Micronuclei, Pesticides, and Element Mixtures in Mining Contexts: The Hormetic Effect of Selenium.

The contexts where there are mining and agriculture activities are potential sources of risk to human health due to contamination by chemical mixtures. These contexts are frequent in several Colombian regions. This study explored the potential association between the frequency of micronuclei and pesticides and elements in regions with ferronickel (Montelibano, Córdoba) and gold (Nechí, Antioquia) mining, and a closed native mercury mine (Aranzazu, Caldas), with an emphasis in the potential effect of selenium as a potential chelator. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 247 individuals. Sociodemographic, occupational, and toxicological variables were ascertained. Blood and urine samples were taken for pesticide analysis (5 organophosphates, 4 organochlorines, and 3 carbamates), 68 elements were quantified in hair, and micronuclei were quantified in lymphocytes. The mixtures of elements were grouped through principal component analysis. Prevalence ratios were estimated with robust variance Poisson regressions to explore associations. Interactions of selenium with toxic elements were explored. The highest concentrations of elements were in the active mines. The potentially most toxic chemical mixture was observed in the ferronickel mine. Pesticides were detected in a low proportion of participants (<2.5%), except paraoxon-methyl in blood (27.55%) in Montelibano and paraoxon-ethyl in blood (18.81%) in Aranzazu. The frequency of micronuclei was similar in the three mining contexts, with means between 4 to 7 (p = 0.1298). There was great heterogeneity in the exposure to pesticides and elements. The "hormetic effect" of selenium was described, in which, at low doses, it acts as a chelator in Montelibano and Aranzazu, and at high doses, it can enhance the toxic effects of other elements, maybe as in Nechí. Selenium can serve as a protective agent, but it requires adaptation to the available concentrations in each region to avoid its toxic effects.

Mortalidad perioperatoria en Tolima, perspectivas del cuarto indicador de The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery: Un análisis preliminar de la cohorte prospectiva del estudio Colombian Surgical Outcomes Study (ColSOS) / Perioperative mortality in Tolima and perspectives of the fourth indicator of The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery: A preliminary analysis of the prospective cohort of the Colombian Surgical Outcomes Study (ColSOS)

Introducción. La mortalidad perioperatoria en el mundo representa 4,2 millones de muertes anuales. El cuarto indicador de The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery permite estandarizar la mortalidad perioperatoria. En Colombia, existen aproximaciones por datos secundarios, limitando el análisis y las intervenciones aplicables a nuestra población. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la mortalidad perioperatoria a través de datos primarios que permitan sustentar políticas públicas. Métodos. Se hizo el análisis preliminar de un estudio observacional, de cohorte prospectiva, multicéntrico en 6 instituciones del departamento de Tolima. Se incluyeron los pacientes llevados a procedimientos quirúrgicos por una semana, con posterior seguimiento hasta el egreso, fallecimiento o 30 días de hospitalización. La mortalidad perioperatoria fue el desenlace primario. Resultados. Fueron incluidos 378 pacientes, con mediana de 49 años (RIC 32-66), buen estado funcional (ASA I-II 80 %) y baja complejidad quirúrgica (42 %). Las cirugías más comunes fueron por Ortopedia (25,4 %) y Cirugía plástica (23,3 %). El 29,7 % presentaron complicaciones postoperatorias, las más comunes fueron síndrome de dificultad respiratoria agudo e íleo postoperatorio. La mortalidad perioperatoria fue de 1,3 %. Discusión. La mortalidad perioperatoria discrepó de la reportada en otros estudios nacionales, aun cuando los pacientes tenían un bajo perfil de riesgo y baja complejidad de los procedimientos. Sin embargo, coincide con la reportada internacionalmente y nos acerca a la realidad del país. Conclusión. La determinación del cuarto indicador es de vital importancia para mejorar la atención quirúrgica en Colombia. Este es el primer acercamiento con datos primarios que nos permite tener información aplicable a nuestra población

Introduction. Perioperative mortality accounts for 4.2 million deaths annually. The fourth indicator of The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery allows standardizing perioperative mortality. In Colombia, there are approximations based on secondary data, limiting the analysis and interventions applicable to our population. The objective of this study is to describe perioperative mortality through primary data that allow supporting public policies. Methods. A preliminary analysis of an observational, prospective cohort, multicenter study was carried out at six institutions in the District of Tolima. Patients undergoing surgical procedures were included for one week, for subsequent follow-up until discharge, death, or 30 days of hospitalization. Perioperative mortality was the primary outcome and was presented as a proportion. Results. A total of 378 patients were included, with a median age of 49 years (RIC 32-66), low-risk profile (ASA I-II 80%), and low surgical complexity (42%). The most common surgeries were Orthopedic (25.4%) and Plastic Surgery (23.3%). Postoperative complications occurred in 29.7%, the most common were ARDS and postoperative ileus. Perioperative mortality was 1.3%. Discussion. Perioperative mortality differed from that reported in national studies, even when the patients had a low-risk profile and low complexity of the procedures. However, it coincides with that reported internationally and brings us closer to the reality of the country. Conclusion. The determination of the fourth indicator is of vital importance to improving surgical care in Colombia. This is the first approach with primary data that allows us to have applicable information for our population

Perioperative mortality in Colombia: perspectives of the fourth indicator in The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery - Colombian Surgical Outcomes Study (ColSOS) - a protocol for a multicentre prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Death following surgical procedures is a global health problem, accounting for 4.2 million deaths annually within the first 30 postoperative days. The fourth indicator of The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery is essential as it seeks to standardise postoperative mortality. Consequently, it helps identify the strengths and weaknesses of each country's healthcare system. Accurate information on this indicator is not available in Colombia, limiting the possibility of interventions applied to our population. We aim to describe the in-hospital perioperative mortality of the surgical procedures performed in Colombia. The data obtained will help formulate public policies, improving the quality of the surgical departments. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: An observational, analytical, multicentre prospective cohort study will be conducted throughout Colombia. Patients over 18 years of age who have undergone a surgical procedure, excluding radiological/endoscopic procedures, will be included. A sample size of 1353 patients has been projected to achieve significance in our primary objective; however, convenience sampling will be used, as we aim to include all possible patients. Data collection will be carried out prospectively for 1 week. Follow-up will continue until hospital discharge, death or a maximum of 30 inpatient days. The primary outcome is perioperative mortality. A descriptive analysis of the data will be performed, along with a case mix analysis of mortality by procedure-related, patient-related and hospital-related conditions ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología Ethics Committee approved this study (No. 41-2021). The results are planned to be disseminated in three scenarios: the submission of an article for publication in a high-impact scientific journal and presentations at the Colombian Surgical Forum and the Congress of the American College of Surgeons. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05147623.

Higher viral load and infectivity increase risk of aerosol transmission for Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2.

BACKGROUND: Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is an important route of infection. For the wildtype (WT) only a small proportion of those infected emitted large quantities of the virus. The currently prevalent variants of concern, Delta (B1.617.2) and Omicron (B.1.1.529), are characterized by higher viral loads and a lower minimal infective dose compared to the WT. We aimed to describe the resulting distribution of airborne viral emissions and to reassess the risk estimates for public settings given the higher viral load and infectivity. METHOD: We reran the Monte Carlo modelling to estimate viral emissions in the fine aerosol size range using available viral load data. We also updated our tool to simulate indoor airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by including a CO2 calculator and recirculating air cleaning devices. We also assessed the consequences of the lower critical dose on the infection risk in public settings with different protection strategies. RESULTS: Our modelling suggests that a much larger proportion of individuals infected with the new variants are high, very high or super-emitters of airborne viruses: for the WT, one in 1,000 infected was a super-emitter; for Delta one in 30; and for Omicron one in 20 or one in 10, depending on the viral load estimate used. Testing of the effectiveness of protective strategies in view of the lower critical dose suggests that surgical masks are no longer sufficient in most public settings, while correctly fitted FFP2 respirators still provide sufficient protection, except in high aerosol producing situations such as singing or shouting. DISCUSSION: From an aerosol transmission perspective, the shift towards a larger proportion of very high emitting individuals, together with the strongly reduced critical dose, seem to be two important drivers of the aerosol risk, and are likely contributing to the observed rapid spread of the Delta and Omicron variants of concern. Reducing contacts, always wearing well-fitted FFP2 respirators when indoors, using ventilation and other methods to reduce airborne virus concentrations, and avoiding situations with loud voices seem critical to limiting these latest waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Using GIS to Estimate Population at Risk Because of Residence Proximity to Asbestos Processing Facilities in Colombia.

The recent enactment of the law banning asbestos in Colombia raises a significant number of challenges. The largest factories that have historically processed asbestos include five asbestos-cement facilities located in the cities of Sibaté (Cundinamarca), Cali (Valle del Cauca), and Barranquilla (Atlántico), and Manizales (Caldas), which has two, as well as a friction products facility in Bogotá D.C. An asbestos chrysotile mine has also operated in Colombia since 1980 in Campamento (Antioquia). In the framework of developing the National Asbestos Profile for Colombia, in this study, we estimated the population residing in the vicinity of asbestos processing plants or the mine and, therefore, potentially at risk of disease. Using a geographic information system, demographic data obtained from the last two general population censuses were processed to determine the number of people living within the concentric circles surrounding the asbestos facilities and the mine. In previous studies conducted in different countries of the world, an increased risk of asbestos-related diseases has been reported for people living at different distance bands from asbestos processing facilities. Based on these studies, circles of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10,000 m radii, centered on the asbestos processing facilities and the mine that operated in Colombia, were combined with the census data to estimate the number of people living within these radii. Large numbers of people were identified. It is estimated that in 2005, at the country level, 10,489 people lived within 500 m of an asbestos processing facility or mine. In 2018, and within a distance of 10,000 m, the number of people was 6,724,677. This information can aid public health surveillance strategies.

Biomarkers of susceptibility and effect in car painters exposed to organic solvents.

INTRODUCTION: Car painters are routinely exposed to organic solvents classified as carcinogenic and mutagenic substances. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the population susceptibility and evaluate the genotoxic effects of exposure to organic solvents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study comparing a group of car painters exposed to organic solvents with a non-exposed group. CYP2E1 polymorphisms and the presence of micronuclei in lymphocytes were determined. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two workers participated in the study: 62 who worked in car paint shops and were exposed to solvents, and 60 who were not exposed. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding micronucleated cells and nucleoplasmic bridges frequencies (p= 0.042 and p= 0.046, respectively; exact likelihood ratio). Significant differences were found at the interaction between the CYP2E1 genotype c1c1 and occupational exposure to solvents, with higher frequencies of micronuclei (p= 0.013) and micronucleated cells (p= 0.015). However, when the frequencies of micronuclei, micronucleated cells and nucleoplasmic bridges in the exposure group were compared between the c1c1 and c2c2/c1c2 allele groups of the CYP2E1 polymorphism, statistically significant differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that when workers with CYP2E1 polymorphisms, specifically the c1c1 genotype, are exposed to organic solvents, they are more likely to have somatic cell mutations, a condition associated with increased susceptibility to diseases such as cancer.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los pintores de vehículos automotores están rutinariamente expuestos a agentes como los solventes orgánicos, capaces de producir efectos mutágenos y carcinógenos. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar la susceptibilidad poblacional y evaluar los efectos genotóxicos debidos a la exposición a solventes orgánicos. MÉTODOS: Estudio de corte transversal que comparó a un grupo de pintores de carros expuestos a solventes orgánicos con un grupo de personas no expuestas. Fueron determinados tanto los polimorfismos de CYP2E1 como la presencia de micronúcleos en linfocitos. RESULTADOS: Participaron 122 personas, 62 trabajadores de talleres de pintura de autos expuestos a solventes y 60 personas no expuestas. Con relación al cuestionario Q 16, 32% de los expuestos refirieron síntomas sugestivos de neurotoxicidad. Las frecuencias de células micronucleadas y de puentes nucleoplásmicos fueron significativamente mayores en los expuestos que en los no expuestos: p= 0.042 y p= 0.046, respectivamente, Razón de verosimilitud exacta). Fueron halladas diferencias significativas en la interacción de CYP2E1 (c1c1) y la exposición ocupacional a solventes, con mayores frecuencias de micronúcleos (p= 0.013) y de células micronucleadas (p= 0.015). CONCLUSIONES: Este estudio reafirma que los trabajadores expuestos a solventes orgánicos con polimorfismos de CYP2E1, específicamente con genotipo c1c1, tienen mayor probabilidad de presentar mutaciones en las células somáticas, condición asociada con una mayor susceptibilidad a enfermedades como el cáncer.

Biomarkers of susceptibility and effect in car painters exposed to organic solvents / Biomarcadores de susceptibilidad y efecto en pintores de carros expuestos a solventes orgánicos

Abstract Introduction: Car painters are routinely exposed to organic solvents classified as carcinogenic and mutagenic substances. Objective: To characterize the population susceptibility and evaluate the genotoxic effects of exposure to organic solvents. Methods: A cross-sectional study comparing a group of car painters exposed to organic solvents with a non-exposed group. CYP2E1 polymorphisms and the presence of micronuclei in lymphocytes were determined. Results: One hundred twenty-two workers participated in the study: 62 who worked in car paint shops and were exposed to solvents, and 60 who were not exposed. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding micronucleated cells and nucleoplasmic bridges frequencies (p=0.042 and p=0.046, respectively; exact likelihood ratio). Significant differences were found at the interaction between the CYP2E1 genotype c1c1 and occupational exposure to solvents, with higher frequencies of micronuclei (p= 0.013) and micronucleated cells (p= 0.015). However, when the frequencies of micronuclei, micronucleated cells and nucleoplasmic bridges in the exposure group were compared between the c1c1 and c2c2/c1c2 allele groups of the CYP2E1 polymorphism, statistically significant differences were found. Conclusions: This study confirms that when workers with CYP2E1 polymorphisms, specifically the c1c1 genotype, are exposed to organic solvents, they are more likely to have somatic cell mutations, a condition associated with increased susceptibility to diseases such as cancer

Resumen Introducción: Los pintores de vehículos automotores están rutinariamente expuestos a agentes como los solventes orgánicos, capaces de producir efectos mutágenos y carcinógenos. Objetivo: Caracterizar la susceptibilidad poblacional y evaluar los efectos genotóxicos debidos a la exposición a solventes orgánicos. Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal que comparó a un grupo de pintores de carros expuestos a solven tes orgánicos con un grupo de personas no expuestas. Fueron determinados tanto los polimorfismos de CYP2E1 como la presencia de micronúcleos en linfocitos. Resultados: Participaron 122 personas, 62 trabajadores de talleres de pintura de autos expuestos a solventes y 60 personas no expuestas. Con relación al cuestionario Q 16, 32% de los expuestos refirieron síntomas sugestivos de neurotoxicidad. Las frecuencias de células micronucleadas y de puentes nucleoplásmicos fueron significativamente mayores en los expuestos que en los no expuestos: p= 0.042 y p= 0.046, respectivamente, Razón de verosimilitud exacta). Fueron halladas diferencias significativas en la interacción de CYP2E1 (c1c1) y la exposición ocupacional a solventes, con mayores frecuencias de micronúcleos (p= 0.013) y de células micronucleadas (p= 0.015). Conclusiones: Este estudio reafirma que los trabajadores expuestos a solventes orgánicos con polimorfismos de CYP2E1, específicamente con genotipo c1c1, tienen mayor probabilidad de presentar mutaciones en las células somáticas, condición asociada con una mayor susceptibilidad a enfermedades como el cáncer

Prevalence of low back pain in migrant construction workers in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare employment conditions, psychosocial working conditions, and prevalence of low back pain among migrant and local construction workers in Argentina. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study among workers from three contracting and eight subcontracting companies as well as 26 construction sites in the region of Buenos Aires, Argentina, 134 out of 150 local (89% response) and 141 out of 150 migrant construction workers (94% response) answered a validated questionnaire. Psychosocial working conditions were evaluated based on an imbalance between efforts and rewards (ERI). RESULTS: Compared to local workers, migrants were younger, more likely to work without a contract (57% vs 8%), to report ERI (81% vs 18%) and to suffer from low back pain during the 7-days before study (80% vs 42%) (all P < .0001). After mutual adjustment, being a migrant (prevalence ratio 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-3.0) and working without a contract (1.7; 95% CI, 1.4-2.1) were statistically significant risk factors for low back pain. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes the precarious situation of migrant workers in the Argentinian construction industry and the potential health consequences. Provision of formal employment relations might help to better protect migrant workers' safety and health. Prospective studies are needed to assess the causes and effects of the findings we describe.

Upper limb neurodynamic test 1 in patients with clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome: A diagnostic accuracy study.

STUDY DESIGN: Diagnostic accuracy. INTRODUCTION: Upper limb neurodynamic test 1 (ULNT1) is used to evaluate the mechanical sensitivity especially in the peripheral nerves of the upper limbs. The reproduction of typical symptoms in the affected hand improves the estimation of the probability of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However the test has not been evaluated sufficiently to determine its real usefulness. In the present study the diagnostic accuracy of ULNT1 as a clinical test for CTS was determined. METHODS: We used the ULNT1 as the index test and nerve conduction as the reference standard. 120 subjects, (240 hands), with a medical diagnosis of CTS were evaluated. The study population was a consecutive series of participants. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy, and positive likelihood ratio were calculated. RESULTS: ULNT1 was found to have a sensitivity of 93 % and a specificity of 6.67 %. The positive likelihood ratio was 1.04 and the negative likelihood ratio was 1.00. The positive predictive value was 86.9 % and the negative predictive value was 12.5%. DISCUSSION: Acute or relatively mild CTS cases may not be accurately identified through nerve conduction tests. The findings of this study coincide with other studies in the finding that ULNT1 has a significant diagnostic and clinical screening value for CTS in people at-risk, or with upper limb symptoms. CONCLUSION(S): This research suggests the use of ULNT1 as a screening test for CTS, followed by tests that are more specific. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III-2.

Underground Coal Mining: Relationship between Coal Dust Levels and Pneumoconiosis, in Two Regions of Colombia, 2014.

In Colombia, coal miner pneumoconiosis is considered a public health problem due to its irreversibility, high cost on diagnosis, and lack of data related to its prevalence in the country. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was carried out in order to determine the prevalence of pneumoconiosis in underground coal mining workers in two regions of Colombia. The results showed a 35.9% prevalence of pneumoconiosis in the study group (42.3% in region 1 and 29.9% in region 2). An association was found between a radiologic diagnosis of pneumoconiosis and a medium risk level of exposure to carbon dust (OR: 2.901, 95% CI: 0.937, 8.982), medium size companies (OR: 2.301, 95% CI: 1.260-4.201), length of mining work greater than 25 years (OR: 3.222, 95% CI: 1.806-5.748), and a history of smoking for more than one year (OR: 1.479, 95% CI: 0.938-2.334). These results establish the need to generate an intervention strategy aimed at preventing the identified factors, as well as a timely identification and effective treatment of pneumoconiosis in coal miners, in which the commitment of the General Health and Social Security System and the workers compensation system is ensured.

Acceso, seguridad e integralidad en registros de gestantes colombianas entre los años 2007 al 2009 / Access, Security and Integrity in the Care Registration of Pregnant Women in Colombia, 2007 to 2009 / Acesso, segurança e integralidade em registros de gestantes colombianas entre os anos 2007 ao 2009

Objetivos: Explorar algunos de los indicadores que configuran la calidad de la atención prenatal en una muestra de registros de gestantes colombianas, obtenidos de fuentes secundarias. Comparar los regímenes de afiliación contributivo (RC) y subsidiado (RS) en términos de acceso, seguridad e integralidad, según el estándar para Colombia, entre 2007 y 2009. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo observacional de corte transversal, utilizando las bases de datos del estudio de suficiencia del Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social (MSPS), el Registro Individual de Prestación de Servicios (RIPS) y los registros vitales del Departamento Nacional de Estadística (DANE). Se calcularon medidas descriptivas y se compararon los resultados entre RC y RS. Resultados: Hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la atención recibida entre las gestantes del RC y las del RS en los siguientes aspectos: al menos un control prenatal, 74,4% en RC y 48% en rs; partos institucionales, 98,5% en RC y 97,5% en RS; parto por cesárea, 45,6% en RC y 33% en RS; y al menos un control prenatal, tres laboratorios y parto institucional, 45,6% en RC y 23,3% en RS. Conclusiones: La atención prenatal que recibieron las gestantes evaluadas no cumplió en todos los casos con el estándar nacional que regula la calidad de la atención prenatal, particularmente en las gestantes afiliadas al RS. En la muestra estudiada persiste una elevada inequidad en la atención que reciben las gestantes entre el RC y el RS en Colombia.

Objective: To determine the characteristics of the quality of health services provided to pregnant women by examining registers of secondary sources. To compare the social security health insurance schemes (subsidized and contributory) in terms of access, security and integrity based on the national standard between 2007 and 2009. Material and methods: Descriptive observational study. Data from the Adequacy Study Database of the Health Ministry, the Individual Register of Public Services and the State Vital Records of the National Statistics Department. Descriptive measures were calculated and the results between the main forms of affiliation to the social security health were compared. Results: There was at least one statistically significant difference between health care provided to pregnant women affiliated to subsidiary (SS) and to the contributory (CS) protection services in following items: 74.4% attendance of at least one antenatal consultation in the CS and 48% in the SS; 98.5% institutionally attended deliveries in the CS and 97.5% in the SS; 45.5% cesarean deliveries in the CS and 33% in the SS; and at least one antenatal consultation, three lab tests and institutionally attended delivery as a whole in 45.6% of cases in the CS and 23.3% in the SS. Conclusions: Prenatal services in Colombia do not meet the standards established by the Colombian norm, especially in pregnant women of the subsidiary health care system. High inequality between the contributive and the subsidiary health systems were established in this sample.

Objetivos: Explorar alguns dos indicadores que configuram a qualidade da atenção pré-natal, em uma amostra de registros de gestantes colombianas, obtidos de fontes secundárias. Comparar os regimes de afiliação contributiva (RC) e subsidiado (RS) em termos de acesso, segurança e integralidade, segundo o standard para a Colômbia, entre 2007 e 2009. Materiais e métodos: estudo descritivo observacional de corte transversal, utilizando as bases de dados do estudo de suficiência do Ministério de Saúde e Proteção Social (MSPS), o Registro Individual de Prestação de Serviços (RIPS) e os registros vitais do Departamento Nacional de Estadística. Calcularam-se medidas descritivas e se compararam os resultados entre RC e RS. Resultados: Houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas na atenção recebida entre as gestantes do RC e do RS nos seguintes aspectos. Pelo menos um controle pré-natal, 74,4% em RC e 48% em RS; partos institucionais, 98,5% em RC e 97,5% em RS; parto por cesárea, 45,6% em RC e 33% em RS; e pelo menos um controle pré-natal, três laboratórios e parto institucional, 45,6% em RC e 23,3% em RS. Conclusões: a atenção pré-natal que receberam as gestantes avaliadas não cumpriu em todos os casos com o standard nacional que regula a qualidade da atenção pré-natal, particularmente nas gestantes afiliadas ao RS. Na amostra estudada persiste uma elevada inequidade na atenção que recebem as gestantes entre o RC e o RS na Colômbia.

Workplace abuse and economic exploitation of children working in the streets of Latin American cities.

This study presents the prevalence of, and factors associated with workplace abuse and economic exploitation among 584 children ages 5 to 17 working in the streets of the Latin American cities of Bogotá, Lima, Quito, and São Paulo. Each additional 10 hours/week of children's work in the streets increased workplace abuse prevalence by 8% (odds ratio [OR], 1.08; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.01-1.19). Suffering an occupational injury was associated with abuse (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.13-2.57). Participation in begging was associated with an almost five-fold increase in economic exploitation (OR, 4.94; 95% CI, 1.96-12.48). Children residing with their mothers were 2.6 times more likely to experience economic exploitation (OR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.58-4.33), reflecting our definition of economic exploitation in which a child's income is confiscated by parents, even if used for basic family needs. Increased health care coverage and conditional cash transfer programs are recommended to improve the situation.

El efecto de la mortalidad ocupacional sobre la economía. Las Fiebres del Magdalena y la siembra de tabaco en Colombia en el siglo XIX / The effect of the occupational mortality over the economy. Magdalena’s Fevers and tobacco farming in Colombia in XIX century

El objetivo principal de este trabajo es examinar el efecto de las Fiebres del Magdalena en las exportaciones de tabaco en la región de Ambalema (Colombia), entre 1856 y 1870. En éste se explora tanto el efecto del trabajo sobre la salud, como el de la salud sobre el trabajo en esta etapa del desarrollo exportador colombiano. En el desarrollo del texto se revisan la aparición de las epidemias conocidas como Fiebres del Magdalena, el comportamiento del volumen de exportaciones de tabaco desde la zona de producción de Ambalema y los precios internacionales del tabaco colombiano en la época. También se formula un modelo econométrico que permite establecer si las Fiebres del Magdalena fueron un factor relevante en el comportamiento de las exportaciones de tabaco desde Ambalema. El análisis de los datos empíricos arroja como resultado la disminución en la exportación de 72.000 pacas de tabaco al año en el período estudiado, a causa de las Fiebres del Magdalena en la región, y también un efecto negativo de la enfermedad sobre los precios del tabaco.

It is aimed at reviewing the effect reflected in the quality and quantity of tobacco exportation with the appearance of Magdalena Fevers in the Ambalema zone (Colombia), between 1856 and 1870. The research explores the effect of labor over health and the effect of health over labor in this stage of the Colombian export development. By formulating an econometric model it is possible to establish whether the epidemic outbreaks of fevers were a relevant factor in explaining the behavior of tobacco exports from Ambalema to the outside. The analysis of the empirical data shows that it is possible that a fall on the exports in about 72,000 tobacco sacks per year caused by the fevers in the studied region, as well as a negative effect of the disease on the tobacco prices.

[Street child work in Latin American capitals]. / Trabajo infantil ambulante en las capitales latinoamericanas.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the age, sex, mobility, education, work activity, working hours, street dwelling, and social security coverage in a group of children working in the streets in capital cities in Latin America. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross sectional study. A questionnaire was applied to 972 children working in the streets of Bogotá, Guatemala City, Mexico City, Quito and San Salvador. RESULTS: A total of 63.3% subjects were boys; 39% were children from displaced families; 18% lived in the streets; 62% worked more than 40 hours per week; 19% were covered by the social security system, and 32% were street vendors. The behavior of variables differed significantly by city. CONCLUSION: Child labor in the streets is a dangerous activity characterized by long working hours and exposure to risk factors. Child work has different characteristics in each of the cities studied, which suggests that the solution to the problem must be designed on a case by case basis.

Trabajo infantil ambulante en las capitales latinoamericanas / Street child work in Latin American capitals

OBJETIVO: Conocer edad, sexo, desplazamiento, escolaridad, actividad desarrollada, jornada laboral, vivienda en calle y cobertura de seguridad social de un grupo de niños que laboran en las calles de las capitales latinoamericanas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de corte transversal. Se aplicó un cuestionario a 972 niños que trabajan en las calles de Bogotá, Ciudad de Guatemala, Ciudad de México, Quito y San Salvador; RESULTADOS: El 63.3 por ciento era de sexo masculino; 39 por ciento provenía de familias desplazadas; 18 por ciento habitaba en la calle; 62 por ciento trabajaba más de 40 horas a la semana; 19 por ciento tenía seguridad social, y 32 por ciento se dedicaba al comercio ambulante. Se encontró que la mayoría de las variables se comportan de forma significativamente diferente para cada ciudad. CONCLUSION: El trabajo infantil ambulante es una actividad peligrosa, de largas jornadas laborales, con exposición a múltiples factores de riesgo, y se comporta de manera significativamente diferente en cada ciudad estudiada. Esto sugiere que las soluciones al problema deben diseñarse caso por caso.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the age, sex, mobility, education, work activity, working hours, street dwelling, and social security coverage in a group of children working in the streets in capital cities in Latin America. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross sectional study. A questionnaire was applied to 972 children working in the streets of Bogotá, Guatemala City, Mexico City, Quito and San Salvador. RESULTS: A total of 63.3 percent subjects were boys; 39 percent were children from displaced families; 18 percent lived in the streets; 62 percent worked more than 40 hours per week; 19 percent were covered by the social security system, and 32 percent were street vendors. The behavior of variables differed significantly by city. CONCLUSION: Child labor in the streets is a dangerous activity characterized by long working hours and exposure to risk factors. Child work has different characteristics in each of the cities studied, which suggests that the solution to the problem must be designed on a case by case basis.

Efectos del trabajo infantil en la salud del menor trabajador / Effects of child labor upon the health of the child worker

OBJETIVOS: Revisamos el tema del trabajo infantil, en tres aspectos: 1. Las características de los niños que los hacen vulnerables ante el trabajo; 2. Las enfermedades y accidentes relacionados con el trabajo infantil, y 3. Las lesiones asociadas con diversas ocupaciones de menores, como agricultura, construcción, manufactura, textiles, industria del cuero, ventas en calle y trabajo en plazas de mercado. MÉTODOS: Se consultaron las bases de datos Medline, EBSCO, PROQUEST e HINARI, y material de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo, la Academia Americana de Pediatría y la Asociación Americana de Psicología. RESULTADOS: La información acerca de riesgos ocupacionales en niños es muy escasa comparativamente con la de adultos. Se encontró que los niños tienen características que los hacen especialmente vulnerables a los riesgos laborales y no existen estándares claros para protegerlos.