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Maldonado C, Cáceres A, Burgos A, Hinojosa D, Enríquez S, Celi-Erazo M, Vaca F, Ron L, Rodríguez-Hidalgo R, Benítez-Ortiz W, Martínez-Fresneda M, Eleizalde MC, Mendoza M, Navarro JC, Ramírez-Iglesias JR. Seroprevalence of trypanosomosis and associated risk factors in cattle from coast and amazonian provinces of Ecuador. Vet Res Commun 2024:10.1007/s11259-024-10333-z. [PMID: 38369611 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10333-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Trypanosomosis is a tropical disease caused by various protozoan haemoparasites, which affects wild and domestic animals, the latter ones related to worldwide livestock production systems. Species such as Trypanosoma vivax and Trypanosoma evansi have been described using serological and molecular tools in several countries from South and Central America. However, Ecuador presents a relevant knowledge gap in the associated general epidemiology and risk factors of the disease. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of trypanosomosis in cattle from different regions of Ecuador. 745 serum samples from 7 Coastal and 3 Amazon provinces were screened for IgG anti-Trypanosoma spp. antibodies, using an in-house indirect ELISA. The seropositivity was explored and associated with several variables such as sex, age, breed, region, management, and province, using statistical tools. The general seroprevalence of trypanosomosis was 19.1% (95% CI: 16.30-22.1%). The Amazonian provinces of Sucumbíos and Napo and the Coastal province of Esmeraldas presented the highest seroprevalence values of 36.7% (95% CI: 27.67-46.47%), 23.64% (95% CI: 16.06-32.68%) and 25% (95% CI: 15.99-35.94%), respectively. Statistical significance was found for the region, province, and management variables, indicating as relevant risk factors the extensive management and Amazon location of the cattle analyzed. Specific actions should be taken to identify the exact species on reservoirs and susceptible hosts, evaluate the implication of farm management and cattle movement as risk factors, and implement surveillance and treatment plans for affected herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Maldonado
- Research Group of Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Ecoepidemiology and Biodiversity, Health Science Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito, 170120, Ecuador
| | - A Cáceres
- Research Group of Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Ecoepidemiology and Biodiversity, Health Science Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito, 170120, Ecuador
| | - A Burgos
- Research Group of Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Ecoepidemiology and Biodiversity, Health Science Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito, 170120, Ecuador
| | - D Hinojosa
- Research Group of Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Ecoepidemiology and Biodiversity, Health Science Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito, 170120, Ecuador
| | - S Enríquez
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis (CIZ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - M Celi-Erazo
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis (CIZ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - F Vaca
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis (CIZ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - L Ron
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis (CIZ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - R Rodríguez-Hidalgo
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis (CIZ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - W Benítez-Ortiz
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis (CIZ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - M Martínez-Fresneda
- Research Group of Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Ecoepidemiology and Biodiversity, Health Science Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito, 170120, Ecuador
- Program of Master in Biomedicine, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito, 170120, Ecuador
- Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito, 170120, Ecuador
| | - M C Eleizalde
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos y Veterinarios (CEBIV), Instituto de Estudios Científicos y Tecnológicos (IDECYT), Universidad Nacional Experimental Simón Rodríguez (UNESR), Apartado Postal 47925, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - M Mendoza
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos y Veterinarios (CEBIV), Instituto de Estudios Científicos y Tecnológicos (IDECYT), Universidad Nacional Experimental Simón Rodríguez (UNESR), Apartado Postal 47925, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - J C Navarro
- Research Group of Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Ecoepidemiology and Biodiversity, Health Science Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito, 170120, Ecuador
- Program of Master in Biomedicine, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito, 170120, Ecuador
| | - J R Ramírez-Iglesias
- Research Group of Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Ecoepidemiology and Biodiversity, Health Science Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito, 170120, Ecuador.
- Program of Master in Biomedicine, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito, 170120, Ecuador.
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Zambrana Montaño R, Culasso ACA, Fernández F, Marquez N, Debat H, Salmerón M, Zamora AM, Ruíz de Huidobro G, Costas D, Alabarse G, Charre MA, Fridman AD, Mamani C, Vaca F, Maza Diaz C, Raskovsky V, Lavaque E, Lesser V, Cajal P, Agüero F, Calvente C, Torres C, Viegas M. Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Northwestern Argentina. Virus Res 2023; 323:198936. [PMID: 36181975 PMCID: PMC9599208 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.198936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Studies about the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in different backgrounds such as naive populations are still scarce, especially from South America. This work aimed to study the introduction and diversification pattern of SARS-CoV-2 during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Northwestern Argentina (NWA) region and to analyze the evolutionary dynamics of the main lineages found. In this study, we analyzed a total of 260 SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequences from Argentina, belonging to the Provinces of Jujuy, Salta, and Tucumán, from March 31st, 2020, to May 22nd, 2021, which covered the full first wave and the early second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina. In the first wave, eight lineages were identified: B.1.499 (76.9%), followed by N.5 (10.2%), B.1.1.274 (3.7%), B.1.1.348 (3.7%), B.1 (2.8%), B.1.600 (0.9%), B.1.1.33 (0.9%) and N.3 (0.9%). During the early second wave, the first-wave lineages were displaced by the introduction of variants of concern (VOC) (Alpha, Gamma), or variants of interest (VOI) (Lambda, Zeta, Epsilon) and other lineages with more limited distribution. Phylodynamic analyses of the B.1.499 and N.5, the two most prevalent lineages in the NWA, revealed that the rate of evolution of lineage N.5 (7.9 × 10-4 substitutions per site per year, s/s/y) was a ∼40% faster than that of lineage B.1.499 (5.6 × 10-4 s/s/y), although both are in the same order of magnitude than other non-VOC lineages. No mutations associated with a biological characteristic of importance were observed as signatures markers of the phylogenetic groups established in Northwestern Argentina, however, single sequences in non-VOC lineages did present mutations of biological importance or associated with VOCs as sporadic events, showing that many of these mutations could emerge from circulation in the general population. This study contributed to the knowledge about the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in a pre-vaccination and without post-exposure immunization period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Zambrana Montaño
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Bacteriología y Virología Molecular (IBaViM), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrés Carlos Alberto Culasso
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Bacteriología y Virología Molecular (IBaViM), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Franco Fernández
- Centro de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Instituto de Patología Vegetal, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (IPAVE-CIAP-INTA), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Nathalie Marquez
- Centro de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Instituto de Patología Vegetal, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (IPAVE-CIAP-INTA), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Humberto Debat
- Centro de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Instituto de Patología Vegetal, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (IPAVE-CIAP-INTA), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Mariana Salmerón
- Laboratorio de Salud Pública, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Ana María Zamora
- Laboratorio de Salud Pública, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | | | - Dardo Costas
- Laboratorio de Salud Pública, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Graciela Alabarse
- Laboratorio de Salud Pública, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | | | - Ariel David Fridman
- Laboratorio Central de Salud Pública, San Salvador de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina
| | - Claudia Mamani
- Laboratorio Central de Salud Pública, San Salvador de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina
| | - Fabiana Vaca
- Laboratorio Central de Salud Pública, San Salvador de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina
| | - Claudia Maza Diaz
- Laboratorio Central de Salud Pública, San Salvador de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina
| | - Viviana Raskovsky
- Laboratorio de Virus Respiratorios y Neurovirosis, Hospital Señor del Milagro, Salta capital, Salta, Argentina
| | - Esteban Lavaque
- Laboratorio de Virus Respiratorios y Neurovirosis, Hospital Señor del Milagro, Salta capital, Salta, Argentina
| | - Veronica Lesser
- Laboratorio de Virus Respiratorios y Neurovirosis, Hospital Señor del Milagro, Salta capital, Salta, Argentina
| | - Pamela Cajal
- Laboratorio de Virus Respiratorios y Neurovirosis, Hospital Señor del Milagro, Salta capital, Salta, Argentina
| | - Fernanda Agüero
- Laboratorio de Virus Respiratorios y Neurovirosis, Hospital Señor del Milagro, Salta capital, Salta, Argentina
| | - Cintia Calvente
- Laboratorio de Virus Respiratorios y Neurovirosis, Hospital Señor del Milagro, Salta capital, Salta, Argentina
| | - Carolina Torres
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Bacteriología y Virología Molecular (IBaViM), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Mariana Viegas
- Laboratorio de Virología, Hospital de Niños Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez, CABA, Gallo 1330, 2do piso, C1425EFD, Argentina.
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De la Cadena E, Camacho M, Vaca F, Enríquez S, Eleizalde MC, Arrivillaga-Henríquez J, Mendoza M, Navarro JC, Ramírez-Iglesias JR. Molecular identification of Trypanosoma theileri in cattle from the Ecuadorian Amazon. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 37:100824. [PMID: 36623904 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma theileri is a cosmopolitan opportunistic haemoparasite described in wild and domestic ruminants, and also in arthropod vectors. The presence of this parasite has been reported in several South American countries, including Amazonian regions. Despite the importance of livestock production, Ecuador possesses scarce studies about trypanosomosis and no T. theileri reports in its territory. Here, we showed molecular evidences of the presence of T. theileri in cattle from a province located in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Bovine blood samples were collected from 2014 to 2019, during campaigns to detect haemoparasites in the Ecuadorian provinces of Orellana and Sucumbíos. DNA was extracted from the buffy coat and used in PCR assays with three different molecular markers, ITS1, 18S and Cathepsin L-like. T. theileri was detected only in the Sucumbíos province, with a specific molecular prevalence of 8.6% (3/35) using the three primers and an additional animal detected as positive (11.4% prevalence) only by the ITS1 marker. DNA sequences derived from the generated amplicons were subjected to phylogenetics maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood analysis, which indicate the presence of TthI and TthII genotypes circulating in the evaluated animals. Molecular surveillance should be continually implemented in Ecuador in order to deepen the epidemiological and evolutionary knowledge about T. theileri as well other haemoparasites in the amazon parts of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- E De la Cadena
- Research Group of Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Ecoepidemiology and Biodiversity, Health Science Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito 170120, Ecuador; Program of Master in Biomedicine, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito 170120, Ecuador
| | - M Camacho
- Research Group of Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Ecoepidemiology and Biodiversity, Health Science Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito 170120, Ecuador; Program of Master in Biomedicine, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito 170120, Ecuador
| | - F Vaca
- Unidad de Entomología Aplicada, Instituto de Investigaciones en Zoonosis (CIZ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - S Enríquez
- Unidad de Entomología Aplicada, Instituto de Investigaciones en Zoonosis (CIZ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - M C Eleizalde
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos y Veterinarios (CEBIV), Instituto de Estudios Científicos y Tecnológicos (IDECYT), Universidad Nacional Experimental Simón Rodríguez (UNESR), Apartado Postal 47925, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - J Arrivillaga-Henríquez
- Unidad de Entomología Aplicada, Instituto de Investigaciones en Zoonosis (CIZ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador; Línea de Salud Ambiental, Calidad y Biodiversidad, Área Ambiente y Territorio, THC-FACSO, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - M Mendoza
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos y Veterinarios (CEBIV), Instituto de Estudios Científicos y Tecnológicos (IDECYT), Universidad Nacional Experimental Simón Rodríguez (UNESR), Apartado Postal 47925, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - J C Navarro
- Research Group of Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Ecoepidemiology and Biodiversity, Health Science Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito 170120, Ecuador; Program of Master in Biomedicine, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito 170120, Ecuador
| | - J R Ramírez-Iglesias
- Research Group of Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Ecoepidemiology and Biodiversity, Health Science Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito 170120, Ecuador; Program of Master in Biomedicine, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad Internacional SEK (UISEK), Quito 170120, Ecuador.
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Gonzalez‐Aleman G, Zamponi HP, Juarez‐Aguaysol L, Kukoc G, Dominguez ME, Pini B, Padilla EG, Calvó M, Molina‐Rangeon SB, Guerrero G, Figueredo‐Aguiar M, Fumagalli E, Vaca F, Yécora A, Brugha TS, Seshadri S, Snyder HM, de Erausquin GA. Olfactory dysfunction but not COVID‐19 severity predicts severity of cognitive sequelae following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in Amerindian older adults. Alzheimers Dement 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/alz.066868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Belén Pini
- Ministerio de Salud San Salvador de Jujuy Argentina
| | | | - Maria Calvó
- FUNDACION FULTRA San Salvador de Jujuy Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | - Fabiana Vaca
- Ministerio de Salud de la Provincia de Jujuy San Salvador de Jujuy Argentina
| | - Agustín Yécora
- Ministerio de Salud de la Provincia de Jujuy San Salvador de Jujuy Argentina
| | | | - Sudha Seshadri
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s & Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio TX USA
| | | | - Gabriel A. de Erausquin
- South Texas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center San Antonio TX USA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases San Antonio TX USA
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de Erausquin GA, Snyder H, Brugha TS, Seshadri S, Carrillo M, Sagar R, Huang Y, Newton C, Tartaglia C, Teunissen C, Håkanson K, Akinyemi R, Prasad K, D'Avossa G, Gonzalez‐Aleman G, Hosseini A, Vavougios GD, Sachdev P, Bankart J, Mors NPO, Lipton R, Katz M, Fox PT, Katshu MZ, Iyengar MS, Weinstein G, Sohrabi HR, Jenkins R, Stein DJ, Hugon J, Mavreas V, Blangero J, Cruchaga C, Krishna M, Wadoo O, Becerra R, Zwir I, Longstreth WT, Kroenenberg G, Edison P, Mukaetova‐Ladinska E, Staufenberg E, Figueredo‐Aguiar M, Yécora A, Vaca F, Zamponi HP, Re VL, Majid A, Sundarakumar J, Gonzalez HM, Geerlings MI, Skoog I, Salmoiraghi A, Boneschi FM, Patel VN, Santos JM, Arroyo GR, Moreno AC, Felix P, Gallo C, Arai H, Yamada M, Iwatsubo T, Sharma M, Chakraborty N, Ferreccio C, Akena D, Brayne C, Maestre G, Blangero SW, Brusco LI, Siddarth P, Hughes TM, Zuñiga AR, Kambeitz J, Laza AR, Allen N, Panos S, Merrill D, Ibáñez A, Tsuang D, Valishvili N, Shrestha S, Wang S, Padma V, Anstey KJ, Ravindrdanath V, Blennow K, Mullins P, Łojek E, Pria A, Mosley TH, Gowland P, Girard TD, Bowtell R, Vahidy FS. Chronic neuropsychiatric sequelae of SARS-CoV-2: Protocol and methods from the Alzheimer's Association Global Consortium. Alzheimers Dement (N Y) 2022; 8:e12348. [PMID: 36185993 PMCID: PMC9494609 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused >3.5 million deaths worldwide and affected >160 million people. At least twice as many have been infected but remained asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic. COVID-19 includes central nervous system manifestations mediated by inflammation and cerebrovascular, anoxic, and/or viral neurotoxicity mechanisms. More than one third of patients with COVID-19 develop neurologic problems during the acute phase of the illness, including loss of sense of smell or taste, seizures, and stroke. Damage or functional changes to the brain may result in chronic sequelae. The risk of incident cognitive and neuropsychiatric complications appears independent from the severity of the original pulmonary illness. It behooves the scientific and medical community to attempt to understand the molecular and/or systemic factors linking COVID-19 to neurologic illness, both short and long term. Methods This article describes what is known so far in terms of links among COVID-19, the brain, neurological symptoms, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias. We focus on risk factors and possible molecular, inflammatory, and viral mechanisms underlying neurological injury. We also provide a comprehensive description of the Alzheimer's Association Consortium on Chronic Neuropsychiatric Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (CNS SC2) harmonized methodology to address these questions using a worldwide network of researchers and institutions. Results Successful harmonization of designs and methods was achieved through a consensus process initially fragmented by specific interest groups (epidemiology, clinical assessments, cognitive evaluation, biomarkers, and neuroimaging). Conclusions from subcommittees were presented to the whole group and discussed extensively. Presently data collection is ongoing at 19 sites in 12 countries representing Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Discussion The Alzheimer's Association Global Consortium harmonized methodology is proposed as a model to study long-term neurocognitive sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Key Points The following review describes what is known so far in terms of molecular and epidemiological links among COVID-19, the brain, neurological symptoms, and AD and related dementias (ADRD)The primary objective of this large-scale collaboration is to clarify the pathogenesis of ADRD and to advance our understanding of the impact of a neurotropic virus on the long-term risk of cognitive decline and other CNS sequelae. No available evidence supports the notion that cognitive impairment after SARS-CoV-2 infection is a form of dementia (ADRD or otherwise). The longitudinal methodologies espoused by the consortium are intended to provide data to answer this question as clearly as possible controlling for possible confounders. Our specific hypothesis is that SARS-CoV-2 triggers ADRD-like pathology following the extended olfactory cortical network (EOCN) in older individuals with specific genetic susceptibility.The proposed harmonization strategies and flexible study designs offer the possibility to include large samples of under-represented racial and ethnic groups, creating a rich set of harmonized cohorts for future studies of the pathophysiology, determinants, long-term consequences, and trends in cognitive aging, ADRD, and vascular disease.We provide a framework for current and future studies to be carried out within the Consortium. and offers a "green paper" to the research community with a very broad, global base of support, on tools suitable for low- and middle-income countries aimed to compare and combine future longitudinal data on the topic.The Consortium proposes a combination of design and statistical methods as a means of approaching causal inference of the COVID-19 neuropsychiatric sequelae. We expect that deep phenotyping of neuropsychiatric sequelae may provide a series of candidate syndromes with phenomenological and biological characterization that can be further explored. By generating high-quality harmonized data across sites we aim to capture both descriptive and, where possible, causal associations.
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Domínguez-López D, Adame JA, Hernández-Ceballos MA, Vaca F, De la Morena BA, Bolívar JP. Spatial and temporal variation of surface ozone, NO and NO₂ at urban, suburban, rural and industrial sites in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. Environ Monit Assess 2014; 186:5337-51. [PMID: 24802587 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3783-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2014] [Accepted: 04/26/2014] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Surface ozone is one of the most important photochemical pollutants in the low atmosphere, causing damage to human health, vegetation, materials and climate. The weather (high temperatures and high solar radiation), orography (presence of the Guadalquivir valley) and anthropogenic (the cities of Cádiz, Córdoba, Huelva and Seville and two important industrial complexes) characteristics of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula make this region ideal for the formation and accumulation of ozone. To increase the knowledge of ozone behaviour in this area, the monthly, daily and weekly variations of ozone and its precursors, nitrogen oxides (NO(x) = NO + NO2), were analysed over a 4-year period (2003 to 2006). Using the k-means cluster technique, 12 representative stations of five different areas with different ozone behaviour were selected from a total of 29 monitoring sites. This is the first time that the analysis of these atmospheric pollutants has been carried out for the whole area, allowing therefore a complete understanding of the dynamics and the relationships of these compounds in this region. The results showed an opposite behaviour among ozone and NO and NO2 concentrations in urban and suburban zones, marked by maximums of ozone (minimums NO(x)) in spring and summer and minimums (maximums) in autumn and winter. A seasonal behaviour, with lower amplitude, was also observed in rural and industrial areas for ozone concentrations, with the NO and NO2 concentrations remaining at low and similar values during the year in rural zones due to the absence of emission sources in their surroundings. The daily cycles of ozone in urban, suburban and industrial sites registered a maximum value in the early afternoon (14:00-17:00 UTC) while for NOx two peaks were observed, at 7:00-10:00 UTC and 20:00-22:00. In the case of rural stations, no hourly peak of ozone or NO(x) was registered. The weekend effect was studied by using a statistical contrast tests (Student's t). The results indicated that only areas influenced by important traffic emissions presented a weekend effect for NO and NO2, whereas an ozone weekend effect was not detected in any case.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Domínguez-López
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Huelva, Avda. Fuerzas Armadas s/n, 21071, Huelva, Spain
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Hierro A, Olías M, Ketterer ME, Vaca F, Borrego J, Cánovas CR, Bolivar JP. Geochemical behavior of metals and metalloids in an estuary affected by acid mine drainage (AMD). Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2014; 21:2611-2627. [PMID: 24096526 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-2189-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The Tinto and Odiel rivers in southwest Spain drain the world's largest sulfide mineral formation: the Iberian Pyrite Belt which has been worked since 2,500 BC. The Tinto and Odiel estuarine zones include both an extensive area of salt marsh and an intensively industrialized urban area. As a consequence of pyrite oxidation, the Tinto and Odiel rivers are strongly acidic (pH < 3) with unusually high and quite variable metal concentrations. In this study, seasonally varying concentrations of dissolved major and trace elements were determined in the acid mine drainage affected estuary of the Ría de Huelva. During estuarine mixing, ore-derived metal concentrations exhibit excellent correlations with pH as the main controlling parameter. As pH increases, concentrations of dissolved ore-associated elements are attenuated, and this process is enhanced during the summer months. The decrease in Fe and Al concentrations ranged from 80 to 100 % as these elements are converted from dissolved to sediment-associated forms in the estuary. Coprecipitation/adsorption processes also removed between 60 and 90 % of the originally dissolved Co, Cu, Mn, Pb, Zn, and Th; however, Cd and Ni exhibited a greater propensity to remain in solution, with an average removal of approximately 60 %. On the other hand, As and U exhibited a different behavior; it is likely that these elements remain in dissolved forms because of the formation of U carbonates and soluble As species. Concentrations of As remain at elevated levels in the outer estuary (average = 48 μg L(-1)) which exceeds concentrations present in the Tinto River. Nevertheless, the estuary has recently witnessed improvements in water quality, as compared to results of several previous studies reported in the 1990s.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hierro
- Department of Applied Physics, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, University of Huelva, Campus de El Carmen, 21071, Huelva, Spain
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Hierro A, Martín JE, Olías M, Vaca F, Bolivar JP. Uranium behaviour in an estuary polluted by mining and industrial effluents: the Ría of Huelva (SW of Spain). Water Res 2013; 47:6269-6279. [PMID: 23973258 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2013.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Revised: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/28/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes a comprehensive study of the behaviour of U in the Ría of Huelva estuary, formed by the Tinto and Odiel rivers. This ecosystem is conditioned by two hydrochemical facts: one connected with the acid mining drainage (AMD) generated in the first section of the river basins, and another one related to the fertilizer industry located at the estuary. AMD gives a singular character to these rivers; low pH and high redox potential that keep high amounts of toxic elements and radionuclides in dissolution. Most of the data for dissolved U in estuaries indicate conservative mixing, but there are examples of non-conservative behaviour attributed to oxidation/reduction processes or solubility variations. In the Ría of Huelva estuary the U shows a non-conservative behaviour due to solubility changes produced by variations in the pH. A complete removal of riverine dissolved U is observed in a pH range of 4-6. At higher pH values, U release from suspended matter, and probably also from sediments into the dissolved phase is found.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hierro
- Department of Applied Physics, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, University of Huelva, Campus de El Carmen, 21071 Huelva, Spain
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9
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Mantero J, Gazquez MJ, Bolivar JP, Garcia-Tenorio R, Vaca F. Radioactive characterization of the main materials involved in the titanium dioxide production process and their environmental radiological impact. J Environ Radioact 2013; 120:26-32. [PMID: 23416226 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2013.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2011] [Revised: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
A study about the distribution of several radionuclides from the uranium and the thorium series radionuclides along the production process of a typical NORM industry devoted to the production of titanium dioxide has been performed. With this end the activity concentrations in raw materials, final product, co-products, and wastes of the production process have been determined by both gamma-ray and alpha-particle spectrometry. The main raw material used in the studied process (ilmenite) presents activity concentrations of around 300 Bq kg(-1) for Th-series radionuclides and 100 Bq kg(-1) for the U-series ones. These radionuclides in the industrial process are distributed in the different steps of the production process according mostly to the chemical behaviour of each radioelement, following different routes. As an example, most of the radium remains associated with the un-dissolved material waste, with activity concentrations around 3 kBq kg(-1) of (228)Ra and around 1 kBq kg(-1) of (226)Ra, while the final commercial products (TiO2 pigments and co-products) contain negligible amounts of radioactivity. The obtained results have allowed assessing the possible public radiological impact associated with the use of the products and co-products obtained in this type of industry, as well as the environmental radiological impact associated with the solid residues and liquid generated discharges.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mantero
- Grupo Física Nuclear Aplicada, Departamento Física Aplicada II, Universidad de Sevilla, E.T.S.A., Avenida Reina Mercedes, 241012 Sevilla, Spain
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10
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Bolívar JP, García-Tenorio R, Mosqueda F, Gázquez MJ, López-Coto I, Adame JA, Vaca F. Occupational exposures in two industrial plants devoted to the production of ammonium phosphate fertilisers. J Radiol Prot 2013; 33:199-212. [PMID: 23295410 DOI: 10.1088/0952-4746/33/1/199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In order to fill a gap in the open literature, occupational exposures and activity concentrations have been assessed in two NORM industrial plants, located in the south-west of Spain, devoted to the production of mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilisers. The annual effective doses received by the workers from these plants are clearly below 1 mSv yr(-1) and the contribution due to external radiation is similar to that due to inhalation. The contribution to the maximum effective doses due to inhalation of particulate matter has been estimated to be about 0.12 mSv yr(-1), while the (222)Rn concentrations inside the plants are of no concern. Consequently, no additional actions or radiological protection measures need to be taken to decrease the natural radiation received by the workers in these facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Bolívar
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Huelva, Campus El Carmen, E-21071, Huelva, Spain.
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Hierro A, Bolivar JP, Vaca F, Borrego J. Behavior of natural radionuclides in surficial sediments from an estuary impacted by acid mine discharge and industrial effluents in Southwest Spain. J Environ Radioact 2012; 110:13-23. [PMID: 22327046 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2012.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2011] [Revised: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The environmental degradation resulting from the acid mine drainage (AMD) and discharge from effluents of phosphogypsum (PG) piles in the watershed of Tinto and Odiel Rivers estuary over long periods of time has resulted in significant impact on the ecosystem of this estuary, resulting that the sediments are highly polluted by heavy metals and radionuclides from the discharge AMD and leachates from the PG. During resuspension of benthic sediments some of the radionuclides are desorbed making them bioavailable. In the present study, we investigate the spatial distribution of radionuclides U, Th and Ra and assess the factors and processes that caused the spatial distribution of these nuclides in this estuarine system. This study has global significance for other polluted environmental systems that are impacted by AMD and PG.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hierro
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Huelva, Campus de El Carmen, Huelva, Spain
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12
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Gázquez MJ, Mantero J, Bolívar JP, García-Tenorio R, Vaca F, Lozano RL. Physico-chemical and radioactive characterization of TiO2 undissolved mud for its valorization. J Hazard Mater 2011; 191:269-276. [PMID: 21571426 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.04.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2011] [Revised: 04/15/2011] [Accepted: 04/17/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In order to find a potential valorization of a waste generated in the industrial process devoted to the production of TiO(2) pigments, and as an essential and basic step, this waste must firstly be physically and chemically characterized. Moreover, the content of radioactivity is taken in to account due to it comes from a NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material) industry. With this end, microscopic studies were performed by applying scanning electron microscopy with X-ray microanalysis (SEM-XRMA), while the mineralogical compositions were carried out by means of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The concentrations of its major elements were determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), while heavy metals and other trace elements were ascertained through Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results obtained for this waste have revealed several lines of research into potential applications. Firstly, with the refractory properties of mineral phases observed leading to a possible use in the ceramics industry or in thermal isolators. And secondly, attending to the characteristic particle-size spectra can be used as an additive in the manufacture of cement and finally, its high concentration of titanium may be used as a bactericide in brick production.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Gázquez
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
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13
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14
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Lieser A, Anderson C, Burns M, Vaca F. 68: The Burden of Alcohol-Related Injury and Illness In California Emergency Departments. Ann Emerg Med 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2010.06.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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15
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Villa M, Mosqueda F, Hurtado S, Mantero J, Manjón G, Periañez R, Vaca F, García-Tenorio R. Contamination and restoration of an estuary affected by phosphogypsum releases. Sci Total Environ 2009; 408:69-77. [PMID: 19822348 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2009] [Revised: 09/14/2009] [Accepted: 09/16/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The Huelva Estuary in Huelva, Spain, has been one of the most studied environmental compartments in the past years from the point of view of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) releases. It has been historically affected by waste releases, enriched in radionuclides from the U-decay series, from factories located in the area devoted to the production of phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizers. Nevertheless, changes in national regulations forced a new waste management practice in 1998, prohibiting releases of phosphogypsum into the rivers. The input of natural radionuclides from phosphate factories to rivers was drastically reduced. Because of this there was a unique opportunity for the study of the response of a contaminated environmental compartment, specifically an estuary affected by tidal influences, after the cessation of the contaminant releases to, in this case, the Huelva Estuary (henceforth referred to as the Estuary). To investigate the environmental response to this new discharge regime, the specific activities of radionuclides 226Ra and 210Pb in water and sediment samples collected in four campaigns (from 1999 to 2005) were determined and compared with pre-1998 values. From this study it is possible to infer the most effective mechanisms of decontamination for the Estuary. Decontamination rates of 210Pb and 226Ra in the sediments and water have been calculated using exponential fittings and corresponding half-lives have been deduced from them. The cleaning half-life in the whole area of the Estuary is about 6 and 3.5 years for 226Ra and 210Pb respectively. The observed trend clearly shows that contamination of the Estuary by natural radionuclides is now decreasing and radioactive levels in waters and sediments are approaching the natural background references. This work attempts to evaluate whether it can be expected that the decontamination of the enhanced levels of natural radioactivity in the Estuary can be performed via natural processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Villa
- Centro de Investigación, Tecnología e Innovación, Universidad de Sevilla CITIUS, Av. Reina Mercedes 4B, E41012-Sevilla, Spain.
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Gázquez MJ, Bolívar JP, García-Tenorio R, Vaca F. Physicochemical characterization of raw materials and co-products from the titanium dioxide industry. J Hazard Mater 2009; 166:1429-1440. [PMID: 19167156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.12.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2008] [Revised: 12/12/2008] [Accepted: 12/12/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to characterize several raw materials and co-products from the titanium dioxide industry in relation to their elemental composition (major, minor and trace elements), granulometry, mineralogy, microscopic morphology and physical composition. The main objective was to gain basic information for the future potential application of these co-products in fields such as agriculture, construction, civil engineering, etc. Microscopic studies were performed by applying scanning electron microscopy with X-ray microanalysis (SEM-XRMA) while the mineralogical compositions were analysed by means of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The concentrations of major elements such as Na, Al, Si, Ca, Ti, Fe, S and K were determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), while heavy metals and other trace elements were determined by ICP-MS. The physicochemical characterization of the raw materials used in the titanium dioxide industry, in addition to the characterization of the co-products generated, has enabled the evaluation of the degree of fractionation of different elements and compounds between the different co-products, as well as the control of the possible variations in the physicochemical composition of the raw materials throughout the time and the study of the influence of these variations in the characteristics of the obtained co-products. As a main conclusion of our study, it is possible to indicate that the levels of the pollutant elements associated to the co-products analysed were, in general, within safe limits and, therefore, they could potentially be used in composites as fertilizers or for building materials in road construction, etc. Nevertheless, for the specific application of each of these co-products in agriculture, construction and civil engineering, additional studies need to be performed to evaluate their appropriateness for the proposed application, together with specific studies on their health and environmental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Gázquez
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain.
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17
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Chakravarthy B, Ludlow J, Anderson C, Vaca F, Lotfipour S. 317: Disparities in Pedestrian Crashes using Geographic Information System (GIS) Data in a Large Southern California County. Ann Emerg Med 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2007.06.378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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18
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Tsai V, Anderson C, Vaca F. Trends in Young Female Drivers in Alcohol-related Fatal Crashes over Ten Years, 1995-2004. Acad Emerg Med 2007. [DOI: 10.1197/j.aem.2007.03.888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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19
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Borrego E, Mas JL, Martín JE, Bolívar JP, Vaca F, Aguado JL. Radioactivity levels in aerosol particles surrounding a large TENORM waste repository after application of preliminary restoration work. Sci Total Environ 2007; 377:27-35. [PMID: 17343897 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.01.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2006] [Revised: 01/16/2007] [Accepted: 01/22/2007] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, (238)U-series radionuclides have been analysed in particulate matter samples collected at a phosphogypsum stack system located near the city of Huelva (SW Spain) during the course of 1 year. The results have been compared to those collected at a reference (background) site located a few km away, in order to establish if the stack system provokes an increase in radionuclide exposure due to inhalation with particulate matter. The (222)Rn progeny, which is considered a very important contributor to the internal dose rate received by the population, was collected for 6 months. The results indicate that for several types of radionuclides there is a significant increase in the radioactivity adsorbed by the aerosol particles collected at phosphogypsum stacks. The isotope analysis indicates that this increment could be affected by the water vapour emissions from the factory, which contain high concentrations of these radionuclides. However, the majority of these radionuclides could not be detected at the background location. The corresponding dose increment estimated at the sampling point is, however, negligible. This fact is a consequence of the very small radionuclide concentration increment, together with relatively conservative nature of the occupational factor applied. Regarding the Rn progeny, no significant differences between either the collecting sites has been registered due to of the dominant wind regime at the sampling locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Borrego
- Dpto. de Física Aplicada, Campus de El Carmen, University of Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
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20
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21
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Kahn CA, Vaca F. Commentary: Scoping out reciprocity, career mobility and recognition. Ann Emerg Med 2006; 48:213-4. [PMID: 16857470 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2006.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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22
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Mas JL, San Miguel EG, Bolívar JP, Vaca F, Pérez-Moreno JP. An assay on the effect of preliminary restoration tasks applied to a large TENORM wastes disposal in the south-west of Spain. Sci Total Environ 2006; 364:55-66. [PMID: 16343599 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2005.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2005] [Revised: 10/27/2005] [Accepted: 11/03/2005] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
A large industrial wastes disposal site, where two phosphate rock processing plants release their wastes, located close to Huelva town (SW of Spain), has been partially submitted to restoration as a preliminary step in a possible decomissioning process. Due to the high natural radioactivity contents of these wastes, this repository is considered as a radiological anomaly, being actually considered as TENORM (technically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials). The efficiency of this restoration from the radiological point of view according to the new European regulatory framework was evaluated in this work. The results allow to conclude that, as a consequence of the partial restoration works, the external dose rate has been drastically reduced above the repository system. Nevertheless, special attention must be paid on the occupational factor to be applied to workers on the unrestored system. The application of a dosimetric model allows the prediction of the negative effects of using certain industrial wastes as a cover system in this restoration/mitigation task.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Mas
- Dpto Física Aplicada I, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. Reina Mercedes s/n, 41012-Sevilla, Spain
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Jivcu C, Lotfipour S, Winn DG, Anderson C, Vaca F. 28 THE ROLE OF ALCOHOL IN TRAFFIC COLLISIONS INVOLVING OLDER DRIVERS IN ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. J Investig Med 2004. [DOI: 10.1136/jim-52-suppl1-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Vaca F, Manjón G, Cuéllar S, García-León M. Factor of merit and minimum detectable activity for 90Sr determinations by gas-flow proportional counting or Cherenkov counting. Appl Radiat Isot 2001; 55:849-51. [PMID: 11761109 DOI: 10.1016/s0969-8043(01)00141-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The determination of 90Sr in environmental samples can be done by using a gas-flow proportional counter (beta-counting) or a liquid-scintillation spectrometer (Cherenkov counting). In this work, we present the factor of merit (FOM) and the minimum detectable activity (MDA) for both the counters. Quantitative relationships are proposed for FOM and MDA determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Vaca
- Departamento de Fisica Aplicada, E. P. S. de La Rábida, Universidad de Huelva, Spain
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26
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Pérez-Moreno J, Bolı́var J, Garcı́a-Tenorio R, San Miguel E, Aguado J, Mas J, Vaca F. A simple method for efficiency calibration of HPGe detectors in γ-spectrometric measurements. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2001. [DOI: 10.1016/s0969-806x(01)00290-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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28
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Berns SD, Vaca F. Commentary: We need to give children a boost before we buckle them. Ann Emerg Med 2001; 37:407-10. [PMID: 11275836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S D Berns
- The Injury Prevention Center, Hasbro Children's Hospital, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, RI, USA
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29
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Vaca F, Berns SD. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Commentary: Motorcycle helmet law repeal--a tax assessment for the rest of the United States? Ann Emerg Med 2001; 37:230-2. [PMID: 11174245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- F Vaca
- University of California-Irvine, Center for Health Policy Research, USA
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Vaca F, Berns SD, Harris JS, Jolly BT, Runge JW, Todd KH. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Evaluation of the repeal of motorcycle helmet laws. Ann Emerg Med 2001; 37:229-30. [PMID: 11174244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- F Vaca
- University of California-Irvine, Center for Health Policy Research, USA
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31
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Vaca F, Manjón G, Garcia-León M. The presence of some artificial and natural radionuclides in a Eucalyptus forest in the south of Spain. J Environ Radioact 2001; 56:309-325. [PMID: 11468822 DOI: 10.1016/s0265-931x(00)00211-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Long-lived artificial radionuclides (137Cs, 90Sr) were studied in a Eucalyptus plantation located in the south-west of Spain. Radionuclide concentrations were determined in different types of samples corresponding to specific forest components (soil, trees, herbs and litter). Depth profile distributions were obtained in two selected core soils. Two layers were separately measured in three other cores. The concentration factor, defined as the ratio between the mean activity concentration in a component and the mean activity concentration in the soil, was calculated for each component. The biomass of different components was estimated in order to evaluate the total density concentration (Bq/ha) of the artificial radionuclides (137Cs, 90Sr) in the Eucalyptus plantation. The transfer of the radionuclides between the different forest components can be inferred from the results. Additionally, other naturally occurring radionuclides (40K, 226Ra, 228Ra, 228Ac) were determined for comparison. Transport of radionuclides from forest to a nearby pulp mill is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Vaca
- Departamento de Fisica Aplicada, Universidad de Huelva, E. P. S. de La Rábida, 21819 Palos de la Frontera, La Rábida, Huelva, Spain.
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Abstract
Artificial and natural radionuclides present in environmental samples (Eucalyptus wood and bark) can be transferred in an alkaline pulp mill and concentrated in the recycling process. Some part of the radionuclides can be released into the environment associated with the discharges from such a factory. An alkaline pulp mill located in the South of Spain was extensively sampled during 1993 and different radionuclides analysed in the collected samples. Thus the concentrations and fluxes of natural (40K, 226Ra, 228Ra and 228Th) and artificial (137Cs and 90Sr) radionuclides associated with the samples collected along the pulp production process are presented. It is shown that radium and thorium radionuclides behave similarly to strontium and calcium and, consequently, concentrate within the Ca-cycle. Furthermore, 40K and 137Cs are concentrated during the Na-cycle. Finally, the results obtained by the authors are compared with the levels found in similar factories, though situated in the North of Europe, by other researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Vaca
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Universidad de Huelva, E.P.S. La Rábida, ESP-21819 Palos, Huelva, Spain
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33
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Vaca F, Lew C, Femandez M. Knowledge of child car seat safety in a tricultural Southern California emergency department. Ann Emerg Med 1999. [DOI: 10.1016/s0196-0644(99)80119-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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34
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Manjón G, Vaca F, García-León M. Artificial long-lived radionuclides (137Cs, 90Sr) in an alkaline pulp mill located in the South of Spain. Appl Radiat Isot 1996. [DOI: 10.1016/s0969-8043(96)00112-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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35
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Gribushin A, Abramov V, Antipov Y, Baldin B, Crittenden R, Davis C, Dauwe L, Denisov S, Dyshkant A, Dzierba A, Glebov V, Goldberg H, Jesik R, Koreshev V, Krider J, Krinitsyn A, Li R, Margulies S, Marshall T, Martin J, Mendez H, Petrukhin A, Solomon J, Sirotenko V, Smith P, Sulanke T, Sulyaev R, Vaca F, Zieminski A, Blusk S, Bromberg C, Chang P, Choudhary B, Chung WH, Dlugosz W, Dunlea J, Engels E, Fanourakis G, Ginther G, Hartman K, Huston J, Kapoor V, Lirakis C, Mani S, Mansour J, Maul A, Miller R, Oh BY, Pothier E, Roser R, Shepard P, Skow D, Slattery P, Sorrell L, Toothacker W, Varelas N, Weerasundara D, Whitmore J, Yosef C, Zielinski M. Production of J/ psi and psi (2S) mesons in pi -Be collisions at 515 GeV/c. Phys Rev D Part Fields 1996; 53:4723-4733. [PMID: 10020469 DOI: 10.1103/physrevd.53.4723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
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Jesik R, Abramov V, Antipov Y, Baldin B, Crittenden R, Dauwe L, Davis C, Denisov S, Dyshkant A, Dzierba A, Glebov V, Goldberg H, Gribushin A, Koreshev V, Krider J, Krinitsyn A, Li R, Margulies S, Marshall T, Martin J, Mendez H, Petrukhin A, Sirotenko V, Smith P, Solomon J, Sulanke T, Sulyaev R, Vaca F, Zieminski A, Blusk S, Bromberg C, Chang P, Choudhary B, Chung W, Dlugosz W, Dunlea J, Engels E, Fanourakis G, Ginther G, Hartman K, Huston J, Kapoor V, Lirakis C, Lobkowicz F, Mani S, Mansour J, Maul A, Miller R, Oh B, Pothier E, Roser R, Shepard P, Skow D, Slattery P, Sorrell L, Toothacker W, Varelas N, Weerasundara D, Whitmore J, Yosef C, Zielinski M. Bottom Production in pi --Be Collisions at 515 GeV/c. Phys Rev Lett 1995; 74:495-498. [PMID: 10058772 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.74.495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
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