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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]

This study investigates the toxicity of bare iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) and surface functionalization iron oxide nanoparticles (SF-IONPs) to the growth of freshwater microalgaeChlorellasp. This study is important due to the increased interest on the application of the magnetic responsive IONPs in various fields, such as biomedical, wastewater treatment, and microalgae harvesting. This study demonstrated that the toxicity of IONPs was mainly contributed by the indirect light shading effect from the suspending nanoparticles which is nanoparticles concentration-dependent, direct light shading effect caused by the attachment of IONPs on cell and the cell aggregation, and the oxidative stress from the internalization of IONPs into the cells. The results showed that the layer of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) tended to mask the IONPs and hence eliminated oxidative stress toward the protein yield but it in turn tended to enhance the toxicity of IONPs by enabling the IONPs to attach on cell surfaces and cause cell aggregation. Therefore, the choice of the polymer that used for surface functionalize the IONPs is the key factor to determine the toxicity of the IONPs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Arsenic (As) is a major global environmental pollutant due to its high toxicity on human and animal health. This study collected 427 relevant papers to study As concentrations in Chinese arable soil and evaluate the health risk of exposure to As for humans. Results showed that the average of As concentration was 9.46 mg/kg in Chinese arable soil. Soil As concentrations in Hunan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region posed high carcinogenic and non-cancer risks on human health through diet, Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangdong, and Xinjiang provinces had relative high health risks, while As concentrations in the other provinces posed low health risks on humans. The physical factors controlled the spatial pattern of health risk on a provincial scale, but the As-related human activities introduced high health risk on people, particularly the agricultural activities such as sewage irrigation and fertilizer application should be given more attention due to its large area. [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]

With the advance in material science and the need to diversify market applications, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are modified by different surface coatings. However, how these surface modifications influence the effects of AgNPs on human health is still largely unknown. We have evaluated the uptake, toxicity and pharmacokinetics of AgNPs coated with citrate, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrolidone and branched polyethyleneimine (Citrate AgNPs, PEG AgNPs, PVP AgNPs and BPEI AgNPs, respectively). Our results demonstrated that the toxicity of AgNPs depends on the intracellular localization that was highly dependent on the surface charge. BPEI AgNPs (ζpotential = +46.5 mV) induced the highest cytotoxicity and DNA fragmentation in Hepa1c1c7. In addition, it showed the highest damage to the nucleus of liver cells in the exposed mice, which is associated with a high accumulation in liver tissues. The PEG AgNPs (ζpotential = −16.2 mV) showed the cytotoxicity, a long blood circulation, as well as bioaccumulation in spleen (34.33 µg/g), which suggest better biocompatibility compared to the other chemically modified AgNPs. Moreover, the adsorption ability with bovine serum albumin revealed that the PEG surface of AgNPs has an optimal biological inertia and can effectively resist opsonization or non-specific binding to protein in mice. The overall results indicated that the biodistribution of AgNPs was significantly dependent on surface chemistry: BPEI AgNPs > Citrate AgNPs = PVP AgNPs > PEG AgNPs. This toxicological data could be useful in supporting the development of safe AgNPs for consumer products and drug delivery applications. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A novel approach was developed for rapid assessment of bioavailability and potential mobility of contaminants in soil. The response of the same test organism to the organic extract, water extract and solid phase of soil was recorded and compared. This approach was designed to give an initial estimate of the total organic toxicity (response to organic extractable fraction), as well as the mobile (response to water extract) and bioavailable fraction (response to solid phase) of soil samples. Eighteen soil samples with different levels of pollution and content of organic carbon were selected to validate the novel three-step ecotoxicological evaluation approach. All samples were chemically analysed for priority contaminants, including aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dichlordiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). The ecotoxicological evaluation involved determination of toxicity of the organic, mobile and bioavailable fractions of soil to the test organism, bacterium Bacillus cereus. We found a good correlation between the chemical analysis and the toxicity of organic extract. The low toxicity of water extracts indicated low water solubility, and thus, low potential mobility of toxic contaminants present in the soil samples. The toxicity of the bioavailable fraction was significantly greater than the toxicity of water-soluble (mobile) fraction of the contaminants as deduced from comparing untreated samples and water extracts. The bioavailability of the contaminants decreased with increasing concentrations of organic carbon in evaluated soil samples. In conclusion, the three-step ecotoxicological evaluation utilised in this study can give a quick insight into soil contamination in context with bioavailability and mobility of the contaminants present. This information can be useful for hazard identification and risk assessment of soil-associated contaminants. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum (Al) is the major element in the soil and exists as a stable complex with oxygen and silicone. At acidic soil pH<5.5, Al gets solubilized in the soil water and becomes freely available for absorption by plant roots. Absorbed Al inhibits root elongation severely within hours. Thus, Al toxicity is a very important limiting factor of crop production around the world; as approximately 30% of the world's ice free land areas are consist of acid soil. Al toxicity constraint the crop producing approximately 67% of the total acid soil. Thus, many researchers have been conducted to understand the mechanism of Al toxicity and resistance mechanism in plants. Basically, Al resistance can be achieved by mechanisms that facilitate Al exclusion from the root apex and/or by mechanisms that confer the ability of plants to tolerate Al in the plant symbolism. However, despite intense research efforts, there are many aspects of Al toxicity and resistance mechanism remains uncovered. This review is focused on the detailed aspects of Al toxicity in plants along with plant resistance mechanism to cope up the adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants growing on polluted soils need to control the bioavailability of pollutants to reduce their toxicity. This study aims to reveal processes occurring at the soil-root interface of Pistacia lentiscus L. growing on the highly Zn-contaminated tailings of Campo Pisano mine (SW Sardinia, Italy), in order to shed light on possible mechanisms allowing for plant adaptation. The study combines conventional X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with advanced synchrotron-based techniques, micro-X-ray fluorescence mapping (μ-XRF) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Data analysis elucidates a mechanism used by P. lentiscus L. as response to high Zn concentration in soil. In particular, P. lentiscus roots take up Al, Si and Zn from the rhizosphere minerals in order to build biomineralizations that are part of survival strategy of the species, leading to formation of a Si-Al biomineralization coating the root epidermis. XAS analysis rules out Zn binding to organic molecules and indicates that Zn coordinates Si atoms stored in root epidermis leading to the precipitation of an amorphous Zn-silicate. These findings represent a step forward in understanding biological mechanisms and the resulting behaviour of minor and trace elements during plant-soil interaction and will have significant implications for development of phytoremediation techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological toxicity of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) using the constitutively bioluminescent luxCDABE-based bioreporter Escherichia coli 652T7. The effects of CNCs on E. c oli 652T7 biotoxicity were investigated at different CNC concentrations, reaction times, and IC values. CNC toxicity was also compared with and without ultrasonic dispersion to establish dispersibility effects. The results demonstrated that CNCs were not significantly toxic at concentrations at or below 250 mg/L. At concentrations higher than 300 mg/L, toxicity increased linearly as CNC concentrations increased up to 2000 mg/L. IC calculations demonstrated an increase in cytotoxicity as CNC exposure times increased, and elevated dispersibility of the CNCs were shown to increase cytotoxicity effects. These results suggest that CNCs can impact microbial populations if elevated concentration thresholds are met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case: We present a case of systemic cobalt toxicity secondary to third-body wear of a cobalt-chromium (CoCr) femoral head following revision of a fractured ceramic bearing. Removal of the CoCr head was followed by resolution of much of the systemic symptoms. Conclusion: This case supports previous reports of cobalt toxicity secondary to catastrophic third-body wear of a CoCr femoral head following a fractured ceramic bearing. It also demonstrates the potential reversibility of many systemic sequelae associated with cobalt toxicity. To our knowledge, this case represents the highest documented blood cobalt level (45,840 nmol/L). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable suspensions of NiO and Mn3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) with a mean (±s.d.) diameter of 16.7 ± 8.2 and 18.4 ± 5.4 nm, respectively, purposefully prepared by laser ablation of 99.99% pure nickel or manganese in de-ionized water, were repeatedly injected intraperitoneally (IP) to rats at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg 3 times a week up to 18 injections, either alone or in combination. A group of rats was injected with this combination with the background oral administration of a "bio-protective complex" (BPC) comprising pectin, vitamins A, C, E, glutamate, glycine, N-acetylcysteine, selenium, iodide and omega-3 PUFA, this composition having been chosen based on mechanistic considerations and previous experience. After the termination of injections, many functional and biochemical indices and histopathological features (with morphometric assessment) of the liver, spleen, kidneys and brain were evaluated for signs of toxicity. The Ni and Mn content of these organs was measured with the help of the atomic emission and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies. We obtained blood leukocytes for performing the RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) test. Although both metallic NPs proved adversely bio-active in many respects considered in this study, Mn3O4-NPs were somewhat more noxious than NiO-NPs as concerns most of the non-specific toxicity manifestations and they induced more marked damage to neurons in the striatum and the hippocampus, which may be considered an experimental correlate of the manganese-induced Parkinsonism. The comparative solubility of the Mn3O4-NPs and NiO-NPs in a biological medium is discussed as one of the factors underlying the difference in their toxicokinetics and toxicities. The BPC has attenuated both the organ-systemic toxicity and the genotoxicity of Mn3O4-NPs in combination with NiO-NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient postmining reclamation requires successful revegetation. By using RNA sequencing, we evaluated the growth response of two invasive plants, goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria L.) and mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), grown in two Appalachian acid-mine soils (MS-I and -II, pH ~ 4.6). Although deficient in macronutrients, both soils contained high levels of plant-available Al, Fe and Mn. Both plant types showed toxicity tolerance, but metal accumulation differed by plant and site. With MS-I, Al accumulation was greater for mugwort than goutweed (385 ± 47 vs 2151 ± 251 µg g-1). Al concentration was similar between mine sites, but its accumulation in mugwort was greater with MS-I than MS-II, with no difference in accumulation by site for goutweed. An in situ approach revealed deregulation of multiple factors such as transporters, transcription factors, and metal chelators for metal uptake or exclusion. The two plant systems showed common gene expression patterns for different pathways. Both plant systems appeared to have few common heavy-metal pathway regulators addressing mineral toxicity/deficiency in both mine sites, which implies adaptability of invasive plants for efficient growth at mine sites with toxic waste. Functional genomics can be used to screen for plant adaptability, especially for reclamation and phytoremediation of contaminated soils and waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the incidence of nephrotic syndrome (NS) is decreasing in Korea, the morbidity of difficult-totreat NS is significant. Efforts to minimize treatment toxicity showed that prolonged treatment after an initial treatment for 2-3 months with glucocorticosteroids was not effective in reducing frequent relapses. For steroid-dependent NS, rituximab, a monoclonal antibody against the CD20 antigen on B cells, was proven to be as effective, and short-term daily low-dose steroids during upper respiratory infections reduced relapses. Steroid resistance or congenital NS are indications for genetic study and renal biopsy, since the list of genes involved in NS is lengthening. [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]

Zinc, copper, iron, chromium and cobalt are essential elements for human health, showing toxicity only in high concentrations, while lead and cadmium are extremely toxic even as traces. Therefore, it is important to monitor the contents of toxic metals in vegetables. Large number of vegetables is grown and used in nutrition, in Kosovo. The concentrations of selected elements in vegetables (radish, onion, garlic and spinach) from Kosovo were determined using ICP-OES method. Oral intake of metals and health risk index were calculated. Statistical analysis indicated numerous positive correlations between concentrations of selected elements in vegetables. As a result of principal component analysis, 15 new variables were obtained which were characterized by eigenvalues. The sequence of health quotients for the heavy metals followed the decreasing order Zn = Mn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Fe > Cd > Co > Cr. The health quotients for all investigated heavy metals were below 1 (one), which is considered safe. The vegetables from Kosovo are mainly safe for use in everyday diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tungsten is a relatively rare metal with numerous applications, most notably in machine tools, catalysts, and superalloys. In 2003, tungsten was nominated for study under the National Toxicology Program, and in 2011, it was nominated for human health assessment under the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Integrated Risk Information System. In 2005, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) issued a toxicological profile for tungsten, identifying several data gaps in the hazard assessment of tungsten. By filling the data gaps identified by the ATSDR, this review serves as an update to the toxicological profile for tungsten and tungsten substances. A PubMed literature search was conducted to identify reports published during the period 2004-2014, in order to gather relevant information related to tungsten toxicity. Additional information was also obtained directly from unpublished studies from within the tungsten industry. A systematic approach to evaluate the quality of data was conducted according to published criteria. This comprehensive review has gathered new toxicokinetic information and summarizes the details of acute and repeated-exposure studies that include reproductive, developmental, neurotoxicological, and immunotoxicological endpoints. Such new evidence involves several relevant studies that must be considered when regulators estimate and propose a tungsten reference or concentration dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although considerable effort and progress has been made in the search for new anticancer drugs and treatments in the last several decades, cancer remains a major public health problem and one of the major causes of death worldwide. Many sources, including plants, animals, and minerals, are of interest in cancer research because of the possibility of identifying novel molecular therapeutics. Moreover, structure-activity-relationship (SAR) investigations have become a common way to develop naturally derived or semi-synthetic molecular analogues with improved efficacy and decreased toxicity. In 2012, approximately 138 molecules from marine sources, including isolated compounds and their associated analogues, were shown to be promising anticancer drugs. Among these, 62% are novel compounds. In this report, we review the marine compounds identified in 2012 that may serve as novel anticancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Enantiomers of chiral pesticides often have different bioactivity, toxicity and environmental behaviours. Fipronil has been used in racemate for agricultural purposes against soil insects, leading to increased inputs into soil environments and complex biota exposures. To understand the potential risk associated with fipronil enantiomer exposure, subchronic toxicity and bioaccumulation tests with earthworms ( Eisenia foetida) in fipronil-spiked soils were evaluated under laboratory conditions. RESULTS Enantioselective toxicity was measured in E. foetida biomass after 28 days of subchronic exposure, with increased toxicity from racemate and S-fipronil compared with R-fipronil. The bioaccumulation of fipronil in earthworm tissues was also enantioselective, with a preferential accumulation of S-fipronil, and the enantiomer fraction was approximately 0.56-0.60. During soil exposure, fipronil was transformed primarily into fipronil sulfide, sulfone and amide, and E. foetida rapidly accumulated fipronil and sulfone. CONCLUSION This work demonstrates the enantioselective subchronic toxicity and bioaccumulation of enantiomers of fipronil in E. foetida. The earthworm tissues exhibited a relative enrichment of fipronil and fipronil sulfone, and these compounds might biomagnify (with a biota-to-soil accumulation factor of ≥1.0 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A range of man-made activities promote the enrichment of world-wide agricultural soils with a myriad of chemical pollutants including cadmium (Cd). Owing to its significant toxic consequences in plants, Cd has been one of extensively studied metals. However, sustainable strategies for minimising Cd impacts in plants have been little explored. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are known for their role in the regulation of numerous developmental processes. Among major PGRs, plant hormones (such as auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, ethylene and salicylic acid), nitric oxide (a gaseous signalling molecule), brassinosteroids (steroidal phytohormones) and polyamines (group of phytohormone-like aliphatic amine natural compounds with aliphatic nitrogen structure) have gained attention by agronomist and physiologist as a sustainable media to induce tolerance in abiotic-stressed plants. Considering recent literature, this paper: (a) overviews Cd status in soil and its toxicity in plants, (b) introduces major PGRs and overviews their signalling in Cd-exposed plants, (c) appraises mechanisms potentially involved in PGR-mediated enhanced plant tolerance to Cd and (d) highlights key aspects so far unexplored in the subject area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth chamber experiments were conducted to investigate the comparative effect of 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) and 28-homobrassinolide (HBL) at 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 μM concentrations by foliar application on radish plants growing under Zn stress. In radish plants exposed to excess Zn, growth was substantially reduced in terms of shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight. However, foliar application of brassinosteroids (BRs) was able to alleviate Zn-induced stress and significantly improve the above growth traits. Zinc stress decreased chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids levels in radish plants. However, follow-up treatment with BRs increased the photosynthetic pigments in stressed and stress-free plants. The treatment of BRs led to reduced levels of HO, lipid peroxidation and, electrolyte leakage (ELP) and improved the leaf relative water content (RWC) in stressed plants. Increased levels of carbonyls indicating enhanced protein oxidation under Zn stress was effectively countered by supplementation of BRs. Under Zn stress, the activities of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and superoxidase dismutase (SOD) were increased but peroxidase (POD) and glutathione reductase (GR) decreased. Foliar spraying of BRs enhanced all these enzymatic activities in radish plants under Zn stress. The BRs application greatly enhanced contents of ascorbate (ASA), glutathione (GSH), and proline under Zn stress. The decrease in the activity of nitrate reductase (NR) caused by Zn stress was restored to the level of control by application of BRs. These results point out that BRs application elevated levels of antioxidative enzymes as well as antioxidants could have conferred resistance to radish plants against Zn stress resulting in improved plant growth, relative water content and photosynthetic attributes. Of the two BRs, EBL was most effective in amelioration of Zn stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) are common contaminants of feed. Fumonisins (FBs) in general have a very limited oral bioavailability in healthy animals. Previous studies have demonstrated that chronic exposure to DON impairs the intestinal barrier function and integrity, by affecting the intestinal surface area and function of the tight junctions. This might influence the oral bioavailability of FB1, and possibly lead to altered toxicity of this mycotoxin. A toxicokinetic study was performed with two groups of 6 broiler chickens, which were all administered an oral bolus of 2.5 mg FBs/kg BW after three-week exposure to either uncontaminated feed (group 1) or feed contaminated with 3.12 mg DON/kg feed (group 2). No significant differences in toxicokinetic parameters of FB1 could be demonstrated between the groups. Also, no increased or decreased body exposure to FB1 was observed, since the relative oral bioavailability of FB1 after chronic DON exposure was 92.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to find and develop new botanical pesticides against tobacco storage pests, bioactivity screening was performed. The essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of Liriope muscari was investigated by GC/MS and GC/FID. A total of 14 components representing 96.12% of the oil were identified and the main compounds in the oil were found to be methyl eugenol (42.15%) and safrole (17.15%), followed by myristicin (14.18%) and 3,5-dimethoxytoluene (10.60%). After screening, the essential oil exhibit potential insecticidal activity. In the progress of assay, it showed that the essential oil exhibited potent contact toxicity against Tribolium castaneum, Lasioderma serricorne and Liposcelis bostrychophila adults, with LD50 values of 13.36, 11.28 µg/adult and 21.37 µg/cm2, respectively. The essential oil also exhibited strong repellency against the three stored product insects. At the same concentrations, the essential oil was more repellent to T. castaneum than to L. serricorne adults. The results indicate that the essential oil of Liriope muscari has potential to be developed into a natural insecticide or repellent for controlling insects in stored tobacco and traditional Chinese medicinal materials. [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]

The article offers the entropy method for detecting contamination clusters and anomalous high toxic substance content in water bodies of a mineral mining region in terms of Bunguro-Chumysh district in Kuzbass. Specificity of composition of various water kinds and their ingredients is identified, diagnostic signs of various contamination sources are revealed, integral characteristics obtained from combinations of water ingredients are ranked, and distribution of ingredients in various kind water relative to MAC value is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the present study was to compare hepatic toxicogenomic signatures across in vitro and in vivo mouse models following exposure to acetaminophen (APAP) or its relatively nontoxic regioisomer 3'-hydroxyacetanilide (AMAP). Two different Affymetrix microarray platforms and one Agilent Oligonucleotide microarray were utilized. APAP and AMAP treatments resulted in significant and large changes in gene expression that were quite disparate, and likely related to their different toxicologic profiles. Ten transcripts, all of which have been implicated in p53 signaling, were identified as differentially regulated at all time-points following APAP and AMAP treatments across multiple microarray platforms. Protein-level quantification of p53 activity aligned with results from the transcriptomic analysis, thus supporting the implicated mechanism of APAP-induced toxicity. Therefore, the results of this study provide good evidence that APAP-induced p53 phosphorylation and an altered p53-driven transcriptional response are fundamental steps in APAP-induced toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carcinogenicity and developmental toxicity of unrefined mineral oil is related to its 3–7 ring polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAC) content. Therefore, refining operations focus on the targeted removal PAC from mineral oil that may contain aromatics of low toxicological concern. There are thus, two types of aromatic substances in mineral oil: hazardous and non-hazardous. The first type consists of 3–7 ring PAC which may be naked (unsubstituted) or lowly alkylated. The second type or non-hazardous consists of 1–7 ring aromatics with high degree of alkylation or lack of bay or fjord regions. Although these are toxicologically different, they may both elute in the same fraction when using chromatography. To understand how these two aromatic types are related we have assessed the entire mineral oil refinement process by measuring total mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) content by chromatography next to regulatory hazard tests which focus on 3–7 ring PAC. MOAH content is positively correlated to its molecular weight resulting in aromatic content bias for high viscosity substances. Hazard to 3–7 ring PAC is best controlled by the validated IP346 or modified Ames test. We explain the concept of high vs low alkylation by shortly reviewing new data on alkylated PAC. • MOAH levels were measured in all steps of mineral oil manufacturing. • Measured MOAH levels were compared to established regulatory values for the assessment of aromatics. • MOAH values are positively correlated to the molecular weight of the mineral oil constituents. • A working definition of MOAH is proposed. • An assessment of alkylated aromatic constituents of MOAH is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co(II) and Ni(II) are two common toxic heavy metals, and may simultaneously exist in contaminated water, soil, and sediment systems in Earth's surface environment. Under this circumstance, competitive adsorption between the two metals may influence their migration, toxicity, and bioavailability. In this research, the competitive sorption of Co(II) and Ni(II) on γ-AlO was studied using both macroscopic sorption experiments and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. Results suggest that Ni(II) reduced the amount of Co(II) sorption in a binary-solute system at pH 6.0. This is because both Co(II) and Ni(II) form inner-sphere surface complexes during sorption on γ-AlO and compete for the surface reactive sites. However, Co(II) exhibited a negligible influence on sorption amount of Ni(II) under the same conditions, which suggests Ni(II) has a stronger affinity to alumina surface. At pH 7.5, Co(II) and Ni(II) sorption density were much higher than that at pH 6.0, but there no mutual competitive effect was observed. EXAFS analysis further revealed that formation of layered double-hydrated precipitates was the dominant sorption mechanism for both Co(II) and Ni(II) at pH 7.5. Because this type of sorption does not rely on surface reactive sites, there was no competition between Co(II) and Ni(II). This finding sheds light on risk assessment and remediation of Ni/Co pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the reduction of lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH) by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 in the presence and absence of Cd. The results showed that Cd retarded microbial reduction of γ-FeOOH and avoided formation of magnetite. The inhibitory effect on γ-FeOOH transformation may not result from Cd toxicity to the bacterium; it rather was probably due to competitive adsorption between Cd and Fe on γ-FeOOH as its surface reduction catalyzed by adsorbed Fe was eliminated by adsorption of Cd. [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]

A general approach is proposed that allows for quantifying the relative toxic contribution of ions released from metallic nanoparticles and of the particles themselves, as exemplified for the case of differently shaped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) exposed to zebrafish embryos. First of all, the toxicity of suspensions of ZnO nanoparticles (NP(total))-nanospheres, nanosticks, cuboidal submicron particles (SMPs), and Zn(NO3)2-to the embryos was assessed. The observed toxicity of ZnO NP(total) is assumed to result from the combined effect of the particles present in the suspensions (NP(particle)) and of the dissolved Zn2+ ions released from the particles (NP(ion)). Different addition models were used to explicitly account for the toxicity of NP(particle). The median lethal concentrations (LC50) of NP(particle) of nanospheres, nanosticks, and SMPs were found to range between 7.1 mg Zn/L and 11.9 mg Zn/L (i.e., to differ by a factor of 1.7). Behavioral performance showed no significant differences among all types of the NP(particle). The median effective concentrations (EC50) of the particles were found to range between 1.0 mg Zn/L and 2.2 mg Zn/L. At the LC50 of each particle suspension, the main contribution to lethality to zebrafish embryos was from the NP(particle) (52%-72%). For hatching inhibition, the NP(particle) was responsible for 38% to 83% of the adverse effects observed. The ZnO nanosticks were more toxic than any of the other NPs with regard to the endpoints mortality and hatching inhibition. The main contribution to toxicity to zebrafish embryos was from the NP(particle) at the LC50 and EC50 of each particle suspension. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2859-2868. © 2014 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abundance and low toxicity of iron with respect to ruthenium would certainly make it valuable for photophysical applications if one could circumvent its tendency to make high-spin compounds and the kinetic lability of its polypyridine complexes, both related to the presence of low-lying quintet metal-centered excited states. The aim of this study was to probe the photophysical potential of six cyclometallated Fe(II) polypyridine complexes by means of ground state DFT and TDDFT calculations. Quantitative and qualitative indicators were extracted from such calculations and bring us to the conclusion that two complexes should display promising photophysical properties: Fe(NCN)(NNC) and Fe(NNC)2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report on the first electrochemical fluorination exemplarily performed on perovskite type BaFeO2.5. A cell setup of the type BaFeO2.5 II La0.9Ba0.1F2.9 II MFx (with MFx being MgF2 and CeF3) was used to perform the reaction, charging the cell up to voltages of about 4 V. Formation of a compound of approximate composition BaFeO2.5F~0.5 was observed, in agreement with diffraction studies of the independently performed chemically fluorinated compound using F2 gas, and also possessing a capacity which is close to the theoretical capacity of the material. This new method gives an alternative towards the use of highly reactive and toxic F2 gas, and provides potential in adjusting the chemical potential for oxidative chemical fluorinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report on the first electrochemical fluorination exemplarily performed on perovskite type BaFeO2.5. A cell setup of the type BaFeO2.5 II La0.9Ba0.1F2.9 II MFx (with MFx being MgF2 and CeF3) was used to perform the reaction, charging the cell up to voltages of about 4 V. Formation of a compound of approximate composition BaFeO2.5F~0.5 was observed, in agreement with diffraction studies of the independently performed chemically fluorinated compound using F2 gas, and also possessing a capacity which is close to the theoretical capacity of the material. This new method gives an alternative towards the use of highly reactive and toxic F2 gas, and provides potential in adjusting the chemical potential for oxidative chemical fluorinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional myeloablative conditioning (MAC) regimens often cause severe regimen-related toxicity (RRT). Furthermore, many patients suffer from poor quality of life in accordance with the increase in long-term survivors. We therefore devised a reduced-toxicity myeloablative conditioning (RTMAC) regimen consisting of 8-Gy total body irradiation (TBI), fludarabine (FLU) and cyclophosphamide (CY) for pediatric hematological malignancies. A retrospective single-center analysis was performed on patients with leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), aged ≤20 years, who had received an 8-Gy TBI/FLU/CY RTMAC regimen followed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Thirty-one patients underwent first allo-HSCT after an RTMAC regimen. The diagnoses were acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 11), acute myeloid leukemia (n = 13), MDS (n = 4), juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (n = 1) and acute leukemias of ambiguous lineage (n = 2). While 3 patients showed early hematological relapse, the remaining 28 patients achieved engraftments. None of the patients developed grade 4 or 5 toxicities during the study period. The 5-year overall survival and relapse-free survival were 80% [95% confidence interval: CI, 61-91%] and 71% [95% CI, 52-84%], respectively. Our RTMAC regimen would be less toxic and offers a high probability of survival for children with hematological malignancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxicity of arsenic is known to be a risk to aquatic flora and fauna and to human health even in relatively low concentration. In this research an adsorption gel was prepared from agricultural waste material (orange waste) through simple chemical modification in the view to remove arsenic (V) from water. Orange waste was crushed into small particles and saponified with Ca(OH)2 to prepare saponified orange waste, which was further modified by immobilizing gadolinium(III) to obtain desired adsorption material (Gd(III)-immobilized SOW gel). The effective pH range for arsenic adsorption was found to be 7.5 - 8.5. Adsorption capacity of the gel was evaluated to be 0.45 mol-arsenic (V)/kg. Dynamic adsorption of arsenic (V) in columnmode was conducted and a dynamic capacity was found to be 0.39 mol/kg. Elution of arsenate was tested after complete saturation of the column packed with gadolinium-immobilized orange waste adsorption gel. A complete elution of arsenate was achieved with the help of 1 M HCl and 28 times pre-concentration factor was attained. This study showed that a cheap and abundant agro-industrial waste material could be successfully employed for the remediation of arsenic pollution in aquatic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phaeodactylum tricornutum was exposed to various toxic substances (zinc, copper or dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt) in accordance with the AlgalToxkit protocol based on the UNI EN ISO 10253 method in order to quantitatively compare the responses obtained by traditional growth-rate inhibition tests with morphological (biovolume) and physiological (chlorophyll- a, phaeophytin ratio) endpoints. A novel approach is proposed for detecting early and sub-lethal effects based on biovolume quantification using confocal microscopy coupled with an image analysis system. The results showed that effects on both biovolume and the photosynthetic complex are sensitive and powerful early warning tools for evaluating sub-lethal effects of exposure. Specifically, biovolume showed significant sensitive and early responses for the tested surfactant. Qualitatively, we also observed structural anomalies and effects on natural auto-fluorescence in exposed cells that also represent potentially useful tools for ecotoxicological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pH 4 and 7 on the cellular toxicity impact of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the green alga Chlamydomonas acidophila. Changes in chlorophyll content, cellular viability, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation were determined permitting the characterization of the toxicity of AgNPs. Chemical characterization of AgNPs in suspension showed that nanoparticle size distribution was dependent to the pH of the culture medium, and a higher solubility was observed at pH 4 compared to that at pH 7. After 24 h of exposure, results indicated that the chlorophyll content and cellular viability decreased significantly, while the intracellular ROS production increased significantly, in relation to the increasing concentration of AgNPs (0.1-100 mg/L). Therefore, our results demonstrated that AgNP-induced toxicity was pH dependent as indicated by the cytotoxicity mediated through the induction of oxidative stress. In conclusion, the characterization of the physicochemical properties of AgNPs in aqueous solution having different pH is essential for the understanding of their toxicity impact on algal cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose here a novel voltammetric method for the determination of platinum at trace levels. The method is based on the interference that platinum generates on the anodic stripping signal of tin acidic solutions: in appropriate conditions platinum uses the intermediate formation of tin(II) ions, taking place during the tin cathodic reduction, to reduce itself and to form mixed Pt(II)-Sn(II) chloro-complexes. From the analysis of the anodic stripping plots obtained after subsequent additions of tin in a Pt-containing solution, it is possible to quantify accurately and precisely the Pt concentration from 3 ppb to more than 10 ppm. This novel method is validated for the analysis of Pt in heterogeneous catalysts, but in principle could be extended to other matrixes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to study the nutrient uptake of soybean exposed to aluminium (Al) toxicity. The factorial design consisted of two treatments arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. Liming was the first factor which consisted of four levels, i.e. i) without liming; ii) liming with 0.5×Al(exchangeable/ec); iii) liming with 1×Al(ec); and iv) liming with 1.5×Al(ec). Five genotypes were used as second factor, i.e. three tolerant genotypes (W3898-14-3, Wilis, and Kawi), and two sensitve genotypes (MLG 3209 and MLG 3083). It was found that two tolerant genotypes, W3898-14-3 and Kawi, had a higher potassium (K) and sodium (Na) uptake than susceptible genotypes. Liming affected significantly the ratio of Al/[calcium (Ca) + magnesium (Mg)] in roots and leaves, the content of Ca and Mg in the roots and the content of Mg in the leaves. The K content in the roots and the content of Ca, K, and Na in the leaves were unresponsive to the alteration of pH and Al saturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Populations of white sturgeon ( Acipenser transmontanus) are in decline in North America. This is attributed, primarily, to poor recruitment, and white sturgeon are listed as threatened or endangered in several parts of British Columbia, Canada, and the United States. In the Columbia River, effects of metals have been hypothesized as possible contributing factors. Previous work has demonstrated that early life stage white sturgeon are particularly sensitive to certain metals, and concerns over the level of protectiveness of water quality standards are justified. Here we report results from acute (96-h) toxicity tests for copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) from parallel studies that were conducted in laboratory water and in the field with Columbia River water. Water effect ratios (WERs) and sensitivity parameters (i.e., median lethal accumulations, or LA50s) were calculated to assess relative bioavailability of these metals in Columbia River water compared to laboratory water, and to elucidate possible differences in sensitivity of early life stage white sturgeon to the same concentrations of metals when tested in the different water sources. For Cu and Pb, white sturgeon toxicity tests were initiated at two life stages, 8 and 40 days post-hatch (dph), and median lethal concentrations (LC50s) ranged between 9-25 μg Cu/L and 177-1,556 μg Pb/L. LC50s for 8 dph white sturgeon exposed to Cd in laboratory water and river water were 14.5 and 72 μg/L, respectively. Exposure of 8 dph white sturgeon to Zn in laboratory and river water resulted in LC50s of 150 and 625 μg/L, respectively. Threshold concentrations were consistently less in laboratory water compared with river water, and as a result, WERs were greater than 1 in all cases. In addition, LA50s were consistently greater in river water exposures compared with laboratory exposures in all paired tests. These results, in combination with results from the biotic ligand model, suggest that the observed differences in toxicity between river water exposures and laboratory water exposures were not entirely due to differences in water quality and metal bioavailability but rather in combination with differences in fish sensitivity. It is hypothesized that differences in concentrations of calcium in the different water sources might have resulted in differences in acquired sensitivity of sturgeon to metals. Canadian water quality guidelines, US national criteria for the protection of aquatic life, and water quality criteria for the state of Washington were less than LC50 values for all metals and life stages tested in laboratory and Columbia River water. With the exception, however, that 40 dph white sturgeon exposed to Cu in laboratory water resulted in threshold values that bordered US national criteria and criteria for the state of Washington. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The joint effect on the growth of wheat seedlings under Cd stress (0, 0.5 mmol L) and [Cmim][OAc] with a series of concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 mg L) was investigated. Physiological characteristics including superoxide dismutases, peroxidases, catalase and malondialdehyde were studied in hydroponic and soil cultures. Results indicated that, compared to samples treated under Cd stress alone, joint treatment groups showed Cd stress was mitigated by ionic liquid at appropriate concentrations (≤400 mg L in hydroponic treatments and ≤300 mg L in soil culture treatments). Use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy showed less Cd in organelles in the joint treatment group. This phenomenon could be due to [Cmim][OAc] forming metal complexes with Cd, thus reducing the amount of free Cd available for absorption by the seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "A perspective on the toxicity of low concentrations of petroleum-derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to early life stages of herring and salmon" by D. S. Page and colleagues in the 2012 issue.

This review updates earlier work addressing the epidemiology and toxicity of wollastonite. Earlier chronic animal bioassay and human mortality data were inadequate (IARC term) or negative and no new studies of these types have been published. Wollastonite has been determined to have low biopersistence in both in vivo and in vitro studies, which probably accounts for its relative lack of toxicity. Earlier morbidity studies of mining/mineral processing facilities in Finland and New York State indicated that exposure to wollastonite might result in pleural plaques (Finland) or decrements in certain measures of lung function (New York). More recent analysis of data from an ongoing health surveillance program at one facility (New York) indicates that there are no pleural plaques or interstitial lung disease or decrements in lung function among never smokers or former smokers occupationally exposed to wollastonite. This result probably reflects continued reduction in exposures as part of an ongoing product stewardship program at this facility and suggests that wollastonite has relatively low toxicity as currently managed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Silicon (Si) application has been known to enhance the tolerance of plants against abiotic stresses. However, the protective mechanism of Si under heavy metals contamination is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the role of Si in counteracting toxicity due to cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) in rice plants (Oryza sativa). Results Si significantly improved the growth and biomass of rice plants and reduced the toxic effects of Cd/Cu after different stress periods. Si treatment ameliorated root function and structure compared with non-treated rice plants, which suffered severe root damage. In the presence of Si, the Cd/Cu concentration was significantly lower in rice plants, and there was also a reduction in lipid peroxidation and fatty acid desaturation in plant tissues. The reduced uptake of metals in the roots modulated the signaling of phytohormones involved in responses to stress and host defense, such as abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid. Furthermore, the low concentration of metals significantly down regulated the mRNA expression of enzymes encoding heavy metal transporters (OsHMA2 and OsHMA3) in Si-metal-treated rice plants. Genes responsible for Si transport (OsLSi1 and OsLSi2), showed a significant upregulation of mRNA expression with Si treatment in rice plants. Conclusion The present study supports the active role of Si in the regulation of stresses from heavy metal exposure through changes in root morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Synthetic Amorphous Silica (SAS) is commonly used in food and drugs. Recently, a consumer intake of silica from food was estimated at 9.4 mg/kg bw/day, of which 1.8 mg/kg bw/day was estimated to be in the nano-size range. Food products containing SAS have been shown to contain silica in the nanometer size range (i.e. 5 - 200 nm) up to 43% of the total silica content. Concerns have been raised about the possible adverse effects of chronic exposure to nanostructured silica. Methods Rats were orally exposed to 100, 1000 or 2500 mg/kg bw/day of SAS, or to 100, 500 or 1000 mg/kg bw/day of NM-202 (a representative nanostructured silica for OECD testing) for 28 days, or to the highest dose of SAS or NM-202 for 84 days. Results SAS and NM-202 were extensively characterized as pristine materials, but also in the feed matrix and gut content of the animals, and after in vitro digestion. The latter indicated that the intestinal content of the mid/high-dose groups had stronger gel-like properties than the lowdose groups, implying low gelation and high bioaccessibility of silica in the human intestine at realistic consumer exposure levels. Exposure to SAS or NM-202 did not result in clearly elevated tissue silica levels after 28-days of exposure. However, after 84-days of exposure to SAS, but not to NM-202, silica accumulated in the spleen. Biochemical and immunological markers in blood and isolated cells did not indicate toxicity, but histopathological analysis, showed an increased incidence of liver fibrosis after 84-days of exposure, which only reached significance in the NM-202 treated animals. This observation was accompanied by a moderate, but significant increase in the expression of fibrosis-related genes in liver samples. Conclusions Although only few adverse effects were observed, additional studies are warranted to further evaluate the biological relevance of observed fibrosis in liver and possible accumulation of silica in the spleen in the NM-202 and SAS exposed animals respectively. In these studies, dose-effect relations should be studied at lower dosages, more representative of the current exposure of consumers, since only the highest dosages were used for the present 84-day exposure study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several experimental and clinical reports indicated the oxidative stress-mediated adverse changes in vital organs of human and animal in fluoride (F) toxicity. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic effect of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) epiphyseal (pineal) proteins (BEP) and melatonin (MEL) against F-induced oxidative stress in heart, liver, and kidney of experimental adult female rats. To accomplish this experimental objective, twenty-four adult female Wistar rats (123-143 g body weights) were divided into four groups, namely, control, F, F + BEP, and F + MEL and were administered sodium fluoride (NaF, 150 ppm elemental F in drinking water), MEL (10 mg/kg BW, i.p.), and BEP (100 μg/kg BW, i.p.) for 28 days. There were significantly (P < 0.5) high levels of lipid peroxidation and catalase and low levels of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase in cardiac, hepatic, and renal tissues of F-treated rats. Administration of BEP and MEL in F-treated rats, however, significantly (P < 0.5) attenuated these adverse changes in all the target components of antioxidant defense system of cardiac, hepatic, and renal tissues. The present data suggest that F can induce oxidative stress in liver, heart, and kidney of female rats which may be a mechanism in F toxicity and these adverse effects can be ameliorated by buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) epiphyseal proteins and melatonin by upregulation of antioxidant defense system of heart, liver, and kidney of rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like other geodynamically active areas, Greece is also affected by a large number of geogenic gas manifestations. These occur either in the form of point sources (fumaroles, mofettes, bubbling gases) or as diffuse soil gas emanations. Geogenic sources release huge amounts of gases, which, apart from having important influences on the global climate, could also have a strong impact on human health. Gases have both acute and chronic effects. Carbon dioxide (CO 2) and hydrogen sulphide are the main gases responsible for acute mortality due to their asphyxiating and/or toxic properties. Methane instead represents a risk for its explosive properties. Gas hazards are often disregarded because in fatal episodes connected to geogenic gases, the cause of death is often not correctly identified. Due to the fact that geodynamically active areas can release geogenic gases for millions of years over wide areas, it is important to realistically estimate potential risks. The present work produced a first catalogue of the geogenic gas manifestations of the whole Greek territory including relevant literature data. A preliminary estimation of the correlated risk has been made for the time period of the last 20 years considering the whole population of Greece. In this period, at least two fatal episodes with a total of three victims are likely due to exposure to geogenic gases (specifically CO 2). This would give a risk of 1.3 × 10 −8 fatality from geogenic gas manifestations per annum. This value, although probably underestimated, is much lower than most other natural or anthropogenic risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the examine on the impact of water pollution to women's health in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Topics mentioned include the water pollution from crude oil exploitation that results in acid rain, the dependence to mangrove fisheries which are contaminated, and the affect to nutritional status of women of crude oil toxicity resulting to abortions, infertility, and death. It also mentioned the suggestion to oil companies to follow international rules and best practices.