MarkerScan: Separation and assembly of cobionts sequenced alongside target species in biodiversity genomics projects.

Contamination of public databases by mislabelled sequences has been highlighted for many years and the avalanche of novel sequencing data now being deposited has the potential to make databases difficult to use effectively. It is therefore crucial that sequencing projects and database curators perform pre-submission checks to remove obvious contamination and avoid propagating erroneous taxonomic relationships. However, it is important also to recognise that biological contamination of a target sample with unexpected species' DNA can also lead to the discovery of fascinating biological phenomena through the identification of environmental organisms or endosymbionts. Here, we present a novel, integrated method for detection and generation of high-quality genomes of all non-target genomes co-sequenced in eukaryotic genome sequencing projects. After performing taxonomic profiling of an assembly from the raw data, and leveraging the identity of small rRNA sequences discovered therein as markers, a targeted classification approach retrieves and assembles high-quality genomes. The genomes of these cobionts are then not only removed from the target species' genome but also available for further interrogation. Source code is available from https://github.com/CobiontID/MarkerScan. MarkerScan is written in Python and is deployed as a Docker container.

This article addresses a common issue in genetic research: the accidental mixing of genetic information from different species in public databases, often due to mislabelling or contamination. Interestingly, this 'contamination' can sometimes lead to exciting discoveries, like identifying DNA from unexpected species in a sample, revealing insights about organisms that live in the environment of the target organism. In our study, we developed a tool called MarkerScan for identifying these additional species found alongside the target species in eukaryotic genome sequencing projects. The method includes a way to sequence the whole genomes of the additional species. Our method involves sorting through the genetic data to identify certain small RNA sequences, which we then use as markers. These markers help to classify and assemble high-quality genomes from these additional species. This not only cleans up the main target species' genome data but also provides new, valuable genomes for further exploration.

Tracing anthropogenic mercury in soils from Fe-Hg mining/smelting area: isotopic and speciation insights.

Mercury (Hg) stable isotope ratios supplemented by Hg solid speciation data were determined in soils in a former Fe-Hg mining/smelting area (Jedová hora, Czech Republic, Central Europe). The dominant Hg phase in the studied soils was found to be cinnabar (HgS). A secondary form of soil Hg(II) was represented by Hg weakly and strongly bound to mineral (micro)particles, as revealed by thermo-desorption analysis. These Hg species probably play a key role in local soil Hg processes and biogeochemical cycling. The Hg isotopic data generally showed small differences between HgS (-1.1 to -0.8‰; δ202Hg) and the soil samples (-1.4 to -0.9‰; δ202Hg), as well as limited isotopic variability within the two studied soil profiles. On the other hand, the detected negative δ202Hg shift (∼0.4‰) in organic horizons compared to mineral soils in the highly contaminated profile suggests the presence of secondary post-depositional Hg processes, such as sorption or redox changes. For the less contaminated profile, the observed Hg isotopic variation (∼0.3‰; δ202Hg) in the subsurface mineral soil compared to both overlying and underlying horizons is likely due to cyclic redox reactions associated with Hg isotopic fractionation. We assume that the adsorption of Hg(II) to secondary Fe(III)/Mn(III,IV)-oxides could be of major importance in such cases.

Evaluation of surface water contamination and its impacts on health in the mining districts of Kambélé and Bétaré-Oya (Eastern-Cameroon).

This study aimed to assess water contamination and associated health risks for populations residing in the mining areas of Kambélé and Bétaré-Oya. Key parameters, including pH, EC, TDS, TSS, and concentrations of metallic elements (Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb and Mn), were measured using established water analysis techniques. The analysis included multivariate statistical assessments, calculation of metal pollution and water quality indices, and health risk determinations, including daily intake (DI) and hazard quotient (HQ). Findings indicate a diverse pH range (5.26 < pH < 8.72), low mineralization (33.22 < EC (µS/cm) < 179.64), and elevated TSS content (22.53 < TSS (in mg/l) < 271.51). Metallic elements were observed in the descending order of Fe > Mn > Pb > Cr > Cd. Water quality assessments using the Water Quality Index (WQI) categorized sites as displaying doubtful to very poor quality, notably Woupy (WQI = 719.14) in Kambélé and Mali (WQI = 794.24) in Bétaré-Oya, with Heavy metal Pollution Index (HPI) values exceeding 100. These outcomes highlight consistent chemical degradation of surface water, posing potential risks to local populations' health and well-being. The study emphasizes the critical need for proactive environmental protection measures in mining areas, recommending the adoption of healthy mining practices and effective site reclamation strategies. Furthermore, future studies should consider exposure duration's potential impact on residents' health problems in these areas. Overall, this study contributes significantly to understanding and addressing the intricate interplay between mining activities, water quality, and public health in the Cameroon countryside.

Spray drift in field crops: A dataset to analyse the influence of air induction nozzles, hedges, and their combination on the reduction of sedimentary drift, aerial drift and exposure of bystanders.

In 2021 and 2022, the national and cross-sector project CAPRIV funded by the French Ministry of Agriculture, made it possible to assess the influence of application techniques associated or not with a hedge or an anti-drift net on spray drift and bystander exposure. The acronym CAPRIV stands for "Concilier l'application des PPP et la protection des riverains" (Reconciling the use of PPPs and the protection of residents), within the orchard, viticulture, and field crops sectors. This specific data article focuses on field crops, especially on wheat. Over the two years, one boom sprayer equipped with flat fan and air induction nozzles was used on wheat fields adjacent to a hedgerow (2022) or not (2021). Spray drift has been measured according to a common protocol harmonised between cropping sectors within the project. Three different types of passive drift collectors were set up downwind of the treated field: Petri dishes for sedimentary drift, PVC wires placed between two masts for airborne drift and cotton T-shirts placed on manikins to assess potential dermal exposure of bystanders. The sprayed mix contained a fluorescent dye diluted in water. The mass of dye was measured using a classical technique with dilution and concentration evaluation. Two fluorescent dyes were successively used, Brillant Sulfaflavine and Sulforhodamine B. A total amount of 3792 collectors were analyzed individually. The data set provides a drift index for each collector expressed as the quantity of dye recovered per unit area of collector on the quantity of dye applied per unit area on the sprayed field multiplied by 100.

Quantitative identification and sensor sensitivity analysis in detection of odor volatile compounds emitted by scaly grain mites, Suidasia pontifica Oudemans.

BACKGROUND: In Thailand, the scaly grain mite, Suidasia pontifica Oudemans, impacts the feed industry by emitting a lemongrass-like odor in contaminated feed, reducing its palatability. This study focused on identifying volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with this odor in contaminated chicken feeds and ground maize, as well as individual mites using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We explored the relationship between VOC concentration and mite population size in chicken feed cultures, aiming to detect minimal mite presence through regression models. Additionally, we tested the sensitivity of nine electronic odor sensors in detecting these VOCs. RESULTS: Our results showed Z-citral and E-citral present in mite-contaminated ground maize, chicken feeds, but absent in uncontaminated samples. Mite populations in chicken feed followed a normal distribution, increasing rapidly, peaking, and then declining, a pattern mirrored in the concentrations of Z-citral and E-citral. Simple linear regression models confirmed a positive correlation between mite density and citral concentrations. Polynomial regression models indicated Z-citral is detectable at mite densities over 67 individuals per gram and E-citral over 3.89 individuals per gram. Odor sensors showed varying readings across different citral concentrations, uncontaminated, and mite-infested chicken feeds. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that S. pontifica are responsible for the lemongrass-like odor in infested samples, due to Z-citral and E-citral. The citral concentrations increase with mite population growth and are detectable at low mite densities, suggesting their effectiveness as biomarkers for early mite infestation detection. Additionally, MQ series odor sensors detected these VOCs, indicating their potential for monitoring mite infestations in storage environments. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Fresh Leafy Vegetables and Parasitic Contamination: Practical Solutions.

This study aimed at investigating the parasitic contamination of fresh leafy vegetables in Tehran, Iran, during 2020-2021. A cross-sectional study was conducted and 180 fresh leafy vegetables (including leek, watercress, mint, spring onion, radish, basil, parsley, lettuce, and spinach) were collected randomly in the five regions of Tehran, Iran. Each 200-g sample was soaked with tap water containing detergent, and the obtained sediment was centrifuged and examined for parasitic stages using a light microscope. The overall rate of parasitic contamination was 19.4%, with Trichostrongylus and Toxocara eggs being the most prevalent parasites (3.9%) and the highest rate of parasitic contamination was observed in spinach (40%), whereas no contamination was found in spring onions. Except for radish, other vegetable samples had multiple parasitic infections. Due to the contamination of vegetables, it is necessary to have a suitable method to reduce the parasites. Consequently, policymakers should safeguard public health by consistently monitoring contaminants in food and prioritizing education and research on methods to mitigate their presence in the food chain.

Errors in agricultural practices increase the toxicity of heavy metals in the food chain at Ishwardi Upazila in Bangladesh.

Due to the potential harm to human health, heavy metal deposition in agricultural products has gained importance throughout the world. Excessive use of agrochemicals and poultry wastes dramatically increased during the cultivation processes of rapidly growing vegetables without maintaining authorized guidelines. It happens due to the availability and low cost of these materials and higher production of the vegetables. Higher levels of heavy metals, especially Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), and Cadmium (Cd) contamination in food have detrimental effects on human health as well as the environmental ecosystems. This study revealed the profile of the heavy metals in the fast-growing vegetable called red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) due to the frequent use of poultry manure. We collected a total of 75 samples of red amaranth, water, and soil from five villages of five different unions at Ishwardi upazila in Bangladesh, and we analyzed the contamination levels of As, Pb, Cr, and Cd in them. Except for the As, we found that the accumulation levels of Pb, Cr, and Cd in samples crossed the highest permissive limit compared to FAO/WHO standards. Results suggested that daily intake of red amaranth in this area is alarming to human health due to the detrimental effects of these heavy metals.

Classifying contaminated cell cultures using time series features.

We examine the use of time series data, derived from Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS), to differentiate between standard mammalian cell cultures and those infected with a mycoplasma organism. With the goal of easy visualization and interpretation, we perform low-dimensional feature-based classification, extracting application-relevant features from the ECIS time courses. We can achieve very high classification accuracy using only two features, which depend on the cell line under examination. Initial results also show the existence of experimental variation between plates and suggest types of features that may prove more robust to such variation. Our paper is the first to perform a broad examination of ECIS time course features in the context of detecting contamination; to combine different types of features to achieve classification accuracy while preserving interpretability; and to describe and suggest possibilities for ameliorating plate-to-plate variation.

A comprehensive review of mycotoxins: Toxicology, detection, and effective mitigation approaches.

Mycotoxins, harmful compounds produced by fungal pathogens, pose a severe threat to food safety and consumer health. Some commonly produced mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, fumonisins, trichothecenes, zearalenone, and patulin have serious health implications in humans and animals. Mycotoxin contamination is particularly concerning in regions heavily reliant on staple foods like grains, cereals, and nuts. Preventing mycotoxin contamination is crucial for a sustainable food supply. Chromatographic methods like thin layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and liquid chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (LC/MS), are commonly used to detect mycotoxins; however, there is a need for on-site, rapid, and cost-effective detection methods. Currently, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), lateral flow assays (LFAs), and biosensors are becoming popular analytical tools for rapid detection. Meanwhile, preventing mycotoxin contamination is crucial for food safety and a sustainable food supply. Physical, chemical, and biological approaches have been used to inhibit fungal growth and mycotoxin production. However, new strains resistant to conventional methods have led to the exploration of novel strategies like cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) technology, polyphenols and flavonoids, magnetic materials and nanoparticles, and natural essential oils (NEOs). This paper reviews recent scientific research on mycotoxin toxicity, explores advancements in detecting mycotoxins in various foods, and evaluates the effectiveness of innovative mitigation strategies for controlling and detoxifying mycotoxins.

[Effects of Modified Distillers' Grains Biochar on Cadmium Forms in Purple Soil and Cadmium Uptake by Rice].

Biochar and modified biochar have been widely used as remediation materials in heavy metal-contaminated agricultural soils. In order to explore economical and effective materials for the remediation of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated acidic purple soil, distillers 'grains were converted into distillers' grains biochar (DGBC) and modified using nano-titanium dioxide (Nano-TiO2) to produce two types of modified DGBCs:TiO2/DGBC and Fe-TiO2/DGBC. A rice pot experiment was used to investigate the effects of different biochar types and application rates (1%, 3%, and 5%) on soil properties, nutrient content, Cd bioavailability, Cd forms, rice growth, and Cd accumulation. The results showed that:① DGBC application significantly increased soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and nutrient content, with TiO2/DGBC and Fe-TiO2/DGBC exhibiting better effects. ② DGBC and modified DGBCs transformed Cd from soluble to insoluble forms, increasing residual Cd by 1.22% to 18.46% compared to that in the control. Cd bioavailability in soil decreased significantly, with available cadmium being reduced by 11.81% to 23.67% for DGBC, 7.64% to 43.85% for TiO2/DGBC, and 19.75% to 55.82% for Fe-TiO2/DGBC. ③ DGBC and modified DGBCs increased rice grain yield, with the highest yields observed at a 3% application rate:30.60 g·pot-1 for DGBC, 37.85 g·pot-1 for TiO2/DGBC, and 39.10 g·pot-1 for Fe-TiO2/DGBC, representing 1.13, 1.40, and 1.44 times the control yield, respectively. Cd content in rice was significantly reduced, with grain Cd content ranging from 0.24 to 0.30 mg·kg-1 for DGBC, 0.16 to 0.26 mg·kg-1 for TiO2/DGBC, and 0.14 to 0.24 mg·kg-1 for Fe-TiO2/DGBC. Notably, Cd content in rice grains fell below the food safety limit of 0.2 mg·kg-1 (GB2762-2022) at 5% for TiO2/DGBC and 3% and 5% for Fe-TiO2/DGBC. In conclusion, Nano-TiO2 modified DGBC effectively reduced the bioavailability of soil Cd through its own adsorption and influence on soil Cd forms distribution, thus reducing the absorption of Cd by rice and simultaneously promoting rice growth and improving rice yield. It is a type of Cd-contaminated soil remediation material with a potential application prospect. The results can provide scientific basis for farmland restoration and agricultural safety production of Cd-contaminated acidic purple soil.

The quorum sensing SinI/R system contributes to cadmium immobilization in Ensifer adhaerens NER9 in the cadmium-contaminated solution.

In this study, the cadmium (Cd)-tolerant Ensifer adhaerens strain NER9 with quorum sensing (QS) systems (responsible for N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) production) was characterized for QS system-mediated Cd immobilization and the underlying mechanisms involved. Whole-genome sequence analysis revealed that strain NER9 contains the QS SinI/R and TraI/R systems. Strains NER9 and the NER9∆sinI/R, NER9∆traI/R, and NER9∆sinI/R-traI/R mutants were constructed and compared for QS SinI/R and TraI/R system-mediated Cd immobilization in the solution and the mechanisms involved. After 24 h of incubation, strain NER9 significantly decreased the Cd concentration in the Cd-contaminated solution compared with the NER9∆sinI/R, NER9∆traI/R, and NER9∆sinI/R-traI/R mutants. The NER9∆sinI/R mutant had a greater impact on Cd immobilization and a lower impact on the activities of AHLs than did the NER9∆traI/R mutant. The NER9∆sinI/R mutant had significantly greater Cd concentrations and lower cell wall- and exopolysaccharide (EPS)-adsorbed Cd contents than did strain NER9. Furthermore, the NER9∆sinI/R mutant presented a decrease in the number of functional groups interacting with Cd, compared with strain NER9. These results suggested that the SinI/R system in strain NER9 contributed to Cd immobilization by mediating cell wall- and EPS-adsorption in Cd-containing solution.

Anthropogenic determination and risk assessment of total petroleum hydrocarbons of ground water within Orji auto repair workshops, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

The research determined the anthropogenic source and risk evaluation of total petroleum hydrocarbons of some ground water sources within Orji auto repair workshops, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons in different groundwater samples within this vicinity were determined by selecting samples from five sampling locations using the liquid-liquid extraction process and gas chromatography fitted with a flame ionization detector. The concentrations of TPHs were determined with C15 (Pentadecane) and C30 (Triaconate) having the highest total concentrations in all sample locations of 29.67µg/mL and 23.17 µg/mL respectively while C13 (Tridecane) had the lowest combined concentration of 0.13 µg/mL with the presence of both low molecular weight and high molecular weight TPHs, an indication that the water samples had significant levels of carcinogens. Diagnostic ratio and correlation analyses of the samples analyzed showed contamination of the groundwater sources were both of petrogenic and pyrogenic sources. TPHs concentrations found in this study also revealed considerable amount of pollution with respect to contamination factors, pollution load index and degree of contamination. Elevated hazard index was equally observed for adults and children indicating a potential harm to the health of children and adults suggesting a higher risk of cancer from interaction with the polluted water. These results indicate that in remediation actions needs to be carried out before consumption to avoid fatal long term heath consequences.

Reflex strategy to ensure accurate total testosterone results from consumer initiated, self-collected capillary samples.

BACKGROUND: Self-collected capillary samples are convenient for direct access testing (DAT), but exogenous testosterone use may cause falsely elevated total testosterone (TT) results. We designed a quality assurance workflow to differentiate between accurate or erroneous supraphysiological TT concentrations. METHODS: Clinical samples with TT > 1500 ng/dL were reflexed to luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and screened for exogenous testosterone use. Samples (n = 120) with normal TT were reflexed to LH/FSH as a control. RESULTS: A total of 8572 TT samples were evaluated, of which 533 (6.2 %) had TT > 1500 ng/dL and were reflexed. Of these, 441 (82.7 %) had significantly decreased LH/FSH (<0.85/<0.7mIU/mL, respectively), 72 (13.5 %) had normal or borderline normal LH/FSH, and 20 (3.8 %) had insufficient plasma volume. In patients with TT > 1500 ng/dL, injectable exogenous testosterone use was most commonly accompanied by significantly decreased LH/FSH, while topical testosterone use was most commonly accompanied by detectable LH/FSH. Control samples were almost all (99.2 %) within or above the LH/FSH reference intervals. Unique patients ordered 351 TT tests where at least one TT result was > 1500 ng/dL. Based on TT and LH/FSH results, we hypothesized that patients were intermittently or consistently overusing exogenous testosterone, resolved elevated TT with recollection, or repeatedly contaminated their sample. CONCLUSION: Self-collected capillary specimens are acceptable for TT testing. A quality assurance reflex to LH/FSH can determine the validity of supraphysiological TT results in a consumer initiated/DAT population.

Proliferation of psychrotrophic bacteria in cold-stored platelet concentrates.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Platelet concentrates (PC) are stored at 20-24°C to maintain platelet functionality, which may promote growth of contaminant bacteria. Alternatively, cold storage of PC limits bacterial growth; however, data related to proliferation of psychotrophic species in cold-stored PC (CSP) are scarce, which is addressed in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight laboratories participated in this study with a pool/split approach. Two split PC units were spiked with ~25 colony forming units (CFU)/PC of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia liquefaciens, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Listeria monocytogenes. One unit was stored under agitation at 20-24°C/7 days while the second was stored at 1-6°C/no agitation for 21 days. PC were sampled periodically to determine bacterial loads. Five laboratories repeated the study with PC inoculated with lyophilized inocula (~30 CFU/mL) of S. aureus and K. pneumoniae. RESULTS: All species proliferated in PC stored at 20-24°C, reaching concentrations of ≤109 CFU/mL by day 7. Psychrotrophic P. fluorescens and S. liquefaciens proliferated in CSP to ~106 CFU/mL and ~105 CFU/mL on days 10 and 17 of storage, respectively, followed by L. monocytogenes, which reached ~102 CFU/mL on day 21. S. aureus and K. pneumoniae did not grow in CSP. CONCLUSION: Psychrotrophic bacteria, which are relatively rare contaminants in PC, proliferated in CSP, with P. fluorescens reaching clinically significant levels (≥105 CFU/mL) before day 14 of storage. Cold storage reduces bacterial risk of PC to levels comparable with RBC units. Safety of CSP could be further improved by implementing bacterial detection systems or pathogen reduction technologies if storage is beyond 10 days.

Microbiological quality of irrigation water on highly diverse fresh produce smallholder farms: elucidating environmental routes of contamination.

AIM: To evaluate the microbiological safety, potential multidrug resistant bacterial presence and genetic relatedness (DNA fingerprints) of Escherichia coli isolated from the water-soil-plant nexus on highly diverse fresh produce smallholder farms. METHODS AND RESULTS: Irrigation water (n = 44), soil (n = 85), and fresh produce (n = 95) samples, from six smallholder farms with different production systems, were analysed for hygiene indicator bacterial counts and the presence of shigatoxigenic E. coli and Salmonella spp., using standard microbiological methods. Identities of isolates were confirmed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and the genetic relatedness of the E. coli isolates determined using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) analysis. Irrigation water E. coli levels ranged between 0-3.45 log MPN.100 mL-1 with five farms having acceptable levels according to the World Health Organization limit (3 log MPN.100 mL-1). Fresh produce samples on four farms (n = 65) harboured E. coli at low levels (<1 log CFU.g-1) except for one sample from kale, spring onion, green pepper, onion and two tomato samples, which exceeded international acceptable limits (100 CFU.g-1). Only one baby carrot fresh produce sample tested positive for Salmonella spp. Of the 224 samples, E. coli isolates were identified in 40% (n = 90) of all water, soil and fresh produce types after enrichment. Additionally, the DNA fingerprints of E. coli isolates from the water-soil-plant nexus of each respective farm clustered together at high similarity values (>90%), with all phenotypically characterised as multidrug resistant. CONCLUSIONS: The clustering of E. coli isolated throughout the water-soil-plant nexus, implicated irrigation water in fresh produce contamination. Highlighting the importance of complying with irrigation water microbiological quality guidelines to limit the spread of potential foodborne pathogens throughout the fresh produce supply chain.

Presence of microplastics in the groundwater of volcanic islands, El Hierro and La Palma (Canary Islands).

The increasing amount of plastic litter worldwide is a serious problem for the environment and its biodiversity, ecosystems, animal and human welfare and the economy. The degradation of these plastics leads to microplastics (MPs), which have been reported for the first time in groundwater in the Canary archipelago. This research investigates the presence of MPs at nine different points on La Palma and El Hierro, where samples were collected in galleries, wells and springs during the month of December 2022. Six different polymers were found with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) - polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), cellulose (CEL), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The particle concentrations found ranged from 1 to 23 n/L, with a maximum particle size of 1900 µm, the smallest being 35 µm. PP and PE were the most common polymers found in the analysis, associated with the use of packaging, disposable products, textiles and water pipes, related to poorly maintained sewerage networks where leaks occur, allowing these MPs to escape into the environment and end up in groundwater. The detection of microplastic pollution in groundwater emphasises environmental hazards, including biodiversity disruption and water source contamination. Additionally, it presents potential risks to human health by transferring contaminants into the food chain and through respiratory exposure.

Does mental contamination mediate the association between childhood trauma and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in adults?

BACKGROUND: Previous research has shown that individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and OCD symptoms have higher rates of childhood trauma. Although it has been suggested that this relationship is due to mental contamination that developed in response to trauma, no studies have investigated the associations between childhood trauma, mental contamination, and OCD, and none have examined whether the relationship between childhood trauma and OCD is mediated by mental contamination. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that OCD, childhood trauma, and mental contamination are positively correlated, and that mental contamination would mediate the association between childhood trauma and OCD symptoms PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: We tested these hypotheses in a sample of 245 individuals, which comprised 158 MTurk workers recruited via CloudResearch.com and 87 individuals recruited through social media with OCD diagnoses or OCD symptoms above the clinical cutoff on the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised. METHODS: Participants completed online self-report questionnaires on childhood trauma, mental contamination, and OCD symptoms. RESULTS: The results revealed statistically significant positive correlations between childhood trauma, mental contamination, and OCD, and statistically significant total and indirect effects for the simple mediational model. Exploratory re-analyses with participants who had high OCD symptoms (n = 87) showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Our research shows that the association between childhood trauma and OCD may be explained by mental contamination. We recommend that mental contamination should be assessed and addressed in OCD patients with a history of childhood trauma.

Agricultural and urban practices are correlated to changes in the resistome of riverine systems.

The objective of this study was to comprehensively characterise the resistome, the collective set of antimicrobial resistance genes in a given environment, of two rivers, from their source to discharge into the sea, as these flow through areas of different land use. Our findings reveal significant differences in the riverine resistome composition in areas of different land uses, with increased abundance and diversity of AMR in downstream agricultural and urban locations, with the resistome in urban areas more similar to the resistome in wastewater. The changes in resistome were accompanied by changes in microbial communities, with a reduction in microbial diversity in downstream agricultural and urban affected areas, driven mostly by increased relative abundance in the phyla, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. These results provide insight into how pollution associated with agricultural and urban activities affects microbial communities and influences AMR in aquatic water bodies. These results add valuable insights to form effective strategies for mitigating and preserving aquatic ecosystems. Overall, our study highlights the critical role of the environment in the development and dissemination of AMR and underscores the importance of adopting a One Health approach to address this global public health threat.

Microplastic contamination in salt-cured fish and commercial sea salts: an emerging food safety threat in relation to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Microplastic (MP) contamination in seafood, particularly processed varieties like dried and salt-cured fish, poses a significant threat to human health. This study investigated MP levels in 22 salt-cured fish species and commercial sea salts along the Indian east coast. Results showed substantially higher MP concentrations compared to global averages, with fragments and fibres (< 250 µm) composing 70% of identified MPs, primarily PVC and PS polymers (> 55%). Station 2 exhibited high pollution levels, with salt-cured fish averaging 54.06 ± 14.48 MP items/g and salt containing 23.53 ± 4.2 MP items/g, indicating a high hazard risk index. A modest correlation was observed between MP abundance, morphotypes, polymer composition in the salt, and their impact on fish products. Given the critical link between food safety, security, and public health, further research is imperative to mitigate MP contamination, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 2, Goal 3, Goal 14, and Goal 15) for enhanced food safety and security.

Recent advancements in the sensors for food analysis to detect gluten: A mini-review [2019-2023].

People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity may experience an immune reaction to the protein called gluten, which is present in wheat, barley, and rye. A strict gluten-free diet is the sole cure for these ailments. There are chances of food fraud about the claim of being gluten-free food items. As a result, there is a rising need for trustworthy and precise ways to identify gluten. There are many methods to detect gluten in food samples viz., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay 1 Surface plasmon resonance (SPR), Electrochemical sensors, Fluorescence-based sensors, etc. The use of sensors is one of the most promising methods for gluten detection. For detecting gluten, a variety of sensors, including optical, electrochemical, and biosensors, have been developed with different limits of detection and sensitivity. The present review reports the recent advancements (2019-2023) in the development of sensors for gluten detection in food. We may conclude that sensitivity and limit of detection are not related to the type of sensor used (aptamer or antibody-based), however, there are advancements, with the year, on the simplicity of the material used like paper-based sensors and paradigm shift to reagent free sensors by the spectral analysis. Also, recent work shows the potential of IoT-based studies for gluten detection.