Microbial biocatalytic preparation of 2-furoic acid by oxidation of 2-furfuryl alcohol and 2-furanaldehyde with Nocardia corallina

The preparation of 2-furoic acid via oxidation of 2-furfuryl alcohol and 2-furanaldehyde was studied by two procedures using whole cells of Nocardia corallina B-276. We describe a comparison using a batchcultivation (3-L) versus resting cells in potassium phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH 7.0). In the 3-L bioreactor, 2-furfuryl alcohol (1.35 g/L) was biotransformed after 24 h, to the acid with 81% yield. The bioconversionof 2-furfuryl alcohol using resting cells leads to and almost quantitative yield (98%) of 2-furoic acid in 21 h. 2-furanaldehyde was also oxidized to the 2-furoic acid in 88% yield in 8 h, the ratio substrate:cellswas 1:3.5 (w/w). This method was scaled up to 9 g/L of 2-furanaldehyde

Antioksidativna aktivnost ferementiranih i nefermentiranih esktrakata iz otpada nastalog pri proizvodnji kave

Coffee pulp contains natural antioxidants like hydroxycinnamic acids, most of which are covalently linked to the cell wall. These compounds can be released by fermentation or enzymatic processes. In this study, the antioxidant properties of fermented and nonfermented coffee pulp have been evaluated. Coffee pulp was fermented by solid-state fermentation using the fungus Aspergillus tamarii. Fermented and nonfermented samples of coffee pulp were extracted with aqueous methanol followed by alkaline hydrolysis. In both cases, the total polyphenol concentration was quantified by Folin-Ciocalteu method, then hydroxycinnamic acids were concentrated using ethyl acetate and quantified by HPLC. The antioxidant properties of samples were determined by radical monocation of 2,2’-azinobis-( 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) [ABTS]·+: the antioxidant activity was determined by kinetic parameters known as ED50, tED50 and antiradical efficiency (AE). Fermented extracts containing free hydroxycinnamic acids showed better antiradical activity against [ABTS]·+ than the other nonfermented ones. There were no significant differences in the total content of polyphenols in fermented and nonfermented coffee pulp, but the content of total hydroxycinnamic acids was higher in the nonfermented coffee pulp extracts (47.1 g/kg) than in the fermented coffee pulp (30.9 g/kg). Nevertheless, the fermentation process increased the fraction of free hydroxycinnamic acids (47 %) and consequently decreased those covalently linked to the cell wall. The results of the antioxidant activity assays could be explained by the presence of free hydroxycinnamic acids. Fermented coffee pulp assays showed that free hydroxycinnamic acids were metabolised by A. tamarii. This study shows the potential of using coffee pulp as a natural source of antioxidants.Otpad nastao pri proizvodnji kave sadržava prirodne antioksidanse, kao što su hidroksicinamične kiseline, od kojih je većina kovalentno vezana za staničnu stijenku. Takvi se spojevi mogu osloboditi fermentacijom ili pomoću enzima. U ovom su radu istražena antioksidativna svojstva fermentiranih i nefermentiranih esktrakata, pri čemu je fermentacija provedena s pomoću plijesni Aspergillus tamarii na čvrstoj podlozi od otpada nastalog pri proizvodnji kave. Fermentirani i nefermentirani spojevi esktrahirani su vodenom otopinom metanola, nakon čega je provedena njihova alkalna hidroliza. U oba je slučaja koncentracija ukupnih polifenola određena Folin-Ciocalteu metodom, a zatim su hidroksicinamične kiseline koncentrirane pomoću etil acetata i analizirane HPLC-om. Antioksidativna su svojstva uzoraka, tj. vrijednosti ED50 i tED50 te antiradikalni učinak, određena pomoću radikala 2,2\u27-azinobis(3-etilbenzotiazolin-6-sulfonske kiseline) [ABTS].+. Fermentirani su ekstrakti sadržavali slobodne hidroksicinamične kiseline i imali su bolju antioksidativnu aktivnost s obzirom na [ABTS].+ od nefermentiranih ekstrakata. Nije bilo bitne razlike u koncentracijama ukupnih polifenola u fermentiranim i nefermentiranim ekstraktima, ali je udio hidroksicinamičnih kiselina bio veći u nefermentiranim (47,1 g/kg) nego u fermentiranim ekstraktima (30,9 g/kg). Fermentacija je povećala udjel slobodnih (na 47 %), a smanjila udjel vezanih hidroksicinamičnih kiselina. Zaključeno je da je antioksidativna aktivnost ekstrakata ovisila o udjelu slobodnih hidroksicinamičnih kiselina, koji se povećao nakon fermentacije otpada nastalog pri proizvodnji kave s pomoću A. tamarii. Time je potvrđeno da se postupak može primijeniti za ekstrakciju prirodnih antioksidanasa

EXPERIENCIAS, PERCEPCIONES Y NECESIDADES EN LA UCI: REVISIÓN SISTEMÁTICA DE ESTUDIOS CUALITATIVOS.

Introduction: The intensity of the experience that represents going through an Intensive Care Unit is undeniable. A focus of phenomenological type using qualitative methodology can provide us with a relevant view. The objective of our study is to gather the experiences and patient families and nurses needs in the ICU. Methodology: Qualitative systematic revision meta-study. Presentation of 21 studies. Results: The following categories have been used: Patient experiences, patient needs, stress and confrontation strategies; family experiences, family needs; related nurse-family; nurses regarding the experiences of the patient family; nurses experiences; nurses image. Conclusion: The patient-families demand information, an open visit system, personalized attention, human treatment… Nurses demand a wider training in social abilities. The sanitary administration should also consider the family like an attention nucleus in the ICU, providing resources for it.Introducción. La intensidad de la experiencia que supone pasar por una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos es innegable. Un enfoque de tipo fenomenológico empleando la metodología cualitativa nos puede proporcionar una acertada visión de la misma. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo es recopilar las vivencias, necesidades de los pacientes-familias y enfermeras de estas unidades. Metodología. Metaestudio tipo revisión sistemática cualitativa. 21 estudios incluidos. Resultados. Se han agrupado en las categorías: experiencias del paciente, necesidades del paciente, estrés y estrategias de afrontamiento; vivencias de la familia, necesidades de la familia; relaciones enfermera-familia; las enfermeras respecto a las vivencias del paciente-familia; vivencias de las enfermeras; imagen de las enfermeras. Conclusión. Los pacientes-familias demandan información, un sistema abierto de visitas, atención personalizada, humanización… Las enfermeras demandamos una formación más amplia en habilidades sociales. La gestión sanitaria debe considerar también a la familia como núcleo de atención en estas unidades, proporcionando recursos para ello

Evaluation of non-extruded and extruded pecan (Carya illinoinensis) shell powder as functional ingredient in bread and wheat tortilla

Pecan shell is a source of dietary fiber and phytochemicals, both necessary in the human diet. Therefore, pecan shell powder could be used as a supplement in the preparation of food products. The present study evaluated the effect of addition of 5, 10 and 15% (w/w) pecan shell powder, non-extruded (PSN) or extruded (PSE), in the physical properties of bread and wheat tortillas. Breads and tortillas produced with the higher substitution level that did not detriment significantly their physical properties (5% in breads and 10% in tortillas) were characterized in terms of chemical composition, total phenolic content (TPC), radical scavenging activity (RSA) and in vitro viability of human-derived liver cancer cells. Breads and tortillas produced with PSE (5% and 10%, respectively) presented the highest total dietary fiber content, TPC and RSA. In addition, extracts obtained from these same treatments, reduced the viability of hepatic cancer cells up to 53%. Sensory analysis of breads and tortillas supplemented with PSN or PSE showed adequate overall acceptability by consumers. Results obtained in the present study support that the pecan shell powder can be used as functional ingredient in bakery products especially when pretreated by extrusion

Infrared and microwaves at 5.8 GHz in a catalytic reactor

An improved micro-reactor cell for IR spectroscopic studies of heterogeneous catalysis was built around a 5.8 GHz microwave cavity. The reactor can operate at 20 bars and with conventional heating up to 720 K, with reactant gas flows velocities (GHSV) from 25 000 to 50 000 h−1. The temperature of the sample under microwave irradiation was measured by time resolved IR emission spectroscopy. The first experiment performed was the IR monitoring of the desorption of carbonates induced by irradiating an alumina sample by microwaves at 5.8 GHz

Desposesión, minería y transformaciones en la vida de la población de Cedros, Zacatecas, México

This paper analyzes, from a gender perspective, the dispossession of lands from the Cedros ejido, where the Peñasquito mine is located, property of Gold Corp Inc. This company makes use of the land in open air mining (strip mining). The information, collected through interviews with the local people, shows inequalities between men and women with regard to access to land ownership, decision making, and negotiations. It shows that women have to directly face the problems inherent to mining.Este trabajo analiza, desde la perspectiva de género, la desposesión de tierra del ejido[1]Cedros, donde se ubica minera Peñasquito propiedad de “Gold Corp Inc.”, empresa que usufructúa la tierra mediante la minería a cielo abierto. La información, recabada con entrevistas de la población, evidencia desigualdad entre hombres y mujeres respecto a: acceso y propiedad de la tierra, toma de decisiones y negociación; muestra que son las mujeres quienes enfrentan directamente la problemática inherente a la minería.[1] Núcleo de población o persona moral con personalidad jurídica y patrimonio propio que recibió las tierras vía dotación (Concheiro y Robles Berlanga, 2014:181)

Fe-Containing Zeolites for NH3-SCR of NOx: Effect of Structure, Synthesis Procedure, and Chemical Composition on Catalytic Performance and Stability

[EN] The direct preparation of different iron-containing Beta and CHA zeolites has been attempted under diverse synthesis conditions, including in alkaline and fluoride media, to evaluate the influence of their physicochemical properties on the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx using NH3 as reductant. Of the different Fe-Beta zeolites, the sample prepared in the absence of alkali cations with a Si/Al ratio of around 13 showed high NO conversion values (>90%). However, this catalyst suffered from severe deactivation when aged at high temperatures in the presence of steam. The preparation of more hydrophobic Fe-Beta zeolites did not improve the resistance of the catalyst against steam. In contrast, Fe-CHA zeolites prepared by a one-pot method under alkaline conditions with a Si/Al ratio of around 13 by using N,N,N-trimethyladamantylammonium as template not only showed excellent catalytic activity but also high hydrothermal stability, especially when sodium cations were selectively removed. Moreover, the Fe-CHA material synthesized by using the less expensive tetraethylammonium template also resulted in an active and hydrothermally stable catalyst.This work has been supported by Haldor Topsoe A/S, by the Spanish Government MINECO ("Severo Ochoa", SEV-2016-0683, and MAT2015-71261-R), by the European Union (ERC-AdG-2014-671093, SynCatMatch), and by the Fundacion Ramon Areces through a research contract from the "Life and Materials Science" program. N.M. thanks MINECO for economic support through a pre-doctoral fellowship (BES-2013-064347). The authors thank Isabel Millet for technical support.Martín-García, N.; Vennestrom; Peter Nicolai Ravnborg; Thogersen, JR.; Moliner Marin, M.; Corma Canós, A. (2017). Fe-Containing Zeolites for NH3-SCR of NOx: Effect of Structure, Synthesis Procedure, and Chemical Composition on Catalytic Performance and Stability. Chemistry - A European Journal. 23(54):13404-13414. https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201701742S1340413414235

Body composition, nutritional profile and muscular fitness affect bone health in a sample of schoolchildren from Colombia: The Fuprecol Study

This is the final version of the article. Available from the publisher via the DOI in this record.The objective of the present study is to investigate the relationships between body composition, nutritional profile, muscular fitness (MF) and bone health in a sample of children and adolescents from Colombia. Participants included 1118 children and adolescents (54.6% girls). Calcaneal broadband ultrasound attenuation (c-BUA) was obtained as a marker of bone health. Body composition (fat mass and lean mass) was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Furthermore height, weight, waist circumference and Tanner stage were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Standing long-jump (SLJ) and isometric handgrip dynamometry were used respectively as indicators of lower and upper body muscular fitness. A muscular index score was also computed by summing up the standardised values of both SLJ and handgrip strength. Dietary intake and degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet were assessed by a 7-day recall questionnaire for food frequency and the Kidmed questionnaire. Poor bone health was considered using a z-score cut off of ≤−1.5 standard deviation. Once the results were adjusted for age and Tanner stage, the predisposing factors of having a c-BUA z-score ≤−1.5 standard deviation included being underweight or obese, having an unhealthy lean mass, having an unhealthy fat mass, SLJ performance, handgrip performance, and unhealthy muscular index score. In conclusion, body composition (fat mass and lean body mass) and MF both influenced bone health in a sample of children and adolescents from Colombia. Thus promoting strength adaptation and preservation in Colombian youth will help to improve bone health, an important protective factor against osteoporosis in later life.: We would like to acknowledge to Bogota District Education Department for supporting data collection for this study. The authors also thank the participating Bogota District students, teachers, schools, and staff. The “FUPRECOL Study” was possible given the financial support provided by the Instituto Colombiano para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y la Tecnología “Francisco José de Caldas” COLCIENCIAS (Contract Number 671-2014 Code 122265743978). Also, during the completion of this paper, AG-H was visiting researchers at the University of Rosario (CEMA, Bogotá, Colombia), supported with grants awarded by Proyectos Basales y Vicerrectoría de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación” (Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH)

Two serological approaches for detection of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in different scenarios: a screening tool and a point-of-care test

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has infected more than 8 million people worldwide, becoming a pandemic. Detecting antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is of utmost importance and a good indicator of exposure and circulation of the virus within the general population. Two serological tools based on a double recognition assay [enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DR-ELISA) and lateral flow assay (DR-LFA)] to detect total antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 have been developed based on the recombinant nucleocapsid protein. A total of 1065 serum samples, including positive for COVID-19 and negative samples from healthy donors or infected with other respiratory pathogens, were analyzed. The results showed values of sensitivity between 91.2% and 100%, and specificity of 100% and 98.2% for DR-LFA and DR-ELISA, respectively. No cross-reactivity against seasonal coronavirus (HCoV-NL63, HCoV-229E, HCoV-HKU1, HCoV-OC43) was found. These results demonstrate the importance of serology as a complementary tool to polymerase chain reaction for follow-up of recovered patients and identification of asymptomatic individuals

Dengue Virus Type 2: Protein Binding and Active Replication in Human Central Nervous System Cells

An increased number of dengue cases with neurological complications have been reported in recent years. The lack of reliable animal models for dengue has hindered studies on dengue virus (DENV) pathogenesis and cellular tropism in vivo. We further investigate the tropism of DENV for the human central nervous system (CNS), characterizing DENV interactions with cell surface proteins in human CNS cells by virus overlay protein binding assays (VOPBA) and coimmunoprecipitations. In VOPBA, three membrane proteins (60, 70, and 130 kDa) from the gray matter bound the entire virus particle, whereas only a 70 kDa protein bound in white matter. The coimmunoprecipitation assays revealed three proteins from gray matter consistently binding virus particles, one clearly distinguishable protein (~32 kDa) and two less apparent proteins (100 and 130 kDa). Monoclonal anti-NS3 targeted the virus protein in primary cell cultures of human CNS treated with DENV-2, which also stained positive for NeuH, a neuron-specific marker. Thus, our results indicate (1) that DENV-2 exhibited a direct tropism for human neurons and (2) that human neurons sustain an active DENV replication as was demonstrated by the presence of the NS3 viral antigen in primary cultures of these cells treated with DENV-2