Resumo A proteína 2 de ligação de nucleotídeos de guanina (GNB2) codifica a subunidade β2 (Gβ2) do complexo da proteína G. Tendo em vista o aumento da demanda de biomarcadores em câncer, o presente estudo foi planejado para explorar extensivamente a variação da expressão de GNB2 e seus papéis em diferentes cânceres usando bancos de dados on-line disponíveis e metodologia diversificada. Em vista de nossos resultados, o GNB2 foi notavelmente regulado para cima em relação aos controles correspondentes em 23 tipos de câncer. Além disso, a expressão elevada de GNB2 foi associada à redução da sobrevida global (OS) do carcinoma hepatocelular do fígado (LIHC) e do adenocarcinoma do reto (READ) apenas em todos os tipos de câncer analisados. Isso implica que GNB2 desempenha um papel vital na tumorigênese de LIHC e READ. Várias análises adicionais também exploraram seis vias críticas e poucas correlações relacionadas à expressão de GNB2 e diferentes outros parâmetros, como metilação do promotor, pureza do tumor, infiltração de células T CD8+, alteração genética e drogas quimioterápicas. Em conclusão, o gene GNB2 foi identificado neste estudo como um potencial biomarcador compartilhado (diagnóstico e prognóstico) de LIHC e READ.

Abstract The Guanine-nucleotide binding protein 2 (GNB2) encodes for β2 subunit (Gβ2) of the G-protein complex. Keeping in view the increased demand of reliable biomarkers in cancer, the current study was planned to extensively explored GNB2 expression variation and its roles in different cancers using online available databases and diverse methodology. In view of our results, the GNB2 was notably up-regulated relative to corresponding controls in twenty three cancer types. As well, the elevated expression of GNB2 was found to be associated with the reduced overall survival (OS) of the Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (LIHC) and Rectum Adenocarcinoma (READ) only out of all analyzed cancer types. This implies GNB2 plays vital role in the tumorigenesis of LIHC and READ. Several additional analysis also explored six critical pathways and few important correlations related to GNB2 expression and different other parameters such as promoter methylation, tumor purity, CD8+ T immune cells infiltration, and genetic alteration, and chemotherapeutic drugs. In conclusion, GNB2 gene has been identified in this study as a shared potential biomarker (diagnostic and prognostic) of LIHC and READ.

Abstract A total of 83 acid-producing strains were isolated from fresh Lentinus edodes, Pleurotus eryngii, Flammulina velutipes, Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus djamor, Pleurotus abalones, and Pleurotus citrinopileatus by CaCO3-MRS plate medium. These 83 strains were divided into 9 species, including 52 strains of Lactococcus lactis, 13 strains of Pediococcus pentosaceus, 8 strains of Enterococcus faecium, 3 strains of Lactococcus garvieae, 2 strains of Enterococcus casseliflavus, 2 strains of Lactobacillus plantarum, 1 strain of Enterococcus lactis, 1 strain of Pediococcus acidilactici, and 1 strain of Lactobacillus pentosus based on the catalase test, Gram staining, and 16S rDNA molecular identification. Among these P. acidilactici, P. pentosus, and L. plantarum could be used in food. P. acidilactici had a strong acid-producing capacity and fast growth rate, thus showing preferable fermentation characteristics in MRS broth and edible mushroom medium than P. pentosus and L. plantarum. In the medium of L. edodes, P. eryngii, and F. velutipes, the best sensory state can be reached within 12-24 h, among them P. eryngii had the best fermentation effect, which was characterized by uniform and bright color, moderate acidity, good flavor, and tight tissue state. This study investigated the types and fermentation characteristics of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) derived from edible mushrooms, enriched the resources of LAB suitable for the fermentation, and provided a theoretical reference for the application of LAB fermentation technology of edible mushrooms.

Abstract Introduction Traditionally, larger lesions of laryngeal verrucous carcinoma are treated with surgical excision, with definitive radiotherapy generally reserved for smaller lesions. However, data utilizing modern databases is limited. Objective The authors sought to assess, utilizing the National Cancer Database, whether overall survival for patients with laryngeal verrucous carcinoma was equivalent when treated with definitive radiotherapy versus definitive surgery. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted utilizing the National Cancer Database. All cases of laryngeal verrucous carcinoma within the National Cancer Database between 2006 and 2014 were reviewed. Patients with T1–T3 (American Joint Commission on Cancer 7th Edition) laryngeal verrucous carcinoma were included and stratified by treatment modality. Demographics, treatment, and survival data were analyzed. Results A total of 392 patients were included. Two hundred and fifty patients underwent surgery and 142 received radiotherapy. The two groups differed in age, transition of care, clinical T stage, and clinical stages. There was no significant difference in survival between T1–T3 lesions treated with surgery or radiotherapy (p =0.32). Age, comorbidities, insurance status, and clinical T stage impacted overall hazard on multivariate analysis (p <0.01). For patients treated with radiotherapy, age, insurance status, and clinical T stage were predictive of increased hazard. Conclusion Overall survival is equivalent for patients with clinical T1 and clinical T2 laryngeal verrucous carcinoma treated with primary radiotherapy versus primary surgery. Thus, radiotherapy should be considered as a non-inferior treatment modality for certain patients with laryngeal verrucous carcinoma.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai f. Lutescens Kitag polysaccharide on fertility, longevity and antioxidant capacity of Drosophila melanogaster. The Drosophila melanogaster were randomly divided into five groups. Four generations of Drosophila melanogaster were cultured continuously in basic medium with or without polysaccharides (400, 200, 100 and 50 mg/L). The changes in fertility, lifespan and male-to-female ratio from F1 to F4 generation. The survival time under acute oxidative damage caused by paraquat and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were determined as well. High dose of V. coloratum polysaccharide could significantly improve the fertility and lifespans of Drosophila melanogaster from F1 to F4 generation, prolong the survival time under acute oxidative damage. Moreover, the MDA content was decreased sharply, while the activities of SOD and CAT were increased in high group. However, the male-to-female ratio was overall close to 1:1 for F1 to F4 generations among the four groups. V. coloratum polysaccharide improved the antioxidant capacity and vitality of Drosophila melanogaster and promoted their reproductive capacity in a dose-dependent manner.

ABSTRACT Objective: Determine the safety of ACR-128 phakic lenses for high myopia correction one year after implantation. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 67 eyes of 36 patients with myopia corrected with ACR-128 phakic lens implants (31 in both eyes and 5 in one eye). Pre- and postoperative determination was made of ocular tension, endothelial cell loss by count, cell variation coefficient and hexagonality, as well as of postoperative complications and lens position with respect to the endothelium and the crystalline lens. Statistical analysis was based on the paired T-test with a significance level of 95% Results: Mean age was 28.06 ± 6.14 (25 women and 11 men). An immediate complication was hypotonia: RE: 1 (3.03%), LE: 1 (2.94%). Pupil irregularity was mediate: RE: 1 (3.03%), LE: 1 (2.94%) and late: RE: 1 (3.03%), LE: 2 (5.88%). Total average ocular tension was 14.09 ± 2.51 preoperative and 14.22 ± 2.64 postoperative (p = 0.90). Cell count was 2667.27 ± 228.72 preoperative and 2591.96 ± 301.21 postoperative, with 2.94% total endothelial loss 75.31 ± 237.41 (p = 0.06). Differences were not found in the variation coefficient (p = 0.60) or in hexagonality (p = 0.57). Lens position was 2.09 mm with respect to the endothelium and 1.08 mm with respect to the crystalline lens. Conclusions: ACR-128 phakic lens implantation for high myopia correction is a safe procedure with no postoperative complications or modifications in ocular tension or the corneal endothelium after one year's follow-up.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar la seguridad de los lentes fáquicos ACR-128 en la corrección de la alta miopía tras un año de implantados. Método: Se realizó un estudio transversal en 67 ojos de 36 pacientes con miopía corregida con lente fáquica ACR-128 (31 con ambos ojos y 5 con un solo ojo). Se determinó preoperatorio y posoperatorio: tensión ocular, pérdida celular endotelial según conteo, coeficiente de variación celular y hexagonalidad. Además de complicaciones posoperatorias y posición del lente respecto a endotelio y cristalino. El análisis estadístico se realizó con la prueba T para datos pareados, con una significación del 95 %. Resultados: Edad media 28,06 ± 6,14 (25 mujeres y 11 hombres). Las complicaciones inmediatas fueron hipotonía OD: 1 (3,03%), OI: 1 (2,94%). La irregularidad de la pupila se presentó OD: 1 (3,03%), OI: 1 (2,94%) mediata y OD: 1 (3,03%), OI: 2 (5.88%) tardía. Tensión ocular promedio total preoperatorio 14,09 ± 2,51 y posoperatorio 14,22 ± 2,64 (p = 0,90). El conteo celular preoperatorio 2667,27 ± 228,72 y posoperatorio 2591,96 ± 301,21, con 2,94 % pérdida endotelial total 75,31 ± 237,41 (p = 0,06). No hubo diferencias en el coeficiente de variación (p = 0,60) ni la hexagonalidad (p = 0,57). Posición del lente respecto al endotelio 2,09 mm y al cristalino 1,08 mm. Conclusiones: El implante de lente fáquica ACR-128 en la corrección de la alta miopía es un tratamiento seguro al no existir complicaciones posquirúrgico ni modificaciones en la tensión ocular y en el endotelio corneal tras un año del implante.

Abstract Objective: The aim was to adapt an instrument that evaluates the relationship between young individuals and health professionals to the Brazilian population, which will be called the Escala de Avaliação de Vínculo entre Jovens e Profissionais de Saúde (Youth Connectedness to Provider scale). Method: The questionnaire known as the Youth Connectedness to Provider scale consists of seven Likert-like questions. The translation, back-translation, evaluation by ten specialists, and pre-test with 43 adolescents and young adults aged between 10 and 24 years were performed to assess the clarity and reliability of meanings. The content validity index was calculated for each question. Subsequently, the clinical validation was performed with 83 patients aged 10-24 years old and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated. Results: A content validity index >0.8 (considered satisfactory) was obtained for all items analyzed by experts and adolescents. At the clinical validation, it showed a high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.76). The questions showed a good correlation, except for the question about judgment (Spearman’s rho = 0.03-0.19). Conclusions: The scale adaptation showed an adequate agreement rate at the translation evaluation and a good reliability index in the questions. This instrument provides information on strengths and topics that require more attention from professionals to improve the relationship with their patients; it can be a valuable parameter in assessing the medical consultation quality.

RESUMO Utilizando um anticorpo monoclonal contra a aflatoxina B1 (AFB1) como ligante, foi identificado um mimotopo específico de aflatoxina B1 após se realizarem quatro ciclos de seleção biológica de 7-peptídeos aleatórios em biblioteca de fago exibida. O mimotopo é denominado P10, e sua sequência de aminoácidos é YRRHEKD. O soro imunológico de ratos Balb/c imunizados com P10 foi especificamente ligado à aflatoxina B1-albumina, indicando que o anticorpo era específico ao AFB1. Esses resultados sugerem que é possível desenvolver a vacina baseada em mimotopo associado à toxina.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Graft-versus-host disease is the most frequent complication of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants and all transplants containing allogeneic immunocompetent cells; 100% of patients suffer from this complication and about 30% die for this particular cause. A high proportion of cases are steroid-refractory; likewise, other modern immunosuppressive measures fail. In the fields of Immunotherapy and Vaccinology, there is also a worrying shortage of powerful, effective, safe and broad spectrum immunomodulators of biological origin. There is a hybrid murine model of great methodological utility for experimental studies. Objective: To evaluate two novel formulations of biotechnological origin: an immunopotentiator formulation and an immunosuppressive one, which were developed as cochleates. Material and Methods: The formulations assayed by Electron Microscopy and RT-PCR were characterized as nanoparticles and for their capacity to regulate lymphokine mRNA expression profile, respectively. The immunomodulatory character was evaluated in vivo using Graft-versus-host disease in (CBAxC57BL) F1 hybrid mice. Results: Starting from the proteoliposomes derived from Neisseria meningitides, two cochleate formulations were obtained, both with particle diameters below 100 nm. Formulation 1 showed a proinflammatory profile with potent capacity to increase IFNγ and TNFα, and potentiated the Spleen Index up to 2.05 in the GVDH model with p = 0.0002. Formulation 2 showed a suppressor/regulatory profile with potent capacity to increase IL-10 and TGFβ and suppress the production of TNFα. In the model used, this formulation suppressed the Spleen Index in a dose-dependent manner with high statistical significance. The known safety profile and absence of reactogenicity of both formulations was corroborated. Conclusions: Both formulations have potential application in the fields of GVHD therapy and other pathologies as well as in Vaccinology. The results obtained in the present work suggest the usefulness to continue with the pharmaceutical development and complete the preclinical studies of both formulations.

RESUMEN Introducción: La Enfermedad del Injerto Contra el Hospedador es la complicación más frecuente de los Trasplantes de Células Madre Hematopoyéticas y de todos los trasplantes que contengan células inmunocompetentes alogénicas, el 100 % la padecen y cerca del 30 % mueren por su causa; una proporción alta de casos son esteroide-refractarios, asimismo otras medidas inmunosupresoras modernas fracasan. En los campos de la Inmunoterapia y la Vaccinología también existe una escasez preocupante de inmunomoduladores de origen biológico potentes, efectivos, seguros y de amplio espectro. Existe un modelo híbrido murino de gran utilidad metodológica para estudios experimentales. Objetivo: Evaluar dos formulaciones novedosas de origen biotecnológico, una de ellas inmunopotenciadora y otra inmunosupresora, desarrolladas como cocleatos. Material y Métodos: Mediante Microscopia Electrónica y RT-PCR se caracterizaron las formulaciones como nanopartículas y su capacidad de regular la expresión del ARNm de linfoquinas definitorias de sus perfiles, respectivamente. Empleando el modelo de Enfermedad del Injerto Contra el Hospedador en ratón híbrido F1 (CBAxC57BL), se evaluó su carácter inmunomodulador in vivo . Resultados: Partiendo de los proteoliposomas de Neisseria meningitidis, se obtuvieron dos formulaciones en forma de cocleatos, ambas con diámetros de partícula inferior a 100nm. La Formulación 1mostró un perfil proinflamatorio con potente capacidad de aumentar el IFNγ y el TNFα y potenció el Índice de Bazo hasta 2,05 en el modelo EICH con p=0,0002. La Formulación 2 mostró un perfil supresor-regulatorio con potente capacidad de aumentar la IL-10 y el TGFβ y además de suprimir la producción de TNFα. En el modelo usado, esta formulación, suprimió el Índice de Bazo de manera dosis dependiente y con alta significación estadística. Se corroboró el conocido perfil de seguridad y ausencia de reactogenicidad de ambas formulaciones. Conclusiones: Ambas formulaciones tienen potencial aplicación en los campos de la terapia de Enfermedad del Injerto Contra el Hospedador en otras patologías y en Vaccinología. Los resultados obtenidos en el presente trabajo fundamentan la conveniencia de continuar el desarrollo farmacéutico y completar la preclínica de ambas formulaciones.

Resumo Os microorganismos e endófitos da rizosfera podem ajudar seus hospedeiros a absorver nutrientes e regular os níveis de hormônios vegetais. Além disso, eles podem modular as expressões dos genes hospedeiros, auxiliar os hospedeiros na eliminação de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) e secretar compostos orgânicos voláteis. Portanto, microorganismos e endófitos da rizosfera são considerados determinantes dos processos envolvidos no crescimento de plantas hospedeiras. No entanto, as funções fisiológicas e ecológicas, bem como o mecanismo molecular subjacente ao comportamento dos microrganismos e endofíticos da rizosfera no seu papel na capacidade adaptativa das plantas hospedeiras no ambiente cárstico de alto teor de cálcio, não foram sistematicamente estudados. Esta revisão resume os mecanismos fisiológicos e moleculares de microrganismos e endófitos da rizosfera que ajudam as plantas hospedeiras a se adaptarem a vários tipos de ambientes adversos. As capacidades adaptativas das plantas que crescem em ambientes adversos, em parte ou totalmente, dependem de microrganismos coexistentes com as plantas hospedeiras. vegetais disso ROS (ROS voláteis Portanto entanto ecológicas cálcio estudados adversos totalmente

Abstract Rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes can help their hosts absorb nutrients and regulate the levels of plant hormones. Moreover, they can modulate the expressions of host genes, assist hosts in eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and secreting volatile organic compounds. Therefore, rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes are considered as determinant factors driving processes involved in the growth of host plants. However, the physiological and ecological functions, as well as the molecular mechanism underlying the behavior of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes in their role in the adaptive capacity of host plants in the karstic high-calcium environment have not been systematically studied. This review summarizes the physiological and molecular mechanisms of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes which help host plants to adapt to various kinds of adverse environments. The adaptive capacities of plants growing in adverse environments, partly, or totally, depends on microorganisms co-existing with the host plants. hormones Moreover genes ROS (ROS compounds Therefore However functions highcalcium high calcium studied environments partly totally coexisting co existing

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between PI3K/mTOR/RhoA signaling regulated cytoskeletal rearrangements and phagocytic capacity of macrophages. RAW264.7 macrophages were divided into four groups; blank control, negative control, PI3K-RNAi, and mTOR-RNAi. The cytoskeletal changes in the macrophages were observed. Furthermore, the phagocytic capacity of macrophages against Escherichia coli is reported as mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and percent phagocytosis. Transfection yielded 82.1 and 81.5% gene-silencing efficiencies against PI3K and mTOR, respectively. The PI3K-RNAi group had lower mRNA and protein expression levels of PI3K, mTOR, and RhoA than the blank and negative control groups (Р<0.01). The mTOR-RNAi group had lower mRNA and protein levels of mTOR and RhoA than the blank and the negative control groups (Р<0.01). Macrophages in the PI3K-RNAi group exhibited stiff and inflexible morphology with short, disorganized filopodia and reduced number of stress fibers. Macrophages in the mTOR-RNAi group displayed pronounced cellular deformations with long, dense filopodia and an increased number of stress fibers. The PI3K-RNAi group exhibited lower MFI and percent phagocytosis than blank and negative control groups, whereas the mTOR-RNAi group displayed higher MFI and percent phagocytosis than the blank and negative controls (Р<0.01). Before and after transfection, the mRNA and protein levels of PI3K were both positively correlated with mTOR and RhoA (Р<0.05), but the mRNA and protein levels of mTOR were negatively correlated with those of RhoA (Р<0.05). Changes in the phagocytic capacity of macrophages were associated with cytoskeletal rearrangements and were regulated by the PI3K/mTOR/RhoA signaling pathway.

Abstract Oil sands surface mining operations in northeastern, Alberta, Canada produce enormous volumes of fluid fine tailings, an aqueous suspension of fine clays, sand, unrecovered bitumen, and diluent hydrocarbons. The tailings are deposited and retained on-site in large settling basins where the colloidal solids sediment and consolidate very slowly by gravity and pore water collects at the surface for re-use. Tailings “biodensification”, mediated by indigenous microbes that produce methane and/or carbon dioxide, is a phenomenon observed in situ and in vitro whereby tailings with active anaerobic microbial communities consolidate and de-water faster than predicted by gravitational (self-weighted) consolidation alone. To exploit this phenomenon, we used organic amendments to stimulate endogenous anaerobic tailings microorganisms. Tailings from three different operators were amended with agri-business by-products, placed in 100-mL microcosms and 1.5-L settling columns, and monitored for methanogenesis, pore water recovery, and solids densification. Several amendments increased methane production and accelerated biodensification compared to unamended and negative controls. Hydrolyzed canola, blood meal, bone meal and glycerol generally accelerated biodensification, stimulated methane production and supported growth of methanogens and fermentative microbes. Amendment altered the chemistry of the tailings, generally decreasing pH, increasing conductivity and magnesium, potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate concentrations. Biodensification is a potential engineered technology for accelerating water recovery and reducing the volume of stored oil sands tailings.

Resumen Introducción: La extracción de hidrocarburos en el Noreste de Alberta, en Canadá, genera una gran cantidad de residuos conocidos como “arenas de alquitrán”. Las arenas de alquitrán son una suspensión acuosa de arcillas finas, arena, betún de petróleo e hidrocarburos. Estos residuos son depositados y retenidos en estanques de sedimentación, donde los sólidos coloidales precipitan y se concentran muy lentamente por efecto de la gravedad y el agua intersticial que se libera se colecta para reúso. La concentración, también llamada densificación, de las arenas de alquitrán mediada por los microorganismos nativos que producen metano o dioxido de carbono, es un fenómeno observado in situ e in vitro, a través del cual, los residuos se precipitan, y se libera agua intersticial más rápidamente que la sedimentación por gravedad. Método: En este trabajo, se aplicaron enmiendas orgánicas para estimular la actividad de microorganismos nativos de los estanques de sedimentación, con el objetivo de acelerar la densificación y liberación de agua intersticial. Se utilizaron muestras de arenas de alquitrán de tres distintas compañías petroleras (Syncrude Canada Ltd.; Suncor Energy Inc.; y Shell Albian Sands), y se enmendaron en condiciones anaeróbicas con seis materias primas de la industria agrícola: (residuos de la extracción de aceite de canola; harina de huesos y harina de sangre de res hidrolizados; suero de leche hidrolizado; glicerol y granos secos de maíz usados para la producción de cerveza y bioetanol). Se utilizó acetato de sodio como control positivo de metanogénesis y 2-bromoetanosulfonato (BES) 10 mM como inhibidor específico de metanogénesis. Los experimentos de densificación se realizaron en botellas serológicas de 100 ml en condiciones anaeróbicas, y en columnas de sedimentación de vidrio de 1.5 L; y se siguió la producción de metano, recuperación de agua intersticial y densificación. Se tomaron muestras durante los experimentos para la cuantificación de bacterias por número más probable, y para el seguimiento de los cambios en la dinámica de comunidades microbianas por pirosecuenciación de los genes ribosolames 16S. Al término de los experimentos de densificación, se realizaron algunas determinaciones de características físicas y químicas de las arenas densificadas y del agua intersticial liberada. Resultados: Varias enmiendas incrementaron la producción de metano y aceleraron la densificación, en comparación con los controles negativo y sin enmienda. Residuos de canola, hidrolizados de harina de hueso, y de sangre y glicerol, aceleraron la densificación, estimularon la producción de metano e incrementaron el crecimiento de microorganismos metanogénicos y fermentadores. Las enmiendas alteraron algunos parámetros químicos de las arenas de alquitrán sedimentadas; generalmente disminuyeron el pH, incrementaron la conductividad eléctrica e incrementaron las concentraciones de magnesio, potasio, sodio y bicarbonato. Discusión o Conclusión: La Densificación mediada por microorganismos representa una tecnología potencial para acelerar los procesos de recuperación de agua intersticial y densificación de las arenas de alquitrán almacenadas en los estanques de precipitación de las industrias petroleras en Canadá.

Abstract Sediment yield is affected by many factors, such as climate, geology, geomorphology, land use and human activities. Sediment signatures are the statistic indices or curves that are able to effectively describe the temporal and spatial characteristics of sediment transport and evaluate the ability of the streamflow to deliver the sediment. In this study, the sediment signatures of Upper Sangamon River Basin, which is an intensively managed watershed for agriculture development, are analyzed. Firstly, a semi-distributed model of sediment transport is built up based on the Tsinghua Representative Elementary Watershed (THREW) model, and it is applied to the Upper Sangamon River Basin. The result of sediment simulation is analyzed by four sediment signatures, i.e. specific sediment yield, sediment delivery ratio, cumulative sediment curve and effective discharge. The sediment signatures are consistent with each other and accord with the fact of the agricultural production in Upper Sangamon River Basin.

RESUMO Prevalência de infecção por tuberculose bovina em gado na prefeitura de Aksu determinada por teste cutâneo tuberculínico (TST) entre 1985 e 2016 foi avaliada. O gado foi analisado de acordo com região, padrão alimentar, rebanho e idade. Um total de 890009 animais foram testados, com prevalência de 0,13% de tuberculose bovina (1172/890009). Diferença estatisticamente significativa foi encontrada em padrão alimentar e rebanhos. Prevalência em vacas (0,19%, 615/327022) foi mais alta que em bois (P< 0,01, OR= 1,903, 95% CI = 1,696 a 2,134). Diferenças significativas (P< 0,01; OR= 2,238, 95%; CI= 1,937 a 2,585) foram evidentes em taxas para tuberculose bovina em casas de camponeses (0,12%, 942/802343) e grupos de fazendeiros (0,26%, 230/87666). A prevalência de bTB caiu na prefeitura Aksu, a taxa positiva se encontrava abaixo de 0.1% a partir de 2010. Conclui-se que as medidas de controle para tuberculose bovina na região de Aksu foram eficazes.

ABSTRACT Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis infection in cattle in Aksu Prefecture determined by intradermal tuberculin skin test (TST), between 1985 and 2016. Cattle were analyzed according to region, feeding pattern, herds and age. A total of 890,009 cattle were tested, with overall bovine tuberculosis prevalence of 0.13% (1172/890009). Statistically significant difference was found in feeding pattern and herds. Prevalence in cows (0.19%, 615/327022) was higher than that in beeves (P< 0.01, OR= 1.903, 95% CI = 1.696 to 2.134). Significant difference (P< 0.01; OR= 2.238, 95%; CI= 1.937 to 2.585) was evident for rates for bovine tuberculosis in the peasant household (0.12%, 942/802343) and farm groups (0.26%, 230/87666). The overall prevalence of bTB was decreased in the Aksu Prefecture, especially the positive rate was under 0.1% in 2010s. We concluded that the control measures forbovine tuberculosis in the Aksu region cattle herds are effective.

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) caused by Theileria, Babesia, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species are common in tropical and subtropical regions. In this study, we investigated the presence and genetic diversity of Theileria spp., Anaplasma ovis, B. ovis, E. ruminantium and Anaplasma spp. in sheep from the Machakos and Homa Bay counties of Kenya. In order to improve the diagnosis and control of ovine TBDs, a total of 76 blood samples from apparently healthy sheep were screened using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The assays were conducted using primers based on Theileria spp. 18S rRNA, Anaplasma ovis Major surface protein-4 (AoMSP4), B. ovis 18S rRNA, E. ruminantium pCS20 and Anaplasma spp. 16S rRNA. The overall infection rates for Theileria spp., A. ovis, E. ruminantium and Anaplasma spp. were 39/76 (51.3%), 26/76 (34.2%), 6/76 (7.9%) and 31/76 (40.8%), respectively. The overall co-infection was 47/76 (61.8%). All Theileria spp. positive samples were confirmed to be of Theileria ovis on sequencing. A phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA gene sequences of T. ovis revealed that all isolates of this study clustered with T. ovis sequences extracted from the GenBank suggesting this gene is highly conserved. E. ruminantium pCS20 sequences were in the same clade on the phylogenetic tree. However, three AoMSP4 sequences from this study appeared in the same clade, while one sequence formed a separate branch revealing genetic divergence. The 16S rRNA sequencing revealed uncharacterised Anaplasma spp. and A. ovis. The phylogenetic analyses of the uncharacterised Anaplasma spp. revealed that the two sequences from this study appear in an independent clade from other sequences extracted from the GenBank. This study provides important information regarding the occurrence of tick-borne pathogens and their degree of genetic diversity among sheep in Kenya, which is useful for the diagnosis and control of TBDs.

ABSTRACT Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic fungal infection. Itraconazole and terbinafine are the most recommended antifungal drugs for chromoblastomycosis, while amphotericin B is not usually recommended. A patient with chromoblastomycosis in our hospital showed poor clinical responses to itraconazole and terbinafine. The fungus isolated from the lesions of this patient was identified as Fonsecaea nubica and numbered zssy0803. In vitro antifungal susceptibilities of F. nubica zssy0803 to terbinafine, amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole and caspofungin were evaluated, as well as the combinations of terbinafine with the other four antifungals. The combined effect of terbinafine and amphotericin B on other 20 clinical F. nubica strains was also evaluated. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of terbinafine, amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole and caspofungin on F. nubica zssy0803 were 0.25 μg/mL, 2 μg/mL, 1 μg/mL, 4 μg/mL and 8 μg/mL, respectively. The combination of terbinafine and amphotericin B showed the lowest fractional inhibitory concentration index of 0.28 to F. nubica zssy0803 in comparison with combinations of terbinafine and the other four antifungal drugs. The combination of terbinafine and amphotericin B was also synergistic for all the other 20 F. nubica strains. Then, the combination of oral terbinafine (500 mg/day) and intralesional injections of amphotericin B (1 mg/mL) was used to treat this patient. After this combined therapy for 25 weeks and terbinafine monotherapy for additional 12 weeks, the patient was cured. These findings indicate for the first time that terbinafine and amphotericin B are synergistic in killing F. nubica both in vitro and in vivo.