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Caregiving and infants' neurodevelopment in rural Costa Rica: results from the Infants’ Environmental Health Study (ISA)
(Elsevier, 2019-06-05) Till, Christine; Dudani, Ameeta; Cordoba, Leonel; Cano, Juan Camilo; Green, Rivka; Menezes-Filho, José A.; Schnaas, Lourdes; Smith, Donald R.; Lindh, Christian; van Wendel de Joode, Berna
Early caregiving is one of the strongest influences on children’s development, and among the most significant modifiable environmental factor. The aim of this study was to explore the association between quality of caregiver-infant interactions and neurodevelopment of infants living in banana-growing communities in rural Costa Rica characterized as having environmental toxic exposures. Home visits were conducted with 94 caregiver- infant dyads from the Infants’ Environmental Health Study (ISA), living within Matina county, Limón province. One-year infant neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development®, Third Edition (Bayley-III). Quality of caregiver-infant interaction was assessed with a standardized observational task: Nursing Child Assessment Satellite Training Teaching scale (NCATS) at around two years of age. Multiple regression analyses examined associations between components of caregiver-infant interactions and neurodevelopmental outcomes, adjusting for mancozeb and manganese exposure and other potential confounders. Compared to NCATS normative data for U.S. Hispanic mothers, 35% of the sample had overall caregiving interaction scores ≤10th percentile cut-off, indicating less than optimal interactions. Higher quality of caregiver-infant interaction was associated with higher expressive communication ability in infants [ß=0.03 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.06)], controlling for pesticide exposure and confounders. Aspects of caregiving such as stimulation and growth-fostering of infants were most strongly associated with language outcomes. Results suggest an association between positive caregiving on language development for infants living in a rural agricultural area in Costa Rica, and highlight aspects of caregiving that could be targeted to improve resilience of these children who live in vulnerable conditions.
Caregiving and infants' neurodevelopment in rural Costa Rica: Results from the Infants’ Environmental Health Study (ISA)
(Elsevier, 2019-09) Till, Christine; Dudani, Ameeta; Cordoba, Leonel; Cano, Juan Camilo; Green, Rivka; Menezes-Filho, José; Schnaas, Lourdes; Smith, Donald R.; Lindh, Christian; van Wendel de Joode, Berna
Early caregiving is one of the strongest influences on children's development, and among the most significant modifiable environmental factor. The aim of this study was to explore the association between quality of caregiver-infant interactions and neurodevelopment of infants living in banana-growing communities in rural Costa Rica characterized as having environmental toxic exposures. Home visits were conducted with 94 caregiver-infant dyads from the Infants’ Environmental Health Study (ISA), living within Matina county, Limón province. One-year infant neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development®, Third Edition (Bayley-III). Quality of caregiver-infant interaction was assessed with a standardized observational task: Nursing Child Assessment Satellite Training Teaching scale (NCATS) at around two years of age. Multiple regression analyses examined associations between components of caregiver-infant interactions and neurodevelopmental outcomes, adjusting for mancozeb and manganese exposure and other potential confounders. Compared to NCATS normative data for U.S. Hispanic mothers, 35% of the sample had overall caregiving interaction scores ≤10th percentile cut-off, indicating less than optimal interactions. Higher quality of caregiver-infant interaction was associated with higher expressive communication ability in infants [ß = 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.06)], controlling for pesticide exposure and confounders. Aspects of caregiving such as stimulation and growth-fostering of infants were most strongly associated with language outcomes. Results suggest an association between positive caregiving on language development for infants living in a rural agricultural area in Costa Rica, and highlight aspects of caregiving that could be targeted to improve resilience of these children who live in vulnerable conditions
Central nervous system tumours in children in Costa Rica: 1981–96
(Blackwell Science, 2002) Reutfors, Johan; Kramárová, Eva; Weiderpass, Elisabete; Monge, Patricia; Wesseling, Catharina; Ahlbom, Anders
Incidence rates of malignant central nervous system (CNS) tumours in children in Costa Rica are presented in an international perspective. For the 16-year period 1981–96, a total of 256 CNS tumours were registered in children below age 15 years by the National Tumour Registry of Costa Rica. The age-standardised incidence rate was 15.2 per million person–years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.4. The median age-standardised incidence rates of selected registries in other Latin American countries were 19.3, in other developing countries 12.0 and in industrialised countries 29.6 per million person–years. The comparatively low incidence rates in Costa Rica were evident in all diagnostic subgroups, most notably in the youngest age group and for tumours in the brain stem. In the Central Valley, where the capital and the only specialised paediatric hospital are situated, the crude incidence rate was 18.1 [95% CI 15.1, 21.1] compared with 10.5 [95% CI 8.3, 12.8] per million person–years in the rest of the country (RR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.3, 2.3). There was no evidence of any increase over time. The data in this study cannot exclude under-diagnosis and, to a lesser degree, under-registration as a partial explanation of the low incidence rates of malignant CNS tumours in children in Costa Rica.
Classification of aquatic macroinvertebrates in flow categories for the adjustment of the LIFE Index to Costa Rican rivers
(Elsevier, 2020-08-26) Quesada-Alvarado, Francisco; Umaña-Villalobos, Gerardo; Springer, Monika; Picado Barboza, Jorge
The LIFE Index can be useful to determine the effect of changes in river flow on the community of aquatic macroinvertebrates and as a tool for the implementation of environmental flows. This study demonstrates how to classify aquatic macroinvertebrates into a flow category in order to adjust the LIFE Index to Costa Rica. A panel of experts was surveyed to classify the most common genera into a water velocity category, based on their experience. Also, for one-year, aquatic macroinvertebrates were collected in the low and middle basin of the Naranjo River under different velocities, and by using the TITAN2 package, their respective thresholds for current velocity were determined. Variation was observed in the responses of the expert panel; however, several taxa overlapped by more than 60% between the expert classification and the TITAN2 test results. The TITAN2 test assigned a velocity threshold to 32 genera, with the inflection point being 0.1 m/s. The expert panel served as a tool to assign a category to those genera that the TITAN2 test did not contemplate. Organisms without morphological adaptations to survive fast flowing conditions decreased in frequency above 0.1 m/s, while genera related to moderate and high velocities increased in frequency. Through the panel of experts and the TITAN2 test, it was possible to assign the most common genera in the country to a current velocity category and therefore adjust the LIFE index.
Climate Change, workplace heat exposure, and Occupational Health and productivity in Central America
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2011) Kjellstrom, Tord; Crowe, Jennifer
Climate change is increasing heat exposure in places such as Central America, a tropical region with generally hot/humid conditions. Working people are at particular risk of heat stress because of the intrabody heat production caused by physical labor. This article aims to describe the risks of occupational heat exposure on health and productivity in Central America, and to make tentative estimates of the impact of ongoing climate change on these risks. A review of relevant literature and estimation of the heat exposure variable wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) in different locations within the region were used to estimate the effects. We found that heat stress at work is a real threat. Literature from Central America and heat exposure estimates show that some workers are already at risk under current conditions. These conditions will likely worsen with climate change, demonstrating the need to create solutions that will protect worker health and productivity.
Current-use pesticide transport to Costa Rica's high-altitude tropical cloud forest
(The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), 2011-10-12) SHUNTHIRASINGHAM, CHUBASHINI; Gouin, Todd; YING D., LEI; Ruepert, Clemens; CASTILLO, LUISA E.; WANIA, FRANK
To gain insight into the atmospheric transport and deposition of organic contaminants in high-altitude forests in the humid tropics, pesticides were analyzed in air, water, and soil samples from Costa Rica. Passive samplers deployed across the country revealed annually averaged air concentrations of chlorothalonil, endosulfan, and pendimethalin that were higher in areas with intensive agricultural activities than in more remote areas. Atmospheric concentrations were particularly high in the intensively cultivated central valley. Only endosulfan and its degradation products were found in soils sampled along an altitudinal transect on the northern side of Volcano Turrialba, which is facing heavily cultivated coastal plains. Consistent with calculations of cold trapping in tropical mountains, concentrations of endosulfan sulfate increased with altitude. Pesticide levels in lake, creek, fog, and arboreal water samples from high-elevation cloud forests were generally below 10 ng L 1 . Endosulfan sulfate was the most abundant pesticide in water, with concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 9.4 ng L 1 . Its levels were highest in water sampled from bromeliads. Levels of total endosulfan in water are much lower than the reported median lethal concentration (LC50) value for acute toxicity of a-endosulfan to tadpoles. Although this suggests that the presence of pesticide might not have a direct impact on amphibian populations, the possibility of effects of chronic exposure to a mixture of substances cannot be excluded. Fog was relatively enriched in some of the analyzed pesticides, such as dacthal and chlorothalonil, and may constitute an important deposition pathway to high-altitude tropical cloud forest. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2709–2717. # 2011 SETAC
Decreased Kidney Function Among Agricultural Workers In El Salvador
(Elsevier, 2012-04) Peraza, Sandra; Wesseling, Catharina; Aragon, Aurora; Leiva, Ricardo; García-Trabanino, Ramón; Torres, Cecilia; Jakobsson, Kristina; Elinder, Carl-Gustaf; Hogstedt, Christer
Background: An epidemic of chronic kidney disease of unknown cause has emerged along the Pacific coast of Central America, particularly in relatively young male sugarcane workers. In El Salvador, we examined residence and occupations at different altitudes as surrogate risk factors for heat stress. Study Design: Cross-sectional population-based survey. Setting & Participants: Populations aged 20-60 years of 5 communities in El Salvador, 256 men and 408 women (participation, 73%): 2 coastal communities with current sugarcane and past cotton production and 3 communities above 500 m with sugarcane, coffee, and service-oriented economies. Predictor: Participant sex, age, residence, occupation, agricultural history by crop and altitude, and traditional risk factors for CKD. Outcomes: Serum creatinine (SCr) level greater than the normal laboratory range for sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m 2, and proteinuria categorized as low (protein excretion <30-<300 mg/dL) and high grade (<300 mg/dL). Results: Of the men in the coastal communities, 30% had elevated SCr levels and 18% had eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 compared with 4% and 1%, respectively, in the communities above 500 m. For agricultural workers, prevalences of elevated SCr levels and eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 were highest for coastal sugarcane and cotton plantation workers, but were not increased in sugarcane workers at 500 m or subsistence farmers. Women followed a weaker but similar pattern. Proteinuria was infrequent, of low grade, and not different among communities, occupations, or sexes. The adjusted ORs of decreased kidney function for 10-year increments of coastal sugarcane or cotton plantation work were 3.1 (95% CI, 2.0-5.0) in men and 2.3 (95% CI, 1.4-3.7) in women. Limitations: The cross-sectional nature of the study limits etiologic interpretations. Conclusion: Agricultural work on lowland sugarcane and cotton plantations was associated with decreased kidney function in men and women, possibly related to strenuous work in hot environments with repeated volume depletion.
Decreased kidney function of unknown cause in Nicaragua: a community-based survey
(National Kidney Foundation, 2010) Torres, Cecilia; Aragón, Aurora; Gonzalez-Quiroz, Marvin; López , Indiana; Jakobsson, Kristina; Elinder, Carl-Gustaf; Lundberg, Ingvar; Wesseling, Catharina
Background: End-stage kidney disease overwhelms health services in Central America. We determined prevalences of decreased kidney function in distinct populations in the most affected region of Nicaragua. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting & Participants: Total populations aged 20-60 years of 5 villages in Northwest Nicaragua: mining/subsistence farming (elevation, 100-300 m above sea level), banana/sugarcane (100-300 m), fishing (0-100 m), services (0-100 m), and coffee (200-675 m); 479 men and 617 women (83% response). Predictor or Factor: Village; participant sex, age, and occupation; conventional chronic kidney disease risk factors. Outcomes: Serum creatinine (SCr) values greater than laboratory reference range for sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, proteinuria stratified in the low (dipstick protein excretion, 30-300 mg/dL) and high (300 mg/dL) range. Results: Prevalences of abnormal SCr levels: 18% (of all men) and 5% (of all women); in the mining/subsistence farming village, 26% and 7%; banana/sugarcane, 22% and 6%; fishing, 13% and 4%; services, 0% and 1%; and coffee, 7% and 0%. Prevalences of estimated glomerular filtration rate 60 mL/min/1.73 m2: 14% (of all men) and 3% (of all women); in the listed villages, 19% and 5%, 17% and 4%, 10% and 2%, 0% and 0%, and 7% and 0%, respectively. Proteinuria, predominantly in the low range, affected 14% and 11% of all men and women without marked differences between villages. By occupation, abnormal SCr levels occurred in 31% and 24% of male and female agricultural workers at 100-300 m above sea level, but not at higher altitudes, and also was high in male artisans (43%), construction workers (15%), and miners (14%). In logistic regression models, for the banana/sugarcane and mining/subsistence farming villages, high blood pressure and age were significant predictors of abnormal SCr levels in men, and for mining/subsistence farming, age in women. Limitations: Causality is not addressed. Conclusions: In some Nicaraguan villages and population segments, men in particular show a high prevalence of decreased kidney function of unknown origin, possibly environmental or occupational.
Determinants of Health in Seasonal Migrants: Coffee Harvesters in Los Santos, Costa Rica
(Taylor & Francis, 2013-07-19) Loría Bolaños, Rocío; Partanen, Timo; Alvárez, Benjamín; Córdoba, Leonel
In the agroexport zone of Los Santos Zone in Costa Rica, coffee is harvested by migrant labor. Most migrants are from Panama and Nicaragua. We describe migrants' housing- and service-related health determinants, with analyses of ethnicity, nationality and geography. We used interviews, observation-based assessments, and the Geographic Information System to assess a population of 8,783 seasonal migrants and 1,099 temporary dwellings at a total of 520 farms during 2004-2005. We identified determinants of poor health including widespread deficiencies in the quality of grower-provided dwellings, geographical isolation, crowding, lack of radio and television, and deficient toilets and cooking facilities. The indigenous and non-Costa Ricans shared the poorest conditions. Reluctance to use mainstream public health services was widespread, especially among foreign and indigenous migrants and the geographically isolated. Post-study, researchers organized workshops for audiences including workers, coffee producers, public officials and service providers. Topics have included migration, preventive health and hygiene, and child labor. This work was successful in convincing Costa Rican social security authorities to implement reforms that improve access to and quality of health care for the migrants. Special projects on ergonomics, psychosocial health hazards, and water quality, as well as a literacy program, are ongoing.
Disabling musculoskeletal pain in working populations: is it the job, the person, or the culture?
(International Association for the Study of Pain, 2013) Coggon, David; Ntani, Georgia; Palmer, Keith T.; Felli, Vanda E.; Harari, Raul; Barrero, Lope; Felknor, Sarah; Gimeno, David; Cattrell, Anna; Serra, Consol; Bonzini, Matteo; Solidaki, Eleni; Merisalu, Eda; Habib, Rima R.; Sadeghian, Farideh; Muhammad Masood, Kadir; Warnakulasuriya, Sudath; Matsudaira, Ko; Nyantumbu, Busisiwe; Sim, Malcolm R.; Harcombe, Helen; Cox, Ken; Marziale, Maria Helena Palucci; Sarquis, Leila M.M.; harari, florencia; Freire, Rocio; Harari, Natalia; Monroy Silva, Magda Viviana; Quintana , Leonardo; Rojas, Marianela; Salazar Vega, Eduardo J.; Harris, Clare; Vargas-Prada, Sergio; Martinez, J. Miguel; Delclos, George; Benavides, Fernando G.; Carugno, Michele; Ferrario, Marco M; pesatori, angela; Chatzi, Leda; Bitsios, Panos; Kogevinas, Manolis; Oha, Kristel; Sirk, Tuuli; Sadeghian, Ali; Peiris-John, Roshini; Sathiakumar, Nalini; Wickremasinghe, A. Rajitha; Yoshimura, Noriko; Kelsall, Helen; Hoe, Victor C.W.; Urquhart, Donna M.; Derrett, Sarah; McBride, David; Herbison, Graham Peter; Gray, Andrew
To compare the prevalence of disabling low back pain (DLBP) and disabling wrist/hand pain (DWHP) among groups of workers carrying out similar physical activities in different cultural environments, and to explore explanations for observed differences, we conducted a crosssectional survey in 18 countries. Standardised questionnaires were used to ascertain pain that interfered with everyday activities and exposure to possible risk factors in 12,426 participants from 47 occupational groups (mostly nurses and office workers). Associations with risk factors were assessed by Poisson regression. The 1-month prevalence of DLBP in nurses varied from 9.6% to 42.6%, and that of DWHP in office workers from 2.2% to 31.6%. Rates of disabling pain at the 2 anatomical sites covaried (r = 0.76), but DLBP tended to be relatively more common in nurses and DWHP in office workers. Established risk factors such as occupational physical activities, psychosocial aspects of work, and tendency to somatise were confirmed, and associations were found also with adverse health beliefs and group awareness of people outside work with musculoskeletal pain. However, after allowance for these risk factors, an up-to 8-fold difference in prevalence remained. Systems of compensation for work-related illness and financial support for health-related incapacity for work appeared to have little influence on the occurrence of symptoms. Our findings indicate large international variation in the prevalence of disabling forearm and back pain among occupational groups carrying out similar tasks, which is only partially explained by the personal and socioeconomic risk factors that were analysed.
Dust exposure in workers from grain storage facilities in Costa Rica
(Escuela de Ingeniería en Seguridad Laboral e Higiene Ambiental (EISLHA), Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (ITCR), 2017) Rodríguez Zamora, María G.; Medina-Escobar, Lourdes; Mora, Glend; Zock, Jan Paul; van Wendel de Joode, Berna; Mora, Ana Maria
About 12 million workers are involved in the production of basic grains in Central America. However, few studies in the region have examined the occupational factors associated with inhalable dust exposure. About the objectives: (i) To assess the exposure to inhalable dust in workers from rice, maize, and wheat storage facilities in Costa Rica; (ii) to examine the occupational factors associated with this exposure; and (iii) to measure concentrations of respirable and thoracic particles in different areas of the storage facilities. As for the methods, we measured inhalable (<100 m) dust concentrations in 176 personal samples collected from 136 workers of eight grain storage facilities in Costa Rica. We also measured respirable (<4 m) and thoracic (<10 m) dust particles in several areas of the storage facilities. Now, about the results, Geometric mean (GM) and geometric standard deviation (GSD) inhalable dust concentrations were 2.0 mg/m3 and 7.8 (range = < 0.2–275.4 mg/m3). Personal inhalable dust concentrations were associated with job category [GM for category/GM for administrative staff and other workers (95% CI) = 4.4 (2.6, 7.2) for packing; 20.4 (12.3, 34.7) for dehulling; 109.6 (50.1, 234.4) for unloading in flat bed sheds; 24.0 (14.5, 39.8) for unloading in pits; and 31.6 (18.6, 52.5) for drying], and cleaning task [15.8 (95% CI: 10.0, 26.3) in workers who cleaned in addition to their regular tasks]. Higher area concentrations of thoracic dust particles were found in wheat (GM and GSD = 4.3 mg/m3 and 4.5) and maize (3.0 mg/m3 and 3.9) storage facilities, and in grain drying (2.3 mg/m3 and 3.1) and unloading (1.5 mg/m3 and 4.8) areas. Finally, the conclusions state that operators of grain storage facilities showed elevated inhalable dust concentrations, mostly above international exposure limits. Better engineering and administrative controls are needed.
Early Toxic Effects in a Central American Native Fish (Parachromis dovii) Exposed to Chlorpyrifos and Difenoconazole
(Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 2021-03-18) Jiménez, Katherine; Solano, Karla; Scholz, Carola; Redondo López, Sergei; Mena, Freylan
In Costa Rica, agriculture is one of the most important economic activities. Chlorpyrifos and difenoconazole have been identified as agrochemicals widely used in banana and pineapple crops in the Caribbean area of the country and are constantly recorded in aquatic ecosystems. The toxicity of these pesticides in Parachromis dovii was studied. Median lethal concentrations (LC50s) for each substance were obtained from 96‐h acute tests. Then, fish were exposed to sublethal concentrations of both substances (10% of LC50), individually and in mixture, to evaluate biomarker responses. Ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase (EROD), catalase, and glutathione S‐transferase activities as well as lipid peroxidation were measured in liver and gill tissues as markers of biotransformation and oxidative stress processes. Cholinesterase activity in brain and muscle tissue was also quantified as a biomarker of toxicity. The LC50s were 55.34 μg/L (95% confidence interval [CI] 51.06–59.98) for chlorpyrifos and 3250 μg/L (95% CI 2770–3810) for difenoconazole. Regarding the biomarkers, a significant inhibition of brain and muscle cholinesterase activity was recorded in fish exposed to 5.50 μg/L of chlorpyrifos. This activity was not affected when fish were exposed to the mixture of chlorpyrifos with difenoconazole. Significant changes in lactate dehydrogenase activity were observed in fish exposed to 325 μg/L of difenoconazole, whereas fish exposed to th mixture showed a significant increase in EROD activity in the liver. These results suggest harmful effects of chlorpyrifos insecticide at environmentally relevant concentrations. There is also evidence for an interaction of the 2 substances that affects the biotransformation metabolism at sublethal levels of exposure.
Ecotoxicological characterization of a tropical soil after diazinon spraying
(Springer, 2012-07-04) Natal da Luz, Tiago; Moreira-Santos, Matilde; Ruepert, Clemens; Castillo, Luisa E.; Ribeiro, Rui; Sousa, Jose Paulo
The impact of diazinon spraying in an agricultural tropical soil through the evaluation of both the habitat and retention functions of the soil system was never reported. To fill this gap, five times the recommended dose of a commercial diazinon formulation was sprayed in an agricultural area of Costa Rica, and dilution gradients of the sprayed soil were prepared in the laboratory. Avoidance and reproduction tests with soil organisms (Eisenia andrei, Enchytraeus crypticus and Folsomia candida) to evaluate losses in terrestrial habitat function, and growth and reproduction tests with aquatic organisms (Chlorella vulgaris and Daphnia magna, respectively) to evaluate the retention function of soil were performed. Results demonstrated that regarding habitat function, F. candida reproduction was the most sensitive endpoint (EC50 = 0.288 mg a.i./kg), followed by avoidance behaviour of E. andrei (EC20 = 1.75 mg a.i./kg). F. candida avoidance and the reproduction of E. andrei and E. crypticus were not affected by diazinon. The toxicity tests with aquatic organisms showed that the soil retention function was insufficient to prevent effects of diazinon either on microalgae growth (EC50 B ≤.742 mg/L and EC20 B ≤.223 mg/L) and on the reproduction of the cladoceran (EC50 B ≤.00771 mg/L and EC 20 B ≤.00646 mg/L). Results suggested that diazinon exerted toxic effects even at the dilution corresponding to the recommended dose, fact which makes its misuse an issue of environmental concern. Furthermore, the present study highlighted the importance and complementary nature of the assessment of both habitat and retention functions to an ecological risk assessment in tropical systems.
Ecotoxicological evaluation of aquaculture and agriculture sediments with biochemical biomarkers and bioassays: antimicrobial potential exposure
(Journal of Environmental Biology, 2014-01) Arias-Andrés, María; Mena, Freylan; Pinnock Branford, Margaret Verónica
Inappropriate practices and lack of regulations regarding antimicrobial use in agricultural production of developing countries increase the risk of exposure to aquatic ecosystems. Sediments may act as sink of antimicrobial compounds and can provide a historical record of Pollution. In the present study, toxic potential of sediments receiving effluents from a fish farm (TIL1), rice farm (AZ) and swine farm (RD2) and from a reference natural wetland (PV) in a tropical dry region was evaluated. According to local surveys of antimicrobials and national product registries, sites were classified from highest to lowest potential exposure as following: RD 2>lTIL1 >AZ>PV. Both, whole sediment and interstitial water tests, showed a high toxicity of pig farm sediments to the behavior of Anodontites luteola and the survival of Daphnia magna (EC 50-48hrs: 2.4-11.8 %) (ANOVA, p<0.05). Integrated responses from Cholinesterase activity (ChE), Gluthathion-S-transferase (GST) and Lipoperoxidation (LPO) measured in A. luteola tissue pointed at the pig and rice farms as sites influenced by activities with an intensive use of xenobiotic substances. The assessment of toxicity pointed at the need of more research on sub-lethal effects of antimicrobials on aquatic invertebrates. With this purpose, we analyzed biomarker response of A. luteola to oxytetracycline and found a decrease of ChE andGSTin concentrations of 100 μg l-1.
Effect of the veterinary ionophore monensin on the structure and activity of a tropical soil bacterial community
(Taylor and Francis Inc., 2019-10-07) Granados Chinchilla, Fabio; Arias Andrés, María de Jesús; Fernández Montes de Oca, María Laura; Rodríguez, César; Arias Andrés, María de Jesús
Monensin (MON) is a coccidiostat used as a growth promoter that can reach the environment through fertilization with manure from farm animals. To verify whether field-relevant concentrations of this drug negatively influence the structure and activity of tropical soil bacteria, plate counts, CO2 efflux measurements, phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) and community-level physiological profiling (CLPP) profiles were obtained for soil microcosms exposed to 1 or 10mg kg 1 of MON across 11 days. Although 53% (1mg kg 1) to 40% (10mg kg 1) of the MON concentrations added to the microcosms dissipated within 5 days, a subtle concentration-dependent decrease in the number of culturable bacteria (<1 log CFU g 1), reduced ( 20 to 30%) or exacerbated (þ25%) soil CO2 effluxes, a marked shift of non-bacterial fatty acids, and altered respiration of amines (1.22-fold decrease) and polymers (1.70-fold increase) were noted in some of the treatments. These results suggest that MON quickly killed some microorganisms and that the surviving populations were selected and metabolically stimulated. Consequently, MON should be monitored in agronomic and environmental systems as part of One Health efforts.
Evaluation of two self-administered questionnaires to ascertain dermatitis among metal workers and its relation with exposure to metal working fluids
(Blackwell Publishing, Dinamarca., 2007) van Wendel de Joode, Berna; Vermeulen, Roel; Heederik, Dick; van Ginkel, Kees; Kromhout, Hans
We performed an exploratory study to evaluate 2 self-administered questionnaires assessing hand dermatitis and to investigate a possible exposure-response relation between dermal exposure to semisynthetic metal working fluids (SMWF) and dermatitis. In a cross-sectional survey on dermatitis, a symptom-based questionnaire and a picture-based skin-screening list were applied in 80 SMWFexposed workers and 67 referents. To evaluate accuracy of the questionnaires, 47 subjects were examined by a dermatologist. Dermal exposure levels to SMWF were assessed on the hands, forearms, and face with an observational method that was validated with a fluorescent-tracer method. The symptom-based questionnaire had a relatively high sensitivity (0.86) but moderate specificity (0.64), the skin-screening list had a low sensitivity (0.36) and a relatively high specificity (0.84). The skin-screening list seemed to represent the more severe cases of dermatitis and showed a significant relation to exposure, for dermatitis on hands, forearms, or face. In epidemiological surveys where workers are not seen by a dermatologist, the skin-screening list seems to be more appropriate to detect cases of dermatitis, as its higher specificity results in less false positives. Alternatively, it would be preferable to apply the symptom based questionnaire; workers with symptoms should be seen by a dermatologist to identify false positives.
Fatal occupational injuries in Nicaragua, 2005
(Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua, León., 2011) López Bonilla, Indiana Mercedes; Flores Urbina, Lucía; Partanen, Timo; Wesseling, Catharina
We attempt to estimate the rate of fatal occupational injuries (FOI) in Nicaragua for 2005, using 10 incomplete data sources. Based on the 173 identified FOIs, the crude empirical FOI rate estimate was 8.3 per 100,000 employed (12.3 men; 1.8 women) and highest in the 25–29 age group (15). The overall rate, corrected by capture–recapture modeling, was 11.6. Manufacturing represented a high rate (11.7); the formal economy rate (12.3) was higher than the informal economy (6); mining (110.3) and electricity (76.2) had the highest industry rates; and the most common agents of FOIs were motor vehicles. With 10 major sources, the extent of FOIs remains grossly underestimated and biased across worker strata. The FOIs among informal and agricultural workers tend to remain invisible, as there is no systematic surveillance by any agency. Changes in legislation and implementation are necessary to correct the situation.
Heat exposure in sugarcane harvesters in Costa Rica
(Wiley Periodicals, 2013) Crowe, Jennifer; Wesseling, Catharina; Román Solano, Bryan; Pinto Umaña, Manfred; Robles Ramírez, Andrés; Kjellstrom, Tord; Morales, David; Nilsson, Maria
Background Occupational heat stress is a major concern in sugarcane production and has been hypothesized as a causal factor of a chronic kidney disease epidemic in Central America. This study described working conditions of sugarcane harvesters in Costa Rica and quantified their exposure to heat. Methods Non-participatory observation and Wet Bulb Globe Temperatures (WBGT) according to Spanish NTP (Technical Prevention Notes) guidelines were utilized to quantify the risk of heat stress. OSHA recommendations were used to identify corresponding exposure limit values. Results Sugarcane harvesters carried out labor-intensive work with a metabolic load of 261 W/m2 (6.8 kcal/min), corresponding to a limit value of 26° WBGT which was reached by 7:30 am on most days. After 9:15 am, OSHA recommendations would require that workers only work 25% of each hour to avoid health risks from heat. Conclusions Sugarcane harvesters are at risk for heat stress for the majority of the work shift. Immediate action is warranted to reduce such exposures.
Heat-Related Symptoms in Sugarcane Harvesters
(Wiley, 2015-02-26) Crowe, Jennifer; Nilsson, Lena Maria; Kjellstrom, Tord; Wesseling, Catharina
Background: Exposure to heat stress is a documented risk for Central American sugarcane harvesters. However, little is known about heat-related illness in this population. Methods: This study examined the frequency of heat-related health effects among harvesters (n=106) exposed to occupational heat stress compared to non-harvesters (n=63). Chi-square test and gamma statistic were used to evaluate differences in self-reported symptoms and trends over heat exposure categories. Results: Heat and dehydration symptoms (headache, tachycardia, muscle cramps, fever, nausea, difficulty breathing, dizziness, swelling of hands/feet, and dysuria) were experienced at least once per week significantly more frequently among harvesters. Percentages of workers reporting heat and dehydration symptoms increased in accordance with increasing heat exposure categories. Conclusions: A large percentage of harvesters are experiencing heat illness throughout the harvest demonstrating an urgent need for improved workplace practices, particularly in light of climate change and the epidemic of chronic kidney disease prevalent in this population.
Incidence of childhood cancer in Costa Rica, 2000–2014: An international perspective
(Elsevier, 2018-10-18) Erdmann, Friederike; Li, Tengfei; Luta, George; Giddings, Brenda M.; Torres Alvarado, Guillermo; Steliarova-Foucher, Eva; Schüz, Joachim; Mora, Ana Maria
Background: Estimating childhood cancer incidence globally is hampered by a lack of reliable data from lowand middle-income countries. Costa Rica is one of the few middle-income countries (MIC) with a long-term high quality nationwide population-based cancer registry. Methods: Data on incident cancers in children aged under 15 years reported to the Costa Rica National Cancer Registry between 2000 and 2014 were analyzed by diagnostic group, age, sex, and geographical region and compared with incidence data for Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White (NHW) children in California, USA. Results: During the 15-year period, 2396 cases of childhood cancer were reported in Costa Rica, resulting in an overall age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) of 140/million. Most frequent cancer types were leukemias (40.5%), malignant central nervous system (CNS) tumors (13.9%), and lymphomas (12.7%). The observed ASR of lymphoid leukemia (46.9/million) ranked high globally. Low rates were found for most solid tumors including malignant CNS tumors, sympathetic nervous system tumors, and soft tissue sarcomas. There was almost no change in incidence rates over time, while geographical variations were observed within Costa Rica. The overall cancer rate in Costa Rica was lower compared to NHW (176.1/million) and Hispanic (161.7/million) children in California. Conclusion: Based on the longstanding registration system, the childhood cancer incidence rates were similar to those observed in other Latin American countries. While a degree of under-ascertainment of cases cannot be excluded, the markedly high leukemia rates, in particular of the lymphoid sub-type deserves further study in this population. Antecedentes: La estimación de la incidencia de cáncer infantil a nivel mundial se ve obstaculizada por la falta de datos confiables de los países de ingresos bajos y medianos. Costa Rica es uno de los pocos países de ingresos medios (MIC) con un registro de cáncer basado en la población a largo plazo de alta calidad a nivel nacional. Métodos: Datos sobre cánceres en niños menores de 15 años informados al Registro Nacional de Cáncer Costa Rica. El registro entre 2000 y 2014 se analizó por grupo de diagnóstico, edad, sexo y región geográfica y en comparación con los datos de incidencia para niños hispanos y blancos no hispanos (NHW) en California, EE. UU. Resultados: Durante el período de 15 años, se reportaron 2396 casos de cáncer infantil en Costa Rica, lo que resultó en una tasa de incidencia global estandarizada por edad (ASR) de 140 / millón. Los tipos de cáncer más frecuentes fueron leucemias (40.5%), tumores malignos del sistema nervioso central (SNC) (13.9%) y linfomas (12.7%). La ASR observada de leucemia linfoide (46,9 / millón) clasificó alto a nivel mundial. Se encontraron tasas bajas para la mayoría de los tumores sólidos, incluidos tumores malignos del SNC, tumores del sistema nervioso simpático y sarcomas de tejidos blandos. Casi no hubo cambio en las tasas de incidencia con el tiempo, mientras que se observaron variaciones geográficas dentro de Costa Rica. En general la tasa de cáncer en Costa Rica fue menor en comparación con los niños NHW (176.1 / millón) e hispanos (161.7 / millón) en California. Conclusión: Basado en el sistema de registro de larga data, las tasas de incidencia de cáncer infantil fueron similares a los observados en otros países latinoamericanos. Si bien no se puede determinar el grado de infravaloración de los casos excluido, las tasas de leucemia marcadamente altas, en particular del subtipo linfoide, merecen más estudio en este población.

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