient relationship. Important findings from our study included positive changes in the doctor’s clinical practice including having a more empathic relationship with patients, greater consideration of the psychological impact of cancer, and greater attention to certain symptoms of cancer reported by patients. Conclusion: This study suggests the need to know the special needs of professional patients, in particular, related to the emotional difficulties, maintenance of privacy, and the need for support on their return to work. These results can help to foster improvements in current cancer care practices

Structure-activity relationship studies on new DABOS: effect of substitutions at pyrimidine C-5 and C-6 positions on anti-HIV-1 activity.

Several 5-alkyl, 5-alkenyl, 5-iso-alkyl, 5-halo, 5-aminomethyl and 5-carboxy derivatives of S-DABOs (dihydro-alkyl (or cyclo-alkyl)thio-benzyloxopyrimidines), DATNOs (dihydro-alkylthionaphthylmethyl-oxopyrimidines) and F2-S-DABOs (dihydro-alkyl (or cyclo-alkyl)thio-2,6-difluorobenzyl-oxopyrimidines) have been prepared and tested as anti-HIV-1 agents. S-DABO derivatives bearing at C-6 position monosubstituted phenylmethyl or heteroarylmethyl units have also been synthesized. 2-Alkylthio-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-4(3 H)-one derivatives of F2- S-DABO series bearing small alkyl groups at C-5 proved to be potent inhibitors of HIV-1 replication in vitro with selectivity indexes ranging from 250 to <2500

Comparative oil extraction from mutt (Myliobatis goodei) liver by enzymatic hydrolysis: free versus immobilized biocatalyst

BACKGROUND: The development and fine-tuning of biotechnological processes for fish oil extraction constitute a very important focus to contribute to the development of a food industry based on fish consumption. This work lies in a comparative analysis of the oil extraction yield of Myliobatis goodei livers using free and immobilized enzymes. RESULTS: An immobilized biocatalyst was designed from the cell-free extract of a Bacillus sp. Mcn4. A complete factorial design was used to study the components of the bacterial culture medium and select the condition with the highest titers of extracellular enzymatic activities. Wheat bran had a significant effect on the culture medium composition for enzymatic production. The immobilized biocatalyst was designed by covalent binding of the proteins present in the cocktail retaining a percentage of different types of enzymatic activities (Mult.Enz@MgFe2O4). Among the biocatalyst used, Alcalase® 2.4 L and Purazyme® AS 60 L (free commercial proteases) showed extraction yields of 87.39% and 84.25%, respectively, while Mult.Enz@MgFe2O4 achieved a better one of 89.97%. The oils obtained did not show significant differences in their physical–chemical properties while regarding the fatty acid content, the oil extracted with Purazyme® AS 60 L showed a comparatively lower proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the use of by-products of M. goodei is a valid alternative and encourages the use of immobilized multienzyme biocatalysts for the treatment of complex substrates in the fishing industry.Fil: Morales, Andrés Hernán. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos; ArgentinaFil: Pisa, José Horacio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos; ArgentinaFil: Gómez, María Inés. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Química Inorgánica; ArgentinaFil: Romero, Cintia Mariana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Química Inorgánica; ArgentinaFil: Vittone, Marina. Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones y Desarrollo Pesquero; ArgentinaFil: Massa, Agueda Elena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones y Desarrollo Pesquero; ArgentinaFil: Lamas, Daniela Lorena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones y Desarrollo Pesquero; Argentin

Reactive oxygen species, antioxidant mechanisms and serum cytokine levels in cancer patients: impact of an antioxidant treatment

Objective. So far, it is not well established whether oxidative stress found in cancer patients results from an increased production of oxidants in the body or from a failure of physiological antioxidant systems. To further investigate this question we have assessed the blood levels of reactive oxygen species as a marker of free radicals producing oxidative stress and the most relevant of the physiological body enzymes counteracting reactive oxygen species, namely glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines and IL-2 were also investigated. All these parameters were studied in relation to the clinically most important index of disease progression, namely Performance Status (ECOG PS). We also tested the reducing ability of different antioxidant agents on reactive oxygen species levels by measuring the increase in glutathione peroxidase activity, and the reduction of serum levels of IL-6 and TNF. Design, setting and subjects. We carried out an open non randomized study on 28 advanced stage cancer patients (stage III, 10.7%, and stage IV, 89.3%) with tumours at different (8) sites: all were hospitalized in the Medical Oncology Dept, University of Cagliari Interventions. The patients were divided into 5 groups and a different antioxidant treatment was administered to each group. The selected antioxidants were: alpha lipoic acid 200 mg/day orally, N-acetylcysteine 1800 mg/day i.v. or carboxycysteine-lysine salt 2.7 g/day orally, amifostine 375 mg/day i.v., reduced glutathione 600 mg/day i.v., vitamin A 30000 IU/day orally plus vitamin E 70 mg/day orally plus Vitamin C 500 mg/day orally. The antioxidant treatment was administered for 10 consecutive days. Results. Our results show that all but one of the antioxidants tested were effective in reducing reactive oxygen species levels and 2 of them (cysteine-containing compounds and amifostine) had the additional effect of increasing glutathione peroxidase activity. Comprehensively, the “antioxidant treatment” was found to have an effect both on reactive oxygen species levels and glutathione peroxidase activity. The antioxidant treatment also reduced serum levels of IL-6 and TNF. Patients in both ECOG PS 0-1 and ECOG PS 2-3 responded to antioxidant treatment