A novel marine bacterium, designated strain 216LB-ZA1-12^T, was isolated from a <i>Penaeus vannamei</i> aquaculture seawater sample. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain 216LB-ZA1-12^T belonged to the genus <i>Sneathiella</i>, with the highest sequence similarity to <i>Sneathiella glossodoripedis</i> MKT133^T (97.7 %), followed by <i>Sneathiella limimaris</i> <em>GH1</em>-24^T (97.0 %), <i>Sneathiella chungangensis</i> CAU 1294^T (96.6 %) and <i>Sneathiella chinensis</i> LMG 23452^T (96.1 %). The average nucleotide identity and the DNA-DNA hybridization estimate values between strain 216LB-ZA1-12^T and four close type strains were between 69.2-71.3% and 16.7-17.8 %, respectively. The bacterium was Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, oxidase and catalase positive, oval- to rod-shaped, and motile. Growth was observed at pH 7-9, salinities of 1-15% and temperatures of 4-42 °C. The G+C content of the chromosomal DNA was 48.50 mol%. The major respiratory quinone was determined to be Q-10. The principal fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C_{18 : 1} ω<i>7c/</i>ω<i>6c</i>) and C_{16 : 0}. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and aminophospholipid. The combined genotypic and phenotypic data show that strain 216LB-ZA1-12^T represents a novel species within the genus <i>Sneathiella</i>, for which the name <i>Sneathiella aquimaris</i> sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain 216LB-ZA1-12^T (=MCCC 1A14570^T=KCTC 72144^T).

Keywords: Sneathiella aquimaris sp. nov.; aquaculture seawater; taxonomy.

A strictly aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, ovoid- and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain GH1-50^T, was isolated from a tidal mudflat sample collected from Dongmak seashore on Gangwha Island, Republic of Korea. The organism showed growth at 20-40 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 7-8 (optimum, pH 7) and 2-6 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 5 %). The pufLM genes were present but bacteriochlorophyll a was not detected. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, an unidentified aminolipid and five unidentified lipids. The predominant cellular fatty acids were C_{18 : 1} ω18 : 1 ω18 : 0. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that the isolate belonged to the family Rhodobacteraceae and was loosely associated with members of the recognized genera. The closest relative was the type strain of Pseudoruegeria marinistellae (96.8 % similarity) followed by Boseongicola aestuarii (96.4 %). Other members of the family shared 16S rRNA gene similarity values below 96.0 % to the novel isolate. The DNA G+C content calculated from the draft genome sequence was 64.0 %. The average amino acid identity, average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between genome sequences of strain GH1-50^T and all the type strains of the recognized taxa compared were <70.0, <84.1 and <20.5 %, respectively. Based on data obtained by a polyphasic approach, strain GH1-50^T (=KCTC 72224^T=NBRC 113929^T) represents a novel species of a new genus in the family Rhodobacteraceae, for which the name Kangsaoukella pontilimi gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed.

Keywords: Kansaoukella pontilimi; Rhodobacteraceae; new genus; polyphasic approach; tidal mudflat.

The primary structures of two rainbow trout growth hormone mRNAs (GH1 and GH2) have been deduced by direct sequencing of their respective cDNA clones and portions of the mRNA. Both GH1 and GH2 mRNA contain open reading frames comprised of 630 nucleotides and encode 210 amino acid residues of which 11 are variant. The translated regions of both mRNA are flanked by a short but rather conserved 5'-end, and a relatively long but highly diverged 3'-end. The differences at translated and 3'-untranslated regions suggest that the GH1 and GH2 mRNA originate from different loci. The GH1 and GH2 mRNA are likely transcribed from two distinct loci which were duplicated during tetraploidization of salmonid genome between 50 to 100 million years ago.The GH2 gene has been isolated and sequenced from a rainbow trout genomic library. This gene spans a region of approximately 4 kilobases. The trout GH gene is comprised of 6 exons and 5 introns, in contrast to 5 exons and 4 introns in mammals. The additional intron in the trout gene interrupts the translated regions that are analogous to the last exon of the mammalian counterpart. The alleged internally repeating sequences in mammalian GH, prolactin (Pr1) and placental lactogen (PL) are not observed in the predicted polypeptide sequence of trout GH. In addition, direct repeats that flank exons I, III and V of mammalian GH, Pr1 and PL genes are absent in trout gene. These findings indicate that the rainbow trout GH gene structure does not support the current hypothesis that internally repeated regions in GH, Pr1 and PL arose from a small primordial gene.

In the efficient bioconversion of polysaccharides from lignocellulosic biomass, endoglucanases and β-glucosidases are key enzymes for the deconstruction of β-glucans. In this work, we focused on a GH8 endoglucanase (Cel8Pa) and a GH1 β-glucosidase (Bg1Pa) from Paenibacillus xylanivorans A59. Cel8Pa was active on a broad range of substrates, such as β-glucan from barley (24.5 IU/mg), lichenan (17.9 IU/mg), phosphoric acid swollen cellulose (PASC) (9.7 IU/mg), carboxi-methylcellulose (CMC) (7.3 IU/mg), chitosan (1.4 IU/mg) and xylan (0.4 IU/mg). Bg1Pa was active on cellobiose (C2) and cello-oligosaccharides up to C6, releasing glucose as the main product. When both enzymes were used jointly, there was a synergic effect in the conversion rate of polysaccharides to glucose. Cel8Pa and Bg1Pa presented important properties for simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) processes in second generation bioethanol production, such as tolerance to high concentration of glucose and ethanol.

Keywords: Beta-glucan; Beta-glucosidase; Endoglucanse; GH1; GH8; Paenibacillus; Saccharification.

Stabilization ponds are a common treatment technology for wastewater generated by dairy industries. Large proportions of cheese whey are thrown into these ponds, creating an environmental problem because of the large volume produced and the high biological and chemical oxygen demands. Due to its composition, mainly lactose and proteins, it can be considered as a raw material for value-added products, through physicochemical or enzymatic treatments. β-Galactosidases (EC 3.2.1.23) are lactose modifying enzymes that can transform lactose in free monomers, glucose and galactose, or galactooligosacharides. Here, the identification of novel genes encoding β-galactosidases, identified via whole-genome shotgun sequencing of the metagenome of dairy industries stabilization ponds is reported. The genes were selected based on the conservation of catalytic domains, comparing against the CAZy database, and focusing on families with β-galactosidases activity (GH1, GH2 and GH42). A total of 394 candidate genes were found, all belonging to bacterial species. From these candidates, 12 were selected to be cloned and expressed. A total of six enzymes were expressed, and five cleaved efficiently ortho-nitrophenyl-β-galactoside and lactose. The activity levels of one of these novel β-galactosidase was higher than other enzymes reported from functional metagenomics screening and higher than the only enzyme reported from sequence-based metagenomics. A group of novel mesophilic β-galactosidases from diary stabilization ponds' metagenomes was successfully identified, cloned and expressed. These novel enzymes provide alternatives for the production of value-added products from dairy industries' by-products.

Keywords: sequence-based metagenomics; stabilization ponds; value-added products; β-galactosidase.

A large body of circumstantial evidence indicates that receptors located in nuclei of T3 responsive tissues represent a site of initiation of thyroid hormone action at the cellular level. Partial characterization of T3 receptors indicates that these proteins are monomeric structures in nuclei and are chromatin-associated non-histone proteins. Treatment of rat liver nuclei with either pancreatic DNase I or micrococcal nuclease releases T3 receptors from nuclei in two forms: a predominant (95 400 Mr; 5.5-6.0S) and a minor (265 000-365 000 Mr; 12.5S) nucleoprotein complex. Similar structures are excised from rat kidney, brain, and heart nuclei and from GH1 pituitary cell nuclei by micrococcal nuclease digestion. These endonuclease-excised receptor-containing complexes are significantly larger than the salt-extracted receptor (50 000 Mr; 3.5S). The presence of DNA and other non-receptor proteins in these structures indicates that T3 receptors probably function within multimeric complexes in vivo. Although T3 receptors appear to be associated with DNA between nucleosomes, i.e. linker DNA, it is not entirely clear whether all or only a fraction of T3 receptors interact with nucleosomal components. The 12.5S receptor-containing nucleoprotein complex may represent T3 receptors in association with linker DNA and nucleosomal components. T3 receptors do not appear to be uniformly distributed to all chromatin fractions, but are associated with structures having characteristics of transcriptionally active chromatin. They are found in a region of chromatin which is enriched in RNA polymerase activity, rapidly labeled RNA and non-histone proteins, and depleted of histone Hl. This region is also highly sensitive to both micrococcal nuclease and pancreatic DNase I digestion. The association of receptors with transcriptionally active chromatin, however, must be considered provisional until additional details of the precise receptor-chromatin interaction have been established. The recent demonstration of a 20-fold increase in a specific hepatic mRNA four hours following administration of T3 to hypothyroid rats indicates that thyroid hormone potentially has very rapid effects on hepatic gene expression. However, significant changes in nuclear protein phosphorylation, nuclear protein composition, and chromatin structure have not been detected within this four-hour period. Thus, effects of T3 on hepatic gene expression are brought about by local and presumably subtle changes in nuclear function.

Sequences of the two large introns (C and D) from two paralogous growth hormone genes, GH1 and GH2, were compared in eight charr species of the Salvelinus genus (Osteichthes, Salmonidae). It was demonstrated that the rates of intron divergence in these two genes were remarkably different. Introns in the GH1 gene appeared to be more conservative, while the rate of intron variations was considerably higher in the GH2 gene. These data suggest that noncoding regions of nuclear genes are shaped by selective pressure. The lower congruence of phylogenetic scheme constructed based on an analysis of the GH1 introns compared to that based on the GH2 data, as well as with the traditional views on the evolution of charr species, also favors the supposition on contrasted patterns of selective pressure in noncoding intronic sequences.

In many fish species, including salmonids, the growth-hormone is encoded by two duplicated paralogous genes, gh1 and gh2. Both genes were already in place at the time of divergence of species in this group. A comparison of the entire sequence of these genes of salmonids has shown that their conserved regions are associated with exons, while their most variable regions correspond to introns. Introns C and D include putative regulatory elements (sites Pit-1, CRE, and ERE), that are also conserved. In chars, the degree of polymorphism of gh2 gene is 2-3 times as large as that in gh1 gene. However, a comparison across all Salmonidae species would not extent this observation to other species. In both these chars' genes, the promoters are conserved mainly because they correspond to putative regulatory sequences (TATA box, binding sites for the pituitary transcription factor Pit-1 (F1-F4), CRE, GRE and RAR/RXR elements). The promoter of gh2 gene has a greater degree of polymorphism compared with gh1 gene promoter in all investigated species of salmonids. The observed differences in the rates of accumulation of changes in growth hormone encoding paralogs could be explained by differences in the intensity of selection.

Lactose is often considered an unwanted and wasted byproduct, particularly lactose trapped in acid whey from yogurt production. But using specialized microbial fermentation, the surplus wasted acid whey could be converted into value-added chemicals. The baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is commonly used for industrial fermentation, cannot natively ferment lactose. The present study describes how an engineered S. cerevisiae yeast was constructed to produce lactic acid from purified lactose, whey, or dairy milk. Lactic acid is an excellent proof-of-concept chemical to produce from lactose, because lactic acid has many food, pharmaceutical, and industrial uses, and over 250,000 t are produced for industrial use annually. To ferment the milk sugar lactose, a cellodextrin transporter (CDT-1, which also transports lactose) and a β-glucosidase (GH1-1, which also acts as a β-galactosidase) from Neurospora crassa were expressed in a S. cerevisiae strain. A heterologous lactate dehydrogenase (encoded by ldhA) from the fungus Rhizopus oryzae was integrated into the CDT-1/GH1-1-expressing strain of S. cerevisiae. As a result, the engineered strain was able to produce lactic acid from purified lactose, whey, and store-bought milk. A lactic acid yield of 0.358g/g of lactose was achieved from whey fermentation, providing an initial proof of concept for the production of value-added chemicals from excess industrial whey using engineered yeast.

Isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) type II is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by severe short stature with low growth hormone level. Timely diagnosis is important for optimal results of recombinant human GH (rhGH) treatment and detection of additional pituitary deficiencies in affected relatives. A male child presented at the age of one year with severe proportionate short stature (-4.9 SDS) with normal Body Mass Index (-1.1 SDS). Physical examination revealed frontal bossing, midfacial hypoplasia, normal external genitalia with no dysmorphic features. His father’s and mother’s height were -6.1 and -1.9 SDS. Serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were undetectable and the peak GH level in a clonidine stimulation test was extremely low (0.18 ng/mL). Brain magnetic resonance (MR) showed anterior pituitary hypoplasia. Genetic analysis identified a novel heterozygous mutation (c.291+2T>G) expected to lead to splicing out exon 3 of GH1. rhGH from 2.4 years of age led to proper catch-up. In conclusions, we identified a novel GH1 gene mutation in an infant with classical IGHD type II presentation.

Isolated growth hormone (GH) deficiency type I A is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by deletion of the GH1 gene and characterized by early onset severe short stature and typical phenotype. Lack of exposure to GH during fetal life often leads to formation of anti-GH antibody following exposure to the least immunogenic recombinant human GH (rhGH). Some patients with circulating ant-GH antibodies demonstrate lack of growth response to GH while others do not. However, the clinical significance of this antibody is unclear hence not routinely recommended. Three siblings born of a consanguineous union were referred to us with severe short stature. They were evaluated and IGHD was diagnosed in all of them. Genetic analysis revealed homozygous 6.7 Kb deletions of GH1 gene in all of them while their parents displayed a pattern of heterozygous 6.7 Kb deletions. rhGH was started at 10, 6 and 17/12 years of age. Their growth and hormonal parameters were monitored throughout the course of treatment. The eldest sibling demonstrated usual growth velocity (9.5 cm/year) after start of therapy that rapidly waned after 1st year (2.5 cm/year). The youngest sibling experienced excellent growth response even after 3rd year (10.3 cm/year) while the middle one displayed sub-optimal response from beginning (6.3cm/year). Change of rhGH brand did not work in the two elder sisters. Such a different growth response with rhGH in three siblings harbouring similar genetic abnormality has not been described earlier. Keywords: Isolated growth hormone deficiency type IA, GH1 gene, Anti-GH antibody.

Sulfolobus solfataricus β-glycosidase (SS-βGly) belongs to Glycosyl Hydrolase family1 (GH1) with broad substrate specificity. SS-βGly catalyzes both hydrolysis and transglycosylation reactions. SS-βGly is commonly used to synthesize variety of galacto-oligosaccharides. A comparison of SS-βGly with bacterial and eukaryotic homologs, using DALI search, revealed unique inserts. Free enzyme molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was performed under two different pH conditions (pH 6.5 and 2.5) at a constant temperature of 65 °C using GROMACS. A probable active-site loop (residues 331-364) in SS-βGly was identified. Dynamics of substrate binding cavity revealed that it was buried and inaccessible during most timeframes at pH 6.5 whereas open and accessible at pH 2.5. New cavities identified during both simulations may act as probable water channel or product egress path. Analyses of docked complexes of 3D structures obtained at every 1ns interval with compounds, involved in hydrolysis and tranglycosylation reactions, demonstrated that conformational states sampled by SS-βGly during free enzyme dynamics mimic the stages in enzyme catalysis thereby providing a mechanistic perspective. Current study revealed that conformational changes were conducive for hydrolysis at pH 6.5 and multiple cycles of transglycosylation at pH 2.5. Probable role of salt-bridge interactions in determining the type of reaction mechanism was also explored.

Nonenzymatic, chemical methods for the controlled cleavage of proteins at predictable sites in a site-specific manner are rare and of strong potential utility in clean, post-translational manipulation of protein structure for use in, for example, proteomics, sequencing, and tagged-protein production. Unprecedented photochemical, site-selective cleavage of a His-Trp (HW) motif in the GH1 family TIM-barrel proteins is observed upon exposure to 240-308 nm light to cleanly release N-terminal primary amide and C-terminal indolylenamide fragments. We also show that this photocleaveable motif can be transferred to fusion proteins for use in photoresponsive affinty purification. The presence of this motif in proteins found only in organisms that are not typically exposed to light raises the possibility of direct biological relevance for this new type of protein reaction.

To evaluate the relationship between the growth hormone 1 (GH1) T1663A polymorphism, recreational physical activity and body mass index (BMI) with reference to breast cancer, we conducted a case-control study with 669 cases of breast cancer and 682 population-based controls in Jiangsu Province, China. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit detailed information. All subjects completed an in-person interview. GH1 genotypes were identified using PCR-RFLP methods. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated with an unconditional logistic model. The distribution of GH1 genotypes was not significantly different between controls and cases (χ2=2.576, P=0.276). Results of stratified analysis by the participation status of the recreational physical activity showed that the persons with GH1 A allele were at a decreased risk of breast cancer (adjusted-OR=0.66; 95% CI, 0.50-0.87) only among inactive individuals. Stratified analysis by BMI showed that the genotype A/A was associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer only among individuals of the BMI<25 (adjusted-OR=0.80; 95% CI, 0.66-0.98). The findings of this study suggest that recreational physical activity and BMI may modify any association between the GH1 T1663A polymorphism and breast cancer risk.

The present work describes the monitoring of CO2 production by Aspergillus niger GH1 in a bioprocess for the production of ellagitannase (EAH) and ellagic acid by solid state fermentation. Pomegranate ellagitannins, mainly punicalagin, were used as carbon source and EAH inducer. A second condition, using ellagitannins and maltose as growth promoting carbon source, was tested. The ellagic acid production was quantified and the EAH activity was assayed. The accumulated metabolites were identified by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Higher CO2 production (7.79mg/grams of dry material) was reached in media supplemented with maltose. Short-time lag phase (7.79h) and exponential phase (10.42h) were obtained using only ellagitannins, despite its lower CO2 production (3.79mg/grams of dry material). Without the use of maltose lower ellagic acid (11.85mg/L/h) and EAH (21.80U/L/h) productivities were reached. The use of maltose enhances the productivity of EA (33.18mg/L/h) and EAH (33.70U/L/h). Besides of punicalin and ellagic acid, two unknown compounds with mass weight of 702 and 290g/mol (ions 701 and 289m/z in negative mode, respectively) were identified and characterized by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis.

A strictly anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming, non-motile, non-pigmented bacterium, strain J115^T, was isolated from human faeces. Cells of strain J115^T were straight rods, generally 1.8-3.0 µm, but could be up to 18 µm long. Growth occurred below 2 % (w/v) NaCl and 2 % (v/v) bile. Strain J115^T produced acid from myo-inositol but not from d-glucose, d-ribose or d-xylose. Butyric acid was the major end-product from myo-inositol. The genomic DNA G+C content was 58.92 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that the closest cultivated neighbours of strain J115^T were Oscillibacterruminantium GH1^T (95.4 % similarity) and Oscillibactervalericigenes Sjm18-20^T (94.1 %). Strain J115^T was also related to the not-yet-cultured bacterium Oscillospiraguilliermondii (92-93 % similarity). Coherently with the 16S rRNA gene sequence results, the average nucleotide identity scores of strain J115^T to O. ruminantium GH1^T and O. valericigenes Sjm18-20^T were 73.37 and 73.24, respectively, while in silico estimations of DNA-DNA hybridization were both 20.4 %, with confidence intervals of 18.2 - 22.9 % and 18.2 - 22.8 %, respectively. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (24.2 %), C18 : 0 DMA (18.4 %), anteiso-C15 : 0 (15.2 %) and C16 : 0 DMA (7.6 %). No respiratory quinone was detected. Based on phenotypic features and phylogenetic position, it is proposed that this isolate represents a novel species in a new genus, Dysosmobacterwelbionis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Dysosmobacterwelbionis is J115^T (DSM 106889^T = LMG 30601^T).

Hb F-Calabria [Ggamma118(GH1)Phe->>Leu] is a new fetal hemoglobin variant that was found during routine screening for abnormal hemoglobins in a newborn of Calabrian (Southern Italy) ancestry. The variant chain was identified (acid urea gel electrophoresis of dissociated globin chains in the presence of Triton X-100, and by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography) as a slightly hydrophilic Ggamma chain. Sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction-amplified exon 3 of the Ggamma-globin gene demonstrated the TTC->>CTC mutation at codon 118 leading to the Phe->>Leu conservative substitution at position GH1. A molecular modeling study supports that the variant might not have clinical implications. This is the 40th example of a Ggamma chain variant.

Earlier work of several laboratories established that the yields of radiation-induced ring and dicentric chromosomes are greater when human peripheral blood lymphocytes are irradiated in GH1 some hours after phytohemagglutinin stimulation than if they are irradiated in G0 before stimulation. Post-treatment of lymphocytes irradiated in G0 with the DNA polymerase inhibitor aphidicolin, which is effective against both pol alpha and pol delta, produces a similar increase in ring and dicentric yield. We found that aphidicolin post-treatment was much less effective in increasing ring and dicentric yield increases in cells irradiated in G1 four to five hours after stimulation. Because we had earlier found specific inhibitors of DNA pol alpha ineffective in producing increased yields in either G0 or G1 lymphocytes, we conclude that much of the G0 to G1 increase in yields is mediated by pol delta.

Three different beta-glycosidase sequences of Ttebgl3, Tpebgl1 and Tpengl3 from Thermotoga thermarum DSM 5069 and Thermotoga petrophila RKU-1 were analyzed. Also, the influence of temperature, pH, concentration of DMSO, metal ions and kinetic constant on catalytic conversion of baicalin had been compared. The results indicated that the optimal pH and optimum temperature for transformation of baicalin was 4.5 85 °C, 5.0 80 °C and 5.5 80 °C, respectively. The family GH3 beta-glycosidase Ttebgl3 and Tpebgl3 had the better DMSO tolerance. The activation effect of the metal ions on the catalytic conversion of baicalin was not obvious, and the inhibition of the GH3 family beta glucosidase was significantly stronger than that of the GH1 family. The kinetic constants of three different beta-glucosidases catalyzed baicalin were significantly different. The Km and Vmax values of Tpebgl1, Tpebgl3 and Ttebgl3 were 0.029 2 mmol·L⁻¹ 4.85 U·mg⁻¹, 0.268 6 mmol·L⁻¹ 121.04 U·mg⁻¹ and 0.391 8 mmol·L⁻¹ 308.90 U·mg⁻¹, respectively. Family GH3 beta-glycosidase converted more baicalin than family GH1 with the optimal conditions, 0.02 g baicalin, and the conversion rate was 68%, 97.3%, 97.31% respectively. The results of the study provided a guarantee for the transformation of baicalin.

In a previously engineered <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> recombinant, the cellobiose fermentation rate was significantly lower than the glucose fermentation rate. Thus, we implemented a genome-wide perturbation library to find gene targets for improving the cellobiose fermentation capability of the yeast strain. Unexpectedly, we discovered a transformant that contained an additional β-glucosidase gene (<i><em>gh1</em></i>-<i>1</i>), possibly through homologous recombination between the plasmids. The additional β-glucosidase led to the fastest cellobiose fermentation activity among all the transformants evaluated, and the strain demonstrated significantly higher β-glucosidase activity than the control strain, especially during the initial exponential growth phase. The present work revealed the benefit of the extra <i><em>gh1</em></i>-<i>1</i> copy for efficient cellobiose fermentation in the engineered <i>S. cerevisiae</i> strain.

Enzymes are essential in many biological processes, including second-generation ethanol production. However, enzymes are one of the main expenses for the industrial process in these days. Several studies have been done to maximize cost savings, however, many processes are still economically infeasible. In this study, we report the synthesis of a suspension of lignocresol for recycling or reuse of enzymes in bioprocesses. In this way, it was performed the adsorption assays between lignocresol and β-glucosidases from Thermotoga petrophila, belonging to the families GH1 and GH3, for the development of a lignocresol-enzyme complex. Our results show that lignocresol maintains greater adsorptive capacity for β-glucosidases than lignin. This capacity can be explained both by its great hydrophobicity and also by electrostatic characteristics. Therefore, all these results demonstrate good adsorption of the enzymes to the lignocresol, demonstrating great potential for enzymatic recycling.

Objective: To study the relationship between human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) envelope glycoprotein gene H and clinical features of children with congenital cytomegalovirus infection. Methods: A cohort study was conducted. Newborns diagnosed with congenital cytomegalovirus infection, hospitalized in the Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, were included from July 2013 to December 2015.HCMV-DNA gH typing in urine, sputum or blood was conducted. Patients then were divided into gH1 group and gH2 group according to gH genotypes. Patients' data during hospitalization in newborn and 3-5 years of follow-up were collected.The relationships between gH genotype and clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, hearing loss and neurological prognosis were analyzed by chi-square test, t test and non-parametric test. Results: A total of 21 cases were enrolled as congenital HCMV infection and followed-up for 3-5 years. Among them, 14 (67%) were gH1 type and 7 (33%) were gH2 type. No mixed infection was found. In the two groups, there were no significant differences in the ratio of males (9/14 vs. 3/7,P=vs. (3 021±451) g, t=-1.436, P=gH1 group was younger than that of gH2 group (38 (29-40) vs. 39(38-40) weeks, Z=-2.18, P=gH1 group than that in gH2 group (4/22 vs.P=gH1 group was lower than that of gH2 group (0.4±0.3 vs. 1.3±1.1, t=-2.459,P=gH1 group (4/7 vs.P=Conclusions: Compared with gH2 infection, gH1 infection in children has a younger gestational age. The major type of hearing loss in neonatal period is gH1 infection. Children with gH2 congenital infections are more likely to suffer from nervous systems damage.

Major recent advances in genetics and genomics present unique opportunities for enhancing our understanding of human physiology and disease predisposition. Here I demonstrate how analysis of genomic information can provide new insights into endocrine systems, using the human growth hormone (GH) signaling pathway as an illustrative example. GH is essential for normal postnatal growth in children, and plays important roles in other biological processes throughout life. GH actions are mediated by the GH receptor, primarily via the JAK2 protein tyrosine kinase and the STAT5B transcription factor, and inactivating mutations in this pathway all lead to impaired somatic growth. Variation in GH signaling genes has been evaluated using DNA sequence data from the Exome Aggregation Consortium, a compendium of information from >60,000 individuals. Results reveal many potential missense and other alterations in the coding regions of GH1, GHR, JAK2, and STAT5B, with most changes being uncommon. The total number of different alleles per gene varied by ~threefold, from 101 for GH1 to 338 for JAK2. Several known disease-linked mutations in GH1, GHR, and JAK2 were present but infrequent in the population; however, three amino acid changes in GHR were sufficiently prevalent (~4% to 44% of chromosomes) to suggest that they are not disease causing. Collectively, these data provide new opportunities to understand how genetically driven variability in GH signaling and action may modify human physiology and disease.