Toxicological Risk Analysis in Data-Poor Countries: A Narrative Approach to Feed an "Awareness Raising-Community Empowerment" Vortex

Small RNA-seq and hormones in the testes of dwarf hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) reveal the potential pathways in photoperiod regulated reproduction

Photoperiod regulates the functions and development of gonadal organs of seasonally breeding animals, resulting in breeding peaks in specific seasons. miRNA plays an important role in the regulation of testicular physiological functions. However, the relationship between photoperiods and miRNA levels in testes has yet to be conclusively determined. We investigated testicular miRNA of striped dwarf hamster (Cricetulus barabensis) responses to different photoperiods (long daylength [LD], moderate daylength [MD], and short daylength [SD]) and the potential pathways involved in photoperiod regulated reproduction. Testicular weights and reproductive hormone levels were measured in each of photoperiod treatments after 30 days. The concentrations of testosterone (T) and dihydrogen testosterone (DHT) in testes and Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) in serum were higher in MD than in the other two groups. Testicular weights were heaviest in MD. Small RNA-seq was performed for the testes of hamsters in three groups. A total of 769 miRNAs were identified, of which 83 were differentially expressed between LD, MD, and SD. GO and KEGG analysis of target genes revealed that some miRNAs influence testicular activities by regulating the pathways related to cell apoptosis and metabolism. Gene expression pattern analysis showed that the MAPK signaling pathway may be the core pathway for photoperiodic regulation of reproduction. These results suggest that moderate daylength is more suitable for hamster reproduction while long daylength and short daylength may regulate reproduction through different molecular pathways.

Occurrence and Dietary Risk Assessment of Mycotoxins in Most Consumed Foods in Cameroon: Exploring Current Data to Understand Futures Challenges

Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxins that contaminate different crops and foodstuffs under certain circumstances during harvesting, handling, storage, and processing. Neither the dietary intake of mycotoxins in Cameroon is well characterized, nor its health effects on the consumers. This review is intended to be the first milestone towards national risk management of mycotoxins. It is noteworthy that mycotoxins contaminate the main staple foods of Cameroonian communities, which are also often used as complementary foods for infants, young children, and people with compromised immune systems (e.g., HIV/AIDS), thus calling for urgent intervention in primary and secondary prevention. Very few data exist on mycotoxin contamination in Cameroonian agricultural commodities and food items. Only 25 studies from 14 different authors have been published in the last decade. On the basis of available data in Cameroon, the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of major mycotoxins in foods for Aflatoxins was 0.0018-14.2 µg/kgbw/day in maize, 0.027-2.36 µg/kgbw/day in cassava, and 0.023-0.1 µg/kgbw/day in groundnuts. The estimated daily intake of fumonisins was 0.12-60.6 µg/kgbw/day in maize and 0.056-0.82 µg/kgbw/day in beans. Based on the estimated distribution of human exposure levels by food, maize and cassava are the major sources of exposure and should be prioritized, followed by beans and spices. This estimate will be updated along with improvements on the national database on mycotoxin contamination of Cameroonian foods.

E-WASTE threatens health: The scientific solution adopts the one health strategy

The aggressively extractive advanced technology industry thrives on intensive use of non-renewable resources and hyper-consumeristic culture. The environmental impact of its exponential growth means extreme mining, hazardous labour practices including child labour, and exposure burden to inorganic and organic hazardous chemicals for the environment and current and future human generations. Globally, processes such as in-country reduce, reuse and recycle have so far received less attention than outer-circle strategies like the uncontrolled dumping of e-waste in countries that are unprotected by regulatory frameworks. Here, in the absence of infrastructures for sound hazardous e-waste management, the crude recycling, open burning and dumping into landfills of e-waste severely expose people, animal and the environment. Along with economic, political, social, and cultural solutions to the e-waste global problem, the scientific approach based on risk analysis encompassing risk assessment, risk management and risk communication can foster a technical support to resist transgenerational e-waste exposure and health inequalities. This paper presents the latest public health strategies based on the use of integrated human and animal biomonitoring and appropriate biomarkers to assess and manage the risk of e-waste embracing the One Health approach. Advantages and challenges of integrated biomonitoring are described, along with ad-hoc biomarkers of exposure, effect and susceptibility with special focus on metals and metalloids. Indeed, the safe and sustainable management of novel technologies will benefit of the integration and coordination of human and animal biomonitoring.

Combined education course on nutrition, hand-washing and dental care in primary schools in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Background

Poor nutritional habits and related hygiene and sanitation practices impair food and nutrition security, and increase the risk of foodborne diseases and related school absenteeism. While the WASH program promoted by the UNICEF boosts water, sanitation, and hygiene, only a few studies thus far encouraged healthy eating habits and safe and nutritious meals at school. This study aimed at combining education of schoolchildren on nutrition and hygiene (nutrition knowledge, attitudes, practices; food choices; nutrient sources; dental care; handwashing), and at boosting the engagement of parents and teachers in the promotion of nutrition-related behaviors conducive to health and well-being.

Methods

Four primary schools in different Yaoundé Urban Councils and 71 schoolchildren aged 7-12 years enrolled in the study. In this paper we report on the i) administrative and ethical clearance, ii) sensitisation and demonstration activities, iii) donation of WASH equipment, disposable materials for hand and teeth hygiene, toolkit policy, and guidebook, iv) baseline assessment by structured questionnaire, v) combined course (1 hour/week, 6 weeks), and vi) measured impact. Scores were analysed using paired z- and t-tests with SPSS 23.0 for windows.

Results

In the four schools, handwashing showed the best improvement. Older children benefited more from the whole course, while the improvement in younger children focused more on practices. The school that scored lowest at baseline obtained marked general improvement. Interestingly, general improvement in food choices coupled with persistent difficulty in recognising nutrient sources. Although sociocultural and socioeconomic parameters were not included in the questionnaire, these emerged as possible modifiers. Despite limited hours of direct training and limited resources invested, this short-term intervention significantly changed habits of children and the school community. Availability of hand and teeth hygiene materials facilitated and motivated the proactivity of the school community to boost good nutrition and hygiene practices sustainably.

Conclusions

Preventive medicine is a balance of awareness and affordability. Having this in mind, more coordinated efforts (WASH, food safety, food security) will enforce proper nutrition and hygiene of children at school in the different Cameroonian sociocultural and socioeconomic settings.