Toxicity Tests Research Articles

An Efficient Method for Detoxification of Organophosphorous Pesticide-Contaminated Soil with Ozonation in Fluidized Bed Reactor

Pesticides, essential for controlling pests and weeds, significantly boost agricultural productivity. However, their excessive use leads to substantial contamination of environmental matrices, including soil and water. Organophosphorus compounds, which constitute more than 30% of the global use of insecticides and herbicides, are particularly concerning, and their widespread application raises alarms among environmentalists and regulatory agencies due to their high toxicity to aquatic organisms. Therefore, to avoid the spread of these compounds within the environment, the contaminated sites may be treated with various methods. This study explored a soil detoxification procedure utilizing gaseous ozone. As a representative of organophosphorus pesticides, chlorfenvinphos was utilized as soil contaminant. This compound is still reported to occur in a number of environmental matrixes. The method used in this study involved the exposure of the soil matrix in a fluidized state to an ozone-enriched atmosphere. The ozonation procedure enabled the removal of the pesticide from the soil matrix. During its oxidation, some degradation products were detected; in particular, they included 2,4-dichlorobenzoic acid and 2-chloro-1-(2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-ethanone, whose presence was confirmed by a GC-MS system and the NIST database. However, they also underwent degradation. Moreover, on the basis of stereoselective reaction of Z and E isomers, the pesticide degradation pathway was proposed. Additionally, the efficacy of this detoxication method was evaluated using a combination of chronic and acute toxicity tests, employing Eisenia foetida earthworms as bioindicators. On the basis of the obtained results, it can be concluded that organophosphorus herbicides containing unsaturated bonds in their structure, including glyphosate, can be removed using this method.

Methylene blue at recommended concentrations alters metabolism in early zebrafish development

Methylene blue (MB) is an antifungal agent widely used during critical stages of zebrafish development. Most guidelines recommend 0.00005% or 0.0001% of MB for embryo/larval rearing. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development zebrafish embryo toxicity test guideline omits MB recommendations, leading to inconsistent MB use in zebrafish research. Because MB affects oxidative energy metabolism in vitro and in vivo, we investigate possible metabolic effects of recommended MB concentrations in developing zebrafish (1–5 days post-fertilization (dpf)). MB increases O2 consumption rate at 1 dpf, followed by an overall reduction in oxidative energy metabolism in post-hatch eleutheroembryos (4–5 dpf). Concomitantly, mitochondrial transcripts decrease in 1 and 4 dpf zebrafish. Our findings show that MB, at recommended husbandry concentrations, affects oxidative metabolism and can thus confound experiments. Since the zebrafish embryo/larval model is gaining traction as a high-throughput New Approach Methodology (NAM) for toxicity assessment, researchers should reconsider MB use.

In-depth study of the nutritional composition, phytochemicals, antioxidant activity, molecular docking interactions, and toxicological evaluation of Abies marocana Trab. woody biomass

IntroductionMorocco is renowned for its rich plant biodiversity, although many plants are underutilized. Consequently, the present study was conducted to assess the nutritional composition, bioactive constituents, antioxidant properties, and acute oral toxicity of Abies marocana's woody biomass.MethodsThe nutritional value of the twigs and cones was determined using the AOAC method, while mineral components were examined through ICP-OES. To search for phytochemicals in the methanolic extracts, a number of established techniques were applied, and evaluate their antioxidant activity, while the volatile content was determined using the GC-MS method. The acute oral toxicity test was carried out following the guidelines of OECD 423.Results and discussionProximate analysis revealed a variety of components in different parts, including moisture, ash, fiber, protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Cones and twigs were found to be rich in mineral elements, as well as phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and phytosterols. Chromatographic analysis identified linoleic acid as the main component in twig extract and 2-Bornanone as the primary constituent in cone extract. The methanolic extracts of A. marocana displayed strong antioxidant properties through notable DPPH scavenging activity, with no mortality observed in rats even at doses exceeding 1,000 mg.kg−1, indicating potential for medicinal, cosmetic, or dietary uses. A molecular docking study of the five main compounds of both plants showed that they aligned and interacted with the binding sites of selected proteins, demonstrating significant antioxidant activity.

It's about time: moving away from statistical analysis of ecotoxicity data.

Environmental risk assessment of chemicals (ERA) relies on single-species laboratory testing to establish the toxic properties of a compound. However, ERA is not concerned with toxicity under laboratory conditions: it needs to assess the impacts of the compound in the real world. Data-driven statistical analyses (e.g., hypothesis testing and interpolation) are the common approaches for analysing toxicity data, but such approaches are the wrong tool for the job at hand. ERA does not need a statistical description of the effects in the toxicity test (at the end of the standardised test duration), it needs to extrapolate from the laboratory test to longer and time-varying exposure. Such extrapolation requires mechanistic process models, providing a simplified representation of the mechanisms underlying toxicity. Any useful model for the toxicity process should explicitly consider both dose (e.g., exposure concentration) and time. In the history of effects analysis for ERA, the factor of time does not get as much attention as the dose, hence common use of the term 'dose-response analysis'. However, this is a historical oversight: time is a crucial factor for understanding toxicity and thereby essential for meaningful extrapolation from laboratory to field. Mechanistic models for ecotoxicity, considering both dose and time, have been around for quite some time and are classified as toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic (TKTD) models. TKTD models are starting to find their way into pesticide ERA in Europe, next to the classical statistical approaches. In this opinion paper, I argue that it is about time to leave statistical analysis of toxicity data behind us. Statistics remains important for ERA's effects assessment, but its role lies in the definition of appropriate 'error models', explaining the deviations between model output and observations, which is essential for parameter estimation, uncertainty quantification, and error propagation. The 'process model', essential for extrapolation, firmly belongs to TKTD modelling.

Reduction of spruce phytotoxicity by superheated steam torrefaction and its use in stimulating the growth of ecological bio-products: Lemna minor L

Abstract The use of biochar in agriculture is associated with the concepts of "carbon sink" and "carbon negative," which will constitute additional income for farms in the near future and may provide them with a key role in the fight against global warming. The existing model in the Scandinavian countries is one of the first to combine biochar with carbon dioxide biosequestration. Fertilizers with excessive nutrient content, salinity issues, impurities, or irregular pH levels can induce phytotoxicity, damaging plant health and growth. Torrefied woody biomass can work as a bulking agent, carbon carrier, or as an amendment for composting materials containing high amounts of water and/or nitrogen contents. Superheated steam torrefaction as a valorization process increases the amount of pores in which minerals can be stored and the plant will grow faster and bigger by using these pores agglomerated minerals. The torrefaction process was conducted using the DynTHERM TG Rubotherm high-temperature and high-pressure thermogravimetric analysis apparatus under conditions of superheated steam flow. Various residence times (10, 20, and 40 min) and torrefaction temperatures (250, 275, and 300 °C) were explored to assess their efficacy in reducing the phytotoxicity of torrefied spruce. To confirm this assumption, a toxicity test with Lemna minor L. was carried out according to Radić et al. (2011) and extended to the determination of chlorophyll index and chlorophyll fluorescence to assess the physiological status of the plants after treatment with different doses of spruce wood biocarbon. Research indicates that biochar positively impacts soil quality and plants. Thanks to its unique properties, biochar provides nutrients, enhancing fertilization efficiency [1]. Biochar, after concentrating and adsorbing the nutrients from the wastewater, can be used as a soil amendment or fertilizer. Biochar blended with organic residues full of nutrients is more effective in improving soil properties and crop yields than the exclusive application of pure biochar or other fertilizers. Traditional chemical fertilizers have drawbacks, such as rapid nutrient leaching, severe environmental pollution, and high costs. Therefore, biochar is gaining increasing recognition worldwide.

In vivo toxicological evaluation of 3-benzylideneindolin-2-one: antifungal activity against clinical isolates of dermatophytes

BackgroundDermatophytes, the primary causative agents of superficial cutaneous fungal infections in humans, present a significant therapeutic challenge owing to the increasing prevalence of recurrent infections and the emergence of antifungal resistance. To address this critical gap, this study was designed to investigate the antifungal potential of 3-benzylideneindolin-2-one against dermatophytes and assess its in vivo toxicological profile using brine shrimp and zebrafish embryo models.MethodsThe antifungal activity of 3-benzylideneindolin-2-one was evaluated against 30 clinical isolates of dermatophyte species, including Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum canis, and Epidermophyton floccosum, by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) using the broth microdilution method. The fungicidal activity was evaluated using time-kill assays. Toxicological effects were investigated using the brine shrimp lethality assay to determine Artemia salina nauplii mortality after 48 h of exposure, and the fish embryo acute toxicity test, which assessed lethality and developmental abnormalities in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos over a 96 h post-fertilization period.Results3-Benzylideneindolin-2-one exhibited consistent fungicidal activity across all dermatophyte species, with MICs ranging from 0.25 to 8 mg/L and MFCs ranging from 1 to 32 mg/L. Time-kill assays revealed a concentration-dependent fungicidal effect on the microconidia. The compound exhibited moderate toxicity to A. salina nauplii, with LC50 values of 69.94 mg/L and 52.70 mg/L at 24 and 48 h, respectively, while showing no significant lethality within the MIC range. In zebrafish embryos, concentrations below 7.5 mg/L did not significantly affect lethality, hatchability, or induce morphological abnormalities. However, at a concentration of 10 mg/L, the compound induced mild toxicity in embryos, evidenced by a significant increase in mortality and the presence of morphological anomalies such as yolk-sac and pericardial edema compared to the control group.ConclusionsThe consistent antifungal activity of 3-benzylideneindolin-2-one against clinically significant dermatophyte species, combined with its low toxicity within the therapeutic window, underscores its potential as a promising lead compound for the development of effective therapeutics for dermatophytosis.

P0080 Thalidomide-Carbomer Gel for Rectal Administration Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis and fibrosis in Mouse by Targeting S1pr5 and Il1f9 (Il36γ)

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract, including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Thalidomide, an inhibitor of Tnf-α, is used in IBD treatment but is limited by systemic side effects when taken orally. This study aimed to develop a thalidomide-carbomer gel for rectal administration to reduce systemic side effects and explore new therapeutic targets. Methods An acute colitis model was established using DSS-induced wild-type C57 mice. Mice were treated with thalidomide-carbomer gel via rectal administration. Body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, liver and spleen indices, and histological changes were evaluated. RNA-seq, qPCR, WB, and immunohistochemistry were performed to assess inflammation and fibrosis markers. In vitro, an LPS-induced inflammation model was constructed using NCM460 cells, and cell migration and inflammatory cytokine expression were analyzed following drug treatment. Results Thalidomide-carbomer gel significantly alleviated symptoms of DSS-induced colitis in mice, including reducing body weight loss, DAI score, colon shortening, and liver/spleen indices. Histological analysis showed decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells and reduced expression of Tnf-α, α-SMA, and Tgf-β. The gel also enhanced intestinal barrier function by increasing the expression of E-cadherin and Occludin. RNA-seq and qPCR analyses suggested that the therapeutic effect may involve the regulation of S1pr5 and Il1f9（Il36γ）pathways. Toxicity tests indicated no significant adverse effects on hematological or liver and kidney functions. In NCM460 cells, thalidomide inhibited LPS-induced cell migration and IL-6 release. Conclusion Thalidomide-carbomer gel, through the inhibition of Tnf-α, S1pr5, and Il1f9 (Il36γ), significantly improved DSS-induced colitis and fibrosis in mouse, showing promising therapeutic potential for IBD.

Discovery of Novel Neonicotinoids with Conjugated Diene Enabled by Cascade Allylation/Isomerization Synthetic Methodology.

As one of the most significant insecticides, neonicotinoids have played a pivotal role in crop protection and public sanitation. However, the high resistance and bee toxicity of neonicotinoid insecticides have attracted considerable attention. Herein, a series of neonicotinoid compounds with conjugated diene moieties were synthesized through the cascade allylation/isomerization reaction. Most of the target compounds exhibited excellent insecticidal activities against Aphis craccivora, and some compounds exhibited good insecticidal activities against Mythimna separata. In particular, compound A15 showed outstanding insecticidal activity against A. craccivora (LC50 = 0.15 mg/L), which was superior to that of imidacloprid (LC50 = 0.36 mg/L). In addition, this candidate exhibited minimal cross-resistance to imidacloprid. The acute contact toxicity tests on Apis mellifera suggested that compound A15 was 10 times less toxic than imidacloprid. Electrophysiological experiments and molecular docking studies indicated that compound A15 exerted its insecticidal effects by interfering with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. This work identifies a novel conjugated diene neonicotinoid candidate with significant potential for further development.

Utility Assessment of Isolated Starch and Extract from Thai Yam (Dioscorea hispida Dennst.) for Cosmetic via In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

In Thailand, wild yam, or Dioscorea hispida Dennst., is a starchy crop that is usually underutilized in industry. The purpose of this study was to isolate the starch and extract the phytochemical from D. hispida and use them in cosmetics. Starch was used instead of talcum, which can cause pulmonary talcosis in dusting powder formulas (DP 1-5). GC-MS was used to identify the bioactive components present in the ethanolic extract of D. hispida. The main compounds were identified as 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- (6.51%), stigmasta-5,22-dien-3-ol, (3.beta.,22E)- (6.41%), linoleic acid ethyl ester (5.72%), (Z,Z)-9,12-octadeca-dienoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxy-propyl (3.89%), and campesterol (3.40%). Then, the extract was used as an ingredient in facial sleeping mask gel formulas (SM 1–SM 5). Stability tests, physical characteristics, enzyme inhibitions, and sensitization dermal toxicity tests were used to evaluate the DP and SM formulations. The results showed that the fresh tubers of D. hispida showed a 12.5% w/w starch content. The findings demonstrated that starch powder had a restricted size distribution, ranging from 2 to 4 μm, and a smooth surface that was polygonal. Following stability testing, the color, odor, size, and flowability of all DP formulations did not significantly differ. The SEM investigation revealed that DP particles were homogenous. For the sensitization dermal toxicity test, DP denoted no erythema or skin irritation in the guinea pigs. After stability testing, the colors of the SM formulas were deeper, and their viscosity slightly increased. The pH did not significantly change. After the stability test, SM formulas that contained Glycyrrhiza glabra and D. hispida extracts exhibited stable tyrosinase and elastase inhibitory activities, respectively. In the sensitization dermal toxicity test, guinea pigs showed skin irritation at level 2 (not severe) from SM, indicating that redness developed. All of these findings indicate that D. hispida is a plant that has potential for use in the cosmetics industry. Furthermore, D. hispida starch can be made into a beauty dusting powder, and more research should be conducted to develop an effective remedy for patients or those with skin problems.

Exploring chitin metabolite profiles and sensitivity differences in Collembola species exposed to teflubenzuron.

Effective environmental risk assessments of chemical plant protection products, such as benzoylurea pesticides, are crucial for safeguarding ecosystems. These pesticides, including teflubenzuron, target chitin synthesis in arthropods but also pose risks to non-target soil fauna like Collembola, which play essential roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling. This study combines traditional toxicity tests with a metabolomic approach to examine the interspecies specific sensitivity of three Collembola species - Sinella curviseta, Ceratophysella denticulata, and Folsomia candida - to teflubenzuron. The investigation focused on reproduction, bioaccumulation, and changes in chitin-related metabolites as indicators of pesticide impacts. Results revealed significant interspecies specific variability in sensitivity, with F. candida showing higher susceptibility towards teflubenzuron, possibly due to greater bioaccumulation factors. Metabolomic analysis highlighted distinct patterns in chitin metabolite alterations among the species, correlating with their differential sensitivity. Notably, metabolites like trehalose and glucose, crucial for chitin synthesis, were significantly affected by teflubenzuron within seven days of exposure. Despite high soil concentrations of the pesticide, S. curviseta demonstrated resilience in traditional life-history endpoints, such as reproduction and survival. However, metabolomics indicated a biochemical response to even low internal concentrations of teflubenzuron, underscoring the complexity of their interactions with environmental stressors. This study emphasizes the importance of incorporating metabolomics to understand the differential responses of non-target organisms to pesticides and advocates for species-specific risk assessments in pesticide regulation. The distinct metabolic responses among Collembola species to chitin synthesis inhibitors provide critical insights into their ecological resilience or vulnerability, enhancing our understanding of ecosystem dynamics and the potential ramifications of chemical exposure.

Use of alternatives to animal testing for Environmental Safety Assessment (ESA): Report from the 2023 EPAA partners' forum.

Environmental Safety Assessments (ESA) are mandatory for several regulatory purposes and are an important component of stewardship/sustainability initiatives. Fish testing is used for assessing chemical toxicity and bioaccumulation potential; amphibians are included in some jurisdictions and their use is increasing to assess endocrine disruption. Alternative methods are becoming more available, covering the principles of the 3Rs (i.e., replacing, reducing and refining animal tests), but their regulatory incorporation is still limited. A cross-sector review by the European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA), discussed the status and priorities for accelerating the adoption of non-animal approaches in ESA. The lack of an internationally agreed definition for "animal testing" was recognized as a challenge. For example, testing with vertebrate embryos up to specific developmental stages is a suitable refinement alternative only in some jurisdictions. Invertebrate testing offers refinement alternatives to develop tiered approaches using vertebrate testing as a last resort. Aquatic ESA was identified as a common need by all sectors and regulatory areas, while terrestrial ESA is particularly relevant for agrochemicals. The standardization and validation of some alternative methods as OECD test guidelines (TGs) for fish acute toxicity and fish bioaccumulation have not yet triggered the expected replacement in regulatory settings. Priority actions in these areas are needed to generate confidence in the regulatory use of the available OECD TGs designed as alternatives, including the identification of applicability domains and guidance/decision-trees for integrating different lines of evidence. Case studies under the OECD Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATA) program could facilitate further global regulatory uptake. Replacement of fish chronic toxicity testing is more complex and less advanced. A dual approach was suggested, in the short-term, exploring lines of evidence that, alone or in combination, could identify when further fish testing is not needed. The second phase should focus on the application of the 3Rs in those cases where chronic information is needed. Another area of increasing interest is endocrine disruption. It represents a challenge but also an opportunity for implementing mechanistic non-animal methods, in addition to integrate human and ESA. This requires a step-by-step approach with continuous dialogue to ensure that technical developments will address regulatory needs. The review also agreed that the long-term aspiration is a new ESA paradigm, mapping the protection goals and providing connectivity between the chemical legislation and environmental protection policies.

Daphnids can safeguard the use of alternative bioassays to the acute fish toxicity test: A focus on neurotoxicity.

Assessment of potential impacts of chemicals on the environment traditionally involves regulatory standard data requirements for acute aquatic toxicity testing using algae, daphnids and fish (e.g., OECD test guidelines (TG) 201, 202, and 203, respectively), representing different trophic levels. In line with the societal goal to replace or reduce vertebrate animal testing, alternative bioassays were developed to replace testing with fish: the fish cell line RTgill-W1 acute toxicity assay (OECD TG249) and the zebrafish embryo acute toxicity test (zFET, OECD TG236). However, previous studies revealed the lower sensitivity of the RTgill-W1 cell line assay and zFET for some neurotoxic chemicals and allyl alcohol, which is presumably biotransformed in fish to the more toxic acrolein (which is predicted well through the cell line assay). To provide an additional alternative to acute fish toxicity, in this study, we analyzed historic ecotoxicity data for fish and daphnids from the EnviroTox Database. We found a considerable variability in acute fish LC50 and acute daphnids EC50 values, particularly for neurotoxic chemicals. Comparing sensitivity of these taxonomic groups according to different neurotoxicity classification schemes indicates that fish rarely represent the most sensitive trophic level of the two. Exceptions here most prominently include a few cyclodiene compounds, which are no longer marketed, and a chemical group that could be identified through structural alerts. Moreover, daphnids are more sensitive than fish to acrolein. This analysis highlights the potential of the Daphnia acute toxicity test, which is usually a standard regulatory data requirement, in safeguarding the environmental protection level provided by the RTgill-W1 cell line assay and the zFET. This research, rooted in decades of efforts to replace the fish acute toxicity test, shifts the focus from predicting fish toxicity 1-to-1 to emphasizing the protectiveness of alternative methods, paving the way for further eliminating vertebrate tests in environmental toxicology.

Optical Insight: Spectrophotometry as a Tool to Quantify Cell Density of Green Microalgae in Suspension, with Emphasis on Growing Conditions and Toxicological Evaluations.

Microalgae are often used in different industrial sectors and can be used as indicators of aquatic environmental health. An essential step for cultivating microalgae is assessing the cell density, which is traditionally performed through cell counting by optical microscopy (OM). However, this method has limitations, mainly in terms of runtime and low reproducibility. Assessing the optical density (OD) by spectrophotometry was investigated as an affordable alternative. The OD of the green microalgae Desmodesmus subspicatus and Tetraselmis sp. was detected at 680nm. The correlation between the cell density and OD was suitable for both microalgae and the accuracy was comparable to traditional OM counting. In toxicological tests, the OD technique allowed the monitoring of microalgal growth in the presence of the chemicals K2Cr2O7, KCl and sodium dodecyl sulfate. This study sheds some light on this well-known technique, which is an important contribution since few articles have explored its potentialities and fragilities.

Optimized Metolachlor, Epoxiconazole and Chlorantraniliprole Mixture Analysis for Aquatic Toxicity Testing Using UHPLC-MS/MS.

The co-occurrence of pesticides in aquatic ecosystems highlights the need for studies investigating their potential toxicity as mixtures to the aquatic biota. Well-designed studies are essential to assess the presence and toxicity of relevant pesticide mixtures, particularly those such as the chloroacetamide herbicide metolachlor (MET), the triazole fungicide epoxiconazole (EP) and the diamide anthranilic insecticide chlorantraniliprole (CAP), which have not been previously tested, and whose co-occurrence is possible in waters close to cultivated areas. A solid phase extraction ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry method was developed to quantify equivalent toxicity concentrations for CAP, EP, and MET in artificial freshwater during acute toxicity tests. Compounds were separated within 1.30min, showing linearity over the calibration ranges of 2-150 µgL-1 for CAP and 50-3000 µgL-1 for EP and MET. Detection and quantification limits were (µgL-1): 0.001 and 0.0037 MET; 0.000038 and 0.00013 EP; and 0.002 and 0.007 CAP, respectively. Precision and accuracy met intra-assay validation requirements. Recoveries were tested at low and high concentration levels and were between 77% and 120%. Additionally, matrix effect showed different behavior among compounds. In an acute toxicity test proposed, MET and EP remained stable (24h), while CAP decayed 27% ± 4% in the same period. The method proved effective despite different concentrations in toxicity testing design.

Designing of an innovative conserved multiepitope subunit vaccine targeting SARS-CoV-2 glycoprotein and nucleoprotein through immunoinformatic

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has imposed substantial challenges on our society due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This virus relies heavily on its surface glycoprotein (S-glycoprotein) to facilitate attachment, fusion, and entry into host cells. While the nucleoprotein (N) in the ribonucleoprotein core binds to the viral RNA genome. Therefore, our objective is to develop a novel vaccine candidate targeting the dominant T-cell and B-cell epitopes of the immune system. On the S-glycoprotein and nucleoprotein. Employing an immunoinformatic approach, we constructed a vaccine candidate with 13 highly antigenic B-cell epitopes, 19 HTL antigenic epitopes, and 18 CTL epitopes following a rigorous assessment. The multi-epitope construct successfully passed three-fold toxicity, allergenicity, and antigenicity tests, affirming its non-toxic, non-allergenic, and antigenic nature. This demonstrates the potentiality of the vaccine design to trigger an immunological response. Furthermore, the vaccine-ACE-2 receptor complex was tested, confirming its ability to interact with ACE-2’s core pocket and induce an immunological response. Additionally, the vaccine’s binding prowess for human toll-like receptors (TLR) (1, 3, 4, and 8) was investigated. According to the Ramachandran plot, 77.46% of the construct’s amino acid residues fall within a favorable zone, establishing it as a viable vaccine candidate.

Transcriptomic response of an algal species (raphidocelis subcapitata) exposed to 22 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of chemicals of concern for both human and environmental health because of their ubiquitous presence in the environment, persistence, and potential toxicological effects. Despite this, ecological hazard data are limited to a small number of PFAS even though there are over 4000 identified PFAS. Traditional toxicity testing will likely be inadequate to generate necessary hazard information for risk assessment. Therefore, the present study investigated the utility of using transcriptomic points of departure (tPODs) for informing PFAS algal toxicity. Raphidocelis subcapitata, a freshwater green algal species, were exposed for 24 hours in 96 well microplates to multiple concentrations of 22 different PFAS. Following exposure, RNA was extracted, and the transcriptome was evaluated by RNA sequencing followed by concentration response modeling to determine a tPOD for each PFAS. PFAS tPODs, based upon measured concentrations, ranged from 0.9 µg/L for perfluorotridecanoic acid to 1 mg/L for perfluorononanoic acid. These values derived from R. subcapitata exposures were compared to published hazard benchmarks from other taxa (larval fathead minnow and Daphnia magna) and in vitro data. While R. subcapitata was generally more sensitive to the tested PFAS than previously tested taxa and in vitro assays, the algal tPODs were, on average, three orders magnitude greater than the maximum concentrations of PFAS detected in Great Lakes tributaries. This high throughput transcriptomics assay with algae is a promising new approach method for an ecologically relevant, tiered hazard evaluation strategy.

Effect of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Terminalia ivorensis on Ethanol Induced Infertility in Male Rats

Background: This research investigates the Effect of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Terminalia ivorensis on Ethanol Induced Infertility in Male Rats. Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse for couples under 35, or after six months for those over 35. It affects both men and women, with various factors contributing to the condition. Terminalia ivorensis has been claimed from traditional healers for the treatment of infertility hence the study. Method: Quantitative phytochemical analysis, toxicity test and other biochemical analysis was carried out using standard method. Results: Seven hundred grammes (700 g) of dried crude sample of Ethyl acetate Fraction of Terminalia ivorensis leaves powder gave a percentage yield of 6.28%. The study revealed that flavonoids, tannins, and phenols were present in high concentration, alkaloids, terpenoids and glycosides were present in moderate concentration, whereas saponins, steroids and hydrogen cyanide were present in low concentration. The toxicity result showed that the extract was not toxic even at the highest dosage (5000 mg/kg body weight) administered, indicating that the extract is safe for consumption. The results shown in the Table 3 indicates that groups treated with 200mg/kg,400mg/kg and 600mg/kg body weight of extract significantly (P < 0.05) increased in testosterone level when compared to positive control; whereas groups treated with 200mg/kg,400mg/kg and 600mg/kg body weight of extract showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher in LH and FSH when compared with positive control. The results in the Table 3 showed that groups treated with 200mg/kg,400mg/kg and 600kg/kg body weight of extract significantly (P < 0.05) decreases in sluggish, and dead sperm level when compared with positive control whereas groups treated with 200mg/kg,400mg/kg and 600mg/kg body weight significantly (P < 0.05) increased active, sperm count and normal sperm when compared with positive control. Conclusion: The plant extract has ant infertility properties and can be recommend as an alternative therapy for infertility in male.

Assessing Changes in Permethrin Toxicity to Juvenile Inland Silversides (Menidia beryllina) Under Different Temperature Scenarios.

Aquatic systems are impacted by temperature fluctuations which can alter the toxicity of pesticides. Increased temperatures related to climate change have elevated pest activity, resulting in an escalation of pesticide use. One such pesticide class, pyrethroids, has replaced the use of several banned pesticides due to its low mammalian toxicity. The impacts of increased temperatures on the toxicity of a pyrethroid, permethrin, to fish is not yet known. In the current study, juvenile inland silversides (Menidia beryllina) were exposed to permethrin at three temperatures: 10°C, 20°C, and 30°C. Inland silversides were chosen for this study because they are a species used in standardized USEPA whole effluent toxicity testing. Permethrin toxicity showed an inverse relationship with temperature. As temperatures fluctuate, fishes experience a change in respiration, biotransformation, and elimination rates, which can drive the noted difference in toxicity. Based on these findings, toxicity can be temperature-dependent and should be considered when assessing risk of exposure to pesticides in aquatic systems.

Evaluation of the effect of 2-borneol on the Nauphoeta cinerea model through oxidative stress and acute toxicity tests

Borneol, a compound found in resin-rich plants, is known for its aromatic and therapeutic properties. Widely used in countries, such as China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, borneol has also demonstrated efficacy in nanodrug administration. The primary objective of this study is to understand how borneol induces oxidative stress, its impact on the attraction and repulsion of Nauphoeta cinerea, and its acute toxicity. Results reveal that borneol acts as a repellent at higher concentrations, reducing the attractiveness of food. Additionally, borneol exhibits notable biochemical effects at specific concentrations, although without significant repellency. This suggests that borneol may be useful in the development of repellents, but further studies are needed to assess its environmental effects and topical applicability.

Phytoceutical isoquercitrin and ethanolic extracts from pequi (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm) reverse alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Pharmacotherapy in Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS), which is a mental disorder, generally involves benzodiazepines due to their action via GABA, but their side effects, such as excessive sedation, mental confusion and risk of dependence, are considerable. It is important to investigate the anxiolytic potential of plants such as Caryocar coriaceum, due to the presence of secondary metabolic compounds, such as isoquercitrin, capable of promoting the reduction of anxiety during AWS. We evaluated the anxiolytic-like potential of ethanolic extracts from the leaves (EEPL) and pulp (EEPP) of C. coriaceum, and its major compound, isoquercitrin (IsoQuer), in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) during alcohol withdrawal. Adult zebrafish (n = 8 per group) were treated (20 µL; p.o) with EEPL, or EEPP or IsoQuer (0.01 or 0.05 or 0.1 or 0.5 or 1.0 mg/mL) and submitted to the 96-hour acute toxicity test. Flumazenil in adult zebrafish and molecular Docking of IsoQuer were used to investigate the GABAergic involvement. Finally, the anxiolytic-like activity was evaluated during alcohol withdrawal in adult zebrafish. The results indicated that EEPL, EEPP and IsoQuer are safe and have no sedative effect on adult zebrafish. Furthermore, they demonstrated a pharmacological potential in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety, mediated by the GABAergic system, evidenced in the in-silico study by the stable isoquercitrin-GABAA complex, the main constituent of the extracts. These findings suggest an anxiolytic herbal potential of C. coriaceum and isoquercitrin, providing an alternative for the treatment of anxiety associated with AWS.