Artículos científicos
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Ítem AVONET: morphological, ecological and geographical data for all birds(Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, 2022-02-24) Tobias, Joseph A. T; Sheard, Catherine; Pigot, Alex L.; Devenish, Adam J. M.; Yang, Jingyi; Sayol, Ferran; Neate-Clegg, Montague H. C.; Alioravainen, Nico; Weeks, Thomas L.; Barber, Robert A.; Walkden, Patrick A.; MacGregor, Hannah E. A.; Jones, Samuel E. I.; Vincent, Claire; Phillips, Anna G.; Marples, Nicola M.; Montaño-Centellas, Flavia A.; Leandro-Silva, Víctor; Claramunt, Santiago; Darski, Bianca; Freeman, Benjamín G.; Bregman, Tom P.; R. Cooney, Christopher; Hughes, Emma C.; Capp, Elliot J. R.; Varley, Zoë K.; Friedman, Nicholas R.; Korntheuer, Heiko; Corrales Vargas, Andrea; Trisos, Christopher H.; Weeks, Brian C.; Hanz, Dagmar M.; Töpfer, Till; Remeš, Vladimír; Nowak, Larissa; Carneiro, Lincoln S.; Moncada R., Amilkar J.; Matysioková, Beata; Baldassarre, Daniel T.; Martínez-Salinas, Alejandra; Wolfe, Jared D.; Chapman, Philip M.; Daly, Benjamin G.; Sorensen, Marjorie C.; Neu, Alexander; Ford, Michael A.; Mayhew, Rebekah J.; Silveira, Luis Fabio; Kelly, David J.; Annorbah, Nathaniel N. D.; Pollock, Henry S.; Grabowska-Zhang, Ada M.; McEntee, Jay P.; González, Juan Carlos T.; Meneses, Camila G.; Muñoz, Marcia C.; Powell, Luke L.; Jaime, Gabriel A.; Matthews, Thomas J.; Johnson, Oscar.; Brito, Guilherme R. R.; Zyskowski, Kristof.; Crates, Ross; Harvey, Michael G.; Jurado Zevallos, Maura; Hosner, Peter A.; Bradfer-Lawrence, Tom; M. Maley, James; Stiles, F. Gary; Lima, Hevana S.; Provost, Kaiya L.; Chibesa, Moses; Mashao, Mmatjie; Howard, Jeffrey T.; Mlamba, Edson; Chua, Marcus A. H.; Li, Bicheng; Gómez, M. Isabel; García, Natalia C.; Päckert, Martin; Fuchs, Jérôme; Ali, Jarome R.; Derryberry, Elizabeth P.; Carlson, Monica L.; Urriza, Rolly C.; Brzeski, Kristin E.; Prawiradilaga, Dewi M.; Rayner, Matt J.; Miller, Eliot T.; Bowie, Rauri C. K.; Lafontaine, René-Marie; Scofield, R. Paul; Lou, Yingqiang.; Somarathna, Lankani; Lepage, Denis; Illif, Marshall; Neuschulz, Eike Lena; Templin, Mathias; Dehling, D. Matthias; Cooper, Jacob C.; Pauwels, Olivier S. G.; Analuddin, Kangkuso; Fjeldså, Jon; Seddon, Nathalie; Sweet, Paul R.; DeClerck, Fabrice A. J.; N. Naka, Luciano.; Brawn, Jeffrey D.; Aleixo, Alexandre; Böhning-Gaese, Katrin; Rahbek, Carsten; Fritz, Susanne A.; Thomas, Gavin H.; Schleuning, MatthiasFunctional traits offer a rich quantitative framework for developing and testing theories in evolutionary biology, ecology and ecosystem science. However, the potential of functional traits to drive theoretical advances and refine models of global change can only be fully realised when species-level information is complete. Here we present the AVONET dataset containing comprehensive functional trait data for all birds, including six ecological variables, 11 continuous morphological traits, and information on range size and location. Raw morphological measurements are presented from 90,020 individuals of 11,009 extant bird species sampled from 181 countries. These data are also summarised as species averages in three taxonomic formats, allowing integration with a global phylogeny, geographical range maps, IUCN Red List data and the eBird citizen science database. The AVONET dataset provides the most detailed picture of continuous trait variation for any major radiation of organisms, offering a global template for testing hypotheses and exploring the evolutionary origins, structure and functioning of biodiversityÍtem Social conditions and urban health inequities: realities, challenges and opportunities to transform the urban landscape through research and action(Springer Nature, 2011-08-18) Salgado de Snyder, V. Nelly; Friel, Sharon; Fotso, Jean Christophe; Khadr, Zeinab; Meresman, Sergio; Monge, Patricia; Patil-Deshmukh, AnitaThe process of urbanization entails social improvements with the consequential better quality-of-life for urban residents. However, in many low-income and some middle-income countries, urbanization conveys inequality and exclusion, creating cities and dwellings characterized by poverty, overcrowded conditions, poor housing, severe pollution, and absence of basic services such as water and sanitation. Slums in large cities often have an absence of schools, transportation, health centers, recreational facilities, and other such amenities. Additionally, the persistence of certain conditions, such as poverty, ethnic heterogeneity, and high population turnover, contributes to a lowered ability of individuals and communities to control crime, vandalism, and violence. The social vulnerability in health is not a “natural” or predefined condition but occurs because of the unequal social context that surrounds the daily life of the disadvantaged, and often, socially excluded groups. Social exclusion of individuals and groups is a major threat to development, whether to the community social cohesion and economic prosperity or to the individual self-realization through lack of recognition and acceptance, powerlessness, economic vulnerability, ill health, diminished life experiences, and limited life prospects. In contrast, social inclusion is seen to be vital to the material, psychosocial, and political aspects of empowerment that underpin social well-being and equitable health. Successful experiences of cooperation and networking between slum-based organizations, grassroots groups, local and international NGOs, and city government are important mechanisms that can be replicated in urban settings of different low- and middle-income countries. With increasing urbanization, it is imperative to design health programs for the urban poor that take full advantage of the social resources and resourcefulness of their own communities.Ítem Urban Health Inequities and the Added Pressure of Climate Change: An Action-Oriented Research Agenda(Springer Nature, 2011-08-23) Friel, Sharon; Hancock, Trevor; Kjellstrom, Tord; McGranahan, Gordon; Monge, Patricia; Roy, JoyashreeClimate change will likely exacerbate already existing urban social inequities and health risks, thereby exacerbating existing urban health inequities. Cities in low- and middle-income countries are particularly vulnerable. Urbanization is both a cause of and potential solution to global climate change. Most population growth in the foreseeable future will occur in urban areas primarily in developing countries. How this growth is managed has enormous implications for climate change given the increasing concentration and magnitude of economic production in urban localities, as well as the higher consumption practices of urbanites, especially the middle classes, compared to rural populations. There is still much to learn about the extent to which climate change affects urban health equity and what can be done effectively in different socio-political and socio-economic contexts to improve the health of urban dwelling humans and the environment. But it is clear that equity-oriented climate change adaptation means attention to the social conditions in which urban populations live this is not just a climate change policy issue, it requires inter-sectoral action. Policies and programs in urban planning and design, workplace health and safety, and urban agriculture can help mitigate further climate change and adapt to existing climate change. If done well, these will also be good for urban health equity.Ítem Unintentional Fatal Paraquat Poisonings Among Agricultural Workers in Costa Rica: Report of 15 Cases(Wiley-Liss, Inc., 1998-12-06) Wesseling, Catharina; Hogstedt, Christer; Picado, Anabelle; Johansson, LeifEste estudio analiza las circunstancias de exposición de 15 intoxicaciones ocupacionales fatales por paraquat. Para evaluar el peligro potencial de la absorción dérmica y la cantidad necesaria para producir un desenlace fatal en caso de ingesta oral, revisamos los registros médicos y los protocolos de autopsia y entrevistamos a los familiares. Cinco muertes se debieron a la ingestión de un trago de concentrado de paraquat y cinco a la ingesta de una cantidad menor; tres casos se asociaron con exposición dérmica y en dos, no hubo evidencia de exposición oral o dérmica. Varios casos se referían a aerosoles de paraquat diluidos. Los hallazgos clínicos y patomorfológicos, incluida una evaluación "ciega" de portaobjetos de pulmón, fueron consistentes con intoxicación por paraquat en todos los casos. Se identificaron dificultades para establecer el diagnóstico y reconocer la exposición, así como la clasificación de los envenenamientos no intencionales como suicidios en la autopsia. Los hallazgos sugieren que el paraquat puede causar intoxicaciones mortales por ingestión de pequeñas cantidades, por absorción dérmica de paraquat diluido y posiblemente por inhalación. Se justifican estudios más concluyentes.Ítem The Determinants of Dermal Exposure Ranking Method (DERM): A Pesticide Exposure Assessment Approach for Developing Countries(Oxford University Press, 2008-07-07) Blanco, Luis E.; Aragón, Aurora; Lundberg, Ingvar; Wesseling Hoogervors, Catharina; Nise, GunAnewmethod for assessment of dermal exposure to pesticides in subsistence farmers by use of determinants of dermal exposure is described. The method, called the determinants of dermal exposureranking method(DERM),isacombinationofchecklists andexpert ratingassessment. Thus, determinants are listed in a form, which is used to check their presence and to assess them using a simple algorithm based on two factors, the type of transport process (T value) and the area of body surface exposed (Avalue). In addition, the type of clothing worn during applications is included as a protection factor. We applied the DERM to real pesticide applications, characterizing dermal exposure and comparing DERM estimates with earlier developed semiquantitative visual scores based on fluorescent tracer, the total visual score (TVS) and contaminated body area (CBA). DERM showed avery good level of agreement with both the TVS (r 5 0.69; P 5 0.000) and the CBA (r 5 0.67; P 5 0.000). DERM allowed identification of the determinants that had the highest effect on exposure and the farmers with the highest exposure. In conclusion, DERM provided information on the determinants responsible for dermal exposure in a group of subsistence farmers. This can be useful to design monitoring and preventive programs, define priorities for intervention and prioritize and select most adequate measurementstrategies. DERM promises to be a low-cost easy-to-use method to assess dermal exposure to pesticides in developing country conditions.Ítem Assessment of Dermal Pesticide Exposure with Fluorescent Tracer: a Modification of a Visual Scoring System for Developing Countries(Oxford University Press, 2005-08-26) Aragón, Aurora; Blanco, Luis E.; Fúnez, Aura; Ruepert, Clemens; Lidén, Carola; Nise, Gun; Wesseling Hoogervors, CatharinaEn 1988, Fenske presentó un método semicuantitativo de evaluación de la exposición dérmica basado en observaciones visuales de imágenes de fluorescencia. Adaptamos el método a las condiciones de trabajo de Nicaragua y evaluamos su desempeño. Treinta y dos agricultores aplicaron clorpirifos y metamidofos marcados con Tinopal CBS-X®. Se observaron los depósitos fluorescentes en la piel con una lámpara UV portátil en una habitación oscura plegable. Modificamos los dos componentes del sistema original: la extensión ponderando el tamaño de las partes del cuerpo expuestas según la superficie corporal total y la intensidad estableciendo criterios para leer las imágenes de fluorescencia. Esto dio como resultado puntajes de segmentos corporales (BSS) para partes corporales específicas, así como dos medidas de resumen, el área corporal contaminada (CBA) como el porcentaje de piel contaminada en relación con la superficie corporal total y el puntaje visual total (TVS) como un puntaje general que combina el alcance y la intensidad de la contaminación. El puntaje de intensidad se evaluó con análisis cuantitativos de residuos químicos. Las manos fueron las contaminadas con mayor frecuencia y la espalda tuvo el BSS más alto. El CBA varió entre 1 y 66% y el TVS entre 0,5 y 270. El agricultor con el TVS más alto obtuvo un puntaje de 60% del máximo posible. Los residuos aumentaron con el aumento de las intensidades de fluorescencia con algunos errores de clasificación. Las imágenes fluorescentes reflejaron las prácticas laborales y los mecanismos de contaminación. En conclusión, el puntaje visual, tal como lo modificamos, proporciona información sobre los segmentos del cuerpo que más contribuyen a la exposición dérmica y el grado de contaminación de la piel durante las aplicaciones de pesticidas. Los patrones de fluorescencia reflejan las vías de exposición. El sistema es de bajo costo y práctico para los países en desarrollo. Se recomiendan mejoras adicionales.Ítem Reliability of a Visual Scoring System with Fluorescent Tracers to Assess Dermal Pesticide Exposure(Oxford University Press, 2004-09-20) Aragon, Aurora; Blanco, Luis; Lopéz, Lylliam; Lidén, Carola; Nise, Gun; Wesseling Hoogervors, CatharinaWe modified Fenske's semi-quantitative ‘visual scoring system’ of fluorescent tracer deposited on the skin of pesticide applicators and evaluated its reproducibility in the Nicaraguan setting. The body surface of 33 farmers, divided into 31 segments, was videotaped in the field after spraying with a pesticide solution containing a fluorescent tracer. A portable UV lamp was used for illumination in a foldaway dark room. The videos of five farmers were randomly selected. The scoring was based on a matrix with extension of fluorescent patterns (scale 0–5) on the ordinate and intensity (scale 0–5) on the abscissa, with the product of these two ranks as the final score for each body segment (0–25). Five medical students rated and evaluated the quality of 155 video images having undergone 4 h of training. Cronbach alpha coefficients and two-way random effects intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) with absolute agreement were computed to assess inter-rater reliability. Consistency was high (Cronbach alpha = 0.96), but the scores differed substantially between raters. The overall ICC was satisfactory [0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.62–0.83], but it was lower for intensity (0.54; 95% CI = 0.40–0.66) and higher for extension (0.80; 95% CI = 0.71–0.86). ICCs were lowest for images with low scores and evaluated as low quality, and highest for images with high scores and high quality. Inter-rater reliability coefficients indicate repeatability of the scoring system. However, field conditions for recording fluorescence should be improved to achieve higher quality images, and training should emphasize a better mechanism for the reading of body areas with low contamination.Ítem Ecohealth and Resilience Thinking: a Dialog From Experiences in Research and Practice(Resilience Alliance, 2014) Berbés-Blázquez, Marta; Sky Oestreicher, Jordan; Mertens, Frédéric; Saint-Charles, JohanneResilience thinking and ecosystems approaches to health (EAH), or ecohealth, share roots in complexity science, although they have distinct foundations in ecology and population health, respectively. The current articulations of these two approaches are strongly converging, but each approach has its strengths. Resilience thinking has developed theoretical models to the study of social– ecological systems, whereas ecohealth has a vast repertoire of experience in dealing with complex health issues. With the two fields dovetailing, there is ripe opportunity to create a dialogue centered on concepts that are more thoroughly developed in one field, which can then serve to advance the other. In this article, we first present an overview of the ecohealth and resilience thinking frameworks before opening a dialogue centered on seven themes that have strong potential for cross-pollination between the two approaches: scale regime interactions, regime shifts, adaptive environmental management, social learning, participation, social and gender equity, and knowledge to action. We conclude with some future research suggestions for those interested in theoretical and practical applications at the intersection of environment and health. In particular, closer collaboration between these two fields can lead to addressing blind spots in the ecosystem services framework, complementary social-network analysis, the applicationÍtem Respiratory Health Outcomes, Rhinitis, and Eczema in Workers from Grain Storage Facilities in Costa Rica(Britsh Ocupational Hygiene Sciety, 2018-11-01) Rodríguez-Zamora, María G; Zock, Jan Paul; van Wendel de Joode, Berna; Mora, Ana MariaTo examine the associations of inhalable grain dust exposure with respiratory health outcomes, rhinitis, and eczema reported by workers from rice, wheat, and maize storage facilities. A cross-sectional study of 136 workers (73 operators and 63 administrative staff and other workers) from eight Costa Rican grain storage facilities was conducted in 2014–2015. Full-shift personal inhalable dust samples from all workers were collected. Study participants were administered a short version of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire to identify symptoms of asthma, chronic bronchitis, rhinitis, and eczema. Associations between grain dust exposure and health outcomes were assessed using multivariable logistic and negative binomial regression models adjusted for age, smoking history, grain type, and presence of pets or farm animals in the home.The median inhalable grain dust concentration was 2.0 (25th to 75th percentile: 0.3–7.0) mg m−3. Higher concentrations of inhalable dust were associated with increased odds of (i) asthma symptoms or medication use [adjusted Odds ratio (ORa ) per 10-fold increase in dust concentration 2.7; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3–6.7]; (ii) a score of at least two out of five symptoms suggestive of asthma (ORa 1.2; 95% CI: 1.0–1.3); and (iii) eczema (ORa 3.6; 95% CI: 1.7–9.6). No associations of inhalable grain dust exposure with chronic bronchitis and rhinitis were observed. High exposure to inhalable dust in Costa Rican grain storage facilities was associated to asthma symptoms and eczema in workers.Ítem Nematicidal Efficacy of Fluensulfone against False Root-knot Nematode (Nacobbus aberrans) in Cucumber Crop under Field Conditions(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2016-01) Orozco Aceves, Martha; Calvo-Araya, Jose AlonsoEl presente estudio se realizó para comparar la eficacia de un nematicida de nueva generación para el control del nematodo agallador falso, Nacobbus aberrans, en cultivo de pepino (Cucumis sativus L.) en condiciones de campo. El experimento se diseñó bajo un diseño de bloques completos al azar con cuatro repeticiones. Se evaluaron seis tratamientos para el control de N. aberrans: cuatro dosis de fluensulfona, una del nematicida oxamil y un control sin aplicación de nematicidas. Diez días antes del trasplante, los nematicidas se aplicaron en una sola dosis mediante sistemas de riego. Se obtuvo un mayor control en condiciones de campo con la aplicación de fluensulfona a una dosis de 2,75 L ha⁻¹. Las densidades poblacionales finales más bajas de N. aberrans en el cultivo de pepino se registraron en las parcelas tratadas con fluensulfona a una dosis de 2,25 L ha⁻¹, con un promedio de 6,25 juveniles, y el índice de agallas más bajo se observó en las parcelas tratadas con fluensulfona a la misma dosis, con un índice de 2,1. Los resultados indicaron que la aplicación de fluensulfona al cultivo de pepino puede proporcionar un buen control de N. aberrans.Ítem Environmental hazards associated with pesticide import into Costa Rica, 1977-2009(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2014-09-05) De la Cruz, Elba; Bravo Durán, Viria; Ramírez, Fernando; Castillo, Luisa E.Raw pesticide import data from 1977 to 2009 obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture in Costa Rica were processed and analyzed. The quantity of specific active ingredients (a.i.), and chemical groups were calculated by year and presented in ten-year periods. Three sets of environmental hazard indicators were constructed: one for general pesticides exposure to monitor tendencies in time, including total quantities imported divided by significant denominators, such as hectares of protected and wetland areas. The second indicator calculates pesticide use on the Pacific or Caribbean slope. The third one is an assessment of environmental hazards intended to estimate fate and toxicity to aquatic biota. A review of Costa Rican aquatic ecosystems' contamination with pesticides is presented. The annual average import as well as the quantity of pesticides capable of reaching water bodies increased during the analyzed period. The same was observed for harmful a.i., 98% of the pesticides imported were classified as acutely toxic for fish and crustaceans and 73% for amphibians. Approximately 8.4 kg of a.i. were imported per hectare of protected areas and 24.3 kg of a.i. per hectare of wetlands. The contamination of aquatic systems over time by specific pesticides matches quite well the list of imported ones. We recommend using data of pesticide imports as a source of information to evaluate environmental risk exposure and promote changes to reduce impacts on aquatic systems.Ítem Pesticide residue analyses and biomarker responses of native Costa Rican fish of the poeciliidae and cichlidae families to assess environmental impacts of pesticides in Palo Verde National Park(Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, 2013-09-05) Mena, F.; San Juan, M. Fernández; Campos, B.; Sáchez-Ávila, J.; Faria, M; Pinnock, M; De la Cruz, E.; Lacorte, S.; Soares, A.M.V.M.; Barata, C.Pesticide chemical residues in water samples and biomarker responses in transplanted fish were used to monitor environmental hazards of pesticides in Palo Verde National Park (Costa Rica). The Costarican fish, Parachromis dovii (Ciclhidae) and Parachromis dovii Poecilia gillii (Poecillidae), were selected as sentinel species. Contaminant analyses detected up to 15 different pesticide residues in water with hexachlobenzene (2261 ng l ), phorate (473 ng l ), epoxiconazole (314) and bromacil (117 ng l ) being the compounds found in higher concentrations. Biomarker responses evidenced impacts on cholinesterase activities in transplanted fish at Barbudal site probably due to the presence of organophosphate insecticides such as phorate. High enzyme activities of glutathione S-transferase and catalase and elevated levels of lipid peroxides were also observed at a site impacted by rice fields (Cabuyo); those effects could be associated with the presence of hexachloro benzene and triazole fungicides. In general, P. dovii biomarkers were affected to a greater extent than those of P.gillii in fish transplanted to sites associated with agriculture, which suggests the former species is a good candidate for future surveys.Ítem Effect of pesticides used in banana and pineapple plantations on aquatic ecosystems in Costa Rica(Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, 2013-09-05) Diepens, Noël J.; Pfennig, Sascha; Van den Brink, Paul; Gunnarsson, Jonas; Ruepert, Clemens; Castillo, Luisa E.Current knowledge on fate and effect of agricultural pesticides comes is mainly from temperate ecosystems. More studies are needed in tropical systems in order to assess contamination risks to nontarget endemic tropical species from the extensive use of pesticides e.g. in banana and pineapple plantations. In this study, acute laboratory toxicity tests with organophosphate pesticides ethoprophos and chlorpyrifos were conducted on two Costa Rican species, cladoceran and fish . Tests showed that chlorpyrifos was more toxic than ethoprophos to and and that was also more sensitive than to both pesticides. Additionally, bioassays were performed by exposing and to contaminated water collected from the field. Chemical analyses of field water revealed that fungicides were generally the most frequent pesticide group found, followed by insecticides/nematicides and herbicides. The bioassays and values obtained from the literature confirmed that was more sensitive to pesticide contamination than and that was more sensitive than , suggesting that the native cladoceran is a more suitable test species than its temperate counterpart. Species sensitivity distributions showed no significant difference in sensitivity between tropical and temperate fish and the arthropod species exposed to chlorpyrifos in this study. Choline esterase activity (ChE) was measured in in laboratory tests in order to assess the applicability of this biomarker. ChE inhibition in was observed in the laboratory at levels below the LC of both ethoprophos and chlorpyrifos, confirming that ChE is an efficient biomarker of exposure. Both indigenous Costa Rican species used in this study were found to be suitable standard tropical test species. Further studies are needed to investigate how protective the safe environmental concentrations, derived from LC of native tropical species, are for protecting tropical aquatic natural communities.Ítem Sensitivity of Costa Rica's native cladoceran Daphnia ambigua and Simocephalus serrulatus to the organophosphate pesticide ethoprophos(Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, 2013-09-05) Arias-Andrés, María; Mena Torres, Freylan; Vargas, Seiling; Solano, KarlaThe study of pesticide toxicity in aquatic environments is assessed with ecotoxicological tests and most research has been performed using species from temperate regions. In the present study, series of acute (48 hrs) toxicity tests to compare the sensibility of two indigenous cladocera of Costa Rica and two reference species were used in temperate regions to the organophosphate pesticide, Ethoprophos. Additionally, reproduction tests using S. serrulatus with sub lethal concentrations of ethoprophos and a control were assayed to check its sensitivity over a longer period exposure. The sensitivity of Costa Rica's native species Daphnia ambigua (EC50 48 hr: 12.9 +/- 3.0 microg(l(-1)) and Simocephalus serrulatus (10.6 +/- 2.1 microg l(-1)) to ethoprophos were higher (p < 0.05) when compared to the exotic species Daphnia magna (289.8 +/- 77.4 microg l(-1)), and were comparable to that of the more widely distributed species, Ceriodaphnia dubia (18.2 +/- 5.2 microg l(-1)). No effect on S. serrulatus reproduction was observed at concentrations between 1 and 4 microg l(-1). This study provides information that can be considered in the selection of species for ecosystem studies of pesticide toxicity in neotropical regions.Ítem The Impact of Urban Pollution on Plasmid-Mediated Resistance Acquisition in Enterobacteria from a Tropical River(Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, 2024-11-14) Mendoza-Guido, B; Barrantes, Kenia; Rodríguez, César; Jiménez-Rojas, Keilor; Arias-Andrés, MaríaThe exposure of environmental bacteria to contaminants in aquatic ecosystems accelerates the dissemination of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Methods: In this study, we sampled three locations along a contamination gradient of a polluted river, focusing on isolating Enterobacteria from the surface waters to investigate the relationship between urban pollution and antibiotic resistance. The genomes of 15 isolates (5 per site) were sequenced to identify plasmid-borne ARGs and their association with resistance phenotypes. Results: Isolates from the site with the highest contamination (Site 3) showeda larger number of ARGs, plasmids, and resistance phenotypes. Notably, one of the isolates analyzed, E. coli A231-12, exhibited phenotypic resistance to seven antibiotics, presumably conferred by a single plasmid carrying 12 ARGs. Comparative analysis of this plasmid revealed its close evolutionary relationship with another IncH plasmid hosted by Salmonella enterica, underscoring its high ARG burden in the aquatic environment. Other plasmids identified in our isolates carried sul and dfrA genes, conferring resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, a commonly prescribed antibiotic combination in clinical settings. Conclusions: These results highlight the critical need to expand research on the link between pollution and plasmid-mediated antimicrobial resistance in aquatic ecosystems, which can act as reservoirs of ARGs.Ítem Sensibilidad de Hydra attenuata e Hydra viridis a los plaguicidas diuron y etoprofos, Costa Rica(Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, 2023-09-01) Jones, C.; Ugalde, María del Rocío.; Jiménez, K.; Mena, F.; Vargas, S.El objetivo fue determinar cuál de las dos especies de hidras (Hydra attenuata o Hydra viridis) resultaba más sensible a dos plaguicidas, para luego usarla como parte de la batería de organismos de prueba del Laboratorio de Estudios Ecotoxicológicos (ECOTOX). [Metodología] Para esto se utilizaron diluciones de dos de los plaguicidas más comúnmente usados en el cultivo de piña en Costa Rica y detectados en muestras de agua: el herbicida diuron y el insecticida etoprofos. Se realizaron bioensayos de toxicidad con cada una de estas sustancias y con una mezcla de estas. Se registró el estado morfológico de las hidras. Además, se evaluaron la concentración de efecto medio (EC50), la concentración letal media (LC50), y las interacciones de toxicidad según tres posibilidades: antagónica, aditiva o sinérgica. [Resultados] La H. attenuata fue la especie más sensible a ambos plaguicidas, con LC50s de 16,84 mg/L y 103,01 mg/L; y EC50s de 4,24 mg/L y 23,74 mg/L para diuron y etoprofos, respectivamente. Mientras tanto la H. viridistuvo LC50s de 36,94 mg/L y 103,01 mg/L, con EC50s de 13,64 mg/L y 53,12 mg/L, también para diuron y etoprofos, respectivamente. La exposición a la mezcla de plaguicidas solo causó mortalidad a la H. viridis y tuvo efecto sinérgico en ambas especies. [Conclusiones] Estos resultados sugieren que la H. attenuata es la especie más apropiada para la evaluación de efectos de plaguicidas, pero se deben realizar más estudios sobre las interacciones de los contaminantes en mezclas, porque estas pueden modificar su toxicidad para diferentes especies.Ítem El impacto de la resistencia a los antibióticos en el desarrollo sostenible(Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, 2022-06) Barrantes Jiménez, K; Chacón Jiménez, L; Arias Andrés, MLa resistencia a los antimicrobianos (RAM) es un problema de salud pública cada vez más complejo y se considera como una de las mayores amenazas en todo el mundo. El desarrollo de la RA en los patógenos bacterianos es una consecuencia esperada de la adaptación evolutiva, debido a la presencia de este tipo de contaminantes, los antibióticos, en variedad de nichos ecológicos. Además, hay múltiples factores asociados con su origen y diseminación, entre ellos, el uso desmedido y poco regulado de los antibióticos en la medicina humana y veterinaria, así como en la agricultura, la ganadería y la industria. De hecho, recientemente se ha indicado el papel del ambiente como reservorio para genes de RA y bacterias resistentes a antibióticos. En este sentido, el enfoque para contener y controlar este problema tan complejo involucra de forma necesaria a diversas áreas como la medicina, la veterinaria, las ciencias ambientales y sectores de la industria y la economía. En este artículo, se realiza una descripción tanto del problema de la RA y sus elementos causales, como del enfoque multidisciplinario que ha sido propuesto para su manejo en el ámbito global. Se detalla también cómo la RA afecta el desarrollo humano sostenible conforme a la Agenda 2030 formulada por la ONU, en el cumplimiento de algunos de los objetivos del desarrollo sostenible (ODS).Ítem Suicide and Exposure to Organophosphate Insecticides: Cause or Effect?(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2005-03-17) London, L.; Flisher, A.J.; Wesseling, C.; Mergler, D.; Kromhout, H.Background Suicide using pesticides as agent is recognized as a major cause of pesticide poisoning. Methods A literature review of mortality and morbidity studies related to suicide among pesticide-exposed populations, and of human and animal studies of central nervous system toxicity related to organophosphate (OP) pesticides was performed. Results Suicide rates are high in farming populations. Animal studies link OP exposure to serotonin disturbances in the central nervous system, which are implicated in depression and suicide in humans. Epidemiological studies conclude that acute and chronic OP exposure is associated with affective disorders. Case series and ecological studies also support a causal association between OP use and suicide. Conclusions OPs are not only agents for suicide. They may be part of the causal pathway. Emphasizing OPs solely as agents for suicide shifts responsibility for prevention to the individual, reducing corporate responsibility and limiting policy options available for control.Ítem Early life exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and mid-childhood lipid and alanine aminotransferase levels(ELSEVIER, 2018-02-01) Mora, Ana Maria; Fleisch, Abby F.; Rifas-Shiman, Sheryl L.; Woo Baidal, Jennifer A.; Pardo, Larissa; Webster, Thomas; Calafat, Antonia M.; Ye, Xiaoyun; Oken, Emily; Sagiv, SharonGrowing evidence suggests that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may disrupt lipid homeostasis and liver function, but data in children are limited. We examined the association of prenatal and mid-childhood PFAS exposure with lipids and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in children. We studied 682 mother-child pairs from a Boston-area pre-birth cohort. We quantified PFASs in maternal plasma collected in pregnancy (median 9.7 weeks gestation, 1999–2002) and in child plasma collected in mid-childhood (median age 7.7 years, 2007–2010). In mid-childhood we also measured fasting total (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and ALT. We then derived low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from TC, HDL-C, and TG using the Friedewald formula. Median (interquartile range, IQR) perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), and perfluorodecanoate (PFDeA) concentrations in child plasma were 6.2 (5.5), 4.3 (3.0), and 0.3 (0.3) ng/mL, respectively. Among girls, higher child PFOS, PFOA, and PFDeA concentrations were associated with detrimental changes in the lipid profile, including higher TC and/or LDL-C [e.g., β per IQR increment in PFOS = 4.0 mg/dL (95% CI: 0.3, 7.8) for TC and 2.6 mg/dL (−0.5, 5.8) for LDL-C]. However, among both boys and girls, higher plasma concentrations of these child PFASs were also associated with higher HDL-C, which predicts better cardiovascular health, and slightly lower ALT, which may indicate better liver function. Prenatal PFAS concentrations were also modestly associated with improved childhood lipid and ALT levels. Our data suggest that prenatal and mid-childhood PFAS exposure may be associated with modest, but somewhat conflicting changes in the lipid profile and ALT levels in children.Ítem Microplastics Increase Impact of Treated Wastewater on Freshwater Microbial Community(ELSEVIER, 2018-03-01) Eckert, Ester M.; Di Cesare, Andrea.; Therese Kettner, Marie; Arias Andrés, María de Jesús; Fontaneto, Diego; Grossart, Hans-Peter; Corno, GianlucaPlastic pollution is a major global concern with several million microplastic particles entering every day freshwater ecosystems via wastewater discharge. Microplastic particles stimulate biofilm formation (plastisphere) throughout the water column and have the potential to affect microbial community structure if they accumulate in pelagic waters, especially enhancing the proliferation of biohazardous bacteria. To test this scenario, we simulated the inflow of treated wastewater into a temperate lake using a continuous culture system with a gradient of concentration of microplastic particles. We followed the effect of microplastics on the microbial community structure and on the occurrence of integrase 1 (int1), a marker associated with mobile genetic elements known as a proxy for anthropogenic effects on the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes. The abundance of int1 increased in the plastisphere with increasing microplastic particle concentration, but not in the water surrounding the microplastic particles. Likewise, the microbial community on microplastic was more similar to the original wastewater community with increasing microplastic concentrations. Our results show that microplastic particles indeed promote persistence of typical indicators of microbial anthropogenic pollution in natural waters, and substantiate that their removal from treated wastewater should be prioritised.