Urban vegetation and particle air pollution: Experimental campaigns in a traffic hotspot.

This work presents the main results of two experimental campaigns carried out in summer and winter seasons in a complex pollution hotspot near a large park, El Retiro, in Madrid (Spain). These campaigns were aimed at understanding the microscale spatio-temporal variation of ambient concentration levels in areas with high pollution values to obtain data to validate models on the effect of urban trees on particulate matter concentrations. Two different measuring approaches have been used. The first one was static, with instruments continuously characterizing the meteorological variables and the particulate matter concentration outside and inside the park. During the summer campaign, the particulate matter concentration was clearly influenced by a Saharan dust outbreak during the period 23 June to 10 July 2016, when most of the particulate matter was in the fraction PM2.5-10. During the winter campaign, the mass concentrations were related to the meteorological conditions and the high atmospheric stability. The second approach was a dynamic case with mobile measurements by portable instruments. During the summer campaign, a DustTrak instrument was used to measure PM10 and PM2.5 in different transects close to and inside the park at different distances from the traffic lane. It was observed a decrease in the concentrations up to 25% at 20 m and 50% at 200 m. High PM10 values were linked to dust resuspension caused by recreational activities and to a Saharan dust outbreak. The highest PM values were measured at the Independencia square, an area with many bus stops and high traffic density. During the winter campaign, three microaethalometers were used for Black Carbon measurement. Both pollutants also showed a reduction in their concentrations when moving towards inside the park. For PM10 and PM2.5, reductions up to 50% were observed, while for BC this reduction was smaller, about 20%.

Two novel frameshift mutations in BRCA2 gene detected by next generation sequencing in a survey of Spanish patients of breast cancer

Purpose. To analyze BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes using a cost-effective and rapid approach based on next generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Methods. A population of Spanish cancer patients with a personal or familial history of breast and/or ovarian cancer was analyzed for germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The methodology relies on a 5 multiplex PCR assay coupled to NGS. Results. Ten pathogenic mutations (four in BRCA1 and six in BRCA2 gene) were identified in a Spanish population. The deletion c.1792delA, in exon 10, and the duplication c.5869dupA, in exon 11 of BRCA2 gene were not previously reported and should be considered as pathogenic due to its frameshift nature. Conclusion. Two novel frameshift mutations in BRCA2 gene were detected using the multiplex PCR-based assay following by NGS (AU)

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The anatomy of urban social networks and its implications in the searchability problem.

The appearance of large geolocated communication datasets has recently increased our understanding of how social networks relate to their physical space. However, many recurrently reported properties, such as the spatial clustering of network communities, have not yet been systematically tested at different scales. In this work we analyze the social network structure of over 25 million phone users from three countries at three different scales: country, provinces and cities. We consistently find that this last urban scenario presents significant differences to common knowledge about social networks. First, the emergence of a giant component in the network seems to be controlled by whether or not the network spans over the entire urban border, almost independently of the population or geographic extension of the city. Second, urban communities are much less geographically clustered than expected. These two findings shed new light on the widely-studied searchability in self-organized networks. By exhaustive simulation of decentralized search strategies we conclude that urban networks are searchable not through geographical proximity as their country-wide counterparts, but through an homophily-driven community structure.

Two novel frameshift mutations in BRCA2 gene detected by next generation sequencing in a survey of Spanish patients of breast cancer.

PURPOSE: To analyze BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes using a cost-effective and rapid approach based on next generation sequencing (NGS) technology. METHODS: A population of Spanish cancer patients with a personal or familial history of breast and/or ovarian cancer was analyzed for germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The methodology relies on a 5 multiplex PCR assay coupled to NGS. RESULTS: Ten pathogenic mutations (four in BRCA1 and six in BRCA2 gene) were identified in a Spanish population. The deletion c.1792delA, in exon 10, and the duplication c.5869dupA, in exon 11 of BRCA2 gene were not previously reported and should be considered as pathogenic due to its frameshift nature. CONCLUSION: Two novel frameshift mutations in BRCA2 gene were detected using the multiplex PCR-based assay following by NGS.

Neumonía con evolución inusual y sin relación clínico-radiológica / Pneumonia with an unusual outcome and with no clinical-radiological association

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Association of BRCA1 germline mutations in young onset triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)

BACKGROUND: BRCA1-associated breast cancers have been associated to a triple-negative phenotype. The prevalence of BRCA1 germline mutations in young onset TNBC based on informativeness of family history has not been reported. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2008 to May 2009 were collected blood and tumor samples from patients with TNBC younger than 50 years and without a family history of breast and ovarian cancer in first- and second-degree relatives. Analysis of BRCA1 germline mutations was made. Age at diagnosis and informativeness of family history (presence of female in first- and second-degree relatives alive until age 45) was collected in all cases. Immunohistochemistry of basal-like features was performed centrally in all available tumors. RESULTS: Seven pathogenic mutations were detected in 92 patients (7.6 %), two of them in patients younger than 35 years (28.6 %) (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.631). Three non-classified variants were detected (3.2 %). Family history was informative in two patients with a pathogenic mutation (28.6 %) and not informative in five (71.4 %) (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.121). Of the seven patients with a pathogenic mutation, four had a basal-like phenotype. CONCLUSION: Patients with apparently sporadic TNBC younger than 50 years and a non-informative family history are candidates for germline genetic testing of BRCA1 (AU)

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Association of BRCA1 germline mutations in young onset triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

BACKGROUND: BRCA1-associated breast cancers have been associated to a triple-negative phenotype. The prevalence of BRCA1 germline mutations in young onset TNBC based on informativeness of family history has not been reported. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2008 to May 2009 were collected blood and tumor samples from patients with TNBC younger than 50 years and without a family history of breast and ovarian cancer in first- and second-degree relatives. Analysis of BRCA1 germline mutations was made. Age at diagnosis and informativeness of family history (presence of female in first- and second-degree relatives alive until age 45) was collected in all cases. Immunohistochemistry of basal-like features was performed centrally in all available tumors. RESULTS: Seven pathogenic mutations were detected in 92 patients (7.6 %), two of them in patients younger than 35 years (28.6 %) (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.631). Three non-classified variants were detected (3.2 %). Family history was informative in two patients with a pathogenic mutation (28.6 %) and not informative in five (71.4 %) (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.121). Of the seven patients with a pathogenic mutation, four had a basal-like phenotype. CONCLUSION: Patients with apparently sporadic TNBC younger than 50 years and a non-informative family history are candidates for germline genetic testing of BRCA1.

Salud Pública y Genética. Nuevos retos para el profesional de enfermería / Public health and genetics. New challenges for nursing professionals

El proyecto Genoma Humano (HGP) iniciado en 1990 está aportando importantes conocimientos sobre el mapa genético humano. Para poder estar a la altura de estos avances científicos los profesionales de la salud han de tener la formación en genética necesaria a fin de brindar unos cuidados integrales de salud. En Estados Unidos, la Universidad ha incluido en el currículo de Enfermería la genética como parte integral de la formación de sus profesionales, permitiendo que el rol de la enfermera haya adquirido una identidad propia como enfermeras genetistas. En Europa, Inglaterra es el país que contempla de una manera más realista y actual la necesidad de formación de profesionales de la salud expertos en consejo genético, y sus políticas sanitarias están orientadas a paliar esta necesidad. En España, sin embargo, esta formación es insuficiente y las reformas de los nuevos planes de estudios para la convergencia europea (Bolonia 2010) tienen que permitir incorporar contenidos en genética que preparen a las enfermeras de atención primaria para abordar estos temas de manera eficaz y saber dirigir, como expertas en el cuidado integral de la salud, a los individuos y sus familias hacia la prevención

The Human Genoma Project (GHP) that started in 1990 is bringing forward relevant knowledge about the human genetic map. In order to be on a par with the recent scientific advances the health professionals should have the appropriate genetic training in order to provide a comprehensive health care. In the United States, some Universities have included the subject of Genetics in the Nursing curriculum as part of the essential program in the educational training of the health professionals. By doing so, it allows the nursing role to have its own identity as Genetic Counsellor. In Europe, the United Kingdom is the country that considers in a more realistic and updated way the need of an educational training in genetic counselling for their health experts and their health policies are being orientated to cover these needs. In Spain, however, this educational training is not enough. The reforms of the new contents of the nursing studies carried out in the European convergence (Bologna 2010) should allow to incorporate genetics studies in order to prepare primary care nurses to address this issues in an effective way. As experts in comprehensive health care they should be able to take care of the individuals and their families in prevention

Determination of pesticides and PCBs in honey by solid-phase extraction cleanup followed by gas chromatography with electron-capture and nitrogen-phosphorus detection.

A multiresidue method for determination of 15 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), six polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and seven organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) is implemented for routine determinations of residues in honey. The method involves solid-phase extraction cleanup and determination by GC-ECD/NPD. Quantitation limits ranged from 0.1 to 0.6 microg kg-1 honey for OCPs and PCBs, and from 5.0 to 25.0 microg kg-1 honey for OPPs. Recoveries of OCPs ranged between 77.4 and 94.0%; for PCBs they were from 63.8 to 73.5%. Recovery assays for OPPs varied from 66.7 to 98.1%. The method was applied to the analysis of 111 honey samples from Aragon, Spain. The results obtained indicated a low level of contamination by pesticide residues and PCBs, which can contribute to ensuring the consumer has a safe wholesome supply of honey.

Multiresidue determination of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in milk by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection after extraction by matrix solid-phase dispersion.

A multiresidue analytical method based on matrix solid-phase dispersion was developed to analyze liquid milk for 22 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and 6 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Initial extraction is performed by loading 3 mL milk onto a 2.0 g octadecyl (C18)-bonded silica cartridge with n-hexane as the eluant. Neutral alumina column chromatography with sodium sulfate as the drying agent is used for further cleanup. The eluate is concentrated to 0.5 mL, and target analytes are determined by capillary gas chromatography with electron-capture detection. The optimized method was validated by determining accuracy (recovery percentages), precision (repeatability and reproducibility), and sensitivity (detection and quantitation limits) from analyses of milk samples fortified at 10 and 1 microg/L levels. Average recoveries were between 74 and 106% for all residues except beta-HCH, beta-endosulfan, and endosulfan sulfate. Both repeatability and reproducibility relative standard deviation values were < 22% for all residues. Detection limits ranged from 0.02 to 0.12 microg/L and quantitation limits were between 0.02 and 0.62 microg/L. The proposed analytical method may be used as a fast and simple procedure in routine determinations of OCPs and PCBs in milk.

[Comparative study of 3 tests for susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to first-line antituberculous drugs]. / Estudio comparativo de tres pruebas de sensibilidad de Mycobacterium tuberculosis a fármacos antituberculosos de primera línea.

Treatment of tuberculosis requires a multidrug regimen for a prolonged period of time (6-12 months), which leads to a high level of noncompliance with therapy. This lack of compliance has led to an increase in drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Rapid drug susceptibility tests are needed to assess effective chemotherapy regimens. In the present study, the reliability of ESP Myco System II(R) and E-test(R) for determining the susceptibility of 82 clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis to rifampin, isoniazid, streptomycin and ethambutol was evaluated by comparing results to those of the multiple proportion method as a reference. ESP Myco System II(R) is a nonradioactive, totally automated, continuously monitored system designed to detect grown mycobacteria. E-test(R) is a well-described method of susceptibility testing which provides data on minimal inhibitory concentration. The susceptibility results of both methods were available within 9 days, while those of the proportion method required 28 days. Levels of agreement between ESP Myco System II(R) and the proportion method for the clinical isolates analyzed were 100% for rifampin, isoniazid and ethambutol. Only one discrepancy was found for streptomycin. For the E-test(R), the results were less favorable. ESP Myco System II(R) was shown to be a rapid and reliable method for testing susceptibility of M. tuberculosis isolates. Nevertheless, E-test(R) provided low specificity for streptomycin and ethambutol. Further studies to test the reliability of the E-test(R) are necessary.

Red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) as bioindicators for persistent chlorinated chemicals in Spain.

Persistent organochlorine residues such as hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), chlorocyclodienes, and the DDT group (DDTs) were determined in fat and muscle samples of resident red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) hunted in Spain. Chlorinated contamination pattern varied largely depending on geographical distribution. Birds collected from the northern part of Spain contained greater concentrations of lindane (34.4 ng/g fat basis) than those from central or southern Spain. In contrast, red-legged partridges collected in southern locations exhibited elevated levels of p,p-DDE (62.3 ng/g fat basis) as compared with central (31.2 ng/g fat basis) and northern areas (5.6 ng/g fat basis). The only cyclodiene detected, dieldrin, showed higher amounts (3.4 ng/g fat basis) in partridges collected in central Spain. The sex differences in pollutant occurrence and concentrations were negligible. One-year-old birds accumulated greater concentrations of beta-HCH, and dieldrin than older birds. Global comparison of organochlorine concentrations indicated that northern partridges are more contaminated by compounds of industrial origin, whereas southern birds contained greater amounts of agricultural chemicals. Estimates of hazards associated with organochlorine levels in resident red-legged partridges in Spain suggested that southern birds may be at risk from exposure to DDTs, and northern birds may be affected by excessive concentrations of lindane. The use of red-legged partridge as bioindicator for OCP contamination is discussed.

Levels of selected polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in total diet samples from Aragón, Spain.

Six congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, and 180) were investigated in 281 samples of different meals of the average diet consumed in Aragon, northeast Spain. PCB residues were extracted with organic solvents according to the techniques recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Netherlands' Ministry of Welfare, Health, and Cultural Affairs; the residues were cleaned up by gel permeation chromatography. Quantitation of analytes was carried out by capillary gas-liquid chromatography using electron capture detector. The identity of the peaks was confirmed by mass spectrometry. PCB residues were found only in fish meals (50% positive samples) with a mean level of 96.3 ng/g on a lipid basis. Congeners detected in fish meals were 138, 153, and 180, with mean values of 117.0, 122.3, and 36.2 ng/g on a lipid basis, respectively.