Serum and adipose tissue as matrices for assessment of exposure to persistent organic pollutants in breast cancer patients.

The aim of this study was to assess differences between two biological matrices (serum and breast adipose tissue) in the evaluation of persistent organic pollutant (POP) exposure in breast cancer patients. The study population consisted of 103 women undergoing surgery for newly diagnosed breast carcinoma in a public hospital in Granada, Southern Spain. Independent variables were gathered from questionnaires and clinical records. POP concentrations were quantified in breast adipose tissue and serum samples. Spearman correlation tests were performed between pairs of POP concentrations and stepwise multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to assess predictors of concentrations in the two matrices. p,p'- Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) showed the the highest median concentration in both matrices (194.34 and 173.84 ng/g lipid in adipose tissue and serum, respectively). Median wet-basis adipose tissue:serum ratios ranged from 109.34 to 651.62, while lipid-basis ratios ranged from 0.88 to 4.34. In general, we found significant positive correlation coefficients between pairs of POPs in adipose tissue and in serum, which were always higher in adipose tissue. We found positive and statistically significant correlations between serum and adipose tissue concentrations of p,p'-DDE and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) but not of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Age was positively associated with most POPs in adipose tissue and serum, while the body mass index was positively associated with adipose tissue HCB concentrations and negatively associated with serum PCB-153 and PCB-138 concentrations. Recent weight loss was inversely associated with POP residues in adipose tissue and positively associated with POP residues in serum. Serum HCB and PCB-180 concentrations were lower in patients who had received preoperative chemotherapy. According to our results, serum and adipose tissue POP concentrations in breast cancer patients may be differentially affected by external predictors. Taken together, these findings indicate the need to take account of the individual POP(s) under study and the biological matrix used when relating internal POP exposure to breast cancer disease and to make a careful selection of covariates for adjusting the model.

Impacts of urbanization on groundwater hydrodynamics and hydrochemistry of the Toluca Valley aquifer (Mexico).

The Toluca Valley is located on the high plains of Mexico, where there are significant industrial zones and large populations. Water needs are almost exclusively met by groundwater, which has brought about intense exploitation of the aquifer and indication of some contamination. The present study investigates the effect of urbanization, related to industrialization of the region, on groundwater in the central portion of the Toluca Valley aquifer--a zone with high population density and where the largest industrial park is located. A general decline in the groundwater level has been found over the years, at a rate of as much as 2.5 m/year. The appearance of a large drawdown cone was identified, indicating changes in the direction of groundwater flow. Also identified was the presence of several ground fissures, the location of which coincided with the drawdown cone. In hydrochemical terms, the water type is sodium-magnesium bicarbonate and this characteristic has not changed over time, although it has been possible to detect the presence of larger quantities of sulfates (up to 117 mg/L) and nitrates (up to 47 mg/L) in recent years, likely associated with contamination from industrial and urban wastewater. Factor analysis made it possible to identify ions that would characterize natural processes involving the acquisition of salts (HCO3 (-), Na(+), Mg(2+), and Si), as well as anthropic activities (SO4 (2-), NO3 (-), Cl(-), Ca(2+), and K(+)).

[Medicine consumption as a factor associated with the state of fragility of the elderly patient in Spain]. / El consumo de medicamentos como factor asociado al estado de fragilidad en personas mayores de 65 años en España.

INTRODUCTION: Frailty in the elderly is a concept in constant evolution, with a significant impact on the morbidity and mortality of patients. We assessed the associative strength of the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and medication consumption in frailty and associated risk using various methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study carried out in 128 Primary Care Centers distributed throughout Spain, has a total sample of 2422 patients over 65 years of age, estimating the prevalence of frailty with the TUG test. Descriptive analysis of the categorical variables and associative strength of TUG for frailty and medication consumption was performed with distribution of absolute and relative frequencies and multinomial logistic regression. SPSS 22.0 was used, considering statistical significance p=0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of frailty in the sample was 13.7%, accepting as frailty those subjects who obtained a score >20s in performing the TUG test. A third of these subjects classified as frail took more than 30s to complete the test and 32.5% of those studied would be classified as "pre-frail". We found a slight difference in the prevalence of frailty if we analyze the data according to sex, being 10.8% in men compared to 15.8% in women. Regarding pharmacological consumption, 72.8% of the subjects consume 5 or more drugs daily with similar proportions by sex, and with an average consumption of 6.57 drugs. The drugs with the greatest association with the degree of frailty were drugs used for dementia (40% of individuals who consumed them were considered frail), antiparkinsonian drugs (38%), antipsychotics (34%), antianemics (26.2%), anticoagulants (22.2%) and antiepileptics (21.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of frailty in elderly patients in Spain is initially notable, being present in 13.7% through the application of the TUG test. The age variable is the one that is most significantly associated with the frailty of the elderly patient. An association was demonstrated between the degree of frailty and total medication consumption. The prevalence of frailty was 4.7% in the non-polypharmacy group compared to 15.4% in the polypharmacy group and reaching 23.4% in the extreme polypharmacy group. The drugs with a greater association with the patient's degree of frailty were those used in the neurological/psychiatric sphere (antidementia, antiparkinsonian, antipsychotic or antiepileptic drugs).

Associations of accumulated persistent organic pollutants in breast adipose tissue with the evolution of breast cancer after surgery.

Chronic exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is suspected to contribute to the onset of breast cancer, but the impact on the evolution of patients after diagnosis is unclear. We aimed to analyze the contribution of long-term exposure to five POPs to overall mortality, cancer recurrence, metastasis, and development of second primary tumors over a global follow-up of 10 years after surgery in breast cancer patients in a cohort study. Between 2012 and 2014, a total of 112 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients were recruited from a public hospital in Granada, Southern Spain. Historical exposure to POPs was estimated by analyzing their concentrations in breast adipose tissue samples. Sociodemographic data were collected through face-to-face interviews, while data on evolution tumor were retrieved from clinical records. Statistical analyses were performed using Cox regression (overall survival, breast cancer recurrence or metastasis) and binary logistic regression models (joint outcome variable). We also tested for statistical interactions of POPs with age, residence, and prognostic markers. The third vs first tertile of hexachlorobenzene concentrations was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (Hazard Ratio, HR = 0.26; 95 % Confidence Interval, CI = 0.07-0.92) and of the appearance of any of the four events (Odds Ratio = 0.37; 95 % CI = 0.14-1.03). Polychlorinated biphenyl 138 concentrations were significantly and inversely associated with risk of metastasis (HR = 0.65; 95 % CI = 0.44-0.97) and tumor recurrence (HR = 0.69; 95 % CI = 0.49-0.98). Additionally, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene showed inverse associations with risk of metastasis in women with ER-positive tumors (HR = 0.49; 95 % CI = 0.25-0.93) and in those with a tumor size <2.0 cm (HR = 0.39; 95 % CI = 0.18-0.87). The observed paradoxical inverse associations of POP exposure with breast cancer evolution might be related to either a better prognosis of hormone-dependent tumors, which have an approachable pharmacological target, or an effect of sequestration of circulating POPs by adipose tissue.

Correlation of phytoplankton satellite observations and radiological doses in molluscs.

In this work data of salinity, temperature, suspended particulate matter (SPM), chlorophyll-a, and phytoplankton concentration in the Gibraltar Strait coast, in the confluence of the Mediterranean Sean and the Atlantic Ocean, were analyzed together with 210Po, 40K, 210Pb and 234Th activity concentration in different types of bivalve molluscs at the same time-period. The physicochemical parameters were evaluated using the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS) products based on satellite observations. A multivariate statistical analysis, including contrasted natural radioactivity contents, allowed the discrimination of bivalve molluscs from Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. Additionally, a cluster analysis determined a highly significant negative correlation 210Po concentration in molluscs and phytoplankton concentration suggesting that phytoplankton concentration in the water column is a determinant factor to regulate 210Po concentration in those animals. These results introduce a useful tool to calculate the radiological doses in seafood from chlorophyll satellite image.

[Quantitative salivary gland scintigraphy in head and neck cancer patients following radiotherapy]. / Gammagrafía salival cuantitativa en pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello tratados con radioterapia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of quantitative salivary gland scintigraphy (SGS) in the detection of functional impairment of salivary glands in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy (RT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 19 patients (17 men), mean age 62.4 years (44-75). Three studies were performed to each patient: baseline, 3 and 18 months after RT. SGS was acquired for 25 minutes following injection of 3.7 MBq/kg of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate with lemon juice at the end of minute 15. Excretion fraction (EF), counts per minute/pixel/MBq (CMPM) and uptake percentage were obtained from time-activity curves from ROIs placed over parotid (PG) and submandibular glands (SMG) and related to the doses received by the PG. RESULTS: EF showed a significant reduction from the baseline to the 3 months study (p<0.001) for the PG and SMG and from the baseline to the 18 months study for the SMG (p<0.001). A significant improvement of EF was seen from the 3 months to the 18 months study for the PG (p<0.05). CMPM did not change significantly from the baseline to the 3 months and 18 months studies for the PG and showed a significant reduction (p<0.01) for the SMG from the baseline to 18 months study. The uptake percentage did not change significantly between studies. A moderate association was observed between the doses to PG and the 3m study parameters. CONCLUSIONS: EF was more sensitive than uptake in assessing post-RT impairment of salivary function. In addition, it reflected functional recovery of parotid glands over time.

Fluorescent perylenylpyridine complexes: an experimental and theoretical study.

The perylene derivative 2-(3-perylenyl)-4-methylpyridine (HPerPy) was prepared and used to synthesize [Ag(HPerPy)(PPh3)(OClO3)], with the perylene ligand bonded to the metal centre only by the pyridine nitrogen. The treatment of HPerPy with [Pd(OAc)2] in methanol or acetic acid led to acetate bridged dimers (µ-OOCCH3)2[Pd(PerPy)]2, six-membered or five-membered cycled at the perylenyl fragment. Substitution reactions afforded mononuclear compounds [Pd(PerPy)(acac)] (six-member or five-member cycled) and [Pd(PerPy)(S2COMe)] (six-member or five-member cycled). The reaction of HPerPy with a platinum(ii) fragment led to a five-membered cyclometallated Pt(ii) complex [Pt(PerPy)(acac)]. The oxidative addition with MeI gave the corresponding cyclometallated Pt(iv) compound [Pt(PerPy)(acac)MeI]. X-ray single crystal studies of compounds [Ag(HPerPy)(PPh3)(OClO3)], (µ-OOCCH3)2[Pd(PerPy)]2-five-membered, [Pd(PerPy)(acac)]-six-membered, [Pd(PerPy)(S2COMe)]-five-membered, [Pt(PerPy)(acac)]-five-membered, and [Pt(PerPy)(acac)MeI]-five-membered confirmed the proposed structures. The UV-Vis spectra show one intense absorption with vibronic coupling in the visible region with maxima in the range of 448-519 nm. DFT calculations were carried out for the absorption spectra of the HPerPy molecule and representative complexes [M(PerPy)(acac)] (M: Pd, Pt; five and six-membered isomers) and [Pt(PerPy)(acac)MeI], showing that the lowest energy most intense transition in the complexes corresponds to the HOMO → LUMO transition in the perylene moiety, although affected by the metallacycle size and the metal nature. All the compounds are fluorescent in solution, due to the perylene fragment. The emission spectra display maxima in the range of 468-549 nm, with quantum yields from 1.1 to 82%. The attenuation of the intensity of fluorescence by the presence of heavy atoms and the formation of metallacycles has been experimentally determined and sequenced.

A lysimeter study under field conditions of nitrogen and phosphorus leaching in a turf grass crop amended with peat and hydrogel.

Golf courses represent an agricultural activity wherein grass is intensively cultivated using large quantities of fertilizers. In the present study, nitrogen and phosphorus leaching was analyzed over two years in an experimental green under actual field conditions. The green contained four plots with distinct amendments (P1: hydrogel + peat, P2: peat, P3: hydrogel, and P4: no amendment). The applied doses of nitrogen ranged from 5 to 103 kg/ha and of phosphorus from 9 to 31 kg/ha. The irrigation level varied as a function of the rainfall regime and the water requirements of grass; overall water intake varied from 1550 to 2080 mm/year. Daily, leached water volume was calculated, and samples were taken for chemical analysis. Nitrogen and phosphorus mass balances were calculated for different periods based on the collected data. The plot amended with peat and hydrogel (P1) had reduced water flow; the percentage of drainage water varied from 8.4 to 29%. As a result, the dissolution and leaching of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) were the lowest in comparison to the other plots. According to the calculated mass balances, the lowest leaching values were also recorded in this plot (P1), ranging from 0.5 to 6.3% for N and from 0.8 to 20.9% for P. The plot without amendment (P4) drained the most water (25.9-44.8%) and leached the highest quantities of N and P, ranging from 9.1-45.7%, and 6-35.9%, respectively. The use of double amendments (hydrogel and peat) therefore represented optimal operating conditions for the green. Moreover, a relationship was found between increasing rates of fertilization and increasing percentages of N and P leaching as well as between higher irrigation levels and greater leaching.

[Risk of falls and drug use in patients over 65 years of age. The PYCAF study]. / Riesgo de caídas y consumo de fármacos en los pacientes mayores de 65 años. Estudio PYCAF.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk of falls and its relationship with the multiple drug use in the non-institutionalised elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PYCAF study (Prevalence and Characteristics of the Fragile Elderly) is a cross-sectional, descriptive and multicentre study in patients> 65 years of age. A fall was considered high risk when it took more than 20seconds to perform the Timed Up and Go test. Consuming between 5 and 9 drugs is considered multiple drug (MD) use, and extreme multiple drug (EMD) use the consumption of 10 or more drugs. Adjusted logistic regression models evaluated the association between multiple drug use and EMD and the risk of falls. RESULTS: A total of 2,461 patients (57.9% women), with a mean age (SD) 76.0 (± 7.0) years, were included in the study. The mean consumption of medications was 6.6 ± 3.7, range 0-23. Multiple drug use was present in 50.6%, and EMD in 19.2% of patients. A high risk of falls was observed in 13.7% of patients. The prevalence of high risk of falls was more than 2times higher in patients with EMD (ORa = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.27 - 3.38) and MD (ORa = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.26 - 2.99). CONCLUSIONS: MD and EMD are associated with a high risk of falls in patients over 65 years of age. The risk of falls in elderly patients should be assessed before prescribing medication.

Patient, tumor, and healthcare factors associated with regional variability in lung cancer survival: a Spanish high-resolution population-based study.

PURPOSE: The third most frequently diagnosed cancer in Europe in 2018 was lung cancer; it is also the leading cause of cancer death in Europe. We studied patient and tumor characteristics, and patterns of healthcare provision explaining regional variability in lung cancer survival in southern Spain. METHODS: A population-based cohort study included all 1196 incident first invasive primary lung cancer (C33-C34 according to ICD-10) cases diagnosed between 2010 and 2011 with follow-up until April 2015. Data were drawn from local population-based cancer registries and patients' hospital medical records from all public and private hospitals from two regions in southern Spain. RESULTS: There was evidence of regional differences in lung cancer late diagnosis (58% stage IV in Granada vs. 65% in Huelva, p value < 0.001). Among patients with stage I, only 67% received surgery compared with 0.6% of patients with stage IV. Patients treated with a combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery had a 2-year mortality risk reduction of 94% compared with patients who did not receive any treatment (excess mortality risk 0.06; 95% CI 0.02-0.16). Geographical differences in survival were observed between the two regions: 35% vs. 26% at 1-year since diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The observed geographic differences in survival between regions are due in part to the late cancer diagnosis which determines the use of less effective therapeutic options. Results from our study justify the need for promoting lung cancer early detection strategies and the harmonization of the best practice in lung cancer management and treatment.

Disposable sputtered-bismuth screen-printed sensors for voltammetric monitoring of cadmium and lead in atmospheric particulate matter samples.

We report here the use of commercial screen-printed disposable sensors comprising a sputtered bismuth working electrode, a silver pseudo reference electrode and a carbon auxiliary electrode (whole set referred as BispSPE), as a new and advantageous alternative for reliable and convenient monitoring of Cd and Pb in atmospheric particulate matter (PM10 fraction) by anodic stripping voltammetry after acid digestion. After a detailed exploration of surface composition and depth profiles of the BispSPE by SEM, EDX, XPS and EIS, chemical and instrumental variables have been optimized to develop a reliable method capable of measuring Cd and Pb with detection limits of 11.8ngmL-1 and 6.1ngmL-1 respectively. These detection limits are useful for pollution monitoring of these elements in ambient air under the requirements of international health and environmental protection standards. The accuracy of the method was assessed by voltammetric measurements of Cd and Pb in ERM®-CZ120 Fine dust (PM10-like) and ERM® 1648a Urban Particulate Matter certified reference materials. The applicability of the method to Cd and Pb determination in real samples was demonstrated by analysis of PM10 samples from the air quality network in Extremadura, with a good correlation respect to the standard ICP-MS methodology. Our work constitutes the first reference about the use of disposable sensors based on BispSPE for the determination of heavy metals in atmospheric particulate matter samples.

Surgery versus radiosurgery for patients with a solitary brain metastasis from non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Non-small cell lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the developed countries. Patients die of local progression, disseminated disease or both. Brain metastases are often seen in non-small cell lung cancer patients and although they are frequently multiple, a subset of patients with a solitary brain metastasis (with controlled primary tumour) is regularly seen in clinical practice. Treatment of a solitary brain metastasis has usually been surgery, when possible, but the development of new stereotactic techniques of radiotherapy using a linear accelerator or the 'gamma knife' have provided new treatment options. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of surgery with that of radiosurgery, either combined with whole brain radiotherapy or administered alone, for patients with a solitary brain metastasis from successfully treated non-small cell lung cancer. SEARCH STRATEGY: The following electronic databases were searched: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, 2004 issue 2), MEDLINE (1966 to present), EMBASE (1974 to present), CINAHL (1982 to present). Finally the Cochrane Lung Cancer Specialised Register was also searched. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and controlled trials that compared surgery (with or without whole brain irradiation) with all types of radiosurgery (with or without whole brain irradiation) for solitary brain metastasis from non-small cell lung cancer. All other types of studies i.e.prospective or retrospective cohort studies were not considered appropriate.Studies including patients with multiple brain metastasis or diagnosed without the support of CT scan/MRI diagnostic imaging were also excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently screened the search results to identify suitable trials. MAIN RESULTS: Despite extensive searching no randomised trials were found. Electronic search identified 686 references. A total of 47 were selected for further evaluation but none was relevant to this review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The reviewers felt that the inclusion of studies less rigorous than randomised trials would result in misleading findings. Cohort or single arm studies only provide partial information and have the risk of significant bias. From the evaluated studies, we found that a variety of different criteria were used for the definition of solitary brain metastasis. We observed that the term "single brain metastasis" was misused as synonymous with solitary brain metastasis. Some of the single arm or cohort studies come from single institutions where the availability of both techniques (radiosurgery and surgery) is not described. Therefore, a tendency to use the most accessible technique could be suspected. Finally, in order to determine which technique is superior for patients with a solitary brain metastasis from non-small cell lung cancer, an appropriate randomised trial should be designed. Based on the available evidence a meaningful conclusion cannot be drawn.

Environmental and lifestyle factors for organochlorine exposure among women living in Southern Spain.

Southern Spain has the largest area of intensive greenhouse agriculture in Europe, and may constitute a special case of occupational and female exposure, because this type of farming requires considerable pesticide use and employs many women. We measured adipose tissue levels of 14 organochlorine pesticides in 458 women living in this area and analyzed the relationship between pesticide level/presence and sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive history or life-style factors that may influence this exposure. Pesticide presence was determined by gas chromatography with electron-capture detector. All fat samples were positive for 1 residue. DDT or metabolites were found in 98.25%, with mean value of 660 ngg(-1) of lipid. p,p'-DDE level was higher in women who were older, with lower educational level or obese. Almost 70% had measurable levels of endosulfan and/or metabolites, with a mean total value of 38.8 ngg(-1) of lipid. Endosulfan-I exposure was higher in women with shorter residence in rural settings and more frequent in women with 3 children. 52.62% were exposed to 1 of aldrin-dieldrin-endrin group. Endrin was more frequent in women who were younger, with higher educational level or no agricultural working experience; dieldrin was more frequent in women who were older, with lower educational level or more children. Finally, lindane residues were found in 39.30%. Lindane levels were higher in women who breastfed longer or had more children. Research is required on women occupationally exposed to a selected group of organochlorine pesticides, especially those of reproductive age, as a basis for preventive action.

[Chemotherapy registry quality in Andalusian hospital pharmacy departments]. / Original breve Calidad del registro de quimioterapia en los servicios de farmacia hospitalaria de Andalucía.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze registry quality in centralized cytostatic therapy units in Andalusian hospitals, and the availability of data to analyze the use of these drugs. METHOD: An ad hoc questionnaire was designed using variables related to information coverage on patients and their treatments, data processing extent, and organization. Questionnaires were completed in September 2005 by surveying people responsible for chemotherapy in all 19 pharmacy departments in Andalusian hospitals that treat oncologic patients. RESULTS: Response rate was 100%, but one department had no centralized cytostatic therapy unit. Centralized preparation coverage was 89% for the day hospital, 84% for inpatients, 79% for hematologic patients, and 69% for pediatric patients. Registries are computerized in only 13 hospitals (68%) with a variety of software programs. Temozolamide and capecitabine dispensation has a separate registry in 68% and 42% of cases, respectively. Patient name, and cytostatic name and dosage are the only data recorded in all instances, while protocol name is only recorded in 47%, and diagnosis, staging, and TNM categorization in 58%, 31%, and 16% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There is great variability regarding information systems for cytostatic use management, and a relevant shortage of patient data available for prescription use and adaptation studies.

Trends in lung cancer incidence by histologic subtype in the south of Spain, 1985-2012: a population-based study.

PURPOSE: To analyze and interpret age- and sex-specific incidence trends of lung cancer in Granada over the period 1985-2012 and to further analyze these trends by histologic subtype. METHODS: Incidence data were obtained from the population-based cancer registry located in Granada (Southern Spain). All cases with newly diagnosed primary lung cancer over the period 1985-2012 (n = 8658) and defined by International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (codes C33-C34) were included. Joinpoint regression analysis of age-standardized incidence rates was used to estimate the annual percent change (APC) and 95% confidence intervals. Results are presented overall and by sex, age groups (0-34, 35-54, 55-64, 65-74, ≥75 years) and histologic subtypes. RESULTS: Temporal trends of incidence rates by sex, over the period 1985-2012, showed a distinct pattern. A significant change point of the trend was observed in males in 1994 (APC: +2.5%; 95% CI 0.7-4.4 from 1985 to 1994 and -1.4%; 95% CI -2.0 to -0.7 from 1994 onward). This general change was mainly caused by the age group 65-74 years and by the higher incidence of squamous cell carcinoma histologic subtype. In females, lung cancer incidence increased over the entire study period by +4.2% per year (95% CI 3.1-5.4); this trend was mainly caused by the age group 55-64 years (APC = +7%) and by adenocarcinoma incidence between women (APC = +6.8%). CONCLUSION: Male lung cancer incidence rates have decreased in Granada, while female rates have increased overall especially in younger women. These trends may reflect the increased consumption of cigarettes in women, especially during younger ages. Lung cancer prevention through tobacco control policies are therefore of utmost importance.

Associations of persistent organic pollutants in serum and adipose tissue with breast cancer prognostic markers.

This study aimed to evaluate associations between exposure to a group of persistent organic pollutants, measured in both adipose tissue and serum samples from breast cancer patients, and a set of tumor prognostic markers. The study population comprised 103 breast cancer patients recruited in Granada, Southern Spain. Data for tumor prognostic markers were retrieved from hospital clinical records and socio-demographic information was gathered by questionnaire. Persistent organic pollutants were quantified by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Exposure levels were categorized in quartiles, and associations were evaluated using unconditional logistic regression. Adipose tissue HCB concentrations were associated positively with ER and PR expression (p-trends=0.044 and 0.005, respectively) and negatively with E-Cadherin and p53 expression (p-trends=0.012 and 0.027, respectively). PCB-180 adipose tissue concentrations were positively associated with HER2 expression (p-trend=0.036). Serum PCB-138 concentrations were positively associated with ER and PR expression (p-trends=0.052 and 0.042, respectively). The risk of p53 expression was higher among women in the lowest quartile of serum PCB-138 concentrations, but no significant trend was observed (p-trend=0.161). These findings indicate that human exposure to certain persistent organic pollutants might be related to breast cancer aggressiveness. We also highlight the influence on exposure assessment of the biological matrix selected, given that both serum and adipose tissue might yield relevant information on breast cancer prognosis.

Molecular adaptation to an extreme environment: origin of the thermal stability of the pompeii worm collagen.

The annelid Alvinella pompejana is probably the most heat-tolerant metazoan organism known. Previous results have shown that the level of thermal stability of its interstitial collagen is significantly greater than that of coastal annelids and of vent organisms, such as the vestimentiferan Riftia pachyptila, living in colder parts of the deep-sea hydrothermal environment. In order to investigate the molecular basis of this thermal behavior, we cloned and sequenced a large cDNA molecule coding the fibrillar collagen of Alvinella, including one half of the helical domain and the entire C-propeptide domain. For comparison, we also cloned the 3' part of the homologous cDNA from Riftia. Comparison of the corresponding helical domains of these two species, together with that of the previously sequenced domain of the coastal lugworm Arenicola marina, showed that the increase in proline content and in the number of stabilizing triplets correlate with the outstanding thermostability of the interstitial collagen of A. pompejana. Phylogenetic analysis showed that triple helical and the C-propeptide parts of the same collagen molecule evolve at different rates, in favor of an adaptive mechanism at the molecular level.

Higher fluorescence in platinum(iv) orthometallated complexes of perylene imine compared with their platinum(ii) or palladium(ii) analogues.

The reaction of 3-perylenylmethylen-4'-ethylaniline () with [Pt2Me4(µ-SMe2)2] (and subsequent addition of PPh3) or with [Pt2(η(3)-C4H7)2(µ-Cl)2] produced cyclometallated Pt(II) complexes [Pt(C^N)Me(PPh3)] () and, respectively, [Pt2(C^N)2(µ-Cl)2] () (HC^N = 3-C20H11CH[double bond, length as m-dash]NC6H4-p-C2H5), with Pt bound to the ortho site of the perylenyl fragment. From the mononuclear complexes [Pt(C^N)L2] (L2 = acac (); S2COMe (); S2CNEt2 () are easily formed. Oxidative addition of methyl iodide to the square-planar Pt(II) complexes , , and gave the corresponding cyclometallated Pt(IV) compounds [Pt(C^N)L2MeI] , and . The X-ray structures of , , and show that the perylenyl fragment remains essentially flat in and and slightly twisted in . Comparison of the optical properties of these Pt(II) complexes with those reported for similar Pd(II) derivatives reveals that the change of metal exerts a notable influence on the UV-vis spectra. In solution at room temperature, all the Pt complexes exhibit fluorescence associated with the perylene fragment with low emission quantum yields for the Pt(II) complexes (<1%) and remarkably higher emission values for the Pt(IV) complexes: up to 29%, with emission lifetimes of 1-5 ns. Time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations were performed on the perylene imine and on representative complexes [M(C^N)(acac)] (M = Pd, Pt) and [Pt(C^N)(acac)MeI] to analyse the absorption spectra. These calculations support a perylene-dominated intraligand π-π*emissive state based on the HOMO and LUMO orbitals of the perylene chromophore, and a ligand-to-ligand charge-transfer (more intense for the Pt(II) complex) that explains the observed influence of the metal on the absorption properties.

Tracing the evolution of vertebrate fibrillar collagens from an ancestral alpha chain.

From considerations of gene structure, phylogenetic analysis, modular organisation of related proteins and fibril shapes, we suggest a model for the evolution of contemporary vertebrate fibrillar collagens from a common ancestral alpha chain.

Sea urchin fibrillar collagen 2alpha chain participates in heterotrimeric molecules of (1alpha)(2)2alpha stoichiometry.

In sea urchin, two fibrillar collagen chains (alpha1 and alpha2) have been characterized by molecular biology while two biochemically detected chains (alpha1 and alpha2) have been reported. Here, to determine the relationship between these results, Western-blotting and Edman degradation sequencing of the amino-termini of pepsinized sea urchin fibrillar collagen chains were performed. The data demonstrate that the 2alpha chain corresponds to the alpha2 chain and is involved in the formation of heterotrimeric molecules [(1alpha)(2)2alpha].