Implications For Human Health Research Articles

A review of pathogenic airborne fungi and bacteria: unveiling occurrence, sources, and profound human health implication.

Airborne fungi and bacteria have been extensively studied by researchers due to their significant effects on human health. We provided an overview of the distribution and sources of airborne pathogenic microbes, and a detailed description of the detrimental effects that these microorganisms cause to human health in both outdoor and indoor environments. By analyzing the large body of literature published in this field, we offered valuable insights into how airborne microbes influence our well-being. The findings highlight the harmful consequences associated with the exposure to airborne fungi and bacteria in a variety of natural and human-mediated environments. Certain demographic groups, including children and the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and various categories of workers are particularly exposed and vulnerable to the detrimental effect on health of air microbial pollution. A number of studies performed up to date consistently identified Alternaria, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Fusarium as the predominant fungal genera in various indoor and outdoor environments. Among bacteria, Bacillus, Streptococcus, Micrococcus, Enterococcus, and Pseudomonas emerged as the dominant genera in air samples collected from numerous environments. All these findings contributed to expanding our knowledge on airborne microbe distribution, emphasizing the crucial need for further research and increased public awareness. Collectively, these efforts may play a vital role in safeguarding human health in the face of risks posed by airborne microbial contaminants.

Surveillance of tick-borne pathogens in domestic dogs from Chad, Africa

BackgroundTick-borne pathogens are understudied among domestic animals in sub-Saharan Africa but represent significant threats to the health of domestic animals and humans. Specifically, additional data are needed on tick-borne pathogens in Chad, Africa. Surveillance was conducted among domestic dogs in Chad for selected tick-borne pathogens to measure (1) the prevalence of antibodies against Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, and Ehrlichia spp.; (2) the prevalence of infections caused by Hepatozoon spp., Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, and Babesia spp.; and (3) associations of pathogens with demographic, spatial, and temporal factors. Blood samples were collected from domestic dogs at three time points (May 2019, November 2019, June 2020) across 23 villages in southern Chad.ResultsOf the 428 dogs tested with the IDEXX SNAP 4Dx test in May 2019, 86% (n = 370, 95% CI = 83–90%) were positive for antibodies to Ehrlichia spp., 21% (n = 88, 95% CI = 17–25%) were positive for antibodies to Anaplasma spp., and 0.7% (n = 3, 95% CI = 0.1–2%) were positive for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. Four different pathogens were detected via PCR. Hepatozoon spp. were most commonly detected (67.2–93.4%, depending on the time point of sampling), followed by E. canis (7.0-27.8%), A. platys (10.1–22.0%), and Babesia vogeli (0.4–1.9%). Dogs were coinfected with up to three pathogens at a single time point, and coinfections were most common in May 2019 compared to November 2019 and May 2020.ConclusionsOverall, this study provides new data about the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens in domestic dogs in Chad, with potential implications for dog and human health.

Polystyrene nanoplastics: optimized removal using magnetic nano-adsorbent and toxicity assessment in zebrafish embryos.

The presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in aquatic ecosystems has raised serious environmental and health concerns. Polystyrene is one of the most abundant plastic polymers found in the environment. Polystyrene MPs/NPs have harmful implications for human health and their removal from the environment has become a serious challenge. In this study, we investigated the adsorptive uptake of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS NPs) from aqueous solutions using fly ash-loaded magnetic nanoparticles (FAMNPs) as the magnetic nano-adsorbent. During the factor screening study, the adsorption process was studied as a function of four variables namely pH (5-10), adsorption time (30-120min), amount of FAMNPs (0.01-0.04g), and stirring speed (50-200rpm). Central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to establish the relationship between the variables. Furthermore, toxicity assessments of PS NPs were checked on a zebrafish model, shedding light on its potential ecological effects. Two variables namely the pH and amount of FAMNPs significantly influenced the adsorption capacity of FAMNPs and were further optimized for subsequent analysis. The optimum operational readings proposed by the model were pH (8.5), and the amount of FAMNPs (0.03g), resulting in a good adsorption capacity of 29.12mg/g for PS NPs. The adequacy of the proposed model was evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Zebrafish embryos exposed to PS NPs revealed physical deformations such as pericardial edema and malformed notochord. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of FAMNPs in the adsorption of PS NPs from aqueous solutions, with optimal conditions identified at pH 8.5 and 0.03g of FAMNPs using RSM. The adequacy of the model was confirmed through ANOVA analysis. Toxicity assessments on zebrafish embryos exposed to PS NPs revealed significant mortality and physical deformations, highlighting the importance of PS NPs removal for environmental health.

Exploring the Confluence of Animal Medicine and its Implications for Human Health: A Systematic Literature Review.

The abuse of veterinary drugs has emerged as a concerning trend, with global fatalities on the rise. Our understanding of this phenomenon remains limited. This study aims to identify the veterinary drugs being misused, the reasons behind their misuse, and how they are obtained. Utilising PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, along with related grey literature, we applied the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework for data collection. Screening and cross-referencing yielded 66 relevant articles, encompassing case reports, surveys, reports, and systemic literature reviews. The analysis identified 28 distinct veterinary drugs being misused in humans, primarily falling into categories, e.g., α-2- and β-2-adrenergic receptor agonists, GABAergic receptor modulators, opioid receptor agonists, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. These drugs were used for various purposes, including recreational use, weight loss, bodybuilding, pain relief, and self-medication for stress-related symptoms. Routes of administration predominantly included parenteral, oral, and inhalation methods. Veterinary workers/assistants and individuals connected to animals were identified as contributors to the misuse of these medications. Motivations for their utilisation ranged from affordability and accessibility to the ease of obtaining multiple prescriptions from various veterinary sources, often in conjunction with other illicit substances. Dependence and addiction were common outcomes of the misuse of veterinary medicines by humans. Overall, this systematic review underscores the increasing popularity of veterinary prescription drug misuse despite being under-reported with limited available data. Healthcare professionals are urged to remain vigilant to potential overdose events involving these medications.

Substitutive Effects of Milk vs. Vegetable Milk on the Human Gut Microbiota and Implications for Human Health.

Background: In the last two decades, the consumption of plant-based dairy substitutes in place of animal-based milk has increased in different geographic regions of the world. Dairy substitutes of vegetable origin have a quantitative composition of macronutrients such as animal milk, although the composition of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, as well as bioactive components, is completely different from that of animal milk. Many milk components have been shown to have relevant effects on the intestinal microbiota. Methods: Therefore, the aim of this review is to compare the effects obtained by previous works on the composition of the gut microbiota after the ingestion of animal milk and/or vegetable beverages. Results: In general, the results obtained in the included studies were very positive for animal milk intake. Thus, we found an increase in gut microbiota richness and diversity, increase in the production of short-chain fatty acids, and beneficial microbes such as Bifidobacterium, lactobacilli, Akkermansia, Lachnospiraceae or Blautia. In other cases, we found a significant decrease in potential harmful bacteria such as Proteobacteria, Erysipelotrichaceae, Desulfovibrionaceae or Clostridium perfingens after animal-origin milk intake. Vegetable beverages have also generally produced positive results in the gut microbiota such as the increase in the relative presence of lactobacilli, Bifidobacterium or Blautia. However, we also found some potential negative results, such as increases in the presence of potential pathogens such as Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella and Fusobacterium. Conclusions: From the perspective of their effects on the intestinal microbiota, milks of animal origin appear to be more beneficial for human health than their vegetable substitutes. These different effects on the intestinal microbiota should be considered in those cases where the replacement of animal milks by vegetable substitutes is recommended.

Trace elements in liver and muscle tissues from wild waterfowls in Australia: Risk associated with human consumption in a global context

Trace elements in game meats remain a point of concern for both the public and policymakers alike due to the human health implications if levels present are above guideline limits. This study aimed to: (1) determine trace element concentrations (As, Cd, Hg, Pb Cr, Cu, Se, Zn) in edible portions (breast meat and liver) of the four most frequently hunted duck Anatidae species inhabiting wetlands in Victoria, Australia, to identify the risk to human health from consumption; (2) investigate landscape-scale variables that may influence the detected concentrations and; (3) review the studies available (n = 41) in duck liver and muscle tissues from the 1970s to 2024, to contextualise the detected concentrations found on a global scale. Our study shows that ducks in Victoria had trace element concentrations below tolerable daily intake (TDI) guidelines for human health with one exception: notably high Hg in a filter-feeding specialist, the Pink-eared duck (Malacorhynchus membranaceus). Yet, the only trace element concentrations that were influenced by proximity to populated centres, were As and Zn. Compared to international reports, Pb concentrations in livers and muscle of Victorian waterfowl were lower, however, Pink-eared ducks had higher Hg than other duck (Anas spp.) species. Review of the worldwide data indicate that Pb concentrations in liver tissues from all Anas species have declined from the 1970s to 2024. This is the first study to identify this trend at a global scale. International movements towards Pb-shot bans, along with phasing out of Pb in gasoline and paint are the most likely cause of declining concentrations in tissues of wild waterfowl. These findings strongly underscore the importance of legislative efforts to limit trace elements entering the environment.

Comparison of PM10 Levels in Three of the Most Polluted Cities in Romania over the Periods Related to Lower Traffic—Implications for Human Health

Comparison of PM10 Levels in Three of the Most Polluted Cities in Romania over the Periods Related to Lower Traffic—Implications for Human Health

An all-in-one smartphone-assisted ratiometric fluorescent device for visual and quantitative detection of glutathione

The daily consumption of foods abundant in Glutathione (GSH) can be supplemented to maintain the homeostasis of GSH in human health and alleviate pathologies resulting from abnormal GSH levels. The fluorescence-based visual determination of GSH has gradually attracted the attention of researchers due to its robust performance and versatile implementation. However, the current GSH visual strategy primarily relies on variations in fluorescence intensity at a single emission wavelength, which poses challenges for naked-eye and portable readout, as well as distorted signals caused by complex matrix effects in real samples. Herein, a ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on carbon dots (CDs) combined with an all-in-one 3D-printed smartphone-based device was successfully developed for low-cost, visual and rapid detection of GSH without the need for an external excitation light source. The ratiometric fluorescent materials were synthesized by conjugating blue carbon dots (B-CDs) with yellow carbon dots (Y-CDs) through the utilization of selected Cu2+ ions. The resulting mechanism demonstrated that the coordination interaction between Cu2+ and residual aromatic amino groups in Y-CDs (Y-CDs-Cu2+) contributed to a newly emitted peak at 580 nm, thereby inducing fluorescence resonance energy transfer from B-CDs to Y-CDs-Cu2+. A linear correlation was found between GSH concentrations and R/B values in the range of 10–100 μM, with a limit of detection observed at 4.8 μM. By utilizing this portable device in combination with RGB analysis, the quantitative detection of GSH can be achieved even in complex food matrices such as tomatoes and grapes. The universality of this all-in-one device was further validated by pre-spraying CDs onto a paper strip for visual measurement of GSH. This work offers a portable, visual, and accessible approach to evaluating food safety and nutrition, thereby demonstrating significant economic value and holding profound implications for human health.

Mendelian randomization provides causal association between COVID-19 and thyroid cancer: insights from a multi-cancer analysis.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused over 600 million confirmed infections and more than 6.8 million deaths worldwide, with ongoing implications for human health. COVID-19 has been extensively documented to have extrapulmonary manifestations due to the widespread expression of necessary ACE2 receptors in the human body. Nevertheless, the association between COVID-19 and cancer risk remains inadequately explored. This study employs Mendelian randomization (MR) methods to examine the causal relationship between genetic variations associated with COVID-19 and the risk of developing cancer. The findings indicate that COVID-19 has negligible impact on most cancer risks. Interestingly, a higher COVID-19 impact is associated with a decreased risk of thyroid cancer. In summary, our findings demonstrate a genetic correlation between COVID-19 and thyroid cancer, contributing to our understanding of the interplay between COVID-19 and cancer risk.

Polychromophilus (Haemosporida: Plasmodiidae): A review of association with bats (Mammalia, Chiroptera) and the first record in the Neotropical bat, Myotis albescens (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) from Colombia

Some species within the family Plasmodiidae (Haemosporida) have been extensively studied due to their implications for human health. However, for other haemosporidians that infect wild animals the knowledge is limited. Species within the genus Polychromophilus have thus far been documented exclusively as hemoparasites of bats. Records of Polychromophilus are primarily from Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia, with limited information available for the Americas. Here, we assessed the state of knowledge on Polychromophilus species infecting bats worldwide and searched for the presence of Polychromophilus in blood samples of neotropical bats from Colombia. We found a total of 65 records of Polychromophilus in 46 bat species belonging to the families Emballonuridae, Hipposideridae, Miniopteridae, Rhinolophidae, Rhinonycteridae, and Vespertilionidae worldwide, except for Antarctica. In the Americas, records of the genus Polychromophilus are exclusively from Vespertilionidae bats in Brazil, Colombia, the United States, and Panama. The morphological and molecular analyses of blood from 125 bats, belonging to 39 species and captured in seven localities within the departments of Arauca and Caldas (Colombia), confirmed the presence of Polychromophilus deanei in a silver-tipped myotis, Myotis albescens (Vespertilionidae). This finding represents the first morphological and molecular confirmation of P. deanei in the Americas. Additionally, it expands the knowledge on the diversity and distribution of Polychromophilus in Neotropical bats.

Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Hydroalcoholic and Phenolic Extracts from Ternstroemia dentisepala and T. lineata Leaves.

Traditional Mexican medicine commonly uses infusions of Ternstroemia spp. to treat insomnia, injuries, and infections. The antibacterial activities of Ternstroemia dentisepala and Ternstroemia lineata were evaluated for the first time against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria that have implications for human health, including Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Furthermore, the scavenging potential of the hydroalcoholic (HAEs) and total phenolic extracts (TPEs) from the leaves of both plants by a 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay (ABTS•+) was determined. Also, the total phenolic contents of the HAEs using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent were assayed. T. dentisepala HAE and TPE were active against all bacterial strains tested, with a minimum inhibitory concentration between 1.0 and 6.0 mg/mL, with the last one being the most active. However, the T. lineata extracts only demonstrated effectiveness against S. typhi and P. aeruginosa. The TPEs from T. dentisepala and T. lineata improved the activity by approximately 30% in all bacteria tested in comparison with the HAEs. The T. dentisepala HAE had a higher total phenolic content than the T. lineata extract, which was consistent with its ABTS•+-scavenging activity. The two HAEs had different chemical profiles, mostly because of the types and amounts of phenolic compounds they contained. These profiles were obtained using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) experiments.

Generation of advanced glycation end products from glycated protein or fructose/glyoxal-protein adducts under in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a heterogeneous group of compounds formed both endogenously and exogenously through reactions between reducing sugars and amino acids within the proteins. The digestive tract may also serve as a site for endogenous AGEs generation. This study examined whether additional AGEs are formed during the digestion of glycated protein diets and meal-resembling systems (dietary proteins with fructose or glyoxal). The digestion of glycated protein showed that free AGEs were gradually released, but no additional AGEs were generated. In contrast, co-digestion of dietary proteins with fructose or glyoxal resulted in the formation of additional AGEs, and the reaction substrates (fructose or glyoxal) were depleted during digestion. Additionally, the lysine released from proteins decreased, leading to a loss of nutritional value of the food during co-digestion. The formation of AGEs and the depletion of essential amino acids in the gut may have significant implications for human health.

Taxonomic and functional metagenomic assessment of a Dolichospermum bloom in a large and deep lake south of the Alps.

Untargeted genetic approaches can be used to explore the high metabolic versatility of cyanobacteria. In this context, a comprehensive metagenomic shotgun analysis was performed on a population of Dolichospermum lemmermannii collected during a surface bloom in Lake Garda in the summer of 2020. Using a phylogenomic approach, the almost complete metagenome-assembled genome obtained from the analysis allowed to clarify the taxonomic position of the species within the genus Dolichospermum and contributed to frame the taxonomy of this genus within the ADA group (Anabaena/Dolichospermum/Aphanizomenon). In addition to common functional traits represented in the central metabolism of photosynthetic cyanobacteria, the genome annotation uncovered some distinctive and adaptive traits that helped define the factors that promote and maintain bloom-forming heterocytous nitrogen-fixing Nostocales in oligotrophic lakes. In addition, genetic clusters were identified that potentially encode several secondary metabolites that were previously unknown in the populations evolving in the southern Alpine Lake district. These included geosmin, anabaenopetins, and other bioactive compounds. The results expanded the knowledge of the distinctive competitive traits that drive algal blooms and provided guidance for more targeted analyses of cyanobacterial metabolites with implications for human health and water resource use.

Liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry-based metabolomics revealing the effects of zearalenone and alpha-zearalenol on human endometrial cancer cells.

Human exposure to mycotoxins through food involve a mixture of compounds, which can be harmful to human health. The Fusarium fungal species are known to produce zearalenone (ZEN), a non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin, and its metabolite alpha-zearalenol (α-ZEL), both of which possess endocrine-disruptive properties. Given their potential harm to human health through food exposure, investigating the combined effects of ZEN and α-ZEL becomes crucial. Hence, the combined impact of ZEN and α-ZEL study hold significant importance. This in vitro study delves into the critical area, examining their combined impact on the proliferation and metabolic profile of endometrial cancer Ishikawa cells via sulforhodamine, clonogenic, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) based untargeted metabolomics. Low concentrations of ZEN (25nm), α-ZEL (10nm), or a combination of both were observed to significantly enhance cell proliferation of Ishikawa cells, as evidenced by PCNA immunostaining, immunoblotting as well and clonogenic assays. The metabolomics revealed the perturbations in glycerophospholipid metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism and phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan biosynthesis provides valuable insights into potential mechanism by which these mycotoxins may facilitate cell proliferation. However, further investigations are warranted to comprehensively understand the implications of these findings and their possible implications for human health.

Rapid aqueous-phase dark reaction of phenols with nitrosonium ions: Novel mechanism for atmospheric nitrosation and nitration at low pH.

Dark aqueous-phase reactions involving the nitrosation and nitration of aromatic organic compounds play a significant role in the production of light-absorbing organic carbon in the atmosphere. This process constitutes a crucial aspect of tropospheric chemistry and has attracted growing research interest, particularly in understanding the mechanisms governing nighttime reactions between phenols and nitrogen oxides. In this study, we present new findings concerning the rapid dark reactions between phenols containing electron-donating groups and inorganic nitrite in acidic aqueous solutions with pH levels <3.5. This reaction generates a substantial amount of nitroso- and nitro-substituted phenolic compounds, known for their light-absorbing properties and toxicity. In experiments utilizing various substituted phenols, we demonstrate that their reaction rates with nitrite depend on the electron cloud density of the benzene ring, indicative of an electrophilic substitution reaction mechanism. Control experiments and theoretical calculations indicate that the nitrosonium ion (NO+) is the reactive nitrogen species responsible for undergoing electrophilic reactions with phenolate anions, leading to the formation of nitroso-substituted phenolic compounds. These compounds then undergo partial oxidation to form nitro-substituted phenols through reactions with nitrous acid (HONO) or other oxidants like oxygen. Our findings unveil a novel mechanism for swift atmospheric nitrosation and nitration reactions that occur within acidic cloud droplets or aerosol water, providing valuable insights into the rapid nocturnal formation of nitrogen-containing organic compounds with significant implications for climate dynamics and human health.

Robust identification of perturbed cell types in single-cell RNA-seq data

Single-cell transcriptomics has emerged as a powerful tool for understanding how different cells contribute to disease progression by identifying cell types that change across diseases or conditions. However, detecting changing cell types is challenging due to individual-to-individual and cohort-to-cohort variability and naive approaches based on current computational tools lead to false positive findings. To address this, we propose a computational tool, scDist, based on a mixed-effects model that provides a statistically rigorous and computationally efficient approach for detecting transcriptomic differences. By accurately recapitulating known immune cell relationships and mitigating false positives induced by individual and cohort variation, we demonstrate that scDist outperforms current methods in both simulated and real datasets, even with limited sample sizes. Through the analysis of COVID-19 and immunotherapy datasets, scDist uncovers transcriptomic perturbations in dendritic cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and FCER1G+NK cells, that provide new insights into disease mechanisms and treatment responses. As single-cell datasets continue to expand, our faster and statistically rigorous method offers a robust and versatile tool for a wide range of research and clinical applications, enabling the investigation of cellular perturbations with implications for human health and disease.

P18-09 Quantitative analysis of micro and nanoplastics in biological tissues: implications for environmental and human health

P18-09 Quantitative analysis of micro and nanoplastics in biological tissues: implications for environmental and human health

First identification of Angiostrongylus spp. in Lissachatina fulica and Cornu aspersum in Antioquia, Colombia

Abdominal and neural angiostrongyliasis caused by Angiostrongylus costaricensis and A. cantonensis, respectively, are zoonotic diseases involving snails as intermediate hosts. Colombia has already reported human cases, and the increasing distribution of Lissachatina fulica and Cornu aspersum raises public health concerns due to the potential risk of disease transmission in areas where parasites and hosts coexist. To identify the presence of Angiostrongylus spp. in snail species L. fulica and C. aspersum in Antioquia, Colombia. This prospective cross-sectional study had a population of 5,855 L. fulica and C. aspersum snails captured in the ten towns of the Valle de Aburrá (Antioquia, Colombia), 169 samples were collected in 28 sampling points. Lung tissues of the collected snails were dissected and analyzed to detect Angiostrongylus spp. through molecular techniques. Angiostrongylus spp. were identified in both L. fulica and C. aspersum. Angiostrongylus costaricensis was detected in 18 pooled prevalence of 30% (95% CI = 19.2-43.3), and Medellín was the municipality with the highest number of positive samples (33.3%). Seventy-two-point-two percent of the positive places reported the presence of rodents. None of the tests were positive for A. cantonensis. Our findings provide important insights into the epidemiology and distribution of Angiostrongylus spp. in Antioquia, Colombia. The identification of these parasitic nematodes in L. fulica and C. aspersum highlights the potential role of these snails as intermediate hosts in the transmission of Angiostrongylus spp. infections in the Valle de Aburrá, with implications for human and veterinary health.

Potentially toxic metals in Northeast Ethiopian agricultural soils: implications for Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato) production and human health.

Exposure to heavy metal-contaminated vegetables, irrigation water and agricultural soil is one of the most challenging environmental issues worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the health effects of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) including Cr, Cd, Fe, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Co from agricultural soil, irrigation water, and tomato plants collected from the Abuarie irrigation site, Northeast Ethiopia. The samples were digested using acid digestion method, and its concentration was quantified using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy. The concentrations of PTMs in the soil, tomato, and irrigation water samples ranged from 49,020 ± 275 (Fe) to 11.85 ± 0.44 (Cd), 170 ± 1.98 (Fe) to 0.29 ± 0.006 (Cd) mgkg-1, and 0.24 ± 0.003 (Fe) to 0.025 ± 0.005(Ni)mgL-1 , respectively. The results revealed Zn, Ni, Cd and Cr in soil, all metals in tomato, and Cu, Ni, Cd and Pb in irrigation water sample were above the World Health Organization threshold values. Moreover, the separate and cumulative exposure to farm soil, irrigation water, and consumption of tomato were investigated using the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values, respectively. The results revealed that individual exposure to each sample type did not have a significant impact on health (HQ < 1). However, simultaneous exposure to all of the sample types (soil, tomato and irrigation water) at the same time had a high likelihood of affecting health (HI > 1). The total carcinogenic concentrations of Cr, Cd, Ni, and Pb were greater than 1 × 10-4, revealing that farmers have a high probability of developing cancer during their lifetime. Minimizing simultaneous exposure to soil, tomato, and irrigated water for local people is highly recommended to prevent the risk of PTMs.

Integrating Large-Scale Protein Structure Prediction into Human Genetics Research.

The last five years have seen impressive progress in deep learning models applied to protein research. Most notably, sequence-based structure predictions have seen transformative gains in the form of AlphaFold2 and related approaches. Millions of missense protein variants in the human population lack annotations, and these computational methods are a valuable means to prioritize variants for further analysis. Here, we review the recent progress in deep learning models applied to the prediction of protein structure and protein variants, with particular emphasis on their implications for human genetics and health. Improved prediction of protein structures facilitates annotations of the impact of variants on protein stability, protein-protein interaction interfaces, and small-molecule binding pockets. Moreover, it contributes to the study of host-pathogen interactions and the characterization of protein function. As genome sequencing in large cohorts becomes increasingly prevalent, we believe that better integration of state-of-the-art protein informatics technologies into human genetics research is of paramount importance.