Flow cytometry protocol for GLUT4-myc detection on cell surfaces.

Insulin and muscle contraction trigger GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane, which increases glucose uptake by muscle cells. Insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes are the result of impaired GLUT4 translocation. Quantifying GLUT4 translocation is essential for comprehending the intricacies of both physiological and pathophysiological processes involved in glucose metabolism. The most commonly used methods for measuring GLUT4 translocation are the ELISA-type assay and the immunofluorescence assay. While some reports suggest that flow cytometry could be useful in quantifying GLUT4 translocation, this technique is not frequently used. Much of our current understanding of the regulation of GLUT4 has been based on experiments using the rat myoblast cell line (L6 cell) which expresses GLUT4 with a myc epitope on the exofacial loop. In the present study, we use the L6-GLUT4myc cell line to develop a flow cytometry-based approach to detect GLUT4 translocation. Flow cytometry offers the advantages of both immunofluorescence and ELISA-based assays. It allows easy identification of separate cell populations in the sample, similar to immunofluorescence, while providing results based on a population-level analysis of multiple individual cells, like an ELISA-based assay. Our results demonstrate a 0.6-fold increase with insulin stimulation compared with basal conditions. Finally, flow cytometry consistently yielded results across different experiments and exhibited sensitivity under the tested conditions.

The light chain of tetanus toxin bound to arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptide inhibits cortical reaction in mouse oocytes.

Introduction: Cortical reaction is a secretory process that occurs after a spermatozoon fuses with the oocyte, avoiding the fusion of additional sperm. During this exocytic event, the cortical granule membrane fuses with the oocyte plasma membrane. We have identified several molecular components involved in this process and confirmed that SNARE proteins regulate membrane fusion during cortical reaction in mouse oocytes. In those studies, we microinjected different nonpermeable reagents to demonstrate the participation of a specific protein in the cortical reaction. However, the microinjection technique has several limitations. In this work, we aimed to assess the potential of cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) as biotechnological tools for delivering molecules into oocytes, and to evaluate the functionality of the permeable tetanus toxin (bound to CPP sequence) during cortical reaction. Methods: Arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptides have demonstrated the optimal internalization of small molecules in mammalian cells. Two arginine-rich CPP were used in the present study. One, labeled with 5-carboxyfluorescein, to characterize the factors that can modulate its internalization, and the other, the permeable light chain of tetanus toxin, that cleaves the SNAREs VAMP1 and VAMP3 expressed in mouse oocytes. Results: Results showed that fluorescent CPP was internalized into the oocyte cytoplasm and that internalization was dependent on the concentration, time, temperature, and maturation stage of the oocyte. Using our functional assay to study cortical reaction, the light chain of tetanus toxin bound to arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptide inhibited cortical granules exocytosis. Discussion: Results obtained from the use of permeable peptides demonstrate that this CPP is a promising biotechnological tool to study functional macromolecules in mouse oocytes.

Different epidemiological profiles in patients with Zika and dengue infection in Tapachula, Chiapas in Mexico (2016-2018): an observational, prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of Zika and chikungunya to dengue hyperendemic regions increased interest in better understanding characteristics of these infections. We conducted a cohort study in Mexico to evaluate the natural history of Zika infection. We describe here the frequency of Zika, chikungunya and dengue virus infections immediately after Zika introduction in Mexico, and baseline characteristics of participants for each type of infection. METHODS: Prospective, observational cohort evaluating the natural history of Zika virus infection in the Mexico-Guatemala border area. Patients with fever, rash or both, meeting the modified criteria of PAHO for probable Zika cases were enrolled (June 2016-July 2018) and followed-up for 6 months. We collected data on sociodemographic, environmental exposure, clinical and laboratory characteristics. Diagnosis was established based on viral RNA identification in serum and urine samples using RT-PCR for Zika, chikungunya, and dengue. We describe the baseline sociodemographic and environmental exposure characteristics of participants according to diagnosis, and the frequency of these infections over a two-year period immediately after Zika introduction in Mexico. RESULTS: We enrolled 427 participants. Most patients (n = 307, 65.7%) had an acute illness episode with no identified pathogen (UIE), 37 (8%) Zika, 82 (17.6%) dengue, and 1 (0.2%) chikungunya. In 2016 Zika predominated, declined in 2017 and disappeared in 2018; while dengue increased after 2017. Patients with dengue were more likely to be men, younger, and with lower education than those with Zika and UIE. They also reported closer contact with water sources, and with other people diagnosed with dengue. Participants with Zika reported sexual exposure more frequently than people with dengue and UIE. Zika was more likely to be identified in urine while dengue was more likely found in blood in the first seven days of symptoms; but PCR results for both were similar at day 7-14 after symptom onset. CONCLUSIONS: During the first 2 years of Zika introduction to this dengue hyper-endemic region, frequency of Zika peaked and fell over a two-year period; while dengue progressively increased with a predominance in 2018. Different epidemiologic patterns between Zika, dengue and UIE were observed. Trial registration Clinical.Trials.gov (NCT02831699).

Efficacy of transcutaneous perineal electrostimulation versus intracavitary anal electrostimulation in the treatment of urinary incontinence after a radical prostatectomy: Randomized controlled trial.

AIM: To compare the efficacy of the treatment with transcutaneous perineal electrostimulation versus intracavitary electrostimulation to reduce the frequency of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy and the impact on the quality of life (QoL). METHODS: This single-blind equivalence-randomized controlled trial equally (1:1) randomly allocated men with urinary incontinence post radical prostatectomy into surface electrodes perineal group (intervention group, IG) and intra-anal probe group (control group, CG). Outcomes included changes in the 24h-Pad Test (main variable), and ICIQ-SF (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form), SF-12 (Short Form Health Survey), and I-QOL (incontinence quality of life questionnaire) questionnaires. Clinical data were collected at baseline, 6 and 10 weeks. For the comparisons between variables, χ2 test and Student's t test were used. Equivalence was analyzed by estimating the mean change (90% confidence interval) of urinary incontinence based on the Pad Test. The analysis was performed for the per-protocol and the intention-to-treat populations. Statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Seventy patients were included, mean age 62.8 (SD 9.4) years. Mean baseline 24h-Pad Test was 328.3 g (SD 426.1) and a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the grams of urine loss at 5 weeks (159.1 g in the IG and 121.7 g in the CG), and at 10 weeks of treatment (248.5 g in the IG and 235.8 g in the CG) was observed. However, the final difference in the grams of urine loss between both treatments showed the absence of statistical significance (p = 0.874). In both groups, the ICIQ-SF, I-QOL, and SF-12 questionnaires revealed a significant improvement in QoL. CONCLUSION: Surface and intra-anal electrostimulation treatments reduced significantly losses of urine, but differences in grams of urine loss throughout the therapy between groups were not significant, suggesting that the efficacy of the two treatments is not statistically different. Nonetheless, the improvement observed in both groups was statistically significant and clinically relevant.

Complexin-2 redistributes to the membrane of muscle cells in response to insulin and contributes to GLUT4 translocation.

Insulin stimulates glucose uptake in muscle cells by rapidly redistributing vesicles containing GLUT4 glucose transporters from intracellular compartments to the plasma membrane (PM). GLUT4 vesicle fusion requires the formation of SNARE complexes between vesicular VAMP and PM syntaxin4 and SNAP23. SNARE accessory proteins usually regulate vesicle fusion processes. Complexins aide in neuro-secretory vesicle-membrane fusion by stabilizing trans-SNARE complexes but their participation in GLUT4 vesicle fusion is unknown. We report that complexin-2 is expressed and homogeneously distributed in L6 rat skeletal muscle cells. Upon insulin stimulation, a cohort of complexin-2 redistributes to the PM. Complexin-2 knockdown markedly inhibited GLUT4 translocation without affecting proximal insulin signalling of Akt/PKB phosphorylation and actin fiber remodelling. Similarly, complexin-2 overexpression decreased maximal GLUT4 translocation suggesting that the concentration of complexin-2 is finely tuned to vesicle fusion. These findings reveal an insulin-dependent regulation of GLUT4 insertion into the PM involving complexin-2.

Benefits of a Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in Antimicrobial Use and Quality of Prescriptions in a Referral Children's Hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the results of the first 24 months of a postprescription review with feedback-based antimicrobial stewardship program in a European referral children's hospital. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a pre-post study comparing antimicrobial use between the control (2015-2016) and the intervention periods (2017-2018) expressed in days of therapy/100 days present. Quality of prescriptions was evaluated by quarterly cross-sectional point-prevalence surveys. Length of stay, readmission rates, in-hospital mortality rates, cost of systemic antimicrobial agents, and antimicrobial resistance rates were included as complementary outcomes. RESULTS: Total antimicrobial use and antibacterial use significantly decreased during the intervention period (P = .002 and P = .001 respectively), and total antifungal use remained stable. A significant decline in parenteral antimicrobial use was also observed (P < .001). In 8 quarterly point-prevalence surveys (938 prescriptions evaluated), the mean prevalence of use of any antimicrobial among inpatients was 39%. An increasing trend in the rate of optimal prescriptions was observed after the first point-prevalence survey (P = .0898). Nonoptimal prescriptions were more common in surgical than in medical departments, in antibacterial prescriptions with prophylactic intention, and in empirical more than in targeted treatments. No significant differences were observed in terms of mortality or readmission rates. Only minor changes in antimicrobial resistance rates were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Our antimicrobial stewardship program safely decreased antimicrobial use and expenditure, and a trend toward improvement in quality of prescription was also observed.

Physical fitness in Catalan children in relation to parental tobacco use and other associated factors / Nivell de condició física en infants catalans relacionat amb l'hàbit tabàquic dels progenitors i d'altres factors associats

INTRODUCTION: Physical fitness level in children and adolescents is determined, partly, by the specific social and cultural context of each country. There is a lack of information about physical fitness level of Catalan children and its relation with parental socioeconomic and education level and anthropometric parameters. The aim of this study is to assess the physical fitness level of Catalan children and to examine the association with family environment and parental anthropometric characteristics and smoking. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This is an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic study of 8- and 9-year-old schoolchildren. Physical fitness level was assessed with "ALPHA-FITNESS battery" and familiar environment and progenitors' characteristics with ALADINO family questionnaire. Differences between group means were assessed using Student's t test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) and relation between variables by Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: 269 children participated, 146 male (54.2%). Higher parental education level is associated to a better cardiorespiratory condition in their offspring. Those children whose fathers have higher education have a lower waist perimeter and lower body mass index. Children whose parents are not regular smokers have a better physical fitness. A positive correlation between body mass indexes of parents and children is observed, while a negative correlation between the maternal body mass index and both the musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory conditions of the children is found. CONCLUSION: Children's physical fitness is related with education level, body mass index and smoking pattern of their parents

INTRODUCCIÓN: El nivel de condición física de la población infantil está determinado, en parte, por el contexto sociocultural específico de cada país. Hay una carencia de datos sobre el nivel de condición física de los niños catalanes y la relación de esta con las características del entorno familiar y de los progenitores. El objetivo del trabajo es medir el nivel de condición física de niños catalanes y su relación con el entorno familiar y las características antropométricas y tabaquismo de los progenitores. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional transversal descriptivo y analítico de escolares de 8 y 9 años. El nivel de condición física se evaluó mediante la "Batería ALPHA-FITNESS" y las características del entorno familiar y de los progenitores con el cuestionario del estudio ALADINO. Las medias se compararon con la t de Student y el análisis de la varianza (ANOVA) y la relación entre variables con el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. RESULTADOS: Participaron 269 niños/as, 146 niños (54,2%). A mayor nivel de estudios de los progenitores, mayor condición cardiorespiratoria de los niños/as, mientras que el nivel de estudios del padre está inversamente relacionado con el perímetro de cintura y el índice de masa corporal. Los niños/as con padres no fumadores habituales tienen mejor condición física. Se observa una correlación positiva entre el índice de masa corporal de los progenitores y el de los niños/as, y negativa entre el índice de masa corporal de la madre y la condición musculoesquelética y cardiorespiratoria de los hijos/as. CONCLUSIÓN: El nivel de condición física de los niños/as está relacionado con el nivel educativo, el índice de masa corporal y el hábito tabáquico de los dos progenitores

Sickness presenteeism: Are we sure about what we are studying? A research based on a literature review and an empirical illustration.

BACKGROUND: There has been an increasing interest in studying sickness presenteeism (SP). An ever-increasing amount of scientific literature is published using this term, yet there appears to be considerable heterogeneity in how it is assessed, which could result in substantial differences in the definition and interpretation of the phenomenon really being studied. We aim to discuss what really is being studied, depending on how the phenomenon is operationalized, measured, and analyzed. METHODS: A study based on a literature review and an empirical illustration using data of the third Spanish Psychosocial Risks Survey (2016). RESULTS: Differences are observed based on the population in which SP is measured, the cut-off points used to define a worker as presenteeist, the reasons for an SP episode and even an analysis of the phenomenon treated as a count or as a dichotomous. CONCLUSIONS: Without being completely exclusive, it seems that restricting the population of analysis to only those workers who consider that they should not have gone to work due to their health, and/or establishing low cut-off points to define someone as presenteeist, would more clearly delimit the study of SP to the exercise of a right to sick leave. In contrast, working with the entire population or using high cut-off points appears to relate the study of SP more with health status and less with the exercise of rights. On the other hand, taking the reasons for SP into account would probably help to improve interpretation of the phenomenon.

Prevalence, associated factors and reasons for sickness presenteeism: a cross-sectional nationally representative study of salaried workers in Spain, 2016.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of sickness presenteeism (SP), its associated factors and the reasons given for SP episodes, among the overall salaried population and excluding the 'healthy' workers. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: Salaried population in Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Data were obtained from the third Spanish Psychosocial Risks Survey (2016), carried out between October and December 2016, n=1615. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported episodes of SP and their reasons. RESULTS: 23.0% (95% CI 19.2 to 26.8) of the workers exhibit SP, whereas among those manifesting having had some health problem in the preceding year, the figure was 53.0% (95% CI 46.9 to 59.1). The factors associated with SP when we study all workers are age, seniority, salary structure, working more than 48 hours, the contribution of worker's wage to the total household income and downsizing; factors among the 'unhealthy' workers are working more than 48 hours and not having a contract. The most common reason for SP is 'did not want to burden my colleagues', 45.7% (95% CI 37.3 to 54.4), whereas 'I could not afford it for economic reasons' ranked third, 35.9% (29.4% to 42.9%), and 27.5% (21.3% to 34.6%) of the workers report 'worried about being laid off' as a reason for going to work despite being ill. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated frequency of SP in Spain is lower than certain other countries, such as the Scandinavian countries. The factors associated vary depending on the population analysed (all workers or excluding 'healthy' workers). The reason 'I was worried about being laid off' was much more common than the estimates for Sweden or Norway.

Un desayuno de buena calidad aumenta la adherencia a la Dieta Mediterránea en escolares de educación primaria del Baix Montseny (Barcelona) / A good quality breakfast increases the adherence to the Mediterranean diet in primary school children from Baix Montseny (Barcelona)

Fundamentos: La ingesta regular de un desayuno de buena calidad se ha asociado con una elección de alimentos más saludable a lo largo del día. La dieta mediterránea ha sido considerada como un patrón alimentario saludable y se ha relacionado con una mejora en el estado de salud tanto en adultos como en niños y adolescentes. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la relación entre la calidad del desayuno y la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en escolares de primaria. Métodos: Se estudiaron escolares de entre 8 y 9 años. La calidad del desayuno se evaluó con el cuestionario del estudio ALADINO y según los criterios del estudio enKid, y la evaluación de la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea con el cuestionario KIDMED. Resultados: Participaron 269 escolares, 146 niños (54,2%). La mayoría realizaba un desayuno de calidad mala (32,5%) o media (54,1%). La puntuación media del índice KIDMED fue de 7,2 (1,9). Un desayuno de buena calidad incrementó más de 4 veces (OR 4,6, IC 95% 1,4-15,1) la probabilidad de una alta adherencia a la dieta mediterránea, en relación a un desayuno de pésima-mala calidad. Conclusiones: Los escolares que consumían un desayuno de mejor calidad mostraron una mayor adherencia a la DM (AU)

Background: The intake of a healthy breakfast has been associated to a healthier food choice throughout the day. The Mediterranean diet is considered a healthy eating pattern and has been associated with an improvement in the health status of both adults and children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the breakfast quality in primary school children. Methods: The studied population was school children aged 8 and 9 years. The breakfast quality was assessed with the ALADINO questionnaire and according to the enKid study criteria, and the assessment of adherence to the Mediterranean diet was carried out using the KIDMED questionnaire. Results: 269 school children participated, 146 male (54.2%). Most of them had a breakfast of poor (32.5%) or medium (54.1%) quality. The average score of the KIDMED index was 7.2 (1.9). Having a breakfast of good quality increased more than four-fold (OR 4.6, IC 95% 1.4-15.1) the probability of a high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, in relation to a bad-poor quality breakfast. Conclusions: School children who consumed a better quality breakfast showed greater adherence to Mediterranean dietto the Mediterranean diet and also a moderate physical activity, being greater among boys and younger (AU)

Specific psychosocial exposures for workers' mental health: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: In order to plan interventions it is important to obtain evidence on the relation between a health outcome and specific exposures. However, there are few studies that identify the effect of specific psychosocial work exposures on poor mental health. This is the aim of this study. METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional study in Catalonia. We estimated prevalence ratios (PR) of minor psychiatric disorder associated with several psychosocial work exposures. RESULTS: The items with highest PR were "Are there times when you need to be at work and at home at the same time?" (PR = 1.81), "Are you worried about a variation in your salary?" (PR = 1.77), "Is your work emotionally demanding?" (PR = 1.65) and "Are you worried about it being difficult for you to find another job if you became unemployed?" (PR = 1.51). CONCLUSIONS: This study could be useful in order to begin planning interventions on specific psychosocial exposures to protect mental health in the workplace.

Aspectos sociales, técnicos y económicos relativos a la introducción de la penicilina en España (1944-1959) / Social, technical and economic aspects related to the introduction of penicillin in Spain (1944-1959)

Analizamos el proceso de introducción de la penicilina en España desde varios frentes: los proyectos que conllevaron a su fabricación por empresas nacionales, dentro de la política autárquica trazada por las autoridades españolas durante el franquismo; las solicitudes, por parte de empresas españolas, de patentes de invención concernientes a procesos industriales relacionados con la penicilina; su difusión desde los medios de comunicación, la visión que de ella ofrecen los profesionales del medicamento y la repercusión social que la introducción del producto tuvo en España (AU)

We analyze the process of introduction of penicillin in Spain from several sides: the projects that led to its manufacture by national companies as result of the autarkic policy established during the Franco regime; the requests done by Spanish companies for patents of industrial processes related to penicillin; its dissemination by the media, the view offered by the professionals and the social impact that the product had in Spain (AU)

El papel de la administración laboral como puente entre el conocimiento y la ciudadanía: la experiencia del Institut Català de Seguretat i Salut Laboral / El paper de l’administració laboral com a pont entre el coneixement i la ciutadania: l’experiència de l’Institut Català de Seguretat i Salut Laboral / The role of the occupational health administration as a bridge between knowledge and the citizenry: the experience

No disponible

[Cooking Skills and Consumption of Ready Meal in University Students of Barcelona, Spain]. / Competencias culinarias y consumo de alimentos procesados o preparados en estudiantes universitarios de Barcelona.

OBJECTIVE: Confidence in cooking skills is relevant in health. The objective was to study the status of cooking skills and consumption of ready meal among university students in the city of Barcelona, assessing their association with sociodemographic variables and confidence in some culinary skills and knowing how to cook. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, carried out during the 2014-2015 academic year, 525 students (81.3% women, median age 21 years) using an on-line questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed; odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. RESULTS: Between 53% and 89% of the students reported feeling very confident in 10 of the 18 cooking skills. No statistically significant differences were observed by sex, and between 62% and 86% of those over 21 years expressed great confidence in 9 competitions. The consumption of ready meal was prevalent (49.4%) and associated with age (OR=0.95 95% CI: 0.91-0.99), gender (male, OR=1.98 95% CI: 1.23-3.18) and not knowing how to cook (OR=2.25 95% CI: 1.10-4.60). In students who knew how to cook, eating ready meal was associated with gender (male, OR =1.67 95% CI: 1.00 to 2.77) and no longer feel confident in preparing more than one food at one time (OR = 1.73 95% CI: 1.58 to 2.60). CONCLUSIONS: Students at a university in Barcelona have a level in cooking skills which could be improved, and consume ready meals usually.

OBJETIVO: Las competencias culinarias pueden tener relevancia en la salud. El objetivo del estudio fue conocer el estado de las competencias culinarias y el consumo de alimentos procesados o preparados en estudiantes universitarios en Barcelona así como su asociación con variables sociodemográficas y la confianza en algunas competencias culinarias y el saber cocinar. METODOS: Diseño transversal, durante el curso 2014-2015, con 525 estudiantes (81,3% mujeres, edad mediana 21 años), mediante un cuestionario en línea. Se realizaron análisis bivariados y multivariados con modelos de regresión logística. Como medida de asociación se estimó la odds ratio y su intervalo de confianza del 95%. RESULTADOS: Entre el 53% y el 89% de los estudiantes declararon sentirse muy confiados en 10 de las 18 competencias culinarias estudiadas. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas por sexo y entre el 62% y el 86% de las personas mayores de 21 años expresaron mucha confianza en 9 competencias. La prevalencia del consumo de alimentos procesados o preparados fue del 49,4% y se asoció a la edad (OR=0,95 IC95%: 0,91-0,99), al sexo (hombre, OR=1,98 IC95%: 1,23-3,18) y a no saber cocinar (OR=2,25 IC95%: 1,10-4,60). Entre quienes sabían cocinar este consumo se asoció al sexo (hombre, OR=1,67 IC95%: 1,00-2,77) y a no tener confianza en preparar más de un alimento al mismo tiempo (OR=1,73 IC95%: 1,58-2,60). CONCLUSIONES: Los estudiantes universitarios de Barcelona tienen competencias culinarias mejorables y consumen alimentos procesados o preparados habitualmente.

Competencias culinarias y consumo de alimentos procesados o preparados en estudiantes universitarios de Barcelona / Cooking skills and consumption or ready meal in university students of Barcelona

Fundamentos: Las competencias culinarias pueden tener relevancia en la salud. El objetivo del estudio fue conocer el estado de las competencias culinarias y el consumo de alimentos procesados o preparados en estudiantes universitarios en Barcelona así como su asociación con variables sociodemográficas y la confianza en algunas competencias culinarias y el saber cocinar. Métodos: Diseño transversal, durante el curso 2014-2015, con 525 estudiantes (81,3% mujeres, edad mediana 21 años), mediante un cuestionario en línea. Se realizaron análisis bivariados y multivariados con modelos de regresión logística. Como medida de asociación se estimó la odds ratio y su intervalo de confianza del 95%. Resultados: Entre el 53% y el 89% de los estudiantes declararon sentirse muy confiados en 10 de las 18 competencias culinarias estudiadas. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas por sexo y entre el 62% y el 86% de las personas mayores de 21 años expresaron mucha confianza en 9 competencias. La prevalencia del consumo de alimentos procesados o preparados fue del 49,4% y se asoció a la edad (OR=0,95 IC95%: 0,91-0,99), al sexo (hombre, OR=1,98 IC95%: 1,23-3,18) y a no saber cocinar (OR=2,25 IC95%: 1,10-4,60). Entre quienes sabían cocinar este consumo se asoció al sexo (hombre, OR=1,67 IC95%: 1,00-2,77) y a no tener confianza en preparar más de un alimento al mismo tiempo (OR=1,73 IC95%: 1,58-2,60). Conclusiones: Los estudiantes universitarios de Barcelona tienen competencias culinarias mejorables y consumen alimentos procesados o preparados habitualmente (AU)

Background: Confidence in cooking skills is relevant in health. The objective was to study the status of cooking skills and consumption of ready meal among university students in the city of Barcelona, assessing their association with sociodemographic variables and confidence in some culinary skills and knowing how to cook. Methods: Cross-sectional study, carried out during the 2014-2015 academic year, 525 students (81.3% women, median age 21 years) using an on-line questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed; odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Results: Between 53% and 89% of the students reported feeling very confident in 10 of the 18 cooking skills. No statistically significant differences were observed by sex, and between 62% and 86% of those over 21 years expressed great confidence in 9 competitions. The consumption of ready meal was prevalent (49.4%) and associated with age (OR=0.95 95% CI: 0.91-0.99), gender (male, OR=1.98 95% CI: 1.23-3.18) and not knowing how to cook (OR=2.25 95% CI: 1.10-4.60). In students who knew how to cook, eating ready meal was associated with gender (male, OR =1.67 95% CI: 1.00 to 2.77) and no longer feel confident in preparing more than one food at one time (OR = 1.73 95% CI: 1.58 to 2.60). Conclusions: Students at a university in Barcelona have a level in cooking skills which could be improved, and consume ready meals usually (AU)

[Estimating non work-related sickness leave absences related to a previous occupational injury in Catalonia (Spain)]. / Estimación de episodios de incapacidad temporal por contingencia común relacionados con un accidente de trabajo previo en Cataluña / Estimació d'episodis d'incapacitat temporal per contingències comunes relacionats amb un accident de treball previ a Catalunya.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the frequency of non-work sickness absence (ITcc) related to previous occupational injuries with (ATB) or without (ATSB) sick leave. METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study. Workers with ATB or ATSB notified to the Occupational Accident Registry of Catalonia were selected in the last term of 2009. They were followed-up for six months after returning to work (ATB) or after the accident (ATSB), by sex and occupation. Official labor and health authority registries were used as information sources. An "injury-associated ITcc" was defined when the sick leave occurred in the following six months and within the same diagnosis group. The absolute and relative frequency were calculated according to time elapsed and its duration (cumulated days, measures of central trend and dispersion), by diagnosis group or affected body area, as compared to all of Catalonia. RESULTS: 2,9%of ATB (n=627) had an injury-associated ITcc, with differences by diagnosis, sex and occupation; this was also the case for 2,1% of ATSB (n=496).With the same diagnosis, duration of ITcc was longer among those who had an associated injury, and with respect to all of Catalonia. CONCLUSIONS: Some of the under-reporting of occupational pathology corresponds to episodes initially recognized as being work-related. Duration of sickness absence depends not only on diagnosis and clinical course, but also on criteria established by the entities managing the case. This could imply that more complicated injuries are referred to the national health system, resulting in personal, legal, healthcare and economic cost consequences for all involved stakeholders.

Occupational exposure assessment of highway toll station workers to vehicle engine exhaust.

Toll station workers are occupationally exposed to vehicle engine exhaust, a complex mixture of different chemical substances, including carcinogenic compounds. Therefore, a study was carried out on attendants of two highway toll stations to describe their occupational exposure to vehicle engine exhaust, based on a worst-case scenario approach. Personal sampling was conducted during the day shift for all attendants, testing for three groups of chemical substances: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and aldehydes (formaldehyde and acrolein). Concentrations of total PAH, BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) and formaldehyde content varied between 97.60-336.08 ng/m3, 5.01-40.52 µg/m3, and 0.06-19.13 µg/m3, respectively. No clear relationships could be established between exposure levels and the number of vehicles. Furthermore, no differences were found between truck versus car lanes, or inside versus outside the tollbooth. Not all the detected VOCs were related to vehicle exhaust; some were consistent with the use of cleaning products. The measured concentrations were far below the established occupational exposure limits, but tended to be higher than values reported for outdoor urban environments. There are very few international studies assessing occupational exposures among toll station workers, and this is the first such study to be conducted in Spain. The results suggest that further, more detailed studies are necessary to characterize exposure properly, and ones which include other airborne pollutants, such as ultrafine particles. The comparison of the results to other similar studies was difficult, since no data related to some important exposure determinants have been provided. Therefore, it is recommended that these determinants be considered in future studies.

Exposición laboral a cancerígenos: análisis del sistema de información CAREX para su uso en Cataluña / Occupational exposure to carcinogens: Analysis of the application of de carex information system to Catalonia

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es estimar la exposición laboral a cancerígenos en Cataluña para el año 2009 utilizando el sistema de información CAREX ESP 2007 como referencia, y valorar la adecuación o no de extrapolar estos datos a Cataluña. Métodos: La población de referencia es aquella afiliada a cualquier régimen de la Seguridad Social de Cataluña en 2009.Se han considerado agentes cancerígenos los clasificados por la IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) en los grupos 1 y 2A relacionados con exposiciones laborales. Se ha utilizado la prevalencia de exposición de CAREX ESP2007 adaptada a la clasificación económica Clasificación Catalana de Actividades Económicas (CCAE 09). Además, se han consultado actuaciones de técnicos de los Centres de Seguretat i Salut Laboral de la Generalitat de Catalunya, y bases de datos relacionadas con este tema. Resultados: Las exposiciones laborales estimadas más comunes a agentes cancerígenos han sido para radiación solar, sílice cristalina, humos diesel, radón y polvo de madera, aunque con datos considerados en buena medida no extrapolables a Cataluña. Además, se han detectado 217 situaciones de exposición para 25 agentes cancerígenos que no se habían considerado en el sistema CAREX ESP 2007.Conclusiones: Las estimaciones de trabajadores expuestos en Cataluña a agentes cancerígenos en 2009 en base al sistema CAREX ESP 2007 podrían diferir de la realidad. Se considera necesario desarrollar un sistema CAREX CAT con incorporación de datos de exposición propios de Cataluña

Objective: The objective of this study is to estimate occupational exposures to human carcinogens in Catalonia in 2009, taking as a reference the CAREX ESP 2007 information system, and to evaluate the suitability of extrapolating these data to Catalonia. Methods: The reference population is the number of people registered with the Social Security system in Catalonia in2009. Carcinogens considered are those which the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified into groups 1 and 2A and are related to occupational exposures. The exposure prevalences from the CAREX ESP 2007, adapted to the Catalonian Industrial Classification (CCAE 09), were used. Technical survey reports from the Occupational Safety and Health Centers of the Catalonian local government, and related databases were consulted. Results: The most frequent occupational exposures to human carcinogens were solar radiation, crystalline silica, diesel exhaust, radon and wood dust, although based mainly on data not considered adequate for extrapolation to Catalonia. Around 217 exposure situations for 25 carcinogens, not previously considered in CAREX ESP 2007, were identified. Conclusions: The estimated number of workers exposed to human carcinogens in Catalonia in 2009 based on the CAREX ESP 2007 system could differ from the real situation. Development of a CAREX CAT system that incorporates exposure data from Catalonia is recommended