Seafood Consumption Research Articles

Spatial Variations in Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Concentrations in Pooled Sera from Inland, Coastal, and Island Populations

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of ubiquitously detected chemicals, some of which are highly persistent and bioaccumulative in humans. Within the general population, dietary ingestion is considered a primary pathway for PFAS exposure, and seafood consumption specifically has been associated with higher serum PFAS concentrations. Proximity of residence to the ocean may influence dietary habits, particularly seafood consumption, and exposure to geographically specific PFAS sources such as sea spray aerosols (SSA). The objective of this study was to evaluate potential spatial trends in serum PFAS concentrations between Australian coastal and island populations compared to those with inland residency. Human sera were obtained from deidentified surplus pathology samples and pooled with respect to geographical location, sex (male or female), and age group (males: ≥15-<45 years, ≥45 years; females: ≥15-<45 years, ≥45-<60 years, ≥60 years) stratification criteria. Serum samples were then analysed for PFAS using High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HP LC-MS). A total of 13 of the 45 targeted PFAS were quantifiable in at least one pooled sample, including the detection of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) replacement compounds 5:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (5:3 FTCA) and potassium 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonate (9Cl-F53B). Significant spatial trends were observed in males aged ≥45 years, with serum concentrations of PFOS, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid (PFHpS) demonstrated to be 32-77% higher in pooled samples from island locations compared with inland. A similar trend was observed for PFHpS in coastal locations. Whilst deidentification of samples limited inferences about exposure pathways associated with the observed trends, this study indicated the feasibility of utilising pooled samples for assessing spatial variations in serum PFAS concentrations between geographically distinct subpopulations.

Associations between Multiple Food Consumption Frequencies and the Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease in High Cardiac Risk Subjects.

Dietary choices are inextricably linked to the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), whereas an optimal dietary pattern to minimize CVD morbidity in high-risk subjects remains challenging. We comprehensively assessed the relationship between food consumption frequencies and CVD in 28,979 high-risk subjects. The outcome was defined as the composite of the incidence of major CVD events, including coronary heart disease and stroke. Risk factors associated with CVD were screened through a shrinkage approach, specifically least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. Hazard ratios (HRs) for various dietary consumption frequencies were assessed using multivariable Cox frailty models with random intercepts. Increased egg and seafood consumption were associated with a lower risk of CVD (daily vs little, HR 1.70, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.79-3.64, p trend = 0.0073 and HR 1.86, 95% CI: 1.24-2.81, p trend = 0.024, respectively). 6 non-food (age, sex, smoke, location, heart ratio, and systolic blood pressure) and 3 food (fruit, egg, and seafood) related risk factors were included in the nomogram to predict 3 and 5-year incidence of CVD. The concordance indexes of the training and validation cohorts were 0.733 (95% CI: 0.725-0.741) and 0.705 (95% CI: 0.693-0.717), respectively. The nomogram was validated using the calibration and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves, demonstrating respectable accuracy and discrimination. Guided by the concept of "food as medicine", this nomogram could provide dietary guidance and prognostic prediction for high cardiac risk subjects in CVD prevention.

N-3 Fatty Acids in Seafood Influence the Association Between the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index and Depression: A Community-Based Prospective Cohort Study.

Accumulating evidence suggests that seafood and its components, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are associated with mental health. However, little is known regarding whether the status of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) modify the effect of dietary antioxidants on depression. The main purpose of study is to investigate longitudinal associations between seafood consumption and depression among 2564 participants aged 40-69 years using data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. The composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) and dietary intake were measured by a validated 106-item food frequency questionnaire and depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The Cox's proportional hazard model was used to examine the risk of depression according to seafood consumption. During an 8-year follow-up period, 165 (11.9%) men and 224 (18.9%) women experienced depression. After adjustment for confounders, the risk of depression was inversely associated with seafood consumption, with a 42% lower risk (HR T5 vs. T1 = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.35-0.98, p = 0.040) only being found among women. In a group with a high n-3 PUFA intake, CDAI scores were negatively correlated with BDI scores (r = -0.146, p < 0.001) among women. Seafood consumption might lead to more favorable outcomes against depression if accompanied by an increased intake of foods that are rich in antioxidants.

Assessment of Dietary Patterns in Thyroid Patients in Zawia City, Libya

Hormonal abnormalities, especially those related to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This study seeks to examine the relationships of BMI, dietary patterns, seafood intake, FSH levels, and genetic variables in patients with thyroid conditions. This cross-sectional study encompassed 94 patients with thyroid conditions. BMI was categorized into four classifications (&lt;17, 17–19, 20–25, &gt;25), and dietary patterns were divided into conventional, balanced, specific diets, and others. Seafood consumption was classified as daily, weekly, seldom, infrequently, or never. FSH levels were categorized into five ranges. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the correlations among these characteristics. A significant correlation was seen between BMI and FSH levels (p = 0.000041), with people exhibiting a BMI &lt;17 demonstrating elevated FSH levels (&gt;15 in 10 participants). Individuals with a BMI exceeding 25 demonstrated reduced FSH levels (ranging from 1 to less than 5 in 18 subjects). Seafood consumption significantly influenced FSH levels (p = 0.002334), with weekly consumers exhibiting a wide range of FSH values, whereas infrequent or non-consumers demonstrated elevated FSH levels (&gt;15 in 5 subjects). Concerning dietary patterns, 60.63% adhered to a conventional diet, whereas 67% of patients have a familial history of thyroid disorders. Furthermore, 48.2% of subjects had second-degree obesity. This study highlights the intricate relationship among BMI, dietary habits, seafood intake, and hormonal regulation in patients with thyroid conditions. These factors, in conjunction with genetic predispositions, must be taken into account in the management of thyroid problems to enhance patient outcomes.

Sequencing the Parasitic Nematode Contracaecum spp. in Edible Fish (Planiliza Abu)

Contracaecum rudolphii Hartwich,1 964 (Nematoda: Ascaridoidea, Anisakidae) is a typical anisakid recorded globally. Consumption of undercooked seafood, raw or infected, contains the nematode larvae that cause human anisakidosis . Fish (Planiliza abu) specimens were obtained from a local market in Karbala, Iraq. This type of fish came from the Razzaza Lake. The prevalence of Contracaecum spp. parasites was done over eight months from June 2022 until January 2023, using ITS1, morphological and molecular analysis of the nematodes Contracaecum spp from fish. Out of 395 fish, 124(31.3%) had visceral infections caused by Contracaecum spp. larval type (L3). The morphological and genetic identification of Contracaecum spp. was validated in the parasitology laboratory of the veterinary medicine college at Kerbala University. The result showed the infection rate in January 2023 was (46.6%) and it dropped in 2022, September with a percentage of (20%). With the use of ITS1 gene, the molecular analysis for Contracaecum spp. was to investigate Contracaecum spp. and to confirm it. However, the nematode count, number of infected fish, and length were all substantially different at the P≤0.05. This study detected the isolate=(a1) at the locus=OP787071 and sequencing the parasites. The isolates were confirmed as Contracaecum rudolphii, isolate a1 internal transcribed spacer 1, partial sequence. In conclusion, molecular genotyping might be a useful technique for identifying the Contracaecum L3 larval species., life-cycle biology, transmission methods, and types of intermediate hosts.

The Impact of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) on the Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis: A Multi-Biomarker Evaluation

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has been widely studied due to its environmental persistence and bioaccumulation potential, raising concerns about its effects on aquatic life. This research evaluates the impact of PFOA on the antioxidant defenses and stress response systems of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mussels were exposed to three concentrations of PFOA (1, 10, and 100 µg·L−1) over 28 days. Several biomarkers, including glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), vitellogenin (VTG), ubiquitin (UBI), and caspase-3 (CASP) were analyzed. The results suggest stress responses, particularly in animals exposed to higher concentrations, as shown by GST and SOD activities which increased according to PFOA concentrations. Additionally, oxidative stress markers such as MDA and CAT showed variable responses depending on the exposure concentration tested. This study underscores the need for further investigation into the effects of PFOA on mollusks but also the need to unveil gender-specific responses in aquatic organisms exposed to this contaminant. The concentrations of PFOA used in our research are lower than those examined in previous studies, providing crucial insights into the impacts of even minimal exposure levels. It highlights the potential of M. galloprovincialis as a bioindicator in environmental monitoring programs, providing crucial insights for environmental management and policymaking regarding regulating and monitoring PFOA in marine settings. Consequently, in a country where seafood consumption is the second largest in Europe, implementing environmental policies and regulatory measures to manage and monitor PFOA levels in marine environments is crucial.

Existence of Thermotolerant and Salt-Loving Diarrheagenic Vibrio alginolyticus in Non-Saline Potable Water System: A Novel Finding from India.

We present a novel report of abundance of halophilic Vibrio alginolyticus with thermotolerant and enterotoxigenic characteristics from community water system of an inland-focus of India causing diarrheal outbreak as an index pathogen. Though, Vibrio alginolyticus causing diarrhea after exposure to marine water and consumption of seafood was reported globally, its existence in non-saline drinking-water sources with pathogenic viability was unknown. A 'matched-pair-case-control' study identified the primary source of V. alginolyticus infection as 'tap-water' distributed by the municipality, used for drinking (MOR: 8.33; 95% CI 2.51-27.6) and household chores (MOR: 3.75; 95% CI 1.24-11.3). Cardinal toxin gene 'tdh' and other pathogenicity markers viz.tlh, vppC, toxR, VPI, T3SS1 and sxt were detected in V. alginolyticus isolates. Expression potential of the hemolytic genes are demonstrated by hemolysis assay and transcriptome analysis. Altogether 30.55% of isolates exhibited strong hemolytic potential in vitro. RT-PCR revealed uninterrupted virulence gene expression in outbreak strains under heat stress. Surprisingly, ~ 100% of V. alginolyticus from the outbreak focus were sensitive/partially sensitive to all group of antibiotics except β-lactums, carbapenem and quinolones. High drug-sensitivity suggested lack of previous human gut exposure and indicated a fresh dissemination from the environmental niche to the community domain. The maximum likelihood phylogeny depicted multiple clades in V. alginolyticus strains from Pan India sources. Isolated outbreak strains shared common ancestry with the strains from nearby riverine system, a source of 'drinking water' supplied to the affected community, confirming its environmental origin. V. alginolyticus, traditionally a fish-pathogen, is steadily gaining an emerging epidemiological relevance alongside other waterborne diarrheagenic bacteria and its 'thermotolerant' attribute poses additional threat under the canvas of climate change.

Environmental Contaminants in Fish Products: Food Safety Issues and Remediation Strategies.

The intentional or accidental presence of environmental contaminants, such as persistent organic pollutants, metals, and microplastics, can harm the aquatic ecosystem and their living organisms, as well as consumers of seafood. This study provides an overview of marine pollution caused by various chemicals and their toxicity to both the environment and humans. In addition to regulatory limits established for some contaminants, monitoring and management policies should mandate activities such as bioremediation and the use of carbon-based composite photocatalysts to reduce or eliminate these compounds.

Human exposure to heavy metals and possible public health risks via consumption of mussels M. galloprovincialis from the Albanian sea cost

Heavy metals in the marine environment are significant contaminants that readily bioaccumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms, particularly in filter-feeding animals such as bivalve molluscs. Human exposure to elevated concentrations of heavy metals, including essential elements such as Fe, Cu, and Zn, through the consumption of seafood can lead to various pathological effects. Research has demonstrated that among bivalve molluscs, mussels are the most effective indicators for monitoring marine pollution. Consequently, this study focused on the species Mytilus galloprovincialis to evaluate the levels of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the two primary harvesting areas of Albania and to assess the associated human health risks from mussel consumption. The results revealed a concerning situation, particularly for Pb and Cd, with average concentrations of 2.15 μg/g and 4.14 μg/g, respectively, significantly exceeding the limits established by Regulation (EC) No. 915/2023. The levels of the other investigated elements also raised concerns, as only half of them were within the dietary intake values recommended by scientific authorities for weekly consumption of 250 g of mussels.

Occurrence and health risk of legacy and emerging halogenated flame retardants in seafood from the Beibu Gulf, China

Due to high industrialization and urbanization, the offshore areas may be contaminated with halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) by human activities. Seafood is a significant part of the human diet, especially for people living near the coast, and has been identified as a significant source of human exposure to HFRs. This study investigated the occurrence, composition, and dietary exposure to HFRs in seafood by analyzing samples (fish, shrimp, crab, and mollusk) collected from three provinces surrounding the Beibu Gulf, China. The concentrations of Σ14PBDEs ranged from 1.36 to 145.1 ng/g dry weight (dw), with Portunus trituberculatus and Harpiosquilla harpax having the highest and lowest concentrations, respectively. Among the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) congeners analyzed, BDE 209 was the most abundant. The levels of decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), 1, 2-bis (2, 4, 6 tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE), dechlorane plus (DP), and bis (2-ethylhexyl) 2, 3, 4, 5-tetrabromophthalate (TBPH) in seafood varied from not detected (ND) to 92.6 ng/g dw, ND to 696 ng/g dw, ND to 13.2 ng/g dw, and ND to 0.49 ng/g dw, respectively. The concentrations of the emerging HFRs (EHFRs) found in fish were significantly higher than in other bio-samples. Moreover, DBDPE was identified as the primary EHFR across all seafood samples. Fish and mollusks were the primary sources of ΣEHFRs and ΣPBDEs for overall local seafood consumption. According to the health risk assessment of PBDEs, the consumption of seafood in the Beibu Gulf does not pose a significant non-carcinogenic health risk to the residents.

Clinical and anamnestic factors affecting the progression of uterine fibroids

Background. Uterine fibroids (UF) is the most common tumor of the female reproductive system. In UF progression environmental factors are of great importance, which, without changing the genome, affect the activity of processes of hereditary information realization, the so-called epigenetic factors.Objective. To identify the most significant factors enhancing uterine myoma growth and the factors having protective effect.Material and methods of research. The study is a cohort retrospective non-randomized study in which 48 women took part: group 1–28 women with large-sized UF, group 2–20 women with small-sized UF. Retrospective analysis of medical records, questionnaire with the help of a questionnaire including 50 questions about the nature of lifestyle was carried out.Results of the study. The studied groups were comparable in age, marital status, education and living conditions. The average age of the patients in the first group was 48,21±5,24 years, in the second group 46,20±3,75 years. Based on the data obtained, the factors influencing the growth of uterine fibroids were identified and ranked. The main factors accelerating the progression of UF are high obesity (OR7.34 95% CL 1,035–178.2, p&lt;0.05), a history of cesarean section (OR4.85 95% CL 1,006–36.51, p&lt;0.05), the presence of UF in the mother (OR4.12 95% CL 1,022–21.21, p&lt;0.05), eating pork more than 3 times a week (OR4.12 95% CL 1,134–17.51, p&lt;0.05), short courses of using oral contraceptives (OR4.12 95% CL 1,02–21.21, p&lt;0.05), rare consumption of fish and seafood (OR3.88 95% CL 1,06–16.57, p&lt;0.05), low physical activity (OR4.12 95% CL 1,134–17.51, p&lt;0.05), duration of dynamic observation for more than 5 years (OR3.506 95% CL 1,042–12.75, p&lt;0.05). Protective factors that slow down the growth of uterine fibroids can be called taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve dysmenorrhea (OR0.28 95% CL 0.075–0.989, p&lt;0.05), limiting sugar intake (OR0.187 95% CL 0.035–0.814, p&lt;0.05), no pork consumption (OR0 95% CL 0.0–0.5097 p&lt;0.05), consumption of fish and seafood 3 or more times a week (OR0.149 95% CL 0.0189–0.7756, p&lt;0.05), the presence of 3 or more births in the anamnesis through the natural birth canal (OR0 95% CL 0.0–0.563, p&lt;0.05), regular sexual activity (OR0.280 95% CL 0.0745–0.989, p&lt;0.05), alcohol exclusion (OR0.495 95% CL 0.01893–0.7756, p&lt;0.05), underweight (OR0.95% CL 0.0–0.3809, p&lt;0.05).Conclusion. It is necessary to encourage women not to postpone motherhood, to popularize having many children, family values, to modify the lifestyle of women with already detected uterine fibroids by increasing motor activity, limiting the consumption of pork and sugar, increasing the consumption of fish and seafood.

A Social Practice Perspective of Ireland's Lobster Cultural Food Heritage

The research examines integrating the Slow Food Movement (SFM) with Ireland's lobster industry, emphasising preserving local culinary heritage as crucial for Sustainable Food Systems. This heritage includes both tangible elements, like agricultural practices and intangible ones, such as traditional food preparation. Slow food aims to protect these traditions from the homogenisation of food production. Using Social Practice Theory, the research analyses lobster consumption in Ireland, underscoring its symbolic importance in Irish culture to develop a novel framework adapted from the Social Practice Framework. The study combines qualitative interviews and secondary data analysis to explore lobster's role in Irish culinary heritage and its potential for promoting sustainable seafood consumption. Results from the study highlight the critical role of Irish lobster fishing communities in maintaining cultural food heritage, with traditional practices contributing to ecological and economic sustainability. The SFM influences lobster consumption, supporting sustainable and culturally important food practices. This research underscores the intricate link between tradition and sustainability, suggesting a model to balance cultural integrity with sustainable practices, contributing to a more culturally informed and environmentally conscious food consumption approach.

Detection of Illicit Conservation Treatments in Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax): Application and Data Integration of NIR Spectrometers.

Global fish and seafood consumption is increasing annually, frequently leading to the emergence of food fraud, mainly related to mislabeling and adulteration like, for example, the use of illicit/unauthorized food additives to mask or delay fish spoilage. Among the available diagnostic tools for control purposes, spectroscopic techniques have often been proposed to identify these kinds of illicit practices in fish and seafood products. The presented study aims to test two cheap and portable near infrared (NIR) spectrometers, a handheld MicroNIR and a pocket-sized SCiO, to uncover use of the illicit food additive Cafodos, a mixture of sodium citrate and hydrogen peroxide used to preserve some fish characteristics (like smell, color, na dtexture). The NIR spectroscopy in combination with chemometric approaches, allowed the successfully classification of (81-100%) samples of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) treated with Cafodos. The study highlights the potential of this technique that, by not requiring pre-treatment of samples with further reagents, is cheaper and safer for the environment. In conclusion, the study confirmed the potential of portable devices for rapid NIR spectroscopy analysis to identify food fraud and ensure consumer safety.

Monitoring of urinary nickel and chromium in metal industries workers in Alborz, Iran

Heavy metal contamination from occupational sources is a cause for concern due to its potential accumulation in the environment and the body of living organisms, which leads to long-term toxic effects. There is limited evidence on the concentration of heavy metals in the body fluids of welding workers. This study aimed to measure the concentration of nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) as two main toxic heavy metals in the urine samples of welders and determine the potential relationship of various environmental factors on their concentration levels. This study was conducted in Iran in 2022–2023. Eighty-five urine samples were collected from the studied welding workers. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to measure the concentration of Ni and Cr. Data related to socio-demographic characteristics (education level, income, work experience, age, and body mass index (BMI)), lifestyle profile (consumption of seafood and canned food, smoking, physical activity), type of ventilation and preventive devices at work, and suffering from underlying diseases (cardiovascular and high blood pressure) were collected using valid questionnaires. Ni and Cr were present in 100% of urine samples with mean concentrations of (1.09 ± 0.294) and (11.45 ± 16.751) µg/g creatinine, respectively. A significant correlation was observed between the mean concentration of Ni and Cr with the level of education, income, work experience, age, consumption of seafood and canned food, smoking, type of ventilation and preventive devices, and underlying diseases (p-value < 0.05). Also, there was no significant difference between Ni concentration and physical activity and Cr concentration with BMI. Lifestyle determinants and not using preventive devices are important predictors of urinary heavy metals in welding workers. Therefore, more research is required to determine the adverse effects of long-term exposure to these heavy metals.

Cutaneous mastocytosis: diagnostic challenges and dietary influences in a prolonged case report

Cutaneous mastocytosis is a rare condition characterized by abnormal mast cell proliferation in the skin. We present the case of a 65-year-old man with recurrent urticaria-like rashes persisting for more than eight years. Despite multiple misdiagnoses as insect bites, examination and biopsy revealed mast cell infiltration. The patient's unique lifestyle, particularly his frequent seafood consumption, adds an intriguing dimension to the case. Treatment with systemic antihistamines and corticosteroids provided symptomatic relief, but long-term follow-up showed the persistence of clinical lesions, indicating that the treatment did not adequately address the underlying cause of the disease. A notable improvement in disease control was observed when the patient's diet was adjusted, suggesting a potential link between food and cutaneous mastocytosis. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis in Syria.

Willingness to pay for farmed salmon: Balancing sustainability and safety perceptions

Given pressure on wild fish stocks, aquaculture has worked to develop farmed seafood markets. While farmed seafood should be more sustainable, consumers may lack confidence in its sustainability and may have food safety concerns. Using a sample of 266 seafood consumers in the US state of Maine, the study examined preferences for wild-caught and farmed salmon based on safety perceptions of the latter. Most preferred wild-caught, but this declined with lower food safety concerns. Additionally, willingness to pay for certified sustainably farmed versus non-certified farmed salmon was compared, revealing higher premiums with greater confidence in food safety. The industry should improve food safety perceptions and promote its benefits as a sustainable seafood source.

Human biomonitoring of essential and toxic trace elements (heavy metals and metalloids) in urine of children, teenagers, and young adults from a Central European Cohort in the Czech Republic.

Exposure to toxic trace elements, which include metals and metalloids, can induce adverse health effects, including life-threatening diseases. Conversely, essential trace elements are vital for bodily functions, yet their excessive (or inadequate) intake may pose health risks. Therefore, identifying levels and determinants of exposure to trace elements is crucial for safeguarding human health. The present study analyzed urinary concentrations of 14 trace elements (arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, mercury, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, lead, antimony, selenium, thallium, and zinc) and their exposure determinants in 711 individuals, spanningfrom children to young adults from a Central European population from the Czech Republic. Multivariate linear regression and non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA were used to investigate exposure determinants. Estimates of 95th percentile concentrations and confidence intervals were carried out to establish reference values(RV95). The study also assessed the percentage of population exceeding health-based guidance values (GVs) to gauge health risks. Young adults showed elevated toxic element concentrations, whereas children exhibited higher concentrations of essential elements. Mercury concentrations were associated with both dental amalgam filling count and seafood intake; arsenic concentrations were associated with seafood, rice, and mushroom consumption. Mushroom consumption also influenced lead concentrations. Sex differences were found for cadmium, zinc, nickel, and cobalt. Between 17.9% and 25% of the participants exceeded recommended GV for arsenic, while 2.4% to 2.8% exceeded GV for cadmium. Only one participant exceeded the GV for mercury, and none exceeded GVs for chromium and thallium. Essential trace elements' GVs were surpassed by 38% to 68.5% participants for zinc, 1.3% to 1.8% for molybdenum, and 0.2% to 0.3% for selenium. The present study examines trace element exposure in a Central European population from the Czech Republic, unveiling elevated exposure levels of toxic elements in young adults and essential elements in children. It elucidates key determinants of trace element exposure, including dietary and lifestyle indicators as well as dental amalgam fillings. Additionally, the study establishes novel reference values and acomparison with established health-based human biomonitoring guidance values, which are crucial for public health decision-making. This comprehensive biomonitoring study provides essential data to inform public health policies and interventions.

Efficiency of Sustainability Cues in Consumer Choices of Seafood—Consumer Segments and Willingness to Pay in Southern China

Achieving sustainability goals in the food system should be informed by consumer demand that signals the market trend and drives systemic changes. This study examines the efficiency of sustainability cues in influencing consumer choices of seafood among consumers in Southern China. The preference and willingness to pay for each seafood attribute are estimated using the Latent Class Logit model. The results show that respondents strongly believed in governmental certifications and were more willing to pay for domestic seafood certified to public standards over imported seafood with third-party sustainability certifications. By integrating individual characteristics into the membership function, this study finds that the preference for sustainability cues and other authenticity cues is related to seafood consumption habits and education. The study highlights the efficiency heterogeneity of sustainability cues, providing valuable insights for formulating public policy and developing marketing strategies that promote sustainable consumption.

Investigating tributyltin's toxic effects: Intestinal barrier and neuroenteric disruption in rat’s jejunum

The expansion of economic activities in coastal areas has significantly increased chemical contamination, leading to major environmental challenges. Contaminants enter the human body through the food chain, particularly via seafood and water consumption, triggering biomagnification and bioaccumulation processes. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) acts as a selective barrier, protecting against chemical pollutants and maintaining homeostasis through a complex network of cells and immune responses. This study assessed impact of tributyltin (TBT), a highly toxic organometallic compound used in antifouling coatings for ships, on the GIT and myenteric neural plasticity in young rats. TBT exposure leads to histopathological changes, including epithelial detachment and inflammatory foci, especially at lower environmental doses. The study found that TBT causes significant reductions in villi height, increases in goblet cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes, and disrupts the myenteric plexus, with higher densities of extraganglionic neurons in exposed animals.

Human health risk assessment of potentially toxic metals in fish (Cynoglossus sp.) commonly consumed in Nigeria

In order to determine the concentrations of certain metals that may be hazardous in widely consumed fish species (Cynoglossus sp.) in Nigeria, atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used. The main objectives were to determine the most likely sources of these metals and assess the potential health concerns connected with consuming fish. Fish samples were collected from Sabo market, Ile-Ife, Osun state. They were digested using HNO3 and H2O2 and subjected to elemental analysis (Fe, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cu, Cd, Co, and Cr) using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that Lead (Pb) had the lowest mean concentration of 0.56 ± 0.01 mg/kg, while Zinc (Zn) had the highest average concentration of 12.88 ± 0.18 mg/kg. Strong and substantial correlations between the studied metals were shown by the analysis of the correlation matrix and cluster patterns. The study also evaluated a number of health risk parameters, including target hazard quotient, estimated daily intake, and cancer risk, which together suggested that consuming these fish samples posed health concerns for both adults and children. According to relative risk, seafood consumption raises the most alarm about Cd levels. The study came to the conclusion that due to the propensity for these potentially hazardous metals to bioaccumulate, only a moderate amount of these fish samples should be consumed. Additionally, it is strongly advised to discourage the disposal of domestic and industrial wastes into water bodies.