Tobacco as a Source of Microplastics. Tobacco and Environment: World No Tobacco Day 2022 / El tabaco como fuente de microplásticos. Tabaco y medioambiente: Día mundial sin tabaco 2022

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Carta de control de Physella acuta usando tóxico de referencia. Intervalo de tolerancia comparado con el intervalo de confianza / Physella acuta control chart using reference toxicant. Tolerance interval vs confidence interval

Varias especies de organismos representativos de los diferentes ecosistemas son utilizados como biomodelos para evaluar el impacto ambiental de productos contaminantes del medio ambiente, así como de productos químicos y bioproductos que son empleados como fertilizantes y controladores de plagas en la agricultura. Se determinó la sensibilidad toxicológica cuantificada por la Concentración Letal Media (CL50) del biomodelo Physella acuta, expuesto al compuesto de referencia dicromato de potasio. Se partió de una concentración de 120 mg/L y se prepararon 7 diluciones decreciente (1:2) con cuatro réplicas y un grupo control sin tratamiento. Juveniles de Physella acuta fueron expuestos durante 96 h a las concentraciones del tóxico de referencia. El efecto cuantificado fue la mortalidad de los organismos. De un total de 20 estimaciones de la CL50 se obtuvo un valor promedio de 15,54 mg/L con una desviación estándar (S) de 5,92. Se determinó además, la precisión intralaboratorio del bioensayo con el tóxico de referencia mediante la estimación del coeficiente de variación (CV = 38,09 %). El intervalo de tolerancia superior e inferior de la CL50 al 95% de confianza fue de 27,38 mg/L y 3,37 mg/L, respectivamente. Se recomienda el uso del intervalo de tolerancia y no del intervalo de confianza para realizar la carta de control. Se concluye que es factible el uso del Physella acuta como biomodelo para ensayos ecotoxicológicos. (AU)

Several species of representative organisms of the different ecosystems are used as biomodels to evaluate the environmental impact of polluting products of the environment, as well as of chemical products and bioproducts that are used as fertilizers and pest controllers in agriculture. The toxicological sensitivity quantified by the Mean Lethal Concentration (LC50) of the Physella acuta biomodel, exposed to the reference compound Potassium Dichromate (K2Cr2O7), was determined. Seven serial concentrations (1:2) were evaluated with four replications and a control group without treatment. Juveniles of Physella acuta were exposed for 96 h to the concentrations of the reference toxicant. The quantified effect was the mortality of the organisms. From a total of 20 estimates of the LC50, an average value of 15.54 mg/L was obtained with a standard deviation (S) of 5,92. Furthermore, the intralaboratory precision of the bioassay with the reference toxicant was determined by estimating the coefficient of variation (CV = 38,09%). The upper and lower tolerance interval of the LC50 at 95% confidence was 27,38 mg/L and 3,37 mg/L, respectively. The use of the tolerance interval and not the confidence interval is recommended to make the control chart. It is concluded that the use of Physella acuta as a biomodel for ecotoxicological tests is feasible. (AU)

COVID-19, contaminación y asma / COVID-19, contamination and asthma

En diciembre de 2019, comenzó en Wuhan, China, una pandemia cuya repercusión a nivel mundial aún está por determinar. Al tratarse de un proceso infeccioso que afecta fundamentalmente a las vías respiratorias se propusieron en primera instancia dos vías de transmisión, fómites y gotas. La evolución de la enfermedad ha revelado el papel de los aerosoles en su propagación descubriendo así nuevas medidas para evitar la expansión del virus. A diferencia de otras infecciones respiratorias, los pacientes con asma no han visto agravada su enfermedad, evaluándose en algunos estudios el posible efecto protector de los corticoides inhalados. Tras analizar los factores de riesgo asociados a esta enfermedad, la contaminación ambiental vuelve a estar en el punto de mira como en brotes previos originados por el SARS-CoV-1. Algunos autores relacionan los niveles de contaminación y el aumento de la morbimortalidad por COVID-19, aunque reconocen que hacen falta otro tipo de estudios para demostrar causalidad ya que son múltiples los factores de confusión implicados. Las medidas de: distanciamiento social, uso de mascarillas, equipos de protección individual, desinfección de superficies… han resultado eficaces en la protección frente al virus. La significativa reducción de los desplazamientos y la actividad industrial durante la pandemia ha demostrado la influencia del ser humano sobre la calidad del aire y nos conduce a reflexionar sobre la necesidad de seguir implementando medidas para mejorar el entorno ambiental (AU)

In December 2019, a pandemic began in Wuhan, China, whose global impact has yet to be determined. It is an infectious process that mainly affects the respiratory tract. Two transmission routes, fomites and drops, were proposed in the first instance. The evolution of the disease has revealed the role of aerosols in its spread, thus discovering new measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Unlike other respiratory infections, patients with asthma have not seen their disease worsened, and the possible protective effect of inhaled corticosteroids has been evaluated in some studies. After analyzing the risk factors associated with this disease, environmental contamination is once again in the spotlight as in previous outbreaks caused by SARS-CoV-1. Some authors relate the levels of contamination and the increase in morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19, although they acknowledge that other types of studies are needed to demonstrate causality since there are multiple confounding factors involved. The measures of social distancing, use of masks, individual protection equipment, disinfection of surfaces … have been effective in protecting against the virus. The significant reduction in travel and industrial activity during the pandemic has demonstrated the influence of human beings on air quality and leads us to reflect on the need to continue implementing measures to improve the environment. (AU)

Papel de la temperatura aparente y de los contaminantes atmosféricos en los ingresos por infarto agudo de miocardio en el norte de España / Role of apparent temperature and air pollutants in hospital admissions for acute myocardial infarction in the North of Spain

Introducción y objetivos: El papel del entorno en la salud cardiovascular ha ganado protagonismo en el contexto del cambio global. Este trabajo persigue analizar la relación de la temperatura aparente (TA) y los contaminantes atmosféricos con los ingresos por infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM) y realizar un análisis temporal de la enfermedad y la mortalidad asociada. Métodos: Se desarrolló un estudio de serie temporal de los ingresos por IAM en Cantabria entre 2001 y 2015. La asociación entre las variables ambientales (entre ellas, se estimó un índice biometeorológico, la TA) y los ingresos por IAM se analizó mediante una regresión de cuasi-Poisson, y se creó un modelo no lineal de retardo distribuido dentro de un modelo generalizado aditivo, con el fin de atender el efecto retardado y la presencia de relaciones no lineales de las variables ambientales. Resultados: La tasa de incidencia y la mortalidad por IAM siguieron una tendencia descendente durante el periodo de estudio (CC=-0,714; p=0,0002). Los ingresos por IAM tenían un patrón anual con máximos en invierno (p=0,005); había diferencias intrasemanales, y los mínimos se registraron durante el fin de semana (p=0,000005). Se encontró una asociación inversa entre la TA y el número de ingresos por IAM y una relación directa y estadísticamente significativa con las concentraciones de partículas de diámetro<10 μm en la atmósfera. Conclusiones: Hay una tendencia descendente en los IAM en el periodo 2007-2015. La mortalidad asociada con los ingresos por este diagnóstico se ha reducido. La TA y las partículas de diámetro <10 μm en la atmósfera son factores predictores de esta enfermedad

Introduction and objectives: The role of the environment on cardiovascular health is becoming more prominent in the context of global change. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between apparent temperature (AT) and air pollutants and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to study the temporal pattern of this disease and its associated mortality. Methods: We performed a time-series study of admissions for AMI in Cantabria between 2001 and 2015. The association between environmental variables (including a biometeorological index, AT) and AMI was analyzed using a quasi-Poisson regression model. To assess potential delayed and non-linear effects of these variables on AMI, a lag non-linear model was fitted in a generalized additive model. Results: The incidence rate and the mortality followed a downward trend during the study period (CC=-0.714; P=.0002). An annual pattern was found in hospital admissions (P=.005), with the highest values being registered in winter; a weekly trend was also identified, reaching a minimum during the weekends (P=.000005). There was an inverse association between AT and the number of hospital admissions due to AMI and a direct association with particulate matter with a diameter smaller than 10 μm. Conclusions: Hospital admissions for AMI followed a downward trend between 2007 and 2015. Mortality associated with admissions due to this diagnosis has decreased. Predictive factors for this disease were AT and particulate matter with a diameter smaller than 10 μm

Biosorption of arsenic through bacteria isolated from Pakistan

The aim of this study was to isolate arsenic-resistant bacteria and to further exploit it for remediation purposes. In the present study, we have isolated arsenic-resistant strain from ground water of Pakistan AT-01. The strain was cultivated at 37°C in Luria Bertani broth supplemented with different concentrations of arsenate and arsenite. The minimum inhibitory concentration of arsenic against the bacterial isolate was 7 g/L (7000 mg/L) for arsenate and 1.4 g/L (1400 mg/L) for arsenite salt. The bacterial isolate was also characterized both on molecular and biochemical basis. The isolated strain belonged to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The high resistance against arsenic offered by the bacteria was exploited further for bioremediation purposes. The bacterial biomass generated from AT-01 strain was able to efficiently remove arsenic with 98% efficiency. Arsenic contamination of ground water is a widespread worldwide problem. The present study shows the potential of high arsenic-resistant bacteria for efficient arsenic removal

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Degradative properties of two newly isolated strains of the ascomycetes Fusarium oxysporum and Lecanicillium aphanocladii

Two ascomycete strains were isolated from creosote-contaminated railway sleeper wood. By using a polyphasic approach combining morpho-physiological observations of colonies with molecular tools, the strains were identified as Fusarium oxysporum Schltdl. (IBPPM 543, MUT 4558; GenBank accession no. MG593980) and Lecanicillium aphanocladii Zare & W. Gams (IBPPM 542, MUT 242; GenBank accession no. MG593981). Both strains degraded hazardous pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, anthraquinone-type dyes, and oil. Oil was better degraded by F. oxysporum, but the aromatic compounds were better degraded by L. aphanocladii. With both strains, the degradation products of anthracene, phenanthrene, and fluorene were 9,10-anthraquinone, 9,10-phenanthrenequinone, and 9-fluorenone, respectively. During pollutant degradation, F. oxysporum and L. aphanocladii produced an emulsifying compound(s). Both fungi produced extracellular Mn-peroxidases, enzymes possibly involved in the fungal degradation of the pollutants. This is the first report on the ability of L. aphanocladii to degrade four-ring PAHs, anthraquinone-type dyes, and oil, with the simultaneous production of an extracellular Mn-peroxidase

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Isolation and characterization of a lindane degrading bacteria Paracoccus sp. NITDBR1 and evaluation of its plant growth promoting traits

Lindane contamination in different environmental compartments is still posing a serious threat to our environment and effective measures need to be taken for the detoxification of lindane. Soil bacteria isolated from agricultural fields are known to possess certain plant growth promoting traits like the production of phytohormones, production of ammonia, nitrogen fixation and solubilization of phosphorus, etc. In the present study, an indigenous bacterial strain Paracoccus sp. NITDBR1 have been isolated from an agricultural field in Manipur, India which could grow on 100 mg L−1 lindane as the sole source of carbon and could degrade up to 90% of lindane in mineral salt media under liquid culture conditions in 8 days. The strain NITDBR1 was able to form biofilm in lindane media and the addition of substrate like glucose and sucrose enhanced the biofilm formation by 1.3 and 1.17-fold respectively in 3 days. The strain NITDBR1 could produce glycolipid and glycoprotein based biosurfactants. It was also found to possess plant growth promoting traits like nitrogen fixation and indole-3-acetic acid production to assist crop production. The phytotoxicity studies carried out on mustard seeds revealed that the degradation products formed after treatment with NITDBR1 could lower the toxicity of lindane for root elongation by 1.3-fold. Therefore, strain NITDBR1 could be useful for the bioremediation of soil contaminated with lindane with lesser damage to the environment, biofilm forming ability may help the bacteria survive under stressed environmental conditions, and biosurfactant production will help in increasing the bioavailability of contaminants. The plant growth promoting traits can be beneficial for agriculture. With such soil friendly activities coupled with pesticide degradation, this strain can be used for environmental as well as agricultural applications

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Contaminantes emergentes: la nicotina en las aguas residuales domésticas como herramienta de análisis en salud pública / Contaminants of emerging concern: Nicotine in wastewater as a public health analysis tool

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Contaminación ambiental e ingresos pediátricos en un área urbana / Air pollution and pediatric admissions in an urban environment

Introducción: Es conocido el efecto perjudicial de la contaminación atmosférica sobre la salud. Este estudio tiene como objetivos evaluar si los niveles de contaminantes atmosféricos en nuestro entorno cumplen lo recomendado por la Organización Mundial de Salud (OMS) y valorar su posible relación con los ingresos pediátricos. Métodos: Como variables dependientes se han estudiado los ingresos pediátricos y, entre ellos, los producidos por patologías respiratorias (bronquiolitis, crisis asmáticas y neumonías) durante 49 meses en un hospital situado en el centro de una gran ciudad. Como variables independientes se estudiaron los valores de contaminación atmosférica. Se estimaron los coeficientes de correlación y regresión lineal múltiple. Se realizó un análisis mediante la prueba de la t de Student del promedio de ingresos cuando los valores de dióxido de nitrógeno (NO2) eran superiores e inferiores a 40 μg/m3. Resultados: Durante el periodo estudiado hubo 7.103 ingresos en pediatría general, 3.645 de ellos (51,32%) causados por procesos respiratorios. Se encontró una correlación entre el NO2 y los ingresos totales (0,771) y los de causa respiratoria (0,784), ambos con un valor de p < 0,0001. Al superar los niveles de NO2 por encima de 40 μg/m3, el número de ingresos es mayor para todos los grupos estudiados. En la regresión lineal los ingresos totales y los causados por crisis asmáticas se incrementan con los niveles de NO2 y disminuyen con la temperatura (p < 0,0001). Conclusiones: Se encontró una relación entre los ingresos estudiados y los niveles de contaminación atmosférica, fundamentalmente de NO2, cuyos niveles sobrepasan los establecidos por la OMS. La disminución de estos niveles podría evitar un número significativo de ingresos pediátricos

Introduction: There is a well known relationship between air pollution and health. In this study, we aimed to establish a relationship between air pollution and pediatric hospital admissions. Methods: Admissions to the pediatric ward have been studied as dependent variables and within those admissions due to respiratory diseases: bronchiolitis, asthma and pneumonias, during 49 months at a hospital located in the center of a big city. As independent variables, air pollution values were studied. Reciprocity coefficients and multiple lineal regression were performed. A T Student analysis was applied regarding the average of admissions when values of NO2 were over and under 40 μg/m3. Results: During the length of our study there were 7,103 pediatric admissions, 3,645 (51.32%) of those were respiratory diseases. The strongest relationship was found is between levels of NO2 and total admissions (0.771), as well as with the admissions by respiratory causes (0.784), both with p < 0.0001. For NO2 levels higher than 40 μg/m3, the number of admissions was higher for every researched group. Conclusions: Levels of air pollution, mainly NO2, were associated with the amount of pediatric hospital admissions. Since NO2 levels exceed those established by the World Health Organization, the compliance of those levels could avoid pediatric admissions

La adicción como contaminante de entornos (II) / Addiction as a contaminant in environments (II)

Reflexionamos en este artículo sobre el desenvolvimiento y el proceso de crecimiento personal, de unos sujetos que desarrollan su existencia en ambientes, la gran mayoría de los casos, proadictivos y patogénicos. Al mismo tiempo, se ofrecen algunos, de entre tantos, testimonios reales extraídos de las experiencias compartidas con los hijos/as de alcohólicos/as, en los años en los que se desarrolló el programa preventivo/asistencial. Igualmente, se hace referencia, someramente, al modelo de actuación, plasmado en un programa de intervención, en el cual se plantearon medidas consideradas necesarias y directrices básicas para atender a esta población que estando inmersa en el proceso adictivo y contaminada por la misma adicción, no recibían respuestas a sus necesidades afecto emocionales y conductuales o las respuestas eran mínimas

In this article we consider the development and process of personal growth of certain people whose existence develops in environments which are, in the vast majority of cases, pro-addictive and pathogenic. At the same time, we give some of the many real testimonies drawn from experiences shared with the children of alcoholics, over the years in which the preventive-assistance programme was carried out. It likewise makes a brief reference to the performance model, materialising in an intervention programme, in which measurements considered to be necessary were brought up along with basic guidelines to assist this population, immersed in the addictive process and contaminated by the same addiction, who did not receive answers to their affective, emotional and behavioural necessities, or only minimal answers

¿Puede la contaminación ambiental causar asma? / Can Environmental Pollution Cause Asthma?

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Respuesta a "Observaciones sobre endocarditis nativa de la válvula causada por Kocuria kristinae" / Reply to "Observations on native valve endocarditis caused by Kocuria kristinae"

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Protocolo para la identificación rápida y sensible de ricina en muestras ambientales ante una alerta biológica / Protocol for rapid and sensitive identification of ricin in environmental samples during a biological alert

Introducción: La ricina es una toxina muy potente que ha adquirido importancia por su potencial uso como arma biológica, fundamentalmente en forma pulverulenta. El desarrollo de métodos que permitan una detección rápida y temprana tras la exposición a la toxina permitiría reducir las tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad asociadas. Ante una alerta/amenaza biológica con una muestra sospechosa de contener ricina, la Red de Laboratorios de Alerta Biológica (RELAB), infraestructura de naturaleza científico-técnica creada mediante la Orden PRE/305/2009, autoriza el envío de la muestra al Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aerospacial (INTA), uno de los laboratorios de referencia que integran esta Red. Objetivos: Desarrollo de un protocolo para la detección de ricina basado en una doble detección, un ensayo inmunológico y un análisis proteico, para aumentar la fiabilidad del diagnóstico además de acortar sensiblemente el tiempo de respuesta del laboratorio. Material y Métodos: El diagnóstico inmunológico con anticuerpos in house combinados en un ELISA tipo Sandwich. El diagnóstico proteico mediante la técnica SDS-PAGE (electroforesis en gel de poliacrilamida con dodecilsulfato sódico) para determinar el tamaño y la estructura de las distintas proteínas de la muestra. Resultados: La optimización del marcado de los anticuerpos de detección, así como la preparación y almacenamiento de placas previamente tapizadas/bloqueadas permite conseguir un ensayo muy sensible (<1 ng/mL) en un tiempo inferior a cuatro horas. Conclusión: La realización de ambos ensayos en paralelo permite disponer de un método diagnóstico robusto, sensible y rápido (AU)

Introduction: Ricin is a powerful toxin wich has gained importance due to its potential use as biological weapon, essentially in powder form. The development of methods that promote a rapid detection after the toxin exposure will allow us to reduce its associated rates of both mobility and mortality. In the face of biological threat with samples suspected of containing ricin, the Biological-Alert-Laboratory-Network (RELAB), which is a scientific-technical infrastructure created by the Order of the Ministry of the Presidency PRE/305/2009, authorizes the shipment of this type of samples to the National Institute of Aerospace Technique (INTA), one of the Reference Laboratory belonging to this Network. Aim: Development of one protocol to detect ricin based on both an immunological assay and a protein analysis focused to reduce noticeably the response time of the laboratory. Material and Methods: The Immunological diagnosis of ricin uses in house antibodies combined in an ELISA sandwich. Protein diagnosis through the SDS-PAGE technique defines the size and structure of different proteins contained in the sample. Results: The optimization of detection antibody labelling and the development of precoated-and-preblocked stored plates has allowed us to achieve a very sensitive assay (<1 ng/mL) less than four hours. Conclusion: Carrying out both assays in paralell enables us to have a hardy, sensitive and rapid method to identify ricin (AU)

Influencia de los factores ambientales-analíticos sobre el fenotipo de esclerosis lateral amiotrófica en un medio rural / Environmental-analytical risk factors influence on the phenotype of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a rural setting

Introducción. Existen discrepancias en los diversos estudios que intentan correlacionar los factores de riesgo de desarrollar esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA) y el impacto en su pronóstico. Algunos de dichos factores son intrínsecos al medio de vida rural. Por ello, proponemos estudiar si alguno de éstos influye sobre el inicio o el pronóstico de la enfermedad en la región sanitaria de Lleida, un ámbito predominantemente rural. Pacientes y métodos. Se recogieron y analizaron variables relacionadas con factores generales, clínicos, ambientales y de laboratorio en el momento del diagnóstico de ELA en 38 pacientes, y se relacionaron retrospectivamente con el inicio de la enfermedad y su supervivencia. Resultados. Los antecedentes familiares de ELA (p < 0,02) y la creatincinasa elevada (p < 0,0001) se asociaron a mayor supervivencia. El tabaquismo (p < 0,04), el trabajo físico (p < 0,03), la creatinina baja (p < 0,03) y la creatincinasa elevada (p = 0,0005) se asociaron a un inicio precoz de la enfermedad de modo estadísticamente significativo. La forma de inicio bulbar se relacionó significativamente con un inicio tardío de la enfermedad (p < 0,01). El colesterol total y la proteína C reactiva no influyeron en el inicio ni en el curso de la ELA en nuestra muestra. Existe una tendencia estadísticamente no significativa a favor de que el ejercicio físico moderado se asocia con un inicio más tardío, mientras que el ejercicio intenso se asocia con un inicio precoz de la ELA. Conclusiones. Los resultados apuntan a que existe una serie de factores que influye en el desarrollo y pronóstico de la ELA, y alguno de éstos es más prevalente en el ámbito rural, como el trabajo físico (AU)

Introduction. There are discrepancies in the different studies that attempt to correlate the risk factors of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the impact on their prognosis. Some of these factors are intrinsic to the rural livelihood. Therefore, we propose to study if any of these influence the onset and/or prognosis of the disease in the health region of Lleida, a predominantly rural area. Patients and methods. Variables related to general factors, clinical, environmental and laboratory were collected and analyzed at the time of diagnosis of ALS in 38 patients and were retrospectively related to the onset of the disease and its survival. Results. The family history of ALS (p < 0.02) and elevated CK (p < 0.0001) were associated with increased survival. Smoking (p < 0.04), physical work (p < 0.03), low creatinine (p < 0.03), elevated CK (p = 0.0005) were associated with an early onset of the disease. The bulbar onset form was significantly related to a late onset of the disease (p < 0,01). Total cholesterol and PCR did not influence the onset or course of ALS. There is a non-significant trend at statistical level in favor of moderate physical exercise being associated with a later onset, while intense exercise at an early onset of ALS. Conclusions. The results suggest that there are a number of factors that influence the development and prognosis of ALS, some of which are more prevalent in rural areas, such as physical work (AU)

Hipovitaminosis D y factores asociados a los 4 años en el norte de España / Hypovitaminosis D and associated factors in 4-year old children in northern Spain

INTRODUCCIÓN: La vitamina D es una prohormona esencial en la homeostasis del calcio y el fósforo. Estudios recientes muestran una elevada frecuencia de insuficiencia/deficiencia de vitamina D en población general a nivel mundial. Nuestro objetivo ha sido estimar la prevalencia de deficiencia e insuficiencia de vitamina D sérica [25(OH)D3] y examinar sus factores asociados en la infancia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se ha estudiado a 283 niños participantes en la cohorte INMA-Asturias. Se determinó la 25(OH)D3 mediante cromatografía líquida de alta resolución. Se han estimado las prevalencias de deficiencia ([25(OH)D3 < 20 ng/ml) e insuficiencia (20-29,9 ng/ml) de vitamina D y se ha analizado la distribución de 25(OH)D3 por mes de extracción, ingesta y otros factores. RESULTADOS: La 25(OH)D3 media fue 20,1 ng/ml (rango 2,7-49,8). El 8,8% tenía 25(OH)D3 ≥ 30 ng/ml, el 38,5% entre 20-20,9 ng/ml y el 52,7% < 20 ng/ml. Se halló variación estacional con menores valores en invierno. No se encontró relación entre los niveles plasmáticos y la ingesta de vitamina D (mediana 2,7 g/día, rango 0,81-12,62), el tiempo al aire libre (mediana 3 h, rango: 0:21-6:55), el índice de masa corporal, ni el sexo, pero sí con los niveles de sus madres durante la gestación. CONCLUSIONES: Existe una elevada prevalencia de deficiencia/insuficiencia de vitamina D a los 4 años. La exposición solar podría no ser suficiente en nuestra región. Se deberían promover actividades al aire libre con una adecuada exposición a la luz solar. Dado el déficit de ingesta en la infancia, es necesario hacer recomendaciones de una alimentación variada rica en vitamina D en este periodo especialmente durante el invierno, valorando la necesidad de suplementar con vitamina D en los niños de riesgo

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D is an essential prohormone in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. Recent studies show a high frequency of insufficiency/deficiency of vitamin D in the general population worldwide. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of circulating vitamin D [25(OH)D3] deficiency and insufficiency in children and examine the associated factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 283 children, participants in the cohort INMA-Asturias, were studied. The 25(OH)D3 concentrations were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. The prevalence of deficiency [25(OH)D3 < 20 ng/ml] and insufficiency [20-29.9 ng/ml] of vitamin D was estimated. Distribution of 25(OH)D3 for month of extraction of specimen, ingestion, and other factors were analysed. RESULTS: The mean 25(OH)D3 was 20.1 ng/ml (range 2.7-49.8), with 8.8% ≥ 30 ng/ml, 38.5% from 20-20.9 ng/ml, and 52.7% < 20 ng/ml. Seasonal variation was found, with lower values in winter. There was no relationship between plasma levels and intake of vitamin D (median 2.7 g/day, range 0.81-12.62), time outdoors (mean 3 hours, range: 0:21-6:55), or BMI or gender, but there was one found with the mother's levels during gestation. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in children at 4 years. Solar exposure might not be enough in our region. Healthy children should be encouraged to follow adequate outdoor activities with associated sun exposure. Due the deficit of intake in childhood, recommendations are needed about a varied diet with vitamin D-containing foods in this age group, especially during the winter, and assessing the need of vitamin D supplementation in children at risk

Prenatal and postnatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and allergy symptoms in city children

BACKGROUND: Studies indicate that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) is associated with adverse respiratory and allergy outcomes. Exposure to PAH may impair the immune function of the foetus and, subsequently, be responsible for an increased susceptibility of children to allergic diseases. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to assess the association between mother's exposure to PAH during pregnancy and allergy diseases in their infants. We also assessed the above associations using measured PAH exposure in children's urine during the first two years of life. METHODS: The current analysis was restricted to 455 mothers and their children from Lodz district. The women were interviewed three times during the pregnancy in order to collect demographic, socio-economic and medical history data. Children's health status was assessed at the age of 10-18 months and repeated at two years of age. The associations between dependent dichotomous variables and urine concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) were analysed using logistic regression. RESULTS: We showed that higher urine concentrations of 1-HP in mothers at 20-24 weeks of pregnancy increased the risk of more frequent respiratory infections (p = 0.02) in children during their first year of life. Higher 1-HP concentrations in children's urine increased the risk of food allergy (p = 0.002) in children during their first two years of life. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests awareness of environmental factors, which may affect children's health since PAH showed to be a risk factor for airway infections and food allergy in children after adjustment for other risk factors

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