Influence of vehicular emissions on the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban and industrial areas of La Plata, Argentina.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are considered potentially toxic, even carcinogenic, because of their affection to public health and the environment. It is necessary to know their ambient levels and the origin of these pollutants in order to mitigate them. A concerning scenario is the one in which commercial/administrative, industrial, and residential activities coexist. In this context, Gran La Plata (Argentina) presents such characteristics, in addition to the presence of one of the most important petrochemical complexes in the country and intense vehicular traffic. The source apportionment of PAH emission in the region, associated to 10-µm and 2.5-µm particulate matter fractions, was studied. First, different missing value imputation methods were evaluated for PAH databases. GSimp presented a better performance, with mean concentrations of ∑PAHs of 65.8 ± 40.2 ng m-3 in PM10 and 39.5 ± 18.0 ng m-3 in PM2.5. For both fractions, it was found that the highest contribution was associated with low molecular weight PAHs (3 rings), with higher concentrations of anthracene. Emission sources were identified by using principal component analysis (PCA) together with multiple linear regression (MLR) and diagnostic ratios of PAHs. The results showed that the main emission source is associated with vehicular traffic in both fractions. Classification by discriminant analysis showed that emissions can be identified by region and that fluoranthene, benzo(a)anthracene, and anthracene in PM10 and anthracene and phenanthrene in PM2.5 are a characteristic of emissions from the petrochemical complex.

Characterization and cancer risk assessment of VOCs in home and school environments in gran La Plata, Argentina.

Three areas are highlighted in Gran La Plata, Argentina: industrial, urban, and residential. In this work, the levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air of homes and schools in those areas were analyzed, through the use of passive monitors. The study period is between 2007 and 2010. Higher levels of VOCs were found in homes and schools in the industrial zone, higher than the levels corresponding to urban and residential. Taking into account the relationship between indoor and outdoor levels of VOCs, they have ratios (I/O) between 1.5 and 10 are evidenced contributions of emission sources of VOCs both indoor and outdoor. Complementarily, we estimated the life time cancer risk (LCR) for benzene, styrene, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene in children who spend their time mostly in such indoor environments. The results show high LCR values for benzene, which exceed acceptable values for the US EPA.

Hábitos alimenticios de Leporinus friderici (Anostomidae: Teleostei) durante un ciclo hidrobiológico en el río Vaupés, Colombia / Feeding habits of Leporinus friderici (Anostomidae: Teleostei) during a hydrobiological cycle in Vaupés River, Colombia

ResumenLa especie más importante de la pesquería del río Vaupés es un pez conocido como Warakú tres puntos (Leporinus friderici), un carácido migratorio representativo del departamento del Vaupés, Colombia, de importancia para la seguridad alimentaria de comunidades indígenas. Con el propósito de contribuir en el conocimiento biológico básico de la especie, el presente estudio determinó los hábitos y preferencias alimenticias de Leporinus friderici durante un ciclo hidrobiológico (marzo 2014 a mayo 2015) en el río Vaupés, Colombia. Fueron muestreados tres lugares, dos a lo largo del río Vaupés (comunidades indígenas de Yacayacá y Santa Cruz) y uno en el río Cuduyarí afluente del río Vaupés (comunidad de Piracemo). Se analizaron 316 contenidos estomacales aplicando los métodos de frecuencia de ocurrencia (FO), índice gravimétrico (W), coeficiente de vacuidad (CV) e índice de importancia relativa (IIR). De igual modo, se determinaron parámetros físicos y químicos del agua superficial y profunda. La profundidad del río en época de aguas ascendentes fue de 3.7 ± 0.6 m, aguas altas de 5.9 ± 1.4 m, aguas descendentes 4.6 ± 1.3 m y en aguas bajas 2.4 ± 1.0 m; se registró mayor acidez y turbidez del agua en las ascendentes. El CV fue de 14.5 %; sin embargo, el CV alcanzó un valor del 40 % en aguas ascendentes. En general se observó una mayor FO de material vegetal en los estómagos de los individuos muestreados (44.4-66.7 %), seguido por los insectos (21.1-33.3 %, dietas secundarias). Los índices gravimétricos reflejaron que el material vegetal fue el ítem consumido en mayor cantidad, seguido de los insectos y en casi igual proporción invertebrados y material animal. Las diferencias en la composición de la dieta confirman la naturaleza oportunista de esta especie con predominio de hábitos omnívoros.Este estudio puede ser utilizado como parte integral del conocimiento de la ecología trófica de la especie, con el fin de crear estrategias para la protección del L. friderici en la región del Vaupés.

AbstractThe most important fish species of the Vaupes river is known as a Warakú tres puntos (Leporinus friderici), the most representative migratory Characidae from the Vaupés state, Colombia, with a significant importance in food security of indigenous communities. To contribute with the knowledge of its basic biology, we determined the habits and food preferences of Leporinus friderici, during one hydrobiological cycle (March 2014 to May 2015) in the Vaupés river, Colombia. Three sites were sampled, two of them along the Vaupés river (Yacayacá and Santa Cruz communities) and the other one in the Cuduyarí river, tributary of the Vaupés river (Piracemo community). Physical and chemical water parameters from the surface and depth level of the river were determined. Stomach contents from 316 fish were analyzed by frequency of occurrence (FO), gravimetric index, vacuity index (VI) and relative importance index (RII). Vaupés's average depth in ascending water period was of 3.7 ± 0.6 m, during rainy season of 5.9 ± 1.4 m, in descending water period of 4.6 ± 1.3 m and during dry season of 2.4 ± 1.0 m. The higher acidity and turbidity were observed during the ascending water period. The average VI was 14.5 % for the period, but it reached 40 % in descending waters. In general, a FO of plant material was the most frequent (44.4-66.7 %), followed by insects (21.1-33.3 %, secondary diets). The gravimetric indices showed that plant material was the most consumed item, followed by insects, and in almost in equal proportion, invertebrates and animal material. The differences in diet composition confirm the opportunistic nature of this species with a predominance of omnivorous habits. This study can be used as an integral part of the feeding ecology of L. friderici knowledge, in order to develop strategies for its protection in the Vaupés region because of its importance for local communities.

Expresión del síndrome metabólico frente a factores ambientales / Expression of metabolic syndrome against environmental factors / Expressão da síndrome metabólica frente a fatores ambientais

El Síndrome Metabólico (SM) se define como la asociación de alteraciones metabólicas e inflamatorias a nivel molecular, celular o hemodinámico, que pueden presentarse en forma simultánea o secuencial en un mismo individuo. Esto imprime un mayor riesgo de desarrollar diabetes y enfermedades cardiovasculares, teniendo como base la resistencia insulínica. Su diagnóstico se presenta cuando existe obesidad abdominal y dos o más componentes adicionales: triglicéridos elevados, lipoproteína de alta densidad (HDL) baja, alteración en la regulación de la glucemia y presión arterial alta. En este contexto, y dada su relación con los factores ambientales, el objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la relación del SM en poblaciones expuestas a diferentes niveles de contaminación atmosférica, determinando dicha asociación mediante las respuestas obtenidas de una encuesta socioeconómica, de antecedentes de salud, y contrastándolas con análisis sanguíneos. Finalmente, los resultados obtenidos evidencian intercurrencias entre el grado de contaminación atmosférica y el SM.

The metabolic syndrome (MS) is defined as the association of metabolic disorders and inflammatory diseases at molecular, cellular or hemodynamic levels, which may occur simultaneously or sequentially in the same individual. This adds an increased risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease, based on insulin resistance. MS diagnosis is made when there are two or more additional components and abdominal obesity: elevated triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL) low, altered regulation of blood glucose and high blood pressure. In this context, and given its relationship with environmental factors, the objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of MS in populations exposed to different levels of air pollution,determining the association with the responses obtained from a socio-economic survey and health history, and contrasting them with a blood test. Finally, the results show intercurrences between the degree of air pollution and SM.

A síndrome metabólica (SM) é definida como a associação de alterações metabólicas e inflamatórias em nível molecular, celular ou hemodinâmico, que podem ocorrer em forma simultânea ou sequencial num mesmo indivíduo. Isto adiciona um maior risco de desenvolver diabetes e doenças cardiovasculares, tendo como base a resistência à insulina. Seu diagnóstico ocorre quando há obesidade abdominal e dois ou mais componentes adicionais: aumento dos triglicerídeos, lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL) baixa, alteração na regulação da glicemia e pressão arterial elevada. Neste contexto, e devido a sua relação com os fatores ambientais, o objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a relação da SM em populações expostas a diferentes níveis de poluição do ar, determinando tal associação através das respostas obtidasa em um levantamento socioeconômico, histórico de saúde e em contraste com análises de sangue. Por fim, os resultados mostram intercorrências entre o grau de poluição do ar e a SM.

Autotrasplante dental: revisión de la literatura y presentación de dos casos / Autogenous tooth transplantation: a review of the literature and report of two cases

El autotrasplante dental se define como el traslado de un diente de su alveolo a un alveolo post-extracción o alveolo confeccionado quirúrgicamente, en la misma persona. Actualmente siguiendo los criterios de selección adecuados así como una técnica quirúrgica minuciosa puede resultar una alternativa terapéutica ideal en ciertos pacientes. Las tasas de éxito han aumentado con el tiempo alcanzando cifras mayores al90%. En el presente artículo se reportan dos casos de éxito de autotransplantesdentales y se revisan las indicaciones, contraindicaciones y criterios de éxito de los mismos.

Autogenous tooth transplantation is defined as the movement of a tooth from its socket to a post-extraction or surgically created socketin the same individual. Today, by following appropriate selection criteria and a refi ned surgical technique, this procedure can prove tobe an ideal therapeutic alternative in certain patients. Success rateshave increased over time, reaching as high as 90%. In this article, wepresent two cases of successful autogenous tooth transplantation and a review of the indications, contraindications, and success criteria associated with these.

Percepción del riesgo al cambio climático y sus efectos sobre la salud y enfermedades infecciosas en estudiantes universitarios, 2011 Santa Marta-Colombia / Risk perception of climate change and its impact on health and infectious diseases in undergraduate students, 2011 Santa Marta-Colombia

Introducción: La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) ha denominado que el cambio climático es una amenaza para la salud pública, por lo tanto es necesario conocer la percepción del riesgo al cambio climático específicamente en los futuros profesionales de la salud. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó una investigación de tipo cuantitativo descriptiva con muestreo aleatorio estratificado. Se realizaron análisis de Chi2 y regresión logística para identificar los factores asociados a la percepción del riesgo al cambio climático y al aumento de enfermedades infecciosas sensibles al cambio climático en estudiantes universitarios de las ciencias de la salud en la Universidad del Magdalena. Resultados: Por Chi2 se encontró que cerca del 69% de los estudiantes perciben el cambio climático como dañino y entre 50 y 59% de ellos perciben que las enfermedades infecciosas aumentarán como consecuencia del cambio climático. Por regresión logística se observó significancia estadística que los estudiantes que pertenecen al sexto semestre de estudios o semestres superiores tienen 60% más probabilidad de reconocer que pueden enfermarse por el cambio climático, 63% más probabilidad de percibir el cambio climático como dañino, relacionaron 2,2 veces más el aumento de la temperatura global con el aumento de enfermos con fiebre amarilla y dengue, también tienen 58% más posibilidad de relacionar el aumento de los casos. Discusión: Los estudiantes de los diferentes programas de salud que pertenecen al sexto semestre de estudios o superiores percibieron el cambio climático como una amenaza sobre la salud pública y lo asociaron con el aumento de enfermedades infecciosas, de esta manera, se puede considerar que los estudiantes de salud conforme avanzan en los semestres académicos perciben un mayor riesgo del cambio climático como una amenaza sobre la salud pública y un aumento de los enfermos por enfermedades infecciosas sensibles al cambio climático. Conclusiones: Se puede concluir que los estudiantes de ciencias de la salud de la Universidad del Magdalena conforme se encuentran en semestres superiores adquieren una mayor percepción del riesgo del impacto del cambio climático sobre la salud pública y sobre el aumento de las enfermedades infecciosas.

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) has called that climate change is a threat to public health, it is therefore necessary to know the perception of risk to climate change specifically on future health professionals. Materials and Methods: Descriptive quantitative research was undertaken with stratified random sampling. Chi2 analysis and logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with sensitive risk perception of climate change and increased climate change to infectious diseases. Results: By Chi2 was found that about 69% of students perceive climate change as harmful and between 50 and 59% of them perceive that infectious diseases will increase as a result of climate change. By logistic regression statistical significance was observed that students who belong to the sixth semester of study or higher semesters are 60% more likely to recognize that they can get sick from climate change, 63% more likely to perceive climate change as harmful, were associated 2.2 times plus the increase in global temperature to increase in patients with yellow fever and dengue, also have 58% more likely to relate the increase in cases of cholera and malaria, with respect to students belonging to lower semesters. Discussion: Students of different health programs that belong to the sixth semester of study or higher perceived climate change as a threat to public health and associated with increased infectious diseases, thus, can be considered health students as they progress in academic semesters perceive a greater risk of climate change as a threat to public health and an increase in sick for climate-sensitive infectious diseases. Conclusions: It can be concluded that students in health sciences at the University of Magdalena as found in higher semesters acquire a greater perception of risk from the impact of climate change on public health and the increase of infectious diseases.

Improvement of health risk factors after reduction of VOC concentrations in industrial and urban areas.

After reductions of fugitive and diffuse emissions by an industrial complex, a follow-up study was performed to determine the time variability of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the lifetime cancer risk (LCR). Passive samplers (3 M monitors) were placed outdoors (n = 179) and indoors (n = 75) in industrial, urban, and control areas for 4 weeks. Twenty-five compounds including n-alkanes, cycloalkanes, aromatics, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and terpenes were determined by GC/MS. The results show a significant decrease of all VOCs, especially in the industrial area and to a lesser extent in the urban area. The median outdoor concentration of benzene in the industrial area declined compared to the former study, around 85% and about 50% in the urban area, which in the past was strongly influenced by industrial emissions. Other carcinogenic compounds like styrene and tetrachloroethylene were reduced to approximately 60%. VOC concentrations in control areas remained nearly unchanged. According to the determined BTEX ratios and interspecies correlations, in contrast to the previous study, traffic was identified as the main emission source in the urban and control areas and showed an increased influence in the industrial area. The LCR, calculated for benzene, styrene, and tetrachloroethylene, shows a decrease of one order of magnitude in accordance to the decreased total VOC concentrations and is now acceptable according to values proposed by the World Health Organization.