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The use of electronic cigarettes (ECs) is a major problem globally. Susceptibility and curiosity are important factors that develop prior to the onset of substance use, such as ECs, and are therefore considered as predictors. Both factors are used to obtain an extended index of susceptibility (ESIe-c), which allows the identification of adolescents who are at risk of starting to use these devices. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of EC consumption and to assess the association of possible predictors with susceptibility to use and experimentation with ECs among adolescents. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 377 adolescents (53.0% female). Participants were compared according to their experimentation with ECs. A total of 45.9% had already used electronic cigarettes, and 20.8% were current users. Among those who had not tried electronic cigarettes, 43.3% had a medium-high susceptibility to EC initiation. Consumption among close friends, receiving offers of consumption and alcohol consumption were associated with initiation. There was an inverse association between a medium susceptibility index electronic cigarette score and the consumption of cigarettes and positive affect; on the other hand, the lack of premeditation was associated with a higher susceptibility index score. Intrapersonal factors and social factors seem to influence the ESIe-c and onset of EC use, respectively. The main conclusion in this study is that susceptibility is influenced by intrapersonal factors such as affectivity and impulsivity through the lack of premeditation, and by social factors such as EC consumption by best friends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, natural disasters have increased drastically, with slope movements being the most damaging geological hazard, causing thousands of deaths and considerable economic losses. To reduce these losses, it is necessary to carry out cartographies that spatially delimit these risks, preventing and mitigating the effects through the analysis of susceptibility in areas of great environmental value, as is the case of the Arribes del Duero Natural Park. For this purpose, different statistical methods combined with Geographic Information Systems have been developed. The susceptibility assessment methodology is carried out by integrating different thematic layers: lithology, geomorphology (slopes, curvature, aspect), hydrogeology and vegetation, performing map algebra and taking into consideration their weighting using deterministic methods (analytical hierarchy method). The susceptibility results are grouped into Very High, High, Medium, Low and Very Low so that the areas of Very High susceptibility correspond to areas of the high slope, without vegetation, south facing, with a lithology of quartzites, metapelites, and gneisses (canyons, steep valleys) and, in the case of very low susceptibility, with a lithology of quartzites, metapelites, and gneisses, On the contrary, the sectors of lower susceptibility coincide with flat areas, denser vegetation, north facing, with a lithology of conglomerates, pebbles, sands and clays, such as erosion surfaces or valley bottoms. The analysis carried out in this current investigation will allow the territorial delimitation of problem areas and the establishment of risk mitigation and management measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raspberry (Rosales: Rosaceae) production in the U.K. has moved rapidly in the last 10 years to under polythene, combined with a reduced availability of broad-spectrum fungicides. Hence, the incidence of previously less prevalent diseases, such as Cladosporium (Capnodiales: Cladosporiaceae), has largely increased. This study aimed to identify the predominant Cladosporium species on raspberry and to understand the nature of its infection on raspberry fruit. Raspberries were collected from farms across the U.K. and Spain and incubated; fungal isolates were then isolated from typical Cladosporium lesions and identified to the species level based on the sequences of the trans elongation factor α and actin genes. Cladosporium cladosporioides (Fres) de Vries was confirmed as the predominant species responsible for infecting raspberry fruit close to harvest on fruit from the U.K. and Spain, being present on 41.5% of U.K. fruit and 84.6% of Spanish fruit. Raspberries were subsequently inoculated at different developmental stages with C. cladosporioides isolates to determine the susceptibility to Cladosporium skin lesions and stigmata infections in relation to the developmental stage. Only the ripening and ripe raspberries were susceptible to Cladosporium, resulting in skin lesions. Cladosporium can colonise the stigmata of raspberries earlier in fruit development and future research is required to determine if such stigmata infections could cause subsequent skin lesion infections. This study has provided the necessary epidemiological information to develop effective management measures against the Cladosporium species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely accepted that future environmental changes will affect rainfall-induced shallow slides in high-mountain areas. In this study, the Val d'Aran region located in the Central Pyrenees was selected to analyze and quantify the impacts of land use and land cover (LULC) and climate changes on regional landslides susceptibility. We analyzed 26 climate models of the EURO-CORDEX database focussing on the future rainfall conditions. The IDRISI TerrSet software suite was used to create the future LULC maps. These two inputs were analyzed individually and in a combined way defining 20 different scenarios. All these scenarios were incorporated in a physically based stability model to compute landslides susceptibility maps. The results showed that both environmental conditions will considerably change in the future. The daily rainfall will increase between 14 and 26% assuming a return period of 100 years. This intensification of precipitation will produce an overall decrease of the stability condition in the study area. Regarding the LULC prediction, the forest area will significantly increase, while in particular grassland, but also shrubs decrease. As a consequence, the overall stability condition improves, because the root strength is higher in forest than in grassland and shrubs. When we analyzed the combined impacts, the results showed that the positive effect of LULC changes is larger than the negative influence of rainfall changes. Hence, when combining the two aspects in the future scenarios, the stability condition in the study area will improve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disturbances such as wildfires are an integral part of forest ecosystems, but climate change is increasing their extent, frequency, intensity and severity, compromising forest ecosystem services (ES) that are fundamental to human well-being. Thus, evaluating the risk of losing ecosystem services due to wildfires is essential for anticipating and adapting to future conditions. Here, we analyze the spatial patterns of the risk of losing key forest ES and biodiversity (that is, carbon sink, bird richness, hydrological control and erosion control) due to wildfires in Catalonia (NE Spain), taking into account exposed values, hazard magnitude, susceptibility and lack of adaptive capacity. We also determine the effect of climate and different forest functional types on the risk of losing ES under average and extreme hazard conditions (defined as median and 90th percentile values of the Fire Weather Index, respectively), as well as on the increase in risk. Our results show that hazard magnitude is the most important component defining risk under average conditions. Under extreme conditions, exposed values (carbon sink capacity and erosion control) emerged as the most important components of risk. Climate was the main driver of ES at risk under average conditions, but the high vulnerability of non-Mediterranean conifer forests with a low adaptive capacity gained importance under extreme conditions. The increase in risk between average and extreme conditions was driven by precipitation, as the highest increases in risk were found in relatively wet forests with low average risk at present. These results have direct implications on the future risk of losing ES to wildfires in Mediterranean forests but also in other regions, and they could contribute to future policies by anticipating conditions associated with particularly high risk that can be used to guide efficient forest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase of the antimicrobials resistance has become a global public health problem. In the EU, reduction policies have been implemented under the "One Health" concept that implies human and animal health. The monitoring of resistance in different animal species has become a priority within the strategies of fighting against resistance. Four hundred and twelve cases were analyzed from 2015 to 2019, coming from 121 lamb feedlot farms in Spain and Portugal. Several studies were carried out to obtain practical knowledge in order to reduce the use of antimicrobials as much as possible. Firstly, several comparative studies were carried out between samples from nasotracheal lavages and those obtained from lung tissue ("in farm examination necropsy") in order to check the suitability of this type of samples in monitoring the susceptibilities of the pathogens (Pasteurella multocida, Mannehimia haemolitica and Biberstenia threalosi) involved in respiratory problems. Secondly, another study was carried out in order to know the evolution along the years of the susceptibilities to some antibiotics of the most important pathogens (P. multocida, M. haemolitica, B. threalosi and Escherichia coli) involved both in respiratory and digestive diseases. Finally, a "map" of the susceptibilities of pathogens to a significant number of antibiotics available in the market were obtained. Similar results in susceptibility were found in most of the pathogens studied comparing lavages and tissue samples. Besides, similar evolution in susceptibility of pathogens to most antibiotics checked was observed, with an increment during 2018 and 2019. In general, tetracycline (very used by oral supply) gave less susceptibility than others did. On the opposite way, amoxicillin could be an antibiotic available for further oral use. In conclusion, the nasotracheal lavages are an efficient and valid method of taking suitable respiratory samples in practical conditions of monitoring. Besides, there is a tendency to the increment of the susceptibility of pathogens to a large part of antibiotics, in parallel to the reduction of the actual use of antimicrobials. Finally, the maps of susceptibilities provide very useful epidemiological information to be used in the strategies of antibiotic pressure reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Power lines can represent an important source of bird mortality through collision. The identification of more susceptible species, in terms of expected population‐level impacts, requires detailed biological and mortality information that is often difficult to obtain. Here, we propose a species prioritization method based on relatively easily accessed information, aimed to identify both species and areas with the potentially highest extinction risk due to collision with power lines. Location: As a case study, we applied this method to the communities of resident breeding birds of Spain and Portugal. Methods: For each considered species, the method takes into account the morpho‐behavioural susceptibility to collision with power lines, the susceptibility to extinction and the spatial exposure to collision with power lines. Results: Our method highlighted that the most susceptible species were large, long‐lived and slow‐reproducing birds, often habitat specialists with hazardous behavioural traits (especially flight height and flocking flight), with high spatial exposure to collision risk with power lines and unfavourable conservation status. Based on the distribution ranges of these species, we produced a map of hotspots for extinction risk due to collision of such priority species for each country. These areas should be considered a priority for the implementation of mitigation measures including route planning and wire marking. Main conclusions: Overall, the proposed method can be applied to any bird community in any geographic area of the world where information on power‐line distribution and published information on species traits, distribution and conservation status is available, generating valuable lists of both priority species and areas in which collision risk with power lines can potentially produce local or even global extinctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• All Candida auris isolates showed fluconazole MICs >64 mg/L. • Posaconazole was the most active azole, followed by isavuconazole and itraconazole. • Echinocandin MICs were ≤1 mg/L by all three susceptibility testing methods. • Essential agreement between EUCAST and Sensititre® YeastOne® was >93% for all antifungals. • The number of non-wild-type isolates depended on the epidemiological cut-off value applied. Candida auris is an emerging pathogen causing candidaemia outbreaks in several countries for which azole, amphotericin B (AmB) and echinocandin resistance has been reported. In this study, the antifungal susceptibilities of 73 Spanish C. auris isolates (56 bloodstream and 17 urine) to eight antifungal agents were determined using three methods. Isolates were identified by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing, and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of fluconazole, isavuconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, anidulafungin, micafungin and AmB were determined by EUCAST methodology and Sensititre® YeastOne® (SYO) (bloodstream isolates) and Liofilchem® MIC Test Strip (all isolates). Agreement between the methods was analysed and the MICs (ours and published data) were categorised using recently proposed epidemiological cut-off values (ECVs). Fluconazole MICs were >64 mg/L, whilst >60% of voriconazole MICs were >1 mg/L by the three methods. Posaconazole was the most active azole (EUCAST geometric mean MIC, 0.053 mg/L), followed by isavuconazole (0.066 mg/L) and itraconazole (0.157 mg/L). Echinocandins MICs were ≤0.5 mg/L by SYO and EUCAST. The overall lowest AmB MICs (≤0.25 mg/L) were obtained by EUCAST. Essential agreement (±2 dilutions) between EUCAST and SYO was >93% for the eight antifungals. For this new C. auris clade, all isolates were resistant to fluconazole, and MICs for anidulafungin, micafungin and AmB were ≤1 mg/L using dilution methods. Voriconazole MICs were method-dependent. The number of non-wild-type (non-WT) isolates depended on the ECV applied; by the 97.5% ECV all isolates were WT except for isavuconazole (1.8% non-WT). Good essential agreement (>93%) was observed between EUCAST and SYO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The susceptibility of 20 widely distributed mill and table olive varieties to Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) as affected by irrigation, and fruit diameter and oil content was evaluated in a 3‐year trial in Southern Spain. Bactrocera oleae was bivoltine life cycle in the experimental site, with significant differences among population size throughout the study. Even though the olive fruit fly damaged all varieties, significant differences in susceptibility were detected. Among the mill olive varieties “Nevadillo Blanco de Jaén” was the most susceptible, with average infestation levels ranging between 6.7% and 52.2% and between 10.3% and 69.2% under rainfed and irrigated conditions, respectively, and “Arbequina” was the least susceptible, with average infestation levels ranging between 0.6% and 12.7% and between 2.3% and 18.5% under rainfed and irrigated conditions, respectively. Among the table olive varieties, “Gordal Sevillana,” “Ascolana Tenera” and “Ocal” were the most susceptible (with average infestation levels reaching 39.7%, 36.5% and 33.3%, respectively), while “Callosina” was the least susceptible (with infestation levels of only 8.4%). Irrigation tended to promote both B. oleae infestation and its earlier occurrence compared to the rainfed condition. Even though the diameter and oil content were positively correlated with B. oleae fruit infestation (correlation coefficients ranged between 0.5 and 0.95), the present work reveals that other yet‐unknown factors may influence B. oleae oviposition preferences. The results of this study can be useful for breeding programmes to develop olive varieties resistant to B. oleae and provide key information for wide‐area olive fly pest management decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human noroviruses (NoVs) are the main cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. Several studies have linked human susceptibility to NoVs with the expression of histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs). In January 2012, a NoV gastroenteritis outbreak affected a household in Valencia, Spain, and the personal susceptibility to NoV was investigated.Methods: To reach this aim 8 members of the affected household were recruited for this study and their secretor status, ABO and Lewis antigens were determined. NoV-specific saliva IgA and serum IgG antibody titers were analyzed. Their capacity to block viral binding to saliva receptors was analyzed, using virus-like particles (VLPs) of the NoV GII.4 genotype, 2006b variant, and saliva from a secretor O blood type donor.Results: The most relevant finding was that an asymptomatic non-secretor individual shed NoVs in his stools. Interestingly, anti-NoV IgA antibody titers in saliva from secretor and non-secretor individuals showed no differences. On the contrary, high titers of NoV-specific IgG antibody were found in both convalescent sera and in sera collected 1 year post-infection, but only from secretor individuals. NoV GII.4-2006b VLP binding to receptors present in the saliva was efficiently blocked only by sera from secretor positive individuals.Conclusions: Despite the small number of individuals involved in this outbreak, this study reinforces the idea that susceptibility to human NoV is both dependent on the HBGA profile of the individuals as well as on the viral genotype and variant. We also show that the immunity to NoV lasts for at least 1 year after infection, demonstrating that symptomatic infections strongly stimulate immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analysed the influenza epidemic that occurred in Australia during the 2022 winter using an age-structured dynamic transmission model, which accounts for past epidemics to estimate the population susceptibility to an influenza infection. We applied the same model to five European countries. Our analysis suggests Europe might experience an early and moderately large influenza epidemic. Also, differences may arise between countries, with Germany and Spain experiencing larger epidemics, than France, Italy and the United Kingdom, especially in children., (© 2022 The Authors. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background Elimination of congenital rubella syndrome depends not only on effective childhood immunization but also on the identification and immunization of rubella susceptible women. We assessed rubella susceptibility among pregnant women and evaluated the adherence and response to postpartum immunization with measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Methods Cross-sectional study of women who gave birth at the Hospital Clinic de Barcelona (Spain) between January 2008 and December 2013. Antenatal serological screening for rubella was performed in all women during pregnancy. In rubella-susceptible women, two doses of MMR vaccine were recommended following birth. We evaluated rubella serological response to MMR vaccination in mothers who complied with the recommendations. Results A total of 22,681 pregnant women were included in the study. The mean age was 32.3 years (SD 5.6), and 73.6% were primipara. The proportion of immigrants ranged from 43.4% in 2010 to 38.5% in 2012. The proportion of women susceptible to rubella was 5.9% (1328). Susceptibility to rubella declined with increasing maternal age. Immigrant pregnant women were more susceptible to rubella (7.6%) than women born in Spain (4.6%). Multivariate analyses showed that younger age (≤19 years) aOR 1.7 (95% CI 1.1–2.5), primiparas aOR 1.3 (95% CI 1.1–1.5) and immigrant women aOR 1.6 (95% CI 1.4–1.8) were more likely to be susceptible. The second dose of MMR vaccine was received by 57.2% (718/1256) of rubella-susceptible women, with the highest proportion being immigrant women compared with women born in Spain. After vaccination, all women showed rubella immunity. Conclusions The higher rubella susceptibility found in the three youngest age groups and in immigrant women highlights the relevance of antenatal screening, in order to ensure identification and postpartum immunization. The postpartum immunization strategy is an opportunity to protect women of childbearing age and consequently prevent occurrence of CRS, and to increase vaccination coverage against rubella and other vaccine-preventable diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to know the epidemiology and the changes of antifungal resistance in invasive candidiasis (IC) we carried out this prospective study of Candida strains belonging to patients admitted to 26 Spanish hospitals from June 2011 to June 2012 diagnosed with IC. Clinical information and the identity of the Candida species were collected and antifungal susceptibility was tested using broth microdilution in five agents: amphotericin B, fluconazole, voriconazole, caspofungin and anidulafungin. A total of 705 cases-isolates were documented. Most of the patients suffered from candidemia and several underlying diseases and more than half of them were neutropenic or under immunosuppressive therapy, factors associated with higher mortality. Thirty percent of global mortality was documented. C. albicans was the most frequently isolated species, although an increase of non- C. albicans species was observed. Resistance to fluconazole was of 3.4%, lower than in previous years (6.3%). C. parapsilosis presented a higher MIC 90 of echinocandins compared to other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telomere length has been associated with the development of cancer. Studies have shown that shorter telomere length may be related to a decreased risk of cutaneous melanoma. Furthermore, deregulation of the telomere-maintaining gene complexes , has been related to this oncogenic process. Some variants in these genes seem to be correlated with a change in telomerase expression. We examined the effect of 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TERT gene (encoding telomerase), one SNP in the related TERT-CLPTM1L locus and one SNP in the TRF1 gene with telomere length, and its influence on melanoma risk in 970 Spanish cases and 733 Spanish controls. Genotypes were determined using KASP technology, and telomere length was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on DNA extracted from peripheral blood leucocytes. Our results demonstrate that shorter telomere length is associated with a decreased risk of melanoma in our population (global p -value, 2.69 × 10 −11 ), which may be caused by a diminution of proliferative potential of nevi (melanoma precursor cells). We also obtained significant results when we tested the association between rs401681 variant ( TERT-CLPTM1L locus ) with melanoma risk (Odds ratio, OR; 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.24 (1.08–1.43); p -value, 3 × 10 −3 ). This is the largest telomere-related study undertaken in a Spanish population to date. Furthermore, this study represents a comprehensive analysis of some of the most relevant telomere pathway genes in relation to cutaneous melanoma susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pitch canker pathogen Fusarium circinatum was first found to cause damage in nurseries and pine plantations in northern Spain in 2004. Since then, establishment of pine plantations in the region has decreased as a result of the prohibitions placed on planting Pinus spp. and Pseudotsuga menziesii in areas affected by the disease. However, although most pine species have been found to be susceptible to the pathogen under nursery conditions, little is known about how the fungus affects the trees in the field. Furthermore, it is not known whether some of the native or exotic species commonly planted in the area are also susceptible to F. circinatum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of several conifer species commonly planted in northern Spain to the pitch canker pathogen. For this purpose, two different trials were carried out, one under controlled laboratory conditions and the other in the field. Although most of the conifers were affected by the pathogen in the laboratory tests, only Pinus radiata, Pinus nigra, Pinus pinaster and Pinus uncinata were susceptible to the pathogen in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of Paratylenchus species in the main areas of Prunus spp. production in Spain, their ecological constraints, and new molecular tools for the specific identification of major species. Pin nematodes are recognized as plant-parasitic nematodes with a wide host range and global distribution. Therefore, understanding the environmental and agronomic factors involved in their distribution is critical to design environmental and sustainable management strategies to reduce plant damage. A total of 219 sampling sites were surveyed and 12 Paratylenchus species were identified based on an integrative taxonomic approach ( P .  baldaccii , P . enigmaticus , P . goodeyi , P . hamatus , P . holdemani , P . indalus , P . israelensis , P . pedrami , P . tateae , P . tenuicaudatus , P .  veruculatus , and P . zurgenerus ). The most common pin nematode was P . hamatus , followed by P . tenuicaudatus . Nematode abundance was influenced by climatic characteristics, soil chemical properties, and agronomic management practices. Nine explanatory variables were selected as the most strongly associated with Paratylenchus distribution. Specifically, P . tenuicaudatus was significantly correlated with soil chemical characteristics, such as pH and carbon, sulfur, and sodium content, whereas P . goodeyi was closely related to fields with <10 years of almond cultivation. Species-specific PCRs were developed for P . hamatus and P . tenuicaudatus and their validity was evaluated studying the molecular variability of these species and against other Paratylenchus species.

Clin Microbiol Infect 2012; 18: E204-E213 Abstract Underdiagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) because of lack of clinical suspicion or the use of non-sensitive diagnostic techniques is a known problem whose real magnitude has not yet been quantified. In order to estimate the extent of this underdiagnosis, we performed C. difficile cultures on all unformed stool specimens sent-irrespective of the type of request-to a series of laboratories in Spain on a single day. The specimens were cultured, and isolates were characterized at a central reference laboratory. A total of 807 specimens from 730 patients aged ≥2 years were selected from 118 laboratories covering 75.4% of the Spanish population. The estimated rate of hospital-acquired CDI was 2.4 episodes per 1000 admissions or 3.8 episodes per 10 000 patient-days. Only half of the episodes occurred in patients hospitalized for >2 days. Two of every three episodes went undiagnosed or were misdiagnosed, owing to non-sensitive diagnostic tests (19.0%) or lack of clinical suspicion and request (47.6%; mostly young people or non-hospitalized patients). The main ribotypes were 014/020 (20.5%), 001 (18.2%), and 126/078 (18.2%). No ribotype 027 strains were detected. Strains were fully susceptible to metronidazole and vancomycin. CDI was underdiagnosed in diarrhoeic stools in a high proportion of episodes, owing to the use of non-sensitive techniques or lack of clinical suspicion, particularly in people aged <65 years or patients with community-acquired diarrhoea. C. difficile toxins should be routinely sought in unformed stools of any origin sent for microbiological diagnosis. The ribotype 027 clone has not yet disseminated in Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Española de Quimioterapia is the property of Sociedad Espanola de Quimioterapia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Background: Base excision repair (BER) and nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathways eliminate a wide variety of DNA damage, including UV photoproducts. The ability of each individual to repair DNA damage following different causes might explain at least in part the variability in cancer susceptibility. Moreover, inflammatory response to UV exposure may further contribute to skin carcinogenesis by oxidative stress mechanisms. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding various DNA-repair enzymes and oxidative stress factors may be candidate low-penetrance variants with a role in susceptibility to different cancers, particularly in those with aetiologies linked to environmental exposure, such as malignant melanoma (MM). Methods: In this case–control study, 684 Spanish sporadic MM patients and 406 cancer-free control subjects were included and the role of 46 polymorphisms belonging to 16 BER and NER genes as well as 11 genes involved in oxidative stress processes were investigated. Results: One polymorphism was identified to be individually associated with MM in the Spanish population. The variant was found in the NOS1 oxidative stress gene (rs2682826; p-value =0.01). These results suggest a putative role of oxidative stress processes in the genetic predisposition to melanoma. Conclusion: To the authors’ knowledge, this is the largest DNA repair-related SNP study in melanoma risk conducted in the Spanish population up to now. Furthermore, it also represents a comprehensive genetic study of several oxidative stress polymorphisms tested in relation to MM susceptibility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work presents a methodology for elaborating sinkhole hazard models that incorporate the magnitude and frequency relationships of the subsidence process. The proposed approach has been tested in a sector of the Ebro valley mantled evaporite karst, where sinkholes, largely induced by irrigation practices, have a very high occurrence rate (>50sinkholes/km2/yr). In this area, covering 10km2, a total of 943 new cover collapse sinkholes were inventoried in 2005 and 2006. Multiple susceptibility models have been generated analyzing the statistical relationships between the 2005 sinkholes and different sets of variables, including the nearest sinkhole distance. The quantitative evaluation of the prediction capability of these models using the 2006 sinkhole population has allowed the identification of the method and variables that produce the most reliable predictions. The incorporation of the indirect variable nearest sinkhole distance has contributed significantly to increase the quality of the models, despite simplifying the modeling process by using categorical rather than continuous variables. The best susceptibility model, generated with the total sinkhole population and the selected method and variables, has been transformed into a hazard model that provides minimum estimates of the spatial–temporal probability of each pixel to be affected by sinkholes of different diameter ranges. This transformation has been carried out combining two equations derived from the more complete 2006 sinkhole population; one of them expressing the expected spatial–temporal probability of sinkhole occurrence and the other the empirical magnitude and frequency relationships generated for two different types of land surfaces, which control the strength of the surface layer and the size of the sinkholes. The presented method could be applied to predict the spatial–temporal probability of events with different magnitudes related to other geomorphic processes (e.g. landslides). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Crestatx aquifer is the main source of water supply to the Bay of Alcudia, one of the largest resorts on the island of Majorca (Spain). This water has been used since the 1970s using several pumping wells, which draw an annual volume of 1.5 hm. The seasonal exploitation of this karstic aquifer causes a substantial cone of depression with great variations in the piezometric level (up to 120 m) and dynamic water levels of down to 87 m below sea level. At the end of the 1990s, several sinkholes and subsidence depressions started being detected in a highly karstified area. Twenty subsidence and sinkhole morphologies have been inventoried in an area measuring 70,000 m, with diameters up to 23 m and depth more than 15 m. The intense and continuous rainfall during recent years (2008-2010) has considerably accelerated the process, increasing the dimensions of existing sinkholes and the appearance of new morphologies. By means of electrical tomography techniques, a ground study was carried out. Numerous cavities have been identified in the upper 30 m. Using a map of the surface morphologies and the geophysical profiles, we can determine that the propagation and orientation of the sinkholes lie along three main directions: N30°E, N130°E and N60°E. The first is the most relevant, which is parallel to the main tectonic structures in the area. The interpretation of the electrical profiles has enabled us to identify the potentially most unstable areas, which is an effective tool to assess risk in the area, as there are roads and a housing development nearby. The high, but discontinuous, exploitation of the aquifer is considered the main trigger for these sinkholes and subsidence depressions, as it causes large variations of pressure and accelerates the dissolution process in the underlying rock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Iberoamericana de Micologia is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The MTHFD1L gene SNP variant rs11754661 was found to increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease in a recent Whole Genome Association Study [1]. We have carried out an independent study of this genetic variant in 2467 individuals from Spain. We found no evidence of association between the MTHFD1L marker and susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease in our sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Studies of clonality and clinical profile of serotype 19A invasive pneumococcal disease in children (IPD-19A) are worthy after PCV7 introduction. A prospective, hospital-based surveillance of IPD-19A, culture and/or PCR confirmed, was performed in 2007–2009 in Madrid (all 22 hospitals with pediatric departments). Sixty-two cases were found: 90.3% in children <5 years, 87.1% in <36 months, and 74.2% in ≤18 months. Clinical presentations: meningitis (22.6%), primary bacteremia (19.4%), secondary bacteremia to otic foci (SBOF; 17.7%), bacteremic pneumonia (17.7%), pediatric parapneumonic empyema (PPE; 17.7%) and others (4.8%). Presentations by age: meningitis (35.7%), SBOF (28.6%) and primary bacteremia (21.4%) in children <12 months, bacteremic pneumonia, PPE and primary bacteremia (26.3% each) in 12–23 months, and bacteremic pneumonia (33.3%) and PPE (26.6%) in ≥24 months. Sequence types ST276 and ST320 represented 83.0% isolates, all oral-penicillin/erythromycin non-susceptible. In nonmeningeal isolates, non-susceptibility to parenteral penicillin/cefotaxime was 0%/17.6% (ST276) and 93.8%/75.0% (ST320). Non-susceptibility in ST276 and ST320, prevalence of these STs among 19A isolates, and serotype 19A prevalence among IPDs, indicate the importance of 19A inclusion in PCV13 for IPD-19A prevention and for reducing 19A nasopharyngeal carriage, thus preventing 19A otitis (one-third of 19A bacteremia in this study were from otic origin). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background and objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) has been consistently associated with the HLA-DR2 haplotype and particularly with the HLA-DRB1*15 allele. Epistatic interactions between both parental alleles in the DRB1 loci have been shown to modify the MS susceptibility risk. This study investigated the frequencies of various HLA-DRB1 genotypes, their impact on MS susceptibility and their correlation with the clinical severity in a Spanish population. Methods: A genotype was considered as the combination of the two parental DRB1 alleles. We compared the frequencies of the genotypes in a sporadic MS population (n=380) with those of an unrelated healthy control cohort (n=1088). We correlated the different genotypes with the age at onset, gender distribution, symptoms at onset, course of the disease and progression severity by means of the time to reach the progressive phase and EDSS scores of 3 and 6. Results: We found 81 different genotypes. There were four different MS-predisposing genotypes. Three of them contained the DRB1*15 allele (DRB1*03/15, DRB1*04/15, and DRB1*08/15) and the fourth was homozygote for the DRB1*03 allele. The highest odds ratio was found with the genotype DRB1*08/15 (OR=3.88, 95% CI=1.83–8.26, p<0.01), followed by DRB1*03/03 (OR=3.15, 95% CI=1.93–5.14, p<0.01), DRB1*03/15 (OR=2.72, 95% CI=1.88–3.94, p<0.01) and DRB1*04/15 (OR=2.54, 95% CI=1.64–3.98, p<0.01). The DRB1*01/04 and the DRB1*15/15 genotypes were associated with a shorter time to reach an EDSS score of 6. Conclusions: Our results show the importance of epistatic interactions among the HLA-DRB1 alleles, modifying the risk for MS as well as its clinical severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A recent meta-analysis of genome-wide association screens coupled to a replication exercise in a combined US/UK collection led to the identification of 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in three gene loci, i.e. TNFRSF1A, CD6 and IRF8, as novel risk factors for multiple sclerosis with genome-wide level of significance. In the present study, using a combined all-Spain collection of 2515 MS patients and 2942 healthy controls, we demonstrate significant association of rs17824933 in CD6 (P CMH =0.004; OR=1.14; 95% CI 1.04–1.24) and of rs1860545 in TNFRSF1A (P CMH =0.001; OR=1.15; 95% CI 1.06–1.25) with MS, while the low-frequency coding non-synonymous SNP rs4149584 in TNFRSF1A displayed a trend for association (P CMH =0.062; OR=1.27; 95% CI 0.99–1.63). This data reinforce a generic role for CD6 and TNFRSF1A in susceptibility to MS, extending to populations of southern European ancestry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In countries like Spain or France, quarantine rules force researchers to evaluate the resistance to Sharka (Plum pox virus, PPV) in controlled, isolated conditions. This evaluation method shows important limitations resulting from the management of plants in the controlled conditions, grown in pots with artificial cycles of growth in the greenhouse and cold chamber, alternately. The objective of this study is to analyse different factors that affect the efficiency of the method of evaluation of PPV resistance in controlled greenhouse conditions. The cultivars evaluated as model genotypes were the resistant ‘Stark Early Orange’ and the susceptible ‘Real Fino’ apricot. Furthermore the ‘GF305’ peach was used as a susceptible control. The different studied factors were the inoculation protocol (rootstock or variety inoculation), the grafting success (depending on inoculation method, rootstock–variety combination and date of grafting), and the efficiency of the process in each artificial cycle of growth. Results showed that rootstock inoculation was more effective than inoculation of the variety. As rootstock, the ‘GF305’ seedlings were slightly better than the ‘Real Fino’ seedlings in the inoculation process, but they were quite similar in terms of effectiveness in the evaluation and grafting process. Grafting can be carried out in spring or autumn without having important differences. The global efficiency of the evaluation process was much higher with rootstock inoculation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The genetic susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS) is only partially explained, and it shows geographic variations. We analyse here two series of Spanish patients and healthy controls and show that relapsing MS (R-MS) is associated with a gene deletion affecting the hypothetically soluble leukocyte immunoglobulin (Ig)-like receptor A3 (LILRA3, 19q13.4), in agreement with an earlier finding in German patients. Our study points to a gene-dose-dependent, protective role for LILRA3, the deletion of which synergizes with HLA-DRB1*1501 to increase the risk of R-MS. We also investigated whether the risk of suffering R-MS might be influenced by the genotypic diversity of killer-cell Ig-like receptors (KIRs), located only ∼400 kb telomeric to LILRA3, and implicated in autoimmunity and defence against viruses. The relationship of LILRA3 deletion with R-MS is not secondary to linkage disequilibrium with a KIR gene, but we cannot exclude some contributions of KIR to the genetic susceptibility to R-MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study which assesses the spatial probability and spatio-temporal probability. The study was conducted at the Ebro Valley evaporate karst in Spain, using different models to evaluate the statistical relationships of sinkholes. A hazard map was created out of the most effective model considering the sinkholes' average size and frequency that occurred in 2005-2006. It says that the models obtained can be used as basis for preventive and corrective measures.

We evaluated the influence of six different citrus rootstocks on the incidence of the citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), and the aphid species, Aphisgossypii Glover and A. spiraecola Patch (Hemiptera: Aphididae), on 'Clementine de Nules' trees (Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan.). Sampling was conducted during 2005 and 2006 in a grove of 3-yr-old trees in southern Spain with six rootstocks arranged in a completely randomized block design. Incidence (i.e., degree of infestation) and availability of resources for herbivores were assessed bi-weekly, and in addition, a "flushing index" was estimated as the number of young shoots (as a percentage of total shoots) susceptible to herbivore injury. Our results showed that contrasting factors affected the incidence of populations of P. citrella, A. gossypii, and A. spiraecola on 'Clementine de Nules'. Incidence of P. citrella was significantly dependent on the flushing pattern observed throughout the study, whereas the reverse was true for the aphid species. Among these, A. spiraecola had similar levels of incidence regardless of rootstock, whereas A. gossypii were found almost exclusively on leaves of 'Clementine de Nules' grafted on 'Cleopatra mandarin' (Citrus reshni Hort. ex Tan). Potential implications of these results on pest control are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A geomorphological study focussing on slope instability and landslide susceptibility modelling was performed on a 278 km2 area in the Nalón River Basin (Central Coalfield, NW Spain). The methodology of the study includes: 1) geomorphological mapping at both 1:5000 and 1:25,000 scales based on air-photo interpretation and field work; 2) Digital Terrain Model (DTM) creation and overlay of geomorphological and DTM layers in a Geographical Information System (GIS); and 3) statistical treatment of variables using SPSS and development of a logistic regression model. A total of 603 mass movements including earth flow and debris flow were inventoried and were classified into two groups according to their size. This study focuses on the first group with small mass movements (100 to 101 m in size), which often cause damage to infrastructures and even victims. The detected conditioning factors of these landslides are lithology (soils and colluviums), vegetation (pasture) and topography. DTM analyses show that high instabilities are linked to slopes with NE and SW orientations, curvature values between −6 and −0.7, and slope values from 16° to 30°. Bedrock lithology (Carboniferous sandstone and siltstone), presence of Quaternary soils and sediments, vegetation, and the topographical factors were used to develop a landslide susceptibility model using the logistic regression method. Application of “zoom method” allows us to accurately detect small mass movements using a 5-m grid cell data even if geomorphological mapping is done at a 1:25,000 scale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Brown Ring Disease (BRD), which affects the Manila clam in Europe, is caused by the bacterium, Vibrio tapetis. BRD has been diagnosed in Ireland on only one occasion (1997) although the aetiological agent has recently been detected in apparently healthy Manila clams from a number of sites around the Irish coast. The present work investigated the susceptibilities to BRD of two stocks of Manila clams, one from Ireland and the second from Galicia, north-western Spain, where BRD has been reported on a number of occasions. Exposure of the clams was by addition of V. tapetis to the holding waters. Development of BRD was assessed by the appearance of brown ring signs on the host shells, by bacterial isolation and characterization, and by detection of the bacterium by PCR. The pathogen was recovered from infected individuals and confirmed as V. tapetis by biochemical tests and a slide agglutination test. Galician clams experienced significantly higher mortalities, BRD prevalences and V. tapetis levels than Irish clams. Background infection with V. tapetis in the control stocks prevented conclusions being drawn on comparative susceptibility of the two stocks. Irish clams were significantly affected by the experimental challenge, as demonstrated by the development of BRD and an increase in V. tapetis levels. Results illustrate the vulnerability of Irish clams to BRD and have implications for the movement and transfer of clam seed in Ireland. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is a functional candidate gene with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this work was to investigate the possible influence of the recently described CT60A/G dimorphism of theCTLA-4gene in the susceptibility to RA in Spanish patients. A total of 433 RA patients and 398 control subjects were included in the study. Genotyping of CTLA-4 CT60 was performed using two different methods: polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism system using an amplification-created restriction site and a TaqMan 5′-allelic discrimination assay. In order to validate results obtained by different methods, a quality-control exercise was performed. No significant deviation in the distribution of the alleles or genotypes of the CT60 was found when we compared RA patient and control groups. In addition, no differences in CTLA-4 CT60 genotypic distribution was found when RA patients and controls were stratified by the presence or absence of the shared epitope. In conclusion, our results do not support an association between CT60A/G polymorphism and susceptibility to RA in the Spanish population, although the contribution of other positions located within the 3′ region of theCTLA-4gene to RA susceptibility cannot be discarded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at characterising the distribution of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-C alleles in a large group of patients with B chronic lymphocytic leukaemia from Southeastern Spain. Ninety-eight adult patients and 194 geographically and ethnically matched controls were studied. HLA-C was determined by polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) and PCR-sequence-specific oligonucleotides (SSO) methods. The HLA-Cw*16 allele frequency was found to be significantly increased amongst patients compared with controls in our population (27·6% vs. 12·4%, P = 0·0012, Pc = 0·016). HLA-C dimorphism was also analysed but no association was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chromosomal location of the NFκB1 gene on 4q, a region linked to type 1 diabetes (T1D), together with the observed resistance to T1D of NFκB1-deficient mice, suggests its potential role as candidate gene increasing diabetes predisposition. Previous association studies in diverse populations yielded inconclusive results. Two polymorphisms in the promoter region of the NFκB1 gene have been studied: a functional −94ins/delATTG regulating the gene expression and a very informative CA-repeat microsatellite. A strong association with the latter was reported in British population but could not be replicated in Danish families. No evidence of association was detected for those genetic markers in 270 Spanish T1D patients and 484 healthy ethnically matched controls. Therefore, it seems that this gene plays no major role in T1D predisposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red leaf blotch (RLB) of almond, caused by Polystigma amygdalinum , is an important foliar disease of this nut tree in the Mediterranean basin and Middle East regions. In recent years, the incidence of this disease has increased in Spain, corresponding to increases in the area of newly planted orchards and the use of susceptible cultivars. In 2009, an experimental orchard including 21 almond cultivars was planted at Les Borges Blanques, Lleida, in northeastern Spain. No fungicide treatments were applied during the 10-year experimental period (2009 to 2018) in order to allow natural disease development. Cultivar susceptibility to RLB was assessed each year, from 2011 to 2018, through visual observations of symptoms in naturally infected trees. The experimental results led us to classify the cultivars into five susceptibility groups. The most susceptible were Tarraco, Guara, Tuono, Marinada, Desmayo Largueta, and Soleta, whereas Mardía was the most tolerant. The annual incidence of disease was positively correlated with accumulated rainfall in spring, and especially in April, while it was negatively correlated with high spring and summer temperatures, especially in May. These findings could be used to improve disease management strategies by identifying the most susceptible cultivars and improving the timing of fungicide application.

Background: A low proportion of individuals repeatedly exposed to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) remain uninfected. This condition could have a genetic basis but it is not known whether or not it is mainly driven by a high-penetrance common allele., Objective: To explore whether low susceptibility to HCV infection is mainly driven by a high-penetrance common allele., Methods: In this genome-wide association study (GWAS), a total of 804 HCV-seropositive individuals and 27 high-risk HCV-seronegative (HRSN) subjects were included. Plink and Magma software were used to carry out single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based and gene-based association analyses respectively., Results: No SNP nor any gene was associated with low susceptibility to HCV infection after multiple testing correction. However, SNPs previously associated with this trait and allocated within the LDLR gene, rs5925 and rs688, were also associated with this condition in our study under a dominant model (24 out of 27 [88.9%] rs5925-C carriers in the HRSN group vs 560 of 804 [69.6%] rs5925-C carriers in the HCV-seropositive group, P = 0.031, odds ratio [OR] = 3.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04-11.58; and 24 out of 27 [88.9%] rs688-T carriers in the HRSN group vs 556 of 804 [69.1%] rs688-T carriers in the HCV-seropositive group, P = 0.028, OR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.65-11.96)., Conclusions: Low susceptibility to HCV infection does not seem to be mainly driven by a high-penetrant common allele. By contrast, it seems a multifactorial trait where genes such as LDLR could be involved., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Group A rotaviruses are a major cause of acute gastroenteritis in children. The diversity and unequal geographical prevalence of rotavirus genotypes have been linked to histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) in different human populations. In order to evaluate the role of HBGAs in rotavirus infections in our population, secretor status (FUT2+), ABO blood group, and Lewis antigens were determined in children attended for rotavirus gastroenteritis in Valencia, Spain. During three consecutive years (2013-2015), stool and saliva samples were collected from 133 children with rotavirus infection. Infecting viral genotypes and HBGAs were determined in patients and compared to a control group and data from blood donors. Rotavirus G9P[8] was the most prevalent strain (49.6%), followed by G1P[8] (20.3%) and G12P[8] (14.3%). Rotavirus infected predominantly secretor (99%) and Lewis b positive (91.7%) children. Children with blood group A and AB were significantly more prone to rotavirus gastroenteritis than those with blood group O. Our results confirm that a HBGA genetic background is linked to rotavirus P[8] susceptibility. Rotavirus P[8] symptomatic infection is manifestly more frequent in secretor-positive (FUT2+) than in non-secretor individuals, although no differences between rotavirus G genotypes were found.

Background: Gonorrhoea remains an important health problem worldwide. The latest European guidelines have recommended the introduction of dual antimicrobial therapy due to the increase in its resistance to antimicrobial agents., Methods: In the present study, the susceptibility to some antibiotics was evaluated, and the typing of Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains was also performed. All Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) strains isolated from January 2012 to October 2014 were included in this work. Gonococcal isolates were tested for susceptibility according to the recommendations of both the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). A total of 65 isolates were typed by the NG multi-antigen sequence types (NG-MAST) technique., Results: The most frequent types found were ST 1407, ST 5405, ST 2992, and ST 5120. If CLSI and EUCAST criteria were applied, an ST 9807 type was found non-susceptible to ceftriaxone and cefixime (MIC 0.5μg/mL). When only EUCAST breakpoints were taken into account, three strains were also resistant to cefixime (MIC 0.25μg/mL) and two isolates were resistant to ceftriaxone (MIC 0.19 and 0.25μg/mL, respectively). The majority of strains were resistant to ciprofloxacin, and all Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains were susceptible to spectinomycin; twenty-five percent of isolates were resistant to azithromycin., Conclusions: The implementation of antimicrobial surveillance programs at regional level should be part of an overall gonococcal infection control strategy. Efforts should be made to perform antimicrobial susceptibility, a "cured test" in all gonorrhoea cases, and identify treatment failures to verify emerging resistance. Some types have been associated with decreased susceptibility to cephalosporins, making molecular typing a useful tool to predict antimicrobial resistance., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica. All rights reserved.)

Thyroid cancer is the most heritable cancer of all those not displaying typical Mendelian inheritance. However, most of the genetic factors that would explain the high heritability remain unknown. Our aim was to identify additional common genetic variants associated with susceptibility to this disease. In order to do so, we performed a genome-wide association study in a series of 398 cases and 502 controls from Spain, followed by a replication in four well-defined Southern European case-control collections contributing a total of 1,422 cases and 1,908 controls. The association between the variation at the 9q22 locus near FOXE1 and thyroid cancer risk was consistent across all series, with several SNPs identified (rs7028661: OR = 1.64, p = 1.0 × 10(-22) , rs7037324: OR = 1.54, p = 1.2 × 10(-17) ). Moreover, the rare alleles of three SNPs (rs2997312, rs10788123 and rs1254167) at 10q26.12 showed suggestive evidence of association with higher risk of the disease (OR = 1.35, p = 1.2 × 10(-04) , OR = 1.26, p = 5.2 × 10(-04) and OR = 1.38, p = 5.9 × 10(-05) , respectively). Finally, the rare allele of rs4075570 at 6q14.1 conferred protection in the series studied (OR = 0.82, p = 2.0 × 10(-04) ). This study suggests that heterogeneity in genetic susceptibility between populations is a key feature to take into account when exploring genetic risk factors related to this disease., (© 2015 UICC.)

To investigate the association of functional variants of the human UNC13A gene with the risk of ALS, survival and the disease progression rate in a Spanish ALS cohort. 136 sporadic ALS (sALS) patients and 487 healthy controls were genotyped for the UNC13A rs12608932 variant. Clinical characterization of ALS patients included gender, age at first symptom, initial topography, disease progression rate, and survival. Genetic association was analyzed under five inheritance models. The sALS patients with the rs12608932(CC) genotype had an increased risk of ALS under a recessive genetic model [OR 2.16; 95 % CI (1.23, 3.8), p = 0.009; corrected p = 0.028]. Genotypes with a C allele are also associated with increased risk [OR 1.47; 95 % CI (1.11, 1.95); p = 0.008; corrected p = 0.023] under an additive model. sALS patients with a C/C genotype had a shorter survival than patients with A/A and A/C genotypes [HR 1.44; 95 % CI (1.11, 1.873); p = 0.007] under a recessive model. In an overdominant model, heterozygous patients had a longer survival than homozygous patients [HR 0.36; 95 % CI (0.22, 0.59); p = 0.001]. The rs12608932 genotypes modify the progression of symptoms measured using the ALSFRS-R. No association with age of onset, initial topography or rate of decline in FVC was found. Our results show that rs12608932 is a risk factor for ALS in the Spanish population and replicate the findings described in other populations. The rs12608932 is a modifying factor for survival and disease progression rate in our series. Our results also corroborated that it did not influence the age of onset.