1
|
Hansen CC, Sørensen M, Bellucci M, Brandt W, Olsen CE, Goodger JQD, Woodrow IE, Lindberg Møller B, Neilson EHJ. Recruitment of distinct UDP-glycosyltransferase families demonstrates dynamic evolution of chemical defense within Eucalyptus L'Hér. New Phytol 2023; 237:999-1013. [PMID: 36305250 PMCID: PMC10107851 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The economic and ecologically important genus Eucalyptus is rich in structurally diverse specialized metabolites. While some specialized metabolite classes are highly prevalent across the genus, the cyanogenic glucoside prunasin is only produced by c. 3% of species. To investigate the evolutionary mechanisms behind prunasin biosynthesis in Eucalyptus, we compared de novo assembled transcriptomes, together with online resources between cyanogenic and acyanogenic species. Identified genes were characterized in vivo and in vitro. Pathway characterization of cyanogenic Eucalyptus camphora and Eucalyptus yarraensis showed for the first time that the final glucosylation step from mandelonitrile to prunasin is catalyzed by a novel UDP-glucosyltransferase UGT87. This step is typically catalyzed by a member of the UGT85 family, including in Eucalyptus cladocalyx. The upstream conversion of phenylalanine to mandelonitrile is catalyzed by three cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes from the CYP79, CYP706, and CYP71 families, as previously shown. Analysis of acyanogenic Eucalyptus species revealed the loss of different ortholog prunasin biosynthetic genes. The recruitment of UGTs from different families for prunasin biosynthesis in Eucalyptus demonstrates important pathway heterogeneities and unprecedented dynamic pathway evolution of chemical defense within a single genus. Overall, this study provides relevant insights into the tremendous adaptability of these long-lived trees.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Cetti Hansen
- Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental ScienceUniversity of Copenhagen1871Frederiksberg CDenmark
| | - Mette Sørensen
- Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental ScienceUniversity of Copenhagen1871Frederiksberg CDenmark
| | - Matteo Bellucci
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Protein Production and Characterization PlatformUniversity of Copenhagen2200CopenhagenDenmark
| | - Wolfgang Brandt
- Department of Bioorganic ChemistryLeibniz‐Institute of Plant BiochemistryHalle06120Germany
| | - Carl Erik Olsen
- Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental ScienceUniversity of Copenhagen1871Frederiksberg CDenmark
| | | | - Ian E. Woodrow
- School of Ecosystem and Forest SciencesThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVic.3052Australia
| | - Birger Lindberg Møller
- Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental ScienceUniversity of Copenhagen1871Frederiksberg CDenmark
| | - Elizabeth H. J. Neilson
- Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental ScienceUniversity of Copenhagen1871Frederiksberg CDenmark
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bellucci M, Borruso L, Piergiacomo F, Brusetti L, Beneduce L. The effect of substituting energy crop with agricultural waste on the dynamics of bacterial communities in a two-stage anaerobic digester. Chemosphere 2022; 294:133776. [PMID: 35093420 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The replacement of energy crops with agricultural waste in biogas production through anaerobic digestion (AD) is both an environmentally sustainable and economically profitable strategy. However, the change of feeding mix in AD might result in nutrient imbalance or increase of the ammonium concentration, negatively affecting the activity of the microbes responsible for the process. In the present study the structure and dynamics of the bacterial communities of a full-scale two-stage AD plant, composed of a hydrolysis/acidogenesis (H) and an acetogenesis/methanogenesis (M) tanks, was monitored during feedstock substitution. Energy crop (triticale) was replaced by poultry manure litter and olive mill pomace. The increase percentage of poultry manure litter (up to 8.6%) and olive mill pomace (up to 30.5%) in the recipe incremented the total solids (up to 21% in H) and, consequently, the nitrogen content in the digestate (6.7 g N/kg in the solid fraction in H and 4-5 g NH4+-N/L in the liquid fraction). This favored the growth of Lactococcus sp. with consequent increment of lactate production (∼ 1 mg L-1 last two days of the survey) and the establishment of Weissella and Lactobacillus spp. Syntrophic acetate-oxidizers, including Syntrophaceticus (6% ± 1.7%), were detected manly in M but were negatively affected by the addition of the poultry manure litter, while the sulfate-reducing bacteria correlated with the variations of the volatile fatty acids. Planctomycetes putatively capable of anammox process were also found in the H during the first two days of the survey and accounted for 0.3 ± 0.01% of the total bacterial community. The stability of the process during feedstock change is the result of the shift of bacterial populations of different functional groups that showed peculiar adaptation patterns in the two stages of the plant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Bellucci
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - L Borruso
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bolzano-Bozen, Piazza Università 1, 39100, Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
| | - F Piergiacomo
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bolzano-Bozen, Piazza Università 1, 39100, Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
| | - L Brusetti
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bolzano-Bozen, Piazza Università 1, 39100, Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
| | - L Beneduce
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rossi S, Pizzera A, Bellucci M, Marazzi F, Mezzanotte V, Parati K, Ficara E. Piggery wastewater treatment with algae-bacteria consortia: Pilot-scale validation and techno-economic evaluation at farm level. Bioresour Technol 2022; 351:127051. [PMID: 35341919 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The efficiency of an outdoor pilot-scale raceway pond treating the wastewaters generated by a large-scale piggery farm in Northern Italy was evaluated. The biomass productivity over 208 days of experimentation was 10.7 ± 6.5 g TSS·m-2·d-1, and ammoniacal nitrogen, orthophosphate, and COD average removal efficiencies were 90%, 90%, and 59%, respectively. Results were used to perform a comprehensive techno-economic analysis for integrating algae-based processes in farms of different sizes (100-10000 pigs). The amount of N disposed of on agricultural land could be reduced from 91% to 21%, increasing the fraction returned to the atmosphere from 2.4% to 63%, and the fraction in the biomass from 6.2% to 16%. For intensive farming, the release of 110 t N·ha-1·y-1 contained in the digestate could be avoided by including algae-bacteria processes. The biomass production cost was as low as 1.9 €·kg-1, while the cost for nitrogen removal was 4.3 €·kg N-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Rossi
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), P.zza L. da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - A Pizzera
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), P.zza L. da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - M Bellucci
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), P.zza L. da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - F Marazzi
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Bicocca, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), P.zza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - V Mezzanotte
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Bicocca, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), P.zza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - K Parati
- Istituto Sperimentale Italiano Lazzaro Spallanzani, Località La Quercia, Cremona, Rivolta d'Adda, Italy
| | - E Ficara
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), P.zza L. da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Thodberg S, Sørensen M, Bellucci M, Crocoll C, Bendtsen AK, Nelson DR, Motawia MS, Møller BL, Neilson EHJ. A flavin-dependent monooxygenase catalyzes the initial step in cyanogenic glycoside synthesis in ferns. Commun Biol 2020; 3:507. [PMID: 32917937 PMCID: PMC7486406 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01224-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanogenic glycosides form part of a binary plant defense system that, upon catabolism, detonates a toxic hydrogen cyanide bomb. In seed plants, the initial step of cyanogenic glycoside biosynthesis-the conversion of an amino acid to the corresponding aldoxime-is catalyzed by a cytochrome P450 from the CYP79 family. An evolutionary conundrum arises, as no CYP79s have been identified in ferns, despite cyanogenic glycoside occurrence in several fern species. Here, we report that a flavin-dependent monooxygenase (fern oxime synthase; FOS1), catalyzes the first step of cyanogenic glycoside biosynthesis in two fern species (Phlebodium aureum and Pteridium aquilinum), demonstrating convergent evolution of biosynthesis across the plant kingdom. The FOS1 sequence from the two species is near identical (98%), despite diversifying 140 MYA. Recombinant FOS1 was isolated as a catalytic active dimer, and in planta, catalyzes formation of an N-hydroxylated primary amino acid; a class of metabolite not previously observed in plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Thodberg
- Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
- VILLUM Center for Plant Plasticity, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette Sørensen
- Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
- VILLUM Center for Plant Plasticity, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matteo Bellucci
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Protein Production and Characterization Platform, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Christoph Crocoll
- Section for Plant Molecular Biology, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Amalie Kofoed Bendtsen
- Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
- VILLUM Center for Plant Plasticity, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Ralph Nelson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee, 858 Madison Ave. Suite G01, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Mohammed Saddik Motawia
- Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
- VILLUM Center for Plant Plasticity, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Birger Lindberg Møller
- Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
- VILLUM Center for Plant Plasticity, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elizabeth Heather Jakobsen Neilson
- Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- VILLUM Center for Plant Plasticity, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Marazzi F, Bellucci M, Rossi S, Fornaroli R, Ficara E, Mezzanotte V. Outdoor pilot trial integrating a sidestream microalgae process for the treatment of centrate under non optimal climate conditions. ALGAL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2019.101430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
6
|
Pizzera A, Scaglione D, Bellucci M, Marazzi F, Mezzanotte V, Parati K, Ficara E. Digestate treatment with algae-bacteria consortia: A field pilot-scale experimentation in a sub-optimal climate area. Bioresour Technol 2019; 274:232-243. [PMID: 30513411 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2018.11.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This paper addresses the efficiency of a microalgae-based agricultural digestate treatment at pilot-scale in an outdoor raceway pond (880 L, pH-dependent CO2 dosage) and in a bubble column (74.5 L, air-bubbling). Specifically, nitrogen removal, evolution of the algae-bacteria consortium, and the actual process applicability in the Po Valley climate are discussed. The performance of the two reactors varied seasonally. The average algal productivity in the raceway was 32.4 ± 33.1 mg TSS·L-1·d-1 (8.2 ± 8.5 g TSS·m-2·d-1) while in the PBR it was 25.6 ± 26.8 mg TSS·L-1·d-1; the average nitrogen removal was 20 ± 29% (maximum 78%) and 22 ± 29% (maximum 71%) in the raceway and in the column, respectively. Nevertheless, nitrification had a key role as 61 ± 24% and 52 ± 32% of the nitrogen load was oxidized in the raceway and in the column, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Pizzera
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), P.zza L. da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - D Scaglione
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), P.zza L. da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - M Bellucci
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), P.zza L. da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - F Marazzi
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Bicocca, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), P.zza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - V Mezzanotte
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Bicocca, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), P.zza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - K Parati
- Istituto Sperimentale Italiano Lazzaro Spallanzani, Località La Quercia, Cremona, Rivolta d'Adda, Italy
| | - E Ficara
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), P.zza L. da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rossi S, Bellucci M, Marazzi F, Mezzanotte V, Ficara E. Activity assessment of microalgal-bacterial consortia based on respirometric tests. Water Sci Technol 2018; 78:207-215. [PMID: 30101803 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2018.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Respirometric techniques are useful tools to evaluate bacterial activities in activated sludge processes due to their fast execution and the possibility to obtain several kinetic parameters from a single test. Using such techniques in microalgae-bacteria consortia treating wastewater could allow a better understanding of mutual interactions between the microbial populations as a function of environmental parameters. This work aims at developing and testing a novel experimental respirometric protocol to determine oxygen uptake rates and oxygen production rates by a microalgae-bacteria consortium. The defined protocol is characterized by alternating light/dark regimes and by dosing substrates/inhibitors to selectively activate/inactivate microalgal and bacterial metabolisms. The protocol was then applied on microalgal and bacterial consortia, which were grown on the liquid fraction of black water from biogas plants fed on agricultural and municipal waste sludge. Results elucidate the presence and activity of microalgae and nitrifying bacteria in the tested systems, suggesting that the respirometric tests could be included into monitoring procedures of photobioreactors/algal ponds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Rossi
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile e Ambientale (DICA), Politecnico di Milano, P.zza L. da Vinci 32, Milano 20133, Italy E-mail:
| | - M Bellucci
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile e Ambientale (DICA), Politecnico di Milano, P.zza L. da Vinci 32, Milano 20133, Italy E-mail:
| | - F Marazzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Ambiente e della Terra (DISAT), Università degli Studi di Milano - Bicocca, P.zza della Scienza 1, Milano 20126, Italy
| | - V Mezzanotte
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Ambiente e della Terra (DISAT), Università degli Studi di Milano - Bicocca, P.zza della Scienza 1, Milano 20126, Italy
| | - E Ficara
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile e Ambientale (DICA), Politecnico di Milano, P.zza L. da Vinci 32, Milano 20133, Italy E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Iacono A, Pompa A, De Marchis F, Bellucci M, Grassi F, Grohmann U, Pallotta M. Relationship between functions and intracellular localization of the immune checkpoint target indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1. Ann Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdy047.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
9
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Advancements in technology have proved useful for many businesses including medical practices. Consequently, these improvements have increased the need to develop new applications for mobile devices. Our group conceived and developed an application for tablets, PCs, and smartphones with the aim to assist the physician in the management of the pelvic floor diseases: iProcto. The aim of this study was to evaluate the receptivity of patients resulting from using the said pelvic floor application (iProcto) during a colon-proctologic visit; and to establish whether it can be more efficient in helping with diagnosis compared to a traditional visit. METHODS We enrolled 126 patients with pelvic floor disorders during the period of 2013 and 2014. The average age of the patients ranging from 16 - 43 years of age, 80 of those, being women. Sixty-three patients were randomly assigned to iProcto consultation (group A), the remaining 63 patients to attended a regular consultation that did not include iProcto (group B). Post consultation, all patients were asked to answer a questionnaire anonymously where they were asked questions about their level of satisfaction, and clarity of the doctor's explanation, on a scale from 1 (dissatisfied) to 5 (completely satisfied). RESULTS Patients in group A have a score average relative to the degree of satisfaction of 4.2 ± 0.7 vs 3.5 ± 0.7 in the group B (m ± sd; p 0.001). Only 3 patients in group A and 15 in group B did not consider the visit satisfactory (score ≤2). With regard to the clarity of the physician the group A patients presented a means score of 4.4 ± 0.8 vs 3.5 ± 0.4 in the group B (m ± ds; p 0.001). Data shows that 95% showed a gain in satisfaction during the iProcto visit as compared to 78% without iProcto. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion the use of iProcto for the pelvic floor diseases can improve the understanding of the disease and increase the degree of patient satisfaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Gaj
- Department of General Surgery, Surgical Specialties and Organ Transplantation "Paride Stefanini", Azienda Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - M Bellucci
- Department of General Surgery, Surgical Specialties and Organ Transplantation "Paride Stefanini", Azienda Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - I Biviano
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bellucci M, Ofiţeru ID, Head IM, Curtis TP, Graham DW. Nitrification in hybrid bioreactors treating simulated domestic wastewater. J Appl Microbiol 2013; 115:621-30. [PMID: 23611422 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2013] [Revised: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM To provide deeper insights into nitrification process within aerobic bioreactors containing supplemental physical support media (hybrid bioreactors). METHODS AND RESULTS Three bench-scale hybrid bioreactors with different media size and one control bioreactor were operated to assess how biofilm integrity influences microbial community conditions and bioreactor performance. The systems were operated initially at a 5-day hydraulic retention time (HRT), and all reactors displayed efficient nitrification and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal (>95%). However, when HRT was reduced to 2.5 days, COD removal rates remained high, but nitrification efficiencies declined in all reactors after 19 days. To explain reduced performance, nitrifying bacterial communities (ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, AOB; nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, NOB) were examined in the liquid phase and also on the beads using qPCR, FISH and DGGE. Overall, the presence of the beads in a reactor promoted bacterial abundances and diversity, but as bead size was increased, biofilms with active coupled AOB-NOB activity were less apparent, resulting in incomplete nitrification. CONCLUSIONS Hybrid bioreactors have potential to sustain effective nitrification at low HRTs, but support media size and configuration type must be optimized to ensure coupled AOB and NOB activity in nitrification. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This study shows that AOB and NOB coupling must be accomplished to minimize nitrification failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Bellucci
- School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Martin-Diaconescu V, Bellucci M, Musiani F, Ciurli S, Maroney MJ. Unraveling the Helicobacter pylori UreG zinc binding site using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and structural modeling. J Biol Inorg Chem 2011; 17:353-61. [PMID: 22068961 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-011-0857-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenicity of Helicobacter pylori depends on the activity of urease for pH modification. Urease activity requires assembly of a dinickel active site that is facilitated in part by GTP hydrolysis by UreG. The proper functioning of Helicobacter pylori UreG (HpUreG) is dependent on Zn(II) binding and dimerization. X-ray absorption spectroscopy and structural modeling were used to elucidate the structure of the Zn(II) site in HpUreG. These studies independently indicated a site at the dimer interface that has trigonal bipyramidal geometry and is composed of two axial cysteines at 2.29(2) Å, two equatorial histidines at 1.99(1) Å, and a solvent-accessible coordination site. The final model for the Zn(II) site structure was determined by refining multiple-scattering extended X-ray absorption fine structure fits using the geometry predicted by homology modeling and ab initio calculations.
Collapse
|
12
|
Musiani F, Bellucci M, Ciurli S. Model Structures of Helicobacter pylori UreD(H) Domains: A Putative Molecular Recognition Platform. J Chem Inf Model 2011; 51:1513-20. [DOI: 10.1021/ci200183n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Musiani
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, University of Bologna, Viale G. Fanin 40, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Bellucci
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, University of Bologna, Viale G. Fanin 40, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ciurli
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, University of Bologna, Viale G. Fanin 40, 40127 Bologna, Italy
- Center for Magnetic Resonance (CERM), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
De Marchis F, Balducci C, Pagiotti R, Arcioni S, Beccari T, Bellucci M. Enzyme replacement therapy: Production of human α-mannosidase in transgenic tobacco plants. J Biotechnol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2010.08.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
14
|
Abstract
The binding constants between Ni2+ and Helicobacterpylori NikR have been determined using isothermal titration microcalorimetry in order to rationalize the role of this protein as a nickel-dependent biological sensor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Zambelli
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Agro-Environmental Science and Technology, University of Bologna, Viale G. Fanin 40, I-40127 Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bellucci M, De Marchis F, Mannucci R, Arcioni S. Jellyfish green fluorescent protein as a useful reporter for transient expression and stable transformation in Medicago sativa L. Plant Cell Rep 2003; 22:328-337. [PMID: 12937943 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-003-0693-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2003] [Revised: 07/16/2003] [Accepted: 07/17/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the experiments reported herein was to transiently test different gene constructs using green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter gene for a future localization of the maize beta-zein in the chloroplast of alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.). The transient expression of two GFP genes was compared in alfalfa leaves to determine which of these two mutants is the easier to detect. Based on the intensity of fluorescence emitted, the GFP S65C gene was used to assemble a chloroplast-targeted GFP to verify the efficiency of the transit peptide for chloroplast targeting. A chloroplast-targeted fusion protein between beta-zein and GFP was then assembled, and this protein was observed to accumulate in small aggregates into the chloroplasts of transiently transformed cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the GFP S65C gene being used to obtain transformed alfalfa plants expressing GFP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Bellucci
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Research Division of Perugia, CNR, Via Madonna Alta, 130, 06128 Perugia, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Cytomixis (i.e., chromatin migration between meiocytes) has been detected in many plant species, but not in Medicago sativa spp. In the present study we report the identification of a few cytomictic alfalfa plants. Those plants, the "mother plants," were selfed and crossed with a normal control plant. Microsporogenesis analysis was performed on the mother plants, on the S(1) and F(1) plants, and on controls. The S(1) and F(1) plants, like the mother plants, were found to be cytomictic. Single or multiple chromatin bridges between two or more meiocytes were observed almost exclusively in prophase I. Some completely empty meiocytes were also observed. In addition to cytomixis, other meiotic abnormalities were found. Control plants showed an almost regular meiosis. The highest values of cytomixis were observed in the mother plants, and the lowest in their F(1) progenies. Variability of cytomixis in the F(1) plants is probably due to a heterozygotic condition of the parents for this trait. No significant correlation was found between cytomixis and pollen viability, even if the cytomictic plants showed low values of pollen viability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Bellucci
- Institute of Plant Genetics - Research Division of Perugia, CNR, via della Madonna Alta, 130, 06128 Perugia, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Genetic engineering is becoming a useful tool in the improvement of plants but concern has been expressed about the potential environmental risks of releasing genetically modified (GM) organisms into the environment. Attention has focused on pollen dispersal as a major issue in the risk assessment of transgenic crop plants. In this study, pollen-mediated dispersal of transgenes via cross-fertilization was examined. Plants of Lotus corniculatus L. transformed with either the Escherichia coli asparagine synthetase gene asnA or the beta-glucuronidase gene uidA, were used as the pollen donor. Nontransgenic plants belonging to the species L. corniculatus L., L. tenuis Waldst. and Kit. ex Willd, and L. pedunculatus Cav., were utilized as recipients. Two experimental fields were established in two areas of central Italy. Plants carrying the uidA gene were partially sterile, therefore only the asnA gene was used as a tracer marker. No transgene flow between L. corniculatus transformants and the nontransgenic L. tenuis and L. pedunculatus plants was detected. As regards nontransgenic L. corniculatus plants, in one location flow of asnA transgene was detected up to 18 m from the 1.8 m2 donor plot. In the other location, pollen dispersal occurred up to 120 m from the 14 m2 pollinating plot.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F De Marchis
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Research Division of Perugia, CNR, Via Madonna Alta, 130, 06128, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bellucci M, Tonges MC, Kopelman R. Doing well by doing good. The case for objective feedback in case management. J Case Manag 2000; 7:161-6. [PMID: 10703383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Social service programs that do not generate sufficient revenues will not survive in a Fee-For-Service (FFS) system. Yet a concern about finances is alien to many social workers' client-centered orientation. This article presents findings from a study that evaluated the effect of an objective feedback intervention on social workers' productivity in an FFS HIV/AIDS case management program. Results showed a substantial increase in billable hours (13.4% year-to-year; 6.4% pre- to-post intervention) which enable the program to reverse its operating deficit and raise staff salaries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Bellucci
- Richmond Home Need Services, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bazzano C, Cilia G, Bellucci M, Cama G. THE ENERGY COST OF TWO MODES OF EXERCISE: EDUCATIVE GYMNASTIC VS. AEROBIC DANCE. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1998. [DOI: 10.1097/00005768-199805001-00317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
20
|
Gobbetti M, Smacchi E, Corsetti A, Bellucci M. Inhibition of Proteolytic Enzymes from Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 948 and Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme by Peptides from Zein, Hordein, and Gluten Hydrolysates. J Food Prot 1997; 60:499-504. [PMID: 31195588 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x-60.5.499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Peptides inhibitory to partially purified endopeptidase and crude proteinase from Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 948 were isolated from tryptic hydrolysates of zein and hordein by reversed-phase fast protein liquid chromatography and identified by sequencing. The sequences are Ser-Ala-Tyr-Pro-Gly-Gln-Ile-Thr-Ser-Asn and Gln-Val-Ser-Leu-Asn-Ser-Gly-Tyr-Tyr for peptides from zein and hordein, respectively. Inhibitions of >85% and from >50 to >85% were determined on endopeptidase and proteinase by peptides from zein and hordein. Ki values ranged from 4 to 32 μM. The same peptides also showed inhibition of the angiotensin I-converting enzyme. The concentrations of peptides providing 50% inhibition of angiotensin I-converting enzyme were 7 and 23 μM for the decapeptide and nonapeptide, respectively. Other fractions containing peptides with less inhibitory activity were detected in the zein as well as in the gluten tryptic digests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Gobbetti
- Institute of Dairy Microbiology, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Perugia, S. Costanzo, 06126 Perugia
| | - E Smacchi
- Institute of Dairy Microbiology, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Perugia, S. Costanzo, 06126 Perugia
| | - A Corsetti
- Institute of Dairy Microbiology, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Perugia, S. Costanzo, 06126 Perugia
| | - M Bellucci
- Istituto di Ricerche sul Miglioramento Genetico delle Piante Foraggere, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bellucci M, DiOrio J, Moubayed S. Uterine inversion secondary to placenta accreta in a diethylstilbestrol-exposed parturient. A case report. J Reprod Med 1987; 32:236-7. [PMID: 3572908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The potential for a poor reproductive outcome is particularly pronounced in women with cervicovaginal changes related to diethylstilbestrol (DES). A women with documented DES exposure and cervicovaginal abnormalities developed an acute postpartum uterine inversion requiring a hysterectomy.
Collapse
|
22
|
De Benedictis FM, Bellucci M, Antonini C, Amici A. [Hypoplasia of intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts associated with congenital abnormalities]. Pediatr Med Chir 1982; 4:547-50. [PMID: 6927355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The present report deals with a patient affected by Alagille's syndrome. The clinical hallmark of this syndrome is chronic cholestasis with ductular and extrahepatic hypoplasia and associated multiple congenital malformations. The diagnosis was made by hepatobiliary scanning with TC99-HIDA, transendoscopic cholangiography and liver biopsy.
Collapse
|