Polymorphisms in eicosanoid-related biosynthesis enzymes associated with acute urticaria/angioedema induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug hypersensitivity

BACKGROUND

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the main triggers of drug hypersensitivity, with NSAID-induced acute urticaria/angioedema (NIUA) the most frequent phenotype. NSAID hypersensitivity is caused by cyclooxygenase 1 inhibition, which leads to an imbalance in prostaglandin (PG) and cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT) synthesis. As only susceptible individuals develop NSAID hypersensitivity, genetic factors are believed to be involved; however, no study has assessed the overall genetic variability of key enzymes in PG and CysLT synthesis in NSAID hypersensitivity.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate simultaneously variants in the main genes involved in PG and CysLT biosynthesis in NIUA.

METHODS

Two independent cohorts of patients were recruited in Spain, alongside NSAID-tolerant controls. The discovery cohort included only patients with NIUA; the replication cohort included patients with NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD). A set of tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (tagSNPs) in PTGS1, PTGS2, ALOX5 and LTC4S was genotyped using mass spectrometry coupled with endpoint polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The study included 1272 individuals. Thirty-five tagSNPs were successfully genotyped in the discovery cohort, with three being significantly associated after Bonferroni correction (rs10306194 and rs1330344 in PTGS1; rs28395868 in ALOX5). These polymorphisms were genotyped in the replication cohort: rs10306194 and rs28395868 remained associated with NIUA, and rs28395868 was marginally associated with NERD. Odds ratios (ORs) in the combined analysis (discovery and replication NIUA populations) were 1·7 for rs10306194 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·34-2·14; P_corrected = 2·83 × 10^-4 ) and 2·19 for rs28395868 (95% CI 1·43-3·36; P_corrected = 0·002).

CONCLUSIONS

Variants of PTGS1 and ALOX5 may play a role in NIUA and NERD, supporting the proposed mechanisms of NSAID-hypersensitivity and shedding light on their genetic basis.

Factors that influence the absorption of uranium by indigenous plants on the spoil tip of an abandoned mine in western Spain

The purpose of this work was to study the factors affecting the absorption of U by plants growing on the spoil tip of an abandoned mine in western Spain. The plant species were selected based on how palatable they were to livestock and were sampled for four consecutive years during which, we also recorded rainfall data. The factors related to the plants studied were the leaf size and the percentage and characteristics of the arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) fungi present in their roots. Our results showed a correlation between the annual rainfall and the U concentration in the plants. The percentage of mycorrhization and AM vesicles is a predominant factor in the uptake of U by plants. Spergularia rubra (L.) J.Presl & C.Presl, which is resistant to mycorrhization, contained higher U concentrations relative to the plants that grew with AM mycorrhization. The absorption curves of the different plants studied indicated that these plants were tolerant to ²³⁸U from 875 Bq kg^-1 (70 mg kg^-1), with a hormesis effect below that concentration. The annual U removal was 0.068%, suggesting that AM are responsible for limiting the incorporation of U into the food chain, favouring its retention in the soil and preventing its dispersion.

A radiological index for evaluating the impact of an abandoned uranium mining area in Salamanca, Western Spain

The establishment of a screening index would be a powerful tool to decide whether abandoned uranium mining areas should be rehabilitated or decommissioned. Thus, in this work we established a radiological index which uses the activity concentrations of different groups of gamma emitters from the natural radioactive series of ²³⁸U, ²³⁵U, and ²³²Th, as well as ⁴⁰K and ¹³⁷Cs. These activity concentrations were calculated by using the absorbed gamma radiation dose value of 175 nGy h^-1 specified in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. We studied our index in an abandoned uranium mining area in Salamanca, Western Spain, and found that the most influential factors in this area were the presence of organic matter in the soil and the possible effect that plants and fungi may have on the retention of these aforementioned radionuclides. In addition, the results showed that contaminants are migrating in an easterly direction in line with the prevailing wind direction and we were able to identify areas in which the radiological risk is likely high. The mean effective dose rate was 2.51 ± 0.98 mSv y^-1 which was equivalent to the levels obtained in previous works.

Promoter Genotyping and mRNA Expression - Based Analysis of the PTGDR Gene in Allergy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Prostaglandin D2 receptors are acquiring a relevant role as potential therapeutic targets in allergy. PTGDR has been described as a candidate gene in allergic disease, although functional studies on this gene are lacking. Objective: The objective of this case-control study was to investigate the potential role of PTGDR in allergy.

METHODS

The study population comprised 195 allergic patients and 112 healthy controls. The PTGDR promoter polymorphisms -1289G>A, -1122T>C, -881C>T, -834C>T, -613C>T, -549T>C, -441C>T, -197T>C, and -95G>T were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. PTGDR expression levels were analyzed using quantitative PCR and normalized to GAPDH and TBP mRNA levels. All procedures were performed following the Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiment guidelines.

RESULTS

PTGDR expression levels were significantly higher in allergic patients than in controls (P<.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis for expression of PTGDR showed a sensitivity of 81.4% compared with 67% for IgE levels. In addition, differences in the genotypic distribution of the polymorphisms -1289G>A and -1122T>C were found in allergic patients (P=.009).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that PTGDR overexpression is associated with allergy. The polymorphisms -1289G>A and -1122T>C partly explain the variation in expression we observed. PTGDR expression could have a potential role as a biomarker and pharmacogenetic factor in allergy.

Analysis of airborne Olea pollen in Cartagena (Spain)

Olive cultivation is of great importance in Southern Europe but olive pollen is the leading cause of allergy in many regions where it is grown. The best preventive measure for allergic patients is to avoid exposure. Thus, aerobiological monitoring networks must supply realistic pollen classes for the different types of allergic pollen. Even though those pollen classes are defined, they do not necessarily fit local data. Altogether, they should use predictive models to assess flowering intensity in advance. In this study, the Olea pollen degree of exposure classes (OPDEC) are defined based on percentiles and a predictive model is suggested for Cartagena, Spain. 24year (1993-2016) Olea pollen counts series was used to characterize the Main Pollen Season (MPS). The aerobiological samples were processed following the methodology proposed by Hirst and developed by the Spanish Aerobiology Network. The aerobiological database was completed with the meteorological data supplied by AEMET (Spanish State Meteorological Agency). MPS evolution over time, and its relation with temperature and rainfall, has been analysed. The study showed an increase in MPS duration and the amount of Olea pollen grains collected both in MPS and the peak day. The OPDEC should fit local data to improve preventive measures. Based on the 24year series, the proposed OPDEC for Cartagena are: Low (≤10grains/m³), Medium (between 10 and 50grains/m³), High (between 51 and 100grains/m³) and Very High (≥100grains/m³). Olea pollen estimations in the MPS and in the peak day were obtained by means of three Regression Methods and climatic factors. The analysis reveals that the Bagging for Regression Trees (BRT) method is a good predictive alternative and stablishes the importance for each meteorological variable.

Retinoic Acid Modulates PTGDR Promoter Activity

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Vitamin A has been linked to the development of allergic diseases although its role is not fully understood, Retinoic acid (RA), a metabolite of Vitamin A, has been previously associated with the prostaglandin pathway, and PTGDR, a receptor of PGD2, has been proposed as a candidate gene in allergy and asthma. Considering the role of PTGDR in allergy, the goal of this study was to analyze the effect of RA on the activation of the promoter region of the PTGDR gene.

METHODS

A549 lung epithelial cells were transfected with 4 combinations of genetic variants of the PTGDR promoter and stimulated with all-trans RA (ATRA); luciferase assays were performed using the Dual Luciferase Reporter System, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expression of PTGDR, CYP26A1, RARA, RARB, RARG, and RXRA in basal A549 cell cultures and after ATRA treatment. We also performed an in silico analysis.

RESULTS

After ATRA treatment increased expression of CYP26A1 (12-fold) and RARB (4-fold) was detected. ATRA activated PTGDR promoter activity in transfected cells (P<.001) and RA response element sequences were identified in silico in this promoter region.

CONCLUSIONS

RA modulated PTGDR promoter activity. Differential response to RA and to new treatments based on PTGDR modulation could depend on genetic background in allergic asthmatic patients.

Analysis of FOXP3 gene in children with allergy and autoimmune diseases

BACKGROUND

Allergy and autoimmunity are important immunological entities underlying chronic diseases in children. In some cases both entities develop simultaneously in the same patient. FOXP3 gene codes for a transcription factor involved in regulation of the immune system. Considering that regulatory T cells are involved in controlling immunological disease development, and the relevant role of FOXP3 in this kind of T cells, the objective of this study was to analyse the FOXP3 gene in the most prevalent autoimmune diseases and/or allergies in childhood in a European population.

METHODS

A total of 255 Caucasian individuals, 95 controls and 160 patients diagnosed with allergic, autoimmune or both diseases were included in this study. The molecular analysis of FOXP3 was performed by DNA sequencing following the recommendations for quality of the European Molecular Genetics Quality Network. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of all participants and was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction. After the visualisation of the amplified fragments by agarose gel-electrophoresis, they were sequenced.

RESULTS

Thirteen different polymorphisms in FOXP3 gene were found, seven of which had not been previously described. The mutated allele of SNP 7340C>T was observed more frequently in the group of male children suffering from both allergic and autoimmune diseases simultaneously (p=0.004, OR=16.2 [1.34-195.15]).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study we identified for first time genetic variants of FOXP3 that are significantly more frequent in children who share allergic and autoimmune diseases. These variants mainly affect regulatory sequences that could alter the expression levels of FOXP3 modifying its function including its role in Treg cells.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and their importance in asthma

Asthma is a complex disease determined by the interaction of different genes and environmental factors. The first genetic investigations in asthma were candidate gene association studies and linkage studies. In recent years research has focused on association studies that scan the entire genome without any prior conditioning hypothesis: the so-called genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The first GWAS was published in 2007, and described a new locus associated to asthma in chromosome 17q12-q21, involving the ORMDL3, GSDMB and ZPBP2 genes (a description of the genes named in the manuscript are listed in Table 1). None of these genes would have been selected in a classical genetic association study since it was not known they could be implicated in asthma. To date, a number of GWAS studies in asthma have been made, with the identification of about 1000 candidate genes. Coordination of the different research groups in international consortiums and the application of new technologies such as new generation sequencing will help discover new implicated genes and improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease.

Implications of cytokine genes in allergic asthma

Asthma is a complex disease involving numerous mediator molecules and effector cells, in combination with a range of environmental determining factors. Cytokines play a key role in the physiopathological mechanisms of asthma; the study of the structure, regulation and variations of the genes that encode for these molecules is therefore crucial. Cytokines have extremely diverse roles, and exert effects both as activators and inhibitors of the innate and adaptive immune response. Certain modifications in the expression or structure of these molecules, resulting from the presence of polymorphisms, may give rise to deregulation of the mentioned effects, and therefore to a predisposition to develop concrete asthma phenotypes.

Mobility and phytoavailability of antimony in an area impacted by a former stibnite mine exploitation

A mining area affected by the abandoned mine exploitation of a stibnite deposit was studied to establish the current and eventual environmental risks and to propose possible remediation practices. Soil and plant samples were collected at different places in this area and analyzed for their Sb content and distribution. Critical soil total concentrations of Sb were found, with values ranging from 585 to 3184 mg kg(-1) dry weight in the uppermost soil layer, and decreasing progressively with soil depth. The readily labile Sb contents represent <2% of the total concentrations, whereas the soil Sb contents more susceptible of being mobilized under changing environmental conditions attain values of about 4-9% of the total concentrations. Remediation measures should be undertaken to limit off-site migration of Sb. Within the tolerant plant community growing in this area, the shrub Daphne gnidium L. stands out for its relatively high root Sb accumulation and low Sb translocation, suggesting its feasibility to be used in Sb phytostabilization strategies.

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria in wild boar (Sus scrofa) from Southern Spain: epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic concerns

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are widely distributed in the environment, particularly in wet soil, marshland, rivers or streams, but also are causative agents of a wide variety of infections in animals and humans. Little information is available regarding the NTM prevalence in wildlife and their effects or significance in the bovine tuberculosis (bTB) epidemiology and diagnosis. This research shows the most frequently NTM isolated in lymph nodes of wild boar (Sus scrofa) from southern Spain, relating the NTM presence with the individual characteristics, the management of animals and the possible misdiagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis in concurrent infections. A total of 219 NTM isolates were obtained from 1249 wild boar mandibular lymph nodes sampled between 2007 and 2011. All but 75 isolates were identified by the PCR-restriction analysis-hsp65, and a partial sequencing of the 16S rDNA was carried out to identify the rest of the isolates. Results showed that Mycobacterium chelonae was the most frequently isolated NTM specie (133 isolates, 60.7%), followed by Mycobacterium avium (24 isolates, 11%). No relation was found regarding sex, body condition and management, but M. chelonae was more frequently detected in adults, whereas M. avium was more prevalent in subadults. The high NTM prevalence observed in the studied wild boar populations could make difficult the bTB diagnostic.

Reducing Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa) population density as a measure for bovine tuberculosis control: effects in wild boar and a sympatric fallow deer (Dama dama) population in Central Spain

Research on management of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in wildlife reservoir hosts is crucial for the implementation of effective disease control measures and the generation of practical bTB management recommendations. Among the management methods carried out on wild species to reduce bTB prevalence, the control of population density has been frequently used, with hunting pressure a practical strategy to reduce bTB prevalence. However, despite the number of articles about population density control in different bTB wildlife reservoirs, there is little information regarding the application of such measures on the Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa), which is considered the main bTB wildlife reservoir within Mediterranean ecosystems. This study shows the effects of a management measure leading to a radical decrease in wild boar population density at a large hunting estate in Central Spain, in order to assess the evolution of bTB prevalence in both the wild boar population and the sympatric fallow deer population. The evolution of bTB prevalence was monitored in populations of the two wild ungulate species over a 5-year study period (2007-2012). The results showed that bTB prevalence decreased in fallow deer, corresponding to an important reduction in the wild boar population. However, this decrease was not homogeneous: in the last season of study there was an increase in bTB-infected male animals. Moreover, bTB prevalence remained high in the remnant wild boar population.

Evaluation of different amendments to stabilize antimony in mining polluted soils

Soil pollution with antimony is of increasing environmental concern worldwide. Measures for its control and to attenuate the risks posed to the ecosystem are required. In this study the application of several iron and aluminium oxides and oxyhydroxides as soil amendments was evaluated in order to assess their feasibility to stabilize Sb in mining polluted soils. Mine soils with different pollution levels were amended with either goethite, ferrihydrite or amorphous Al oxide at various ratios (0-10%). The effectiveness of such treatments was assessed by both batch and column leaching tests. The use of ferrihydrite or amorphous Al oxide proved to be highly effective to stabilize Sb. Immobilization levels of 100% were found when doses of 5% ferrihydrite or 10% amorphous Al oxide were applied, regardless of the soil Sb load. Column leaching studies also showed a high Sb leaching reduction (>75%) when soils were amended with 1% ferrihydrite or 5% amorphous Al oxide. Moreover, such treatments proved to simultaneously immobilize As and Pb in a great extent when soils were also polluted with such toxic elements.

Antimony, arsenic and lead distribution in soils and plants of an agricultural area impacted by former mining activities

An agricultural area impacted by the former exploitation of an arsenical lead-antimony deposit was studied in order to assess the current and eventual environmental and health impacts. Samples of soils and cultivated (wheat) and spontaneously growing plants were collected at different distances from the mine pits and analyzed for the toxic element content and distribution. The soil total concentrations of Sb, As and Pb found in the uppermost soil layer (14.1-324, 246-758 and 757-10,660 mg kg(-1), respectively) greatly surpass their maximum tolerable levels in agricultural soils. Wheat grain Pb concentrations (0.068-1.36 mg kg(-1)) exceed the prescribed health standard, whereas Sb (<0.05-0.103 mg kg(-1)) and As (<0.05-0.126 mg kg(-1)) concentrations are below the permissible limits fixed for cereals. Of the spontaneously growing plants, Dactylis glomerata L. shows a relatively high root Pb accumulation and a very low Pb translocation, suggesting its feasibility to be used in Pb phytostabilization strategies.

Tryptase: genetic and functional considerations

Tryptase is one of the main proteases located in the secretory granules of the mast cells, and is released through degranulation. It is therefore assumed to play an important role in inflammatory and allergic processes. Four genes are known to encode for these enzymes, with different alleles that give rise to different types of tryptases. The term "tryptase" generally refers to β-tryptase, which in vivo is a heterotetramer, possessing a structure of vital importance for enabling drug and substrate access to the active site of the molecule. Tryptase has been reported to possess antagonistic functions, since it plays an important role both in inflammatory phenomena and as a protector against infection. In allergic processes it is associated to bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic patients, where PAR-2 is of great importance as an airway receptor. Lastly, the genes that encode for tryptase are highly polymorphic and complex. As a result, it is important to establish a relationship between genotype and phenotype in disorders such as asthma, and to identify mutations that are presumably of pharmacological relevance.

Comparative pathology of the natural infections by Mycobacterium bovis and by Mycobacterium caprae in wild boar (Sus scrofa)

The potential role of wild animals in the maintenance and spread of tuberculosis (TB) infection in domestic livestock is of particular importance in countries where eradication programs have substantially reduced the incidence of bovine tuberculosis but sporadic outbreaks still occur. Mycobacterium bovis is the agent mainly isolated in wildlife in Spain, but recently, infections by Mycobacterium caprae have increased substantially. In this study, we have analysed 43 mandibular lymph nodes samples containing TB-like lesions from 43 hunted wild boar from Madrid and Extremadura (central and south-western regions of Spain). After isolation, identification and typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates, we found that 23 mandibular lymph nodes involved M. caprae infections and 20 M. bovis. The lesions were compared for histopathology (different granuloma stage and number of multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs)), and acid-fast bacilli (AFBs) were quantified in the Ziehl-Neelsen-stained slides. Granulomas produced by M. caprae showed more stage IV granulomas, more MNGCs and higher AFBs counts than those induced by M. bovis. In conclusion, lesions caused by M. caprae would be more prone to the excretion of bacilli, and infected animals result as a high-risk source of infection for other animals.

Arsenic distribution in soils and plants of an arsenic impacted former mining area

A mining area affected by the abandoned exploitation of an arsenical tungsten deposit was studied in order to assess its arsenic pollution level and the feasibility of native plants for being used in phytoremediation approaches. Soil and plant samples were collected at different distances from the polluting sources and analysed for their As content and distribution. Critical soil total concentrations of As were found, with values in the range 70-5330 mg kg(-1) in the uppermost layer. The plant community develops As tolerance by exclusion strategies. Of the plant species growing in the most polluted site, the shrubs Salix atrocinerea Brot. and Genista scorpius (L.) DC. exhibit the lowest bioaccumulation factor (BF) values for their aerial parts, suggesting their suitability to be used with revegetation purposes. The species Scirpus holoschoenus L. highlights for its important potential to stabilise As at root level, accumulating As contents up to 3164 mg kg(-1).

Distribution and mobility of mercury in soils of a gold mining region, Cuyuni river basin, Venezuela

An extensive and remote gold mining region located in the East of Venezuela has been studied with the aim of assessing the distribution and mobility of mercury in soil and the level of Hg pollution at artisanal gold mining sites. To do so, soils and pond sediments were sampled at sites not subject to anthropological influence, as well as in areas affected by gold mining activities. Total Hg in regionally distributed soils ranged between 0.02 mg kg(-1) and 0.40 mg kg(-1), with a median value of 0.11 mg kg(-1), which is slightly higher than soil Hg worldwide, possibly indicating long-term atmospheric input or more recent local atmospheric input, in addition to minor lithogenic sources. A reference Hg concentration of 0.33 mg kg(-1) is proposed for the detection of mining affected soils in this region. Critical total Hg concentrations were found in the surrounding soils of pollutant sources, such as milling-amalgamation sites, where soil Hg contents ranged from 0.16 mg kg(-1) to 542 mg kg(-1) with an average of 26.89 mg kg(-1), which also showed high levels of elemental Hg, but quite low soluble+exchangeable Hg fraction (0.02-4.90 mg kg(-1)), suggesting low Hg soil mobility and bioavailability, as confirmed by soil column leaching tests. The vertical distribution of Hg through the soil profiles, as well as variations in soil Hg contents with distance from the pollution source, and Hg in pond mining sediments were also analysed.

Study of arsenopyrite weathering products in mine wastes from abandoned tungsten and tin exploitations

Arsenopyrite-rich wastes from abandoned tungsten and tin exploitations were studied to determine the composition and characteristics of the secondary phases formed under natural weathering conditions so as to assess their potential environmental risk. Representative weathered arsenopyrite-bearing rock wastes collected from the mine dumps were analysed using the following techniques: X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis, polarizing microscopy analysis, electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) and microRaman and Mössbauer spectroscopies. Scorodite, pharmacosiderite and amorphous ferric arsenates (AFA) with Fe/As molar ratios in the range 1.2-2.5 were identified as secondary arsenic products. The former showed to be the most abundant and present in the different studied mining areas. Its chemical composition showed to vary in function of the original surrounding rock mineralogy in such a way that phosphoscorodite was found as the mineral variety present in apatite-containing geoenvirons. Other ever-present weathering phases were goethite and hydrous ferric oxides (HFO), displaying, respectively, As retained amounts about 1 and 20% (expressed as As(2)O(5)). The low solubility of scorodite, the relatively low content of AFA and the formation of compounds of variable charge, mostly of amorphous nature, with high capacity to adsorb As attenuate importantly the dispersion of this element into the environment from these arsenopyrite-bearing wastes.

Distribution and mobility of arsenic in soils of a mining area (Western Spain)

High levels of total and bioavailable As in soils in mining areas may lead to the potential contamination of surface water and groundwater, being toxic to human, plants, and animals. The soils in the studied area (Province of Salamanca, Spain) recorded a total As concentration that varied from 5.5mg/kg to 150mg/kg, and water-soluble As ranged from 0.004mg/kg to 0.107mg/kg, often exceeding the guideline limits for agricultural soil (50mg/kg total As, 0.04mg/kg water-soluble As). The range of As concentration in pond water was <0.001microg/l-60microg/l, with 40% of samples exceeding the maximum permissible level (10microg/l) for drinking water. Estimated bioavailable As in soil varied from 0.045mg/kg to 0.760mg/kg, around six times higher than water-soluble As fraction, which may pose a high potential risk in regard to its entry into food chain. Soil column leaching tests show an As potential mobility constant threatening water contamination by continuous leaching. The vertical distribution of As through soil profiles suggests a deposition mechanism of this element on the top-soils that involves the wind or water transport of mine tailings. A similar vertical distribution of As and organic matter (OM) contents in soil profiles, as well as, significant correlations between As concentrations and OM and N contents, suggests that type and content of soil OM are major factors for determining the content, distribution, and mobilization of As in the soil. Due to the low supergenic mobility of this element in mining environments, the soil pollution degree in the studied area is moderate, in spite of the elevated As contents in mine tailings.

Mercury in soils and plants in an abandoned cinnabar mining area (SW Spain)

An abandoned cinnabar mining area located in the South-West of Spain has been studied with the aim of assessing its mercury pollution level and enhancing the knowledge about the Hg soil/plant relationship. To do so, soils and plants were sampled near an inactive smelter and around two mining sites present in this area. Critical total Hg concentrations were found in the close environs of pollutant sources. These also show high levels of elemental Hg (up to 8 mg kg(-1)), but quite low exchangeable Hg contents (0.008-0.038 mg kg(-1)). Most plant specimens display in their aboveground tissues Hg concentrations comprised in the range 0.1-10 mg kg(-1), with a great proportion (50%) showing critical levels. Greater Hg contents were found in plant specimens growing in soils with higher elemental Hg concentrations. The plant species displaying the greatest Hg levels are either perennial species of small-medium size and/or showing medium-highly corrugated leaves, or annual plants of small size. Marrubium vulgare L., Bromus madritensis L. and Trifolium angustifolium L. are the plant species with the highest Hg contents (37.6, 12.7 and 9.0 mg kg(-1), respectively). Leaf specific surface seems an important feature in the atmospheric Hg uptake by plants.

Trace element mobility in soils seven years after the Aznalcóllar mine spill

The long-term influence of the Aznalcóllar mine spill on soils was studied seven years after the accident in the area of Vado del Quema. Soils where the pyritic sludge was not removed after the cleaning operations and soils where this process was accomplished successfully were sampled and studied in detail. Sludge and soil horizons were characterised, determining their physico-chemical parameters, mineralogy and the total concentrations of major and trace elements. Moreover, leaching studies were performed using batch tests. The main mineralogical changes detected in the soil beneath the weathered sludge are the neo-formation of jarosite, gypsum and sainfeldite, together with the almost total depletion of calcite. An important acidification of soil has been also produced, especially in the uppermost soil layers. These two factors show to be the main responsible for the vertical distribution and leachability displayed by trace elements. Critical total concentrations were found for most trace elements in the soil still affected by the sludge weathering. Furthermore, the Cd and Zn leachable contents showed to be extremely high. Therefore, in those areas affected by the mine spill where the removal of sludge was not accomplished properly, special care should be paid to trace elements highly mobile in acidic conditions. Additional restoration measures should be undertaken to avoid further pollutant dispersion.

Removal of cadmium from aqueous solutions by palygorskite

The sorption characteristics of palygorskite with respect to cadmium were studied with the aim of assessing its use in water purification systems. Using a batch method the influence of time (0.5-48 h), initial Cd concentration (5-150 mg/l or 0.044-1.34 mmol/l), ionic strength ([Ca(II)]: 0-0.1 mol/l), pH (3-7) and mineral dose (1-20 g/l) on Cd removal was evaluated. The sorption of Cd on palygorskite appeared as a fast process, with equilibrium being attained within the first half an hour of interaction. This process could be described by the Langmuir model and gave a maximum Cd sorption of 4.54 mg/g. This sorption capacity value was greatly affected by both pH and ionic strength. Thus, Cd sorption decreased as initial pH lessened, especially at proton concentrations similar to those of Cd, at which competition for variable charge sites (silanol groups on palygorskite surface) appeared to be important. High competing electrolyte concentrations also decreased significantly (close to 60%) the amount of sorbed Cd, suggesting a great contribution of replacement of exchange cations in this metal removal by palygorskite. The increase of mineral dose provoked a Cd removal raise; removal values in the range 85-45% were attained for Cd initial concentrations of 10-150 mg/l (0.089-1.34 mmol/l) when a palygorskite dose of 20 g/l was employed. Column studies were also performed in order to estimate the potential of palygorskite to be used in continuous flow purification systems, showing the effectiveness of this mineral to purify down to the legal limit of waste moderate volumes of Cd-containing solutions with a similar concentration (50mg/l or 0.445 mmol/l) to those mostly found in the upper range of concentrations usually present in industrial wastewaters.

Adsorption of Cr(VI) from synthetic solutions and electroplating wastewaters on amorphous aluminium oxide

The adsorption behaviour of amorphous aluminium oxide was studied with respect to Cr(VI) in order to consider its application to purify electroplating wastewaters. A batch method was employed using Cr(VI) concentrations ranged from 10 to 200mg/l. The Langmuir model was found to describe the adsorption process well, offering a maximum adsorption capacity of 78.1mg/g. The effect of ionic strength (0-0.1M KNO(3)), pH (3-9) and competitive solutes (molar ratio [Cr(VI)]/[SO(4)(2-)]=1 and 100) on the retention process was evaluated. Cr(VI) adsorption on amorphous aluminium oxide appeared to be dependent on ionic strength with a more pronounced effect in acid conditions. Conversely, adsorption was not affected by pH in acid medium, but decreased when pH sifted to alkaline values. The presence of SO(4)(2-) greatly reduced Cr(VI) removal across the entire pH range when both solutes were present in similar concentrations. Amorphous aluminium oxide also showed a high adsorption capacity when used in the purification of Cr(VI) electroplating wastewaters. The adsorbent doses required to attain more than 90% of Cr(VI) removal varied between 1 and 5 g/l depending on Cr(VI) concentration in wastewaters.

Presence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 in a survey of wild artiodactyls

This study was carried out to evaluate the role of wild artiodactyls as reservoirs of Escherichia coli O157:H7 for livestock and humans. Retroanal mucosal swabs samples from 206 red deer (Cervus elaphus), 20 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), 6 fallow deer (Dama dama) and 11 mouflon (Ovis musimon), collected during the hunting season (autumn-winter) in South-western Spain, were screened. Samples were pre-enriched in modified buffered peptone water, concentrated by an immunomagnetic separation technique and cultured onto selective cefixime tellurite sorbitol MacConkey agar. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the presence of genes coding O157 and H7 antigens and the virulence factors verocytotoxin, intimin and enterohaemolysin. Three E. coli O157:H7 isolates were obtained from red deer (1.5%). Two of them showed inability to ferment sorbitol and lack of beta-d-glucuronidase (GUD) activity, however, the other strain investigated was an atypical sorbitol-fermenting E. coli O157:H7 with GUD(+) activity. This is the first report pointing to red deer as a reservoir of E. coli O157:H7 in Spain.

Atmospheric mercury emissions from polluted gold mining areas (Venezuela)

Soil, waste rock and mud from mercury-gold amalgamation mining areas of El Callao (Venezuela) are highly enriched in Hg (0.5-500 microg g(-1)) relative to natural background concentrations (<0.1 microg g(-1)). Mercury fluxes to the atmosphere from twelve polluted sites of this area were measured in situ (6 a.m. to 8 p.m.) using a Plexiglas flux chamber connected to a portable mercury analyzer (model RA-915+; Lumex, St. Petersburg, Russia). Mercury fluxes ranged between 0.65 and 420.1 microg m(-2) h(-1), and the average flux range during the diurnal hours was 9.1-239.2 microg m(-2) h(-1). These flux values are five orders of magnitude higher than both reported world background Hg fluxes (1-69 ng m(-2) h(-1)) and the regional values, which are in the range 2-10 ng m(-2) h(-1). The flux results obtained in this study are, however, similar to those measured at Hg polluted sites such as chloro-alkali plants or polymetallic ore mining districts (>100,000 ng m(-2) h(-1)). The results from this study also show that Hg emissions from the soil are influenced by solar radiation, soil temperature and soil Hg concentration. Our data suggest that solar radiation may be the dominant factor affecting Hg degrees emission since the major species of mercury in polluted soil is Hg degrees (85-97% of total Hg). The simple release of Hg degrees vapor is probably the dominant process occurring with incident light in the field. The apparent activation energy for mercury emission indicates that the volatilization of mercury mainly occurred as a result of the vaporization of elemental mercury in soil. The degree of Hg emission differed significantly among the soil sites studied, which may be due to variations in soil texture, organic matter content and soil compaction.

Bovine tuberculosis in wild boar (Sus scrofa), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and cattle (Bos taurus) in a Mediterranean ecosystem (1992–2004)

During the last 12 years, an increasing frequency in condemnation of hunted red deer and wild boar carcasses due to the presence of tubercle-like lesions has been observed in Extremadura (Western Spain). Before 1993, tuberculosis was a very rare finding in hunted animals. The current tuberculosis regional prevalence in cattle approaches 0.4% after years of expensive test and slaughter campaigns. It is imperative to investigate the epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis infection in red deer and wild boar in order to keep a good health status and to maintain the effectiveness of domestic species TB eradication programs. The present paper evaluates the problem in Sierra de San Pedro, estimating the prevalence of TB in wild boar and red deer, the main wild artiodactyls in the area, and domestic cattle since 1992-2004, by the use of a low-cost surveillance method based on detailed pathological inspection of hunted animal carcasses. Microbiology and molecular epidemiology studies on several M. bovis isolates from domestic and wild animals helped to define the interspecies contacts. These findings, as well as recent history of game estates management and descriptive epidemiology field work, throw light on the rise and maintenance of these epizootics.

Epistatic interaction between FCRL3 and NFkappaB1 genes in Spanish patients with rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

A Japanese study has described a strong association between rheumatoid arthritis and several polymorphisms located in the Fc receptor-like 3 (FCRL3) gene, a member of a family of genes related to Fc receptors located on chromosome 1q21-23.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association between rheumatoid arthritis and FCLR3 polymorphisms in a large cohort of Caucasian patients with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy controls of Spanish origin. Owing to the described functional link between the FCRL3 polymorphisms and the transcription factor nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB), a functional polymorphism located in the NFkappaB1 gene was included.

METHODS

734 patients with rheumatoid arthritis from Madrid and Granada, Spain, were included in the study, along with 736 healthy controls. Polymorphisms in the FCRL3 gene were studied by TaqMan technology. The -94ins/delATTG NFkappaB1 promoter polymorphism was analysed by fragment analysis after polymerase chain reaction with labelled primers. Genotypes were compared using 3x2 contingency tables and chi2 values.

RESULTS

No overall differences were found in any of the FCRL3 polymorphisms and in the NFkappaB1 promoter polymorphism when patients were compared with controls. However, when stratified according to NFkappaB1 genotypes, a susceptibility effect of FCRL3 polymorphisms was observed in patients who were heterozygotes for NFkappaB1 (pc = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

The FCRL3 polymorphisms associated with rheumatoid arthritis in a Japanese population are not associated per se with rheumatoid arthritis in a Spanish population. A genetic interaction was found between NFkappaB1 and FCRL3 in Spanish patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These findings may provide a general rationale for divergent genetic association results in different populations.

Heavy metals in human bones in different historical epochs

The concentration of the metals lead, copper, zinc, cadmium and iron was determined in bone remains belonging to 30 individuals buried in the Region of Cartagena dating from different historical periods and in eight persons who had died in recent times. The metals content with respect to lead, cadmium and copper was determined either by anodic stripping voltammetry or by atomic absorption spectroscopy on the basis of the concentrations present in the bone remains. In all cases, zinc and iron were quantified by means of atomic absorption spectroscopy. The lead concentrations found in the bone remains in our city are greater than those reported in the literature for other locations. This led to the consideration of the sources of these metals in our area, both the contribution from atmospheric aerosols as well as that from the soil in the area. Correlation analysis leads us to consider the presence of the studied metals in the analysed bone samples to be the consequence of analogous inputs, namely the inhalation of atmospheric aerosols and diverse contributions in the diet. The lowest values found in the studied bone remains correspond to the Neolithic period, with similar contents to present-day samples with respect to lead, copper, cadmium and iron. As regards the evolution over time of the concentrations of the metals under study, a clear increase in these is observed between the Neolithic period and the grouping made up of the Bronze Age, Roman domination and the Byzantine period. The trend lines used to classify the samples into 7 periods show that the maximum values of lead correspond to the Roman and Byzantine periods. For copper, this peak is found in the Byzantine Period and for iron, in the Islamic Period. Zinc shows an increasing tendency over the periods under study and cadmium is the only metal whose trend lines shows a decreasing slope.

[Intolerance to hydroxychloroquine marketed in Spain (Dolquine) in patients with autoimmune conditions]

BASIS

A significant proportion of our patients has described to have problems from tolerance to Dolquine, a new presentation of hydroxychloroquine recently marketed in Spain, compared to Plaquenil. The objective was to know the tolerability and the adverse effects of this new presentation.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

A cross-sectional multicenter study on 133 patients treated with Dolquine was conducted.

RESULTS

Of the 133 patients (87% women; average age [AA]: 32.9 [15.4] years) who received Dolquine during an average period of 6.7 (1.4) months, 32 patients (24%) described to have more problems with this drug in comparison with other antimalarial. The adverse effects experienced were: bitter taste (62.4%), difficulty in swallowing the tablet (13.5%), dyspepsia (9.8%), nausea (7.5%), vomiting (1.5%), pruritus (1.5%), diarrhea (0.7%), and instability feeling (0.7%). The presence of gastrointestinal adverse effects was not related to the consumption of gastroerosive drugs, gastric protectors, or a high number of drugs. The attrition rate was 9.8%. Conclusions. Dolquine induces lower tolerance and more gastrointestinal adverse effects than Plaquenil, pointing out its bitter taste and the difficulty in swallowing it. Despite this higher intolerance there was not an increase in the attition rate from the antimalarial treatment in comparison to other series.

Purification of metal electroplating waste waters using zeolites

The sorption behaviour of natural (clinoptilolite) and synthetic (NaP1) zeolites has been studied with respect to Cr(III), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) in order to consider its application to purify metal finishing waste waters. The batch method has been employed using metal concentrations in solution ranged from 10 to 200 mg/l and solid/liquid ratios ranged from 2.5 to 10 g/l. The Langmuir model was found to describe well all sorption processes, allowing to establish metal sorption sequences from which the main retention mechanism involved for each metal has been inferred. Synthetic zeolite exhibited about 10 times greater sorption capacities (b(Cr)=0.838 mmol/g, b(Ni)=0.342 mmol/g, b(Zn)=0.499 mmol/g, b(Cu)=0.795 mmol/g, b(Cd)=0.452 mmol/g) than natural zeolite (b(Cr)=0.079 mmol/g, b(Ni)=0.034 mmol/g, b(Zn)=0.053 mmol/g, b(Cu)=0.093 mmol/g, b(Cd)=0.041 mmol/g), appearing, therefore, as most suitable to perform metal waste water purification processes. This mineral showed the same high sorption capacity values when used in the purification of metal electroplating waste waters.

Removal of heavy metals from waste waters by vermiculites

The sorbent behaviour of (natural and exfoliated) vermiculite minerals was studied with respect to metal cations (Ni, Cu, Cd) commonly present in waste waters of the metal finishing industry. The Langmuir model was found to describe the sorption processes well, showing the maximum sorption capacities of natural vermiculite to be high enough (bCd = 26.0 mg g(-1); performed bCd = 23.5 mg g(-1); bNi = 19.3 mg g(-1)) for its use in metal waste water purification systems to be feasible. The column studies performed with this mineral show that a large volume of metal solutions with similar concentrations to those usually present in waste waters can be purified down to the legal limit of waste. These positive results are ratified when real waste waters are used at lab-scale as well as at semi-industrial scale, validating the use of this mineral as a cost-effective treatment to purify such waste waters.

Sepiolite as a feasible soil additive for the immobilization of cadmium and zinc

The sorption behaviour of sepiolite has been studied with respect to cadmium and zinc in order to consider its application to remediate soils polluted with these metals. The Langmuir model was found to describe well the sorption processes offering maximum sorption capacities of 17.1 and 8.13 mg/g for cadmium and zinc, respectively, at pH 6. The sorption capacities are pH dependent undergoing a decrease with H(+) concentration increase. The effect of sepiolite amendment in a highly polluted mining soil has been studied by means of batch extractions and leaching column studies. The soluble amount of both metals as well as their readily-extractable fractions are substantially decreased at any concentration of sepiolite applied to soil (1, 2, 4%), although the highest decrease is obtained at the 4% dose. In this case the soluble fractions of both metals are decreased by 95%. The column studies also show a high reduction in the leaching of cadmium and zinc (69 and 52%, respectively) when a sepiolite dose of 4% is applied.

[Characterization of de novo malignancies in liver transplantation]

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of de novo malignancies after liver transplantation varies from 3-15%, and is greater than that in the general population. Immunosuppression may play a significant role in the development of most of these tumors.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence and clinical features of de novo tumors in liver transplant recipients in our center as well as to assess survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 437 liver transplantations (380 patients) performed from April 1990 to July 2001. The incidence of de novo malignancies was 7.4% (n = 28). Four patients presented two different tumors during their lifetime. The etiology of the underlying disease was alcoholic cirrhosis (45.8%), hepatitis C virus cirrhosis (20.8%), hepatitis B virus cirrhosis (12.5%), autoimmune disease (8.4%) and other causes (12.5%). The most frequent neoplasms were cutaneous and epidermoid tumors (21.4% of the malignancies both groups). All the patients with epidermoid tumors and adenocarcinomas were active smokers. The mean age at diagnosis was 58 9 years and this was a factor that influenced tumoral type (adenocarcinomas in older patients and epidermoid tumors in younger patients; p = 0.04).

RESULTS

Sarcomas and adenocarcinomas appeared sooner after transplantation than epidermoid and cutaneous tumors (p = 0.04). Fifty percent of the malignancies developed in the second and third year after transplantation. The type of immunosuppression did not influence tumoral type, although most patients received cyclosporin A in combination with azathioprine and/or corticoids. The mean duration of follow-up after diagnosis of the tumor was 23.1 28 months (range, 1-81). Mortality was 58.4% with a median survival of 9 16 months. The actuarial probability of survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was 46.1, 27.7 and 27.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

De novo malignancies are frequent after liver transplantation and their clinical course differs from that in the general population. Because their clinical course is more aggressive, regular follow-up of these patients is essential for early diagnosis.

Palygorskite as a feasible amendment to stabilize heavy metal polluted soils

The sorption behaviour of palygorskite has been studied with respect to lead, copper, zinc and cadmium in order to consider its application to remediate soils polluted with these metals. The Langmuir model was found to describe well the sorption processes offering maximum sorption values of 37.2 mg/g for lead, 17.4 mg/g for copper, 7.11 mg/g for zinc and 5.83 mg/g for cadmium at pH 5-6. In addition the effect of palygorskite amendment in a highly polluted mining soil has been studied by means batch extractions and leaching column studies. The soluble metal concentrations as well as the readily-extractable metal concentrations were substantially decreased at any concentration of palygorskite applied to soil (1, 2, 4%), although the highest decrease is obtained at the 4% dose. The column studies also showed a high reduction in the metal leaching (50% for lead, 59% for copper, 52% for zinc and 66% for cadmium) when a palygorskite dose of 4% was applied.

Serum leptin levels and blood pressure in the overweight elderly

BACKGROUND

Leptin is a protein produced by adipocytes that reduces reflex appetite by blocking the Y neuropeptide, thus causing body weight loss. A large percentage of elderly people are reported to exhibit obesity, which may be caused by low leptin serum levels. However, hypertension is a highly prevalent condition in old age. Obesity under these circumstances is an added risk factor due to the presence and severity of hypertension and thus can be related with leptin serum levels. Our objective was to determine the relationship between leptin serum levels and hypertension in obese elderly persons.

METHODS

A comparative transverse study was done in a random sample of 61 elderly persons-36 obese and 25 non-obese. Their blood pressure and their leptin serum levels by RIA were measured.

RESULTS

Leptin serum levels showed a statistically significant difference (p <0.05) in elderly obese individuals (12.8 +/- 4.4 microg/L vs. 9.8 +/- 4.2 microg/L). Likewise, 45% of obese elderly individuals and 20% of the non-obese were hypertensive with a predominant elevation of the systolic pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher serum leptin levels in obese elderly individuals suggests that aging is associated with resistance to leptin and/or to a decrease of receptors for this hormone. The high incidence of hypertension during the aging process is the result of associated obesity (OR = 3.2, CI 0.88-13.14).

[Learning in deep hypnosis. The potentiation of mental abilities?]

INTRODUCTION

Hypnosis is a well known and efficient psychotherapeutic treatment. It has been stated as useful in memory improvement, however, there are only a few reports of this method in teaching, and its neurophysiological aspects.

OBJECTIVE

In this paper, the authors were intended to deal with some students' academically difficulties in Histology subject, by improving their mental capacity by means of hypnosis, and then, to compare their previous bad achievements, just in the same subject, with those obtained in a test applied after hypnosis intervention.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In order to fulfil the proposals, seven high academically risk students were hypnotized to make them study under two very deep trance sessions, in which, some suggestions were given, such as: highest concentration, intellectual capacities reinforcement, positive affection, and also: Synthesis, reviewing, and generalization capacity enhancement. The process went into selective deafness, and selective vision as special phenomena.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Students achievements in the final test were compared to those previously obtained in the subject using the Signs Statistical Test. A significant improvement was demonstrated after hypnosis intervention.