scholarly journals Airborne microbial flora in buffalo farms in a Mediterranean climate

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Debora Stelitano ◽  
Giuseppe Squillaci ◽  
Biagio Santella ◽  
Annalisa Chianese ◽  
Virginia D'Oriano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Mediterranean Climate ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Microbial Flora ◽  
Organic Dust ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Cultivable Bacteria ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi ◽  
Significant Health

The last few decades have seen an increase in intensive buffalo farms worldwide. Such industrialized activity entails human and animal potential health-related hazards as well as for the environment. Given the breadth of the issue, in this study we focused on gathering microbiological air sampling in the Southern Italian buffalo farms in order to obtain further information on airborne microbial flora. In details, we evaluated the bio-aerosol concentration of cultivable bacteria and fungi in ten different buffalo farms. There are evidences showing that exposure to organic dust may exacerbate asthma, just as it may cause mucous membrane irritation and chronic bronchitis. Likewise, studies show that inhaling noninfectious microorganisms and their components may cause inflammation of the respiratory tract. As a result, this is a significant health hazard to these farms’ workers as well as to rural residents living closely to them.

Natural and man-made low-frequency magnetic fields as a potential health hazard

1998 ◽  
Vol 168 (07) ◽  
pp. 767-791 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.G. Ptitsyna ◽  
G. Villoresi ◽  
L.I. Dorman ◽  
N. Iucci ◽  
Marta I. Tyasto
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Potential Health Hazard

scholarly journals Adsorption Mechanism of Patulin from Apple Juice by Inactivated Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Kefir Grains

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 434
Author(s):  
Pascaline Bahati ◽  
Xuejun Zeng ◽  
Ferdinand Uzizerimana ◽  
Ariunsaikhan Tsoggerel ◽  
Muhammad Awais ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Apple Juice ◽  
Adsorption Mechanism ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Potential Health Hazard ◽  
Kefir Grains

In the food industry, microbiological safety is a major concern. Mycotoxin patulin represents a potential health hazard, as it is heat-resistant and may develop at any stage during the food chain, especially in apple-based products, leading to severe effects on human health, poor quality products, and profit reductions. The target of the study was to identify and characterize an excellent adsorbent to remove patulin from apple juice efficiently and to assess its adsorption mechanism. To prevent juice fermentation and/or contamination, autoclaving was involved to inactivate bacteria before the adsorption process. The HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) outcome proved that all isolated strains from kefir grains could reduce patulin from apple juice. A high removal of 93% was found for juice having a 4.6 pH, 15° Brix, and patulin concentration of 100 μg/L by Lactobacillus kefiranofacien, named JKSP109, which was morphologically the smoothest and biggest of all isolates in terms of cell wall volume and surface area characterized by SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) and TEM (transmission electron microscopy). C=O, OH, C–H, and N–O were the main functional groups engaged in patulin adsorption indicated by FTIR (Fourier transform–infrared). E-nose (electronic nose) was performed to evaluate the aroma quality of the juices. PCA (Principal component analysis) results showed that no significant changes occurred between control and treated juice.

scholarly journals Understanding disadvantaged adolescents’ perception of health literacy through a systematic development of peer vignettes

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah R. Goss ◽  
Clare McDermott ◽  
Laura Hickey ◽  
Johann Issartel ◽  
Sarah Meegan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Young People ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Socially Disadvantaged ◽  
Unhealthy Behaviour ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Literacy Profiles ◽  
Improve Health

Abstract Background Adolescence represents a crucial phase of life where health behaviours, attitudes and social determinants can have lasting impacts on health quality across the life course. Unhealthy behaviour in young people is generally more common in low socioeconomic groups. Nevertheless, all adolescents should have a fair opportunity to attain their full health potential. Health literacy is positioned as a potential mediating factor to improve health, but research regarding health literacy in adolescents and socially disadvantaged populations is limited. As part of Phase one of the Ophelia (OPtimising HEalth LIterAcy) framework, The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of socially disadvantaged Irish adolescents in relation to health literacy and related behaviours, and utilise this data to develop relevant vignettes. Methods A convergent mixed method design was used to co-create the vignettes. Questionnaires were completed by 962 adolescents (males n = 553, females n = 409, Mean age = 13.97 ± 0.96 years) from five participating disadvantaged schools in Leinster, Ireland. Focus groups were also conducted in each school (n = 31). Results were synthesised using cluster and thematic analysis, to develop nine vignettes that represented typical male and female subgroups across the schools with varying health literacy profiles. These vignettes were then validated through triangular consensus with students, teachers, and researchers. Discussion The co-creation process was a participatory methodology which promoted the engagement and autonomy of the young people involved in the project. The vignettes themselves provide an authentic and tangible description of the health issues and health literacy profiles of adolescents in this context. Application of these vignettes in workshops involving students and teachers, will enable meaningful engagement in the discussion of health literacy and health-related behaviours in Irish young people, and the potential co-designing of strategies to address health literacy in youth. Conclusion As guided by the Ophelia framework, the use of authentic, interactive and participatory research methods, such as the co-creation of vignettes, is particularly important in groups that are underserved by traditional research methods. The approach used in this study could be adapted to other contexts to represent and understand stakeholders’ perceptions of health, with a view to explore, and ultimately improve, health literacy.

scholarly journals Yeasts and filamentous fungi in bottled mineral water and tap water from municipal supplies

2007 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirian Ueda Yamaguchi ◽  
Rita de Cássia Pontello Rampazzo ◽  
Sueli Fumie Yamada-Ogatta ◽  
Celso Vataru Nakamura ◽  
Tânia Ueda-Nakamura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Filamentous Fungi ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Mineral Water ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Total Coliform ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Potential Health Hazard ◽  
Bottled Mineral Water

The main objective of this study was to analyse the occurrence of yeasts and filamentous fungi in drinking water as well as to investigate their correlation with the indicator bacteria of faecal pollution. Yeasts were detected in 36.6% and 11.6% of the bottled mineral on water dispensers and tap water samples from municipal system, respectively. Twenty-one (35.0%) of bottled mineral water and two (3.3%) of tap water samples were positive for filamentous fungi. For bottled mineral water 12 (20.0%) of 60 samples were positive for total coliform, compared with 3(5.0%)out of 60 samples from tap water. The mineral water from dispensers was more contaminated than tap water. Strains belonging to the genera Candida identified to the species level were C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata and C. albicans. Thus, bottled mineral water from water dispensers and tap water could be considered a possible transmission route for filamentous fungi and yeasts, and could constitute a potential health hazard, mainly to immunocompromised indivuals.

Potential Public Health Significance of Non-Escherichia coli Coliforms in Food

1979 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
ROBERT M. TWEDT ◽  
BRENDA K. BOUTIN
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Diarrheal Disease ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Potential Health Hazard ◽  
Health Significance

Several coliform species other than Escherichia coli are often associated with and possibly responsible for acute and chronic diarrheal disease. Recent evidence suggests that non-Escherichia coli coliforms may be capable of colonizing the human intestine and producing enterotoxin(s) in high-yield. Whether these organisms are newly capable of causing disease because of infestation with extrachromosomal factors mediating pathogenicity or simply because of inherent pathogenic capabilities that have gone unrecognized, they pose a potential health hazard. Food, medical, and public health microbiologists should be aware that the non-E. coli coliforms contaminating foods may be potential enteropathogens. This possibility may make determination of their pathogenic capabilities even more important than identification of their taxonomic characteristics.

scholarly journals Presence of microcystins in the littoral zone of the Curonian Lagoon by the data of immunochromatographic analysis in 2017

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-111
Author(s):  
M. M. Smirnova
Keyword(s):  
Water Samples ◽  
Littoral Zone ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Curonian Lagoon ◽  
Curonian Spit ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Potential Health Hazard ◽  
Inherent Problem ◽  
Strip Test ◽  
First Time

The presence of hepatotoxic cyanotoxins of microcystin group has been recorded in the southern part of the Curonian Lagoon annually since 2010. Because of unique natural features and cultural heritage, the Curonian Spit and the Curonian Lagoon are involved into diverse recreational usage. The potential health hazard due to microcystins is, thus, an inherent problem of the area. Rapid immunochromatographic semi-quantitative test (Microcystin Strip Test, Abraxis Ltd) was applied for the detection of microcystins in water samples from littoral zone. Samples were collected twice per month in May – November 2017 at six monitoring sites around the Lagoon. For the first time, the presence of toxic metabolites of cyanobacteria (microcystins) in the whole littoral of the southern part of the Curonian Lagoon during vegetation season was established. As previously noted, microcystins were present in water samples in summer and autumn. During May it were not found. The highest values (5–10 µg per litre) were recorded in the late June and during September at the Curonian Spit. These values were rather low in comparison with those of 2011–2016. From mid-to-late October toxins were recorded twice only, at the Curonian Spit. At the eastern and southern coasts maximal value was 5 µg per litre (once at the end of September). In other samples toxins were not detected or their values did not exceed 2.5 µg per litre.

scholarly journals Mathematical Modelling of Two-Wheeler Suspension system in a wavy road

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 3630-3635
Keyword(s):  
Ride Comfort ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Suspension System ◽  
Vehicle Body ◽  
Continuous Exposure ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Suspension Spring ◽  
The Road ◽  
Potential Health Hazard ◽  
Two Wheeler

Two wheelers like motorbikes and scooters are one of the major transports in India. In major cities and towns, it is most common private transport as it is fast and easy approach to the destination. But the prolonged drive in the two-wheeler leads to the potential health hazard and musco-skeletal disorder due to continuous exposure to the vibration caused during the ride and force transmitted to the vehicle body due to road irregularities. It is a challenge of automobile engineers to design a promising suspension system to overcome the risk of ride comfort during continuous driving. In this research, two-wheeler suspension system is modelled with a condition of bump and valley in a wavy road. The road surface is assumed to be wavy and the response of new suspension spring with different materials (stainless steel, tungsten and polymeric) along with viscous damper is analyzed and compared. By this analysis, it will be proposed to industry to modify the suspension system to improve its efficiency and reduce force transmitted to the human body to improve the ride comfort

scholarly journals Health Impact Assessment and City Council Policy: Identifying Opportunities to Address Local Social Determinants of Health & Place-Health Relationships, 10 Years Later

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Petteway ◽  
Shannon Cosgrove
Keyword(s):  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Health Impact Assessment ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
City Council ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Baltimore City ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
Health Related

Background: Health Impact Assessment (HIA) can be used to assess any type of policy/program related to social determinants (SDH).  However, local public health departments (LHDs) have been slow to adopt formal use of HIA in efforts to address local SDH, even with growing evidence linking SDH and place-health relationships. Ten years ago we completed a review of Baltimore City Council policies to advance this conversation within the LHD. Our goal here is to revisit this review and, again, outline a process by which LHDs can: a) monitor local policies in regard to SDH and b) identify opportunities for potential HIA use. Methods:  We reviewed all policies introduced into Baltimore City Council in calendar years 2008 and 2009. We reviewed each policy to identify those with potential health impacts. We then categorized these policies as: a) “explicitly health-related” or b) “related to SDH.” We then tabulated the number and sub-types of these policies that were referred for LHD review. Results: We identified and reviewed 597 total policies. 89 policies (15%) were identified as “explicitly health-related,” 34 (38%) of which were referred for LHD review. 208 policies (35%) were identified as “related to SDH,” 13 (6%) of which were reviewed. Overall, 297 (50%) policies were identified as having potential health impacts, 47 (16%) of which were reviewed. Conclusion: This work represents a potentially replicable process to identify HIA opportunities, and potential launch point for health-in-all-policies efforts. In Baltimore, it facilitated dialogue with Baltimore City officials and led to the LHD’s first HIA grant.

scholarly journals Positive Modulation Effect of 8-Week Consumption ofKaempferia parvifloraon Health-Related Physical Fitness and Oxidative Status in Healthy Elderly Volunteers

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jintanaporn Wattanathorn ◽  
Supaporn Muchimapura ◽  
Terdthai Tong-Un ◽  
Narisara Saenghong ◽  
Wipawee Thukhum-Mee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Oxidative Status ◽  
Walk Test ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Chair Stand ◽  
Stand Test ◽  
Chair Stand Test ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Health Related

Health-related physical fitness declines as the age advances. Oxidative stress is reported to contribute the crucial role on this phenomenon. This condition is also enhanced by antioxidant. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effect ofKaempferia parviflora, a plant reputed for antifatigue, longevity promotion, and antioxidant effects, on health-related quality physical fitness and oxidative status of the healthy elderly volunteers. Total 45 subjects had been randomized to receive placebo orK. parvifloraextract at doses of 25 or 90 mg once daily for 8 weeks. They were determined baseline data of physical performance using 30 sec chair stand test, hand grip test, 6 min walk test, and tandem test. Serum oxidative stress markers including malondialdehde (MDA) level and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were also assayed. All assessments were performed every 4 weeks throughout the 8-week study period. The results showed thatK. parvifloraincreased performance in 30-second chair stand test and 6 min walk test together with the increased all scavenger enzymes activities and the decreased MDA level. Therefore,K. parvifloracan enhance physical fitness partly via the decreased oxidative stress. In conclusion,K. parviflorais the potential health supplement for elderly. However, further study is required.

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