Descriptive analysis of occupational accidents in Spain and their relationship with heatwaves.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work is to carry out a descriptive analysis of occupational accidents and to evaluate the relationship between heatwaves and work accidents in Spain's three most populated provinces: Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. METHODS: Daily data of work accidents (including for each case: gender, age, date, length of time in the position, type of work, place of accident and duration of medical leave) was collected. A heatwave was defined when daily mean temperatures above the threshold (95th percentile) of the climatological period (1990-2021) were recorded for at least three consecutive days. To estimate the association between daily workplace accidents and heatwave events, we applied a Generalized Additive Model combined with a Distributed Lag Non-linear Model with a quasi-Poisson distribution. RESULTS: The average annual accident rate was 33.2 work accidents/100,000 employees in Madrid, 35.8 work accidents/100,000 employees in Barcelona and 31.8 work accidents/100,000 employees in Valencia. The total accident rates followed a downward trend between 2005 and 2021. The difference in work accident rates between sex decreased over the studied period (p < 0.005). In the first month of work, the highest casualty rate occurs among construction workers in Madrid and Barcelona, and in primary sector workers in Valencia. Work accidents tend to increase during heatwaves. The highest risk was recorded when considering a cumulative lagged effect of 3 days in Madrid and Barcelona and 5 days in Valencia. CONCLUSIONS: Since work accidents increase during heatwaves, risk prevention services and public administrations must take special measures to prevent them.

Methodology to measure atmospheric nanoparticles charge.

Atmospheric pollution has become a key aspect for sustainable development world-wide. Lack of measurements of atmospheric nanoparticles properties at different geographic locations limits the understanding of the role atmospheric particulate matter plays in multiple biophysical and environmental processes and its corresponding risks for human beings. This study presents a method to measure atmospheric primary nanoparticle, secondary nanoparticle and microparticle data. Moreover, a process for samples characterization is proposed combining different spectroscopy techniques.•The method allows researcher to collect, measure, store and characterize atmospheric nanoparticles properties including their electric charge.•A specific sample characterization is proposed, based on different techniques such as TEM and RAMAN spectroscopy.•The outcomes of the approach give science the chance to study new themes such as the importance of particulate matter charge in transmission of infectious respiratory diseases; the role of electric charge in pollutants deposition in the respiratory tract; the link between electric atmospheric charge of nanoparticles and meteorological variables.

Influence of meteorological factors on the severity of COVID-19 in Spain: Observational ecological study.

Objectives: Evaluating whether meteorological and geographical variables could be associated with the severity of COVID-19 in Spain. Methods: An ecological study was performed to analyze the influence of meteorological and geographical factors in hospital admissions and deaths due to COVID-19 in the 52 provinces of Spain (24 coastal and 28 inland regions), during the first three pandemic waves. Medical and mortality data were collected from the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII) and meteorological variables were requested to the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). Results: Regarding the diagnosed cases it is remarkable that the percentage of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 was lower in the coastal provinces than in the inland ones (8.7 ± 2.6% vs. 11.5 ± 2.6%; p = 9.9 × 10-5). Furthermore, coastal regions registered a lower percentage of mortality than inland regions (2.0 ± 0.6% vs. 3.1 ± 0.8%; p = 1.7 × 10-5). Mean air temperature was inversely correlated both with COVID-19 hospitalizations (Rho: -0.59; p = 3.0 × 10-6) and mortality (Rho: -0.70; p = 5.3 × 10-9). In those provinces with a mean air temperature <10 °C mortality by COVID-19 was twice that of those with >16 °C. Finally, we found an association between mortality and the location of the province (coastal/inland), altitude, patient age and the average air temperature; the latter was inversely and independently correlated with mortality (non standardised B coeff.: -0.24; IC 95%: -0.31 to -0.16; p = 2.38 × 10-8). Conclusions: The average air temperature was inversely associated with COVID-19 mortality in our country during the first three waves of the pandemic.

Objetivos: Evaluar si factores meteorológicos y geográficos pudieron relacionarse con la gravedad de la COVID-19 en España. Métodos: Estudio ecológico, a escala provincial, que analiza la influencia de factores meteorológicos y geográficos en la hospitalización y mortalidad por COVID-19 en las 52 provincias españolas (24 costeras y 28 del interior), durante las tres primeras olas. Los datos de hospitalizaciones y mortalidad se obtuvieron del Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII). Los datos epidemiológicos del Instituto Nacional Estadística (INE) y la Red Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica (RENAVE). Las variables meteorológicas de la Agencia estatal de meteorología (AEMET). Resultados: El porcentaje de pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19, del total de personas infectadas, fue inferior en las provincias costeras que en las del interior peninsular (8,7 ± 2,6% vs. 11,5 ± 2,6%; p = 9,9 × 10−5). De igual manera la costa registró menor porcentaje de mortalidad que el interior peninsular (2,0 ± 0,6% vs. 3,1 ± 0,8%; p = 1,7 × 10−5). La temperatura media correlacionó negativamente con la hospitalización (Rho: −0,59; p = 3,0 × 10−6) y la mortalidad por COVID-19 (Rho: −0,70; p = 5,3 × 10−9). Las provincias con una temperatura media <10 °C duplicaron la mortalidad por COVID respecto a las de >16 °C. La mortalidad se relacionó con la localización provincial (costa/interior), la altitud, la edad de la población y la temperatura media, siendo esta última la variable asociada de manera independiente (Coef. B no estandarizado: −0,24; IC 95%: −0,31 a −0,16; p = 2,38 × 10−8). Conclusiones: La mortalidad por COVID-19 durante las tres primeras olas de la pandemia en nuestro país se asoció inversamente con la temperatura media.

Influencia de los factores meteorológicos en la gravedad de la COVID-19 en España: estudio observacional ecológico / Influence of meteorological factors on the severity of COVID-19 in Spain: Observational ecological study

Objetivos: Evaluar si factores meteorológicos y geográficos pudieron relacionarse con la gravedad de la COVID-19 en España.MétodosEstudio ecológico, a escala provincial, que analiza la influencia de factores meteorológicos y geográficos en la hospitalización y en la mortalidad por COVID-19 en las 52 provincias españolas (24 costeras y 28 del interior) durante las tres primeras olas. Los datos de hospitalizaciones y de mortalidad se obtuvieron del Instituto de Salud CarlosIII (ISCIII); los datos epidemiológicos, del Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) y de la Red Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica (RENAVE), y las variables meteorológicas, de la Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET).ResultadosEl porcentaje de pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19, del total de personas infectadas, fue inferior en las provincias costeras que en las del interior peninsular (8,7±2,6% vs. 11,5±2,6%; p=9,9×10−5). De igual manera, la costa registró menor porcentaje de mortalidad que el interior peninsular (2,0±0,6% vs. 3,1±0,8%; p=1,7×10−5). La temperatura media correlacionó negativamente con la hospitalización (Rho: −0,59; p=3,0×10−6) y la mortalidad por COVID-19 (Rho: −0,70; p=5,3×10−9). Las provincias con una temperatura media <10°C duplicaron la mortalidad por COVID respecto a las de >16°C. La mortalidad se relacionó con la localización provincial (costa/interior), la altitud, la edad de la población y la temperatura media, siendo esta última la variable asociada de manera independiente (Coef.B no estandarizado: −0,24; IC95%: −0,31 a −0,16; p=2,38×10−8). (AU)

Objectives: Evaluating whether meteorological and geographical variables could be associated with the severity of COVID-19 in Spain.MethodsAn ecological study was performed to analyze the influence of meteorological and geographical factors in hospital admissions and deaths due to COVID-19 in the 52 provinces of Spain (24 coastal and 28 inland regions), during the first three pandemic waves. Medical and mortality data were collected from the CarlosIII Health Institute (ISCIII) and meteorological variables were requested to the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).ResultsRegarding the diagnosed cases it is remarkable that the percentage of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 was lower in the coastal provinces than in the inland ones (8.7±2.6% vs. 11.5±2.6%; P=9.9×10−5). Furthermore, coastal regions registered a lower percentage of mortality than inland regions (2.0±0.6% vs. 3.1±0.8%; P=1.7×10−5). Mean air temperature was inversely correlated both with COVID-19 hospitalizations (Rho: −0.59; P=3.0×10−6) and mortality (Rho: −0.70; P=5.3×10−9). In those provinces with a mean air temperature <10°C mortality by COVID-19 was twice that of those with >16°C. Finally, we found an association between mortality and the location of the province (coastal/inland), altitude, patient age and the average air temperature; the latter was inversely and independently correlated with mortality (non-standardized β coeff.: −0.24; 95%CI: −0.31 to −0.16; P=2.38×10−8).ConclusionsThe average air temperature was inversely associated with COVID-19 mortality in our country during the first three waves of the pandemic. (AU)

Work accidents, climate change and COVID-19.

The effects brought by climate change and the pandemic upon worker health and wellbeing are varied and necessitate the identification and implementation of improved strategic interventions. This review aims, firstly, to assess how climate change affects occupational accidents, focusing on the impacts of extreme air temperatures and natural disasters; and, secondly, to analyze the role of the pandemic in this context. Our results show that the manifestations of climate change affect workers physically while on the job, psychologically, and by modifying the work environment and conditions; all these factors can cause stress, in turn increasing the risk of suffering a work accident. There is no consensus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on work accidents; however, an increase in adverse mental effects on workers in contact with the public (specifically in healthcare) has been described. It has also been shown that this strain affects the risk of suffering an accident. During the pandemic, many people began to work remotely, and what initially appeared to be a provisional situation has been made permanent or semi-permanent in some positions and companies. However, we found no studies evaluating the working conditions of those who telework. In relation to the combined impact of climate change and the pandemic on occupational health, only publications focusing on the synergistic effect of heat due to the obligation to wear COVID-19-specific PPE, either outdoors or in poorly acclimatized indoor environments, were found. It is essential that preventive services establish new measures, train workers, and determine new priorities for adapting working conditions to these altered circumstances.

[Influence of meteorological factors on the severity of COVID-19 in Spain: Observational ecological study]. / Influencia de los factores meteorológicos en la gravedad de la COVID-19 en España: estudio observacional ecológico.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluating whether meteorological and geographical variables could be associated with the severity of COVID-19 in Spain. METHODS: An ecological study was performed to analyze the influence of meteorological and geographical factors in hospital admissions and deaths due to COVID-19 in the 52 provinces of Spain (24 coastal and 28 inland regions), during the first three pandemic waves. Medical and mortality data were collected from the CarlosIII Health Institute (ISCIII) and meteorological variables were requested to the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). RESULTS: Regarding the diagnosed cases it is remarkable that the percentage of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 was lower in the coastal provinces than in the inland ones (8.7±2.6% vs. 11.5±2.6%; P=9.9×10-5). Furthermore, coastal regions registered a lower percentage of mortality than inland regions (2.0±0.6% vs. 3.1±0.8%; P=1.7×10-5). Mean air temperature was inversely correlated both with COVID-19 hospitalizations (Rho: -0.59; P=3.0×10-6) and mortality (Rho: -0.70; P=5.3×10-9). In those provinces with a mean air temperature <10°C mortality by COVID-19 was twice that of those with >16°C. Finally, we found an association between mortality and the location of the province (coastal/inland), altitude, patient age and the average air temperature; the latter was inversely and independently correlated with mortality (non-standardized ß coeff.: -0.24; 95%CI: -0.31 to -0.16; P=2.38×10-8). CONCLUSIONS: The average air temperature was inversely associated with COVID-19 mortality in our country during the first three waves of the pandemic.

Scrutinizing the Profile and Risk Factors of Suicide: A Perspective from a Case-Control Study Focused on a Northern Region of Spain.

Suicide is a major public health problem the prevention of which has become a priority, and, to this end, knowledge of its risk factors is essential. This study aims to evaluate the impact of some social, medico-legal, and clinical issues on suicide deaths. A total of 135 cases were identified as suicides that occurred in a region of northern Spain between 2018 and 2020. Controls (three for each case) were matched by age, sex, and urban-rural areas. The information was collected retrospectively through electronic health record systems. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to study the association between individual risk factors and suicide. Being male (78.5%), between 40 and 60 years of age, unmarried (70.9%), and unemployed (85%) were associated with suicide deaths. Although the existence of a previous self-harm attempt is presented as the most robust risk factor (OR 22.121 [8.997-54.389]), the presence of a psychiatric diagnosis (OR 12.583 [7.686-20.601]) and cancer (OR 3.729 [1.845-7.536]) also showed a significant relationship with suicide (p < 0.05). Defining and knowing the risk factors for suicide helps to better understand the profiles of those individuals who are vulnerable, and enables prevention actions to be taken in both social and medical spheres.

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)

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.

Exposure to particulate matter: Direct and indirect role in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Knowing the transmission factors and the natural environment that favor the spread of a viral infection is crucial to stop outbreaks and develop effective preventive strategies. This work aims to evaluate the role of Particulate Matter (PM) in the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing especially on that of PM as a vector for SARS-CoV-2. Exposure to PM has been related to new cases and to the clinical severity of people infected by SARS-CoV-2, which can be explained by the oxidative stress and the inflammatory response generated by these particles when entering the respiratory system, as well as by the role of PM in the expression of ACE-2 in respiratory cells in human hosts. In addition, different authors have detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in PM sampled both in outdoor and indoor environments. The results of various studies lead to the hypothesis that the aerosols emitted by an infected person could be deposited in other suspended particles, sometimes of natural but especially of anthropogenic origin, that form the basal PM. However, the viability of the virus in PM has not yet been demonstrated. Should PM be confirmed as a vector of transmission, prevention strategies ought to be adapted, and PM sampling in outdoor environments could become an indicator of viral load in a specific area.

Electric charge of atmospheric nanoparticles and its potential implications with human health.

This research presents a pilot project developed within the framework of the COST Action 15,211 in which atmospheric nanoparticles were measured in July 2018, in a maritime environment in the city of Santander in Northern Spain. ELPI® + (Electrical Low-Pressure Impactor) was used to measure nanoparticle properties (electric charge, number, size distribution and surface area) from 6 nm to 10,000 nm with 14 size channels. This study focused on the range between 6 and 380 nm. It considered atmospheric nanoparticle electric charge with surface area, deposited and number by size distribution at human respiratory tract regions in a standard person in Santander according to the human respiratory tract model of ICRP 94. An empirical distribution of nanoparticles deposited in the human respiratory tract model and its electric charge is presented for the city of Santander as the main output. Percentages of total and regional deposition in human respiratory tract model were calculated for the Atlantic climate. Nanoparticles have shown an alveolar surface area deposition plateau with a size distribution range between 6 nm to 150 nm. Negative charge of nanoparticles was clearly associated with primary atmospheric nanoparticles being mainly deposited in the alveolar region where a Brownian mechanism of deposition is predominant. We can demonstrate that electric charge may be a key element in explaining Brownian deposition of the smallest particles in the human respiratory tract and that it can be linked to theoretical positive and negative impacts on human health according to several biometeorological studies. To support our analysis, aerosol samples were characterized with transmission electron microscopy and Confocal Raman spectrometer to determinate morphology, size, chemical composition, and structure. The toxicological effects of the samples with the alveolar surface area had a greater deposition, remain to be studied.

Osteogenic capacity of mesenchymal stem cells from patients with osteoporotic hip fractures in vivo.

PURPOSE: Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the ability to differentiate into bone-forming osteoblasts. The aim of this study was to elucidate if MSCs from patients with OP show a senescent phenotype and explore their bone-forming ability in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MSCs from patients with OP and controls with osteoarthritis (OA) were implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of immunodeficient mice for histological analysis and expression of human genes by RT-PCR. The expression of senescence-associated phenotype (SASP) genes, as well as p16, p21, and galactosidase, was studied in cultures of MSCs. RESULTS: In vivo bone formation was evaluated in 103 implants (47 OP, 56 OA). New bone was observed in 45% of the implants with OP cells and 46% of those with OA cells (p = 0.99). The expression of several bone-related genes (collagen, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, sialoprotein) was also similar in both groups. There were no differences between groups in SASP gene expression, p16, and p21 expression, or in senescence-associated galactosidase activity. CONCLUSION: Senescence markers and the osteogenic capacity in vivo of MSCs from patients with OP are not inferior to that of cells from controls of similar age with OA. This supports the interest of future studies to evaluate the potential use of autologous MSCs from OP patients in bone regeneration procedures.

Meteorological Normalisation Using Boosted Regression Trees to Estimate the Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on Air Quality Levels.

The global COVID-19 pandemic that began in late December 2019 led to unprecedented lockdowns worldwide, providing a unique opportunity to investigate in detail the impacts of restricted anthropogenic emissions on air quality. A wide range of strategies and approaches exist to achieve this. In this paper, we use the "deweather" R package, based on Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) models, first to remove the influences of meteorology and emission trend patterns from NO, NO2, PM10 and O3 data series, and then to calculate the relative changes in air pollutant levels in 2020 with respect to the previous seven years (2013-2019). Data from a northern Spanish region, Cantabria, with all types of monitoring stations (traffic, urban background, industrial and rural) were used, dividing the calendar year into eight periods according to the intensity of government restrictions. The results showed mean reductions in the lockdown period above -50% for NOx, around -10% for PM10 and below -5% for O3. Small differences were found between the relative changes obtained from normalised data with respect to those from observations. These results highlight the importance of developing an integrated policy to reduce anthropogenic emissions and the need to move towards sustainable mobility to ensure safer air quality levels, as pre-existing concentrations in some cases exceed the safe threshold.

Temperature-related effects on respiratory medical prescriptions in Spain.

BACKGROUND: The increased risk of mortality during periods of high and low temperatures has been well established. However, most of the studies used daily counts of deaths or hospitalisations as health outcomes, although they are the ones at the top of the health impact pyramid reflecting only a limited proportion of patients with the most severe cases. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the relationship between short-term exposure to the daily mean temperature and medication prescribed for the respiratory system in five Spanish cities. METHODS: We fitted time series regression models to cause-specific medical prescriptions, including different respiratory subgroups and age groups. We included a distributed lag non-linear model with lags up to 14 days for daily mean temperature. City-specific associations were summarised as overall-cumulative exposure-response curves. RESULTS: We found a positive association between cause-specific medical prescriptions and daily mean temperature with a non-linear inverted J- or V-shaped relationship in most cities. Between 0.3% and 0.6% of all respiratory prescriptions were attributed to cold for Madrid, Zaragoza and Pamplona, while in cities with only cold effects the attributable fractions were estimated as 19.2% for Murcia and 13.5% for Santander. Heat effects in Madrid, Zaragoza and Pamplona showed higher fractions between 8.7% and 17.2%. The estimated costs are in general higher for heat effects, showing annual values ranging between €191,905 and €311,076 for heat per 100,000 persons. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides novel evidence of the effects of the thermal environment on the prescription of medication for respiratory disorders in Spain, showing that low and high temperatures lead to an increase in the number of such prescriptions. The consumption of medication can reflect exposure to the environment with a lesser degree of severity in terms of morbidity.

ATP13A2 levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: The enzyme ATP13A2 holds promise as biomarker in Parkinson's disease (PD). No study has examined the content of ATP13A2 in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in idiopathic PD cohorts, or how ATP13A2 relates to the clinical features of the disease. METHODS: ATP13A2 concentration was evaluated with ELISA and immunoblotting. Correlations of serum and CSF ATP13A2 with clinical parameters were examined. The antiparkinsonian medication regimen was expressed as levodopa equivalent dose (LED, mg/day). RESULTS: Serum ATP13A2 concentration was similar in patients and controls, and it correlated with LED and MDS-UPDRS part-IV score (p < .0001), a scale which allows evaluating motor complications. LED also correlated with MDS-UPDRS part-IV score (p < .0001). Serum ATP13A2 concentration and LED were higher in patients with motor complications than in patients without motor complications (p < .0001). The ratio of serum ATP13A2 concentration versus LED was calculated, and mean value was similar in patients with or without motor complications. ATP13A2 concentration in the CSF was undetectable in many subjects because the ELISA assay was hampered by its detection limit. Immunoblotting indicated that CSF ATP13A2 content was higher in patients relative to controls (p = .0002), and no clinical correlations were found. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing LED enhanced serum ATP13A2 concentration and facilitated the development of motor complications. There is a direct relationship between serum ATP13A2 level and the dose intensity of the antiparkinsonian dopaminergic medication. The associations between serum ATP13A2 and LED suggest that serum ATP13A2 content might be a marker of dopamine replacement therapy.

Epigenetic related changes on air quality.

The exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) increases the risk of developing human diseases. Epigenetic mechanisms have been related to environmental exposures and human diseases. The present review is focused on current available studies, which show the relationship between epigenetic marks, exposure to air pollution and human's health. Air contaminants involved in epigenetic changes have been related to different specific mechanisms (DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications and non-coding RNA transcripts), which are described in separate sections. Several studies describe how these epigenetic mechanisms are influenced by environmental factors including air pollution. This interaction between PM and epigenetic factors results in an altered profile of these marks, in both, globally and locus specific. Following this connection, specific epigenetic marks can be used as biomarkers, as well as, to find new therapeutic targets. For this purpose, some significant characteristics have been highlighted, such as, the spatiotemporal specificity of these marks, the relevance of the collected tissue and the specific changes stability. Air pollution has been related to a higher mortality rate due to non-accidental deaths. This exposure to particulate matter induces changes to the epigenome, which are increasing the susceptibility of human diseases. In conclusion, as several epigenetic change mechanisms remain unclear yet, further analyses derived from PM exposure must be performed to find new targets and disease biomarkers.

Forensic databases, a perspective from the penitentiary centers of Spain.

Scientific and technological progress in the field of forensic genetics is very useful in the resolution of criminal cases, but it entails the need for a deep ethical reflection, as the individual Fundamental Rights may be violated. This project aims to collect and compare the opinion of prisoners and prison officials on what characteristics the country's forensic database should have. In this context, 210 subjects were surveyed, 101 of them prisoners and the rest prison officials, from three different Spanish penitentiary centers. Among the results obtained, most prisoners and officials consider the national DNA database to be useful, and additionally, a 40% of the participants would support the integration of the profiles of the entire population. 64% considered it ethical to use the DNA profiles of the database as a tool for familial searching. Despite this, half of the respondents are concerned about the future uses of the DNA database. Integrating the opinion of these analyzed groups with other relevant judicial, scientific and ethical convictions, ensures the regulation between security and individual's Human Rights.

Air pollution and occupational accidents in the Community of Madrid, Spain.

Spain is the EU member country with the third highest total number of accidents in work and has the third highest incidence rate. We have performed a descriptive analysis of occupational accidents in the Community of Madrid (Spain) between 2005 and 2013 to study the impact of air quality on the prevalence of occupational accidents, clarifying how vulnerable to air pollution outdoor workers are. In order to evaluate the association between each air pollutant and work accidents, a quasi-Poisson generalized additive model was fitted. The accident rate followed a downward and statistically significant trend (p = 0.001). The year with the highest accident rate was 2006, with 4981 occupational accidents per 100,000. Occupational accidents follow a temporary pattern (there are differences in the number of accidents according to the month of the year and to the day of the week). Exposure to PM10 and NO2 increases the risk of having an accident at work, especially for outdoor workers. An increase of 10 µg/m3 in daily concentration resulted in increases in accidents for outdoor workers of 2.5% for PM10 and 6.4% for NO2.

The role of magnetic fields in neurodegenerative diseases.

The term neurodegenerative diseases include a long list of diseases affecting the nervous system that are characterized by the degeneration of different neurological structures. Among them, Alzheimer disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are the most representative ones. The vast majority of cases are sporadic and results from the interaction of genes and environmental factors in genetically predisposed individuals. Among environmental conditions, electromagnetic field exposure has begun to be assessed as a potential risk factor for neurodegeneration. In this review, we discuss the existing literature regarding electromagnetic fields and neurodegenerative diseases. Epidemiological studies in AD, PD, and ALS have shown discordant results; thus, a clear correlation between electromagnetic exposure and neurodegeneration has not been demonstrated. In addition, we discuss the role of electromagnetic radiation as a potential non-invasive therapeutic strategy for some neurodegenerative diseases, particularly for PD and AD.