First Report on Microcystin-LR Occurrence in Water Reservoirs of Eastern Cuba, and Environmental Trigger Factors.

The factors related to cyanotoxin occurrence and its social impact, with comprehension and risk perception being the most important issues, are not yet completely understood in the Cuban context. The objectives of this research were to determine the risk extension and microcystin-LR levels, and to identify the environmental factors that trigger the toxic cyanobacteria growth and microcystin-LR occurrence in 24 water reservoirs in eastern Cuba. Samplings were performed in the early morning hours, with in situ determination and physicochemical analysis carried out in the laboratory.

[Buccoepithelial cytologic lesions in workers exposed to chemical products].

Objectives: Our aim was to describe the genetic and cytologic lesions induced by occupational exposition to chemicals (barley powder, carbon dioxide, ammonia, organic solvents, and welding vapors) and to correlate frequencies of appearance of buccoepithelial cytologic disorders with age and toxic habits.

Materials And Methods: This descriptive, transverse observational study was comprised of 77 male workers to obtain information concerning age, on-the-job seniority, time of exposure, direct and indirect exposure, use of breathing protection, and toxic habits. We used exfoliated cells of the buccal mucosa to estimate presence of chromosomal aberrations (micronuclei) and nuclear abnormalities (binucleation, pyknosis, condensed chromatin, and karyolysis).