Do small-sided games prepare players for the worst-case scenarios of match play in elite young soccer players?

The aim of the study was to determine whether the physical performance of young soccer player during various small sided games (SSGs) underloads, replicates or overloads the requirements of the worst-case scenarios (WCS) during match play. A total of 521 SSGs' individual observations and 15 different formats of SSGs with different areas per player (ApP) (ApP100: < 100; ApP200: ranged from 101 to 200; ApP300: > 201, all in m2 · player-1) were taken into consideration. Whole (90-min average; OM) and 15-, 5- and 1-min worst-case scenarios (WCS15, WCS5 and WCS1, respectively) were analysed. Total distance covered relative (m · min-1) (TDCR), high-speed distance relative (m · min-1) (HSDR), very high-speed distance relative (m · min-1) (VHSDR) and sprint distance relative (m · min-1) (SDR), player load relative (PLR) and both total (ACCR) and high intensity relative accelerations (n · min-1) (ACCHR) were collected. All external load measures analysed were significantly higher in WCS1 compared to WCS of longer duration and SSGs with different ApP (p < 0.001). The analysis demonstrated interactions between game type and player positions (p < 0.001) for TDCR, VHSDR, PLR and ACCHR. The SSG formats did not sufficiently stimulate the WCS for locomotor demands (VHSDR and SDR). SSGs played on an ApP100 overestimated the mechanical values compared to WCS15 and WCS5. The analysed SSG formats did not sufficiently stimulate players to cope with all external load demands that occurred during WCS1. This study provides useful information for practitioners on the heightened impact of different SSG formats on external load in relation to the WCS of competitive match play.

Relationships between RPE-derived internal training load parameters and GPS-based external training load variables in elite young soccer players.

This study aimed to identify the GPS-based external training load variables that influence the internal training loads (RPE-derived parameters: RPE and session RPE - sRPE), and generate a model to predict GPS-based external load variables from RPE and perceived wellness values. Training load data for 21 elite young players were collected over 72 training sessions and 23 matches from the same competitive season, and 564 observations (training sessions, 462; matches, 102) were analysed. Considering all observations (training sessions and matches), significant moderate and large correlations (p < 0.01) were detected between RPE values and EL measures. The correlation between the GPS outcomes with both the RPE and sRPE values was higher during training sessions than during matches. Moreover, increased RPE and perceived wellness measures had a significant positive effect on external load variables (p < 0.001). The present work provides preliminary evidence of the utility of the RPE and sRPE method to quantify the training loads in young soccer players since most of the GPS-based EL indicators were moderate to highly correlated with the RPE-derived parameters. Additionally, EL variables may be estimated when combining perceived IL and subjective wellness indicators in young soccer players.

Accumulative Weekly External and Internal Load Relative to Match Load in Elite Male Youth Soccer Players.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was 2-fold: (1) to assess and compare the external and internal load of elite young soccer players during competitive microcycles and (2) to describe the training/match ratios (TMr) in elite male youth soccer players. METHOD: Twenty-one youth soccer players were monitored using a 10-Hz global positioning system. Total distance covered, running distance (RD), high-speed RD, sprint distance, number of accelerations and decelerations, player load, and rated perceived exertion were recorded during training sessions and matches. The TMr was calculated for each load measure. All variables were also normalized dividing the load per minute of activity. RESULTS: The RD, high-speed running, and sprint distance were higher 3 days before the match and 2 days before match compared with the rest of the training sessions. However, accelerations, decelerations, and player load were higher 4 days before match than other sessions. Besides this, the TMr of RD, high-speed running, and sprint distance were associated with lower values than the TMr of total distance covered, accelerations, decelerations, and player load. The match constituted the highest load during competitive microcycle. CONCLUSIONS: The present data support the idea that youth soccer coaches and practitioners must consider relative training load according to match demands to better manage and evaluate player periodization.

Field-based tests for assessing fitness in referees: A systematic review.

This systematic review was aimed at identifying the psychometric properties of field-based tests for assessing physical fitness in soccer referees. Electronic databases were searched up to May 2020 for studies that informed about the reliability and/or validity of at least one field-based physical fitness test for soccer referees. A total of 13 studies analysed the psychometric properties of the field-based physical fitness tests proposed by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) (aerobic endurance, n = 8; anaerobic endurance, n = 3; and speed, n = 8), while seven investigations focused on field-based physical fitness tests specifically designed for assessing aerobic endurance (n = 1) or change of direction (COD) (n = 6). According to the observed reliability and validity values, the Assistant Referee Intermittent Endurance test (ARIET), the 50-m sprint test and the Modified Agility test (MAT) seem, respectively, the best available options for assessing aerobic endurance, speed, and COD in soccer referees. Future investigations should consider the lack of research focusing on assistant and female referees. Further studies on the psychometric properties of anaerobic endurance and short distance speed tests are also needed.

Bacterial composition in a metropolitan drinking water distribution system utilizing different source waters.

We investigated the bacterial composition of water samples from two service areas within a drinking water distribution system (DWDS), each associated with a different primary source of water (groundwater, GW; surface water, SW) and different treatment process. Community analysis based on 16S rRNA gene clone libraries indicated that Actinobacteria (Mycobacterium spp.) and α-Proteobacteria represented nearly 43 and 38% of the total sequences, respectively. Sequences closely related to Legionella, Pseudomonas, and Vibrio spp. were also identified. In spite of the high number of sequences (71%) shared in both areas, multivariable analysis revealed significant differences between the GW and SW areas. While the dominant phylotypes where not significantly contributing in the ordination of samples, the populations associated with the core of phylotypes (1-10% in each sample) significantly contributed to the differences between both service areas. Diversity indices indicate that the microbial community inhabiting the SW area is more diverse and contains more distantly related species coexisting with local assemblages as compared with the GW area. The bacterial community structure of SW and GW service areas were dissimilar, suggesting that their respective source water and/or water quality parameters shaped by the treatment processes may contribute to the differences in community structure observed.

Biofilm community dynamics in bench-scale annular reactors simulating arrestment of chloraminated drinking water nitrification.

Annular reactors (ARs) were used to study biofilm community succession and provide ecological insight during nitrification arrestment through simultaneously increasing monochloramine (NH2Cl) and chlorine to nitrogen mass ratios, resulting in four operational periods (I-IV). Analysis of 16S rRNA-encoding gene sequence reads (454-pyrosequencing) examined viable and total biofilm communities and found total samples were representative of the underlying viable community. Bacterial community structure showed dynamic changes corresponding with AR operational parameters. Period I (complete nitrification and no NH2Cl residual) was dominated by Bradyrhizobium (total cumulative distribution: 38%), while environmental Legionella-like phylotypes peaked (19%) during Period II (complete nitrification and minimal NH2Cl residual). Nitrospira moscoviensis (nitrite-oxidizing bacteria) was detected in early periods (2%) but decreased to <0.02% in later periods, corresponding to nitrite accumulation. Methylobacterium (19%) and members of Nitrosomonadaceae (42%) dominated Period III (complete ammonia and partial nitrite oxidation and low NH2Cl residual). An increase in Afipia (haloacetic acid-degrading bacteria) relative abundance (<2% to 42%) occurred during Period IV (minimal nitrification and moderate to high NH2Cl residual). Microbial community and operational data provided no evidence of taxa-time relationship, but rapid community transitions indicated that the system had experienced ecological regime shifts to alternative stable states.

Effects of Different Recovery Duration on External and Internal Load Measures during Bouts of Small-Sided Games.

The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of different recovery times between bouts of small-sided games (SSG) on external and internal load variables in semi-professional soccer players. Sixteen male semi-professional soccer players performed three 4 vs. 4 + goalkeeper SSG training sessions, each with different recovery bout duration: short (1 min) (SSG1), medium (2 min) (SSG2), and long (4 min) (SSG4). Time motion and neuromuscular measures were collected during all SSGs, in addition, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was determined at the end of the last bout of each SSG. Results showed a significant increase in the total number of accelerations (p = 0.016, ES = 0.97, large) and decelerations (p = 0.022, ES = 0.81, large) in SSG4 compared to SSG1. In terms of the internal load, SSG2 showed significantly higher RPE values (p = 0.011, ES = 1.00, large) in comparison with SSG1. If the sessions' focus is on neuromuscular training, longer recovery times between SSG bouts should be used. Conversely, if the aim is to reach a higher total and running distance at different intensities, a 2-min recovery period between bouts may be more appropriate.

Composition of active bacterial communities and presence of opportunistic pathogens in disinfected and non-disinfected drinking water distribution systems in Finland.

Many factors, including microbiome structure and activity in the drinking water distribution system (DWDS), affect the colonization potential of opportunistic pathogens. The present study aims to describe the dynamics of active bacterial communities in DWDS and identify the factors that shape the community structures and activity in the selected DWDSs. Large-volume drinking water and hot water, biofilm, and water meter deposit samples were collected from five DWDSs. Total nucleic acids were extracted, and RNA was further purified and transcribed into its cDNA from a total of 181 water and biofilm samples originating from the DWDS of two surface water supplies (disinfected with UV and chlorine), two artificially recharged groundwater supplies (non-disinfected), and a groundwater supply (disinfected with UV and chlorine). In chlorinated DWDSs, concentrations of <0.02-0.97 mg/l free chlorine were measured. Bacterial communities in the RNA and DNA fractions were analysed using Illumina MiSeq sequencing with primer pair 341F-785R targeted to the 16S rRNA gene. The sequence libraries were analysed using QIIME pipeline, Program R, and MicrobiomeAnalyst. Not all bacterial cells were active based on their 16S rRNA content, and species richness was lower in the RNA fraction (Chao1 mean value 490) than in the DNA fraction (710). Species richness was higher in the two DWDSs distributing non-disinfected artificial groundwater (Chao1 mean values of 990 and 1 000) as compared to the two disinfected DWDSs using surface water (Chao1 mean values 190 and 460) and disinfected DWDS using ground water as source water (170). The difference in community structures between non-disinfected and disinfected water was clear in the beta-diversity analysis. Distance from the waterworks also affected the beta diversity of community structures, especially in disinfected distribution systems. The two most abundant bacteria in the active part of the community (RNA) and total bacterial community (DNA) belonged to the classes Alphaproteobacteria (RNA 28 %, DNA 44 %) and Gammaproteobacteria (RNA 32 %, DNA 30 %). The third most abundant and active bacteria class was Vampirovibrionia (RNA 15 %), whereas in the total community it was Paceibacteria (DNA 11 %). Class Nitrospiria was more abundant and active in both cold and hot water in DWDS that used chloramine disinfection compared to non-chlorinated or chlorine-using DWDSs. Thirty-eight operational taxonomic units (OTU) of Legionella, 30 of Mycobacterium, and 10 of Pseudomonas were detected among the sequences. The (RT)-qPCR confirmed the presence of opportunistic pathogens in the DWDSs studied as Legionella spp. was detected in 85 % (mean value 4.5 × 104 gene copies/100 ml), Mycobacterium spp. in 95 % (mean value 8.3 × 106 gene copies/100 ml), and Pseudomonas spp. in 78 % (mean value 1.6 × 105 gene copies/100 ml) of the water and biofilm samples. Sampling point inside the system (distance from the waterworks and cold/hot system) affected the active bacterial community composition. Chloramine as a chlorination method resulted in a recognizable community composition, with high abundance of bacteria that benefit from the excess presence of nitrogen. The results presented here confirm that each DWDS is unique and that opportunistic pathogens are present even in conditions when water quality is considered excellent.

The impact of silver nanoparticles on the composting of municipal solid waste.

The study evaluates the impact of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) coated silver nanoparticles (PVP-AgNPs) on the composting of municipal solid waste. The results suggest that there was no statistically significant difference in the leachate, gas, and solid quality parameters and overall composting performance between the treatments containing the AgNPs, Ag(+), and negative control. Nonetheless, taxonomical analyses of 25 Illumina 16S rDNA barcoded libraries containing 2 393 504 sequences indicated that the bacterial communities in composted samples were highly diverse and primarily dominated by Clostridia (48.5%), Bacilli (27.9%), and beta-Proteobacteria (13.4%). Bacterial diversity studies showed that the overall bacterial community structure in the composters changed in response to the Ag-based treatments. However, the data suggest that functional performance was not significantly affected due to potential bacterial functional redundancy within the compost samples. The data also indicate that while the surface transformation of AgNPs to AgCl and Ag2S can reduce the toxicity, complexation with organic matter may also play a major role. The results of this study further suggest that at relatively low concentrations, the organically rich waste management systems' functionality may not be influenced by the presence of AgNPs.

Relationship between relative age measured through decimal age, physical variables and anthropometry in elite youth soccer players.

INTRODUCTION: Age differences between athletes born in the same year, as well as an over-representation of older players, are known as the Relative Age Effect (RAE). Players born at the beginning of the selection year have a physical and anthropometric advantage over their younger peers. Experts keep looking for new prediction variables for talent identification. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to correlate anthropometric, strength and power variables with the relative age (RA) and the level of the teams in which players played in each age category. METHODS: All players (N = 366) from an elite soccer academy of a Spanish club volunteered to participate in the study (U23-U10). RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between the RA of the players and the level of the team in which they played in each age category but no correlation between trimester of birth and level of the team. We found significant correlations between the players' physical capacities, anthropometry, RA and the level of the team in which they played for the same age category, mainly from U16 to U10. U23 did not show any correlation between RA and physical or anthropometric variables. CONCLUSION: Coaches should be cautious of choosing players based only on anthropometric or physical attributes.

Depth profiles of biological aerated contactors: Characterizing microbial activity treating reduced contaminants.

The biological treatment process consisting of an aerated contactor and filter is effective for groundwaters containing elevated ammonia and other reduced contaminants, including iron, manganese, arsenic, and methane. Depth profiles characterizing microbial activity across aerated contactors are lacking. A 1-year pilot study comparing gravel- and ceramic-packed contactors was conducted, and media depth profile samples were collected at the conclusion of the study. Media and water samples also were collected from pilot-scale aerated contactors at 4 other water systems. Water quality, media surface metals concentrations, and a suite of biofilm parameters were analyzed. Media surface metals concentrations were greatest at the influent end. ATP concentrations, extracellular polymeric substances, and extracellular enzyme activities tended to be similar across depth. Bacteria and functional genes involved in contaminant oxidation co-occurred and tended to decrease across depth, but were not correlated to the media metals concentration. Microbial community composition changed with depth, and the diversity either decreased or remained similar. The microbial activity profiles through aerated contactors differed from what is typically reported for groundwater biofilters, suggesting that the different reactor flow and dissolved oxygen profiles impacted the microbial community.

Comprehensive characterization of aerobic groundwater biotreatment media.

Aerobic biotreatment systems can treat multiple reduced inorganic contaminants in groundwater, including ammonia (NH3), arsenic (As), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn). While individual systems treating multiple contaminants simultaneously have been characterized and several systems treating one contaminant have been compared, a comparison of systems treating co-occurring contaminants is lacking. This study assessed the treatment performance and microbial communities within 7 pilot- and full-scale groundwater biotreatment systems in the United States that treated waters with pH 5.6-7.8, 0.1-2.0 mg/L dissolved oxygen, 75-376 mg CaCO3/L alkalinity, < 0.03-3.79 mg NH3-N/L, < 4-31 µg As/L, < 0.01-9.37 mg Fe/L, 2-1220 µg Mn/L, and 0.1-5.6 mg/L total organic carbon (TOC). Different reactor configurations and media types were represented, allowing for a broad assessment of linkages between water quality and microbial communities via microscopy, biofilm quantification, and molecular methods. Influent NH3, TOC, and pH contributed to differences in the microbial communities. Mn oxidase gene copy numbers were slightly negatively correlated with the influent Mn concentration, but no significant relationships between gene copy number and influent concentration were observed for the other contaminants. Extracellular enzyme activities, community composition, and carbon transformation pathways suggested heterotrophic bacteria may be important in nitrifying biofilters. Aerobic groundwater biofilters are complex, and improved understanding could lead to engineering enhancements.

A comparative analysis employing a gene- and genome-centric metagenomic approach reveals changes in composition, function, and activity in waterworks with different treatment processes and source water in Finland.

The emergence and development of next-generation sequencing technologies (NGS) has made the analysis of the water microbiome in drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) more accessible and opened new perspectives in microbial ecology studies. The current study focused on the characterization of the water microbiome employing a gene- and genome-centric metagenomic approach to five waterworks in Finland with different raw water sources, treatment methods, and disinfectant. The microbial communities exhibit a distribution pattern of a few dominant taxa and a large representation of low-abundance bacterial species. Changes in the community structure may correspond to the presence or absence and type of disinfectant residual which indicates that these conditions exert selective pressure on the microbial community. The Archaea domain represented a small fraction (up to 2.5%) and seemed to be effectively controlled by the disinfection of water. Their role particularly in non-disinfected DWDS may be more important than previously considered. In general, non-disinfected DWDSs harbor higher microbial richness and maintaining disinfectant residual is significantly important for ensuring low microbial numbers and diversity. Metagenomic binning recovered 139 (138 bacterial and 1 archaeal) metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) that had a >50% completeness and <10% contamination consisting of 20 class representatives in 12 phyla. The presence and occurrence of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB)-like microorganisms have significant implications for nitrogen biotransformation in drinking water systems. The metabolic and functional complexity of the microbiome is evident in DWDSs ecosystems. A comparative analysis found a set of differentially abundant taxonomic groups and functional traits in the active community. The broader set of transcribed genes may indicate an active and diverse community regardless of the treatment methods applied to water. The results indicate a highly dynamic and diverse microbial community and confirm that every DWDS is unique, and the community reflects the selection pressures exerted at the community structure, but also at the levels of functional properties and metabolic potential.

Assessing residential activity in a home plumbing system simulator: monitoring the occurrence and relationship of major opportunistic pathogens and phagocytic amoebas.

Opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPPs) have been detected in buildings' plumbing systems causing waterborne disease outbreaks in the United States. In this study, we monitored the occurrence of OPPPs along with free-living amoeba (FLA) and investigated the effects of residential activities in a simulated home plumbing system (HPS). Water samples were collected from various locations in the HPS and analyzed for three major OPPPs: Legionella pneumophila, nontuberculous mycobacterial species (e.g., Mycobacterium avium, M. intracellulare, and M. abscessus), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa along with two groups of amoebas (Acanthamoeba and Vermamoeba vermiformis). A metagenomic approach was also used to further characterize the microbial communities. Results show that the microbial community is highly diverse with evidence of spatial and temporal structuring influenced by environmental conditions. L. pneumophila was the most prevalent pathogen (86% of samples), followed by M. intracellulare (66%) and P. aeruginosa (21%). Interestingly, M. avium and M. abscessus were not detected in any samples. The data revealed a relatively low prevalence of Acanthamoeba spp. (4%), while V. vermiformis was widely detected (81%) across all the sampling locations within the HPS. Locations with a high concentration of L. pneumophila and M. intracellulare coincided with the highest detection of V. vermiformis, suggesting the potential growth of both populations within FLA and additional protection in drinking water. After a period of stagnation lasting at least 2-weeks, the concentrations of OPPPs and amoeba immediately increased and then decreased gradually back to the baseline. Furthermore, monitoring the microbial population after drainage of the hot water tank and partial drainage of the entire HPS demonstrated no significant mitigation of the selected OPPPs. This study demonstrates that these organisms can adjust to their environment during such events and may survive in biofilms and/or grow within FLA, protecting them from stressors in the supplied water.

Morphological and molecular identification of the brown dog tick in Mexico.

Ticks of the Rhipicephalus sanguineus complex are known as the brown dog ticks. This complex groups at least 12 species of ticks that are distributed worldwide. On the American continents, R. sanguineus sensu stricto (s.s.), is distributed in temperate areas, while Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), also called "tropical lineage" is distributed in tropical regions. Previous analyses of brown dog ticks from Mexico have identified the so-called tropical lineage and the country generally has a climate more favorable for these ticks (> 20o C in average). In addition, some pathogens thought to be transmitted by this lineage (such as Ehrlichia canis, and Rickettsia rickettsii) are prevalent in Mexico. Herein we aim to contribute to the study of brown dog ticks by providing morphological identification and molecular analysis of mt 12S rDNA and 16S rDNA sequences from ticks collected from 12 states in Mexico. Our results indicate that the tropical lineage of R. sanguineus s.l., recently redescribed as R. linnaei is widely distributed in Mexico.

Metagenomic analyses of drinking water receiving different disinfection treatments.

A metagenome-based approach was used to assess the taxonomic affiliation and function potential of microbial populations in free-chlorine-treated (CHL) and monochloramine-treated (CHM) drinking water (DW). In all, 362,640 (averaging 544 bp) and 155,593 (averaging 554 bp) pyrosequencing reads were analyzed for the CHL and CHM samples, respectively. Most annotated proteins were found to be of bacterial origin, although eukaryotic, archaeal, and viral proteins were also identified. Differences in community structure and function were noted. Most notably, Legionella-like genes were more abundant in the CHL samples while mycobacterial genes were more abundant in CHM samples. Genes associated with multiple disinfectant mechanisms were identified in both communities. Moreover, sequences linked to virulence factors, such as antibiotic resistance mechanisms, were observed in both microbial communities. This study provides new insights into the genetic network and potential biological processes associated with the molecular microbial ecology of DW microbial communities.

Metagenome analyses of corroded concrete wastewater pipe biofilms reveal a complex microbial system.

BACKGROUND: Concrete corrosion of wastewater collection systems is a significant cause of deterioration and premature collapse. Failure to adequately address the deteriorating infrastructure networks threatens our environment, public health, and safety. Analysis of whole-metagenome pyrosequencing data and 16S rRNA gene clone libraries was used to determine microbial composition and functional genes associated with biomass harvested from crown (top) and invert (bottom) sections of a corroded wastewater pipe. RESULTS: Taxonomic and functional analysis demonstrated that approximately 90% of the total diversity was associated with the phyla Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. The top (TP) and bottom pipe (BP) communities were different in composition, with some of the differences attributed to the abundance of sulfide-oxidizing and sulfate-reducing bacteria. Additionally, human fecal bacteria were more abundant in the BP communities. Among the functional categories, proteins involved in sulfur and nitrogen metabolism showed the most significant differences between biofilms. There was also an enrichment of genes associated with heavy metal resistance, virulence (protein secretion systems) and stress response in the TP biofilm, while a higher number of genes related to motility and chemotaxis were identified in the BP biofilm. Both biofilms contain a high number of genes associated with resistance to antibiotics and toxic compounds subsystems. CONCLUSIONS: The function potential of wastewater biofilms was highly diverse with level of COG diversity similar to that described for soil. On the basis of the metagenomic data, some factors that may contribute to niche differentiation were pH, aerobic conditions and availability of substrate, such as nitrogen and sulfur. The results from this study will help us better understand the genetic network and functional capability of microbial members of wastewater concrete biofilms.

Small-sided games in female soccer players: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review aimed to analyze the literature on small-sided games (SSGs) from a physiological and physical perspective in female soccer players. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review of Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and SPORTDiscus was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred, Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis) Guidelines. Studies informed about physical and/or, physiological-responses during SSGs played by young and/or adult amateur and/or professional female soccer players were included. Information regarding study information, population, intervention data, instruments, variables analyzed, and outcomes were elucidated. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The search returned 2944 records. After screening against set criteria, a total of 13 manuscripts were fully reviewed. The present review grouped studies according to the three following age categories taking sample's mean age into account: Under-19 as young players and senior female players (>19 years old). The most common topics of analysis were: 1) player number; 2) pitch area and game surface; 3) sex differences; and 4) training regimens. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides useful information on the complex relationship between technical, physical and physiological interactions in SSGs and how manipulating these types of variables can improve the soccer training process.

Lipid profile of patients treated with evolocumab in Spanish hospital nephrology units (RETOSS NEFRO).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics, the reasons for initiating therapy and the effects of treatment in the initial phase of evolocumab availability in the Nephrology Units of Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective, observational and multicentric study that included patients initiating treatment with evolocumab (from February 2016 to August 2018), in 15 Nephrology Units in Spain. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, the lipid lowering treatment and the evolution of the lipid profiles between 24 weeks pre-initiation and 12±4 weeks post-initiation of evolocumab were reviewed. RESULTS: 60 patients were enrolled: 53.3% women; mean (SD) age, 56.9 (12.8) years, 45.0% with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) (5.0% homozygous and 40.0% heterozygous) and 65.0% with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The mean (SD) eGFR was 62.6 (30.0) ml/min/1.73m2 (51.7% of patients had eGFR <60ml/min/1.73m2 [CKD stage>2]), 50.0% had proteinuria (>300mg/g) and 10.0% had nephrotic syndrome. Other CV risk factors were hypertension (75.0%), diabetes (25.0%), and smoking (21.7%). A 40.0% of patients were statin intolerant. At evolocumab initiation, 41.7% of patients were on a high intensity statin, 18.3% on moderate intensity statin and 50.0% were receiving ezetimibe. Mean (SD) LDL-c at evolocumab initiation was 179.7 (62.9) mg/dL (53.4% of patients with LDL-c ≥160mg/dL and 29.3% ≥190mg/dL). After 12 weeks, evolocumab resulted in LDL-c reductions of 60.1%. At week 12, 90.0% of patients reached LDL-c levels <100mg/dL, 70.0% <70mg/dL, and 55.0% <55mg/dL, while mean eGFR levels and statin use remained stable. CONCLUSION: In Nephrology Units of Spain, evolocumab was predominantly prescribed in patients with FH, chronic renal disease (CRD>2) and secondary prevention, with LDL-c levels above those recommended by the guidelines. Evolocumab used in clinical practice significantly reduced the LDL-c levels in all patients included in the study.

Molecular survey of concrete sewer biofilm microbial communities.

The microbial composition of concrete biofilms within wastewater collection systems was studied using molecular assays. SSU rDNA clone libraries were generated from 16 concrete surfaces of manholes, a combined sewer overflow, and sections of a corroded sewer pipe. Of the 2457 sequences analyzed, α-, ß-, γ-, and δ-Proteobacteria represented 15%, 22%, 11%, and 4% of the clones, respectively. ß-Proteobacteria (47%) sequences were more abundant in the pipe crown than any of the other concrete surfaces. While 178 to 493 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were associated with the different concrete samples, only four sequences were shared among the different clone libraries. Bacteria implicated in concrete corrosion were found in the clone libraries while archaea, fungi, and several bacterial groups were also detected using group-specific assays. The results showed that concrete sewer biofilms are more diverse than previously reported. A more comprehensive molecular database will be needed to better study the dynamics of concrete biofilms.