University of Lleida

Tropospheric ozone (O₃) is a secondary air pollutant associated with respiratory morbidity. Lleida is an inland Mediterranean city with a continentalized climate, frequent winter thermal inversions and hot, dry summers, where ozone episodes and high humidity often co-occur under stagnant atmospheric conditions. This study explores the association between air pollutants, weather variables, and respiratory emergency admissions in Lleida, Spain. We conducted a time-series analysis using distributed lag non-linear models (DLNM) on hospital emergency room admissions for acute respiratory conditions in Lleida (2010-2019). Data on weather (temperature, humidity, solar radiation) and air pollution (O₃, NO₂, PM10, SO₂) were obtained from local monitoring stations. The primary outcome was the daily number of admissions for respiratory conditions (ICD-10 codes J09-J18, J20-J22, J44.1, J45.9). A total of 19,428 respiratory admissions were recorded. High O₃ concentrations and elevated relative humidity were significantly associated with increased admissions, even after adjusting for temperature and solar radiation. The strongest effects were observed with delayed lags (up to 21 days). NO₂, PM10, CO and SO₂ levels did not show a significant association. Our findings support a significant and independent association between elevated ozone concentrations, high humidity, and respiratory emergencies. These results highlight the need for public health strategies and policy interventions focused on environmental risk forecasting and air quality management, particularly in vulnerable inland Mediterranean regions.

Cultural heritage (CH) preservation is increasingly leveraging digital technologies to support art history research and provide educational experiences to the public. In the case of some Medieval monuments, the myriad of architectural and pictorial transformations suffered due to the passage of time, and the geographical dispersion of its remaining decoration substantially hinders their understanding. In this article, we present a novel approach for enriching multi-layered, multi-phase 3D models of CH monuments with art history knowledge. Such knowledge is presented in the form of image-based annotations, interactive narratives, points of interest, text, and audio, organized into a collection of guided tours enabling visitors to traverse through different historical phases of the monument. A key benefit of our approach is that art historians require no programming skills to easily define all the elements of the interactive narratives. Our approach integrates various multimedia elements seamlessly into 3D models, offering visitors an engaging and informative journey through space and time. We conducted a pilot user evaluation to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, highlighting its value in enhancing visitor engagement and understanding of CH. The study also provided valuable feedback on the user experience, which allowed us to enhance the final version of the web-based application and the associated narratives.

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) activate specific receptors (RAGE) promoting inflammation and oxidative stress. The lungs, with high RAGE expression, may be particularly susceptible to AGE-related injury. This study assessed whether baseline skin AGE levels, measured by skin autofluorescence (SAF), predict pulmonary function decline in middle-aged adults with cardiovascular risk factors. This ancillary analysis of the ILERVAS cohort included adults aged 45–70 years with cardiovascular risk factors but without diabetes or chronic kidney disease. Baseline data included demographics, lifestyle, and fasting blood tests. SAF was measured using AGE Reader™, and spirometry performed at baseline and after a median follow-up of 4 years. Associations between baseline SAF and annual declines in FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC were analysed using adjusted models and generalized additive models, stratified by smoking status. Among 658 participants (median age 56 years, 48% female), median baseline SAF was 1.90 AU [1.60; 2.20]. Baseline lung function was preserved, with median FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC of 2795 mL [2270; 3,341], 3,525 mL [2870; 4300], and 78.6% [74.4; 82.8]. Annual declines were − 81.9 mL [− 120.6; − 43.3] for FEV1, − 99.6 mL [− 159.3; − 37.9] for FVC, and − 0.04% [− 0.85; 0.70] for FEV1/FVC. No significant associations were found between SAF and spirometry changes. Results were consistent across smoking subgroups. Baseline skin AGE levels did not predict pulmonary function decline over four years in middle-aged adults with cardiovascular risk factors. While SAF reflects cumulative AGE exposure, it has limited prognostic value for lung function in this population.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-33414-8.

IntroductionPreventing vaccine hesitancy is an important effort by the clinician. The present study aimed to evaluate the factorial structure and psychometric properties of the Vaccination Fear Scale (VFS) in a Polish sample, as well as to examine its measurement invariance across sex and its associations with psychological distress.MethodsA sample of 455 adults from the general population, broadly representative of the general Polish adult population, (Mean age = 37.05, SD = 13.14; 72.3% female) was recruited. Participants completed the seven-item version of the VFS. A subsample of 153 individuals also completed the 21-items Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted to compare unidimensional, two correlated factors, and second-order two-factor models for 7-items and 6-items versions.ResultsResults indicated that the 6-item version of the VFS (VFS-6), excluding item 5, provided superior fit compared to the 7-item version. The best-fitting model was a two-factor correlated structure (Cognitive factor: items 1, 2, and 4; Somatic factor: items 3, 6, and 7), confirming a clear cognitive-somatic structure. Measurement invariance analyses supported strict invariance between sexes. Internal consistency was high for both the total scale and its subfactors, and convergent and discriminant validity were satisfactory.ConclusionCorrelations with DASS-21 scores were low and non-significant, suggesting that vaccination fear is largely independent of general psychological distress measured as depression, anxiety and stress. These findings demonstrate that the VFS-6 is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing fear of vaccination in the Polish population. The results also clarify the role of item 5, and provide evidence for strict sex invariance, offering a robust tool for research and intervention planning.

Cuando pensamos en deporte y salud, solemos imaginar fuerza física y buena condición. Pero el ejercicio también influye en cómo dormimos, nuestro estado de ánimo y nuestras relaciones. En la adolescencia, una etapa de cambios físicos y emocionales, la práctica deportiva cobra un papel central. Surge la pregunta: ¿es siempre positiva? ¿Qué ocurre cuando pasa de ser ocio a competición? Analizamos a más de 10 000 adolescentes españoles (de entre 11 y 19 años) para encontrar respuestas.

BackgroundAccumulating evidence suggests that niacin interventions may have a beneficial role in preventing ophthalmological microangiopathic remodeling. This study aimed to assess the impact of niacin intake on the presence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in two independent Mediterranean cohorts of individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsCross-sectional, population-based epidemiologic study. A total of 243 individuals with T1D, and 291 individuals with T2D. All participants underwent an eye examination. Dietary niacin intake was analyzed using a validated Spanish 101-items food frequency questionnaire consumption. The association between niacin intake and DR was assessed using a multivariate logistic regression, with potential non-linear associations further explored through restricted cubic spline regression. DR diagnostic was established via multifield stereoscopic retinal photography, in accordance with the international consensus on DR.ResultsDR was identified in 103 out of 243 individuals with T1D and 144 out of 291 with T2D. Dietary niacin intake did not differ within the study groups according to DR status. Multivariate logistic regression models also revealed no association between dietary niacin intake and DR. As previously described, the duration of diabetes for T1D and T2D, [OR (95%CI), 1.02 (1.01–1.03), and 1.02 (1.02–1.03), respectively] and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) [OR (95%CI), 1.16 (1.09–1.24), and 1.14 (1.09–1.18), respectively] were identified as the main determinant variables for DR in both groups.ConclusionsWe found that dietary niacin intake was not associated with the presence of RD in subjects with either T1D or T2D. Further research is needed to better understand the potential role of niacin in the development or prevention of DR.

Background and Objectives: Anthocyanin-rich barley varieties have recently gained attention due to their high (poly)phenolic content and potential health benefits, yet human data on their bioavailability remain scarce. This study aimed to characterize the absorption, metabolism, and excretion of (poly)phenolic compounds from a novel hull-less purple whole-grain barley (WGB) genotype. Methods: Eleven healthy volunteers consumed 140 g of purple WGB biscuits, and plasma and urine samples were collected over 6 h and 48 h, respectively. Results: UPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed a broad range of metabolites, with 11 (poly)phenolic compounds identified in plasma and 80 in urine. The biscuits were particularly rich in flavones (217 mg/140 g, mainly chrysoeriol derivatives), followed by hydroxycinnamic acids (~54 mg, mainly 4′-hydroxy-3′-methoxycinnamic acid), anthocyanins (44.8 mg), and flavan-3-ols (16.8 mg). In plasma, glycosylated anthocyanins and flavone conjugates (e.g., peonidin-3-O-glucuronide, chrysoeriol-O-glucuronide) were detectable within 1–2 h, consistent with early absorption. In contrast, microbial-derived catabolites—including valerolactones, phenylacetic and benzoic acids—were mainly excreted in urine between 8 and 24 h, reaching concentrations above 1000 nM. Conclusions: These findings provide novel insights into the bioavailability and metabolic fate of barley (poly)phenols, supporting their potential contribution to host and gut health. As a proof-of-concept study, it complements the limited data available from pigmented cereals and underscores the need for validation in larger cohorts.

Depression is the most common psychological illness in the perinatal period. Low adherence to treatment has been associated with health problems for the mother and the child. To analyse adherence to antidepressant treatment in pregnant women and identify possible factors associated with adherence. Retrospective observational cohort study in pregnant women in the Region of Lleida from 2012 to 2018. Variables: age, body mass index (BMI), hypothyroidism, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, country of origin, and prescribed antidepressant drug and adherence to it. A multivariate analysis and obtained the linear regression coefficients and their 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated. In a sample of 17177 pregnant women, 2.5% had a diagnosis of a depressive disorder and 24% have a prescribed antidepressant treatment. Of these, 25% showed an adequate adherence to it. No relationship was observed between therapeutic adherence and the other variables, such as age, BMI, diabetes mellitus, and country of origin. This study revealed a notable occurrence of depression in pregnant women. Treatment uptake aligns with rates observed in similar groups; however, adherence to prescribed regimens remains considerably low. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into barriers impacting treatment compliance, with the aim of enhancing care effectiveness for this vulnerable population.

Abstract Endocrine regulation and hormonal responses determine the capacity of an organism to cope with changing environmental conditions, such as variable or extreme temperatures. Hormones can also be regarded as “sensors” for environmental signals and as indicators of an organism's or populations' fitness. The levels of glucocorticoid hormones, such as corticosterone, are generally used as biomarkers for physiological stress and metabolic rate variations, while thyroid hormones (i.e., triiodothyronine—T3) are regarded as indicators of nutritional and thermal stress in birds. The Pyrenean Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus aquitanicus) is an endangered galliform adapted to cold weather, and its population is in steep decline. This study used a noninvasive approach to assess hormone levels in the Pyrenean Capercaillie, in a first attempt to understand how hormone levels may respond to certain environmental variables. We determined the corticosterone and T3 levels in 139 freshly molted covert feathers of 113 Pyrenean Capercaillies (80 from Spain and 33 from France) using enzyme immunoassays. The relationships between hormone levels and several biotic and abiotic variables were assessed. Our findings showed that corticosterone levels were lower in feathers found further away from areas of human leisure activity (i.e., cycling trails). Lower corticosterone levels were also found in certain biogeographical areas (i.e., Northern Pyrenees and Pre‐Pyrenees), suggesting that corticosterone levels may respond to certain climate‐related variables (such as precipitation or temperature). Conversely, T3 levels were influenced by sex and feather length, but did not correlate with any of the environmental variables. The lack of statistically significant differences in corticosterone and T3 in relation to the types of covert feathers analyzed facilitates the collection process for noninvasive studies. Additional hormonal studies could provide essential data to understand the level of endocrine flexibility of the Pyrenean Capercaillie in response to external variables, which may ultimately define the species' resilience to climate change and other drivers of environmental variation.