Un plaguicida en el franquismo: comunicación de riesgos tóxicos en España, 1945-1975 / A pesticide in Franco's regime: communicating toxic risks in Spain, 1945-1975

Resumen En este trabajo se analizan las representaciones de los riesgos tóxicos del hexaclorociclohexano, un ingrediente activo de plaguicidas de uso común en los campos españoles durante el franquismo. Se hace énfasis en las prácticas que visibilizaron e invisibilizaron dichos riesgos en España entre 1945 y 1975, buscando establecer los actores que las fomentaron y los medios que emplearon. Desde la perspectiva de la agnotología, se analizan los procesos de creación de ignorancia e incertidumbre relacionadas con este compuesto. Asimismo, se examinan las estrategias retóricas utilizadas para abordarlos. Para ello se utilizan tres fuentes primarias principales: la revista de agronomía dirigida a expertos Boletín de patología vegetal y entomología agrícola, la revista dirigida a agricultores Agricultura y el periódico ABC.

Abstract This work analyzes the representations of the toxic risks of hexachlorocyclohexane, an active ingredient of many pesticides commonly used in Spanish fields during Franco's regime. Emphasis is placed on the practices that visibilized and invisibilized these risks, seeking to establish the actors that promoted them and the mechanisms they used. From the perspective of agnotology, I analyze the generation of ignorance and uncertainty related to this compound. Likewise, I examine the most prevalent rhetorical strategies used in print sources. To do so, I consulted three main primary sources: Boletín de patología vegetal y entomología agrícola, an agronomy journal for experts; Agricultura, a magazine for farmers, and ABC, a newspaper.

Physicochemical and Tissue Response of PLA Nanofiber Scaffolds Sterilized by Different Techniques / Evaluación fisicoquímica y respuesta tisular de andamios nanofibrilares de PLA esterilizados por diferentes técnicas

ABSTRACT In recent years, tissue engineering has evolved considerably, due to the problems in the biomedical area concerning tissue regeneration therapies. Currently, work has been focused on the synthesis and physicochemical characterization of poly lactic acid scaffolds, a synthetic polyester that has been extensively study for its excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Moreover, sterilization strategies of scaffold are a crucial step for its application in tissue regeneration, however, the sterilization process have to maintain the structural and biochemical properties of the scaffold. Therefore, it is very important to carry out studies on the sterilization methods of the sample's material, since translational medicine is intended for in vivo applications. The aim of the present study was designed to analyze the effects of different sterilization techniques, i.e. ethylene oxide (ETO), gamma radiation (GR) and hydrogen peroxide- based plasma (H2O2) in biodegradable PLA scaffolds, and to determine the best sterilization technique to render a sterile product with minimal degradation and deformation, and good tissue response. Analysis of surface morphology showed that ETO and GR modified the PLA scaffolds without any change in its chemical composition. Moreover, the histological response showed that the scaffolds are biocompatible and those sterilized by GR showed a more severe inflammatory response, accompanied with the presence of giant foreign body cells. In conclusion, the results show that among sterilization techniques used in the preset study, the best results were observed with H2O2 sterilization, since it did not significantly modify the surface structure of the PLA fibers and their in vivo response did not cause an unfavorable tissue reaction.

RESUMEN En los últimos años, la ingeniería de tejidos ha evolucionado considerablemente, debido a las incógnitas en las terapias de regeneración en el área biomédica. Actualmente, se ha trabajado en la síntesis y caracterización fisicoquímica de andamios de poliácido láctico, el cual es un polímero sintético que se ha estudiado para aplicaciones en ingeniería de tejidos, debido a su biocompatibilidad y biodegradabilidad. El proceso de esterilización es un paso crucial en la aplicación de andamios en terapias de regeneración, sin embargo, la técnica de esterilización debe mantener las propiedades estructurales y bioquímicas del andamio. Por lo tanto, es muy importante realizar estudios sobre los métodos de esterilización de dichos andamios, ya que la medicina traslacional está diseñada para aplicaciones in vivo. El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar los efectos de diferentes técnicas de esterilización como óxido de etileno (ETO), radiación gamma (GR) y plasma a base de peróxido de hidrógeno (H2O2) en andamios biodegradables de PLA, y determinar la mejor técnica de esterilización con mínima degradación y deformación, así como una respuesta tisular favorable. La estructura de la superficie de los andamios de PLA se modificó principalmente con las técnicas de óxido de etileno y radiación gamma, sin embargo, ninguna técnica modificó su composición química. Con la respuesta histológica se demostró que los andamios de PLA son biocompatibles y que los esterilizados por radiación gamma desencadenan una mayor respuesta inflamatoria y la formación de células gigantes de cuerpo extraño. En conclusión, los resultados muestran que las técnicas de esterilización utilizadas pueden modificar la morfología del andamio, sin embargo; los mejores resultados se observaron con la esterilización por plasma a base de peróxido de hidrógeno, ya que no modificó significativamente la estructura de la superficie de las fibras de PLA y su respuesta in vivo no provocó una reacción desfavorable en el tejido.

A Study of Clinical Aspects of Scabies in the Jeonbuk Province / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Scabies is a contagious skin infestation primarily observed in poor or overcrowded environments. However, an individual may be affected regardless of hygiene and/or socioeconomic status, and/or age. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics and epidemiology of scabies in patients visiting a single tertiary hospital in Jeonbuk province. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 194 patients with scabies who visited the Dermatology clinic at Wonkwang University Hospital between June 2015 and May 2018. RESULTS: Of the 194 patients investigated, 82 (42.3%) were men and 112 (57.7%) were women. The mean age of men was 46.3 years and that of women was 60.1 years. Scabies was diagnosed in patients most commonly in autumn. The most common symptom of scabies was the occurrence of papules (83.5%) followed by the presence of burrows (23.2%). The most common route of infection was a nursing hospital (26.3%), except unknown (29.4%). Medications used to treat scabies included 5% permethrin cream, 10% crotamiton ointment, and 1% gamma benzene hexachloride lotion. The mean duration of treatment was 33.9 days using 5% permethrin cream, 34.8 days using 10% crotamiton ointment, and 34.6 days using 1% gamma benzene hexachloride lotion. CONCLUSION: This study could help in the prevention and management of scabies, by guiding clinicians in choosing optimal therapeutic agents based on patients' condition.

Effective Diagnosis and Treatment of Scabies in Cases from 3 Generations Using Dermoscopy-oriented Skin Scraping with Microscopic Examination / 대한피부과학회지

Scabies is caused by a mite, Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis, an obligate human parasite that burrows downwards into the epidermis. Scabies may be transmitted from objects, but it is most often transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact, with a higher risk from prolonged contact. Treatment must involve the entire household or community to prevent reinfection. In Korea, the incidence of scabies has decreased dramatically since the late 1980s, but recent outbreaks in nursing homes and hospitals have been raising public health concerns. Herein, we describe 5 cases of scabies that occurred in 3 generations of a family and were confirmed by dermoscopy-oriented skin scraping with microscopic examination.

Serie parasitosis en dermatología: pediculosis / Parasitosis in dermatology: pediculosis

La enfermedad producida por Pediculus humanus capitis, conocida como pediculosis, es una parasitosis específica del ser humano de distribución mundial. El contagio puede ser directo por contacto con el cuero cabelludo de una persona afectada, o por fómites contaminados con parásitos, por lo que no distingue raza, sexo, edad ni nivel socioeconómico. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 80 años con una forma típica de pediculosis. (AU)

The disease caused by Pediculus humanus capitis, known as pediculosis, is a human specific parasitosis. It has a worldwide distribution. Transmission can be by direct contact with the scalp of an affected person or by contaminated fomites with parasites. This infestation makes no distinction of race, sex, age, or socioeconomic status. We present a case of an 80 years old patient with a typical case of pediculosis. (AU)

Influence of soy isoflavone on lindane cumulant in sprague-dawley rats / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 60-80 g were given different dosages of soy isoflavones and/or lindane for four weeks. Soy isoflavones was added in feed and lindane was given by oral gavage. We found that soy isoflavones could reduce the level of lindane in rat's serum and brain, but might cause the uterus hyperplasia. Lindane could inhibit the effect of soy isoflavones on uterus and significantly decrease the level of estradiol and testosterone in serum. This study indicated that soy isoflavones could reduce the level of lindane in rat's body. Lindane could reduce the level of hormones and decreased the effect of soy isoflavones on rat's uterus.

Determination of pesticide residues hexachlorocyclohexane, cyclodiene, diphenylaliphate and their metabolites in the breast milk of women from Karachi- Pakistan

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of pesticide residues hexachloro-cyclohexane, cyclodiene, diphenylaliphate and their metabolites in the milk of women from different regions of Karachi, Sindh-Pakistan. An experimental study. This study was conducted in the department of Zoology, University of Karachi from April 2009 to April 2011. A total of 30 human breast milk samples were collected from the Gynae wards of Karachi hospitals. A breast pump was used to collect 5 ml milk sample from each women. The sample was taken in the sterilized and labeled vials. The collected samples were then stored at -20°C for analysis. All the samples were analyzed for the presence of pesticide residues. Samples of milk were prepared accordingly and the purified samples injected into the Shimadzu GC-ECD apparatus. The peaks of the samples were compared by the retention time of the standard peaks. The chromatogram obtained indicated the quantity of pesticide residues. The standard chromatogram of organochlorine pesticides and their isomers were prepared and analyzed on GC-ECD. The standard chromatograms were then matched with the chromatogram of milk samples. The isomers like alpha, beta, gamma and delta were detected as major residues of HCH. The cyclodiene compounds such as aldrin and alpha- endosulfan were detected as common compounds. DDT was found in 43% of milk samples. The percentage of cyclodiene residues was higher than HCH and diphenylaliphate. A significant bioconcentration of organochlorine residues was found in the breast milk. Total DDT concentrations were found higher than total HCH levels. It is thus concluded that this bioconcentration of pesticide residues clearly indicates that the mother contains a heavy amounts of such toxic chemicals

Establishment and application of median serum markers for second trimester screening in Qingdao region / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish the median of serum markers for second trimester screening in Qingdao region and to assess the influence of median correction on the performance of screening.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Maternal serum alpha-fetoproteins (AFP), human chorionic gonadotrophin, free beta subunit (β -HCG) and unconjugated oestriol (uE3) were assayed for prenatal screening of 18 188 singleton pregnancies at 15-20(+ 6) weeks gestation from January 2009 to July 2010. The median of serum markers was calculated based on above results and applied for risk estimation in screening for fetal aneuploidy from August 2010 to March 2011. The screening performance, specified in terms of detection rates (DRs), false positive rates (FPRs) and odds of being affected given a positive result (OAPR) were compared between the two groups. The risks of 45 affected pregnancies detected during the study were estimated with both Caucasian and corrected medians.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average level of AFP in local pregnancies was similar to that of the Caucasian population, whilst β -HCG and uE3 were respectively 11% and 33% higher than those of Caucasians. The multiple of median (MoM) value was between 0.94 and 1.02 for the dataset based on the corrected median. At a cut-off of l in 270, FPR has decreased from 5.2% to 4.9%, and DR of Down syndrome has increased from 60% to 69.2%, and OAPR has increased from 1:79 to 1:59 when evaluating risk based on the corrected median. For the 45 affected pregnancies, three Down syndrome pregnancies could be missed because their risk estimates were lower than the cut-off level based on Caucasian median.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It is useful to establish and apply population and laboratory-specific medians in order to improve the performance of prenatal screening and diagnosis.</p>

Two Cases of the Norwegian Scabies-Infested Patients with Chronic Disease in Elderly Care Unit

The scabies mite is an ectoparasite, which is able to infest humans. The incidence of scabies decreased during the past 20 years in Korea. However, the incidence is likely to increase again, and may be delayed or missed diagnosis recently. Its clinical presentation is typical, although in a host with compromised immune system, like the mentally retarded and elderly patients, the clinical presentation may be altered. Because a delay in diagnosis may induce rapid spread of the scabies mite, immediate diagnosis and treatment are necessary. We report two cases of scabies in elderly patients from different nursing homes. These patients were transferred to our center for treatment of pneumonia and chronic renal disease. They revealed pruritus and skin rashes after the treatment of further underlying diseases. We consulted to a dermatologist because of worsening symptoms, despite an application of medication with antihistamine and topical steroid, scabies was diagnosed. The symptom improved with topical 1% gamma-benzene hexachloride, an effective scabies drug. We suggest that geriatrists should suspect scabies who presents with pruritus that is persistent or resistant to conventional treatment, especially patients transferred from nursing homes.

Effect of quercetin against lindane induced alterations in the serum and hepatic tissue lipids in wistar rats

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the effect of quercetin (flavonoid) against lindane induced alterations in lipid profile of wistar rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rats were administered orally with lindane (100 mg/kg body weight) and quercetin (10 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days. After the end of treatment period lipid profile was estimated in serum and tissue.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Elevated levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) and tissue triglycerides, cholesterol with concomitant decrease in serum HDL and tissue phospholipids were decreased in lindane treated rats were found to be significantly decreased in the quercetin and lindane co-treated rats.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our study suggests that quercetin has hypolipidemic effect and offers protection against lindane induced toxicity in liver by restoring the altered levels of lipids. The quercetin cotreatment along with lindane for 30 days reversed these biochemical alterations in lipids induced by lindane.</p>

Lindane-induced biochemical perturbations in rat serum and attenuation by omega-3 and Nigella sativa seed oil.

Lindane (-hexachlorocyclohexane, -HCH), a highly persistent organochlorine insecticide is neurotoxic at acute doses and has been reported to induce oxidative stress in cells and tissues. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant property of Nigella sativa seed oil (N.O) and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (3) against -HCH-induced oxidative hepatic and renal damage in male rats serum. Rats were orally given sublethal dose of -HCH (12 mg/kg, 24 h prior to decapitation), while N.O (0.3 ml/kg) and 3 (20 mg/kg) were given every 48 h for 20 days single or together, or also combined with -HCH. -HCH caused a significant increase in the levels of serum total lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides by 49, 61 and 30% respectively, while HDL-cholesterol decreased by 45% compared to control group. Pretreatment with 3 and N.O prior -HCH administration re-established the altered biochemical features and alleviated the harmful effects of g-HCH on lipid profile. The concentration of serum total protein and albumin was significantly decreased by 35 and 45% respectively in rats treated with -HCH compared to control. -HCH also caused hepatic and renal damage, as observed from the elevated serum levels of urea, creatinine, total bilirubin and uric acid contents and aminotransferases (AST and ALT), phosphatases (ACP and ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities. Co-administration of 3 and N.O reversed the hazardous effects induced by -HCH on the liver and kidney and also protected acetylcholinesterase from the inhibitory action of -HCH as well as suppressed the lipid peroxidation. Thus, the results show that 3 and N.O might prevent oxidative stress and attenuate the changes in the biochemical parameters induced by -HCH in male rats.

In vitro pediculicidal efficacy and acute dermal irritation tests of hair cream from the methanolic extract of the stem of Tinospora crispa (L.) hook. f. et Thoms

OBJECTIVE: To determine the in vitro pediculicidal efficacy and acute dermal irritation in rabbits of hair cream prepared from the methanolic extract of Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook. f. et Thoms. known in the Philippines as makabuhay. METHODS: Several concentrations of methanolic extract, an aqueous and alcoholic extract, from makabuhay were tested for in vitro pediculicidal efficacy based on methods established by earlier studies. The 60% concentration of the methanolic extract, found to be the most efficacious, was made into a hair cream and was tested for in vitro pediculicidal efficacy against Kwell® Reformulated Shampoo (Permethrin 1%). The same product was evaluated for acute dermal irritation in rabbits. RESULTS: The 60% concentration of the methanolic extract formulated into a hair cream showed in vitro pediculicidal efficacy based on stringent criteria of 100%, 96.4%, 85.7%, 78.6%, 67.9%, 64.3% and 64.3% after 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, and 6 hours of observation, respectively, as compared with the 100% efficacy of Kwell® Reformulated Shampoo (Permethrin 1%). The hair cream passed the dermal irritation test on abraded and intact skin of rabbits. CONCLUSION: The hair cream from the 60% methanolic extract of makabuhay was shown to possess some in vitro pediculicidal efficacy and was found to be non-irritating. This herbal pediculicide may be an alternative treatment for lice infestation.

Reemerging skin disease caused by arthropods I: scabies

Scabies is one of the most common world-wide arthropod-born diseases in both humans and animals caused by the "itch" mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The incidence of scabies has shown a tendency to increase for the last several years in Korea. The previous peak incidence in Korea was between the early 1970s and early 1980s. A substantial part of the cyclic resurgence of scabies has been considered the result of inexperience and indifference of medical doctors toward the disease. The recent resurgence is presumed to be derived from not only indifference of the doctors but also an increase in elderly patients admitted to nursing homes and eldercare hospitals. Scraping using mineral oil for scabies patients is a very simple and effective method for definite diagnosis. A new diagnostic method using a dermoscope is also effective, especially for very young patients. Lindane and crotamiton are two available antiscabietic preparations in Korea. Crotamiton is less effective, while infants and pregnant women should not use lindane. In conclusion, medical personnel should be alert coping with the resurgence of scabies, and it is strongly suggested that other antiscabietic drugs such as permethrin, ivermectin, etc. should be made available for resistant patients in the near future in the Republic of Korea.

Reemerging skin disease caused by arthropods II: louse

The aim of this article is to provide guidelines to diagnosis and therapeutics for HLI in Korea. Head lice infestation (HLI) caused by Pediculus humanus capitis is still common in Korean children in spite of an improvement since the 1980s in the country's economic status and the concepts of hygiene. HLI is troublesome and, if not treated, can lead to secondary bacterial infection as a result of scratching of the irritated scalp induced by an inflammatory reaction to injected saliva or anticoagulant. In addition, HLI causes social and psychological problems as well as physical symptoms. Confirmation of the HLI depends on identification of adult lice, nymphs, or viable nits. Nits are more commonly found at the nape of the neck and retroauricular areas. The differential diagnosis includes hair casts, dandruff, and debris by hair spray. Few chemical shampoos such as those containing lindane or pyrethrin are currently available in Korea. Although HLI is an important public health issue in Korea, little information is available on HLI. Medical doctors, school nurses, and teachers should be acquainted with HLI for the successful control of this disease, which is distressing a number of children covertly.

[Susceptibility of dangerous scorpions of hormozgan province to WHO recommended insecticides]

Hormozgan province is the second most important foci of scorpion stinging specially by Hemiscorpius lepturus. Currently chemical control is the most efficient way and susceptibility level of important vectors should be chequed to find their resistance to some chemicals. Our aim was to investigate on the susceptibility or resistance of the most dangerous scorpions of Hormozgan province to the WHO recommended insecticides. In this cross-sectional study, 843 specimens of Scorpio were captured. Susceptibility tests were achieved using the method of Cockroaches, susceptibility. Each dose of insecticides was tested in two replicates and killing dose of each specimen was calculated. Killing dose of Cypermethrin [EC 2.5%] was 0.001 micro l/cm2 for Mesobuthus eupeus, H. lepturus and Odontobuthus doriae and was 0.009 micro l/cm2 for Androctonus crassicauda. That dose was calculated as 0.001 and 0.0003 micro l/cm2 for M. eupeus and H. lepturus, respectively, for Deltamethrin [EC 2.5%]. All species were killed at dose of 0.39 mg/cm2 for Carbaryl [WP 85%]. None of Lindane doses [WP 25%] could make 100% mortality in all species. Mortal dose of Malathion [EC 57%] was 1.029 micro l/cm2 for A. crassicauda and H. lepturus and 0.284 micro l/cm2, and 0.515 micro l/cm2 for M. eupeus and O. doriae, respectively. The studied scorpion species were susceptible to the Pyrethroids. These insecticides can be used in an "Integrated Vector Management" program to control Malaria and scorpions. These species probably are resistance to Malathion and Lindane

Exposure to environmental hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) among rural children in north eastern China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess HCH and DDT exposure levels and associated risk factors among 262 children aged 6-10 years in a northeastern rural area of China between April and May of 2008.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eight HCH and DDT metabolites in serum samples were monitored by gas chromatography. A questionnaire was administered to identify the sources of pesticides in children' serum samples.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At least one pesticide metabolite was detected in 81.7% of the tested children. Higher amounts of pp'DDD were detected in 50% of them. Children's age and their father's occupation as farmers, together with not changing work clothes after work, were the main risk factors for HCH and DDT exposure among them.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Children living in rural areas are experiencing multiple sources of organochlorine pesticide exposure. These pesticides may have been retained in the environment for a long period of time.</p>

A Case of Norwegian Scabies in a Patient with Chronic Kidney Disease and Down Syndrome / 대한신장학회지

Norwegian or crusted scabies is a rare, highly contagious atypical form of scabies caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. homonis. It is usually associated with advanced age, immunosuppression, physical debility, and developmental disabilities. We report here a case of Norwegian scabies in an institutionalized patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and Down syndrome. A 56-year-old male presented at our department with pruritic rash and general weakness of 2 months' duration. Examination showed hyperkeratotic, scaly, crusted erythematous plaques on the hands, trunk, and back of the patient. The microscopic examination of the skin scales with potassium hydroxide demonstrated numerous scabies mites. The patient was treated with hemodialysis and repeated applications of 1% lindane lotion for 2 weeks. He reported significant relief of pruritus and resolution of the skin lesions after the treatment. In addition to uremic pruritus, infectious skin diseases such as Norwegian scabies should be considered in the institutionalized patients with advanced CKD and resistant pruritus.

Reflexões sobre alguns ensaios com o Gammexane no combate aos transmissores da doença de Chagas, de Emmanuel Dias e José Pellegrino, 1948: conquistas e desafios no contexto da diversidade triatomínica, cem anos após a descoberta da tripanossomíase americana / Reflections on some tests with the Gammexane transmitters in the fight against Chagas disease, Emmanuel Dias and Joseph Pellegrino, 1948: achievements and challenges in the context of triatomine diversity, one hundred years after the discovery of American trypanosomiasis

Revisões históricas aos avanços científicos para o controle da doença, o Simpósio Internacional Comemorativo do Centenário da Descoberta da Doença de Chagas (1909-2009).

Alguns ensaios com o Gamexanne no combate aos transmissores da doença de chagas / Some tests with the Gamexanne transmitters in the fight against Chagas disease

Revisões históricas aos avanços científicos para o controle da doença, o Simpósio Internacional Comemorativo do Centenário da Descoberta da Doença de Chagas (1909-2009).