Description
AAEM is a scientific journal edited and published semiannually since 1994 by the Institute of Agricultural Medicine in Lublin, Poland. All scientists interested in the area of agricultural and environmental medicine are cordially invited to contribute.
Impact factor
1.54
Website
Other titles
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine (Online), AAEM
ISSN
1898-2263
OCLC
60639231
Material type
Document, Periodical, Internet resource
Document type
Internet Resource, Computer File, Journal / Magazine / Newspaper
Publications in this journal
Authors: Andrzej Wojtyła
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):1-2.
Authors: Ewa Czarnobilska, Wojciech Dyga, Diana Krzystyniak, Krzysztof Czarnobilski, Dorota Myszkowska, Krystyna Obtułowicz
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):11-6.
Contact allergy is detected in every second child with the symptoms of chronic or recurrent eczema, and in every third child the final diagnosis is allergic contact dermatitis. Haptens responsibleContact allergy is detected in every second child with the symptoms of chronic or recurrent eczema, and in every third child the final diagnosis is allergic contact dermatitis. Haptens responsible for the majority of contact sensitizations in children are substances ubiquitous in our environment, e.g. metals, preservatives, fragrances, propolis, and balsam of Peru. Much concern is provoked by the higher rates of sensitization to fragrances in younger children, compared to adolescents, which may be attributed to the higher exposure nowadays of infants and children to fragrant products. On the other hand, a limitation of exposure to the preservatives thimerosal and Kathon CG has resulted in decreased rates of sensitization to these haptens. Altogether, these observations demonstrate that the rates of contact sensitizations in children reflect changes in their environment, and limitations imposed on the use of haptens with strong sensitizing properties, may be an effective tool in the prevention of contact allergy.
Authors: Agnieszka Kalwasińska, Aleksandra Burkowska, Iwona Wilk
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):25-9.
The present study was aimed at evaluating the number of bacteria and mould fungi in the indoor and outdoor environment of Toruń University Library. The sampling sites were located in the roomsThe present study was aimed at evaluating the number of bacteria and mould fungi in the indoor and outdoor environment of Toruń University Library. The sampling sites were located in the rooms serving the functions typical of libraries (i.e. in the Main Reading Room, Current Periodicals Reading Room, Collections Conservation Laboratory, Old Prints Storeroom, in rooms serving other (non-library) functions (i.e. main hall, cafeteria, and toilet) as well as outside the library building. The analyses reveal that the concentrations of bacterial as well as fungal aerosols estimated with the use of the impaction method ranged between 10(1)-10(3) CFU-m(-3), which corresponds to the concentrations normally observed in areas of this kind. Evaluation of the hygienic condition of the studied areas was based on the criteria for microbiological cleanliness in interiors submitted by the European Commission in 1993. According to this classification, the air was considered to be heavily or moderately contaminated with bacteria, while the air contamination with mould fungi was described as low or moderate. The air in the Old Prints Storeroom was considered the least contaminated with microbial aerosol.
Authors: Edyta Podsiadly, Nadia Haddad, Moez Berrich, Rim Bouchouicha, Benott Durand, Martine Monteil, Henri-Jean Boulouis, Stanislawa Tylewska-Wierzbanowska
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):39-43.
Knowledge about molecular epidemiology of B. henselae is important for recognizing the geographical distribution of strains and identification of isolates virulent for humans. Eleven Polish feline B.Knowledge about molecular epidemiology of B. henselae is important for recognizing the geographical distribution of strains and identification of isolates virulent for humans. Eleven Polish feline B. henselae isolates were typed, using 2 different techniques: pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). PFGE analysis distinguished 6 different PFGE types, with subtypes within 3 of them, whereas 10 MLVA types were assigned. Global diversity index (D.I.) for MLVA equaled 0.93. For 7 isolates, the results of MLVA confirmed cluster assignments based on PFGE. Both PFGE and MLVA results were in accordance with epidemiological data. Although PFGE has been previously demonstrated to be a suitable method for the differentiation of B. henselae isolates/strains, our results show the superiority of MLVA over PFGE with respect to higher discriminatory power, distinguishing genotypes I and II isolates, easier analysis of results, and possibility to compare the numerical data obtained by different laboratories. With MLVA, 7 new profiles were observed, compared to previous results from around the world; whereas 3 known profiles were previously described mainly in European B. henselae isolates. Our results confirm that some VNTR profiles can be used as specific geographical markers.
Authors: Joanna Jurewicz, Wojciech Hanke, Wojciech Sobala, Danuta Ligocka
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):51-6.
The purpose of the study was to assess the environmental exposure to 2 commonly used pesticides: 2-methyl-4- chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) among spousesThe purpose of the study was to assess the environmental exposure to 2 commonly used pesticides: 2-methyl-4- chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) among spouses of farmers, not directly involved in the process of spraying. Exposure to 63 sprayings 24 women in households from the rural area of the Łódż Voivodeship in Poland was assessed. The women were asked to collect 3 biological urine samples: in the morning before spraying (sample A), in the evening after spraying (sample B), and on the morning of the next day (sample C). The determination of pesticides in urine was performed by high performance liquid chromatography, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry and negative electrospray (LC-MS/MS-ESI-). In the case of both active ingredient, the number of urine samples with the level of pesticides above limit of detection (LOD) increased from 30% in samples A to 45% in samples B and C. The average levels of herbicides increased from sample A (2.8 ng/g creatinine) to sample B (6.0 ng/g creatinine). The mean value of the C sample was 4.0 ng/g creatinine. Similar results were obtained when the average was calculated for all measurements, including those below LOD. The outdoor activity of the women during spraying was statistically significant (p=0.023), a predictor of exposure in multivariate analyses. The presented study indicates that farmers' spouses might be exposed to pesticides, even if they do not take part in the spraying.
Authors: Caroline Lanier, Veronique Andre, Virginie Seguin, Natacha Heutte, Anne El Kaddoumi, Valerie Bouchart, Rachel Picquet, David Garon
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):61-7.
Agricultural occupations associated with animal breeding and the processing of animal materials in confinement systems could potentially lead to bioaerosol exposures. Moulds and mycotoxins could beAgricultural occupations associated with animal breeding and the processing of animal materials in confinement systems could potentially lead to bioaerosol exposures. Moulds and mycotoxins could be constituents of bioaerosols and should be studied because of their possible involvement in respiratory diseases and cancers. In order to characterize the fungal contamination of the indoor air in a dairy barn, bioaerosols were collected during 20 days in a cattle farm located in Normandy (France). Mycobiota, mycotoxins and the mutagenicity of bioaerosols were studied. The toxigenic ability of Aspergillus flavus group and Aspergillus fumigatus isolates was also evaluated in vitro. The prevalent airborne moulds were from the following potentially toxigenic species: Aspergillus flavus group, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium chrysogenum, Stachybotrys chartarum, and the allergenic species Ulocladium chartarum, Cladosporium cladosporioides. In comparison with harvesting, grain handling or broiler breeding, the concentrations of viable moulds were lower in the cattle shed. Seasonal variations in levels of several species were also observed. This study revealed that aflatoxins were detected in bioaerosols and, for the first time, showed that farmers are possibly exposed to Stachybotrys chartarum during routine barn work. Moreover, the finding of mutagenicity from bioaerosols needs further investigations on bioaerosol composition.
Authors: Gabriela Gregova, Marta Kmetova, Vladimfr Kmet, Jan Venglovsky, Alexander Feher
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):75-7.
The aim of the study was to investigate the antibiotic resistant E. coli strains isolated from bioaerosols and surface swabs in a slaughterhouse as a possible source of poultry meat contamination.The aim of the study was to investigate the antibiotic resistant E. coli strains isolated from bioaerosols and surface swabs in a slaughterhouse as a possible source of poultry meat contamination. The highest air coliforms contamination was during shackling, killing and evisceration of poultry. The strains showed resistance to ampicillin (89%), ceftiofur (62%) and cefquinome (22%), while resistance to ampicillin with sulbactam was only 6%. Resistance to streptomycin and gentamicin was detected in 43% vs. 14% isolates; to tetracycline 33%; to chloramphenicol and florfenicol in 10% vs. 18% isolates; to cotrimoxazol in 35% isolates; to enrofloxacin in 43 % isolates. The higher MIC of ceftazidime (3.6 mg.l(-1)) and ceftriaxon (5.2 mg.l-1) revealed the presence of ESBLs in 43% of isolates. From 19 selected phenotypically ESBL positive strains, 16 consisted of CMY-2 genes, while CTX-M genes were not detected by PCR. Maldi tof analysis of selected E. coli showed a clear clonal relatedness of environmental strains from various withdrawals.
Authors: Loreta Levinskaite
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):85-9.
Microscopic fungi are able to contaminate and deteriorate various food products and can subsequently cause health problems. Long usage of the same preservatives and disinfectants against spoilageMicroscopic fungi are able to contaminate and deteriorate various food products and can subsequently cause health problems. Long usage of the same preservatives and disinfectants against spoilage fungi may lead to the development of fungal resistance to those chemicals. The objective of this study was to investigate the susceptibility of 3 Penicillium genus fungi, isolated from foodstuffs, to organic acid preservatives and some disinfectants, taking into consideration 2 aspects of their development: spore germination and mycelial growth. Susceptibility of Penicillium spinulosum, P. expansum and P. verruculosum to the preservatives, namely benzoic acid, sodium lactate, potassium sorbate, as well as disinfectants such as Topax DD, Suma Bac D10, Biowash and F210 Hygisept, was investigated. The biocides were used at concentrations of 0.1, 1.0 and 10%. Of the preservatives, benzoic acid and potassium sorbate showed the best inhibition, both on spore germination and mycelial growth. Benzoic acid at a concentration of a 0.1% reduced spore germination by 33-55%, and mycelial growth by 54-97%, whereas at 1% the inhibition was 74-85% and 97-100%, respectively. The effect of the disinfectants at a concentration of 0.1% on spore germination was 25-84% and on colonial growth 68-97%, while at 1.0% the reduction in spore germination reached 53-91% and the inhibition of growth 89-100%. In most cases, the same concentrations added to the media showed higher inhibitory effect on mycelial growth than on spore germination. It was noticed that the fungi responded rather unevenly towards the biocides, showing individual susceptibility.
Authors: Jacek Piątek, Magdalena Gibas-Dorna, Anna Olejnik, Hanna Krauss, Krzysztof Wierzbicki, Wioletta Zukiewicz-Sobczak, Maciej Głowacki
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):99-102.
To be effective, probiotic bacteria must exhibit a number of functional characteristics, including the resistance to gastric acidity and the ability to adhere to the intestinal epithelium. In thisTo be effective, probiotic bacteria must exhibit a number of functional characteristics, including the resistance to gastric acidity and the ability to adhere to the intestinal epithelium. In this study, we examined in vitro the viability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) combination after exposure to low pH, and the adhesion of LAB to Caco-2 cells during coincubation of 9 bacterial strains. To test bacterial viability, 6 commercially available products were incubated in 0.1 N HCl at pH 1.2 for 60 min. The greatest growth inhibition was noted for the non-capsulated product containing the Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain (log reduction of CFU = 6.4), and the best survival observed for the product containing 9 bacterial strains, equipped with a modern capsule made according to the Multi-Resistant Encapsulation technology (log reduction of CFU = 0.1). In the adhesion experiment, the combination of 9 bacterial strains was added to 17-day-old Caco-2 cell culture for 90 min. The greatest efficiency of adhesion was observed for the inoculum containing 5.5x10(8) CFU/mL/9.6 cm(2) of Caco-2 and the dose of probiotic bacteria of 190 cells per one Caco-2 cell. As a result, approximately 157 bacterial cells adhered to one Caco-2 cell. The results indicate that the combination of 9 bacterial strains in the examined product is characterized as highly adhesive.
Authors: Józef Bergier, Lucyna Kapka-Skrzypczak, Przemysław Biliński, Piotr Paprzycki, Andrzej Wojtyła
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):109-15.
The alarming problem of a decline in physical activity among children and adolescents and its detrimental effects on public health has been well recognised worldwide. Low physical activity isThe alarming problem of a decline in physical activity among children and adolescents and its detrimental effects on public health has been well recognised worldwide. Low physical activity is responsible for 6% of deaths worldwide and 5-10% of deaths in the countries of the WHO European Region, according to country. Within the last decade, many initiatives have been launched to counteract this phenomenon. The objective of presented study was analysis of the level of physical activity among adolescents and young adults in Poland, according to the IPAQ questionnaire. The study group covered 7,716 adolescents: 5,086 children attending high school and secondary schools and 2,630 university students. Low physical activity was noted among 57% of schoolchildren and 20.84% of students. Analysis of the level of physical activity according to the IPAQ indicated that it was lower among girls, compared to boys. An additional analysis, with the consideration of the place of residence, showed that the highest percentage of the population with low physical activity was noted in the rural areas (29.30%), while among the urban inhabitants of cities with a population above 100,000 it was on the level of 23.69% and 20.57%. Median for weekly physical activity by respondents" gender was on the level of 1,554.00 MET*min. weekly among females, and 2,611.00 MET*min. weekly among males (p<0.000). The highest weekly physical activity expressed in MET*min. was observed among the inhabitants of towns with a population less than 100,000, whereas among the rural population and inhabitants of large cities with a population of over 100,000 the weekly physical activity was on a similar level (1,830.50 and 1,962.00 respectively). An extended analysis of respondents' physical activity showed that during the day students spend significantly more time in a sedentary position, compared to schoolchildren. The presented results of studies indicate the necessity to continue and intensify actions to promote various forms of physical activity among students and schoolchildren. A constant decrease in physical activity observed among children and adolescents suggests that it is necessary to pay greater attention to this social group while developing health programmes.
Authors: Dorota Zołnierczuk-Kieliszek, Teresa Bernadetta Kulik, Mirosław Jerzy Jarosz, Agata Stefanowicz, Anna Pacian, Jolanta Pacian, Mariola Janiszewska
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):129-33.
Introduction and objective: The quality of life in peri- and post-menopausal women constitutes a serious public health problem. The aim of this observational cross-sectional study was to reveal theIntroduction and objective: The quality of life in peri- and post-menopausal women constitutes a serious public health problem. The aim of this observational cross-sectional study was to reveal the influence of the permanent domicile on the quality of life of women in peri- and post-menopausal period, and to establish the influence of employment as a full-time agricultural worker on the quality of life in these women. Materials and methods: The research was carried out by means of a survey using the postal questionnaire technique. Three standardized questionnaires: WHOQOL-BREF, Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ) and SF-36 were used as research tools. An original questionnaire was also used. The study comprised a representative sample of the female population aged 45-65 living in Lublin Province. The sample size was 2,143 women. Results: The quality of the women's life was significantly affected by the place of permanent residence. The worst quality of life was found in permanent country dwellers. City and town inhabitants revealed a considerably higher level of quality of life. Permanent place of residence in the country was an independent predictor of a poorer quality of life. Employment as a full-time agricultural worker was an independent predictor of a worse quality of life in the SOM domain of WHQ, as well as RP, RF and RE domains of SF-36. On the other hand, employment as a full-time agricultural worker was an independent predictor of a better quality of life in the SLE domain of WHQ, and psychological domain of WHOQFL-BREF. Conclusions: Awareness of the dependence is necessary in order to effectively plan health education and physical and social health promotion campaigns. Country dwellers need special attention in the process of undertaking any preventive or curative steps.
Authors: Jan E Zejda, Grzegorz M Brożek, Małgorzata Farnik, Irena Smółka
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):141-5.
Background: Studies on childhood asthma demonstrate socioeconomic disparities in medical care utilization. A lack of information for Poland prompted our investigation into this question. Its goal wasBackground: Studies on childhood asthma demonstrate socioeconomic disparities in medical care utilization. A lack of information for Poland prompted our investigation into this question. Its goal was to discover if the utilization of medical services by asthmatic children depends on social and family factors. Methods: Subjects were 186 children with physician-diagnosed asthma, identified through a questionnaire survey of 4,535 school children in Katowice District, Poland. Utilization of medical care was assessed by such past year events as medical visits (44.0%), any diagnostic test (35.4%) and spirometry (30.6%). Association of those events with socioeconomic variables was explored by means of logistic regression, according to the criterion p< 0.1. Results: After adjustment for disease severity and gender medical visits were related to younger age (p=0.009), family history of respiratory diseases (p=0.08) and rural residence (p=0.09), any diagnostic tests to younger age (p=0.08), smaller number of siblings (p=0.01) and rural residence (p=0.004); spirometry to smaller number of siblings (p=0.09) and rural residence (p=0.006). Conclusion: Clinical status and age are important determinants of utilization of medical services by asthmatic children. The effects of rural residence and family size may reflect a more attentive response to the needs of a sick child.
Authors: Przemysław Biliński, Lucyna Kapka-Skrzypczak, Marek Posobkiewicz, Małgorzata Bondaryk, Piotr Hołownia, Andrzej Wojtyła
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):3-10.
Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are the most virulent diarrhoeagenic E. coli known to date. They can spread with alarming ease via the food chain, as recently demonstrated by the largeShiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are the most virulent diarrhoeagenic E. coli known to date. They can spread with alarming ease via the food chain, as recently demonstrated by the large outbreak of STEC O104:H4 borne by sprouted seeds in 2011, clustered in northern Germany, and subsequently affecting other countries. Indeed, a significant number of infections to verocytotoxin producing Escherichia coli O104:H4 have been reported from the WHO European Region resulting in many cases of bloody diarrhoea and haemolytic uraemic syndrome in Germany, 15 other European countries and North America. Eventually, the European Food Standards Agency, (EFSA), identified the likely source to a single consignment of fenugreek seeds from an Egyptian exporter as being linked to the two outbreaks in Germany and France. The situation was closely monitored by the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate public health authority in Poland where actions undertaken ensured that the public was well informed about the dangers of STEC contamination of food, how to avoid infection, and what to do if infected. Tracing the fenugreek distributors also enabled the identification of suspected batches and their isolation. As a result, there were very few reported cases of STEC infection in Poland. Effective control over such outbreaks is therefore a vital public health task. This should include early detection and rapid identification of the contagion mode, followed by removing the foodstuff(s) from the market, providing consumer advice, and preventing secondary spreading. As a mitigation measure, screening/monitoring those involved in food handling is also warranted to exclude carriers who can be asymptomatic.
Authors: Martin Barrasa, Santiago Lamosa, Maria Dolores Fernandez, Elena Fernandez
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):17-24.
The influence of the type of farming on harmful gas exposures to carbon dioxide (CO(2)), ammonia (NH(3)) and hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) was assessed from the perspective of animal welfare andThe influence of the type of farming on harmful gas exposures to carbon dioxide (CO(2)), ammonia (NH(3)) and hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) was assessed from the perspective of animal welfare and occupational hygiene. Summer data of H(2)S, NH(3) and CO(2 )concentrations and of environmental parameters were collected from 31 farms. The indices of exposure for long- term exposures to NH3 suggest the lowest acceptability of exposure was observed on poultry farms. CO(2) had the highest dependence on production activity. For H(2)S, no differences were found based on farming activity. Both the stocking density and volume of air available affected the daily exposure and the index of exposure to CO(2). Significant differences were observed between hourly CO(2) concentrations, depending on the level of activity inside the building. A positive correlation was found between gas concentrations and temperature increase. All values of daily and short-term exposures were below exposure limit values, which suggests that exposure conditions were appropriate for workers' health during the measurement period. Analysis of the working hours and average hourly concentration of gases during the times of day, with presence of workers inside the farm buildings, revealed significant differences for CO(2).
Authors: Małgorzata M Dobrzyńska, Ewa J Tyrkiel, Edyta Derezińska, Krzysztof A Pachocki, Jan K Ludwicki
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):31-7.
Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is widely present in the human environment. The study aimed at the investigation of potential genotoxic effects induced by subchronic exposure to DEHP in germ cellsDi-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is widely present in the human environment. The study aimed at the investigation of potential genotoxic effects induced by subchronic exposure to DEHP in germ cells of male mice in the first period of puberty, and to check if the transmission of mutation to the next generation via the sperm is possible. 8-weeks exposure to 2,000 mg/kg and 8,000 mg/kg of DEHP diminished sperm count and quality, leading to a reduced percentage of pregnant females mated to exposed males. A slight increase in the frequency of prenatal deaths and dominant lethal mutations, as well as a significantly increased percentage of abnormal skeletons among the F1 offspring of males exposed to 8,000 mg/kg of DEHP, were observed. Exposure of the fathers did not cause a delay in the postnatal development of the offspring, except for fur development in the group of 8,000 mg/kg of DEHP. Gametes of male offspring of exposed fathers showed reduced motility. The results may suggest that diminished spermaozoa quality induced by DEHP may be coincidental with mutations leading to intrauterine deaths and skeletal abnormalities in the offspring.
Authors: Hubert Sytykiewicz, Grzegorz Karbowiak, Joanna Hapunik, Adam Szpechciński, Marta Supergan-Marwicz, Sylwia Goławska, Iwona Sprawka, Paweł Czerniewicz
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):45-9.
The aim of the study was to elucidate the distribution of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti co-infection in Ixodes ricinus populations within the central-eastern region of Poland. TheThe aim of the study was to elucidate the distribution of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti co-infection in Ixodes ricinus populations within the central-eastern region of Poland. The prevalence of analysed tick-borne human pathogens in single and polymicrobial infections in I. ricinus ticks were analysed using the conventional and nested PCR techniques. A total number of 1,123 questing tick individuals (291 females, 267 males and 565 nymphs) were collected at different ecosystems (municipal parks, suburban forests, and woodlands). In the presented study, 95 samples of ticks (8.5%) were infected with A.phagocytophilum, 3.1% (n=35) with B. microti, whereas the co-existence status of these human pathogens was detected in 1.8% (n=20) of all tested samples. It has been demonstrated that the prevalence of co-infection status was the highest among females of I. ricinus (11 samples, 3.8%), whereas the lowest within tested nymphs (5 samples, 0.9%). Ticks collected at city parks in Warsaw and suburban areas of this town characterized the highest prevalence of co-infections (3.3 and 4.8%, respectively). Furthermore, it was established that co-infection rates of ticks inhabiting woodlands within Kampinos National Park and Nadbużański Landscape Park were similar and reached the levels of 1.4% (n=5) and 1.1% (n=4), respectively.
Authors: Adriana Iglódyova, Martina Miterpakova, Zuzana Hurnfkova, Daniela Antolova, Pavol Dubinsky, Valeria Letkova
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):57-60.
The aim of the present study was to collect data from Eastern Slovak Lowland, southern Slovakia, to assess risk of the spread of canine dirofilariosis. Climate and environmental conditions in theThe aim of the present study was to collect data from Eastern Slovak Lowland, southern Slovakia, to assess risk of the spread of canine dirofilariosis. Climate and environmental conditions in the Eastern Slovak Lowland are ideally suitable for the occurrence of vector-borne diseases. In the past, an endemic locality of dangerous mosquito transmitted malaria was found in this area. Today, another zoonotic parasitic disease threatens - dirofilariosis. The results of the first detailed study revealed a 34.44% prevalence in dogs harbouring dirofilariae. D. repens was diagnosed in all infected specimen, with 2 individuals being co-infected also with D. immitis.
Authors: Grzegorz Madajczak, Jolanta Szych, Bożena Wójcik, Lukasz Mąka, Kamila Formińska
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):69-74.
The aim of current studies was to validate the direct plating of a stool sample for Listeria monocytogenes detection, using selective medium Palcam agar with Palcam selective supplement. ValidationThe aim of current studies was to validate the direct plating of a stool sample for Listeria monocytogenes detection, using selective medium Palcam agar with Palcam selective supplement. Validation was performed using stool samples collected from healthy humans inoculated with Listeria sp. strains. Stool samples were frozen to determine the influence of freezing on method robustness. The presented research defines the Listeria monocytogenes limit of detection (LOD) as 10(3 )cfu/g of stools for fresh and frozen samples. Repeatability and reproducibility of the method has been confirmed using statistical methods. We show the effectiveness of direct plating of stool samples on Palcam agar with Palcam selective supplement collected for Listeria monocytogenes detection. This method could be useful for this pathogen detection in stool samples collected from patients with diarrhoea.
Authors: Witold Kołłątaj, Andrzej Milczak, Barbara Kołłątaj, Irena Dorota Karwat, Marian Sygit, Katarzyna Sygit
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):79-84.
Introduction. Close animal-human contacts are risky for people, especially in cases of any negligence towards proper veterinary care, deworming procedures, as well as human and dog hygiene. AmongIntroduction. Close animal-human contacts are risky for people, especially in cases of any negligence towards proper veterinary care, deworming procedures, as well as human and dog hygiene. Among possible risks there are parasite zoonoses threats. Material and methods. The study involved 176 dog owners from rural regions in Lublin province. The original Parasitic Zoonoses Transmission Risk Score (PZTRS) method was used to determine the risk for humans, a method based on the analysis of such criteria as animal-human coexistence conditions and dog hygiene, as well as dewormings negligence. The resulting score ranges from 0-8, where. '0' is a perfect score, '8' is the lowest and means high health risks for humans. Results. Obtained PZTRS values were in the 1-6 range. Median as well as modal values were equal to 4, which means the presence of significant risk of parasitic zoonoses transmission to dog owners and members of their families. Conclusions. In Polish rural areas, negligence of dog owners' duties, including improper hygiene and dewormings, as well as risky conditions of human-dog coexistence, increase the potential risk of zoonotic parasite diseases spreading. Nowadays, veterinary practices and media have the important responsibility of educating dog owners about the potential risk of zoonotic parasites.
Authors: Anthony J De Lucca, Stephen M Boue, Carol Carter-Wientjes, Deepak Bhatnagar
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):91-8.
()Aspergillus flavus is a saprophytic fungus which can grow on corn and produce aflatoxins which render it unsafe for consumption as food and feed. In this study, aflatoxin and non-aflatoxin()Aspergillus flavus is a saprophytic fungus which can grow on corn and produce aflatoxins which render it unsafe for consumption as food and feed. In this study, aflatoxin and non-aflatoxin producing isolates of A. flavus were grown separately on wet (20% water added), sterile or non-sterile cracked corn. Wet and dry cracked corn controls were included as needed. Secondary metabolic volatiles were identified and aflatoxin concentrations determined over a 12-day period. Volatiles unique to the toxigenic A. flavus isolates were determined by comparison with volatiles produced by the respective corn controls and the non-toxigenic A. flavus isolate. The number and identity of the volatiles produced by these A. flavus isolates varied by isolate, whether sterile or non-sterile corn was the substrate, and the sampling day. Overall, most of the volatiles were produced before day 8 after inoculation. Aflatoxin production was 10-fold lower on the sterile corn, compared to the non- sterile corn. Volatiles unique to the aflatoxin producing isolates were identified on both substrates after comparison with those produced by the non-aflatoxin producing isolate, as well as the corn control samples. Results indicate that several factors (substrate, fungal isolate, culture age) affect volatile and aflatoxin production by A. flavus.
Authors: Karolina Hoffmann, Wiesław Bryl, Jerzy T Marcinkowski, Aneta Rzesoś, Ewa Wojtyła, Danuta Pupek-Musialik
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):103-7.
Introduction: Numerous factors and conditions affect the dietary behaviours of the young population. Urban-rural differences may also influence the lifestyle of adolescents, including diet. Aim: ToIntroduction: Numerous factors and conditions affect the dietary behaviours of the young population. Urban-rural differences may also influence the lifestyle of adolescents, including diet. Aim: To describe dietary behaviours of two young populations: living in urban or rural areas in the district of Szamotuły (a city with a population of 19,000 inhabitants). Material and methods: 116 adolescents aged 15-17 years were included to this preliminary study and asked to answer questions concerning health and lifestyle. Results: No statistically significant difference was detected in the number of meals eaten daily, and 3 meals a day was the most frequent answer (45.9% in the rural group and 32.7% in the urban group). About 41.0% of rural subjects and 50.9% of urban ones admitted that they ate fresh fruit and vegetables every day. There was no statistically significant difference in the medium consumption frequency of fresh fruit, vegetable, fish, sweets and salty snacks. Conclusions: 1. Between rural and urban adolescents no statistically significant differences were observed in dietary behaviours concerning medium number of meals eaten daily, medium frequency of fresh fruit and vegetable consumption, medium monthly frequency of fish consumption, medium weekly frequency of consumption of sweets and salty snacks. 2. More than a half of the young rural dwellers preferred more salty meals in contrast to over 56% of urban youths who preferred less salty meals. Both urban and rural adolescents most often declared that eat sweets and salty snacks daily. 3. There is a great need to change the dietary habits of teenagers, especially in avoiding an over-intake of high fat and high energy products, in order to reduce the rising prevalence of obesity among adolescents.
Authors: Andrzej Wojtyła, Małgorzata Goździewska, Piotr Paprzycki, Przemysław Biliński
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):117-28.
Epidemiological studies in Poland show that tobacco smoking by adolescents at reproductive age is still frequently observed. This concerns both boys and girls. The study was based on all-PolishEpidemiological studies in Poland show that tobacco smoking by adolescents at reproductive age is still frequently observed. This concerns both boys and girls. The study was based on all-Polish population studies of health behaviours of adolescents aged 14-24 (Youth Behavioural Polish Survey - YBPS) conducted in 2011, and the Pregnancy-related Assessment Monitoring Survey (PrAMS). More than 12% of pregnant women do not discontinue smoking in association with becoming pregnant and expose the foetus to tobacco smoke, despite being aware of the hazardous effect of smoking on the health of the mother and child. Smoking in pregnancy is mainly observed among mothers with a low education level and those aged under 23. According to the Baker's Foetal Origins of Adult Health and Diseases Hypothesis, exposure of the foetus to the components of tobacco smoke results in many perturbations in the form of a lower birth weight, prematurity, worse state of neonates after birth, and higher susceptibility to contacting civilization diseases at the age of adulthood. The results of studies confirm some observations. Polish studies clearly confirmed a lower birth weight of babies delivered by mothers who smoke; however, earlier termination of pregnancy and worse status of neonates after birth were not observed. According to the Baker's hypothesis, a lower birth weight of babies delivered by smoking mothers during the further life cycle exposes the offspring to the risk of contracting civilization diseases. The efforts undertaken by public health authorities should be biased towards education of the population at reproductive age about the hazardous effect of smoking on the health of the foetus and the offspring born. Women at reproductive age should be encouraged to discontinue smoking in association with the planning of pregnancy and in pregnancy.
Authors: Joanna Suliburska, Paweł Bogdański, Danuta Pupek-Musialik, Marta Głód-Nawrocka, Hanna Krauss, Jacek Piątek
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):135-9.
An unhealthy lifestyle among young people is a serious and often unnoticed problem. It seems that there are differences in the lifestyle of young people from rural and urban areas. The objective ofAn unhealthy lifestyle among young people is a serious and often unnoticed problem. It seems that there are differences in the lifestyle of young people from rural and urban areas. The objective of this study was to compare eating habits and physical activity of young adults according to their body weight, gender and place of residence. The study involved a group of 18-year-olds from rural and urban environments. The study included 50% girls and 50% of boys in each group, selected by simple random sampling (SRS). The author-designed questionnaire evaluating the nutrition habits and physical activity was provided. It was found that in the group of boys the value of BMI was markedly higher than in girls. Compared to the normal weight, young overweight adults ate meals more frequency, the majority preferred meat dishes, more often ate under the stress, and had lower physical activity. It was found that gender had a significant impact on the studied parameters. The girls ate meals more frequent during the day, the majority preferred fruit and vegetable, but had lower physical activity than the boys. It was found that the young adults from the rural area preferred fast food and frequently ate sweets. Compared to the subjects from the urban environment, the young adults living in the countryside consumed fewer meals daily and were more physical active. About a half of the studied adults were not satisfied with their weight, and nearly 40% of the subjects in both groups admitted that they had made effective or ineffective attempts to lose weight. The lifestyles of young people in rural and urban areas were slightly different; however, dietary factors which predispose to weight gain were comparable in both groups. In the rural areas, the most frequent nutritional faults were a preference for fast food, frequent consumption of sweets, and few meals during the day. A positive aspect of the lifestyle of young people in the rural areas was a relatively high level of physical activity and the small effect of stress on excessive consumption.
Authors: Włodzimierz Piątkowski, Michał Skrzypek
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 19(1):147-57.
Introduction and Objectives. One of the features of systemic transformation are its social costs. This is also the case with the Polish transformation initiated in 1989. Social processes connectedIntroduction and Objectives. One of the features of systemic transformation are its social costs. This is also the case with the Polish transformation initiated in 1989. Social processes connected with it are a kind of accelerator which increases the range of health needs realized outside the medical system. Utilization of non-medical healing methods may also be perceived as a way of coping with negative, i.e. sociopsychological consequences of transformation, including the fact that many people's health needs were not met within institutional medicine. Such a situation results in a deepening of social inequalities in health. This problem will be presented from the perspective of 'ordinary people' in accordance with the leading research directive in medical sociology. Following the directives of humanistic sociology, the sources of information on the subject were personal documents. Materials and Methods. The paper presents selected results of the sociological qualitative analysis of 1,311 letters received by the editorial section of public Polish Television's Channel Two in 1991 in connection with the broadcasting of a series of programmes conducted by the unconventional therapist Anatoly M. Kashpirovsky, who had a viewership of eight to nine million, on average. The presented and commented-on material consists of spectators' statements on the adverse consequences of the systemic transformation, concerning health and illness. Results. The post-1989 political-system transformation is the most thorough-going social change in post-war Poland. It triggered off a number of both positive and negative processes. The negative ones include the deepening of social inequalities in health as a result of, inter alia, the progressive pauperization of society and also the growing utilization of non-medical healing methods. The negative effects of transformations are especially felt by typical 'clients' of Anatoly M. Kashpirovsky: poorly educated, indigent, residents of villages and small Polish towns: 'the transformation process losers'. Conclusions. Systematic sociological knowledge on the ways of description and interpretation of health and illness by 'lay people' enables a more complete understanding of phenomena related to inequalities in health, including their social and structural causes.
Authors: Małgorzata H J Sikorska-Jaroszyńska, Maria Mielnik-Błaszczak, Dorota Krawczyk, Alicja Nasiłowska-Barud
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 18(2):415-9.
Nowadays, smoking is considered to be one of the unhealthiest human behaviours. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential influence of smoking, as well as the degree of the addiction, onNowadays, smoking is considered to be one of the unhealthiest human behaviours. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential influence of smoking, as well as the degree of the addiction, on the health status of hard dental tissues in young adults. The study involved 148 randomly selected young adults. Mean age of the study subjects was 20 years ± 4 months. Questionnaire survey (6-grade Fagerstrom Nicotine Tolerance Questionnaire) and clinical examination were performed and the obtained results statistically analyzed. The mean value of 6-grade Fagerstrom Nicotine Tolerance Questionnaire was 2.298 ± 1.992. Of the studied population, 88.06% had no features of biological dependency. Mean DMF and DMFs Indexes were 11.31 ± 5.06 and 16.91 ± 10.65, respectively. It was established that in the study population, over 45% of the subjects smoked. However, there was no correlation found between smoking and gender, and no cause-eff ect relationship between smoking and hard dental tissues status as defined by DMF, DMFs values and their components. It was observed that in the case of people who began smoking at an earlier age, the degree of nicotine dependency was higher. None of the study subjects demonstrated features of heavy or pharmacological nicotine dependency.
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