Uso de la determinación transcutánea de co2 en pacientes con déficit de timidina quinasa 2 y costes de su uso en una consulta de ventilación mecánica no invasiva / Use of transcutaneous co2 determination in patients with thymidine kinase 2 deficit and costs of its use in a noninvasive mechanical ventilation consultation

Objetivo: Describir el uso de la capnografía transcutánea en una población adulta y pediátrica de pacientes con déficit de timidina quinasa 2 y hacer un estudio comparativo de costes de una determinación de gasometría arterial y capnografía en la población de nuestra consulta de VMNI. Metodología: Se realizó una anamnesis y unas pruebas funcionales respiratorias para valorar afectación de la musculatura respiratoria y calidad del sueño. Para determinar la hipoventilación, se midió la pCO2 transcutánea en vigilia y/o durante el sueño. Se realizó un estudio económico para comparar el coste de una determinación de ptcCO2 frente a la determinación mediante GSA. El estudio económico se realizó estimando la población total de pacientes que se valoraba en la consulta de VMNI de manera anual. Resultados: 9 pacientes con déficit de TK2 (4 adultos y 5 niños). A 4 pacientes se les realizó una poligrafía respiratoria basal. A la población pediátrica se les realizó un registro continuo de ptcCO2 con pulsioximetria anual. Se realizaron 4 registros con ptcCO2 y VMNI. Elcoste de la determinación de ptCO2 en comparación con la GSA fue de 6,29 euros frente a 5,37 euros. Conclusiones: La medición de la ptcCO2 es útil en la consulta de VMNI para la realización de medidas puntuales en la consulta como para monitorización continua durante el sueño. Con el uso que realizamos en nuestra consulta de la capnografía transcutánea, la determinación puntual de la pCO2 transcutánea es más económica que la realización de la GSA. (AU)

Objective: to describe the use of transcutaneous capnography in an adult and pediatric population of patients with Thymidine inase 2 deficiency and to compare the costs between blood gases by arterial gasometry (BGA) and capnography in our population. Material and methods: an anamnesis, and respiratory functional tests to assess respiratory muscle involvement, sleep quality were performed.To assess the presence of alveolar hypoventilation the determination of transcutaneous pCO2while awake and/or during sleepwas performed. An economic study has been done to compare the cost of a determination of ptcCO2 versus the determination by BGA. Results: 9 patients with TK2 deficiency (4 adults and 5 children). 4 patients underwent baseline respiratory polygraphy. The pediatric patients underwent at least one continuous recording of ptcCO2 with pulse oximetry each year.4 studies of ptcCO2 duringNIV were performed. The cost in the adult population of a punctual determination of pCO2 by BGA was 6,29 euros while for capnography was 5,37 euros. Conclusions: the measurement of ptcCO2 is useful in the consultation of NIV for the realization of specific measurements in the consultation as for continuous monitoring of this parameter. In our practice of transcutaneous capnography, the punctual determination of transcutaneous pCO2 is cheaper than the BGA. (AU)

Impacto de los filtros ultravioleta en el entorno natural / Environmental Impact of UV Filters

Los filtros ultravioleta (UV) se han convertido en compuestos de uso diario para millones de personas. Sin embargo, algunos de ellos no son biodegradables al 100% y las plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales muchas veces no son capaces de filtrarlos correctamente. Todo ello está llevando a su diseminación ambiental y a la detección de distintos filtros UV en el suelo, las aguas continentales, los océanos y en múltiples organismos (algas, corales, peces, mamíferos, incluso aves terrestres). Además, algunos filtros UV, especialmente la benzofenona-3 y el octocrileno se han mostrado tóxicos en estos organismos. Entre sus efectos tóxicos destacamos el blanqueamiento de los corales y problemas metabólicos, enzimáticos y de capacidad reproductiva en prácticamente cualquier organismo. Existen datos preliminares sobre la posible bioacumulación de estos filtros UV en humanos, al detectarse en muestras de orina y leche materna. Sin embargo, el estudio del impacto medioambiental de los filtros UV presenta muchas limitaciones (AU)

UV filters are used daily by millions of people. Not all of these filters, however, are 100% biodegradable, and many wastewater treatments plants are ill-equipped to filter them properly. As a result, UV filters are increasingly reaching the environment. Various types have been detected in soil, continental water, oceans, and numerous organisms, including algae, corals, fish, mammals, and even land birds. In addition, some filters, benzophenone-3 and octocrylene in particular, are toxic to these organisms. Toxic effects include coral bleaching and interference with metabolic, enzymatic, and reproductive activities in practically all organisms. Preliminary data suggest that UV filters may be bioaccumulating in humans, as they have been detected in urine and breast milk. It should be noted, however, that research into the environmental impact of UV filters holds challenges and limitations (AU)

[Translated article] Environmental Impact of UV Filters / Impacto de los filtros ultravioleta en el entorno natural

UV filters are used daily by millions of people. Not all of these filters, however, are 100% biodegradable, and many wastewater treatments plants are ill-equipped to filter them properly. As a result, UV filters are increasingly reaching the environment. Various types have been detected in soil, continental water, oceans, and numerous organisms, including algae, corals, fish, mammals, and even land birds. In addition, some filters, benzophenone-3 and octocrylene in particular, are toxic to these organisms. Toxic effects include coral bleaching and interference with metabolic, enzymatic, and reproductive activities in practically all organisms. Preliminary data suggest that UV filters may be bioaccumulating in humans, as they have been detected in urine and breast milk. It should be noted, however, that research into the environmental impact of UV filters holds challenges and limitations (AU)

Los filtros ultravioleta (UV) se han convertido en compuestos de uso diario para millones de personas. Sin embargo, algunos de ellos no son biodegradables al 100% y las plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales muchas veces no son capaces de filtrarlos correctamente. Todo ello está llevando a su diseminación ambiental y a la detección de distintos filtros UV en el suelo, las aguas continentales, los océanos y en múltiples organismos (algas, corales, peces, mamíferos, incluso aves terrestres). Además, algunos filtros UV, especialmente la benzofenona-3 y el octocrileno se han mostrado tóxicos en estos organismos. Entre sus efectos tóxicos destacamos el blanqueamiento de los corales y problemas metabólicos, enzimáticos y de capacidad reproductiva en prácticamente cualquier organismo. Existen datos preliminares sobre la posible bioacumulación de estos filtros UV en humanos, al detectarse en muestras de orina y leche materna. Sin embargo, el estudio del impacto medioambiental de los filtros UV presenta muchas limitaciones (AU)

Three-year pollen and fungi calendar in a Mediterranean region of the Northeast Greece

Pollen calendars have been proved clinically important in allergic disease management, as differences in airborne allergens exist not only between different countries but also between regions of the same country as well. This study aims to provide new data regarding the atmospheric pollen and fungi content of a Mediterranean region (Western Thrace/North-East Greece) and discuss seasonal trends, differences in pollen grains and fungi spores’ circulation over the years, and correlations with climate parameters.A 7-day continuously running volumetric trap was used to collect circulating pollen grains and fungi spores. Pollen taxa and fungi were characterized by standard protocols and counted as grains /m3 and average total grains and spores. The primary allergenic pollen season was discovered, and their 10-day averages were measured over time. Correlations with temperature, rain, and humidity were assessed by single linear regression analysis.Results Pollen grains from nine pollen families were identified, including five arboreal, two nonarboreal taxa, and spores from two fungi species. The three most prevalent taxa were Oleaceae, Poaceae, Pinaceae, and Cladosporium in the fungi. Peak pollen concentrations were detected during April and May, with daily averages exceeding 170 grains/m3. Poaceae presented the longest pollen season of 342 days and Oleaceae the shortest, extending to only 110 days, during the 3years. Cladosporium was the fungus with the highest spore concentration (180,129.9 spores) compared with Alternaria (28,026.1 spores). Correlations with meteorological parameters showed variable associations among different taxa, with rainfall and relative humidity being the most significant determinants.Conclusion In this study, the pollenic and fungal spectrum of a Mediterranean region and information that can be proved clinically significant for the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic approach of allergic patients was presented

Persistence of airborne tree pollen from the Cupressaceae family during the last decade in the city of Bahia Blanca

Airborne pollen is a major contributor to allergic respiratory diseases. However, the literature on patterns and seasonality of specific pollen types mainly comes from northern hemisphere and developed regions, limiting our ability to extrapolate these findings to other geographical locations. With this research letter, our aim is to contribute to the current knowledge of aerobiology by analyzing the decade-long patterns of airborne tree pollen in the city of Bahia Blanca, Argentina. In general, we found late winter to early spring as the period with the highest Cupressaceae pollen counts. In 2020, the average pollen count during July through September was 78.81 (SD 79.70), the highest recorded during the last 10 years. These months had varying pollen concentrations from moderate (15–89 grains/m3 of air) to high (90–1499 grains/m3 of air). Regardless of such variation, August had consistently been the month with the highest peak concentrations from 2010 to 2020 (61.2, SD 57.3), followed by September (27.1, SD 20.3). We did not find any month with very high (˃1500 grains/m3 of air) peak concentration. Further studies need to be done to expand our knowledge on aerobiology to characterize specific pollen sub-types and determine the exact allergenic potential of airborne pollen in different regions (AU)

Niveles de ruido ambiental en dos unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos con diferente infraestructura / Comparative analysis of environmental noise levels in two paediatric intensive care units

OBJETIVOS: 1) Determinar los niveles de ruido ambiental en dos unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP) de un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel asistencial y 2) analizar si dichos valores cumplen con la normativa actual. MÉTODO: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal llevado a cabo en dos UCIP con infraestructura diferente: boxes separados por cortinas y habitaciones individuales. Se empleó un sonómetro PCE-999 tipo 2 para determinar el ruido ambiental y la unidad de medida registrada fue en decibelios (dB). A la vez, se diseñó un documento de recogida de datos ad hoc diferenciando entre unidad (abierta y cerrada), hora de registro. RESULTADOS: Se recogió un total de 330 determinaciones, 72 en la UCIP abierta y 258 en la de habitaciones individuales. El ruido ambiental que imperaba en la unidad de críticos abierta fue de 56,74 ± 3,6 decibelios versus 50,36 ± 4,7 en la de boxes individuales, observándose valores mayores en el turno diurno. DISCUSIÓN: Tal como sucede en otros estudios previos, se observa que el ruido que impera en la unidad excede los límites permitidos. Además, se coincide con el hecho de que las principales fuentes de ruido ambiental de la UCI provienen de las alarmas, la maquinaria, como monitores o respiradores y las conversaciones entre profesionales sanitarios. CONCLUSIONES: Tras la presente investigación, se ha podido constatar que los niveles de ruido ambiental que imperan en las dos Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos analizadas son elevados. Los datos obtenidos apuntan a que la organización arquitectónica de concepto cerrado puede tener un impacto a la hora de disminuir la generación de dicho input medioambiental

AIMS: 1) To determine noise levels in two paediatric intensive care units (PICU) of a tertiary hospital and 2) to analyse whether these values comply with the current standards. METHOD: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study carried out in two PICU with different infrastructure: bays separated by curtains and individual bedrooms. A PCE-999 sound level meter was used to determine noise levels, which were registered in decibels (dB). At the same time, an ad hoc data recording document was designed in which we differentiated between each unit (open concept or closed), time of recording. RESULTS: A total of 330 tests, 72 from open PICUs and 258 from closed PICUs were collected. The noise in the open PICU was 56.74 ± 3.61 decibels versus 50.36 ± 4.71 in the closed PICU, obtaining the highest levels during the morning. DISCUSSION: As it occurs in other studies, noise levels exceed the allowed limits. At the same time, the main sources of noise in the PICU came from alarms, medical equipment, such as monitors or respirators, and conversations between health professional. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation has shown high levels of environmental noise in the two PICUs analysed. The data obtained indicate that the architectural concept of individual bedrooms may have an impact in decreasing this environmental input

Exposure analysis of lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) in workplace workshop PT. X

Objective: The workshop (pipe repair place) owned by PT. X is potential for heavy metal exposure which can exceed the quality standards. This study is to identify and analyze the risk of heavy metal exposure from the production process and compare it with the quality standards for the workplace that have been set by the government. Methods: This research is a quantitative study using the method of environmental health risk analysis (EHRA). Result: The concentration of risk agents that could cause adverse health effects of non-carcinogenic due to lead exposure was 15 workers both realtime and lifetime, chromium exposure was 6 workers in realtime and 15 workers for lifetime. While the results of carcinogenic effects due to lead exposure were 1 worker for lifetime and chromium was 15 workers both realtime and lifetime. Conclusion: Efforts to control heavy metals can be carried out through technical engineering, administrative control, and personal protective equipment. (AU)

Risk identification of heavy metals in well water surrounds watershed area of Pangkajene, Indonesia

Objective: This study wants to evaluate heavy metals pollution and ecological risk level of well water in Pangkajene watershed area. Methods: The total concentration of Cd, Cr(VI), Pb and Ni were determined using AAS. We used heavy metal pollution index (HPI), metal index (MI), hazard quotient (HQ) used to estimate metals pollution and ecological risk level. Pearson correlation analysis is executed to evaluate the relationship between all measured parameters. Result: The concentration of Cd, Ni and Pb are below detection limit value. The mean concentration of Cr(VI) 0.0017 ± 0.0006 mg L−1. The mean of HPI and MI value are 3.06 and 0.06, respectively. The upstream area of Pangkajene has HQ value for Cr(VI) is higher than 1, it indicates that exposure of Cr(VI) may cause adverse effects to the ecological system and human health. Conclusion: The Cr(VI) is the main risk factor for well water contamination surrounds Pangkajene watershed area. (AU)

Analysis on microplastics in dug wells around Tamangapa Landfills, Makassar City, Indonesia

Objective: This study aims to determine the microplastics abundance of dug wells around Tamangapa Landfills in Makassar area. Method: The research method used is quantitative research with a descriptive. The number of samples is 8 dug wells with the criteria of 4 dug wells that are <500 m from landfills and 4 dug wells that are 500 m–1 km from landfills. Results: The most common forms of microplastics were fiber (72%) and fragments (28%). The microplastic sizes found ranged from 0.069 mm to 4.459 mm with the largest size being smaller than 2 mm (86%). The most microplastics color found was blue (53.6%). The lowest amount of microplastics content was 0.25 particles/L and the highest was 0.95 particles/L. Conclusions: This study found that the eight samples dug wells around Tamangapa landfills area were positive for microplastics and there was no relationship between the landfill distance and the dug wells on their microplastic abundance. (AU)

Exposure analysis of benzene in workplace control room A and B PT X

Objective: The control room A and B employees are a high risk of benzene exposure, because they work close to the waste pit which is a source of benzene. This study is to analyze the magnitude of the health risk of benzene exposure to all employees. Methods: The data of this study were obtained from interviews and the results of environmental quality of PT X. Data were analyzed using Environmental Health Risk Analysis (EHRA) method which compared with RfC for non-carcinogenic effects and CSF for carcinogenic effects. Results: The results of individual calculations for the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effect of benzene are at a dangerous level in both real time and lifetime exposure. Conclusions: In the calculation of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk exposure in real time, half the populations are at risk of being affected and in lifetime the entire populations are at risk of being exposed to these effects. (AU)

La vegetación antártica, centinela del cambio climático / Antarctic vegetation, a sentinel to climate change

La Antártida es el continente más frío, seco, alto y ventoso; aquí, los líquenes y musgos crecen donde es más cálido, húmedo, bajo y protegido. En general, la productividad vegetal depende estrechamente de la longitud del periodo en el cual el agua líquida está disponible, por ello los vegetales se ven confinados a lugares con microclima excepcionalmente favorable. Es está fuerte relación entre microclima y disponibilidad de agua líquida y productividad /crecimiento, lo que hace a este ecosistema potencialmente tan útil para la monitorización del cambio climático global, especialmente en lo que se refiere al incremento de temperatura. Incluso un pequeño aumento de temperatura puede suponer un marcado incremento en el área afectada por estos periodos cálidos produciendo alteraciones en las comunidades vegetales. Es cada vez más claro que existen dos Antártidas, la Península y el continente. Se diferencian en el factor que controla la distribución de la biodiversidad vegetal. En la Península Antártica la temperatura sería el factor determinante y en el continente lo sería la disponibilidad de agua líquida. También el stress por radiación parece limitado a la zona continental. Se han llevado a cabo diferentes intentos de usar líquenes como monitores de cambio climático en regiones polares. La prístina Antártida ofrece una oportunidad única de estudiar el efecto del cambio climático a lo largo de gradientes latitudinales que se extienden entre 62º y 87º S. Tanto la diversidad de especies liquénicas, como sus tasas de crecimiento muestran correlaciones significativas con la temperatura y la precipitación anual a través del continente así como con las oscilaciones climáticas de periodo corto sucedidas en la Península Antártica. Las interacciones competitivas parecen ser pequeñas, de modo que cada individuo se desarrolla en equilibrio con las condiciones ambientales y, como resultado, puede indicar las tendencias en la productividad para intervalos temporales discretos dentro de un escenario de cambio climático. "Es todo aquí tan imponente, tan gigantescas todas las formas que las palabras no alcanzan a describirlo acertadamente. Nosotros cuatro somos los primeros seres humanos a quienes les ha sido dado asombrarse ante estas maravillas de la naturaleza y se nos antoja, a veces, que habrá de pasar largo tiempo antes de que otros pongan el pie en estos remotos parajes" (Diario de Shackleton, 4 de Diciembre de 1908)"

Antarctica is the coldest, driest, highest and windiest continent; the lichens and mosses grow where it is more warm, wet, low and protected. Overall productivity is strongly influenced by the length of period when water is available and the plants become, therefore, increasingly confined to areas of exceptionally good microclimate. It is this strong link between microclimate, water availability and productivity/growth that makes the system so potentially useful for monitoring global climate change, especially temperature increase. Even a small increase in temperature will markedly alter the areas over which such warm periods occur and bring with it a marked community shift. It is becoming clear that there are two Antarcticas, the Peninsula and the main continent. These differ in the controls on biodiversity distribution, there is a probably water unlimited but temperature-determined biodiversity cline in the Peninsula compared to a, water controlled, temperature-independent, fragmented vegetation in the continent. The reverse diel pattern of activity with the presence of very high light stress also seems to be confined to the continent. Several attempts have been made to use lichens as monitors of climate change especially in alpine and polar regions. The pristine Antarctica offers a unique opportunity to study the effects of climate change along a latitudinal gradient that extends between 62º and 87º S. Both lichen species diversity and thallus growth rate seem to show significant correlations to mean annual temperature and precipitation for gradients across the continent as well as to short time climate oscillation in the Antarctic Peninsula. Competition interactions appear to be small so that individual thalli develop in balance with environmental conditions and, as a result, can indicate the trends in productivity for discrete time intervals over long periods of time in a climate warming scenario

El análisis de aguas residuales con fines epidemiológicos: presente y futuro en España / Wastewater-based epidemiology: present and future in Spain

El análisis de aguas residuales con fines epidemiológicos es actualmente una herramienta fiable y complementaria a las metodologías basadas en indicadores tradicionales para el control de diferentes sustancias entre las que cabe destacar las drogas. Si bien varios países europeos la utilizan como herramienta de trabajo para la monitorización de drogas de abuso, en España su uso se limita principalmente a estudios realizados por diferentes grupos de investigación, tal y como se describe en el caso práctico puesto de ejemplo en el artículo. Sin embargo, el potencial de la metodología ha quedado evidenciado en los estudios científicos llevados a cabo tanto a nivel español como internacional y, aunque son necesarios más estudios para llegar a conocer todo su potencial, se prevé pueda ser incorporada como herramienta de trabajo complementaria a las que habitualmente se utilizan. En este sentido, la Red Española de Análisis de Aguas Residuales (ESAR-Net), creada en 2017 y formada por diferentes grupos de investigación españoles, pretende contribuir al conocimiento y aplicación de esta metodología en España a través de actividades científicas y de divulgación

Wastewater-Based Epidemiology is currently a reliable and complementary tool to methodologies based on traditional indicators for the control of various substances such as drugs. Although several European countries use it as a working tool for the monitoring of drugs of abuse, in Spain its use is mainly limited to studies carried out by different research groups, as described in the case study used as an example in the article. However, the potential of the methodology has been demonstrated in the scientific studies carried out both at the Spanish and international level and, although more studies are necessary to get to know its full potential, it is expected that it could be incorporated as a complementary work tool to those that are usually used. In this sense, the Red Española de Análisis de Aguas Residuales (ESAR-Net), created in 2017 and formed by different Spanish research groups, aims to contribute to the knowledge and application of this methodology in Spain through scientific and outreach activities

Airborne pollen calendar of Portugal: a 15-year survey (2002-2017)

INTRODUCTION: Data about the occurrence of airborne pollen enables the creation of pollen calendars with an approximation of flowering periods for the most common allergenic plant species in a specific area. The aim of this work is to provide pollen calendar for each of the seven monitoring regions of Portugal based on 15 years of airborne sampling, in order to chart the seasonal behaviour of the main allergenic pollen types. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Airborne pollen monitoring (2002-2017) was carried out by the Portuguese Aerobiology Network (RPA), using Hirst-type volumetric spore traps, following well-established guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 14 airborne pollen types were recorded at RPA monitoring stations, of which 64.2% belong to trees, 28.5% to herbs and 7.1% to weeds. The airborne pollen spectrum is dominated by important allergenic pollen types such as Poaceae, Quercus spp., Urticaceae and Cupressaceae. The average pollen index was 42.557 in mainland Portugal and 3.818 in the Islands. There was an increased trend in the airborne pollen levels over the years, namely in Coimbra, Évora and Porto, compared to the remaining regions. CONCLUSION: This report provides accessible information about the main allergenic airborne pollen types occurring in the course of the year. The pollen calendars charted for each Portuguese region showed that the occurrence of most allergenic taxa was centred from March to July. Pollen peak concentrations were detected earlier in the Centre and Lisbon and Tagus Valley regions, and later in the remaining regions

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Induction of genetic alterations and oxidative stress in giant African land snail (limicolaria aurora) exposed to municipal waste leachate

Uncontrolled waste disposal has continuously threatened the health of the surrounding environment through the leaching of hazardous xenobiotics. Systemic toxicity and genotoxicity potential of waste leachates from Onitsha municipal dumpsite were investigated in giant African land snail (Limicolaria aurora) through oxidative stress biomarker and micronucleus test assessment respectively. Physicochemical indices were evaluated in the leachate following standard protocols. Snails were exposed to different concentrations (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0%) of waste leachate for 21 days; oxidative stress biomarkers and micronucleus analysis performed on snail digestive gland and hemocyte respectively. The leachate induced dose-duration dependent increase (P< 0.05) in Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, malondialdehyde and Glutathione peroxidase levels with associated decrease in total protein concentrations in the exposed snails compared to the control. Similarly, the frequency of micronucleus and other nuclear abnormalities shows concentration dependent increase (P< 0.05) in treated groups. This observed genotoxic effect might be induced by the oxidative stress, via the production of reactive oxygen species. This shows that waste leachate contains hazardous and genotoxic compounds capable of inducing oxidative stress and DNA damage. Therefore, continuous exposure of waste leachate into the environment could pose a grave health risk to the surrounding biota, humans included

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Biomonitoreo en exposición a plaguicidas y su aporte en vigilancia epidemiológica en agroaplicadores en Córdoba, Argentina / Biomonitoring in exposure to pesticides, its contribution to epidemiological surveillance of pesticide applicators in Cordoba, Argentina

Objetivo: Evaluar el nivel de exposición a plaguicidas y su correlación con indicadores de salud percibida y biomarcadores de daño (alteraciones genotóxicas y de actividad enzimática de la butirilcolinesterasa), en la población de agroaplicadores de cultivos extensivos (ACE) de la Provincia de Córdoba, Argentina. Método: Estudio transversal, en ACE (n = 47) seleccionados aleatoriamente de una muestra de 2000, y sujetos no expuestos controles (n = 52). Se relevaron variables sociodemográficas, condicionantes de exposición y de salud percibida, mediante cuestionario autoadministrado; indicadores biológicos de genotoxicidad: micronúcleos, aberraciones cromosómicas y ensayo cometa, y actividad de butirilcolinesterasa. Resultados: El 40% de los ACE tiene una antigüedad mayor de 10 años y casi el 50% reside a menos de 500 m de campos asperjados; reportan bajas tasas de uso de equipo de protección personal durante la mezcla, aplicación o reparación de equipos. Los síntomas generales, cardiorrespiratorios y dermatológicos fueron mayores entre los ACE (p <0,05), así como los indicadores de daño genotóxico (p <0,001). La actividad butirilcolinesterasa se asoció negativamente a niveles de exposición a plaguicidas. Conclusiones: Los ACE presentan un importante impacto negativo en la salud vinculado a la exposición a plaguicidas. Las escalas de exposición asociadas al uso de biomarcadores resultaron una herramienta útil para la vigilancia de la salud de los agroaplicadores

Objective: To assess the level of exposure to pesticides and its correlation with perceived health indicators and injury biomarkers (genotoxic alterations and those caused by butyrylcholinesterase enzyme activity) in the population of pesticide applicators in extensive crops (PAEC) in Córdoba, Argentina. Methods: Transversal study, in PAEC (n = 47) randomly selected from a sample of 2000, and non-exposed subject controls (n = 52). The sociodemographic variables, exposure conditioning, and perceived health were surveyed by means of a self-administered questionnaire; biological indicators of genotoxicity: micronuclei, chromosomal aberrations and kite assay, and butyrylcholinesterase activity. Results: 40% of PAEC have over 10 years' length of service and almost 50% of them reside less than 500 m from the sprinkled fields; they report low rates of personal protective equipment use while mixing, applying, or repairing the equipment. General, cardio-respiratory, and dermatological symptoms were greater among PAEC (p <0.05) as well as indicators of genotoxic injury (p <0.001). The butyrylcholinesterase activity was negatively associated with levels of exposure to pesticides. Conclusions: The PAEC show an important negative impact on health linked to exposure to pesticides. The exposure scales associated to the use of biomarkers were a useful tool for monitoring pesticide applicators' health

Presencia de microplásticos en aguas y su potencial impacto en la salud pública / Presence of microplastics in water and the potential impact on public health

El uso de plásticos se ha visto incrementado de manera exponencial en los últimos años. Su difícil reciclaje y su baja capacidad de degradación tienen como consecuencia una acumulación de estos en el medio ambiente. Pese a su gran estabilidad, se ven sometidos a erosión física y química, dando lugar a fragmentos más pequeños. Aunque no hay una definición estandarizada del concepto de microplástico, se ha aceptado el límite máximo de 5 mm como criterio. Los plásticos, además de las consecuencias sobre el medio ambiente, tienen un efecto directo sobre los seres vivos, ya sea por ingestión o por toxicidad. También, pueden actuar como vehículos de especies invasoras y adsorber en su superficie otros contaminantes como los BPCs, los HAPs o el DDT, incrementando así el efecto tóxico propio debido a los componentes que poseen tales como plastificantes, aditivos, metales pesados, etc. Existe disparidad en los resultados publicados en cuanto a la presencia de microplásticos tanto en abastecimientos como en agua de consumo y embotellada. No existe una metodología normalizada de métodos analíticos, como tampoco rigor en la definición y descripción de los microplásticos que permitan la comparación de resultados. Ante la falta de evidencia científica, es necesario profundizar en el estudio sobre la presencia de estos y sus efectos potenciales en la salud, para ser considerado como un parámetro a vigilar en las aguas de consumo humano

The use of plastics has increased exponentially over recent years. Difficulties in their recycling and their low degradability result in their accumulation in the environment. Despite their great stability, they are subject to physical and chemical erosion resulting in smaller fragments. Although there is no standard definition of microplastics, the maximum limit of 5 mm has been accepted as a criterion. Plastics, in addition to the consequences on the environment, have a direct effect on living beings, either by ingestion or toxicity. They may also act as a vehicle for invasive species and adsorb other contaminants on their surface such as PCBs, PAHs or DDT. This, increases the toxic effect of their own components such as plasticizers, additives, heavy metals, etc. There is disparity in the published results regarding the presence of microplastics in both water supplies and drinking water and bottled water. There are no standard analytical methods, nor a consensus in the definition and description of microplastics that allow an appropriate comparison of results. In the absence of scientific evidence, it is necessary to study in depth the presence of microplastics in water and the potential effects on health, in order to be able to consider microplastics as a monitoring parameter in drinking water

Monitorización de la eficacia de la descontaminación microbiana de superficies / No disponible

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FoodSimplex - a public health tool to improve restaurants cleaning and sanitation status / FoodSimplex - una herramienta de salud pública para mejorar el estado de sanitario de los restaurantes

Foodborne diseases have a negative impact on health, and little consideration has been given to such because the symptoms are often moderate and self-limiting. The microbiological contamination of meals by catering systems is one of the main issues, and it must be assessed to ensure safer meals. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hygienic quality in portuguese micro, small and medium restaurants through audit data and microbial sampling through the application of new food safety methodology - FoodSimplex. This four-year longitudinal study revealed maintenance or an improvement in the compliance with hygiene requirements according to the FoodSimplex checklist, and with statistical significance evolution in food handlers hands microbial analyses (p=0,003), which confirms that FoodSimplex contributed for a general food safety status uplift

Las enfermedades transmitidas por los alimentos tienen un impacto negativo en la salud y se les ha prestado poca atención porque los síntomas suelen ser moderados y autolimitados. La contaminación microbiológica de las comidas por los sistemas de restauración es uno de los principales problemas, y debe evaluarse para garantizar comidas más seguras. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la calidad higiénica en micro, pequeños y medianos restaurantes portugueses a través de datos de auditoría y muestreo microbiano mediante la aplicación de una nueva metodología de seguridad alimentaria: FoodSimplex. Este estudio longitudinal de cuatro años reveló un mantenimiento o una mejora en el cumplimiento de los requisitos de higiene de acuerdo con la lista de verificación de FoodSimplex, y con una evolución estadísticamente significativa en los análisis microbianos (p = 0,003), que confirma que FoodSimplex contribuyó para aumentar la seguridad general de los alimentos