Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Toshiaki Yokozeki, Yuka Hama, Kazuhiro Fujita, Tomoji Igarashi, Masahiro Hirama, Takeshi Tsumuraya
Summary: Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is a common foodborne illness caused by consuming marine invertebrates and fish contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTXs). In this study, improved receptor binding and neuroblastoma cell-based assays were developed to detect CTXs in fish. This research provides important insights into evaluating the overall toxicity of CTXs using functional assays.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
B. Macherzynski, M. Wlodarczyk-Makula, D. Andrzejewska-Gorecka, M. Wszelaka-Rylik
Summary: This study evaluated the toxicity of supernatants and sewage sludges using toxicity equivalency factor indicators for PAHs and determined their impact on the fermentation process. The results showed that the recirculation of liquids may adversely affect the efficiency of biological wastewater treatment.
DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Wilma Taverne-Veldhuizen, Ron Hoogenboom, Guillaume ten Dam, Rik Herbes, Vincenzo Fogliano, Pieternel Luning
Summary: This study investigated the impact of hydrogenation on dioxins in palm oil products. The toxic equivalent (TEQ) levels of dioxins varied with different degrees of hydrogenation, and optimization of the process is needed to reduce the risk of exceeding dioxin limits.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhuhong Wang, Jing Liao, Xiaoling Guo, Xue Li, Sae Yun Kwon
Summary: Feeding experiments with chickens showed that mercury concentrations in egg yolks and egg whites peaked at different time periods, indicating different response times to dietary mercury in chicken body tissues. This study provides new insights into the metabolism and lifetime of mercury in bird bodies.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Saba Hadidi, Farshad Shiri
Summary: This study investigates the degradation mechanism of the most toxic type of dioxin-related compounds using low-energy electron irradiation, finding that electron attachment significantly reduces the activation barrier of the rearrangement reaction to form relatively stable intermediate products. The anionic mechanism driven by thermodynamics ensures irreversible formation of products that can react with a wide range of nucleophile compounds.
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Donald G. Phinney, Ryang Hwa Lee, Siddaraju Boregowda
Summary: This article discusses the role of TWIST1 in MSCs and how it can be used to develop MSC therapeutics tailored to specific diseases. Based on evidence from pre-clinical models, MSCs exert therapeutic effects by suppressing inflammation and immune-mediated responses and by changing the polarization state of tissue resident macrophages. The article also highlights the mechanistic link between the stem/progenitor and paracrine functions of MSCs and proposes the development of metrics to predict MSC potency.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wieneke Bil, Veronika Ehrlich, Guangchao Chen, Rob Vandebriel, Marco Zeilmaker, Mirjam Luijten, Maria Uhl, Philip Marx-Stoelting, Thorhallur Ingi Halldorsson, Bas Bokkers
Summary: Relative potency factors (RPFs) for immune suppressive effects of PFAS were successfully derived using data from rodents and humans.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bernadette Kirchsteiger, Florian Kubik, Rita Sturmlechner, Harald Stressler, Manuel Schwabl, Magdalena Kistler, Anne Kasper-Giebl
Summary: The study evaluated real-life situation in Austria regarding emissions from residential wood combustion, showing that optimization can reduce emissions of most compounds but have limited effect on certain substances. Furthermore, it found that total PAH emissions were significantly reduced and shifted towards low molecular weight PAHs under optimized conditions, reflecting lower toxicity. The correlation analysis indicated high correlations among individual PAH congeners and low correlations with other target substances.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Ana Miller-ter Kuile, Kiona Ogle, Cheran Cavanaugh, Jonathan Dudley, Amy Markus, Victoria Saab, Marilyn Wright, Jamie Sanderlin
Summary: This study evaluates the effects of forest management, forest vegetation, and climate on nest development and nestling survival of the white-headed woodpecker. The study finds that tree removal and prescribed burning have different impacts on nest development and nestling survival, while attributes of the nest cavity only affect nestling survival. Additionally, temperature and precipitation also influence nest development and nestling survival.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biology
Marcel M. Lambrechts, Samuel P. Caro
Summary: Birds have developed adaptive responses to changes in ambient temperature, and the thickness of the nest and the surrounding wall play a role in regulating egg cooling, ensuring successful incubation.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maryam Moradi, Hayley Hung, James Li, Richard Park, Cecilia Shin, Nick Alexandrou, Mohammed Asif Iqbal, Manpreet Takhar, Arthur Chan, Jeffrey R. Brook
Summary: This study characterized 22 alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (alk-PAHs) in ambient air for the first time in urban and semi-urban locations in Toronto, Canada. The results showed that the toxic impact of alkylated and gaseous PAHs on air toxicity is significant and should not be neglected.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Tushar K. Dutta, Voodikala S. Akhil
Summary: This study compared the infection biology of M. incognita and M. graminicola in rice and found that although they have different impacts on rice yield, there was no significant difference in their ability to inhibit rice growth. Therefore, nematode management strategies should consider the damaging potential of both nematode species.
Article
Environmental Sciences
John A. Kaufman, J. Michael Wright, Amanda Evans, Zorimar Rivera-Nunez, Amy Meyer, David A. Reckhow, Michael G. Narotsky
Summary: The study examined the risks of obstructive genitourinary birth defects (OGDs) in relation to different disinfection byproducts (DBPs). The results showed elevated odds ratios for OGDs associated with specific DBPs and DBP mixtures. The study also highlighted the importance of considering potency factors in assessing the risks of DBPs.
JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agnieszka Zablocka, Lukasz Bobak, Jozefa Macala, Joanna Rymaszewska, Wioletta Kazana, Aleksandra Zambrowicz
Summary: Our research shows that yolkin preparations from eggs of different bird species have high similarity in polypeptide composition, with strong immunomodulatory activity. This suggests that the polypeptide complex in eggs plays an important biological role in embryo development.
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Vikram Vijayan, Fei Wang, Kaiyu Wang, Arun Chakravorty, Atsuko Adachi, Hessameddin Akhlaghpour, Barry J. Dickson, Gaby Maimon
Summary: In this study, researchers have discovered that Drosophila have neurons called oviDNs that express a calcium signal related to decision-making in egg-laying. This signal reaches a peak level before the egg deposition and it is likely to reflect a behaviorally relevant rise-to-threshold process in the ventral nerve cord. Additionally, the study identifies a small recurrent circuit that is required for egg-laying and provides initial insight into the underlying circuit mechanism.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Phillip J. Ankley, Yuwei Xie, Sonya Havens, Lisa Peters, Lauren Timlick, Jose Luis Rodriguez-Gil, John P. Giesy, Vince P. Palace
Summary: DNA metabarcoding and RNA metabarcoding were compared in assessing zooplankton communities responses. Both methods showed similar richness and abundance rank. The NV indicator showed greater differential responses in community compositions compared to DNA or RNA metabarcoding.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ulyana Fuchylo, Hattan A. Alharbi, Alper James Alcaraz, Paul D. Jones, John P. Giesy, Markus Hecker, Markus Brinkmann
Summary: The integrity of tight junctions in the epithelial cell layer of fish gills controls the permeation of chemicals. Inflammation induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) affects tight junctions and the bioavailability of chemicals. This study shows that exposure to LPS reduces the integrity of tight junctions in rainbow trout gill cells, leading to increased permeation of chemicals from oil sands process-affected water (OSPW).
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jun He, Jun Chen, Feng Chen, Liang Chen, John P. Giesy, Yuming Guo, Gaodao Liang, Xuwei Deng, Wenjing Wang, Ping Xie
Summary: Chronic exposure to microcystins, a type of water contaminant produced by cyanobacteria, can have significant health risks. By using nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry, the study investigated the serum metabolic profiles of individuals living near Lake Chao and found evidence of renal impairments and metabolic dysfunction. The findings suggest that the recommended daily intake should be reduced to effectively protect human health.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mourad A. M. Aboul-Soud, Hanane Ennaji, Ashok Kumar, Mohammad A. Alfhili, Ahmed Bari, Maqusood Ahamed, Mohamed Chebaibi, Mohammed Bourhia, Farid Khallouki, Khalid M. Alghamdi, John P. Giesy
Summary: The study found that EECC exhibits significant antioxidant and anticancer activities, particularly against breast cancer cells. The cytotoxicity of EECC is mediated by the generation of ROS, leading to apoptosis and necrosis, possibly through binding to the caspase-3 receptor.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chloe Devoy, Yamin Raza, Makenna Kleiner, Paul D. Jones, Jon A. Doering, Steve Wiseman
Summary: The brominated flame retardant, TBCO, has been found to have multigenerational effects on the reproductive performance of Japanese medaka. The reproductive capacity of the fish was reduced in the first generation but fully recovered in the third generation. The mechanism behind these multigenerational effects is still unknown.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hattan A. Alharbi, Khaled D. Alotaibi, Mohamed H. EL-Saeid, John P. Giesy
Summary: This study aimed to assess the contents of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals (HMs) in biochars generated from different sources and pyrolysis temperatures. The results showed that the contents of PAHs and HMs in biochar were significantly influenced by the feedstock and pyrolysis temperature. Therefore, the effects of feedstock and pyrolysis temperature should be considered in the production and use of biochar.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hannah Mahoney, Jenna Cantin, Josephine Rybchuk, Yuwei Xie, John P. Giesy, Markus Brinkmann
Summary: This study evaluated the toxic potency of PFECHS, an emerging PFAS, on zebrafish embryos and its potential effects in aquatic environments. The results showed that PFECHS caused fewer mortalities than PFOS in both acute and chronic exposures but resulted in a similar incidence of deformities. Exposure to PFECHS also increased the levels of specific genes at concentrations relevant to the environment. These findings provide insights into the safety of emerging PFAS alternatives in the aquatic environment and highlight the potential similarity of effects with legacy PFASs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohammed Bourhia, Abdullah A. A. Alyousef, Ghizlane Doumane, Hamza Saghrouchni, John P. P. Giesy, Lahcen Ouahmane, Fatiha E. L. Gueddari, Yazeed A. A. Al-Sheikh, Mourad A. M. Aboul-Soud
Summary: This study investigated the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of the essential oil from the leaves of Withania adpressa Coss ex. The oil contained eight compounds, with caryophyllene, longifolene, delta-cadinene, and carene being the predominant ones. The essential oil showed promising antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Laila El Hanafi, Ibrahim Mssillou, Houria Nekhla, Aymane Bessi, Meryem Bakour, Hassan Laaroussi, Zineb Ben Khadda, Chaimae Slimani, John P. Giesy, Hassane Greche, Gomaa A. M. Ali, Mourad A. M. Aboul-Soud
Summary: Recently, processed foods have become an important part of human eating habits. Sesame seeds, known for their rich phytochemical composition, are economically important in many countries. Dehulling and roasting, two common processing techniques, have different effects on the nutritional quality of sesame seeds.
JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Asha Rani, Ravi Ranjan, Solidea M. C. Bonina, Mahsa Izadmehr, John P. P. Giesy, An Li, Neil C. C. Sturchio, Karl J. J. Rockne
Summary: This study aimed to understand the sestonic microbial community structure in the Laurentian Great Lakes by sequencing microbial communities at different water depths. The results showed that physicochemical parameters such as dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and salinity were major drivers shaping the community composition in the Great Lakes.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Farid Khallouki, Lhoussain Hajji, Somayya Saber, Toufik Bouddine, Mouad Edderkaoui, Mohammed Bourhia, Nora Mir, Adrian Lim, Adil El Midaoui, John P. Giesy, Mourad A. M. Aboul-Soud, Sandrine Silvente-Poirot, Marc Poirot
Summary: Breast cancer is the most common and deadliest cancer in women worldwide. Tamoxifen is widely prescribed for estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer and has both anticancer and chemo-preventive effects. This review focuses on the potential importance of vitamin E in breast cancer chemo-prevention and how it can affect the actions of tamoxifen. The findings suggest that individually designed nutritional interventions with vitamin E should be further considered for breast cancer patients.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Yamin Raza, Chloe Devoy, Paul. D. Jones, Jon A. Doering, Steve Wiseman
Summary: Inhibition of oocyte maturation is a mechanism by which chemical stressors can impair fecundity of female fishes. The study aimed to develop an assay to evaluate oocyte maturation disruption by chemical stressors in Japanese medaka. Results showed that TBCO inhibited oocyte maturation and decreased fecundity in Japanese medaka, and in vitro assays of oocyte maturation might be predictive of fecundity in this species.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jihyun Cha, Seongjin Hong, Junghyun Lee, Jiyun Gwak, Mungi Kim, Sori Mok, Hyo-Bang Moon, Paul D. Jones, John P. Giesy, Jong Seong Khim
Summary: Major aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists were identified in the blubber, liver, and muscle extracts of six long-beaked common dolphins and one fin whale collected from Korean coastal waters. The concentrations of these agonists were higher in the blubber and liver extracts, showing tissue-specific accumulation. Five new polar AhR agonists were also identified, and they have the potential to biomagnify in the marine food chain.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Chloe Devoy, Yamin Raza, Paul D. Jones, Jon A. Doering, Steve Wiseman
Summary: This study found that impaired oocyte maturation caused decreased fecundity in Japanese medaka exposed to maternally transferred TBCO, which in turn affected the reproductive ability of adult fish.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2023)