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Euphorbiaceae is a family of dicotyledonous angiosperm plants that occur mainly in the tropics and produce a variety of secondary metabolites. Given the abundance of the Euphorbiaceae species and the diversity of substances they produce, this study aims to investigate paten documents concerning inventions and models involving the pharmacological use of these species, contributing to the study of their medicinal potential. The present review delves into patent documents in the Patentscope database, from the application of search criteria, such as "simple search" with the "Euphorbiaceae" keyword, limited to the front page, with stemming, without language limitation, from any patent office, and excluding non-patent literature (NPL). The selected patents were prevalently published in East Asian offices between 1998 and 2023, including 41 species of Euphorbiaceae of 19 genera, with 31 metabolites represented. The collected metabolites predominantly exhibited anti-tumoral (N = 21), anti-inflammatory (N = 10), antioxidant (N = 7), and anti-bacterial (N = 6) activities. Additionally, some substances have shown valid properties for treating non-communicable diseases (N = 8). The patents demonstrate the biotechnological potential of species from the Euphorbiaceae family, which are exceptionally satile regarding their applications in the health sector. However, the small number of patents that identify specific metabolites hinders a more thorough investigation of the activities of the products extracted from these species.
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Human biomonitoring of toxic and essential trace elements is critically important for public health protection. Amazonian riverine communities exhibit distinctive dietary patterns, heavily reliant on locally sourced fish, fruits, and vegetables. These habits may result in unique exposure profiles compared to urban populations. However, comprehensive assessments of their exposure to toxic and essential metals are lacking, representing a critical gap in understanding the health risks faced by these communities. This study aimed to establish baseline levels of 21 metals and metalloids in human blood and explore the influence of sociodemographic factors, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices as potential sources of exposure to these elements. A cross-sectional biomonitoring investigation was conducted with 1,024 individuals from 13 communities in the Tapajós and Amazon Basins (Pará, Brazil). Most of the elements in study was determined for the first time in the region. Blood samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The levels of all elements were summarized by quantiles and compared with cutoff values from other Brazilian populations. Multiple linear regression was used to assess possible associations between element concentrations and sociodemographic characteristics, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices. High detection rates (64%-100%) were observed, indicating the widespread presence of these elements. Elevated blood concentrations were found for mercury (median 21.1 µg.L-1, interquartile range: 12-34 µg.L-1), selenium (median 166 µg.L-1, interquartile range: 137-208 µg.L-1), and lead (median 34 µg.L-1, interquartile range: 20.8-64 µg.L-1). Regression analysis revealed a positive association between mercury levels and fish consumption, while manioc flour intake showed no relationship to lead levels. In conclusion, our findings emphasize the need for continued monitoring and public policy development for these vulnerable populations. Further studies should assess long-term trends and investigate the health implications of prolonged exposure to diverse chemicals in Amazonian riverside communities.
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Monitoramento Biológico , Estilo de Vida , Metaloides , Humanos , Brasil , Adulto , Masculino , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto Jovem , Adolescente , Estudos Transversais , Metaloides/sangue , Metais/sangue , Dieta , Idoso , Fatores Sociodemográficos , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Poluentes Químicos da Água/sangue , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Criança , Comportamento Alimentar , População Rural/estatística & dados numéricos , Rios/químicaRESUMO
Occupational exposure to toxic elements can adversely affect health. The current study evaluated blood concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTE) including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, and Zn in formal and informal workers. Additionally, the study investigated the associations between blood PTE concentrations and reported health outcomes in the study population. The exposed group included women engaged in informal jewelry welding within their homes in Limeira, São Paulo state, Brazil (n = 36) and men who worked at a steel company in Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil (n = 22). The control group comprised residents of the same neighborhoods as the workers but without occupational exposure to chemicals (n = 28 in Limeira; n = 27 in Volta Redonda). Triple Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (TQ ICP-MS) was used to determine PTE concentrations in blood samples. Glycemia, insulin, and lipid profile tests were performed. All participants completed questionnaires on household risk and reported morbidity. The blood concentrations of Cd, As, and Pb, as well as glycemia, were higher in informal workers than in control subjects. No significant differences were observed between formal workers and control subjects. A robust Poisson regression model, adjusted for variables suggested by a Directed Acyclic Graph, disclosed associations of blood lead and arsenic concentrations with the prevalence of neurological manifestations in Limeira. Blood lead levels > 2.6 µg dL-1 were associated with 2.3 times the prevalence of self-reported neurological manifestations (95 % CI: 1.17-4.58; p = 0.02) than lower blood lead concentrations. Furthermore, a positive association between blood cadmium concentrations and glycemia was observed. Informal occupational exposure to these elements may indicate an increased risk of developing diseases. Monitoring exposure and implementing interventions to reduce PTE exposure in the work environment represent significant steps toward prevention.
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Exposição Ocupacional , Humanos , Brasil/epidemiologia , Exposição Ocupacional/estatística & dados numéricos , Masculino , Feminino , Adulto , Autorrelato , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Arsênio/sangue , Arsênio/análiseRESUMO
Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) immobilizes toxic metals and reduces their bioavailability in aqueous systems. However, its application in the treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) is poorly understood. In this study, the genomes of Sporosarcina sp. UB5 and UB10 were sequenced. Urease, carbonic anhydrases, and metal resistance genes were identified and enzymatic assays were performed for their validation. The geochemical mechanism of precipitation in AMD was elucidated through geo-mineralogical analysis. Sporosarcina sp. UB5 was shown to be a new genomospecies, with an average nucleotide identity < 95 % (ANI) and DNA-DNA hybridization < 70 % (DDH) whereas UB10 is close to S. pasteurii. UB5 contained two urease operons, whereas only one was identified in UB10. The ureolytic activities of UB5 and UB10 were 122.67 ± 15.74 and 131.70 ± 14.35 mM NH4+ min-1, respectively. Both strains feature several carbonic anhydrases of the α, ß, or γ families, which catalyzed the precipitation of CaCO3. Only Sporosarcina sp. UB5 was able to immobilize metals and neutralize AMD. Geo-mineralogical analyses revealed that UB5 directly immobilized Fe (1-23 %), Mn (0.65-1.33 %) and Zn (0.8-3 %) in AMD via MICP and indirectly through adsorption to calcite and binding to bacterial cell walls. The MICP-treated AMD exhibited high removal rates (>67 %) for Ag, Al, As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn, and a removal rate of 15 % for Mg. This study provides new insights into the MICP process and its applications to AMD treatment using autochthonous strains.
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Mineração , Sporosarcina , Urease , Sporosarcina/genética , Sporosarcina/metabolismo , Urease/metabolismo , Precipitação Química , Carbonatos/química , Anidrases Carbônicas/metabolismo , Anidrases Carbônicas/genética , Poluentes Químicos da Água/metabolismo , Poluentes Químicos da Água/químicaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Managing pest species of eusocial insects, such as leaf-cutting ants, poses significant challenges. Controlling them requires understanding of how toxic plant substrates and ant baits are recognized by foragers, transported to the nest, shared among workers and managed by gardeners cultivating the symbiont fungus garden. Despite this, little is known about how unsuitable resources might impact social interactions within ant colonies. This study aims to investigate whether the provision of a suitable substrate (copperleaf) and a toxic substrate (nasturtium leaves) affects the social network dynamics within colonies of two leaf-cutting ant species: Acromyrmex molestans and Acromyrmex subterraneus. The interactions between castes were recorded and subjected to social network analyses. RESULTS: Initial foraging duration increased for A. subterraneus provided with copperleaf, although no difference was observed for the other species and resource combinations. The social network structure was similar for both species when copperleaf leaves were provided as a substrate. However, notable alterations occurred with nasturtium leaf provision, leading to higher integration of gardeners in interactions and noticeable changes in the generalist worker network centrality, particularly in A. subterraneus. DISCUSSION: The observed changes in social interactions, particularly in A. subterraneus, suggest that increasing gardener interactions with other castes expedites the movement of the substrate within the colony. This maximizes the potential toxic effect on the colony. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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An unprecedented and direct PS-MS (paper spray ionization mass spectrometry) method was proposed for the detection of native peptides, that is, glutathiones (GSHs), homoglutathiones (hGSHs), and phytochelatins (PCs), in basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) roots before and after cadmium exposure. The roots were submitted to cold maceration followed by sonication with formic acid as the extractor solvent for sample preparation. PS-MS was used to analyze such extracts in the positive mode, and the results allowed for the detection of several GSHs, hGSHs, and PCs. Some of these PCs were not distinguished in the control samples, that is, basil roots not exposed to cadmium. Other PCs were noticed in both types of roots, uncontaminated and cadmium-contaminated, but the intensities were higher in the former samples. Moreover, long-time exposure to cadmium stimulated the formation of some of these PCs and their cadmium complexes. The results, therefore, provided some crucial insights into the defense mechanism of plants against an external stress condition due to exposure to a toxic heavy metal. The present study represents a promising alternative to investigate other crucial physiological processes in plants submitted to assorted stress conditions.
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Cádmio , Ocimum basilicum , Fitoquelatinas , Raízes de Plantas , Fitoquelatinas/química , Fitoquelatinas/metabolismo , Raízes de Plantas/química , Cádmio/análise , Ocimum basilicum/química , Espectrometria de Massas/métodos , Glutationa/análise , Glutationa/metabolismo , Glutationa/químicaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Arsenic, cadmium, and lead are toxic elements that widely contaminate our environment. These toxicants are associated with acute and chronic health problems, and evidence suggests that minority communities, including Hispanic/Latino Americans, are disproportionately exposed. Few studies have assessed culturally specific predictors of exposure to understand the potential drivers of racial/ethnic exposure disparities. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate acculturation measures as predictors of metal/metalloid (hereafter "metal") concentrations among Mexican American adults to illuminate potential exposure sources that may be targeted for interventions. METHODS: As part of a longitudinal cohort, 510 adults, aged 35 to 69 years, underwent baseline interview, physical examination, and urine sample collection. Self-reported acculturation was assessed across various domains using the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (SASH). Multivariable linear regression was used to assess associations between acculturation and urinary concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, and lead. Ordinal logistic regression was utilized to assess associations between acculturation and a metal mixture score. Lastly, best subset selection was used to build a prediction model for each toxic metal with a combination of the acculturation predictors. RESULTS: After adjustment, immigration factors were positively associated with arsenic and lead concentrations. For lead alone, English language and American media and food preferences were associated with lower levels. Immigration and parental heritage from Mexico were positively associated with the metal mixture, while preferences for English language, media, and food were negatively associated. CONCLUSION: Acculturation-related predictors of exposure provide information about potential sources of toxic metals, including international travel, foods, and consumer products. The findings in this research study provide information to empower future efforts to identify and address specific acculturation-associated toxicant exposures in order to promote health equity through clinical guidance, patient education, and public policy.
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Introduction: Triatomines are vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. Currently, there is no vaccine against this disease. Thus, control of the insect vector population is the main strategy available to reduce the number of cases. Triatomines are considered obligate hematophagous, but different alternative feeding behaviors were described, such as haemolymphagy or plant feeding. Methods: To determine the preference for sugar feeding in nymphs and adults of Rhodnius prolixus, the insects were exposed a piece of cotton containing bromophenol blue plus sucrose. In addition, we offered several sugars for different species of triatomines, and tested sugar meals as a route of delivery of insecticides in first-instar nymphs of R. prolixus. The effect of sugar feeding on the physiology of these different species of triatomines was recorded. Results: First instar nymphs ingested sucrose more strongly than other stages, and showed high mortality rates. In different species of triatomines, sucrose induced an ingestion, but engorgement varied according to the species. R. prolixus nymphs showed an indiscriminate intake of various sugars, with very different physiological effects. Furthermore, ingesting different combinations of insecticides + sugar significantly reduced insect survival. Discussion: In summary, we described for the first-time sugar feeding as a widespread behavior in several species of triatomines, and the possibility of the use of toxic sugar baits for the control of these vectors. The knowledge of feeding behavior in these insects can be fundamental for the development of new strategies to control Chagas disease.
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Social insect pests, particularly leaf-cutting ants, present a considerable challenge in terms of control. Leaf-cutting ants are significant agricultural, forestry, and pasture pests, and understanding their behavior and defense mechanisms is essential for managing their colonies effectively. While toxic ant baits are a primary control method, the limited availability of effective insecticides and concerns over their hazardous nature has spurred the search for alternative solutions, particularly natural compounds, which aligns with the goals of forest certification groups. In the light of previous evidence demonstrating the efficacy of nasturtium leaves (Tropaeolum majus L. (Brassicales: Tropaeolaceae)) in suppressing leaf-cutting ant colonies, this study investigates 2 active components of nasturtium leaf extracts: diphenyl disulfide and lyral. We tested their impact on Atta sexdens (L.) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), the most prevalent leaf-cutter ant species in Brazil, and their symbiotic fungus, Leucoagaricus gongylophorus (Möller) Singer (Agaricales: Agaricaceae). We conducted experiments with increasing concentrations of diphenyl disulfide and lyral, assessing their effects on the symbiotic fungus and on forager workers and gardeners of A. sexdens colonies. Our findings revealed no fungicidal activity, and ant mortality was minimal in both topical and ingestion bioassays with the exception of gardeners topically exposed to diphenyl sulfide. Furthermore, the compounds did not affect leaf ingestion, but diphenyl disulfide did increase interactions among foragers. These results suggest that neither diphenyl disulfide nor lyral are the primary contributors to the suppression of leaf-cutting ant colonies by nasturtium leaves. However, they may enhance the formicidal activity of other compounds present in nasturtium leaves.
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Formigas , Inseticidas , Folhas de Planta , Animais , Simbiose , Controle de Insetos , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologiaRESUMO
Mining is responsible for the release of metallic pollutants and radioactive materials into the environment, which have the potential to disrupt ecosystems and pose significant risks to human health. Significant mining activity is concentrated in the municipality of Caetité (northeastern Brazil), where Latin America's only active uranium mine and significant iron ore deposits are located. Although previous studies have shown that the regional soil and water resources are highly contaminated by various toxic elements and that exposure to these elements is known to have adverse effects on human health, the health risks in this mining region have never been assessed. The aim of this unprecedented comprehensive investigation was to assess the health, radiological and ecological risks in this mining region, which is home to nearly 100,000 people. To achieve our goal, soil and water samples were collected in the vicinity of the mines and in the main settlements in the region. Fifteen metallic toxic elements were determined using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. The HERisk code, which follows the main methodological guidelines for risk assessment, was used to quantify human health, radiological and ecological indices. The average values of the total risk and cancer risk indices indicated that region falls into the moderate risk category (1.0 ≤ HItot < 4.0). However, 63% of the sites had high risk values, with Fe, Co and As being the metals contributing most to total and cancer risk, respectively. Near the mining areas, the potential ecological risk can be considered extreme (PERI ≥ 600). The values of the calculated radiological indices correspond to typical values ââin natural uranium areas. However, in the communities near the mine, the dose values are slightly above the permissible limit (1 mSv y-1), so they must be continuously monitored, and risk mitigation measures must be taken.
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Mineração , Humanos , Brasil , Medição de Risco , Monitoramento Ambiental , Poluentes do Solo/análise , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Exposição Ambiental , Monitoramento de RadiaçãoRESUMO
Over the last century, the Atacama Desert has been exploited due to the mineral resources in this environment. These anthropogenic effects have primarily been linked to the development of the mining industry, the impact of which remains uncertain. Here, we use high-resolution geochemical characterization and magnetic properties analysis from the sedimentary core of Inka Coya Lake, located in the Atacama Desert, to assess the anthropogenic impact in this metallogenic region. The geochemistry and magnetic properties changed with core depth. Elements, such as Cu, Ni, and Zn, increased during the lake's most recent period. Additionally, an increase in mass magnetic susceptibility (χ) and a decrease in magnetic susceptibility depending on the frequency (χfd%) may be attributed to fine iron oxide grains originating from industrial and urban sources. Moreover, indices of pollution classified the sediment of Inka Coya Lake as slightly polluted and strongly polluted with Ni, and Cu, respectively. This could reflect a period of pollution caused by the increase in the production of copper sulfide. These results highlight the possible impact of mining activities in the hyper-arid core of the Atacama Desert, which affects surrounding areas through dispersive processes, even reaching high altitudes, and provides a scientific basis for the prevention of environmental pollution from mining and the protection of the sediment and water source in the Atacama Desert.
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In 2019, there was an environmental catastrophe in Brazil, when more than 5000 tons of unknown origin crude oil invaded beaches and mangroves. Two years later, two monitoring areas were selected to study seahorses' offspring: Massangana River estuary (apparently healthy area) and Cocaia Island (affected area). Thirty-six reproductive events of Hippocampus reidi (Syngnathidae) couples from these two areas were monitored to analyze the offspring. At the apparently healthy area, no newborns with malformations were found. However, the offspring from Cocaia Island showed a mean of 19.73% (±5.23) malformations in newborns. It is argued that the toxic/teratogenic effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have affected the population in two ways: directly through the induction of mutations in the germ cells of the species and through a drastic reduction of the population (bottleneck effect) whose density observed today recovered through consanguineous couplings, potentiating deleterious genotypes in the offspring. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1996-2004. © 2024 SETAC.
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Poluição por Petróleo , Smegmamorpha , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Animais , Brasil , Poluentes Químicos da Água/toxicidade , Masculino , Feminino , Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos/toxicidade , Monitoramento AmbientalRESUMO
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, and the therapeutic is focused on several approaches including the inhibition of fibril formation by small compounds, avoiding the formation of cytotoxic oligomers. Thus, we decided to explore the capacity of compounds carrying catechol moieties to inhibit the progression of α-synuclein. Overall, the compounds rosmarinic acid (1), carnosic acid (2), carnosol (3), epiisorosmanol (4), and rosmanol (5) avoid the progression of fibril formation assessed by Thiofavine T (ThT), and atomic force microscopy images showed that morphology is influenced for the actions of compounds over fibrillization. Moreover, ITC experiments showed a Kd varying from 28 to 51 µM, the ΔG showed that the reaction between compounds and α-syn is spontaneous, and ΔH is associated with an exothermic reaction, suggesting the interactions of hydrogen bonds among compounds and α-syn. Docking experiments reinforce this idea showing the intermolecular interactions are mostly hydrogen bonding within the sites 2, 9, and 3/13 of α-synuclein, and compounds 1 and 5. Thus, compound 1, rosmarinic acid, interestingly interacts better with site 9 through catechol and Lysines. In cultured Raw 264. 7 cells, the presence of compounds showed that most of them can promote cell differentiation, especially rosmarinic acid, and rosmanol, both preserving tubulin cytoskeleton. However, once we evaluated whether or not the aggregates pre-treated with compounds could prevent the disruption of microtubules of Raw 264.7 cells, only pre-treated aggregates with rosmarinic acid prevented the disruption of the cytoskeleton. Altogether, we showed that especially rosmarinic acid not only inhibits α-syn but stabilizes the remaining aggregates turning them into not-toxic to Raw 264.7 cells suggesting a main role in cell survival and antigen processing in response to external α-syn aggregates.
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Cinamatos , Depsídeos , Microtúbulos , Ácido Rosmarínico , alfa-Sinucleína , Depsídeos/farmacologia , Depsídeos/química , Depsídeos/isolamento & purificação , Cinamatos/química , Cinamatos/farmacologia , Cinamatos/síntese química , Animais , Camundongos , Células RAW 264.7 , Microtúbulos/efeitos dos fármacos , Microtúbulos/metabolismo , Estrutura Molecular , alfa-Sinucleína/metabolismo , alfa-Sinucleína/antagonistas & inibidores , Relação Estrutura-Atividade , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Simulação de Acoplamento MolecularRESUMO
This study evaluated the chemical profile, antimicrobial activity, and the presence of potentially toxic elements in geopropolis extracts produced by Melipona scutellaris in the Recôncavo region of Bahia, Brazil. It was found that the major chemical compounds belong to the class of phenolic compounds, with emphasis on the presence of gallic acid. In this study, no potentially toxic elements were found in the analysed geopropolis. Regarding the antimicrobial potential, gram-positive bacteria were susceptible to the action of geopropolis extract at concentrations of 0.25 to 2.5 mg.mL-1, highlighting its microbiological activity against Streptococcus mitis (ATCC 00456) and Candida albicans (CCMB 251). Thus, this geopropolis extract can be used as a bacteriostatic rather than a bactericide. Our results suggest the potential for the economic and therapeutic use of M. scutellaris geopropolis, adding value to one of the meliponiculture products.
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Lead (Pb) can be deposited in aquatic environments that are especially subject to pollution due to wastewater and sewage disposal. This study aimed to evaluate the tolerance of Echinodorus grandiflorus (Cham. & Schltr.) Micheli to Pb and changes in growth, gas exchange, and leaf anatomy. Experiments were conducted with E. grandiflorus plants exposed to the following Pb concentrations in nutrient solution: [0; 0.75; 1.5; 3.0 and 9.0 µM Pb (NO 3)2] in a greenhouse for 60 days. At the end of the experiment, the lead concentration, growth, leaf gas exchange, and changes in leaf anatomy were evaluated. There was no mortality of E. grandiflorus plants, and they accumulated higher concentrations of Pb proportional to the concentration of the pollutant in the solution. Pb did not cause significant changes in growth, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and Ci/Ca rate but reduced the photosynthesis in E. grandiflorus. The leaf anatomy showed significant changes in the presence of Pb, reducing the epidermis and chlorophyll parenchyma. E. grandiflorus demonstrated tolerance to Pb, surviving and growing under contamination; however, it negatively modified its leaf anatomy and photosynthesis in the presence of the metal.
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Chumbo , Folhas de Planta , Folhas de Planta/anatomia & histologia , Folhas de Planta/efeitos dos fármacos , Fotossíntese/efeitos dos fármacos , Poluentes Químicos da Água/toxicidade , Alismataceae/anatomia & histologiaRESUMO
Toxic megacolon denotes an abrupt non-obstructive distension of the colon, accompanied by systemic signs of toxicity. Mortality rates can soar as high as 7.9%. While primarily linked with chronic bowel conditions, the incidence attributed to Clostridioides difficile has surged due to the indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Surgical intervention becomes necessary in the majority of cases. Herein, we illustrate the case of a 50-year-old female presenting with episodic epigastric pain lasting 9 h, vomiting, and watery bowel movements, devoid of peritoneal irritation findings and lacking a history of chronic intestinal inflammation. Under certain circumstances, toxic megacolon may manifest atypically, underscoring the importance of conducting a comprehensive medical history and clinical assessment. Moreover, it is imperative to solicit pertinent paraclinical investigations to address the patient holistically and foster a favorable clinical outcome.
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Human activities have changed the natural rates at which metals are moved and accumulated in both land and water environments, resulting in negative impacts on local wildlife. In this study, concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn, Co, and Zn were evaluated in water and riverbed sediment samples collected from the Verde River basin (VR), as well as in tissue samples from five native Loricariidae species. Sediment samples collected from the central section of the VR riverbed indicated the presence of metal concentrations, which were primarily attributed to scattered pollution sources linked to rural activities in the surrounding areas. The bioconcentration factor in the Loricariids liver presented the highest average values for Zn (1.27-58.21), Co (0.48-14.91) and Cu (1.15-11.14). The same pattern was observed in the muscle, but in a lower proportion. Regarding the bioaccumulation factor, Co (1.54-34.84), Cu (5.85-25.22) and Zn (0.64-18.08) attained the highest average values in the liver. The co-inertia analysis examined the spatial distribution of metal concentrations in riverbed sediments and in tissues of Loricariids from the upper, middle, and lower stretches of the river, including the river mouth. The analysis revealed varying patterns, with samples from some regions showing higher bioaccumulation levels. This suggests that riverbed sediments are a primary source of metal contamination in Loricariids from these areas. The pollution has had a significant impact on the bioaccumulation of metals in the VR' Loricariids, which are good indicators of sediment-associated metal bioaccumulation. The metal concentrations recorded in both the riverbed sediments and Loricariids surpassed international and Brazilian limits set for aquatic health and safe human consumption. Given the importance of the Verde River in terms of its ecological, social, cultural, and economic roles, it is essential to implement biomonitoring and control measures to safeguard both terrestrial and aquatic resources.
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Peixes-Gato , Monitoramento Ambiental , Sedimentos Geológicos , Rios , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Sedimentos Geológicos/química , Sedimentos Geológicos/análise , Animais , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Rios/química , Peixes-Gato/metabolismo , Brasil , Fígado/química , Fígado/metabolismo , Metais Pesados/análise , Metais/análise , BioacumulaçãoRESUMO
Protoceratium reticulatum is the main yessotoxin-producer along the Chilean coast. Thus far, the yessotoxin levels recorded in this region have not posed a serious threat to human health. However, a bloom of P. reticulatum during the austral summer of 2022 caused the first ban of shellfish collection, due to the high toxin levels. A bloom of P. reticulatum during the austral summer of 2020 allowed an evaluation of the fine-scale distribution of the dinoflagellate during a tidal cycle. High-resolution measurements of biophysical properties were carried out in mid-summer (February 18-19) at a fixed sampling station in Puyuhuapi Fjord, Chilean Patagonia, as part of an intensive 24-h biophysical experiment to monitor the circadian distributions of P. reticulatum vegetative cells and yessotoxins. High P. reticulatum cell densities (>20 × 103 cells L-1) were found in association with a warmer (14.5-15 °C) and estuarine (23.5-24.5 g kg-1) sub-surface water layer (6-8 m). P. reticulatum cell numbers and yessotoxins followed a synchronic distribution pattern consistent with the excursions of the pycnocline. Nevertheless, the surface aggregation of the cells was modulated by the light cycle, suggesting daily vertical migration. The yessotoxin content per P. reticulatum cell ranged from 9.4 to 52.2 pg. This study demonstrates both the value of fine-scale resolution measurements of biophysical properties in a highly stratified system and the potential ecosystem impact of P. reticulatum strains producing high levels of yessotoxins.
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Dinoflagellida , Venenos de Moluscos , Oxocinas , Dinoflagellida/fisiologia , Oxocinas/análise , Chile , Estuários , Luz , Proliferação Nociva de Algas , Toxinas Marinhas/análiseRESUMO
Pyriproxyfen (PPF), Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI), and malathion (MLT) are widely used worldwide to control the population of mosquitos that transmit arboviruses. The current work aimed to evaluate the toxicity of these single pesticides and their binary mixtures of PPF + BTI, PPF + MLT, and MLT + BTI on the embryo-larval stage of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an animal model. Epiboly, mortality, apical endpoints, affected animals, heart rate, morphometric, thigmotaxis, touch sensitivity, and optomotor response tests were evaluated. PPF and MLT and all mixtures reduced the epiboly percentage. Mortality increased significantly in all exposed groups, except BTI, with MLT being the most toxic. The observed apical endpoints were pericardial and yolk sac edemas, and tail and spine deformation. Exposure to MLT showed a higher percentage of affected animals. A reduction in heart rate was also observed in MLT- and PPF + MLT-exposed groups. The PPF + MLT mixture decreased head measurements. Behavioral alterations were observed, with a decrease in thigmotaxis and touch sensitivity responses in PPF + MLT and MLT + BTI groups. Finally, optomotor responses were affected in all groups. The above data obtained suggest that the MLT + PFF mixture has the greatest toxicity effects. This mixture affected embryo-larval development and behavior and is close to the reality in several cities that use both pesticides for mosquito control rather than single pesticides, leading to a reevaluation of the strategy for mosquito control.
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Bacillus thuringiensis , Larva , Malation , Controle de Mosquitos , Piridinas , Peixe-Zebra , Animais , Malation/toxicidade , Controle de Mosquitos/métodos , Piridinas/toxicidade , Larva/efeitos dos fármacos , Inseticidas/toxicidade , Embrião não Mamífero/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Road deposited sediments (RDS) are important sinks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), which may have a significant impact on human health. A systematic review of published papers on the PTEs occurrence in RDS was carried out. The main goal was to assess the global RDS contamination by PTEs and human health risks linked with anthropogenic activities. A systematic search was made to collect information about the most cited PTEs in the published literature and perform a statistical analysis. Subsequently, health risks were assessed for 35 different areas worldwide. PTE concentrations showed high variability, and means were multiple times higher than the corresponding consensus-based threshold effect concentrations (5.2-, 10.3-, 5.3-, 3-, 7.3-, and 3.6-fold higher for Zn, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, and Cd, respectively). PTEs concentrations were ranked as Zn > Pb > Cu > Mn > Cr > Ni > Cd. Non carcinogenic risks followed the trend Pb > Cu > Zn > Cd. Lead is responsible for the highest significant non carcinogenic risk to human health. Unacceptable exposition to carcinogenic risks is present in most areas. The top carcinogenic risk areas were Singapore > Beijing > Yixing > Shanghai > Zhuzhou for adult male, Dresden > Singapore > Ulsan > Huludao for adult females, and Dresden > Singapore > Ulsan > Huludao for children. Highest chromium and nickel carcinogenic risks occurred in Singapore, Cd in Dresden, and Cu in Huludao. Highest RDS contamination was seen in industrial areas due to pollutants deposition. Highest Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb concentrations occur in densely urbanized areas due to heavy-duty vehicular exhausts.