Efecto de las aguas jabonosas sobre el comportamiento de hemípteros semiacuáticos (Gerromorpha) de dos ecosistemas acuáticos neotropicales / Effect of soapy water on the behavior of semiaquatic hemipterans (Gerromorpha) from two neotropical aquatic ecosystems

Resumen Introducción: Los hemípteros semiacuáticos son insectos que podrían ser de los mejores indicadores de la calidad del ambiente acuático, específicamente en cuanto al contenido de sustancias que rompen la tensión superficial. Sin embargo, no existen estudios que evalúen cómo estos insectos se ven afectados por cambios en la tensión superficial del agua. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto que tienen las aguas jabonosas sobre la capacidad de locomoción de tres especies de hemípteros semiacuáticos neotropicales. Métodos: Desde agosto hasta noviembre 2020, realizamos experimentos ex situ, con nueve grupos de diez individuos de la familia Veliidae (N = 90) y Gerridae (N = 90), en donde cada grupo individualmente, fue sometido a la entrada de aguas jabonosas durante tres minutos. Para esto, diseñamos un acuario que consistía en tres cajas de plástico a diferentes alturas, conectadas entre sí, de modo que se generaba un flujo de corriente. Utilizamos jabón en polvo para ropa, jabón líquido para manos, y jabón en barra para platos. De cada tipo de jabón preparamos una concentración baja (9 ppm), media (50 ppm) y alta (200 ppm). Mediante grabaciones, registramos el tiempo que duraron los hemípteros en el agua, así como su capacidad para salir de la misma, y si se hundían o no. Resultados: Encontramos que, sin importar el tipo de jabón, el tiempo que permanecen los hemípteros en el agua contaminada, se reduce drásticamente conforme aumenta la concentración, pero dicho impacto varía según la especie, siendo Rhagovelia solida (familia Veliidae) menos afectada por la contaminación en comparación con Platygerris caeruleus y Potamobates unidentatus (familia Gerridae). Conclusión: El uso de estos táxones como indicadores del grado de contaminación de los ríos por detergentes y jabones, puede ser muy útil, sobre todo si se toma en cuenta las diferencias de sensibilidad según la familia o género del grupo.

Abstract Introduction: Semiaquatic hemipterans are insects that may be among the best indicators of the quality of the aquatic environment, specifically in terms of the content of substances that break surface tension. However, no studies are evaluating how these insects are affected by changes in the surface tension of the water. Objective: To determine the effect of soapy water on the locomotion ability of three species of neotropical semiaquatic hemipterans. Methods: From August to November 2020, we conducted ex situ experiments, with nine groups of ten individuals of the family Veliidae (N = 90) and Gerridae (N = 90), where each group individually, was subjected to the entry of soapy water for three minutes. For this, we designed an aquarium consisting of three plastic boxes at different heights, connected to each other, so that a current flow was generated. We used powdered laundry soap, liquid hand soap, and bar soap for dishes. For each type of soap we prepared a low (9 ppm), medium (50 ppm) and high (200 ppm) concentration. By means of recordings, we recorded the time the hemipterans spent in the water, as well as their ability to get out of the water, and whether or not they sank. Results: We found that, regardless of the type of soap, the time spent by hemipterans in contaminated water decreases drastically as the concentration increases, but the impact varies by species, with Rhagovelia solida (family Veliidae) being less affected by pollution compared to Platygerris caeruleus and Potamobates unidentatus (family Gerridae). Conclusions: The use of these taxa as indicators of the degree of contamination of rivers by detergents and soaps can be very useful, especially if we take into account the differences in sensitivity according to the family or gender of the group.

An ultrastructural approach for gill responses after pollutants exposure / Un enfoque ultraestructural de las respuestas branquiales después de la exposición a contaminantes

SUMMARY: Morphological and physiological responses of gills exposed to environmental contaminants are widely described in the literature. Among the primary findings are the lamellar fusion, hyperplasia, aneurysms, proliferation of mitochondria-rich cells and mucous cells. This work has as main objectives, to show the main changes caused by a polluted lake in gills, and understand how each gill's cell type responds to pollutants' exposure. To those individuals of the species, Astyanax altiparanae were exposed to water from an urban lake, which receives such contaminants from various sources. The gills were analyzed under a TEM. Our results showed that prior to these changes, commonly found, only the mucous cells did not show structural changes. Among the main results, we observed the emergence of Rodlet cells in the group exposed to contaminants, as well as severe damage to the mitochondria-rich cells. The latter result was extremely relevant for demonstrating that the proliferation of this cell type, widely described as an alternative ionic regulation, may in some cases be completely inefficient because structurally these cells are no longer able to perform their basic metabolic functions.

RESUMEN: Las respuestas morfológicas y fisiológicas de las branquias expuestas a contaminantes ambientales se describen ampliamente en la literatura. Entre los hallazgos principales se encuentran la fusión laminar, la hiperplasia, los aneurismas, la proliferación de células ricas en mitocondrias y las células mucosas. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo principal, mostrar los principales cambios en las branquias, causados por un lago contaminado y comprender cómo responde el tipo de célula de las branquias a la exposición de los contaminantes. Individuos de la especie Astyanax altiparanae fueron expuestos al agua de un lago urbano, receptor de contaminantes de diversas fuentes. Las branquias se analizaron bajo un TEM. Nuestros resultados mostraron que antes de estos cambios, comúnmente encontrados, solo las células mucosas no mostraban cambios estructurales. Entre los resultados principales, observamos la aparición de células Rodlet en el grupo expuesto a contaminantes, así como el daño severo a las células ricas en mitocondrias. Este último resultado fue extremadamente relevante para demostrar que la proliferación de este tipo de células, ampliamente descrito como una regulación iónica alternativa, en algunos casos puede ser completamente ineficiente porque estructuralmente estas células ya no son capaces de realizar sus funciones metabólicas básicas.

Presencia de Ochrobactrum anthropi en muestras de semen / Presence of Ochrobactrum Anthropi in Semen Samples

Introducción: El semen es una mezcla compleja de fluidos y células que posee las condiciones adecuadas para albergar microorganismos, especialmente bacterias. Objetivo: Evaluar la presencia de bacterias en el semen de individuos normozoospérmicos asintomáticos para infecciones urogenitales. Métodos: Se realizó una secuenciación estándar posterior a la amplificación por PCR con el uso de los cebadores universales 27F y 1492R para identificación de bacterias, en 10 muestras de semen de voluntarios normozoospérmicos asintomáticos para infecciones urogenitales. Resultados: Se identificó a Ochrobactrum anthropi en 8 de las 10 muestras seminales evaluadas y a Haemophilus paraurethrae o Escherichia coli en los dos restantes. O. anthropi es una bacteria comensal, ampliamente distribuida en la naturaleza, especialmente en las fuentes de agua que, a pesar de su baja virulencia, ocasionalmente causa infecciones en individuos inmunocomprometidos. Conclusión: La alta frecuencia de O. anthropi en las muestras de semen de individuos normozoospérmicos asintomáticos para infecciones urogenitales puede asociarse a procesos de contaminación durante la recolección de la muestra, debido a la amplia distribución de esta bacteria, especialmente en las fuentes de agua(AU)

Introduction: Semen is a complex combination of fluids and cells that can harbor microorganisms, especially bacteria. Objective: To assess the presence of bacteria in semen samples from asymptomatic normozoospermic individuals, for urogenital infections. Methods: Standard sequencing after PCR amplification was performed with the use of the universal primers 27F and 1492R for bacterial identification, in 10 semen samples of asymptomatic normozoospermic volunteers for urogenital infections. Results: Thisidentified Ochrobactrum anthropi in 8 out of 10 samples assessed. In the remaining two samples, we identified Haemophilus paraurethrae and Escherichia coli. O. anthropi is a commensal bacterium, widely spread in nature, especially in water sources that, despite its low virulence, occasionally cause infections in immune compromised individuals. Conclusion: The high frequency of O. anthropi in semen samples from asymptomatic normozoospermic individuals, for urogenital infections can be associated with contamination during the collection of the sample, due to the wide distribution of this bacterium, especially in water sources(AU)

Cambios en la frecuencia de infección por Helicobacter pylori en niños guatemaltecos durante 10 años / Changes in the frequency of Helicobacter Pylori infection inGuatemalan children for 10 years

Se determinó la frecuencia de anticuerpos IgG anti-Helicobacter pylori a 302 niños de cuatro centros de atención integral (CAI) y se realizó un análisis comparativo con las reportadas en dos estudios del 2002 para establecer cambios en la frecuencia durante el período (2002-2012). La determinación de anticuerpos se realizó a través de un ensayo inmunoenzimático comercial, con un muestreo estratificado por grupo etario, similar al realizado en 2002. Se obtuvo una frecuencia de 44.70%, IC 95% [38.93, 50.48], muy similar a 42.71% encontrada en el 2002 (p = .655). Los cambios observados por rangos de edad no fueron significativamente diferentes: en el grupo de menores de 3 años se encontró positividad el 33.15% en el 2002 y 35.63% en el 2012 (p = .791), y el de 3 a 10 años (p = .628) la positividad en el 2002 fue 51.20% y en el 2012 fue 48.37%, así como con el género de los niños, (p = .874 para el 2002 y p = .435 para el 2012). Se evidenció que la infección es adquirida desde la temprana edad y que aumenta con los años, encontrando que, a la edad de 5 años, casi el 50% de los niños ya es seropositivo. Los factores de riesgo asociados significativamente con la existencia de anticuerpos IgG anti-H. pylori son no estar sano (p = .041), la presencia de diarrea actual (p = .003), el consumo de agua no purificada (p < .001) y la clase de servicio sanitario disponible (p = .003).

The presence of IgG antibodies anti-Helicobacter pylori in 302 children attending four centers for integral attention (CIA) was determined and a comparative analysis with the ones reported in two studies in 2002 was conducted to establish changes in a period of 10 years (2002-2012). To detect the antibodies a comercial immunoassay was used, and the children were grouped stratified by age. A positivity of 44.70%, 95% CI [38.93, 50.48] was found, which was not significantly different from 42.71% found in 2002 (p = .655). No significant difference was found with the changes observed by age group, in the group of children under 3 years 33.15% was found in 2002 and 35.63% in 2012 (p = .791), and in the group 3-10 years (p = .628) the frequency in 2002 was 51.20% and in 2012 was 48.37%, or with the gender of children in both periods (p = 0.874 for 2002 and p = 0.435 for2012). It was evident that the infection is acquired early in life and increases with age, so that at the age of 5 years, almost 50% of children are already positive. Among the risk factors significantly associated with the presence of IgG antibodies to H. pylori we identified not being healthy (p = .041), the actual presence of diarrhea (p = .003), drinking unpurified water (p < .001) and type of health service available (p = .003).

Histopathological effect of sub-lethal concentration of aluminum phosphide (phostoxin) on Clarias gariepinus juveniles

The study evaluated the effect of sub-lethal concentration of phostoxin on Clarias gariepinus juveniles. C. gariepinus juveniles belonging to the same cohort (40.1±1.2g; 18.1±1.1cm) from a commercial fish farm were randomly placed ten in each of 15 plastic tanks containing 15 liters of water. They were exposed for 96 hrs to three sub-lethal concentrations (treatments) of phostoxin (0.125, 0.250, 0.5mg L-1) and a phostoxin free control. At the end of 96 hrs exposure, they were dissected and the tissues need for histopathology removed and fixed in Bouin's fluid. The gill filament exhibited fusion at the secondary lamella that was progressive with concentration. At the highest concentration of exposure, the secondary lamellae showed marked pyknotic and necrotic changes characterized by epithelia detachment. The hepatic tissue showed mild inflammatory changes at lower concentrations while at the highest concentration of exposure there was marked inflammation with observed hydropic degeneration. In the kidney, an inflammatory change was only observed in the interstices at the highest dose of exposure with the convoluted tubules showing partial shrinkage. Phostoxin showed to have significantly caused alterations in cyto-architecture of the gills and to a considerable extent liver and kidney of C. gariepinus.(AU)

Acute invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, shortly after occupational exposure to polluted muddy water, in a previously healthy subject / Aspergilose pulmonar invasiva aguda, logo após exposição ocupacional a água poluída barrenta, em indivíduo previamente saudável

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) predominantly occurs in severely neutropenic immunocompromised subjects. The occurrence of acute IPA after brief but massive exposure to Aspergillus conidia in previously healthy subjects has been documented, although only six such cases have been reported. The diagnosis was delayed in all six of the affected patients, five of whom died. We report the case of a 50-year-old HIV-negative male, a water pipeline maintenance worker, who presented with acute-onset dyspnea and fever one day after working for 2 h in a deep pit containing polluted, muddy water. Over a one-month period, his general condition deteriorated markedly, despite antibiotic therapy. Imaging showed bilateral diffuse nodules with cavitation, some of which were surrounded by ground-glass opacity suggestive of a halo sign (a hallmark of IPA). Cultures (of sputum/bronchial aspirate samples) and serology were positive for Aspergillus fumigatus. After being started on itraconazole, the patient improved. We conclude that massive exposure to Aspergillus conidia can lead to acute IPA in immunocompetent subjects.

A aspergilose pulmonar invasiva (API) ocorre predominantemente em indivíduos imunocomprometidos com neutropenia grave. A ocorrência de API aguda após exposição breve, mas maciça, a conídios de Aspergillus sp. em indivíduos previamente saudáveis já foi documentada, embora apenas seis casos tenham sido relatados. O diagnóstico foi tardio em todos os seis pacientes afetados, dos quais cinco foram a óbito. Relatamos o caso de um homem de 50 anos de idade, HIV negativo, trabalhador de manutenção de tubulação de água, que apresentou dispneia e febre de início agudo um dia após trabalhar 2 h em uma vala funda contendo água poluída e barrenta. Num período de um mês, seu estado geral se deteriorou acentuadamente, apesar da antibioticoterapia. Exames de imagem mostraram nódulos bilaterais difusos com cavitação, alguns dos quais circundados por opacidade em vidro fosco sugestiva de sinal do halo (uma característica da API). As culturas (de amostras de escarro/aspirado brônquico) e a sorologia foram positivas para Aspergillus fumigatus. Após iniciado o tratamento com itraconazol, o paciente melhorou. Concluímos que a exposição maciça a conídios de Aspergillus pode levar a API em indivíduos imunocompetentes.

Sorologia e suscetibilidade antimicrobiana em isolados de Escherichia coli de pesque-pagues / Serology and patterns of antimicrobial susceptibility in Escherichia coli isolates from pay-to-fish ponds

Pesquisou-se a ocorrência de Escherichia coli (EPEC, EIEC, O157) em água e peixe (pele, trato digestivo e músculo) de pesque-pagues da microbacia do Córrego Rico, Jaboticabal (SP). Foram isoladas 115 cepas de E. coli, entre as quais 49 (43%) foram sorogrupadas como EPEC. Os sorogrupos mais frequentes foram O125, O126 e O158. Dentre as amostras testadas, 60 (52%) apresentaram resistência simultânea a dois antimicrobianos. A análise de correspondência foi realizada com o intuito de verificar as possíveis correspondências envolvendo o local de isolamento, sorogrupos e multirresistência e, com isso, pôde-se observar que o músculo apresentou menor correspondência com os demais fatores analisados. Porém, o isolamento de sorogrupos EPEC neste estudo representa risco à saúde dos consumidores.(AU)

The occurrence of Escherichia coli (EPEC, EIEC and O157) in water and fish (skin, gut and muscle) in pay-to-fish ponds of the micro bay of Córrego Rico, in Jaboticabal (SP), was assessed. One hundred and fifteen strains of E. coli were isolated, and 49 (43%) were serogrouped as EPEC. The most common serogroups were O125, O126 and O158. Among the tested samples, 60 (52%) showed simultaneous resistance to two antimicrobials. A correspondence analysis was performed to assess possible correlations involving the site of isolation, serogroups and multi-resistance. The results of this analysis showed that the muscle was less correlated with the the other factors. However, the isolation of EPEC serogroups in this study demonstrates a risk to public health.(AU)

Identification of fish nursery areas in a free tributary of an impoundment region, upper Uruguay River, Brazil

This study aims to determine the importance of different environments of the Ligeiro River (upper Uruguay River, Brazil) in fish reproduction. For this purpose, three environments (sampling sites) were selected: rapids, a pool, and the mouth of the Ligeiro River. Ichthyoplankton, zooplankton, and benthos were sampled six times per month from September, 2006 to March, 2007. Zooplankton and ichthyoplankton samples were collected early in the evening with plankton nets (64 µm and 500 µm, respectively). Benthos samples were also collected early in the evening with a Van Veen dredge. Local abiotic variables (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity, water speed, alkalinity, water hardness, and water transparency) were measured simultaneously with the biotic data sampling and were complemented by regional variables (water flow and precipitation). A total of 43,475 eggs and 2,269 larvae were captured. Of these larvae, 80.1% were in the pre-flexion and larval yolk stages. Digestive tract content showed that the greatest degree of repletion among the larvae in more advanced phases occurred in the pool environment. Water speed was the main characteristic used to differentiate the river's rapids and mouth from the pool. The abundance of zooplankton and benthos was not related to the distribution of densities among the different components of the ichthyoplankton. A greater abundance of eggs and larvae with yolk was found in the rapids and river mouth. Ordination analyses showed a connection between the advanced stage larvae and the pool environment. In conclusion, the rapids and river mouth of the Ligeiro River's are important locations for fish reproduction, particularly in regard to spawning and drifting of the ichthyoplankton's initial stages, whereas the pool represents a nursery place for larval growth.

O presente estudo visa determinar a importância de diferentes ambientes do rio Ligeiro (alto rio Uruguai/Brasil) na reprodução dos peixes. Para isto foram selecionados três ambientes (locais): uma corredeira, um poço e a foz do rio Ligeiro. As coletas de ictioplâncton, zooplâncton e bentos foram realizadas seis vezes por mês, entre os meses de setembro de 2006 a março de 2007. As amostras de zooplâncton e ictioplâncton foram coletadas no início da noite com redes de plâncton com malha 64 µm e 500 µm, respectivamente. A coleta de bentos também aconteceu no início da noite e foi realizada com uma draga de Van Veen. Variáveis abióticas locais (temperatura, oxigênio dissolvido, pH, condutividade elétrica, velocidade da água, alcalinidade, dureza e transparência da água) foram mensuradas simultaneamente as coletas dos dados bióticos e complementadas por variáveis regionais (vazão da água e precipitação). Foi capturado um total de 43.475 ovos e 2.269 larvas; destas, 80,1% se encontravam nos estágios larval vitelino e pré-flexão. O conteúdo do trato digestório das larvas mostrou que o maior grau de repleção das larvas em estágios mais avançados foi encontrado no poço. A velocidade da água foi o principal fator que discriminou a corredeira e foz do poço. A abundância do zooplâncton e dos bentos não tiveram relação com distribuição das densidades dos diferentes componentes do ictioplâncton. Houve diferença na distribuição dos diferentes componentes do ictioplâncton nos ambientes estudados, com maior abundância de ovos e larvas com vitelo na corredeira e na foz do rio. As ordenações mostraram relação das larvas em estágios avançados com o poço. Conclui-se, portanto, que para a reprodução dos peixes, a corredeira e a foz se apresentam como importantes sítios para a desova dos peixes e deriva dos estágios iniciais do ictioplâncton, enquanto que o poço mostrou relevância como sítio de crescimento das larvas de peixes no rio Ligeiro.

Cólera en Haití / Cholera in Haiti

La República de Haití con 9 millones de habitantes vive desde antaño una gran debilidad en varios frentes, pero en especial, en aspectos concernientes a la salud y a los servicios públicos que además de ser precarios solo alcanzan para una pequeña parte de la población. Terremotos, inundaciones y huracanes sumados a una eterna inestabilidad social y a una magra cobertura de salud llevan a panoramas ominosos como la actual epidemia de cólera del que solo se saldrá cuando se dejen de buscar culpables y se mancomunen el gobierno, ONGs y Naciones Unidas para controlar la epidemia y sentar bases sólidas de salubridad y protección social.

The Republic of Haiti, with 9 million inhabitants, has been living a great precariouness in several areas, specially in health and public services. These aspects are not only precarious but they can only reach a few people. Earthquakes, floods and hurricans added to a never ending social instability and a very poor health covering lead to ominous settings like the today colera epidemy. They will only get rid of this problem when they stop looking for guilty ones and the government start working together with ONG's and United Nations in order to control the epidemy and to stablish solid foundations of health and social protection.

Deformación de branquias en salmónidos: análisis macroscópico, histológico, ultraestructural y de elementos / Gill deformation in salmonids: macroscopic, histological, ultrastructural and elements analysis

Las branquias son los órganos destinados al proceso de respiración en los peces, estas están consideradas, entre las estructuras más delicadas del cuerpo de los teleósteos ya que están expuestas a sufrir daños de cualquier agente irritante, los cuales constituyen la causa más frecuente y significativa de sus cambios patológicos. Los objetivos del presente estudio son caracterizar las alteraciones branquiales desde los puntos de vista anatómico, histológico, además, determinar niveles de Ca, P y Zn del tejido óseo de la columna vertebral y cráneo de salmones afectados. Se utilizaron 47 salmones, divididos en dos grupos: control y con deformaciones, a los cuales se les realizaron análisis macroscópico, histológico, ultraestructural y de elementos. Se observaron alteraciones tanto en el contexto anatómico como histológico, así como gran presencia de bacterias y hongos que afectaban principalmente al primer arco, pudiendo concluir que los peces tendrían una susceptibilidad génica a la deformación branquial.

Gills act as the respiratory organ in the respiration process in fish. They are considered among the most delicate body structures of teleost fish as they are subject to damage from any irritant, which are the most frequent and significant causes of their pathological changes. The objective of this study is to characterize gill alterations from the anatomical and histological standpoint, and to determine levels of Ca, P and Zn in bone tissue of the spine and skull of affected salmon. For purposes of this study 47 salmon were used in two groups: control and deformation, subjected to complete histological, ultrastructural and element inspection. Abnormalities were observed in both the anatomical and histological context and extensive presence of bacteria and fungi affecting mainly the first arc were found. Therefore, we can conclude that these fish have a genetic susceptibility to gill deformation.

Hepatitis E en niños / Hepatitis E in children

La hepatitis E, conocida previamente como hepatitis no A, no B, de transmisión enteral, es una infección causada por el virus de la hepatitis E (VHE), cuyas características clínicas y epidemiológicas son las de una hepatitis aguda. Pertenece a la familia Hepaviridae. El VHE setransmite principalmente por la vía fecal-oral, la mayoría de las epidemias se pueden asociar conbrotes que tienen su origen en el agua, alta densidad de población y deficientes condiciones sanitarias. El cuadro clínico es el de una hepatitis aguda típica, sin embargo, tiene un amplio espectro de presentación clínica. Es común encontrar marcadores serológicos para VHE positivos en niños con hepatitis viral aguda por otros virus hepatótropos, especialmente el virus B y C. El diagnóstico de infección por VHE se puede hacer por detección serológica y/o molecular. La teórica viabilidad de una vacuna frente alVHEestá basada en diversas evidencias.

Hepatitis E, formerly known as hepatitis non A, non B, enteral transmission, is an infection causedby the hepatitis E virus (HEV), clinical and epidemiological characteristics are those of acute hepatitis. Hepaviridae belongs to the family. HEV is transmitted primarily through fecal-oral route,most outbreaks have been associated with outbreaks that have their origin in water, high population density and poor sanitation. The clinical picture is that of a typical acute hepatitis, however, has a broad spectrum of clinical presentation. Commonly found positive for HEV serological markers in children with acute viral hepatitis other hepatotropic viruses, especially viruses B and C. The diagnosis of HEV infectionan be done by serological detection and/or molecular. The theoretical feasibility of a vaccineagainstHEVis based on different evidence.

Contenido de arsénico en el agua de consumo en Leales y Graneros (Provincia de Tucumán - Argentina) / Levels of arsenic in the drinking water in Leales and Graneros (Tucumán - Argentina)

Se determinó la contaminación con Arsénico (As) en agua de bebida en Leales (L) y Graneros (G) (Tucumán), y se relacionó el nivel de contaminación con la profundidad de los pozos y la presencia de signos dermatológicos. La determinación de As fue realizada por el método cuantitativo de Gutzei modificado. Se entrevistaron 122 individuos, se evaluaron los signos dermatológicos de arsenicismo. El 9,3% y 34,7% de 140 muestras de L y 95 de G respectivamente tienen niveles permitidos. Las concentraciones promedios en L fueron 0,112; 0,087 y 0,096 mg/L para la profundidad menor a 10; 11 a 25 y mayor a 25 metros respectivamente. No se encontró diferencia entre las distintas profundidades. Las concentraciones promedios en Graneros fueron 0,163; 0,045; 0,405; 0,056 mg/L para los pozos menor a 10; 11 a 25 con concentraciones moderadamente y marcadamente elevadas, y mayor a 25 metros respectivamente. Se encontraron diferencias entre las concentraciones de As y la profundidad de los pozos. El 12,4% de los 89 individuos examinados de L y el 39,4% de los 33 individuos de G presentaron signos dermatológicos. Es una patología de alta prevalencia en áreas deprimidas del noroeste argentino, se vincula a una inadecuada provisión de agua, es un problema de alta importancia socio-sanitaria por su magnitud; su severidad real y potencial y su evitabilidad.

The aim of this work was to investigate the contamination with Arsenic (As) in drinking water in Leales (L) and Graneros (G) (Tucumán), the relationship between the level of pollution and the depth of the wells, and the presence of cutaneous signs. The determination of As was made by the quantitative method of modified Gutzei. A hundred and twenty-two individuals were selected. A total of 9.3% and 34.7% of 140 samples of L and 95 of G respectively have allowed levels.The average concentrations in L were 0.112; 0.087 and 0.096 mg/L for depths lower than 10; 11 to 25 meters, and higher than 25 meters respectively. No difference was found between the different depths. The average concentrations in G were 0.163; 0.045; 0.405; 0.056 mg/L for the wells lower than 10; 11 to 25: meters with concentrations moderately and markedly raised, and higher than 25 meters respectively. Differences were found between the concentrations of As and the depth of the wells. A total of 12.4% of 89 of L and 39.4% of 33 individuals examined of G showed cutaneous signs. This pathology is of high importance in depressed areas of the Argentina, is linked to an inadequate provision of water.

Macroinvertebrados bentónicos como bioindicadores de salud ambiental / Benthic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators of environmental health

Los sistemas fluviales han estado sometidos a la fuerte presión humana, debido a la intervención no planificada que ha desencadenado un mal manejo de aguas potencialmente potables para consumo humano y riego. Estos cambios han promovido cambios microclimáticos importantes, afectando el nicho de la fauna acuática, por ser un taxa cuya dinámica es muy susceptible a perturbaciones. En el contexto del desarrollo sustentable con perspectivas hacia el aprovechamiento y conservación de ambientes acuáticos, los bioindicadores juegan un papel importante en el manejo adecuado de los recursos. Un bioindicador puede ser definido como un conjunto de especies que poseen requerimientos particulares con relación a un grupo de variables físicas o químicas, tal que los cambios de estas variables indiquen para las especies involucradas que el sistema se encuentra en los límites de las curvas del óptimo ecológico. Las comunidades de macroinvertebrados son los mejores bioindicadores de contaminación acuática, debido a que son muy abundantes, se encuentran en prácticamente todos los ecosistemas de agua dulce y su recolección es simple y de bajo costo. Los órdenes de insectos utilizados en este estudio para estimar la calidad ambiental son: ephemeroptera, trichoptera, plecoptera, diptera, odonata y coleoptera. En este trabajo se presentan a los macroinvertebrados acuáticos como indicadores biológicos, y su utilidad a partir del empleo de los índices bióticos para estimar la tolerancia del bentos a los contaminantes (BMWP, IBMW, BMWQ, IBF, EPT, el porcentaje de raspadores y la abundancia de chironomidae) así como las respuestas funcionales de estos organismos a los contaminantes. El aumento de estudios de bioindicadores conllevara a la mejor comprensión de cómo y de qué manera es afectado un ecosistema de agua dulce por un contaminante.

The fluvial system has been under strong human pressure, due to a lack of urban planning, which has triggered a potentially dangerous potable water problem for human consumption and irrigation. These changes in the quality of the fluvial systems have promoted important microclimatic changes, within the niche of special aquatic fauna, macroinvertebrates, that have a susceptible population dynamics to habitat disturbances. For sustainable development it is necessary to consider aquatic atmosphere conservation and to propose an adequate management plan, which includes bioindicators as a potential tool, to evaluate the perturbation grade and monitor the fluvial system within the water conservation plan. A bioindicador is defined as a set of species, with specific requirements in relation to physical or chemical variables, so that the significant changes of these variables indicates for the species that the system is perturbed and the species are close to tolerance limits. The assemblages of macroinvertebrates are the best bioindicators of contaminated water, because they are very abundant, are present in all the fresh water ecosystems, easy to collect and monitoring is low cost. The taxa to consider for environmental quality are: Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, Plecóptera, Diptera, Odonata and Coleóptera. In this work we suggest the use of these aquatic macroinvertebrates as biological bioindicators, and their utility as biotic indices to estimate the tolerance of benthos to the polluting agents (BMWP, IBMW, BMWQ, IBF, EPT, the percentage of scrapers and the abundance of Chironomidae) as well as the functional response of these organisms to the polluting agents. Increasing studies of biomarkers leads to a better understanding of how fresh water is affected by a pollutant.

Efectos de un emisario submarino de aguas "residuales" urbanas sobre comunidades de octocorales (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea) en Cuba / Effects of a submarine discharge of urban waste on octocoral (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea) communities in Cuba

The composition and structure of octocoral communities on coral reefs close to a submarine outfall were studied at Reparto Flores, west of Havana City, Cuba. Octocoral community changes after the deployment of the submarine outfall in 2000 were monitored from June 2002 to September 2005, taking as baseline the data existing before its construction. The area also receives the influence of the polluted river Quibú that passes through a great part of the west side of the City. Sampling was done by means of SCUBA diving, counting and identifying colonies in situ within a 1 m2 frame that was randomly placed as many times as to warrant stabilized values of Shannon and Weaver's heterogeneity index H'. In agreement with the available hydrochemical information, changes in the diversity indexes (Shannon and Weaver's heterogeneity index H', Pielou's equitability index J', and Margalef's species richness index R1), the Herrera-Moreno's comparative pollution index (ICC), and density of some octocoral species at a depth of 10 m suggest a decrease in the influence of polluters from 1989 to 2005. Nevertheless, these indicators were affected in 2004 by a sudden intense but brief colonization of Briareum asbestinum, a species that is not typical of polluted places. At a depth of 20 m, a co-dominance of Plexaura kuekenthali and Eunicea clavigera (resistant and non resistant to pollution, respectively) and an increase of the comparative pollution index (ICC) was observed. The increase of P. kuekenthali, a pollution indicator, suggests a rise in the pollution effect 20 m in depth, because of the recent impact caused by the greater closeness of the outfall mouth 50 m deep. Results corroborate the hypothesis about the pollution indicator character of P. kuekenthali. However, this could not be explored for Eunicea flexuosa (also considered a pollution-indicator) due to an intensive illegal selective extraction for lucrative handicraft purposes, which...

Para profundizar en las respuestas de las comunidades de octocorales a la influencia de residuales urbanos se estudió su composición y estructura en sitios de arrecife cercanos a un emisario submarino urbano en el Reparto Flores, La Habana, Cuba. Desde junio del 2002 hasta septiembre del 2005, se efectuó el monitoreo de los cambios ocurridos en las comunidades después de la puesta en operación del emisario en el año 2000, tomando como línea base datos existentes antes del inicio de su construcción. El muestreo se realizó mediante buceo SCUBA, contando e identificando las colonias in situ dentro de cuadricula de 1 m2 de lado. Diversos índices sugieren una disminución de la influencia de la contaminación en la última década.El incremento de P. kuekenthali (indicadora de contaminación, , sugiere un aumento del efecto de la contaminación a 20 m de profundidad debido al impacto reciente de la mayor cercanía del desagüe del emisario que se encuentra a 50 m de profundidad. B. asbestinum y E. clavigera se perfilaron como poco resistentes a la contaminación.

Effects of water and sanitation on childhood nutrition in Pakistan

To examine the impact of type of household water supply and toilet facilities on the nutritional status of children < 3 yrs of age. Descriptive study. Rural areas of district Malir, Karachi. From November 2000 to April 2001. 400 children < 3 years of age were assessed by anthropometric examination. A pre-designed questionnaire was filled, collecting information on type of water supply and toilet facilities in each of the selected household. Only 190 out of 400 families interviewed had access to piped water and only 185 of 400 families had proper flush toilets. Lack of piped water and toilet facilities had a significant correlation. Statistics for stunting were not significant, probably because it represents a more chronic process. Provision of unpolluted water supply with proper toilet and sewerage facilities play an important role in preventing childhood malnutrition and solutions to address this problem are the need of the day

Reproductive impairment of tilapia zillii [Gerv.] living in different basins of lake Mariut, Alexandria

This study aimed at inspecting pollution impact on the reproduction process of Tilapia zillii [Gerv.] living in three main basins of Lake Mariut. Our results revealed that there were two main seasons detected for males and females during a whole year of investigation, namely, non-spawning and spawning seasons. In males, though the two seasons started and ended simultaneously, gonadosomatic index values of males living in the relatively clean area were significantly higher than those of the other two polluted areas. However, no structural alterations could be detected in sections of male gonads from the three basins. All stages of maturation were represented in all gonad sections. In females, gonadosomatic index values of fish living in the relatively clean basin were significantly higher than those of fish living in the other two polluted areas. Females living in the relatively clean area attained two prominent peaks during the spawning season compared to one peak for the other two polluted areas. Spawning season for one of the two polluted areas was one month shorter than the reference area. Historically, belated and deformed maturation stages as well as ruptured and empty follicles were observed in female gonad sections from the two polluted areas

Concentraciones de mercurio total en sangre y cabello por ingesta de pescado en niños, mujeres embarazadas y en edad reproductiva residentes de los municipios aledaños al lago de Chapala, Jalisco - México / Concentrations of total mercury in blood and hair and fish intake in children, residents of the municipalities bordering to the Chapala lake, Mexico

Environmental pollution (water, sediment and fish) poses serious threats to the Chapala lake, Mexico. We seek to identify the concentrations of totalMercury (Hg) in children, pregnant women and in reproductive age from the communities around the lake. We will use blood samples and hair samples as biomarkers. Exposure will be assessed by dietary habits (quantity, frequency, species and type of fish consumed).Taking in consideration that some groups may be more susceptible to Mercury (Hg). In particular, the fetus, newborn babies and infants are at high risk because their nervous system is particularly delicate. Exposure to Hg during pregnancy can affect the neuronal connection and the mielinization of the nervous system, which may result in reduced number of cells neurons " in active" at the end of life. Very limited data exists in Mexico, protection measures are difficult to support without reliable information (e.g., possible damage from fish consumption). Therefore, this investigation seeks to generate hypothesis (cross sectional study) regarding the concentrations of Hg inside the organism soon after the fish consumption. We will evaluate the possible health risk e.g., children'sneurological damages, pregnant women and those in reproductive age.

Assessment of coastal pollution through bioassay and transplantation of intertidal clams.

In the present study, a survey of Mahim creek and Bay area was undertaken that indicated absence of fauna, particularly molluscs from the area, which was a repository in the past. During bioassay experiments of Mahim creek water, the clams G. divaricatum and C. antiquata could not open their valves in 100% creek water and died within 12 hrs of exposure. The 96 hrs LC50 values of Mahim creek water for G. divaricatum and C. antiquata were found to be 20% and 40% respectively during summer and 38% and 57% respectively during rainy season. When two sets of the clams were transplanted at Mahim creek, they died within 12 hrs. These experiments suggest the extreme level of pollution in the area. This level of pollution is responsible for transforming the area into barren locality in terms of fauna, specially the rich molluscan diversity. However, Gorai creek was found to be comparatively very less polluted and it still serves as breeding and nursery ground for various fishes and prawn species. Hence it must be protected and conserved.

Estado del conocimieno de las concentraciones de mercurio y otros metales pesados en peces dulceacuícolas de Colombia / Current State of Knowledge of the Concentration of Mercury and Other Heavy Metals in Fresh Water Fish in Colombia

Una de las problemáticas ambientales más importantes en el país se refiere al uso indiscriminado de precursores químicos en actividades ilícitas, el uso de metales pesados como mercurio en actividades mineras, el vertimiento de aguas servidas y otro tipo de compuestos relacionados con actividades industriales y prácticas agrícolas inadecuadas. Lo anterior, ha llevado a que la contaminación química en especial por metales pesados, constituya una de las más peligrosas para los ecosistemas acuáticos y las especies presentes en ellos. Los peces tienen la capacidad de almacenar en su organismo una concentración mayor de estos compuestos en comparación con la presente en el medio, por lo que son un indicador importante de la contaminación, pero también esto implica que su consumo se puede convertir en un problema de salud para las poblaciones que se alimentan de este recurso. La concentración de metales pesados en peces de agua dulce es conocida de mejor manera en la cuenca del río Magdalena, especialmente en la región de la Mojana y en las ciénagas del sur del departamento de Bolívar donde se han estudiado los niveles de contaminación por mercurio y otros metales producida por el desarrollo de múltiples actividades industriales, entre las cuales sobresalen la minería de oro y la petroquímica. Sin embargo, es escaso el conocimiento que se tiene en el país de la problemática generada por la disposición en los cuerpos de agua de metales pesados y su impacto sobre el recurso íctico, el deterioro de ecosistemas y la salud humana. Con base en las normas vigentes se han realizado bioensayos como criterio para comprobar los efectos de la contaminación acuática con organismos dulceacuícolas y la evaluación de por lo menos tres parámetros (metales pesados, temperatura, efluentes), utilizando ocho especies de peces dulceacuícolas: Carassius auratus, Oreochromis spp., Piractus brachypomus, Prochilodus magdalenae, Astyanax fasciatus, Colossoma bidens, Gambusia affinis...

Spa, springs and safety.

Natural mineral water has long been used worldwide for bathing and health purposes. At present, Thailand is famous for health spas and natural hot springs among local people and tourists. Due to possible risks of exposure to harmful agents, we studied hazardous pollutants at 57 natural hot springs from 11 provinces in northern, central, eastern and southern Thailand. Pathogenic, free-living amebae of the genera Naegleria and Acanthamoeba, which can cause central nervous system infection, were found in 26.3% (15/57) and 15.8% (9/ 57), respectively. Dissolved radon, a soil gas with carcinogenic properties, was present in nearly all hot springs sites, with concentration ranging from 0.87-76,527 Becquerels/m3. There were 5 water samples in which radon concentration exceeded the safety limit for drinking. Legionella pneumoniphila (serogroups 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 10 and 13) were found in samples from 71.9% (41/57) of studied sites. Because spas and natural springs are popular tourist attractions, health authorities should be aware of possible hazards and provide tactful measures and guidelines to ensure safety without causing undue alarm to foreign and Thai tourists.