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Objectives. The aim of this study was to confirm the implication of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene in SSc susceptibility or clinical phenotypes in a large European population.Methods. A total of 3800 SSc patients and 4282 healthy controls of white Caucasian ancestry from eight different European countries were included in the study. The MIF −173 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was selected as genetic marker and genotyped using Taqman 5′ allelic discrimination assay.Results. The MIF −173 SNP showed association with SSc [P = 0.04, odds ratio (OR) = 1.10, 95% CI 1.00, 1.19]. Analysis of the MIF −173 polymorphism according to SSc clinical phenotype revealed that the frequency of the −173*C allele was significantly higher in the dcSSc group compared with controls (P = 5.30E-03, OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.07, 1.38). Conversely, the frequency of the MIF −173*C allele was significantly underrepresented in the lcSSc group compared with dcSSc patients, supporting previous findings [(P = 0.04, OR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.75, 0.99); meta-analysis including previous results (P = 0.005, OR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.73, 0.94)].Conclusion. Our results confirm the role of MIF −173 promoter polymorphism in SSc, and provide evidence of a strong association with the dcSSc subgroup of patients. Hence, the MIF −173 variant is confirmed as a promising clinical phenotype genetic marker. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In 2005/6, nearly 3000 moss samples from (semi-)natural location across 16 European countries were collected for nitrogen analysis. The lowest total nitrogen concentrations in mosses (<0.8%) were observed in northern Finland and northern UK. The highest concentrations (≥1.6%) were found in parts of Belgium, France, Germany, Slovakia, Slovenia and Bulgaria. The asymptotic relationship between the nitrogen concentrations in mosses and EMEP modelled nitrogen deposition (averaged per 50 km × 50 km grid) across Europe showed less scatter when there were at least five moss sampling sites per grid. Factors potentially contributing to the scatter are discussed. In Switzerland, a strong (r 2 = 0.91) linear relationship was found between the total nitrogen concentration in mosses and measured site-specific bulk nitrogen deposition rates. The total nitrogen concentrations in mosses complement deposition measurements, helping to identify areas in Europe at risk from high nitrogen deposition at a high spatial resolution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Testate amoebae are one of the most studied groups of microorganisms in Sphagnum peatland ecosystems and, therefore, one of the most reliable bioindicators of their ecological status. Peatland ecosystems are supported by a delicate biogeochemical balance that leads to the formation of peat, one of the main sinks of C, as a result of soil–atmosphere interaction, but currently they are one of the most threatened wetland types at their southern distribution limit. In the European continent, where climatic conditions limit peat formation, they have endured significant anthropic pressure for centuries, and the risk of loss of biodiversity linked to these ecosystems is critical. In addition, peatlands are poorly known ecosystems in the Iberian Peninsula compared with other wetlands; therefore, we have studied the chemical parameters of water and the diversity patterns of testate amoebae in the western Iberian Peninsula to better understand the current status of these ecosystems. The analysis of testate amoeba communities showed an inverse relationship between the diversity and conservation status of these peatlands, both in relation to chemical parameters (i.e., pH, electrical conductivity, phosphates) and to the proportion of anthropized area, with a marked geographical pattern in the degree of anthropogenic disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intentional use of psychoactive substances before or during sexual intercourse (chemsex) to increase both sexual pleasure and arousal is a phenomenon of special importance in the GBMSM (gay, bissexual and other men who have sex with men) population due to its impact on mental and physical health. Objectives: We report the case of a patient with a suicide attempt diagnosed with a mephedrone and GHB use disorder and a depressive disorder in chemsex context. To review the evidence on associations between chemsex and mental disorders. Methods: A case reported is presented. A narrative review was performed to analyze the association between chemsex practice and mental health disorders. Results: In qualitative research conducted in Europe with participants with chemsex practices, psychiatric symptoms in the context of acute consumption such as irritability, anxiety, aggressive behaviours where described. Memory loss and changes in personality and dependence substance disorders were described as longer-term psychiatric harms. Drug-induced psychosis, encephalopaty, serotonin syndrome and delirium were described in case reports. In quantitative research analyzing data from a 2014 survey of people attending HIV clinics, chemsex was associated with depression/anxiety, and use of other recreational drugs. Conclusions: There is a lack of robust evidence in the association of chemsex with mental health disorders. Research on the impact of chemsex on mental health is essential. Due to the high prevalence of mental disorders in MSM population and the possible harms from drug use, a collaborative approach (including mental and sexual health professionals) could be beneficial with the problems associated with chemsex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The passive moss biomonitoring technique has been proved a useful environmental tool for the study of the air quality. However, after more than 40 years of its discovery, it has not been used yet in decision making when dealing with atmospheric pollution. Scientific efforts and funding are wasted when these sort of findings do not have a meaningful impact on society. Thus, the aim of this review is to showcase the reasons preventing the worldwide application of the moss technique. The results showed that the possible reasons underlying this problem are the lack of standardization of the technique, transmission of a false idea of robustness, and the lack of a theoretical background. Knowing and accepting these problems is the first step to encourage scientists and funding bodies to invest their efforts in really improving the technique for its application in environmental policies and not only in scientific circles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different European Framework Directives have established a series of objectives for conservation of the coast, and monitoring tools must be made available to test compliance with these aims. In the present study the use of macroalgae deposited in an Environmental Specimen Bank was evaluated as a possible environmental tool for monitoring the coastal ecosystem. The concentrations of Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn in three species of the genus Fucus (Fucus spiralis, Fucus vesiculosus and Fucus ceranoides) were measured at sampling sites distributed along the coast of Galicia (NW Spain). In the period 1990-2001, the concentrations of the metals were higher in 1990 than in 2001, with the exception of: i) Mn in F. ceranoides and Fe in F. spiralis-F. vesiculosus, for which there were no differences between the sampling periods, and ii) Zn in F. vesiculosus and Fe in F. ceranoides, for which the concentrations were higher in 2001 than in 1990. In the period 2001-2007 concentrations of the metals were more stable, especially in F. ceranoides (e.g. Al, Fe, Hg, Ni and V). The concentrations were also more stable vin F. vesiculosus in 2005 (i.e. Al, Cr, Fe, Mn and Zn). The population density distributions are consistent with the results of the statistical tests. The results indicate that macroalgae of the genus Fucus may be useful for applying different European Framework Directives, given that the macroalgae are sufficiently sensitive to changes in concentrations of metals, and may be suitable for long-term monitoring and used for the detection of increased concentrations of metals (real-time monitoring)., (Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)