Microplastics and TiO2 nanoparticles mixture as an emerging threat to amphibians: A case study on bullfrog embryos

Emerging contaminants can act as contributing factors to the decline of amphibian populations worldwide. Recently, scientists have drawn attention to the potential ecotoxicity of microplastics and nanomaterials in amphibians, however, their possible effects on embryonic developmental stages are still absent. Thus, the present study analyzed the developmental toxicity of environmentally relevant concentrations of polyethylene microplastics (PE MPs; 60 mg/L) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs; 10 μg/L), isolated or in combination (Mix group) on bullfrog embryos, Aquarana catesbeiana, adapting the Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay (FETAX, 96h). Allied to the FETAX protocol, we also analyzed the heart rate and morphometric data. The exposure reduced the survival and hatching rates in groups exposed to TiO2 NPs, and to a lesser extent, also affected the Mix group. TiO2 NPs possibly interacted with the hatching enzymes of the embryos, preventing hatching, and reducing their survival. The reduced effects in the Mix group are due to the agglomeration of both toxicants, making the NPs less available for the embryos. PE MPs got attached to the gelatinous capsule of the chorion (confirmed by fluorescence microscopy), which protected the embryos from eventual direct effects of the microplastics on the hatching and survival rates. Although there were no cardiotoxic effects nor morphometric alterations, there was a significant increase in abdominal edemas in the hatched embryos of the PE MPs group, which indicates that osmoregulation might have been affected by the attachment of the microplastics on the embryos' gelatinous capsule. This study presents the first evidence of developmental toxicity of environmental mixtures of microplastics and nanoparticles on amphibians and reinforces the need for more studies with other amphibian species, especially neotropical specimens that could present bigger sensibility. Our study also highlighted several features of the FETAX protocol as useful tools to evaluate the embryotoxicity of several pollutants on amphibians.

Intracranial meningioma in a baboon (Papio spp.)

Meningioma is the most common intracranial non-glial tumour of cats, dogs and man. Few spontaneously arising brain tumours have been reported in non-human primates. This report describes a meningioma in a captive baboon. Clinical signs exhibited by the animal included head pressing, visual impairment and vestibular disease. The tumour arose from the ventral aspect of the cranial cavity and compressed the overlying left side of the cerebellum and brainstem. Microscopically, the mass was characterized by pleomorphic spindle-shaped to polygonal cells arranged in sheaths, vague whorls and occasional papillary structures on vascular cores. Nuclear cytoplasmic invagination, syncytial-like cells and areas of mineralization were also evident. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells expressed vimentin and S-100 protein, but not pancytokeratin, glial fibrillary acidic protein or epithelial membrane antigen. The features of this tumour are similar to those of meningiomas in other species.

Accidents caused by Bothrops and Bothropoides in the State of Paraiba: epidemiological and clinical aspects

INTRODUCTION: Bothrops and Bothropoides snakes cause 70% of the ophidic accidents in Brazil. The species that cause ophidic accidents in State of Paraíba are Bothropoides erythromelas, Bothrops leucurus and Bothropoides neuwiedi. METHODS: This is a prospective and transverse study, following a quantitative approach of accidents involving Bothrops and Bothropoides admitted to the Toxicological Assistance and Information Centers of Campina Grande and João Pessoa (Ceatox-CG and Ceatox-JP), aimed at identifying the epidemiological and clinical profile of such accidents. All of the patients admitted had medical diagnoses and were monitored at Ceatox-CG or Ceatox-JP. RESULTS: The genera Bothrops and Bothropoides caused 91.7% of the ophidic accidents reported. Snake bites were frequent in men (75.1%), rural workers (65.1%), literate individuals (69%) between 11 and 20 years-old (21.7%), and toes the most common area attacked (52.7%). Most (86.6%) patients were admitted within 6 hours after the accident/bite, with a predominance of mild cases (64.6%). The annual occurrence in Paraíba was 5.5 accidents/100,000 inhabitants and lethality was 0.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Positive changes in the profiles of these accidents were verified, such as the non-application of inadequate solutions, including the use of tourniquet, coffee grounds, garlic, suction and/or cutting the bitten area. Moreover, the Itinerant Laboratory project, linked to Paraíba State University in partnership with Ceatox-CG, has contributed positively, providing several cities of the state with information regarding the prevention of accidents involving venomous animals. The local press has also contributed, reporting the educational work developed by the centers.

[Comparative analysis of occupational therapy benefits in spastic patients with hands involvement before and after botulinum toxin infiltration]

INTRODUCTION

Spasticity is the most difficult motor disorder to be treated after an encephalic vascular accident or stroke, which interferes in the patient's selective motor functioning.

AIM

To compare the involvement type of the extrinsic muscles, the functionality degree of the hand and functional independence of patients with spastic hemiplegia due to stroke after botulinum toxin A (BTA) infiltration. They were divided into a group receiving occupational therapy treatment (group I), and other who has not received it (group II).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Longitudinal study with 20 spastic hemiplegic outpatients due to stroke, both sexes, with average age of 53.1 +/- 15.3 years-old who have been attending in the botulinum toxin service. They have received BTA infiltration in the muscles responsible for the hand functional movements, and they were evaluated before and after 3-months infiltration. To collect data, these instruments were used: anamnesis questionnaire of occupational therapy, the Classification of involvement types of extrinsic muscle, according to adapted Zancolli, the adapted Hausen's Functional Classification, the Functional Independence Measure Scale, the Rivermead's Scale of Activity of Daily Life and the Barthel Index.

RESULTS

In the classification, according to adapted Zancolli, group I presented higher improvement of involvement than group II. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was observed in group I according to the other evaluations, except in the Barthel Index.

CONCLUSION

Both effectiveness and importance of occupational therapy were observed in the rehabilitation of patients with spastic hemiplegia due to stroke after infiltration of BTA providing them greater abilities and functional independence in their daily life activities.