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The luminescent bacteria inhibition test using Aliivibrio fischeri is a well‐established method to determine the aquatic toxicity of soluble chemicals. More precisely, the effective concentration (EC50) after 15 and 30 min is determined in this test. The inhibition of natural bioluminescence of these bacteria gives a first idea of the toxicity of compounds towards some aquatic organisms. It is a cost and time efficient experimental method, which does not involve animals. In this contribution, the experimental set up, comparability with other measurements, and results of recently described compounds is presented. Different types of energetic materials such as coordination (e. g. [Cu(dtp)3](ClO4)2 and [Fe(MTZ)6](ClO4)2), neutral (e. g. azidoethanol, 1‐ and 2‐aminotetrazole) and ionic (e. g. polynitropyrazolates and PETNC salts) compounds were investigated and compared to commonly used materials, like RDX, ammonium perchlorate (AP) and azide salts. Furthermore, different substitution patterns and energetic functionalities such as azido‐, nitro‐ and nitramino‐groups were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The trunk canker caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea is a devastating disease for Chinese hickory (Carya cathayensis) in China. Chemical fungicides are commonly and repeatedly applied to control the disease; however, fungicide application raises major environmental and food safety issues. Ecofriendly biocontrol alternatives were urgently needed. Herein, the antifungal activity of a natural secondary metabolite, rapamycin, against B. dothidea and the effect of a rapamycin‐producing Streptomyces hygroscopicus on C. cathayensis canker were investigated. RESULTS: The 50% effective concentrations (EC50) of rapamycin against mycelial growth and spore germination on the potato dextrose agar were 5.1 × 10−3 and 5.5× 10−2 μg mL–1, respectively, which were much lower than the EC50 values of thiophanate‐methyl. The hyphae of B. dothidea exhibited premature aging and wrinkling after treatment with rapamycin at 5.0 × 10−3 μg mL–1. A rapamycin‐producing bacterium S. hygroscopicus LYJ637 was batch produced and formulated in a carboxymethylcellulose/poly (vinyl alcohol) (CMC/PVA) blend and used for testing the efficiency of the bacterium in controlling Botryosphaeria canker in C. cathayensis. S. hygroscopicus exhibited high stability in the CMC/PVA blend. Results of a 3‐year field experiment suggested that rapamycin formation reduced the occurrence of both developed cankers and new cankers, with an efficacy comparable to the treatment with thiophanate‐methyl. CONCLUSION: The rapamycin‐producing S. hygroscopicus LYJ637 carried in a CMC/PVA blend prevented effectively Botryosphaeria canker on Chinese hickory, which provides an alternative approach to chemical control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Up to 70% of the nitrogen (N) fertilizer applied to agricultural soils is lost through microbially mediated processes, such as nitrification. This can be counteracted by synthetic and biological compounds that inhibit nitrification. However, for many biological nitrification inhibitors (BNIs), the interaction with soil properties, nitrifier specificity, and effective concentrations are unclear. Here, we investigated three synthetic nitrification inhibitors (SNIs) (DCD, DMPP, and nitrapyrin) and three BNIs [methyl 3(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate (MHPP), methyl 3(4-hydroxyphenyl) acrylate (MHPA), and limonene] in two agricultural soils differing in pH and nitrifier communities. The efficacies of SNIs and BNIs were resilient to short-term pH changes in the neutral pH soil, whereas the efficacy of some BNIs increased by neutralizing the alkaline soil. Among the BNIs, MHPA showed the highest inhibition and was, together with MHPP, identified as a putative AOB/comammox-selective inhibitor. Additionally, MHPA and limonene effectively inhibited nitrification at concentrations comparable to those used for DCD. Moreover, we identified the effective concentrations at which 50% and 80% of inhibition is observed (EC50 and EC80) for the BNIs, and similar EC80 values were observed in both soils. Overall, our results show that these BNIs could potentially serve as effective alternatives to SNIs currently used., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of FEMS.)

To evaluate the effects of antifouling paints and biocides on larval settlement and metamorphosis, newly hatched swimming larvae of the compound ascidian Botryllus schlosseri, a dominant species of soft-fouling in coastal communities, were exposed to (i) substrata coated with seven antifouling paints on the market containing different biocidal mixtures and types of matrices and (ii) sea water containing various concentrations of eight biocidal constituents. All antifouling paints showed high performance, causing 100% mortality and metamorphic inhibition, with ≥75% not-settled dead larvae. All antifouling biocides prevented the settlement of larvae. The most severe larval malformations, i.e., (i) the formation of a bubble encasing the cephalenteron and (ii) the inhibition of tail resorption, were observed after exposure to metal and organometal compounds, including tributyltin (TBT) at 1 μM (325.5 µg L−1), zinc pyrithione (ZnP) at 1 μM (317.7 µg L−1), and CuCl at 0.1 μM (98.99 µg L−1), and to antimicrobials and fungicides, including Sea-Nine 211 at 1 μM (282.2 µg L−1) and Chlorothalonil at 1 μM (265.9 µg L−1). The herbicides seemed to be less active. Irgarol 1051 was not lethal at any of the concentrations tested. Diuron at 250 μM (58.2 mg L−1) and 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-4-(methylsulphonyl)pyridine (TCMS pyridine) at 50 μM (14.8 mg L−1) completely inhibited larval metamorphosis. These results may have important implications for the practical use of different antifouling components, highlighting the importance of their testing for negative impacts on native benthic species.

Pharmaceuticals are becoming an environmental and health problem of concern. We present here the results obtained in the ecotoxicological evaluation of two drugs (diltiazem and doxepin) recurrently present in the environment. To carry out this study, four aquatic bioindicators (Vibrio fischeri, Daphnia magna, Selenastrum capricornutum, and Danio rerio) were used and the lethal, sublethal and/or inhibition effects were obtained. Furthermore, in order to complete environmental information, several key physicochemical properties were also measured (solubility, critical aggregation concentration and partition coefficient). High solubility for doxepin seems to be related with its bioavailability and thus, lead to higher toxicity. However, EC50 ecotoxocity values for doxepin and diltiazem are between 100 and 1000 mg/L for all the studied environmental bioindicators, and thus, none of the drugs should be considered as potentially harmful for the environment.

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reduction of silver nitrate using arabinogalactan polysaccharide as a reducing agent and a stabilizer. The average size of nanoparticles, obtained by analyzing TEM-images, was 10.8 nm; zeta potential -20 mV. A study of the sol by electron diffraction showed that silver in the sample is in metallic form. The resulting preparation of silver nanoparticles showed both antibacterial and antifungal activity. A pronounced antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles was demonstrated both in relation to conditionally pathogenic gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and B. coagulans) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. Silver nanoparticles also possess antifungal activity against macromycete Fomitopsis sp., as well as two strains of micromycetes Trichoderma citrinoviride and Fusarium sporotrichioides. Using the methods of light and fluorescence microscopy, MTT-analysis and Real-time cell analysis, the cytotoxic activity of silver nanoparticles was investigated on HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. It was demonstrated that nanoparticles cause a suppression of cell metabolic and proliferative activity, as well as dose-dependent induction of cell death (average relative EC50 value was 9 ± 2:7 μg/ml). The preparation of silver nanoparticles stabilized by arabinogalactan can be used in medicine, as a potential antimicrobial and antitumor agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stable preparation of agaricinic acid nanoparticles was obtained. The mean hydrodynamic size of nanoparticles according to photon correlation spectroscopy was 200 nm and zeta potential was -57 mV. Cytotoxic activity of agaricinic acid nanoparticles against human HepG2 hepatoma cells was evaluated. Nanoparticles with a low concentration of agaricinic acid stimulated and with high concentration — suppressed metabolic activity and viability of hepatoma cells. The EC50 for the stimulating effect was 32.8 μg/ml, and the IC50=602.1 mg/ml. The preparation of agaricinic acid nanoparticles can be used in medicine as a potential antitumor agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs1 = 2.7 d·nm, AgNPs2 = 6.5 d·nm) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) on Enchytraeus crypticus and Folsomia candida using toxicity tests (OECD Guideline 220, 232). A 28-day chronic toxicity study was performed to evaluate the reproduction and mortality rate. E. crypticus reproduction was more sensitive to AgNO3 with a 28dEC50 of 86.40 (62.52–119.4) mg·kg−1 dry weight (d.w.) compared to AgNPs1 (28dEC50 = 119.3 (60.4–235.6) mg·kg−1 d.w). Similarly, the reproduction of F. candida was inhibited the most by AgNO3 with a 28dEC50 of 126.2 (104.2–152.9) mg·kg−1 d.w. followed by AgNPs1 (28dEC50 = 158.7 (64.05–393.2) mg·kg−1 d.w.) and AgNPs2 (28dEC50 = 206.4 (181.9–234.1) mg·kg−1 d.w.). No mortalities were observed for tested soil invertebrates exposed to AgNPs at concentrations up to 166 mg·kg−1 d.w. of AgNPs1 and 300 mg·kg−1 d.w. of AgNPs2, respectively. It was found that silver ions are more toxic in comparison with AgNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Naja ashei is a snake of medical importance in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Little is known about the enzymatic (snake venom phospholipases A2; svPLA2's) and toxic (lethal) activities of N. ashei venom and crucially, the safety and capacity of available antivenom to neutralize these effects. This study aimed to determine the enzymatic and toxic activities of N. ashei venom and the capacity of Indian and Mexican manufactured antivenoms to neutralize these effects. The protein content of the venom and the test antivenoms were also evaluated. A 12-point log concentration–response curve (0.5–22.5 µg/mL) was generated on an agarose-egg yolk model to predict the svPLA2 activity of the venom. The toxicity profiles of the venom and antivenoms were evaluated in the brine shrimp lethality assay. Lowry's method was used for protein estimation. Results: Low and intermediate concentrations of the venom exhibited similar svPLA2 activities. The same was true for concentrations > 15 µg/mL. Intermediate and high doses of the venom exhibited similar mortalities in brine shrimp and test antivenoms were generally non-toxic but poorly neutralized svPLA2 activity. Mexican manufactured antivenom had lower protein content but neutralized venom-induced brine shrimp lethality much more effectively than Indian manufactured antivenom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Nonfumigant nematicide efficacy is affected by several factors, such as nematode species and environmental conditions. However, the influence of nematodes' physiological status on nematicide efficacy is unknown. Inactive nematodes, such as those in quiescence or dormancy, seem to be more tolerant to nematicides than active ones. Second‐stage juveniles of Meloidogyne species were inactivated by low temperatures and reversible nematicides before and during exposure to fluensulfone. The sensitivity of inactive juveniles to fluensulfone the nematicide was compared to that of active juveniles by EC50 (median effective concentration) for juvenile immobilization and root gall reduction. RESULTS: Inactivating Meloidogyne hapla and Meloidogyne javanica juveniles at 5 °C increased the EC50 (median effective concentration) of fluensulfone for immobilization of and root galling by Meloidogyne spp. 3.6 to 9.5 times. When the exposure temperature was decreased from 25 to 15 °C, EC50 for M. javanica root gall reduction after 24 and 48 h exposure increased 3.1 and 4.9 times, respectively, whereas for M. hapla, it increased 2.3 and 2.0 times, respectively. Juveniles of M. javanica and M. incognita immobilized by fenamiphos were as sensitive to fluensulfone as active juveniles based on the number of root galls. However, juveniles of these species immobilized by fluopyram were more tolerant to fluensulfone than untreated active juveniles. An interaction of fluopyram and fluensulfone activities is suggested. CONCLUSION: Changes in the sensitivity of inactive Meloidogyne spp. juveniles to fluensulfone depend on the inactivation method. Fluensulfone could be better applied when nematodes are active in the soil. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Early blight caused by Alternaria spp. is amongst the most important diseases in potato. Demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides are widely used to control the disease but long‐term use may decrease its control efficacy due to fungicide resistance. This study investigated the occurrence of difenoconazole resistance in Alternaria spp. and molecular resistant mechanisms. RESULTS: EC50 values of 160 isolates to difenoconazole ranged from 0.026 μg mL−1 to 15.506 μg mL−1 and the frequency of difenoconazole sensitivity formed a non‐normal distribution curve with a major and a minor peak. Isolates with EC50 values of 4.121 and 5.461 μg mL−1 were not controlled effectively at fungicide doses of 50 and 100 μg mL−1. Cross‐resistance was observed between DMI fungicides difenoconazole and propiconazole, but not between difenoconazole and other fungicide groups, including boscalid, iprodione, or carbendazim. The CYP51gene was 1673 bp encoding 525 amino acids in length and contained two introns. All sensitive and resistant isolates had the identical amino acid sequence of CYP51, with the exception of one resistant isolate carrying a mutation of R511W. A 6 bp insertion in the upstream region was observed in half of the resistant isolates. In the absence of propiconazole, the relative expression of CYP51 was not significantly different in sensitive and resistant isolates. In the presence of difenoconazole, expression of CYP51 gene was induced significantly in the DMI‐resistant isolates but not in the sensitive ones. CONCLUSION: Induced expression of CYP51 in resistant isolates exposed to difenoconazole is an important determinant for DMI resistance in potato pathogens Alternaria sect. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most recent outbreaks of boxwood blight caused by Calonectria pseudonaviculata, in Hyrcanian forests of Iran, have sparked the need for research to identify eco‐friendly fungicides for management purposes. Our study was conducted to test the efficacy of humic substances against C. pseudonaviculata under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. For this purpose, humic acids (HA) and fulvic acids (FA) extracted from tea waste compost (HAT & FAT), sawdust compost (HAW & FAW) and manure compost (HAM & FAM) were tested against hyphal growth and conidial germination of C. pseudonaviculata. In addition, EC50 and MIC50 were determined for all humic substances tested. While none of the substances caused complete inhibition of the fungus, they showed a range of antifungal activities. Based on the high inhibitory efficacy and low related EC50 and MIC50, HAT and FAT provided the highest efficacy against the pathogen. In the greenhouse, curative and protective effects of the humic treatments at 2,000 mg/L were also investigated against disease severity. Of the substances tested, FAW and FAM showed the weakest antifungal effects and HAT had the greatest curative and protective effects. These results indicate that HAT application can be used as an eco‐friendly control method for boxwood blight epidemics in the disease hotspots of Hyrcanian forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a widespread and persistent hydrophobic organic pollutant in the environment despite its restricted public use. Risk assessment of such hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) is challenging because sorption and volatilization issues during toxicity test often lead to inconsistent exposure concentration. Considering the hydrophobicity of the PCP, in this study, a passive dosing format was applied by adopting a silicone O-ring as a reservoir and evaluated its applicability on the determination of PCP on Daphnia magna. Results obtained with passive dosing method were compared with that of solvent spiking method. We hypothesized that the passive dosing method may provide more reliable and accurate toxicity results than conventional solvent spiking approach. As a result, the partition coefficient of PCP between methanol and a test medium (log KMeOH:ISO) was 2.1, which enabled the maintenance of reliable exposure concentration throughout the experiment. In the acute toxicity tests, passive dosing and solvent spiking showed similar EC50 values of 576 and 485 µg/L for 24 h, and 362 and 374 µg/L for 48 h, respectively, which overlap with EC50 values of previous studies. Altogether, both methods were suitable for the acute toxicity assessment of hydrophobic PCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocides are multi-component products used to control undesired and harmful organisms able to affect human or animal health or to damage natural and manufactured products. Because of their widespread use, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems could be contaminated by biocides. The environmental impact of biocides is evaluated through eco-toxicological studies with model organisms of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. We focused on the development of in silico models for the evaluation of the acute toxicity (EC50) of a set of biocides collected from different sources on the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna, one of the most widely used model organisms in aquatic toxicology. Toxicological data specific for biocides are limited, so we developed three models for daphnid toxicity using different strategies (linear regression, random forest, Monte Carlo (CORAL)) to overcome this limitation. All models gave satisfactory results in our datasets: the random forest model showed the best results with a determination coefficient r2 = 0.97 and 0.89, respectively, for the training (TS) and the validation sets (VS) while linear regression model and the CORAL model had similar but lower performance (r2 = 0.83 and 0.75, respectively, for TS and VS in the linear regression model and r2 = 0.74 and 0.75 for the CORAL model). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) present in water environments pose threats to aquatic organisms. The concentration of FQs adsorbed onto sediments is generally higher than that in water. Here, we studied the toxicities of two FQ antibiotics, norfloxacin (NOR) and ofloxacin (OFL), on the snail Bellamya aeruginosa, an adaptable benthic animal. For this, we performed acute toxicity experiments on young snails and sub-chronic exposure experiments on adult snails by exposure to the FQs for 1–28 days. The 96 h median effective concentrations showed that NOR toxicity was higher than OFL toxicity, although both NOR and OFL were low-toxicity substances (EC50 > 100 mg L−1). Four concentrations were used in the sub-chronic exposure experiments. Results of the measurement of bioconcentration factors (BCF) showed that OFL accumulation was higher than NOR accumulation in snail tissues. During the depuration period (28–49 days), at low concentrations (2 and 20 μg L−1), both FQs required at least 7 days to reach the maximum residue limit (50 μg kg−1). Conversely, at high concentrations (200 and 2000 μg L−1), 14 days (NOR) and 21 days (OFL) were required. Our results could facilitate management of the environmental risks of antibiotics and conservation of aquatic animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, there are only few studies focusing on labor analgesia on the MLAC (minimum local analgesic concentration) or EC50 (median effective concentration) of sufentanil and ropivacaine. Therefore, we determine the MLAC or EC50 of sufentanil and ropivacaine for epidural analgesia by using an up–down sequential allocation and survey its adverse effect in a prospective blinded randomized trial. Sixty nulliparous full-term parturients who required labor analgesia were recruited and randomly divided into the sufentanil and ropivacaine groups. The formulation was 25 μg sufentanil combined with 0.1% ropivacaine (added 0.9% normal saline to 75 ml). According to the response of a previous parturient, the dosage of sufentanil was increased or decreased by 5 μg in the sufetanil group; meanwhile, we also administrated an initial concentration of 0.1% ropivacaine combined with 22.5 μg sufentanil (added 0.9% normal saline to 75 ml) in the ropivacaine group. The concentration of ropivacaine was increased or decreased by 0.01% following the response of the previous parturient. The Brownlee up–down sequential allocation was used to estimate the MLAC of epidural ropivacaine and its 95% confidence intervals in labor analgesia. There were no significant changes for the two groups, including for age, height weight, active stage, second stage of labor, and gestational weeks (P = 0.769, 0.900, 0.603, 0.441, 0.577, and 0.695, respectively). The VAS scores of the parturient decreased to varying degrees (P < 0.0001) after labor analgesia compared with VAS before labor analgesia, and the most effective analgesia was reached in 60 min. The EC50 dose of epidural ropivacaine combined with 0.3 μg/mL sufentanil was 0.09687%, and the 95% CI was 0.08944%~0.1043%. Five parturients had PONV, and the incidence rate was 16.7%; one parturient had pruritus, so the incidence rate was 3.3%. The EC50 dose of epidural sulfetanil combined with 0.1% ropivacaine was 18.76 μg with a 95% confidence interval of 13.5–24.48 μg. There were no significant differences in the active stage, second stage of labor, and maternal and fetal hemodynamic data between the two groups. Notably, the Apgar scores for 1 min and 5 min were 10 scores for almost all of these patients. There were no significant differences between the two groups for maternal and fetal side effects, which had very low incidence rates. The MLAC of epidural sufentanil or ropivacaine could provide satisfactory and safe analgesia for parturients while having a low incidence rate of side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapeseed isolates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary 1884 from the Nitra Region of Slovakia were investigated for their in vitro sensitivity to azoxystrobin and picoxystrobin; and for determining their EC50 value. The growth of S. sclerotiorum was evaluated on a PDA medium amended with the selected fungicide´s active ingredient at 4 different concentrations – 0.08, 0.83, 8.33, and 83.30 ppm. The overall mean EC50 values for azoxystrobin and picoxystrobin were 2.73 ppm and 3.12 ppm, respectively. The majority of the isolates had resistance factors up to 20, which suggests a shift in the S. sclerotiorum population sensitivity towards the resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) imposes a high genetic barrier to drug resistance and potently inhibits replication of multidrug‐resistant hepatitis B virus. Few clinical cases with confirmed TDF‐resistance have been reported to date. Methods and Results: Here, we report viral rebound in a patient with chronic hepatitis B who underwent TDF monotherapy and harboured a quadruple mutant consisting of classic entecavir (ETV)‐resistance mutations (rtL180M/T184L/M204V) together with an rtA200V mutation in the reverse transcriptase gene. Sequencing analysis revealed that this quadruple mutant emerged as a major viral population. In vitro phenotyping demonstrated that the rtL180M/T184L/A200V/M204V mutant had moderate resistance to TDF treatment, with a 4.52‐fold higher half maximal effective concentration than that of wild‐type virus. Importantly, this patient with TDF resistance achieved virological suppression after TDF/ETV combination rescue therapy. Conclusion: An rtL180M/T184L/A200V/M204V mutant with moderate resistance to TDF monotherapy was selected during sequential nucleoside analogue (NA) treatment in a stepwise manner. ETV/TDF combination therapy effectively suppressed replication of this TDF‐resistant mutant. Our studies provide novel insights into the treatment of NA‐naïve patients as well as patients with TDF resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of pesticides creates hazards to the aquatic organisms. This study aimed to determined influence of bromacil, thiabendazole, malathion and mixtures of it on Tilapia nilotica (fish) and D magna. Effects included determination of mortality rate, losing sensation and behavior change (jump attempts) of fish and mortality rate for D. magna using concentration range from 0-6 mg/l. Normal growth of fish and D. Magana was observed under suitable laboratory conditions. The most toxic compound to D. magna was malathion, has an EC50 (Effective concentration that affect 50% of experimental animal) value of 0.43 (mg/l) compared to that of bromacil 0.59 (mg/l). Mixture of bromacil and malathion was less toxic than separately and have larger EC50 value 0.64 in toxic unit (TU) indicating potential antagonistic effect. Moreover, thiabendazole was more effective to fish than malathion. Relative toxicity (RT) indicates that thiabendazole has a lower value (0.276) than malathion indicating higher toxicity of thiabendazole. Furthermore, fish and D. magna were sensitive to low concentrations. These data indicate potent threats to aquatic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of butene lactones were synthesized and these compounds were tested for anti‐respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity in vitro. Three compounds exhibited an antiviral effect, the highest of which was compound 6b3 with an effective concentration 50% of 6.35 μM. The effects of 6b3 were then evaluated in vivo and a significant reduction in the lung index caused by RSV was detected. Reduced inflammatory infiltration and necrosis of the lungs were revealed by histopathology and gross pathology. Activation of an early immune response by 6b3 was also observed by cytokine analysis via a real‐time polymerase chain reaction. These results indicated that 6b3 has an anti‐RSV effect both in vitro and in vivo, and is a possible candidate compound for the development of an anti‐RSV drug in the future. Highlight: We synthesized a series of butene lactones and tested their effects against RSV in vitro and in vivo.Compound 6b3 can reduce CPE caused by viral infection in vitro, inhibit viral replication and regulate the inflammation response caused by RSV infection in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of extracts and four flavonoids that had been isolated from the aerial parts of Bunium alpinum Waldst. et Kit. (Apiaceae) and Tamarix gallica L. (Tamaricaceae). In this work, the four flavonoids were first extracted via various solvents, then purified through column chromatography (CC) and thin layer chromatography (TLC). The four compounds were subsequently identified by spectroscopic methods, including: UV, mass spectrum 1H NMR and 13C NMR. The EtOAc extract of Bunium alpinum Waldst. et Kit yielded quercetin-3-O-β-glucoside (3’,4’,5,7-Tetrahydroxyflavone-3-β-D-glucopyranoside) (1), while the EtOAc and n-BuOH extracts of Tamarix gallica L. afforded 3,5,3’-trihydroxy-7,4’-dimethoxyflavone (2), 3,5,7-trihydroxy-4’-methoxyflavone (3) and 5-hydroxy-3,7,4’-trimethoxyflavone (4). The antioxidant activity of the extracts and the flavonoids were then evaluated through DPPH free radical-scavenging assay. Of all studied extracts, the n-Butanol extract of Bunium alpinum (EC50 = 1.84 μg/ml) showed the best antioxidant activity against (DPPH). In contrast, the isolates demonstrated varying degrees of antioxidant activity: compound (1) was the more active (EC50 = 0.28 μg/ml), followed by compound (3) and (2) (EC50 = 0.309μg/ml, EC50 = 0.406 μg/ml, respectively), compound (4) showed the lowest activity. All the isolated flavonoids exhibited antioxidant activity, but this was lower than the control (Trolox). In conclusion, due to the presence of flavonoids in their ariel parts, the studied plants could be natural sources of several important antioxidant agents

Introduction:Agricultural pesticides into aquatic ecosystems of use discriminate eventually devastating impact on the populations of aquatic species.Sensitivity of algae to various pollutants such as herbicides, organochlorin, heavy metals and industrial organic matter has been shown in various studies. In addition to its application, checking the pollution is common. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of two groups of herbicides, (macheteand saturn), and insecticides (malathion and diazinon) on the population of green algae (Scenedesmusquadricauda) with 96 hour EC50. Materials and methods: The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design during 96 hours in 4 treatments (four levels of pesticide and control) and 3 replicates in accordance with the standard method, OECD. The exposure regime consisted of a 12-hour photoperiod with a 12:12light-dark regimewith intensity of 80 µmol photons/m2/s in BBM medium (Bold Basal Medium) at 22± 2 °C. Results: Statistical analysis of results also showed significant differences in daily growth rate (p < 0.05) between some different concentrations of studied toxic material, as the significant changes in the cell density observed by increasing concentrations of toxins. The highest mortality rate caused by herbicides in 52.81 µg/L of saturn and 58.36 µg/L ofmachete, and by insecticides in 63.76 µg/L of malathion and 6.087 µg/L. Also, 96 hour EC50was determined, as 174.234 µg/L for diazinon, 9.858 µg/L formalathion,1.9µg/L formachete and 1.029µg/Lfor Saturn. Discussion and conclusion: According to the results of this study, (Scenedesmus quadricauda) can be used as a biological indicator in aquatic ecosystems while it needs more extensive and intensive studies.

The sandwich method is a reliable screening bioassay that can be utilized to investigate allelopathic activity of leaf litter leachates. Screening the allelopathic potential of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) leaf litter in plant–plant interaction using the sandwich bioassay method has not been reported. The research objectives were to determine and categorize allelopathic potential of S. macrophylla leaf litter using the sandwich bioassay method, and to determine specific activity (EC550). S. macrophylla leaf litter. The results showed that S. macrophylla leaf litter exhibited strong allelopathic activity when compared with 46 leaf litter species and was included in the top ten of allelopathic leaf litter species. Increasing S. macrophylla leaf litter concentration was concomitant with inhibition of radicle lettuce seedling growth compared with the control. According to the linear regression analysis, the effective concentration (EC50) of S. macrophylla was estimated to be 3.25 mg D.W. eq. mL-1 and was considered to have strong growth-inhibitory activity on lettuce radicle elongation. The results suggest the possibility of allelopathic potential of leaf litter in plant–plant interaction under S. macrophylla trees.

The aim of this work was to investigate and compare the phytochemical constituents and anti-algal activities of crude extracts from dry macrophytes species, Potamogeton crispus and Myriophyllum spicatum. Organic solvents differed in polarity including petroleum ether, methylene chloride, chloroform, acetone and methanol were used to extract the phytochemical compounds and gas chromatograph–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyzer was used for the detection of these compounds. Generally, the results indicated that the composition and mass fraction of phytochemical constituents varied with plant species and extraction solvents. The growth inhibition effects of separate and mixed plants extracts on Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata were studied. In addition, the effects of mixed extracts on ten taxonomically different freshwater microalgae species, using the single-species and mixed culture species tests were also studied. Among the five different extracts tested chloroform extract and mixed extracts of the two plant species showed the highest anti-algal potential with P. subcapitata. The sensitivity of microalgae species tested in single-species cultures to P. crispus and M. spicatum extracts found to be group-specific, in which cyanophyte Anabaena flos-aquae var. treleasei and the diatoms Gomphoneis eriense var. apiculate and Tryblionella hungarica were more sensitive compared to the tested green microalgae species. In addition, the inhibitory effects of macrophyte extracts decreased for the mixed microalgae cultures. The extracts of P. crispus and M. spicatum showed the presence of some bioactive compounds that could contribute toward the phyto-algicidal properties of these plants.

Septoria tritici blotch (STB; Zymoseptoria tritici), one of the most important foliar diseases in wheat, is mainly controlled by the intensive use of fungicides during crop growth. Unfortunately, Z. tritici field populations have developed various extents of resistance to different groups of fungicides. Due to the complete resistance to quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs), fungicidal control of STB relies mainly on demethylation inhibitors (DMIs) and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) as well as multi-site inhibitors. In this study, temporal changes in the sensitivity of Z. tritici to selected DMIs (tebuconazole, propiconazole, prothioconazole, prochloraz), SDHIs (boscalid, bixafen), and multi-site inhibitors (chlorothalonil, folpet) were determined in microtiter assays using Z. tritici field populations isolated in 1999, 2009, 2014, and 2020 in a high-disease-pressure and high-fungicide-input area in Northern Germany. For the four tested DMI fungicides, a significant shift towards decreasing sensitivity of Z. tritici field populations was observed between 1999 and 2009, whereby concentrations inhibiting fungal growth by 50% (EC50) increased differentially between the four DMIs. Since 2009, EC50 values of tebuconazole, propiconazole, and prochloraz remain stable, whereas for prothioconazole a slightly increased sensitivity shift was found. A shift in sensitivity of Z. tritici was also determined for both tested SDHI fungicides. In contrast to DMIs, EC50 values of boscalid and bixafen increased continuously between 1999 and 2020, but the increasing EC50 values were much smaller compared to those of the four tested DMIs. No changes in sensitivity of Z. tritici were observed for the multi-site inhibitors chlorothalonil and folpet over the last 21 years. The sensitivity adaptation of Z. tritici to both groups of single-site inhibitors (DMIs, SDHIs) mainly used for STB control represents a major challenge for future wheat cultivation.

P2Y13 is an ADP-stimulated G-protein coupled receptor implicated in many physiological processes, including neurotransmission, metabolism, pain, and bone homeostasis. Quantitative understanding of P2Y13 activation dynamics is important for translational studies. We systematically identified PubMed annotated studies that characterized concentration-dependence of P2Y13 responses to natural and synthetic agonists. Since the comparison of the efficacy (maximum response) is difficult for studies performed in different systems, we normalized the data and conducted a meta-analysis of EC50 (concentration at half-maximum response) and Hill coefficient (slope) of P2Y13-mediated responses to different agonists. For signaling events induced by heterologously expressed P2Y13, EC50 of ADP-like agonists was 17.2 nM (95% CI: 7.7–38.5), with Hills coefficient of 4.4 (95% CI: 3.3–5.4), while ATP-like agonists had EC50 of 0.45 μM (95% CI: 0.06–3.15). For functional responses of endogenously expressed P2Y13, EC50 of ADP-like agonists was 1.76 μM (95% CI: 0.3–10.06). The EC50 of ADP-like agonists was lower for the brain P2Y13 than the blood P2Y13. ADP-like agonists were also more potent for human P2Y13 compared to rodent P2Y13. Thus, P2Y13 appears to be the most ADP-sensitive receptor characterized to date. The detailed understanding of tissue- and species-related differences in the P2Y13 response to ADP will improve the selectivity and specificity of future pharmacological compounds.

Being natural plant antimicrobials, saponins have potential for use as biopesticides. Nevertheless, their activity in plant–pathogen interaction is poorly understood. We performed a comparative study of saponins' antifungal activities on important crop pathogens based on their effective dose (EC50) values. Among those saponins tested, aescin showed itself to be the strongest antifungal agent. The antifungal effect of aescin could be reversed by ergosterol, thus suggesting that aescin interferes with fungal sterols. We tested the effect of aescin on plant–pathogen interaction in two different pathosystems: Brassica napus versus (fungus) Leptosphaeria maculans and Arabidopsis thaliana versus (bacterium) Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000). We analyzed resistance assays, defense gene transcription, phytohormonal production, and reactive oxygen species production. Aescin activated B. napus defense through induction of the salicylic acid pathway and oxidative burst. This defense response led finally to highly efficient plant protection against L. maculans that was comparable to the effect of fungicides. Aescin also inhibited colonization of A. thaliana by Pst DC3000, the effect being based on active elicitation of salicylic acid (SA)-dependent immune mechanisms and without any direct antibacterial effect detected. Therefore, this study brings the first report on the ability of saponins to trigger plant immune responses. Taken together, aescin in addition to its antifungal properties activates plant immunity in two different plant species and provides SA-dependent resistance against both fungal and bacterial pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elevated interest in silver ions (Ag+) as a broad spectrum antimicrobial for use on medical devices has increased the number and importance of in vitro biocompatibility testing, however little consideration is given to the culture environment in which the assessments are performed. The current investigation assessed the viability of mouse fibroblasts (L929) exposed to different concentrations of Ag+ in both Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) and minimal essential medium Eagle, alpha modification (αMEM). We identified a significant increase in the EC 50 of L929 cells exposed to Ag+ in αMEM compared to DMEM, which was matched by a corresponding decrease in Ag+ availability in αMEM at concentrations ≤400 μM, as detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The reduced availability was not observed for Ag+ > 400 μM, the concentration above which caused in vitro cytotoxicity in L929 cells in αMEM; while linear quantification of Ag+ was observed in DMEM. Equilibration of the chloride and glucose components between media did not affect cytotoxicity on primary test cells; mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Overall, our results present evidence of the importance of culture conditions on the in vitro evaluation of silver, with DMEM providing a reliable basal media in which to conduct assessments. • Antimicrobial concentrations of silver ions (Ag+) may cause cytotoxicity. • Ag+ cytotoxicity is significantly modified by culture media (αMEM versus DMEM). • Bioavailability of Ag+ is reduced in αMEM at concentrations ≤400 μM. • Ag+ quantification in DMEM is linear, providing a predictive media for testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As population growth places greater pressures on potable water supplies, nonpotable recycled irrigation water is becoming widely used on turfgrass areas including golf courses, sports fields, parks, and lawns. Nonpotable recycled waters often have elevated salinity levels, and therefore turfgrasses must, increasingly, have good salinity tolerance to persist in these environments. This greenhouse study evaluated 10 commonly used cultivars representing warm-season turfgrass species of bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.), zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.), st. augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze], and seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz) for their comparative salinity tolerance at electrical conductivity (EC) levels of 2.5 (control), 15, 30, and 45 dS·m-1. Salinity treatments were imposed on the grasses for 10 weeks via subirrigation, followed by a 4-week freshwater recovery period. Attributes, including turf quality, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), canopy firing, and shoot biomass reductions were evaluated before and after salinity stress, as well as after the 4-week freshwater recovery period. Results showed considerable differences in salinity tolerance among the cultivars and species used, with the greatest tolerance to elevated salinity noted within seashore paspalum cultivars and Celebration® bermudagrass. In comparison with growth in 2.5-dS·m-1 control conditions, increased shoot growth and turf quality were noted for many bermudagrass and seashore paspalum cultivars at 15 dS·m-1. However, st. augustinegrass and some zoysiagrass cultivars responded to elevated salinity with decreased growth and turf quality. No cultivars that had been exposed to 30- or 45-dS·m-1 salinity recovered to acceptable levels, although bermudagrass and seashore paspalum recovered to acceptable levels after exposure to 15-dS·m-1 salinity. More severe salinity stress was noted during year 2, which coincided with greater greenhouse temperatures relative to year 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the in vitro efficacy of essential oils (OEs) of four species of plants of the family Piperaceae, these being; Piper hispidinervum, Piper hispidum, Piper marginatum and Piper callosum, in the control of Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae acanthocephalus that affect tambaqui. The tested concentrations of OE were: 0.19; 0.39; 0.78; 1.56; 3.125; 6.25; 12.5; 25 and 50 mg.mL-1, in triplicate, into petri dishes containing 10 parasites per plate. In this in vitro assay, all OEs studied showed significant activity against the acanthocephal N. buttnerae. There was higher mortality of the parasites at the highest concentrations and times of exposure to the OEs tested. Effective concentrations of 50% (EC50) were obtained through probit analysis and evaluated according to the exposure time in 2, 6 and 24 hours. The OE of P. hispidinervum showed lower values of EC50 (0,56; 0,54 e 0,51 mg.mL-1) compared to the values obtained for Piper hispidum (EC50 de 5,44; 3,85 e 1,75 mg.mL-1), Piper marginatum (EC50 de 2,98; 1,3 e 1,27 mg.mL-1) and Piper callosum (EC50 de 2,66; 2,16 e 2,16 mg.mL-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxicity of extracts of lavender (Lavandula officinalis) leaves and flowers was evaluated. Aqueous ethanolic and acetone extracts had higher tannin content than that in the aqueous solution. Polyphenol and flavonoid contents were measured in aqueous extracts of leaves and flowers. Polyphenol concentration in aqueous leaf and flower extracts was 61.31 and 84.43 mg tannic acid/g, respectively, whereas flavonoid concentration was 194.1 and 109.9 mg quercetin/g, respectively. Saponin content was 7.85% and 6.22% in leaves and flowers extract, respectively, and alkaloids content was 0.2651% and 0.2132% for leaves and flowers extract, respectively. The EC50 (36 h) of hatching success of Artemia salina cysts was 0.301 and 0.915 mg/mL for aqueous extracts of leaves and flowers, respectively, whereas that for aqueous ethanolic extracts of leaves and flowers, it was 0.111 and 0.586 mg/mL, respectively. The EC50 (36 h) was 0.011 mg/mL for tannic acid. Additionally, the LC50 (24 h) for aqueous extracts of leaves and flowers was 0.467 and 0.724 mg/mL, respectively, whereas that of the aqueous ethanolic extracts of leaves and flowers was 0.074 and 0.126 mg/mL, respectively. The LC50 was 0.015 mg/mL for tannic acid. Although aromatherapy using lavender oils or extracts is beneficial to human health, particularly owing to its anxiolytic, analgesic, and antihyperlipidemic effects, we demonstrated that these extracts might exhibit toxicity. Hence, lavender should be used carefully by health practitioners, and lavender therapies should be closely monitored by medical staff to avoid its toxic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract With the increasing applications in various industrial areas, toxicity of ionic liquids (ILs) has gained much attention in recent years. In this work, 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium nitrate ([C 8 mim]NO 3), 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C 8 mim]Cl), N-octyl-3-metylpyridinium chloride ([C 8 mpy]Cl) and N-octyl-3-metylpyridinium bromide ([C 8 mpy]Br) were used to investigate the impacts of different types of cations and anions on their toxicity to a marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Results showed that the four ILs had poor degradability under the culture conditions used in this study, and significantly inhibited the growth of this diatom with 96-h EC 50 values of 24.0, 33.6, 16.1 and 14.4 mg L−1 for [C 8 mim]NO 3 , [C 8 mim]Cl, [C 8 mpy]Cl and [C 8 mpy]Br, respectively. The data indicated that types of cations and anions would affect the toxicity of ILs to this diatom. Additionally, photosynthesis of this diatom was inhibited because significant decrease of chlorophyll a content and damage of PSII reaction centers were observed when it was exposed to the four ILs. Remarkable physiological and biochemical responses occurred in the cells of this diatom to alleviate the damaging effects of the four ILs. For example, content of soluble protein and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the cells of this diatom increased significantly to form a protective mechanism against the toxicity of ILs, although they decreased in the cultures with high concentrations of ILs (≥20 mg L−1). Thus, these results would not only provide strong evidences for evaluating the ecological risks and toxicity of ILs to marine ecosystem, but also help for understanding their toxic mechanisms to marine diatoms. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Four ILs ([C 8 mim]NO 3 , [C 8 mim]Cl, [C 8 mpy]Cl and [C 8 mpy]Br) were not easily degraded. • Types of cations and anions would affect the toxicity of ILs to P. tricornutum. • The photosynthesis of P. tricornutum was inhibited by the four ILs. • Contents of protein and MDA changed remarkably when the diatom was exposed to ILs. • Significant changes in SOD and CAT activities occurred under the exposure of ILs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Wood ash is a beneficial fertilizer and liming agent in nutrient depleted soils, but it also contains considerable amounts of cadmium (Cd), which can be toxic to organisms in the environment. Therefore, risk assessments regarding utilization of wood ash is required. Here, we studied how wood ash (applied in doses equivalent to 0, 3 and 6 t ha−1) and Cd (applied in doses of 0, 10, 150, 300, 600, 1200 and 2000 mg kg−1) affected growth of the soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The treatments were combined in a full factorial design. Wood ash alone greatly stimulated both soil respiration and growth of C. elegans , whereas Cd alone had a toxic effect. However, unrealistically high Cd levels were needed to severely affect growth of C. elegans and soil respiration, especially soil respiration was very resilient to Cd amendment. Ash addition decreased Cd toxicity to C. elegans , with an EC 50 value of 390 mg Cd kg−1 in the 3 t ash ha−1 treatment, and an increase of EC 50 to 1894 mg Cd kg−1 in the 6 t ash ha−1 treatment. This is probably because ash increases the Cd sorption capacity of the soil, and thereby decreases the bio-availability of Cd. The results suggest that there is no acute toxic effect of Cd to nematodes associated with wood ash recycling; in fact, our results suggest that ash actually decrease Cd toxicity. Highlights • Wood ash greatly stimulated growth of C. elegans and soil respiration. • Very high Cd concentrations were needed to affect C. elegans and soil respiration. • Addition of wood ash decreased Cd toxicity to C. elegans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Pearl River Delta (PRD) is one of the areas with higher environmental concentration of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), being DDT one of the most abundant. In this work, 4,4′-dichlorobenzophenone (4,4′-DCBP), a common metabolite of dicofol (DDT related) and DDT, was quantified in surface waters of Hong Kong and Macao, together with the analysis of physicochemical and nutrients parameters. Hong Kong presented higher 4,4′-DCBP mean levels (12.50 ng/L) than Macao (4.05 ng/L), which may be due to the use of dicofol as a pesticide and DDT as antifouling-paint for ships. The region presented a possible eutrophication state due to the high nutrients' concentration. For the first time, toxicity evaluation of this metabolite in Artemia salina and Daphnia magna was done, in order to compute valid EC 50 s and theoretically evaluate the risk in the PRD. The toxicity results (EC 50 = 0.27 mg/L for A. salina; and EC 50 = 0.17 mg/L and LC 50 = 0.26 mg/L for D. magna), together with the 4,4′-DCBP levels quantified, indicated a low environmental risk. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • Average 4,4′-DCBP concentrations (ng/L) detected in Hong Kong were 3-folds higher than in Macao. • Hong Kong and Macao areas presented possible eutrophication state due to high nutrients concentration. • Risk assessment results showed a low environmental risk (RQ < 0.1) for the levels detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are essential elements for living organisms, but they are also among the most frequent soils pollutants. Toxicity of these elements is difficult to assess and often shows contradictory results among authors due to the great complexity of the interactions with soil properties and constituents. The study of the individual metal behaviour will help provide a complete overview of the metal patterns in field pollution processes. Here, the influence of different soil properties on the mobility of Zn and Cu is studied in laboratory spiked soil samples by assessing metal toxicity from three different toxicity tests: root elongation, heterotrophic soil respiration and Microtox® toxicity tests. The results indicate that toxicity is significantly correlated with soil properties, calcium carbonate and organic carbon being the variables with highest influence in the reduction of Zn and Cu toxicity. However, large differences among soil samples in the toxicity results are observed. Thus, endpoints measured differ strongly in each soil sample because of the different sensibility of the organisms used in the toxicity tests and the high variability in soil properties. In addition, the results indicate differences between the soil toxicity depending on whether total or bioavailable metal concentrations are taken into account. Therefore, the current threshold concentrations usually selected for determining soil toxicity are not realistic, and a new approach is necessary taking into account the soil properties and the metal availability as well as using different toxicity tests to assess the toxic risk of metal-polluted soils. Highlights • Copper showed lower water-solubility than Zn in soils. • Carbonates content in soils is a good buffer for Zn and Cu retention. • Toxicity thresholds strongly difference among toxicity test. • Soil properties and constituents are key factors for assessing metal pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Readily biodegradable and "practically non-toxic" dual functionalized imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) carrying nitrile and varying number of ether group were developed to improve the extractive desulfurization performance and ecotoxicity of ILs. Dicyanamide (N(CN) 2), trifluoroacetate (CF 3 COO) and bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (NTf 2) were selected as anions. Evaluation of thermophysical properties of the synthesized ILs revealed that bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion based ILs have lowest viscosity, which contributed to excellent mass transfer and enhanced desulfurization performance. The effect of temperature, time and mass ratio (ILs: model oil) were investigated for extractive desulfurization and the performance of ILs were in the anion order; dicyanamide < trifluoroacetate < bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. Dibenzothiophene was more selectively extracted over 4,6- dimethyldibenzothiophene. Increasing alkoxy group on the cation side chain improved the desulfurization efficiency. More than 70% of dibenzothiophene was extracted in 15 min (single stage extraction) with a mass ratio of 1.5:1 at 25 °C by bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion based ILs with three ether groups on the imidazolium cation. Conductor like Screening Model for Real Solvents tool (COSMO-RS) and FTIR spectroscopy study revealed that interaction between dibenzothiophene and ILs were mainly dominated by π-π interaction and hydrogen bonding. The microbial toxicity and biodegradability assessment indicated that ILs were "practically harmless" and "readily biodegradable" through the incorporation of alkoxy groups on the cationic core of bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion based ILs. The ILs can be reused more than 8 cycles for the desulfurization process without regeneration. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) carrying nitrile and ether group were developed. • Desulfurization efficiency increased with the anion size having fixed cation. • COSMO-RS and FTIR used to study the interaction between ILs and dibenzothiophene. • More than 70 % of dibenzothiophene extracted by ILs with highest ether group. • Microbial toxicity studies depicted that the ILs to be as "practically harmless". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Major sugar constituents in young coconut husk were found to be glucans (0.30 g/g husk), while xylans were 0.10 g/g husk. Pre-treatments were carried out using phosphoric acid with dried coconut husk powder under steam heating. The effect of phosphoric acid on coconut husk hydrolysis was observed using acid concentrations of 0%, 1%, 5% and 10% (v/v). Soluble sugar concentration in hydrolysate was increasing proportional to acid concentration, as the total recovered solid decreases. FTIR and XRD analysis showed that acid hydrolysis led to the disruption of internal chemical bonds, causing coconut husk structural sugars to be released into the hydrolysate. Highest soluble sugar concentration, 29.9 g/L with a total suspended solid of 75.1 g/L, was obtained when the coconut husk was pre-treated with 10% phosphoric acid, and can be utilised for biohydrogen fermentation. Biotoxicity testing of the hydrolysates shows that half-maximal inhibition concentration of phosphoric acid was around 4.41% for a 24-h incubation and 3.80% for a 96-h incubation. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Coconut husk sugar yield increases 18.3 g/L for 0% H 3 PO 4 to 29.9 g/L for 10% H 3 PO 4. • Biohydrogen yield of 0.68 mol H 2 /mol sugar is obtained with 1% H 3 PO 4 hydrolysate. • The half-maximal inhibition concentration of H 3 PO 4 is 4.41% for 24-h incubation. • The decrease order of biotoxicity is 10% H 3 PO 4 > 5% H 3 PO 4 > 1% H 3 PO 4 > 0% H 3 PO 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Double-stranded (ds) DNA virus infections often occur concomitantly in immunocompromised patients. We performed a systematic search of published in vitro activity for nine approved and investigational antivirals to understand the spectrum of in vitro activity against dsDNA viruses. Methods A literature search was performed (PubMed and the WoS Core Collection) using keywords related to: 1) targeted approved/developmental antivirals (acyclovir, artesunate, brincidofovir, cidofovir, cyclopropavir (filociclovir), foscarnet, ganciclovir, letermovir, and maribavir); 2) pathogenic dsDNA viruses; 3) in vitro activity. We summarized data from 210 publications. Results Activity against ≤3 viruses was documented for maribavir (cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus), and letermovir, while activity against > 3 viruses was shown for ganciclovir, cidofovir, acyclovir, foscarnet, cyclopropavir, artesunate, and brincidofovir. The EC 50 values of brincidofovir were the lowest, ranging from 0.001 to 0.27 μM, for all viruses except papillomaviruses. The next most potent agents included cidofovir, ganciclovir, foscarnet, and acyclovir with EC 50 values between 0.1 μM and >10 μM for cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and adenovirus. Conclusion Most of the identified antivirals had in vitro activity against more than one dsDNA virus. Brincidofovir and cidofovir have broad-spectrum activity, and brincidofovir has the lowest EC 50 values. These findings could assist clinical practice and developmental research. Highlights • This is the first full summary of in vitro antiviral activity for 9 antivirals against human pathogenic dsDNA viruses. • Published in vitro activity often extended beyond the virus(es) covered by the labelled indication. • Most agents have good in vitro activity against individual or small subsets of dsDNA viruses that infect humans. • Based on an EC 50 cut off of 10 μM, the spectrum of antiviral activity ranged from broadest to narrowest as follows: o brincidofovir > cidofovir > ganciclovir > artesunate > acyclovir > cyclopropavir (filociclovir) > maribavir > letermovir > foscarnet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of this study, determination of toxicity effects of synthetic drug solutions (Flurbiprofen, Naproksen and Propranolol) by using toxicity test methods. In this study, Lepidium sativum and Daphnia magna toxicity tests were used as a method to determine potential harms to be caused to microbial ecology in receiver environment by synthetic pharmaceutical solutions were preparing certain concentrations as working samples. When Lepidium sativum and Daphnia magna toxicity tests results were evaluated, different sensitivities were determined for pharmaceutical wastewater samples of different properties. When Lepidium sativum and Daphnia magna toxicity test results were compared, Daphnia magna toxicity test method result was the most sensitive values. Daphnia magna toxicity test method results were compared in terms of times for 24 hours and 48 hours. It was observed that toxic values of pharmaceuticals were increased at 48 hours when compared to the values read at 24 hours. Flurbiprofen showed more toxic than other ingredients (Naproxen and Propranolol) both Lepidium sativum and Daphnia magna. In this study, for plants and aquatic life toxicity of some pharmaceuticals were determined and were compared in terms of sensitivity by using different toxicity test methods. So these studies, in terms of feasibility toxicity test methods are very important on pharmaceutical wastewaters. Also, looking from the viewpoint of next studies of toxicity will be lightning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), a highly contagious pathogen, is responsible for causing lifelong oral to genital infection in human. Boswellia serrata oleo-gum-resin possesses a strong traditional background of treating diverse skin ailments including infection but its effect on HSV-1 has not been examined yet.Purpose: To exploit its potential, we aimed to explore the antiviral activity of methanol extract of B. serrata oleo-gum-resin (BSE) and one of its major constituent β-boswellic acid (BA) against HSV-1 along with the underlying mechanism of action involved.Methods: BSE was subjected to RP-HPLC analysis to quantify the active constituent. Cytotoxicity (CC50) and antiviral activity were evaluated by MTT and plaque reduction assay, followed by the determination of median effective concentration (EC50). The mode of antiviral activity was assessed by time-of-addition assay and confirmed by reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR). Further, the expressions of various cytokines were measured by RT-PCR, while the proteins by Western blot.Results: BSE and BA potently inhibited wild-type and a clinical isolate of HSV-1 (EC50 5.2-6.2 and 12.1-14.63 μg/ml), with nearly-complete inhibition (EC99) at 10 and 30 μg/ml, respectively. The inhibitory effect was significant at 1 h post-infection and effective up to 4 h. Based on target analysis we examined the inhibition of NF-κB, essential for virus replication, and observed significant down-regulation of NF-κB, and p38 MAP-kinase activation, with reduced expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, involved in scheming NF-κB signaling.Conclusion: Thus, our results support the ethnomedicinal use of BSE in skin infection by inhibiting HSV-1 through the modulation of NF-κB and p38 MAPK pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residual biomass obtained after microalgae lipid extraction is rich in carbon and nutrients and has great potential for use as a substrate in anaerobic digestion, microalgae cultivation, and plant cultivation. However, residues from organic solvents can make it unfeasible to use the biomass in these applications. In this work, ethyl acetate (EA) and hexane-ethanol mixture (HE) were used to evaluate the yield and quality of lipids extracted from the microalga Scenedesmus obliquus BR003. Also, the toxicity of these solvents to anaerobic digestion, microalgae cultivation, and seed germination was evaluated at concentrations similar to those found in the residual biomass after lipid extraction. Lipid yields were 83.1% and 55.4% for HE and EA, respectively, where EA extracted mostly neutral lipids. In the HE mixture, hexane showed no significant effect in toxicity assays due to its low solubility in the aqueous fraction. However, ethanol in this mixture migrates to the aqueous phase, and the effective concentrations at 50% (EC 50) were 3.78, 26.97, and 4.97 g L−1 for methanogenic archaea, S. obliquus , and lettuce seeds, respectively. The EA showed EC 50 values of 18.74, 18.02, and 5.85 g L−1 for methanogenic archaea, S. obliquus , and lettuce seeds, respectively. The EA was less toxic to anaerobic microorganisms and lettuce seeds when compared to ethanol, which was less toxic to S. obliquus , making EA an environmentally friendly solvent for industrial use. Our study provides novel information on the criteria of solvent selection when aiming at resource recovery from residual microalgae biomass after lipid extraction. • - Ethyl acetate extracts lipid from Scenedesmus obliquus microalgae, with predominance of triacylglycerol. • - Ethanol in residual biomass showed a lower toxicity for further microalgae cultivation. • - Ethyl acetate showed a lower toxicity for anaerobic digestion and microalgae cultivation. • - Ethyl acetate is an environmentally friendly solvent for extraction of lipids from microalgae and exhibits low toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean Sea represents a natural laboratory to infer the possible impacts of climate change and ocean acidification. In this article, we report the deteriorating ability of sea urchin larvae (Paracentrotus lividus) to cope with toxicity of a reference contaminant (Cu EC 50) over the past 20 years and assessed the influence of 5 environmental factors from satellite measurements. This timeframe was divided in before and after January 2016 (46.57 μg/L vs 28.56 μg/L respectively, p < 0.001). In the second subset of data, correlation of the biological variable with CO 2 and pH strengthened compared to the first part (rCO 2 -EC 50 : −0.21 vs −0.83 and rpH-EC 50 : 0.25 vs 0.87 respectively), with a causal link starting from one year and ending 4 months prior to EC 50 measurements. Considering the continuous increase in CO 2 concentrations recorded recently, this study could reveal a rapid deterioration of the health condition of this population of sea urchins in a coastal ecosystem. NIn this study, EC 50 values of the last two decades originating from the same natural population of sea urchins in the Mediterranean Sea have been correlated to 5 principal environmental factors measured with satellite observation. A causality link has also been assessed. [Display omitted] • Climate change and ocean acidification affect reproductive health of sea urchins. • Larvae ability to cope with copper deteriorated in the past 20 years. • Contribution of CO2, pH and temperature worsened in the past 7 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]