Dietary Exposure and Risk Assessment of Multi-Mycotoxins (AFB1, AFM1, OTA, OTB, DON, T-2 and HT-2) in the Lebanese Food Basket Consumed by Adults: Findings from the Updated Lebanese National Consumption Survey through a Total Diet Study Approach.

Mycotoxins have been linked to adverse health impacts, including liver cancer and kidney diseases. The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the dietary exposure of Lebanese adults to multi-mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), ochratoxin A (OTA), ochratoxin B (OTB), deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 and HT-2) and to assess their associated health risks. Hence, a nationally representative sample of 449 participants aged 18-64 years old were interviewed to obtain their socio-demographic characteristics, food consumption data and exposure estimates. A food frequency questionnaire and 24 h-recall were used to collect data. The concentration of mycotoxins in all foods consumed by the participants was collected from previous national published studies. The estimated daily intake (EDI), the hazard quotient (HQ) and the margin of exposure (MOE) were calculated. The total exposure to AFB1, AFM1, OTA and DON was 1.26, 0.39, 4.10 and 411.18 ng/kg bw/day, respectively. The MOE to AFB1, AFM1, OTA and DON in the Lebanese food basket was 316, 1454, 3539 and 510, respectively, indicating high health-related risks. Per food items, the MOE to AFB1 was below 10,000 in cereals (466.5), mainly in rice (827.9) and Burgul (4868.5). Similarly, the MOE to OTA in cereals was 1439, in which bread (4022), rice (7589) and bulgur (7628) were considered unsafe. Moreover, the MOE to DON in cereals (605) is alarming, especially in bread (632) and manakesh (6879). The MOE to AFM1 in dairy products was 1454, indicating health-related risks with a focus on yogurt (9788) and labneh (8153). As for the herbs/spices group and traditional dishes, the MOE to AFB1 was relatively lower than 10,000 (3690 and 1625, respectively), with a focus on thyme (2624) and kishik (3297), respectively. It is noteworthy that the MOE to DON and the MOE to OTA in traditional foods and coffee were lower than 10,000 (8047 and 8867, respectively). All hazard quotient (HQ) values were below 1, except the HQ value of milk and dairy products (1.96). The intake of some food groups varied between age categories, corresponding to differences in EDI between them. Thus, it is essential to put control measures in place to decrease the contamination and exposure to mycotoxins by Lebanese consumers.

Chikungunya outbreak in Africa: a review of the literature.

The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), transmitted via mosquitoes, exhibits clinical manifestations ranging from headaches, myalgia and arthralgia to debilitating systemic malfunctions. Endemic to Africa, CHIKV has seen an increase in cases since it was first recorded in 1950. There has recently been an outbreak in numerous African nations. The authors aim to review the history and epidemiology of CHIKV in Africa, current outbreaks, strategies adopted by governments and/or international organisations to mitigate such an outbreak, and future recommendations that can be employed. Methodology: Data were collected from medical journals published on Pubmed and Google Scholar, and from the official World Health Organisation, African and United States of America's Centres for Disease Control and Prevention websites. All articles considering CHIKV in Africa, including epidemiology, aetiology, prevention and management, were sought after. Results: Since 2015, the number of Chikungunya cases in Africa has increased, reaching the highest values ever recorded, especially in 2018 and 2019. Even though numerous vaccination and therapeutic intervention trials are still ongoing, no advancement has been made so far, including drug approval. Current management is supportive, with preventative measures, such as insecticides, repellents, mosquito nets and habitat avoidance, paramount to halting disease spread. Conclusion: In light of the recent CHIKV outbreak in Africa, local and global attempts are re-emerging to mitigate the eruption of the case of the lack of vaccines and antivirals, controlling the virus may be an arduous feat. Improving risk assessment, laboratory detection and research facilities should be a priority.

Poliovirus returns to the UK after nearly 40 years: current efforts and future recommendations.

On 22 June 2022, the UK Health Security Agency declared a 'rare national incidence' after finding poliovirus in sewage in London for the first time in nearly 40 years. Although no cases of the disease or accompanying paralysis have been documented, the general public's risk is considered minimal. However, public health experts recommend that families are up to date on their polio vaccines to decrease the chance of harm. This article discusses the epidemiology of poliovirus by examining the aetiology of the disease and current mitigation policies implemented to prevent the spread of type 2 vaccine-deceived poliovirus in the UK. Finally, by examining the clinical features of polio, which range from mild gastroenteritis episodes, respiratory sickness, malaise and severe paralysis type, this article offers an advice on particular therapies and tactics to avoid poliovirus outbreaks and other future outbreaks.