Semantic Reference Model in Medical Time Series

The analysis of time series databases is very important in the area of medicine. Most of the approaches that address this problem are based on numerical algorithms that calculate distances, clusters, index trees, etc. However, a domain-dependent analyis sometimes needs to be conducted to search for the symblic rather than numerical characteristics of the time series. This paper focuses on our work on the discovery of reference models in time series of isokinetics data and a technique that transforms the numerical time series into symblic series. We briefly describe the algorithm used to create reference models for population groups an its application in the real world. Then, we describe a method based on extracting semantic information from a numerical series. This symbolic information helps users to effciently analyze and compare time series in the same or similar way as a domain expert would

Conflicts Of Interest In Research On Electronic Cigarettes

INTRODUCTION The tobacco control community has raised some concerns about whether studies on electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) published in scientific journals hide conflicts of interest (COI) and whether such reports are biased. This study assessed potential COI in the e-cigarette scientific literature. METHODS Cross-sectional study was conducted on e-cigarette publications indexed in PubMed up to August 2014. We extracted information about the authors (affiliations, location, etc.), publication characteristics (type, topic, subject, etc.), results and conclusions, presence of a COI statement, and funding by and/or financial ties to pharmaceutical, tobacco, and/or e-cigarette companies. An algorithm to determine the COI disclosure status was created based on the information in the publication. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to identify associations with COI disclosure, controlling for several independent variables. RESULTS Of the 404 publications included in the analysis, 37.1% (n=150) had no COI disclosure statement, 38.6% declared no COI, 13.4% declared potential COI with pharmaceutical companies, 3.0% with tobacco companies, and 10.6% with e-cigarette companies. The conclusions in publications with COI, which were mainly tied to pharmaceutical companies, were more likely to be favourable to e-cigarette use (PR=2.23; 95% CI: 1.43-3.46). Publications that supported the use of e-cigarettes for both harm reduction (PR= 1.81; 95% CI: 1.14-2.89) and smoking cessation (PR= 2.02; 95% CI: 1.26-3.23) were more likely to have conclusions that were favourable to e-cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS One-third of the publications reporting studies on e-cigarettes did not have a COI disclosure statement, and this proportion was even higher in news articles, editorials and other types of publications. Papers with conclusions that were favourable to e-cigarette use were more likely to have COI. Journal editors and reviewers should consider evaluating publications, including funding sources, to determine whether the results and conclusions may be biased

Tobacco consumption and premenstrual syndrome: A case-control study

Objective : To assess whether tobacco smoking is associated with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and its most severe form, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Design : Case-control study with incident cases using the Spanish public healthcare system. Setting 3 major public hospitals and one family counseling and planning center. Population : Women consulting for troubles related to menstruation and for other motives such as screening for uterine cancer, contraception counseling or desire for pregnancy. Methods : Logistic regression. Main outcome measures : Odds Ratios of PMS and PMDD. Results : 285 incident PMS cases and 285 age-matched controls on the one hand, and 88 incident PMDD cases and 176 controls on the other hand participated in the study. The odds of premenstrual disorders was higher in current smokers compared with never smokers: Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.78, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.20–2.63 for PMS and OR = 2.92, 95%CI: 1.55–5.50 for PMDD. For PMS, women who smoke 1 to 5 cigarettes/day presented an OR = 2.82, 95%CI: 1.57–5.06 and those who smoke more than 15 cigarettes/day an OR = 2.52, 95%CI: 0.99–6.40. Compared to non-smokers, current and ex-smokers who smoked < 3 pack-years presented an OR = 1.79, 95%CI: 1.04–3.08 for PMS, and an OR = 3.06, 95%CI: 1.27–7.35 for PMDD. Smokers of 3 to 8 pack-years presented an OR = 2.34, 95%CI: 1.33–4.13 for PMS and OR = 3.56, 95%CI: 1.55–8.17 for PMDD. These results were confirmed by the exposure-effect curve obtained from a cubic spline model. Conclusions : This study shows that smokers are more likely to develop PMS and PMDD.The authors received no specific funding for this work. The Department of Preventive Medicine of the University of Santiago de Compostela receives funding from the Regional Ministry of Education, Universities and Vocational Training (Consellería de Educación, Universidades y Formación Profesional), Santiago de Compostela, Spain. (Grant ED431C 2018/20)S

Alcohol outlet density and alcohol consumption in Galician youth

Objetivo: Valorar la influencia que la densidad de los puntos de venta y los de venta y consumo de alcohol ejercen sobre los patrones de consumo de 1os/las jóvenes preuniversitarios/as de Galicia. Métodos: Se ha llevado a cabo un análisis transversal de la cohorte de estudiantes de la Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (Cohorte Compostela 2016). Se calcularon las prevalencias de consumo para cada uno de los municipios de procedencia de los/1as estudiantes de primer ciclo durante el año anterior a1 ingreso. Se valoró la asociación del consumo de riesgo de alcohol (CRA) y consumo intensivo de alcohol (CIA) con un modelo logístico, considerando como variables independientes la población del municipio, la densidad de locales de venta, la densidad de locales de venta y consumo de alcohol, y la densidad de ambos tipos de locales en el municipio. Resultados: La prevalencia de CRA fue del 60,5% (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 58,4-62,5) y la de CIA de 28,5% (IC95%: 26,7-30,2). Se observó una gran variabilidad según el municipio de procedencia. El modelo logístico multivariante mostró que los municipios con una densidad de 8,42-9,34 de ambos tipos de locales por mil habitantes presentaban mayor riesgo de CRA (odds Rátios [OR]:1.39; lC9S%: 4,09-1,78) y de CIA (OR= 4 ,29; lC95%: 1,01-i ,66). Conclusión: Estos datos sugieren la importancia de incluir la información del entorno al estudiar el consumo de alcohol. Conocer mejor el entorno podría ayudar a plantear políticas que fomenten en la población conductas más saludables.Objective: To assess the influence that alcohol outlet density, off- and on-alcohol premises, and alcohol consumption wield on the consumption patterns of young pre-university students in Galicia (Spain). Method: A cross-sectional analysis of a cohort of students of the University of Santiago de Compostela (Compostela Cohort 2016) was carried out. Consumption prevalence were calculated for each of the municipalities from the first-cycle students’ home residence during the year prior to admission. The association with risky alcohol consumption (RC) and binge-drinking (BD) was assessed with a logistic model considering as independent variables the municipality population, alcohol outlet density of off- premises, density of off- and on- premises and total density of both types of premises in the municipality. Results: The prevalence of RC was 60.5% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 58.4-62.5) and the BD was 28.5% (95%CI: 26.7-30.2). A great variability was observed according to the municipality of provenance. The multivariate logistic model showed municipalities with a density of 8.42-9.34 of both types of premises per thousand inhabitants presented a higher risk of RC (odds ratio [OR]: 1,39; 95%CI: 1.09-1.78) and BD (OR: 1.29; 95%CI: 1.01-1.66). Conclusion: These data suggest the importance of including environmental information when studying alcohol consumption. Knowing our environment better could help plan policies that encourage healthier behaviour in the population.Este trabajo ha sido financiado por el Plan Nacional sobre Drogas (2005/PN014) y el Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria (PI15/00165). C. Carbia está becada con el programa FPU (FPU13/04569) del Ministerio de EducaciónS

Estimation of environmental tobacco smoke exposure: review of questionnaires used in Spain

Introducción En los últimos años, las encuestas de salud y los estudios epidemiológicos sobre el tabaquismo han incorporado preguntas sobre la exposición al humo ambiental de tabaco, aunque no existe un cuestionario estandarizado. Métodos Entre enero y mayo de 2008 se revisaron las encuestas que contenían preguntas sobre exposición a tabaquismo pasivo realizadas en España desde las administraciones públicas, las sociedades científicas y organismos de investigación. Se han revisado los literales, que se han clasificado según tipo de estudio, población diana, ámbito geográfico y lugar de exposición. Resultados Se identificaron 27 encuestas que incluían tabaquismo pasivo. La mayoría correspondían a encuestas de salud (81,5%) e iban dirigidas a población general (70,4%). El ámbito geográfico más común era el autonómico (48,1%) y el lugar de exposición más común el hogar (88,9%). Discusión Los resultados muestran una enorme variabilidad en las preguntas utilizadas. Es necesario homogeneizar las preguntas sobre exposición al tabaquismo pasivo si queremos comparar los resultados.Introduction In the last few years, health surveys and epidemiological studies on smoking have introduced questions on environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure. However, a standardized questionnaire is lacking. Methods Between January and May 2008, we reviewed surveys containing items on ETS exposure carried out in Spain by public administrations, scientific societies and research institutes. The wording of the questions was reviewed and classified according to the study type, target population, geographical setting and place of exposure. Results We identified 27 surveys that included questions on passive smoking. Most were health surveys (81.5%) and were aimed at the general population (70.4%). The most frequent geographical setting consisted of autonomous regions (48.1%) and the most common place of exposure was the home (88.9%) Discussion The results show wide variability in the questions used. Questionnaire items on ETS exposure should be homogenized to allow comparison of the results of surveys.S

Mortality Attributable to Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure in Spain in 2020

Introduction and objectives: Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. The objective of this study was to estimate the impact of ETS exposure in Spain on mortality in 2020 in the population aged 35 years and over. Methods: A method of estimating attributable mortality (AM) based on the prevalence of ETS exposure was applied. Prevalence data were obtained from a representative study conducted in Spain and the relative risks were derived from a meta-analysis. AM point estimates are presented along with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), calculated using a bootstrap naive procedure. AM, both overall and by smoking habit, was estimated for each combination of sex, age group, and cause of death (lung cancer and ischemic heart disease). A sensitivity analysis was performed. Results: A total of 747 (95% CI 676–825) deaths were attributable to ETS exposure, of which 279 (95% CI 256–306) were caused by lung cancer, and 468 (95% CI 417–523) by ischemic heart disease. Three quarters (75.1%) of AM occurred in men and 60.9% in non-smokers. When chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cerebrovascular disease are included, the burden of AM is estimated at 2242 deaths. Conclusions: ETS exposure is associated with 1.5% of all deaths from lung cancer and ischemic heart disease in the population aged 35 and over. These data underline the need for health authorities to focus on reducing exposure to ETS in all settings and environmentsInstituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), reference: PI22/00727, co-funded by the European UnionS

Cancer mortality inequalities in urban areas: a Bayesian small area analysis in Spanish cities

Background: Intra-urban inequalities in mortality have been infrequently analysed in European contexts. The aim of the present study was to analyse patterns of cancer mortality and their relationship with socioeconomic deprivation in small areas in 11 Spanish cities. Methods: It is a cross-sectional ecological design using mortality data (years 1996-2003). Units of analysis were the census tracts. A deprivation index was calculated for each census tract. In order to control the variability in estimating the risk of dying we used Bayesian models. We present the RR of the census tract with the highest deprivation vs. the census tract with the lowest deprivation. Results: In the case of men, socioeconomic inequalities are observed in total cancer mortality in all cities, except in Castellon, Cordoba and Vigo, while Barcelona (RR = 1.53 95%CI 1.42-1.67), Madrid (RR = 1.57 95%CI 1.49-1.65) and Seville (RR = 1.53 95%CI 1.36-1.74) present the greatest inequalities. In general Barcelona and Madrid, present inequalities for most types of cancer. Among women for total cancer mortality, inequalities have only been found in Barcelona and Zaragoza. The excess number of cancer deaths due to socioeconomic deprivation was 16,413 for men and 1,142 for women. Conclusion: This study has analysed inequalities in cancer mortality in small areas of cities in Spain, not only relating this mortality with socioeconomic deprivation, but also calculating the excess mortality which may be attributed to such deprivation. This knowledge is particularly useful to determine which geographical areas in each city need intersectorial policies in order to promote a healthy environment.This article was partially supported by Fondo de Investigaciones Ssanitarias (FIS) projects numbers PI042013, PI040041, PI040170, PI040069, PI042602 PI040388, PI040489, PI042098 , PI041260, PI040399, PI081488 and by the CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain and by the program of “Intensificación de la Actividad Investigadora (Carme Borrell)” funded by the “Instituto de Salud Carlos III” and “Departament de Salut. Generalitat de Catalunya”

A promoter DNA demethylation landscape of human hematopoietic differentiation

Global mechanisms defining the gene expression programs specific for hematopoiesis are still not fully understood. Here, we show that promoter DNA demethylation is associated with the activation of hematopoietic-specific genes. Using genome-wide promoter methylation arrays, we identified 694 hematopoietic-specific genes repressed by promoter DNA methylation in human embryonic stem cells and whose loss of methylation in hematopoietic can be associated with gene expression. The association between promoter methylation and gene expression was studied for many hematopoietic-specific genes including CD45, CD34, CD28, CD19, the T cell receptor (TCR), the MHC class II gene HLA-DR, perforin 1 and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and results indicated that DNA demethylation was not always sufficient for gene activation. Promoter demethylation occurred either early during embryonic development or later on during hematopoietic differentiation. Analysis of the genome-wide promoter methylation status of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) generated from somatic CD34+ HSPCs and differentiated derivatives from CD34+ HSPCs confirmed the role of DNA methylation in regulating the expression of genes of the hemato-immune system, and indicated that promoter methylation of these genes may be associated to stemness. Together, these data suggest that promoter DNA demethylation might play a role in the tissue/cell-specific genome-wide gene regulation within the hematopoietic compartment

Attributable mortality to radon exposure in Galicia, Spain. Is it necessary to act in the face of this health problem?

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Radon is the second risk factor for lung cancer after tobacco consumption and therefore it is necessary to know the burden of disease due to its exposure. The objective of this study is to estimate radon-attributable lung cancer mortality in Galicia, a high emission area located at the Northwest Spain.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A prevalence-based attribution method was applied. Prevalence of tobacco use and radon exposure were obtained from a previously published study of the same area. Attributable mortality was calculated for each of six possible risk categories, based on radon exposure and smoking status. Two scenarios were used, with 37 Bq/m³and 148 Bq/m³as the respective radon exposure thresholds. As the observed mortality we used lung cancer mortality for 2001 from the Galician mortality registry.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Mortality exclusively attributable to radon exposure ranged from 3% to 5% for both exposure thresholds, respectively. Attributable mortality to combined exposure to radon and smoking stood at around 22% for exposures above 148 Bq/m³. Applying the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action level, radon has a role in 25% of all lung cancers.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Although the estimates have been derived from a study with a relatively limited sample size, these results highlight the importance of radon exposure as a cause of lung cancer and its effect in terms of disease burden. Radon mitigation activities in the study area must therefore be enforced.</p