Diversity and Function of the Microbial Community on Anodes of Sediment Microbial Fuel Cells fueled by Root Exudates

Anode microbial communities are essential for current production in microbial fuel cells. Anode reducing bacteria are capable of using the anode as final electron acceptor in their respiratory chain. The electrons delivered to the anode travel through a circuit to the cathode where they reduce oxygen to water generating an electric current. A novel type of sediment microbial fuel cell (SMFC) harvest energy from photosynthetically derived compounds released through the roots. Nothing is known about anode microbial communities of this type of microbial fuel cell. This work consists of three parts. The first part focuses on the study of bacterial and archaeal community compositions on anodes of SMFCs fueled by rice root exudates. By using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP), a profiling technique, and cloning / sequencing of 16S rRNA, we determined that the support type used for the plant (vermiculite, potting soil or rice field soil) is an important factor determining the composition of the microbial community. Finally, by comparing microbial communities of current producing anodes and non-current producing controls we determined that Desulfobulbus- and Geobacter-related populations were probably most important for current production in potting soil and rice field soil SMFCs, respectively. However, δ-proteobacterial Anaeromyxobacter spp., unclassified δ-proteobacteria and Anaerolineae were also part of the anode biofilm in rice field soil SMFCs and these populations might also play a role in current production. Moreover, distinct clusters of Geobacter and Anaeromyxobacter populations were stimulated by rice root exudates. Regarding Archaea, uncultured Euryarchaea were abundant on anodes of potting soil SMFCs indicating a potential role in current production. In both, rice field soil and potting soil SMFCs, a decrease of Methanosaeta, an acetotrophic methanogen, was detected on current producing anodes. In the second part we focused our study on identifying the bacteria capable of rice root exudate assimilation on anodes of planted SMFCs. Using stable isotope probing (SIP) with 13C-CO2 combined with high throughput sequencing, we detected that labeled bacteria belonged to β-proteobacteria and Anaerolineae indicating their relevance in root exudate degradation. The main current producing bacteria, belonging to δ-proteobacteria were not able to assimilate root exudates. A microbial “food chain” combining activities of anode reducing bacteria with root exudate degrading bacteria is necessary for current production. However, we cannot dismiss the possibility that some bacteria might be able to directly use root exudates for current production. In the last part, we found that by submerging an anode into rice field soil up to 50% methane emission was reduced compared with open circuit controls. This mitigation could not only be explained by competition for common electron donors like acetate. We suggest that the anode, even in non-current controls, can be used as electron acceptor capturing electrons and transferring them from one part of the sediment to a spatially distant one, communicating biogeochemical processes occurring in different parts of the sediment. Our work is a first approach in understanding the microbial diversity on anodes of SMFCs fueled by rice root exudation and their potential as methane emission mitigation strategy

Metagenómica y metatranscriptómica aplicadas al estudio de Chloroflexota en sistemas de tratamiento de aguas residuales escala real

El filo Chloroflexota es uno de los grupos predominantes en sistemas de tratamiento de aguas residuales aerobios (lodos activados) y anaerobios (metanogénicos). Dentro de este filo, la clase Anaerolineae representa más del 80%, sin embargo, su rol en estos sistemas aún sigue sin conocerse. Esto se debe principalmente a las dificultades para asilarlos en cultivo puro. Los pocos representantes cultivados son capaces de fermentar, se caracterizan por tener crecimiento lento y morfología filamentosa. Se ha postulado que están involucrados en la formación de gránulos en reactores anaerobios y flóculos en reactores de lodos activados, pero su crecimiento excesivo se ha relacionado problemas de sedimentación de la biomasa (bulking). Las condiciones que favorecen el crecimiento excesivo de estas bacterias siguen siendo desconocidas. Expandir el conocimiento sobre este grupo es esencial para controlar su sobrecrecimiento y prevenir episodios de bulking. Para determinar la morfología, diversidad y expresión génica de organismos del filo Chloroflexota, se aplicaron diversas técnicas de biología molecular como hibridación in situ fluorescente, secuenciación de amplicones, metagenómica y metatranscriptómica en dos reactores de lodos activados y dos reactores metanogénicos que trataban distintas aguas residuales industriales. El filo Chloroflexota fue uno de los 5 filos más abundantes en todos los reactores y presentó diversas morfologías filamentosas. Se ensamblaron 17 genomas de especies nuevas de la clase Anaerolineae y un genoma de la clase Dehalococcoidia. Mediante el análisis de las vías metabólicas obtenidas mediante metagenómica se determinó que todos los genomas presentaron varias vías de fermentación, que incluían la producción de lactato, acetato, formiato y acetoína. Los genomas obtenidos de sistemas aerobios presentaron el potencial de respirar anaeróbicamente utilizando nitrito y nitrato reductasas como aceptores de electrones. Estas funciones metabólicas fueron confirmadas mediante el análisis de los metatranscriptomas. Por lo tanto, las especies del filo Chloroflexota detectadas en estos sistemas de tratamiento juegan un rol fundamental en la remoción de la materia en sistemas aerobios y anaerobios, y particularmente en sistemas de lodos activados, colaboran en la remoción del nitrogeno de las aguas residuales.Agencia Nacional de Investigación e Innovació

LOXL2-A New Target in Antifibrogenic Therapy?

The concept of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis being static and therefore irreversible is outdated. Indeed, both human and animal studies have shown that fibrogenesis is a dynamic and potentially reversible process that can be modulated either by stopping its progression and/or by promoting its resolution. Therefore, the study of the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis is critical for the development of future antifibrotic therapies. The fibrogenesis process, common to all forms of liver injury, is characterized by the increased deposition of extracellular matrix components (EMCs), including collagen, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins (laminin and fibronectin 2). These changes in the composition of the extracellular matrix components alter their interaction with cell adhesion molecules, influencing the modulation of cell functions (growth, migration, and gene expression). Hepatic stellate cells and Kupffer cells (liver macrophages) are the key fibrogenic effectors. The antifibrogenic mechanism starts with the activation of Ly6Chigh macrophages, which can differentiate into macrophages with antifibrogenic action. The research of biochemical changes affecting fibrosis irreversibility has identified lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2), an enzyme that promotes the network of collagen fibers of the extracellular matrix. LOXL2 inhibition can decrease cell numbers, proliferation, colony formations, and cell growth, and it can induce cell cycle arrest and increase apoptosis. The development of a new humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody against LOXL2 could open the window of a new antifibrogenic treatment. The current therapeutic target in patients with liver cirrhosis should focus (after the eradication of the causal agent) on the development of new antifibrogenic drugs. The development of these drugs must meet three premises: Patient safety, in non-cirrhotic phases, down-staging or at least stabilization and slowing the progression to cirrhosis must be achieved; whereas in the cirrhotic stage, the objective should be to reduce fibrosis and portal pressure.Funding: This research was funded by NEXT-VAL grant 15/12 from Health Research Institute Marques de Valdecilla (IDIVAL)

How Frequently Benign Uterine Myomas Appear Suspicious for Sarcoma as Assessed by Transvaginal Ultrasound?

Uterine myomas may resemble uterine sarcomas in some cases. However, the rate of benign myomas appearing as sarcomas at an ultrasound examination is not known. The objective of this study is to determine the percentage of benign myomas that appear suspicious for uterine sarcoma on ultrasound examination. This is a prospective observational multicenter study (June 2019-December 2021) comprising a consecutive series of patients with histologically proven uterine myoma after hysterectomy or myomectomy who underwent transvaginal and/or transabdominal ultrasound prior to surgery. All ultrasound examinations were performed by expert examiners. MUSA criteria were used to describe the lesions (1). Suspicion of sarcoma was established when three or more sonographic features, described by Ludovisi et al. as "frequently seen in uterine sarcoma", were present (2). These features are no visible myometrium, irregular cystic areas, non-uniform echogenicity, irregular contour, "cooked" appearance, and a Doppler color score of 3-4. In addition, the examiners had to classify the lesion as suspicious based on her/his impression, independent of the number of features present. Eight hundred and ten women were included. The median maximum diameter of the myomas was 58.7 mm (range: 10.0-263.0 mm). Three hundred and forty-nine (43.1%) of the patients had more than one myoma. Using the criterion of >3 suspicious features, 40 (4.9%) of the myomas had suspicious appearance. By subjective impression, the examiners considered 40 (4.9%) cases suspicious. The cases were not exactly the same. We conclude that approximately 5% of benign uterine myomas may exhibit sonographic suspicion of sarcoma. Although it is a small percentage, it is not negligible

Changes in Circulating Lysyl Oxidase-Like-2 (LOXL2) Levels, HOMA, and Fibrosis after Sustained Virological Response by Direct Antiviral Therapy

Background: we aimed to assess the influence of metabolic syndrome on fibrosis regression (using liver-stiffness measurement (LSM) and serological scores) and the relationship with the expression of lysyl oxidase-like-2 as a potential goal of antifibrotic therapy. Methods: We included 271 patients treated with Direct Antiviral Therapy (DAAs) in our hospital who achieved a sustained virological response (SVR); physical examination, blood tests, and LSM were made at baseline (B) and 24 months (24 M) after SVR. Hemodynamic studies and transjugular liver biopsies were performed on 13 patients. Results: At B, 68 patients were F1 (25.1%); F2 n = 59 (21.7%); F3 n = 44 (16.05%); and 100 were F4 (36.9%). Although the LSM (absolute value) improved in 82% of patients (n = 222), it progressed in 17.5% of patients (n = 48). At 24 M, 48 patients met the metabolic syndrome (MetS) criteria and there was an increase in patients with a BMI of >25 kg/m2 (p 25 kg/m2 is a risk factor for significant fibrosis or steatosis at 24 M (p 9 kPa vs. <9 kPa (p = 0.046). Conclusion: Regression of LSM was reached in 82% of patients. Downregulated LOXL2 was demonstrated post-SVR, with overexpression in cirrhotic patients being a potential therapy goal in selected patients.Funding: This study was supported by the Health Research Institute Marqués de Valdecilla. IDIVAL. Santander. NEXT VAL15/12 grant to Dra Angela Puente Sanchez: Regresión de la fibrosis hepática tras erradicación del virus de la hepatitis C. Papel de la LOXL2. Acknowledgments: This study has been supported by competitive grants from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Spanish Ministries of Health and of Economy; PIE15/00079 and PI15/02138)

Identification and characterization of the nano-sized vesicles released by muscle cells

Several cell types secrete small membranous vesicles that contain cell-specific collections of proteins, lipids, and genetic material. The function of these vesicles is to allow cell-to-cell signaling and the horizontal transfer of their cargo molecules. Here, we demonstrate that muscle cells secrete nano-sized vesicles and that their release increases during muscle differentiation. Analysis of these nanovesicles allowed us to characterize them as exosome-like particles and to define the potential role of the multifunctional protein Alix in their biogenesis

Porto-Sinusoidal Vascular Disease Associated to Oxaliplatin: An Entity to Think about It

Portal sinusoidal vascular disease is a presinusoidal cause of portal hypertension (PHT) of unknown etiology, characterized by typical manifestations of PHT (esophageal varices, ascites, portosystemic collaterals), plaquetopenia and splenomegaly with a gradient of portal pressure slightly increased, according to the presinusoidal nature of the PHT. A few cases in the literature have shown a relationship between oxaliplatin and the development of presinusoidal portal hypertension, years after the chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (therefore, different to sinusoidal obstruction syndrome). There are three mechanisms through which oxaliplatin can cause sinusoidal damage: 1) damage at the level of endothelial cells and stimulates the release of free radicals and depletion of glutathione transferase, with altering the integrity of the sinusoidal cells. The damage in the endothelial sinusoidal cells allows to erythrocytes to across into the Dissé space and formation of perisinusoidal fibrosis, 2) the appearance of nodular regenerative hyperplasia is favored by the chronic hypoxia of the centrilobular areas and, finally, 3) oxaliplatin can generate an obliteration of the blood capillaries and zones of parenchymal extinction. These three facts can develop, in a minority of cases, the appearance of a presinusoidal increase of portal pressure, which typically appears years after the completion of chemotherapy and sometimes is underdiagnosed until variceal bleeding, ascites or encephalopathy appear. The knowledge of this pathology is essential to be able to perform an early diagnostic and consult to the hepatologist.Funding: This research received an external funding of CI18/67/02 Acuerdo de cooperación en el programa de becas de investigación científica de IDIVAL de JANSSEN-CILAG, S.A

Anticoagulant selection in relation to the SAMe-TT2R2 score in patients with atrial fibrillation. the GLORIA-AF registry

Aim: The SAMe-TT2R2 score helps identify patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) likely to have poor anticoagulation control during anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and those with scores &gt;2 might be better managed with a target-specific oral anticoagulant (NOAC). We hypothesized that in clinical practice, VKAs may be prescribed less frequently to patients with AF and SAMe-TT2R2 scores &gt;2 than to patients with lower scores. Methods and results: We analyzed the Phase III dataset of the Global Registry on Long-Term Oral Antithrombotic Treatment in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (GLORIA-AF), a large, global, prospective global registry of patients with newly diagnosed AF and ≥1 stroke risk factor. We compared baseline clinical characteristics and antithrombotic prescriptions to determine the probability of the VKA prescription among anticoagulated patients with the baseline SAMe-TT2R2 score &gt;2 and ≤ 2. Among 17,465 anticoagulated patients with AF, 4,828 (27.6%) patients were prescribed VKA and 12,637 (72.4%) patients an NOAC: 11,884 (68.0%) patients had SAMe-TT2R2 scores 0-2 and 5,581 (32.0%) patients had scores &gt;2. The proportion of patients prescribed VKA was 28.0% among patients with SAMe-TT2R2 scores &gt;2 and 27.5% in those with scores ≤2. Conclusions: The lack of a clear association between the SAMe-TT2R2 score and anticoagulant selection may be attributed to the relative efficacy and safety profiles between NOACs and VKAs as well as to the absence of trial evidence that an SAMe-TT2R2-guided strategy for the selection of the type of anticoagulation in NVAF patients has an impact on clinical outcomes of efficacy and safety. The latter hypothesis is currently being tested in a randomized controlled trial. Clinical trial registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov//Unique identifier: NCT01937377, NCT01468701, and NCT01671007

El dispositivo de traducción en la práctica etnobotánica: un estudio de caso en plantas útiles de Colombia de Enrique Pérez Arbeláez

There are multiple perspectives to approach and learn about plants. However, the emergence of a perspective that has been consolidated as hegemonic has made it subordinated to the other perspectives. Therefore, the relationship between the botanical perspective, as a scientific practice, and the popular perspectives, as everyday practices, is asymmetrical and has direct effects on knowledge production. Despite this asymmetry, in botanical practice, the importance of popular knowledge has been recognized as an important input within the scientific knowledge production system. This recognition materializes in the emergence of practices such as ethnobotany, which, although in principle, lead to a rapprochement between popular perspectives and the scientific perspective, cannot escape the knowledge production regimes governing Western science.Existen múltiples perspectivas para aproximarse y aprender acerca de las plantas. Sin embargo, la emergencia de una perspectiva que se ha consolidado como hegemónica ha puesto en subordinación a las demás perspectivas. Por tanto, la relación que se establece entre la perspectiva botánica, como práctica científica, y las perspectivas populares, como prácticas cotidianas, es asimétrica y tiene efectos directos en la producción de conocimiento. Pese a esta asimetría, en la práctica botánica se ha reconocido la importancia del conocimiento popular como insumo importante dentro del sistema de producción de conocimiento científico. Este reconocimiento se materializa en la emergencia de prácticas como la etnobotánica que, aunque en principio, propician acercamientos entre las perspectivas populares y la perspectiva científica, no pueden escapar a los regímenes de producción de conocimiento que rigen a la ciencia occidental. En este contexto, el presente texto muestra cómo opera la asimetría entre el conocimiento científico y el conocimiento otro en la práctica etnobotánica.Magíster en Estudios CulturalesMaestrí