Health Effects Research Articles

Oral dysbiosis and risk of gastrointestinal cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies.

Poor oral health and oral dysbiosis were found to be associated with cancers, especially of the gastrointestinal (GI)system. But the cause-and-effect relationship and the effect of the risk are not yet known due to scarcity of literature. Understanding such risk relationship can contribute to an integrated multi-disciplinary approach for GI cancer prevention. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the role of oral dysbiosis on increasing the risk of digestive system cancers. To evaluate the effect of poor oral health on increasing the risk of gastrointestinal cancers. We conducted a systematic search following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in databases PubMed, Elsevier, Wiley's online library and Web of Science from inception to February 2023 to include recent cohort studies that assessed the association between poor oral health and the risk of cancer. We assessed bias using the New Castle Ottawa scale. We used inferential statistics to describe the effect of oral dysbiosis on gastrointestinal cancers. We performed a sub-group analysis to assess the effect of oral conditions on individual cancers. We included 10 longitudinal studies in the meta-analysis. The overall effect size of poor oral health and GI cancer risk was hazard's ratio (HR) =1.30 (95% CI: [1.14, 1.46]) (p<0.001) (I2 = 68.78). Sub-group analysis indicated that poor oral health increases the risk of esophageal cancer HR=1.61 (95% CI: [1.37, 1.85]), stomach cancer HR=1.33 (95% CI: [1.08, 1.58]), pancreatic cancer HR=1.90 (95%CI; [1.29, 2.50]) and colorectal and hepatocellular carcinoma HR=1.16 (95% CI: [1.08, 1.23]). The meta-analysis indicated that poor oral health was significantly associated with increasing the risk of GI cancers.

Is Austerity Responsible for the Stalled Mortality Trends Across Many High-Income Countries? A Systematic Review.

This article systematically reviews evidence evaluating whether macroeconomic austerity policies impact mortality, reviewing high-income country data compiled through systematic searches of nine databases and gray literature using pre-specified methods (PROSPERO registration: CRD42020226609). Eligible studies were quantitatively assessed to determine austerity's impact on mortality. Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility and risk of bias using ROBINS-I. Synthesis without meta-analysis was conducted due to heterogeneity. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE framework. Of 5,720 studies screened, seven were included, with harmful effects of austerity policies demonstrated in six, and no effect in one. Consistent harmful impacts of austerity were demonstrated for all-cause mortality, life expectancy, and cause-specific mortality across studies and different austerity measures. Excess mortality was higher in countries with greater exposure to austerity. Certainty of evidence was low. Risk of bias was moderate to critical. A typical austerity dose was associated with 74,090 [-40,632, 188,792] and 115,385 [26,324, 204,446] additional deaths per year. Austerity policies are consistently associated with adverse mortality outcomes, but the magnitude of this effect remains uncertain and may depend on how austerity is implemented (e.g., balance between public spending reductions or tax rises, and distributional consequences). Policymakers should be aware of potential harmful health effects of austerity policies.

Per-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as thyroid disruptors: is there evidence for multi-transgenerational effects?

The environmental spread of pollutants has led to a persistent exposure of living beings to multiple chemicals, by now become ubiquitous in the surrounding environment. Environmental exposure to these substances has been reported to cause multi- and/or transgenerational health effects. Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) raise great concern, given their known effects both as endocrine disruptors and potential carcinogens. The multi/trans-generational effects of different endocrine disruptors have been investigated by several studies, and harmful effects observed also for PFAS. This review examines the current data on the multi-trans-generational effects of PFAS, with a focus on their impact on the thyroid axis. The aim is to determine if there is evidence of potential multi-trans-generational effects of PFAS on the thyroid and/or if more research is needed. PFAS exposure impacts thyroid homeostasis and can cross the placental barrier. In addition PFAS have shown multi-transgenerational effects in laboratory experiences and animal models, but thyroid disruptive effects of PFAS were also investigated only in a small number of these studies. Efforts are needed to study the adverse effects of PFAS, as not all PFAS are regulated and removal strategies are still being developed.

Statement of Retraction: The health effects of Low-carbon Province Pilot Policy in China: an empirical evidence based on China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) from 2010 to 2016

Statement of Retraction: The health effects of Low-carbon Province Pilot Policy in China: an empirical evidence based on China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) from 2010 to 2016

Distribution of volatile organic compounds by distance from industrial complexes and potential health impact on the residents.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the air pollutants emitted from the petrochemical industry known to pose adverse health effects on workers. The database based on the third phase of The Environmental Health Study in the Korean National Industrial Complexes (EHSNIC) in Ulsan conducted from 2018 to 2021 was used. Subjects were divided into the exposed and control group according to the estimated pollution level and distances from the industrial complexes. Ambient benzene, ethylbenzene, and xylene were significantly higher in the exposed group compared to the controls, as well as their metabolites. Risk of chronic disease and atopic dermatitis was higher in the exposed group which was supported by higher serum inflammatory markers and high hazard index of the exposed region. These results can draw attention to people engaged with environmental plans and used as primary data when making policies to reduce pollutant levels around industrial complexes.

Associations of Long-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Constituents With Cardiovascular Diseases and Underlying Metabolic Mediations: A Prospective Population-Based Cohort in Southwest China.

The health effects of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) might differ depending on compositional variations. Little is known about the joint effect of PM2.5 constituents on metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aims to evaluate the combined associations of PM2.5 components with CVD, identify the most detrimental constituent, and further quantify the mediation effect of metabolic syndrome. A total of 14 427 adults were included in a cohort study in Sichuan, China, and were followed to obtain the diagnosis of CVD until 2021. Metabolic syndrome was defined by the simultaneous occurrence of multiple metabolic disorders measured at baseline. The concentrations of PM2.5 chemical constituents within a 1-km2 grid were derived based on satellite- and ground-based detection methods. Cox proportional hazard models showed that black carbon, organic matter (OM), nitrate, ammonium, chloride, and sulfate were positively associated with CVD risks, with hazard ratios (HRs) ranging from 1.24 to 2.11 (all P<0.05). Quantile g-computation showed positive associations with 4 types of CVD risks (HRs ranging from 1.48 to 2.25, all P<0.05). OM and chloride had maximum weights for CVD risks. Causal mediation analysis showed that the positive association of OM with total CVD was mediated by metabolic syndrome, with a mediation proportion of 1.3% (all P<0.05). Long-term exposure to PM2.5 chemical constituents is positively associated with CVD risks. OM and chloride appear to play the most responsible role in the positive associations between PM2.5 and CVD. OM is probably associated with CVD through metabolic-related pathways.

Mercury as a Pollutant: Sources, Routes of Exposure, and Health Effects

Mercury as a Pollutant: Sources, Routes of Exposure, and Health Effects

Determining the toxicological effects of indoor air pollution on both a healthy and an inflammatory-comprised model of the alveolar epithelial barrier in vitro.

Exposure to indoor air pollutants (IAP) has increased recently, with people spending more time indoors (i.e. homes, offices, schools and transportation). Increased exposures of IAP on a healthy population are poorly understood, and those with allergic respiratory conditions even less so. The objective of this study, therefore, was to implement a well-characterised in vitro model of the human alveolar epithelial barrier (A549 + PMA differentiated THP-1 incubated with and without IL-13, IL-5 and IL-4) to determine the effects of a standardised indoor particulate (NIST 2583) on both a healthy lung model and one modelling a type-II (stimulated with IL-13, IL-5 and IL-4) inflammatory response (such as asthma).Using concentrations from the literature, and an environmentally appropriate exposure we investigated 232, 464 and 608ng/cm2 of NIST 2583 respectively. Membrane integrity (blue dextran), viability (trypan blue), genotoxicity (micronucleus (Mn) assay) and (pro-)/(anti-)inflammatory effects (IL-6, IL-8, IL-33, IL-10) were then assessed 24 h post exposure to both models. Models were exposed using a physiologically relevant aerosolisation method (VitroCell Cloud 12 exposure system).No changes in Mn frequency or membrane integrity in either model were noted when exposed to any of the tested concentrations of NIST 2583. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in cell viability at the highest concentration was observed in the healthy model. Whilst cell viability in the "inflamed" model was decreased at the lower concentrations (significantly (p < 0.05) after 464ng/cm2). A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in IL-10 and a significant increase in IL-33 was seen after 24 h exposure to NIST 2583 (464, 608ng/cm2) in the "inflamed" model.Collectively, the results indicate the potential for IAP to cause the onset of a type II response as well as exacerbating pre-existing allergic conditions. Furthermore, the data imposes the importance of considering unhealthy individuals when investigating the potential health effects of IAP. It also highlights that even in a healthy population these particles have the potential to induce this type II response and initiate an immune response following exposure to IAP.

The burden of radiation exposure in congenital heart disease: the Italian cohort profile and bioresource collection in HARMONIC project.

The European-funded Health Effects of Cardiac Fluoroscopy and Modern Radiotherapy in Pediatrics (HARMONIC) project aims to improve knowledge on the effects of medical exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) received during childhood. One of its objectives is to build a consolidated European cohort of pediatric patients who have undergone cardiac catheterization (Cath) procedures, with the goal of enhancing the assessment of long-term radiation-associated cancer risk. The purpose of our study is to provide a detailed description of the Italian cohort contributing to the HARMONIC project, including an analysis of cumulative IR exposure, reduction trend over the years and an overview of the prospective collection of biological samples for research in this vulnerable population. In asingle-centerretrospective cohort study, a total of 584 patients (323 males) with a median age of 6 (2-13) years, referred at the Pediatric Cardiology in Niguarda Hospital from January 2015 to October 2023, were included. Biological specimens from asubsetof 60 patients were prospectively collected for biobanking atbaseline, immediately post-procedure and after 12months. Two hundred fifty-nine (44%) patients were under 1year old at their first procedure. The median KAP/weight was 0.09Gy·cm2/kg (IQR: 0.03-0.20), and the median fluoroscopy time was 8.10min (IQR: 4.00-16.25). KAP/weight ratio showed a positive correlation with the fluoroscopy time (Spearman's rho = 0.679, p < 0.001). Significant dose reduction was observed either after implementation of an upgraded technology system and a radiation training among staff. The Italian cohort includes 1858 different types of specimens for Harmonic biobank, including blood, plasma, serum, clot, cell pellet/lymphocytes, saliva. In the Italian Harmonic cohort, radiation dose in cardiac catheterization varies by age and procedure type. An institution's radiological protection strategy has contributed to a reduction in radiation dose over time. Biological samples provide a valuable resource for future research, offering an opportunity to identify potential early biomarkers for health surveillance and personalized risk assessment.

Exploring novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying Bisphenol A-induced toxicity: A persistent threat to human health.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous industrial chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, found in numerous consumer products. Despite its widespread use, its potential adverse health effects have raised significant concerns. This review explores the molecular mechanisms and evidence-based literature underlying BPA-induced toxicities and its implications for human health. BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) which exhibits carcinogenic properties by influencing various receptors, such as ER, AhR, PPARs, LXRs, and RARs. It induces oxidative stress and contributes to cellular dysfunction, inflammation, and DNA damage, ultimately leading to various toxicities including but not limited to reproductive, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and endocrine toxicity. Moreover, BPA can modify DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA expression, leading to epigenetic changes and contribute to carcinogenesis. Overall, understanding molecular mechanisms of BPA-induced toxicity is crucial for developing effective strategies and policies to mitigate its adverse effects on human health.

The use of an in vitro fecal fermentation model to uncover the beneficial role of omega-3 and punicic acid in gut microbiota alterations induced by a Western diet.

The influence of gut microbiota in the onset and development of several metabolic diseases has gained attention over the last few years. Diet plays an essential role in gut microbiota modulation. Western diet (WD), characterized by high-sugar and high-fat consumption, alters gut microbiome composition, diversity index, microbial relative levels, and functional pathways. Despite the promising health effects demonstrated by polyunsaturated fatty acids, their impact on gut microbiota is still overlooked. The effect of Fish oil (omega-3 source) and Pomegranate oil (punicic acid source), and a mixture of both oils in gut microbiota modulation were determined by subjecting the oil samples to in vitro fecal fermentations. Cecal samples from rats from two different dietary groups: a control diet (CD) and a high-fat high-sugar diet (WD), were used as fecal inoculum. 16S amplicon metagenomics sequencing showed that Fish oil + Pomegranate oil from the WD group increased α-diversity. This sample can also increase the relative abundance of the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phylum as well as Akkermansia and Blautia, which were affected by the WD consumption. All samples were able to increase butyrate and acetate concentration in the WD group. Moreover, tyrosine concentrations, a precursor for dopamine and norepinephrine, increase in the Fish oil + Pomegranate oil WD sample. GABA, an important neurotransmitter, was also increased in WD samples. These results suggest a potential positive impact of these oils' mixture on gut-brain axis modulation. It was demonstrated, for the first time, the great potential of using a mixture of both Fish and Pomegranate oil to restore the gut microbiota changes associated with WD consumption.

Heated tobacco products- well known or well understood? A national cross-sectional study on knowledge, attitudes and usage in Pakistan.

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are reshaping the tobacco industry and just recently, a plan was sought to regularize HTPs in Pakistan. Pakistan provides an intriguing case study in this context, as tobacco use is deeply ingrained in public use. To ensure that future evidence-based policy recommendations are grounded in the public's knowledge, attitudes, and usage of HTPs, a nationwide survey must be conducted. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online-based questionnaire nationwide in Pakistan. The questionnaire was validated and distributed through convenience sampling. The questionnaire assessed participants' knowledge, attitudes, and usage of HTPs. Descriptive statistics was used to describe participants' response and linear regression was performed at a p-value of < 0.05 using SPSS version 26. In our sample of 1195 respondents (mean age of 33 years, 41.8% males and 58.2% females), 54.7% had previously heard about HTPs and 16.9% reported using HTPs at least once. Additionally, 38.24% were unsure of the legality of HTP use. Those with monthly household incomes of PKR 100,000 to 500,000, were more likely to have higher knowledge scores (OR:1.80[1.07-3.04]). On the other hand, males (OR:0.70 [0.55-0.89]) and respondents from Balochistan (OR:0.40 [0.22-0.71]) were more likely to have lower knowledge scores. The strongest motivators were the enjoyability of HTPs (55.73%) and usage as a cigarette alternative (54.64%), while the strongest deterrents were the negative health effects (82.68%) and potential for addiction (81.01%). Our study underscores the need for awareness campaigns and interventions concerning HTPs, given prevalent preconceived notions and mixed attitudes among respondents. It was found that women and households with higher incomes scored higher on knowledge. Subjective enjoyment and a substitute for cigarettes were important motivators, but the most mentioned deterrents were the possibility of addiction and the detrimental effects on health. These insights form the basis for informed policy making for non-cigarette tobacco products.

Survey of occupational hygiene professional practice in Spanish-speaking countries.

Professional credentialing schemes based on experience and examination are used to clarify the scope and required competencies associated with the practice of a profession. National occupational hygiene (OH) credentials developed in 17 nations have been recognized by the International Occupational Hygiene Association (IOHA) to meet or exceed the requirements of a model certification program. To date, there is no credentialing or certification scheme for occupational hygienists in Spanish-speaking regions. To fill this void, a new credentialing body has been created named the Iberoamerican Board of Occupational Hygiene (JIHO). As a first step to the development of a certification exam for a profession, it is necessary to determine the interest in an occupational hygiene certification exam in Spanish and to clarify the most common work practices for those practicing the profession. To determine the proper exam weightings for occupational hygiene competencies needed to practice in Spanish-speaking regions JIHO conducted a comprehensive survey of professional practice of occupational hygiene in nations where Spanish is spoken as the primary language. Surveys were sent to 456 practicing occupational hygienists in nine different countries on a variety of topics. Results indicated that 79% of respondents felt the need for an OH certification exam in Spanish was very or extremely important. The most frequent and important technical competencies utilized in practice were (1) awareness about the health effects of hazardous agents to make decisions about workplace activities and exposures, (2) application of the hierarchy of controls, control banding, hazard communication, training of employees and other methods to reduce worker exposure and workplace risks, and (3) application of principles to recognize and control biohazards in the workplace. The study results have been used to guide the weighting and importance of various technical topics and rubrics on the JIHO exam. Data from this study can be used in the development of certification examinations, to improve international coherence in the profession, and the development of educational programs in OH.

Changes of PM2.5 and O3 and their impact on human health in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

In recent years, the combined pollution of PM2.5 and O3 in China, particularly in economically developed regions such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), has garnered significant attention due to its potential implications. This study systematically investigated the changes of PM2.5 and O3 and their associated human health effects in the GBA, utilizing observational data spanning from 2015 to 2019. The findings revealed a spatial trend indicating a gradual decrease in PM2.5 levels from the northwest to the southeast, while the spatial distribution of MDA8 O3 demonstrated an opposing pattern to that of PM2.5. The monthly fluctuations of PM2.5 and MDA8 O3 exhibited V-shaped and M-shaped patterns, respectively. Higher MDA8 O3 concentrations were observed in autumn, followed by summer and spring. Over the five-year period, PM2.5 concentrations exhibited a general decline, with an annual reduction rate of 1.7μgm-3/year, while MDA8 O3 concentrations displayed an annual increase of 3.2μgm-3. Among the GBA regions, Macao, Foshan, Guangzhou, and Jiangmen demonstrated notable decreases in PM2.5, whereas Jiangmen, Zhongshan, and Guangzhou experienced substantial increases in MDA8 O3 levels. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 in 2019 was associated with 21,113 (95% CI 4968-31,048) all-cause deaths (AD), 1333 (95% CI 762-1714) cardiovascular deaths (CD), and 1424 (95% CI 0-2848) respiratory deaths (RD), respectively, reflecting declines of 27.6%, 28.0%, and 28.4%, respectively, compared to 2015. Conversely, in 2019, estimated AD, CD, and RD attributable to O3 were 16,286 (95% CI 8143-32,572), 7321 (95% CI 2440-14,155), and 6314 (95% CI 0-13,576), respectively, representing increases of 45.9%, 46.2%, and 44.2% over 2015, respectively. Taken together, these findings underscored a shifting focus in air pollution control in the GBA, emphasizing the imperative for coordinated control strategies targeting both PM2.5 and O3.

Plant-Based Meat Analogues in the Human Diet: What Are the Hazards?

Research regarding meat analogues is mostly based on formulation and process development. Information concerning their safety, shelf life, and long-term nutritional and health effects is limited. This article reviews the existing literature and analyzes potential hazards introduced or modified throughout the processing chain of plant-based meat analogues via extrusion processing, encompassing nutritional, microbiological, chemical, and allergen aspects. It was found that the nutritional value of plant-based raw materials and proteins extracted thereof increases along the processing chain. However, the nutritional value of plant-based meat analogues is lower than that of e.g., animal-based products. Consequently, higher quantities of these products might be needed to achieve a nutritional profile similar to e.g., meat. This could lead to an increased ingestion of undigestible proteins and dietary fiber. Although dietary fibers are known to have many positive health benefits, they present a hazard since their consumption at high concentrations might lead to gastrointestinal reactions. Even though there is plenty of ongoing research on this topic, it is still not clear how the sole absorption of metabolites derived from plant-based products compared with animal-based products ultimately affects human health. Allergens were identified as a hazard since plant-based proteins can induce an allergic reaction, are known to have cross-reactivities with other allergens and cannot be eliminated during the processing of meat analogues. Microbiological hazards, especially the occurrence of spore- and non-spore-forming bacteria, do not represent a particular case if requirements and regulations are met. Lastly, it was concluded that there are still many unknown variables and open questions regarding potential hazards possibly present in meat analogues, including processing-related compounds such as n-nitrosamines, acrylamide, and heterocyclic aromatic amino acids.

Nutritional Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), the land-grant university for the State of Illinois, was founded in 1865, and education in nutrition was recorded as early as 1874. Herein, the contributions of the UIUC to research and graduate training in the field of nutrition are highlighted. Over the past 150 years, faculty members from many academic units have provided foundational nutrition research, including identifying the last essential amino acid, threonine, and establishing chemically defined amino acid diets for chicks, rats, dogs, and cats that led to establishing amino acid requirements for these species. Research on the adverse health effects of trans fatty acids supported their removal from the food system. UIUC has led in the area of functional foods for health, including plant bioactives, soy, and fiber. More recently, UIUC faculty have evaluated the interactions between dietary components and neurocognitive, microbiome, and health outcomes, including cancer. In 2020, the cross-campus Personalized Nutrition Initiative was launched to coordinate interdisciplinary research. The Division of Nutritional Sciences was established in 1968 as one of the country’s first interdisciplinary graduate training programs. The Division of Nutritional Sciences program has conferred over 580 degrees and has implemented innovations in graduate education, many supported by federal training grants and endowed awards and programs.

An Overview of Tools and Challenges for Safety Evaluation and Exposure Assessment in Industry 4.0

Airborne pollutants pose a significant threat in the occupational workplace resulting in adverse health effects. Within the Industry 4.0 environment, new systems and technologies have been investigated for risk management and as health and safety smart tools. The use of predictive algorithms via artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools, real-time data exchange via the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and digital twin (DT) simulation provide innovative solutions for accident prevention and risk mitigation. Additionally, the use of smart sensors, wearable devices and virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR) platforms can support the training of employees in safety practices and signal the alarming concentrations of airborne hazards, providing support in designing safety strategies and hazard control options. Current reviews outline the drawbacks and challenges of these technologies, including the elevated stress levels of employees, cyber-security, data handling, and privacy concerns, while highlighting limitations. Future research should focus on the ethics, policies, and regulatory aspects of these technologies. This perspective puts together the advances and challenges of Industry 4.0 innovations in terms of occupational safety and exposure assessment, aiding in understanding the full potential of these technologies and supporting their application in industrial manufacturing environments.

Liquid Dynamics in the Upper Respiratory–Digestive System with Contracting Pharynx Motions and Varying Epiglottis Angles

Swallowing disorders, or dysphagia, can lead to bolus aspiration in the airway, causing serious adverse health effects. Current clinical interventions for dysphagia are mainly empirical and often based on symptoms rather than etiology, of which a thorough understanding is still lacking. However, it is challenging to study the swallowing process that involves sequential structural motions and is inaccessible to standard visualization instruments. This study proposed an in vitro method to visualize swallowing hydrodynamics and identify the fundamental mechanisms underlying overflow aspirations. An anatomically accurate pharynx–epiglottis model was developed from patient-specific CT images of 623 µm isotropic resolution. A compliant half-pharynx cast was prepared to incorporate dynamic structures and visualize the flow dynamics in the mid-sagittal plane. Three locations of frequent overflow aspiration were identified: the epiglottis base, cuneiform tubular recesses, and the interarytenoid notch. Water had a consistently higher aspiration risk than a 1% w/v methylcellulose (MC) solution. The contracting–relaxing pharynx and flapping epiglottis spread the liquid film, causing a delayed esophageal entry and increased vallecular residual, which was more pronounced with the MC solution. Dispensing the liquid too slowly resulted in water aspiration, whereas this was not observed with the MC solution. An incomplete epiglottis inversion, such as horizontal or down-tilt 45°, aggravated the aspiration risks of water. This study suggests that it is practical to use anatomically accurate respiratory–digestive models to study the swallowing process by incorporating varying physiological details.

How do labour market conditions explain the development of mental health over the life-course? a conceptual integration of the ecological model with life-course epidemiology in an integrative review of results from the Northern Swedish Cohort

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to contribute to the theoretical development within the field of labour market effects on mental health during life by integrating Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model with mainly earlier theoretical work on life-course theory.MethodsAn integrative review was performed of all 52 publications about labour market conditions in relation to mental health from the longitudinal Northern Swedish Cohort study. Inductive and deductive qualitative content analysis were performed in relation to Bronfenbrenner’s ecological framework combined with life-course theories.ResultsThe following nine themes were identified: 1. Macroeconomic recession impairs mental health among young people. 2. The mental health effects on individuals of youth unemployment seem rather insensitive to recession. 3. Small but consistent negative effect of neighbourhood unemployment and other work-related disadvantaged on individuals’ mental health over life. 4. Youth unemployment becomes embodied as scars of mental ill-health over life. 5. Weak labour market attachment impairs mental health over life. 6. Bidirectional relations between health and weak labour market attachment over life. 7. Macrolevel structures are of importance for how labour market position cause poor health. 8. Unequal gender relations at work impacts negatively on mental health. 9. The agency to improve health over life in dyadic relations. Unemployment in society permeates from the macrolevel into the exolevel, defined by Bronfenbrenner as for example the labour market of parents or partners or the neighbourhood into the settings closest to the individual (the micro- and mesolevel) and affects the relations between the work, family, and leisure spheres of the individual. Neighbourhood unemployment leads to poor health among those who live there, independent of their employment status. Individuals’ exposure to unemployment and temporary employment leads to poorer mental health over the life-course. Temporal dimensions were identified and combined with Bronfenbrenner levels into a contextual life-course modelConclusionCombining the ecosocial theory with life-course theories provides a framework for understanding the embodiment of work-related mental health over life. The labour market conditions surrounding the individual are of crucial importance for the embodiment of mental health over life, at the same time as individual agency can be health promoting. Mental health can be improved by societal efforts in regulations of the labour market.

Health Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements Contamination of Commonly Consumed Fruits in Bahir Dar Town, Northwest Ethiopia

Background. Excess accumulation of potentially toxic elements in frequently consumed fruits is a serious threat to human health. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) and to estimate the noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks associated with their daily intake in commonly consumed fruits in Bahir Dar town, northwest Ethiopia. Methods. Three types of fruits (mango, banana, and orange) were collected using a simple random sampling method from open markets in Bahir Dar town. Wet digestion was used, and the concentration of potentially toxic elements was analyzed in the edible portion of the fruits. The average daily intake (ADI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and target cancer risk (TCR) were estimated to assess the human health risks posed by the intake of those potentially toxic elements from the consumption of the studied fruits. Results. The concentrations of Cr and Cu were lower than the maximum limit of normal values in mango, banana, and orange. However, the Pb and Cd concentrations (mg kg-1) in mango were 0.576 and 1.771, respectively, which exceeded the FAO/WHO recommended permissible limits of 0.3 mg kg-1 and 0.2 mg kg-1, respectively. The ADI of potentially toxic elements was found to be lower than the maximum permitted tolerable daily intake in the studied fruits, and the HI values (mgday-1 kg-1) of all studied potentially toxic elements were lower than one in banana and orange, except mango (3.69). The TCR values for Pb, Cd, and Cr in banana and orange were 7.16×10−4 and 7.15×10−4, respectively, which exceeded the recommended threshold risk limit (&gt;1×10−4), but in mango (1.71×10−3), the level was above the moderate risk limit (&gt;1×10−3). However, the TCR value in all the studied fruits was above the recommended safe limit (ILCR&lt;1×10−6) set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA). Conclusion. The study revealed that the consumption of mango fruit in the studied areas may pose noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic adverse health effects.