Search

Recently, high concentrations of metals have been found in the waters from sampling sites located in the Araguari River lower section. These metals can be bioaccumulated by fish, but also biomagnified, representing a potential risk through human consumption. Here, we aimed to (1) determine the metal concentrations in muscle samples from fish; (2) evaluate bioaccumulation of metals in muscle tissue of fish species with different feeding behaviors; and (3) investigate the risks of single metals, as well as mixture of metals, to human fish consumption. Eleven fish species were sampled (3 carnivorous, 5 omnivorous, and 3 detritivorous). In four fish species, Cd and Pb concentrations exceeded the Brazilian maximum limits (MLs) for human consumption. Individually, Pb and Cd concentrations in the muscle of these fish indicate risks to human health. When considering the mixture of metals, the consumption of all fish species represents risks. The highest risks implicate detritivorous species. For all fish species evaluated, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of Hg shows values above its reference dose (RfD). Our results suggest the need to establish an environmental monitoring program that aims to preserve environmental quality, biodiversity, and human health. It is also necessary to develop actions that aim to educate Amazonian populations on safe fish preparation and consumption.

La sindrome da burnout (SB), segnalata per la prima volta nel 1970, appare come una risposta cronica a fattori di stress interpersonali che si verificano nella situazione lavorativa. È supportato da tre pilastri: Esaurimento Emotivo (EE), Depersonalizzazione (DP) e ridotto Risultato professionale (RP). Di solito si verifica in individui le cui professioni hanno responsabilità relazionali. I medici sono tra i più colpiti, soprattutto i chirurghi, che necessitano di attenzioni e manualità costanti, fattore che li predispone a stress eccessivi e malattie psichiatriche. L’obiettivo di questo studio era di analizzare la prevalenza della sindrome di Burnout nei chirurghi nello stato di Amapá, sulla base della domanda: qual è la prevalenza della sindrome di Burnout nei chirurghi che lavorano nello stato di Amapá? La metodologia utilizzata è stata uno studio quantitativo e qualitativo, con un questionario situazionale e il Maslach Burnout Inventory Questionnaire (MBI) a cui hanno risposto i chirurghi nello stato di Amapá, tra marzo 2016 e agosto 2016. Lo studio ha seguito le risoluzioni n. 466 del 2012 e n. 510 del 2016, del Consiglio Nazionale per l’Etica nella Ricerca (CONEP). C’era una predominanza di chirurghi maschi, con un’età media di 42,76 anni, la maggior parte dei quali erano sposati o con una relazione stabile, che avevano più di 10 anni di formazione medica e che non facevano o facevano fino a 4 turni di notte al mese. Erano presenti chirurghi generali, oltre ad altre undici sottospecialità. Per quanto riguarda il questionario MBI, circa il 25% degli intervistati ha un alto livello di esaurimento emotivo, altrettanti hanno un alto livello di spersonalizzazione e poco più del 10% ha una bassa realizzazione professionale. Il 2,94% ha criteri per la diagnosi della sindrome da burnout. Il 38,23% ha mostrato alterazioni in almeno una delle tre sfere. Le sottospecialità che hanno ottenuto i risultati peggiori sono state: Chirurgia Vascolare, Chirurgia Oncologica, Neurochirurgia e Urologia. Pertanto, sebbene questo gruppo abbia un tasso di sindrome da burnout più elevato rispetto alla popolazione generale, ha comunque livelli inferiori a quelli riscontrati in tutto il mondo.

El Síndrome de Burnout (SB), reportado por primera vez en 1970, aparece como una respuesta crónica a los estresores interpersonales que ocurren en la situación laboral. Se sustenta en tres pilares: Agotamiento Emocional (AE), Despersonalización (DP) y Reducción de la Realización Profesional (RP). Por lo general, ocurre en personas cuyas profesiones conllevan responsabilidades relacionales. Los médicos se encuentran entre los más afectados, especialmente los cirujanos, que necesitan atención y destreza constantes, factor que los predispone a un estrés excesivo ya enfermedades psiquiátricas. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la prevalencia del síndrome de Burnout en cirujanos del estado de Amapá, a partir de la pregunta: ¿Cuál es la prevalencia del síndrome de Burnout en cirujanos que laboran en el estado de Amapá? La metodología utilizada fue un estudio cuantitativo y cualitativo, con un cuestionario situacional y el Maslach Burnout Inventory Questionnaire (MBI) respondido por cirujanos del estado de Amapá, entre marzo de 2016 y agosto de 2016. El estudio siguió las resoluciones número 466 de 2012 y número 510 de 2016, del Consejo Nacional de Ética en Investigación (CONEP). Predominaron los cirujanos del sexo masculino, con una media de edad de 42,76 años, la mayoría casados ​​o en pareja estable, con más de 10 años de formación médica y que no hacen o hacen hasta 4 turnos de noche al mes. Estuvieron presentes cirujanos generales, además de otras once subespecialidades. En cuanto al cuestionario MBI, alrededor del 25% de los encuestados tiene un alto nivel de agotamiento emocional, la misma cantidad tiene un alto nivel de despersonalización y poco más del 10% tiene una baja realización profesional. El 2,94% tiene criterios para el diagnóstico de Síndrome de Burnout. El 38,23% mostró alteración en al menos una de las tres esferas. Las subespecialidades que obtuvieron peores resultados fueron: Cirugía Vascular, Cirugía Oncológica, Neurocirugía y Urología. Así, aunque este grupo presenta una tasa de síndrome de Burnout superior a la población general, sigue presentando niveles inferiores a los encontrados a nivel mundial.

Das Burnout-Syndrom (BS), das erstmals 1970 beschrieben wurde, tritt als chronische Reaktion auf zwischenmenschliche Stressoren auf, die in der Arbeitssituation auftreten. Es wird von drei Säulen getragen: Emotionale Erschöpfung (EE), Depersonalisation (DP) und reduzierte berufliche Erfüllung (BE). Es tritt normalerweise bei Personen auf, deren Berufe Beziehung Verantwortung tragen. Ärzte gehören zu den am stärksten Betroffenen, insbesondere Chirurgen, die ständige Aufmerksamkeit und Geschicklichkeit benötigen, ein Faktor, der sie für übermäßigen Stress und psychiatrische Erkrankungen prädisponiert. Das Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Prävalenz des Burnout-Syndroms bei Chirurgen im Bundesstaat Amapá zu analysieren, basierend auf der Frage: Wie hoch ist die Prävalenz des Burnout-Syndroms bei Chirurgen, die im Bundesstaat Amapá arbeiten? Die verwendete Methodik war eine quantitative und qualitative Studie mit einem Situations Fragebogen und dem Maslach Burnout Inventory Questionnaire (MBI), die von Chirurgen im Bundesstaat Amapá zwischen März 2016 und August 2016 beantwortet wurden. Die Studie folgte den Resolutionen Nr. 466 von 2012 und Nr. 510 2016 des National Council of Ethics in Research (CONEP). Überwiegend waren männliche Chirurgen mit einem Durchschnittsalter von 42,76 Jahren, meist verheiratet oder in einer festen Beziehung, die über eine mehr als 10-jährige medizinische Ausbildung verfügten und nicht oder bis zu 4 Nachtschichten pro Monat arbeiteten . Allgemeinchirurgen waren anwesend, zusätzlich zu elf anderen Sub-Spezialitäten. In Bezug auf den MBI-Fragebogen weisen etwa 25 % der Befragten eine hohe emotionale Erschöpfung, die gleiche Anzahl eine hohe Depersonalisierung und etwas mehr als 10 % eine geringe berufliche Erfüllung auf. 2,94 % haben Kriterien für die Diagnose eines Burnout-Syndroms. 38,23 % zeigten Veränderungen in mindestens einer der drei Sphären. Die Fachgebiete mit den schlechtesten Ergebnissen waren: Gefäßchirurgie, Onkologische Chirurgie, Neurochirurgie und Urologie. Obwohl diese Gruppe eine höhere Burnout-Syndrom-Rate aufweist als die allgemeine Bevölkerung, sind die Werte immer noch niedriger als die weltweit gefundenen.

Синдром Выгорания (СВ), впервые описанный в 1970 году, проявляется как хроническая реакция на межличностные стрессоры, возникающие в рабочей ситуации. Он поддерживается тремя столпами: Эмоциональное Истощение (ЭИ), Деперсонализация (ДР) и снижение Профессиональные Достижения (ПД). Обычно это происходит у людей, чья профессия связана с реляционными обязанностями. В наибольшей степени страдают врачи, особенно хирурги, которые нуждаются в постоянном внимании и ловкости, что предрасполагает их к чрезмерным стрессам и психическим заболеваниям. Целью этого исследования было проанализировать распространенность синдрома эмоционального выгорания у хирургов в штате Амапа на основе вопроса: какова распространенность синдрома эмоционального выгорания у хирургов, работающих в штате Амапа? Используемая методология представляла собой количественное и качественное исследование с ситуационным опросником и вопросником Maslach Burnout Inventory Questionnaire (MBI), на которые отвечали хирурги в штате Амапа в период с марта 2016 г. по август 2016 г. Исследование проводилось в соответствии с резолюциями № 466 от 2012 г. и № 510. 2016 года Национального совета по этике исследований (CONEP)[7]. Преобладали хирурги-мужчины со средним возрастом 42,76 года, большинство из которых состояли в браке или в стабильных отношениях, имели медицинское образование более 10 лет, и кто не делает или делает до 4 ночных смен в месяц. Присутствовали общие хирурги в дополнение к одиннадцати специалистам других специальностей. По опроснику MBI около 25 % опрошенных имеют высокий уровень эмоционального истощения, столько же — высокий уровень деперсонализации, чуть более 10 % — низкую профессиональную состоятельность. 2,94% имеют критерии для диагноза синдром эмоционального выгорания. 38,23% показали изменения хотя бы в одной из трех сфер. Наихудшие результаты получили специальности: сосудистая хирургия, онкологическая хирургия, нейрохирургия и урология. Таким образом, хотя эта группа имеет более высокий уровень синдрома выгорания, чем население в целом, его уровни все же ниже, чем во всем мире.

Le syndrome d’épuisement professionnel (SB), signalé pour la première fois en 1970, apparaît comme une réponse chronique aux facteurs de stress interpersonnels qui surviennent dans la situation de travail. Elle s’appuie sur trois piliers : l’épuisement émotionnel (EE), la dépersonnalisation (DP) et l’épanouissement professionnel (RP) réduit. Elle survient généralement chez des personnes dont les professions comportent des responsabilités relationnelles. Les médecins sont parmi les plus touchés, en particulier les chirurgiens, qui ont besoin d’une attention et d’une dextérité constantes, facteur qui les prédispose au stress excessif et aux maladies psychiatriques. L’objectif de cette étude était d’analyser la prévalence du syndrome d’épuisement professionnel chez les chirurgiens de l’État d’Amapá, en se basant sur la question : Quelle est la prévalence du syndrome d’épuisement professionnel chez les chirurgiens travaillant dans l’État d’Amapá ? La méthodologie utilisée était une étude quantitative et qualitative, avec un questionnaire situationnel et le Maslach Burnout Inventory Questionnaire (MBI) auxquels ont répondu les chirurgiens de l’état d’Amapá, entre mars 2016 et août 2016. L’étude a suivi les résolutions numéro 466 de 2012 et numéro 510 de 2016, du Conseil National d’Éthique de la Recherche (CONEP). Il y avait une prédominance de chirurgiens de sexe masculin, avec un âge moyen de 42,76 ans, dont la plupart étaient mariés ou en couple stable, avaient plus de 10 ans de formation médicale et ne faisaient pas ou faisaient jusqu’à 4 quarts de nuit par mois. Des chirurgiens généralistes étaient présents, en plus de onze autres sous-spécialités. Concernant le questionnaire MBI, environ 25% des personnes interrogées ont un haut niveau d’épuisement émotionnel, autant ont un haut niveau de dépersonnalisation, et un peu plus de 10% ont un faible épanouissement professionnel. 2,94% ont des critères pour le diagnostic du syndrome d’épuisement professionnel. 38,23% ont montré une altération dans au moins une des trois sphères. Les sous-spécialités qui ont obtenu les pires résultats sont : la Chirurgie Vasculaire, la Chirurgie Oncologique, la Neurochirurgie et l’Urologie. Ainsi, bien que ce groupe ait un taux de syndrome de Burnout plus élevé que la population générale, il a toujours des niveaux inférieurs à ceux trouvés dans le monde.

Burnout Syndrome (BS), first reported in 1970, appears as a chronic response to interpersonal stressors that occur in the work situation. It is supported by three pillars: Emotional Exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (DP) and reduced Professional Fulfillment (PF). It usually occurs in individuals whose professions carry relational responsibilities. Physicians are among the most affected, especially surgeons, who need constant attention and dexterity, a factor that predisposes them to excessive stress and psychiatric illnesses. The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of Burnout syndrome in surgeons in the state of Amapá, based on the question: What is the prevalence of Burnout syndrome in surgeons working in the state of Amapá? The methodology used was a quantitative and qualitative study, with a situational questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory Questionnaire (MBI) answered by surgeons in the state of Amapá, between March 2016 and August 2016. The study followed resolutions number 466 of 2012 and number 510 of 2016, of the National Council of Ethics in Research (CONEP). There was a predominance of male surgeons, with a mean age of 42.76 years, most of whom were married or in a stable relationship, who had more than 10 years of medical training and who do not do or do up to 4 night shifts per month. General surgeons were present, in addition to eleven other subspecialties. Regarding the MBI questionnaire, about 25% of those surveyed have a high level of emotional exhaustion, the same number have a high level of depersonalization, and just over 10% have low professional fulfillment. 2.94% have criteria for the diagnosis of Burnout Syndrome. 38.23% showed alteration in at least one of the three spheres. The subspecialties that obtained the worst results were: Vascular Surgery, Oncological Surgery, Neurosurgery and Urology. Thus, although this group has a higher Burnout syndrome rate than the general population, it still has levels lower than those found worldwide.

A Síndrome de Burnout (SB), relatada pela primeira vez em 1970, surge como uma resposta crônica aos estressores interpessoais ocorridos na situação de trabalho. É sustentada por três pilares: Exaustão Emocional (EE), Despersonalização (DP) e reduzida Realização Profissional (RP). Ocorre geralmente em indivíduos cujas profissões carregam responsabilidades relacionais. Os médicos estão entre os mais acometidos, em especial os cirurgiões, que necessitam de constante atenção e destreza, fator que os predispõem ao estresse excessivo e a doenças psiquiátricas. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a prevalência da síndrome de Burnout em médicos cirurgiões do estado do Amapá, baseado no questionamento: Qual a prevalência de síndrome de Burnout em cirurgiões atuantes no estado do Amapá? A metodologia utilizada foi um estudo quantiqualitativo, com questionário situacional e o Questionário Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) respondido por médicos cirurgiões do estado do Amapá, entre março de 2016 e agosto de 2016. O estudo seguiu as resoluções número 466 de 2012 e número 510 de 2016, do Conselho Nacional de Ética em Pesquisa (CONEP). Houve predominância entre cirurgiões do sexo masculino, com idade média foi de 42,76 anos, em sua maioria casados ou em união estável, que possuem mais de 10 anos de formação médica e que não fazem ou fazem até 4 plantões noturnos mensais. Estiveram presentes cirurgiões gerais, além de outras onze subespecialidades. Com relação ao questionário do MBI, cerca de 25% dos pesquisados têm alto nível de exaustão emocional, o mesmo número com alto nível de despersonalização, e pouco mais de 10% com baixa realização profissional. 2,94% possuem critérios para o diagnóstico de Síndrome de Burnout. 38,23% mostraram alteração em pelo menos uma das três esferas. As subespecialidades que obtiveram os piores resultados foram: Cirurgia Vascular, Cirurgia Oncológica, Neurocirurgia e Urologia. Desta forma, apesar desse grupo ter um índice de síndrome de Burnout maior que a população em geral, ele ainda apresenta níveis inferiores aos encontrados mundialmente.

The prioritization of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for monitoring programmes and/or environmental risk assessment (ERA) purposes is based on several criteria, including environmental occurrence data. However, data on API occurrence in Brazilian surface freshwaters are still scarce. The Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) provides several medicines free-of-charge, including medications that have bezafibrate, fluoxetine and levothyroxine as the API. Thus, our objective was to investigate the occurrence of bezafibrate, fluoxetine and levothyroxine in samples collected at sampling sites included in the surface freshwater monitoring program of the Sao Paulo State Environmental Agency (CETESB); caffeine was also included in the analysis because it is commonly used as an anthropogenic marker of aquatic environment contamination. Monitoring results showed that levothyroxine was not found in any of the analysed samples. Caffeine was ubiquitous in the analysed samples, thus indicating anthropic contamination in the studied water bodies. Caffeine and bezafibrate presented risk quotient (RQ) 1 were found in all water samples in which this API was found, indicating a potential risk for freshwater pelagic biota. Thus, fluoxetine should be regulated in Sao Paulo State in order to protect the aquatic biota. Additional occurrence studies in other Brazilian states are still needed to evaluate if fluoxetine is a nationwide pollutant.

Abnormal behavior in nonhuman primates is oftentimes prematurely blamed on certain conditions, in the case of captive non-human primates, readily so on their husbandry, largely ignoring the underlying pathophysiological processes in the brain. Each life history shapes an individual's predisposition to develop or resist the development of a psychopathological disorder, which manifests itself in abnormal behavior when triggered by certain situations or conditions. In order to sustainably address the symptoms of psychopathologies, therapeutic approaches must be based on a structured, comprehensive diagnostic procedure, including behavioral and functional analyses, research into life history, and personality assessment..

Aedes aegypti is the main mosquito vector of dengue, zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever diseases. The low effectiveness of vector control options is mainly related to the increased insect's resistance and to the toxicity of products used for non-target organisms. The development of new environmentally friendly and safer products is imperative. Technical cashew nut shell liquid (tCNSL), mostly composed by cardanol (C), is an abundant by-product of the cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) production chain, available at low cost, and with proven larvicidal activity. However, chemical modifications in both tCNSL and cardanol were required to increase their water solubilities. Our objectives were to synthesise and characterise sustainable, low-cost and easy-to-use multiple function products based on tCNSL, cardanol, and the sulphonates obtained from both; and to evaluate all these products efficacy as surfactants, larvicidal, and antimicrobial agents. None of the sulphonates presented antimicrobial and larvicidal activities. tCNSL and cardanol were successfully emulsified with sodium technical cashew nut shell liquid sulphonate (NatCNSLS, complex mixture of surfactants). The emulsions obtained presented larvicidal activity due to the presence of tCNSL and cardanol in their composition. Our results showed that the tCNSL+NatCNSLS mixture emulsion was an effective larvicide and surfactant multiple function product, with high availability and easy-to-use, which can facilitate its large-scale use in different environments. Graphical abstract.

The Aquidauana River is one of the most important rivers in the Pantanal region, Brazil. However, its waters have been contaminated by nearby anthropogenic activities, threatening native fish species. In this study, our objectives were: 1) to determine the concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in water and sediment samples from the Aquidauana River and to assess the risks posed to aquatic biota; 2) to quantify the concentration of these elements in muscle and liver tissue samples from four native fish species; 3) to evaluate the potential bioaccumulation of inorganic elements in the muscles and liver; and 4) to investigate genotoxicity biomarkers and their association with the inorganic element concentrations present in the muscle tissue. Water and fish samples were collected in November 2020. The concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, and Pb in the water samples were in disagreement with the Brazilian legislation and presented risks to the aquatic biota. In terms of mixtures of inorganic elements, there was a great increase in the risk to biota. The As concentration did not meet the Brazilian standard for sediments in the sample collected at sampling site 6. The concentrations of Cd and Pb in the muscle tissue of Hypostomus regani, Prochilodus lineatus, Brycon hilarii, and Mylossoma duriventre exceeded the Brazilian standards for human consumption. H. regani showed greater genotoxic damage, and the higher the Al and Fe concentrations in the muscle tissue, the higher the frequencies of lobulated nuclei and nuclear invaginations. Together, our results demonstrate the negative impacts on native fish species from the Aquidauana River contamination and indicate risks to Pantanal biodiversity.

The environmental risks of pesticides found in surface waters of an important agricultural basin in Brazil were estimated by adopting two approaches: individual pesticides risk quotients (RQ) and concentration addition model for pesticide mixtures (∑RQs) contained in each water sample. Monitoring was carried out in the Mogi Guaçu River basin, Brazil, from October 2017 to May 2018. Four sampling points were selected in the Mogi Guaçu River and seven in its tributaries A multiresidue method with solid-phase extraction and subsequent analysis by UPLC-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS was developed to quantify 19 pesticides. Herbicides, except for simazine, presented the highest detection frequencies with values above 70%. Tebuthiuron was found in all 55 analyzed samples, presenting the highest concentration (6437 ng L

Pharmaceuticals are frequently detected in aquatic environments as mixtures and can cause toxic effects to non-target organisms. We aimed to evaluate the single and mixture effects of the pharmaceuticals metformin, bisoprolol, ranitidine and sotalol using Daphnia similis and Danio rerio. In addition, we aimed to test the predictive accuracy of the mathematical models concentration addition and independent action and to evaluate the nature of the possible toxicological interactions among these pharmaceuticals using the combination index-isobologram model. The acute toxicity of these four pharmaceuticals individually and of their binary mixtures were evaluated using the D. similis tests. Developmental and behavioral effects induced by the pharmaceuticals in quaternary mixtures were evaluated using D. rerio embryos. We observed that most of the binary mixture effects were in the zone between the effects predicted by the concentration addition and the independent action model. The combination index-isobologram model showed to be adequate to describe the nature of possible interactions occurring between the combined pharmaceuticals. Developmental and behavioral acute adverse effects seem not to be induced by the joint action of the quaternary mixture of the evaluated pharmaceuticals on D. rerio embryos, at the concentrations at which they are usually found in surface fresh waters. However, from the results obtained with D. similis, we can conclude that assessing the ecological risk based on the effects of individual pharmaceuticals can underestimate the risk level posed by these environmental contaminants.

The Araguari River is one of the most important water body in the Brazilian state of Amapá. However, the quality of its waters has been deteriorating and, recently, high concentrations of metals were found in water samples collected from its lower section. Overall, we aimed to evaluate land use and cover around three sampling sites located in the Araguari River lower section and its contribution to water pollution by metals; correlate land use pattern with detected metal concentrations; assess acute toxicity using the Daphnia similis test and genotoxicity using the Danio rerio bioassay of water samples from the three sampling sites; and investigate the risks arising from metals present in waters to aquatic biota. Riparian forest around all sampling sites is fragmented owing to the expansion of pasture areas, which showed a significant positive correlation (p 0.05) with the concentrations of Hg and Cu in water samples. Water samples from sampling sites 2 and 3 presented acute toxicity for D. similis, and the D. rerio bioassay confirmed the presence of genotoxic pollutants in the waters from all sampling sites. Our preliminary risk assessment showed that individual concentrations and the mixture of metals posed a high risk to aquatic biota. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the conversion of native forest to pastureland contributes to water contamination by metals, which contributes to the risks to aquatic biota.

The use of chemical substances for the management of fish farming activities may compromise the quality of the tank water itself and of water bodies that receive the effluents. As studies that assess the environmental effect caused by pisciculture are scarce, the present study aimed at evaluating the water quality in two fish farms in the region of Grande Dourados, Brazil, from the site of water collection to the site of water disposal. The tools used for this purpose were the analysis of land use and cover and the determination of physical, chemical, and biological parameters of water samples. Maps of land use and cover were created, and water samples were collected at four sampling sites in two fish farms. The Allium cepa test, assays with Astyanax lacustris, and the Salmonella/microsome assay were performed. In addition, physical and chemical parameters were measured and metal and emerging contaminants in the water samples were investigated. The A. lacustris demonstrated the genotoxicity and the Salmonella/microsome assay suggested the mutagenic potential of water samples from the fish farms and indicated higher genotoxicity in the disposal tanks than in the collection tanks of the Brilhante fish farm. However, all the samples at the Dourados fish farm were genotoxic, and mutagenicity was shown to start at the water collection site. With regard to the A. cepa test, there was no statistical difference between the collection sites in both fish farms. Moreover, the observed genetic damage may be associated with the presence of metals and emerging contaminants in the water samples, which suggests that these chemicals have potential genotoxic and mutagenic effects that are related to the type of land use and cover in the area of the region studied. Considering that contaminated waters can potentially disturb the structure and functioning of natural ecosystems, the present study demonstrated the importance of treating fish farm effluent to minimize the negative effect of this activity on water bodies.

Metformin (MET) is among the most consumed pharmaceuticals worldwide. This compound has been frequently detected in fresh surface water. However, ecotoxicological information for MET is still too limited, particularly regarding chronic and behavioral data. This study aimed to help filling these knowledge gaps, by carrying out both acute and chronic studies with four different test organisms from three different trophic levels. We assessed different endpoints, including the swimming behavior of Danio rerio larvae. We also derived both short-term and long-term environmental quality standards (EQS) for the protection of freshwater pelagic biota towards MET adverse effects. A risk quotient (RQ) was calculated for MET in fresh surface water, considering a worst-case scenario. Daphnia similis was by far the most sensitive species evaluated. An EC10 of 4.4 mg L−1 was obtained from the reproduction test with D. similis. A long-term EQS of 88 μg L−1 was derived and a RQ of 0.38 was obtained. An ecological risk is not expected for the chronic exposure of pelagic freshwater species to MET, considering the endpoints and the standard bioassays usually recommended in standard protocols. However, endocrine disruptive effects and potential interactive effects of MET with other co-occurring contaminants cannot be ruled out. To the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first data related with MET effects on population endpoints of D. similis and Hydra attenuata, as well as on the locomotor activity of D. rerio.

In order to develop a long-term anesthesia for flighty antelope species in field situations, two different protocols for induction and maintenance with an intravenous infusion were evaluated in wild-caught impala ( Aepyceros melampus ). Ten adult female impala were induced with two induction protocols: one consisted of 0.2 mg/kg medetomidine, 4 mg/kg ketamine, and 0.15 mg/kg butorphanol (MKB) and one consisted of 0.375 mg/kg etorphine, 0.2 mg/kg medetomidine, and 0.2 mg/kg midazolam (EMM). In both treatments, anesthesia was maintained with a continuous intravenous infusion (CII) at an initial dose rate of 1.2 μg/kg per hr medetomidine, 2.4 mg/kg per hr ketaminen and 36 μg/kg per hr midazolam. Partial reversal was achieved with naltrexone (2 : 1 mg butorphanol; 20 : 1 mg etorphine) and atipamezole (5 : 1 mg medetomidine). Evaluation of anesthesia included respiratory rate, heart rate, rectal temperature, arterial blood pressure, oxygen saturation, end tidal carbon dioxide tension, and tidal volume at 5-min intervals, palpebral reflex and response to painful stimuli at 15-min intervals, and arterial blood gases at 30-min intervals. Plasma cortisol concentration was determined after induction and before reversal. Duration and quality of induction and recovery were evaluated. EMM caused a faster induction of 9.5 ± 2.9 min compared to 11.0 ± 6.4 min in MKB. Recovery was also quicker in EMM (EMM: 6.3 ± 5.4 min; MKB: 9.8 ± 6.0 min). However, EMM also produced more cardiopulmonary side effects, including hypoxemia and hypercapnia, and calculated oxygenation indices (PaCO

The pharmaceuticals bisoprolol (BIS), sotalol (SOT), and ranitidine (RAN) are among the most consumed pharmaceuticals worldwide and are frequently detected in different aquatic ecosystems. However, very few ecotoxicity data are available in the literature for them. To help fill these data gaps, toxicity tests with the algae Raphidocelis subcapitata, the macrophyte Lemna minor, the cnidarian Hydra attenuata, the crustacean Daphnia similis, and the fish Danio rerio were performed for assessing the ecotoxicity of these pharmaceuticals. Standard, as well as non-standard endpoint, was evaluated, including the locomotor behavior of D. rerio larvae. Results obtained for SOT and RAN showed that acute adverse effects are not expected to occur on aquatic organisms at the concentrations at which these pharmaceuticals are usually found in fresh surface waters. On the other hand, BIS was classified as hazardous to the environment in the acute III category. Locomotor behavior of D. rerio larvae was not affected by BIS and RAN. A disturbance on the total swimming distance at the dark cycle was observed only for larvae exposed to the highest test concentration of 500 mg L−1 of SOT. D. similis reproduction was affected by BIS with an EC10 of 3.6 (0.1–34.0) mg L−1. A risk quotient (RQ) of 0.04 was calculated for BIS in fresh surface water, considering a worst-case scenario. To the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first chronic toxicity data with BIS on non-target organisms.

Groundwaters are normally consumed without previous treatment and therefore the monitoring of contaminants in order to guarantee its safety is necessary. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the groundwater contamination by metals and emerging contaminants, seeking to understand the relationship between their presence in the groundwater and the use and land cover profile of Itapora and Caarapo. In addition, the contaminant concentrations observed were compared with maximum permitted values (MPV) and/or with calculated water quality criteria (WQC) for human consumption to investigate possible human health risks due to the groundwater intake. We collected one groundwater sample from each of the 12 wells located in Itapora and 11 wells located in Caarapo. The metals were analyzed using ICP-OES and the emerging contaminants using LC-MS/MS. At least 1 of the 9 metals analyzed was found in each of the samples. In 12 samples, the metal concentrations verified exceeded the MPV or calculated WQC. A risk to human health has been observed for metals Co, Mn, Cr, and Ni. The emerging contaminant concentrations found in some samples were low (ng/L) and probably did not pose health risks, but their presence in the groundwater showed the impact of agriculture and the inadequate disposal of domestic sewage in the wells of both cities.

Despite the growing knowledge and literature on primate medicine, assessment and treatment of behavioral abnormalities in nonhuman primates (NHPs) is an underdeveloped field. There is ample evidence for similarity between humans and great apes, including basic neurologic physiology and emotional processes, and no substantial argument exists against a concept of continuity for abnormal conditions in NHPs that emerge in response to adverse experiences, akin to human psychopathology. NHPs have served as models for human psychopathologies for many decades, but the acquired knowledge has only hesitantly been applied to primates themselves. This review aims to raise awareness among the veterinary community of the wealth of literature on NHP psychopathologies in human medicine and anthropology literature and calls for the necessity to include mental health assessments and professionally structured treatment approaches in NHP medicine. Growing understanding about causes and pathogenesis of abnormal behavior in NHP will not only help to prevent the development of undesirable behaviors but also allow for treatment and management of long-lived, already affected animal patients.

There is a growing necessity to perform long-term anesthesia in wildlife, especially antelope. The costs and logistics of transporting wildlife to veterinary practices make surgical intervention a high-stakes operation. Thus there is a need for a field-ready total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) infusion to maintain anesthesia in antelope. This study explored the feasibility of an etorphine-ketamine-medetomidine TIVA for field anesthesia. Ten wild-caught, adult impala ( Aepyceros melampus ) were enrolled in the study. Impala were immobilized with a standardized combination of etorphine (2 mg) and medetomidine (2.2 mg), which equated to a median (interquartile range [IQR]) etorphine and medetomidine dose of 50.1 (46.2-50.3) and 55.1 (50.8-55.4) μg/kg, respectively. Recumbency was attained in a median (IQR) time of 13.9 (12.0-16.5) min. Respiratory gas tensions, spirometry, and arterial blood gas were analyzed over a 120-min infusion. Once instrumented, the TIVA was infused as follows: etorphine at a variable rate initiated at 40 μg/kg per hour (adjusted according to intermittent deep-pain testing); ketamine and medetomidine at a fixed rate of 1.5 mg/kg per hour and 5 μg/kg per hour, respectively. The etorphine had an erratic titration to clinical effect in four impala. Arterial blood pressure and respiratory and heart rates were all within normal physiological ranges. However, arterial blood gas analysis revealed severe hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and acidosis. Oxygenation and ventilation indices were calculated and highlighted possible co-etiologies to the suspected etorphine-induced respiratory depression as the cause of the blood gas derangements. Impala recovered in the boma post atipamezole (13 mg) and naltrexone (42 mg) antagonism of medetomidine and etorphine, respectively. The etorphine-ketamine-medetomidine TIVA protocol for impala may be sufficient for field procedures of up to 120-min duration. However, hypoxemia and hypercapnia are of paramount concern and thus oxygen supplementation should be considered mandatory. Other TIVA combinations may be superior and warrant further investigation.

This study presents a review of the investigated antihypertensives in different aquatic compartments. It aims to compare these data with those regarding ecotoxicity effects in order to find out ecotoxicological data gaps for these pharmaceuticals and to point out the need for future studies. In addition, part of this article is dedicated to the risk assessment of the parent compounds atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol and verapamil, which are of great environmental concern in terms of contamination levels and for which there are sufficient ecotoxicological data available. 79 articles were retrieved presenting quantization data for 34 different antihypertensives and/or their metabolites. Only 43 articles were found regarding acute and chronic ecotoxicological effects of antihypertensive drugs. The results indicated that the beta-blockers atenolol, metoprolol and propranolol are the antihypertensives most frequently detected in the aquatic environment. They are also the drugs which reached the highest maximum concentrations in surface waters in the data reported in the literature. The highest percentages of ecotoxicity data regarding antihypertensives were also related to these beta-blockers. On the other hand, there is clearly a lack of ecotoxicity data, especially the chronic ones, regarding other antihypertensives. The environmental risk assessment (ERA) showed that all three of the evaluated beta-blockers can pose a potential long-term risk for non-target organisms of both fresh and marine water species. However, more meaningful ecotoxicity data for antihypertensives, including saltwater species, are required to refine and enlarge these results. Additional studies focusing on potential interactions between pharmaceutical mixtures, including antihypertensives, are also an urgent need.

Zusammenfassung: Als Stipendiat von Bibliothek International (BI) und dem Goethe-Institut New York habe ich im November 2014 die USA besucht. Der Bericht zum Thema Lobbying für eBooks in Öffentlichen Bibliotheken gibt Einblicke in verschiedene Segmente, in denen amerikanische Bibliotheken Lobbyisten für eBooks (und andere digitale Inhalte) sind. Die Projekte ReadersFirst und LibrarySimplified können auch von deutschen Bibliotheken ideell unterstützt werden und sind als Grundlage für eine gemeinsame Position der deutschen Bibliotheken gegenüber Verlagen und Aggregatoren hilfreich.

Courtship behaviour of tortoises includes biting, ramming, chasing, same-sex sexual behaviour, and it commonly is excessive in European tortoise species kept as pets. As a result, males are kept individually. To assess the effect of orchiectomy on excessive courtship behaviour in European tortoises, 50 tortoises ( Testudo graeca , T hermanni and T marginata ) underwent endoscopically assisted orchiectomy from April through September 2013 to 2017. Statistical analyses were performed in relation to species, body mass, testicular size and season and owners were invited to fill out a follow-up questionnaire. Body mass of the tortoises ranged from 334 to 2645 g (mean 1056 g) and the age from 5 to estimated 60 years. Testicular length ranged from 1.4 to 7.0 cm (mean 2.7 cm) and testicular mass from 0.6 to 12.6 g (mean 3.9 g). A complete or partial reduction (allowing group-housing) of the excessive courtship behaviour was noted by 95 per cent of owners and 59 per cent of the owners reported a noticeable change of behaviour within a month of surgery. Given the seasonal variation in testicular size, the best period for castrations in male European tortoises is shortly after brumation (April, May), when testes are proportionally smaller.

In a zoological collection, four black bears (Ursus americanus) died from neurological disease within six months. Independently in a geographically different zoo, two Thomson's gazelles (Eudorcas thomsoni) and 18 guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus f. dom.) suffered from neurological disorders. In addition, guinea pigs showed abortions and stillbirths. All affected animals displayed a non suppurative meningoencephalitis with intranuclear inclusion bodies. Immunohistology demonstrated equine herpes virus antigen and ultrastructurally herpes viral particles were detected. Virus isolation and molecular analysis identified neurotropic equine herpesvirus (EHV) 1 strains in both epizootics. There is serological evidence of a possible virus transmission from other equids to the affected animals. Cross-species transmission of EHV-1 should be considered in the management of captive wild equids and ungulates, particularly with respect to fatal disease in irreplaceable species.

Cerebral xanthomatosis was diagnosed in three female green water dragons (Physignathus cocincinus), all of which presented with progressive neurologic signs. No antemortem evidence for xanthomatosis was identified, but on postmortem examination cholesterol granulomas, composed of cholesterol clefts surrounded by macrophages and multinucleated giant cells, were found in the forebrain of each animal and were associated with significant displacement and pressure on the adjacent brain. Although the cause of xanthomatosis in these animals is unknown, nutrition and trauma may be involved in the pathogenesis of this condition. Cerebrum, cholesterol, green water dragon, Physignathus cocincinus, xanthoma.

Buprenorphine, a mu opioid receptor agonist, is expected to be a suitable analgesic drug for use in reptiles. However, to date, dosage recommendations have been based on anecdotal observations. The aim of this study was to provide baseline pharmacokinetic data in red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) targeting a plasma level of 1 ng/ml reported effective for analgesia in humans. Serial blood samples were taken after subcutaneous injection of buprenorphine, and plasma buprenorphine levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Pharmacokinetic parameters of a lower dose (0.02 mg/kg) injected into the forelimb were compared with a higher dose (0.05 mg/kg) given in the same forelimb as well as a lower dose (0.02 mg/kg) given in the hind limb of the same animals with 2 wk between studies. After administration of 0.05 mg/kg in the front limb, 85% of animals maintained the minimum effective plasma level for 24 hr, while only 43% of animals maintained this level after 0.02 mg/kg. After hind limb injection at 0.02 mg/kg, maximum plasma concentrations and areas under the buprenorphine concentration-time curve were less than 20% and 70%, respectively, of values after forelimb injection, consistent with substantial first pass extraction by the liver. Furthermore, a secondary rise in the buprenorphine level was found after having only a hind limb injection, probably from enterohepatic recirculation of glucuronidated drug. In conclusion, buprenorphine dosages of at least 0.075 mg/kg s.i.d. should be appropriate for evaluation of analgesia efficacy, and front limb administration may be preferable to hind limb administration for optimal drug exposure.

Caracterizacao da Mutagenicidade de extratos aquosos e orgânicos de lodos tratados de cinco estacoes de tratamento de esgoto (ETE) localizadas no Estado de Sao Paulo

Antihypertensive pharmaceuticals, including the beta-blockers, are one of the most detected therapeutic classes in the environment. The ecotoxicity of propranolol hydrochloride and losartan potassium was evaluated, both individually and combined in a binary mixture, by using the Lemna minor growth inhibition test. The endpoints evaluated in the single-pharmaceutical tests were frond number, total frond area and fresh weight. For the evaluation of the mixture toxicity, the selected endpoint was frond number. Water quality criteria values (WQC) were derived for the protection of freshwater and saltwater pelagic communities regarding the effects induced by propranolol and losartan using ecotoxicological data from the literature, including our data. The risks associated with both pharmaceutical effects on non-target organisms were quantified through the measured environmental concentration (MEC)/predicted-no-effect concentration (PNEC) ratios. For propranolol, the total frond area was the most sensitive endpoint (EC50 = 77.3 mg L(-1)), while for losartan there was no statistically significant difference between the endpoints. Losartan is only slightly more toxic than propranolol. Both concentration addition and independent action models overestimated the mixture toxicity of the pharmaceuticals at all the effect concentration levels evaluated. The joint action of both pharmaceuticals showed an antagonistic interaction to L. minor. Derived WQC assumed lower values for propranolol than for losartan. The MEC/PNEC ratios showed that propranolol may pose a risk for the most sensitive aquatic species, while acceptable risks posed by losartan were estimated for most of aquatic matrices. To the authors knowledge these are the first data about losartan toxicity for L. minor.

Textile dyes can enter the water ecosystem through wastewater discharges potentially exposing humans through the consumption of water and food. The commercial disperse dye product CI Disperse Blue 291 containing the aminoazobenzene 2-[(2-bromo-4,6-dinitrophenyl)azo]-5-(diethylamino)-4-methoxyacetanilide (CAS registry no. 56548-64-2) was tested for mutagenic activity in the Salmonella assay. We used strains with different levels of nitroreductase and O-acetyltransferase (i.e., TA98DNP6, YG1024, and YG1041) that are relevant enzymes in the activation of nitrocompounds by the intestinal microflora. The commercial product tested also was mutagenic for TA1537, TA1538, TA98 and TA100. Presence of the pKM101 plasmid and the addition of S9 enhanced the mutagenic response. Specialized strains showed that both nitroreductase and O-acetyltransferase are important in activation of the product. The highest potency obtained was 240 revertants per microgram for YG1041 in the presence of S9. Besides being able to cause frameshift mutations (hisd3052), the dye was able to cause all types of base pair substitution with a preference for TA to AT; CG to TA and CG to AT changes. With these results clearly showing that the bacterial nitroreductase and O-acetyltransferase metabolites of this compound are mutagenic, there is a need to test this dye using in vivo systems to verify possible adverse effects of this product in mammalian tissues.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common environmental pollutants that occur naturally in complex mixtures. Many of the adverse health effects of PAHs including cancer are linked to the activation of intracellular stress response signaling. This study has investigated intracellular MAPK signaling in response to PAHs in extracts from urban air collected in Stockholm, Sweden and Limeira, Brazil, in comparison to BP in HepG2 cells. Nanomolar concentrations of PAHs in the extracts induced activation of MEK4 signaling with down-stream increased gene expression of several important stress response mediators. Involvement of the MEK4/JNK pathway was confirmed using siRNA and an inhibitor of JNK signaling resulting in significantly reduced MAPK signaling transactivated by the AP-1 transcription factors ATF2 and c-Jun. ATF2 was also identified as a sensitive stress responsive protein with activation observed at extract concentrations equivalent to 0.1 nM BP. We show that exposure to low levels of environmental PAH mixtures more strongly activates these signaling pathways compared to BP alone suggesting effects due to interactions. Taken together, this is the first study showing the involvement of MEK4/JNK/AP-1 pathway in regulating the intracellular stress response after exposure to nanomolar levels of PAHs in environmental mixtures.

The noninvasive technique of gonadal steroid metabolite measurement in feces for evaluation of reproductive activity has proven an effective and important tool for population management in various captive species, but has not yet been validated and used in reptile species. In this study, enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) were validated for the analysis of fecal samples from female veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) for estrogen (E2), testosterone (T), and progesterone (P) and their metabolites. High performance liquid chromatography and physiological methods (GnRH stimulation) were used for the validation of the assays. Biological events, such as skin color changes indicative of ovarian activity and oviposition, correlated with the cyclical pattern of E2, T and P metabolites in feces over a period of two reproductive cycles. This is the first study to report frequent longitudinal measurements of fecal hormone levels by EIA in a reptile species.

AVIAN bornavirus (ABV), a newly discovered agent, has been identified as the causal agent of proventricular dilation disease (PDD) in psittacine birds (Honkavuori and others 2008, Kistler and others 2008). Subsequent research, including bird inoculation studies (Gancz and others 2009, Gray and others 2010) and outbreak investigations (Kistler and others 2010) have provided strong supporting evidence. PDD is a significant pathological syndrome, with high mortality affecting primarily psittacine birds, that has been reported worldwide since the late 1970s. Characteristic pathological findings of PDD …