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Se revisan los métodos de series temporales en los estudios epidemiológicos sobre contaminación atmosférica, ilustrándolo mediante una regresión de Poisson autoregresiva, la cual ha sido utilizada en los proyectos APHEA y EMECAM. Se relacionan las variaciones en el número diario de muertos mayores de 70 años (todas las causas, CIE-9:001-799) en Barcelona, 1991-1995, con las variaciones en los niveles diarios promedio de contaminación por humos negros. Se utiliza una regresión de Poisson por cuanto la variable aleatoria dependiente sigue presumiblemente tal distribución de probabilidad. Como confusores se consideran variables meteorológicas (promedios diarios de temperatura y de humedad), comportamientos tendenciales, estacionales y efectos de calendario presentes en la mortalidad (todos ellos aproximados de forma determinista) así como cualquier otra variable que tenga un comportamiento que pueda relacionarse con la variable dependiente (ocurrencia de epidemias de gripe por ejemplo). La relación entre la mortalidad y las variables confusoras se modeliza de forma no lineal y se tienen en cuenta además los previsibles periodos de latencia (utilizando retardos de variables explicativa por ejemplo). Sin embargo, y debido a que el control no es perfecto, se opta por estimar un modelo de Poisson autoregresivo (introduciendo como variables explicativas diversos retardos de la mortalidad) corrigiendo la autocorrelación residual. La principal ventaja del método de análisis descrito es la de permitir un control de variables confusoras desde un punto determinista, con un software al alcance de todos los grupos que participan en el proyecto. Además, permite que el método se pueda aplicar de una formar protocolizada y estandarizada que facilite la comparación de resultados y permita la realización de un meta-análisis.

FUNDAMENTOS: La mayoría de los estudios que muestran la existencia de una asociación a corto plazo entre contaminación atmosférica y morbimortalidad, analizan los efectos de los contaminantes `clásicos' cuya fuente es la combustión. Sin embargo, los cambios en las fuentes de emisión, fundamentalmente hacia el tráfico rodado, han modificado la contaminación atmosférica, haciendo más importante los componentes foto-químicos, como el ozono (O3) y el dióxido de nitrógeno (NO2). Barcelona es una ciudad situada en una zona templada y su contaminación atmosférica proviene principalmente de las emisiones de los vehículos. El principal objetivo de este artículo es el de analizar la relación entre los contaminantes foto-químicos, NO2 y O3, y la mortalidad por diferentes causas, en la ciudad de Barcelona desde 1991 hasta 1995, utilizando el protocolo de análisis elaborado dentro del proyecto EMECAM. MÉTODOS: Variaciones diarias del número de muertes por todas las causas, del número de muertes por todas las causas entre mayores de 70 años, del número de muertes por causas del aparato circulatorio y por causas respiratorias se relacionan con las variaciones diarias de los contaminantes foto-químicos, a través de modelos de Poisson autoregresivos, controlando confusores como la temperatura, la humedad relativa, la estructura temporal sistemática y la estructura autoregresiva. RESULTADOS: Excepto la relación entre O3 y mortalidad a causa de enfermedades respiratorias, las relaciones entre contaminantes foto-químicos y mortalidad por todas las causas consideradas resultaron estadísticamente significativas. Los riesgos relativos de morir ante incrementos de O3 fueron mayores que ante incrementos de NO2, casi el triple entre enfermedades del aparato circulatorio. Los riesgos relativos de morir por todas las causas son menores que por causas específicas y que para aquellos individuos mayores de 70 años. Los resultados del análisis por semestres son muy similares a los del global mostrando, en todo caso, riesgos relativos algo mayores en los meses cálidos (mayo a octubre). CONCLUSIONES: La contaminación fotoquímica, sobre todo la causada por O3, representa un riesgo para la salud. En el caso del NO2 podría ocurrir que no fuese más que un indicador de las partículas suspendidas o de otros contaminantes cuyo origen es el tráfico urbano. Podría existir cierta modificación entre semestres de los efectos del O3 sobre la mortalidad por causas del aparato circulatorio.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the associations between prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and childhood obesity. We focused on organochlorines (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane [DDT], dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene [DDE], hexachlorobenzene [HCB], and polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs]), perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) that are the POPs more widely studied in environmental birth cohorts so far. We search two databases (PubMed and Embase) through July/09/2021 and identified 33 studies reporting associations with prenatal organochlorine exposure, 21 studies reporting associations with prenatal PFAS, and five studies reporting associations with prenatal PBDEs. We conducted a qualitative review. Additionally, we performed random-effects meta-analyses of POP exposures, with data estimates from at least three prospective studies, and BMI-z. Prenatal DDE and HCB levels were associated with higher BMI z-score in childhood (beta: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.21; I2 : 28.1% per study-specific log increase of DDE and beta: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.53; I2 : 31.9% per study-specific log increase of HCB). No significant associations between PCB-153, PFOA, PFOS, or pentaPBDEs with childhood BMI were found in meta-analyses. In individual studies, there was inconclusive evidence that POP levels were positively associated with other obesity indicators (e.g., waist circumference).

Abstract Background Kidney disease is associated with an increased total mortality and cardiovascular morbimortality in the general population and in patients with Type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of kidney disease and different types of renal disease in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods Cross-sectional study in a random sample of 2,642 T2DM patients cared for in primary care during 2007. Studied variables: demographic and clinical characteristics, pharmacological treatments and T2DM complications (diabetic foot, retinopathy, coronary heart disease and stroke). Variables of renal function were defined as follows: 1) Microalbuminuria: albumin excretion rate & 30 mg/g or 3.5 mg/mmol, 2) Macroalbuminuria: albumin excretion rate & 300 mg/g or 35 mg/mmol, 3) Kidney disease (KD): glomerular filtration rate according to Modification of Diet in Renal Disease < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and/or the presence of albuminuria, 4) Renal impairment (RI): glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, 5) Nonalbuminuric RI: glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 without albuminuria and, 5) Diabetic nephropathy (DN): macroalbuminuria or microalbuminuria plus diabetic retinopathy. Results The prevalence of different types of renal disease in patients was: 34.1% KD, 22.9% RI, 19.5% albuminuria and 16.4% diabetic nephropathy (DN). The prevalence of albuminuria without RI (13.5%) and nonalbuminuric RI (14.7%) was similar. After adjusting per age, BMI, cholesterol, blood pressure and macrovascular disease, RI was significantly associated with the female gender (OR 2.20; CI 95% 1.86–2.59), microvascular disease (OR 2.14; CI 95% 1.8–2.54) and insulin treatment (OR 1.82; CI 95% 1.39–2.38), and inversely associated with HbA1c (OR 0.85 for every 1% increase; CI 95% 0.80–0.91). Albuminuria without RI was inversely associated with the female gender (OR 0.27; CI 95% 0.21–0.35), duration of diabetes (OR 0.94 per year; CI 95% 0.91–0.97) and directly associated with HbA1c (OR 1.19 for every 1% increase; CI 95% 1.09–1.3). Conclusions One-third of the sample population in this study has KD. The presence or absence of albuminuria identifies two subgroups with different characteristics related to gender, the duration of diabetes and metabolic status of the patient. It is important to determine both albuminuria and GFR estimation to diagnose KD.

Abstract Introduction In recent decades, the foreign population in Spain has increased significantly, particularly for Catalonia, an autonomous region of Spain (2.90% in 2000 and 15.95% in 2010) and in particular Girona province (6.18% in 2000 and 21.55% in 2010). Several studies have shown a lower use of family planning methods by immigrants. This same trend is observed in Spain. The objective of this paper is to determine the existence of differences and possible sources of inequity in the use of family planning methods among health service users in Catalonia (Spain) by sex, health status, place of birth and socioeconomic conditions. Methods Data were taken from an ad-hoc questionnaire which was compiled following a qualitative stage of individual interviews. Said questionnaire was administered to 1094 Catalan public health service users during 2007. A complete descriptive analysis was carried out for variables related to public health service users’ sociodemographic characteristics and variables indicating knowledge and use of family planning methods, and bivariate relationships were analysed by means of chi-square contrasts. Considering the use (or non-use) of family planning methods as a dependent variable and a set of demographic, socioeconomic and health status variables as explanatory factors, the relationship was modelled using mixed models. Results The analysed sample is comprised of 54.3% women and 45.7% men, with 74.3% natives (or from the EU) and 25.7% economic immigrants. 54.8% use some method of family planning, the condom (46.7%) and the pill (28.0%) being the two most frequently used methods. Statistical modelling indicates that those factors which most influence the use of family planning methods are level of education (30.59% and 39.29% more likelihood) and having children over 14 (35.35% more likelihood). With regard to the origin of the user, we observe that patients from North Africa,sub. Saharan Africa and Asia are less likely to use family planning methods (36.68%, 38.59% and 70.51%, respectively). Conclusions The use of family planning methods is positively related to a higher level of education and having children over 14. Factors such as sex, age, income and self-perceived health do not appear to influence their use. Furthermore, being a native of this country, the European Union or Central/South America represents a greater likelihood of use than being African or Asian. Although no general differences in use were found between sexes, the difference found in the case of Asian women stands out, with a higher likelihood of use.

Abstract Background In this study we propose improvements to the method of elaborating deprivation indexes. First, in the selection of the variables, we incorporated a wider range of both objective and subjective measures. Second, in the statistical methodology, we used a distance indicator instead of the standard aggregating method principal component analysis. Third, we propose another methodological improvement, which consists in the use of a more robust statistical method to assess the relationship between deprivation and health responses in ecological regressions. Methods We conducted an ecological small-area analysis based on the residents of the Metropolitan region of Barcelona in the period 1994–2007. Standardized mortality rates, stratified by sex, were studied for four mortality causes: tumor of the bronquial, lung and trachea, diabetes mellitus type II, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Socioeconomic conditions were summarized using a deprivation index. Sixteen socio-demographic variables available in the Spanish Census of Population and Housing were included. The deprivation index was constructed by aggregating the above-mentioned variables using the distance indicator, DP2. For the estimation of the ecological regression we used hierarchical Bayesian models with some improvements. Results At greater deprivation, there is an increased risk of dying from diabetes for both sexes and of dying from lung cancer for men. On the other hand, at greater deprivation, there is a decreased risk of dying from breast cancer and lung cancer for women. We did not find a clear relationship in the case of prostate cancer (presenting an increased risk but only in the second quintile of deprivation). Conclusions We believe our results were obtained using a more robust methodology. First off, we have built a better index that allows us to directly collect the variability of contextual variables without having to use arbitrary weights. Secondly, we have solved two major problems that are present in spatial ecological regressions, i.e. those that use spatial data and, consequently, perform a spatial adjustment in order to obtain consistent estimators.

Abstract Background There is evidence that exposure to passive smoking in general, and in babies in particular, is an important cause of morbimortality. Passive smoking is related to an increased risk of pediatric diseases such as sudden death syndrome, acute respiratory diseases, worsening of asthma, acute-chronic middle ear disease and slowing of lung growth. The objective of this article is to describe the BIBE study protocol. The BIBE study aims to determine the effectiveness of a brief intervention within the context of Primary Care, directed to mothers and fathers that smoke, in order to reduce the exposure of babies to passive smoking (ETS). Methods/Design Cluster randomized field trial (control and intervention group), multicentric and open. Subject: Fathers and/or mothers who are smokers and their babies (under 18 months) that attend pediatric services in Primary Care in Catalonia. The measurements will be taken at three points in time, in each of the fathers and/or mothers who respond to a questionnaire regarding their baby's clinical background and characteristics of the baby's exposure, together with variables related to the parents' tobacco consumption. A hair sample of the baby will be taken at the beginning of the study and at six months after the initial visit (biological determination of nicotine). The intervention group will apply a brief intervention in passive smoking after specific training and the control group will apply the habitual care. Discussion Exposure to ETS is an avoidable factor related to infant morbimortality. Interventions to reduce exposure to ETS in babies are potentially beneficial for their health. The BIBE study evaluates an intervention to reduce exposure to ETS that takes advantage of pediatric visits. Interventions in the form of advice, conducted by pediatric professionals, are an excellent opportunity for prevention and protection of infants against the harmful effects of ETS. Trial Registration Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT00788996.

Purpose: This study aims to assess how fractures and fear of falling affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in men (≥50 years) across different domains. Methods: Design: Observational study. Setting: Primary care. Subjects: 237 men aged 50–90 years. Outcome measures: Age, frac-tures, fear of falling, EQ-5D. Results: A total of 122 men (51.47% of the male cohort) participated, the mean age was 69 ± 5 (≥65–74 years 26.2%, ≥75–84 years 21.3%, ≥85 years 9.8%). Poorer EQ-5D scores were observed in men ≥ 65 years with fractures in the pain domain (p = 0.04), while men < 65 showed better scores in mobility (p = 0.04), self-care (p = 0.04), daily activities (p = 0.04), and anxiety/depression (p = 0.01). Fear of falling significantly impacted HRQoL across all ages, with men ≥ 65 reporting worse mobility (p = 0.02) and higher anxiety/depression (p = 0.01), while men < 65 experienced less pain (p = 0.00). Conclusions: This study shows a relationship between frac-tures, fear of falling, and the perception of the various dimensions of HRQoL in older men. It highlights the need for targeted interventions and follow-up systems to monitor recovery and address fears of falling in men aged 65 and above post-fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Ultraprocessed foods (UPF) consumption is associated with excess adiposity in adults, but this linkage remains unclear among children and adolescents. The present systematic review sought to address this research gap. Publications up to November 2023 were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Outcomes included overweight/obesity anthropometric and body composition indicators; the exposure was UPF consumption based on the NOVA classification system. The review included 23 studies (i.e., 8 cohort and 15 cross‐sectional); approximately half were carried out in Brazil. Inconclusive and heterogeneous evidence exists as few cohort studies found positive/mixed associations between UPF consumption and excess adiposity in pediatric populations, whereas most cross‐sectional studies reported null associations. Such inconsistencies may be attributed to underlying methodological issues, especially heterogeneity in the outcomes assessed and UPF consumption operationalization and/or categorization. Future studies should adopt longitudinal designs with sufficiently extended follow‐up periods, account for relevant confounding factors, employ validated and standardized measurement tools to assess dietary exposure, ensure consistent operationalization of variables, and encompass diverse geographic contexts. Ultimately, strengthening the quality of existing research evidence may better inform current and forthcoming policy and practice interventions aimed at mitigating the increasing prevalence of overweight/obesity in childhood and across the life course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the impact of prior chronic treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/ angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), both as a group and by active ingredient, on severity (risk of hospitalization and mortality), progression of and susceptibility to COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a multiple population-based case–control study in Galicia (north-west Spain). The study data were sourced from medical, administrative and clinical databases. We assessed: (1) risk of hospitalization, by selecting all patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 with PCR + as cases, and a random sample of subjects without a PCR + as controls; (2) COVID-19 mortality risk; (3) risk of disease progression; and (4) susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2, considering all patients with PCR + as cases, and the same subjects used in the previous model as controls. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were calculated. Results: ACEIs and ARBs were shown to decrease the risk of hospitalization (aOR = 0.78 [95%CI 0.69–0.89] and aOR = 0.80 [95%CI 0.72–0.90] respectively), risk of mortality (aOR = 0.71 [95%CI 0.52–0.98] and aOR = 0.69 [95%CI 0.52–0.91] respectively), and susceptibility to the virus (aOR = 0.88 [95%CI 0.82–0.94] and aOR = 0.92 [95%CI 0.86–0.97] respectively). By active ingredient: use of enalapril was associated with a significantly lower risk of hospitalization (aOR = 0.72 [95%CI 0.61–0.85]), mortality (aOR = 0.59 [95%CI 0.38–0.92]) and susceptibility to COVID-19 (aOR = 0.86 [95%CI 0.79–0.94]); and use of candesartan was associated with a decreased risk of hospitalization (aOR = 0.76 [95%CI 0.60–0.95]), mortality (aOR = 0.36 [95%CI 0.17–0.75]) and disease progression (aOR = 0.73 [95%CI 0.56–0.95]). Conclusion: This large-scale real-world data study suggest that enalapril and candesartan are associated with a considerable reduction in risk of severe COVID19 outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]