Co-exposure of the organic nanomaterial fullerene C60 with benzo[a]pyrene in Danio rerio (zebrafish) hepatocytes: Evidence of toxicological interactions

Compounds from the nanotechnology industry, such as carbon-based nanomaterials, are strong candidates to contaminate aquatic environments because their production and disposal have exponentially grown in a few years. Previous evidence shows that fullerene C60, a carbon nanomaterial, can facilitate the intake of metals or PAHs both in vivo and in vitro, potentially amplifying the deleterious effects of these toxicants in organisms. The present work aimed to investigate the effects of fullerene C60 in a Danio rerio (zebrafish) hepatocyte cell lineage exposed to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in terms of cell viability, oxidative stress parameters and BaP intracellular accumulation. Additionally, a computational docking was performed to investigate the interaction of the fullerene C60 molecule with the detoxificatory and antioxidant enzyme πGST. Fullerene C60 provoked a significant (p 0.05) alter the enzyme activity when added to GST purified extracts from the zebrafish hepatocyte cells. These results show that fullerene C60 can increase the intake of BaP into the cells, decreasing cell viability and impairing the detoxificatory response by phase II enzymes, such as GST, and this latter effect should be occurring at the transcriptional level.Fil: Ribas Ferreira, Josencler L.. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; BrasilFil: Lonné, María Noelia. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: França, Thiago A.. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; BrasilFil: Maximilla, Naiana R.. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; BrasilFil: Lugokenski, Thiago H.. Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Departamento de Química; BrasilFil: Costa, Patrícia G.. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; BrasilFil: Fillmann, Gilberto. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; BrasilFil: Soares, Félix A.. Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Departamento de Química; BrasilFil: de la Torre, Fernando Roman. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Luján. Departamento de Ciencias Básicas; ArgentinaFil: Monserrat, José María. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil. Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Nanomateriais de Carbono; Brasi

Appraisal and validation of rapid, integrated chemical and biological assays of environmental quality

Merged with duplicate record 10026.1/2372 on 13.20.2017 by CS (TIS)To assess the significance of pollutants released into the environment it is necessary to determine both the extent of contamination and the biological effects they give rise to. This research is based on a tiered system, which commences with conventional analytical chemistry (gas chromatography), followed by the development, evaluation and application of rapid and simple immunochemical techniques and, finally, the integration of chemical and biological markers to assess pollution. GC-ECD/FID/MS have been used to investigate the status of chemical contamination of the Black Sea by organochlorine residues, hydrocarbons and faecal sterols. Useful information is provided and problems with e.g. HCHs and sewage contamination are highlighted. Contamination by DDTs, PCBs, "total" hydrocarbons and PAHs is also reported. Next, these techniques are used to develop rapid screening methods. Four distinct applications of immunochemical techniques are presented. Initially, the BTEX RaPDD Assay® ELISA is evaluated to detect semi-volatile hydrocarbons in contaminated groundwater. Although overestimating concentrations when compared to GC-FID/PID, results are well correlated. Secondly, the effectiveness o f the BTEX and c-PAH RaPID Assay® to detect hydrocarbons in sediments is tested. Once again, good agreement with GC-FID/MS confirms the ELISA to be a useful screening protocol to focus more expensive high-resolution analytical techniques. The adaptability and applicability of an ELISA (PCB RaPID Assay®) method in measuring "total" PCB levels in mussel tissue is demonstrated. An underestimation of concentrations, despite of covariability between ELISA and cGC-ECD, is discussed. Next, ELISA (RaPID Assay®) and fluorometry were successfully applied to quantify PAH metabolites in crab urine as a measure of exposure. HPLC analyses indicated that conjugate PAH metabolites were dominant in urine of crabs exposed to pyrene. Differences could also be identified between crabs taken from clean and contaminated sites. Finally, an integration of chemical and biological techniques is used to investigate contamination and effects in mussels within a pollution gradient. Results indicate a correlation between micronucleus formation, heart rate and PCB and PAH level.Plymouth Marine Laborator

Tendências temporais de contaminação por lixo na Praia de Cassino, Sul do Brasil

This study was undertaken to evaluate temporal trends of litter contamination at Cassino beach, Southern Brazil. Surveys were conducted between 1994 and 1995, and then resumed from 2003 to 2006. Litter composition was related to both land- anmarinebased origins. However, seasonal and spatial variations showed that in situ deposition by beach users is still a major source of litter at Cassino beach. The results indicated a significant increase in litter amount at Cassino beach over the survey period. Probably, population growth, tourism activity and fishery activity contributed to this temporal trend. Although few studies have already pointed out the contamination by debris at the study site, no management actions involving education, disposal, clean-ups have being effective enough to cope with this ever-increasing problem. Based on that, new approaches are urgently needed, which may involve the development and use of new products with shorter environmental half-lives.O presente estudo foi realizado para avaliar as tendências temporais da contaminação por resíduos sólidos na praia do Cassino (RS, Brasil).Amostragens foram realizadas entre 1994 e 1995, e depois retomadas entre 2003 e 2006. A composição dos resíduos foi relacionada com fontes terrestres e marinhas. Entretanto, as variações sazonais e espaciais mostraram que a deposição in situ pelos usuários da praia ainda é principal fonte de resíduos sólidos na praia do Cassino. Os resultados indicaram um aumento significativo no montante de lixo na praia do Cassino. Provavelmente, o crescimento populacional, o turismo e a atividade pesqueira contribuíram para essa tendência temporal. Embora o problema da contaminação por resíduos sólidos no local de estudo já tenha sido apontado anteriormente, nenhuma ação de gestão envolvendo educação,destinação, remoção tem sido efetiva o suficiente para solucionar este problema crescente. Baseados nisso, novas ações são urgentemente necessárias,o que poderia envolver o desenvolvimento e uso de novos produtos com uma menor meia-vida ambiental

A expressão do fator tecidual no adenocarcinoma colo-retal: relação com angiogênese e aspectos clínico-patológicos

A importância da interação entre o mecanismo de coagulação e o câncer é reconhecida desde as descrições pioneiras de Trousseau. Mais recentemente, estudos demonstraram a importância do fator tecidual, uma proteína de membrana celular ligada ao desencadeamento da cascata da coagulação, na progressão de neoplasias malignas através da estimulação do processo de angiogênese. Realizamos marcação imunoistoquímica para o fator tecidual em 43 adenocarcinomas colo-retais de pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico no Serviço de Coloproctologia do HSL-PUCRS e comparamos a intensidade da sua expressão com a densidade microvascular, critérios de estadiamento, idade, sexo e sobrevida geral. Oitenta e três por cento dos tumores apresentaram alta expressão do fator tecidual, havendo uma relação estatisticamente significativa entre esta e a maior densidade microvascular (p=0,02). Observamos também que os pacientes com alta expressão do fator tecidual apresentavam uma média de idade significativamente maior do que a dos pacientes com baixa expressão desta proteína (p<0,01). Em conclusão, a elevada intensidade de marcação imunoistoquímica para o fator tecidual se relacionou com uma média de densidade microvascular mais elevada e com pacientes mais idosos quando comparados aos casos com baixa expressão desta proteína.Several reports recognize the interaction between malignant cell growth and coagulation pathway. Recently, some studies suggested that tissue factor, a primary initiator of coagulation, is expressed in a variety of solid tumors in association with increased angiogenesis. We analyzed tissue factor expression in 43 colorectal carcinomas of patients treated by surgery at our institution, comparing the results with microvascular density, pathologic staging, gender, age, and overall survival. Tissue factor was intensely expressed in 88,3% of the tumors and its expression was positively associated with increased microvascular density (p=0. 02). Patients with intense expression of tissue factor were significantly older than the ones with lower expression of this protein (p<0. 01). In conclusion, the high intensity of tissue factor expression in colorectal carcinoma correlates with tumoral angiogenesis and appears to be present in older patients

Avaliação preliminar de imposex em área sob a influência de portos do sul do Brasil

Imposex in gastropod mollusks is an efficient and low-cost biomarker for pollution by organotin compounds. Such substances are typically found in areas with an intense flux of vessels, such as marinas and harbors. This study preliminarily evaluated the occurrence of imposex in Stramonita haemastoma (Linnaeus, 1758) populations along the areas under the influence of the main harbors from southern Brazil (Paranaguá, PR; São Francisco do Sul, SC; Itajaí, SC; and Rio Grande, RS). Although no chemical analyses were performed so far to confirm the presence of organotins, the occurrence of imposex strongly suggests a contamination by these compounds in the studied areas and it is likely that the closest from the harbors (as the main sources) the more contaminated the environment. However, due to the ilimitations of S. haemastoma, it is important to assess the response of alternative species adapted to mesohaline environments and non-consolidated substrates, in order to make up for the lack of indicator species for some areas such as Patos Lagoon and Itajaí-Açu estuaries.O imposex em moluscos gastrópodes é um eficiente biomarcador de baixo custo para contaminação por compostos orgânicos de estanho. Esses compostos são tipicamente encontrados em áreas com intenso fluxo de embarcações, como marinas e terminais portuários. O presente estudo verificou preliminarmente a ocorrência de imposex em populações de Stramonita haemastoma (Linnaeus, 1758) ao longo das áreas sob a influência dos principais terminais portuários do sul do Brasil(Paranaguá, PR, São Francisco do Sul, SC, Itajaí, SC, e Rio Grande, RS). Apesar de não confirmados quimicamente, a ocorrência de imposex em todas as áreas estudadas sugere contaminação por compostos orgânicos de estanho, sendo possivelmente tanto maior quanto mais próxima dos portos (ou das fontes). Porém, em razão das limitações de S. haemastoma, é importante avaliar essa resposta em espécies alternativas que suportem ambientes mesohalinos e com substratos não consolidados, possibilitando assim avaliação mais completa de ambientes como os estuários da Lagoa dos Patos e Itajaí-Açu

Relative performance of immunochemical (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay) and gas chromatography–electron-capture detection techniques to quantify polychlorinated biphenyls in mussel tissues

Results from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) analyses of mussel tissue extracts by immunoassay (PCB RaPID Assay®) and conventional gas chromatography–electron-capture detection (GC–ECD) are described and compared. Mussels from natural populations with diverse concentrations of PCBs, mussel tissue fortified with technical Aroclor® 1254 and a certified reference material are included.A strong correlation is reported between “total” PCBs quantified by both techniques (r2 = 0.95, n = 27). Immunoassay results, however, exhibited lower values compared to GC–ECD, particularly when GC results are corrected for procedural recovery. A reduced antibody response, due to differences in the congener composition between the mussel extracts and Aroclor® 1254 (used to raise and calibrate the ELISA), provides the most likely explanation for this difference. Non-parametric statistical analyses confirmed that,although differing from Aroclor® 1254, PCB congener compositions in the mussel extracts most closely resemble that of Aroclor® 1254. At very high PCB concentrations (>30 g g−1 dry weight), however, ELISA results are statistically different (P < 0.01) from GC–ECD results, which is likely to be related to the solvation capacity of ELISA diluent. Similarity analysis showed high correlations between the most prominent congeners in Aroclor® 1254 and immunoassay results. This analysis did not, however, identify a specific chlorine substitution pattern to which the immunoassay preferentially responded. Whilst GC–ECD affords the capability to quantify individual congeners of different reactivity and toxicity, the data reported do indicate that immunoassay offers a rapid and inexpensive alternative method for estimation of “total” PCBs at environmental significant levels. It is, however, necessary to remove extraneous lipids to reduce matrix effects in the immunoassay

Design orientado para o tato : diretrizes de representação de figuras táteis para o estímulo precoce em crianças com deficiência visual

Esta pesquisa aborda, sob o olhar do design, diretrizes para a representação de figuras táteis para a aplicação em livros, lâminas e outros materiais de apoio, destinados ao estímulo tátil precoce de crianças na fase da educação infantil, entre zero e cinco anos de idade. A investigação parte da inquietação sobre o modo como os significados das ilustrações de publicações táteis não são bem compreendidas pelas pessoas com deficiência visual. Junto a isso, a verificação sobre a percepção positiva sobre dois modelos de ensino de desenho para pessoas com deficiência visual, somados à contribuição dos critérios para a produção de livros táteis estabelecidos por duas renomadas instituições internacionais. A partir desses três pontos e de sua análise de convergência, são elencados os critérios para a representação de figuras em livros táteis e outros materiais educacionais para estimular o sentido háptico das crianças. Por ser um estudo conduzido sob o olhar do design gráfico, o objetivo foi o de produzir, sob o viés do processo de projeto, um instrumento com orientações para mediadores, educadores e familiares de crianças com deficiência visual, de modo a orientá-los para o uso adequado de figuras que gerem estímulo tátil. A partir da base teórica estabelecida, a pesquisa qualitativa foi desenvolvida a partir da coleta de dados por meio de entrevista semiestruturada com um grupo de educadores experientes no ensino para pessoas com deficiência visual. Com isso, chegou-se à proposição final de um guia contendo diretrizes para o desenvolvimento de figuras táteis para as crianças com deficiência visual. Esse guia foi validado por especialistas em educação, e as conclusões apontam para a adequação deste tipo de instrumento para a representação de material tátil, evidenciando a importância do projetar do design para todos, incluindo crianças deficiência visual.This research addresses, under the eyes of the project, guidelines for the representation of tactile figures for application in books, slides and other supporting materials, aiming at early tactile stimulation of children in the early phase of education, between zero and five years. Research arises from concerns about how visually impaired people do not understand the meaning of illustrations in tactile publications. Along with this, the verification of the positive perception of two models of design education for visually impaired people added the contribution of the criteria to the production of tactile books established by two renowned international institutions. From these three points and their convergence analysis, the criteria for representing figures in tactile books and other educational materials to stimulate children's haptic sense are listed. Being a study conducted under the eye of graphic design, the objective was to produce, under the bias of the design process, an instrument with guidelines for mediators, educators and families of children with visual impairment, in order to guide them for the use. appropriate. of figures that generate tactile stimulation. Based on the established theoretical basis, qualitative research was developed from data collection through semi-structured interviews with a group of educators with experience in teaching visually impaired people. This led to the final proposal for a guide containing guidelines for developing tactile figures for visually impaired children. This guide has been validated by education experts and the results point to the appropriateness of this type of instrument for the representation of tactile material, highlighting the importance of design for everyone, including children with visual impairment.Esta investigación aborda, bajo los ojos del proyecto, pautas para la representación de figuras táctiles para su aplicación en libros, diapositivas y otros materiales de apoyo, con el objetivo de la estimulación táctil temprana de los niños en la fase temprana de la educación, entre cero y cinco años. años La investigación surge de las preocupaciones sobre cómo las personas con discapacidad visual no entienden el significado de las ilustraciones en publicaciones táctiles. Junto con esto, la verificación de la percepción positiva de dos modelos de educación en diseño para personas con discapacidad visual agregó la contribución de los criterios a la producción de libros táctiles establecidos por dos instituciones internacionales de renombre. A partir de estos tres puntos y su análisis de convergencia, se enumeran los criterios para representar figuras en libros táctiles y otros materiales educativos para estimular el sentido háptico de los niños. Al ser un estudio realizado bajo el ojo del diseño gráfico, el objetivo era producir, bajo el sesgo del proceso de diseño, un instrumento con pautas para mediadores, educadores y familias de niños con discapacidad visual, con el fin de guiarlos para su uso. apropiado de figuras que generan estimulación táctil. Sobre la base de la base teórica establecida, la investigación cualitativa se desarrolló a partir de la recopilación de datos a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas con un grupo de educadores con experiencia en la enseñanza de personas con discapacidad visual. Esto llevó a la propuesta final de una guía que contiene pautas para desarrollar figuras táctiles para niños con discapacidad visual. Esta guía ha sido validada por expertos en educación y los resultados apuntan a la idoneidad de este tipo de instrumento para la representación de material táctil, destacando la importancia del diseño para todos, incluidos los niños con discapacidad visual

Increasing levels of persistent organic pollutants in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) following a mega-flooding episode in the Negro River basin, Argentinean Patagonia

In 2006, a severe flooding episode in the Negro River basin, Argentinean Patagonia, occurred and mainly affected the middle valley where lands are devoted to agriculture and soils known to be polluted with persistent organic pollutants. The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of this event on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), endosulfans (α-, β-, sulfate), DDTs (p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) levels in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) tissues. Post-event fish showed higher contaminants levels than pre-event at expenses of all groups. DDTs presented the highest concentrations in all tissues followed by PCBs, endosulfans and PBDEs. The metabolite p,p'-DDE represented about 80% of total DDTs, while PCBs were dominated by penta- and hexa-chlorobiphenyls congeners. BDE-47 was the predominant congener among PBDEs. Endosulfan showed the maximum differences between post- and pre-flood fish (up to 43-fold) with a α-/β- ratio > 1, suggesting exposure to fresh technical mixture. Contaminant profiles observed in rainbow trout tissues from both periods (pre- and post-event) were consistent with previous results from water, suspended particle matter and soils, showing that this species is a good biomonitor of aquatic pollution of Negro River basin. The presence of the pesticides in the Negro River system resulted from past and current agricultural practices and it was modified and enhanced by the flooding. Additionally, PCBs and PBDEs occurrence in the aquatic environment deserve more attention, and monitoring programs are recommended in order to diminish their incorporation to aquatic ecosystem.Fil: Ondarza, Paola Mariana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Ciencias Marinas. Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología; ArgentinaFil: Gonzalez, Mariana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Ciencias Marinas. Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología; ArgentinaFil: Fillmann, Gilberto. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande; BrasilFil: Miglioranza, Karina Silvia Beatriz. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Ciencias Marinas. Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología; Argentin

Study of the contamination of litter in island Arvoredo, marine biological reserve of the Arvoredo - SC, Brasil

A contaminação por resíduos sólidos no ambiente marinho é uma questão que deve ser tratada com cuidado, uma vez que a sua importância é crescente desde a substituição de materiais degradáveis por outros não degradáveis. A Reserva Biológica Marinha do Arvoredo (RBMA) enquadra-se na mais restritiva categoria das unidades de conservação integral.Apesar disso, a contaminação por resíduos sólidos tem sido evidente. Sendo assim, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo quantificar e qualificar os resíduos sólidos encontrados na ilha do Arvoredo (27°17’S; 048°22’W), principal ilha da RBMA.Foram realizadas cinco coletas no período de fevereiro de 2004 a janeiro de 2005, utilizando dois métodos de amostragem: a) coletas junto ao fundo através de técnicas de busca e recuperação utilizando mergulho autônomo e, b) manualmente na costa adjacente (coletando a totalidade de resíduos sólidos, exceto madeira, nas áreas amostradas). A metodologia de fundo foi utilizada em 15 amostragens ao longo das 5 saídas no Saco do Farol e no Saco do Vidal (fora da RBMA) e se mostrou viável para transparências acima de 1m e profundidades até 15m. Já as amostragens na costa da ilha foram realizadas em duas áreas distintas, no Saco das Balas (dentro da RBMA), e nos Sacos do Farol e Vidal (fora dos limites da RBMA). Os resultados demonstraram que há uma elevada contaminação por resíduos sólidos na ilha do Arvoredo, tanto na costa quanto no fundo marinho. Os principais tipos de resíduos encontrados no fundo foram cabos, âncoras, pneus e linhas de pesca, enquanto que na costa foram isopores (que são utilizados como flutuadores de redes e em caixas térmicas para alimento e pescado) e garrafas e recipientes plásticos (utilizados para o transporte de bebidas e de óleo lubrificante e combustíveis). Os resíduos encontrados no presente estudo tiveram uma origem predominantemente marinha, oriunda provavelmente de embarcações de turismo e/ou pesqueiras que realizam suas atividades ao redor da Reserva.Marine environment contamination by debris is an issue that must be treated carefully, since its importance grows due to the substitution of biodegradable for non-degradable materials. The Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve (RBMA) is categorized as the most restrict conservation unit, according to Brazilian National Conservation Unit System (SNUC). Visitation in this kind of units is allowed for environmental education and scientific purpose only. Despite of that, the marine debris contamination is evident. Thus, this work identified and quantified all the debris found at Arvoredo Island (27°17’S; 048°22’W), the main island of RBMA. Samples were taken during 5 fieldworks (February 2004(summer), May 2004 (autumn), July 2004 (winter), October 2004 (spring) and January 2005 (summer)) using two different sampling methods: a) bottom sampling by scuba diving using search and recovery technique and, b) manual sampling at the adjacent coastal shore (collected all debris in the sampling area except wood debris). The bottom sampling was used in 15 samples at Farol Bay and Vidal Bay (both outside from RBMA). The applied technique showed to be viable for waters with at least 1m of transparence and up to 15 meters. The coastal shore of the island was sampled in the Bala Bay (within the RBMA), and the Farol Bay and Vidal Bay (outside the boundaries of RBMA). Compared to others studies around the world, Arvoredo island showed high levels of contamination at sea bottom (an average of 14.4 items/1.000m²) and coastal shore (an average of 3.33 items/m). During the sampling period, the coastal shore located inside the RBMA was always more contaminated than the one located outside the conservation unit. Cable, anchor, tire and fishing line were the most common materials found at the bottom, while styrofoam (used in floating net artifacts and coolers for food and fish), bottles and other plastic recipients(used to carry juices, soft drinks, spirits, homemade chili, engine lubricating oil and fuel) were at coastal shore. Some of the recipients were even found full of lubricant oil and fuel. The residues found in this study had a predominantly marine origin, probably deriving from touristic boats and/or carrying out fishing activities around the conservation unit area. At least the presence of fishermen in the area is evident, since they use these kind of materials for daily on board activities