Human Health Effects Research Articles

Biomonitoring of manganese metal pollution in water and its impacts on biological activities of Biomphalaria alexandrina snail and larvicidal potencies

Metal pollution has many dangerous environmental and human health consequences due to the bioaccumulation in the tissues. The present study aims to measure the bioaccumulation factor of the manganese (Mn) heavy metal in Biomphalaria alexandrina snails’ tissues and water samples. The current results showed the concentration of Mn heavy metal in water (87.5 mg/l) and its bioaccumulation factor in Helisoma duryi tissue was higher than that in tissues of Physa acuta and B. alexandrina snails. Results showed that 87.5 mg/l Mn concentration had miracidicidal and cercaricidal activities. Also, this concentration decreased the mean total number of the hemocytes after exposure for 24 h or 48 h, while increasing both the mean mortality and phagocytic indices of the hemocytes of exposed snails. It caused alterations in the cytomorphology of the hemocytes of exposed snails after 24 or 48 h, where the granulocytes had irregular cell membranes and formed pseudopodia. Besides, levels of testosterone (T) and estradiol (E) were increased after exposure to 87.5 mg/l Mn metal compared to the control group. Also, it increased MDA (malonaldehyde) and TAC (total antioxidant capacity) contents, while decreasing SOD (superoxide dismutase). Besides, it caused significant histopathological damages in both hermaphrodite and digestive glands, represented in the degeneration of the gonadal, digestive, secretory cells, and the connective tissues. Therefore, B. alexandrina might be used as a sensitive bioindicator of pollution with Mn heavy metal to avoid ethics rules; besides, they are readily available and large in number.

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) and their potential toxicological outcomes: State of science, knowledge gaps and research needs

Plastic waste has been produced at a rapidly growing rate over the past several decades. The environmental impacts of plastic waste on marine and terrestrial ecosystems have been recognized for years. Recently, researchers found that micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), micron (100 nm – 5 mm) and nanometer (1 – 100 nm) scale particles and fibers produced by degradation and fragmentation of plastic waste in the environment, have become an important emerging environmental and food chain contaminant with uncertain consequences for human health. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent findings from studies of potential toxicity and adverse health impacts of MNPs in terrestrial mammals, including studies in both in vitro cellular and in vivo mammalian models. Also reviewed here are recently released biomonitoring studies that have characterized the bioaccumulation, biodistribution, and excretion of MNPs in humans. The majority MNPs in the environment to which humans are most likely to be exposed, are of irregular shapes, varied sizes, and mixed compositions, and are defined as secondary MNPs. However, the MNPs used in most toxicity studies to date were commercially available primary MNPs of polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and other polymers. The emerging in vitro and in vivo evidence reviewed here suggests that MNP toxicity and bioactivity are largely determined by MNP particle physico-chemical characteristics, including size, shape, polymer type, and surface properties. For human exposure, MNPs have been identified in human blood, urine, feces, and placenta, which pose potential health risks. The evidence to date suggests that the mechanisms underlying MNP toxicity at the cellular level are primarily driven by oxidative stress. Nonetheless, large knowledge gaps in our understanding of MNP toxicity and the potential health impacts of MNP exposures still exist and much further study is needed to bridge those gaps. This includes human population exposure studies to determine the environmentally relevant MNP polymers and exposure concentrations and durations for toxicity studies, as well as toxicity studies employing environmentally relevant MNPs, with surface chemistries and other physico-chemical properties consistent with MNP particles in the environment. It is especially important to obtain comprehensive toxicological data for these MNPs to understand the range and extent of potential adverse impacts of microplastic pollutants on humans and other organisms.

Toward a circular economy: Investigating the effectiveness of different plastic waste management strategies: A comprehensive review

Plastic waste has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. It is estimated that over 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans each year, threatening marine life and habitats. Additionally, plastic waste has been linked to adverse health effects in humans, making it a problem that requires urgent attention. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the plastic waste problem, including its spread and impact on the environment. The latest research on plastic waste management strategies, covering mechanical, physical, chemical, and biological approaches was investigated. Moreover, the advantages and limitations of each technique, emphasizing the need for a multi-faceted approach to the problem, were highlighted. As an alternative to traditional plastics, the potential of bioplastics, which are derived from renewable resources and can be biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable was reviewed. The availability of bioplastics in the market, their physical properties, and their potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and waste generation were monitored. Overall, this article underscores the urgent need for effective plastic waste management strategies that integrate multiple approaches. It emphasizes the importance of adopting a circular economy model that prioritizes waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, while also exploring alternative materials such as bioplastics. The article concludes with a discussion of the challenges and opportunities for addressing the plastic waste problem and a call for collective action toward a more sustainable future.

Microalgal diversity assessment of Laguna Lake (Philippines) tributaries using Next-Generation Sequencing for water quality

Abstract. Santos JA, Mejia JA, Galarion MAJ, Vital P. 2023. Microalgal diversity assessment of Laguna Lake (Philippines) tributaries using Next-Generation Sequencing for water quality. Biodiversitas 24: 4636-4644. The species composition and density of microalgae have been successfully used as bioindicators of water quality as they respond quickly to any change in the water chemistry brought about by pollution. Laguna Lake in the Philippines, one of the country's most important hotspots for aquaculture, continues to be threatened by eutrophication, yet its microalgal profile has been understudied. The presence of microalgae, especially those identified to become causative agents of harmful algal blooms in lakes, can cause corresponding health effects in humans and the environment. This study determined microalgal diversity in samples from tributaries of Laguna Lake, Philippines, through 18S rRNA metagenomic sequencing or Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Out of the five sampling sites, only two sites passed the NGS quality control pipeline. Chlorella M.Beijerinck, dominated the eukaryotic microbial population in the Alabang-Cupang River sample, which is 95% of the total population. While in the Biñan River sample, relevant species found were Cyclotella scaldensis Muylaert & Sabbe, Teleaulax acuta (Butcher) Hill, Cryptomonas curvata Ehrenb., and Peridiniopsis penardii (Lemmerm.) Bourr. This is the first study to use NGS to detect microalgae in Laguna Lake and warrants further elucidation of the microalgal population through increased sampling efforts in other recreational and livelihood hotspots. Furthermore, the study results open the importance of implementing new schemes for water quality assessments focused on molecular-based approaches.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and organofluorine in lakes and waterways of the northwestern Great Basin and Sierra Nevada

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic chemicals that occur ubiquitously in the environment and have been linked to numerous adverse health effects in humans and aquatic organisms. Although numerous environmental monitoring studies have been conducted, only one has evaluated PFAS in surface waters of the northwestern Great Basin, which features unique topography that results in dozens of endorheic basins and terminal lakes with no natural outlet, where PFAS may accumulate. To close this knowledge gap, we evaluated the occurrence of PFAS in grab samples from 15 lakes (headwater and terminal lakes) and 10 rivers in the Great Basin located in Nevada and California of the United States. PFAS and organofluorine were quantified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) and combustion ion chromatography, respectively. The highest concentrations of PFAS occurred in samples taken near sites with known or suspected prior aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) application (~20 to 4754 ng/L). Samples near wastewater treatment plants and in urban areas also tended to have PFAS concentrations greater than those measured in remote, less anthropogenically influenced areas (~2 to 15 ng/L, <3 ng/L respectively). In limited snapshot sampling events PFAS appeared to accumulate in terminal lakes to some extent; in-lake concentrations were two to five times greater than those of their inflows. Fluorotelomer sulfonates were present downstream of a known AFFF application area likely to have had fluorotelomer-based foams applied to it, and the concentrations decayed in a predictable manner, suggesting they may be used as an indicator of PFAS transport away from an AFFF source. In all but two samples, organofluorine concentrations were greater than the sum of targeted PFAS (on a F basis) (median of 0.6 % of organofluorine identified via LC-MS/MS), although there was considerable variability in organofluorine measured in replicate samples.

A pioneering study on endocrine disruptors (phthalates esters) in urban rivers of Bangladesh: An appraisal of possible risk assessment to ecology and human health

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are plasticizers extensively used in industries and daily used products to soften Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) items. Phthalates, their occurrence, distribution, and ecological and human health effects have been studied long ago in other countries. However, the status of these compounds in Bangladesh is still unknown. To fill this study gap, an approach was taken to evaluate the current level of Phthalates in the rivers of Bangladesh. In this study, we assessed the environmental occurrence, spatial distribution, and possible risk to ecology and human health caused by this pollutant. Two heavily polluted industrial regions (Savar and Tongi) were selected, and seventeen surface water samples were collected from three urban rivers surrounding these areas. Samples were extracted via liquid-liquid extraction and analyzed by GC–MS. Status of 7 congeners of phthalates ((Dimethyl phthalate (DMP), Diethyl phthalate (DEP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Bis (2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA), Di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP)) were evaluated in this study. The observed concentrations in these two Study areas were alarmingly high compared to other countries. The estimated range of ∑7PAEs between the two sampling sites was 8.27 – 54.1µg/L and 24.6–156µg/L. In other countries, the concentration ranges in nano-grams. DEHP, a carcinogenic congener, was found in high concentration at the Savar region with a mean value of 6.01±4.43µg/L. In ecological risk assessment, potential environmental risks followed the following: DEHP > BBP > DBP > DEP > DMP. DEHP poses a "high" risk to all kinds of sensitive aquatic organisms in both study areas. Other congeners pose "moderate" to "high" risk. However, in human health risk assessment, the non-carcinogenic risk was found to be a 'low' to 'moderate' level. Still, the carcinogenic risk for DEHP was alarmingly high via oral and dermal contact for both adult groups and children.

Spatiotemporal distribution, source apportionment and health risk assessment of atmospheric volatile organic compounds using passive air samplers in a typical coastal area, China

To fully understand source characteristics and human health effects of atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs), it is of great importance to implement long-term measurements, precise source apportionment and simulation. In this study, a 12-month measurement of VOCs was conducted in a coastal area in East China by a novel passive air sampler (PAS). A total of 28 VOC species, mainly in groups of aromatics and halohydrocarbons were observed. The monthly average concentrations of TVOC were as follows: industrial sites (154.10–727.19 μg m−3) > business sites (65.83–86.96 μg m−3) > residential sites (59.63–60.05 μg m−3) > background site (57.62 μg m−3). Their seasonal variation characteristics were: winter > spring > autumn > summer, which was more apparent at industrial sites due to human activities. Six VOC sources including industrial processes, organic solvents, dyeing, plastic synthesis, traffic emissions, and pesticides identified by the positive matrix factorization model compared favorably with the local emissions at industrial sites. Bromoform, hexachloro-1,3-butadiene, C1–C3 halogenated alkanes and benzene homologs could be the important indicators of industrial VOC emissions. The halohydrocarbons and aromatics were the major contributors to the ozone formation potential (OFP) and secondary organic aerosol potential (SOAP) in industrial areas, respectively. Both of OFP and SOAP have their maximum values in winter due to high VOC concentrations. Health risk assessment indicated that a high probability of non-carcinogenic risk (HI > 1) was in the region at 10 m height and 50m radius, and minor carcinogenic risk (CR > 10−6) was in the region at 70 m height and 1000 m radius. Among all the compounds, 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane was the largest contributor with the individual HI value (17.99) and carcinogenic risk (5.34 × 10−3) at the peak. In this study, the PAS as a sampling tool was proven to be reliable and efficient for long-term measurements in coastal areas. It is worth to have further studies to promote passive sampling as an alternative to VOCs monitoring methods.

Integration of the immune memory into the pathogen-driven MHC polymorphism hypothesis.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes (referred to as human leukocyte antigen or HLA in humans) are a key component of vertebrate immune systems, coding for proteins which present antigens to T-cells. These genes are outstanding in their degree of polymorphism, with important consequences for human and animal health. The polymorphism is thought to arise from selection pressures imposed by pathogens on MHC allomorphs, which differ in their antigen-binding capacity. However, the existing theory has not considered MHC selection in relation to the formation of immune memory. In this paper, we argue that this omission limits our understanding of the evolution of MHC polymorphism and its role in disease. We review recent evidence that has emerged from the massive research effort related to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemics, and which provides new evidence for the role of MHC in shaping immune memory. We then discuss why the inclusion of immune memory within the existing theory may have non-trivial consequence for our understanding of the evolution of MHC polymorphism. Finally, we will argue that neglecting immune memory hinders our interpretation of empirical findings, and postulate that future studies focusing on pathogen-driven MHC selection would benefit from stratifying the available data according to the history of infection (and vaccination, if relevant).

Multivariate optimization of a gas chromatographic method for the determination of organic impurities in ethanol

Medicinal ethanol obtained from alcoholic fermentation drags traces of organic impurities that have adverse effects in human health. For this reason, it is a priority to carry out a thorough examination of its composition before the final consumption. The identification of these compounds was performed by a gas chromatographic technique which was focused in the reduction of the applied temperatures, and in the minimization of gas consumption, by means of an experimental optimization of the parameters. The effect of six chromatographic parameters was studied over three desired responses. The four factors that did not influence the responses were the injector temperature, the FID temperature, sample injection volume and the hydrogen flow rate. As a consequence, the latter variables were set in their most conservative intervals considering the long life of the spare parts of the gas chromatograph.On the other hand, the starting run temperature and the linear velocity of the carrier gas were optimized to the final values of 49.16 °C and 35.00 cm/s, respectively, achieving a reduction of the run time from 34.96 to 21.38 min, without loss in the resolution between the first two peaks from 1.190 to 1.131. Moreover, the width of the last analyte peak significantly decreased from 0.310 to 0.212 min, and the signal/noise ratio was enhanced, hence improving the quantification of the analytes.

Current technologies for plastic waste treatment for energy recovery, it's effects on poly aromatic hydrocarbons emission and recycling strategies

Plastic waste treatment is one of the key challenges faced by many countries. Recycling of the municipal plastic waste for energy recovery is one of the key movements in reduction of plastic waste accumulation. Production of pyrolytic oil and gas products from the plastic waste massive helps to reduce the dependency of fossil fuel. In this review, the exposure of the plastic consumption has been covered. Further, energy recovery methods using the various pyrolysis reactors has been discussed in details. The motive of this review to understand the conversion of plastic waste into value added products such as bio-oil and gas and its consequences in the formation of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during the handling of municipal plastic waste and e-waste. Besides the impact of PAHs contamination on human health effects also reviewed. Different techniques in converting the plastic waste to energy are discussed in details. Among various pyrolysis methods, microwave assisted pyrolysis possess greater advantage over other process. By varying the type of the feedstock, particle size and temperatures of the reactor, the yield rates can be increased. In addition, by optimizing the reactor temperature their possibility of harmful gaseous products from the plastic waste can be redistricted. Burning of the plastic waste and thermal degradation process releases sixteen types of PAHs compounds to the environment. Inhaling of the PAHs compounds leads to human health effects such as cancer, respiratory diseases and childhood obesity. Thus, an attempt has been made to address the risk of PAHs in the environmental due to the plastic waste handling and its respective human health effects.

Geochemical and Geospatial Distribution of Organic Contaminants in the Flood Plain of Ekpetiama, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

This study investigated the geochemical and geospatial distribution of organic contaminants in the floodplain water and sediments of Ekpetiama in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. This study is necessary because there are limited data on the level of organic contamination in this section of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. The extinction of planktons in Ekpetiama became a source of concern to the residents. This concern is because this section of the coastal plain provides fisher folks with livelihood. So, there was a need to track the source of contamination in this part of the Niger Delta region. Previous studies have suggested a high level of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon and Total Hydrocarbon Content as possible sources of reduced dissolved oxygen in similar deltaic terrain. A total of 10 water and 10 sediment samples were collected and analyzed in triplicate at an interval of 100 m in the flood plain. A particle size analyzer was used to perform particle size analyses of air-dried sediments. The American Public Health Association method (APHA) was used to do the chemical analysis of the water samples. Here, a liquid-liquid extraction procedure was performed on sediment samples using 30 mL of Dichloromethane (DCM) as the extracting agent. The results were subjected to statistical validation. The mean grain size ranged from 2.37-4.83, kurtosis (1.94-0.49), and skewness (-0.8-0.71). The contaminant indicators (pH, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen and Total Organic Carbon) point to the presence of organic contamination of the flood plain. The results indicated a total petroleum hydrocarbon range of 0.47-0.87 ppm in water and 0.69-0.96 ppm in sediments and a total hydrocarbon content range of 1.10-2.80 ppm in water and 2.56-3.90 ppm in sediment# samples. The results were above the permitted limits of the World Health Organisation. The source of ecological damage is the abnormal concentrations of organic contaminants in the flood plain. These results significantly caused ecosystem damage and human health effects in the food chain. This study provides information to the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency for a cleanup process.

Integrating participant feedback and concerns to improve community and individual level chemical exposure assessment reports

BackgroundAs exposure assessment has shifted towards community-engaged research there has been an increasing trend towards reporting results to participants. Reports aim to increase environmental health literacy, but this can be challenging due to the many unknowns regarding chemical exposure and human health effects. This includes when reports encompass a wide-range of chemicals, limited reference or health standards exist for those chemicals, and/or incompatibility of data generated from exposure assessment tools with published reference values (e.g., comparing a wristband concentration to an oral reference dose).MethodsHouston Hurricane Harvey Health (Houston-3H) participants wore silicone wristbands that were analyzed for 1,530 organic compounds at two time-points surrounding Hurricane Harvey. Three focus groups were conducted in separate neighborhoods in the Houston metropolitan area to evaluate response to prototype community and individual level report-backs. Participants (n = 31) evaluated prototype drafts using Likert scales and discussion prompts. Focus groups were audio-recorded, and transcripts were analyzed using a qualitative data analysis program for common themes, and quantitative data (ranking, Likert scales) were statistically analyzed.ResultsFour main themes emerged from analysis of the transcripts: (1) views on the report layout; (2) expression of concern over how chemicals might impact their individual or community health; (3) participants emotional response towards the researchers; and (4) participants ability to comprehend and evaluate environmental health information. Evaluation of the report and key concerns differed across the three focus groups. However, there was agreement amongst the focus groups about the desire to obtain personal exposure results despite the uncertainty of what the participant results meant.ConclusionsThe report-back of research results (RBRR) for community and individual level exposure assessment data should keep the following key principles in mind: materials should be accessible (language level, data visualization options, graph literacy), identify known information vs unknown (e.g., provide context for what exposure assessment data means, acknowledge lack of current health standards or guidelines), recognize and respect community knowledge and history, and set participant expectations for what they can expect from the report.

Geochemical and Geospatial Distribution of Organic Contaminants in the Flood Plain of Ekpetiama, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

This study investigated the geochemical and geospatial distribution of organic contaminants in the floodplain water and sediments of Ekpetiama in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. This study is necessary because there are limited data on the level of organic contamination in this section of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. The extinction of planktons in Ekpetiama became a source of concern to the residents. This concern is because this section of the coastal plain provides fisher folks with livelihood. So, there was a need to track the source of contamination in this part of the Niger Delta region. Previous studies have suggested a high level of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon and Total Hydrocarbon Content as possible sources of reduced dissolved oxygen in similar deltaic terrain. A total of 10 water and 10 sediment samples were collected and analyzed in triplicate at an interval of 100 m in the flood plain. A particle size analyzer was used to perform particle size analyses of air-dried sediments. The American Public Health Association method (APHA) was used to do the chemical analysis of the water samples. Here, a liquid-liquid extraction procedure was performed on sediment samples using 30 mL of Dichloromethane (DCM) as the extracting agent. The results were subjected to statistical validation. The mean grain size ranged from 2.37-4.83, kurtosis (1.94-0.49), and skewness (-0.8-0.71). The contaminant indicators (pH, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen and Total Organic Carbon) point to the presence of organic contamination of the flood plain. The results indicated a total petroleum hydrocarbon range of 0.47-0.87 ppm in water and 0.69-0.96 ppm in sediments and a total hydrocarbon content range of 1.10-2.80 ppm in water and 2.56-3.90 ppm in sediment# samples. The results were above the permitted limits of the World Health Organisation. The source of ecological damage is the abnormal concentrations of organic contaminants in the flood plain. These results significantly caused ecosystem damage and human health effects in the food chain. This study provides information to the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency for a cleanup process.

Understanding the Impact of Biodegradable Microplastics on Living Organisms Entering the Food Chain: A Review.

Microplastics (MPs) pollution has emerged as one of the world's most serious environmental issues, with harmful consequences for ecosystems and human health. One proposed solution to their accumulation in the environment is the replacement of nondegradable plastics with biodegradable ones. However, due to the lack of true biodegradability in some ecosystems, they also give rise to biodegradable microplastics (BioMPs) that negatively impact different ecosystems and living organisms. This review summarizes the current literature on the impact of BioMPs on some organisms-higher plants and fish-relevant to the food chain. Concerning the higher plants, the adverse effects of BioMPs on seed germination, plant biomass growth, penetration of nutrients through roots, oxidative stress, and changes in soil properties, all leading to reduced agricultural yield, have been critically discussed. Concerning fish, it emerged that BioMPs are more likely to be ingested than nonbiodegradable ones and accumulate in the animal's body, leading to impaired skeletal development, oxidative stress, and behavioral changes. Therefore, based on the reviewed pioneering literature, biodegradable plastics seem to be a new threat to environmental health rather than an effective solution to counteract MP pollution, even if serious knowledge gaps in this field highlight the need for additional rigorous investigations to understand the potential risks associated to BioMPs.

Effects of Selenium Biofortification on Phytochemical Characteristics of Some Table Grape Cultivars

Table grapes, rich in vitamins and minerals, play an important role in human nutrition, thus largely used in daily diets. Selenium (Se) with positive impacts on human health and anticancerogenic effects, has recently become prominent in human nutrition and animal feeding. In this study, selenium fortifications were made at different doses (control, 4 ppm and 8 ppm) to 9 different table grape cultivars (Alphonse Lavallée, Bilecik İrikarası, Cardinal, Sultani Seedless, Tekirdağ Seedless, Italia, Lival, Victoria, Royal) and total phenolics, anthocyanins and flavonoids of the cultivars were determined. While total phenolics of the whole berry was presented, skin and pulp total anthocyanins and total flavonoids were presented separately. The greatest total phenolic amount was obtained from 4 ppm selenium treatment in Bilecik İrikara (157.31 mg/g) cultivar. The greatest total anthocyanin contents were obtained from the skin of with 8 ppm selenium treatment in Alphonse Lavallée (11.22 mg/g). Selenium treatments increased total flavonoids of Bilecik İrikarası, Lival, Royal and Sultani Seedless cultivars. It was concluded based on findings that Se treatments influenced phytochemical characteristics of the table grapes.

Health impacts of extreme weather events - Cascading risks in a changing climate.

Extreme weather events represent one of the most tangible impacts of anthropogenic climate change. They have increased in number and severity and a further increase is expected. This is accompanied by direct and indirect negative consequences for human health. Flooding events, storms and droughts are analysed here for Germany from a systemic perspective on the basis of a comprehensive literature review. Cascading risks beyond the initial event are also taken into account in order to depict downstream consequences. In addition to the immediate health burdens caused by extreme weather events such as injuries, long-term consequences such as stress-related mental disorders occur. These stresses particularly affect certain vulnerable groups, e.g. older persons, children, pregnant women or first responders. A look at the cascading risks described in the international literature allows us to develop precautionary measures for adaptation to the consequences of climate change. Many adaptation measures protect against different risks at the same time. In addition to planning measures, these include, above all, increasing the population's ability to protect itself through knowledge and strengthening of social networks.

P19-06: Screening for the most promising protective agent against chemical and/or radiation-induced adverse human health effects: toxicogenomic data mining

P19-06: Screening for the most promising protective agent against chemical and/or radiation-induced adverse human health effects: toxicogenomic data mining

Identification of R2R3-MYB family in blueberry and its potential involvement of anthocyanin biosynthesis in fruits

BackgroundBlueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) are regarded as “superfoods” attributed to large amounts of anthocyanins, a group of flavonoid metabolites, which provide pigmentation in plant and beneficial effects for human health. MYB transcription factor is one of vital components in the regulation of plant secondary metabolism, which occupies a dominant position in the regulatory network of anthocyanin biosynthesis. However, the role of MYB family in blueberry responding to anthocyanin biosynthesis remains elusive.ResultsIn this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of VcMYBs in blueberry based on the genome data, including phylogenetic relationship, conserved motifs, identification of differentially expressed MYB genes during fruit development and their expression profiling, etc. A total of 437 unique MYB sequences with two SANT domains were identified in blueberry, which were divided into 3 phylogenetic trees. Noticeably, there are many trigenic and tetragenic VcMYBs pairs with more than 95% identity to each other. Meanwhile, the transcript accumulations of VcMYBs were surveyed underlying blueberry fruit development, and they showed diverse expression patterns, suggesting various functional roles in fruit ripening. More importantly, distinct transcript profiles between skin and pulp of ripe fruit were observed for several VcMYBs, such as VcMYB437, implying the potential roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis.ConclusionsTotally, 437 VcMYBs were identified and characterized. Subsequently, their transcriptional patterns were explored during fruit development and fruit tissues (skin and pulp) closely related to anthocyanin biosynthesis. These genome-wide data and findings will contribute to demonstrating the functional roles of VcMYBs and their regulatory mechanisms for anthocyanins production and accumulation in blueberry in the future study.

(Digital Presentation) P-n Heterostructured Mos for NOx Gas Sensing

The significant air pollution caused mainly by exhaust and factory emissions has become a considerable hazard to human survival and development [1]. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are a family of poisonous and highly reactive gases which forming at fuel high temperatures burn [2]. As an industrial source, such as power plants, industrial boilers, cement kilns, and turbines, NOx pollution is emitted by automobiles, trucks and various non-road vehicles (e.g., construction equipment, boats, etc.) [3]. Hazardous compounds such as NOx with negative environmental and human health consequences, must be controlled to avoid ecological disasters [4]. Metal-oxide-semiconductors (MOSs) as a class of chemoresistive sensors have attracted great attention in environmental monitoring, automotive emission monitoring and food safety testing, due to their low production cost, high sensitivity, simplicity of use and their ability to detect various gases [5].Due to its inherent advantages in charge carrier mobility, chemical activity, and redox potential, TiO2 (n-type) is a widely used and extensively researched MOSs. At the same time, CuO is also known to be an active transition-metal based semiconductor (p-type) having a lower electrical resistance value as well as a narrow band gap. A promising strategy for improving the gas sensitivity at room temperature (RT) is to apply p-n heterostructures to modulate resistance more strongly. The active surface area and nanoarchitecture affect the gas sensors' sensitivity. The provision of porous MOSs nanostructures to improve the diffusion channel and increase the adsorption of target gas molecules is the most promising means of achieving enhanced sensitivity [6-7]. The mentioned structures may be created using the glancing angle deposition (GLAD) reactive magnetron sputtering method. The TiO2/CuO heterostructure gas sensors were synthesized by reactive magnetron sputtering using the GLAD. The application CuO layer improves the gas sensor device's sensitivity due to electron-hole pair recombination and a reduction in the concentration of charge carriers in the TiO2 and CuO layers. The identical circumstances of 10 ppm and RT were used for each gas selectivity test. It demonstrates the potential of using heterostructured CuO/TiO2 nanorods as N2O gas sensors. Dynamic gas response analysis shows that the response time is only 47s, whereas the recovery time is 80s. The dynamic gas sensing measurements at various N2O gas concentrations exhibit excellent linearity at 50 ppb to 5 ppm range. The sensor's gas response was 2% at a very low N2O concentration (50 ppb) and 9.8% at 5 ppm. Thus, the research findings indicate that the p-n heterostructured CuO/TiO2 nanorods synthesized by reactive magnetron sputtering using the glancing angle deposition show fast response and recovery times in ultra-low N2O gas concentration in RT. It can be used as excellent N2O gas sensors for quickly monitoring air pollution. Acknowledgements. This research has been funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Grant No. AP13067814) and Nazarbayev University under the Collaborative Research Program (Grant No. 021220CRP0122). References Zhu, L., Zeng, W. Room-temperature gas sensing of ZnO-based gas sensor: A review // Sensors and Actuators A: Physical. – 2017. №267. –P. 242-261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sna.2017.10.021.Bhati, V., Hojamberdiev, M., & Kumar, M. The enhanced sensing performance of ZnO nanostructures-based gas sensors: A review // Energy Reports – 2019. №6. P. – 46-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2019.08.070.Daryakenari, A., Apostoluk, A., & Delaunay, J. Effect of Pt decoration on the gas response of ZnO nanoparticles // Physica Status Solidi (C). – 2012. №10(10). P. – 1297-1300. https://doi.org/10.1002/pssc.201200937H.B. Kim, S.P. Eckel, J.H. Kim, F.D. Gilliland, Exhaled NO: determinants and clinical application in children with allergic airway disease Allergy Asthma Immunol Res, 8 (2016), pp. 12-21Dae-Sik Lee, Jun-Woo Lim, Sang-Mun Lee, Jeung-Soo Huh, Duk-Dong Lee, Fabrication and characterization of micro-gas sensor for nitrogen oxides gas detection, Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Volume 64, Issues 1–3, 10 June 2000, Pages 31-36M. Chen, Z. Wang, D. Han, F. Gu, G. Guo, Porous ZnO Polygonal Nanoflakes: Synthesis, Use in High-Sensitivity NO 2 Gas Sensor, and Proposed Mechanism of Gas Sensing, J. Phys. Chem. C. 115 (2011) 12763–12773. https://doi.org/10.1021/jp201816d.L. Van Duy, N. Van Duy, C.M. Hung, N.D. Hoa, N.Q. Dich, Urea mediated synthesis and acetone-sensing properties of ultrathin porous ZnO nanoplates, Mater. Today Commun. 25 (2020) 101445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtcomm.2020.101445.

Impacts of Halogen Substitutions on Bisphenol A Compounds Interaction with Human Serum Albumin: Exploring from Spectroscopic Techniques and Computer Simulations.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting compound, and the binding mechanism of BPA with carrier proteins has drawn widespread attention. Halogen substitutions can significantly impact the properties of BPA, resulting in various effects for human health. Here, we selected tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and tetrachlorobisphenol A (TCBPA) to investigate the interaction between different halogen-substituted BPAs and human serum albumin (HSA). TBBPA/TCBPA spontaneously occupied site I and formed stable binary complexes with HSA. Compared to TCBPA, TBBPA has higher binding affinity to HSA. The effect of different halogen substituents on the negatively charged surface area of BPA was an important reason for the higher binding affinity of TBBPA to HSA compared to TCBPA. Hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces were crucial in the TCBPA-HSA complex, while the main driving factor for the formation of the TBBPA-HSA complex was hydrophobic interactions. Moreover, the presence of TBBPA/TCBPA changed the secondary structure of HSA. Amino acid residues such as Lys199, Lys195, Phe211, Arg218, His242, Leu481, and Trp214 were found to play crucial roles in the binding process between BPA compounds and HSA. Furthermore, the presence of halogen substituents facilitated the binding of BPA compounds with HSA.