Production of cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase by immobilized <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus</Emphasis> sp. on chitosan matrix

The whole-cell immobilization on chitosan matrix was evaluated. Bacillus sp., as producer of CGTase, was grown in solid-state and batch cultivation using three types of starches (cassava, potato and cornstarch). Biomass growth and substrate consumption were assessed by flow cytometry and modified phenol–sulfuric acid assays, respectively. Qualitative analysis of CGTase production was determined by colorless area formation on solid culture containing phenolphthalein. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated that bacterial cells were immobilized on chitosan matrix efficiently. Free cells reached very high numbers during batch culture while immobilized cells maintained initial inoculum concentration. The maximum enzyme activity achieved by free cells was 58.15 U ml^?1 (36 h), 47.50 U ml^?1 (36 h) and 68.36 U ml^?1 (36 h) on cassava, potato and cornstarch, respectively. CGTase activities for immobilized cells were 82.15 U ml^?1 (18 h) on cassava, 79.17 U ml^?1 (12 h) on potato and 55.37 U ml^?1 (in 6 h and max 77.75 U ml^?1 in 36 h) on cornstarch. Application of immobilization technique increased CGTase activity significantly. The immobilized cells produced CGTase with higher activity in a shorter fermentation time comparing to free cells.     

GPS Tracking of Free-Ranging Pigs to Evaluate Ring Strategies for the Control of Cysticercosis/Taeniasis in Peru

Background

Taenia solium, a parasitic cestode that affects humans and pigs, is the leading cause of preventable epilepsy in the developing world. T. solium eggs are released into the environment through the stool of humans infected with an adult intestinal tapeworm (a condition called taeniasis), and cause cysticercosis when ingested by pigs or other humans. A control strategy to intervene within high-risk foci in endemic communities has been proposed as an alternative to mass antihelminthic treatment. In this ring strategy, antihelminthic treatment is targeted to humans and pigs residing within a 100 meter radius of a pig heavily-infected with cysticercosis. Our aim was to describe the roaming ranges of pigs in this region, and to evaluate whether the 100 meter radius rings encompass areas where risk factors for T. solium transmission, such as open human defecation and dense pig activity, are concentrated.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In this study, we used Global Positioning System (GPS) devices to track pig roaming ranges in two rural villages of northern Peru. We selected 41 pigs from two villages to participate in a 48-hour tracking period. Additionally, we surveyed all households to record the locations of open human defecation areas. We found that pigs spent a median of 82.8% (IQR: 73.5, 94.4) of their time roaming within 100 meters of their homes. The size of home ranges varied significantly by pig age, and 93% of the total time spent interacting with open human defecation areas occurred within 100 meters of pig residences.

Conclusions/Significance

These results indicate that 100 meter radius rings around heavily-infected pigs adequately capture the average pig’s roaming area (i.e., home range) and represent an area where the great majority of exposure to human feces occurs.     

Ultra high risk status and transition to psychosis in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is characterized by high rates of psychotic symptoms and schizophrenia, making this condition a promising human model for studying risk factors for psychosis. We explored the predictive value of ultra high risk (UHR) criteria in a sample of patients with 22q11DS. We also examined the additional contribution of socio‐demographic, clinical and cognitive variables to predict transition to psychosis within a mean interval of 32.5 ± 17.6 months after initial assessment. Eighty‐nine participants with 22q11DS (age range: 8‐30 years; mean 16.1 ± 4.7) were assessed using the Structured Interview for Psychosis‐Risk Syndromes. Information on Axis I diagnoses, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, level of functioning and IQ was also collected. At baseline, 22 (24.7%) participants met UHR criteria. Compared to those without a UHR condition, they had a significantly lower functioning, more frequent anxiety disorders, and more severe psychopathology. Transition rate to psychosis was 27.3% in UHR and 4.5% in non‐UHR participants. Cox regression analyses revealed that UHR status significantly predicted conversion to psychosis. Baseline level of functioning was the only other additional predictor. This is the first study investigating the predictive value of UHR criteria in 22q11DS. It indicates that the clinical path leading to psychosis is broadly comparable to that observed in other clinical high‐risk samples. Nevertheless, the relatively high transition rate in non‐UHR individuals suggests that other risk markers should be explored in this population. The role of low functioning as a predictor of transition to psychosis should also be investigated more in depth.     

Biosynthesis and bioactivity of Cynara cardunculus L. guaianolides and hydroxycinnamic acids: a genomic,biochemical and health-promoting perspective

Phytochemistry Reviews - Cynara cardunculus health benefits have aroused much interest, leading to the discovery of valuable bioactive compounds with a crucial role in plant defence. Guaianolides...     

Population and Single-Cell Analysis of Human Cardiogenesis Reveals Unique LGR5 Ventricular Progenitors in Embryonic Outflow Tract

1. Download high-res image (205KB)
2. Download full-size image