Effect of ozone treatment on microbial and quality alteration of onions during 2 months storage.

Storing and preserving onion using pesticides is common in Brebes District. The study determined the use of ozone to reduce microorganisms and to maintain the onion quality during months of post-harvesting. There were three chambers with 2.5 m3 in size, and with a capacity of 20 kg onion used for this study. Each chamber received different treatment for 2 months; chamber I: no treatment; chamber II: pesticide; chamber III: ozone. The ozone treatment maintained better temperature and humidity for preservation. Ozone treatment was also observed to maintain low level of mass damage (1.8%) as compared to control and pesticide (6.5% and 2.4%). The protein, ash, fat and vit B1 of onions were remained high in ozone-treated chamber. Total Plate Count (CFU/mL) and the Mold Yeast Count (colonies/mL) decreased on day 30 and 60 after pesticides and ozone treatment. This study showed the importance of ozone treatment to maintain better quality of onion after months of storage as compared to pesticide treatment. Therefore, ozone can be a potential use to replace the pesticide for preservation at post-harvesting.

Presence of Leptospira sp. and leptospirosis risk factor analysis in Boyolali district, Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a health problem that causes death in Indonesia. In 2017, Boyolali District was reported that the number of leptospirosis cases reached 40.62 per 100,000 population with a CFR of 23.52%. The determination of risk factors and Leptospira bacteria's presence in the body of water plays an essential role in the transmission of leptospirosis. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study aims to determine the risk factors and Leptospira bacteria's presence in water bodies in Boyolali District. This research is descriptive research with a survey method using a cross-sectional design and an analytical study using an observational method with a case-control approach. The sample was 100 water samples from wells, rivers, and paddy fields in endemic and non-endemic areas of leptospirosis. This study's population was 34 people with leptospirosis in Boyolali Regency in January 2017 - August 2018. RESULTS: There was a significant relationship between leptospirosis incidence in the Boyolali Regency with garbage, the pet presence, a history of injuries, and field activity. Leptospira bacteria are found in rivers (18.18%) and rice fields (6.67%), while in sub-districts with cases occur almost every year. Leptospira are found in wells (18.18%) and rice fields (6.67%). CONCLUSIONS: People should pay more attention to home sanitation and the surrounding environment to avoid leptospirosis.

Pesticide Exposure and Stunting among Children in Agricultural Areas.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of growth disorders among school-aged children in Indonesia is high (30.7%). Pesticides have been massively used in Indonesian agricultural areas. OBJECTIVE: To determine if exposure to pesticides is associated with stunting among children in agricultural areas. METHODS: This case-control study included 160 children (48 cases and 112 controls) aged 8-12 years. Exposure to pesticides was measured based on the history of the exposure since perinatal period, infancy, and childhood of the participants. Stunting was determined as a height for age z-score (HAZ) < ­2 SD. Other variables measured were levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), hemoglobin, zinc, albumin, nutrient adequacy level (energy and protein), and history of infection, low-birth weight (LBW), and mother's height. RESULTS: There were no significant difference between the cases and controls in terms of in the baseline characteristics, except for the median IGF-1 level; it was significantly (p<0.001) lower in the cases (66.73 ng/mL) than the controls (112.57 ng/mL). High level of pesticide exposure (p=0.029) and low IGF-1 levels (p<0.001) were significantly associated with stunting. After adjusting for confounding variables, these variables were found to be independent risk factors for stunting in children (aOR 3.90, 95% CI 1.15 to 13.26; and aOR 8.35, 95% CI 3.65 to 19.14, respectively). CONCLUSION: Pesticide exposure could be a risk factor for the occurrence of growth disorders in children living in agricultural areas. Necessary actions should be taken to protect children living in agricultural areas from exposure to pesticides.

Pesticide Exposure and Thyroid Function in Elementary School Children Living in an Agricultural Area, Brebes District, Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: Children living in agricultural areas are at risk of exposure to pesticides due to their involvement in agricultural activities. Pesticides are one of the chemicals classified as endocrine disrupting chemicals. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between exposure to organophosphate pesticides and the occurrence of thyroid dysfunction in children. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 66 children in two elementary schools located in an agricultural area in Brebes District, Indonesia, in 2015. To determine the pesticide exposure history, we analyzed urine samples and completed a questionnaire. Meanwhile, thyroid function tests were performed. RESULTS: Organophosphate pesticide metabolites were detected in urine samples of 15 (23%) of 66 children. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels >4.5 µIU/mL were detected in 24 (36%) children. Free thyroxine (FT4) levels of all participants were normal. The mean TSH level in children with positive urinary organophosphate pesticide metabolites (7.74 µIU/ mL) was significantly (p=0.005) higher than that in those who were negative (4.34 µIU/mL). The prevalence of hypothyroidism in children with positive urinary organophosphate pesticide metabolites (67%) was significantly higher than that in those who were negative (27%; PR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4 to 4.3). CONCLUSION: A history of pesticide exposure could be used as a risk factor for the occurrence of thyroid dysfunction in children living in agricultural areas.