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Bacterial P450 cytochromes (BacCYPs) are versatile heme-containing proteins responsible for oxidation reactions on a wide range of substrates, contributing to the production of valuable natural products with limitless biotechnological potential. While the sequencing of microbial genomes has provided a wealth of BacCYP sequences, functional characterization lags behind, hindering our understanding of their roles. This study employs a comprehensive approach to predict BacCYP substrate specificity, bridging the gap between sequence and function. We employed an integrated approach combining sequence and functional data analysis, genomic context exploration, 3D structural modeling with molecular docking, and phylogenetic clustering. The research begins with an in-depth analysis of BacCYP sequence diversity and structural characteristics, revealing conserved motifs and recurrent residues in the active site. Phylogenetic analysis identifies distinct groups within the BacCYP family based on sequence similarity. However, our study reveals that sequence alone does not consistently predict substrate specificity, necessitating additional perspectives. The study delves into the genetic context of BacCYPs, utilizing neighboring gene information to infer potential substrates, a method proven very effective in many cases. Molecular docking is employed to assess BacCYP-substrate interactions, confirming potential substrates and providing insights into selectivity. Finally, a comprehensive strategy is proposed for predicting BacCYP substrates, involving all the evaluated approaches. The effectiveness of this strategy is demonstrated with two case studies, highlighting its potential for substrate discovery.

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Our globin census update allows us to refine our vision of globin origin, evolution, and structure to function relationship in the context of the currently accepted tree of life. The modern globin domain originates as a single domain, three-over-three α-helical folded structure before the diversification of the kingdoms of life (Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya). Together with the diversification of prokaryotes, three monophyletic globin families (M, S, and T) emerged, most likely in Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, displaying specific sequence and structural features, and spread by vertical and horizontal gene transfer, most probably already present in the last universal common ancestor (LUCA). Non-globin domains were added, and eventually lost again, creating multi-domain structures in key branches of M- (FHb and Adgb) and the vast majority of S globins, which with their coevolved multi-domain architectures, have predominantly "sensor" functions. Single domain T-family globins diverged into four major groups and most likely display functions related to reactive nitrogen and oxygen species (RNOS) chemistry, as well as oxygen storage/transport which drives the evolution of its major branches with their characteristic key distal residues (B10, E11, E7, and G8). M-family evolution also lead to distinctive major types (FHb and Fgb, Ngb, Adgb, GbX vertebrate Gbs), and shows the shift from high oxygen affinity controlled by TyrB10-Gln/AsnE11 likely related to RNOS chemistry in microorganisms, to a moderate oxygen affinity storage/transport function controlled by hydrophobic B10/E11-HisE7 in multicellular animals.

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The development of quality gluten-free products presents a major technological challenge in terms of structure, texture, and shelf life. However, there is insufficient information available to identify genotypes for obtaining gluten-free maize pasta of good acceptability and technological quality. The objective of this work was to evaluate the technological and sensory quality of gluten-free pasta made from different maize cultivars. The flint open-pollinated variety, flint inbred line, and three dent commercial hybrids were used. Grain and flour's physical characteristics and chemical composition were determined. Gluten-free pasta was made via extrusion, and its quality traits were studied. A sensory evaluation test was carried out. Flint cultivars showed the lowest values on swelling index (both 1.77) and water absorption (124.30 and 134.58%). Pasta swelling index showed a negative association r = -0.77 to sodium carbonate retention capacity (p = 8.5 × 10-5) and water retention capacity (p = 6.6 × 10-5). Evaluators' preference results showed a higher frequency of choices at the top level of preference (4) for the flint open-pollinated variety C6006. Thus, evaluators' choices showed a positive association between sample preference and firmness. Pasta preference and technological quality have a direct relationship with fast tests over grain, such as test weight and float index.

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Introdução: As queimaduras representam uma grande questão no plano médico social, pelo grande número de acidentes, como também econômico, já que o custo de um paciente numa unidade de tratamento de queimado pode ultrapassar R$1.500,00 por dia. Outro fato que deve ser ressaltado é a ocorrência de 2500 óbitos por ano, no Brasil, decorrentes de queimadura. O objetivo do estudo é fazer uma análise do período de internação até o óbito com a superfície corporal queimada (SCQ), tentando estimar o tempo de internação de acordo com a extensão da lesão. Método: Estudo retrospectivo, realizado no Centro e Tratamento de Queimados do Hospital de Força Aérea do Galeão, onde foi feito o levantamento de dados de pacientes com queimadura de origem térmica e que estiveram internados por pelo menos um dia no serviço, nos últimos 15 anos. Os pacientes foram divididos em quatro grupos de acordo com o percentual de superfície corporal queimada. Resultados: Foram internados 197 pacientes queimados no período. A média de extensão da lesão foi de 21,32% da área corporal. O tempo médio de internação foi de 24 dias no centro de tratamento de queimados. Conclusão: Conforme o aumento do percentual de área queimada, a gravidade dos pacientes também se elevou, com maior percentual de óbito por grupo e maior tempo de internação.

Introduction: The burns represent a major social issue in the medical plan for the large number of accidents, as well as economic, since the cost of a patient in a treatment unit burned may exceed R$1,500.00 per day. Another fact that should be noted is the occurrence of 2500 deaths per year in Brazil, due to burns. The objective of the study is make an analysis of the hospitalization period and evolution to death with burned body surface area, trying to estimate the time of hospitalization according to extent of injury. Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted at the Burn Treatment Center from the Air Force Hospital of the Galeão, where we did the data collection of patients with burn of thermal origin and who were hospitalized for at least one day in service in the last 15 years. Patients were divided into four groups according to the percentage of body surface burned. Results: 197 patients were admitted in the period. The mean lesion length was 21.32% of the body surface area. And the average length of stay was 24 days in the Burn Treatment Center. Conclusion: As the increase in the percentage of burned area, the severity of the patients also increased, with the highest percentage of deaths per group and longer hospitalization.

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UNLABELLED: Hospitals use a triage system in which health care staff sort's patients into groups. During the long waiting periods after triage, inadvertence of patient's clinical deterioration may occur. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether vital signs and oxygen saturation monitoring and reassessment of medical priority during the waiting period had a positive impact on the clinical outcome of apparently non-critical patients. METHODS: The study was undertaken in a University Hospital Emergency Department (ED). Patients were sorted into experimental (group A) and control (group B) groups. Temperature, respiratory and pulse rates readings of group A patients were constantly generated by electronic devices and displayed in a computer screen. The results were checked every 5-to-10 minutes. Blood pressure (BP) and oxygen (02) saturation were verified every 30 minutes. If critical changes occurred, the patient's chart was discretely moved to the top of the waiting pile. Group B patients were not monitored. Clinical outcome (complications, stability of vital signs, and complete resolution of symptoms at discharge) and the length of hospital stay were compared for both groups. RESULTS: Patients in group A had a shorter hospital stay (p<0.0001), lower rate of complications (p=0.003), and higher rate of vital sign stability (p<0.0001) and of complete resolution of symptoms at discharge (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Blood pressure monitoring every 30 minutes significantly improved ED waiting patients' clinical outcome and shortened their hospital stay. Observations of oxygen saturation, temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate were not significantly useful.

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