Sens-ocular model: Cell-based assay to evaluate eye stinging potential of chemicals and baby cosmetic formulations.

The TRPV1 receptor, which is known to contribute significantly to pain perception, has recently been identified as a useful tool for predicting eye stinging potential in cosmetics. In this study, HEK-293 cells with high TRPV1 expression were utilized to evaluate calcium influx related to receptor activation triggered by chemicals and cosmetic formulations. The cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of substances to cause or not some aggression to the eye, and TRPV1 activity was assessed by measuring intracellular FURA-2 AM fluorescence signal. To confirm TRPV1 channel activation, capsazepine, a capsaicin antagonist, was employed in addition to using capsaicin as a positive control. The study's results indicate that this novel model can identify compounds known to cause some aggression to the eye, such as stinging, considering a cut-off value of 60% of Ca2+ influx exposed to the lowest evaluated concentration (0.00032%). When applied to the cosmetic baby formulation, although the presented model exhibited higher sensitivity by classifying as stinging formulations that had previously undergone clinical testing and were deemed non-stinging, the assay could serve as a valuable in vitro tool for predicting human eye stinging sensation and can be used as a tier 1 in an integrated testing strategy.

Brazilian National Network of Alternative Methods (RENAMA) 10th Anniversary: Meeting of the Associated Laboratories, May 2022.

The Brazilian National Network of Alternative Methods (RENAMA), which is linked to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, is currently comprised of 51 laboratories from CROs, academia, industry and government. RENAMA's aim is to develop and validate new approach methodologies (NAMs), as well as train researchers and disseminate information on their use - thus reducing Brazilian, and consequently Latin American, dependence on external technology. Moreover, it promotes the adoption of NAMs by educators and trained researchers, as well as the implementation of good laboratory practice (GLP) and the use of certified products. The RENAMA network started its activities in 2012, and was originally comprised of three central laboratories - the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (INMETRO); the National Institute of Quality Control in Health (INCQS); and the National Brazilian Biosciences Laboratory (LNBio) - and ten associated laboratories. In 2022, RENAMA celebrated its 10th anniversary, a milestone commemorated by the organisation of a meeting attended by different stakeholders, including the RENAMA-associated laboratories, academia, non-governmental organisations and industry. Ninety-six participants attended the meeting, held on 26 May 2022 in Balneário Camboriú, SC, Brazil, as part of the programme of the XXIII Brazilian Congress of Toxicology 2022. Significant moments of the RENAMA were remembered, and new goals and discussion themes were established. The lectures highlighted recent innovations in the toxicological sciences that have translated into the assessment of consumer product safety through the use of human-relevant NAMs instead of the use of existing animal-based approaches. The challenges and opportunities in accepting such practices for regulatory purposes were also presented and discussed.

Impact of students assistance policies on quality of life and mental health.

Introduction: Student assistance policies in higher education, in their various modalities, seek to reduce the dropout of a new profile of students, non-traditional, with socioeconomic weaknesses, promoting quality of life (QoL) and mental health during the university journey. In this context, the Student Social Support Center (C.A.S.A) promotes assistance to students who need personal and/or economic support. Objectives: To evaluate the QoL and the presence of minor mental disorders (MMD) in students from the 1st to the 4th year of medicine at a public college in Brazil, comparing C.A.S.A beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study with 283 students. SRQ-20 and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires were used, in addition to a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic data. Results: The general average of QoL was regular in the four evaluated domains (physical, psychological, social relationships, environment) and 55.5% of the students have evidence of MMD, in which the QoL scores are lower in all domains. The environment domain, which discusses socioeconomic conditions, has the worst score among C.A.S.A beneficiaries and the best among C.A.S.A non-beneficiaries. Discussion: The data corroborate the fragile situation of mental health and QoL of medical students. The student assistance modality of the analyzed program possibly presents vulnerabilities in its performance since the environment domain, the one with the lowest score among the program beneficiaries, precisely encompasses financial resources, access to goods and leisure and the individual's physical environment.

New observations on minifascicular neuropathy with sex-dependent gonadal dysgenesis: a case series with nerve ultrasound assessment.

BACKGROUND: Gonadal dysgenesis with minifascicular neuropathy (GDMN) is a rare autosomal recessive condition associated with biallelic DHH pathogenic variants. In 46, XY individuals, this disorder is characterized by an association of minifascicular neuropathy (MFN) and gonadal dysgenesis, while in 46, XX subjects only the neuropathic phenotype is present. Very few patients with GDMN have been reported so far. We describe four patients with MFN due to a novel DHH likely pathogenic homozygous variant and the results of nerve ultrasound assessment. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 4 individuals from 2 unrelated Brazilian families evaluated for severe peripheral neuropathy. Genetic diagnosis was performed with a peripheral neuropathy next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel based on whole exome sequencing focused analysis that included a control SRY probe to confirm genetic sex. Clinical characterization, nerve conduction velocity studies, and high-resolution ultrasound nerve evaluation were performed in all subjects. RESULTS: Molecular analysis disclosed in all subjects the homozygous DHH variant p.(Leu335Pro). Patients had a striking phenotype, with marked trophic changes of extremities, sensory ataxia, and distal anesthesia due to a sensory-motor demyelinating polyneuropathy. One 46, XY phenotypically female individual had gonadal dysgenesis. High-resolution nerve ultrasound showed typical minifascicular formation and increased nerve area in at least one of the nerves assessed in all patients. CONCLUSION: Gonadal dysgenesis with minifascicular neuropathy is a severe autosomal recessive neuropathy characterized by trophic alterations in limbs, sensory ataxia, and distal anesthesia. Nerve ultrasound studies are very suggestive of this condition and may help to avoid invasive nerve biopsies.

Neutral lipid storage disease with myopathy and myotonia associated to pathogenic variants on PNPLA2 and CLCN1 genes: case report.

BACKGROUND: Neutral lipid storage disease with myopathy (NLSD-M) is an autosomal recessive disease that manifests itself around the 3rd to 4th decade with chronic myopathy predominantly proximal in the shoulder girdle. Clinical myotonia is uncommon. We will report a rare case of association of pathogenic variants on PNPLA2 and CLCN1 genes with a mixed phenotype of NLSD-M and a subclinical form of Thomsen's congenital myotonia. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a patient with chronic proximal myopathy, subtle clinical myotonia and electrical myotonia on electromyography (EMG). Serum laboratory analysis disclosure hyperCKemia (CK 1280 mg/dL). A blood smear analysis showed Jordan's anomaly, a hallmark of NLSD-M. A genetic panel was collected using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technique, which identified two pathogenic variants on genes supporting two different diagnosis: NLSD-M and Thomsen congenital myotonia, whose association has not been previously described. CONCLUSIONS: Although uncommon, it is important to remember the possibility of association of pathogenic variants to explain a specific neuromuscular disease phenotype. The use of a range of complementary methods, including myopathy genetic panels, may be essential to diagnostic definition in such cases.

Assessment of surface water quality of the bois river (Goiás, Brazil) using an integrated physicochemical, microbiological and ecotoxicological approach.

The data on water pollution is scarce in developing countries, including Brazil. The water quality assessment is important implementing the monitoring and remediation programs to minimize the risk of hazardous substances in freshwaters. Thus, this study evaluated the surface water quality of a stretch of the Bois River (Brazil), based on the physicochemical, microbiological and ecotoxicological analyses conducted in 2017, using Standard Methods and fish embryo acute toxicity (FET) test with zebrafish (Danio rerio). The results indicated that the quality of water samples located close to the discharge of tannery effluents was most impaired. Total phosphorus, BOD, DO, ammoniacal nitrogen, and thermotolerant coliforms parameters in P4 were not in accordance with the standards of current Brazilian legislation. Iron, lead, and copper levels were higher than environmental standards. The physicochemical quality of water samples was lower in the dry season than the rainy season. All samples (P1, P3, and P5) in rainy and dry seasons did not induce significant acute toxicity for zebrafish early-life stage; however other trophic levels (algae and microcrustacean) should be investigated to gain a better understanding of the toxicity during water quality analysis. In conclusion, the physicochemical and microbiological changes in the water of the Bois River can affect aquatic organisms as well as humans when it is used for drinking or in agriculture.

In vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity assessment of glyphosate and imazethapyr-based herbicides and their association.

Resistance to glyphosate herbicide has initiated usage of combined application of herbicides as a weed control measure. Imazethapyr-based herbicides associated with glyphosate herbicide seem to be an alternative to suppress weed resistance. The aim of this study was to examine the adverse effects of Glyphosate Atanor 48® (ATN) and Imazethapyr Plus Nortox® (IMZT) formulations in both single forms and mixtures using HepG2 cells and zebrafish early-life stages models. Data demonstrated cytotoxicity due to exposure to ATN, IMZT for both models, as follows: (1) ATN (0.5 mg/L), IMZT (5 mg/L), and M3 (0.05 mg/L ATN + 5 mg/L IMZT) increased cytotoxicity by disturbing the mitochondrial activity of HepG2 cells 24 hr after exposure; (2) ATN and IMZT (5 mg/L), and M3 (0.05 mg/L ATN + 5 mg/L IMZT) also decreased the integrity of the membrane of HepG2 cells after 24 hr incubation; (3) only ATN and IMZT (5 mg/L) in their single forms diminished the mitochondrial potential of zebrafish; (4) ATN (single form) at 0.5 mg/L induced apoptosis in zebrafish larvae. In conclusion, these herbicides in their single forms appeared to produce greater cytotoxicity to HepG2 cells and zebrafish compared to the herbicide mixtures.

Characterization of Headache in COVID-19: a Retrospective Multicenter Study.

Headache is the most common neurological symptom in COVID-19, reported in 6.5 to 34% of patients. Few studies have analyzed its characteristics, and some of them included cases without laboratory confirmation or reported only critical patients. We aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 associated headache in laboratory-confirmed cases. We conducted a retrospective evaluation of patients with COVID-19 and neurological symptoms. Patients who reported headache answered an interview about its clinical characteristics. Twenty-four patients with COVID-19 associated headache completed the interview. Mean age of patients was 53.8 (standard deviation-17.44), and 14 out of 24 (58.3%) were male. The majority (75%) had no previous history of headache. Fever was documented in 19 out of the 24 patients (79.1%). Headache was predominantly bifrontal or holocranial, in pressure, during hours, worsening with cough or physical activity. COVID-19 headache tends to appear in the first days of symptoms, be either frontal or holocranial and last for days. The quality of pain in pressure and the worsening with cough or physical activity were reported in most cases. We have not found any characteristic that could differentiate COVID-19 associated headache from other causes of headache, possibly because of its multifactorial mechanism.

ADHESION TO TREATMENT BY CHILDREN WITH CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM: KNOWLEDGE OF CAREGIVERS IN BAHIA STATE, BRAZIL.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate knowledge of caregivers of children with congenital hypothyroidism (CH), followed in a public reference service, as well as their associations with treatment adherence. METHODS: Exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study with convenience sample. Medical records of 158 patients diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism were analyzed, and data were evaluated by applying a previously prepared questionnaire to caregivers from 2014 to 2016. Statistical analysis used the chi-square and the Spearman's correlation tests, being significant p-value ≤0.05. RESULTS: Females were predominant among caregivers (94.3%), with a mean age of 31 years, from inland cities (77.8%). There was a predominance of socioeconomic class C (59.5%) and incomplete primary education (35.7%). More than half of patients (53.2%) with CH had an adequate hormonal control. Approximately one third of caregivers had poor knowledge (37.3%) or was unaware (24.1%) about the meaning of congenital hypothyroidism. The low knowledge level of the disease was observed to be related to caregivers' educational level (p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Lack of education of caregivers was a barrier to be faced when monitoring children with CH. This reality requires greater attention from health professionals to ensure that they use clear language when giving instructions to caregivers, and that caregivers have adequately understood the proposed recommendations.

Adhesion to treatment by children with congenital hypothyroidism: knowledge of caregivers in bahia state, brazil / Adesão ao tratamento de crianças com hipotireoidismo congênito: o conhecimento dos cuidadores no estado da bahia, brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate knowledge of caregivers of children with congenital hypothyroidism (CH), followed in a public reference service, as well as their associations with treatment adherence. Methods: Exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study with convenience sample. Medical records of 158 patients diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism were analyzed, and data were evaluated by applying a previously prepared questionnaire to caregivers from 2014 to 2016. Statistical analysis used the chi-square and the Spearman's correlation tests, being significant p-value ≤0.05. Results: Females were predominant among caregivers (94.3%), with a mean age of 31 years, from inland cities (77.8%). There was a predominance of socioeconomic class C (59.5%) and incomplete primary education (35.7%). More than half of patients (53.2%) with CH had an adequate hormonal control. Approximately one third of caregivers had poor knowledge (37.3%) or was unaware (24.1%) about the meaning of congenital hypothyroidism. The low knowledge level of the disease was observed to be related to caregivers' educational level (p=0.004). Conclusions: Lack of education of caregivers was a barrier to be faced when monitoring children with CH. This reality requires greater attention from health professionals to ensure that they use clear language when giving instructions to caregivers, and that caregivers have adequately understood the proposed recommendations.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar o conhecimento dos cuidadores das crianças com hipotireoidismo congênito (HC) acompanhadas em um serviço público de referência, bem como as suas associações com a adesão ao tratamento. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, descritivo, de corte transversal, com amostra de conveniência. Foram analisados os prontuários de 158 pacientes com diagnóstico de HC e avaliados os dados obtidos pela aplicação de um questionário previamente elaborado, destinado aos cuidadores, durante o período de 2014 a 2016. A análise estatística foi feita com o teste do qui-quadrado e a Correlação de Spearman, para correlacionar a pontuação do questionário, sendo significante o valor de p≤0,05. Resultados: Os cuidadores eram predominantemente do sexo feminino (94,3%), com média de idade de 31 anos, proveniente de cidades do interior (77,8%). Verificou-se predomínio da classe socioeconômica C (59,5%) e ensino fundamental incompleto (35,7%) na amostra dos cuidadores. Metade dos pacientes (53,2%) apresentava controle hormonal adequado. Aproximadamente 1/3 dos cuidadores demonstraram conhecimento ruim (37,3%) ou até mesmo desconheciam (24,1%) o HC. Observou-se que o baixo nível de conhecimento da doença estava diretamente relacionado com o nível educacional dos cuidadores (p=0,004). Conclusões: Os achados sugerem que a falta de instrução dos cuidadores é uma barreira a ser enfrentada durante o acompanhamento de crianças com HC, o que requer uma maior atenção do profissional de saúde, para garantir uma linguagem clara e um entendimento adequado das recomendações propostas.

Ocular manifestations of COVID-19: a literature review.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the highly pathogenic SARS-Cov-2 virus, was declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. Its main clinical manifestations are related to airway involvement; however, there is extrapulmonary impairment in some cases. Given this context, this literature review aims to identify the ophthalmological conditions caused by infection with the novel coronavirus. Although ocular findings do not include the standard clinical presentation of the disease, there are reports of some ophthalmological changes in COVID-19 patients, and conjunctivitis is the most common among these.

Miopia causada pelo uso de telas de aparelhos eletrônicos: uma revisão de literatura / Myopia caused by the use of electronic devices screen: a literature review

Resumo A miopia é uma anormalidade oftalmológica comum que ocorre quando a imagem de um objeto distante se forma anteriormente à retina, estando o músculo ciliar em repouso. Dentre dos fatores predisponentes destacam-se a genética e o ambiente, tendo este último ganhado importância atualmente, visto o crescente aumento no uso de telas eletrônicas. Nesta revisão de literatura, os autores buscam a relação entre miopia e o uso de telas por meio da quantificação e análise das conclusões das pesquisas relacionadas a esse tema. Algumas metanálises buscaram apontar a existência de associação entre a miopia e o uso de telas. Entretanto, a necessidade de mais estudos para comprovar esse vínculo foi destacada de forma quase unânime entre os textos. Isso se deu pelo fato que não é possível separar adequadamente se a evolução da miopia ocorreu pelos eletrônicos ou pelo estímulo do uso da visão para perto, que está associada aos primeiros.

Abstract Myopia is a common eye abnormality that occurs when the image of a distant object forms before the retina with the ciliary muscle at rest. Among the predisposing factors, genetics and the environment stand out, with the latter gaining importance nowadays, considering the growing increase in the use of electronic screens. In this literature review, the authors seek the relationship between myopia and the use of screens by quantifying and analyzing the conclusions of research related to this topic. Some meta-analyzes sought to point out the existence of an association between myopia and the use of screens. However, the need for further studies to prove this link was highlighted almost unanimously among the texts. This was due to the fact that it is not possible to adequately separate whether the evolution of myopia occurred via electronics or by stimulating the use of near vision, which is associated with the former.

Ocular manifestations of COVID-19: a literature review

SUMMARY Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the highly pathogenic SARS-Cov-2 virus, was declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. Its main clinical manifestations are related to airway involvement; however, there is extrapulmonary impairment in some cases. Given this context, this literature review aims to identify the ophthalmological conditions caused by infection with the novel coronavirus. Although ocular findings do not include the standard clinical presentation of the disease, there are reports of some ophthalmological changes in COVID-19 patients, and conjunctivitis is the most common among these.

RESUMO A doença do coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) causada pelo vírus, altamente patogênico, Sars-Cov-2, foi declarada como uma pandemia pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) em março de 2020. As principais manifestações clínicas se relacionam com o acometimento da via aérea; no entanto, há em alguns casos comprometimento extrapulmonar. Perante esse contexto, esta revisão de literatura objetiva identificar as condições oftalmológicas resultantes da infecção pelo novo coronavírus. Apesar de os achados oculares não contemplarem o quadro clínico padrão da doença, há relatos de algumas alterações oftalmológicas em pacientes com COVID-19 positivo, sendo a conjuntivite a mais comum entre estas.

Evaluation of the acute toxicity, phototoxicity and embryotoxicity of a residual aqueous fraction from extract of the Antarctic moss Sanionia uncinata.

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main exogenous inductor of skin damage and so photoprotection is important to control skin disorders. The Antarctic moss Sanionia uncinata is an important source of antioxidants and the photoprotective activity of its organic extracts has been investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the potential photoprotection, cytotoxicity and embryotoxicity of residual aqueous fraction (AF) from the moss S. uncinata. METHODS: UV-visible spectrum and SPF (sun protection factor) were determined by spectrophotometry. Embryotoxicity potential was evaluated by Fish embryo-larval toxicity test using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as organism model. Cell death assays by water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-1) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were investigated using HaCaT keratinocyte cell line cultured in monolayers and three dimensions (3D). Phototoxicity and association with UV-filters were performed by 3T3 neutral red uptake test. RESULTS: The AF showed sharp absorption bands in the UV region and less pronounced in the visible region. The SPF was low (2.5 ± 0.3), but the SPF values of benzophenone-3 and octyl-methoxycinnamate increased ~ 3 and 4 times more, respectively, in association with AF. The AF did not induce significant lethal and sublethal effects on zebrafish early-life stages. In monolayers, the HaCaT cell viability, evaluated by WST-1, was above 70% by ≤0.4 mg AF/mL after 48 and 72-h exposure, whereas ≤1 mg AF/mL after 24-h exposure. The LDH assay showed that the cell viability was above 70% by ≤0.4 mg AF/mL even after 72-h exposure, but ≤1 mg/mL after 24 and 48-h exposure. In 3D cell culture, an increased cell resistance to toxicity was observed, because cell viability of HaCaT cell by WST-1 and LDH was above ~ 90% when using ≤1 and 4 mg AF/mL, respectively. The AF demonstrated values of photo irritation factor < 2 and of photo effect < 0.1, even though in association with UV-filters. CONCLUSIONS: The residual AF absorbs UV-vis spectrum, increased SPF values of BP-3 and OMC and does not induce embryotoxicity to zebrafish early life-stage. The cell death assays allowed establishing non-toxic doses of AF and phototoxicity was not detected. AF of S. uncinata presents a good potential for skin photoprotection against UV-radiation.

Ecotoxicological assessment and electrochemical remediation of doxorubicin.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline widely used in treatments of several cancers, so it has found in hospital effluents with a significant concentration (above 1 µg L-1). Electrochemical remediation is an alternative to promote its degradation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the ability of nanostructured graphite electrodes with metallic oxides to degrade DOX by electro-oxidation (EO). Graphite, TiO2@graphite and AuO-TiO2@graphite electrodes were used in medium with tap water or 10 mmol L-1 NaCl. DOX treatments at concentrations of 1.25-5 mg L-1 were carried out in a voltage source with 1.5-5 V. The cathode used was the platinum electrode. The treatment of DOX 1.25 mg L-1 with 10 mmol L-1 NaCl electrolyte using the AuO-TiO2@graphite electrode at 5 V and 1 mA was the best methodology to promote its degradation. Also, the modified electrode was efficient to DOX degradation after 17 cycles of reuse. An energy expenditure of 1.11 and 0.2 kWh m-3 were obtained for 3 and 50 mL of treatment, respectively. Fish embryo acute toxicity test with zebrafish (Danio rerio) were performed before and after treatment by EO using NaCl. This treatment caused no effect on embryo-larval development, however it induced significant damage in the DNA of the zebrafish larvae after 96 h of exposure, which emphasizes the importance of a depth ecotoxicological evaluation during the development of EO methodologies.

Toxicological evaluation of nail polish waste discarded in the environment.

Nail polish has been widely used around the world. However, the hazards of nail polishes discarded in the environment are still poorly investigated. Thus, the toxicogenetic effects of solubilized (SE) and leached (LE) extracts from nail polishes were investigated, simulating their disposal on water and landfill, respectively, and identifying their physicochemical properties and chemical constituents. Organic compounds and metals were detected in both extracts. SE and LE only induced mutagenic effects in TA98 Salmonella strain in the presence and absence of exogenous metabolic activation. Although both extracts did not significantly increase the frequency of micronucleated HepG2 cells, the cell viability was affected by 24-h exposure. No DNA damage was observed in gonad fish cells (RTG-2) exposed to both extracts; however, the highest SE and LE concentrations induced significant lethal and sublethal effects on zebrafish early-life stages during 96-h exposure. Based on our findings, it can be concluded that if nail polishes enter aquatic systems, it may cause negative impacts to the environment.

Removal of azo dye using Fenton and Fenton-like processes: Evaluation of process factors by Box-Behnken design and ecotoxicity tests.

The conventional treatment of textile effluents is usually inefficient in removing azo dyes and can even generate more toxic products than the original dyes. The aim of the present study was to optimize the process factors in the degradation of Disperse Red 343 by Fenton and Fenton-like processes, as well as to investigate the ecotoxicity of the samples treated under optimized conditions. A Box-Behnken design integrated with the desirability function was used to optimize dye degradation, the amount of residual H2O2 [H2O2residual], and the ecotoxicity of the treated samples (lettuce seed, Artemia salina, and zebrafish in their early-life stages). Dye degradation was affected only by catalyst concentration [Fe] in both the Fenton and Fenton-like processes. In the Fenton reaction, [H2O2residual] was significantly affected by initial [H2O2] and its interaction with [Fe]; however, in the Fenton-like reaction, it was affected by initial [H2O2] only. A. salina mortality was affected by different process factors in both processes, which suggests the formation of different toxic products in each process. The desirability function was applied to determine the best process parameters and predict the responses, which were confirmed experimentally. Optimal conditions facilitated the complete degradation of the dye without [H2O2residual] or toxicity for samples treated with the Fenton-like process, whereas the Fenton process induced significant mortality for A. salina. Results indicate that the Fenton-like process is superior to the Fenton reaction to degrade Disperse Red 343.

Electrochemical remediation of amoxicillin: detoxification and reduction of antimicrobial activity.

Amoxicillin (AMX) is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics around the world to treat and prevent several diseases in both human and veterinary medicine. Incomplete removal of AMX during wastewater treatment contributes to its presence in water bodies and drinking water. AMX is an emerging contaminant since its impact on the environment and human health remains uncertain. This contribution was aimed to evaluate the electrochemical oxidation (EO) of AMX using different anodes in tap water, NaCl or Na2SO4 solutions and to evaluate the potential toxicity of remaining AMX and its by-products on zebrafish early-life stages. Chemical intermediates generated after EO were determined by mass spectrometry and their resulting antimicrobial activity was evaluated. AMX did not induce significant mortality in zebrafish during extended exposure but affected zebrafish development (increased body length) from 6.25 mg/L to 25 mg/L and inhibited enzymatic biomarkers. Carbon modified with titanium oxide (TiO2@C) anode achieved complete AMX removal in just a few minutes and efficiency of the supported electrolytes occurred in the following order: 0.1 M NaCl > 0.1 M Na2SO4 > 0.01 M NaCl > tap water. The order of potential toxicity to zebrafish early life-stages related to lethal and sublethal effects was as follows: 0.1 M Na2SO4 > 0.1 M NaCl >0.01 M NaCl = tap water. Additionally, the EO of AMX using TiO2@C electrode with 0.01 M NaCl was able to inhibit the antimicrobial activity of AMX, reducing the possibility of developing bacterial resistance.