Validation of mobile phone use recall in the multinational MOBI-kids study.

Potential differential and non-differential recall error in mobile phone use (MPU) in the multinational MOBI-Kids case-control study were evaluated. We compared self-reported MPU with network operator billing record data up to 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years before the interview date from 702 subjects aged between 10 and 24 years in eight countries. Spearman rank correlations, Kappa coefficients and geometric mean ratios (GMRs) were used. No material differences in MPU recall estimates between cases and controls were observed. The Spearman rank correlation coefficients between self-reported and recorded MPU in the most recent 3 months were 0.57 and 0.59 for call number and for call duration, respectively. The number of calls was on average underestimated by the participants (GMR = 0.69), while the duration of calls was overestimated (GMR = 1.59). Country, years since start of using a mobile phone, age at time of interview, and sex did not appear to influence recall accuracy for either call number or call duration. A trend in recall error was seen with level of self-reported MPU, with underestimation of use at lower levels and overestimation of use at higher levels for both number and duration of calls. Although both systematic and random errors in self-reported MPU among participants were observed, there was no evidence of differential recall error between cases and controls. Nonetheless, these sources of exposure measurement error warrant consideration in interpretation of the MOBI-Kids case-control study results on the association between children's use of mobile phones and potential brain cancer risk.

Evaluation of nutritional status using the minimum dietary diversity for women of reproductive age (MDD-W) tool in breastfeeding mothers in Madagascar.

OBJECTIVES: Women of reproductive age in low-income countries are especially nutritionally vulnerable given the strain that pregnancy and lactation places on the body. The aim of this study was to identify dietary diversity and its associated factors among mothers with young children. METHODS: It is a cross-sectional study conducted in Ampefy, Madagascar from 1 November 2022 to 31 March 2023. Dietary diversity was determined using the minimum dietary diversity for women of reproductive age tool. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using validated structured questionnaires, and anthropometric status was examined. Frequencies and percentages were calculated, and the comparison of variables was performed between mothers with acceptable and unacceptable dietary diversity using the chi-square test for qualitative variables. A logistic regression analysis was also conducted. RESULTS: A total of 437 mothers with young children participated in the study, resulting in a response rate of 95.0%. The mean age of the participants was 25.84 years (SD = 6.30). The study revealed that 32.95% of participants had unacceptable dietary diversity scores and the associated profile included low education, no transport, homebirth not by personal choice, not breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, not breastfeed exclusively for 6 months, no dietary changes during pregnancy or lactation, and no use of folic acid supplements. CONCLUSION: This study's findings underscore the importance of providing nutrition information to women, in order to improve dietary diversity and overall maternal and child health.

Interplay between the oxidation process and cytotoxic effects of antimonene nanomaterials.

Pnictogen nanomaterials have recently attracted researchers' attention owing to their promising properties in the field of electronic, energy storage, and nanomedicine applications. Moreover, especially in the case of heavy pnictogens, their chemistry allows for nanomaterial synthesis using both top-down and bottom-up approaches, yielding materials with remarkable differences in terms of morphology, size, yield, and properties. In this study, we carried out a comprehensive structural and spectroscopic characterization of antimony-based nanomaterials (Sb-nanomaterials) obtained by applying different production methodologies (bottom-up and top-down routes) and investigating the influence of the synthesis on their oxidation state and stability in a biological environment. Indeed, in situ XANES/EXAFS studies of Sb-nanomaterials incubated in cell culture media were carried out, unveiling a different oxidation behavior. Furthermore, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of Sb-nanomaterials on six different cell lines: two non-cancerous (FSK and HEK293) and four cancerous (HeLa, SKBR3, THP-1, and A549). The results reveal that hexagonal antimonene (Sb-H) synthesized using a colloidal approach oxidizes the most and faster in cell culture media compared to liquid phase exfoliated (LPE) antimonene, suffering acute degradation and anticipating well-differentiated toxicity from its peers. In addition, the study highlights the importance of the synthetic route for the Sb-nanomaterials as it was observed to influence the chemical evolution of Sb-H into toxic Sb oxide species, playing a critical role in its ability to rapidly eliminate tumor cells. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the dark cytotoxicity of Sb-H and other related Sb-nanomaterials, underlining the importance of developing therapies based on controlled and on-demand nanomaterial oxidation.

Management of liver and gastrointestinal toxicity induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors: Position statement of the AEEH–AEG–SEPD–SEOM–GETECCU / Manejo de las toxicidades digestivas secundarias al tratamiento con inhibidores de checkpoint: documento de posicionamiento de la AEEH-AEG-SEPD-SEOM-GETECCU

The development of the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is one of the most remarkable achievements in cancer therapy in recent years. However, their exponential use has led to an increase in immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Gastrointestinal and liver events encompass hepatitis, colitis and upper digestive tract symptoms accounting for the most common irAEs, with incidence rates varying from 2% to 40%, the latter in patients undergoing combined ICIs therapy. Based on the current scientific evidence derived from both randomized clinical trials and real-world studies, this statement document provides recommendations on the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the gastrointestinal and hepatic ICI-induced adverse events.(AU)

El descubrimiento de los inhibidores de checkpoint inmunológicos (ICI) es uno de los logros más importantes en los últimos años en Oncología. Sin embargo, su uso en aumento ha conlllevado a un incremento de los efectos adversos inmunomediados (irAEs). Los eventos hepáticos y gastrointestinales incluyen la hepatitis, colitis y síntomas de tracto digestivo superior, que son de los irAEs más frecuentes, con incidencias entre el 2 y 40%, ésta última en paciente tratados con combo de ICI. Basados en la evidencia científica tanto de ensayo clínicos randomizados como de estudio de vida real, este documento de consenso aporta recomendaciones sobre el diagnóstico, tratamiento y pronóstico de los efectos adversos hepáticos y gastrointestinales asociados con la inmunoterapia.(AU)

Síntomas depresivos en una muestra de mujeres con hipotiroidismo subclínico y su relación con los cloratos del agua del grifo / Depressive symptoms in a sample of women with subclinical hypothyroidism and their relationship to chlorates in tap water

Introducción: en el hipotiroidismo subclínico pueden aparecer síntomas depresivos y su presencia suele facilitar la instauración de un tratamiento de reemplazo; sin embargo, estudios recientes no han encontrado una asociación entre ambos. Por otra parte, la función tiroidea puede verse afectada por disruptores endocrinos y, algunos de ellos, como los cloratos, pueden encontrarse en el agua que bebemos. Objetivos: conocer si el tipo de consumo de agua puede influir en la aparición de síntomas depresivos en pacientes con hipotiroidismo subclínico. Métodos: participaron 96 mujeres con hipotiroidismo subclínico, sin tratamiento tiroideo, de un área de salud de España. Estudiamos, entre otras variables, la presencia de síntomas depresivos, el tipo de consumo de agua (grifo/embotellada o manantial) y el nivel de cloratos en el agua del grifo. Resultados: el 41,7 % (40) de las mujeres presentaban síntomas depresivos y estos se relacionaban con el consumo de agua del grifo (p = 0,001), resultando este un predictor confiable (OR: 27,79; p = 0,007). El nivel de cloratos en el agua del grifo era de 250 µg/L, valor situado en el límite máximo permitido por la ley. Conclusiones: en mujeres con hipotiroidismo subclínico, la exposición crónica a cloratos en el agua, en niveles autorizados por la ley, podría favorecer la inhibición del transporte de yodo y la aparición de síntomas depresivos. Sería interesante comprobar esta hipótesis, así como su posible efecto sobre otros perfiles poblacionales.(AU)

Introduction: depressive symptoms may develop in subclinical hypothyroidism and their presence usually facilitates recognition and the establishment of replacement treatment; however, recent studies have found no association between the two. Besides, thyroid function can be affected by endocrine disruptors and some of them, such as chlorates, can be found in the water we drink. Objectives: to know if the type of water consumed may influence the development of depressive symptoms in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. Methods: 96 women with subclinical hypothyroidism, without thyroid treatment, were enrolled. We studied, among other variables, the presence of depressive symptoms, type of water consumption (tap, bottled or spring) and the level of chlorates in the tap water. Results: 41.7 % (40) of women presented depressive symptoms and these were related to the consumption of tap water (p = 0.001), resulting in a reliable predictor (OR, 27.79; p = 0.007). Chlorate level in the tap water was 250 μg/L, a value within the maximum limit allowed by law. Conclusions: chronic exposure to chlorates in water, in women with subclinical hypo-thyroidism, at levels authorized by law, could favor the inhibition of iodine transport and the appearance of depressive symptoms. It would be interesting to test this hypothesis as well as its possible effect on other population profiles.(AU)

High-throughput nephelometry methodology for qualitative determination of aqueous solubility of chemical libraries.

The purpose of the protocol reported in this work is the solubility profiling of large chemical libraries using nephelometry. This technique allows the qualitative classification of compounds as highly, moderately, or poorly water-soluble. The described methodology is not intended to yield quantitative solubility values of the studied compounds but can be used as a primary solubility assessment of large chemical libraries, to guide hit prioritization after High Throughput Screening (HTS) campaigns.

Confirmatory study of the usefulness of quantum molecular resonance and microdissectomy for the treatment of lumbar radiculopathy in a prospective cohort at 6 months follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint and while prognosis is usually favorable, some patients experience persistent pain despite conservative treatment and invasive treatment to target the root cause of the pain may be necessary. The aim of this study is to evaluate patient outcomes after treatment of lumbar radiculopathy (LR) with quantum molecular resonance radiofrequency coblation disc decompression and percutaneous microdiscectomy with grasper forceps (QMRG). METHODS: This prospective cohort study was carried out in two Spanish hospitals on 58 patients with LR secondary to a contained hydrated lumbar disc hernia or lumbar disc protrusion of more than 6 months of evolution, which persisted despite conservative treatment with analgesia, rehabilitation, and physiotherapy, and/or epidural block, in the previous 2 years. Patients were treated with QMRG and the outcomes were measured mainly using the Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions, Numeric Rating Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, SF12: Short Form 12 Health Survey, Patient Global Impression of Improvement, Clinical Global Impression of Improvement, and Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale. RESULTS: Patients who received QMRG showed significant improvement in their baseline scores at 6 months post-treatment. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) threshold was met by 26-98% of patients, depending on the outcome measure, for non-sleep-related outcomes, and between 17 and 62% for sleep-related outcome measures. Of the 14 outcome measures studied, at least 50% of the patients met the MCID threshold in 8 of them. CONCLUSION: Treatment of LR with QMRG appears to be effective at 6 months post-intervention.

Spatiotemporal Insights into Glioma Oncostream Dynamics: Unraveling Formation, Stability, and Disassembly Pathways.

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains a challenge in Neuro-oncology, with a poor prognosis showing only a 5% survival rate beyond two years. This is primarily due to its aggressiveness and intra-tumoral heterogeneity, which limits complete surgical resection and reduces the efficacy of existing treatments. The existence of oncostreams-neuropathological structures comprising aligned spindle-like cells from both tumor and non-tumor origins- is discovered earlier. Oncostreams are closely linked to glioma aggressiveness and facilitate the spread into adjacent healthy brain tissue. A unique molecular signature intrinsic to oncostreams, with overexpression of key genes (i.e., COL1A1, ACTA2) that drive the tumor's mesenchymal transition and malignancy is also identified. Pre-clinical studies on genetically engineered mouse models demonstrated that COL1A1 inhibition disrupts oncostreams, modifies TME, reduces mesenchymal gene expression, and extends survival. An in vitro model using GFP+ NPA cells to investigate how various treatments affect oncostream dynamics is developed. Analysis showed that factors such as cell density, morphology, neurotransmitter agonists, calcium chelators, and cytoskeleton-targeting drugs influence oncostream formation. This data illuminate the patterns of glioma migration and suggest anti-invasion strategies that can improve GBM patient outcomes when combined with traditional therapies. This work highlights the potential of targeting oncostreams to control glioma invasion and enhance treatment efficacy.

[Depressive symptoms in a sample of women with subclinical hypothyroidism and their relationship to chlorates in tap water]. / Síntomas depresivos en una muestra de mujeres con hipotiroidismo subclínico y su relación con los cloratos del agua del grifo.

Introduction: Introduction: depressive symptoms may develop in subclinical hypothyroidism and their presence usually facilitates recognition and the establishment of replacement treatment; however, recent studies have found no association between the two. Besides, thyroid function can be affected by endocrine disruptors and some of them, such as chlorates, can be found in the water we drink. Objectives: to know if the type of water consumed may influence the development of depressive symptoms in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. Methods: 96 women with subclinical hypothyroidism, without thyroid treatment, were enrolled. We studied, among other variables, the presence of depressive symptoms, type of water consumption (tap, bottled or spring) and the level of chlorates in the tap water. Results: 41.7 % (40) of women presented depressive symptoms and these were related to the consumption of tap water (p = 0.001), resulting in a reliable predictor (OR, 27.79; p = 0.007). Chlorate level in the tap water was 250 µg/L, a value within the maximum limit allowed by law. Conclusions: chronic exposure to chlorates in water, in women with subclinical hypothyroidism, at levels authorized by law, could favor the inhibition of iodine transport and the appearance of depressive symptoms. It would be interesting to test this hypothesis as well as its possible effect on other population profiles.

Introducción: Introducción: en el hipotiroidismo subclínico pueden aparecer síntomas depresivos y su presencia suele facilitar la instauración de un tratamiento de reemplazo; sin embargo, estudios recientes no han encontrado una asociación entre ambos. Por otra parte, la función tiroidea puede verse afectada por disruptores endocrinos y, algunos de ellos, como los cloratos, pueden encontrarse en el agua que bebemos. Objetivos: conocer si el tipo de consumo de agua puede influir en la aparición de síntomas depresivos en pacientes con hipotiroidismo subclínico. Métodos: participaron 96 mujeres con hipotiroidismo subclínico, sin tratamiento tiroideo, de un área de salud de España. Estudiamos, entre otras variables, la presencia de síntomas depresivos, el tipo de consumo de agua (grifo/embotellada o manantial) y el nivel de cloratos en el agua del grifo. Resultados: el 41,7 % (40) de las mujeres presentaban síntomas depresivos y estos se relacionaban con el consumo de agua del grifo (p = 0,001), resultando este un predictor confiable (OR: 27,79; p = 0,007). El nivel de cloratos en el agua del grifo era de 250 µg/L, valor situado en el límite máximo permitido por la ley. Conclusiones: en mujeres con hipotiroidismo subclínico, la exposición crónica a cloratos en el agua, en niveles autorizados por la ley, podría favorecer la inhibición del transporte de yodo y la aparición de síntomas depresivos. Sería interesante comprobar esta hipótesis, así como su posible efecto sobre otros perfiles poblacionales.

Management of liver and gastrointestinal toxicity induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors: Position statement of the AEEH-AEG-SEPD-SEOM-GETECCU.

The development of the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is one of the most remarkable achievements in cancer therapy in recent years. However, their exponential use has led to an increase in immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Gastrointestinal and liver events encompass hepatitis, colitis and upper digestive tract symptoms accounting for the most common irAEs, with incidence rates varying from 2% to 40%, the latter in patients undergoing combined ICIs therapy. Based on the current scientific evidence derived from both randomized clinical trials and real-world studies, this statement document provides recommendations on the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the gastrointestinal and hepatic ICI-induced adverse events.

Management of liver and gastrointestinal toxicity induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors: Position statement of the AEEH-AEG-SEPD-SEOM-GETECCU.

The development of the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is one of the most remarkable achievements in cancer therapy in recent years. However, their exponential use has led to an increase in immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Gastrointestinal and liver events encompass hepatitis, colitis and upper digestive tract symptoms accounting for the most common irAEs, with incidence rates varying from 2 % to 40 %, the latter in patients undergoing combined ICIs therapy. Based on the current scientific evidence derived from both randomized clinical trials and real-world studies, this statement document provides recommendations on the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the gastrointestinal and hepatic ICI-induced adverse events.

Evidence for Rho-dependent control of a virulence switch in Acinetobacter baumannii.

IMPORTANCE: Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant cause of infections in the healthcare setting. More recently, A. baumannii has been a leading cause of secondary bacterial pneumonia in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and the overall frequency of A. baumannii infection increased 78% during the COVID-19 pandemic. A. baumannii can exist in virulent or avirulent subpopulations and this interconversion is mediated by the expression of a family of TetR-type transcriptional regulators. In this study, we demonstrate that Rho is a key regulatory component in the expression of these TetR regulators. Overall, this study is the first to address a role for Rho in A. baumannii and provides additional evidence for the role of Rho in regulating diversity in bacterial subpopulations.

Management of liver and gastrointestinal toxicity induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors: Position statement of the AEEH-AEG-SEPD-SEOM-GETECCU

The development of the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is one of the most remarkable achievements in cancer therapy in recent years. However, their exponential use has led to an increase in immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Gastrointestinal and liver events encompass hepatitis, colitis and upper digestive tract symptoms accounting for the most common irAEs, with incidence rates varying from 2 % to 40 %, the latter in patients undergoing combined ICIs therapy. Based on the current scientific evidence derived from both randomized clinical trials and real-world studies, this statement document provides recommendations on the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the gastrointestinal and hepatic ICI-induced adverse events (AU)

El descubrimiento de los inhibidores de checkpoint inmu nológicos (ICI) es uno de los logros más importantes en los últimos años en Oncología. Sin embargo, su uso en aumen to ha conlllevado a un incremento de los efectos adversos inmunomediados (irAEs). Los eventos hepáticos y gastroin testinales incluyen la hepatitis, colitis y síntomas de tracto digestivo superior, que son de los irAEs más frecuentes, con incidencias entre el 2 % y 40 %, esta última en paciente tratados con combo de ICI. Basados en la evidencia científica tanto de ensayo clínicos randomizados como de estudio de vida real, este documento de consenso aporta recomenda ciones sobre el diagnóstico, tratamiento y pronóstico de los efectos adversos hepáticos y gastrointestinales asociados con la inmunoterapia. (AU)

Predictive models for hepatocellular carcinoma development after sustained virological response in advanced hepatitis C / Modelos predictivos para el desarrollo de carcinoma hepatocelular tras la respuesta viral sostenida en pacientes con hepatitis C avanzada

Background & aims: Life-long hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance is recommended after sustained virological response (SVR) in patients with advanced hepatitis C. Since the identification of patients who could be safely discontinued for surveillance is essential, we aimed to identify subsets of patients with low-risk HCC. Methods: 491 patients with advanced and compensated fibrosis (≥F3) were prospectively followed after achieving SVR with interferon-free therapies. Clinical–biological parameters and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) were performed before starting treatment (ST) and at SVR, and HCC surveillance was carried out. Results: During a median follow-up of 49.8 months, 29 (5.9%) patients developed HCC [incidence rate: 1.6/100 patient-years (PYs)]. Two predictive models based on LSM (Model-A) or FIB-4 score (Model-B) were proposed. Only SVR parameters were included in the models, because they showed a higher accuracy for predicting HCC than ST measurements. Variables independently associated with HCC were LSM (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01–1.05), age (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01–1.08) and albumin levels (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84–0.97) in Model-A, and FIB-4 (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.08–1.37) and albumin (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84–0.97) in model-B. Both models allow HCC risk stratification, identifying low-risk groups with an HCC incidence rate of 0.16/100 and 0.25/100 PYs, respectively. An overall increased hazard of HCC was observed over time. (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivos: En pacientes con hepatitis C avanzada se recomienda la vigilancia del carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) de por vida tras la respuesta viral sostenida (RVS). La identificación de pacientes que podrían interrumpir de manera segura el screening es esencial, por ello nuestro objetivo fue identificar subgrupos de pacientes con bajo riesgo de desarrollo de CHC. Métodos: Se realizó un seguimiento prospectivo de 491 pacientes con fibrosis avanzada y compensada (≥F3) tras la RVS obtenida con terapias libres de interferón. Se registraron parámetros clínico-biológicos y se midió la rigidez hepática mediante elastografía de transición (ET) antes del inicio del tratamiento y en la respuesta viral sostenida y se realizó screening para el desarrollo de CHC. Resultados: Durante una mediana de seguimiento de 49,8 meses, 29 (5,9%) pacientes desarrollaron CHC. (Tasa de incidencia: 1,6/100 pacientes-año [PA]). Se propusieron dos modelos predictivos basados en la puntuación de ET (Modelo-A) o FIB-4 (Modelo-B). Se incluyeron los parámetros en RVS en los modelos porque mostraron una mayor precisión para predecir CHC que las mediciones basales. Las variables asociadas de forma independientes con CHC fueron: ET (HR 1,03 IC; IC 95%, 1,01-1,05), edad (HR 1,04; IC 95%, 1,01-1,08) y niveles de albúmina (HR 0,90; IC 95%, 0,84-0,97) en el Modelo-A, y FIB-4 (HR 1,22; IC 95%, 1,08-1,37) y albúmina (HR 0,90; IC 95%, 0,84-0,97) en el Modelo-B. Ambos modelos permiten la estratificación del riesgo de CHC, identificando grupos de bajo riesgo con una tasa de incidencia de CHC de 0,16/100 y 0,25/100 PA, respectivamente. Se observó un aumento general del riesgo de desarrollar CHC con el tiempo. (AU)

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment of Elevated Blood Pressure for Screening and Early Detection in Children 6 to 9 Years of Age in the Valencian Community: ANIVA Study.

Elevated blood pressure (EBP), hypertension (HT), and prehypertension (PHT), along with the rising prevalence of overweight/obesity in children, correlate with a heightened risk of cardiovascular complications. This study focuses on assessing the prevalence of overweight/obesity and EBP and identifying potential indicators for effective early screening and detection of EBP in children aged 6 to 9 years old. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1142 students from different schools across the Valencian Community in Spain. Data collection involved administering a questionnaire alongside direct anthropometric measurements of each student. The collected data underwent comprehensive statistical analysis, including frequencies, percentages, means, and chi-square automatic interaction detector (CHAID) analysis. In the sample, 7.5% of the children had HT and 6.8% had PHT, meaning 14.3% presented with EBP. Additionally, 17.0% of the children were classified as overweight and 3.9% as obese. Body mass index >23.1, body fat percentage >20.79%, and Kidmed scores <8 were identified as potential markers for early detection of EBP. The study reveals a significant incidence of EBP and overweight/obesity. Implementing screening protocols for early detection of EBP is imperative to forestall future cardiovascular events. Moreover, lifestyle modifications emerge as the most crucial approach for managing these risk factors.

A Profile of Adult Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Pneumonia Patients According to Pneumococcal Vaccination Status.

Certain patient profile characteristics, such as preexisting medical conditions, can modify the risk of developing SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia among adults vaccinated and not vaccinated against pneumococcal disease. This retrospective cohort study aimed to quantify the risk of pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 among individuals from 15 to 64 years old with and without pneumococcal vaccination in Spain during the 2020-2021 influenza season and establish a risk profile of patients more likely to develop SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Data (demographic information, patient medical history, and lifestyle habits) were gathered both directly from the patient via personal interview and by reviewing electronic medical records. In an adjusted analysis for pneumococcal vaccinated patients, visits to hospital outpatient clinics were protective while visits to primary health care services, being widowed, obese, and not using masks in outdoor open spaces were identified as risk factors. For patients who had not received a pneumococcal vaccine, visits to hospital outpatient clinics were protective, while being overweight or obese, alcohol consumption, and not using masks in outdoor open spaces were identified as risk factors. Concerning comorbidities, in the pneumococcal vaccinated group none were found to be protective but having diabetes or other respiratory diseases were identified as risk factors. In the unvaccinated group, undergoing immunosuppressive treatment and having metastatic tumors were protective factors, while cerebrovascular disease and obesity with a BMI ≥ 40 were risk factors. A similar risk profile for developing SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia in pneumococcal vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals was found. Generally, vaccinated individuals had a lower risk of developing SARS-CoV-2. The findings suggest that vaccination against S. pneumoniae could prevent and reduce SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Additionally, this study has identified individuals with other medical conditions, such as obesity, underweight, diabetes, and a history of respiratory diseases, who are at an increased risk of developing SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and could benefit from vaccination and supervision.

Occupational Exposure during Pregnancy and Effects on Newborns: A Nested Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: The protection of pregnant workers should be based on evidence regarding the risks to reproductive health from exposure to specific work environments and conditions. The objective of this study was to identify the effects on mothers and newborns resulting from environmental exposure to various occupational risks. METHODS: The study cohort was composed of 399 women admitted to the Obstetrics/Postpartum ward at Hospital La Fe in Valencia, Spain. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to establish associations between workplace exposure during pregnancy and its effects on maternal and newborn health. Sex, anthropometric characteristics, and blood gas analysis in arterial and venous umbilical cord blood at delivery were collected. RESULTS: A total of 138 women were exposed to biological and/or chemical risks, 122 to physical risks, and 139 at no risk of exposure. In the group with chemical and/or biological risks, the frequency of women who resorted to in vitro fertilization to achieve the studied pregnancy is less than half of the group exposed to physical risks, with statistically significant differences (p = 0.047). The mean values for the arterial analysis in both exposure groups were within average values, with similar pH values between them, but the mean values of PCO2 and PO2 were lower in the group of neonates of mothers exposed to physical risks, with a significant difference for arterial PO2 (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Our analysis contributes evidence for planning and prioritizing preventive actions to protect women's reproductive health. The results suggest the continuation of a future project that would consider more factors and potentially increase the sample size.