Brazilian Group of Gastrointestinal Tumours' consensus guidelines for the management of oesophageal cancer

Oesophageal cancer is among the ten most common types of cancer worldwide. More than 80% of the cases and deaths related to the disease occur in developing countries. Local socio-economic, epidemiologic and healthcare particularities led us to create a Brazilian guideline for the management of oesophageal and oesophagogastric junction (OGJ) carcinomas. The Brazilian Group of Gastrointestinal Tumours invited 50 physicians with different backgrounds, including radiology, pathology, endoscopy, nuclear medicine, genetics, oncological surgery, radiotherapy and clinical oncology, to collaborate. This document was prepared based on an extensive review of topics related to heredity, diagnosis, staging, pathology, endoscopy, surgery, radiation, systemic therapy (including checkpoint inhibitors) and follow-up, which was followed by presentation, discussion and voting by the panel members. It provides updated evidence-based recommendations to guide clinical management of oesophageal and OGJ carcinomas in several scenarios and clinical settings.

Brazilian Group of Gastrointestinal Tumours' consensus guidelines for the management of gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is among the ten most common types of cancer worldwide. Most cases and deaths related to the disease occur in developing countries. Local socio-economic, epidemiologic and healthcare particularities led us to create a Brazilian guideline for the management of gastric carcinomas. The Brazilian Group of Gastrointestinal Tumors (GTG) invited 50 physicians with different backgrounds, including radiology, pathology, endoscopy, nuclear medicine, genetics, oncological surgery, radiotherapy and clinical oncology, to collaborate. This document was prepared based on an extensive review of topics related to heredity, diagnosis, staging, pathology, endoscopy, surgery, radiation, systemic therapy and follow-up, which was followed by presentation, discussion, and voting by the panel members. It provides updated evidence-based recommendations to guide clinical management of gastric carcinomas in several scenarios and clinical settings.

Chloride ion transport and overexpression of TMEM16A in a guinea-pig asthma model

BACKGROUND

TMEM16A, a Ca-activated Cl channel, regulates various physiological functions such as mucin secretion. However, the role of TMEM16A in hyper-secretion in asthma is not fully understood.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate Cl ion transport via TMEM16A and determine the localization of TMEM16A in a guinea-pig asthma model.

METHODS

Guinea-pigs were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) i.p. on Days 1 and 8. On Day 22, we assessed OVA challenge-induced Cl ion transport in the sensitized tracheas ex vivo in an Ussing chamber, compared with the non-sensitized tracheas. We then examined the effect of T16Ainh-A01, a TMEM16A inhibitor, on the increase in Cl ion transport. The tracheal epithelium was immunostained with an anti-TMEM16A antibody. Epithelial cells from guinea-pig tracheas were cultured at the air-liquid interface in the presence of IL-13 for in vitro study. We studied the effect of TMEM16A inhibitors on Ca-dependent agonist, uridine triphosphate (UTP)-induced increases in Cl ion transport in the cultured cells. The cells were immunostained with an anti-TMEM16A antibody, an anti-MUC5AC antibody and an anti-α-tubulin antibody.

RESULTS

OVA challenge induced an increase in short circuit current within 1 min in the OVA-sensitized tracheas but not in the non-sensitized tracheas, which was inhibited by pretreatment of T16Ainh-A01. Sensitized tracheas showed goblet cell metaplasia with more positive TMEM16A immunostaining, particularly in the apical portion compared with the non-sensitized tracheas. The in vitro UTP-induced increase in Cl ion transport was strongly inhibited by pretreatment with T16Ainh-A01, benzbromarone, and niflumic acid. TMEM16A was positively immunostained at the apical portion and in the MUC5AC-positive area in IL-13-induced goblet cell metaplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

Antigen challenge and Ca-dependent agonist treatment increased Cl ion transport via the overexpression of TMEM16A in goblet cell metaplasia in a guinea-pig asthma model. TMEM16A inhibitors may be useful for the treatment of hyper-secretion in asthma.

Determinação histopatológica da presença do helicobacter pylori em câncer gástrico

RACIONAL: A causa do câncer gástrico (CG) é controversa e tem vários fatores envolvidos no seu processo de carcinogênese, incluindo o Helicobacter pylori (Hp) O papel da infecção pelo Hp no CG permanece incerto, com vários estudos controversos. OBJETIVO: Correlacionar a presença da infecção pelo Hp com câncer gástrico, através de exame anatomopatológico convencional do estômago ressecado. MÉTODO: Noventa e um pacientes tratados por ressecção cirúrgica foram revistos. O exame anatomopatológico foi feito em todos os pacientes para determinar a presença de infecção por Hp, metaplasia intestinal (MI) e confirmação do tipo histológico por hematoxilina-eosina. A análise estatística foi realizada através do qui-quadrado e testes de log-rank. RESULTADOS: MI foi observada em 81 tumores (89%). Em geral, a presença de infecção pelo Hp foi observada em 46 casos (50,5%). Não houve associação entre idade e Hp. Nos grupos de pacientes com CG avançado e precoce, a infecção pelo Hp estava presente em 47,7% e 54% dos tumores. A infecção pelo Hp ocorreu em 40 tumores (49%) no grupo de pacientes com MI. Nos com tumores sem MI, Hp estava presente em cinco (50%). Tumores proximais tiveram mais infecção por Hp, quando comparados aos tumores distais. CONCLUSÕES: A taxa de infecção não teve associação significativa com o tipo histológico, sexo, MI ou estágio de desenvolvimento tumoral. Esses resultados podem indicar que a participação da infecção pelo Hp durante o desenvolvimento do CG não pode ser descartada; no entanto, provavelmente não é essencial em todas as fases e o mecanismo do CG pode ser distinto da gastrite crônica e MI. Finalmente, é possível que a associação proposta é mera coincidência e que não há nenhuma influência real das bactérias no processo de carcinogênese.

Cesium Accumulation and Growth Characteristics of Rhodococcus erythropolis CS98 and Rhodococcus sp. Strain CS402

Growth and cesium accumulation characteristics of two cesium-accumulating bacteria isolated from soils were investigated. Rhodococcus erythropolis CS98 and Rhodococcus sp. strain CS402 accumulated high levels of cesium (approximately 690 and 380 mumol/g [dry weight] of cells or 92 and 52 mg/g [dry weight] of cells, respectively) after 24 h of incubation in the presence of 0.5 mM cesium. The optimum pH for cesium uptake by both Rhodococcus strains was 8.5. Rubidium and cesium assumed part of the role of potassium in the growth of both Rhodococcus strains. Potassium and rubidium inhibited cesium accumulation by these Rhodococcus strains. It is likely that both Rhodococcus strains accumulated cesium through a potassium transport system.

Characterization of monooxygenase gene diversity in benzene-amended soils

AIM

To understand soil benzene monooxygenase gene diversity by clone library construction and microarray profiling.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A primer set was designed, and benzene monooxygenase gene diversity was characterized in two benzene-amended soils. The dominant sequence types in the clone libraries were distinct between the two soils, and both sequences were assigned to novel clusters. Monooxygenase gene richness and diversity increased after benzene degradation. Oligonucleotide probes for microarray analysis were designed to detect a number of sequenced clones and reported monooxygenase genes. The microarray detected several genes that were not detected in the clone libraries of the same samples. Six probes were detected in more than one soil.

CONCLUSIONS

The primer set designed in this study successfully detected diverse benzene monooxygenase genes. The level of diversity may have increased because the degradation of benzene differed from soil to soil. Microarrays have great potential in the comprehensive detection of gene richness as well as the elucidation of key genes for degradation.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study introduces a new primer set that may be used to identify diverse benzene monooxygenase genes in the environment; moreover, it demonstrates the potential of microarray technology in the profiling of environmental samples.

Quantification of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria populations in full-scale sewage activated sludge systems and assessment of system variables affecting their performance

This study carried out quantification of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) populations in 12 full-scale sewage activated sludge systems that were different in ammonia removals and treatment processes during three different seasons. Experiment was divided into 3 parts: 1) analysis of AOB communities by PCR-DGGE-cloning-sequencing of 16S rRNA genes; 2) development of four real-time PCR primer sets for quantification of the particular AOB of interest; and 3) quantification of AOB populations by using the newly developed real-time PCR primer sets. The results suggested that all the primer sets gave good reproducibility and specificity for PCR amplification with the detection limits of 10(2) copies/PCR reaction. Although the 12 systems were different in several aspects, one of the identified sequence types of Nitrosomonas oligotropha cluster was the dominant AOB in every system and every season studied. However, the other sequence type of this cluster was not significantly involved in ammonia removals in the systems. The occurrence of N. communis cluster in the systems seemed to depend on the remaining oxygen concentrations in the sludge floc and thus the activity of aerobic heterotrophs in the aeration tanks. N. europaea-Nitrosococcus. mobilis solely existed in one A20 system of which the influent contained twice the chloride concentrations than those of other systems.

Degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by a newly isolated dibenzofuran-utilizing Janibacter sp. strain YY-1

The dibenzofuran (DF)-utilizing bacterium strain YY-1 was newly isolated from soil. The isolate was identified as Janibacter sp. with respect to its 16S rDNA sequence and fatty acid profiles, as well as various physiological characteristics. In addition to DF, strain YY-1 could grow on fluorene and dibenzothiophene as sole sources of carbon and energy. It was also able to cometabolize a variety of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons including dibenzo- p-dioxin, phenanthrene, and anthracene. The major metabolites formed from DF, biphenyl, dibenzothiophene, and naphthalene were identified by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry as 2,3,2'-trihydroxybiphenyl, biphenyl-dihydrodiol, dibenzothiophene 5-oxide, and coumarin, respectively. These results indicate that strain YY-1 can catalyze angular dioxygenation, lateral dioxygenation, and sulfoxidation.

Distribution of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in sewage activated sludge: analysis based on 16S rDNA sequence

This study carried out analysis of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) communities in 12 sewage activated sludge systems standing in eight sewage treatment plants located in Tokyo. The systems were different in the treatment process configuration: anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic (A20), anaerobic/aerobic (AO), and conventional activated sludge (AS) processes. AOB communities were analyzed by sequences of 16S rDNA amplicons, which were separated by denaturing gradient gel eletrophoresis (DGGE) after specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The results demonstrated that low ammonium concentrations in the influents of the 12 sewage activated sludge systems resulted in the dominance of Nitrosomonas oligotropha-like sequences. Further, Nitrosomonas europaea- and Nitrosomonas cryotolerans-like sequences were recovered from only one A20 system of which the influent contained higher ammonium and chloride concentrations than those of other systems. Nitrosomonas communis-like sequences were found in every A20 and AO system, but mostly not found in every AS system. In summary, influent characteristics and treatment process configuration affected the AOB communities in the 12 sewage activated sludge systems.

Quantitative and rapid detection of the trichloroethylene-degrading bacterium Methylocystis sp. M in groundwater by real-time PCR

We developed a method based on real-time PCR for the specific and rapid enumeration of a trichloroethylene-degrading methanotroph, Methylocystis sp. M, with the aim of monitoring the strain in groundwater. A primer set designed from the nucleotide sequence of the mmoC gene of a soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO) gene cluster from Methylocystis sp. M was specific to amplify the DNA region from the strain and no PCR products were amplified with the sMMO gene clusters from six other methanotroph strains. The real-time PCR reliably quantified Methylocystis sp. M over at least five orders of magnitude (5x10(6) to 5x10(2 )cells/PCR tube, or 2x10(8) to 2x10(4 )cells/ml). Five cells of Methylocystis sp. M per PCR tube (2x10(2 )cells/ml) were detectable when the cells were suspended in distilled water. The concomitant presence of other methanotrophs in samples did not affect the reliability of enumeration; and recovery of the cells with a membrane filter enabled us to quantify cells of the strain in groundwater. This quantification procedure was completed within 3 h, including preparation time of environmental samples. We conclude that real-time PCR using the mmoC primer set can be used practically to analyze the behavior of Methylocystis sp. M at bioremediation sites.

Quantitative and specific detection of a trichloroethylene-degrading methanotroph, Methylocystis sp. strain M, by a most probable number-polymerase chain reaction method

We developed a rapid and specific enumeration method for a trichloroethylene-degrading methanotroph, Methylocystis sp. strain M, based on a most probable number-polymerase chain reaction method for monitoring the bacterium at bioremediation sites. The primers designed for the mmoC gene of the soluble methane monooxygenase gene cluster were specific to strain M. Recovery of the cells with a membrane filter enabled us to detect strain M in trichloroethylene-contaminated groundwater. We used the enumeration method to monitor the number of strain M cells in effluent from soil columns supplied with trichloroethylene-contaminated groundwater. The number of strain M cells in the effluent depended on the amount of the strain M inoculated and the number of cells measured by the most probable number-polymerase chain reaction method was correlated with that measured by a culture method. The detection limit for strain M in effluent detected by MPN-PCR method was 4 to 8 x 10(2) cells/ml.

Aerobic degradation of 1,1,1-trichloroethane by Mycobacterium spp. isolated from soil

Two strains of 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA)-degrading bacteria, TA5 and TA27, were isolated from soil and identified as Mycobacterium spp. Strains TA5 and TA27 could degrade 25 and 75 mg. liter of TCA(-1) cometabolically in the presence of ethane as a carbon source, respectively. The compound 2,2,2-trichloroethanol was produced as a metabolite of the degradation process.

Characteristics of Escherichia coli HB101 and Pseudomonas putida PpY101 harboring a recombinant plasmid with tandem insertion of the mercury resistance operon

We constructed the plasmid pSUPmer2 by inserting tandem copies of the mercury resistance (mer) operon into a broad host range-vector, and introduced it into Escherichia coli HB101 and Pseudomonas putida PpY101 to increase their mercury resistance. Strains harboring plasmid pSUPmer2 had higher mercury resistance and mercuric reductase activity than those strains harboring the plasmid pSUPmer which had one copy of the mer operon. Mercury resistance of P. putida PpY101 was significantly increased by tandem insertion of the mer operon.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analyses for discriminating genotypes of Microcystis cyanobacteria

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was used to discriminate genotypes in five species of Microcystis cyanobacteria. Strains of each group with the identical allozyme genotype (T. Kato et al., Algol. Stud., 1991, 129-140; M. Watanabe, in "Toxic Microcystis," ed. by M.F. Watanabe et al., CRC Press, Tokyo, 1966, pp. 13-34) gave similar RAPD patterns characterizing the respective group. On the other hand, no similarities in RAPD patterns were observed among strains of which allozyme genotypes were different. A good accordance between the RAPD analysis and allozyme divergence indicated a high reliability of both methods for discrimination of the affiliated groups of Microcystis. Several amplified DNA fragments, which were expected to be markers for a particular taxon with identical allozyme genotype, were also observed on the RAPD patterns. Genetic homogeneities of M. novacekii, M. viridis, and M. wesenbergii were shown by RAPD analysis as well as the allozyme genotype. However, significant variations were observed in M. aeruginosa and M. ichthyoblabe in the levels of DNA and proteins (allozymes).

The soluble methane monooxygenase gene cluster of the trichloroethylene-degrading methanotroph Methylocystis sp. strain M

In methanotrophic bacteria, methane is oxidized to methanol by the enzyme methane monooxygenase (MMO). The soluble MMO enzyme complex from Methylocystis sp. strain M also oxidizes a wide range of aliphatic and aromatic compounds, including trichloroethylene. In this study, heterologous DNA probes from the type II methanotroph Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b were used to isolate souble MMO (sMMO) genes from the type II methanotroph Methylocystis sp. strain M. sMMO genes from strain M are clustered on the chromosome and show a high degree of identity with the corresponding genes from Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene from Methylocystis sp. strain M have confirmed that it is most closely related to the type II methanotroph Methylocystis parvus OBBP, which, unlike Methylocystis sp. strain M, does not possess an sMMO. A similar phylogenetic analysis using the pmoA gene, which encodes the 27-kDa polypeptide of the particulate MMO, also places Methylocystis sp. strain M firmly in the genus Methylocystis. This is the first report of isolation and characterization of methane oxidation genes from methanotrophs of the genus Methylocystis.

Effect of total parenteral nutrition with different lipid emulsions of human monocyte and neutrophil functions

Parenteral nutrition (TPN) with lipid emulsions is claimed to be associated with impaired monocyte (M) and neutrophil (N) functions. Long-chain triglycerides (LCT) and a mixture containing 50% medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) and 50% LCT, currently used in nutritional therapy with TPN, were evaluated for their ex vivo effects on human N and M chemotaxis, phagocytosis, bacterial killing, and oxidative metabolism by nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test. Cell functions were examined in a randomized, crossover, blind trial in 10 malnourished patients with gastric cancer. Prior to the operation (2 wk), central TPN (40 kcal/kg) with 25% of caloric energy provided as LCT or MCT/LCT emulsion was infused over 48 h. After the crossover period fat-free TPN was given over 48 h. Function tests were done for N and M before and after each lipid emulsion infusion. Every cell function test performed for each patient was controlled by another test done in healthy adult volunteers and the results were compared with the normal range of values previously established for a healthy adult population. All the patients completed the studies without complications. Crossover validity was statistically established. Bacterial killing was the only function reduced in neutrophils after LCT emulsion (% killed bacteria = 79.0 +/- 8.5 versus 67.4 +/- 19.2; P < 0.05), although this function remained within the normal range values in 80% of the patients. In conclusion, the lipid emulsions did not affect any monocyte functions and only moderately decreased neutrophil bacterial killing.

Transformation of Pseudomonas putida by electroporation

The optimum electrotransformation conditions were determined for Pseudomonas putida PpY101 with plasmid pSUP104 (9.5 kb) and pSR134 (18.6 kb). Field strength was a very important parameter for electrotransformation efficiency. Optimum efficiencies (1.1 x 10(5) transformants/micrograms DNA) with pSUP104 and pSR134 were obtained at a field strength of 12.5 kV/cm, a time constant of about 4.5 ms (resistance setting of 200 ohms), a supercoiled DNA concentration of 100 ng/ml, and a cell concentration of 10(9)/ml. Because the efficiency obtained is high enough, electrotransformation is useful for the direct cloning of P. putida PpY101. No significant relationship between plasmid size and electrotransformation efficiency was observed. These efficiencies were about 4.5 times higher than those using the MgCl2 method. Under these conditions, electrotransformation efficiencies of relaxed plasmid DNA treated with topoisomerase I and that linearized by EcoRI digestion were high.

Survival and impact of genetically engineered Pseudomonas putida harboring mercury resistance gene in soil microcosms

The survival of genetically engineered and wild-type Pseudomonas putida PpY101, that contained a recombinant plasmid pSR134 conferring mercury resistance, were monitored in andosol and sand microcosms. The survival of genetically engineered and wild-type P. putida was not significantly different in andosol. The population change of the two strains was dissimilar in andosol and sand. The survival of genetically engineered and wild-type P. putida strains was affected by the water content of andosol, and increased with the increment of the water content. The impact of the addition of genetically engineered and wild-type P. putida strains on indigenous bacteria and fungi was examined. Inoculation of both strains had no apparent effect on the density of indigenous microorganisms.

Survival and impact of genetically engineered Pseudomonas putida harboring mercury resistance gene in aquatic microcosms

The survival of wild-type and genetically engineered Pseudomonas putida PpY101 that contained a recombinant plasmid pSR134 conferring mercury resistance were monitored in aquatic microcosms. We used lake, river, and spring water samples. The density of genetically engineered and wild-type P. putida decreased rapidly within 5 days (population change rate k -0.87 approximately -1.00 day-1), then moderately after 5 to 28 days (-0.10 approximately -0.14 day-1). The population change rates of genetically engineered and wild-type P. putida were not significantly different. We studied the important factors affecting the survival of genetically engineered and wild-type P. putida introduced in aquatic microcosms. Visible light exerted an adverse effect on the survival of the two strains. The densities of genetically engineered and wild-type P. putida were almost constant until 7 days after inoculation in natural water filtered with a 0.45-micron membrane filter, or treated with cycloheximide to inhibit the growth of protozoa. These results suggested that protozoan predation was one of the most important factors for the survival of two strains. We examined the impact of the addition of genetically engineered and wild-type P. putida on indigenous bacteria and protozoa. Inoculation of genetically engineered or wild-type P. putida had no apparent effect on the density of indigenous bacteria. The density of protozoa increased in microcosms inoculated with genetically engineered or wild-type P. putida at 3 days after inoculation, but after 5 to 21 days, the density of protozoa decreased to the same level as the control microcosms.

Role of heterotrophic bacteria in complete mineralization of trichloroethylene by Methylocystis sp. strain M

Biodegradation experiments with radioactively labeled trichloroethylene showed that 32% of the radioactive carbon was converted to glyoxylic acid, dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid and that the same percentage was converted to CO2 and CO after 140 h of incubation by a pure culture of a type II methane-utilizing bacterium, Methylocystis sp. strain M, isolated from a mixed culture, MU-81, in our laboratory. In contrast, these water-soluble (14C)trichloroethylene degradation products were completely or partially degraded further and converted to CO2 by the MU-81 mixed culture. This phenomenon was attributed to the presence of a heterotrophic bacterium (strain DA4), which was identified as Xanthobacter autotrophicus, in the MU-81 culture. The results indicate that the heterotrophic bacteria play an important role in complete trichloroethylene degradation by methanotrophs.

Isolation and characterization of cesium-accumulating bacteria

Cesium-accumulating bacteria, strains CS98 and CS402, were isolated from soil by a radioactive autoradiographic method using 137Cs. These strains displayed the rod-coccus growth cycle and contained mesodiaminopimelic acid, mycolic acids, and tuberculostearic acids. The major menaquinone of CS98 was MK-8(H2). On the basis of these characteristics, strain CS98 was identified as Rhodococcus erythropolis and strain CS402 was classified in the genus Rhodococcus. The maximum values of cesium removal efficiencies in the liquid culture containing 10 mumol of cesium per liter for strains CS98 and CS402 were 90 and 47%, respectively. The maximum cesium contents in strains CS98 and CS402 were 52.0 and 18.8 mumol/g (dry weight) of cells, respectively. Maximum values of cesium concentration factors for strains CS98 and CS402 were 3.5 x 10(4) and 3.6 x 10(3), respectively.

Organomercurial-volatilizing bacteria in the mercury-polluted sediment of Minamata Bay, Japan

A total of 4,604 bacterial strains isolated from the sediments of Minamata Bay and nearby low-level-mercury stations (control stations) were screened for the ability to volatilize mercury from inorganic and organic mercurial compounds. The strains that volatilize mercury from several kinds of organomercurials were found only in the sediments of Minamata Bay.