Risk factors for esophageal cancer in a low-incidence area of Brazil / Fatores de risco para o câncer de esôfago em uma área de baixa incidência no Brasil

Esophageal cancer is the eighth commonest type of cancer worldwide, occupying sixth place in terms of mortality. Smoking and alcohol use are known risk factors for this type of cancer. The aim here was to evaluate the risk factors for esophageal cancer in a low-incidence area.

Case-control study in Goiânia, with 99 cases of esophageal cancer and 223 controls.

The variables were sociodemographic, dietary, occupational and lifestyle data. The sample was analyzed using the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test and Mantel-Haenszel approach for multivariate analysis. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated with 5% significance and 95% confidence intervals.

The risk of esophageal cancer was higher in patients ≥ 55 years (OR = 1.95; P < 0.001). Patients from rural areas were at greater risk of esophageal cancer (OR = 4.9; P < 0.001). Smoking was a risk factor among the cases (OR = 3.8; P < 0.001), as was exposure to woodstoves (OR = 4.42; P < 0.001). The practice of oral sex was not a risk factor (OR = 0.45; P = 0.04). Consumption of apples, pears, vegetables, cruciferous vegetables and fruit juices were protective against esophageal cancer.

In a region in which the incidence of esophageal cancer is low, the most significant risk factors were exposure to woodstoves, smoking and living in rural areas. .

O câncer de esôfago é o oitavo tipo mais comum em todo o mundo, ocupando o sexto lugar em termos de mortalidade. Fatores de risco conhecidos para esse tipo de câncer são o consumo de tabaco e o álcool. O objetivo foi avaliar os fatores de risco para câncer de esôfago em uma área de baixa incidência.

Estudo caso-controle em Goiânia, com 99 casos de câncer de esôfago e 223 controles.

As variáveis foram dados sociodemográficos, alimentares, ocupacionais e de estilo de vida. A amostra foi analisada pelo teste do qui-quadrado, Mann-Whitney e de Mantel-Haenszel para análise multivariada. Foram calculados a odds ratio (OR) com significância em 5% e o intervalo de confiança de 95%.

O risco de câncer de esôfago foi maior em pacientes ≥ 55 anos (OR = 1,95, P < 0,001). Pacientes de áreas rurais estavam em risco maior de câncer de esôfago (OR = 4,9; P < 0,001). O tabagismo foi um fator de risco entre os casos (OR = 3,8; P < 0,001), bem como exposição ao fogão a lenha (OR = 4,42; P < 0,001). A prática do sexo oral não foi fator de risco (OR = 0.45; P = 0,04). Consumo de maçãs, peras, legumes, vegetais crucíferos e sucos de frutas foi protetor contra o câncer de esôfago.

Em uma região em que a incidência de câncer de esôfago é baixa, os fatores de risco mais significativos foram a exposição a fogão a lenha, tabagismo e viver em zona rural. .

Promotion and use of improved cook stoves in the conservation of biomass resources and biomass briquettes from solid wastes in the Gambia

In regions where biomass is a traditional fuel for cooking, improved cook-stoves can enhance indoor air quality, personal health, livelihoods, and the environment-while substantially reducing greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions. Although ongoing efforts have successfully disseminated improved stoves that achieve many of these benefits, substantially greater emissions reductions are needed to comply with international guidelines for indoor air quality and to limit GHG emissions like black carbon. Today, an estimated 2.5 billion people, or about one-third of the world's population, rely on biomass fuel for cooking. According to the World Health Organization [WHO], exposure to smoke from these open fires and cook-stoves leads to pneumonia, chronic respiratory disease, and lung cancer-causing an estimated 1.6 million deaths each yean. In the developing world, the disease burden from indoor smoke is comparable to the burdens from malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS. Improved cook-stoves with reduced emissions and greater fuel efficiency can achieve the following:- Reduce disease and save lives by decreasing exposure to indoor air pollution [IAP]. - Reduce the risk of violence against women and children gathering fuel in conflict areas.- Reduce the time and cost of procuring fuel, thereby freeing individuals for other productive activities.- Empower women and communities via engagement in the production, use, and distribution of cook stoves.- Mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions, including black carbon [BC].- Reduce pressure on forests and other vegetation and facilitate sustainable harvesting of biomass fuels

Risco aumentado de sintomas respiratórios e bronquite crônica em mulheres que utilizam biocombustíveis na Nigéria / Increased risk of respiratory symptoms and chronic bronchitis in women using biomass fuels in Nigeria

OBJETIVO: Determinar a associação de sintomas respiratórios e bronquite crônica com o uso de biocombustíveis entre mulheres habitantes de áreas rurais do estado de Ekiti, sudoeste da Nigéria. MÉTODOS: De janeiro a junho de 2009, realizou-se um estudo transversal com uma amostra de 269 mulheres adultas. Um questionário adaptado do European Community Respiratory Health Survey foi aplicado para a obtenção de dados sobre características sociodemográficas, tipo de combustível utilizado para a preparação de alimentos, sintomas respiratórios e história de tabagismo. Todas as participantes foram convidadas a realizar espirometria. RESULTADOS: Das 269 mulheres no estudo, 161 (59,9 por cento) utilizavam biocombustíveis para a preparação de alimentos. As mulheres que utilizavam biocombustíveis relataram mais sintomas respiratórios que aquelas que não os utilizavam - tosse (13,7 por cento vs. 3,7 por cento); sibilância (8,7 por cento vs. 2,8 por cento); dor no peito (7,5 por cento vs. 1,9 por cento); falta de ar (11,8 por cento vs. 6,5 por cento); sintomas nasais (9,3 por cento vs. 4,6 por cento); e bronquite crônica (10,6 por cento vs. 2,8 por cento). A análise multivariada por regressão logística confirmou que o uso de biocombustíveis está associado às seguintes variáveis: tosse (OR = 4,82; p = 0,01); bronquite crônica (OR = 3,75; p = 0,04); sibilância (OR = 2,22; p = 0,23); dor no peito (OR = 3,82; p = 0,09); falta de ar (OR = 1,54; p = 0,35); e sintomas nasais (OR = 2,32; p = 0,20). Todos os parâmetros espirométricos avaliados (VEF1, CVF, VEF1/CVF e PFE) foram menores nas mulheres que utilizavam biocombustíveis do que naquelas que não os utilizavam. CONCLUSÕES: Nossos resultados enfatizam a necessidade de se substituir o uso de biocombustíveis nos domicílios pelo de um tipo de combustível atóxico, como eletricidade ou gás.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether respiratory symptoms and chronic bronchitis are associated with the use of biomass fuels (BMFs) among women residing in rural areas of the Ekiti State, in southwestern Nigeria. METHODS: From January to June of 2009, we carried out a cross-sectional study including 269 adult women. To collect data on sociodemographic status, type of fuel used for cooking in the household, respiratory symptoms, and smoking history, we used a questionnaire adapted from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey. All of the participants were invited to undergo spirometry. RESULTS: Of the 269 women in the study, 161 (59.9 percent) used BMFs for cooking. The proportion of women who reported respiratory symptoms was greater among those using BMFs than among those using a non-BMF-cough (13.7 percent vs. 3.7 percent); wheezing (8.7 percent vs. 2.8 percent); chest pain (7.5 percent vs. 1.9 percent); breathlessness (11.8 percent vs. 6.5 percent); nasal symptoms (9.3 percent vs. 4.6 percent); and chronic bronchitis (10.6 percent vs. 2.8 percent). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the use of BMFs was associated with the following variables: cough (OR = 4.82; p = 0.01); chronic bronchitis (OR = 3.75; p = 0.04); wheezing (OR = 2.22; p = 0.23); chest pain (OR = 3.82; p = 0.09); breathlessness (OR = 1.54; p = 0.35); and nasal symptoms (OR = 2.32; p = 0.20). All of the spirometric parameters evaluated (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, and PEF) were lower in the women using BMFs than in those using a non-BMF. CONCLUSIONS: Our results underscore the need for women using BMFs in their households to replace them with a nontoxic type of fuel, such as electricity or gas.

Modelo de contaminación cruzada por Escherichia coli verocitotoxigénica durante la elaboración de hamburguesas caseras y evaluación cuantitativa de riesgos / Quantitative risk model for verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli cross-contamination during hamburger preparation

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue generar un modelo probabilístico para evaluar cuantitativamente el riesgo de contaminación cruzada de E. coli verocitotoxigénica (VTEC) durante el proceso de elaboración de hamburguesas caseras y su impacto en la salud pública. El modelo tuvo en cuenta un grupo de prácticas culinarias corrientes y a cada una de ellas se le asignó la probabilidad asociada de transferencia de VTEC entre los alimentos y los utensilios de cocina. Las distribuciones de probabilidad que mejor describieron cada paso del proceso fueron incorporadas en el programa @Risk® y se realizaron las simulaciones empleando el análisis Monte Carlo. La manipulación de alimentos crudos (en este caso, la carne picada) antes de la preparación de alimentos que no demandan cocción (como las guarniciones de vegetales frescos que suelen acompañarlas) (Odds ratio, OR = 6,57), así como el hábito del lavado de manos (OR = 12,02) y de las tablas que se utilizan durante la elaboración de estos platos (OR = 5,02), fueron los principales factores de riesgo de contaminación cruzada del patógeno entre la carne y las verduras. La información aportada por este modelo debería considerarse durante el diseño de estrategias de comunicación del riesgo del síndrome urémico hemolítico para acentuar la importancia que estos factores pueden tener en la transmisión de la enfermedad.

The objective of this study was to develop a quantitative risk model for verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) cross-contamination during hamburger preparation at home. Published scientific information about the disease was considered for the elaboration of the model, which included a number of routines performed during food preparation in kitchens. The associated probabilities of bacterial transference between food items and kitchen utensils which best described each stage of the process were incorporated into the model by using @Risk® software. Handling raw meat before preparing ready-to-eat foods (Odds ratio, OR, 6.57), as well as hand (OR = 12.02) and cutting board (OR = 5.02) washing habits were the major risk factors of VTEC cross-contamination from meat to vegetables. The information provided by this model should be considered when designing public information campaigns on hemolytic uremic syndrome risk directed to food handlers, in order to stress the importance of the above mentioned factors in disease transmission.

Efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, VectoBac WG and DT, formulations against dengue mosquito vectors in cement potable water jars in Cambodia.

This study reports the evaluation of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), a biological larvicide, in cement jars holding river, well and rain water. Two Bti formulations, VectoBac WG and VectoBac DT, were evaluated in a village in Phnom Penh. Thirty-one households with cement jars supporting the colonization of Ae.aegypti immatures were chosen. In each house 3 jars were aligned next to each another and filled with the same type of water. One of the 3 jars was treated with VectoBac WG at 0.4 g per 50 liters, a second jar was treated with VectoBac DT at 1 tablet per 50 liters, and a third jar was an untreated control (UTC). The jars were not covered, kept outdoors and not subjected to water exchange activity. The efficacy of VectoBac to control natural Ae.aegypti infestation was measured by Ae.aegypti pupae surveillance, conducted 3 days per week for 3 months post-treatment (June-September 2004). All pupae were removed, allowed to emerge in the Cambodia National Malaria Center insectarium and the emerged adults were identified and counted. The VectoBac treatments were more effective in river water, followed by well and rain water. The VectoBac treatments significantly reduced the pupae numbers for a minimum of 3 months in the river water and 2.5 months in the well water (p < 0.05). In the rain water, the pupae densities in the VectoBac WG and DT treated jars were not significantly different from the untreated jars, although the treated jars yielded 2.0 to 5.2 fold less pupae, respectively, than in the untreated jars during the 3 months post-treatment. The efficacy of VectoBac WG to control Ae.aegypti was similar to the efficacy of VectoBac DT in the 3 water types (p > 0.05). It was also observed that VectoBac WG and DT were target specific, without any adverse effects on aquatic predatory insects common in well and rain water. VectoBac WG and DT were found to be easy-to-use formulations, with no need to repackage them prior to use in the containers. The amounts of VectoBac WG and DT used were 12.5 fold less by weight than temephos (Abate 1.0% SG).

Composição química de hortaliças antes e após diferentes técnicas de cocção / Chemistry composition of vegetables before and after different cooking techniques

Data on chemical composition are fundamental for the elaboration of food-composition tables and nutritional guides used in the alimentary planning and in the orientation of several population groups. This study aimed todetermine the chemical composition of vegetables before and after different cooking techniques. Moisture, lipids, ashes, protein and total carbohydrates were analyzed in carrot, broccoli, kale, spinach and garlic before and after different methods and techniques: cooking in boiling water, cooking the food by heating its own constitution water, cooking in steam and cookingin a microwave. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a Tukey's test with a significance of 5% were calculated using Statistical for Windows 6.0. The highest moisture values were observed in raw (92.58%) and cooked (average 92.49%) spinach. Lipid values were low (p ≤0.05) in raw and cooked vegetables. The raw carrot showed the lowest contents of ashes (0,99g%), while kale showed the highest values before and after cooking. The highest concentrations of proteins and total carbohydrates were observed in raw garlic (5.91g% and 30.76g% respectively) and also ingarlic after cooking. In raw and cooked spinach were observed the lowest contents of total carbohydrates. The moisture, lipid and protein values were maintained after cooking, meanwhile the ashes and total carbohydrate values changed (p ≤0.05). The results differed between vegetables depending on the vegetal species and cooking technique. The techniques which best preserved the chemical composition were: carrot/boiling water, broccoli/microwave, garlic/steam, kale and spinach/own constitution water

Los datos de la composición química de las preparaciones son fundamentales en la elaboración de guías alimentares para serutilizadas en planeamiento alimentar y en la orientación de los diversos grupos poblacionales. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la composición química de hortalizas antes y después del tratamiento con diferentes técnicas de cocimiento. Fueron determinados humedad, extracto etéreo, cenizas, carbohidratos totales y proteínas de zanahoria, brócoli, col, espinaca yajo, después de diferentes métodos y técnicas domésticas de cocinado: calor húmido (agua en ebullición, agua de constitución y vapor y calor seco (microondas). Fue realizado análisis de variancia ANOVA y test de Tukey con 5% de significancia utilizando el Statistical para Windows 6.0. La espinaca cruda (92,58%) y cocinada (en media 92,49%) presentó la mayor humedad. Los valores de extracto etéreo fueran bajos (p ≤ 0,05) en las hortalizas crudas y cocinadas. La zanahoria cruda presentó la menor cantidad de ceniza (0,99%) y la col el tenor más elevado, antes y después de cocinada. Las concentraciones de proteínas y carbohidratos totales fueran mayores en el ajo crudo (5,91% y30,76% respectivamente) que después decocinado. La espinaca cruda y cocinada presentó los menores tenores de carbohidratos totales. Los valores de humedad, extracto etéreo y proteínas fueran mantenidos después del cocimiento, pero los tenores de ceniza y carbohidratos totales se modificaron (p ≤ 0,05). Los resultados fueran diferentes entre las hortalizas dependiendo de la especie vegetal y técnica usada. Las técnicas que mejor preservaran la composición química fueran zanahoria /agua en ebullición; brócoli/microondas; ajo/ vapor;col y espinaca/agua de ebullición

Os dados da composição química de preparações são fundamentais na elaboração de tabelas e guias alimentares, utilizados no planejamento alimentar e na orientação de diversos grupos populacionais. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a composição química de hortaliças antes e após diferentes técnicas de cocção. Foram determinados umidade, extrato etéreo, cinzas, glicídios totais e proteínas da cenoura, brócolis,couve- manteiga, espinafre e alho, após diferentes métodos e técnicas domésticas de cocção: calor úmido (água em ebulição, água de constituição e vapor) e calor seco (microondas). Foi realizada análise de variância ANOVA e teste de Tukey com 5% de significância, utilizando o Statistical para Windows 6.0. O espinafre cru (92,58%) e após cocção (em média 92,49%) apresentou a maior umidade. Os valores de extrato etéreo foram baixos (p ≤ 0,05) nas hortaliças cruas e coccionadas. A cenoura crua apresentou as menores quantidades de cinzas (0,99 g%) e a couve as maiores antes e após preparo. As concentrações de proteínas e glicídios totais foram maiores no alho cru (5,91 g% e 30,76 g%,respectivamente) e após cocção. No espinafre cru e processado foram observados os menores teores de glicídios totais. Os valores de umidade, extrato etéreo e proteínas foram mantidos após cozimento, enquanto os teores de cinzas e glicídios totais modificaram (p ≤ 0,05).Os resultados foram diferentes entre as hortaliças, dependendo da espécie vegetal e da técnica aplicada. As técnicas que melhor preservaram a composição química foram: cenoura/água de ebulição, brócolis/microondas, alho/vapor, couve e espinafre/água de constituição.