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Purpose: The study aimed to determine the activity of administering Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam. extract in capsule dosage on SGPT and SGOT levels in humans. Methods: The participants involved 20 healthy volunteers aged 20-25 years who were divided into 2 groups with placebo as a comparison. The treatment groups were given capsules containing Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam. extract at a dose of 67 mg. The other group administered a placebo containing lactose for 3 days. SGPT and SGOT levels were measured before and after consuming the test capsules. The examination of SGPT and SGOT levels was carried out using a 5010 v5+ photometer. Results: SGPT levels before the capsules were 28.79 U/L for the placebo and 28.59 U/L for the test preparation group. After administration of Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam. extract capsules were 24.26 U/L and for placebo 32.86 U/L. At the same time, the measurement results of SGOT levels before being given the capsule were 17.37 U/L for the placebo and 17.71 U/L for the test preparation group. After administration of Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam. extract capsules, it was 14.56 U/L and 18.52 U/L for placebo. The study results show that Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam. extract significantly decreases SGPT and SGOT levels in humans (p<0.5). Conclusion: This result indicates that Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam extract is relatively non-toxic and safe for public use as an immunostimulant herbal medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Between 1953 and 1987, over one million Veterans were exposed to contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. We examined the relationship between toxicant exposure and subsequent disability ratings in female veterans. Materials and Methods Comparisons were made between females stationed at Camp Lejeune and from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California who were not known to have been exposed to these toxicants, between 1975 and 1985, using data from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry and VA data. Results A total of 4,491 (52%) females from Camp Lejeune and 2,811 (47%) from Camp Pendleton used VA health care between October 1, 1999 and February 17, 2021. Approximately 51% of Camp Lejeune females were exposed to toxicants. More than half (50.6% and 53.9% from Lejeune and Pendleton, respectively) had a disability rating ≥10%. Females who were Black, Hispanic, officers, or had longer duration in camp were more likely to have a disability rating, whereas females exposed to toxicants were less likely to have a disability rating. When the regression was redone examining the predictors of disability due to any of 8 presumptive conditions associated with toxicant exposure, the only significant variable was having been at Camp Lejeune (odds ratio [OR], 2.5, 95% CI, 1.3–4.7). Toxicant exposure was not significant when only Camp Lejeune females were included in the model. Conclusion Little attention has been given to female veterans exposed to toxicants at Camp Lejeune. Although we did not find an association between exposure and disability ratings, reliance on service-connected disability codes and small numbers were limitations. Further examination using international code of diseases diagnostic codes may be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are an invasive and destructive species throughout many regions of the world. A sodium nitrite (SN) toxic bait is currently used in Australia and being developed for use in the US and other countries to combat the increasing populations of wild pigs. In the US, efforts to modify the Australian SN‐toxic bait and baiting strategy have focused on reducing issues with non‐target animals accessing the SN‐toxic bait spilled outside of bait stations by wild pigs. We tested and compared modifications for efficacy (with wild pigs) and hazards (with non‐targets) in north‐central Texas, US during summer (July 2021) and winter (March 2023) seasons. RESULTS: During both seasons we found that visitation to the bait sites declined 94–99% after deploying the SN‐toxic bait, and we found a total of 106 dead wild pigs, indicating considerable lethality for the local population. Prior to deploying the SN‐toxic bait, Global Positioning System (GPS)‐collared wild pigs were more likely to cease visiting bait sites during summer when foraging resources were abundant. Farrowing decreased visitation to bait sites during the winter. We observed no dead non‐targets during summer; winter results showed an average of 5.2 dead migrating birds per bait site (primarily Dark‐eye juncos [Junco hyemalis]) from consuming SN‐toxic bait spilled by wild pigs. The presence and winter‐foraging behaviors of migrating birds appeared to increase hazards for those species. CONCLUSION: The current formulation of SN‐toxic bait was effective at removing wild pigs during both seasons, however it is clear that different baiting strategies may be required in winter when migrating birds are present. Baiting wild pigs prior to farrowing during the winter, and during drier summers, may further improve efficacy of the bait. Reducing hazards to non‐targets could be achieved by refining the SN‐toxic bait or modifying bait stations to decrease the potential for spillage, decreasing environmental persistence if spilled, or decreasing attractiveness to migrating birds. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation relates to the production of materials with noiseproof and vibration-absorbing properties, in the manufacturing of which a number of by-products are formed that require for safe disposal. When solving the production problems connected with wastewater treatment from toxicants, the concentration of which exceeds permissible values, it is proposed to use structured materials based on silicon dioxide as an adsorbent. In the course of conducting research, two experimental samples with a highly developed surface containing an extensive network of pores have been obtained and tested. The experimental testing of adsorbents has shown that such adsorbents are able to provide the removal of toxicants up to attaining a safe concentration level thereof. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract An acute and orally‐delivered toxic bait for wild pigs (Sus scrofa) containing sodium nitrite (SN) is being developed and tested for potential registration in the U.S. We evaluated oral toxicity of SN and risk of secondary consumption in a common avian scavenger, the turkey vulture (Carthartes aura), by 1) conducting an acute oral toxicity test (LD50) for turkey vultures by oral gavage, and 2) allowing turkey vultures to feed on whole carcasses and digestive tracts of wild pigs that died from consuming SN‐laden bait. Captive tests were conducted during fall 2016 and spring 2017 in the Wild Pig Research Facility at Kerr Wildlife Management Area, Hunt, Texas, USA. We estimated the LD50 of SN for turkey vultures at 659 mg/kg. None of the turkey vultures died or exhibited any symptoms of SN‐toxicity from consuming whole carcasses, or digestive tracts of wild pigs that were poisoned with SN. We concluded that the risks of secondary poisoning to turkey vultures are low, which agrees with previous work on another scavenger, the coyote (Canis latrans). Overall, we found no evidence to suggest that 2 common scavengers would be at risk of acute mortality from consuming wild pigs that were poisoned with SN.

Objectives Real-world evidence on exposure to harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) and on biological effects in cigarette smokers who switch to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) can inform the health effects of switching. Aims and Methods This cross-sectional, observational study assessed adults who had smoked ≥10 cigarettes/day for ≥10 years, comparing 124 continuing cigarette smokers (Smokers) to 140 former smokers who switched to JUUL-brand ENDS exclusively for ≥6 months (Switchers). Assessments included biomarkers of exposure (BOEs) to select HPHCs, biomarkers of potential harm (BOPHs) related to smoking-related diseases, psychometric assessments of dependence on cigarettes and ENDS, respectively, and respiratory symptoms. Planned analyses compared geometric means, adjusted for demographic covariates; further analyses adjusted for additional lifestyle and smoking history covariates. Results Nicotine levels were significantly higher in Switchers (median time switched = 3 years), who were unusually heavy users of JUUL. All other BOEs, including NNAL and HPMA3 (primary endpoints), were significantly lower in Switchers than Smokers. Most BOPHs (sICAM-1 [primary], and eg, white blood cell count, MCP1, HbA1c) were significantly lower in Switchers than Smokers; HDL was significantly higher. Switchers reported significantly lower dependence on JUUL than Smokers did on cigarettes, and respiratory symptom scores were significantly lower among Switchers than Smokers. Conclusions Compared to continuing smokers, smokers who switched to JUUL had substantially lower exposures to multiple HPHCs, favorable differences in markers of inflammation, endothelial function, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular risk, and fewer respiratory symptoms. These findings suggest that switching from cigarettes to JUUL likely reduces smokers' health risks. Implications Short-term confinement studies and randomized clinical trials demonstrate that adult smokers who switch completely to ENDS experience substantial reductions in exposure to many smoking-related toxicants. This study extends those findings to longer periods of switching to JUUL-brand ENDS (almost 3 years on average) under naturalistic use conditions in real-world settings and also found that switching to JUUL resulted in favorable differences in BOPHs more proximally related to smoking-induced disease, as well as in respiratory symptoms. Smokers who switch to ENDS reduce their exposure to toxicants, likely reducing their disease risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecotoxicological models play a vital role in understanding the inuence of toxicants on population dynamics in contaminated aquatic ecosystems. Traditional differential equation models describing interactions between populations and toxicants typically assume instantaneous population growth, overlooking potential time delays associated with reproductive and maturation processes. In this paper, we introduce two models with time delays to investigate the interaction between a population and a toxicant, where the population growth is governed by a delayed logistic equation. We mainly focus on the stability analysis of the steady states of the models. Our fndings indicate that high toxicant concentrations result in population extinction, whereas moderate toxicant levels can potentially induce bistability, where the population's fate, whether persistence or extinction, depends on the initial densities of the population and toxicant. Furthermore, both our theoretical analysis and numerical simulations demonstrate that the time delay can lead to the destabilization of the coexistence steady states and the appearance of periodic solutions through Hopf bifurcation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides are chemicals used to eliminate pests and increase crop yield, as well as to control parasites in livestock. Their widespread use over the past two eras has led to increased agricultural yields but has also caused environmental issues. These chemicals can reduce the quality of the environment, impact vital ecosystem functions by decreasing species diversity, altering food pathways, and affecting energy patterns and nutrient cycling. Pesticides affect living organisms in various ways. Long-term exposure can reduce growth, reproduction, and survival of fish and other aquatic populations. Amphibians, which have semi-permeable skin and lay eggs in water, are particularly susceptible to pesticides during breeding and foraging. Birds can also be affected by continuous pesticide use. Ponds with standing water may recover more slowly from pesticide exposure compared to flowing water bodies. Livestock can be exposed to pesticides through contaminated fodder or water, which can have detrimental effects. Heavy pesticide treatment of soil can reduce beneficial soil microorganisms and alter the chemical structure of plants. Pesticide poisoning causes approximately one million global deaths and chronic disorders in humans each year. The use of pesticides also harms insect pollinators directly and indirectly through the reduction of appropriate pollinator communities, leading to crop damage. To reduce environmental contamination, it is important to minimize the use of pesticides and explore alternative methods of pest control.

In this paper, we propose and investigate a delayed diffusive predator–prey model affected by toxic substances. We first study the boundedness and persistence property of the model. By analyzing the associated characteristic equation, we obtain the conditions for the existence of steady state bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation and Turing bifurcation. Furthermore, we also study the Hopf bifurcation induced by the delay. Finally, our theoretical results are verified by numerical simulation. The numerical observation results are in good agreement with the theoretically predicted results. Theoretical and numerical simulations indicate that toxic substances have a great impact on the dynamics of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several protected troglobitic invertebrate species are known to occur in caves on Joint Base San Antonio—Camp Bullis, Bexar County, Texas, United States. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) identified red-imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta (hereafter RIFA) (Buren 1972) as the primary threat to cave species' nutrient sources, cave crickets, Ceuthophilus secretus (Scudder 1894). Per the service's recommendations, Joint Base San Antonio—Camp Bullis currently implements boiling water mound injections with digging for RIFA control. However, treatment effectiveness is highly variable and largely dependent on the time of day, weather, and personnel diligence. Toxicants have been used for RIFA treatment throughout the world, but concerns exist that traditional applications of toxicant bait around caves might be accessible and inadvertently affect nontarget arthropods, including cricket populations. To mitigate this accessibility, physically limiting access to the toxicant from crickets may be an option. Our objectives were to (i) compare and evaluate the effectiveness of Amdro (Hydramethylnon) and Advion (Indoxacarb) granular baits housed in Ants-No-More Bait Stations (Kness MFG. Inc. Albia, IA) and (ii) evaluate the distance of effectiveness of each bait within a bait station. Ultimately, we observed a 98% reduction in RIFA mound abundance from both baits. Additionally, RIFA mounds within 10 m of the containerized toxicant were reduced by 70%. Our pilot study suggested that Ants-No-More Bait Stations are an effective way to reduce RIFA mounds by 70% if placed 10 m from each other. In practice, this could include bait stations completely covering a particular distance to a cave entrance or fewer bait stations in a ring barrier at a single radial distance to a cave entrance. Containerized toxicants may be a cost-effective and safe RIFA control option around protected cave environments, but further studies are needed to determine potential effects on nontarget arthropods, optimal bait station configuration, and potential effects of biomagnification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study tested Annona squamosa seed bioactive compounds against two different species of termites. The seed oil was extracted mechanically and with solvents (hexane and ethyl acetate) using the Soxhlet apparatus. GC MS/MS identified the phytochemical profile of the oil and solvent extract. A. squamosa seed oil was found with 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, octadecanoic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid and oleic acid-TMS as major compounds. The predominant compound of A. squamosa seed extracts is found as 9- octadecanoic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid and 6- octadecanoic acid. To find the extract's LC50 value, the laboratory bioassay was carried out against O. anamallensis and M. fletcheri with A. squamosa seed oil and hexane and ethyl acetate extract of A. squamosa seed. For both species, O. anamallensis and M. fletcheri oil recorded the lowest LC50 value of about 0.14 and 0.25 per cent, respectively, followed by hexane extract and ethyl acetate extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Poisonings commonly bring cats and dogs to veterinary emergency facilities. This retrospective study aimed to analyze clinical signs, confirmed or suspected toxicants, treatments, and outcomes of feline poisoning cases presented over 5 years to the emergency service of a small animal referral center. Materials and Methods: Medical records of 166 cats were evaluated for a history of confirmed or presumed poisoning, suspected toxicant, clinical signs, treatment, and outcome. Poisoning probability was determined using patient history, clinical findings, observation, toxicologic examination, and, in some cases, gastric contents. Results: Most cats were hospitalized (94.0%) due to poisoning with mostly unknown toxicants (48.2%), rodenticides (21.1%), and various toxic plants (12.0%), followed by antiparasitics (6.0%), chemicals (6.0%), drugs (4.2%), tetrahydrocannabinol (1.2%), or inhaled smoke (1.2%). Patients presented predominantly with neurologic deficits (68.7%), reduced general condition (60.2%), and hypothermia (43.4%). The survival rate was 88.6%. Most cats (93.2%) showed no apparent complications at the time of discharge from the hospital. Toxicant-related complications (48.2%) included thermodysregulation (22.9%), central nervous system signs (18.7%), respiratory issues (6.0%), nephrotoxicity (2.4%), gastrointestinal complications (4.8%), evidence of hepatic failure (4.8%), and hemorrhage (1.8%). Conclusion: In this study, the causative toxicant remained unidentified in many cases. Known poisonings were mostly caused by rodenticides. Neurological signs were the most common clinical presentation. Survival rates were high and comparable with those reported by others.

Embryogenesis is a well-coordinated process relying on precise cues and environmental signals that direct spatiotemporal embryonic patterning. Quite often, when one error in this process occurs, others tend to co-occur. We posit that investigating the co-occurrence of these abnormalities over time would yield additional information about the mode of toxicity for chemicals. Here, we use the environmental contaminant tris(4-chlorophenyl)methanol (TCPMOH) as a model toxicant to assess the relationship between exposures and co-occurrence of developmental abnormalities in zebrafish embryos. We propose a dynamic network modeling approach to study the co-occurrence of abnormalities, including pericardial edema, yolk sac edema, cranial malformation, spinal deformity, delayed/failed swim bladder inflation, and mortality induced by TCPMOH exposure. TCPMOH-exposed samples revealed increased abnormality co-occurrence when compared to controls. The abnormalities were represented as nodes in the dynamic network model. Abnormalities with high co-occurrence over time were identified using network centrality scores. We found that the temporal patterns of abnormality co-occurrence varied between exposure groups. In particular, the high TCPMOH exposure group experienced abnormality co-occurrence earlier than the low exposure group. The network model also revealed that pericardial and yolk sac edema are the most common critical nodes among all TCPMOH exposure levels, preceding further abnormalities. Overall, this study introduces a dynamic network model as a tool for assessing developmental toxicology, integrating structural and temporal features with a concentration response.

To study the influence of environmental pollutants on the dynamics of river populations, we present a process-oriented model that elucidates the interplay between a population and toxic substances in a flowing environment. Here, an unknown boundary defines the front for the spread of the toxicant in the aquatic environment. Some properties of the solution are studied, and the global solvability of the problem is established. To solve problems with a free boundary, we establish Schauder-type estimates. The behaviour of a free boundary has been studied.

Background: In 2018, a sodium nitrite (SN)‐based toxic bait for invasive wild pigs (hereafter wild pigs; Sus scrofa), was evaluated to determine its effectiveness in reducing local wild pig populations in Texas. Localized population reductions of >70% were achieved, but spillage of bait outside wild pig‐specific feeders (bait stations) caused by feeding wild pigs resulted in the deaths of non‐target animals. To evaluate risks to non‐target animals, we tested whether bait presentation influenced the total amount of bait spilled by wild pigs and estimated the associated risk to non‐target species. Results: We found that bait spilled outside bait stations could be reduced by >90% when compacted in trays, as opposed to being manually crumbled into pieces. We documented a mean spill rate of 0.913 g of bait per wild pig. Conservative risk assessments for nine non‐target species for which SN toxicity data exist indicate that there is relatively low risk of lethal exposure, apart from zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) and white mice. Our results indicate that there may be enough spilled bait per feeding wild pig to kill 9.5 or 3.5 individuals of these species, respectively. Other species assessed range from 0.002 to 0.406 potential mortalities per wild pig. Conclusion: We demonstrated that the amount of bait spilled by wild pigs during feeding and the associated risk to non‐target animals can be minimized by presenting the bait compacted in trays within bait stations. We recommend that baits be tightly compacted and secured in bait stations to minimize risks to non‐target animals from spilled bait by wild pigs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate a reaction-diffusion-advection system describing the interaction between a population and a toxicant in open advective environments. The interesting feature of this model is the consideration of a more general advective term and boundary condition. By applying the theory of monotone semi-flow and principal eigenvalue, we obtain the existence and stability of steady states and further present a clear picture on the local and global dynamics. We explore the effects of toxicants on populations and give some sufficient conditions for the existence or extinction of the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Poisonings commonly bring cats and dogs to veterinary emergency facilities. This retrospective study aimed to analyze clinical signs, confirmed or suspected toxicants, treatments, and outcomes of feline poisoning cases presented over 5 years to the emergency service of a small animal referral center. Materials and Methods: Medical records of 166 cats were evaluated for a history of confirmed or presumed poisoning, suspected toxicant, clinical signs, treatment, and outcome. Poisoning probability was determined using patient history, clinical findings, observation, toxicologic examination, and, in some cases, gastric contents. Results: Most cats were hospitalized (94.0%) due to poisoning with mostly unknown toxicants (48.2%), rodenticides (21.1%), and various toxic plants (12.0%), followed by antiparasitics (6.0%), chemicals (6.0%), drugs (4.2%), tetrahydrocannabinol (1.2%), or inhaled smoke (1.2%). Patients presented predominantly with neurologic deficits (68.7%), reduced general condition (60.2%), and hypothermia (43.4%). The survival rate was 88.6%. Most cats (93.2%) showed no apparent complications at the time of discharge from the hospital. Toxicant-related complications (48.2%) included thermodysregulation (22.9%), central nervous system signs (18.7%), respiratory issues (7.2%), nephrotoxicity (6.0%), gastrointestinal complications (4.8%), evidence of hepatic failure (4.8%), and hemorrhage (1.8%). Conclusion: In this study, the causative toxicant remained unidentified in many cases. Known poisonings were mostly caused by rodenticides. Neurological signs were the most common clinical presentation. Survival rates were high and comparable with those reported by others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the production and utilization of nanomaterials have increased many folds due to massive advancement in industrialization and urbanization as well as their increasing application in various sectors. Nanoparticles from these nanomaterials may release into the aquatic environment during their different stages of life cycles and may cause deleterious effects on aquatic fauna. The impact of the nanoparticles on the aquatic organisms is still largely unknown and less addressed. Although many studies have been performed to demonstrate toxicity caused by various types of nanoparticles to aquatic organisms, there is still less information related to suitable biomarkers or biological parameters used. Therefore, the aim of this review article is to carry out an assessment of available peer reviewed research reports in which different biological parameters were used to study effect of different nanoparticles on the aquatic organisms, especially fishes. Firstly, in this review the various sources of nanoparticles into the aquatic environment, different uptake routes of nanoparticles into the fish body, and their mechanism of action were discussed. After that, major emphasis as well as less emphasis given biological parameters or biomarkers to study nanoparticles toxicity to fishes by different researchers have been categorized and suitably illustrated. Furthermore, some new biomarkers or biological parameters which can be used to demonstrate nanoparticles toxicity were also discussed. In conclusion, this review will help the researchers to find out new biomarkers to study nanoparticles toxicity so that various biological mechanisms can be explored to assess the adverse effects of nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata [syn. Herpestes auropunctatus]; mongoose) is a highly invasive species in its introduced range that negatively impacts ecosystems. Mongooses depredate native species, serve as a vector of disease posing a risk to human health, and cause sanitation issues in food processing facilities and public areas. Introduced for biocontrol in the late 1800s in Hawai'i and the Caribbean, mongooses currently have well-established populations across multiple islands in both island archipelagos and have invaded numerous other locations throughout the world. The concern of accidental introduction to mongoose-free islands, the difficulty in species detection, and the high cost and labor demand of trapping present the need for a novel control method. A target-specific and efficacious toxic bait can provide an additional tool to reduce mongoose abundance, to eradicate incipient populations, and for biocontrol at ports of entry. In this paper, we document the pathway to registration for a toxic bait for mongoose control with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A registered product must demonstrate a low risk to nontarget species, meet standards for human health and safety, and show no unreasonable adverse effects to the environment. There are no other comparable invasive small mammalian carnivores for which toxic baits have been developed and registered for bait station deployment in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesPast research has not examined secondhand and thirdhand smoke (THS) exposure in children of cigar smokers. We examined hand nicotine and cotinine levels in children of cigar smokers to explore the contribution of cigar smoke to tobacco smoke exposure (TSE).MethodsParticipants were children (N = 24; mean (SD) age = 6.5 (3.6) years) whose parents smoked cigars only or poly-used cigars and/or cigarettes. Primary outcomes were hand nicotine and urinary cotinine levels.ResultsAll children had detectable hand nicotine (range: 7.6-312.5ng/wipe) and cotinine (range: 0.3-100.3ng/ml). Positive correlations were found between hand nicotine and cotinine (r = 0.693, p = .001), hand nicotine and parents who also smoked cigarettes (r = 0.407, p = .048), and hand nicotine and number of smokers around the child (r = 0.436, p = .03). Hand nicotine (r = -0.464, p = .02), but not cotinine (r = -0.266, p = .26), was negatively correlated with child age. Multiple regression results indicated a positive association between hand nicotine and cotinine (p = .002; semi-partial r2 = 0.415), irrespective of child age.ConclusionsThe significant association of hand nicotine with urinary cotinine suggests that THS pollution should be assessed in evaluating children's overall TSE to cigars and other tobacco products, and hand nicotine may be a proxy for overall TSE. Younger children may have increased THS pollutant uptake.

Based on biological sex, the consequential health outcomes from exposures to environmental chemicals or toxicants can differ in disease pathophysiology, progression, and severity. Due to basal differences in cellular and molecular processes resulting from sexual dimorphism of organs including the liver and additional factors influencing 'gene-environment' interactions, males and females can exhibit different responses to toxicant exposures. Associations between environmental/occupational chemical exposures and fatty liver disease (FLD) have been well-acknowledged in human epidemiologic studies and their causal relationships demonstrated in experimental models. However, studies related to sex differences in liver toxicology are still limited to draw any inferences on sexdependent chemical toxicity. The purpose of this review is to highlight the present state of knowledge on the existence of sex differences in toxicant-associated FLD (TAFLD), discuss potential underlying mechanisms driving these differences, implications of said differences on disease susceptibility, and emerging concepts. Chemicals of interest include various categories of pollutants that have been investigated in TAFLD, namely persistent organic pollutants, volatile organic compounds, and metals. Insight into research areas requiring further development is also discussed, with the objective of narrowing the knowledge gap on sex differences in environmental liver diseases. Major conclusions from this review exercise are that biological sex influences TAFLD risks, in part due to (i) toxicant disruption of growth hormone and estrogen receptor signaling, (ii) basal sex differences in energy mobilization and storage, and (iii) differences in chemical metabolism and subsequent body burden. Finally, further sex-dependent toxicological assessments are warranted for the development of sex-specific intervention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for providing rapid and, possibly, on-the-spot analytical results in the case of intoxication has prompted researchers to develop rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective methods and analytical devices suitable for use in nonspecialized laboratories and at the point of need (PON). In recent years, the technology of paper-based microfluidic analytical devices (μPADs) has undergone rapid development and now provides a feasible, low-cost alternative to traditional rapid tests for detecting harmful compounds. In fact, µPADs have been developed to detect toxic molecules (arsenic, cyanide, ethanol, and nitrite), drugs, and drugs of abuse (benzodiazepines, cathinones, cocaine, fentanyl, ketamine, MDMA, morphine, synthetic cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol, and xylazine), and also psychoactive substances used for drug-facilitated crimes (flunitrazepam, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), ketamine, metamizole, midazolam, and scopolamine). The present report critically evaluates the recent developments in paper-based devices, particularly in detection methods, and how these new analytical tools have been tested in forensic and clinical toxicology, also including future perspectives on their application, such as multisensing paper-based devices, microfluidic paper-based separation, and wearable paper-based sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Embryogenesis is a well-coordinated process relying on precise cues and environmental signals that direct spatiotemporal embryonic patterning. Quite often, when one error in this process occurs, others tend to co-occur. We posit that investigating the co-occurrence of these abnormalities over time would yield additional information about the mode of toxicity for chemicals. Here, we use the environmental contaminant tris(4-chlorophenyl)methanol (TCPMOH) as a model toxicant to assess the relationship between exposures and co-occurrence of developmental abnormalities in zebrafish embryos. We propose a dynamic network modeling approach to study the co-occurrence of abnormalities, including pericardial edema, yolk sac edema, cranial malformation, spinal deformity, delayed/failed swim bladder inflation, and mortality induced by TCPMOH exposure. TCPMOH-exposed samples revealed increased abnormality co-occurrence when compared to controls. The abnormalities were represented as nodes in the dynamic network model. Abnormalities with high co-occurrence over time were identified using network centrality scores. We found that the temporal patterns of abnormality co-occurrence varied between exposure groups. In particular, the high TCPMOH exposure group experienced abnormality co-occurrence earlier than the low exposure group. The network model also revealed that pericardial and yolk sac edema are the most common critical nodes among all TCPMOH exposure levels, preceding further abnormalities. Overall, this study introduces a dynamic network model as a tool for assessing developmental toxicology, integrating structural and temporal features with a concentration response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants are powerful antioxidants which can improve well-being and suppress oxidative stress caused by environmental toxins in aquatic animals. In this regard, the present research was designed to show the potential effects of psyllium (Plantago ovata) seed extract (PSE) on the growth, and immune responses of common carp Cyprinus carpio exposed to acute ammonia toxicity. To perform the study, fish were fed with diets containing 0 (T0), 0.25 (T1), 0.5 (T2), and 1% (T3) PSE for 60 days, and then exposed to ammonia (0.5 mg L−1) for 3 h. The findings showed that fish given the T1 diet outperformed the T3 and control groups in terms of ultimate weight, weight increase, and food conversion ratio. Additionally, the T1 group showed a significantly higher level of total protein and serum lysozyme activity than the other treatment groups. Moreover, the highest serum total immunoglobulin values were recorded in T1 and T2 groups. The results showed that PSE, especially at moderate levels, could successfully upregulate the transcription of immune-related genes (IFN-γ, Hsp70, TNF-ɑ, IL-1ß, IL-10, and IgE) compared to the control group after exposure to ammonia. Furthermore, improving ammonia-induced down regulations of antioxidant-related gene expressions (CYP1A, SOD, and GPX) was observed in fish fed with PSE-included diets compared to the control one. However, PSE-supplemented diets did not affect the mRNA expression level of CAT. Regarding tight junction-associated genes, the higher mRNA expression level of occludin was observed in the T1 group, whereas the downregulation of CLD3 gene occurred in all experimental groups. Conversely, significant upregulation of osmoregulation-associated gene (NKA) was recorded in all experimental groups compared to the control one. Therefore, the administration of PSE (0.25% of the diet) for 60 days is recommended to increase growth performance, improve health, and increase the resistance of common carp to oxidative stress caused by ammonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo describe a serious adverse event of gastrointestinal obstruction requiring surgery following routine administration of multiple doses of activated charcoal (AC) granules, which were prescribed for carprofen toxicosis.Case summaryA 2-year-old female neutered Airedale Terrier presented for ingestion of 207 mg/kg of carprofen. Decontamination was initiated with apomorphine to induce emesis. Along with additional supportive care, the dog received an initial dose of 75 mL of AC suspension containing sorbitol by mouth (15.6 g of AC, or 0.6 g/kg), followed by 50 g of AC granules every 8 hours for 4 additional doses. While hospitalized, the dog experienced clinical signs, including vomiting and black diarrhea, as well as bloodwork changes including mild to moderate elevations in kidney and liver enzymes. Given clinical improvement after 72 hours of hospitalization, the patient was discharged for monitoring and ongoing care at home. Two days later, the patient presented again for nausea, dark diarrhea with frank blood, and panting. Abdominal ultrasound showed findings suspicious for partially obstructive foreign material or atypical impacted fecal material partially occluding the distal ileum. Despite medical management overnight, recheck ultrasound the following day demonstrated persistent obstruction with ileal foreign material. Exploratory laparotomy and enterotomy revealed moderate distension and obstruction of the distal ileum with black granular foreign material consistent with charcoal granules. The patient remained in hospital for supportive care for 4 days following the procedure, and all clinical signs were resolved at the time of discharge.New or unique information providedThis report documents a serious adverse event of gastrointestinal obstruction associated with routine multidose AC administration, which has been occasionally reported in people but not in dogs. The potential for this complication should be taken into account when prescribing multiple doses of AC granules.

A blood plasma detoxitycation efficiency by a barbotage method (gas bubbling through a liquid medium) is investigated. It is established that the efficiency of removal of carbon tetrachloride out of the plasma and its mixtures with plasma substitutes is determined by the speed of gas bubbling and foam characteristics such as fluid-time foam formation and concentration of foaming agent.

The long-term development of the mining industry in the Komsomolsky, Kavalerovsky and Dalnegorsky districts of the Far East of Russia caused origination of large-scale mining technogenic systems. During the period of socalled “perestroika”, mining production in the region was suspended, while mine workings (pits, adits) and tailings dumps were not subjected to any kind of preservation or reclamation. Only the boron and lead-zinc mining sectors in the Dalnegorsk district are currently in operation. The purpose of this paper is to assess the composition of mine waters, reveal the conditions of their formation, the presence of various aqueous species (coordination compounds and ions) of different elements and establish the parameters of precipitation of a number of hypergenic natural and technogenic minerals from these waters. This paper provides the hydrochemical characteristics of mine waters in the mining technogenic systems of tin-sulfide, copper-tin, tin-polymetallic, and polymetallic deposits, indicates the conditions of their formation and describes the adverse impact on the hydrosphere, as well as on human health in these districts. The studies of sulfide oxidation and mine water formation processes were carried out by the method of physicochemical simulation involving the use of the Selektor software package. The Eh–pH parameters of solutions, their composition with respect to stable aqueous species (complex compounds and simple ions), paragenetic associations (paragenesis) of precipitating hypergenic minerals with respect to the primary composition of ores and host rocks were established in a wide temperature range (from −25 to +45 °С). It has been established that the simulated micropore solutions participating in the formation of mine waters exhibit a wide range of Eh–pH parameters: Eh from 0.55 to 1.24 V and pH from 0.3 to 13.8. The technogenic minerals Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb and Sb belonging to oxide and hydroxide, sulphate, and arsenate classes are precipitated from them. Mine waters of high concentration, prior to and after the precipitation of technogenic minerals (weight of which reaches the hundreds of grams), are released into the hydrosphere. The simulated solutions contain all the elements of sulfide ores: Cu, Zn, Pb, Fe, Ag, As, Sb and S, whereas their concentrations in the form of aqueous species reach the tens of grams, while under cryogenic conditions the concentrations are by one or two orders of magnitude higher as a result of ice formation. The forms of migration of the elements depend on the temperature conditions. The negative impact of mine waters on the region hydrosphere and human health was demonstrated. In the districts under consideration, obvious trend of increasing morbidity (for almost all types of diseases) by 2 times both in adults and in children as compared to other Far Eastern regions was revealed. In addition, the morbidity of the child population for almost all the diseases under consideration proved much higher than in adults.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of tartaric acid (TTA) on Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells compared to human kidney (HK)‐2 cells. Secondarily, to evaluate the effects of probenecid, an organic anion transporter (OAT)‐1 inhibitor, as well as human (h)OAT‐4 transfection into MDCK cells to prevent TTA‐induced cytotoxicity through decreasing accumulation via OAT‐1 uptake inhibition or increasing OAT‐4‐mediated TTA efflux. Design: Seventy‐two‐hour TTA concentration response and inhibitor studies in immortalized cell lines. Setting: School of Pharmacy biomedical research laboratory and tissue culture facility. Animals/Samples: MDCK and HK‐2 immortalized cell lines. Interventions: Both cell lines were treated with increasing concentrations of TTA for 72 hours. Additionally, MDCK cells were co‐incubated with TTA and increasing concentrations of probenecid or had been transfected with hOAT‐4 and subsequently treated with TTA for 72 hours. Measurements and Main Results: Media and samples were collected and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was measured. LDH release was measured to assess TTA‐induced cytotoxicity after 72 hours. LDH was not significantly increased in the HK‐2 cells at any concentration but was significantly increased in the MDCK cells from 10 to 100 mM. LDH concentrations were significantly decreased (61%) in MDCK cells incubated with 50 mM TTA and probenecid when compared to TTA alone. hOAT‐4 MDCK cell transfection also significantly reduced LDH release (57%) when comparing the transfected MDCK cells to the nontransfected MDCK cells treated with 50 mM TTA. Conclusions: TTA is a species‐specific nephrotoxicant in dogs due to an interspecies difference in OAT‐4 expression. Inhibiting TTA uptake in MDCK cells in vitro using the OAT‐specific inhibitor, probenecid, prevents TTA‐induced cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I luman responses to environmental toxicants vary due to genetic differences among individuals. which makes risk assessment challenging. To overcome this obstacle, knowledge of the specific genetic variants that drive disparities in environmental toxicant responses is required. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a useful model for addressing this challenge because it has levels of natural variation that are similar to humans, is easy to screen for· toxicant responses, and has the conserved molecular. cellular. and developmental properties of a metazoan. Here we use high-throughput C elegans toxicant response assays and genetic mapping approaches to find genetic variants that influence responses to chlorfenapyr, a widely used commercial insecticide. We found that among a sample of 192 genetically distinct wild nematode strains, most of the variation in chlorfenapyr response was driven by a single, highly resistant strain. ECA36. Most strains exposed to 0.6uM chlorfenapyr develop 50% slower than normal. but the development of ECA36 is unaffected. To map the genetic differences underlying ECA36 chlorfenapyr resistance, we built a panel of 192 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). sequenced their genoines, and measured their chlorfenapyr responses. We then used a linkage mapping approach to correlate genotype with phenotype across more than 10,000 markers. We found that 88% of the variation in chlorfenapyr resistance among the RILs is explained by a 164 kb genomic region on chromosome V. This region contains 49 distinct genes, including 10 cytochrome P450 genes. Future work will use CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing techniques to measure the effect of specific variants within these genes on chlorfenapyr resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nepeta paulsenii is a less explored plant found in the South-Eastern hilly region of Pakistan. Local people consider it a medicinal plant. The protective effect of methanol extract of N. paulsenii leaves on carbon-tetrachloride (CCl4) tempted liver damage in male rats was assessed. Forty-eight rats were equally divided into 8 groups and various concentrations of extract + CCl4 were induced for 30 days. Crude methanolic extract of N. paulsenii plant was examined through phytochemical analyses and gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometre (GC–MS) before biological testing on albino rats. Phytochemical analysis of extract showed coumarins, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and betacyanins, while GC–MS results revealed the existence of several compounds belonging to diverse classes, responsible for the hepatoprotective attribute of N.paulsenii. CCl4 exposure substantially decreased the antioxidant enzymes activity while increased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and reactive oxygen species levels. A remarkable increase in the aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels was observed in CCl4 treated rats. Comet-parameters were observed after CCl4 administration. N. paulsenii extract administration substantially improved the antioxidant enzyme activity, hepatic markers as well as comet parameters and reversed the CCl4 induced histopathological damages. The results revealed that N. paulsenii has therapeutic effects against CCl4-induced liver damages.

Despite the importance of river suspended matter (RSM) for carbon, nutrient, and trace metal transfer from the land to the ocean, the mineralogical control on major and trace element speciation in the RSM remains poorly constrained. To gain a better understanding of environmental and seasonal factors controlling the mineral and chemical composition of riverine suspended load, we studied, over several hydrological seasons, including winter baseflow, the RSM of a large boreal river in Western Siberia (Ob in its middle course) and its two small tributaries. The concentration of RSM increased from 2–18 mg/L in winter to 15–105 mg L−1 during the spring flood. Among the dominant mineral phases of the RSM in the Ob River, quartz (20–40%), albite (4–18%), smectite (2–14%), and chlorite (6–16%) increased their relative proportions with an increase in discharge in the order "winter ≤ summer < spring flood"; illite (5–15%) was not affected by seasons or discharge, whereas the abundance of calcite (0–30%) decreased with discharge, from winter to summer and spring. Seasonal variation of elemental composition of the Ob River's RSM allowed distinguishing three main groups of elements. Sodium, K, Si, Al, trivalent, and tetravalent hydrolysates increased their concentrations in the RSM with an increase in discharge, reflecting enhanced contribution of lithogenic material during high flow, whereas the concentration of alkaline-earth metals (Ca, Sr, Ba), P, Mn, and As decreased with discharge, reflecting accumulation of these elements in the suspended matter under ice. At the same time, a number of nutrients and trace elements demonstrated progressive accumulation in the RSM during winter (Ca, P, Cu, Zn, Mo, As, Cd, Sb). Micronutrients (V, Co), Fe, and Cr exhibited a minimum during summer, which could reflect both the uptake of these elements by the biota during baseflow (micronutrients) and their enhanced export during winter and spring compared to summer (Fe). The RSM of small tributaries demonstrated quite a different pattern compared to the Ob River main stem. Maximal concentration of suspended matter was observed at low discharges during the winter. During this period, the RSM was dominated by amorphous Fe hydroxides. Overall, the obtained results confirm the overwhelming impact of peatlands on element export in suspended form in small rivers of Western Siberia, and strong seasonal variations of both mineralogy and chemistry of the RSM in the Ob River main stem. Elemental yields (watershed-normalized export), assessed for the first time for the middle course of the Ob River and tributaries, were shifted towards the more important role of particulate vs. dissolved export for a number of trace elements, compared to that of the small and medium-sized rivers of Western Siberia, draining the taiga forest and peatlands of the boreal zone. The contrasting pattern of RSM chemical composition across the year demonstrated the importance of seasonal approach for sampling river suspended matter and calls a need for addressing strongly understudied RSM sources during winter baseflow, under ice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate a delayed diffusive predator-prey model affected by toxic substance. First, the boundedness and persistence property of the model are established. Then by analyzing the associated characteristic equation, we give some conditions for the existence of Hopf bifurcation, Turing bifurcation and Turing-Hopf bifurcation. Furthermore, we study Hopf bifurcation and Turing-Hopf bifurcation induced by the delay. Finally, numerical simulations are given to illustrate our theoretical results. The numerically observed characteristics accord well with the theoretically predicted results. Theoretical and numerical simulations indicate that toxic substance affect the system greatly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of chlorfenapyr pesticide were investigated on juvenile of Clarias gariepinus. Sub-lethal test was carried out using 5, 7, 9, 11 and 15 mgL-1 of chlorfenapyr pesticide for 96 hours, and peripheral blood was collected through the caudal vein and examined for haematological changes. There was significant reduction (P<0.05) in WBC when compared to the control. RBC increase was directly proportional to increase in chlorfenapyr dose and significantly differed from control (p<0.05). HGB increased in a dose-dependent manner. MCV values of all treatment groups, except 15 mgL-1, were higher when compared to control. MCH was not significantly different from control. PLT decreased with increase in concentration and was lower for all treatment when compared with control. Results obtained in this study suggest that exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of chlorfenapyr can alter the haematological indices of non-target organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a regular autopsy, blood and organs are used to quantify drug and toxicant concentrations; however, specimens such as blood cannot be collected from highly decomposed corpses, making the quantification of drug and toxicants impossible. This study aimed to estimate the blood carbamazepine (CBZ) concentration from teeth, a part of the human body that is best preserved after death. We sampled teeth and blood of rats administered CBZ. The correlation between the tooth and serum CBZ concentrations was analyzed. Rats were euthanized after CBZ administration and kept at 22 °C for 0 to 15 days before sampling the teeth and measuring the CBZ concentration. Undecalcified, fresh, frozen sections of rat teeth were prepared, and CBZ localization was evaluated. CBZ concentrations in both teeth and cardiac blood peaked at 60 min after administration and increased in a dose-dependent manner. CBZ concentration in teeth did not substantially change after death, with high CBZ distribution being observed in the pulp cavity. The tooth and serum CBZ concentrations were highly correlated, suggesting that the measurement of toxicant concentration in sampled teeth would allow for the estimation of blood toxicant concentration in highly decomposed corpses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are an invasive species in the United States. They damage agriculture, degrade water quality and ecological communities, and host a number of viruses, parasites, and bacteria transmissible to humans and animals. In states such as Texas, USA, where wild pigs cause extensive damage to agriculture and property, officials have considered allowing for the use of toxicants to control wild pig populations. To provide decision-makers with information regarding stakeholders' perceptions of the use of toxicants to control wild pigs, we surveyed Texas hunters in 2019 to assess the level of acceptance of a hypothetical wild pig toxicant, the sociodemographic and other factors most closely associated with acceptability of such a toxicant, and the specific concerns that underlie hunters' positions on the use of such a toxicant. We received 37,317 completed responses to an online, self-administered survey. Respondents were divided over the use of a toxicant, with 43% finding a toxicant acceptable, 18% neutral, and 39% finding a toxicant unacceptable. The factor most closely associated with acceptance of a wild pig toxicant was respondents' desired wild pig population size in Texas (χ² = 3,657.7, P < 0.001, V = 0.26), with 70% of respondents who preferred that wild pigs be completely removed from Texas finding the use of a toxicant to be acceptable, compared to 14% of respondents who preferred that wild pig populations increase or stay the same. The most commonly raised concerns in connection with toxicant usage were potential negative impacts to nontarget animals (33%) and negative impacts to human health (24%). Our research suggests that while achieving a consensus among Texas hunters on toxicant usage is unrealistic, building majority support may be possible if the identified concerns are sufficiently addressed in product development and outreach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are a widely distributed and destructive invasive species throughout parts of North America, Australia, South America, Africa, and many island nations (Barrios-Garcia and Ballari 2012). The invasion of wild pigs is associated with extensive agricultural, ecological, and control costs (Hone 1995, Pimentel et al. 2000, Pimentel 2007). Wild pigs are expanding in distribution and population density throughout the United States and Australia (Bevins et al. 2014, Lewis et al. 2017, Snow et al. 2017b). These increases are attributed to intentional and accidental introductions by humans (Spencer and Hampton 2005, Barrios-Garcia and Ballari 2012), high reproductive potential (Mayer and Brisbin 2009), lack of predators (Bevins et al. 2014), human alterations to the landscape that improve suitability for wild pigs, and the adaptability of wild pigs to occupy a variety of landscapes and opportunistically feed on many food items (Seward et al. 2004). An international effort to develop an acute and humane toxic bait for invasive wild pigs is underway to assist in curtailing their expansion (Snow et al. 2017a). We evaluated the ability to expose a population of wild pigs to a simulated toxic bait (i.e., placebo bait containing a biomarker, rhodamine B, in lieu of the toxic ingredient) to gain insight on potential population reduction. We used 28 GPS collars and sampled 428 wild pigs to examine their vibrissae for evidence of consuming the bait. Overall, we found that (74.1%) of wild pigs tested were positive for RB from consuming the RB bait. These wild pigs were sampled from an average distance of 0.61 km (SE = 0.04) from the nearest bait sites. We estimated that 91% of wild pigs within 0.75 km of bait sites (total area = 16.8 km2) consumed the simulated toxic bait, exposing them to possible lethal effects. Bait sites spaced 0.75-1.5 km apart achieved optimal delivery of the bait, but wild pigs ranging ≥3 km away were susceptible. Use of wild pig-specific bait stations resulted in no non-target species directly accessing the bait. Most of the collared wild pigs visited >1 bait sites during the final night with biomarker deployment, leading to two relevant conclusions. First, the 18-day baiting strategy for locating, and accustoming wild pigs to the placebo bait and bait stations, was adequate for overcoming neophobic tendencies of wild pigs. Secondly, the spacing of the bait stations (i.e., 1 bait site per 0.75 km2) was adequate for exposing all wild pigs in between bait sites to the bait, and may have been expanded to expose more wild pigs. This study demonstrated the potential for exposing a large proportion of wild pigs to a toxic bait. Bait sites should be spaced 0.75-1.5 km apart, and closer will provide better efficacy. Approximately 18 days of coordinated pre-baiting should be sufficient for accustoming wild pigs to using the wild pig-specific bait stations and readily consuming a novel bait. Toxic baits may be an effective tool for reducing wild pigs especially if used as part of an integrated pest management strategy. Investigation of risks associated with a field-deployment of the toxic bait is needed.

The distribution of feral hogs throughout North American has increased dramatically since their introduction. The use of toxicants has proven to be a n effective tool in controlling feral hog numbers in several countries. Using data from 13 GPS hogs, we compared movements and space use of control and treated hogs between pre-baiting and baiting phases of 3 feral hog toxicant field tests. Generalized linear mixed models were used to explain prospective changes in movements. In addition, we evaluated the distance of toxicant-killed feral hog carcasses from bait stations, roads, and cultivated crop plots. The mean distances traveled by treatment hogs between the pre-baiting and baiting periods was reduced by 43.9%, 32.1%, and 48.8% for daily, diurnal, and nocturnal periods, respectively. Daily and nocturnal movements exhibited a significant decrease between pre-baiting and baiting phases by feral hogs as a result of bait consumption. Mean space use size between the pre-baiting and baiting periods for treatment hogs was reduced by 37.5% and 30.0% for 95% MCP and 50% MCP, respectively but was not a result of bait consumption. Toxicant-killed feral hog carcass distance from bait stations, cultivated crops, and roads averaged (± SE) 919.4 ± 68.1 m, 908.9 ± 72.1 m, and 120.7 ± 34.9 m, respectively. These carcasses were never recovered from crop plots or near roads and were typically found in natural land cover types. The toxicant warfarin reduced movements of feral hogs, which in turn can reduce their damage to crop and reduce the spread of disease.

The feral hog is an invasive species that inflicts billions of dollars in agricultural damage every year in the U.S. Hog-specific baits have shown promise in reducing feral hog abundance but require species-specific feeders to exclude domestic animals and non-target wildlife. Four feeder types were tested during 2016 and 2017 field studies, including commercial feeders, prototype feeders, and a new species-specific feral hog feeder. Commercial feeders with 2.3 kg, 4.5 kg, and 6.8 kg weighted doors were used in 2016 and raccoons were observed on camera opening doors 10 times out of 164 camera observed visitations (6.1%). No other non-target species were observed entering the feeders. The following year, new feeders with 7.7 kg double-sided guillotine doors were used in a field study and no raccoons opened doors during 153 camera-observed visitations. Out of over 1,600 non-target camera images recorded, only one mouse was observed inside the feeders. Results of this study suggest the new hog feeder may provide reduced-risk to non-target species and a promising tool for controlling hog populations.

Recently, pomegranate fruit and its leaves have found wide usage as a natural treatment for several ailments. In this study, we investigated the restorative potentials of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extract against hepatic damage brought on by calcium tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats and its effects on the human mutS homolog 2 (hMSH2) gene expression. Four groups of twenty male Wistar rats (n =5) were created at random. Group I was the untreated control group. Group II was given a dose of 0.4 ml CCl4 intraperitoneally (IP) for two consecutive days/week for 3 weeks. Group III was given a daily dose (500 mg/ kg b.w) of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) for 3 weeks. Group IV received an IP of CCl4 for two consecutive days/week for 3weeks followed by a daily oral dose of (500 mg/ kg b.w) of PPE for 3 weeks. Bodyweight, relative liver weight, serum AST, ALT, bilirubin, tissue GSH, and MDA, the expression of the hMSH2 gene, liver histology, and immunohistochemistry were assessed. Our results showed that the administration of CCl4 to rats did not affect their body weight and relative liver weight. However, CCl4 administration resulted in a decrease in tissue GSH, an increase in serum AST, ALT, bilirubin, lipid peroxidation, modification of liver histology, and immunohistochemistry, and the downregulation of the expression of the hMSH2 gene. Intriguingly, PPE treatment following CCl4 administration to rats attenuated these changes. Taken together, our study reveals the potential of PPE for its use in the treatment of liver damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introductions of transboundary animal diseases (TADs) into free-ranging wildlife can be difficult to control and devastating for domestic livestock trade. Combating a new TAD introduction in wildlife with an emergency response requires quickly limiting spread of the disease by intensely removing wild animals within a contiguous area. In the case of African swine fever virus (ASFv) in wild pigs (Sus scrofa), which has been spreading in many regions of the world, there is little information on the time- and cost-efficiency of methods for intensively and consistently culling wild pigs and recovering carcasses in an emergency response scenario. We compared the efficiencies of aerial operations, trapping, experimental toxic baiting, and ground shooting in northcentral Texas, USA during two months in 2023. Culling and recovering carcasses of wild pigs averaged a rate of 0.15 wild pigs/person hour and cost an average of $233.04/wild pig ($USD 2023) across all four methods. Aerial operations required the greatest initial investment but subsequently was the most time- and cost-efficient, costing an average of $7266 to reduce the population by a standard measure of 10 %, including recovering carcasses. Aerial operations required a ground crew of ∼7 people/helicopter to recover carcasses. Costs for reducing the population of wild pigs using trapping were similar, although took 13.5 times longer to accomplish. In cases where carcass recovery and disposal are needed (e.g., response to ASFv), a benefit of trapping was immediate carcass recovery. Toxic baiting was less efficient because both culling and carcass recovery required substantial time. We culled very few wild pigs with ground shooting in this landscape. Our results provide insight on the efficiencies of each removal method. Strategically combining removal methods may increase overall efficiency. Overall, our findings inform the preparation of resources, personnel needs, and deployment readiness for TAD responses involving wild pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic condition characterized by adverse health effects due to exposure to common chemicals which may lead to disability. The pervasive nature of stigma associated with MCS and similar conditions, including that which exists among providers, creates unbearable barriers to healthcare access. Objectives The main objectives of this study are: (1) to describe the symptoms associated with MCS, (2) determine whether environmental exposure has an impact on psychological well-being of patients with MCS. Methods The qualitative phenomenological study consisting of 42 individuals presenting with medically-unexplained symptoms was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Results The symptoms experienced by participants with MCS are diverse, with common symptoms being migraine, paresthesias, seizure-like attacks, allergic reactions, respiratory symptoms (e.g., SOB, swollen throat), GI distress, muscle pain, chronic fatigue and persistent insomnia. These symptoms always develop in response to low level exposures to various toxicants, recur reproducibly and improve when toxic agents are removed. Finally, the adults with MCS are more likely to experience significant affective and PTSD-like reactions. The participants stated the stigmas and misconceptions against those with toxicant sensitivities affected their mental wellness. Conclusions Multiple clinically significant behavioral and psychological symptoms are associated with MCS. Our data suggested that diagnostic overshadowing is pervasive in the healthcare system. This study also highlights the importance of psychological interventions and doctor–patient relationship in the management of MCS in various settings. Public education to increase knowledge around environmental illness is paramount. Disclosure No significant relationships.