Natural products, including a new caboxamycin, from Streptomyces and other Actinobacteria isolated in Spain from storm clouds transported by Northern winds of Arctic origin

Actinobacteria, mostly Streptomyces species, are the main source of natural products essential in medicine. While the majority of producer microorganisms of secondary metabolite are reported from terrestrial or marine environments, there are limited reports of their isolation from atmospheric precipitations. Clouds are considered as atmospheric oases for microorganisms and there is a recent paradigm shift whereby atmospheric-derived Actinobacteria emerge as an alternative source for drug discovery. In this context, we studied a total of 18 bioactive Actinobacteria strains, isolated by sampling nine precipitation events with prevailing Northern winds in the Cantabrian Sea coast, Northern Spain. Backward trajectories meteorological analyses indicate that air masses were originated mostly in the Arctic Ocean, and their trajectory to downwind areas involved the Atlantic Ocean and also terrestrial sources from continental Europe, and in some events from Canada, Greenland, Mauritania and Canary Islands. Taxonomic identification of the isolates, by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, revealed that they are members of three Actinobacteria genera. Fifteen of the isolates are Streptomyces species, thus increasing the number of bioactive species of this genus in the atmosphere to a 6.8% of the total currently validated species. In addition, two of the strains belong to the genus Micromonospora and one to genus Nocardiopsis. These findings reinforce a previous atmospheric dispersal model, extended herein to the genus Micromonospora. Production of bioactive secondary metabolites was screened in ethyl acetate extracts of the strains by LC-UV-MS and a total of 94 secondary metabolites were detected after LC/MS dereplication. Comparative analyses with natural products databases allowed the identification of 69 structurally diverse natural products with contrasted biological activities, mostly as antibiotics and antitumor agents, but also anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiparasitic, immunosuppressant and neuroprotective among others. The molecular formulae of the 25 remaining compounds were determined by HRMS. None of these molecules had been previously reported in natural product databases indicating potentially novel metabolites. As a proof of concept, a new metabolite caboxamycin B (1) was isolated from the culture broth of Streptomyces sp. A-177 and its structure was determined by various spectrometric methods. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first novel natural product obtained from an atmospheric Streptomyces, thus pointing out precipitations as an innovative source for discovering new pharmaceutical natural products.

Bioactive Natural Products in Actinobacteria Isolated in Rainwater From Storm Clouds Transported by Western Winds in Spain

Actinobacteria are the main producers of bioactive natural products essential for human health. Although their diversity in the atmosphere remains largely unexplored, using a multidisciplinary approach, we studied here 27 antibiotic producing Actinobacteria strains, isolated from 13 different precipitation events at three locations in Northern and Southern Spain. Rain samples were collected throughout 2013-2016, from events with prevailing Western winds. NOAA HYSPLIT meteorological analyses were used to estimate the sources and trajectories of the air-mass that caused the rainfall events. Five-day backward air masses trajectories of the diverse events reveals a main oceanic source from the North Atlantic Ocean, and in some events long range transport from the Pacific and the Arctic Oceans; terrestrial sources from continental North America and Western Europe were also estimated. Different strains were isolated depending on the precipitation event and the latitude of the sampling site. Taxonomic identification by 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed these strains to belong to two Actinobacteria genera. Most of the isolates belong to the genus Streptomyces, thus increasing the number of species of this genus isolated from the atmosphere. Furthermore, five strains belonging to the rare Actinobacterial genus Nocardiopsis were isolated in some events. These results reinforce our previous Streptomyces atmospheric dispersion model, which we extend herein to the genus Nocardiopsis. Production of bioactive secondary metabolites was analyzed by LC-UV-MS. Comparative analyses of Streptomyces and Nocardiopsis metabolites with natural product databases led to the identification of multiple, chemically diverse, compounds. Among bioactive natural products identified 55% are antibiotics, both antibacterial and antifungal, and 23% have antitumor or cytotoxic properties; also compounds with antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, antiviral, insecticidal, neuroprotective, anti-arthritic activities were found. Our findings suggest that over time, through samples collected from different precipitation events, and space, in different sampling places, we can have access to a great diversity of Actinobacteria producing an extraordinary reservoir of bioactive natural products, from remote and very distant origins, thus highlighting the atmosphere as a contrasted source for the discovery of novel compounds of relevance in medicine and biotechnology.

Desertomycin G, a New Antibiotic with Activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Human Breast Tumor Cell Lines Produced by Streptomyces althioticus MSM3, Isolated from the Cantabrian Sea Intertidal Macroalgae Ulva sp

The isolation and structural elucidation of a structurally new desertomycin, designated as desertomycin G (1), with strong antibiotic activity against several clinically relevant antibiotic resistant pathogens are described herein. This new natural product was obtained from cultures of the marine actinomycete Streptomyces althioticus MSM3, isolated from samples of the intertidal seaweed Ulva sp. collected in the Cantabrian Sea (Northeast Atlantic Ocean). Particularly interesting is its strong antibiotic activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates, resistant to antibiotics in clinical use. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on a member of the desertomycin family displaying such activity. Additionally, desertomycin G shows strong antibiotic activities against other relevant Gram-positive clinical pathogens such as Corynebacterium urealyticum, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, and Clostridium perfringens. Desertomycin G also displays moderate antibiotic activity against relevant Gram-negative clinical pathogens such as Bacteroides fragilis, Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis. In addition, the compound affects viability of tumor cell lines, such as human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and colon carcinoma (DLD-1), but not normal mammary fibroblasts.

Atmospheric Precipitations, Hailstone and Rainwater, as a Novel Source of Streptomyces Producing Bioactive Natural Products

A cultivation-dependent approach revealed that highly diverse populations of Streptomyces were present in atmospheric precipitations from a hailstorm event sampled in February 2016 in the Cantabrian Sea coast, North of Spain. A total of 29 bioactive Streptomyces strains isolated from small samples of hailstone and rainwater, collected from this hailstorm event, were studied here. Taxonomic identification by 16S rRNA sequencing revealed more than 20 different Streptomyces species, with their closest homologs displaying mainly oceanic but also terrestrial origins. Backward trajectory analysis revealed that the air-mass sources of the hailstorm event, with North Western winds, were originated in the Arctic Ocean (West Greenland and North Iceland) and Canada (Labrador), depending on the altitude. After traveling across the North Atlantic Ocean during 4 days the air mass reached Europe and precipitated as hailstone and rain water at the sampling place in Spain. The finding of Streptomyces species able to survive and disperse through the atmosphere increases our knowledge of the biogeography of genus Streptomyces on Earth, and reinforces our previous dispersion model, suggesting a generalized feature for the genus which could have been essential in his evolution. This unique atmospheric-derived Streptomyces collection was screened for production of bioactive secondary metabolites. Analyses of isolates ethyl acetate extracts by LC-UV-MS and further database comparison revealed an extraordinary diversity of bioactive natural products. One hundred molecules were identified, mostly displaying contrasted antibiotic and antitumor/cytotoxic activities, but also antiparasitic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotector, and insecticide properties. More interestingly, 38 molecules not identified in natural products databases might represent new natural products. Our results revealed for the first time an extraordinary diversity of Streptomyces species in the atmosphere able to produce an extraordinary repertoire of bioactive molecules, thus providing a very promising source for the discovery of novel pharmaceutical natural products.

Lobophorin K, a New Natural Product with Cytotoxic Activity Produced by Streptomyces sp. M-207 Associated with the Deep-Sea Coral Lophelia pertusa

The present article describes the isolation of a new natural product of the lobophorin family, designated as lobophorin K (1), from cultures of the marine actinobacteria Streptomyces sp. M-207, previously isolated from the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa collected at 1800 m depth during an expedition to the submarine Avilés Canyon. Its structure was determined using a combination of spectroscopic techniques, mainly ESI-TOF MS and 1D and 2D NMR. This new natural product displayed cytotoxic activity against two human tumor cell lines, such as pancreatic carcinoma (MiaPaca-2) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7). Lobophorin K also displayed moderate and selective antibiotic activity against pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.

Branimycins B and C, Antibiotics Produced by the Abyssal Actinobacterium Pseudonocardia carboxydivorans M-227

Two new antibiotics, branimycins B (2) and C (3), were produced by fermentation of the abyssal actinobacterium Pseudonocardia carboxydivorans M-227, isolated from deep seawater of the Avilés submarine Canyon. Their structures were elucidated by HRMS and NMR analyses. These compounds exhibit antibacterial activities against a panel of Gram-positive bacteria, including Corynebacterium urealyticum, Clostridium perfringens, and Micrococcus luteus, and against the Gram-negative bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. Additionally, branimycin B displayed moderate antibacterial activity against other Gram-negative bacteria such as Bacteroides fragilis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Escherichia coli, and branimycin C against the Gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis and methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Pharmacological Potential of Phylogenetically Diverse Actinobacteria Isolated from Deep-Sea Coral Ecosystems of the Submarine Avilés Canyon in the Cantabrian Sea

Marine Actinobacteria are emerging as an unexplored source for natural product discovery. Eighty-seven deep-sea coral reef invertebrates were collected during an oceanographic expedition at the submarine Avilés Canyon (Asturias, Spain) in a range of 1500 to 4700 m depth. From these, 18 cultivable bioactive Actinobacteria were isolated, mainly from corals, phylum Cnidaria, and some specimens of phyla Echinodermata, Porifera, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca and Sipuncula. As determined by 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, all isolates belong to the phylum Actinobacteria, mainly to the Streptomyces genus and also to Micromonospora, Pseudonocardia and Myceligenerans. Production of bioactive compounds of pharmacological interest was investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques and subsequent database comparison. Results reveal that deep-sea isolated Actinobacteria display a wide repertoire of secondary metabolite production with a high chemical diversity. Most identified products (both diffusible and volatiles) are known by their contrasted antibiotic or antitumor activities. Bioassays with ethyl acetate extracts from isolates displayed strong antibiotic activities against a panel of important resistant clinical pathogens, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi, all of them isolated at two main hospitals (HUCA and Cabueñes) from the same geographical region. The identity of the active extracts components of these producing Actinobacteria is currently being investigated, given its potential for the discovery of pharmaceuticals and other products of biotechnological interest.

Effect of immunocastration with Bopriva on carcass characteristics and meat quality of feedlot Holstein bulls

To evaluate the effect of immunocastration on carcass and meat characteristics, Holstein bulls aged between 7 and 8months with a live weight of 232±1.19kg were given two separate treatments, placebo (intact bulls) versus Bopriva, and then slaughtered after approximately 239days of fattening. While the testosterone levels in intact bulls remained at 0.42ng/ml throughout the study, by day 181, differences (P<0.05) were observed in immunized bulls, with values of 0.21ng/ml. The carcasses of animals treated with Bopriva recorded both a higher hot carcass weight (HCW) and a cold carcass weight (CCW), as well as higher dorsal fat density, marbling and KPH (P<0.05); however, no differences (P>0.05) were observed in the Longissimus lumborum area. No significant differences (P>0.05) were recorded between the treatments for pH, L*, a*, b* C* and H*. The carcasses of the animals treated with Bopriva were heavier, with higher dorsal fat density and marbling score.

Familiasenred: un entorno virtual de participación de las familias

La plataforma Familiasenred.es nace como una estrategia, dentro del Plan Canario de Formación para la Familia, que ofrece una alternativa formativa a padres y madres a través de las TICs. Montada en un entorno Moodle desde el año 2009, solo en el 2012 se han ofrecido 168 acciones formativas (62 online, 30 semipresencial y 76 presencial) que se traducen en más de 1.680 horas de formación sobre diferentes temas relacionados con la familia y la educación de los/as hijos/as. El objetivo del estudio será contrastar los resultados obtenidos en el estudio de García, Castro, Junco y Hernández (2011) acerca de la influencia de la participación de los/as alumnos/as sobre los niveles de satisfacción, y cómo la participación modula dicha influencia. La población objeto de estudio serán los/as 5.083 usuarios/as de la plataforma Familiasenred.es del 2012. Para ello, se empleará una escala de satisfacción de elaboración propia, reducida de la inicial, compuesta de once ítems tipo Likert. Ésta será administrada durante el mes de Diciembre de 2012, de forma voluntaria y una vez finalizada la propuesta formativa 2011-2012. Con los datos obtenidos del paso de pruebas, se llevará a cabo un análisis comparativo entre los niveles de satisfacción del alumnado, su participación en la plataforma y la participación docente.

Two Streptomyces species producing antibiotic, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory compounds are widespread among intertidal macroalgae and deep-sea coral reef invertebrates from the central Cantabrian Sea

Streptomycetes are widely distributed in the marine environment, although only a few studies on their associations to algae and coral ecosystems have been reported. Using a culture-dependent approach, we have isolated antibiotic-active Streptomyces species associated to diverse intertidal marine macroalgae (Phyllum Heterokontophyta, Rhodophyta, and Chlorophyta), from the central Cantabrian Sea. Two strains, with diverse antibiotic and cytotoxic activities, were found to inhabit these coastal environments, being widespread and persistent over a 3-year observation time frame. Based on 16S rRNA sequence analysis, the strains were identified as Streptomyces cyaneofuscatus M-27 and Streptomyces carnosus M-40. Similar isolates to these two strains were also associated to corals and other invertebrates from deep-sea coral reef ecosystem (Phyllum Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Arthropoda, Sipuncula, and Anelida) living up to 4.700-m depth in the submarine Avilés Canyon, thus revealing their barotolerant feature. These two strains were also found to colonize terrestrial lichens and have been repeatedly isolated from precipitations from tropospheric clouds. Compounds with antibiotic and cytotoxic activities produced by these strains were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and database comparison. Antitumor compounds with antibacterial activities and members of the anthracycline family (daunomycin, cosmomycin B, galtamycin B), antifungals (maltophilins), anti-inflamatory molecules also with antituberculosis properties (lobophorins) were identified in this work. Many other compounds produced by the studied strains still remain unidentified, suggesting that Streptomyces associated to algae and coral ecosystems might represent an underexplored promising source for pharmaceutical drug discovery.

Myceligenerans cantabricum sp. nov., a barotolerant actinobacterium isolated from a deep cold-water coral

An actinobacterium strain (M-201(T)) was isolated from a deep-sea scleractinian coral (Fam. Caryophillidae) collected at 1500 m depth in the Avilés Canyon in the Cantabrian Sea, Asturias, Spain. Strain M-201(T) grew at pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum pH 7.0), between 4 and 37 °C (optimum 28 °C) and at salinities of 0.5-10.5% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0.5-3.0%). The peptidoglycan contained the amino acids Lys, Ala, Thr, Glu and one unknown amino acid component, and belonged to type A4α, and the cell-wall sugars are glucose, mannose and galactose. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, an unknown phosphoglycolipid and seven unknown glycolipids. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H4) and MK-9(H6). Major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(15 : 0) and anteiso-C(17 : 0). The genomic DNA G+C content was 72.4 mol%. The chemotaxonomic properties supported the affiliation of strain M-201(T) to the genus Myceligenerans . Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the organism was most closely related to Myceligenerans crystallogenes CD12E2-27(T) (98.2% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). However, it had a relatively low DNA-DNA relatedness value with the above strain (48%). The isolate showed antibiotic activity against Escherichia coli , Micrococcus luteus ATCC 14452 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. carlsbergensis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of antibiotic production in the genus Myceligenerans . The differences in phenotypic, metabolic, ecological and phylogenetic characteristics justify the proposal of a novel species of the genus Myceligenerans , Myceligenerans cantabricum sp. nov., with M-201(T) ( = CECT 8512(T) = DSM 28392(T)) as the type strain.

Activation and silencing of secondary metabolites in Streptomyces albus and Streptomyces lividans after transformation with cosmids containing the thienamycin gene cluster from Streptomyces cattleya

Activation and silencing of antibiotic production was achieved in Streptomyces albus J1074 and Streptomyces lividans TK21 after introduction of genes within the thienamycin cluster from S. cattleya. Dramatic phenotypic and metabolic changes, involving activation of multiple silent secondary metabolites and silencing of others normally produced, were found in recombinant strains harbouring the thienamycin cluster in comparison to the parental strains. In S. albus, ultra-performance liquid chromatography purification and NMR structural elucidation revealed the identity of four structurally related activated compounds: the antibiotics paulomycins A, B and the paulomenols A and B. Four volatile compounds whose biosynthesis was switched off were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses and databases comparison as pyrazines; including tetramethylpyrazine, a compound with important clinical applications to our knowledge never reported to be produced by Streptomyces. In addition, this work revealed the potential of S. albus to produce many others secondary metabolites normally obtained from plants, including compounds of medical relevance as dihydro-β-agarofuran and of interest in perfume industry as β-patchoulene, suggesting that it might be an alternative model for their industrial production. In S. lividans, actinorhodins production was strongly activated in the recombinant strains whereas undecylprodigiosins were significantly reduced. Activation of cryptic metabolites in Streptomyces species might represent an alternative approach for pharmaceutical drug discovery.

Familiasenred: a Virtual and Family Participation Environment

The platform Familiasenred.es emerged as one strategy within Canary Training Plan for the Family, which offers an alternative to parents training through ICT. Mounted in a Moodle in 2009, 168 training activities (62 online, 30 semi and 76 face) have been offered in 2012, activities that result in more than 1680 hours of training on different topics related to family and children education. The objective of the study will be to compare the results obtained in the study of García, Castro, Junco and Hernández (2011) about the influence of student participation on the levels of satisfaction, with how this influence is modulated by the participation. The study population will be the 5083 users of the Familiasenred.es platform in 2012. To this end, a self-developed satisfaction scale will be employed, limiting the original composed of eleven items Likert. This scale will be administered during the month of December, 2012, voluntarily and after the training proposal 2011-2012. According to the data obtained from the test, comparative analysis between the levels of student satisfaction, the participation in the platform and the teacher participation will be conducted.

Prevalent lactic acid bacteria in cider cellars and efficiency of Oenococcus oeni strains

Malolactic fermentation (MLF) is an important step in cider production in order to allowing for improvement of microbiological stability and organoleptic characteristics of cider. Induction of this fermentation by using starter cultures enables a better control over this bioprocess, but although it is a common practice in winemaking, starters specifically focussed for cider MLF are not yet commercially available. Proper starter cultures need to present the ability to degrade l-malic acid conferring pleasing sensory characteristics while avoiding toxicological risks. In this work, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were first isolated from MLF industrial cider samples, obtained in a cellar in the main cider-producing region of Spain, Asturias. Isolates, identified by molecular tools, belonged to the Lactobacillus brevis and Oenococcus oeni species. After a phylogenetic analysis, representative strains of both identified species were evaluated in order to determine their fermentation capacity, showing O. oeni the best behaviour in this cider fermentation, as previously demonstrated for wine in the literature. Consequently, and with the aim to test the influence at strain level, selection of O. oeni isolates as starters for cider fermentation has been undergone. In order to check the influence of geography over biodiversity, O. oeni strains from six different industrial cellars representing the distinct producing areas in the region (located in a ratio of 30 km) were analyzed by using a specific RAPD method. In this way, isolates were typed in five distinct groups, mainly corresponding to each producing area. All strains isolated from the same cellar showed the same RAPD profile revealing the significance of geographical origin in the indigenous cider LAB. Molecular tools were applied to reject those isolates exhibiting presence of genes related to organoleptic spoilage (exopolysaccharides and acrolein production) or food safety (biogenic amine production), as key selection criteria. Representative strains of each of the five O. oeni RAPD groups were tested as pure cultures to evaluate their technological utility for cider production. Experimental data of malic acid degradation and cell concentration obtained were fitted to previously selected kinetic models aimed to optimization and prediction of bioprocess performance. Four strains revealed as suitable potential starter cultures for conducting MLF in cider production.

Relaciones entre la nota de egreso de los titulados universitarios y su inserción laboral

Son muchos los factores que están involucrados en la toma de decisiones de los egresados universitarios a la hora de construir su propio itinerario formativo y laboral, siendo la nota de egreso un elemento a considerar. En el presente trabajo se aborda el posible papel de este aspecto como mediador en dicho proceso, analizando las relaciones que presenta dicha variable con la participación en programas de formación de postgrado y la dilación en la incorporación al mercado de trabajo. La población de estudio está compuesta por 15.360 egresados universitarios que finalizaron su titulación en la Universidad de La Laguna entre los años 2002 y 2007. Los resultados obtenidos indican que, generalmente, los egresados con que participan en programas de formación de postgrado y quienes invierten más tiempo en incorporarse al mercado de trabajo han obtenido mejores calificaciones académicas. En este sentido, algunas titulaciones de Ciencias de la Salud como Medicina o Fisioterapia se comportan en sentido inverso, pudiendo deberse esto a los mecanismos específicos de incorporación de candidatos con los que cuenta el sistema sanitario.Palabras clave: Inserción laboral, expediente académico, formación de postgrado.

Distinctive clinicopathological associations of amplification of the cortactin gene at 11q13 in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Amplification of the 11q13 region is a prevalent genetic alteration in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We investigated the clinical significance of cortactin (CTTN) and cyclin D1 (CCND1) amplification in both malignant transformation and tumour progression. CTTN and CCND1 amplification was analysed by differential and real-time PCR in a prospective series of laryngeal/pharyngeal carcinomas and archival premalignant tissues. CTTN mRNA and protein expression were respectively determined by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, and correlated with gene status. Molecular alterations were associated with clinicopathological parameters and disease outcome. CTTN and CCND1 amplifications were respectively found in 75 (37%) and 90 (45%) tumours. Both correlated with advanced disease; however, only CTTN amplification was associated with recurrence and reduced disease-specific survival (p = 0.0022). Strikingly, CTTN amplification differentially influenced survival depending on tumour site (p = 0.0001 larynx versus p = 0.68 pharynx) and was an independent predictor of reduced survival in the larynx (p = 0.04). CCND1 amplification was detected in early tumourigenesis and increased with the severity of dysplasia. Importantly, CTTN amplification was only found in high-grade dysplasias that progressed to invasive carcinoma. CTTN gene status strongly correlated with mRNA and protein expression. Furthermore, CTTN overexpression correlated significantly with reduced disease-specific survival (p = 0.018). Taken together, these data indicate that CTTN may serve as a valuable biomarker to identify patients with laryngeal tumours at high risk of recurrence and poor outcome.

Mixed cultures ofSerratia marcescensandKluyveromyces fragilisfor simultaneous protease production and COD removal of whey

AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate the behaviour of a Serratia marcescens-Kluyveromyces fragilis mixed culture in whey, with the objective of proteases production and organic waste reduction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Discontinuous aerobic fermentations in whey were carried out using individual pure cultures and mixed cultures of S. marcescens and K. fragilis. Cell growth, protease production, lactose and proteins consumption and COD/TOC reduction were monitored. Lactose and protein content of the fermenting medium was almost depleted in the mixed cultures, achieving a reduction in the organic content much higher than in both pure cultures. Interestingly, proteolytic activity in the mixed cultures was similar to that obtained for S. marcescens in pure culture. In addition, protease stability was increased in the mixed cultures. Kinetic models were developed fitting well with the experimental results.

CONCLUSIONS

Mixed cultures were found to maintain the achievements of each individual fermentation, yielding a high and stable production of proteases and a significant reduction of COD/TOC.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Mixed cultures tested in this work have shown a synergistic effect with possible industrial applications. These results lead to a gain in the chain value for enzyme production with an environmentally friendly operation.

Application of flow cytometry to segregated kinetic modeling based on the physiological states of microorganisms

Flow cytometry (FC) has been introduced to characterize and to assess the physiological states of microorganisms in conjunction with the classical plate-counting method. To show the applicability of the technique, in particular for the development of kinetic models, pure culture fermentation experiments were followed over time, using both prokaryotic (Lactobacillus hilgardii) and eukaryotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) microorganisms growing in standard culture media (MRS and YPD). The differences observed between the active and viable cells determined by FC and CFU, respectively, allowed us to determine that a large number of cells were in a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state, which resulted in a subpopulation much larger than the damaged-cell (double-stained) subpopulation. Finally, the determination of the evolution of viable, the VBNC, and the dead cells allowed us to develop a segregated kinetic model to describe the yeast and the bacteria population dynamics and glucose consumption in batch cultures. This model, more complete than that which is traditionally used, based only on viable cell measurements, describes better the behavior and the functionality of the cultures, giving a deeper knowledge in real time about the status and the course of the bioprocesses.

Use of flow cytometry to follow the physiological states of microorganisms in cider fermentation processes

The flow cytometry (FC) technique used with certain fluorescent dyes (ChemChrome V6 [CV6], DRAQ5, and PI) has proven useful to label and to detect different physiological states of yeast and malolactic bacterium starters conducting cider fermentation over time (by performing sequential inoculation of microorganisms). First, the technique was tested with pure cultures of both types of microorganisms grown in synthetic media under different induced stress conditions. Metabolically active cells detected by FC and by the standard plate-counting method for both types of microorganisms in fresh overnight pure cultures gave good correlations between the two techniques in samples taken at this stage. Otherwise, combining the results obtained by FC and plating during alcoholic and malolactic fermentation over time in the cider-making process, different subpopulations were detected, showing significant differences between the methods. A small number of studies have applied the FC technique to analyze fermentation processes and mixed cultures over time. The results were used to postulate equations explaining the different physiological states in cell populations taken from fresh, pure overnight cultures under nonstress conditions or cells subjected to stress conditions over time, either under a pure-culture fermentation process (in this work, corresponding to alcoholic fermentation) or under mixed-fermentation conditions (for the malolactic-fermentation phase), that could be useful to improve the control of the processes.

Facial Translocation Approach in the Management of Central Skull Base and Infratemporal Tumors

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

The objectives were to systematize the indications of various types of facial translocation and to present a technical modification to avoid some sequelae of this approach.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis was made of patients treated with different types of facial translocation approach to resect nasopharyngeal, infratemporal, and sinonasal tumors.

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients underwent facial translocation approaches for neoplasms originally involving the nasopharynx (27) infratemporal fossa (7), and nasal cavity (5). Of the 21 malignant tumors, 2 were stage T2, 5 were stage T3, and 14 were stage T4. From the entire series of patients, 10 received a unilateral medial translocation, 3 a bilateral medial translocation, 25 a standard facial translocation, and 1 an extended medial facial translocation.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients (38%) developed some kind of complication, such as wound infection (nine cases) and osteomyelitis and cerebrospinal fluid leak (five cases each). Two patients died as a result of postoperative complications (5.2%). Overall 5-year survival for malignant tumors was 43%. Neither the histological appearance of the tumor nor the T stage influenced the survival of patients. Survival of patients with intracranial involvement was significantly decreased compared with patients with involvement of other areas (P =.0003).

CONCLUSION

The facial translocation approach offers an excellent exposure in tumors with large degree of involvement of the nasopharynx, infratemporal fossa, nasal cavity, and maxillary sinus. More limited osteotomies are indicated in smaller tumors. The use of midfacial degloving minimizes the number of sequelae of these approaches.

Malolactic bioconversion using a Oenococcus oeni strain for cider production: effect of yeast extract supplementation

Yeast extract addition to reconstituted apple juice had a positive impact on the development of the malolactic starter culture used to ensure malolactic fermentation in cider, using active but non-proliferating cells. In this work, the reuse of fermentation lees from cider is proposed as an alternative to the use of commercial yeast extract products. Malolactic enzymatic assays, both in whole cells and cell-free extracts, were carried out to determine the best time to harvest cells for use as an inoculum in cider. Cells harvested at the late exponential phase, the physiological stage of growth corresponding to the maximum values of specific malolactic activity, achieved a good rate of malic acid degradation in controlled cider fermentation. Under the laboratory conditions used, malic acid degradation rates in the fermentation media turned out to be near 2.0 and 2.5 times lower, compared with the rates obtained in whole-cell enzymatic assays, as useful data applicable to industrial cider production.

The effect of SO2 on the production of ethanol, acetaldehyde, organic acids, and flavor volatiles during industrial cider fermentation

SO(2) is widely used in cider fermentation but also in other alcoholic beverages such as wine. Although the authorized limit is 200 ppm total SO(2), the International Organizations recommend its total elimination or at least reduction due to health concerns. Addition of SO(2) to apple juice at levels frequently used in industrial cidermaking (100 mg/L) induced significantly higher acetaldehyde production by yeast than that obtained without SO(2). Although the practical implications of acetaldehyde evolution under cidermaking conditions has been overcome by research and few data are available, this compound reached levels in two 2000 L bioreactors that may have prevented the occurrence of simultaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. It was observed that malolactic fermentation had a positive effect promoting reduction of acetaldehyde levels in cider fermented with juice, SO(2)-treated or not. The addition of SO(2) clearly delayed malolactic fermentation comparing to the control, affecting not the onset of the malolactic fermentation but the rate of malic acid degradation. This compound, however, had a stimulatory effect on alcoholic fermentation.

Genetic alterations in squamous cell carcinomas of the hypopharynx with correlations to clinicopathological features

The objective of this study is to describe the molecular alterations in carcinomas in one specific location of the head and neck, the hypopharynx. Thirty-seven hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas were studied. The DNA from tumour and healthy tissue was evaluated for amplification of the 11q13 region and of the MYC and ERBB1 oncogenes, for integration of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at p53 and NAT2 loci. The most common alteration was the amplification of the 11q13 region (78% of the cases), followed by LOH at p53 locus (70%). MYC amplification was found in 19% of the cases, ERBB1 amplification in 29%, LOH at NAT2 locus in 25%, and integration of the HPV in 29%. 11q13 amplification was related with nodal metastases and higher tumour recurrence rates. These findings confirm that 11q13 amplification is one of the most frequent genetic alterations in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas, and that it may have prognostic significance in these tumours.

Variability of genetic alterations in different sites of head and neck cancer

OBJECTIVE

Tumors arising from different sites of the head and neck area have different clinical behavior. However, most of the studies on genetic alterations in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas do not make a distinction between the sites within this area. The objective of this study is to compare the genetic alterations in three different sites of the head and neck (larynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx).

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study.

METHODS

Thirty-eight laryngeal, 29 oropharyngeal, and 37 hypopharyngeal carcinomas were studied. DNA from tumor and healthy tissue was evaluated for amplification of the oncogenes at 11q13 region (CCND1, FGF3, FGF4 and EMS1) and of the oncogenes MYC and ERBB1; for integration of the human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6b and 16; for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at p53 and NAT2; and for the cellular DNA content.

RESULTS

FGF3 and FGF4 showed a significantly higher frequency of amplification in hypopharyngeal tumors (P =.006 and P =.0002, respectively). CCND1 amplification had a nearly statistically significant (P =.072) higher frequency of amplification in hypopharyngeal tumors. Aneuploid tumors were found in a significantly lower proportion in the larynx (P =.03) compared with the other sites. For the other genetic alterations, no significant differences among the three sites were found.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that cancers originating from different sites in the head and neck may have different tumor biology. Therefore, they should be considered as different entities.

EMS1 gene amplification correlates with poor prognosis in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck

The relationship between CCND1 and/or EMS1 amplification and disease outcome was studied in a prospective series of 104 head and neck squamous cell carcinomas treated by surgical resection. The CCND1 and EMS1 copy number in tumor samples was estimated by differential PCR. The presence or absence of amplification was analyzed in relation to clinicopathological variables, tumor recurrence, and patient survival. CCND1 amplification occurred in 32 cases (31%) and was associated with increased lymph node stage (P = 0.005) and advanced disease stage (P = 0.003). EMS1 amplification was identified in 21 cases (20%) and was related with advanced T stages (P = 0.001), increased lymph node stage (P = 0.02), advanced disease stage (P = 0.041), poor histological differentiation (P = 0.018), recurrent disease (P = 0.0004), and reduced disease-specific survival (P < 0.0001). Coamplification of both genes occurred in 11 cases (11.5%). Multivariate analysis confirmed that in addition to regional lymph node status, EMS1 amplification is an independent predictor of death from the tumor (P = 0.0027). CCND1 amplification was not prognostic. These data indicate that EMS1 amplification, but not CCND1 amplification, predicts early recurrence and reduced survival in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The prognostic significance previously attributed to CCND1 amplification may be attributable to its frequent coamplification with EMS1.

Analysis and description of the evolution of alginate immobilised cells systems

Different immobilised cells models, including very simple ones, can be useful in the fitting of experimental results. However, goodness or the ability to extrapolate results needs to be in accordance with basic observations and these will also suggest models to be proposed. In this paper, observations of calcium alginate/bacteria systems are used to show the ability of basic models to fit classic observations, as well as how new observations, in this case from electronic microscopy, oblige us to think about more complex mechanisms and mathematical treatments. Nevertheless it is not only important to discuss the model type, but also the type of kinetics assumed in the interior of the beads, as well as the internal structure, the boundary conditions related to bead shredding and cell escape and finally, geometrical effects.

Diffusion of proteases in calcium alginate beads

Diffusion of proteases from Bacillus subtilis and Serratia marcescens within calcium alginate beads has been assayed, and the experimental data fitted into a mathematical model for diffusion into a finite volume liquid medium. Values of effective diffusivity were calculated for the studied proteases and compared with the available data in the literature for molecules of lower molecular weight.

Nd:YAG laser bronchoscopy. The first two successful cases in Puerto Rico

Two patients underwent bronchoscopic laser photoresection of tumors in the tracheobronchial tree with no mortality or significant morbidity. One patient had an adenoid cystic carcinoma of the trachea and the other a pleomorphic adenoma of left main stem bronchus. These were the first two cases performed in Puerto Rico at San Pablo Medical Center. Both patients are symptomless at this time. We can conclude that laser is a safe and cost effective alternative in experienced hands to other procedures in properly selected patients with tumors of tracheobronchial tree in Puerto Rico.

[Extraction and quantification of polyphenols from coffee pulp]

The polyphenol content of coffee pulp extracts was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteau method. The use of polyvynilpirrolidone (PVP) was introduced in order to eliminate interferences. Condensed polyphenols in the extracts were determined by the method of acidified vanillin. Chlorogenic acid and catechin were used as standards for Folin-Ciocalteau and Vanillin methods, respectively, and a calibration curve was constructed for each solvent. The solvents used were methanol, methanol-water (50:50), ammonium hydroxide (3%) and calcium hydroxide (1%), using times of extraction of 10 minutes and 1 hour. No differences were found in the amount of polyphenols extracted by the different solvents at the two extraction times. After 10 minutes, the alkaline solvents NH4OH (3%) and Ca(OH)2 (1%), extracted more polyphenols than the other two solvents. Nevertheless, ammonium hydroxide (3%) was more efficient in extracting condensed polyphenols. The results herein presented suggest that treating coffee pulp with mild alkaline solvents may improve its nutritive value.

[In vitro interaction of polyphenols of coffee pulp and some proteins]

The in vitro interaction of pure polyphenols and polyphenol extracts of coffee pulp with pure proteins was studied. The polyphenols used for the assays were tannic acid, chlorogenic acid and catechin, and the proteins were gelatin, casein and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Different pHs and different polyphenol/protein ratios were used in the experiments. Extracts of coffee pulp in methanol, methanol-water (50:50), ammonium hydroxide 3%, and calcium hydroxide 1%, were used. In general, the maximum binding of polyphenol with protein was obtained at a polyphenol/protein ratio of 1/2, at a pH of 5.0. The higher binding percentages were found with the ammonium hydroxide extract and with tannic acid. The lowest binding percentage was obtained with the methanol-water extract. The other extracts presented intermediate binding degrees. The results herein reported demonstrate that the polyphenols of coffee pulp have capacity to bind proteins in vitro at the pHs assayed. This phenomenon may be the cause of the deficient protein utilization when coffee pulp is included in the animals' diet.

[Effect of polyphenols of coffee pulp on iron absorption]

The effect of the polyphenols of coffee pulp on iron absorption was studied using the method of ligated segments in rats. Optimal conditions to measure iron absorption, were determined using as criteria the concentration of Fe59 and the time that produced the highest value of blood radioactivity. A concentration of 0.4 uCi/dose of Fe59 and a 3-hr period were chosen to measure iron absorption. Experimental groups were formed assigning six rats randomly to each group. Each group was injected with a solution of 59Fe and either with the standard polyphenol solution or with the coffee pulp extract, except the control group which was injected with the Fe59 solution only. The effect of two polyphenol concentrations was also studied. Iron uptake from the duodenum was found to be the best indicator of iron absorption when compared to the sum of iron uptake by the tissues (blood, liver, spleen, kidneys, heart and carcass). Therefore, this indicator was used to interpret the results obtained. Catechin, tannic acid and the coffee pulp extract decreased significantly iron absorption when compared with the control group. The level of polyphenols used in these experiments is similar to the amounts consumed by animals fed coffee pulp at a 10% level. Therefore, we can conclude that the antinutritional effect of coffee pulp polyphenols may be partially due to their capacity to bind iron.

Methanol Analysis by Gas Chromatography-Comparative Study Using Three Different Columns

The methanol analysis in ethanol 80° P was performed efficiently by gas chromatography. Best results were obtained with a column packed with Carbowax 20M on Carbopack BAW or THEED on Chromosorb. In both cases a linear response was obtained in a wide range. When samples of unknown composition are analyzed, more than one column must be used to corroborate results, avoiding the possibility of false identification because of superimposition of signals.