Sexually transmitted infections in Spain: Current status.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) are a major public health problem. The problems inherent to their diagnosis, treatment and prevention have to do not only with their nature, but also with organizational issues and overlapping competencies of the different health authorities in Spain. The real situation of STI in Spain, at present, is poorly known. For this reason, the Scientific Committee on COVID and Emerging Pathogens of the Illustrious Official College of Physicians of Madrid (ICOMEM) has formulated a series of questions on this subject which were distributed, not only among the members of the Committee, but also among experts outside it. The central health authorities provide very high and increasing figures for gonococcal infection, syphilis, Chlamydia trachomatis infection and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). Both HIV infection and Monkeypox are two important STI caused by viruses in our environment, to which it should be added, mainly, Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Emerging microorganisms such as Mycoplasma genitalium pose not only pathogenic challenges but also therapeutic problems, as in the case of N. gonohrroeae. The pathways that patients with suspected STI follow until they are adequately diagnosed and treated are not well known in Spain. Experts understand that this problem is fundamentally managed in public health institutions, and that Primary Care and Hospital Emergency Services, together with some institutions that deal monographically with this problem, are the recipients of most of these patients. One of the most serious difficulties of STI lies in the availability of the microbiological tests necessary for their diagnosis, particularly in this era of outsourcing of microbiology services. Added to this is the increased cost of implementing the latest generation of molecular techniques and the difficulties of transporting samples. It is clear that STI are not diseases to which the entire population is equally exposed and it is necessary to have a better knowledge of the risk groups where to focus the necessary interventions adapted to their characteristics. It should not be forgotten that STI are also a problem in the pediatric age group and that their presence can be a marker of sexual abuse with all that this implies in terms of health care and medicolegal activity. Finally, STI are infections that are associated with a high cost of care for which we have very little information. The possibility of expanding the automatic performance of laboratory tests for STI surveillance through laboratory routines is encountering ethical and legal problems that are not always easy to solve. Spain has created a ministerial area of specific attention to STI and there are plans to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of these problems, but we still lack the necessary evidence on their impact. We cannot forget that these are diseases that transcend the individual and constitute a Public Health problem.

Demographic, clinical and microbiological characteristics of the first 30 human monkeypox confirmed cases attended in a tertiary hospital in Madrid (Spain), during the May-June 2022 international outbreak.

The present outbreak of Human Monkeypox (HMPX) that has begun in May 2022 and has spread across all continents in less than two months has qualitative and quantitative characteristics that make it different from the pattern of human disease previously caused by this virus. It has spread with enormous ease, affects almost exclusively adults, behaves as a sexually transmitted disease and focuses on very specific groups and transmission conditions. The high incidence in the city of Madrid in males that have sex with males (MSM) has allowed us to observe and report the experience with the first 30 cases diagnosed in our institution. Patients presented with febrile symptoms, genital and paragenital skin lesions reminiscent of smallpox, but less extensive and severe. The disease may also cause proctitis, pharyngitis and perioral lesions. The PCR test for diagnostic confirmation has been shown to be very sensitive and effective, not only in skin lesions but also in blood and other fluids such as pharyngeal, rectal exudates and blood. A very high proportion of patients with HMPX also have other sexually transmitted diseases that must be actively detected in this context. The spontaneous evolution of our patients has been good and hospitalization has been practically unnecessary. Transmission to non-sexual cohabitants and health personnel has been nonexistent and the lesions have disappeared in less than 30 days without leaving sequelae and no need for specific antiviral treatment.

Estudio ADENI-UCI: Análisis de las decisiones de no ingreso en UCI como medida de limitación de los tratamientos de soporte vital / ADENI-UCI Study: Analysis of non-income decisions in ICU as a measure of limitation of life support treatments

Objetivo: Analizar las variables asociadas a las decisiones de rechazo al ingreso en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) como medida de limitación de tratamiento de soporte vital. Diseño: Prospectivo, multicéntrico. Ámbito: Sesenta y dos UCI de España entre febrero de 2018 y marzo de 2019. Pacientes: Mayores de 18 años a los que se les negó el ingreso a una UCI como medida de limitación de tratamiento de soporte vital. Intervenciones: Ninguna. Variables de interés principals: Comorbilidades de los pacientes, situación funcional previa medida por la escala KNAUS y Karnosfky; escalas pronósticas de Lee y Charlson; gravedad del enfermo medida por las escalas APACHE II y SOFA, motivo que justifica la toma de la decisión, persona a la cual es trasmitida la información; fecha de alta o fallecimiento intrahospitalario, destino al alta hospitalaria. Resultados: Se registraron un total de 2.312 decisiones de no ingreso como medida de limitación del tratamiento de soporte vital (LTSV), de las cuales se analizaron 2.284. El principal motivo de consulta fue la insuficiencia respiratoria (1.080 [47,29%]). La pobre calidad de vida estimada de los enfermos (1.417 [62,04%]), la presencia de una enfermedad crónica grave (1.367 [59,85%]) y la limitación funcional previa de los pacientes (1.270 [55,60%]) fueron los principales motivos esgrimidos para denegar el ingreso. La tasa de mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue del 60,33%. La futilidad del tratamiento se constató como factor de riesgo asociado a mortalidad (OR: 3,23; IC 95%: 2,62-3,99). Conclusiones: Las decisiones para limitar el ingreso en UCI como medida de LTSV se basan en los mismos motivos que las decisiones tomadas dentro de la UCI. La futilidad valorada por el intensivista se relaciona adecuadamente con el resultado final de muerte (AU)

Objective: To analyze the variables associated with ICU refusal decisions as a life support treatment limitation measure. Design: Prospective, multicentrico. Scope: 62 ICU from Spain between February 2018 and March 2019. Patients: Over 18 years of age who were denied entry into ICU as a life support treatment limitation measure. Interventions: None. Main interest variables: Patient comorities, functional situation as measured by the KNAUS and Karnosfky scale; predicted scales of Lee and Charlson; severity of the sick person measured by the APACHE II and SOFA scales, which justifies the decision-making, a person to whom the information is transmitted; date of discharge or in-hospital death, destination for hospital discharge. Results: A total of 2312 non-income decisions were recorded as an LTSV measure of which 2284 were analyzed. The main reason for consultation was respiratory failure (1080 [47.29%]). The poor estimated quality of life of the sick (1417 [62.04%]), the presence of a severe chronic disease (1367 [59.85%]) and the prior functional limitation of patients (1270 [55.60%]) were the main reasons for denying admission. The in-hospital mortality rate was 60.33%. The futility of treatment was found as a risk factor associated with mortality (OR: 3.23; IC95%: 2.62-3.99). Conclusions: Decisions to limit ICU entry as an LTSV measure are based on the same reasons as decisions made within the ICU. The futility valued by the intensivist is adequately related to the final result of death (AU)

ADENI-UCI study: Analysis of non-income decisions in ICU as a measure of limitation of life support treatments.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the variables associated with ICU refusal decisions as a life support treatment limitation measure. DESIGN: Prospective, multicentrico. SCOPE: 62 ICU from Spain between February 2018 and March 2019. PATIENTS: Over 18 years of age who were denied entry into ICU as a life support treatment limitation measure. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN INTEREST VARIABLES: Patient comorities, functional situation as measured by the KNAUS and Karnosfky scale; predicted scales of Lee and Charlson; severity of the sick person measured by the APACHE II and SOFA scales, which justifies the decision-making, a person to whom the information is transmitted; date of discharge or in-hospital death, destination for hospital discharge. RESULTS: A total of 2312 non-income decisions were recorded as an LTSV measure of which 2284 were analyzed. The main reason for consultation was respiratory failure (1080 [47.29%]). The poor estimated quality of life of the sick (1417 [62.04%]), the presence of a severe chronic disease (1367 [59.85%]) and the prior functional limitation of patients (1270 [55.60%]) were the main reasons for denying admission. The in-hospital mortality rate was 60.33%. The futility of treatment was found as a risk factor associated with mortality (OR: 3.23; IC95%: 2.62-3.99). CONCLUSIONS: Decisions to limit ICU entry as an LTSV measure are based on the same reasons as decisions made within the ICU. The futility valued by the intensivist is adequately related to the final result of death.

The aquaculture supply chain in the time of covid-19 pandemic: Vulnerability, resilience, solutions and priorities at the global scale.

The COVID-19 global pandemic has had severe, unpredictable and synchronous impacts on all levels of perishable food supply chains (PFSC), across multiple sectors and spatial scales. Aquaculture plays a vital and rapidly expanding role in food security, in some cases overtaking wild caught fisheries in the production of high-quality animal protein in this PFSC. We performed a rapid global assessment to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related emerging control measures on the aquaculture supply chain. Socio-economic effects of the pandemic were analysed by surveying the perceptions of stakeholders, who were asked to describe potential supply-side disruption, vulnerabilities and resilience patterns along the production pipeline with four main supply chain components: a) hatchery, b) production/processing, c) distribution/logistics and d) market. We also assessed different farming strategies, comparing land- vs. sea-based systems; extensive vs. intensive methods; and with and without integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, IMTA. In addition to evaluating levels and sources of economic distress, interviewees were asked to identify mitigation solutions adopted at local / internal (i.e., farm-site) scales, and to express their preference on national / external scale mitigation measures among a set of a priori options. Survey responses identified the potential causes of disruption, ripple effects, sources of food insecurity, and socio-economic conflicts. They also pointed to various levels of mitigation strategies. The collated evidence represents a first baseline useful to address future disaster-driven responses, to reinforce the resilience of the sector and to facilitate the design reconstruction plans and mitigation measures, such as financial aid strategies.

Diagnostic challenges in von Willebrand disease. Report of two cases with emphasis on multimeric and molecular analysis.

Identification of qualitative variants of von Willebrand disease (VWD) can be a diagnostic challenge because of discrepant results obtained in the multiple laboratory tests available for its appropriate classification. We report two cases of infrequent inherited variants of VWD with unclear preliminary results with the test panel available at the time of first consultation and that were finally diagnosed as a VWD type 2A/IID with a c.8318 G > C, p.Cys2773Ser mutation and a VWD type 2M with c.4225 T > G, p.Val1409Phe mutation, respectively. The description of these two cases highlights that despite the limited diagnostic panel for the evaluation of von Willebrand Factor (VWF) functionality, the multimeric analysis and genetic family studies were fundamental tools to achieve the final diagnosis.

Impacto económico de emicizumab en pacientes con hemofilia a con inhibidor en un hospital de tercer nivel / Economic impact of emicizumab in patients with haemophilia a with inhibitor in a third level hospital

Objetivo: Estimar el impacto económico del emicizumab en pacientes con hemofilia A (HA) e inhibidor en un hospital de tercer nivel, comparándolo con las alternativas terapéuticas. Métodos: Se estimó el coste anual del tratamiento de la HA e inhibidor con complejo protrombínico activado (aPCC), factor VII recombinante (rFVIIa) y emicizumab, y varias estrategias terapéuticas: profiláctica, a demanda e inmunotolerancia (ITI). Las dosis utilizadas, localización, frecuencia y gravedad de los sangrados se obtuvieron de la literatura. Resultados: El coste medio anual de la estrategia a demanda con aPCC/rFVIIa y de la estrategia profiláctica fueron 309.523 € y 354.866 €, en un paciente pediátrico y 808.928 € y 926.574 € en un adulto, respectivamente. El coste de la ITI fue 619.644 € y 1.029.399 € en el paciente pediátrico y adulto, respectivamente. Respecto a la estrategia profiláctica, el coste del tratamiento con emicizumab fue un 27,7% menor en el paciente pediátrico (240.255 €) y un 50,8% menor en el adulto (427.266 €).Conclusiones: Emicizumab, además de aportar mejoras clínicas y de calidad de vida a los pacientes con HA, ofrece ventajas económicas frente a los agentes “bypass”. (AU)

Purpose: Estimate the economic impact of the use of emicizumab in patients with hemophilia A (HA) and inhibitor in a third level hospital, comparing it with the different therapeutic alternatives.Methods: HA and inhibitor annual cost treatment with activated prothrombin complex (aPCC), recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa) and emicizumab was estimated. The patients were stratified in pediatrics (<14 years) and adults (>14 years). Several strategies were considered: prophylactic, on demand and immune tolerance induced (ITI). The dose used and the bleeding location, frequency and severity were obtained from the literature.Results: The average annual cost of on demand strategy with aPCC and rFVIIa and prophylactic strategy in a pediatric patient was 309,523 € and 354,866 € respectively, and 808,928 € and 926,574 € in an adult patient, respectively. ITI cost was 619,644 € and 1,029,399 € in pediatric and adult patient respectively. Regard prophylactic strategy, the treatment cost with emicizumab was 27.7% lower in pediatric patients (240,255 €) and 50.8% lower in adult patients (427,266 €). (AU)

ADENI-UCI Study: Analysis of non-income decisions in ICU as a measure of limitation of life support treatments. / Estudio ADENI-UCI: Análisis de las decisiones de no ingreso en UCI como medida de limitación de los tratamientos de soporte vital.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the variables associated with ICU refusal decisions as a life support treatment limitation measure. DESIGN: Prospective, multicentrico SCOPE: 62 ICU from Spain between February 2018 and March 2019. PATIENTS: Over 18 years of age who were denied entry into ICU as a life support treatment limitation measure. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN INTEREST VARIABLES: Patient comorities, functional situation as measured by the KNAUS and Karnosfky scale; predicted scales of Lee and Charlson; severity of the sick person measured by the APACHE II and SOFA scales, which justifies the decision-making, a person to whom the information is transmitted; date of discharge or in-hospital death, destination for hospital discharge. RESULTS: A total of 2312 non-income decisions were recorded as an LTSV measure of which 2284 were analyzed. The main reason for consultation was respiratory failure (1080 [47.29%]). The poor estimated quality of life of the sick (1417 [62.04%]), the presence of a severe chronic disease (1367 [59.85%]) and the prior functional limitation of patients (1270 [55.60%]) were the main reasons for denying admission. The in-hospital mortality rate was 60.33%. The futility of treatment was found as a risk factor associated with mortality (OR: 3.23; IC95%: 2.62-3.99). CONCLUSIONS: Decisions to limit ICU entry as an LTSV measure are based on the same reasons as decisions made within the ICU. The futility valued by the intensivist is adequately related to the final result of death.

Fabricación a terceros: sí, pero / Outsourcing: yes, but...

No disponible

Physicochemical and microbiological stability of two news oral liquid formulations of clonidine hydrochloride for pediatric patients.

Pediatric patients present changing physiological features. Because of the lack of land suitable for commercial management, pediatric specialties very often need to prepare extemporaneous formulations to improve the dosage and administration of drugs for children. Oral liquid formulations are the most suitable for pediatric patients. Clonidine is widely used in the pediatric population for opioid withdrawal, hypertensive crisis, attention deficit disorders and hyperactivity syndrome, and as an analgesic in neuropathic cancer pain. The objective was to study the physicochemical and microbiological stability and determine the shelf life of an oral solution containing 20 µg/mL clonidine hydrochloride in different storage conditions (5 ± 3 °C, 25 ± 3 °C, and 40 ± 2 °C). Using raw material with excipients safe for all pediatric age groups, two oral liquid formulations of clonidine hydrochloride were designed (with and without preservatives). Solutions stored at 5 ± 3 °C (with and without preservatives) were physically and microbiologically stable for at least 90 days in closed containers and for 42 days after opening. Two oral solutions of clonidine hydrochloride 20 µg/mL were developed for pediatric use from raw materials that are readily available and easy to process, containing safe excipients that are stable over a long period of time.

Using submersible fluorescence sensors to track the removal of organic matter in decentralized wastewater treatment systems (DEWATS) in real time.

Decentralized wastewater treatment systems (DEWATS) using anaerobic treatment are increasingly being considered for wastewater treatment with options for non-potable water reuse at the community scale. One challenge for ensuring performance and reliability of DEWATS is the lack of suitable on-site sensors to monitor failure or contamination events. In this study, the aim was to use in situ fluorescence sensors to track the performance of a DEWATS, consisting of an anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) coupled to anaerobic filter (AF) and constructed wetland (CW) treatment processes. A submersible in situ fluorometer equipped with tryptophan (TRP) and chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) sensors was deployed in each chamber of the ABR-AF-CW system, and results showed that TRP fluorescence was preferentially removed over CDOM fluorescence throughout the system. Significant relationships between TRP fluorescence and chemical oxygen demand (COD) also suggested that TRP fluorescence could be used as a surrogate for COD and soluble COD concentrations. Strong agreement between results obtained from the 1D in situ fluorometer and those obtained from a 3D benchtop fluorometer lends further support to the use of in situ fluorescence sensors to track DEWATS performance.

Endothelial damage is aggravated in acute GvHD and could predict its development.

The aim of the present study was to explore whether there is enhanced endothelial dysfunction in patients developing acute GvHD (aGvHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) and to identify biomarkers with predictive and/or diagnostic value. In in vitro experiments, endothelial cells (ECs) were exposed to serum from patients with (aGvHD, n=31) and without (NoGvHD, n=13) aGvHD, to evaluate changes in surface adhesion receptors, the reactivity of the extracellular matrix by measuring the presence of Von Willebrand factor (VWF) and platelet adhesion, and the activation of intracellular signaling proteins. Plasma levels of VWF, ADAMTS-13, TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 were also measured. In vitro results showed a more marked proinflammatory and prothrombotic phenotype in ECs in association with aGvHD. Regarding circulating biomarkers, levels of VWF and TNFR1 above an optimal cutoff score, taken independently or combined, at day 7 after allo-HCT, would be able to positively predict that around 90% of patients will develop aGvHD. Our results demonstrate that endothelial damage is aggravated in those allo-HCT recipients developing aGvHD, and that VWF and TNFR1 are promising predictive aGvHD biomarkers. These findings could contribute to improve the understanding of the pathophysiology of aGvHD.

Hemophagocytic syndrome secondary to tuberculosis at 24-week gestation.

Hemophagocytic syndrome is a life-threatening disease characterized by the uncontrolled activation of macrophages, resulting in hemophagocytosis of blood cells in the bone marrow. A 20-year-old gravida at 23-week and 5-day gestation was admitted to hospital to evaluate fever up to 104°F of unknown origin, moderate cytopenia, and elevated levels of liver enzymes. Bone marrow biopsy confirmed hemophagocytic syndrome, and polymerase chain reaction came back positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Supportive care and tuberculosis treatment resulted in clinical improvement. At 27 weeks and 5 days, premature rupture of the membranes occurred, and because of the high probability of reactivating the hemophagocytic syndrome, a cesarean section was performed at 29-week and 2-day gestation. Hemophagocytic syndrome is an uncommon disease which rarely appears during pregnancy. Early diagnosis and treatment can save both maternal and fetal lives.

Variability in in vitro fertilization outcomes of prepubertal goat oocytes explained by basic semen analyses.

This work analyses the changes that caprine spermatozoa undergo during in vitro fertilization (IVF) of in vitro matured prepubertal goat oocytes and their relationship with IVF outcome, in order to obtain an effective model that allows prediction of in vitro fertility on the basis of semen assessment. The evolution of several sperm parameters (motility, viability and acrosomal integrity) during IVF and their relationship with three IVF outcome criteria (total penetration, normal penetration and cleavage rates) were studied in a total of 56 IVF replicates. Moderate correlation coefficients between some sperm parameters and IVF outcome were observed. In addition, stepwise multiple regression analyses were conducted that considered three grouping of sperm parameters as potential explanatory variables of the three IVF outcome criteria. The proportion of IVF outcome variation that can be explained by the fitted models ranged from 0.62 to 0.86, depending upon the trait analysed and the variables considered. Seven out of 32 sperm parameters were selected as partial covariates in at least one of the nine multiple regression models. Among these, progressive sperm motility assessed immediately after swim-up, the percentage of dead sperm with intact acrosome and the incidence of acrosome reaction both determined just before the gamete co-culture, and finally the proportion of viable spermatozoa at 17 h post-insemination were the most frequently selected sperm parameters. Nevertheless, the predictive ability of these models must be confirmed in a larger sample size experiment.

Anticoncepción en la mujer inmigrante: influencia de los aspectos socioculturales en la elección del método anticonceptivo / Contraception in immigrant women: influence of sociocultural aspects on the choice of contraceptive method

Actualmente residen en nuestro país 6 millones de inmigrantes. La mitad son mujeres, la mayoría en edad fértil. Son un grupo de especial problemática, con altas tasas de interrupción voluntaria de embarazo (IVE) en el que es fundamental abordar su salud reproductiva. Hemos dilucidado cómo es el uso de métodos anticonceptivos por esta población. Para ello revisamos 1.100 historias de nuestra consulta de salud sexual y reproducción. El colectivo más prevalente que acude a nosotros en busca de información son las latinoamericanas, seguidas por europeas del Este y marroquíes, y en menor proporción asiáticas y subsaharianas. Los anticonceptivos más utilizados son el DIU, sobre todo latinoamericanas y europeas del Este, y los anticonceptivos orales combinados, más utilizados entre las marroquíes. Es importante informar a las mujeres inmigrantes sobre anticoncepción, teniendo en cuenta sus preferencias, para aumentar la adherencia al tratamiento y disminuir las altas tasas de IVE (AU)

There are currently 6 million immigrants living in Spain. Half of them are women, the majority of whom are of childbearing age. These women, who suffer high rates of induced abortion, form a special group who require a special approach to their reproductive health. In order to study the use of contraceptive methods in this population, a review was made of 1100 clinical histories from our Sexual Health and Reproduction Clinic. Latin American women were the most prevalent group who came to seek information about contraception, followed by Eastern Europeans and Moroccans. Fewer Asian and Sub-Saharan women sought these services. The contraceptives most frequently used were the intrauterine device (used mostly by Latin American and Eastern European women), and combined oral contraception, most used by Moroccan women. It is important to advise the immigrant women about contraceptive methods, taking into account their preferences, in order to improve adherence to the method (AU)

[Contraception in immigrant women: influence of sociocultural aspects on the choice of contraceptive method]. / Anticoncepción en la mujer inmigrante: influencia de los aspectos socioculturales en la elección del método anticonceptivo.

There are currently 6 million immigrants living in Spain. Half of them are women, the majority of whom are of childbearing age. These women, who suffer high rates of induced abortion, form a special group who require a special approach to their reproductive health. In order to study the use of contraceptive methods in this population, a review was made of 1100 clinical histories from our Sexual Health and Reproduction Clinic. Latin American women were the most prevalent group who came to seek information about contraception, followed by Eastern Europeans and Moroccans. Fewer Asian and Sub-Saharan women sought these services. The contraceptives most frequently used were the intrauterine device (used mostly by Latin American and Eastern European women), and combined oral contraception, most used by Moroccan women. It is important to advise the immigrant women about contraceptive methods, taking into account their preferences, in order to improve adherence to the method.

Comparative study of different analytical methods for the determination of 238U, 234U, 235U, 230Th and 232Th in NORM samples (Southern Catalonia).

Uranium and thorium isotopes from sludge samples taken from an area of influence of a dicalcium phosphate factory, located close to the Ebro River reservoir in Flix, and from mineral raw materials (coal and phosphate) which were deposited in Tarragona Harbour (Catalonia) have been measured. To do that, several procedures to determine these isotopes have been applied and compared in terms of accuracy, precision and total analysis time. In particular, digestion procedures, such as one based on conventional acidic digestion or another based on the use of microwave digestion, have been tested. Moreover, different radiochemical separation procedures have been applied. In this regard, one method based on liquid-liquid extraction using TBP/Xylene and another based on the use of extraction chromatography using UTEVA resins have been compared. Firstly, the different proposed methods were tested by analyzing a phosphogypsum sediment and a moss-soil sample from two different intercomparison exercises. The microwave digestion - UTEVA method provided the best results (recoveries higher than 82% for uranium and thorium isotopes) and was then applied to the NORM samples. The obtained results showed that the higher uranium and thorium activities values were found in phosphate raw material and in the more superficial samples located in sludge sediments next to the dicalcium phosphate factory.

Distribution of naturally occurring radioactive materials in sediments from the Ebro river reservoir in Flix (Southern Catalonia, Spain).

Industrial waste containing radioactive isotopes (from U-decay series) was released into Ebro river basin due to the activity of a dicalcium phosphate (DCP) plant for a period of more than two decades. Gross alpha, gross beta, (40)K, (226)Ra and (210)Pb activities were determined in several sludge samples taken at different depths from different points in the area of influence of the DCP plant located in Flix. Samples were collected from two different zones: one in front of the DCP plant and the second in front of a wastewater treatment plant installed several years after the DCP plant. The data obtained verify the influence of industrial DCP production on radioactivity levels present in the area.

Evaluation of different parameters affecting the liquid scintillation spectrometry measurement of gross alpha and beta index in water samples.

Liquid scintillation spectrometry is a fast competitive technique for the simultaneous evaluation of gross alpha and beta indexes. However, the implementation of this technique should not be considered as straightforward, and the pre-concentration methods to decrease the detection limit together with quenching and alpha, and beta crossover corrections should be carefully chosen according to the needs of the laboratory. Both aspects are being approached in this work as to find an easy and robust method for alpha/beta measurement in water samples, taking into account the quenching and alpha/beta crossover interferences effects. Results showed that most of the pre-concentration methods increased the quenching in the measurement, although HNO(3) 0.05 M points to be the best solution for pre-concentration and re-dissolution of the sample as converges into low quenching and maximum recovery. Subsequently, in the measurement of water samples with different conductivities, the analysis of the raw counts to obtain gross alpha and beta indexes was carried out using different approaches to implement quenching and interference corrections. If quenching and salt content in the sample are relatively low, interference and quenching-efficiency corrections do not improve the accuracy of the results within the usual precision assumed for a result of gross alpha and beta index (25%). Special attention must be paid when corrections are applied to high quenched or saline samples and when alpha and beta activities values are different in several orders of magnitude.