Modeling the economic impact for Chile of an import ban on genetically modified maize.

We estimate producer and consumer surplus changes due to a possible GM maize import ban in Chile, which produces only non-GM grains for internal use. Without foreign non-GM sources, the ban's effect on domestic maize prices would be so significant as to induce Chile to switch from net exporter to net importer of animal products. Fixed factor owners in farm production would benefit significantly, although non-GM maize imports would moderate gains.

FOXE1 polymorphisms and chronic exposure to nitrates in drinking water cause metabolic dysfunction, thyroid abnormalities, and genotoxic damage in women.

Nitrates in drinking water has been associated to adverse health effects, including changes in glucose and lipid levels, thyroid hormone imbalance and adverse reproductive effects. We analyzed metabolic and thyroid hormone alterations and genotoxic damage in women with chronic exposure to nitrates in drinking water. The concentration of nitrates in drinking water was quantified and according to this parameter, participants were divided into three exposure scenarios.

Blastocystis infection frequency and subtype distribution in university students.

is a parasite commonly found in the gut of humans and animals; there are 22 known subtypes (STs). STs 1-9 and 12 have been found in humans. This parasite has a faecal-oral route of transmission; its high infection prevalence in developing countries is due to poor hygiene practices, exposure to infected animals, and intake of contaminated water or food.

Impact of urine concentration adjustment method on associations between urine metals and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) in adolescents.

Positive associations between urine toxicant levels and measures of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) have been reported recently in a range of populations. The explanation for these associations, in a direction opposite that of traditional nephrotoxicity, is uncertain. Variation in associations by urine concentration adjustment approach has also been observed.

Association between arsenic exposure and behavior among first-graders from Torreón, Mexico.

Previous studies suggest adverse effects of arsenic exposure on children's cognitive function. In this study, we examined the potential association between arsenic exposure and children's behavior. Five hundred and twenty-six children, 6-7 years old, living near a metal foundry in Torreón, Mexico, participated in the study.

The association between lead and micronutrient status, and children's sleep, classroom behavior, and activity.

The role of lead exposure or micronutrient deficiencies in children's sleep problems is unknown. Although elevated blood lead concentrations (BPb) are clearly related to behavior problems in children, few researchers have used objective observations. The authors investigated relationships between lead, micronutrient status, sleep, classroom behavior, and activity in Mexican children aged 6-8 years living close to a metal foundry.

Efficacy of iron and/or zinc supplementation on cognitive performance of lead-exposed Mexican schoolchildren: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Objective: Lead exposure in children has been associated with both global and specific cognitive deficits. Although chelation therapy is advised for children with blood lead concentrations of >44 microg/dL, treatment options for children with lower blood lead values are limited. Because lead absorption is related to children's nutritional status, micronutrient supplements may be 1 strategy for combating low-level, chronic lead exposure.

Deficits in cognitive function and achievement in Mexican first-graders with low blood lead concentrations.

Elevated blood lead levels in children are associated with lower scores on tests of cognitive functioning. Recent studies have reported inverse relations between lifetime exposure and intellectual functioning at blood lead concentrations below 10 microg/dL, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) level of concern. We report associations between blood lead and cognitive performance for first-grade Mexican children living near a metal foundry.