Publications by authors named "Marina Montes"

Introduction: Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) is one of the main causes of sexually transmitted infections and it is reaching high resistance levels worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe the antibiotic resistance, incidence and circulating sequence types of NG in the province of Lleida (Spain).

Methods: A total of 487 NG isolates were included in the study (2017-2024).

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Background: Children and adolescents living with HIV (CALHIV) are at high risk of meningococcal infections and may present lower immune responses to vaccines. The objectives of this study were to assess the immunogenicity of the quadrivalent Men ACWY-TT vaccine (Nimenrix) in CALHIV after a two-dose schedule and to describe possible HIV-related factors that may affect the immunogenic response.

Methods: A multicenter prospective study was designed, including CALHIV followed in five hospitals in Madrid, between 2019 and 2021.

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It is distinguished that deficient outdoor air quality is responsible for substantial health and climate issues. The aim of our study was to investigate the air quality in the city of Zaragoza (Spain) by characterizing atmospheric particulate matter (PM) during two seasons (winter and spring). PM samples were collected in 2022 in quartz filters through a low-volume sampler and chemically analysed by complementary analytical techniques: Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), Raman Spectroscopy (RS) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS).

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Air quality is a global concerning topic because of its great impact on the environment and health. Because of that, the study of atmospheric aerosols looking for harmful pollutants is rising, as well as the interest in the origin of the contaminants. Depending on the nature and size of the aerosols, some elements can be detected at a great distance from the emission source, even in Antarctica, where this study is conducted.

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The non-destructive spectroscopic characterization of airborne particulate matter (PM) was performed to gain better knowledge of the internal structures of atmospheric aerosols at the particle level in the Antarctic region, along with their potential sources. PM and soil samples were collected during the 2016-2017 austral summer season at the surroundings of the Spanish Antarctic Research Station "Gabriel de Castilla" (Deception Island, South Shetland Islands). PM was deposited in a low-volume sampler air filter.

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Article Synopsis
  • Atmospheric aerosols (PM) impact air quality and climate even in remote regions like Antarctica, but existing monitoring methods are often complex and slow.
  • A new method using micro laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) enables efficient characterization of PM collected in filters, allowing for real-time insights with minimal sample destruction.
  • This innovative approach provides detailed mapping of pollutants in filters at high spatial resolution, making it ideal for isolated areas where traditional equipment is impractical.
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Suspended particulate matter (SPM) measurements and backward air mass trajectory analysis using the HYSPLIT model were performed to better understand the main sources and transport pathways of heavy metals in atmospheric aerosols reaching the Antarctic region. Field campaigns were carried out during the austral summer 2016-2017 at the "Gabriel de Castilla" Spanish Antarctic Research Station, located on Deception Island. Aerosols were deposited in an air filter through a low-volume sampler and chemically analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).

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is a highly detrimental pathogen of soil cultivated strawberry (). Breeding of Verticillium wilt resistance into commercially viable strawberry cultivars can help mitigate the impact of the disease. In this study we describe novel sources of resistance identified in multiple strawberry populations, creating a wealth of data for breeders to exploit.

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The cultivated strawberry,   ( spp.) is the most economically important global soft fruit. , a water-borne oomycete causes economic losses in strawberry production globally.

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