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Biotechnology For Biofuels and... Aug 2023Lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant and renewable terrestrial raw material for conversion into bioproducts and biofuels. However, the low utilization efficiency...
BACKGROUND
Lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant and renewable terrestrial raw material for conversion into bioproducts and biofuels. However, the low utilization efficiency of lignocellulose causes environmental pollution and resource waste, which limits the large-scale application of bioconversion. The degradation of lignocellulose by microorganisms is an efficient and cost-effective way to overcome the challenge of utilizing plant biomass resources. This work aimed to screen valuable cellulolytic bacteria, explore its molecular mechanism from genomic insights, and investigate the ability of the strain to biodegrade wheat straw.
RESULTS
Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) RLI2019 was isolated from the intestine of Reticulitermes labralis. The strain showed comprehensive enzyme activities related to lignocellulose degradation, which were estimated as 4.06, 1.97, 4.12, 0.74, and 17.61 U/mL for endoglucanase, β-glucosidase, PASC enzyme, filter paper enzyme, and xylanase, respectively. Whole genome sequencing was performed to better understand the genetic mechanism of cellulose degradation. The genome size of B. subtilis RLI2019 was 4,195,306 bp with an average GC content of 43.54%, and the sequence characteristics illustrated an extremely high probability (99.41%) as a probiotic. The genome contained 4,381 protein coding genes with an average GC content of 44.20%, of which 145 genes were classified into six carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) families and 57 subfamilies. Eight cellulose metabolism enzyme-related genes and nine hemicellulose metabolism enzyme-related genes were annotated by the CAZyme database. The starch and sucrose metabolic pathway (ko00500) was the most enriched with 46 genes in carbohydrate metabolism. B. subtilis RLI2019 was co-cultured with wheat straw for 7 days of fermentation, the contents of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, hemicellulose, and lignin were significantly reduced by 5.8%, 10.3%, 1.0%, and 4.7%, respectively. Moreover, the wheat straw substrate exhibited 664.9 μg/mL of reducing sugars, 1.22 U/mL and 6.68 U/mL of endoglucanase and xylanase activities, respectively. Furthermore, the fiber structures were effectively disrupted, and the cellulose crystallinity was significantly reduced from 40.2% to 36.9%.
CONCLUSIONS
The complex diversity of CAZyme composition mainly contributed to the strong cellulolytic attribute of B. subtilis RLI2019. These findings suggest that B. subtilis RLI2019 has favorable potential for biodegradation applications, thus it can be regarded as a promising candidate bacterium for lignocellulosic biomass degradation.
PubMed: 37598218
DOI: 10.1186/s13068-023-02375-3 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2023Working dogs routinely operate in environmental conditions which may necessitate daily bathing to remove contaminants or soilage. The impacts of frequent or repeated...
INTRODUCTION
Working dogs routinely operate in environmental conditions which may necessitate daily bathing to remove contaminants or soilage. The impacts of frequent or repeated bathing on the canine dermal microbiota are unknown. The objective of this study was to characterize changes in canine dermal microbial populations following repeated daily bathing.
METHODS
Labrador retrievers ( = 16) were bathed daily using a dilute dish detergent solution (1.6% detergent solution) over the course of 14 days. Dermal microbial DNA was collected sterile swabs ( = 142) taken at days 0, 7, 14, 16, 21, 28, 35, 42, and 49 and analyzed for alpha diversity, beta diversity and relative abundance to assess changes in the dermal microbiota 16 s sequencing.
RESULTS
Results indicate that daily bathing significantly increased Shannon diversity, Chao1, and several rare amplicon sequence variants. Although typically reported in highest abundance, relative abundance was decreased in the phyla Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Repeated daily bathing with dilute dish detergent significantly reduced normal healthy dermal microbial taxa and created significant changes in the dermal microbiota of canines. Disruption to the canine dermal microbiota may cause negative impacts to canine dermal health and require further investigation.
PubMed: 37621867
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1204159 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jul 2023The synaptic vesicle protein Synaptophysin has long been known to form a complex with the v-SNARE VAMP, but a more specific molecular function or mechanism of action in...
The synaptic vesicle protein Synaptophysin has long been known to form a complex with the v-SNARE VAMP, but a more specific molecular function or mechanism of action in exocytosis has been lacking because gene knockouts have minimal effects. Utilizing fully-defined reconstitution and single-molecule measurements, we now report that Synaptophysin functions as a chaperone that determines the number of SNAREpins assembling between a ready-release vesicle and its target membrane bilayer. Specifically, Synaptophysin directs the assembly of 12 ± 1 SNAREpins under each docked vesicle, even in the face of an excess of SNARE proteins. The SNAREpins assemble in successive waves of 6 ± 1 and 5 ± 2 SNAREpins, respectively, tightly linked to oligomerization of and binding to the vesicle Ca sensor Synaptotagmin. Templating of 12 SNAREpins by Synaptophysin is likely the direct result of its hexamer structure and its binding of VAMP2 dimers, both of which we demonstrate in detergent extracts and lipid bilayers.
PubMed: 37461465
DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.05.547834 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2024The vesicles of short chain amphiphiles have been demonstrated to grow and divide. Here, we explored whether vesicle populations show evidence of heritability. We...
The vesicles of short chain amphiphiles have been demonstrated to grow and divide. Here, we explored whether vesicle populations show evidence of heritability. We prepared 1:1 decanoic acid:decylamine vesicles with or without a detergent and in either water or prebiotic soup, a mixture of compounds that might have been present on early Earth. The mixtures were subjected to transfer with dilution, where, after 24 h of incubation (one generation), we transferred 10% of the mix into a 90% volume of a fresh vesicle-containing solution. This was continued for 30 generations. Samples with a history of transfers were compared to no-transfer controls (NTCs), initiated each generation using the same solutions but without 10% of the prior generation. We compared the vesicle size distribution and chemical composition of the transfer samples and NTCs and compared their fluorescence signals in the presence of Nile Red dye. We observe changes in the vesicle size but did not detect differences in the chemical composition. In the samples with detergent and soup, we observed irregular changes in the Nile Red fluorescence, with a tendency for parent and offspring samples to have correlated values, suggestive of heritability. This last result, combined with evidence of temporal autocorrelation across generations, suggests the possibility that vesicles could respond to selection.
PubMed: 38541610
DOI: 10.3390/life14030284 -
Journal of Optometry 2024To investigate the effect of benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-preserved latanoprost and bimatoprost, polyquad (PQ)-preserved travoprost, and preservative-free (PF)...
Comparing the effect of benzalkonium chloride-preserved, polyquad-preserved, and preservative-free prostaglandin analogue eye drops on cultured human conjunctival goblet cells.
PURPOSE
To investigate the effect of benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-preserved latanoprost and bimatoprost, polyquad (PQ)-preserved travoprost, and preservative-free (PF) latanoprost and tafluprost, all prostaglandin analogues (PGAs), on human conjunctival goblet cell (GC) survival. Furthermore, to investigate the effect of BAK-preserved and PF latanoprost on the cytokine secretion from GC.
METHODS
Primary human conjunctival GCs were cultivated from donor tissue. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and tetrazolium dye colorimetric (MTT) assays were used for the assessment of GC survival. A cytometric bead array was employed for measuring secretion of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 from GC.
RESULTS
BAK-preserved latanoprost and bimatoprost reduced cell survival by 28% (p = 0.0133) and 20% (p = 0.0208), respectively, in the LDH assay compared to a negative control. BAK-preserved latanoprost reduced cell proliferation by 54% (p = 0.003), BAK-preserved bimatoprost by 45% (p = 0.006), PQ-preserved travoprost by 16% (p = 0.0041), and PF latanoprost by 19% (p = 0.0001), in the MTT assay compared to a negative control. Only PF tafluprost did not affect the GCs in either assay. BAK-preserved latanoprost caused an increase in the secretion of pro-inflammatory IL-6 and IL-8 (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0019, respectively) compared to a negative control, which PF latanoprost did not.
CONCLUSION
BAK-preserved PGA eye drops were more cytotoxic to GCs than PQ-preserved and PF PGA eye drops. BAK-preserved latanoprost induced an inflammatory response in GC. Treatment with PF and PQ-preserved PGA eye drops could mean better tolerability and adherence in glaucoma patients compared to treatment with BAK-preserved PGA eye drops.
Topics: Humans; Benzalkonium Compounds; Travoprost; Latanoprost; Ophthalmic Solutions; Goblet Cells; Bimatoprost; Cloprostenol; Interleukin-8; Prostaglandins F, Synthetic; Antihypertensive Agents; Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; Prostaglandins, Synthetic
PubMed: 37788596
DOI: 10.1016/j.optom.2023.100481 -
International Journal of Biological... Feb 2024It is apparent that Biocatalysts are shaping the future by providing a more sustainable approach to established chemical processes. Industrial processes rely heavily on... (Review)
Review
It is apparent that Biocatalysts are shaping the future by providing a more sustainable approach to established chemical processes. Industrial processes rely heavily on the use of toxic compounds and high energy or pH reactions, factors that both contributes to the worsening climate crisis. Enzymes found in bacterial systems and other microorganisms, from the glaciers of the Arctic to the sandy deserts of Abu Dhabi, provide key tools and understanding as to how we can progress in the biotechnology sector. These extremophilic bacteria harness the adaptive enzymes capable of withstanding harsh reaction conditions in terms of stability and reactivity. Carbohydrate-active enzymes, including glycoside hydrolases or carbohydrate esterases, are extremely beneficial for the presence and future of biocatalysis. Their involvement in the industry spans from laundry detergents to paper and pulp treatment by degrading oligo/polysaccharides into their monomeric products in almost all detrimental environments. This includes exceedingly high temperatures, pHs or even in the absence of water. In this review, we discuss the structure and function of different glycoside hydrolases from extremophiles, and how they can be applied to industrial-scale reactions to replace the use of harsh chemicals, reduce waste, or decrease energy consumption.
Topics: Glycoside Hydrolases; Bacteria; Biotechnology; Extreme Environments; Extremophiles; Carbohydrates
PubMed: 38185295
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129227 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... May 2024The article discusses the issue of extensive use of detergents and sanitizers in the time of new challenges associated with the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. These... (Review)
Review
The article discusses the issue of extensive use of detergents and sanitizers in the time of new challenges associated with the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. These agents could pose threats to the existence of free-living invertebrates as essential components of the ecosystem. The biological effects of the mentioned classes of substances, their metabolites, and combined effects in the mixture have not been studied enough. The main challenges in trying to balance the threats and benefits of using such substances are the lack of knowledge of the biological effects of these products, the gaps in testing invertebrates' responses, and changes in environment-related regulations to minimize risks to animals and humans. Numerous studies in this field still leave research gaps, particularly concerning the combined toxicity of well-known and widely used disinfectants, surfactants, and heavy metals, posing potential future challenges. Additionally, the review identified the need for additional testing of invertebrates for their sensitivity to disinfectants and surfactants of different compositions, including improved (non-invasive) methods, studies for early life stages, and comparative studies of species resilience.
PubMed: 38891631
DOI: 10.3390/ani14111584 -
Animal Bioscience Feb 2024This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of wilted and unwilted silage on various parameters, such as nutrient content, fermentation quality, bacterial...
OBJECTIVE
This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of wilted and unwilted silage on various parameters, such as nutrient content, fermentation quality, bacterial populations, and digestibility.
METHODS
Thirty-six studies from Scopus were included in the database and analyzed using a random effects model in OpenMEE software. The studies were grouped into two categories: wilting silage (experiment group) and non-wilting silage (control group). Publication bias was assessed using a fail-safe number.
RESULTS
The results showed that wilting before ensiling significantly increased the levels of dry matter, water-soluble carbohydrates, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber, compared to non-wilting silage (p < 0.05). However, wilting significantly decreased dry matter losses, lactic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, and ammonia levels (p < 0.05). The pH, crude protein, and ash contents remained unaffected by the wilting process. Additionally, the meta-analysis revealed no significant differences in bacterial populations, including lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and aerobic bacteria, or in vitro dry matter digestibility between the two groups (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Wilting before ensiling significantly improved silage quality by increasing dry matter and water-soluble carbohydrates, as well as reducing dry matter losses, butyric acid, and ammonia. Importantly, wilting did not have a significant impact on pH, crude protein, or in vitro dry matter digestibility.
PubMed: 38419545
DOI: 10.5713/ab.23.0403 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023The present work reports on the fabrication of high-density polyethylene sponges, decorated with Mn-doped ZnO nanostructures. The sponges were developed utilizing...
The present work reports on the fabrication of high-density polyethylene sponges, decorated with Mn-doped ZnO nanostructures. The sponges were developed utilizing three-dimensional printing technology, while Mn-doped ZnO nanostructures, with varying doping levels, were grown at mild temperatures. The nanostructures were fully characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy, revealing the existence of Mn doping. Moreover, their photocatalytic properties were investigated using the degradation/decolorization of a commercially available liquid laundry detergent, based on synthetic, less foaming ingredients, under UV irradiation. The Mn-doped ZnO nanostructures show better photocatalytic activity at higher doping levels. This study demonstrates that it is possible to achieve the adequate degradation of a typical detergent solution in water by means of low-cost and environmentally friendly approaches, while Mn-doped ZnO/HDPE nanostructures are good candidates for real environmental applications.
PubMed: 37629963
DOI: 10.3390/ma16165672 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Adequate menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) is necessary for women's health and equity of all menstruators. Female sex workers (FSW) require good MHH to prevent...
INTRODUCTION
Adequate menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) is necessary for women's health and equity of all menstruators. Female sex workers (FSW) require good MHH to prevent discomfort and exposure to pathogens. No studies have evaluated water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions of FSW. We report on a cross-sectional WASH assessment at FSW venues in Kisumu, western Kenya.
METHODS
Stakeholders identified 77 FSW venues in Kisumu, of which 47 were randomly sampled and visited between April-May 2023. A standardized structured survey of WASH conditions was deployed by trained research staff using Android tablets after proprietor's consent. WASH scores ranging 0-3 were computed based on point each for direct observation of water available, soap available, and acceptable latrine. MHH scores ranging between 0-4 were computed (one point each) for direct observation of: currently available soap and water, locking door on a usable latrine, functional lighting, and a private area for changing clothes or menstrual materials, separate from the latrine(s). WASH and MHH scores were compared by venue type using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis tests, and non-parametric Spearman rank tests.
RESULTS
Full WASH criteria was met by 29.8% of venues; 34.0% had no adequate WASH facilities; 46.8% had no female latrine; and 25.5% provided soap and water in private spaces for women. While 76.6% had menstrual waste disposal only 14 (29.8%) had covered bins. One in 10 venues provided adequate MHM facilities. Poorest WASH facilities were in brothels and in bars, and three-quarters of bars with accommodation had no MHH facilities.
DISCUSSION
WASH and MHH services were sub-optimal in the majority of FSW venues, preventing menstrual management safely, effectively, with dignity and privacy. This study highlights the unmet need for MHH support for this population. Poor MHH can deleteriously impact FSW health and wellbeing and compound the stigma and shame associated with their work and ability to stay clean. Acceptable and cost-effective solutions to sustainably improve WASH facilities for these populations are needed.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Clinicaltrial.gov NCT0566678.
Topics: Female; Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Hygiene; Sanitation; Sex Work; Sex Workers; Soaps; Water
PubMed: 38481834
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1305601