University of Almería

About: University of Almería is a education organization based out in Almería, Spain. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 4674 authors who have published 10905 publications receiving 233036 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Almeria & Universidad de Almería.

Utilization of centrate from wastewater treatment for the outdoor production of Nannochloropsis gaditana biomass at pilot-scale

Abstract: In this work, the outdoor pilot-scale production of marine microalga Nannochloropsis gaditana using centrate from the anaerobic digestion of municipal wastewater was evaluated. For this, outdoor semi-continuous cultures were performed in both tubular and raceway reactors mixing seawater with different centrate percentages (15%, 20% and 30%) as culture medium. It was demonstrated that N. gaditana can be produced using centrate as the only nutrient source but at percentages below 30%. At this level inhibition was caused by an excess of ammonium in both photobioreactors, as confirmed by chlorophyll fluorescence and average irradiance data, thus reducing productivity. At 15% and 20% centrate percentages, biomass productivity was equal to that measured when using Algal culture medium, of 0.48 and 0.10 g L − 1 day − 1 for tubular and raceway reactors respectively. During the experiments nitrogen depuration decreased from 85% to 63% in tubular reactors with the increase of centrate percentage in the culture medium and the decrease in biomass productivity, while in raceway reactors an opposite behavior was observed due to ammonia stripping from the cultures. Phosphorus depuration from the culture medium was 85% whatever the system used and the centrate percentage in the culture medium indicating a phosphorus limitation into the cultures. By supplying additional phosphorus, to achieve an N:P ratio of 5, it was possible to enhance productivity and increase nitrogen depuration in both systems. The use of centrate is confirmed as a useful method for reducing microalgae production costs and for increasing process sustainability. Consequently, it is demonstrated that for the production of microalgae biomass, centrate from wastewater treatment plants can be used as the exclusive nutrient source, achieving high productivities and nutrient removal rates if using suitable strains and if the system is operated adequately.

Stress and the gut microbiota-brain axis

Abstract: Stress is a nonspecific response of the body to any demand imposed upon it, disrupting the body homoeostasis and manifested with symptoms such as anxiety, depression or even headache. These responses are quite frequent in the present competitive world. The aim of this review is to explore the effect of stress on gut microbiota. First, we summarize evidence of where the microbiota composition has changed as a response to a stressful situation, and thereby the effect of the stress response. Likewise, we review different interventions that can modulate microbiota and could modulate the stress according to the underlying mechanisms whereby the gut-brain axis influences stress. Finally, we review both preclinical and clinical studies that provide evidence of the effect of gut modulation on stress. In conclusion, the influence of stress on gut microbiota and gut microbiota on stress modulation is clear for different stressors, but although the preclinical evidence is so extensive, the clinical evidence is more limited. A better understanding of the mechanism underlying stress modulation through the microbiota may open new avenues for the design of therapeutics that could boost the pursued clinical benefits. These new designs should not only focus on stress but also on stress-related disorders such as anxiety and depression, in both healthy individuals and different populations.

A systematic review of physical therapy interventions for patients with anorexia and bulemia nervosa

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to summarise the evidence from randomised controlled trials examining the effectiveness of physical therapy compared with care as usual or a wait-list condition on eating pathology and on physiological and psychological parameters in patients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Method: EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Physiotherapy Evidence Database and The Cochrane Library were searched from their inception until February, 2013. Articles were eligible if they utilised a randomised controlled trial design, compared physical therapy with a placebo condition, control intervention, or standard care and included patients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa. The methodological quality was assessed with the Jadad scale. Results: Eight randomised controlled trials involving 213 patients (age range: 16–36 years) met all selection criteria. Three of the 8 included studies were of strong methodological quality...