Papillomaviruses in ruminants: An update.

Papillomaviruses (PVs) are complex viruses which infect the skin or mucosae of a broad range of amniotes worldwide. They cause benign or malignant lesions depending on environmental factors, virus oncogenicity and the location of infection. Bovine papillomaviruses (BPVs) are the second most studied PVs beyond human PVs. In the past few years, genetic characterization of animal PVs has increased due to the availability of new techniques, which simplified the sequencing of entire genomes. Therefore, this review aims to provide an update of the current epidemiology, classification and genome features of ruminant PVs (mainly BPVs) affecting animals worldwide. The review also aimed to clarify the key differences between the high-risk Delta papillomaviruses and the seemingly low-risk Xi, Epsilon, Dyoxi and Dyokappapillomavirus as well as the recently described PVs BPV18, 19, 21 and PpuPV1 that belongs to an unclassified genus.

One or two ligatures inducing periodontitis are sufficient to cause fatty liver.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a chronic disease that due to an intense inflammatory response triggers systemic changes such as hepatic alterations. This study aimed to compare hepatic damage in rats that received experimental periodontitis at one or two periodontal sites with ligatures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen rats were separated into three groups: control, without ligature; periodontitis 1, with one ligature; and periodontitis 2, with two ligatures. The following parameters were assessed: gingival bleeding index, probing pocket depth, tooth mobility, alveolar bone loss, malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in periodontal tissue; histopathological evaluation of hepatic tissue (steatosis score); glutathione levels (GSH), MDA, MPO, cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver; and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). RESULTS: Periodontal evaluation data showed that the periodontitis model worked well. The groups with periodontitis did not differ significantly in relation to MPO activity and MDA levels in the gingival samples, but they were significantly different when compared with the control group. Steatosis was observed in the histological analysis of the groups with periodontitis, but between the periodontitis groups, two ligatures did not cause increase in steatosis score. The levels of GSH, MDA, total cholesterol and triglycerides in the hepatic tissue were not altered between groups with periodontitis, but they showed significant differences in comparison with the control group. The activity of MPO in hepatic tissue and serum levels of AST and ALT did not present significant difference among the three groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our results demonstrated that one or two ligatures inducing periodontitis were both sufficient to cause fatty liver. Steatosis caused by two ligatures did not present larger extension and severity than steatosis caused by one ligature.

Steatosis caused by experimental periodontitis is reversible after removal of ligature in rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Periodontitis may promote harmful systemic effects such as changes in hepatic tissues. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the steatosis and oxidative stress caused by experimental periodontitis are reversible in the liver. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four rats were divided into three groups: control, periodontitis and P20-20 (20 days with experimental periodontitis and 20 days without experimental periodontitis, to verify the reversibility of hepatic injuries). The following parameters were assessed: gingival bleeding index, probing pocket depth, myeloperoxidase activity, alveolar bone loss for periodontal tissues; liver weights, histopathological scores for steatosis, inflammation and necrosis in liver; glutathione, malondialdehyde, total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in hepatic tissues; and blood levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, gamma-glutaryl transferase, total cholesterol and random glucose. RESULTS: Gingival bleeding index, probing pocket depth, myeloperoxidase and alveolar bone loss parameters demonstrated the development of periodontitis. There was a significant reduction in the steatosis score of animals from the P20-20 group when compared with the periodontitis group. P20-20 group presented significantly higher glutathione (11 times) and lower malondialdehyde (nearly 23%), total cholesterol (both in blood and hepatic tissue) and triglyceride concentrations compared with the periodontitis group. For levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, gamma-glutaryl transferase and random glucose, a significant difference between the groups was not observed. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that the microvesicular steatosis caused by periodontitis in rats is reversible after removal of the ligature, which is associated with the increase in oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in the liver.

Relationship between -889 C/T polymorphism in interleukin-1A gene and risk of chronic periodontitis: Evidence from a meta-analysis with new published findings.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis results from an inflammatory response caused by accumulative microorganisms in periodontal sites. Several factors are involved in pathogenesis of periodontitis, for example the -889 C/T polymorphism in interleukin-1A gene. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between this polymorphism and risk of development of chronic periodontitis by a meta-analysis based in new published findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thereunto a review in literature was performed in the electronic biomedical and education databases (Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, MEDLINE and PubMed) to studies published before August 2, 2015, the abstracts were evaluated and the data extraction performed by two calibrated examiners. The calculations of the meta-analysis were obtained through statistical software Review Manager version 5.2 with calculation of Odds Ratio (OR), heterogeneity (I²) and Funnel plots with P < 0.05. RESULTS: In overall, twenty-one case/control studies were selected with 2,174 patients with chronic periodontitis and 1, 756 controls. The meta-analysis showed T allele was associated with chronic periodontitis (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.36, P = 0.0004) with decreased value to heterogeneity (I² = 15%, P = 0.28). TT genotype was associated to patients with chronic periodontitis (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.83, P = 0.01). No publication bias was found in this meta-analysis by asymmetry in Funnel plots. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis with 2,174 patients with chronic periodontitis and 1, 756 controls evidenced the -889 C/T polymorphism is associated to risk of development of chronic periodontitis with no significant value to heterogeneity to allelic evaluation.

Genotoxic and biochemical changes in Baccharis trimera induced by coal contamination.

The processing and combustion of coal in thermal power plants release anthropogenic chemicals into the environment. Baccharis trimera is a common plant used in folk medicine that grows readily in soils degraded by coal mining activities. This shrub bioaccumulates metals released into the environment, and thus its consumption may be harmful to health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the phytochemical profile, antioxidant capacity (DPPH), genotoxic (comet assay) and mutagenic potential (CBMN-cyt) in V79 cells of B. trimera aqueous extracts in the coal-mining region of Candiota (Bt-AEC), and in Bagé, a city that does not experience the effects of exposure to coal (Bt-AEB, a reference site). In the comet assay, only Bt-AEC was genotoxic at the highest doses (0.8mg/mL and 1.6mg/mL), compared to the control. For extracts from both areas, mutagenic effects were observed at higher concentrations compared to the control. The cell damage parameters were significantly high in both extracts; however, more striking values were observed for Bt-AEC, up to the dose of 0.8mg/mL. In chemical analysis, no variation was observed in the contents of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, neither the antioxidant activity, which may suggest that DNA damage observed in V79 cells was induced by the presence of coal contaminants absorbed by the plant.

Temporal variation in seed predation by insects in a population of Syagrus romanzoffiana (Arecaceae) in Santa Catarina Island, SC, Brazil.

Insect seed predation may vary depending on seed production. The present study considers the hypothesis that the rates of seed predation tend to be smaller in years of higher fruit production. Thus, we monitored the production of fruits and predation of seeds of the palm Syagrus romanzoffiana over 2 years in the Atlantic Forest (Parque Municipal da Lagoa do Peri, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil), between July 2006 and June 2008. Plots of 0.25 m(2) were fitted under 20 mother plants and fruits were monthly collected for assessment of abundance and seed predation. There was variation in fruit production between the 2 years and among reproductive plants. Predation rates were high and occurred in the predispersal phase by the Curculionidae Revena rubiginosa Boheman, Anchylorhynchus aegrotus Fahraeus, and Anchylorhynchus variabilis Gyllenhal. Seed predation by these species of Anchylorhynchus is first registered in the present study. In average, about 60% of the seeds monthly produced in the population tend to escape insect predation in year of high or low production, becoming available for recruitment. The predation rate was not related to the amount of fruits produced per reproductive plant. Also, different than expected, there was a positive relation between the rates of seed predation and the total of fruits produced monthly on the plots. Thus, no evidence for the satiation of insect seed predators was found in this study with S. romanzoffiana.

First report of the red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), in Brazil.

The presence of the red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst, is reported for the first time in Brazil. This invasive mite was found in July 2009 infesting coconut palms and bananas in urban areas of Boa Vista, State of Roraima, in northern Brazil. Comments on the possible pathways of R. indica into the country, present and potential impact of its introduction and mitigating measures to prevent or to delay the mite spread in Brazil are presented.

Spidroins from the Brazilian spider Nephilengys cruentata (Araneae: Nephilidae).

Spiders produce up to six different kinds of silk, each one for a specific biological function. Spider silks are also known for their unique mechanical properties. The possibility of producing new materials with similar properties motivated research on these silk proteins (spidroins). Using expression sequence tags, we identified four spidroins produced by major ampullate, minor ampullate, flagelliform and tubuliform silk glands from the Brazilian spider Nephilengys cruentata (Araneae: Nephilidae). The new protein sequences showed substantial similarity to other spidroins previously described, with high content of alanine and glycine due to the presence of the highly repetitive motifs (polyAla, (GA)n, (GGX)n, (GPGGX)n). Similarities among sequences were also observed between the different spidroins with the exception of tubuliform spidroin, which presents a unique complex amino acid sequence with high amounts of serine and low amounts of glycine.

Analysis of expressed sequence tags from Musa acuminata ssp. burmannicoides, var. Calcutta 4 (AA) leaves submitted to temperature stresses.

In order to discover genes expressed in leaves of Musa acuminata ssp. burmannicoides var. Calcutta 4 (AA), from plants submitted to temperature stress, we produced and characterized two full-length enriched cDNA libraries. Total RNA from plants subjected to temperatures ranging from 5 degrees C to 25 degrees C and from 25 degrees C to 45 degrees C was used to produce a COLD and a HOT cDNA library, respectively. We sequenced 1,440 clones from each library. Following quality analysis and vector trimming, we assembled 2,286 sequences from both libraries into 1,019 putative transcripts, consisting of 217 clusters and 802 singletons, which we denoted Musa acuminata assembled expressed sequence tagged (EST) sequences (MaAES). Of these MaAES, 22.87% showed no matches with existing sequences in public databases. A global analysis of the MaAES data set indicated that 10% of the sequenced cDNAs are present in both cDNA libraries, while 42% and 48% are present only in the COLD or in the HOT libraries, respectively. Annotation of the MaAES data set categorized them into 22 functional classes. Of the 2,286 high-quality sequences, 715 (31.28%) originated from full-length cDNA clones and resulted in a set of 149 genes.

Comparative analyses of the complete genome sequences of Pierce's disease and citrus variegated chlorosis strains of Xylella fastidiosa.

Xylella fastidiosa is a xylem-dwelling, insect-transmitted, gamma-proteobacterium that causes diseases in many plants, including grapevine, citrus, periwinkle, almond, oleander, and coffee. X. fastidiosa has an unusually broad host range, has an extensive geographical distribution throughout the American continent, and induces diverse disease phenotypes. Previous molecular analyses indicated three distinct groups of X. fastidiosa isolates that were expected to be genetically divergent. Here we report the genome sequence of X. fastidiosa (Temecula strain), isolated from a naturally infected grapevine with Pierce's disease (PD) in a wine-grape-growing region of California. Comparative analyses with a previously sequenced X. fastidiosa strain responsible for citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) revealed that 98% of the PD X. fastidiosa Temecula genes are shared with the CVC X. fastidiosa strain 9a5c genes. Furthermore, the average amino acid identity of the open reading frames in the strains is 95.7%. Genomic differences are limited to phage-associated chromosomal rearrangements and deletions that also account for the strain-specific genes present in each genome. Genomic islands, one in each genome, were identified, and their presence in other X. fastidiosa strains was analyzed. We conclude that these two organisms have identical metabolic functions and are likely to use a common set of genes in plant colonization and pathogenesis, permitting convergence of functional genomic strategies.

Evaluation of Caesalpinia ferrea extract on bone marrow hematopoiesis in the murine models of listeriosis and Ehrlich ascites tumor.

The capacity of hematopoietic tissues to produce and mobilize phagocytes to the site of infection and tumor growth is of central importance to mediate the early immunological response. In this perspective, studies from our laboratory have defined Listeria monocytogenes infection and the Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) as useful models to investigate the effects of natural compounds on the growth and differentiation of granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells (CFU-GM). As expected, a significant reduction in the number of bone marrow CFU-GM was observed in the initial stages of infection with a sublethal dose of Listeria. Similarly, the bone marrow CFU-GM decreased sharply 4 days after the EAT transplantation. Treatment of infected and tumor-bearing mice with 500 and 1,000 mg/kg of Caesalpinia ferrea aqueous extract, given 3 times orally, significantly stimulated myelopoiesis, whereas no effects were observed with the 250 mg/kg dose. Similar results were obtained in normal mice. The administration of the two higher doses of the extract also protected 15-20% of mice from a lethal dose of Listeria and significantly prolonged survival of EAT-bearing mice. In summary, these results demonstrate that C. ferrea extract acts as a positive regulator of myelopoiesis, and suggest that the therapeutic effect of C. ferrea may be partially mediated by this action.

Fastidian gum: the Xylella fastidiosa exopolysaccharide possibly involved in bacterial pathogenicity.

The Gram-negative bacterium Xylella fastidiosa was the first plant pathogen to be completely sequenced. This species causes several economically important plant diseases, including citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC). Analysis of the genomic sequence of X. fastidiosa revealed a 12 kb DNA fragment containing an operon closely related to the gum operon of Xanthomonas campestris. The presence of all genes involved in the synthesis of sugar precursors, existence of exopolysaccharide (EPS) production regulators in the genome, and the absence of three of the X. campestris gum genes suggested that X. fastidiosa is able to synthesize an EPS different from that of xanthan gum. This novel EPS probably consists of polymerized tetrasaccharide repeating units assembled by the sequential addition of glucose-1-phosphate, glucose, mannose and glucuronic acid on a polyprenol phosphate carrier.

Adjuvant effect of Pluchea quitoc extract on the resistance of tumor-bearing mice by modulation of the host hematopoietic response.

Progressive tumor growth is regularly accompanied by changes in the cellular constituents of the immune system. Evidence suggests that soluble factors generated during tumor growth can affect the amount of granulocyte-macrophage progenitors. In vitro colony growth of progenitor cells may be an early indicator of the cellular changes associated with tumor growth. Pluchea quitoc has been previously found to modulate the hematopoietic response during bacterial infection. This study was designed to investigate the effects of P. quitoc on the growth and differentiation of bone marrow granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells (CFU-GM) in Ehrlich ascites tumor-bearing mice. In contrast to the myelosuppression developed in the tumor-bearing animals, treatment with P. quitoc ethanolic extract (250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg) for 3 consecutive days after tumor challenge reversibly stimulated myelopoiesis, restoring the number of CFU-GM to normal. This same dose-schedule also increased colony formation in normal mice as compared to controls. In addi tion, P. quitoc significantly enhanced survival of tumor-bearing mice. These results suggest an immunoregulatory role for P. quitoc in counteracting the tumor-induced myelopoietic suppression as well as usefulness as adjuvant treatment of cancer.

Stimulatory action of Pluchea quitoc extract on the hematopoietic response during murine listeriosis.

The importance of both granulocytes and macrophages in the response to Listeria monocytogenes infection make this infection a suitable choice to investigate the effects of Pluchea quitoc on hematopoiesis. A significant depletion of bone marrow granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells (CFU-GM) was observed at 48 and 72 h after intraperitoneal infection of mice with 1 x 10(4) L. monocytogenes. However, the treatment of infected animals with P. quitoc ethanolic extract (250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg) given orally for 3 consecutive days prior to infection produced a stimulatory effect on myelopoiesis, restoring the number of CFU-GM to normal. This same dose-schedule also increased colony formation in normal mice as compared to controls. In addition, P. quitoc significantly enhanced survival of infected mice. Thus, it is probable that the ability of P. quitoc to induce a higher reserve of granulocyte-macrophage precursors in the bone marrow is of major significance in determining early resistance to infection.

The mitochondrial genome of the primary screwworm fly Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

The complete sequence of the mitochondrial genome of the screwworm Cochliomyia hominivorax was determined. This genome is 16,022 bp in size and corresponds to a typical Brachycera mtDNA. A Serine start codon for COI and incomplete termination codons for COII, NADH 5 and NADH 4 genes were described. The nucleotide composition of C. hominivorax mtDNA is 77% AT-rich, reflected in the predominance of AT-rich codons in protein-coding genes. Non-optimal codon usage was commonly observed in C. hominivorax mitochondrial genes. Phylogenetic analysis distributed the Acalypterate species as a monophyletic group and assembled the C. hominivorax (Calyptratae) and the Acalyptratae in a typical Brachycera cluster. The identification of diagnostic restriction sites on the sequenced mitochondrial genome and the correlation with previous RFLP analysis are discussed.