Effects of barium on the pathways of anaerobic digestion

The sufficient presence of trace elements (TE) is essential for anaerobic digestion. Barium (Ba) is considered a non-essential trace element that can be collaterally added to digesters as part of low-cost trace element sources or because of its presence in some feedstocks, such as crude glycerol. In the present study, the impact of Ba supplementation (2-2000 mg/L) on each stage of the anaerobic digestion (AD) process was evaluated using pure substrates (i.e., cellulose, glucose, a mixture of volatile fatty acids, sodium acetate and hydrogen) as well as a complex substrate (i.e., dried green fodder). Hydrolytic activity was affected at dosages higher than 200 mg Ba/L, whereas cellulose degradation was completely inhibited at 2000 mg Ba/L. The negative effects of the addition of Ba to methane production were observed only in the hydrolytic activity, and no effects were detected at any barium dosage in the subsequent anaerobic steps. Because Ba does not have a reported role as a cofactor of enzymes, this response could have been due to a direct inhibitory effect, a variation in the bioavailability of other trace elements, or even the availability of CO₂/SO₄ through precipitation as Ba-carbonates and sulphates. The results showed that the addition of Ba modified the chemical equilibrium of the studied system by varying the soluble concentration of some TEs and therefore their bioavailability. The highest variation was detected in the soluble concentration of zinc, which increased as the amount of Ba increased. Although little research has shown that Ba has some utility in anaerobic processes, its addition must be carefully monitored to avoid an undesirable modification of the chemical equilibrium in the system.

Cooperative role of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor and β3-adrenergic-mediated signalling on fat mass reduction through the downregulation of PKA/AKT/AMPK signalling in the adipose tissue and muscle of rats

AIM

To explore the cooperation of GLP-1 receptor and β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR)-mediated signalling in the control of fat mass/feeding behaviour by studying the effects of a combined therapy composed of the GLP-1R agonist liraglutide and the β3-AR agonist CL316243.

METHODS

The study included the analysis of key mechanisms regulating lipid/cholesterol metabolism, and thermogenesis in brown (BAT) and epididymal white (eWAT) adipose tissues, abdominal muscle and liver of male rats.

RESULTS

CL316243 (1 mg kg^-1 ) and liraglutide (100 μg kg^-1 ) co-administration over 6 days potentiated an overall negative energy balance (reduction in food intake, body weight gain, fat/non-fat mass ratio, liver fat content, and circulating levels of non-essential fatty acids, triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and leptin). These effects were accompanied by increased plasma levels of insulin and IL6. We also observed increased gene expression of uncoupling proteins regulating thermogenesis in BAT/eWAT (Ucp1) and muscle (Ucp2/3). Expression of transcription factor and enzymes involved either in de novo lipogenesis (Chrebp, Acaca, Fasn, Scd1, Insig1, Srebp1) or in fatty acid β-oxidation (Cpt1b) was enhanced in eWAT and/or muscle but decreased in BAT. Pparα and Pparγ, essentials in lipid flux/storage, were decreased in BAT/eWAT but increased in the muscle and liver. Cholesterol synthesis regulators (Insig2, Srebp2, Hmgcr) were particularly over-expressed in muscle. These GLP-1R/β3-AR-induced metabolic effects were associated with the downregulation of cAMP-dependent signalling pathways (PKA/AKT/AMPK).

CONCLUSION

Combined activation of GLP-1 and β3-ARs potentiate changes in peripheral pathways regulating lipid/cholesterol metabolism in a tissue-specific manner that favours a switch in energy availability/expenditure and may be useful for obesity treatment.

Abstract P6-10-05: UPTAKE study - Uptake of preventive surgeries among Latinas with BRCA1/2 mutations

Introduction: Germline testing for BRCA1/2 genes provides an opportunity to reduce mortality and morbidity by adopting appropriate risk reduction and screening options, in particular with risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO).There is a paucity of data on Latinas and prophylactic measures among BRCA1/2 carriers.Existing studies are limited either by the small number of Latinas, or limited to a specific geographic location.Factors related to decision making have also not been evaluated.

Methods: The UPTAKE study is an observational study of Latinas with germline BRCA1/2 mutations.Subjects were recruited nationally and, by telephone interviews, reported uptake of prophylactic surgeries (BSO, bilateral mastectomy in unaffected women, and contralateral mastectomy in carriers with breast cancer (BC)). Women with ovarian cancer were ineligible. All women had to have been informed that they carried a deleterious BRCA1/2 mutation at least 1 year prior to completing the interview. The objectives of this study are: 1)to examine the rate of uptake of prophylactic surgeries; 2)identify acculturation and attitudinal factors related to decisions made and 3)examine relationships between primary language, receipt of genetic counseling (GC) and in which language it was provided and uptake of prophylactic surgeries. We plan to enroll 100 participants.

Results: As of 6/11/2017, 86 telephone interviews have been conducted. We anticipate that all 100 interviews will be completed by July 2017. 51.2% (44/86) of participants completed the interview in Spanish. Our population was diverse in terms of country of origin: 50.0% (43/86) were born in the US, 22.1% (19/86) in Mexico, 11.6% (10/86) in Puerto Rico, 4.6% (4/86) in El Salvador, 3.5% (3/86) in Ecuador and 8.1% (7/86) in other countries of Latin America. 30% (26/86) of the participants reported an annual household income inferior to $50.000. Only 26.7% (23/86) of women reported having a graduate degree. Approximately one quarter of participants were unemployed at the time of study participation (26.7%, 23/86). 34.9% (30/86) were unaffected and 62.8% (54/86) were affected with BC. 73.3% (63/86) of participants reported having received formal GC, of which only 28.6% (18/63) was conducted in Spanish. 66.3% (57/86) of women opted to undergo BSO and 58.1% (50/86) underwent prophylactic mastectomy. Being born outside the US and currently working were associated with higher uptake of BSO. Multivariate analysis will be performed once all interviews have been completed.

Conclusions: To our knowledge this is the largest study that evaluates uptake of prophylactic measures in Latinas known to be BRCA1/2 carriers. Our study included a heterogeneous group of participants in terms of country of origin, income and level of education including English knowledge. It was conducted across various academic and community centers in the country. The uptake of prophylactic surgeries among Latinas with germline BRCA mutations seems to be slightly lower than what has been reported in non-Hispanic whites (71-74%) but higher than in African Americans (32-50%). Results and factors associated with decision making will be updated once the total number of participants is enrolled.

Citation Format: Lynce F, Serrano A, Friedman S, Nahleh Z, Dutil J, Campos C, Ricker C, Rodriguez P, Duron Y, Isaacs C, Graves K. UPTAKE study - Uptake of preventive surgeries among Latinas with BRCA1/2 mutations [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-10-05.

O porco Ribatejano: Renascimento de uma população autóctone? Primeiros dados de crescimento e de carcaça

No âmbito do projeto TREASURE e com o objectivo de avaliar o desempenho produtivo do porco Ribatejano, resultante do cruzamento entre porcos Alentejanos (AL) e Bísaros (BI), 10 machos castrados de cada um dos genótipos AL, BI, ALxBI e BIxAL, foram estudados. Os animais foram criados em sistema tradicional e alimentados com rações comerciais ad libitum, tendo sido abatidos a ~65 kg de peso vivo (PV). Os dados obtidos mostraram que os suínos BI, ALxBI e BIxAL atingiram o peso de abate mais rapidamente (P

Origin of the magnetic transition at 100 K in ε-Fe2O3 nanoparticles studied by x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy

The current study unveils the structural origin of the magnetic transition of the ε-Fe₂O₃ polymorph from an incommensurate magnetic order to a collinear ferrimagnetic state at low temperature. The high crystallinity of the samples and the absence of other iron oxide polymorphs have allowed us to carry out temperature-dependent x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy experiments out. The deformation of the structure is followed by the Debye-Waller factor for each selected Fe-O and Fe-Fe sub-shell. For nanoparticle sizes between 7 and 15 nm, the structural distortions between the Fe_te and Fe-D1_oc sites are localized in a temperature range before the magnetic transition starts. On the contrary, the inherent interaction between the other sub-shells (named Fe-O1,2 and Fe-Fe1) provokes cooperative magneto-structural changes in the same temperature range. This means that the Fe_te with Fe-D1_oc polyhedron interaction seems to be uncoupled with temperature dealing with these nanoparticle sizes wherein the structural distortions are likely moderate due to surface effects.

Risks of using EDTA as an agent for trace metals dosing in anaerobic digestion of olive mill solid waste

Low concentrations of trace elements in many organic wastes recommend their supplementation in order to avoid potential limitations. Different chelating agents have been used to ensure an adequate trace metal pool in the soluble fraction, by forming dissolved complexes. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is probably the most common, although several negative effects could be associated with its usage. Biomethane potential tests were performed using Olive Mill Solid Waste as the substrate, supplementing different combinations of Fe, Co, Ni, Ba, always under the presence of EDTA. Results show that Ni and Co slightly recovered biodegradability. However, Ba supplementation resulted in worsening the methane yield coefficient in all cases. High concentration of EDTA led to decrease in the activity of anaerobic digestion. High availability of EDTA induces the capture of trace metals like Co or Ni, key trace metals for anaerobic biomass activity. While supplementing trace metals, the addition of Ba and/or EDTA must be carefully considered.

Antiphospholipid syndrome and IgA anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies: when Cinderella becomes a princess

IgA anti-beta2-glycoprotein I (IgA-aB2GPI) antibodies are currently not included as a laboratory criterion of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). In the 13th International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies, Galveston, TX, (USA) in 2010, these antibodies were accepted as an APS laboratory criterion in patients who had clinical manifestations of APS but were negative for "consensus" antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) (IgG and IgM isotypes). Consequently, individuals with thrombotic events who are negative for consensus aPL may be undiagnosed for APS. The most recent publications have confirmed that IgA-aB2GPI antibodies are a risk factor for thrombotic events. In this viewpoint, we propose that IgA-aB2GPI antibodies should be included as an APS consensus criterion and that we have to help Cinderella become a princess.

Failure modes and effects analysis of total skin electron irradiation technique

PURPOSE

Total skin electron irradiation (TSEI) is a radiotherapy technique which consists of an homogeneous body surface irradiation by electrons. This treatment requires very strict technical and dosimetric conditions, requiring the implementation of multiple controls. Recently, the Task Group 100 report of the AAPM has recommended adapting the quality assurance program of the facility to the risks of their processes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multidisciplinary team evaluated the potential failure modes (FMs) of every process step, regardless of the management tools applied in the installation. For every FM, occurrence (O), severity (S) and detectability (D) by consensus was evaluated, which resulted in the risk priority number (RPN), which permitted the ranking of the FMs. Subsequently, all the management tools used, related to the TSEI process, were examined and the FMs were reevaluated, to analyze the effectiveness of these tools and to propose new management tools to cover the greater risk FMs.

RESULTS

361 FMs were identified, 103 of which had RPN ≥80, initially, and 41 had S ≥ 8. Taking this into account the quality management tools FMs were reevaluated and only 30 FMs had RPN ≥80. The study of these 30 FMs emphasized that the FMs that involved greater risk were related to the diffuser screen placement and the patient's position during treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The quality assurance program of the facility has been adapted to the risk of this treatment process, following the guidelines proposed by the TG-100. However, clinical experience continually reveals new FMs, so the need for periodic risk analysis is required.

Centralized management of sewage sludge and agro-industrial waste through co-composting

In this research study, the co-composting process of a waste mixture containing strawberry extrudate, fish waste, sewage sludge and bulking agent (SEFW, 190:1:22:90 ratio) was carried out in a dynamic-solid respirometer at pilot scale. The aerobic biodegradability of the mixture was previously ensured in a static-liquid respirometer. The advantages and drawbacks of the SEFW co-composting process were subsequently identified through the determination of respirometric activity and the physical-chemical characterization of the waste, as well as the monitoring of odor emissions. The evolution of the physical-chemical variables showed that pH increased slightly and that the organic matter concentration, expressed as volatile solids (VS, %) or oxidable organic carbon (C_OXC, %), decreased by around 15% in both cases and by approximately 56% in its biodegradable form (total organic carbon, TOC, %). The low odor emission rate (OER) in the least favorable scenario (the maximum odor generation) during SEFW composting was 1.59 ou_E/s, whereas this figure reached 3.52 ou_E/s when only the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) was composted. Consequently, the co-composting of SEFW is more favorable in terms of odor emission and permits the simultaneous treatment of different types of waste.

Suitability of olive oil washing water as an electron donor in a feed batch operating bio-electrochemical system

Olive oil washing water derived from the two-phase manufacturing process was assessed as an electron donor in a bio-electrochemical system (BES) operating at 35 ºC. Start-up was carried out by using acetate as a substrate for the BES, reaching a potential of around +680 mV. After day 54, BES was fed with olive oil washing water. The degradation of olive oil washing water in the BES generated a maximum voltage potential of around +520 mV and a Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal efficiency of 41%. However, subsequent loads produced a decrease in the COD removal, while current and power density diminished greatly. The deterioration of these parameters could be a consequence of the accumulation of recalcitrant or inhibitory compounds, such as phenols. These results demonstrated that the use of olive oil washing water as an electron donor in a BES is feasible, although it has to be further investigated in order to make it more suitable for a real application.

Abstract P5-11-13: Experience in the ABC Medical Center of Mexico City 2010-2015 using scalp-cooling system (DigniCap) for prevention of alopecia induced by chemotherapy

Background: Alopecia is one of the secondary side effect whit the most emotionally impact for patients undergoing chemotherapy (CTX) The DigniCap System is the first scalp cooling system use to minimize alopecia. Methods: The objetive of this study was to evaluate in a restrospective trial the efficacy of DigniCap preventing alopecia in consecutive patients treated in ABC Medical Center from December 2010 to January 2015. Patients recieve different chemotherapy regimens, with different modalities, neo , adyuvant and for metastases in first and second line, as in many clinical stages whit breast cancer (BC), were evaluated with the visual scale of Dean (score 0: 0-25%, 1: 25-50%, 2: 50-75%, 3: 75-100%) with photographs of the before and after treatment. Results: 120 pts with BC in stages I-V were treated with a taxane and antraciclins regimen of chemotherapy, 66 pts receive 12 treatment weekly of paclitaxe (T)l and 4 adriamicin/cyclophosphamida (AC) every 21 days, 28 pts 6-8 cycles every 21 days AC-Taxol, 22 pts (18%)suspended the treatment because of the loss of more than 50% of hair at the 2nd an 3rd chemotherapy cycle. 98 pts actually finished the treatment (72%). Of these, 82 pts (84%) no had or had a minimal loss of hair (Dean score 0-1), 16 pts (16%) had a 50% of hair loss (Dean score 3). 8pts recieve more than one regimen of chemotherapy. In the tracing any metastases or side effects were presented with the use of DigniCap. Conclusions: The use of DigniCap minimize alopecia in a 84%, including pts with more than one chemotherapy regimen, in a a safety level.

Citation Format: Hernandez RE, Gerson R, Olivares G, Rivera S, Serrano A, Villalobos A, Lazaro M. Experience in the ABC Medical Center of Mexico City 2010-2015 using scalp-cooling system (DigniCap) for prevention of alopecia induced by chemotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-11-13.

Study of β2-Glycoprotein I Polymorphisms in Patients With Chronic Renal Failure as a Predisposing Factor for the Development of Anti-β2-Glycoprotein I Auto-Antibodies

BACKGROUND

Immunoglobulin (Ig)A anti-β₂-glycoprotein I (aB2GP1) antibodies are associated with thrombotic events, cardiovascular morbidity, and death in dialysis patients. About 30% of patients with chronic renal disease are positive for IgA aB2GP1; however, the origin of these antibodies is unknown. It has been speculated that dialysis membranes, age, or etiology of renal base disease are possible precipitating factors, although these factors do not appear to be the source of antibodies. B2GP1 is a protein of 326 amino acids grouped into five domains. Eight polymorphisms have been described; the most important are Val/Leu²⁴⁷, which appears to predispose aB2GP1 antibody production in patients with anti-phospholipid syndrome, and Trp/Ser³¹⁶, which appears to have protective antibody production of aB2GP1.

METHODS

DNA samples from 92 patients with renal failure on hemodialysis were randomly collected with a 1:1 ratio for the positivity for IgA aB2GP1. Forty-six samples were positive for IgA aB2GP1 (group 1) and 46 negative for IgA aB2GP1 (group 2). All samples were anonymized to study polymorphism Val/Leu²⁴⁷ and polymorphism Trp/Ser³¹⁶.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed between those who were positive or negative for IgA aB2GP1 in patients with renal failure treated with hemodialysis and the polymorphism located in codons 247 and 316.

CONCLUSIONS

The two groups of patients have the same prevalence in polymorphisms 247 and 316, and therefore there appears not to be a genetic predisposition in our population. New trigger factors must be studied.

[Medical treatment of symptoms associated with double J catheters: Scientific evidence.]

Double J stents are used in Urology in an important number of pathologies. These devices contribute to solve very prevalent pathologies such as upper urinary tract lithiasis. However, there are very frequent symptoms associated with double J catheters that may produce a very important constraint on the quality of life of patients. Although theses symptoms are not severe in most cases, they require medical treatment to be solved in certain patients. Several types of drugs such as analgesics, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, anticholinergics and alpha-blockers have been used for this pathology, with variable results depending on the authors. We consider the use of certain drugs may help patients to solve the symptoms associated with double J catheters, mainly the first days after insertion. In the mid term, urinary symptoms are associated with problems related to double J catheter, so it is necessary to establish the proper measures to have this devices not loose their physical characteristics, that may condition these adverse symptoms.

Evaluation of three fully automated immunoassay systems for detection of IgA anti-beta 2-glycoprotein I antibodies

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, we have been witnessing increased clinical interest in the determination of IgA anti-beta 2-glycoprotein I (aB2GPI) antibodies as well as increased demand for this test. Some ELISA-based diagnostic systems for IgA aB2GPI antibodies detection are suboptimal to detect it. The aim of our study was to determine whether the diagnostic yield of modern detection systems based on automatic platforms to measure IgA aB2GPI is equivalent to that of the well-optimized ELISA-based assays.

METHODS

In total, 130 patients were analyzed for IgA aB2GPI by three fully automated immunoassays using an ELISA-based assay as reference. The three systems were also analyzed for IgG aB2GPI with 58 patients.

RESULTS

System 1 was able to detect IgA aB2GPI with good sensitivity and kappa index (99% and 0.72, respectively). The other two systems had also poor sensitivity (20% and 15%) and kappa index (0.10 and 0.07), respectively. On the other hand, kappa index for IgG aB2GPI was >0.89 in the three systems.

CONCLUSION

Some analytical methods to detect IgA aB2GPI are suboptimal as well as some ELISA-based diagnostic systems. It is important that the scientific community work to standardize analytical methods to determine IgA aB2GPI antibodies.

Analysis of uni and bi-parental markers in mixture samples: Lessons from the 22nd GHEP-ISFG Intercomparison Exercise

Since 1992, the Spanish and Portuguese-Speaking Working Group of the ISFG (GHEP-ISFG) has been organizing annual Intercomparison Exercises (IEs) coordinated by the Quality Service at the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences (INTCF) from Madrid, aiming to provide proficiency tests for forensic DNA laboratories. Each annual exercise comprises a Basic (recently accredited under ISO/IEC 17043: 2010) and an Advanced Level, both including a kinship and a forensic module. Here, we show the results for both autosomal and sex-chromosomal STRs, and for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in two samples included in the forensic modules, namely a mixture 2:1 (v/v) saliva/blood (M4) and a mixture 4:1 (v/v) saliva/semen (M8) out of the five items provided in the 2014 GHEP-ISFG IE. Discrepancies, other than typos or nomenclature errors (over the total allele calls), represented 6.5% (M4) and 4.7% (M8) for autosomal STRs, 15.4% (M4) and 7.8% (M8) for X-STRs, and 1.2% (M4) and 0.0% (M8) for Y-STRs. Drop-out and drop-in alleles were the main cause of errors, with laboratories using different criteria regarding inclusion of minor peaks and stutter bands. Commonly used commercial kits yielded different results for a micro-variant detected at locus D12S391. In addition, the analysis of electropherograms revealed that the proportions of the contributors detected in the mixtures varied among the participants. In regards to mtDNA analysis, besides important discrepancies in reporting heteroplasmies, there was no agreement for the results of sample M4. Thus, while some laboratories documented a single control region haplotype, a few reported unexpected profiles (suggesting contamination problems). For M8, most laboratories detected only the haplotype corresponding to the saliva. Although the GHEP-ISFG has already a large experience in IEs, the present multi-centric study revealed challenges that still exist related to DNA mixtures interpretation. Overall, the results emphasize the need for further research and training actions in order to improve the analysis of mixtures among the forensic practitioners.