Lead exposure of a fossorial rodent varies with the use of ammunition across the landscape.

Exposure to heavy metals has been documented in a wide range of wildlife species, but infrequently in ground squirrels. This is despite their tendency to be targets of recreational shooters and the accumulation of lead ammunition in the soil environments they inhabit. We analyzed lead and copper concentrations in liver (n = 116, n = 101) and femur (n = 116, n = 116) of Piute ground squirrels (Urocitellus mollis) and in soil (n = 75) on public lands in southwestern Idaho to understand how lead exposure may vary across a gradient of intensities and histories of shooting activity.

Association of tobacco use and the presence of anal warts in people who attend the anal Neoplasia clinic in Puerto Rico.

Background: Limited research exists regarding the association between smoking and anal warts. In this study, we evaluated this association among a clinic-based Hispanic population in Puerto Rico.

Methods: Cross-sectional study among eligible patients seen at the Anal Neoplasia Clinic of the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center (2016-2023) (n = 920).

The geographic extent of bird populations affected by renewable-energy development.

Bird populations are declining globally. Wind and solar energy can reduce emissions of fossil fuels that drive anthropogenic climate change, yet renewable-energy production represents a potential threat to bird species. Surveys to assess potential effects at renewable-energy facilities are exclusively local, and the geographic extent encompassed by birds killed at these facilities is largely unknown, which creates challenges for minimizing and mitigating the population-level and cumulative effects of these fatalities.

Prescription for COVID-19 by non-medical professionals during the pandemic in Colombia: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the behavior of self-medication (SM). Given the massive release of misleading information during the pandemic, some pharmacies recommend drugs such as ivermectin, azithromycin, and hydroxychloroquine that are not useful for preventing or treating COVID-19 and could expose patients to unnecessary adverse drug reactions (ADRs), drug-drug interactions (DDIs), disease masking, and antibiotic resistance.

Rationale: SM with drugs advertised for COVID-19 can have consequences, and people should be aware of approved uses, potential contraindications, and ADRs.

Gaps in Hypertension Management in a Middle-Income Community of Quito-Ecuador: A Population-Based Study.

Optimal hypertension care and control at population level significantly reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The study objective was to measure the gaps in the diagnosis, care, and control of hypertension in residents of an urban community in Quito, Ecuador. A cross-sectional population-based study with a sample of 2160 persons was performed using a survey and direct blood pressure measurement.

Demographic implications of lead poisoning for eagles across North America.

Lead poisoning occurs worldwide in populations of predatory birds, but exposure rates and population impacts are known only from regional studies. We evaluated the lead exposure of 1210 bald and golden eagles from 38 US states across North America, including 620 live eagles. We detected unexpectedly high frequencies of lead poisoning of eagles, both chronic (46 to 47% of bald and golden eagles, as measured in bone) and acute (27 to 33% of bald eagles and 7 to 35% of golden eagles, as measured in liver, blood, and feathers).

Uptake and accumulation of Cr in edible parts of from irrigation water. Effects on polyphenol profile and antioxidant capacity.

Metals in the environment have been an increasing research topic over the past decade, since they can be found in both natural and drinking water, including irrigation of crops and edible plants with contaminated water. The aim of this study was to investigate the uptake of Cr by arugula () in a greenhouse experiment, simulating the open field irrigation conditions. We also evaluate the toxic effects of Cr on oxidative stress by measuring the antioxidant capacity and polyphenol profile in the plant.

Feeding Ecology Drives Lead Exposure of Facultative and Obligate Avian Scavengers in the Eastern United States.

Lead poisoning of scavenging birds is a global issue. However, the drivers of lead exposure of avian scavengers have been understood from the perspective of individual species, not cross-taxa assemblages. We analyzed blood (n = 285) and liver (n = 226) lead concentrations of 5 facultative (American crows [Corvus brachyrhynchos], bald eagles [Haliaeetus leucocephalus], golden eagles [Aquila chrysaetos], red-shouldered hawks [Buteo lineatus], and red-tailed hawks [Buteo jamaicensis]) and 2 obligate (black vultures [Coragyps atratus] and turkey vultures [Cathartes aura] avian scavenger species to identify lead exposure patterns.

Lead Exposure of Red-Shouldered Hawks During the Breeding Season in the Central Appalachians, USA.

Lead is toxic to humans and wildlife. Most studies of lead exposure of raptors focus on the winter, non-breeding season when they scavenge heavily. We evaluated blood lead concentrations (BLCs) of red-shouldered hawks (Buteo lineatus) during the non-scavenging season in the eastern United States.

Lead in piscivorous raptors during breeding season in the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland and Virginia, USA.

Sources of lead exposure of many bird species are poorly understood. We analyzed blood lead concentrations from osprey (n = 244; Pandion haliaetus) and bald eagles (n = 68; Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and documented potential sources of lead they may encounter. Adult bald eagles had higher blood lead concentrations than did adult osprey.

[Assaults on professionals in healthcare settings].

Objective: Determine the frequency of assaults on health workers and characterize aspects that deepen understanding and development of prevention strategies.

Methods: A voluntary and confidential electronic survey was conducted through the IntraMed website, a social network of health professionals. Frequency of verbal and physical assaults was analyzed along with their association with demographic variables, occupation, career, specialty, potential consequences, perception of insecurity in the workplace, and proposals to reduce them.

Acute effect of citrate bath on postdialysis alkalaemia.

Introduction: The correction of metabolic acidosis caused by renal failure is achieved by adding bicarbonate during dialysis. In order to avoid the precipitation of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate that takes place in the dialysis fluid (DF) when adding bicarbonate, it is necessary to add an acid, usually acetate, which is not free of side effects. Thus, citrate appears as an advantageous alternative to acetate, despite the fact that its acute effects are not accurately known.

Intensive care adult patients with severe respiratory failure caused by Influenza A (H1N1)v in Spain.

Introduction: Patients with influenza A (H1N1)v infection have developed rapidly progressive lower respiratory tract disease resulting in respiratory failure. We describe the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of the first 32 persons reported to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to influenza A (H1N1)v infection in Spain.

Methods: We used medical chart reviews to collect data on ICU adult patients reported in a standardized form.

EDTA modified LDHs as Cu2+ scavengers: removal kinetics and sorbent stability.

EDTA modified layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were investigated as potential sorbents to remediate heavy metals pollution. The polidentate ligand was introduced by an exchange method in a Zn-Al-LDH, which takes place with partial erosion of the layers, causing the intercalation of [Zn(EDTA)](2-) complex instead of the ligand. [Cu(H(2)O)(6)](2+) cation was selected as a model cation to study the uptake mechanism, exploring the elimination kinetics from the first minutes up to the steady state.

Characterization and application of humic acid modified carbon electrodes.

Four routes for the modification of carbon electrodes with humic acids and the determination of three divalent metallic cations were studied. The determination of bound Fe(2+), Cu(2+) and Ni(2+) was performed by cyclic and square wave voltammetry using either a batch or flow analysis system. Using the FIA system and SWV, linear relationships between the oxidation (or reduction) current and the cations concentration were obtained with the modified electrodes, while no signals were obtained for the same conditions for bare carbon electrodes.

The effect of irritant dermatitis on cutaneous bioavailability of a metronidazole formulation, investigated by microdialysis and dermatopharmacokinetic method.

Background: Determination of drug penetration in diseased skin represents a challenge.

Objective: To compare dermal microdialysis and tape-strip sampling of drug penetration in normal skin and skin with irritant dermatitis.

Methods: The two methodologies were employed simultaneously in 16 healthy volunteers.

New automatized method with amperometric detection for the determination of azithromycin.

A FIA-amperometric method for azithromycin determination was developed. A working glassy carbon electrode and a Ag/AgCl/NaCl (3M) reference electrode were used. The determination is based on the electrochemical oxidation of the azithromycin at 0.

Colonization of the medial lumen is a risk factor for catheter-related bloodstream infection.

Objective: To analyze the colonization of each lumen and the risk factors for triple-lumen central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBI).

Design And Setting: Prospective, observational study in the medical-surgical intensive care unit (ICU) of a teaching hospital.

Patients: A total of 120 patients requiring the insertion of a triple-lumen catheter.

Electrochemical determination of minoxidil in different pharmaceutical formulations by flow injection analysis.

The electrochemical behavior and amperometric-FIA quantification of minoxidil at a glassy carbon electrode is described. The procedure is based on electrochemical oxidation at 0.800 V (vs.

Proteinase detection, DNA typing and antimycotic susceptibility of Candida isolates from Colombian women with vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Forty non-pregnant Colombian women (ages 18-45) with vulvovaginal candidiasis diagnosis (VVC) were enrolled in a blinded study to compare the efficacy of Itraconazole (ITRA) 400 mg vs. Fluconazole (FLU) 150 mg. Sexual partners received similar therapy.