Improving classification based on physical surface tension-neural net for the prediction of psychosocial-risk level in public school teachers.

BACKGROUND: Psychosocial risks, also present in educational processes, are stress factors particularly critical in state-schools, affecting the efficacy, stress, and job satisfaction of the teachers. This study proposes an intelligent algorithm to improve the prediction of psychosocial risk, as a tool for the generation of health and risk prevention assistance programs. METHODS: The proposed approach, Physical Surface Tension-Neural Net (PST-NN), applied the theory of superficial tension in liquids to an artificial neural network (ANN), in order to model four risk levels (low, medium, high and very high psychosocial risk). The model was trained and tested using the results of tests for measurement of the psychosocial risk levels of 5,443 teachers. Psychosocial, and also physiological and musculoskeletal symptoms, factors were included as inputs of the model. The classification efficiency of the PST-NN approach was evaluated by using the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and ROC curve metrics, and compared against other techniques as the Decision Tree model, Naïve Bayes, ANN, Support Vector Machines, Robust Linear Regression and the Logistic Regression Model. RESULTS: The modification of the ANN model, by the adaptation of a layer that includes concepts related to the theory of physical surface tension, improved the separation of the subjects according to the risk level group, as a function of the mass and perimeter outputs. Indeed, the PST-NN model showed better performance to classify psychosocial risk level on state-school teachers than the linear, probabilistic and logistic models included in this study, obtaining an average accuracy value of 97.31%. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of physical models, such as the physical surface tension, can improve the classification performance of ANN. Particularly, the PST-NN model can be used to predict and classify psychosocial risk levels among state-school teachers at work. This model could help to early identification of psychosocial risk and to the development of programs to prevent it.

Estrés laboral, burnout, salud mental y su relación con violencia psicológica en docentes universitarios / Occupational stress, burnout, mental health and its relationship with workplace violence in university teachers

RESUMEN Objetivo: Conocer la relación entre estrés laboral, síndrome de burnout y afectaciones en la salud mental con violencia y acoso psicológico en el trabajo. Materiales y métodos: Cuestionarios: Datos sociodemográficos, Estrés Laboral, Maslach Burnout, General de Salud de Goldberg e Inventario para Violencia y Acoso Psicológico en el Trabajo. Estudio descriptivo, analítico y transversal. Muestra 68 docentes. Análisis estadístico univariado para descripción sociodemográfica muestral y variables de estudio a través de frecuencias absolutas y relativas con un IC de 95 %. Análisis bivariado prueba de X 2 para variables paramétricas y exacta de Fisher variables no paramétricas, p <0.05. Resultados: Significancia estadística análisis univariado para estrés (territorio p= 0.007, influencia del líder p= 0.008, falta de cohesión p= 0.03 y respaldo del grupo p= 0.038); afectaciones salud mental (relaciones interpersonales p= 0.022 y trastornos del sueño p= 0.012). Análisis bivariado para estrés y nivel de intensidad de violencia (p= 0.000), estrés y nivel de presencia de acoso psicológico (p= 0.000) para ambos grupos. Estratificación por género con significancia estadística para prevalencia salud mental, masculino, programa medicina (valor p= 0.028). Conclusiones: Ambos grupos presentaron relación entre fuentes de estrés, alteraciones a la salud mental y violencia y acoso psicológico. Sin embargo, el grupo de enfermería enfrenta un entorno laboral más empobrecido y se expresa a través de un liderazgo poco favorable y se manifiesta como disarmonía en las relaciones interpersonales y escasa realización personal por el trabajo.

ABSTRACT Objective: To know the relationship between work stress, burnout syndrome and mental health problems with violence and psychological harassment at work. Materials and methods: Questionnaires: Sociodemographic data, Work Stress, Maslach Burnout, General Health Goldberg and Inventory for Violence and Psychological Harassment at Work. Descriptive, analytical and transversal study. Shows 68 teachers. Univariate statistical analysis for sample sociodemographic description and study variables through absolute and relative frequencies with a 95% CI. Bivariate analysis X2 test for parametric variables and Fisher's exact nonparametric variables, p <0.05. Results: Statistical significance univariate analysis for stress (territory p = 0.007, influence of the leader p = 0.008, lack of cohesion p = 0.03 and support of the group p = 0.038); affectations mental health (interpersonal relationships p = 0.022 and sleep disorders p = 0.012). Bivariate analysis for stress and level of intensity of violence (p = 0.000), stress and level of presence of psychological harassment (p = 0.000) for both groups. Stratification by gender with statistical significance for prevalence mental health, male, medicine program (value p = 0.028). Conclusions: Both groups presented a relationship between sources of stress, alterations to mental health and violence and psychological harassment. However, the nursing group faces a more impoverished work environment and expresses itself through unfavorable leadership and manifests as disharmony in interpersonal relationships and poor personal fulillment through work.

Dimensiones culturales del empleo y desempleo de jóvenes universitarios de Cali, Colombia / Cultural dimensions related to college youth students employment and unemployment from Cali, Colombia

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar las dimensiones culturales del empleo y desempleo de jóvenes universitarios de Cali, Colombia. Método: Estudio de antropología cognitiva. Se utilizaron listados libres y pile sort para identificar el contenido y la organización de las dimensiones. Participaron 80 jóvenes (40 hombres y 40 mujeres, con edad promedio de 20,5 años), seleccionados por muestreo propositivo. Resultados: El empleo es una actividad laboral que genera satisfacción, permite contar con seguridad económica y acceso a beneficios materiales. Requiere de competencias, valores de tipo personal y contar con la oportunidad para acceder a ello. Implica esfuerzo a fin de tener crecimiento, superación, estabilidad, progreso y futuro. Puede generar frustración por falta o dificultad para alcanzar logros en el ámbito laboral así como la percepción de esclavitud por exceso de trabajo. Se le visualiza como una actividad que se desempeña en empresas o instituciones y en contacto con compañeros. El desempleo es un tiempo perdido que genera pobreza y necesidades, es producto de problemas sociales como la desigualdad, falta de oportunidades, así como por causa del sistema social. Produce situaciones delictivas e impactos comunitarios; en lo personal genera problemas, necesidades, complicaciones y la vivencia de emociones negativas. Es un desafío que lleva a destacar las responsabilidades que se tiene hacia la familia, mas no se especifica alguna alternativa de afrontamiento al mismo. Conclusiones: Los jóvenes participantes mostraron alto consenso en la forma de conceptualizar al empleo y al desempleo. Ello indica competencia cultural sobre los dominios culturales de los conceptos estudiados.

Abstract Objective: This research aims to analyze cultural dimensions related to college youth students employment and unemployment, in Cali, Colombia. Method: A cognitive anthropological study was conducted. Free listings and pile sort in order to identify the content and dimensions conditions, were used. Participated 80 college youth student (40 men and 40 women with an average age of 20,5 years), by purposeful sampling. Results: Employment as a work activity offers satisfaction, allows economic security and material benefits access. To have and employment, competences and personal values as well as having the opportunity to access it, are required. Also, to be employed implies effort to get development, stability, self-improvement and future. Lack of employment might generate frustration because of the difficulty in reaching goals as well as slavery perception due to excess work. Employment is considered as an activity that involves co-workers' relationships, carried on companies and institutions. Unemployment is a waste of time that suggests poverty and needs, it is the result of social problems such as inequality, lack of opportunities because of the social system. Unemployment produces crime situations and impact on communities; in the personal area unemployment gives problems, needs, complications and negative emotions. For this reason, unemployment is a challenge that compromises family responsibilities, but no alternative of coping with it is specified. Conclusions: Youth's participants agree about employment and unemployment concepts. This indicates cultural competence over the cultural domains of the concepts studied.

Condiciones psicosociales, violencia y salud mental en docentes de medicina y enfermería / Psychosocial conditions, violence and mental health in teachers of medicine and nursing

Resumen Objetivo: Mostrar la relación entre las condiciones negativas de trabajo de origen psicosocial, las situaciones y comportamientos de violencia y acoso psicológico en el trabajo y las autoper-cepciones sobre el estado de salud mental de un grupo de profesionales docentes de medicina y enfermería. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, con un diseño no experimental, transversal, analítico y explicativo. Participaron 68 docentes universitarios, médicos y enfermeras con al menos un año de antigüedad laboral. Resultados: No se encontró relación de sexo y edad con la exposición a condiciones negativas de trabajo. La presencia de condiciones psicosociales negativas (nivel medio, 66 %) se asoció, para ambos grupos, con una probabilidad alta de presencia de situaciones y comportamientos de violencia p<0.000. Los docentes de enfermería resultaron ser más susceptibles de sufrir de cualquier modalidad de violencia y acoso psicológico y refirieron una autopercepción de su estado de salud mental más bajo [p<0.039] que el grupo de docentes del programa de medicina. Conclusiones: Se concluye que a pesar de haber trabajado con una muestra pequeña, la presencia de condiciones negativas de trabajo de origen psicosocial hace más susceptibles a los trabajadores a la exposición a situaciones de violencia y acoso psicológico en el trabajo y los efectos que ello puede ocasionar en el nivel de autopercepción del estado de salud mental. Se sugiere asociar las condiciones negativas de trabajo de origen psicosocial con el estado actual de la economía y las formas de producir.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to show the relationship between adverse conditions of psychosocial work of origin, situations and behaviors of violence and mobbing at work and self-perceptions on the mental health status of a group of professional teachers of medicine and nursing. Materials and methods: This study was conducted with a quantitative design non-experimental, cross-sectional, analytical and explanatory. They participated 68 university teachers, doctors and nurses with at least one year of seniority. Results: No relationship was found for age and sex with exposure to adverse conditions of work. Negative psychosocial conditions (average level, 66 per cent) was associated with, both groups, a high probability of presence of situations and behaviors of violence p<0.000. Teachers of nursing proved to be more likely to suffer from any form of violence and mobbing and referred a perception of your general state of health more under [p<0.039], in opposition the group of teachers from the medicine program. Conclusions: It is concluded that, despite having worked with a small sample size, the presence of adverse conditions of psychosocial work of origin, made them more susceptible to the workers to the exposure to situations of violence and mobbing at work and effects that this can result in the level of perception of state of mental health. It is suggested that associate adverse conditions of origin of psychosocial work with the current state of economy and ways to produce.

Determinación del mobbing y validación del Inventario de Violencia y Acoso Psicológico en el Trabajo (IVAPT) para Colombia / Assessing Workplace Bullying: Validation of Inventory of Violence and Psychological Harassment (IVAPT) to Colombia

Objetivo: Efectuar la validación colombiana de la versión del Inventario de Violencia y Acoso Psicológico en el Trabajo (IVAPT) y determinar la violencia psicológica y el mobbing en población formal económicamente activa en Colombia. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal, descriptivo, con una muestra aleatoria no representativa de la Población Económicamente Activa en Colombia. Participaron 359 sujetos, pertenecientes al sector de la economía formal, con al menos un año de antigüedad laboral y que estaban empleados en cualquier puesto de trabajo en el que contaran con un superior jerárquico. Resultados: El análisis factorial exploratorio mostró una solución de dos factores, que explica el 50.3 % de la varianza total con un alpha de Cronbach de 0.89; datos similares a los presentados en otros países latinoamericanos. Conclusiones: El Inventario de Violencia y Acoso Psicológico en el Trabajo mostró ser un instrumento adecuado para la evaluación de la violencia psicológica y el mobbing en trabajadores de Colombia.

Objective: To validate the Colombian version of the inventory of Violence and Psychological Harassment at Work and to determine psychological violence and mobbing in formal active economic population at Colombia, using IVAPT instrument. Material and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study, with an aleatory sample non representative of the Economically Active Population in Colombia. Participants included 359 subjects; belonging to the sector of the formal economy, with at least one year of seniority and who were employed in any job in which they have a hierarchical superior. Results: The exploratory factorial analysis, showed a solution of two factors, which explained 50.3 % of the total variance with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.89, data similar to those presented in other Latin American countries. Conclusions: The Inventory of Violence and Psychological Harassment at work showed to be an appropriate tool for evaluating the psychological violence and mobbing in workers of Colombia.

El acoso psicológico laboral desde la mirada de un perpetrador: un estudio de caso / Assédio moral no trabalho a partir da perspectiva de um autor: um estudo de caso / The mobbing at workplace from perpetrator's point of view: a case study / Harcèlement au travail du point de vue d'un auteur: une étude de cas

Se realizó una investigación de corte cualitativo y orientación fenomenológica, con el propósito de conocer las autopercepciones de una presunta perpetradora de acoso psicológico en el trabajo. El tipo de estudio fue el análisis de un caso y la selección de la participante se logró por muestreo de oportunidad. La información fue obtenida a través de la técnica de la entrevista en profundidad y los datos fueron registrados y analizados bajo el método fenomenológico para conocer cómo la participante se percibía a sí misma en su rol de perpetradora de acoso psicológico en el trabajo. Se construyó una explicación de las categorías emergentes de las experiencias y vivencias de la entrevistada, con base en la interpretación fenomenológica para el establecimiento de sentido y significado a la información proporcionada. Los hallazgos obtenidos muestran la preparación, escenificación, deliberación, intencionalidad de dañar y abuso de la perpetradora en la comisión de comportamientos típicos de acoso psicológico. Asimismo, los datos sugirieron la presencia de un trastorno de la personalidad del tipo paranoide y antisocial en la perpetradora. También se identificó el uso de un puesto de representación sindical para bloquear el desarrollo profesional de su víctima dentro de la institución. Se recomienda la realización de estudios cualitativos en los que participen todos los actores involucrados en el proceso del acoso psicológico en el trabajo (perpetradores, víctimas y testigos).

Nousavons mené une recherchequalitative et de l'orientationphénoménologique, afin de connaître les auto-perceptions des d'unauteurprésumé de harcèlementautravail.Le typed'étudeétaitl'analysed'un cas et en sélectionnantl'échantillon des participants a étéobtenu par opportunité.L'information a étéobtenue par la technique de la entrevues en profondeur et les donnéesontétéenregistrées et analyséesdans la méthodephénoménologique de la façondont le participant se perçoitdans son rôle en tantqu'auteur de harcèlementautravail.Il a étéconstruit une explication des catégoriesémergentes de sens à partir des expériencesbasées sur l'interprétationphénoménologique de la mise en place de la signification et l'importance de l'informationfournie.Les résultatsmontrent la préparation, la mise en scène, la délibération, l'intention de nuire et l'abus de l'auteurdans la commission de comportementstypiquesde harcèlement. En outre, les donnéessuggèrent la présenced'untrouble de la personnalitéantisociale et de typeparanoïdedans le harceleuse.Nousavonsaussiidentifiél'utilisation de la représentationsyndicale à bloquer le développementprofessionnel de la victime ausein de l'institution. Ilestrecommandé que les étudesqualitativesimpliquanttoutes les partiesprenantesdans le processus de harcèlementpsychologiqueautravail [auteurs, victimes et des témoins].

Realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa e de orientação fenomenológica a fim de conhecer as autopercepções de uma autora de assédio moral no trabalho. O tipo de estudo foi análise de caso e a seleção da amostra participante se deu por oportunidade. As informações foram obtidas através da técnica de entrevistas em profundidade e os dados foram registrados e analisados a partir do método fenomenológico, para se conhecer como o participante se percebe em seu papel de autor do assédio moral no trabalho. Construiu-se uma explicação das categorias emergentes a partir das experiências e vivências do entrevistado, com base na interpretação fenomenológica para a criação de sentido e significado às informações fornecidas. Os achados mostram a preparação, o estadiamento, a deliberação, a intenção de prejudicar e o abuso do autor na prática de comportamentos típicos de assédio moral no trabalho. Além disso, os dados sugerem a presença de um transtorno de personalidade antissocial e do tipo paranoico no agressor. Também foi identificado o uso de representação sindical para bloquear o desenvolvimento profissional da vítima dentro da instituição. Recomenda-se a realização de estudos qualitativos envolvendo todos os intervenientes no processo de assédio moral no trabalho (agressores, vítimas e testemunhas).

We conducted a qualitative research with phenomenological orientation.The purpose was to know the self-perceptions of an alleged perpetrator of mobbingat work. The type of study was the analysis of a case and the participant was selected by opportunity sampling. The information was obtained through the technique of in-depth interviews and data were analyzed by the phenomenological method for know how the participant perceived herself in her role as perpetrator of mobbing at work. It was built a categories scheme from the interviewed experiences based on phenomenological interpretation. The aim was the establishment of sense and significance of information provided. The findings show the preparation, staging, deliberation, intent to harm and abuse of the perpetrator in the commission of typical mobbing behaviors. Furthermore, the data suggest the presence of a personality disorder and antisocial paranoid type in the mobbing perpetrator. We also identified the use of union representation power to obstruct the victim's professional development within the institution. It is recommended qualitative studies with involving all actors in the process of mobbing at work [perpetrators, victims and witnesses].

El acoso psicológico laboral desde la mirada de un perpetrador: un estudio de caso / Assédio moral no trabalho a partir da perspectiva de um autor: um estudo de caso / The mobbing at workplace from perpetrator's point of view: a case study / Harcèlement au travail du point de vue d'un auteur: une étude de cas

Se realizó una investigación de corte cualitativo y orientación fenomenológica, con el propósito de conocer las autopercepciones de una presunta perpetradora de acoso psicológico en el trabajo. El tipo de estudio fue el análisis de un caso y la selección de la participante se logró por muestreo de oportunidad. La información fue obtenida a través de la técnica de la entrevista en profundidad y los datos fueron registrados y analizados bajo el método fenomenológico para conocer cómo la participante se percibía a sí misma en su rol de perpetradora de acoso psicológico en el trabajo. Se construyó una explicación de las categorías emergentes de las experiencias y vivencias de la entrevistada, con base en la interpretación fenomenológica para el establecimiento de sentido y significado a la información proporcionada. Los hallazgos obtenidos muestran la preparación, escenificación, deliberación, intencionalidad de dañar y abuso de la perpetradora en la comisión de comportamientos típicos de acoso psicológico. Asimismo, los datos sugirieron la presencia de un trastorno de la personalidad del tipo paranoide y antisocial en la perpetradora. También se identificó el uso de un puesto de representación sindical para bloquear el desarrollo profesional de su víctima dentro de la institución. Se recomienda la realización de estudios cualitativos en los que participen todos los actores involucrados en el proceso del acoso psicológico en el trabajo (perpetradores, víctimas y testigos).(AU)

Nousavons mené une recherchequalitative et de l'orientationphénoménologique, afin de connaître les auto-perceptions des d'unauteurprésumé de harcèlementautravail.Le typed'étudeétaitl'analysed'un cas et en sélectionnantl'échantillon des participants a étéobtenu par opportunité.L'information a étéobtenue par la technique de la entrevues en profondeur et les donnéesontétéenregistrées et analyséesdans la méthodephénoménologique de la façondont le participant se perçoitdans son rôle en tantqu'auteur de harcèlementautravail.Il a étéconstruit une explication des catégoriesémergentes de sens à partir des expériencesbasées sur l'interprétationphénoménologique de la mise en place de la signification et l'importance de l'informationfournie.Les résultatsmontrent la préparation, la mise en scène, la délibération, l'intention de nuire et l'abus de l'auteurdans la commission de comportementstypiquesde harcèlement. En outre, les donnéessuggèrent la présenced'untrouble de la personnalitéantisociale et de typeparanoïdedans le harceleuse.Nousavonsaussiidentifiél'utilisation de la représentationsyndicale à bloquer le développementprofessionnel de la victime ausein de l'institution. Ilestrecommandé que les étudesqualitativesimpliquanttoutes les partiesprenantesdans le processus de harcèlementpsychologiqueautravail [auteurs, victimes et des témoins].(AU)

Realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa e de orientação fenomenológica a fim de conhecer as autopercepções de uma autora de assédio moral no trabalho. O tipo de estudo foi análise de caso e a seleção da amostra participante se deu por oportunidade. As informações foram obtidas através da técnica de entrevistas em profundidade e os dados foram registrados e analisados a partir do método fenomenológico, para se conhecer como o participante se percebe em seu papel de autor do assédio moral no trabalho. Construiu-se uma explicação das categorias emergentes a partir das experiências e vivências do entrevistado, com base na interpretação fenomenológica para a criação de sentido e significado às informações fornecidas. Os achados mostram a preparação, o estadiamento, a deliberação, a intenção de prejudicar e o abuso do autor na prática de comportamentos típicos de assédio moral no trabalho. Além disso, os dados sugerem a presença de um transtorno de personalidade antissocial e do tipo paranoico no agressor. Também foi identificado o uso de representação sindical para bloquear o desenvolvimento profissional da vítima dentro da instituição. Recomenda-se a realização de estudos qualitativos envolvendo todos os intervenientes no processo de assédio moral no trabalho (agressores, vítimas e testemunhas).(AU)

We conducted a qualitative research with phenomenological orientation.The purpose was to know the self-perceptions of an alleged perpetrator of mobbingat work. The type of study was the analysis of a case and the participant was selected by opportunity sampling. The information was obtained through the technique of in-depth interviews and data were analyzed by the phenomenological method for know how the participant perceived herself in her role as perpetrator of mobbing at work. It was built a categories scheme from the interviewed experiences based on phenomenological interpretation. The aim was the establishment of sense and significance of information provided. The findings show the preparation, staging, deliberation, intent to harm and abuse of the perpetrator in the commission of typical mobbing behaviors. Furthermore, the data suggest the presence of a personality disorder and antisocial paranoid type in the mobbing perpetrator. We also identified the use of union representation power to obstruct the victim's professional development within the institution. It is recommended qualitative studies with involving all actors in the process of mobbing at work [perpetrators, victims and witnesses].(AU)

Autopercepción de presuntos perpetradores de acoso psicológico en el trabajo. Un acercamiento fenomenológico: A phenomenological approach / Workplace mobbing from alleged perpetrators' point of view

Objetivos: Conocer las autopercepciones de los supuestos perpetradores en el proceso de acoso psicológico en el trabajo. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo a presuntos perpetradores de acoso psicológico en el trabajo con base en el método fenomenológico a partir de entrevistas en profundidad. El análisis e interpretación se efectuó con el programa Atlas.ti. Resultados: Participaron nueve sujetos que realizan funciones directivas. Las autodescripciones se constituyeron de las percepciones de los entrevistados. Se conformaron tres categorías centrales: las capacidades personales y habilidades para la dirección, los principios en el ejercicio del cargo y las conductas precursoras de acoso psicológico. Los presuntos perpetradores hacen una especie de recomposición perceptual y cognitiva que les distancia del reconocerse como causantes de acoso psicológico.A pesar de que solo dos entrevistados reconocieron su condición de perpetrador, los siete restantes bien pueden ser denominados como tales, ya que en algún momento su comportamiento fue violento, ya sea verbal o conductualmente, y provocó menoscabo en el estado psicológico y emocional de sus víctimas. Conclusiones: Las limitaciones que tienen los hallazgos de un estudio como el que se presenta son evidentes. Sin embargo, consideramos que el alcance futuro de estudios de corte cualitativo que analicen el fenómeno del acoso psicológico en el trabajo está aún intacto y, por ende, representa un área de oportunidad para la generación de conocimiento en el tema.

Objective: To know the self-perceptions of alleged perpetrators in the process of mobbing at workplace. Materials and methods: A qualitative study was realized to alleged perpetrators of mobbing at workplace. We used the phenomenological method from interviews in depth. The analysis and interpretation was carried out by the software Atlas.ti. 6.2 Results: They informed nine subjects that realize managerial functions. The self-descriptions were constituted of the perceptions of the interviewed ones. Three central categories conformed; personal capacities and management skills, personal principles in the exercise of the job post and mobbing at workplace behaviors. The alleged perpetrators do a species of perceptual and cognitive alteration that distances them from being recognizing as mobbers. In spite of the fact that only two interviewed ones recognized their condition of perpetrators, although the other seven can be well named as such, since in some moment his behavior was violent, already be verbal or behaviorally and it provoked a damage in the psychological and emotional condition of his victims. Conclusions: The limitations that take the findings of this study appears are evident. Nevertheless, we think that the future scope of studies of qualitative cut that should analyze the phenomenon of mobbing at workplace is still intact, and it represents an area of opportunity for the generation of knowledge in the topic.

Morphological changes in the tongue as a consequence of manganese inhalation in a murine experimental model: light and scanning electron microscopic analysis.

Air pollution by suspended particles has become a worldwide health problem. The main sources of these particles are fossils and additives combustion. Mn enters the body through inhalation, but part of the particles accesses contact with tongue's posterior surface where lingual tonsils and lingual papillae are placed. We decided to explore in a mouse model, the impact that the deposit of inhaled Mn has on the tongue's surface. Atrophy of the lingual tonsil, filiform papillae, as well as the swelling of taste buds in fungiform papillae, were the predominant changes. Ferropenic anemia is associated with the changes described and could be related to the interference of Mn in iron metabolism and riboflavin absorption. More research should be done to explore the participation of suspended particles trapped in the oral cavity in toxicology of Mn or other inhaled pollutants.

Ultrastructural megakaryocyte modifications after vanadium inhalation in spleen and bone marrow.

Previous reports from our laboratory informed in mice an increase in platelets in blood, and megakaryocytes in spleen and bone marrow after vanadium inhalation. This element has become important in recent years because of its increased presence as an air pollutant. With this precedent, we evaluate the ultrastructural modifications in MKs from the spleen and bone marrow in our mouse experimental model. Mice inhaled 0.02 M V(2)O(5) 1 h twice a week for 12 weeks. Tissues were processed for transmission electron microscopy. Results indicate an increase in the size and cytoplasmic granular content, as well as nuclear changes in MKs of exposed mice, changes which correlate with the time of exposure. Modifications in MKs described here suggest that inhaled vanadium induce megakaryocytic maturation, a raise in its granules content and demarcation membrane systems, which may lead to a rise in circulating platelet production and an increased risk for thromboembolic events.

Ultrastructural findings in murine seminiferous tubules as a consequence of subchronic vanadium pentoxide inhalation.

Vanadium (V) is a transition metal emitted to the atmosphere during the combustion of fossil fuels. Its current status as an atmospheric pollutant increases the need for information about the effects that this element might have on the reproductive health of exposed populations. The present study investigated changes in testicular ultrastructure following inhalation exposure of male mice to V (as vanadium pentoxide). Tissue V level was constant during the 12-week time period. We observed necrosis of spermatogonium, spermatocytes and Sertoli cells, as well as pseudo-nuclear inclusion and disruption of cellular junctions. Our findings stressed the importance of the hemato-testicular barrier in supporting the function of Sertoli cells and suggest as a possible target of V, tight junction proteins. Further analysis is needed in order to identify the role that reactive oxidative species (ROS) might have on these cellular junctions, and if a specific protein is the target of its toxic effects. The relevance of this report concerns the impact that metal air pollution could have on male fertility in dense cities with vehicular traffic problems.

Sex differences in bronchiolar epithelium response after the inhalation of lead acetate (Pb).

In order to identify if there were sex differences in lead (Pb) lung concentrations and in bronchiolar response after its inhalation, a mice inhalation model was conducted. Sixty CD-1 adult mice from each sex inhaled separately, lead acetate 0.1 M for 1 h, thrice weekly during 15 days. Animals were evaluated for Pb-lung concentrations by atomic absorption spectrometry and for morphological evaluation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Higher Pb-lung concentrations were determined in females, however, more cell damage was found in males, finding that correlated with an increased loss of the nonciliated bronchiolar cells (NCBC) more sloughing and necrosis. Differences in particle clearance, oxidative stress handling, cytokines pathway activation and cytochrome P450 enzymes activity, all influenced by sex hormones, might be a possible explanation for our findings. The relevance of further studies in this field is stressed, as well as its relation to the different development expected for each sex in disease evolution, possible complications and treatment response.

Metal mixture inhalation (Cd-Pb) and its effects on the bronchiolar epithelium. An ultrastructural approach.

The current study explores the effects of the inhalation of lead (Pb), Cd and its mixture (Pb-Cd) in a mice model, analysing metal concentrations in the lung, and the morphological modifications in the bronchiolar epithelium identified by scanning electron microscopy after eight weeks of inhalation. Our results indicate that metal concentrations in lung were higher compared to controls; however, Pb concentrations drastically decrease in the mixture. This reduction was also observed in the inhalation chamber. The main changes observed in the bronchiole were mostly in the mixture. The modifications were mainly given by Cd alone and in the mixture, with a decreased number of nonciliated bronchiolar cells and an increased number of bundles of dividing cells. The additive effect of Pb-Cd is suggested, as the extensive damage observed was more evident when mice were exposed to the mixture, and the results endured more research in the area of inhaled mixtures.

Vanadium in ambient air: concentrations in lung tissue from autopsies of Mexico City residents in the 1960s and 1990s.

Vanadium concentrations in lung tissue were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry from autopsy specimens taken from residents of Mexico City during the 1960s and 1990s (20 males and 19 females, and 30 males and 18 females, respectively). Samples from the 1990s had significantly increased mean vanadium concentrations (mean +/- standard deviation: 1.36 +/- 0.08), compared with those from the 1960s (1.04 +/- 0.05). Concentrations were not correlated with gender, smoking habit, age, cause of death, or occupation. These findings suggest that vanadium in ambient air is increasing and it represents a potential health hazard for Mexico City residents. Air pollution monitoring efforts should include vanadium concentrations in suspended particles to follow-up the findings reported herein. Researchers need to acquire a better knowledge of the levels of airborne vanadium exposure at which risk to human health occurs.