Fruit and vegetable intake modifies the association between ultra-processed food and metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the association between ultra-processed food (UPF) and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS), as well as to assess whether fruit and vegetable intake and weight change modify this association. METHODS: We included 1915 healthy participants who participated in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS), all of whom had complete demographic, anthropometric, and dietary measurements. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to assess UPF consumption based on the NOVA classification system. MetS was defined according to the Joint Interim Statement. Multivariable adjusted Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for MetS events across tertiles of UPF. The effect of fruit and vegetable consumption and weight change on this association was assessed using joint classification by Cox regression. RESULTS: UFP consumption showed no association with MetS risk after adjusting for confounders. However, after adjustment for dietary fiber, fruits, and vegetables, the highest tertile of UPF consumption was positively linked to MetS risk, compared to the lowest tertile. There was a significant interaction between fruit, vegetable, and dietary fiber intake and UPF consumption concerning the risk of MetS (All P values < 0.05). Among individuals consuming less than 248 g/day of fruit, the risk of MetS increased by 54% (confidence interval: 1.13-2.10) in the highest UPF tertile. Consuming vegetables and dietary fiber below the median (258 g/day and 42.2 g/day, respectively) increased the risk of MetS in the third tertile of UPF. However, consuming vegetables and fiber ≥ median intake, reduced the risk of MetS among those with the lowest UPF consumption. Furthermore, the risk of MetS was observed in the third tertile of UPF consumption among individuals with fruit and vegetable consumption < 537 g/day. UPF consumption was not associated with the risk of MetS in different weight change statuses. CONCLUSIONS: Consuming more fruits and vegetables mitigated the adverse effect of UPF on the risk of developing MetS.

Validating the concept of top scavenger: the Andean Condor as a model species.

Vultures provide the key ecosystem service of quickly removing carrion, so they have recently been assumed to be top scavengers. To challenge the concept of top scavenger (i.e. the most influential in the scavenging community and process), between 2012 and 2019, we recorded the consumption of 45 equine carcasses available for two different avian scavenger guilds in the Tropical Andes; each guild included the Andean Condor, the alleged top scavenger. The carcasses eaten by Andean Condors were consumed, on average, 1.75 times faster than those they did not eat. Furthermore, the greater abundance of feeding condors shortened carcass consumption time more than a greater abundance of any other species by 1.65 to 5.96 times, on average. These findings support the hypothesis that the Andean Condor significantly drives scavenging dynamics and is, therefore, an unrestricted top scavenger. Additionally, we established a gradient of tolerance of avian scavengers to domestic dog disturbance at carcasses, from highest to lowest: vultures > caracaras > condors. Our study framework holds great potential for advancing in food webs' comprehension through quantifying the relative functional role of scavenging communities' members and for guiding efforts to weigh up the ecological contributions of top scavengers and foster their conservation.

The effects of khat (Catha edulis) use on the genitourinary system: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective of the current study is to conduct a meta-analysis of the existing literature concerning the potential impact of khat on the reproductive systems. Five international databases, Embase, Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge (ISI), and ProQuest, were searched from inception up to the end of January 2024. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist was used for quality assessment of included studies. After several screening phases,10 articles were included in the final analysis. The pooled meta-analysis showed that women who use khat during pregnancy had a significantly higher chance of having low birth weight (LBW) (OR= 2.51, 95% CI: 1.61-3.95, p-value < 0.001) and congenital anomalies (OR= 3.17, 95% CI: 1.31-7.73, p-value = 0.011) compared to nonusers. The obtained results of the meta-analysis showed that the consumption of khat significantly reduces semen volume (standardized mean difference = -0.903, 95% CI: -1.801 to -0.007, p = 0.048). In conclusion, our study show that significant associations with LBW, congenital anomalies, and reduced semen volume underscores the necessity for additional research to delve deeper into the intricate complexities of how khat affects reproductive health in both women and men.

Health welfare in the digital era: Exploring the impact of digital trade on residents' health.

As a product combining information and communication technology, digital technology, and traditional trade, digital trade represents a new form of international trade development in the context of economic globalization. As its scale continues to expand, digital trade not only profoundly impacts consumer health behaviors and environmental pollution control but also enhances opportunities for residents to access healthcare products and services. This could potentially have a significant promoting effect on residents' health levels. However, the extent and mechanisms through which digital trade affects residents' health remain unclear. Accordingly, this study fills in a gap in the research by calculating the provincial-level digital trade index for China from 2012-2020 and matching it with data from the China Family Panel Studies. The goal is to find the micro-causal mechanisms of digital trade on residents' health from green consumption and environmental improvement perspectives. The results show that digital trade reduces residents' medical expenses and improves their health. We use a quasi-natural experiment by treating the cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zone as a digital trade treatment group and conducting a difference-in-differences estimation, finding that the health effects of digital trade remain significant. Heterogeneity indicates that the health effects of digital trade are powerful for middle- and high-income households and rural residents. In the east and center, in regions with well-developed transportation infrastructure and digital financial inclusion, the development of digital trade is more conducive to residents' health. Additionally, we demonstrate that digital trade can affect residents' health by promoting green consumption, eliminating energy poverty (i.e., improving indoor air pollution), and enhancing environmental quality (i.e., improving outdoor environmental pollution). This study provides solid scientific empirical evidence for enhancing human sustainable development through global digital trade.

Impact of disabilities in activities of daily living on opioid use for chronic pain in older adults: an exploratory secondary analysis from ELSI-Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: Problematic use of opioids by older adults is associated with adverse effects and has become a public health crisis worldwide. Ageing-related disabilities in activities of daily living (ADL) could promote unnecessary use of opioids in this population. This study evaluates the association between ADL disability and opioid consumption in Brazilian older adults. STUDY DESIGN: Study design- cross-sectional secondary data analysis of the second wave of the Brazil Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSI-Brazil). METHODS: Data from the second wave of the Brazil Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSI-Brazil) were used. Older adults with chronic pain were included. ADL disability was measured using the Katz Index. The primary outcome was opioid consumption for chronic pain. The primary association was explored using logistic regression models adjusting for predetermined confounders. Sensitivity analyses evaluating model performance were done by calibrating and validating the model using randomly split equal sets. RESULTS: In those who reported presence of chronic pain (n = 2865), the prevalence of opioid use was 29% (95% CI:23.1%-35.6%). In adjusted models, participants with moderate and severe ADL disability had 1.6 (95% CI:1.13-2.32; P = 0.009) and 3.8 (95% CI: 1.80-7.90; P < 0.001) times higher odds of opioid consumption compared to no disability, respectively. Being female, alcohol consumption, higher pain intensity, history of dementia, fractures, and presence of ≥2 comorbidities were significantly associated with increased opioid use (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nearly one-third of the Brazilian elderly population experiencing chronic pain reported using opioids. The functional decline during the process of ageing appears to be a risk factor for pain intolerance and opioid use. Multidisciplinary approaches to detect early ADL disabilities and improve mobility and access to assistive technologies need to be established to prevent opioid overuse and addiction in elderly populations.

Moderate India Pale Ale beer consumption promotes antigenotoxic and non-mutagenic effects in ex vivo and in vivo mice models.

BACKGROUND: Discussion of the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption is ongoing. Broadly, research focusing on ethanol consumption tends to report no benefits. However, studies that distinguish between different types of alcoholic beverages, particularly beers, often reveal positive effects. The present study evaluated the genotoxic and mutagenic effects of moderate chronic consumption of India Pale Ale (IPA) craft beer. Sixty-four adult male Swiss mice were used and divided into control and treatment groups receiving water, IPA beer with 55.23 g of ethanol per liter of beer, aqueous solution with 55.23 g of ethanol per liter, and hop infusion ad libitum for 30 days. After this period, the animals were genetically evaluated with a comet assay. For the ex vivo comet assay, blood was collected and exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). For the in vivo assay, the alkylating agent cyclophosphamide (CP) was administered to the groups after blood collection and sacrificed after 24 h. Brain, liver, and heart tissues were analyzed. Bone marrow was collected and submitted to the micronucleus test. RESULTS: The groups treated with IPA beer, ethanol, and hops did not show genotoxic and mutagenic action in the blood, brain, heart, or liver. The antigenotoxic action of IPA beer and hops was observed in both in vivo and ex vivo models, showing a similar reduction in DNA damage caused by CP. There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to the formation of micronuclei by CP. CONCLUSION: Moderate chronic consumption of IPA beer and hops infusion showed antigenotoxic effects in mice but no antimutagenic action. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Frequency and determinants of phytotherapy use in patients with type 2 diabetes in the Dschang Health District, Cameroon: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: phytotherapy is widely used in Africa for the management of many diseases. Data on the use of phytotherapy in people with type 2 diabetes are scarce. We aimed to determine the frequency and factors associated with the consumption/use of phytotherapy products among patients with type 2 diabetes in the Dschang Health District. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional study from January to May 2022, including community-dwelling or hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes who had lived in the Dschang Health District for at least one year. Informed consent was obtained from all patients. Data were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire. Variables collected included socio-demographic characteristics, diabetes knowledge and practices, and perceptions of care. Results: we included 403 (249 women) patients with type 2 diabetes with a mean (SD) age of 63 (± 14.86) years). Among them, 240 (59.55%) used phytotherapy, either in combination with conventional treatment (168 (41.69%) participants) or not (72 (17.86%) participants), to treat diabetes. The most common reasons for using phytotherapy were easy accessibility and belief in its efficacy. Most patients used both treatments because they thought the combination was more effective. In univariable analysis, we observed a statistically significant association between level of education (p=0.003), socioeconomic level (p<0.001), place of residence (p=0.003), duration of diabetes (p=0.007), and use of phytotherapy. In multivariable analysis, only age between 51 and 60 years (OR: 0.50, 95% CI 0.298 - 0.8521; p=0.01) was associated with the use of phytotherapy. Conclusion: people living with T2D in the Dschang Health District frequently use phytotherapy as an antidiabetic remedy, especially those aged between 51 and 60 years, those with low education level, low socioeconomic level and medium duration of diabetes. There is a need to evaluate its effectiveness in treating diabetes and its adverse effects.

Exploring unconventional food plants used by local communities in a rural area of West Java, Indonesia: ethnobotanical assessment, use trends, and potential for improved nutrition.

BACKGROUND: As one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, Indonesia contains over 25,000 plant species, including unconventional food plants (UFPs). These plants are integral to the dietary practices of rural communities, providing essential nutrients often overlooked in modern diets. However, the use of UFP is declining, with both their dietary and cultural values being undermined. In rural West Java, this decline in UFP biodiversity coincides with public health challenges related to malnutrition. This study aims to document the diversity of UFPs used by local communities in rural West Java, assess their nutritional value, and explore their consumption practices. METHODS: Data were collected using mixed methods, including interviews with 20 key informants and food frequency questionnaire administered to 107 women in three villages in the area. The nutritional compositions of documented UFPs were obtained from literature and analysis. Bivariate correlation was used to analyze the relationships between UFP consumption frequency and potential correlates. RESULTS: The study documented 52 species of UFPs from 29 families, many of which are rich in nutritional value. About half of respondents (56%) consumed UFPs moderately (2-3 times a week). UFP consumption frequency had a strong correlation (r = 0.70) with associated knowledge (r = 0.70, p < 0.01) and a weak correlation with age (r = 0.240, p = 0.015), livestock possession (r = 0.260, p = 0.008), and family size (r = - 0.220, p = 0.02). Motivations for UFP consumption included availability as free food (33%), medicinal value (26%), nostalgic value (23%), and preferred taste (18%). Most respondents (92%) agreed that consumption has declined compared to the past, with perceived reduced availability and lack of knowledge cited as the primary reasons for the declining trend. CONCLUSIONS: UFP use is common in the study area, where local communities value these plants for their critical roles in diet, medicine, and culture. Given their significant potential to meet dietary needs, educating and raising awareness about UFPs can enhance their consumption and contribute to food and nutrition security.

Exploring the relationship between caffeine metabolism-related CYP1A2 rs762551 polymorphism and team sport athlete status and training adaptations.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to achieve a dual objective: to compare the frequencies of CYP1A2 rs762551 genotypes between team sport athletes and a control group, and to determine the association between the rs762551 polymorphism and changes in physical performance after a six-week training program among elite basketball players. METHODS: The study encompassed an analysis of 504 individuals, comprising 320 athletes and 184 controls. For the Turkish cohort, DNA was isolated using the buccal swab method, and genotyping was conducted using the KASP technique. Performance assessments included the Yo-Yo IR2 and 30 m sprint tests. For Russian participants, DNA samples were extracted from peripheral blood, a commercial kit was used for DNA extraction, and genotyping of the rs762551 polymorphism was conducted using DNA microarray. RESULT: Notably, a statistically significant linear decline in the prevalence of the CC genotype was observed with ascending levels of athletic achievement within team sports (sub-elite: 18.0%, elite: 8.2%, highly elite: 0%; p = 0.001). Additionally, the CA genotype was the most prevalent genotype in the highly elite group compared to controls (80.0% vs. 45.1%, p = 0.048). Furthermore, statistically significant improvements in Yo-Yo IR2 performance were noted exclusively among basketball players harboring the CA genotype (p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: The study's findings indicate that the rs762551 CC genotype is a disadvantage in elite team sports, whereas the CA genotype provides an advantage in basketball performance.

Carbon Dots: A Review with Focus on Sustainability.

Carbon dots (CDs) are an emerging class of nanomaterials with attractive optical properties, which promise to enable a variety of applications. An important and timely question is whether CDs can become a functional and sustainable alternative to incumbent optical nanomaterials, notably inorganic quantum dots. Herein, the current CD literature is comprehensively reviewed as regards to their synthesis and function, with a focus on sustainability aspects. The study quantifies why it is attractive that CDs can be synthesized with biomass as the sole starting material and be free from toxic and precious metals and critical raw materials. It further describes and analyzes employed pretreatment, chemical-conversion, purification, and processing procedures, and highlights current issues with the usage of solvents, the energy and material efficiency, and the safety and waste management. It is specially shown that many reported synthesis and processing methods are concerningly wasteful with the utilization of non-sustainable solvents and energy. It is finally recommended that future studies should explicitly consider and discuss the environmental influence of the selected starting material, solvents, and generated byproducts, and that quantitative information on the required amounts of solvents, consumables, and energy should be provided to enable an evaluation of the presented methods in an upscaled sustainability context.

Changes in Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein-Immunoreactive Astrocytes in the Prefrontal Cortex of the Male Rat following Chronic Khat Use.

Background: Long-term khat consumption is associated with significant neurocognitive changes, which have been elucidated in behavioral studies. With current research showing the centrality of astrocytes and other glial cells in neuronal signaling, there is possibility that these cells are also affected by chronic khat use. There is little literature on the structural changes in the prefrontal cortex neuronal and astrocytic cytoarchitecture and morphometry in chronic khat users. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the changes in astrocyte morphometry and structure in rats after long-term use of khat (miraa). Materials and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats, aged 2-3 months, weighing 200-300 g were randomized into four groups of 10 each (control, Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3) to correspond with those used as controls and those that received 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg body weight khat extracts, respectively. Fresh khat leaves were purchased from Maua market in Meru, and crude extract was prepared using lyophilization. The control rats were fed on normal diet, while the experimental groups were fed on normal diet and khat extracts using oral gavage for 6 weeks. The animals were sacrificed and their brains were removed. We performed immunohistochemical visualization of astrocytes using glial fibrillary acidic protein. Photomicrographs of the stained sections were transferred to ImageJ Fiji software to study the astrocyte density and astrocytic processes. We used Kruskal-Wallis test to correlate the four animal groups in terms of astrocyte densities. Results: We observed an increase in the average number of astrocytes with increasing doses of khat compared to controls, with those in Group 3 (2000 mg/kg) having an exuberant reactive astrocytosis. Further, escalating khat doses resulted in increased glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity in the nuclei and astrocytic processes, gliotic changes, and increased complexity of astrocytic processes. Conclusion: Chronic khat use, especially at high doses, results in reactive astrocytosis and astrogliosis, which may be part of the mechanisms involved in the cognitive changes associated with its use.

Relationship between sex differences in drinking, smoking, and exercising and the incidence of malignancies and medical procedures: a cross-sectional study of 21,916 participants in China.

Objectives: The unresolved issue of the relationship between sex differences in tea, coffee, and beverage consumption and malignancy risk prompted our study in 2022. Methods: Logistic proportional hazards models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in our investigation of the associations between cancer risk and tea, coffee, and beverage consumption. Results: Our findings revealed that frequent consumption of white tea significantly reduced the occurrence of malignant tumours, but this effect was detected only in the fully adjusted model for males (OR: 0.736, 95% CI: 0.095-5.704). The amount of sugar added to coffee was associated with an increased risk of malignancy in a dose-dependent manner (P for trend = 0.001), with significance observed for both men (P for trend = 0.049) and women (P for trend = 0.005) in the final model. Notably, individuals who consumed more than 2100 ml of sugary beverages daily had a statistically significant reduction in malignancy risk (OR: 0.219, 95% CI: 0.052-0.917). Interestingly, the intake of sugary beverages had a protective effect on cancer incidence, with a significant effect on males (P for trend = 0.031) but not females (P for trend = 0.096) in the final model. Conclusions: Our study highlights the substantial impact of regular white tea consumption on reducing the risk of malignant tumours in males. This study first reported that the potential protective effect of consuming sugary beverages is predominantly observed in males, and a correlation between the amount of sugar added to coffee and a heightened risk of malignancy.

Possible roles of phytochemicals with bioactive properties in the prevention of and recovery from COVID-19.

Introduction: There have been large geographical differences in the infection and death rates of COVID-19. Foods and beverages containing high amounts of phytochemicals with bioactive properties were suggested to prevent contracting and to facilitate recovery from COVID-19. The goal of our study was to determine the correlation of the type of foods/beverages people consumed and the risk reduction of contracting COVID-19 and the recovery from COVID-19. Methods: We developed an online survey that asked the participants whether they contracted COVID-19, their symptoms, time to recover, and their frequency of eating various types of foods/beverages. The survey was developed in 10 different languages. Results: The participants who did not contract COVID-19 consumed vegetables, herbs/spices, and fermented foods/beverages significantly more than the participants who contracted COVID-19. Among the six countries (India/Iran/Italy/Japan/Russia/Spain) with over 100 participants and high correspondence between the location of the participants and the language of the survey, in India and Japan the people who contracted COVID-19 showed significantly shorter recovery time, and greater daily intake of vegetables, herbs/spices, and fermented foods/beverages was associated with faster recovery. Conclusions: Our results suggest that phytochemical compounds included in the vegetables may have contributed in not only preventing contraction of COVID-19, but also accelerating their recovery.

Fresh Moringa Stenopetala leaves consumption and its determinants among pregnant women in southern Ethiopia.

Background: A woman's health and nutritional status has significant impact on her pregnancy situation. However, many pregnant women are undernourished. Moringa stenopetala is a plant consumed worldwide in various forms, and its consumption showed a reduction in the incidence of malnutrition. Although Moringa stenopetala is rich in essential macro- and micronutrients, there is little evidence on the proportion and determinants of fresh Moringa stenopetala leaf intake among pregnant women. The objective of this study was to fill this gap in the littérature and provide a baseline evidence for further research or intervention by investigation the proportion and determinants of fresh Moringa stenopetala leaf intake among pregnant women in the Gamo zone, south Ethiopian region. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 623 randomly selected pregnant women using a pre-tested and structured questionnaire via a face-to-face interview. The consumption pattern was assessed based on a self-reported dietary history over the last 30 days before data collection. Multivariable logistic regression model was fitted using STATA version 14. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was reported to show an association between the dependent and independent variables with level of statistical significance at a p-value of <0.05. Results: The proportion of fresh Moringa stenopetala leaves intake among pregnant women was 49.60% (95% CI: 45.67, 53.52%). The déterminants of fresh moringa leaf intake were being below 24 years old (AOR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.51, 5.63), rural résidence (AOR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.10, 3.50), antenatal care attendance (AOR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.03, 4.21), history of contraceptive use (AOR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.55), and having a good knowledge about the importance of moringa Stenopetala (AOR: 9.76; 95% CI: 5.30, 17.95). Conclusion: The study showed that almost half of the pregnant women consumed fresh Moringa stenopetala leaves. Women's age, place of residence, prenatal care, history of contraceptive use, and knowledge of the benefits of Moringa Stenopetala were positively associated with the consumption of fresh Moringa Stenopetala leaves. Therefore, health authorities and stakeholders involved in maternal and child health need to target older women, and urban residents and promote the benefits of consumption by strengthening uptake of maternal health services and raising awareness about Moringa Stenopetela. Future studies involving large scale and longitudinal designs evidence are required to further validate the findings so that this nutritious diet can be promoted widely among pregnant women in the study area and Ethiopia at large.

The impact of digital economy development on coal consumption: Evidence from Chinese provinces.

This study investigates the impact of the development of the digital economy (DE) on coal consumption and the underlying mechanisms using Chinese provincial data over the period 2011-2022. The results demonstrate that DE development is correlated with reduced coal consumption. When the DE development increases by one standard deviation, the reduction in coal consumption is 0.1938. The underlying mechanism is attributed to the DE facilitating the financial technology development and technological innovation's quality, which are conducive to reducing coal consumption.

Toxic metals in rice among Asian countries: A review of occurrence and potential human health risks.

Heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb) pose significant health risks, particularly in Asia, where rice is a staple for nearly three billion people. Despite their known dangers and environmental prevalence, studies addressing their concentrations in rice across different regions and the associated health implications remain insufficient. This review systematically examines the occurrence and impact of these toxic elements, filling a critical gap in the literature. Data from seven countries indicate mean concentrations in the order of Pb > As>Cd, with values of 0.255 ± 0.013, 0.236 ± 0.317, and 0.136 ± 0.150 mg/kg, respectively. Uncertainty analysis shows extensive variability, especially for Cd, with a 95% confidence interval range from 0.220 to 0.992 mg/kg. The typical daily intake of heavy metals through rice consumption, in the order of As>Cd > Pb, frequently exceeds safe limits. Generally, data obtained from various studies showed that children were more prone to heavy metal contamination through rice consumption than adults. This review is fundamental for ongoing monitoring, future research, and management strategies to reduce heavy metal contamination in rice.

Expanding our understanding of long-term trends in alcohol abstention and consumption in England (2001-19) using two age-period-cohort approaches.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Alcohol consumption has decreased in England in recent decades, while alcohol-specific death rates have remained relatively stable. Age-period-cohort (APC) models offer the potential for understanding these paradoxical trends. This study aimed to use an APC model approach to measure long-term trends in alcohol abstention and consumption in England from 2001 to 2019. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The study used grouped and proxy-variable APC models of repeat cross-sectional survey data, set in England (2001-19). Participants were residents in England aged 13 years or over who took part in the Health Survey for England. MEASUREMENTS: Outcome variables were alcohol abstention and consumption in units. We created nine age groups (13-15, 16-17, 18-24, 25-34, until 65-74 and 75+, reference 45-54 years), four periods (2001-04, 2005-09, 2010-14 to 2015-19, reference 2005-09) and 18 5-year birth cohorts (1915-19 to 2000-04, reference 1960-64). We proxied age effects (systolic and diastolic blood pressure), period effects (alcohol affordability, internet usage and household alcohol expenditure) and birth cohort effects (prevalence of smoking and prevalence of overweight). FINDINGS: The odds of abstaining were considerably larger at young ages, 13-15 years [odds ratio (OR) = 5.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.50-6.43], were lowest during the first period, 2001-04 (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.79-0.86) and had a U-shaped pattern by birth cohort. For units of alcohol, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) increased until age 18-24 years (IRR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.34-1.48) and decreased afterwards, were highest during the first period, 2001-04 (IRR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.05-1.08) and showed an inverted J-shape by birth cohort. Our proxy variable approach revealed that using blood pressure measures, alcohol affordability and prevalence of overweight as proxies resulted in APC effects that differed from our base-case model. However, internet usage, household expenditure on alcohol and smoking prevalence resulted in APC effects similar to our base-case model. CONCLUSIONS: The discrepancy between decreasing alcohol consumption and increasing alcohol-related deaths observed in England from 2001 to 2019 may, in part, be explained by the halt in abstention trends since 2010 and a slight consumption decline since 2001.

Bioaccumulation of Cadmium in Muscle and Liver Tissues of Juvenile Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) from the Indian Ocean.

The present study evaluated the cadmium (Cd) levels and temporal variation of Cd in dark muscle, white muscle, and liver of juvenile Thunnus albacares. 72 individuals (Standard length: 50-67 cm; weight: 0.8-2.5 kg) were collected from Indian Oceanic water around Sri Lanka during the period between April 2021 to May 2022. Total Cd levels were analyzed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer. The mean Cd levels (mean ± SD mg kg-1 dry weight) in different tissues varied with significantly higher levels in the liver (13.62 ± 0.98, p < 0.05), compared to dark muscle (0.52 ± 0.05), and white muscle (0.42 ± 0.04). Cd levels in liver tissues were positively correlated (p < 0.05) with the fish weight. The Cd levels reported in dark muscles, white muscles, and liver tissues were significantly higher (p < 0.05) during 2nd inter-monsoon than in the other monsoonal regimes and exceeded the maximum permissible level (0.1 mg kg-1 wet weight) set by the European Union (EU). However, the measured Cd levels in white and dark muscles were below the maximum permissible level (0.2 mg kg-1 wet weight) set by FAO/WHO. The Cd levels in all the liver tissues were above the levels set by the EU and FAO/WHO. Accordingly, people should avoid the consumption of liver tissues of T. albacares from the Indian Ocean. A human with a body weight of 60 kg can consume white muscles up to 4.667 kg per week without exceeding the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake.

Economic growth and electricity consumption: Fresh evidence of panel data for LAC.

This study reexamines the causal nexus among electricity consumption (EC) and economic growth (EG) for a panel of 31 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean between 1980 and 2021. We find that there are statistically significant feedback impacts among the research variables in the long run. A 1 percent augment in EC raises EG by 0.5 percent and a 1 percent augment in EG produces a 1.54 percent increase in EC which reflects the nature of the latter as a luxury good and implies a tradeoff between economy and environment, since although greater electrical infrastructure drives EG, the latter also increases the EC whose use in a non-responsible manner could lead to environmental degradation through higher CO2 emissions. Therefore, the main policy implication is that, it is necessary to promote EG based on infrastructure focused on sustainable development, ensuring the well-being of present and future generations.

Impact of health shocks on household consumption structure.

Introduction: In the aftermath of the pandemic, the impact of health shocks on household expenditure patterns has become a critical area of focus due to the heightened uncertainty surrounding consumers' expectations. Household medical expenditures have emerged as a key factor in the evolving consumption structure. Method: This research developed a practical framework to assess the influence of health shocks on family spending patterns, focusing on health shortfalls. Health emergencies were measured through randomized medical spending. Data was sourced from the 2010-2018 Wave 5 Statistical Report of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), which included a total of 25,809 participants. Results: The findings revealed that health shocks significantly increased the proportion of household spending on medical expenses. Concurrently, sub-expenditures such as food and education were reduced to varying degrees as households adjusted their consumption patterns to mitigate the impact of health shocks. The effects of these shocks were more pronounced in low-income households and those with health insurance. Discussions: The government should take steps to promote public health, reduce the burden of medical expenses resulting from health shocks, and unlock the consumption potential. Additionally, efforts should be made to boost economic growth and systematically upgrade household consumption patterns to effectively cushion the impact of health shocks.