The use of pesticides in agricultural activities has increased significantly during the last decades. Several studies have reported the health damage that results from exposure to pesticides. In Mexico, hundreds of communities depend economically on agricultural activities. The participation of minors in this type of activity and their exposure to pesticides represents a potential public health problem. A cross-sectional study was conducted, in which urine samples (first-morning urine) were taken from children under 15 years of age in both communities. A total of 281 urine samples obtained in both communities were processed for the determination of pesticides with high-performance liquid chromatography together with tandem mass spectrometry. In 100% of the samples, at least two pesticides of the 17 reported in the total samples were detected. The presence of malathion, metoxuron, and glyphosate was remarkable in more than 70% of the cases. Substantial differences were detected regarding the other compounds. It is necessary to carry out long-term studies to determine the damage to health resulting from this constant exposure and to inform the health authorities about the problem in order to implement preventive measures.

The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence, microbiological profile, bacterial resistance, and the sensitivity to antibiotics of microorganisms causing urinary tract infection (UTI) at a single-site tertiary referral hospital in the western region of Mexico. Methods: A total of 5895 culture samples processed at the microbiology laboratory from August 1, 2014, to July 31, 2015, were analyzed. results: A total of 5895 samples for urine cultures (UC) were collected, of which 3363 were taken in women (57.05%) and 2532 in men (42.95%). A prevalence of 24% was calculated. From 1444 positive UC, 1512 microorganisms were isolated; the major etiological agent was Escherichia coli, representing 67.28% followed by Pseudomonas with 7.12%. With respect to fungi, Candida glabrata was found as the most common agent. Susceptibility to daptomycin and linezolid was 100%, and meropenem, 91.4%. Highest antimicrobial resistance was found for ampicillin (77.47%) and moxifloxacin (72.89%). Nearly 49% of E. coli strains and 27% of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains showed extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production. Conclusions: Bacterial UTI persists as one of the most common infections affecting all age groups and both genders. As in other countries, E. coli ranks first in Mexico, with 67.28%, and nearly 50% of the strains produce ESBL.

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Background: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is an uncommon condition in COVID-19 patients. No information about outcome or risk factors is available at the time. The aim of this research is to report on the frequency and risk factors of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 patients.Materials and Methods: An unmatched case-control study was carried out in a tertiary health-care facility for patients with COVID-19. Electronic files were reviewed to identify patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection by RT-PCR. Univariate analysis was used to describe demographic data. Mean differences were calculated using the Mann-Whitney test. Frequency and odds ratios were calculated by standard operations.Results: A total of 271 patients were included in the study. Nine patients showed spontaneous pneumomediastinum and four of them presented associated spontaneous pneumothorax. The most common risk factors associated with poor outcomes in COVID-19 patients were not considered as risk factors for spontaneous pneumomediastinum development.Conclusion: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is an uncommon clinical feature in COVID-19 patients. More research is necessary to formulate statements regarding prevalence, risk factors, and outcome.