New benzo(a)pyrene-degrading strains of the Burkholderia cepacia complex prospected from activated sludge in a petrochemical wastewater treatment plant

The prospection of bacteria that are resistant to polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) of activated sludge from a Petrochemical Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) allows investigating potential biodegraders of PAH. For this purpose, sludge samples were cultured with benzo(a)pyrene and/or naphthalene as carbon sources. The recovered isolates were characterized by biochemical methods and identified based on the analysis of the sequence of three genes: 16S, recA and gyrB. The isolated strains were shown to be capable of producing surfactants, which are important for compound degradation. The ability to reduce benzo(a)pyrene in vitro was tested by gas chromatography. After 20 days of experiment, the consortium that was enriched with 1 mg/L of benzo(a)pyrene was able to reduce 30% of the compound when compared to a control without bacteria. The four isolated strains that significantly reduced benzo(a)pyrene belong to the Burkholderia cepacia complex and were identified within the consortium as the species B. cenocepacia IIIa, B. vietnamiensis, B. cepacia, and B. multivorans. This finding demonstrates the biotechnological potential of the B. cepacia complex strains for use in wastewater treatment and bioremediation. Previous studies on hydrocarbon-degrading strains focused mainly on contaminated soil or marine areas. In this work, the strains were prospected from activated sludge in a WWTP and showed the potential of indigenous samples to be used in both improving treatment systems and bioremediation of areas contaminated with petrochemical waste

Differential Expression and PAH Degradation: What Burkholderia vietnamiensis G4 Can Tell Us?

Petroleum is the major energy matrix in the world whose refining generates chemical byproducts that may damage the environment. Among such waste, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are considered persistent pollutants. Sixteen of these are considered priority for remediation, and among them is benzo(a)pyrene. Amid remediation techniques, bioremediation stands out. The genus Burkholderia is amongst the microorganisms known for being capable of degrading persistent compounds; its strains are used as models to study such ability. High-throughput sequencing allows researchers to reach a wider knowledge about biodegradation by bacteria. Using transcripts and mRNA analysis, the genomic regions involved in this aptitude can be detected. To unravel these processes, we used the model B. vietnamiensis strain G4 in two experimental groups: one was exposed to benzo(a)pyrene and the other one (control) was not. Six transcriptomes were generated from each group aiming to compare gene expression and infer which genes are involved in degradation pathways. One hundred fifty-six genes were differentially expressed in the benzo(a)pyrene exposed group, from which 33% are involved in catalytic activity. Among these, the most significant genomic regions were phenylacetic acid degradation protein paaN, involved in the degradation of organic compounds to obtain energy; oxidoreductase FAD-binding subunit, related to the regulation of electrons within groups of dioxygenase enzymes with potential to cleave benzene rings; and dehydrogenase, described as accountable for phenol degradation. These data provide the basis for understanding the bioremediation of benzo(a)pyrene and the possible applications of this strain in polluted environments

Delayed cervical esophagogastric anastomosis: A 5-year experience at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre

OBJETIVO: A anastomose esofagogástrica cervical é um procedimento utilizado para restaurar a continuidade do trato digestivo após cirurgias curativas ou paliativas para o câncer esofágico. O Grupo de Cirurgia do Esôfago, Estômago e Intestino Delgado do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre realiza o procedimento em 2 tempos cirúrgicos. No primeiro tempo, realiza-se uma esofagostomia cervical lateral e posiciona-se o substituto esofágico no pescoço. O segundo tempo é realizado uma semana após, com a sutura do esôfago remanescente no substituto elevado ao pescoço. Este substituto é escolhido entre os procedimentos de levantamento gástrico (LG) e tubo gástrico de grande curvatura (TGC), conforme a possibilidade ou não de ressecção da lesão esofágica. O objetivo do presente trabalho é de descrever os resultados precoces (até 30 dias) obtidos com a realização de anastomose esôfago-gástrica cervical retardada (postergada) após procedimento cirúrgico de ressecção ou bypass esofágico por neoplasia de esôfago MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Cinqüenta e nove pacientes preencheram os critérios de inclusão, sendo 49 homens, 55 brancos, com uma média de idade de 51,5 anos. Vinte e dois pacientes realizaram cirurgia de levantamento gástrico. Os fatores de risco conhecidos para complicações pós-operatórias foram similares entre os dois grupos. A única diferença entre os grupos na avaliação pré-operatória foi o estágio do tumor, o que era esperado, tendo em vista os critérios usados para a escolha do procedimento. RESULTADOS: A fístula cervical foi detectada em sete pacientes (31,8%) do grupo LG e em nove pacientes (34,3%) do grupo TGC (RR 1,3; IC 95%: 0,5-3,0, P = 0.54). Dois pacientes (9,1%) do grupo LG e um paciente (2,7%) do grupo TGC foram a óbito (RR 3,4; IC 95%: 0,3-34,9, P = 0,54). As complicações infecciosas ocorreram em um paciente (4,5%) do grupo LG e 7 pacientes (18,9%) do grupo TGC (RR 0,2; IC 95%: 0,1-1,8, P = 0,23). Não houve diferenças entre os grupos, levando em conta a ocorrência de fístula cervical no pós-operatório, mortalidade hospitalar precoce (30 dias após a cirurgia) e infecções. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados apresentados nesta série são semelhantes a outros serviços de referência para o tratamento do câncer de esôfago, e nessa série não houve diferença entre os LG e TGC em relação às complicações no pós-operatório precoce.OBJECTIVE: Cervical esophagogastric anastomosis (CEA) is a common procedure used to restore the continuity of the digestive tract following curative or palliative surgery for esophageal cancer. At the HCPA, we carry out CEA procedures in two steps: first, we carry out a lateral cervical esophagostomy and position the esophageal substitute in the neck; second, after one week, the esophageal remnant is sutured to the esophageal substitute. The choice of esophageal substitute is made according to gastric pull-up (GP) or greater curvature gastric tube (GCGT), depending on the possibility of resection of the lesion. The objective of this paper is to describe the early results (up to 30 days) of delayed cervical esophagogastric anastomosis after resection or esophageal bypass procedures due to esophageal neoplasia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-nine patients fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in our study, out of which there were 49 male and 55 white patients; the age average was of 51.5 years. Twenty-two patients were submitted to gastric pull-up. The risk factors for postoperative complications were similar for both groups. Tumor staging was the only difference between the two groups in preoperative examination; this difference was expected according to the criteria used for choosing the procedure RESULTS: Seven patients (31.8%) of the GP group and in 9 patients (34.3%) from the GCGT group (RR 1.3; CI 95%: 0.5-3.0, P = 0.54) presented leakage. Two patients (9.1%) from the GP group and 1 (2.7%) from the GCGT group died (RR 3.4; CI 95%: 0.3-34.9, P = 0.54). One patient (4.5%) from the GP group and 7 (18.9%) patients from the GCGT group (RR 0.2; CI 95%: 0.1-1.8, P = 0.23) presented infections. There were no differences between the groups regarding occurrence of leakage, short-term postoperative death (until 30 days after surgery), and infections. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are similar to those of other services of reference for the treatment of esophageal cancer. In this study, we did not find any differences between the GP and GCGT groups regarding short-term postoperative complications

Esophageal epidermoid cancer associated neoplasms

INTRODUÇÃO. O carcinoma epidermóide de esôfago (CEE) tem uma importante associação com neoplasias do trato aerodigestivo e, provavelmente, compartilham dos mesmos fatores de risco. Além destes, outras neoplasias podem estar associadas com o carcinoma de esôfago. OBJETIVO. Analisar, retrospectivamente, pacientes com carcinoma epidermóide do esôfago tratados pelo Grupo de Cirurgia do Esôfago, Estômago e Intestino Delgado (GCEEID) do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), no período de janeiro/ 88 a junho/95, os quais tinham neoplasias associadas ao CEE. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS. Dentre os 261 pacientes estudados, 19 (7,28%) tinham neoplasia associada ao CEE. Dez pacientes apresentaram tumores sincrônicos e 9, metacrônicos. O sexo predominante foi o masculino, com 17 casos. A média de idade ficou em 62,52 anos no momento do diagnóstico da neoplasia esofágica. RESULTADOS. Os tumores aerodigestivos, na sua totalidade carcinomas escamosos, representaram o tipo histológico predominante da neoplasia associada em 68,42% dos casos. O sítio mais freqüente da neoplasia aerodigestiva associada foi a árvore respiratória (53,8%), seguido da cavidade oral e orofaringe (23%) e laringe (23%). Dos 19 pacientes, 12 eram tabagistas e nove ingeriam bebidas alcoólicas regularmente. Para o tratamento do CEE, optou-se por cirurgia em seis pacientes. A neoplasia associada foi tratada com cirurgia radical em 11 pacientes e radioterapia em cinco. Surpreendentemente, foram diagnosticados quatro casos (21%) de adenocarcinomas gástricos associados ao CEE, tratados com cirurgia radical em três pacientes. CONCLUSÃO. Os autores ressaltam a importância do estadiamento criterioso dos pacientes com CEE devido a associação significativa com outras neoplasias, principalmente com tumores aerodigestivos. Alertam para o seguimento desses pacientes e discutem a possibilidade de fatores de risco comuns: fumo e álcool. Nesta casuística, encontrou- se associação importante com neoplasias gástricas.INTRODUCTION. The esophageal epidermoid cancer has an important association with aerodigestive tract neoplasms and possibly share the same risk factors. Furthermore, other neoplasms can be associated with esophagus cancer. OBJECTIVE. To analyze retrospectively the patients with esophageal epidermoid cancer (EEC) and associated neoplasms, treated by the Esophagus Stomach and Small Intestine Group of Surgery at Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre from January 1988 to June 1995. PATIENTS AND METHODS. Nineteen (7.28%) of the 261 studied patients had associated neoplasms to the EEC. Ten patients presented synchronic tumours and 9 metachronic ones. The predominant sex was the masculine with 17 cases. The mean age was 62.52 years in the moment of the esophageal cancer diagnostic. RESULTS. The aerodigestive tumours, squamous carcinomas in totality, represented the predominant associated neoplasm histological type in 68.42% of the cases. The most frequent associated aerodigestive tumours site was the respiratory tract (53.8%), followed by the oral cavity and oropharynx (23%) and larynx (23%). In our sample, twelve patients were smokers and 9 were alcohol abusers. In relation to the EEC treatment, surgery was performed in 6 patients. The associated neoplasm was treated with radical surgery in 11 patients and radiotherapy in 5. Surprisingly 4 cases (21%) of gastric adenocarcinoma associated to the EEC were diagnosed, treated with radical surgery in 3 patients. CONCLUSION. The authors call attention to the importance of a criterial staging as well as the follow up in patients with EEC owing to the significant association with others neoplasms, principally with aerodigestive tumours, and discuss the common risk factors possibility: tobacco and alcohol use. Important association with gastric neoplasms were found in this casuistry

Delayed cervical esophagogastric anastomosis: A 5-year experience at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre

OBJETIVO: A anastomose esofagogástrica cervical é um procedimento utilizado para restaurar a continuidade do trato digestivo após cirurgias curativas ou paliativas para o câncer esofágico. O Grupo de Cirurgia do Esôfago, Estômago e Intestino Delgado do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre realiza o procedimento em 2 tempos cirúrgicos. No primeiro tempo, realiza-se uma esofagostomia cervical lateral e posiciona-se o substituto esofágico no pescoço. O segundo tempo é realizado uma semana após, com a sutura do esôfago remanescente no substituto elevado ao pescoço. Este substituto é escolhido entre os procedimentos de levantamento gástrico (LG) e tubo gástrico de grande curvatura (TGC), conforme a possibilidade ou não de ressecção da lesão esofágica. O objetivo do presente trabalho é de descrever os resultados precoces (até 30 dias) obtidos com a realização de anastomose esôfago-gástrica cervical retardada (postergada) após procedimento cirúrgico de ressecção ou bypass esofágico por neoplasia de esôfago MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Cinqüenta e nove pacientes preencheram os critérios de inclusão, sendo 49 homens, 55 brancos, com uma média de idade de 51,5 anos. Vinte e dois pacientes realizaram cirurgia de levantamento gástrico. Os fatores de risco conhecidos para complicações pós-operatórias foram similares entre os dois grupos. A única diferença entre os grupos na avaliação pré-operatória foi o estágio do tumor, o que era esperado, tendo em vista os critérios usados para a escolha do procedimento. RESULTADOS: A fístula cervical foi detectada em sete pacientes (31,8%) do grupo LG e em nove pacientes (34,3%) do grupo TGC (RR 1,3; IC 95%: 0,5-3,0, P = 0.54). Dois pacientes (9,1%) do grupo LG e um paciente (2,7%) do grupo TGC foram a óbito (RR 3,4; IC 95%: 0,3-34,9, P = 0,54). As complicações infecciosas ocorreram em um paciente (4,5%) do grupo LG e 7 pacientes (18,9%) do grupo TGC (RR 0,2; IC 95%: 0,1-1,8, P = 0,23). Não houve diferenças entre os grupos, levando em conta a ocorrência de fístula cervical no pós-operatório, mortalidade hospitalar precoce (30 dias após a cirurgia) e infecções. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados apresentados nesta série são semelhantes a outros serviços de referência para o tratamento do câncer de esôfago, e nessa série não houve diferença entre os LG e TGC em relação às complicações no pós-operatório precoce.OBJECTIVE: Cervical esophagogastric anastomosis (CEA) is a common procedure used to restore the continuity of the digestive tract following curative or palliative surgery for esophageal cancer. At the HCPA, we carry out CEA procedures in two steps: first, we carry out a lateral cervical esophagostomy and position the esophageal substitute in the neck; second, after one week, the esophageal remnant is sutured to the esophageal substitute. The choice of esophageal substitute is made according to gastric pull-up (GP) or greater curvature gastric tube (GCGT), depending on the possibility of resection of the lesion. The objective of this paper is to describe the early results (up to 30 days) of delayed cervical esophagogastric anastomosis after resection or esophageal bypass procedures due to esophageal neoplasia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-nine patients fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in our study, out of which there were 49 male and 55 white patients; the age average was of 51.5 years. Twenty-two patients were submitted to gastric pull-up. The risk factors for postoperative complications were similar for both groups. Tumor staging was the only difference between the two groups in preoperative examination; this difference was expected according to the criteria used for choosing the procedure RESULTS: Seven patients (31.8%) of the GP group and in 9 patients (34.3%) from the GCGT group (RR 1.3; CI 95%: 0.5-3.0, P = 0.54) presented leakage. Two patients (9.1%) from the GP group and 1 (2.7%) from the GCGT group died (RR 3.4; CI 95%: 0.3-34.9, P = 0.54). One patient (4.5%) from the GP group and 7 (18.9%) patients from the GCGT group (RR 0.2; CI 95%: 0.1-1.8, P = 0.23) presented infections. There were no differences between the groups regarding occurrence of leakage, short-term postoperative death (until 30 days after surgery), and infections. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are similar to those of other services of reference for the treatment of esophageal cancer. In this study, we did not find any differences between the GP and GCGT groups regarding short-term postoperative complications

Esophageal epidermoid cancer associated neoplasms

INTRODUÇÃO. O carcinoma epidermóide de esôfago (CEE) tem uma importante associação com neoplasias do trato aerodigestivo e, provavelmente, compartilham dos mesmos fatores de risco. Além destes, outras neoplasias podem estar associadas com o carcinoma de esôfago. OBJETIVO. Analisar, retrospectivamente, pacientes com carcinoma epidermóide do esôfago tratados pelo Grupo de Cirurgia do Esôfago, Estômago e Intestino Delgado (GCEEID) do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), no período de janeiro/ 88 a junho/95, os quais tinham neoplasias associadas ao CEE. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS. Dentre os 261 pacientes estudados, 19 (7,28%) tinham neoplasia associada ao CEE. Dez pacientes apresentaram tumores sincrônicos e 9, metacrônicos. O sexo predominante foi o masculino, com 17 casos. A média de idade ficou em 62,52 anos no momento do diagnóstico da neoplasia esofágica. RESULTADOS. Os tumores aerodigestivos, na sua totalidade carcinomas escamosos, representaram o tipo histológico predominante da neoplasia associada em 68,42% dos casos. O sítio mais freqüente da neoplasia aerodigestiva associada foi a árvore respiratória (53,8%), seguido da cavidade oral e orofaringe (23%) e laringe (23%). Dos 19 pacientes, 12 eram tabagistas e nove ingeriam bebidas alcoólicas regularmente. Para o tratamento do CEE, optou-se por cirurgia em seis pacientes. A neoplasia associada foi tratada com cirurgia radical em 11 pacientes e radioterapia em cinco. Surpreendentemente, foram diagnosticados quatro casos (21%) de adenocarcinomas gástricos associados ao CEE, tratados com cirurgia radical em três pacientes. CONCLUSÃO. Os autores ressaltam a importância do estadiamento criterioso dos pacientes com CEE devido a associação significativa com outras neoplasias, principalmente com tumores aerodigestivos. Alertam para o seguimento desses pacientes e discutem a possibilidade de fatores de risco comuns: fumo e álcool. Nesta casuística, encontrou- se associação importante com neoplasias gástricas.INTRODUCTION. The esophageal epidermoid cancer has an important association with aerodigestive tract neoplasms and possibly share the same risk factors. Furthermore, other neoplasms can be associated with esophagus cancer. OBJECTIVE. To analyze retrospectively the patients with esophageal epidermoid cancer (EEC) and associated neoplasms, treated by the Esophagus Stomach and Small Intestine Group of Surgery at Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre from January 1988 to June 1995. PATIENTS AND METHODS. Nineteen (7.28%) of the 261 studied patients had associated neoplasms to the EEC. Ten patients presented synchronic tumours and 9 metachronic ones. The predominant sex was the masculine with 17 cases. The mean age was 62.52 years in the moment of the esophageal cancer diagnostic. RESULTS. The aerodigestive tumours, squamous carcinomas in totality, represented the predominant associated neoplasm histological type in 68.42% of the cases. The most frequent associated aerodigestive tumours site was the respiratory tract (53.8%), followed by the oral cavity and oropharynx (23%) and larynx (23%). In our sample, twelve patients were smokers and 9 were alcohol abusers. In relation to the EEC treatment, surgery was performed in 6 patients. The associated neoplasm was treated with radical surgery in 11 patients and radiotherapy in 5. Surprisingly 4 cases (21%) of gastric adenocarcinoma associated to the EEC were diagnosed, treated with radical surgery in 3 patients. CONCLUSION. The authors call attention to the importance of a criterial staging as well as the follow up in patients with EEC owing to the significant association with others neoplasms, principally with aerodigestive tumours, and discuss the common risk factors possibility: tobacco and alcohol use. Important association with gastric neoplasms were found in this casuistry

Structural and morphogenical characteristics of black oats and Italian ryegrass on pasture submitted to two grazing intensities Características estruturais e morfogênicas de aveia-preta e azevém-anual em pastagem submetida a duas intensidades de pastejo

Morphogenical and structural characteristics of black oats (Avena strigosa Schreb.) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) on pastures managed under two grazing intensities were quantified by using marked tiller technique. The expected intensities of disappearance of forage mass initial value were 35% (low) and 65% (high). Experimental animals were sheep and interval among grazing was determined through 300 degree-day thermal sum. The experimental design was completely randomized with two grazing intensities and two replicates. Leaf blades of oats and ryegrass were removed at an average proportion of 57.5% of their initial length for both grazing intensities. Among the morphogenical characteristics of oats, only elongation rate of defoliate leaf differed between grazing intensities, with values of 0.059 and 0.081 cm/degree-day for low and high intensities, respectively. Grazing intensities did not alter structural characteristics of oats mixed with ryegrass and red clover. High grazing intensity enables maintenance of a higher number of ryegrass expanding leaves (1.7 leaves/tiller), thus it is suggested for management of pastures with oats mixed with Italian ryegrass and red-clover on intermittent grazing.<br>As características morfogênicas e estruturais de aveia-preta (Avena strigosa Schreb.) e azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), em pastagem manejada sob duas intensidades de pastejo, foram quantificadas por meio da técnica de perfilhos marcados. As intensidades pretendidas de desaparecimento do valor da massa de forragem inicial foram 35% (baixa) e 65% (alta). Os animais experimentais foram ovinos e o intervalo entre pastejos foi determinado pela soma térmica de 300 graus-dia. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com duas intensidades de pastejo e duas repetições. As lâminas foliares de aveia e azevém foram removidas na proporção média de 57,5% do seu comprimento inicial em ambas as intensidades de pastejo. Entre as características morfogênicas da aveia, apenas a taxa de elongação de lâmina desfolhada diferiu entre as intensidades de pastejo, com valores de 0,059 e 0,081 cm/graus-dia para as intensidades alta e baixa, respectivamente. As intensidades de pastejo não provocaram alterações nas características estruturais da aveia em consorciação com azevém e trevo-vermelho. A intensidade de pastejo alta possibilita a manutenção de maior número de folhas em expansão de azevém (1,7 folhas/perfilho), portanto é recomendável para o manejo de pastagens da aveia em consórcio com azevém e trevo-vermelho sob pastejo intermitente