Draft Genome Sequence of Lactiplantibacillus pentosus AWA1501, Isolated from Awa-bancha.

Lactiplantibacillus pentosus AWA1501 was isolated from the traditional Japanese tea Awa-bancha. Previous studies have reported that this species becomes predominant after the anaerobic fermentation process. In this study, we report the whole-genome sequence of this strain. The draft genome sequence comprises 3,714,221 nucleotides and 3,374 coding DNA sequences, with an average G+C content of 46.02%.

Prophylactic effect of rikkunshito, an herbal medicine, for chemotherapy-induced nausea in thoracic cancer patients receiving carboplatin-based chemotherapy.

Rikkunshito has been shown to improve upper gastrointestinal symptoms and anorexia. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether rikkunshito improves chemotherapy-induced nausea in thoracic cancer patients receiving carboplatin (CBDCA)-based chemotherapy. A retrospective before-and-after comparison study was conducted in patients with thoracic cancer receiving the first cycle of CBDCA-based chemotherapy. Among 61 eligible patients, 34 received standard antiemetic therapy with a combination of 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor antagonist and dexamethasone from September 2012 and June 2013 (standard group), while the other 27 received the standard antiemetic therapy plus oral rikkunshito from July 2013 and December 2014 (rikkunshito group). The rates of no nausea showed no significant difference between the standard and rikkunshito group (Overall phase: 64.7 % for standard group vs 74.1 % for rikkunshito group, p = 0.579). Subgroup analysis indicated that, in female patients, the rates of no nausea in rikkunshito groups was significantly higher than in standard group (overall phase: 44.4 % vs 100 %, p = 0.034). Rikkunshito did not demonstrate an additional prophylactic effect on standard antiemetic therapy for nausea in patients with thoracic cancer receiving CBDCA-based chemotherapy, but showed a prophylactic effect of nausea in female patients.

Daidzein-rich isoflavone aglycones inhibit cell growth and inflammation in endometriosis.

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease, and isoflavones interact with estrogen receptors. The purposes of this study are to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of daidzein-rich isoflavone aglycones (DRIAs), dietary supplements, on cellular proliferation in endometriosis. Stromal cells isolated from ovarian endometrioma (OESCs) and normal endometrium (NESCs) were cultured with DRIAs, i.e., each of the DRIA components (daidzein, genistein, or glycitein), or isoflavone glycosides (IG; DRIA precursors). A mouse model of endometriosis was established by transplanting donor-mouse uterine fragments into recipient mice. Our results showed that DRIAs (0.2-20 µM) inhibited the proliferation of OESCs (P < 0.05 for 0.2 µM; P < 0.01 for 2 and 20 µM) but not of NESCs. However, daidzein, genistein, glycitein, and IG did not inhibit their proliferation. DRIA-induced suppression was reversed by inhibition of the estrogen receptor (ER)ß by an antagonist, PHTPP, or by ERß siRNA (P < 0.05), but not by MPP, an ERα antagonist. In OESCs, DRIAs led to reduced expression of IL-6, IL-8, COX-2, and aromatase, as well as reduced aromatase activity, serum glucocorticoid-regulated kinase levels, and PGE2 levels (P < 0.05). Western blot and immunofluorescence assays revealed that DRIAs inhibited TNF-α-induced IκB phosphorylation and p65 uptake into the nuclei of OESCs. In the mouse model, a DRIA-containing feed significantly decreased the number, weight, and Ki-67 proliferative activity of endometriosis-like lesions compared to in mice fed with an IG-containing feed and the control feed (P < 0.01). In conclusion, DRIAs inhibit cellular proliferation in endometriosis, thus representing a potential therapeutic option for the management of endometriosis.

Transcriptome characterization of male accessory glands in ants to identify molecules involved in their reproductive success.

In insects, seminal fluid proteins that are produced by male accessory glands and transferred to females during mating have key functions in sperm competition and sperm physiology that lead to male reproductive success. In ants, male reproductive success also depends on the longevity of sperm stored in the queen's spermatheca because their sexual offspring are usually produced only after a prolonged storage period. We identified genes that were up-regulated in the male accessory glands relative to the bodies of Crematogaster osakensis to characterize the reproductive molecules associated with male reproductive success in ants. We found novel genes that had no hits in a homology search and that were predominantly expressed in the accessory glands. These reproductive proteins may have evolved under rapid positive selection for reproductive success in the species. Furthermore, we discovered that three spermatheca-specific genes of C. osakensis queens were also enriched in the accessory glands relative to the bodies of males. These genes may be important for maintaining the sperm quality continuously from ejaculation by males to prolonged storage by queens. This research provides crucial information about the molecular mechanisms of sperm maintenance and sexual selection in ants, and also insight into the evolution of reproductive strategies in insects.

Incidence, diagnosis and pathophysiology of amniotic fluid embolism.

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare clinical entity, sometimes fatal. A review was conducted to describe the frequency, diagnosis and pathophysiology of AFE. The reported incidences ranged from 1.9 cases per 100,000 maternities (UK) to 6.1 per 100,000 maternities (Australia), which can vary considerably, depending on the period, region of study and the definition. Although the development of amniotic fluid-specific markers would have an impact on early diagnosis, definition of AFE based on these markers is not widely accepted. To date, immunological mechanisms, amniotic fluid-dependent anaphylactic reaction and complement activation, have been proposed as potential pathogenetic and pathophysiological mechanisms. Immune cell activation induced through complement activation may be associated with the mechanism that immediately initiates maternal death, only in susceptible individuals. This review will focus on advances in the field of AFE biology and discuss the prevalence, diagnosis and pathophysiology of AFE.

Patients with chronic-form paracoccidioidomycosis present high serum levels of IgE anti-paracoccidioides brasiliensis Gp70.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a disease caused by the Paracoccidioides genus, which includes P. brasiliensis and the new phylogenetic species P. lutzii. Resistance to this infection has been correlated with a Th1 pattern of cellular immune response, while susceptibility is correlated to an intense humoral immune response with an increase in IgE levels. Serum levels of IgE and IgG anti-gp70 and anti-exoantigen in chronic PCM were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results showed a higher gp70 concentration in somatic antigen (SA) than in cell-free antigen (CFA) preparation and significantly higher levels of IgE and IgG anti-gp70 in chronic PCM patients' serum (n = 12) than in normal human serum (n = 12) (p < 0.05). Pearson's correlation analysis showed a strong correlation between IgG and IgE anti-gp70 (r = 0.8424). Additionally, IgE purified from a pool of acute and chronic PCM patient's serum was analyzed by immunoblotting. The patients with the acute form of the disease showed strong bands for gp43 and gp70 in SA but only for gp43 in CFA. In patients with the chronic form, solely the gp43 band was observed. In conclusion, we found that SA is a better source of gp70 than CFA is, and chronic PCM patients show high levels of IgE anti-gp70. This finding suggests that the Th2 immune response is potentially induced by gp70 in PCM disease, which calls for further study.

Unsuspected reason for sciatica in Bertolotti's syndrome.

Patients with Bertolotti's syndrome have characteristic lumbosacral anomalies and often have severe sciatica. We describe a patient with this syndrome in whom standard decompression of the affected nerve root failed, but endoscopic lumbosacral extraforaminal decompression relieved the symptoms. We suggest that the intractable sciatica in this syndrome could arise from impingement of the nerve root extraforaminally by compression caused by the enlarged transverse process.

Caracterização genética e distribuição geográfica do vírus rábico isolado de bovinos no estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil / Genetic characterization and geographic distribution of rabies virus isolates from cattle in Mato Grosso, Brazil

Foram caracterizados, geneticamente e geograficamente, o sequenciamento parcial da nucleoproteína (gene N) de 53 isolados do vírus da raiva (VR) originários do Estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil. Os isolados de bovinos, que se encontravam no grupo do VR relacionado a morcegos hematófagos, foram posteriormente subdivididos em sete subgrupos genéticos. Estes subgrupos foram distribuídos em regiões de terras planas, com alguns subgrupos separados por formações de pequenas montanhas e hidrografia. Estes resultados indicam que a raiva em bovinos é derivada de diversas variantes regionalmente definidas, o que sugere que sua distribuição geográfica está relacionada as populações de morcegos hematófagos.

A total of 53 rabies virus (RV) isolates originating from cattle in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, were genetically characterized. Partial nucleoprotein gene sequences of these isolates were phylogenetically and geographically analyzed. Cattle isolates, which clustered with the vampire bat related RV group, were further subdivided into 7 subgroups. These subgroups were distributed widely in lowland regions, with some subgroups separated from each other by small mountains and hydrographical features. These results indicate that cattle rabies is derived from several regionally-defined variants, which suggests that its geographical distribution is related to that of the vampire bat population.

A unique substitution at position 333 on the glycoprotein of rabies virus street strains isolated from non-hematophagous bats in Brazil.

The amino acid R or K at position 333 on the glycoprotein of the rabies virus is considered necessary for virulence in adult mice. Although some exceptions exist, substitution at this position causes expression of a phenotype that is either less pathogenic or non-virulent. To date, such substitutions have only been found in fixed strains of rabies virus. In this study, the authors found 333H, 333N, and 333Q substitutions at this position in rabies virus street strains isolated from non-hematophagous bats in Brazil. These strains showed pathogenicity and lethality on passage using adult mice with the intracerebral route and were confirmed rabies-positive by immunofluorescent assay. This suggests that these strains maintain virulence. Our findings indicate that rabies virus street strains with these substitutions exist in the field and may result in infection cycles.

Chloroform deposition in renal cyst fluid of hemodialysis patients with renal cystic disorders.

Chronic exposure to chloroform (CHCl3) induces renal neoplasms in rodents and may be carcinogenic in humans, but studies on chronic CHCl3 deposition in the human body have not been performed. In this study, we examined 27 hemodialysis patients with renal cystic diseases including acquired cystic disease of the kidney (ACDK) accompanied by renal tumors at high frequency. Intracystic and serum CHCl3 concentrations were determined using a headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. CHCl3 was not detected in the serum in any cases, but levels ranging from <0.1 to 0.659 mg/L were found in the cyst fluid in most cases, including patients with ACDK and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Because intracystic CHCl3 deposition was not confined to ACDK cases, we were unable to evaluate the relationship between CHCl3 accumulation and carcinogenesis in ACDK. However, our results suggest that compounds such as CHCl3 accumulate in renal cyst fluid in hemodialysis patients with renal cystic diseases.

Electrocardiographic parameters of captive lions (Panthera leo) and tigers (Panthera tigris) immobilized with ketamine plus xylazine.

Twenty-seven healthy captive lions (Panthera leo) and 13 healthy captive tigers (Panthera tigris) from São Paulo Zoo (Fundação Parque Zoológico de Sã Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil) collection were selected for this study. They were anesthetized with ketamine (10 mg/kg) combined with xylazine (1-2 mg/kg) for physical examinations, hematologic and serum chemical analysis and electrocardiogram recording. The main aim of this research was to gather initial information about normal electrocardiographic parameters of large felids. Standard P-QRS-T deflections on leads described for domestic carnivores were analyzed, and they did not greatly differ from those of large felids, taking into account the greater weight and corporal mass of large felids. Heart rate of lions ranged from 42 to 76 beats per minute (bpm). Heart rate of tigers ranged from 56 to 97 bpm. In both species, the most common rhythm detected was normal sinus rhythm followed by sinus arrhythmia; wandering pacemaker was also observed with normal sinus rhythm or sinus arrhythmia. Mean electrical axis lay between +60 degrees and +120 degrees. QRS complexes were predominantly positive in leads DI, DII, DIII, and AVF, and negative in AVR and AVL. This study provides insights into normal electrocardiograms of large felids. Wider investigations on the same subject are necessary to establish criteria for the recognition of abnormalities in these species and should include other anesthetic drug(s) combinations and reports of electrocardiographic features of animals with cardiac disease and electrolytes disturbances.

[Mitral valve repair with concomitant coronary bypass for partial rupture of an anterior papillary muscle].

We report a case of severe mitral regurgitation due to partial rupture of an anterior papillary muscle. A 63-year-old man was admitted to a hospital with heart failure. He was treated with diuretic agents effectively. Echocardiography demonstrated severe mitral regurgitation with prolapse of posterior leaflet and small mass-like structure on the prolapsed segment that was diagnosed the thickened leaflet. Coronary angiography revealed total occlusion of left anterior descending artery (LAD) filled with good collateral from right posterior descending artery and severe diffuse stenosis of circumflex artery (Cx). The patient underwent surgery on the 33rd day after admission with heart failure. At surgery, we recognized rupture of one of the heads of anterior papillary muscle that was entangled in chordae of the prolapsed segment. Mitral valve repair and coronary revascularization to LAD and Cx was successfully performed. His postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged on the 28th postoperative day.

Genetic diversity of bat rabies viruses in Brazil.

Thirty-three Brazilian bat rabies viruses (RVs) were studied by sequence analysis and were compared against sequences of bat-related RVs from other regions of the Americas. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that bat-related RVs formed several monophyletic lineages and that these were associated with bat species. Brazilian bat RVs were found to include nine major lineages, one of which grouped with RVs isolated from Lasiurus spp. from different regions of the Americas. These results suggest that there is considerable diversity among Brazilian bat RV variants and that some of these RV variants may be associated with bats from other countries.

Oral leishmaniasis: a clinicopathological study of 11 cases.

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease with diverse clinical manifestations, and considered a public health problem in endemic countries such as Brazil. Mucosal lesions usually involve the upper respiratory tract, with a predilection for nose and larynx. Oral involvement is unusual and in most cases it becomes evident after several years of resolution of the original cutaneous lesions. Oral lesions classically appear as mucosal ulcerations, mainly in the hard or soft palate. This report describes the clinicopathological data of 11 cases of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis with oral manifestations. Two cases of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and one case of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism or DNA sequencing in mucosal samples.

Molecular epidemiology of rabies from Maranhão and surrounding states in the northeastern region of Brazil.

Although many outbreaks of rabies have been reported in northern Brazil, few epidemiological studies of these outbreaks have been undertaken. In this study, molecular epidemiological analyses were performed using 41 rabies virus samples isolated in the Maranhão (MA), Pará (PA), and Tocantins (TO) states of northeastern Brazil. A 599-bp region of the glycoprotein (G) gene was first amplified from each sample by RT-PCR, then sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. A phylogenetic tree divided the 41 isolates into two clades: Clade I was associated with terrestrial carnivores and Clade II was associated with vampire bats. The Clade I isolates were further sub-divided into two groups. The first group was closer to carnivore isolates that predominate in central Brazil, whereas the second group more closely resembled wild fox isolates from the northeastern coastal state of Paraíba (PB). MA isolates of Clade II formed an entirely separate group. These results demonstrate that bat- and dog-transmitted rabies occur in northwestern Brazil.

Hugoniot data of plastic foams obtained from laser-driven shocks.

In this paper we present Hugoniot data for plastic foams obtained with laser-driven shocks. Relative equation-of-state data for foams were obtained using Al as a reference material. The diagnostics consisted in the detection of shock breakout from double layer Al/foam targets. The foams [poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) with density 130 > rho > 60 mg/cm3] were produced at the Institute of Laser Engineering of Osaka University. The experiment was performed using the Prague PALS iodine laser working at 0.44 microm wavelength and irradiances up to a few 10(14) W/cm2. Pressures as high as 3.6 Mbar (previously unreached for such low-density materials) where generated in the foams. Samples with four different values of initial density were used, in order to explore a wider region of the phase diagram. Shock acceleration when the shock crosses the Al/foam interface was also measured.

Genetic and phylogenetic characterization of rabies virus isolates from wildlife and livestock in Paraiba, Brazil.

Thirty-four rabies virus (RV) isolates from foxes (8), insectivore bats (9), cattle (14), sheep (1), a goat (1) and a donkey (1) from Paraiba state, northeastern Brazil, were genetically characterized. Sequences of 890 nts of nucleoprotein (N) genes of these isolates were analyzed and compared with those of other Brazilian isolates characterized earlier. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three genetical lineages of RV co-existing in this region. Each lineage was found to be associated with particular host species and to circulate independently of each other. The first lineage was found in foxes (Dusicyon sp.) and could be discriminated from domestic carnivore isolates from Sao Paulo, Goias and Minas Gerais in the southern and central Brazil. The second lineage was associated with insectivorous bats (Molossus spp.) and differed from vampire bat-associated RV isolates. The third lineage was found in livestock and clustered with vampire bat-associated RV isolates from Sao Paulo, Tocantins, Goias and Matto Grosso. These results indicate that RV of these genetic lineages are cocirculating in the Paraiba state and that livestock in this region are infected with vampire bat-associated RV, suggesting that the vampire bat is the main reservoir of livestock rabies in this region.

Pleomorphic lipoma of the face: case report.

Pleomorphic lipoma is an uncommon variant of lipoma, which microscopically may resemble a liposarcoma. However, it is a slow-growing and well-circumscribed lesion with a benign behavior. Therefore, recognizing this entity is extremely important to perform the proper treatment. We present an additional case of pleomorphic lipoma in the face, which to our knowledge seems to be the 11th case reported in the English-language literature.

Antigenic and genetic characterization of rabies viruses isolated from domestic and wild animals of Brazil identifies the hoary fox as a rabies reservoir.

Fifty Brazilian rabies viruses, collected from many different animal species and several regions of the country, were characterized by partial sequencing of the central, variable region of the P gene, a locus useful for sensitive molecular epidemiological studies. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences, which included comparison with other rabies strains recovered from throughout the Americas, identified three main groups of Brazilian viruses, arbitrarily designated BRL-1 to BRL-3. BRL-1 was found in terrestrial carnivores and clusters with other American strains of the cosmopolitan lineage. BRL-2 comprised two distinct isolates, recovered from two species of non-haematophagous bats, that had evolutionary links to insectivorous-bat-derived strains of North America. BRL-3 consisted of isolates from vampire bats and from livestock species probably infected via contact with vampire bats. The terrestrial group was further subdivided into three subtypes: BRL-1a was associated exclusively with dogs and cats, while BRL-1b and BRL-1c were found exclusively in hoary foxes. These observations strongly support the role of the Brazilian hoary fox as a rabies reservoir. Screening of representative Brazilian rabies viruses against a collection of anti-rabies monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) identified a small panel of mAbs that could be used to discriminate between all Brazilian subgroups as defined by genetic classification in this study.

Salivary gland tumors in a Brazilian population: a retrospective study of 496 cases.

Salivary gland tumors are uncommon and the microscopical features can be complex. Epidemiological data of these tumors in the various parts of the world can be helpful for a better understanding of its biology and clinical characteristics. In this study, 496 epithelial and mesenchymal tumors of major and minor salivary glands diagnosed at Londrina Cancer Institute during the period from 1972 to 2001 were reviewed. Out of all cases, 335 (67.5%) were classified as benign and 161 (32.5%) as malignant. The majority of the cases occurred in the parotid gland (67.7%), followed by the minor salivary glands (22.8%) and submandibular gland (9.5%). Among the minor salivary gland tumors, the palate was the most frequent location (67%). The tumors affected more commonly adult patients with peak incidence between 40 and 50 years of age and with a slightly predominance in females. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most frequent tumor representing 54.2% of all cases, followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma (13.5%), Warthin's tumor (8.5%) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (7.9%).