Serum levels of PCDDs, PCDFs and dl-PCBs in general population residing far and near from an urban waste treatment plant under construction in Gipuzkoa, Basque Country (Spain).

This research focused on investigating the basal serum concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) in the general population residing in two urban-industrial zones near and far from an energy recovery plant under construction in Gipuzkoa, Basque Country (Spain). The study used a cross-sectional design and included 227 participants who were randomly selected from municipal censuses in both areas. The participants were stratified based on age (ranging from 18 to 70 years) and sex.

Dioxin-like POPs in national samples from global monitoring plan projects (2017-2019).

The global monitoring plan (GMP) established under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) had defined ambient air, human milk or blood, and water as core matrices to be analyzed and assessed for spatial and temporal distribution. Within projects coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), developing countries were offered to have other matrices analyzed for dioxin-like POPs (dl-POPs) in experienced laboratories. Subsequently, 185 samples from 27 countries located in Africa, Asia, and Latin America were collected during 2018-2019 and analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDD), dibenzofurans (PCDF), and biphenyls (PCB).

Development and validation of the electronic screening index of frailty.

Background: primary care screening for frailty status is recommended in clinical guidelines, but is impeded by doctor and nurse workloads and the lack of valid, easy-to-use and time-saving screening tools.

Aim: to develop and validate a new electronic tool (the electronic screening index of frailty, e-SIF) using routinely available electronic health data to automatically and massively identify frailty status in the population aged ≥65 years.

Methods: the e-SIF was developed in three steps: selection of clinical conditions; establishment of ICD-10 codes, criteria and algorithms for their definition; and electronic tool design and data extraction, transformation and load processes.

Impact of organic soil amendments in antibiotic levels, antibiotic resistance gene loads, and microbiome composition in corn fields and crops.

The potential spreading of antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) into agricultural fields and crops represent a fundamental limitation on the use of organic fertilization in food production systems. We present here a study of the effect of spreading four types of organic soil amendments (raw pig slurry, liquid and solid fractions, and a digested derivative) on demonstrative plots in two consecutive productive cycles of corn harvest (Zea mays), using a mineral fertilizer as a control, following the application of organic amendments at 32-62 T per ha (150 kg total N/ha) and allowing 5-8 months between fertilization and harvest. A combination of qPCR and high-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing methods showed a small, but significant impact of the fertilizers in both ARG loads and microbiomes in soil samples, particularly after the second harvesting cycle.

Little hope for the polyploid endemic Pyrenean Larkspur (): Evidences from population genomics and Ecological Niche Modeling.

Species endemic to restricted geographical ranges represent a particular conservation issue, be it for their heritage interest. In a context of global change, this is particularly the case for plants which belong to high-mountain ecosystems and, because of their ecological requirements, are doomed to survive or disappear on their "sky islands". The Pyrenean Larkspur (, Ranunculaceae) is endemic to the Eastern part of the Pyrenees (France and Spain).

Antibiotic and antibiotic-resistant gene loads in swine slurries and their digestates: Implications for their use as fertilizers in agriculture.

The spread of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a matter of global concern, and the identification of possible sources of the associated genetic elements (antibiotic resistance genes -ARGs-, components of the horizontal gene transfer mechanism), is becoming an urgent need. While the transmission of ARGs in medical settings have been adequately characterized, ARG propagation in agroecosystems remains insufficiently studied. Particularly crucial is the determination of potential risks associated to the use of swine slurries and related products as component of organic fertilizers, an increasingly used farming practice.

Levels of regulated POPs in fish samples from the Sava River Basin. Comparison to legislated quality standard values.

Fish samples of different species (i.e. rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss), barbel (Barbus barbus) and European chub (Squalius cephalus)) were collected from the Sava River Basin for a preliminary investigation of the levels of PCDD/Fs, PCBs, PBDEs and PFAS as a whole.

Long-term monitoring programme of polychlorinated dioxins and polychlorinated furans in ambient air of Catalonia, Spain (1994-2015).

Reductions in concentrations of persistent organic pollutants were observed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in a comparison of two consecutive decades ending in December 31, 2015 (n = 413) and compiled from a 48-station long-term air-monitoring network in Catalonia, Spain. Reductions were observed in geometric mean concentration of total PCDD/Fs, decreasing at a rate of 11% yr. Results reflect the relative success of improved pollution control measures at industry and traffic locations.

Changes in serum dioxin and PCB levels in residents around a municipal waste incinerator in Bilbao, Spain.

There is a great concern in the Basque Country regarding emissions from waste incineration, in particular that of organochlorines (OCs), including dioxins, furans and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and their potential effect on human health. In 2005, a municipal solid waste plant (MSWP) started to operate in Bilbao, representing an opportunity to assess the exposure to the aforementioned pollutants among people living at various distances from the plant. In 2006 and 2008, we carried out two cross-sectional studies to quantify and assess changes in levels of these pollutants.

Dioxins and dl-PCBs in gull eggs from Spanish Natural Parks (2010-2013).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and distribution of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and biphenyls (PCBs), concretely those so-called as dioxin-like PCBs, in yellow-legged gull eggs (Larus michahellis) collected from five Natural Parks (some of them National Parks) in Spain during the period 2010-2013. PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs were detected in all the samples. Due to the proximity to important urban and industrial areas higher concentrations were determined in colonies located in the Northern Mediterranean coast than those found in the Southern Mediterranean or Atlantic colonies where a softer anthropogenic impact occurs.

Increased levels of dioxin-like substances in adipose tissue in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis.

Study Question: Are the levels of biologically active and the most toxic dioxin-like substances in adipose tissue of patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) higher than in a control group without endometriosis?

Summary Answer: DIE patients have higher levels of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in adipose tissue compared with controls without endometriosis.

What Is Known Already: Some studies have investigated the levels of dioxin-like substances, in serum samples, in patients with endometriosis, with inconsistent results.

Study Design, Size, Duration: Case-control study including two groups of patients.

Input and leaching potential of copper, zinc, and selenium in agricultural soil from swine slurry.

Trace elements, such as copper, zinc, and selenium, used as feed additives were determined in samples of both fresh (N = 14) and anaerobically digested (N = 6) swine slurry collected on medium- to large-size farms in northeast Spain. Considering both fresh and anaerobically digested samples, mean concentrations of zinc (1,500 mg kg(-1) dry mass [dm]) were greater than those of copper (mean 239 mg kg(-1 )dm), and the selenium concentrations detected were even lower (mean 139 μg kg(-1) dm). Zinc concentrations were significantly greater in anaerobically digested samples, whereas no significant differences were found for copper or selenium.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans, biphenyls, paraffins and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in marine fish species from Ebro River Delta (Spain).

The results of a surveillance programme on the determination of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) in marine fish and shellfish species which are fished, commercialised and consumed in the Ebro River Delta area (NE, Spain) are presented. The study included the analysis of five marine fish species (sardine, gilthead sea bream, conger, eel and flounder) and three shellfish species (murex, carpet shell and mussel) collected in 2012 in five fishing harbours near to this area. WHO-TEQ concentrations for PCDD/Fs and dioxin like PCBs (dl-PCBs) ranged from 0.

Biological monitoring of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in the City of Mataró. A population-based cohort study (1995-2012).

There is great concern about the exposure to PCDD/Fs in areas near solid waste incineration (SWI) plants as, in the past, thermal waste treatment was a major source of PCDD/Fs, affecting negatively the environment and the population living nearby the area of influence. The aim of the present study was to monitor PCDD/Fs and PCBs levels in blood samples in general population living nearby a modern SWI. Up to 7 different campaigns were performed between 1995 and 2012.

Levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in placentas from the Spanish INMA birth cohort study.

Because fetuses are considered significantly more sensitive to various environment toxicants, there is a need for continuous biomonitoring of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls PCBs (DL-PCBs) to assess their impact on this susceptible population. The aim of this study was to assess the concentration of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs in placenta samples from women participating in the Spanish Environment and Childhood (INMA) birth cohort study and to evaluate whether maternal and child characteristics predict placenta concentrations of these pollutants. The presence of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs was investigated in 50 placenta samples selected at random in the recruitment period 2000-2008.

Evolution of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs in the general adult population living close to a MSW incinerator.

It is well known that municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWI) produce dioxins and furans. The aim of this study was to assess the serum levels of compounds with dioxin-like activity such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like PCBs after the commissioning of a MSWI plant. In 2006 and 2008 serum samples were obtained from 322 and 326 volunteers, respectively, from the general population, some living in the vicinity of the plant and others, as a control group, living further away from the MSWI plant and out of the path of prevailing winds.

Decontamination trends in the aquacultured fish gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) after feeding long-term a PCDD/F spiked feed.

Aquacultured fish gilthead seabream (Sparusaurata), previously exposed to low levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) trough the diet for a 13 months period, were fed on a clean feed for another 22 months. Gilthead seabream is a protandrous hermaphrodite species and this "decontamination" period coincided with the stages of sex differentiation, maturity and reproduction of the fish. PCDD/F levels in the fish tissues (i.

Suitability of selective pressurized liquid extraction combined with gas chromatography-ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ethers.

A one-step extraction and clean-up method using pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) (selective PLE) combined with gas chromatography-ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry (GC-ITMS-MS) was evaluated for the analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (from tri- to hepta-PBDEs) at low concentrations in fish and shellfish samples. To this end, the performance of an on-line PLE extraction/clean-up method and of a classical Soxhlet extraction and clean-up method using a multi-layer modified silica column were compared. The two sample treatment methods provided similar results, although an important reduction in the sample treatment time (40 min per sample) was achieved using the selective PLE method.

PCDD/F and DL-PCB levels in meat from broilers and rabbits fed with fish-oil enriched feeds.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect on the final levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) in meat when fats, in particular fish oils, are included as ingredients in feeds. Two types of animals (broilers and rabbits) were fed with three different experimental feeds containing varying amounts of two selected fish oils. PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs were determined in the fish oils, the feeds and in the animals' meat.

Serum levels of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans and PCBs in the general population living near an urban waste treatment plant in Biscay, Basque Country.

Levels of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs were measured in 16 pooled samples of serum from a total of 322 adults in the general population, to coincide with the start-up of a new municipal solid urban waste treatment plant in Biscay, Basque Country (Spain). Two hundred and eighty-three individual serum samples were also obtained, in which the most common PCBs (28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153 and 180) were quantified. The samples were taken from four geographical zones: two from the metropolitan area of Bilbao, located less than 2 km from the plant and with high traffic density (Zones E1 and E2), a third located 5 km from the plant in an urban area of Bilbao, also with high traffic density (Zone C1) and the fourth located 20 km from the plant, in a municipality with minimal industrial activity and low traffic density (Zone C2), the latter two being out of the path of the prevailing winds.

Occurrence and bioaccumulation study of PCDD and PCDF from mineral feed additives.

Extraction of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) was evaluated in sepiolite matrices. Soxhlet extraction using different extracting strategies and acid treatment were tested. Acid treatment or Soxhlet extraction using a mixture of toluene:ethanol as solvent allowed to reach the minimum requirements for recovery rates.

PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs in feeding fats obtained as co-products or by-products derived from the food chain.

Among the tasks included in the "Quality and safety of feeding fats obtained from co-products or by-products of the food chain" Project, supported by the European Union and included in the 6th Framework Program, a number of fats and oils collected as co- or by-products from the food chain were selected for the determination of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and 'dioxin-like' polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs). In the majority of the cases these samples are currently employed as feed ingredients. Nevertheless, additional fats, which are forbidden for feedstuff purposes were also considered in this study.

Occurrence of polychlorinated naphthalenes, polychlorinated biphenyls and short-chain chlorinated paraffins in marine sediments from Barcelona (Spain).

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were analysed in marine sediment samples collected from the coastal area of Barcelona (Spain) and near of a submarine emissary coming from a waste water treatment plant located at the mouth of the Besòs River (Barcelona). An integrated sample treatment based on Soxhlet extraction followed by a simple clean-up with Florisil and graphitized carbon cartridge was employed. Gas chromatography coupled to ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in electron capture negative ionization mode, were used for PCN and SCCP determinations, respectively, while for PCB analysis gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD) was used.