Differential Estrogenic Effects of the Persistent Organochlorine Pesticides Dieldrin, Endosulfan, and Lindane in Primary Neuronal Cultures

The organochlorine chemicals endosulfan, dieldrin, and ghexachlorocyclohexane (lindane) are persistent pesticides to which people are exposed mainly via diet. Their antagonism of the g-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptor makes them convulsants. They are also endocrine disruptors because of their interaction with the estrogen receptor (ER). Here, we study the effects of dieldrin, endosulfan, and lindane on ERs in primary cultures of cortical neurons (CN) and cerebellar granule cells (CGC). All the compounds tested inhibited the binding of [3H]-estradiol to the ER in both CN and CGC, with dieldrin in CGC showing the highest affinity.We also determined the effects of the pesticides on protein kinase B (Akt) and extracellular-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation. Dieldrin and endosulfan increased Akt phosphorylation in CN, which was inhibited by the ERb antagonist 4-[2-phenyl-5,7- bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl]phenol. Instead, Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation induced by dieldrin in CGC was mediated by multiple activation of ERa, ERb, and G protein– coupled receptor 30. Lindane did not activate these pathways, but it inhibited estradiol-mediated Akt and ERK1/2 activation. In CN, all the chemicals activated ERK1/2 through a mechanism involving GABAA and glutamate receptors. Long-term exposure to these pesticides reduced the levels of ERa, but not of ERb. Moreover, extracts of CN treated with endosulfan, dieldrin, or lindane induced cell proliferation in MCF-7 human breast cancer–derived cells, whereas only extracts of CGC treated with dieldrin induced MCF-7 cell proliferation. Overall, the observed alterations on ER-mediated signaling and ER levels in neurons might contribute to the neurotoxicity of these organochlorine pesticides.Ministry of Health(FIS 061212, FIS 10/0453); CIBERESP (AA08-001); Generalitat de Catalunya (2009/SGR/214); Consejerı ´a de Innovacio´n, Ciencia y Empresa de la Junta de Andalucı´a (P09-CTS-5488).Peer reviewe

Exposure to Trihalomethanes through Different Water Uses and Birth Weight, Small for Gestational Age, and Preterm Delivery in Spain

Background: Evidence associating exposure to water disinfection by-products with reduced birth weight and altered duration of gestation remains inconclusive

Introducción a los procesos de digitalización en Diseño Industrial

Ponencia presentada en el X Congreso Nacional de Expresión Gráfica en Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Carreras Afines. San Miguel de Tucumán, 2013Los sistemas de representación son para el Diseñador Industrial un medio de vital importancia que establece un lenguaje universal, que posibilita mediante la utilización de un amplio espectro de herramientas poder comunicar, integrar y validar sus soluciones frente a todos los sistemas que deben interactuar con él durante el proyecto y en el desarrollo técnico productivo de un producto fabricado en serie. Los procesos de digitalización se consideran hoy como uno de los grupos de herramientas de representación más versátiles que confieren al Diseñador Industrial una herramienta versátil y actualizada, que interactúa con la situación a resolver desde una concepción integral y sistémica; al igual que los actuales procesos de Manufactura por Ingeniería Concurrente (secuencia de procesos) que se organizan mediante la planificación simultánea y la convergencia sinérgica de todos sus procesos. Estos tienen por objetivo proveer una variedad de piezas gráficas con fines representativos y comunicacionales que permitan previsualizar el estado de avance del diseño según la etapa de proceso, siendo una actividad compleja que debe ser programada para asegurar la eficiencia y eficacia de la operación. En los procesos de digitalización se utilizan dos tipos de software, los CAD, Dibujo Asistido por Computadora y los sistemas CAM, Mecanizado Asistido por Computadora que además de generar un producto gráfico, permiten realizar comprobaciones mecánicas, estructurales y productivas, gracias a su motor tridimensional de programación y ser utilizados para procesos de fabricación. Es en este contexto universitario local; masivo y heterogéneo que la Cátedra Sistemas de Representación II de la Carrera de Diseño Industrial de la FAUD UNC, propone la experiencia de introducir a los alumnos a un recorrido multidireccional por las herramientas digitales, software plataformas vectoriales y CAD-CAM, más utilizados en la formación autodidacta de los estudiantes avanzados de Diseño Industrial, destacando las ventajas de estas herramientas como simuladores de diversas técnicas y etapas del proceso de diseño, ayudando a optimizar el uso del tiempo y herramientas tanto analógicas como digitales, mejorando la relación tiempo de trabajo - calidad de resultado. Pretendiendo que desde un enfoque académico los Alumnos del nivel inicial de la carrera de Diseño Industrial, dispongan de un enfoque versátil y multidisciplinar.Fil: Barra, Silvina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Montanaro, Urías. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Mazzieri, Conrado. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Depetris, María Belén. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: De la Fuente, Federico. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Lozano, Matías Fabricio. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Fernández Díaz, María Sol. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Beck, Claudia Renee. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Moreno, Facundo. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Grimalt, Mariana. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaOtras Ingenierías y Tecnología

Rational design and direct fabrication of multi-walled hollow electrospun fibers with controllable structure and surface properties

Multi-walled hollow fibers with a novel architecture are fabricated through utilizing a direct,one-step tri-axial electrospinning process with a manufacturing methodology which does not require any post-treatments for the removal of core material for creating hollowness in the fiber structure. The hydrophilicity of both inner and outer layers’ solution needs to be dissimilar and carefully controlled for creating a two-walled/layered hollow fiber tructure with a sharp interface. To this end, Hansen solubility parameters are used as n index of layer solution affinity hence allowing for control of diffusion across the layers and the surface porosity whereby an ideal multi-walled hollow electrospun fiber is shown to be producible by tri-axial electrospinning process. Multi-walled hollow electrospun fibers with different inner and outer diameters and different surface morphology are successfully produced by using dissimilar material combinations for inner and outer layers (i.e., hydrophobic polymers as outer layer and hydrophilic polymer as inner layer). Upon using different material combinations for inner and outer layers, it is shown that one may control both the outer and inner diameters of the fiber. The inner layer not only acts as a barrier and thus provides an ease in the encapsulation of functional core materials of interest with different viscosities but also adds stiffness to the fiber. The structure and the surface morphology of fibers are controlled by changing applied voltage, polymer types, polymer concentration, and the evaporation rate of solvents. It is demonstrated that if the vapor pressure of the solvent for a given outer layer polymer is low, the fiber diameter decreases down to 100 nm whereas solvents with higher vapor pressure result in fibers with the outer diameter of up to 1 μm. The influence of electric field strength on the shape of Taylor cone is also monitored during the production process and the manufactured fibers are structurally investigated by relevant surface characterization techniques

Trihalomethane levels in drinking water in the province of Granada [Spain]

7 pages, 3 figures, 1 table.-- PMID: 19080927 [PubMed].[ESP] Objetivos: La cloración del agua da lugar a la formación de subproductos potencialmente dañinos para la salud, entre ellos los trihalometanos, que se han hallado elevados en algunas zonas de España. En este estudio se investigan los valores de trihalometanos en el agua de consumo suministrada por varios sistemas de abastecimiento de la provincia de Granada, en el área de actuación de la cohorte madres-hijos de la Red INMA (Infancia y Medio Ambiente).Métodos: Se analizaron 82 muestras de agua de consumo en dos campañas de muestreo en invierno y verano de 2006. Se determinó la concentración de cloroformo, romodiclorometano, dibromoclorometano y bromoformo, siguiendo un procedimiento optimizado basado en cromatografía de gases y espectrometría de masas.Resultados: El rango de concentración de trihalometanos totales se situó entre 0,14 y 18,75 ug/l en la campaña de invierno y entre 0,01 y 31,87 ug/l en la de verano. El compuesto mayoritario fue cloroformo. La concentración media de trihalometanos en agua de origen superficial y subterráneo fue de 10,13 y 1,41 ug/l, respectivamente.Conclusiones: Los valores de trihalometanos encontrados son muy inferiores a la concentración máxima admisible (100 ug/l) establecida por la Unión Europea para estos compuestos. Estos valores varían significativamente según el origen del agua, con mayores concentraciones en áreas urbana y semiurbana, donde el agua es mayoritariamente de origen superficial. La presencia de trihalometanos en la zona es menor a la descrita en otras regiones españolas.[ENG] Objectives: Drinking water chlorination generates potentially harmful by-products, such as trihalomethanes. Trihalomethane levels are high in some parts of Spain. The aim of the present study was to investigate trihalomethane concentrations in drinking water from distinct water supplies in the province of Granada, within the framework of the Childhood and Environment (INMA) study.Methods: Eighty-two tap water samples were collected in two campaigns during the winter and summer of 2006. An optimized procedure based on gas chromatography and mass spectrometry was used to determine concentrations of chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform in the samples.Results: Total trihalomethane concentrations ranged from 0.14 to 18.75 ug/l in winter samples and from 0.01 to 31.87 ug/l in summer samples. The most abundant compound was chloroform. Mean trihalomethane concentrations were 10.13 in surface waters and 1.41 ug/l in ground waters.Conclusions: The trihalomethane levels found were considerably below the maximum permitted level of 100 ug/l in the European Union. The values obtained varied widely according to the type of water source: the highest concentrations were found in urban and sub-urban areas, where the water is largely of surface origin. The presence of trihalomethanes was lower than that reported in other Spanish regions.Este trabajo se ha financiado gracias a los proyectos de investigación subvencionados por la Comisión Europea (Environmental Reproductive Health-QLK4-1999-01422), el Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias (Red de Infancia y Medio Ambiente, INMA-G03/176) y la Consejería de Salud de la Junta de Andalucía (SAS-202/04).Peer reviewe

Glyphosate and AMPA in saliva and other traditional human matrices. New findings for less invasive biomonitoring to the exposure to pesticides

Human biomonitoring of the exposure to pesticides is usually performed in biological matrices such as urine and plasma. However, the possibility of using less invasive matrices allows the screening of large number of subjects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the body burden of the exposure to the most widely used herbicide, Glyphosate (GLY), and its main metabolite, the aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), in different populations from the province of Córdoba (Argentina), and to propose the saliva as a matrix for possible implementation in biomonitoring of the exposure to pesticides.Glyphosate and AMPA concentrations were evaluated in urine, plasma, and saliva of subjects occupationally and environmentally exposed to pesticides from one of the most important agricultural areas of Argentina. Gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was used for the identification and quantification of the analytes.Both GLY and AMPA were quantified in all matrices with higher detection frequency (DF) in the occupationally exposed group than in non-occupationally exposed individuals. Among evaluated matrices, the highest DF and concentration levels of GLY were found in saliva. Moreover, the only statistical difference between groups of subjects were found for GLY and AMPA concentrations in saliva, indicating the possible use of this non-invasive human matrix to evaluate different levels and scenarios of exposure. No significant correlation was found between GLY and AMPA levels in saliva and the traditional matrices (urine and blood) used to measure exposure to pesticides.This is the first report of the presence and concentrations of GLY and AMPA in human saliva samples. Results of the present study are relevant for future biomonitoring of the exposure to GLY, but also to pesticides in general. Saliva deserved further investigation as an alternative, easy, and economical matrix involving less invasive methods for biomonitoring and screenings of large populations

Glyphosate and AMPA in saliva and other traditional human matrices. New findings for less invasive biomonitoring to the exposure to pesticides

Human biomonitoring of the exposure to pesticides is usually performed in biological matrices such as urine and plasma. However, the possibility of using less invasive matrices allows the screening of large number of subjects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the body burden of the exposure to the most widely used herbicide, Glyphosate (GLY), and its main metabolite, the aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), in different populations from the province of Córdoba (Argentina), and to propose the saliva as a matrix for possible implementation in biomonitoring of the exposure to pesticides. Glyphosate and AMPA concentrations were evaluated in urine, plasma, and saliva of subjects occupationally and environmentally exposed to pesticides from one of the most important agricultural areas of Argentina. Gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was used for the identification and quantification of the analytes. Both GLY and AMPA were quantified in all matrices with higher detection frequency (DF) in the occupationally exposed group than in non-occupationally exposed individuals. Among evaluated matrices, the highest DF and concentration levels of GLY were found in saliva. Moreover, the only statistical difference between groups of subjects were found for GLY and AMPA concentrations in saliva, indicating the possible use of this non-invasive human matrix to evaluate different levels and scenarios of exposure. No significant correlation was found between GLY and AMPA levels in saliva and the traditional matrices (urine and blood) used to measure exposure to pesticides. This is the first report of the presence and concentrations of GLY and AMPA in human saliva samples. Results of the present study are relevant for future biomonitoring of the exposure to GLY, but also to pesticides in general. Saliva deserved further investigation as an alternative, easy, and economical matrix involving less invasive methods for biomonitoring and screenings of large populations.The authors thank every subject who voluntarily participates in the study and to every person who facilitates the work. These studies were funded by the Horizon 2020 European Union Projects EDCMET (H2020-HEALTH/0490-825762) and PARC (HORIZON-HLTH-2021-ENVHLTH-03: 101057014), and the Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) LINCGLOBAL 2021 project (INCGLO0037). IDAEA-CSIC is a Severo Ochoa Centre of Research Excellence, grant CEX2018-000794-S funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033. Funding from the Catalan Government (Research Group 2021SGR00986) is acknowledged. It was also supported by grants from the Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Técnica (FONCyT PICT2019- 2892), Secretaría de Ciencia y Técnica (SECyT, UNC, Res. 411/2018). Iohanna Filippi gratefully acknowledges a fellowship from CONICET.Peer reviewe

Pilot study of exposure of the male population to organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticides in a region of high agricultural activity (Córdoba, Argentina)

Urinary metabolites of organophosphate (OP) and pyrethroid (PYR) pesticides and biomarkers of effects were studied in a population (n=40) residing in an important agricultural area of the province of Córdoba (Argentina). Detection frequencies (DF) higher than 85% were observed for the metabolites of pirimiphos (2-diethylamino-6-methylpyrimidin-4-ol –DEAMPY-, median 7.5 μg/g creatinine, DF: 100%), parathion (p-nitrophenol, 0.99 μg/g creatinine, 100%), and chlorpyrifos (3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol, 0.25 μg/g creatinine, 85%). The DEAMPY concentrations doubled the levels found in other studies and were negatively associated with Er-AChE activity, suggesting the appearance of health effects already in environmental exposure levels below established acceptable daily intakes (ADIs). 3-Phenoxybenzoic acid, the metabolite of several PYR pesticides, was also found in all samples. This metabolite was also significantly negatively correlated with Er-AChE, indicating effects of pyrethroid pesticides on the acetylcholine system even at concentrations below the ADI.Fil: Filippi, Iohanna. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas; ArgentinaFil: Bravo, Natalia. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; EspañaFil: Grimalt, Joan. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; EspañaFil: Butinof, Mariana. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Escuela de Nutrición; ArgentinaFil: Lerda, Daniel. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina; ArgentinaFil: Fernández, Ricardo. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina; ArgentinaFil: Muñoz, Sonia Edith. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina; ArgentinaFil: Amé, María Valeria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas; Argentin

Prenatal exposure to hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and reproductive effects in a multicentre birth cohort in spain

Objective: To investigate the possible association between birth size or gestational length and maternal serum concentrations of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) in a population exposed to background levels. Methods: A total of 1568 mother-child pairs recruited in three Spanish areas (INMA Project) from 2004 to 2008 participated in the study. Multivariate analysis was performed between birth weight and length, weeks of gestation, preterm birth or small for gestational age and HCB concentrations in maternal serum. Results: The median concentration of HCB was 45.45. ng/g lipids. No association was found between HCB exposure levels and birth weight (β 50.42 [109.88; 9.04]), birth length (β: 0.07 [0.32; 0.18]), gestation age (HR: 1.07 [0.94; 1.22]), small for gestational age (OR: 0.95 [0.56; 1.61]) and preterm birth (OR: 0.60 [0.29; 1.28]). Results remain similar after adjustment for other organochlorines. Conclusion: Our findings support the idea that exposure to low levels of HCB does not affect the intrauterine growth nor the duration of gestation.a Public Health Division of Gipuzkoa, Basque Government, Spain b Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain c Health Research Institute, Biodonostia, San Sebastián, Spain d University of the Basque Country, Spain e Unit of Environment and Health, Centre for Public Health Research (CSISP), Valencia, Spain f University of Valencia, Spain g Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain h Public Health Laboratory, Basque Government, Spain i Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain j University of Granada, San Cecilio Universitary Hospital, Granada, SpainN

The Spanish Environment and Childhood Research Network (INMA study)

3 pages.Prenatal and early life exposure to environmental agents, including dietary exposure, is associated with child health and human development and predisposes to late adult effects. Children are more vulnerable than adults to chemical, physical and biological hazards in air, water and soil, because they are still growing and their immune system and detoxification mechanisms are not fully developed. The physical, social and intellectual development of children from conception to the end of adolescence requires a protected environment that is also protective of their health. Following WHO and European Union recommendations, the Cooperative Environment and Childhood Research Network was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Health to study effects of environment and diet on foetal and early childhood development in different geographical areas of Spain. This network integrates different multidisciplinary research groups and is comprised of six cohorts – three pre-existing and three de novo – which will prospectively follow up 3600 pregnant women from start of pregnancy until the children are 4–6-year old.We are grateful to all mothers, partners and children taking part in the INMA Study and to the midwives, obstetricians and paediatricians for their co-operation and help in the recruitment and follow-up of the cohorts. This study could not be undertaken without the financial support of the "Instituto de Salud Carlos III" (G03/176) and "RCESP" (C03/09). It is also supported in part by the "Fundación La Caixa" "for the Ribera d’Ebre cohort (97/009-00 and 00/077-00)’’, the "Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria" for the Valencia (FIS 031615) and Menorca (97/0588 and 00/0021-02) cohorts, European Union Commission for the Granada (QLK4- 1999-01422) and Menorca (QLK4-2000-00263) cohorts and "Consejerıa de Salud-Junta de Andalucía"(202/04) for the Granada cohort.Peer reviewe