Hypertensive emergency secondary to atropine

Atropine, a competitive antagonist of acetylcholine muscarinic receptors, is commonly used to treat severe bradycardia by blocking parasympathetic activity. We present a rare case of hypertensive emergency following atropine administration, with only one previous report in the literature. A 78-year-old woman with essential hypertension and hypercholesterolemia was admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit for non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. During coronary angiography, an occlusion of the right coronary artery was identified. While removing the diagnostic catheter through the right radial artery, the patient experienced intense pain and discomfort, accompanied by a vasovagal reflex characterized by bradycardia and hypotension. Intravenous atropine (0.5mg) was administered, leading to a rapid rise in heart rate with frequent ventricular ectopy. Subsequently, a progressive and exaggerated elevation in arterial blood pressure occurred, peaking at 294/121mmHg approximately 10min after atropine administration. The patient developed hypertensive acute pulmonary edema, successfully treated with intravenous nitroglycerine (10mg) and furosemide (60mg). Blood pressure normalized after approximately 14min. The exact mechanism of atropine-induced hypertensive emergency remains unknown. While hypertensive emergencies with atropine are exceedingly rare, healthcare professionals should be aware of this potential effect and be prepared for prompt intervention.

Polymerization Stress and Gap Formation of Self-adhesive, Bulk-fill and Flowable Composite Resins

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Bulk-fill materials show a similar or better performance than control flowable materials regarding interfacial integrity. However, some self-adhesive composites need improvements to achieve competitive performance.

SUMMARY

Objective: This laboratory study compared the polymerization stress and gap formation of self-adhesive, bulk-fill and control flowable composites. The degree of conversion (DC) and post-gel shrinkage were also assessed.Methods: Two self-adhesive (Vertise Flow and Fusio Liquid Dentin), two bulk-fill (Tetric N-Flow Bulk-Fill and Filtek Bulk-Fill Flowable Restorative), and two control flowable (Z350 XT Flowable Restorative and Tetric N-Flow) composites were evaluated. Polymerization stress (PS) was determined in a universal testing machine (n=5). Gap formation was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy in class I restorations (n=6). DC was measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (n=3). Post-gel volumetric shrinkage (VS) was measured using the strain gauge method (n=5). Data were submitted to one-way analysis of variance or a Kruskal-Wallis test (α=0.05).Results: Vertise Flow and Fusio Liquid Dentin presented the highest interfacial gap (27%±5% and 21%±6%, respectively), which was associated with their highest PS (4.1±0.8 MPa and 3.5±0.6 MPa, respectively) and DC (63%±2% and 60%±2%, respectively) in spite of the lowest VS (1.0%±0.2% and 1.0%±0.3%, respectively). Tetric N-Flow Bulk-Fill and Filtek Bulk-Fill Flowable Restorative presented similar PS (2.9± 0.3 MPa and 2.4±0.2 MPa, respectively) to both control materials. However, the Tetric N-Flow Bulk-Fill showed the lowest gap (7%±2%) and the highest DC (64.3%±0.4%), and the Filtek Bulk-fill presented a marginal gap (17.8%±3.4%) and a DC (54.5%±2.7%) similar to the control materials. The VS values of both bulk-fill materials were similar to those of Tetric N-Flow and lower than that of Z350 XT Flowable Restorative.Conclusions: Bulk-fill composites showed either similar or significantly lower interfacial gaps and PS than the control flowable composites. The self-adhesive composites showed a significantly higher gap percentage and PS than the control and bulk-fill materials.

Screening of hydrogel-based scaffolds for dental pulp regeneration-A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the most appropriate hydrogel scaffold type (natural, synthetic or hybrid) to be applied with stem cells for dental pulp regeneration. The findings should help clinicians make an informed choice about the appropriate scaffold to be applied for this approach.

DESIGN

Three electronic databases were searched (Medline, Web of Science and Scopus). The review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA).

RESULTS

From 4990 potentially relevant studies initially identified, 18 papers fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were considered for this review. Natural scaffolds were applied in most studies. Collagen was the most studied scaffold. In 5 of 10 studies, only growth factors were added to the constructs. Even without growth factors, these scaffolds containing stem cells were able to support the formation of dentin. The synthetic scaffolds were the least studied. Only 4 studies were selected, and in 3 of them, the same scaffold (Puramatrix) was evaluated. Puramatrix by itself was unable to form dental pulp when dental pulp stem cells were not present. Synthetic and hybrid hydrogels were unable to attract stem cells from the host. The presence of growth factors in these constructs seems to be of relevance since dental pulp tissue formation was achieved only when the hybrid scaffold was applied with growth factors.

CONCLUSION

All types of hydrogel-based scaffolds, when containing mesenchymal stem cells, are able to form connective tissue with different degrees of similarity to dental pulp. However, current data is too heterogeneous to compare and identify the advantages of any specific scaffold.

First-year medical undergraduate students opinion about the use of radiology in gross anatomy course

Introduction: Although the importance of anatomy teaching in the undergraduate medical curriculum is incontestable, the lack of knowledge retention and clinical application are the greatest challenges for anatomy teachers. New teaching methodologies are replacing cadaver' dissection in many schools around the world and the usage of radiologic images can become a valuable resource for student's learning the human body structures. The aim of this article was to analyze the perception of first-year undergraduate medical students in the usage of radiology in gross human anatomy course. Materials and methods: One hundred students answered a 30 questions survey using a 5-point Likert scale about the usage of radiologic images in the human anatomy classes. Results: Most subjects have shown desire and the availability to learn human anatomy using images. After the usage of radiologic images there has been an increase on the subjective aspects of the human body such as admiration and respect, an improvement in the correlation of human anatomy with clinical aspects and in the three dimensional perception of the human body anatomic structures. Conclusions: Most of the research participants evaluated the usage of radiologic images as positive and beneicial for the teaching and learning human anatomy as it increases the interest for anatomy and it can favor learning and clinical practice performance. Results shows that according to students' opinion the usage of radiology can be an excellent complement in human anatomy learning and can induce us to think it can prepare and train more competent doctors in diagnostic imaging.

Treatment of real industrial wastewaters through nano-TiO2 and nano-Fe2O3 photocatalysis: case study of mining and kraft pulp mill effluents

High quantities of industrial wastewaters containing a wide range of organic and inorganic pollutants are being directly discharged into the environment, sometimes without proper treatment. Nanotechnology has a tremendous potential improving the existing treatments or even develop new treatment solutions. In this study, nano-TiO₂ or nano-Fe₂O₃ was used for the photocatalytic treatment of kraft pulp mill effluent and mining effluent. The experiments with the organic effluent lead to reduction percentages of 93.3%, 68.4% and 89.8%, for colour, aromatic compounds and chemical oxygen demand, respectively, when treated with nano-TiO₂/H₂O₂/UV and nano-Fe₂O₃/H₂O₂/UV, at pH 3.0. Significant removal of metals from the mining effluent was recorded but only for Zn, Al and Cd, the highest removal attained with 1.0 g L^-1 of nano-TiO₂/UV and nano-Fe₂O₃/UV. Regarding the toxicity of the organic effluent to Vibrio fischeri, it was reduced with the treatments combining the oxidant and the catalyst. However, for the inorganic effluent, the best reduction was achieved using 1.0 g L^-1 of catalyst. In fact, the increase in dose of the catalyst, especially for nano-TiO₂, enhanced toxicity reduction. Our results have shown that the use of these NMs seemed to be more effective in the organic effluent than in metal-rich effluent.

Avaliação in vitro de Membranas Poliméricas Carregadas com Vitamina D e Dexametasona na Engenharia Tecidual Óssea

Os objetivos desse estudo foram: desenvolver e caracterizar membranas poliméricas de ácido poli-L-láctico (PLLA) associado       à dexametasona (DX) e vitamina D (VD) e avaliar a citotoxicidade e capacidade de osteoindução desses materiais na presença     de células-tronco do ligamento periodontal (PDLSC). Foram confeccionadas membranas por meio de eletrofiação compostas por PLLA, PLLA/DX ou PLLA/VD, e as concentrações de DX e VD foram 1, 5 ou 10% em peso. A morfologia das malhas foi avaliada por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). As membranas foram armazenadas por 14 dias em meio de cultura e o meio condicionado coletado foi adicionado sobre cultura de PDLSC para análise da citotoxicidade por meio de ensaio de redução do MTT em 24 e 72h. Diferenciação óssea foi determinada por meio de ensaio de vermelho de alizarina após 21 dias de cultura das PDLSC sobre as membranas, em meio de diferenciação osteogênica. Observou-se que a eletrofiação produziu fibras homogêneas e sem gotas em todos materiais. Não houve diferenças estatísticas quanto à viabilidade celular, de forma que todas as membranas produzidas foram atóxicas às PDLSCs em 24 e 72h (88±10% e 95±10%). Os materiais com 1 e 5% de vitamina D e 1% de dexametasona promoveram maior diferenciação celular, com absorbância de 0,7 ± 0,1 e 0,8 ± 0,1 e 0,5± 0,1, respectivamente, e diferiram do controle de PLLA (0,28 ± 0,01). Desta forma, podemos concluir que as membranas desenvolvidas foram biocompatíveis em PDLSC e propiciaram aumento na osteodiferenciação quando 1% de dexametasona ou 1 e 5% de vitamina D foram associados ao PLLA.Palavras-chave: Regeneração Óssea. Células-Tronco. Engenharia Tecidual.

Estudo Comparativo de Compósitos Bulk-Fill: Grau de Conversão, Contração Pós-Gel e Citotoxicidade

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o grau de conversão, contração volumétrica pós-gel e citotoxicidade de seis compósitos comerciais “bulk-fill” de consistência regular e fluida. Foram testados seis compósitos do tipo bulk-fill, e dois compósitos restauradores convencionais, foram testados como controles. O grau de conversão foi determinado por espectroscopia FTIR, determinou-se a contração volumétrica pós-gel utilizando o método de strain-gage e a avaliação da citotoxicidade em fibroblastos humanos foi determinada indiretamente por ensaio de MTT. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste ANOVA / Tukey unidirecional. Todos  os materiais, incluindo bulk-fill e convencionais, foram classificados como não tóxicos, com viabilidade celular superior     a 70%. Os compósitos bulk-fill apresentaram contração volumétrica semelhante ou inferior (1,4 a 0,4%) em comparação com os compósitos convencionais (1,7- 2,1%). No entanto, apenas três dos compósitos bulk-fill foram capazes de manter uma conversão homogénea ao longo da profundidade de 4 mm. Sendo assim, o clínico deve prestar especial atenção na seleção de um material que realmente atinja o desempenho proposto de um material bulk-filll.Palavras-chave: Compósitos. Contração.

Uranium mining wastes: The use of the Fish Embryo Acute Toxicity Test (FET) test to evaluate toxicity and risk of environmental discharge

Active and abandoned uranium mining sites often create environmentally problematic situations, since they cause the contamination of all environmental matrices (air, soil and water) with stable metals and radionuclides. Due to their cytotoxic, genotoxic and teratogenic properties, the exposure to these contaminants may cause several harmful effects in living organisms. The Fish Embryo Acute Toxicity Test (FET) test was employed to evaluate the genotoxic and teratogenic potential of mine liquid effluents and sludge elutriates from a deactivated uranium mine. The aims were: a) to determine the risk of discharge of such wastes in the environment; b) the effectiveness of the chemical treatment applied to the uranium mine water, which is a standard procedure generally applied to liquid effluents from uranium mines and mills, to reduce its toxicological potential; c) the suitability of the FET test for the evaluation the toxicity of such wastes and the added value of including the evaluation of genotoxicity. Results showed that through the FET test it was possible to determine that both elutriates and effluents are genotoxic and also that the mine effluent is teratogenic at low concentrations. Additionally, liquid effluents and sludge elutriates affect other parameters namely, growth and hatching and that water pH alone played an important role in the hatching process. The inclusion of genotoxicity evaluation in the FET test was crucial to prevent the underestimation of the risks posed by some of the tested effluents/elutriates. Finally, it was possible to conclude that care should be taken when using benchmark values calculated for specific stressors to evaluate the risk posed by uranium mining wastes to freshwater ecosystems, due to their chemical complexity.

Effects of dietary exposure to herbicide and of the nutritive quality of contaminated food on the reproductive output of Daphnia magna

Risk assessment of pesticides has been based on direct toxic effects on aquatic organisms. Indirect effects data are taken into account but with limitations, as it is frequently difficult to predict their real impacts in the ecosystems. In this context the main aim of this work was to assess how the exposure to the herbicide pendimethalin (Prowl(®)), under environmentally relevant concentrations, may compromise the nutritional composition of food for a relevant group of primary consumers of freshwater food webs-the daphnids, thus affecting their reproduction performance and subsequently the long-term sustainability of active populations of this grazer. Therefore, Daphnia magna individuals were chronically exposed in a clean medium to a control diet (NCF - i.e., non-contaminated green algae Raphidocelis subcapitata) and to a contaminated diet (CF - i.e., the same monoalgal culture grown in a medium enriched with pendimethalin in a concentration equivalent to the EC20 for growth inhibition of algae), during which reproductive endpoints were assessed. The algae were analysed for protein, carbohydrate and fatty acid content. The chemical composition of R. subcapitata in the CF revealed a slight decrease on total fatty acid levels, with a particular decrease of essential ω9 monounsaturated fatty acids. In contrast, the protein content was high in the CF. D. magna exposed to CF experienced a 16% reduction in reproduction, measured as the total number of offspring produced per female. Additionally, an internal pendimethalin body burden of 4.226μgg(-1) was accumulated by daphnids fed with CF. Hence, although it is difficult to discriminate the contribution of the pesticide (as a toxic agent transferred through the food web) from that of the food with a poor quality-compromised by the same pesticide, there are no doubts that, under environmentally relevant concentrations of pesticides, both pathways may compromise the populations of freshwater grazers in the long term, with consequences in the control of the primary productivity of these systems.

Evaluation of native plant flower characteristics for conservation biological control of Prays oleae

Several studies have shown that manipulating flowering weeds within an agroecosystem can have an important role in pest control by natural enemies, by providing them nectar and pollen, which are significant sources of nutrition for adults. The aim of this study was to assess if the olive moth, Prays oleae (Bernard, 1788) (Lepidoptera: Praydidae), and five of its main natural enemies, the parasitoid species Chelonus elaeaphilus Silvestri (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Apanteles xanthostigma (Haliday) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Ageniaspis fuscicollis (Dalman) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and Elasmus flabellatus (Fonscolombe) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), as well as the predator Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), can theoretically access the nectar from 21 flowering weeds that naturally occur in olive groves. Thus, the architecture of the flowers as well as the mouthpart structure and/or the head and thorax width of the pest and its enemies were analyzed. The results suggested that all beneficial insects were able to reach nectar of the plant species from Apiaceae family, i.e. Conopodium majus (Gouan) Loret, Daucus carota L. and Foeniculum vulgare Mill., as well as Asparagus acutifolius L., Echium plantagineum L., Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik., Raphanus raphanistrum L., Lonicera hispanica Boiss. et Reut., Silene gallica L., Spergula arvensis L., Hypericum perforatum L., Calamintha baetica Boiss. et Reut, Malva neglecta Wallr. and Linaria saxatilis (L.) Chaz. P. oleae was not able to access nectar from five plant species, namely: Andryala integrifolia L., Chondrilla juncea L., Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter, Sonchus asper (L.) Hill and Lavandula stoechas L.

Assessing the ecotoxicity of metal nano-oxides with potential for wastewater treatment

The rapid development of nanotechnology and the increasing use of nanomaterials (NMs) raise concern about their fate and potential effects in the environment, especially for those that could be used for remediation purposes and that will be intentionally released to the environment. Despite the remarkable emerging literature addressing the biological effects of NMs to aquatic organisms, the existing information is still scarce and contradictory. Therefore, aimed at selecting NMs for the treatment of organic and inorganic effluents, we assessed the potential toxicity of NiO (100 and 10-20 nm), Fe2O3 (≈85 × 425 nm), and TiO2 (<25 nm), to a battery of aquatic organisms: Vibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Lemna minor, Daphnia magna, Brachionus plicatilis, and Artemia salina. Also a mutagenic test was performed with two Salmonella typhimurium strains. Suspensions of each NM, prepared with the different test media, were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and eletrophoretic light scattering (ELS). For the assays with marine species, no toxicity was observed for all the compounds. In opposite, statistically significant effects were produced on all freshwater species, being D. magna the most sensitive organism. Based on the results of this study, the tested NMs can be classified in a decreasing order of toxicity NiO (100 nm) > NiO (10-20 nm) > TiO2 (<25 nm) > Fe2O3, allowing to infer that apparently Fe2O3 NMs seems to be the one with less risks for receiving aquatic systems.

Biological treatment with fungi of olive mill wastewater pre-treated by photocatalytic oxidation with nanomaterials

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) still is a major environmental problem due to its high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total phenolic content (TPC), contributing for the high toxicity and recalcitrant nature. Several attempts have been made for developing more efficient treatment processes, but no chemical or biological approaches were found to be totally effective, especially in terms of toxicity reduction. In this context, the main purpose of this study was to investigate the treatability of OMW by the combination of photocatalytic oxidation, using two nanomaterials as catalysts (TiO2 and Fe2O3), with biological degradation by fungi (Pleurotus sajor caju and Phanerochaete chrysosporium). Photocatalytic oxidation was carried out using different systems, nano-TiO2/UV, nano-Fe2O3/UV, nano-TiO2/H2O2/UV and nano-Fe2O3/H2O2/UV. The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed through color (465nm), aromatics (270nm), COD and TPC reductions, as well as by the decrease in toxicity using the bacterium Vibrio fischeri. The chemical treatment with the system nano-TiO2/H2O2/UV promoted 43%, 14%, 38% and 31% reductions in color, aromatics content, COD and TPC, respectively. However no toxicity reduction was observed. The combination with a biological treatment increased the reduction of COD and TPC as well as a reduction in toxicity. The treatment with P. chrysosporium promoted the highest reduction in toxicity, but P. sajor caju was responsible for the best reduction in COD and TPC. However, the biological treatment was more effective when no hydrogen peroxide was used in the pre-treatment.

The effects of acrylamide polyelectrolytes on aquatic organisms: relating toxicity to chain architecture

Understanding the inherent toxicity of water-soluble synthetic polyelectrolytes is critical for adequate risk management as well as enhancing product design when biological activity is a key performance index (e.g. for application in biofouling bivalves' control). The toxicity of two cationic acrylamide copolymers with different chain branching degree was evaluated. Standard ecotoxicity tests were conducted with microalgae and daphnids. The susceptibility of Corbicula fluminea, as a biofouling bivalve, was also evaluated. The effect of polyelectrolyte on the test media viscosity and the polymer chain size distributions under the experimental conditions were also examined. The susceptibility of the microalgae to both polymers was similar. As the complexity and size of the test organisms increased, differences in toxicity due to different chain architecture were noticeable. The more branched polymer was significantly less toxic to both daphnids and the bivalves, which could be linked to the distinctive features of its bimodal size chain distribution. This architecture resulted in both more compact globular molecules and the formation of aggregates, which reduce the polymer interaction with the biological surfaces. The results of this study promote the incorporation of environmental considerations in polyelectrolyte development and contribute to the design of improved solutions for controlling biofouling bivalves.

Effect of acetaminophen exposure in Oncorhynchus mykiss gills and liver: detoxification mechanisms, oxidative defence system and peroxidative damage

The increasing presence of pharmaceutical drugs in nature is cause of concern due to the occurrence of oxidative stress in non-target species. Acetaminophen is widely used in human medicine as an analgesic and antipyretic drug, and it is one of the most sold non-prescription drugs. The present study aimed to assess the toxic effects of acetaminophen (APAP) in Oncorhynchus mykiss following acute and chronic exposures in realistic levels. In order to evaluate the APAP effects in the rainbow trout, gills and liver were analyzed with biochemical biomarkers, such as catalase (CAT), total and selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRed) and glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) activity and also lipid peroxidation levels (TBARS). The results obtained in all tests indicate that a significant response of oxidative stress was established, along with the increase of APAP concentrations. The establishment of an oxidative stress scenario occurred with the involvement of all tested biomarkers, sustaining a generalized set of pro-oxidative effects elicited by APAP. Additionally, the occurrence of oxidative damage strongly suggests the impairment of the antioxidant defense mechanism of O. mykiss. It is important to note that the occurrence of oxidative deleterious effects and peroxidative damages occurred for concentrations similar to those already reported for several freshwater ecosystems. The importance of these assumptions is further discussed under the scope of ecological relevance of the assessment of effects caused by pharmaceuticals in non-target organisms.

The Gooseneck Barnacle (Pollicipes pollicipes) as a candidate sentinel species for coastal contamination

The assessment of toxic effects caused by complex mixtures of contaminants in the marine environment requires previous validation of toxicological criteria, which may include biomarker end points with distinct biological meanings. This is the case of oxidative stress/phase II detoxification (glutathione-S-transferases activity), oxidative damage (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), and neurotransmission (cholinesterase activity), which are likely to be affected after toxic insults by common marine pollutants. The main purpose of the present study was to assess potential biological alterations in the mollusk species Pollicipes pollicipes (gooseneck barnacle) caused by human contamination and seasonality, during a period of 1 year, in three different areas of the North Atlantic shore of Portugal. Our results indicate that fluctuations of the mentioned biomarkers were strongly related to seasonality, but they may also suffer influence by the already documented patterns of chemical contamination. Organisms collected in contaminated sampling sites (urban areas and oil refinery) showed greater levels of metabolic enzymes and increased levels of lipid peroxidation. These alterations were more evident during the summer, and, in some cases, spring months, suggesting an association between the presence of chemical stressors and temperature-dependent seasonal physiological fluctuations, which contribute to the modulation of the toxic response. In general terms, P. pollicipes was shown to be a promising organism in coastal biomonitoring programs, with an adequate sensitivity toward contamination and/or seasonal fluctuations. However, it is of the utmost importance to consider seasonal fluctuations in physiological parameters that modulate the toxic response. These factors can ultimately compromise the development and interpretation of data from marine biomonitoring programs if a thorough characterization of biological responses is not previously performed.

Environmental effects of anticholinesterasic therapeutic drugs on a crustacean species, Daphnia magna

The presence of pharmaceutical drugs in the environment is an important field of toxicology, since such residues can cause deleterious effects on exposed biota. This study assessed the ecotoxicological acute and chronic effects of two anticholinesterasic drugs, neostigmine and pyridostigmine in Daphnia magna. Our study calculated 48 h-EC50 values for the immobilization assay of 167.7 μg L(-1) for neostigmine and 91.3 μg L(-1) for pyridostigmine. In terms of feeding behavior, we calculated a 5 h-EC50 for filtration rates of 7.1 and 0.2 μg L(-1) for neostigmine and pyridostigmine, respectively; for the ingestion rates, the calculated EC50 values were, respectively, 7.5 and 0.2 μg L(-1) for neostigmine and pyridostigmine. In the reproduction assay, the most affected parameter was the somatic growth rate (LOECs of 21.0 and 2.9 μg L(-1) for neostigmine and pyridostigmine, respectively), followed by the fecundity (LOECs of 41.9 and 11.4 μg L(-1) for neostigmine and pyridostigmine, respectively). We also determined a 48 h-IC50 for cholinesterase activity of 1.7 and 4.5 μg L(-1) for neostigmine and pyridostigmine, respectively. These results demonstrated that both compounds are potentially toxic for D. magna at concentrations in the order of the μg L(-1).

Boceprevir and telaprevir-based triple therapy for chronic hepatitis C: virological efficacy and impact on kidney function and model for end-stage liver disease score

Triple therapy using telaprevir or boceprevir [hepatitis C virus (HCV)-NS3/NS4A protease inhibitors (PI)] in association with PEG-IFN/ribavirin has recently become the new standard of care (SOC) for treatment of HCV genotype 1 patients. Our objective was to assess the efficacy and tolerance of triple therapy in routine clinical practice. A total of 186 consecutive HCV patients initiating triple therapy were enrolled in a single centre study. Clinical, biological and virological data were collected at baseline and during follow-up as well as tolerance and side effect details. Among 186 HCV patients initiating triple therapy, 69% received telaprevir and 31% boceprevir. Sixty-one per cent of patients had cirrhosis. The overall extended rapid virological response (eRVR) rate and sustained virological response (SVR) rate were 57.0% and 59.7%, respectively. IL28B CC phenotype was associated with increased probability of achieving eRVR and SVR, whereas previous non-response was associated with low eRVR and SVR rates. The SVR rate increased from 30.8% in previously non-responders to 59.1% in partial non-responders and 75% in relapsers. SVR rate in naive patients was 62.5%. Glomerular filtration rate assessed by MDRD after 12 weeks of therapy was significantly reduced for both PI (P < 0.001). The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was significantly increased at W12 for telaprevir (P = 0.008) and at W24 for boceprevir (P = 0.027). PI-based triple therapy leads to high rates of virological response even in previously non-responder patients. Renal function after triple therapy is impaired as well as MELD score in all patients. Cautious clinical monitoring should focus not only on haematological and dermatological side effects but also on renal function.

Short-term effects of neuroactive pharmaceutical drugs on a fish species: biochemical and behavioural effects

The presence of pharmaceutical residues in the aquatic environment is receiving great attention since significant levels of contamination have been found, not only in sewage treatment plant effluents, but also in open waters. In our study, the toxicity of three anticonvulsant drugs commonly found in the environment (diazepam, carbamazepine, and phenytoin) was evaluated in Lepomis gibbosus (pumpkinseed sunfish). This study focused on oxidative stress parameters, namely: glutathione reductase (GRed), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), catalase (CAT), and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) in the hepatic, digestive, and gill tissues of exposed animals. Simultaneously, we assessed the effects of these drugs in terms of behavioural parameters, such as scototaxis and activity. Exposure to diazepam caused an increase in GST activities in the gills and an inhibition of GRed in the digestive tract, relative to control, suggesting an antioxidant response. It also caused fish to spend more time swimming and less time in a refuge area (black compartment of an aquarium). Exposure to carbamazepine caused an increase in GSTs and GRed activity in the digestive tract, which is not always consistent with the literature. A significant positive correlation was found between carbamazepine concentration and time spent in motion and a negative correlation with time spent in black compartment. Exposure to phenytoin was responsible for adaptive responses in the activities of CAT and GSTs (in the liver), but it did not elicit any behavioural alterations. Although all three drugs seemed to induce oxidative stress in some organs, peroxidative damage (measured as TBARS concentrations) was not found at the selected range of concentrations. Our results enlighten the need for more research on the ecological consequences of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment, especially drugs that interfere with the CNS and behaviour, because the net outcome of these effects may be difficult to predict.

Toxicity of organic and inorganic nanoparticles to four species of white-rot fungi

The rapid development of nanoparticles (NP) for industrial applications and large-volume manufacturing, with its subsequent release into the environment, raised the need to understand and characterize the potential effects of NP to biota. Accordingly, this work aimed to assess sublethal effects of five NP to the white-rot fungi species Trametes versicolor, Lentinus sajor caju, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Each species was exposed to serial dilutions of the following NP: organic-vesicles of SDS/DDAB and of Mo/NaO; gold-NP, quantum dot CdSe/ZnS, and Fe/Co. Fungi growth rate was monitored every day, and at the end of assay the mycelium from each replicate was collected to evaluate possible changes in its chemical composition. For all NP-suspensions the following parameters were characterized: hydrodynamic diameter, surface charge, aggregation index, zeta potential, and conductivity. All tested NP tended to aggregate when suspended in aqueous media. The obtained results showed that gold-NP, CdSe/ZnS, Mo/NaO, and SDS/DDAB significantly inhibited the growth of fungi with effects on the mycelium chemical composition. Among the tested NP, gold-NP and CdSe/ZnS were the ones exerting a higher effect on the four fungi. Finally to our knowledge, this is the first study reporting that different types of NP induce changes in the chemical composition of fungi mycelium.

Biomonitoring a human population inhabiting nearby a deactivated uranium mine

Environmental exposure to uranium and its daughter radionuclides, has been linked to several negative effects such as those related with important physiological processes, like hematopoiesis, and may also be associated with genotoxicity effects. Herein, genotoxic effects, immunotoxicity, trace elements and C reactive protein (CRP) analyses, were performed in peripheral blood samples collected from individuals of a population living near a deactivated uranium mine. C reactive protein analysis was performed to exclude candidates with active inflammatory processes from further evaluations. DNA damage and immunotoxicity (immunophenotyping and immune cell counts) were evaluated by comet assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Significant DNA damage was observed in the peripheral blood samples from volunteers living in the Cunha Baixa village. A significant decrease of NK and T lymphocytes counts were observed in the individuals from the Cunha Baixa village, when compared with individuals from the reference site. Uranium and manganese levels were significantly higher in the Cunha Baixa village inhabitants. On the other hand, zinc levels were significantly lower in those individuals when compared with the volunteers from the control village. Results suggest that inhabitants from Cunha Baixa have a higher risk of suffering from serious diseases such as cancer, since high DNA damages were observed in peripheral blood leukocytes and also decreased levels of NK and T cells, which play an essential role in the defense against tumor growth.

Structure of aquatic vegetation of a large lake, western border of the Brazilian Pantanal

Studies on Neotropical aquatic macrophytes have increased in recent decades, however species richness in wetlands of South America is far from being fully known. In addition, studies having an ecological approach are scarce in the Pantanal. Rapid assessments are essential for gaining knowledge of the biodiversity in the region. This study was performed in five sites of the Baía do Castelo, the western border of the Brazilian Pantanal, which included wild-rice patches, floating mats and floating meadows. At each site, plots of 0.5 × 0.5 m were set (n = 137), species of aquatic macrophytes were identified, their coverage was measured and the plot depth was estimated. We recorded 57 species in 26 families, of which Poaceae was the richest. The most frequent and abundant species was Commelina schomburgkiana; the second most frequent was Oryza latifolia,followed by Leersia hexandra, Enydra radicans and Pityrogramma calomelanos. The latter species was second in cover, followed by Pontederia rotundifolia, Eichhornia azurea, E. crassipes and Enydra radicans. These five species and C. schomburgkiana (the most abundant) together represent more than half of the coverage on the lake. Pontederia rotundifolia, Ludwigia helminthorrhiza, Pistia stratiotes, E. azurea, E. crassipes, Enydra radicans and Panicum elephantipes were strongly associated with deeper areas, while Oryza latifolia, Leersia hexandra and Salvinia auriculata were prevalent in shallow areas. Pityrogramma calomelanos, Ludwigia nervosa, Ipomoea alba, Cayaponia podantha, Polygonum acuminatum, Rhynchanthera novemnervia and Ludwigia leptocarpa were highly correlated with floating meadows. The structure of the habitat, natural dynamics and zonation of aquatic vegetation in the Baía do Castelo seems to be influenced by a variation in water levels, which promotes spatial segregation, most likely due to competition and/habitat preference.

Ecotoxicological effects of Mikado and Viper on algae and daphnids

The toxicity of single and combined formulated herbicides (Mikado and Viper) was assessed on several endpoints in species from two trophic levels: algae growth-Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Chlorella vulgaris-immobilization and life-history traits (only for single compound toxicity) of daphnids-Daphnia longispina and Daphnia magna. Viper was the most toxic formulated herbicide. It was hypothesized that the toxicity of both formulated herbicides could have been enhanced by adjuvants, especially for Viper. In most cases, the sublethal endpoints were the most sensitive and affected by both formulations, comparatively to their acute effects. Concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA) models provided an accurate description of Mikado and Viper joint action on algae growth and immobilization of daphnids, although significant deviations were always detected. A low-dose antagonism and high-dose synergism were identified for P. subcapitata, whereas C. vulgaris response deviated antagonistically from CA and synergistically from IA. For both daphnids, however, synergistic effects were observed for higher mixture concentrations. Under a regulatory standpoint, CA provided the most conservative estimation either because the mixture effects were overestimated or less subestimated than IA. Overall, the great sensitivity differences observed within species did not allow the conclusion that one trophic level was more tolerant than the other. Instead, P. subcapitata was always the most sensitive species to both herbicide formulations, followed by D. longispina, while D. magna and C. vulgaris were the most tolerant species. On a whole, further studies are needed toward a comprehensive understanding of herbicides mode of action, their effects at lower biological-level endpoints, and under different mixture designs.

Mutagenicity assessment of aerosols in emissions from wood combustion in Portugal

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) extracts of fine particles (PM(2.5)) collected from combustion of seven wood species and briquettes were tested for mutagenic activities using Ames test with Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100. The woods were Pinus pinaster (maritime pine), Eucalyptus globulus (eucalypt), Quercus suber (cork oak), Acacia longifolia (golden wattle), Quercus faginea (Portuguese oak), Olea europea (olive), and Quercus ilex rotundifolia (Holm oak). Burning experiments were done using woodstove and fireplace, hot start and cold start conditions. A mutagenic response was recorded for all species except golden wattle, maritime pine, and briquettes. The mutagenic extracts were not correlated with high emission factors of carcinogenic PAHs. These extracts were obtained both from two burning appliances and start-up conditions. However, fireplace seemed to favour the occurrence of mutagenic emissions. The negative result recorded for golden wattle was interesting, in an ecological point of view, since after confirmation, this invasive species, can be recommended for domestic use.

Ecotoxicological effects of ciprofloxacin on freshwater species: data integration and derivation of toxicity thresholds for risk assessment

Although antibiotics have been increasingly used and detected in natural samples, their ecotoxicological effects on aquatic wildlife are not yet extensively studied. Considering the environmental threat posed by the biological activity of antibiotics it is quite relevant to assess the resulting impact, especially on sub-lethal endpoints. As such, this study evaluated the effects of ciprofloxacin on Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Lemna minor growth, on the survival and reproduction of Daphnia magna and on Gambusia holbrooki survival. The risks associated with ciprofloxacin effects on non-target organisms were quantified through the calculation of the PEC/PNEC ratio. Overall, the toxicity values obtained (at the mg L(-1) level) were higher than the environmental concentrations. P. subcapitata and L. minor were more sensitive under short-term exposures than D. magna and G. holbrooki. No acute toxicity was observed for fish. The chronic assay with D. magna evidenced that long term exposures to lower concentrations of this antibiotic induced impairments on its life-history parameters. Such outcome may pre-empt potential damages on the long-term maintenance of natural populations continuously exposed to the input of antibiotics. Indeed, the PEC/PNEC ratios showed that ciprofloxacin represents a risk for the most sensitive aquatic organisms, since the defined threshold of an acceptable risk was considerably surpassed.

Toxicity and genotoxicity of organic and inorganic nanoparticles to the bacteria Vibrio fischeri and Salmonella typhimurium

The present work aimed at evaluating the toxicity and genotoxicity of two organic (vesicles composed of sodium dodecyl sulphate/didodecyl dimethylammonium bromide-SDS/DDAB and of monoolein and sodium oelate-Mo/NaO) and four inorganic (titanium oxide-TiO₂, silicon titanium-TiSiO₄, Lumidot-CdSe/ZnS, and gold nanorods) nanoparticles (NP), suspended in two aqueous media (Milli Q water and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) hardwater), to the bacteria Vibrio fischeri (Microtox test) and Salmonella typhimurium-his⁻ (Ames test with strains TA98 and TA100). Aiming a better understanding of these biological responses physical and chemical characterization of the studied NP suspensions was carried out. Results denoted a high aggregation state of the NP in the aqueous suspensions, with the exception of SDS/DDAB and Mo/NaO vesicles, and of nanogold suspended in Milli Q water. This higher aggregation was consistent with the low values of zeta potential, revealing the instability of the suspensions. Regarding toxicity data, except for nano TiO₂, the tested NP significantly inhibited bioluminescence of V. fischeri. Genotoxic effects were only induced by SDS/DDAB and TiO₂ for the strain TA98. A wide range of toxicity responses was observed for the six tested NP, differing by more than 5 orders of magnitude, and suggesting different modes of action of the tested NP.

Rapid ecological assessment of benthic indicators of water quality: a successful capacity-building experience for Brazilian postgraduate students in ecology

Rapid Ecological Assessment protocols are important tools for the training of postgraduate students, as well as the collection of data on poorly-known and protected areas with the potential for the preservation of water supplies for urban areas. The objective of this study was to perform a survey of water quality and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates in two sub-basins at the Mata do Junco Wildlife Refuge in the Brazilian state of Sergipe. The collection of data in the field, laboratory processing, and the interpretation and discussion of data were conducted in groups by students from two postgraduate programmes in Ecology and Conservation (UFMG and UFS), personnel of the state environment agency (SEMARH), school teachers from the local town of Capela, and members of the reserve's voluntary fire brigade. The results of the assessment were organised, analysed, and presented at the reserve headquarters in the form of posters, for the development of environmental education activities with pupils from local schools, as well as contributing to a SEMARH seminar. Samples were characterised by distinct taxonomic compositions and diversity, as confirmed by MDS and additive partitioning of diversity analyses. The gravel substrate presented the lower mean taxonomic richness in each sampling unit (a1 = 28%), while the average difference among samples (b1 diversity) was elevated for both substrates (39% for leaf litter, 41% for gravel), reflecting the pronounced variation among samples, even adjacent ones within the same stream. Diversity between streams was lower in the case of leaf litter in comparison with gravel (b2 = 21 and 31%, respectively). A total of 57 fish specimens were collected with a predominance of individuals of the orders Characiformes (62%) and Perciformes (21%). This rapid ecological assessment confirmed the importance of the conservation unit and emphasised the need for its continuation, given its importance for the maintenance of water quality and its other ecological services, such as the conservation of the region's aquatic biodiversity and providing the local town of Capela (circa 20,000 inhabitants) with its water supply, the Mata do Junco being its only source.

Screening evaluation of the ecotoxicity and genotoxicity of soils contaminated with organic and inorganic nanoparticles: the role of ageing

This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity and genotoxicity of soils, and corresponding elutriates, contaminated with aqueous suspensions of two organic (vesicles of sodium dodecyl sulphate/didodecyl dimethylammonium bromide and of monoolein and sodium oleate) and five inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) (TiO(2), TiSiO(4), CdSe/ZnS quantum dots, Fe/Co magnetic fluid and gold nanorods) to Vibrio fischeri and Salmonella typhimurium (TA98 and TA100 strains). Soil samples were tested 2h and 30 days after contamination. Suspensions of NPs were characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering. Soils were highly toxic to V. fischeri, especially after 2h. After 30 days toxicity was maintained only for soils spiked with suspensions of more stable NPs (zeta potential>30 mV or <-30 mV). Elutriates were particularly toxic after 2h, except for soil spiked with Fe/Co magnetic fluid, suggesting that ageing may have contributed for degrading the organic shell of these NPs, increasing the mobility of core elements and the toxicity of elutriates. TA98 was the most sensitive strain to the mutagenic potential of soil elutriates. Only elutriates from soils spiked with gold nanorods, quantum dots (QDs) and TiSiO(4) induced mutations in both strains of S. typhimurium, suggesting more diversified mechanisms of genotoxicity.

In situ aquatic bioassessment of pesticides applied on rice fields using a microalga and daphnids

This study assessed the effects of episodic contamination on a drainage canal adjacent to an area of intensive rice production (Coimbra, Portugal). Four monitoring periods were considered [i) before herbicide application (day-14), ii) at the first application day (day 0), iii) 3 or 5 and iv) 6days after]. Each one consisted in three complementary evaluation lines: a) physico-chemical analyses, b) whole effluent toxicity (WET) assays with Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, c) in situ bioassays to assess microalgae (P. subcapitata) growth, and the feeding rate and survival of Daphnia longispina and Daphnia magna. Study sites were located upstream, in a protected wetland (L1), and downstream, in the vicinity of rice fields (L2). Along with the application of agrochemicals, there was a general decrease of the water quality, especially in L2, due to nutrient and herbicide inputs. Herbicide peaks (on days 0, 5 and 6) in L2 water samples were recorded concomitantly or immediately after their application. Regarding the in situ bioassessment, the algae growth decrease from day 0 onwards in L1, whilst in L2 its inhibition was generally coherent with the decline of the water quality. Apparently, WET tests indicated that the limitation of nutrients could be affecting algae growth in L1, however, conclusions should be cautious. The feeding depression of daphnids occurred on days 0 and 5 for D. longispina and only on day 0 for D. magna, while significant reductions on survival were restricted to day 0 for both species. The impairments occurring on day 0 were linked to a potential increased toxicity driven by the ingestion of particle-bound herbicides and suspended particles. The feeding rate of daphnids provided an earlier indication of toxic impairments, though it is prompted the use of complementary endpoints and trophic levels in order to understand the cumulative effects due to various herbicide pulses.

Genetic, biochemical, and individual responses of the teleost fish Carassius auratus to uranium

Carassius auratus were exposed for 96 h to different concentrations of uranyl nitrate (corresponding to 0, 100, 450, and 2,025 microg U L(-1)) and killed after different postexposure periods (0, 48, and 96 h) to assess uranium bioaccumulation, peroxisome proliferation (catalase [CAT]), lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS]), and DNA integrity in erythrocytes (comet assay). In addition, feeding behaviour was recorded as a general response to toxicant exposure. Results provided evidence of uranium bioaccumulation in muscle of C. auratus after exposure to the highest concentrations (450 and 2,025 microg U L(-1)). This tissue was able to depurate uranium to control levels 96 h after exposure ceased. However, no perturbations in feeding behaviour or cell damage were observed in the tested organisms, except for the apparent irreversible inhibition of CAT activity immediately after exposure in the highest concentration tested. Data on DNA integrity (comets) showed that waterborne uranium exposure was able to induce genotoxicity in C. auratus erythrocytes because fish exposed to all concentrations exhibited higher DNA damage than controls 96 h after exposure. No DNA damage repair was apparent throughout the postexposure period, which was contrary to a recovery scenario. This experiment provides evidence of uranium's ability to induce physiologic impairment and genotoxicity in freshwater fish at environmentally relevant concentrations.