Risk ranking of mycotoxins in plant-based meat and dairy alternatives under protein transition scenarios.

While reducing the consumption of animal-source foods is recommended for planetary and human health, potential emerging food safety risks associated with the transition to dietary patterns featuring plant-based meat (PBMA) and dairy alternatives (PBDA) remain unexplored. We assessed the exposure to mycotoxins and ranked the associated health risks related to the consumption of PBMA and PBDA. We simulated diets by replacing animal-source proteins with their plant-based alternatives.

Non-invasive in vitro NAM for the detection of reversible and irreversible eye damage after chemical exposure for GHS classification purposes (ImAi).

The potential risk of chemicals to the human eye is assessed by adopted test guidelines (TGs) for regulatory purposes to ensure consumer safety. Over the past decade, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has approved new approach methodologies (NAMs) to predict chemical eye damage. However, existing NAMs remain associated with limitations: First, no full replacement of the in vivo Draize eye test due to limited predictability of severe/mild damage was reached.

Biosecurity measures reducing spp. and hepatitis E virus prevalence in pig farms-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

spp. and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are significant foodborne zoonotic pathogens that impact the health of livestock, farmers, and the general public. This study aimed to identify biosecurity measures (BSMs) against these pathogens on swine farms in Europe, the United States, and Canada.

Emerging spp. infections in Europe: characterization of human clinical isolates from German patients.

Bacteria of the genus are widely distributed in water bodies around the world. Some species have been identified as human pathogens causing intestinal and a variety of extraintestinal infections. In Germany, information on diseases caused by is rare, because infections are not notifiable in Germany.

Dysfunctional copper homeostasis in affects genomic and neuronal stability.

While copper (Cu) is an essential trace element for biological systems due to its redox properties, excess levels may lead to adverse effects partly due to overproduction of reactive species. Thus, a tightly regulated Cu homeostasis is crucial for health. Cu dyshomeostasis and elevated labile Cu levels are associated with oxidative stress and neurodegenerative disorders, but the underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully characterized.

The dispersion method does not affect the in vitro genotoxicity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes despite inducing surface alterations.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are a desirable class of high aspect ratio nanomaterials (HARNs) owing to their extensive applications. Given their demand, the growing occupational and consumer exposure to these materials has warranted an extensive investigation into potential hazards they may pose towards human health. This study utilised both the in vitro mammalian cell gene mutation and the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) assays to investigate genotoxicity in human lymphoblastoid (TK6) and 16HBE14o human lung epithelial cells, following exposure to NM-400 and NM-401 MWCNTs for 24 h.

Risk assessment of food contact materials.

Food Contact Materials (FCMs), such as plastics, papers, ceramics and inks used in food packaging, containers, kitchen utensils and tableware are subject to scrutiny due to their potential to release toxic compounds into food. In the European Union, materials and articles intended for contact with food must adhere to stringent safety regulations and novel materials not explicitly covered by existing legislation require individual risk assessment. This project focused on the assessment of the genotoxic potential of two substances used in FCMs, specifically neodecanoic acid (NDA) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), for which data gaps have been identified in genotoxicity studies.

Navigating the COVID-19 Therapeutic Landscape: Unveiling Novel Perspectives on FDA-Approved Medications, Vaccination Targets, and Emerging Novel Strategies.

Amidst the ongoing global challenge of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the quest for effective antiviral medications remains paramount. This comprehensive review delves into the dynamic landscape of FDA-approved medications repurposed for COVID-19, categorized as antiviral and non-antiviral agents. Our focus extends beyond conventional narratives, encompassing vaccination targets, repurposing efficacy, clinical studies, innovative treatment modalities, and future outlooks.

Correction: Brandão et al. Genotoxicity and Gene Expression in the Rat Lung Tissue following Instillation and Inhalation of Different Variants of Amorphous Silica Nanomaterials (aSiO NM). 2021, , 1502.

In the original publication [...

AI and ML-based risk assessment of chemicals: predicting carcinogenic risk from chemical-induced genomic instability.

Chemical risk assessment plays a pivotal role in safeguarding public health and environmental safety by evaluating the potential hazards and risks associated with chemical exposures. In recent years, the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and omics technologies has revolutionized the field of chemical risk assessment, offering new insights into toxicity mechanisms, predictive modeling, and risk management strategies. This perspective review explores the synergistic potential of AI/ML and omics in deciphering clastogen-induced genomic instability for carcinogenic risk prediction.

Appelmans Protocol for in vitro Klebsiella pneumoniae phage host range expansion leads to induction of the novel temperate linear plasmid prophage vB_KpnS-KpLi5.

Adjuvant therapy with bacteriophage (phage) cocktails in combination with antibiotics is a therapeutic approach currently considered for treatment of infections with encapsulated, biofilm forming, and multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp). Klebsiella phage are highly selective in targeting a bacterial capsule type. Considering the numerous Kp capsule types and other host restriction factors, phage treatment could be facilitated when generating phages with a broad host range.

Towards a risk assessment framework for micro- and nanoplastic particles for human health.

Background: Human exposure to micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) is inevitable but human health risk assessment remains challenging for several reasons. MNPs are complex mixtures of particles derived from different polymer types, which may contain plenty of additives and/or contaminants. MNPs cover broad size distributions and often have irregular shapes and morphologies.

Chemical-Specific T Cell Tests Aim to Bridge a Gap in Skin Sensitization Evaluation.

T cell activation is the final key event (KE4) in the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) of skin sensitization. However, validated new approach methodologies (NAMs) for evaluating this step are missing. Accordingly, chemicals that activate an unusually high frequency of T cells, as does the most prevalent metal allergen nickel, are not yet identified in a regulatory context.

spp. in German wildlife: Detection, regional occurrence and diversity in wild boar, roe, red and fallow deer.

is a cause of diarrheal infections responsible for a loss of human and animal welfare worldwide. The impact of the parasite is underestimated and the reported sources of infection are diverse, as it occurs in a wide variety of hosts. Wildlife has been reported as a notifiable source, but few studies are available on its occurrence in European wild boar and cervid species.

Toward a common interpretation of the 3Rs principles in animal research.

Many scientific breakthroughs have depended on animal research, yet the ethical concerns surrounding the use of animals in experimentation have long prompted discussions about humane treatment and responsible scientific practice. First articulated by Russell and Burch, the 3Rs Principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement have gained widespread recognition as basic guidelines for animal research. Over time, the 3Rs have transcended the research community, influencing policy decisions, animal welfare advocacy and public perception of animal experimentation.

Multinational investigation of a Umbilo outbreak reveals rocket salad and baby spinach as the likely infection vehicles, Europe, 2024.

A food-borne outbreak with about 200 Umbilo cases occurred mainly between July and September 2024 in several European countries. Collaborative work between outbreak teams in Germany, Austria and Denmark, including epidemiological and microbiological investigations, allowed to rapidly identify rocket salad as the likely infection vehicle. Umbilo was detected in rocket salad, and later in baby spinach.

The age pigment lipofuscin causes oxidative stress, lysosomal dysfunction, and pyroptotic cell death.

Accumulation of the age pigment lipofuscin represents a ubiquitous hallmark of the aging process. However, our knowledge about cellular effects of lipofuscin accumulation is potentially flawed, because previous research mainly utilized highly artificial methods of lipofuscin generation. In order to address this tremendous problem, we developed a convenient protocol for isolation of authentic lipofuscin from human and equine cardiac tissue in high purity and quantity.

Retrospective cumulative dietary risk assessment of craniofacial alterations by residues of pesticides.

In 2022, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted a dietary cumulative risk assessment for active substances of plant protection products on two types of craniofacial alterations: 1) craniofacial alterations due to abnormal skeletal development and 2) head soft tissue alterations and brain neural tube defects. These effects were selected based on developmental biology knowledge and a hypothetical teratogenic process. Cumulative risk assessment was conducted for 14 European populations of women in childbearing age.

Kinetics of 15 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) after single oral application as a mixture - A pilot investigation in a male volunteer.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants with half-lives in humans in the range of years in case of the long-chain compounds, leading to accumulation and measurable levels in plasma. In contrast, short-chain and "alternative" PFAS have lower levels or are not detectable in humans with background exposure. This may be due to lower exposure, but also due to much shorter half-lives compared to long-chain compounds.

Computational Tools to Facilitate Early Warning of New Emerging Risk Chemicals.

Innovative tools suitable for chemical risk assessment are being developed in numerous domains, such as non-target chemical analysis, omics, and computational approaches. These methods will also be critical components in an efficient early warning system (EWS) for the identification of potentially hazardous chemicals. Much knowledge is missing for current use chemicals and thus computational methodologies complemented with fast screening techniques will be critical.

Zinc-modulated bidirectional copper transfer across the blood-brain barrier in a porcine brain capillary endothelial cell culture model system.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) serves as a crucial interface, regulating the transfer of trace elements (TEs) such as copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) between the bloodstream and the brain. Cu and Zn are essential for maintaining neural function and enzymatic processes. Understanding the interplay of Cu and Zn with the BBB is crucial for elucidating their roles in neurological health and disease.

The point mutation A1387G in the 16S rRNA gene confers aminoglycoside resistance in and .

Thermotolerant spp. are the most frequent cause of foodborne bacterial diarrhea and high-priority antibiotic-resistant pathogens, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Monitoring revealed current low prevalence of gentamicin resistance in European spp.

EthoCRED: a framework to guide reporting and evaluation of the relevance and reliability of behavioural ecotoxicity studies.

Behavioural analysis has been attracting significant attention as a broad indicator of sub-lethal toxicity and has secured a place as an important subdiscipline in ecotoxicology. Among the most notable characteristics of behavioural research, compared to other established approaches in sub-lethal ecotoxicology (e.g.