Longitudinal evaluation of aflatoxin exposure in two cohorts in south-western Uganda

Aflatoxins (AF) are a group of mycotoxins. AF exposure causes acute and chronic adverse health effects such as aflatoxicosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in human populations, especially in the developing world. In this study, AF exposure was evaluated using archived serum samples from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seronegative participants from two cohort studies in south-western Uganda. AFB1-lysine (AFB-Lys) adduct levels were determined via HPLC fluorescence in a total of 713 serum samples from the General Population Cohort (GPC), covering eight time periods between 1989 and 2010. Overall, 90% (642/713) of the samples were positive for AFB-Lys and the median level was 1.58 pg mg(-1) albumin (range = 0.40-168 pg mg(-1) albumin). AFB-Lys adduct levels were also measured in a total of 374 serum samples from the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS), across four time periods between 1999 and 2003. The averaged detection rate was 92.5% (346/374) and the median level was 1.18 pg mg(-1) albumin (range = 0.40-122.5 pg mg(-1) albumin). In the GPC study there were no statistically significant differences between demographic parameters, such as age, sex and level of education, and levels of serum AFB-Lys adduct. In the RCCS study, longitudinal analysis using generalised estimating equations revealed significant differences between the adduct levels and residential areas (p = 0.05) and occupations (p = 0.02). This study indicates that AF exposure in people in two populations in south-western Uganda is persistent and has not significantly changed over time. Data from one study, but not the other, indicated that agriculture workers and rural area residents had more AF exposure than those non-agricultural workers and non-rural area residents. These results suggest the need for further study of AF-induced human adverse health effects, especially the predominant diseases in the region

Incidence and diversity of the fungal genera Aspergillus and Penicillium in Portuguese almonds and chestnuts

Almonds (Prunus dulcis (Miller) D.A. Webb) and European (sweet) chestnuts (Castanea sativa Miller) are of great economic and social impact in Mediterranean countries, and in some areas they constitute the main income of rural populations. Despite all efforts to control fungal contamination, toxigenic fungi are ubiquitous in nature and occur regularly in worldwide food supplies, and these nuts are no exception. This work aimed to provide knowledge on the general mycobiota of Portuguese almonds and chestnuts, and its evolution from field to the end of storage. For this matter, 45 field chestnut samples and 36 almond samples (30 field samples and six storage samples) were collected in Trás-os-Montes, Portugal. All fungi belonging to genus Aspergillus were isolated and identified to the section level. Fungi representative of other genera were identified to the genus level. In the field, chestnuts were mainly contaminated with the genera Fusarium, Cladosporium, Alternaria and Penicillium, and the genus Aspergillus was only rarely found, whereas almonds were more contaminated with Aspergillus. In almonds, Aspergillus incidence increased significantly from field to the end of storage, but diversity decreased, with potentially toxigenic isolates belonging to sections Flavi and Nigri becoming more significant and widespread throughout storage. These fungi were determined to be moderately associated, which can be indicative of mycotoxin co-contamination problems if adequate storage conditions are not secured.P. Rodrigues was supported by grants SFRH/BD/28332/2006 from Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT), and SFRH/PROTEC/49555/2009 from FCT and Polytechnic Institute of Braganca, Portugal

Trends in the incidence of primary liver cancer in Central Uganda, 1960–1980 and 1991–2005

Primary liver cancer (PLC) incidence trends from Africa are unknown. Using Kampala Cancer Registry data from 1960 to 1980 and 1991 to 2005, we identified 771 PLCs. Although rates were stable among men, PLC incidence among women increased >50%. Investigations of viral hepatitis, aflatoxin, obesity, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may help to explain the increasing incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs)

K13 blocks KSHV lytic replication and deregulates vIL6 nad hIL6 expression: A model of lytic replication induced clonal selection in viral oncogenesis

Background. Accumulating evidence suggests that dysregulated expression of lytic genes plays an important role in KSHV (Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus) tumorigenesis. However, the molecular events leading to the dysregulation of KSHV lytic gene expression program are incompletely understood. Methodoloxy/Principal Findings. We have studied the effect of KSHV-encoded latent protein vFLIP K13, a potent activator of the NF-κB pathway, on lytic reactivation of the virus. We demonstrate that K13 antagonizes RTA, the KSHV lytic-regulator, and effectively blocks the expression of lytic proteins, production of infectious virions and death of the infected cells. Induction of lytic replication selects for clones with increased K13 expression and NF-κB activity, while siRNA-mediated silencing of K13 induces the expression of lytic genes. However, the suppressive effect of K13 on RTA-induced lytic genes is not uniform and it falls to block RTA-induced viral IL6 secretion and cooperates with RTA to enhance cellular IL-6 production, thereby dysregulating the lytic gene expression program. Conclusions/Significance. Our results support a model in which ongoing KSHV, lytic replication selects for clones with progressively higher levels of K13 expression and NF-κB activity, which in turn drive KSHV tumorigenesis by not only directly stimulating cellular survival and proliferation, but also indirectly by dysregulating the viral lytic gene program and allowing non-lytic production of growth-promoting viral and cellular genes. Lytic Replication-Induced Clonal Selection (LyRICS) may represent a general mechanism in viral oncogenesis. 2007 Zhao et al

Developments in food science and technology in Uganda: Present situation and the way forward

More than 70% of agricultural GDP in l:lganda comes from food crop production, comprising of bananas, root and tuber crops, grains and legumes and oil seeds. Sugar cnne, livestock products, fisheries, forestry and export crops contribute the remainder. However, before these co mmodities are utilised, they undergo processing in one way or another, a job accomplished by application of food science and tech no logy principles. Th is pa per gives an overview of the developments in Food Science and Technology in Uganda by considering the Food Processing Industry, the factors that have contributed to its current status, its constraints and the way forward. It concludes that if the mentioned constraints are overcome and the suggested way forward seriously taken, our postharvest losses shall be greatly reduced and food utilisation diversified which are the basis for food security.Key words: Industry. processing, developmen

Chemical and nutrient composition of tomato varieties grown in Uganda

No Abstract

DIETARY DIVERSITY AND MICRONUTRIENT RICH FOOD CONSUMPTION PATTERNS AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN KAYUNGA AND JINJA, UGANDA

The diets of women of reproductive age (WRA) in low-income countries have been reported to be inadequate in micronutrients which lead to undernutrition. The foods commonly consumed by women are usually starchy plant-based cereals, roots and tubers which are limited in micronutrients. Amidst Uganda producing abundance of fruits and vegetables which are sources of micronutrients, it seems that consumption patterns have a role to play. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the prevailing diets of women of reproductive age in Kayunga and Jinja districts. A cross- sectional study was conducted in August 2019. Four hundred and ninety two (492) women of reproductive age were purposively selected from the two sub-counties to participate in the study. A 24-hour recall questionnaire was used estimate the women’s minimum dietary diversity for women of reproductive age (MDD-W) and it is contribution towards meeting micronutrient requirements. Means were computed for continuous variables, while proportions were computed for the descriptive variables that were placed under different themes and categories. Results revealed that more than 80% of women did not achieve the minimum dietary diversity. Less than 50% of the women consumed foods from plant and animal protein rich food groups that are major sources of iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamin B-12. In addition, more than 80% of the women’s diets lacked vitamin A- rich fruits and vegetables and dark green leafy vegetables which are the rich food group sources for vitamin A and folate. Therefore, over 80% of the women in Kayunga and Jinja districts did not obtain the required micronutrients for their good health and that of their children and thus, are at risk of poor health due to micronutrient deficiencies. It is recommended to have nutrition education coupled with demonstrations to mothers on how to prepare a diversified diet

DIETARY DIVERSITY AND MICRONUTRIENT RICH FOOD CONSUMPTION PATTERNS AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN KAYUNGA AND JINJA, UGANDA

The diets of women of reproductive age (WRA) in low-income countries have been reported to be inadequate in micronutrients which lead to undernutrition. The foods commonly consumed by women are usually starchy plant-based cereals, roots and tubers which are limited in micronutrients. Amidst Uganda producing abundance of fruits and vegetables which are sources of micronutrients, it seems that consumption patterns have a role to play. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the prevailing diets of women of reproductive age in Kayunga and Jinja districts. A cross- sectional study was conducted in August 2019. Four hundred and ninety two (492) women of reproductive age were purposively selected from the two sub-counties to participate in the study. A 24-hour recall questionnaire was used estimate the women’s minimum dietary diversity for women of reproductive age (MDD-W) and it is contribution towards meeting micronutrient requirements. Means were computed for continuous variables, while proportions were computed for the descriptive variables that were placed under different themes and categories. Results revealed that more than 80% of women did not achieve the minimum dietary diversity. Less than 50% of the women consumed foods from plant and animal protein rich food groups that are major sources of iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamin B-12. In addition, more than 80% of the women’s diets lacked vitamin A- rich fruits and vegetables and dark green leafy vegetables which are the rich food group sources for vitamin A and folate. Therefore, over 80% of the women in Kayunga and Jinja districts did not obtain the required micronutrients for their good health and that of their children and thus, are at risk of poor health due to micronutrient deficiencies. It is recommended to have nutrition education coupled with demonstrations to mothers on how to prepare a diversified diet

Nutrient-Enhancement Of Matooke Banana For Improved Nutrient Intake Of People Living With Hiv/Aids In Rakai District, Uganda

The prevalence of HIV in Rakai district is estimated at 12.7%, which is approximately double the national prevalence. It is well established that HIV and AIDS affect nutritional status and food security of populations. The aim of this study was to assess the food and nutrition security of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and the potential of banana nutrient enhancement to improve nutrient intake. A total of 173 PLHIV registered with Rakai Health Science Project were chosen and interviewed using structured questionnaires to determine the current contribution of banana to the household food security. Nutrient intake data were collected using Gibson's 24-hour recall method and food frequency questionnaires. Key informants' interviews with agricultural extension staff and focus group discussions with PLHIV and support group personnel were used to collect qualitative and quantitative information. Experiments were conducted to determine the suitability of banana as a food vehicle to boost the energy and nutrient intake of PLHIV. A product was made by blending banana flour with soybean flour and multi-nutrient fortificant premix. The formulation was reached using the Pearson's square method, with a target protein content of 15%. To pilot test the product, the nutrient-enhanced banana powder was distributed to15 PLHIV and data on acceptability and the contribution of the product to nutrient intake were assessed. It was found that the majority of PLHIV (88%) in Rakai district consumed banana at least 3 times a week. The baseline daily intake was found to be 1676.2 kcal, 0.8mg, 0.8 mg, 249.6 mcg, 259.4 mg and 12.9 mg for energy, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, folate, calcium and iron respectively, which was below the recommended daily allowances (RDA) for PLHIV. The formulated banana product was found to supply 459.7 kcal and contained 15% protein. The product was well accepted by the PLHIV and its average level of consumption was 67 g per day. At this intake level of the product, study households intake of energy, vitamin B2, folate and calcium increased to 1732.89kcal, 1.09mg, 277.8mcg and 300.79mg respectively while iron and vitamin B1 intakes were not significantly different from the baseline values. It can be concluded that supplementation of diet of PLHIV in Rakai with nutrient-enhanced flour can raise nutrient intake of PLHIV to recommended levels for improved nutritional and health status

Audit of clinical-laboratory practices in haematology and blood transfusion at Muhimbili national hospital in Tanzania

In Tanzania, there is paucity of data for monitoring laboratory medicine including haematology. This therefore calls for audits of practices in haematology and blood transfusion in order to provide appraise practice and devise strategies that would result in improved quality of health care services. This descriptive cross-sectional study which audited laboratory practice in haematology and blood transfusion at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) aimed at assessing the pre-analytical stage of laboratory investigations including laboratory request forms and handling specimen processing in the haematology laboratory and assessing the chain from donor selection, blood component processing to administration of blood during transfusion. A national standard checklist was used to audit the laboratory request forms (LRF), phlebotomists' practices on handling and assessing the from donor selection to administration of blood during transfusion. Both interview and observations were used. A total of 195 LRF were audited and 100% of had incomplete information such as patients' identification numbers, time sample ordered, reason for request, summary of clinical assessment and differential diagnoses. The labelling of specimens was poorly done by phlebotomists/clinicians in 82% of the specimens. Also 65% (132/202) of the blood samples delivered in the haematology laboratory did not contain the recommended volume of blood. There was no laboratory request form specific for ordering blood and there were no guidelines for indication of blood transfusion in the wards/clinics. The blood transfusion laboratory section was not participating in external quality assessment and the hospital transfusion committee was not in operation. It is recommended that a referral hospital like MNH should have a transfusion committee to provide an active forum to facilitate communication between those involved with transfusion, monitor, coordinate and audit blood transfusion practices as per national guidelines