Test Organisms Research Articles

Evaluation of the effects of two commercial pesticides on Daphnia magna in different feeding environments using morphological and biochemical markers

ABSTRACT In this study, the impact of exposure to a glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) and a trifloxystrobin-based fungicide (TBF) on Daphnia magna in diverse feeding environments was assessed through the analysis of morphological and biochemical markers. The test organisms selected for analysis were Chlorella vulgaris and D. magna. First, the 48-hour median lethal concentrations (LC50) of GBH and TBF for D. magna were determined to be 253.1 mg/L and 20.7 µg/L, respectively. Secondly, the lethality, length, width, and spin length of D. magna were evaluated following exposure to sublethal pesticide concentrations, selected based on the LC50 values, in different feeding environments. Thirdly, the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase, catalase (CAT), carboxylesterase, and acetylcholinesterase, as well as the levels of reduced glutathione, were measured in D. magna exposed to sublethal pesticide concentrations in different feeding environments. Both pesticides caused an increase in CAT activity, while GBH also caused an increase in GST activity in the unfed and mixed-fed groups. Conversely, it can be concluded that feeding with C. vulgaris reduces oxidative stress and toxic effects since there was a lesser increase in GST and CAT activities in the C. vulgaris-fed group for both pesticides, similar to the lethality.

Biotransformation of diclofenac by Stenotrophomonas humi strain DIC_5 and toxicological examination of the resulting metabolites

The widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac, detected in increasing concentrations in freshwater ecosystems, is among the most pressing environmental problems today. In this study, the bacterial isolate Stenotrophomonas humi strain DIC_5 was capable of degrading diclofenac. It eliminated 75.1% of diclofenac at an initial concentration of 1.5 mg/L after 8 days in the presence of glucose (3.0 g/L). During the process, nitro-diclofenac was identified as a resulting metabolite, whose concentration increased significantly in the bacterial medium from the 7th day of the experiment, while the concentration of diclofenac decreased correspondingly. The ecotoxicological tests on Aliivibrio fischeri and zebrafish embryos showed that the bacterial metabolites without diclofenac have a higher toxicity (up to 35.5% bacterial bioluminescence inhibition and 36.7% embryo mortality) than the diclofenac degradation residues (28% and 26.7%, respectively). Based on these results, neither diclofenac nor its degradation products exhibit toxic effects on the test organisms. Conversely, the toxic effect caused by the bacteria was reduced in the presence of diclofenac. Our work highlights the importance of using biotic controls in biotransformation trials, especially when the foreign material is applied in intermediate or environmentally relevant concentration ranges.Key points• Biotransformation of diclofenac by bacteria isolated from a bacterial biofilm.• Biotransformation of diclofenac led to the formation of nitro-diclofenac.• Microorganisms are alternatives for reducing the concentration of diclofenac in water.

Ecotoxicological risk assessment of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) against different aquatic species leveraging intelligent consensus prediction and i-QSTTR modeling

The increasing presence of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in aquatic ecosystems, driven by widespread human use, poses significant risks, including acute and chronic toxicity to aquatic species. However, the scarcity of experimental toxicity data on APIs and related compounds due to the high costs, time requirements, and ethical concerns associated with animal testing hinders comprehensive risk assessment. In response, we developed quantitative structure-toxicity relationship (QSTR) and interspecies quantitative structure toxicity-toxicity relationship (i-QSTTR) models for three key aquatic species: zebrafish, water fleas, and green algae, using NOEC as an endpoint, following OECD guidelines. Algae, daphnia, and fish, recognized as standard organisms in toxicity testing, are crucial bio-indicators due to their size, transparency, adaptability, and regulatory acceptance. We used partial least squares (PLS) and multiple linear regression (MLR) methods for model development alongside machine learning techniques such as Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines (SVM), K-nearest Neighbor (kNN), and Neural Networks (NN) to enhance the predictivity. Lipophilicity, electronegativity, unsaturation, a molecular cyclized degree in molecular structure, large fragments, aliphatic secondary C(sp2), and R–CR–R groups were identified as critical biomarkers for API toxicity. Screening of the PPDB (pesticide properties databases) and DrugBank validated the practical application of these models, offering valuable tools for regulatory decisions, safer API design, and the preservation of aquatic biodiversity.

Impact of diethyl phthalate on freshwater planarian behaviour, regeneration, and antioxidant defence

Diethyl phthalate (DEP) has been widely used as a plasticiser in various consumer products, including cosmetics, personal care items, and pharmaceuticals, and recent studies reported a higher abundance of this priority phthalate in the aquatic environment. DEP is a potential endocrine disruptor, affecting immune systems in humans and wildlife even at low-level chronic exposure. As concern over phthalates increases globally, regulatory bodies focus more on their environmental impact. However, limited research is available, particularly using model organisms like planarians. Planarians are ideal for toxicological studies and may provide insightful information on pollutants' neurotoxic, developmental, and ecological effects, especially in freshwater environments where planarians play a vital role in ecosystem balance. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to examine the toxicity of DEP using the freshwater Dugesia sp., as an experimental animal. The LC50 for the test organism was calculated using DEP concentrations of 800, 400, 200, 100, and 50 µM, with an estimated LC50 of 357.24 µM. Furthermore, planarians were exposed to sub-lethal DEP concentration (178.62 µM) for one day as well as eight days to evaluate the impact of DEP on planarian locomotion, feeding behaviour, and regeneration ability. At sub-lethal concentration, locomotion and feeding ability were decreased, and regeneration was delayed. Furthermore, neuro-transmittance in planaria was altered by sub-lethal DEP concentration, as indicated by a reduced acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. DEP exposure induced oxidative damage in the tested planarians as shown by a marked increase in stress biomarkers, including lipid peroxidation levels and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), and glutathione S-transferase (GST). Our study revealed that DEP exposure may prove fatal to freshwater organisms, such as planarians. The observed alterations in behaviour and regeneration ability demonstrate the severity of the effects exerted by DEP as a toxicant in aquatic ecosystems, thereby indicating the need to restrict its usage to protect aquatic environments.

Development of toxicity tests for Polyurethane foams

Polyurethanes (PUs) are a special class of polymeric materials that differ significantly from most other types of plastic in many aspects. They can be utilized in a wide range of products, including paints, coatings, elastomers, insulators, elastic fibers, and foams. PU foams are especially important as part of various convenience products. PU products often end up in landfills when they are no longer useful and can release toxic compounds when damaged by humans or microbes. Therefore, the ecotoxicological assessment of PU foams is essential. In this paper, five PU foam samples were prepared with different NCO indices (NCO-0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, and 1.2) and together with the Control sample (a previously tested non-toxic foam sample) were applied to develop toxicity tests procedure, while intentionally prepared Toxic foam has been used to verify the accuracy of the developed testing procedure. Two test organisms were successfully applied, Sinapis alba (white mustard) seeds and Escherichia coli (non-pathogenic) bacterial model organisms, and toxicity tests were adapted for the examination of PU-derived substances. Regarding Sinapis alba test, the highest NCO index (NCO-1.2) significantly reduced root length by 9.8 % compared to the Control sample. In the bacterial test, it was observed that the samples containing NCO-1.1 and NCO-1.2 had lower colony numbers (5.0 × 108 and 4.9 × 108 CFU/mL respectively) in comparison to the Control plate (9.6 × 108 CFU/mL). All in all, two toxicity tests were successfully adapted for PU foams, and both are applicable in their ecotoxicological assessment.

Antimicrobial activity, toxicity and retrospective clinical effectiveness of Kantinka BA and Kantinka Herbaltics, two multi-component-herbal products used in the management of infectious diseases in Ghana

There is an upsurge in the incidence of persons living with infectious diseases and their associated symptoms. Also, there is increased resistance and high cost of available synthetic antimicrobial therapeutic agents. This calls for screening candidate herbal products to examine the risk-to-benefit ratio for users. Moreover, there are inadequate proven scientific studies to assess the quality, effectiveness, and toxicity of herbal products that traditional medicine practitioners in Ghana commonly use for the management of infectious diseases such as those caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Candida albicans and the symptomatic management of symptoms associated with infections like cough, skin infections among others and gastritis. Kantinka BA and Kantinka Herbaltics, two multicomponent herbal products, have been used to manage the above-mentioned disease conditions. The study aims to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity, assess the retrospective clinical effectiveness (clinical responses; the disappearance of presenting signs and symptoms associated with infections, gastritis), and the quality and toxicity of Kantinka BA and Kantinka Herbaltics. The products are registered by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). Data on 200 patients who were diagnosed with infectious diseases such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and associated symptoms from January 2018 to June 2018 was obtained from the Adom Herbal Clinic, and the Tafo Government Herbal Medicine Records Unit was assessed. The antibacterial activity of the products was evaluated using the HT-SPOTi method. Phytochemical screening, microbial load, and pH were carried out according to standard procedures. Acute toxicity was carried out according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guideline 425. Phytochemical screening, pH, and microbial load have been established for both products. Binding toxicity studies revealed that the products are non-toxic at a 2000 mg/kg dose. The two products exhibited antimicrobial activities against the test organisms with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Lethal Concentration (MLC) determined for Kantinka BA and Kantinka Herbaltics as 5% and 10% and <80, respectively, against C. albicans and N. gonorrhoeae - the signs and symptoms associated with infections disappeared during the management period. The products are safe and may effectively manage some infectious diseases and associated symptoms.

Activity antibacterial from honey kelulut (Trigona sp.) against bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis

Honey kelulut is derived from the kelulut bee (Trigona sp.), which is native to Kalimantan and belongs to the Trigona genus of stingless bees. The honey produced by the Trigona genus has a well-documented antibacterial property. Study objective accomplished. This text discusses the potent antibacterial action of kelulut honey. The antibacterial testing method employed is the well diffusion method, utilizing the bacterium Staphylococcus epidermidis as the test organism. An antibacterial test was conducted by measuring the diameter of the zone of inhibition against bacteria. The results were obtained from concentrations of 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. Then the resistance diameter was measured for each concentration. The most optimal outcomes were achieved in the antibacterial test using honey kelulut. The honey kelulut with an 80% concentration exhibited a medium resistance level of 10.2 mm, while the 100% concentration demonstrated a strong resistance level of 13.7 mm.

Phytotoxicity Testing of Atmospheric Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have well-known phytotoxicity on higher plants. However, while numerous bioindication studies have been targeted on how different symptoms indicate the deleterious effects of PAHs in the field, laboratory-scale phytotoxicity tests are much rarer. While ecotoxicity tests might rely on the very same end-points as bioindication studies, they have to comply with quality assurance criteria, repeatability being the most important. As such, proper reporting involves the description of the test compound, experimental design and conditions, test organism used, and end-points measured. The recent review intends to give an overview of studies available in the literature complying with these requirements. PAHs occur in the atmosphere both in gaseous form and bound to particles. As plants are exposed to both phases, test protocols available represent different exposure pathways, fumigation chambers vs. direct foliar treatment. Reported studies, therefore, are grouped based on the exposure route they intend to simulate.

Биотестирование меламина с использованием многокомпонентной тест-системы

In recent decades, halogen-containing flame retardants have been gradually replaced by safer flame retardants, including nitrogen-containing compounds. However, their ecotoxicity is poorly studied. The ecotoxicity of melamine, a widely used nitrogen flame retardant, at concentrations equal to MPC in water (4 mg/L), 5 MPC (20 mg/L) and 10 MPC (40 mg/L) was assessed in this study using a complex of test organisms. The assessment of ecotoxicity using the dehydrogenase activity of Dietzia maris AM3 as a test microorganism revealed a stimulating effect of melamine at a concentration equivalent to the MPC; concentrations of 5 and 10 MPC inhibited the activity of dehydrogenases by 19.3% and 10.5%, respectively, indicating low toxicity. No toxic effects were observed on protococcal algae Chlorella vulgaris Beijer at any of the tested concentrations. The effect of melamine solutions on the mortality of crustaceans Daphnia magna Straus was noted only at a concentration of 10 MPC, and the mortality rate was 25%. Lemna growth inhibition test showed that melamine at concentrations equal to the MPC and 5 MPC had an inhibitory effect on the growth of Lemna minor L. It also caused a significant decrease (by 47–52%) in the total chlorophyll content in fronds when exposed to all studied concentrations of melamine.

In vivo Antifungal Efficacy and Safety of Natural Compounds for Topical Treatment of Cutaneous Candidiasis

In vivo toxicity and antifungal therapeutic evaluation of selected natural compounds for topical applications was analyzed using standard methods. The natural compounds, blue vitriol, brimstone, trona, alum, palm ash and black stone were hygienically selected and purchased at a local market in southeastern Nigeria. The test organisms were isolated from high vaginal swab specimens obtained from cases of cutaneous candidiasis. The isolates were identified based on their morphological, physiological and molecular characteristics. The toxicological screening of the test samples was done using Draize’ skin irritancy test, Murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) and necropsy. The in vivo evaluation of antifungal activity of the solutions was done using eight-week-old albino rats weighing 120g – 150g. The animals were infected with the Candida isolates percutaneously; and treated using various formulations of the natural compounds. The skin sections were carefully observed for histopathological changes, before and after treatment. The total yeast counts of the infected skin tissues were also determined. The isolates include Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. Draize’ skin test and Murine local lymph node assay showed no observable skin irritancy reaction (P>0.05). The normal skin architecture of the infected animals was restored after 5 days of treatment with the test samples; while the total yeast count decreased from 108 CFU/mL to 102 CFU/mL. The findings have revealed that natural compounds are effective as well as non-toxic topically, in treatment of cutaneous candidiasis.

Designing of some VO(II), Co(II) and Hg(II) Schiff base complexes: Synthesis, structure elucidation, anticancer and biopesticidal activities, DFT and docking approaches

New VO(II), Co(II) and Hg(II) chelates of bi- or tetradentate isatin based ligand i.e.:-2-(((E)-2-oxo-1,4-dihydrocyclohepta [b]pyrrol-3(2H)-ylidene)amino)-N-(8-((1-(2-((E)-2-oxoindolin-3-phenyl)vinyl) amino) naphthalen-1-yl) benzamide (H2L) were synthesized and well characterized. The reaction between N,N′-(naphthalene-1,8-diyl)bis(2-aminobenzamide) and di-oxazine-2,4 dione (isatin) yielded the Schiff base (H2L). The compounds have been identified by different physicochemical and spectroscopic approaches and DFT as well. From all measurements square pyramidal, distorted octahedral or square planar configurations have been suggested for the chelates 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The Coats-Redfern equations were used to calculate and define the dynamics properties of decomposition stages from TGA (Ea, A, ΔH*, ΔS*, and ΔG*). The in vitro anticancer property of the obtained compounds towards human hepato (HepG2) and human breast (MCF-7) carcinoma cell lines has been screened. Also, the biopesticidal effect of these compounds against spodoptera littoralis has been examined. Data showed that, the tested [Hg(H2L)(L)] complex (3) possesses the most anticancer efficacy against both HepG2 and MCF-7 cells, with half inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 5.78 ± 0.029, 11.24 ± 0.58 μg/mL, respectively also, this complex considered as good an insecticide with the concentration lethal to 50 percent of test organisms (LC50) = 27585.45 ppm after 72 h. The insecticide and tumor inhibition properties were compared with the theoretical molecular docking findings with the specification of the active species in the designated proteins.

Synthesis of Two Chalcones Compounds, Theoretical Investigation and Biological Activity Study

The goal of this study was to synthesize two chalcone compounds and describe them as antibacterial compounds. These compounds are synthesized using a microwave. The element C.H.N analyzer, IR (Infrared Radiation) spectra, and UV (Ultraviolet-Visible) spectra were used to characterize the newly synthesized chalcones. A semi-empirical method (PM3) was used to evaluate the heat of formation ∆H˚f, binding energy ∆Eb, HOMO and LUMO for synthesized compounds, as well as the vibration frequencies and electronic transitions,. Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli were used as test organisms for the antibacterial activity of compounds (CH1 and CH2), and the results indicate a moderate to low activity and sensitivity against germs.

Enhanced exploration of the mode of action of a five-layer foam dressing: critical properties to support wound healing.

The aim of this in vitro experimental series was to explore the mode of action of a hydrocellular polyurethane foam dressing (HPFD) and how its advanced features support beneficial interactions with the wound bed to address common barriers to wound healing, thus supporting improved clinical outcomes. Multiple in vitro microbiological tests were performed, assessing prevention of bacterial ingress, surface removal of bacteria, bacterial sequestration and retention into the dressing in a clinically relevant environment. Odour molecule concentrations were measured using gas chromatography and further assays explored matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 retention in the dressing using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The HPFD demonstrated marked reductions in bioburden levels across multiple tests. These included prevention of bacterial ingress for seven days, removal of surface bacteria and absorption into the dressing. Further tests identified that most bacteria were sequestered into the hyperabsorbent layer (90.5% for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 89.6% for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Moreover, the majority of bacteria (99.99% for both test organisms) were retained within the dressing, even upon compression. Additional tests demonstrated a marked reduction of odour molecules following incubation with HPFD and total retention of protease MMP-9 within the dressing. Proactive management of the wound environment with an appropriate advanced wound dressing, such as the HPFD examined in these in vitro investigations, can not only help to minimise the barriers to healing, as observed across this test series by direct interaction with the wound bed, but may, as a result, provide an ideal environment for wound progression with minimal disturbance.

Non-conventional endpoints show higher sulfoxaflor toxicity to Chironomus riparius than conventional endpoints in a multistress environment

Evidence grows that standard toxicity testing might underestimate the environmental risk of neurotoxic insecticides. Behavioural endpoints such as locomotion and mobility have been suggested as sensitive and ecologically relevant additions to the standard tested endpoints. Possible interactive effects of chemicals and additional stressors are typically overlooked in standardised testing. Therefore, we aimed to investigate how concurrent exposure to environmental stressors (increased temperature and predation cues) and a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)-modulating insecticide (‘sulfoxaflor’) impact Chironomus riparius across a range of conventional and non-conventional endpoints. We used a multifactorial experimental design encompassing three stressors, sulfoxaflor (2.0–110 µg/L), predation risk (presence/absence of predatory cues), and elevated temperature (20 °C and 23 °C), yielding a total of 24 distinct treatment conditions. Additional stressors did not change the sensitivity of C. riparius to sulfoxaflor. To assess potential additive effects, we applied an Independent Action (IA) model to predict the impact on eight endpoints, including conventional endpoints (growth, survival, total emergence, and emergence time) and less conventional endpoints (the size of the adults, swimming abilities and exploration behaviour). For the conventional endpoints, observed effects were either lower than expected or well-predicted by the IA model. In contrast, we found greater than predicted effects of predation cues and temperature in combination with sulfoxaflor on adult size, larval exploration, and swimming behaviour. However, in contrast to the non-conventional endpoints, no conventional endpoints detected interactive effects of the neurotoxic insecticide and the environmental stressors. Acknowledging these interactions, increasing ecological context of ecotoxicological test systems may, therefore, advance environmental risk analysis and interpretation as the safe environmental concentrations of neurotoxic insecticides depend on the context of both the test organism and its environment.

Synthesis and Property Evaluations of a Bio‐Based Anticorrosive Urethane Composites Containing Bisphenol a as Extender

AbstractThis article reports the synthesis of an eco‐friendly polyurethane composite system, which was successfully prepared in a one‐pot synthetic pathway by combining castor seed oil (CSO), bisphenol A (BPA), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and functional hybrid nanoparticles (prepared by modifying the peripheral surface of silica with 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS). The urethane composites were cast as thin films on tin foils and mild steel and cured under atmospheric moisture. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy was used to characterise the cured composite films, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), corrosion resistance, antimicrobial analysis, salt spray test, and water contact angle measurements. Our evaluations showed improved thermal and hydrophobic properties of the composite coatings. Also, the electrochemical and antimicrobial analyses clearly show resistance to corrosion and test organisms as the percentage composition of APTMS‐SiO2 increases in the urethane system.

Biological Activities and Importance of the Medicinal Plant, Commiphora gileadensis Collected from Makka Region, Saudi Arabia

Objective: This study aimed to discover safe antibacterial and antibiofilm agents from natural sources to control resistant bacteria. Methods: C. gileadensis leaves and stems were collected, identified, and extracted using different organic solvents, methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and hot water. The tested bacteria were multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Listeria monocytogenes, Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Crystal violet method was used to detect biofilm formation while the phenol-sulphonic acid method to measure exopolysaccharide contents, which are an effective factor in biofilm formation. Results: No significant differences were noted in the biological activities between leave and stem. Ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts showed lower activities. Still, hot water extract showed the weakest activities.There is a synergistic effect between the Commiphora extract and some antibiotics, especially Amoxicillin, Polymixin B, and Tetracycline. The highest inhibition of biofilm was recorded against K. pneumonia which had the highest EPS content (0.29 ±0.04 μg/mg of cells), decreased after treatment with plant extract by 39%. Cytotoxicity studies using Artimia salina as a test organism were conducted for the methanolic extracts, which showed antitumor activity against two cell lines, MCF-7 (breast cancer) and HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma). Commiphora extract showed antioxidant activity using two different protocols. Conclusion, the methanolic extract of Commiphora singly or in combination with antibiotics inhibit many pathogenic bacteria that form biofilm and recorded antitumor and antioxidant activities.

Structural and functional alterations under stress conditions by contamination: A multi-species study in a non-forced multi-compartmented mesocosm

Despite the existing connectivity and heterogeneity of aquatic habitats, the concept of interconnected landscapes has been frequently overlooked in ecotoxicological risk assessment studies. In this study, a novel mesocosm system, the HeMHAS (Heterogeneous Multi-Habitat Assay System), was constructed with the potential to assess structural and functional changes in a community resulting from exposure to contaminants, while also considering the complex ecological scenarios. Fish (Sparus aurata), shrimp (Palaemon varians) and three species of marine microalgae (Isochrysis galbana, Nannochloropsis gaditana and Tetraselmis chuii) were used as test organisms. Other species, such as Artemia sp. and macroalgae were also introduced into the system as environmental enrichment. All the species were distributed in five interconnected mesocosm compartments containing a copper gradient (0, 1, 10, 100 and 250 μg/L). The mobile fish avoided the copper contaminants from 1 μg/L (24 h-AC50: 4.88 μg/L), while the shrimp avoided from 50 μg/L (24 h-AC50: 136.58 μg/L). This finding suggests interspecies interactions influence habitat selection in contaminated environments, potentially jeopardizing population persistence. Among the non-motile organisms, the growth and chlorophyll content of the microalgae were concentration dependent. The growth of I. galbana was more sensitive (growth inhibition of 50 % at the highest concentration) in contrast to N. gaditana (30 % inhibition at the highest concentration) and T. chuii (25 % inhibition at the last two highest concentrations). In summary, the mesocosm HeMHAS showed how contamination-driven responses can be studied at landscape scales, enhancing the ecological relevance of ecotoxicological research.

METABOLIC SYNDROME: IN VITROANTIOXIDANT, ANTICANCER, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF DISSOTIS ROTUNDIFOLIA(SM.) WITH PHYTOCHEMICAL AND NUTRITIONAL COMPONENTS

Background:Dissotis rotundifolia(Sm.) Triana isa prostrate herb of the family Melastomataceae. It is used for the treatment of obesity, hypertension, circulatory problems and metabolic syndrome (MS). This study evaluated the antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory.and antimicrobial activities of the whole plant of D. rotundifoliato validateits therapeutic potential in the management and treatment of MS. Materials and Methods: The plant was screened for proximate, mineral, vitamin and phytochemical components, as well as antioxidant activities using standard laboratory techniques. The anticancer activities of the ethanol plant extract were against kidney (VERO) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cells. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extract was determined using nitric oxide production inhibition assay and the antimicrobial activity was evaluated against five pathogenic organisms. All data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The plant was rich in carbohydrate (47.87%), protein (22.5%), crude fibre (9.57%), Na (206.67 mg/100 g), Ca (183.33mg/100 g), vitamin C (25.53 mg/100 g), flavonoids (685.00 mg/100 g), alkaloids (616.67 mg/100 g) and saponins (471.67 mg/100 g) contents. Theextract exhibited considerableand variedantioxidant activities.The plant extract was very active against VERO and MCF-7 cellsatlow concentrations(0.145 mg/ml and 0.141 mg/ml respectively) compared to doxorubicin. It also exhibited significant anti-inflammatory action against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW macrophage. The extract was active against all test organisms. Overall, D. rotundifolia displayed significant antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Conclusion: The observed bioactivities of the plant could be attributed to its phytocontents and are indications of itspotential as an agent for the managementand treatment ofmetabolic syndrome.

Automated Image-Based Fluorescence Screening of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Daphnia magna: An Advanced Ecotoxicological Testing Tool.

This study demonstrated the strengths of in vivo molecular staining coupled with automated imaging analysis in Daphnia magna. A multiwell plate protocol was developed to assess mitochondrial membrane potential using the JC-1 dye. The suitability of five common anesthetics was initially tested, and 5% ethanol performed best in terms of anesthetic effects and healthy recovery. The staining conditions were optimized to 30 min staining with 2 μM JC-1 for best J-aggregate formation. The protocol was validated with the model compound carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) and used to measure the effect of four environmental contaminants, 2,4-dinitrophenol, triclosan, n-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), and ibuprofen, on mitochondrial health. Test organisms were imaged using an automated confocal microscope, and fluorescence intensities were automatically quantified. The effect concentrations for CCCP were lower by a factor of 30 compared with the traditional OECD 202 acute toxicity test. Mitochondrial effects were also detected at lower concentrations for all tested environmental contaminants compared to the OCED 202 test. For 2,4-dinitrophenol, mitochondria effects were detectable after 2 h exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations and predicted organism death was observed after 24 h. The high sensitivity and time efficiency of this novel automated imaging method make it a valuable tool for advancing ecotoxicological testing.

Ecotoxicity of the chlorantraniliprole insecticide on Ceriodaphnia dubia

Studies on the toxic effects of pesticides to aquatic organisms are necessary to establish safe concentrations of exposure, promoting the protection of aquatic life. The insecticide chlorantraniliprole has been used since 2007 in several crops of vegetables and fruits, but despite its wide and continuous use, little ecotoxicological information is reported in the literature. Then, the objective of this work is to evaluate the ecotoxicological aspects of this insecticide in the test organism Ceriodaphnia dubia through toxicity tests, aiming at determining the values of NOEC (no observed effect concentration), LOEC values (lowest observed effect concentration), CV (chronic value) and EC(I)50, 48 h (acute effect concentration). The results indicated that C. dubia showed greater sensitivity when compared to other organismal groups exposed to the same insecticide, with EC(I)50, 48 h values of 2.9 ± 1.11 µg.L-1, NOEC of 0.61 ± 0.33 µg.L-1 and LOEC of 0.91 ± 0.49 µg.L-1. Based on toxicity tests with C. dubia and considering the protection of aquatic life, a safe environmental concentration of 0.74 µg. L-1 of the insecticide chlorantraniliprole is recommended.