International conference on the healthy effect of virgin olive oil.

1. Ageing represents a great concern in developed countries because the number of people involved and the pathologies related with it, like atherosclerosis, morbus Parkinson, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, cognitive decline, diabetes and cancer. 2. Epidemiological studies suggest that a Mediterranean diet (which is rich in virgin olive oil) decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease. 3. The Mediterranean diet, rich in virgin olive oil, improves the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as the lipoprotein profile, blood pressure, glucose metabolism and antithrombotic profile. Endothelial function, inflammation and oxidative stress are also positively modulated. Some of these effects are attributed to minor components of virgin olive oil. Therefore, the definition of the Mediterranean diet should include virgin olive oil. 4. Different observational studies conducted in humans have shown that the intake of monounsaturated fat may be protective against age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. 5. Microconstituents from virgin olive oil are bioavailable in humans and have shown antioxidant properties and capacity to improve endothelial function. Furthermore they are also able to modify the haemostasis, showing antithrombotic properties. 6. In countries where the populations fulfilled a typical Mediterranean diet, such as Spain, Greece and Italy, where virgin olive oil is the principal source of fat, cancer incidence rates are lower than in northern European countries. 7. The protective effect of virgin olive oil can be most important in the first decades of life, which suggests that the dietetic benefit of virgin olive oil intake should be initiated before puberty, and maintained through life. 8. The more recent studies consistently support that the Mediterranean diet, based in virgin olive oil, is compatible with a healthier ageing and increased longevity. However, despite the significant advances of the recent years, the final proof about the specific mechanisms and contributing role of the different components of virgin olive oil to its beneficial effects requires further investigations.

[Total plasma homocysteine levels. Relationship with plasmatic folic acid levels and 677C T polymorphism of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase]. / Concentración plasmática de homocisteína: relación con los niveles plasmáticos de ácido fólico y con el polimorfismo 677C T de la 5,10-metilenotetrahidrofolato reductasa.

BACKGROUND: Moderately increased plasma homocysteine (Hcy) in children has been associated with stroke and venous thrombosis and with a parental history of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Evaluation of Hcy concentrations during childhood and study of the factors determining its concentrations could play an important role in the primary prevention of CVD. Objective To detect cases of hyperhomocystinemia and to examine the association between Hcy levels and plasma folic acid levels and 677C T polymorphism of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). METHODS: The relationship between plasma Hcy levels, plasma folic acid levels, and the three genotypes of 677C T MTHFR polymorphism was investigated in 127 children (aged 2-18 years) and in 105 parents by multiple linear regression. RESULTS: The median Hcy levels were 5.00 mol/l in the children and 8.00 mol/l in the parents. Plasma folic acid levels were normal in all of the patients. The prevalence of the three genotypes in the children was 32.3 % for the CC genotype, 42.5 % for the CT genotype and 15.7 % for the TT genotype. Hcy concentrations were significantly higher in children with the TT genotype (p 0.018). Multiple linear regression revealed a positive direct effect of age (b 0.029, p 0.002) and a negative effect of genotype TT (b 3.886, p 0.002) on Hcy concentration. Hcy concentration was inversely correlated with folic acid levels but this correlation did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: No cases of hyperhomocystinemia were found. To evaluate Hcy, age and plasma folic acid levels have to be taken into account in case there is a 677C T mutation. Hcy concentrations should be determined in older children with a family history of atherothrombosis and other risk factors for premature CVD.

Concentración plasmática de homocisteína: relación con los niveles plasmáticos de ácido fólico y con el polimorfismo 677 ct de la 5,10-metilenotetrahidrofolato reductasa / Total plasma homocysteine levels. Relationship with plasmatic folic acid levels and 677 CT polymorphism of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase

Antecedentes: El aumento moderado de la homocisteína plasmática en niños se ha relacionado con infartos cerebrales y trombosis venosas y con los antecedentes familiares de enfermedad coronaria prematura (ECP). La determinación de homocisteína en la infancia y el estudio de los factores que determinan su concentración podría ser importante para la prevención primaria de la ECP. Objetivo: Detectar algún caso de hiperhomocistinemia y valorar su relación con la concentración plasmática de ácido fólico y el polimorfismo 677C T de la 5,10-metilenotetrahidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR). Métodos: Se ha estudiado mediante la regresión lineal múltiple la relación entre la concentración plasmática de homocisteína, la del ácido fólico y los tres genotipos de la mutación 677C T de la MTHFR en 127 niños de entre 2 y 18 años y 105 de sus progenitores. Resultados: La concentración de homocisteína (mediana) fue de 5,00 y 8,00 mol/l en los niños y sus progenitores, respectivamente. Los valores plasmáticos de ácido fólico se encontraban todos en el rango de la normalidad. La prevalencia de los tres genotipos en los niños fue de 32,3% para el genotipo CC, 42,5% para el CT y 15,7% para el TT. La concentración de homocisteína era significativamente mayor con el genotipo TT (p = 0,018). En la regresión lineal múltiple se encontró un efecto directo positivo de la edad (b = 0,029; p = 0,001) y negativo del genotipo TT (b = -3,886; p = 0,002) sobre la concentración de homocisteína. El coeficiente de regresión de la concentración de ácido fólico aunque de signo negativo, no alcanzó significación estadística. Conclusiones: No se ha encontrado ningún caso de hiperhomocistinemia. Al valorar la homocisteína hay que tener en cuenta la edad y en caso de existir la mutación 677C T, los valores plasmáticos de ácido fólico. Sería conveniente determinar la homocisteína en los niños de mayor edad con antecedentes familiares de aterotrombosis y con otros factores de riesgo para la ECP (AU)

[Analysis of avoidable mortality in Valencia Community hospitals]. / Análisis de la mortalidad evitable en los hospitales de la Comunidad Valenciana.

Using a list of avoidable mortality (AM) causes as indicators of medical care (IMC) according to the Holland classification, a study on AM was conducted in the Valencia Community hospitals during 1994 and 1995. A total of 617 patients out of 106,540 discharges with IMC criteria died (mortality rate: 0.58%). The most common causes of AM included hypertension and cerebrovascular disease, with 46% of avoidable deaths; maternalperinatal disease, with 36%, and tuberculosis, 7%. According to the logistic regression analysis, men had a higher risk of AM than women, the age groups at highest risk were those over 50 years and less than 18 years, and the presence of a higher number of diagnoses was associated with increased risk.

Análisis de la mortalidad evitable en los hospitales de la Comunidad Valenciana / Analysis of avoidable deaths in the Valencia Community hospitals

Utilizando el listado de causas de mortalidad evitable (ME) conocidas como indicadores de asistencia médica (IAM) según la clasificación de Holland se ha llevado a cabo un estudio de la ME ocurrida en los hospitales de la Comunidad Valenciana durante 1994 y 1995. De 106.540 altas con criterios de IAM, fallecieron 617 pacientes (letalidad: 0,58 por ciento). Las causas más frecuentes de ME fueron la enfermedad hipertensiva y cerebrovascular, con el 46 por ciento de los fallecimientos evitables; la maternoperinatal, con el 36 por ciento, y la tuberculosis, con el 7 por ciento. Según el análisis de regresión logística, los hombres presentaron mayor riesgo de ME que las mujeres; los grupos de edad con mayor riesgo fueron los de más de 50 años y los menores de 18 años, y la presencia de un mayor número de diagnósticos se asoció a un riesgo más elevado (AU)

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Estudio longitudinal de factores de riesgo de cardiopatía isquémica en España

Se han estudiado de forma longitudinal (1987-1995) los principales factores de riesgo ligados a la evolución de la mortalidad por cardiopatía isquémica con el fin de obtener una valoración del problema en España, así como de sus medidas preventivas. Material y métodos: la mayor parte de los factores de riesgo considerados se obtuvieron de las Encuestas Nacionales de Salud Españolas de los años 1987, 1993 y 1995, procediendo a su adaptación correspondiente. Las defunciones por cardiopatía isquémica se consultaron de los Movimientos Naturales de la Población Española, se calcularon las tasas de mortalidad por 105 personas-año y se estandarizaron por el método directo. Asimismo se realizó un ajuste polinomial de segundo grado en la línea de tendencia y se comprobaron diferencias significativas en la prevalencia de los factores de riesgo entre cada dos encuestas consecutivas. Resultados: observamos que la situación no es satisfactoria en cuanto a niveles de salud percibida, siendo claramente decreciente en ambos sexos. El consumo de tabaco para ambos sexos sólo es ligeramente decreciente en el período considerado, aunque con grandes diferencias por sexo. Lo mismo sucede con el alcohol, disminuyendo los bebedores excesivos. Los datos de obesidad permanecen constantes, con una tendencia prácticamente horizontal, mientras que parece decrecer el sedentarismo para ambos sexos. Es estable para todo el período estudiado el conocimiento del padecimiento de diabetes, hipertensión y colesterol (AU)

[Age-period-cohort analysis of mortality caused by traffic accidents in Spain]. / Análisis edad-periodo-cohorte de la mortalidad por accidentes de tráfico en España.

OBJECTIVE: To study the evolution of traffic accidents mortality in Spain and its possible application to an age-period-cohort analysis, as well as the effect of selected road safety measures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Road accidents rates of mortality were obtained, and five-year interval age rates for each sex, which allows the study of specific rates of age by birth cohorts. To determine the association between the selected road safety measures and mortality. Poisson regression models were adjusted. RESULTS: Two waves emerge in the evolution of traffic accidents. There was no clear effect with respect to age, nor was there a cohort effect for men or women. As to the road safety measures, we discuss the consistency between the selected models and graphic results. The compulsory use of helmet and of crossing lights is significantly associated to a reduction in mortality (RR 0.73, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Road accidents mortality shows a slight increase in the studies period. This rate performance cannot be sufficiently explained by age effects, diagnostic period nor birth cohort, however, road safety measures are considered positive.

[Seasonal variation in mortality in the city of Valencia, Spain]. / Variación estacional de la mortalidad en la ciudad de Valencia, España.

OBJECTIVE: To study the seasonal variation in mortality for all causes, grouped according to age and sex, within the city of Valencia during the period 1976-1990 and its relationship with air temperature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an ecological study using monthly global mortality and mean atmospheric temperature statistics for the city of Valencia, Spain between 1976 and 1990. The principal variable has turned out to be mortality for all causes. Mortality rates have been determined for specific age groups (0-4, 35-49, 50-64, 65-74 and > or = 75), as well as for both genders, within the city of Valencia for each of the 180-month period of investigation. Average monthly mortality data has been obtained and the percentage variation has been calculated. Graphical analysis has been used to examine the seasonal variation in mortality and in order to discern the nature of any relationship between atmospheric temperature and mortality. The regression line has been adjusted using the Loess method (smoothed regression motive, locally pondered). The association between mean temperature and mortality has calculated by means of multiple regression analysis controlling for trend, seasonality and period effect. RESULTS: A clear seasonal pattern emerges with mortality peaking during the Winter months and dipping during the Summer and early Autumn. The increase in mortality seen during the month of January came to 27.7% of the total mortality for females and 19.5% of the total mortality for males. By age groups, this increase was greater in the 75-plus age group. Graphically, the relationship between temperature and mortality has a V-shape appearance, with a lower mortality level when the mean daily temperature for the month in question is approximately 23 degrees Celsius. Based on this relationship, two complementary.

[Descriptive epidemiologic study of 514 cases of bladder cancer]. / Estudio epidemiológico descriptivo de 514 casos de cáncer de vejiga.

A descriptive epidemiological study was conducted on the characteristics and risk factors of 514 cases of bladder cancer. The results show a higher prevalence in males aged 70 or older. A higher incidence was found in those with a lower occupational level. There is a relationship with smoking and a Quetelet obesity score higher than normal. Anatomo-pathologically, the transitional cell type was the most common. A history of hematuria and obstructive disorders, basically arising from the prostate, were frequently found.

[Nutritional factors and geographic differences in pancreatic cancer mortality in Spain]. / Factores alimentarios y diferencias geogräficas de la mortalidad por cáncer de páncreas en España.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between diet and cancer of the pancreas was assessed in a ecological study by calculating the intakes of foods and nutrients in the different Spanish provinces, during the period 1964-65, and relating these to the provincial pattern of death from pancreatic cancer 20 years after (1984-86). METHODS: The geographical pattern of mortality was evaluated by calculating the Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMR) for each province. Intake of foods was obtained from the National Institute of Statistics. Nutrients intakes were calculated from these consumption figures, by reference to tables of food composition. Simple and multiple linear regression studies with these variables were carried out. RESULTS: Regression coefficients obtained with foods and nutrients in the univariate analyses were in general low. In the separate multivariate models, consumption of milk and cheese were constantly positively correlated with pancreatic cancer mortality rates in males. For females, consumption of eggs was positively associated, and fruit consumption was negatively correlated. Analyses of nutrient intake adjusted for total energy showed that proteins were the most strongly correlated of the variables considered in both sexes. Animal fat, cholesterol and saturated fat were statistically significant positively correlated with pancreatic cancer mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained are consistent with the hypothesis that diet can play a role in the etiology of the cancer of the pancreas. Further studies are needed to obtain empirical evidence for (or against) the associations found.

[Trends in kidney cancer mortality in Spain (1951-1985) and review of hospital case histories]. / Tendencias en la mortalidad por cáncer de riñón en España (1951-1985) e investigación de una casuística hospitalaria.

The present study is a descriptive epidemiological study of the mortality trends for renal cancer based on the data available for the period spanning 1951 to 1985. The specific death rates show a rising trend that is more marked in males than in females. These have been observed to increase constantly for the group aged 60-64 years. The mortality rates by birth cohorts show the cohort effect to be less evident in the younger male and female population. A review of 81 clinical records (1984-1988) of La Fe Hospital in Valencia based on a protocol that focussed on selected risk factors showed a higher frequency (33.75%) for the group aged 60-69 followed by the 50-59 age group (26.75%) and a higher incidence in men (66.67%).