The first report of the vanC1 gene in Enterococcus faecium isolated from a human clinical specimen

The vanC1 gene, which is chromosomally located, confers resistance to vancomycin and serves as a species marker for Enterococcus gallinarum. Enterococcus faecium TJ4031 was isolated from a blood culture and harbours the vanC1gene. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were performed to detect vanXYc and vanTc genes. Only the vanXYc gene was found in the E. faecium TJ4031 isolate. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of vancomycin and teicoplanin were 2 µg/mL and 1 µg/mL, respectively. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR results revealed that the vanC1and vanXYc genes were not expressed. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and southern hybridisation results showed that the vanC1 gene was encoded in the chromosome. E. faecalis isolated from animals has been reported to harbour vanC1gene. However, this study is the first to report the presence of the vanC1gene in E. faecium of human origin. Additionally, our research showed the vanC1gene cannot serve as a species-specific gene of E. gallinarum and that it is able to be transferred between bacteria. Although the resistance marker is not expressed in the strain, our results showed that E. faecium could acquire the vanC1gene from different species.

Whole genome sequence of Klebsiella pneumoniae U25, a hypermucoviscous, multidrug resistant, biofilm producing isolate from India

Klebsiella pneumoniae U25 is a multidrug resistant strain isolated from a tertiary care hospital in Chennai, India. Here, we report the complete annotated genome sequence of strain U25 obtained using PacBio RSII. This is the first report of the whole genome of K. pneumoniaespecies from Chennai. It consists of a single circular chromosome of size 5,491,870-bp and two plasmids of size 211,813 and 172,619-bp. The genes associated with multidrug resistance were identified. The chromosome of U25 was found to have eight antibiotic resistant genes [blaOXA-1,blaSHV-28, aac(6’)1b-cr,catB3, oqxAB, dfrA1]. The plasmid pMGRU25-001 was found to have only one resistant gene (catA1) while plasmid pMGRU25-002 had 20 resistant genes [strAB, aadA1,aac(6’)-Ib, aac(3)-IId,sul1,2, blaTEM-1A,1B,blaOXA-9, blaCTX-M-15,blaSHV-11, cmlA1, erm(B),mph(A)]. A mutation in the porin OmpK36 was identified which is likely to be associated with the intermediate resistance to carbapenems in the absence of carbapenemase genes. U25 is one of the few K. pneumoniaestrains to harbour clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) systems. Two CRISPR arrays corresponding to Cas3 family helicase were identified in the genome. When compared to K. pneumoniaeNTUHK2044, a transposase gene InsH of IS5-13 was found inserted.

Is the capture success of orchid bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) influenced by different baited trap designs? A case study from southern Brazil

Orchid bees are increasingly applied on Neotropical biomonitoring and bioindication studies due to the relative easiness of sampling and identification when compared to other bee groups. A considerable number of orchid bee community studies have been adopting baited traps as a sampling method, especially for replication purposes. However, the trap attributes are variable, and hitherto no evaluation of different designs was carried out. Here, five attributes of baited traps were tested: trap volume, number of entrance holes, presence of landing platform, kind of landing platform, and fixation content. We use Mann-Whitney tests to access differences in richness and abundance capture rates for each trap design. We found that volume, number of entrance holes, and fixation content do not influence orchid bees capture. However, the design without landing platforms had a significantly higher capture rate for richness when compared with sanded landing platforms. On the other hand, analyzing the kind of landing platform, we detected a significantly higher richness and abundance for the trap with landing platforms glued with sand. Despite the fact that the effects of different designs tested here were very punctual, we consider that results from samples taken with different baited trap designs are comparable. Some adjustments on trap design can be done according to the particularities of future studies.

Tolerance to preharvest sprouting and yield of wheat genotypes from different breeding programs

Abstract:The objective of this work was to characterize the performance of elite wheat genotypes from different Brazilian breeding programs for traits associated with grain yield and preharvest sprouting. The study was conducted in 2010 and 2011 in the municipality of Capão do Leão, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Thirty-three wheat genotypes were evaluated for traits related to preharvest sprouting and grain yield. The estimate of genetic distance was used to predict potential combinations for selection of plants with high grain yield and tolerance to preharvest sprouting. The combined analysis of sprouted grains and falling number shows that the TBIO Alvorada, TBIO Mestre, Frontana, Fundacep Raízes, Fundacep Cristalino, and BRS Guamirim genotypes are tolerant to preharvest sprouting. Combinations of TBIO Alvorada and TBIO Mestre with Fundacep Cristalino show high potential for recovering superior genotypes for high grain yield and tolerance to preharvest sprouting.

Preferência do paciente no rastreamento do câncer colorretal: uma comparação entre colonografia por tomografia computadorizada e colonoscopia

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o grau de aceitação do paciente submetido a colonografia por tomografia computadorizada (CTC) em comparação com a colonoscopia, quando realizadas para rastreamento de doença colorretal. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Cinquenta pacientes com suspeita de doença colorretal foram submetidos a CTC e colonoscopia. Questionários foram aplicados antes e após a realização da CTC e após a colonoscopia. Graduou-se o desconforto esperado e experimentado antes e após a realização da CTC e da colonoscopia, bem como a preferência do paciente por exame. RESULTADOS: Em relação à CTC, antes de iniciar o exame 18% dos pacientes afirmaram esperar pouco desconforto, 78%, desconforto moderado e 4%, muito desconforto. Após a realização do exame, 72% dos pacientes relataram pouco desconforto, 26%, desconforto moderado e apenas um (2%) dos pacientes referiu muito desconforto. Após a realização da colonoscopia, 86% dos pacientes relataram preferência pela CTC. O grau de distensão colônica e a quantidade de fluido residual não influenciaram na preferência dos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes preferiram a CTC à colonoscopia, não havendo relação estatística com o grau de distensão colônica na CTC e a eficiência do preparo intestinal.

Mixed subtype of congenital mesoblastic nephroma with poor evolution: a case report and literature review

Abstract A male child born at 27 weeks, weighting 1305 g and presenting with a right-sided abdominal tumor. Computed tomography scan demonstrated the presence of a solid mass compressing the right kidney. Puncture biopsy revealed congenital mesoblastic nephroma. The patient underwent total right nephroureterectomy, and died on the second day after surgery.

In vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of a crude extract and fractions from Buddleja thyrsoides Lam. Leaves

Crude extract and fractions of Buddleja thyrsoides were investigated regarding antioxidant activities by DPPH, total phenolic contents by Folin-Ciocalteau and antimicrobial activity by the broth microdilution method. Total phenolics varied from 214.07 ± 3.6 to 438.4 ± 0.3 mg g-1. Crude extract, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and butanolic fractions exhibited a weak scavenging activity (SC50=186.04 ± 10.8, 137.70 ± 8.5, 146.89 ± 9.0 and 165.71 ± 3.2 µg mL-1, respectively). A correlation between the antioxidant activities and total phenolic contents could be shown (r=0.857, p<0.01). The lowest value of MIC was observed with butanolic fraction against Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MIC and MFC at 62.5 µg mL-1). Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions were effective against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC value at 250 and 500 µg mL-1 respectively.

Xylitol from rice husks by acid hydrolysis and Candida yeast fermentation

An investigation was conducted into the production of xylose by acid hydrolysis of rice husks and its subsequent bioconversion to xylitol. The parameters were optimised using the response surface methodology. The fermentation stage took place with the aid of the yeast species Candida guilliermondii and Candida tropicalis. An evaluation of the influence of several biomass pre-treatments was also performed. The effects of the acid concentration and hydrolysate pH on xylitol global yield were also assessed, and the highest yield of xylitol was 64.0% (w/w). The main products, xylose and xylitol, were identified and quantified by means of liquid chromatography.

RAPD analysis of genetic variability in a multiprovenance base population of Eucalyptus grandis hill ex maiden

This study aimed to evaluate the genetic variability among individuals of a base population of Eucalyptus grandis and to build a molecular marker database for the analyzed populations. The Eucalyptus grandis base population comprised 327 individuals from Coff's Harbour, Atherton and Rio Claro. A few plants came from other sites (Belthorpe MT. Pandanus, Kenilworth, Yabbra, etc.). Since this base population had a heterogeneous composition, the groups were divided according to geographic localization (latitude and longitude), and genetic breeding level. Thus, the influence of those two factors (geographic localization and genetic breeding level) on the genetic variability detected was discussed. The RAPD technique allowed the evaluation of 70 loci. The binary matrix was used to estimate the genetic similarity among individuals using Jaccard's Coefficient. Parametric statistical tests were used to compare within-group similarity of the means. The obtained results showed that the base population had wide genetic variability and a mean genetic similarity of 0.328. Sub-group 3 (wild materials from the Atherton region) showed mean genetic similarity of 0.318. S.P.A. (from Coff's Harbour region) had a mean genetic similarity of 0.322 and was found to be very important for maintenance of variation in the base population. This can be explained since the individuals from those groups accounted for most of the base population (48.3% for it). The base population plants with genetic similarity higher than 0.60 should be phenotypically analyzed again in order to clarify the tendency of genetic variability during breeding programs.

Estudo clínico comparativo entre anastomose colocólica com anel anastomótico biofragmentável e com sutura manual não absorvível

A anastomose com sutura é método consagrado, apresentando desvantagens teóricas representadas pelo trauma tecidual, edema e alteração da microcirculação. Além disso, o fio de sutura, sendo corpo estranho, determina reação inflamatória, propiciando a aderência e a proliferação de bactérias, assim como de células neoplásicas que seriam evitadas ao se usar método de anastomose sem sutura. A procura por método de anastomose em que não se utilizasse fio de sutura vem sendo realizada desde o início deste século. Com o advento das novas aquisições tecnológicas foi desenvolvido método de anastomose sem sutura através do anel biofragmentável. Esse anel sofre desintegração por hidrólise, sendo eliminado com a evacuação, não permanecendo corpo estranho na anastomose. Esse instrumento permite a realização de anastomose sem sutura, por meio da compressão das paredes intestinais justapostas. O objetivo desse estudo prospectivo e casualizado, foi o de comparar os resultados clínicos e endoscópicos de anastomoses colocólicas, eletivas e de baixo risco, realizadas com anel biofragmentável e com fio de sutura não absorvível. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: A casuística foi composta por 36 doentes, divididos em dois grupos de 18, que foram denominados Grupo I (anel biofragmentável ) e Grupo II (sutura com fio não absorvível ), constituídos de doentes comparáveis. RESULTADOS: Os parâmetros de avaliação do período intra-operatório, revelaram que a anastomose com anel biofragmentável despende menor tempo para sua realização. Não se detectou diferença estatisticamente significante entre os dois grupos com relação à incidência de complicações pós-operatórias, mortalidade e avaliação clínica ambulatorial. A incidência de deiscência anastomótica só ocorreu no Grupo I. A análise endoscópica da anastomose no período pós-operatório não demonstrou diferença quanto à perviedade, contratilidade, elasticidade e grau de epitelização. O Grupo II apresentou maior incidência de fio de sutura na anastomose em relação ao Grupo I sendo esta diferença estatística significante. CONCLUSÕES: O anel biofragmentável permite a realização de anastomose de colo mais rápida do que aquela realizada com fio de sutura. Este método de anastomose determinou, na análise global da complicações clínicas, resultados semelhantes ao uso de fio de sutura. O método de anastomose sem sutura apresentou o inconveniente de determinar maior incidência de deiscência anastomótica e como vantagem estabeleceu presença de corpo estranho na anastomose em menor porcentagem.

Teste de ELISA indireto para o diagnóstico sorológico de pitiose

A pitiose, doença granulomatosa de eqüinos causada pelo oomiceto Pythium insidiosum, tem como característica a evolução rápida seguida de morte dos animais. Estas mortes muitas vezes são causadas por diagnósticos errôneos ou demorados quando os doentes já não respondem ao tratamento. Este trabalho teve por objetivo a padronização do ensaio imunoenzimático indireto (ELISA) para diagnóstico sorológico de pitiose em eqüinos e coelhos, visando a diminuição de erros e de tempo necessário para o diagnóstico. Para o desenvolvimento e validação do teste foram utilizadas 72 amostras de soro de eqüinos saudáveis e 44 soros de eqüinos com pitiose confirmada. Os resultados da validação do ELISA para eqüinos foram: sensibilidade 97,72%, especificidade 90,27%, valor preditivo positivo 86%, valor preditivo negativo 98,4% e eficiência de 93,1%. Para coelhos, o teste foi padronizado com 48 amostras de soro de animais saudáveis e 24 amostras de coelhos imunizados com antígenos de P. insidiosum. Os resultados foram: sensibilidade 91,66%, especificidade 95,83%, valor preditivo positivo 91,66%, valor preditivo negativo 95,83% e eficiência de 94,44%. Os resultados deste trabalho demonstram que o ensaio imunoenzimático indireto é um método seguro e eficaz para o diagnóstico sorológico da pitiose.

Pythium insidiosum: morphological and molecular identification of Brazilian isolates

Pythium insidiosum is an oomycete belonging to the kingdom Stramenipila and it is the etiologic agent of pythiosis. Pythiosis is a life-threatening infectious disease characterized by the development of chronic lesions on cutaneous and subcutaneous, intestinal, and bone tissues in humans and many species of animals. The identification of P. insidiosum is important in order to implement a rapid and definitive diagnosis and an effective treatment. This study reports the identification of 54 isolates of P. insidiosum of horses, dogs and sheep that presented suspicious clinical lesions of pythiosis from different regions in Brazil, by using morphological and molecular assays. Throughout the PCR it was possible to confirm the identity of all Brazilian isolates as being P. insidiosum.

Rock outcrop habitats in the Venezuelan Guayana lowlands: their main vegetation types and floristic components

The Guayana Shield, located in north-eastern South America, consists of a highly complex and composite mosaic of landscape elements. Amongst these, inselbergs are very conspicuous, because of their peculiar shape and their unusual associated vegetation. Geologically, these rock outcrops are part of the underlying ancient igneous-metamorphic basement and occur mainly in the lowlands of the periphery of the shield. As azonal habitats, inselbergs harbour a highly specialized flora. The characteristic vegetation is composed of lithophytic and savanna-like plant communities, as well as low dry forests. As a whole, the vegetation of an inselberg may be interpreted as a mosaic of marginal habitats. Therefore a large number of taxa find suitable niches in a quite condensed space. Gradients of soil depth and water availability are the main factors determining the floristic composition. A preliminary floristic inventory of the Venezuelan inselberg flora comprises 614 vascular plant species. 24% of them are endemic to the Guayana region, 15% are endemic to inselbergs of the Guayana region. The distribution patterns of these latter, eco-endemic species allows to distinguish a northern and a southern inselberg district. The two districts overlap in the Átures area, in the surroundings of Puerto Ayacucho, where a true centre of endemism is located. The distinction into two districts is emphasised by different phytogeographic relations. The southern inselberg district shows connections to the "tepui" flora, whereas the northern district reveals phytogeographic relations to the Caribbean region as well as to the Brazilian Shield. Possible explanations for the floristic interchange across the equator are discussed.

Efficacy of a quadruple therapy regimen for Helicobacter pylori eradication after partial gastrectomy

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of bismuth-containing quadruple therapy plus postural change after dosing for Helicobacter pylori eradication in gastrectomized patients. We compared 76 gastric stump patients with H. pylori infection (GS group) with 50 non-gastrectomized H. pylori-positive patients who met the treatment indication (controls). The GS group was divided into GS group 1 and GS group 2. All groups were administered bismuth potassium citrate (220 mg), esomeprazole (20 mg), amoxicillin (1.0 g), and furazolidone (100 mg) twice daily for 14 days. GS group 1 maintained a left lateral horizontal position for 30 min after dosing. H. pylori was detected using rapid urease testing and histologic examination of gastric mucosa before and 3 months after therapy. Mucosal histologic manifestations were evaluated using visual analog scales of the updated Sydney System. GS group 1 had a higher prevalence of eradication than the GS group 2 (intention-to-treat [ITT]: P=0.025; per-protocol [PP]: P=0.030), and the control group had a similar prevalence. GS group 2 had a lower prevalence of eradication than controls (ITT: P=0.006; PP: P=0.626). Scores for chronic inflammation and activity declined significantly (P<0.001) 3 months after treatment, whereas those for atrophy and intestinal metaplasia showed no significant change. Prevalence of adverse reactions was similar among groups during therapy (P=0.939). A bismuth-containing quadruple therapy regimen plus postural change after dosing appears to be a relatively safe, effective, economical, and practical method for H. pylori eradication in gastrectomized patients.