Association between light absorption measurements of PM2.5 and distance from heavy traffic roads in the Mexico City metropolitan area / Asociación entre las mediciones de PM2.5 por absorbancia y la distancia a vías de alto tráfico en la zona metropolitana de la Ciudad de México

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between light absorption measurements of PM2.5 at various distances from heavy traffic roads and diesel vehicle counts in Mexico City. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PM2.5 samples were obtained from June 2003-June 2005 in three MCMA regions. Light absorption (b abs) in a subset of PM2.5 samples was determined. We evaluated the effect of distance and diesel vehicle counts to heavy traffic roads on PM2.5 b abs using generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS: Median PM2.5 b abs measurements significantly decrease as distance from heavy traffic roads increases (p<0.002); levels decreased by 7% (CI95% 0.9-14) for each 100 additional meters from heavy traffic roads. Our model predicts that PM2.5 b abs measurements would increase by 20% (CI95% 3-38) as the hourly heavy diesel vehicle count increases by 150 per hour. CONCLUSION: PM2.5 b abs measurements are significantly associated with distance from motorways and traffic density and therefore can be used to assess human exposure to traffic-related emissions.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la relación entre las mediciones de absorción de luz de las PM2.5 a diferentes distancias de vías de tráfico y el aforo vehicular de diesel en la Ciudad de México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizaron mediciones de PM2.5 y su análisis de b abs en tres zonas de la Ciudad de México. Se usaron modelos GEE para evaluar el efecto de la distancia y el aforo vehicular de tráfico pesado sobre PM2.5 b abs. RESULTADOS: Se observó una tendencia decreciente en la mediana de PM2.5 b abs conforme se incrementó la distancia a las avenidas de alto tráfico (p<0.002); los niveles decrecen en 7% (CI95% 0.9-14) por cada 100 metros de incremento. Las mediciones de PM2.5 b abs se incrementan en 20% (CI95% 3-38) cuando el aforo vehicular a diesel es mayor de 150 en una hora. CONCLUSIONES: Las mediciones de PM2.5 b abs están significativamente asociadas con la distancia de avenidas con alto tránsito vehicular y con vehículos de diesel.

Current status of natural orifice trans-endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS) in urologic surgery

Laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS) and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) represent novel approaches in urological surgery. To perform a review of the literature in order describe the current status of LESS and NOTES in Urology. References for this manuscript were obtained by performing a review of the available literature in PubMed from 01-01-02 to 15-05-09. Search terms included single port, single site, NOTES, LESS and single incision. A total of 412 manuscripts were initially identified. Out of these, 64 manuscripts were selected based in their urological content. The manuscript features subheadings for experimental and clinical studies, as NOTES-LESS is a new surgical technique and its future evolution will probably rely in initial verified feasibility. A subheading for reviews presents information regarding common language and consensus for the techniques. The issue of complications published in clinical series and the future needs of NOTES-LESS, are also presented.