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Biomedical subjects

O Barry

Publications and source records attributed to O Barry.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

[Contamination by aflatoxins of local peanut oils prepared in Senegal].

Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced by certain strains of fungus (Aspergillus) which develop in peanut seeds. Peanut oil and peanut meal are widely used in Senegal. The risk of intoxication is quite real. We determined aflatoxin contamination levels in peanut oil and food prepared by small scale production plants in the Kaolack and Diourbel regions of Senegal. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of the different samples showed that 80% of them were contaminated. Aflatoxin B(1), B(2), G(1) and G(2) were detected. The pattern of contamination was similar for the two regions. Aflatoxin B(1) was prevalent and found in over 85% of the samples. The mean content of this mycotoxin (the most dangerous toxin) was about 40 ppb, a value which largely exceeds specifications for allowable levels.

Aflatoxins↗
PubMed2000

[Mango leaves (Manguifera indica, Anacardiacea) used as biomarker of pollution by pp'Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (pp'DDT)].

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), organochlorine pesticide, byanother way cumulative pesticide is banned in mostdeveloped countries. Whatever, it is still used in many countries in the Third World. This work consist to check whether this chemical compound is still used in Senegal. The biomarker of pollution by this pesticide for this research was mango leaves (mango tree is widespread in Senegal) open to accumulate halogenated hydrocarbons. Leaves sample were taken in many sites in the centerline of Dakar-Thiès (Senegal), then analysed by gas chromatography. The results allowed to note the presence of DDT and its metabolites [(dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethylen (DDE), (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDD)] in most of samples. The comparison of DDT content in relation to those of the principal metabolite allowed to make the difference according to sample sites, an old contamination of an utilisation more or less recent of this pesticide. From those results, we can conclude that DDT, typical pesticide by its big persistence is still used in some spherical zones in this country, in particular in farming gardening zones.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗
PubMed1999

[Measurement and levels of aflatoxins in small-scale pressed peanut oil prepared in the Diourbel and Kaolack regions of Senegal].

Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced by some strains of fungus (Aspergillus) which develops in peanuts seeds. Peanuts oil and past are very used up in Senegal, then the aflatoxins poisoning risk are very actual. This study relates to the determination of contamination levels by aflatoxins from peanut oil food prepared by small scale production in areas of Kaolack and Diourbel. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the different samples showed that 80% of them were contaminated in the areas of Kaolack and Diourbel. Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 has been detected with a profile of contamination almost identical in the both areas. Aflatoxin B1 was prevalent and has been found in over 85% of samples. Mean contents of this mycotoxin (the most dangerous toxin) is about 40 ppb, value widely superior to allowable specifications.

Aflatoxin B1↗
PubMed1997

Participant assessment of a nonmedical breast cancer support group.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to examine how a particular format of a support group for women with breast cancer was related to the use of the group and experiences of the participants. SUBJECTS: A total of 131 women who participated in a breast cancer support group under the auspices of the YWCA were interviewed. RESULTS: Findings replicated existing studies indicating such generic benefits of support group participation as enhanced sense of control, sharing of information and experiences, and acquaintance with positive role models. In addition to these benefits, participants reacted favorably to the opportunities provided by a drop-in format, an exercise component, and opportunities for sharing in a nonmedical setting. Active use of the group was associated with lack of emotional support from family. Active use also was associated with favorable reported outcomes for well-being and health.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1994

Goitrous endemic in Guinea.

We identified a major goitrous area in the Republic of Guinea, characterised by an overall goitre prevalence of 70% in adults. Thyroid swelling was sometimes present at birth and affected 55% of schoolchildren. A difference between sexes appeared at puberty. Endemic cretinism, mainly in its myxoedematous form, was found in about 2% of goitrous patients. In this region, iodine deficiency is the primary causative factor (median urinary concentrations of 16 micrograms/L, and in 69% of inhabitants below the critical threshold of 20 micrograms/L). The diet contained substantial amounts of thiocyanate anions (median 6 mg/L in urine and in 27%, more than 10 mg/L) likely to further depress iodine bioavailability. Other dietary compounds, notably flavonoids were suspected to contribute. Overall nutritional and general health appeared satisfactory. The affected population is borderline euthyroid with a trend towards hypothyroidism in protracted disease. This area of Guinea may be regarded as the epicentre of the west African endemic and as one of the most severely goitrous regions ever described, requiring urgent public health measures.

Adolescent↗