Toxicity of tire particle leachates on early life stages of keystone sea urchin species.

Particles from tires are a major fraction of microplastic pollution. They contain a wide range of chemical additives that can leach into the water and be harmful to aquatic organisms. In this study, we investigated the acute toxicity of tire particle leachates in early life stages of three keystone echinoderm species (Paracentrotus lividus, Arbacia lixula, Diadema africanum). Embryos were exposed for 72 h to a range of leachate dilutions, prepared using a concentration of 1 g L-1. Larval growth, abnormal development, and mortality were the measured endpoints. Furthermore, we estimated the activity of glutathione S transferase (GST) and the electron transport system (ETS) in P. lividus. Strong concentration-dependent responses were observed in all species, though with differing sensitivity. The median effect concentrations for abnormal development in P. lividus and A. lixula were 0.16 and 0.35 g L-1, respectively. In D. africanum, mortality overshadowed abnormal development and the median lethal concentration was 0.46 g L-1. Larvae of P. lividus were significantly smaller than the control from 0.125 g L-1, while the other two species were affected from 0.5 g L-1. ETS activity did not change but there was a non-significant trend of increasing GST activity with leachate concentration in P. lividus. Seven organic chemicals and eight metals were detected at elevated concentrations in the leachates. While we regard zinc as a strong candidate to explain some of the observed toxicity, it can be expected that tire particle leachates exhibit a cocktail effect and other leached additives may also contribute to their toxicity. Our results emphasize the importance of multi-species studies as they differ in their susceptibility to tire particle pollution. We found negative effects at concentrations close to projections in the environment, which calls for more research and mitigation actions on these pollutants.

[Chemical pollution, exposome and health in the Canary Islands population: An assessment of the situation.] / Contaminación química, exposoma y salud en la población de las Islas Canarias: una revisión sistemática de los estudios realizados y análisis de la situación.

OBJECTIVE: The set of exposures to chemical substances and their role as a cause of disease gives rise to the concept of the exposome, partially made up of chemical pollutants to which an individual is exposed, which is why, unlike the genome, it is an a priori modifiable factor, its study being crucial in terms of Public Health. The population of the Canary Islands has been studied in terms of its levels of chemical contamination, with numerous biomonitoring studies, which makes it necessary to characterise its exposome and its consequences in terms of disease, in order to implement specific corrective measures to minimize the impact on its health. METHODS: A review of scientific literature (MEDLINE and Scopus) was made, according to PRISMA criteria and PICO methodology, to include studies on biomonitoring of pollutants, or evaluating the effect of pollutants on diseases prevalent in the archipelago. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies, both population-based and hospital-based, were selected. The results show that the exposome is made up of at least 110 compounds or elements, 99 of which appear to be present from the intrauterine stage. The presence of chlorinated pollutants and metals stands out, which seems to be related to the high incidence of metabolic diseases (diabetes), cardiovascular diseases (hypertension) and certain types of neoplasms (breast cancer). In short, the consequences are conditioned by the genome of the exposed population, reinforcing the enormous importance of genome-exposome interactions in the development of pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that it is necessary to establish corrective measures on the sources of pollution that modify the exposome of this population.

OBJETIVO: El conjunto de exposiciones a sustancias químicas y su papel como causa de enfermedad da lugar al concepto de exposoma, conformado parcialmente por contaminantes químicos a los que un individuo se ve expuesto. Por ello, a diferencia del genoma, es un factor a priori modificable, siendo su estudio crucial en materia de Salud Pública. La población del archipiélago canario ha sido estudiada en cuanto a sus niveles de contaminación química, con numerosos estudios de biomonitorización, lo que hace necesario caracterizar el exposoma de ésta y sus consecuencias en términos de enfermedad, para poder implementar medidas correctoras específicas que minimicen el impacto en su salud. METODOS: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura científica (MEDLINE y Scopus) de acuerdo con los criterios PRISMA y siguiendo la metodología PICO, para incluir estudios de biomonitorización de contaminantes, o que evaluaran el efecto de éstos en enfermedades prevalentes en el archipiélago. RESULTADOS: Se seleccionaron veinticinco estudios, tanto de base poblacional como de base hospitalaria. Los resultados demuestran que el exposoma lo conforman, como mínimo, 110 compuestos o elementos, 99 de los cuales parecen estar presentes desde la etapa intrauterina. Destaca la presencia de contaminantes clorados y metales, lo que parece relacionarse con la alta incidencia de enfermedades metabólicas (diabetes), cardiovasculares (hipertensión) y ciertos tipos de neoplasias (cáncer de mama). Aunque tales consecuencias vienen condicionadas por el genoma de la población expuesta, reforzando la enorme importancia de las interacciones genoma-exposoma en el desarrollo de patologías. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestros resultados indican que es necesario establecer medidas correctoras sobre las fuentes de contaminación que modifiquen el exposoma de esta población.

Trophic transfer of DDE, BP-3 and chlorpyrifos from microplastics to tissues in Dicentrarchus labrax.

Microplastic pollution and associated chemical contaminants is a topic of growing interest. In recent years, the number of publications reporting the presence of microplastics (MPs) in marine organisms has increased exponentially. However, there is a gap in knowledge about the trophic transfer of contaminants from microplastics to animal tissues, as well as possible health effects. In this study we analyzed the trophic transfer and biomagnification of three chemical pollutants present in microplastics: dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE-p,p'), benzophenone 3 (BP-3) and chlorpyrifos (CPS). The reference values used were concentrations found in environmental microplastics in the Canary Islands (minimum and maximum). European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were fed for 60 days with 5 different treatments: A) feed; B) feed with chemical pollutants at maximum concentration; C) feed + 10 % virgin MPs; D) feed + 10 % MPs with chemical pollutants at minimum concentration; E) feed + 10 % MPs with chemical pollutants at maximum concentration. We detected trophic transfer of DDE-p,p', CPS and BP-3 from the feed (treatment B) to the muscle and liver of fish. In the case of DDE-p,p', transfer to liver and muscle was also observed in the treatments consisting of feed plus plastics with different levels of contamination (C, D and E). No effect of the experimental treatments on fish condition indices was observed.

Contaminación química, exposoma y salud en la población de las Islas Canarias: una revisión sistemática de los estudios realizados y análisis de la situación / Chemical pollution, exposome and health in the Canary Islands population: An assessment of the situation

Fundamentos: El conjunto de exposiciones a sustancias químicas y su papel como causa de enfermedad da lugar al conceptode exposoma, conformado parcialmente por contaminantes químicos a los que un individuo se ve expuesto. Por ello, a diferenciadel genoma, es un factora priori modificable, siendo su estudio crucial en materia de Salud Pública. La población del archipiélagocanario ha sido estudiada en cuanto a sus niveles de contaminación química, con numerosos estudios de biomonitorización, lo quehace necesario caracterizar el exposoma de ésta y sus consecuencias en términos de enfermedad, para poder implementar medidascorrectoras específicas que minimicen el impacto en su salud.Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura científica (MEDLINE yScopus) de acuerdo con los criterios PRISMA y siguiendo lametodología PICO, para incluir estudios de biomonitorización de contaminantes, o que evaluaran el efecto de éstos en enfermedadesprevalentes en el archipiélago.Resultados: Se seleccionaron veinticinco estudios, tanto de base poblacional como de base hospitalaria. Los resultados de-muestran que el exposoma lo conforman, como mínimo, 110 compuestos o elementos, 99 de los cuales parecen estar presentes desdela etapa intrauterina. Destaca la presencia de contaminantes clorados y metales, lo que parece relacionarse con la alta incidencia deenfermedades metabólicas (diabetes), cardiovasculares (hipertensión) y ciertos tipos de neoplasias (cáncer de mama). Aunque talesconsecuencias vienen condicionadas por el genoma de la población expuesta, reforzando la enorme importancia de las interaccionesgenoma-exposoma en el desarrollo de patologías.Concluiones: Nuestros resultados indican que es necesario establecer medidas correctoras sobre las fuentes de contamina-ción que modifiquen el exposoma de esta población.(AU)

Background: The set of exposures to chemical substances and their role as a cause of disease gives rise to the concept of theexposome, partially made up of chemical pollutants to which an individual is exposed, which is why, unlike the genome, it is an a priorimodifiable factor, its study being crucial in terms of Public Health. The population of the Canary Islands has been studied in terms ofits levels of chemical contamination, with numerous biomonitoring studies, which makes it necessary to characterise its exposomeand its consequences in terms of disease, in order to implement specific corrective measures to minimize the impact on its health.Methods: A review of scientific literature (MEDLINE and Scopus) was made, according to PRISMA criteria and PICO methodology, toinclude studies on biomonitoring of pollutants, or evaluating the effect of pollutants on diseases prevalent in the archipelago.Results: Twenty-five studies, both population-based and hospital-based, were selected. The results show that the exposome is madeup of at least 110 compounds or elements, 99 of which appear to be present from the intrauterine stage. The presence of chlorinated po-llutants and metals stands out, which seems to be related to the high incidence of metabolic diseases (diabetes), cardiovascular diseases(hypertension) and certain types of neoplasms (breast cancer). In short, the consequences are conditioned by the genome of the exposedpopulation, reinforcing the enormous importance of genome-exposome interactions in the development of pathologies.Conclusions: Our results indicate that it is necessary to establish corrective measures on the sources of pollution that modifythe exposome of this population.(AU)

Individual blood concentrations of persistent organic pollutants and chemical elements, and COVID-19: A prospective cohort study in Barcelona.

BACKGROUND: There is wide, largely unexplained heterogeneity in immunological and clinical responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Numerous environmental chemicals, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and chemical elements (including some metals, essential trace elements, rare earth elements, and minority elements), are immunomodulatory and cause a range of adverse clinical events. There are no prospective studies on the effects of such substances on the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of blood concentrations of POPs and elements measured several years before the pandemic on the development of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 in individuals from the general population. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study in 154 individuals from the general population of Barcelona. POPs and elements were measured in blood samples collected in 2016-2017. SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected by rRT-PCR in nasopharyngeal swabs and/or by antibody serology using eighteen isotype-antigen combinations measured in blood samples collected in 2020-2021. We analyzed the associations between concentrations of the contaminants and SARS-CoV-2 infection and development of COVID-19, taking into account personal habits and living conditions during the pandemic. RESULTS: Several historically prevalent POPs, as well as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and zinc, were not associated with COVID-19, nor with SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, DDE (adjusted OR = 5.0 [95% CI: 1.2-21]), lead (3.9 [1.0-15]), thallium (3.4 [1.0-11]), and ruthenium (5.0 [1.8-14]) were associated with COVID-19, as were tantalum, benzo(b)fluoranthene, DDD, and manganese. Thallium (3.8 [1.6-8.9]), and ruthenium (2.9 [1.3-6.7]) were associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and so were lead, gold, and (protectively) iron and selenium. We identified mixtures of up to five substances from several chemical groups, with all substances independently associated to the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide the first prospective and population-based evidence of an association between individual concentrations of some contaminants and COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 infection. POPs and elements may contribute to explain the heterogeneity in the development of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 in the general population. If the associations are confirmed as causal, means are available to mitigate the corresponding risks.

Trophic behavior of inorganic elements in nesting sea turtles (Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata, and Caretta caretta) in Quintana Roo: Biomagnification and biodilution effect in blood and scute tissues.

The biomagnification and biodilution of inorganic pollutants, have a close correlation on the structure and function of trophic change behavior; sea turtles represent an excellent bioindicator model to identify their impact in marine ecosystems. To understand pollution effects on marine ecosystems, we quantified the bioconcentration of 50 inorganic elements in the blood and scute tissues of three nesting species of sea turtles (Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata and Caretta caretta), collected in Quintana Roo State from July 2017 to August 2018. As a general trend, essential mineral elements with toxic potential showed the highest concentrations in both tissues; significant increase concentration of arsenic, mercury, and cerium levels was observed with increasing trophic levels indicating its biomagnification while a significant decrease in manganese and bismuth showed a biodilution effect. We expect that our findings can be used as baseline data in future biomonitoring and contamination risk assessment programs in the region.

Utilidad clínica de la mamografía con contraste (CEM): una revisión de la literatura / Clinical utility of contrast-enhanced mammography: A literature review

La mamografía con contraste (CEM) es una nueva y prometedora técnica de imagen basada en la neovascularización de los tumores de manera similar a la resonancia magnética de la mama. Los resultados de los estudios clínicos muestran que su rendimiento diagnóstico es significativamente mejor que el de la mamografía digital convencional, y que sus valores de sensibilidad y especificidad la hacen comparable con la resonancia magnética. Sus usos actuales y los propuestos incluyen la evaluación adicional de pacientes sintomáticos o pacientes con exámenes previos anormales, la evaluación de la extensión local de los cánceres de mama recién diagnosticados, el seguimiento de la quimioterapia neoadyuvante y la detección del cáncer de mama en pacientes de alto riesgo. Aunque la técnica se aprobó para uso clínico en 2010, todavía es poco conocida. En esta revisión, presentamos la técnica CEM y sus resultados de rendimiento de diagnóstico comparados con la mamografía convencional y la resonancia magnética de la mama. También presentamos los diferentes escenarios en los que se puede utilizar con éxito, tanto en el diagnóstico de la enfermedad de mama, como en la estadificación local del cáncer de mama, así como su papel potencial en los programas de detección del cáncer de mama. (AU)

Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) is a promising new imaging technique based on neovascularisation of the tumour, similar to magnetic resonance imaging of the breast. The results of clinical studies show that its diagnostic performance is significantly better than that of conventional digital mammography, and that its sensitivity and specificity are comparable to those of magnetic resonance imaging. Its current and proposed uses include further evaluation of symptomatic patients or patients with abnormal results on previous examinations, assessment of the local extension of newly diagnosed breast tumours, follow-up of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and detection of breast cancer in high-risk patients. Although the technique was approved for clinical use in 2010, it is still little known. In this review, we present the technique of CEM and its results in terms of diagnostic performance compared with conventional mammography and breast MRI. We also discuss the various scenarios in which it can be used successfully, both in the diagnosis of breast disease and in the local staging of breast cancer, as well as its potential role in breast cancer screening programmes. (AU)

Bioaccumulation of additives and chemical contaminants from environmental microplastics in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax).

Marine microplastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental problems we face. The growth of plastic production has not ceased since the 1950s and it is currently estimated that 368 tons of plastic were produced in 2019 (PlascticsEurope, 2020). Geyer et al. (2017) estimate that 79% of the plastic produced in the world still remains in the environment; this plastic due to the effect of degradation and subsequent fragmentation, is present in the form of microplastics in all oceans and, due to its small size can be ingested by fish and filter-feeding organisms. In addition, microplastics have additives and chemical contaminants associated with them, and the potential effect of microplastic ingestion on marine organisms, and through them, the potential risk to humans, is unknown. In the present study, European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were fed for 60 days with three treatments: Control (feed), MP (feed with 10% virgin microplastics) and EMP (feed with 10% environmental microplastics), being the first study to evaluate long-term accumulation of contaminants due to ingestion of environmental microplastics (EMP) in fish. Both plastic additives such as PBDEs, and chemical contaminants adsorbed from the environment such as PCBs and DDE, were analyzed in the EMP, feed and liver. The concentration of microplastics in the feed was calculated based on the MPs/zooplankton wet weight (WW) ratio of 0.1 found in an area of maximum accumulation in the Canary Islands. Therefore, it is an experiment that simulates real conditions, but in the worst-case scenario, using both, concentrations based on data obtained in oceanographic campaigns and microplastics collected from the environment. Our results show that in this scenario, additives and chemical contaminants adsorbed on EMPs bioaccumulate in fish liver due to long-term ingestion of microplastics.

Critical review of analytical methods for the determination of flame retardants in human matrices.

Human biomonitoring is a powerful approach in assessing exposure to environmental pollutants. Flame retardants (FRs) are of particular concern due to their wide distribution in the environment and adverse health effects. This article reviews studies published in 2009-2020 on the chemical analysis of FRs in a variety of human samples and discusses the characteristics of the analytical methods applied to different FR biomarkers of exposure, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), novel halogenated flame retardants (NHFRs), bromophenols, incl. tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), and organophosphorous flame retardants (PFRs). Among the extraction techniques, liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and solid phase extraction (SPE) were used most frequently due to the good efficiencies in the isolation of the majority of the FR biomarkers, but with challenges for highly lipophilic FRs. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is mainly applied in the instrumental analysis of PBDEs and most NHFRs, with recent inclusions of GC-MS/MS and high resolution MS techniques. Liquid chromatography-MS/MS is mainly applied to HBCD, bromophenols, incl. TBBPA, and PFRs (including metabolites), however, GC-based analysis following derivatization has also been used for phenolic compounds and PFR metabolites. Developments are noticed towards more universal analytical methods, which enable widening method scopes in the human biomonitoring of FRs. Challenges exist with regard to sensitivity required for the low concentrations of FRs in the general population and limited sample material for some human matrices. A strong focus on quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) measures is required in the analysis of FR biomarkers in human samples, related to their variety of physical-chemical properties, low levels in most human samples and the risk of contamination.

Elemental composition, rare earths and minority elements in organic and conventional wines from volcanic areas: The Canary Islands (Spain).

The organic wine market is rapidly growing worldwide, both in terms of production and consumption. However, the scientific literature is not conclusive regarding differences in the elemental composition of wines according to their production method, including both major and trace elements. Minerals can be present in wine as a result of both anthropogenic and environmental factors. To date, this has not been evaluated in volcanic contexts, neither has the emergent issue of rare earths and other minority elements as potential sources of food contamination. This study using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analyses organic and conventional wines produced in the Canary Islands (Spain), an archipelago of volcanic origin, to compare their content of 49 elements, including rare earths and minority elements. Our results showed that organic wines presented lower potential toxic element content on average than their conventional counterparts, but differences were not significant. Geographical origin of the wine samples (island) was the only significant variable differentiating wine samples by their composition profiles. By comparing our data with the literature, no agreement was found in terms of differences between organic and conventionally-produced wines. This confirms that other factors prevail over elemental composition when considering differences between wine production methods. Regarding the toxicological profile of the wines, five samples (three organic and two conventional) exceeded the maximum limits established by international legislation. This highlights the need for stricter analytical monitoring in the Canary Islands, with a particular focus on Cu and Ni concentration, and potentially in other volcanic areas.

Persistence of Isothiazolinones in Clothes After Machine Washing.

BACKGROUND: Sensitization to methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and methylisothiazolinone (MI) is a worldwide problem. Washing machine detergents are suspected to cause cutaneous symptoms in highly sensitized patients. Little is known about the persistence of isothiazolinones in clothes that have been washed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the possible persistence of MI, MCI, benzisothiazolinone, and octylisothiazolinone in common fabrics after machine washing. METHODS: Different clothes (cotton, polyester, linen, and wool) were collected, and 4 types of wash were done (control, standard, standard + conditioner, and standard + double rinse). The samples were analyzed using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The results showed that the concentrations of isothiazolinones were very low, independent of the type of material or wash. The highest levels were found in the control wash (hand wash), reaching a maximum of 0.4 ppm in the linen. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that it is not necessary to recommend that patients sensitized to MI avoid isothiazolinones in machine detergents or fabric conditioners or to double rinse. However, after using the detergent for hand washing (the control in our study), there may remain sufficient concentrations of isothiazolinones in clothes to produce symptoms in highly sensitized patients.

Biomarkers, matrices and analytical methods targeting human exposure to chemicals selected for a European human biomonitoring initiative.

The major purpose of human biomonitoring is the mapping and assessment of human exposure to chemicals. The European initiative HBM4EU has prioritized seven substance groups and two metals relevant for human exposure: Phthalates and substitutes (1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester, DINCH), bisphenols, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), halogenated and organophosphorous flame retardants (HFRs and OPFRs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), arylamines, cadmium and chromium. As a first step towards comparable European-wide data, the most suitable biomarkers, human matrices and analytical methods for each substance group or metal were selected from the scientific literature, based on a set of selection criteria. The biomarkers included parent compounds of PFASs and HFRs in serum, of bisphenols and arylamines in urine, metabolites of phthalates, DINCH, OPFRs and PAHs in urine as well as metals in blood and urine, with a preference to measure Cr in erythrocytes representing Cr (VI) exposure. High performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was the method of choice for bisphenols, PFASs, the HFR hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), phenolic HFRs as well as the metabolites of phthalates, DINCH, OPFRs and PAHs in urine. Gas chromatographic (GC) methods were selected for the remaining compounds, e.g. GC-low resolution MS with electron capture negative ionization (ECNI) for HFRs. Both GC-MS and LC-MS/MS were suitable for arylamines. New developments towards increased applications of GC-MS/MS may offer alternatives to GC-MS or LC-MS/MS approaches, e.g. for bisphenols. The metals were best determined by inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-MS, with the particular challenge of avoiding interferences in the Cd determination in urine. The evaluation process revealed research needs towards higher sensitivity and non-invasive sampling as well as a need for more stringent quality assurance/quality control applications and assessments.

Isothiazolinones in cleaning products: Analysis with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry of samples from sensitized patients and market.

BACKGROUND: Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and methylisothiazolinone (MI) contact dermatitis is a severe problem. The high concentrations of these substances and other isothiazolinones such as benzisothiazolinone (BIT) and octylisothiazolinone (OIT) contained in cleaning products may cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized patients. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the exposure to isothiazolinones contained in cleaning products on the market and from sensitized patients, and to verify the accuracy of labeling. METHODS: A total of 34 cleaning products were collected (17 supplied by sensitized patients and 17 bought randomly). Analysis was made of the concentrations of MI, MCI, BIT, and OIT using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS: MI and BIT were the components most frequently detected. Of all the products analyzed, 76.5% contained at least one isothiazolinone. Twelve products had an MI concentration above the permitted level for rinse-off cosmetics. Most of them were coming into direct contact with the skin in daily use. Mislabeling occurred in eight products. CONCLUSIONS: Some cleaning products with high concentrations of isothiazolinones may cause cutaneous symptoms in sensitized patients, especially in spray form. The labeling should be correct, also regarding the use of each article.

Diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced dual-energy spectral mammography (CESM): a retrospective study involving 644 breast lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced dual-energy spectral mammography (CESM) in comparison with that of full-field digital mammography (FFDM), either alone or accompanied with breast ultrasound (BUS) in a large series of patients/breast lesions (n = 644). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, five radiologists evaluated the lesions by three imaging modalities: FFDM, FFDM + BUS, and CESM and compared the imaging to the gold standard (histopathology or clinical follow-up). Diagnostic performance parameters and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of CESM were calculated and compared to those of FFDM or FFDM + BUS (McNemar's test). Additionally, the reliability of tumor size measurement by CESM was compared with the histopathological measurement. RESULTS: The study included 218 benign and 426 malignant lesions. 85% of benign and 93% of malignant lesions were adequately identified using CESM. With respect to FFDM and FFDM + BUS, CESM significantly increased sensitivity to 93.2% (+ 10.7% and + 3.4%, respectively); specificity to 84.4% (+ 15.8% and + 1.7%, respectively); PPV to 92.3% (+ 26.8% and + 3.6%, respectively); NPV to 86.0% (+ 1.6% and + 1.8%, respectively); and accuracy to 90.2% (+ 15.8% and + 3.2%, respectively). In the ROC curves analyses, the comparison among the three AUC values was also statistically significant (p < 0.001). Good agreement between tumor diameters measured using CESM and histopathology was observed (Spearman's rank correlation, r = 0.891, p < 0.0001), although this technique tended to produce an overestimation of the size (+ 7 mm). CONCLUSIONS: CESM has high diagnostic accuracy and can be considered as a useful technique for the assessment of breast lesions.

First health and pollution study on harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) living in the German Elbe estuary.

The Elbe is one of the major rivers releasing pollutants into the coastal areas of the German North Sea. Its estuary represents the habitat of a small population of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). Only little is known about the health status and contamination levels of these seals. Therefore, a first-ever seal catch was organized next to the islands of Neuwerk and Scharhörn in the region of the Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park. The investigations included a broad set of health parameters and the analysis of metals and organic pollutants in blood samples. Compared to animals of other Wadden Sea areas, the seals showed higher γ-globulin levels, suggesting higher concentrations of pathogens in this near-urban area, elevated concentrations for several metals in particular for V, Sn, Pb, and Sr, and comparable ranges for chlorinated organic contaminants, except for elevated levels of hexachlorobenzene, which indicates characteristic inputs from the Elbe.

Solubilization and photoaffinity labeling identification of glucocorticoid binding peptides in endoplasmic reticulum from rat liver.

Steroid-binding proteins unrelated to the classical nuclear receptors have been proposed to play a role in non-genomic effects of steroid hormones. We have previously described that the low-affinity glucocorticoid binding protein (LAGS), present in the endoplasmic reticulum of the male rat liver, has pharmacological and biochemical properties different from those of nuclear receptors. The LAGS is under multihormonal regulation and binds glucocorticoids, progestins, and synthetic steroids but is unable to bind either estradiol, testosterone, or triamcinolone acetonide. In this study, we have solubilized the LAGS and investigated their pharmacological and hydrodynamic properties and their peptide composition. We found that LAGS is an integral protein bound to the endoplasmic reticulum. CHAPS provided its optimal solubilization without changes in its pharmacological properties. Hydrodynamic properties of LAGS showed that it has a molecular mass of at least 135 kDa. SDS-PAGE of covalently-labeled LAGS showed that [3H]dexamethasone binds two peptides of 53 and 37 kDa, respectively. Thus, the LAGS appears as an oligomeric protein under multihormonal regulation. The availability of solubilized LAGS and the fact that it can be induced in vivo represent major steps toward purification and understanding the functional significance of this unique steroid-binding protein.