Assessment of aflatoxin B1-lysine adduct in serum of infant population of the Huasteca Potosina, México – a pilot study

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 421-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Díaz de León-Martínez ◽  
J. Solis-Mercado ◽  
M. Rodríguez-Aguilar ◽  
F. Díaz-Barriga ◽  
D. Guzmán Ortíz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Vulnerable Populations ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Indigenous Populations ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Fluorescence Detector ◽  
Main Food Source

Aflatoxins are mycotoxins considered to be highly toxic and produce adverse effects on human health. These compounds, mainly aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), have been classified as human carcinogens, due to its association with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. In Mexico, the study of aflatoxins has been focused on the evaluation of products of the basic basket, particularly on maize, which is the basis of the Mexican diet. On the other hand, most of these studies have been conducted in urban areas. Indigenous populations may be exposed to a higher risk than urban ones due to the high consumption of tortillas, the harvest and the storage conditions of their food; hence, AFB1 is frequently found contaminating maize, which is the main food source for Mexicans. There is scarce evidence of exposure in vulnerable populations, such as children. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to conduct a pilot study for the evaluation of exposure to AFB1 through the AFB1-lys adduct in 31 serum samples of children from indigenous communities in Mexico. AFB1-lys was measured by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography with fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD), with limits of detection and quantification of 3.5 and 4.7 pg/ml, respectively. Results from this pilot study revealed that 13% of children were of short stature, 9.7% presented overweight and 6.5% obesity. 45% of the children presented detectable concentrations of AFB1-lys adduct, with a median (minimum-maximum) of 5.6 (4.8-6.5) pg of AFB1-lys adduct/mg of albumin. The AFB1-lysine exposure biomarker is an important tool for the surveillance of aflatoxins and their effects on health, so, following this intervention, it would be necessary to monitor the exposure of vulnerable populations to aflatoxins, especially in rural areas where foods are more contaminated.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Chagas in urban and rural indigenous populations of the south of Gran Chaco

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlina Colussi ◽  
Mariana Stafuza ◽  
Marcelo Nepote ◽  
Diego Mendicino
Keyword(s):  
Rural Area ◽  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Indigenous Populations ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
The South ◽  
Vector Transmission ◽  
Gran Chaco

AbstractBackground & objectivesIn Latin America, Chagas disease is endemic, with high prevalence in rural indigenous communities and increasing prevalence in urban areas due to migration from rural areas with active vector transmission. The objective of the work was to assess differences in the prevalence of Chagas disease in urban and rural moqoit communities of the south of Gran Chaco, Santa Fe province, Argentina.MethodsA seroprevalence study was conducted in six moqoit populations. Belonging to an urban community was considered as an exposure variable, whereas seropositivity for Chagas disease was considered as an outcome variableResultsThe results showed that 9.26% of the 702 volunteers evaluated and 3.50% of women of childbearing potential were seropositive. The prevalence of Chagas disease in urban communities was 6.41 times higher than in rural communities.Interpretation & conclusionsThe seroprevalence found in the moqoit community is higher than that estimated for the general population of the same region, with greater impact in the urban area than in the rural area. The decline of vector transmission in the rural area could be related to the conservation of ancestral practices and the expansion of the agricultural model.

scholarly journals Factors associated with the distribution of natural Toxoplasma gondii infection among equids in Northeastern Brazil

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 283-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Dias Munhoz ◽  
Monia Andrade Souza ◽  
Sonia Carmen Lopo Costa ◽  
Jéssica de Souza Freitas ◽  
Aísla Nascimento da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Fluorescent Antibody ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Factors Associated

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii in naturally infected equids in northeastern Brazil. Serum samples from 569 equids (528 horses, 8 mules and 33 donkeys) were subjected to the indirect fluorescent antibody test. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate associated factors. Among the 569 animals sampled, 118 (30.6%) living in rural areas and 14 (26.42%) in urban areas were seropositive (p>0.05). Seropositive animals were observed on 95% of the farms and in all the municipalities. Donkeys/mules as the host, presence of domestic cats and rats on the farm, ingestion of lagoon water and goat rearing remained in the final model as factors associated with infection. Preventive measures such as avoiding the presence of domestic cats close to rearing areas, pastures and sources of water for the animals should be adopted. The wide-ranging distribution of positive animals also indicated that infection in other domestic animals and in humans, through the contaminated environment, was possible. It should be highlighted that there was the possibility that donkeys and mules would continue to have detectable titers for longer, thus explaining the prevalence found. Further studies are needed to confirm this possibility.

scholarly journals Awareness of Mosquito Bite and Preventive Methods Adopted against their Bites

2021 ◽  
pp. 12-16
Author(s):  
S. Rajini ◽  
K. Kannan ◽  
Tamil Selvi
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Small Group ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Disease Vectors ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
Mosquito Bite ◽  
Preventive Methods

Mosquitoes are the utmost common disease vectors worldwide. Newly in India mosquito borne diseases have revealed as a big threat to public health specially disease like Dengue, Malaria and Chikungunya. Puducherry is said to be endemic zone for malarial spreading and other such kinds of diseases. Anopheles, Aedes and Culex are commonly seen in Puducherry. Therefore, considerable effects are taken to create the awareness against such kinds of insect- borne particularly, on mosquito bites made together for local citizens. The present study aimed to spread such kind of awareness and related practices on disposing mosquitoes’ supporting places, their eggs for maximum prevention in Puducherry rural areas. A pilot study was conducted among the small group of people and based on it, the study questioner was prepared. The objective of the survey was to study the awareness, attributes and practices about mosquito borne diseases in urban areas and it explore various myths about mosquito borne diseases.

scholarly journals SEROEPIDEMIOLOGY OF TOXOPLASMOSIS IN HUMANS AND DOGS FROM A SMALL MUNICIPALITY IN PARANA, BRAZIL

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aline do Nascimento Benitez ◽  
Daniela Dib Gonçalves ◽  
Beatriz de Souza Lima Nino ◽  
Eloiza Teles Caldart ◽  
Roberta Lemos Freire ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Urban Slum ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Significance Level

Abstract Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis with important public health implications. The aims of this study were to determine and identify factors associated to the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in humans and dogs from Jataizinho, Parana State, Brazil. Serum samples from 280 humans and 766 dogs, from rural and urban areas, were tested by indirect immunofluorescent antibody test. Positive dilutions were ≥ 1:16. Epidemiological informations were obtained through an individual questionnaire and data tabulation was performed using EpiInfo 3.5.3 (CDC, Atlanta). Statistical significance was evaluated by chi-square (ᵪ2) or Fisher's exact tests with a 5.0 % significance level. The seroprevalence in humans was 70.00% (196/280), as follows: 69.08% (143/207) in rural and 72.60% (53/73) in a slum urban community. The seroprevalence in dogs was 52.35% (401/766), as follows: 71.74% (99/138) in rural and 48.08% (302/628) in urban area. In rural areas, there was no factor associated to risk of infection. In urban slum community, visualizing more than four rats at home was a factor statistically associated to seropositivity for human toxoplamosis. Infection of urban dogs was associated to age, contact with stray dogs or rodents, and free access to street. The results indicated a similar possibility of contact with Toxoplasma gondii between dogs and humans living in rural or slum urban areas of small municipalities.

scholarly journals Remaining Connected with our Graduates: A Pilot Study

10.28945/4243 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 043-057
Author(s):  
Joy Penman ◽  
Eddie L Robinson ◽  
Wendy M Cross
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Educational Aspirations ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Postgraduate Study ◽  
The Future

Aim/Purpose: This study aims to determine where nursing students from a metropolitan university subsequently work following graduation, identify the factors that influence decisions to pursue careers in particular locations, ascertain educational plans in the immediate future; and explore the factors that might attract students to pursue postgraduate study. Background: The global nursing shortage and high attrition of nursing students remain a challenge for the nursing profession. A recurrent pattern of maldistribution of nurses in clinical specialities and work locations has also occurred. It is imperative that institutions of learning examine their directions and priorities with the goal of meeting the mounting health needs of the wider community. Methodology: Qualitative and quantitative data were obtained through an online 21-item questionnaire. The questionnaire gathered data such as year of graduation, employment status, the location of main and secondary jobs, the principal area of nursing activity, and plans for postgraduate study. It sought graduates’ reasons for seeking employment in particular workplaces and the factors encouraging them to pursue postgraduate study. Contribution: This study is meaningful and relevant as it provided a window to see the gaps in higher education and nursing practice, and opportunities in research and collaboration. It conveys many insights that were informative, valuable and illuminating in the context of nurse shortage and nurse education. The partnership with hospitals and health services in providing education and support at the workplace is emphasized. Findings: Twenty-three students completed the online questionnaire. All respondents were employed, 22 were working in Australia on a permanent basis (96%), 19 in urban areas (83%) with three in regional/rural areas (13%), and one was working internationally (4%). This pilot study revealed that there were varied reasons for workplace decisions, but the most common answer was the opportunity provided to students to undertake their graduate year and subsequent employment offered. Moreover, the prevailing culture of the organization and high-quality clinical experiences afforded to students were significant contributory factors. Data analysis revealed their plans for postgraduate studies in the next five years (61%), with critical care nursing as the most popular specialty option. The majority of the respondents (78%) signified their interest in taking further courses, being familiar with the educational system and expressing high satisfaction with the university’s program delivery. Recommendations for Practitioners: The results of the pilot should be tested in a full study with validated instruments in the future. With a larger dataset, the conclusions about graduate destinations and postgraduate educational pursuits of graduates would be generalizable, valid and reliable. Recommendation for Researchers: Further research to explore how graduates might be encouraged to work in rural and regional areas, determine courses that meet the demand of the market, and how to better engage with clinical partners are recommended. Impact on Society: It is expected that the study will be extended in the future to benefit other academics, service managers, recruiters, and stakeholders to alert them of strategies that may be used to entice graduates to seek employment in various areas and plan for addressing the educational needs of postgraduate nursing students. The end goal is to help enhance the nursing workforce by focusing on leadership and retention. Future Research: Future directions for research will include canvassing a bigger sample of alumni students and continuously monitoring graduate destinations and educational aspirations. How graduates might be encouraged to work in rural and regional areas will be further explored. Further research will also be undertaken involving graduates from other universities and other countries in order to compare the work practice of graduates over the same time frame.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of antibodies (IgG) to Taenia solium among pig rearers and associated risk factors in Jos metropolis, Nigeria

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (02) ◽  
pp. 067-072 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Paul Weka ◽  
Eugene I Ikeh ◽  
Joshua Kamani
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Statistical Difference ◽  
Taenia Solium ◽  
Water System ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Pig Management ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Introduction: In Nigeria, Taenia solium cysticercosis is a problem in rural areas where most pigs are kept and in urban areas where infected pork can be consumed. Methodology: We performed enzyme linked immunosorbent assays on serum samples collected from pig rearers in Jos, Nigeria, to determine the prevalence of IgG antibodies. Results: Of 125 subjects tested, 12 (9.6%) were positive for T. solium. Seroprevalence did not differ significantly (P>0.05) according to education, age, occupation, study location, gender or whether the subjects consumed pork. However, a statistical difference (P<0.05) in seroprevalence was observed according to type and availability of toilet used, personal hygiene after using the toilet, and type of pig management practiced. Females were about two times more likely to be seroprevalent than males (OR=1.7; 95% CI= 0.43-6.67; P=0.4) and subjects who consumed pork were four times more likely to have anti T. solium antibodies than those who did not eat pork (OR=4.2; 95%CI=0.52-33.57; P=0.2). Those who defecated in the bush were 8.3 times more likely to suffer from T. solium infection than those who used water system toilets (OR=8.3; 95%CI=1.56-43.7; P=0.01). Subjects who did not wash their hands after defecating were 6 times more likely to contract T. solium compared to those who washed their hands with water ( OR=5.5; 95% CI=1.39-21.89; P=0.01). Conclusion: Our results show that using a toilet and practicing good personal hygiene can reduce cases of T. solium infection in a community.

Proměny peri-urbánního prostředí na příkladu spotřebitelského chování

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena Kubíčková ◽  
Nikola Šlahůnková
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Behavior ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Urban Space ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Field Survey ◽  
Rural Tourism ◽  
Local Production ◽  
A Current

The submitted paper refers to a current phenomenon in the form of peri-urban space and its transfigurations reflecting the migration of the population to the cities, their postmodern consumer behavior, or current purchasing preferences. The paper aims to analyze the consumer behavior of shoppers in the local production market, identify key motivations and characteristics of purchases, and secondarily identify the connection with the approach to travel. The methods used include a quantitative questionnaire survey, thus the answers were collected during the field survey by a simple random selection. The data were then analyzed according to basic statistical methods and interpreted. The paper and its outputs serve mainly as a pilot study of a questionnaire survey, so the sample of respondents is meager (N = 94). As a prime finding can be considered the fact that respondents choose the local production markets due to the quality and freshness of products or their taste. On the contrary, price is not one of the main reasons for purchases, even when assessing the choice of a particular product is not a key criterion. Most respondents prefer a vacation in rural areas, not in urban areas, so there is a parallel between the preference for local products and rural tourism.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Risk Factors for Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection in Continental Croatian Regions

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 67
Author(s):  
Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek ◽  
Tena Oreski ◽  
Misa Korva ◽  
Branko Kolaric ◽  
Vladimir Stevanovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis ◽  
Immunofluorescence Assay ◽  
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a neglected human pathogen associated with aseptic meningitis, severe systemic infections in immunocompromised persons, and congenital anomalies. Data on the prevalence of LCMV infections are scarce. We analyzed the seroprevalence of LCMV in continental Croatian regions. A total of 338 serum samples of professionally exposed (forestry workers, hunters, agriculture workers in contact with rodents) and non-exposed populations (general population, pregnant women) were tested for the presence of LCMV antibodies using indirect immunofluorescence assay. No participants reported recent febrile disease. LCMV IgG antibodies were detected in 23/6.8% of participants: 9.8% exposed persons and 5.1% non-exposed persons (6.1% in the general population and 3.9% in pregnant women). No participants were LCMV IgM positive. Although higher seropositivity was found in males compared to females (8.9% vs. 4.7%), inhabitants of suburban/rural areas compared to inhabitants of urban areas (9.2% vs. 4.6%), and persons who used well as a source of water compared to those who used tap (11.4% vs. 5.6%), these differences did not reach statistical significance. Results of logistic regression showed that the presence of rodents in the house/yard and cleaning rodent nests were associated with an elevated risk for LCMV infection (OR = 2.962, 95% CI = 1.019–8.607).

scholarly journals Lassa Virus in the Host Rodent Mastomys Natalensis within Urban Areas of N’zerekore, Guinea

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
LS Karan ◽  
MT Makenov ◽  
MG Korneev ◽  
N Sacko ◽  
S Boumbaly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Reservoir Host ◽  
Lassa Virus ◽  
Mastomys Natalensis ◽  
Large Cities ◽  
The City ◽  
Lineage Iv

AbstractLassa virus is the causative agent of a dangerous zoonotic disease distributed in West Africa. A primary reservoir host of Lassa virus is Mastomys natalensis. These mice associate closely with humans and are commonly found in villages. Consequently, previous studies of Lassa virus have focused on rural areas. The prevalence of the virus in large cities has not been studied.We conducted a study in N’Zerekore city, which has a population of approximately 300,000 residents. Small mammals were captured during a pilot study in May, and the main study was performed in August 2018. Based on the pilot study, we designed and implemented a stratified random sample to investigate the prevalence of Lassa virus among M. natalensis in N’Zerekore. The total sampling efforts consisted of 45 and 985 trapping nights in May and August, respectively. Samples of rodent tissues were screened for Lassa virus by RT-PCR.In May, we trapped 20 rodents, including 19 M. natalensis. Viral RNA was detected in 18 M. natalensis. In August, 149 small mammals were captured, including 43 M. natalensis. The prevalence of Lassa virus among M. natalensis in N’Zerekore was 23.3% (CI 95%: 11.8–38.6%). Sequencing showed that the isolates belonged to lineage IV. We detected four Lassa virus hotspots located in different parts of the city. The largest Lassa virus hotspot was found in the neighborhood of the central market, which suggests that the virus was originally introduced into the city through the market.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Leptospira infection in selected rural and urban areas of Bangladesh by rLipL32 based ELISA

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-55
Author(s):  
Shakila Tamanna ◽  
Fahmida Rahman ◽  
TH Tang ◽  
Siti Aminah Ahmed ◽  
KC Ang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Population ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
North East ◽  
Worldwide Distribution ◽  
Rural And Urban

Background and objectives: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic infection with worldwide distribution caused by the Leptospira species and predominant in the tropical and subtropical regions. Information on leptospirosis in Bangladesh is limited. The present study was designed to detect anti-leptospiral antibodies in human serum samples in Bangladeshi population by developing an in-house ELISA using recombinant LipL32 (rLipL32) antigen. The study was conducted from April 2014 to December 2014.Method: Healthy individuals from two rural areas and fever cases from one urban healthcare center were enrolled in the study. Rural health centers were located at Sonargoan and Bajitpur sub-district (Upozilla) of Narayaganj and Kishorganj districts. Sonargoan health center is located 26 km south-east and Bajitpur is located 71 km north-east of Dhaka city. About 1-2 ml of blood was collected with aseptic measure and serum was separated and stored at -200C until used. Anti-leptospiral IgG antibody was determined by recombinant LipL32 (rLipL32) antigen based indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Seropositive cases were further confirmed by commercial Leptospira IgG ELISA.Results: The study included 250 febrile cases and 376 healthy individuals from urban and rural areas, respectively. Out of total 626 study population, anti-LipL32 specific IgG antibody was detected in 70 individuals (11.2%). The rate of positivity of anti-LipL32 antibody among the healthy individuals from rural area was 10.6% while the rate was 12.0% in urban febrile population. The rate of positivity in rural and urban population was not significantly (p>0.05) different. Among the urban population, the rate of seropositivity was 9.1% and 16.4% in 21- 40 yrs and above 40 years age group respectively while the rate was 7.2% and 14.0% in rural population respectively. Out of 70 seropositive cases detected by LipL32 ELISA, 65 (92.9%) were positive by commercial ELISA.Conclusion: The present study has revealed that leptospirosis is prevalent in Bangladesh and should be looked for in febrile and clinically suspected cases. The study has also demonstrated that rLipL32 protein may be used as a candidate antigen for the serodiagnosis of leptospirosis.IMC J Med Sci 2017; 11(2): 50-55

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