Exploring Heavy Metal and Metalloid Exposure in Children: A Pilot Biomonitoring Study near a Sugarcane Mill.

Sugarcane production has been linked to the release of heavy metals and metalloids (HM/MTs) into the environment, raising concerns about potential health risks. This study aimed to assess the levels of 19 HM/MTs in children living near a sugarcane mill through a pilot biomonitoring investigation. We investigated sex-related differences in these element levels and their correlations. A cross-sectional study was conducted, analyzing data from 20 children in the latter part of 2023. Spearman correlation coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the relationships between urinary HM/MT levels. Detectable levels of 17 out of the 19 HM/MTs were found across the entire study sample, with arsenic and copper detectable in 95% of the children. Titanium exhibited higher levels in boys compared to girls (p = 0.017). We identified 56 statistically significant correlations, with 51 of them being positive, while the remaining coefficients indicated negative relationships. This study characterized HM/MT levels in school-aged children residing near a sugarcane mill through a pilot biomonitoring investigation. Further research employing larger sample sizes and longitudinal assessments would enhance our understanding of the dynamics and health impacts of HM/MT exposure in this vulnerable population.

Metal concentrations and KIM-1 levels in school-aged children: a cross-sectional study.

Environmental exposure to heavy metals and metalloids, originating from sources such as mining and manufacturing activities, has been linked to adverse renal effects. This cross-sectional study assessed children's exposure to these elements and its association with urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1). We analyzed data from 99 school-aged children residing in nine localities within the state of Colima, Mexico, during the latter half of 2023. Levels of 23 metals/metalloids and urinary KIM-1 were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Detectable levels of these contaminants were found in over 91% of participants, with varied exposure profiles observed across locations ( p = 0.019). After adjusting for confounding factors like gender, age, and locality, higher levels of six metals/metalloids (boron, cadmium, cesium, lithium, selenium, zinc) were significantly associated with increased KIM-1 levels. Tailored mitigation efforts are crucial to protect children from regional pollutant burdens. However, limitations exist, as our study did not capture all potential factors influencing heavy metal/metalloid and KIM-1 levels.

Conducta promotora de salud en un adulto con obesidad mediante el plan de cuidados de enfermería / Health-promoting behavior in an adult with obesity through the nursing care plan

Introducción: la obesidad es un grave problema de salud en México, ya que su prevalencia se ha incrementado de forma acelerada en los últimos años. De acuerdo con los resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición (ENSANUT) del año 2012, el 70% de las personas mayores de 20 años y el 39% de los adolescentes de 12 a 19 años en el estado de Colima tenían problemas de sobrepeso y obesidad. El objetivo de este trabajo es proporcionar la experiencia documentada mediante la metodología del proceso de atención de enferme- ría (PAE) en un adulto con diagnóstico de obesidad. Desarrollo: se realizó una valoración integral mediante la guía de valoración de dominios y clases y además se consultó la taxonomía II de la North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) para la estructuración de los diagnósticos con base en las respuestas identificadas; el plan de cuidados se realizó a partir del modelo de promoción de la salud de Nola J. Pender, y los resultados y las intervenciones de enfermería se redactaron en el lenguaje disciplinar, con cumplimiento eficiente del plan de cuidados. Conclusión: la metodología del proceso de enfermería permite la sistematización del cuidado, así como la aplicación de conocimientos, habilidades y actitudes con sentido huma- no, que promueven la mejoría de la persona con un proceso mórbido para alcanzar el bienestar del paciente.

Introduction: Obesity is a serious health problem in Mexico, since its prevalence has increased rapidly in recent years. According to the results of the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT), in 2012, in the state of Colima, 70% of people over 20 years old and 39% of adolescents between 12 and 19 years old had overweight and obesity problems. The aim of this work is to provide documented experience through the Nursing Care Process (PAE) methodology in an adult diagnosed with obesity. Development: A comprehensive assessment was carried out using the domains and classes assessment guide; besides, the taxonomy II of the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) was consulted for structuring the diagnoses based on the identified responses, the plan of care was carried out based on the Nola J. Pender's Health Promotion Model, and the results and nursing interventions were written with the disciplinary language, carrying out the fulfillment of the care plan. Conclusion: The methodology of the nursing process allows the systematization of care, as well as the application of knowledge, skills and attitudes with a human sense, which promote the improvement of the person with a morbid process and achieving the well-being of the patient.

Deterioro cognitivo y riesgo de caída en adultos mayores institucionalizados en el estado de Colima, México / Cognitive impairment and risk of falling in institutionalized older adults in the state of Colima, Mexico

Introducción: el envejecimiento es un proceso que marca la pérdida gradual de las capacidades motrices y cognitivas, lo que puede favorecer el riesgo de caída en el adulto mayor. Objetivo: analizar el grado de deterioro cognitivo y su asociación con el riesgo de caída en adultos mayores institucionalizados. Metodología: estudio descriptivo correlacional, en una muestra de 59 adultos mayores institucionalizados de cuatro casas hogar del estado de Colima, en México. Se evaluó el grado de deterioro cognitivo con la Escala de Pfeiffer SPMSQ, y la marcha y equilibrio para determinar el riesgo de caída con la Escala de Tinetti. El análisis fue descriptivo e inferencial con el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman p (rho). Resultados: la edad promedio fue de 80.03 ± 9.28 años, el 51% presentó deterioro cognitivo moderado y severo; el riesgo de caída fue alto en el 44% de ellos. El análisis de la interacción entre deterioro cognitivo y riesgo de caída, demostró un comportamiento directamente proporcional con un valor de r = -0.3616 y p = 0.0049. Conclusión: la correlación encontrada sugiere que a menor deterioro cognitivo, menor será el riesgo de caída en la población estudiada.

Introduction: Aging is a process that marks the gradual loss of motor and cognitive abilities that may favor the risk of falling in the elderly. Objective: To analyze the degree of cognitive deterioration and its association with the risk of falling in institutionalized older adults. Methods: Descriptive correlational study, in a sample of 59 institutionalized older adults from four homes in the State of Colima, Mexico. The degree of cognitive impairment was evaluated with the Pfeiffer Scale SPMSQ and the gait and balance to determine the risk of falling with the Tinetti Scale. The analysis was descriptive and inferential with the Spearman correlation coefficient p (rho). Results: Average age was 80.03 ± 9.28 years old, 51% presented moderate and severe cognitive deterioration; the risk of falling was high at 44%. The analysis of the interaction between cognitive deterioration and fall risk showed a directly proportional behavior with a value of r = -0.3616 and p = 0.0049. Conclusion: The correlation found suggests that the lower the cognitive deterioration, the lower the risk of falling in the studied population.

Estado actual de capacidades en adultos mayores institucionalizados de Colima, México / Present status of functional, mental and social abilities of institutionalized elders in Colima, Mexico

Resumen

Introducción: en México, un adulto mayor es la persona de 60 años o más. A nivel nacional e internacional este sector crece demográficamente, por lo que debería ser una prioridad en salud garantizar su bienestar, independientemente de que pertenezcan a instituciones públicas o privadas.

Objetivo: identificar el efecto del envejecimiento sobre el estado actual de las capacidades funcionales, mentales y sociales de adultos mayores residentes en cuatro instituciones del estado de Colima.

Metodología: estudio transversal descriptivo, realizado en 149 personas mayores residentes de cuatro asilos y casa hogar del estado de Colima. Mediante consentimiento informado, se recolecto la información de personas que reunieron los criterios de inclusión se utilizaron tres escalas validadas —Barthel, Folstein y Diaz-Veiga—. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva para el análisis de variables y X2 para la comparación con base en el género.

Resultados: del total de la población, más del 50% presentan algún grado de deterioro de las capacidades estudiadas. La escala de Barthel reporto, 16 adultos con independencia, el resto presenta algún grado de dependencia funcional. Folstein registró solo 47 de 143 como aptos mentales, y Diaz-Veiga registró 126 de 141 adultos con algún grado de compromiso social. Las diferencias basadas en el género no fueron significativas en ninguna escala.

Conclusiones: los adultos mayores no se incorporan voluntariamente a las actividades lúdicas y de cuidados que les brinda el profesional de enfermería, debido a que el envejecimiento ha afectado de manera importante sus capacidades funcionales, mentales y sociales.

Abstract

Introduction: In México, an older adult is a person who is sixty years of age or older. The number of individuals in this sector is increasing demographically in the national and international setting. Therefore their welfare should be a health priority regardless of whether they are in public or private eldercare facilities.

Objective: To identify the effect of aging on functional, mental, and social status of older adults residing in four facilities in the State of Colima.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 149 residents at four eldercare facilities in the State of Colima. After obtaining informed consent, information was collected on the individuals who fit inclusion criteria using three validated scales (Barthel, Folstein and Diaz-Veiga). Study variables were analyzed with descriptive statistics and sex-based comparison was done with chi square test.

Results: Of the total study population, more than 50% presented some degree of deterioration in the evaluated abilities. The Barthel scale reported 16 completely independent adults out of the total number, while the rest presented some degree of functional dependency. Folstein scale registered only 47 out of 143 adults as mentally fit, and the Diaz-Veiga scale results registered one 126 out of one 141 adults with some degree of social deterioration. Sex-based differences were not statistically significant for any of the scales.

Conclusions: Eider people do not incorporate voluntarily to recreational and care activities that nursing professional offers them since aging has affected in an important way functional, mental and social abilities.