Operational patterns affecting lactic acid production in ultrafiltration cell recycle bioreactor

Lactic acid production with cell recycling on an ultrafiltration tubular membrane reactor was studied; higher lactic acid concentrations as well as productivities were obtained under long-term fermentations compared with other high cell density systems. Different operational conditions, namely dilution rates and start-up modes, were assessed. Performances were very different at the three different dilution rates tested (D = 0.20 h(-1), D = 0.40 h(-1), or D = 0.58 h(-1)). The different behaviours are discussed and factors responsible for them are presented. The best way to operate for lactic acid production is chosen, the dilution rate of D = 0.40 h(-1) being the one providing the best overall performance. On the other hand, results show that of the two start-up modes tested, continuous start (membrane open) permits higher permeabilities throughout the operational runs than batch start (membrane closed). Operational stability was found to be directly associated with membranes that work at "steady state," the membrane permeability being kept around 15 L/m(2) h. Optimized cell bleed can improve time of operation if such membrane permeability can be maintained for a longer time. A comparison of results with those obtained in other lactic acid production systems is presented; such comparison shows that this tubular ultrafiltration membrane cell recycle reactor presents three important advantages: (1) concomitant lactic acid concentrations and productivities; (2) long periods of operation at reasonable permeabilities; and (3) good mechanical stability permitting the use of steam sterilization. (c) 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

The complete amino acid sequence of the major alpha subunit of the lectin from the seeds of Dioclea grandiflora (Mart)

The complete amino acid sequence of the major alpha subunit of the lectin from seeds of Dioclea grandiflora was determined. The sequence was deduced from analysis of peptides derived from the native alpha subunit by digestion with trypsin, chymotrypsin, the Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease, and pepsin; and from larger peptides produced by digestion of the citraconylated protein with trypsin. The alpha subunit consists of a single polypeptide chain of 237 amino acids which differs from the sequence of concanavalin in 53 positions. Significant levels of heterogeneity were observed in five positions in the sequence.     

Urea-Elicited Changes in Relative Electrophoretic Mobility of Certain Glycinin and beta-Conglycinin Subunits

Six molar urea in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels altered the relative electrophoretic mobility of several soybean protein subunits. Glycinin acidic polypeptide components A₃ and A₄ could be resolved from the other acidic polypeptides. A variant of the δ′ subunit of β-conglycinin was identified.     

High cell density reactor for the production ofLactobacillus plantarum

Summary The production of a flocculent strain ofLactobacillus plantarum was performed in a high cell density reactor: a fluidized bed reactor (FBR) with a settler and an external cell recirculation. Two variables were assessed, the recirculation rate (R) and the dilution rate (D). The effect of the latter is much more important than the effect of the former in ensuring a quick start up in the flocculation process. The cell volumetric productivities obtained with this system increase directly with dilution rate and recirculation rate. The values of cell volumetric productivities obtained are considerably higher than those obtained in continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTR) and much higher than in batch reactors.     

A novel peptide-producing cell in Xenopus: multinucleated gastric mucosal cell strikingly similar to the granular gland of the skin.

We have characterized a novel peptide-containing cell within the gastric mucosa of Xenopus laevis. The cell is a spherical, multinucleated syncytial structure containing a cytoplasmic space filled with dense rice-shaped granules, and is strikingly similar in morphology to the well-studied granular gland of the amphibian skin. Immunohistochemical and immunogold methods were used to demonstrate that several peptides previously isolated from the granular glands of the skin, including the antimicrobial peptides magainin and PGLa (a peptide with amino-terminal glycine and carboxy-terminal leucinamide), are also stored in granules present in these enteric cells. These data demonstrate that this enteric peptide-producing cell is strikingly similar both morphologically and biochemically to the granular gland, previously considered a highly specialized structure of the amphibian integument. This novel gastric mucosal cell, which we have designated a "granular multinucleated cell," is distinct in its morphology and its diversity of stored peptide products from other well-characterized peptide-containing cells in the vertebrate gastrointestinal tract.     

Vagal function impairment after exercise training.

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the vagal function of trained (T) and sedentary (S) rats by use of different approaches in the same animal. After 13 wk of exercise training (treadmill for 1 h 5 times/wk at 26.8 m/min and 15% grade), T rats had a resting heart rate (HR) slightly but significantly lower than S rats (299 +/- 3 vs. 308 +/- 3 beats/min). T rats had marked reduction of the intrinsic HR (329 +/- 4 vs. 369 +/- 5 beats/min) after blockade by methylatropine and propranolol. They also exhibited depressed vagal and sympathetic tonus. Baroreflex bradycardia (phenylephrine injections) was reduced, bradycardic responses produced by electrical stimulation of the vagus were depressed, and responses to methacholine injection were decreased in T rats. Therefore several evidences of vagal function impairment were observed in T rats. The resting bradycardia after exercise training is more likely to be dependent on alterations of the pacemaker cells, inasmuch as the intrinsic HR was markedly reduced.     

Lectins from seeds of jack fruit (Artocarpus integrifolia L.): isolation and purification of two isolectins from the albumin fraction

Two isolectins were isolated from the albumin fraction ofArtocarpus integrifolia L. seeds, by precipitation with ammonium sulfate, and DEAE-cellulose and SP-Sephadex C-50 chromatography. The isolectins, when passed through Sephadex G-100 at pH 7.4, had a molecular mass of 43 000 and when subjected to SDS electrophoresis in the presence of β-mercaptoethanol consisted of two subunits with molecular mass of 11 250 and 15 000. When they were tested with human erythrocytes of all the groups of the ABO system there was no blood specificity. The isolectins formed interference arcs by Ouchterlony double diffusion in agarose gel. Part 1.     

Impact of Epstein-Barr virus co-infection on natural acquired Plasmodium vivax antibody response

BackgroundThe simultaneous infection of Plasmodium falciparum and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) could promote the development of the aggressive endemic Burkitt’s Lymphoma (eBL) in children living in P. falciparum holoendemic areas. While it is well-established that eBL is not related to other human malaria parasites, the impact of EBV infection on the generation of human malaria immunity remains largely unexplored. Considering that this highly prevalent herpesvirus establishes a lifelong persistent infection on B-cells with possible influence on malaria immunity, we hypothesized that EBV co-infection could have impact on the naturally acquired antibody responses to P. vivax, the most widespread human malaria parasite.Methodology/Principal findingsThe study design involved three cross-sectional surveys at six-month intervals (baseline, 6 and 12 months) among long-term P. vivax exposed individuals living in the Amazon rainforest. The approach focused on a group of malaria-exposed individuals whose EBV-DNA (amplification of balf-5 gene) was persistently detected in the peripheral blood (PersV_DNA, n = 27), and an age-matched malaria-exposed group whose EBV-DNA could never be detected during the follow-up (NegV_DNA, n = 29). During the follow-up period, the serological detection of EBV antibodies to lytic/ latent viral antigens showed that IgG antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA-p18) were significantly different between groups (PersV_DNA > NegV_DNA). A panel of blood-stage P. vivax antigens covering a wide range of immunogenicity confirmed that in general PersV_DNA group showed low levels of antibodies as compared with NegV_DNA. Interestingly, more significant differences were observed to a novel DBPII immunogen, named DEKnull-2, which has been associated with long-term neutralizing antibody response. Differences between groups were less pronounced with blood-stage antigens (such as MSP1-19) whose levels can fluctuate according to malaria transmission.Conclusions/SignificanceIn a proof-of-concept study we provide evidence that a persistent detection of EBV-DNA in peripheral blood of adults in a P. vivax semi-immune population may impact the long-term immune response to major malaria vaccine candidates.     

Biological nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization by bacteria isolated from tropical soils

Introduction

In addition to fixing atmospheric nitrogen, some bacterial isolates can also solubilize insoluble phosphates, further contributing to plant growth.

Aims

The objectives of this study were the following: isolate, select, and identify nodulating bacteria in the cowpea that are efficient not only in biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) but also in the solubilization of insoluble inorganic phosphates; identify and quantify the organic acids produced; and establish the relationship between those acids and the solubilizing capacity.

Methods

The bacteria were captured from two soils containing high concentrations of insoluble phosphorus from the cities of Lavras and Patos de Minas, using the cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] as bait. We obtained 78 strains, which were characterized according to their cultural attributes in culture medium 79 with the strains UFLA 03-84, INPA 03-11B, and BR3267 (approved by the Ministry of Livestock and Supply Agriculture—MAPA, as inoculants for the cowpea) and Burkholderia cepacia (LMG1222^T), which was used as a positive control for phosphate solubilization. Strains that were selected for their efficiency in both processes were identified by 16S rDNA sequence analysis. We evaluated the symbiotic efficiency (BNF) in a greenhouse and the solubilization efficiency of CaHPO₄, Al(H₂PO₄)₃, and FePO₄.2H₂O in solid and liquid GELP media. Strains that excelled at the solubilization of these phosphate sources were also evaluated for the production of the following organic acids: oxalic, citric, gluconic, lactic, succinic, and propionic.

Results

The presence of Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Firmicutes, Microbacterium, Paenibacillus, and Rhizobium was detected by 16S rDNA sequencing and analysis. Bacterial strains obtained from cowpea nodules varied greatly in the efficiency of their BNF and phosphate solubilization processes, especially in the strains UFLA 03-09, UFLA 03-10, UFLA 03-12, and UFLA 03-13, which were more efficient in both processes. More strains were able to solubilize insoluble inorganic calcium and iron phosphates in liquid medium than in solid medium. The production of organic acids was related to the solubilization of CaHPO₄ and FePO₄.2H₂O for some strains, and the type and concentration of the acid influenced this process.

Conclusions

These are the first results obtained with bacterial isolates from tropical soils in which the production of organic acids was detected and quantified to examine the solubilization of insoluble inorganic phosphates.