Ivana Marova

Bio: Ivana Marova is an academic researcher from Brno University of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Yeast & Polyhydroxyalkanoates. The author has an hindex of 30, co-authored 128 publications receiving 2210 citations. Previous affiliations of Ivana Marova include Masaryk University.

Utilization of oil extracted from spent coffee grounds for sustainable production of polyhydroxyalkanoates.

Abstract: Spent coffee grounds (SCG), an important waste product of the coffee industry, contain approximately 15 wt% of coffee oil. The aim of this work was to investigate the utilization of oil extracted from SCG as a substrate for the production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) by Cupriavidus necator H16. When compared to other waste/inexpensive oils, the utilization of coffee oil resulted in the highest biomass as well as PHB yields. Since the correlation of PHB yields and the acid value of oil indicated a positive effect of the presence of free fatty acids in oil on PHB production (correlation coefficient R 2 = 0.9058), superior properties of coffee oil can be probably attributed to the high content of free fatty acids which can be simply utilized by the bacteria culture. Employing the fed-batch mode of cultivation, the PHB yields, the PHB content in biomass, the volumetric productivity, and the Y P/S yield coefficient reached 49.4 g/l, 89.1 wt%, 1.33 g/(l h), and 0.82 g per g of oil, respectively. SCG are annually produced worldwide in extensive amounts and are disposed as solid waste. Hence, the utilization of coffee oil extracted from SCG is likely to improve significantly the economic aspects of PHB production. Moreover, since oil extraction decreased the calorific value of SCG by only about 9 % (from 19.61 to 17.86 MJ/kg), residual SCG after oil extraction can be used as fuel to at least partially cover heat and energy demands of fermentation, which should even improve the economic feasibility of the process.

Use of Lignocellulosic Materials for PHA Production

Abstract: Life of modern civilization is accompanied by accumulation of huge amounts of non-degradable solid waste materials. A major portion of this resistant waste is represented by synthetic polymers of petrochemical origin. The accumulation of plastic wastes has become a very important environmental issue1. Conventional synthetic polymers are problematic not only because of their long decomposition time, but they also release various toxic substances during the process of degradation. Hence, there is strong motivation to replace synthetic polymers with materials that can be readily eliminated from our biosphere in an “environmentally friendly” fashion2. Furthermore, the industrialized world is currently highly dependent on fossil resources as a supply of energy for industrial processes, and also substrate for the production of a wide range of chemicals and materials. Since the fossil fuels area is finite, its depletion results in a serious global problem. All carbon-based structural materials (such as plastics, foams, coating, and adhesives) owe their properties to long arrays of carbon–carbon bonds. Therefore, one of the challenges of the research today is to find an approach to produce a substitute for petrochemical-based polymers using sustainable renewable sources3. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are generally considered as an alternative to petrochemical-based synthetic polymers. These microbial polyesters are synthesized and accumulated as intracellular granules by some microorganisms belonging to the Bacteria and Archaea domains of life. These storage materials serve as the carbon and energy reserves of the producing microorganisms. PHAs are commonly grouped into two major categories: the shortchain-length (scl-) and the medium-chain-length (mcl-) PHAs. The repeat units of scl-PHAs are composed of hydroxy-acids having three to five carbon atoms, whereas, mcl-PHAs contain hydroxy-acids repeat units with six or more carbon atoms. In general, the scl-PHAs are more crystalline than the mcl-PHAs. As such, scl-PHAs usually exhibit thermoplastic-like properties, while mcl-PHAs behave like elastomers or adhesives4. Due to their physical characteristics, scl-PHAs can be used for manufacturing items for packaging or everyday plastics commodities. Therefore, they compete on the market with poly-(olefins) and, in the field of Use of Lignocellulosic Materials for PHA Production

Surface Proteins of Gram-Positive Bacteria and Mechanisms of Their Targeting to the Cell Wall Envelope

Abstract: The cell wall envelope of gram-positive bacteria is a macromolecular, exoskeletal organelle that is assembled and turned over at designated sites. The cell wall also functions as a surface organelle that allows gram-positive pathogens to interact with their environment, in particular the tissues of the infected host. All of these functions require that surface proteins and enzymes be properly targeted to the cell wall envelope. Two basic mechanisms, cell wall sorting and targeting, have been identified. Cell well sorting is the covalent attachment of surface proteins to the peptidoglycan via a C-terminal sorting signal that contains a consensus LPXTG sequence. More than 100 proteins that possess cell wall-sorting signals, including the M proteins of Streptococcus pyogenes, protein A of Staphylococcus aureus, and several internalins of Listeria monocytogenes, have been identified. Cell wall targeting involves the noncovalent attachment of proteins to the cell surface via specialized binding domains. Several of these wall-binding domains appear to interact with secondary wall polymers that are associated with the peptidoglycan, for example teichoic acids and polysaccharides. Proteins that are targeted to the cell surface include muralytic enzymes such as autolysins, lysostaphin, and phage lytic enzymes. Other examples for targeted proteins are the surface S-layer proteins of bacilli and clostridia, as well as virulence factors required for the pathogenesis of L. monocytogenes (internalin B) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (PspA) infections. In this review we describe the mechanisms for both sorting and targeting of proteins to the envelope of gram-positive bacteria and review the functions of known surface proteins.

Atlas of Clinical Fungi

Abstract: The atlas compiled by these editors is a commendable effort and welcome addition to the mycology textbook sector. Up until now, the publication of medical mycology textbooks has been sparse and those that have been published are either too detailed for a resident in training or practicing physician or do not provide sufficient photographs or illustrations of the main features of the mycotic organisms. As a lecturer in mycology for the dermatology residents at my local teaching hospital and program, there are 3 key objectives of my mycology lectures: (1) to provide some type of organizational approach to mycotic organisms, (2) to provide a concise clinical history, and (3) to provide as many photographs and illustrations of mycotic organisms as possible. This atlas provides an exemplary addition to my book collection on medical mycology textbooks and sources for illustrations of mycotic organisms. The electron photomicrographs, photoplates, and line drawings of

The Ministry of Education

Abstract: Art : Art in which the subject matter has been simplified or distorted to the point that it may or may not be easily descended. Acrylic: Resin that, when mixed with water and pigment, forms an inorganic and quick drying medium. Acrylic paint therefore is a fast drying synthetic paint made from acrylic resin. Action Painting: The technique of dripping and splashing paint onto canvases stretched on the floor Aesthetic: Pertaining to the appreciation of the beautiful as opposed to the functional or utilitarian, and, by extention, to the appreciation of any form of art. Aesthetic value: The impact of a work of art on our senses, intellect, and emotions. Analogous colours:Pairs of colour such as yellow and orange, that are adjudscent to each other on the colour wheel. Acqatint : A print making process that includes etching and that permits broad areas of black and gray tones. Air brush: Atomizer operated by compressed air used for spraying on paint. Art Deco: A popular art and design style of the 1920s and 30s, and characterized by its intergration of organic and geometric forms. Art: The special expression of ideas, feelings and values in visual forms. Art criticism: A special concentrated way of looking at a piece of art with a purpose to recieve maximum enjoyment and meaning from it. Abstract Expressionism: A twentieth-century painting style in which artists applied paint freely to huge canvases in an effort to show feelings and emotions rather than realistic subject matter.Expressionism: A twentieth-century painting style in which artists applied paint freely to huge canvases in an effort to show feelings and emotions rather than realistic subject matter.

Glucose and reactive oxygen species.

Abstract: Purpose of reviewThis review aims at presenting new concepts of glucose-induced damage in diabetes via an increased production of oxygen free radicals.Recent findingsReactive oxygen species modulate various biological functions by stimulating transduction signals, some of which are involved in diabe