Influence of weather factors on the incidence of COVID-19 in Spain.

Introduction: Several studies have analyzed the influence of meteorological and geographical factors on the incidence of COVID-19. Seasonality could be important in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. This study aims to evaluate the geographical pattern of COVID-19 in Spain and its relationship with different meteorological variables. Methods: A provincial ecological study analyzing the influence of meteorological and geographical factors on the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 in the 52 (24 coastal and 28 inland) Spanish provinces during the first three waves was carried out. The cumulative incidence was calculated with data from the National Statistical Institute (INE) and the National Epidemiological Surveillance Network (RENAVE), while the meteorological variables were obtained from the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET). Results: The total cumulative incidence, in all three waves, was lower in the coastal provinces than in the inland ones (566 ± 181 vs. 782 ± 154; P = 2.5 × 10-5). The cumulative incidence correlated negatively with mean air temperature (r = -0.49; P = 2.2 × 10-4) and rainfall (r = -0.33; P = .01), and positively with altitude (r = 0.56; P = 1.4 × 10-5). The Spanish provinces with an average temperature <10 °C had almost twice the cumulative incidence than the provinces with temperatures >16 °C. The mean air temperature and rainfall were associated with the cumulative incidence of COVID-19, regardless of other factors (Beta Coefficient of -0.62; P = 3.7 × 10-7 and -0.47; P = 4.2 × 10-5 respectively). Conclusions: Meteorological and geographical factors could influence the evolution of the pandemic in Spain. Knowledge regarding the seasonality of the virus would help to predict new waves of COVID-19 infections.

Introducción: Varios estudios han analizado la influencia de factores meteorológicos y geográficos en la incidencia de COVID-19. La estacionalidad podría tener importancia en la transmisión de SARS-CoV-2. Nuestro estudio evalúa el patrón geográfico de la COVID-19 en España y su relación con las distintas variables meteorológicas. Métodos: Estudio ecológico a escala provincial que analiza la influencia de factores meteorológicos y geográficos en la incidencia acumulada de COVID-19 en las 52 provincias españolas (24 costeras y 28 del interior) durante las tres primeras olas. La incidencia acumulada se calculó con los datos del Instituto Nacional Estadística (INE) y la Red Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica (RENAVE), las variables meteorológicas se obtuvieron de la Agencia estatal de meteorología (AEMET). Resultados: La incidencia acumulada total, en los tres periodos, fue menor en las provincias costeras que en las del interior (566 ± 181 vs. 782 ± 154; P = 2,5 × 10−5). La incidencia acumulada correlacionó negativamente con la temperatura media (r = −0,49; P = 2,2 × 10−4) y las precipitaciones (r = −0,33; P = ,01), y positivamente con la altitud (r = 0,56; P = 1,4 × 10−5). Las provincias españolas con una temperatura media <10 °C tuvieron casi el doble de incidencia acumulada que las provincias con temperaturas >16 °C. La temperatura media y las precipitaciones fueron las variables asociadas con la incidencia acumulada provincial de COVID-19, con independencia de otros factores (Coeficiente Beta de −0,62; P = 3,7 × 10−7 y −0,47; P = 4,2 × 10−5 respectivamente). Conclusiones: Los factores meteorológicos y geográficos podrían influir en la evolución de la pandemia en España. El reconocimiento de la estacionalidad del COVID-19 ayudaría a predecir nuevas olas.

Influencia de los factores meteorológicos en la incidencia de COVID-19 en España / Influence of weather factors on the incidence of COVID-19 in Spain

Introducción: Varios estudios han analizado la influencia de factores meteorológicos y geográficos en la incidencia de COVID-19. La estacionalidad podría tener importancia en la transmisión de SARS-CoV-2. Nuestro estudio evalúa el patrón geográfico de la COVID-19 en España y su relación con las distintas variables meteorológicas.MétodosEstudio ecológico a escala provincial que analiza la influencia de factores meteorológicos y geográficos en la incidencia acumulada de COVID-19 en las 52 provincias españolas (24 costeras y 28 del interior) durante las tres primeras olas. La incidencia acumulada se calculó con los datos del Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) y la Red Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica (RENAVE), las variables meteorológicas se obtuvieron de la Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET).ResultadosLa incidencia acumulada total, en los tres periodos, fue menor en las provincias costeras que en las del interior (566±181 vs. 782±154; p=2,5×10-5). La incidencia acumulada correlacionó negativamente con la temperatura media (r=-0,49; p=2,2×10-4) y las precipitaciones (r=-0,33; p=0,01), y positivamente con la altitud (r=0,56; p=1,4×10-5). Las provincias españolas con una temperatura media <10°C tuvieron casi el doble de incidencia acumulada que las provincias con temperaturas >16°C. La temperatura media y las precipitaciones fueron las variables asociadas con la incidencia acumulada provincial de COVID-19, con independencia de otros factores (Coeficiente Beta de -0,62; p=3,7×10-7 y -0,47; p=4,2x10-5, respectivamente).ConclusionesLos factores meteorológicos y geográficos podrían influir en la evolución de la pandemia en España. El reconocimiento de la estacionalidad del COVID-19 ayudaría a predecir nuevas olas. (AU)

Introduction: Several studies have analyzed the influence of meteorological and geographical factors on the incidence of COVID-19. Seasonality could be important in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. This study aims to evaluate the geographical pattern of COVID-19 in Spain and its relationship with different meteorological variables.MethodsA provincial ecological study analyzing the influence of meteorological and geographical factors on the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 in the 52 (24 coastal and 28 inland) Spanish provinces during the first three waves was carried out. The cumulative incidence was calculated with data from the National Statistical Institute (INE) and the National Epidemiological Surveillance Network (RENAVE), while the meteorological variables were obtained from the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET).ResultsThe total cumulative incidence, in all three waves, was lower in the coastal provinces than in the inland ones (566±181 vs. 782±154; p=2.5×10−5). The cumulative incidence correlated negatively with mean air temperature (r=−0.49; p=2.2×10−4) and rainfall (r=−0.33; p=0.01), and positively with altitude (r=0.56; p=1. 4×10−5). The Spanish provinces with an average temperature <10°C had almost twice the cumulative incidence than the provinces with temperatures >16°C. The mean air temperature and rainfall were associated with the cumulative incidence of COVID-19, regardless of other factors (Beta Coefficient of −0.62; p=3.7×10−7 and −0.47; p=4.2×10–5 respectively).ConclusionsMeteorological and geographical factors could influence the evolution of the pandemic in Spain. Knowledge regarding the seasonality of the virus would help to predict new waves of COVID-19 infections. (AU)

An LRP6 mutation (Arg360His) associated with low bone mineral density but not cardiovascular events in a Caucasian family.

We present a family with a rare mutation of the LRP6 gene and for the first time provide evidence for its association with low bone mineral density. INTRODUCTION: The Wnt pathway plays a critical role in bone homeostasis. Pathogenic variants of the Wnt co-receptor LRP6 have been associated with abnormal skeletal phenotypes or increased risk of cardiovascular events. PATIENT AND METHODS: Here we report an index premenopausal patient and her family carrying a rare missense LRP6 pathogenic variant (rs141212743; 0.0002 frequency among Europeans). This variant has been previously associated with metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis, in the presence of normal bone mineral density. However, the LRP6 variant was associated with low bone mineral density in this family, without evidence for association with serum lipid levels or cardiovascular events. CONCLUSION: Thus, this novel association shows that LRP6 pathogenic variants may be involved in some cases of early-onset osteoporosis, but the predominant effect, either skeletal or cardiovascular, may vary depending on the genetic background or other acquired factors.

Expanding the Etiology of Oculo-Auriculo-Vertebral Spectrum: A Novel Interstitial Microdeletion at 1p36.

The etiology of oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS) is not well established. About half of patients show a positive family history. The etiology of familiar cases is unclear but appears genetically heterogeneous. This motivated us to report a case of OAVS with microtia, ptosis, facial microsomy, and fusion of vertebral bodies associated with a novel genetic etiology, including a deletion at 1p36.12-13. This case report expands on the genetic etiology of OAVS. Furthermore, it also expands the clinical manifestations of patients with interstitial deletions of the de 1p36.12-13 region.

Mild Hypophosphatemia-Associated Conditions in Children: The Need for a Comprehensive Approach.

To better understand the causes of hypophosphatemia in children, we evaluated all serum phosphate tests performed in a tertiary hospital with unexpected but persistent temporary or isolated hypophosphatemia over an 18 year period. We collected 29,279 phosphate tests from 21,398 patients, of which 268 (1.2%) had at least one result showing hypophosphatemia. We found that endocrinopathies (n = 60), tumors (n = 10), and vitamin D deficiency (n = 3) were the medical conditions most commonly associated with mild hypophosphatemia, but in many patients the cause was unclear. Among patients with endocrinopathies, those with diabetes mellitus were found to have lower mean serum phosphate levels (mean 3.4 mg/dL) than those with short stature (3.7 mg/dL) or thyroid disorders (3.7 mg/dL). In addition, we found a correlation between glycemia and phosphatemia in patients with diabetes. However, despite the potential relevance of monitoring phosphate homeostasis and the underlying etiologic mechanisms, renal phosphate losses were estimated in less than 5% of patients with hypophosphatemia. In the pediatric age group, malignancies, hypovitaminosis D, and endocrine disorders, mostly diabetes, were the most common causes of hypophosphatemia. This real-world study also shows that hypophosphatemia is frequently neglected and inadequately evaluated by pediatricians, which emphasizes the need for more education and awareness about this condition to prevent its potentially deleterious consequences.

Influence of weather factors on the incidence of COVID-19 in Spain. / Influencia de los factores meteorológicos en la incidencia de COVID-19 en España.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies have analyzed the influence of meteorological and geographical factors on the incidence of COVID-19. Seasonality could be important in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. This study aims to evaluate the geographical pattern of COVID-19 in Spain and its relationship with different meteorological variables. METHODS: A provincial ecological study analyzing the influence of meteorological and geographical factors on the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 in the 52 (24 coastal and 28 inland) Spanish provinces during the first three waves was carried out. The cumulative incidence was calculated with data from the National Statistical Institute (INE) and the National Epidemiological Surveillance Network (RENAVE), while the meteorological variables were obtained from the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET). RESULTS: The total cumulative incidence, in all three waves, was lower in the coastal provinces than in the inland ones (566±181 vs. 782±154; p=2.5×10-5). The cumulative incidence correlated negatively with mean air temperature (r=-0.49; p=2.2×10-4) and rainfall (r=-0.33; p=0.01), and positively with altitude (r=0.56; p=1. 4×10-5). The Spanish provinces with an average temperature <10°C had almost twice the cumulative incidence than the provinces with temperatures >16°C. The mean air temperature and rainfall were associated with the cumulative incidence of COVID-19, regardless of other factors (Beta Coefficient of -0.62; p=3.7×10-7 and -0.47; p=4.2×10-5 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Meteorological and geographical factors could influence the evolution of the pandemic in Spain. Knowledge regarding the seasonality of the virus would help to predict new waves of COVID-19 infections.