Biological Solutions Research Articles

Integration of machine learning models with microsatellite markers: New avenue in world grapevine germplasm characterization

Development of efficient analytical techniques is required for effective interpretation of biological data to take novel hypotheses and finding the critical predictive patterns. Machine Learning algorithms provide a novel opportunity for development of low-cost and practical solutions in biology. In this study, we proposed a new integrated analytical approach using supervised machine learning algorithms and microsatellites data of worldwide vitis populations. A total of 1378 wild (V. vinifera spp. sylvestris) and cultivated (V. vinifera spp. sativa) accessions of grapevine were investigated using 20 microsatellite markers. Data cleaning, feature selection, and supervised machine learning classification models vis, Naive Bayes, Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Tree Induction methods were implied to find most indicative and diagnostic alleles to represent wild/cultivated and originated geography of each population. Our combined approaches showed microsatellite markers with the highest differentiating capacity and proved efficiency for our pipeline of classification and prediction of vitis accessions. Moreover, our study proposed the best combination of markers for better distinguishing of populations, which can be exploited in future germplasm conservation and breeding programs.

Photochemistry in Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology.

Photochemistry has emerged as a transformative force in organic chemistry, significantly expanding the chemical space accessible for medicinal chemistry. Light-induced reactions enable the efficient synthesis of intricate organic structures and have found applications throughout the different stages of the drug discovery and development processes. Moreover, photochemical techniques provide innovative solutions in chemical biology, allowing precise spatiotemporal drug activation and targeted delivery. In this Perspective, we highlight the already numerous remarkable applications and the even more promising future of photochemistry in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology.

Field and postharvest application of microencapsulated Yamadazyma mexicana LPa14: anthracnose control and effect on postharvest quality in avocado (Persea americana Mill. cv. Hass).

Anthracnose caused by species of Colletotrichum is the most important disease of avocado fruit. The quiescent infection develops in the field, hence, its control from the preharvest stage is necessary. The field application of microencapsulated Yamadazyma mexicana LPa14 could prevent the establishment of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and reduce the losses in avocado production. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of microencapsulated Y. mexicana applied in the field and postharvest for the anthracnose control in avocado, to evaluate the population dynamics of Y. mexicana in flowers and fruits and the effect of the yeast on the avocado quality. The concentrations of microencapsulated Y. mexicana after field application ranged from 4.58 to 6.35 log CFU g-1. The population of microencapsulated yeast in flowers and fruits was always higher than treatments with fresh cells. Preharvest application of fresh and microencapsulated Y. mexicana significantly reduced the severity of anthracnose by 71-80% and 84-96%, respectively, in avocado fruits stored at 25 °C. Moreover, at 6 °C and ripening at 25 °C, the fresh yeast reduced the severity by 87-90% and the microencapsulated yeast by 91-93%. However, yeast treatments applied in the field + postharvest under cool conditions were more effective in reducing 100% of anthracnose. Treatments did not negatively affect the quality parameters of the avocado fruits. Yamadazyma mexicana microencapsulated by electrospraying is a promising bioformulation for the management of anthracnose in avocados at preharvest and postharvest levels. Yamadazyma mexicana offers a new biological control solution for growers in avocado orchards. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bone Formation and Maintenance in Oral Surgery: The Decisive Role of the Immune System-A Narrative Review of Mechanisms and Solutions.

Based on the evidence of a significant communication and connection pathway between the bone and immune systems, a new science has emerged: osteoimmunology. Indeed, the immune system has a considerable impact on bone health and diseases, as well as on bone formation during grafts and its stability over time. Chronic inflammation induces the excessive production of oxidants. An imbalance between the levels of oxidants and antioxidants is called oxidative stress. This physio-pathological state causes both molecular and cellular damage, which leads to DNA alterations, genetic mutations and cell apoptosis, and thus, impaired immunity followed by delayed or compromised wound healing. Oxidative stress levels experienced by the body affect bone regeneration and maintenance around teeth and dental implants. As the immune system and bone remodeling are interconnected, bone loss is a consequence of immune dysregulation. Therefore, oral tissue deficiencies such as periodontitis and peri-implantitis should be regarded as immune diseases. Bone management strategies should include both biological and surgical solutions. These protocols tend to improve immunity through antioxidant production to enhance bone formation and prevent bone loss. This narrative review aims to highlight the relationship between inflammation, oxidation, immunity and bone health in the oral cavity. It intends to help clinicians to detect high-risk situations in oral surgery and to propose biological and clinical solutions that will enhance patients' immune responses and surgical treatment outcomes.

Biological effects of Lippia alba essential oil against Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti

The management of mosquito resistance to chemical insecticides and the biting behaviour of some species are motivating the search for complementary and/or alternative control methods. The use of plants is increasingly considered as a sustainable biological solution for vector control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological effects of the essential oil (EO) of Lippia alba harvested in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) against Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Phytochemical compounds were identified by GC–MS. Knockdown and mortality were determined according to the WHO test tube protocol. Contact irritancy was assessed by observing the movement of mosquitoes from a treated WHO tube to a second untreated tube. Non-contact repellency was assessed using a standardised high-throughput screening system (HITSS). Blood meal inhibition was assessed using a membrane feeding assay treated with EO. The EO was identified as the citral chemotype. The EO gave 100% KD60 in both species at a concentration of 1%. Mortalities of 100% were recorded with An. gambiae and Ae. aegypti at concentrations of 1% and 5% respectively. The highest proportions of females escaping during the contact irritancy test were 100% for An. gambiae at 1% concentration and 94% for Ae. aegypti at 2.5% concentration. The 1% concentration produced the highest proportions of repelled mosquitoes in the non-contact repellency tests: 76.8% (An. gambiae) and 68.5% (Ae. aegypti). The blood meal inhibition rate at a dose of 10% was 98.4% in Ae. aegypti but only 15.5% in An. gambiae. The citral chemotype of L. alba EO has promising biological effects in both species that make it a potentially good candidate for its use in mosquito control. The results obtained in this study encourage the further evaluation of L. alba EOs from other localities and of different chemotypes, under laboratory and field conditions.

Ligamentum Flavum Flap Technique in Lumbar Microdiscectomy.

Microdiscectomy has been the gold-standard technique for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. A potential reason for suboptimal symptom resolution following microdiscectomy is postoperative epidural fibrosis1. Preservation of the ligamentum flavum through the use of the ligamentum flavum flap technique reduces postoperative epidural fibrosis and leads to a favorable long-term prognosis. The L5-S1 interlaminar space on the operative side is exposed with use of a standard microsurgical approach, and the level is confirmed. The ligamentum flavum is held taut with use of tooth forceps, holding onto superficial layers, and a flap with its base on the lateral side is created. Initial separation is made at the midline (where the flavum is very thin) with use of a no.-15-blade scalpel. The flap is elevated by detaching the ligamentum flavum between the lower border of the L5 lamina and sacrum with use of a 1-mm Kerrison rongeur. The detachment of the ligamentum flavum is performed carefully, preserving the attachments on the lateral border. Having a thin base allows the flap to be elevated and rotated, and the flap thus can be tucked into the muscle above the facet joint. The nerve root is retracted, and discectomy is performed according to the location and size of the disc. After achieving good hemostasis, the ligamentum flavum flap is gently rotated back to its normal position. In most cases, the flap can be returned back to its original position without any gap and without any need for suture. Closure is performed in layers. Nonoperative treatment yields good pain relief in more than 80% of patients with disc herniation. However, if surgery is required, the primary concern for the surgeon is the prevention of postoperative scarring and fibrosis around the nerve root. Previous attempts to mitigate this potential complication have revolved around the placement of a subcutaneous fat graft over the nerve root; however, no firm evidence exists to support this technique. Synthetic materials such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, Adcon-L gel (Wright Medical Technologies), and sodium hyaluronate have also been utilized to prevent epidural scarring; however, the ligamentum flavum is a natural biological solution. Postoperative fibrosis may occur if there is a dead space as a result of the excision of the ligamentum flavum or due to inflammation. Restoration of native tissue anatomy with use of the ligamentum flavum technique can prevent such fibrosis, as has been reported previously. In addition to reducing scar formation, preserving the ligamentum flavum can make revision surgery (which is rarely required) safer, as there is less or no epidural fibrosis or nerve root scarring. Patients undergoing this procedure have shown good improvement in the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and a clinically notable reduction in visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores in the immediate postoperative period as well as on long-term follow-up. The chances of epidural fibrosis have been shown to be significantly decreased over long-term follow-up. Li et al. reported substantially lower VAS and ODI scores among patients who underwent the ligamentum flavum flap technique compared with a control group, as well as a significantly lower grade of epidural fibrosis at 6 months postoperatively2. In a similar study, Özay et al. highlighted significant clinical improvement and reduced chances of postoperative epidural fibrosis in 51 patients who underwent the ligamentum flavum flap technique3. Additionally, Li et al. showed that patient age and the area of the laminar space were the 2 important factors that determine the preservation of the ligamentum flavum, as the failure rate was significantly higher in elderly patients (>43.5 years) and those with small interlaminar space (<1.95 cm2). ODI and VAS scores were substantially better, and fibrosis formation, as assessed on computed tomography (CT) scans with intravenous iopamidol injection, was significantly reduced in patients with preserved ligamentum flavum4. Properly set up the operating microscope and fluoroscopy unit in order to ensure accurate starting points.Utilize minimal cautery at all levels of dissection.Hold the ligamentum flavum taut superficially while incising with use of a no.-15 scalpel.Detach the ligamentum flavum while safely preserving the attachments on the lateral border.Perform proper repositioning of the ligamentum flavum after achieving hemostasis. ODI = Oswestry Disability IndexVAS = visual analog scaleCT = computed tomographyLF = ligamentum flapSLRT = straight leg raise testAP = anteroposteriorMRI = magnetic resonance imagingASIS = anterior superior iliac spineCSF = cerebrospinal fluid.

Controlling toxic Microcystis blooms: The power of a novel microalgal predator Poteriospumella lacustris in water safety improvement

Microcystis aeruginosa blooms have become a global environmental concern. In particular, microcystins (MC) produced by algal cells pose a great threat to aquatic ecosystem security and human health. Therefore, it is necessary to develop environmentally friendly biological measures to reduce bloom hazards. In this study, a heterotrophic flagellate, NY1, that could quickly eliminate M. aeruginosa and efficiently remove MC was isolated and identified as Poteriospumella lacustris. When the initial cell density ratio of P. lacustris to M. aeruginosa was 1:200, P. lacustris rapidly ingested M. aeruginosa, and the clearance rates were more than 90 % within 24 h. P. lacustris effectively removed 83.06 % of MC (more than 200 μg/L) in 24 h and 93.88 % in 72 h. Although temperatures lower than 15 °C and acidic conditions (pH 6) slightly and temporarily inhibited the ingestion and MC removal activities of P. lacustris within 24 h of treatment, it rapidly recovered and ingested more than 90 % of M. aeruginosa and eliminated 97 % of MC within 72 h at various temperatures (15–35 °C) and different pH values (pH 6–10). The fluorescence emission-excitation matrix spectra analysis and acute toxicity test showed that P. lacustris treatment reduced dissolved organic matter (DOM) and eliminated the toxicity of M. aerugionsa culture to three representative species at different trophic levels (Photobacterium phosphoreum, Daphnia magna, and Ctenopharyngodon idellus), indicating the promising potential of P. lacustris in improving water safety. In addition to M. aeruginosa, P. lacustris ingested and digested Platymonas subcordiformis, Chlorella vulgaris, and Synechocystis sp. This study provides a natural and biological solution to global Microcystis blooms by using the grazing effect of P. lacustris to remove toxic cyanobacteria and eliminate MC and DOM, ultimately improving water quality and safety.

Interference in drug assay by phytochemicals: An experience with colorimetric assay of amlodipine in physiological fluids

Purpose: To investigate the potential interactions between methanol extract of Aframomum melegueta seeds (AMSE) and amlodipine (AML).&#x0D; Methods: Amlodipine concentrations 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 µg/mL were assayed in vitro with or without AMSE using potassium ferricyanide/FeCl3 (FeCl3/K4(Fe(CN)6)) method. The resulting solution was wavelength-scanned in the range 380 – 950 nm and absorbance read at 393.1, 455.6 and 774.8 nm.&#x0D; Results: Aframomum melegueta seeds (AMSE), when present in biological fluids and solutions of AML, interfered significantly with FeCl3/K4(Fe(CN))6. The highest interference occurred at 774.8 nm, and 50 µg/mL AMSE gave as much as 1.5 absolute unit increase in absorbance of 2.5 µg/mL when compared to its absence. Spectral scan of the sample revealed two additional peaks at 393.1 and 455.6 nm with only 0.07 and 0.16 nm unit increases in the presence of AMSE. Concentration–absorbance relationship at these two wavelengths satisfied Beer-Lambert’s law. Beyond 15 µg/mL AML at 774.8 nm, Beer-Lambert’s law was not followed.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study highlights the potential interactions between components of the methanol extract of Aframomum melegueta seeds on assay methods of AML. Furthermore, reliable concentration measurements have been made at 393.1 or 455.6 nm. This should be kept in mind when carrying out drug measurements in populations where concurrent use of herbal remedies is highly probable.

Biology-driven therapy advances in high-grade serous ovarian cancer.

Following a period of slow progress, the completion of genome sequencing and the paradigm shift relative to the cell of origin for high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) led to a new perspective on the biology and therapeutic solutions for this deadly cancer. Experimental models were revisited to address old questions, and improved tools were generated. Additional pathways emerging as drivers of ovarian tumorigenesis and key dependencies for therapeutic targeting, in particular, VEGF-driven angiogenesis and homologous recombination deficiency, were discovered. Molecular profiling of histological subtypes of ovarian cancer defined distinct genetic events for each entity, enabling the first attempts toward personalized treatment. Armed with this knowledge, HGSOC treatment was revised to include new agents. Among them, PARP inhibitors (PARPis) were shown to induce unprecedented improvement in clinical benefit for selected subsets of patients. Research on mechanisms of resistance to PARPis is beginning to discover vulnerabilities and point to new treatment possibilities. This Review highlights these advances, the remaining challenges, and unsolved problems in the field.

Investigating the effect of fusion partners on the enzymatic activity and thermodynamic stability of poly(ethylene terephthalate) degrading enzymes.

Plastics are a cornerstone of the modern world, yet the durable material properties that we have come to depend upon have made them recalcitrant environmental pollutants. Biological solutions in the form of engineered enzymes offer low energy and sustainable approaches to recycle and upcycle plastic waste, uncoupling their production and end of life from fossil fuels and greenhouse gases. These enzymes however, encounter immense challenges acting on plastics: facing hydrophobic surfaces, molecular crowding, and high levels of substrate heterogeneity. There have been mixed reports about the benefits of fusing partner domains to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degrading enzymes, with moderate improvements identified under specific conditions, but no clarity into the factors that underlie the mechanisms. Here, we use the SpyCatcher003:SpyTag003 technology, which demonstrates a profound 47 °C shift in Tm upon irreversible complex formation, to investigate the influence of the thermal stability of the fusion partner on a range of PETases selected for their optimal reaction temperatures. We find that the thermal stability of the fusion partner does not have a positive correlation on the activity of the enzymes or their evident kinetic and thermal stabilities. Instead, it appears that the fusion to less stable SpyCatcher003 tends to increase the measured activation energy of unfolding compared to the more stable complex and wildtype enzymes. Despite this, the fusions to SpyCatcher003 do not show significantly better catalytic activity on PET films, with or without SpyTag003, and were found to be sometimes disruptive. The approach we highlight here, in using a fusion partner with controllable melting temperature, allowed us to dissect the impact of the stability of a fusion partner on enzyme properties. Although fusion stability did not appear to be coupled with identifiable trends in enzymatic activities, careful analysis of the unfolding pathways, and solid and solution activities of a wider range of enzymes may yield a more detailed understanding.

Biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons by fungi strains of Aspergillus sp.-17, Rhizopus sp.-81, Penicillium sp.-94 isolated from oil-contaminated soils of Azerbaijan

Environmental security and biocentric lifestyles are the approaches that today’s man must follow and choose, which cause major environmental problems in modern times and threaten the existence of civilization in the future. The soil ecosystem, which is one of the polluted environments, is polluted naturally and anthropogenically because of oil extraction, transportation and accidents that occurred during this time. Undoubtedly, with the constant increase in the need for oil, land recultivation becomes more urgent than ever for the modern era. Although physical, chemical, and biological solutions are proposed for the recultivation of oil-contaminated soil from oil and oil products in modern times, bioremediation is a more favorable, less capital-intensive, environmentally friendly technology from an ecological and economic point of view. Thus, the main purpose of this study is to determine the ability of micromycetes to biodegrade petroleum hydrocarbons and to determine the advantages of bioremediation of lightly and moderately polluted soils with oil using Aspergillus sp.-17. Rhizopus sp.-81, Penicillium sp.-94 fungal strains with high lipolytic activity. It also mentioned tolerance of oil to different hardnesses.

Computation of Overhauser dynamic nuclear polarization processes reveals fundamental correlation between water dynamics, structure, and solvent restructuring entropy.

Hydration water dynamics, structure, and thermodynamics are crucially important to understand and predict water-mediated properties at molecular interfaces. Yet experimentally and directly quantifying water behavior locally near interfaces at the sub-nanometer scale is challenging, especially at interfaces submerged in biological solutions. Overhauser dynamic nuclear polarization (ODNP) experiments measure equilibrium hydration water dynamics within 8-15 angstroms of a nitroxide spin probe on instantaneous timescales (10 picoseconds to nanoseconds), making ODNP a powerful tool for probing local water dynamics in the vicinity of the spin probe. As with other spectroscopic techniques, concurrent computational analysis is necessary to gain access to detailed molecular level information about the dynamic, structural, and thermodynamic properties of water from experimental ODNP data. We chose a model system that can systematically tune the dynamics of water, a water-glycerol mixture with compositions ranging from 0 to 0.3 mole fraction glycerol. We demonstrate the ability of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to compute ODNP spectroscopic quantities, and show that translational, rotational, and hydrogen bonding dynamics of hydration water align strongly with spectroscopic ODNP parameters. Moreover, MD simulations show tight correlations between the dynamic properties of water that ODNP captures and the structural and thermodynamic behavior of water. Hence, experimental ODNP readouts of varying water dynamics suggest changes in local structural and thermodynamic hydration water properties.

The Microplastics in the Marine Environment: Origin, Hazardous Effects and Possible Biological Solutions: A Review

This review explores the escalating issue of marine microplastic pollution, a consequence of the extensive use of high molecular weight polymers in various industries. It delves into the origins, types, and environmental impacts of microplastics, particularly focusing on primary and secondary forms found in marine ecosystems. The study highlights the significant role of microplastics in global plastic production and their contribution to marine pollution, exacerbated by poor waste management and environmental factors. The review also examines the ecotoxicological effects of microplastics on marine life, noting species-specific responses ranging from physical blockages to chemical toxicity, often worsened by the interaction with other pollutants. Furthermore, it discusses innovative biological approaches for microplastic remediation, including the potential roles of microorganisms and certain marine and land animals in degrading or accumulating microplastics. This comprehensive analysis emphasizes the urgent need for effective waste management strategies, recycling efforts, and sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics, aiming to balance industrial and consumer demands with environmental conservation and address the critical issue of marine microplastic pollution.

Issues and Agendas of Infertility Studies in Bangladesh

Abstract: In Bangladesh, people and its culture immensely focus on the importance of fertility and reproduction. Motherhood thus became a purified identity in both cultural and mystical ways. As a result, any factor hindering fertility is considered deviant and ignored in all aspects. Hence, our studies mainly triggered the notion, significances and hinders to maternal and child health, birth practices, fertility and reproduction etc. Therefore, the socio-economic and psychological strains of infertile people remain insignificant in our studies. In addition, infertility has been considered a neglected and stigmatized issue due to our overpopulation and socio-cultural perceptions of it. Though the number of infertile people is increasing in Bangladesh still there is a dearth of research on the social aspects and consequences of infertility in the country. Infertility has been considered as a stigmatized, gendered, psycho-social turmoil and sensitive agenda to explore, where the stakeholders consciously ignore the biological and psycho-social solutions to it and exploit the infertile. This piece of paper focuses on the nature of studies conducted on infertility issues in Bangladesh, which emphasize the significance of infertility studies in anthropology and other branches of social sciences. This study also categorizes the issues, perspectives and agenda of infertility studies here in Bangladesh. In doing so, the paper also outlines the future scopes and corridors for infertility studies in Bangladesh.

Does China's pathway to carbon neutrality require the integration of land-based biological negative emission solutions with geochemical and chemical alternatives?

Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is a necessary measure to achieve global climate targets. However, each CDR approach has potential trade-offs and spillover effects on the global energy-land-water system. To minimize these negative impacts and achieve climate targets, it has become increasingly important to assess different CDR deployment plans and how they interact with the Earth's system. The existing literature on CDR deployment in China is yet to uncover the potential synergies and trade-offs associated with varying CDR deployment strategies for the country's pathway to carbon neutrality. Here, we model five different CDR approaches categorized under four CDR deployment plans for China's climate aspirations using a variant of the Global Change Assessment Model, GCAM-CDR. Our goal here is not to definitively conclude the superiority of any specific CDR deployment plan for China's climate ambitions but instead to primarily explore and emphasize the potential implications associated with each group of CDR strategies. We show that China's pursuit of carbon neutrality solely through land-based biological CDR methods could result in reduced fossil fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and total air pollutants. However, an integrated approach that combines both land-based biological and geo/chemical CDR strategies could enhance the economic feasibility of achieving China's climate objectives. Moreover, it could reduce land and water requirements for energy generation and negative emissions, thereby mitigating the pressure on food croplands and other sustainability issues. Compared with an integrated approach, relying solely on land-based biological CDR processes for China's carbon neutrality goal could lead to a cumulative reduction in residual GHG emissions by at least 2 GtCO2e over the next four decades (in 5-year intervals) as China progresses towards carbon neutrality. On the other hand, the mitigation cost of relying exclusively on land-based biological CDR processes for China's carbon neutrality goals could be approximately 30 % higher than that of an integrated approach (on an annual average basis). In conclusion, China's policymakers and stakeholders should carefully assess different combinations of diverse CDR approaches, considering the associated impacts on the country's energy-land-water system and policy costs, to make informed decisions that help maximize benefits and minimize negative consequences in pursuit of carbon neutrality goals.

Antibacterial Effect of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from the Secondary Metabolites of Marine Actinomycete Species

Bioprospecting marine actinomycetes can yield biological solutions to many of the key human concerns. The primary reservoir of bioactive metabolites with diverse applications is found in marine actinomycetes. Bioactive secondary metabolites produced by marine actinomycetes are widely used as immunosuppressives, antimicrobials, enzymes, and cosmetics. Actinoplanes, Micromonospora, Saccharopolyspora, Streptomyces, and Amycolatopsis are the main taxonomic groups of actinomycete that are important to industry. Because of the effectiveness of actinomycetes and their bioactive secondary metabolites, modern research is concentrating more on marine actinobacteria to address current difficulties. Nanotechnology combines the concepts of physics, chemistry, and biology to produce particles smaller than 100 nm, or nanoparticles, with specific applications. When it comes to a diverse array of bacteria and fungus, silver nanoparticles have broad spectrum antibacterial characteristics. Within the medical community, silver nanoparticles have become more well-liked because of their antibacterial properties.

The Use of Fungi of the Trichoderma Genus in Anaerobic Digestion: A Review.

Plant waste biomass is the most abundant renewable energy resource on Earth. The main problem with utilising this biomass in anaerobic digestion is the long and costly stage of degrading its complex structure into simple compounds. One of the promising solutions to this problem is the application of fungi of the Trichoderma genus, which show a high capacity to produce hydrolytic enzymes capable of degrading lignocellulosic biomass before anaerobic digestion. This article discusses the structure of plant waste biomass and the problems resulting from its structure in the digestion process. It presents the methods of pre-treatment of lignocellulose with a particular focus on biological solutions. Based on the latest research findings, key parameters related to the application of Trichoderma sp. as a pre-treatment method are discussed. In addition, the possibility of using the digestate from agricultural biogas plants as a carrier for the multiplication of the Trichoderma sp. fungi, which are widely used in many industries, is discussed.

Reusable Zwitterionic Porous Organic Polymers for Bilirubin Removal in Serum.

Herein, we report a straightforward strategy to construct reusable, hemocompatible, and highly efficient bilirubin adsorbents by installing zwitterionic modules into a porous organic polymer (POP) for hemoperfusion application. Three types of zwitterions with different amounts are used to evaluate their impacts on the characteristics of POPs, including carboxybetaine methacrylate (CB), sulfobetaine methacrylate (SB), and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC). Results show that zwitterions can improve hemocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and bilirubin uptake of the POP. Among all zwitterionic POPs, POP-CB-40% exhibits the best bilirubin uptake, ∼46.5 times enhancement compared with the non-zwitterionic POP in 100% serum. This enhancement can be attributed to the improved hydrophilicity and protein resistance ability in biological solutions. More importantly, the reusability test shows that POP-CB-40% maintains ∼99% of bilirubin uptake capacity at fifth recycling in 100% serum. Findings in this work provide a guideline for the design of biocompatible and efficient POP-based bilirubin adsorbents for hemoperfusion therapy.

Characterization of the zinc finger μ-protein HVO_0758 from Haloferax volcanii: biological roles, zinc binding, and NMR solution structure

It is increasingly recognized that very small proteins (μ-proteins) are ubiquitously found in all species of the three domains of life, and that they fulfill important functions. The halophilic archaeon Haloferax volcanii contains 282 μ-proteins of less than 70 amino acids. Notably, 43 of these contain two C(P)XCG motifs, suggesting their potential to complex a zinc ion. To explore the significance of these proteins, 16 genes encoding C(P)XCG proteins had been deleted, and the majority of mutants exhibited phenotypic differences to the wild-type. One such protein, HVO_2753, was thoroughly characterized in a previous study. In the present study an in-depth analysis of a second protein, HVO_0758, was performed. To achieve this goal, the HVO_0758 protein was produced heterologously in Escherichia coli and homologously in H. volcanii. The purified protein was characterized using various biochemical approaches and NMR spectroscopy. The findings demonstrated that HVO_0758 is indeed a bona fide zinc finger protein, and that all four cysteine residues are essential for folding. The NMR solution structure was solved, revealing that HVO_0758 is comprised of an N-terminal alpha helix containing several positively charged residues and a globular core with the zinc finger domain. The transcriptomes of the HVO_0758 deletion mutant and, for comparison, the HVO_2753 deletion mutant were analyzed with RNA-Seq and compared against that of the wild-type. In both mutants many motility and chemotaxis genes were down-regulated, in agreement to the phenotype of the deletion mutants, which had a swarming deficit. The two H. volcanii zinc-finger μ-proteins HVO_0758 and HVO_2753 showed many differences. Taken together, two zinc finger μ-proteins of H. volcanii have been characterized intensively, which emerged as pivotal contributors to swarming behavior and biofilm formation.

A negative carbon footprint natural biological system water solution: evidence from Delhi, India

A negative carbon footprint natural biological system water solution: evidence from Delhi, India