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In 1962, enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) was first isolated from the oropharynx of children in California, USA, who were hospitalized for lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) (1). Although infections can occur [...]

In the nearly 30 years since the inception of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) by the World Health Organization (WHO), polio eradication efforts have decreased the number of wild [...]

Asthma is a condition where the bronchial tubes that branch from the lungs become constricted due to spasm or swelling. The characteristic breathing difficulties and wheezing may be caused by an allergic reaction or from irritating particles in the air. Concentrated outbreaks of asthma have been noted in Barcelona, Spain, particularly near the harbor communities. There was a strong association between asthma outbreaks and the unloading of wheat products from local ships. It was assumed, therefore, that material unloaded from ships might contain the irritant responsible for the increase in emergency room admissions for treatment of asthma. The uncovered silos used for soybean storage and the movement of air containing soybean dust from the harbor to the city were found to be responsible for the outbreaks. It is suggested that soybean dust be considered the possible cause of bronchial asthma outbreaks in Barcelona, Spain.

Objective: Since adolescents are a high-risk group for alcohol-related problems, this study was undertaken to gain insight into the prevalence of alcohol consumption among this population. Method: This study was carried out in the city of Barcelona using an anonymous questionnaire which included information about frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption. The sample population was composed of all the students from 13 to 20 years old who were attending high school during 1992-93 (n = 1,137) and 1994-95 (n = 1,094). The amount of alcohol consumption was calculated in alcohol units per week for 4 groups of different beverages (beer, wine, spirits and aperitifs) and also in grams per day. Results: Lifetime prevalence of alcohol consumption was 92.5% in 1992-93 and 77.0% in 1994-95. Students who drank more frequently were older and male. In 1992-93, 8% of female students had an absolute alcohol intake beyond 24 g per day (risk consumption), which was the same percentage in 1994-95. Male students had a higher intake, although risk consumption rate (more than 40 g per day) was similar to that of females: 9% and 7.4% in 1992-93 and 1994-95, respectively. Conclusions: While changes in the prevalence of drinking are encouraging, the results of this study also show an increase in the quantity of alcohol consumed. (J. Stud. Alcohol 60: 228-233, 1999), Alcohol Consumption has deep cultural roots in Western society, particularly in the wine-growing Mediterranean region of Europe. Spain has one of the highest levels of alcohol consumption with the pure [...]