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Environmental contaminants endanger human health and non-target organisms such as crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) that live in aquatic bodies surrounding agricultural areas. Due to their intrinsic characteristics, these organisms could be bioaccumulating and transmitting organochlorine pesticides (OCs) to their eggs. The objectives of this study were to determine the OCs in infertile eggs of C. acutus from Sinaloa and their correlation with the morphometric characteristics (MC), and to perform a preliminary estimate of the ecological risk due to the presence of pesticides using the PERPEST model. In June 2022, 76 infertile eggs (Ie) were collected: 57 from wild areas (Wa) and 19 from a crocodile farm (CSMf). Determination of OC in Ie was performed according to the USEPA method 8081b, modified. The observed percentages of Ie in Wa were 31.48% and 21.33% in CSMf. Twenty OCs were detected in the Ie, where dieldrin recorded the highest average concentration in Wa (6542.6 ng/g), and endosulfan-II in the CSMf (2172.8 ng/g). Bad negative and positive correlations were observed between OCs and MC, standing out the correlations between endosulfan-II and %Ie (-0.688) in the Wa, Cedritos drain, and between endrin and the weight of Ie (0.786) of the CSMf. The evaluation of the ecological risks of the aquatic environment due to the presence of OCs follow the sequence cyclodienes > aromatic > alicyclic hydrocarbons. A potential risk to the endocrine health of the species C. acutus was observed. Crocodiles are excellent biological models for monitoring the effects of OCs.

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Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death globally. In recent years, follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) has been proposed as an emerging potential clinical biomarker of CVD, since its concentration is upregulated in heart failure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of FSTL1 levels and classic biomarkers with the risk of CVD in Mexican population. A case-control study was carried out in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), arterial hypertension, but not CVD (cardiovascular risk factor-CRF), and healthy controls (control group) from the Mexican Institute of Social Security. Lipid profile, homocysteine (Hcys), serum amyloid A (SAA), FSTL1 concentration, PON1 concentration and activities [Arylesterase (ARE), and Lactonase (LAC)] were evaluated. High levels of FSTL1 were found in the CRF group and a positive association of FSTL1 (OR = 4.55; 95% CI 1.29-16.04, p = 0.02) with the presence of arterial hypertension, as well as Hcys (OR, 3.09; 95% CI 1.23-7.76, p = 0.02) and SAA (OR, 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.05, p < 0.01) with the presence of CVD. LAC activity (OR, 0.26; 95% CI 0.07-0.94, p = 0.04) and PON1 concentration (OR, 0.17; 95% CI 0.05-0.62, p = 0.01) were associated with a decrease in OR belonging to the group with CVD. Our results suggest that FSTL1 may be a useful biomarker for monitoring cardiovascular risk in clinical settings. However, longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate how FSTL1 could influence the association of PON1 activity and Hcys with CVD.

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Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is one of the most commonly used organophosphate pesticides. Because CPF was described as a toxic compound without safe levels of exposure for children, certain countries in Latin America and the European Union have banned or restricted its use; however, in Mexico it is used very frequently. The aim of this study was to describe the current situation of CPF in Mexico, as well as its use, commercialization, and presence in soil, water, and aquatic organisms in an agricultural region of Mexico. Structured questionnaires were applied to pesticide retailers to determine the sales pattern of CPF (ethyl and methyl); in addition, monthly censuses were conducted with empty pesticide containers to assess the CPF pattern of use. Furthermore, samples of soil (48 samples), water (51 samples), and fish (31 samples) were collected, which were analyzed chromatographically. Descriptive statistics were performed. The results indicate that CPF was one of the most sold (3.82%) and employed OP (14.74%) during 2021. Only one soil sample was found above the CPF limit of quantification (LOQ); in contrast, all water samples had CPF levels above the LOQ (x̄ = 4614.2 ng/L of CPF). In the case of fish samples, 6.45% demonstrated the presence of methyl-CPF. In conclusion, the information obtained in this study indicates the need for constant monitoring in the area, since the presence of CPF in soil, water, and fish constitutes a threat to the health of wildlife and humans. Therefore, CPF should be banned in Mexico to avoid a serious neurocognitive health problem.

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Extensive research has been carried out to understand and elucidate the mechanisms of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) in the development of diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, and inflammatory diseases. This review focuses on the relationship between PON1 and cancer. The data suggest that PON1, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and cancer are closely linked. Certainly, the gene expression of PON1 will remain challenging to study. Therefore, targeting PON1, redox-sensitive pathways, and transcription factors promise prevention and therapy in the development of several diseases, including cancer.

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The INK4-ARF locus includes the CDKN2B and CDKN2A genes and is functionally relevant in the regulation of both cell proliferation and senescence. Studies have reported modifications of DNA methylation in this locus by exposure to environmental contaminants including pesticides; however, until now, specific methylation profiles have not been reported in genetically conserved populations exposed to occupational pesticides. The aim of this study was to determine the methylation profiles of the CDKN2B and CDKN2A genes in a genetically conserved population exposed to pesticides. A cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out in 190 Huichol indigenous persons. Information related to pesticide exposure, diet and other variables were obtained through the use of a structured questionnaire. Blood and urine samples were collected for methylation test and dialkylphosphates (DAP) determination, respectively. DNA methylation was measured by the pyrosequencing of bisulfite-treated DNA and DAP concentrations by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The most frequent metabolite in the population was dimethylthiophosphate. The farmer group presented a higher methylation percentage of CDKN2B than the non-farmer group, but no differences in CDKN2A were observed between groups. A positive correlation between methylation of CpG site 3 of CDKN2B and time working in the field was observed in the farmer group. An association between methylation percentage of CDKN2B and age was also observed in the non-farmer group. These results suggest that pesticide exposure and exposure time in Huichol indigenous individuals could modify the methylation pattern of the CDKN2B gene.

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The organophosphate (OP) pesticides are neurotoxic compounds widely used around the world. Evaluation of OP exposure in human studies is important for enabling adequate data analyses and drawing accurate conclusions. The aim of this study was to analyze OP exposure biomarkers and their relationships in a Mexican population with different exposure levels. Dialkylphosphates (DAP) were determined through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MSD); acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), arylesterase (AREase), basal paraoxonase 1 (PONase), and ß-glucuronidase activities were detected using spectrophotometric methods. The albumin content was determined in a certified clinical laboratory. The DMTP metabolite was found in the highest concentration, and a negative and significant correlation between DAP and cholinesterase activity was observed. Our results suggested that BuChE is a considerably more sensitive biomarker than AChE. In addition, ß-glucuronidase was positively correlated with albumin, BuChE, and PONase. In conclusion, our data strongly support the use of two or more biomarkers of exposure in human monitoring and the application of a strong and validated questionnaire.

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Alterations of global DNA methylation have been evaluated in several studies worldwide; however, Long Interspersed Nuclear Elements-1 (LINE-1) methylation in genetically conserved populations such as indigenous communities have not, to our knowledge, been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between LINE-1 methylation patterns and factors such as pesticide exposure and socio-cultural characteristics in the Indigenous Huichol Population of Nayarit, Mexico. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 140 Huichol indigenous individuals. A structured questionnaire was used to determine general and anthropometric characteristics, diet, harmful habits, and pesticide exposure. DNA methylation was determined by pyrosequencing of bisulfite-treated DNA. A lower level of LINE-1 methylation was found in the indigenous population when compared to a Mestizo population previously studied by our group. This difference might be due to the influence of the genetic admixture and differing dietary and lifestyle habits. The males in the indigenous population exhibited increased LINE-1 methylation in comparison to the females. Sex and alcohol consumption showed positive associations with LINE-1 methylation, while weight, current work in the field, current pesticide usage, and folate intake exhibited negative associations with LINE-1 methylation. The results suggest that ethnicity, as well as other internal and environmental factors, might influence LINE-1 methylation.

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Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an A-esterase calcium-dependent enzyme that is associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and capable of hydrolyzing a wide variety of substrates, including organophosphate (OP) pesticides. The PON1 phenotype can be modulated by multiple internal and external factors, thereby affecting the catalytic capacity of the enzyme. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors that could modulate PON1 activity in a sample occupationally exposed to pesticides. A cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was carried out with 240 workers. The participants were stratified according to their level of pesticide exposure as reference, moderate-exposure, and high-exposure groups. PON1 activities (arylesterase/AREase, CMPAase, and ssPONase (salt-stimulated)) were determined by spectrophotometry, and the Q192R and L55MPON1 genotypes by real-time PCR. The most frequent genotypes were heterozygous (QR) and homozygous (LL) for PON1Q192R and PON1L55M polymorphisms, respectively. The internal factors associated with the activity of PON1 were the PON1 genotypes (55 and 192) and biochemical parameters related to the lipid profile, in contrast, various external factors related to diet and harmful habits as well as with exposure to pesticides were associated with the activity of PON1. However, using a multivariate mixed ordinal regression model, we found a significant reduction of ssPONase activity in the high-exposure group compared with the reference group only in haplotypes QQLL and RRLL.

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The influence of pesticide exposure in alteration of DNA methylation patterns of specific genes is still limited, specifically in natural antisense transcripts (NAT), such as the WRAP53α gene. The aim of this study was to determine the methylation of the WRAP53α gene in mestizo and indigenous populations as well as its relationship with internal (age, sex, and body mass index) and external factors (pesticide exposure and micronutrient intake). A cross-sectional study was conducted including 91 mestizo individuals without occupational exposure to pesticides, 164 mestizo urban sprayers and 189 indigenous persons without occupational exposure to pesticides. Acute pesticide exposure was evaluated by measurement of urinary dialkylphosphate (DAP) concentration by gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer. Anthropometric characteristics, unhealthy habits, and chronic pesticide exposure were assessed using a structured questionnaire. The frequency of macro- and micronutrient intake was determined using SNUT software. DNA methylation of the WRAP53α gene was determined by pyrosequencing of bisulfite-modified DNA. The mestizo sprayers group had the higher values of %5mC. In addition, this group had the most DAP urinary concentration with respect to the indigenous and reference groups. Bivariate analysis showed an association between %5mC of the WRAP53α gene with micronutrient intake and pesticide exposure in mestizo sprayers, whereas changes in %5mC of the WRAP53α gene was associated with body mass index in the indigenous group. These data suggest that the %5mC of the WRAP53α gene can be influenced by pesticide exposure and ethnicity in the study population, and changes in the WRAP53α gene might cause an important cell process disturbance.

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Gene-specific changes in DNA methylation by pesticides in occupationally exposed populations have not been studied extensively. Of particular concern are changes in the methylation profile of tumor-suppressor, such as CDKN2B and CDKN2A, genes involved in oncogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the methylation profiles of CDKN2B and CDKN2A genes in urban pesticide applicators and their relationship with occupational exposure to pesticides. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 186 urban pesticide applicators (categorized as high or moderate exposures) and 102 participants without documented occupational exposures to pesticides. Acute and chronic pesticide exposures were evaluated by direct measurement of urinary dialkylphosphates, organophosphate metabolites, and a structured questionnaire, respectively. Anthropometric characteristics, diet, clinical histories, and other variables were estimated through a validated self-reported survey. DNA methylation was determined by pyrosequencing of bisulfite-treated DNA. Decreased DNA methylation of the CDKN2B gene was observed in pesticide-exposed groups compared to the non-exposed group. In addition, increased methylation of the CDKN2A promoter was observed in the moderate-exposure group compared to the non-exposed group. Bivariate analysis showed an association between CDKN2B methylation and pesticide exposure, general characteristics, smoking status, and micronutrients, while changes in CDKN2A methylation were associated with pesticide exposure, sex, educational level, body mass index, smoking status, supplement intake, clinical parameters, and caffeine consumption. These data suggest that pesticide exposure modifies the methylation pattern of CDKN2B and CDKN2A genes and raise important questions about the role that these changes may play in the regulation of cell cycle activities, senescence, and aging.

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Oxidative stress can cause DNA damage leading to nuclear anomalies such as micronuclei (MN). Antioxidant enzymes involved in protection against intracellular oxidative stress include glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Pesticide exposure induces oxidative stress and alters antioxidant defense mechanisms, including detoxification and scavenger enzymes. The aim of this study was to evaluate MN frequency in workers occupationally exposed to pesticides and their relationship with antioxidant enzyme activities. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 201 individuals, some of whom were dedicated to the spraying of pesticides. The cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay was conducted, and the activities of GPx, GR, SOD, and CAT were determined. The geometric mean (GM) of MN was 5.4 (1-26 MN). The GM for the antioxidant enzymes was 198.68 U/mL for GPx, 38.96 U/g Hb for GR, 94.78 U/mL for SOD, and 69.77 U/g Hb for CAT. There was a lower MN frequency in males than that in females, and a higher nuclear index. In addition, age affected MN frequency. There was a negative correlation between MN frequency and GPx activity, but a positive one between MN frequency and GR activity. These findings suggest the involvement of GPx in MN frequency.

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The objective of this study was to determine the levels and the relationship between body image satisfaction, perceived stress and resilience in soldier amputee victims of the internal armed conflict in Colombia. It was a quantitative, cross-sectional study of correlational scope, with the participation of 22 Colombian soldiers who were victims of the internal armed conflict and with some degree of amputation. For each soldier, the Multidimensional Body Self-relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ), Perceived Stress (EEP-14) and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC 10) were applied. The results show high scores in behaviors aimed at maintaining physical fitness, self-assessed physical attractiveness and physical appearance, low scores in stress and scores with high trends in resilience, as well as a negative correlation between stress and conducts aimed to maintain physical fitness.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar los niveles y la relación entre satisfacción de la imagen corporal, estrés percibido y resiliencia en soldados con amputación víctimas del conflicto armado interno colombiano. Fue un estudio cuantitativo, transversal, de alcance correlacional, se contó con la participación de 31 soldados colombianos víctimas del conflicto armado interno y con algún grado de amputación, a quienes se les aplicó el Multidimensional body self relations questionnaire (MBSRQ), la Escala de estrés percibido (EEP-14) y el Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (Cd-Risc 10). Los resultados muestran altas puntuaciones en conductas orientadas a mantener la forma física, atractivo físico autoevaluado y cuidado del aspecto físico, puntuaciones bajas en estrés y puntuaciones con tendencias altas en Resiliencia, así como una correlación negativa entre el estrés y las conductas orientadas a mantener la forma física.

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The adverse effect of pesticides on non-target wildlife and human health is a primary concern in the world, but in Mexico, we do not know which wildlife species are at the greatest risk. The aim of this study was to determine organochlorine pesticides in mice of two agricultural fields in Sinaloa, Culiacan and Guasave. Procedures of extraction, analysis, and quantification were followed according to the modified EPA 8081b method. In three mouse tissues (gonad, brain, and blood), γBHC and decachlorobiphenyl with a frequency higher than 50% and endosulfan sulfate with 43% were observed. The wildlife fauna living in agricultural areas are at great risk due to: (1) diversity of the chemicals used for pest control, like mice, and (2) variety of organochlorine pesticides in direct or indirect contact with non-target organisms, affecting the health of animals and humans (toxic effects and accumulation).

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Se realizó una investigación para determinar los efectos que el uso continuado, por períodos mayores de 6 horas diarias, de los monitores de computación produce en los trabajadores. Se correlacionaron variables como edad, sexo, número de horas frente a las pantallas, tiempo de exposición y labor realizada por los trabajadores, con la presencia de sintomatología ocular referida por ellos. Solamente hubo correlación en el último aspecto. Los trabajadores de oficina fueron las personas que presentaron mayor incidencia de síntomas oculares con un 86.4%. Se describieron los síntomas oculares pertenecientes al síndrome de la computadora, la necesidad de usar cristales graduados, la cefalea y la visión borrosa fueron los mayores síntomas comunicados por los trabajadores, 44.4%, 38.2% y 35.8%, respectivamente. En la muestra estudiada, las normas técnicas para el diseño ergonómico de puestos con monitores fueron cumplidas de manera adecuada, excepto en dos aspectos, el uso de pausas periódicas y la realización de interconsulta con oftalmología, en los cuales se plantearon mayores índices de inadecuación.

An investigation to determine the effects that the use of data display units for long periods of time, i.e. more than6 hours a day, produces in users was carried out. Certain variables, such as age, sex, amount of time in front ofthe units and time of exposure, as well as the work done by users who referred ocular symptoms, were analyzed. It can be stated that there was a correlation only with the last item. Office workers were the patients with the highest incidence of ocular symptoms (86.4%). Ocular symptoms that are included in the «Computer Syndrome¼ are described. The use of graded lenses (44.4%), headaches (38.2%) and blurred vision (35.8%) were the most common symptoms reported by workers. In the sample studied, the technical standards for the ergonomicdesign of work sites with data display units were correctly adhered to, except in two aspects: the use of periodicbreaks and an ophthalmologic cross consultation. Greater inadequacy indexes were found in these two items.

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Lamendin et al (1992) desarrollo una técnica general para la estimación de edades en adultos utilizando dos parámetros: la periodontitis y la traslucidez radicular; evaluar los resultados de dicha técnica, mediante la coincidencia con la edad real del sujeto, en dos grupos poblacionales de salvadoreños es el objetivo general por el cual se desarrollo este estudio; donde se busca especificamente determinar la edad (cabe mencionar que es un rango) con 20 muestras de sujetos vivos pertenecientes a los municipios de San Vicente y Santa Clara del Departamento de San Vicente; y, 10 muestras de cadáveres proporcionados por Medicina Legal de San Salvador. Dicho estudio, se llevo a cabo en el periodo de Agosto a Diciembre del año 2007, en los departamentos de san Vicente para los sujetos vivos, y de noviembre a enero de 2008, en El Departamento de San Salvador, para los cadáveres. A los cuales se les aplico la técnica de Lamendin obteniendo un 70% de acierto de la técnica tanto para vivos como para cadáveres. Se hizo una comparación de porcentajes para la corroboración de ello. En base a los resultados antes mencionados, se concluye que al utilizar la técnica desarrollada por Lamendin et al., se puede obtener resultados muy favorables y de gran ayuda para la identificación de edad de un cadáver, lo cual podría agilizar el reconocimiento del individuo; y sobre todo, aplicable a la población salvadoreña.

Lamendin et al (1992) developed a general technique for estimating ages in adults using two parameters: periodontitis and root translucency; Evaluating the results of this technique, by coinciding with the real age of the subject, in two population groups of Salvadorans is the general objective for which this study was developed; where it is specifically sought to determine the age (it is worth mentioning that it is a range) with 20 samples of living subjects belonging to the municipalities of San Vicente and Santa Clara in the Department of San Vicente; and, 10 samples of corpses provided by Legal Medicine of San Salvador. This study was carried out in the period from August to December 2007, in the departments of San Vicente for living subjects, and from November to January 2008, in the Department of San Salvador, for corpses. To which the Lamendin technique was applied, obtaining a 70% success rate of the technique for both living and corpses. A comparison of percentages was made to corroborate this. Based on the aforementioned results, it is concluded that by using the technique developed by Lamendin et al., Very favorable results can be obtained and of great help for the identification of the age of a corpse, which could speed up the recognition of the individual; and above all, applicable to the Salvadoran population.

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Las pantallas de visualización de datos son unidades periféricas de salida que permiten la visualización de la información, el personal humano las utiliza de diferentes maneras. Con el objetivo de determinar existencia de alteraciones de salud se realizó un estudio a 52 operadores de pantallas que laboran de forma continua con estos equipos. Se encontró que la mayor incidencia de trastornos referidos por los obreros fueron los oculares (48,07 por ciento); la cefalea (con 25 por ciento), y la ansiedad (19,23 por ciento). Se investigó, además, las condiciones ergonómicas de sus centros laborales, y se detectaron deficiencias en 100 por ciento de los obreros estudiados; el exceso de ruido fue la condición más negativa reportada.

Computer displays are peripheral output units that allow visualizing data and the human resources use them in different ways. With the objective of finding out health problems related to this issue, 52 computer operators, who work permanently with these pieces of equipment, were studied. It was found that the greates incidental problems were occular disorders (48.07 percent), headache (25 percent) and anxiety (19.23 percent). Besides, the ergonomic conditons in their workplaces were also studied and the results showed deficiencies in 100 percent of them. Excessive noise was the most negative reported condition.

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Se realizó un estudio prospectivo y transversal en el policlínico "Tomás Romay" de Artemisa en los 2 primeros meses del año 2002, para evaluar los resultados del tratamiento homeopático con Euphrasia en las conjuntivitis. Se utilizó un placebo para comparar estos resultados. En la muestra seleccionada se encontró mayor predominio del sexo femenino y las edades comprendidas entre 19 y 34 años. Los síntomas más frecuentemente detectados fueron el ojo rojo con un 98,5 por ciento y la cefalea con un 29,8 por ciento. Se apreció una adecuada concordancia entre diagnóstico presuntivo y estudio citológico ocular. El tratamiento con Euphrasia tuvo buenos resultados en el 82,8 por ciento de los casos, en contraste con el grupo control donde se utilizó el placebo y donde sólo mejoraron el 31,2 por ciento de los enfermos. En este estudio la exposición a la luz, bien fuera natural o artificial, agravó la sintomatología de la conjuntivitis

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Con el fin de determinar la dirección de la circulación de hidrocarburos policíclicos aromáticos (HPA) en nuestras aguas y su posible implicación de un riesgo al ser humano, se realizó un monitoreo de las aguas, sedimentos y algunos organismos bentónicos en dos zonas del litoral habanero (de alta y baja contaminación) para determinar sus niveles de benzo(a) pirenos(BP). Se encontraron niveles de 10 a100 veces más elevados en las aguas del fondo y en los sedimentos, así como en los moluscos, esponjas y gorgonáceas, con respecto a las aguas superficiales, indicando esa dirección en la circulación de los HPA y un posible riesgo carcinogénico para el hombre a través de la cadena alimentaria

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