Different Regions Of Spain Research Articles

Genetic diversity and cross-species transmissibility of bat-associated picornaviruses from Spain

BackgroundEmerging zoonotic diseases arise from cross-species transmission events between wild or domesticated animals and humans, with bats being one of the major reservoirs of zoonotic viruses. Viral metagenomics has led to the discovery of many viruses, but efforts have mainly been focused on some areas of the world and on certain viral families.MethodsWe set out to describe full-length genomes of new picorna-like viruses by collecting feces from hundreds of bats captured in different regions of Spain. Viral sequences were obtained by high-throughput Illumina sequencing and analyzed phylogenetically to classify them in the context of known viruses. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was performed to infer likely hosts based on genome composition.ResultsWe found five complete or nearly complete genomes belonging to the family Picornaviridae, including a new species of the subfamily Ensavirinae. LDA suggested that these were true vertebrate viruses, rather than viruses from the bat diet. Some of these viruses were related to picornaviruses previously found in other bat species from distant geographical regions. We also found a calhevirus genome that most likely belongs to a proposed new family within the order Picornavirales, and for which genome composition analysis suggested a plant host.ConclusionsOur findings describe new picorna-like viral species and variants circulating in the Iberian Peninsula, illustrate the wide geographical distribution and interspecies transmissibility of picornaviruses, and suggest new hosts for calheviruses.

Social Intervention That Facilitates Recovery from Gender-Based Violence: Dialogic Reconstruction of Memory

Services for victims of gender-based violence are an interdisciplinary work space where the recovery of women and, thus, preventing their social exclusion are among the main objectives. Although previous scientific literature provides some indicators of the social impact of these services, that is, the improvements in the lives of these women, and allow them to advance in their recovery, it is necessary to deepen and broaden this knowledge. One of the objectives of the SOLNET R&D research was to more comprehensively identify the indicators of the social impact of these interventions. This objective was achieved by carrying out 8 case studies and a total of 56 interviews—32 of which involved women who were victims of violence—in third-sector organisations that tend to women victims in 7 different regions of Spain. The results of our research show that the dialogical reconstruction of the memory of violence contributes to overcoming one of the main barriers to women’s recovery: emotional dependency. To achieve this impact, the dialogic reconstruction of memory should focus on changing the image these women have of the abuser and the conceptions of love associated with violence. These results have important implications for the design and evaluation of interventions carried out in services for women victims of gender-based violence. The application of these results can help these women successfully leave the situation of violence and build a violence-free future.

Survey of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in captive and free-ranging wildlife from Spain

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), considered a zoonotic agent of wildlife origin, can infect various animal species, including wildlife in free-range and captive environments. Detecting susceptible species and potential reservoirs is crucial for preventing the transmission, spread, genetic evolution, and further emergence of viral variants that are major threats to global health. This study aimed to detect exposure or acute infection by SARS-CoV-2 in 420 animals from 40 different wildlife species, including terrestrial and aquatic mammals, from different regions of Spain during the 2020–2023 coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. In total, 8/137 animals were positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies against the receptor binding domain and/or viral nucleoprotein according to independent ELISAs. However, only one ELISA-positive sample of a captive bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies with a low titre (SNT50 38.15) according to a virus neutralization test. Cetaceans are expected to have a high risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 according to early predictive studies due to the similarity of their angiotensin converting enzyme 2 cell receptor to that of humans. Moreover, of 283 animals analysed for SARS-CoV-2 RNA using RT-qPCR, none tested positive. Our results reinforce the importance of considering cetaceans at risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and support taking preventive biosecurity measures when interacting with them, especially in the presence of individuals with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Although most animals in this study tested negative for acute infection or viral exposure, ongoing surveillance of wildlife species and potentially susceptible animals is important to prevent future spillover events and detect potential novel reservoirs.

Comparison of different methods of first-trimester screening for preterm pre-eclampsia: cohort study.

To compare the predictive performance of three different mathematical models for first-trimester screening of pre-eclampsia (PE), which combine maternal risk factors with mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) and serum placental growth factor (PlGF), and two risk-scoring systems. This was a prospective cohort study performed in eight fetal medicine units in five different regions of Spain between September 2017 and December 2019. All pregnant women with singleton pregnancy and a non-malformed live fetus attending their routine ultrasound examination at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation were invited to participate in the study. Maternal characteristics and medical history were recorded and measurements of MAP, UtA-PI, serum PlGF and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) were converted into multiples of the median (MoM). Risks for term PE, preterm PE (< 37 weeks' gestation) and early PE (< 34 weeks' gestation) were calculated according to the FMF competing-risks model, the Crovetto et al. logistic regression model and the Serra et al. Gaussian model. PE classification was also performed based on the recommendations of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). We estimated detection rates (DR) with their 95% CIs at a fixed 10% screen-positive rate (SPR), as well as the area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC) for preterm PE, early PE and all PE for the three mathematical models. For the scoring systems, we calculated DR and SPR. Risk calibration was also assessed. The study population comprised 10 110 singleton pregnancies, including 32 (0.3%) that developed early PE, 72 (0.7%) that developed preterm PE and 230 (2.3%) with any PE. At a fixed 10% SPR, the FMF, Crovetto et al. and Serra et al. models detected 82.7% (95% CI, 69.6-95.8%), 73.8% (95% CI, 58.7-88.9%) and 79.8% (95% CI, 66.1-93.5%) of early PE; 72.7% (95% CI, 62.9-82.6%), 69.2% (95% CI, 58.8-79.6%) and 74.1% (95% CI, 64.2-83.9%) of preterm PE; and 55.1% (95% CI, 48.8-61.4%), 47.1% (95% CI, 40.6-53.5%) and 53.9% (95% CI, 47.4-60.4%) of all PE, respectively. The best correlation between predicted and observed cases was achieved by the FMF model, with an AUC of 0.911 (95% CI, 0.879-0.943), a slope of 0.983 (95% CI, 0.846-1.120) and an intercept of 0.154 (95% CI, -0.091 to 0.397). The NICE criteria identified 46.7% (95% CI, 35.3-58.0%) of preterm PE at 11% SPR and ACOG criteria identified 65.9% (95% CI, 55.4-76.4%) of preterm PE at 33.8% SPR. The best performance of screening for preterm PE is achieved by mathematical models that combine maternal factors with MAP, UtA-PI and PlGF, as compared to risk-scoring systems such as those of NICE and ACOG. While all three algorithms show similar results in terms of overall prediction, the FMF model showed the best performance at an individual level. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Factors Influencing Duration of Breastfeeding: Insights from a Prospective Study of Maternal Health Literacy and Obstetric Practices.

Numerous factors concerning early breastfeeding abandonment have been described, including health literacy (HL). This study's objective was to analyze factors related to early breastfeeding abandonment (<6 months). This prospective multicentric study examined the duration of breastfeeding at 6 months postpartum and was conducted in four different regions of Spain from January 2021 to January 2023. A total of 275 women participated in this study, which focused on maternal HL and obstetric practices. A decrease in the breastfeeding rate was observed from hospital discharge (n = 224, 81.5%) to the sixth month postpartum (n = 117, 42.5%). A Cox regression analysis revealed that inadequate HL levels, lack of mobilization during labour, and induced labour were significantly associated with early breastfeeding cessation (p = 0.022, p = 0.019, and p = 0.010, respectively). The results highlight that women with adequate HL had a 32% lower risk of early breastfeeding abandonment. In comparison, mobilization during labour and induction of labour were linked to a 32.4% reduction and a 53.8% increase in this risk, respectively. These findings emphasize the importance of considering obstetric and HL factors when addressing the breastfeeding duration, indicating opportunities for educational and perinatal care interventions.

The combined effect of family environment and parents' characteristics on the use of food to soothe children.

Parental feeding practices, such as the use of food to soothe, can be shaped by various factors, including the family environment and parents' psychological characteristics and capacities. To our knowledge, the combined effect of these factors has not been studied. Furthermore, parental feeding practices have mainly been studied in women, resulting in a gender gap in the research. This study aims to investigate the combined effect of family environment and parental characteristics on the likelihood of using food to soothe children, taking the gender of both parents into account. This cross-sectional study included a sample of 846 parents (36.3% men) of 1-year-old children from different regions of Spain. Participants completed an online survey that included questionnaires to measure whether parents used food to soothe children, the family environment, parents' characteristics, and their psychological capacities. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between the variables. The final model showed that, within the family environment, higher levels of dyadic adjustment between couples (OR = 0.965; p = .026) were associated with a reduced likelihood of using food to soothe children, whereas the psychological characteristic of parental fatigue (OR = 1.053; p = .007) appeared to be associated with an increased likelihood. Also associated with an increased likelihood of this practice were higher parental sense of competence (OR = 1.028; p = .029) and the attention dimension of emotional intelligence (OR = 1.043; p = .007). Our study suggests that using food to soothe children may be influenced by factors at different levels, from the quality and adjustment of the couple's relationship to parental fatigue, self-competence, and emotional intelligence. For future research, it may be worthwhile contextualizing parental practices to gain a better understanding of children's behavior.

New insights in the Spanish gene pool of olive (Olea europaea L.) preserved ex situ and in situ based on high-throughput molecular markers.

In Spain, several local studies have highlighted the likely presence of unknown olive cultivars distinct from the approximately 260 ones previously described in the literature. Furthermore, recent advancements in identification techniques have significantly enhanced in terms of efficacy and precision. This scenario motivated a new nationwide prospecting effort aimed at recovering and characterizing new cultivated germplasm using high-throughput molecular markers. In the present study, the use of 96 EST-SNP markers allowed the identification of a considerable amount of new material (173 new genotypes) coming from areas with low intensification of production in different regions of Spain. As a result, the number of distinct national genotypes documented in the World Olive Germplasm Bank of IFAPA, Córdoba (WOGBC-ESP046) increased to 427. Likewise, 65 and 24 new synonymy and homonymy cases were identified, respectively. This rise in the number of different national cultivars allowed to deepen the knowledge about the underlying genetic structure. The great genetic variability of Spanish germplasm was confirmed, and a new hot spot of diversity was identified in the northern regions of La Rioja and Aragon. Analysis of the genetic structure showed a clear separation between the germplasm of southern and northern-northeastern Spain and indicated a significantly higher level of admixture in the latter. Given the expansion of modern olive cultivation with only a few cultivars, this cryptic germplasm is in great danger of disappearing. This underlines the fact that maintaining as many cultivars as possible will increase the genetic variability of the olive gene pool to meet the future challenges of olive cultivation.

Does the Prevalence of Obesity in the Different Regions of Spain Influence the Attitudes, Perception, and Barriers to Its Treatment?

Introduction: The differences in the prevalence of obesity between the various regions of Spain, partly attributed to socioeconomic differences, may influence the approach to this disease. The aim of this study was to compare differences in attitudes, perception, and barriers to the treatment of obesity between people with obesity (PwO) and health care professionals (HCPs), between the different regions of Spain. Methods: Sub-analysis of the ACTION-IO Spain study, which included 1,500 PwO and 306 HCP, was performed to identify differences in PwQ and HCPs belonging to regions with high prevalence of obesity (>16%, n = 9 regions, high prevalence of obesity [HPO] group) and low prevalence of obesity (<16%, n = 8 regions, low prevalence of obesity [LPO] group) (self-reported data), according to the 2017 National Health Survey of Spain. Statistics: comparison of proportions (χ2). Results: A total of 746 PwO belonged to HPO and 754 to LPO group. The PwO in HPO group were younger, had lower income, a lower level of higher education, higher unemployment rate, and fewer comorbidities. Obesity was considered a chronic disease to a higher extent in HPO compared to LPO group (62 vs. 56%), but this difference was not statistically significant. The PwO in HPO group discussed less with the HCPs about their excess weight (57 vs. 70%), did not feel motivated to lose weight in a higher percentage (26 vs. 18%), and felt less emotionally supported (16 vs. 24%). In HPO group, the preference for unhealthy food (51 vs. 36%), and the costs of healthy eating, anti-obesity drugs and bariatric surgery were perceived barriers to losing weight. A higher proportion of PwO in HPO group considered that exercise (58 vs. 40%) was more effective for achieving weight loss. In contrast, LPO group considered diet more effective (48 vs. 32%). HCPs in HPO group felt more motivated to treat obesity (83 vs. 68%) and a higher proportion (14 vs. 5%) identified the economic burden as one of the main reasons why PwO do not start conversations to lose weight. Conclusions: There is less concern and conversation about excess weight in PwO in regions with a higher prevalence of obesity, with socioeconomic limitations being one of the main perceived barriers to treatment.

Drivers of divergent trends in tropospheric ozone hotspots in Spain, 2008–2019

This study aimed to investigate the causes of contrasting ozone (O3) trends in Spanish O3 hotspots between 2008 and 2019, as documented in recent studies. The analysis involved data on key O3 precursors, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), among other species, along with meteorological parameters associated with O3. The dataset comprised ground-level and satellite observations, emissions inventory estimates, and meteorological reanalysis.The results suggest that the increasing O3 trends observed in the Madrid area were mostly due to major decreases in NOx emissions from the road transport sector in this urban VOC-limited environment, as well as variations in meteorological parameters conducive to O3 production. Conversely, the decreasing O3 trends in the Sevilla area likely resulted from a decrease in NOx emissions in a peculiar urban NOx-limited regime caused by substantial VOC contributions from a large upwind petrochemical area. Unchanged O3 concentrations in other NOx-limited hotspots may be attributed to the stagnation of emissions from sectors other than road transport, coupled with increased emissions from certain sectors, likely due to the economic recovery from the 2008 financial crisis, and the absence of meteorological variations favorable to O3 production.In this study, the parameters influencing O3 varied distinctively across the different hotspots, emphasizing the significance of adopting an independent regional/local approach for O3 mitigation planning. Overall, our findings provide valuable insights into the causes of contrasting O3 trends in different regions of Spain, which can be used as a basis for guiding future measures to mitigate O3 levels.

The Influence of the Exposome in the Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a Multicenter Case-Control Study.

The concept of exposome refers to the total of harmful and beneficial environmental exposures that can help predict the organism's biological responses over time. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from sun exposure has been recognized as the main etiological agent of skin cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one most commonly associated with chronic exposure. However, in recent years, evidence suggests that lifestyle, environmental pollution, and contaminants in water and food can have an influence. To study the relationship between SCC and sun exposure, pollution, stress, and lifestyle in a Spanish cohort. A multicenter case-control study was carried out in which 13 dermatologists from different regions of Spain recruited cases and controls between April 2020 and August 2022. The group of cases were patients diagnosed with SCC and, as a control group, people who attended Dermatology consultations as companions with no history of skin cancer. A total of 62 patients with SCC and 126 controls were included (62.9% males, median age 76.46 (10.1) and 33.3%, median age 55.7 (15), respectively). The SCC group had experienced more outside work than the controls (75% vs. 22.4%, p < 0.001), less recreational exposure (sunbathing, p = 0.05, and outdoor sports, p = 0.01), and a lower annual income (p = 0.01), with an increase in tobacco exposure (p < 0.001), without differences in other carcinogens, such as ionizing radiation or chemical exposure. The control group had a higher daily screentime use (p < 0.001) and practiced more relaxation activities (p = 0.03). A higher linolenic acid intake and lower coffee consumption were the only dietary variables associated with SCC (p < 0.05). Some chronic medications (anxiolytics, antidepressants, beta-blockers, statins, hydrochlorothiazide, ACE inhibitors, metformin, and omeprazole) were also statistically associated with SCC. Statistical significance for all aforementioned variables was maintained in the multivariate analysis (p < 0.05). The study found a significant association between SCC and multiple exposome-related factors in addition to chronic sun exposure in the Spanish population. Primary prevention strategies should target specific populations, such as outdoor workers promoting sun-safe behaviors and stress-reducing activities, in addition to adequate skin photoprotection in patients under certain medications associated with SCC.

Evaluation of the nutritional value and presence of minerals and pesticides residues in agro-industrial by-products to replace conventional ingredients of small ruminant diets

Fruit and vegetable production across the Mediterranean generates large volumes of by-products that can potentially lessen the livestock feeds deficit in some regions due to climate change effects and other socio-economic factors. However, the utilisation of agro-industrial by-products to their full potential is hindered by several factors such as variability in composition, limited development of preserving technologies and the presence of undesirable substances that may represent a risk for the animal or the final consumer. This work was conducted to study the nutritive value of a range of different alternative by-products from the Spanish agro-industry, assessing the potential to replace conventional ingredients often used in diets for small ruminants and the risk associated with the presence of pesticide residues and minerals. A total of 15 agro-industrial by-products commonly available in different regions of Spain were tested: three different types of apple pomace from three different varieties of apples (Perico, Regona, and Solarina), lemon pulp, avocado seed, broccoli, watermelon silage, olive cake, avocado cake, and six types of silages made with straw and a combination of different by-products (80/20 on fresh matter basis) from the intensive greenhouse horticulture: cucumber, tomato, pepper-cucumber mix (Pep-Cuc silage), aubergine-tomato mix (Aub-Tom silage), tomato-pepper-watermelon mix (Tom-Pep-Wat silage), and watermelon-melon-tomato mix (Wat-Mel-Tom silage). The study involved chemical characterization, including minerals and pesticides residues, and in vitro assessment of the ability to partially replace (10%, 20%, 30%, 50% and 100%) conventional ingredients in a diet for adult sheep (oat hay, barley and sunflower meal), depending on their chemical composition. The inclusion of by-products up to 30% replacement had not effect or improved some of the fermentation parameters and cucumber silage and apple pomace could successfully replace 100% of oat hay and barley, respectively, with only a significant reduction (P < 0.006) of rumen ammonia concentration. The mineral content was highly variable among the by-products with high values of Al in watermelon silage, Cu in olive cake and avocado by-products and Ni and Cr in olive cake. The pesticide residues assessment included 45 different types of compounds commonly used in crop production and three by-products had levels of pesticides residues above the legal limit: watermelon silage had traces of Chlorpyrifos (0.06 mg/kg DM), lemon pulp had Imazalil (0.09 mg/kg DM), and cucumber silage and Wat-Mel-Tom silages had Thiabendazole (0.04 mg/kg DM). Although all by-products showed potential to replace conventional ingredients from a nutritional perspective, the presence of high levels of some minerals and pesticides residues in some by-products requires regular analyses throughout the year or across batches before feeding them to animals.

Presence of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in sheep (Ovis aries) in Spain

Sandflies are the primary transmission vector for Leishmania spp parasite in endemic regions. The role of other animals, different from the dog, is under discussion in the leishmaniosis endemic countries. A limited number of reports have been published on the possible role of livestock in European countries for Leishmania maintenance and diffusion. The aim of the present study was to perform a serosurvey on sheep in areas of Spain that are endemic for zoonotic leishmaniosis and establish the possible role of sheep regarding Leishmania infantum infection in endemic areas. Three hundred and two serum samples were obtained from sheep and were evaluated for serological survey to detect L. infantum by using the in-house ELISA technique. Twenty-eight out of the 302 samples included in this study, were positive for L. infantum antibodies (9.27%). In the present study, a significant association was found between adult age and seropositivity (p = 0.006) and female gender and seropositivity (p = 0.02). This association has not been previously described in other European studies related to L. infantum infection in sheep. Our study reveals that domestic sheep in a European Mediterranean country are exposed to L. infantum. To our knowledge, this study demonstrates the presence of seropositive sheep in different regions of Spain for the first time. Further epidemiological studies focus on evaluating the rural cycle of this parasite to know if livestock could act as a potential reservoir are needed.

Performance of first-trimester combined screening for preterm pre-eclampsia: findings from cohort of 10 110 pregnancies in Spain.

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) competing-risks model, incorporating maternal characteristics, mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) and placental growth factor (PlGF) (the 'triple test'), for the prediction at 11-13 weeks' gestation of preterm pre-eclampsia (PE) in a Spanish population. This was a prospective cohort study performed in eight fetal medicine units in five different regions of Spain between September 2017 and December 2019. All pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy and a non-malformed live fetus attending a routine ultrasound examination at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation were invited to participate. Maternal demographic characteristics and medical history were recorded and MAP, UtA-PI, serum PlGF and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) were measured following standardized protocols. Treatment with aspirin during pregnancy was also recorded. Raw values of biomarkers were converted into multiples of the median (MoM), and audits were performed periodically to provide regular feedback to operators and laboratories. Patient-specific risks for term and preterm PE were calculated according to the FMF competing-risks model, blinded to pregnancy outcome. The performance of screening for PE, taking into account aspirin use, was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC) and detection rate (DR) at a 10% fixed screen-positive rate (SPR). Risk calibration of the model was assessed. The study population comprised 10 110 singleton pregnancies, including 72 (0.7%) that developed preterm PE. In the preterm PE group, compared to those without PE, median MAP MoM and UtA-PI MoM were significantly higher, and median serum PlGF MoM and PAPP-A MoM were significantly lower. In women with PE, the deviation from normal in all biomarkers was inversely related to gestational age at delivery. Screening for preterm PE by a combination of maternal characteristics and medical history with MAP, UtA-PI and PlGF had a DR, at 10% SPR, of 72.7% (95% CI, 62.9-82.6%). An alternative strategy of replacing PlGF with PAPP-A in the triple test was associated with poorer screening performance for preterm PE, giving a DR of 66.5% (95% CI, 55.8-77.2%). The calibration plot showed good agreement between predicted risk and observed incidence of preterm PE, with a slope of 0.983 (95% CI, 0.846-1.120) and an intercept of 0.154 (95% CI, -0.091 to 0.397). The FMF model is effective in predicting preterm PE in the Spanish population at 11-13 weeks' gestation. This method of screening is feasible to implement in routine clinical practice, but it should be accompanied by a robust audit and monitoring system, in order to maintain high-quality screening. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

LGBTQ+ identity-related abuse during childhood and associations with depression and suicide behavior: Role of adulthood cisheterosexism and expressive suppression

BackgroundExposure to minority stressors specific to LGBTQ+ individuals, such as heterosexism and cissexism (or cisheterosexism) is not covered under the traditional adverse childhood experiences framework. This is important because childhood identity-related abuse by a parent/caregiver can lead to mental health challenges in later life through the adoption of maladaptive coping mechanisms. ObjectiveThe present study aimed to examine the role of cisheterosexism and expressive suppression as serial mediators in the associations between identity-related abuse and depressive symptoms and suicide behavior. Participants and settingParticipants included 563 LGBTQ+ identifying adults between 18 and 64 years (M = 30.02, SD = 9.05) from different regions of Spain and were recruited through social media (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram). MethodA serial mediation model was conducted with cisheterosexism and expressive suppression as the mediators in the associations between LGBTQ+ identity-related childhood abuse and depressive symptoms and suicide behavior. ResultsFindings indicated a positive indirect effect of identity-related abuse on depressive symptoms through cumulative cisheterosexism (B = 0.628, p < .01), and via cumulative cisheterosexism and suppression (B = 0.146, p < .05). No significant indirect effect was found for identity-related abuse on depressive symptoms via suppression (B = 0.086). An indirect effect was found for identity-related abuse on suicide behavior via cumulative cisheterosexism (B = 0.250, p < .01). ConclusionsFindings reveal that LGBTQ+ identity-related cisheterosexist experiences perpetrated by parents or caregivers are associated with harmful, long-term impacts on symptoms of depression and suicide behavior via experiences of cisheterosexism and expressive suppression.

Downregulated Adipose Tissue Expression of Browning Genes With Increased Environmental Temperatures.

Climate change and global warming have been hypothesized to influence the increased prevalence of obesity worldwide. However, the evidence is scarce. We aimed to investigate how outside temperature might affect adipose tissue physiology and metabolic traits. The expression of genes involved in thermogenesis/browning and adipogenesis were evaluated (through quantitative polymerase chain reaction) in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) from 1083 individuals recruited in 5 different regions of Spain (3 in the North and 2 in the South). Plasma biochemical variables and adiponectin (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) were collected through standardized protocols. Mean environmental outdoor temperatures were obtained from the National Agency of Meteorology. Univariate, multivariate, and artificial intelligence analyses (Boruta algorithm) were performed. The SAT expression of genes associated with browning (UCP1, PRDM16, and CIDEA) and ADIPOQ were significantly and negatively associated with minimum, average, and maximum temperatures. The latter temperatures were also negatively associated with the expression of genes involved in adipogenesis (FASN, SLC2A4, and PLIN1). Decreased SAT expression of UCP1 and ADIPOQ messenger RNA and circulating adiponectin were observed with increasing temperatures in all individuals as a whole and within participants with obesity in univariate, multivariate, and artificial intelligence analyses. The differences remained statistically significant in individuals without type 2 diabetes and in samples collected during winter. Decreased adipose tissue expression of genes involved in browning and adiponectin with increased environmental temperatures were observed. Given the North-South gradient of obesity prevalence in these same regions, the present observations could have implications for the relationship of the obesity pandemic with global warming.

A Genome-Wide Association Study of Small Cell Lung Cancer

IntroductionSmall cell lung cancer (SCLC) comprises 10–15% of all lung cancer cases and is the most aggressive histological type. Survival is poor and the molecular landscape of this disease is extraordinarily complex. The objective of this paper was to perform a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) of this disease using a case–control study specifically designed for small cell lung cancer (SCLC). MethodsIncident cases were consecutively recruited from 8 hospitals from different regions of Spain. Controls were recruited from the same hospitals using a frequency sampling based on age and sex distribution of cases. Biological samples were obtained along with detailed information on cases and controls lifestyle, including tobacco and radon exposure. ResultsWe included 271 SCLC cases and 557 controls. We found evidence (p-values<10−5) of an association in the complete dataset for several loci, while MAP4 showed a significant association in the gene-based analysis. Pathway analysis suggested that ATR, ATRIP, MCM4, MCM5, ORC4, RPA3 and CDC25A genes have a role on the onset of SCLC. ConclusionThis study provides biological evidence for pathways related to SCLC, offering novel loci for further research.

Variation in Susceptibility to Downy Mildew Infection in Spanish Minority Vine Varieties.

Downy mildew is one of the most destructive diseases affecting grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.). Caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola (Berk. and Curt.) Berl. and de Toni, it can appear anywhere where vines are cultivated. It is habitually controlled by the application of phytosanitary agents (copper-based or systemic) at different stages of the vine growth cycle. This, however, is costly, can lead to reduced yields, has a considerable environmental impact, and its overuse close to harvest can cause fermentation problems. All grapevines are susceptible to this disease, although the degree of susceptibility differs between varieties. Market demands and European legislation on viticulture and the use of phytosanitary agents (art. 14 of Directive 128/2009/EC) now make it important to know the sensitivity of all available varieties, including minority varieties. Such knowledge allows for a more appropriate use of phytosanitary agents, fosters the commercial use of these varieties and thus increases the offer of wines associated with different terroirs, and helps identify material for use in crop improvement programmes via crossing or genetic transformation, etc. Over 2020-2021, the susceptibility to P. viticola of 63 minority vine varieties from different regions of Spain was examined in the laboratory using the leaf disc technique. Some 87% of these varieties were highly susceptible and 11% moderately susceptible; just 2% showed low susceptibility. The least susceptible of all was the variety Morate (Madrid, IMIDRA). Those showing intermediate susceptibility included the varieties Sanguina (Castilla la Mancha, IVICAM), Planta Mula (Comunidad Valenciana, ITVE), Rayada Melonera (Madrid, IMIDRA), Zamarrica (Galicia, EVEGA), Cariñena Roja (Cataluña, INCAVI), Mandrègue (Aragón, DGA) and Bastardo Blanco (Extremadura, CICYTEX). The highly susceptible varieties could be differentiated into three subgroups depending on sporulation severity and density.

Advance Care Planning in Spain

In the last decade in Spain, an important push has been given to the development of health policies that define the framework of action in the care of people with advanced chronic diseases. Respect for the autonomy of the patient, shared decision-making processes and advance care planning (ACP) are recognized into health plans as a key aspect in chronic care, frailty, and palliative care. A few but significant number of institutions, local governments, and healthcare professionals from different regions of Spain have started a rationale and roadmap for a new twist in Spain’s theoretical, ethical and policy development, promoting ACP implementation into public health care systems. In 2020, a working group founded in 2017, evolved into the “Spanish Association of Shared Care Planning” (AEPCA). The Shared Care Planning (SCP) concept grows up after the two international consensus Delphi studies in 2017 and pretends to shift from the framework of ACP programs to a person-centred care approach. In the last years, several experiences show how professionals are more sensible and interested on the ACP process, but it cannot be said, for now, that it has taken effect in the global Spanish health system. Even both ACP and SCP are being used simultaneously in Spain, each day more people and autonomous communities embrace renewed concept and foundations of SCP, supporting the work of AEPCA on spreading the value of this process into the care of people who are coping with chronic diseases, vulnerability, and frailty.

Immunocompromised Children and Young Patients Living with Pets: Gaps in Knowledge to Avoid Zoonosis

Background and Objectives. Although pets are known to be beneficial for children, they could also imply risks for immunocompromised ones. We report the prevalence of children and young patients living with pets in a cohort of immunosuppressed pediatric patients and describe risk behaviors for acquiring zoonosis and compliance with veterinary recommendations. Methods. A cross-sectional, observational study was performed in a large tertiary hospital in Madrid, including immunosuppressed patients from different regions of Spain. The participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire. Results. Two hundred and eighty-four responses were received: 62.3% solid organ transplantation (177/284), 22.8% hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (65/284), and 14.8% inborn errors of immunity (42/284). The median age was 11 years (interquartile range 5.9–15.4), and 55% were boys (156/284). Up to 45% (130/284) of the respondents lived with 201 pets (74% of them dogs and cats). Half of the patients owning dogs or cats did not comply with at least one of the recommendations regarding vaccination, deworming, feeding, and/or veterinarian recommended controls. The poorest findings were related to deworming regimens. Only 42.8% (117/273) of the participants received specific recommendations from their healthcare professionals about companion animals. However, up to 97% of the families considering acquiring a pet did so when the professional did not contraindicate it (31/32), while 72% of the families having pets got rid of their pets when they were advised against animals (8/11). Conclusions. Pet ownership is frequent among immunocompromised children. They presented risky exposures for acquiring zoonoses, and basic veterinary recommendations were not frequently followed. The opinion of professionals significantly influenced the decision to acquire pets, but less than half of the families received recommendations in this regard.

Open data for monitoring COVID-19 in Spain: Descriptive study

BackgroundThe indicators of the pandemic have been based on the total number of diagnosed cases of COVID-19, the number of people hospitalized or in intensive care units, and deaths from the infection. The aim of this study is to describe the available data on diagnostic tests, health service used for the diagnosis of COVID-19, case detection and monitoring. MethodDescriptive study with review of official data available on the websites of the Spanish health councils corresponding to 17 Autonomous Communities, 2 Autonomous cities and the Ministry of Health. The variables collected refer to contact tracing, technics for diagnosis, use of health services and follow-up. ResultsAll regions of Spain show data on diagnosed cases of COVID-19 and deaths. Hospitalized cases and intensive care admissions are shown in all regions except the Balearic Islands. Diagnostic tests for COVID-19 have been registered in all regions except Madrid region and Extremadura, with scarcely information on what type of test has been performed (present in 7 CCAA), requesting service and study of contacts. ConclusionsThe information available on the official websites of the Health Departments of the different regions of Spain are heterogeneous. Data from the use of health service or workload in Primary Care, Emergency department or Out of hours services are almost non-existent.