Toxicity Index Research Articles

Seasonal and Spatial Dynamics of Heavy Metal Contamination in Port-Adjacent Mangrove Sediments Along the Iranian Coast of Oman Sea: A Multi-Index Risk Assessment

ABSTRACT This study examined the seasonal and spatial dynamics of heavy metal contamination in port-adjacent mangrove sediments along the northern coast of the Oman Sea, Iran. Sediment samples were systematically collected at three strategic ports along distance gradients from mangrove forests (0 m, 0–500 m, and 500–1000 m) during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons to assess monsoon-influenced contamination patterns. Concentrations of Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu, and Zn were measured, revealing significant seasonal and spatial variations. Contamination indices such as the Contamination Factor (CF), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Ecological Risk Index (RI) were calculated. Results indicated low to moderate contamination levels with Cd being the most significant pollutant. Post-monsoon samples showed increased CF values for Ni and Cu, reflecting the influence of monsoonal runoff. Statistical analyses, including Pearson’s correlation, identified potential anthropogenic sources of contamination. The mean effects range-median quotient (M-ERM-Q) and Total Unit Toxic Index (ΣTU) highlighted the ecological risks, particularly due to Cd. The findings underscore the need for ongoing monitoring and mitigation efforts to protect the mangrove ecosystems from heavy metal pollution.

A Retrospective, Single-Center Study Comparing Neoadjuvant ACTHP vs. DCbHP in HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer Patients.

Neoadjuvant systemic therapy is the preferred treatment approach for stage II-III HER2-positive breast cancer (BC). Real-life data comparing regimens with or without anthracyclines combined with two HER2 drugs is lacking. We compared the efficacy and toxicity of two commonly used regimens. Retrospective data were collected on patients newly diagnosed with clinical stage II-III HER2-positive BC and treated at Sheba Medical Center, Israel, between September 2017 and June 2022 with either neoadjuvant DCbHP (docetaxel, carboplatin, trastuzumab, pertuzumab) or ACTHP (doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel trastuzumab pertuzumab). PCR (pathological complete response) (ypT0/isN0) was evaluated in both cohorts and according to HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining (3+ or 2+ and fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH] positive), estrogen receptor (ER), tumor size and nodal status. The toxicity indices evaluated were reductions in left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), dose reductions, hospitalizations and febrile neutropenia. Here, 106 received ACTHP and 73 received DCbHP. Median age at diagnosis, ER status, HER2 IHC (2+/FISH pos or 3+) and nodal status were balanced. PCR occurred in 63.1% of patients, 67.0% and 57.5% in the ACTHP and DCbHP groups, respectively (p = 0.129). In patients with HER2 3+ IHC, pCR rates were significantly better with the ACTHP regimen than with DCbHP (83% vs. 62.9%, p < 0.039). No difference was observed among patients with HER2 +2 IHC FISH pos. Symptomatic LVEF decrease was observed in seven patients (6.6%) receiving ACTHP vs. none (0%) receiving DCbHP (p < 0.001). PCR rates were similar overall between ACTHP and DCbHP; however, in the HER2 3+ subgroup, ACTHP demonstrated increased efficacy. DCbHP was significantly less cardiotoxic.

Honey bee toxicity of pesticides used in United States maize and soybean production, 1998–2020

Abstract Pesticides are widely used around the world and have demonstrated benefits to crop production. However, pesticides have also been associated with negative impacts to non-target organisms, including pollinators. Here, we combined pesticide usage and toxicity data to create a toxicity index, which shows that pesticide hazard to honey bees (Apis mellifera) has changed substantially in U.S. maize (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max) production between 1998 and 2020. To reduce potential risks to honey bees and increase the eco-efficiency of crop production, efforts should be made to refine management strategies for pests that contribute most to the honey bee toxicity index. In maize, Coleoptera and Lepidoptera pests drive pesticide usage most responsible for hazard to honey bees, although the relative hazard from targeting those pests has decreased over time. In soybean, hemipteran pests were the largest relative contributor to insecticide honey bee hazard. Specific pests that contributed to honey bee toxicity hazard included corn rootworm species (Diabrotica spp.), silk-eating insects, and cutworms in maize, and stink bugs (Family Pentatomidae) and aphid species (Family Aphididae) in soybean. We combined crop yield data with the toxicity index to quantify the eco-efficiency, a measure of crop yield per unit of toxicity hazard. While crop yield for both maize and soybean increased steadily throughout the study period, eco-efficiency decreased in both crops between 2012 to 2020, suggesting increases in crop yield have failed to keep pace with increases in insecticide hazard to honey bees.

Synthesis and modification of novel thiazole-fused quinoxalines as new insecticidal agents against the cotton leafworm Spodoptera litura: design, characterization, in vivo bio-evaluation, toxicological effectiveness, and study their mode of action.

Herein, novel thiazolo[4,5-b]quinoxalin-2-ones 2-6 and thiazolo[4,5-b]quinoxalin-2(3H)-imines 7-9 were synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and 1H/13C NMR to confirm their structures. The efficacy of the newly designed thiazolo-quinoxalines 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9 against the cotton leafworm S. litura (2nd and 4th instar larvae) was evaluated, and results revealed insecticidal activity with variable and good mortality percentages. A SAR study was also discussed. Additionally, compound 3 exhibited the highest insecticidal activity, with mortality% values ranging from 86% ± 7.21% to 97% ± 1.52% and from 66.00% ± 6.24% to 86.33% ± 6.90% at concentrations of 625-2500 mg L-1 against the 2nd and 4th instar larvae, respectively. The probit analysis revealed that the thiazolo[4,5-b]quinoxalin-2(3H)-one derivative 3, after 5 days of treatment, exhibited LC50 values of 141.02 and 366.73 mg L-1 for the 2nd and 4th instar larvae, respectively. The LT50 values ranged from 0.52 to 1.92 days for the 2nd larval instar and from 1.95 to 2.47 days for the 4th larval instar. The corresponding toxicity index (TI) values were 86.21% for the 2nd instar and 78.47% for the 4th instar larvae. The mode of action of compound 3 was assessed through physiological, histological, and SEM analyses on the 4th larval instar. The physiological bioassay revealed a significant increase in total carbohydrate and protein levels compared to the control group. However, the enzymatic study showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST/GOT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT/GPT), and alkaline phosphatase (AlP), while acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels significantly increased. SEM analysis revealed malformations in the external body, while histological examination demonstrated severe damage to the gut epithelium and regenerative cells in the midgut tissues.

Evaluation of the combined toxicity of compound pollutants of azole fungicides to Raphidocelis subcapitata

In order to investigate the combined toxicity of compound contaminated azole fungicides on alage. Systematic investigation of Difenoconazole, Penconazole, Metconazole, Tetraconazole, Flutriafol, Fuberidazole, Triflumizole, Terrazole, HyMexazol, 9 azole fungicides as the components of the mixture. Thirty-five binary mixture systems with 173 mixture rays were designed by direct equipartition ray method. The growth inhibition toxicity of binary mixtures to Raphidocelis subcapitata was determined by 96-well microplates. Toxic interactions were qualitatively analyzed by Concentration addition (CA) and Independent Action (IA) models. Model Deviation Ratio (MDR) was used to quantitatively evaluate the toxic interaction of binary mixtures of azole fungicides, as well as the equivalent graph method, Toxic Unit (TU) method, additivity Index method (AI), Toxicity Index (MTI) and Combination Index (CI) methods were used to analyze the combined toxicity and toxic interaction of the mixture. The results showed that the frequency of synergistic effect was higher when mixed with Difenoconazole, Penconazole and Triflumizole, and the binary mixing with Flutriafol, Fuberidazole and Metconazole could reduce the toxicity of the mixture, showing additive and antagonistic effects. The toxicity of the mixture ranged from 3.053 to 6.415. In addition, at ambient concentrations, the mixture interaction is dominated by addition.

Amikacin therapeutic drug monitoring: Evaluation of therapy performance and analytical techniques in a developing country setting.

Healthcare systems face several challenges, with microbial infections being one of the main concerns. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a strategy that has been encouraged to optimize antimicrobial regimens, particularly those with significant toxicity and narrow therapeutic indices, such as amikacin (AMK). We aimed to evaluate AMK concentrations of patients in a non-routine TDM setting and compare the performance of immunoassay and chromatography methods for routine clinical use. In this prospective study, peak (Cmax) and trough (Cmin) plasma samples were collected from 39 adult patients and quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Relevant clinical information was collected from medical records. AMK concentrations and clinical data were analyzed to evaluate therapy performance and influencing factors. In addition, fluorescence polarized immunoassay (FPIA) and UPLC-MS/MS were compared with Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plot analysis. AMK concentrations varied widely, with a median Cmax of 41.40µg/mL (interquartile range [IQR] 27.60 - 56.75µg/mL) and a median Cmin of 1.87µg/mL (IQR 0.7 - 6.19µg/mL). A high proportion of patients (83.1%) failed to achieve the Cmax therapeutic target, while 31.7% failed to achieve the Cmin therapeutic target. Overall, elderly patients and those with reduced renal function had higher Cmax target attainment, while the same groups had lower Cmin target attainment. The method comparison showed a mean difference of 1.54% (limits of agreement -42.46% to 45.54%) in measured concentrations, with good correlation and no constant or proportional differences. Many patients failed to reach the Cmax target and were at risk of treatment failure, although adequate Cmin was achieved more often. TDM with dose adjustments could improve AMK therapy, but further research is needed.

Bioefficacy and persistent toxicity of newer insecticide against thrips, Pseudodendrothrips mori (Niwa) and leaf webber, Diaphania pulverulentalis (Hampson) in mulberry cultivation

Two field trials were conducted in two locations to assess new insecticide molecules' efficacy against thrips and leaf webber in the mulberry ecosystem. Results indicated that fipronil 5SC @ 50 g a.i. /ha showed the highest percentage reduction in the population of thrips (87.13 and 88.41 % in the first and second trials, respectively) over untreated control. In contrast, for leaf webber, flubendiamide 39.35 SC @ 48 g a.i./ha showed the highest effectiveness with 85.56 and 89.90 per cent reduction over control in the first and second trials, respectively. Persistence was observed through laboratory bioassay. Results revealed that the order of persistent toxicity of insecticides against thrips based on persistent toxicity index was fipronil 5 SC &gt; spinetoram 11.7 SC &gt; thiacloprid 21.7 SC &gt; dimethoate 30 EC. Emamectin benzoate 5SC and dimethoate 30 EC recorded the shortest persistency of 10 days after treatment against mulberry leaf Webber, while chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC and flubendiamide 39.35 SC registered the longest persistency of 25 and 20 days, respectively at the recommended dose. Higher concentrations of pest–resistant proteins and enzymes were recorded in the insecticide-treated mulberry plants than in the untreated plants. To conclude, fipronil 5 SC and thiacloprid 21.7 SC were the most effective in checking the population of thrips. At the same time, emamectin benzoate 5SC and flubendiamide 39.35 SC were most efficient against leaf webber, besides having less persistent toxicity than other treatments. Hence, these insecticides may be recommended to manage thrips and leaf webber in the mulberry ecosystem.

Associations between socioeconomic status and open globe injury.

To examine associations between socioeconomic status (SES), as evaluated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and Distressed Communities Index (DCI), and the characteristics of open globe injury (OGI). Retrospective review of electronic medical records for patients treated for OGI at an academic Level I trauma centre between May 2009 and March 2021. Patient data included age, date of injury, mechanism of injury, visual acuity at presentation, concomitant orbital wall fracture, and ocular trauma score (OTS). The SVI and DCI scores were obtained based on the patient's home zip code. Patients were classified based on individual mechanisms of injury and grouped into non-accidental vs. accidental cases. 899 patients (75.0% male) were included. Average ± SD age (years), SVI, and DCI scores were 44.8 ± 22.7, 0.418 ± 0.207, and 37.9 ± 24.0, respectively. Younger age was associated with higher DCI and lower OTS score (p ≤ 0.002). Non-accidental trauma patients had lower OTS and higher SVI and DCI scores compared to accidental trauma (p < 0.001); firearm-associated ocular injuries (FAOIs) were associated with higher SVI and DCI scores (p < 0.001 and p = 0.040, respectively); domestic violence/assault was associated with worse OTS and higher DCI (p < 001). Falls and sports-related injuries correlated with lower DCI scores (p ≤ 0.031). In our region, among patients with OGIs, lower SES scores were associated with younger age, FAOIs, and non-accidental injuries, including domestic violence/assault. Therefore, lower SES may be considered a risk factor for several distinct mechanisms of OGI.

Differences in glucocorticoid use in childhood vasculitis

This review aimed to explore the differences in glucocorticoid use across various subtypes of childhood vasculitis, focusing on their effectiveness, potential side effects, and tapering strategies to minimize toxicity. A comprehensive review was conducted to evaluate the clinical applications of glucocorticoids in pediatric vasculitis subtypes. Recommendations from recent studies and guidelines were assessed, focusing on glucocorticoid protocols for conditions such as IgA vasculitis, Kawasaki disease, polyarteritisnodosa, ANCA-associated vasculitis, and Takayasu arteritis. Glucocorticoid tapering strategies and toxicity indices, such as the Pediatric Glucocorticoid Toxicity Index (pGTI), were also analyzed. Glucocorticoid use varied across vasculitis subtypes. For IgA vasculitis, mild cases were managed with oral prednisolone, while severe nephritis required intravenous methylprednisolone and immunosuppressants. In Kawasaki disease, corticosteroids were used for refractory cases alongside IVIG and aspirin. Severe polyarteritis nodosa cases showed better outcomes with cyclophosphamide and high-dose glucocorticoids, whereas non-severe cases benefitted from low-dose glucocorticoids and NSAIDs. ANCA-associated vasculitis studies reported no significant correlation between glucocorticoid dose and outcomes, although side effects were dose-dependent. In Takayasu arteritis, children generally received lower doses than adults, based on adult treatment guidelines. The pGTI was highlighted as a valuable tool to monitor and assess glucocorticoid toxicity in pediatric patients. Glucocorticoids remain a cornerstone of treatment in pediatric vasculitis, but their use must be carefully tailored to balance efficacy and toxicity. Early tapering and transitioning to alternative therapies, when feasible, are critical to minimizing adverse effects.

Glucocorticoid toxicity index

The Glucocorticoid Toxicity Index (GTI) is a glucocorticoid-related toxicity measurement tool which was recently developed by an international expert panel. GTI can be calculated with two different methods: Cumulative Worsening Score (CWS) and Aggregate Improvement Score (AIS). The total glucocorticoid-related toxicity during follow-up can be calculated with CWS. All parameters that develop over time continue to be included, and a decrease in the CWS is not possible. On the contrary, both increase and decrease in toxicity can be assessed in scoring with the AIS method. A drug that reduces glucocorticoid toxicity should be able to reduce the AIS score. Cumulative glucocorticoid dose was found to be associated with higher GTI scores in studies. Although not all glucocorticoid-related toxicities can be covered, parameters that are common, dynamic, and more likely to be glucocorticoid-related are included in GTI. GTI has some limitations such as the possibility of not detecting chronic damage, the difficulty in interpreting the score in the patients who have already sterted the glucocorticoid treatment, some parameters requiring direct interaction with the patient, and difficulty in calculation.

Financial Toxicity and Unemployment in Patients with Major Lower Limb Amputation are High.

Major limb amputation can place a significant financial burden on patients and their families because of costs of care and loss of income, encapsulated by the concept of financial toxicity.We sought to measure and understand factors associated with financial toxicity among patients undergoing major lower limb amputation for diabetic foot ulcers or peripheral arterial disease. We identified patients in an institutional database who received lower limb amputations and excluded patients who underwent amputation due to known trauma or cancer. We administered the Financial Index of Toxicity (FIT) survey, as well as a demographic. 214 potentially eligible patients were identified, and 53 agreed to participate. The cohort included 34 males (64.2%) and had a mean age of 59.8 years. Amputation types included: 34 (64.2%) below-knee, 16 (30.2%) above-knee amputations, and 3 (5.7%) hip disarticulations. The mean FIT total score for our sample was 37.8 (SD 23.3).Factors associated with worse financial toxicity included higher age (p=.0002), fewer years of education (p=.007), employment before (p=.021) and unemployment after amputation (p=0.005), and living in a zip code with lower population density (p=.024). Financial toxicity and unemployment after major lower limb amputation for diabetic foot ulcerations/peripheral arterial disease is high with more than 50% of our sample becoming unemployed after undergoing amputation. Financial toxicity is an important phenomenon after major lower limb amputation, and this data can be used to counsel vulnerable patients and support policymakers in appropriate resource allocation.

DeNOxing the air in urban spaces by building and construction photocatalytic coverings

A variety of air depolluting TiO2-based marketed products were applied on bituminous mixtures, sidewalk pavements and facades, giving NOx oxidation ratios under ISO 22197–1:2007 in the 35–9%, 56–2% and 28–2% ranges, respectively. Correspondingly, DeNOx toxicity indexes varied from −0.8 to 5.6, 0 to 14 and −4 to 1.The three most efficient photocatalytic products were selected: two TiO2-water emulsions, for road and sidewalk, and a TiO2-paint, for facade. NOx purifying ability of these materials were evaluated when key physical parameters were modified. The observed NOx conversion is positively correlated with UV-A irradiance up to 10 W/m−2(−|-), reaching a plateau, and negatively correlated with relative humidity, with a more pronounced decrease above 35 %. Inversely, no dependence with inlet NOx concentration is observed in the range of 0.14–1 ppmv.Further, two first-order kinetic approximations were followed to calculate NO surface deposition rates, giving 2 to 8 10−3 m/s on the selected photocatalytic urban surfaces. Subsequently, the potential NOx sink effect induced in a photocatalytic urban canyon and a NOx-purifier was modelled taking NOx surface deposition rates from 10−3 to 10−1 m/s. Purifying devices could be utilised as a preferred option to help alleviate local atmospheric NOx in high-polluted areas.

Elucidation of the Active Agents in a West African Ground Herbal Medicine Formulation That Elicit Antimalarial Activities in In Vitro and In Vivo Models.

Agunmu (ground herbal medicine) is a form of West African traditional medicine consisting of a cocktail of herbs. The goal of this study is to evaluate a formulation of Agunmu made from M. indica, A. repens, E. chlorantha, A. boonei, and B. ferruginea, sold in the open market and commonly used for the treatment of malaria by the locals, for its antimalarial effects and to determine the active principles that may contribute to the antimalarial effect. The ethanolic extract obtained from this formulation (Ag-Iba) was analyzed, using TLC, LC-MS, and Tandem-MS techniques, to determine its phytochemical properties. The extract was tested in vitro against representative bacteria strains, cancer and normal human cell lines, and susceptible (D6) and resistant (W2) Plasmodium falciparum. In subsequent in vivo experiments, graded doses of the extract were used to treat mice infected with chloroquine-susceptible (NK-65) and chloroquine-resistant (ANKA) strains of Plasmodium berghei. Bacteria growth was monitored with a disc diffusion assay, cancer cell viability was determined with MTS assay, and percentage parasitemia and parasite clearance were determined by microscopy. Bound heme content, host mitochondria permeability transition (mPT) pore opening, F0F1-ATPase, and lipid peroxidation were determined via spectrophotometry. Indices of oxidative stress, anti-oxidant activities, toxicity, cell death, and inflammatory responses were obtained using biochemical and ELISA techniques. The histology of the liver and spleen was performed using the standard method. We elucidated the structures of the critical active principles in the extract to be flavonoids: kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, and their glycosides with little or no detectable levels of the toxic Aristolochic acids that are found in Aristolochia repens, one of the components of the formulation. The extract also showed anti-plasmodial activity in in vitro and in vivo models. Furthermore, the extract dose-dependently decreased mitochondrial dysfunction, cell death, and inflammatory and oxidative damage but increased antioxidant potentials. Presumably, the active principles in the extract work as a combinatorial therapy to elicit potent antimalarial activity. Overall, our study unraveled the active components from a commercial herbal formulation that could be reformulated for antimalarial therapy.

Inhibition of Escherichia coli Cell-Free β-Galactosidase Activity by Binary Mixtures of Water-miscible Solvents

The inhibitory effects of ethanol-dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and ethanol-N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) binary mixtures on the activity of cell-free β-galactosidase from Escherichia coli were assessed. The concentration-response relationships of the individual solvent and the mixtures were fitted to a Gormpertz model to estimate the median inhibitory concentrations (EC50) and No-Observable-Effect-Concentration (NOEC) thresholds. The EC50 values estimated are 29.246 ± 2.986% (ethanol), 28.112 ± 0.471% (DMSO), and 18.244 ± 0.674% (DMF). The NOEC values are 11.265 ± 1.121% (ethanol), 6.4047 ± 0.564% (DMSO), and 1.897 ± 0.427% (DMF). The order of inhibitory effects is DMF &gt; DMSO &gt; ethanol. The mixture NOEC values ranged from 10.081% (6:4 ethanol-DMSO mixture) to 13.619% (9:1 ethanol-DMSO mixture). In the case of ethanol-DMF mixtures, NOEC values ranged from 6.843% in 6:4 ethanol-DMF mixture to 10.599% in 9:1 ethanol-DMF mixture. All solvent mixtures with higher EC50 and NOEC values are less inhibitory than the individual DMSO and DMF. The inhibitory effects of the ethanol-DMSO and ethanol-DMF binary mixtures were predicted using the concentration addition (CA) model, toxic index (TI) and model deviation ratio (MDR). The TI for the ethanol-DMSO mixtures ranged from 1.076 ± 0.046 to 1.142 ± 0.032, while that of ethanol-DMF ranged from 1.027 ± 0.015 to 1.136 ± 0.024. These values are marginally higher than 1; thus, the combined effect is considered additive. The study provides fundamental information on the sub-inhibitory concentrations of ethanol, DMSO, and DMF, or their mixtures, for use in the permeabilization of E. coli cells for a β-galactosidase activity assay.

Appraisal of pollution, ecological and health risks assessment of trace metals in soils of Logbadjeck quarrying area, Nyong Series, Cameroon

BackgroundAssessing toxic metals in agricultural soils or farmlands is a worldwide concern for maintaining ecosystem health, especially in developing countries such as Cameroon. Therefore, this study examines the contamination levels and the ecological and health risks of trace metals in the soils of the Logbadjeck quarrying area. MethodsSoil samples from the Logbadjeck quarrying area were examined using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results and discussionThe findings of this research show that trace metals in soils examined significantly exceeded the permissible limit. Correlation matrix and principal component analysis suggest similar provenance of trace metals. A low to moderate level of contamination was found using the geo-accumulation index, ecological risk index, and contamination factor. Logbadjeck soils had minimal pollution levels, as indicated by most stations with pollution load index values < 1 and Nemerow integrated pollution index values of 1–2. The ecological and toxic risk index shows negligible ecological risk and no toxic risk levels of trace metals. The health risk assessment's findings showed that while accidental ingestion and skin contact with trace metals in soils exposed recreational receptors to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, it was necessary to implement policies and undertake remediation to control the elevated carcinogenic risks of Cr, Ni, and Pb in soil. This study's data offers profound insights into our knowledge of environmental contaminants and their potentially harmful impacts in the study area. ConclusionThe soils of the Logbadjeck quarrying area are in the low to moderate contamination category due to geogenic influences and anthropogenic practices. It is recommended that ongoing soil and agricultural products be monitored to avoid trace metal concentrations from anthropogenic practices in the food chain rising above permissible bounds and safeguard the health of humans and animals in the research region.

Changes in the lipid balance in the gastric mucosa in rats under acute stress

BACKGROUND: Stress gastric ulcers are a type of peptic ulcer that develops in response to severe physiological or psychological stress. The causes of stress ulcers in the gaster have not yet been fully studied. AIM: To evaluate the composition of lipids in the gastric mucosa in rats under acute stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All rats included in the study (n=30) were divided into two groups. Group 1 (main group, n=20) included animals with a model of stress gastric ulcer created by stimulation with electrical impulses for 12 h. Group 2 (control group, n=10) included animals with no manipulations. At the end of the experiment, the effective and total concentration in blood serum of all animals was measured, followed by the calculation of the albumin binding reserve, and the plasma toxicity index. We also visually assessed the degree of damage to the gastric mucosa and determined the lipid composition. RESULTS: Our study showed that a stressful situation led to endogenous intoxication in group 1. A decrease in the level of phosphatidylcholine by 16.3% and phosphatidylserine by 18.6% in stressed rats demonstrates the destruction of the cell membrane associated with apoptosis, which macroscopically manifested as spot hemorrhages, erosions, and ulcers in the gastric mucosa. An increase in monoacylglycerol by 34.4% and diacylglycerol by 53.4% in group 1 indicates an increase in membrane permeability and induction of regenerative processes. CONCLUSION: In a stressful situation, a decrease in both total and effective albumin concentrations contributes to endogenous intoxication, leading to lipid imbalance, cell membrane damage, and the development of acute gastric mucosal injury.

Insights into larval development and protein biochemical alterations of Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) following Beauveria bassiana and Solanum lycopersicum treatments

BackgroundThe polyphagous notorious pest, black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), cause significant production losses due to its distinctive feeding and hiding behavior, making it particularly challenging to control it with conventional methods. Therefore, sustainable agriculture demands more effective and environmentally safe pest control solutions. This study aimed to investigate the toxicity of two insecticide alternatives, the entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) Beauveria bassiana and Solanum lycopersicum extract (Tomato plant crude extract, TPCE), using two bioassay methods: the poisoned bait method and the leaf dipping method. In addition, the impact of these biological tools on larval development and protein profiles was evaluated.ResultsThe bait application of both tested materials exhibited higher toxicity than the leaf dipping method, as indicated by the toxicity index. The LC50 values for B. bassiana were 1.6 × 10⁸ and 1.8 × 10⁶ conidia ml−1 using the leaf dipping method and poisoned baits method, respectively. For TPCE, the LC50 values were 4.35 and 1.51 mg ml−1 for the same methods, respectively. In addition, sublethal concentrations of both materials altered the larval and pupal durations. B. bassiana significantly reduced the concentration of larval hemolymph protein. A maximum of 12 protein bands in the control sample, with molecular weights (Mw) ranging between 35 and 120 kDa, were detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE). In B. bassiana-treated larvae, ten bands were detected with Mw ranging from 35 to 120 kDa. At least seven bands were detected in TPCE-treated larvae, with Mw ranging from 35 to 97 kDa.ConclusionsThe findings of this study can be integrated into management programs for A. ipsilon. In addition, the availability of B. bassiana and TPCE in Egypt and their cost-effectiveness as insecticide alternatives support their use in the management programs of this critical pest. These methods are particularly effective when applied in bait form.Graphical

Enhanced biochemical treatment of pulping wastewater by Fenton process: Water quality optimization and detoxification efficiency

Pulping wastewater, characterized by enormous quantities, high pollution load and significant biotoxicity, making its effective treatment crucial for environmental protection. This study evaluated the performance of typical (anaerobic/aerobic) and advanced oxidation (Fenton) processes in pulping wastewater treatment, in relation to physicochemical parameters, acute toxicity and organic indexes. Raw wastewater contains numerous aromatic pollutants with benzene rings and unsaturated bonds, resulted in high pollution load and acute toxicity. Typical treatment process effectively reduced various pollution parameters, with toxicity was significantly decreased or completely removed (83.57–100.00 %). The residual toxicity unit (TU) of aerobic effluent for luminousbacteria and chlorella was only 2.76 and 1.23, respectively. Specifically, acute toxicity showed significantly positively correlated with total nitrogen (TN) and total organic carbon (TOC), positively associated with UV254, while negatively related to humification index (HIX). Although Fenton process optimized wastewater quality, it generated toxic intermediates that increased luminousbacteria toxicity to 5.12 TU, and Daphnia magna toxicity from 0.33 to 0.84 TU. Notably, newly organic pollutants such as Tricosane and Dibutyl phthalate may contributed to increased toxicity. In summary, these results concluded that advanced treatment processes may introduce unexpected toxicity and emphasized the importance of evaluate biotoxicity for environment protection.

Anthropogenic Impact on Soils of Cities Irkutsk, Angarsk

The morphological field description of soil profiles of the territory of Irkutsk region was carried out. Samples of soils, soil-forming rocks and vegetation were taken for further physical and chemical analyses to determine soil properties in the studied areas. Sample preparation of soils was carried out, phytotoxicity of soils was analyzed. Processing of the obtained data was carried out, as a result of which the percentage of germination of radish seeds in the upper horizons of soils of the key areas of Irkutsk and Angarsk cities was revealed, the length of shoots and the length of roots in the soils of the studied samples were measured, the index of soil toxicity was calculated.

Enhanced absorption in SnS/SnSe, SnS/ZnS, and SnS/ZnSe vdW heterostructures for optoelectronic applications: DFT insights

Abstract The electronic and optical properties of monolayers of tin monochalcogenides and zinc monochalcogenides are elucidated by utilizing density functional theory. The calculated results indicate that the monolayers of tin monochalcogenides (SnS and SnSe) have low bandgap and significant absorption in some segments of the visible region (∼400 nm to ∼500 nm). However, the monolayers of zinc monochalcogenides (ZnS and ZnSe) have wide bandgap and negligible absorption in the visible region, which limits their optical performance. Despite low absorption in visible region, ZnS and ZnSe exhibit fascinating properties such as wide band gap, cheapness, low toxicity, earth abundance, structural stability, and high refractive index. To identify the combined potential of zinc and tin, the van der Waals heterostructures SnS/SnSe, SnS/ZnS, and SnS/ZnSe are formed, and their optical and electronic properties are calculated. The calculated results illustrate that the formed heterostructures exhibit bandgap lowering and enhanced visible light absorption. The optical absorption is entirely shifted towards the visible region due to the formation of heterostructure (redshift). The enhanced visible light absorption and narrowed bandgap of the formed heterostructures make them a potential candidate for the fabrication of optoelectronic devices and solar cells.