Evaluating putative ecological drivers of microcystin spatiotemporal dynamics using metabarcoding and environmental data.

Microcystin is a cyanobacterial hepatotoxin of global concern. Understanding the environmental factors that cause high concentrations of microcystin is crucial to the development of lake management strategies that minimize harmful exposures. While the literature is replete with studies linking cyanobacterial production of microcystin to changes in various nutrients, abiotic stressors, grazers, and competitors, no single biotic or abiotic factor has been shown to be reliably predictive of microcystin concentrations in complex ecosystems. We performed random forest regression analyses with 16S and 18S rRNA gene sequencing data and environmental data to determine which putative ecological drivers best explained spatiotemporal variation in total microcystin and several individual congeners in a eutrophic freshwater reservoir. Model performance was best for predicting concentrations of the congener MC-LR, with ca. 88% of spatiotemporal variance explained. Most of the variance was associated with changes in the relative abundance of the cyanobacterial genus Microcystis. Follow-up RF regression analyses revealed that factors that were the most important in predicting MC-LR were also the most important in predicting Microcystis population dynamics. We discuss how these results relate to prevailing ecological hypotheses regarding the function of microcystin.

Draft Genome Sequences of Two Bacillus sp. Strains and Four Cellulomonas sp. Strains Isolated from Heavy-Metal-Contaminated Soil.

We present the draft genome sequence for Bacillus sp. strain PF3, Bacillus sp. strain K6W, Cellulomonas sp. strain B12, Cellulomonas sp. strain K38, Cellulomonas sp. strain K39, and Cellulomonas sp. strain K42B. These bacteria were isolated from contaminated soils, and their genomes contain genes related to chromate transport and reduction.

Spatial and temporal dynamics of a freshwater eukaryotic plankton community revealed via 18S rRNA gene metabarcoding.

DNA metabarcoding is a sophisticated molecular tool that can enhance biological surveys of freshwater plankton communities by providing broader taxonomic coverage and, for certain groups, higher taxonomic resolution compared to morphological methods. We conducted 18S rRNA gene metabarcoding analyses on 214 water samples collected over a four-month period from multiple sites within a freshwater reservoir. We detected 1,314 unique operational taxonomic units that included various metazoans, protists, chlorophytes, and fungi. Alpha diversity differed among sites, suggesting local habitat variation linked to differing species responses. Strong temporal variation was detected at both daily and monthly scales. Diversity and relative abundance patterns for several protist groups (including dinoflagellates, ciliates, and cryptophytes) differed from arthropods (e.g., cladocerans and copepods), a traditional focus of plankton surveys. This suggests that the protists respond to different environmental dimensions and may therefore provide additional information regarding ecosystem status. Comparison of the sequence-based population survey data to conventional-based data revealed similar trends for taxa that were ranked among the most abundant in both approaches, although some groups were missing in each data set. These results highlight the potential benefit of supplementing conventional biological survey approaches with metabarcoding to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of freshwater plankton community structure and dynamics.

Bacterial community changes in copper and PEX drinking water pipeline biofilms under extra disinfection and magnetic water treatment.

AIMS: To study the stability of biofilms and water quality in pilot scale drinking water copper and PEX pipes in changing conditions (extra disinfection, magnetic water treatment, MWT). METHODS AND RESULTS: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 16S ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA) to describe total bacterial community and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) to describe active bacterial members in addition to traditional microbiological methods were applied. Biofilms from control copper and PEX pipes shared same most abundant bacteria (Methylobacterium spp., Sphingomonas spp., Zymomonas spp.) and average species diversities (Shannon 3·8-4·2) in rDNA and rRNA libraries, whereas few of the taxa differed by their abundance such as lower total Mycobacterium spp. occurrence in copper (<0·02%) to PEX (<0·2%) pipes. Extra disinfection (total chlorine increase from c. 0·5 to 1 mg l-1 ) affected total and active population in biofilms seen as decrease in many bacterial species and diversity (Shannon 2·7, P < 0·01, rRNA) and increase in Sphingomonas spp. as compared to control samples. Furthermore, extra-disinfected copper and PEX samples formed separate clusters in unweighted non-metric multidimensional scaling plot (rRNA) similarly to MWT-treated biofilms of copper (but not PEX) pipes that instead showed higher species diversity (Shannon 4·8, P < 0·05 interaction). CONCLUSIONS: Minor chlorine dose addition increased selection pressure and many species were sensitive to chlorination. Pipe material seemed to affect mycobacteria occurrence, and bacterial communities with MWT in copper but not in PEX pipes. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study using rRNA showed that chlorination affects especially active fraction of bacterial communities. Copper and PEX differed by the occurrence of some bacterial members despite similar community profiles.

Inhibitory effect of cyanide on wastewater nitrification determined using SOUR and RNA-based gene-specific assays.

UNLABELLED: The effect of cyanide (CN(-) ) on nitrification was examined with samples from nitrifying bacterial enrichments using two different approaches: by measuring substrate (ammonia) specific oxygen uptake rates (SOUR), and by using RT-qPCR to quantify the transcripts of functional genes involved in nitrification. The nitrifying bioreactor was operated as a continuous reactor with a 24 h hydraulic retention time. The samples were exposed in batch vessels to cyanide for a period of 12 h. The concentrations of CN(-) used in the batch assays were 0·03, 0·06, 0·1 and 1·0 mg l(-1) . There was considerable decrease in SOUR with increasing dosages of CN(-) . A decrease of more than 50% in nitrification activity was observed at 0·1 mg l(-1) CN(-) . Based on the RT-qPCR data, there was notable reduction in the transcript levels of amoA and hao for increasing CN(-) dosage, which corresponded well with the ammonia oxidation activity measured via SOUR. The inhibitory effect of cyanide may be attributed to the affinity of cyanide to bind ferric haeme proteins, which disrupt protein structure and function. The correspondence between the relative expression of functional genes and SOUR shown in this study demonstrates the efficacy of RNA-based function-specific assays for better understanding of the effect of toxic compounds on nitrification activity in wastewater. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The effect of cyanide on nitrifying bacteria was characterized by measuring physiological and transcriptional response. Cyanide was inhibitory to nitrification at concentrations that may be found in industrial waste. The RNA-based function-specific assays represent a mechanistic approach for better understanding the effect of toxic compounds on nitrification activity in wastewater. Moreover, the relative abundance of RNA transcripts can be used to closely track in situ nitrifying bacterial activity which can be used to predict inhibition events, thereby providing a metric to potentially improve performance of wastewater nitrifying systems.

Changes in bacterial composition of biofilm in a metropolitan drinking water distribution system.

AIMS: This study examined the development of bacterial biofilms within a metropolitan distribution system. The distribution system is fed with different source water (i.e. groundwater, GW and surface water, SW) and undergoes different treatment processes in separate facilities. METHODS AND RESULTS: The biofilm community was characterized using 16S rRNA gene clone libraries and functional potential analysis, generated from total DNA extracted from coupons in biofilm annular reactors fed with onsite drinking water for up to 18 months. Differences in the bacterial community structure were observed between GW and SW. Representatives that explained the dissimilarity were associated with the classes Betaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Firmicutes. After 9 months the biofilm bacterial community from both GW and SW were dominated by Mycobacterium species. The distribution of the dominant operational taxonomic unit (OTU) (Mycobacterium) positively correlated with the drinking water distribution system (DWDS) temperature. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the biofilm community structure observed between GW and SW were dissimilar, while communities from different locations receiving SW did not show significant differences. The results suggest that source water and/or the water quality shaped by their respective treatment processes may play an important role in shaping the bacterial communities in the distribution system. In addition, several bacterial groups were present in all samples, suggesting that they are an integral part of the core microbiota of this DWDS. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These results provide an ecological insight into biofilm bacterial structure in chlorine-treated drinking water influenced by different water sources and their respective treatment processes.

Diversity of ribosomal 16S DNA- and RNA-based bacterial community in an office building drinking water system.

AIMS: Next-generation sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) was used to characterize water and biofilm microbiome collected from a drinking water distribution system of an office building after its first year of operation. METHODS AND RESULTS: The total bacterial community (rDNA) and active bacterial members (rRNA) sequencing databases were generated by Illumina MiSeq PE250 platform. As estimated by Chao1 index, species richness in cold water system was lower (180-260) in biofilms (Sphingomonas spp., Methylobacterium spp., Limnohabitans spp., Rhizobiales order) than in waters (250-580), (also Methylotenera spp.) (P = 0·005, n = 20). Similarly species richness (Chao1) was slightly higher (210-580) in rDNA libraries compared to rRNA libraries (150-400; P = 0·054, n = 24). Active Mycobacterium spp. was found in cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), but not in corresponding copper pipeline biofilm. Nonpathogenic Legionella spp. was found in rDNA libraries but not in rRNA libraries. CONCLUSIONS: Microbial communities differed between water and biofilms, between cold and hot water systems, locations in the building and between water rRNA and rDNA libraries, as shown by clear clusters in principal component analysis (PcoA). By using the rRNA method, we found that not all bacterial community members were active (e.g. Legionella spp.), whereas other members showed increased activity in some locations; for example, Pseudomonas spp. in hot water circulations' biofilm and order Rhizobiales and Limnohabitans spp. in stagnated locations' water and biofilm. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: rRNA-based methods may be better than rDNA-based methods for evaluating human health implications as rRNA methods can be used to describe the active bacterial fraction. This study indicates that copper as a pipeline material might have an adverse impact on the occurrence of Mycobacterium spp. The activity of Legionella spp. maybe questionable when detected solely by using DNA-based methods.

Impact of drinking water conditions and copper materials on downstream biofilm microbial communities and Legionella pneumophila colonization.

AIMS: This study examined the impact of pipe materials and introduced Legionella pneumophila on downstream Leg. pneumophila colonization and microbial community structures under conditions of low flow and low chlorine residual. METHODS AND RESULTS: CDC biofilm(™) reactors containing either unplasticized polyvinylchloride (uPVC) or copper (Cu) coupons were used to develop mature biofilms on Norprene(™) tubing effluent lines to simulate possible in-premise biofilm conditions. The microbial communities were characterized through 16S and 18S rRNA gene clone libraries and Leg. pneumophila colonization was determined via specific qPCR assays. The Cu significantly decreased downstream microbial diversity, approximately halved bacterial and eukaryotic abundance, with some groups only detected in uPVC-reactor tubing biofilms. However, some probable amoeba-resisting bacteria (ARB) like Mycobacterium spp. and Rhodobacteraceae were significantly more abundant in the Cu than uPVC-reactor tubing biofilms. In particular, Leg. pneumophila only persisted (postinoculation) within the Cu-reactor tubing biofilms, and the controlled low chlorine residue and water flow conditions led to a general high abundance of possible free-living protozoa in all tubing biofilms. The higher relative abundance of ARB-like sequences from Cu-coupons vs uPVC may have been promoted by amoebal selection and subsequent ARB protection from Cu inhibitory effects. CONCLUSIONS: Copper pipe and low flow conditions had significant impact on downstream biofilm microbial structures (on plastic pipe) and the ability for Leg. pneumophila colonization post an introduction event. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first report that compares the effects of copper and uPVC materials on downstream biofilm communities grown on a third (Norprene(™)) surface material. The downstream biofilms contained a high abundance of free-living amoebae and ARB, which may have been driven by a lack of residual disinfectant and periodic stagnant conditions. Given the prevalence of Cu-piping in buildings, there may be increased risk from drinking water exposures to ARB following growth on pipe/fixture biofilms within premise drinking water systems.

The plasma membrane Na+/Ca2+ exchange inhibitor KB-R7943 is also a potent inhibitor of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The thiourea derivative KB-R7943, originally developed as inhibitor of the plasma membrane Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger, has been shown to protect against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. We have studied here its effects on mitochondrial Ca(2+) fluxes. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: [Ca(2+)] in cytosol, mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and mitochondrial membrane potential were monitored using both luminescent (targeted aequorins) and fluorescent (fura-2, tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester) probes in HeLa cells. KEY RESULTS: KB-R7943 was also a potent inhibitor of the mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter (MCU). In permeabilized HeLa cells, KB-R7943 inhibited mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake with a Ki of 5.5+/-1.3 microM (mean+/-S.D.). In intact cells, 10 microM KB-R7943 reduced by 80% the mitochondrial [Ca(2+)] peak induced by histamine. KB-R7943 did not modify the mitochondrial membrane potential and had no effect on the mitochondrial Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger. KB-R7943 inhibited histamine-induced ER-Ca(2+) release in intact cells, but not in cells loaded with a Ca(2+)-chelator to damp cytosolic [Ca(2+)] changes. Therefore, inhibition of ER-Ca(2+)-release by KB-R7943 was probably due to the increased feedback Ca(2+)-inhibition of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors after MCU block. This mechanism also explains why KB-R7943 reversibly blocked histamine-induced cytosolic [Ca(2+)] oscillations in the same range of concentrations required to inhibit MCU. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Inhibition of MCU by KB-R7943 may contribute to its cardioprotective activity by preventing mitochondrial Ca(2+)-overload during ischemia-reperfusion. In addition, the effects of KB-R7943 on Ca(2+) homeostasis provide new evidence for the role of mitochondria modulating Ca(2+)-release and regenerative Ca(2+)-oscillations. Search for permeable and selective MCU inhibitors may yield useful pharmacological tools in the future.

Molecular characterization of bacteria inhabiting a water distribution system simulator.

The objective of this study was to monitor the impact of chlorination and chloramination treatments on heterotrophic bacteria (HB) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) inhabiting a water distribution system simulator. HB densities decreased while AOB densities increased when chloramine was added. AOB densities decreased below detection limits after the disinfection treatment was switched back to chlorination. The presence of AOB was confirmed using a group-specific 16S rDNA-PCR method. 16S rDNA sequence analysis showed that most bacterial isolates from feed water, discharge water, and biofilm samples were alpha-Proteobacteria or beta-Proteobacteria. The latter bacterial groups were also numerically dominant among the sequences recovered from water and biofilm 16S rDNA clone libraries. The relative frequency of each culturable bacterial group was different for each sample examined. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of total community 16S rDNA genes showed notable differences between the microbial community structure of biofilm samples and feed water. The results of this study suggest that disinfection treatments could influence the type of bacterial community inhabiting water distribution systems.

Introducción: Evolución del alcoholismo y su asistencia en España / Introduction: Evolution of alcoholism and its treatment in Spain

En este trabajo se hace una narración de la evolución y de los momentos epidemiológicos, conceptuales y asistenciales del alcoholismo en España en el siglo pasado y hasta la actualidad. Después de la preocupación social e higienista de principios de siglo, se describe la actividad de la Liga Española de Higiene Mental en relación con el alcoholismo, así como la integración de la atención a este problema en la organización de la asistencia psiquiátrica que se estructuró desde fines del XIX, y durante el primer tercio del XX, analizándose las realizaciones legales y asistenciales del Consejo Superior Psiquiátrico hasta la guerra civil, en relación con los alcohólicos. Se destaca el papel germinal representado por algunos dispositivos psiquiátricos en la atención específica a los pacientes alcohólicos. Se analiza la asistencia especifica para el alcoholismo desarrollada ya a partir de los años 60 por los dispensarios antialcohólicos del PANAP, así como la labor de la Comisión Interministerial para el alcoholismo y las dependencias de los años 75, y el nacimiento de sociedades científicas y asociaciones de ex-enfermos. Se analiza posteriormente el comienzo de las actividades autonómicas en relación con el alcoholismo así como la evolución de su asistencia hasta el momento actual, resaltando la heterogeneidad actual del nivel de las mismas, en las diversas autonomías. En el trabajo se describen tanto las variaciones epidemiológicas de los problemas del alcoholismo en los distintos momentos, como la asistencia y tratamientos disponibles en ellos, tanto en el sector sanitario publico como privado. Así mismo, se esbozan las concepciones teóricas subyacentes a las acciones asistenciales y las técnicas terapéuticas. Finalmente, se expone la necesidad de poner al día e integrar los recursos sanitarios y sociales hoy disponibles para afrontar los graves problemas planteados por el alcoholismo en la actualidad al mismo nivel que otros problemas análogos (AU)

In this paper we review, in a narrative way, the most important hallmarks in the concept, epidemiology, assistance, and the evolution of alcoholism in Spain from the last century to our days. We describe the activity of the Liga Española de Higiene Mental, after the social and higienist interest showed at the end of the XIX century. We describe too the integration of alcoholism care in the psychiatric assistance from the end of the XIX century to the first third of the XX century. We analyse the legal and care organisation changes supported by the Consejo Superior Psiquiátrico until the civil war in the alcoholism field. We outline the pioneer role of some psychiatric dispositives. We review the function developed, from the sixties, by the Dispensarios Antialcohólicos of the PANAP, centres devoted specifically to the treatment of alcoholism. We also review the work developed by the Interministerial Commission for alcoholism and other dependences created in 1975 as well as the creation of scientific societies and patients associations. Then we analyse the impact of regional (autonomic) activities on alcoholism care from its beginning to our days. We outline the heterogeneity in the level of alcoholism assistance in each of the regions. We describe the epidemiological changes of alcoholism problems and the therapeutic resources available, in the public and private field, in each period of time. We introduce the most important theoretical concepts which support the therapeutic techniques and the care organization. At the end we emphasize the actualisation and the integration of available sanitary and social resources to cope with the serious problems originated by alcoholism at the same level than other similar problems (AU)

Readiness to change questionnaire: reliability study of its Spanish version.

The present study explored the reliability and validity of a Spanish version of the Readiness to Change Questionnaire (RCQ) (12-item short form) as it might be used for opportunistic intervention. The test has three scales to allocate patients to a stage of change: pre-contemplation (P), contemplation (C) or action (A). The RCQ was translated and back-translated prior to pilot administration to 15 patients. From two settings (a general hospital ward and a primary health care centre), 201 patients were identified as excessive drinkers on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Patients known to be alcohol-dependent and attending for alcohol-related reasons were excluded. Patients completed the RCQ. Test-retest reliability after 2 days was assessed in 35 patients. A components analysis was performed. Patients were classified on RCQ scores to a stage of change. Two experts separately interviewed the patients and made an allocation to stage of change, blind to the RCQ score. Test-retest reliability was good (P: r = 0.81; C: r = 0.87; A: r = 0.86). Within the three scales, RCQ items showed fair consistency in terms of Cronbach's alpha (P: 0.58, C: 0.75, A: 0.80). Component analysis showed that together the scales accounted for 57. 4% of the variance. The experts agreed between themselves on patients' stage of change (weighted kappa 0.92) but much less with the stage of change according to RCQ (expert A, kappa = 0.44; expert B, kappa = 0.52). Omitting patients with low consumption did not improve internal reliability, and omitting those with low educational level who might have filled in the questionnaire wrongly did not improve internal reliability or agreement between RCQ and the experts. We conclude that the Spanish RCQ did not function efficiently in a population of opportunistically identified excessive drinkers.

Survival of Salmonella species in river water.

The survival of four Salmonella strains in river water microcosms was monitored by culturing techniques, direct counts, whole-cell hybridization, scanning electron microscopy, and resuscitation techniques via the direct viable count method and flow cytometry. Plate counts of bacteria resuspended in filtered and untreated river water decreased several orders of magnitude within the first week of incubation, while they did not decrease as rapidly in autoclaved water. In situ hybridization studies suggested a rapid decrease in ribosomal content, as determined by the drastic decrease in the number of detectable cells after 72 h. In contrast, direct counts remained relatively constant during 45 days in all microcosoms. Although the culturable counts of two bacterial strains in filtered water after 31 days represented approximately 0.001% of the total counts, direct viable counts and resuscitation studies with a dilution series suggested that the number of viable bacteria was at least four orders of magnitude higher. Additionally, notable changes in forward scatter and in nucleic acid content were observed only after 4 h of nutrient amendments by flow cytometry. However, cells from the resuscitation experiments did not grow on solid media unless cell-free supernatant from viable cultures was added during the resuscitation period. The results in this study suggest the presence of a not immediately culturable status in Salmonella.

Patients who attempted suicide and failed to attend mental health centres.

Different studies report non-attendance to treatment of between 20 to 70% of patients after a suicide attempt. However, few studies have analyzed the characteristics of this non-attending population. To determine therefore the characteristics or profile of individuals who do not attend outpatient centres to which they are referred after a suicide attempt, we performed this study. A total of 232 patients who had attended the Emergency Department of our general hospital were interviewed. Instruments used included the suicide risk scale, the violent behaviour scale, the impulsivity scale, the hopelessness scale, and the Beck's depression scale. Seventy-three percent of the sample did not attend the mental health centre to which they had been referred. In comparison to the attending group, the non-attending group had the following characteristics: unmarried, residing in an urban area, took less precautions not to be discovered, were more critical of the attempt, and the purpose of the attempt was to resolve a conflict. Our data emphasize the importance of social and interpersonal aspects in determining the nature of the psychiatric care required by these types of patients.

Microbiology of spent nuclear fuel storage basins.

Microbiological studies of spent nuclear fuel storage basins at Savannah River Site (SRS) were performed as a preliminary step to elucidate the potential for microbial-influenced corrosion (MIC) in these facilities. Total direct counts and culturable counts performed during a 2-year period indicated microbial densities of 10(4) to 10(7) cells/ml in water samples and on submerged metal coupons collected from these basins. Bacterial communities present in the basin transformed between 15% and 89% of the compounds present in Biologtrade mark plates. Additionally, the presence of several biocorrosion-relevant microbial groups (i.e., sulfate-reducing bacteria and acid-producing bacteria) was detected with commercially available test kits. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray spectra analysis of osmium tetroxide-stained coupons demonstrated the development of microbial biofilm communities on some metal coupons submerged for 3 weeks in storage basins. After 12 months, coupons were fully covered by biofilms, with some deterioration of the coupon surface evident at the microscopical level. These results suggest that, despite the oligotrophic and radiological environment of the SRS storage basins and the active water deionization treatments commonly applied to prevent electrochemical corrosion in these facilities, these conditions do not prevent microbial colonization and survival. Such microbial densities and wide diversity of carbon source utilization reflect the ability of the microbial populations to adapt to these environments. The presumptive presence of sulfate-reducing bacteria and acid-producing bacteria and the development of biofilms on submerged coupons indicated that an environment for MIC of metal components in the storage basins may occur. However, to date, there has been no indication or evidence of MIC in the basins. Basin chemistry control and corrosion surveillance programs instituted several years ago have substantially abated all corrosion mechanisms.

[Psychiatric disorders and consumption of ecstasy drug (MDMA): review of published case reports]. / Trastornos psiquiátricos y consumo de MDMA (éxtasis): revisión de casos.

BACKGROUND: Ecstasy use have raised in recent years and it have been related to psychopathological symptoms. The comsumption pattern associated with psychiatric complications is unknown. METHOD: Thirty-six case reports about psychiatric complications due to ecstasy and published from 1985 to 1997 were studied. RESULTS: The disorders with higher prevalence were psychosis (n = 21), panic attacks (n = 12) and depressive symptoms (n = 3). Seventy two per cent were substance abusers. Urinary drugs screening were present in 28%, only in two subjects might detect amphetamine. Men had higher MDMA doses compsumption and higher prevalence of background psychiatric disorders than women. Subjects with psychotic symptomatology had more psychiatric background, higher doses of MDMA comsumption and for a long time than individuals with depressive or panic attacks symptomatology. CONCLUSIONS: The review of the case reports of psychiatric complications related to ecstasy use do not allow to conclude that ecstasy use was the main responsible factor for psychiatric symptoms. They could be related to an individual vulnerability and or to lasting of comsumption.

Clinical significance of Cloninger's classification in a sample of alcoholic Spanish men.

AIMS: To evaluate Cloninger's classification in a sample of alcoholic Spanish men. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was carried out on subjects diagnosed as alcoholics. SETTING: Out-patient units specializing in the treatment of alcoholics and the psychiatry unit of a general hospital. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and ninety-eight males diagnosed as alcoholics. The mean age was 44.4 +/- 11.6 years and 98% were from urban areas. MEASUREMENTS: Participants were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R(SCID). They were classified using type 1 and type 2 criteria of Cloninger's classification. FINDINGS: Only one-third of our sample could be classified by Cloninger's type 1 and type 2 criteria. Patients classified as belonging to type 2 had an earlier onset of regular drinking compared to type 1 patients. Type 2 subjects presented a higher percentage of alcohol-related problems as well as problems related to drugs other than alcohol and they also presented a higher percentage of antisocial personality disorder. No differences in alcoholism family history were found between the groups. Criteria showing the poorest discriminative ability between both groups were "failure to keep abstinent" and "benders lasting at least two days". CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not support Cloninger's etiological hypotheses for alcoholism. Cultural differences may be responsible for the different drinking patterns observed.

Characterization of the Cricket Hindgut Microbiota with Fluorescently Labeled rRNA-Targeted Oligonucleotide Probes.

Most cricket hindgut microorganisms (60 to 80%) were detected with a universal fluorescent rRNA-targeted probe and found to be eubacteria. Group-specific probes showed that the hindguts of five different cricket species harbor similar bacterial groups, although in different proportions, and that different diets shifted the structure of the hindgut microbial community. The Bacteroides-Prevotella probe, of the eight eubacterial probes tested, stained the largest percentage of cells in all crickets.

[Carbohydrate deficient transferrin and other markers of alcohol consumption in the general hospital]. / Transferrina deficiente en carbohidratos y otros marcadores de consumo de alcohol en el hospital general.

BACKGROUND: The ascertainment of patients who consume important amounts of alcohol admitted to a hospital is essential to prevent medical and psychological complications. Carbohydrate deficient transferrin (CDT) is a new marker of alcohol consumption which requires validation in the hospital setting. METHODS: The values of carbohydrate deficient transferrin (CDT), glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), gamma glutamil transpeptidase (GGT) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were measured in 101 consecutive patients admitted to the Internal Medicine and Surgery Departments. Considering amounts higher than 60 g/day of ethanol for male patients and higher than 40 g/day for female patients as risk consumption, the values for sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve were calculated for the different biological tests. RESULTS: Twenty-six percent of patients reported a consumption of risk. The sensitivity of the tests were lower than 50% and specificities higher than 77%. CDT had the lowest sensitivity (15%) but it was very specific (98%). CDT had a better sensitivity among women than among men. None of the tests had an area under the curve with adequate efficiency levels. CONCLUSIONS: CDT among the hospitalized patients and other biological markers of alcohol consumption have a low efficiency.