Abnormal Erythrocyte Research Articles

From cells to recapture rates: responses and recovery of a wild fish after an experimental exposure to a widely used herbicide.

Freshwater environments are biodiversity hotspots under multiple pressures, including pesticide exposure. S-metolachlor, a widely used herbicide, can induce genotoxic, cytotoxic and physiological effects in captive fish, but we have a limited understanding of the effects of exposure to S-metolachlor in free-living vertebrates. We carried out an original field experiment using integrative approaches across biological levels and temporal scales. The implantation of slow-release implants, an approach to mimic increasing exposure to S-metolachlor of wildlife in realistic multistress conditions, was coupled to a capture-mark-recapture monitoring of bullheads (Cottus perifretum) living in an agriculturally impacted stream. Thanks to our long-term monitoring programme, we evidenced high levels of metolachlor and its metabolites (metolachlor ESA and metolachlor OXA) in water bodies with strong monthly variations. S-metolachlor levels did not differ between treated and control fish and were moderate in bullhead tissues, likely because of xenobiotic metabolism and excretion. S-metolachlor exposure increased erythrocyte abnormalities and the neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) ratios. These cellular and physiological damages were observed at 2weeks, but not at 3months after the manipulation. This suggests a recovery, likely owing to cell turnover. We also found an increase of body mass of treated fish compared to control fish, and this mass gain persisted at 3months, suggesting obesogenic effects of S-metolachlor. Antioxidant levels, telomere length and recapture rate were not affected by the experimental treatment. In conclusion, we provide evidence for transient and specific cellular alterations induced by low concentrations of S-metolachlor and long-term mass gain in a wild vertebrate. This study paves the way for integrative field experiments to better understand the impacts of pollutants on fish populations.

Aeromonas hydrophila dose and post-immunostimulation period as immunomodulatory effect indicator on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

In fish challenge tests, there is no standardization in the concentration and analysis period of parameters. This study investigates the immunomodulatory and cytotoxic effects of A. hydrophila dose and postimmunostimulation periods on Nile tilapia. Four level of bacterial doses (½, ¼, ⅛, and 0 LD50) were administered, and immune parameters, hematological data, and erythrocyte abnormalities were analyzed at 3, 7, 10, and 14 days post-infection (dpi). The highest respiratory burst, total globulins, and lysozyme activity were detected at 7 dpi. Considering the bacteria doses, the lysozyme activity was higher in the ⅛ LD50 and ¼ LD50 of A. hydrophila. Erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes counts remained unchanged. Ten days post-injection, the control group exhibited reduced abnormalities, showing a notable distinction from the ⅛ LD50 and ¼ LD50 treatments, particularly in hooked and notched nuclei abnormalities. Mortality rates were higher in infected groups, peaking at different times with the highest in ½ LD50. For evaluating Nile tilapia immunity post A. hydrophila infection, it is recommended ¼ LD50 dose and blood collection at 7 and 10 dpi for immunological parameters and abnormalities in Nile tilapia erythrocytes, respectively.

Manifestation of the FLASH effect in proton irradiation of embryos

Purpose In order to study the FLASH effect using live models, this work compared proton-induced damage to embryos (nine days after fertilization) and one-day-old chicks (18 days after fertilization) from irradiated at different dose rates eggs of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japónica). Materials and methods Eggs were irradiated with protons in different modes depending on the dose rate: in a conventional mode (<1 Gy/s, CONV), in a flash mode (∼100 Gy/s, FLASH) and in a single-pulse flash mode (∼105 Gy/s SPLASH). Results By the criteria of body weight and length, as well as the number of erythrocytes with micronuclei in nine-day-old embryos from eggs irradiated in the spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) (8.5 Gy), FLASH and SPLASH modes were found to be less traumatic compared with the CONV mode. Among all irradiated embryos, the maximum body weight and length were observed in the SPLASH mode. The lowest death incidence and the smallest number of abnormal erythrocytes were recorded after FLASH and SPLASH irradiation. In chicks that hatched from eggs irradiated in the CONV mode, a tendency for an increase in the number of abnormal erythrocytes was observed. The speed of movement of chicks from FLASH- and SPLASH-irradiated eggs was comparable with that from unirradiated eggs, while chicks from eggs irradiated in the CONV mode were less active than all others. Conclusions The proton irradiation of eggs in SOBP using high dose-rate modes is less damaging for healthy tissues and for the development of embryos and chicks on the cellular, anatomical, and physiological levels.

Seasonal assessment of biomarkers in Channa punctata from Tampara Lake, Odisha, India and toxicity of thorium nitrate on fish

Tampara Lake, a freshwater lake in the Chatrapur beach placer deposits of Ganjam, Odisha, India is a well-known tourist attraction. Multiple factors seem to disturb the aquatic life of Tampara Lake, especially fish. Chatrapur beach placers are rich in various heavy minerals including monazite, an ore of thorium, that emits high background radiations and can affect the biota. Run-offs from the monazite mining sites on the beach placers are also presumed to be carried to the lake. Tourism, local transportation, fishing activities, presence of heavy minerals and mining run-offs appear to disrupt the lake's ecosystem. The present work assessed the protein and lipid concentrations in the liver and muscle, nuclear abnormalities in the peripheral blood erythrocytes and histopathology of gills, liver, kidney, intestine and stomach of Channa punctata from Tampara Lake in summer, winter and rainy seasons. The study also documented the effects of thorium nitrate, a byproduct of monazite ore processing, on Channa punctata of non-monazite areas. Channa punctata from the Tampara lake had significantly lower protein and lipid content in the liver and muscle, nuclear deformities and micronuclei in the erythrocytes and deformities in the gill, kidney, liver, stomach and intestine relative to the fish from the non-monazite areas. Seasonal alterations were observed in the protein and lipid content of muscle and liver, gill and kidney structure. Fish from the non-monazite areas treated with sub-lethal concentrations of thorium nitrate showed a dose-dependent response in the protein and lipid content of liver and muscle, erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities and histopathological aberrations. The present study provides evidence that Channa punctata from Tampara Lake have relatively low nutritional value compared to fish from undisturbed non-monazite areas and are probably distressed by the water contamination due to the presence of heavy minerals and anthropogenic interventions.

Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis-Like Skin Changes Induced by the Application of Absorbent Pads Containing Bacteria and Artificial Urine in Rats.

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is one of the most serious complications in older people with incontinence. Controlling urine property in absorbent pads could be effective for preventing IAD caused by bacterial urine. However, no animal model has been established to evaluate their effectiveness. This study aimed to induce IAD-like skin changes using absorbent pads containing bacterial urine and to confirm their pathophysiology in rats. Hairless Wistar Yagi rats were divided into the bacteria-containing urine (BU) and the bacteria-free urine (U) groups. A 10-h-attachment of absorbent pads containing artificial urine with/without bacteria to the skin pretreated with sodium lauryl sulfate was performed repeatedly for 5 days. Macroscopic findings and skin barrier function were examined every day, and histological changes, inflammatory responses and bacterial quantification in tissue samples were examined on Day 5. The BU group exhibited significant skin redness from Day 3, significant elevation of transepidermal water loss from Day 1, and histological changes, including significantly thickened epidermis, abnormal keratinocyte differentiation and erythrocyte leakage. Inflammation, confirmed by higher myeloperoxidase-positive cells, elevated tumour necrosis factor-α expression, and vascular endothelial damage, indicated by CD31 and pentraxin 3-positive cells, were observed in the BU group. The bacterial quantification showed no significant difference between the groups. IAD-like skin changes including histological changes and inflammation were suggested to be caused by urine properties altered by bacteria. This study proposed a new animal model for evaluating the effectiveness of absorbent pads in controlling the urine properties of bacterial urine on preventing IAD.

Genotoxic Damage in Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus Mykiss Exposed to Transport Stress

Transporting live fish is a common technique in the aquaculture industry. This research examined how 3-hour transportation stress affects the micronucleus frequency of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The micronucleus test was used to assess micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities in peripheral erythrocytes. Fish were sampled before (control) and immediately after the 3-hour transport process (t0 group), 6 hours after the transport process (t6 group), 12 hours after the transport process (t12 group), and 24 hours after the transport process (t24). The research found that the greatest MN frequency was substantially detected in the t0 group (p

A-354 Evaluating Emergent POC Technology for Sickle Cell Testing in Resource Limited Settings

Abstract Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) represents a collection of inherited hematological disorders characterized by abnormal sickle-shaped erythrocytes resulting in an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. SCD represents a significant global health burden, affecting more than 300,000 newborns per year. Most of these births occur in resource limited areas, including sub-Saharan Africa, where the mortality rate before the age of five is estimated to be as high as 50-80% and the existing infrastructure and resources cannot support most current and robust methods that offer hemoglobin variant detection and quantification for the diagnosis and monitoring of SCD. While newborn screening programs (NBS) to identify individuals affected with SCD have demonstrated efficacy in reducing morbidity and early mortality, NBS programs are limited outside of the US and Europe and face many practical challenges for universal implementation in a resource limited setting. The need for inexpensive and reliable hemoglobin variant detection and quantification at the Point of Care is essential to the diagnosis and management of SCD in resource limited settings with a high prevalence of SCD, and the expansion of NBS programs. This study aims to evaluate an inexpensive testing strategy using two methodologies for POC screening and confirmation of SCD that could be supported in a low resource setting. Methods The two-step testing strategy for evaluation of POC testing for hemoglobin variant detection and quantification included testing residual specimens from normal and known sickle cell patients by first screening with the HemoTypeSC, a qualitative lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) that has improved sensitivity and specificity from other available LFIA methodologies given the use of monoclonal antibodies for the detection of hemoglobin variants. Confirmatory testing and quantification of hemoglobin variants was accomplished with the use of the Gazelle POC test a miniaturized chip-based cellulose acetate electrophoresis device capable of identification and quantification of normal and variant hemoglobin. Statistical evaluation of device performance and clinical agreement between the device and known disease status was achieved in EP evaluator. Results The two-tier testing strategy demonstrated effective and inexpensive mechanism for SCD screening and confirmation. Overall, the HemoTypeSC and Gazelle demonstrated 100% qualitative agreement between methods, with the total cost of the two-tiered testing strategy estimated at under $6 per sample. Conclusions In conclusion, the two-tiered approach using the HemoTypeSC and Gazelle yielded a practical and cost-effective strategy for screening and confirmation of hemoglobin variants for the detection and monitoring of SCD. Both the strip and chip-based methodologies provide rapid results, are accessible at the point-of-care, and require minimal sample volume, a feature ideal for use in a pediatric population in low resource settings. Overall, these methods show promise for the use and expansion of NBS programs to improve public health initiatives for the diagnosis of SCD.

Increased Abnormal Erythrocytes Caused by Spleen Filtration Deficiency Provide a Hypoxic Environment for the Occurrence of Psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease with a long disease course and frequent relapse characteristics. It is now recognised to be associated with epidermal environments of inflammatory cytokines. However, its pathogenesis is still not completely clear. We found the haemorheology of psoriatic patients to be abnormal, and ageing and deformed erythrocytes increased in the blood. The abnormal erythrocytes were more likely to induce psoriasis, which was confirmed in a mouse model induced by different blood components of psoriatic patients/healthy volunteers. Spleen filtration dysfunction, which caused abnormal erythrocytes, was also more likely to induce psoriasis, which was confirmed in a mouse model induced by splenectomy. The mechanism was the weakening of the 'eat me' function of spleen macrophages phagocytizing ageing and deformed erythrocytes, resulting in the dysfunction of spleen filtration and the increase of ageing and deformed erythrocytes in the body. Additionally, the decreased oxygen-carrying capacity and the declined antioxidant capacity of those erythrocytes led to the hypoxia environment, making psoriasis more likely to be induced. These findings demonstrate that spleen filtration dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of psoriasis and suggest that improving it may be an effective therapy for psoriasis and control its relapse.

Bioremediation of chromium-induced toxic effects in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using probiotics

Chromium (Cr) is one of the major heavy metal pollutants and its toxicity causes an adverse impact on body physiology of aquatic organisms including fish. Probiotics may be able to degrade toxic effects of Cr, thereby mitigating its adverse effects on the fish body. In this study, Nile tilapia (35.29 ± 1.21) was subjected to: control (without Cr or probiotics), hexavalent Cr (potassium dichromate) treatment (10 mg/L), probiotics treatment (1 ml/L), and combination of Cr and probiotics treatment (10 mg Cr/L and 1 ml probiotics/L) for a period of six weeks (42 days). The results showed that growth performance (weight gain; WG, specific growth rate; SGR) and feed utility (feed conversion ratio; FCR) were inhibited significantly in Cr-treated group compared to the control, while those parameters were found to be regained in probiotics-treated group as to control. In case of hemato-biochemical parameters (hemoglobin and glucose), Cr-exposed fish showed lower hemoglobin and higher glucose levels; however, the use of probiotics showed their level as to control. The number of cellular (teardrop, twin, spindle, and echinocyte shaped) and nuclear (notched nuclei, nuclear buds, nuclear bridges, and karyopyknosis) abnormalities in erythrocytes were higher in the Cr-exposed group. However, probiotic addition leading to a notable decrease these abnormalities. Similarly, higher deformities were observed in the gills and intestine of the fish exposed to Cr, while the administration of probiotics reduced these abnormalities. Overall, probiotics appear to have the potential to mitigate the negative physiological effects of Cr on Nile tilapia.

Assessment of sub-lethal effects of Celcron on Java barb through erythrocyte morphology and acetylcholinesterase activity: Implications for environmental health in aquatic ecosystems

Industrialization and the extensive use of chemicals have raised significant concerns about their environmental impacts, particularly on aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluated the sub-lethal effects of Celcron (Cec), an organophosphate insecticide, on the Java barb (Barbonymus gonionotus) through erythrocyte morphology and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, aiming to refine biomarkers for environmental health assessments. We hypothesized that sub-lethal Cec exposure would induce significant erythrocyte abnormalities and decrease AChE activity in Java barb, with variable recovery rates between gill and kidney tissues. To test this, we exposed the juvenile Java barbs to two sub-lethal Cec concentrations - 0.01 ppm (10 % of the LC50) and 0.05 ppm (50 % of the LC50) -for 60 days. After the exposure period, the fish were placed in pesticide-free water to allow for recovery. Results indicated a significant decline in AChE activity in both liver and kidney tissues, with activity levels showing gradual recovery over time. Erythrocyte abnormalities, including nuclear and cellular changes, were significantly elevated in response to Cec exposure. The frequency of nuclear abnormalities such as micronuclei and binucleation increased in a concentration- and duration-dependent manner, with the gill blood exhibiting higher sensitivity and slower recovery compared to kidney blood. Cellular abnormalities such as twin, teardrop and spindle-shaped cells were also more prevalent in Cec-treated fish. Recovery from these abnormalities was observed but varied between gill and kidney blood, with gill blood showing higher sensitivity and slower recovery compared to kidney blood. This study underscores the utility of AChE activity and erythrocyte abnormalities as biomarkers for assessing pesticide impacts on aquatic organisms. The findings highlight the sensitivity of fish erythrocytes to environmental contaminants and emphasize the need for continued research to better understand the long-term effects of pesticide exposure on aquatic health and ecosystem stability.

Role of selenium in the pathophysiology of cardiorenal anaemia syndrome.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) have multiple bidirectional mechanisms, and anaemia is one of the critical factors that are associated with the progression of the two disorders [referred to as cardiorenal anaemia syndrome (CRAS)]. Several lines of evidence indicate that CRAS confers a worse prognosis, suggesting the need to clarify the underlying pathophysiology. Among the micronutrients (trace elements) that are essential to humans, inadequate iron status has previously been implicated in the pathogenesis of CRAS; however, the roles of other trace elements remain unclear. Selenium critically regulates the function of selenoproteins, in which selenocysteine is present at the active centres. The human genome encodes 25 selenoproteins, and accumulating data indicate that they regulate diverse physiological processes, including cellular redox homeostasis, calcium flux, thyroid hormone activity and haematopoiesis, all of which directly or indirectly influence cardiac function. The essential role of selenium in human health is underscored by the fact that its deficiency results in multiple disorders, among which are cardiomyopathy and abnormal erythrocyte morphology. Studies have shown that selenium deficiency is not uncommon in CKD patients with poor nutritional status, suggesting that it may be an under-recognized cause of anaemia and cardiovascular disorders in these patients. In this review, we discuss the role of selenium in the pathophysiology of CKD, particularly in the context of the interconnection among CKD, cardiac dysfunction and anaemia. Given that selenium deficiency is associated with treatment-resistant anaemia and an increased risk of CVD, its role as a key modulator of CRAS merits future investigation.

Agricultural Pesticide-Induced Physiological Stresses in Freshwater Fishes of Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, most croplands are situated in floodplains, enriched by numerous rivers and extensive freshwater wetlands. These areas also support productive open-water fisheries, crucial for supplying protein, generating income, creating jobs, and boosting the GDP. However, the widespread use of pesticides in these floodplains to protect crops and enhance food production leads to significant environmental issues. Agricultural pesticide residues enter water bodies through runoff, rainwater, drainage, seepage, and spray drift, contaminating natural water bodies and exerting continuous stress on aquatic life, including fish. Previous studies have detected pesticide residues in surface waters, sediments, and fish in Bangladesh, posing a major threat to wetland ecosystems. Research on freshwater fish species in Bangladesh has highlighted toxic effects on fish gonads, such as adhesion, inter-follicular space degeneration, ovigerous lamellae degeneration, necrosis, degenerated perinucleolar oocytes, cytoplasmic retraction in ovaries, and damage to sertoli cells. Additional observed effects include irregularly shaped seminiferous tubules, breakage of seminiferous tubules, and empty lumens in testes. Pesticides also inflict harm on other internal organs of fish, with gill effects like clubbing, reduction of gill filaments, telangiectasia of gill lamellae, hemorrhage, and damage to gill rakers. Kidney and liver damage include necrosis, cellular tissue degradation, acute cellular swelling, and irregular renal corpuscles, along with autolysis, vacuolation, and fatty changes in the liver. Developing embryos and larvae of freshwater fish are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of agro-pesticides. Studies reveal acute toxicity during early life stages, evidenced by deformities like edema, notochord deformity, caudal fin damage, yolk sac damage, posterior region damage, tissue fragmentation, black pigmentation on the yolk, body curvature, and lordosis in larvae. Exposed embryos exhibit deformities such as dark brown yolk sacs, notochord deformities, and broken eggshells. Mortality rates of fish embryos and larvae escalate with higher pesticide concentrations in water. Haemato-biochemical parameters serve as crucial indicators of pesticide exposure in fish studies, showing alterations in blood hemoglobin, glucose, RBC, WBC counts, and various erythrocytic abnormalities like twin cells, fusion, echinocyte formation, spindle-shaped, tear-drop, and elongated cells. Nuclear abnormalities include binucleated cells, nuclear buds, nuclear bridges, karyopyknosis, and notched nuclei. Research suggests that even at low concentrations, agro-pesticides disrupt physiological functions and life history traits of fish, adversely impacting the natural productivity and biodiversity of freshwater fish in Bangladesh.

Probiotics relieve growth retardation and stress by upgrading immunity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) during high temperature events

Global warming is disastrous to aquatic animals and supplementation of probiotics might mitigate its adverse effects. Therefore, to mitigate the effects of high temperature on growth retardation, stress and immunity, multi-species probiotics consisting of Bacillus subtilis (5×109 cfu/ml), B. thuringiencis (4×109 cfu/ml), Lactobacillus plantarum (5.8×109 cfu/ml), and L. buchneri (6.5×109 cfu/ml) were added in rearing water (1.0 ml/L) of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fingerlings (1.08 ± 0.13 g) were reared at normal (31ºC) and elevated (34ºC and 37ºC) temperatures with or without probiotics for 6 weeks in triplicates. At the end of the experimental period, weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) decreased significantly at 37ºC in fish supplemented with or without probiotics relative to normal temperature (31ºC). Importantly, at the high temperature (37ºC), WG and SGR were improved in fish supplemented with probiotics in contrast to fish reared without probiotics. The physiological status was improved by increasing the hemoglobin level and number of red blood cells and lowering white blood cells and glucose levels in the probiotics-treated high-temperature group. Frequencies of cellular and nuclear abnormalities of erythrocytes were significantly lowered in probiotics-supplemented fish. Histological observation demonstrated that multi-probiotics mitigated the high-temperature stress through increasing mucosal fold fattening, goblet cells, and the size of lamina propria and enterocytes in the intestine. Fish under higher temperatures (34 and 37ºC) showed up-regulated expression of the stress-related heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) gene, while its expression was decreased after probiotics addition. In contrast, two antioxidant-related genes (superoxide dismutase; SOD) and catalase; CAT) showed opposite expression patterns. The expression of three immune response-related genes (tumor necrosis factor alpha; TNF-α, interleukin 1 beta; IL-1β, and interferon gamma; IFN-γ) down-regulated with increase of temperature, while their expressions were increased after probiotics addition. Therefore, addition of probiotics in aquatic environment improved hemato-biochemical properties, blood cell structure, and immunity which ultimately relieve the growth retardation and stress in extreme temperatures in Nile tilapia.

Blood Viscosity Changes in Diabetes Mellitus: A 20-Year Bibliometric Review and Future Directions.

Changes in hematological parameters due to diabetes are reflected in changes in whole blood viscosity (WBV). Understanding the impact of diabetes and its cardiovascular disease (CVD) complications can provide substantiation of how laboratory tests for WBV are useful to monitor the progression and treatment.The review examines research work done in the past 20 years to provide a framework for the present agenda. This was a narrative review that followed the standard Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) approach. It includes both conceptual and empirical reviews. WBV was appraised in the context of bibliographic research on diabetes and other related factors such as metabolic syndrome (MetS) and oxidative stress. The association of abnormal erythrocytes as well as the relationship between WBV and MetS is established. Changes in diabetes that contribute to the development of diabetic cardiovascular complications occur through the pathway of WBV physiology. However, longitudinal analysis is very limited. There is a dearth of longitudinal study data on WBV in diabetes management. This lack of data justifies a need for further studies, especially prospective and retrospective analysis, to investigate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus about the prevalence of cardiovascular complications indices, especially estimated WBV (eWBV) between periods and within cohorts.

Baseline study of biomarkers of exposure to metal and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in wild Mugil cephalus from the coastal waters of Fiji

The indirect exposure and effects of marine pollutants such as metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, present significant health concerns for human coastal communities that rely on fish consumption as a regular nutritional source. This study verified Mugil cephalus (“mullet”) as an adequate sentinel species for biomonitoring environmental health and conducting risk assessments using biomarkers in Fiji. A non-parametric Kruskall Wallis Test was employed at a 5 % significant difference level to test sample group differences. Sampling was performed over five months in two Fijian study areas, i.e., Laucala Bay and the Ba River Delta by local fishers based on Fiji’s wet season (Nov-Mar). The K factor and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were relatively lower in mullet from Laucala Bay compared to the Ba River Delta, with HSI having a significant difference (χ2= 3.64, d.f. = 1, p-value = 0.057). No significant differences were observed for metals (Pb and Cr) at an instrumental limit of detection of 0.05 mg kg−1, but an important finding was that the levels of Cr in edible tissues of mullet from both study sites exceeded the permissible limits for human consumption set by the World Health Organisation (0.05–0.15 mg kg−1) by approximately 2-fold in Laucala Bay and 3-fold in Ba River Delta. The levels of Hg and Cd in the two sample groups were determined to be below the instrumental limit of detection of 0.1 mg kg−1. Total biliary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were significantly higher in mullet from the Ba River Delta (χ2 = 21.14, d.f. = 1, p-value < 0.001), particularly for phenanthrene (χ2 = 24.678, d.f. = 1, p-value < 0.001). No statistical variations were observed in phase I biotransformation (ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase); however, phase II biotransformation activity (glutathione S-transferase) was found to be significantly higher in mullet from the Ba River Delta compared to Laucala Ba (χ2 = 35.85, d.f. = 1, p-value < 0.001). Similarly, no remarkable variations were observed in glutathione peroxidase activity, but glutathione reductase activity was significantly higher in mullet (χ2 = 5.05, d.f. = 1, p-value = 0.025) from Laucala Bay compared to Ba River Delta. Considering biological damages from oxidative stress, levels of lipid peroxidation were significantly higher (χ2= 4.10, d.f. = 1, p-value = 0.043) in mullet from Ba River Delta, including higher occurrences of micronuclei (χ2= 12.66, d.f. = 1, p-value = <0.001) and other abnormal erythrocyte nuclei (χ2= 26.67, d.f. = 2, p-value < 0.001), suggesting genotoxic damage. These findings 1) support the use of mullet as a suitable reference species for future ecotoxicology studies in Fiji, 2) are essential to take informed health and safety considerations regarding mullet consumption, 3) provide a baseline to compare future monitoring results and, 4) underscore the importance of incorporating biomonitoring practices in future environmental risk assessments.

Deletion of the Mitochondrial Membrane Protein Fam210b Is Associated with the Development of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been increasingly recognized as a trigger for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recent bioinformatics studies have suggested Fam210b as a significant candidate for the classification and therapeutic targeting of SLE. To experimentally prove the role of Fam210b in SLE, we constructed Fam210b knockout (Fam210b-/-) mice using the CRISPR-Cas9 method. We found that approximately 15.68% of Fam210b-/- mice spontaneously developed lupus-like autoimmunity, which was characterized by skin ulcerations, splenomegaly, and an increase in anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) IgG antibodies and anti-nuclear antibodies(ANA). Single-cell sequencing showed that Fam210b was mainly expressed in erythroid cells. Critically, the knockout of Fam210b resulted in abnormal erythrocyte differentiation and development in the spleens of mice. Concurrently, the spleens exhibited an increased number of CD71+ erythroid cells, along with elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the erythrocytes. The co-culture of CD71+ erythroid cells and lymphocytes resulted in lymphocyte activation and promoted dsDNA and IgG production. In summary, Fam210b knockout leads to a low probability of lupus-like symptoms in mice through the overproduction of ROS in CD71+ erythroid cells. Thus, Fam210b reduction may serve as a novel key marker that triggers the development of SLE.

Ecotoxicological consequences of urbanization: A multi-biomarker approach to assessing sewage treatment plant effects on free-living birds

Birds are good bioindicators of disturbance in the environment. They are present in different habitats and trophic levels. In addition, rapid urbanization has led birds to use cities as shelter and for seeking food resources. Sewage treatment plants (STPs) are suitable locations for free-living birds within cities. However, few studies address the impacts of emerging pollutants from sewage treatment plants on wild birds. In this sense, the aim of this study was to analyze the genotoxic, mutagenic, and immunological impacts from metal and pollutant exposure on free-living birds collected at a STP. For comparison, birds were collected in a preserved environment, the Silvania National Forest (FLONA). To achieve this, we used non-destructive biomarkers sensitive to environmental changes. Birds were collected in both environments using mist nets. After collection, birds were weighed, measured, species-identified, and released. Blood was collected for comet assay, micronucleus test, and leukocyte profile, while feathers were collected for metal concentration analysis. Water physicochemical parameters were measured at both sites, and water samples were collected for metal analysis. Our results demonstrated that birds collected at the STP exhibit a higher frequency of genotoxic damage and erythrocyte abnormalities, and increased immune response compared to FLONA birds. Traces of potentially toxic metals, such as Hg and As, were found in the birds feathers from both environments, raising concerns about metal contamination in both environments. Trophic guilds appear to respond similarly to exposure. The parameters and metals found in the water reflect environmental characteristics and may be influencing pollutant availability. Finally, despite the advancement of our findings, studies linking these damages to detrimental effects on behavior and reproduction are encouraged.

Combined use of ecotoxicity tools and physicochemical analysis for evaluating potential toxicity of treated natural rubber processing effluents and receiving waters.

Potential toxicity of treated effluents of selected natural rubber processing industries was evaluated by integrating physicochemical analysis with Daphnia magna and Poecilia reticulata bioassays as ecotoxicity tools. Further, the efficacy of the constructed wetland treatments practiced by the industries for reducing the ecotoxicity of the final effluents reaching the receiving water course was assessed. Even after passing through the constructed wetlands, some of the measured physicochemical parameters of the final effluents did not comply with the stipulated rubber processing effluent regulatory limits. Acute toxicity data of treated effluents demonstrated greater susceptibility of D. magna compared to P. reticulata. Erythrocytic abnormality tests with P. reticulata revealed that rubber industry effluents contained cytogenotoxic contaminations which had not been completely eliminated by the treatment processes. Wetland treatment technique was not effective in reducing the cytogenotoxic effects of final effluents reaching the receiving water course. The use of ecotoxicity tools for optimization of rubber industry effluent treatment processes would help to reduce potential toxic/cytogenotoxic effects of effluent receiving waterbodies considering sustainable development goals focusing on ecosystem safety.

Integrating Deep Learning into Genotoxicity Biomarker Detection for Avian Erythrocytes: A Case Study in a Hemispheric Seabird

Recently, nuclear abnormalities in avian erythrocytes have been used as biomarkers of genotoxicity in several species. Anomalous shapes are usually detected in the nuclei by means of microscopy inspection. However, due to inter- and intra-observer variability, the classification of these blood cell abnormalities could be problematic for replicating research. Deep learning, as a powerful image analysis technique, can be used in this context to improve standardization in identifying the biological configurations of medical and veterinary importance. In this study, we present a standardized deep learning model for identifying and classifying abnormal shapes in erythrocyte nuclei in blood smears of the hemispheric and synanthropic kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus). We trained three convolutional backbones (ResNet34, ResNet50, and ResNet101 architectures) to obtain models capable of detecting and classifying these abnormalities in blood cells. The analysis was performed at three discrimination levels of classification, with broad categories subdivided into increasingly specific subcategories (level 1: “normal”, “abnormal”, “other”; level 2: “normal”, “ENAs”, “micronucleus”, “other”; level 3: “normal”, “irregular”, “displaced”, “enucleated”, “micronucleus”, “other”). The results were more than adequate and very similar in levels 1 and 2 (F1-score 84.6% and 83.6%, and accuracy 83.9% and 82.6%). In level 3, performance was lower (F1-score 65.9% and accuracy 80.8%). It can be concluded that the level 2 analysis should be considered the most appropriate as it is more specific than level 1, with similar quality of performance. This method has proven to be a fast, efficient, and standardized approach that reduces the dependence on human supervision in the classification of nuclear abnormalities in avian erythrocytes, and can be adapted to be used in similar contexts with reduced effort.

Hematological and genotoxic biomarkers in a natural population of freshwater turtles Trachemys dorbigni (Duméril & Bibron, 1835) (Testudines: Emydidae) living in an urban area in Southern Brazil.

The present study aimed to report the morphometric and hematological indices and genotoxicity of a free-life population of D'Orbigny's slider turtles (Trachemys dorbigni) living in an urban area in Southern Brazil. For that, 16 specimens were randomly captured in an urban canal that receives irregular releases of wastewater. Biometrics and external visual changes were analyzed, such as turtle shell deformities, and the presence of parasites. Blood samples were collected to evaluate the hematological profile and the presence of micronuclei and other erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities as potential mutagenic and genotoxic effects. Water physicochemical parameters were also measured. Organisms with ectoparasites (31.25%) and small carapace deformations (56.25%) were observed, but maximum carapace length and weight were considered normal for the species according to the literature. The blood profile indicated low hemoglobin and hematocrit and a high number of total leukocytes, particularly eosinophils which characterize parasitic infections. A frequency of 0.12% for the micronucleus was considered basal, but the frequency of other erythrocyte abnormalities was evident, mainly of blebbed nuclei (63.79%), indicating chromosomal damage in the early stage. The results of this study suggest that natural populations of chelonian inhabiting urbanized areas are impacted by anthropogenic activities in the surrounding environment. Furthermore, it provides comprehensive data which can serve as a comparative model for environmental monitoring studies involving turtles.