Evaluación de plomo en el ambiente ocupacional de una industria de baterías

Se realizó un estudio de evaluación de riesgo ocupacional por la presencia de plomo en el aire, en una mediana industria de reciclaje y fabricación de baterías eléctricas ubicada en Bogotá, Colombia. Se tomaron muestras de aire en la zona de respiración de las personas, mediante bombas de muestreo personal con filtros de acetato de celulosa para captación de partículas, y se aplicó la metodología de muestreo parcial con muestras consecutivas. El contenido de plomo fue determinado por absorción atómica con llama. Se encontraron concentraciones de plomo en el aire entre no detectable y 6,23 mg Pb/m3 de aire. Los resultados indican que se supera el valor límite umbral (TLV) de 0,04 mg Pb/m3 de aire, corregido para la jornada laboral de 48 horas, en actividades de fundición, formación de placas, empaste y oficios varios. La evaluación de riesgo ocupacional confirma el riesgo en todos los puestos de trabajo y en las actividades señaladas durante la mayoría de los muestreos realizados.Air borne lead occupational exposure in a battery recycling and manufacturing industry in Bogotá, Colombia, was evaluated. Sampling pumps fitted with cellulose acetate particulate filters, were used for collecting air samples in personal breathing zone. Partial cycle with consecutive sampling was followed. Lead content was determined by flame atomic absorption. Results in melting, plate forming and others activities zones showed lead concentrations between unmeasurable to 6.23 mg Pb/m3 air; many values exceeding corrected threshold limit value,TLV: 0,04 mg Pb/m3 air. Occupational exposure evaluation established risk in every working place during most of samplingtime of this study

Aislamiento de hongos entomopatógenos en suelo y sobre gallinas ciegas (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) en agroecosistemas de maíz

The knowledge on the presence and abundance of natural enemies of white grubs in Mexico is limited. Therefore the aim of the present work is to isolate, identify and preserve entomopathogens from corn cultivated soils and from collections made directly on white grubs in Morelos. Altitudes of these georeferenced (GPS) sites ranged between 1000 to 2300 masl. Forty four soil sample collectionswere made in these sites. Fungal detection was made by the trap insect technique using Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) as a bait. Besides, white grub species present in each site belonging to different larval instars. These larvae were identified to morphospecies on the basis of the raster palidia and were observed until death or adult emergence. Field collected dead larvae with fungal infections were also identified in the same way. Both the larvae of G. mellonela and white grubs were used to isolate and identify the fugal species present. Fungal identification was made on the basis of morphology and fungal development on the insect which correlates with conidial size and shape and the conidial formation in colonies of purified isolates. Fourty eight fungal isolates (seven from white grubs and 41 G. mellonella) have been preserved in the Biological Control Laboratory of the CEIB-UAEM (a replicate has been placed in Fungal Entomopathogens Colllection of CNRCB). In this collection 15 strains of Metarhizium anisopliae, 30 strains of Beauveria bassiana and three strains of Paecilomyces sp. are present. This fungal diversity is valuable in the zone for conservation purposes and for its potencial as biocontrol agents against white grubs and other corn pests.En México se conoce poco sobre la presencia y abundancia de enemigos naturales de plagas suelo como las Phyllophaga spp. Por lo anterior se realizó el presente trabajo con los objetivos de aislar, identificar y conservar entomopatógenos en suelos cultivados con maíz y sobre inmaduros de gallina ciega en el estado de Morelos. En altitudes de 1000 a 2300 msnm, se realizaron cuarenta y cuatro colectas de suelo en sitios georeferenciados (GPS). La detección de hongos se realizó mediante la técnica de insecto trampa, Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Además, se colectaron inmaduros de gallina ciega de diversos estadios larvales en diferentes localidades, se separaron por morfoespecie de acuerdo a la forma del ráster y se tomaron fotografías de cada morfoespecie. Tanto de las larvas de G. mellonela como de las gallinas ciegas se realizaron aislamientos e identificación de hongos entomopatógenos. Se identificaron siete morfoespecies y tres especies de Phyllophaga, alimentándose sobre raíces de plantas de maíz, además de tres especies de Paranomala. Se conservan en la Colección del Laboratorio de Control Biológico del Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos (con respaldo en la Colección de Hongos Entomopatógenos del CNRCB) cuarenta y ocho aislamientos de hongos entomopatógenos (siete aislados de gallina ciega y 41 de larvas de G. mellonella). De éstos, 15 corresponden a Metarhizium anisopliae, 30 a Beauveria bassiana y tres a Paecilomyces sp. Estos aislamientos poseen un gran valor para la zona, desde el punto de vista de conservación de la biodiversidad de enemigos naturales de plagas agrícolas y por su potencial como agentes de control biológico de GC y otras plagas del maíz.

Optimizing dialysis dose in the context of frailty: an exploratory study

Introduction Frailty is a multicausal syndrome characterized by a decrease in strength, resistance and physiological function, which makes the individual vulnerable and dependent, and increases his/her mortality. This syndrome is more prevalent among older individuals, and chronic kidney disease patients, particularly those on dialysis. Dialysis dose is currently standardized for hemodialysis (HD) patients regardless of their age and functional status. However, it has been postulated that the dialysis dose required in older patients, especially frail ones, should be lower, since it could increase their degree of frailty. Then, the purpose of this study was to evaluate if there would be a correlation between the dose of Kt/V and the degree of frailty in a population of adult patients on HD. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study with 82 patients on HD in Barranquilla (Colombia) and Lobos (Argentina) was conducted. Socio-demographic and laboratory data, as well as dialysis doses (Kt/V) were recorded and scales of fragility, physical activity, gait and grip strength were applied. Then these data were correlated by a Spearman’s correlation and a logistic regression. Results CFS, social isolation, physical activity, gait speed, and prehensile strength tests were outside the reference ranges in the studied group. No significant correlation was found between dialysis dose and all the above mentioned functional tests. However, a significant and inverse correlation between physical activity and CFS was documented (score − 1.41 (CI − 2.1 to − 0.7). Conclusion No significant correlation was documented between Kt/V value and different parameters of the frailty status, but this status correlated significantly and inversely with physical activity in this group. Frailty status in hemodialysis patients was significantly higher in older individuals, although young individuals were not exempt from it

PATOGENICIDAD Y VIRULENCIA DE CEPAS DE BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS NATIVAS DEL ESTADO DE MORELOS SOBRE DIATRAEA MAGNIFACTELLA (LEPIDOPTERA: CRAMBIDAE)

Sugarcane is one of the most important industrial crops in Mexico, several insects feed on it, causing important economic losses. At the state of Morelos two species are found; Diatraea magnifactella and Eoreuma loftini. To control these borers chemical insecticides are used, today there are not any bioinsecticide based on entomopathogenic bacteria. It has already been reported in the literature against other borer species the use of entomopathogenic bacteria, so in this work was proposed to isolate Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) from cadavers of D. magnifactella to evaluate the pathogenicity and virulence of bacterial isolates on neonate larva. It was possible the establishment a colony of D. magnifactella at laboratory, ensuring the health of the larvae used in bioassays. We obtained a total of 118 bacterial isolates, presumably from B. thuringiensis. Which were grouped into three groups, depending on thier protein profile. Six of the 118 strains caused more than 50% of mortality in neonate larvae of D. magnifactella. The LC50 of isolates been defined, the best was the B148 by 254.01 ng/cm2 of food. The LC50 the commercial strain HD1 was 417.61 ng/cm2, used as appositive control. The five remaining isolates showed LC50 greater than that of the positive control.La caña de azúcar representa uno de los cultivos industriales más importantes en México, diversos insectos se alimentan de ésta, provocando pérdidas económicas considerables. Para el estado de Morelos se reporta la presencia de los barrenadores Diatraea magnifactella y Eoreuma loftini. Para su control se han usado insecticidas químicos, a la fecha no existen bioinsecticidas a base de bacterias entomopatógenas. Existen reportes de evaluaciones in vitro y en campo contra otras especies de barrenadores, por lo que en el presente trabajo se aislaron cepas de Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) a partir de cadáveres de D. magnifactella. Se evaluó la patogenicidad y virulencia de las cepas bacterianas sobre larvas neonatas del barrenador para lo cual se estableció un pie de cría de D. magnifactella en laboratorio, garantizando así la sanidad de las larvas usadas en los bioensayos. Se obtuvo un total de 118 cepas de B. thuringiensis. Los cuales se agruparon en tres categorías, dependiendo del peso molecular de las proteínas mayoritarias (perfil proteico) producidas por la bacteria. De los bioensayos de patogenicidad realizados, seis de las 118 cepas evaluadas fueron las que ocasionaron una mortalidad mayor al 50% en las larvas neonatas de D. magnifactella. Se determinó la Concentración Letal 50 de éstas seis cepas, la que presentó mejores resultados fue la cepa B148 con CL50 de 254.01 ng/cm2 de dieta, menor a la de la cepa comercial HD1 417.61 ng/cm2, evaluada como testigo positivo. Las cinco cepas restantes presentaron CL50 superiores a la de la cepa testigo

Application of edible nanolaminate coatings with antimicrobial extract of Flourensia cernua to extend the shelf-life of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit

Supplementarymaterialrelatedtothisarticlecanbefound,inthe online version, at doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2018.12. 008.Edible coatings have potential to reduce postharvest losses of fruit such as tomato. In this study, the effects of nanolaminate coatings incorporated with extracts of Flourensia cernua, an endemic plant of the arid and semi-arid regions of Mexico, has been investigated. Ethanol extracts of F. cernua (FcE) were prepared and incorporated into polyelectrolyte solutions of alginate and chitosan. The nanolaminates were characterized by determining the zeta potential, contact angle and water vapor and oxygen permeabilities. Shelf-life analyses (20°C for 15 d) were carried out with uncoated fruit (UCF), nanolaminate coating (NL) and nanolaminate coating with FcE (NL+FcE). Physicochemical analyses, gas exchange rates of O2 and CO2 and ethylene production, as well as microbiological analyses of treated fruit were measured. Zeta potential and contact angle measurements confirmed the successful assembly of successive nanolayers of alginate and chitosan, as well as those with F. cernua. The nanolaminate coatings resulted in decreased permeabilities to water and O2. The best treatment of NL+FcE, extended the shelf-life of fruit by reducing weight loss and microbial growth, reducing gas exchange and ethylene production, and maintaining firmness and color. The NL+FcE treatment are an alternative to extend the shelf-life of tomato fruit.Author E. de J. Salas-Méndez thanks Mexican Science and Technology Council (CONACYT, Mexico) for PhD fellowship support. Authors want to thank PhD Zlatina Genisheva for the proof reading of the manuscript and suggestions to the same; also, to:MaríaGuadalupe Moreno Esquivel, Edith E. Chaires Colunga, Olga L. Solís Hernández and M. Leticia Rodríguez González of the Phytochemistry Laboratory from Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, for their assistance in obtaining extracts and chemical composition.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A genome-wide association study follow-up suggests a possible role for PPARG in systemic sclerosis susceptibility

Introduction: A recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) comprising a French cohort of systemic sclerosis (SSc) reported several non-HLA single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showing a nominal association in the discovery phase. We aimed to identify previously overlooked susceptibility variants by using a follow-up strategy.<p></p> Methods: Sixty-six non-HLA SNPs showing a P value <10-4 in the discovery phase of the French SSc GWAS were analyzed in the first step of this study, performing a meta-analysis that combined data from the two published SSc GWASs. A total of 2,921 SSc patients and 6,963 healthy controls were included in this first phase. Two SNPs, PPARG rs310746 and CHRNA9 rs6832151, were selected for genotyping in the replication cohort (1,068 SSc patients and 6,762 healthy controls) based on the results of the first step. Genotyping was performed by using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Results: We observed nominal associations for both PPARG rs310746 (PMH = 1.90 × 10-6, OR, 1.28) and CHRNA9 rs6832151 (PMH = 4.30 × 10-6, OR, 1.17) genetic variants with SSc in the first step of our study. In the replication phase, we observed a trend of association for PPARG rs310746 (P value = 0.066; OR, 1.17). The combined overall Mantel-Haenszel meta-analysis of all the cohorts included in the present study revealed that PPARG rs310746 remained associated with SSc with a nominal non-genome-wide significant P value (PMH = 5.00 × 10-7; OR, 1.25). No evidence of association was observed for CHRNA9 rs6832151 either in the replication phase or in the overall pooled analysis.<p></p> Conclusion: Our results suggest a role of PPARG gene in the development of SSc

Optimasi Portofolio Resiko Menggunakan Model Markowitz MVO Dikaitkan dengan Keterbatasan Manusia dalam Memprediksi Masa Depan dalam Perspektif Al-Qur`an

Risk portfolio on modern finance has become increasingly technical, requiring the use of sophisticated mathematical tools in both research and practice. Since companies cannot insure themselves completely against risk, as human incompetence in predicting the future precisely that written in Al-Quran surah Luqman verse 34, they have to manage it to yield an optimal portfolio. The objective here is to minimize the variance among all portfolios, or alternatively, to maximize expected return among all portfolios that has at least a certain expected return. Furthermore, this study focuses on optimizing risk portfolio so called Markowitz MVO (Mean-Variance Optimization). Some theoretical frameworks for analysis are arithmetic mean, geometric mean, variance, covariance, linear programming, and quadratic programming. Moreover, finding a minimum variance portfolio produces a convex quadratic programming, that is minimizing the objective function ðð¥with constraintsð ð 𥠥 ðandð´ð¥ = ð. The outcome of this research is the solution of optimal risk portofolio in some investments that could be finished smoothly using MATLAB R2007b software together with its graphic analysis

Search for heavy resonances decaying to two Higgs bosons in final states containing four b quarks

A search is presented for narrow heavy resonances X decaying into pairs of Higgs bosons (H) in proton-proton collisions collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC at root s = 8 TeV. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 19.7 fb(-1). The search considers HH resonances with masses between 1 and 3 TeV, having final states of two b quark pairs. Each Higgs boson is produced with large momentum, and the hadronization products of the pair of b quarks can usually be reconstructed as single large jets. The background from multijet and t (t) over bar events is significantly reduced by applying requirements related to the flavor of the jet, its mass, and its substructure. The signal would be identified as a peak on top of the dijet invariant mass spectrum of the remaining background events. No evidence is observed for such a signal. Upper limits obtained at 95 confidence level for the product of the production cross section and branching fraction sigma(gg -> X) B(X -> HH -> b (b) over barb (b) over bar) range from 10 to 1.5 fb for the mass of X from 1.15 to 2.0 TeV, significantly extending previous searches. For a warped extra dimension theory with amass scale Lambda(R) = 1 TeV, the data exclude radion scalar masses between 1.15 and 1.55 TeV

Search for supersymmetry in events with one lepton and multiple jets in proton-proton collisions at root s=13 TeV

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