Characterizing Customers at Medical Center Farmers’ Markets

Approximately 100 farmers’ markets operate on medical center campuses. Although these venues can uniquely serve community health needs, little is known about customer characteristics and outreach efforts. Intercept survey of markets and market customers between August 2010 and October 2011 at three medical centers in different geographic regions of the US (Duke University Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic, and Penn State Hershey Medical Center) were conducted. Markets reported serving 180–2,000 customers per week and conducting preventive medicine education sessions and community health programs. Customers (n = 585) across markets were similar in sociodemographic characteristics—most were middle-aged, white, and female, who were employees of their respective medical center. Health behaviors of customers were similar to national data. The surveyed medical center farmers’ markets currently serve mostly employees; however, markets have significant potential for community outreach efforts in preventive medicine. If farmers’ markets can broaden their reach to more diverse populations, they may play an important role in contributing to community health.     

Insecticide Residues in Soil,Water, and Eggplant Fruits and Farmers’ Health Effects Due to Exposure to Pesticides

Objectives

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an important vegetable crop that is widely cultivated in the tropical and subtropical areas in Asia. Globally, the top three eggplant producers are China, India, and Egypt. The Philippines has been one of the top 10 eggplant-producing countries based on area planted and crop productivity. This study aims to describe the insecticide residues found in soil, water, and eggplant fruits in eggplant farms in Sta. Maria, Pangasinan.

Methods

The study design is a cross sectional of randomly selected eggplant farms in Sta. Maria, Pangasinan. Soil, water, and eggplant fruits were collected and subjected to gas chromatography (Shimadzu) analysis for multi-pesticide residues.

Results

Farmers from Sta. Maria, Pangasinan were found to be applying a broad spectrum of insecticides on their eggplant crop. Soil samples from 11 (about 42 %) out of the 26 farms tested positive for insecticide residues, six of which from four farms exceeded the acceptable maximum residue limit. These residues were profenofos, triazophos, chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and malathion. No insecticide residues were detected from water samples taken from the 26 farms. Cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos were the insecticide residues detected in eggplant fruit samples. A maximum of 20 % of the eggplant samples tested positive for insecticide residues. In the eggplant fruit study, all farmers have been using Prevathon^® for 24 years at a rate of 10 ml/application, and Malathion^® for 25 years at about 16.5 ml/application, respectively equivalent to 0.24 liter-years and 0.413 liter-years of exposure. Similarly, to the findings in the soil and water study, although Brodan^® and Magnum^® were not prevalently applied, the farmers’ liter-years of exposure to these insecticides, and their active ingredients, were highest at about 18.92 and 10.0, respectively. The farmers and farm workers in the soil and water study reported experiencing itchiness of the skin (63.8 %), redness of the eyes (29.3 %), muscle pains (27.6 %), and headaches (27.6 %), as being related to their pesticide exposure.

Conclusion

In summary, a maximum of 20 % of the eggplant samples tested positive for insecticide residues at any one stage of sampling done. The farmers and farm workers also reported of pesticide-related illnesses but none of them sought any medical attention. Intervention to reduce the farmers’ pesticide exposure can focus on the risk factors identified, primarily the toxicity of pesticides used, the unsafe application practices, and the adverse health effects of pesticide exposure.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12199-014-0425-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Overview of Culinary Preparations Sold in the Major Markets of Yaoundé – Cameroon

To characterize the street food sector in Yaoundé, an inventory of 197 culinary preparations available in its seven major markets was conducted. The main offerings included: boiled rice, wheat donuts, cassava sticks (Ebobolo), groundnut sauce, boiled plantains, corn donuts, fried beans, and fufu corn. The analysis of variances highlighted their variation in the markets, with the predominance of certain culinary dishes in one market relative to another. Two important aspects were looked into: geographical location and specialization in street food consumption. Then those markets were grouped into four homogeneous classes: [Essos, Acacia, and Mvog-Ada], [Etoudi and Nkolbisson], [Mokolo], and [Mvog-Mbi] markets. Markets belonging to the same class had high probability of having the same culinary preparations. Principal component analysis confirmed that Mvog-Ada and Acacia markets were the closest, as well as Nkolbisson and Etoudi markets. Yaoundé’s markets culinary preparations, despite their diversity, allow similarities between markets, disregarding their geographical location.     

Adults’ Knowledge of Child Development in Alberta,Canada: Comparing the Level of Knowledge of Adults in Two Samples in 2007 and 2013

Parents and non-parental adults who interact with children influence child development. This study evaluates the knowledge of child development in two large and diverse samples of adults from Alberta in 2007 and 2013. Telephone interviews were completed by two random samples (1,443 in 2007; 1,451 in 2013). Participants were asked when specific milestones in physical, cognitive, emotional and social domains typically occur (age birth to six years). Data were analysed using univariate and multivariate techniques. Linear logistic regression models were used to examine factors associated with knowledge and differences between the two samples while adjusting for differences and covariates. Adults’ knowledge was overall poor (<25% correct responses), but notably higher for physical (48% in 2007, 44% in 2013) than social, cognitive or emotional milestones (≤21% in all cases). Knowledge was lower in the 2013 than the 2007 sample (23% in 2007, 21% in 2013), and in particular for mothers after adjusting for location and income (24% in 2007, 22% in 2013). Evidence of low knowledge may have important education and policy implications. Factors such as availability of child development evidence-based information, parental stress and access to quality childcare might play a role in the low levels of knowledge.     

Participant Perceptions of the Double Up Food Bucks Program at Oregon Farmers’ Markets

ObjectiveTo explore perceptions of program impact among Double Up Food Bucks participants in Oregon.MethodsData were collected from 1,223 Double Up Food Bucks participants at 42 Oregon farmers’ markets. Chi-square tests of independence and logistic regressions were used to examine associations among key variables.ResultsMost participants reported buying more fruits and vegetables (FVs) (91.0%), trying new FV types (82.2%), eating less processed food (69.8%), having more food available at home (81.1%), and perceiving improvements in health (87.9%). Perceptions of affordability were higher among younger adults (P < 0.001) and households with 3–5 people (P = 0.02), with children (P < 0.001), and without chronic disease (P = 0.003). Perceptions of increased FV purchases were higher in households with children (P = 0.009) and reported overall health improvements were higher among non-White participants (P = 0.04). Perceptions of increased FV purchases and affordability were associated with other positive program outcomes.Conclusions and ImplicationsParticipants may perceive barriers to purchasing FVs from farmers’ markets, which are not fully addressed by the increased purchasing power from a FV incentive. Targeted redesign, outreach, and education may improve program experiences among groups with less positive perceptions. Further research to identify explanations for variation in program experience is needed.     

Selenium and Other Trace Elements in Aquatic Insects in Coal Mine–Affected Streams in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada

We determined levels of Se, As, Cd, Pb, and Zn in aquatic insects at coal mine–impacted and reference sites in streams in the Rocky Mountain foothills of west central Alberta from 2001–2003. Selenium levels were greater at coal mine–impacted sites than at reference sites in caddisflies but not in mayflies or stoneflies. Arsenic levels were greater at coal mine–impacted sites than at reference sites in caddisflies and stoneflies but not in mayflies. Zn levels were higher at coal mine–impacted sites than at reference sites in all three groups of insects. At coal mine–impacted sites, Se levels in mayflies and caddisflies were greater than those in stoneflies while at reference sites mayflies contained greater concentrations of Se than either caddisflies or stoneflies. Arsenic levels in mayflies were greater than those in caddisflies at reference and coal mine–impacted sites and were greater than those in stoneflies at reference sites. At both types of sites Cd differed amongst insect taxa in the order of mayflies > caddisflies > stoneflies. The same was true of Zn at coal mine–affected sites. At reference sites, stoneflies had greater concentrations of Zn than both mayflies and caddisflies. At both types of sites, Pb levels were greater in mayflies and caddisflies than they were in stoneflies. Of the five trace elements considered in this study, only Se was sufficiently elevated in aquatic invertebrates to be of potential concern for consumers such as fish and aquatic birds. Such was the case at both coal mine–impacted and reference sites.     

Implementation of Wireless Terminals at Farmers’ Markets: Impact on SNAP Redemption and Overall Sales

Although farmers’ markets offer healthy foods for purchase, many lack the equipment necessary to process convenient, card-based transactions. We assessed the impact of providing wireless terminals to 5 markets on overall sales and redemption of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Sales increased significantly at 4 of the 5 markets after implementation of the terminals, and overall sales increased above and beyond SNAP redemption alone. Implementation of wireless terminals may be important for improving the financial stability and accessibility of farmers’ markets.With the increased popularity of the “buy local” movement, demand is growing for venues selling locally grown foods, such as farmers’ markets.1–4 These venues offer the potential to expand access to fresh, healthy foods for a variety of consumers, in particular low-income consumers.5,6 Farmers’ markets, for example, can become certified to accept benefits from food assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).7,8 However, barriers exist that limit the full use of such benefits.For instance, many farmers’ markets operate in temporary locations that lack electricity, making card-based transactions requiring plug-in terminals difficult to process.9,10 This can limit both the convenience of card-based purchasing for all consumers and accessibility of markets to SNAP participants. With the conversion of SNAP benefits from paper coupons to electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, SNAP redemption at markets dropped from $6.4 million in 1994 to $3.8 million in 1998.11 SNAP redemption has since increased, with more than $7.5 million in benefits redeemed in 2010.12 Despite this increase, only 0.01% of all SNAP benefits were redeemed at farmers’ markets that year.12In this pilot study, we investigated the impact of wireless terminal use on overall and EBT sales at farmers’ markets. We hypothesized that implementation of wireless terminals would increase SNAP redemption and overall sales at these markets.     

Dopamine Transporter Genetic Variants and Pesticides in Parkinson’s Disease

Background

Research suggests that independent and joint effects of genetic variability in the dopamine transporter (DAT) locus and pesticides may influence Parkinson’s disease (PD) risk.

Materials

Methods: In 324 incident PD patients and 334 population controls from our rural California case–control study, we genotyped rs2652510, rs2550956 (for the DAT 5′ clades), and the 3′ variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR). Using geographic information system methods, we determined residential exposure to agricultural maneb and paraquat applications. We also collected occupational pesticide use data. Employing logistic regression, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) for clade diplotypes, VNTR genotype, and number of susceptibility (A clade and 9-repeat) alleles and assessed susceptibility allele–pesticide interactions.

Results

PD risk was increased separately in DAT A clade diplotype carriers [AA vs. BB: OR = 1.66; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08–2.57] and 3′ VNTR 9/9 carriers (9/9 vs. 10/10: OR = 1.8; 95% CI, 0.96–3.57), and our data suggest a gene dosing effect. Importantly, high exposure to paraquat and maneb in carriers of one susceptibility allele increased PD risk 3-fold (OR = 2.99; 95% CI, 0.88–10.2), and in carriers of two or more alleles more than 4-fold (OR = 4.53; 95% CI, 1.70–12.1). We obtained similar results for occupational pesticide measures.

Discussion

Using two independent pesticide measures, we a) replicated previously reported gene–environment interactions between DAT genetic variants and occupational pesticide exposure in men and b) overcame previous limitations of nonspecific pesticide measures and potential recall bias by employing state records and computer models to estimate residential pesticide exposure.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that DAT genetic variability and pesticide exposure interact to increase PD risk.     

Distribution of Organochlorine Pesticides in Urban Soil from Beijing, People’s Republic of China

No abstract available.     

Sorghum Quality,Organic Matter Amendments,and Health: Farmers’ Perception in Burkina Faso,West Africa

In West Africa, many people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. Current interventions have low chances of succeeding. Therefore, a food chain approach including local practices is proposed. This article takes local ecological, cultural, and socio-economic aspects into account through a household survey in northern Burkina in 2002. Farmers’ knowledge was compared with available scientific information. Organic matter production is a function of the number of animals owned and the availability of labor and equipment. Organic resources are allocated to various fields according to soil texture and the crop to be grown. Farmers were unable to link micronutrient deficiency in the soil directly to food quality and human health. However, they indicated that some disorders (e.g., fatigue in adults, stunted growth of children, anemia) are associated with a low level of micronutrients in the diet. For the application of organic amendments to be modified to improve grain yield and food quality in the Sahel, the relation between organic amendment and food quality must be better understood by both scientists and farmers.     

Occurrence of Organochlorine Pesticides in Surface Soils from College School Yards of Xi’an, China

In this study, surface soil samples from 14 representative college school yards in Xi’an, the capital city of Shaanxi province, China, were collected and analyzed for 21 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The total concentrations were in the ranges of 0.2–67.0 ng/g. HCHs and DDTs were the most dominant compounds among the 21 OCPs, and their concentrations ranged from 0.1–8.5 to 0.1–56.3 ng/g, respectively. Source identification analysis indicated that the residues of HCHs and DDTs were mostly due to historical use of these chemicals or from other source regions. The quality of all the Xi’an college school yard soils except sample XAUAT was classified as low pollution by OCPs according to the National Environmental Quality Standards for Soils of China (GB15618-1995).     

Foodborne Botulism in Canada, 1985–2005

During 1985–2005, a total of 91 laboratory-confirmed outbreaks of foodborne botulism occurred in Canada; these outbreaks involved 205 cases and 11 deaths. Of the outbreaks, 75 (86.2%) were caused by Clostridium botulinum type E, followed by types A (7, 8.1%) and B (5, 5.7%). Approximately 85% of the outbreaks occurred in Alaska Native communities, particularly the Inuit of Nunavik in northern Quebec and the First Nations population of the Pacific coast of British Columbia. These populations were predominantly exposed to type E botulinum toxin through the consumption of traditionally prepared marine mammal and fish products. Two botulism outbreaks were attributed to commercial ready-to-eat meat products and 3 to foods served in restaurants; several cases were attributed to non-Native home-prepared foods. Three affected pregnant women delivered healthy infants. Improvements in botulism case identification and early treatment have resulted in a reduction in the case-fatality rate in Canada.     

Farmers’ and Consumers’ Beliefs About Community-Supported Agriculture in Australia: A Qualitative Study

This study aimed to examine the level of knowledge about community-supported agriculture (CSA) (a form of direct marketing of produce) and perceived benefits and barriers among farmers and consumers. Twenty consumers and 12 farmers in Victoria, Australia, were interviewed. Knowledge of CSA was limited. For consumers, one potential benefit of involvement with CSA was the food being fresh, while barriers included lack of produce choice. For farmers, one potential benefit was financial, while barriers included concerns about risk-sharing. If CSA is to develop further in Australia, the concept needs to be more heavily promoted to raise the population’s awareness.