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BACKGROUND: A growing literature suggests associations between occupational pesticide exposure and respiratory health. In this study, we aimed to examine the association of exposure to insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides, individually and as a mixture, with respiratory health outcomes and rhinitis in avocado farmworkers from Michoacán, Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 105 avocado farmworkers between May and August 2021. We quantified 12 insecticide, fungicide, and herbicide metabolites in urine samples collected during two study visits (8-10 weeks apart). We collected survey data on self-reported pesticide use during the 12 months prior to the baseline survey and estimated annual exposure-intensity scores (EIS) using a semi-quantitative exposure algorithm. We also assessed respiratory symptoms, including wheezing, chest tightness, wheezing after exercise, and night cough. We used generalized linear regression models to examine associations of individual urinary metabolite concentrations and annual EIS with respiratory health outcomes and rhinitis. Mixture effects were assessed using Bayesian Weighted Quantile Sum (BWQS) regression. RESULTS: After adjusting for multiple comparisons, we observed mostly null associations of individual pesticide metabolite concentrations and annual EIS with the outcomes of interest. However, in BWQS analyses, we found evidence of a mixture association of urinary pesticide metabolites with increased odds of night cough (OR: 5.34, 95 % CrI: 1.67, 20.62). Pyrethroid metabolites 3-phenoxybenzoic acid and cis- and trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid were the main contributors to this association (43 %). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that exposure to a mixture of pesticides, particularly pyrethroid insecticides, may be associated with night cough in avocado farmworkers.

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Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth leading cancer among women and is one of the principal gynecological malignancies. In the tumor microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role during malignant progression, exhibiting a variety of heterogeneous phenotypes. CAFs express phenotypic markers like fibroblast activation protein (FAP), vimentin, S100A4, α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), and functional markers such as MMP9. This study aimed to evaluate the protein expression of vimentin, S100A4, αSMA, FAP, and MMP9 in mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)-CAF cells, as well as in cervical cancer samples. MSC cells were stimulated with HeLa and SiHa tumor cell supernatants, followed by protein evaluation and cytokine profile to confirm differentiation towards a CAF phenotype. In addition, automated immunohistochemistry (IHQa) was performed to evaluate the expression of these proteins in CC samples at different stages. Our findings revealed a high expression of FAP in stimulated MSC cells, accompanied by the secretion of pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines. In the other hand, CC samples were observed to have high expression of FAP, vimentin, αSMA, and MMP9. Most importantly, there was a high expression of their activation proteins αSMA and FAP during the different stages. In the early stages, a myofibroblast-like phenotype (CAFs αSMA+ FAP+), and in the late stages a protumoral phenotype (CAF αSMA- FAP+). In summary, FAP has a crucial role in the activation of CAFs during cervical cancer progression.

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Purpose: To examine associations of prenatal biomarkers of pesticide exposure with birth size measures and length of gestation among newborns from the Infants' Environmental Health (ISA) birth cohort, Costa Rica. Methods: We included 386 singleton liveborn newborns with data on birth size measures, length of gestation, and maternal urinary biomarkers of chlorpyrifos, synthetic pyrethroids, mancozeb, pyrimethanil, and 2, 4-D during pregnancy. We associated biomarkers of exposure with birth outcomes using multivariate linear regression and generalized additive models. Results: Concentrations were highest for ethylene thiourea (ETU, metabolite of mancozeb), median = 3.40; p10-90 = 1.90-6.79 µg/L, followed by 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP, metabolite of chlorpyrifos) p50 = 1.76 p10-90 = 0.97-4.36 µg/L, and lowest for 2,4-D (p50 = 0.33 p10-90 = 0.18-1.07 µg/L). Among term newborns (≥37 weeks), higher prenatal TCP was associated with lower birth weight and smaller head circumference (e.g., ß per 10-fold-increase) during the second half of pregnancy = -129.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] = -255.8, -3.5) grams, and -0.61 (95% CI = -1.05, -0.17) centimeters, respectively. Also, among term newborns, prenatal 2,4-D was associated with lower birth weight (ß per 10-fold-increase = -125.1; 95% CI = -228.8, -21.5), smaller head circumference (ß = -0.41; 95% CI = -0.78, -0.03), and, during the second half of pregnancy, with shorter body length (ß = -0.58; 95% CI = -1.09, -0.07). Furthermore, ETU was nonlinearly associated with head circumference during the second half of pregnancy. Biomarkers of pyrethroids and pyrimethanil were not associated with birth size, and none of the biomarkers explained the length of gestation. Conclusions: Prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos and 2,4-D, and, possibly, mancozeb/ETU, may impair fetal growth.

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Abstract Introduction: The coral reefs of Isla del Coco National Park are some of the most pristine ecosystems on Earth. The sea urchin Diadema mexicanum (Diadematoida: Diadematidae) is a common inhabitant with a pivotal role in the ecology of this unique ecosystem. Objective: In this study, we identified the predominant predators of D. mexicanum and estimated the predatory consumption rates. We also determined predation rates at different sea urchin sizes and at sites with contrasting refuge availability. Methods: We use field video recording observations and tethering experiments. Results: The balistid Sufflamen verres and the labrid Bodianus diplotaenia were identified as predators of small and medium size D. mexicanum; the labrids Thalassoma grammaticum and B. diplotaenia (juvenile) and the tetraodontid Arothron meleagris were attempted predators; and Canthigaster punctatissima and Holacanthus passer were scavengers. Larger sea urchins (> 30 mm) were also preyed upon during the tethering experiments. Furthermore, a clear effect of the site on survival of the different sea urchins' sizes was noted. No difference in the sea urchin predator biomass was found among sites, which highlights the importance of site complexity on survival. At high and medium complexity sites, large individuals had better survival, while at the low complexity site, there was almost no differences in survival rates among the three size classes. Our results also show that a high abundance of these predatory fishes, above 0.04 ind m-2, guarantees a low sea urchin density. Below this threshold, a higher variability in sea urchin density is observed Despite not being registered with the video recordings, lobsters were observed once preying upon a large sea urchin individual. Conclusions: This study identifies a keystone fish guild with high predation rate for Diadema in the National Park, which suggests that protective actions have positively benefited predatory fish and lobster populations.

Resumen Introducción: Los arrecifes de coral del Parque Nacional Isla del Coco son uno de los ecosistemas más prístinos de la Tierra. El erizo de mar Diadema mexicanum (Diadematoida: Diadematidae) es un habitante común con un papel ecológico esencial en este ecosistema único. Objetivo: En este estudio, identificamos los depredadores predominantes de D. mexicanum y estimamos las tasas de consumos predatorias. También determinamos las tasas predatorias de diferentes tamaños de erizo de mar en sitios con disponibilidad de refugio contrastante. Métodos: Utilizamos grabaciones de video de campo y experimentos de marcaje. Resultados: El pez ballesta Sufflamen verres y el lábrido Bodianus diplotaenia fueron identificados como depredadores de tamaños pequeños y medianos de D. Mexicanum; los lábridos Thalassoma grammaticum y B. diplotaenia (juvenil) y el tetraodóntido Arothron meleagris fueron intento de depredadores; y Canthigaster punctatissima y Holacanthus passer fueron carroñeros. Los erizos de mar de gran tamaño (> 30 mm) también fueron depredados durante el experimento de marcaje. Además, se encontró un efecto claro del sitio en la supervivencia de los diferentes tamaños de erizo de mar. No se encontraron diferencias en la biomasa de los depredadores del erizo de mar entre sitios, lo que señala la importancia de la complejidad del sitio en la supervivencia. En sitios con complejidad estructural alta y media, los individuos grandes tuvieron mejor supervivencia, mientras que en sitios de complejidad baja apenas hubo diferencias en las tasas de supervivencia entre los tres tamaños. Nuestros resultados también muestran que una alta abundancia de peces depredadores, por encima de 0.04 ind m-2, asegura bajas densidades de erizos de mar. A pesar de no ser registrado durante las grabaciones de video, se observó en una ocasión a una langosta depredando sobre un erizo de gran tamaño. Conclusiones: Este estudio identifica el grupo de peces clave con grandes tasas de depredación sobre Diadema en el Parque Nacional, lo que sugiere que las medidas de protección han beneficiado positivamente las poblaciones de peces depredadores y langostas.

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BACKGROUND AND AIM: To date, few studies have focused on the health effects of pesticide exposure among avocado farmworkers. We examined the association of exposure to insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides with cognitive and mental health outcomes among these avocado workers from Michoacan, Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 105 avocado farmworkers between May and August 2021. We collected data on self-reported pesticide use during the 12 months prior to the baseline survey and estimated annual exposure-intensity scores (EIS) using a semi-quantitative exposure algorithm. We calculated specific gravity adjusted average concentrations of 12 insecticide, fungicide, or herbicide metabolites measured in urine samples collected during two study visits (8-10 weeks apart). We assessed participants' cognitive function and psychological distress using the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery and the Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (BSI-18), respectively. We examined individual associations of EIS and urinary pesticide metabolites with neurobehavioral outcomes using generalized linear regression models. We also implemented Bayesian Weighted Quantile Sum (BWQS) regression to evaluate the association between a pesticide metabolite mixture and neurobehavioral outcomes. RESULTS: In individual models, after adjusting for multiple comparisons, higher concentrations of hydroxy-tebuconazole (OH-TEB, metabolite of fungicide tebuconazole) were associated with higher anxiety (IRR per two-fold increase in concentrations = 1.26, 95% CI:1.08, 1.48) and Global Severity Index (GSI) (IRR = 1.89, 95% CI:1.36, 2.75) scores, whereas higher concentrations of 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy, metabolite of chlorpyrifos) were associated with lower GSI scores (IRR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.85). In BWQS analyses, we found evidence of a mixture association of urinary pesticide metabolites with higher anxiety (IRR = 1.72, 95% CrI: 1.12, 2.55), depression (IRR = 4.60, 95% CrI: 2.19, 9.43), and GSI (IRR = 1.99, 95% CrI: 1.39, 2.79) scores. OH-TEB and hydroxy-thiabendazole (metabolite of fungicide thiabendazole) combined contributed 54%, 40%, and 54% to the mixture effect in the anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and overall psychological distress models, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We found that exposure to tebuconazole and thiabendazole, fungicides whose effects have been rarely studied in humans, may be associated with increased psychological distress among avocado farmworkers. We also observed that exposure to chlorpyrifos may be associated with decreased psychological distress.

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BACKGROUND: Pesticide exposure may affect young children's neurodevelopment, but only few cohort studies have addressed possible effects of non-organophosphate pesticides. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated associations between prenatal current-use pesticide exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes among 1-year-old children from the Infants' Environmental Health (ISA) birth cohort. METHODS: To determine prenatal pesticide exposure, we measured biomarkers of pyrimethanil, chlorpyrifos, synthetic pyrethroids, and 2,4-D in urine samples among 355 women, 1-3 times during pregnancy. One-year post-partum, we evaluated children's neurodevelopment with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development 3rd edition (BSID-III). We assessed associations between exposures and neurodevelopmental outcomes (composite and z-scores) using single-chemical linear regression models adjusted for possible confounders (maternal education, parity, sex, gestational age at birth, child age, HOME-score, location of assessment, biomarkers of mancozeb), and studied effect-modification by sex. We evaluated non-linear associations of multiple pesticide exposures with Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). RESULTS: We found higher prenatal urinary 2,4-D concentrations were associated with lower language (ßper ten-fold increase = -2.0, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = -3.5, -0.5) and motor (ßper ten-fold increase = -2.2, 95 %CI = -4.2, -0.1) composite scores among all children. Also, higher chlorpyrifos exposure [measured as urinary 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy)] was associated with lower cognitive composite scores (ßper ten-fold increase = -1.9, 95 %CI = -4.7, 0.8), and lower motor composite scores among boys (ßper ten-fold increase = -3.8, 95 % CI = -7.7, 0.1) but not girls (ßper ten-fold increase = 2.3, 95 %CI = -1.6, 6.3, pINT = 0.11). Finally, higher pyrimethanil was associated with lower language abilities among girls, but not boys. Pyrethroid metabolite concentrations did not explain variability in BSID-III composite scores. Associations were similar for BSID-III z-scores, and we found no evidence for non-linear associations or mixture effects. DISCUSSION: Prenatal exposure to common-use pesticides may affect children's neurodevelopment at 1-year of age, some effects may be sex-specific.

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During embryonic and fetal development, the cerebellum undergoes several histological changes that require a specific microenvironment. Pleiotrophin (PTN) has been related to cerebral and cerebellar cortex ontogenesis in different species. PTN signaling includes PTPRZ1, ALK, and NRP-1 receptors, which are implicated in cell differentiation, migration, and proliferation. However, its involvement in human cerebellar development has not been described so far. Therefore, we investigated whether PTN and its receptors were expressed in the human cerebellar cortex during fetal and early neonatal development. The expression profile of PTN and its receptors was analyzed using an immunohistochemical method. PTN, PTPRZ1, and NRP-1 were expressed from week 17 to the postnatal stage, with variable expression among granule cell precursors, glial cells, and Purkinje cells. ALK was only expressed during week 31. These results suggest that, in the fetal and neonatal human cerebellum, PTN is involved in cell communication through granule cell precursors, Bergmann glia, and Purkinje cells via PTPRZ1, NRP-1, and ALK signaling. This communication could be involved in cell proliferation and cellular migration. Overall, the present study represents the first characterization of PTN, PTPRZ1, ALK, and NRP-1 expression in human tissues, suggesting their involvement in cerebellar cortex development.

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Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected farmworkers in the United States and Europe, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about the specific impact of the pandemic on agriculture and food production workers in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and assess the mental health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic among avocado farmworkers in Michoacan, Mexico. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of adult farmworkers (n = 395) in May 2021. We collected survey data, nasal swabs and saliva samples for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection, and blood samples for immunoglobulin G (IgG) reactivity measurements. Results: None of the farmworkers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. However, among unvaccinated farmworkers (n = 336, 85%), approximately one-third (33%) showed evidence of past infection (positive for IgG against SARS-CoV-2). Unvaccinated farmworkers who lived with other farmworkers (aRR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.05), had ever lived with someone with COVID-19 (aRR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.43), and who had diabetes (aRR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.53, 2.85) had a higher risk of testing IgG-positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. In contrast, unvaccinated farmworkers living in more rural areas (outside of Tingambato or Uruapan) (aRR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.96) or cooking with wood-burning stove (aRR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.96) had a lower risk of IgG-positivity. Moreover, 66% of farmworkers reported a negative impact of the pandemic on their lives, 29% reported experiencing food insecurity and difficulty paying bills, and 10% reported depression or anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the mental health and financial well-being of avocado farmworkers. Consequently, the implementation of interventions and prevention efforts, such as providing mental health support and food assistance services, is imperative.

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Resumen: Introducción: Como consecuencia del daño directo provocado por el virus SARS-CoV-2 sobre el corazón se producen alteraciones electrocardiográficas. Objetivo: Determinar si existe relación entre las alteraciones electrocardiográficas intrahospitalarias, con los antecedentes cardiovasculares y su evolución hospitalaria. Materiales y método: Estudio de cohortes, prospectivo, analítico, en 373 pacientes con el diagnóstico positivo de enfermedad por el nuevo coronavirus 2019 que ingresaron en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Docente "Comandante Manuel Fajardo" (La Habana, Cuba) entre marzo del 2020 y octubre del mismo año. Resultados: La mediana de edad fue de 69 (RIC 57-77); el 14.2% de los pacientes presentó fibrilación auricular, el 8,3% bloqueo de rama derecha y el 4.8% alteraciones del segmento ST. La edad, los antecedentes de cardiopatía isquémica y la diabetes mellitus se identificaron como variables predictoras independientes de alteraciones electrocardiográficas (RR 1.02; IC 95%: 1.01-1.04; p = 0.007; 2.21; IC 95%: 1.19-4.10, p = 0.012 y RR 1.71; IC 95%: 1.04-2.85, p = 0.036, respectivamente). Conclusiones: La prevalencia de alteraciones electrocardiográficas en pacientes hospitalizados con el nuevo coronavirus fue mayor comparada con otras series. Los antecedentes de cardiopatía isquémica y diabetes mellitus, además de la edad, se identificaron como variables predictoras independientes de alteraciones electrocardiográficas en pacientes con afección grave por la enfermedad del nuevo coronavirus 2019.

Abstract: Introduction: As a consequence of the direct damage caused by the virus on the heart, electrocardiographic alterations occur. Objective: To determine if there is a relationship between in-hospital electrocardiographic alterations with cardiovascular history and hospital evolution. Materials and method: Analytical prospective cohort study in 373 patients with a positive diagnosis of disease due to the new coronavirus 2019 who were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the "Comandante Manuel Fajardo" Universitary Hospital (Havana, Cuba) between March 2020 and October of the same year. Results: The median age was 69 (IQR; 57-77), 14.2% of patients had atrial fibrillation, 8.3% right bundle branch block, and 4.8% ST-segment abnormalities. Age, history of ischemic heart disease, and diabetes mellitus were identified as independent predictor variables of electrocardiographic abnormalities (RR 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.04, p = 0.007; RR 2.21; 95% CI: 1.19-4.10, p = 0.012 and RR 1.71 95% CI: 1.04-2.85, p = 0.036, respectively). Conclusions: The prevalence of electrocardiographic abnormalities in hospitalized patients with the new coronavirus was higher compared to other series. History of ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, in addition to age, were identified as independent predictors of electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients severely affected by the new coronavirus disease 2019.

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BACKGROUND: Previous epidemiological studies have reported associations of pesticide exposure with poor cognitive function and behavioral problems. However, these findings have relied primarily on neuropsychological assessments. Questions remain about the neurobiological effects of pesticide exposure, specifically where in the brain pesticides exert their effects and whether compensatory mechanisms in the brain may have masked pesticide-related associations in studies that relied purely on neuropsychological measures. METHODS: We conducted a functional neuroimaging study in 48 farmworkers from Zarcero County, Costa Rica, in 2016. We measured concentrations of 13 insecticide, fungicide, or herbicide metabolites or parent compounds in urine samples collected during two study visits (approximately 3-5 weeks apart). We assessed cortical brain activation in the prefrontal cortex during tasks of working memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). We estimated associations of pesticide exposure with cortical brain activation using multivariable linear regression models adjusted for age and education level. RESULTS: We found that higher concentrations of insecticide metabolites were associated with reduced activation in the prefrontal cortex during a working memory task. For example, 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy; a metabolite of the organophosphate chlorpyrifos) was associated with reduced activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (ß = -2.3; 95% CI: -3.9, -0.7 per two-fold increase in TCPy). Similarly, 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA; a metabolite of pyrethroid insecticides) was associated with bilateral reduced activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (ß = -3.1; 95% CI: -5.0, -1.2 and -2.3; 95% CI: -4.5, -0.2 per two-fold increase in 3-PBA for left and right cortices, respectively). These associations were similar, though weaker, for the attention and cognitive flexibility tasks. We observed null associations of fungicide and herbicide biomarker concentrations with cortical brain activation during the three tasks that were administered. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides may impact cortical brain activation in the prefrontal cortex - neural dynamics that could potentially underlie previously reported associations with cognitive and behavioral function. Furthermore, our study demonstrates the feasibility and utility of fNIRS in epidemiological field studies.

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