The impact of vaccination and outpatient treatment on the economic burden of Covid-19 in the United States omicron era: a systematic literature review.

AIMS: To identify and synthesize evidence regarding how coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) interventions, including vaccines and outpatient treatments, have impacted healthcare resource use (HCRU) and costs in the United States (US) during the Omicron era. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review (SLR) was performed to identify articles published between 1 January 2021 and 10 March 2023 that assessed the impact of vaccination and outpatient treatment on costs and HCRU outcomes associated with COVID-19. Screening was performed by two independent researchers using predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Fifty-eight unique studies were included in the SLR, of which all reported HCRU outcomes, and one reported costs. Overall, there was a significant reduction in the risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization for patients who received an original monovalent primary series vaccine plus booster dose vs. no vaccination. Moreover, receipt of a booster vaccine was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization vs. primary series vaccination. Evidence also indicated a significantly reduced risk of hospitalizations among recipients of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NMV/r), remdesivir, sotrovimab, and molnupiravir compared to non-recipients. Treated and/or vaccinated patients also experienced reductions in intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, length of stay, and emergency department (ED)/urgent care clinic encounters. LIMITATIONS: The identified studies may not represent unique patient populations as many utilized the same regional/national data sources. Synthesis of the evidence was also limited by differences in populations, outcome definitions, and varying duration of follow-up across studies. Additionally, significant gaps, including HCRU associated with long COVID and various high-risk populations and cost data, were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Despite evidence gaps, findings from the SLR highlight the significant positive impact that vaccination and outpatient treatment have had on HCRU in the US, including periods of Omicron predominance. Continued research is needed to inform clinical and policy decision-making in the US as COVID-19 continues to evolve as an endemic disease.

Tendencias y análisis espacio-temporal de la mortalidad por diabetes mellitus en Ecuador, 2001-2016 / Trends and space-time analysis of mortality due to diabetes mellitus in Ecuador, 2001-2016

Introducción: La mortalidad por diabetes mellitus es un problema de salud pública en ascenso en el mundo. Objetivos: Analizar los patrones temporales y espaciales de mortalidad por diabetes mellitus en Ecuador durante el periodo 2001-2016. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio ecológico mixto. Se calcularon las tasas de mortalidad específica y ajustada por edad para el periodo 2001-2016 en el Ecuador. Se utilizó el análisis de regresión de punto de inflexión para el análisis de las tendencias, y la metodología desarrollada por Kulldorf para el análisis de conglomerados espacio-temporales. Resultados: Durante el periodo 2001-2016 se registraron 57 788 defunciones por diabetes mellitus en el Ecuador. En el análisis de punto de inflexión las tasas ajustadas por edad en hombres reportaron un ascenso significativo del porcentaje de cambio anual de 2,4 por ciento (2001-2016; p < 0,001) y en las mujeres ascendió al 1,50 por ciento (2001-2016; p < 0,001). En el análisis espacio-temporal se detectaron dos conglomerados de alta mortalidad estadísticamente significativos, el conglomerado primario conformado por las provincias: Santa Elena, Guayas, Manabí y Los Ríos (p < 0,001) y el conglomerado secundario formado por la provincia de Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: La mortalidad por diabetes mellitus en el Ecuador se incrementó significativamente en la mayor parte de los grupos etarios y provincias durante el periodo 2001-2016. Las provincias de Santa Elena, Guayas, Manabí, Los Ríos y Santo Domingo, acumularon la mayor cantidad de muertes por esta causa. Esto obliga a quienes tienen que tomar las decisiones a direccionar el diseño e implementación de políticas en salud que permitan mejorar los sistemas de registro para una adecuada vigilancia epidemiológica de la incidencia y carga de esta enfermedad(AU)

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus mortality is a growing public health problem in the world. Objectives: To analyze the temporal and spatial patterns of mortality by diabetes mellitus in Ecuador during the period 2001-2016. Methods: A mixed ecological study was performed. There were calculated the specific mortality rates and they were adjusted by age for the period 2001-2016 in Ecuador. It was used a joinpoint´s regression analysis for the assessment of trends and it was used the methodology developed by Kulldorf for the analysis of time-space clusters. Results: During the period 2001-2016 there were 57 788 deaths from diabetes mellitus in Ecuador. In the joinpoint analysis, age-adjusted rates in men reported a significant increase in the percentage of annual change of 2.4 percent (2001-2016; p<0.001) and in women increased to 1.50 percent (2001-2016; p<0.001). In the time-space analysis identified, there were identified two clusters of statistically significant high mortality: the first conglomerate formed by the provinces Santa Elena, Guayas, Manabí and Los Ríos (p< 0.001); and the second conglomerate formed by the province of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas (p< 0.001). Conclusions: Mortality by diabetes mellitus in Ecuador was significantly increased in most age groups and provinces during the period 2001-2016. The provinces of Santa Elena, Guayas, Manabí, Los Ríos and Santo Domingo accumulated the biggest number of deaths due to this cause. This forces decision makers to address the design and implementation of health policies that allow improving the registration systems for an adequate epidemiological surveillance(AU)

Spatial clusters and temporal trends of malignant melanoma mortality in Ecuador.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is two fold. First, it describes the temporal trends of malignant melanoma mortality from 2000 to 2016 in Ecuador. Second, it analyzes the spatial clusters of high mortality rates due to malignant melanoma in the country, from 2011 to 2016. METHODS: This is an ecological study; we included all death certificates of malignant melanoma from the National Institute of Statistics and Census database in Ecuador from 2000 to 2016. We calculated crude mortality rates and age-standardized mortality rates, all rates are expressed as deaths per 100,000 population. In order to assess the trend of malignant melanoma rates, we obtained average annual percent changes through Joinpoint regression analysis. Spatial scan statistics were used to identify high-risk clusters and the spatial autocorrelation was evaluated through a global Moran index. RESULTS: In Ecuador, between 2000 and 2016, malignant melanoma caused a total of 958 deaths. Crude mortality rates increased significantly (annual percent change = 4.8%; 95% confidence interval: 2.6-7.0), the age-standardized mortality rate also increased (annual percent change: 2.9%; 95% confidence interval: 0.5-5.4). The most likely cluster included 19 cantons and the second most likely cluster included 10 cantons, located in the Highlands region. The Global Moran I index for the study period shows a positive spatial autocorrelation (0.32; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Mortality due to malignant melanoma in Ecuador significantly increased over the 17-year study period; the spatial analysis and spatial autocorrelation indicates the presence of high-risk occurrence clusters in the Highlands region of the country.

Overview of "Systematic Reviews" of the Built Environment's Effects on Mental Health.

Good mental health is related to mental and psychological well-being, and there is growing interest in the potential role of the built environment on mental health, yet the evidence base underpinning the direct or indirect effects of the built environment is not fully clear. The aim of this overview is to assess the effect of the built environment on mental health-related outcomes. Methods. This study provides an overview of published systematic reviews (SRs) that assess the effect of the built environment on mental health. We reported the overview according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases searched until November 2019 included the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, MEDLINE (OVID 1946 to present), LILACS, and PsycINFO. Two authors independently selected reviews, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality of included reviews using the Assessing Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2). Results. In total, 357 records were identified from a structured search of five databases combined with the references of the included studies, and eleven SRs were included in the narrative synthesis. Outcomes included mental health and well-being, depression and stress, and psychological distress. According to AMSTAR-2 scores, the quality assessment of the included SRs was categorized as "high" in two SRs and as "critically low" in nine SRs. According to the conclusions of the SRs reported by the authors, only one SR reported a "beneficial" effect on mental health and well-being outcomes. Conclusion. There was insufficient evidence to make firm conclusions on the effects of built environment interventions on mental health outcomes (well-being, depression and stress, and psychological distress). The evidence collected reported high heterogeneity (outcomes and measures) and a moderate- to low-quality assessment among the included SRs.

Spatial patterns of leptospirosis in Ecuador, 2013-2018.

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that is considered an important public health problem in tropical regions and the world's poorest countries. METHODS: In this ecological study, we included cases of leptospirosis reported in Ecuador from 2013 to 2018. Spatial autocorrelation was evaluated through the global Moran I index and spatial-temporal scan statistics were used to identify high-risk clusters. RESULTS: In Ecuador, the leptospirosis incidence rates decreased from 3.3 cases per 100 000 population in 2013 to 0.8 cases per 100 000 population in 2018. The global Moran I index for the study period showed a positive spatial autocorrelation (0.68; p=0.001). We identified three significant spatial-temporal clusters for a high occurrence of leptospirosis incidence located in cantons of the Coast and Amazon regions. CONCLUSIONS: The clusters identified could be targeted by policymakers and stakeholders in order to direct surveillance and understand the dynamics of the distribution of leptospirosis in Ecuador.

Therapeutic use of cannabis and cannabinoids: an evidence mapping and appraisal of systematic reviews.

BACKGROUND: Although cannabis and cannabinoids are widely used with therapeutic purposes, their claimed efficacy is highly controversial. For this reason, medical cannabis use is a broad field of research that is rapidly expanding. Our objectives are to identify, characterize, appraise, and organize the current available evidence surrounding therapeutic use of cannabis and cannabinoids, using evidence maps. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library and CINAHL, to identify systematic reviews (SRs) published from their inception up to December 2017. Two authors assessed eligibility and extracted data independently. We assessed methodological quality of the included SRs using the AMSTAR tool. To illustrate the extent of use of medical cannabis, we organized the results according to identified PICO questions using bubble plots corresponding to different clinical scenarios. RESULTS: A total of 44 SRs published between 2001 and 2017 were included in this evidence mapping with data from 158 individual studies. We extracted 96 PICO questions in the following medical conditions: multiple sclerosis, movement disorders (e.g. Tourette Syndrome, Parkinson Disease), psychiatry conditions, Alzheimer disease, epilepsy, acute and chronic pain, cancer, neuropathic pain, symptoms related to cancer (e.g. emesis and anorexia related with chemotherapy), rheumatic disorders, HIV-related symptoms, glaucoma, and COPD. The evidence about these conditions is heterogeneous regarding the conclusions and the quality of the individual primary studies. The quality of the SRs was moderate to high according to AMSTAR scores. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence on medical uses of cannabis is broad. However, due to methodological limitations, conclusions were weak in most of the assessed comparisons. Evidence mapping methodology is useful to perform an overview of available research, since it is possible to systematically describe the extent and distribution of evidence, and to organize scattered data.

McGregor inguinal flap for coverage of large soft tissue losses due to high-voltage electrical burns in the upper limb: a retrospective study.

High-voltage electrical burns are potentially devastating and they are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Due to vascular damage and progressive tissue necrosis produced by electrical burns, there is a large controversy regarding the ideal reconstructive technique for cutaneous coverage of severe lesions in the upper limb. This study aims to analyze our experience using the McGregor inguinal flap technique, for the coverage of large soft tissue losses produced by high-voltage electric burns in the upper limb. We performed a retrospective descriptive study with patients diagnosed with high-voltage electric burns, in which the McGregor inguinal flap technique was used to cover severe lesions in the upper limb. This study was performed at the department of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns of the Specialist Hospital Eugenio Espejo, from January 2016 to December 2017. The flap technique was performed on twelve patients, out of which, nine were males with a mean age of 33 years old. Furthermore, nine out of the twelve cases occurred as a result of accidents at work. The mean time elapsed between the lifting of the flap, closure of the donor area, and fixation of the flap to the affected area was 56 minutes (44-72 minutes). In the immediate postoperative period, three patients presented signs of infection in the surgical area. No total dehiscence, total necrosis, and/or hematoma were reported in all patients. The success limb salvage rate was 100%. In our experience, the McGregor inguinal flap technique presented a favorable postoperative evolution with complete closure of the lesions and a low rate of complications. Due to the limitations of this study, more studies are needed to prospectively evaluate this flap.

Leukodepleted Packed Red Blood Cells Transfusion in Patients Undergoing Major Cardiovascular Surgical Procedure: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Leukocytes contained in the allogeneic packed red blood cell (PRBC) are the cause of certain adverse reactions associated with blood transfusion. Leukoreduction consists of eliminating leukocytes in all blood products below the established safety levels for any patient type. In this systematic review, we appraise the clinical effectiveness of allogeneic leukodepleted (LD) PRBC transfusion for preventing infections and death in patients undergoing major cardiovascular surgical procedures. METHODS: We searched randomized controlled trials (RCT), enrolling patients undergoing a major cardiovascular surgical procedure and transfused with LD-PRBC. Data were extracted, and risk of bias was assessed according to Cochrane guidelines. In addition, trial sequential analysis (TSA) was used to assess the need of conducting additional trials. Quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Seven studies met the eligibility criteria. Quality of the evidence was rated as moderate for both outcomes. The risk ratio for death from any cause comparing the LD-PRBC versus non-LD-PRBC group was 0.69 (CI 95% = 0.53 to 0.90; I 2 = 0%). The risk ratio for infection in the same comparison groups was 0.77 (CI 95% = 0.66 to 0.91; I 2 = 0%). TSA showed a conclusive result in this outcome. CONCLUSIONS: We found evidence that supports the routine use of leukodepletion in patients undergoing a major cardiovascular surgical procedure requiring PRBC transfusion to prevent death and infection. In the case of infection, the evidence should be considered sufficient and conclusive and hence indicated that further trials would not be required.

Spatial analysis of dengue, cysticercosis and Chagas disease mortality in Ecuador, 2011-2016.

Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) continue to be an important cause of disability and mortality in the poorest tropical and subtropical areas. Methods: This is an ecological study. We included all death certificates with dengue, cysticercosis and Chagas disease in Ecuador from 2011 to 2016. The spatial autocorrelation was evaluated by GeoDa software through the Global Moran's I index and the formation of clusters by the local index of spatial association. Results: The Global Moran's I index for the study period shows a positive spatial autocorrelation for dengue, cysticercosis and Chagas disease (0.25, p=0.001; 0.07, p=0.04; 0.45, p=0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The clusters identified as higher risk in the country could be targeted by policymakers to adequately develop strategies to strengthen health promotion policies that break the cycle of these diseases.

[Mortality due to ischemic heart disease in Ecuador 2001- 2016. A time trend study]. / Mortalidad por enfermedades isquémicas del corazón en Ecuador, 2001-2016: estudio de tendencias.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. AIM: To analyze the evolution of mortality by IHD in Ecuador, from 2001 to 2016. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of Ecuador death registries elaborated by the National Statistics and Census Institute. Specific and age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated for the 2001-2016 period in Ecuador. The annual percent change (APC) and the average annual percent change (AAPC) were estimated. Changes in trends were located through joinpoint regression analysis. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2016 there were 46,133 deaths due to IHD in Ecuador, of which 60% (n = 27,489) corresponded to men. In the joinpoint regression analysis, the crude mortality rates for IHD reported an increase in the AAPC of 4.0% (2001-2016, 95% CI: 1.5 - 6.6). Rates adjusted for age increased with an AAPC of 3.2% (2001-2016, 95% CI: 0.7 - 5.8). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality due to ischemic heart disease increased in Ecuador in the period 2001-2016. Two marked periods were observed, one with a decrease followed by a significant increase, in both sexes and all age groups.

Mortalidad por enfermedades cerebrovasculares en Ecuador 2001- 2015: Estudio de tendencias, aplicación del modelo de regresión joinpoint / Mortality due to cerebrovascular diseases in Ecuador 2001- 2015: a trend study, application of the joinpoint regression model

RESUMEN Objetivos: Analizar la tendencia de mortalidad por enfermedades cerebrovasculares en el Ecuador e identificar la presencia de cambios en la tendencia temporal empleando el modelo de regresión joinpoint. Materiales y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio ecológico mixto. Se calcularon las tasas de mortalidad estandarizadas por edad según sexo y provincias para los últimos 15 años (2001 a 2015) en el Ecuador. Se utilizó un análisis de regresión joinpoint (puntos de cambio) para el análisis de las tendencias. Resultados: Desde 2001 hasta 2015 se registraron 48.621 defunciones por enfermedades cerebrovasculares en el Ecuador. En el análisis de regresión joinpoint, las tasas ajustadas por edad en los hombres descendieron de 71,4 a 59,5 defunciones por cada 100.000 habitantes, con un descenso anual de 1,51 % (p<0,00), en las mujeres de 61,2 a 55,5 defunciones por cada 100.000 habitantes con un descenso anual de 1,11 % (p<0,00). En las tasas de mortalidad específicas por grupo de edad, en el grupo de ≥80 años no se observó cambios estadísticamente significativos. Conclusiones: La mortalidad por enfermedades cerebrovasculares ha disminuido en el Ecuador en los últimos 15 años. Su tendencia descendente se observó en casi todos los grupos de edad.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the mortality trend for cerebrovascular diseases in Ecuador and to identify the presence of changes in the temporal trend using the joinpoint regression model. Materials and Methods: A mixed ecological study was carried out. Standardized mortality rates for the last 15 years (2001 to 2015) in Ecuador were calculated and stratified by age, sex, and provinces. A joinpoint regression analysis was used for analysis of trends. Results: From 2001 to 2015, there were 48,621 deaths from cerebrovascular diseases in Ecuador. In the joinpoint regression analysis, age-adjusted rates in men declined from 71.4 to 59.5 deaths per 100,000 population, with an annual decline of 1.51% (p <0.05) in females from 61.2 to 55.5 deaths per 100,000 population, with an annual decrease of 1.11% (p <0.05). In the analysis by provinces, Sucumbíos presented a growing trend of 3.17% per year (p <0.05). Conclusions: Mortality from cerebrovascular disease has declined in Ecuador in the last 15 years. The downward trend was observed in almost all age demographics.

Quality assessment of controlled clinical trials published in Orthopaedics and Traumatology journals in Spanish: An observational study through handsearching and evidence mapping.

Few Orthopaedics and Traumatology journals from Latin America and Spain are indexed in major databases; controlled clinical trials published in these journals cannot be exhaustively retrieved using electronic literature searches. We aimed to identify, describe and assess the quality of controlled clinical trials published in Orthopaedics and Traumatology journals from Latin America and Spain through handsearching and evidence mapping methods. We identified controlled clinical trials published in eligible Orthopaedics/Traumatology journals in Spanish until July 2017 by handsearching. Data were extracted for controlled clinical trials main characteristics and the Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the controlled clinical trials methodological quality. In addition, we mapped the main findings of these trials. As a result, we assessed 5631 references in 29 eligible journals of which 57 were controlled clinical trials (1.0%). Controlled clinical trials were published between 1995 and 2017 at a rate of 2.5 per year. Journals from Spain and Mexico published around 63% of the controlled clinical trials identified. The median sample size of patients enrolled was 60 (range = 30-300 participants). About conditions assessed, 38.5% of controlled clinical trials assessed issues related to knee conditions, 15.7% about hip and 10.5% about trauma or spine. The risk of bias domains most affected was selective reporting bias and random sequence generation. In addition, only two and seven trials had low risk of bias in all items related to participant/personnel and outcome assessment blindings, respectively. More than 40% of studies did not report differences on benefits/harms between the interventions assessed. As a conclusion, the number of controlled clinical trials published in Orthopaedics/Traumatology journals from Latin America and Spain is low. These controlled clinical trials had important methodological shortcomings and were judged as unclear or high risk of bias. These trials are now available in CENTRAL for their potential inclusion in systematic reviews and other documents of synthesis.

Mortalidad por enfermedades isquémicas del corazón en Ecuador, 2001-2016: estudio de tendencias / Mortality due to ischemic heart disease in Ecuador 2001- 2016: a time trend study

Background: Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Aim: To analyze the evolution of mortality by IHD in Ecuador, from 2001 to 2016. Material and Methods: Analysis of Ecuador death registries elaborated by the National Statistics and Census Institute. Specific and age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated for the 2001-2016 period in Ecuador. The annual percent change (APC) and the average annual percent change (AAPC) were estimated. Changes in trends were located through joinpoint regression analysis. Results: From 2001 to 2016 there were 46,133 deaths due to IHD in Ecuador, of which 60% (n = 27,489) corresponded to men. In the joinpoint regression analysis, the crude mortality rates for IHD reported an increase in the AAPC of 4.0% (2001-2016, 95% CI: 1.5 - 6.6). Rates adjusted for age increased with an AAPC of 3.2% (2001-2016, 95% CI: 0.7 - 5.8). Conclusions: Mortality due to ischemic heart disease increased in Ecuador in the period 2001-2016. Two marked periods were observed, one with a decrease followed by a significant increase, in both sexes and all age groups.

Trends and Spatial Patterns of Oral Cancer Mortality in Ecuador, 2001-2016.

The aims of this study were to describe the temporal trend of OC from 2001 to 2016 and to analyze the space and space-time clusters of high mortality due to OC in Ecuador from 2011 to 2016. Methods. The present study is a mixed ecological study; the time trends were obtained using a Joinpoint regression model, space-time scan statistics was used to identify high-risk clusters, and Global Moran I index was calculated. Results. In Ecuador, between 2001 and 2016, OC caused a total of 1,025 deaths. Crude mortality rates significantly increased, with an APC (annual percentage change) of 2.7% (p=0.009). The age-standardized mortality rate did not significantly increase (APC: 1.73%; p=0.08). The most likely cluster was detected in 2015, included 20 cantons. The second cluster included 38 cantons, in the years 2014 to 2016. The Global Moran I index for the study period showed a negative spatial autocorrelation (-0.067; p=0.37). Conclusion. Mortality due to OC in Ecuador significantly increased over the 16-year study period, the young groups being the most affected. Ecuadorian provinces present high variability in types of OC and cancer rates.

Imnuno-Oncología: Recuento Histórico y Fundamentos Básicos / Imnuno-Oncology: Historical Recount and Basic Fundamentals

El sistema inmune cumple un rol fundamental en la defensa contra microorganismos y células anómalas. Históricamente, el concepto de vigilancia inmunológica se fundamenta en el control de múltiples funciones incluyendo la regulación de células cancerígenas a través de diversos mecanismos, en los cuales están involucrados: células, moléculas y tejidos del sistema inmune. El objetivo de analizar la respuesta inmune frente al cáncer, es entender los mecanismos de presentación del antígeno y los mecanismos desencadenados por el sistema adaptativo e innato que participan en la destrucción del tumor a expensas de un proceso inflamatorio agudo que podría llevar al control o destrucción del cáncer. La propuesta de esta revisión es resumir y esquematizar los aspectos cardinales de los diferentes procesos inmunológicos que participan en la fisiopatología de las enfermedades malignas, así como los mecanismos que emplea el sistema inmune para la defensa del cáncer.

The Inmune System plays an essential role in the defense of the organism against microorganisms and alters cells. Historically, the concept of immune surveillance its based in the control of multiple functions including the regulation of cancer cells through diverse mechanisms such as cells, molecules and tissue from the immune system. Therefore, it is important to understand the mechanisms of antigen presentation and other mechanisms of the innate and adaptive system which participate in the defense of the organism against the tumor. This process is enhancing by an inflammatory acute process that could lead to the control or de destruction of the tumor. The purpose of this review is to develop the cardinal aspects of the immunologic process that take part in the defense against malignant diseases, and also to explain its mechanisms.

Trends and Spatial Patterns of Suicide Among Adolescent in Ecuador, 1997-2016.

BACKGROUND: Suicide is a global public health problem, ranking among the top 20 leading causes of mortality. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is two-fold. Firstly, it describes the temporal trends of suicide in adolescents from 1997 to 2016 in Ecuador, allowing us to identify critical periods. Secondly, it analyzes the spatiotemporal clusters of high mortality rates and the spatial distribution due to suicide in the country, from 2011 to 2016. METHODS: This is an ecological study; we included all death certificates of suicide among adolescents in the 10 - 19 age groups both sex, from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) database in Ecuador from 1997 to 2016. In order to assess the trend of suicide rates, we obtained Annual Percentage Changes (APCs) and average Annual Percent Changes (AAPCs) through Joinpoint regression analysis. Space-time scan statistics were used to identify high-risk clusters, and the spatial autocorrelation was evaluated through global Moran index. RESULTS: Suicides at a national level increased from 165 deaths in 1997 to 286 deaths in 2016; rates increased from 12.7 to 23.3 per 100,000 population along with a significant increase of the trend at the national level (AAPC=3.7%; 95% CI: 2.1 to 5.2). We identified two significant spatial clusters for a high occurrence of suicide: the primary most likely cluster included 83 cantons (Risk Relative=2.28) while the second most likely cluster included 20 cantons (Risk Relative=1.74). The Global Moran I index for the study period showed a positive spatial autocorrelation (0.27; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Suicide rates in adolescents significantly increased over the 20-year study period; the spatial analysis indicates the presence of high occurrence clusters in the Amazon and Southern Highlands regions of the country. This growing phenomenon may be a reflection of the lack of policies and strategies focused on the adolescent's mental health at a national level, added to factors such as family dysfunction, school failure, vulnerable ethnic groups, and immigration patterns.

The remarkable geographical pattern of gastric cancer mortality in Ecuador.

AIM: This study was aimed to describe the gastric cancer mortality trend, and to analyze the spatial distribution of gastric cancer mortality in Ecuador, between 2004 and 2015. METHODS: Data were collected from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) database. Crude gastric cancer mortality rates, standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and indirect standardized mortality rates (ISMRs) were calculated per 100,000 persons. For time trend analysis, joinpoint regression was used. The annual percentage rate change (APC) and the average annual percent change (AAPC) was computed for each province. Spatial age-adjusted analysis was used to detect high risk clusters of gastric cancer mortality, from 2010 to 2015, using Kulldorff spatial scan statistics. RESULTS: In Ecuador, between 2004 and 2015, gastric cancer caused a total of 19,115 deaths: 10,679 in men and 8436 in women. When crude rates were analyzed, a significant decline was detected (AAPC: -1.8%; p<0.001). ISMR also decreased, but this change was not statistically significant (APC: -0.53%; p=0.36). From 2004 to 2007 and from 2008 to 2011 the province with the highest ISMR was Carchi; and, from 2012 to 2015, was Cotopaxi. The most likely high occurrence cluster included Bolívar, Los Ríos, Chimborazo, Tungurahua, and Cotopaxi provinces, with a relative risk of 1.34 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: There is a substantial geographic variation in gastric cancer mortality rates among Ecuadorian provinces. The spatial analysis indicates the presence of high occurrence clusters throughout the Andes Mountains.