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Anaerobic digestion is a complex microbial process that mediates the transformation of organic waste into biogas. The performance and stability of anaerobic digesters relies on the structure and function of the microbial community. In this study, we asked whether the deterministic effect of wastewater composition outweighs the effect of reactor configuration on the structure and dynamics of anaerobic digester archaeal and bacterial communities. Biotic and abiotic factors acting on microbial community assembly in two parallel anaerobic digestion systems, an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket digestor (UASB) and a closed digester tank with a solid recycling system (CDSR), from a brewery WWTP were analysed utilizing 16S rDNA and mcrA amplicon sequencing and genome-centric metagenomics. This study confirmed the deterministic effect of the wastewater composition on bacterial community structure, while the archaeal community composition resulted better explained by organic loading rate (ORL) and volatile free acids (VFA). According to the functions assigned to the differentially abundant metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) between reactors, CDSR was enriched in genes related to methanol and methylamines methanogenesis, protein degradation, and sulphate and alcohol utilization. Conversely, the UASB reactor was enriched in genes associated with carbohydrate and lipid degradation, as well as amino acid, fatty acid, and propionate fermentation. By comparing interactions derived from the co-occurrence network with predicted metabolic interactions of the prokaryotic communities in both anaerobic digesters, we conclude that the overall community structure is mainly determined by habitat filtering.

Purpose of Review: Mechanical nasal obstruction (MNO) is a prevalent condition with a high impact on patient's quality-of-life (QoL) and socio-economic burden. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of both subjective and objective criteria in the appropriate management of MNO, either alone or associated to upper airway inflammatory diseases such as allergic rhinitis (AR) or chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)., Recent Findings: A long debate persists about the usefulness of subjective and objective methods for making decisions on the management of patients with nasal obstruction. Establishing standards and ranges of symptom scales and questionnaires is essential to measure the success of an intervention and its impact on QoL. To our knowledge this is the first real-life study to describe the management of MNO using both subjective and objective criteria in MNO isolated or associated to upper airway inflammatory diseases (AR or CRSwNP). Medical treatment (intranasal corticosteroids) has a minor but significant improvement in MNO subjective outcomes (NO, NOSE, and CQ7) with no changes in loss of smell and objective outcomes. After surgery, all MNO patients reported a significant improvement in both subjective and objective outcomes, this improvement being higher in CRSwNP. We concluded that in daily clinical practice, the therapeutic recommendation for MNO should be based on both subjective and objective outcomes, nasal corrective surgery being the treatment of choice in MNO, either isolated or associated to upper airway inflammatory diseases, AR or CRSwNP., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

The effects of tillage on soil structure, physiology and microbiota structure were studied in a long-term field experiment, with side-to-side plots, established to compare effects of conventional tillage (CT) vs no-till (NT) agriculture. After 27 years, part of the field under CT was switched to NT and vice versa. Soil texture, soil enzymatic profiles and the prokaryotic community structure (16S rRNA genes amplicon sequencing) were analyzed at two soil depths (0-5 and 5-10 cm) in samples taken 6, 18 and 30 months after switching tillage practices. Soil enzymatic activities were higher in NT than CT, and enzymatic profiles responded to the changes much earlier than the overall prokaryotic community structure. Beta diversity measurements of the prokaryotic community indicated that the levels of stratification observed in long-term NT soils were already recovered in the new NT soils 30 months after switching from CT to NT. Bacteria and Archaea OTUs that responded to NT were associated with coarse soil fraction, soil organic carbon and C cycle enzymes, while CT responders were related to fine soil fractions and S cycle enzymes. This study showed the potential of managing the soil prokaryotic community and soil health through changes in agricultural management practices., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of FEMS.)

Objectives: To assess the long-term effectiveness of stapedotomies performed on patients with otosclerosis and preoperative small air-bone gaps (ABGs)., Methods: Retrospective study comparing the 10-year postoperative hearing outcomes after primary stapedotomies in patients with small (≤20 dB) and large ABGs (> 20 dB). Ninety out of 175 stapedotomies (22 and 68 in the small and large ABG groups, respectively) were monitored with long-term follow-ups., Results: Ten years after the operation, hearing measurements were similar for both groups, although a significant decline of bone conduction thresholds was evident (p = 0.007 and p < 0.001, respectively). An improvement of ≥10 dB in the postoperative ABG (clinical improvement) was achieved only in the large ABG group., Conclusions: Even though long-term hearing levels will evolve similarly in patients with ≤20 and > 20 dB preoperative ABGs, the lack of clinical improvement found in the small ABG group is not in favor of an early surgery., (© 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an aggressive tumor defined by EWSR1 gene fusions that behave as an oncogene. Here we demonstrate that RING1B is highly expressed in primary ES tumors, and its expression is independent of the fusion oncogene. RING1B-depleted ES cells display an expression profile enriched in genes functionally involved in hematological development but RING1B depletion does not induce cellular differentiation. In ES cells, RING1B directly binds the SCN8A sodium channel promoter and its depletion results in enhanced Nav1.6 expression and function. The signaling pathway most significantly modulated by RING1B is NF-κB. RING1B depletion results in enhanced p105/p50 expression, which sensitizes ES cells to apoptosis by FGFR/SHP2/STAT3 blockade. Reduced NaV1.6 function protects ES cells from apoptotic cell death by maintaining low NF-κB levels. Our findings identify RING1B as a trait of the cell-of-origin and provide a potential targetable vulnerability., Competing Interests: Authors declare no competing financial interests.

Identifying serum pre-treatment molecular markers that can predict response to therapy is of great interest in head and neck oncology and is required to develop personalized treatments that maximize survival while minimizing morbidity. The main aim was to investigate the potential prognostic significance of tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), and its receptors, fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) and CD163, in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The study comprised 37 consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed, untreated HNSCC. Serum and tissue samples from these patients were available for study. We determined sTWEAK and sCD163 levels in serum from 37 HNSCC patients by ELISA. TWEAK, CD163, Fn14 and TNF-α gene expression were detected by real-time RT-PCR in 111 matched tissue samples (tumoral, adjacent and distal/normal mucosa). Our results showed a significant relationship between low sTWEAK levels and poor locoregional control of the disease. Kaplan-Meier curves indicated that the locoregional recurrence-free survival rate in patients with low sTWEAK circulating levels was significantly lower than in patients with high levels, and that high CD136/TWEAK expression ratio in tumors was also related to poor prognosis. sTWEAK pre-treatment serum levels might be used as prognostic non-invasive biomarkers for locoregional control in patients with HNSCC. Future investigations are warranted to determine the potential prognostic significance of this non-invasive biomarker in the rapid discrimination according to the locoregional control achieved in patients who received a non-surgical organ preservation treatment.

Background: Pneumococcal infections remain a major health problem worldwide. This study analysed the distribution of distinct Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes causing invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) among all-age population in the region of Tarragona (Spain) throughout 2006-2009., Methods: An amount of 237 strains were evaluated, of which 203 (85.7%) were isolated from blood cultures, 14 (5.9%) from pleural fluids, 13 (5.5%) from CSF samples and 7 (3%) from other sterile sites. Forty-seven cases (19.8%) were children ≤ 14 years, 94 (39.7%) were patients 15-64 years and 96 (40.5%) were patients ≥ 65 years., Results: Seven serotypes (1, 3, 6A, 7F, 12F, 14 and 19A) caused almost two thirds (63.3%) of cases among all-age patients. Serotype 1 was the most common serotype among children (44.7%) and among people 15-64 years (21.3%), whereas serotype 19A was the most common among people ≥ 65 years (12.5%).Among all-age population, serotype-vaccine coverage for the distinct pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) and conjugate vaccines (PCVs) were 17.3% for the PCV7, 49.8% for the PCV10, 73% for the PCV13 and 80.2% for the PPV23 (p < 0.001). Among children, vaccine-serotype coverage was 23.4% for the PCV7, 72.3% for the PCV10 and 83% for the PCV13. Among people ≥ 65 years, vaccine-serotype coverage was 62.5% for the PCV13 and 68.8% for the PPV23., Conclusion: A considerable proportion of IPD cases among our population would not be covered by the current pneumococcal vaccines.

Edema of the uvula (EU) is a rare occurrence sometimes associated with angioedema, urticaria, and anaphylaxis. We analyze the causes, predisposing factors, and characteristics of EU in a group of 58 patients with a mean (SD) age of 48.2 (15.2) years over the course of a year. Of the 58 patients studied, 49 (84.5%) were male and 44 (75.9%) presented isolated EU. Thirty-two patients (55.1%) with no clear etiology were classed as idiopathic. Snoring and a high body mass index were more prevalent in these patients. A variety of probable causes were identified in 26 patients (44.9%). In this group, EU was usually accompanied by urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis and there was also a greater prevalence of atopy. We found that EU was idiopathic in just over half of the patients studied and that the predisposing factors were being overweight and having a tendency to snore. Patients with EU should be tested for allergies to drugs, airborne allergens, and food.

A molecular approach was used to evaluate the effect of nonylphenol ethoxylate surfactants on the bacterial diversity in lab-scale activated sludge reactors. Separate bench-scale units were fed synthetic wastewater with and without addition of branched nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPnEO). The performance of the reactors, in terms of carbonaceous removal was largely unaffected by the presence of NP10EO in the feeding solution. However, addition of NP10EO exerted a pronounced shift in bacterial community composition. In situ hybridization analyzing larger phylogenetic groups of bacteria with ribosomal RNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes revealed the dominance of clusters composed of Betaproteobacteria, accounting for up to one-third of 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindol-dihydrochloride (DAPI)-stained cells in NP10EO amended reactors and only 5% of DAPI-stained cells in the controls. These shifts in populations of larger phylogenetic groups were confirmed by dot-blot analysis of rRNA. Members of gamma subclass of Proteobacteria were present in low numbers in all activated sludge samples examined, suggesting that only bacteria affiliated with the beta subclass of Proteobacteria may have a specific role in NP10EO degradation.

Bone SPECT in cholesteatoma assessment. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a procedure in nuclear medicine which enables bone lesions to be better assessed. Twenty patients with cholesteatoma were studied to assess the efficiency of SPECT in bone lesions produced by cholesteatoma. Every patient also had a middle ear computed tomography (CT) and underwent surgery and anatomopathologic examination. Results obtained by SPECT are compared to CT results. SPECT was positive in 15 cases of which 2 of them with a negative CT for bone erosion. Five cases were false negative, but 2 of them had contralateral ear pathology and in one case bone erosion was not found. We conclude that in some patients SPECT can be a complementary diagnostic procedure in cholesteatomatous bone lesions.

This article deals with an investigative work done by the AA. with the aim of determine the final cause of sudden sensorial deafness. Three causes are accepted as source of sudden deafness: viral infections, the tear away of labyrinthine membranes and the vascular theory. An increase in antibody titer suggest a viral origin. The labyrinthine membranes split has been observed at times when performing an exploratory tympanotomy. But circulatory troubles are hardly diagnosed, even with histopathological evidences of vascular upsets in temporal bones belonging to patients who suffered from an auditory stroke, because there are no diagnostic tests for "in vivo" control. Our intend is to investigate on the physiopathology of unforeseen deafness and also try to know the possible mechanisms of reversion of this calamitous pathology. We use, as investigative method of actual vascular changes in sudden deafness, the following; the speed analysis of the blood flow furnished by the A. labyrinthi through echography Doppler color transcranialis and angiography and magnetic resonance (Angio-MR). Both procedures are non invasive and harmless. We comment the findings of 13 patients. And find out, in 4 cases, an important trouble of the arterial vertebrobasilaris flow. The A. labyrinthi, a branch of the A. cerebelli inferior anterior (ACIA) and/or A. basilaris--rarely from the A. cerebelli inferior posterior (ACIP)--showed a heavy hypoplasy of these vessels, stenosis or complete blockage. In 2 of cases, 4 months later, a new exploration of the Doppler flow and angio-MR, was performed, and detected an improvement of the vertebrobasilar flow, in both instances. In those patients with an evident recovery of the hearing, it was attributed to these two compensatory mechanisms: 1) reversal of the flow at the level of cicle of Willis, at the expense of development of A. communicans posterior, and 2) cessation of the vertebral A. spasm and decrease of the vessel's tortuosity so improving the blood flow.

Many cases of hearing impairment are of genetic origin. Non-syndromic recessive transmission is the most frequent form. A genetic study was made of cases of non-syndromic familial hearing impairment seen in our service. The pattern of Mendelian inheritance was studied in the disorders associated with deafness. Four families had non-syndromic deafness and autosomal inheritance (3 dominant and one recessive) and one had a probable sex-linked inheritance. Genetic counseling was given and guidelines were created after reviewing the literature.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma initially diagnosed and treated as hemangioma. A case diagnosed as having a hemangioma of the soft palate according to clinical and arteriographic findings is discussed. Recurrence appeared one year after embolization. Arteriography showed no vascular lesion and histopathologic study revealed an adenoid cystic carcinoma. It is stated that imaging studies may be insufficient.

Infantile Cholesteatoma has been lately the aim of a large number of papers dealing with its natural history and optimal treatment. The outcome of 26 cases of ear surgery, done between 1990 and 1991, are reviewed. The etiology of Cholesteatoma was congenital in 2 cases, iatrogenic in an other one and unknown for the remainder (88%). Fifteen (15) closed surgical procedures and 11 open were carry out, achieving global removal of lesions in 76 percent of cases. Ninety-one (91%) of open tympanoplasties and 66 percent of closed procedures. Six cases evolved to recidivation (and later reoperatively reconverted in open cases) owing either to the erosion of the ossicular chain or encroachment of the recessus. Reconstructions of the ossicular chain was undertaken in 61.5 percent of cases and the hearing preserved in all instances and improved in 35 percent of reconstructions.

Major salivary lymphoepithelial lesions accounted for less than 3 percent of all benign parotid tumors, prior to AIDS acquaintance. Defined as the presence of enlargement of one or more salivary glands and, in some cases, with diminished salivary function. The paper present the case of an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome starting as a Mikulicz's disease. Reviewed the medical literature and treatment options.

We report a case of nasal mucosal melanosis transformed into malignant mucosal melanoma. We review the feature of these disorders, their association, and preventive treatment.

In this paper we study the phenomenon of the acoustic emissions. This study presents two cases with different auditif pathology and their clinics applications.

We present a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the lip with metástasis to the mandible and meningeal involvement causing multiple cranial nerve palsies. Biopsy proven metástasis to the mandible was demonstrated. Studies of CT scan of the head were negative. Extension through perineural space have been speculated.

Inverted papilloma is a papillar lesion of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses that arise from the Schneiderian membrane. This tumor has a high rate of local recurrence. We present a review of 10 cases of inverted papilloma of the nose and paranasal sinuses. A review of the literature is done.

This refers to a case of a malign melanoma in the nasal cavity. Melanomas of the mucosal origin differed from the melanomas cutaneous in that size of the primary lesion did not influence prognosis. Regional lymph node metastases are rare and did not influence prognosis. Local recurrence at the primary site is frequent. Surgical treatment offers long-term cure to only a limited number of patients.

From 1981-1984, we have diagnosed and treated 5 cases verrucous carcinoma of the larynx. The clinical findings, histopathology, and management of verrucous carcinoma of the larynx are discussed.

An aberrant internal carotid artery in the middle ear is rare. We present a new case with a red mass behind the eardrum. The diagnosis must be established by radiology and angiography. The consequences of injury and surgical intervention are serious. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on the subject of vascular anomalies of the middle ear and to discuss the diagnosis and management of this lesion.

We report the anatomical and functional results of 156 myringoplasty; 134 with onlay surgical technique and 22 with underlay technique. We comment the climatologic of our area and its relation with the surgical failures.

A group of 80 patients with blunt head injury were examined. Long-term clinical neurologic and otologic sequelae of traumatic head injury are well recognized. The authors studied the vestibular disorders using ENG, EEG and high resolution CT.