Characterization and applications of evoked responses during epidural electrical stimulation.

BACKGROUND: Epidural electrical stimulation (EES) of the spinal cord has been FDA approved and used therapeutically for decades. However, there is still not a clear understanding of the local neural substrates and consequently the mechanism of action responsible for the therapeutic effects. METHOD: Epidural spinal recordings (ESR) are collected from the electrodes placed in the epidural space. ESR contains multi-modality signal components such as the evoked neural response (due to tonic or BurstDR™ waveforms), evoked muscle response, stimulation artifact, and cardiac response. The tonic stimulation evoked compound action potential (ECAP) is one of the components in ESR and has been proposed recently to measure the accumulative local potentials from large populations of neuronal fibers during EES. RESULT: Here, we first review and investigate the referencing strategies, as they apply to ECAP component in ESR in the domestic swine animal model. We then examine how ECAP component can be used to sense lead migration, an adverse outcome following lead placement that can reduce therapeutic efficacy. Lastly, we show and isolate concurrent activation of local back and leg muscles during EES, demonstrating that the ESR obtained from the recording contacts contain both ECAP and EMG components. CONCLUSION: These findings may further guide the implementation of recording and reference contacts in an implantable EES system and provide preliminary evidence for the utility of ECAP component in ESR to detect lead migration. We expect these results to facilitate future development of EES methodology and implementation of use of different components in ESR to improve EES therapy.

Relationship between time from symptom's onset to diagnosis and prognosis in patients with symptomatic colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding the relationship of the outcome of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) with the time from symptom onset to diagnosis. The aim of this study is to investigate this association, with the assumption that this relationship was nonlinear and with adjustment for multiple confounders, such as tumor grade, symptoms, or admission to an emergency department. METHODS: This multicenter study with prospective follow-up was performed in five regions of Spain from 2010 to 2012. Symptomatic cases of incident CRC from a previous study were examined. At the time of diagnosis, each patient was interviewed, and the associated hospital and clinical records were reviewed. During follow-up, the clinical records were reviewed again to assess survival. Cox survival analysis with a restricted cubic spline was used to model overall and CRC-specific survival, with adjustment for variables related to the patient, health service, and tumor. RESULTS: A total of 795 patients had symptomatic CRC and 769 of them had complete data on diagnostic delay and survival. Univariate analysis indicated a lower HR for death in patients who had diagnostic intervals less than 4.2 months. However, after adjustment for variables related to the patient, tumor, and utilized health service, there was no relationship of the diagnostic delay with survival of patients with colon and rectal cancer, colon cancer alone, or rectal cancer alone. Cubic spline analysis indicated an inverse association of the diagnostic delay with 5-year survival. However, this association was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that the duration of diagnostic delay had no significant effect on the outcome of patients with CRC. We suggest that the most important determinant of the duration of diagnostic delay is the biological profile of the tumor. However, it remains the responsibility of community health centers and authorities to minimize diagnostic delays in patients with CRC and to implement initiatives that improve early diagnosis and provide better outcomes.

Stable Gender Gap and Similar Gender Trend in Chronic Morbidities between 1997-2015 in Adult Canary Population.

There is little information about the trend of the gender gap in chronic morbidities and whether the trend of expansion occurs equally in the age and gender groups. The objectives were to examine the consistency and stability of the gender gap in the main self-reported chronic morbidities in the general population, and, likewise, to analyze the trend of major chronic morbidities between 1997 and 2015 in men and women across age groups. The data were extracted from the Canary Health Survey, which uses a probabilistic sampling in the population >16 years of age, for the years 1997 (n = 2167), 2004 (n = 4304), 2009 (n = 4542), and 2015 (n = 4560). The data for the twelve most frequent chronic morbidities were analyzed using logistic regression, estimating the annual change ratio between 1997 and 2015, adjusting for age and educational level. The interaction of age with the period (1997−2015) was examined to analyze the rate of change for each morbidity in the age groups. Musculoskeletal diseases, headaches, anxiety and depression, and peripheral vascular diseases showed a stable gender gap across observed years. High cholesterol and high blood pressure tended to a gap reduction, while heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease did not show a significant gender gap along the period. The trend of the main chronic morbidities increased similarly in men and women in all age groups, but significantly in women older than 60 years and in men older than 45 years. Aging explained a substantial part of the trend of increasing prevalence of the main chronic morbidities, but not totally. Factors other than age and education are driving the increase in chronic morbidity in older age groups.

Correction: Emergency presentation of colorectal patients in Spain.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203556.].

Emergency presentation of colorectal patients in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Europe. Survival is poorer in patients admitted to hospitals through the emergency department than in electively admitted patients. Knowledge of factors associated with a cancer diagnosis through presentation at an emergency department may reduce the likelihood of an emergency diagnosis. This study evaluated factors influencing the diagnosis of CRC in the emergency department. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This is a cross-sectional study in 5 Spanish regions; subjects were incident cases of CRC diagnosed in 9 public hospitals, between 2006 and 2008. Data were obtained from patient interviews and primary care and hospital clinical records. We found that approximately 40% of CRC patients first contacted a hospital for CRC through an emergency service. Women were more likely than men to be emergency presenters. The type of symptom associated with emergency presentation differed between patients with colon cancer and those with rectal cancer, in that the frequency of "alarm symptoms" was significantly lower in colon than in rectal cancer patients who initially presented to emergency services. Soon after symptom onset, some patients went to a hospital emergency service, whereas others contacted their GP. Lack of contact with a GP for CRC-related symptoms was consistently related to emergency presentation. Among patients who contacted a GP, a higher number of consultations for CRC symptoms and any referral to outpatient consultations reduced the likelihood of emergency presentation. All diagnostic time intervals were shorter in emergency presenters than in elective patients. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency presenters are not a uniform category and can be divided into categories according to their symptoms, help seeking behavior trajectory and interaction with their GPs. Time constraints for testing and delays in obtaining outpatient appointments led patients to visit a hospital service either on their own or after referral by their GP.

Time to diagnosis and stage of symptomatic colorectal cancer determined by three different sources of information: A population based retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Survival rates from colorectal cancer (CRC) are highly variable in Europe. This variability could potentially be explained by differences in healthcare system delays in diagnosis. However, even when such delays are reduced, the relationship of the diagnostic interval (time from presentation with symptoms to diagnosis) with outcome is uncertain. METHODS: A total of 795 patients with CRC from 5 regions of Spain were retrospectively examined in this population-based multicenter study. Consecutive incident cases of CRC were identified from pathology services. The total diagnostic interval (TDI) was defined as the time from the first presentation with symptoms to diagnosis based on 3 different sources of information: (i) patient-recorded data (PR-TDI) by interview, (ii) hospital-recorded data (HR-TDI), and (iii) general practitioner-recorded data (GPR-TDI). Concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs) were used to estimate the agreement of 3 different TDIs. The TDIs of patients with different stages of CRC were also compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: The median TDI was 131days based on patient interview data, 91days based on HR data, and 111days based on GPR data. Overall, the agreement of these TDIs was poor (CCCPRvsHR=0.399, CCCPRvsGPR=0.518, CCCHRvsGPR=0.383). Univariate analysis indicated that the TDI was greater in those with less advanced CRC for all 3 methods of calculation, but this association was only statistically significant for the HR-TDI (p=0.021). CONCLUSION: There is no evidence that patients with more advanced CRC have longer TDIs. In fact, we found an inverse relationship between the TDI and CRC stage, an example of the "waiting time paradox". This association may likely be due to the presence of unmeasured confounders as the stage when symptoms appear or the tumour aggressiveness.

Adjuvants- and vaccines-induced autoimmunity: animal models.

The emergence of autoimmunity after vaccination has been described in many case reports and series. Everyday there is more evidence that this relationship is more than casual. In humans, adjuvants can induce non-specific constitutional, musculoskeletal or neurological clinical manifestations and in certain cases can lead to the appearance or acceleration of an autoimmune disease in a subject with genetic susceptibility. The fact that vaccines and adjuvants can trigger a pathogenic autoimmune response is corroborated by animal models. The use of animal models has enabled the study of the effects of application of adjuvants in a homogeneous population with certain genetic backgrounds. In some cases, adjuvants may trigger generalized autoimmune response, resulting in multiple auto-antibodies, but sometimes they can reproduce human autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren syndrome, autoimmune thyroiditis and antiphospholipid syndrome and may provide insights about the potential adverse effects of adjuvants. Likewise, they give information about the clinical, immunological and histologic characteristics of autoimmune diseases in many organs, especially secondary lymphoid tissue. Through the description of the physiopathological characteristics of autoimmune diseases reproduced in animal models, new treatment targets can be described and maybe in the future, we will be able to recognize some high-risk population in whom the avoidance of certain adjuvants can reduce the incidence of autoimmune diseases, which typically results in high morbidity and mortality in young people. Herein, we describe the main animal models that can reproduce human autoimmune diseases with emphasis in how they are similar to human conditions.

Evolución del consumo de alimentos y del estado nutricional de la población adulta canaria entre 1964 y 2013 / Evolution of food consumption and nutritional status of the Canary adult population between 1964 and 2013

Fundamentos: Canarias ha experimentado cambios muy rápidos tanto en el consumo de alimentos como en su estado nutricional. El objetivo es conocer la evolución del consumo de los alimentos más importantes y del estado nutricional en el periodo comprendido entre los años 1964 y 2013, así como las defunciones relacionadas con la nutrición entre 1980 y 2013. Métodos: Se revisaron las Encuestas de Presupuestos Familiares para conocer el consumo de diferentes alimentos. Las fuentes para el cálculo del IMC fueron la Encuesta Nutricional de Canarias, Encuesta Nacional de Salud y las Encuestas de Salud de Canarias. Para el cálculo de los niveles de actividad física se utilizaron las preguntas sobre actividad física en el tiempo libre de las Encuestas de Salud de Canarias de los años 1997 y 2004. La fuente de información utilizada para las defunciones relacionadas con la nutrición fueron los microdatos de defunciones para Canarias solicitados al Instituto Nacional de Estadística de los años 1980 y 2013. Resultados: Se ha pasado de un gran consumo de hidratos de carbono en la década de los 60 a una disminución de los mismos y a un consumo exagerado de bebidas azucaradas no alcohólicas con un aumento progresivo de embutidos y bollería industrial donde más del 50% de la población adulta se encuentra en situación de sobrepeso y obesidad y sedentarismo. Las causas de mortalidad relacionadas con la nutrición han disminuido aunque la mortalidad por diabetes se incrementa. Conclusiones: La fuerte caída del consumo de los hidratos de carbono con un alto consumo de bebidas azucaradas y altas tasas de sedentarismo es congruente con altas tasas de obesidad y sobrepeso y la mortalidad por diabetes (AU)

Background: Canary Islands have experienced very rapid changes in both food intake and nutritional status. The objective set is to know the evolution of consumption of the most important food and nutritional status in the period 1964 and 2013. Method: Household Budget Surveys were revised to meet the consumption of different foods. The sources for BMI calculation were the Canary Nutrition Survey, National Survey of Health and Health Surveys Canary Islands. To calculate levels of physical activity questions about physical activity were used at the time of the Canary Islands Health Surveys of 1997 and 2004. The source of information used for nutrition-related deaths were the micro data Canary requested deaths for the National Institute for Statistics 1980 and 2013. Results: It has gone from a high consumption of carbohydrates in the 60s to a decrease thereof and to excessive consumption of sugary soft drinks with a progressive increase of sausages and bakery where over 50 % of the adult population is in a situation of overweight and obesity and physical inactivity. The causes of nutrition-related mortality have decreased although mortality from diabetes increases. Conclusions: The sharp drop in the consumption of carbohydrates with a high consumption of sugary and high rates of sedentary lifestyle beverages is consistent with high rates of obesity and overweight and mortality from diabetes (AU)

[SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH LOW BIRTH WEIGHT IN THE CANARY ISLANDS]. / CARACTERÍSTICAS SOCIODEMOGRÁFICAS Y SANITARIAS ASOCIADAS CON BAJO PESO AL NACER EN CANARIAS.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: since 1976, the term low birth weight (LBW) has been applied to all infants weighing less than 2 500 g and it constitutes the most important factor affecting neonatal mortality, morbidity in childhood. The aim of this study is to identify associations between biological, socioeconomic and health factors and underweight newborns in the Canary Islands. MATERIALS AND METHODS: a cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted, with the files belonging to pregnant women in 2011 and 2012 (n = 11.768) at the Hospital Universitario Insular Materno of Gran Canaria, which accounted for 66.3% of all births in the province for those years, excluding from the analysis the data pertaining to multiple births (393) (3.3%). The distribution and frequency of weight by sociodemographic characteristic were analyzed. Percentages were compared using the χ2 test, means with the t-test and medians with the Wilcoxon test for independent data. Those variables that were associated with low birth weight in the univariate analysis were entered into a logistic multidimensional analysis. RESULTS: the distribution of birth weight revealed an of excess underweight children (9.3%), of which (62.1%) were pretermature. Mothers of children with LBW are thinner, of a smaller size and BMI (< 18.5 kg/m2), and an average age of 31.5. It was also noted that there is an increase between the age of the mothers and low weight although the effect is not linear; in fact, the increases in the risk of LBW accelerate as age increases. When maternal BMI decreases, to approximately below 25, the risk of low birth weight increases linearly. The highest OR correspond to fetal intrauterine growth retardation (CIR) (OR = 6.3; 95% CI = 5.3, 7.4), hypertension/eclampsia (OR = 3.2; 95% CI = 2.1; 5.1), in gestations of less than 37 weeks (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 2.0; 3.3) and the consumption of tobacco by the mother (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.6, 2.3). CONCLUSIONS: smoking during pregnancy appears to be the most important mediating factor in IUGR mediating factor. An overweight or obese mother did not appear to constitute a risk factor for a child's low birth weight. Intrauterine growth restriction (IGR) is the variable health that most affects low weight and high blood pressure in the mother, also associated with fetal growth retardation. While it is true that lack of antenatal care cannot be considered as a causal factor of underweight babies, 47.1% of pregnant women in the Canaries had insufficient controls (< 3 controls) with an increase of said controls would make it possible to reduce the frequency of the low weight in newborns.

Introducción y objetivo: desde 1976, el término bajo peso al nacer (BPN) se aplica a todos los recién nacidos con un peso inferior a 2.500 g. y constituye el factor más importante que afecta a la mortalidad neonatal y a la morbilidad en la infancia. El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar las asociaciones entre los factores biológicos, socioeconómicos y sanitarios y el bajo peso en el recién nacido en las islas Canarias. Material y método: se realizó un estudio epidemiológico transversal, con los ficheros de las gestantes del 2011 y 2012 (n = 11,768) del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno de Gran Canaria, que representó el 66,3% de todos los partos de la provincia para esos años, excluyéndose del análisis los datos correspondientes a los embarazos múltiples (393) (3,3%). Se analizaron la distribución y la frecuencia del peso según características sociodemográficas; los porcentajes se compararon con el test de la 2, las medias con el t-test y las medianas con el test de Wilcoxon para datos independientes. Aquellas variables que mostraron asociación con el bajo peso en el análisis univariado fueron introducidas en un análisis logístico multidimensional. Resultados: en la distribución del peso al nacer se observó un exceso de niños con bajo peso (9,3%), de los cuales el 62,1% fueron pretérmino. Las madres de estos niños son más delgadas, de menor talla y tienen un IMC promedio de < 18,5 kg/m2, así como un promedio de edad de 31,5 años. Se observó igualmente que existe un incremento entre la edad de la madre y el bajo peso, aunque el efecto no es lineal; de hecho, los aumentos del riesgo de BPN se aceleran a medida que aumenta la edad. Cuando el IMC de la madre decrece, aproximadamente por debajo de 25, aumenta linealmente el riesgo de bajo peso. Las OR más elevadas corresponden al retraso fetal en el crecimiento intrauterino (CIR) (OR = 6,3; IC-95% = 5,3; 7,4), la hipertensión/eclampsia (OR = 3,2; IC-95% = 2,1; 5,1), la gestación menor de 37 semanas (OR = 2.,5; IC- 95% = 2,0; 3,3) y el consumo de tabaco de la madre (OR = 1,9; IC-95% = 1,6; 2,3). Conclusiones: el tabaquismo durante la gestación parece ser el factor mediador más importante para la restricción del crecimiento intrauterino. El sobrepeso u obesidad de la madre no parece que sean factores de riesgo para el bajo peso del niño. El crecimiento intrauterino restringido (CIR) es la variable sanitaria que más influye en el bajo peso, al igual que la hipertensión arterial de la madre, enfermedad asociada igualmente con el retraso en el crecimiento fetal. Aunque la falta de atención prenatal no puede considerarse como un factor causal del bajo peso, el 47,1% de las gestantes han tenido controles insuficientes (< de tres controles); con el aumento de los mismos se lograría reducir la frecuencia del bajo peso.

Características sociodemográficas y sanitarias asociadas con bajo peso al nacer en Canarias / Sociodemographic and health characteristics associated with low birth weight in the Canary Islands

Introducción y objetivo: desde 1976, el término bajo peso al nacer (BPN) se aplica a todos los recién nacidos con un peso inferior a 2.500 g. y constituye el factor más importante que afecta a la mortalidad neonatal y a la morbilidad en la infancia. El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar las asociaciones entre los factores biológicos, socioeconómicos y sanitarios y el bajo peso en el recién nacido en las islas Canarias. Material y método: se realizó un estudio epidemiológico transversal, con los ficheros de las gestantes del 2011 y 2012 (n = 11,768) del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno de Gran Canaria, que representó el 66,3% de todos los partos de la provincia para esos años, excluyéndose del análisis los datos correspondientes a los embarazos múltiples (393) (3,3%). Se analizaron la distribución y la frecuencia del peso según características sociodemográficas; los porcentajes se compararon con el test de la χ2 , las medias con el t-test y las medianas con el test de Wilcoxon para datos independientes. Aquellas variables que mostraron asociación con el bajo peso en el análisis univariado fueron introducidas en un análisis logístico multidimensional. Resultados: en la distribución del peso al nacer se observó un exceso de niños con bajo peso (9,3%), de los cuales el 62,1% fueron pretérmino. Las madres de estos niños son más delgadas, de menor talla y tienen un IMC promedio de < 18,5 kg/m2, así como un promedio de edad de 31,5 años. Se observó igualmente que existe un incremento entre la edad de la madre y el bajo peso, aunque el efecto no es lineal; de hecho, los aumentos del riesgo de BPN se aceleran a medida que aumenta la edad. Cuando el IMC de la madre decrece, aproximadamente por debajo de 25, aumenta linealmente el riesgo de bajo peso. Las OR más elevadas corresponden al retraso fetal en el crecimiento intrauterino (CIR) (OR=6,3; IC-95%=5,3; 7,4), la hipertensión/eclampsia (OR=3,2; IC-95%=2,1; 5,1), la gestación menor de 37 semanas (OR=2.,5; IC- 95%=2,0; 3,3) y el consumo de tabaco de la madre (OR=1,9; IC-95%=1,6; 2,3). Conclusiones: el tabaquismo durante la gestación parece ser el factor mediador más importante para la restricción del crecimiento intrauterino. El sobrepeso u obesidad de la madre no parece que sean factores de riesgo para el bajo peso del niño. El crecimiento intrauterino restringido (CIR) es la variable sanitaria que más influye en el bajo peso, al igual que la hipertensión arterial de la madre, enfermedad asociada igualmente con el retraso en el crecimiento fetal. Aunque la falta de atención prenatal no puede considerarse como un factor causal del bajo peso, el 47,1% de las gestantes han tenido controles insuficientes (< de tres controles); con el aumento de los mismos se lograría reducir la frecuencia del bajo peso (AU)

Introduction and objective: since 1976, the term low birth weight (LBW) has been applied to all infants weighing less than 2 500 g and it constitutes the most important factor affecting neonatal mortality, morbidity in childhood. The aim of this study is to identify associations between biological, socioeconomic and health factors and underweight newborns in the Canary Islands. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted, with the files belonging to pregnant women in 2011 and 2012 (n=11.768) at the Hospital Universitario Insular Materno of Gran Canaria, which accounted for 66.3% of all births in the province for those years, excluding from the analysis the data pertaining to multiple births (393) (3.3%). The distribution and frequency of weight by sociodemographic characteristic were analyzed. Percentages were compared using the χ2 test, means with the t-test and medians with the Wilcoxon test for independent data. Those variables that were associated with low birth weight in the univariate analysis were entered into a logistic multidimensional analysis. Results: the distribution of birth weight revealed an of excess underweight children (9.3%), of which (62.1%) were pretermature. Mothers of children with LBW are thinner, of a smaller size and BMI (<18.5 kg/m2 ), and an average age of 31.5. It was also noted that there is an increase between the age of the mothers and low weight although the effect is not linear; in fact, the increases in the risk of LBW accelerate as age increases. When maternal BMI decreases, to approximately below 25, the risk of low birth weight increases linearly. The highest OR correspond to fetal intrauterine growth retardation (CIR) (OR=6.3; 95% CI=5.3, 7.4), hypertension/eclampsia (OR=3.2; 95% CI=2.1; 5.1), in gestations of less than 37 weeks (OR=2.5; 95% CI=2.0; 3.3) and the consumption of tobacco by the mother (OR=1.9; 95% CI=1.6, 2.3). Conclusions: smoking during pregnancy appears to be the most important mediating factor in IUGR mediating factor. An overweight or obese mother did not appear to constitute a risk factor for a child’s low birth weight. Intrauterine growth restriction (IGR) is the variable health that most affects low weight and high blood pressure in the mother, also associated with fetal growth retardation. While it is true that lack of antenatal care cannot be considered as a causal factor of underweight babies, 47.1% of pregnant women in the Canaries had insufficient controls (<3 controls) with an increase of said controls would make it possible to reduce the frequency of the low weight in newborns (AU)

Lack of exercise of "moderate to vigorous" intensity in people with low levels of physical activity is a major discriminant for sociodemographic factors and morbidity.

INTRODUCTION: The aim is to examine the differences between participation at low and zero moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in relation to their trends and associations with known socio-demographic and health factors. We hypothesised that the number of people at zero MVPA level could be rising despite a parallel increase in the population meeting the recommended MVPA level. We also hypothesised that graded associations of sociodemographic and health factors exist across MVPA levels. METHODS: Two independent population-based samples (n = 4320 [2004] and n = 2176 [1997]), were recruited with a stratified and random sampling procedure and interviewed at home by professional interviewers. The MVPA was assessed by validated questionnaire. The participants were classified into three MVPA levels: zero, low and recommended MVPA. The trend of each MVPA level was analysed with the standardized prevalence ratios. Correlates of low and zero MVPA levels were examined using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: The population at zero and recommended MVPA levels rose between 1997-2004 by 12% (95% CI, 5-20%) and 7% (95% CI,-4-19%) respectively, while the population at low MVPA level decreased. At zero MVPA level, associative patterns were observed with sociodemographic and health factors which were different when compared to the population at low MVPA level. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the slight increase of population meeting the recommended MVPA level, a higher trend of increase was observed at zero MVPA level. Both recommended and low MPVA levels increased their participation by absorbing participants from the low MVPA level. The sociodemographic profile of those with low MVPA was more similar to the population at recommended MVPA than at zero MVPA level. Methodological implications about the combination of light and moderate-intensity PA could be derived. The prevention of decline in actual low MVPA could change the trend of increase in the population at zero MVPA level, particularly among young adults.

Age differences in presentation, diagnosis pathway and management of colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The gap in survival between older and younger European cancer patients is getting wider. It is possible that cancer in the elderly is being managed or treated differently than in their younger counterparts. This study aims to explore age disparities with respect to the clinical characteristics of the tumour, diagnostic pathway and treatment of colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter cross sectional study in 5 Spanish regions. Consecutive incident cases of CRC were identified from pathology services. MEASUREMENTS: From patient interviews, hospital and primary care clinical records, we collected data on symptoms, stage, doctors investigations, time duration to diagnosis/treatment, quality of care and treatment. RESULTS: 777 symptomatic cases, 154 were older than 80 years. Stage was similar by age group. General symptoms were more frequent in the eldest and abdominal symptoms in the youngest. No differences were found regarding perception of symptom seriousness and symptom disclosure between age groups as no longer duration to diagnosis or treatment was observed in the oldest groups. In primary care, only ultrasound is more frequently ordered in those <65 years. Those >80 years had a significantly higher proportion of iron testing and abdominal XR requested in hospital. We observed a high resection rate independently of age but less adjuvant chemotherapy in Stage III colon cancer, and of radiotherapy in stage II and III rectal cancer as age increases. CONCLUSION: There are no relevant age disparities in the CRC diagnosis process with similar stage, duration to diagnosis, investigations and surgery. However, further improvements have to be made with respect to adjuvant therapy.

Consumo de alcohol en Canarias: tendencia y factores sociodemográficos asociados más importantes (1997-2009) / Consumption of alcohol in Canary Islands: trends and the most important sociodemographic factors associated (1997-2009)

Objetivo: Caracterización del patrón de consumo de alcohol en el período (1997-2009) así como las asociaciones con los factores sociodemográficos asociados más importantes. Métodos: Estudio epidemiologico observacional, con tres muestras independientes, representativas de la población residente, no institucionalizada, de Canarias (>=16 años) de los años 1997 (n=2.176), 2004 (n=4,320) y 2009 (n=4,560), total (n=11,056), selecionados mediante muestreo polietápico y estratificado por islas y comarcas. El consumo de alcohol se agrupó en no bebedores, consumo habitual y consumo excesivo. En el análisis de tendencias se calculó la prevalencia del consumo de alto riesgo y no bebedores en las tres cohortes. Se utilizó la regresión logística multinomial con sus odds ratio correspondientes (OR), su intervalo de confianza (95% IC) y significación (p) para valorar las asociaciones entre los diferentes niveles de consuo como variables independiente y la variables sociodemográficas seleccionadas. Resultados: La prevalencia del consumo de alto riesgo ha aumentado en Canarias disminuyendo los no bebedores sobre todo en la mujer (40%). El consumo de alto riesgo se incrementa con la edad y el cosnumo habitual en todos los grupos de edad, sobre todo en los jóvenes (16-30). El mayor riesgo de ser bebedor de alto riesgo son los hombres, (OR): 9,47; fumadores (OR); 3,96; y os que tienen de peor salud(OR): 2,29. Conclusiones: La prevalencia del consumo de alcohol se ha incrementado en ambos sexos y el consumo excesivo con la edad, presentando un mayor riesgo en hombres, fumadores, y los que tienen peor autopercepción de la salud (AU)

Objective: charracterization of the pattern of alcohol consumption in the period (1997-2009) and the characteristics of the most important sociodemographic factors associated. Method: Observational epidemiological study, including three independent samples, representative of the resident population, not institutionalized in Canarias (>= 16 years), years 1997 (n=2,176), 2004 (n=4,320) and 2009 (n=4,560), total (n=11,056), samples selected by multi stage sampling and stratified by island and region. Alcohol consumption was grouped into non drinkers, regular consumption and oversconsumption. Intrend analysis the prevalence of high-risk and non-drinkers was calculated in the three cohorts. Multinomial logistic regression with corresponding odds ratio (OR), confidence interval (95% IC) and significance (p) was used to assess associations between different levels of consumption as the independent variable, and selected sociodemographic variables. Results: The prevalence of high risk has increased in Canary Islands while non drinkers decrease especially in women (40%). High risk consumption increases with age and habitual consumption in all age groups, especially young people (16-30). The greater risk of high-risk drinking are men (OR): 9.47; smoking (OR): 3.96, and those with poorer health (OR): 2.29. Conclusions: The prevalence of alcohol consumption has increased in both sexes and excesive consumption with age, presenting and increased risk in men, smokers, and poorer self-rated health (AU)

Determination of hydraulic conductivity from grain-size distribution for different depositional environments.

Over 400 unlithified sediment samples were collected from four different depositional environments in global locations and the grain-size distribution, porosity, and hydraulic conductivity were measured using standard methods. The measured hydraulic conductivity values were then compared to values calculated using 20 different empirical equations (e.g., Hazen, Carman-Kozeny) commonly used to estimate hydraulic conductivity from grain-size distribution. It was found that most of the hydraulic conductivity values estimated from the empirical equations correlated very poorly to the measured hydraulic conductivity values with errors ranging to over 500%. To improve the empirical estimation methodology, the samples were grouped by depositional environment and subdivided into subgroups based on lithology and mud percentage. The empirical methods were then analyzed to assess which methods best estimated the measured values. Modifications of the empirical equations, including changes to special coefficients and addition of offsets, were made to produce modified equations that considerably improve the hydraulic conductivity estimates from grain size data for beach, dune, offshore marine, and river sediments. Estimated hydraulic conductivity errors were reduced to 6 to 7.1 m/day for the beach subgroups, 3.4 to 7.1 m/day for dune subgroups, and 2.2 to 11 m/day for offshore sediments subgroups. Improvements were made for river environments, but still produced high errors between 13 and 23 m/day.

Factors related with symptom duration until diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) survival depends mostly on stage at the time of diagnosis. However, symptom duration at diagnosis or treatment have also been considered as predictors of stage and survival. This study was designed to: 1) establish the distinct time-symptom duration intervals; 2) identify factors associated with symptom duration until diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of all incident cases of symptomatic CRC during 2006-2009 (795 incident cases) in 5 Spanish regions. Data were obtained from patients' interviews and reviews of primary care and hospital clinical records. MEASUREMENTS: CRC symptoms, symptom perception, trust in the general practitioner (GP), primary care and hospital examinations/visits before diagnosis, type of referral and tumor characteristics at diagnosis. Symptom Diagnosis Interval (SDI) was calculated as time from first CRC symptoms to date of diagnosis. Symptom Treatment Interval (STI) was defined as time from first CRC symptoms until start of treatment. Nonparametric tests were used to compare SDI and STI according to different variables. RESULTS: Symptom to diagnosis interval for CRC was 128 days and symptom treatment interval was 155. No statistically significant differences were observed between colon and rectum cancers. Women experienced longer intervals than men. Symptom presentation such as vomiting or abdominal pain and the presence of obstruction led to shorter diagnostic or treatment intervals. Time elapsed was also shorter in those patients that perceived their first symptom/s as serious, disclosed it to their acquaintances, contacted emergencies services or had trust in their GPs. Primary care and hospital doctor examinations and investigations appeared to be related to time elapsed to diagnosis or treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Results show that gender, symptom perception and help-seeking behaviour are the main patient factors related to interval duration. Health service performance also has a very important role in symptom to diagnosis and treatment interval. If time to diagnosis is to be reduced, interventions and guidelines must be developed to ensure appropriate examination and diagnosis during both primary and hospital care.

Diagnosis delay and follow-up strategies in colorectal cancer. Prognosis implications: a study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists with regard to the impact that the different components of diagnosis delay may have on the degree of invasion and prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer. The follow-up strategies after treatment also vary considerably. The aims of this study are: a) to determine if the symptoms-to-diagnosis interval and the treatment delay modify the survival of patients with colorectal cancer, and b) to determine if different follow-up strategies are associated with a higher survival rate. METHODS/DESIGN: Multi-centre study with prospective follow-up in five regions in Spain (Galicia, Balearic Islands, Catalonia, Aragón and Valencia) during the period 2010-2012. Incident cases are included with anatomopathological confirmation of colorectal cancer (International Classification of Diseases 9th revision codes 153-154) that formed a part of a previous study (n = 953).At the time of diagnosis, each patient was given a structured interview. Their clinical records will be reviewed during the follow-up period in order to obtain information on the explorations and tests carried out after treatment, and the progress of these patients.Symptoms-to-diagnosis interval is defined as the time calculated from the diagnosis of cancer and the first symptoms attributed to cancer. Treatment delay is defined as the time elapsed between diagnosis and treatment. In non-metastatic patients treated with curative intention, information will be obtained during the follow-up period on consultations performed in the digestive, surgery and oncology departments, as well as the endoscopies, tumour markers and imaging procedures carried out.Local recurrence, development of metastases in the follow-up, appearance of a new tumour and mortality will be included as outcome variables.Actuarial survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier curves, Cox regression and competitive risk survival analysis will be performed. DISCUSSION: This study will make it possible to verify if the different components of delay have an impact on survival rate in colon cancer and rectal cancer. In consequence, this multi-centre study will be able to detect the variability present in the follow-up of patients with colorectal cancer, and if this variability modifies the prognosis. Ideally, this study could determine which follow-up strategies are associated with a better prognosis in colorectal cancer.

Factors influencing delay in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer: a study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most frequent tumor in developed countries. Since survival from CRC depends mostly on disease stage at the time of diagnosis, individuals with symptoms or signs suspicious of CRC should be examined without delay. Many factors, however, intervene between symptom onset and diagnosis. This study was designed to: 1) Describe the diagnostic process of CRC from the onset of first symptoms to diagnosis and treatment. 2) Establish the time interval from initial symptoms to diagnosis and treatment, globally and considering patient's and doctors' delay, with the latter due to family physician and/or hospital services. 3) Identify the factors related to defined types of delay. 4) Assess the concordance between information included in primary health care and hospital clinical records regarding onset of first symptoms. METHODS: Descriptive study, coordinated, with 5 participant groups of 5 different Spanish regions (Balearic Islands, Galicia, Catalunya, Aragon and Valencia Health Districts), with a total of 8 acute public hospitals and 140 primary care centers. Incident cases of CRC during the study period, as identified from pathology services at the involved hospitals. A sample size of 896 subjects has been estimated, 150 subjects for each participant group. Information will be collected through patient interviews and primary health care and hospital clinical records. Patient variables will include sociodemographic variables, family history of cancer, symptom perception, and confidence in the family physician; tumor variables will include tumor site, histological type, grade and stage; symptom variables will include date of onset, type and number of symptoms; health system variables will include number of patient contacts with family physician, type and content of the referral, hospital services attending the patient, diagnostic modalities and results; and delay intervals, including global delays and delays attributed to the patient, family physician and hospital. DISCUSSION: To obtain a nonrestricted sample of patients with CRC we have minimized selection risk by identifying the patients from pathology services. A greater constraint may be associated with information sources based on clinical records. Due to inherent features of coordinated studies, it is important to standardize the collection of information.

Estado ponderal de los trabajadores sanitarios expuestos a turnos laborales en Canarias / Obesity of health shift workers from the Canary islands, Spain

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Extensive rearing hinders Maedi-Visna Virus (MVV) infection in sheep.

Maedi-Visna Virus (MVV) seroprevalence and its relationship with housing and mode of rearing of replacement ewe-lambs was investigated in 38 non-randomly selected sheep-flocks in Spain. They included extensive lamb-producing Manchega cross-bred flocks raised almost permanently at pasture, semi-intensive Latxa dairy flocks housed 2-8 months/year and intensively raised Assaf dairy flocks housed most time and at higher stocking density in less ventilated buildings than other flocks. Most flocks raised replacement lambs naturally with their dams until weaning and as a separate flock thereafter until lambing at one year of age. Seroprevalence (95% confidence intervals) was 77%, 25% and 5% (4-6) in intensive, semi-intensive and extensive flocks, respectively and the median (interquartile range) flock-seroprevalence was 82% (66-94) in intensive flocks, 31% (14-31) in semi-intensive flocks and 4% (0-7) in extensive flocks. Seroprevalence was lowest in one year-old sheep and increased to flock levels during the year after introduction into the adult flock in most intensive flocks and more gradually in other flocks. Adult flock seroprevalence was associated with housing time but this relationship was not evident within a particular rearing system, indicating that other unknown factors are critical in horizontal MVV-transmission. Low seroprevalence in extensive flocks further supports previous indications that lactogenic MVV-infection is relatively inefficient and horizontal transmission is necessary to ensure long-term maintenance of MVV and this could explain that MVV has not been reported from countries with mainly extensively reared sheep such as Australia and New Zealand. Moreover, it indicates that MVV-control in extensive and semi-intensive flocks can be simple and inexpensive.