Spatio-temporal trends of mercury levels in alluvial gold mining spoils areas monitored between rainy and dry seasons in the Peruvian Amazon.

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in the Amazon has degraded tropical forests and escalated mercury (Hg) pollution, affecting biodiversity, ecological processes and rural livelihoods. In the Peruvian Amazon, ASGM annually releases some 181 tons of Hg into the environment. Despite some recent advances in understanding the spatial distribution of Hg within gold mine spoils and the surrounding landscape, temporal dynamics in Hg movement are not well understood. We aimed to reveal spatio-temporal trends of soil Hg in areas degraded by ASGM.,. We analyzed soil and sediment samples during the dry and rainy seasons across 14 ha of potentially contaminated sites and natural forests, in the vicinities of the Native community of San Jacinto in Madre de Dios, Peru. Soil Hg levels of areas impacted by ASGM (0.02 ± 0.02 mg kg-1) were generally below soil environmental quality standards (6.60 mg kg-1). However, they showed high variability, mainly explained by the type of natural cover vegetation, soil organic matter (SOM), clay and sand particles. Temporal trends in Hg levels in soils between seasons differed between landscape units distinguished in the mine spoils. During the rainy season, Hg levels decreased up to 45.5% in uncovered soils, while in artificial pond sediments Hg increased by up to 961%. During the dry season, uncovered degraded soils were more prone to lose Hg than sites covered by vegetation, mainly due to higher soil temperatures and concomitantly increasing volatilization. Soils from natural forests and degraded soil covered by regenerating vegetation showed a high capacity to retain Hg mainly due to the higher plant biomass, higher SOM, and increasing concentrations of clay particles. Disturbingly, our findings suggest high Hg mobility from gold mine spoil to close by sedimentary materials, mainly in artificial ponds through alluvial deposition and pluvial lixiviation. Thus, further research is needed on monitoring, and remediation of sediments in artificial to design sustainable land use strategies.

Isquemia miocárdica por consumo de dibutilona / Myocardial ischemia from dibutylone use / Isquemia miocárdica por uso de dibutilona

Resumen: Las catinonas sintéticas son drogas estimulantes de síntesis, comercializadas en el mercado ilegal por sus propiedades estimulantes y perturbadoras del sistema nervioso central, para su uso recreativo, solas, o como adulterantes de cocaína y derivados anfetamínicos. A nivel mundial existe un número creciente de reportes de intoxicaciones agudas y complicaciones por consumo de estas sustancias. En Uruguay fueron detectadas por primera vez en el año 2015, existiendo una información epidemiológica muy limitada. Las catinonas sintéticas no se detectan por las técnicas inmunocromatográficas disponibles en los laboratorios de los servicios de urgencias de nuestro país. Se describe el primer caso de intoxicación por una catinona sintética (dibutilona) en Uruguay, en un paciente de 45 años, por consumo de un polvo vendido como "éxtasis", presentando como complicación un síndrome coronario agudo, con una buena evolución posterior. La confirmación diagnóstica se realizó mediante su detección en orina por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas. La estructura química de la dibutilona y su mecanismo de acción explican las manifestaciones clínicas y la complicación isquémica por vasoespasmo coronario. En ausencia de una noción clara de exposición y ante la situación epidemiológica actual, la presencia de un cuadro clínico compatible con una droga estimulante y resultado negativo para cocaína y anfetaminas en estudios inmunocromatográficos, debe hacer plantear la sospecha de otros estimulantes de síntesis como las catinonas, tal como ocurrió en este caso.

Summary: Synthetic cathinone are stimulating synthetic drugs used for recreational purposes on their own or as adulterants in cocaine and amphetamines derivatives that are traded in illegal markets given their stimulating and disturbing properties on the central nervous system. Globally, there is a growing number of acute intoxications and complications as a consequence of consumption of these substances. In Uruguay they were first detected in 2015, there being limited epidemiological data. Synthetic cathinone are not detected by the immunochromatographic tests available at the laboratories of the emergency services in our country. The study describes the first case of intoxication by a synthetic cathinone (dibutylone) in Uruugay, in a 45 year old patient as a result of powder sold as "ecstasy". The patient presented an acute coronary syndrome, subsequent evolution being good. Diagnostic confirmation was made in urine using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The chemical structure of dibutylone and its action mechanism explain the clinical manifestations and the coronary vasospasm causing ischemia. When there is no clear sign of a patient having been exposed to this substance and upon the current epidemiological state, the presence of clinical symptoms that are compatible with a stimulating drug and a negative result for cocaine and amphetamines in immunochromatographic tests must lead us to be suspicious about the presence of synthetic stimulating substances as cathinone, as in the case studied.

Resumo: Catinonas sintéticas são drogas estimulantes sintéticas, comercializadas no mercado ilegal por suas propriedades estimulantes e perturbadoras do sistema nervoso central, para uso recreativo isoladamente ou como adulterantes da cocaína e derivados de anfetaminas. Em todo o mundo cresce o número de relatos de intoxicações agudas e complicações decorrentes do uso dessas substâncias. No Uruguai, foram detectados pela primeira vez em 2015 com informações epidemiológicas muito limitadas. As catinonas sintéticas não são detectadas pelas técnicas imunocromatográficas disponíveis nos laboratórios de pronto-socorro de nosso país. Descreve-se o primeiro caso de intoxicação por catinona sintética (dibutilona) em nosso país, em um paciente de 45 anos, devido ao consumo de um pó vendido como "ecstasy", apresentando como complicação uma síndrome coronariana aguda, com boa evolução posterior. A confirmação diagnóstica foi feita por sua detecção na urina por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massa. A estrutura química da dibutilona e seu mecanismo de ação explicam as manifestações clínicas e complicações isquêmicas devido ao vasoespasmo coronariano. Na ausência de uma noção clara de exposição e dada a situação epidemiológica atual, a presença de quadro clínico compatível com droga estimulante e resultado negativo para cocaína e anfetaminas em estudos imunocromatográficos, deve levantar a suspeita de outros estimulantes sintéticos como as catinonas, como aconteceu neste caso.

Vaporized Cannabis differentially modulates sexual behavior of female rats according to the dose.

Studies exploring the effect of compounds that modulate the endocannabinoid system on sexual behavior have yielded contradictory results. However, the effect of smoked Cannabis in women has been consistently associated with an increase in sexual drive. Therefore, it can be speculated that vaporized Cannabis will augment sexually motivated components of the sexual behavior of female rats. To test this hypothesis, we compared the sexual behavior of late-proestrous female rats in a bilevel chamber after vaporizing 0, 200 or 400 mg of Cannabis flowers (containing 18% of delta-9-THC and undetectable levels of cannabidiol) during 10 min. We found that both doses of Cannabis increased the duration of the lordosis response, whereas the highest dose also reduced the lordosis quotient of females. The lowest dose of Cannabis augmented the display of hops and darts without altering the expression of sexual solicitations of females, while the highest one did not affect the expression of hops and darts but reduced sexual solicitations. These effects were not accompanied by alterations of females' ambulatory behavior. The increment of the duration of lordosis response produced by both doses of Cannabis could be associated to a general effect of this drug in sensory processing, as can be an enhancement of females' sensory reactivity to male's stimulation. However, the reduction in the display of solicitations and lordosis in response to mounting observed in females exposed to the highest dose when compared to control and 200 mg of Cannabis groups indicates a reduction of sexual receptivity and motivation. This differential effect of vaporized Cannabis according to the dose employed, suggests that it modulates sexual behavior in a complex way, impacting neural circuits that control different aspects of this social behavior.

Acute effect of vaporized Cannabis on sleep and electrocortical activity.

The use of Cannabis for medical purposes is rapidly expanding and is usually employed as a self-medication for the treatment of insomnia disorder. However, the effect on sleep seems to depend on multiple factors such as composition of the Cannabis, dosage and route of administration. Vaporization is the recommended route for the administration of Cannabis for medical purposes; however, there is no published research about the effects of vaporized Cannabis on sleep, neither in laboratory animals, nor in humans. Because previous reports suggested that low doses of THC have sedating effects, the aim of the present study was to characterize in rats, the acute effects on sleep induced by the administration of low doses of THC by means of vaporization of a specific type of Cannabis (THC 11.5% and negligible amounts of other cannabinoids). For this purpose, polysomnographic recordings in chronically prepared rats were performed during 6 h in the light and dark phases. Animals were treated with 0 (control), 40, 80 and 200 mg of Cannabis immediately before the beginning of recordings; the THC plasma concentrations with these doses were low (up to 6.7 ng/mL with 200 mg). A quantitative EEG analyses by means of the spectral power and coherence estimations was also performed for the highest Cannabis dose. Compared to control, 200 mg of Cannabis increased NREM sleep time during the light phase, but only during the first hour of recording. Interestingly, no changes on sleep were observed during the dark (active) phase or with lower doses of Cannabis. Cannabis 200 mg also produced EEG power reductions in different cortices, mainly for high frequency bands during W and REM sleep, but only during the light phase. On the contrary, a reduction in the sleep spindles intra-hemispheric coherence was observed during NREM sleep, but only during the dark phase. In conclusion, administration of low doses of THC by vaporization of a specific type of Cannabis produced a small increment of NREM sleep, but only during the light (resting) phase. This was accompanied by subtle modifications of high frequency bands power (during the light phase) and spindle coherence (during the dark phase), which are associated with cognitive processing. Our results reassure the importance of exploring the sleep-promoting properties of Cannabis.

Exposición no intencional a cannabis en niños en el marco de la regulación del mercado en Uruguay. Reporte de casos asistidos en el Departamento de Emergencia del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell entre marzo y junio de 2017 / Children unintentionally exposed to cannabis within the framework of the Uruguayan Cannabis Sale Regulation. Cases assisted at the Emergency Department of the Pereira Rossell Hospital between March and June 2017 / Exposição não intencional à cânabis em crianças no âmbito do regulamento das vendas do cânabis no Uruguai. Relatório de casos atendidos no Serviço de Emergência do Hospital Pereira Rossell entre março e junho de 2017

Resumen: Introducción: la marihuana es la sustancia de abuso más consumida en América y Europa después del alcohol. En Uruguay la prevalencia es cercana a 23%. El principio activo delta 9-tetrahidrocannabinol es responsable de los efectos psicoactivos. La principal fuente en un niño es una parte de la planta, cigarrillo o comestible con cannabis proveniente de un familiar o vecino. La intoxicación puede ser más severa en niños que en adultos. En Uruguay, en 2013, se aprobó la ley 19.172 que regula el mercado de cannabis, generando un nuevo escenario con potencial riesgo para la población pediátrica. Objetivo: comunicar casos clínicos de intoxicación aguda no intencional por cannabis asistidos entre marzo y junio de 2017, analizar circunstancias de exposición, manifestaciones clínicas, severidad y evolución. Observación clínica: cuatro niños (9 meses, 1, 2 y 8 años) fueron asistidos. En todos ellos la vía de ingreso fue oral en ambiente doméstico. Presentaron síntomas neurológicos agudos: depresión de conciencia, convulsiones, distonías, ataxia, irritabilidad. Requirieron medidas de sostén, descontaminación digestiva y exámenes de laboratorio ampliado. El screening en orina fue positivo en cuatro casos. En dos se realizó la técnica confirmatoria. Aplicando el Poisoning Severity Score, todos sufrieron intoxicación moderada. Se asistieron en conjunto con toxicólogo clínico. Conclusiones: los niños que presentan síntomas predominantemente neurológicos de instalación aguda sin una causa evidente, pueden presentar intoxicación aguda por cannabis, sobre todo cuando en el entorno doméstico hay consumo, cultivo o ambos. Debemos mantener una vigilancia activa. Seguramente futuras investigaciones contribuirán a definir la necesidad de establecer estrategias de prevención destinadas a la población infantil con el objetivo de disminuir el potencial efecto no deseado de este nuevo escenario.

Summary: Introduction: marijuana is most highly consumed abuse substance in America and Europe after alcohol. In Uruguay, the prevalence is close to 23%. The active ingredient, delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is responsible for its psychoactive effects. The main source of access for a child involves a relative and/or neighbor. Intoxication may be more severe in children, In 2013,.cannabis-sale regulating Act 19.172 was approved in Uruguay, and it generated a new potentially risky scenario for children. Objective: report clinical cases of severe unintentional intoxication from cannabis between March and June 2017, and analyze circumstances that led to exposure, clinical manifestations, severity and evolution. Clinical observation: 4 children (9 months, 1, 2 and 8 years of age) were assisted. In all cases, they had ingested cannabis in their home environment. They presented severe neurological symptoms: depressed level of consciousness, convulsive seizures, dystonia, ataxia, irritability. They required supportive measures, digestive decontamination and additional laboratory tests. Urine screening was positive in 4 cases. In 2, we performed confirmatory technique. As per the Poisoning Severity Score, all children suffered moderate intoxication. They were assisted jointly by a clinical toxicologist. Conclusions: children showing predominantly acute neurological symptoms with no apparent cause can be the subject of severe cannabis intoxication, especially when cannabis consumption takes place in their household environments. Surveillance is needed and future research will certainly contribute to the creation of prevention strategies with the purpose of reducing the potential unwanted consequences of this new scenario for children.

Resumo: Introdução: a maconha é a substância do abuso mais consumida na América e na Europa depois do álcool. No Uruguai, a prevalência é próxima de 23%. O ingrediente ativo delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol é responsável pelos efeitos psicoativos. A principal fonte de acesso à marijuana por parte duma criança é ingerir uma parte da planta, cigarro ou comestível com cânabis de um parente e / ou vizinho. A intoxicação pode ser mais grave em crianças do que em adultos. No Uruguai, em 2013, a Lei 19.172 foi aprovada e regulou a venda de cânabis, gerando um novo cenário com risco potencial para as crianças. Objetivo: relatar casos clínicos de intoxicação aguda não intencional por cânabis atendidos entre março e junho de 2017, analisar as circunstâncias de exposição, manifestações clínicas, gravidade e evolução. Observação clínica: 4 crianças (9 meses, 1, 2 e 8 anos de idade) foram atendidas. Todos eles ingeriram cânabis num ambiente doméstico. Apresentaram sintomas neurológicos agudos: depressão da consciência, convulsões, distonia, ataxia, irritabilidade. Eles precisaram de medidas de suporte, descontaminação digestiva e testes de laboratório adicionais. O screening de urina foi positivo em 4 casos. Em 2, a técnica confirmatória foi realizada. Utilizando o Poisoning Severity Score, todos sofreram intoxicação moderada. Eles foram assistidos conjuntamente pelo toxicologista clínico. Conclusões: é possível que crianças que apresentam sintomas neurológicos predominantemente de instalação aguda sem causa evidente, apresentem intoxicação aguda por cânabis, especialmente quando existe consumo no ambiente ou na cultura domésticos. Nós devemos manter uma vigilância ativa. Com certeza, futuras pesquisas contribuirão para definir estratégias de prevenção para crianças, com o objetivo de reduzir o potencial efeito indesejado desse novo cenário.

[Maternal postnatal depression and its impact on child neurodevelopment: a cohort study]. / Depresión materna postnatal y su repercusión en el neurodesarrollo infantil: estudio de cohorte.

Post partum depresion (DPP) is the most frequent psquiatric disorder in pregnant woman and it may affect the neurodevelopment of their offspring. Our goal was to analyze the association between maternal depressive symptoms at 6 months after birth and child’s neurodevelopmental disorders at 18 months-old, in a homogeneous population characterized by low socioeconomic and cultural level. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted. There were included 127 healthy postpartum women and their infants. A structured interview was performed which included patronymic data and family perception before discharge. Binomial monitoring took place at 6 months postpartum, when was applied the Beck test for depression and anxiety to mothers; children´s neurodevelopment at 18 month-old was evaluated by Lezine Revised Brunet-test. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 125 women and their children. The mean age was 24.5 year old (SD 6.02); 30.6% had completed less than 6 years of formal education. The incidence of moderate to severe postpartum depression at 6 months after birth was 20%. The overall development score mean was 73.52 (SD 8.06) in the depression population and 76.97 (SD 8.07) in the population without depression (p = 0.04). The development coefficient was 69.08 (SD: 10.35) in the depression population and 74.11 (SD 0.67) in the population without depression (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of moderate to severe DPP was 20%. Persistent DPP in a vulnerable socio-economic context has impact on child development.

Depresión materna postnatal y su repercusión en el neurodesarrollo infantil: estudio de cohorte / Maternal postnatal depression and its impact on child neurodevelopment: a cohort study

La depresión postparto (DPP) es el trastorno psiquiátrico materno más frecuente que puede determinar efectos negativos en el vínculo madre-hijo y sobre el desarrollo infantil. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar la asociación entre la DPP a los 6 meses post parto y alteraciones del neurodesarrollo a los 18 meses, en una población homogénea caracterizada por bajo nivel socioeconómico y cultural. Pacientes y Método: Estudio de cohorte. Se incluyeron 127 puérperas y recién nacidos sanos. Se realizó el seguimiento del binomio a los 6 meses del parto, donde se le aplicó a la madre el test de Beck para depresión y ansiedad. Se evaluó el neurodesarrollo de los niños a los 18 meses mediante el test de Brunet-Lezine Revisado. Resultados: La muestra quedo compuesta por 125 mujeres y sus hijos. La media de edad fue de 24,5 años (DE: 6,02), el 30,6% tenía menos de 6 años de educación. La incidencia de DPP moderada a severa a los 6 meses del nacimiento fue de 20%. La media de puntaje de desarrollo global fue de 73,5 (DE: 8,1) en la población con depresión y 76,97 (DE: 8,07) en la población sin depresión (p = 0,04). El coeficiente de desarrollo de lenguaje fue de 69,08 (DE: 10,35) en la población con depresión y 74,11 (DE: 0,67) en la población sin depresión (p = 0,01). Conclusiones: La incidencia de DPP moderada a severa fue 20%. La DPP persistente en un contexto de vulnerabilidad socioeconómica impacta sobre el desarrollo infantil.

Post partum depresion (DPP) is the most frequent psquiatric disorder in pregnant woman and it may affect the neurodevelopment of their offspring. Our goal was to analyze the association between maternal depressive symptoms at 6 months after birth and child’s neurodevelopmental disorders at 18 months-old, in a homogeneous population characterized by low socioeconomic and cultural level. Patients and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted. There were included 127 healthy postpartum women and their infants. A structured interview was performed which included patronymic data and family perception before discharge. Binomial monitoring took place at 6 months postpartum, when was applied the Beck test for depression and anxiety to mothers; children´s neurodevelopment at 18 month-old was evaluated by Lezine Revised Brunet-test. Results: The sample consisted of 125 women and their children. The mean age was 24.5 year old (SD 6.02); 30.6% had completed less than 6 years of formal education. The incidence of moderate to severe postpartum depression at 6 months after birth was 20%. The overall development score mean was 73.52 (SD 8.06) in the depression population and 76.97 (SD 8.07) in the population without depression (p = 0.04). The development coefficient was 69.08 (SD: 10.35) in the depression population and 74.11 (SD 0.67) in the population without depression (p = 0.01). Conclusions: The incidence of moderate to severe DPP was 20%. Persistent DPP in a vulnerable socio-economic context has impact on child development.

Características de la población expuesta a cocaína y pasta base de cocaína durante la gestación en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell / Characteristics of the population exposed to cocaine and cocaine base paste during gestation in the Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell

Introducción: para identificar el consumo de cocaína durante la gestación se utiliza frecuentemente el autorreporte; dado que esta conducta puede generar procesos judiciales y comprometer la tenencia de su hijo hay un porcentaje significativo de negación de consumo. El meconio del recién nacido puede identificar el consumo de sustancia desde la semana 20 de gestación.Objetivos: determinar la prevalencia del consumo de cocaína y pasta base de cocaína durante la gestación,describir sus características y evaluar el valor del autorreporte en referencia a la determinación en meconio.Metodología: se realizó un estudio observacional analítico de corte transversal en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell entre noviembre de 2010 y marzo del 2011. Se realizó una encuesta protocolizada sobre los hábitos de consumo y se obtuvo una muestra de meconio para su análisis por ELISA con una sensibilidad de 5 ng/g. Resultados: se obtuvieron 227 muestras de meconio,fueron positivos para el consumo de clorhidrato de cocaína y PBC con un corte de 5 ng/g el 9,25%. Se destaca que en las consumidoras de cocaína/PBC se observa una diferencia estadísticamente significativa(p=0,006) en la edad con una media de 28,04 años(DE=5,99) con respecto a la ausencia de consumo con una media de 24.66 (DE=5,42). Se observó una diferencia significativa en la población consumidora en la presencia de cuadros infecciosos(vulvovaginitis/sífilis) p=0,001. Los ingresos declarados en el núcleo familiar en la población consumidora de PBC estuvieron por debajo de la línea de pobreza. Se encontró una asociación importante entre el consumo de cocaína-PBC y marihuana. La especificidad de la autodeclaración fue muy alta pero la sensibilidad fue de 14,3...

Introduction: consumption of cocaine base pulp (PBC) in Uruguay was identified as a Public Health problem from the economic crisis that hit the country in 2002. To identify consumption of this substance in pregnant women in clinical practice is frequently used the self-report. Since the maternal cocaine consumption can generate law suits and may jeopardize the custody of the child there is a significant percentage of under reporting. Newborn`s meconium can identify cocain-PBC use from the 20th week of gestation. Objectives: determine the prevalence during pregnancy in a hospital population, describe their characteristics and assess the value of self-report in reference to the determination in meconium. Methodology: the methodology used in this ptoject was a observational analytic cross-sectional study of the population assisted in the Hospital Center Pereira Rossell between November 2010 and March 2011. A protocolized survey about consumption habits was conducted after an informed agreeing consent and a meconium sample obtained for analysis. By ELISA screening of NEOGEN brand the presence of cocaine and its metabolites in meconium was determined with a sensitivity of 5 ng/gy 20 ng/g.Results: 227 Meconium valid samples were obtained for analysis. 9,5% were positive for the consumption of cocaine hydrochloride and PBC with a cutoff of 5 ng/g. It is emphasized that in cocaine users / PBC a statistically significant difference (p = 0,006) was observed in the average age 28,04 years (SD = 5,99) compared to the absence of consumption with an average of 24,66 (SD 5,42). Pregnant women consumers Cocaine / PBC during pregnancy are over 19 years. A significant difference was observed in the consumer population regarding to the presence of infectious types (vulvovaginitis / syphilis) p = 0,001. Reported income in the household in the PBC consuming population was below the poverty line. Also was found a significant association between cocaine consumes and ...

Relación entre el consumo de mate en el embarazo con el peso al nacer

Introducción: el consumo de cafeína es un hábito extendido a nivel mundial, destacándose el mate en los países del cono sur como una fuente importante de ingesta. Objetivos: valorar la ingesta de cafeína en el embarazo, el aporte de las diferentes fuentes de ingesta y su relación con el peso al nacer. Metodología y población: se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico de corte transversal que incluyó 240 puérperas y sus recién nacidos sanos de 35 semanas de gestación o mayores. Resultados: la media de edad materna fue de 24,96 (DE=6,01), Estaban casadas o convivían con su pareja 179 mujeres (74,58%). De ellas 67 (28,03%) eran primigestas. La media de controles del embarazo fue 7,31 (DE=3,32) y nacieron por cesárea 70 (29,17%). Las características de los recién nacidos reflejan los criterios de inclusión referidos: 35 semanas de gestación o mayores, vigorosos, internados junto a su madre luego del nacimiento. Durante todo el embarazo la fuente principal de cafeína fue la ingesta de mate. La media de consumo de cafeína fue de 273,99 mg/día; el consumo de mate es la principal fuente de cafeína con una media de 240 mg/día, aportando un 85% de la ingesta diaria de cafeína. Se observó consumo de cafeína mayor de 300 mg/día en 77 embarazadas, 32% de la muestra. La ingesta de cafeína mayor a 300 mg/día se asocia al nacimiento de un niño pequeño para la edad gestacional, la ingesta de 100 mg de cafeína por día disminuye el peso al nacer en 38 g, independientemente del índice de masa corporal y el hábito de fumar. Conclusiones: el consumo de cafeína es elevado en las embarazadas en Uruguay, superando los 300 mg diarios en 32% de la muestra. La ingesta de mate es la fuente principal de cafeína en esta población. El consumo de cafeína mayor a 300 mg diarios se asocia a mayor riesgo de recién nacidos pequeños para la edad gestacional. En vistas a la evidencia científica actual debería implementarse una adecuada información para lograr un descenso ...

Introduction: caffeine consumption is a world-wide extended habit, “mate” standing out as an important source of its ingestion in countries of the South cone. Objetives: to value caffeine ingestion during pregnancy, the contribution of the different sources of ingestion, and its relation to the weight at birth. Methodology and population: an observational analytical study of cross section was made. It included 240 puerperal women and their healthy newborns of 35 or more weeks. Results: the average maternal age was 24,96 (SD=6,01). 179 women (74,58%) were married or living with their partners. 67 of them (28,03%) were first pregnancies. The average number of controls during pregnancy was 7,31 (SD 3,32%), and 70 babies were born by caesarian (29,17%). The characteristics of the newborns reflect the referred criteria of inclusion: 35 weeks of gestation or more, vigorous, kept in the hospital with their mothers after birth. Throughout the pregnancy, the main source of caffeine was the ingestion of “mate”. The average of caffeine consumption was of 273,99 mg/day; “mate” consumption is the main source of caffeine with an average of 240 mg/day, contributing 85% of the daily intake of caffeine. A higher consumption of caffeine was observed in 77 pregnant women, 32% of the sample. The caffeine ingestion higher than 300 mg/day is associated to the birth of small babies for their gestational age. The ingestion of 100 mg of caffeine per day diminishes 38 g the weight at birth, independently of body-mass index or smoking habits. Conclusions: caffeine consumption is high in pregnant women of Uruguay, over 300 mg daily in 32% of the sample. “Mate” ingestion is the main source of caffeine in this population. The consumption of more than 300 mg a day is associated to higher risk of small newborns for their gestational age. In view of present scientific evidence, a suitable information scheme would have to ...

Coca-paste seized samples characterization: chemical analysis, stimulating effect in rats and relevance of caffeine as a major adulterant.

Coca-paste (CP) is a drug of abuse that so far has not been extensively characterized. CP is an intermediate product of the cocaine alkaloid extraction process from coca leaves, hence it has a high content of cocaine base mixed with other chemical substances (impurities) and it is probably adulterated when it reaches the consumers. Despite its high prevalence and distribution through South America, little is known about its effects on the central nervous system. In the present study, a chemical analysis of CP samples from different police seizures was performed to determine the cocaine base content and the presence and content of impurities and adulterants. Some CP representative samples were selected to study the effects on the locomotor activity induced after acute systemic administration in rats as a measure of its stimulant action. The behavioral response was compared to equivalent doses of cocaine. As expected, cocaine was the main component in most of the CP samples assayed. Caffeine was the only active adulterant detected. Interestingly, several CP samples elicited a higher stimulant effect compared to that observed after cocaine when administered at equivalent doses of cocaine base. Combined treatment of cocaine and caffeine, as surrogate of different CP samples mimicked their stimulant effect. We demonstrated that cocaine and caffeine are the main components responsible for the CP-induced stimulant action while the contribution of the impurities was imperceptible.