Pembrolizumab for First-Line Treatment of Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Analysis of Prognostic Factors of Outcomes

BACKGROUND

In advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, without activating mutations and with PD-L1≥50%, Pembrolizumab monotherapy is the therapeutic standard in Europe.

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate retrospectively the safety and the efficacy of this drug and to investigate potential prognostic factors in daily clinical practice.

METHODS

From September 2017 to September 2019, 205 consecutive patients from 14 Italian Medical Oncology Units were enrolled in the study. Gender, Age (> or <70 years), ECOG-PS (0-1 or 2), histology (squamous or non-squamous), presence of brain, bone and liver metastases at baseline, PD-L1 score (>90% or <90%), smoking status (never or former or current) were applied to the stratified log-rank. Cox's proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 15.2 months, median progression-free and overall survival (mPFS and mOS) were 9.2 months (95% C.I., 4.8-13.5) and 15.9 months (95% C.I., not yet evaluable), respectively. Patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) 2 had mPFS of 2.8 months (95% C.I., 2.1-3.4) and mOS of 3.9 months (95% C.I., 2.5-5.3). Patients with liver metastases at diagnosis had an mPFS of 3.2 months (95% C.I., 0.6-5.8) and an mOS of 6.0 months (95% C.I., 3.7-8.4). At multivariate analysis for OS gender, ECOG-PS 2, and presence of liver metastases were independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION

Patients with ECOG-PS 2 derived little benefit from the use of first-line pembrolizumab. In patients with liver metastases the association of pembrolizumab with platinum-based chemotherapy could be a better option than pembrolizumab alone.

Adherence, persistence and efficacy of dasatinib and nilotinib in the treatment of patients resistant or intolerant to imatinib with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase: an Italian multicenter study over two years in real life

BACKGROUND

The use of dasatinib and nilotinib in the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia represents a valid therapeutic option for patients resistant or intolerant to imatinib. In this multicentre study, adherence, persistence and efficacy in real life over two years of treatment were evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adherence to treatment was calculated as the ratio between the dose received and the prescribed dose. The dose received was calculated using pharmacy refill data. The persistence with treatment was calculated as the difference between the end and the beginning of the treatment. Efficacy was assigned as Progression-Free Survival (PFS) and Events-Free Survival (EFS) and represented through the Kaplan-Meier curve.

RESULTS

The number of patients analysed was 117, 70 treated with dasatinib and 47 with nilotinib. Adherence to treatment for dasatinib and nilotinib at two years was 0.91 and 0.82 respectively. Persistence at two years was 77% while the PFS was 92% for both drugs in the study.

CONCLUSION

Adherence to the treatment calculated over two years showed a superiority of dasatinib over nilotinib. Nevertheless, the efficacy in terms of PFS and EFS is superimposable between the two drugs in the study.

Impact of Phyllantus niruri and Lactobacillus amylovorus SGL 14 in a mouse model of dietary hyperoxaluria

Hyperoxaluria is a pathological condition which affects long-term health of kidneys. The present study evaluates the impact of the combination of Lactobacillus amylovorus SGL 14 and the plant extract Phyllantus niruri (namely Phyllantin 14™) on dietary hyperoxaluria. Safety and efficacy of Phyllantin 14 have been evaluated in vivo. Mice C57BL6 fed a high-oxalate diet were compared to mice fed the same diet administered with Phyllantin 14 by gavage for 6 weeks. Control mice were fed a standard diet without oxalate. No adverse effects were associated to Phyllantin 14 supplementation, supporting its safety. Mice fed a high-oxalate diet developed significant hyperoxaluria and those administered with Phyllantin 14 showed a reduced level of urinary oxalate and a lower oxalate-to-creatinine ratio. Soluble and insoluble caecal oxalate were significantly lower in treated group, a finding in agreement with the colonisation study, i.e. mice were colonised with SGL 14 after 3 weeks. Microbiota analysis demonstrated that both oxalate diet and Phyllantin 14 can differently modulate the microbiota. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Phyllantin 14 supplementation represents a potential supportive approach for reducing urinary oxalate and/or for enhancing the efficacy of existing treatments.

Genetic determinants of telomere length and risk of pancreatic cancer: A PANDoRA study

Telomere deregulation is a hallmark of cancer. Telomere length measured in lymphocytes (LTL) has been shown to be a risk marker for several cancers. For pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) consensus is lacking whether risk is associated with long or short telomeres. Mendelian randomization approaches have shown that a score built from SNPs associated with LTL could be used as a robust risk marker. We explored this approach in a large scale study within the PANcreatic Disease ReseArch (PANDoRA) consortium. We analyzed 10 SNPs (ZNF676-rs409627, TERT-rs2736100, CTC1-rs3027234, DHX35-rs6028466, PXK-rs6772228, NAF1-rs7675998, ZNF208-rs8105767, OBFC1-rs9420907, ACYP2-rs11125529 and TERC-rs10936599) alone and combined in a LTL genetic score ("teloscore", which explains 2.2% of the telomere variability) in relation to PDAC risk in 2,374 cases and 4,326 controls. We identified several associations with PDAC risk, among which the strongest were with the TERT-rs2736100 SNP (OR = 1.54; 95%CI 1.35-1.76; p = 1.54 × 10-10 ) and a novel one with the NAF1-rs7675998 SNP (OR = 0.80; 95%CI 0.73-0.88; p = 1.87 × 10-6 , ptrend = 3.27 × 10-7 ). The association of short LTL, measured by the teloscore, with PDAC risk reached genome-wide significance (p = 2.98 × 10-9 for highest vs. lowest quintile; p = 1.82 × 10-10 as a continuous variable). In conclusion, we present a novel genome-wide candidate SNP for PDAC risk (TERT-rs2736100), a completely new signal (NAF1-rs7675998) approaching genome-wide significance and we report a strong association between the teloscore and risk of pancreatic cancer, suggesting that telomeres are a potential risk factor for pancreatic cancer.

Purification and characterization of ribosomal proteins L27 and L30 having antimicrobial activity produced by the Lactobacillus salivarius SGL 03

AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial potential of proteins secreted by a new strain of Lactobacillus salivarius.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The secretome of L. salivarius SGL 03 strain was analysed by gel-assisted fractionation and MS/MS to identify low-molecular-mass proteins. This strategy allowed us to identify 10 secreted proteins. Then, a combination of heterologous expression and agar well diffusion was used to characterize them as to their antimicrobial activity, mechanisms of action and stability. Our findings indicate that L27 and L30 proteins of the 50S ribosomal subunit have antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus uberis and Enterococcus faecium. In addition, both proteins are bactericidal against S. pyogenes and maintain their antimicrobial activity after different protease treatments, at acidic pH, after heat treatment, and if stored in a refrigerated ambient at least at 4°C.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall results demonstrated that the L27 and L30 ribosomal proteins are of interest as new antimicrobial molecules to prevent the growth of S. pyogenes, S. uberis and E. faecium.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Our results provide the first insight into the extra-ribosomal activity of L27 and L30 secreted proteins of L. salivarius. This study demonstrated the capacity of L. salivarius SGL 03 to produce antimicrobial molecules and suggested this strain as a promising probiotic candidate.

[Meta analysis indices of genotoxic damage in urban pollution exposed workers]

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to examine if urban pollution can modify indices of genotoxic damage.

METHODS

Research of articles inherent in the evaluation of these alterations. Differents categories of exposed workers are included in the study (cases, in number of 7287) and compaired with no exposed workers (controls, in number of 8054). To calculate the result of meta-analysis the Effect Size (ES) was used and the confidence interval was calculated.

RESULTS

In this category we evaluated 54 studies and we observed significantly differences in the complex.

CONCLUSIONS

Starting from the individual variables analysis investigated, between exposed and not exposed group, we underline the utility to deepen the studies concerning of these parameters, to appreciate their benefits and to safeguard health of exposed workers.

[Protection of working woman's health]

INTRODUCTION

In the past the role of women was mainly that of wife and mother, over the centuries, this role has changed: women assert themselves in every social field and workplace.

OBJECTIVES

Analyze the history of women's work, from prehistory to the present day highlighting the evolution of women's role over the centuries. Identify which may be the different occupational stressors, in particular the organizational and psycho-social ones, to which is submitted a working woman.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors have analyzed the most relevant data from literature, in particular on the issue of mental health.

RESULTS

Provide the main forms of prevention that have to be implemented.

DISCUSSION

The main challenge for women today, is to balance work outside the home and housework. This added to job stressors, may interfere with the psychological and physical wellbeing of the worker.

Improved method for isolation of bacterial inhibitors from oleuropein hydrolysis

A new high-pressure liquid chromatography multidetection quantitative method for the isolation of the products of oleuropein hydrolysis is described. A single analysis yields sufficient amounts of the compounds to test their inhibitory effect on bacterial growth.

Analysis of B- and T-cell clonality and HLA class II alleles in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: Correlation withHelicobacter pyloriinfection and response to eradication treatment

Many authors have recently found a positive correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), the most common autoimmune hematological disorder. In order to clarify the pathogenic mechanism of H. pylori-associated ITP, we have investigated 52 consecutive ITP adult patients for Helicobacter pylori infection, B- and T-cell clonality and HLA class II alleles. Thirty-four ITP patients (65.4%) were infected by H. pylori and bacterium eradication was accompanied by a long-term platelet response in 17 (53.1%) of them. A B-cell clonality was found in three patients (5.8%, two patients H. pylori-negative and one patient H. pylori-positive). The ITP patients with H. pylori infection showed a HLA-DRB1*11, *14 and -DQB1*03 frequencies significantly higher and a -DRB1*03 frequency significantly lower than in H. pylori-negative patients. Moreover, an HLA-DQB1*03 pattern was associated with a higher probability of platelet response to eradication treatment. If our study documents the efficacy of eradication treatment in H. pylori-infected ITP patients, it may also help to identify different subgroups of ITP patients with probably different pathogeneses of thrombocytopenia and, finally, different responses to eradication treatment.

Assessment of olive-mill wastewater as a growth medium for lipase production by Candida cylindracea in bench-top reactor

Olive-mill wastewater (OMW) was investigated for its suitability to serve as a medium for lipase production by Candida cylindracea NRRL Y-17506. The OMW that best supported enzyme production was characterized by low COD and low total sugars content. In shake flask batch cultures, OMW supplementation with 2.4 g l(-1) NH(4)Cl and 3 g l(-1) olive oil led to an enzyme activity of about 10 U ml(-1). The addition of glucose or malt extract and supplements containing organic N (e.g., peptone, yeast extract) either depressed or did not affect the enzyme production. Further experiments were then performed in a 3-l stirred tank reactor to assess the impact of medium pH and stirring speed on the yeast enzyme activity. The lipase activity was low (1.8 U ml(-1)) when the pH was held constant at 6.5, significantly increased (18.7 U ml(-1)) with uncontrolled pH and was maximum (20.4 U ml(-1)) when the pH was let free to vary below 6.5. A stirring regime, that varied depending on the dissolved oxygen concentration in the medium, both prevented the occurrence of anoxic conditions during the exponential growth phase and enabled good lipase production (i.e., 21.6 U ml(-1)) and mean volumetric productivity (i.e., 123.5 Ul(-1)h(-1)).

5-fluorouracil pharmacokinetics predicts disease-free survival in patients administered adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and 5-fluoro-5,6-dihydrouracil (5-FDHU) pharmacokinetics and disease-free survival (DFS) in colorectal cancer patients given 5-FU-based adjuvant chemotherapy within a nonrandomized, retrospective, pharmacokinetic study.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

One hundred fifteen patients including 72 men (median age, 63 years; range, 36-79 years) and 43 women (median age, 60 years; range, 36-73 years) received 6 cycles of l-leucovorin 100 mg/m(2)/day and 5-FU 370 mg/m(2)/day i.v. boluses (5 days every 4 weeks). Individual plasma concentrations of 5-FU and 5-FDHU were determined on day 1 of the first cycle with a validated high performance liquid chromatography method, and the main pharmacokinetic variables were determined. Follow-up of all patients was extended up to 5 years after the end of adjuvant chemotherapy, and DFS was recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate any correlation among 5-FU pharmacokinetics, clinical and pathologic variables, and DFS.

RESULTS

The area under the time/concentration curve (AUC) of 5-FU was significantly lower in 58 subjects who recurred (7.5 +/- 2.9 h x mg/L) with respect to other patients (9.3 +/- 4.1 h x mg/L). Furthermore, AUC values lower than 8.4 h x mg/L together with lymph node involvement and the interruption of treatment or reduction of doses were identified as risk factors at univariate analysis. The completion of 6 cycles of adjuvant treatment without dosage modifications was the only independent risk factor at multivariate analysis, despite a trend toward significance for 5-FU AUC values (cutoff value, 8.4 hxmg/L) was observed (P = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Pharmacokinetics of 5-FU should be regarded as an important factor for predicting disease recurrence in colorectal cancers.

Role of autochthonous filamentous fungi in bioremediation of a soil historically contaminated with aromatic hydrocarbons

Nine fungal strains isolated from an aged and heavily contaminated soil were identified and screened to assess their degradative potential. Among them, Allescheriella sp. strain DABAC 1, Stachybotrys sp. strain DABAC 3, and Phlebia sp. strain DABAC 9 were selected for remediation trials on the basis of Poly R-478 decolorization associated with lignin-modifying enzyme (LME) production. These autochthonous fungi were tested for the abilities to grow under nonsterile conditions and to degrade various aromatic hydrocarbons in the same contaminated soil. After 30 days, fungal colonization was clearly visible and was confirmed by ergosterol determination. In spite of subalkaline pH conditions and the presence of heavy metals, the autochthonous fungi produced laccase and Mn and lignin peroxidases. No LME activities were detected in control microcosms. All of the isolates led to a marked removal of naphthalene, dichloroaniline isomers, o-hydroxybiphenyl, and 1,1'-binaphthalene. Stachybotrys sp. strain DABAC 3 was the most effective isolate due to its ability to partially deplete the predominant contaminants 9,10-anthracenedione and 7H-benz[DE]anthracen-7-one. A release of chloride ions was observed in soil treated with either Allescheriella sp. strain DABAC 1 or Stachybotrys sp. strain DABAC 3, suggesting the occurrence of oxidative dehalogenation. The autochthonous fungi led to a significant decrease in soil toxicity, as assessed by both the Lepidium sativum L. germination test and the Collembola mortality test.

Analysis of hemochromatosis gene mutations in 52 consecutive patients with polycythemia vera

A literature review reports increased erythrocyte indices [hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), MCH concentration] in subjects with hereditary hemochromatosis (HH). We, therefore, screened 52 consecutive patients with polycythemia vera for 12 HH gene mutations, comparing iron status and red cell parameters between patients positive or negative for HH gene mutations. Our results support the evidence that there is no association between these two conditions.

Efficacy and safety of phlebotomy to reduce transfusional iron overload in adult, long-term survivors of acute leukemia

BACKGROUND

Transfusional iron overload is a frequent finding in long-term survivors of acute leukemia (AL). Only a few studies have reported the results of iron depletion therapy in this category of patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Between January 1996 and July 2003, 26 consecutive adult patients who achieved complete remission of AL and developed transfusional iron overload underwent a weekly phlebotomy program at our transfusion center. Serum ferritin levels and transferrin saturation were monitored during the iron depletion therapy and the follow-up period. These AL patients were also checked for the presence of 12 hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) gene mutations.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up of 57.8 months, therapeutic phlebotomy (mean number of units collected, 36.6) was effective in reducing mean ferritin concentration and transferrin saturation from 1726.9 to 93.0 mg per L and from 54.7 to 23.3 percent, respectively. The presence of a HH gene mutation did not influence initial iron status or response to treatment. The phlebotomy program was well tolerated and no adverse events were recorded during or after collection. In three cases the time between phlebotomies was increased because of patient's poor compliance or low Hb levels.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that phlebotomies are a safe and effective method for reducing iron over-load in multiply transfused long-term AL survivors with secondary hemochromatosis.

Identification method based on PCR combined with automated ribotyping for tracking probiotic Lactobacillus strains colonizing the human gut and vagina

AIMS

A molecular methodology based on PCR-associated automated ribotyping was developed to specifically detect the Lactobacillus strains of two probiotic products (an orally administered lyophilized preparation and vaginal tablets) in human faeces and vaginal swabs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The 16S-23S rDNA sequences and the ribotype profiles of the probiotic lactobacilli were characterized and new species-specific primer sets were designed. The identification of faecal and vaginal lactobacilli isolated from subjects administered with the probiotic products was performed by using PCR with species-specific primers followed by strain-specific automated ribotyping.

CONCLUSIONS

The PCR-ribotyping identification allowed to study the colonization patterns of the probiotic lactobacilli in the human gut and vagina evidencing the strains with the best survival capability.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The proposed molecular method represents a powerful tool of strain-specific identification, useful for differentiating exogenous from indigenous strains in any microbial ecosystem and for rationally choosing probiotic bacteria with the best chance of survival in the host.

The glucose oxidase of Penicillium variabile P16: gene cloning, sequencing and expression

AIMS

Isolation and characterization of the glucose oxidase (GOX)-encoding gene from a Penicillium variabile strain (P16) having a high level of GOX activity and comparison of its expression with that of another strain of P. variabile (NRRL 1048) characterized by low GOX activity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The gene, isolated by PCR consisted of 1818 bp encoding 605 amino acid residues. Gene expression was analysed by Northern blotting and compared with that of P. variabile NRRL 1048. The higher GOX activity of strain P16 appeared likely because of de novo mRNA synthesis. Southern blotting analyses of the genomic DNA showed that the hybridization pattern of the two strains differed for the size of hybridizing fragment detected by the probe and slightly for their signal intensity.

CONCLUSIONS

The GOX-encoding gene of P. variabile P16 was isolated and characterized to identify the molecular bases of its high level of expression and in view of improving enzyme production by developing a process based on heterologous expression.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

GOX-encoding genes can be subjected to high difference in their expression levels. The P16 strain of P. variable producing large amount of GOX as well as its encoding gene might be exploited for industrial applications.

β-Glucan production byBotryosphaeria rhodinaon undiluted olive-mill wastewaters

Botryosphaeria rhodina produced beta-glucan when grown on undiluted olive-mill wastewaters (OMW). The production of exopolysaccharide increased with the COD up to 17.2 g l(-1) on the most loaded OMW (151 and 66 g l(-1) of COD and total sugar, respectively). The total phenol content of OMW was reduced from 8 to 4.1 g l(-1).

Immobilized cell technology applied in solubilization of insoluble inorganic (rock) phosphates and P plant acquisition

This paper reviews current knowledge of the production of organic acids by immobilized microorganisms with a simultaneous solubilization of rock phosphate in fermentation and soil conditions. The most widely applied methods are based on the passive immobilization in preformed porous carriers and entrapment of the microbial cells in natural gels. In general, immobilized systems show higher acid producing and rock phosphate solubilizing activity than freely suspended cells. The potential of gel-entrapped P-solubilizers and mycorrhizal fungi as microbial soil inoculants is also pointed out. Some advantages and constraints of using immobilized cells are discussed and a special emphasis on further research is given.

The chitinolytic activity of Penicillium janthinellum P9: purification, partial characterization and potential applications

AIMS

To purify and characterize the chitinolytic activity of Penicillium janthinellum P9 and to evaluate possible uses of the purified enzymes in the control of fungal growth and spore germination.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The chitinolytic activity of P. janthinellum P9 was associated to two beta-N-acetyl-hexosaminidases (CHI1 and CHI2) that were purified by preparative isoelectric focusing and preparative electrophoresis and partially characterized. Treatment of test fungi with purified enzyme solutions caused reduced spore germination, reduction of hyphal length and mycelial damage. The combined action of the two enzymes and a systemic fungicide completely inactivated pests and food-spoiling moulds such as Fusarium solanii, P. canescens and Cladosporium cladosporioides. Treatment with the two enzymes increased germination of freeze-dried fungal spores.

CONCLUSION

The chitinolytic activity of P. janthinellum P9 is associated with two extracellular beta-N-acetyl-hexosaminidases that can cause damage to the cell walls of other fungi.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This appears to be the first report on the characterization of extracellular chitinolytic enzymes produced by a Penicillium strain. The results of this study might have some impact in the applied research field.

Two-photon microscopy and spectroscopy based on a compact confocal scanning head

We have combined a confocal laser scanning head modified for TPE (two-photon excitation) microscopy with some spectroscopic modules to study single molecules and molecular aggregates. The behavior of the TPE microscope unit has been characterized by means of point spread function measurements and of the demonstration of its micropatterning abilities. One-photon and two-photon mode can be simply accomplished by switching from a mono-mode optical fiber (one-photon) coupled to conventional laser sources to an optical module that allows IR laser beam (two-photon/TPE) delivery to the confocal laser scanning head. We have then described the characterization of the two-photon microscope for spectroscopic applications: fluorescence correlation, lifetime and fluorescence polarization anisotropy measurements. We describe the measurement of the response of the two-photon microscope to the light polarization and discuss fluorescence polarization anisotropy measurements on Rhodamine 6G as a function of the viscosity and on a globular protein, the Beta-lactoglobulin B labeled with Alexa 532 at very high dilutions. The average rotational and translational diffusion coefficients measured with fluorescence polarization anisotropy and fluorescence correlation methods are in good agreement with the protein size, therefore validating the use of the microscope for two-photon spectroscopy on biomolecules.

Effect of pH and stirring rate on itaconate production by Aspergillus terreus

The production of itaconic acid from glucose-based media by Aspergillus terreus NRRL 1960 was found to be controlled by stirring rate and pH. When the phosphorous (P) level in the production medium was reduced to less than 10 mg l(-1), the fungal mycelium exhausted its primary growth and started to excrete itaconic acid, while it continued its secondary growth at the expense of ammoniacal nitrogen. The fermentation exhibited a mixed-growth-associated product formation kinetics, the non-growth associated production term (mI) being practically zero only when the pH was left free to change from 3.4 down to 1.85. On the contrary, when the pH was kept reducing up to a constant value by automatic addition of KOH 4 mol l(-1), the itaconate yield coefficient on the initial glucose supplied (Y(I/So)) and mI and were 0.53 g g(-1) and 0.028 h(-1) at pH 2.4 and 320 rev min(-1) and 0.5 g g(-1) and 0.036 h(-1) at pH 2.8 and 400 rev min(-1), respectively. Although the differences between mI and Y(I/So) were statistically insignificant at the 95% confidence level, the net difference in the corresponding yield coefficients for itaconic acid on mycelial biomass resulted in a maximum itaconate production rate of 0.41 g l(-1) h(-1) at pH 2.8 and 400 rev min(-1), thus showing that this operating condition is no doubt optimal for the process under study.

Repeated-batch production of pigments by immobilised Monascus purpureus

Extracellular pigment production by immobilised Monascus purpureus C322 has been studied in repeated-batch processes using different immobilising carriers such as Ca-alginate, polyurethane sponge, active carbon and pearlite. With Ca-alginate, pigment production was maximum (30.5 UA470 as process mean production, three batches) while the cell leakage was negligible (0.4 g 1(-1) free biomass) and the bead mechanical stability good; with this carrier, an extended repeated-batch fermentation (nine batches, 55 days) was carried out: the process pigment productivity was 3.87 UA470 day(-1).

Synthesis, X-ray powder structure, and magnetic properties of the new, weak ferromagnet iron(II) phenylphosphonate

A new molecule-based weak ferromagnet of formula Fe[C6H5PO3].H2O was synthesized. It was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and UV-visible and infrared spectroscopy, and the magnetic properties were studied using a superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer. The crystal structure of the compound was determined "ab initio" from X-ray powder diffraction data and refined by the Rietveld method. The crystals of Fe[C6H5PO3].H2O are orthorhombic, space group Pmn2(1), with a = 5.668(8) A, b = 14.453(2) A, c = 4.893(7) A, and Z = 2. The title compound is isostructural with the previously reported lamellar M[C6H5PO3].H2O, M = Mn(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II). The inorganic layers are made of Fe(II) ions octahedrally coordinated by five phosphonate oxygen atoms and one from oxygen of the water molecule. These layers are then separated by bilayers of the phenyl groups, and van der Waals contacts are established between them. The refinement has shown that the phenyl rings are disordered in the lattice. The oxidation state of the metal ion is +2, and the electronic configuration is d6 (S = 2) high-spin, as determined from dc magnetic susceptibility measurements from 150 K to room temperature. Below 100 K, the magnetic moment of Fe[C6H5PO3].H2O rises rapidly to a maximum at TN = 21.5 K, and then it decreases again. The peak at TN is associated with the 3D antiferromagnetic long-range ordering. Below the critical temperature, the title compound behaves as a "weak" ferromagnet, which represents the third type of magnetic materials characterized by having a finite zero-field magnetization, ferromagnets and ferrimagnets being the other two types. The large coercive field (i.e., 6400 G) observed in the hysteresis loop at T = 10 K is rare in molecule-based materials; it can be ascribed to a pronounced spin-orbit coupling for the 5T2g ground state of the Fe(II) ion in the octahedral environment.

High-rate aerobic treatment of winery wastewater using bioreactors with free and immobilized activated sludge

COD (chemical oxygen demand) removal rate and efficiency of winery wastewater (WW) aerobic treatments were evaluated in an air-bubble column bioreactor using self-adapted microbial populations either free or immobilized on polyurethane particles and in a packed-bed bioreactor immobilized on Raschig rings. The bioreactors were fed continuously for up to 12 months using WW of different origins and with different pollution loads (COD range, 0.8-11.0 kg.m(-3)): the maximum loading rate was approx. 8.8 kg-COD m(-3).d(-1). The highest COD removal rate (6.6 kg.m(-3).d(-1)) was obtained with free activated sludge in the bubble column bioreactor; treatment efficiency and hydraulic retention time were >90% and approx. 0.8 d, respectively. The microbial populations in the three reactors were characterized.

Inactivation of Mucor plumbeus by the combined actions of chitinase and high hydrostatic pressure

Sporangiospores were treated with high hydrostatic pressure and/or fungal chitinase in order to study the inhibition of germination and growth of the food spoiling mold Mucor plumbeus. Total fungal inhibition was obtained either at 4.0 kbar or by 10 U/ml of chitinase from Penicillium janthinellum. A pretreatment with 1 U/ml of the same chitinase reduced the pressure necessary to obtain complete spore inhibition to 3 kbar.

Production and properties of the linamarase and amygdalase activities of Penicillium aurantiogriseum P35

The effects of medium composition on the production of beta-glucosidase (amygdalase and linamarase) by Penicillium aurantiogriseum P35 were studied and the medium optimized as follows (g/l of deionized water): pectin, 10.0; (NH4)2SO4, 8.0; KH2PO4, 8.0; Na2HPO4, 2.8; MgSO4.7H2O, 0.5; yeast extract, 4.0; initial pH 6.0. When grown in a bench fermenter on this medium, the fungus produced 50.5 mU of amygdalase and 9.4 mU of linamarase per ml of culture broth. Two beta-glucosidases (PGI and PGII), each having amygdalase and linamarase activities, were recovered from the culture broth and purified; their relative molecular weights, as native enzymes, were estimated to be about 247,000 and 147,000, respectively. Both enzymes showed the same optimum pH (6.0) but different optimum temperatures (55 and 60 degrees C for PGI and PGII, respectively). Thermostability (10 min at 60 degrees C) and half-life of enzyme activity (7 hours at 60 degrees C) of PGII were higher than those of PGI (10 min at 50 degrees C and 2 hours at 55 degrees C, respectively). A wide range of cyanogenic glycosides (such as tetraphyllin B, epivolkenin, gynocardin, passibiflorin, prunasin, taxiphyllin, amygdalin, lucumin, sambunigrin, dhurrin, linamarin and cardiospermin sulfate) were hydrolyzed by both enzymes.

Chitinolytic activity at low temperature of an Antarctic strain (A3) of Verticillium lecanii

The chitinolytic activity of Verticillium cfr. lecanii A3, a strain isolated from continental Antarctica, was compared to those of two selected strains of Trichoderma harzianum. After 72 h of incubation at 25 degrees C in media containing chitin as the sole carbon source, all strains showed the same enzyme activity (ca. 230 mU/ml); at 15 degrees C, the levels of enzyme activity of the three strains were similar to those obtained at 25 degrees C. At 5 degrees C, in contrast, the activity of V. lecanii was ca. 4 times higher than those of both strains of T. harzianum (203 and 57 mU/ml, respectively; incubation time 144 h). The chitinase of V. lecanii, purified by preparative isoelectric focusing and ion-exchange chromatography, was shown to be a glycoprotein with apparent molecular weight of 45 kDa and isoelectric point of 4.9. The enzyme was active over a broad range of temperatures (5-60 degrees C): at 5 degrees C, its relative activity was still 50% of that recorded at 40 degrees C (optimal temperature). V. lecanii and its purified chitinase showed clear inhibitory effects on the growth of some test moulds such as Mucor plumbeus, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Aspergillus versicolor and Penicillium verrucosum: observations under the light and scanning electron microscopes revealed that growth inhibition was accompanied by mycelial damage and cell lysis.

Amygdalin degradation by Mucor circinelloides and Penicillium aurantiogriseum: mechanisms of hydrolysis

Mucor circinelloides LU M40 and Penicillium aurantiogriseum P 35 produce extracellular beta-glycosidases that are active on the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin. From the culture broths of M. circinelloides, only one beta-glycosidase could be identified, while two different enzymes - both having amygdalase activity - were found in culture broths of P. aurantiogriseum. The study of the mechanism of hydrolysis of the beta-bis-glycoside amygdalin with purified enzymes from the two organisms indicated a possible sequential (two-step) reaction. In all cases, the first step of hydrolysis from amygdalin to prunasin was very rapid, while the second step from prunasin to cyanohydrin was much slower. No cyanohydrin lyase activity was found in the culture broths of either fungus.

Electrokinetic separation of enantiomers using a capillary coated with poly-terguride

Enantioseparation of 2-arylpropionic acids (Flobufen) and dansyl-derivatives of amino acids can be achieved in 10-15 min by electrochromatography using a capillary coated with poly-terguride. It was found that the analytes, in the range of the buffer pH between 2.5-4.0, were driven by anodic electroosmotic flow originated by the positively charged moieties of the ergolinic skeleton, and, only partially, by their anodic electrophoretic mobility. The enantiomers eluted with the same sequence, e.g. L- or (S)-isomer more retained than D- or (R)-, which was observed in HPLC separations on terguride-silica based CSPs, thus indicating that racemates were resolved by a similar chiral recognition mechanism. The retention of the solutes was affected by the concentration and composition of the effluent. An other mobile phase variable, strongly affecting the selectivity, was the pH of the buffer.

Two-step hydrolysis of amygdalin in molds

Mucor circinelloides LU M40 and Penicillium aurantiogriseum P 35, characterized by extracellular beta-glucosidase activity on cyanogenic glycosides, hydrolyse amygdalin by a two-step reaction mechanism being the first step of hydrolysis, from amygdalin to prunasin, very rapid (15 min) and the second one, from prunasin to mandelonitrile, much slower (120 min).