Attachment and colonization patterns in microbial biofilms

In natürlichen aquatischen Ökosystemen übersteigt die Zahl der an Oberflächen anhaftenden Mikroorganismen die Zahl jener Mikroorganismen, die in der freien Wassersäule suspendiert sind. Mikrobielle Zellen bilden eine hoch strukturierte, in eine Matrix eingeschlossene Gemeinschaft, so genannte Biofilme. Biofilme werden heute als mikrobielle Landschaften begriffen, in denen lokale Gemeinschaften Teil eines großen mikrobiellen Netzwerks sind. Der Austausch von Zellen durch diese Landschaften erfolgt mittels Verbreitung und es wird vermutet, dass diese Vorgänge die lokalen Biozönosen gestalten und formen. Das Ziel dieser Studie ist die Untersuchung von möglichen Kolonisationsmustern der anfangs suspendierten Zellen in einem bestehenden Biofilm. Die Biofilme wuchsen auf Keramikkacheln in Laborrinnen unter laminaren und turbulenten Strömungsbedingungen. Nach 1, 2 und 6 Wochen Biofilmwachstums wurden die, mit einem Vitalfarbstoff (5-Carboxy-fluoresceindiacetat-acetoxymethylester) gefärbten suspendierten Zellen, zusammen mit Latex Mikrokugeln (Ø 1µm) in die Rinnen zugegeben und für 36 Stunden rezirkuliert. Die Verringerung der Partikelkonzentration in der Wassersäule wurde überwacht, um die Abnahmeraten für Mikroorganismen und Mikrokugeln zu bestimmen. Biofilmproben wurden nach 24 Stunden genommen, um die Abundanz von kolonisierenden Zellen und Mikrokugeln als auch deren räumliche Verteilung zu ermitteln. Für Letzteres wurden Gefrierschnitte der Biofilmproben nach 24 und 36 Stunden angefertigt. Beide Partikel zeigten anfangs eine starke Abnahme; besonders die Abnahme der Mikrokugeln aus der Wassersäule erfolgte schneller als die der Zellen. Die mikroskopische Analyse der Gefrierschnitte zeigte eine Klumpung, sowohl der Mikrokugeln, als auch der mikrobiellen Zellen im Biofilm. Diese Studie gibt einen Hinweis darauf, dass hydrodynamische Prozesse und Biofilmeigenschaften gemeinsam die räumliche Verteilung der kolonisierenden Zellen bestimmen.In natural aquatic ecosystems, surface-associated microorganisms vastly outnumber organisms in suspension (Costerton et al. 1987; de Carvalho 2007; Marsh and Bowden 2000; Pickett and White 1985; Zobell 1943). Cells aggregate in highly structured matrix-enclosed communities — so called biofilms. Biofilms are now considered as microbial landscapes where local communities become part of the larger microbial network or metacommunity (Battin et al. 2007). Exchange of cells through the landscape occurs via dispersal and is thought to shape local community composition. The aim of our study was to investigate colonization patterns of initially suspended microorganisms in established stream biofilms. Biofilms were grown on ceramic coupons in laboratory flumes under laminar and turbulent flow conditions. After 1, 2 and 6 weeks of growth, respectively, cells labeled with a vital stain (5-Carboxy-fluoresceindiacetat-acetoxymethylester) were co-injected with latex microbeads (Ø 1µm) to the flumes and recirculated for 36 hours. Loss of particle concentration from the bulk water was monitored to estimate removal rates for microorganisms and microbeads. Biofilms were collected after 24 hours to determine the abundance of colonizing cells and beads, and their spatial distribution. Cryosections were made 24 and 36 hours after the injection. Both particles displayed a fast initial decrease, although removal of microbeads was always faster from the water than cells. Microscopic analysis of the cryosections indicated clustering of both colonizers and beads in the biofilms. We present evidence that hydrodynamics and biofilm characteristics collectively drive the spatial distribution of colonizers

A novel Methylomirabilota methanotroph potentially couples methane oxidation to iodate reduction

Impact statement Methane oxidizing microbes play a key role in reducing the emission of this potent greenhouse gas to the atmosphere. The known versatility of the recently discovered anaerobic Methylomirabilota methanotrophs is limited. Here, we report a novel uncultured Methylomirabilis species, Candidatus Methylomirabilis iodofontis, with the genetic potential of iodate respiration from biofilm in iodine‐rich cavern spring water. Star‐like cells resembling Methylomirabilis oxyfera were directly observed from the biofilm and a high‐quality metagenome‐assembled genome (MAG) of Ca. M. iodofontis was assembled. In addition to oxygenic denitrification and aerobic methane oxidation pathways, the M. iodofontis MAG also indicated its iodatereducing potential, a capability that would enable the bacterium to use iodate other than nitrite as an electron acceptor, a hitherto unrecognized metabolic potential of Methylomirabilota methanotrophs. The results advance the current understanding of the ecophysiology of anaerobic Methylomirabilota methanotrophs and may suggest an additional methane sink, especially in iodate‐rich ecosystems

Associations between eating disorder diagnoses, behaviors, and menstrual dysfunction in a clinical sample

We explored associations between lifetime eating disorder (ED) diagnoses and behaviors and menstrual dysfunction using logistic regression models. Body mass index (BMI) fully explained differences in the odds of secondary amenorrhea (SA) across diagnoses. Women with dieting behaviors had borderline significantly higher odds of SA than those without after accounting for BMI. We suggest the presence of a strong association between BMI and SA and that dieting might represent a risk factor for SA regardless of BMI and ED diagnosis

Do risk factors differentiate DSM-5 and drive for thinness severity groups for anorexia nervosa?

BackgroundThe current study examined whether risk factors for anorexia nervosa (AN) were related to different levels of severity based on (a) the DSM-5/body mass index (BMI) and (b) drive for thinness (DT) severity ratings.MethodsThe sample comprised 153 pairs of individuals with a lifetime diagnosis AN per DSM-IV criteria and their non-ED sisters (N = 306, mean age = 26.53; mean current BMI = 20.42 kg/m2). The Oxford risk factor interview was used to establish AN-related risk factors. Individuals were categorised into the DSM-5 severity groups based on their lowest BMI, while the DT subscale from the eating disorder inventory-2 was used to classify individuals with AN into low and high DT groups.ResultsMultinominal regression models showed similar risk factors (e.g., perfectionism, having a history of being teased about weight and shape) contributed to the development of AN using the DSM-5 and DT severity ratings. Follow-up analyses across the severity groups for both indices revealed that only childhood perfectionism was found to be more common in the extreme severe DSM-5 BMI severity group compared to the severe DSM-5 group.ConclusionOverall, this study found little evidence for AN risk factors being related to the DSM-5 and DT severity ratings. However, given the novelty of this study, replication of the current results is warranted. Several risk factors, such as childhood obesity, have been found to contribute to the development of Anorexia Nervosa (AN). Yet, we are unsure if there is a set of risk factors that influence different levels of AN severity. While the DSM-5 suggests using BMI to measure severity, recent support favour the usage of drive for thinness (DT) as an alternative severity measure. Therefore, this study aimed to explore risk factors specifically associated with the development of different AN severity levels using both the DSM-5 BMI and DT severity classification systems. We recruited 153 pairs of individuals with a lifetime diagnosis AN per DSM-IV criteria and their non-ED sisters. The Oxford risk factor interview was used to establish AN-related risk factors. We found childhood perfectionism, weight/shape teasing, childhood obesity, and breast-related embarrassment to be significant risk factors for AN. Additionally, childhood perfectionism was more common in the extreme severe DSM-5 group compared to the severe DSM-5 group. This suggests that adding perfectionism-related aspects to prevention and early intervention programs for AN may be beneficial. Considering the novelty of this study, replication of the current results is needed

Comparación de rasgos de personalidad entre pacientes con trastorno de la conducta alimentaria y sus hermanas sanas

Los objetivos del presente estudio con pacientes-hermanas fueron: 1) Analizar diferencias existentes en sintomatología alimentaria y psicopatología general entre pacientes con trastorno alimentario (TCA) y hermanas discordantes para el trastorno, 2) Identificar en qué medida pacientes y hermanas presentan vulnerabilidades de personalidad diferenciales; 3) Identificar factores predictores de aparición de un trastorno alimentario. La muestra estuvo formada por 92 participantes mujeres (46 pacientes TCA vs 46 hermanas sanas). Todos los pacientes cumplían criterios DSM-IV-TR para el TCA. Los resultados mostraron diferencias significativas en todas las escalas de sintomatología alimentaria y psicopatología general entre ambos grupos. En términos de rasgos de personalidad, las pacientes con TCA presentaban una mayor evitación del daño (p<.001) y menor autodirección (p<.001) al ser comparadas con sus hermanas discordantes para el trastorno. Finalmente, los resultados mostraron que haber tenido historia previa de obesidad o sobrepeso (p=.027) y rasgos específicos de temperamento (elevada evitación al daño; p=.025) y carácter (baja autodirección; p=.009) se asociaban al posterior desarrollo de un TCA. La combinación de factores ambientales no compartidos, tales como obesidad con vulnerabilidades específicas de personalidad, influyen en la posterior aparición de un trastorno de la conducta alimentariaThe aims of the study were threefold: 1) analyze differences in symptomatology and general psychopathology among eating disorder (ED) patients and their sisters discordant for eating disorders, 2) identify differential personality vulnerabilities between ED patients and their healthy sisters and 3) identify predictors of developing an eating disorder. The sample consisted of 92 female participants (46 ED patients fulfilling DSM-IV-TR criteria for eating disorders vs 46 healthy sisters). The results showed significant differences in eating symptomatology and general psychopathology. In terms of personality traits, ED patients had higher harm avoidance (p<.001) and lower self-directedness (p<.001) compared with their discordant sister. Finally, the results showed that having a history of obesity or overweight (p=.027), and specific traits of temperament (high scores on harm avoidance; p=.025) and character (low self-directedness; p=.009) were associated with the development of an ED. These findings allow to conclude that the combination of non-shared environmental factors such as obesity with specific vulnerabilities of personality, influence the subsequent emergence of an eating disorder

Online interventions to prevent mental health problems implemented in school settings: the perspectives from key stakeholders in Austria and Spain

Background: Schools are key settings for delivering mental illness prevention in adolescents. Data on stakeholders’ attitudes and factors relevant for the implementation of Internet-based prevention programmes are scarce. Methods: Stakeholders in the school setting from Austria and Spain were consulted. Potential facilitators (e.g. teachers and school psychologists) completed an online questionnaire (N=50), policy makers (e.g. representatives of the ministry of education and health professional associations) participated in semi-structured interviews (N=9) and pupils (N=29, 14–19 years) participated in focus groups. Thematic analysis was used to identify experiences with, attitudes and needs towards Internet-based prevention programmes, underserved groups, as well as barriers and facilitators for reach, adoption, implementation and maintenance. Results: Experiences with Internet-based prevention programmes were low across all stakeholder groups. Better reach of the target groups was seen as main advantage whereas lack of personal contact, privacy concerns, risk for misuse and potential stigmatization when implemented during school hours were regarded as disadvantages. Relevant needs towards Internet-based programmes involved attributes of the development process, general requirements for safety and performance, presentation of content, media/tools and contact options of online programmes. Positive attitudes of school staff, low effort for schools and compatibility to schools’ curriculum were seen as key factors for successful adoption and implementation. A sound implementation of the programme in the school routine and continued improvement could facilitate maintenance of online prevention initiatives in schools. Conclusions: Attitudes towards Internet-based mental illness prevention programmes in school settings are positive across all stakeholder groups. However, especially safety concerns have to be considered

Prevalence and burden of headache in children and adolescents in Austria - a nationwide study in a representative sample of pupils aged 10-18 years

Background Headache disorders are highly prevalent worldwide, but not so well investigated in children and adolescents as in adults: few studies have included representative nationwide samples. No data exist for Austria until now. In a representative sample of children and adolescents in Austria, we estimated the prevalence and attributable burden of headache disorders, including the new diagnostic category of “undifferentiated headache” (UdH) defined as mild headache lasting less than 1 hour. Methods Within the context of a broader national mental health survey, children and adolescents aged 10–18 years were recruited from purposively selected schools. Mediated self-completed questionnaires included sociodemographic enquiry (gender, age, socioeconomic status, family constellation, residence [urban or rural] and migration background). Prevalence and attributable burden of all headache, UdH, migraine (definite plus probable), tension-type headache (TTH: definite plus probable) and headache on ≥15 days/month (H15+) were assessed using the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire for children and adolescents. Health-related quality of life (HrQoL) was assessed using the KIDSCREEN questionnaire. Results Of 7643 selected pupils, 3386 (44.3%) completed the questionnaires. The 1-year prevalence of headache was 75.7%, increasing with age and higher in girls (82.1%) than in boys (67.7%; p < 0.001). UdH, migraine, TTH and H15+ were reported by 26.1%, 24.2%, 21.6% and 3.0% of participants. Attributable burden was high, with 42% of those with headache experiencing restrictions in daily activities. Medication use (50% overall) was highest in H15+ (67%) and still considerable in UdH (29%). HrQoL was reduced for all headache types except UdH. Participants in single parent or patchwork families had a higher probability of migraine (respectively, OR 1.5, p < 0.001; OR 1.5, p < 0.01). Participants with a migration background had a lower probability of TTH (OR 0.7, p < 0.01). Conclusions Headache disorders are both very common and highly burdensome in children and adolescents in Austria. This study contributes to the global atlas of headache disorders in these age groups, and corroborates and adds knowledge of the new yet common and important diagnostic category of UdH. The findings call for action in national and international health policies, and for further epidemiological research

Associations of individual and family eating patterns during childhood and early adolescence: a multicenter European study of associated eating disorder factors

The objective of this study was to examine whether there is an association between individual and family eating patterns during childhood and early adolescence and the likelihood of developing a subsequent eating disorder (ED). A total of 1664 participants took part in the study. The ED cases (n 879) were referred for assessment and treatment to specialized ED units in five different European countries and were compared to a control group of healthy individuals (n 785). Participants completed the Early Eating Environmental Subscale of the Cross-Cultural (Environmental) Questionnaire, a retrospective measure, which has been developed as part of a European multicentre trial in order to detect dimensions associated with ED in different countries. In the control group, also the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), the semi-structured clinical interview (SCID-I) and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) were used. Five individually Categorical Principal Components Analysis (CatPCA) procedures were adjusted, one for each theoretically expected factor. Logistic regression analyses indicated that the domains with the strongest effects from the CatPCA scores in the total sample were: food used as individualization, and control and rules about food. On the other hand, healthy eating was negatively related to a subsequent ED. When differences between countries were assessed, results indicated that the pattern of associated ED factors did vary between countries. There was very little difference in early eating behaviour on the subtypes of ED. These findings suggest that the fragmentation of meals within the family and an excessive importance given to food by the individual and the family are linked to the later development of an ED

Healthy Teens @ School: Evaluating and disseminating transdiagnostic preventive interventions for eating disorders and obesity for adolescents in school settings

Background The worldwide prevalence of overweight and obesity is at alarming levels. Nearly one in three children in Europe is overweight or obese. Disordered eating and body image concerns are equally widespread and increase risk for more chronic and severe weight-related problems. Research has shown that online interventions that address both healthy weight regulation and body image can reduce risk for eating disorders and obesity simultaneously and are feasible to implement in school settings. To date, evaluation and dissemination of such programs in Europe is scant. Methods The Healthy Teens @ School study is a multi-country cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the effectiveness of an unguided, online, multi-level intervention for promoting a healthy lifestyle and reducing problematic eating behavior, eating disorder and obesity risk among students aged 14 to 19 years with control condition. As part of the Horizon 2020 funded project ICare (GA No. 634757) the trial is conducted in Austria and Spain. Cluster randomization by school is used. The intervention is an adapted version of an evidence-based program developed in the USA (StayingFit). Participants of the intervention group are assigned to one of two possible program tracks based on the results of the initial online-assessment: Overweight adolescents are assigned to the “Weight Management” track emphasizing balanced eating and exercise for weight maintenance, and all other individuals are assigned to the “Healthy Habits” track which aims at promoting healthy habits related to e.g., nutrition, physical activity, sleep. The participants of both tracks work on ten modules (one 20–30 min module per week) during school hours and/or at home. Assessments are conducted at pre- and post-intervention, and at 6- and 12-months after baseline assessment. The primary outcome is intuitive eating, secondary outcomes are eating disorder symptomatology, body image concerns, body mass index, food intake, physical activity, self-esteem, stress coping, depression, and anxiety. Following the initial assessment, individuals in the control group do not have access to the prevention program but continue as normal and are only prompted to the assessments at all time points. At the end of the 12-month study they will get access to the program. Discussion The results from this study will add to the understanding of how to address eating and weight related problems in adolescents and will shed light on the feasibility of implementing online prevention programs in school routine in Austria and Spain. As part of the larger ICare project this RCT will determine how an adapted version of StayingFit is disseminated within Europe

Potential effects of "social" distancing measures and school lockdown on child and adolescent mental health

Age-related metabolic and renal changes predispose older people to an increased risk of diabetes mellitus and diabetic kidney disease, respectively. As the prevalence of the ageing population is increasing, because of increased life expectancy, the prevalence of older people with diabetic kidney disease is likely to increase. Diabetic kidney disease is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes and increased costs to healthcare systems. The management includes promotion of a healthy lifestyle and control of cardiovascular risk factors such as hyperglycaemia, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Older people are a heterogeneous group of people from a community-living fit and independent person to a fully dependent individual residing in a care home. Therefore, management in this age group should be based on a patient's functional level adopting tight metabolic control in the fit individual and relaxed targets in the frail person. However, despite the maximum available therapy, a significant number of patients with diabetic kidney disease still progress to renal failure and experience adverse cardiac outcomes. Therefore, future research is required to explore methods of early detection of diabetic kidney disease and to investigate novel therapeutic interventions to further improve the outcomes.Age-related metabolic and renal changes predispose older people to an increased risk of diabetes mellitus and diabetic kidney disease, respectively. As the prevalence of the ageing population is increasing, because of increased life expectancy, the prevalence of older people with diabetic kidney disease is likely to increase. Diabetic kidney disease is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes and increased costs to healthcare systems. The management includes promotion of a healthy lifestyle and control of cardiovascular risk factors such as hyperglycaemia, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Older people are a heterogeneous group of people from a community-living fit and independent person to a fully dependent individual residing in a care home. Therefore, management in this age group should be based on a patient's functional level adopting tight metabolic control in the fit individual and relaxed targets in the frail person. However, despite the maximum available therapy, a significant number of patients with diabetic kidney disease still progress to renal failure and experience adverse cardiac outcomes. Therefore, future research is required to explore methods of early detection of diabetic kidney disease and to investigate novel therapeutic interventions to further improve the outcomes.Age-related metabolic and renal changes predispose older people to an increased risk of diabetes mellitus and diabetic kidney disease, respectively. As the prevalence of the ageing population is increasing, because of increased life expectancy, the prevalence of older people with diabetic kidney disease is likely to increase. Diabetic kidney disease is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes and increased costs to healthcare systems. The management includes promotion of a healthy lifestyle and control of cardiovascular risk factors such as hyperglycaemia, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Older people are a heterogeneous group of people from a community-living fit and independent person to a fully dependent individual residing in a care home. Therefore, management in this age group should be based on a patient's functional level adopting tight metabolic control in the fit individual and relaxed targets in the frail person. However, despite the maximum available therapy, a significant number of patients with diabetic kidney disease still progress to renal failure and experience adverse cardiac outcomes. Therefore, future research is required to explore methods of early detection of diabetic kidney disease and to investigate novel therapeutic interventions to further improve the outcomes.Non peer reviewe