A sustainable approach to microbial polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production involves utilizing waste as a substrate, which can include toxic pollutants like phenol as a carbon feedstock. Phenol-contaminated effluents offer cost-effective and readily available resources for PHA production, while simultaneously addressing phenol contamination issues. Understanding the metabolic conversion of phenol to PHA is crucial to enhance its efficiency, especially considering phenol's toxicity to microbial cells and the substrate-dependent nature of microbial PHA production. In this review, the mechanisms of phenol biodegradation and PHA biosynthesis are first independently elucidated to comprehend the role of bacteria in these processes. Phenol can be metabolized aerobically via various pathways, including catechol meta-cleavage I and II, catechol ortho-cleavage, protocatechuate ortho-cleavage, and protocatechuate meta-cleavage, as well as anaerobically via 4-hydrozybenzoate and/or n-caproate formation. Meanwhile, PHA can be synthesized through the acetoacetyl-CoA (pathway I), de novo fatty acids synthesis (pathway II), β-oxidation (pathway III), and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, with the induction of these pathways are highly dependent on the substrate. Given that the link between these two mechanisms was not comprehensively reported before, the second part of the review delve into understanding phenol conversion into PHA, specifically polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). While phenol toxicity can inhibit bacterial performance, it can be alleviated through the utilization of microbial mixed culture (MMC), which offers a wider range of metabolic capabilities. Utilizing phenol as a carbon feedstock for PHB accumulation could offer a viable approach to boost PHA's commercialization while addressing the issue of phenol pollution.
We present a rare case of leiomyoma of the urinary bladder that was diagnosed during pregnancy. The case of a 29-year-old woman primigravida at 13 weeks of pregnancy who presented with 6 months history of abdominal swelling which was gradually increasing in size. Computed tomography done revealed a large heterogenous mass(enhancing) with an area of non-enhancing (necrosis) suggestive of malignant ovarian tumor. The histological findings of the surgical specimen confirmed a leiomyoma of the urinary bladder. The clinical presentation, imaging findings, and management of this relatively rare benign tumor are discussed in this case report.
Urethral catheterization is a common procedure, but it is associated with a number of complications. Iatrogenic hypospadias can rarely occur. There is a limited literature dedicated to this condition. We report a young patient with COVID-19 with iatrogenic hypospadias of grade 3. He was undergone to a two-stage procedure with acceptable outcome. Surgical repair should be offered and performed for young patients to ensure good function with acceptable penile appearance. A surgical treatment will improve psychological, sexual and social outcomes.