Tasas de suicidio y concentración de litio en agua corriente en Rocha y Montevideo. Primer estudio en Uruguay, período 2019-2020

El suicidio es un fenómeno que además de las pérdidas humanas que involucra, repercute negativamente en familiares y allegados, produciendo a su vez enormes gastos en el sistema sanitario. En Uruguay, la tasa de suicidio no solo ha experimentado un aumento sostenido, representando una preocupación constante para las autoridades, sino que suele ser una de la más altas de Latinoamérica, en 2022 fue de 23,08 cada 100.000 habitantes. Reconociendo que el suicidio es un fenómeno multifactorial grave, diversos estudios han indagado sobre la posible correlación entre la presencia de litio en agua corriente y tasas de suicidio, habiéndose observado una relación inversa, lo que permitiría considerar el litio como eventualmente protector de la conducta suicida. El presente estudio pretende abordar dicha correlación en los departamentos de Rocha y Montevideo, de Uruguay. Los resultados obtenidos no son concluyentes. En cuanto a las concentraciones de litio presentes en agua corriente, en general son menores a las señaladas en otros estudios como protectoras (30 µ/L). Es necesario profundizar en este eje de discusión, como en otros, para obtener un diagnóstico más detallado de este complejo y sentido fenómeno.

Suicide is a phenomenon that, in addition to the human losses it involves, has a negative impact on family members and acquaintances, leading to enormous costs in the healthcare system. In Uruguay, the suicide rate has not only experienced a sustained increase, representing a constant concern for authorities, but it also tends to be one of the highest in Latin America, reaching 23.08 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022. Recognizing that suicide is a serious multifactorial phenomenon, several studies have investigated the possible correlation between the presence of lithium in tap water and suicide rates, noting an inverse relationship. This suggests that lithium could potentially be considered protective against suicidal behavior. This study aims to address this correlation in the departments of Rocha and Montevideo, Uruguay. The results obtained are inconclusive. Regarding the concentrations of lithium present in tap water, they are generally lower than those indicated in other studies as protective (30 µg/L). It is necessary to delve deeper into this axis of discussion, as in others, to obtain a more detailed diagnosis of this complex and profound phenomenon.

O suicídio é um fenómeno que, além das perdas humanas que envolve, tem um impacto negativo nos familiares e amigos, produzindo enormes gastos no sistema de saúde. No Uruguai, a taxa de suicídio não só tem registado um aumento sustentado, representando uma preocupação constante para as autoridades, mas geralmente é uma das mais altas da América Latina, sendo de 23,08 por 100.000 habitantes em 2022. Reconhecendo que o suicídio é um fenómeno multifatorial grave, vários estudos têm investigado a possível correlação entre a presença de lítio na água encanada e as taxas de suicídio; observa-se uma relação inversa, o que permitiria considerá-lo como um possível protetor do comportamento suicida. O presente estudo visa abordar esta correlação nos departamentos de Rocha e Montevidéu no Uruguai. Os resultados obtidos não são conclusivos. Quanto às concentrações de litio presentes na água corrente, são geralmente inferiores às indicadas em outros estudos como protetoras (30 µ/L). É necessário aprofundar esta área de discussão como em outras linhas de pesquisa, e obter um diagnóstico mais detalhado deste fenômeno complexo e significativo.

Insegurança alimentar e insegurança hídrica domiciliar: um estudo de base populacional em um município da bacia hidrográfica do Rio Amazonas, Brasil / Food insecurity and household water insecurity: a population-based study in a municipality in the Amazon River basin, Brazil / Inseguridad alimentaria e inseguridad hídrica en los hogares: un estudio de base poblacional en un municipio de la cuenca hidrográfica del río Amazonas, Brasil

Resumo: Este estudo analisa a insegurança alimentar e os fatores a ela associados na área urbana de um município na bacia hidrográfica do Rio Amazonas, Amazônia Ocidental. Trata-se de pesquisa transversal, de base populacional, realizada de agosto a novembro de 2021, com 983 domicílios selecionados por amostragem probabilística estratificada. Empregou-se o modelo de regressão logística multinomial, adotando-se os seguintes critérios: valor de p < 20% na análise bivariada e valor de p < 5% para o ajuste multivariado. Os resultados das análises foram descritos como odds ratios (OR) e intervalo de 95% de confiança (IC95%). Foram significantemente associadas à insegurança alimentar leve ou moderada as seguintes variáveis: insegurança hídrica domiciliar, número de moradores ≥ 5 no domicílio, pertencer à classe socioeconômica D ou E, ter pai, mãe ou outro, como chefe da família e ter algum morador beneficiário do Programa Bolsa Família. No modelo de análise para a insegurança alimentar grave constatou-se que viver em insegurança hídrica domiciliar, pertencer à classe socioeconômica D ou E, ter pai, mãe ou outro chefe da família, e tendo este menos que 55 anos, e renda familiar menor que dois salários mínimos aumentaram as chances de insegurança alimentar grave, comparativamente àqueles em segurança alimentar. Em conclusão, verificou-se alta prevalência de insegurança alimentar no Município de Itapiranga, Amazonas, Região Norte do Brasil, associada à situação de vulnerabilidade social e econômica, à falta de serviços públicos e à insegurança hídrica domiciliar.

Abstract: This study analyzed food insecurity and associated factors in the urban area of a municipality in the Amazon River basin, Western Amazon. This is a cross-sectional population-based study conducted from August to November 2021 with 983 households selected by stratified probability sampling. A multinomial logistic regression model was used, adopting the following criteria: p-value < 20% in the bivariate analysis and p-value < 5% for the multivariate adjustment. The results of the analyses were described as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI). The following variables were significantly associated with mild or moderate food insecurity: household water insecurity; number of residents ≥ 5 in the household; belonging to socioeconomic class D or E; having a father, mother or another as the head of the family; and having any resident as a beneficiary of the Brazilian Income Transfer Program. The analysis model for severe food insecurity showed that living with household water insecurity; belonging to socioeconomic class D or E; having a father, mother or another as the head of the family; age of the head of the family < 55 years; and family income lower that two minimum wages increased the chances of severe food insecurity when compared to those with food security. In conclusion, this study found a high prevalence of food insecurity in the Municipality of Itapiranga, State of Amazonas, North Region of Brazil, associated with social and economic vulnerability, lack of public services, and household water insecurity.

Resumen: Este estudio analiza la inseguridad alimentaria y los factores asociados, en el área urbana de un municipio de la cuenca hidrográfica del río Amazonas, Amazonia occidental. Se trata de una encuesta transversal, de base poblacional, realizada en el período de agosto a noviembre del 2021, con 983 hogares seleccionados mediante muestreo probabilístico estratificado. Se utilizó el modelo de regresión logística multinomial, adoptando los siguientes criterios: valor de p < 20% en el análisis bivariado y valor de p < 5% para el ajuste multivariado. Los resultados de los análisis se describieron como odds ratios (OR) e intervalo de 95% de confianza (IC95%). Las siguientes variables se asociaron significativamente con la inseguridad alimentaria leve o moderada: inseguridad hídrica en el hogar, número de residentes ≥ 5 en el hogar, pertenecer a la clase socioeconómica "D" o "E", tener padre, madre u otra persona como cabeza de familia y tener a algún residente como beneficiario del Programa Bolsa Familia. En el modelo de análisis para la inseguridad alimentaria severa se encontró que vivir en hogar con inseguridad hídrica, pertenecer a la clase socioeconómica D o E, tener padre, madre u otra persona como cabeza de familia, edad del jefe de familia < 55 años, y un ingreso familiar más bajo que dos salarios mínimos aumentó las probabilidades de sufrir inseguridad alimentaria grave, en comparación con aquellos en situación de seguridad alimentaria. En conclusión, se constató una alta prevalencia de inseguridad alimentaria en el Municipio de Itapiranga, en el interior del Amazonas, Región Norte de Brasil, asociada a la situación de vulnerabilidad social y económica, a la falta de servicios públicos y a la inseguridad hídrica de los hogares.

Water consumption in 0-6-month-old healthy infants and effective factors: A systematic review / Consumo de agua en lactantes sanos de cero a seis meses y factores efectivos: una revisión sistemática

Introduction: Early introduction of fluids and water affects the duration of breastfeeding, the infant immune system, and possibly causes infants to consume less breast milk, which may, in turn, affect their nutritional and immune status. Objective: This study was carried out to determine water consumption in 0-6-month-old infants and the factors affecting this consumption. Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted in seven electronic databases (Medline, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and TÜBITAK) for studies published until April 25, 2022, using the keywords: drinking water, infant, and breastfeeding. Results: The systematic review included 13 studies. Five studies were crosssectional, three were descriptive and quasi-experimental, and the others were case-control and cohort studies. It was reported in the examined studies that 86.2% of the infants were around 6 weeks old, 44 % of the infants were 1 month old, 77% were 3 months old, 2.5% were 4 months old, and 2.5 to 85% of the infants were around 6 months old when they first consumed water. The prominent reasons for making the infants drink water are the thought that they need it and cultural reasons. Conclusions: The exclusive breastfeeding of 0-6-month-old infants is the recommendation of reliable health authorities. Nurses play a key role in implementing this practice. In this systematic review, it was seen that families gave their infants water at varying rates in the 0-6-month period, and the factors affecting this situation were revealed. If nurses determine which factors affect families in terms of the early introduction of fluids, they could be able to plan the necessary education and interventions.

Introducción. La introducción temprana de líquidos y agua afecta la duración de la lactancia, el sistema inmune del lactante y posiblemente hace que los lactantes consuman menos leche materna, lo que a su vez puede afectar su estado nutricional e inmunitario. Objetivo. Este estudio se realizó para determinar el consumo de agua en bebés de cero a seis meses y los factores que inciden en este consumo. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo una revisión de la literatura en siete bases de dato electrónicas (Medline, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Cochrane Library y TÜBITAK) para estudios publicados hasta el 25 de abril de 2022, utilizando las palabras clave: agua potable, lactante y lactancia. Resultados. La revisión sistemática incluyó 13 estudios. Cinco fueron estudios transversales, tres fueron descriptivos, cuasiexperimentales y los restantes fueron estudios de casos y controles, y de cohortes. En los estudios examinados se informó que le dieron agua al 86,2 % de los lactantes de seis semanas, al 44 % de los lactantes de un mes, al 77 % de los lactantes de tres meses, al 2,5 % de los lactantes de cuatro meses y al 2,5 % a 85 % de los lactantes de seis meses. Las razones principales para dar agua a los bebés son la idea de que los bebés necesitan agua y razones culturales. Conclusiones. La lactancia materna exclusiva es la recomendación de las autoridades sanitarias para los bebés de cero a seis meses. Las enfermeras juegan un papel clave en la implementación de esta práctica. En esta revisión sistemática se observó que las familias daban agua a sus bebés en proporciones variables durante el período de cero a seis meses y se revelaron los factores que inciden en esta situación. Si las enfermeras determinan qué factores afectan a las familias en cuanto a la introducción temprana de líquidos, podrían planificar las medidas educativas y las intervenciones necesarias.

Eficácia das medidas domiciliares de desinfecção da água para consumo humano: enfoque para o contexto de Santarém, Pará, Brasil / Efficacy of household methods for disinfecting water for human consumption: focus on the context of Santarém, state of Pará, Brazil / Efectividad de las medidas domiciliarias para desinfectar el agua para consumo humano: desde el contexto de Santarém, estado de Pará, Brasil

Na região Amazônica, cidades como Santarém, no Estado do Pará, Brasil, ainda carecem de Estações de Tratamento de Água para atender toda a população. Nesses locais, medidas domiciliares de desinfecção da água são importantes para preservar a potabilidade e evitar efeitos indesejáveis na saúde. Este estudo avaliou experimentalmente o efeito das medidas domiciliares na eliminação de Escherichia coli em amostras de água. As técnicas avaliadas para esse trabalho foram: (i) hipoclorito de sódio 2,5%; (ii) fervura; (iii) filtro de cerâmica; e (iv) exposição solar. Foram testadas amostras, combinando-se diferentes concentrações de E. coli (entre 3 e 100 unidades formadoras de colônias/100mL). Os resultados mostraram que as medidas domiciliares de desinfecção foram eficazes na eliminação da E. coli, com exceção do filtro de cerâmica, cujas amostras de água, mesmo após a filtragem, apresentaram-se positivas para o crescimento da bactéria. Considerando que a distribuição da água tratada não chega à maior parte da população que reside em Santarém e em áreas periurbanas, como em comunidades quilombolas e ribeirinhas, o uso das medidas como hipoclorito de sódio 2,5%, fervura e exposição solar poderão favorecer a promoção da saúde e diminuir a ocorrência de surtos de doenças diarreicas veiculadas pela água.

In the Amazon region, cities such as Santarém, in the state of Pará, Brazil, still lack Water Treatment Stations to serve the entire population. In these places, household methods of water disinfection are important to preserve potability and avoid undesirable health effects. Our study experimentally evaluated the effect of household methods for eliminating Escherichia coli in water samples. The techniques evaluated for this study were: (i) sodium hypochlorite 2.5%; (ii) boiling; (iii) ceramic filter, and (iv) sun exposure. Samples were tested, combining different concentrations of E. coli (from 3 to 100 colony forming units/100mL). The results showed that household disinfection methods were effective in eliminating E. coli; except for the ceramic filter, the water of which was still positive for their growth, even after filtration. Considering that the distribution of treated water does not reach most of the population living in Santarém and in peri-urban areas, such as the quilombola and riverside communities, the use of such methods as sodium hypochlorite 2.5%, boiling, and sun exposure may favor health promotion and reduce the occurrence of outbreaks of dysentery transmitted by water.

En la región Amazónica, las ciudades como Santarém, en el estado de Pará, Brasil, todavía carecen de Estaciones de Tratamiento de Agua para atender a toda la población. En estos lugares, las medidas de desinfección domiciliaria del agua son importantes para preservar la potabilidad y evitar efectos indeseables en la salud. Este estudio evaluó el efecto de medidas domiciliarias en la eliminación de Escherichia coli en muestras de agua. Las técnicas evaluadas en este trabajo fueron: (i) hipoclorito de sodio al 2,5%; (ii) hervir el agua; (iii) filtro cerámico y (iv) exposición al sol. Se probaron muestras combinando diferentes concentraciones de E. coli (entre 3 y 100 unidades formadoras de colonias/100mL). Los resultados mostraron que las medidas de desinfección domiciliaria fueron efectivas en la eliminación de E. coli, con excepción del filtro cerámico que presentó un resultado positivo para su crecimiento en las muestras de agua, aún después de filtrada. Considerando que la distribución de agua tratada no llega a la mayoría de la población residente en Santarém y en áreas periurbanas como comunidades quilombolas y ribereñas, el uso de técnicas como el hipoclorito de sodio al 2,5%; hervir el agua o exponerla al sol pueden favorecer una promoción de la salud y reducir el surgimiento de brotes de enfermedades diarreicas transmitidas por el agua.

Processo de construção do Programa Nacional de Acesso à Água Potável em Terras Indígenas (PNATI) / Construction process of the National Program for Access to Potable Water in Indigenous Lands (PNATI) / Proceso de construcción del Programa Nacional de Acceso a Agua Potable en Tierras Indígenas (PNATI)

Objetivo: compreender o processo de construção do Programa Nacional de Acesso à Água Potável em Terras Indígenas (PNATI), por meio de fatores socioepidemiológicos que impulsionaram sua institucionalização. Método: estudo descritivo e socioepidemiológico, baseado em dados secundários da Secretaria Especial de Saúde Indígena (SESAI), com recorte temporal pré-pandêmico e pandêmico. Aanálise dos dados seguiu os fundamentos da teoria do sistema político de David Easton. Resultados: o processo de construção do programa considerou o volume de notificações de doenças de veiculação hídrica, o baixo acesso à água potável e a dificuldade no controle da qualidade desta nas aldeias atendidas pela SESAI. Após a construção do PNATI, verificou-se a importância desse instrumento para planejamento, gerência e controle social na garantia do abastecimento de água potável nas terras indígenas e mudanças na realidade sanitária dos povos indígenas do Brasil.Conclusão: o PNATI preenche uma lacuna existente quanto ao amparo legal, com a oportunidade de reverter o panorama de insuficiências de saneamento ambiental, com vistas a universalizar o acesso à água, em quantidade e qualidade nas comunidades indígenas, e contribuir para a melhoria da saúde dessa população.

Objective:to understand the construction process of the National Program for Access to Potable Water in Indigenous Lands, through socio-epidemiological factors that drove its institutionalization. Method:descriptive and socioepidemiological study, based on secondary data from the Special Secretariat for Indigenous Health (SESAI), with a pre-pandemic and pandemic time frame. Data analysis followed the foundations of David Easton's political system theory. Results:the program's construction process considered the volume of notifications of waterborne diseases, the low access to potable water and the difficulty in controlling its quality in the villages served by SESAI. After the construction of the PNATI, the importance of this instrument for planning, management and social control in guaranteeing the supply of potable water in indigenous lands and changes in the health reality of the indigenous peoples of Brazil was verified. Conclusion:PNATI fills an existing gap in terms of legal support, with the opportunity to reverse the scenario of insufficient environmental sanitation, with a view to universalizing access to water, in quantity and quality in indigenous communities, and contributing to the improvement of the health of this population.

Objetivo:comprender el proceso de construcción del Programa Nacional de Acceso a Agua Potable en Tierras Indígenas, a través de los factores socioepidemiológicos que impulsaron su institucionalización. Método:estudio descriptivo y socioepidemiológico, con base en datos secundarios de la Secretaría Especial de Salud Indígena (SESAI), con marco temporal antes y durante la pandemia. El análisis de datos siguió los fundamentos de la teoría del sistema político de David Easton. Resultados:el proceso de construcción del programa consideró el volumen de notificaciones de enfermedades hídricas, el bajo acceso al agua potable y la dificultad para controlar su calidad en las localidades atendidas por SESAI. Luego de la construcción del PNATI, se constató la importancia de este instrumento de planificación, gestión y control social en la garantía del abastecimiento de agua potable en tierras indígenas y cambios en la realidad sanitaria de los pueblos indígenas de Brasil. Conclusión:el PNATI llena un vacío existente en materia de respaldo legal, con la oportunidad de revertir el escenario de insuficiente saneamiento ambiental, con miras a universalizar el acceso al agua, en cantidad y calidad en las comunidades indígenas, y contribuir al mejoramiento de la salud de estas población.

Estudio del desempeño analítico del dispositivo portátil microINR en pacientes anticoagulados con acenocumarol / Analytical performance of the microINR portable device in acenocoumarol anticoagulated patients

Resumen La razón internacional normalizada (RIN) se utiliza para controlar a los pacientes anticoagulados con antagonistas de la vitamina K. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el desempeño del nuevo dispositivo portátil microINR, que utiliza tromboplastina recombinante, en pacientes anticoagulados con acenocumarol. Grupo 1: los pacientes proporcionaron muestras de sangre venosa y capilar para realizar pruebas paralelas que permitieron comparar microINR con cinco combinaciones diferentes de reactivo/sistema de detección: tromboplastina de cerebro de conejo con detección nefelométrica, foto-óptica y por viscosidad y tromboplastina humana recombinante con detección nefelométrica y fotoóptica. Todas las tromboplastinas tenían un índice de sensibilidad internacional (ISI) específico de equipo informado por el fabricante menor de 1,10. Grupo 2: los resultados de microINR se compararon con CoaguChek como dispositivo preestablecido. La precisión se evaluó utilizando materiales de control líquidos. El coeficiente de variación del material de control en microINR fue de 6,2%. El análisis de regresión de Passing-Bablok y Bland-Altman mostró un coeficiente de correlación superior a 0,92 y un pequeño sesgo cercano a cero para todas las comparaciones de microINR con cada método tradicional realizado con sangre venosa. Ambos dispositivos portátiles tuvieron un muy buen coeficiente de correlación (r=0,98) y un pequeño sesgo de 0,02. Los resultados muestran un acuerdo clínico del 100% con un grado de concordancia Kappa mayor de 0,63 para todos los métodos tradicionales y de 0,82 para la comparación con Coagu- Chek. De acuerdo a los resultados obtenidos, el microINR es adecuado para el control de pacientes anticoagulados con acenocumarol.

Abstract The international normalised ratio (INR) is used to monitor vitamin K antagonist anticoagulated patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the microINR portable device in acenocoumarol anticoagulated patients. Group 1: patients provided capillary and venous blood samples for parallel testing comparing microINR with five different pairs of reagent/clot detection systems: brain rabbit thromboplastin with nephelometric, photooptic and viscocity clot detection and recombinant human thromboplastin with nephelometric and photooptical detection. All thromboplastins have an instrument-specific International Sensitivity Index (ISI) lower than 1.10 reported by the manufacturer. Group 2: microINR results were compared with CoaguChek as an established device. Precision was assessed using liquid control materials. The control material coefficient of variation obtained in microINR device was 6.2%. The Passing-Bablok and Bland-Altman regression analysis showed a correlation coefficient greater than 0.92 and a small bias close to zero for all comparisons of microINR with each traditional coagulation method performed on venous blood samples. Both portable devices had a good correlation (r=0.98) and a very low bias of 0.02. The results show clinical agreement of 100% with a Kappa greater than 0.63 for different traditional INR and greater than 0.83 for CoaguChek. The performance microINR is suitable for the anticoagulation control of patients taking acenocumarol.

Resumo A razão normalizada internacional (INR) é utilizada para monitorar pacientes anticoagulados com antagonistas da vitamina K. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho do dispositivo portátil microINR, um novo dispositivo que utiliza tromboplastina recombinante, em pacientes anticoagulados com acenocumarol. Grupo 1: os pacientes forneceram amostras de sangue venoso e capilar para testes paralelos que permitiram a comparação do microINR com cinco combinações diferentes de reagente/ sistema de detecção: tromboplastina de cérebro de coelho com detecção nefelométrica, foto-óptica e de viscosidade. Tromboplastina humana recombinante com detecção nefelométrica e foto-óptica. Todas as tromboplastinas tinham o Índice de Sensibilida de Internacional (ISI) específico do kit relatado pelo fabricante inferior a 1,10. Grupo 2: os resultados do microINR foram comparados com o CoaguChek como dispositivo padrão. A precisão foi avaliada usando materiais de controle líquidos. O coeficiente de variação do material de controle em microINR foi de 6,2%. A análise de regressão de Passing-Bablok e Bland-Altman mostrou um coeficiente de correlação maior que 0,92 e um pequeno viés próximo a zero para todas as variáveis. sangue. Ambos os wearables tiveram um coeficiente de correlação muito bom (r=0,98) e um pequeno viés de 0,02. Os resultados mostram 100% de concordância clínica com grau de concordância Kappa maior que 0,63 para todos os métodos tradicionais e 0,82 para a comparação com CoaguChek. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, o microINR é adequado para o controle de pacientes anticoagulados com acenocumarol.

Identificación de amebas de vida libre en tanques de almacenamiento de agua de edificios del área metropolitana de Ambato / Identification of free-living amoebas in water storage tanks of buildings in the metropolitan area of Ambato

Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba spp. y Balamuthia mandrillaris, son especies de ameba de vida libre (AVL) que causan enfermedades en el sistema nervioso central grave y puede ser fatal en humanos y otros animales. Todos los géneros de AVL tienen dos etapas: quiste y trofozoíto. Los trofozoítos se dividen por fisión binaria, se alimentan activamente y es la etapa infecciosa del organismo. En el medio ambiente, los acanthopodios permiten que los trofozoítos se adhieran a las superficies de las bacterias, hongos, algas y detritos en los que se encuentran su alimento. Acanthamoeba spp. Parecen mantener una relación endosimbiótica con algunas de las bacterias que consumen. Muchas de estas bacterias, como la Legionella, Pseudomonas, Vibrio y algunas micobacterias parecen adquirir factores de virulencia mientras están viviendo dentro de las amebas, lo que les permite sobrevivir y prosperar dentro de otras células fagocíticas (por ejemplo, macrófagos humanos). La tenacidad de AVL para proliferar en ecosistemas hostiles y sobrevivir a la desecación o desinfección hace de estos organismos una fuente potencial transmitida por el agua, por los alimentos y el aire. Conocidos por su ubicuidad, los AVL han sido aislados de diversas matrices ambientales, como suelo, agua dulce y salobre, aguas residuales, aguas termales, polvo y otros. En función de lo antes comentado, este trabajo tiene como objetivo identificar amebas de vida libre en tanques de almacenamiento de agua de edificios del área metropolitana de la ciudad de Ambato (Ecuador), con el fin de aplicar soluciones correctivas en cualquiera de sus puntos. Según el sitio de muestreo, el género de AVL identificado con mayor frecuencia en la superficie fue Balamuthia sp (70,59%) y Acanthamoeba sp., con un 37,78 %. El fondo estuvo caracterizado por Naegleria sp. con un 44,44%(AU)

Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba spp. and Balamuthia mandrillaris are species of free-living amoeba (FLA) that cause severe central nervous system disease and can be fatal in humans and other animals. All genera of FLA have two stages: cyst and trophozoite. Trophozoites divide by binary fission, actively feed, and is the infective stage of the organism. In the environment, acanthopods allow trophozoites to adhere to the surfaces of bacteria, fungi, algae, and detritus on which their food is found. Acanthamoeba spp. they appear to maintain an endosymbiotic relationship with some of the bacteria they consume. Many of these bacteria, such as Legionella, Pseudomonas, Vibrio, and some mycobacteria appear to acquire virulence factors while living inside amoebas, allowing them to survive and thrive inside other phagocytic cells (eg, human macrophages). FLA's tenacity to proliferate in hostile ecosystems and survive desiccation or disinfection makes these organisms a potential waterborne, foodborne, and airborne source. Known for their ubiquity, FLAs have been isolated from various environmental matrices, such as soil, fresh and brackish water, wastewater, hot springs, dust, and others. Based on the aforementioned, this work aims to identify free-living amoebas in water storage tanks of buildings in the metropolitan area of the city of Ambato (Ecuador), in order to apply corrective solutions at any of its points. According to the sampling site, the FLA genus most frequently identified on the surface was Balamuthia sp (70.59%) and Acanthamoeba sp., with 37.78 %. The background was characterized by Naegleria sp. with 44.44%(AU)

Sistema de Informação de Vigilância da Qualidade da Água para Consumo Humano (Sisagua): avaliação da completitude dos dados sobre cobertura de abastecimento, 2014-2020 / Sistema de Información de Vigilancia de la Calidad del Agua para Consumo Humano (Sisagua): evaluación de la finalización de los datos de cobertura del abastecimiento de agua, Brasil, 2014-2020 / Drinking Water Quality Surveillance Information System (SISAGUA): evaluation of data completeness on water supply coverage, Brazil, 2014-2020

Objetivo: Avaliar a completitude do conjunto de dados do Sistema de Informação de Vigilância da Qualidade da Água para Consumo Humano (Sisagua) referente às informações sobre a cobertura de abastecimento de água para consumo humano no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, sobre dados de 2014 a 2020. Foi calculada distribuição de frequência relativa de 35 variáveis. A completitude foi mensurada como excelente (≥ 95%), boa (90% a 94%), regular (70% a 89%), ruim (50% a 69%) e muito ruim (≤ 49%). Resultados: No período, foram identificados 861.250 registros de formas de abastecimento. O Sisagua, quanto à completitude dos dados, obteve uma classificação excelente para 25 variáveis, boa para duas, regular para três, ruim para uma e muito ruim para quatro. Conclusão: O sistema apresentou, em grande parte das variáveis, excelente completitude dos dados. Estudos dessa natureza contribuem para o aperfeiçoamento contínuo do Sisagua e possibilitam a identificação de inconsistências e fragilidades.

Objetivo: Evaluar la completitud del conjunto de datos del Sistema de Información para la Vigilancia de la Calidad del Agua para Consumo Humano (Sisagua), con relación a la información sobre la cobertura de abastecimiento de agua para consumo humano en Brasil. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo referido a datos de 2014 a 2020. Se calcularon distribuciones de frecuencias relativas de 35 variables. La completitud se midió como excelente (≥ 95%), buena (90% a 94%), regular (70% a 89%), mala (50% a 69%) y muy mala (≤ 49%). Resultados: En el período, hubo 861.250 registros de formas de suministro. Sisagua, en cuanto a la completitud de los datos, obtuvo una clasificación excelente para 25 variables, buena para dos, regular para tres, mala para una y muy mala para cuatro variables. Conclusión: El sistema presentó en la mayoría de las variables una excelente completitud de los datos. Estudios de esta naturaleza contribuyen a la mejoría continua de Sisagua y permiten identificar inconsistencias y debilidades.

Objective: To evaluate the completeness of dataset of the Drinking Water Quality Surveillance Information System (SISAGUA) regarding information on the coverage of water supply for human consumption in Brazil. Methods: This was a descriptive study on data between 2014 and 2020. A relative frequency distribution of 35 variables was calculated. Completeness was categorized as excellent (≥ 95%), good (90% to 94%), regular (70% to 89%), poor (50% to 69%) and very poor (≤ 49%). Results: In the period, there were 861,250 records of forms of water supply. With regard to data completeness, SISAGUA obtained an excellent classification for 25 variables, good for two, regular for three, poor for one and very poor for four variables. Conclusion: The system showed excellent data completeness for most of the variables. This type of study contributes to the continuous improvement of SISAGUA and enables the identification of inconsistencies and weaknesses.

"El problema del agua no es solo el agua": reflexiones sobre el diálogo desde una experiencia educativa con poblaciones sin acceso al agua potable, en Turbo (Colombia) entre 2015 y 2016 / "The problem of water is not only water": reflections about dialogue around an educational experience in communities without access to potable water, Turbo (Colombia) 2015-2016

Resumen En este trabajo se presenta una reflexión sobre una experiencia educativa con comunidades ubicadas en el casco urbano del municipio de Turbo (Colombia), que no tienen acceso al agua potable. Los participantes son 18 líderes comunitarios, 149 familias de tres barrios y profesionales de dentro y fuera de la región. Este proceso tuvo como objetivo el fortalecimiento de las prácticas del uso cotidiano y conservación del agua en las comunidades, y es respuesta a una investigación previa que analizó algunos retos que enfrentan las personas para acceder a fuentes de agua suficientes y adecuadas para suplir sus necesidades. En esta experiencia se privilegia el diálogo como posibilidad para el reconocimiento de las condiciones de acceso al agua potable y la construcción de acciones para la gestión y defensa del derecho al agua.

Abstract This paper presents a reflection on an educational experience with communities located in the urban area of the municipality of Turbo (Colombia), which do not have access to potable water. The participants are eighteen community leaders, one hundred and forty-nine families from three neighborhoods and professionals from inside and outside the territory. The main objective was to strengthen the practices of daily use and conservation of water in the communities. This process is related to a previous research that analyzed the challenges faced by people to access to sufficient and adequate water sources to meet their needs, among others. In this experience, dialogue was the possibility to recognize the conditions to have access to potable water, and to define collective actions for the management and defense of the right to water.

La concentración de fluoruro en agua potable y la fluorosis dental en niños / Fluoride concentration in drinking water in relation to dental fluorosis in children

Dental treatment is a highly sought-after but costly procedure in the world, so it is important to consider measures to prevent dental disease. Among the ways of prevention, drinking water fluoridation, which involves adding relevant amounts of fluoride to the water supply reaching communities, stands out. However, it is not clear whether there are enough researchers who have addressed the issue, or that their methodology has been adequate to provide alternatives to solve some conditions, such as dental fluorosis, which, in contrast, is manifested by excessive fluoride intake. The main objective was to explore and analyse the academic production on the concentration of fluoride present in drinking water in order to find a relationship with dental fluorosis in children. To this end, the PRISMA model was used as a starting point in order to carry out a systematic review of academic articles chosen according to selection criteria. These will be extracted from five databases, using a documentary-type methodology, whose data collection will be carried out in virtual environments. From this, it was concluded that the academic production includes the concentration of fluoride in drinking water as a means of prevention for dental pathologies; however, the levels of fluoride allowed in children should be known, as the excess of fluoride in the teeth causes dental fluorosis, which turns out to be the cause of psychological complexes in children due to an aesthetic issue.

El tratamiento dental es un procedimiento muy solicitado en el mundo, pero costoso de realizar; por lo que, es importante considerar medidas para prevenir enfermedades dentarias. Entre las formas de prevención, destaca la fluoración del agua potable, que implica añadir cantidades pertinentes de flúor al suministro de agua que llega a las comunidades. Sin embargo, no se precisa si existen suficientes investigadores que hayan abordado el tema, o que su metodología empleada haya sido la adecuada como para brindar alternativas para solucionar algunas afecciones, tales como la fluorosis dental que; en contraste, se manifiesta por la excesiva ingesta de flúor. El objetivo principal, realizar una exploración y análisis de la producción académica sobre la concentración de flúor presente en el agua potable con el fin de encontrar una relación con la fluorosis dental en niños. Para ello, se partió del modelo PRISMA con el fin de proceder una revisión sistemática de artículos académicos escogidos mediante criterios de selección. Estos serán extraídos de cinco bases de datos, valiéndose entonces, de una metodología de tipo documental, cuya recolección de datos se efectuará en entornos virtuales. A partir de ello, se concluyó que la producción académica incluye a la concentración del flúor en agua potable como un modo de prevención para patologías dentales; no obstante, se debe conocer los niveles de flúor permitido en los niños, pues el exceso de flúor en los dientes origina fluorosis dental, la cual resulta ser causante de complejos psicológicos en los niños debido a un tema estético.

Análise da cobertura de abastecimento e da qualidade da água distribuída em diferentes regiões do Brasil no ano de 2019 / Analysis of the coverage of supply and of the water quality distributed in different regions of Brazil in 2019

Resumo Tendo em vista que a universalização dos serviços de saneamento é uma das metas do Plano Nacional de Saneamento Básico (PLANSAB) e um dos objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável (ODS), esta pesquisa objetivou-se avaliar a cobertura do abastecimento e a qualidade da água distribuída no Brasil em 2019. Foram utilizados os dados do Sistema Nacional de Informações sobre Saneamento (SNIS) e do Sistema de Informação de Vigilância da Qualidade da Água para Consumo Humano (Sisagua). Verificou-se que 82% da população foi atendida por serviços de água, sendo este percentual ainda menor considerando apenas a região Norte (58%) e Nordeste (74%). A maioria da população é atendida por Sistemas de Abastecimento de Água (SAA); entretanto, na região Norte, 6,6% da população é atendida por SAA e 7,2% por Solução Alternativa Coletiva (SAC) sem tratamentos. Para o parâmetro Coliformes totais, 21,9% das amostras de SAC da região Norte estavam fora do padrão de potabilidade, enquanto para o residual de agente desinfetante, 40,6% de SAA da região Nordeste encontravam-se fora do padrão, sendo que deste total 19% das amostras apresentavam concentração do agente desinfetante acima de 5,0 mg/L e 81% das amostras apresentavam concentrações menores que 0,2 mg/L. Conclui-se que parte da população pode estar vulnerável aos riscos relacionados à qualidade da água.

Abstract Bearing in mind that universal access to sanitation services is one of the objectives of the Brazilian Plan for Basic Sanitation and one of the sustainable development goals (SDG), this research sought to evaluate the coverage of supply and of the quality of water distributed in Brazil in 2019. Data from the National Sanitation Information System (SNIS) and Water Quality for Human Consumption Surveillance Information System (Sisagua) databases were evaluated. It was found that 82% of the population has access to Water Supply Systems (WSS), this percentage only being lower in the North (58%) and Northeast (74%) regions. Most of the population is served by WSS; however, in the North region, 6.6% of the population is served by WSS and 7.2% by Collective Alternative Solution (CAS) without treatment. For the Total Coliforms parameter, 21.9% of CAS samples from the North region were outside the potability standard, while for the residual disinfectant agent, 40.6% of WSS from the Northeast region was outside this standard (with 19% of the samples having a concentration of the disinfectant agent above 5.0 mg/L, and 81% of the samples presenting concentration lower than 0.2 mg/L. The conclusion drawn is that part of the population may be vulnerable to water quality-related risks.

Consumo de agua, bebidas azucaradas y uso de bebederos en secundarias del Programa Nacional de Bebederos Escolares de la Ciudad de México / Plain water and sugar sweetened beverages intake and use of school drinking fountains in secondary schools of the National School Drinking Fountains Program in Mexico City

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir prácticas de consumo de bebidas y uso de bebederos escolares en estudiantes de secundarias del Programa Nacional de Bebederos Escolares (PNBE). Material y métodos: Estudio transversal descriptivo, con enfoque mixto en secundarias públicas (turnos matutino y vespertino). Se indagó el consumo de agua y bebidas azucaradas, utilización de bebederos escolares y barreras-facilitadores para el consumo de agua. Resultados. Se entrevistaron 617 estudiantes (11 a 16 años); 51.5% fueron hombres. El consumo promedio de agua (568.9 ml; IC95%: 470.7-667.1) y bebidas azucaradas (143.4 ml; IC95%:124.0-162.7) fue similar entre hombres y mujeres. En el turno matutino las mujeres presentaron una menor probabilidad de hacer uso de los bebederos en comparación con los hombres (p=0.032). Hombres y mujeres desconfían del agua de los bebederos. Conclusiones: Se requieren acciones integrales para favorecer el consumo de agua y el uso de los bebederos en las secundarias del PNBE.

Abstract: Objective: To describe beverages consumption practices, and school drinking fountains utilization among secondary school's students from National School Drinking Fountains Program (PNBE, Spanish acronym). Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study with mixed methods in public secondary schools (morning and afternoon shifts). We estimated plain water and sugar sweetened beverages consumption, school drinking fountains utilization, and barriers-facilitators for plain water consumption. Results: We interviewed 617 students (11 to 16 y); 51.5% were men. The mean of plain water intake (568.9 ml; CI95%: 470.7-667.1), and sugar sweetened beverages (143.4 ml; CI95%:124.0-162.7) was similar among women and men. In the morning shift women had a lower probability of utilizing the school drinking fountains in comparison with men (p=0.032). Men and women have mistrust water that comes from school drinking fountains. Conclusions: Integral actions are necessary to favor plain water consumption, and utilization of school drinking fountains at PNBE secondary schools.

Cost-benefit analysis of drinking water fluoridation in 12-year-old children in the Biobío region, Chile / Análisis costo-ceneficio de la fluoración del agua potable en niños de12 años de la región del Biobío, Chile

Fluoridation has been shown to be an effective measure against caries in children. The present study evaluates the cost-benefit of the fluoridated water program for the reduction of dental caries in 12-year-old children in the Biobío Region, the only region in Chile that has not implemented this program. An economic cost-benefit evaluation was carried out, comparing two alternative interventions: non-fluoridated drinking water versus fluoridated drinking water. The prevalence of caries, direct and indirect costs of the treatments, the cost of implementing the programs and the benefits of both interventions were estimated. From this study it is concluded that the savings in oral health costs in 12-year-old children when using fluoridating drinking water in the Biobío region is significantly higher than the cost involved in implementing the water fluoridation program, resulting in total savings for the Chilean state of $129,861,645 (USD$ 152,833) as well as an estimated reduction of 15% in the history of caries in the study population.

Se ha demostrado que la fluoración es una medida efectiva contra disminución de la caries en la población infantil. La presente investigación buscó evaluar cual es el costo-beneficio del programa del agua fluorada para la disminución de caries dental en niños de 12 años de la Región del Biobío, única región de Chile que no adhiere a este programa. Se realizó una evaluación económica de costo-beneficio, comparando dos intervenciones alternativas: agua potable no fluorada versus agua potable fluorada. Para tal fin se estimó la prevalencia de caries, costos directos e indirectos de los tratamientos, el costo de implementación de los programas y el beneficio de ambas intervenciones. De este estudio se concluye que el ahorro en costos de salud bucal en niños de 12 años al fluorar el agua potable en la región del Biobío, es significativamente mayor al costo que implica la implementación del programa de fluoración de aguas, lográndose un ahorro total para el Estado de $129.861.645 (USD $152.833) así como una estimación de reducción del 15% en la historia de caries en la población de estudio.

La gobernanza del agua como marco integrador para el cumplimiento de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible en Latinoamérica / Water governance as an integrating framework for the fulfillment of the sustainable development goals clean in Latin America

RESUMEN El cumplimiento del Objetivo de Desarrollo Sostenible, ODS, No 6 "Agua Limpia y Saneamiento", promulgado en 2015 por la ONU, requiere de nuevos enfoques y marcos conceptuales, que articulen e integren, de manera práctica, las intervenciones en el sector de Agua Potable, Saneamiento e Higiene (APSH), con la Gestión Integrada de Recursos Hídricos (GIRH), según los contextos específicos de cada región. En este sentido, la gobernanza del agua proporciona un marco conceptual, que permite analizar y potenciar la integración entre los sectores de APSH con la GIRH, en el marco del cumplimiento de los ODS. Para ello, se documentaron varios casos de estudio en Latinoamérica, donde se observó la integración sectorial, a partir del modelo de funciones de Gobernanza del Agua, desarrollado por Water Governance Facility - WGF. Si bien cada uno de los casos de estudio se enmarcan en alguna función específica de la gobernanza del agua, todos requieren, al menos, de otra función, para poder lograr su finalidad, siendo la "Coordinación", la más relevante, observada para el logro de los resultados obtenidos.

ABSTRACT The fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goal, SDG, No 6 "Clean Water and Sanitation", promulgated in 2015 by the UN, requires new approaches and conceptual frameworks that articulate and integrate in a practical way the interventions of Drinking Water, Sanitation and Hygiene - WASH, with the Integrated Water Resources Management, IWRM, according to the specific contexts of each territory. In this sense, water governance provides a conceptual framework that allows analyzing and enhancing integration between WASH sectors with IWRM, within the framework of the fulfillment of the SDGs. For this, several case studies in Latin America were documented where sectoral integration was observed, based on the Water Governance Facility model of Water Governance. Although each of the case studies is framed in some specific function of water governance, all require at least one other function in order to achieve their purpose, with "Coordination" being the most relevant observed for the achievement of obtained results.

Producción de carotenoides en levaduras nativas aisladas de sistemas acuáticos en Cali, Colombia / Carotenoids production in wild yeasts isolated from aquatic systems in Cali, Colombia

Introducción: Los carotenoides son fuente importante de actividades biológicas funcionales, tales como antioxidantes o antimicrobianas, además de tener gran impacto a nivel industrial, ya sea en cosmética o suplementación animal en acuacultura. Se han reportado varias moléculas novedosas a partir de aislamientos en Latinoamérica, principalmente en la Patagonia, Argentina. Sin embargo, no hay reportes en Colombia que evalúen la producción de carotenoides en levaduras nativas pigmentadas. Objetivo: Se evaluó la capacidad de producción de carotenoides en levaduras nativas aisladas de lagos, ríos y aguas residuales de la ciudad de Cali, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Se caracterizaron 30 levaduras provenientes de dos colecciones. De estas se obtuvo su biomasa, rendimiento de carotenoides totales y producción de ß-caroteno. Las cepas promisorias fueron identificadas secuenciando la región ITS1-5.8S-ITS2. Resultados: El mayor rendimiento en la extracción de pigmentos se obtuvo para las cepas P11A (84,36 ± 5,24 µg/g) y Rhodotorula paludigena CS13 (56,26 ± 7,08 µg/g), mientras que las concentraciones más altas de ß-caroteno fueron 10,2 µg/mL (R. paludigena CS13) y 9,7 µg/mL (R. mucilaginosa/alborubescens P10A). La cinética de crecimiento y producción de pigmentos durante cinco días fue óptima para la cepa P11A, ya que hubo un aumento en el rendimiento de carotenoides totales 10 veces mayor (48 h: 109,62 µg/g, 120 h: 1403,10 µg/g). Conclusiones: En este estudio se encontró que levaduras aisladas de sistemas acuáticos son promisorias para la producción de pigmentos carotenoides (incluyendo ß-caroteno), siendo su extracción y caracterización viable para futuros estudios biotecnológicos.

Introduction: Carotenoids are an important source of biological activities, such as antioxidant or antimicrobial. Also, carotenoids impact the cosmetic or food supplement industry, mainly in aquaculture. Several reports in Latin America showed novel molecules, mainly in isolated strains in Patagonia, Argentina. However, in Colombia, there are not reports about carotenoid production from pigmented wild yeasts. Objective: We assessed the carotenoid production ability in wild yeasts isolated from lakes, wastewater and rivers located in Cali, Colombia. Materials and methods: 30 yeasts were selected from two collections, each of them was characterized by the biomass, yield of total carotenoids and ß-carotene production. Promisor strains were identified with sequence analysis of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region. The highest yield in pigment extraction was obtained by strains P11A (84,36 ± 5,24 µg/g) and Rhodotorula paludigena CS13 (56,26 ± 7,08 µg/g), while higher concentrations of ß-carotene were 10,2 µg/mL (R. paludigena CS13) and 9,7 µg/mL (R. mucilaginosa/alborubescens P10A). The kinetics of growth and pigment production for five days was optimal for the P11A strain, where we found an increasing 10-fold higher (48 h: 109,62 µg/g, 120 h: 1403,10 µg/g). Conclusions: We suggest that yeasts isolated from aquatic systems are promising for the production of carotenoid pigments (including ß-carotene), making their extraction and characterization viable for future biotechnological studies.

Potencialidade de uso não potável de água de lagoa de detenção / Potencial for non-potable use of detention ponds water

RESUMO As águas de lagoas de detenção geralmente não são utilizadas produtivamente e o seu potencial é desperdiçado. Por estarem disseminadas nas cidades, a utilização dessas águas pode reduzir os custos com transporte de água, além de permitir a preservação de águas de melhor qualidade para fins mais nobres. Algumas das possíveis utilizações são na irrigação de áreas verdes; em caldeiras, torres de resfriamento e outros usos industriais; na compactação do solo; na limpeza de vias públicas; na piscicultura; em sistemas de combate a incêndio; etc. A qualidade dessas águas sofre influência de lançamentos indevidos de esgotos sanitários na rede de drenagem. O estudo foi realizado em seis lagoas de detenção e infiltração do sistema de drenagem de Natal (RN), no Nordeste brasileiro, com o objetivo de verificar as condições de uso não potável de suas águas no meio urbano. Observou-se que as águas de algumas lagoas estudadas apresentaram compatibilidade para uso em piscicultura e em torres de resfriamento, enquanto outras requerem tratamento prévio de suas águas para posterior utilização, para diminuir, principalmente, organismos patogênicos.

ABSTRACT Detention reservoirs waters are generally not used productively and their potential is wasted. By their scattered location in the cities, their use can decrease water transport costs, and also allow water to be preserved for higher quality water uses. Some of their possible uses are irrigation of green areas, use in boilers, cooling towers and other industrial uses, in soil compaction, cleaning of public areas, in pisciculture, in fire fighting systems, etc. The improper dumping of water sewage into the drainage system influences the quality of this water. The study was performed in six infiltration and detention reservoirs of the Natal drainage system, northeastern Brazil, to verify the non-potable use condition of these waters in the urban environment. It was observed that some reservoir waters were compatible to be used in pisciculture and cooling towers and others require previous treatment, to decrease, mainly, pathogenic organisms before being used.

Recomendaciones sobre el consumo de agua y alimentos en circunstancias especiales

El agua de uso y consumo humano debe reunir ciertas características de potabilidad para evitar que causen enfermedades, los gobiernos de los países son responsables de la calidad del agua, la purificación se realiza por varios procesos que aseguran que esté libre de patógenos, de sustancias químicas, físicas y radiológicas, siguiendo pautas de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Las diarreas infecciosas son causadas por diferentes patógenos y muy frecuentemente asociadas al consumo de agua no potable. Desde hace varios años, en Venezuela, se presentan fallas en el suministro regular de agua potable intra-domiciliario, por fallas en la cadena de distribución y almacenamiento, además son frecuentes problemas deficitarios del suministro de energía eléctrica. Más reciente, en marzo de 2019, se presentó a escala nacional un colapso total del suministro de energía eléctrica que duró de 3 a 7 días, lo cual dejó a los ciudadanos sin el suministro de agua en sus hogares, además de fallas del transporte, colapso hospitalario, colocando en riesgo socio-sanitario a millones de personas. El objeto del documento es servir de guía e informar a la comunidad sobre las enfermedades más frecuentes asociadas al consumo de agua no potable; aconsejar sobre los cuidados especiales en los niños y, brindar medidas preventivas prácticas recomendadas para la purificación del agua de uso y consumo humano.

Water use and human consumption must meet certain characteristics of drinking to avoid causing diseases, the Governments of the countries are responsible for the quality of the water, purification is performed by several processes which ensure that it is free of pathogenic substances chemical, physical and radiological, following guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). Infectious diarrhea are caused by different pathogens and often associated with the consumption of non-potable water. For several years, in Venezuela, failures occur at regular drinking water supply intra-household, for failures in the chain of distribution and storage, they are also frequent electricity supply deficit. Most recently, in March 2019, arose nationwide a total collapse of the supply of electrical energy that lasted from 3 to 7 days, which left the people without water in their homes, in addition to transport, hospital collapse in putting at risk health to millions of people. The object of the document is to guide and inform the community about the most frequent illnesses associated with the consumption of non-potable water; advise on special child care and, provide preventive measures recommended for purification practices water use and human consumption.

Environmental health effects associated with recycling of sewage for potable purposes: a literature review

This literature review has been drafted to explore and emphasise the potential environmental health risks and benefits of recycling wastewater especially in areas affected by prolonged drought. With limited water resources, recycled treated sewage water can be used to augment the fresh water supply. This review will provide an understanding of the importance of water recycling and the environmental impacts recycling can have on the environment. A comparison is also provided to understand the environmental effects of untreated sewage on the environment and the potential benefits associated with the recycling. Public health aspect is also elaborated to highlight whether recycled treated sewage is a viable option to be considered for the use as potable water. Literature suggests that recycled treated water has a purifying effect on the environment and can be used for potable and non-potable purposes.

Portable Low-Cost MRI System Based on Permanent Magnets/Magnet Arrays

Portable low-cost magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems have the potential to enable “point-of-care” and timely MRI diagnosis, and to make this imaging modality available to routine scans and to people in underdeveloped countries and areas. With simplicity, no maintenance, no power consumption, and low cost, permanent magnets/magnet arrays/magnet assemblies are attractive to be used as a source of static magnetic field to realize the portability and to lower the cost for an MRI scanner. However, when taking the canonical Fourier imaging approach and using linear gradient fields, homogeneous fields are required in a scanner, resulting in the facts that either a bulky magnet/magnet array is needed, or the imaging volume is too small to image an organ if the magnet/magnet array is scaled down to a portable size. Recently, with the progress on image reconstruction based on non-linear gradient field, static field patterns without spatial linearity can be used as spatial encoding magnetic fields (SEMs) to encode MRI signals for imaging. As a result, the requirements for the homogeneity of the static field can be relaxed, which allows permanent magnets/magnet arrays with reduced sizes, reduced weight to image a bigger volume covering organs such as a head. It offers opportunities of constructing a truly portable low-cost MRI scanner. For this exciting potential application, permanent magnets/magnet arrays have attracted increased attention recently. A magnet/magnet array is strongly associated with the imaging volume of an MRI scanner, image reconstruction methods, and RF excitation and RF coils, etc. through field patterns and field homogeneity. This paper offers a review of permanent magnets and magnet arrays of different kinds, especially those that can be used for spatial encoding towards the development of a portable and low-cost MRI system. It is aimed to familiarize the readers with relevant knowledge, literature, and the latest updates of the development on permanent magnets and magnet arrays for MRI. Perspectives on and challenges of using a permanent magnet/magnet array to supply a patterned static magnetic field, which does not have spatial linearity nor high field homogeneity, for image reconstruction in a portable setup are discussed.

Physicochemical and Microbiological Assessments of Newly Dug Borehole Water Sources in Rafi Local Government, Minna, Niger State

The quality of potable water depends not only on its physical and chemical characteristics but also on its biological characteristics. Potable water is often sourced from surface water, mainly rivers, streams, lakes and groundwater - boreholes and wells; of which boreholes are supposedly superior. In the present study, the physicochemical and microbiological status of six newly drilled boreholes in Rafi Local Government Area, Minna, Niger State was assessed. Twenty-two physicochemical parameters and coliform count were determined. Water samples were collected from newly drilled borehole water sources in Tsofomension 1, TsofoMension 2, Katako, Tunga Bako, Kagara and Kwana. The colour, odour, taste, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, pH, chloride and copper ions were within acceptable limits. Iron and manganese content of the three regions were highly elevated above the recommended level. It is of concern that the level of hydrogen sulphide (0.2 - 0.27) was far above the permissible level (0.05), being newly drilled sources of water. Only one of the studied boreholes was free of both total and faecal coliforms, other boreholes were contaminated with either total or faecal coliforms or both. The findings in this study necessitate a call for increased hygiene and construction of lined soak-away to eradicate indiscriminate discharge of human and animal wastes. Appropriate water treatment methods such as coagulation, filtration and boiling of water should be encouraged. Most importantly, newly dug water sources should be tested, monitored and elaborately treated before consumption.