Risk factors associated with blood lead levels exceeding 15 microg/dl were analyzed in this report. This relatively high lead level was selected because, at the time the study commenced, it was considered to be a "safe" level. A total of 1583 schoolchildren were studied. The students were from (a) two areas in Mexico City (Tlalnepantla and Xalostoc) that have had historically high concentrations of lead in air, and (b) three areas (Pedregal, Iztalpalapa, and Centro) with less impressive air lead levels. Parents were presented with a questionnaire that solicited information about lead risk factors. A bivariate analysis and a multilogistic analysis were conducted to identify associations and to identify the model that most accurately explains the variability of the sample. High blood lead concentrations were found in children who lived in Xalostoc and Tlalnepantla (16.1 and 17.0 microg/dl, respectively), and the lowest concentration (i.e., 10 microg/dl) was found in children from Iztapalapa. The strongest association was with area of residence, followed by education level of parents, cooking of meals in glazed pottery, and chewing or sucking of yellow or other colored pencils. A child's area of residence is the most significant risk factor that must be accounted for when any study of lead and blood lead concentrations is undertaken. Follow-up in similar populations should assist greatly in the evaluation of the impact of governmental actions on public health.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Computed tomography of cerebrovascular calcifications in postsurgical hypoparathyroidism.

Despite the extensive literature on the radiographic appearance of basal ganglia calcification in hypoparathyroidism, the vascular and perivascular deposits that are the hallmark of this disease have not been described radiographically. We report two patients with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism in whom such vascular calcification was observed on CT and was confirmed pathologically in one. The metabolic disturbance leading to the vascular deposits is discussed.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Wild birds as hosts of Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius, 1787) (Acari: Ixodidae).

We evaluated the prevalence, mean intensity and relative density of ticks in 467 wild birds of 67 species (12 families) from forest and cerrado habitats at two protected areas of Minas Gerais, between March and September 1997. Ticks collected (n=177) were identified as larvae and nymphs of Amblyomma cajennense and four other species of Amblyomma. We report for the first time 28 bird species as hosts of the immature stages of A. cajennense, demonstrating the lack of host specificity of the larvae and nymphs. A. cajennense had 15% prevalence on birds, with a mean infestation intensity of 0.37 ticks per host sampled, and 2.5 ticks per infested bird. Prevalence varied in relation to host species, diet and between birds from forests at two successional stages. There were no differences in relation to host forest dependence, participation in mixed flocks of birds, and nest type constructed. A. cajennense is a species of medical and veterinary importance, occurring on domestic animals but is known little of its occurrence on wildlife.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Relevant antibodies in dysimmune neuropathies].

INTRODUCTION: In the last 15 years a number of autoantibodies against antigens of the peripheral nervous system have been associated, in some cases, to specific clinical features. DEVELOPMENT: Antibodies to MAG or gangliosides have been described in neuropathies associated to monoclonal gammopathy or inflammatory polyneuropathies, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome or multifocal motor neuropathy. A lot of research is devoted to the characterization of known antibodies to glycolipids and the discovery of new ones. Furthermore, experimental models both with animals and in vitro preparations are performed in order to unravel the possible immunopathological role of these antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: It is very important to define the clinical features of these patients precisely in order to establish consistent associations between: presence of antibodies to specific antigens of the peripheral nervous system and clinical syndromes. A deeper knowledge of the antigens and antibodies involved in these neuropathies may be very helpful in the follow-up of these patients and also for future therapies.

Antibodies↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Diphyllobothrium pacificum (Nybelin,1931) margolis, 1956 in Canis familiaris from Chincha city, Peru].

In this communication is presented the finding of the tapeworm Diphyllobothrium pacificum, parasite of sea lions, in Canis familiaris (dog) in Chincha city, Peru. This is the first canine infection with D. pacificum in the South Peruvian coast.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Localization of lumbar epidural space by loss of resistance and using the Episensor: a comparative study].

Since the existence of negative pressure in the epidural space was reported, its technique of localization has undergone changes directed to improve objectivity, reliability and safety. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a new electronic divide to localize the epidural space, i.e. the Episensor (Palex, Spain). To this end, 71 patients, both males and females, undergoing elective urological surgery and in whom catheterization of the lumbar epidural space had been planned, were prospectively evaluated and randomly assigned to two homogeneous groups. In group I (n = 35) the epidural space was localized by the classical technique of loss of resistance, while in group II the Episensor was used. In both groups several technical parameters, the qualification of the operator and the complications of the procedure were evaluated. There were no significant differences between both groups regarding the quality of epidural blockade or the subjective technical difficulty of the operator. The incidence of complications of the technique of puncture was significantly higher in group II (p less than 0.05); the most common were dura mater puncture in 13 group II patients and in one group I patient (p less than 0.001). There was no correlation between the qualification of the operator and the development of complications. It was concluded that the use of Episensor to localize lumbar epidural space did not improve the effectiveness of blockade but increased the iatrogenic effects of the puncture. Our lack of experience with this new technique and the low negative pressure of lumbar epidural space might have been the causes of the poor results, that we consider as initial in the evaluation of this new method.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied