Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are natural polyesters synthesized by bacteria for carbon and energy storage that also have commercial potential as bioplastics. One promising class of carbon feedstocks ...for industrial PHA production is plant oils, due to the high carbon content of these compounds. The bacterium Ralstonia eutropha accumulates high levels of PHA and can effectively utilize plant oil. Growth experiments that include plant oil, however, are difficult to conduct in a quantitative and reproducible manner due to the heterogeneity of the two-phase medium. In order to overcome this obstacle, a new culture method was developed in which palm oil was emulsified in growth medium using the glycoprotein gum arabic as the emulsifying agent. Gum arabic did not influence R. eutropha growth and could not be used as a nutrient source by the bacteria. R. eutropha was grown in the emulsified oil medium and PHA production was measured over time. Additionally, an extraction method was developed to monitor oil consumption. The new method described in this study allows quantitative, reproducible R. eutropha experiments to be performed with plant oils. The method may also prove useful for studying growth of different bacteria on plant oils and other hydrophobic carbon sources.
Summary
Formic acid, acting as both carbon and energy source, is a safe alternative to a carbon dioxide, hydrogen and dioxygen mix for studying the conversion of carbon through the ...Calvin–Benson–Bassham (CBB) cycle into value‐added chemical compounds by non‐photosynthetic microorganisms. In this work, organoautotrophic growth of Ralstonia eutropha on formic acid was studied using an approach combining stoichiometric modeling and controlled cultures in bioreactors. A strain deleted of its polyhydroxyalkanoate production pathway was used in order to carry out a physiological characterization. The maximal growth yield was determined at 0.16 Cmole Cmole−1 in a formate‐limited continuous culture. The measured yield corresponded to 76% to 85% of the theoretical yield (later confirmed in pH‐controlled fed‐batch cultures). The stoichiometric study highlighted the imbalance between carbon and energy provided by formic acid and explained the low growth yields measured. Fed‐batch cultures were also used to determine the maximum specific growth rate (μmax = 0.18 h−1) and to study the impact of increasing formic acid concentrations on growth yields. High formic acid sensitivity was found in R eutropha since a linear decrease in the biomass yield with increasing residual formic acid concentrations was observed between 0 and 1.5 g l−1.
In this work, organoautotrophic growth of Ralstonia eutropha on formic acid was studied using an approach combining stoichiometric modeling and controlled cultures in bioreactors. The maximal growth yield was determined at 0.16 Cmole.Cmole‐1 and corresponded to 76 to 85% of the theoretical yield.
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•Basil extract possess high antioxidant in vitro activity.•Extract lowered lipid peroxidation and potentiated the activity of antioxidant enzymes.•Significant hepatoprotective ...potential was observed of aqueous basil extract.•Morphometric analysis provides evidence of hepatoprotective effects of basil extract.
This research aimed to examine the effects of pre-treatment with basil extract, prepared as an infusion, on acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury in rats. In vitro analysis of total phenolic, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity was performed by spectrophotometric methods. Effects of basil extract on oxidative stress parameters, biochemical markers of liver injury, and liver morphology were determined in an in vivo model of acetaminophen-induced liver injury in Wistar rats. Total phenolic content was 52.61 ± 1.35 mg GAE/g of DE, and flavonoid content was 0.5 ± 0.2 mg QE/g of DE. IC50 values ranged from 0.22 to 45.76 μg/ml for DPPH radical, OH radical, H2O2 and lipid peroxidation. Ascorbic acid was used as a positive control. The extract lowered the intensity of lipid peroxidation and potentiated the activity of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were significantly lower in basil extract-treated animals in comparison to respective controls.
T-helper (Th) cell differentiation drives specialized gene programs that dictate effector T cell function at sites of infection. Here, we have shown Th cell differentiation also imposes discrete ...motility gene programs that shape Th1 and Th2 cell navigation of the inflamed dermis. Th1 cells scanned a smaller tissue area in a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and chemokine-dependent fashion, while Th2 cells scanned a larger tissue area independent of GPCR signals. Differential chemokine reliance for interstitial migration was linked to STAT6 transcription-factor-dependent programming of integrin αVβ3 expression: Th2 cell differentiation led to high αVβ3 expression relative to Th1 cells. Th1 and Th2 cell modes of motility could be switched simply by manipulating the amount of αVβ3 on the cell surface. Deviating motility modes from those established during differentiation impaired effector function. Thus, programmed expression of αVβ3 tunes effector T cell reliance on environmental cues for optimal exploration of inflamed tissues.
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•Differential dependency on chemokines for Th1 and Th2 cell interstitial migration•Th differentiation programs elevated αVβ3 integrin expression on Th2 cells•Increased αVβ3 integrin is sufficient to facilitate chemokine-independent migration•Th1 and Th2 programming for distinct modes of migration optimizes effector function
Immune responses are functionally tailored to best contain a specific pathogen challenge. T cells differentiate into functionally distinct subsets (Th1, Th2, Th17) defined by discrete cytokine production. Gaylo-Moynihan et al. find that functional specialization also extends to the navigation system used by T cell subsets to efficiently migrate within infected tissues.
Chemokines and their receptors have become significant factors in atherosclerosis research. CXCL16 is a multifunctional agent located on a separate locus to all other known chemokines and binds only ...to its “unique” receptor named CXCR6. As a scavenger receptor, adhesion molecule, and chemokine, it quickly became an interesting target in atherosclerosis research as all its functions have a role in vascular pathology. The investigation of the role of CXCL16 in atherosclerosis, although shown in in vitro studies, animal knockout models, and CXCL16 gene polymorphisms, haplotypes, and circulating levels, still shows puzzling results. Genetic and epigenetic studies have just scratched the surface of research necessary for a better assessment of the significance and perspective of this marker in plaque development and progression. In this review, we will summarize current knowledge about CXCL16 in atherosclerosis. Additionally, we will point out the importance of bioinformatics tools for the detection of potentially new CXCL16 regulatory networks through microRNA activity. This review aims to provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms, define more specific biomarkers, and discover new therapeutic targets.
The focus of this paper is on examination of the impact of the Industry 4.0 on smart city development and changes in society due to the diffusion of innovations and modern technologies in all ...segments of living. From the preconditions for the beginning of the Industry 4.0, followed by the most important achievement that marked it, to the way changes are manifested due to the wide use of smart devices and software, the paper provides a clear overview of effects achieved over the past few decades of technological progress. Furthermore, based on the data available in the current and relevant literature, the role of the Industry 4.0 in the development of smart cities is studied, and the most important elements of it that support smart city development are determined. In this way, conditions are created for an extensive analysis of the motives, factors and forms of smart city development, with priority given to the social dimension of smart solutions and their implementation in everyday living. After having a complete insight into the features of smart cities and key elements of development, an overview of perspectives and expectations in the field of improving the quality of living in the urban environment by implementation of smart solutions, i.e. devices, software and applications, is provided. Finally, based on previously conducted analyses, conclusions are made on further courses of action in the field of smart city development.
The diagnosis of sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension is a challenge, because there are signs and symptoms, such as dyspnea, dizziness, and chest pain that are nonspecific and may exist in ...both diseases. Right heart catheterization is the gold standard for the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. However, this is an invasive procedure, so it is reserved for patients with a high probability of the presence of pulmonary hypertension. Current guidelines for the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension recommend transthoracic echocardiography for the screening method. Adequate treatment of underlying diseases and comorbidities is important in order to prevent disease progression, disability, and shortened patient survival. Specific therapy for SAPH is not routinely recommended.
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