Impacto del consumo de frutas y verduras en el riesgo de desarrollo de la preeclampsia: una revisión sistemática

Introducción: La preeclampsia es una afectación multisistémica que contribuye a la morbilidad y mortalidad materna junto con importantes complicaciones fetales. Dado que se ha observado que el consumo de frutas y vegetales posee un efecto beneficioso en la reducción del riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, el consumo de estos alimentos también podría reducir el riesgo de desarrollo de preeclampsia en la mujer embarazada. Objetivo: Analizar el impacto del consumo de frutas y vegetales en el riesgo de desarrollo de preeclampsia en la mujer embarazada. Metodología: Se ha realizado una revisión sistemática siguiendo la metodología PRISMA. Las bases de datos utilizadas fueron Scopus, Pubmed y Web of Science. Se han incluido artículos publicados en los últimos cinco años, escritos en inglés o español y de acceso gratuito. La calidad metodológica se evaluó mediante la escala de STROBE y MINCIR. Resultados: Se han seleccionado nueve artículos para dar respuesta al objetivo planteado. El porcentaje de gestantes con un patrón dietético basado en frutas y vegetales que desarrolla preeclampsia es relativamente bajo, oscilando entre el 7 y el 8,8%. Así mismo, la mayoría de los estudios seleccionados muestran que la ingesta de frutas y vegetales tiene un efecto protector en el desarrollo de preeclampsia y, que este efecto protector es directamente proporcional al número de raciones consumidas de estos alimentos. Conclusiones: La literatura disponible para analizar el impacto que tiene el consumo de frutas y vegetales en el riesgo de desarrollo de preeclampsia es muy limitada. Por ello, se insta a realizar más investigaciones sobre este tema para poder aportar unos resultados más robustos.

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a multisystem affectation that contributes to maternal morbidity and mortality along with important fetal complications. Since it has been observed that the consumption of fruits and vegetables has a beneficial effect in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, the consumption of these foods could also reduce the risk and development of preeclampsia in pregnant women. Objective: To analyze the impact of fruit and vegetable consumption on the risk of development of preeclampsia in pregnant women. Methodology: A systematic review has been carried out following the PRISMA methodology. The databases used were Scopus, Pubmed and Web of Science. Articles published in the last five years, written in English or Spanish and with free access have been included. Methodological quality was assessed using the STROBE and MINCIR scales. Results: There have been selected nine articles to provide a response to the proposed objective. The percentage of pregnant women with a dietary pattern based on fruits and vegetables who develop preeclampsia is relatively low, ranging between 7 and 8.8%. Likewise, most of the selected studies show that the intake of fruits and vegetables has a protective effect on the development of preeclampsia and that this protective effect is directly proportional to the number of servings consumed of these foods. Conclusions: The literature available to analyze the impact that fruit and vegetable consumption has on the risk and development of preeclampsia is very limited. Therefore, more research on this topic is urged to provide more robust results.

Consumption and factors associating the provision of fruits and vegetables to children in Bayelsa state of Nigeria

Background: The provision of adequate nutrition is of the utmost importance for the promotion of optimal growth and development in the early stages of human life as well as the stimulation of immune system function to combat infections. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of consumption and the factors affecting the provision of fruits and vegetables to children in Bayelsa state of Nigeria. Methods: This was a population-based survey conducted among 360 parents/caregivers of children aged 5 years and below randomly selected from Bayelsa state, Nigeria. The data for this study was collected with in-person interviews utilizing a standardized questionnaire. The results were presented in frequency and percentage. The level of significance was determined using a confidence interval of 95% and p<0.05. Results: Most of the respondents 355 (98.6%) were female with the age range 25-44 making 86.65% of the total population. Findings show that 40.8% of respondents gave their children fruits and vegetables only once a week while 3.6% gave their children fruits and vegetables 4 times and above a week. The majority of respondents 240 (66.7%) indicated that the high cost of fruits and vegetables was the main factor that affected consumption of fruits and vegetables. Conclusions: The findings demonstrated a low consumption level of fruits and vegetables among the children in Bayelsa state. Therefore, health professionals should be obliged to educate parents and caregivers of children on adequate provision of fruits and vegetables for their children.

Income and education level trajectories and changes in the daily consumption of vegetables after thirteen years of follow-up: the Pró-Saúde Study / Trajetórias de renda e nível de educação e mudanças no consumo diário de vegetais após treze anos de acompanhamento: Estudo Pró-Saúde

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to examine whether education level and income trajectories influence vegetable consumption changes over 13 years among civil servants at different campuses of a university in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods: Vegetable intake frequency (daily and non-daily consumption), income (per capita), and education level (maintenance of low schooling/ upward mobility/maintenance of high schooling) were assessed at baseline (1999) and in the fourth wave (2011-12) of the Pró-Saúde (Pro-Health) cohort study. A total of 2,381 participants were analyzed. The association between educational and income trajectories and variation in vegetable consumption was assessed via crude and age-adjusted generalized linear models, stratified by sex. Results: Men in upward educational mobility showed a 0.5% increase in vegetable consumption (p=0.01), while women in this group demonstrated a 2.5% increase (p=0.05). Adjusted models showed that women who reduced their income had a lower likelihood of consuming vegetables (odds ratio [OR] 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89-0.97). Conclusions: The findings highlight the influence of social inequalities on vegetable consumption in adults.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se as trajetórias do nível de educação e de renda influenciam na mudança do consumo de vegetais ao longo de 13 anos entre funcionários públicos de diferentes campi de uma universidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Métodos: A frequência de consumo de vegetais (consumo diário e não diário), a renda (per capita) e o nível de educação (manutenção da baixa escolaridade/mobilidade ascendente/ manutenção da alta escolaridade) foram avaliados no início (1999) e na quarta onda (2011-12) do estudo de coorte Pró-Saúde. Foram analisados 2.381 participantes, e a associação entre as trajetórias de escolaridade e renda e a variação no consumo de vegetais foi avaliada via modelos lineares generalizados brutos e ajustados por idade e variação da escolaridade e estratificados por sexo. Resultados: Homens em mobilidade educacional ascendente apresentaram aumento de 0,5% no consumo de vegetais (p=0,01), enquanto mulheres nesse grupo demonstraram aumento de 2,5% (p=0,05). Modelos ajustados mostraram que mulheres que reduziram sua renda apresentaram menor probabilidade de consumir vegetais (odds ratio [OR] 0,93; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95% 0,89-0,97). Conclusão: Os achados destacam a influência das desigualdades sociais no consumo de vegetais em adultos.

Factors associated with the consumption of fruits and vegetables in latin american university students

Objective: Explore the association between compliance with recommended consumption (5-a-day) of fruits and vegetables (F&V) with sociodemographic factors of university students of Latin America. Subjects: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study in which 4,880 university students from 10 Latin American countries completed a self-administered online survey. Methods: F&V consumption and other sociodemographic variables were measured according to a validated survey. Body mass index was self-reported. Ordinal logistic regression models were applied. Results: Regarding the consumption of F&V, 4.7% of men complied with the recommendation, while in women this value reached 7.7%. In the adjusted model, having a normal weight (OR= 0.59; 95% CI 0.44-0.7; p=<0.001), being female (OR= 0.67; 95% CI 0.49-0.89; p=<0.01), being enrolled in a health-related degree program (OR= 0,60; IC95% 0,45-0,78; p<0.001), having professional parents (OR= 0.75; 95% CI 0.60-0.95; p=<0.05) and practicing physical activity (OR= 0.34; 95% CI 0.27-0.42; p=<0.001) were associated with compliance to F&V consumption recommendations. In the analysis by country, physical activity was the variable most associated with F&V consumption. Conclusion: We observed a low consumption of F&V in university students. The variables associated with compliance to the F&V recommendation were being normal weight, female, being enrolled in a health-related degree program, having professional parents, and practicing physical activity, the latter being the most important variable.

Objetivo: Explorar la asociación de la frecuencia de cumplimiento de las recomendaciones de consumo (5 al día) de frutas y verduras (F&V) con factores sociodemográficos de estudiantes universitarios de América Latina. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico con 4.880 estudiantes universitarios de 10 países de América Latina, quienes completaron una encuesta en línea autoadministrada. Se midió el consumo de F&V y otras variables sociodemográficas según una encuesta previamente validada. El índice de masa corporal fue autoinformado. Se aplicaron modelos de regresión logística ordinal. Resultados: En cuanto al consumo de F&V, en los hombres el 4,7% cumple con la recomendación, mientras que en las mujeres este valor alcanza el 7,7%. En el modelo más ajustado, presentar normopeso (OR= 0,59; IC 95% 0,44-0,7; p=<0,001), ser mujer (OR= 0,67; IC 95% 0,49-0,89; p=<0,01), estar matriculado en carrera relacionada con la salud (OR= 0,60; IC95% 0,45-0,78; p<0,001), tener padres profesionales (OR= 0,75; IC 95% 0,60-0,95; p=<0,05) y realizar actividad física (OR= 0,34; IC 95% 0,27-0,42; p=<0,001) fueron las variables asociadas al cumplimiento del consumo de F&V. En el análisis por país, la actividad física fue la variable más asociada al consumo de F&V. Conclusión: Se observa un bajo consumo de F&V en estudiantes universitarios, y entre las variables asociadas al cumplimiento de la recomendación de F&V se encuentran estar normopeso, sexo femenino, estar cursando una carrera relacionada con la salud, tener los padres y la práctica de actividad física, siendo esta última la variable más importante.

A Review on Protected Cultivation of Vegetables: Opportunities and Challenges

Protected farming techniques are set of agricultural practices that are designed to produce a plant in a controlled environmental condition by using soil cover and / or crop covers to control pests and effect of climate. While a protected farming method can increase the productivity of vegetable crops as well as growth and yield. It is evident that protected farming has been found beneficial for farmers. In addition to its great importance, it challenges many biotic and abiotic factors such as photo-stress, water stress, heat stress, weed growth, soil nutrient deficiencies, high wind velocities and atmospheric carbon dioxide, pest and diseases. The various benefits of a protected vegetable crop are quality, profitability, and a good level of marketing for farmers. Protected cultivation is an imminent technique for raising vegetables, flowers and other high rated as well as consumable crops. In advance agriculture, protected structures held an excessive potential for more production with greater productivity. The chapter contains the status, challenges and opportunities of protected cultivation and related government schemes for horticultural plants in India especially Uttar Pradesh. It has been found that the cumulative area has been acquired under NHM-protected cultivation in India. Financial support or funding is also provided by the government agency to spread this methodology throughout the country. Recourses are used wisely in these structures because modern methods/techniques were applied.

Impact of Demonstration of Nutrition Garden for Year-round Nutrition Security in Farm Families of Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Malnutrition is a nationwide issue that is quickly getting worse. Malnutrition hinders social and mental development in addition to slowing down a child's growth and development and also pregnant, lactating women, adolescent girls. It also increases the likelihood and length of illness.Long-term consequences of under nutrition include cognitive and development deficiencies as well as lowered infection resistance.With the purpose of evaluating the nutritional security of farm households, the current study seeks to comprehend the value of nutrition gardens. The current study was carried out in Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, consecutively for two years.From the recipients of the KVK front line demonstration programme on nutrition security, 90 respondents (50 with nutrition gardens and 50 without) were chosen at random.The 200 m2 area wasfound appropriate for the medium family group of five members. Among the vegetables cultivated in nutria garden, highest benefit was obtained from the cultivation of okra (1: 2.38) followed by spinach (1: 1.48). There was increase of 90g of consumption of vegetables after nutri garden. After nutri garden the normal weight percentage of individuals was 51.1% and underweight individuals were 35.5%.The nutritional garden encouraged families to include freshly picked vegetables in their daily diets, which helped to improve their families' nutritional condition.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Food Samples of Oil and Non-Oil Producing Communities in Rivers State, Nigeria

Aim: To compare heavy metal concentrations in locally consumed vegetables and food crops grown in oil and non-oil-producing communities in Rivers State.Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.Place and Duration of Study: Kegbara Dere and Omerelu communities in Gokana and Ikwerre local government areas, Rivers State, Nigeria between November 2021 and January 2022.Methodology: Heavy metal concentrations (lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) mercury (Hg), and arsenic (Ars) of vegetables, food crops, and sea animals selected from the local markets and rivers of the two communities were determined. Data entry and analysis were done using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)version 21. T-test was used to compare the mean differences in heavy metal concentrations of vegetables and food crops between the two communities.Results: Mean concentrations of Lead (0.70 vs 0.01) Cadmium (0.09 vs 0.00) and Arsenic (0.18 vs0.00) respectively of vegetables grown in the oil-producing community were higher than that of the non-oil-producing community. The difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Mean concentrations of Lead (1.48 vs 0.00) Cadmium (0.28 vs 0.00), and Arsenic (0.41 vs 0.00) of the food crops in the oil-producing community were higher than that of the non-oil-producing community. However, only the difference in the lead concentrations was significant (P<0.05) The concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Ars in sea creatures collected from the surface waters of the oil-producing community were above WHO-recommended limits.Conclusion: Food grown in oil-polluted environments has higher heavy metal concentrations compared to non-polluted environments and therefore highlights the need for continued and increased efforts towards complete remediation of the polluted regions of the Niger Delta.

Fresh Insight: Enhancing Verdant Leafy Vegetable’s Shelf Life Via Modified Atmosphere Packing and Storage

This study aimed to enhance the durability of selected green leafy vegetables, including Lettuce and Palak, by manipulating influential factors such as storage conditions (Ambient (35±5°C) and Refrigerated (5±5°C)), packing substrate (Low-density polyethylene and High-density polyethylene covers), and gas composition using modified atmosphere packaging. Factorial completely randomized design (FCRD) was employed, incorporating a total of 12 treatments for each crop. The evaluation primarily relied on calculating physiological weight loss. Lettuce showed optimal results with treatment T5 (0.38%) exhibiting superior performance, followed by T6 (0.45%) and T3 (0.58%) under ambient conditions. Similarly, for palak, T5 (0.18%) outperformed T3 (0.19%) and T2 (0.37%). Thus, it is advisable to adopt T5 (R1G3M1) as the preferred treatment with T3 (R1G2M1) as a viable alternative for ambient storage conditions. Refrigerated lettuce performed optimally with T11 (0.54%) leading, followed by T7 (0.56%) and T9 (0.69%). Similarly, palak exhibited superior results with T9 (0.61%) in the fore, succeeded by T11 (0.77%) and T7 (0.97%). Notably, produce stored under ambient conditions had a relatively short shelf life of approximately 5 days, while refrigeration extended it to 15 days, after which a decline in quality was observed across all treatments. Therefore, refrigerated produce has an extended shelf life, with T9 (R2G2M1) followed by T7 (R2G1M1) yielding highly favorable outcomes.

Improving dietary diversity among women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) through community-based activities across four districts of India

Background: Globally, more than two billion people have micronutrient deficiencies (MiNDs), with approximately half of them residing in India. Nutri-gardens offer the opportunity to diversify a family's diet. The objective of the present study is to assess the effectiveness of growing nutri-gardens in improving the dietary diversity of women and girls compared to no nutri-gardens. Methods: It was a post-test-only comparison with a control group. The intervention and control groups were similar in all aspects except that the intervention group received seeds for growing a nutri-garden. A random sample of 100 adolescent girls (15-19 years) and women per district in the intervention and control groups was drawn from four districts. A campaign was launched to spread awareness of nutri-gardens, a balanced diet, and food groups. The data were collected using a pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire that included a standardized diet quality questionnaire. Results: In total, there were 804 women and adolescent girls. Out of 804, 457 grew (the intervention group) and 347 did not grow nutri-garden (the control group). Women and girls who grew nutri-gardens had 0.38 times higher odds of having higher dietary diversity (?5) than women and girls who did not. Similarly, women and girls who are educated have higher odds of having a higher dietary diversity compared to illiterates. Conclusions: The study concludes that establishing nutri-garden along with nutrition education improved dietary diversity among girls and women in the intervention areas. Nutri-garden is a low-cost sustainable approach to providing fruits and vegetables daily and meeting their daily requirements.

Thermal Indices Requirement of Brinjal Varieties (Solanum melongena L.) under Different Planting Windows

An experiment was carried out at Faculty of Agriculture Department of Agricultural Meteorology Farm, Centre for Advanced Agricultural Meteorology, College of Agriculture, Pune during Kharif seasons of 2014 and 2015.The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications.The treatment comprised of three brinjal hybrids viz.,V1:Phule Arjun, V2: Krishna, V3: Panchganaga as main plot and four planting windows viz., P1: 31st MW (30 July-5 August), P2: 32ndMW (6-12August), P3:33rdMW (13-19 August) and P4: 34thMW (20-26 August) as sub plot treatments.Cumulative GDD, HTU and PTU at the end of each growth stages showed that numerically higher requirement was observed in hy.Phule Arjun over hy.Krishana and hy.Panchganaga hybrids during both year 2014 and 2015 experimentation period. Whereas, the lowest canopy temperature was found in hy.Phule Arjun (29.0 0C) than rest of the brinjal hybrids. Canopy reflected PAR and transmitted PAR was higher in (191.54 and 188.62 µ mol m-2s-1) Panchganaga hybrids among the brinjal hybrids. Heat unit requirement or GDD has been used for characterizing the thermal response in brinjal crop. GDD for entire crop growing period decreased with subsequent delay in planting. HTU and PTU were also decreased during later planting windows condition. GDD in different stages in that emergence (59.6 and 72.3), vegetative growth (481 and 478), 50% flowering (575 and 568), first harvesting (681 and 645), last harvesting (1178 and 1183) was observed in hybrid Phule Arjun during 2014 and 2015, respectively. Lower GDD was observed in hy.Panchaganaga during 2014 and 2015, respectively. The highest HTU observed in 31st MW planting windows in hybrids Phule Arjun (5376 and 9190.4).This was followed by hy.krishna and Panchganaga (5370 and 9086) during 2014 and 2015, respectively. Highest HTU was observed in 31st MW in hybrids Phule Arjun followed by hy.krishna and lower in panchganga.

A Comprehensive Review on Nature and Causes of Deterioration in Fruits and Vegetables

The issue of post-harvest deterioration in fruits and vegetables constitutes a critical concern, especially given the rising global food security challenges. The aim of this review article is to present a comprehensive examination of the diverse facets contributing to the deterioration of these valuable food resources, ranging from biological and environmental factors to economic implications and current preservation methods. One area of focus involves scrutinizing the gaps in the current body of knowledge, particularly the intricate molecular mechanisms governing enzymatic activity and microbial spoilage. Recent developments in technology also present intriguing possibilities for future research. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers transformative potential in monitoring the quality of stored produce by predicting the onset of spoilage using complex algorithms. This work also delves into the prospects of employing the Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time assessment and control of storage conditions, which could revolutionize supply chain management and significantly minimize deterioration during transport. Another exciting avenue lies in the utilization of novel packaging materials especially those which are biodegradable and may be imbued with natural preservatives, a move that aligns well with global sustainability goals. Any such technological advancements must be scrutinized in the context of existing food safety standards and regulations, both at the national and international levels. These standards govern everything from permissible microbial activity levels to waste management, and are dictated by organizations such as the FDA and EFSA, as well as international frameworks like the Codex Alimentarius.

Enhancing the Shelf Life of Palak and Coriander through Modified Atmosphere Packaging under Diverse Storage Environments

Aim: Green leafy vegetables are renowned for their rich vitamin and mineral content as well as their nutritional value. However, these vegetables are highly perishable due to their accelerated rates of respiration and transpiration. The process of packing and the choice of packaging materials play a crucial role in extending their shelf life. The main aim of this study was to prolong the shelf life of two prominent leafy greens, Palak (Beta vulgaris L. var. bengalensis) and Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), using Modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP) and various packaging materials.Study Design: The study employed an FCRD experimental design with 12 treatments and 3 replications.Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Department of Vegetable Science, HC&RI, TNAU, Coimbatore during the year 2023.Methodology: Freshly harvested Palak and Coriander were collected, sorted, and prepared as 250-gram samples. Two packaging materials (LDPE and PP) and three gas compositions (G1, G2, G3) was employed. The vegetables were stored under both ambient (35±5°C) and refrigerated (5°C) conditions and their physiological loss in weight (PLW %) was monitored. The observations were taken every day up to the spoilage of the produce.Results: According to the research findings, vegetables could remain fresh under ambient storage for up to 4 days and under refrigeration for up to 15 days. In ambient storage conditions, Palak exhibited the longest shelf life in treatment T3 - G3M1 (4% O2, 5% CO2, LDPE), followed by T5 - G2M2 (6% O2, 5% CO2, PP). Meanwhile, Coriander showed better shelf life in treatment T2 - G2M1 (6% O2, 5% CO2, LDPE), followed by T6 - G3M2 (4% O2, 5% CO2, PP). Under refrigerated storage conditions, Palak exhibited an extended shelf life in treatment T9 - G3M1 (4% O2, 5% CO2, LDPE), followed by T12 - G3M2 (4% O2, 5% CO2, PP). For Coriander, the best results were achieved with treatment T12 - G3M2 (4% O2, 5% CO2, PP), followed by T8 - G2M1 (6% O2, 5% CO2, LDPE).Conclusion: Proper packaging and gas composition significantly increased the shelf life of these leafy greens, offering potential benefits for both producers and consumers. Palak had a longer shelf life when stored under refrigerated conditions, up to 14 days, while Coriander could be kept fresh for up to 12 days in the refrigerator. Gas composition G3 (4% O2, 5% CO2) was found to be effective and LDPE was generally the preferred packaging material in extending the shelf life of the vegetables.

Minerals Composition of Solanum aethiopicum L. and Amaranthus hybridus L. Leaves from Burkina Faso

Aim: Malnutrition remains a public health problem in children aged under five years in Burkina Faso. Research to find indigenous vegetables with high content of minerals can contribute to fight against children malnutrition. The aim of this study was to assess minerals composition of Solanum aethiopicum L. and Amaranthus hybridus L. leaves grown in Burkina Faso. Methodes: The leaves have been collected in three markets of Ouagadougou. For the two plants, the dry leaves have been analysed for the following minerals content: Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sodium (Na), Phosphor (P), Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn). The analyses have been done using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer and flame photometer methodes. Results: The results showed high mean concentration in K, Ca and Mg in the leaves of the two plants. For Solanum aethiopicum leaves, the concentration in K, Ca and Mg was respectively 3064; 1048 and 666 mg/100 g. The trace elements content were also high: Fe (12 mg/100 g) and Zn (20 mg/100 g). For Amaranthus hybridus leaves, the concentration in K, Ca and Mg was respectively 3573; 606 and 475 mg/100 g. The leaves of Solanum aethiopicum had the highest content of following minerals: Ca, Mg, Na, P, Fe and Zn compared to Amaranthus hybridus leaves. Conclusion: This study showed that both plants are good sources of important minerals. They are essential to be included in the diet of children to promote growth and contribute to fight against malnutrition.

Intake of Fruits and Vegetables as Self Prescribed Weight Reducing and DASH Diets among Obese-Hypertensive Individuals Attending Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria

Background: Five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, along with relatively unprocessed whole grains or legumes with each meal, are essential for reducing the risk of obesity, hypertension and other related non communicable diseases. While being low or relatively low in calories, fruits and vegetables include a large amount of dietary fiber and a range of micronutrients, antioxidants and phytochemicals which are all essential for health. Aims: To investigate the intake of fruits and vegetables as self prescribed weight reducing and DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) diets among obese - hypertensive individuals attending Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital Irrua, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study design was used with a sample size of 440 obese hypertensive individuals (with body mass index of = or > 30Kg/m2 and blood pressure of = or > 140/90mmHg). Questionnaires, personal interviews and anthropometric measurements were used to collect data using purposive sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) 22 Version. Results: A total of 440 respondents were used in the study and data were elicited from all of this number giving a 100% response rate. A total of 242 (55.0%) and 215 (48.9%) of the respondents consumed fruits and vegetables only one to two days per week with only 36 (8.2%) and 26 (5.9%) consuming fruits and vegetables every day. Conclusion: It can be concluded based on the key findings of this study that there is statistically significant mean difference in fruits and vegetables consumption amongst obese - hypertensive individuals attending Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State, Nigeria (p<0.05).

Effect of Brine Concentration on Bacteria Isolated from Leafy Vegetables (Talinum triangulare, Telfairia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina)

The effect of brine on bacteria isolated from leafy vegetables was evaluated. Fresh waterleaf (Talinum triangulare), Pumpkin leaves (Telfairia occidentalis) and Bitter leaves (Vernonia amygdalina) including cooking salt were bought from vendors in Mile 3 market, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Brine concentrations of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% were prepared by dissolving appropriate grams of salt in distilled water. Nine millilitres of the respective concentrations were transferred into clean test tubes, labelled, stoppered with foil and autoclaved at 121? for 15 minutes at 15psi. Sterile distilled water served as a control. The test isolates were standardized based on 0.5McFarland and 1mL each was introduced into different brine concentrations. The standard plate count was used to monitor brine effects on isolates and this was done hourly for six hours. Inoculated plates were incubated at 37? for 24 hours. After incubation, enumerated colonies were used to deduce isolate mortality. The total heterotrophic bacterial (THB) load of bitter, Pumpkin and water leaves were 3.49±0.4×106, 3.25±0.4×106 and 1.99±0.2×106 CFU/g, respectively. The staphylococcal counts for bitter, Pumpkin and water leaves were 1.65±0.3×104, 3.13±0.5×104 and 1.55±0.4×104 CFU/g, respectively. Total coliform counts for bitter, Pumpkin and water leaves were 1.52±0.8×105, 2.85±0.1×105 and 1.75±0.6×105 CFU/g, respectively. Staphylococcal counts of pumpkin leaves were significantly (P?0.05) higher than those obtained for bitter leaf and water leaf. There was no significant difference(P>0.05) in the THB and Coliform counts of all samples. E. coli was predominant in Pumpkin and water leaves while Staphylococcus sp was predominant in bitter leaves. The LC50 values for E. coli, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, and Bacillus sp were; 5.39, 3.88, 1.62, and -0.41mg/ml, respectively. The LC50 showed that the brine was very lethal on Bacillus sp and Staphylococcus sp. High brine concentration is recommended to achieve reduced bacterial load.

Determinación social del consumo de frutas y verduras en Florida (Valle del Cauca, Colombia) / Social Determinants of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Florida, Valle del Cauca ­ Colombia / Determinação social do consumo de frutas e verduras na Flórida, Valle del Cauca, Colômbia

Introducción: el consumo de frutas y verduras como proceso protector de la salud se ha analizado principalmente desde la perspectiva de los estilos de vida individuales; sin embargo, procesos de tipo estructural como los modelos de producción de alimentos y las políticas de alimentación determinan su producción, disponibilidad y acceso. Se planteó como objetivo analizar los procesos de determinación social del con- sumo de frutas y verduras en el municipio de Florida (Valle del Cauca, Colombia). Materiales y métodos: estudio cualitativo, tipo estudio de caso, con enfoque de determinación social. Incluyó revisión documental de políticas alimentarias y grupos de discusión con actores clave; el análisis de contenido permitió explicitar mensajes y discursos. Resultados: en la dimensión general, resaltan como procesos críticos de determinación, que limitan la producción y el acceso de frutas y verduras, el uso y tenencia inequitativa de la tierra y la explotación de las fuentes hídricas, y unas políticas que desde la lógica de libre mercado reducen cada vez más las estrategias locales de autosostenimiento y autoconsumo. En la dimensión particular, el conflicto armado (como proceso crítico adverso) y los ejercicios de soberanía alimentaria (como proceso crítico favorable al consumo de frutas y verduras). Conclusiones: la política alimentaria nacional y local reconoce, de manera discursiva, las determinaciones sociales de la seguridad alimentaria, pero en la práctica privilegia estrategias focalizadas y contingentes que no apuntan a la solución de condiciones estructurales que limitan la producción, disponibilidad, acceso y, por ende, el consumo de frutas y verduras

Introduction: Fruit and vegetable consumption as a preventive health measure depends mainly on the perspective of individual lifestyle. The structural processes such as food production models and food policies determine their production, availability, and access. This study aimed to analyze the social determinants of fruit and vegetable consumption in the municipality of Florida, Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Materials and Methods: This is a qualitative case study using a social determination approach. This study includes a documentary review of food policies and discussion groups among key stakeholders. A content analysis was conducted to allow an explicit analysis of the messages and speeches. Results: In the general dimension, deemed as critical processes of determination, the unequal use and possession of land and the exploitation of water sources and policies, from the logic of the free market, increasingly reduce the local strategies for self-support and self-consumption and limit the production and access of fruits and vegetables. In the particular dimension, a critical adverse process includes the armed conflict. However, the exercise of food sovereignty favors the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Conclusion: Food policy at the national and local level discursively recognizes the social determinants of food security; however, in practice, contingent strategies that do not aim at addressing the structural conditions that limit produc- tion, availability, access and, therefore, the consumption of fruits and vegetables, should be evaluated.

Introdução: o consumo de frutas e verduras como processo de proteção à saúde tem sido analisado principalmente na perspectiva dos estilos de vida individuais, porém processos estruturais como modelos de produção de alimentos e políticas alimentares determinam sua produção, disponibilidade e acesso; o objetivo do estudo foi analisar os processos de determinação social do consumo de frutas e verduras no município da Flórida, Valle del Cauca, Colômbia. Materiais e métodos: estudo qualitativo, do tipo estudo de caso, com enfoque na determinação social; incluiu uma revisão documental de políticas alimentares e grupos de discussão com atores-chave; a análise de conteúdo permitiu explicitar mensagens e discursos. Resultados: na dimensão geral, destacam-se o uso e posse desigual da terra e a exploração dos recursos hídricos como processos determinantes críticos que limitam a produção e o acesso a frutas e verduras; e políticas que, baseadas na lógica do livre mercado, reduzem cada vez mais as estratégias locais de autossustentabilidade e autoconsumo. Na dimensão particular, destaca-se o conflito armado como processo crítico adverso, e o exercício da soberania alimentar, como processo crítico favorável ao consumo de frutas e verduras. Conclusões: a política alimentar a nível nacional e local reconhece, de forma discursiva, as determinações sociais da segurança alimentar, mas na prática privilegia estratégias focalizadas e contingentes que não visam resolver condições estruturais que limitam a produção, a disponibilidade, o acesso e, portanto, o consumo de frutas e verduras.

ÉVALUATION DES RISQUES DE CONTAMINATION DE L'ENVIRONNEMENT ET DES HUMAINS PAR LES PRATIQUES D'UTILISATION DES PESTICIDES DANS LA PRODUCTION DES LÉGUMES À MBANZA – NGUNGU (RDC)

The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices of market gardeners in Mbanza – Ngungu regarding the use of pesticides, but also to consider the risks of contamination of the environment and related humans. To do this, surveys were conducted with 111 market gardeners in the study area, randomly selected and distributed in six market gardening sites, on the use of pesticides. The results obtained reveal the use of certain pesticides canceled in the DRC and the EU; a lack of supervision and training of market gardeners on pesticide management; poor management of pesticides considering the observed aspects; the appearance of signs of pesticide poisoning in some market gardeners; the decrease in amphibians (toad) and clarias in the Loma site, a fact attributed to the excessive use of pesticides; the involvement of children in the management of these products which are so dangerous for them. In order to reduce the risk of intoxication of market gardeners and consumers of vegetables, and of environmental pollution, it is already urgent and important that a certain number of suitable measures, in the immediate future, be taken by political and administrative decision-makers and to promote the training of market gardeners in Mbanza - Ngungu for the judicious use of pesticides.

Association of Dietary and Physical Activity Patterns and Hypertension in Western Rajasthan, 2022

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) is a modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease and chronic renal failure. HTN affects about 1 billion people globally; by 2025, up to 1.58 billion adults worldwide are likely to suffer from complications of HTN. This study was done to know the diet and physical activity patterns and HTN among the population of three districts of Western Rajasthan. Objectives: To study the dietary and physical activity patterns among the population of Western Rajasthan. and to compare key findings among three districts Pali, Jodhpur and Barmer so that lifestyle changes can be recommended. Methods: A case-control study was done among attendees of NCD clinics of tertiary-level centers in Pali, Barmer and Jodhpur. Hospital Controls were matched to age (± 5 years) and gender Considering the prevalence of HTN to be 20%*, the proportion of exposure in the general population as 0.2, odds ratio to be 2.2, power =80%, alpha=5% sample size is estimated to be 102 cases & 102 controls (from each district). Results: Overall being married (OR= 3.3), having diabetes Cardiac disease (OR= 2.6), excessive salt consumption (OR= 2.7), moderate physical exercise less than 30 minutes (OR=1.9), using oil other than vegetable oil(OR=1.8) , Age >?60 years (OR =1.4) were the key risk factors. It was found that high BMI (BMI>27), consumption of non-vegetable oils (12.7%) was highest in Jodhpur, lack of moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes (81%), lack of sports activity (92%) was highest in Pali, least number of days/week of fruits and vegetables consumption (~1.64 days) was seen in Barmer. Conclusions: Change in quantity of salt consumption and incorporation of moderate physical exercise for >30 minutes was most followed in control of HTN among the attendees of NCD Clinics from the multiple advise given.

Heavy Metal Contaminants in Popularly-consumed Vegetables of Freetown, Sierra Leone

The contamination of the environment with heavy metals is one of the challenges that make up Sierra Leone's environmental problem, with urbanization being one of the main causes; due to the lack of proper waste dumpsites and landfills for infrastructural development, rivers, and streams are polluted. The loss of biodiversity, but river and stream pollution have a significant impact on aquatic life. Animals and plants in contaminated water sources "may perish or reproduce improperly". This study assessed the level of concentration of heavy metals namely; chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) in some commonly-consumed vegetables like Manihot esculenta (Cassava) leaves, Ipomoea batatas (Potato) leaves, Amaranthus viridis (African spinach), Corchorus olitorius (Krain krain); Solanum lycopersicum (Tomatoes); Cucumis sativus (Cucumber); Brassica oleracea (Cabbage); Abelmoschus esculentus fruits (Okra); Capsicum annuum (Bell Pepper); and Lactuca sativa (Lettuce) which were all purchased at local market places in Freetown. The vegetable samples were analyzed using an X-ray fluorescence machine (XRF) to determine their heavy metal concentration. The goal was to determine the food safety status of the vegetables by comparing the results to the maximum permissible limit (MPL) for vegetables, as set by WHO/FAO. The levels of Zn, Cr, Fe, Cu, and Pb in all vegetable samples varied from 4.70 – 5.69 %; 3.46 – 4.58 %; 4.00 – 4.52 %; 2.87 – 3.42 %; and 0.5 – 1.2 %, respectively. This result indicates that the metals were present at unsafe levels. According to the result, the maximum concentration values are much higher than the MPL value suggested by WHO/FAO for vegetables, implying that eating vegetables from the source market sites in this study may pose a health risk to humans. Heavy metals in vegetables should be monitored on a regular basis to prevent excessive accumulation of these heavy metals in the human food chain. When it comes to vegetable marketing, certain precautions should be implemented.

Assessment of Spoilage and Pathogenic Bacteria in Selected Fruits and Vegetables from Retail Sources and Home-gardens

Consumption of fruits and vegetables which are known to be highly nutritious has been linked to foodborne disease outbreaks which constitute food safety and public concern. This study aimed to assess the safety of selected fruits and vegetables from fruit markets and home gardens, within the South-West region of Nigeria. A total of fifty-three (53) samples of watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes and garden eggs were collected and subjected to microbiological analysis. Isolated bacteria were screened for their pathogenicity and spoilage potential using haemolysis and amylase production tests respectively. A total of 146 bacteria were isolated, 75 (45.7%) were from retail samples and 71 (43.3%) from the home garden. The genera: Bacillus (15.9%), Corynebacterium (11.0%), Lactobacillus (1.2%), Listeria (1.8%), Staphylococcus (12.8%), Enterococcus (1.2%), Micrococcus (1.2%), Acinetobacter (3.7%), Aeromonas (2.4%), Alcaligenes (0.6%), Brucella (0.6%), Vibrio (0.6%), and the family Enterobacteriaceae (36.0%) were identified. Isolates with haemolytic potentials were 51 (31%) while 49 (30%) could cause spoilage. The overall microbiological quality and safety of fruit and vegetable samples analysed in this study is low, as they were contaminated by diverse pathogenic, and spoilage microorganisms. The presence of these pathogens in retailed and home garden fruits and vegetables is a pointer to public health risks and food safety threats. Hence, the need for improved hygienic practice through training handlers along the supply chain.