The Effects of Nature Exposure Therapies on Stress, Depression, and Anxiety Levels: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Mental well-being plays a pivotal role within the broader spectrum of health and illness, encompassing factors such as stress, depression, and anxiety. Nature-based therapeutic interventions have emerged as a promising approach to addressing these mental health challenges. This study seeks to assess the impact of these interventions on stress, depression, and anxiety levels. METHODS: We conducted an extensive search for randomized clinical trials that examined stress, anxiety, and depression levels. The selected studies underwent a rigorous risk-of-bias assessment following the guidelines outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews. RESULTS: Our review encompassed findings from eight publications. Among them, two studies measuring cortisol levels revealed significant differences between the pre-test and post-test measurements within the intervention groups. In two studies that employed the Stress Response Inventory, a significant decrease in stress levels was observed within the intervention groups in contrast to the control groups. However, no significant differences were noted in studies that utilized the Restorative Outcome Scale. In the assessment of anxiety and depression levels, three studies employed the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, while four studies utilized The Profile of Mood States scale; none of these studies demonstrated significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: The current body of evidence offers limited support for advocating nature-based therapeutic interventions as a primary approach to reducing stress, depression, and anxiety.

Micronuclei frequency and exposure to chemical mixtures in three Colombian mining populations.

The Colombian mining industry has witnessed significant growth. Depending on the scale and mineral extracted, complex chemical mixtures are generated, impacting the health of occupationally exposed populations and communities near mining projects. Increasing evidence suggests that chromosomal instability (CIN) is an important link between the development of certain diseases and exposure to complex mixtures. To better understand the effects of exposure to complex mixtures we performed a biomonitoring study on 407 healthy individuals from four areas: three located in municipalities exploiting different-scale mining systems and a reference area with no mining activity. Large, medium, and small-scale mining systems were analyzed in Montelibano (Córdoba), artisanal and small-scale mining (ASGM) in Nechí (Antioquia), and a closed mining system in Aranzazu (Caldas). The reference area with no mining activity was established in Montería (Córdoba). ICP-MS measured multi-elemental exposure in hair, and CIN was evaluated using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus technique (MNBN). Exposure to mixtures of chemical elements was comparable in workers and residents of the mining areas but significantly higher compared to reference individuals. In Montelibano, increased MNBN frequencies were associated with combined exposure to Se, Hg, Mn, Pb, and Mg. This distinct pattern significantly differed from other areas. Specifically, in Nechí, Cr, Ni, Hg, Se, and Mg emerged as the primary contributors to elevated frequencies of MNBN. In contrast, a combination of Hg and Ni played a role in increasing MNBN in Aranzazu. Interestingly, Se consistently correlated with increased MNBN frequencies across all active mining areas. Chemical elements in Montelibano exhibit a broader range compared to other mining zones, reflecting the characteristics of the high-impact and large-scale mining in the area. This research provides valuable insights into the effects of exposure to chemical mixtures, underscoring the importance of employing this approach in the risk assessment of communities, especially those from residential areas.

Carga de la enfermedad y costos en salud por la exposición a mercurio: revisión de alcance / Burden of disease and health costs from mercury exposure: Scoping review

Resumen Introducción: El mercurio circula por el aire; persiste en suelos, sedimentos y agua, y causa efectos en la salud humana. Las mujeres en edad fértil y los neonatos son la población más vulnerable. Objetivo: Analizar las evidencias sobre la carga de enfermedad ocasionada por la exposición a mercurio, así como el impacto económico sobre el sistema de salud. Metodología: Revisión de alcance de la literatura, de las bases de datos PUBMED y EPISTEMONIKOS, búsqueda manual de documentos técnicos de entidades oficiales de diferentes continentes. Resultados: Se identificaron 311 registros en bases de datos y 4 en búsqueda manual en entidades oficiales; 19 artículos fueron incluidos. Discusión: Predomina la afectación del desarrollo neurológico y cognitivo en niños de madres expuestas y lactantes. Los costos se midieron por la pérdida del coeficiente intelectual. Conclusión: Efectos en salud por la exposición a metilmercurio se traducen en gastos para la sociedad y los sistemas de salud.

Abstract Introduction: Mercury circulates through the air, persists in soils, sediments and water, and can affect human health. Women of childbearing age and newborns are the most vulnerable population. Objective: To analyze the evidence on the burden of disease caused by mercury exposure, as well as the economic impact on the health system. Methodology: Review of the literature, PUBMED and EPISTEMONIKOS databases, manual search of technical documents of official entities from different continents. Results: A total of 311 records were identified in databases and four in manual searches from official entities; 19 articles were included. Discussion: Neurological and cognitive development in children of exposed mothers and infants are more predominant. Costs were measured by IQ loss. Conclusion: Health effects of methylmercury exposure translate into costs for society and health systems.

Seroprevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 antibody in healthcare workers: a multicentre cross-sectional study in 10 Colombian cities.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers are at increased risk of infection due to occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers in Colombia. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional study focused on estimating the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthcare workers from 65 hospitals in 10 cities in Colombia during the second semester of 2020. The seroprevalence was determined using an automated immunoassay (Abbott SARS-CoV-2 CLIA IgG). The study included a survey to establish the sociodemographic variables and the risk of infection. A multivariate model was used to evaluate the association between the results of seroprevalence and risk factors. RESULTS: The global seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was 35% (95% Bayesian CI 33% to 37%). All the personnel reported the use of protective equipment. General services personnel and nurses presented the highest ratios of seroprevalence among the healthcare workers. Low socioeconomic strata have shown a strong association with seropositivity. CONCLUSION: This study estimates the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers. Even though all the personnel reported the use of protective equipment, the seroprevalence in the general services personnel and nurses was high. Also, a significant difference by cities was observed.

La consulta en los tiempos de WhatsApp: una revisión rápida de la literatura / The Consultation in the Times of WhatsApp: A Quick Review of the Literature

Resumen Las tecnologías digitales en salud han permitido que los pacientes estén mejor informados, reducir tiempos y distancias para intervenciones en salud, lo que ha generado un cambio en la relación médico-paciente. El objetivo de este artículo fue explorar la evidencia relacionada con la influencia de WhatsApp en la relación médico-paciente. Por ello, se realizó una rápida revisión de la literatura en cinco bases de datos científicas. Obtuvimos un total de cuatro estudios que completaron los criterios de inclusión para la revisión: un reporte de caso, un estudio de casos y controles y dos estudios observacionales. El 65 % de los estudios incluidos informaron el uso de WhatsApp para la relación médico-paciente. La aplicación WhatsApp puede ser una herramienta útil como canal de comunicación en la relación. Se requiere tener especial cuidado con los aspectos éticos y legales de la comunicación entre profesionales y pacientes.

Abstract Digital technologies in health have allowed patients to be better informed, reduce times and distances for interventions in health, which has generated a change in the doctor-patient relationship. The objective of this article was to explore the evidence related to the influence of WhatsApp among the doctor-patient relationship. Therefore, a rapid review of the literature was carried out in five scientific databases. We obtained a total of four studies who completed the inclusion criteria for the review: a report case study, a case-control study, and two descriptive studies. 65% of the included studies reported the usage of WhatsApp for medical - patient relationship. WhatsApp application can be a useful tool as a communication channel in the relationship. Is required to take special care with ethical and legal aspects of communication between professionals and patients.

Validación del método analítico para la determinación de mercurio total en sangre humana por Espectrofotometría de absorción atómica Zeeman RA-915+ con el módulo de pirolisis Pyro-915+ / ANALYTICAL METHOD VALIDATION FOR DETERMINATION OF TOTAL MERCURY IN HUMAN BLOOD BY Zeeman MERCURY SPECTROMETER RA-915+ WITH THE PYROLYSIS MODULE PYRO-915+ / Validação de mtoodo analítico para a determinação do teor de mrcúrio em humannos por espectrometria de absorção atômica ra-915 + zeeman pyrolysis módulo com piro-915 +

Este artículo describe la metodología de validación para la técnica de identificación de mercurio total en muestras de sangre por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica Zeeman RA-915+ con el módulo de Pirólisis PYRO-915+, adecuada para la determinación directa de las concentraciones de mercurio total en varias matrices, que a diferencia de otras técnicas de atomización (horno de grafito, vapor frio, o generador de hidruros) no necesita un pre-tratamiento de la muestra. Con la aplicación de ésta validación en la realización de los análisis se brinda la confiabilidad necesaria en la obtención y emisión de los resultados. La mayoría de parámetros de la validación, se sometieron a análisis de varianza tipo ANOVA con un nivel de confianza del 95 %. Se obtuvo un límite de detección de 2.16 üg/L, un límite de cuantificación de 5.54 üg/L y una linealidad en el rango de 5.54 üg/L a 100 üg/L, adicionalmente, se evaluó exactitud y precisión, obteniendo resultados favorables para el análisis. El cálculo de la incertidumbre expandida para este método fue 0.610 üg/L.

This article describes the methodology of the validation about the identification of total mercury in blood samples by Zeeman atomic absorption spectrophotometry RA-915+ with the module of Pyrolysis PYRO-915+, suitable for the direct determination of total mercury concentrations in various matrices, that unlike other atomization techniques (graphite furnace, cold vapor or hydride generator) does not require a sample pre-treatment. With the application of this validation,is provided the reliability in the results. Most of the validation parameters were subjected to analysis of variance ANOVA with a confidence level of 95%. It was obtained a detection limit of 2.16 üg/L, a quantitation limit of 5.54üg/L and linearity in the range of 5.54 üg/L to , in addition, the precision and accuracy was evaluated, obtaining favorable results in the analysis. The calculation of the expanded uncertainty for this method was 0.610 üg/L.

Este artigo descreve a metodologia de validação da técnica de identificação de mercúrio total em amostras de sangue por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica RA-915+ Zeeman com módulo de Pirólise piro-915+, adequado para a determinação direta das concentrações de mercúrio total em várias matrizes, em comparação com outras técnicas de atomização (forno de grafite, vapor frio oude geradores de hidretos) não requer um pré-tratamento da amostra. Com a aplicação desta validação na realização dos análises se atinge a confiabilidade exigida na obtenção e emissão dos resultados. A maioria dos parâmetros de validação foram submetidos a análise de variância tipo ANOVA com um nível de confiança de 95%. Foi obtido um limite de detecção de 2.16 üg/L, um limite de quantificação de 5.54üg/Le uma linearidade no intervalo de 5.54 a 100 üg/L, além disso, a precisão e a exactidão foi avaliada, obtendo-se resultados favoráveis ​​para o análise. O cálculo da incerteza expandida para este método foi 0.610 üg/L.