Hydrocarbons removal from real marine sediments: Analysis of degradation pathways and microbial community development during bioslurry treatment

In this study, real marine sediments polluted by petroleum compounds were treated by means of a bioslurry pilot scale reactor. The treatment performance was evaluated by measuring the removal of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), coupled to further analyses required to understand the mechanisms involved in the biodegradation process. The maximum TPH-removal efficiency reached 86 % at the end of experiments. Moreover, high throughput 16S RNA gene sequencing was used to describe the microbiome composition in sediment prior to, and after, bioslurry treatment, in order to identify the taxa mostly entailed in the TPH removal process. The raw sediment was mostly colonized by members of Sulfurimonas genus; after bioslurry treatment, it was noticed a shift in the microbial community composition, with Proteobacteria phylum dominating the remediation environment (high increase in terms of growth for Hydrogenophaga and Sphingorhabdus genera) along with the Phaeodactylibacter genus (Bacteroidetes). Furthermore, the assessment of gaseous emissions from the system allowed to quantify the volatile hydrocarbon component and, consequently, to obtain a more accurate evaluation of TPH-removal pathway by the bioslurry system. Finally, phytotoxicity tests on sediment samples highlighted an increase of the treated sample quality status compared to the untreated one.

Familial clustering of unexplained heart failure - A Danish nationwide cohort study

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under acronym ESCAPE-NET, registered under grant agreement No 733381, and the European Union’s COST programme under acronym PARQ, registered under grant agreement No CA19137.

Background

Although family history of heart failure (HF) is associated with increased risk of HF, the extent to which a family history contributes to the risk of HF needs further investigation.

Purpose

To determine whether a family history of unexplained HF in first-degree relatives (children or sibling) increases the rate of unexplained HF.

Methods

Using Danish nationwide registry data (1978-2017), we identified patients (probands) diagnosed with first unexplained HF (HF without any known comorbidities) in Denmark, and their first-degree relatives. All first-degree relatives were followed from the HF date of the proband and until an event of unexplained HF, exclusion diagnosis, death, emigration, or study end, whichever occurred first. Using the general population as a reference, we calculated adjusted standardized incidence ratios (SIR) of unexplained HF in the three groups of relatives using Poisson regression models.

Results

We identified 57,845 first-degree relatives to individuals previously diagnosed with unexplained HF. Having a family history was associated with a significantly increased unexplained HF rate of 2.08 (95% CI 1.82-2.38) (Figure 1). The estimate was higher among siblings (SIR 4.82 [95% CI 3.17-7.32]). Noteworthy, the rate of HF increased for all first-degree relatives when the proband was diagnosed with HF in a young age (≤50 years, SIR of 3.60 [95% CI 2.37-5.47]) and having >1 proband (SIR of 2.73 [95% CI 1.14-6.56]). The highest estimate of HF was observed if the proband was ≤40 years at diagnosis (6.12 [95% CI 3.39-11.05]) (Figure 2).

Conclusion

A family history of unexplained HF was associated with a two-fold increased rate of unexplained HF among first-degree relatives. If the proband age was ≤40 years, the risk was six-folded. These findings suggest that screening families of unexplained HF with onset below 50 years is indicated.

Real-world experience of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone in chemotherapy-naive patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: long-term results of the prospective ABItude study

Background

Limited real-world data exist on the effectiveness and safety of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (abiraterone hereafter) in the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) naive to chemotherapy. Most of the few available studies had a retrospective design and included a small number of patients. In the interim analysis of the ABItude study, abiraterone showed good clinical effectiveness and safety profile in the chemotherapy-naive setting over a median follow-up of 18 months.

Patients and methods

We evaluated clinical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of chemotherapy-naive mCRPC patients treated with abiraterone as for clinical practice in the Italian, observational, prospective, multicentric ABItude study. mCRPC patients were enrolled at abiraterone start (February 2016-June 2017) and followed up for 3 years; clinical endpoints and PROs, including quality of life (QoL) and pain, were prospectively collected. Kaplan–Meier curves were estimated.

Results

Of the 481 patients enrolled, 454 were assessable for final study analyses. At abiraterone start, the median age was 77 years, with 58.6% elderly patients and 69% having at least one comorbidity (57.5% cardiovascular diseases). Visceral metastases were present in 8.4% of patients. Over a median follow-up of 24.8 months, median progression-free survival (any progression reported by the investigators), time to abiraterone discontinuation, and overall survival were, respectively, 17.3 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 14.1-19.4 months], 16.0 months (95% CI 13.1-18.2 months), and 37.3 months (95% CI 36.5 months-not estimable); 64.2% of patients achieved ≥50% reduction in prostate-specific antigen. QoL assessed by Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Prostate, the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level, and European Quality of Life Visual Analog Scale remained stable during treatment. Median time to pain progression according to Brief Pain Inventory data was 31.1 months (95% CI 24.8 months-not estimable). Sixty-two patients (13.1%) had at least one adverse drug reaction (ADR) and 8 (1.7%) one serious ADR.

Conclusion

With longer follow-up, abiraterone therapy remains safe, well tolerated, and active in a large unselected population.

•

A prospective real-life study of abiraterone acetate in mCRPC patients.

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In 481 chemotherapy-naive mCRPC patients (median follow-up: 25 months), abiraterone plus prednisone was effective and safe.

•

QoL, measured with various tools, remained stable during treatment with abiraterone plus prednisone.

•

The median time to pain progression was 31.1 months.

Correlations between maximum reductive dechlorination rates and specific biomass parameters in Dehalococcoides mccartyi consortia enriched on chloroethenes PCE, TCE and cis-1,2-DCE

One of the challenges to implementing the modeling of the biological reductive dechlorination (RD) process is the evaluation of biological parameters that represent the abundance/activity levels of the microorganisms involved in the biodegradation of chloroethenes. Here we report a combined analysis of kinetic and specific biomass parameters conducted on three dechlorinating consortia enriched on PCE, TCE and cis-1,2-DCE. In these consortia, Dehalococcoides mccartyi (Dhc) represented ≥70% of the bacterial population identified via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Quantitative biomolecular methods were used to generate specific biomass parameters targeting either the Dhc population (16S rRNA genes or cells) or specific genes encoding RD process-involved reductive dehalogenases. The correlation factor between the abundance of active Dhc cells or tceA gene copies and maximum RD rates allowed to predict an increment of 7E+09 of active Dhc cells or 5E+09 tceA gene copies/L under controlled conditions. Diversely, the utilization of gene transcripts as biomass parameters for RD modeling did not provide reliable correlations with kinetic performances. This study provides valuable insights for further modeling of the RD process through the utilization of specific biomass parameters.

Marine hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria breakdown poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)

Pollution of aquatic ecosystems by plastic wastes poses severe environmental and health problems and has prompted scientific investigations on the fate and factors contributing to the modification of plastics in the marine environment. Here, we investigated, by means of microcosm studies, the role of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in the degradation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), the main constituents of plastic bottles, in the marine environment. To this aim, different bacterial consortia, previously acclimated to representative hydrocarbons fractions namely, tetradecane (aliphatic fraction), diesel (mixture of hydrocarbons), and naphthalene/phenantrene (aromatic fraction), were used as inocula of microcosm experiments, in order to identify peculiar specialization in poly(ethylene terephthalate) degradation. Upon formation of a mature biofilm on the surface of poly(ethylene terephthalate) films, the bacterial biodiversity and degradation efficiency of each selected consortium was analyzed. Notably, significant differences on biofilm biodiversity were observed with distinctive hydrocarbons-degraders being enriched on poly(ethylene terephthalate) surface, such as Alcanivorax, Hyphomonas, and Cycloclasticus species. Interestingly, ATR-FTIR analyses, supported by SEM and water contact angle measurements, revealed major alterations of the surface chemistry and morphology of PET films, mainly driven by the bacterial consortia enriched on tetradecane and diesel. Distinctive signatures of microbial activity were the alteration of the FTIR spectra as a consequence of PET chain scission through the hydrolysis of the ester bond, the increased sample hydrophobicity as well as the formation of small cracks and cavities on the surface of the film. In conclusion, our study demonstrates for the first time that hydrocarbons-degrading marine bacteria have the potential to degrade poly(ethylene terephthalate), although their degradative activity could potentially trigger the formation of harmful microplastics in the marine environment.

Influence of lymph node dissection in patients undergoing radical nephrectomy for non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Whether lymph node dissection (LND) should be performed concomitantly with radical nephrectomy (RN) for non-metastatic renal carcinoma has still been controversial recently. We conducted a meta-analysis assessing oncologic outcomes of radical nephrectomy with lymph node dissection (LND) and without lymph node dissection (non-LND) in non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma (NMRCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A systematic review was performed until April 2018 using a comprehensive search in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases to identify eligible comparative studies. A formal meta-analysis was performed for studies comparing radical nephrectomy with LND and radical nephrectomy with non-LND for cT1-T4NxM0 tumors. Furthermore, a subgroup analysis for locally advanced renal cell carcinoma (cT3-T4NxM0) was conducted.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies on patients with LND and non- LND were identified and included in the analysis. LND group did not have a significantly better survival than non-LND group for cT1-T4NxM0 tumors (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.78-1.11, p=0.45), However, in the subgroup of locally advanced renal cell carcinoma (cT3-T4NxM0), it showed a significantly better OS rate in patients who had undergone LND compared to those without LND (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.60-0.90; p=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

LND offers better cancer control and better long-term survival in locally advanced renal cell carcinomas (cT3-T4NxM0). This conclusion should be confirmed by a prospective randomized clinical trial.

Prognostic and predictive factors in testicular cancer

OBJECTIVE

Testicular cancer is a relatively rare neoplasia, with an incidence of about 1,5% among male malignancies, usually in the third and fourth decade of life. Although several histological variants are known, with some histotypes affecting older patients (e.g., spermatocytic seminoma), there is a clear predominance (90-95%) of germ cell tumors among young adults patients1. Testicular Germ Cell Tumor (TGCT), undoubtedly the seminoma histological variant more than non-seminoma one, is definitely a highly curable disease, with a distinctive sensitivity to cisplatin-based therapy (and for seminomas to radiotherapy) and an outstanding cure rate of nearly 80% even for patients with advanced disease. So far, clinical and pathohistological features supported our efforts to choose the best treatment option for patients suffering from this malignancy, but we don't clearly enough know molecular and pathological features underlying different clinical behaviors, mostly in early-stage disease: by improving this knowledge, we should better "shape" therapeutic or surveillance programs for each patient, also in order to avoid unnecessary, if not harmful, treatments.

Health-related quality of life and psychosocial implications in testicular cancer survivors. A literature review

OBJECTIVE

In this review, we focused our attention on Quality of Life (QoL) of testicular cancer survivors (TCSs), in general and in the most relevant areas. Several key findings have been highlighted in our review.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases were consulted to find published studies, from 1980 to May 2017, that met our inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

The majority of studies investigated older adult TCSs, while few studies on adolescent and young adult patients were available. Many studies indicate that health-related QoL (HRQoL) is similar among the TCSs and the general population. Even if QoL deteriorates so clear at the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment, afterward returns to normal levels, as defined by the matched controls. However, there are numerous chronic conditions consequent to diagnosis and treatment of testicular cancer that plague survivors and affect QoL, like Raynaud-like phenomena, peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, anxiety, sexual, fertility and body image problems. Even if these problems can have no effects on the measures of global QoL, they have an impact on the quality of life. Differences between TCSs with and without a partner bring to different outcomes in the adjustments to cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

It is necessary to identify TCSs with higher risks of poorer QoL outcomes, to focus interventions on the areas with the greatest impairments. Further researches should consider the effects of testicular cancer on the impaired areas, collecting more data to better identify survivor's needs and consequent interventions, with a special focus on adolescent and young adult TCSs. Other works are requested on therapies, preventive and ameliorative, to reduce chronic side effects of testicular cancer treatment.

Combining electrokinetic transport and bioremediation for enhanced removal of crude oil from contaminated marine sediments: Results of a long-term, mesocosm-scale experiment

Marine sediments represent an important sink of harmful petroleum hydrocarbons after an accidental oil spill. Electrobioremediation techniques, which combine electrokinetic transport and biodegradation processes, represent an emerging technological platform for a sustainable remediation of contaminated sediments. Here, we describe the results of a long-term mesocosm-scale electrobioremediation experiment for the treatment of marine sediments contaminated by crude oil. A dimensionally stable anode and a stainless-steel mesh cathode were employed to drive seawater electrolysis at a fixed current density of 11 A/m². This approach allowed establishing conditions conducive to contaminants biodegradation, as confirmed by the enrichment of Alcanivorax borkumensis cells harboring the alkB-gene and other aerobic hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria. Oil chemistry analyses indicated that aromatic hydrocarbons were primarily removed from the sediment via electroosmosis and low molecular weight alkanes (nC₆ to nC₁₀) via biodegradation.

Biofilm growth and control in cooling water industrial systems

Matrix-embedded, surface-attached microbial communities, known as biofilms, profusely colonise industrial cooling water systems, where the availability of nutrients and organic matter favours rapid microbial proliferation and their adhesion to surfaces in the evaporative fill material, heat exchangers, water reservoir and cooling water sections and pipelines. The extensive growth of biofilms can promote micro-biofouling and microbially induced corrosion (MIC) as well as pose health problems associated with the presence of pathogens like Legionella pneumophila. This review examines critically biofilm occurrence in cooling water systems and the main factors potentially affecting biofilm growth, biodiversity and structure. A broad evaluation of the most relevant biofilm monitoring and control strategies currently used or potentially useful in cooling water systems is also provided.

Biofilm diversity, structure and matrix seasonality in a full-scale cooling tower

Biofilms commonly colonise cooling water systems, causing equipment damage and interference with the operational requirements of the systems. In this study, next-generation sequencing (NGS), catalysed reporter deposition fluorescence in situ hybridisation (CARD-FISH), lectin staining and microscopy were used to evaluate temporal dynamics in the diversity and structure of biofilms collected seasonally over one year from an open full-scale cooling tower. Water samples were analysed to evaluate the contribution of the suspended microorganisms to the biofilm composition and structure. Alphaproteobacteria dominated the biofilm communities along with Beta- and Gammaproteobacteria. The phototrophic components were mainly cyanobacteria, diatoms and green algae. Bacterial biodiversity decreased from winter to autumn, concurrently with an increase in cyanobacterial and microalgal richness. Differences in structure, spatial organisation and glycoconjugates were observed among assemblages during the year. Overall, microbial variation appeared to be mostly affected by irradiance and water temperature rather than the source of the communities. Variations in biofilms over seasons should be evaluated to develop specific control strategies.

Beyond the floor effect on the WISC-IV in individuals with Down syndrome: are there cognitive strengths and weaknesses?

BACKGROUND

Individuals with Down syndrome generally show a floor effect on Wechsler Scales that is manifested by flat profiles and with many or all of the weighted scores on the subtests equal to 1.

METHOD

The main aim of the present paper is to use the statistical Hessl method and the extended statistical method of Orsini, Pezzuti and Hulbert with a sample of individuals with Down syndrome (n = 128; 72 boys and 56 girls), to underline the variability of performance on Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition subtests and indices, highlighting any strengths and weaknesses of this population that otherwise appear to be flattened.

RESULTS

Based on results using traditional transformation of raw scores into weighted scores, a very high percentage of subtests with weighted score of 1 occurred in the Down syndrome sample, with a floor effect and without any statistically significant difference between four core Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition indices. The results, using traditional transformation, confirm a deep cognitive impairment of those with Down syndrome. Conversely, using the new statistical method, it is immediately apparent that the variability of the scores, both on subtests and indices, is wider with respect to the traditional method.

CONCLUSION

Children with Down syndrome show a greater ability in the Verbal Comprehension Index than in the Working Memory Index.

Efficacy of methanogenic biomass acclimation in mesophilic anaerobic digestion of ultrasound pretreated sludge

Methanogenic biomass plays a key role with regard to methane production during anaerobic bioconversion of organic substrates. In this study, the effect of two different acclimated inocula on digestion performances was investigated by means of anaerobic batch tests on untreated and sonicated waste-activated sludge. Organics solubilization and removal kinetics, the abundance and physiological conditions of archaeal cells on ultimate methane yield were evaluated. The simultaneous presence of Methanosarcina and Methanosaeta in the archaeal biomass, the higher initial archaeal cells relative abundance and their occurrence in the aggregated forms were the main factors positively affecting the conversion into methane. The presence of the acclimated inoculum at the start-up influenced positively the methane improvement due to sonication, and the methane-specific production increased from 0.335 ± 0.03 to 0.420 ± 0.05 Nm³/kg VS_fed. Moreover, the better physiological state of methanogens permitted to appreciate the effect of hydrolysis improvement by ultrasound pretreatment.

Unravelling the core microbiome of biofilms in cooling tower systems

In this study, next generation sequencing and catalyzed reporter deposition fluorescence in situ hybridization, combined with confocal microscopy, were used to provide insights into the biodiversity and structure of biofilms collected from four full-scale European cooling systems. Water samples were also analyzed to evaluate the impact of suspended microbes on biofilm formation. A common core microbiome, containing members of the families Sphingomonadaceae, Comamonadaceae and Hyphomicrobiaceae, was found in all four biofilms, despite the water of each coming from different sources (river and groundwater). This suggests that selection of the pioneer community was influenced by abiotic factors (temperature, pH) and tolerances to biocides. Members of the Sphingomonadaceae were assumed to play a key role in initial biofilm formation. Subsequent biofilm development was driven primarily by light availability, since biofilms were dominated by phototrophs in the two studied 'open' systems. Their interactions with other microbial populations then shaped the structure of the mature biofilm communities analyzed.

Rectal/urinary toxicity after hypofractionated vs. conventional radiotherapy in high risk prostate cancer: systematic review and meta analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our report was to review the literature concerning the toxicity of radiation therapy in patients treated for high-risk prostate cancer, and to evaluate the differences in toxicity between conventional fractionation and hypofractionated treatments, in view of different techniques used in high-risk prostate cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed database has been explored for studies concerning acute and late urinary/gastrointestinal toxicity in high-risk prostate cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. Prospective studies, concerning potential relationship between acute/late genitourinary (GU)/gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity and prostate radiotherapy in patients with high-risk prostate cancer, were included in the final analysis. Data collected from single arm, phase II non-randomized and randomized studies have been evaluated to perform odds ratio for toxicity risk. Furthermore, meta-analysis randomized prospective trials were considered suitable because they had recruited high-risk prostate cancer patients who didn't undergo surgery, with available data on ≥ G2 toxicity frequency.

RESULTS

The initial search provided 606 results, but only 35 manuscripts met all eligibility requirements and were included in this report. In order to perform odds ratio we observed a decrease in late gastrointestinal toxicity for patients treated with hypofractionated schemes compared to CV treated ones. Among patients who underwent conventional treatment, SIB seemed to decrease acute genitourinary side effects; SIB-Hypo treated patients suffered less toxicity than patients treated with hypofractionated- sequential boost schemes. Hypo-SIB schemes would seem less toxic in terms of acute gastrointestinal and late genitourinary side effects than CV-SIB. Therefore, our focus shifted to 6 clinical trials evaluating genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity in patients who had been randomized to receive conventional fractionation or hypofractionated treatment, in both cases with IMRT technology. Our meta-analysis of these randomized trials involving patients with high-risk prostate cancer showed a statistically significant increase in late genitourinary toxicity for hypo-treated patients; no difference was observed in acute genitourinary/gastrointestinal toxicity, and in late gastrointestinal toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis doesn't want to establish a definitive truth; very few trials assessed only high risk-class patients. Our purpose is to stimulate further randomized prospective trials focusing both on the effectiveness and toxicity profile (toxicity/effectiveness ratio), taking into account the use of different technologies and doses.

First evidence on the occurrence and dynamics of Dehalococcoides mccartyi PCB-dechlorinase genes in marine sediment during Aroclor1254 reductive dechlorination

The present study evaluates the PCB-dehalorespiring capabilities and dynamics of indigenous Dehalococcoides mccartyi population in a PCB contaminated marine sediment. Specialized PCB-dechlorinase genes pcbA1, pcbA4 and pcbA5 previously characterized in pure cultures of D. mccartyi, were here found for the first time in environmental samples. Reductive dechlorination was stimulated by spiking Aroclor1254 to the sediment and by imposing strictly anaerobic conditions both with and without bioaugmentation with a Dehalococcoides mccartyi enrichment culture. In line with the contaminant dechlorination kinetics, Dehalococcoides population increased during the entire incubation period showing growth yields of 4.94E+07 Dehalococcoides per μmolCl^-1 and 7.30E+05 Dehalococcoides per μmolCl^-1 in the marine sediment with and without bioaugmentation respectively. The pcbA4 and pcbA5 dechlorinase genes, and to a lesser extent pcbA1 gene, were enriched during the anaerobic incubation suggesting their role in Aroclor1254 dechlorination under salinity conditions.

Reductive dechlorination of tetrachloroethene in marine sediments: Biodiversity and dehalorespiring capabilities of the indigenous microbes

Chlorinated compounds pose environmental concerns due to their toxicity and wide distribution in several matrices. Microorganisms specialized in leading anaerobic reductive dechlorination (RD) processes, including Dehalococcoides mccartyi (Dhc), are able to reduce chlorinated compounds to harmless products or to less toxic forms. Here we report the first detailed study dealing with the RD potential of heavy polluted marine sediment by evaluating the biodegradation kinetics together with the composition, dynamics and activity of indigenous microbial population. A microcosm study was conducted under strictly anaerobic conditions on marine sediment collected near the marine coast of Sarno river mouth, one of the most polluted river in Europe. Tetrachloroethene (PCE), used as model pollutant, was completely converted to ethene within 150 days at reductive dechlorination rate equal to 0.016 meq L(-1) d(-1). Consecutive spikes of PCE allowed increasing the degradation kinetics up to 0.1 meq L(-1)d(-1) within 20 days. Strictly anaerobiosis and repeated spikes of PCE stimulated the growth of indigenous Dhc cells (growth yield of ~7.0 E + 07 Dhc cells per μM Cl(-1) released). Dhc strains carrying the reductive dehalogenase genes tceA and vcrA were detected in the original marine sediment and their number increased during the treatment as demonstrated by the high level of tceA expression at the end of the microcosm study (2.41 E + 05 tceA gene transcripts g(-1)). Notably, the structure of the microbial communities was fully described by Catalysed Reporter Deposition Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (CARD-FISH) as wells as the dynamics of the dechlorinating bacteria during the microcosms operation. Interestingly, a direct role of Dhc cells was ascertained suggesting the existence of strains adapted at salinity conditions. Additionally, non-Dhc Chloroflexi were retrieved in the original sediment and were kept stable over time suggesting their likely flanking role of the RD process.

Microbial diversity in innovative mesophilic/thermophilic temperature-phased anaerobic digestion of sludge

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is one of the few sustainable technologies that both produce energy and treat waste streams. Driven by a complex and diverse community of microbes, AD may be affected by different factors, many of which also influence the composition and activity of the microbial community. In this study, the biodiversity of microbial populations in innovative mesophilic/thermophilic temperature-phased AD of sludge was evaluated by means of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The increase of digestion temperature drastically affected the microbial composition and selected specialized biomass. Hydrogenotrophic Methanobacteriales and the protein fermentative bacterium Coprothermobacter spp. were identified in the thermophilic anaerobic biomass. Shannon-Weaver diversity (H') and evenness (E) indices were calculated using FISH data. Species richness was lower under thermophilic conditions compared with the values estimated in mesophilic samples, and it was flanked by similar trend of the evenness indicating that thermophilic communities may be therefore more susceptible to sudden changes and less prompt to adapting to operative variations.

Thermophilic anaerobic digestion of thermal pretreated sludge: role of microbial community structure and correlation with process performances

Thermal hydrolysis pretreatment coupled with Thermophilic Anaerobic Digestion (TAD) for Waste Activated Sludge (WAS) treatment is a promising combination to improve biodegradation kinetics during stabilization. However, to date there is a limited knowledge of the anaerobic biomass composition and its impact on TAD process performances. In this study, the structure and dynamics of the microbial communities selected in two semi-continuous anaerobic digesters, fed with untreated and thermal pretreated sludge, were investigated. The systems were operated for 250 days at different organic loading rate. 16S rRNA gene clonal analysis and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) analyses allowed us to identify the majority of bacterial and archaeal populations. Proteolytic Coprothermobacter spp. and hydrogenotrophic Methanothermobacter spp. living in strict syntrophic association were found to dominate in TAD process. The establishment of a syntrophic proteolytic pathway was favoured by the high temperature of the process and enhanced by the thermal pretreatment of the feeding sludge. Proteolytic activity, alone or with thermal pretreatment, occurred during TAD as proven by increasing concentration of soluble ammonia and soluble COD (sCOD) during the process. However, the availability of a readily biodegradable substrate due to pretreatment allowed to significant sCOD removals (more than 55%) corresponding to higher biogas production in the reactor fed with thermal pretreated sludge. Microbial population dynamics analysed by FISH showed that Coprothermobacter and Methanothermobacter immediately established a stable syntrophic association in the reactor fed with pretreated sludge in line with the overall improved TAD performances observed under these conditions.

Effect of preoperative chemoradiotherapy on outcome of patients with locally advanced esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma-a pilot study

BACKGROUND

To date, few studies of preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy (crt) in gastroesophageal junction (gej) cancer have been statistically powered; indeed, gej tumours have thus far been grouped with esophageal or gastric cancer in phase iii trials, thereby generating conflicting results.

METHODS

We studied 41 patients affected by locally advanced Siewert type i and ii gej adenocarcinoma who were treated with a neoadjuvant crt regimen [folfox4 (leucovorin-5-fluorouracil-oxaliplatin) for 4 cycles, and concurrent computed tomography-based three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy delivered using 5 daily fractions of 1.8 Gy per week for a total dose of 45 Gy], followed by surgery. Completeness of tumour resection (performed approximately 6 weeks after completion of crt), clinical and pathologic response rates, and safety and outcome of the treatment were the main endpoints of the study.

RESULTS

All 41 patients completed preoperative treatment. Combined therapy was well tolerated, with no treatment-related deaths. Dose reduction was necessary in 8 patients (19.5%). After crt, 78% of the patients showed a partial clinical response, 17% were stable, and 5% experienced disease progression. Pathology examination of surgical specimens demonstrated a 10% complete response rate. The median and mean survival times were 26 and 36 months respectively (95% confidence interval: 14 to 37 months and 30 to 41 months respectively). On multivariate analysis, TNM staging and clinical response were demonstrated to be the only independent variables related to long-term survival.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, preoperative chemoradiotherapy with folfox4 is feasible in locally advanced gej adenocarcinoma, but shows mild efficacy, as suggested by the low rate of pathologic complete response.

Advanced anaerobic processes to enhance waste activated sludge stabilization

The requirement for enhanced stabilization processes to obtain a more stable, pathogen-free sludge for agricultural use is an increasing challenge to comply with in the waste hierarchy. With this in mind, the Routes European project ('Novel processing routes for effective sewage sludge management') is addressed to assess innovative solutions with the aim of maximizing sludge quality and biological stability. In order to increase anaerobic stabilization performances, the sequential anerobic/aerobic process and the thermophilic digestion process, with or without integration of the thermal hydrolysis pre-treatment, were investigated as regards the effect on sludge stabilization, dewaterability and digestion performances. Thermal pre-treatment improved anaerobic digestion in terms of volatile solids reduction and biogas production, but digestate dewaterability worsened. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) quantification showed an increase of methanogens consistent with the increase of biogas produced. The aerobic post-treatment after mesophilic digestion had a beneficial effect on dewaterability and stability of the digested sludge even if was with a reduction of the potential energy recovery.

Start-up of a granular sludge sequencing batch reactor for the treatment of 2,4-dichlorophenol-contaminated wastewater

In this study, a granular sludge sequencing batch reactor (GSBR) was started-up for the biological aerobic treatment of wastewater containing highly toxic 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), in presence of readily biodegradable sodium acetate (NaAc) as the growth substrate. Different influent concentrations of NaAc (420-800 mg/L) and 2,4-DCP (0-20 mg/L), as well as different operating conditions (i.e. cycle length), were tested in order to determine the optimal strategy for successful GSBR start-up: stable granulation and complete 2,4-DCP removal were achieved only when high NaAc influent concentration and volumetric organic loading rates (800 mg/L and 1.9 kgCOD/(m(3)·d), respectively), prolonged reaction phase (cycle time of 4 hours) and gradual increase of 2,4-DCP concentration in the influent were applied, thus providing useful information for process optimization in view of future scale-up. Granules were initially colonized by fungi which progressively disappeared during the start-up process, and complete 2,4-DCP removal was mostly due to bacterial activity, in particular Betaproteobacteria, as shown by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

High frequency ultrasound pretreatment for sludge anaerobic digestion: effect on floc structure and microbial population

In this work the potential of high frequency ultrasounds as pretreatment for sludge anaerobic digestion has been assessed. Irradiation with 200kHz ultrasounds was efficient in disintegrating the floc structure increasing the available fraction of soluble organic matter (up to seven times at 25,000kJ/kgTS). Batch anaerobic digestion tests were carried out on lab-scale reactors fed either with untreated or disintegrated sludge inoculated with anaerobic sludge, at different feed/inoculum ratio (F/I=0.5 and 1). Degradation of particulate matter, biogas production and related microbial community composition (estimated by fluorescence in situ hybridization, FISH) were investigated. Sludge ultrasounds pretreatment led to an overall improvement of the digestion performances, with a maximum biogas gain of 40% at F/I=0.5. FISH showed a key-role of Methanosarcina spp. in the main reactions of biogas synthesis.

Granular biomass structure and population dynamics in Sequencing Batch Biofilter Granular Reactor (SBBGR)

The aim of this paper is to study the microbial and structural changes occurring during the transition from flocculent (used as inoculum) to biofilm and granular sludge in a Sequencing Batch Biofilter Granular Reactor (SBBGR). SBBGR is a new and promising technology characterised by low sludge production (5-6 times lower than in conventional treatment plants), high biomass concentration (up to 35 g TSS/L(bed)), high COD conversion capacity, high effluent quality and operation flexibility. Molecular in situ detection methods and microscopy staining procedures were employed in combination with the traditional measurements (i.e., oxygen uptake rate, COD removal efficiency) to evaluate the microbial activity and composition of the granular biomass. The granules structure was investigated by electron scanning microscopy, phase contrast analysis of granule sections and specific extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) stainings. Evident changes in biomass composition was observed during the shift from activated to granular sludge while a stable presence of active bacterial populations (mainly Proteobacteria) was found within mature granules.

Co-inheritance of a PKD1 mutation and homozygous PKD2 variant: a potential modifier in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which is caused by mutations in polycystins 1 (PC1) and 2 (PC2), is one of the most commonly inherited renal diseases, affecting ~1 : 1000 Caucasians.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We screened Greek ADPKD patients with the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) assay and direct sequencing.

RESULTS

We identified a patient homozygous for a nucleotide change c.1445T > G, resulting in a novel homozygous substitution of the non-polar hydrophobic phenylalanine to the polar hydrophilic cysteine in exon 6 at codon 482 (p.F482C) of the PKD2 gene and a de-novo PKD1 splice-site variant IVS21-2delAG. We did not find this PKD2 variant in a screen of 280 chromosomes of healthy subjects, supporting its pathogenicity. The proband's parents did not have the PKD1 mutation. Real-time PCR of the PKD2 transcript from a skin biopsy revealed 20-fold higher expression in the patient than in a healthy subject and was higher in the patient's peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) than in those of her heterozygote daughter and a healthy subject. The greater gene expression was also supported by Western blotting. Inner medullar collecting duct (IMCD) cells transfected with the mutant PKD2 mouse gene presented a perinuclear and diffuse cytoplasmic localization compared with the wild type ER localization. Patch-clamping of PBMCs from the p.F482C homozygous and heterozygous subjects revealed lower polycystin-2 channel function than in controls.

CONCLUSIONS

We report for the first time a patient with ADPKD who is heterozygous for a de novo PKD1 variant and homozygous for a novel PKD2 mutation.

Technological transfer to demonstrative scale of sequencing batch biofilter granular reactor (SBBGR) technology for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment

The paper reports the results of an experimental investigation aimed at transferring to demonstrative scale an innovative technology (SBBGR-Sequencing Batch Biofilter Granular Reactor) for the treatment of municipal and industrial wastewater by financial support of the EU Life programme. When this technology was applied for treating municipal wastewater, the results showed that the system was able to remove 80-90% of COD, total suspended solids and ammonia independently of the hydraulic residence time investigated (i.e., from 12 to 4 h). In the case of tannery wastewater, chosen as representative of concentrated industrial wastewater, SBBGR technology was suitable for removing 80-90% of the COD, suspended solids and ammonia content up to organic loading values of 3.5 kg COD/m3.d. During both periods, the process was characterised by a very high sludge age value (theta(c) approximately 150 d) that led to a biomass concentration as high as 35 gTSS/L(bed) and a sludge production much lower (5-6 times lower) that than commonly reported for conventional treatment plants.

Clinical and Laboratory Changes in the Uncomplicated Course of Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction: A Prospective Observational Study in 58 Patients

Knowledge of post-operative clinical and laboratory changes in the uncomplicated course of ACL reconstruction could assist orthopaedic surgeons in making a timely diagnosis of septic arthritis. A total of 58 candidates to ACL reconstruction were enrolled in this study according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. Pre- and post-operative changes on 1st, 3rd, 7th, 15th, and 30thday were collected for skin body temperature (SBT), knee pain (KP), white blood cell (WBC) count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP). Post-operative joint effusion was recorded when inhibiting quadriceps contraction. The post-operative changes were compared with baseline values at each time point in the whole sample and in the subgroups of patients receiving bone-patellar-tendon-bone (BPTP) or hamstring tendon (HT) autograft. Follow-up at six month was considered adequate to rule out surgery-related septic arthritis. Mean SBT significantly increased on 1st, 3rdand 7thpost-operative day and returned to values not differing from baseline on 15thand 30thday. Median KP was significantly elevated during the first month. Joint effusion was observed on 7thpost-operative day in 52% of patients. Mean WBC count significantly increased on 1st, 7thand 15thday while no difference from baseline was observed on 3rdand 30thday. Mean ESR was significantly elevated on 1stday, increased on 3rdday and peaked on 7thday. ESR decreased on 15thand 30thday but remained significantly higher than baseline. Mean CRP significantly increased on 1stday, peaked on 3rdday and decreased on 7thday, while levels on 15thand 30thday did not differ from baseline. The SBT, KP, WBC count, ESR and CRP changes stratified in relation to the type of autograft showed the same variation trend as in the whole sample. Close clinical surveillance may be advisable when SBT, occurrence of joint effusion and CRP levels deviate from the described reference trend two weeks after surgery.

Recommendations for locus-specific databases and their curation

Expert curation and complete collection of mutations in genes that affect human health is essential for proper genetic healthcare and research. Expert curation is given by the curators of gene-specific mutation databases or locus-specific databases (LSDBs). While there are over 700 such databases, they vary in their content, completeness, time available for curation, and the expertise of the curator. Curation and LSDBs have been discussed, written about, and protocols have been provided for over 10 years, but there have been no formal recommendations for the ideal form of these entities. This work initiates a discussion on this topic to assist future efforts in human genetics. Further discussion is welcome.

Update on autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most prevalent, potentially lethal monogenic disorder. Over the past two decades, its study has yielded remarkable progress. The mutated genes have been identified by positional cloning, the function of a novel class of conserved proteins encoded by these genes has been partially elucidated, and a neglected organelle, the primary cilium, has become the focus of investigation. The large inter- and intra-familial variability, explained to a large extent by genetic heterogeneity and modifier genes, is now better appreciated. Increased understanding of the progression of the disease and of its underlying genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms have laid the foundations for the development of potentially effective therapies and clinical trials.

Bacterial growth kinetics estimation by fluorescence in situ hybridization and spectrofluorometric quantification

AIMS

The aim of this study was to develop a specific and rapid method to identify and quantify relevant bacterial populations in mixed biomass by spectrofluorometric quantification (SQ) of whole cells hybridized with fluorescently labelled oligonucleotide probes targeting mature 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Probe targeting the precursor of rRNA synthesis was also employed because it was being suggested as more indicative of the activity state of the micro-organisms.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Original fluorescence in situ hybridization protocol was modified to be applied to liquid samples and the fluorescence emission from the Cy3-labelled cells was measured by spectrofluorometry. The method was calibrated on an exponentially growing cell suspension of Acinetobacter johnsonii and was successfully applied to generate kinetic data. No substantial difference in the estimated maximum specific growth rate (mu(max)) values was found between the SQ method and the classical method, using absorbance at 420 nm (6.2 d(-1)). The preliminary validation tests showed their direct applicability to target enriched cultures.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the validity of the SQ method to easily quantify the concentration and to determine the growth rate of specific micro-organisms present in mixed cultures.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The proposed method can be directly utilized for quantification and kinetic characterization of microbial enrichments. It has the advantage of being easily applicable using simple, inexpensive equipment suitable for routine analysis.