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Genipa americana (Rubiaceae) is a fruit tree with broad phytogeographic domain and suitable for different silvicultural systems in the tropics. The knowledge associated with the relative growth rate of species such as G. americana, provides important guidelines for the effective establishment and survival of seedlings after planting in the field. In this study we investigated differences in growth, biomass allocation and photosynthesis of seedlings originating from different mother plants of G. americana in southern Bahia, Brazil. For this, we evaluated fifteen variables associated with carbon balance at the whole plant and leaf scales of twelve G. americana progenies. All seedlings grew over a period of 198 days under similar microclimatic conditions with approximately 65% full sun. Our results showed significant differences in the relative growth rates (RGR), with the highest and lowest mean values being 29.0 and 38.0 mg g-1 day-1, respectively. Differences in RGR between G. americana progenies were highly related to differences in biomass allocation at both whole plant and leaf scales. From a practical point of view, we demonstrate that the selection of mother plants to produce seedlings with higher growth rates, and consequently greater establishment capacity in field plantings, can be made from evaluations of growth and biomass allocation variables at the whole plant scale.

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The use of antibiotics as performance enhancers in animal feeding is declining, so Lippia gracilis Schauer essential oil (LGSEO) could be used as a potential substitute for the conventionally used growth promoters. The LGSEO contains components such as carvacrol and thymol, which kill and/or control pathogenic bacteria, increase population of beneficial organisms, act against oxidative processes and onto nutrient digestibility and absorption. The aim of this study was to investigate the action and the effects of LGSEO as a growth promoter in the diet of Japanese quail by examining their productive performance, intestinal microbiology, blood biochemical parameters, hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content and intestinal gene expression. A total of 252 two-day-old quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were assigned to 3 treatments in 7 replicates, using 12 birds per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of a basal diet, basal diet + LGSEO at 400 mg/kg of diet and basal diet + chemical antimicrobial (bacitracin methylene disalicylate) at 500 mg/kg of diet. The experimental period was 34 days. The highest feed intake (P < 0.01) was found in the group receiving the conventional antimicrobial, whereas the best feed conversion (P < 0.01) was shown by the animals receiving LGSEO. Escherichia coli growth was restricted in the quail receiving the growth promoters. Salmonella spp. growth was controlled by the treatment containing the conventional antimicrobial. There was no difference between the treatments (P > 0.05) for the concentration of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase enzymes in the blood or hepatic TBARS content. Birds receiving negative-control treatment exhibited a higher expression of sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT1), while those receiving the treatment with essential oil showed lower catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX7) expressions compared to the conventional antimicrobial and control groups, respectively. Lippia gracilis Schauer essential oil is a powerful performance enhancer for Japanese quail by virtue of its abilities to improve their intestinal environment, balance the microbial population and reduce energy expenditure for oxidative processes.

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Respiratory diseases are common in young horses but little is known about such infections in mule foals. This study aimed to characterize Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp. isolated from tracheal wash (TW) and fecal samples (FS) of mule foals, with or without cytological evidence of respiratory disease. Strains were analyzed against 13 antimicrobials, for presence of Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), and virulence genes. Phylogrouping and Randomic (RAPD)-PCR profiles were used to evaluate their genetic relatedness. E. coli strains from TW and FS showed greatest resistance to tetracycline, while Klebsiella strains were mainly resistant to ampicillin; multidrug resistance and ESBL production were also detected. The blaCTX gene prevailed among the E. coli isolates, while the blaSHV gene was more frequently found in K. pneumoniae. The fimH gene was detected in most of the isolates and multiple virulence factors were identified in three E. coli isolates. Most of the E. coli isolates belonged to the B1 phylogroup, but B2 strains displayed more virulence genes. The RAPD assay revealed genetic diversity among strains and was able to distinguish FS isolates from TW isolates. Knowledge of the bacteria associated with the respiratory tract of mule foals is important in the treatment of sick animals.(AU)

Doenças respiratórias são comuns em potros de equinos, porém pouco se sabe sobre tais infecções em potros de muar. Este estudo buscou caracterizar Escherichia coli e Klebsiella sp. isolados de lavados traqueais (TW) e amostras fecais (FS) de potros de muar com e sem evidências citológicas de doença respiratória. As amostras bacterianas foram testadas contra 13 antimicrobianos, para a presença de genes de resistência estendida às betalactamases (ESBL) e de virulência. Filogrupagem e perfis de PCR randômicos (RAPD) foram usados para avaliar sua relação genética. As amostras de E. coli de TW e FS mostraram maior resistência à tetraciclina, enquanto as amostras de Klebsiella foram mais resistentes à ampicilina; multirresistência e produção de ESBL também foram detectadas. O gene blaCTX foi mais frequente entre E. coli, enquanto o gene blaSHV foi mais encontrado entre K. pneumoniae. O gene fimH foi detectado na maioria dos isolados de E. coli, enquanto múltiplos genes de virulência foram identificados em três isolados de E. coli. A maioria dos isolados de E. coli pertenceu ao filogrupo B1, porém somente isolados do filogrupo B2 apresentaram mais genes de virulência. Os ensaios de RAPD demonstraram a diversidade genética entre as amostras e distinguiram amostras TW e FS. O conhecimento de bactérias associadas a infecções de trato respiratório de potros de muar é importante no tratamento de animais doentes.(AU)

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Respiratory diseases are common in young horses but little is known about such infections in mule foals. This study aimed to characterize Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp. isolated from tracheal wash (TW) and fecal samples (FS) of mule foals, with or without cytological evidence of respiratory disease. Strains were analyzed against 13 antimicrobials, for presence of Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), and virulence genes. Phylogrouping and Randomic (RAPD)-PCR profiles were used to evaluate their genetic relatedness. E. coli strains from TW and FS showed greatest resistance to tetracycline, while Klebsiella strains were mainly resistant to ampicillin; multidrug resistance and ESBL production were also detected. The blaCTX gene prevailed among the E. coli isolates, while the blaSHV gene was more frequently found in K. pneumoniae. The fimH gene was detected in most of the isolates and multiple virulence factors were identified in three E. coli isolates. Most of the E. coli isolates belonged to the B1 phylogroup, but B2 strains displayed more virulence genes. The RAPD assay revealed genetic diversity among strains and was able to distinguish FS isolates from TW isolates. Knowledge of the bacteria associated with the respiratory tract of mule foals is important in the treatment of sick animals.(AU)

Doenças respiratórias são comuns em potros de equinos, porém pouco se sabe sobre tais infecções em potros de muar. Este estudo buscou caracterizar Escherichia coli e Klebsiella sp. isolados de lavados traqueais (TW) e amostras fecais (FS) de potros de muar com e sem evidências citológicas de doença respiratória. As amostras bacterianas foram testadas contra 13 antimicrobianos, para a presença de genes de resistência estendida às betalactamases (ESBL) e de virulência. Filogrupagem e perfis de PCR randômicos (RAPD) foram usados para avaliar sua relação genética. As amostras de E. coli de TW e FS mostraram maior resistência à tetraciclina, enquanto as amostras de Klebsiella foram mais resistentes à ampicilina; multirresistência e produção de ESBL também foram detectadas. O gene blaCTX foi mais frequente entre E. coli, enquanto o gene blaSHV foi mais encontrado entre K. pneumoniae. O gene fimH foi detectado na maioria dos isolados de E. coli, enquanto múltiplos genes de virulência foram identificados em três isolados de E. coli. A maioria dos isolados de E. coli pertenceu ao filogrupo B1, porém somente isolados do filogrupo B2 apresentaram mais genes de virulência. Os ensaios de RAPD demonstraram a diversidade genética entre as amostras e distinguiram amostras TW e FS. O conhecimento de bactérias associadas a infecções de trato respiratório de potros de muar é importante no tratamento de animais doentes.(AU)

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The recently described 'gasomediator' hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been involved in pain mechanisms, but its effect on pruritus, a sensory modality that similarly to pain acts as a protective mechanism, is poorly known and controversial. The effects of the slow-releasing (GYY4137) and spontaneous H2S donors (Na2S and Lawesson's reagent, LR) were evaluated in histamine and compound 48/80 (C48/80)-dependent dorsal skin pruritus and inflammation in male BALB/c mice. Animals were intradermally (i.d.) injected with C48/80 (3µg/site) or histamine (1µmol/site) alone or co-injected with Na2S, LR or GYY4137 (within the 0.3-100nmol range). The involvement of endogenous H2S and KATP channel-dependent mechanism were also evaluated. Pruritus was assessed by the number of scratching bouts, whilst skin inflammation was evaluated by the extravascular accumulation of intravenously injected 125I-albumin (plasma extravasation) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (neutrophil recruitment). Histamine or C48/80 significantly evoked itching behavior paralleled by plasma extravasation and increased MPO activity. Na2S and LR significantly ameliorated histamine or C48/80-induced pruritus and inflammation, although these effects were less pronounced or absent with GYY4137. Inhibition of endogenous H2S synthesis increased both Tyrode and C48/80-induced responses in the skin, whereas the blockade of KATP channels by glibenclamide did not. H2S-releasing donors significantly attenuate C48/80-induced mast cell degranulation either in vivo or in vitro. We provide first evidences that H2S donors confer protective effect against histamine-mediated acute pruritus and cutaneous inflammation. These effects can be mediated, at least in part, by stabilizing mast cells, known to contain multiple mediators and to be primary initiators of allergic processes, thus making of H2S donors a potential alternative/complementary therapy for treating inflammatory allergic skin diseases and related pruritus.

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A significant number of experimental and clinical studies published in peer-reviewed journals have demonstrated promising pharmacological properties of capsaicin in relieving signs and symptoms of non-communicable diseases (chronic diseases). This chapter provides an overview made from basic and clinical research studies of the potential therapeutic effects of capsaicin, loaded in different application forms, such as solution and cream, on chronic diseases (e.g. arthritis, chronic pain, functional gastrointestinal disorders and cancer). In addition to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of capsaicin largely recognized via, mainly, interaction with the TRPV1, the effects of capsaicin on different cell signalling pathways will be further discussed here. The analgesic, anti-inflammatory or apoptotic effects of capsaicin show promising results in arthritis, neuropathic pain, gastrointestinal disorders or cancer, since evidence demonstrates that the oral or local application of capsaicin reduce inflammation and pain in rheumatoid arthritis, promotes gastric protection against ulcer and induces apoptosis of the tumour cells. Sadly, these results have been paralleled by conflicting studies, which indicate that high concentrations of capsaicin are likely to evoke deleterious effects, thus suggesting that capsaicin activates different pathways at different concentrations in both human and rodent tissues. Thus, to establish effective capsaicin doses for chronic conditions, which can be benefited from capsaicin therapeutic effects, is a real challenge that must be pursued.

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AIM: The occurrence of virulence markers, serotypes and invasive ability were investigated in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) isolated from faecal samples of healthy dairy cattle at Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. METHODS AND RESULTS: From 1562 stx-positive faecal samples, 105 STEC strains were isolated by immuno-magnetic separation (IMS) or plating onto MacConkey agar (MC) followed by colony hybridisation. Fifty (47·6%) strains belonged to nine serotypes (O8:H19, O22:H8, O22:H16, O74:H42, O113:H21, O141:H21, O157:H7, O171:H2 and ONT:H21). The prevalent serotypes were O157:H7 (12·4%), O113:H21 (6·7%) and O8:H19 (5·7%). Virulence genes were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). E-hlyA (77·1%) was the more prevalent virulence marker, followed by espP (64·8%), saa (39%), eae (24·8%) and astA (21·9%). All O157:H7 strains carried the γ (gamma) variant of the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) genes and the stx2c gene, while the stx1/stx2 genotype prevailed among the eae-negative strains. None of the eae-positive STEC produced the localized adherence (LA) phenotype in HEp-2 or Caco-2 cells. However, intimate attachment (judged by the fluorescent actin staining test) was detected in some eae-positive strains, both in HEp-2 (23·1%) and in Caco-2 cells (11·5%). Most strains (87·5%) showed 'peripheral association' (PA) adherence phenotype to undifferentiated Caco-2 cells. Twenty-five (92·6%) of 27 strains invaded Caco-2 cells. The highest average value of invasion (9·6%) was observed among the eae-negative bovine strains from serotypes described in human disease. CONCLUSION: Healthy dairy cattle is a reservoir of STEC carrying virulence genes and properties associated with human disease. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Although reports of human disease associated with STEC are scarce in Brazil, the colonization of the animal reservoir by potentially pathogenic strains offers a significant risk to our population.

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Abstract Antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from pet dogs can be considered a potential threat of infection for the human population. Our objective was to characterize the resistance pattern, extended spectrum beta-lactamase production and genetic relatedness of multiresistant E. coli strains isolated from dogs (n = 134), their owners (n = 134), and humans who claim to have no contact with dogs (n = 44, control), searching for sharing of strains. The strains were assessed for their genetic relatedness by phylogenetic grouping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Multiresistant E. coli strains were isolated from 42 (31.3%) fecal samples from pairs of dogs and owners, totaling 84 isolates, and from 19 (43.1%) control group subjects. The strains showed high levels of resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole regardless of host species or group of origin. The blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV genes were detected in similar proportions in all groups. All isolates positive for bla genes were ESBL producers. The phylogenetic group A was the most prevalent, irrespective of the host species. None of the strains belonging to the B2 group contained bla genes. Similar resistance patterns were found for strains from dogs, owners and controls; furthermore, identical PFGE profiles were detected in four (9.5%) isolate pairs from dogs and owners, denoting the sharing of strains. Pet dogs were shown to be a potential household source of multiresistant E. coli strains.

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Antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from pet dogs can be considered a potential threat of infection for the human population. Our objective was to characterize the resistance pattern, extended spectrum beta-lactamase production and genetic relatedness of multiresistant E. coli strains isolated from dogs (n=134), their owners (n=134), and humans who claim to have no contact with dogs (n=44, control), searching for sharing of strains. The strains were assessed for their genetic relatedness by phylogenetic grouping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Multiresistant E. coli strains were isolated from 42 (31.3%) fecal samples from pairs of dogs and owners, totaling 84 isolates, and from 19 (43.1%) control group subjects. The strains showed high levels of resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole regardless of host species or group of origin. The blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV genes were detected in similar proportions in all groups. All isolates positive for bla genes were ESBL producers. The phylogenetic group A was the most prevalent, irrespective of the host species. None of the strains belonging to the B2 group contained bla genes. Similar resistance patterns were found for strains from dogs, owners and controls; furthermore, identical PFGE profiles were detected in four (9.5%) isolate pairs from dogs and owners, denoting the sharing of strains. Pet dogs were shown to be a potential household source of multiresistant E. coli strains.

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The combination of biological and chemical oxidation processes is an interesting approach to remove ready, poor, and non-biodegradable compounds from complex industrial wastewaters. In this study, biofiltration followed by H2O2/UV oxidation (or microfiltration) and final reverse osmosis (RO) step was employed for tertiary treatment of an oil refinery wastewater. Biofiltration alone allowed obtaining total organic carbon (TOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), UV absorbance at 254 nm (UV254), ammonium, and turbidity removal of around 46, 46, 23, 50, and 61 %, respectively. After the combined biological-chemical oxidation treatment, TOC and UV254 removal amounted to 88 and 79 %, respectively. Whereas, the treatment performance achieved with different UV lamp powers (55 and 95 W) and therefore distinct irradiance levels (26.8 and 46.3 mW/cm(2), respectively) were very similar and TOC and UV254 removal rates were highly affected by the applied C/H2O2 ratio. Silt density index (SDI) was effectively reduced by H2O2/UV oxidation, favoring further RO application. C/H2O2 ratio of 1:4, 55 W UV lamp, and 20-min oxidation reaction corresponded to the experimental condition which provided the best cost/benefit ratio for TOC, UV254, and SDI reduction from the biofilter effluent. The array of treatment processes proposed in this study has shown to be adequate for tertiary treatment of the oil refinery wastewater, ensuring the mitigation of membrane fouling problems and producing a final effluent which is suitable for reuse applications.

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PURPOSE: Communication barriers during the process of cancer diagnosis can adversely affect how patients understand their health, and understanding patient's perceptions and expectations can favor adherence to professional recommendations and their prognosis. This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic characteristics, perceptions, expectations, and psychological symptoms of patients during the process of oral cancer diagnosis. METHODS: Patients were assessed at two time points: pre-biopsy (T0) and post-diagnosis (T1). At T0, 49 patients answered a sociodemographic, perceived social support, lifestyle questionnaire and inventories (anxiety-State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S/T), depression-Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), risk drinkers-Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)). They also were interviewed concerning their perceptions, feelings, and expectations. At T1, the 29 patients diagnosed with oral cancer were reassessed for anxiety (STAI-E) and depression symptoms. An interview investigated the same aspects at T0. RESULTS: Patient mean age was 59 years old (±13.7) and 73.5 % were men. At T0, depression symptoms were more frequent among cancer patients (83.3 %) than those without the disease (p < 0.05), with a prevalence of 36.7 %. Patients presented anxiety (40.8 %) and alcohol abuse behavior (32.6 %). Associations between characteristics and categories at T0 showed that patients with lower income and living with a partner reported negative feelings (p < 0.05) more frequently, together with negative expectations concerning the diagnosis among older patients (p < 0.05) and those with depressive symptoms (p < 0.05). At T1, negative feelings were more frequently reported among patients with anxiety (p < 0.01) and depression symptoms (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Professional support and care regarding the psychological aspects and characteristics of patients is required during the diagnosis process in order to promote patient adhesion and favorable prognosis.

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This report aimed to study the interference in molecular testing for Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in blood of 155 dogs from the coastal region of Rio de Janeiro. Five Anaplasmataceae positive samples but negative for E. canis and A. platys, from microfilaremic animals, were chosen for sequencing. These sequences, when compared to Gen et Bank database, showed 88% to 100% similarity with Wolbachia spp. denoting an interference in the detection of DNA from other members of Anaplasmataceae, possibly due to a high concentration of Wolbachia spp. DNA.(AU)

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This report aimed to study the interference in molecular testing for Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in blood of 155 dogs from the coastal region of Rio de Janeiro. Five Anaplasmataceae positive samples but negative for E. canis and A. platys, from microfilaremic animals, were chosen for sequencing. These sequences, when compared to Gen et Bank database, showed 88% to 100% similarity with Wolbachia spp. denoting an interference in the detection of DNA from other members of Anaplasmataceae, possibly due to a high concentration of Wolbachia spp. DNA.(AU)

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Landfarming biodegradation is a strategy used by the petrochemical industry to reduce pollutants in petroleum-contaminated soil. We constructed 2 metagenomic libraries from landfarming soil in order to determine the pathway used for mineralization of benzene and to examine protein expression of the bacteria in these soils. The DNA of landfarm soil, collected from Ilhéus, BA, Brazil, was extracted and a metagenomic library was constructed with the Copy Control(TM) Fosmid Library Production Kit, which clones 25-45-kb DNA fragments. The clones were selected for their ability to express enzymes capable of cleaving aromatic compounds. These clones were grown in Luria-Bertani broth plus L-arabinose, benzene, and chloramphenicol as induction substances; they were tested for activity in the catechol cleavage pathway, an intermediate step in benzene degradation. Nine clones were positive for ortho-cleavage and one was positive for meta-cleavage. Protein band patterns determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis differed in bacteria grown on induced versus non-induced media (Luria-Bertani broth). We concluded that the DNA of landfarm soil is an important source of genes involved in mineralization of xenobiotic compounds, which are common in gasoline and oil spills. Metagenomic library allows identification of non-culturable microorganisms that have potential in the bioremediation of contaminated sites.

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The objective of the present randomized, open-label, naturalistic 8-week study was to compare the efficacy and safety of treatment with clonazepam (N = 63) and paroxetine (N = 57) in patients with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. Efficacy assessment included number of panic attacks and clinician ratings of the global severity of panic disorders with the clinical global impression (CGI) improvement (CGI-I) and CGI severity (CGI-S) scales. Most patients were females (69.8 and 68.4 percent in the clonazepam and paroxetine groups, respectively) and age (mean ± SD) was 35.9 ± 9.6 years for the clonazepam group and 33.7 ± 8.8 years for the paroxetine group. Treatment with clonazepam versus paroxetine resulted in fewer weekly panic attacks at week 4 (0.1 vs 0.5, respectively; P < 0.01), and greater clinical improvements at week 8 (CGI-I: 1.6 vs 2.9; P = 0.04). Anxiety severity was significantly reduced with clonazepam versus paroxetine at weeks 1 and 2, with no difference in panic disorder severity. Patients treated with clonazepam had fewer adverse events than patients treated with paroxetine (73 vs 95 percent; P = 0.001). The most common adverse events were drowsiness/fatigue (57 percent), memory/concentration difficulties (24 percent), and sexual dysfunction (11 percent) in the clonazepam group and drowsiness/fatigue (81 percent), sexual dysfunction (70 percent), and nausea/vomiting (61 percent) in the paroxetine group. This naturalistic study confirms the efficacy and tolerability of clonazepam and paroxetine in the acute treatment of patients with panic disorder.

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The objective of the present randomized, open-label, naturalistic 8-week study was to compare the efficacy and safety of treatment with clonazepam (N = 63) and paroxetine (N = 57) in patients with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. Efficacy assessment included number of panic attacks and clinician ratings of the global severity of panic disorders with the clinical global impression (CGI) improvement (CGI-I) and CGI severity (CGI-S) scales. Most patients were females (69.8 and 68.4% in the clonazepam and paroxetine groups, respectively) and age (mean ± SD) was 35.9 ± 9.6 years for the clonazepam group and 33.7 ± 8.8 years for the paroxetine group. Treatment with clonazepam versus paroxetine resulted in fewer weekly panic attacks at week 4 (0.1 vs 0.5, respectively; P < 0.01), and greater clinical improvements at week 8 (CGI-I: 1.6 vs 2.9; P = 0.04). Anxiety severity was significantly reduced with clonazepam versus paroxetine at weeks 1 and 2, with no difference in panic disorder severity. Patients treated with clonazepam had fewer adverse events than patients treated with paroxetine (73 vs 95%; P = 0.001). The most common adverse events were drowsiness/fatigue (57%), memory/concentration difficulties (24%), and sexual dysfunction (11%) in the clonazepam group and drowsiness/fatigue (81%), sexual dysfunction (70%), and nausea/vomiting (61%) in the paroxetine group. This naturalistic study confirms the efficacy and tolerability of clonazepam and paroxetine in the acute treatment of patients with panic disorder.

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This work evaluated the performance of a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) in the treatment of an oil refinery wastewater. Also, it investigated the possibility of reuse of the MBBR effluent, after ozonation in series with a biological activated carbon (BAC) column. The best performance of the MBBR was achieved with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 6 hours, employing a bed to bioreactor volume ratio (V(B)/V(R)) of 0.6. COD and N-NH4(+) MBBR effluent concentrations ranged from 40 to 75 mg L⁻¹ (removal efficiency of 69-89%) and 2 to 6 mg L⁻¹ (removal efficiency of 45-86%), respectively. Ozonation carried out for 15 min with an ozone concentration of 5 mg L⁻¹ was able to improve the treated wastewater biodegradability. The treatment performance of the BAC columns was practically the same for ozonated and non ozonated MBBR effluents. The dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content of the columns of the activated carbon columns (CAG) was in the range of 2.1-3.8 mg L⁻¹, and the corresponding DOC removal efficiencies were comprised between 52 and 75%. The effluent obtained at the end of the proposed treatment presented a quality, which meet the requirements for water reuse in the oil refinery.

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The study was undertaken to determine the clonal relationship and the genetic diversity among Escherichia coli isolates by comparing a non-motile O157 variant with three O157:H7 EHEC isolates and one O55:H7 enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) strain. E. coli strains were characterized by sorbitol phenotype, multilocus enzyme electrophoresis, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, random amplification polymorphic DNA, and the presence of specific virulence genes (stx, E-hly and LEE genes). Sorbitol fermentation was observed in O157:H- (strain 116I), O55:H7 and O157:H7 (strain GC148) serotypes. stx1 or stx2 and E-hly genes were only detected among O157:H7 isolates. LEE typing revealed specific allele distribution: eaegamma, tirgamma, espAgamma, espBgamma associated with EPEC O55:H7 and EHEC O157:H7 strains (B1/1 and EDL 933), eaealpha, tiralpha, espAalpha, espBalpha related to the 116I O157:H- strain and the GC148 strain presented non-typable LEE sequences. Multilocus enzyme profiles revealed two main clusters associated with specific LEE pathotypes. E. coli strains were discriminated by random amplification of polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis methodologies. The molecular approaches used in this study allowed the determination of the genetic relatedness among E. coli strains as well as the detection of lineage specific group markers.

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The shortage of cadaveric donor organs remains the critical factor limiting the use of organ transplantation. In this environment of organ shortage, living donor transplantation has emerged as a reasonable therapeutic alternative. Simultaneous kidney-liver transplantation from the same donor has been described. We report a case of right liver lobe transplant from a living donor who had donated his kidney to the same recipient 20 years prior.

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