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During the MEDiterranean International Acoustic Survey (MEDIAS) carried out in 2016 and 2017 in the Northern Alboran Sea in July, a benthic scattering layer located mainly in Malaga Bay was acoustically detected at multiple frequencies and biologically identified using different sampling devices (plankton net and pelagic trawl). This layer mainly corresponded to an anchovy larvae aggregation ranged 2 and 40 mm standard length. Our results pointed out that anchovy larvae massively migrate from the surface to the bottom near the coast, until the 70 m isobath, forming large aggregations acoustically detected as a scattering benthic layer, in which small schools form and emerge. This work has highlighted the potential of acoustic surveys such as MEDIAS to generate anchovy recruitment success indicators complementary and simultaneously to the traditional ones (biomass of the reproductive stock) and their great utility as a fisheries management tool in areas such as the Alboran Sea where the fishing resource is scarce., SI

The main justification of this study was to describe our experience in neonatal screening and to define the prevalence of the diseases included in the neonatal screening program in Andalusia, among which are congenital hypothyroidism, expanded screening (aminoacidopathies, mitochondrial beta-oxidation defects and organic acidurias), cystic fibrosis, and screening for sickle cell anemia.The study was carried out in the Metabolopathies Unit of the Virgen del Rocío Hospital in Seville with samples of newborns from Western Andalusia (Cádiz, Córdoba, Huelva and Seville) and autonomous city of Ceuta. A total of 435,141 newborns were studied (from the period from April 1st 2009 to December 31st 2019) to rule out congenital hypothyroidism and expanded screening; 378,306 for cystic fibrosis from May 1st 2011 to the same date described above. Finally, sickle cell anemia screening was included, which comprised a total of 55,576 newborns from November 26th, 2018 to the same period as the previous ones. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS software (version 22, SPSS INC., USA).The study revealed a prevalence of 1:1565 newborns for congenital hypothyroidism, 1:1532 newborns for extended screening, 1:6.878 newborns for cystic fibrosis, and a 1:11.115 newborns for sickle cell disease.The neonatal screening program allows a large number of newborns to benefit from the early detection of certain serious congenital diseases. This aim improves the morbidity and mortality of those who suffer from them.La principal justificación del trabajo fue describir nuestra experiencia en cribado neonatal y definir la prevalencia de cada una de las enfermedades incluidas en el programa de cribado neonatal de Andalucía, entre las que se encuentran el hipotiroidismo congénito, cribado ampliado expandido (aminoacidopatías, defectos de la beta-oxidación mitocondrial y acidurias orgánicas), fibrosis quística y enfermedad de células falciformes.El estudio se realizó en la Unidad del Laboratorio de Metabolopatías del Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío de Sevilla con muestras de recién nacidos de Andalucía Occidental (Cádiz, Córdoba, Huelva y Sevilla) y la ciudad autónoma de Ceuta. Para descartar hipotiroidismo congénito y cribado ampliado expandido se estudiaron un total de 435.141 recién nacidos, con fecha de inicio el 1 de abril de 2009. El cribado de fibrosis quística comenzó el 1 de mayo de 2011, siendo estudiados un total de 378.306 recién nacidos. Por último, el 26 de noviembre de 2018 se incorporó el cribado de anemia de células falciformes, que comprendió un total de 55.576 recién nacidos. La fecha fin de estudio fue el 31 de diciembre de 2019 para todas las patologías descritas anteriormente. El análisis estadístico se realizó usando el software IBM SPSS (versión 22, SPSS INC., EEUU).El estudio reveló una prevalencia de 1:1.565 recién nacidos para hipotiroidismo congénito, 1:1.532 para cribado ampliado expandido, 1:6.878 para fibrosis quística y 1:11.115 recién nacidos para enfermedad de células falciformes.El programa de cribado neonatal permite que se beneficien gran número de recién nacidos en la detección precoz de determinadas enfermedades congénitas graves y, con ello, mejora la morbimortalidad de aquellos que las padecen.

Introduction Cystic fibrosis neonatal screening (CFNS), based on double determination of immunoreactive trypsinogen ([IRT] [IRT1/IRT2]), has been available in Andalusia since May 2011. If screening is positive, a sweat test is performed, and if that is positive or inconclusive, genetic testing is requested. Objective To analyze CFNS, based on results from the first 4.5 years of the program. Materials and methods Prospective descriptive study of neonates undergoing CFNS. IRT levels, sweat chloride, and mutations were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 12.0. Results Between May 2011 and December 2016, 474,953 neonates underwent CFNS. Of these, 1087 (0.23%) had elevated IRT2. Since CFNS was introduced, 73 cases of cystic fibrosis were diagnosed; 60 were diagnosed by positive CFNS, and 13 were diagnosed by other means. In one case, the patient developed a typical clinical picture of cystic fibrosis, but had not undergone CFNS at the decision of the parents; the remaining 12 had a negative CFNS (false negatives). Of these, one patient was diagnosed before symptoms developed, as his twin brother had a positive CFNS result; another had chloride at the upper limit of normal, and was subsequently diagnosed with genetic testing before symptoms appeared; and 10 patients developed clinical signs and symptoms. Excluding patients with meconium ileus, sensitivity and specificity of the CFNS program were 85.71% and 99.78%, respectively. The incidence of the disease in Andalusia is 1/6506 live births. Conclusion These results are a basis for reflection on possible areas for improvement of the CFNS algorithm, and thought may be given to the introduction of genetic studies to increase sensitivity and reduce false positives.

CAPN3 mutations cause a limb girdle muscular dystrophy. Functional characterization of novel mutations facilitates diagnosis of future cases. We have identified a novel (c.1992 + 2T>G) CAPN3 mutation that disrupts the donor splice site of intron 17 splicing out exon 17, with mRNA levels severely reduced or undetectable. The mutation induces a strong change in the 3D structure of the mRNA which supports no-go mRNA decay as the probable mechanism for RNA degradation. The mutation was identified in two unrelated Roma individuals showing a common ancestral origin and founder effect. This is the first Roma CAPN3 mutation to be reported., This project has been founded by ISCIII and FEDER “a way to achieve Europe”; Grant number PI16/00612(MC‐S) and PI16/01843 (CP). MC‐S was supported by ISCIII (JR15/00042) and Junta de Andalucia‐Consejeria de Salud (B‐0005‐2017).

[Rationale] Clinical and genetic management of patients with rare syndromes is often a difficult, confusing, and slow task., [Patient concerns] Male child patient with a multisystemic disease showing congenital heart defects, facial dysmorphism, skeletal malformations, and eye anomalies., [Diagnosis] The patient remained clinically undiagnosed until the genetic results were conclusive and allowed to associate its clinical features with the germline ABL1 mutations-associated syndrome., [Interventions] We performed whole-exome sequencing to uncover the underlying genetic defect in this patient. Subsequently, family segregation of identified mutations was performed by Sanger sequencing in all available family members., [Outcomes] The only detected variant compatible with the disease was a novel heterozygous nonframeshift de novo deletion in ABL1 (c.434_436del; p.Ser145del). The affected residue lays in a functional domain of the protein, it is highly conserved among distinct species, and its loss is predicted as pathogenic by in silico studies., [Lessons] Our results reinforce the involvement of ABL1 in clinically undiagnosed cases with developmental defects and expand the clinical and genetic spectrum of the recently reported ABL1-associated syndrome. In this sense, we described the third germline ABL1 causative mutation and linked, for the first time, ocular anterior chamber anomalies to this pathology. Thus, we suggest that this disorder may be more heterogeneous than is currently believed and may be overlapping with other multisystemic diseases, hence genetic and clinical reassessment of this type of cases should be considered to ensure proper diagnosis., This work was supported by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, and co-funded by European Union (ERDF/ESF, “Investing in your future”) [PI15-01648 and PI16-01422], CIBERER ACCI [ER16P1AC702/2017] and Regional Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment of the Autonomous Government of Andalusia [CTS-1664]. The CIBERER is an initiative of the ISCIII, Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness.

Resumen Introduccion Andalucia dispone de screening neonatal de fibrosis quistica (SNFQ) desde mayo 2011, basado en doble determinacion de tripsinogeno inmunorreactivo ([TIR] [TIR1/TIR2]). Si el screening es positivo realizamos un test del sudor y si es positivo o dudoso solicitamos genetica. Objetivo Analizar el SNFQ, basado en los resultados de los primeros 4,5 anos. Material y metodo Estudio descriptivo prospectivo de los neonatos sometidos a SNFQ. Se recogen los niveles de TIR, cloruro en sudor, mutaciones. Mediante SPSS12.0 se realizo analisis estadistico. Resultados Desde mayo 2011 a diciembre 2016, 474.953 neonatos fueron sometidos a SNFQ. Mil ochenta y siete (0,23%) presentaron TIR2 elevado. Desde la implantacion del SNFQ se diagnosticaron 73 casos con fibrosis quistica; 60 de ellos fueron diagnosticados mediante un SNFQ positivo, mientras que 13 no. Concretamente un paciente comenzo con clinica clasica de fibrosis quistica y se comprobo que no se habia realizado el SNFQ por decision paterna; los 12 restantes tuvieron un SNFQ negativo (falsos negativos). De estos, un paciente fue diagnosticado presintomaticamente al tener su hermano gemelo con SNFQ positivo; otro con cloruro en el limite alto de la normalidad se diagnostico presintomaticamente mediante genetica; 10 pacientes comenzaron clinicamente. Excluyendo los pacientes con ileo meconial, la sensibilidad y especificidad del programa de SNFQ asciende al 85,71 y 99,78% respectivamente. La incidencia de la enfermedad en Andalucia es de 1/6.506 recien nacidos vivos. Conclusion Los presentes resultados nos permiten reflexionar sobre posibles areas de mejoras adicionales del algoritmo del SNFQ, que debe pasar por la introduccion de estudios geneticos para asi aumentar la sensibilidad y disminuir los falsos positivos.

To identify the disease gene in 6 Spanish families with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa linked to the RP25 locus, mutation screening of 4 candidate genes, KHDRBS2, PTP4A1, KIAA1411 and OGFRL1, was undertaken based on their expression or functional relevance to the retina. Twenty-six single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified, of which 14 were novel. Even though no pathological mutations were detected, these genes however remain as good candidates for other retinal degenerations mapping to the same chromosomal region.

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a frequent retinal dystrophy characterized by a progressive loss of photoreceptors along with retinal degeneration. RIM1, encoding a presynaptic protein involved in the glutamate neurotransmission, is the responsible gene for autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy CORD7, whose locus overlaps partially with a locus of autosomal recessive RP (arRP), RP25. Given the genetic heterogeneity that features RP, it is plausible that mutations in RIM1 are also implicated in the disease in arRP families genetically linked to the CORD7 region. To test our hypothesis we analysed the complete RIM1 gene in 8 arRP families by DNA sequencing. Even though the absence of pathogenic mutations suggests that RIM1 is notinvolved in arRP, a role for this gene in other inherited forms of RP as well as other retinal dystrophies needs to be elucidated.

The identification of genetic factors predisposing or protecting against HIV-1 infection has been an important aim in AIDS research. Two of these factors are located in the promoter region of the CCL5 gene, which encodes the RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cells expressed and secreted) chemokine, an inhibitor agent for M-tropic HIV-1 strains. More specifically, the role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) -403G --> A and -28C --> G has been evaluated in the course of HIV-1 infection in several populations with different genetic, geographic, and ethnic backgrounds. Here we present a fast, simple, reliable, and efficient method for the simultaneous genotyping of these two CCL5 variants. A case-control study has been performed to evaluate the role of -403G --> A and -28C --> G as susceptibility factors for HIV-1 infection in the Spanish population. No differences have been found in the allelic frequencies of either variant or in the haplotype/genotype distribution between patients and controls. These data would be consistent with a lack of association between these SNPs and HIV-1 infection in our population.

We report on the structure, map location, and tissue expression of the human GlcAT-S gene. The gene covers approximately 85 Kb on chromosome 6 (6q13) between the D6S455 and D6S1673 markers. GlcAT-S is composed of four exons and encodes a 324-amino-acid protein, which shows 89% homology with the rat glcat-s protein and is involved in the biosynthesis of the HNK-1 carbohydrate epitope on glycoproteins. Although GlcAT-S was considered an interesting candidate gene for the RP25 locus, the absence of any pathogenic mutations in probands of RP25-linked families ruled out that candidacy.

The etiology of sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (sMTC) remains elusive. While germline gain-of-function mutations in the RET proto-oncogene cause hereditary MTC, somatic RET mutations have been described in a variable number of sMTC. So far, S836S of RET, is the only variant whose association with sMTC has been found in several European cohorts. Because RET variants seem to be associated with MTC, it is plausible that variants in genes encoding for RET coreceptors may play a role in the pathogenesis of sMTC. Recently, we described two possible low penetrance susceptibility alleles in the gene encoding RET coreceptor GFRalpha1, -193C > G and 537T > C, in a German series of sMTC. In this study, we have genotyped nine polymorphisms within GFRA1-3 genes for 51 Spanish sMTC, and 100 normal controls. Our results show that no statistical signification was found when Spanish sMTC patients were compared to controls. Taken together with the observations in the German sMTC series, the present findings suggest that GFRA1-193C > G and 537T > C could be in linkage disequilibrium with other loci responsible for the disease with a founder effect in Germany. Alternatively, the combined observations might also suggest that, if indeed the polymorphisms are functional, the effect is small.

OBJECTIVE The molecular basis of sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) remains elusive. While germline gain-of-function mutations in the RET proto-oncogene cause hereditary MTC, somatic activating RET mutations and loss of heterozygosity of markers in various chromosomal regions representing deletions of tumour suppressor genes, have been described in a variable number of sporadic MTC. A previous report suggested that the presence of a germline variant at RET codon 836 (S836S) was associated with the development of sporadic MTC and, furthermore, that the presence of S836S was highly correlated with somatic RET M918T mutation in the MTC. Thus, we sought to determine if the S836S variant would be associated with sporadic MTC from a completely different population base, that of Andalucia. DESIGN This is a case-control study to determine whether the presence of RET germline S836S is correlated with sporadic MTC in Andalucia. PATIENTS Thirty-two patients with sporadic MTC from the Andalucia region of Spain, serviced by our University Hospital, were ascertained throughout the period 1995-99. Sporadic MTC was defined as a lack of personal or family history suggestive of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) and lack of germline RET mutations which define any MEN 2 subtype. A region and race matched cohort of 250 controls was also obtained. MEASUREMENTS The frequency of the S836S allele was determined in cases and controls and compared using the standard chi-squared statistic and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS The polymorphic allele frequency at codon 836 in the control population (18/500 chromosomes, 3.6%) differed significantly from the MTC case cohort, 9.3% of case chromosomes (six of 64 alleles, Fisher's exact test, two-tailed, P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS Germline RET S836S variant is associated with a two- to three-fold risk of sporadic MTC in the Spanish population, in accordance with a previous study based on German cases. Our observations suggest that this phenomenon might be universal and not limited to Germany.

Supplementary data associated with this article can be found, in the online version, at doi:10.1016/ j.braindev.2010.09.012, Rett Syndrome (RS; MIM_312750) is a severe and progressive neurodevelopmental disorder affecting principally females. Mutations in X-Linked MECP2 gene (methyl CpG-binding protein 2; MIM_300005) have been reported as being the major cause of RS. Mutations in this gene have been described as cause of wide spectrum of neurological disorders and mental retardation in males. In some cases, mutations in MECP2 in males produce clinical picture similar to RS. Here we report the identification of the novel truncating mutation Y120X in a 4-year-old child with atypical RS phenotype. Chromosome analysis showed a normal karyotype, and blood DNA and tissue DNA analysis reveal a mosaic for the mutation. Patient's mother DNA analysis showed that this is a de novo mutation, that has never been described before in any female or male case of RS. © 2010 The Japanese Society of Child Neurology., The CIBER de Enfermedades Raras is an initiative of the ISCIII. J.I.P. was supported by Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria.

To identify the disease gene in five Spanish families with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (arRP) linked to the RP25 locus. Two candidate genes, EEF1A1 and IMPG1, were selected from the region between D6S280 and D6S1644 markers where the families are linked. The genes were selected as good candidates on the basis of their function, tissue expression pattern, and/or genetic data.A molecular genetic study was performed on DNA extracted from one parent and one affected member of each studied family. The coding exons, splice sites, and the 5' UTR of the genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). For mutation detection, direct sequence analysis was performed using the ABI 3100 automated sequencer. Segregation of an IMPG1 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in all the families studied was analyzed by restriction enzyme digest of the amplified gene fragments.In total, 15 SNPs were identified of which 7 were novel. Of the identified SNPs, one was insertion, two were deletions, five were intronic, six were missense, and one was located in the 5' UTR. These changes, however, were also identified in unaffected members of the families and/or 50 control Caucasians. The examined known IMPG1 SNP was not segregating with the disease phenotype but was correlating with the genetic data in all families studied.Our results indicate that neither EEF1A1 nor IMPG1 could be responsible for RP25 in the studied families due to absence of any pathogenic variants. However, it is important to notice that the methodology used in this study cannot detect larger deletions that lie outside the screened regions or primer site mutations that exist in the heterozygous state. A role of both genes in other inherited forms of RP and/or retinal degenerations needs to be elucidated.

Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the predisposition to develop a number of cancers, especially colorectal cancer (CRC). We present a HNPCC family with CRC at age 12 years. Our observations suggest that the germline mutation of the both copies of the MLH1 gene may play a role in the early onset of CRC.

To identify the disease gene in 6 Spanish families with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa linked to the RP25 locus, mutation screening of 4 candidate genes, KHDRBS2, PTP4A1, KIAA1411 and OGFRL1, was undertaken based on their expression or functional relevance to the retina. Twenty-six single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified, of which 14 were novel. Even though no pathological mutations were detected, these genes however remain as good candidates for other retinal degenerations mapping to the same chromosomal region.

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a frequent retinal dystrophy characterized by a progressive loss of photoreceptors along with retinal degeneration. RIM1, encoding a presynaptic protein involved in the glutamate neurotransmission, is the responsible gene for autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy CORD7, whose locus overlaps partially with a locus of autosomal recessive RP (arRP), RP25. Given the genetic heterogeneity that features RP, it is plausible that mutations in RIM1 are also implicated in the disease in arRP families genetically linked to the CORD7 region. To test our hypothesis we analysed the complete RIM1 gene in 8 arRP families by DNA sequencing. Even though the absence of pathogenic mutations suggests that RIM1 is notinvolved in arRP, a role for this gene in other inherited forms of RP as well as other retinal dystrophies needs to be elucidated.

The RAB small G protein family is composed of approximately 40 members. Many of them are ubiquitous and are expressed and participate in transport processes, such as endocytosis and cxocytosis, whereas others are expressed only within a specific cell group carrying out specific functions. In the current study, we present the molecular characterisation and chromosomal location of the human RAB23 gene, a new member of the RAB family. This gene, expressed in retina, is composed of 7 exons spanning 34 kb of genomic DNA and located in the pericentromeric region of chromosome 6 between microsatellite markers D6S257 and D6S1695, within the critical region of RP25. Since proteins belonging to the Rab family have already been related to retinal degeneration we considered RAB23 an interesting candidate for the RP25 locus. However the absence of pathogenic variations after molecular analysis of the coding sequence in the index patients of RP25 linked families would be consistent with the exclusion of RAB23 as responsible for RP25 phenotype.

Stromal membrane associated protein (smap-1) is a new murine cell surface molecule on the stromal cells. The murine smap-1 protein is induced in stromal cells by the contact with erythroid cells, which suggests that this protein may be involved in the haematopoietic progenitor cells to stromal cells interactions. Here we report the structure, map location and expression analysis of the human SMAP1 gene, which cover approximately 100 kb on chromosome 6 between D6S455 and D6S1673 markers. This gene is composed of 11 exons and encodes a 468-amino-acid protein, which shows an 86% of homology with the murine smap-1 protein. The expression of smap-1 in erythropoietic organs as well as the correlation with the erythropoietic activity of the haematopoietic organs suggest that smap-1 is induced in stromal cells by the contact with erythroid cells, defining smap-1 as a key molecule that induced an erythropoietic microenvironment in haematopoietic organs. The high sequence conservation between murine and human SMAP1, as well as its expression in bone marrow, strongly suggest conserved functions of this protein in both organisms. Recently, a constitutional translocation t(6;10)(q13;q22) has been described in a patient with severe aplastic anaemia. SMAP1 gene localizes to 6q13 and is probably implicated in erythropoiesis, therefore it remains as an interesting candidate gene.

Editor—Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common form of retinal dystrophy. Patients present with night blindness and progressive narrowing of the visual field, eventually leading to central vision loss. Fundus examination usually shows bone spicula pigmentation, attenuation of blood vessels in the retina, and waxy pallor of the optic disc. Typically, the electroretinogram is notably diminished or even abolished.1 RP shows important allelic and non-allelic genetic heterogeneity (RET-GEN-NET) with different modes of inheritance, including autosomal dominant (AD), autosomal recessive (AR), X linked, and digenic. ARRP is the most common form of RP. A locus for ARRP, RP25 , was mapped in 1998 to the long arm of chromosome 6 between microsatellite markers D6S257 and D6S1644 (MIM 602772).2 Recently, we have excluded two candidates, GABRR1 and GABRR2, as the disease causing gene.3 Several loci with retinal dystrophy phenotypes have been mapped to the pericentromeric region of chromosome 6. They include autosomal dominant Stargardt-like disease ( STGD3 ),4 autosomal dominant macular atrophy ( ADMD ),5autosomal dominant …

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common inherited retinal dystrophy, with extensive allelic and nonallelic genetic heterogeneity. Autosomal recessive RP (arRP) is the most common form of RP worldwide, with at least nine loci known and accountable for approximately 10%-15% of all cases. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory transmitter in the CNS. Different GABA receptors are expressed in all retinal layers, and inhibition mediated by GABA receptors in the human retina could be related to RP. We have selected chromosomal regions containing genes that encode the different subunits of the GABA receptors, for homozygosity mapping in inbred families affected by arRP. We identify a new locus for arRP, on chromosome 6, between markers D6S257 and D6S1644. Our data suggest that 10%-20% of Spanish families affected by typical arRP could have linkage to this new locus. This region contains subunits GABRR1 and GABRR2 of the GABA-C receptor, which is the effector of lateral inhibition at the retina.