Association between heavy metals and metalloids in topsoil and mental health in the adult population of Spain.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Despite the biological plausibility of the association between heavy metal exposure and mental health disorders, epidemiological evidence remains scarce. The objective was to estimate the association between heavy metals and metalloids in soil and the prevalence of mental disorders in the adult population of Spain. METHODS: Individual data came from the Spanish National Health Survey 2011-2012, 18,073 individuals residing in 1772 census sections. Mental health was measured with the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. The concentration estimates of heavy metal and metalloid levels in topsoil (upper soil horizon) came from the Geochemical Atlas of Spain based on 13,317 soil samples. Levels of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and manganese (Mn) were estimated in each census section by "ordinary Kriging". Odds ratios (OR) were calculated by multilevel logistic regression models. RESULTS: Compared with the lowest Pb concentration levels quartile, the OR for the second quartile was 1.29 (95%CI: 1.11-1.50), increasing progressively to 1.37 (95%CI: 1.17-1.60) and 1.51 (95%CI: 1.27-1.79) in the third and fourth quartiles, respectively. For As, the association was observed in the third and fourth quartiles: 1.21 (95%CI: 1.04-1.41) and 1.42 (95% CI: 1.21-1.65), respectively. Cd was associated also following a gradient from the second quartile: 1.34 (95%CI: 1.15-1.57) through the fourth: 1.84 (95%CI: 1.56-2.15). In contrast, Mn only showed a positive association at the second quartile. Additionally, individuals consuming vegetables > once a day the OR for the fourth quartile of Pb concentration, vs. the first, increased to 2.93 (95%CI: 1.97-4.36); similarly for As: 3.00 (95%CI: 2.08-4.31), and for Cd: 3.49 (95%CI: 2.33-5.22). CONCLUSIONS: Living in areas with a higher concentration of heavy metals and metalloids in soil was associated with an increased probability of having a mental disorder. These relationships were strengthened in individuals reporting consuming vegetables > once a day.

Trends in mortality from cutaneous malignant melanoma in Spain (1982-2016): sex-specific age-cohort-period effects.

BACKGROUND: Mortality from malignant cutaneous melanoma increased alarmingly during the second half of the 20th century in Spain and other European countries. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to analyse sex- and age-specific trends in melanoma mortality in Spain in the period 1982-2016. METHODS: European age-standardized melanoma mortality rates during the period 1982-2016 were calculated from mortality figures provided by the National Statistics Institute. Joinpoint regressions were used to identify significant points of change in trends and to compute average annual per cent change (AAPC). Age-cohort-period models were fitted to explore the effect of these variables on mortality. RESULTS: During the period 1982-2016, age-standardized melanoma mortality rates increased in Spain from 0.90 to 1.80 deaths per 100 000 people in men and from 0.64 to 1.11 per 100 000 in women, rising noticeably from 1982 to 1995 in both sexes and in all age groups. From the mid-90s different trends were observed depending on sex and age: there was a decrease in mortality in the population younger than 45 years (AAPC -2 in both sexes) and aged 45-64 years (AAPC -1 among men and -0.2 among women), but in the group over 64 years rates continued to increase (AAPC 1.7 and 0.2, respectively, for men and women). The mortality sex ratio decreased in the younger population but increased in older individuals. A cohort effect was observed with lower mortality in the cohorts born after 1943 in men and 1956 in women. There was also a period effect with decreased mortality rates at the beginning of the 1990s. CONCLUSIONS: Melanoma mortality rates in Spain increased during the last decades of the 20th century; however, later they stabilized in women and began to decrease in younger cohorts and middle-aged men. Promotion of primary and secondary prevention measures should continue, with particular emphasis on males over 65 years.

Tendencia y distribución municipal de la incidencia de cáncer de vejiga en el área de salud de León (1996-2010) / Municipal distribution and trends in bladder cancer incidence in health area of León, Spain (1996-201

Objetivo: España presenta unas de las tasas más elevadas de incidencia y mortalidad por cáncer de vejiga del mundo. El presente estudio tiene por objeto conocer la incidencia, tendencia y distribución geográfica del cáncer de vejiga en el área de salud de León. Material y métodos: Fueron incluidos los casos nuevos de cáncer de vejiga (CIE-188) del registro hospitalario de tumores del Centro Asistencial Universitario de León, entre 1996-2010 con residencia en el ASL. Se calcularon las incidencias brutas trienales y ajustadas a población mundial y europea. Como denominador se utilizaron los datos del INE de población desagregada por sexo y grupos quinquenales de edad de residentes en municipios del ASL. Para el análisis de la distribución espacial se estimaron los riesgos relativos (RR) municipales suavizados mediante el ajuste del modelo de Besag, York y Mollié y sus probabilidades posteriores de que los RR fuesen > 1 (PP), utilizando métodos bayesianos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 1.573 casos. Las tasas estandarizadas a población europea ascendieron de 20,8 (1996-98) a 33,1 (2006-2008) casos nuevos por 100.000 hombres y de 1,9 a 5,9 en las mujeres. No se observaron diferencias de interés en la distribución municipal de las incidencias. Conclusiones: Las tasas de incidencia observadas son elevadas en el contexto europeo. Se observan tendencias ascendentes en hombres y especialmente relevantes en mujeres

Objective: Spain is a country where bladder cancer incidence and mortality rates are some of the highest in the world. The aim of this study is to know the incidence, trends and geographical distribution of bladder cancer in the health area of León. Material and methods: the new cases of bladder cancer (CIE-188) in patients residing in the health area of León and registered in the Hospital Tumor Registry of the Centro Asistencial Universitario in León (Spain) between 1996-2010 were included in this study. Triennial crude incidence and adjusted incidence rates to the worldwide and European population were calculated. Population data of the municipalities of Leon (Spain) were obtained from National Institute of Statistic of Spain (INE, Instituto Nacional de Estadística). Data were disaggregated by sex-groups and five-year age groups. Spatial distribution of smoothed municipal relative risks (RR) of bladder cancer was carried out using a Besag, York and Mollié model. Bayesian model were used to calculate the posterior probability (PP) of RR greater than one. Results: 1.573 cases were included. Incidence rates standardized to European population increased among men from 20,8/100.000 (1996-98) to 33,1/100.000 (2006-2008) and among women these rates increased from 1,9/100.000 to 5,9/100.000 for the same period of time. No relevant differences were found in the municipal distribution of the incidences. Conclusions: bladder cancer incidence rates are high in the European context. Rising trends in incidence in both sexs, particularly in women are observed

Analyzing the evolution of young people's brain cancer mortality in Spanish provinces.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the spatio-temporal evolution of brain cancer relative mortality risks in young population (under 20 years of age) in Spanish provinces during the period 1986-2010. METHODS: A new and flexible conditional autoregressive spatio-temporal model with two levels of spatial aggregation was used. RESULTS: Brain cancer relative mortality risks in young population in Spanish provinces decreased during the last years, although a clear increase was observed during the 1990s. The global geographical pattern emphasized a high relative mortality risk in Navarre and a low relative mortality risk in Madrid. Although there is a specific Autonomous Region-time interaction effect on the relative mortality risks this effect is weak in the final estimates when compared to the global spatial and temporal effects. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in mortality between regions and over time may be caused by the increase in survival rates, the differences in treatment or the availability of diagnostic tools. The increase in relative risks observed in the 1990s was probably due to improved diagnostics with computerized axial tomography and magnetic resonance imaging techniques.

Municipal distribution and trends in bladder cancer incidence in health area of León, Spain (1996-2010).

OBJECTIVE: Spain is a country where bladder cancer incidence and mortality rates are some of the highest in the world. The aim of this study is to know the incidence, trends and geographical distribution of bladder cancer in the health area of León. MATERIAL AND METHODS: the new cases of bladder cancer (CIE-188) in patients residing in the health area of León and registered in the Hospital Tumor Registry of the Centro Asistencial Universitario in León (Spain) between 1996-2010 were included in this study. Triennial crude incidence and adjusted incidence rates to the worldwide and European population were calculated. Population data of the municipalities of Leon (Spain) were obtained from National Institute of Statistic of Spain (INE, Instituto Nacional de Estadística). Data were disaggregated by sex-groups and five-year age groups. Spatial distribution of smoothed municipal relative risks (RR) of bladder cancer was carried out using a Besag, York and Mollié model. Bayesian model were used to calculate the posterior probability (PP) of RR greater than one. RESULTS: 1.573 cases were included. Incidence rates standardized to European population increased among men from 20,8/100.000 (1996-98) to 33,1/100.000 (2006-2008) and among women these rates increased from 1,9/100.000 to 5,9/100.000 for the same period of time. No relevant differences were found in the municipal distribution of the incidences. CONCLUSIONS: bladder cancer incidence rates are high in the European context. Rising trends in incidence in both sexs, particularly in women are observed.

Further evidence supporting a genetic background for Paget's disease of bone in Spain.

The aim of this paper is to investigate heritable factors that might be related to the recognised genetic susceptibility for developing Paget's disease of bone (PD). This was a hospital-based, case-control study of a systematically selected group of PD patients and a group of controls drawn from the same health setting. In these populations we assessed surname pattern, parental consanguinity and constitutional physical traits. In a separate case-control analysis, genetically-based features and pathological traits of interest for genetic inference in 43 demonstrated familial cases were then compared to those in 24 sporadic cases. Results showed coincidence of three or four surnames (Odds Ratio [OR] = 5.6; 95% CI = 1.7-18.5), degree of parental consanguinity (OR = 4.1; 95% CI = 2.1-1.8), and green or blue eye colour (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.1-2.1) were significantly associated with PD. Comparison of proven familial and sporadic PD cases showed that the former had a stronger association with Monckeberg-type vascular calcifications (32% vs. 4%; p = 0.02), percentage of skeleton affected (13.1 vs. 9.0), and green and blue eye colour (82% vs. 25%; p = 0.006), with Monckeberg-type vascular calcifications being the main variable of interest (OR = 30.9; 95% CI = 12.75-347.00) in the multivariate analysis. In conclusion, heritable factors are crucial in the pathogenesis of PD and, in line with other data sources, might account for the ethnic predisposition observed in different countries.

Cancer mortality trends in Spain: 1980-2007.

INTRODUCTION: Since the 1990s, there has been a downturn in mortality for specific types of tumour in Spain and other European countries. This article reports on the current situation of cancer mortality in Spain, as well as mortality trends over the period 1980-2007, and provides an overview of cancer mortality trends in Europe in recent years. METHODS: Data were sourced from the National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estadística - INE) and the World Health Organization mortality database. Mortality trends were studied using change-point Poisson regression models. RESULTS: All-cancer mortality decreased in both sexes from 1980 to 2007, owing to the fact that the tumours responsible for the highest number of deaths registered declining trends from the mid-1990s onwards. In men, mortality due to stomach and prostate cancer fell by >3% per annum in the last 10 years of the study period. In women, the largest contributions to the fall in cancer mortality were due to breast and colorectal cancers. In contrast, female mortality due to smoking-related cancers rose significantly. Within the European context, Spain's estimated 2005 mortality rates were intermediate for men and low for women. CONCLUSION: Cancer control is progressing in the right direction in Spain. Further interventions directed to reduce tobacco-related cancer mortality remain a priority, particularly for women.

Changes in colorectal cancer incidence and mortality trends in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Some years ago, Spain registered a much lower colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rate than did other European countries but the rates have since converged. This study sought to compare time trends for CRC incidence and mortality, identify change-points in these trends and thereby update available information in Spain. METHODS: Incidence data were drawn from all population-based cancer registries in Spain which participated in the European Network of Cancer Registries and had been collecting data for at least 10 consecutive years during the period 1975-2004. Colorectal cancer corresponded to codes 153, 154 and 159.0 of the International Classification of Diseases ninth revision (ICD-9) and codes C18-C21 and C26.0 of the ICD-10. In all, the 13 registries included in this study cover approximately 26% of the total Spanish population. We evaluated the time trends in incidence and mortality using transition change-point and age-period-cohort models. RESULTS: Our results revealed an important increase in CRC incidence in Spain, which held constant across the entire study period but became slightly attenuated in both sexes around 1995, when a change-point was detected. The annual increase in incidence, which had been 4.3% per annum in men up to this point, declined to 2.5% thereafter. In women, the increase in incidence, albeit also of considerable magnitude, was more moderate. The incidence trend contrasted sharply with that for mortality, inasmuch as the latter changed in 1997-98, after which point mortality rates in both sexes began to decline. CONCLUSIONS: The divergence between incidence (upward trend) and mortality rates (downward trend from the mid-1990s onwards) would suggest that possible explanations may lie in improved accessibility to endoscopy increased early detection with a corresponding shift to an earlier disease stage and improvements in therapy. This trend is having important consequences insofar as disease prevalence and burden of care are concerned.

Do sex and site matter? Different age distribution in melanoma of the trunk among Swedish men and women.

BACKGROUND: Recent research on cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) points to the coexistence of several biological pathways linked to the anatomical site of the lesion, which could lead to this neoplasm. Although the different anatomical distribution of CMM by sex is usually attributed to gender-specific patterns of sun exposure, it has been suggested that an alternative explanation might lie in gender-specific site susceptibility. OBJECTIVES: This paper aimed at analysing the age distribution of CMM by site and sex to gain in-depth knowledge of differences between the sexes. METHODS: Using a large Swedish cohort comprising 2 992 166 workers, Poisson models were fitted to estimate age-specific incidence rates by site and sex, duly adjusted for several factors that might account for changes in environmental exposures (period, birth cohort, socioeconomic level, latitude and rurality). RESULTS: Incidence rates were 17.4 cases per 100 000 person-years in men and 16.5 in women. Sex differences were particularly striking for CMM of the trunk, where both crude and adjusted incidence rates displayed a steady increase with age in men, but reached a plateau in women at around four cases per 100 000 person-years from the 40-45-year age group (perimenopausal period) upwards. There was an almost fivefold increase in the sex ratio for this body site between the younger and older age groups, a difference which could not be attributed to period or cohort effects. CONCLUSIONS: If different aetiological pathways can be assumed to lead to melanoma, then disparities between men and women, particularly in CMM of the trunk, suggest that a possible interaction between site and sex should be borne in mind.

Mesothelioma mortality in men: trends during 1977-2001 and projections for 2002-2016 in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate mesothelioma death trends in Spain and to predict the number of future cases of mesothelioma. METHODS: After descriptive analysis of mesothelioma mortality data, an age-period-cohort model was applied to estimate future mesothelioma deaths. RESULTS: From 1977 to 2001, 1928 men over 35 years of age died of mesothelioma in Spain. Projections indicate that 1321 men are expected to die from mesothelioma between 2007 and 2016. CONCLUSION: It is expected that mesothelioma deaths will increase at least until 2016. Available data do not allow prediction of the year when mortality will start to decrease.

Tendencias de la mortalidad en España, 1952-1996: efecto de la edad, de la cohorte de nacimiento y del periodo de muerte

Esta monografía contiene una actualización del estudio de las tendencias de la mortalidad en España, para un amplio grupo de patologías. Además del estudio clásico de la evolución de las tasas ajustadas y ajustadas truncadas para diferentes grupos de edad, se analiza sistemáticamente el peso de componentes de la mortalidad como son la edad, el periodo de defunción y la cohorte de nacimiento o generación.

Acute health problems among subjects involved in the cleanup operation following the Prestige oil spill in Asturias and Cantabria (Spain).

The purpose of this study was to evaluate exposure conditions and acute health effects in subjects participating in the Prestige oil spill cleanup activities and the association between these and the nature of the work and use of protection devices in the regions of Asturias and Cantabria (Spain). The sample comprised 400 subjects in each region, selected from a random sampling of all persons involved in cleanup activities, stratified by type of worker and number of working days. Data were obtained via a structured questionnaire and included information on specific tasks, number of working days, use of protective materials, and acute health effects. These effects were classified into two broad groups: injuries and toxic effects. Data analysis was performed using complex survey methods. Significant differences between groups were evaluated using Pearson's chi(2) test. Unconditional logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Bird cleaners accounted for the highest prevalence of injuries (19% presented with lesions). Working more than 20 days in highly polluted areas was associated with increased risk of injury in all workers. Occurrence of toxic effects was higher among seamen, possibly due to higher exposure to fuel oil and its components. Toxic effects were more frequent among those working longer than 20 days in highly polluted areas, performing three or more different cleaning activities, having skin contact with fuel oil on head/neck or upper limbs, and eating while in contact with fuel or perceiving disturbing odors. No severe disorders were identified among individuals who performed these tasks. However, potential health impact should be considered when organizing cleanup activities in similar environmental disasters.

Mortality in Spain during the heat waves of summer 2003.

The effect of the elevated temperatures on mortality experienced in Europe during the summer of 2003 was observed in several countries. This study, carried out in Spain, describes mortality between 1 June and 31 August and evaluates the effect of the heat wave on mortality. Observed deaths were obtained from official death registers from 50 provincial capitals. Observed deaths were compared with the expected number, estimated by applying a Poisson regression model to historical mortality series and adjusting for the upward trend and seasonality observed. Meteorological information was provided by the Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (National Institute of Meteorology). Spain experienced three heat waves in 2003. The total associated excess deaths were 8% (43 212 observed deaths compared with 40 046 expected deaths). Excess deaths were only observed in those aged 75 years and over (15% more deaths than expected for the age group 75 to 84 and 29% for those aged 85 or over). This phenomenon (heat-associated excess mortality) is an emerging public health problem because of its increasing attributable risk, the aging of the Spanish population and its forecasted increasing frequency due to global warming. The implementation of alert and response systems based on monitoring of climate-related risks, emergency room activity and mortality, and strengthening the response capacity of the social and health services should be considered.

Municipal pleural cancer mortality in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Pleural cancer is a recognised indicator of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma mortality. AIMS: To investigate the distribution of municipal mortality due to this tumour, using the autoregressive spatial model proposed by Besag, York, and Mollie. METHODS: It was possible to compile and ascertain the posterior distribution of relative risk on the basis of a single Bayesian spatial model covering all of Spain's 8077 municipal areas. Maps were plotted depicting standardised mortality ratios, smoothed relative risk (RR) estimates, and the distribution of the posterior probability that RR >1. RESULTS: There was a higher risk of death due to pleural cancer in well defined towns and areas, many of which correspond to municipalities where asbestos using industries once existed for many years, the prime example being the municipal pattern registered for Barcelona Province. The quality of mortality data, the suitability of the model used, and the usefulness of municipal atlases for environmental surveillance are discussed.

Mortality in Spain during the heat waves of summer 2003.

The effect of the elevated temperatures on mortality experienced in Europe during the summer of 2003 was observed in several countries. This study, carried out in Spain, describes mortality between 1 June and 31 August and evaluates the effect of the heat wave on mortality. Observed deaths were obtained from official death registers from 50 provincial capitals. Observed deaths were compared with the expected number, estimated by applying a Poisson regression model to historical mortality series and adjusting for the upward trend and seasonality observed. Meteorological information was provided by the Instituto Nacional de Meteorología (National Institute of Meteorology). Spain experienced three heat waves in 2003. The total associated excess deaths were 8% (43 212 observed deaths compared with 40 046 expected deaths). Excess deaths were only observed in those aged 75 years and over (15% more deaths than expected for the age group 75 to 84 and 29% for those aged 85 or over). This phenomenon (heat-associated excess mortality) is an emerging public health problem because of its increasing attributable risk, the aging of the Spanish population and its forecasted increasing frequency due to global warming. The implementation of alert and response systems based on monitoring of climate-related risks, emergency room activity and mortality, and strengthening the response capacity of the social and health services should be considered.

[State of cancer in Spain: incidence]. / Situación del cáncer en España: incidencia.

It is estimated that at present in Spain around 162,000 cases of cancer are diagnosed each year (without including non-melanoma skin cancer), of which 25,600 correspond to colorectal carcinomas, which is the most frequent of all tumours in absolute terms. The next tumour in terms of frequency is lung cancer with 18,800 new cases, followed by breast cancer in women with 15,979 cases. When the incidence of cancer is compared with that in neighbouring countries, Spain shows adjusted rates in men higher than those of the average for the EU, occupying the 5th place. However, in women, Spain shows the lowest rates together with Greece. Spain occupies the first place for cancer of the bladder in men, with rates that are considerably higher than those of the rest of the countries. It is important to verify the increase underway in the incidence of cancer in Spain and the contrast that this represents facing the evolution of mortality. For many important tumoral localisations (lung, stomach, bladder), the population registers do not cover the provinces where there is a greater mortality.

Situación del cáncer en España: incidencia / State of cancer in Spain: incidence

Se estima que actualmente se diagnostican en España unos 162.000 casos de cáncer al año (sin contar el cáncer de piel no-melanoma) de los que 25.600 corresponden a carcinomas colorrectales, que es el tumor más frecuente de todos en términos absolutos. El siguiente tumor en frecuencia es el cáncer de pulmón con 18.800 casos nuevos, seguido del cáncer de mama en mujeres con 15.979 casos. Cuando se compara la incidencia de cáncer con la de los países de nuestro entorno, en hombres España presenta unas tasas ajustadas superiores a las del promedio de la UE, ocupando el 5º lugar. Sin embargo, en mujeres, España muestra las tasas de incidencia más bajas junto con Grecia. Para el cáncer de vejiga en hombres, España ocupa el primer lugar, con tasas bastante superiores a las del resto de países. Es importante constatar el incremento que está sufriendo la incidencia de cáncer en España y el contraste que supone frente a la evolución de la mortalidad. Para muchas localizaciones tumorales importantes (pulmón, estómago, vejiga), los registros poblacionales no cubren las provincias con una mayor mortalidad (AU)

Cutaneous melanoma: hints from occupational risks by anatomic site in Swedish men.

AIMS: To improve knowledge of the epidemiology of melanoma by comparing occupational risks of cutaneous melanoma (CM) by anatomic site in Swedish workers. METHODS: Male workers employed in 1970 and living in the country in 1960 were followed up from 1971 to 1989 using the Swedish Registers of Death and Cancer. A more specifically exposed subcohort included men reporting the same occupation in 1960 and 1970. For each location, occupational risk ratios (RRs) were extracted from Poisson regression models adjusted by age, period, town size, and geographical area. To diminish the influence of socioeconomic factors, intrasector analyses, comparing only jobs belonging to the same occupational sector, were performed. Risk patterns for different locations were compared. RESULTS: High RRs for different sites were found among workers exposed to UV sources (dentists, physiotherapists, and lithographers), and sun exposed workers (harbour masters, and lighthouse/related work). Risk excesses were seen in fur tailors, tanners/fur dressers, patternmakers/cutters, electrical fitters/wiremen, telephone/telegraph installers/repairmen, and some glass/pottery/tile workers. Results for lower and upper limbs were significantly correlated but somewhat independent of those found in thorax, the most frequent location. Correlation between head/neck and thorax was moderate. Specific risk excesses were found for rolling mill workers in head/neck, for chimney sweeps in upper limbs, and for aircraft pilots/navigators/flight engineers in lower limbs. CONCLUSIONS: High RRs in the trunk among occupations with UV exposure from artificial sources suggest an effect not restricted to exposed sites. An unusual distribution of cases and RRs in chimney sweeps, rolling-mill, or glass/pottery/tile workers suggests local effects of exposures. The not previously reported risk excess in this job and in fur related processes, and the RR in electrical fitters and telephone/telegraph installers deserve further investigation. Disparities between locations, as RRs in thorax and limbs, may reflect differences in aetiological mechanisms.

Identification of possible areas of high prevalence of Paget's disease of bone in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: In view of the fact that Paget's disease of bone (PD) tends to appear in so-called 'foci', a case-control study was undertaken with the dual aim of: 1) identifying areas having a higher likelihood of constituting PD 'foci'; and 2) detecting the geographic origin of 'PD-carrier' families. METHODS: Two data sets were analysed, one covering the place of birth of 231 cases and 436 controls, and the other covering the place of birth of cases, controls and their parents. Analysis was restricted to six Autonomous Regions accounting for 60% of Spain's towns and cities. To identify geographical areas of high prevalence we used the scan statistic. RESULTS: In the first analysis, 6 possible clusters were detected, corresponding to the districts of Avila (Avila), Lozoya-Somosierra (Madrid), Tierra de Campos(Palencia), the Guadalajara Range, South-west Madrid and Cuenca Hills. The second analysis confirmed the 6 groupings identified by the above procedure and, in addition, detected a further 8 possible clusters. Geographical proximity suggests that in some cases, rather than individual groupings, these may instead constitute larger foci. CONCLUSION: The results point to the possible existence of different PD foci, some coinciding with clusters that have already been reported, and others indicating familial origin in areas that had never previously received PD-specific attention.

Geographical pattern of brain cancer incidence in the Navarre and Basque Country regions of Spain.

BACKGROUND: The study of the distribution of brain cancer mortality in Spain shows a grouping of highest risk provinces corresponding to the autonomous regions of Navarre and the Basque Country. AIM: To explore the possible existence of geographical patterns in these areas. METHODS: Municipal maps of brain cancer incidence were drawn up and the influence of land use related variables on the distribution of the disease duly analysed. Autoregressive conditional models were used to plot smoothed municipal maps. The influence of explanatory land use variables, ascertained by remote sensing, was assessed. RESULTS: The maps revealed that certain towns situated in the "Media" and "Cantábrica-Baja Montaña" districts of Navarre were areas of highest risk. Among the towns in question, those in the "Media" district lie very close to the city of Pamplona. However, the pattern of brain cancer incidence in Navarre and the Basque Country could not be conclusively said to be determined by any specific type of land cover and/or crop. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest a possible increase of risk linked to areas devoted to a high percentage of non-irrigated arable land.