Application of artificial intelligence for the optimization of advanced oxidation processes to improve the water quality polluted with pharmaceutical compounds.

Sulfamethoxazole and metronidazole are emerging pollutants commonly found in surface water and wastewater. These compounds have a significant environmental impact, being necessary in the design of technologies for their removal. Recently, the advanced oxidation process has been proven successful in the elimination of this kind of compounds. In this sense, the present work discusses the application of UV/H2O2 and ozonation for the degradation of both molecules in single and binary systems. Experimental kinetic data from O3 and UV/H2O2 process were adequately described by a first and second kinetic model, respectively. From the ANOVA analysis, it was determined that the most statistically significant variables were the initial concentration of the drugs (0.03 mmol L-1) and the pH = 8 for UV/H2O2 system, and only the pH (optimal value of 6) was significant for degradation with O3. Results showed that both molecules were eliminated with high degradation efficiencies (88-94% for UV/H2O2 and 79-98% for O3) in short reaction times (around 30-90 min). The modeling was performed using a quadratic regression model through response surface methodology representing adequately 90 % of the experimental data. On the other hand, an artificial neural network was used to evaluate a non-linear multi-variable system, a 98% of fit between the model and experimental data was obtained. The identification of degradation byproducts was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a time mass detector. After each process, at least four to five stable byproducts were found in the treated water, reducing the mineralization percentage to 20% for both molecules.

Persistent organic pollutants in the olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) during the nesting stage in the "La Escobilla" Sanctuary, Oaxaca, Mexico.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemical substances widely distributed in the environment by the runoff from anthropic activities and can be distributed and bioaccumulated or biomagnified in the environment, affecting the health of organisms. The sea turtle, Lepidochelys olivacea, is a long-lived organism, with migratory habits and feeding behaviors that allow exposure to various pollutants. This work aimed to determine long-term exposure to POPs in adult olive ridley turtles (L. olivacea), sampled during the nesting season, in "La Escobilla" Sanctuary. Blood samples were collected and processed to obtain plasma. The quantification of POPs in blood was carried out with an extraction technique with a focused ultrasound probe. Twenty-seven POP analytes were determined. The concentrations of hexachlorocyclohexane, endosulfan isomers, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, total polychlorinated biphenyls, and the total sum of POPs found in plasma are higher than those reported in other studies, which reported effects such as hematological and biochemical changes in blood, changes in immune system cells and enzymatic activity related to oxidative stress. These results are important to demonstrate the chronic exposure to POPs in olive ridley turtles in marine ecosystems and to highlight the importance of assessing the associated health risks, considering that these contaminants could be transferred to the offspring and affect future generations of this reptile. It is important to carry out studies that develop conservation strategies for the olive ridley turtle. Also, it is necessary to control the emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere, as well as reduce urban, agricultural, and industrial waste in the environment and marine ecosystems.

Influence of feeding practices in the composition and functionality of infant gut microbiota and its relationship with health.

Establishing the infant's gut microbiota has long-term implications on health and immunity. Breastfeeding is recognized as the best practice of infant nutrition in comparison with formula feeding. We evaluated the effects of the primary feeding practices by analyzing the infant growth and the potential association with gut diseases. A cross-sectional and observational study was designed. This study included 55 mothers with infants, who were divided according to their feeding practices in breastfeeding (BF), formula feeding (FF), and combined breast and formula feeding (CF). Anthropometric measurements of the participants were recorded. Additionally, non-invasive fecal samples from the infants were collected to analyze the microbiota by sequencing, immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentration (ELISA), and volatile organic compounds (gas chromatography with an electronic nose). Results showed that the microbiota diversity in the BF group was the highest compared to the other two groups. The IgA levels in the BF group were twice as high as those in the FF group. Moreover, the child´s growth in the BF group showed the best infant development when the data were compared at birth to the recollection time, as noted by the correlation with a decreased concentration of toxic volatile organic compounds. Interestingly, the CF group showed a significant difference in health status when the data were compared with the FF group. We conclude that early health practices influence children's growth, which is relevant to further research about how those infants' health evolved.

Development and evaluation of ciprofloxacin local controlled release materials based on molecularly imprinted polymers.

The aim of this study was the molecular imprinting polymers (MIPs) assessment as a controlled release system of ciprofloxacin. The MIPs synthesis was performed by three different methods: emulsion, bulk, and co-precipitation. Lactic acid (LA) and methacrylic acid (MA) were used as functional monomers and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as crosslinker. Also, nonimprinted polymers (NIPs) were synthesized. MIPs and NIPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Reflection, specific surface area, pore size, and release kinetics. Their efficiency against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and their cytotoxicity in dermal fibroblast cells were proven. Results show that MIPs are mesoporous materials with a pore size between 10 and 20 nm. A higher adsorption with the co-precipitation MIP with MA as a monomer was found. The release kinetics proved that a non-Fickian process occurred and that the co-precipitation MIP with LA presented the highest release rate (90.51 mg/L) in 8 h. The minimum inhibitory concentration was found between 0.031 and 0.016 mg/L for Staphylococcus aureus and between 0.004 and 0.031 mg/L for the Escherichia coli. No cytotoxicity in cellular cultures was found; also, cellular growth was favored. This study demonstrated that MIPs present promising properties for drug administration and their application in clinical practice.

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as efficient catalytic tools for the oxidative degradation of 4-nonylphenol and its by-products.

Water pollution is a current global concern caused by emerging pollutants like nonylphenol (NP). This endocrine disruptor cannot be efficiently removed with traditional wastewater treatment plants (WTPs). Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the adsorption influence of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) on the oxidative degradation (ozone and ultraviolet irradiations) of 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) and its by-products as a coadjuvant in WTPs. MIPs were synthesized and characterized; the effect of the degradation rate under system operating conditions was studied by Box-Behnken response surface design of experiments. The variables evaluated were 4-NP concentration, ozone exposure time, pH, and MIP amount. Results show that the MIPs synthesized by co-precipitation and bulk polymerizations obtained the highest retention rates (> 90%). The maximum adsorption capacities for 4-NP were 201.1 mg L-1 and 500 mg L-1, respectively. The degradation percentages under O3 and UV conditions reached 98-100% at 120 s of exposure at different pHs. The degradation products of 4-NP were compounds with carboxylic and ketonic acids, and the MIP adsorption was between 50 and 60%. Our results present the first application of MIPs in oxidation processes for 4-NP, representing starting points for the use of highly selective materials to identify and remove emerging pollutants and their degradation by-products in environmental matrices.

Unidades RISC: una estrategia para evaluar riesgos de salud en la población infantil de comunidades contaminadas

[RESUMEN]. Las crisis humanitarias pueden presentarse en sitios afectados por amenazas químicas, físicas, biológicas y sociales, sobre todo cuando estas amenazas interaccionan entre sí y causan una sindemia. A fin de evitar las crisis, en estos sitios se hace necesario introducir medidas de mitigación que hemos enmarcado bajo el término de “escenarios humanitarios”. Debido a su naturaleza, la implementación de dichas acciones de intervención requiere de la conformación de grupos operativos multidisciplinarios y de una estrategia de trabajo que permita integrarlos con la comunidad afectada. En el caso de la población infantil, el grupo ope- rativo recibió el nombre de unidad de riesgos infantiles en sitios contaminados (RISC), es decir, en localidades impactadas por amenazas químicas, físicas o biológicas. La estrategia consta de las siguientes seis fases: i) planificación para el estudio y la visita al sitio; ii) participación de la comunidad para identificar amena- zas, vulnerabilidades y rutas de exposición (el camino que deben seguir los contaminantes desde su fuente hasta la población receptora), así como para el trabajo conjunto en las siguientes fases; iii) priorización de riesgos identificados mediante el monitoreo ambiental y uso de biomarcadores de exposición y efectos; iv) prevención de riesgos a través de la creación de diversas capacidades y alternativas para la prevención ante amenazas sindémicas (CAPAS); v) promoción para implementar las CAPAS mediante la comunicación de riesgos y la capacitación local; y vi) protección con medidas que incluyen propuestas de telesalud, progreso social e innovación para mejorar la cobertura sanitaria. La estrategia ha sido aplicada en diferentes contextos, en algunos de los cuales, ha sido enriquecida con el análisis del respeto de los derechos humanos.

[ABSTRACT]. Humanitarian crises can occur in places affected by chemical, physical, biological, and social threats, espe- cially when these threats interact with each other and cause a syndemic. In order to avoid crises in these places, it is necessary to introduce mitigation measures that we have framed as "humanitarian scenarios". Due to their nature, implementation of these interventions requires the creation of multidisciplinary operational groups with a work strategy that integrates them into the affected community. In the case of the child popula- tion, the operational group was called the ‘childhood risks in contaminated places’ (CRCP) unit; contaminated places meaning localities impacted by chemical, physical, or biological threats. The strategy has six phases: (i) planning the survey and site visit; (ii) community involvement in identifying threats, vulnerabilities, and routes of exposure (the path of pollutants from their source to the receiving population), and in preparing joint work for the subsequent phases; iii) prioritization of risks identified through environmental monitoring and use of bio- markers of exposure and effects; iv) risk prevention through the creation of various ‘capacities and alternatives for the prevention of syndemic threats’; (v) advocacy to implement these capacities and alternatives through risk communication and local training; and (vi) protection through measures that include telehealth, social pro- gress, and innovation to improve health coverage. The strategy has been implemented in different contexts, and in some of them it has been enriched by analysis of respect for human rights.

[RESUMO]. Crises humanitárias podem ocorrer em locais afetados por ameaças químicas, físicas, biológicas e sociais, principalmente quando essas ameaças interagem entre si e causam uma sindemia. Para evitar as crises, é necessário introduzir nesses locais medidas de mitigação que enquadramos no termo “cenários huma- nitários”. Por sua natureza, a implementação de tais ações de intervenção exige a formação de grupos operacionais multidisciplinares e de uma estratégia de trabalho que permita integrá-los à comunidade afe- tada. No caso da população infantil, o grupo operacional recebeu o nome de Unidade de Riscos Infantis em Áreas Contaminadas (na sigla em espanhol, RISC), ou seja, em locais impactados por ameaças químicas, físicas ou biológicas. A estratégia consiste nas seis fases a seguir: i) planejamento para o estudo e visita ao local; ii) participação da comunidade para identificar ameaças, vulnerabilidades e rotas de exposição (caminho que os contaminantes devem seguir desde a sua fonte até a população receptora), bem como para o trabalho conjunto nas fases seguintes; iii) priorização dos riscos identificados por meio do monitoramento ambiental e uso de biomarcadores de exposição e efeitos; iv) prevenção de riscos por meio da criação de diversas capacidades e alternativas para a prevenção diante de ameaças sindêmicas (CAPAS); v) promoção da implantação das CAPAS por meio da comunicação de riscos e capacitação local; e vi) proteção com medi- das que incluem propostas de telessaúde, progresso social e inovação para melhorar a cobertura de saúde. A estratégia foi aplicada em diferentes contextos, em alguns dos quais foi enriquecida com uma análise do respeito pelos direitos humanos.

Valorization of Sargassum Biomass as Potential Material for the Remediation of Heavy-Metals-Contaminated Waters.

Sargassum algae has become a major environmental issue due to its abundance in the Pacific Ocean with hundreds of tons reaching the beaches of the Mexican Caribbean every year. This generates large quantities of decomposing organic matter that have a negative impact on the region's economy and ecosystems. Sargassum valorization has turned out to be a fundamental aspect to mitigate its environmental impact. This study proposes the use and application of untreated Sargassum biomass for the decontamination of waters polluted with lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) through single and binary adsorption tests. Physicochemical and textural properties examined by SEM, XRD, and FT-IR elucidated that Sargassum biomass is viable to be used as a potential environmental benign adsorbent, exhibiting Cd(II) and Pb(II) adsorption capacities as high as 240 mg g-1 and 350 mg g-1, respectively, outperforming conventionally used adsorbents. This is attributed to its morphology, favorable surface charge distribution, and the presence of -OH and -COH groups. A strong affinity between the biomass and metal pollutants was evidenced by a thermodynamics study, showing a spontaneous and endothermic process. This work sets a practical route for the utilization of the Sargassum biomass, demonstrating its applicability as a potential material for heavy-metal-polluted water remediation, making a substantial contribution to a circular economy system.

Determination of global chemical patterns in exhaled breath for the discrimination of lung damage in postCOVID patients using olfactory technology.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of an electronic nose and chemometric analysis to discriminate global patterns of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath of postCOVID syndrome patients with pulmonary sequelae. A cross-sectional study was performed in two groups, the group 1 were subjects recovered from COVID-19 without lung damage and the group 2 were subjects recovered from COVID-19 with impaired lung function. The VOCs analysis was executed using a Cyranose 320 electronic nose with 32 sensors, applying principal component analysis (PCA), Partial Least Square-Discriminant Analysis, random forest, canonical discriminant analysis (CAP) and the diagnostic power of the test was evaluated using the ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve. A total of 228 participants were obtained, for the postCOVID group there are 157 and 71 for the control group, the chemometric analysis results indicate in the PCA an 84% explanation of the variability between the groups, the PLS-DA indicates an observable separation between the groups and 10 sensors related to this separation, by random forest, a classification error was obtained for the control group of 0.090 and for the postCOVID group of 0.088 correct classification. The CAP model showed 83.8% of correct classification and the external validation of the model showed 80.1% of correct classification. Sensitivity and specificity reached 88.9% (73.9%-96.9%) and 96.9% (83.7%-99.9%) respectively. It is considered that this technology can be used to establish the starting point in the evaluation of lung damage in postCOVID patients with pulmonary sequelae.

Urinary phthalate metabolite and BPA concentrations in women with cervical cancer.

Environmental pollutants are involved in the development and progression of numerous cancers, including cervical cancer (CC). One possible explanation for this is the ability of several pollutants to mimic natural hormones. This study aimed to evaluate the urinary concentrations of monoesters of phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) in women with CC. A total of 45 women were included: 15 in the control group, 12 with CC diagnosis classified in early stages IA-IIB, and 18 in late stages III-IV. Urine samples were analyzed for BPA, mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), and mono 2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a tandem mass detector. The detection rate of environmental pollutants was 100%, with a median concentration in the control group and early-, and late-stage groups of 10.4, 9.2, 4.3, 38.4, and 12.9 µg L-1; 3.1, 3.1, 151.1, 54.5, and 30.4 µg L-1 and 1.9, 92.8, 3.6, 31.0, and 9.3 µg L-1 for BPA, MEHP, MBzP, MBP, and MiBP, respectively This study reveals high levels of phthalates, particularly MEHP, in urine samples of women with CC associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Further studies are needed to evaluate the possible role of phthalates in synergy with HPV in progression to CC.

Unidades RISC: una estrategia para evaluar riesgos de salud en la población infantil de comunidades contaminadas / CRCP units: a strategy to assess health risks in children in contaminated communities / Unidades RISC: uma estratégia para avaliar os riscos de saúde na população infantil de comunidades contaminadas

RESUMEN Las crisis humanitarias pueden presentarse en sitios afectados por amenazas químicas, físicas, biológicas y sociales, sobre todo cuando estas amenazas interaccionan entre sí y causan una sindemia. A fin de evitar las crisis, en estos sitios se hace necesario introducir medidas de mitigación que hemos enmarcado bajo el término de "escenarios humanitarios". Debido a su naturaleza, la implementación de dichas acciones de intervención requiere de la conformación de grupos operativos multidisciplinarios y de una estrategia de trabajo que permita integrarlos con la comunidad afectada. En el caso de la población infantil, el grupo operativo recibió el nombre de unidad de riesgos infantiles en sitios contaminados (RISC), es decir, en localidades impactadas por amenazas químicas, físicas o biológicas. La estrategia consta de las siguientes seis fases: i) planificación para el estudio y la visita al sitio; ii) participación de la comunidad para identificar amenazas, vulnerabilidades y rutas de exposición (el camino que deben seguir los contaminantes desde su fuente hasta la población receptora), así como para el trabajo conjunto en las siguientes fases; iii) priorización de riesgos identificados mediante el monitoreo ambiental y uso de biomarcadores de exposición y efectos; iv) prevención de riesgos a través de la creación de diversas capacidades y alternativas para la prevención ante amenazas sindémicas (CAPAS); v) promoción para implementar las CAPAS mediante la comunicación de riesgos y la capacitación local; y vi) protección con medidas que incluyen propuestas de telesalud, progreso social e innovación para mejorar la cobertura sanitaria. La estrategia ha sido aplicada en diferentes contextos, en algunos de los cuales, ha sido enriquecida con el análisis del respeto de los derechos humanos.

ABSTRACT Humanitarian crises can occur in places affected by chemical, physical, biological, and social threats, especially when these threats interact with each other and cause a syndemic. In order to avoid crises in these places, it is necessary to introduce mitigation measures that we have framed as "humanitarian scenarios". Due to their nature, implementation of these interventions requires the creation of multidisciplinary operational groups with a work strategy that integrates them into the affected community. In the case of the child population, the operational group was called the 'childhood risks in contaminated places' (CRCP) unit; contaminated places meaning localities impacted by chemical, physical, or biological threats. The strategy has six phases: (i) planning the survey and site visit; (ii) community involvement in identifying threats, vulnerabilities, and routes of exposure (the path of pollutants from their source to the receiving population), and in preparing joint work for the subsequent phases; iii) prioritization of risks identified through environmental monitoring and use of biomarkers of exposure and effects; iv) risk prevention through the creation of various 'capacities and alternatives for the prevention of syndemic threats'; (v) advocacy to implement these capacities and alternatives through risk communication and local training; and (vi) protection through measures that include telehealth, social progress, and innovation to improve health coverage. The strategy has been implemented in different contexts, and in some of them it has been enriched by analysis of respect for human rights.

RESUMO Crises humanitárias podem ocorrer em locais afetados por ameaças químicas, físicas, biológicas e sociais, principalmente quando essas ameaças interagem entre si e causam uma sindemia. Para evitar as crises, é necessário introduzir nesses locais medidas de mitigação que enquadramos no termo "cenários humanitários". Por sua natureza, a implementação de tais ações de intervenção exige a formação de grupos operacionais multidisciplinares e de uma estratégia de trabalho que permita integrá-los à comunidade afetada. No caso da população infantil, o grupo operacional recebeu o nome de Unidade de Riscos Infantis em Áreas Contaminadas (na sigla em espanhol, RISC), ou seja, em locais impactados por ameaças químicas, físicas ou biológicas. A estratégia consiste nas seis fases a seguir: i) planejamento para o estudo e visita ao local; ii) participação da comunidade para identificar ameaças, vulnerabilidades e rotas de exposição (caminho que os contaminantes devem seguir desde a sua fonte até a população receptora), bem como para o trabalho conjunto nas fases seguintes; iii) priorização dos riscos identificados por meio do monitoramento ambiental e uso de biomarcadores de exposição e efeitos; iv) prevenção de riscos por meio da criação de diversas capacidades e alternativas para a prevenção diante de ameaças sindêmicas (CAPAS); v) promoção da implantação das CAPAS por meio da comunicação de riscos e capacitação local; e vi) proteção com medidas que incluem propostas de telessaúde, progresso social e inovação para melhorar a cobertura de saúde. A estratégia foi aplicada em diferentes contextos, em alguns dos quais foi enriquecida com uma análise do respeito pelos direitos humanos.

Evaluación de la exposición a Hidrocarburos Aromáticos Policíclicos, salud renal y respiratoria en población indígena de Tocoy, San Antonio, S. L. P, México / Evaluation of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, renal and respiratory health in the indigenous population of Tocoy, San Antonio, S. L. P, México

Resumen La contaminación del aire interior es un problema de salud pública, ya que afecta a unos 2.600 millones de personas en todo el mundo que siguen cocinando con combustibles sólidos como la madera, los residuos de las cosechas, etc. Esta exposición aumenta el factor de riesgo de desarrollo de enfermedades crónicas. La población indígena es muy susceptible a estar expuesta a mezclas de contaminantes del humo de leña como los Hidrocarburos Aromáticos Policíclicos (HAPs) debido a los métodos tradicionales de cocción. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la exposición a HAPs por medio de 10 metabolitos hidroxilados en orina de la población indígena de la Huasteca Potosina, mediante cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas; por otro lado, la salud renal y pulmonar fueron evaluadas con una prueba general de orina y la toxina urémica Indoxil sulfato, esta fue evaluada por medio cromatografía líquida de alto rendimiento, y la función pulmonar con una espirometría. Los resultados indican la presencia de metabolitos hidroxilados en el 89,47% de las muestras de orina, los más frecuentes fueron el 1-OH-PIRENO, el 1,2-OH-NAFTALENO. El Indoxil sulfato se presentó en el 100% de las muestras y la media era de 193,4 ± 91,85 gg/L En cuanto a la salud pulmonar, los resultados indican que algunos sujetos presentan patrones respiratorios regulares e irregulares. Estos resultados indican que la población se encuentra expuesta de manera crónica a una mezcla de contaminantes en el aire que podría producir el desarrollo de daño en los pulmones y los riñones y aumentar el riesgo al desarrollo de enfermedades crónicas.

Abstract Interior air pollution is a public health concern, it affects about 2.6 billion people around the world who still cook using solid fuels such as wood, crop wastes, among others. This exposition increases the risk of the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The indigenous population is very susceptible to being exposed to mixtures of pollutants from the wood smoke such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) due to traditional methods of cooking, heating and waste burning. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the exposure to PAHs through the application of 10 hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PAHs) in the urine of the indigenous population from the Huasteca Potosina, this by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and to assess renal health of the population at the time of the study, with a general test of urine and through the uremic toxin Indoxyl Sulfate (IS), this by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the and pulmonary health with spirometry. The results indicate the presence OH-PAHs in 89.47% of the urine samples, the most frequent metabolites were 1-OH-PYRENE, 2-OH-NAPTHALENE. IS was present in 100% of the samples in mean concentrations of 193.4 ± 91.85 gg/L. For pulmonary health, the results indicate some subjects have regular and irregular respiratory patterns. These results indicate that the population is highly exposed to a mixture of pollutants in the air that might damage the lungs and kidneys and increase the risk of NCDs development.

Aplicación de modelos metabolómicos para la identificación de EPOC en poblaciones expuestas a humo de leña en una comunidad indígena de México / Application of metabolomic models for the identificaron of coPD in populations exposed to wood smoke in an indigenous community in Mexico

Resumen Propósito: Para la evaluación metabólica de la fisiopatología pulmonar se utiliza principalmente el aliento exhalado, el cual ha tomado una gran relevancia como método de diagnóstico no invasivo, de bajo costo, rápido y seguro. El objetivo del presente estudio fue aplicar modelos metabolómicos para la identificación de la Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica (EPOC) en población vulnerable expuesta a la quema de biomasa en una comunidad indígena de México. Métodos: El estudio se conformó por 142 participantes, 44 pacientes con EPOC asociado a la quema de biomasa, 60 controles y 38 población indígena expuesta a la quema de biomasa (PIE). Las muestras de aliento exhalado se analizaron mediante una nariz electrónica (HERACLES II, Alpha MOS). Con los datos obtenidos se realizó un Análisis Canónico de Coordenadas principales (CAP), que fue utilizado para la predicción de EPOC de la PIE y se determinó la concentración de 1-hidroxipireno (1-OHP) en muestras de orina. Resultados: Se logró identificar un total 59 COVs en las muestras de aliento exhalado de los grupos de estudio, los cuales se utilizaron para establecer un modelo de discriminación entre la huella química del grupo de pacientes con EPOC y el grupo control. El modelo CAP indicó una separación entre las huellas químicas de los pacientes con EPOC y sujetos sanos, con una correcta predicción de 91,34%, con una sensibilidad y especificidad de 93,2 y 96,7% respectivamente. Se encontraron 10 participantes de la PIE con patrón obstructivo y una alta concentración de 1-OHP, determinando que existe una concentración del 1,31 ± 0,67gg/mol de creatinina. Esta concentración se encuentra más de 5 veces arriba de los valores de referencia establecidos en el 2001, que es de 0,24 gg/mol de creatinina. Al comparar los resultados de la huella química de la PIE se posicionó en el grupo de EPOC. Conclusión: Se logró obtener un diagnóstico oportuno en población vulnerable mediante el uso de la metabolómica y se demostró la exposición y los efectos pulmonares en población indígena de San Luis Potosí.

Abstract Purpose: to evaluate metabolic disorders of the pathophysiology of the lung, the exhaled breath is mainly used, this has become highly relevant as a non-invasive, low-cost, fast and safe diagnostic method. The objective of this study is to apply metabolomic models for the identification of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in a vulnerable population exposed to biomass burning in an indigenous community in Mexico. Methods: The study consisted of 142 participants, 44 patients with COPD associated with biomass burning, 60 controls and 38 indigenous population exposed to biomass burning (PIE). Exhaled breath samples were analyzed using an electronic nose (HERACLES II, Alpha MOS). With the data obtained, a Canonical Analy-sis of Principal Coordinates (CAP) was performed, which was used for the prediction of COPD of IEP and the concentration of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) in urine samples was determined. Results: A total of 59 VOCs were identified in the exhaled breath samples of the study groups, which were used to establish a discrimination model between the chemical fingerprint of the COPD patient group and the control group. The CAP model indicated a separation between the chemical fingerprints of COPD patients and healthy subjects, with a correct prediction of 91,34%, with a sensitivity and specificity of 93,2 and 96,7%, respectively. 10 IEP participants with an obstructive pattern and a high concentration of 1-OHP were found, determining that there is a concentration of 1,31 ± 0,67gg/mol of creatinine. This concentration is more than 5 times above the reference values established in 2001, which is 0,24 -jg/mol of creatinine. When comparing the results of the Chemical fingerprint of the PIE, it was positioned in the COPD group. Conclusion: It was possible to obtain an opportune diagnosis in a vulnerable population using metabolomics and exposure and pulmonary effects were demonstrated in the indigenous population of San Luis Potosí.

Maize Intercropping in the Traditional "Milpa" System. Physiological, Morphological, and Agronomical Parameters under Induced Warming: Evidence of related Effect of Climate Change in San Luis Potosí (Mexico).

Warmer temperatures predicted as a result of climate change will have an impact on milpa. An experiment was carried out with induced passive heat with the objective of simulating the increase in temperature on the physiological, morphological, and yield parameters of milpa from different climates of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Two different environments, Open-top chambers (OTC) and control, and three milpas, from warm-dry, temperate, and hot and humid climates, were studied. A total of 12 experimental units of 13.13 m2 were used in the random design, with a factorial arrangement of 2 × 3 and two replications. Abiotic variables (minimum, maximum, and mean daily temperatures and accumulated heat units) were determined and compared between the two environments and confirmed that the OTC increased the abiotic variables. The growth and development parameters increased under the warming effect. Furthermore, the milpa from hot and humid climate was the least affected. In contrast, the warming considerably delayed yield parameters. The squash suffered the most, while the bean benefited the most. The warming affected the chlorophyll fluorescence and gas exchange differently for each crop. However, at an early stage, the maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) and non-photochemical quenching (qN) for bean and maize were reduced, while at a late stage, they were Fv/Fm, photochemical quenching (qP), and qN for maize; stomatal conductance and transpiration rate of the squash were improved under the warming treatments. In conclusion, the warming delayed the yield and photosynthetic parameters, while growth and development benefited. The milpa systems were differently affected by warming.

Herbal Vitamin C Prevents DNA Oxidation and Modifies the Metabolomic Water Profile of Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.).

This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of herbal vitamin C at different levels on tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) growth, potential DNA damage, and the metabolomic profile of water effluent. Forty-five tilapias were housed in separate plastic tanks (80 L), and these were randomly assigned to three treatments: (a) a commercial diet (CD) only; (Nutripec Purina®); (b) the commercial diet plus 250 mg of herbal vitamin C (HVC)/kg (CD250); and (c) the commercial diet plus 500 mg of HVC/kg (CD500). Biometric measurements were taken each week, blood samples were collected from the caudal vein on the final day, and water effluent was taken each week and immediately frozen (-80 °C) until further analysis (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) systems). Data were completely randomized with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Upon including herbal vitamin C, the final BW (p = 0.05) and BWG (p = 0.06) increased linearly. Herbal vitamin C decreases DNA damage (p ≥ 0.05). PLS-DA showed a 41.6% variation between treatments in the water samples. Fifteen metabolites had the best association between treatments, with a stronger correlation with CD500. Herbal vitamin C could improve fish performance, prevent DNA damage, and influence changes in the metabolomic profile of the water.

Application of an Electronic Nose and HS-SPME/GC-MS to Determine Volatile Organic Compounds in Fresh Mexican Cheese.

Electronic devices have been used to describe chemical compounds in the food industry. However, there are different models and manufacturers of these devices; thus, there has been little consistency in the type of compounds and methods used for identification. This work aimed to determine the applicability of electronic nose (e-nose) Cyroanose 320 to describe the differentiation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in fresh Mexican cheese (F-MC) formulated with milk from two different dairy cattle breeds. The VOCs were described using a device manufactured by Sensigent and Solid-Phase Micro-extraction (SPME) coupled to GC-MS as a complementary method. The multivariate principal components analysis (PCA) and the partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were used to describe the relationships of VOCs to electronic nose data, sensory data, and response levels. In addition, variable importance in projection (VIP) was performed to characterize the e-nose signals to the VOCs. The e-nose distinguishes F-MC prepared with milk from two dairy breeds. Sensor number 31 correlated with carboxylic acids most in F-MC from Jersey milk. The HS-SPME/GC-MS identified eighteen VOCs in F-MC made with Holstein milk, while only eleven VOCs were identified for F-MC made with Jersey milk. The more significant peaks in both chromatogram analyses were Propanoic acid, 2-methyl-, 1-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-2-methyl-1,3-propanediyl ester in cheese made from Holstein milk and Propanoic acid, 2-methyl-, 3-hydroxy-2,4,4-trimethylpentyl ester in Jersey milk cheese. Both compounds are considered essential carboxylic acids in the dairy industry. Thus, sensor 31 in the electronic nose Cyranose 320 increased its response by essential carboxylic acids identified by HS-SPME/GC-MS as a complementary method. The e-nose Cyranose 320 is potentially helpful for evaluating fresh Mexican cheese authentication independent of cows' milk samples from different breeds.

Evaluation of cytokines in exhaled breath condensate in an occupationally exposed population to pneumotoxic pollutants.

The quarrying is considered a precarious occupation with high toxicity, is an informal economic activity that employs low technology, limited protection, and poses a risk to workers and their families. In quarrying, silica dust is generated and there is also occupational exposure to significant mixtures of pneumotoxic pollutants, including mineral dust (crystalline silica, carbon or cement, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), solvents, and others, which are aggravated by the lack of use of protective equipment, causing irreversible damage to the worker's respiratory health. Thus, the objective of this work focused on the evaluation of the respiratory health of artisan stonemasons in San Luis Potosí, Mexico through the study of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) (pH, pro-inflammatory cytokines) as well as the study of the exposure to pollutants present in the work area (PAHs, toluene, and 2.5 µm particulate matter) through biomarkers of exposure (hippuric acid and hydroxylated metabolites of PAHs). The results show the presence of crystalline SiO2 in 100% of the samples analyzed; the PM2.5 concentrations were 5 to 10 times the permitted levels. Regarding exposure to PAHs, all the stonemasons presented urine concentrations of at least 5 of the OH-PAHs evaluated; 9-OH-FLU occurred at higher concentrations of 171.2 (122.7-279.4) µg L-1; hippuric acid, which was present in 100% of the workers evaluated in concentrations of 283.4 (27.72-1119) mg L-1, 100% of which were above the values established for occupational scenarios. The pH values obtained for the EBC samples were presented at an average of 7.07 (6.33-7.66). Pro-inflammatory cytokines were present in 86.1% of the study population. The cytokine that was found in higher concentrations was IL-2, with a mean of 178.01 pg mL-1 and 3124.01 pg mL-1 for the pH < 7 and pH > 7 groups, respectively. Some correlations between the cytokines and the exposure biomarkers were presented. Stonemasons are highly exposed to pneumotoxic pollutants and markers of inflammation at the pulmonary level; in addition, a high risk of developing silicosis. Quarrying should be addressed as a carcinogenic activity, which would imply the design of monitoring and control strategies for these pollutants that our country currently lacks, particularly in precarious occupations. It is necessary to develop strategies to protect the health of precarious workers.

Environmental endocrine disruptor concentrations in urine samples from Mexican Indigenous women.

The Indigenous communities in Mexico show significant degrees of vulnerability to pollution due to the lack of knowledge of health risks, traditions, low levels of support, and restricted access to healthcare. As a result, exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors increases in these populations through plastic components or indoor air pollution. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the exposure to phthalate metabolites, 1-hydroxypyrene, and bisphenol A through biomonitoring data from indigenous Mexican women. A total of 45 women from the Tocoy community in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, were included. Urine samples were analyzed for Bisphenol A and 4 phthalate metabolites by ultra-performance liquid chromatography couples to tandem mass spectrometry; additionally, the 1-hydroxypyrene concentrations were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a fluorescence detector. Among the main pollution sources were the use of plastic containers and burning garbage (98-100%). Indigenous women presented an exposure of 100% to mono-2-ethyl phthalate, mono-n-butyl phthalate, and 1-hydroxypyrene, with a median (25th-75th percentiles) of 17,478 (11,362-37,355), 113.8 (61.7-203.5), and 1.2 (0.9-1.7) µg/g creatinine, respectively. The major findings show urinary mono-2-ethyl phthalate concentrations higher than those measured from other studies. Therefore, these results show an impressive exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in Indigenous women. The current study reflects the absence of regulatory policies in marginalized populations. It highlights the need to design strategies that mitigate exposure and the importance of biological monitoring to evaluate and prevent health risk associated with exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors.

An Analysis COVID-19 in Mexico: a Prediction of Severity.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes a mild illness in most cases; forecasting COVID-19-associated mortality and the demand for hospital beds and ventilators are crucial for rationing countries' resources. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate factors associated with the severity of COVID-19 in Mexico and to develop and validate a score to predict severity in patients with COVID-19 infection in Mexico. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. PARTICIPANTS: We included 1,435,316 patients with COVID-19 included before the first vaccine application in Mexico; 725,289 (50.5%) were men; patient's mean age (standard deviation (SD)) was 43.9 (16.9) years; 21.7% of patients were considered severe COVID-19 because they were hospitalized, died or both. MAIN MEASURES: We assessed demographic variables, smoking status, pregnancy, and comorbidities. Backward selection of variables was used to derive and validate a model to predict the severity of COVID-19. KEY RESULTS: We developed a logistic regression model with 14 main variables, splines, and interactions that may predict the probability of COVID-19 severity (area under the curve for the validation cohort = 82.4%). CONCLUSIONS: We developed a new model able to predict the severity of COVID-19 in Mexican patients. This model could be helpful in epidemiology and medical decisions.

Chemometric analysis of the global pattern of volatile organic compounds in the exhaled breath of patients with COVID-19, post-COVID and healthy subjects. Proof of concept for post-COVID assessment.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the application of an electronic nose and chemometric analysis to discriminate volatile organic compounds between patients with COVID-19, post-COVID syndrome and controls in exhaled breath samples. A cross-sectional study was performed on 102 exhaled breath samples, 42 with COVID-19, 30 with the post-COVID syndrome and 30 control subjects. Breath-print analysis was performed by the Cyranose 320 electronic nose with 32 sensors. Group data were evaluated by Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Canonical Discriminant Analysis (CDA), and Support Vector Machine (SVM), and the test's diagnostic power was evaluated through a Receiver Operaring Characteristic curve(ROC curve). The results of the chemometric analysis indicate in the PCA a 97.6% (PC1 = 95.9%, PC2 = 1.0%, PC3 = 0.7%) of explanation of the variability between the groups by means of 3 PCs, the CDA presents a 100% of correct classification of the study groups, SVM a 99.4% of correct classification, finally the PLS-DA indicates an observable separation between the groups and the 12 sensors that were related. The sensitivity, specificity of post-COVID vs. controls value reached 97.6% (87.4%-99.9%) and 100% (88.4%-100%) respectively, according to the ROC curve. As a perspective, we consider that this technology, due to its simplicity, low cost and portability, can support strategies for the identification and follow-up of post-COVID patients. The proposed classification model provides the basis for evaluating post-COVID patients; therefore, further studies are required to enable the implementation of this technology to support clinical management and mitigation of effects.