Snakebites epidemiology in Mexico: a 13-year ecological analysis.

BACKGROUND: Globally, snakebites have a significant impact on public health and represent substantial costs for health services. Their severity is particularly relevant in developing countries due to the lack of resources and accessibility to health facilities. Additionally, the number of cases may be underestimated, highlighting the urgent need for improved prevention measures. METHODS: An observational ecological study was undertaken using the records identified with X200-X209 codes registered in the Ministry of Health injuries database during 2010-2022. Variables included information related to the patient, the snakebite and the healthcare provided. Statistical analysis was carried out with STATA 16 and Microsoft Excel 2020. RESULTS: A total of 10 420 snakebites were registered. The average number of cases per year was 788 (IQR 615, 875) and 82.74% occurred during the rainy season. The median age was 35 (IQR 19, 52) y and early adulthood was the most affected age group; bites were most common on the hand and in the living place. The Eastern region of Mexico registered the highest number of cases, with 3496 (33.71%) of snakebites. The lethality rate was 18.23 per 10 000. CONCLUSIONS: Snakebites are a significant health problem in Mexico. Most injuries occur among men in early adulthood, in households and in the upper extremities.

Efectos de la exposición pasiva al aerosol de los cigarrillos electrónicos: una revisión de tema / Effects of passive exposure to aerosol from electronic cigarettes: a review

Resumen Los cigarrillos electrónicos sustituyeron el tabaco del cigarrillo convencional por un e-liquid compuesto por varios compuestos orgánicos; estos entraron al mercado sin mayores pruebas toxicológicas preclínicas o ensayos de seguridad a nivel mundial, generando un gran número de personas expuestas al aerosol de segunda mano, en quienes los posibles riesgos aún no han sido dilucidados. El objetivo de esta revisión es identificar los riesgos para la salud de personas expuestas al aerosol de segunda mano de cigarrillos electrónicos. La búsqueda bibliográfica realizó una revisión en las bases de datos PubMed, Scielo y EBSCO, incluyendo estudios realizados en humanos, animales e in vitro. Los principales hallazgos fueron exacerbaciones de asma, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, efectos proinflamatorios, estrés oxidativo y ansiedad. La evidencia encontró efectos adversos en personas expuestas al aerosol de segunda mano del cigarrillo electrónico; se destacan exacerbaciones de asma, neumonitis por hipersensibilidad, inflamación y estrés oxidativo.

Abstract Electronic cigarettes replaced the tobacco leaf in conventional cigarettes with an e-liquid composed of multiple organic compounds; these entered the market without major preclinical toxicological tests or safety trials worldwide. Generating a large number of people exposed to second-hand aerosol, to whom the possible risks have not yet been elucidated. The objective of this review was to identify the health risks of people exposed to second-hand aerosol from electronic cigarettes. The review was carried out using PubMed, Scielo and EBSCO databases, including studies carried out in humans, animals and invitro. The main findings were exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pro-inflammatory effects, oxidative stress and anxiety. Evidence found adverse effects in people exposed to second-hand aerosol from electronic cigarettes; highlighting exacerbations of asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, inflammation and oxidative stress.

Dysbaric osteonecrosis (DON) among the artisanal diving fishermen of Yucatán, Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Artisanal diving fishermen in Yucatán, Mexico have high rates of decompression sickness as a result of frequently unsafe diving practices with surface supplied compressed air. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of dysbaric osteonecrosis (DON), a type of avascular necrosis, in the most susceptible joints in a cohort of these fishermen. METHODS: We performed radiographs of bilateral shoulders, hips, and knees of 39 fishermen in Mexico and surveyed them about their medical and diving histories. We performed pairwise correlations to examine if the fishermen's diving behaviours affected the numbers of joints with DON. RESULTS: The radiographs revealed Grade II or higher DON in 30/39 (76.9%) of the fishermen. Twenty-two of 39 fishermen (56.4%) had at least two affected joints. The number of joints with DON positively correlates with the lifetime maximum diving depth and average bottom time. CONCLUSIONS: These findings represent among the highest prevalence rates of DON in divers and reflect the wide-spread scale of decompression sickness among these fishermen. Through this work, we hope to further educate the fishermen on the sequelae of their diving with the aim of improving their diving safety.

Undergraduate medical students. Simulation-based activity to conduct the informed consent process for health research studies / Desempeño de los estudiantes de pregrado de medicina en una actividad basada en simulación para el proceso de consentimiento informado en investigación en salud

INTRODUCTION: Training through medical simulation allows for continuous learning under controlled conditions. Simulation-based training activities can be used simultaneously with other educational strategies to strengthen the attitudinal skills needed to develop an informed consent process in the context of health research. OBJECTIVE: To facilitate learning in undergraduate medicine students, and to evaluate their competences to carry out an informed consent process in a scenario that resembles reality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this semi-longitudinal study, a simulation-based activity was conducted with 136 medical students of the fourth (Group A) and fifth year (Group B) of the Marist University of Mérida, in southern Mexico. RESULTS: The mean score for both groups was 72.48 ± 1.05 (95% CI = 70.4-74.5); 86.2 ± 0.96 (95% CI = 84.2-88.0); and 77.7 ± 0.72 (95% CI = 76.3-79.1), in the pre-test, the simulation and the post-test, respectively. The students of group A self-evaluated their performance with 3.93/5.00, and those of Group B, 4.04/5.00. DISCUSSION: This study showed that Group A students did not score lower on simulation-based activity when compared to students in Group B, suggesting that before the fifth year of undergraduate medical education, students could properly develop an informed consent-process for health research if they receive early education about medical ethics and research bioethics. Issues related to bioethics in human health research can be included as soon as medical students initiate research methodology courses

INTRODUCCIÓN: La capacitación mediante la simulación médica permite un aprendizaje continuo bajo condiciones controladas. Las actividades de capacitación basadas en simulación se pueden utilizar simultáneamente con otras estrategias educativas para fortalecer las habilidades actitudinales que se necesitan para desarrollar un proceso de consentimiento informado en el contexto de la investigación en salud. OBJETIVO: Facilitar un aprendizaje en estudiantes de medicina de pregrado y evaluar sus competencias para llevar a cabo un proceso de consentimiento informado en un escenario que semeje la realidad. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: En este estudio semilongitudinal desarrollamos una actividad basada en simulación con 136 estudiantes de medicina de cuarto (grupo A) y quinto año (grupo B) de la Universidad Marista de Mérida, al sur de México. RESULTADOS: El puntaje promedio para ambos grupos fue 72,48 ± 1,05 (IC 95% = 70,4-74,5); 86,2 ± 0,96 (IC 95% = 84,2-88,0), y 77,7 ± 0 72 (IC 95% = 76,3-79,1) en el pre-test, la simulación y el pos-test, respectivamente. Los estudiantes del grupo A se autoevaluaron con 3,93/5,00 y los del grupo B, 4,04/5,00. DISCUSIÓN: Nuestro estudio mostró que los estudiantes del grupo A no tenían puntajes más bajos en la actividad basada en simulación al compararlos con los estudiantes en el grupo B, sugiriendo que antes del quinto año de educación médica de pregrado los estudiantes podrían desarrollar adecuadamente un proceso de consentimiento siempre que reciban educación temprana sobre ética médica y bioética de investigación. Los temas relacionados con la bioética en la investigación en salud humana pueden incluirse tan pronto como los estudiantes de medicina inician los cursos de metodología de la investigación

Dysbaric osteonecrosis associated with decompression sickness in a fishing diver

Diving as a method of fishing is used worldwide in small-scale fisheries. However, one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality among fishermen is decompression sickness (DCS). We report the case of a 46-year-old male fisherman diver who presented with chronic inguinal pain that radiated to the lower left limb. Living and working in a fishing port in Yucatan, he had a prior history of DCS. A diagnosis of avascular necrosis in the left femoral head secondary to DCS was made via analysis of clinical and radiological findings. The necrosis was surgically resolved by a total hip arthroplasty. Dysbaric osteonecrosis is a more probable diagnosis. In this region fishermen undergo significant decompression stress in their daily fishing efforts. Further studies regarding prevalence of dysbaric osteonecrosis among small-scale fisheries divers are needed. In a community where DCS is endemic and has become an epidemic, as of late, the perception of this health risk remains low. Furthermore, training and decompression technique are lacking among the fishing communities.

The cost of decompression illness: the case of lobster and sea cucumber fishery in Yucatan, Mexico.

Diving fisheries are an important source of income and protein for many coastal communities around the world. However, these fisheries are also the cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries. The aim of this study is to estimate the costs of decompression sickness (DCS) in the diving small-scale fisheries that target benthic resources in the Yucatan, Mexico. The DCS cases that occurred during three fishing seasons for sea cucumber (Isostichopus badionotus) and one for spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) were used to calculate the direct medical costs. The catch data during the same fishing seasons were used to calculate the potential losses caused by disability as indirect costs. In the three years (from 2013 to 2016) the total number of fishermen treated in the region numbered 282; 116 during lobster fishing and 166 during sea cucumber season. The direct medical costs were estimated to be USD $120,269; the temporary loss of income in USD $724,377; and the permanent loss of income was USD $737,053. Considering the direct and indirect costs, the social costs of diving in both small-scale fisheries was USD $1,614,121. This is a first approach to estimate the cost of the use of diving in fisheries for the health services but for the fishing communities as well. Furthermore, this is an important first step on the road to a full economic evaluation of the benthic fisheries in order to improve their management.

Body mass index in association with decompression sickness events: cross-sectional study among small-scale fishermen-divers in southeast Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Decompression sickness is endemic to small-scale fishermen-divers from coastal communities in southeast Mexico; overweight and obesity are also highly prevalent in the region. Existing literature suggests it is possible that fat tissue could play a role in decompression sickness pathophysiology. Our aim in this study is to describe the association between the number and severity of DCS events treated at the hyperbaric program and fishermen-diver body mass index. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we obtained anthropometric measurements of 105 fishermen-divers and reviewed clinical records of each participant at a hyperbaric program. RESULTS: Average BMI among participants was 34.5 ± 4.7, while 9.5% (n=10) were healthy-weighted, 28.6% (n=30) were overweight and 42.8% (n=65) were obese. Number of DCS events per diver was associated with BMI and severity of DCS in linear regression models. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obesity are highly preventable health problems; our results suggest that an association between these conditions and the frequency and the severity of DCS are an important topic to be further considered in longitudinal prospective studies.

Risk perception in small-scale fishers and hyperbaric personnel: A risk assessment of hookah diving.

Hookah diving is a fishing method used in many small-scale fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, as well as in many coastal fisheries around the world. Many high-value species like sea cucumber and spiny lobster, among others, are harvested via hookah diving. However, the fishing method presents a risk for both decompression illness and carbon monoxide poisoning, both causes of disabilities and death among small-scale fishers, and with significant negative impacts on the social and economic status of households and coastal communities. Currently, there is a misunderstanding among fishers concerning diving risks. Using a mixed-method analysis, this study reports the risk perceptions of small-scale fishers and hyperbaric personnel about hookah diving, and the actual diving accidents which occur in the spiny lobster and sea cucumber fisheries in the Yucatán northeastern ports. The study highlights the need for appropriate fishing technologies and increased awareness among fishers about the consequences of hookah diving. Fishery managers and health services can make priority decisions based on the information generated.

Understanding dive behavior of artisanal fishermen divers of the Yucatán Peninsula.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: Artisanal fishermen dive for sustenance. The lifetime prevalence of decompression sickness (DCS) in this population is alarmingly high. We wanted to understand the level of decompression stress fishermen in this region of the Yucatán experience in their daily fishing effort. We used a mathematical model to quantify nitrogen-loading in a nine-tissue compartment model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Approved by the UCLA IRB 2 #13-000532, this study was conducted during fishing seasons 2012 through 2017. Diving fishermen were instructed to attach dive recorders to their waists every fishing day during the study period. Sensus Ultra dive recorders (ReefNet Inc.), with an accuracy of ±1 foot of seawater (fsw), 0.304 meters, and an activation depth of 10 fsw, 3.04 meters, were used to record dive parameters. Sampling interval was set to 10 seconds. A program in RStudio was created to extract the dive profiles of each fishing day and curtail into single-line outputs: pressure, time, date, start of dive and end of dive. An exponential decay formula was used to calculate the nitrogen-loading pressures for nine theoretical tissue compartments. Final nitrogen pressure, controlling compartments, decompression stop and time at stop were calculated. RESULTS: Fishermen completed 4,961 dives over 1,758 diving days during the study period. The 40-minute compartment controlled most of the dives. The 80-minute compartment controlled 5%-20% of dives two through five. Decompression stop times for the last dive ranged from one minute to 190 minutes. Most of the required stop time observed was seen at depths of 1-15 fsw.

Spinal decompression sickness in an artisanal diving fisherman in Yucatán, Mexico: a case report.

Artisanal fishermen around the world employ scuba and surface-supplied diving for their livelihoods and often undergo provocative dive profiles due to economic pressures. Consequently, rates of decompression sickness (DCS) are much greater than in recreational scuba divers. Here we present the case of a surface-supplied diving fisherman from the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, who suffered a significant episode of spinal DCS and underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments, with a favorable outcome. Additionally, we review the proposed mechanisms underlying spinal DCS.

Decompression sickness among diving fishermen in Mexico: observational retrospective analysis of DCS in three sea cucumber fishing seasons.

The probabilities of decompression sickness (DCS) among diving fishermen are higher than in any other group of divers. Diving behavior of artisanal fishermen has been directed mainly to target high-value species. The aim of this study was to learn about the occurrence of DCS derived from sea cucumber harvesting in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. We conducted a retrospective chart review of diving fishermen treated at a multiplace hyperbaric chamber in Tizimín, Mexico. In total, 233 recompression therapies were rendered to 166 diving fishermen from 2014 to 2016. The average age was 36.7 ± 9.2 years (range: 20-59 years); 84.3% had experienced at least one DCS event previously. There was a correlation between age and DCS incidents (F: 8.3; R2: 0.07) and differences in the fishing depth between seasons (H: 9.99; p⟨0.05). Musculoskeletal pain was the most frequently reported symptom. Three divers, respectively, suffered permanent hearing loss, spinal cord injury and fatal outcome. Diving fishermen experience DCS at an alarmingly high rate, probably due to the type of species targeted, given the requirements in each case. Understanding divers' behaviors and their incentives while in pursuit of high-value species such as sea cucumber could help to find ways to mitigate health risks and help enforce regulation.

Fatal cardiopulmonary decompression sickness in an untrained fisherman diver in Yucatán, Mexico: a clinical case report.

INTRODUCTION: In Yucatán, Mexico, during the sea cucumber season fishermen dive intensely to obtain good catches but are often at risk of decompression sickness (DCS). We present a single case fatality. OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the clinical course, medical assessment and recompression treatment plan of an untrained fisherman. CASE REPORT: A 35-year-old male ascended rapidly using compressed-air diving. Before reaching the coast, he reported dizziness, shortness of breath, and pain in the abdomen and legs. Three hours later, when symptoms worsened, he went to the hospital. He was admitted with increased osteotendinous reflexes and cutis marmorata in the abdomen. The patient was diagnosed with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and Type I DCS, receiving the U.S. Navy Treatment Table 5 (USN TT5). Before completing his treatment at depth, he developed myocardial infarction and died. The death certificate indicated Type I DCS, thrombotic pulmonary embolism and cardiac arrest. DISCUSSION: Upon reviewing his medical records, we uncovered no evidence to support the diagnosis of CO poisoning and thrombotic pulmonary embolism. The clinical presentation seems to be compatible with a serious decompression insult, not a Type I hit. Based on the information gathered, it seems likely that the patient died as a result of cardiopulmonary DCS. This case report suggests a need to provide fishermen divers in this region with formal dive training. There also seems to be a need to improve medical education for physicians who work at hyperbaric programs, and to ensure that sufficient and qualified staff is present to supervise patients inside the chambers.

Perfil clinicoepidemiológico de la infección por Chikungunya en casos hospitalarios atendidos en 2015 en Mérida, México / Clinical and epidemiological profile of chikungunya infection in hospital patients in 2015 in Mérida, Mexico / Perfil clínico-epidemiológico da infecção por chikungunya em casos hospitalares atendidos em 2015 em Mérida, México

Objetivos. Describir el perfil epidemiológico y analizar las manifestaciones clínicas por grupo de edad de los casos de chikungunya atendidos en 2015 en un hospital general de Mérida, México. Métodos. Estudio observacional en el cual se describen los casos de Chikungunya registrados por el Departamento de Vigilancia Epidemiológica entre julio y diciembre de 2015 y análisis de las manifestaciones clínicas por grupo de edad. La asociación entre los signos y síntomas y el ingreso hospitalario se analizó mediante un modelo de regresión logística. Resultados. En total se atendieron 830 casos diagnosticados de Chikungunya. La media de edad fue 27,4 ± 17,05 años y la razón de sexos, 1:1,4. Los casos procedieron en su mayoría del medio urbano (n = 592, 87%) y, en particular, de la ciudad capital. En 723 (90%) casos se notificó haber tenido contacto con el vector artrópodo en el peridomicilio. Las alteraciones musculares y articulares fueron más frecuentes en los grupos de mayor edad, mientras que el exantema lo fue entre los más jóvenes. Las manifestaciones de gravedad neurológicas y no neurológicas no tuvieron predominio por edad. Conclusiones. Los casos de Chikungunya atendidos fueron mayormente cuadros benignos autolimitados, mientras que las manifestaciones neurológicas como letargia, vómitos persistentes, hemorragia, fotofobia y cefalea intensa fueron predictores de la gravedad y su identificación oportuna en los menores de un año de edad fue posible mediante la vigilancia estrecha.

Objectives. Describe the epidemiological profile and analyze clinical manifestations by age group in chikungunya patients treated in 2015 in a Mérida, Mexico general hospital. Methods. An observational study describing chikungunya cases recorded by the Department of Epidemiological Surveillance from July to December 2015 and analyzing clinical manifestations by age group. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between signs and symptoms and hospital admission. Results. A total of 830 diagnosed chikungunya cases were treated. Average age was 27.4 ± 17.05 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1:1.4. Most patients came from urban areas (n = 592, 87%) and, in particular, the capital city. Contact with the arthropod vector in the peridomiciliary area was reported in 723 (90%) cases. Muscular and joint impairments were more frequent in the older groups, while rash was more frequent in younger groups. Neurological and non-neurological manifestations of severity did not show greater prevalence in any one age group. Conclusions. Chikungunya patients had primarily self-limited benign cases, while neurological manifestations such as lethargy, persistent vomiting, hemorrhage, photophobia, and intense headache were predictive of severity and their timely identification in children under 1 year of age was possible through close monitoring.

Objetivos. Descrever o perfil epidemiológico e analisar as manifestações clínicas por faixa etária dos casos de chikungunya atendidos em 2015 em um hospital geral de Mérida, México. Métodos. Estudo observacional em que são descritos os casos de chikungunya registrados pelo departamento de vigilância epidemiológica entre julho e dezembro de 2015 e é feita uma análise das manifestações clínicas por faixa etária. A associação entre os sinais e sintomas e a admissão hospitalar foi analisada em um modelo de regressão logística. Resultados. Ao todo, foram atendidos 830 casos diagnosticados de chikungunya. A idade média foi 27,4 ± 17,05 anos e a proporção entre os sexos foi de 1:1,4. Os casos foram procedentes na sua maioria da zona urbana (n = 592, 87%) e, em particular, da capital. Em 723 casos (90%) foi notificado o contato peridomiciliar com o vetor artrópode. Manifestações musculares e articulares foram mais frequentes nas faixas etárias avançadas, enquanto que o exantema foi mais comum em jovens. As manifestações neurológicas e não neurológicas graves não apresentaram predomínio por idade. Conclusões. Os casos de chikungunya atendidos foram na sua maioria quadros benignos autolimitados, enquanto que as manifestações neurológicas como letargia, vômitos persistentes, hemorragia, fotofobia e cefaleia intensa foram preditivas da gravidade da doença e a identificação oportuna em crianças menores de 1 ano foi possível com a vigilância rigorosa.

[Clinical and epidemiological profile of chikungunya infection in hospital patients in 2015 in Mérida, MexicoPerfil clÍnico-epidemiológico da infecção por chikungunya em casos hospitalares atendidos em 2015 em Mérida, México]. / Perfil clinicoepidemiológico de la infección por Chikungunya en casos hospitalarios atendidos en 2015 en Mérida, México.

OBJECTIVES: Describe the epidemiological profile and analyze clinical manifestations by age group in chikungunya patients treated in 2015 in a Mérida, Mexico general hospital. METHODS: An observational study describing chikungunya cases recorded by the Department of Epidemiological Surveillance from July to December 2015 and analyzing clinical manifestations by age group. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between signs and symptoms and hospital admission. RESULTS: A total of 830 diagnosed chikungunya cases were treated. Average age was 27.4 ± 17.05 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1:1.4. Most patients came from urban areas (n = 592, 87%) and, in particular, the capital city. Contact with the arthropod vector in the peridomiciliary area was reported in 723 (90%) cases. Muscular and joint impairments were more frequent in the older groups, while rash was more frequent in younger groups. Neurological and non-neurological manifestations of severity did not show greater prevalence in any one age group. CONCLUSIONS: Chikungunya patients had primarily self-limited benign cases, while neurological manifestations such as lethargy, persistent vomiting, hemorrhage, photophobia, and intense headache were predictive of severity and their timely identification in children under 1 year of age was possible through close monitoring.

OBJETIVOS: Descrever o perfil epidemiológico e analisar as manifestações clínicas por faixa etária dos casos de chikungunya atendidos em 2015 em um hospital geral de Mérida, México. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional em que são descritos os casos de chikungunya registrados pelo departamento de vigilância epidemiológica entre julho e dezembro de 2015 e é feita uma análise das manifestações clínicas por faixa etária. A associação entre os sinais e sintomas e a admissão hospitalar foi analisada em um modelo de regressão logística. RESULTADOS: Ao todo, foram atendidos 830 casos diagnosticados de chikungunya. A idade média foi 27,4 ± 17,05 anos e a proporção entre os sexos foi de 1:1,4. Os casos foram procedentes na sua maioria da zona urbana (n = 592, 87%) e, em particular, da capital. Em 723 casos (90%) foi notificado o contato peridomiciliar com o vetor artrópode. Manifestações musculares e articulares foram mais frequentes nas faixas etárias avançadas, enquanto que o exantema foi mais comum em jovens. As manifestações neurológicas e não neurológicas graves não apresentaram predomínio por idade. CONCLUSÕES: Os casos de chikungunya atendidos foram na sua maioria quadros benignos autolimitados, enquanto que as manifestações neurológicas como letargia, vômitos persistentes, hemorragia, fotofobia e cefaleia intensa foram preditivas da gravidade da doença e a identificação oportuna em crianças menores de 1 ano foi possível com a vigilância rigorosa.

Perfil clinicoepidemiológico de la infección por Chikungunya en casos hospitalarios atendidos en 2015 en Mérida, México / Perfil clínico-epidemiológico da infecção por chikungunya em casos hospitalares atendidos em 2015 em Mérida, México / Clinical and epidemiological profile of chikungunya infection in hospital patients in 2015 in Mérida, Mexico

RESUMEN Objetivos Describir el perfil epidemiológico y analizar las manifestaciones clínicas por grupo de edad de los casos de chikungunya atendidos en 2015 en un hospital general de Mérida, México. Métodos Estudio observacional en el cual se describen los casos de Chikungunya registrados por el Departamento de Vigilancia Epidemiológica entre julio y diciembre de 2015 y análisis de las manifestaciones clínicas por grupo de edad. La asociación entre los signos y síntomas y el ingreso hospitalario se analizó mediante un modelo de regresión logística. Resultados En total se atendieron 830 casos diagnosticados de Chikungunya. La media de edad fue 27,4 ± 17,05 años y la razón de sexos, 1:1,4. Los casos procedieron en su mayoría del medio urbano (n = 592, 87%) y, en particular, de la ciudad capital. En 723 (90%) casos se notificó haber tenido contacto con el vector artrópodo en el peridomicilio. Las alteraciones musculares y articulares fueron más frecuentes en los grupos de mayor edad, mientras que el exantema lo fue entre los más jóvenes. Las manifestaciones de gravedad neurológicas y no neurológicas no tuvieron predominio por edad. Conclusiones Los casos de Chikungunya atendidos fueron mayormente cuadros benignos autolimitados, mientras que las manifestaciones neurológicas como letargia, vómitos persistentes, hemorragia, fotofobia y cefalea intensa fueron predictores de la gravedad y su identificación oportuna en los menores de un año de edad fue posible mediante la vigilancia estrecha.

RESUMO Objetivos Descrever o perfil epidemiológico e analisar as manifestações clínicas por faixa etária dos casos de chikungunya atendidos em 2015 em um hospital geral de Mérida, México. Métodos Estudo observacional em que são descritos os casos de chikungunya registrados pelo departamento de vigilância epidemiológica entre julho e dezembro de 2015 e é feita uma análise das manifestações clínicas por faixa etária. A associação entre os sinais e sintomas e a admissão hospitalar foi analisada em um modelo de regressão logística. Resultados Ao todo, foram atendidos 830 casos diagnosticados de chikungunya. A idade média foi 27,4 ± 17,05 anos e a proporção entre os sexos foi de 1:1,4. Os casos foram procedentes na sua maioria da zona urbana (n = 592, 87%) e, em particular, da capital. Em 723 casos (90%) foi notificado o contato peridomiciliar com o vetor artrópode. Manifestações musculares e articulares foram mais frequentes nas faixas etárias avançadas, enquanto que o exantema foi mais comum em jovens. As manifestações neurológicas e não neurológicas graves não apresentaram predomínio por idade. Conclusões Os casos de chikungunya atendidos foram na sua maioria quadros benignos autolimitados, enquanto que as manifestações neurológicas como letargia, vômitos persistentes, hemorragia, fotofobia e cefaleia intensa foram preditivas da gravidade da doença e a identificação oportuna em crianças menores de 1 ano foi possível com a vigilância rigorosa.

Objectives Describe the epidemiological profile and analyze clinical manifestations by age group in chikungunya patients treated in 2015 in a Mérida, Mexico general hospital. Methods An observational study describing chikungunya cases recorded by the Department of Epidemiological Surveillance from July to December 2015 and analyzing clinical manifestations by age group. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between signs and symptoms and hospital admission. Results A total of 830 diagnosed chikungunya cases were treated. Average age was 27.4 ± 17.05 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1:1.4. Most patients came from urban areas (n = 592, 87%) and, in particular, the capital city. Contact with the arthropod vector in the peridomiciliary area was reported in 723 (90%) cases. Muscular and joint impairments were more frequent in the older groups, while rash was more frequent in younger groups. Neurological and non-neurological manifestations of severity did not show greater prevalence in any one age group. Conclusions Chikungunya patients had primarily self-limited benign cases, while neurological manifestations such as lethargy, persistent vomiting, hemorrhage, photophobia, and intense headache were predictive of severity and their timely identification in children under 1 year of age was possible through close monitoring.

Decreasing carbon monoxide in the diving air of artisanal fishermen in the Yucatán peninsula by separation of engine exhaust from compressor intake.

Artisanal fishermen in the Yucatán Peninsula utilize hookah dive systems (HDS). The air compressors in these HDS are not filtered, and the intake is near the engine exhaust. This proximity allows carbon monoxide (CO) from the exhaust to directly enter the HDS volume tank and contaminate the fishermen diver's air supply. Conservative safety standards permit a diver's air supply to contain 10 parts per million (ppm) of CO. This study quantified the levels of CO in the diver's air supply both before and after physical separation of the engine exhaust from the compressor intake. CO levels in seven volume tanks were analyzed before and after a 1-inch hose was attached to the compressor intake and elevated 5 feet above the engine exhaust. The tanks were drained and refilled before collecting each set of pre- and post-intervention gas samples. Four CO measurements were collected before and after the intervention from each volume tank. A C-Squared© CO Analyzer (± 1 ppm), calibrated with a Praxair 70 ppm CON2 gas (± 5%), was used to analyze the gas samples. A paired samples t-test shows a statistically significant difference in average CO values before and after the intervention (t = 6.8674, df: 27; p⟨0.0001). The physical separation of the engine exhaust from the compressor intake reduced the CO contamination of the diver air supply by 72%. This intervention could be applied to the hookah systems in the rest of the fishing cooperative to reduce the divers' risk of CO poisoning.

Diving behavior and fishing performance: the case of lobster artisanal fishermen of the Yucatan coast, Mexico.

An average of 209 cases of decompression sickness (DCS) have been reported every year among artisanal fishermen. divers of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. DCS is a major problem among fishermen divers worldwide. This paper explores how diving behavior and fishing techniques among fishermen relate to the probability of experiencing DCS (Pdcs). Fieldwork was conducted in two communities during the 2012-2013 fishing season. Fishermen were classified into three groups (two per group) according to their fishing performance and followed during their journeys. Dive profiles were recorded using Sensus Ultra dive recorders (Reefet Inc.). Surveys were used to record fishing yields from cooperative and individual fishermen along with fishing techniques and dive behavior. 120 dives were recorded. Fishermen averaged three dives/day, with an average depth of 47 ± 2 feet of sea water (fsw) and an average total bottom time (TBT) of 95 ± 11 minutes. 24% of dives exceeded the 2008 U.S. Navy no-decompression limit. The average ascent rate was 20 fsw/minute, and 5% of those exceeded 40 fsw/minute. Inadequate decompression was observed in all fishermen. Fishermen are diving outside the safety limits of both military and recreational standards. Fishing techniques and dive behavior were important factors in Pdcs. Fishermen were reluctant to seek treatment, and symptoms were relieved with analgesics.