Campo magnético ambiental en una Unidad de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal. Importancia de su verificación / Environmental magnetic field in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. A relevant verification

Los neonatos pretérminos nacen con inmadurez en los órganos, lo que lleva al compromiso del sistema inmunológico. Los campos electromagnéticos afectan la producción de melatonina a niveles bajos de exposición. Estos niños necesitan equipamiento médico las 24 horas del día para su recuperación, por lo que están expuestos a los campos magnéticos durante todo el tiempo que se encuentren en la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva. El objetivo fue medir los niveles de campo magnético que se generan alrededor de cada una de las incubadoras utilizando un gaussímetro y comparar los resultados con las recomendaciones de la Comisión Internacional para la Protección contra las Radiaciones No Ionizantes de 2010 y la norma de la International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) IEC 60601-1-2:2004. En 11 neonatos internados, los valores de radiación se encontraban dentro de los recomendados, pero existía interferencia electromagnética por problemas de disposición de los equipos en el área.

Preterm infants are born with immature organs, thus affecting the immune system. Electromagnetic fields influence melatonin production with low exposure levels. These infants require medical equipment 24/7 to recover, so they are constantly exposed to magnetic fields during their stay in the Intensive Care Unit. Our objective was to measure magnetic field levels generated around each incubator using a gauss meter and compare our results to the 2010 recommendations by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and the IEC 60601-1-2:2004 standard by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Among 11 hospitalized newborn infants, radiation was found within the recommended limits, but there was electromagnetic interference resulting from medical equipment layout problems in the unit.

Florecimientos algales nocivos producidos por Pyrodinium bahamense en Oaxaca, México (2009-2010) / Harmful algal blooms produced by Pyrodinium bahamense in Oaxaca, Mexico (2009-2010)

Objetivo. Monitorear el dinoflagelado Pyrodinium bahamense y sus toxinas en ostión de roca Striostrea prismatica en Santiago Astata y en Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, de septiembre de 2009 a junio de 2010. Material y métodos. Se analizó mensualmente la abundancia de Pyrodinium bahamense mediante el método de Sedgewick-Rafter y la concentración de toxinas paralizantes y perfil tóxico en tejido blando del molusco en muestras compuestas de cada zona por el método de cromatografía líquida de alta resolución. Resultados. Se encontró alta abundancia de Pyrodinium bahamense en Santiago Astata en diciembre, febrero, abril y junio, y en Puerto Escondido en abril y junio. Los niveles de toxinas paralizantes fueron superiores al límite permisible para consumo humano en Santiago Astata en noviembre, diciembre, enero, febrero y junio; en la zona de Puerto Escondido, en diciembre y junio. Conclusiones. Estos niveles de toxinas representaron riesgo para la salud pública en la zona de estudio.

Objective. Pyrodinium bahamense monitoring in water and their toxins in rock oyster Striostrea prismatica in Santiago Astata and Puerto Escondido Oaxaca was performed from September 2009 to July 2010. Materials and methods. Pyrodinium bahamense abundance in water, and concentration and toxic profile of paralytic shellfish toxins were analyzed monthly in soft tissue of mollusk in composite samples in high performance liquid chromatography. Results. High abundance of Pyrodinium bahamense was found in Santiago Astata on December, February, April and June; and in Puerto Escondido on April and June. The concentrations of the paralyzing toxin that exceeded the regulatory limit for human consumption of mollusks (800 µg STX eq. kg-1) were presented in Santiago Astata on November, December, January, February and June; and in Puerto Escondido on December and June. Conclusions. For several months there was risk to public health due to the presence of paralytic shellfish toxins above the regulatory limit in oysters from the study area.

Crecimiento y sobrevivencia de Vibrio parahaemolyticus en ostión americano (Crassostrea virginica) almacenado en refrigeración / Growth and survival of total and pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus in American oyster (Crassostrea virginica) under cold storage

Objetivo. Cuantificar las densidades de Vibrio parahaemolyticus en ostión americano (Crassostrea virginica) almacenado en refrigeración. Material y métodos. Se almacenaron 320 ostiones a 7 °C durante nueve días y se determinaron las densidades totales y patogénicas mediante la técnica NMP-PCR. Resultados. Se observaron densidades de V. parahaemolyticus tlh+ en los días 0,3 y 6 de almacenamiento con 1. 134,2.764 y 0.785 log10NMP/g, respectivamente, y en los días 0 y 3 la densidad patogénica trh+ con 0.477 y 0.519 log10NMP/g, respectivamente; las densidades patogénicas tdh+ (0.519 log10NMP/g), tdh+/trh+ (0.519 log10 NMP/g) y tdh+/orf8+ (-0.444 log10NMP/g) se detectaron al tercer día de almacenamiento. Conclusión. Los resultados sugieren que el crecimiento de V. parahaemolyticus y la ocurrencia de genes patogénicos a 7 °C involucran cambios en la expresión génica como una respuesta al estrés por frío. Esto contribuye a la sobrevivencia y virulencia de V. parahaemolyticus, lo cual representa un riesgo a la salud pública.

Objective. To quantify Vibrio parahaemolyticus densities in American oyster (Crassostrea virginica) under cold storage. Materials and methods. 320 oysters were stored at 7°C for nine days and total and pathogenic densities were determined by the NMP-PCR methodology. Results. V. parahaemolyticus tlh+ densities were observed on 0,3, and 6 days of storage at 1.134, 2.764 and 0.785 log10NMP/g, respectively, and pathogenic density trh+ on 0 and 3 days at 0.477 and 0.519 log10NMP/g, respectively; the pathogenic densities tdh+ (0.519 log10NMP/g), tdh+/trh+ (0.519 log10NMP/g), and tdh+orf8+ (-0.444 log10NMP/g) were detected on day 3 of storage. Conclusion.The results suggest that V. parahaemolyticus growth and pathogenic genes occurrence at 7°C involve changes in the genetic expression as a cold shock response, favoring V. parahaemolyticus survival and virulence, representing a health risk.

Assessment of heavy metal residues in Brazilian poultry and swine tissue / Avaliação de resíduos de metais pesados em tecidos de aves e suínos

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of arsenic, lead and cadmium residues in samples of liver, kidney and muscle of poultry and swine during the years from 2002 to 2008. A total of 1978 samples were analyzed: 1031 of poultry and 947 of swine from Brazilian slaughterhouses. The samples were analyzed at the National Agricultural Laboratory using the atomic absorption spectrometry technique. In poultry, the arsenic residues were detected in 53.6% of liver samples, although no results have exceeded the MRL. In kidneys, 39.7% of the samples showed measurable residues and there was no violation of the limits. Regarding lead, there were 5 contaminated liver samples and 24 contaminated kidney samples (1.5 and 3.6% respectively). In muscle tissue there was only one sample with residues...

Objetivou-se investigar a presença de resíduos de arsênico, chumbo e cádmio em amostras de fígado, rins e músculo de aves e suínos, durante os anos de 2002 a 2008. Um total de 1.978 amostras foi analisado: 1031 de aves e 947 de suínos provenientes de matadouros brasileiros. As amostras foram analisadas no Laboratório Nacional Agropecuário (Lanagro), sendo utilizada a técnica de espectrometria de absorção atômica. Em aves, os resíduos de arsênico foram detectados em 53,6% das amostras de fígado, embora sem exceder o LMR. Nos rins, 39,7% das amostras mostraram resíduos mensuráveis e não houve violação dos limites. Em relação ao chumbo, cinco amostras de fígado e 24 de amostras de rins estavam contaminadas (1,5 e 3,6%, respectivamente). No tecido muscular, houve apenas uma amostra com resíduos. Para o cádmio, 3,8% das amostras apresentavam valores abaixo do LMR. Resíduos de cádmio foram encontrados em 110 amostras de rins (16,3% testados), mas apenas uma ultrapassou o limite máximo permitido pela legislação nacional. Em suínos, resíduos de arsênico foram detectados em 15,3% das amostras de fígado, sem exceder o LMR. Nos rins, 14,2% das amostras apresentaram resíduos mensuráveis...

Exposición a la contaminación con plomo en taller de ensamble de baterías / Exposure to lead contamination in battery assembly workshop

Introducción: Las consecuencias perjudiciales del plomo (Pb) en la salud de las personas, y los trabajadores en particular, han sido suficientemente demostradas desde hace mucho tiempo. No obstante ser un problema de tan larga data, llega hasta la actualidad; y los talleres de baterías constituyen una de las fuentes de contaminación. Objetivo General: Conocer el nivel de exposición al Pb de la totalidad de trabajadores directos de un taller de ensamble de baterías de la localidad de Boulogne, Buenos Aires. Objetivos Específicos: -Evaluar los registros sobre el nivel de Pb en sangre de los trabajadores entre 2007 y 2013. -Describir las condiciones de trabajo y las prácticas higiénicas de los empleados. -Medir la cantidad de Pb existente en el aire del establecimiento. Material y métodos: Es un estudio observacional descriptivo. El relevamiento general de riesgos se realizó mediante observación directa. Se analizaron las plombemias de los trabajadores. Las prácticas higiénico-laborales se estudiaron mediante un cuestionario semi-estructurado. Se llevó a cabo un estudio del aire. Resultados: El cumplimiento de las normas de seguridad e higiene laboral es parcial. Es una planta pequeña y mal ventilada, sin un adecuado sistema de extracción ni ventilación. No utiliza proceso húmedo o con aspiradores para la limpieza. No es sistemático el recambio de filtros de la campana de extracción ni de los respiradores personales. Las plombemias realizadas entre diciembre de 2007 y marzo de 2013 muestran valores superiores a los límites aceptables, alcanzando el promedio 19,23 ug/100ml (rango: 3 ug/100ml - 48,8 ug/100ml). Existen debilidades en cuanto a la utilización de la máscara de protección con filtros, a su higienización y a la forma en que esto se realiza. Resultados de las muestras del aire: en crisol: concentración de plomo (resultado analítico): 0,06 mg/m³; en intercelda: 0,92 mg/m3; en el sector de etiquetado: 0,03 mg/m³. Conclusiones principales: Se requiere el mejoramiento de las normas de seguridad e higiene laborales.

Introduction: The harmful effects of lead (Pb) on the health of people and workers in particular have long been sufficiently demonstrated. However being a problem as longstanding, arrives to present workshops and batteries are one of the sources of pollution. General Objective: To determine the level of exposure to Pb of all direct workers of a battery assembly workshop in the town of Boulogne, Buenos Aires. Specific Objectives: -Evaluate the records on the level of Pb in blood of workers between 2007 and 2013. -Describe the working conditions and hygiene practices of employees. -Measure the amount of Pb in the air existing in the establishment. Material and Methods: It is an observational descriptive study. The general risk survey-stage was conducted by direct observation. The lead levels of workers were analyzed. Hygiene and work practices were studied using a semi-structured questionnaire. It was made an air study. Results: Compliance with safety and hygiene is partial. It is a small and stuffy plant without adequate ventilation or exhaust system. It does not use wet or vacuum for cleaning process. No systematic replacement filters range hood or personal respirators. The lead levels between December 2007 and March 2013 show above acceptable limits values, reaching 19,23 ug/100ml average (range: 3 ug/100ml - 48,8 ug/100ml). There are weaknesses with regard to the use of the protective mask filters, to sanitize and the way this is done. Results of air samples: in pot: lead concentration (analytical result): 0,06 mg/ m3, in intercell 0,92 mg/m3; labeling sector: 0,03 mg/m3. Main conclusions: improving the safety and health at work is required.

Applicability of thresholds of toxicological concern in the chronic dietary risk assessment of transformation products of pesticide active substance / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish the threshold of toxicological concern(TTC) approach and to apply it in the risk assessment of metabolites, degradation and reaction products of pirimicarb.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>TTC decision tree approach based on Cramer classification was established and Lazar software was used to predict the genotoxicity of the seven transformation products of pirimicarb, namely, R34836, R34885, R35140, R31805, R34865, R16210 and R16192. Dietary exposure in general population as well as in six age population groups was estimated by using data from the Chinese National Nutrition and Health Survey and pirimicarb residue data from national chemical surveillance data in 2011. TTC decision tree approach was used for risk assessment and the exposure was compared with the corresponding TTC values.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the seven transformations of pirimicarb active substance, namely, R34836, R34885, R35140, R31805, R34865, R16210 and R16192, the maximum dietary exposure of mean and large portion(P 97.5) were all belong to 2-6 age group. The mean exposures of the seven transformation products for 2-6 age group,were 0.0290, 0.0207, 0.0015, 0.0320, 0.0005, 0.6918 and 0.1274 µg/kg,respectively, and the corresponding P 97.5 exposures were 0.0817,0.0581,0.0042,0.0900,0.0014, 1.9459 and 0.3585 µg/kg. Besides, the mean and P 97.5 exposure of R16210 for 2-6 age group was the largest,which were 0.6918 and 1.9459 µg/kg, accounting for 46.12% and 129.73% of the TTC threshold,respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TTC decision tree approach is a useful tool for prior screening and primary risk assessment of the transformation products of pesticide active substance.</p>

Exposición infantil al plomo en sitios contaminados / Children exposure to lead in contaminated sites

OBJETIVO: Determinar el grado de la exposición infantil al plomo en diversos tipos de sitios contaminados. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El estudio se realizó de junio 2008 a diciembre 2009 en cuatro sitios de México: metalúrgica de Ávalos, Chihuahua.; metalúrgica de Morales, San Luis Potosí (SLP); zona alfarera en La Trinidad, Tlaxcala, y sitio minero en Cedral, SLP. Se cuantificó plomo en polvo y se realizó un biomonitoreo humano en niños de la comunidad. RESULTADOS: Los valores obtenidos de plomo en polvo exterior superaron el límite establecido de 400 mg/kg para suelos residenciales en un intervalo de valores para los cuatro sitios de 62 a 5 187 mg/kg. En cuanto al monitoreo biológico, todas las poblaciones presentaron valores extremos, desde los 22 µg/dL en Cedral, 31 µg/dL en Morales, y 32 µg/dL en Ávalos, hasta los 52 µg/dL en La Trinidad. Es importante señalar que encontramos una correlación positiva y significativa entre los valores de plomo en polvo y plomo en sangre en todos los sitios de estudio (p<0.001). CONCLUSIÓN: Estos sitios son un ejemplo de los riesgos en salud relacionados con la exposición a plomo en México; por consiguiente, se requiere de un programa nacional de salud pública dirigido a reducir la exposición a este metal en poblaciones vulnerables.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the exposure to lead in children living in various types of contaminated sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted from June 2008 to December 2009 at four sites in Mexico: Avalos metallurgical, Chihuahua; Morales metallurgical, San Luis Potosí (SLP); Trinidad pottery area, Tlaxcala and Cedral mine site, SLP. These sites contain different sources of lead. The metal levels were quantified in outdoor dust and in peripheral blood of children. RESULTS: Lead dust concentrations exceed the National Guidelines for residential soils (400 mg/kg) in a range of values for the four sites from 62 to 5 187 mg/kg. Regarding biological monitoring, the studied children showed maximum lead blood levels of 22 µg/dL in Cedral, 31 µg/dL in Morales, 32 µg/dL in Avalos, and 52 µg/dL in Trinidad. It is important to mention that in all the studied sites, a significative positive correlation was found between blood lead levels and the lead concentrations in dust. CONCLUSION: These sites are an example of the health risks related to lead exposure in Mexico; therefore, there is an urgent need for a national public health program aimed at reducing lead exposure in vulnerable populations.

Residuos de plaguicidas en aguas para consumo humano en una comunidad agrícola del estado Mérida, Venezuela / Pesticide residues in drinking water of an agricultural community in the state of Mérida, Venezuela

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar la presencia de plaguicidas en agua potable, provenientes de seis acueductos en una región de intensa actividad agrícola del Estado Mérida, Venezuela. El estudio fue realizado durante cuatro semanas continuas, entre mayo y junio de 2008. Los residuos de plaguicidas fueron analizados mediante extracción en fase sólida y HPLC con detector de arreglo de diodos. El método SPE-HPLC-DAD cumplió con los criterios de validación analítica: linealidad (R²: 0,9840-0,9999), precisión (coeficiente de variabilidad inter-día 1,47-6,25%), exactitud (desviación estándar relativa 0,9-9,20%) y sensibilidad (límite de detección ≤ 0,012 µg/L; límite de cuantificación ≤ 0,030 µg/L, excepto mancozeb con 0,400 µg/L). Siete de los trece plaguicidas seleccionados tienen un porcentaje de recuperación entre 100% y 70%, el resto, entre 61% y 37%. En 72 muestras analizadas, se detectaron diez plaguicidas de los grupos químicos: organofosforados, carbamatos, triazinas y derivados de urea. Los plaguicidas con mayor frecuencia de detección fueron: carbofuran y atrazina (39%), malation (25%), dimetoato y metribuzin (19%). Los plaguicidas que se encontraron en niveles más altos fueron: diazinon (26,31 µg/L), metamidofos (10,99 µg/L), malation (2,03 µg/L) y mancozeb (1,27 µg/L). Los niveles de plaguicidas no superaron los valores máximos permitidos por la Legislación Venezolana, sin embargo, fueron superiores al nivel máximo permitido por la Unión Europea y EPA-USA. Este estudio demuestra la urgente necesidad de hacer un monitoreo sistemático de la calidad del agua para consumo humano en las regiones de alta productividad agrícola.

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of pesticides in drinking water from six aqueducts in a region of intense agricultural activity in the state of Merida, Venezuela. The study was conducted for four continuous weeks, between May and June 2008. Pesticide residues were analyzed by solid phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode array detector (DAD). The method SPE-HPLC-DAD met the criteria of analytical validation, with good linearity (R²: 0.9840 to 0.9999), precision (coefficient of inter-day variability from 1.47 to 6.25%), accuracy (relative standard deviation 0.9 to 9.20%) and sensitivity (LOD ≤ 0.012 µg/L; LOQ ≤ 0.030 µg/L, except mancozeb with 0.400 µg/L). Seven of the thirteen selected pesticides have a recovery rate between 100% and 70%, the rest between 61% and 37%. Ten pesticides of the following chemical groups, were detected in 72 samples analyzed: organophosphates, carbamates, triazines and urea derivatives. The pesticides with the highest frequency of detection were: carbofuran and atrazine (39%), malathion (25%), dimethoate and metribuzin (19%). The pesticides found at high levels were diazinon (26.31 µg/L), methamidophos (10.99 µg/L), malathion (2.03 µg/L) and mancozeb (1.27 µg/L). Pesticide levels did not exceed the maximum allowed by Venezuelan law, however, according to international standards (EU and EPA-USA) values were above the maximum permissible levels. This study demonstrates the urgent need for systematic monitoring of the quality of water for human consumption in regions of high agricultural productivity.

Contaminación del aire en la Florida (Talca, Chile): Beneficios económicos en salud por la reducción de los niveles PM10 / Hypothetical health and economic benefits associated with a reduction in air pollution in a Chilean city (Talca)

Background: Environmental air pollution is associated with a higher incidence of respiratory diseases, absenteeism and costs. Aim: To model the health related economic benefits associated to a reduction in air pollution and the resulting lower prevalence of respiratory diseases, in a Chilean city. Material and Methods: A time series model for year 2006 was elaborated. The dependent variable was the number of consultations for respiratory disease. The independent variables were air pollution expressed as particulate matter of 10 micrometers or less (PM10), minimum and maximum environmental temperatures, environmental humidity and number of consultations for chronic diseases. Results: The variables that best explained the number of consultations for respiratory diseases were PM10, minimal environmental temperatures and preexisting respiratory diseases. In a hypothetical scenery of a 67 percent reduction in PM10, 69 percent of medical consultations for respiratory diseases would be avoided. This would result in a net saving of US$ 345,000 per year. Conclusions: The reduction in PM10 emissions would result in an important reduction in consultations for respiratory diseases and monetary savings.

Aluminio en pacientes con terapia de reemplazo renal crónico con hemodiálisis en dos unidades renales en Bogotá / Aluminium in chronic renal replacement therapy patients undergoing haemodialysis in two renal units in Bogotá

Objetivo Determinar las concentraciones de aluminio en suero de pacientes con terapia de reemplazo renal crónico con hemodiálisis y las concentraciones en agua de redes de distribución y diálisis en dos unidades renales en Bogotá. Material y Métodos Estudio descriptivo en 63 pacientes en hemodiálisis y 20 individuos sanos. Las concentraciones de aluminio se determinaron por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica horno de grafito con corrección de lámpara de deuterio. Resultados El promedio de las concentraciones de aluminio en suero de los pacientes fue de 26,5 µg/L (11,2 a 49,2 µg/L, DE=8,03), en individuos sanos de 8,05 µg/L (menor al Límite de Detección a 17,2 µg/L, DE=4,31), en agua de diálisis fue menor a 2 µg/L y en agua de las redes de distribución menor a 200 µg/L. Conclusiones Las concentraciones de aluminio en el agua de la red de distribución y diálisis estudiadas se encontraron por debajo de los valores establecidos internacionalmente indicando un adecuado tratamiento de las mismas. Igualmente las concentraciones de aluminio pre-HD y post-HD observadas en los pacientes se encontraron por debajo de las reportadas en la literatura. El consumo de hidróxido de aluminio aumenta significativamente la concentración de aluminio en suero. Variables como edad, género, estado civil y situación laboral no son factores de riesgo que alteren significativamente las concentraciones de aluminio en suero.

Objective Determining aluminium concentrations in the serum of patients undergoing chronic renal replacement therapy with haemodialysis and concentration in distribution network water and dialysis in two renal units in Bogotá. Material and Methods This was a descriptive study of 63 haemodialysed patients and 20 healthy subjects. Aluminium concentration was determined in water and serum using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with deuterium lamp background corrector. Results Average aluminium concentration was 26.5 µg/L in patients (ranging from 11.2 to 49.2 µg/L; 8.03 standard deviation) and 8.05 µg/L in healthy individuals (ranging from undetectable to 17.2 µg/L; 4.31 standard deviation). Aluminium concentration in dialysis water and distribution network water was below 2 µg/L and 200 µg/L, respectively. Conclusions Aluminium concentration in water and serum in this study was below international standard values, thereby indicating appropriate treatment. Additionally, aluminium concentration in pre-HD and post-HD sera was below that reported previously. Aluminium hydroxide uptake increases aluminium concentration in serum. Personal situation regarding age, gender, civil and work status were not risk factors determining aluminium concentrations in serum.

Exposición a órganoclorados por ingesta de leche pasteurizada comercializada en Cartagena, Colombia / Estimating exposure to organochlorine compounds from consuming pasteurised milk in Cartagena, Colombia

Objetivo Estimar la exposición de pobladores adultos a compuestos órganoclorados a partir de la ingesta de leche pasteurizada comercializada en la ciudad de Cartagena. Métodos Estudio observacional descriptivo de 47 muestras de lotes de producción de distintas marcas de leche pasteurizada y comercializada en la ciudad de Cartagena. El contenido de materia grasa en las muestras de leche fue determinado por Cromatografía de gases. Asimismo, fueron encuestadas 596 personas mayores de edad de las cuales se indagó la frecuencia de consumo de productos lácteos con el fin de estimar la ingesta diaria potencial y admisible y evaluar el riesgo a ingesta de organoclorados. Resultados Las personas encuestadas se encuentran expuestas a compuestos órganoclorados mediante la ingesta de 12,1 mg/g/día a través del consumo de leche pasteurizada comercializada en la ciudad de Cartagena. El 100 por ciento de las muestras analizadas se encontró contaminada con alguno de los plaguicidas objeto de estudio. La población objeto de estudio presenta una ingesta diaria (IDP) de compuestos órganoclorados superior a lo permitido, a la luz de la FAO/OMS. Conclusiones No es posible recomendar a la población cartagenera no consumir leche, pero si recomendar a las autoridades competentes encargadas de exigir a las productoras que inicien campañas de mejoramiento de la calidad de la leche desde el punto de vista toxicológico.

Objective Estimating adult residents' exposure to organochlorine compounds from drinking milk being marketed in the city of Cartagena. Methods This was a descriptive observational study; 47 samples were taken from different production lots of brands of pasteurised milk being sold in the city of Cartagena. The milk samples' fat content was determined by gas chromatography. 596 adults were also surveyed whose dairy product consumption frequency had been investigated to estimate potential and acceptable daily intake and assess the risk of consuming organochlorines. Results The people surveyed here were exposed to organochlorine compounds through consuming 12.1 mg/g/day in pasteurised milk being sold in the city of Cartagena. 100 percent of the samples tested were contaminated with one of the pesticides being studied. The study population had a daily intake (IDP) of organochlorine compounds greater than that permitted by FAO/WHO guidelines. Conclusion It cannot be recommended that people in Cartagena do not drink milk; however, the competent authorities can be requested to require dairy-product producers to launch campaigns to improve the quality of milk from a toxicological point of view.

Isolation and characterization of bacterial isolates having heavy metal tolerance

Fourteen bacterial strains were isolated from metal contaminated sites close to the automobile and welding workshops. These strains were checked for tolerance against heavy metals both in enriched media and minimal media. All the strains showed tolerance against heavy metals but most promising results were given by strain GESQA002 which showed multiple stress tolerance as its maximum tolerable concentration [MTC] against cadmium chloride [CdCI2] was 6mM in enriched media and 1.4mM in minimal media, against copper sulphate [CuSO4] was 3.5mM in enriched media and 1.8mM in minimal media, and against nickel chloride [NiCI2] it was 1mM in enriched media and 0.8mM in minimal media was observed. GESQA002 was also tested against antibiotics kanamycin [Km], and streptomycin [Sm] and it showed elevated MTCs against Sm [100 microg/ml] and Km [25 microg/ml]. Plasmids were detected in GESQA002 which could be a ssign of stress tolerance genes being plasmid borne

Effects of carbon disulfide on blood pressure and electrocardiogram for workers exposed to levels below the national maximum allowable concentration / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of carbon disulfide exposure within the national maximum allowable concentration(MAC) on blood pressure and electrocardiogram, and associations with selected factors.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Workers in a chemical fiber factory were divided into two groups based on the type of work: a high exposure group (HEG) of 821 individuals and a low exposure group (LEG) of 259. The CS2 concentration at workplace was controlled under the national MAC. A set of 250 randomly selected people taking routine physical check-ups in the same period and hospital constituted the control group. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured on the arm, and the pulse pressure (PP) and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) were calculated based on SBP and DBP. The blood pressure data, along with the results of the routine 12-lead electrocardiography taken at rest and records on gender, age, years of work, type of work, and concentrations of triglycerol, cholesterol, and glucose in blood, were compiled for analyses. Risk factors upon CS2 exposure for the increase of blood pressure and occurrence of electrocardiogram abnormalities were identified and rationalized.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Significant difference (P < 0.01) in the average values of SBP, DBP, MABP, and the corresponding abnormality incident rates was found between HEG and LEG, and between HEG and the control group. For both HEG and LEG, the incident rate of DBP abnormality (high DBP) is nearly two times as high as that of SBP. Type of work is the largest risk factor in both the high SBP and high DBP subgroups, with odds ratios (OR) of 2.086 and 2.331 respectively, and high CS2 exposure presents more than double the risk than low exposure. On the incident rate of ECG abnormalities, both exposure groups are significantly different (P < 0.01) to the control group. High SBP in LEG and high DBP in HEG were found to be significant risk factors (OR = 3.531 and 1.638 respectively), while blood glucose appears to be a protective factor (OR = 0.747), appealing to further investigation. Meanwhile, factors like years of work and cholesterol were found to be risk factors in the high SBP subgroup with low exposure, and in the high DBP subgroup with high exposure. Within HEG, high DBP is the only blood pressure-related risk factor found for the incident of left ventricular high voltage (OR = 4.140), as is high SBP for LEG (OR = 4.776). High PP is the only risk factor found for repolarization disturbances within LEG (OR = 20.417). While blood sugar is a risk factor for origin disturbances, it is a protection factor for left ventricular high voltage (OR = 0.633).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The damage of CS2 done to the cardiovascular system is a gradual process. Both early and very low level exposures are detrimental to the human circulatory system. Below the National MAC limit, the toxic effect of CS2 to the cardiovascular system increases with time and level of exposure. The effect of CS2 on DBP is more significant than on SBP, which indicates that CS2 may affect peripheral resistant blood vessels more than the artery. The abnormalities of ECG of workers exposed to CS2 are not only the result of high blood pressure on the heart, but also of the direct toxicity of CS2 on heart and blood vessels.</p>

Determinación de fluoruro en aguas de Rinconadillas (Provincia de Jujuy) / Determination of the presence of fluorides in groundwaters to Rinconadillas (Jujuy)

El objetivo de la investigación fue determinar la presencia de fluoruros de aguas procedentes de vertientes y pozos cavados en la localidad de Rinconadillas de la Puna Jujeña. Dicha región fue seleccionada debido a que se quería corroborar la presencia de fluoruros, encontrados en la década del ‘80 por el organismo Agua Potable de la provincia de Jujuy, como así también ver si existía variación en la concentración de este contaminante natural en el transcurso del tiempo. La evaluación se realizó sobre 11 muestras de agua de vertientes y de pozos, que representan la totalidad de las fuentes en toda la localidad de Rinconadillas y alrededores. Otras 9 muestras fueron tomadas de Purmamarca, Tumbaya, Volcán, San Salvador de Jujuy y Palpalá, localidades que se alejan de Rinconadillas. Estas muestras consideradas testigos fueron seleccionadas sabiendo que, en estudios realizados anteriormente, no contenían fluoruros. De la totalidad de las muestras recolectadas en Rinconadillas, el 82 % superó el límite máximo recomendado por el Código Alimentario Argentino mientras que menos del 10% se encontraron por debajo de lo reglamentado. Las concentraciones de esta zona fueron superiores a las registradas en las muestras tomadas como referencias, determinándose diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos (p = 0,001). De las muestras testigos sólo una superó el límite superior recomendado por el Código Alimentario Argentino. Algunas de las concentraciones determinadas en el presente estudio fueron mayores a los registros de 15 años atrás y podrían indicar una variación creciente en el tiempo. Se ha observado que la población se ha dispersado en las cercanías a Rinconadillas con nuevas fuentes de aguas de bebida, que sólo reciben una eventual cloración. Se ha observado también en la población del lugar una marcada fluorosis dentalque debería ser evaluada clínica y epidemiológicamente.

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of fluorides in groundwaters from springs and wells belonging to Rinconadillas, a small town located in “La Puna” in the Province of Jujuy. This region was selected because fluoride has been detected during the '80 by Jujuy Water Agency and a comparative study of fluoride levels would provide information about the variation of concentrations of this “natural” contaminant along the time. In “La Puna” the study was conducted on eleven samples of groundwaters from springs and wells from Rinconadilllas and its surroundings. Nine further samples were obtained in Purmamarca, Tumbaya, Volcán, San Salvador de Jujuy and Palpalá, all ofthem far from Rinconadillas. Those samples were selected as prior studies determined that water from such towns does not contain fluoride. Eighty two percent of all the samples collected in Rinconadillas exceeded fluoride limits stated by Argentine Legislation (AL), while less than ten percent of the samples are below the stated values. Fluoride levels from this area were higher than the levels for the reference samples. For the blank samples, only one exceeds the maximum allowed level. Fluoride levels found in this study were higher than those coming from samples that have been analyzed 15 years ago indicating that fluoride levels in waters are increasing. It has also been observed that the population has moved to Rinconadillas surroundings having a drinking water form newsource that is only eventually chlorinated. A remarkable dental fluorosis is observed in the population, which should be clinically and epidemiologically assessed.

Poluição atmosférica devida à queima de biomassa florestal e atendimentos de emergência por doença respiratória em Rio Branco, Brasil - Setembro, 2005 / Anthropogenic air pollution and respiratory disease-related emergency room visits in Rio Branco, Brazil - September, 2005

A poluição atmosférica é um importante problema de saúde pública, principalmente na Amazônia e grandes cidades brasileiras. Em setembro de 2005, observou-se elevada concentração de fumaça em Rio Branco, Acre, devido às queimadas. Para avaliar a relação entre a concentração diária de particulate matter < 2,5 µm (PM2,5) e o número de atendimentos diários de emergência por doença respiratória (DR), desenvolveu-se estudo ecológico. A concentração de PM2,5 ultrapassou o limite de qualidade do ar durante 23 dias. Observou-se maior incidência de DR em crianças < 10 anos e correlação positiva entre a concentração de PM2,5 e atendimentos por asma.

Air pollution is a major public health problem in the Amazon forest and in large Brazilian cities. During September of 2005, high concentrations of smoke from biomass burning were observed in the city of Rio Branco. An ecological study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between daily concentrations of particulate matter < 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and the number of respiratory disease (RD)-related emergency room visits. Daily PM2.5 concentrations exceeded recommended air quality limits on 23 days. The incidence of RDs was higher among children < 10 years of age. There was a significant positive correlation between PM2.5 concentrations and asthma emergency room visits.

Detection of some toxic heavy metals in meat and offal of slaughtered cattle in Tanta abattoir, Gharbia governorate

A lot of one hundred and twenty random samples of meat, liver and kidney were collected from young and old slaughtered cattle [20 of each] at Tanta slaughter house, Gharbia governorate, Egypt, for detection of some heavy metal residues as Lead, cadmium and mercury by using Atomic absorption spectrometer. The results revealed that the highest mean value of lead concentration was recorded as 0.606 +/- 0.190 mg/kg wet weight in weight in old slaughtered cattle liver, while the lowest mean value of lead concentration was 0.036 +/- 0.016 mg/ kg wet weight in meat samples of young slaughtered cattle. More over, the highest mean value of cadmium concentration was recorded in as slaughtered cattle 1.752 +/- 0.469 mg/kg wet weight in kidney sample, while the lowest value of cadmium level in young slaughtered cattle was 0.858 +/- 0.133 mg/kg wet weight in meat samples. Regarding the mercury concentration in slaughtered cattle the highest level was recorded in liver of old aged cattle 0.499 +/- 0.171 mg/kg wet weight, whilemean the lowest results were recorded in meat sample of young aged slaughtered cattle as 0.218 + 0.041, All the obtained results of lead cadmium and mercury were compared with the permissible limsts of FAO/WHQ [1992] and ES [1993] and public health hazards of such toxic heavy metals were discussed. Hygienic measures and awareness programs were implemented to avoid contamination of meat and offal with such toxic heavy meals

Study of radiation protection for Elekta medical linear accelerator

The incidence of cancer throughout the world is increasing with the prolonged life expectancy that has resulted from improvements in standards of living. About half of all cancer patients receive radiotherapy, either as part of their primary treatment or in connection with recurrences or palliation. The International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA] has estimated that approximately 2500 teletherapy machines were in use in 1998 in developing countries and that 10000 such machines may be needed by 2015. The preparation of this Safety paper was initiated as a result of an expected increase in the construction of radiotherapy facilities, and in response to Member States that have requested practical guidance regarding the design and shielding of such facilities[1] In this work, The Harshaw Model 4500 Manual TLD Reader was used for Thermo Luminescence Dosimetry [TLD] by using a set of 20 chips Dosimeter TLD-1 00. A comprehensive set of measurements were performed for five different sites inside and outside the accelerator. The obtained results showed agreement with published data in some location while the results of the working staff site were within the limits of the recommended permissible dose where it was about 0.5 m Sievert per year

Evaluation of chemical quality and nutrition value of fresh water cray fish [procambarus clarkil]

Crayfish are fresh water crustacean that look like a tiny lobster, fresh water crayfish [Procombarus clarki] had been introduced accidentally and appear in the River Nile and its resource all over Egypt during the last years. The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical quality and composition of crayfish as a human food, and to introduce a new high quality crustacean organism as a new cheap source of animal proteins. Total thirty crayfish samples collected from different markets in Alexandria were analysied for total protein, amino acids using amino acids analyzer, fat, cholesterol, fatty acids [using GLC], ash, minerals, and some heavy metals [using atomic absorption spectrophotometer]. Also, total volatile basic nitrogen, pH, free fatty acids, and thiobarbituric acid value as a chemical quality index were mmeasured. The obtained results revealed good freshness and high chemical quality of crayfish, with regard to their ranges of total volatile basic nitrogen [28-35 mg/100g], pH [7.01-7.21], thiobarbituric acid [0.084-0.412] mg molanaldhyde/kg, and free fatty acids [0.56-0.93] mg/kg. Chemical composition and nutritive value of crayfish revealed mean values of total protein, fat, ash, and cholesterol contents 18.076%, 1.057, 1.48%, and 22.417 mg/100g, respectively. Minerals concentrations level were 0.61%, 443.22, and 356.45 micro g/g for phosphorous, iron, and magnesium, respectively. Amino acid pattern showed that Glutamic, Aspartic, Arginine, and leucine were abundant essential amino acids and oleic acid represented 44% of total fatty acids. Crayfish evoked high nutritional value as respect to higher content of total unsaturated fatty acids [73.689%] with 56.56%, and 15.08% monoioneic and polyioneic [with [greek small letter omega] and [greek small letter omega]] fatty acids also, high quality of protein which contain 55.703% essential amino acids. Also, this investigation showed that heavy metals concentration residue decreased in this order zinc > manganese > copper > chromium > cadmium > lead > nikie. Copper, chromium, and cadmium concentration were within the Egyptian permissible limits in all samples, but lead levels exceeded the maximum permissible limits in all samples and zinc exceeded this limit in 75% of examined samples. Information obtained in the present study can assist in developing quality standard for fresh crayfish in Egypt and recommended rules for its safety were mentioned