Research progress on biological monitoring of dust-exposed populations / 中国职业医学

Occupational pneumoconiosis (referred to as “pneumoconiosis”) caused by exposure to occupational dust is the most serious occupational disease in China. Biological monitoring on occupational populations exposed to dust is important for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pneumoconiosis. Biological monitoring is a systematic engineering process that includes a series of processes such as biological samples selection, selection of biological monitoring indicators, and selection of detection methods. The biological samples for biological monitoring mainly include urine, blood, exhaled breath gas, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, saliva, sputum, and more. The indicators of biological monitoring involve multiple pathways such as oxidative stress, inflammatory response, collagen synthesis/degradation, phagocytic cell apoptosis, and pathways related to the formation of pneumoconiosis. Suitable detection methods need to be determined upon different biological monitoring indicators, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, high-performance liquid chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, etc. Currently, there is a lack of true clinically valuable biological monitoring indicators that can indicate the correlation between dust exposure and the hazards of occupational populations, and there are no systematic and complete biological monitoring methods reported. It is necessary to further standardize the biological monitoring process and search for specific biological monitoring indicators.

Study on the biological exposure limit of whole blood chromium in occupational hexavalent chromium compounds exposed population / 中国职业医学

ObjectiveTo analyze the exposure-response relationship of peripheral whole blood chromium level and lung function as well as genetic toxicity indicators in workers exposed to hexavalent chromium [Cr(Ⅵ)] compounds, and to propose a biological exposure limit of whole blood chromium for soluble Cr(Ⅵ) compounds-exposed workers. Methods A total of 515 workers from a dynamic occupational Cr(Ⅵ) compounds-exposed cohort in an enterprise from 2010 to 2017 were selected as the research subjects using a retrospective cohort study. A total of 918 followed-up results of research subjects and baseline data of a cohort were analyzed based on bibliometric analysis. The results include lung function tests, whole blood chromium level detected by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) detected by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, peripheral micronuclei frequency (MNF) detected by cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtCN) detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results The results of bibliometric analysis showed that domestic and foreign studies on biological monitoring of Cr(Ⅵ) compounds increased year by year in the past 30 years, and whole blood chromium levels had a good correlation with the occupational Cr(Ⅵ) compounds exposure. The geometric mean of whole blood chromium levels in males and females among the occupational Cr(Ⅵ) compounds exposure cohort was 2.77 and 1.79 μg/L, respectively. A turning point appeared in 6.00 μg/L chromium in whole blood of the exposure-response curve of whole blood chromium levels with lung function indicators and genetic toxicity indicators. For each unit increase in the natural logarithm-transformed whole blood chromium level, the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) decreased by 0.05 L, the FEV1/forced-vital-capacity decreased by 0.67%, the peak expiratory flow decreased by 0.15 L/s, the maximal mid-expiratory flow decreased by 0.09 L/s, the MNF increased by 0.149‰, the urinary 8-OHdG increased by 0.090 μg/g, and the mtCN increased by 0.013. When the whole blood chromium level was >6.00 μg/L, there was a significant increase in urinary 8-OHdG, MNF, and mtCN (all P<0.01). Conclusion The level of whole blood chromium can be used as a biomarker for occupational exposure to soluble Cr(Ⅵ) compounds. The preliminary biological exposure limit is set at 6.00 μg/L for whole blood chromium in workers exposed to soluble Cr(Ⅵ) compounds.

Inventory of birds in two urban wetlands in Temuco (Chile): a basis for monitoring species / Inventario de aves en dos humedales urbanos de Temuco (Chile): una base para el monitoreo de especies

Abstract: In the city of Temuco, Chile, the importance of urban wetlands has been recognized with the legal declaration of two key ecosystems: Humedal Vegas de Chivilcán and Humedales de Antumalén. This paper presents an inventory of birds in these wetlands, following the Darwin Core standard, and compares the results with other selected inventories in Chile. Observations were made using point counts and 21-hour transects. A total of 50 species from 26 families and 15 orders were identified, with a predominance of native species. Fourteen species were found in both wetlands, 20 exclusively in Chivilcán and 15 in Antumalén. Comparison with other studies revealed significant differences in bird composition between urban and peri-urban habitats, illustrating that urban habitats maintain a unique diversity distinct from that of peri-urban areas. The diversity of habitats and the 'least concern' status of most species highlight the importance of these wetlands as refuges for avian biodiversity. The structure of the Darwin Core database facilitates their integration with other biodiversity systems, highlighting the need for continued conservation and study of these urban ecosystems.

Resumen: En la ciudad de Temuco, Chile, se ha reconocido la importancia de los humedales urbanos con la declaración de dos ecosistemas clave: Humedal Vegas de Chivilcán y Humedales de Antumalén. Este trabajo presenta un inventario de aves en estos humedales, siguiendo la norma Darwin Core, y compara los hallazgos con otros inventarios seleccionados en Chile. Las observaciones se realizaron mediante conteos puntuales y transectos durante 21 horas. Se identificaron un total de 50 especies de 26 familias y 15 órdenes, predominando las especies nativas. Catorce especies se encontraron en ambos humedales, 20 eran exclusivas de Chivilcán y 15 de Antumalén. La comparación con otros estudios reveló diferencias significativas en la composición de aves entre hábitats urbanos y periurbanos, mostrando que los hábitats asociados a ciudades mantienen una diversidad singular que difiere de los hábitats periurbanos. La diversidad de hábitats y el estatus de "preocupación menor" de la mayoría de las especies resaltan la importancia de estos humedales como refugios para la biodiversidad aviar. La estructura de la base de datos Darwin Core facilita su integración con otros sistemas de biodiversidad, subrayando la necesidad de continuar con la conservación y el estudio de estos ecosistemas urbanos.

Sweat biosensors for sports monitoring / Biossensores de suor para monitoramento esportivo / Biosensores de sudor para la monitorización deportiva

ABSTRACT Introduction: Biometric sweat monitoring is an important tool for optimizing sports training. The possibility of developing a wearable amperometric lactate biosensor using a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) impregnated by Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) for sweat determination in sports monitoring is questioned. Objective: To develop a sensor with GCE substrate coated on Ag NPs/SPCE. Methods: FESEM and XRD analysis were used for the morphological and structural characterizations of Ag and SPCE NPs, respectively. Results: FESEM, EDS, and XRD revealed that Ag NPs were uniformly dispersed in SPCE. The electrochemical biosensor responded linearly to lactate in phosphate buffer solutions, with detection and sensitivity limits of 1.2 µM and 14.2 mAcm-2 mM-1, respectively. Conclusion: The results suggest that Ag NPs/SPCE can be used to continuously monitor lactate levels in sweat as a practical and reliable biosensor for use. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: O monitoramento biométrico do suor é uma ferramenta importante para otimização do treino esportivo. Questiona-se a possibilidade do desenvolvimento de um biossensor amperométrico de lactato vestível utilizando eletrodo de carbono impresso em tela (SPCE) impregnado por nanopartículas Ag (Ag NPs) para determinação do suor no monitoramento esportivo. Objetivos: Desenvolver um sensor com substrato GCE revestido em Ag NPs/SPCE. Métodos: A análise FESEM e XRD foi utilizada para as caracterizações morfológicas e estruturais dos NPs de Ag e SPCE, respectivamente. Resultados: Os resultados da FESEM, EDS, XRD revelaram que os NPs de Ag estavam uniformemente dispersos em SPCE. O biossensor eletroquímico respondeu linearmente ao lactato em soluções tampão fosfato, com limites de detecção e sensibilidade de 1,2 µM e 14,2 mAcm-2 mM-1, respectivamente. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que o Ag NPs/SPCE pode ser utilizado para monitorar continuamente os níveis de ácido láctico no suor como um biossensor prático e confiável para o uso. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: La monitorización biométrica del sudor es una herramienta importante para la optimización del entrenamiento deportivo. Se cuestiona la posibilidad de desarrollar un biosensor de lactato amperométrico vestible utilizando un electrodo de carbono serigrafiado (SPCE) impregnado por nanopartículas de Ag (Ag NPs) para la determinación del sudor en la monitorización deportiva. Objetivos: Desarrollar un sensor con sustrato GCE recubierto de Ag NPs/SPCE. Métodos: Se utilizó el análisis FESEM y XRD para las caracterizaciones morfológicas y estructurales de las NPs de Ag y SPCE, respectivamente. Resultados: Los resultados de FESEM, EDS y XRD revelaron que las NPs de Ag estaban uniformemente dispersas en el SPCE. El biosensor electroquímico respondió linealmente al lactato en soluciones de tampón fosfato, con límites de detección y sensibilidad de 1,2 µM y 14,2 mAcm-2 mM-1, respectivamente. Conclusión: Los resultados sugieren que Ag NPs/SPCE puede utilizarse para monitorizar de forma continua los niveles de lactato en el sudor como un biosensor práctico y fiable para su uso. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Effects of athletic walking on the physical endurance of athletes / Efeitos da marcha atlética sobre a resistência física dos atletas / Efectos de la marcha deportiva en la resistencia física de los atletas

ABSTRACT Introduction Athletic walking is a physical endurance test. This sport has a long competition time and a high load intensity. The long-term continuous movement of muscles is the most prominent characteristic of this sport. Strength and endurance are essential physical factors that determine the performance of the runners who do it. Physical endurance is an essential indicator to evaluate the level of physical training in athletic walking. Objective This study aims to analyze the effect of endurance training on the physical fitness and competition performance of athletic walkers. Methods This work selects four athletes as the research object. The athletes undergo one month of resistance training. The athletes recorded their physiological and biochemical indicators before and after resistance training. Then, the mathematical statistics method was used to analyze their physiological and biochemical indicators. Results Hemoglobin levels in the last three weeks of resistance training were significantly higher than in the first week (P<0.01). During endurance training, the athletes' morning blood urea peak appeared in the first test after going to high altitude (P<0.05). Conclusion Endurance training can improve the fitness of athletic walkers. Resistance training effectively stimulates the blood system of athletes for at least two weeks. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução A marcha atlética é uma prova de resistência física. Este esporte tem um longo tempo de competição e uma alta intensidade de carga. O movimento contínuo dos músculos a longo prazo é a característica mais proeminente deste esporte. Força e resistência são fatores físicos essenciais que determinam o desempenho dos corredores que a praticam. A resistência física é um indicador essencial para avaliar o nível de treinamento físico na marcha atlética. Objetivo Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar o efeito do treinamento de resistência sobre a aptidão física e o desempenho em competição dos praticantes de marcha atlética. Métodos Este trabalho seleciona quatro atletas como o objeto de pesquisa. Os esportistas passam por um mês de treinamento de resistência. Os atletas registraram seus indicadores fisiológicos e bioquímicos antes e depois do treinamento de resistência. Em seguida, foi utilizado o método de estatística matemática para analisar seus indicadores fisiológicos e bioquímicos. Resultados Os níveis de hemoglobina nas últimas três semanas de treinamento de resistência foram significativamente maiores do que os da primeira semana (P<0,01). Durante o treinamento de resistência, o pico da ureia sanguínea matinal dos atletas apareceu no primeiro teste depois de ter ido para altitude alta (P<0,05). Conclusão O treinamento de resistência pode melhorar a aptidão física dos praticantes de marcha atlética. O treinamento de resistência estimula efetivamente o sistema sanguíneo dos esportistas por pelo menos duas semanas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción La marcha atlética es una prueba de resistencia física. Este deporte tiene un largo tiempo de competición y una alta intensidad de carga. El movimiento continuo y prolongado de los músculos es la característica más destacada de este deporte. La fuerza y la resistencia son factores físicos esenciales que determinan el rendimiento de los corredores que la practican. La resistencia física es un indicador esencial para evaluar el nivel de entrenamiento físico en la marcha atlética. Objetivo Este estudio pretende analizar el efecto del entrenamiento de resistencia sobre la aptitud física y el rendimiento en competición de los practicantes de marcha atlética. Métodos Este trabajo selecciona a cuatro atletas como objeto de investigación. Los atletas realizaron un mes de entrenamiento de resistencia. Los atletas registraron sus indicadores fisiológicos y bioquímicos antes y después del entrenamiento de resistencia. A continuación, se utilizó el método de estadística matemática para analizar sus indicadores fisiológicos y bioquímicos. Resultados Los niveles de hemoglobina en las últimas tres semanas de entrenamiento de resistencia fueron significativamente más altos que los de la primera semana (P<0,01). Durante el entrenamiento de resistencia, el pico de urea en sangre matinal de los atletas apareció en la primera prueba después de ir a la altitud (P<0,05). Conclusión El entrenamiento de resistencia puede mejorar la condición física de los caminantes atléticos. El entrenamiento de resistencia estimula eficazmente el sistema sanguíneo de los deportistas durante al menos dos semanas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Huella de carbono, sustentabilidad y anestesia. Estamos empezando a aprender / Carbon footprint, sustainability and anesthesia. We are beginning to learn

Human health has been negatively impacted by the difficult environmental conditions produced by climate change. The health industry, paradoxically, generates a carbon footprint (CF) that drives climate change and represents 9.8% of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United States (2013) and 6.3% of CF in England (2017). A considerable portion of these emissions comes from the clinical practice of anesthesia. Anesthetic gases present global warming potentials (GWPs) of up to 3,714 times higher than CO2 throughout their life cycles, from their manufacture and use to their disposal. In this context, this review compiled and assessed the environmental impacts of the anesthetic strategy in clinical practice, making use of the life cycle analysis tool. This review describes how the anesthetic technique has a major impact on CF, through the emission of GHG expressed through tools such as the GWP. As an example, at the manufacturing stage, the GWP of halogenated gases is up to 2,540 kg COeq versus 21 kg COeq for Propofol. This and other variables determine the contribution of the anesthetic technique in the emission of GHG. Finally, this review aims to help health care providers make informed decisions when considering the CH and sustainability of each anesthetic technique.

La salud de las personas se ha visto afectada negativamente debido a las difíciles condiciones ambientales producidas por el cambio climático. La industria sanitaria, paradójicamente, genera una huella de carbono (HC) que impulsa el cambio climático y representa el 9,8% de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI) en Estados Unidos (2013) y el 6,3% de la HC en Inglaterra (2017). Una parte considerable de estas emisiones proviene de la práctica clínica de la anestesia. Los gases anestésicos presentan potenciales de calentamiento global (GWP) de hasta 3.714 veces superiores al CO2 a lo largo de su ciclo de vida, desde su fabricación y uso, hasta su eliminación. En este contexto, esta revisión compiló y evaluó los impactos ambientales de la estrategia anestésica en la práctica clínica, haciendo uso de la herramienta de análisis del ciclo de vida. Esta revisión describe como la técnica anestésica presenta un impacto de magnitud en la HC, a través de la emisión de GEI expresado a través de herramientas como es el GWP. Como ejemplo, en el caso de los gases halogenados estos pueden generar hasta 2.540 kg COeq en su etapa de fabricación frente a 21 kg COeq para el Propofol. Esta y otras variables determinan el aporte de la técnica anestésica en la emisión de GEI. Finalmente, esta revisión tiene como objetivo ayudar al cuerpo médico a tomar decisiones informadas al considerar la HC y la sustentabilidad de cada técnica de anestesia.

Study on cardiovascular monitoring and diagnosis of athletes / Estudo de monitoramento cardiovascular e diagnóstico de atletas / Estudio de monitoreo cardiovascular y diagnóstico de atletas

ABSTRACT Introduction: The study and collection of athletes' heart function index parameters and the correct and reasonable evaluation of body functions can effectively adjust training plans and avoid athletes' bodily exhaustion. Objective: To study the diagnosis of myocardial injury by cardiovascular monitoring in athletes from two aspects: extraction of characteristic parameters of heart function and research of signal processing. Methods: The heart function intelligent evaluation algorithm was studied by using multi-source information fusion, and embedded technology; miniature sensors were used as well. Results: The incidence of severe ventricular arrhythmia was lower in both groups. The incidence of sinus arrhythmia and intermittent second degree I atrioventricular block in the high-intensity group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The number of atrial and ventricular premature beats was lower in the control group, but increased significantly in the high-intensity group. Conclusions: This study applied the theory of multi-source information fusion to carry out representative research on the intelligent monitoring and evaluation of the heart function of elite athletes, centering on the application requirements of the heart function monitoring of elite athletes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução: O estudo e a coleta de parâmetros indiciais da função cardíaca em atletas e a avaliação correta e razoável das funções corporais podem, efetivamente, levar ao ajuste de planos de treinamento e evitar a sobrecarga física de atletas. Objetivo: Estudar o diagnóstico da lesão miocárdica pelo monitoramento cardiovascular em atletas a partir de dois aspectos: a extração de parâmetros característicos da função cardíaca e a pesquisa do processamento de sinais. Métodos: O algoritmo de avaliação inteligente da função cardíaca foi estudado usando a fusão de informações de múltiplas fontes, além da tecnologia embarcada. Sensores em miniatura também foram usados. Resultados: A incidência de arritmia ventricular severa era menor nos dois grupos. A incidência de arritmia sinusal e o bloqueio atrioventricular de segundo grau do tipo I intermitente no grupo de alta intensidade foi significativamente mais alta do que no grupo de controle. O número de batidas prematuras atriais e ventriculares era menor no grupo de controle, mas aumentava consideravelmente no grupo de alta intensidade. Conclusões: Este estudo aplicou a teoria da fusão de informações de múltiplas fontes para conduzir uma pesquisa importante sobre o monitoramento e avaliação inteligentes da função cardíaca de atletas de elite, enfocando as exigências de aplicação do monitoramento da função cardíaca de atletas de elite. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação de resultados de tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: El estudio y la recogida de parámetros indíciales de la función cardíaca en atletas y la evaluación correcta y razonable de las funciones corporales pueden efectivamente llevar al ajuste de planes de entrenamiento y evitar la sobrecarga física de atletas. Objetivo: Estudiar el diagnóstico de la lesión miocárdica a través del monitoreo cardiovascular en atletas a partir de dos aspectos: la extracción de parámetros característicos de la función cardíaca y la investigación del procesamiento de señales. Métodos: El algoritmo de evaluación inteligente de la función cerebral se estudió utilizando la fusión de informaciones de múltiples fuentes, además de la tecnología embebida. Sensores en miniatura también se utilizaron. Resultados: La incidencia de taquicardia ventricular severa era menor en los dos grupos. La incidencia de arritmia sinusal y bloqueo auriculoventricular de segundo grado del tipo I intermitente en el grupo de alta intensidad fue significativamente más alta que en el grupo de control. El número de contracciones prematuras auriculares y ventriculares era menor en el grupo de control, pero aumentaba considerablemente en el grupo de alta intensidad. Conclusiones: Este estudio aplicó la teoría de la fusión de informaciones de múltiples fuentes para conducir una investigación importante sobre el monitoreo y evaluación inteligentes de la función cardiaca de atletas de élite, centrando las exigencias de aplicación del monitoreo de la función cardíaca de atletas de élite. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de resultados de tratamiento.

Investigación para la toma de decisiones de manejo en áreas marinas protegidas como la Isla del Coco, Costa Rica / Research for decision-making in marine protected areas such as Isla del Coco, Costa Rica

Introducción: En la práctica de la conservación biológica, a menudo se necesita de información científica para guiar las decisiones de manejo, pero esta información es especialmente escasa en áreas marinas protegidas. Las áreas marinas protegidas enfrentan el desafío de proteger especies pelágicas que se desplazan entre zonas protegidas de distintos países y zonas de pesca. En general, un obstáculo para generar la información que requieren las áreas protegidas es que comúnmente existe una disociación entre el sector académico y el sector de gestión, los cuales difieren en sus objetivos, forma de trabajo, y sistemas de recompensa. Esta situación se ve agravada en áreas marinas protegidas que se encuentran lejos de la costa, ya que los costos económicos y logísticos para realizar investigación son muy elevados. Objetivos: Utilizar el contexto del Parque Nacional Isla del Coco para ilustrar dificultades al momento de definir y recopilar la información necesaria para la gestión, y proponer posibles soluciones a este problema. Resultados: Para producir la información relevante, creemos que es necesario tomar en cuenta los siguientes aspectos: i) distinguir entre información biológica e información requerida para la gestión, ii) generar información sobre las amenazas a las especies, aún en ausencia de datos sobre las especies, iii) direccionar los planes de monitoreo, y iv) establecer una coordinación entre dos grupos de personas: las que frecuentan el área y las que están lejos del área en centros académicos. Además, debido a la naturaleza de la información que se requiere, y a la remotidad del sitio, se necesita de una articulación entre sectores (incluido el sector pesquero) para generar los datos. Conclusión: Parece indispensablelograr esta articulación entre sectores, lo cual conlleva grandes retos. Aún así, esta opción parece ser más viable desde el punto de vista logístico y económico que el intentar generar esta información desde una plataforma exclusivamente académica. Además, dicha articulación parece ser la única forma de generar información que es requerida para regular el manejo pesquero; por ejemplo la caracterización adecuada del esfuerzo de captura y de la biomasa extraída.

Introduction: Scientific information is often needed to guide management decisions, but marine protected areas usually lack such information. Further, these protected areas face the challenge of protecting highly-mobile pelagic species that move between protected areas in different countries and across fishing zones. In general, the dissociation that commonly exists between academic and conservation groups, which work under different objectives and reward systems, serves as an obstacle for producing the information that is needed by wildlife managers. This limitation is further enhanced in oceanic islands, such as Isla del Coco because of their mere remoteness, a condition that dramatically increases the economic and operational costs for doing research. Objective: To illustrate the challenge of generating useful scientific information for conservation decision making in protected areas, using Isla del Coco National Park in Costa Rica as a case study, and to propose possible solutions. Results: In order to produce the scientific information that these areas require, it is necessary to: i) distinguish between biologically relevant information, and information required for decision-making, ii) generate information about the threats to biodiversity, even in the absence of information about the species themselves, iii) establish clear goals and objectives for monitoring plans, and iv) build strong links between two types of groups: those that work from mainland and those that operate offshore; this includes working alongside fishing vessels. Conclusions: It will be a great challenge to articulate such relationships between groups, but this option seems more viable (in terms of associated logistic and economical costs) than attempting to collect the required data from an isolated academic platform. Also, this articulation appears to be the only way of generating information that is crucial for stock management, such as the accurate characterization of the fishing activity.

Vector biological monitoring and strategy to prevent and control severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome bunyavirus (SFTSV) in Daishan Country Zhoushan Islands 2011-2018 / 上海预防医学

Objective To study the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome bunyavirus (SFTSV)-related vector biological monitoring in Daishan County, Zhoushan Island of Zhejiang Province, and to explore the prevention and control strategies. Methods The monitoring was conducted as follows:squirrel-cage method was used for rodents from 2012 to 2014;the Buqi method for free tick density in villages and towns with confirmed cases in Daishan County from 2015 to 2018;and body surface comb method for parasitic ticks.RT-PCR method was used to detect SFTSV in ticks and rat specimens.Epidemiological survey followed by extensive health education was conducted from 2011 to 2015.Comprehensive health prevention and control measures, such as precision health education and chemical elimination of vectors were taken from 2016 to 2018. Results A total of 327 rodents were captured, including 172 stinking shrews, accounting for 52.60%, and 92 yellow mice, accounting for 28.13%.The main species of ticks was Haematopsus longicortus, accounting for 94.20%.Among them, there were 135 parasitic ticks in three species:Haematopsus longicorum, S.scallopus, and T.nigra. There were 382 free ticks in 6 species, including Haematopsichum longicorum, Sickle fan tick, Hemophilus fannicus, Ixodes ovaliformis, Ixodes granulata, and Ixodes sinensis.From May to October in 2015, the density of field ticks was ≥50 per cloth flag.From May 2016 to 2018, after the elimination application of chemical agents for elimination, the density of ticks was ≤50 per cloth flag.All ticks and rodent specimens tested by RT-PCR were negative for SFTSV.Since precision education in 2016, the awareness rate of SFTS in rural areas has increased from 32.05% to 83.33%.Approximately 70 early warning notices for the epidemic situation were issued in advance.Since 2017, the number of SFTS has been declining year by year, and only 8 cases occurred in 2018. Conclusion In the field environment, chlorothalonil is the dominant mouse species and long horn blood ticks are the dominant ticks.The government leadership, cooperation among departments, technical service provided by professional organization, health education, reduction of tick density in residential environment, timely risk early warning notice, and other comprehensive prevention and control hand strategy all contribute to the achieved result of prevention and control.

Monitoramento Biológico de autoclaves de consultórios odontológicos de cidades do interior de Mato Grosso Do Sul (MS) / Biological Monitoring of Autoclaves from Dentistry Consultants in interior cities in Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) State

Um dos meios eficazes para evitar a contaminação cruzada dentro dos consultórios odontológicos é a correta esterilização dos materiais pelo uso de autoclaves. O monitoramento desses equipamentos constitui estratégia importante no controle dos serviços prestados pela vigilância sanitária. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi comprovar a eficiência de autoclaves de consultórios odontológicos privados de cinco cidades diferentes do interior de Mato Grosso do Sul. O monitoramento das autoclaves foi realizado utilizando-se indicadores biológicos Clean-Test®. Das 37 autoclaves analisadas, apenas 2 apresentaram falhas do processo de esterilização.

One of the most effective ways to avoid cross-contamination inside dental offices is the correct sterilization of materials. The monitoring of this equipment is an important strategy in controlling the services provided by health surveillance. The objective of the present work was to prove the efficiency of autoclaves of autoclaves in private dental offices in five different cities in the interior of Mato Grosso of Sul. The monitoring of the autoclaves was performed using CleanTest® biological indicators. Of the 37 autoclaves analyzed, only 2 showed flaws in the sterilization process.

Achievements, Problems, and Future Direction of the Quality Control Program for Special Periodic Health Examination Agencies in Republic of Korea

The ultimate goal of the quality control program for special periodic health examination agencies is to diagnose the health condition of a worker correctly, based on accurate examination and analysis skills, leading to protect the worker’s health. The quality control program on three areas, chemical analysis for biological monitoring since 1995, and pneumoconiosis, audiometric testing since 1996, has contributed to improve the reliability of occupational health screenings by improving the issues including standardization of testing methods, tools, diagnostic opinions, and reliability of analysis for biological monitoring. It has contributed to improving the reliability of occupational health monitoring by rectifying the following issues associated with previous monitoring: absence of standardized testing methods, testing tools that are not upgraded, mismatching diagnostic opinions, and unreliable results of biological specimen analysis. Nevertheless, there are issues in need of further improvement such as lack of expertise or the use of inappropriate method for health examination, and passive and unwilling participation in the quality control. We suggested solutions to these problems for each area of quality control program. Above all, it is essential to provide active support for health examiners to develop their expertise, while encouraging all the health screening agencies, employers, and workers to develop the desire to improve the system and to maintain the relevance.

Chironomidae (Diptera) species diversity of estuaries across a land use gradient on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica / Diversidad de especies de Chironomidae (Diptera) de estuarios en un gradiente de uso de suelo en la costa Caribe de Costa Rica

Abstract The family Chironomidae (Diptera) is the most widely distributed, most diverse, and often the most abundant of all families of benthic macroinvertebrates in aquatic ecosystems, including estuaries and other coastal marine ecosystems. Chironomid assemblages are likely to provide a useful measure of biotic integrity in estuaries of Costa Rica, which lack an intensive estuarine bioassessment tool to support environmental monitoring and regulatory programs. We characterized the taxonomic composition of Chironomidae, tested a Chironomidae Index of Biotic Integrity (CIBI) developed from extrinsic pollution tolerance values for its efficacy in evaluating the surface water quality and physical habitat, and made recommendations for increasing the sensitivity of the CIBI to detect differing degrees of stress across a range of estuaries in Costa Rica. Specifically, we selected nine estuaries within six different watersheds across a land use gradient located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and collected Chironomidae surface-floating pupal exuviae (SFPE) samples biannually for two consecutive years (July 2012, Jan. 2013, July 2013, Jan. 2014). We identified 228 morphospecies and 70 genera from 17 071 Chironomidae pupal exuviae collected from nine estuaries, which ranked in the following order from lowest to highest biotic integrity based on CIBI scores: Estero Negro, Laguna Cuatro, Laguna Jalova, Laguna del Tortuguero, Río Parismina, Laguna Barra del Colorado, Río Pacuare, Río Bananito, and Río Estrella. The CIBI successfully differentiated between estuaries with poor versus good biotic integrity, indicating that CIBI could be used to evaluate the surface water quality and physical habitat of Costa Rican estuaries. We recommend that future studies refine our approach by developing regionally accurate genus and corresponding species-level tolerance values to improve the sensitivity of the CIBI for biological monitoring of Costa Rican estuaries. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(3): 1118-1134. Epub 2018 September 01.

Resumen La familia Chironomidae (Diptera) es la más ampliamente distribuida, más diversa y a menudo, la más abundante de todas las familias de macroinvertebrados bentónicos en ecosistemas acuáticos, incluyendo estuarios y otros ecosistemas marinos. Probablemente, los ensambles de quironómidos proporcionen una medida útil de integridad biótica en estuarios de Costa Rica, los cuales carecen de una herramienta de evaluación biológica que respalde programas de monitoreo ambiental y programas regulatorios. Caracterizamos la composición taxonómica de Chironomidae, probamos un Índice de Integridad Biótica de Chironomidae (CIBI) desarrollado a partir de valores de tolerancia de contaminación extrínseca, por su eficacia en evaluar la calidad de la superficie del agua y el hábitat físico. Además, realizamos recomendaciones para incrementar la sensibilidad del CIBI para detectar diferentes grados de estrés en un rango de estuarios en Costa Rica. Específicamente, seleccionamos nueve estuarios dentro de seis cuencas diferentes a lo largo de un gradiente de uso de suelo en la costa Caribe de Costa Rica y recolectamos muestras de las exuvias pupales que flotan en la superficie (SFPE) por dos años consecutivos (Julio 2012, Enero 2013, Julio 2013, Enero 2014). Identificamos 228 morfoespecies y 70 géneros de 17 071 exuvias de pupas de Chironomidae recolectadas en nueve estuarios, los cuales se clasificaron en el siguiente orden de menor a mayor integridad biótica basado en los valores del CIBI: Estero Negro, Laguna Cuatro, Laguna Jalova, Laguna del Tortuguero, Río Parismina, Laguna Barra del Colorado, Río Pacuare, Río Bananito, y Río Estrella. El CIBI diferenció eficazmente entre estuarios con integridad biótica pobre versus buena, indicando que el CIBI puede ser usado para evaluar la calidad de la superficie del agua y el hábitat físico de estuarios de Costa Rica. Recomendamos que estudios futuros refinen nuestro planteamiento desarrollando valores de tolerancia de géneros precisos regionalmente y niveles correspondientes de especies para mejorar la sensibilidad del CIBI para el monitoreo de estuarios de Costa Rica.

Cadmium (Cd) Exposure among Waste Collector in Urban Area, Malaysia

@#Introduction: Cadmium (Cd) in urine and inhaled dust of the municipal waste operators was assessed. Methods: Urine spot samples were collected and analysed for Cd and creatinine of 60 municipal waste operators between April to June 2013. Respirable dust was collected using personal air sampling pump GilAir-3 and GilAir-5 for 8 working hours. Cd in urine and dust were analysed using the Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (Perkin Elmer A Analyst 800) while urinary creatinine was measured using Reflotron® Plus creatinine. Results: The mean and standard deviation (SD) of Cd in the respirable dust (0.59 ± 50.27 μg/m3) was within the permissible exposure limit (PEL). The level of Cd in urine (0.015 ± 0.0097 μg/g Cr) was lower than the safe limit of 5 μg/g. The creatinine level (173.59 ± 50.27 mg/dl) was within the normal range (20 to 350 mg/dl). The multiple regression model shows smoking and years of smoking were the significant predictors for the Cd in the urine (R² = 0.216 F(3,56) = 5.150, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Municipal waste operators were exposed to minimal Cd exposure while handling waste and the accumulation of this metal urine was correlated with smoking habit.

Biological exposure limit of 1,3-butadiene occupational exposure / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To study the biological exposure limit of 1,3-butadiene occupational exposure. METHODS: A total of 139 workers who exposed to 1,3-butadiene in a rubber plant was chosen as exposure group,and 45 workers without 1,3-butadiene exposure were chosen as control group by judgment sampling method. Gas chromatography-flame ionization detection method was used to detect the level of 1,3-butadiene in workplace air,and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric was used to determine the level of urinary dihydroxybutyl mercapturic acid( DHBMA) in end-of-shift workers. The correlation between 1,3-butadiene level and urinary DHBMA level was analyzed.The biological limit of 1,3-butadiene occupational exposure was assessed. RESULTS: The range of concentration-time weighted average( C_(TWA)) of 1,3-butadiene was from 0. 004 to 7. 609 mg/m~3,the medium was 0. 253 mg/m~3 in the exposure group,while the level of urinary DHBMA was from 0. 171 to 4. 235 mg/g Cr,and the medium was 1. 220 mg/g Cr. The range of C_(TWA)of 1,3-butadiene was below detection limit in the control group. The level of urinary DHBMA was from 0. 157 to 1. 808 mg/g Cr,and the medium was 0. 627 mg/g Cr in the control group. The level of urinary DHBMA in the exposure group was higher than that of the control group( P < 0. 01). The level of urinary DHBMA( y) of workers was related to the level of 1,3-butadiene( x) of the workplace air in the exposure group( y = 0. 349 x + 1. 082,P < 0. 01).CONCLUSION: DHBMA in urine could be used as a biomarker for 1,3-butadiene exposure in workers. The recommended biological exposure limit of DHBMA is 2. 900 mg/g Cr.

Abnormal results analysis and quality control of biological monitoring by pressure steam sterilizer / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To analyze the causes for the biological monitoring abnormal results of the pressure steam sterilizer to eliminate non-standard operation and hidden risks during biological monitoring.Methods Totally 34 secondary or above medical institutions in Chongqing were selected randomly,and questionnaire survey was carried out over biological monitoring abnormal results and main influencing factors of the pressure steam sterilizer.Results Of the 126 abnormal results,there were 63 positive results (accounting for 50％) and the main influencing factors included expiration,aged seal ring,low-efficiency vacuum pump,nonstandard loading,bioindicator reproduction before sterilization,false positive result,polluted moist incubator and etc;There were 35 cases of results related to fast reader (accounting for 27.78％) and the main factors consisted of failure of reading light,improper input of bioindicator,dusts in the reading hole and etc;There were 18 cases of bioindicator discoloration before culture (accounting for 14.28％) and the main factor was reproduction occurred before the gemma was inactivated;There were l0 cases of nondiscoloring in case of positive control (accounting for 7.94％) and the main factors included non-crushed indicating mediostratum cultured in the incubator,insufficient shaking after crushing mediostratum and etc.Conclusion The main factors for abnormal biological monitoring of the sterilizer involve in equipment,personnel and material,and the quality control has to be executed from the three aspects.

Urinary Trans, Trans-Muconic Acid is Not a Reliable Biomarker for Low-level Environmental and Occupational Benzene Exposures

BACKGROUND: Benzene is a known occupational and environmental pollutant. Its urinary metabolite trans, trans-muconic acid (tt-MA) has been introduced by some environmental and occupational health regulatory associations as a biological index for the assessment of benzene exposure; however, recently, doubts have been raised about the specificity of tt-MA for low-level benzene exposures. In the present study, we investigated the association between urinary levels of tt-MA and inhalational exposure to benzene in different exposure groups. METHODS: Benzene exposure was assessed by personal air sampling. Collected benzene on charcoal tube was extracted by carbon disulfide and determined by a gas chromatograph (gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector). Urinary tt-MA was extracted by a strong anion-exchange column and determined with high-performance liquid chromatography–UV. RESULTS: Urinary levels of tt-MA in intensive benzene exposure groups (chemical workers and police officers) were significantly higher than other groups (urban and rural residents), but its levels in the last two groups with significant different exposure levels (mean = 0.081 ppm and 0.019 ppm, respectively) showed no significant difference (mean = 388 μg/g creatinine and 282 μg/g, respectively; p < 0.05). Before work shift, urine samples of workers and police officers showed a high amount of tt-MA and its levels in rural residents’ samples were not zero. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that tt-MA may not be a reliable biomarker for monitoring low-level (below 0.5 ppm) benzene exposures.

Análisis microbiológicodel pulpo rojo en puertos pesqueros de Campeche, México / Microbiological analysis of red octopus in fishing ports of Campeche, Mexico

Resumen: Objetivo: Estudiar la calidad microbiológica del pulpo rojo dado su importante impacto económico y social en la región sur-sureste de México. Material y métodos: Se tomaron muestras en diversas zonas de captura de la especie y se analizaron con pruebas bioquímicas descritas en las normas oficiales mexicanas. Se identificaron cepas pertenecientes al género Vibrio, Salmonella, coliformes fecales y E. coli O157:H7. Con el empleo del Sistema BAx, se logró la identificación de microorganismos a través de su ADN bacteriano. Los resultados obtenidos en los métodos bioquímicos y moleculares fueron contrastados. Resultados: El método estadístico de Bland-Altman indicó que ambas técnicas pueden usarse indistintamente. La prueba de McNemar demostró que ambos métodos cuentan con la misma eficacia para la identificación de patógenos (valor X2=0.5 ρ=0.4795). Conclusión: La calidad microbiológica del pulpo en la región sur-sureste de México es deficiente debido a la presencia de flora bacteriana patógena que podría representar un riesgo epidemiológico. Los índices establecidos por las normas sugieren la necesidad de aplicar técnicas de identificación eficaces y rápidas como el Sistema BAx. Este método alternativo de análisis puede coadyuvar a la implementación de estrategias efectivas que permitan cumplir con especificaciones mínimas sanitarias durante el procesamiento de los productos pesqueros, y así elevar los sistemas de control para disminuir los riesgos de brotes epidemiológicos en la región.

Abstract: Objective: In this work we studied the microbiological quality of the red octopus given its important economic and social impact on the region South-Southeast of Mexico. Materials and methods: Samples were taken in different areas of capture of the species and analyzed with biochemical tests described in the Mexican official standards, identifying strains belonging to the genus Vibrio, Salmonella and faecal coliforms, and E. coli O157: H7. We used the BAx System for the identification of microorganisms through their bacterial DNA. The results obtained in biochemical and molecular methods were confirmed. Results: Bland-Altman statistical method pointed out that both techniques can be used interchangeably. McNemar test showed that both methods have the same efficacy for the identification of pathogens (value X2=0.5 ρ=0.4795). Conclusion: The microbiological quality of the octopus in the South-Southeast region of Mexico is deficient due to the presence of pathogenic intestinal flora that might represent an epidemiological risk. The indexes established by the regulations suggest the need to apply effective and rapid identification technologies, such as the BAx System.This alternative method of analysis can contribute to the implementation of effective strategies that allow compliance with the minimal sanitary specifications during the processing of fishing products, thus strengthening the control systems to decrease the risks of epidemiological outbreaks in the region.

A cross-sectional study of exposure to mercury in schoolchildren living near the eastern seaboard industrial estate of Thailand.

Background: Industrial activity in Thailand’s coastal areas has significantly increased mercury concentrations in seawater, causing accumulation through the food chain. Continuous exposure to mercury has been linked to bioaccumulation in living organisms and potential adverse health effects in children. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 873 schoolchildren aged 6–13 years living in four sites near the eastern seaboard industrial estates of the Gulf of Thailand in 2011. Total mercury level in whole blood (Hg-B) was compared with standard reference values. Results: Mean (± standard deviation) concentrations of Hg-B from schoolgirls (2.19 ± 0.5 μg/L; n = 405) and schoolboys (2.29 ± 0.3 μg/L; n = 468) did not exceed the regulatory limits of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), the German Commission on Human Biological Monitoring (HBM I, II) or Clarke’s analysis of drugs and poisons reference values. Nevertheless, 67 children (34 girls and 33 boys) had individual values that exceeded the lowest of these standards (4 μg/L). Conclusion: The relatively low concentrations of Hg-B detected in this study suggested a relatively low risk for schoolchildren. However, 67 children had elevated mean total Hg-B concentrations, especially in the two sites located nearest the industrial area. This information may serve as an early warning of the potential for pollution to affect children living around industrial areas. Further regular monitoring, including studies assessing the health impact of mercury pollution in this region of Thailand, is to be encouraged.

Variação diária da exposição ao mercúrio entre assistentes e estagiários em um consultório dentário / Daily variation of mercury exposure among dental assistants and students in a dental office

O mercúrio é um metal utilizado na Odontologia em restaurações de amálgama. Este estudo avaliou os níveis de exposição ao mercúrio em trabalhadores de um consultório dentário de uma empresa de serviço social. A metodologia incluiu a observação do processo de trabalho, detectando as possibilidades de exposição ao Hg, a aplicação de um questionário sobre o uso do amálgama e a avaliação da exposição ao mercúrio pela determinação do teor de Hg em amostras de urina dos trabalhadores. Foram coletadas 68 amostras com média de 1,39 ± 0,40 μg.Hg/L. A diferença entre as médias nos Grupos foi de apenas 0,02 μg.Hg/L, não sendo estatisticamente significante (p = 0,174). Os níveis de mercúrio nas amostras estavam abaixo do limite estabelecido pela legislação.

Mercury is a metal used in odontology for amalgam restorations. This study evaluated the daily levels of exposure to mercury in dental office workers of a social service company. The methodology included observation of the work process, to detect the possibility of exposure to mercury, the application of a self-reported questionnaire about the use of amalgam and assessment of mercury exposure for the determination of Hg in urine samples. Sixty-eight samples were collected with urinary mercury average of 1.39 ± 0.40 μg.Hg/L. The difference of mean urinary mercury concentrations between Groups was 0.02 μg.Hg/L, not having a statistically significant result (p = 0 .174). T he l evels o f m ercury i n a ll s amples w ere below the maximum allowed by law.

The progress of study on methods to assess occupational exposure to antineoplastic agents / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To make a summary evaluation of methods for monitoring occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs. METHODS: Recent literatures were reviewed, and the key information was extracted, classified and summarized. RESULTS: So far biological monitoring and environmental monitoring are the main sensitive and specific methods to assess occupational exposure to antineoplastic agents. CONCLUSION: It is inevitable for many healthcare workers being exposed to antineoplastic drugs which are mostly cytostatic. Owing to the potential occupational hazard, it is critical to assess this kind of risk precisely. This article is to review the progress of studies on nowadays related assessing methods.