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Biomedical subjects

L Salleras

Publications and source records attributed to L Salleras.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Seroepidemiology of measles in Catalonia (Spain) 1985-1986.

A seroepidemiological study of measles immunological status was carried out among four different populations: schoolchildren of 6-7 years, 10-11 years and 13-14 years, and pregnant women of 18-45 years, in Catalonia, Spain; 1,213 children and 239 pregnant women were surveyed. The measurement of measles antibodies were made by indirect immunofluorescence, with antibody titres greater than or equal to 1:8 considered as positive. The prevalence of measles antibodies was 82.9% in the 6-7 year old group, 87.2% in the 10-11 year old group and 94.4% in the age group 13-14 years. Among pregnant women, the prevalence of antibodies was 96.2%. Two of the variables studied were associated with the prevalence of measles antibodies in schoolchildren: the disease antecedents and measles vaccination. In pregnant women aged 18-45 no variable had any statistically significant association with the prevalence of measles antibodies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Seroepidemiology of HIV-1 infection in a Catalonian penitentiary.

A seroepidemiological study of HIV-1 infection was carried out among all the subjects who were imprisoned in a correctional centre in Catalonia (Spain) between October 1987 and April 1988. Six hundred and thirty-one inmates (male, mean age 19.1 +/- 1.7 years) were surveyed. The overall prevalence of HIV-1 infection was 33.6%. Statistically significant differences were observed between intravenous drug users (IVDUs) and non-IVDUs (P less than 0.0000001) and between regular and irregular IVDUs (P less than 0.000001). The age at which the person started using drugs and the length of time spent in prison were also significantly associated with the prevalence of infection. No other variables, except the higher prevalence among the gipsy ethnic group, showed any statistically significant association with HIV-1 infection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Ecological association between hypertension and stroke in Catalonia (Spain): development and use of an ecological regression model.

The objectives of this paper were to study the association between the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension (PUHT) and stroke mortality at the ecological level, in nine geographical areas of Catalonia (Spain); to develop an ecological regression model and to assess its ability to predict crude stroke mortality rate (CMR) from the PUHT. The regression equation obtained for the population older than 25 yrs was CSMR x 10(3) = 0.67035 + 4.94752 PUTH x 10(-2). The ecological risk ratio was 8.38 and the ecological attributable proportion 71.1%. The CSMR estimation obtained by applying the model in a concrete case was close to that observed. The results support an ecological association between the studied variables. The ecological model can be useful in the assessment of observed changes in health problems and risk factor levels in the community. It could also be used in the evaluation of intervention programmes.

Cerebrovascular Disorders↗
PubMed1989

[Prevalence of antitetanus antibodies in pregnant women from Catalonia].

A seroepidemiological survey was carried out to evaluate the immune status against tetanus in a representative sample of pregnant women in Catalonia. Only 21.2% of females from the evaluated sample had immunity against tetanus. The observed rate of protection in women below 25 years of age (40.6%) was significantly higher than in those aged 25-45 years (17.8%). The results of the study show that the risk of neonatal tetanus is still present in Catalonia, and that it is necessary to enhance tetanus vaccination, particularly among the adult population.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus in pregnant women of Catalonia].

A seroepidemiological survey was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of antibodies against toxoplasma, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus in pregnant women from Catalonia during 1985. The study was carried out in a representative sample of the pregnant women cared for in public and private hospitals from Catalonia, which was selected in maternal clinics by random sampling. Antibody measurements were carried out with the following techniques: toxoplasma, IFI (positive values greater than or equal to 1:10); rubella virus, Iha (greater than or equal to 1:10); CMV and herpes simplex virus, CF (greater than or equal to 1:10). 50.21% of pregnant women had antibodies against toxoplasma, 97.48% against rubella virus, 73.31% against CMV, and 80.93% against herpes simplex virus. The presence of antibodies against CMV and herpes simplex virus were significantly associated ( less than 0.00001). The demographic and socioeconomic variables associated with the prevalence of antibodies were analyzed, and they were compared with other results from the literature.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Latent listeriosis may cause habitual abortion intrauterine deaths, fetal malformations. When diagnosed and treated adequately normal children will be born.

We endeavoured to prove latent listeriosis (LL), a chronic and asymptomatic infection, in women who suffered from repeated accidents in their pregnancies. By the reduction of immune defences in the pregnant woman, the latent infection may break out again, affecting thus the fetus and causing abortion, stillbirths or malformations. In such women the diagnosis of LL is urgent right from the start of pregnancy, and so is the antilisteria treatment to protect the fetus. Antilisteric antibodies are readily detected by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), using live antigen or antigen not inactivated by high temperatures of inadequate conservation, as is frequent in currently used agglutination test reactives. Out of the 309 women, 207 had a total of 334 abortions, 67 prematures, 75 stillbirths, 43 malformed living or dead offsprings. High positivity of IIF was the only aetiologic date to explain these accidents. Treatment of new pregnancies of a part of these IIF-positive women led to birth of 152 normal children, negative by IIF for listeriosis. The search for LL at the onset of any pregnancy, same as done in various infections (lues, toxoplasmosis, etc.) is therefore warmly recommended.

Abortion, Habitual↗
PubMed1988

[Social and health care factors and perinatal mortality in Spain--ecological study].

The results of the multiple regression and correlation analysis between perinatal mortality and social and health care variables in Spanish provinces between 1975 and 1979 are presented. Although the perinatal mortality rates of Spanish provinces correlate significantly with a series of socioeconomic variables (family income available per capita, percentage of active population in primary sector, educational level of women at childbearing age) and health care variables (active obstetricians per 1000 live births and active pediatricians per 1000 live births), the multiple correlation and regression analysis has shown that the most important variable is the family income available per capita: 44% of the variability of perinatal mortality in Spanish provinces can be accounted for by this factor. By regression analysis, it is also possible to predict a decrease of 0.065 points in perinatal mortality for every additional 1000 pesetas in the family income available per capita.

Child Health Services↗
PubMed1987

Economic evaluation of community programs for the prevention of dental caries in Catalonia, Spain.

The purpose of the present study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of three alternative community programs to prevent dental caries among Catalonia's schoolchildren. The programs were: fluoridation of the public water supply, fort-nightly 0.2% NaF mouthrinses administered in schools, and supervised toothbrushing with a fluoride toothpaste in schools. Caries prevalence data for Catalan children are given and the methodology for the study is described. The estimated cost of saving 1 DMFS with each program was: 53.40 Pts (US$ 0.39) with fluoridation of the water supply; 305.20 Pts (US$ 2.26) with fluoride mouthrinses; and 1498 Pts (US$ 11.09) with supervised toothbrushing. The feasibility of the programs in Catalonia and their educational values for the target population are considered.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Seroepidemiology of rubella in pregnant females in Catalonia (Spain).

The seroepidemiological study carried out on a random sample of pregnant females aged between 15 and 45 in Catalonia (Spain) showed that the prevalence of antibodies found in the survey (97.5 +/- 2) varies from that shown by studies performed in continental areas of Europe and North America in the pre-vaccination era (80-90%) and is similar to that currently found in certain continental areas of Asia and Africa (about 95%) where the prevalence of the virus seems to be very high, and in certain industrialized countries which have implemented effective vaccination programmes (95-97%). Although 28.8% of the females surveyed stated that they had been vaccinated against rubella, it has not been possible to find any statistically significant differences as regards the prevalence of antibodies between vaccinated and nonvaccinated females. This suggests that the high prevalence of anti-rubella antibodies shown by the survey is due not so much to the existence of effective vaccination programmes as to the fact that the wild virus is extremely widespread among the Catalonian population, similar to certain continental areas of Asia and Africa.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Epidemiologic surveillance system for reportable diseases at the hospital].

The aim of this work is to present a detection system of reportable diseases among patients attending a teaching hospital. Since January 1988, based on daily data obtained from the Admissions Department of Hospital Clínic of Barcelona (HCP) (emergency department visits and hospital admissions and discharges), the Preventive Medicine Unit identifies every day those diseases considered as reportable by the Department of Health of Catalonia, Spain. Reported cases from HCP during the 1988-1991 period were compared to cases reported from HCP in 1987, as well to the corresponding cases in the remaining hospitals of Barcelona. Between 1987 and 1988 there was a 245% increase in the reporting of Individualized Reportable Diseases and of 4345% for Numeric Reportable Diseases. The increased notification has also been shown for the most frequent Individualized Reportable Diseases: 364% for hepatitis, 195% for meningococcal infection and 233% for pulmonary tuberculosis. This system is an approach to the introduction, development and perfection of the detection process, in order to improve reporting levels in the hospital, contributing to strengthen the epidemiologic surveillance system in the community.

Disease Notification↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cyclamate consumption in Catalonia, Spain (1992): relationship with the body mass index.

The dietary intake of cyclamate was evaluated in the north-east of Spain in 1992. In a random sample of the Catalan population consisting of 2450 people aged 6-75 years, two 24-h recalls at different seasons were collected; the amount and type of all foods, drinks and drugs consumed were obtained and the total daily intake of cyclamate was expressed in mg/kg body weight (bw), as the average of both 24-h recalls. Eighteen percent of the population consumed cyclamate, and the highest percentage was in men aged 35-44 years (33%). Average daily intake of cyclamate was 0.44 mg/kg bw in the whole population and 2.44 mg/kg bw among consumers. Subjects following a diet reported highest intakes, especially diabetics, and only 0.16% of the sample studied had levels above the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). Among consumers, the intake of cyclamate was negatively correlated with Body Mass Index (BMI). The results show the pattern of cyclamate intake in the Spanish population.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cross-sectional growth study of the child and adolescent population of Catalonia (Spain).

A cross-sectional growth study was undertaken on a sample of 5472 school-children aged between 4 and 17. The sample was representative of the Catalan population. Results on height, weight and age at menarche are presented. Cross-sectional centile curves on height and weight were constructed using non-parametric methods. The height of Catalan children was compared with that of children from the United Kingdom (1965 and 1990), France, Greece and the Basque country (Spain). Until puberty Catalan children were similar in height to English (1990) and Greek children, and taller than children in the other studies mentioned. Only differences in final height compared with the English (1990) population were detected. Parents' place of birth and father's profession are associated with height. 'Probit analysis' revealed that the average age of menarche (12.31 years) was similar to that of other Mediterranean countries and lower than in other parts of Spain and northern European countries. There were differences in age at menarche according to the father's occupation. The secular trend of height of the Catalan child population has increased during the twentieth century, rising more than 2 cm per decade.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Mediterranean diet and health: is all the secret in olive oil?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to review and analyze the synergies of olive oil related food consumption and nutrient intake in a Mediterranean region. DESIGN: Cross sectional study by face to face interview. SETTING: Population based random sample derived from the Catalan Nutrition Survey. SUBJECTS: 1600 individuals between 18 and 60 years of age. INTERVENTION: Two 24-hour recalls were administered to measure food and nutrient intakes. Food group consumption and nutrient intakes ratios between the highest(greater than 13.5% of total calories, 4th quartile)and lowest quartiles (less than 6.8% of total calories,1st quartile) of olive oil consumption were calculated. RESULTS: Comparing the highest quartile of olive oil consumption to the lowest, the highest ratios by food group consumption were observed for eggs, vegetables and fish in both men and women and non fried potatoes in women only. Lower ratios were associated in both sexes with soft drinks, commercially baked goods, processed meat and full fat milk and nuts in women only, and fried potatoes in men only. Analysis by nutrients showed higher ratios for carotenoids,monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E and folic acid in both sexes and Vitamin C and polyunsaturated fatty acids in women only. Lower ratios were seen for mono,di and polysaccharides, saturated fat, retinol and sodium in both genders and calcium niacin, thiamin,riboflavin and fibre in men only. CONCLUSION: Olive oil is a key contributor to the healthy aspects attributed to the Mediterranean diet, since its own health attributes may be added to those of foods that it's commonly served with (fish, vegetables), thus contributing to its thrombosis related disease preventive properties. As such, nutritional objectives in Mediterranean countries should address reducing saturated fats, without modifying quantities of olive oil,and increasing fish, vegetables and nuts.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Gastro-hemorrhagic Escherichia coli].

Groups of Escherichia coli enteropathogen are described, with special attention to Escherichia coli enterohaemorragic. Some serotypes of Escherichia coli verocitotoxin-producing are able to produce haemorrhagic enteritis, which can develop a complication with hemolityc uraemic syndrome. This complication is most frequent in children and has a high mortality rate. The transmission takes place via food and its capacity to cause epidemic outbreaks together with the seriousness of the complications caused by enteritys make this microorganism of great importance to Public Health. The epidemiology of this microorganism in Spain is reviewed.

Canada↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Confirmed interruption of indigenous measles transmission in Catalonia.

From November 1998 to December 2000, 84 suspected measles cases were reported in Catalonia (6 090 040 inhabitants). Of the 73 laboratory tested cases (87%), 20 showed IgM antibodies specific to measles and 3 were epidemiologically linked to a confirmed case. Among these 23 confirmed cases, 13 were indigenous, the last two cases reported dating back from June 1999 and July 2000. These results confirm the success of the measles elimination programme implemented in 1998 in Catalonia.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Timeliness of notification in infectious disease cases.

Records of notification in cases of eight infectious diseases in the "Servei Territorial de Salut Publica" of the Province of Barcelona, Spain, between 1982 and 1986 were reviewed. Time from onset of symptoms to notification, time from notification to completion of data collection, and time from onset to completion of the case investigation were analyzed. For the period from onset to notification, the shortest mean was registered for meningococcal infection (6.31 days) and the longest was for pulmonary tuberculosis (54.79 days). For time from notification to complete investigation, the shortest value was for pulmonary tuberculosis (12.20 days) and the longest for rickettsioses (35.79 days). Time from onset to completion of data collection was 22.87 days for meningococcal infection and 72.34 days for tuberculosis of other organs (probably because of the long period of time that elapses between the onset of the first symptoms and notification). It would appear that both physicians and the general population must be educated so that lay-men can identify early signs and symptoms of disease and physicians can realize that statutory notification of infectious diseases is strongly linked to community health care.

Communicable Disease Control↗