Our data indicate that As seems to have a relevant and complex effect on nTreg cells.

No abstract

We reported previously that children are exposed to deltamethrin in malarious areas. In the present work we explored the levels of this insecticide in soil samples and also obtained relevant toxico-kinetic data of deltamethrin in exposed children. Results show that, after spraying, indoor levels of deltamethrin in soil samples were higher than outdoor levels. The mean half-life estimated with these data was 15.5 days for outdoor samples and 15.4 days for indoor samples. Children’s exposure to deltamethrin was assessed using as biomarkers the urinary concentrations of the metabolites 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) and cis-3-(2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (Br2CA). The mean level of both biomarkers reached a peak within the first 24 hr postexposure; 6 months after the initial exposure, urinary levels of 3-PBA and Br2CA were found at levels observed before exposure. Approximately 91% of the total 3-PBA or Br2CA was excreted during the first 3 days after exposure. Therefore, we estimated a half-life for this period, the values for 3-PBA and Br2CA being almost identical (13.5 vs. 14.5 hr). Finally, considering reports about the genotoxicity of deltamethrin, we assessed DNA damage in children before and 24 hr after indoor spraying of deltamethrin; we found no differences in the comet assay end points. In conclusion, we observed exposure to deltamethrin in children, but we did not find any relationship between soil concentrations of deltamethrin and urinary levels of the metabolites. At least for genotoxicity, the exposed children appeared not to be at risk.

Background: Aflatoxins are a group of mycotoxins that have been associated with hepatic damage and cancer. Aflatoxins B1 and B2 are secondary metabolites produced by fungi Aspergillus. These toxins can be found in a variety of commodities, especially in maize, and have been studied around the world due to their effects in human health. The Latin American population is especially exposed to aflatoxins given that maize products can be found in traditional diets all over the continent. Interestingly, in Mexico, chronic hepatic diseases and cirrhosis are leading causes of death in adult population. Methods: In order to observe the effect of physical variables like temperature and humidity, this study was conducted collecting samples in four different seasons, in two communities in the State of San Luis Potosi, in Mexico. The content of aflatoxins in tortillas was measured using immunoaffinity columns prior to HPLC-FLD analysis. Findings: Results showed that 18% of samples exceeded the Mexican limits for AFB1; whereas, 26% of the samples exceeded the limits of the European Union for AFB1. The AFB1 was detected in 80% of samples in one site and higher concentrations were found in samples collected during fall and winter seasons. Conclusions: Lack of control in storing practices is the principal cause for the contamination of maize. Considering that maize products are part of the staple diet of Mexican population, our results show that AFB1 detection has to be declared a public health priority. Detection and prevention of aflatoxins through a surveillance program, may avoid chronic health effects.

Los fructanos son polímeros de fructosa con grandes aplicaciones en la industria de alimentos funcionales. Aunque los fructanos de Agave angustifolia spp. tequilana ya se producen industrialmente y comienzan a tener demanda en EE. UU., para su extracción se sigue utilizando la cabeza o piña de maguey (tallo y bases foliares) con madurez variable, lo cual repercute en la calidad y en procesos que encarecen la producción. En este trabajo se describe un método alternativo para la extracción de fructanos de tallos de Agave salmiana, el cual es más simple y facilita la obtención de manera natural u orgánica. Se evaluaron los rendimientos absoluto y relativo del concentrado de fructanos (CF), referidos tanto al tallo como a la cabeza de maguey, así como su calidad mediante el análisis por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (HPLC). El rendimiento de CF (95 % MS de materia seca) del tallo fresco fue de 21 % y casi 80 % del tallo seco. El CF libre de humedad está compuesto por cerca de 80 % de fructanos y el resto por trisacáridos (cerca de 9.5 %), cenizas (5 %), sacarosa (1 %) y sapogeninas (0.85 %); cantidades de glucosa y fructosa no fueron detectables (< 0.002 %).