Fungal decomposition of chicken-feather waste in submerged and solid-state fermentation / Decomposição fúngica de resíduos de pena de frango em fermentação submersa e de estado sólido

Abstract Poultry industry is expanding rapidly and producing million tons of feather waste annually. Massive production of keratinaceous byproducts in the form of industrial wastes throughout the world necessitates its justified utilization. Chemical treatment of keratin waste is proclaimed as an eco-destructive approach by various researchers since it generates secondary pollutants. Keratinase released by a variety of microbes (bacteria and fungi) can be used for the effective treatment of keratin waste. Microbial degradation of keratin waste is an emerging and eco-friendly approach and offers dual benefits, i.e., treatment of recalcitrant pollutant (keratin) and procurement of a commercially important enzyme (keratinase). This study involves the isolation, characterization, and potential utility of fungal species for the degradation of chicken-feather waste through submerged and solid-state fermentation. The isolated fungus was identified and characterized as Aspergillus (A.) flavus. In a trial of 30 days, it was appeared that 74 and 8% feather weight was reduced through sub-merged and solid-state fermentation, respectively by A. flavus. The pH of the growth media in submerged fermentation was changed from 4.8 to 8.35. The exploited application of keratinolytic microbes is, therefore, recommended for the treatment of keratinaceous wastes to achieve dual benefits of remediation.

Resumo A indústria avícola está se expandindo rapidamente e produzindo milhões de toneladas de resíduos de penas anualmente. A produção massiva de subprodutos queratinosos na forma de resíduos agrícolas e industriais em todo o mundo exige sua utilização justificada. O tratamento químico de resíduos de queratina é proclamado como uma abordagem ecodestrutiva por vários pesquisadores, uma vez que gera poluentes secundários. A queratinase liberada por uma variedade de micróbios (bactérias e fungos) pode ser usada para o tratamento eficaz de resíduos de queratina. A degradação microbiana de resíduos de queratina é uma abordagem emergente e ecológica e oferece benefícios duplos, ou seja, tratamento de poluente recalcitrante (queratina) e obtenção de uma enzima comercialmente importante (queratinase). Este estudo envolve o isolamento, caracterização e utilidade potencial de espécies de fungos para a degradação de resíduos de penas de frango por meio da fermentação submersa e em estado sólido. O fungo isolado foi identificado e caracterizado como Aspergillus (A.) flavus. Em um ensaio de 30 dias, constatou-se que 74% e 8% do peso das penas foram reduzidos por A. flavus, respectivamente, por meio da fermentação submersa e em estado sólido. O pH do meio de crescimento em fermentação submersa foi alterado de 4,8 para 8,35. A aplicação explorada de micróbios queratinolíticos é, portanto, recomendada para o tratamento de resíduos ceratinosos para obter benefícios duplos de remediação.

Degradation of keratin substrates by keratinolytic fungi

Background: The hydrolysis of keratin wastes by microorganisms is considered a biotechnological alternative for recycling and valorization through keratinolytic microorganisms. Despite their resistant structure, keratin wastes can be efficiently degraded by various microorganisms through the secretion of keratinases, which are promising enzymes for several applications, including detergents, fertilizers, and leather and textile industry. In an attempt to isolate keratinolytic microorganisms that can reach commercial exploitation as keratinase producers, the current work assesses the dynamics of keratin biodegradation by several keratinolytic fungal strains isolated from soil. The activity of fungal strains to degrade keratin substrates was evaluated by SEM, FTRIR-ATR spectra and TGA analysis. Results: SEM observations offered relevant information on interactions between microorganism and structural elements of hair strands. FTIR spectra of the bands at 1035­1075 cm-1 assigned to sulfoxide bond appeared because of S­S bond breaking, which demonstrated the initiation of keratin biodegradation. According to TGA, in the second zone of thermal denaturation, where keratin degradation occurs, the highest weight loss of 71.10% was obtained for sample incubated with Fusarium sp. 1A. Conclusions: Among the tested strains, Fusarium sp. 1A was the most active organism in the degradation process with the strongest denaturation of polypeptide chains. Because keratinolytic microorganisms and their enzymes keratinases represent a subject of scientific and economic interest because of their capability to hydrolyze keratin, Fusarium sp. 1A was selected for further studies.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the liver: a case report

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the liver is very rare, and few cases have been reported in Korea. Primary SCC of the liver is known to be associated with hepatic cysts and intrahepatic stones. A 71-year-old male was admitted to our hospital, and a abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a 10 × 6 cm mass in the liver. Analysis of a biopsy sample suggested SCC, and so our team performed a thorough workup to find the primary lesion, which was revealed hepatoma as a pure primary SCC of the liver with multiple distant metastases. The patient was treated with one cycle of radiotherapy, transferred to another hospital for hospice care, and then died 1 month after discharge.

Keratinolytic abilities of Micrococcus luteus from poultry waste

Keratinolytic microorganisms have become the subject of scientific interest due to their ability to biosynthesize specific keratinases and their prospective application in keratinic waste management. Among several bacterial classes, actinobacteria remain one of the most important sources of keratin-degrading strains, however members of the Micrococcaceae family are rarely scrutinized in regard to their applicatory keratinolytic potential. The tested Micrococcus sp. B1pz isolate from poultry feather waste was identified as M. luteus. The strain, grown in the medium with 1–2% chicken feathers and a yeast extract supplement, produced keratinases of 32 KU and lower level of proteases, 6 PU. It was capable to effectively decompose feathers or “soft” keratin of stratum corneum, in contrast to other “hard” hair-type keratins. The produced keratinolytic enzymes were mainly a combination of alkaline serine or thiol proteases, active at the optimum pH 9.4, 55 °C. Four main protease fractions of 62, 185, 139 and 229 kDa were identified in the crude culture fluid. The research on the auxiliary role of reducing factors revealed that reducing sulfur compounds could be applied in keratinolysis enhancement during enzymatic digestion of keratin, rather than in culture conditions. The presented M. luteus isolate exhibits a significant keratinolytic potential, which determines its feasible applicatory capacity towards biodegradation of poultry by-products or formulation of keratin-based feed components.

Dermatophytes and other associated fungi in patients attending to some hospitals in Egypt

Dermatophytes are keratinophilic fungi that infect keratinized tissues causing diseases known as dermatophytoses. Dermatophytes are classified in three genera, Epidermophyton, Microsporum, and Trichophyton. This investigation was performed to study the prevalence of dermatomycosis among 640 patients being evaluated at the dermatology clinics at Kasr elainy, El-Husein and Said Galal hospitals in Cairo and Giza between January 2005 and December 2006. The patients were checked for various diseases. Tinea capitis was the most common clinical disease followed by tinea pedis and tinea corporis. Tinea cruris and tinea unguium were the least in occurrence. Tinea versicolor also was detected. The most susceptible persons were children below 10 years followed by those aged 31–40 years. Unicellular yeast was the most common etiological agent and T. tonsuranswas the second most frequent causative agent followed by M. canis.

Fatores associados à prática do aleitamento materno exclusivo por pelo menos seis meses no estado de Pernambuco / Factors associated with breastfeeding practice for at least six months in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil

INTRODUÇÃO: Apesar do consenso científico sobre os benefícios que a amamentação proporciona à mãe, à criança, à família e ao próprio meio ambiente, além da recomendação para que sua prática seja realizada de forma exclusiva nos seis primeiros meses de vida, essa conduta está longe de ser alcançada. OBJETIVO: Analisar os fatores associados à amamentação exclusiva (AME) por pelo menos seis meses, em contraponto ao desmame total até o segundo mês de vida no estado de Pernambuco. MÉTODO: Estudo caso-controle reunindo 124 casos (AME por pelo menos seis meses) pareados por idade e sexo com 248 controles (desmame total até o segundo mês). Casos e controles foram oriundos da III Pesquisa Estadual de Saúde e Nutrição. Foram selecionadas como variáveis de exposição: idade e escolaridade materna, renda familiar, zona de moradia, consultas pré-natais, tipo de parto e profissional que o assistiu e orientação sobre amamentação no pré-natal. Foi aplicada regressão logística nas variáveis que apresentaram um valor de p < 0,2 nas análises bivariadas, adotando para a inclusão no modelo final o nível de significância p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Dos 8 agrupamentos de variáveis consideradas como possíveis preditoras do AME por pelo menos 6 meses, mantiveram-se como fatores associados a idade materna entre 20 - 35 anos, sendo a odds ratio (OR) 2,5 e o intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%) 1,4 - 4,5; e a escolaridade de 5 - 8 anos de estudo (OR 2,1; IC95% 1,2 - 3,6). CONCLUSÃO: O estudo mostra que ainda são necessárias mobilizações dos poderes públicos e estímulo às pesquisas em prol do sucesso do AME e da saúde materno-infantil. .

INTRODUCTION: Despite the scientific consensus on the benefits that breastfeeding provides for the mother, the baby, the family and the environment, and also the recommendation to breastfeed exclusively for six months, this practice is far from being achieved. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for at least six month, as opposed to weaning up to the second month of life in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. METHODS: A case-control study of 124 cases (EBF for at least six months) matched for age and sex with 248 controls (weaning up to the second month of life). Cases and controls were drawn from the III State Health and Nutrition Survey. The exposure variables selected were maternal age and education, per capita income, housing zone, prenatal consultations, type of delivery, professional who assisted the delivery, and prenatal breastfeeding guidance. Logistic regression was applied to variables that showed a p-value < 0.2 in the bivariate analysis, and the variables with p-value < 0.05 were included in the final model. RESULTS: Of the eight groups of variables considered as possible predictors of EBF for at least six months, two remained as associated factors: maternal age between 20 - 35 years old, with odds ratio (OR) 2.5 and 95% confidence interval 95%CI 1.4 - 4.5; and maternal education of 5 - 8 years of schooling (OR 2.1; 95%CI 1.2 - 3.6). CONCLUSION: The study shows that mobilization of the public sector and stimulus to research is still needed for the success of EBF and for mother and child health. .

A Case of Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Rectosigmoid Colon / 대한소화기학회지

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive variant of squamous cell carcinoma, which mostly occurs in the upper aerodigestive tracts. Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma also typically arises in the anal canal, but is extremely rare in the lower gastrointestinal tract. A 70-year-old man presented with loose stool and intermittent hematochezia 2 months ago. Colonoscopy showed an ulceroinfiltrative mass on the rectosigmoid colon from 16 cm to 18 cm above the anal verge. Conventional colonoscope could not pass through the lesion but it was possible with pediatric colonoscope. Abdominal CT scan showed 1.6 cm sized wall thickening with circumferential luminal narrowing in the rectosigmoid colon and multiple ill-defined low density masses in both lobes of the liver. Therefore, colon cancer with liver metastasis was suspected. However, basaloid cells were noted on histologic examination, and they were weakly positive for synaptophysin on immunohistochemical study. After palliative lower anterior resection, histologic examination of the resected specimen revealed basaloid differentiation with keratin pearls, and tumor cells were positively stained with high molecular weighted cytokeratin (34BE12) and CK 5/6. Thus, the patient was finally diagnosed with basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of rectosigmoid colon with distant metastases.

Intramedullary Spinal Cord Metastasis in Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report of the Surgical Experience

Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis (ISCM) from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is rare manifestation and most of them are treated by adjuvant treatment modalities like radiotherapy. Despite the radio-resistance of RCC itself, focal radiotherapy has been preferred as the first-line treatment modality of ISCM from RCC and only a few cases underwent surgical treatment. We describe a case of ISCM from RCC, which underwent surgical excision and pathologically confirmed. A 44-yr-old man was presented with rapid deterioration of motor weakness during focal radiotherapy for ISCM from RCC. After the surgery for removal of the tumor mass and spinal cord decompression, his motor power was dramatically improved to ambulate by himself. We report the first published Korean case of ISCM from RCC confirmed pathologically and describe our surgical experience and his clinical characteristics.

A Case of Spindle Cell Carcinoma of the Stomach Presenting with Hematochezia and Weight Loss Due to Fistulous Tract Formation with Colon / 대한소화기학회지

Spindle cell carcinoma (SpCC) is a rare tumor consisting of spindle cells which express cytokeratin. Despite recent advances in immunohistochemical and genetic studies, precise histogenesis of SpCC is still controversial and this tumor had been referred to with a wide range of names (in the past): carcinosarcoma, pseudosarcoma, sarcomatoid carcinoma, pseudosarcomatous carcinoma, and collision tumor. Recently, the authors experienced an extremely rare case of SpCC arising from the stomach. A 64-year-old male presented with unintended weight loss and hematochezia. Endoscopic examination revealed a fistulous tract between the stomach and the transverse colon which was made by direct invasion of SpCC of the stomach to the colon. Histologically, the tumor was positive for both vimentin and cytokeratin but negative for CD117, CD34, actin, and desmin. Herein, we report a case of SpCC arising from the stomach that formed a fistulous tract with the colon which was diagnosed during evaluation of hematochezia and weight loss.

Cytokeratin-positive primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the prostate: Case report and review of literature.

Ewing's sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (ES/PNET) of the prostate is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of ES/PNET of prostate in a 24-year-old man presenting with dysuria and pelvic discomfort. Computed tomography scan revealed a heterogeneous mass involving the prostate without evidence of distant metastases. Histologically, the tumor was composed of small round blue cells strongly and diffusely positive for CD99 and epithelial markers. Fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed rearrangement of the Ewing's sarcoma region on chromosome 22.

A Case of Epstein-Barr Virus Negative Gastric Medullary Carcinoma Excised by Endoscopic Mucosal Resection / 대한소화기학회지

No abstract available.

Concurrent hepatic adenomatoid tumor and hepatic hemangioma: a case report

A 45-year-old male with alleged asymptomatic hepatic hemangioma of 4 years duration had right upper-quadrant pain and was referred to a tertiary hospital. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed a hypervascular mass of about 7 cm containing intratumoral multilobulated cysts. A preoperative liver biopsy was performed, but this failed to provide a definitive diagnosis. The patient underwent a partial hepatectomy of segments IV and VIII. The histologic findings revealed multifocal proliferation of flattened or cuboidal epithelioid cells and a highly vascular edematous stroma. Immunohistochemistry findings demonstrated that the epithelioid tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin (AE1/AE3), vimentin, calretinin, and cytokeratin 5/6, and were focally positive for CD10, and negative for WT1 and CD34, all of which support their mesothelial origin. Immunohistochemistry for a mesothelial marker should be performed for determining the presence of an adenomatoid tumor when benign epithelioid cells are seen.

Collision of Three Histologically Distinct Endometrial Cancers of the Uterus

A collision tumor is defined by the presence of two separate masses in one organ, which are pathologically distinct. We described a 70-yr-old patient who complained of abnormal vaginal bleeding with a collision tumor of the uterine corpus. The patient received total hysterectomy, bilateral salphingo-oophorectomy, bilateral pelvic-paraaortic lymphadenectomy, omentectomy, and intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The uterine corpus revealed three separate masses, which were located at the fundus, anterior and posterior wall. Each tumor revealed three pathologically different components, which were malignant mixed mullerian tumor, papillary serous carcinoma, and endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Among these components, only the papillary serous carcinoma component invaded the underlying myometrium and metastasized to the regional lymph node. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy were performed. The patient is still alive and has been healthy for the last 8 yr. We have reviewed previously reported cases of collision tumors which have occurred in the uterine corpus.

Cytokeratin expression in corneal dystrophies / Expressão de citoqueratinas em distrofias corneanas

PURPOSE: To identify an immunohistochemical pattern of epithelial markers in granular, lattice and Avellino corneal dystrophies. METHODS: Twenty-two corneal buttons, diagnosed as lattice (17), Avellino (4) and granular (1) underwent immunohistochemical studies of cytokeratins (CKs) on pa- raffin-embedded sections (group I). Monoclonal antibodies for pan-CK (AE1/AE3) and CKs 3/12, 5/6, 8, 18 and 19 were used. Twenty-two normal corneas were used as the control (group II). RESULTS: Six lattice and 2 Avellino cases of group I stained positively with anti-CK 3/12 in corneal epithelium and areas of corneal stroma deposits. One of these cases of lattice was positive for anti-pan-CK (AE1/AE3) also in the epithelium and areas of corneal stroma deposits with a similar pattern. None of the controls (group II) revealed any staining in corneal stroma. All disease and control cases (groups I and II) revealed positive staining in corneal epithelium. CONCLUSION: AE1/AE3 and CK 3/12 anti-CK positive markers in the stromal deposits of lattice and Avellino dystrophies may suggest an epithelial genesis of the disease.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a expressão de citoqueratinas (CKs) em córneas com distrofias corneanas tipo granular, lattice e Avellino. MÉTODOS: Vinte e dois botões corneanos com diagnóstico anatomopatológico de distrofia estromal tipo lattice (17), Avellino (4) e granular (1) foram submetidos à avaliação imunohistoquímica nos tecidos inclusos em parafina (grupo I). Anticorpos monoclonais para pan-CK (AE1/AE3) e CKs de números 3/12, 5/6, 8, 18 e 19 foram utilizados. Vinte e dois botões corneanos normais foram usados como controle (grupo II). RESULTADOS: Oito casos do grupo I (seis lattice e dois Avellino) apresentaram reações imuno-histoquímicas positivas com anti-CK 3/12, tanto no epitélio como nos depósitos estromais e um destes casos (lattice) também se mostrou positivo para anti-pan-CK (AE1/AE3) com o mesmo padrão de reação. Nenhum caso do grupo II mostrou reação imuno-histoquímica positiva no estroma corneano. Na avaliação imuno-histoquímica dos grupos I e II, o epitélio apresentou uma reação positiva com o anticorpo anti-pan-CK (AE1/AE3) e com o anti-CK 3/12. CONCLUSÃO: O fato da pan-CK e CK 3/12 apresentarem uma reação positiva nos depósitos das distrofias tipo lattice e Avellino sugere uma origem epitelial desses depósitos corneanos.

Composite Follicular Variant of Papillary Carcinoma and Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of Thyroid Gland: A Case Report

A 50-yr-old male presented a thyroid mass with dysphasia and hoarseness. He underwent total thyroidectomy and neck node dissection. Pathologically, the tumor had two distinct tumor components with intermingled areas: follicular variant of papillary carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma composed of columnar cells, mucocytes, and squamoid cells showing solid and cystic lesion. Several small cysts lined by benign ciliated columnar epithelia suggesting that this tumor had originated from solid cell nest were seen around the tumor. By immunohistochemistry, columnar cells and squamoid cells in mucoepidermoid carcinoma were positive for cytokeratin but negative for thyroglobulin, TTF-1 and calcitonin. Positivity of p63 was seen in squamoid cells and basal cells of cysts. Some mucocytes are CEA positive. Tumor cells of papillary carcinoma are positive for TTF-1, thyroglobulin but negative for CEA, calcitonin and p63.

A Case of Acinar Cell Carcinoma of Pancreas, Manifested by Subcutaneous Nodule as Initial Clinical Symptom / 대한소화기학회지

Pancreas acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) accounts for only 1-2% of pancreatic exocrine malignant tumor. The symptoms of patients with ACC are usually non-specific, for example the anorexia and weight loss. Patients may develop Schmid's triad including subcutaneous fat necrosis, polyarthritis, and eosinophilia. We reported a case of ACC which was manifested by subcutaneous nodule as initial clinical symptom. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of ACC presenting as subcutaneous fat necrosis in Korea.

Industrial application of keratinase and soluble proteins from feather keratins.

Feather keratin is highly resistant to degradation, but some keratinase producing microorganisms can easily degrade these insoluble keratins. These keratinase producing species have an important application in removal of poultry waste and recycled into valuable byproduct. Bacillus sp was screened from soil samples of slaughterhouse and poultry farm area using azokeratin medium. Highest keratinase activity (122.5 KU ml(-1)) was observed at 8.0 pH. Submerged fermentation was carried out at 8.0 pH up to 5th days. On 4th day enzyme production was highest (140 KU ml(-1)) with 1% feather (w/v). Crude protein content was high on day 5, around 1.44 mg ml(-1). 75% of filtrate was found to be crude protein. The molecular weight of this keratinase was 32 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The crude protein from feather has of high nutrient value and could be used as animal feed for livestock and fish feed in aquaculture.

Incidence of keratinophilic fungi in waterlogged condition of paddy soil.

Prevalence of keratinophilic fungi was observed in paddy field soil during different stages of cultivation viz., transplanting, tillering, milking and maturation. Out of total 76 soil samples, 65 soil samples were found to be positive for the keratinophilic fungi. Fourteen species belonging to a single genus Chrysosporium were isolated through out the cropping season. C. keratinophilum (17.1%) followed by C. tropicum (13.15%) were found to be the most dominating geophilic species. The highest percent distribution of keratinophilic fungi appeared during the milking stage (100%) of paddy cultivation, followed by the maturation stage (89.47%).