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Industrial activities increase Apostichopus japonicus exposure to toxic heavy metals. This study evaluates the efficacy of three dietary silicate minerals (montmorillonite, zeolite, and kaolin) in relieving cadmium and lead toxicity in A. japonicus. Over four weeks, juvenile A. japonicus (7 − 9 g) were fed diets incorporating montmorillonite, zeolite, or kaolin, replacing sea mud at a 1:1 ratio. Experimental groups were: SM (control with sea mud), M (montmorillonite), Z (zeolite), and K (kaolin). Each group was exposed to cadmium (50 mg kg−1) or lead (100 mg kg−1) at the minimal toxic dose (MTD). Groups M and K demonstrated excellent growth performance, marked by improvements in weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and survival rate (SR). Their coelomic fluid revealed higher enzymatic activities, such as acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Additionally, groups M and K showed a reduced accumulation of cadmium and lead in their tissues; group K notably excelled in mitigating intestinal tissue damage. In contrast, Group Z exhibited significantly poorer performance. In other aspects, the trends among the three experimental groups were generally similar: the activity of intestinal digestive enzymes declined, intestinal microbiota diversity decreased, and the stability of community composition increased. In summary, the supplementation of montmorillonite and kaolin effectively reduces cadmium and lead toxicity, diminishes oxidative damage, and promotes intestinal health in A. japonicus. These findings provide valuable insights for enhancing safety in A. japonicus aquaculture. [Display omitted] • This study introduces the novel approach of using dietary silicate minerals to address the issue of heavy metal accumulation in sea cucumbers. • A new feed formula incorporating silicate minerals is proposed as a replacement for sea mud in standard feed. • Montmorillonite and kaolin effectively reduced heavy metal toxicity in sea cucumbers under both cadmium and lead stress conditions, while zeolite's adsorption effect was primarily observed under lead stress. • After replacing sea mud with silicate minerals, evaluations of intestinal health indicated that all changes were within an acceptable range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Acid soil syndrome" is a worldwide phenomenon characterized by low pH (pH < 5.5), scarce nutrient availability (K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, P), and mineral toxicity such as those caused by soluble aluminium (Al) forms. Regardless of the mineral toxicity, the low pH by itself is detrimental to crop development causing striking sensitivity responses such as root growth arrest. However, low pH-induced responses are still poorly understood and underrated. Here, we review and discuss the core evidence about the action of low pH upon specific root zones, distinct cell types, and possible cellular targets (cell wall, plasma membrane, and alternative oxidase). The role of different players in signaling processes leading to low pH-induced responses, such as the STOP transcription factors, the reactive oxygen species (ROS), auxin, ethylene, and components of the antioxidant system, is also addressed. Information at the molecular level is still lacking to link the low pH targets and the subsequent actors that trigger the observed sensitivity responses. Future studies will have to combine genetic tools to identify the signaling processes triggered by low pH, unraveling not only the mechanisms by which low pH affects root cells but also finding new ways to engineer the tolerance of domesticated plants to acidic stress. • The acidic pH by itself can cause rhizotoxicity regardless of the prominent factors within the " acid soil syndrome ". • The cell wall and plasma membrane seem to be targets of acidic stress but the pattern of acidic pH-induced responses is confined within root-specific zones. • The central players (e.g. ethylene, reactive oxygen species, transcription factors) control the cellular responses in accord with the acidic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Interactive effects of different temperatures (15 °C and 40 °C) different boric acid concentrations (10 and 25 mM) were investigated in this study. • Phenological parameters, MDA level, SOD, CAT, APX activities and gene expressions were determined. • Boric acid application increased the negative effect of high temperature stress on all parameters examined. • It has been determined that boron supplementation in the plant is an important factor in tolerating low temperature stress. Plants have to cope with more than one abiotic stress at the same time in nature. Heat stress and mineral toxicity are at the forefront of these abiotic stresses. The purpose of this study is to investigate the interactive effects of high and low-temperature stress and boric acid application on the sunflower and reveal the potential protection mechanisms against the combined effect of two types of stress. Two different boric acid concentrations (10 and 25 mM) were applied to sunflowers grown separately at low (15 °C), optimum (25 °C) and high (40 °C) temperature. Then, root length and stem height, root and stem fresh-dry weight, root and stem biomass, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzyme activities and changes in the gene expression levels of these enzymes were determined. It was determined that there were reductions in the phenological properties of the roots and stems of the samples grown at 40 °C based on the increasing boric acid concentration, while the samples grown at 15 °C were positively affected. The antioxidant enzyme activities and mRNA levels of the root and leaf samples at 40 °C were observed to increase. For the samples at 15 °C, the antioxidant enzyme activities and mRNA levels increased in the roots and decreased in the leaves. Considering phenological parameters, it was revealed that high boric acid application at low temperatures promoted plant growth, and considering the antioxidant enzyme activities and mRNA expression levels, it was highly effective in the plant's toleration of low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element, but excess Cu is toxic to plants, animals and humans. Tomatoes are widely cultivated vegetables worldwide. Due to the excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, Cu toxicity often occurs during tomato cultivation. However, the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying Cu toxicity responses in tomato plants have not been fully elucidated. In this study, using physiological and transcriptomic analyses, we investigated the effects of excess Cu on tomato plant growth. The results showed that Cu toxicity inhibits photosynthesis and induces oxidative damage in tomato plants. Excess Cu decreases the concentrations of cytokinin and indoleacetic acid and interferes with cytokinin and auxin signaling pathways, thus slowing plant growth. Furthermore, increased abscisic acid concentrations are beneficial for improving the tolerance of tomato plants to Cu toxicity. Excess Cu disrupts mineral element accumulation in tomato plants. Cu toxicity also reprograms carbon/nitrogen metabolism pathways and represses lignin catabolic processes in roots, thus altering the material flow and energy flow in plants and disrupting the cell wall structure, ultimately inhibiting the growth and development of tomato plants. In addition, molecular regulatory network analysis identified 17 transcription factors as hub genes in the roots of excess Cu-treated tomato plants. These findings provide insights into the adaptation of tomato plants to Cu toxicity, contributing to the development of tomato varieties with high tolerance to Cu toxicity. • Cu toxicity inhibits photosynthesis and induces oxidative damage in tomato. • Cu toxicity disrupts phytohormone signaling pathways in tomato. • Cu toxicity disrupts mineral element accumulation in tomato. • Cu toxicity reprograms carbon/nitrogen metabolism pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic inflammation induced in vivo by mineral fibres, such as asbestos, is sustained by the cyclic formation of cytotoxic/genotoxic oxidant species that are catalysed by iron. High catalytic activity is observed when iron atoms are isolated in the crystal lattice (nuclearity=1), whereas the catalytic activity is expected to be reduced or null when iron forms clusters of higher nuclearity. This study presents a novel approach for systematically measuring iron nuclearity across a large range of iron-containing standards and mineral fibres of social and economic importance, and for quantitatively assessing the relation between nuclearity and toxicity. The multivariate curve resolution (MCR) empirical approach and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were applied to the analysis of UV-Vis spectra to obtain information on the nature of iron and nuclearity. This approach led to the determination of the nuclearity of selected mineral fibres which was subsequently used to calculate a toxicity-related index. High nuclearity-related toxicity was estimated for chrysotile samples, fibrous glaucophane, asbestos tremolite, and fibrous wollastonite. Intermediate values of toxicity, corresponding to a mean nuclearity of 2, were assigned to actinolite asbestos, amosite, and crocidolite. Finally, a low nuclearity-related toxicity parameter, corresponding to an iron-cluster with a lower catalytic power to produce oxidants, was assigned to asbestos anthophyllite. [Display omitted] • Iron nuclearity of mineral fibres has been assessed from the analysis of UV-Vis spectra. • Mineral fibres display very different iron nuclearity depending on their structure model. • A model explaining the catalytic activity of iron is proposed. • Fibres containing isolated Fe2+ have higher capacity for producing toxic free radicals. • Iron nuclearity supports the FPTI quantitative model for predicting the toxicity of mineral fibres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Long term instillation to natural chrysotile may induce lung injury. • Chrysotile may activate p53 and P16; inhibited C-JUN and C-FOS in vivo. • Chrysotile from different mining areas has different oncogenic potential. Chrysotile is the only type of asbestos still widely exploited, and all kinds of asbestos including chrysotile was classified as a group I carcinogen by the IARC. There is a wealth of evidence that chrysotile can cause a range of cancers, including cancer of the lung, larynx, ovary, and mesothelioma. As the second largest chrysotile producer, China is at great risk of occupational exposure. Moreover, our previous experiment and some other studies have shown that the toxicity of mineral fibre from various mining areas may be different. To explore the oncogenic potential of chrysotile from different mining areas of China, Wistar rats were administered 0.5 mL chrysotile asbestos suspension of 2.0 mg/mL (from Akesai, Gansu; Mangnai, Qinghai; XinKang, Sichuan; and Shannan, Shaanxi) dissolved in saline by intratracheal instillation once-monthly and were sacrificed at 1 mo, 6 mo, and 12 mo. Our results found that chrysotile caused lung inflammation and lung tissue damage. Moreover, prolonged exposure of chrysotile can induce inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene P53 and P16 and activation of the protooncogene C-JUN and C-FOS both in the messenger RNA and protein level. In addition, chrysotile from Shannan and XinKang has a stronger effect which may link to cancer than that from Akesai and Mangnai. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wastewater discharged from the automobile industry is characterized by complicated components, a high concentration of mineral oil and toxicity. This study processes and recycles wastewater from a coking plant in the automotive industry through the upgrade of the original wastewater treatment system, as well as the combination of bio-augmentation and ordinary treatment technology. The results show the wastewater treatment capacity of the new system reaches 40 m³/h, and the treated water meets the national first-class discharge standard (GB8978-1996). Its depth treatment capacity is 10 m³/h, and the quality of the recycled water conforms to the standard for reclaimed water quality (CJ25.1-89). After the introduction of bio-augmentation, one ton of wastewater treatment costs as low as RMB 5.90 Yuan, which is worth the promotion and application in automotive industries (such as coking enterprises). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Abiotic stress significantly impaired growth of vegetable crops. • Nickel toxicity hindered mineral nutrient accumulation in pepper crop. • Melatonin regulated nickel stress tolerance in pepper. • Melatonin reduced nickel accumulation in shoot. The excessive accumulation of nickel (Ni) poses a significant threat to global agricultural productivity. In recent years, it has become clear that melatonin (ME) may play a significant role in protecting plants against heavy metal toxicity. This current study investigates the influence of exogenous ME on mitigating the adverse effects of Ni toxicity in pepper plants. The present results revealed that Ni toxicity significantly hindered pepper seedling growth, damaged the leaf photosynthetic system, impaired pigment concentration, and increased phenolic content. In contrast, ME supplementation efficiently restored seedling growth, protected the photosynthetic system, and further increased the phenolic concentration in pepper leaves. In addition, Ni toxicity considerably increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) production and increased antioxidant enzymes [SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase), POD (peroxidase), GR (glutathione reductase), APX (ascorbate peroxidase), and GST (glutathione S-transferase)] activity in pepper leaves and roots. Conversely, ME inhibited MDA and H 2 O 2 accumulation and further increased the antioxidant enzyme activity in pepper leaves and roots. Furthermore, ME application restricted Ni accumulation from root to shoot. Collectively, the ME has shown the ability to mitigate the adverse effects of Ni toxicity in pepper plants. The findings of this study will contribute to the understanding and mitigation of the adverse impacts of Ni-induced stress on the growth and development of plants. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Abiotic stress significantly impaired growth of vegetable crops. • Heavy metals toxicity hindered mineral nutrient accumulation in vegetable crops. • Melatonin regulated abiotic stress tolerance in plants. • Melatonin reduced heavy metals accumulation in shoot. Vegetable crops are very important to the agriculture sector since they are the primary source of many of the vitamins and minerals that are required for a balanced diet. In contrast, vegetable production is frequently vulnerable to abiotic stresses such as heavy metals, salinity, cold, heat, and drought stress, which can have a negative impact on yield and quality. Recently, melatonin (MEL) has been identified as a universal plant growth regulator. MEL is a multifunctional, nontoxic, and universal bioactive molecule with low molecular weight. MEL regulate plant growth, protected photosynthetic system, delayed in leaf senescence, promoting root system architecture, maintain ion homeostasis, upregulated antioxidant enzyme pool, increased osmolytes accumulation, and balanced redox homeostasis. MEL also plays an important role in the alleviation of abiotic stress in vegetable crops. Furthermore, MEL restricted heavy metals accumulation and increased mineral nutrient accumulation in many vegetables crops. This study aims to provide a concise overview of the possible impact of MEL on enhancing the resilience of vegetable crop to abiotic stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Can culture conditions influence the sensitivity of a Mouse Embryo Assay and its potential to detect peroxide-related toxicity in mineral oil samples? Protein type and concentration, embryo density and culture dish design were selected as the variables in the culture system with the potential to influence the assay's sensitivity. Fresh 1-cell mouse embryos were cultured under mineral oil samples with known peroxide concentrations. Protein type (human serum albumin [HSA] + α/β-Globulins versus HSA versus bovine serum albumin [BSA]), concentration (5 mg/ml versus 0.5 mg/ml), embryo density (25 versus 3 µl/embryo) and culture dish (Petri versus micro-well dish) were adjusted to define the culture conditions with the highest sensitivity. High concentrations of peroxides can be easily detected by current quality control standards. However, for oil samples with a lower concentration of peroxides, supplementing the culture medium with 5 mg/ml of HSA + alpha/beta-globulins or with HSA resulted in an increased detection of embryo toxicity compared with when BSA was used as the protein supplement. The sensitivity of the assay was greatly reduced when embryos were cultured in groups and when certain micro-well dishes were used. Current quality control protocols may not be sensitive enough to identify low concentrations of peroxides, which, if undetected, can increase over time and become potentially harmful during gamete and embryo culture. The different parameters established in this study allow the sensitivity of the Mouse Embryo Assays to be optimized to specifically detect peroxides in mineral oil samples prior to their release into the market and their broad use in human IVF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral nanoparticles (M-NPs) are ubiquitous in aquatic environments, but their potential harms to primary producers and impacts on the toxicity of coexisting pollutants are largely unknown. Herein, the toxicity mechanisms of various M-NPs (i.e., SiO 2 , Fe 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 , and TiO 2 NPs) to Synechocystis sp. in absence and presence of ciprofloxacin (CIP) were comprehensively investigated. The heteroaggregation of cells and M-NPs can hinder substrate transfer or light acquisition. The attraction between Synechocystis sp. and M-NPs increased in the order of SiO 2 < Fe 2 O 3 < Al 2 O 3 ≈ TiO 2 NPs. Therefore, SiO 2 and Fe 2 O 3 NPs exerted slight effects on physiology and proteome of Synechocystis sp.. Al 2 O 3 NPs with the rod-like shape caused physical damage to cells. Differently, TiO 2 NPs with photocatalytic activities provided photogenerated electrons for Synechocystis sp., promoting photosynthesis and the Calvin cycle for CO 2 fixation. SiO 2 , Fe 2 O 3 , and Al 2 O 3 NPs alleviated the toxicity of CIP in an adsorption-depended manner. Conversely, the combination of CIP and TiO 2 NPs exerted more pronounced toxic effects compared to their individuals, and CIP disturbed the extracellular electron transfer from TiO 2 NPs to cells. The findings highlight the different effects of TiO 2 NPs from other M-NPs on cyanobacteria, either alone or in combination with CIP, and improve the understanding of toxic mechanisms of M-NPs. [Display omitted] • Al 2 O 3 NPs with rod-like shape is more toxic than SiO 2 and Fe 2 O 3 NPs. • TiO 2 NPs affect cyanobacteria by providing photogenerated electrons. • M-NPs other than TiO 2 NPs alleviate CIP toxicity in an adsorption-dependent manner. • TiO 2 NPs combined with CIP cause more severe toxic effects on Synechocystis sp.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The aim of the present survey was to determine differences in the serum and urinary concentrations of several toxic trace elements (As, Be, Cd, Cs and Pb) between long distance runners and non-sportsmen living in the same area of Extremadura (Spain) in basal conditions as well as after the performance of a maximal effort test until exhaustion. 21 Spanish national long-distance runners were recruited before the start of their training season and 26 untrained students. All of them had similar ages. The effort test consisted in running on a treadmill incrementally in stages, until exhaustion. Serum and urine analysis of trace metals was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In the statistics the urine and blood basal concentrations was analyzed first using Student t test. Then the differences between the pre and post-test values were analyzed using Wilcoxon test. The serum concentrations of Be (p < 0.001), Cd (p < 0.01), Cs (p < 0.001) and Pb (p < 0.001) were higher in the athletes than the control groups in basal conditions. In relation to the exercise, the results showed that there were lower serum concentrations of Be, Cd and Pb after the test, but without statistically significance, in both groups. Cs (p < 0.001) concentrations were statistically lower after the exercise tests in both groups, but if the parameters were corrected in relation to hematocrit and hemoglobin concentrations the differences were significant only among the athletes. In urine, the concentrations of Be (p < 0.001) and Cd (p < 0.01) were higher among athletes than among controls, being the opposite case for urinary Pb values. In relation to the exercise-induced effect of the test, the results showed that among controls only Cd values were modified, but if creatinine corrections are applied this difference does not reach statistical significance. However, sportsmen suffered a diminution in Be values, that can be observed only if urine values are corrected. Also, an increase in Cd, both in corrected and normal values, was observed, fact that occurred also in the case of Cs, but only if urinary values are corrected. It can be concluded that an incremental exercise to exhaustion among elite athletes of long distance modalities can produce changes in serum and urinary concentrations of toxic trace elements which may reflect an adaptive mechanism to prevent toxicity, and which could be an interesting outcome for physicians in the treatment and prevention of toxic situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The effects of increasing concentrations of salt (NaCl) and cadmium (Cd) on shoot weight and shoot mineral content was investigated in Vuralia turcica , which is endemic to Turkey. In the present study, tolerance mechanisms to salt and Cd stress of V. turcica were examined. Plants were grown in calcareous soil, which has low organic content (1.03%) and high pH (8.4), and treated with increasing NaCl (0, 1000, and 2000 ppm) and Cd (0, 5, 25, and 50 ppm) with four replicates for a month under greenhouse conditions. The shoots of each plant were harvested and analyzed for mineral element content as well as the activities of antioxidative enzymes. Cd and Na concentrations of V. turcica were increased by enhanced NaCl and Cd supply. Increasing NaCl supply reduced the dry weight of shoots of V. turcica. Supplying a low concentration (5 ppm) of Cd increased dry weight, whereas 25 and 50 ppm Cd decreased dry weight. No visual symptoms were observed on leaves exposed to both salt and Cd stress. The activities of antioxidative defense enzymes were similar in both stress conditions when compared to non-stressed control groups. Highlights • The effects of NaCl and Cd on shoot weight and shoot mineral content was investigated in Vuralia turcica. • Vuralia turcica could be a heavy metal tolerant plant species. • Vuralia turcica can also be regarded as relatively salt tolerant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spontaneous combustion of coal can lead to serious environmental pollution, safety hazards and huge economic losses. Hazard prevention and environmental protection requires effective monitoring network and efficient prediction methods. To acquire the real-time data of coal parameters we designed multi-layered Zig-bee based wireless sensor network. The shape of the coal pile is formed by the industrial laser scanner followed by the formation of 3D temperature point cloud field via Kriging interpolation. Afterwards, an integrated evaluation indicator Heat Loss Capacity (HLC) is proposed, which synthesizes various factors inducing spontaneous combustion. The real-time and high accurate HLC prediction is realized by using metabolic method to update the raw sequence of the GM(1,1) grey prediction model in cycle with the latest acquired sensor data. Finally, a hybrid model ABC-MGM(1,1) combining the ABC optimization algorithm with the metabolic GM(1,1) model is proposed. Experiment shows that the ABC-MGM(1,1) model has better performance in parameter optimization as well as HLC prediction, especially for short-term prediction. The proposed method has been utilized to predict spontaneous combustion of the stockpiled coal in Xutang power plant of China. The timely parameter acquisition by 25 Zig-bee nodes and effective prediction by the proposed model shows great practicability in safety and hazard prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) is widely distributed in soil and is toxic to plants, animals and humans. In this study, earthworms ( Eisenia fetida ) were exposed to five concentrations of sodium arsenite (5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg As kg −1 ) in farm soils for 28 d. With increasing soil As(III) concentrations, As bioaccumulation in earthworms increased (maximum bioaccumulation factor 3.77), and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were elevated. The expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2- related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase -1 (HO-1) were upregulated by As in a dose-dependent pattern, and reached 5.93 and 2.94 times the control values for Nrf2 and HO-1 respectively, at 28 d in the 80 mg As kg −1 soil treatment. Similarly, DNA damage, as measured in earthworm sperm using the comet assay, increased with increasing As(III) concentrations, with ‘Olive tail moment’ values in the comet assay ranging from c. 0.5 in Control to c. 3.5 at 80 mg As kg −1 soil. In contrast, activity of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), decreased. These results indicate that As(III) caused oxidative stress that resulted in damage to lipids and DNA. Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression was demonstrated in earthworms for the first time to our knowledge, and found to be a sensitive biomarker of arsenic contamination. The presence of earthworms was also found to change the distribution of As in soil, in particular, reducing the proportion in the residual fraction and increasing the proportion in As bound to Fe-oxides. This may result in increased bioavailability of bound arsenic. Soil organic matter, NH 4 + -N, NO 3 − -N and available K were indirectly changed by the As(III) through its toxicity to earthworms. This study helps to inform future assessments and biomonitoring of soil arsenic contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The manufacture of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides (NMC) suspensions for cathodes is typically performed with organic solvents like N-methyl-pyrrolidone (NMP) or N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone (NEP). It is widely known that these substances are caustic and toxic to reproduction. The utilization of water for the preparation of a cathode suspension is less hazardous and saves costs. Unfortunately NMC alkalinizes the water to a very pH value, which leads to a pit corrosion of the aluminum substrate. The development and optimization of water-based NMC suspensions therefore must include investigations on lowering the pH value without deteriorating the electrochemical performance of the material. One option is the addition of amphoteric oxidic additives. This work focusses on Al 2 O 3 and SiO 2 as additives and explores their effects on the pH of the suspension and on the substrate corrosion as well as on the electrochemical performance of the NMC-cathode prepared therefrom. Furthermore the impact of the particle sizes of the additives was studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) using mercury (Hg) amalgamation commenced on Buru Island, Indonesia, in 2012, but was halted in 2015 due to concerns of widespread Hg contamination. Much of the Hg used in the mining process is lost to trommel waste which is disposed of in settlement ponds that drain into adjacent waterways and into Kayeli Bay. Several thousand unmanaged trommel sites and associated tailing ponds exist on Buru Island. This study shows that waste from the Marloso trommel at the Gogrea site contained 203 mg/kg total Hg (THg), with a negligible proportion present as bioavailable methyl Hg (MeHg) and a low total organic carbon content. There are currently very few tools available for ecotoxicological risk assessment of mine tailings for tropical marine ecosystems, and we support the development of Tailings Toxicity Tests (TTTs) and describe laboratory toxicity test methods using the cosmopolitan benthic echinoderm Amphipholis squamata. Undiluted trommel waste caused 100% mortality of A. squamata within 48 h, and a 96-h LC50 of 6.7% w/w trommel waste (4 mg/kg THg) was estimated. Sub-lethal effects on the water vascular system of the brittle star were assessed by quantification of the Ability to Right Itself (ARI), and a 48-h EC50 of 7.3% w/w trommel waste (14.4 mg/kg THg) was estimated. The results show that trommel waste produced on Buru Island is highly contaminated with THg and is acutely toxic, raising serious concern for receiving ecosystems where Hg methylation to more toxic and bioavailable forms is likely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paraquat (PQ) is a bipyridyl derivative herbicide known to cause lung toxicity partly through induction of apoptosis. Here we demonstrated that PQ caused apoptosis in A549 cells. PQ increased cleavage of caspase-8 and Bid, indicating caspase-8 activation and truncated Bid, the two key mediators of extrinsic apoptosis. Additionally, PQ treatment caused an increase in DR5 (death receptor-5) and caspase-8 interaction, indicating formation of DISC (death-inducing signaling complex). These results indicate that PQ induces apoptosis through extrinsic pathway in A549 cells. Moreover, PQ drastically increased DR5 expression and membrane localization. Furthermore, PQ caused prominent concentration dependent reductions of DDX3 (the DEAD box protein-3) and GSK3 (glycogen synthase kinase-3) which can associate with DR5 and prevent DISC formation. Additionally, PQ decreased DR5-DDX3 interaction, suggesting a reduction of DDX3/GSK3 anti-apoptotic complex. Inhibition of GSK3, which is known to promote extrinsic apoptosis by its pharmacological inhibitor, BIO accentuated PQ-induced apoptosis. Moreover, GSK3 inhibition caused a further decrease in PQ-reduced DR5-DDX3 interaction. Taken together, these results suggest that PQ may induce extrinsic pathway of apoptosis in A549 cells through upregulation of DR5 and repression of anti-apoptotic proteins, DDX3/GSK3 leading to reduction of anti-apoptotic complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solubility behavior of refined soybean oil (RSO) plus seventeen low toxic solvents was determined experimentally, and was predicted using five versions of the UNIFAC method. Qualitative results obtained by cloud point detection at a temperature T of 278.15 K showed that eleven systems were completely miscible, two formed stable emulsions, and four resulted in biphasic mixtures. Mutual solubility at different temperatures of pseudobinary partially miscible systems (RSO plus solvent) was measured either by the cloud point method or by direct tie line quantification: RSO plus anhydrous ethanol, or acetic acid, or ethyl lactate, or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Liquid-liquid equilibrium data were satisfactorily correlated by the NRTL and UNIQUAC models, which were also used for determining the upper critical solution temperatures (UCST) by liquid-liquid flash calculations. Further, the predictive capacity of five versions of the UNIFAC method was verified and comparisons among them were achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roundup ® formulations are the most consumed glyphosate-based herbicides in the world. When applied, they may reach water bodies and exert toxicity toward non-target species. This study evaluated and compared the effects of different variations of Roundup on biochemical biomarkers as oxidative parameters and Acethylchorinesterase (AChE) activity, and sperm quality of the livebearing Jenynsia multidentata . Fish were acutely (96 h) exposed to Roundup Original ® (RO), Roundup Transorb ® (RT) and Roundup WG ® (RWG) at 0.0, 0.5, 1 and 5 mg L −1 of nominal glyphosate. The highest mortality (60%) was observed for fish exposed to RT at the highest concentration tested and at 0.5 mg L −1 non-mortality was observed, so this concentration was chosen for the experiments. Fish exposed to RO and RT (24 and 96 h) presented a state of oxidative imbalance, which caused lipid peroxidation (LPO) in their livers. Oxidative stress was more severe in RO treatment, which may be resulted in the highest hepathosomatic index at 96 h. However, fish exposed to RT presented a marked inhibition of AChE activity from membrane cells of muscle and brain tissues. Sperm quality was investigated in livebearing exposed (24 and 96 h) to the three formulations. Spermatozoa motility and concentration were affected by all formulations. Overall, Roundup formulations are harmful to the fish J. multidentata at 0.5 mg L −1 of glyphosate; however, mechanisms and potential of toxicity are different between formulations. The J. multidentata also represents a sensitive species and a good regional bio-monitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extended anaerobic conditions during biological wastewater treatment may enhance the biodegradation of micropollutants. To explore this, we combined iron-reducing or substrate-limited anaerobic conditions and aerobic pilot-scale reactors directly at a wastewater treatment plant. To investigate the detoxification by these processes, we applied two in vitro bioassays for baseline toxicity (Microtox) and reactive toxicity (AREc32) as well as in vivo bioassays with aquatic model species in two laboratory experiments ( Desmodesmus subspicatus, Daphnia magna ) and two on-site, flow-through experiments ( Potamopyrgus antipodarum, Lumbriculus variegatus ). Moreover, we analyzed 31 commonly occurring micropollutants and 10 metabolites. The baseline toxicity of raw wastewater was effectively removed in full-scale and reactor scale activated sludge treatment (>85%), while the oxidative stress response was only partially removed (>61%). A combination of an anaerobic pre-treatment under iron reducing conditions and an aerobic nitrification significantly further reduced the residual in vitro toxicities by 46–60% and outperformed the second combination consisting of an aerobic pre-treatment and an anaerobic post-treatment under substrate-limiting conditions (27–43%). Exposure to effluents of the activated sludge treatment did not induce adverse in vivo effects in aquatic invertebrates. Accordingly, no further improvement in water quality could be observed. Compared to that, the removal of persistent micropollutants was increased. However, this observation was restricted to a limited number of compounds and the removal of the sum concentration of all target micropollutants was relative low (14–17%). In conclusion, combinations of strictly anaerobic and aerobic processes significantly enhanced the removal of specific and non-specific in vitro toxicities. Thus, an optimization of biological wastewater treatment can lead to a substantially improved detoxification. These otherwise hidden capacities of a treatment technology can only be uncovered by a complementary biological analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium (Se) speciation in soil is critically important for understanding the solubility, mobility, bioavailability, and toxicity of Se in the environment. In this study, Se fractionation and chemical speciation in agricultural soils from seleniferous areas were investigated using the elaborate sequential extraction and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. The speciation results quantified by XANES technique generally agreed with those obtained by sequential extraction, and the combination of both approaches can reliably characterize Se speciation in soils. Results showed that dominant organic Se (56–81% of the total Se) and lesser Se(IV) (19–44%) were observed in seleniferous agricultural soils. A significant decrease in the proportion of organic Se to the total Se was found in different types of soil, i.e., paddy soil (81%) > uncultivated soil (69–73%) > upland soil (56–63%), while that of Se(IV) presented an inverse tendency. This suggests that Se speciation in agricultural soils can be significantly influenced by different cropping systems. Organic Se in seleniferous agricultural soils was probably derived from plant litter, which provides a significant insight for phytoremediation in Se-laden ecosystems and biofortification in Se-deficient areas. Furthermore, elevated organic Se in soils could result in higher Se accumulation in crops and further potential chronic Se toxicity to local residents in seleniferous areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along the line of the recent research topic aimed at understanding the in vivo activity of mineral fibres and their mechanisms of toxicity, this work describes the morpho-chemical characteristics of the mineral fibres found in the tissues of Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to intraperitoneal/intrapleural injection of UICC chrysotile, UICC crocidolite and erionite-Na from Nevada (USA). The fibres are studied with in situ synchrotron powder diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of toxicity of these mineral fibres. In contact with the tissues of the rats, chrysotile fibres are prone to dissolve, with leaching of Mg and production of a silica rich relict. On the other hand, crocidolite and erionite-Na fibres are stable even for very long contact times within the tissues of the rats, showing just a thin dissolution amorphous halo. These findings support the model of a lower biopersistence of chrysotile with respect to crocidolite and erionite-Na but the formation of a silica-rich fibrous residue after the pseudo-amorphization of chrysotile may justify a higher cytotoxic potential and intense inflammatory activity of chrysotile in the short term in contact with the lung tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied resistance to manganese (Mn) toxicity under acidic conditions and its relationship with nutrients such as calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in new perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne L.) genotypes (One-50, Banquet-II and Halo-AR1) introduced in southern Chile, using the Nui genotype as the reference. Plants were grown in nutrient solution at increased Mn concentrations (0–750 μM) at pH 4.8, and physiological and biochemical features were determined. Under higher Mn concentration, the One-50 genotype had a significantly lower relative growth rate (RGR) of shoots and roots, whereas in the other cultivars this parameter did not change under variable Mn treatments. Increasing the Mn concentration led to an increased Mn concentration in roots and shoots, with Banquet-II and Halo-AR1 having higher Mn in roots than shoots. Shoot Mg and Ca concentrations in all genotypes (except Banquet-II) decreased concomitantly with increasing Mn applications. In contrast to the other genotypes, Banquet-II and Halo-AR1 maintained their net CO 2 assimilation rate regardless of Mn treatment, whereas the chlorophyll concentration decreased in all genotypes with the exception of Banquet-II. In addition, lipid peroxidation in Banquet-II roots increased at 150 μM Mn, but decreased at higher Mn concentrations. This decrease was associated with an increase in antioxidant capacity as well as total phenol concentration. Banquet-II and Halo-AR1 appear to be the most Mn-resistant genotypes based on RGR and CO 2 assimilation rate. In addition, Mn excess provoked a strong decrease in Ca and Mg concentrations in shoots of the Mn-sensitive genotype, whereas only slight variations in the Mn-resistant genotype were noted. When other evaluated parameters were taken into account, we concluded that among the perennial ryegrass genotypes introduced recently into southern Chile Banquet-II appears to be the most Mn-resistant, followed by Halo-AR1, with One-50 being the most sensitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of short-term toxicological tests were conducted on the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis to assess the toxicity of the flame retardant 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabrominated biphenyl ether (BDE-47). BDE-47 increased mortality, morphological damage, and altered population dynamics and fecundity of rotifer. Antioxidant enzymes were differentially changed to maintain the balance between antioxidant and pro-oxidant activity. However, with increases in the concentration of BDE-47, the metabolic and antioxidant activity decreased. Moreover, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde contents increased and the ratio between glutathione and glutathione-SH decreased, indicating oxidative stress. The addition of the ROS-inhibitor N -acetylcysteine alleviated the degree of damage and stimulated the activity of xenobiotic-metabolizing and antioxidant system, which suggested that ROS were the most important loop in the stress response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal concentrations in sediments were investigated in the Gulf of Tunis, Tunisia, in relation to anthropic activities along the Mejerda River and Ghar El Melh Lagoon, with effluents discharged into the gulf. Distribution of grain size showed that the silty fraction is dominant with 53%, while sand and clay averages are 34 and 12% respectively. Zn concentration increased in the vicinity of the Mejerda River while Pb was at its highest levels at the outlet of Ghar El Mehl Lagoon. Sediment elutriate toxicity, as measured by oyster embryo bioassays, ranged from 10 to 45% abnormalities after 24 h, but no relation was found between metal concentration and sediment toxicity. The AVS fraction that represents monosulfide concentrations in the sediment was higher in the central part of the gulf than in the coastal zone. The results reveal the influence of AVS, TOC and grain size on metal speciation and sediment toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bioactive fractions of Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd differentiate sensitive and tolerant Scots pines. • Magnesium and iron regulate metal fluxes in Scots pine needles severely polluted. • Mineral toxicity fence (MTF) induction higher in sensitive than tolerant species. • Scots pine survival under metal pollution strictly adheres to bioactive Mg and Fe. Pine species are considered worldwide as developing various mechanisms counteracting industrial pollution specifically with Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cd. We assumed that the survival of plants should involve also the active concentrations of plant-born heavy metals as well as the mineral elements (Mg, Fe) crucial for normal photosynthetic activity of needles. The needles were collected from 100 randomly selected trees, which were divided into 50 specimens of sensitive (S) and 50 specimens of tolerant (T) species. In the study, the needles were also separated by age into 1 and 2 year-old needles. Two solutions of pH 3.5 and 6.0, mimicking acid rains (AR) were applied for extracting the bioactive forms of Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd and Mg and Fe. The elaborated mineral photosynthetic indices (12 in total), SPI (Single Phytotoxicity Indices), IPI (Integrated Phytotoxicity Indices) and TIPI (Total Integrated Phytotoxicity Indices) revealed that bioactive concentrations of Mg and Fe should be specifically regulating Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd fluxes in Scots pine needles. Such mechanism appears crucial for the survival of pine needles, both 1 and 2-years old, since Mg and Fe are directly activated in the photosynthesis process. The concentrations of bioactive Mg and Fe fractions were higher in sensitive (S) as compared to tolerant (T) pines, explaining thus the basis of their response - stronger for S and weaker for T - to adverse effects induced by the particular heavy metals. We stipulated that magnesium and iron should emerge promptly and permanently as toxicity mitigation factors, acting as a Mineral Toxicity Fence (MTF), supporting thus the survival mineral-dependent hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing usage of engineered nanoparticles, especially Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) in various commercial products has necessitated their toxicity evaluation and risk assessment, especially in the aquatic ecosystem. In the present study, a comprehensive toxicity assessment of anatase and rutile NPs (individual as well as a binary mixture) has been carried out in a freshwater matrix on Ceriodaphnia dubia under different irradiation conditions viz., visible and UV-A. Anatase and rutile NPs produced an LC 50 of about 37.04 and 48 mg/L, respectively, under visible irradiation. However, lesser LC 50 values of about 22.56 (anatase) and 23.76 (rutile) mg/L were noted under UV-A irradiation. A toxic unit (TU) approach was followed to determine the concentrations of binary mixtures of anatase and rutile. The binary mixture resulted in an antagonistic and additive effect under visible and UV-A irradiation, respectively. Among the two different modeling approaches used in the study, Marking-Dawson model was noted to be a more appropriate model than Abbott model for the toxicity evaluation of binary mixtures. The agglomeration of NPs played a significant role in the induction of antagonistic and additive effects by the mixture based on the irradiation applied. TEM and zeta potential analysis confirmed the surface interactions between anatase and rutile NPs in the mixture. Maximum uptake was noticed at 0.25 total TU of the binary mixture under visible irradiation and 1 TU of anatase NPs for UV-A irradiation. Individual NPs showed highest uptake under UV-A than visible irradiation. In contrast, binary mixture showed a difference in the uptake pattern based on the type of irradiation exposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasmall nanoparticulate materials with core sizes in the 1-3 nm range bridge the gap between single molecules and classical, larger-sized nanomaterials, not only in terms of spatial dimension, but also as regards physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. Due to these unique properties, ultrasmall nanoparticles appear to be promising materials for nanomedicinal applications. This review overviews the different synthetic methods of inorganic ultrasmall nanoparticles as well as their properties, characterization, surface modification and toxicity. We moreover summarize the current state of knowledge regarding pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and targeting of nanoscale materials. Aside from addressing the issue of biomolecular corona formation and elaborating on the interactions of ultrasmall nanoparticles with individual cells, we discuss the potential diagnostic, therapeutic and theranostic applications of ultrasmall nanoparticles in the emerging field of nanomedicine in the final part of this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) is a highly toxic element accumulating in the environment as a result of anthropogenic activity. In Northern Chile it accumulates in salt areas and constitutes a major threat for human population. Atriplex atacamensis is a perennial halophyte shrub spontaneously growing in these contaminated areas. In order to determine the impact of salinity on As absorption and accumulation in A. atacamensis , young seedlings obtained from seeds collected on an As-polluted area were cultivated for 2 and 4 weeks in nutrient solutions containing no As and no NaCl (control), NaCl 100 mM, As(V) 1000 μM and NaCl 100 mM + As(V) 1000 μM. Speciation analysis indicates that arsenic in the solution remained in the As(V) form. Roots accumulated high concentration of As (up to 5020 μg g −1 DW): 55% of total extractable As was in the reduced state As(III) and 45% as As(V). More than half of the total As accumulated in cell walls. The leaves accumulated lower amounts of total As, with a majority of As(V) in the extractable fraction. Addition of NaCl to the As-containing nutrient solution reduced As concentration in the roots and increased the proportion of As(V) comparatively to As(III). Salinity strongly increased As translocation from the root to the shoot but did not modify its distribution between apoplasm and symplasm compartments. Exogenous salinity reduced the As-induced senescing ethylene synthesis in As-treated plants and contributed to a more efficient antioxydation system. Salinity and As induced the synthesis of major protective molecules (proline, glycinebetaine, trigonelline, polyamines, non-protein thiols), some of them being involved in short-term response to ion toxicities while others appeared to be required for longer period. It is concluded that Atriplex atacamensis is an interesting tool for the phytomanagement of As-contaminated area and that salinity improves the plant resistance to this dangerous pollutant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, phosphorus (P) has been considered the primary limiting nutrient for phytoplankton assemblages in freshwater ecosystems. This review, supported by new findings from Lake Erie, highlights recent molecular, laboratory, and field evidence that the growth and toxicity of some non-diazotrophic blooms of cyanobacteria can be controlled by nitrogen (N). Cyanobacteria such as Microcystis possess physiological adaptations that allow them to dominate low-P surface waters, and in temperate lakes, cyanobacterial densities can be controlled by N availability. Beyond total cyanobacterial biomass, N loading has been shown to selectively promote the abundance of Microcystis and Planktothrix strains capable of synthesizing microcystins over strains that do not possess this ability. Among strains of cyanobacteria capable of synthesizing the N-rich microcystins, cellular toxin quotas have been found to depend upon exogenous N supplies. Herein, multi-year observations from western Lake Erie are presented demonstrating that microcystin concentrations peak in parallel with inorganic N, but not orthophosphate, concentrations and are significantly lower ( p < 0.01) during years of reduced inorganic nitrogen loading and concentrations. Collectively, this information underscores the importance of N as well as P in controlling toxic cyanobacteria blooms. Furthermore, it supports the premise that management actions to reduce P in the absence of concurrent restrictions on N loading may not effectively control the growth and/or toxicity of non-diazotrophic toxic cyanobacteria such as the cosmopolitan, toxin-producing genus, Microcystis . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Displacement of large areas of native Cladium jamaicense Crantz (sawgrass) by Typha domingensis Pers. (cattail) in the Everglades has occurred during the past several decades, and is widely attributed to phosphorus (P) enrichment. In addition, sulfide toxicity to marsh vegetation, particularly Cladium , has been cited as a possible consequence of increased loading of sulfate to the Everglades (USA) from anthropogenic sources, and a potential contributor to the shift from Cladium to Typha . We initiated a plant growth study at three “low P” sites in the Everglades with differing surface water sulfate (1–48 mg L −1 ) and porewater sulfide (0.09–8.0 mg L −1 ) concentrations. Leaf elongation (LE) rates of Cladium and Typha were monitored, along with surface and porewater concentrations of iron, nutrients, and inorganic sulfur species. During the course of the study, we observed no reduction in Cladium or Typha LE rates at the two sulfate-impacted locations, relative to LE at a sulfate-unimpacted site. Moreover, across all study sites, we observed a positive, instead of a negative, relationship between Cladium LE rates and porewater sulfide concentrations. This suggests overriding effects of other factors such as P availability and supply on plant growth in these low-P environments, which was supported by a positive relationship between dissolved porewater P concentrations and Cladium LE rates, and by the Typha to Cladium LE ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical and biological mechanisms of life processes mostly consist of multistep and programmed processes at nanoscale levels. Interestingly enough, cell, the basic functional unit and platform that maintains life processes, is composed of various organelles fulfilling sophisticated functions through the precise control on the biomolecules (e.g., proteins, phospholipid, nucleic acid and ions) in a spatial dimension of nanoscale sizes. Thus, understanding of the activities of manufactured nanoscale materials including their interaction with biological systems is of great significance in chemistry, materials science, life science, medicine, environmental science and toxicology. In this brief review, we summarized the recent advances in nanotoxicological chemistry through the dissection of pivotal factors (primarily focusing on dose and nanosurface chemistry) in determining nanomaterial-induced biological/toxic responses with particular emphasis on the nanomaterial bioaccumulation (and interaction organs or target organs) at intact animal level. Due to the volume of manufacture and material application, we deliberately discussed carbon nanotubes, metal/metal oxide nanomaterials and quantum dots, severing as representative material types to illustrate the impact of dose and nanosurface chemistry in these toxicological scenarios. Finally, we have also delineated the grand challenges in this field in a conceptual framework of nanotoxicological chemistry. It is noted that this review is a part of our persistent endeavor of building the systematic knowledge framework for toxicological properties of engineered nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ziram is a dimethyldithiocarbamate fungicide which can cause intraneuronal calcium (Ca 2+ ) dysregulation and subsequently neuronal death. The signaling mechanisms underlying ziram-induced Ca 2+ dyshomeostasis and neurotoxicity are not fully understood. NCX3 is the third isoform of the sodium–calcium exchanger (NCX) family and plays an important role in regulating Ca 2+ homeostasis in excitable cells. We previously generated a mouse model deficient for the sodium–calcium exchanger 3 and showed that NCX3 is protective against ischemic damage. In the present study, we aim to examine whether NCX3 exerts a similar role against toxicological injury caused by the pesticide ziram. Our data show baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells stably transfected with NCX3 (BHK-NCX3) are more susceptible to ziram toxicity than cells transfected with the empty vector (BHK-WT). Increased toxicity in BHK-NCX3 was associated with a rapid rise in cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration [Ca 2+ ] i induced by ziram. Profound mitochondrial dysfunction and ATP depletion were also observed in BHK-NCX3 cells following treatment with ziram. Lastly, primary dopaminergic neurons lacking NCX3 (NCX3 −/− ) were less sensitive to ziram neurotoxicity than wildtype control dopaminergic neurons. These results demonstrate that NCX3 genetic deletion protects against ziram-induced neurotoxicity and suggest NCX3 and its downstream molecular pathways as key factors involved in ziram toxicity. Our study identifies new molecular events through which pesticides (e.g. ziram) can lead to pathological features of degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and indicates new targets to slow down neuronal degeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Micronutrients contents of some Nigerian foods were determined for the first time. • Mineral interactions, toxicity and their potential for disease onset were evaluated. • Antinutrients inhibiting mineral bioavailability in the cooked foods were determined. • Phytate-mineral interactions in selected Nigerian cooked foods were estimated. The need to update the Nigerian food composition database (FCD) and provide information on dietary factors contributing to chronic diseases is essential to managing health conditions. This study is analytical. Standardized Nigerian cooked foods were analyzed for minerals, β-carotene, vitamins, phytate, and oxalate contents. Mineral, phytate-mineral interactions, and mineral toxicities in foods were evaluated. Results showed that okazi soup and akara & agidi had the highest potassium, sodium, and calcium (449.60 and 236.36; 1087.12 and 359.49; 568.55 and 481.05 mg/100 g respectively) contents. Miyan taushe, gbegiri , and groundnut soups had the highest β-carotene content when compared to others. The Sodium-potassium ratio of the foods exceeded standard values, while most soups including ogbono, ila alasepo, egusi, and gbegiri , had poor predicted bioavailability for iron, calcium, and zinc. Also, Akara & agidi, okazi , and groundnut soups contained excess doses of iron and sodium compared to the standard. These findings are useful to update Nigerian FCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxicological batch assays are essential to assess a compound's acute effect on microorganisms. This methodology is frequently employed to evaluate the effect of contaminants in sensitive microbial communities from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), such as autotrophic nitrifying populations. However, despite nitrifying batch assays being commonly mentioned in the literature, their experimental design criteria are rarely reported or overlooked. Here, we found that slight deviations in culture preparations and conditions impacted bacterial community performance and could skew assay results. From pre-experimental trials and experience, we determined how mishandling and treatment of cultures could affect nitrification activity. While media and biomass preparations are needed to establish baseline conditions (e.g., biomass washing), we found extensive centrifugation selectively destabilised nitrification activities. Further, it is paramount that the air supply is adjusted to minimise nitrite build-up in the culture and maintain suitable aeration levels without sparging ammonia. DMSO and acetone up to 0.03% (v /v) were suitable organic solvents with minimal impact on nitrification activity. In the nitrification assays with allylthiourea (ATU), dilute cultures exhibited more significant inhibition than concentrated cultures. So there were biomass-related effects; however, these differences minimally impacted the EC 50 values. Using different nutrient-media compositions had a minimal effect; however, switching mineral media for the toxicity test from the original cultivation media is not recommended because it reduced the original biomass nitrification capacity. Our results demonstrated that these factors substantially impact the performance of the nitrifying inoculum used in acute bioassays, and consequently, affect the response of AOB-NOB populations during the toxicant exposure. These are not highlighted in operation standards, and unfortunately, they can have significant consequential impacts on the determinations of toxicological endpoints. Moreover, the practical procedures tested here could support other authors in developing testing methodologies, adding quality checks in the experimental framework with minimal waste of time and resources. • Nitrifying consortia, used in acute batch toxicological bioassays, require special considerations in their preparations. • Nitrifying biomass in toxicity tests requires stringent experimental conditions according to their specific characteristics. • The fragile mutualism of AOB-NOB co-cultures can quickly become disrupted. • Culture preparation, uneven aeration, and incompatible solvent-use affect community activity and skew toxicological results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Minerals influence on fibroblasts was assessed in the stacked cell culture platform. • The platform enabled the study of direct and indirect biomaterial-cell interactions. • Interaction was influenced first by cell seeding density, then coating formulation. • Placement of the coated layer provided insight on contact-dependency of the response. Mineral coatings manipulate surface properties such as roughness, porosity, wettability and surface energy. Properties that are known to determine cell behaviour. Therefore, mineral coatings can potentially be used to manipulate cell fate. This paper studies mineral-cell interactions through coatings in a stacked cell culture platform. Minerals were chosen according to their influence on Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDFs): calcium carbonate, calcium sulphates, and kaolin. Mineral coatings were formulated with the additives latex, sorbitol, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and TEMPO-oxidised cellulose nanofibrils (CNF-T). The coatings were placed as a bottom or top of the device, for a direct or indirect interaction with HDFs, respectively. Cells were seeded, in various densities, to the bottom of the device; and cell density and confluency were monitored in time. Overall, results show that the coating interaction is influenced at first by the cell seeding density. Scarce cell seeding density limits adaptability to the new environment, while an abundant one encourages confluency in time. In between those densities, coating formulation plays the next major role. Calcium carbonate promoted HDFs growth the most as expected, but the response to the rest of minerals depended on the coating additive. CNF-T encouraged proliferation even for kaolin, a mineral with long-term toxicity to HDFs, while PVOH induced a detrimental effect on HDF growth regardless of the mineral. At last, the placement of the coated layer provided insights on the contact-dependency of each response. This study highlights the importance of the experimental design, including coating formulation, when investigating cellular response to biomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refeeding syndrome is a life-threatening condition occurring in severely malnourished patients after initiating feeding. Severe hypophosphatemia with reduced adenosine triphosphate production has been implicated, but little data are available regarding electrolyte abnormalities. In this case, we report electrocardiographic changes consistent with hyperkalemia during potassium replacement after a serum level increase from 1.9 to 2.9 mEq/L. This was reversed by lowering serum potassium back to 2.0 mEq/L. In conclusion, the patient with prolonged malnutrition became adapted to low potassium levels and developed potassium toxicity with replacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Commercial embryo tested mineral oils may have a deleterious or sub lethal effects on sheep embryo viability. • Toxic mineral oil has a time and dose dependent effect on membrane integrity, cleavage and blastocyst rate. • Well plate is a good option for reducing the effects of mineral oil toxicity on cleavage and blastocyst rate. Mineral oil (MO) as a barrier can minimize temperature, osmolality and pH fluctuation in the oocyte/embryo culture medium. Regardless of these advantages, MO acts as a potential source of embryo-toxic compounds which can affect embryo viability. This study was conducted to assess the signs and effects of the four-well culture dish (FW) and microdrop culture systems (MD) on reducing the harmful effects of mineral oil during the in-vitro production of sheep embryos. Oocytes retrieved from abattoir-derived ovary were in-vitro matured, fertilized and cultured in MD and FW, overlaid with two different lots of mouse embryo tested mineral oils (SMO1; nMD = 133, nFW = 103, and SMO2; nMD = 137, nFW = 144) and a clinically tested mineral oil (OMO; n = 107) as a control group. The results showed that using SMO1 and SMO2 in the MD can dramatically decrease cleavage and blastocyst rates. Although they did not show any membrane damage after IVM and 24 h after IVF, the sign of damage was appeared at 48 h after fertilization and completely destroyed the blastomere membrane at 72 h after fertilization, while the FW did not affect membrane integrity. In conclusion, FW compares to the MD, can reduce the deleterious effects of mineral oil on sheep embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver is a naturally occurring element. Similar to other metals, the ionized form of silver (Ag +1 ) has known antimicrobial properties. A number of wound dressings incorporating silver ion or silver compounds have recently been developed and marketed. In addition, the antimicrobial effects of silver are currently being promoted in consumer products such as clothing and household appliances. The present use of silver in medical and consumer products has prompted concerns for potential toxicity and ecological effects, including induction of microbial resistance to antibiotics. These concerns ignore the fact that silver has been used for medicinal purposes for several thousand years. A historical review of the uses of silver in medicine is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]