Adverse Biological Effects Research Articles

DeepSIBA: chemical structure-based inference of biological alterations using deep learning

Predicting whether a chemical structure leads to a desired or adverse biological effect can have a significant impact for in silico drug discovery. In this study, we developed a deep learning model where compound structures are represented as graphs and then linked to their biological footprint. To make this complex problem computationally tractable, compound differences were mapped to biological effect alterations using Siamese Graph Convolutional Neural Networks. The proposed model was able to encode molecular graph pairs and identify structurally dissimilar compounds that affect similar biological processes with high precision. Additionally, by utilizing deep ensembles to estimate uncertainty, we were able to provide reliable and accurate predictions for chemical structures that are very different from the ones used during training. Finally, we present a novel inference approach, where the trained models are used to estimate the signaling pathway signature of a compound perturbation, using only its chemical structure as input, and subsequently identify which substructures influenced the predicted pathways. As a use case, this approach was used to infer important substructures and affected signaling pathways of FDA-approved anticancer drugs.

Enhancement stability and color fastness of natural dye: A review

Abstract Consumer awareness of the adverse biological effects of synthetic dyes makes the demand for commercial foods and drinks with natural ingredients increase. The use of natural dyes is increasing and is in demand by consumers in the industrial world. Natural dyes have been used in several sectors such as food, clothing, arts, coatings, and energy. The low stability and brightness of the natural red color are affected by exposure to light, temperature, pH and etc. The co-pigmentation process makes the stability and brightness of natural dyes. The copigmentation method is known that there are two type, liquid and powder. In addition, the combination of copigmentation additives and the correct configuration of the spray dryer process can increase quality color fastness and stability.

Spatial distribution and contamination assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments of Lake Burullus, Egypt

The potentially bio-available heavy metals were assessed in the bulk and the three fine fraction sediments (O3, O4, and O5) from 24 stations across Lake Burullus. We found the same pattern of metal contents in all fractions with the sequence: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu ≥ Ni > Pb > Cd. The recorded concentrations of Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn, and Fe in Burullus were higher than the coastal area outside the lagoon. Some metals showed trend of different spatial distribution inside the lake; the highest Cu (40.7–82.2 μg/g) and Mn (495.6–690.7 μg/g) was recorded in the middle sector and Fe (1912.6–2017.4 μg/g) recorded in the western sector of the lake. The concentrations of Cu in O4 (41.4–82.2 μg/g) and O5 (28.2–76.2 μg/g) were relatively higher than in the total sediments (5.8–44.8 μg/g); meanwhile, Fe and Mn in fine fractions reached 1.2–1.5 times higher than bulk sediments. Correlation coefficient and principal component analysis (PCA) showed strong association between Cu, Zn, and Ni. On the other hand, there was partial association of Mn with Fe indicating anthropogenic sources from the industrial and agriculture drains. The calculated environmental and biological indices pointed out that the leachable metals in Lake Burullus were classified between unpolluted and moderately polluted. The potential biological adverse effects were in minimum susceptibility because the levels of metals were predominantly below the sediments severe effect levels (SEL) quality guidelines.

Distribusi Spasial dan Analisis Risiko Ekologi Senyawa Polisiklik Aromatik Hidrokarbon (PAH) di Perairan Cilincing – Teluk Jakarta

<p><strong>Spatial distribution and ecological risk analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Cilincing waters – Jakarta Bay</strong>. Within a few decades, Polycylic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) pollution increases in marine environment in seawater, sediment, and organism. Generally, this pollutant comes from industrial and household waste, agricultural runoff, shipping activities, and input from atmospheric deposition. This study aims to determine the concentration, spasial distribution, source, and ecological risks analysis in Cilincing waters, Jakarta Bay. Samples of seawater, total suspended solid (TSS), and sediment were collected on April 2019 at ten stations. Samples were stored at 4<sup>o</sup>C afterward analyzed in the laboratory. All samples were then extracted with dichloromethane and n-hexane solvents. They were then fractionated with n-pentane: dichloromethane, and the results were injected into a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GCMS) instrument. The highest concentration of PAH compounds in seawater, TSS, and sediment samples are 208.74 ng.L<sup>1-</sup>; 5.90 ng.L<sup>1-</sup>; and 63.63 ng.g<sup>1-</sup> dry weight (dw) respectively. The highest spatial distribution of PAHs in seawater and TSS samples were detected in station 1, 9, and 10, whilst in sediment sample was in station 5 and 6. The ratio of ∑Low Molecular Weight (LMW)/∑High Molecular Weight (HMW), Fluo/(Fluo + Pyr), and An/(An + Phe) revealed that the source of PAH pollution dominated from pyrogenic, especially petroleum combustion from vehicle engine. The total concentration of ∑PAH-9 in sediment was 31.21 ng.g<sup>1-</sup>dw which was lower than Effects Range Low (ERL), Effects Range Median (ERM), Threshold Effect Levels (TEL), and Probably Effect Levels (PEL) values referred to sediment quality guideline. These results were indicated low potential of causing an adverse biological effect.</p>

Release and toxicity of bisphenol-A (BPA) contained in orthodontic adhesives: A systematic review

The objectives of this systematic review of the literature are to search for BPA release from biomaterials used in orthodontics and to highlight their possible impact on human health. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) model, digital and manual searches were conducted in February 2020 in the database of CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE. Thirteen parameters relating to the release and biological effects of BPA were identified and analysed. Thirty-one non-randomized clinical trials were included. In general, the level of evidence was low, and the risk of bias ranged from moderate to high. Furthermore, although at different concentrations, most of in vitro and in vivo studies found BPA release from orthodontic adhesives. The lack of standardized protocols and the clinical and methodological heterogeneity of the studies prevented a valid interpretation of the actual results. Concerning the possible toxicity of BPA, no conclusive scientific evidence could be drawn, but it seems that orthodontic biomaterials containing BPA have potential adverse biological effects in humans. Until we have solid evidence from clinical trials, clinicians should consider that orthodontic adhesives containing BPA have potential short- and long-term adverse biological effects in humans. Careful consideration should therefore be given to bonding, polymerization and debonding protocols in orthodontics.

Ecological risk assessment of microplastics in coastal, shelf, and deep sea waters with a consideration of environmentally relevant size and shape.

This study assessed the ecological risk posed by microplastics in surface and subsurface seawaters in coastal, continental shelf, and deep-sea areas of South Korea. The target microplastics for risk assessment were specified as only non-spherical type microplastics in the size range 20-300μm, because this type was predominantly observed in our study areas, and adverse biological effects have previously been reported. Exposure data for non-spherical microplastics were obtained from a previous study or were measured for microplastics of sizes down to 20μm. A predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) of 12 particles/L was derived by employing a species sensitivity distribution approach. Then the results were compared to the in situ observed concentrations at each site. The detected microplastic concentrations did not exceed the derived PNEC, i.e., the current pollution levels of fragment and fiber microplastics in the size range 20-300μm would not pose a significant threat to the marine ecosystem in South Korea. However, predictions are that microplastic pollution will increase to 50-fold by 2100at the current rates, and in this scenario, the microplastic concentration is expected to far exceed the derived PNEC values for marine ecosystems. It is therefore urgent to take precautionary actions to prevent a further increase in microplastic concentrations in these environments.

The impact, identification and management of dispersive soils in rainfed cropping systems

AbstractDispersive soils limit crop growth and significantly impact world food production. Although numerous reviews have examined soil dispersion, many focus on irrigated systems and fail to differentiate the approaches required for rainfed agriculture. This review seeks to fill this gap by focusing on the impact, identification and management of dispersive soils in rainfed areas. Dispersive soils can have large impacts on crop production because of their adverse physical, chemical and biological effects, with this impact particularly large in rainfed systems where irrigation water is unavailable to supplement crop water supply and assist with amelioration. However, the identification of these soils is challenging and tests that can reliably relate soil characteristics to crop performance are lacking. Recent work has found that first identifying consistently lower yielding locations (using yield mapping or proximal/remote sensing) and then using traditional soil testing to identify the potential cause/s of the yield loss may be a promising approach, although this requires refinement. Knowledge of the type of dispersive soil (e.g., saline/non‐saline, acidic/alkaline/neutral) and where constraints occur in the profile (surface or subsoil) must also be determined during identification as this will affect management approaches, particularly where multiple constraints need to be treated together to achieve yield increase. Improved understanding of how to economically use ameliorants and combine them to achieve maximum benefit in the presence of multiple constraints is needed. Greater appreciation of how to use agronomic management to improve crop growth in the presence of dispersive behaviour is also likely to increase profitability in rainfed systems where amelioration is often impractical or uneconomical. Dispersive soils are a major challenge for rainfed cropping, and so the refinement of our management approach can help improve profitability and productivity.Highlights Dispersive soils limit crop growth and significantly impact world food production We examine the impact, identification and management of dispersive soils in rainfed agriculture Improvements in the identification of dispersive soils are required to improve management Refinement of ameliorant use and agronomic management will improve profitability and productivity

A short review of heavy metal pollution status in Musa fjord sediments

The ecological importance of Musa fjord has made it one of the remarkable marine ecosystems in southwestern of Iran. The fast development in terms of industrialization has exposed the Musa fjord to a serious threat from the effect of pollutants including heavy metals. This study aims to assess the temporal trend of heavy metal content in Musa fjord sediments and highlighting hot spot zones, the zones with high levels of heavy metals, based on the processing of the previous published data. The results showed an increasing temporal trend for Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Hg (7.20, 3.36, 3.32, 0.44, 0.34, and 0.29 mg kg−1 year−1 respectively). The highest concentrations of Hg, Cd, and Cu were found in Pet Zone, which can be due to discharging petrochemical industries and chloralkali plants sewages and painting ships. The highest concentration of Pb was observed in Mouth, which is probably due to the shipping routes. The highest concentrations of Zn in Zangi might be attributed to nearing the jetties for loading mineral materials. And the highest concentrations of Ni in Ghazale might be explained by loading and unloading petroleum. Hg and Ni were the most critical pollutants in this area and have frequently adverse biological effects on aquatic organisms. Ghanam, Ghazale, Pet Zone, and Mouth accounted for the highest values of PLI, mCd, RI, M-ERM-Q, and STd indexes. Results from cluster analysis and principal component analysis indicated that Zn originated from natural sources; Cu, Ni, and Pb originated from anthropogenic sources; and Cd and Hg also derived from other human activities while implied a unique source.

Metal contaminations in sediment and associated ecological risk assessment of river Mahanadi, India.

Mahanadi is one of the major rivers of peninsular India. Like other Indian rivers, it is contaminated with sewages, industrial discharges, and agricultural runoff. Thus, necessity was felt to monitor its pollution status. Present work was part of that program and aimed to assess the sediment contamination due to the trace metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn during 2012-2015. Sediment pollution status and ecological risks were evaluated calculating contamination factor (CF), geo-accumulation (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk (EiR), etc. The recorded metal concentrations were Cd BDL of flame mode of AAS; Cr BDL - 73.9; Cu BDL- 44.4; Mn 37.2-1887.0; Pb BDL- 29.5; and Zn BDL- 92.5 mg kg-1. As per US EPA guidelines, Cr concentrations at many locations were in the moderately polluted range. Igeo, CF, mCd, PLI, and EiR indicated low pollution levels and low ecological risks due to the trace metals assessed. The sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) indicated that Cr and Cu concentrations exceeded (16% sample) the threshold effect concentrations and may occasionally exhibit adverse biological effects. The association of sediment organic matter, conductivity and content of Cu, and their grouping in component 1 of PCA revealed that the anthropogenic input was dominant and so also the component 2 where Cr exhibited moderately good correlation with organic matter. Cluster analysis of the sampling sites based on pollution status yielded 3 groups: relatively uncontaminated (S3, S4), low to moderately contaminated (S2), and moderately contaminated (S1, S5, S6) stretches.

Protein composites from silkworm cocoons as versatile biomaterials

Silk is a naturally occurring biopolymer formed into fibers composed primarily of fibroin and sericin proteins. The outstanding mechanical properties of silk fibroin (SF) provides numerous applications for silk-based biomaterials. However, the canonical approaches for fabricating silk-based biomaterials typically involve degumming to remove the silk sericin (SS) to avoid adverse biological effects. Meanwhile, sericin has multiple biological functions including outstanding hydrophilicity, promoting cell attachment that are useful to exploit in new materials, inspiring the use of sericin-based biomaterials for biomedical applications. However, compared to fibroin, sericin is not a structural protein, thus sericin-based materials do not provide robust mechanical properties. To address this problem, we report an effective method for fabricating silk fibroin-sericin protein (SS-SF) composites directly from whole cocoons, negating the traditional extraction step to remove the sericin. This approach combines the material features from both fibroin as a structural unit and sericin as a biological functional unit, to achieve advantages regarding processing and materials properties, not only simplifying processing and maintaining the mechanical properties of the fibroin by avoiding degumming, but also endowing these SS-SF composite materials with enhanced hydrophilicity and cell adhesion performance to promote cell growth and proliferation. In addition, these protein composites could be fabricated into a variety of materials formats (e.g. films, sponges, monoliths) to fit different biomedical applications.

TMOD-37. IN VIVO COMPRESSION AND IMAGING FOR CAUSAL STUDIES OF MECHANICAL FORCES IN THE BRAIN

Abstract Clinicians have long observed the effects of abnormal mechanical forces – edema (fluid pressure) in particular – in brain tumors and the surrounding normal brain tissue. However, it was not previously possible to dissect the direct effects of solid stress (i.e., “mass effect”), a mechanopathology resulting from solid components of the tumor tissue, on the brain from the biological and physiological adverse effects exerted by cancer cells. We recently developed for the first time an in vivo compression device that allows for causal and mechanistic studies that delineate the solid mechanical forces of a tumor growing in the brain from its biological effects. The brain poses a unique anatomical consideration of abnormal mechanical forces due to its physical confinement by the skull. We adapted standard transparent cranial windows normally used for intravital imaging studies in mice to include a tunable screw for controlled and acute or chronic compression and decompression in the brain. This compressive cranial window allows for longitudinal imaging of the surrounding brain tissue (cortex or cerebellum) over time (weeks or months) as the screw is lowered further into the brain tissue to recapitulate tumor growth-induced solid stress. Using this device, we have demonstrated that solid stress is causally linked to vascular and neurological dysfunction in the brain. We have also been able to utilize this preclinical system to screen for effective therapeutic interventions to reduce solid stress-induced neuronal death and improve neurological function. Beyond cancer, this technique can be used to study a variety of diseases or disorders that present with abnormal solid masses in the brain, including cysts and benign growths. Thus, mechanistic studies enabled by the compressive cranial window can elucidate the role of mechanics in brain tumor progression, and reveal novel targets for treatment.

The Size-dependent Cytotoxicity of Amorphous Silica Nanoparticles: A Systematic Review of in vitro Studies.

With the increasing production and application of engineered amorphous silica nanoparticles (aSiNPs), people have more opportunities to be exposed to aSiNPs. However, the knowledge of its adverse health effects and related mechanisms is still limited, compared with the well-studied crystalline micron-sized silica. Since small differences in the physical–chemical properties of nanoparticles could cause significant differences in the toxic effect, it is important to distinguish how these variations influence the outcoming toxicity. Notably, particle size, as one of the essential characterizations of aSiNPs, is relevant to its biological activities. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to summarize the relationship between the particle size of aSiNPs and its adverse biological effects. In order to avoid the influence of complicated in vivo experimental conditions on the toxic outcome, only in vitro toxicity studies which reported on the cytotoxic effect of different sizes aSiNPs were included. After the systematic literature retrieval, selection, and quality assessment process, 76 eligible scientific papers were finally included in this review. There were 76% of the studies that concluded a size-dependent cytotoxicity of aSiNPs, in which smaller-sized aSiNPs possessed greater toxicity. However, this trend could be modified by certain influence factors, such as the synthetic method of aSiNPs, particle aggregation state in cell culture medium, toxicity endpoint detection method, and some other experimental conditions. The effects of these influence factors on the size-dependent cytotoxicity of aSiNPs were also discussed in detail in the present review.

Effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields and Ionizing Radiation on Amyloid Precursor Protein Processing and Cell Death

The growing concerns regarding the adverse biological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs), which are generated by common electronic devices, on the human brain led us to investigate their impact on Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We aimed to establish the effects of RF-EMF on the expression of molecular markers associated with amyloid precursor protein (APP), cell death, and clonogenic survival in HT22 and APP-overexpressing 7w-PSML cells. We compared the effects of RF-EMF at a high specific absorption rate (SAR) level with the neuronal-cell-death-inducing effects of ionizing radiation (IR). RF-EMF exposure (8 W/kg SAR) promoted the protein expression of ADAM10 (α-secretase) in the HT22 cells (<i>p</i> < 0.05) and downregulated the APP mRNA level in the 7w-PSML cells (<i>p</i> < 0.01). In contrast, IR (10 Gy) significantly reduced the APP and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) levels without altering their respective mRNA levels in these cells. Interestingly, IR exposure significantly upregulated BACE1 (α-secretase) at both the protein and mRNA levels, suggesting adverse effects in AD. IR induced cell death and reduced clonogenic survival in both cell lines. Although RF-EMF (high SAR level) influenced APP processing, it did not induce any deleterious change in either cell line. Thus, further studies are necessary to clarify the influence of RF-EMF on AD.

Flood hazard assessment and characteristics of cement kiln dust in Ain Sukhna industrial area, north‐western part of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt

AbstractThis study investigated the geochemical and mineralogical characteristics combined with heavy elements concentrations of Cement kiln dust (CKD) in Ain Sukhna industrial area, North‐western part of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt and the influence of flash floods in its stability. Flooding severity is moderate with several water erosional processes. The CKD characterized by very poorly sorted/very fine‐sands to silt. CaO and SiO2 are major components with enrichment of chloride/sulfate ions. High enrichment of Sr, Zn, Pb, Cd, Sb, and Se are related to variations in shale/limestone feeds during cement formation. The threshold effect level exceeds the standard value for Cd, Pb, and Zn at S3 that indicates adverse biological effects. Sylvite, calcite, and halite minerals were dominated. Three main principal components recognized the shale, calcium/magnesium carbonate dissolution, and the scavenging effect of sulfate for heavy elements. Monitoring the CKD leachability and proper management plans are prerequisite for environmental protection in the future.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and n-alkane pollution characteristics and structural and functional perturbations to the microbial community: a case-study of historically petroleum-contaminated soil.

Characterization of the typical petroleum pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and n-alkanes, and indigenous microbial community structure and function in historically contaminated soil at petrol stations is critical. Five soil samples were collected from a petrol station in Beijing, China. The concentrations of 16 PAHs and 31 n-alkanes were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The total concentrations of PAHs and n-alkanes ranged from 973 ± 55 to 2667 ± 183 μg/kg and 6.40 ± 0.38 to 8.65 ± 0.59 mg/kg (dry weight), respectively, which increased with depth. According to the observed molecular indices, PAHs and n-alkanes originated mostly from petroleum-related sources. The levels of ΣPAHs and the total toxic benzo[a]pyrene equivalent (ranging from 6.41 to 72.54 μg/kg) might exert adverse biological effects. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was employed to investigate the indigenous microbial community structure and function. The results revealed that Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the most abundant phyla, and Nocardioides and Microbacterium were the important genera. Based on COG and KEGG annotations, the highly abundant functional classes were identified, and these functions were involved in allowing microorganisms to adapt to the pressure from contaminants. Five petroleum hydrocarbon degradation-related genes were annotated, revealing the distribution of degrading microorganisms. This work facilitates the understanding of the composition, source, and potential ecological impacts of residual PAHs and n-alkanes in historically contaminated soil.

Bioaccumulation and potential ecotoxicological effects of trace metals along a management intensity gradient in volcanic pasturelands

The particularities of volcanic soils raise the need to better understand the link between soil agricultural management intensity and trace metal bioaccumulation. The Azores are a region characterized by volcanic soils, which were changed in different degrees according to the intensity of the agricultural practices. The main objective of this study was to assess the potential ecotoxicological effects of the trace metals present in volcanic pastureland soils along a gradient of management intensity (i.e., semi-natural, permanent and reseeded), using earthworms (Eisenia fetida) as biological indicators. For this purpose earthworms were exposed during 7, 14, 28 and 56 days to soils from the three types of pastures. At each exposure time, we quantified trace element bioaccumulation (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, U, V and Zn) and the activities of superoxide dismutase and acetylcholinesterase in earthworm tissues. Overall, the results showed that the type of pastureland management significantly increased the soil contents in trace metals: V, Co, Ni and Zn in semi-natural pasturelands; As, Cd and Hg in reseeded pasturelands; and, Rb and U in both permanent and reseeded pasturelands. The soil physicochemical properties observed in the reseeded pastureland systems (higher electric conductivity values associated with a moderately acid pH value) modulated the metal bioavailability, from soil to biota, leading to a greater Hg bioaccumulation in earthworm tissues. The long-term exposure (56 days) of earthworms to reseeded pastureland soil was associated with adverse biological effects (intensification of AChE activity and decrease of SOD activity), encompassing key processes such as neurotransmission and antioxidant defence mechanisms in resident soil biota (earthworms). This study point towards the increased importance of semi-natural and permanent pastureland management, over the intensive management (reseeded pasturelands), in favour of more sustainable ecosystems.

Plasma Vitellogenin Reveals Potential Seasonal Estrogenicity in Fish from On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems in Semi-Arid Streams Influenced by Snowmelt.

Effluents from on-site wastewater treatment systems can influence surface water quality, particularly when infrastructure is aging, malfunctioning, and improperly installed. Municipal wastewater often contains chemical compounds that can lead to adverse biological effects, such as reproductive impairment, in organisms that are chronically exposed. A significant number of these compounds are endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Water quality influences of on-site systems are poorly studied in semi-arid regions where instream flows are seasonally dependent on snowmelt, and when instream dilution of wastewater effluents is minimal during other times of the year. Here we examined surface water estrogenicity in low order tributaries of two unique semi-arid streams with on-site wastewater treatment systems, for which seasonal instream flow fluctuations occur in Park City, UT, USA. Water samples were collected from a total of five locations along two lotic systems downstream from active on-site treatment systems. Samples were extracted for targeted chemical analyses and to perform in vivo and in vitro bioassays with juvenile rainbow trout. Estrogenic activity was measured by quantifying the concentration and expression of vitellogenin (VTG) in plasma and liver, respectively. Plasma VTG presented elevated levels in fish exposed to water samples collected at the two sites in close proximity to on-site systems and during seasons with low stream discharge, though the levels observed did not suggest severe endocrine disruption. However, long-term exposure to these surface water could compromise the fish populations. While the sensitivity of in vitro bioassays was low and targeted chemical analyses did not identify causative compounds, the use of complementary lines of evidence (e.g., in vivo biological models) was advantageous in identifying estrogenic activity in waters influenced by effluents from on-site wastewater systems.

Risk assessment of PAHs and N-PAH analogues in sediment cores from the Niger Delta

Chemical-surveys of sediments are source of information about historical-pollution in aquatic-ecosystems, because ecological/human-health risks may arise from polycyclic-aromatic-hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrogen-PAHs presence in aquatic-environments, particularly sediments, where they partition. Despite this, sediment-PAHs/N-PAHs have not been reported in the Niger Delta. This study investigated vertical-profiles of PAHs/N-PAHs in 2 cm-intervals-segments from Bonny Estuary, Niger Delta. Analysis showed that ƩPAHs/ƩN-PAHs in segments ranged from 8699 to 22,528 μg/kg and 503 to 2020 μg/kg, respectively. Abundant-PAH/N-PAH are 2,6-dimethyl-naphthalene and benzo[a]acridine. PAHs/N-PAHs in the samples appeared to be from petrogenic and pyrogenic-sources. Petrogenic-PAHs/N-PAHs were predominated by 2-, 3-rings, alkylated-substituents, while, pyrogenic-PAHs/N-PAHs were dominated by 4-, 5-, 6-rings. Surface-sediments were dominated by petrogenic-PAHs/N-PAHs while, deeper-cores were heavily-contaminated with pyrogenic-PAHs/N-PAHs. ƩPAHs exceeded the ISQGs and PELs of CSQGs. Ʃ-quinoline/Ʃ-acridine exceeded the guidelines for protection of aquatic-life. Furthermore, there are concerns over toxic-ratios >70% in the estuary. Such surveys may be helpful in future sediment-management-decisions for contaminated-systems and long-term-monitoring of sediments to assess remediation/recovery. CapsuleDistinct sources of PAHs and N-PAHs exist in the Niger Delta ecosystem and, there are concerns over toxic ratios >70% in the oil rich region and the potential for adverse biological effects.

Validation of an air/liquid interface device for TiO2 nanoparticle toxicity assessment on NR8383 cells: preliminary results

nvestigations on adverse biological effects of nanoparticles (NP) are performed usually either in vivo on rodents or in vitro under submerged conditions where NP are in suspension into cell culture media. However, sedimentation of NP in vitro is a continuous process and to assess the exact deposited cellular dose remains difficult, as the cellular internal dose is a function of time. Moreover, the cellular responses to NP under submerged culture conditions or by exposing rodents by nose-only to NP aerosols might differ from those observed at physiological settings at the air-liquid interface (ALI). Rat alveolar NR8383 macrophages were exposed to aerosols at the air-liquid interface. We studied TiO2 NM105, a mixture of anatase and rutile. NR8383 cells were exposed to a single dose of 3.0 cm2/cm2 of TiO2 aerosol. Following RNA extraction, transcriptome allowing full coverage of the rat genome was performed, and differentially expressed genes were retrieved. Their products were analyzed for functions and interaction with String DB. Only 126 genes were differentially expressed and 98 were recognized by String DB and give us the gene expression signature of exposed rat alveolar NR8383 macrophages. Among them, 13 display relationships at a high confidence level and the ten most differentially expressed compared to unexposed cells were: Chac1, Ccl4, Zfp668, Fam129b, Nab2, Txnip, Id1, Cdc42ep3, Dusp6 and Myc, ranked from the most overexpressed to the most under-expressed. Some of them were previously described as over or under-expressed in NP exposed cell systems. We validated in our laboratory an easy-to-use device and a physiological relevant paradigm for studying the effects of cell exposure to TiO2. Ccl4 gene expression seems to be a positive marker of exposure evidenced as well as in vivo or in both in vitro conditions.

Expression and clinical correlation of Survivin and PTEN in gastric cancer patients.

Reports on the correlation between the expression of Survivin/phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) proteins and clinical factors in gastric cancer (GC) are varied, and the sample sizes were also not sufficient. The present study aimed to detect the expression of Survivin and PTEN proteins in GC patients on the basis of a greater number of specimens and to analyze the correlation with clinical features and survival. The results revealed that the Survivin expression rates in GC, normal tissues and metastatic lymph nodes were 72% (232/322), 5% (6/120) and 80% (36/45), respectively, while the PTEN expression rates were 34% (109/322), 92.5% (111/120) and 24.4% (11/45), respectively, and the differences between cancer and normal tissue or metastatic lymph nodes were significant for both proteins (P<0.05). The expression of Survivin was significantly associated with gross type, depth of invasion, distant metastasis, tumor, necrosis and metastasis (TNM) stage and vascular invasion, while PTEN expression was predominantly associated with age, tumor size, invasion depth, TNM stage and lymphatic invasion in GC patients (P<0.05). The expression of both was associated with postoperative metastasis and metastatic site (P=0.007 and P=0.011 for Survivin, and P=0.002 and P=0.005 for PTEN). There was a negative association between the expression levels of Survivin and PTEN (P=0.001, r=−0.524). The expression levels of both were also associated with prognosis. The expression of Survivin and PTEN protein exhibit opposing trends in GC, which may indicate adverse biological effects in the occurrence of GC. The Survivin and PTEN expression levels are likely to be an important molecular event in gastric tumorigenesis and may be considered as molecular markers of GC progression and reliable prognostic indicators of GC.