Effect of Pattern and Duration of Breastfeeding on the Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables among Preschool Children

Background

The duration and pattern of breastfeeding can influence the consumption of fruits and vegetables in later childhood.

Objective

To investigate the association between pattern and duration of breastfeeding and consumption of fruits and vegetables in children aged between 4 and 7 years.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis using data from a former randomized clinical trial with 323 adolescent mothers, their children, and maternal grandmothers, when they cohabited. Information on infant feeding was collected monthly during the first 6 months of life, every two months until the child was 1 year old over and when children were between 4 and 7 years old. The associations between duration of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding and consumption of fruits and vegetables were tested by a logistic regression model.

Results

Approximately 60% and 45% of children consumed fruits and vegetables, respectively, five or more times a week. Consumption of vegetables among 4-7-year-old children was higher in children who were breastfed for 12 months or longer (OR 2.7; 95%CI 1.49–4.93); however, exclusive breastfeeding duration did not have a significant association with consumption of vegetables (OR 1.5; 95%CI 0.70–3.04). There was no association between weekly consumption of fruits and duration of breastfeeding (OR 1.3; 95%CI 0.71–2.30) or exclusive breastfeeding (OR 0.7; 95%CI 0.34–1.44).

Conclusions

Longer duration of breastfeeding was positively associated with consumption of vegetables in children aged 4–7 years; however, there was no association with consumption of fruits. Exclusive breastfeeding duration did not have influence on consumption of fruits or vegetables.     

Human pathogens associated with raw produce and unpasteurized juices, and difficulties in decontamination

The ability of public health agencies to identify, through enhanced epidemiologic and surveillance techniques, raw fruits, vegetables, and unpasteurized juices as probable sources of infectious microorganisms, has undoubtedly resulted in increased numbers of documented outbreaks. Changes in agronomic, harvesting, distribution, processing, and consumption patterns and practices have also likely contributed to this increase. The risk of illness associated with raw produce and unpasteurized produce products can be reduced by controlling or preventing contamination, or by removing or killing pathogenic microorganisms by washing or treating them with sanitizers. However, the hydrophobic cutin, diverse surface morphologies, and abrasions in the epidermis of fruits and vegetables limit the efficacy of these treatments. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2000) 25, 281–287. Received 23 June 2000/ Accepted in revised form 17 October 2000     

Human pathogens associated with raw produce and unpasteurized juices, and difficulties in decontamination

The ability of public health agencies to identify, through enhanced epidemiologic and surveillance techniques, raw fruits, vegetables, and unpasteurized juices as probable sources of infectious microorganisms, has undoubtedly resulted in increased numbers of documented outbreaks. Changes in agronomic, harvesting, distribution, processing, and consumption patterns and practices have also likely contributed to this increase. The risk of illness associated with raw produce and unpasteurized produce products can be reduced by controlling or preventing contamination, or by removing or killing pathogenic microorganisms by washing or treating them with sanitizers. However, the hydrophobic cutin, diverse surface morphologies, and abrasions in the epidermis of fruits and vegetables limit the efficacy of these treatments. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2001) 27, 104–110. Received 23 June 2000/ Accepted in revised form 17 October 2000     

Efficacy of High-Fiber Diets in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

ObjectiveTo review outcomes of randomized controlled clinical trials exploring the efficacy of different types of diets containing various amounts of fiber in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar for published data from the past decade (through December 2009) on dietary patterns and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Only randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of whole grains, fiber, or vegetarian diets on type 2 diabetes were included. Search criteria included whole grain, fruit, vegetable, fiber, and meat intake regarding insulin sensitivity and glycemic responses in healthy, prediabetic, and diabetic persons.ResultsA total of 14 randomized clinical trials were included. Addition of insoluble or soluble fiber to meals, increased consumption of diets rich in whole grains and vegetables, and vegan diets improve glucose metabolism and increase insulin sensitivity. The greatest improvement in blood lipids, body weight, and hemoglobin A_1c level occurred in participants following low-fat, plant-based diets.ConclusionsIncreased consumption of vegetables, whole grains, and soluble and insoluble fiber is associated with improved glucose metabolism in both diabetic and nondiabetic individuals. Improvements in insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis were more evident in participants following a plant-based diet compared with other commonly used diets. (Endocr Pract. 2011;17:132-142)     

Risk factors associated with head and neck cancer in former smokers: A Brazilian multicentric study

BackgroundReduced tobacco consumption in the population has not been associated with reduced incidence rates of head and neck cancer in several countries.ObjectiveTo explore the associations between HNC and sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle of former smokers from three Brazilian cancer centers.MethodsA multicenter case-control study was conducted with 229 former smokers diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and 318 controls (former smokers without head and neck cancer). Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).Results11–20 years after smoking cessation showed significant impact on HNC reduction (OR 0.22, 95% CI, 0.12–0.39), which reached 82% (95% CI, 0.09–0.35) among 20 + former smokers when compared to individuals who had stopped smoking for up to 5 years. A history of high-intensity smoking (>40 pack-years) increased HNC risk by 2.09 times (95% CI 1.13–3.89) when compared to subjects who smoked up to 20 pack-years. Past alcohol consumption (OR 1.99, 95% CI, 1.06–3.82) was also associated with head and neck cancer risk in former smokers when compared to no alcohol consumption. There was a decreased head and neck cancer risk in former smokers who had high school level of education (OR 0.38, 95% CI, 0.16–0.91) compared to illiterate former smokers; and former smokers with moderate intake of vegetables (OR 0.49, 95% CI, 0.28–0.85) and fruits (OR 0.43, 95% CI, 0.25–0.73) compared to those with low intake.ConclusionHead and neck cancer risk in former smokers decreases after 11 years after smoking cessation, former smokers with past alcohol consumption showed an increased risk of HNC. High school level of education and moderate intake of vegetables and fruits reduced HNC risk among former smokers.     

Water and Food Consumption Patterns of U.S. Adults from 1999 to 2001

Objective: High water consumption has been proposed as an aid to weight control and as a means of reducing the energy density of the diet. This study examines the relationship between water consumption and other drinking and eating patterns. Research Methods and Procedures: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999 to 2001, with responses from 4755 individuals ≥18 years of age, provides the data for this cross‐sectional analysis. A cluster analysis was performed using z‐scores of specific food and beverage consumption to examine patterns. A multinomial logit analysis was used to examine sociodemographic characteristics of each dietary pattern and to examine the effects of water consumption on the likelihood of consuming a non–dairy caloric beverage. All results were weighted to be nationally representative and controlled for design effects. Results: Within the sample, 87% consumed water, with an average daily consumption of 51.9 oz (1.53 liters) per consumer. Water consumers drank fewer soft/fruit drinks and consumed 194 fewer calories per day. Water consumers (potentially a self‐selected sample) consumed more fruits, vegetables, and low‐ and medium‐fat dairy products. Four distinct unhealthy dietary patterns were found that included little or no water consumption. Older and more educated persons used healthier food patterns. Mexican dietary patterns were much healthier than dietary patterns of blacks. Discussion: Water consumption potentially is a dietary component to be promoted, but much more must be understood about its role in a healthy diet. Because high water consumption is linked with healthier eating patterns—patterns more likely to be followed by higher‐educated, older adults—the target of water promotion and healthy diet options should focus on younger and less educated adults.     

Beverage vs. solid fruits and vegetables: effects on energy intake and body weight

Beverage consumption has been implicated in weight gain, but questions remain about the veracity of the association, whether the relationship is causal and what property of beverages is responsible. It was hypothesized that food form is the most salient attribute. Thus, a randomized controlled trial of food form was conducted. Energy-matched beverage or solid forms of fruits and vegetables were provided to 34, lean or overweight/obese adults for two 8-week periods with a 3-week washout interspersed. Dietary compensation was incomplete (beverage 53%; solid 78%) and body weight increased after the beverage (1.95 ± 0.33 kg) (77% fat mass) and solid (1.36 ± 0.30 kg) (85% fat mass) treatments (both P < 0.0005). Differences between food forms were not significant. The lean group had the highest dietary compensation (119%) and no significant weight change (0.84 ± 0.53 kg) after consuming the solid fruits and vegetables whereas the overweight/obese group had lower compensation and significant weight gain during the solid arm (46%, 1.77 ± 0.32 kg, P < 0.0001). In contrast, incomplete dietary compensation and weight gain occurred in both the lean (43%, 1.61 ± 0.44 kg, P = 0.003) and overweight/obese (61%, 2.22 ± 0.47 kg, P < 0.0005) groups during the beverage arm. Secondary analyses revealed the obese group gained more weight than the lean and overweight groups during the beverage intervention (P = 0.024). These data demonstrate energy consumed as beverages may be especially problematic for weight gain. They also indicate that advice to increase fruit and vegetable consumption should emphasize total energy intake because the additional energy contributed may promote weight gain, especially among overweight and obese individuals.     

Dietary patterns with fresh fruits and vegetables consumption and quality of sleep among older adults in mainland China

With modern society’s increased pressures, problems arise regarding duration and quality of sleep. Many Chinese seniors report poor quality of sleep. With rapid urbanization, Chinese dietary patterns have shifted dramatically, with vegetables consumption declining rapidly. This research focuses on the associations between fruits and vegetables consumption with basic dietary behaviors and sleeping patterns. Using the 2014 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), multinomial logistic regression models predicted older adults’ (age > = 65) quality and duration of sleep. Predictors included fruits and vegetables consumption, types of cooking oil, staple foods, and meat. The mean age of the study sample was around 85 years. Approximately 56% of respondents consumed fresh vegetables daily. A majority of seniors consumed rice as their staple food. Only 14% of seniors consumed fresh fruits daily. Most seniors consumed meat weekly or more frequently. We found that seniors who consumed fruits and vegetables occasionally had lower odds of reporting good quality of sleep [Fruits: AOR (Adjusted odds ratio) = 0.77; Vegetables: AOR = 0.58] compared with daily consumers. Respondents who reported consuming wheat and half rice-half wheat had higher odds of reporting good quality of sleep (Wheat: AOR = 1.52; Half rice-half wheat: AOR = 1.28), compared with seniors who reported rice as their staple food. Chinese public health practitioners and nutritionists should design dietary plans with more frequent consumption of fruits, vegetables, and wheat to help older adults’ overall health including their sleeping patterns.

     

Diet and the risk of head-and-neck cancer among never-smokers and smokers in a Chinese population

BackgroundFew studies have been conducted in China to investigate the association between diet and the risk of head-and-neck cancer (HNC). The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between diet and HNC risk in the Chinese population and to examine whether smoking status has any effect on the risk.MethodsOur multicenter case–control study included 921 HNC cases and 806 controls. We obtained information on the frequency of both animal- and plant-based food consumption. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs).ResultsThe risk of HNC increased with more frequent consumption of processed meat and fermented foods but decreased with frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables. There was a significant increasing P for trend of 0.006 among smokers who consumed meat and an increased OR among smokers who consumed processed meat (OR 2.95, 95%CI 1.12–7.75). Protective odds ratios for vegetable consumption were observed among smokers only. We also observed protective odds ratios for higher egg consumption among never-smokers (P for trend = 0.0.003).ConclusionsReduced HNC risks were observed for high fruit and vegetable intake, a finding consistent with the results of previous studies. Processed meat intake was associated with an increased risk. The role of dietary factors in HNC in the East Asian population is similar to that in European populations.     

Intake of fruits and vegetables in relation to 10-year weight gain among Spanish adults

Objective: Despite the alarming increase in the prevalence of obesity, epidemiologic studies that prospectively examine the fruit and vegetable consumption and other lifestyle factors in relation to weight gain (WG) are still insufficient. We explored the associations between fruit and vegetable intake and WG over a 10‐year period in an adult Mediterranean population. Methods and Procedures: We performed a 10‐year follow‐up study with healthy participants (n = 206) aged 15–80 years at baseline in 1994, who participated in a nutrition survey in Valencia, Spain. Data on diet, lifestyle factors, and body weight were obtained in 1994 and 2004 using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and direct measurements. Results: The average WG over the study period was 3.41 (s.d. 6.9) kg. In multivariate analyses, participants in the third quartile of fruit intake at baseline in 1994 had lower risk of WG ≥ 3.41 kg compared to those in the lowest quartile (oddsratio (OR) = 0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.11–0.85; P trend = 0.044). Regarding vegetable intake, the risk of WG was lowest in participants of the fourth quartile (>333 g/day), which had an 84% reduced risk of gaining 3.41 kg weight (OR = 0.18, 95% CI, 0.05–0.66; P trend = 0.017). When the intake of fruits and vegetables was combined, the risk of WG decreased across quartiles, with the lowest risk among those in the fourth quartile (OR = 0.22, 95% CI, 0.06–0.81; P trend = 0.022). Further adjustment for an increased intake of fruits and vegetables over the past 10 years reported by participants in 2004 did not appreciably alter the observed ORs. Discussion: Dietary patterns associated with a high intake of fruits and vegetables in Mediterranean populations may reduce long‐term risk of subsequent WG and obesity among adults.     

Unhealthy Aid: Food Security Programming and Disaster Responses to Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu

ABSTRACT

In this paper, I examine the disconnect between government and NGO responses to Cyclone Pam, and previous healthy food initiatives in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Decades of nutrition education programs across Vanuatu have urged families to limit their consumption of tinned meat and imported food in favour of locally grown fruits and vegetables. These dietary guidelines call on families to watch their food consumption in order to raise healthy children and avoid serious non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. In spite of these guidelines, the food aid offered after Cyclone Pam, on which many ni-Vanuatu depended, consisted primarily of imported white rice, tinned meat, and instant noodles – foods previously labelled unhealthy in nutrition education campaigns. Humanitarian agencies often envision disaster relief as a short-term intervention. However, the cyclone exacerbated inequality across Port Vila, magnifying socioeconomic disparities and associated food insecurity that existed before the cyclone, forcing many families to rely reluctantly on unhealthy food aid. Drawing on research conducted over several fieldwork trips from 2010 to 2016, I discuss food security and nutrition programs in Vanuatu and how ni-Vanuatu families interpreted disaster relief efforts in the context of existing nutrition programming. I argue that disaster preparedness has not accounted for the values promoted in nutrition education programs, the health needs of the community, or food preferences. I conclude with a call for the creation of culturally appropriate responses to natural disaster relief efforts so as to promote sustainable food security measures.     

Consumption of fruits,vegetables, and seaweeds (sea vegetables) and pancreatic cancer risk: The Ohsaki Cohort Study

Studies on the effects of consumption of fruits, vegetables, and seaweeds on the incidence of pancreatic cancer are not conclusive. We examined the association (if any) between the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and seaweeds and the risk of pancreatic cancer in Japan. Data from 32,859 participants registered in the Ohsaki National Health Insurance Cohort Study who were 40–79 years old and free of cancer at baseline were analyzed. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, and seaweeds was assessed at baseline using a self-administered food frequency questionnaire (containing 40 items). Incidences of pancreatic cancer were identified by computer linkage with the Miyagi Prefectural Cancer Registry. During 11 years of follow-up, 137 pancreatic cancers (67 men and 70 women) were identified. The hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) of pancreatic cancer risk for the highest versus the lowest tertile were 0.82 (0.40–1.68, trend P = 0.57) in men and 0.64 (0.35–1.20, trend P = 0.22) in women for total consumption of fruits, 0.89 (0.46–1.73, trend P = 0.76) in men and 0.67 (0.33–1.35, trend P = 0.23) in women for total consumption of vegetables, and 0.92 (0.46–1.84, trend P = 0.81) in men for consumption of seaweeds (results for the consumption of seaweeds in women were not analyzed because of poor reliability), respectively. Total consumption of fruits, vegetables, and seaweeds was not associated with a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer.     

Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking and Gastric Cancer Risk among Vietnamese Men

BackgroundThe association of waterpipe tobacco (WPT) smoking with gastric cancer (GC) risk was suggested.MethodsA hospital-based case-control study was conducted to examine the association of WPT with GC risk among Vietnamese men, in Hanoi city, during the period of 2003–2011. Newly-diagnosed GC cases (n = 454) and control patients (n = 628) were matched by age (+/- 5 years) and the year of hospitalization. Information on smoking and alcohol drinking habits and diet including salty food intake and fruits/vegetables consumption were obtained by the interview. Maximum likelihood estimates of odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (Cis) were obtained using conditional logistic regression models.ResultsThe group with the highest consumption of citrus fruits showed a significantly low GC risk (OR = 0.6, 95%CI = 0.4–0.8, P for trend = 0.002). However, there was no association of raw vegetable consumption with GC risk. Referring to never smokers, GC risk was significantly higher in current WPT smokers (OR = 1.8, 95%CI = 1.3–2.4), and it was more evident in exclusively WPT smokers (OR = 2.7, 95%CI = 1.2–6.5). GC risk tended to be higher with daily frequency and longer duration of WPT smoking but these trends were not statistically significant (P for trend: 0.144 and 0.154, respectively). GC risk of those who started smoking WPT before the age of 25 was also significantly high (OR = 3.7, 95%CI = 1.2–11.3). Neither cigarette smoking nor alcohol drinking was related to GC risk.ConclusionThe present findings revealed that WPT smoking was positively associated with GC risk in Vietnamese men.     

Sweet/Dessert Foods Are More Appealing to Adolescents after Sleep Restriction

DesignRandomized cross-over sleep restriction-extension paradigm.SettingSleep was obtained and monitored at home. Outcome measures were gathered during office visits.Participants31 typically-developing adolescents aged 14–17 years.InterventionsThe three-week protocol consisted of a baseline week, followed randomly by five consecutive nights of SR (6.5 hours in bed) versus healthy sleep duration (HS; 10 hours in bed), a 2-night wash-out period, and a 5-night cross-over.MeasurementsSleep was monitored via actigraphy. The morning after each experimental condition, teens rated their hunger, underwent a 24-hour diet recall interview, and rated the appeal of a series of pictures of sweet/dessert foods (e.g., ice cream, candy) and non-sweets (meat, eggs, fruits, vegetables).ResultsTeens rated pictures of sweet/dessert foods to be more appealing after SR than after HS (Cohen’s d = .41, t = 2.07, p = .045). The sleep manipulation did not affect self-reported hunger or the appeal of non-sweet foods (p >.10). Consistent with our prior work, intake of overall calories was 11% higher and consumption of sweet/dessert servings was 52% greater during SR than HS.ConclusionsAdolescent SR appears to increase the subjective appeal of sweet/dessert foods, indicating a potential mechanism by which SR might contribute to weight gain and the risk for obesity and chronic illness.     

太原市杏花岭区白癜风患者临床流行病学调查及患病影响因素的Logistic回归分析

摘要 目的：调查太原市杏花岭区白癜风患者临床流行病学情况,并分析患病影响因素。方法：于2020年6月至2021年6月采用多阶段分层随机抽样的方法,抽取太原市杏花岭区辖10个街道符合条件的常住居民进行调查,共抽取1440例,实际完成调查研究1428例,应答率为99.17%。采用我院自行设计的问卷调查表收集资料。根据是否患有白癜风将研究对象分为白癜风组（n=31）和无白癜风组（n=1397）。采用单因素和多因素Logistic回归分析太原市杏花岭区白癜风患者患病影响因素。结果：纳入的1428例居民中,共诊断出31例患有白癜风,患病率为2.17%。31例白癜风患者中,男性占比高于女性,占54.84%;年龄21~40岁区间患病率最高,占29.04%;未婚的白癜风患者偏多,占45.17%;文化程度为初高中的白癜风发生率偏高,占41.94%;职业为学生的白癜风发生率偏高,占32.27%。单因素分析显示：太原市杏花岭区白癜风的患病与白癜风家族史、精神因素、暴晒史、饮酒史、吸烟史、经常接触化学物质、饮食规律、蔬果摄入量、饮食合理、皮肤病史有关（P<0.05）。多因素Logistic回归分析显示：饮酒史、白癜风家族史、皮肤病史、经常接触化学物质、暴晒史、精神因素是白癜风发病的潜在独立危险因素,而饮食合理、蔬果摄入量大、饮食规律则是其保护因素（P<0.05）。结论：太原市杏花岭区白癜风发生率较高,饮酒史、白癜风家族史、皮肤病史、经常接触化学物质、暴晒史、精神因素是白癜风发病的潜在独立危险因素,而饮食合理、蔬果摄入量大、饮食规律则是其保护因素。     

Association of Empirically Derived Dietary Patterns with Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Comparison of PCA and RRR Methods

IntroductionPrincipal component analysis is used to determine dietary behaviors of a population whereas reduced rank regression is used to construct disease-related dietary patterns. This study aimed to compare both types of DP and theirs associations with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF).ResultsWe found that CVRF-related patterns also reflect eating behaviours of the population. Comparing concordant food groups between both dietary pattern methods, a diet high in fruits, oleaginous and dried fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fats rich in omega 6 and tea and low in fried foods, lean and fatty meat, processed meat, ready meal, soft drink and beer was associated with lower prevalence of CVRF. In the opposite, a pattern characterized by high intakes of fried foods, meat, offal, beer, wine and aperitifs and spirits, and low intakes of cereals, sugar and sweets and soft drinks was associated with higher prevalence of CVRF.ConclusionIn sum, we found that a “Prudent” and “Animal protein and alcohol” patterns were both associated with CVRF and behaviourally meaningful. Moreover, the relationships of those dietary patterns with lifestyle characteristics support the theory that food choices are part of a larger pattern of healthy lifestyle.     

Ecological factors influencing survival and growth of human pathogens on raw fruits and vegetables

Outbreaks of human infections associated with consumption of raw fruits and vegetables have occurred with increased frequency during the past decade. Factors contributing to this increase may include changes in agronomic and processing practices, an increase in per capita consumption of raw or minimally processed fruits and vegetables, increased international trade and distribution, and an increase in the number of immuno-compromised consumers. A general lack of efficacy of sanitizers in removing or killing pathogens on raw fruits and vegetables has been attributed, in part, to their inaccessibility to locations within structures and tissues that may harbor pathogens. Understanding the ecology of pathogens and naturally occurring microorganisms is essential before interventions for elimination or control of growth can be devised.     

Dietary habits during the 2 months following the Chernobyl accident and differentiated thyroid cancer risk in a population-based case–control study

BackgroundThe Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident occurred in Ukraine on April 26th 1986. In France, the radioactive fallout and thyroid radiation doses were much lower than in highly contaminated areas. However, a number of risk projections have suggested that a small excess in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) might occur in eastern France due to this low-level fallout. In order to investigate this potential impact, a case–control study on DTC risk factors was started in 2005, focusing on cases who were less than 15 years old at the time of the Chernobyl accident. Here, we aim to evaluate the relationship between some specific reports of potentially contaminated food between April and June 1986 – in particular fresh dairy products and leafy vegetables – and DTC risk.MethodsAfter excluding subjects who were not born before the Chernobyl accident, the study included 747 cases of DTC matched with 815 controls. Odds ratios were calculated using conditional logistic regression models and were reported for all participants, for women only, for papillary cancer only, and excluding microcarcinomas.ResultsThe DTC risk was slightly higher for participants who had consumed locally produced leafy vegetables. However, this association was not stronger in the more contaminated areas than in the others. Conversely, the reported consumption of fresh dairy products was not statistically associated with DTC risk.ConclusionBecause the increase in DTC risk associated with a higher consumption of locally produced vegetables was not more important in the most contaminated areas, our study lacked power to provide evidence for a strong association between consumption of potentially contaminated food and DTC risk.     

Microbial analysis of cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) produced with tap or treated waste water

There is increasing evidence for a significant role of fruits and vegetables in infectious diseases in humans. Their consumption is increasing and environmental factors such as water availability are impacting their production. In this study, adding fertiliser to tap water (TW) increased the microbial load above that found in treated waste water (TWW); coliforms were also introduced. Low numbers of Bacillus spp. were recovered from inside some healthy cucumber fruits. No visible differences were observed between cucumber plants irrigated with TWW or TW or cucumbers with and without endophytic Bacillus spp. This is noteworthy when considering the use of TWW for crop irrigation.     

Dietary Exposure Assessment of Potentially Toxic Trace Elements in Fruits and Vegetables Sold in Town of Kapan,Armenia

Fruits and vegetables grown under the impact of Armenia’s mining industry are widely sold in markets of adjacent towns. As the share of fruits and vegetables in Armenians’ diet is significant, the present study aims to assess the dietary exposure of potentially toxic trace elements through the intake of fruits and vegetables sold in Kapan town, located in the biggest mining region of Armenia. The concentrations of Cu, Mo, Ni, Cr, Pb, Zn, Hg, As, and Cd in 15 types of fruits and vegetables were determined. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were assessed. Although the estimated daily intakes of trace elements for each studied food item did not exceed health-based guidelines values, in case of the combined consumption of fruits and vegetables estimated cumulative daily intakes exceeded reference doses for Cu and Mo. Moreover, carcinogenic risk for the majority of fruits and vegetables exceeded the EPA recommended risk level of 10⁻⁶, indicating adverse health effect to local population. The outcomes of this study can serve as a basis for further research that will consider many other exposure pathways (i.e., inhalation or dermal pathways) in order to ensure the safety of the residents living under the impact of mining industry.