Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Human Adipose Tissue in Mexico: Results of a Preliminary Study in Three Mexican Cities

The results of a preliminary search to determine the levels of organochlorine pesticide residues in the adipose tissue o f the inhabitants of three Mexican cities of different socioeconomic characteristics are described herein. The concentrations and percent occurrence of nine compounds found are reported, in general, the samples analyzed had a large number o f different organochlorine residues per sample. The results indicate that the inhabitants have been heavily exposed to 1,1,1 -trichloro-2 ,2-bis (p-chloro-phenyl) ethane (DDT), and to a lesser degree, to 1,2,3,4,5,6,-hexachlorocyclohexane (BHC). The mean concentration o f 1,1- dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl) ethylene (DDE) in one of the groups (18.36 ppm, lipid basis) was one of the highest reported in the literature. It is also noteworthy that DDT was found in only 63, 89, and 55% of the samples from the three cities.     

Revision of Failed Total Hip Arthroplasty Acetabular Cups to Porous Tantalum Components : A 5-Year Follow-Up Study

We reviewed 263 consecutive patients with failed acetabular components after total hip arthroplasty that were revised using porous tantalum acetabular components and augments when necessary. The mean follow-up was 73.6 months (range, 60-84 months). The improvement of mean Harris hip score, Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index, and University of California Los Angeles activity scales were statistically significant (P < .001). Subjective assessments showed that 87.3% of patients reported “improvement” and 85.9% were “very or fairly pleased” with the results. At the most recent follow-up, all acetabular components were radiographically stable and none required rerevision for loosening. The acetabular revision was considered successful in 87% of cases. From this study, we conclude that the acetabular component used was reliable in creating a durable composite without failure for a minimum of 5 years.     

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome Outbreak,Brazil, December 2009–January 2010

An outbreak of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome occurred in the Sobradinho Indian settlement of the Kayabí ethnic group in northern Mato Grosso during December 2009–January 2010. We conducted a retrospective study to clarify the outbreak’s epidemiologic and clinical characteristics. Results suggest a relationship between the outbreak and deforestation and farming expansion in indigenous areas.