Heatwave events and concurrent ozone concentrations between 2006 and 2022 at two sites in southern and northern Spain.

Hotter-than-usual days are becoming more common, such that heat waves are expected to increase in intensity, frequency, duration, and spatial extent in Spain. Within this framework, this paper looks at the combined effects of extreme temperatures and air pollution in two cities in Spain, Córdoba and Valladolid, over the period 2006-2022. Synoptic patterns and air mass movement were analysed during the eleven coincident heat waves at both locations in order to study what impact orography and local meteorology have on ozone concentrations. Weak flow conditions were the most frequent synoptic pattern in the Iberian Peninsula during heat waves. Moreover, west and local circulations characterised the main air trajectories at low levels (500 m agl), while southwest maritime advections and African air mass transport were more frequent at higher levels (1500 and 3000 m agl) in Córdoba and Valladolid, respectively. On average, maximum ozone values were higher in Córdoba (105.1 µg m-3) than in Valladolid (80 µg m-3) and were strongly correlated with extreme temperatures at both locations (r up to 0.8, p-value < 0.05). Mean temperature in Córdoba was 31.9 °C, with the maximum value reaching 43.7 °C, while temperatures in Valladolid were lower (28.3 °C and 37.3 °C, respectively). Calculation and assessment of some indices helped to understand the impact of extreme events. Caution actions based on the Heat Index characterised heat wave periods. Moderate risk was the general Air Quality Health Index feature recorded and reached a very high risk of unhealthy air quality in the June 2022 event in Córdoba.

Local weather phenomenon Galerna influences daily radon concentrations in northern Iberian Peninsula.

One of the main factors that affect urban air quality is meteorology. The objective of this study is to understand and characterise the influence that "Galerna" (GL) (an abrupt westerly change over the northern coast of Spain) has on the daily variability of the air quality over Bilbao city (northern Spain). A total of 46 one-day periods from 2009 to 2019 during which GL have been analysed. Radon observations at the Bilbao city radiological station were used because radon is a suitable atmospheric tracer by which to assess and characterise air quality dynamics. The cluster analysis of these periods revealed that increases in radon concentrations, mainly in the afternoon, are associated with the occurrence of GL, but that, this increase in the daily variability of radon concentrations in Bilbao is not reflected in all these GL periods. This variability in the impact of the GL scenario on radon concentrations is associated with the location of Bilbao: along the Nervion valley and 16 km from the coast. The analysis of three GL periods using 10-min surface meteorological and radon data showed an anomalous increase in radon with the arrival of maritime winds, which is associated with the process of a progressive accumulation of radon concentrations over the coastal area in the previous days, and the displacement of these air masses inland owing to the development of the GL event. Our results consequently identify the impact of GL on urban air quality in the afternoon, along with the fact that the complex layout of this coastal area, with the presence of valleys and mountains, favours the formation of reservoir layers above the coastal and valley areas, thus influencing on daily variability of air pollution concentrations. These increases in radon concentrations do not present a significant impact on human health.

Analysis of 222Rn Surface Concentrations in the Basque Country (Spain): A Case Study of Heat Waves.

The objective of this study was to characterize radon concentrations registered in the Radiological Surveillance Network of the Basque country in relation to local meteorological parameters, and to determine its behaviour under heatwave events. For this purpose, radon measurements and meteorological parameters from June 2012 to June 2015 were analysed at two sites, Bilbao and Vitoria (northern Spain), in a region characterized by complex orography, causing large temporal and spatial variability in meteorological conditions. Yearly, seasonal, and diurnal cycle differences and similarities were investigated at both sites. The temporal evolution of radon concentration was analysed at both sites during the two heatwave periods officially identified by the State Meteorological Agency (8-11 August 2012 and 17-23 August 2012). The analysis revealed two different patterns of radon concentrations, in terms of both time and intensity, under this synoptic pattern, making it also possible to identify regional transport channels of radon concentrations between the two sites. This set of results evidences the adequate position of both stations to represent the spatial and temporal evolution of radiological variables continuously in this region.

Meteorological Approach in the Identification of Local and Remote Potential Sources of Radon: An Example in Northern Iberian Peninsula.

This paper presents a meteorological approach to identify local and remote sources driving the variability of surface daily radon concentrations. To this purpose, hourly 222Rn concentration and surface meteorological measurements, and air mass trajectories at Bilbao station (northern Iberian Peninsula) during the period 2017-2018 have been taken as reference. To investigate the potential transport pathways and potential 222Rn sources, the backward trajectory cluster analysis, trajectory sector analysis (TSA), and potential source contribution function (PSCF) are applied. On average, the diurnal 222Rn cycle shows the expected behaviour, with larger concentrations during the night and minimum concentrations during the daylight hours, with differences in the seasonal amplitudes. According to daily differences between maximum and baseline values, 222Rn daily cycles were grouped into six groups to identify meteorological conditions associated with each amplitude, and potential source areas and transport routes of 222Rn over Bilbao. The trajectory cluster and the TSA method show that the main airflow pathways are from the south, with small displacement, and the northeast, while the analysis of surface wind speed and direction indicates that the highest amplitudes of 222Rn concentrations are registered under the development of sea-land breezes. The PSCF method identified south-western and north-eastern areas highly contributing to the 222Rn concentration. These areas are confirmed by comparing with the radon flux map and the European map of uranium concentration in soil. The results have demonstrated the need in combining the analysis of local and regional/synoptic factors in explaining the origin and variability of 222Rn concentrations.

Comportamiento de strain ventrículo derecho en pacientes tratados con quimioterapia y/o radioterapia en una coherte de pacientes / Right ventricular strain behavior in patients treated with chemotherapy/radiation therapy in patient cohort

Introducción: es bien conocida la utilidad del strain global longitudinal (SGL) del ventrículo izquierdo (VI) en pacientes que reciben antineoplásicos. Estudios recientes sugieren una conducta similar del strain longitudinal de la pared libre (SLPL) del ventrículo derecho (VD), pero en la literatura aún existen muchas controversias que limitan su valoración, por lo que este estudio es un aporte a esta necesidad de practicidad. Objetivo: evaluar el comportamiento del SLPL del VD en los pacientes tratados con quimioterapia y/o radioterapia, y su correlación con el SGL del VI. Metodología: se aplicó un protocolo de recolección de datos que incluía variables demográficas y antecedentes de pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer, tratados con quimioterapia y/o radioterapia, que acudieron a realizarse un ecocardiograma con strain, desde noviembre 2020 a marzo 2021. El ecocardiograma se hizo acorde con los estándares de las guías de la Sociedad Americana de Ecocardiografía, que incluyera SGL del VI y el SLPL del VD. Los datos fueron analizados en programa SPSS. Resultados: de 90 pacientes, 6 excluidos para un total de 84 recopilados. 89 % mujeres, edad promedio 59 ±11 años, 73 % cáncer de mama. 54 % hipertensos, 27 % obesos, 23 % con dislipidemia, 19 % diabéticos y 11 % eran o fueron fumadores. 46 % había recibido quimioterapia y radioterapia concomitantes y el 48 % había recibido tratamiento hace más de un año. En hallazgos ecocardiográficos: fracción de eyección del VI (FE) promedio 64±7; sin embargo, 82 % tenía SGL del VI reducido (44 % menor a -15 %). De manera similar, el 74 % tenía reducción del SLPL del VD, pero solo el 15 % de la onda S del Doppler tisular del VD estaba anormal, 7 % del TAPSE estaba reducido y 6 % el cambio del área fraccional (CAF). El coeficiente de correlación de Pearson entre el SGL del VI y el SLPL del VD fue de 0.463, con un valor de p <.001, indicando una significativa relación lineal positiva moderada. Conclusión: nuestro estudio sugiere que el SLPL del VD tiene un comportamiento similar al SGL del VI y es un mejor predictor de disfunción ventricular derecha, por encima de los parámetros convencionales. Por esta razón, debería incorporarse como una medida rutinaria en la evaluación ecocardiográfica de los pacientes que reciben terapias antineoplásicas.

Introduction: It is well known the usefulness of left ventricle (LV) longitudinal global strain (GLS) in patients receiving antineoplastic therapy. Recent studies suggested a similar behavior of the right ventricle (RV) free wall longitudinal strain (FWLS), but in the literature there are still many controversies that limit its evaluation, so this study is a contribution to this need for practicality. Objective: To assess the behavior and usefulness of RV FWLS in patients treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy and its correlation with the LV GLS. Method: A data collection protocol that included demographic variables and personal history was applied to patients diagnosed with cancer treated with chemotherapy and/ or radiotherapy who underwent an echocardiogram with strain from November 2020 to March 2021. The echocardiogram was performed accordingly with American Society of Echocardiography guidelines standards, including a LV GLS and a RV FWLS. The data was analyzed in the SPSS program. Results: Of 90 patients, 6 excluded for a total of 84 collected. 89% were women, mean age 59 ±11 years, 73% breast cancer. 54% had hypertension, 27% obesity, 23% dyslipidemia, 19% were diabetic and 11% are or use to be smokers. 46% had received concomitantly chemotherapy and radiotherapy and 48% were treated more than a year ago. In echocardiographic findings, mean LV ejection fraction (EF) was 64±7 %, however, 82% had reduced LV GLS (44% being less than -15%). Similarly, 74% of RV FWLS was reduced, but only 15% of the S wave of the RV by tissue Doppler was abnormal, 7% of TAPSE was reduced, and 6% of fractional area change (FAC). The Pearson correlation coefficient between LV GLS and RV FWLS was of 0.463 with a p value of <.001 indicating a significant moderate positive linear relationship. Conclusion: Our study suggests that RV FWLS has a similar behavior as LV GLS and is a better predictor of right ventricular dysfunction over conventional parameters. Whereby should be incorporated as a routine measurement in the echocardiographic evaluation of patients receiving antineoplastic therapy.

16 Years (2006-2021) of Surface Ozone Measurements in Córdoba (Southern Spain): Trends and the Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown.

Surface ozone concentrations (O3) during the period 2006-2021 are analysed at Córdoba city (southern Iberian Peninsula) in suburban and urban sampling sites. The aims are to present the levels and temporal variations, to explore trends and to quantity the variation in O3 concentrations in the context of the COVID-19 lockdown. The O3 means are higher in the suburban station (62 µg m-3 and 51.3 µg m-3), being the information level threshold only exceeded twice during this period. The daily evolution shows a maximum at about 17:00 UTC, whereas the minimum is reached at about 9:00 UTC, with higher levels in the suburban station. The seasonal evolution of this daily cycle also presents monthly differences in shape and intensity between stations. The trends are analysed by means of daily averages and daily 5th and 95th percentiles, and they show a similar increase in all of these parameters, with special emphasis on the daily P95 concentrations, with 0.27 µg m-3 year-1 and 0.24 µg m-3 year-1. Finally, the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown shows a decline in O3 concentrations over 10%.

Modificaciones de la punta nasal posterior a rinoplastia transcartilaginosa / Modifications of Nasal Tip After Transcartilaginous Rhinoplasty

Introducción: La reducción del ancho y definición de la punta nasal es uno de los objetivos principales de la rinoplastia estética. La vía endonasal, con incisión transcartilaginosa, se emplea principalmente cuando no hay alteraciones significativas en la estructura cartilaginosa de la punta nasal. Objetivo: Determinar los cambios morfológicos que se producen en la punta nasal, posterior a la rinoplastia transcartilaginosa. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, longitudinal en 15 pacientes con deformidad estética de la punta nasal, operados por rinoplastia transcartilaginosa en el Hospital "Hermanos Ameijeiras", entre el 2016 y el 2020. Las variables estudiadas fueron: ángulo nasolabial, ancho de la punta nasal, porciento de reducción del ancho de la punta nasal, relación longitud nasal-proyección de la punta nasal y estado de satisfacción de los pacientes. Resultados: Se produjo un estrechamiento de la punta nasal, de una media del ancho preoperatorio de 64,8 por ciento con relación a la base nasal, a una media del 60,1 por ciento para el posoperatorio, para una media del porciento de reducción del ancho de la punta nasal posoperatoria de 7,3 por ciento. En el resto de las variables estudiadas, aun cuando existieron cambios individuales, como grupo no hubo variación respecto al predominio de las categorías ideales. Conclusiones: Se produjeron modificaciones posoperatorias que tributaron en un refinamiento de la punta nasal, con un alto grado de satisfacción de los pacientes operados. Palabras clave: rinoplastia endonasal; modificación de la punta nasal; mediciones antropométricas(AU)

Introduction: The reduction of the width and definition of the nasal tip is one of the main objectives of aesthetic rhinoplasty. The endonasal route, with a transcartilaginous incision, is mainly used when there are no significant alterations in the cartilaginous structure of the nasal tip. Objective: To determine the morphological changes that occur in the nasal tip after transcartilaginous rhinoplasty. Methods: A descriptive, prospective, longitudinal study was carried out in 15 patients with aesthetic deformity of the nasal tip, who were operated by transcartilaginous rhinoplasty at Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital, from 2016 to 2020. The variables studied were nasolabial angle, width of the nasal tip, percentage of reduction in the width of the nasal tip, relationship between the nasal length and the projection of the nasal tip, and the patients' satisfaction status. Results: There was a narrowing of the nasal tip, starting from a preoperative mean width of 64.8 percent in relation to the nasal base, to a postoperative mean of 60.1 percent, resulting in a mean percentage reduction in width of the postoperative nasal tip of 7.3 percent. No variation was observed regarding the predominance of the ideal categories in the rest of the variables studied, even when there were individual changes, as a group. Conclusions: Postoperative modifications were produced that contributed to a refinement of the nasal tip, with a high degree of satisfaction of the operated patients(AU)

Analysis of Alpha Activity Levels and Dependence on Meteorological Factors over a Complex Terrain in Northern Iberian Peninsula (2014-2018).

Alpha ambient concentrations in ground-level air were measured weekly in Bilbao (northern Spain) by collecting aerosols in filters between 2014 and 2018. Over this period, the alpha activity concentrations in the aerosol's samples range from 13.9 µBq/m3 to 246.5 µBq/m3, with a mean of 66.49 ± 39.33 µBq/m3. The inter-annual and intra-annual (seasonal and monthly) variations are analyzed, with the highest activity in autumn months and the lowest one in winter months. Special attention has been paid to alpha peak concentrations (weekly concentrations above the 90th percentile) and its relationship with regional meteorological scenarios by means of air mass trajectories and local meteorological parameters. The meteorological analysis of these high alpha concentrations has revealed two airflow patterns-one from the south with land origin and one from the north with maritime origin-mainly associated with these alpha peak concentrations. Surface winds during representative periods of both airflow patterns are also analyzed in combination with 222Rn concentrations, which demonstrated the different daily evolution associated with each airflow pattern. The present results are relevant in understanding trends and meteorological factors affecting alpha activity concentrations in this area, and hence, to control potential atmospheric environmental releases and ensure the environmental and public health.

Analysis of trends, periodicities, and correlations in the beryllium-7 time series in Northern Europe.

The activity concentrations of beryllium-7, a natural radiotracer that is considered as a tracer of the stratospheric-tropospheric exchange, shows a distinct behaviour in Northern Europe compared to the central and southern parts of the continent. In this study, we use the measurements collected at four sampling stations in Scandinavia (Ivalo, Umea, Kista, Risoe) between 2001 and 2010 and investigate their trends, periodicities and residuals with the aim to further understand the common features in the beryllium-7 data records in northern sampling sites. The beryllium-7 activity concentrations exhibit statistically significant positive trends that range from an average value of 1.50%/year to an average value of 2.96%/year. We detect a one-year periodicity in all the sites, and in the southernmost site, Risoe in Denmark, additional higher-frequency harmonics. In the residual time series, we find outliers that represent occurrences of extremely high beryllium-7 activity concentration. Cross-correlations of the beryllium-7 residuals across the four sites decrease with increasing distance; similarly, as indicated by local Hurst exponents the records exhibit long-range correlations that weaken towards the end of the investigated period. To investigate the causes of the detected trends, we also calculate correlations between beryllium-7 and factors related to its production, transport and removal from the atmosphere: in particular, cross-correlations of the beryllium-7 residuals with residuals in sunspot number, local temperature, atmospheric pressure and precipitation, as well as Arctic Oscillation index and North Atlantic Oscillation index. Most of the obtained correlations, however, are not statistically significant, highlighting the need to analyse a longer time period in order to evaluate the impact of different factors on the airborne beryllium-7 activity concentration.

Postpartum Depression among African-American and Latina Mothers Living in Small Cities, Towns, and Rural Communities.

BACKGROUND: The presence of postpartum depression can lead to poor maternal-child attachment, failure to thrive, and even infant death. Postpartum depression affects 13-19 % of parturients. However, among racial and ethnic minority parturients, postpartum depression rates have been shown to reach up to 35-67 % (as reported by O'Hara and McCabe, Annu Rev Clin Psychol 9:379-407, 2013; Boury et al., Women Health. 39(3):19-34, 2004; Ramos-Marcuse et al.. J Affect Disord. 122(1-2):68-75, 2010; Lucero et al., J Am Acad Nurse Pract. 24(12):726-34, 2012). This is more concerning when considering the fact that these mothers are also hardest to reach because they are usually marginalized and displaced within mainstream US society. The current study assesses potential risk factors that contribute to postpartum depression among African-American and Latina mothers. METHODS: We analyze data from 3317 Healthy Start participants living in small cities, towns, and rural areas in Pennsylvania using a logistic regression analysis controlling for known contributing risk factors, including maternal health, family life, social support, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, and community of residence. We use a multiple imputation multivariate analysis to account for the potential effects of missing data. RESULTS: The results show that the odds of a risk of postpartum depression is nearly 80 and 40 % greater for African-American (OR = 1.80, p < .001) and Latina mothers (OR = 1.41, p < .01), respectively, as compared to white mothers. While the higher risks of postpartum depression for Latinas is explained in part by socioeconomic status, community of residence, and immigrant status, the significantly higher risk among African-American mothers cannot be completely ameliorated by the controlled variables. Our study highlights the need for further research into the impact of social and environmental stressors on postpartum depression among racial and ethnic minority populations living in small cities, towns, and rural areas.

Microencapsulación mediante secado por aspersión de aceite de mora (Rubus glaucus) extraído con CO2 supercrítico / Microencapsulation by spray drying of blackberry (Rubus glaucus ) oil extracted with supercritical CO2 / Microencapsulação por secagem por atomização de óleo de amora (Rubus glaucus) extraído com Co2 supercrítico

El aceite de mora es un ingrediente natural con potencial en la industria cosmética y alimentaria, puede experimentar degradación oxidativa en condiciones ambientales. Se extrajo aceite a partir de semillas de mora empleando fluidos supercríticos, se microencapsuló mediante secado por aspersión y se evaluó la influencia de diferentes condiciones de operación en el rendimiento y la eficiencia del proceso. Se emplearon como materiales encapsulantes: masterdry, goma arábiga y maltodextrina. Se comparó el perfil de ácidos grasos antes y después de la microencapsulación y se estudió el tamaño y morfología de las microcápsulas. En el proceso de microencapsulación la temperatura de entrada fue la única variable estadísticamente significativa usando masterdry y goma arábiga. La goma arábiga resultó ser el mejor encapsulante entre los tres estudiados. Se obtuvieron microcápsulas con tamaños entre 8,2 y14 -im, con superficie continua en las paredes y ausencia de poros. Se comprobó que la microencapsulación con los tres encapsulantes permitió proteger el aceite y conservar mayoritariamente su perfil de ácidos grasos.

Blackberry oil is a natural ingredient with potential in cosmetics and food industry, however, it experiences oxidative degradation at ambient conditions. Therefore, oil was obtained from blackberry seeds by supercritical fluid extraction and then was microcapsulated by spray drying. The influence of different operating conditions during spray-drying towards yield and encapsulation was evaluated. Masterdry, gum arabic, and maltodextrin were used as wall materials. Fatty acid profile was compared before and after microencapsulation, the size and morphology of the microcapsules were also studied. Inlet temperature was the only statistically significant variable in process yield and efficiency when gum arabic and masterdry were used. Feed flow rate was statistically significant only for process yield and it was influenced negatively when maltodextrin was used. Gum arabic was the best wall material among the three studied. Microcapsules with sizes between 8.2 and 14 -im were obtained; continuous wall and no apparent cracks were observed. It was also seen that the fatty acid profile was mostly conserved after microencapsulation process carried out with the three wall materials.

O óleo de amora é um ingrediente natural com potencial na indústria cosmética e dos alimentos, é susceptível à degradação por oxidação em condições ambientais. O óleo de sementes de amora foi extraído usando fluidos supercríticos e foi microencapsulado por secagem por pulverização. Foi avaliada a influência de diferentes condições de operação sobre o rendimento e eficiência do processo. Foram utilizados como materiais de encapsulação: masterdry, maltodextrina, e goma arábica. O perfil dos ácidos graxos foi comparado antes e depois de microencapsulação, o tamanho e a morfologia das microcápsulas foi também estudada. Determinou-se que, no processo de microencapsulação a temperatura de entrada era a única variável estatisticamente significativa usando masterdry e goma-arábica. A goma-arábica mostrou ser o melhor encapsulante entre os três estudados. Foram obtidas microcápsulas com tamanhos entre 8,2 e 14 -im, superfície contínua sobre as paredes e ausência de poros. Verificou-se que a microencapsulação permitiu que os três encapsulantes protegessem o óleo e retivessem majoritariamente o seu perfil de ácidos graxos.

Simulating the effects of acculturation and return migration on the maternal and infant health of Mexican immigrants in the United States: a research note.

A significant body of research on minority health shows that although Latino immigrants experience unexpectedly favorable outcomes in maternal and infant health, this advantage deteriorates with increased time of residence in the United States. This study evaluates the underlying assumptions of two competing hypotheses that explain this paradox. The first hypothesis attributes this deterioration to possible negative effects of acculturation and behavioral adjustments made by immigrants while living in the United States, and the second hypothesis attributes this deterioration to the mechanism of selective return migration. Hypothetical probabilistic models are simulated for assessing the relationship between duration and birth outcomes based on the assumptions of these two hypotheses. The results are compared with the empirical research on the maternal and infant health of first-generation, Mexican-origin immigrant women in the United States. The analysis provides evidence that a curvilinear pattern of duration and birth outcomes can be explained by the joint effects of both acculturation and selective return migration in which the former affects health status over the longer durations, and the latter affects health status at shorter durations.

Synoptic and meteorological characterisation of olive pollen transport in Córdoba province (south-western Spain).

The main goal of the present study was to provide a detailed analysis of olive pollen transport dynamics in the province of Córdoba (south-western Spain) by applying back-trajectory analysis. Pollen data from 2006 and 2007 were analysed at four monitoring sites: Córdoba city in the centre of the province, Baena and Priego de Córdoba located in the south, and El Cabril reserve (Hornachuelos Natural Park) in the north. Particular attention was paid to nine episodes of high pollen counts. Synoptic surface maps were used, and kinematic back-trajectories (3D) were computed using the hybrid single particle Lagrangian integrated trajectory model (HYSPLIT) at 500 m above ground level, run with a time-step of 6 h over a period of 36 h. Findings were analysed in conjunction with daily and bi-hourly airborne pollen data, field phenological data and hourly surface meteorological data recorded at nearby stations: temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, wind direction and wind speed. The results identified two pollen source areas over the Córdoba province, the largest one located in the south, affecting Baena, Priego de Córdoba and Córdoba city, and one smaller located in the west, which determines mainly the pollen cycle over the north of the province, El Cabril. In addition, two air mass circulations were found, one coming from the south and crossing the main olive pollen sources very close to the surface and being frequently associated with higher pollen counts, and the other coming from the west and, in the episodes investigated, influencing mainly the north of the province.

Maternal and infant health of Mexican immigrants in the USA: the effects of acculturation, duration, and selective return migration.

BACKGROUND: A significant body of research on minority health shows that while Hispanic immigrants experience unexpectedly favorable outcomes in maternal and infant health, their advantage deteriorates with increased time of residence in the USA. This is referred to as the 'acculturation paradox.' OBJECTIVE: We assess the 'acculturation paradox' hypothesis that attributes this deterioration in birth and child health outcomes to negative effects of acculturation and behavioral adjustments made by immigrants while living in the USA, and investigate the potential for the existence of a selective return migration. DESIGN: We use a sample of Mexican immigrant women living in two Midwestern communities in the USA to analyze the effects of immigrant duration and acculturation on birth outcomes once controlling for social, behavioral, and environmental determinants of health status. These results are verified by conducting a similar analysis with a nationally representative sample of Mexican immigrants. RESULTS: We find duration of residence to have a significant and nonlinear relationship with birth outcomes and acculturation to not be statistically significant. The effect of mediators is minimal. CONCLUSION: The analyses of birth outcomes of Mexican immigrant women shows little evidence of an acculturation effect and indirectly suggest the existence of a selective return migration mechanism.

The health of older Mexican Americans in the long run.

OBJECTIVES: We compared risk for several medical illnesses between immigrant and US-born older Mexican Americans to determine the relationship between functional health and years of US residency among immigrants. METHODS: Cross-sectional, multistage probability sample data for 3050 Mexican Americans aged 65 years or older from 5 US southwestern states were analyzed. Self-rated health, medical illnesses, and functional measures were examined in multivariate regression models that included nativity and years of US residency as key predictors. RESULTS: Self-rated health and medical illnesses of immigrant and US-born groups did not differ significantly. Immigrants with longer US residency had significantly higher cognitive functioning scores and fewer problems with functional activities after adjustment for predisposing and medical need factors. CONCLUSIONS: Among older Mexican Americans, immigrant health advantages over their US-born counterparts were not apparent. Immigrants had better health functioning with longer US residency that may derive from greater socioeconomic resources. Our findings suggest that the negative acculturation-health relationship found among younger immigrant adults may become a positive relationship in later life.