Description of four new filamentous cyanobacterial taxa from freshwater habitats in the Azores Archipelago

Simple filamentous cyanobacteria comprise a diverse and polyphyletic group of species, primarily in the orders Leptolyngbyales and Oscillatoriales, that need more sampling to improve their taxonomy. Oceanic islands, such as the Azores archipelago, present unique habitats and biogeographic conditions that harbor an unknown range of diversity of microorganisms. Filamentous cyanobacteria isolated from aquatic habitats in the Azores and maintained in the BACA culture collection were described using morphology, both light and transmission electron microscopy, ecology, and genetic data of the 16S rRNA gene sequences and 16S-23S Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) rRNA region secondary structure. Our analyses revealed two new monophyletic genera: Tumidithrix elongata gen. sp. nov. (Pseudanabaenaceae) and Radiculonema aquaticum gen. sp. nov. (Leptolyngbyaceae). In addition, two new species Leptodesmis lacustris sp. nov. (Leptolyngbyaceae) and Pycnacronema lacustrum sp. nov. (Wilmottiaceae) are reported as the first aquatic species for these genera. The description of these new taxa and the genetic study of an isolate of Leptodesmis alaskaensis from the Azores followed the polyphasic approach, identifying diacritical features. Our results reinforce the need for taxonomic studies on cyanobacteria from less-studied habits and geographic regions, which have a potential for new taxa description.

Distribution and diversity of cyanobacteria in the Azores Archipelago: An annotated checklist

Background

Knowledge about cyanobacteria diversity in the Azores is spread over several publications, dating from 1874, with some of them not generally available to the scientific community due to their restricted access. The dispersion and sometimes inaccessibility of this information hinder a deeper analysis and a better understanding of the biodiversity of the Azores Islands and more general ecological processes in oceanic islands. Here we present the first checklist of cyanobacteria for the Azores Archipelago with updated taxonomy of all recorded taxa.

New information

This work provides a compiled and annotated checklist of all known cyanobacteria from the Azores Archipelago with morphological identification from preserved samples and cultures, based on published literature. All records of taxa known to occur in the Azores were taxonomically updated. The present checklist comprises 225 taxa distributed by six orders (Chroococcales, Nostocales, Oscillatoriales, Pleurocapsales, Spirulinales and Synechococcales). Our literature review reveals that the Azores Archipelago hosts a high diversity of cyanobacteria, despite several overlooked habitats that may present great potential regarding cyanobacteria diversity. Increasing efforts to study these neglected habitats could contribute to the knowledge of cyanobacteria taxonomy. This checklist provides the basis for future works on the taxonomy and taxa richness of cyanobacteria in the Azores and the Atlantic Islands, as also for understanding and monitoring non-indigenous and invasive species.

Finishing season and feeding resources influence the quality of products from extensive-system Gascon pigs. Part 2: muscle traits and sensory quality of dry-cured ham

The quality of pork products from local breeds in extensive systems depends, among other things, on pig production. In particular, the variability in climatic conditions and feeding resources may influence the properties of tissues at slaughter and the quality of pork and processed products. The present study (part 2) was part of a larger project that assessed the influence of the finishing season and feeding resources on carcass and tissue traits and the quality of meat and dry-cured ham from Gascon pigs in an extensive system. Following the specifications of the Protected Designation of Origin "Noir de Bigorre", castrated Gascon males were reared on rangelands (grassland and forest areas) and received a supplementary diet from 5 to 6 months of age until slaughter at a minimum of 12 months and ca. 170 kg BW. Three finishing seasons were considered: Winter (n = 18), Spring (n = 22) and Autumn (n = 23). To estimate the specific effects of season on quality traits and avoid bias due to effects of genes known to influence these traits, polymorphisms in the RYR1, PRKAG3, MC4R and LEPR genes were included in the analysis models. Compared to Winter pigs, Spring and Autumn pigs had higher ultimate pH in the semimembranosus and gluteus medius (GM) muscles, lower meat lightness (P < 0.05) and tended to have higher GM intramuscular fat (IMF) content (P < 0.10). They also had higher GM contents of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (FAs) than Winter pigs (P < 0.05). Spring pigs had the lowest n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated FA ratio and the highest GM α-tocopherol content (P < 0.001), indicating pig grazing. The finishing season did not influence the processing yield of dry-cured hams (24-month process). Within each seasonal group, ten hams selected for genetic variability and IMF content were analyzed by a trained sensory panel. The season did not modify the appearance or odor, but influenced texture and taste. Hams from Winter and Spring pigs had higher tenderness and melting fat scores than hams from Autumn pigs (P < 0.01). Hams from Spring pigs had higher taste intensity and salty taste (P < 0.01) but lower positive tastes (e.g. fruits, forest) than hams from the other groups. Overall, finishing season had moderate effects on ham sensory traits. Furthermore, our results reveal high redness, tenderness, taste and odor intensity, and low rancid flavor of hams from Gascon pigs produced in an extensive system.

Finishing season and feeding resources influence the quality of products from extensive-system Gascon pigs. Part 1: Carcass traits and quality of fresh loin

Consumers perceive pork products from local breeds reared in extensive systems positively because of their specific quality properties and regional identity. The sensory, nutritional and technological qualities of these products depend, among other things, on pig production, especially its climatic conditions and the availability of feed resources, which can influence traits of muscle and fat tissue. The present study (part 1) was part of a larger project that assessed the influence of the finishing season and feeding resources on carcass and tissue traits and the quality of meat and dry-cured ham from Gascon pigs in an extensive system. Following the specifications of the Protected Designation of Origin "Noir de Bigorre", castrated Gascon males were reared on rangelands (grassland and forest areas) and received a supplementary diet from 5 to 6 months of age until slaughter at a minimum of 12 months of age and ca. 170 kg live weight. Three finishing seasons were considered as follows: Winter (n = 18), Spring (n = 22) and Autumn (n = 23). To estimate specific effects of season on productive and quality traits and avoid bias due to effects of genes known to influence these traits, polymorphisms in the RYR1, PRKAG3, MC4R and LEPR genes were included in the analysis models. The finishing season did not influence growth rate. Compared to Winter pigs, Spring and Autumn pigs had slightly lower carcass fatness (P < 0.05), higher ultimate pH and redder and darker color of the Longissimus muscle (LM) (P < 0.01). Loin drip loss was low overall, but was higher for Spring pigs, whereas cooking loss and shear force were similar among seasons. Spring pigs tended to have the lowest LM lipid content, whereas LM myoglobin content remained unaffected. Autumn pigs had lower potential of lipid oxidation in LM than Winter and Spring pigs (P < 0.01), but muscle metabolic traits assessed via glycolytic and oxidative enzyme activities did not differ among seasons. The finishing season modified the backfat fatty acid (FA) profile, with a lower polyunsaturated FA percentage in Autumn pigs than Winter or Spring pigs (P < 0.001), even though the saturated and monounsaturated FA percentages did not differ. In particular, Spring pigs had the lowest n-6:n-3 and C18:2:C18:3 ratios (P < 0.001), as a result of grazing. Overall, Spring and Autumn finishing seasons seem more favorable to technological and sensory pork attributes, with an additional positive effect of Spring finishing on pork nutritional value.

Cyanotoxin Screening in BACA Culture Collection: Identification of New Cylindrospermopsin Producing Cyanobacteria

Microcystins (MCs), Saxitoxins (STXs), and Cylindrospermopsins (CYNs) are some of the more well-known cyanotoxins. Taking into consideration the impacts of cyanotoxins, many studies have focused on the identification of unknown cyanotoxin(s)-producing strains. This study aimed to screen strains from the Azorean Bank of Algae and Cyanobacteria (BACA) for MCs, STX, and CYN production. A total of 157 strains were searched for mcy, sxt, and cyr producing genes by PCR, toxin identification by ESI-LC-MS/MS, and cyanotoxin-producing strains morphological identification and confirmation by 16S rRNA phylogenetic analysis. Cyanotoxin-producing genes were amplified in 13 strains and four were confirmed as toxin producers by ESI-LC-MS/MS. As expected Aphanizomenon gracile BACA0041 was confirmed as an STX producer, with amplification of genes sxtA, sxtG, sxtH, and sxtI, and Microcystis aeruginosa BACA0148 as an MC-LR producer, with amplification of genes mcyC, mcyD, mcyE, and mcyG. Two nostocalean strains, BACA0025 and BACA0031, were positive for both cyrB and cyrC genes and ESI-LC-MS/MS confirmed CYN production. Although these strains morphologically resemble Sphaerospermopsis, the 16S rRNA phylogenetic analysis reveals that they probably belong to a new genus.

Cyanobacteria from freshwater lakes in the Azores archipelago, Portugal: data from long term phytoplankton monitoring

BACKGROUND

The Azores are oceanic islands located in the Northern Atlantic Ocean and are particularly rich in aquatic systems, ranging from freshwater, brackish, marine and thermal habitats. Due to the increase in local anthropogenic pressures and global warming, several azorean lakes began to reveal signs of eutrophication that led to the implementation of monitoring programmes and management strategies on the most impacted lakes. Later, the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) demanded the establishment of biomonitoring programmes for European freshwater ecosystems and the limited Azorean monitoring programmes were extended to a larger set of lakes. Since the establishment of the aquatic systems monitoring programme in the Azores archipelago, lakes have been regularly sampled, producing innumerous unpublished records of cyanobacteria that are difficult to access.

NEW INFORMATION

Here we present the occurrences of cyanobacteria in Azorean lakes that result from 22 years of phytoplankton monitoring in a total of 1948 cyanobacteria occurrences from 968 phytoplankton sampling events on Azorean lakes done between 1996 and 2018 as part of regional inland aquatic ecosystems monitoring programmes. Forty two cyanobacteria taxa were identified in those events, 28 species and 14 at genus level. This information is crucial for conservation, biodiversity studies and lake management, as some of the cyanobacteria species present are bloom-forming and have the ability to produce toxins. This will also allow for the identification of invasive species and possible targeted control and mitigation programmes, according to the species present in the Azorean lakes.

Effect of ventilation strategies and air purifiers on the children's exposure to airborne particles and gaseous pollutants in school gyms

Indoor school gyms are environments characterized by high concentrations of different airborne particulate and gaseous pollutants. In particular, like other naturally-ventilated school environments, in addition to indoor pollutants children can be exposed to sub-micron particles and gaseous pollutants emitted by outdoor sources and penetrating the building envelope; moreover, high concentrations of super-micron particles can be reached due to the resuspension phenomena related to the physical activity performed therein. The present paper aims to evaluate the effect of different ventilation methods (natural ventilation, manual airing) and the use of air purifiers in reducing the indoor concentrations of different airborne particles and gaseous pollutants in school gyms. To this end, an experimental campaign was performed in two naturally-ventilated school gyms in Barcelona (Spain) of different volumes and different distance to major urban roads. Indoor and outdoor measurements of particle number, black carbon and PM_1-10 concentrations were performed as well as indoor measurements of CO₂ and NO₂ concentrations. The study revealed that the use of air purifiers with windows kept closed (natural ventilation) can lead to a significant reduction in terms of indoor-to-outdoor concentration ratios. In the smaller gym (air changes per hour of the purifiers, ACH, equal to 9.2 h^-1) the I/O ratios were reduced by 93% and 95% in terms of particle number and PM_1-10, respectively; whereas in the larger school gym (ACH = 1.7 h^-1) the corresponding reductions were 70% and 84%. For manual airing scenarios, the effect of the air purifiers on outdoor-generated sub-micron particles is reduced; in particular, for low ACH values (i.e. ACH = 1.7 h^-1), the reduction is quite negligible (6%).

Role of fetal intertwin difference in middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity in predicting neonatal twin anemia-polycythemia sequence

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the relationship between the fetal intertwin difference in middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) and intertwin difference in hemoglobin (Hb) concentration at birth in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies in order to assess its potential role in the prediction of twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of MCDA twin pregnancies delivered between January 2012 and January 2018. All pregnancies with measurements of MCA-PSV within 7 days prior to delivery and in which neonatal Hb concentration was available were included. The correlation between fetal intertwin difference in MCA-PSV, expressed in multiples of the median (MoM), and neonatal intertwin difference in Hb concentration was investigated. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the performance of fetal intertwin difference in MCA-PSV for predicting intertwin difference in Hb > 90^th centile at birth.

RESULTS

A total of 154 out of 256 MC twin pregnancies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Fetal intertwin difference in MCA-PSV MoM correlated positively with neonatal intertwin difference in Hb concentration (r = 0.79; P < 0.001). The 90^th centile for intertwin difference in Hb was 7.25 g/dL. There were 15 (9.7%) cases with a Hb difference ≥ 7.25 g/dL at birth. ROC curve analysis showed a high accuracy of fetal intertwin MCA-PSV MoM difference for the prediction of neonatal intertwin Hb difference ≥ 7.25 g/dL at birth (area under the ROC curve, 0.976 (95% CI, 0.935-0.993); P = 0.012). The optimal cut-off for intertwin MCA-PSV MoM difference was 0.373, with a sensitivity of 93.3% (95% CI, 68.1-99.8%) and a specificity of 95.7% (95% CI, 90.8-98.4%). The positive predictive value was 70% (95% CI, 45.7-88.1%) and the negative predictive value was 99.3% (95% CI, 95.9-100%).

CONCLUSION

Our findings show that fetal intertwin MCA-PSV MoM difference is a good predictor of neonatal intertwin Hb concentration difference > 90^th centile and potentially of TAPS. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Abstract P1-11-17: Effects of depression, anxiety, and sexual functioning on quality of life among young breast cancer patients in Mexico

Background: Despite the disproportionately high-rates of breast cancer (BC) in young women in Mexico, cancer-control efforts have been predominantly aimed at improving oncological treatment, bypassing survivorship issues and supportive care for this group. The “Joven & Fuerte” cohort, the first supportive care and research program for young BC patients in Latin America, aims to describe and assess the burden of BC in young Mexican women. In this study, we focused on evaluating the association between quality of life (QoL) and anxiety, depression, and sexual functioning in young women with BC (≤ 40 years).

Methods: This study included non-metastatic and non-recurrent patients belonging to the cohort's pilot phase. QoL was assessed with the EORTC QLQ-C30 global score. Patients were classified in the domains of anxiety and depression with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) as either probable case, doubtful case, or not a case. Sexual functioning was assessed with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the sexual functioning and enjoyment domains of the EORTC QLQ-BR23. Assessments were performed at baseline, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Pearson chi-square and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for analysis. Nominal unadjusted significance is reported with p&lt;0.05.

Results: 73 out of 96 (76%) pilot phase patients met the inclusion criteria and had complete assessments up to 2 years follow-up. Global QoL was significantly worse for cases with anxiety and depression at baseline (means for non-cases, doubtful cases and cases, respectively: for anxiety, 81.09, 69.54, and 61.54, p&lt;.001; and for depression, 75.63, 64.17, and 55.00, p=0.01) and depression at 6 months (76.55, 66.67, and 35.42, respectively, p&lt;.001). Classification of case level anxiety was associated with FSFI morbidity during the first year (baseline, p=0.03; 6 months, p=0.09; 1 year, p=0.04). There was no significant association between case level depression and FSFI morbidity in the first 2 years. Neither anxiety nor depression was generally associated with significantly different BR23 sexual functioning or sexual enjoyment; however, a sporadic association was observed between anxiety and BR23 sexual functioning at 6 months (p=0.04).

Conclusion: This study confirmed an association between anxiety and/or depression and worse QoL at diagnosis of BC and after 6 months. Additionally, worse sexual function was significantly associated with the classification of case level anxiety. These findings support the current recommendation that physicians should regularly assess patients' psychosocial health and sexual functioning and provide prompt referral to corresponding supportive care services. Additional efforts must be conducted in low-resource settings, where sexual health and psychosocial care are not considered routine cancer treatment. Dedicated programs that promote multidisciplinary and supportive care services, such as “Joven & Fuerte”, should be incorporated into institutional health-care protocols to systematically address patients' emerging needs and improve QoL.

Citation Format: Villarreal-Garza C, Platas A, Miaja M, Lopez-Martinez EA, Muñoz-Lozano JF, Fonseca A, Pineda C, Barragan-Carrillo R, Martinez-Cannon BA, Chapman J-AW, Goss PE, Bargallo-Rocha JE, Mohar A, Castro-Sanchez A. Effects of depression, anxiety, and sexual functioning on quality of life among young breast cancer patients in Mexico [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-11-17.

Clinicopathological Characteristics and Outcomes of the Ongoing “Joven & Fuerte” Cohort of Young Women With Breast Cancer in Mexico

Background: Despite high rates of breast cancer (BC) in young women from low and middle income countries, their needs and concerns are not systematically studied or addressed. Understanding the characteristics of young women with BC in limited-resource settings and the issues they face is of great relevance to the medical community, to tailor clinical interventions and supportive care for this unique and understudied patient population. The Mexican cohort Joven & Fuerte has the goal of comprehensively characterizing and assessing the needs of YWBC in Mexico using patient- and physician-based surveys. Aim: The Mexican cohort Joven & Fuerte has the goal of comprehensively characterizing and assessing the needs of YWBC in Mexico using patient- and physician-based surveys. Methods: A prospective cohort of newly diagnosed YWBC was established at the three Joven & Fuerte sites. Eligible women answer electronic surveys on relevant topics, such as sociodemographic characteristics, fertility, genetics, and psychosocial needs, among others, while clinicians complete prespecified surveys registering clinicopathologic features and outcomes. Patients are evaluated at diagnosis, after 6 months, and annually for 5 years. Substudies assessing changes in cognition, sexual function and satisfaction, quality of life, and depression/anxiety are being carried out, and biologic samples are obtained and stored frozen for future research. Here, we report the baseline clinicopathological characteristics of patients included up to March 2018, as well as data on recurrence and mortality. Results: To date, 276 young women with BC with median age at diagnosis of 36 years (2140 y) have been accrued. 22% were single and 23%, childless. 42% had higher education and 31% were used. 80% presented with a self-detected mass. Clinical stage at diagnosis was distributed as follows: stage 0: 3%, I: 11%, IIA: 26%, IIB: 18%, III: 36%, and stage IV: 8%. The most frequent subtype was hormone-receptor (HR) pos/HER2 neg (52%), followed by triple neg (23%), HER2 pos/HR pos (17%) and HER2 pos/HR neg (8%). Histologic grade distribution among the patients was as follows: low grade (16%), intermediate grade (18%), and high grade (66%). Up to June 2017, 15 patients out of 120 (12.5%) have developed distant recurrences, and 12 patients (10%) have died as a consequence of breast cancer. With a median follow-up of 19 months, breast cancer free survival and overall survival was 87.7% and 89.9%, respectively. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this represents the first prospective cohort of young women with BC in Latin America. We are expanding this project to other centers in the region. Our findings will help develop culturally tailored interventions aimed at improving the medical and psychosocial outcomes of this vulnerable patient population.

Abstract P6-08-24: Reproductive status and clinical pathological characteristics of young women diagnosed with breast cancer in Latin America: LACOG 0414 study

BACKGROUND

Approximately 7% of women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) are under 40 years old. Chemotherapy may adversely affect ovarian function therefore fertility is an issue to be addressed for these patients. Patients with cancer in Latin America have limited access to fertility preservation. However age at first birth in women from Latin America is lower than in developed country and the needs of fertility preservation may be different from developed countries. The aim of the present study was to describe the reproductive status and clinical pathological features of young women diagnosed with BC in Latin America.

METHODS

LACOG 0414 is a prospective registry in Latin America which included young patients with &lt; 40 years old with diagnosis of BC and indication of (neo) adjuvant chemotherapy. Demographic data, reproductive status and clinical pathological information were retrieved from patients` medical charts. This study was approved by local ethics committees and regulatory authorities.

RESULTS

A total of 343 patients (pts) from 19 different sites distributed in 4 Latin American countries were included: Brasil (N=132 pts), Mexico (N=112 pts), Peru (N=83 pts) and Cuba (N=16 pts). The mean age at BC diagnosis was 34.02 (±4.17) years (14% had &lt; 30 years, 41% had 30-35 years and 44% had 36-40 years). From all included patients, 245 (71.42%) already had children at the time of BC diagnosis. From those the median number of children per women was 2 (range 1–6). The probability of having children at the time of diagnosis was significantly higher with increased age, being as high as 80% in those aged between 36 and 40 years old. There was no difference in terms of having a child at BC diagnosis within the 4 countries, by stage at diagnosis or per breast cancer subtypes.

In terms of educational level, approximately 8% of patients were Illiterate and only 40% had university degree. Stages at BC diagnosis were the following: 12% stage I, 49% stage II, 35% stage III and 3% stage IV. The distribution of BC subtypes was: luminal 48%, HER2-positive 29% and triple negative 23%.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first study describing reproductive status of young patients diagnosed with BC in Latin America. Despite the lack of access to fertility preservation programs in the region, we found that a high number of patients had children at diagnosis of BC. Considering the high prevalence of advanced disease and aggressive subtypes the socioeconomic impact of young BC patients in Latin America needs to be addressed.

Citation Format: Werutsky G, Villarreal-Garza C, Morante Cruz ZD, Debiasi M, Zaffaroni F, Fonseca A, Castro-Sánchez A, Platas A, Gómez Moreno H, Bretel D, Ortiz RM, Reinert T, Dybal V, Liedke P, Barrios C. Reproductive status and clinical pathological characteristics of young women diagnosed with breast cancer in Latin America: LACOG 0414 study [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 P6-08-24.

Abstract P4-10-09: Delay in diagnosis of breast cancer in Mexican young women: Report of the “Joven y Fuerte” prospective cohort pilot phase

Background: Delay in diagnosis and treatment initiation of breast cancer (BC) has been associated with advanced stages and poor outcome. In developed countries, age has not been solely reported as an independent predictor of diagnosis delay. In Mexico, median time since tumor detection to treatment initiation is about 7 months, but young women are underrepresented in these studies. We aim to describe time intervals related to diagnosis in Mexican young women with BC (YWBC).

Methods: Newly diagnosed YWBC were invited to participate as part of this prospective cohort. Patient accrual began in November 2014 at two public cancer centers in Mexico. Patients completed self-report surveys including questions regarding mode of detection, time from first symptom to medical appointment (patient interval) and time from first symptom to diagnosis (total interval). Pearson chi-square tests were used to examine the effects of patient and clinical characteristics on patient interval and clinical stage.

Results: 96 YWBC with median age at diagnosis of 35 y (range 21-40) were enrolled in our pilot phase. 82.3% had tumor detected by self or partner. 62.5% of YWBC were diagnosed as locally advanced disease (IIB-IIIC). Median tumor size was 3.5 cm (0.5-12.0), with node involvement in 66.7%. 53.1% of YWBC had a patient interval of &lt;6 months, but roughly 27.1% had a total interval &lt;6 months. While only 13.5% had a patient interval &gt;12 months, 39.6% reached a total interval &gt;12 months. Patient interval and clinical stage were not significantly associated with occupation, education, marital status, current partner or method of detection.

 N(%)TimePatient intervalTotal interval&lt;1 month29 (30.2)7 (7.3)1-3 months18 (18.8)9 (9.4)4-6 months4 (4.2)10 (10.4)7-12 months10 (10.4)24 (25.0)&gt;12 months13 (13.5)38 (39.6)No symptoms0 (0.0)3 (3.1)NA22 (22.9)5 (5.2)Method of Detection Patient/Partner detected tumor79 (82.3)Clinical detection0 (0.0)Image detected9 (94)NA8 (8.3)Clinical stage 02 (2.1)IA13 (13.5)IB1 (1.0)IIA14 (14.6)IIB17 (17.7)IIIA28 (29.2)IIIB8 (8.3)IIIC7 (7.3)IV6 (6.2)

Conclusions: In this cohort, most patients had a greater total delay than previously reported in Mexico, possibly attributed to long health-system intervals, which could contribute to worse outcomes in YWBC. The prospective nature of this study allows the recollection of biologic characteristics, treatment scheme and adherence to treatment, to determine their impact on clinical outcome besides diagnosis delay. “Joven & Fuerte”, the first dedicated program for the care of young breast cancer patients in Latin America, aims to develop YWBC-tailored interventions to early diagnose or “downstage” BC among young women by endorsing patient navigation, increasing general population awareness and improving providers' knowledge in low-middle income countries, such as Mexico.

Citation Format: Castro-Sanchez A, Barragan-Carrillo R, Miaja M, Platas A, Martinez Cannon BA, Fonseca A, Vega Y, Bukowski A, Chapman J-A, Goss P, St. Louis J, Bargallo-Rocha JE, Mohar A, Peña-Curiel O, Villarreal-Garza CM. Delay in diagnosis of breast cancer in Mexican young women: Report of the “Joven y Fuerte” prospective cohort pilot phase [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 P4-10-09.

Analyse de Cycle de Vie des systèmes de production de la filière Noir de Bigorre

Les systèmes de production porc plein air reposant sur des races autochtones doivent répondre à des enjeux environnementaux et socio-économiques. Ils fournissent des produits à haute valeur ajoutée et reposent principalement sur des ressources alimentaires locales. Dans le projet européen TREASURE, nous avons mis en œuvre une Analyse de Cycle de Vie (ACV) des élevages appartenant à la filière Noir de Bigorre (NDB) localisée dans le Sud-Ouest de la France. Les impacts environnementaux ont été calculés en sortie de ferme et exprimés par kg de porc vif et par ha de terres occupé. A partir d’enquêtes dans 25 élevages et des données collectées pas la filière, nous avons estimé les flux et poids vifs moyens des animaux produits ainsi que les quantités moyennes d’aliments distribuées. Les formules des aliments achetés ont été collectées auprès des fabricants d’aliments. Les impacts potentiels sur le Changement Climatique (CC), l’Acidification (AC), l’Eutrophisation (EU), la Demande Cumulée en Energie (CED) et l’Occupation des Terres (LO) par kg de porc étaient dans la gamme des systèmes traditionnels précédemment étudiés. L’impact CC par kg était élevé en raison d’une quantité supérieure d’aliment nécessaire pour atteindre le poids d’abattage. Les impacts AC et EU par ha étaient relativement faibles. Les systèmes NDB ont des impacts typiques des systèmes extensifs et plein air porcins. Des études complémentaires dans le projet européen TREASURE permettront d’éclairer les dimensions économique et sociale de la durabilité de ces systèmes.

Abstract P4-20-04: Young women with breast cancer in Mexico: A report of the pilot phase of the “Mujer Joven y Fuerte” prospective cohort

Background: Despite high rates of breast cancer in young women from low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), their needs and concerns are not systematically studied or addressed. Understanding the characteristics of young women with breast cancer (YWBC) and the issues they face is of great relevance to the medical community, in order to tailor clinical interventions and supportive care for this unique and understudied patient population. The Mexican cohort “Mujer Joven y Fuerte” (Young and Strong Woman) has the goal of comprehensively characterizing and assessing the needs of YWBC in Mexico using patient- and physician-based surveys. Methods: A prospective cohort of newly diagnosed YWBC was established in November 2014 at two Mexican cancer centers in Mexico City and Monterrey. Eligible women answer web-based surveys on relevant topics including physical activity, genetics, psychosocial needs, and fertility. Clinicians complete pre-specified surveys using the US NIH BOLD Task Force common data elements registering clinical/pathologic characteristics and outcomes. Patients are evaluated at diagnosis, after 6 months, and annually for 5 years. Sub-studies assessing changes in cognition, sexual function and satisfaction, quality of life and depression/anxiety are being conducted, and biologic samples are stored for future research. Results: 96 YWBC with median age at diagnosis of 34 (21-41 y) were accrued to our pilot phase. 26% were single and 25% childless. 43% had higher education and 28% were employed. 90% presented with a self-detected mass. Clinical stage at diagnosis was distributed as follows: stage 0: 2%; I: 15%; IIA: 13%; IIB: 17%; III: 47%, and stage IV: 6%. The most frequent molecular subtype was HR+/HER2- (47%), followed by HER2+ (26%) and triple negative (21%). First follow-up results will be available shortly. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this represents the first prospective cohort of YWBC in Latin America. We are expanding this project to other centers in the region. Our findings will help develop culturally tailored interventions aimed at improving the psychosocial and medical outcomes of this vulnerable patient population.

Citation Format: Villareal-Garza CM, Platas A, Castro-Sánchez A, Miaja M, Bargalló-Rocha E, Martinez-Cannon BA, Vega Y, Fonseca A, Ramos-Elias P, Márquez-Perez CJ, Bukowski A, Goss P, St. Louis J, Chapman J-A, Partridge A, Meneses A, Mohar A. Young women with breast cancer in Mexico: A report of the pilot phase of the “Mujer Joven y Fuerte” prospective cohort [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 P4-20-04.

An innovative multistage treatment system for sanitary landfill leachate depuration: Studies at pilot-scale

In this work, an innovative methodology for the treatment of landfill leachates, after aerobic lagooning, is proposed and adjusted at pilot-scale. This methodology involves an aerobic activated sludge biological pre-oxidation (ASBO), a coagulation/sedimentation step (240mgFe³⁺/L, at pH4.2) and a photo-oxidation through a photo-Fenton (PF) reaction (60mg Fe²⁺, at pH2.8) combining solar and artificial light. The ASBO process applied to a leachate after aerobic lagooning, with high organic and nitrogen content (1.1-1.5gC/L; 0.8-3.0gN/L) and low biodegradability (BOD₅/COD =0.07-0.13), is capable to oxidise 62-99% of the ammonium nitrogen, consuming only the affluent alkalinity (70-100%). The coagulation/sedimentation stage led to the humic acids precipitation, promoting a marked change in leachate colour, from dark-brown to yellowish-brown (related to fulvic acids), accompanied by a reduction of 60%, 58% and 88% on DOC, COD and TSS, respectively. The PF system promoted the degradation of the recalcitrant organic molecules into more easily biodegradable ones. According to Zahn-Wellens biodegradability test, a leachate with 419mg DOC/L after coagulation, would have to be photo-oxidized until DOC <256mg/L, consuming 117mM of H₂O₂ and 10.4kJ/L of accumulated UV energy, to achieve an effluent that can be biologically treated in compliance with the COD discharge limit (150mg O₂/L) into water bodies. The biological process downstream from the photocatalytic system would promote a mineralization >60%. The PF step cost to treat 100m³/day of leachate was 6.41€/m³, combining 1339m² of CPCs with 31 lamps.

A Clinical Case Of a Patient With Anorexia Nervosa And Bizarre Behavior

Eating disorders (EDs) are mental illnesses, defined by abnormal eating habits. EDs are chronic, severe and difficult to treat, and cause psychological, social and physical consequences. It occurs predominantly in adolescents and young adults women (around 90%), causing severely disability, major biopsychosocial losses, and high morbidity and mortality. EDs are considered by WHO as a public health problem, affecting different ages, genres, times, regions and contexts.

Objective

Case report of a patient with Anorexia Nervosa and bizarre behavior.

Methods

Clinical observation in hospital.

Results

Woman with 43 years old, with a peace of 65 years, who was hospitalized in Psychiatric Service – Eating Disorders, in August 2015, because of its extreme thinness, with difficulty to walk and with severe edema of the feet, ankles and legs. At the entrance, she weighed 29 kg, after 4 days her weight reduced to 23 kg, reaching a BMI of 8.5 kg/m2. In the first week, she showed a high cognitive impairment, confusional state and detailed and ruminative speech about food. She had developed multiple techniques to hide food and to hide and take dietary supplements for weight loss. Furthermore, she had a bizarre behavior and marked social isolation, not interacting with other patients.

Conclusion

Although the low prevalence of EDs, these have a high morbidity, and are one of the psychiatric disorders that most often leads to a fatal outcome. Treatment is lengthy and cumbersome, requiring serious investments under the personal point of view, family and clinical, yet still, these patients can have a full life and quality.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Portugal's History of Psycho-Oncology

The psycho-oncology represents an interface between psychology and oncology. In Portugal, the creation of Psycho-oncology was due to the collaboration between oncologists with psychiatrists and psychologists. This partnership led to the creation of first Portuguese research works in Psycho-oncology, contributing to the enrichment of this discipline.

Objective

Describe the history of psycho-oncology in Portugal. Research articles and theses related to Psycho-oncology in Portugal and do his description statistics.

Material and methods

Literature review of articles and theses on Psycho-oncology made in Portugal, using the following search engines: “Pubmed”, “Medline”, “ScieloPortugal” and scientific repositories of Portuguese universities.

Results

Until 1997, psycho-oncology did not arouse the interest of researchers; however, since then, the Psycho-oncology has grown exponentially, with regard to the investigation. There was a period of increase in publications between 2005 and 2012 as well as, increase in the number of undergraduate theses, master's and doctorate. Disclosure of publications within the Psycho-oncology lies spread by various magazines in different specialties, demonstrating that this area arouses the interest not only of psychiatrists and psychologists, but also of other health professionals.

Conclusion

Despite growing research in Psycho-oncology and growing interest among clinicians and researchers, there is still some shortcomings, warning that the psychological support is also scarce in some Portuguese institutions.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Skin Picking – A Case Report

Introduction

Compulsive skin picking and trichotillomania are both impulse control disorders, characterized by the need or urge to touch, scratch, scrub, friction, rub, bite, press or dig in the skin; it is often an answer to minimum skin defects or to mild acne. The resulting tissue damage can be moderate to severe.

Objective

Case report of a woman with Skin picking resistant to treatment.

Methods

Clinical observation.

Results

43-year-old woman who was admitted in emergency in June 2014 because of her skin lesions. After observation by Dermatologist she was sent to the Psychiatric due to injuries caused by her. She referring compulsion to scratch, bite and tear the skin since she was 3 years old. After introduction of psychotropic drugs, the patient was referred to the Psychiatric consultations. After 1 year consultation there is some clinical improvement.

Conclusion

Despite clinical advances in psychiatry, the Skin Picking disease is still little known today, requiring more research and knowledgement in terms of phenomenology and of treatment.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Exploring coumarin potentialities: development of new enzymatic inhibitors based on the 6-methyl-3-carboxamidocoumarin scaffold

Novel 6-methyl-3-carboxamidocoumarins were synthesized by an effective three step synthetic strategy and screened towards MAO, AChE and BuChE enzymes.

Insights into solar photo-Fenton reaction parameters in the oxidation of a sanitary landfill leachate at lab-scale

This work evaluates the effect of the main photo-Fenton (PF) reaction variables on the treatment of a sanitary landfill leachate collected at the outlet of a leachate treatment plant, which includes aerated lagooning followed by aerated activated sludge and a final coagulation-flocculation step. The PF experiments were performed in a lab-scale compound parabolic collector (CPC) photoreactor using artificial solar radiation. The photocatalytic reaction rate was determined while varying the total dissolved iron concentration (20-100 mg Fe(2+)/L), solution pH (2.0-3.6), operating temperature (10-50 °C), type of acid used for acidification (H2SO4, HCl and H2SO4 + HCl) and UV irradiance (22-68 W/m(2)). This work also tries to elucidate the role of ferric hydroxides, ferric sulphate and ferric chloride species, by taking advantage of ferric speciation diagrams, in the efficiency of the PF reaction when applied to leachate oxidation. The molar fraction of the most photoactive ferric species, FeOH(2+), was linearly correlated with the PF pseudo-first order kinetic constants obtained at different solution pH and temperature values. Ferric ion speciation diagrams also showed that the presence of high amounts of chloride ions negatively affected the PF reaction, due to the decrease of ferric ions solubility and scavenging of hydroxyl radicals for chlorine radical formation. The increment of the PF reaction rates with temperature was mainly associated with the increase of the molar fraction of FeOH(2+). The optimal parameters for the photo-Fenton reaction were: pH = 2.8 (acidification agent: H2SO4); T = 30 °C; [Fe(2+)] = 60 mg/L and UV irradiance = 44 WUV/m(2), achieving 72% mineralization after 25 kJUV/L of accumulated UV energy and 149 mM of H2O2 consumed.

Incorporation of electrochemical advanced oxidation processes in a multistage treatment system for sanitary landfill leachate

The current study has proved the technical feasibility of including electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) in a multistage strategy for the remediation of a sanitary landfill leachate that embraced: (i) first biological treatment to remove the biodegradable organic fraction, oxidize ammonium and reduce alkalinity, (ii) coagulation of the bio-treated leachate to precipitate humic acids and particles, followed by separation of the clarified effluent, and (iii) oxidation of the resulting effluent by an EAOP to degrade the recalcitrant organic matter and increase its biodegradability so that a second biological process for removal of biodegradable organics and nitrogen content could be applied. The influence of current density on an UVA photoelectro-Fenton (PEF) process was firstly assessed. The oxidation ability of various EAOPs such as electro-Fenton (EF) with two distinct initial total dissolved iron concentrations ([TDI]0), PEF and solar PEF (SPEF) was further evaluated and these processes were compared with their analogous chemical ones. A detailed assessment of the two first treatment stages was made and the biodegradability enhancement during the SPEF process was determined by a Zahn-Wellens test to define the ideal organics oxidation state to stop the EAOP and apply the second biological treatment. The best current density was 200 mA cm(-2) for a PEF process using a BDD anode, [TDI]0 of 60 mg L(-1), pH 2.8 and 20 °C. The relative oxidation ability of EAOPs increased in the order EF with 12 mg [TDI]0 L(-1) < EF with 60 mg [TDI]0 L(-1) < PEF with 60 mg [TDI]0 L(-1) ≤ SPEF with 60 mg [TDI]0 L(-1), using the abovementioned conditions. While EF process was much superior to the Fenton one, the superiority of PEF over photo-Fenton was less evident and SPEF attained similar degradation to solar photo-Fenton. To provide a final dissolved organic carbon (DOC) of 163 mg L(-1) to fulfill the discharge limits into the environment after a second biological process, 6.2 kJ L(-1) UV energy and 36 kWh m(-3) electrical energy were consumed using SPEF with a BDD anode at 200 mA cm(-2), 60 mg [TDI]0 L(-1), pH 2.8 and 20 °C.

A woman with didanosine retinopathy and non-cirrhotic portal hypertension

We present a case of structural and functional changes compatible with didanosine retinopathy in a patient who also developed non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.

Multistage treatment system for raw leachate from sanitary landfill combining biological nitrification-denitrification/solar photo-Fenton/biological processes, at a scale close to industrial--biodegradability enhancement and evolution profile of trace pollutants

A multistage treatment system, at a scale close to the industrial, was designed for the treatment of a mature raw landfill leachate, including: a) an activated sludge biological oxidation (ASBO), under aerobic and anoxic conditions; b) a solar photo-Fenton process, enhancing the bio-treated leachate biodegradability, with and without sludge removal after acidification; and c) a final polishing step, with further ASBO. The raw leachate was characterized by a high concentration of humic substances (HS) (1211 mg CHS/L), representing 39% of the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content, and a high nitrogen content, mainly in the form of ammonium nitrogen (>3.8 g NH4(+)-N/L). In the first biological oxidation step, a 95% removal of total nitrogen and a 39% mineralization in terms of DOC were achieved, remaining only the recalcitrant fraction, mainly attributed to HS (57% of DOC). Under aerobic conditions, the highest nitrification rate obtained was 8.2 mg NH4(+)-N/h/g of volatile suspended solids (VSS), and under anoxic conditions, the maximum denitrification rate obtained was 5.8 mg (NO2(-)-N + NO3(-)-N)/h/g VSS, with a C/N consumption ratio of 2.4 mg CH3OH/mg (NO2(-)-N + NO3(-)-N). The precipitation of humic acids (37% of HS) after acidification of the bio-treated leachate corresponds to a 96% DOC abatement. The amount of UV energy and H2O2 consumption during the photo-Fenton reaction was 30% higher in the experiment without sludge removal and, consequently, the reaction velocity was 30% lower. The phototreatment process led to the depletion of HS >80%, of low-molecular-weight carboxylate anions >70% and other organic micropollutants, thus resulting in a total biodegradability increase of >70%. The second biological oxidation allowed to obtain a final treated leachate in compliance with legal discharge limits regarding water bodies (with the exception of sulfate ions), considering the experiment without sludge. Finally, the high efficiency of the overall treatment process was further reinforced by the total removal percentages attained for the identified organic trace contaminants (>90%).

Biodegradability enhancement of a leachate after biological lagooning using a solar driven photo-Fenton reaction, and further combination with an activated sludge biological process, at pre-industrial scale

This work proposes an integrated leachate treatment strategy, combining a solar photo-Fenton reaction, to enhance the biodegradability of the leachate from an aerated lagoon, with an activated sludge process, under aerobic and anoxic conditions, to achieve COD target values and nitrogen content according to the legislation. The efficiency and performance of the photo-Fenton reaction, concerning a sludge removal step after acidification, defining the optimum phototreatment time to reach a biodegradable wastewater that can be further oxidized in a biological reactor and, activation sludge biological process, defining the nitrification and denitrification reaction rates, alkalinity balance and methanol dose necessary as external carbon source, was evaluated in the integrated system at a scale close to industrial. The pre-industrial plant presents a photocatalytic system with 39.52 m(2) of compound parabolic collectors (CPCs) and 2 m(3) recirculation tank and, an activated sludge biological reactor with 3 m(3) capacity. Leachate biodegradability enhancement by means of a solar driven photo-Fenton process was evaluated using direct biodegradability tests, as Zahn-Wellens method, and indirect measure according to average oxidation state (AOS), low molecular carboxylic acids content (fast biodegradable character) and humic substances (recalcitrant character) concentration. Due to high variability of leachate composition, UV absorbance on-line measurement was established as a useful parameter for photo-Fenton reaction control.

Saccharomyces bacillaris is not a synonym of Candida stellata: reinstatement as Starmerella bacillaris comb. nov

Torulopsis bacillaris (Kroemer and Krumbholz) Lodder (basionym Saccharomyces bacillaris Kroemer and Krumbholz) was frequently detected in oenological works on yeast ecology conducted in the mid-1950s in different wine regions of the world, before its unification with Torulopsis stellata (Kroemer and Krumbholz) Lodder. Most of the phenotypic characteristics pointed out for T. bacillaris are currently attributed to Candida zemplinina Sipiczki. In the present work isoenzyme profiles and rDNA restriction profiles of the neotype of S. bacillaris from two yeast culture collections (CBS 843 and PYCC 3044) and of the type strain of C. zemplinina (CBS 9494) were determined and similar profiles were detected. Moreover, the sequences of the D1/D2 region of the 26S rRNA gene of the three strains were 100 % identical. Different profiles were observed for the type strain of C. stellata (CBS 157) both for isoenzyme and rDNA restriction analysis and only 91 % similarity was found between the D1/D2 sequence of this strain and that of the neotype of S. bacillaris. In view of the newly obtained data and the fact that all above-mentioned species belong to the Starmerella clade, only distantly related to Candida tropicalis (the type species of the genus), S. bacillaris is hereby reinstated as Starmerella bacillaris comb. nov., with C. zemplinina as an obligate synonym.

The use of Taguchi technique to optimize the compression moulding cycle to process acetabular cup components

Taguchi technique is a powerful method of solving engineering problems in order to improve the performance of a process and to enhance the productivity. The methodology for the design of the experiment is proposed in order to find the best parameters for better experimental results with less number of experiments as possible. In this study, Taguchi technique was applied to optimize the compression moulding cycle for processing the Acetabular cup prototype. For the design of the experiments, three main factors such as processing temperature, pressure and the time of compaction were identified which directly influence the quality of the final product. For each factor three levels were considered and an orthogonal array L9 was associated. With the L9 orthogonal array, a total of 9 trial experiments have been performed and the optimum parameters were identified. An experimental test was performed in order to validate the founded conditions. The optimized conditions encountered were: processing temperature of 160 degrees C, processing pressure of 1000 psi and the compaction time of 90 s. With these optimized parameters, the acetabular cup prototypes were processed for nanocomposites having ultra-high molecular weight (UHMWPE) reinforced with different volume fractions of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 vol.%.