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PubMed1991

Aflatoxins: data on human carcinogenic risk.

Some of the major difficulties in assessing the role of aflatoxin (AF) in the causation of liver cancer are discussed. Firstly, exposure to AF in Africa and parts of Asia and Latin America might begin very early in life and episodically thereafter. The number of episodes and the degree of exposure to AF varies greatly by country and region, by agricultural and crop storage practices, by season and by other factors difficult to control in any questionnaire-based study. Secondly, there is a high geographical correlation between exposure to AF and to hepatitis B virus. Thirdly, long-lasting biological markers for AF are still not available. Epidemiological studies might be enhanced by the incorporation of new biological assays. It is to be hoped that better information will be generated as a result of on-going intervention projects, such as reduction of AF levels and agricultural development programmes, and by monitoring exposure to AF and the incidence of liver cancer in areas where hepatitis B virus vaccination is effectively reducing the prevalence of carriers of the viral surface antigen.

Aflatoxins↗
PubMed1983

Studies on the epidemiology of schistosomiasis in Liberia: the prevalence and intensity of schistosomal infections in Bong County and the bionomics of the snail intermediate hosts.

Urine samples from 3548 individuals residing in six of the eight districts which comprise Bong County, Liberia, the project area of the Bong County Agricultural Development Project (BCADP), and fecal specimens from 3408 of these individuals were examined for schistosome ova. A total of 164 water sites, including rice paddies, were surveyed for schistosome vector snails and monthly changes in snail population density and infection rate were determined in selected water sites. Bulinus globosus was more widely distributed than Biomphalaria pfeifferi but the latter species showed a higher infection prevalence (12.3%) than the former one (10.3%). Snail population density and infection rate fluctuated with season, being higher in the dry season and lower during periods of heavy rainfall. Dessication and/or heat stress may have contributed to the contraction of snail population size at the end of the dry season. More water sites contained infected snails during December through February than at any other time of the year. In selected water sites examined at monthly intervals, mean snail density was higher in rice paddies than in other water contact sites but the latter showed a higher prevalence of infected snails than the former. The overall prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni (24.8%) was significantly higher than that of S. haematobium (22.7%) but the difference in prevalence rates of two species in school children was not statistically significant. The intensity of S. haematobium infection (13.2 means G) was significantly higher than that of S. mansoni (6.3 means G). Mixed infections in school children did not have a significant effect on egg output. The prevalence and intensity of S. haematobium showed a dramatic decline between the age groups 0-15 and 20-50 + years old; the differences between these age groups in S. mansoni infection were unremarkable. In Zota, Jorquelle and Kokoya Districts, prevalence rates of S. haematobium were higher than those of S. mansoni; the reverse was observed in Suakoko and Panta-Kpai Districts but relative prevalence rates varied according to specific locality in each district. A south to north stratification of schistosomal infection prevalence was observed similar to the west to east gradient reported by Saladin et al. (1980). New rice paddies developed during the three year operational period of the BCADP contained little or no vector snails and schistosomal infections in farm families of these paddies reflected the characteristic of the disease in corresponding localities.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Rural campaign to diagnose and treat mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in Bolivia.

Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) is endemic in the tropical Amazonian lowlands of Bolivia, an area that regularly receives influxes of migratory populations. In these new agricultural development areas, a campaign to diagnose and treat the disease was carried out between 1989 and 1992, in order to provide direct access to MCL treatment in the endemic areas at a standard equivalent to that offered in the urban centres in Bolivia. The campaign led to the creation of decentralized local centres for diagnosis and treatment of the disease. A campaign to inform the population about leishmaniasis was also undertaken and courses were run to educate medical and paramedical personnel. As a result of the campaign, 3285 cases of leishmaniasis were diagnosed, including 2152 cutaneous and 326 mucosal forms. Also, a total of 1888 cases were treated, 1677 of which cutaneous and 211, mucosal.

Bolivia↗
PubMed1994

Epidemiology of cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis in Moravia and Silesia.

Cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis in Moravia and Silesia (4 million inhabitants) was evaluated using standard epidemiological and clinical parameters. During 1981-1990 the incidence of cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis ranged from 0.74 to 1.28/100,000. The trend of incidence was increasing slightly. The prevalence rose from 6.5 to 12.1/100,000. The male/female ratio was 1:1.2; 54% of patients were less than 40 years old. Biopsy (mostly open lung biopsy) supported the diagnosis in 38% of cases. During 1981-1990 years 379 new cases were detected, 488 cases altogether were registered up to 1990. The death rate calculated by incidence and prevalence was 13% and 10% resp. The mean regional incidences varied from 0.34 to 2.69/100,000, regional prevalences varied from 4.1 to 27.6/100,000. No correlation with the regional incidences of sarcoidosis and tuberculosis was found. No significant differences in coal mining areas with a high occurrence of pneumoconiosis or in areas with developed agriculture were detected. Significantly higher values were found in the regions of the four major diagnostic centres: a mean incidence of 1.58/100,000 and a mean prevalence of 20.8/100,000 (p < 0.05). The results suggest that the level of diagnostic possibilities and efforts dominates over ecological and environmental factors in the detecting of cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Integrated management of plant viral diseases.

Viral diseases of plants cause enormous economic losses particularly in the tropics and semitropics which provide ideal conditions for the perpetuation of viruses and their vectors. Intensive agricultural practices necessitated by the ever-increasing demands of the rapidly growing population and the introduction of new genotypes, cropping patterns and crops have further aggravated the problem of viral diseases. Many diverse approaches have been tried to minimize the losses caused by these diseases. The approaches are mainly based on avoidance of sources of infection; avoidance or control of vectors; modification of cultural practices; use of resistant varieties obtained though conventional breeding procedures; cross protection; systemic acquired resistance; and use of transgenic plants containing alien genes that impart resistance to viruses. Although the use of resistant varieties has been found to be the most economical and practical, for effective management of viral diseases an integrated approach is essential in sustainable agriculture. Development of integrated management practices also requires correct identification of the causative viruses, because symptoms can be misleading, and adequate understanding of the ecology of viruses and their vectors.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Epidemiological features and control strategies of schistosomiasis japonica in China.

Schistosomiasis japonica in China has a long history and wide distribution. In the last three decades, great achievements have been obtained in schistosomiasis control. Among 12 formerly endemic provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, transmission has been successfully controlled in 2 provinces, 1 municipality and 1 autonomous region. Among 380 formerly endemic counties, transmission has been interrupted in 158 and is under control in 101. Most remaining endemic areas are located in marshlands, lake and mountainous regions. By the ecological and epidemiological features, the endemic areas in lake and mountainous regions can be classified into different categories. Infection is related to exposure to infected lake and ditch water. The inhabitant activities and level of education have much to do with the frequency of water contact. The density of the infected snail is the main index of determining the high-risk place in the mountain and lake regions, and livestock such as buffalo and pigs, the principal reservoir in the endemic areas. Properly arranged annual chemotherapy with praziquantel can reduce the prevalence rate of inhabitants and livestock. However, the prevalence rate can climb again rapidly. Therefore, a maintenance phase is urgently needed. Modification of the snail-ridden environment should be linked with agricultural development and construction of water conservancy. Surveillance should be strengthened in the area where schistosomiasis has been controlled.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Recent observations on the epidemiology of kala-azar in the eastern and central states of the Sudan.

The main endemic area of kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis) in the Sudan is in Eastern State and the Blue Nile area of Central State. In order to obtain more recent information about kala-azar in both States, the major hospitals and health centres were visited, the physicians and medical assistants interviewed and available records inspected. In Eastern State a cross-sectional survey of one village was carried out and a longitudinal population-based study of another village started. In this State, after a decline since 1985, a sharp increase in the number of cases was noted from 1991 onwards. This increase was seen in large areas, especially along the Rahad and Dinder Rivers. In contrast, in Central State, there was a decline in the frequency of the disease since the 1960s in the area around Sennar and Singa, which was regarded as a hyperendemic focus up to about 30 years ago. It was hypothesized that this decline may be related to the extensive agricultural development with regular insecticiding and the deforestation of the area. Several aspects with regard to transmission of kala-azar are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Evaluation of reproductive function in Turkana women with enzyme immunoassays of urinary hormones in the field.

The frequently reported observation that nomadic populations have lower fertility than their settled counterparts is often attributed to what are perceived as harsh, stressful conditions under which the nomads live. But the consequences of the hypothesized stresses for the reproductive biology or demography of these populations have been documented only a little. Traditionally, the Turkana of northwest Kenya are nomadic herders, but increasing numbers have settled on agricultural development schemes. We used an array of hormonal assays along with anthropometric indexes of nutritional status and interviews covering reproductive history, recent menstruation, diet, and health to compare reproductive function in nomadic and settled Turkana women. First morning urine samples were collected for three consecutive days during a series of surveys. Human choriogonadotropin (hCG; a marker for pregnancy), luteinizing hormone (LH; an indicator of ovulation), and pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG; an indicator of postovulatory luteal function) were assessed in the field with commercially available dipstick enzyme immunoassays. These assays along with the interview data allowed us to determine the reproductive status (e.g., pregnant or cycling, and if cycling, which phase of the ovarian cycle) of 166 nomadic and 194 settled Turkana women. The cross-sectional classifications allowed inferences of conception rates and normality of ovarian function. Follow-up surveys provided rates of pregnancy loss. Compared with the settled women, the nomadic women exhibited lower pregnancy rates and cycling nomadic women were less likely to show evidence of ovulation or luteal function. These results suggest that reproductive function of the nomadic women is diminished relative to the settled women. However, the settled women experienced a much higher rate of pregnancy loss, which may mean that their effective fecundability is in fact lower than that of the nomadic women. This study is the first to apply such a wide range of hormonal assays in the field. It demonstrates that field-based assays are feasible and robust and can play an important role in epidemiological and biodemographic studies, even in remote locations under conditions that would ordinarily be considered incompatible with on-site laboratory analysis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Larval mosquitoes collected from northern Jordan and the Jordan Valley.

Nineteen species of anopheline and culicine mosquitoes are reported from larval collections made in northern Jordan and the Jordan Valley. Culex judaicus, Culiseta annulata, and Uranotaenia unguiculata are reported as new records for Jordan. The impact of agricultural development and man-made changes on the mosquito fauna of Jordan is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Development of an agricultural job-exposure matrix for British Columbia, Canada.

Farmers in British Columbia (BC), Canada have been shown to have unexplained elevated proportional mortality rates for several cancers. Because agricultural exposures have never been documented systematically in BC, a quantitative agricultural Job-exposure matrix (JEM) was developed containing exposure assessments from 1950 to 1998. This JEM was developed to document historical exposures and to facilitate future epidemiological studies. Available information regarding BC farming practices was compiled and checklists of potential exposures were produced for each crop. Exposures identified included chemical, biological, and physical agents. Interviews with farmers and agricultural experts were conducted using the checklists as a starting point. This allowed the creation of an initial or 'potential' JEM based on three axes: exposure agent, 'type of work' and time. The 'type of work' axis was determined by combining several variables: region, crop, job title and task. This allowed for a complete description of exposures. Exposure assessments were made quantitatively, where data allowed, or by a dichotomous variable (exposed/unexposed). Quantitative calculations were divided into re-entry and application scenarios. 'Re-entry' exposures were quantified using a standard exposure model with some modification while application exposure estimates were derived using data from the North American Pesticide Handlers Exposure Database (PHED). As expected, exposures differed between crops and job titles both quantitatively and qualitatively. Of the 290 agents included in the exposure axis; 180 were pesticides. Over 3000 estimates of exposure were conducted; 50% of these were quantitative. Each quantitative estimate was at the daily absorbed dose level. Exposure estimates were then rated as high, medium, or low based on comparing them with their respective oral chemical reference dose (RfD) or Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). This data was mainly obtained from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Integrated Risk Information System database. Of the quantitative estimates, 74% were rated as low (< 100%) and only 10% were rated as high (>500%). The JEM resulting from this study fills a void concerning exposures for BC farmers and farm workers. While only limited validation of assessments were possible, this JEM can serve as a benchmark for future studies. Preliminary analysis at the BC Cancer Agency (BCCA) using the JEM with prostate cancer records from a large cancer and occupation study/survey has already shown promising results. Development of this JEM provides a useful model for developing historical quantitative exposure estimates where is very little documented information available.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗
PubMed2002

Stakeholder attitudes toward the risks and benefits of agricultural biotechnology in developing countries: a comparison between Mexico and the Philippines.

Public perceptions and political debates regarding the risks and benefits of agricultural biotechnology are well documented in industrialized countries. Yet, hardly any surveys have been conducted in developing countries. The following study aims to contribute to a better understanding of stakeholder attitudes toward agricultural biotechnology in developing countries. For this purpose, stakeholder representatives in the public debates in Mexico and the Philippines were asked to complete two nearly identical questionnaires on the risks and benefits of agricultural biotechnology. A comparison of stakeholder attitudes in the Philippines and Mexico is interesting because it shows how the different political systems, cultural and ecological backgrounds, and the regional context of food and agriculture influence perceptions. In general, the results of the surveys indicate that the participants in both countries consider genetic engineering to be an important tool to address agricultural, nutritional, and environmental problems, and they do not regard transgenic foods as risky for consumers. However, they are concerned about the potential impact of such transgenic crops on their countries' rich biological diversity and do not believe that national biosafety guidelines will be implemented properly. Although the surveys show that stakeholder attitudes in the Philippines and Mexico are quite similar, they also highlight significant differences in perception often related to cultural and political aspects.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1995

[Specific problems of occupational diseases in various branches of agricultural production].

Contemporary development of agricultural structures in connection with changes of socio-economic relationships complicates the task of health care for rural population. Financial difficulties disordered managing and control of ecologic situation in rural area. The causal matters include absence of new agricultural machinery, chaotic use of agrochemicals purchased abroad, increased occurrence of occupational brucellosis and other diseases in animal husbandry farms. The authors necessitate effective control provided by industrial medical officers and regional sanitary and epidemiologic service to improve work conditions and lower morbidity and traumatism in rural territories.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Operational indicators for measuring agricultural sustainability in developing countries.

This paper reviews relevant literature on the sustainability indicators theoretically proposed and practically applied by scholars over the past 15 years. Although progress is being made in the development and critical analysis of sustainability indicators, in many cases existing or proposed indicators are not the most sensitive or useful measures in developing countries. Indicator selection needs to meet the following criteria: relative availability of data representing the indicators, sensitivity to stresses on the system, existence of threshold values and guidelines, predictivity, integratability and known response to disturbances, anthropogenic stresses, and changes over time. Based on these criteria, this paper proposes a set of operational indicators for measuring agricultural sustainability in developing countries. These indicators include ecological indicators involving amounts of fertilizers and pesticides used, irrigation water used, soil nutrient content, depth to the groundwater table, water use efficiency, quality of groundwater for irrigation, and nitrate content of both groundwater and crops. Economic indicators include crop productivity, net farm income, benefit-cost ratio of production, and per capita food grain production. Social indicators encompass food self-sufficiency, equality in food and income distribution among farmers, access to resources and support services, and farmers' knowledge and awareness of resource conservation. This article suggests that the selection of indicators representing each aspect of sustainability should be prioritized according to spatial and temporal characteristics under consideration.

Agriculture↗