Fusarium: more than a node or a foot-shaped basal cell.

Recent publications have argued that there are potentially serious consequences for researchers in recognising distinct genera in the terminal fusarioid clade of the family Nectriaceae. Thus, an alternate hypothesis, namely a very broad concept of the genus Fusarium was proposed. In doing so, however, a significant body of data that supports distinct genera in Nectriaceae based on morphology, biology, and phylogeny is disregarded. A DNA phylogeny based on 19 orthologous protein-coding genes was presented to support a very broad concept of Fusarium at the F1 node in Nectriaceae. Here, we demonstrate that re-analyses of this dataset show that all 19 genes support the F3 node that represents Fusarium sensu stricto as defined by F. sambucinum (sexual morph synonym Gibberella pulicaris). The backbone of the phylogeny is resolved by the concatenated alignment, but only six of the 19 genes fully support the F1 node, representing the broad circumscription of Fusarium. Furthermore, a re-analysis of the concatenated dataset revealed alternate topologies in different phylogenetic algorithms, highlighting the deep divergence and unresolved placement of various Nectriaceae lineages proposed as members of Fusarium. Species of Fusarium s. str. are characterised by Gibberella sexual morphs, asexual morphs with thin- or thick-walled macroconidia that have variously shaped apical and basal cells, and trichothecene mycotoxin production, which separates them from other fusarioid genera. Here we show that the Wollenweber concept of Fusarium presently accounts for 20 segregate genera with clear-cut synapomorphic traits, and that fusarioid macroconidia represent a character that has been gained or lost multiple times throughout Nectriaceae. Thus, the very broad circumscription of Fusarium is blurry and without apparent synapomorphies, and does not include all genera with fusarium-like macroconidia, which are spread throughout Nectriaceae (e.g., Cosmosporella, Macroconia, Microcera). In this study four new genera are introduced, along with 18 new species and 16 new combinations. These names convey information about relationships, morphology, and ecological preference that would otherwise be lost in a broader definition of Fusarium. To assist users to correctly identify fusarioid genera and species, we introduce a new online identification database, Fusarioid-ID, accessible at www.fusarium.org. The database comprises partial sequences from multiple genes commonly used to identify fusarioid taxa (act1, CaM, his3, rpb1, rpb2, tef1, tub2, ITS, and LSU). In this paper, we also present a nomenclator of names that have been introduced in Fusarium up to January 2021 as well as their current status, types, and diagnostic DNA barcode data. In this study, researchers from 46 countries, representing taxonomists, plant pathologists, medical mycologists, quarantine officials, regulatory agencies, and students, strongly support the application and use of a more precisely delimited Fusarium (= Gibberella) concept to accommodate taxa from the robust monophyletic node F3 on the basis of a well-defined and unique combination of morphological and biochemical features. This F3 node includes, among others, species of the F. fujikuroi, F. incarnatum-equiseti, F. oxysporum, and F. sambucinum species complexes, but not species of Bisifusarium [F. dimerum species complex (SC)], Cyanonectria (F. buxicola SC), Geejayessia (F. staphyleae SC), Neocosmospora (F. solani SC) or Rectifusarium (F. ventricosum SC). The present study represents the first step to generating a new online monograph of Fusarium and allied fusarioid genera (www.fusarium.org).

Degradation of aflatoxin B(1) by fungal laccase enzymes.

The enzymatic degradation of aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) by white rot fungi through laccase production was investigated in different liquid media. A significant (P<0.0001) correlation was observed between laccase activity and AFB(1) degradation exhibited by representatives of Peniophora and Pleurotus ostreatus cultivated in minimal salts (MSM) (r=0.93) and mineral salts - malt extract (MSB-MEB) (r=0.77) liquid media. Peniophora sp. SCC0152 cultured in MSB-MEB liquid medium supplemented with veratryl alcohol and sugarcane bagasse showed high laccase activity (496U/L), as well as 40.45% AFB(1) degradation as monitored using high performance liquid chromatography. P.ostreatus St2-3 cultivated in MSM liquid medium supplemented with veratryl alcohol resulted in laccase activity of 416.39U/L and 35.90% degradation of AFB(1). Aflatoxin B(1) was significantly (P<0.0001) degraded when treated with pure laccase enzyme from Trametes versicolor (1U/ml, 87.34%) and recombinant laccase produced by Aspergillus niger D15-Lcc2#3 (118U/L, 55%). Aflatoxin B(1) degradation by laccase enzyme from T. versicolor and recombinant laccase enzyme produced by A. niger D15-Lcc2#3 coincided with significant (P<0.001) loss of mutagenicity of AFB(1), as evaluated in the Salmonella typhimurium mutagenicity assay. The degradation of AFB(1) by white rot fungi could be an important bio-control measure to reduce the level of this mycotoxin in food commodities.

Biological degradation of aflatoxin B1 by Rhodococcus erythropolis cultures.

Aflatoxin contamination of food and grain poses a serious economic and health problem worldwide, but particularly in Africa. Aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) is extremely mutagenic, toxic and a potent carcinogen to both humans and livestock and chronic exposure to low levels of AFB(1) is a concern. In this study, the biodegradation of aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) by Rhodococcus erythropolis was examined in liquid cultures using thin layer chromatography (TLC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), electro spray mass spectrometry (ESMS) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS). AFB(1) was effectively degraded by extracellular extracts from R. erythropolis liquid cultures. Results indicated that the degradation is enzymatic and that the enzymes responsible for the degradation of AFB(1) are extracellular and constitutively produced. Furthermore, the biodegradation of AFB(1) when treated with R. erythropolis extracellular fraction coincided with a loss of mutagenicity, as evaluated by the Ames test for mutagenicity.

Degradation of aflatoxin B(1) by cell-free extracts of Rhodococcus erythropolis and Mycobacterium fluoranthenivorans sp. nov. DSM44556(T).

Biological degradation of aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) by Rhodococcus erythropolis was examined in liquid cultures and in cell-free extracts. Dramatic reduction of AFB(1) was observed during incubation in the presence of R. erythropolis cells (17% residual AFB(1) after 48 h and only 3-6% residual AFB(1) after 72 h). Cell-free extracts of four bacterial strains, R. erythropolis DSM 14,303, Nocardia corynebacterioides DSM 12,676, N. corynebacterioides DSM 20,151, and Mycobacterium fluoranthenivorans sp. nov. DSM 44,556(T) were produced by disrupting cells in a French pressure cell. The ability of crude cell-free extracts to degrade AFB(1) was studied under different incubation conditions. Aflatoxin B(1) was effectively degraded by cell free extracts of all four bacterial strains. N. corynebacterioides DSM 12,676 (formerly erroneously classified as Flavobacterium aurantiacum) showed the lowest degradation ability (60%) after 24 h, while >90% degradation was observed with N. corynebacterioides DSM 20,151 over the same time. R. erythropolis and M. fluoranthenivorans sp. nov. DSM 44,556(T) have shown more than 90% degradation of AFB(1) within 4 h at 30 degrees C, whilst after 8 h AFB(1) was practicably not detectable. The high degradation rate and wide temperature range for degradation by R. erythropolis DSM 14,303 and M. fluoranthenivorans sp. nov. DSM 44,556(T) indicate potential for application in food and feed processing.

Waist circumference as a measurement of obesity in the Netherlands Antilles; associations with hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate waist circumference (WC) as a screening tool for obesity in a Caribbean population. To identify risk groups with a high prevalence of (central) obesity in a Caribbean population, and to evaluate associations between (central) obesity and self-reported hypertension and diabetes mellitus. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Population-based study. SUBJECTS: A random sample of adults (18 y or older) was selected from the Population Registries of three islands of the Netherlands Antilles. Response was over 80%. Complete data were available for 2025 subjects. INTERVENTION: A questionnaire and measurements of weight, height, waist and hip. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Central obesity indicator (WC > or =102 cm men, > or =88 cm women). RESULTS: WC was positively associated with age (65-74 y vs 18-24 y) in men (OR=7.7, 95% CI 3.4-17.4) and women (OR=6.4, 95% CI 3.2-12.7). Women with a low education had a higher prevalence of central obesity than women with a high education (OR=0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.7). However, men with a high income had a higher prevalence of a central obesity than men with a low income (OR=1.7, 95% CI=1.1-2.6). WC was the strongest independent obesity indicator associated with self-reported hypertension (OR=1.7, 95% CI 1.4-2.0) and diabetes mellitus (OR=1.6, 95% CI 1.3-1.9). CONCLUSIONS: The identified risk groups were women aged 55-74 y, women with a low educational level and men with a high income. WC appears to be the major obesity indicator associated with hypertension and diabetes mellitus. SPONSORSHIP: Island Governments of Saba, St Eustatius and Bonaire, the Federal Government of the Netherlands Antilles, Dutch Directorate for Kingdom relationships.

The Saba health study: methodology and main results

'The Saba Health Study' is the first large scale health interview survey of the island. This book presents the main results of the study. It discusses the population's health status, use of health services, and satisfaction with health care. Known health risks, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and overweight are evaluated and compared with situations on the sister island of Curacao and in western countries. Attention is focused on the identification of risk groups in need of specific policy interventions and health promotion programs (AU)

Sociocultural variations in help-seeking behaviour for everyday symptoms and chronic disorders

In this study, we test the assumption that sociocultural differences in use of health services will occur only below a certain level of illness severity. Data are derived from the Curacao Health Study (N = 2248). Subjects' educational level and degree of proto-professionalisation were used as indicators of their sociocultural background. Differences in the likelihood of seeking professional care for several common health problems were analysed, and were compared with the help seeking behaviour for chronic disorders. As hypothesised, more highly educated and proto-professionalised people were less likely to seek care for everyday symptoms. In addition, proto-professionalisation was accompanied by a greater likelihood of using over the counter medication. Increasing empowerment of patients appeared to lead to increase self care for everyday symptoms. When conditions reached a more serious stage, the difference in help-seeking behaviour disappeared. For most of the chronic conditions studied, the higher educated and more proto-professional treatment as the less advantaged groups. However, there was a difference as to the type of professional consulted for chronic health problems. Proto-professionalised individuals more often received specialist treatment, probably because they were better equipped to persuade GPs to refer. The adverse side of patient empowerment may be increasing consumerism.(AU)

Sociocultural variations in help-seeking behavior for everyday symptoms and chronic disorders.

In this study, we test the assumption that sociocultural differences in use of health services will only occur below a certain level of illness severity. Data are derived from the Curaçao Health Study (n = 2248). Subjects' educational level and degree of proto-professionalization are used as indicators of their sociocultural background. Differences in the likelihood of seeking professional care for several common health problems are analyzed, and are compared with the help-seeking behavior for chronic disorders. As hypothesized, higher educated and proto-professionalized people are less likely to seek care for everyday symptoms. In addition, proto-professionalization is accompanied by a greater likelihood of using over the counter medication. Increasing empowerment of patients appears to lead to increased self care for everyday symptoms. When conditions reach a more serious stage, the differences in help-seeking behavior disappear: for most of the chronic conditions studied, the higher educated and more proto-professionalized individuals are just as likely to seek professional treatment as the less advantaged groups. However, there is a difference as to the type of professional consulted for chronic health problems. Proto-professionalized individuals more often receive specialist treatment, probably because they are better equipped to persuade GPs to refer. The adverse side of patient empowerment may be increasing consumerism: a situation in which patient demands, not medical necessity, determine the care delivered.

Alarmingly high prevalence of obesity in Curaçao: data from an interview survey stratified for socioeconomic status.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the article is to report the prevalence of obesity, abdominal fatness and waist circumference in different socioeconomic classes in Curaçao. DESIGN: In 1993/1994 a health interview survey (the Curaçao Health Study) was carried out among a random sample (n = 2248, response rate = 85%) of the adult non-institutionalized population of Curaçao. METHODS: We analyzed the association between obesity (BMI > or = 30), abdominal fatness (waist hip ratio (WHR) > or = 0.95 for men, WHR > or = 0.80 for women) waist circumference (WC > or = 100 cm for men, WC > or = 91 cm for women) and socioeconomic status (SES) by age adjusted logistic regressions, for men and women separately. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity was about 27%: 36% of the women and 19% of the men were obese. An at risk WHR was reported among 62.2% of the women and among 20.4% of the men. A WC above the cut-off point was reported for 44.3% women and 25.3% men. Compared to women of higher SES, the lower SES women have a two to three times higher risk of a BMI, WHR or WC exceeding the cut-off points. Among men, no statistically significant difference between an increased BMI, WHR or WC and SES factors was found. The overlap between the three measures is large, about 56% of the women scored similarly on all three measurements. Among men the overlap is even greater (73%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of obesity in Curaçao is alarming. Low SES women are at the greatest risk of an increased BMI, WHR or WC. The obesity figures can be placed between industrialized societies and less modernized cultures. Action and additional research on the prevention of obesity in Curaçao are deemed necessary. The cut-off points in our study for WC in the non-white population are preliminary and need to be elucidated further.

Socioeconomic inequity in health care: a study of services utilization in Curaçao.

The aim of this study is to examine whether there is socioeconomic equity in health care utilization in Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles. We explore how educational level is related to utilization of GPs, specialists, hospitals; dentists and physiotherapists, taking into account the effects of sex, age and inequalities in health. The study also examines whether these relationships vary according to the unit of analysis: probability (or incidence) of services use versus overall volume of contacts. The data were derived from the Curaçao Health Study, a health interview survey among a random sample (N = 2248) of the non-institutionalized population aged 18 and over. The results indicate that there is socioeconomic inequity in the probability of health care utilization in Curaçao. People with a higher educational level are more likely to consult a specialist, dentist or physiotherapist, and are also more likely to be hospitalized. This is not only the case when the mediating effects of socioeconomic inequalities in health (need) are taken into account, but also before adjustment for health inequalities. In other words: there appears to be both vertical inequity (i.e. greater needs for services are not met by greater use) and horizontal inequity (i.e. similar needs for care are not met by similar levels of services use). The observed inequalities in use of specialists and hospitals contrast with findings from international research. The volume of health services use (i.e. the numbers of consultations) appears to be hardly connected with a person's position in the SES hierarchy; only dental services are used more extensively by higher educated individuals.

Home care for the elderly: needed and received: an analysis of the care needed and care received by the non-institutionalized elderly population in Curacao

Curacao, as well as other Caribbean islands, has a growing number of the elderly. In this study we analyzed the home care needed and received by the elderly. Such data are needed for planning health services. Data from the Curacao Health Study were used for this purpose: a face-to-face interview among a random sample of the population. Of the elderly (aged 65 years and over) 23 percent needed help with one or more activities of daily living (ADL), 6 percent needed help with three or more ADL. Those aged over 75 years especially needed help with these activities. 22 percent of the elderly received informal care, consisting mainly of household tasks, accompaniment or monitoring and emotional support. Daughters were the most important care givers, followed by sons. Elderly with multiple ADL - impairments more often received informal care and also more intensive care (more physical care, e.g. bathing). 24 percent of the study sample indicated that they had no one to take care of them in case of long-term illness. This occurred more often when elderly people live alone (50 percent). The ageing of the population will result in a higher need for informal care. However, social changes such as fewer children per couple, a growing number of elderly living alone and increased participation of women in the labour force, will result in fewer potential caregivers. Ways to stimulate informal care and organize cost-effective formal care should therefore be sought.(AU)

Socioeconomic inequity in access to health care: a study of services utilization in Curacao - abstract

This study examines whether there is socioeconomic equity in health care utilization in Curacao. We explore how education level is related to utilization of various health services, taking into account the effects of sex, age, and inequalities in health. The study also examines whether these relationships vary according to the unit of analysis; probability (or incidence) of services use versus overall volume contacts. The data was derived from the "Curacao health study", a health interview survey among a random sample (n=2248) of the non-institutionalized population 18 years and over. The results indiacte that there is socio-economic inequalities in health (need for care) is taken into account. In other words: greater need for services are not met by greater use (vertical equity) and similar needs for care are not met by similar levels of service use (horizontal inequity). The volume of use (i.e. the number of consultations with a care provider, once a person has entered the health care system) appears to be fairly equitable. The observed inequalities in probability of specialist and health utilization contrast with findings from international research. The outcomes of this study underline the importance of health care reforms in order to attain more equitatble access to health care. (AU)

High prevalence of obesity in Curacao: data from an interview survey stratified for socio-economic status - abstract

The aim of this paper is to report the prevalence of obesity and abdominal fatness in different socioeconomic classes in Curacao. In 1993/1994 a health interview survey (the Curacao Health Study) was carried out among a random sample (n = 2248, response rate = 85 percent) of the adult non-institutionalized population of Curacao. We analyzed the association between body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic status (SES) as well as the relationship between waist-hip ratio (WHR) and SES by logistic regression models for men and women separately. The overall prevalence of obesity among women peaked at age 46 to 55 years (OR 4.195 percent CI 2.6 - 6.6) and between 56 to 65 (OR 1.7 95 percent CI 1.0 - 3.1) years in men. Women of lower SES are approximately twice as much at risk of being obesed compared to women of higher SES (OR 2.4 95 percent CI 1.7 - 3.4) for the low SES group. The percentage of participants with an at risk WHR (cut off point 0.80 for women and 0.95 for men) is more than three times higher among women than among men (62.2 percent versus 20.4 percent). WHR increased significantly with age among both genders. Compared to women of higher SES, the lower SES women have a three times higher risk of a WHR exceeding th cut off point (OR 3.0 95 percent CI 2.0 - 4.5). The overall prevalence of obesity was much higher than in Spain, Brazil and the Netherlands. The high prevalence of obesity in Curacao justifies action and research on the prevention of obesity in Curacao. (AU)

Lifestyle in Curaçao. Smoking, alcohol consumption, eating habits and exercise.

The Curaçao Health Study was carried out among a randomized sample (n = 2248, response rate = 85%) of the adult non-institutionalized population in order to assess aspects of lifestyle that may pose health risks. Factors examined were tobacco and alcohol use, eating habits and exercise behaviour. Outcome variables were cross-tabulated by gender, age and socioeconomic status. 17.1% of the participants were smokers and 20.5% were regular drinkers, including 6.3% of the men who consumed alcohol excessively (4 or more glasses of alcohol a day). 75% of the participants did not exercise regularly, 37% did not eat vegetables daily, and half did not eat fruit daily. Other poor eating habits were the addition of extra sugar and salt to prepared food by 33% and 20% of the participants, respectively. On the whole, men had less healthy lifestyles than women, with the exception of exercise behaviour. People of high socioeconomic status (SES) drank less alcohol, and exercised more often than those of low SES. Considering the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension in the Caribbean, research on lifestyle factors in other Caribbean countries is required to facilitate the development of regional prevention and intervention programmes.

Lifestyle in Curacao: smoking, alcohol consumption, eating habits and exercise

The Curacao Health Study was carried out among a randomized sample (n = 2248, response rate = 85 percent) of the adult non-institutionalized population in order to assess aspects of lifestyle that may pose health risks. Factors examined were tobacco and alcohol use, eating habits and exercise behaviour. Outcome variables were cross-tabulated by gender, age and socioeconomic status. 17.1 percent of the participants were smokers and 20.5 percent regular drinkers, including 6.3 percent of the men who consumed alcohol excessively (4 or more glasses of alcohol a day). 75 percent of the participants did not excercise regularly, 37 percent did not eat vegetables daily, and half did not eat fruit daily. Other poor eating habits were the addition of extra sugar and salt to prepared food by 33 percent and 20 percent of the participants, respectively. On the whole, men had less healthy lifestyles than women, with the exception of execise behaviour. People of high socioeconomic status (SES) drank less alcohol, and exercised more often than those of low SES. Considering the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension in the Caribbean, research of lifestyle factors in other Caribbean countries is required to facilitate the development of regional prevention and intervention programmes. (AU)

Lifestyle in Curacao: smoking, alcohol consumption, eating habits and exercise

The Curacao Health Study was carried out among a randomized sample (n = 2248, response rate = 85 percent) of the adult non-institutionalized population in order to assess aspects of lifestyle that may pose health risks. Factors examined were tobacco and alcohol use, eating habits and exercise behaviour. Outcome variables were cross-tabulated by gender, age and socioeconomic status. 17.1 percent of the participants were smokers and 20.5 percent regular drinkers, including 6.3 percent of the men who consumed alcohol excessively (4 or more glasses of alcohol a day). 75 percent of the participants did not excercise regularly, 37 percent did not eat vegetables daily, and half did not eat fruit daily. Other poor eating habits were the addition of extra sugar and salt to prepared food by 33 percent and 20 percent of the participants, respectively. On the whole, men had less healthy lifestyles than women, with the exception of execise behaviour. People of high socioeconomic status (SES) drank less alcohol, and exercised more often than those of low SES. Considering the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension in the Caribbean, research of lifestyle factors in other Caribbean countries is required to facilitate the development of regional prevention and intervention programmes.

Patterns of health care utilization in Curacao

This paper describes the epidemiology of health care utilization in Curacao. The data presented are derived from the Curacao Heatlh Study, a health interview survey among a representative sample of the adult non-institutionalized population (n=2 248) which was carried out in 1993-1994. The outcome is compared to data on health care utilization in The Netherlands in 1994. In general, the use of GPs, specialists and hospitals in Curacao is fairly similar to that of The Netherlands, but the use of dentists and physiotherapists is markedly lower in Curacao. Some distinct differences in utilization of health services between the various population groups are revealed by the data presented in this paper. Women have a higher average level of health services utilization than men, which is in accordance with the fact that in general women's health status is somewhat less good than that of men. Older people make more use of specialists and district nursing care, and are more often hospitalized than young and middle-aged people. This is not surprising, in view of the fact, that in general aging is accompanied by a deterioration in health and a greater need for medical care. In this light, it is striking that older people do not make more use of the services of GPs than younger individuals (AU)