Functional features of the exopolysaccharide extracts produced by Lactiplantibacillus strains isolated from table olives.

This study evaluates the functional characteristics of the exopolysaccharide (EPS) extracts produced by various strains of Lactiplantibacillus pentosus (LPG1, 119, 13B4, and Lp13) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lp15) isolated from table olives. None of the EPS crude extracts showed cytotoxicity when administered to THP-1 human macrophage cells at dosages ranging from 6.25 to 50 µg mL-1. Many exhibited anti-inflammatory properties (reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 production) and antioxidant activity (reduction of ROS%) when macrophages were stimulated with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide. Notably, the EPS extract produced by the L. pentosus LPG1 strain had the best results corroborated by western blot immune analysis for differential expression of COX-2, Nrf-2, and HO-1 proteins, with the most significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response observed at a dosage of 50 µg mL-1. Chemical analysis revealed that the EPS extract produced by this strain contains a heteropolymer composed of mannose (35.45%), glucose (32.99%), arabinose (17.93%), xylose (7.48%), galactose (4.03%), rhamnose (1.34%), and fucose (0.77%). Finally, we conducted response surface methodology to model the EPS extract production by L. pentosus LPG1 considering pH (3.48-8.52), temperature (16.59-33.41 °C) and salt concentration (0.03-8.77% NaCl) as independent variables. The model identified linear effects of salt and pH and quadratic effects of salt as significant terms. The maximum EPS extract production (566 mg L-1) in a synthetic culture medium (MRS) was achieved at pH 7.5, salt 7.0%, and a temperature of 20 °C. These findings suggest the potential for novel applications for the EPS produced by L. pentosus LPG1 as nutraceutical candidates for use in human diets.

Intestinal microbiota modulation at the strain level by the olive oil polyphenols in the diet.

Introduction: Previously we have reported a r16S gene next generation sequencing study on the effect of high fat diets in the intestinal microbiota using a murine model. However, many important microbial traits occur at strain level and, in order to detect these population changes, culture-dependent approaches need to be applied. With this goal, we decided to study a very well-known commensal genus, Enterococcus, and therefore, intestinal enterococci methodically isolated during the above-mentioned experiment were analyzed. Materials and methods: A collection of 75 distinct enterococcal strains isolated from feces of mice fed a standard diet or high-fat diets enriched with butter, refined olive oil, or extra virgin olive oil and after 0, 6 or 12 weeks of diet, were genetically and phenotypically characterized in search of virulence factors, biogenic amine production and antibiotic resistance. All strains were tested for the susceptibility in vitro to two virgin olive oil polyphenols, oleuropein (the bitter principle of olives) and hydroxytyrosol (derived from oleuropein by enzymatic hydrolysis and responsible for the high stability of olive oil). Results: No drastic polyphenol effect was found except at high concentrations. However, when carrying out a comparative statistical study in the 75 strains of the collection according to the different diets, we have detected significant differences between the strains isolated from mice fed with a diet enriched with virgin olive oil and the rest of the diets. EVOO strains also presented less resistance to antibiotics and a more beneficial profile overall. Discussion: These results support the prebiotic role of polyphenols, showing how they are able to modulate the set of strains that comprises a genus in the gut, allowing them to adapt to a changing environment in the host's intestine and possibly exerting effects on its physiology.

Effects of Dietary Oleacein Treatment on Endothelial Dysfunction and Lupus Nephritis in Balb/C Pristane-Induced Mice.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic immune-inflammatory disease characterized by multiorgan affectation and lowered self-tolerance. Additionally, epigenetic changes have been described as playing a pivotal role in SLE. This work aims to assess the effects of oleacein (OLA), one of the main extra virgin olive oil secoiridoids, when used to supplement the diet of a murine pristane-induced SLE model. In the study, 12-week-old female BALB/c mice were injected with pristane and fed with an OLA-enriched diet (0.01 % (w/w)) for 24 weeks. The presence of immune complexes was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Endothelial dysfunction was studied in thoracic aortas. Signaling pathways and oxidative-inflammatory-related mediators were evaluated by Western blotting. Moreover, we studied epigenetic changes such as DNA methyltransferase (DNMT-1) and micro(mi)RNAs expression in renal tissue. Nutritional treatment with OLA reduced the deposition of immune complexes, ameliorating kidney damage. These protective effects could be related to the modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, the Janus kinase/signal transducer and transcription activator of transcription, nuclear factor kappa, nuclear-factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2, inflammasome signaling pathways, and the regulation of miRNAs (miRNA-126, miRNA-146a, miRNA-24-3p, and miRNA-123) and DNMT-1 expression. Moreover, the OLA-enriched diet normalized endothelial nitric oxide synthase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase-1 overexpression. These preliminary results suggest that an OLA-supplemented diet could constitute a new alternative nutraceutical therapy in the management of SLE, supporting this compound as a novel epigenetic modulator of the immunoinflammatory response.

Evidence Supporting the Involvement of the Minority Compounds of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, through Gut Microbiota Modulation, in Some of the Dietary Benefits Related to Metabolic Syndrome in Comparison to Butter.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has proven to yield a better health outcome than other saturated fats widely used in the Western diet, including a distinct dysbiosis-preventive modulation of gut microbiota. Besides its high content in unsaturated fatty acids, EVOO also has an unsaponifiable polyphenol-enriched fraction that is lost when undergoing a depurative process that gives place to refined olive oil (ROO). Comparing the effects of both oils on the intestinal microbiota of mice can help us determine which benefits of EVOO are due to the unsaturated fatty acids, which remain the same in both, and which benefits are a consequence of its minority compounds, mainly polyphenols. In this work, we study these variations after only six weeks of diet, when physiological changes are not appreciated yet but intestinal microbial alterations can already be detected. Some of these bacterial deviations correlate in multiple regression models with ulterior physiological values, at twelve weeks of diet, including systolic blood pressure. Comparison between the EVOO and ROO diets reveals that some of these correlations can be explained by the type of fat that is present in the diet, while in other cases, such as the genus Desulfovibrio, can be better understood if the antimicrobial role of the virgin olive oil polyphenols is considered.

Complete Genome Sequence Analysis of Kribbella sp. CA-293567 and Identification of the Kribbellichelins A & B and Sandramycin Biosynthetic Gene Clusters.

Minor genera actinomycetes are considered a promising source of new secondary metabolites. The strain Kribbella sp. CA-293567 produces sandramycin and kribbellichelins A & B In this work, we describe the complete genome sequencing of this strain and the in silico identification of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), focusing on the pathways encoding sandramycin and kribbellichelins A-B. We also present a comparative analysis of the biosynthetic potential of 38 publicly available genomes from Kribbella strains.

Oleocanthal supplemented diet improves renal damage and endothelial dysfunction in pristane-induced systemic lupus erythematosus in mice.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multiorgan disorder with a deregulated immune-inflammatory response. Nutritional therapy has been considered a promising approach to SLE management. Oleocanthal (OLE), the main extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)-derived secoiridoid, has shown to regulate the immune-inflammatory response in various disease contexts; however, its possible beneficial effects on SLE remain unclear. This study sought to evaluate the effects of OLE enriched diet on renal damage and aortic endothelial dysfunction in murine pristane-induced SLE, focusing on the action mechanisms and signaling pathways involved. BALB/c mice were injected with pristane and fed with OLE supplemented diet (0.01 % (w/w)) for six months. Levels of cytokines were measured by ELISA in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated peritoneal macrophages and splenocytes. Presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM immune complexes were examined by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. Thoracic aortas were used to evaluate endothelial dysfunction. Western blotting was employed to detect signaling pathways and oxidative-inflammatory-related mediators. Dietary OLE supplementation reduced Th1/Th17 pro-inflammatory cytokines production and alleviated renal damage by decreasing immunoglobulin complexes deposition, and inflammation-mediating enzymes expression. The mechanisms underlying these protective effects could be related to the regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/Haem oxygenase 1 (Nrf-2/HO-1), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), signal transducer and transcription activator of transcription (STAT-3), inflammasome and, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Also, dietary OLE improved aortic endothelial dysfunction and vascular reactivity, normalizing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling, and NADPH oxidase-1 (NOX-1) overexpression. This study shows the immunomodulatory effects of OLE in an in vivo model of SLE by improving renal damage and regulating aortic endothelial dysfunction. These preliminary results provide OLE as a new therapeutic strategy in SLE management.

Daratumumab-based therapies in transplant-ineligible patients with untreated multiple myeloma and hepatic dysfunction: A systematic review of subgroup analyses.

INTRODUCTION: There is subgroup analysis suggesting a lack of benefit of daratumumab use in multiple myeloma (MM) and hepatic disease (HD). The objectives of this study were to conduct a systematic review and interpretation of daratumumab-based regimen efficacy in transplant-ineligible patients with untreated MM and HD. METHODS: A systematic search in Pubmed® database about randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with subgroup analysis regarding hepatic function for overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS) were developed. Two methodologies were applied. One of them considered statistical interaction, prespecification, biological support and consistency of subgroup results. Second methodology was two-part validated tool: preliminary questions to reject subset analysis without minimal relevance, and a checklist relating a recommendation for applicability in clinical practice. RESULTS: It was included three records. About first methodology, statistical interaction among subgroups was found for PFS in one RCT. Subsets were prespecified in all RCTs. Biological support of efficacy differences could be reasonable. Inconsistent results were found. Second methology directly rejected applicability of subset analysis in two records. Checklist recommended "null" application of results in the remaining RCT. CONCLUSIONS: No consistent heterogeneity for daratumumab-based regimen efficacy was observed among subgroups regarding hepatic function in transplant-ineligible patients with untreated MM. Patients with normal hepatic function and HD could benefit from these treatments.

Madurastatins with Imidazolidinone Rings: Natural Products or Side-Reaction Products from Extraction Solvents?

Madurastatins are a group of pentapeptides containing an oxazoline moiety, and, in a few cases, an imidazolidinone ring as an additional structural feature. In our search for new potential antiparasitic metabolites from natural sources, we studied the acetone extracts from a culture of Actinomadura sp. CA-135719. The LC/HRMS analysis of this extract identified the presence of the known madurastatins C1 (1), D1 (4), and D2 (5) together with additional members of the family that were identified as the new madurastatins H2 (2) and 33-epi-D1 (3) after isolation and spectroscopic analysis. The planar structures of the new compounds were established by HRMS, ESI-qTOF-MS/MS, and 1D and 2D NMR data, and their absolute configuration was proposed using Marfey's and bioinformatic analyses of the biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC). A revision of the absolute configuration of madurastatins D1 and D2 is proposed. Additionally, madurastatins containing imidazolidinone rings are proved to be artifacts originating during acetone extraction of the bacterial cultures.

Effects of Oleacein, a New Epinutraceutical Bioproduct from Extra Virgin Olive Oil, in LPS-Activated Murine Immune Cells.

The present study was designed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of the secoiridoid from extra virgin olive oil, oleacein (OLA), deepening into the possible signaling pathways involved in LPS-activated murine peritoneal macrophages. Moreover, we have explored OLA-induced epigenetic changes in histone markers and related cytokine production in murine LPS-stimulated murine splenocytes. Murine cells were treated with OLA in the presence or absence of LPS (5 µg/mL) for 18 or 24 h. OLA modulated the oxidative stress and the inflammatory response produced by LPS stimulation in murine peritoneal macrophages, by the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, IFN-γ, IL-17 and IL-18) and ROS production and the expression of pro-inflammatory enzymes such as iNOS, COX-2 and m-PGES1. These protective effects could be due to the activation of the Nrf-2/HO-1 axis and the inhibition of JAK/STAT, ERK and P38 MAPKs and inflammasome canonical and non-canonical signaling pathways. Moreover, OLA modulated epigenetic modifications throughout histone methylation deacetylation (H3K18ac) and (H3K9me3 and H3K27me) in LPS-activated spleen cells. In conclusion, our data present OLA as an interesting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant natural compound that is able to regulate histone epigenetic markers. Nevertheless, additional in vivo studies are required to further investigate the beneficial effects of this EVOO secoiridoid, which might be a promising epinutraceutical bioproduct for the management of immune-related inflammatory diseases.

Mechanistic Studies on Dehydration in Class V Lanthipeptides.

Lanthipeptides are ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides characterized by lanthionine (Lan) and/or methyllanthionine (MeLan) residues. Four classes of enzymes have been identified to install these structures in a substrate peptide. Recently, a novel class of lanthipeptides was discovered that lack genes for known class I-IV lanthionine synthases in their biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC). In this study, the dehydration of Ser/Thr during the biosynthesis of the class V lanthipeptide cacaoidin was reconstituted in vitro. The aminoglycoside phosphotransferase-like enzyme CaoK iteratively phosphorylates Ser/Thr residues on the precursor peptide CaoA, followed by phosphate elimination catalyzed by the HopA1 effector-like protein CaoY to achieve eight successive dehydrations. CaoY shows sequence similarity to the OspF family proteins and the lyase domains of class III/IV lanthionine synthetases, and mutagenesis studies identified residues that are critical for catalysis. An AlphaFold prediction of the structure of the dehydration enzyme complex engaged with its substrate suggests the importance of hydrophobic interactions between the CaoA leader peptide and CaoK in enzyme-substrate recognition. This model is supported by site-directed mutagenesis studies.

High fat diets induce early changes in gut microbiota that may serve as markers of ulterior altered physiological and biochemical parameters related to metabolic syndrome. Effect of virgin olive oil in comparison to butter.

Butter and virgin olive oil (EVOO) are two fats differing in their degree of saturation and insaponifiable fraction. EVOO, enriched in polyphenols and other minority components, exerts a distinct effect on health. Using next generation sequencing, we have studied early and long-term effects of both types of fats on the intestinal microbiota of mice, finding significant differences between the two diets in the percentage of certain bacterial taxa, correlating with hormonal, physiological and metabolic parameters in the host. These correlations are not only concomitant, but most noticeably some of the changes detected in the microbial percentages at six weeks are correlating with changes in physiological values detected later, at twelve weeks. Desulfovibrionaceae/Desulfovibrio/D. sulfuricans stand out by presenting at six weeks a statistically significant higher percentage in the butter-fed mice with respect to the EVOO group, correlating with systolic blood pressure, food intake, water intake and insulin at twelve weeks. This not only suggests an early implication in the probability of developing altered physiological and biochemical responses later on in the host lifespan, but also opens the possibility of using this genus as a marker in the risk of suffering different pathologies in the future.

Efficacy of early use of remdesivir: a systematic review of subgroup analysis / Eficacia del uso temprano de remdesivir: unarevisión sistemática de análisis de subgrupos

Introduction. A possible benefit has been suggested forearly treatment of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)with remdesivir. The efficacy of this drug is controversial andcould significantly influence the efficiency in healthcare systems. The objective is the methodological interpretation ofsubgroup analyzes according to starting of remdesivir treatment with respect to symptom onset of COVID-19.Methods. A search in Pubmed® database was performed. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with subgroup analysis regarding early and late use of remdesivir were selected.All endpoints were assessed using two methodologies. Firstmethodology considered statistical interaction, pre-specification, biological plausibility, and consistency of results. Secondmethodology was a validated tool with preliminary questionsto discard subset analysis without relevant minimum conditions, and a checklist with recommendations for applicability.Results. A total of 54 results were found and five RCTswere selected. According first methodology, consistent heterogeneity was only found in time to clinical improvement andbetter clinical status score at day 15 for patients with severeCOVID-19 and <7 days of symptoms. About second methodology, these results about early use of remdesivir may be appliedto clinical practice with caution.(AU)

Introduction. Se ha sugerido un posible beneficio para eltratamiento temprano de la enfermedad grave por coronavirus2019 (COVID-19) con remdesivir. La eficacia de este fármaco escontrovertida y podría influir significativamente en la eficienciade los sistemas sanitarios. El objetivo es la interpretación metodológica de los análisis de subgrupos según el inicio del tratamientocon remdesivir respecto al inicio de los síntomas de la COVID-19.Material y métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda en la basede datos Pubmed®. Se seleccionaron ensayos clínicos aleatorizados (ECA) con análisis de subgrupos respecto al uso temprano ytardío de remdesivir. Todas las variables se evaluaron mediantedos metodologías. La primera metodología consideró la interacción estadística, pre-especificación, la plausibilidad biológica y laconsistencia de los resultados. La segunda metodología fue unaherramienta validada con preguntas preliminares para descartarel análisis de subgrupos sin condiciones mínimas relevantes, yuna lista de verificación con recomendaciones de aplicabilidad.Resultados. Se encontraron un total de 54 resultados y seseleccionaron cinco ECA. Según la primera metodología, sólo seencontró heterogeneidad consistente en el tiempo hasta la mejora clínica y la mejor puntuación del estado clínico en el día 15 paralos pacientes con COVID-19 grave y <7 días de síntomas. Sobre lasegunda metodología, estos resultados sobre el uso temprano deremdesivir pueden aplicarse a la práctica clínica con precaución. (AU)

Reference-Grade Genome and Large Linear Plasmid of Streptomyces rimosus: Pushing the Limits of Nanopore Sequencing.

Streptomyces rimosus ATCC 10970 is the parental strain of industrial strains used for the commercial production of the important antibiotic oxytetracycline. As an actinobacterium with a large linear chromosome containing numerous long repeat regions, high GC content, and a single giant linear plasmid (GLP), these genomes are challenging to assemble. Here, we apply a hybrid sequencing approach relying on the combination of short- and long-read next-generation sequencing platforms and whole-genome restriction analysis by using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to produce a high-quality reference genome for this biotechnologically important bacterium. By using PFGE to separate and isolate plasmid DNA from chromosomal DNA, we successfully sequenced the GLP using Nanopore data alone. Using this approach, we compared the sequence of GLP in the parent strain ATCC 10970 with those found in two semi-industrial progenitor strains, R6-500 and M4018. Sequencing of the GLP of these three S. rimosus strains shed light on several rearrangements accompanied by transposase genes, suggesting that transposases play an important role in plasmid and genome plasticity in S. rimosus. The polished annotation of secondary metabolite biosynthetic pathways compared to metabolite analysis in the ATCC 10970 strain also refined our knowledge of the secondary metabolite arsenal of these strains. The proposed methodology is highly applicable to a variety of sequencing projects, as evidenced by the reliable assemblies obtained. IMPORTANCE The genomes of Streptomyces species are difficult to assemble due to long repeats, extrachromosomal elements (giant linear plasmids [GLPs]), rearrangements, and high GC content. To improve the quality of the S. rimosus ATCC 10970 genome, producer of oxytetracycline, we validated the assembly of GLPs by applying a new approach to combine pulsed-field gel electrophoresis separation and GLP isolation and sequenced the isolated GLP with Oxford Nanopore technology. By examining the sequenced plasmids of ATCC 10970 and two industrial progenitor strains, R6-500 and M4018, we identified large GLP rearrangements. Analysis of the assembled plasmid sequences shed light on the role of transposases in genome plasticity of this species. The new methodological approach developed for Nanopore sequencing is highly applicable to a variety of sequencing projects. In addition, we present the annotated reference genome sequence of ATCC 10970 with a detailed analysis of the biosynthetic gene clusters.

Total Synthesis and Biosynthesis of Cyclodepsipeptide Cochinmicin I.

Phenylglycines are building blocks of many non-ribosomally synthesized peptides. The dihydroxyphenylglycine-containing cyclodepsipeptide cochinmicin I exhibits endothelin receptor antagonist activity. Therefore, it represents an interesting and synthetically challenging molecule because of the racemization-prone nature of dihydroxyphenylglycine. We present the total synthesis of cochinmicin I and the non-natural derivative cochinmicin VI and describe the identification and assignment of the cochinmicin (cmn) biosynthesis gene cluster, encoding a five-module non-ribosomal peptide synthetase for cochinmicin assembly.

Clinical and pharmacoeconomic impact of subgroup analysis in onco-hematological patients.

Subgroup analysis evaluates a health intervention in subpopulations according to a characteristic or factor. It can be useful for generating new hypotheses or conducting new studies. However, subgroup analysis presents several limitations and it should be considered cautiously. The development of new onco-hematological drugs is accelerating in recent years and the impact of subgroup analysis on clinical decision-making is increasing. The interpretation of subgroup analyses can be controversial in some cases, negatively affecting patients and healthcare systems. This work is a review of the clinical and pharmacoeconomic impact of subgroup analysis in onco-hematological patients. The study describes some illustrative examples of inadequate interpretations about subset analysis: combination of pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy in lung cancer, inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases in breast cancer, daratumumab-based regimens in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, combination of nivolumab with ipilimumab in melanoma and docetaxel in prostate cancer. Subgroup analysis can have a significant impact on the data selection for the development of studies; efficacy, safety, and convenience of treatments in onco-hematological patients; efficiency of therapies in health systems; and therapeutic positioning of antineoplastic drugs. There is a strong need to establish homogeneous criteria for the assessment of subgroup analysis and to develop new tools for its consideration.

Cross-cultural adaptation to the Spanish version of the "Structured HIstory of Medication Use" questionnaire for medication reconciliation at admission. / Adaptación transcultural a la versión española del cuestionario "Structured HIstory of Medication Use" para la conciliación de la medicación al ingreso.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The "Structured HIstory of Medication use" (SHIM) questionnaire is a tool developed to obtain an accurate pre-admission overview of medications, involving a structured interview with patients, and has demonstrated its potential to prevent reconciliation errors. The objective of this study was to cross-culturally adapt the SHIM questionnaire to Spanish. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forward and blind-back translations followed by a synthesis and adaptation, with the participation of an expert panel, to guarantee the equivalence between the original questionnaire and the Spanish version. Subsequently, pilot testing of the Spanish version was carried out through cognitive interviews in a sample of polymedicated patients under follow-up by the Department of Internal Medicine. RESULTS: The Spanish version of the SHIM questionnaire (SHIM-e) was obtained. Scores for difficulty assigned by translators involved in forward and back translations were low. During the synthesis and adaptation phase, three discrepancies were resolved, and the expert panel decided to include some terms commonly used for clinical interviews in the Spanish version of the questionnaire. The pilot testing, which was performed in a sample of 10 polymedicated patients admitted to the Department of General and Digestive Surgery, showed 100% comprehensibility for all items, except for number 13, which was 90%. CONCLUSIONS: This work presents the first cross-cultural adaptation to Spanish of the SHIM questionnaire. The forward and blind-back translations presented low difficulty and the results of the pilot testing showed a high level of comprehensibility for the Spanish version of this tool.

Use of docetaxel in low- and high-burden metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: A systematic review and assessment of subgroup analyses.

BACKGROUND: Use of docetaxel in low- and high-burden metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer presents considerable controversy. There is literature suggesting lack of benefit for low-volume of metastases. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to develop a systematic review and methodological assessment of subset analysis about use of docetaxel in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer regarding volume of metastatic disease. METHODS: A systematic review in the Pubmed® database was conducted up to 25 September 2020. A reference tracking was also developed. Randomised clinical trials with subgroup analysis according volume of metastatic disease for overall survival were selected. Two methodologies were used. One of them considered statistical interaction of subsets (p(i) < 0.1), pre-specification, biological plausibility and consistency among subset results of similar randomised clinical trials. The second methodology was a two-part validated tool: preliminary questions to discard subset analysis without minimal relevance and a checklist The checklist provides recommendations for applicability of subgroup analysis in clinical practice. RESULTS: A total of 31 results were found in systematic reviews in the Pubmed® database. One result was identified in the reference tracking. Of the total of 32 results, four randomised clinical trials were included in the study. About first methodology, statistical interaction among subgroups was obtained in one randomised clinical trial. Subgroup analysis was pre-specified in two randomised clinical trials. Biological plausibility was reasonable. No external consistency among results of subgroup analyses in randomised clinical trials was observed. Preliminary questions of second methodology rejected applicability of subgroup analysis in three randomised clinical trials. A 'null' recommendation for applicability of subset results was obtained in the remaining randomised clinical trial. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with low- and high-burden metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer would benefit from docetaxel therapy. No consistent differences for overall survival were observed in subgroup analyses regarding volume of metastatic disease.

Humoral Immune Response Evaluation in Horses Vaccinated with Recombinant Clostridium perfringens Toxoids Alpha and Beta for 12 Months.

In horses, Clostridium perfringens is associated with acute and fatal enterocolitis, which is caused by a beta toxin (CPB), and myonecrosis, which is caused by an alpha toxin (CPA). Although the most effective way to prevent these diseases is through vaccination, specific clostridial vaccines for horses against C. perfringens are not widely available. The aim of this study was to pioneer the immunization of horses with three different concentrations (100, 200 and 400 µg) of C. perfringens recombinant alpha (rCPA) and beta (rCPB) proteins, as well as to evaluate the humoral immune response over 360 days. Recombinant toxoids were developed and applied to 50 horses on days 0 and 30. Those vaccines attempted to stimulate the production of alpha antitoxin (anti-CPA) and beta antitoxin (anti-CPB), in addition to becoming innocuous, stable and sterile. There was a reduction in the level of neutralizing anti-CPA and anti-CPB antibodies following the 60th day; therefore, the concentrations of 200 and 400 µg capable of inducing a detectable humoral immune response were not determined until day 180. In practical terms, 200 µg is possibly the ideal concentration for use in the veterinary industry's production of vaccines against the action of C. perfringens in equine species.

Pentaminomycins F and G, Nonribosomal Peptides Containing 2-Pyridylalanine.

Pentaminomycins F-H (1-3), a group of three new hydroxyarginine-containing cyclic pentapeptides, were isolated from cultures of a Streptomyces cacaoi subsp. cacaoi strain along with the known pentaminomycins A-E. The structures of the new peptides were determined by a combination of mass spectrometry, NMR, and Marfey's analyses. Pentaminomycins F (1) and G (2) were shown to contain the rare amino acid 3-(2-pyridyl)-alanine. This finding represents the first reported examples of nonribosomal peptides containing this residue. The ldlld chiral sequence found for the three compounds was in agreement with that reported for previously isolated pentaminomycins and consistent with the epimerization domains present in the putative nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) biosynthetic gene cluster.