The Impact of Combined Sewer Overflows on Pharmaceutical and Illicit Drug Levels in New York/New Jersey Waterways.

Pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse are organic micropollutants of emerging concern in both surface and groundwater worldwide. These compounds are considered to be pseudo-persistent because of their continuous release into water systems. The presence of these compounds in the environment at any concentration poses a potential risk to nontarget organisms. The main sources of these contaminants are wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and combined sewer overflows (CSOs). The primary goal of our study was to identify and quantify a panel of 28 commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals (mood-altering drugs, cardiovascular drugs, antacids, antibiotics) and high-prevalence drugs of abuse (cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, cannabis) in river water samples collected from 19 locations in the Hudson and East rivers in New York City. The second goal was to investigate the possible source (WWTP or CSOs) of these micropollutants. Samples were collected weekly from May to August 2021 (n = 224) and May to August 2022 (n = 232), and placed at -20 °C until analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The most frequently detected analytes in 2021 were metoprolol (n = 206, 92%), benzoylecgonine (n = 151, 67%), atenolol (n = 142, 63%), and methamphetamine (n = 118, 53%), and in 2022 the most frequently detected were methamphetamine (n = 194, 84%), atenolol (n = 177, 76%), metoprolol (n = 177, 76%), and 2-ethylene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (n = 159, 69%). Measured concentrations ranged from the limit of detection (0.50-5.00 ng/L) to 103 ng/L. More drugs and higher concentrations were detected in water contaminated by Enterococci (>60 most probably number) and after rainfall, indicating the influence of CSOs. The presence of drugs in samples with little to no Enterococci and after dry weather events indicates that WWTPs contribute to the presence of these substances in the river, probably due to a low removal rate. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1592-1603. © 2024 SETAC.

Exploring the metabolic and antioxidant potential of solergy: Implications for enhanced animal production.

Cell models are indispensable tools in biotechnology when investigating the functional properties of organic compounds. The emergence of various additives designed to enhance animal production has introduced the need for in-depth evaluations, which are often hindered by the complexities of in vivo testing. In this study, we harnessed cell-based models to scrutinize the impact of Solergy as a regulator of cellular metabolism with a particular focus on its modulation of glycogen and antioxidant effects. Our experiment was designed to include assessments of the influence of Solergy on the viability of both terrestrial and aquatic vertebrate cell models, which revealed the benign nature of Solergy and its lack of adverse effects. Furthermore, we examined the capacity of Solergy to modulate intracellular ATP concentrations and enhance glycogen accumulation. Notably, the antioxidant potential of Solergy and its ability to mitigate cellular aging were evaluated within the same cellular frameworks. The outcomes of our investigation suggest that Solergy is a potent metabolic regulator that elevates cellular activity while exerting an antioxidant effect. Importantly, our study demonstrates that Solergy does not induce changes in membrane oxidation. These findings indicate the potential of using Solergy to regulate glycogen synthesis, intracellular ATP concentrations, and oxidative stress in production animals. The multifaceted effects of this additive, which acts as both a metabolism enhancer and an antioxidant, open doors to the creation of custom diets tailored to meet specific production needs while maintaining stable production parameters.

Salud mental en adultos atendidos en un centro de referencia en Chiapas, México, 2012-2018 / Mental Health in Adults Attended at a Reference Center in Chiapas, México, 2012-2018

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de trastornos mentales y su relación con variables demográficas, antecedentes familiares y consumo de alcohol y drogas en adultos atendidos en la Unidad de Atención a la Salud Mental San Agustín, de Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, México, durante el período 2012-2018. Material y métodos: Estudio de diseño transversal que incluyó el registro de 4612 adultos, de entre 18 y 60 años de edad, vistos en el servicio de consulta externa de la unidad de atención referida durante el período 2012-2018. Resultados: El 50 % de los probandos fueron mujeres; y el 60 % tenían entre 18 y 39 años. Los trastornos más frecuentes encontrados fueron esquizofrenia (31,2 %), trastornos del estado de ánimo (24,1 %) y trastornos de ansiedad (21,9 %). Las variables de edad, sexo, antecedentes familiares, consumo de alcohol y drogas ilícitas se asociaron definidamente con los trastornos más frecuentes, destacando el hecho de que los trastornos del ánimo presentaron mayor prevalencia entre los jóvenes y las mujeres. Conclusión: Los hallazgos respecto a los trastornos más prevalentes, así como algunos de los factores asociados a los mismos en este estudio, son consistentes con los encontrados en otros países de la región. Esto puede constituirse en un componente importante de estrategias que mejoren perspectivas y procedimientos en la atención a la población chiapaneca con problemas de salud mental.

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the frequency of mental health disorders and their relationship with socio-demographic variables and consumption of alcohol and tobacco in adults seen at the Mental Health Care Unit "San Agustín" in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, during the period 2012-2018. Method. Cross-sectional study that included 4612 adults within a range of 18-60 years old attended at Unit's outpatient service during the above mentioned period. Results. Fifty percent of the total of probands were women, 60% within a range of 18-39 years old. The most frequent disorders were schizophrenia (31.2%), mood (24.1%), and anxiety (21.9%). Variables such as age, sex, family history, and alcohol and illicit drug use were associated with the presence of the most frequent disorders. Similarly, mood disorders presented a higher prevalence among young people and women. Conclusion. The trend regarding the most prevalent disorders in this study, as well as some associated factors are consistent with those found in other countries of the region, which, in turn, can be considered as a relevant component of better strategies to improve care procedures for the Chiapas population's sectors excperiencing mental health problems.

Autoeficacia y satisfacción de los usuarios con diabetes tipo 2 de un centro de salud chileno / Auto-eficácia e satisfação de usuários com diabetes tipo 2 em um centro de saúde chileno / Self-Efficacy and Satisfaction of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes at a Chilean Health Care Center

Introducción: La diabetes mellitus es un problema de salud pública que ocasiona afecciones biopsicosociales en los individuos que la padecen, conllevando a la necesidad de valorar aspectos que pueden incidir en su compensación tal como la autoeficacia y la satisfacción del usuario. Materiales y Métodos: Se desarrolló una investigación cuantitativa de tipo descriptiva y correlacional que tuvo como referente el Modelo de Promoción de la Salud, y que incluyó por muestreo aleatorio simple a 86 individuos (56 mujeres y 30 hombres) con diabetes mellitus tipo 2, en quienes se pudo establecer su perfil, percepción de autoeficacia y satisfacción usuaria a través del instrumento para la evaluación de autoeficacia en Diabetes tipo 2 (alfa de Cronbach de 0,85) y el PACIC(Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care) (alfa de Cronbach de 0,88). Resultados: Los usuarios en su mayoría son mujeres (65%), en etapa adulta (65,1%), se perciben como autoeficaces (82,6%) y muestran satisfacción por el servicio ofrecido (76,7%), presentando descompensación metabólica (57%). Se pudo apreciar asociación entre la autoeficacia y el grupo etario (p=0,002), contar con pareja (p=0,029), la hemoglobina glicosilada (p=0,007) y el estado cognitivo de los adultos mayores (p=0,017), al igual que entre la satisfacción y el grupo etario (p=0,033), el sexo (<0,001), y la situación laboral (p=0,005). Discusión: El perfil establecido coincide con el reportado en otras publicaciones. La autoeficacia y satisfacción usuaria son aspectos que se relacionan con la compensación de los usuarios. Conclusiones: Se requiere potenciar aspectos como la autoeficacia y la satisfacción usuaria, siendo pertinente la aplicación del Modelo de Promoción de la Salud.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a public health problem that causes biopsychosocial conditions among individuals with this disease, leading to the need to assess the different aspects that can affect their compensation such as patient self-efficacy and satisfaction. Materials and Methods: A quantitative descriptive correlational study was developed using the Health Promotion Model as a reference and including 86 individuals (56 women and 30 men) with diabetes mellitus type 2 using simple random sampling, from whom it was possible to identify their profile and perception of patient self-efficacy and satisfaction through the instruments for assessing self-efficacy in type 2 diabetes management (Cronbach's alpha of 0.85) and the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) (Cronbach's alpha of 0.88). Results: Most of the users are women (65%) in their adulthood (65.1%) who perceived themselves as self-efficient (82.6%) and show satisfaction with the service offered (76.7%) but showed metabolic decompensation (57%). There was an association between self-efficacy and age group (p=0.002), having a partner (p=0.029), glycosylated hemoglobin (p=0.007) and cognitive status in older adults (p=0.017), as well as between satisfaction and age group (p=0.033), gender (<0.001), and employment situation (p=0.005). Discussion: The established profile is consistent with that reported in other publications. Patient self-efficacy and satisfaction are aspects related to patient compensation. Conclusions: Patient self-efficacy and satisfaction need to be enhanced, as well as the application of the Health Promotion Model.

Introdução: A diabetes mellitus é um problema de saúde pública que causa condições biopsicossociais nos indivíduos que a sofrem, levando à necessidade de avaliar aspectos que possam afetar sua compensação, como auto-eficácia e satisfação do usuário. Materiais e Métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa quantitativa descritiva e correlacional, tendo como referência o Modelo de Promoção da Saúde, que incluiu 86 indivíduos (56 mulheres e 30 homens) com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 por amostragem aleatória simples, em quem pôde estabelecer seu perfil, percepção de auto-eficácia e satisfação do usuário por meio do instrumento de avaliação da auto eficácia em Diabetes Tipo 2 (alfa de Cronbach de 0,85) e no PACIC (Avaliação do Paciente em Cuidados de Doença Crônica) (alfa de Cronbach de 0,88). Resultados: A maioria dos usuários é do sexo feminino (65%), na fase adulta (65,1%), percebe-se auto eficaz (82,6%) e mostra satisfação com o serviço oferecido (76,7%), apresentando descompensação metabólica (57%). Observou-se associação entre auto-eficácia e faixa etária (p = 0,002), ter um parceiro (p = 0,029), hemoglobina glicada (p = 0,007) e estado cognitivo de idosos (p = 0,017), bem como entre satisfação e faixa etária (p = 0,033), sexo (<0,001) e status de emprego (p = 0,005). Discussão: O perfil estabelecido coincide com o relatado em outras publicações. A auto- eficácia e satisfação do usuário são aspectos relacionados à remuneração dos usuários. Conclusões: É necessário aprimorar aspectos como auto-eficácia e satisfação do usuário, sendo pertinente a aplicação do Modelo de Promoção da Saúde.

Polyphenols obtained from Didymosphenia geminata (Lyngbye) Schmith altered the viability and proliferation of salmonids cells lines SHK-1 and CHSE-214.

Didymosphenia geminata (Lyngbye) Schmidt, also referred to as Didymo, is an invasive diatom that forms nuisance mats. Since it was first reported in our country in approximately 2010, Didymo has expanded and colonized different rivers in the Zona Austral region of Chile. Its biology and effects on ecosystems are still being studied because Didymo is an invasive algal mat that forms in a range of systems from oligotrophic austral rivers to more subtropical systems. We aimed to evaluate the viability of two salmonid cell lines, CHSE-214 and SHK-1 (somatic and embryonic cell lines, respectively), in dilutions of river water alone and in river water contaminated with Didymo or polyphenols extracted from Didymo under controlled conditions. We developed an artificial river system (2 aquariums/replicate) from five different rivers from the central area (Bio-Bio) and Patagonia area (Futaleufú) of Chile to maintain Didymo in the benthic phase. The Didymo populations were maintained for six months in the water from the rivers, after which samples were obtained. Following the extraction of polyphenols from the Didymo samples maintained in the artificial rivers, toxicity assays (10 assays) were performed to determine cell viability. Our results indicated that the CHSE-214 cells were highly sensitive to increasing concentrations of Didymo extracts. We observed a 50% reduction in cell viability after 24 h of exposure to a 0.01 V/V dilution, and this treatment further reduced the proliferative capacity by 70% after 120 h. The SHK-1 cells were less responsive, showing only a 20% decrease in viability at 24 h and a lower cell proliferation rate (45%) after 120 h, which remained higher than that of the CHSE-214 cells. We conclude that certain cell types are sensitive to Didymo in rivers, suggesting that there are chronic effects on several aquatic species following exposure to these diatom substances. These effects should be further studied using this laboratory model to understand the full impact of Didymo on river ecosystems.

Water contaminated with Didymosphenia geminata generates changes in Salmo salar spermatozoa activation times.

Didimosphenia geminata ("didymo"), has become a powerful and devastating river plague in Chile. A system was developed in D. geminata channels with the purpose evaluating the effects of water polluted with didymo on the activation of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) spermatozoa. Results indicate that semen, when activated with uncontaminated river water had an average time of 60±21s. When using Powermilt, (a commercial activator), times of 240±21s are achieved, while rivers contaminated with D. geminata achieve a motility time of 30±12s. Interestingly enough, the kinetic parameters of VSL, VCL and VAP showed no significant changes under all of the conditions. Furthermore, the presence of D. geminata reduces activation time of the samples as the cells age, indicating increased effects in spermatozoa that are conserved for more than 5 days. D. geminata has antioxidant content, represented by polyphenols; 200ppm of polyphenol were obtained in this study per 10g of microalgae. Spermatozoa exposed to these extracts showed a reduction in mobility time in a dose dependent manner, showing an IC50 of 15ppm. The results suggest an effect on spermatozoa activation, possibly due to the release of polyphenols present in contaminated rivers, facilitating the alteration of sperm motility times, without affecting the viability or kinetics of the cells. These findings have important implications for current policy regarding the control of the algae. Current control measures focus on the number of visible species, and not on the compounds that they release, which this study shows, also have a problematic effect on salmon production.