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The present work assesses indoor air quality in stations of the Barcelona subway system. PM2.5 concentrations on the platforms of 4 subway stations were measured during two different seasons and the chemical composition was determined. A Positive Matrix Factorization analysis was performed to identify and quantify the contributions of major PM2.5 sources in the subway stations. Mean PM2.5 concentrations varied according to the stations design and seasonal periods. PM2.5 was composed of haematite, carbonaceous aerosol, crustal matter, secondary inorganic compounds, trace elements, insoluble sulphate and halite. Organic compounds such as PAHs, nicotine, levoglucosan and aromatic musk compounds were also identified. Subway PM2.5 source comprised emissions from rails, wheels, catenaries, brake pads and pantographs. The subway source showed different chemical profiles for each station, but was always dominated by Fe. Control actions on the source are important for the achievement of better air quality in the subway environment., (Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the co-morbidity, health care use, economical impact, and availability of effective treatments used in generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) patients in a primary care setting (PCS)., Method: A retrospective multicentre population-based study., Setting: Five primary care clinics managed by Badalona Serveis Assistencials S.A., Barcelona, Spain., Participants: Outpatient records of patients over 18 years managed at 5 PCSs during 2006. Patients with and without GAD were compared. In GAD patients, 4 groups were established for comparison, according to pharmacological prescription., Measurements: Main outcomes measures were general, reason/co-morbidity, health care use and primary care cost (visits, diagnostic/therapeutic tests, and drugs). We counted work absenteeism as an indirect cost. Pharmacological prescription was studied according to evidence-based recommendations and Spanish health-approved indications. The statistical analysis included a multivariate model: logistic regression, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), P< .05. RESULTS. Of the 65 767 patients included, 4.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.9-5.3) had GAD. Patients with/without GAD, the average episode/year was 6.1 versus 4.7 and attendance/year 10.0 versus 7.6; P< .001. GAD was associated with women (odds ratio [OR], 1.8), dyslipidemia (OR, 1.2), smoking (OR, 1.4), depression (OR, 1.2), and cerebrovascular accident (OR, 1.6) (P< .02). The mean direct cost/year adjusted by age, gender and morbidity load was euro686 versus euro557 (P< .001). GAD was associated with higher directs costs. The recommended treatment was followed in 40.1% of total patients (95% CI, 38.4-41.8)., Conclusions: Patients with GAD have greater co-morbidity and higher direct costs in PCS. Means designed to improve the recognition and treatment of these patients should be established in the PCS.