Correlation analysis between prenatal exposure of per-/polyfluoroalkyl compounds and neonatal outcome / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To investigate the correlation between the prenatal exposure of per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and the neonatal outcome. Methods: A total of 506 maternal infant cohort samples were collected in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province from 2020 to 2021. The exposure levels of seven PFASs in maternal serum before delivery were detected by solid-phase extraction-ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Multivariable linear regression model was used to analyze the influence of prenatal exposure of PFASs on birth weight, birth length and Apgar score. Results: The maternal age, prenatal body mass index and gestation age were (31.3±4.3) years old, (26.7±3.2) kg/m2 and (265.0±28.3) days, respectively. The birth weight, birth length and scores of Apgar-1 and Apgar-5 were (3.1±0.8) kg, (49.3±2.9) cm, (9.88±0.47) points and (9.99±0.13) points, respectively. PFASs were widely distributed in maternal serum, with the highest concentration of (18.453±19.557) ng/ml, (6.756±9.379) ng/ml and (5.057±8.555) ng/ml for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and 6∶2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (Cl-PFESA), respectively. Maternal age, parity and delivery mode were associated with the exposure level of PFASs (P<0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that PFOS had negative effects on birth weight (β=-0.958), birth length (β=-0.073) and Apgar-5 score (β=-0.288) for neonates in the low birth weight (LBW) group. 6∶2 Cl-PFESA and 8∶2 Cl-PFESA inhibited the birth weight (β=-0.926; β=-0.552) and length (β=-0.074; β=-0.045) of newborn in the LBW group. In addition, 4∶2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (FTS) was associated with increased birth weight (β=0.111) and decreased Apgar-5 score (β=-0.030) in the normal weight group. Conclusion: Prenatal exposure to PFASs is associated with birth weight, birth length and Apgar-5 score. It is necessary to continue to pay attention to the impact of PFASs on fetal growth and development through maternal-fetal transmission.

Health risk assessment of exogenous harmful pollutants in Chinese medicine: a review / 中国中药杂志

In recent years, the quality and safety problems have been limiting the internationalization of Chinese medicine. The pollutants in Chinese medicine, particularly the exogenous harmful pollutants mainly including mycotoxins, pesticide residues, heavy metals, harmful elements, and sulfur dioxide, are of high risks for people. Therefore, the World Health Organization(WHO) and relevant national organizations have clearly defined the maximum residue limits(MRLs) of such pollutants. Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition, volume Ⅳ) also demonstrates the detection methods, MRLs and preliminary risk assessment methods for four typical exogenous harmful pollutants in Chinese medicine. Therefore, continuous optimization of the health risk assessment system can further help further raise the quality and safety of Chinese medicine. This paper reviews the research on the health risk assessment of four typical exogenous harmful pollutants in Chinese medicine and discusses the problems of and challenges for the assessment system, which is expected to lay a scientific basis for the establishment of the risk warning mode and response measures suitable for specific types of Chinese medicine.

Asociación entre los niveles de NO, NO2, SO2, O3, CH4 en el aire y las tasas de hospitalización del Hospital Adriana Cousiño de Quintero durante los años 2012 al 2018 / Association between levels of NO, NO2, SO2, O3, CH4 in the air and hospitalization rates at Hospital Adriana Cousiño de Quintero during the years 2012 to 2018

En el sector de Quintero, desde los últimos 50 años han existido diversos hitos relacionados con la contaminación medioambiental. Iniciando con la instauración de la termoeléctrica "Ventanas" en 1950, Chilectra en 1958. En el año 1993 el ministerio de Agricultura de Chile declaró a Puchuncaví y Quintero como una "zona saturada de contaminación" por dióxido de azufre (SO2) y material particulado (MP10). En el año 2011, 135 trabajadores del complejo Ventana fallecieron producto del cáncer. Durante el 2014 hubo un derrame de petróleo en la Bahía de Quintero, 2015 un informe del Instituto de Fomento Pesquero (IFOP) arrojó cifras de arsénico que superan 23 veces la norma establecida por el Código Sanitario de Alimentos. Frente a dicho escenario, se hace evidente la necesidad de comprender cómo es la situación de los pobladores de dichas comunas. La presente investigación busca asociar los niveles de contaminación de las comuna de Quintero y el número de hospitalizaciones durante los años 2012 hasta el 2018.

In Quintero, since the last 50 years there have been various milestones related to environmental pollution. Starting with the installation of the "Ventanas" thermoelectric plant in 1950, Chilectra in 1958. In 1993, the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture declared Puchuncaví and Quintero as a "zone saturated with contamination" by sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (MP10). In 2011, 135 workers at the Ventana complex died of cancer. During 2014 an oil spill emerged in Quintero Bay, 2015 a report by the Institute for Fisheries Development (IFOP) showed arsenic figures that exceed 23 times the norm established by the Sanitary Food Code. Faced with this scenario, the need to understand what the situation of the residents of said communes is like is evident. The present investigation seeks to associate the levels of contamination of the commun of Quintero and the number of hospitalizations during the years 2012 to 2018.

Avaliação dos níveis de chumbo e mercúrio em população exposta ambientalmente na Região Centro-oeste do Brasil / Evaluación de los niveles de plomo y mercurio en población expuesta ambientalmente en la región centro-oeste de Brasil / Lead and mercury levels in an environmentally exposed population in the Central Brazil

O objetivo foi avaliar o nível de exposição ao chumbo e mercúrio em população do Pantanal Mato-grossense, Brasil. Chumbo no sangue (Pb-S) (n = 119) e mercúrio na urina (Hg-U) (n = 109) de moradores da região foram determinados por espectrometria de absorção atômica. A comparação de médias e correlação entre as variáveis utilizaram o teste ANOVA e a regressão linear, respectivamente, com 95% de confiança. Pb-S médio foi 2,82 ± 1,53µg dL-1. A comparação de Pb-S estratificado por local de coleta (p ≤ 0,01), atividade laboral (p ≤ 0,01) e consumo de leite produzido na região (p ≤ 0,05) mostrou diferenças estatisticamente significativas. Também houve associações positivas entre Pb-S e local de coleta (p ≤ 0,01), profissão dos participantes (p ≤ 0,05), consumo de leite da região (p ≤ 0,01) e origem da água de consumo (p ≤ 0,01). A média de Hg-U foi 1,41 ± 0,98µg L-1. Os teores mostraram diferenças significativas apenas quanto à profissão dos participantes (p ≤ 0,01), e associações positivas surgiram entre Hg-U e atividade profissional (p ≤ 0,01) assim como índice de massa corporal dos sujeitos de estudo (p ≤ 0,01). As amostras apresentaram baixos níveis de chumbo e mercúrio, semelhantes àqueles encontrados em populações também expostas ambientalmente. Apesar dessas baixas concentrações, o conhecimento atual sobre toxicidade desses metais mostra que efeitos à saúde já podem ser sentidos em níveis antes considerados seguros, o que caracteriza o perigo.

El objetivo fue evaluar el nivel de exposición al plomo y mercurio en una población del Pantanal Mato-grossense, Brasil. El plomo en sangre (Pb-S) (n = 119) y mercurio en la orina (Hg-U) (n = 109) de los habitantes de esa región se determinó por espectrometría de absorción atómica. La comparación de medias y la correlación entre las variables utilizaron el test ANOVA y la regresión lineal, respectivamente, con un 95% de confianza. Pb-S medio fue 2,82 ± 1,53µg dL-1. La comparación de Pb-S estratificado por lugar de recogida (p ≤ 0,01), actividad laboral (p ≤ 0,01) y consumo de leche que se produjo en la región (p ≤ 0,05) mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas. También hubo asociaciones positivas entre Pb-S y el lugar de recogida (p ≤ 0,01), profesión de los participantes (p ≤ 0,05), consumo de leche de la región (p ≤ 0,01) y origen del agua de consumo (p ≤ 0,01). La media de Hg-U fue 1,41 ± 0,98µg L-1. Los porcentajes mostraron diferencias significativas sólo respecto a la profesión de los participantes (p ≤ 0,01), y las asociaciones positivas surgieron entre Hg-U y la actividad profesional (p ≤ 0,01), así como índice de masa corporal de los sujetos de estudio (p ≤ 0,01). Las muestras presentaron bajos niveles de plomo y mercurio, semejantes a aquellos encontrados en poblaciones también expuestas ambientalmente. A pesar de esas bajas concentraciones, el conocimiento actual sobre toxicidad de estos metales muestra que los efectos sobre la salud, ya pueden ser apreciados en niveles antes considerados seguros, lo que caracteriza el peligro.

The objective was to assess the level of exposure to lead and mercury in a population in the Pantanal region in Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Blood lead (PbB) (n = 119) and urinary mercury (HgU) (n = 109) in local residents were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Comparison of means and correlations between variables used analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear regression, respectively, with 95% confidence intervals. Mean PbB was 2.82 ± 1.53µg dL-1. The comparison of PbB stratified by collection site (p ≤ 0.01), work activity (p ≤ 0.01), and consumption of locally produced cow's milk (p ≤ 0.05) showed statistically significant differences. There were also positive associations between PbB and collection site (p ≤ 0.01), participants' profession (p ≤ 0.05), local milk (p ≤ 0.01), and source of drinking water (p ≤ 0.01). Mean HgU was 1.41 ± 0.98µg L-1. The levels only showed significant differences for participants' profession (p ≤ 0.01), and positive associations emerged between HgU and work activity (p ≤ 0.01) and body mass index (p ≤ 0.01). The samples showed low lead and mercury levels, similar to those found in other environmentally exposed populations. Despite these low concentrations, current knowledge on the toxicity of these metals shows that health effects can already be felt at levels that were previously considered safe, thus characterizing a health hazard.

Condición socioeconómica, patrones de alimentación y exposición a metales pesados en mujeres en edad fértil de Cali, Colombia / Socioeconomic status, eating patterns, and heavy metals exposure in women of childbearing age in Cali, Colombia

Resumen Introducción. La contaminación del agua y de los alimentos constituye un riesgo creciente para la salud a nivel mundial. Dicho riesgo varía según las concentraciones y las dosis de los contaminantes y el tiempo de exposición, especialmente por los posibles efectos a largo plazo debidos a la exposición crónica a bajas concentraciones de metales pesados como el plomo, el cadmio y el mercurio. Objetivo. Explorar la relación entre la condición socioeconómica, los patrones de alimentación y la exposición a metales pesados en una población de mujeres de Cali. Materiales y métodos. Participaron 233 mujeres en edad fértil, no embarazadas, residentes en el distrito de Aguablanca, Cali, Colombia. Se recolectó información sociodemográfica, así como sobre las condiciones de la vivienda, la exposición a metales pesados, la frecuencia de consumo de alimentos y las mediciones antropométricas. Para determinar las concentraciones de plomo, cadmio y mercurio, se tomaron muestras de lechuga, repollo y peces (tilapia y 'manteco'). Se hicieron análisis descriptivos y de correspondencias múltiples para establecer los patrones de consumo. Resultados. El pescado se incluía en las tres comidas del día, especialmente en el almuerzo; se encontró cadmio por debajo de los niveles permitidos en tres muestras de 'manteco'. El 11,1 % de quienes consumían pescado una vez o más por semana lo había comprado en un expendio en el cual las muestras fueron positivas para cadmio. Mediante el análisis de correspondencias múltiples, se determinó la presencia de una relación entre el ser de raza negra y el consumo de 'manteco' y tilapia una vez o más por semana. Conclusiones. La población de estudio tuvo acceso a alimentos contaminados con metales pesados. Esto, sumado a las características metabólicas de las mujeres y a sus condiciones socioeconómicas, incrementó su exposición y vulnerabilidad frente a los efectos de la contaminación.

Abstract Introduction: Global increase in food and water pollution is associated with health risk, which depends on the concentration, the dose, and the exposure time. This has raised concerns about the possible long-term effects of chronic exposure to low concentrations of heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium and mercury. Objective: Toexplore the relationship among socioeconomic status, eating patterns, and exposure to heavy metals among a population of women in Cali, Colombia. Materials and methods: A total of 233 non-pregnant women of childbearing age living in the Aguablanca district of Cali, Colombia, were enrolled in the study. We gathered sociodemographic data, as well as information on housing conditions, exposure to heavy metals, frequency of food intake, and anthropometric measurements. Samples of lettuce, cabbage and fish (tilapia and butterfish) were collected to determine lead, cadmium, and mercury concentrations. Descriptive and multiple correspondence analyses were performed to establish eating patterns. Results: Fish was served in each of the three main meals of the day, with a bigger serving at lunch time. Cadmium was found in three samples of butterfish at levels below the acceptable. Of those who ate fish more than once a week, 11.1% bought the product at a cadmium-positive store. The multiple correspondence analysis showed a positive relationship between being black and consuming butterfish and tilapia more than once per week. Conclusions: The findings showed that the studied population had access to heavy metal-contaminated food, which combined with the women's cultural eating patterns, socioeconomic status, and metabolic characteristics led to a greater vulnerability to the effects of heavy metals exposure.

Salud ambiental, vigilancia y monitoreo de la calidad de aire: Contaminante atmosférico: Monóxido de carbono / Environmental health and air quality monitoring: Air pollutant: Carbon monoxide

El monóxido de carbono es un gas tóxico, inodoro e incoloro que se forma por la combustión incompleta de hidrocarburos como gas o kerosene. Las fuentes pueden ser estufas, calefones, braseros, calderas y hornos en malas condiciones de mantenimiento, así como los escapes de automóviles. Las viviendas o escuelas cercanas a calles de alto tránsito pueden estar también expuestas. Es importante señalar que es además uno de los componentes del humo del tabaco. La exposición al monóxido de carbono en el interior de los hogares produce una intoxicación de características graves e incluso con altos niveles de mortalidad. Respecto de la exposición en el aire exterior, las concentraciones más altas normalmente se miden cerca de las vías de transito principales, dado que los vehículos son la principal fuente de CO. se presentan una serie de gráficos que permiten observar los valores de monóxido de carbono registrados en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Dichos registros son obtenidos en las tres estaciones de Monitoreo de Calidad del Aire que posee la Ciudad (Estación La Boca, Parque Centenario y Córdoba), las cuales registran las concentraciones de éste contaminante en forma continua (24 horas diarias, los 365 días del año) mediante métodos homologados internacionalmente. (AU)

Environmental Exposure to Arsenic, Lead, and Cadmium in People Living near Janghang Copper Smelter in Korea

Concentrations of heavy metals exceed safety thresholds in the soil near Janghang Copper Refinery, a smelter in Korea that operated from 1936 to 1989. This study was conducted to evaluate the level of exposure to toxic metals and the potential effect on health in people living near the smelter. The study included 572 adults living within 4 km of the smelter and compared them with 413 controls group of people living similar lifestyles in a rural area approximately 15 km from the smelter. Urinary arsenic (As) level did not decrease according to the distance from the smelter, regardless of gender and working history in smelters and mines. However, in subjects who had no occupational exposure to toxic metals, blood lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) and urinary Cd decreased according to the distance from the smelter, both in men and women. Additionally, the distance from the smelter was a determinant factor for a decrease of As, Pb, and Cd in multiple regression models, respectively. On the other hands, urinary Cd was a risk factor for renal tubular dysfunction in populations living near the smelter. These results suggest that Janghang copper smelter was a main contamination source of As, Pb, and Cd, and populations living near the smelter suffered some adverse health effects as a consequence. The local population should be advised to make efforts to reduce exposure to environmental contaminants, in order to minimize potential health effects, and to pay close attention to any health problems possibly related to toxic metal exposure.

Uso de la herramienta Google Trends para estimar la incidencia de enfermedades tipo influenza en Argentina / Using Google Trends to estimate the incidence of influenza-like illness in Argentina / Uso da ferramenta Google Trends para estimar a incidência de síndrome gripal na Argentina

El objetivo del presente estudio fue hallar un modelo para estimar la incidencia de enfermedades tipo influenza (ETI), a partir de los términos de búsqueda relacionados recolectados por el Google Trends (GT). Los datos de vigilancia de ETI para los años 2012 y 2013 se obtuvieron del Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia de la Salud de Argentina. Las búsquedas de Internet se obtuvieron de la base de datos del GT, usando 6 términos: gripe, fiebre, tos, dolor de garganta, paracetamol e ibuprofeno. Se desarrolló un modelo de regresión de Poisson a partir de datos del año 2012, y se validó con datos del 2013 y resultados de la herramienta Google Flu Trends (GFT). La incidencia de ETI del sistema de vigilancia presentó fuertes correlaciones con las estimaciones de ETI del GT (r = 0,927) y del GFT (r = 0,943). Sin embargo, el GFT sobreestimó el pico de incidencia por casi el doble, mientras que el modelo basado en el GT subestimó el pico de incidencia por un factor de 0,7. Estos resultados demuestran la utilidad del GT como un complemento para la vigilancia de la influenza.

The aim of this study was to find a model to estimate the incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) from the Google Trends (GT) related to influenza. ILI surveillance data from 2012 through 2013 were obtained from the National Health Surveillance System, Argentina. Internet search data were downloaded from the GT search engine database using 6 influenza-related queries: flu, fever, cough, sore throat, paracetamol, and ibuprofen. A Poisson regression model was developed to compare surveillance data and internet search trends for the year 2012. The model's results were validated using surveillance data for the year 2013 and results of the Google Flu Trends (GFT) tool. ILI incidence from the surveillance system showed strong correlations with ILI estimates from the GT model (r = 0.927) and from the GFT tool (r = 0.943). However, the GFT tool overestimates (by nearly twofold) the highest ILI incidence, while the GT model underestimates the highest incidence by a factor of 0.7. These results demonstrate the utility of GT to complement influenza surveillance.

O objetivo deste estudo foi encontrar um modelo para estimar a incidência da síndrome gripal com base nos termos de busca relacionados recolhidos pelo Google Trends (GT). Os dados de monitoramento de síndrome gripal entre 2012 e 2013 foram obtidos no Sistema Nacional de Vigilância de Saúde da Argentina. As pesquisas na Internet foram feitas baseando-se no banco de dados do GT usando 6 termos: gripe, febre, tosse, dor de garganta, paracetamol e ibuprofeno. Um modelo de regressão de Poisson foi desenvolvido valendo-se de dados de 2012. O modelo foi ajustado e validado com dados de 2013 e comparado com os resultados da ferramenta Google Flu Trends (GFT). A incidência de síndrome gripal mostrou uma forte correlação com estimativas do GT (r = 0,927) e GFT (r = 0,943). No entanto, o GFT superestimou o pico de incidência por quase o dobro, e o modelo baseado no GT subestimou o pico de incidência por um fator de 0,7. Esses resultados demonstram a utilidade do GT como um suplemento para a vigilância da influenza.

Development of bioconjugate from Streptomyces tyrosinase and gold nanoparticles for rapid detection of phenol constituents.

Most of the phenol compounds are toxic and have been considered as hazardous pollutants. Several physicochemical and biological methods are available to detect and monitor the phenol pollutants in water and soil. In the present study, phenol constituents of winery, paper and plastic industrial effluents were successfully detected employing tyrosinase-gold nanoparticles bioconjugate. The synthesis of extracellular tyrosinase and gold nanoparticles was achieved by a single isolate of Streptomyces sp. DBZ-39. Enhanced production (369.41 IU) of tyrosinase was produced in submerged bioprocess employing response surface method with central composite design. Extracellular gold nanoparticles synthesized (12-18 nm) by Streptomyces sp. DBZ-39 were characterized with TEM, EDAX and FTIR analysis. A rapid detection (within 10 min) of phenol constituents from winery effluents was achieved by bioconjugate, when compared to tyrosinases and gold nanoparticles independently. Streptomyces tyrosinase could exhibit relatively a better performance than commercially available mushroom tyrosinase in the detection of phenol constituents. Winery effluent has shown much higher content (0.98 O.D) of phenol constituents than paper and plastic effluents based on the intensity of color and U.V absorption spectra.

Biological applications of honeys produced by Apis mellifera

Honey is a natural product with many attributes that are useful for humans. The consumption of honey is increasing because of its beneficial biological properties, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Even though honey is produced worldwide, many variants of this product have not been studied and their biological potential for alternative uses has not been evaluated. Because of its varied endemic native flora, Chile produces several types of honey. It is likely that these apian products have important biological properties inherited from specific floral sources, but it is absolutely necessary to conduct further chemical analyses to identify and characterize these biological attributes. Sadly, the potential antimicrobial and antitumor activities of Chilean honeys remain unproven at the present time. Further studies are needed to identify these attributes. In addition, the impact of human activities on the natural production of honey by bees should be considered. The use of honey as an environmental marker of pollution should also be considered, and care must be taken to diminish the effect of industry and human procedures on natural environments.

Honey is a natural product with many attributes useful for human beings. Nowadays, the consumption of honey is increasing due to its described biological properties such as antioxidant and antibacterial activities. However, honey is produced around the world and there still are many samples of this product that have not been studied or characterized in terms of their biological potential or alternative uses. Chile produces several kinds of honey, owing to the presence of a diverse endemic native flora. These bee products appear to have important biological properties inherited from specific floral sources, but further chemical analyses directed to determine the presence of biological attributes are absolutely necessary. Sadly, many potential effects against bacteria, fungi or antitumor or antiviral activities remain unknown at the present time. Further studies may reveal those attributes in the future. Another fact to be considered is the human activities that may affect the natural production of honey by bees. Despite the limited usefulness of honeys as environmental markers of pollution, they warn that industrial and human procedures should aim to decrease their impact on natural environments.

Evaluación de la flora fungica del ambiente del archivo general del Estado Sucre Venezuela / Evaluation of the fungic flora of the atmosphere of the general archives of the Sucre State Venezuela

Los agentes fúngicos son capaces de descomponer materia orgánica como madera, papel, pintura, suelo, polvo, alimentos. Pueden ocasionar deterioro de material bibliográfico , texto, mobiliario, pinturas, igualmente causan enfermedades de tipo alérgico. El Archivo General del Estado Sucre es un centro de consulta e investigación donde se encuentran documentos y otros textos que se han ido dañando a través del tiempo; las condiciones de almacenamiento de un área con deficiencias estructurales y ambientales, favorecen el desarrollo de hongos, causando el deterioro dl material bibliográfico. Se realizaó una investigación para evaluar la flora fúngica tanto del mobiliario como documentos y textos existentes, que se servirá de base para un futuro plan de conservación y restauración. Utilizando el método de sedimentación en placa conteniendo Agar Sabouraud Dextrosa, se expusieron 60 placas durante 15 minutos en diferentes secciones del área de estudio, incubándose 10 días a temperatura ambiente. Se aislaron 86 colonias que se caracterizaron macro y microcóspicamente. Los géneros aislados fueron: Aspergillus (38,46%), Fusarium (21,70%), Curcularia (16,76%), Cladosporium (12,76%), Penicillium (10,32%), los cuales han sido descritos como contaminantes habituales de libros o textos, mobiliarios, pinturas, además capaces de causar reacciones alérgicas de tipo respiratorios resultando un riesgo para el material bibliográfico, usuarios y personal de la institución.

The fungies agents are able to disturb organics material as wood, paper, paint, ground, drust, foods they can produce deterioration of bibliographycal material, texts, house-hold goods, paintings, and equally they cause disease of alergic type. The general archives of Sucre state is a consulting center and investigation where it is found historic documents and another texts which have been damaging throuth the time, the conditions of storing in an area with estructural deficiencis and environment improve the development of fungies causing the depreciation of bibliographycal material. An investigation was done to evaluate the fingis flora as the house-hold godos, as the existen documents and texts, that it would serve the base to desing the future plan of conservation and restauration. Using the method of sedimentation in plaque containing Agar Sabouraud Dextrosa, 60 plaques were exposed during 15 minutes in different sections of study area, incubating 10 days at atmosphere temperatura. 86 colonies were isolated that were characterized macro and microcospyly. The aislated fungic species were: Aspegillus (35,46%), Fusarium (21,70%), Curvalaria (16,76%), Cladosporium (12,76%), Penicillium (10,32%), which have been described as usual contaminating of book o texts, house-hold godos, paintings, in addiction to this they are able to cuse alergic rections of respiratory type, resulting a risk to the bibliographycal material, usuaries and personal of the institution.

Efectos proinflamatorios de la contaminación atmosférica / Proinflammatory effects of air pollution in Santiago de Chile

Intermittent exposure of rats to Santiago's traffic pollution is associated to a decrease in growth after more than 100 days (range: 101-111) and to histological lung damage after 90 and particularly after 180 days. Our aim was to assess whether a 90 days exposure of rats to air from a Santiago's heavy traffic avenue, is able to induce a systemic proinflammatory reaction. Thirty-days-old Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 7) were directly exposed to air from a heavy traffic avenue (8 h, 5 days a week, from April 27 to July 29, 2009). Controls (n = 7) breathed animal room air. Rats were weighed twice a week and after completing 90 days of observation, lungs were subjected to histopathology and C reactive protein, viscosity and F2-isoprostane in plasma and microhematocrit were determined in blood samples. Exposure to PM10, PM2.5, ozone, NO2 and CO were estimated from registrations of 4 Santiago's monitoring stations. Plasmatic C reactive protein and viscosity and microhematocrit were significantly increased after 90 days of exposure as compared to controls (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in F2-isoprostane, nor in lung histopathology, nor in body weight curve versus time in exposed as compared to control series. Hourly mean value of PM25 in the 8 h of exposure was high: 38.9 ug/m³. It is concluded that 90 days of intermittent exposure of rats to Santiago's air pollution would promote a systemic inflammatory reaction. This response to air pollution might precede the decrease in body growth and the histological lung damage reported previously by our laboratory in the same species after intermittent Santiago's urban air pollution exposure.

La exposición intermitente de ratas centinela a la contaminación del tráfico vehicular de Santiago se ha asociado a disminución del crecimiento corporal después de cien días de exposición (rango: 101-111) y a daño histopatológico del pulmón a los 90 días y más, especialmente a los 180 días de exposición. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar si la exposición al aire de una avenida con elevado tráfico vehicular durante 90 días era capaz de inducir en la rata una respuesta inflamatoria sistémica. Ratas Sprague-Dawley de 30 días de edad (n = 7) fueron directamente expuestas a respirar el aire de una avenida con elevado flujo vehicular (8 h, 5 días por semana, desde el 27 de abril hasta el 29 de julio de 2009). Las ratas control (n = 7) respiraron aire del bioterio. Las ratas se pesaron dos veces por semana y después de completar 90 días de observación, los pulmones se destinaron a estudio histopatológico. Se realizó microhematocrito y se determinó proteína C reactiva, viscosidad y F2-isoprostano plasmáticos en muestras de sangre. La exposición a PM10, PM2,5, ozono, NO2 y CO se calculó de los registros de cuatro estaciones de monitoreo de Santiago. Después de 90 días de exposición se observó un aumento significativo (p < 0,05) de la proteína C reactiva y de la viscosidad plasmática y también del microhematocrito, en relación a la serie control. No se observaron cambios significativos en F2-isoprostano plasmático, ni en la histopatología pulmonar, ni en la curva de peso corporal versus tiempo al comparar la serie expuesta con la serie control. El promedio horario de PM2,5 en las 8 horas de exposición fue alto: 38,9 ug/m³. Concluimos que 90 días de exposición intermitente a la contaminación aérea de Santiago en el modelo experimental promueve una reacción inflamatoria sistémica. Esta respuesta a la contaminación aérea podría preceder a la disminución del crecimiento corporal y al daño histológico pulmonar encontrado en otro de nuestros estudios en esta misma especie después...

Características biogeoquímicas da interação atmosfera - criosfera na Antártica ocidental / Biogeochemical characteristics of the interaction atmosphere - cryosphere in the occidental Antarctic

Atualmente a comunidade científica discute as diferenças de padrões climáticos entre o leste e o oeste antártico. Enquanto de forma geral observa-se instabilidade no setor oeste, o clima da antártica oriental demonstra relativa estabilidade climática. Abordando este contexto, neste estudo analisamos dois testemunhos de gelo recente de duas regiões com características climáticas diferentes do continente Antártico. No Platô Detroit situado na Península Antártica (64o10'S/060o0'O), analisamos a variabilidde de Black Carbon (BC) ao longo de 20 metros de neve. O BC encontrado na Península Antártica apresentou baixas concentrações comparáveis as encontradas no gelo do Artico período pré-industrial. Nossos resultados sugerem que sua variabilidade corresponde à sazonalidade dos períodos de queimada nos continentes do Hemisfério Sul. No interior do continente Antártico, analisamos o particulado em geral por um processo de microanálise ao longo de um testemunho de 40 metros extraído em Mont Johns (79o55'S/094o23'O). Encontramos uma tendência negativa na deposição de poeira mineral (AISi) entre 1967 e 2007. Nossos resultados sugerem que esta tendência seja resultado de um crescente isolamento dos ventos ao redor da Antártica. Este aumento na intensidade dos ventos reflete por sua vez o resfriamento da alta atmosfera no centro antártico causado pela depleção da camada de ozônio na região. Adicionalmente, amostras de diferentes microambientes de Patriot Hills (80o18'S/081o21'O) foram coletadas de maneira asséptica para análise microbiológica. As amostras foram cultivadas em meio R2 e paralelamente o DNA total extraído foi sequenciado pela técnica de pirosequenciamento. Os resultados preliminares desta análise mostram grande riqueza de espécies dos mais variados grupos. Os resultados deste trabalho caracterizam três diferentes parâmetros relacionados a deposição atmosférica em duas áreas do continente antártico pouco exploradas e de grande interesse científico...

The antarctic ice cap stores paleoclimatological information within layers of snow and ice. Antarctic ice has revealed the higher resolution paleoclimactic database for the last 800 kyr. Atmospheric transport plays a fundamental role on the composition and sources of particulate matter found in the Antarctic ice. It has been related to several climatic processes that changes the quantity and quality of exogenous aerosols reaching Antarctica. Therefore, studies of the particulate matter deposits along the snow/ice layers may suggest changes on atmospheric transport patterns. This work, analyze two recent ice cores from two climatic distinct regions of the Antarctic continent. One retrieved from Detroit Plateau/Antarctic Peninsula (64o10'S/060o0'W), in which we have analyze Black Carbon (BC) deposition and variability along 20 meters of snow. BC found in the Antarctic Peninsula showed low concentrations (varing between 0,014 and 3,733ppb), comparable to the concentrations found on Arctic ice dated from before the industrial revolution period. Our results suggest that peaks of BC detected correspond, mostly, to biomass burning seasons in the South Hemosphere, not speficically from South America. The second one, of 40 m, was retrieved from Central-West Antarctica, Mont Johns (79o55'S/094o23'W), in which we analyzed the mineral dust abundance thought M.E.V. - E.D.X. technique. In this study we found negative trends in mineral dust (inferred from Fe, Ti and AISi) deposition between 1967 and 2007, in contrast to similar works in Sub-antarctic regions. We demonstrate that this trend is a consequence of the persistent "atmospheric isolation" that encloses the Central and East Antarctic regions due to the increasing winds around Antarctica within this period. It has been documented that westerlies intensification reflect the upper atmosphere cooling above Central Antarctica caused by the stratospherical ozone layer depletion. As part of the polar site...

Emissões atmosféricas e implicações potenciais sobre a biota terrestre devido as atividades antrôpicas na Baía do Almirantado/Ilha Rei George - Antártica / Atmospheric emissions and potential implications on the terrestrial biota due to anthropogenic activities in Admiralty Bay/King George Island - Antarctica

Neste trabalho foi realizado um estudo sobre o impacto sobre a atmosfera e a biota terrestre devido às emissões antrópicas na Baia do Almirantado/Ilha Rei George – Antártica. Foram monitoradas as emissões dos compostos orgânicos voláteis e semi-voláteis, tanto nas fontes emissoras como no entorno da Estação Antártica Comandante Ferraz e estimadas as emissões dos navios, dos geradores a diesel e da incineração de lixo. Na avaliação do entorno, coletaram-se amostras de ar, neve e penas de aves. Com os resultados das emissões, do estudo topográfico e da meteorologia, realizou-se uma modelagem de plumas gaussiana para avaliar os impactos. Quatro cenários foram avaliados: dois com a presença dos navios NApOc Ary Rongel e Maximiano apresentaram concentrações máximas de até 356 µg m-3 de COV e 18 µg m-3 de material particulado, enquanto os demais, sem a presença dos navios, apenas considerando as estações de pesquisa EACF e Arctowski, apresentaram concentrações máximas de até 2,5 µg m-3 de COV e 1,3 µg m-3 de material particulado. Amostras de COV coletadas foram compatíveis com o cenário mais crítico. O estudo de correlação para carbonilas e HPA atmosférico e Carbono elementar e HPA, depositados em neve, apontaram a EACF como a principal fonte de emissão. As concentrações de levoglucosano detectadas a aproximadamente 2 km da EACF apontaram para a prática de incineração de lixo da EACF. Todas as áreas de interesse biológicos, anteriormente mapeados, dentro da AAEG, são vulneráveis às emissões antrópicas, como sugeriu o modelo de dispersão e a sobreposição dos resultados encontrados.

In this study it was conducted a study on the impact on the atmosphere and terrestrial biota due to anthropogenic emissions in Admiralty Bay / King George Island - Antarctica. It was monitored the emissions of volatile organic compounds and semi-volatile, both in emission sources and in the surrounding of Antarctic Station Comandante Ferraz, and estimated emissions from ships, diesel generators and waste incineration. In assessing the environment, it were collected air, snow and feathers samples. With the emissions results, meteorology database and topographical study, it was used a Gaussian plume modeling to assess impacts. Four scenarios were evaluated: the presence of two ships NApOca Ary Rongel and Maximiano had concentrations up to 356 mg m-3 for VOCs and 18 mg m-3 for particulate matter, while the other, without the presence of the vessels, only considering research stations EACF Arctowski showed concentrations of up to 2.5 mg m-3 for VOC and 1.3 mg m-3 for particulate matter. VOC samples collected were consistent with the most critical scenario. The correlation study for atmospheric carbonyls and HPA and HPA and Black Carbon, deposited on snow, EACF pointed to be the main emissions source. The levoglucosan concentrations found approximately 2 km from EACF pointed to the practice of waste incineration at EACF. All areas of biological interest, previously mapped within the AAEG are vulnerable to anthropogenic emissions, as suggested by the dispersion model and the overlap of results.

Efecto ambiental de agroquímicos y maquinaria agrícola en cultivos transgénicos y convencionales de algodón / Environmental effects of agrochemicals and agricultural machinery in transgenic and conventional crops cotton

La producción de alimentos se basa en el uso de diferentes tecnologías agrícolas, que pueden derivar en conflictos entre medioambiente y agricultura. Es significativo estudiar el impacto ambiental de las nuevas tecnologías aplicadas a la agricultura, la más importante de las cuales es la transgénesis. Este trabajo se realizó en la zona algodonera del municipio del Espinal, departamento del Tolima, para la cosecha de algodón del primer semestre de 2009, usando las metodologías de Brookes y Barfoot (2006) y Kovach y colaboradores (1992). Se estudió el efecto ambiental de la aplicación de agroquímicos y el uso de maquinaria agrícola en cultivos de algodón transgénico y convencional. Se recogió información mediante encuestas en veinte fincas productoras de algodón. El análisis de las encuestas se realizó de forma descriptiva, determinando diferencias de tipo cuantitativo y cualitativo para los predios que utilizan la tecnología convencional o la tecnología transgénicas (doble gen, Bt/RR), para luego realizar una correlación con el “Enviromental Index Quotient” (EIQ). No se encontraron diferencias entre el EIQ de campo de las dos tecnologías, aunque la tecnología transgénica tiene ventajas ambientales en el control de algunas plagas de lepidópteros. En relación con el uso de maquinaria agrícola, se encontró que la tecnología convencional genera menor liberación de CO2, gas de efecto invernadero. La metodología de Brookes y Barfoot puede adaptarse para estudios comparativos de tecnologías agrícolas en países tropicales.

Food production is based on the use of various agricultural technologies, which can lead to conflicts between environment and agriculture. It is important to study the environmental impact of new technologies applied to agriculture, the most important of which is transgenesis. This work was carried out in the cotton belt of the town of Espinal, Tolima Department for the cotton crop in the first half of 2009, through methodologies Brookes & Barfoot (2006) and Kovach et al (1992). We studied the environmental impact of pesticide application and use of agricultural machinery for cultivation of transgenic and conventional cotton. Information was collected through surveys of 20 farms producing cotton. The analysis of the survey was conducted descriptively, by determining differences in quantitative and qualitative for the sites that use conventional technology, and transgenic (Bt gene and double RR / RR), and then make a correlation with the Environmental Index Quotient (EIQ). No differences were found between the fields EIQ the two technologies, although transgenic technology has environmental advantages in the control of some lepidopteran pests. In connection with the use of agricultural machinery, was found to conventional technology generates less release of CO2, greenhouse gas. The Brookes and Barfoot methodology could be adapted in comparative studies of agricultural technologies in tropical countries.

Conceitos e derivação de valores de referência para biomonitorização humana de contaminantes ambientais / Concepts and determination of reference values for human biomonitoring of environmental contaminants

Human biomonitoring (HBM) of environmental contaminants plays an important role in estimating exposure and evaluating risk, and thus it has been increasingly applied in the environmental field. The results of HBM must be compared with reference values (RV). The term "reference values" has always been related to the interpretation of clinical laboratory tests. For physicians, RV indicate "normal values" or "limits of normal"; in turn, toxicologists prefer the terms "background values" or "baseline values" to refer to the presence of contaminants in biological fluids. This discrepancy leads to the discussion concerning which should be the population selected to determine RV. Whereas clinical chemistry employs an altered health state as the main exclusion criterion to select a reference population (that is, a "healthy" population would be selected), in environmental toxicology the exclusion criterion is the abnormal exposure to xenobiotics. Therefore, the choice of population to determine RV is based on the very purpose of the RV to be determined. The present paper discusses the concepts and methodology used to determine RV for biomarkers of chemical environmental contaminants.

Mercúrio total em músculo de cação Prionace glauca (Linnaeus, 1758) e de espadarte Xiphias gladius Linnaeus, 1758, na costa sul-sudeste do Brasil e suas implicações para a saúde pública / Total mercury in muscle of the shark Prionace glauca (Linnaeus, 1758) and swordfish Xiphias gladius Linnaeus, 1758, from the South-Southeast coast of Brazil and the implications for public health

Foram analisadas as concentrações de mercúrio total (THg) em tecido muscular do tubarão azul Prionace glauca e do teleósteo Xiphias gladius, vulgarmente conhecido como espadarte, provenientes das regiões sul e sudeste da costa brasileira, para verificar se estas se encontram dentro dos padrões legais para consumo humano. As amostras foram obtidas utilizando-se o programa REVIZEE, de agosto a setembro de 2001, e por intermédio de uma empresa de pesca em Itajaí, Santa Catarina. Foi analisado um total de 95 espécimes, testando-se as correlações entre THg, comprimento (cm) e peso (kg). As concentrações de mercúrio total em todas as amostras variaram de 0,13 a 2,26µgg-1 (peso úmido). A média de mercúrio total em P. glauca foi de 0,76 ± 0,48µgg-1 (p.u.), e em X. gladius foi de 0,62 ± 0,31µgg-1 (p.u.) com diferença não significativa (teste Mann-Whitney, p < 0,05). Em cerca de 16 por cento das amostras, o THg excedeu o limite de 1µgg-1 (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária) e em 62 por cento excedeu o limite de 0,5µgg-1 (Organização Mundial da Saúde - OMS). O consumo regular (100 g.dia-1) de P. glauca e de X. gladius resultaria em uma ingestão diária de THg que excederia em mais de duas vezes o limite diário de ingestão recomendado pela OMS.

Total mercury (THg) was analyzed in muscle tissue from the blue shark Prionace glauca and the swordfish Xiphias gladius, obtained from the South and Southeast coast of Brazil, to verify compliance with current limits for human consumption. Samples were obtained through the REVIZEE Program and a commercial fishery in Itajaí, Santa Catarina State. A total of 95 specimens were analyzed (48 X. gladius and 47 P. glauca), and correlations were checked between THg and fish length and weight. THg ranged from 0.13 to 2.26µgg-1 (fresh weight), and there was no significant difference between the means for P. glauca, 0.76 ± 0.48µgg-1 (f.w.) and X. gladius, 0.62 ± 0.31 (Mann-Whitney test, p < 0.05). In 16 percent of samples, THg was above the limits set by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), namely 1µgg-1, and 62 percent exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) limit of 0.5µgg-1. The ingestion of 100g/ day-1 of P. glauca or X. gladius would result in a daily THg intake of more than twice the WHO (1990) suggested limit.

Biomonitoring of metal deposition by using moss transplant method through Hypnum cupressiforme (Hedw.) in Mussoorie.

Metals Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were surveyed at 14 sampling sites by using moss Hypnum cupressiforme through active monitoring technique. Samples were transplanted in all four directions of Mussoorie city and were harvested after exposure of four months (representing each season) to analyze metal precipitation and its trend at different sites during 2005. Bioaccumulation ability for metals was evaluated seasonally exhibiting maximum in summer followed by winter and minimum in rainy season. However, at some places Cu shows highly significant values in rainy season in comparison to winter. In case of Zn and Pb significantly different (p < or = 0.05) values were observed between summerand rainy season. Baseline concentration of Cu, Pb and Zn was significantly different at 5% in comparison to other transplant sites. Result indicates Dhanaulti as most polluted location might be due to higher tourist activity and vehicular load, whereas, same was found low at Chamba might be due to place was free from pollution sources or away from in proximity to road and have low human interference. The present study allows us to determine the extent of the area affected by metal precipitation load in different rural and urban areas and abundance of metals in order of Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd.

Impact of sewage irrigation on speciation of nickel in soils and its accumulation in crops of industrial towns of Punjab.

Analysis of soil samples collected from sewage and tube well irrigated soils of Ludhiana, Amritsar Jalandhar and Mandi Gobindgarh, revealed that Diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid extractable nickel ( DTPA-Ni) was found to be higher in sewage fed soils. Sewage irrigation increased soil DTPA-Ni content by 3.04 times over the tube well irrigated soils. The content of DTPA-Ni showed decreasing trend with depth. Hydrogen concentration (pH) was negatively and significantly correlated with DTPA-Ni nickel whereas, organic carbon and total Ni show positive and significant correlation. Sequential fractionation was carried out to partition Ni in to fractions namely exchangeable and water soluble, organic bound, carbonate bound, Mn oxides bound, amorphous Fe oxides, crystalline Fe oxides bound and residual. Plant availability of these fractions is believed to decrease in the above order. Sequential fractionation indicated that every extracted fraction exhibited increase in Ni content with sewage irrigation with most prominent increases occurring in the organic and oxide fractions. The lowest amount of Ni in exchangeable and water soluble and the highest in residual pools testify that plants grown on these soils may not suffer from Ni toxicity. Though all the crops irrigated with sewage water had appreciably higher concentration of Ni as compared to the crops raised with tube-well water yet raya (Brassica juncea) and toria (Brassica campestris) accumulated higher content of heavy metals as compared to other crops, with higher content in roots than shoots. Transport index suggested that major part of taken up Ni is translocated to top parts of plant. Based on values of transport indices, different crops maybe arranged as toria > raya = maize > bajra > lady finger. As the plants take up nickel readily and there is danger of its excessive accumulation in plant organs and devaluation of the plant products. This is topical issue particularly in crops used for direct consumption.

Heavy metals leaching in Indian fly ash.

Fly ash is an industrial waste generated from thermal power plants. Fly ash constitutes 80-85% of the total ash produced. A small part of fly ash is utilised in some sectors such as construction materials, building engineering, road, back fill, agriculture, selective engineering and processing useful materials. A large part of fly ash produced is disposed of with very high environmental risk. In the present paper, laboratory leaching test has been used to determine the potential mobility of Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Ni in fly ash samples, collected from Chandrapura Thermal Power Plant, Jharkhand and Ramagundam Super Thermal Power Plant, Andhra Pradesh, in order to assess their leachability when these wastes are disposed of. A cascade-leaching test was used at liquid-to-solid ratio (L/S) ranging between 20 and 100. Both fly ash samples exhibited neutral reactions, as indicated by pH values <11.75 and >7.0 at L/S=10 and contact time of 10 minutes. The percentage of leached amounts found to follow the trend Zn>Fe>Mn>Cr>Pb>Cu>Ni>Cd for fly ash from Chandrapura and Fe>Zn>Cu>Mn>Cr>Ni>Pb>Cd for fly ash from Ramagundam. Effect of pH on metals released from ash surface in aqueous solution followed a predictable pattern of decreasing release with increasing pH.