Microbial indicators of efficient performance in an anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic integrated fixed-film activated sludge (A2O-IFAS) and a two-stage mesophilic anaerobic digestion process.

An analysis of the community structure, diversity and population dynamics of Bacteria and Archaea in the suspended and attached biomass fractions of a pilot-scale anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic integrated fixed-film activated sludge (A2O-IFAS) was executed. Along with this, the effluents of the acidogenic (AcD) and methanogenic (MD) digesters of a two-stage mesophilic anaerobic (MAD) system treating the primary sludge (PS) and waste activated sludge (WAS) generated by the A2O-IFAS were also analyzed. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (MDS) and Biota-environment (BIO-ENV) multivariate analyses were performed to link population dynamics of Bacteria and Archaea to operating parameters and removal efficiencies of organic matter and nutrients, in search of microbial indicators associated with optimal performance. In all samples analyzed, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Chloroflexi were the most abundant phyla, while the hydrogenotrophic methanogens Methanolinea, Methanocorpusculum and Methanobacterium were the predominant archaeal genera. BIO-ENV analysis disclosed strong correlations between the population shifts observed in the suspended and attached bacterial communities of the A2O-IFAS and the removal rates of organic matter, N and P. It is noteworthy that the incorporation of carriers combined with a short sludge retention time (SRT = 4.0 ± 1.0 days) enhanced N removal performance of the A2O by favoring the enrichment of bacterial genera able to denitrify (Bosea, Dechloromonas, Devosia, Hyphomicrobium, Rhodobacter, Rhodoplanes, Rubrivivax, and Sulfuritalea) in the attached biomass fraction. In addition, operation at short SRT enabled the generation of a highly biodegradable WAS, which enhanced the biogas and methane yields in the two-stage MAD. An increase in the relative abundance of Acetobacteroides (uncultured Blvii28 wastewater-sludge group of Rikenellaceae family) correlated positively with the volatile solids removal rate (%VSR), CH4 recovery rate and %CH4 in the biogas (r > 0.8), supporting their relevance for an efficient methanogenesis in two-stage systems.

Breast cancer patient-reported outcomes on level 1 and level 2 oncoplastic procedures using BREAST-Q®.

PURPOSE: In breast cancer management not only mortality and surgical morbidity measurements are important but also patient satisfaction indexes. The authors evaluated the satisfaction and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using the breast-conserving therapy (BCT) and breast reduction (BR) modules of BREAST-Q®. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that analyzed breast cancer patients consecutively submitted to breast surgery between January 2011 and April 2018 using two modules of BREAST-Q®. 968 patients were contacted and 232 answers were gathered: 171 patients submitted to oncoplastic level 1 surgery answered the BCT module and 61 submitted to oncoplastic level 2 surgery answered the BR module. Clinical data were retrieved from patients' medical records. RESULTS: Among the 232 questionnaires received, the median scores for psychosocial well-being, sexual well-being and (postoperative) satisfaction with breasts for BCT and BR modules were, respectively, 77.0 and 73.5 (p = 0.17); 62.0 and 53.0 (p = 0.14); 72.0 and 66.0 (p = 0.66). The median of adverse effects of radiation in the BCT module was 87.0. The median satisfaction with outcome in the BR module was 86.0. Both groups of patients revealed high scores of satisfaction with care. For the BCT patients, satisfaction with breasts strongly correlated with sexual well-being and was moderately correlated with psychosocial and physical well-being. For the BR patients, the satisfaction with outcome strongly correlated with satisfaction with medical team and moderately correlated with the remaining scales. CONCLUSION: Both oncoplastic surgery levels yielded similar satisfaction outcomes when assessed using BCT and BR modules of BREAST-Q®.

Initial experience with targeted axillary dissection after neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Targeted axillary dissection (TAD) combines sentinel node biopsy (SNB) with the removal of the previously marked metastatic node. TAD is a promising concept for axillary restaging in node-positive breast cancer patients with pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT). We aimed to evaluate TAD feasibility in this context. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in biopsy-confirmed cN1 patients. The removal of the clipped node (CN) was guided by intraoperative ultrasound. SNB used indocyanine green and patent blue V dye. If the CN or sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) had any metastatic foci, or the TAD procedure was unsuccessful, the patient underwent axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were included. TAD and SNB identification rates were 97.3%. Every retrieved CN was also a SLN. At the individual level, SNB identification rate was 89.2% with indocyanine green and 85.5% with patent blue V dye. The CN identification rate was 81.1%, being higher when the CN was localized on the intraoperative ultrasound (84.4% vs 60.0%). Nodal pCR was achieved by 54.1% of our patients and was more frequent in HER2-positive and triple-negative tumors (p = 0.039). Nineteen patients were spared from ALND. CONCLUSION: TAD with intraoperative ultrasound-guided excision of the CN and SNB with indocyanine green and patent blue V dye is a feasible concept to identify patients without axillary residual disease after NAT, that can be spared from ALND, although the need for marking the biopsied node should be further investigated.

Insights into the removal of pharmaceutically active compounds from sewage sludge by two-stage mesophilic anaerobic digestion.

The removal efficiencies (REs) of twenty-seven pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) (eight analgesic/anti-inflammatories, six antibiotics, four ß-blockers, two antihypertensives/diuretics, three lipid regulators and four psychiatric drugs) were evaluated in a pilot-scale two-stage mesophilic anaerobic digestion (MAD) system treating thickened sewage sludge from a pilot-scale A2O™ wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) which was fed with wastewater from the pre-treatment of the full-scale WWTP Murcia Este (Murcia, Spain). The MAD system was long-term operated using two different sets of sludge retention times (SRTs) for the acidogenic (AcD) and methanogenic (MD) digesters (phase I, 2 and 12 days; and phase II, 5 and 24 days, in AcD and MD, respectively). Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Illumina MiSeq sequencing were used to estimate the absolute abundance of Bacteria, Archaea, and Fungi and investigate the structure, diversity and population dynamics of their communities in the AcD and MD effluents. The extension of the SRT from 12 (phase I) to 24 days (phase II) in the MD was significantly linked with an improved removal of carbamazepine, clarithromycin, codeine, gemfibrozil, ibuprofen, lorazepam, and propranolol. The absolute abundances of total Bacteria and Archaea were higher in the MD regardless of the phase, while the diversity of bacterial and archaeal communities was lower in phase II, in both digesters. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (MDS) plots showed strong negative correlations among phyla Proteobacteria and Firmicutes and between genera Methanosaeta and Methanosarcina throughout the full experimental period. Strong positive correlations were revealed between the relative abundances of Methanospirillum and Methanoculleus and the methanogenesis performance parameters (volatile solids removal, CH4 recovery rate and %CH4 in the biogas), which were also related to longer SRT. The REs of several PhACs (naproxen, ketoprofen, ofloxacin, fenofibrate, trimethoprim, and atenolol) correlated positively (r > 0.75) with the relative abundances of specific bacterial and archaeal groups, suggesting their participation in biodegradation/biotransformation pathways.

Associations between oxytocin and empathy in humans: A systematic literature review.

This is a systematic review about the association between empathic behavior and oxytocin (OXT). Searches were conducted in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, SciELO, and LILACS using the search terms "oxytocin", "empathy", and "empathic". Forty-four studies were reviewed. Scarce findings point to a lack of association between baseline endogenous OXT levels and empathy traits, and for a trend towards a direct relationship between oxytocinergic reactivity and empathic functioning. The results showed that variations in empathy were related to polymorphisms in the OXT receptor gene, especially in rs53576, and that this relationship seems to mediated by individual, ethnic, and cultural characteristics. Most studies on the exogenous administration of OXT tested a single dose (24 IU) with positive effects mainly on the affective domain of empathy. At the neural level, findings were inconsistent. Taken together, the results of the studies reviewed support the existence of a relationship between OXT and empathy that is complex and multifaceted. Robust evidence is still needed to elucidate existing links. Future investigations could benefit from methodological improvements aimed at increasing the reproducibility and applicability of findings, as well as the systematic assessment of the effects of exogenous OXT considering dose and frequency of administration, genotyping, and hormonal availability at the peripheral and central levels. This should lead to significant progress in the understanding of the therapeutic possibilities of OXT in the domain of empathic behavior.

Synthesis and structural studies on (E)-3-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one: a promising nonlinear optical material.

A new fluorinated chalcone (E)-3-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one was synthesized in 90% yield and crystallized by a slow evaporation technique. Its full structural characterization and purity were determined by scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, 1H, 13C and 19F nuclear magnetic resonance, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Raman microspectroscopy, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Hirshfeld surface (HS) analysis. The fluorinated chalcone crystallized in centrosymmetric space group P21/c stabilized by the C-H⋯O and C-H⋯F interactions and the π⋯π contact. The crystalline environment was simulated through the supermolecule approach where a bulk with 378 000 atoms was built. The electric parameters were calculated at the DFT/CAM-B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level as function of the electric field frequency. The macroscopic parameters such as linear refractive index and third-order nonlinear susceptibility (χ (3)) were calculated, and the results were compared with experimental data obtained from the literature. The χ (3)-value for the chalcone crystal is 369.294 × 10-22 m2 V-2, higher than those obtained from a few similar types of molecule, showing that the chalcone crystal can be considered as a nonlinear optical material. Also, molecular theoretical calculations such as infrared spectrum assignments, frontier molecular orbital analysis and MEP were implemented, revealing that the most positive region is around the hydrogen atoms of the aromatic rings, and electrophilic attack occurs on the carbonyl group.

The role of personality dimensions, depressive symptoms and other psychosocial variables in predicting postpartum suicidal ideation: a cohort study.

Suicidability has been associated with neuroticism and psychoticism, but its role during perinatal period has not been analyzed. We explore the association between personality dimensions, depressive symptoms, and other psychosocial variables in postpartum suicidal ideation. A cohort of 1795 healthy Spanish women from the general population was assessed for suicidal ideation (EPDS-Item10) in early postpartum, 8 and 32 weeks postpartum. Sociodemographic, obstetric, and reproductive variables, psychiatric history, social support, stressful life-events during pregnancy, depressive symptoms (EPDS), and the Eysenck's personality dimensions (EPQ-RS) were also assessed at baseline. A major depressive episode (DSM-IV) was confirmed in women with EPDS>10 at follow-up assessments. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted. Adjusted logistic regression analysis was reported as odds ratio (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Seven percent of mothers reported suicidal ideation during the first 8 months postpartum. Sixty-two percent of women with suicidal ideation had a major depressive episode at 8 weeks, and 70% at 32 weeks postpartum. Neuroticism and psychoticism predicted suicidal ideation throughout the first 2 weeks after delivery (OR, 1.03; 95%CI 1.01-1.06; and OR, 1.03; 95%CI 1.01-1.05 respectively). Early postpartum depressive symptoms (OR 1.2; 95%CI 1.11-1.26), personal psychiatric history (OR 2.1; 95%CI 1.33-3.27), and stressful life events during pregnancy (OR 1.88; 95%CI 1.12-3.16) also emerged as predictors of postpartum suicidal ideation. Analysis of women for postpartum suicidal ideation should include not only psychiatric symptoms but also psychosocial assessment (i.e., covering psychiatric history, stressful events, or long-standing personality vulnerabilities) in order to identify those in need of early psychosocial or psychiatric care.

Linking microbial diversity and population dynamics to the removal efficiency of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in an anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic (A2O) system.

The removal efficiencies (REs) of nineteen pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) (six antibiotics-clarithromycin, ofloxacin, sulfadiazine, sulfamethazine, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim -, four ß-blockers -atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol and sotalol-, two antihypertensives/diuretics -furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide-, three lipid regulators -bezafibrate, fenofibrate and gemfibrozil-, and four psychiatric medications -carbamazepine, diazepam, lorazepam and paroxetine) were ascertained in a pilot-scale anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic (A2O) system treating urban wastewater, long term operated during two experimental phases using different sets of environmental conditions and operating parameters. Illumina MiSeq sequencing was used to investigate the structure, diversity and population dynamics of bacteria, archaea and fungi communities in the activated sludge. The results showed that mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) and food-to-microorganisms ratio (F/M) were operational parameters significantly influencing the REs of five of the analyzed PhACs in the A2O system. Biota-environment (BIO-ENV) analysis revealed strong correlations between population shifts of the activated sludge community and the REs of PhACs of the different pharmaceutical families. Increased REs of clarithromycin, furosemide, bezafibrate and gemfibrozil were concomitant to higher relative abundances of bacterial phylotypes classified within the Rhodobacteraceae and Sphingomonadaceae (Alphaproteobacteria), while those of Betaproteobacteria, Chloroflexi and Methanomethylovorans (Euryarchaea) correlated positively with the REs of up to seven PhACs belonging to different therapeutic groups.

Imaging of postoperative endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition that affects primarily young women. Imaging plays a pivotal role for the diagnosis and pre-surgical mapping of the disease. By comparison, the role of imaging in the identification of disease recurrence and postoperative complications are not well established. The goal of this review is to report the postoperative findings, including normal postoperative findings, initial disease recurrence and complications, with a special emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in women who have undergone surgery for pelvic endometriosis. This review is based on a literature search of manuscripts published between 2000 and 2018. Meta-analyses, systematic reviews and original scientific articles published in English language were included.

Scalp porocarcinoma and lichen planopilaris.

Porocarcinoma (PC) is a malignant neoplasm arising from the intraepidermal ductal portion of the sweat gland duct. Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a not so rare variant of cutaneous lichen planus (LP) with a preferential involvement of hair follicles, consisting of a chronic lymphocytic inflammation, leading to cicatricial alopecia. A 42-year-old woman, recently diagnosed with HIV infection, was referred to our clinic because of an alopecic patch of 6 years' duration. In the upper region of the alopecia a 1.5cm nodule was noticed, which the patient stated had started growing soon after the appearance of the hair loss. Biopsy of the alopecia margin confirmed the diagnosis of LPP, whereas biopsy of the nodule revealed an infiltrating tumor consistent with the diagnosis of PC. We present a scalp PC emerging in a background of LPP in an HIV patient. We do not know the role, if any, HIV infection and LPP played in this particular case. Immunosuppression and HIV have been implicated in the etiology of PC. However, her HIV diagnosis was made after the appearance of the scalp nodule. We did not find any association between LPP and PC in the literature. Even though an association by chance cannot be excluded, this deserves further investigation.

Removal of anti-inflammatory/analgesic pharmaceuticals from urban wastewater in a pilot-scale A2O system: Linking performance and microbial population dynamics to operating variables.

In this study, the removal rates of eight anti-inflammatory and/or analgesic pharmaceuticals, AIAPs (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, diclofenac, codeine, indomethacin and propyphenazone) were assessed in a pilot-scale A2O system (including anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic zones), long term operated during two experimental phases using different sets of environmental conditions and operating parameters. qPCR was used to quantify the absolute abundances of total Bacteria, total Archaea, mycolic-acid containing filamentous Actinobacteria (Mycolata) and Fungi within the activated sludge microbial community developed in the system. Multivariate analyses and Spearman correlation coefficients were used in search of significant links among the removal rates of the AIAPs, the abundances of the targeted microbial groups in the activated sludge, and the changes of environmental/operating variables in the A2O system. Improved removal efficiencies of several of the AIAPs analyzed (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen) were correlated to higher organic load in the influent water, higher concentration of mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS), lower temperature and lower food-to-microorganisms ratio (F/M). Removal efficiencies of several pharmaceuticals correlated with increased abundances of Mycolata in the A2O system, pointing at this group of bacteria as candidate key players for AIAPs removal in activated sludge.

First-time detection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection in Uruguay.

Within the last two decades, several high-impact viruses have emerged in the global swine population, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). In Uruguay, the more recent serological survey for PRRSV and other notifiable diseases such as Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV) and classical swine fever virus (CSFV) dated from year 2000. The main purpose of this study was to update our information on the infection status of PRRSV, ADV and CSFV in Uruguayan pig herds, in order to keep informed about the epidemiological situation of these notifiable infections in the country. For serological testing, a total of 524 swine serum samples collected during the period 2014-2016 were assayed by commercial ELISAs. Our results revealed the (unexpected) presence of PRRSV antibodies in Uruguayan domestic swine herds and confirmed the absence of ADV and CSFV antibodies in all of the assessed samples. Following such initial finding, PRRSV antibodies were further investigated in 23 retrospective samples collected during 2010-2014. Thirteen of these 23 samples resulted seropositive. Subsequently, a molecular detection approach in frozen serum samples was implemented to confirm PRRSV infection, and viral RNA was identified by reverse transcription-nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR). Fourteen of 86 evaluated 2014-2016 samples resulted positive for viral RNA, while molecular analysis of four retrospective samples also revealed the presence of PRRSV type 2. Viral isolation of selected samples was carried out in porcine alveolar macrophages (PAM) and MARC 145 simian kidney cells, and the virus identity was confirmed by cytopathic effect (CPE) and immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using specific monoclonal antibodies for PRRSV nucleocapsid. Data reported here evidence for the first time the circulation of PRRSV type 2 in Uruguay, and retrospective serology results suggest that the virus has been infecting pigs in this country at least since 2011.

A novel dihydrocoumarin under experimental and theoretical characterization.

Coumarins are natural and synthetic active ingredients widely applied in diverse types of medicinal treatments, such as cancer, inflammation, infection, and enzyme inhibition (monoamine oxidase B). Dihydrocoumarin compounds are of great interest in organic chemistry due to their structural versatilities and, as part of our investigations concerning the structural characterization of small molecules, this work focuses on crystal structure and spectroscopic characterization of the synthesized and crystallized compound 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-chromen-2-one (C16H14O3). Additionally, a theoretical calculation was performed using density functional theory to analyze the sites where nucleophilic or electrophilic attack took place and to examine the molecular electrostatic potential surface. Throughout all of these calculations, both density functional theory and Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics were performed by fully optimized geometry. The spectroscopic analysis indicated the presence of aromatic carbons and hydrogen atoms, and also the carbonyl and methoxy groups that were confirmed by the crystallographic structure. The C16H14O3 compound has a non-classical intermolecular interaction of type C-H⋅⋅⋅O that drives the molecular arrangement and the crystal packing. Moreover, the main absorbent groups were characterized throughout calculated harmonic vibrational frequencies. Also, natural bond orbital analysis successfully locates the molecular orbital with π-bonding symmetry and the molecular orbital with π* antibonding symmetry. Finally, the gap between highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals implies in a high kinetic stability and low chemical reactivity of title molecule.

Satisfaction with a therapeutic sleeve for arm lymphedema secondary to breast cancer treatment: Controlled crossover trial.

HIGHLIGHTS: Secondary lymphedema is a late iatrogenic side effect of breast cancer treatment.Despite multimodal decongestive therapy in their daily life breast cancer survivors with lymphedema have few alternatives but to use a compressive sleeve.Concerned with the well-known low compliance to the daily use of traditional sleeves, we conducted a comparative study to evaluate the subjective assessment of an innovative class 1 compression sleeve.We concluded that the PRADEX® sleeve, not being worse in its compressive efficacy, is much better with regard to patient comfort. ABSTRACT: Secondary arm lymphedema is a feared late iatrogenic side effect of breast cancer survivors with a negative impact on patient's self-image and quality of life. Its reported incidence is extremely variable, from 6% to 80%, as well as the effectiveness of the multimodal decongestive lymphedema therapy.In their daily life breast cancer survivors with lymphedema have few alternatives but to use a compressive sleeve. Concerned with the well-known low compliance to the daily use of traditional sleeves, we conducted a comparative study in a subgroup of our patients with lymphedema secondary to breast cancer treatment for the subjective assessment of PRADEX®, an innovative class 1 compression sleeve. Secondarily, we aimed to assess the non-inferiority of PRADEX® regarding subjective and objective measures of the severity of lymphedema.We studied 46 women with grade 1 secondary arm lymphedema, who used their usual sleeve and PRADEX® daily for 2 weeks each, in a crossover design.The new therapeutic sleeve was classified as having a better design and a better usability and comfort (more comfortable, thinner, fresher, softer, more flexible, comfortable, resistant to dirt and easier to dress and to wear). Women's subjective opinion about the severity of lymphedema favored their usual sleeve in detriment of PRADEX®, but this subjective feeling was contradicted by objective measurements of different perimeters of the arm at the beginning and at the end of the study.We concluded that the PRADEX® sleeve, not being worse in its compressive therapeutic efficacy, is much better with regard to patient comfort.

NF-κB signaling as a driver of ageing.

NF-κB signaling exerts essential roles in immunity and cellular stress responses, regulating many functions related with organism innate defense. Besides, NF-κB altered signaling has been causally linked to ageing and diverse pathological conditions. We discuss herein the functional involvement of this signaling pathway in ageing, visiting recent experimental evidence about NF-κB activation in this complex process, its functional consequences and the novel biological functions raised from these works. Moreover, we discuss ageing intervention strategies based on NF-κB inhibition, which have demonstrated to be effective at delaying and even reverting different ageing manifestations in human and mouse models of both normal and accelerated ageing. Altogether, the current evidence supports that NF-κB activation constitutes a driving force of the ageing process and a preferential target for rejuvenation-aimed approaches.

Personality traits and psychiatric comorbidities in alcohol dependence.

Non-adaptive personality traits may constitute risk factors for development of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. We aim to evaluate associations and the predictive value of personality traits among alcohol-dependent individuals, with or without psychiatric comorbidities. The convenience sample comprised two groups of males over 18 years of age: one with subjects who had an alcohol dependence diagnosis (AG, n=110), and a control group without abuse and/or alcohol dependence diagnosis (CG, n=110). The groups were assessed by means of the Structured Clinical Interview DSM-IV (SCID-IV). AG participants were recruited among outpatients from the university hospital, whereas CG participants were recruited from a primary healthcare program. Data collection was done individually with self-assessment instruments. Parametric statistics were performed, and a significance level of P=0.05 was adopted. A positive correlation was observed between openness and the length of time that alcohol has been consumed, as were significant and negative correlations between conscientiousness and both the length of time alcohol has been consumed and the number of doses. For alcoholics, extraversion emerged as a protective factor against depression development (P=0.008) and tobacco abuse (P=0.007), whereas openness worked as a protective factor against anxiety (P=0.02). The findings point to specific deficits presented by alcoholics in relation to personality traits with or without psychiatric comorbidities and to the understanding that therapeutic approaches should favor procedures and/or preventive measures that allow more refined awareness about the disorder.

Personality traits and psychiatric comorbidities in alcohol dependence

Non-adaptive personality traits may constitute risk factors for development of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. We aim to evaluate associations and the predictive value of personality traits among alcohol-dependent individuals, with or without psychiatric comorbidities. The convenience sample comprised two groups of males over 18 years of age: one with subjects who had an alcohol dependence diagnosis (AG, n=110), and a control group without abuse and/or alcohol dependence diagnosis (CG, n=110). The groups were assessed by means of the Structured Clinical Interview DSM-IV (SCID-IV). AG participants were recruited among outpatients from the university hospital, whereas CG participants were recruited from a primary healthcare program. Data collection was done individually with self-assessment instruments. Parametric statistics were performed, and a significance level of P=0.05 was adopted. A positive correlation was observed between openness and the length of time that alcohol has been consumed, as were significant and negative correlations between conscientiousness and both the length of time alcohol has been consumed and the number of doses. For alcoholics, extraversion emerged as a protective factor against depression development (P=0.008) and tobacco abuse (P=0.007), whereas openness worked as a protective factor against anxiety (P=0.02). The findings point to specific deficits presented by alcoholics in relation to personality traits with or without psychiatric comorbidities and to the understanding that therapeutic approaches should favor procedures and/or preventive measures that allow more refined awareness about the disorder.

454-Pyrosequencing Analysis of Bacterial Communities from Autotrophic Nitrogen Removal Bioreactors Utilizing Universal Primers: Effect of Annealing Temperature.

Identification of anaerobic ammonium oxidizing (anammox) bacteria by molecular tools aimed at the evaluation of bacterial diversity in autotrophic nitrogen removal systems is limited by the difficulty to design universal primers for the Bacteria domain able to amplify the anammox 16S rRNA genes. A metagenomic analysis (pyrosequencing) of total bacterial diversity including anammox population in five autotrophic nitrogen removal technologies, two bench-scale models (MBR and Low Temperature CANON) and three full-scale bioreactors (anammox, CANON, and DEMON), was successfully carried out by optimization of primer selection and PCR conditions (annealing temperature). The universal primer 530F was identified as the best candidate for total bacteria and anammox bacteria diversity coverage. Salt-adjusted optimum annealing temperature of primer 530F was calculated (47°C) and hence a range of annealing temperatures of 44-49°C was tested. Pyrosequencing data showed that annealing temperature of 45°C yielded the best results in terms of species richness and diversity for all bioreactors analyzed.

Are there associations between early emotional trauma and anxiety disorders? Evidence from a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies indicate a possible association between early emotional trauma (EET) and the development of anxiety disorders (ADs) in adult life. However, no previous studies have compiled the findings of such studies and analyzed their statistical significance. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to determine possible associations between EET and three ADs (panic, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety disorders). METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, PsycInfo, and Scielo with no publication date limitations. A total of 2127 studies were found, 32 studies of which were selected for the systematic review and 13 studies of which were selected for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: High prevalence rates of different EETs were observed among the individuals with ADs (median: 18%-45%). The results of the meta-analysis indicated that individuals with EETs were 1.9- to 3.6-fold more likely to develop ADs compared with a control group of healthy individuals. Emotional traumas were the main risk factor for social anxiety disorder. However, no specific associations were found for the other ADs. CONCLUSIONS: EET is a risk factor for ADs, underscoring the importance of preventive measures to combat the development of these disorders. Moreover, the identification of EETs among patients with ADs is essential for implementing remedial measures to minimize the impact and damage arising from this association by decreasing the risk and severity of symptoms and to improve the response rate to treatment of ADs.

Bacterial community structure of a lab-scale anammox membrane bioreactor.

Autotrophic nitrogen removal technologies have proliferated through the last decade. Among these, a promising one is the membrane bioreactor (MBR) Anammox, which can achieve very high solids retention time and therefore sets a proper environment for the cultivation of anammox bacteria. In this sense, the MBR Anammox is an efficient technology for the treatment of effluents with low organic carbon and high ammonium concentrations once it has been treated under partial nitrification systems. A lab-scale MBR Anammox bioreactor has been built at the Technological University of Delft, The Netherlands and has been proven for efficient nitrogen removal and efficient cultivation of anammox bacteria. In this study, next-generation sequencing techniques have been used for the investigation of the bacterial communities of this MBR Anammox for the first time ever. A strong domination of Candidatus Brocadia bacterium and also the presence of a myriad of other microorganisms that have adapted to this environment were detected, suggesting that the MBR Anammox bioreactor might have a more complex microbial ecosystem that it has been thought. Among these, nitrate-reducing heterotrophs and primary producers, among others, were identified. Definition of the ecological roles of the OTUs identified through metagenomic analysis was discussed.