Production of Itaconic Acid in Microorganisms
Itaconic acid (2-methylidenebutanedioic acid) can be produced by microorganisms and has commercial value as a precursor of polymers, chemicals and fuels. There is interest in using microorganisms to convert biomass into useful products such as itaconic acid. The main itaconic acid producer is the fungal species
Aspergillus terreus, which can produce as much as 86g/L.
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What is itaconic acid?
Itaconic acid, also known as 2-methylidenebutanedioic acid, is an unsaturated dicarbonic acid. It is considered to be a value-added product from biomass by the US Department of Energy, as it can be utilized as a precursor of polymers and chemical intermediates.
Cardiovascular Testing Applications of Biochemistry
Tests that look at changes in biochemistry have an important application in medicine, including point-of-care cardiac testing and monitoring heart failure. Biochemical tests can also be used to determine if an individual is at risk of certain diseases, including cardiovascular disease.
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How are biochemical tests used to monitor heart disease?
Acute myocardial infarction
Acute myocardial infarction, where the blood supply to cardiac myocytes is compromised leading to cardiac myocyte death, is an important disease that results in morbidity and mortality across the world. Despite this, it is a condition that is often misdiagnosed, leading to either unnecessary death or inappropriate hospitalization. Therefore, it is important to establish a quick, reliable test that can accurately diagnose patients.
Exploring COVID-19 Immune Responses Using Flow Cytometry
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and continues to affect millions across the world. Disease severity varies with some patients requiring mechanical ventilation, and the mortality rate is thought to be as high as 10%. Several studies have used flow cytometry to investigate how the immune system reacts to SARS-CoV-2.
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What did the immune profiling of hospitalized patients reveal?
Research revealed that dysregulation of the immune system was linked to the pathogenesis of COVID-19. However, the role remained unclear. Matthew et al. carried out an observational study to investigate the immune response to SARS-CoV-2. The cohort included adults hospitalized with COVID-19 (COVID-19 patients), adults who had COVID-19 (recovered donors) but were not hospitalized, and volunteers who had not had COVID-19 (health