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This Final Degree Project focuses on the comprehensive analysis of lipids present in hydrogenotrophic methanogenic microorganisms, highlighting their relevance in the fields of biotechnology and microbiology due to their ability to utilise hydrogen as an energy source. The research aims to provide crucial information about the composition of these bacteria and their application in various fields. The main objective of the project is to carry out a detailed analysis of the sample using a methodology that involves the lyophilisation of microorganisms, followed by lipid extraction. This process continues with the concentration of the organic fraction and the derivatisation of compounds possessing polar functional groups. Later, a combination of chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques is used to analyse the different lipid components. Finally, the study aims to characterise the compounds by identifying distinctive profiles in the spectra generated by functional groups, determining the presence of acids, alcohols, alkanes, and other compounds in these microorganisms, and comparing them with those obtained in scientific articles. A semi-quantitative analysis is also conducted to obtain a visual representation of the most abundant compounds in the sample, facilitating a more accessible understanding of the lipid composition and highlighting those components relevant for possible practical applications., Aquest treball de fi de grau se centra en l'anàlisi exhaustiva dels lípids presents en microorganismes hidrogenotròfics metanogènics, destacant-ne la rellevància en els camps de la biotecnologia i la microbiologia a causa de la seva capacitat per fer servir l'hidrogen com a font d'energia. La investigació busca proporcionar informació crucial sobre la composició d'aquests bacteris i la seva aplicació en diversos camps. L'objectiu principal del projecte és dur a terme una anàlisi detallada de la mostra mitjançant una metodologia que implica la liofilització dels microorganismes, seguida de l'extracció de lípids. Aquest procés continua amb la concentració de la fracció orgànica i la derivatització de compostos que posseeixen grups funcionals polars. Posteriorment, s'utilitza una combinació de tècniques de cromatografia i espectrometria de masses per analitzar els diferents components lipídics. Finalment, l'estudi busca caracteritzar els compostos mitjançant la identificació de perfils distintius en els espectres generats pels grups funcionals, determinant la presència d'àcids, alcohols, alcans i altres compostos en aquests microorganismes , i comparar-los amb els obtinguts en articles científics. També es duu a terme una anàlisi semiquantitativa per aconseguir una representació visual dels compostos més abundants en la mostra, facilitant una comprensió més accessible de la composició lipídica i destacant aquells components rellevants per a possibles aplicacions pràctiques.

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to investigate modifications of prostate cancer PC-3 cell lipidome after exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of ouabain. FTIR spectroscopy offered an overview of the lipid classes present in the whole sample. The method is simple, label free and some features can be detected on entire cells. We compared the achievements of FTIR spectroscopy with data obtained by mass spectrometry (MS) on the same samples. It appears that FTIR spectroscopy could identify content variations in some lipid classes, e.g. these containing choline head groups such as phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin. MS analysis could confirm this result as indicated by principal component analysis and 2D heterocorrelation maps. FTIR spectra were also able to report changes in ester/choline/phosphate ratios characterizing lipid changes induced by ouabain. Furthermore, quantization of major lipid classes (PC, PE, PG, SM) could be obtained by curve fitting of the FTIR spectra. Yet, FTIR failed to resolve lipid classes for which the polar heads do not display specific IR features such as phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin., Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to investigate modifications of prostate cancer PC-3 cell lipidome after exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of ouabain. FTIR spectroscopy offered an overview of the lipid classes present in the whole sample. The method is simple, label free and some features can be detected on entire cells. We compared the achievements of FTIR spectroscopy with data obtained by mass spectrometry (MS) on the same samples. It appears that FTIR spectroscopy could identify content variations in some lipid classes, e.g. these containing choline head groups such as phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin. MS analysis could confirm this result as indicated by principal component analysis and 2D heterocorrelation maps. FTIR spectra were also able to report changes in ester/choline/phosphate ratios characterizing lipid changes induced by ouabain. Furthermore, quantization of major lipid classes (PC, PE, PG, SM) could be obtained by curve fitting of the FTIR spectra. Yet, FTIR failed to resolve lipid classes for which the polar heads do not display specific IR features such as phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin., Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

In mammals, reproductive health and success are closely linked to nutritional health and body condition, particularly for females. Thus, adequate and reliable food resources are required for populations to remain stable, or to increase. In the Bay of Fundy, right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) feed almost exclusively on stage V copepods, Calanus finmarchicus (C5). Calanus possesses two classes of storage lipids, triacylglycerols (TAG) and wax esters (WE), the latter making up 94% of the total lipid present. Interestingly, most mammals are incapable of metabolizing WE and consequently eliminate WE in their feces. Current energetic models assume that right whales are utilizing all of the lipids from their copepod prey. This study aims to determine whether right whales can metabolize all copepod lipids by comparing estimates of the lipids a right whale consumes with those that are eliminated in the feces. Using data from 60 copepod and 24 fecal samples, a right whale ingestion model and known copepod lipid composition, I estimated that an average right whale (40000 kg) ingests approximately 62000 g of lipid per day. The majority of total lipid ingested (~ 58000 g) consists of WE. Using allometrically-derived estimates of defecation rates in conjunction with the lipid composition of fecal material, I calculated that an average right whale eliminates approximately 250 g of WE per day, implying that right whales are assimilating over 99 % (57765 g) of the ingested WE. The composition of fecal material differed significantly from that of the diet, suggesting that eliminated lipids might originate from a source other than diet. Copepod lipid composition was dominated by long chain saturated fatty acid (FA) components 14:0 (14.73 ± 0.32 wt%) and 16:0 (8.99 ± 0.20 wt%), with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated components comprising the remainder of the FA composition. Long chain monounsaturated 20:1n-9 and 22:1n-11 dominated the fatty alcohol (FAlc) composition. FAlc components

Attention was recently drawn to differences in the fatty acid pattern of liver phospholipids and triglycerides in animal models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The present study extends this knowledge to epididymal or parametrial adipose tissue lipids. The fatty acid pattern of such lipids was established in four fed female normal rats, four overnight fasted female normal rats, six fed female rats rendered diabetic by an injection of streptozotocin 3 days before sacrifice (STZ rats), and four female and four male Goto-Kakizaki rats (GK rats) also examined in the fed or fasted state. In addition to the fasting-induced and diabetes-related changes in plasma D-glucose and insulin concentrations, differences in either the weight percentage of fatty acids or the paired ratio between distinct fatty acids were often encountered. For instance, in the GK rats, gender differences were observed in the weight percentage of C18:2omega6, as well as C18:2omega6/C18:3omega6, C18:3omega6/C20:4omega6, C20:5omega3/C22:5omega3 and C22:5omega3/C22:6omega3 ratios. When compared to normal rats, the activity of Delta9-desaturase was markedly increased in GK rats and, to a lesser extent, in STZ rats. Starvation also increased to some extent the activity of Delta9-desaturase. The relative content of C22:6omega3 was also higher in diabetic than in normal rats. Further differences between GK and STZ rats concerned the generation of C18:3omega6 from C18:2omega6, C20:4omega6 from C18:3omega6, and C20:5omega3 from C18:3omega3. Several differences found in the adipose tissue of GK versus STZ rats were reminiscent of those recently identified in the liver triglycerides of these two types of diabetic animals, suggesting a common regulatory mechanism, possibly linked to the higher insulinemia of GK rats versus STZ rats., Comparative Study, Journal Article, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Attention was recently drawn to differences in the fatty acid pattern of liver phospholipids and triglycerides in animal models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The present study extends this knowledge to epididymal or parametrial adipose tissue lipids. The fatty acid pattern of such lipids was established in four fed female normal rats, four overnight fasted female normal rats, six fed female rats rendered diabetic by an injection of streptozotocin 3 days before sacrifice (STZ rats), and four female and four male Goto-Kakizaki rats (GK rats) also examined in the fed or fasted state. In addition to the fasting-induced and diabetes-related changes in plasma D-glucose and insulin concentrations, differences in either the weight percentage of fatty acids or the paired ratio between distinct fatty acids were often encountered. For instance, in the GK rats, gender differences were observed in the weight percentage of C18:2omega6, as well as C18:2omega6/C18:3omega6, C18:3omega6/C20:4omega6, C20:5omega3/C22:5omega3 and C22:5omega3/C22:6omega3 ratios. When compared to normal rats, the activity of Delta9-desaturase was markedly increased in GK rats and, to a lesser extent, in STZ rats. Starvation also increased to some extent the activity of Delta9-desaturase. The relative content of C22:6omega3 was also higher in diabetic than in normal rats. Further differences between GK and STZ rats concerned the generation of C18:3omega6 from C18:2omega6, C20:4omega6 from C18:3omega6, and C20:5omega3 from C18:3omega3. Several differences found in the adipose tissue of GK versus STZ rats were reminiscent of those recently identified in the liver triglycerides of these two types of diabetic animals, suggesting a common regulatory mechanism, possibly linked to the higher insulinemia of GK rats versus STZ rats., Comparative Study, Journal Article, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

In the subtropical regions of the United States, breeding of beef cattle typically Includes the use of Brahman cattle. These cattle exhibit high heat tolerance and the ability to be disease resistant. They are known for their maternal abilities and hybrid vigor when crossed with Bos taurus cattle. However, these animals are not known for their carcass merit. They have traditionally been characterized as producing low quality carcasses. Therefore, s breed of cattle that can tolerate the abusive conditions of the environment and produce high quality carcasses would be ideal. This study was conducted to evaluate if Romoslnuano (R) cattle, a Bos taurus Coriollo breed native to Columbia, would differ from Brahman (B) and Angus (A) cattle in carcass and palatability traits. Calves representing a three-breed diallel crossbreeding program were used for this trial. Steer calves representing AA, BB, RR and crossbreds (AB, AR, BA, BR, RA, RB; first letter indicates breed of sire and second letter indicates breed of dam) were fed in El Reno, OK and harvested at 97, 125, and 153 days on feed. Carcass data was collected at 48 h post harvest. Loins were recovered and aged for 7 d. Loins were fabricated Into 2.54 cm-thick steaks for use in shear testing and sensory analysis. Warner-Bratzler shear results indicate that BB cattle had the highest shear values (3.98 kg) while AA had the lowest (3.16 kg). With Romoslnuano on the maternal side of the cross, calves exhibited heavier carcass weights, higher marbling scores, higher Wamer- Bratzler shear values and lower sensory panel tenderness scores (P < 0.05). Breed did not have a significant effect on retail display properties. Minolta and Hunter data was collected on retail display steaks for correlation purposes. Among correlations of residuals, objective color measurements utilizing the Minolta spectrophotometer model CM-2002 was found to be most effective when trying to predict percent discoloration and overall acceptability of beef

This thesis describes two methods for the chemical detection of latent fingerprints on both smooth and porous surfaces via rare earth complexes. Rare earth complexes have been utilized for several years in the detection of latent fingerprints, due to their long luminescence lifetimes and large Stokes shifts. However, the methods generally used have relied on a relatively nonspecific physical adhesion of the rare earth complex to the fingerprint, and thus are typically not useful in development of latent fingerprints on most difficult surfaces. Two chemically specific latent fingerprint methods which detect lipid and amino acid constituents will be detailed here.

Chinese hamster ovary cells have been engineered to secrete an anchorless form of the varicella-zoster virus gpII protein. Purification of the recombinant product was achieved by a combination of hydrophobic and gel filtration chromatography giving rise to a protein more than 85% pure. Recombinant gpII was composed of several polypeptides which, on the basis of amino-terminal sequence analysis, corresponded to a 93-kDa precursor and to the N- and C-terminal subunits of the molecule (64 and 39/36 kDa, respectively). All polypeptides carried N-linked high-mannose and complex glycosylations, whereas O-glycosylations were carried by the precursor and the N-terminal subunits only. Surprisingly, purified recombinant gpII spontaneously formed large oligomeric structures of variable size. These complexes contained noncovalently linked lipids. Mice inoculated with the recombinant gpII absorbed onto the weak adjuvant, aluminium hydroxide, produced virus neutralizing antibodies. The recombinant gpII may thus constitute a good candidate for the development of a subunit vaccine against varicella-zoster virus., Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Chinese hamster ovary cells have been engineered to secrete an anchorless form of the varicella-zoster virus gpII protein. Purification of the recombinant product was achieved by a combination of hydrophobic and gel filtration chromatography giving rise to a protein more than 85% pure. Recombinant gpII was composed of several polypeptides which, on the basis of amino-terminal sequence analysis, corresponded to a 93-kDa precursor and to the N- and C-terminal subunits of the molecule (64 and 39/36 kDa, respectively). All polypeptides carried N-linked high-mannose and complex glycosylations, whereas O-glycosylations were carried by the precursor and the N-terminal subunits only. Surprisingly, purified recombinant gpII spontaneously formed large oligomeric structures of variable size. These complexes contained noncovalently linked lipids. Mice inoculated with the recombinant gpII absorbed onto the weak adjuvant, aluminium hydroxide, produced virus neutralizing antibodies. The recombinant gpII may thus constitute a good candidate for the development of a subunit vaccine against varicella-zoster virus., Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

A newborn infant affected by argininosuccinic aciduria was treated with a hypoproteinaemic diet and survived up to the age of three months. Post mortem biochemical studies have confirmed the absence of argininosuccinase activity in kidney, liver and brain and a marked storage of argininosuccinic acid in the brain. The histological study of the central nervous system shows no Alzheimer type II cells; there is neither demyelination nor spongiosis. Such results are totally different from those recorded in untreated cases; they represent very likely the effects of the diet which has controlled the hyperammoniaemia and prevented a deficiency of arginine., info:eu-repo/semantics/published

info:eu-repo/semantics/published

info:eu-repo/semantics/published