Endocrine Disruptor Impacts on Fish From Chile: The Influence of Wastewaters.

Industrial wastewaters and urban discharges contain complex mixtures of chemicals capable of impacting reproductive performance in freshwater fish, called endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). In Chile, the issue was highlighted by our group beginning over 15 years ago, by analyzing the impacts of pulp and paper mill effluents (PPME) in the Biobio, Itata, and Cruces River basins. All of the rivers studied are important freshwater ecosystems located in the Mediterranean region of Central Chile, each with a unique fish biodiversity. Sequentially, we developed a strategy based on laboratory assays, semicontrolled-field experiments (e.g., caging) and wild fish population assessments to explore the issue of reproductive impacts on both introduced and native fish in Chile. The integration of watershed, field, and laboratory studies was effective at understanding the endocrine responses in Chilean freshwater systems. The studies demonstrated that regardless of the type of treatment, pulp mill effluents can contain compounds capable of impacting endocrine systems. Urban wastewater treatment plant effluents (WWTP) were also investigated using the same integrated strategy. Although not directly compared, PPME and WWTP effluent seem to cause similar estrogenic effects in fish after waterborne exposure, with differing intensities. This body of work underscores the urgent need for further studies on the basic biology of Chilean native fish species, and an improved understanding on reproductive development and variability across Chilean ecosystems. The lack of knowledge of the ontogeny of Chilean fish, especially maturation and sexual development, with an emphasis on associated habitats and landscapes, are impediment factors for their conservation and protection against the threat of EDCs. The assessment of effects on native species in the receiving environment is critical for supporting and designing protective regulations and remediation strategies, and for conserving the unique Chilean fish biodiversity.

Nuevo dispositivo de micronebulización con control continuo de la fracción inspirada de oxígeno ("CONTROLizer") / New micronebulizer device with continuous control of the inspired oxygen fraction ("CONTROLizer")

Resumen Una de las técnicas más comunes de tratamiento respiratorio es la nebulización de medicamentos para administrarlos por vía inhalada utilizando oxígeno como propelente, el cual a su vez es considerado un fármaco que puede generar efectos adversos relacionados con la dosificación. El objetivo de esta investigación fue diseñar, desarrollar y analizar un sistema dual de micronebulización con control preciso de la FIO2. Métodos: se diseñó, construyó y evaluó un modelo virtual y un prototipo funcional siguiendo la metodología de bioingeniería de un nuevo dispositivo de micronebulización con control de FIO2. Se evaluó el funcionamiento del dispositivo y su impacto en voluntarios sanos y pacientes hospitalizados mediante escalas psicométricas específicas. Resultados: se conceptualizó, diseñó y construyó un dispositivo que integra un micronebulizador (recipiente), que permite nebulizar suero fisiológico o soluciones de diversos fármacos basado en la presurización de un gas propelente (aire u oxígeno) junto a un mecanismo de ajuste de la fracción inspirada de O2 (mínimo 21%; máximo 99%). Los límites (máximo y mínimo) de flujo recomendado para generar el aerosol son 6-8 l/min. En ningún caso de uso se presentaron complicaciones. Conclusiones: CONTROLizer es un dispositivo integrado dual y no-invasivo para la micronebulización de soluciones respiratorias y control continuo de la fracción inspirada de oxígeno. Por sus cualidades y funcionamiento, el dispositivo fue percibido como adecuado y seguro para aplicarse en individuos sanos y pacientes ingresados tanto en salas de cuidados intensivos como de hospitalización convencional. (Acta Med Colomb 2018; 43: 90-99).

Abstract One of the most common techniques of respiratory treatment is the nebulization of medications to be administered by inhalation using oxygen as a propellant, which in turn is considered a drug that can generate adverse effects related to the dosage. The objective of this research was to design, develop and analyze a dual micronebulization system with precise control of FIO2. Methods: a virtual model and a functional prototype were designed, constructed and evaluated following the bioengineering methodology of a new micronebulizer device with FIO2 control. The functioning of the device and its impact on healthy volunteers and hospitalized patients were evaluated through specific psychometric scales. Results: a device that integrates a micronebulizer (container), which allows to nebulize physiological saline or solutions of diverse drugs based on the pressurization of a propellant gas (air or oxygen) along with a mechanism of adjustment of the fraction of inspired oxygen (minimum 21%, maximum 99%), was conceptualized, designed and constructed. The limits (maximum and minimum) of recommended flow to generate the aerosol are 6-8 l / min. In no case of use complications occurred. Conclusions: CONTROLizer is a dual and non-invasive integrated device for the micronebulization of respiratory solutions and continuous control of the fraction of inspired oxygen. Due to its qualities and functioning, the device was perceived as adequate and safe to be applied in healthy individuals and patients admitted in both intensive care and conventional hospitalization rooms. (Acta Med Colomb 2018; 43: 90-99).

TriBURTER: invención y validación perceptual del dispositivo portátil de vibración de alta frecuencia y entrenamiento muscular para pacientes con enfermedades respiratorias / TriBURTER: invention and perceptual validation of a portable device aimed to induce high- frequency vibration and respiratory muscle training in patients with respiratory diseases

Introducción: los dispositivos respiratorios vibrátiles son útiles como elementos de terapia respiratoria pues facilitan la expectoración de las secreciones bronquiales. Un dispositivo respiratorio de vibración que incorpore válvulas duales representa una innovación relevante respecto a los modelos existentes. El presente estudio describe la invención y evaluación de un nuevo dispositivo médico portátil de vibración de alta frecuencia para uso humano que permite simultáneamente el entrenamiento muscular respiratorio para pacientes con enfermedades respiratorias, al que se ha denominado con el acrónimo TriBURTER. Métodos: se conceptualizaron, diseñaron y construyeron modelos virtuales y prototipos funcionales siguiendo metodología de bioingeniería y evaluación in situ del funcionamiento a través de simuladores electrónicos. Adicionalmente se evaluaron, mediante escalas psicométricas específicas, los aspectos perceptuales de la morfología y funcionamiento del dispositivo tanto en voluntarios sanos como pacientes. Resultados: se creó un dispositivo que logra tres efectos: facilitar la movilización de secreciones bronquiales, inducir efecto de entrenamiento sobre los músculos inspiratorios, e inducir entrenamiento de músculos espiratorios. La evaluación perceptual demostró que el diseño final del dispositivo es seguro, adecuado, suficiente y práctico. Conclusión: TriBURTER es un dispositivo médico innovador de terapia respiratoria vibrátil que facilita el drenaje de secreciones y genera una sobrecarga muscular, tanto inspiratoria como espiratoria, regulable y útil en el tratamiento de las enfermedades respiratorias, y que puede ser aplicado tanto en ámbito ambulatorio como domiciliario u hospitalario. Su evaluación perceptual demostró seguridad clínica y una adecuada aceptación de uso por parte de los voluntarios sanos y pacientes en términos de cualidad y funcionamiento. MÉD.UIS. 2016;29(2):49-57.

Introduction: vibratory devices are used in respiratory therapy in order to facilitate removal of bronchial secretions. A portable hydraulic system incorporating inspiratory and expiratory valves could provide additional advantages over existing ones. The present study describes the invention and evaluation of a new portable medical device able to induce high frequency vibration and allowing respiratory muscle training for patients with respiratory diseases, which has been named with the acronym TriBURTER. Methods: based on conventional methods of bioengineering, a hydraulic device was conceptualized, designed, built, and validated using electronic simulators. In addition, perceptual evaluations of morphology, final prototype design and function were evaluated in both healthy volunteers and patients through specific psychometric scales. Results: a hydraulic device including two unidirectional valves was finally obtained allowing to induce simultaneously a triple effect: mobilization of bronchial secretions, inspiratory muscle training, and expiratory muscle training. Perceptual evaluations showed that the final design is safe, adequate, sufficient and practical. Conclusion: TriBURTER is an innovative hydraulic medical device for respiratory therapy that facilitates drainage of secretions and generates adjustable inspiratory and expiratory muscle loads. The perceptual evaluations of the device showed proper acceptance of use by healthy volunteers and patients in terms of quality and performance. This device is useful for the treatment of respiratory diseases and can be prescribed for both outpatient and domiciliary or hospital settings. MÉD.UIS. 2016;29(2):49-57.

[Correlation between socioeconomic factors and in-hospital mortality from ischemic stroke in a hospital cohort in Colombia, 2003-2006]. / Asociación entre factores socioeconómicos y mortalidad intrahospitalaria por accidente cerebrovascular isquémico en una cohorte hospitalaria de Colombia, 2003-2006.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if there is a correlation between socioeconomic conditions and in-hospital mortality (IHM) from ischemic stroke in a sample of the Colombian population and identify the chain of events that determine that association. METHODS: Prospective study of a hospital cohort of patients with ischemic stroke in four Colombian clinical referral institutions-located in Floridablanca, Bucaramanga, Bogotá, and Medellín-between February 2003 and December 2006. Hierarchical analysis was used to group the socioeconomic variables into three levels, and their relationship to IHM due to ischemic stroke was assessed in a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: The IHM rate was 9.4% in the 253 patients included in the study. In the analysis by levels, mortality was inversely associated with educational level (advanced to primary), monthly income (≥ minimum wage), and participation in the contributory health system. When the three levels were combined in the hierarchical analysis, affiliation with the contributory system was the only association that maintained its statistical significance (RR 0.35; CI 95%: 0.13-0.96; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that, in Colombia, being affiliated with the contributory health system is an independent protective factor against IHM after an ischemic stroke. The education-income-access to health services sequence is a possible explanation for the relationship between socioeconomic conditions and the clinical outcome of these events. Strategies should be designed to mitigate the differences in the quality and distribution of health services in the Colombian population.

Asociación entre factores socioeconómicos y mortalidad intrahospitalaria por accidente cerebrovascular isquémico en una cohorte hospitalaria de Colombia, 2003-2006 / Correlation between socioeconomic factors and in-hospital mortality from ischemic stroke in a hospital cohort in Colombia, 2003-2006

OBJETIVO: Determinar si existe asociación entre las condiciones socioeconómicas y la mortalidad intrahospitalaria (MIH) por accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) isquémico en una muestra de población colombiana e identificar la cadena de eventos que determinan esa asociación. MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo de una cohorte hospitalaria de pacientes con ACV isquémico registrados en cuatro instituciones clínicas de referencia colombianas -ubicadas en Floridablanca, Bucaramanga, Bogotá y Medellín- entre febrero de 2003 y diciembre de 2006. Mediante análisis jerárquico se evaluaron las variables socioeconómicas agrupadas en tres niveles para determinar su relación con la MIH por ACV isquémico en un modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox. RESULTADOS: En los 253 pacientes incluidos, la MIH fue de 9,4 %. En el análisis por niveles, la mortalidad estuvo inversamente asociada con el nivel educacional (estudios superiores a primaria), los ingresos mensuales (≥ salario mínimo) y la vinculación al régimen contributivo. En el análisis jerárquico, al combinar los 3 niveles, solo la asociación inversa con la afiliación al régimen contributivo mantuvo su significación estadística (RR 0,35; IC95%: 0,13-0,96; P = 0,04). CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados indican que en Colombia, el estar afilado al régimen contributivo de salud es un factor protector independiente contra la MIH tras un ACV isquémico. La secuencia educación-ingresos-acceso a servicios de salud constituye una vía de explicación de la relación entre las condiciones socioeconómicas y el desenlace clínico de estos eventos. Se deben diseñar estrategias para mitigar las diferencias en la calidad y la distribución de los servicios de salud en la población colombiana.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if there is a correlation between socioeconomic conditions and in-hospital mortality (IHM) from ischemic stroke in a sample of the Colombian population and identify the chain of events that determine that association. METHODS: Prospective study of a hospital cohort of patients with ischemic stroke in four Colombian clinical referral institutions-located in Floridablanca, Bucaramanga, Bogotá, and Medellín-between February 2003 and December 2006. Hierarchical analysis was used to group the socioeconomic variables into three levels, and their relationship to IHM due to ischemic stroke was assessed in a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: The IHM rate was 9.4% in the 253 patients included in the study. In the analysis by levels, mortality was inversely associated with educational level (advanced to primary), monthly income (≥ minimum wage), and participation in the contributory health system. When the three levels were combined in the hierarchical analysis, affiliation with the contributory system was the only association that maintained its statistical significance (RR 0.35; CI 95%: 0.13-0.96; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that, in Colombia, being affiliated with the contributory health system is an independent protective factor against IHM after an ischemic stroke. The education-income-access to health services sequence is a possible explanation for the relationship between socioeconomic conditions and the clinical outcome of these events. Strategies should be designed to mitigate the differences in the quality and distribution of health services in the Colombian population.