Aspergillus oryzae CCT 3940, Aspergillus awamori NRRL 3112 and a Trichoderma sp.) were compared for their capacity to produce endo-polygalacturonase (endo-PG) in solid state fermentation. Maximum pectinolytic activity was reached in 72 h of growth, the best two fungal strains being A. niger T0005007-2 and A. oryzae CCT 3940. Three types of commercial purified pectin and four of unprocessed pect...

In situ external reflection infrared spectroscopy at the air-water interface was used to study the influence on phospholipid structure of an endogenous mixture of the two hydrophobic surfactant proteins, SP-B and SP-C, which are thought to play pivotal roles in the adsorption and function of pulmonary surfactant. Mixtures studied were 1:1, 2:1, and 7:1 (mol:mol) DPPC-d(62):DPPG, and 7:1 DPPC-d(...

Background. We investigated the level of soluble adhesion molecules in diabetic patients and the effect of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) agonist rosiglitazone on plasma levels of adhesion molecules and an inflammation marker in type 2 diabetic patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods. A total of 116 d...

BACKGROUND Although substance P (SP) is an important primary afferent modulator in nociceptive processes, it is unclear whether SP regulates its own release from primary sensory neurons. RESULTS Using a highly sensitive radioimmunoassay for SP, we have demonstrated that the activation of neurokinin-1 receptor by SP or GR73632 (a potent neurokinin-1 receptor agonist) triggered an increase of S...

Winogradskyella sp. strain PG-2 is a marine flavobacterium isolated from surface seawater. This organism contains proteorhodopsin, which can convert light energy into available forms of biochemical energy. Here, we present its complete genome sequence and annotation, which provide further insights into the life strategy of proteorhodopsin-mediated phototrophy in the ocean.

Geosmin has often been associated with off-flavor problems in drinking water with Anabaena sp. as the major producer. Rapid on-site detection of geosmin-producers as well as geosmin is important for a timely management response to potential off-flavor events. In this study, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) methods were developed to detect the levels of Anabaena sp. and geosmin, res...