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INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Little is known regarding the relevance of racial/ethnic background to the risk for COVID-19 infection, particularly in Europe. We evaluated the risk of COVID-19 among migrants from different areas of the world within the context of universal free access to medical care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a population-based cohort analysis of the cumulative incidence of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 among adult residents of Alcorcon (Spain) in the first wave of the disease up to April 25, 2020. RESULTS: The crude cumulative incidence among migrants (n = 20419) was higher than among Spaniards (n = 131599): 8.81 and 6.51 and per 1000 inhabitants, respectively (p <  .001), but differed by region of origin. As per a negative binomial regression adjusted for age and sex, relative risk (RR) for COVID-19 for individuals from Europe, Asia, or North Africa was not significantly different from Spaniards. In contrast, a markedly increased risk was found in people from Sub-Saharan Africa (RR 3.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42-9.41, p =  .007), the Caribbean (RR 6.35, 95% CI 3.83-10.55, p <  .001), and Latin America (RR 6.92, 95% CI 4.49-10.67, p <  .001). CONCLUSIONS: Migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America exhibited increased risk for COVID-19 as compared to Spaniards or migrants from Europe, North Africa, or Asia. Our data suggest ethnic background may play a role in risk for COVID-19. Migrants from some areas of the world may merit closer attention for both clinical and epidemiological reasons.

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Introducción y objetivo Existen pocos estudios sobre el potencial papel de los orígenes raciales/étnicos en el riesgo de infección de COVID-19, particularmente en Europa. Evaluamos el riesgo de COVID-19 entre los migrantes de diferentes zonas del mundo en un contexto de acceso universal gratuito a la atención médica. Material y métodos Realizamos un análisis de cohortes poblacional de la incidencia acumulada de COVID-19 confirmada mediante PCR entre los residentes adultos en Alcorcón (España) en la primera oleada de la enfermedad hasta el 25 de abril de 2020. Resultados La incidencia acumulada bruta entre los migrantes (n=20.419) fue mayor que entre los españoles (n=131.599): 8,81 y 6,51 por cada 1.000 habitantes, respectivamente (p<0,001), pero difería según la región de origen mundial. Mediante regresión binomial negativa, ajustada por edad y sexo, los riesgos relativos (RR) para COVID-19 no fueron significativamente diferentes de los españoles para los individuos provenientes de Europa, Asia o el norte de África. Por el contrario, hubo un marcado aumento del riesgo para los del África subsahariana (RR 3,66, intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC] 1,42-9,41, p=0,007), el Caribe (RR 6,35, IC 95% 3,83-10,55, p<0,001) y América Latina (RR 6,92, IC 95% 4,49-10,67, p<0,001). Conclusiones Los migrantes procedentes del África subsahariana, el Caribe y América Latina, a diferencia de los españoles o migrantes procedentes de Europa, el norte de África o Asia, presentaron un mayor riesgo de COVID-19. Nuestros datos sugieren un papel para el origen étnico en el riesgo de COVID-19. Los migrantes de algunas zonas del mundo pueden merecer una atención más cercana tanto por razones clínicas como epidemiológicas (AU)

Introduction and objectives Little is known regarding the relevance of racial/ethnic background to the risk for COVID-19 infection, particularly in Europe. We evaluated the risk of COVID-19 among migrants from different areas of the world within the context of universal free access to medical care. Material and methods We conducted a population-based cohort analysis of the cumulative incidence of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 among adult residents of Alcorcon (Spain) in the first wave of the disease up to April 25, 2020. Results The crude cumulative incidence among migrants (n=20,419) was higher than among Spaniards (n=131,599): 8.81 and 6.51 and per 1,000 inhabitants, respectively (p<.001), but differed by region of origin. As per a negative binomial regression adjusted for age and sex, relative risk (RR) for COVID-19 for individuals from Europe, Asia, or North Africa was not significantly different from Spaniards. In contrast, a markedly increased risk was found for people from Sub-Saharan Africa (RR 3.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42-9.41, p=.007), the Caribbean (RR 6.35, 95% CI 3.83-10.55, p<.001), and Latin America (RR 6.92, 95% CI 4.49-10.67, p<.001). Conclusions Migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America exhibited increased risk for COVID-19 as compared to Spaniards or migrants from Europe, North Africa, or Asia. Our data suggest that the ethnic background may play a role in risk for COVID-19. Migrants from some areas of the world may merit closer attention for both clinical and epidemiological reasons (AU)

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INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Little is known regarding the relevance of racial/ethnic background to the risk for COVID-19 infection, particularly in Europe. We evaluated the risk of COVID-19 among migrants from different areas of the world within the context of universal free access to medical care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a population-based cohort analysis of the cumulative incidence of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 among adult residents of Alcorcon (Spain) in the first wave of the disease up to April 25, 2020. RESULTS: The crude cumulative incidence among migrants (n = 20,419) was higher than among Spaniards (n = 131,599): 8.81 and 6.51 and per 1,000 inhabitants, respectively (p < .001), but differed by region of origin. As per a negative binomial regression adjusted for age and sex, relative risk (RR) for COVID-19 for individuals from Europe, Asia, or North Africa was not significantly different from Spaniards. In contrast, a markedly increased risk was found for people from Sub-Saharan Africa (RR 3.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42-9.41, p = .007), the Caribbean (RR 6.35, 95% CI 3.83-10.55, p < .001), and Latin America (RR 6.92, 95% CI 4.49-10.67, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America exhibited increased risk for COVID-19 as compared to Spaniards or migrants from Europe, North Africa, or Asia. Our data suggest that the ethnic background may play a role in risk for COVID-19. Migrants from some areas of the world may merit closer attention for both clinical and epidemiological reasons.

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INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Little is known regarding the relevance of racial/ethnic background to the risk for COVID-19 infection, particularly in Europe. We evaluated the risk of COVID-19 among migrants from different areas of the world within the context of universal free access to medical care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a population-based cohort analysis of the cumulative incidence of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 among adult residents of Alcorcon (Spain) in the first wave of the disease up to April 25, 2020. RESULTS: The crude cumulative incidence among migrants (n=20,419) was higher than among Spaniards (n=131,599): 8.81 and 6.51 and per 1,000 inhabitants, respectively (p<.001), but differed by region of origin. As per a negative binomial regression adjusted for age and sex, relative risk (RR) for COVID-19 for individuals from Europe, Asia, or North Africa was not significantly different from Spaniards. In contrast, a markedly increased risk was found for people from Sub-Saharan Africa (RR 3.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42-9.41, p=.007), the Caribbean (RR 6.35, 95% CI 3.83-10.55, p<.001), and Latin America (RR 6.92, 95% CI 4.49-10.67, p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America exhibited increased risk for COVID-19 as compared to Spaniards or migrants from Europe, North Africa, or Asia. Our data suggest that the ethnic background may play a role in risk for COVID-19. Migrants from some areas of the world may merit closer attention for both clinical and epidemiological reasons.

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BACKGROUND: Genotype-3 of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been associated with serum lipid changes (reversible with sustained viral response) and liver steatosis. AIM: To characterize the relationships among hepatic steatosis, cholesterol and sustained viral response in these patients. METHODS: Patients (n = 215) with chronic hepatitis C (157 with genotype-1 of HCV) had age, body mass index, gender, alcohol intake, glycaemia, serum lipids, transaminases, grade and stage (METAVIR and Scheuer), degree of liver steatosis, sustained viral response, insulinaemia, leptinaemia, beta-hydroxybutyrate and glycerol measured, and were compared with 32 hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected subjects. RESULTS: Genotype-3 of HCV patients had age-adjusted hypocholesterolaemia and more frequent hepatic steatosis (P < 0.001). Steatosis was inversely correlated with serum cholesterol (P < 0.01) and directly with viral load (P < 0.03). In patients with genotype-3 of HCV and sustained viral response, serum cholesterol increased from 138 (95% CI: 120-151) to 180 mg/dL (95% CI: 171-199) 12 months after treatment conclusion (P < 0.0001). By contrast, cholesterol values were unchanged in genotype-3 of HCV non-responders and in patients with genotype-1 of HCV regardless of response. Rising cholesterol in sustained viral response did not parallel the changes in beta-hydroxybutyrate. CONCLUSIONS: Besides causing hepatic steatosis, genotype-3 specifically decreases serum cholesterol. This interference with the metabolic lipid pathway is related to viral load, is reversed with sustained viral response, and seems unrelated to mitochondrial dysfunction.

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OBJECTIVE: To determine the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on 9p21 (locus D9S1747) in patients with renal carcinoma by analysis of microsatellite polymorphisms. METHODS: 40 patients with sporadic renal cancer were studied. LOH on 9p21 was performed by analysis of microsatellite polymorphisms. RESULTS: 23.7% showed LOH on 9p21. No correlation was found between this genetic alteration and tumor features. CONCLUSIONS: LOH on 9p21 was found in 23.7% of the patients in this series. LOH was found in 26.9% of renal cell carcinomas, 25% of papillary carcinomas and 25% of Bellini duct carcinomas. LOH was not found in the other histological types.

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METHODS: From November 1992 to November 1993, a prospective study was conducted on 20 controls and 61 patients with bladder carcinoma. EGFR expression was determined by radioimmunoassay and the correlation of the results of histological analysis and the clinical course was analyzed. The follow-up period was from November 1992 to July 1998. The association between qualitative variables and the x2 or Fisher exact test was compared using the hypothesis of the proportional ordinal trend for the ordinal variables, and the quantitative variables were analyzed using Student's t test and/or variance analysis (ANOVA). Survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and comparison was performed using the Breslow exact test. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was utilized. The SPSS software for Windows 7.0 was used for the analysis. RESULTS: The EGFR values were higher for patients with bladder carcinoma than in controls (14.48 vs 2.54 fmol/mg of protein). EGFR values were higher in patients with superficial bladder tumor than in those with infiltrating tumors (27.03 fmol/mg vs. 10.05 fmol/mg of protein; p = 0.000). Poorly differentiated tumors showed higher values of EGFR (6.73, 14.48 and 17.07 fmol/mg of protein for grades I, II and III, respectively; p < 0.05). The EGFR values were higher in patients that died from cancer during follow-up (64.8) than in those who died from other causes (47.5) and those who are alive and on follow-up (42). An increase in EGFR values did not carry a risk of death from cancer (p = 0.1269; ns). Analysis of the grade of tumor differentiation showed that for the more aggressive tumor grade, a positive EGFR was a sign of reduced survival. Survival in patients with superficial and infiltrating tumor did not appear to change significantly according to the EGFR value. EGFR determination was not useful in predicting recurrence and increased EGFR values did not correlate with a higher risk of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: 1) The normal pattern of EGFR could not be established. 2) EGFR was not useful in identifying subgroups at risk of death. 3) Knowledge about these proteins synthesized by oncogenes offers new possibilities in the treatment of cancer.

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OBJECTIVE: To determine the utility of p185 oncogene in the biological characterization of transitional cell carcinoma and in the prediction of recurrence, and to analyze survival at 5 years mean follow-up. METHODS: A prospective clinical cohort study was conducted on 81 patients. Tissue specimens were obtained between November 1992 and November 1993. The study comprised two groups: nontumoral bladder tissue specimens from 20 patients (group I) and tissue specimens from 61 patients with bladder carcinoma (group II). p185 expression was determined by enzyme immunoanalysis (EIA). A statistical analysis of the results was performed. RESULTS: p185 oncoprotein levels were higher in patients with recurrence (1098.97 HNU/mg protein vs. 924.54 HNU/mg). Although higher levels of p185 were found in the patients that had died vs those who are alive, the differences were not statistically significant for overall survival or stratification by tumor grade or infiltration (p = 0.556; ns). CONCLUSIONS: Determination of p185 oncoprotein was found to be useful in the prediction of tumor recurrence at 5 years mean follow-up.

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OBJECTIVE: Mutations in the TP53 gene are frequently detected in some types of malignant tumors (bladder, prostate, kidney, lungs, breast, colon and rectum). This study analyzed the utility of semi-quantitative determination of p53 in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder by an immunohistochemical technique and evaluated the results at 5 years. METHODS/RESULTS: A prospective clinical cohort study was conducted on 81 patients. The study comprised two groups: nontumoral bladder tissue specimens from 20 patients (group I) and tissue specimens from 61 patients with bladder carcinoma (group II). In both groups the tissue specimens were obtained between November 1992 and November 1993, and during the follow-up period until July 1998. p53 expression was determined by a semi-quantitative method based on an immunohistochemical technique (NCL-p53-DO7, Novocastra). CONCLUSIONS: p53 oncoprotein was not found to be useful in the characterization of carcinoma of the urinary bladder.

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OBJECTIVE: Mutations in the p53 gene are frequently detected in some types of malignant tumors (bladder, prostate, kidney, lung, breast, colon and rectum). This study analyzed the utility of p53 quantitation in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and evaluated the results at 5 years. METHODS: A prospective clinical cohort study was conducted on 81 patients. The study comprised two groups: nontumoral bladder tissue specimens from 20 patients (group I) and tissue specimens from 61 patients with bladder carcinoma (group II). In both groups the tissue specimens were obtained between November 1992 and November 1993, including the follow-up period until July 1998. p53 expression was determined by a quantitative method based on immunoluminiscence (LIA-MAT p53). RESULTS: p53 expression was higher in bladder carcinoma than in healthy urothelial tissue; higher values of p53 were found for infiltrating and undifferentiated tumors. The p53 values were higher in patients with tumor recurrence than in those without (NS). The Bonferroni multiple comparisons test showed a higher mortality in patients with p53 > 0.9 than in patients who are alive or have died from other causes (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The results show that p53 LIA-MAT is an independent prognostic factor at a cutoff of 0.9 and permits identification of a subgroup of patients at high risk.

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OBJECTIVE: Renal cancer accounts for 2% of tumors. The most common chromosome abnormality found in renal cancer is the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on the short arm of chromosome 3 (3p), which suggests that near the gene responsible for von Hippel-Lindau disease, there may be one or more tumor suppressor genes between 3p14 and 3p21 with a relevant role in the development of renal cancer. METHODS: 41 patients with sporadic renal cancer were tested for three microsatellites mapped to the short arm of chromosome 3 (3p14.1-3p14.3, 3p21.2-3p21.3 and 3p25) by polymerase chain reaction. The results were compared with patient habits and tumor features. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: 43.9% of the patients showed LOH on at least one locus. Thirty-four percent showed LOH only on one locus, 4.9% on two loci and 7.3% on the three loci tested. All the patients who showed LOH on 3p21 had a tumor size greater than 25 mm. There is a risk 1.76 times higher of no loss in tumors less than 25 mm in size than in tumors greater than 25 mm (Cl 95% 1.33-2.33).

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PURPOSE: This article is an analysis of the information derived from the determination of tumor-tissue concentration of CEA in patients with colorectal cancer. To ascertain the relationship between tumor marker content with the histologic aspects and serologic levels of CEA of this neoplam. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 136 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma and 41 with colorectal benign processes are analyzed and followed during an average time of 27 months. The CEA of the serum were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively and measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Tissular CEA levels were determined with RIA. The histological characteristics are analyzed (Dukes classification, grade of differentiation, index of atypia, microscopic vascular and lymphatic involvement. RESULTS: 1) The cut off point of the tissular CEA with the best sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of normal mucosa is 386 ng/mg and for tumoral tissue is 1160 ng/mg. 2) There is no correlation between tissue and serologic CEA value. 3) The tissular level of CEA have a significant statistical correlation with Dukes stage (p < 0.003); other histological characteristics were no significative. 4) There are significant statistical correlations between serologic CEA and relapse but no with survival rates. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Serologic CEA levels depend on numerous factors. 2) There aren't correlations between preoperative serologic levels and tissular CEA levels. 3) Tissular CEA do not predict what patients will have an elevated serologic CEA level in relapse.

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OBJECTIVE: To continue a study protocol on the molecular biology of bladder tumors, analyze protein p53 expression using a new quantitative analytical method and the biological implications of the changes in p53 expression. METHOD: From January, 1993 to January, 1995, 74 patients were studied. These patients were divided into two groups: the first group comprised 14 controls of urothelial tissue and the second comprised 60 cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. A quantitative method of immunoluminescence (LIA-mat p53 method) was utilized to analyze p53 expression. RESULTS: Tissue oncoprotein p53 was higher in patients with bladder carcinoma than in healthy urothelial tissue. Higher values of protein p53 was found in infiltrating and undifferentiated tumors and in those patients who died than in those who are alive. CONCLUSION: Protein p53 determination using this new quantitative method permits identification of subgroups of patients with tumors that have a more aggressive biological behaviour.

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INTRODUCTION: Currently, there is not known tumoral marker for vesical carcinoma that would allow to distinguish when a surface tumour may become invasive. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the functionality of a series of biological substances (CEA, CA 50, CA 19.9 and TPS) in vesical carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between September 1992 and June 1994, a total of 385 biological specimens divided into two groups were analyzed. The first group comprised 271 serum samples from 81 control subjects and 190 patients with vesical carcinoma. The second group included 114 urothelial tissue samples (56 controls and 58 vesical carcinoma). Serum and tissue levels of CA, CA 50, CA 19.1 and TPS were determined in both groups by fluoroimmunoassay, RIA and IRMA, respectively. An statistical evaluation was done using Student's 't' and/or Mann-Whitney tests depending on whether data distribution adjusted to normal or not. RESULTS: Patients with vesical carcinoma, ana within this group those with infiltrant tumours, showed higher CEA serum levels. Also CEA tissue levels found in neoplastic vesical urothelium were higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Tissue levels were higher in infiltrant tumours. Higher TPS serum and tissue levels were found in the vesical tumours group. Same as with CEA, CA 50 also exhibited higher serum levels in the group with vesical Ca than in the controls (p < 0.01). Likewise, CA 50 tissue values were higher in the group with vesical Ca, more specifically in the infiltrant tumours group (p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences become apparent when the above values were compared to tissue samples from the control group (p < 0.001). On the other hand, serum CA 19.9 levels were lower in the vesical carcinoma group although tissue levels were higher in the vesical Ca group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Transitional cell vesical carcinoma is a tumour that produces and secretes CEA, CA 50, CA 19.1 and TPS. CEA and CA 50 levels could be used as prognostic factors.

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A 32-year-old man was admitted with traumatic asphyxia, with aspiration to the bronchi after being buried under sand. The condition progressed to respiratory distress syndrome and systemic inflammatory response. Because ventilatory and hemodynamic deterioration was rapid and severe, in spite of mechanical ventilation and vasoactive drugs, we instated early continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration, which also allowed us to meet the patient's full nutritional needs. We believe that the patient's very satisfactory progress can be attributed to the early use of this procedure, along with appropriate specific treatment.

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OBJECTIVE: The clinical course of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder can be difficult to predict due to its potential to invade the muscle layer and/or develop to a high grade lesion. Bladder carcinoma can arise from genetic changes that may activate the oncogenes (-c-erbB2, c-erbB1, c-myc, ras, etc.) and/or inactivate the suppressor genes (p53, Rb). The aim of the present study is to continue a study protocol on the molecular biology of bladder tumors. METHODS/RESULTS: From January, 1993 to January, 1995, 85 patients were studied. These patients were divided into two groups: the first group comprised 14 controls of urothelial tissue and the second comprised 65 cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. p53 expression was determined by an immunohistochemical method (NCL-p53-DO7 monoclonal antibody). Quantification of the p8 oncoprotein in cytosol and EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) in membrane was performed by ELISA (Oncogene Science) and RIA (Vienna Lab), respectively. A statistically significant relationship between the expression of p53 and EGFR with tumor stage and grade was found. Quantification of p185 and EGFR showed higher values in the tumor tissue than in the control samples, but a worse survival could not be determined. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that p53 expression can be considered to be a prognostic factor. It provides useful information on the aggressive behaviour of the tumor and has a direct relation with the survival rates.

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Oxygen consumption was measured in infants, children, and adolescents during diagnostic heart catheterizations. A total of 825 measurements of oxygen consumption (VO2) was performed in 504 subjects using a semiopen hood system and a paramagnetic oxygen analyzer. In 256 subjects under 3 years of age, body dimensions and heart rate were found to be significant factors for oxygen consumption. The regression equation for both sexes was: VO2/BSA (ml/min.m2) = 3.42.height (cm) - 7.83.weight (kg) + 0.38.HR - 54.1 (r2 = 0.39, SD = 38.7), where BSA is body surface area and HR is heart rate. VO2/BSA was significantly lower in infants less than 3 months of age (133 +/- 33 ml/min.m2) compared with infants of 3-12 months (171 +/- 37 ml/ min.m2; p < 0.01). In 272 children aged 3 years and older and adolescents, gender was a significant factor in oxygen consumption together with BSA and HR. The regression line equation for males was VO2/BSA (ml/ min.m2) = 0.79.HR - 7.4.BSA(m2) + 108.1 (r2 = 0.45, SD = 34.2). The regression line equation for females is VO2/BSA (ml/min.m2) = 0.77.HR - 5.2.BSA(m2) + 106.8 (r2 = 0.43, SD = 34.4). Hematocrit, systemic oxygen saturation, and blood pressure were not significant factors. The predictive value of nomograms for oxygen consumption is limited because of the large interindividual variations not explained by differences in gender, body size, or simple hemodynamic variables. Preferably, oxygen consumption is measured; but if nomograms for oxygen consumption are used for hemodynamic assessment, the wide confidence intervals should be considered.

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Tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA) is a marker of proliferative cellular activity. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the production of this marker in bladder carcinomas and to study the biological behaviour in this type of patients. From September, 1992 to June, 1993, we studied 50 patients divided into two groups. The first group comprised healthy subjects and the second one comprised 30 patients with bladder carcinoma. In both groups, we determined the TPS in blood and tumoral tissue by RIA (TPS-IRMA Beki-Diagnostic AB). Our results demonstrated higher levels of TPS in tumoral tissue and blood than in healthy subjects (1887.83 and 197.33 vs 231.5 and 58.23 IU/ml) and higher levels of tissular and blood TPS for the undifferentiated tumors (989.66 and 231.5, 1748.2 and 210, 1842.6 and 219, 2010.7 and 220 IU/ml for Broders' classification 1, 2, 3 and 4).

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