[The use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors pesticides in eleven local health institutions, Colombia, 2002-2005]. / Uso de plaguicidas inhibidores de acetilcolinesterasa en once entidades territoriales de salud en Colombia, 2002-2005.

INTRODUCTION: Due to the importance of acetylcholinesterase inhibiting chemicals as pesticides in developing countries, the Instituto Nacional de Salud in Colombia designed the organophosphate and carbamate epidemiological surveillance program for the period 2002-2005. OBJECTIVE: The acetylcholinesterase activity was determined in study participants with a history of organophosphate and carbamate exposure and the most commonly used pesticides were identified in each study area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The information was compiled from reports sent to the Instituto Nacional de Salud organophosphate and carbamate epidemiological surveillance program from each of 11 provinces in Colombia. The analytical determination of the biomarker was performed by acetylcholinestare activity determined with the Lovibond field equipment. RESULTS: A total of 28,303 people were designated as having risk of exposure to pesticides. Most were men (81.4%). Abnormal determinations averaged 9.3% (9.9% in men and 7.0% in women). The 18-25 year old age group showed the highest prevalence of abnormal results (12.3%), followed by the group of 0-5 year olds (10.7%). The highest prevalence of abnormal acetylcholinesterase activity was in farm workers (27.0%), followed by general outdoor activities (26.1%). In the province of Meta, 80% of participants showed abnormal values of enzyme activity. The most commonly used pesticides were organophosphates (39.7%) and carbamates (16.6%). CONCLUSION: The increase in the prevalence of abnormal values of acetylcholinesterase activity and the risk of exposure to pesticides in children necessitates a lowering of use and commercialization of high risk pesticides, and a need for developing safer methods for pest management.

Estudio de caracterización de la calidad microbiológica yfisicoquímica del agua utilizada en la industria de alimentos,Colombia, 2007 / Microbiological and chemical quality of water used in Colombian food industries

Introducción. La inocuidad alimentaria ha sido reconocida mundialmente como una función esencial en salud pública. Una de las primeras causas de muerte en los países en desarrollo son las enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos, que afectan millones de personas en el mundo. El presente estudio fue realizado dentro del marco de un convenio interadministrativo planteado en Colombia para mejorar el estatus sanitario de la producción agroalimentaria del país. Objetivo. Evaluar la calidad higiénico-sanitaria del agua utilizada en una muestra aleatoria de productos de industrias colombianas de alimentos. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo transversal. Incluyó 66 industrias localizadas en ocho departamentos y en el Distrito Capital. Se hicieron determinaciones analíticas de trece parámetros fisicoquímicos, tres parámetros microbiológicos, plaguicidas organofosforados y carbamatos, y diez tipos de metales. Resultados. La actividad económica de la mitad de las industrias provenía de la leche y sus derivados, y la otra mitad de productos cárnicos. Según las normas vigentes para el agua de consumo humano, el índice de riesgo de la calidad del agua fue alto en 4,5% de las industrias alimentarias, medio en 34,8%, bajo en 16,7%, y sin riesgo en 43,9%. Los parámetros con mayor número de muestras fuera de la norma fueron los microbiológicos (21,2%) y el cloro residual (28,8%). Conclusión. Aunque es un estudio preliminar, los resultados indican que el agua utilizada en la mayoría de las industrias participantes puede producir deterioro de los alimentos y ser una vía de transmisión de microorganismos patógenos; por lo tanto, es importante organizar un programa continuo de seguimiento y control.

Introduction. Food safety is a public health concern that is recognized worldwide. Food-borne diseases affect millions of people throughout the world, although mainly in developing countries. The current study was performed within the framework of an inter-administrative agreement in Colombia that considers decisions for improving the sanitary status of products from the agrofood industry in Colombia. Objective. Water used in Colombian food industries was assessed for its hygienic and sanitary qualities.Materials and methods. The descriptive cross sectional study included 66 industries located in eight geographic provinces across Colombia, including the Capital District of Bogotá. The analytical determinations included 13 physical-chemical parameters, three bacteriological parameters, organophosphate and carbamate levels and presence of 10 metals. Half of the industries were associated with production of dairy products and the other half with the meat-packing industry. Results. Using the the current standards for human drinking water, the risk index of the food industry water samples was high for 4.5% of these industries, moderate risk for 34.8%, low risk for 16.7% and for 43.9%, no risk. The parameters with the highest number of samples not in compliance with water health standards were microbiological (21.2%) and residual chlorine (28.8%). Conclusions. The results showed that the water used in most food industries can produce food spoilage and transmission of pathogen microorganisms. Importance is stressed for organizing a constant program of monitoring and control of water usage in food industries.

[Microbiological and chemical quality of water used in Colombian food industries]. / Estudio de caracterización de la calidad microbiológica y fisicoquímica del agua utilizada en la industria de alimentos, Colombia, 2007.

INTRODUCTION: Food safety is a public health concern that is recognized worldwide. Food-borne diseases affect millions of people throughout the world, although mainly in developing countries. The current study was performed within the framework of an inter-administrative agreement in Colombia that considers decisions for improving the sanitary status of products from the agrofood industry in Colombia. OBJECTIVE: Water used in Colombian food industries was assessed for its hygienic and sanitary qualities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The descriptive cross sectional study included 66 industries located in eight geographic provinces across Colombia, including the Capital District of Bogotá. The analytical determinations included 13 physical-chemical parameters, three bacteriological parameters, organophosphate and carbamate levels and presence of 10 metals. Half of the industries were associated with production of dairy products and the other half with the meat-packing industry. RESULTS: Using the the current standards for human drinking water, the risk index of the food industry water samples was high for 4.5% of these industries, moderate risk for 34.8%, low risk for 16.7% and for 43.9%, no risk. The parameters with the highest number of samples not in compliance with water health standards were microbiological (21.2%) and residual chlorine (28.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the water used in most food industries can produce food spoilage and transmission of pathogen microorganisms. Importance is stressed for organizing a constant program of monitoring and control of water usage in food industries.

Papel de la galactografía en el manejo de pacientes con secreción por el pezón: comparación con citología

Se realizó galactografía y citología en 30 pacientes con secreción espontánea por el pezón. La secreción hemática fue la mas frecuente (43,3 por ciento). Los cambios fibroquísticos fueron la causa mas común de telorrea diagnosticada por los dos métodos (60 por ciento por galactografía y 56,7 por ciento por citología), los cuales coinciden para el diagnóstico de papiloma en el 50 por ciento de los casos y en el 70,6 por ciento para el diagnóstico de patología benigna no tumoral. La galactografía sigue siendo el método de elección para la evaluación de las pacientes con secreción hemática, reservandose la citología como un exámen complementario