Applicability of the IrisPlex system for eye color prediction in an admixed population from Argentina.

Eye color prediction based on an individual's genetic information is of interest in the field of forensic genetics. In recent years, researchers have studied different genes and markers associated with this externally visible characteristic and have developed methods for its prediction. The IrisPlex represents a validated tool for homogeneous populations, though its applicability in populations of mixed ancestry is limited, mainly regarding the prediction of intermediate eye colors. With the aim of validating the applicability of this system in an admixed population from Argentina (n = 302), we analyzed the six single nucleotide variants used in that multiplex for eye color and four additional SNPs, and evaluated its prediction ability. We also performed a genotype-phenotype association analysis. This system proved to be useful when dealing with the extreme ends of the eye color spectrum (blue and brown) but presented difficulties in determining the intermediate phenotypes (green), which were found in a large proportion of our population. We concluded that these genetic tools should be used with caution in admixed populations and that more studies are required in order to improve the prediction of intermediate phenotypes.

Comparative study of tear lipid composition in two human populations with different exposure to particulate matter in La Plata, Argentina.

To identify the changes in the lipid profile of the tear film in two human populations exposed to different levels of particulate material, and its relationship with dry eye, by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) detection. A panel study involving 78 volunteers, who live and work in two locations in Argentina with different pollution levels: urban zone (n = 44) and industrial zone (n = 34). We measured the mean levels of particulate matter (PM) exposure. The tear samples were analyze by gas GC-MS detection and the dry eye was diagnose using Schirmer test, fluorescein breakup time, vital staining with fluorescein and lissamine green, and lid parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF). Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-Square, Bartlett's, Mann-Whitney tests, and Multiple Correspondence Analysis. PM10 level was significantly higher in industrial zone than in urban area (p < 0.05). Subjects exposed to higher levels of PM10 in outdoor air presented more presence of fatty acids (FA) of long chain, a higher proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA), and lower unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), showing a differentiated profile, which may be associated with a PM level. The incidence of dry eye was greater in the industrial zone (p < 0.001), showing in both populations for this pathology higher FA ω-6 levels, which are responsible for the inflammation process. The lipid profile in populations exposed to higher levels of PM10, like the industrial zone, shows a differentiated profile of FA and more incidence of dry eye with higher FA ω-6 levels, which are responsible for the inflammation process.

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.

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.

Concimiento sobre organización de la estructura de enfermería frente a las reformas del sector salud Hospital Manolo Morales Peralta

Propósito: El Propósito de este estudio es conocer de que manera se organiza actualmente la estructura de enfermería en el marco de las reformas del sector salud. Antecedentes: Los diferentes cambios sociales y económicos que le ha tocado vivir a la sociedad Centroaméricana como consecuencia de la crísis económica, implantación de medidas de ajuste económico han originado la necesidad de una revisión de la forma y de los recursos con que se han venido brindando los servicios de salud a la población. Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud (1994) al examinar la necesidad del personal de enfermería se deberá tomar en cuenta los problemas mundiales actuales. "Esta situación económica y social orientan a reflexionar en la salud como un derecho de los pueblos que contribuye el concepto de equidad reduciendo la brecha social favoreciendo el desarrollo de los países, lo que constituye un reto para el personal de salud donde enfermería juega un papel de mucha trascendencia" (Olivas et al 1996). Las enfermeras constituyen el grupo más importante en número del personal dedicado a la atención en salud. En Nicaragua desde la década de los ochenta el sector salud ha sufrido varias transformaciones en consonancia con las diferentes coyunturas por las que ha transitado el país. Este proceso de cambio del sector salud involucra a enfermería como miembro del equipo de salud y frente a esta situación la estructura de enfermería sufre ajustes periódicos en su organización y trata de responder a las demandas de la población. Como enfermeras debemos considerar la orientación cambiante de la atención de salud en todo el mundo como consecuencia de la nueva tecnología y las exigencias crecientes. Resultados: Basadas en encuestas realizadas a 28 enfermeras(os) del Hospital Manolo Morales los resultados indicaron que existe poco conocimiento de parte del gremio en cuanto a la implementación de la nueva estructura de enfermería frente a las reformas del Ministerio de Salud. Resultados Principales: No existen estudios anteriores que sirvan de base para el desarrollo de este trabajo en relación al conocimiento sobre la organización de la estructura de enfermería en el proceso de reformas del sector salud. Este estudio señala que las enfermeras opinan que la actual estructura es adecuada y que responderá ante las demandas de la implementación de las reformas...