Nitrospirillum viridazoti sp. nov., an Efficient Nitrogen-Fixing Species Isolated from Grasses.

A group of Gram-negative plant-associated diazotrophic bacteria belonging to the genus Nitrospirillum was investigated, including both previously characterized and newly isolated strains from diverse regions and biomes, predominantly in Brazil. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA and recA genes revealed the formation of a distinct clade consisting of thirteen strains, separate from the formally recognized species N. amazonense (the closest species) and N. iridis. Comprehensive taxonomic analyses using the whole genomes of four strains (BR 11140T = AM 18T = Y-2T = DSM 2788T = ATCC 35120T, BR 11142T = AM 14T = Y-1T = DSM 2787T = ATCC 35119T, BR 11145 = CBAmC, and BR 12005) supported the division of these strains into two species: N. amazonense (BR 11142 T and BR 12005) and a newly proposed species (BR 11140 T and BR 11145), distinct from N. iridis. The phylogenomic analysis further confirmed the presence of the new Nitrospirillum species. Additionally, MALDI-TOF MS analysis of whole-cell mass spectra provided further evidence for the differentiation of the proposed Nitrospirillum species, separate from N. amazonense. Analysis of chemotaxonomy markers (i.e., genes involved in fatty acid synthesis, metabolism and elongation, phospholipid synthesis, and quinone synthesis) revealed that the new species highlights high similarity and evolutionary convergence with other Nitrospirillum species. This new species exhibited nitrogen fixation ability in vitro, it has similar NifHDK protein phylogeny position with the closest species, lacked denitrification capability, but possessed the nosZ gene, enabling N2O reduction, distinguishing it from the closest species. Despite being isolated from diverse geographic regions, soil types, and ecological niches, no significant phenotypic or physiological differences were observed between the proposed new species and N. amazonense. Based on these findings, a new species, Nitrospirillum viridazoti sp. nov., was classified, with the strain BR 11140T (DSM 2788T, ATCC 35120T) designated as the type strain.

Seroepidemiological investigation of COVID-19: A cross-sectional study in Jundiai, São Paulo, Brazil.

The dramatic increase in the number of COVID-19 cases has been a threat to global health and a challenge for health systems. Estimating the prevalence of infection in the population is essential to provide support for action planning. Within this scenario, the aim of the present study was to analyze the seroprevalence and associated factors of COVID-19 Jundiaí, São Paulo, Brazil. This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1st to June 19th, 2020. The participants were patients with respiratory symptoms who sought Primary Care Units (UBS) (n = 1,181) and subjects recruited from randomly selected households by probability sampling (n = 3,065), as screening strategy. All participants, in both phases, were submitted to SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (IgG and IgM) and responded to a questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics based on Behavioural Insights for COVID-19. Total seroprevalence (positive/negative) was the outcome and the independent variables were sociodemographic variables, health behavior and signs/symptoms. The chi-squared test was used for association analysis (p<0.05) and variables with p<0.20 were entered into the logistic regression model (p<0.05). A total of 1,181 subjects from the UBS and 3,065 from the selected households participated in the study. The seroprevalence was 30.8% in the UBS and 3.1% in the households. The adjusted logistic regression identified that lower educational level (OR 2.68; 95%CI 1.59-4.54), household member testing positive (OR 1.67; 95%CI 1.16-2.39), presence of anosmia (OR 3.68, 95%CI 2.56-5.28) and seeking UBS (OR 3.76; 95%CI 2.08-6.82) was risk factors to test positive for SARS-CoV-2. Estimating the seroprevalence in the population was important to know the disease extension that was higher than the notified cases. These results showed socioeconomic aspects associated with COVID-19 even adjusted by symptoms. Populational epidemiologic studies that investigate the associated factors of COVID-19 are relevant to plan strategies to control the pandemic.

Endophytic Bacillus Bacteria Living in Sugarcane Plant Tissues and Telchin licus licus Larvae (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Castniidae): The Symbiosis That May Open New Paths in the Biological Control.

Bacteria of the genus Bacillus can colonize endophytically and benefit several crops including the control of some pest orders. In view of the benefits provided by these microorganisms and in order to find out an efficient biotechnological control for the giant borer, our interest in studying the microorganisms in symbiosis with sugarcane and the giant borer has arisen, since there is no efficient chemical or biological control method for this pest. Therefore, endophytic Bacillus strains were isolated from three sugarcane niches (apoplast fluid, central internode cylinder and roots) and also from the giant borer larvae living inside sugarcane varieties grown in the Northeast region of Brazil. The taxonomical characterization (16S rRNA) of 157 Gram-positive isolates showed that 138 strains belonged to the Bacillus genus. The most representative species were phylogenetically closely related to B. megaterium (11.5%) followed by B. safensis (10.8%), B. cereus (8.9%), B. oleronius (8.9%), B. amyloliquefaciens (7.0%), and B. pacificus (6.4%). BOX-PCR analyses showed very distinct band pattern profiles suggesting a great diversity of Bacillus species within the sugarcane niches and the digestive tract, while the B. cereus group remained very closely clustered in the dendrogram. According to XRE biomarker analysis, eleven strains (FORCN005, 007, 008, 011, 012, 014, 067, 076, 092, 093, and 135) correspond to B. thuringiensis species. Additional studies using conserved genes (glp, gmk, pta, and tpi) indicated that most of these strains were phylogenetically closely related to B. thuringiensis and may be considered different subspecies. In conclusion, this study suggests that the culturable Bacillus species are greatly diversified within the plant niches and showed Bacillus species in the digestive tract of the giant borer for the first time. These results open new perspectives to understand the role and functions played by these microorganisms in symbiosis with this pest and also the possibility of developing an efficient biological control method for the giant borer using strains identified as the B. thuringiensis species.

Isoprenylcysteine carboxy methyltransferase (ICMT) is associated with tumor aggressiveness and its expression is controlled by the p53 tumor suppressor.

Isoprenyl cysteine carboxyl methyltransferase (ICMT) plays a key role in post-translational regulation of prenylated proteins. On the basis of previous results, we hypothesized that the p53 pathway and ICMT expression may be linked in cancer cells. Here, we studied whether WT p53 and cancer-associated p53 point mutants regulate ICMT levels and whether ICMT overexpression affects tumor progression. Studying the effect of p53 variants on ICMT mRNA and protein levels in cancer cells, we found that WT p53 and p53 mutants differentially affect ICMT expression, indicating that p53 status influences ICMT levels in tumors. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, we constructed ICMT-luciferase reporters and found that WT p53 represses ICMT transcription. In contrast, p53 mutants showed a positive effect on ICMT expression. Promoter truncation analyses pinpointed the repressive effect of WT p53 to the -209 and -14 region on the ICMT promoter, and ChIP assays indicated that WT p53 is recruited to this region. Instead, a different promoter region was identified as responsible for the mutant p53 effect. Studying the effect of ICMT overexpression on tumor-associated phenotypes in vitro and in vivo, and analyzing breast and lung cancer databases, we identified a correlation between p53 status and ICMT expression in breast and lung cancers. Moreover, we observed that ICMT overexpression is correlated with negative clinical outcomes. Our work unveils a link between postprenylation protein processing and the p53 pathway, indicating that the functional interplay between WT and mutant p53 alters ICMT levels, thereby affecting tumor aggressiveness.

Essential psychiatric medicines: wrong selection, high consumption and social problems.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization Essential Medicines List (WHO-LIST) and national essential medicines lists differ because many countries face significant challenges, such as product availability, cost, product quality and epidemiological disease profiles. In Brazil, governments pay for drugs that are included on the federal, state and municipal government (REMUME) lists. The extent to which municipal lists differ from state and national lists and from the WHO-LIST is unclear. We investigate the use of the WHO-LISTas a tool with which to evaluate the selection process for the essential psychiatric medicines in the public system coverage list of Brazilian communities (cities) and the use of the target drugs. METHODS: Municipal health secretaries were interviewed regarding the selection process for REMUMEs and the antidepressants and benzodiazepines included in REMUMEs and reference lists. We calculated the use of REMUME drugs that appeared or did not appear on reference lists according to the defined daily dose (DDD) per 10,000 inhabitants. RESULTS: Local physicians and pharmacists without specific training or explicit criteria developed the REMUMEs. Of the 13 drugs and 24 products (i.e., the different dosages of these 13 drugs) in the REMUMEs, 8 drugs and 10 products were included in at least one reference list and in one municipal list; 4 drugs and 6 products were included in at least one reference list but in none of the municipal lists; and 7 drugs and 8 products were included in at least one municipal list but in none of the reference lists. The antidepressants that appeared in at least one municipal list but in none of the reference lists represented 25.1 % (mean 60.9 DDD/10,000 inhabitants-day) of the usage. The benzodiazepines that appeared in at least one of the municipal lists but in none of the reference lists represented 14.7 % mean 18.5 DDD/10,000 inhabitants-day) of the usage. CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian cities have no rigorous processes for selecting the drugs that appear on their lists, and drugs that do not appear on the reference lists represent a significant proportion of antidepressant and benzodiazepine use, resulting in public health and social problems.

Small saphenous vein: where does reflux go? / Veia safena parva: para onde se dirige o refluxo?

BACKGROUND:The anatomy of small saphenous vein (SSV) is very variable because of its complex embryological origin. SSV incompetence often causes reflux that goes to the perforating veins, sometimes not respecting the anatomical course. OBJECTIVE: To analyze differences in reflux direction and reentry in the SSV. METHODS:In this prospective, observational study, 60 lower limbs with SSV incompetence of 43 patients were assessed using a color Doppler ultrasound protocol. RESULTS: Reentry variations were grouped into four types and subtypes. Percentage results were: Type A, perforating veins on the medial side = 25/60 cases (41.66%); subtypes: Cockett, Sherman, paratibial and vertex; Type B, lateral malleolus and perforating veins on the lateral side (fibular 17-26 cm) = 15/60 cases (25%); subtypes: fibular and malleolus; Type C, two branches = 19/60 cases (31.66%); subtypes: gastrocnemius and Cockett, gastrocnemius and malleolus, and/or fibular, Cockett and malleolus, Cockett-vertex and fibular; Type D, reflux in the superficial system = 1/60 cases (1.66%. CONCLUSION:On most of the lower limbs assessed, reflux did not follow the classical anatomic course. Our findings demonstrated a high degree of variation in reflux/reentry, but no SSV anatomical variations. Reflux seems to, either look for the most accessible anatomical connection for reentry or be originated in the distal area and then reach the SSV.

CONTEXTO:A veia safena parva (VSP) apresenta grande variabilidade anatômica graças à sua complexa origem embriológica. Na VSP insuficiente, o refluxo que se dirige para a perfurante de reentrada nem sempre obedece ao mesmo trajeto anatômico. OBJETIVO: Estudar a variabilidade da direção do refluxo da VSP e sua reentrada. MÉTODOS:Neste estudo prospectivo e observacional, 60 membros inferiores com insuficiência de VSP em 43 pacientes foram avaliados por protocolo de eco-color Doppler. RESULTADOS: As variações de reentrada foram agrupadas em quatro tipos, com seus respectivos subtipos. A porcentagem dos achados foi: Tipo A, perfurantes de face medial = 25/60 casos (41,66%), subtipos Cockett, Sherman, paratibiais e do vértice; Tipo B, maléolo externo e perfurantes da face lateral (externa) (fibulares 17-26 cm) = 15/60 casos (25%), subtipos fibulares e maléolo; Tipo C, em dois ramos = 19/60 casos (31,66%), subtipos gastrocnêmias e Cockett, gastrocnêmias e maléolo e/ou fibulares, Cockett e maléolo, Cockett-vértice e fibular; Tipo D, terminação no sistema superficial = 1/60 casos (1,66%). CONCLUSÃO: Na maior parte desta casuística, o refluxo não obedeceu ao percurso anatômico clássico. Demonstrou-se a variabilidade do trajeto do refluxo ou sua reentrada, e não a variabilidade anatômica da veia safena parva. Pode-se interpretar que o refluxo buscaria, como reentrada, a conexão anatômica mais acessível, ou então se originaria no setor distal, alcançando depois a veia safena parva.

Idiopathic tracheal stenosis. A report of four cases.

Idiopathic tracheal stenosis is uncommon. Herein, we report four cases, all presenting a similar clinical profile: diagnosed through bronchoscopy and having a history of being treated unsuccessfully for bronchospasm. Three of the patients were treated with dilatation and an oral corticosteroid. One of those three underwent tracheoplasty. In the remaining patient, the stenosis was more extensive (2 cm, with a 70% reduction in the size of the lumen), and dilatation was not an option. Therefore, that patient underwent laryngotracheal resection. In all four patients, the evolution was favorable. Idiopathic tracheal stenosis should be contemplated in cases of bronchitis that are not resolved using conventional treatments. Bronchoscopy and dilatation have provided satisfactory results. Occasionally, laryngotracheal reconstruction is necessary.

Frequency of Colorectal Cancer and Extracolonic Tumors in Families That Meet Amsterdam Criteria I and II: Results From Hospital A. C. Camargo Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Registry

An estimated 1% to 10% of all colorectal tumors (CRC) are related to high-penetrance genes. Families with Lynch Syndrome, caused by mutations in MMR repair genes, present a high frequency, not only of CRC, but also extracolonic tumors. Objective:To verify the frequency of CRC and extracolonic cancers in families that meet Amsterdam I and II criteria. Methods: Families had been included that meet Amsterdam I and II criteria, in the Registry of Colorectal Cancer of A. C. Camargo Hospital from 1992 to 2007. Family history was taken and stored in the Cyrillic® 2.1 software. Data collection forms were filled. Results:1578 individuals were identified, and 337 of them presented tumors. CRC was the most frequent, with 221 individuals,with a mean age of 46 years at diagnosis. The most frequent extracolonic tumors were breast (17 cases), endometrium (15), stomach (14), urinary (12), leukemia (9), and prostate (6). Discussion: As expected, the age at diagnosis of colorectalcancer was younger than the general population; breast tumor was the most frequent; molecular studies must differentiate patients with Lynch Syndrome (LS) from those with familial colorectal cancer.

Estenose idiopática de traquéia: relato de quatro casos / Idiopathic tracheal stenosis: a report of four cases

A estenose idiopática de traquéia é incomum. Relatam-se quatro casos com quadro clínico semelhante: história de tratamento de broncoespasmo sem resultado e diagnóstico por broncoscopia. O tratamento em três pacientes foi dilatação e corticóide sistêmico; em um realizou-se traqueoplastia. No quarto, a estenose era mais extensa (2 cm) com redução da luz de 70 por cento, sem possibilidade de dilatação. Realizou-se ressecção laringo-traqueal. Todos apresentaram boa evolução. A estenose idiopática de traquéia deve ser cogitada em casos de "bronquite" mal resolvida com tratamentos convencionais. A broncoscopia e a dilatação têm apresentado bons resultados. Eventualmente, torna-se necessária ressecção laringo-traqueal.

Idiopathic tracheal stenosis is uncommon. Herein, we report four cases, all presenting a similar clinical profile: diagnosed through bronchoscopy and having a history of being treated unsuccessfully for bronchospasm. Three of the patients were treated with dilatation and an oral corticosteroid. One of those three underwent tracheoplasty. In the remaining patient, the stenosis was more extensive (2 cm, with a 70 percent reduction in the size of the lumen), and dilatation was not an option. Therefore, that patient underwent laryngotracheal resection. In all four patients, the evolution was favorable. Idiopathic tracheal stenosis should be contemplated in cases of æbronchitisÆ that are not resolved using conventional treatments. Bronchoscopy and dilatation have provided satisfactory results. Occasionally, laryngotracheal reconstruction is necessary.