Emerging contaminants and priority substances in marine sediments from Cartagena Bay and the Grand Marsh of Santa Marta (Ramsar site), Colombia.

Emerging pollutants and priority substances are of growing concern due to their toxicity potential to aquatic organisms and human health. However, few reports on this issue in marine ecosystems in general and, more specifically, on the Colombian Caribbean coast are available. The aim of this study was to detect these compounds in sediments from Cartagena Bay (CB) and in the Grand Marsh of Santa Marta, GMSM (Ramsar site), in order to determine how they related to in vitro cytotoxicity assays on HepG2 cells of sediment extracts. A total of thirty compounds were detected using GC-MS/MS in fifteen stations during both the rainy and the dry seasons. Sediments from CB had a wide range of different toxicants, with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) being the most prevalent (12 PAHs, 5.5-881.6 ng/g). Total PCBs ranged from < LOD to 18.6 ng/g, with PCB 138 being the most common detected congener. Residues of p,p'-DDE, Chlorpyrifos and two organophosphate flame retardants, TEHP and ToTP, were found in most sampling locations. The UV filters 4MBC and homosalate were recurrently found in sediments, and the fragrance galaxolide appeared in all cases, with the greatest concentrations found on a touristic beach. In GMSM, with the exception of deltamethrin, all chemicals evaluated had lower average values than in CB. According to sediment quality guidelines, some sites in CB presented values of PAHs higher than the threshold effects level, while in the marsh, none of the stations exceeded it. HepG2 cells exposed to 1% sediment extracts presented reduced cell viability up to 26%. Cytotoxicity displayed a negative correlation with chlorpyrifos concentration. In short, these data suggest the bay and the marsh have specific contamination fingerprints related to anthropogenic interventions. This research highlights the need to further investigate the ecotoxicological implications of detected chemical stressors in these ecosystems.

Intergenerational effects of coal dust on Tribolium castaneum, Herbst.

Coal dust is a primary air contaminant from coal mining operations that produces harmful health effects. However, it is unclear to what extent its detrimental properties would impact future generations, and whether alterations in the progenies might be concentration-dependent. The aim of this study was to determine the intergenerational effects of chronic exposure to coal dust on the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), at three life stages. Groups of fifty adult insects were exposed during 30 days at different concentrations of coal dust mixed with ground oats as food substrate (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% weight/weight), both with a particle size <38 µm. The LC50 for F0 insects was 1.07%, whereas for larvae and adults from F1, values were 0.53 and 0.89%, respectively. Pathological findings assessed at F1 revealed a coal dust concentration-dependent frequency of several morphological abnormalities, including larvae without antenna or extremities, lack of T1, T2, T3 legs, loss of urogomphi, and the presence of abnormal protuberances. It was found that a considerable number of F1 larvae derived from parental beetles did not achieve a complete conversion into the next growth stage. Pupae with undeveloped eyes and adults with malformed elytra, as well as necrosis, were recurrently observed at high concentrations. Finally, adults exposed to 1% coal dust overexpressed genes related to oxidative stress (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, Nrf2) and synaptic transmission (GABA-gated ion channel, Grd). In short, coal dust particles induced intergenerational effects on T. castaneum, highlighting the need to further study the impact of this airborne pollutant on wildlife and human populations.

Biomonitoring of Mercury, Cadmium and Selenium in Fish and the Population of Puerto Nariño, at the Southern Corner of the Colombian Amazon.

Heavy metals threaten communities near biodiversity hotspots, as their protein sources come from the environment. This study assessed Hg, Cd, and Se concentrations in fish, as well as the magnitude of exposure and hematological conditions of adult citizens from Puerto Nariño (Colombian Amazon). Among fish samples, greater Hg concentrations were found in higher trophic level species, including Rhaphiodon vulpinus (880 ± 130 ng/g) and Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum (920 ± 87 ng/g). These species presented the highest hazard quotients and lowest Se:Hg molar ratios among those studied, showing their consumption represents a health risk to consumers. Moreover, some samples of Mylossoma duriventre and Prochilodus magdalenae had Cd levels greater than the regulated limit (100 ng/g). The average total Hg (T-Hg) concentrations in human hair and blood were 5.31 µg/g and 13.7 µg/L, respectively. All hair samples exceeded the 1.0 µg/g threshold set by the USEPA, whereas 93% of the volunteers had T-Hg blood levels greater than 5 µg/L, suggesting elevated exposure. The mean Cd level was 3.1 µg/L, with 21% of samples surpassing 5 µg/L, value at which mitigating actions should be taken. Eighty-four percent of participants presented Se deficiencies (<100 µg/L). There was a significant association between fish consumption and T-Hg in hair (ρ = 0.323; p = 0.032) and blood (ρ = 0.381; p = 0.011). In this last matrix, Se correlated with Cd content, whereas lymphocytes were inversely linked to Hg concentrations. The results of this study show that there is  extensive exposure to Hg in fish, the consumption of which may promote detrimental impacts on hematology parameters within the community.

Toxicity and expression of oxidative stress genes in Tribolium castaneum induced by toluene, xylene, and thinner.

Thinner is a solvent that contains toluene, xylene, and other substances. The aim of this study was to examine the toxicity of thinner, xylene, and toluene on adult red flour beetles, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), as well as the effects of thinner and toluene on gene expression. The major compounds identified in the thinner with peak area >2% were p-xylene (6%), toluene (4%), 2,4-dimethylheptane (3%), methylcyclohexane (2.75%), 2-methylheptane (2%), cyclohexanone (2.6%), and nonane (2.1%). Insects were exposed to solvents at 0-240 µl/L air for 4-48 hr. Animals that survived after a 4 hr exposure to 80 µl/L air were employed to determine mRNA expression using real-time PCR. Xylene was highly toxic, and the majority of the beetles did not survive 4 hr exposure at 40 µl/L air. The lethal concentration 50 (LC50) values for toluene, xylene and thinner at 48 hr exposure were 97.7, <40 and 99.8 µl/L air, respectively. Thinner and toluene induced lethargy and sluggish movement in treated insects, while with xylene these effects were not observed. Glutathione-S-transferase (Gst) gene expression increased after thinner and toluene exposure. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) gene expression rose after toluene exposure. These results suggest that T. castaneum provides an alternative model for the study of toxicological effects of volatile aromatic compounds.

Multicompartment Mercury Contamination in Major Gold Mining Districts at the Department of Bolivar, Colombia.

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining is the main source of human exposure to mercury (Hg) in many countries. This study was designed to evaluate total Hg (T-Hg) concentrations in human hair, fish, soil, and air from two major gold-mining districts (GMDs) at the department of Bolivar, Colombia. Total Hg was analyzed using a direct Hg analyzer. The mean T-Hg concentration in hair samples was 3.07 ± 0.14 µg/g (range 0.15-25.1 µg/g; median 2.02 µg/g). The highest Hg level was observed in Mojana GMD, specifically at Achi-La Raya (9.2 ± 0.6 µg/g) and the lowest in Morales, at the Middle Magdalena GMD (1.50 ± 0.16 µg/g). Hair T-Hg values exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reference level of 1.0 µg/g. Correlation between T-Hg in hair and stature was negative for the Mojana, but the opposite for Middle Magdalena, although for both GMDs hair T-Hg correlated positively with fish intake. The highest average T-Hg fish concentrations were observed in Caquetaia kraussii (0.37 ± 0.10 µg/g), Sorubim cuspicaudus (0.32 ± 0.16 µg/g), Plagioscion surinamensis (0.22 ± 0.02 µg/g), Trachelyopterus insignis (0.20 ± 0.02 µg/g), and Pseudoplatystoma magdaleniatum (0.20 ± 0.02 µg/g). Human health risk assessment of Hg based on fish consumption suggested that, with the exception of P. magdalenae, all economically important fish species are potentially harmful for the communities. Soil Hg levels in amalgam burning facilities were extremely high, and Hg in the air around mines and gold-processing shops exceeded international guidelines. In short, Hg pollution in GMDs of Bolivar is extensive, and this situation requires special attention to reduce environmental and human health problems.

Neurotoxic Effects of Linalool and ß-Pinene on Tribolium castaneum Herbst.

Effective, ethical pest control requires the use of chemicals that are highly specific, safe, and ecofriendly. Linalool and ß-pinene occur naturally as major constituents of the essential oils of many plant species distributed throughout the world, and thus meet these requirements. These monoterpenes were tested as repellents against Tribolium castaneum, using the area preference method, after four hours of exposure and the effect transcriptional of genes associated with neurotransmission. Changes in gene expression of acetylcholinesterase (Ace1), GABA-gated anion channel splice variant 3a6a (Rdl), GABA-gated ion channel (Grd), glutamate-gated chloride channel (Glucl), and histamine-gated chloride channel 2 (Hiscl2) were assessed and the interaction with proteins important for the insect using in silico methods was also studied. For linalool and ß-pinene, the repellent concentration 50 (RC50) values were 0.11 µL/cm² and 0.03 µL/cm², respectively. Both compounds induced overexpression of Hiscl2 gen in adult insects, and ß-pinene also promoted the overexpression of Grd and the Ace1 gene. However, ß-pinene and linalool had little potential to dock on computer-generated models for GABA-gated ion channel LCCH3, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits alpha1 and alpha2, and putative octopamine/tyramine receptor proteins from T. castaneum as their respective binding affinities were marginal, and therefore the repellent action probably involved mechanisms other than direct interaction with these targets. Results indicated that ß-pinene was more potent than linalool in inducing insect repellency, and also had a greater capacity to generate changes in the expression of genes involved in neuronal transmission.

Mice housed on coal dust-contaminated sand: A model to evaluate the impacts of coal mining on health.

Coal dust is the most important air pollutant in coal mining in regards to producing deleterious health effects. It permeates the surrounding environment threatening public health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects associated with exposure to sand contaminated with coal dust particles below 38 µm in diameter, obtained from a mineral sample collected in the largest coal mine in South America, La Loma, Cesar, Colombia. Sterilized sand was spiked with coal dust to obtain concentrations ranging from zero to 4% coal dust. To model natural exposure, mice were housed for eight weeks in boxes containing this mixture as bedding after which, they were euthanized and blood and tissue samples were collected. Real time PCR analysis revealed an increase in Cyp1A1 mRNA for living on sand with coal dust concentrations greater than 2% compared to mice living on sand without coal dust. Unexpectedly, for mice on coal dust-polluted sand, Sod1, Scd1 and Nqo1 hepatic mRNA were downregulated. The Comet assay in peripheral blood cells and the micronucleus test in blood smears, showed a significant potential genotoxic effect only at the highest coal dust concentration. Histopathological analysis revealed vascular congestion and peribronchial inflammation in the lungs. A dose-response relationship for the presence of hepatic steatosis, vacuolization and nuclei enlargements was observed in the exposed animals. The data suggest living on a soil polluted with coal dust induces molecular, cellular and histopathological changes in mice. Accordingly, the proposed model can be used to identify deleterious effects of exposure to coal dust deposited in soils that may pose health risks for surrounding wildlife populations.

Toxicogenomics to Evaluate Endocrine Disrupting Effects of Environmental Chemicals Using the Zebrafish Model.

The extent of our knowledge on the number of chemical compounds related to anthropogenic activities that can cause damage to the environment and to organisms is increasing. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are one group of potentially hazardous substances that include natural and synthetic chemicals and have the ability to mimic endogenous hormones, interfering with their biosynthesis, metabolism, and normal functions. Adverse effects associated with EDC exposure have been documented in aquatic biota and there is widespread interest in the characterization and understanding of their modes of action. Fish are considered one of the primary risk organisms for EDCs. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are increasingly used as an animal model to study the effects of endocrine disruptors, due to their advantages compared to other model organisms. One approach to assess the toxicity of a compound is to identify those patterns of gene expression found in a tissue or organ exposed to particular classes of chemicals, through new technologies in genomics (toxicogenomics), such as microarrays or whole-genome sequencing. Application of these technologies permit the quantitative analysis of thousands of gene expression changes simultaneously in a single experiment and offer the opportunity to use transcript profiling as a tool to predict toxic outcomes of exposure to particular compounds. The application of toxicogenomic tools for identification of chemicals with endocrine disrupting capacity using the zebrafish model system is reviewed.

Perception of Complementary Medicine and Treatment Adherence as Predictors of Self-Efficacy in Individuals with Chronic Conditions in Mexico.

Chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), arterial hypertension (HTN), and obesity are significant global health challenges, contributing to millions of premature deaths. In Mexico, these pose major challenges due to limited access to healthcare and inadequate primary care quality. Complementary medicine presents itself as an adjuvant in this context, offering minimally invasive techniques to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. However, effective treatment adherence is crucial for positive outcomes, influenced by self-efficacy, resulting in persistently low adherence rates-a pressing public health concern. This observational study aimed to explore how perceptions of complementary medicine and treatment adherence predict self-efficacy among individuals with chronic diseases in Mexico. Data were collected from 113 participants with chronic conditions, including T2DM, HTN, and obesity. Participants completed surveys assessing perception of complementary medicine, treatment adherence, and self-efficacy. Statistical analyses, including correlations and regression, were conducted to examine the relationships between variables. The study revealed significant correlations between the perception of complementary medicine, treatment adherence, and self-efficacy. Treatment adherence was positively associated with self-efficacy, while perception of holistic medicine was negatively correlated with self-efficacy. Perception of complementary medicine and adherence to treatment were found to predict 41.9% (p = 0.001) self-efficacy. These findings underscore the potential of complementary therapies in enhancing self-efficacy levels, and highlight the importance of holistic healthcare approaches in managing chronic conditions. Further research is needed to better understand these relationships and their implications for healthcare outcomes in Mexico and beyond.

Nematode and mercury content in freshwater fish belonging to different trophic levels.

Fish are a protein source for many people in Colombia. However, environmental pollution of some aquatic ecosystems may pose health risks to humans. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of total mercury (T-Hg) in muscle and their relationship with nematode infections in fish from Dique Channel, a freshwater ecosystem located Northern Colombia. Eight hundred ninety fish specimens belonging to 13 different species were collected. T-Hg concentration was measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy, previous electrothermal atomization. Nematodes were identified as Contracaecum sp. Species such as Hoplias malabaricus and Sorubim cuspicaudus presented the highest values for Hg and parasite infection (0.09 ± 0.01, 0.12 ± 0.02 µg/g; prevalence 100, 100 %, respectively), whereas the lowest were detected in Prochilodus magdalenae (0.02 ± 0.002 µg/g; 0 %). Pooled data revealed a high correlation between trophic level and parasite abundance (ρ = 0.771; P = 0.002) as well as with T-Hg (ρ = 0.786; P < 0.001). The overall correlation between parasite abundance and T-Hg was moderately to low but positive (ρ = 0.217; P < 0.001). However, when individual species were considered, pair relationships between parasite abundance, morphometric parameters, and Hg concentration, varied between positive and negative values. These data suggest the presence of nematodes is determined by the trophic level of the fish species, similarly to what occurs with Hg. Moreover, the co-occurrence of these two stressors involves different types of interactions with morphometric variables that are species-specific. These observations open new doors to the understanding of the interaction between chemical pollutants and organisms.

Cytotoxicity of Nine Medicinal Plants from San Basilio de Palenque (Colombia) on HepG2 Cells.

The utilization of plants with medicinal properties is deeply rooted in the traditional knowledge of diverse human populations. This study aims to investigate the cytotoxicity of nine plants commonly used by communities in San Basilio de Palenque, Bolivar (Colombia), for managing inflammation-related illnesses. Hydroethanolic extracts from various plant parts such as roots, stems, barks, or leaves were prepared through a process involving drying, powdering, and maceration in an ethanol-water (7:3) solution. The extracts were subsequently freeze-dried and dissolved in DMSO for the bioassays. Cytotoxicity against the human hepatoma HepG2 cell line was assessed using the MTT assay, with extract concentrations ranging from 0 to 500 µg/mL and treatment durations of 24 and 48 h. The total phenolic content of the nine extracts varied from 96.7 to 167.6 mg GAE/g DT. Among them, eight hydroethanolic extracts from Jatropha gossypiifolia L., Piper peltatum L., Malachra alceifolia, Verbesina turbacensis, Ricinus communis, Desmodium incanum, and Dolichandra unguis-cati showed low toxicity (IC50 > 500 µg/mL, 24 h) against HepG2 cells. On the other hand, the extracts of Aristolochia odoratissima L. (IC50 = 95.7 µg/mL) and Picramnia latifolia (IC50 = 128.9 µg/mL) demonstrated the highest cytotoxicity against the HepG2 cell line, displaying a modest selectivity index when compared to the HEKn cell line after 48 h of treatment. These findings suggest that medicinal plants from San Basilio de Palenque, particularly Picramnia latifolia and Aristolochia odoratissima, have potential activity against cancer cells, highlighting their potential for further research and development.

Cytoprotective, Antiproliferative, and Anti-Oxidant Potential of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Fridericia chica Leaves on Human Cancer Cell Lines Exposed to α- and ß-Zearalenol.

Fridericia chica (Bignoniaceae) is a Colombian Caribbean plant with numerous health benefits, including properties such as wound healing, immune system stimulation, and antioxidant capacity, among others. Mycotoxins alpha-zearalenol (α-ZEL) and beta-zearalenol (ß-ZEL) are phase I metabolites of zearalenone, a natural product involved in endocrine disruption and cell proliferation processes. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic potential of the hydroethanolic extract of F. chica leaves (HEFc) and determine their protective effects against proliferation induced by α-ZEL and ß-ZEL on human hepatoma HepG2, lung cancer Calu-1, and primary normal human epidermal keratinocytes, neonatal (HEKn). The cytotoxicity of HEFc was measured in a range from 4 to 1000 µg/mL and from 0.4 to 100 µM for both α-ZEL and ß-ZEL. Cell production of intracellular ROS was monitored using the H2-DCFDA probe. The cells exposed to HEFc presented IC50 of 128, 249, and 602 µg/mL for the HepG2, Calu-1, and HEKn cells, respectively. A greater selectivity was seen in HepG2 cells [selectivity index (SI) = 3.5] than in Calu-1 cells (SI = 2.4). Cells treated with mycotoxins remained viable during the first day, and cell proliferation increased at low tested concentrations (0.4-6.3 µM) in all three cell lines. However, after 48 h treatment, cells exposed to 50 and 100 µM of α-ZEL and ß-ZEL displayed decreased viability. HEFc at 16 µg/mL was able to give some protection against cytotoxicity induced by high concentrations of ß-ZEL in HepG2, reducing also cell proliferation elicited at low levels of α-ZEL and ß-ZEL. ROS production was not observed in cells treated with this HEFc concentration; however, it prevented ROS formation induced by treatment with 50 µM α-ZEL or ß-ZEL. In summary, HEFc isolated from plants grown in northern Colombia displayed promising results against cell proliferation and oxidative stress caused by mycotoxins.

Deleterious Effects of Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Essential Oil on Life Cycle and Midgut of the Natural Predator Ceraeochrysa claveri (Navás, 1911) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae).

Cymbopogon nardus (citronella) essential oil (EO) has been widely used in the cosmetic and food industry due to its repellent and fumigant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate its effects on the life cycle and midgut morphology of the natural predator Ceraeochrysa claveri. Larvae were fed on sugarcane borer eggs (Diatraea saccharalis) pretreated with citronella EO solutions (1-100 µg/mL in methanol, 5 s) or solvent and air-dried at room temperature for 30 min. Larval and pupal stage duration, the percentage of emergence of the insect, and malformed insects were recorded. One day after adults emerged from their cocoons, adult insects were used to obtain their midgut and analyzed using light microscopy. The chemical composition of C. nardus EO revealed that citronellal (25.3%), citronellol (17.9%), geraniol (11.6%), elemol (6.5%), δ-cadinone (3.6%), and germacrene D (3.4%) were the predominant compounds. Exposure to the EO produced a significant change in development duration for third instar and prepupa of the insect. The observed alterations in the lifecycle included prepupae with no cocoon formation, dead pupa inside the cocoon, and malformed adults. Several injuries in the midgut epithelium of exposed adults were registered, such as detachment of columnar cells leaving only swollen regenerative cells fixed on the basement membrane, and the formation of epithelial folds. In summary, these data suggest that C. nardus oil has adverse effects on the life cycle and midgut morphology of a beneficial predator.

Fear and Coping with Death in Intensive Care Nurses: a Structural Model Predictor of Compassion Fatigue.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of fear and coping with death on compassion fatigue in nurses working in the intensive care unit. METHODS: Correlational-predictive design, applied in 245 nurses working in the intensive care unit through intentional sampling. The study applied a personal data card, the Collet-Lester Fear of Death Scale (α=0.72), the Bugen Fell of Death Scale (α=0.82), and the Empathy Exhaustion Scale (α=0.80). Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed, such as Spearman's test and a structural equation model. RESULTS: The work had 255 nurses who participated, finding a relationship among fear and coping toward death and compassion fatigue (p<0.01), together with the equation model showing that fear and coping toward death have a positive effect in 43.6% on compassion fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: Fear and coping with death have an effect on compassion fatigue in nurses working in the intensive care unit, so that when working in a critical area it can cause health effects.

Chemical Composition, Repellent Action, and Toxicity of Essential Oils from Lippia origanoide, Lippia. alba Chemotypes, and Pogostemon cablin on Adults of Ulomoides dermestoides (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

The essential oils (EOs) from bioactive species can provide an alternative tool for the management of stored grain insects that is less environmentally damaging than synthetic chemicals. The aim of this study was to assess the repellent action and toxicity of EOs obtained from phellandrene-rich Lippia origanoides, carvone-rich Lippia alba, citral-rich L. alba, and Pogostemon cablin aerial parts on adults of Ulomoides dermestoides. These EOs were isolated by hydrodistillation and characterized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The repellency assay was carried out using the area preference method, and the toxicity evaluated utilizing a filter paper contact test. The major components (>10%) of the studied EOs were sabinene (16.9%), trans-ß-caryophyllene (18.6%) and α-humulene (10.1%) for phellandrene-rich L. origanoides EO; limonene (40.1%) and carvone (37.7%) for carvone-rich L. alba EO; geranial (24.5%), geraniol (19.0%), and neral (11.9%) for citral-rich L. alba EO; and α-guaiene (13.3%), α-bulnesene (15.7%), and patchoulol (35.3%) for P. cablin EO. All EOs displayed 100% repellency at a concentration of 16 µL/mL, with lower toxicity than that elicited by the commercial repellent DEET. EO concentrations up to 8 µL/mL did not induce any mortality on the beetle. These findings show that the EOs provide active and safe molecules for natural repellent formulations to prevent and control insect infestations of stored products.

Photoprotective Agents Obtained from Aromatic Plants Grown in Colombia: Total Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Activity, and Assessment of Cytotoxic Potential in Cancer Cell Lines of Cymbopogon flexuosus L. and Tagetes lucida Cav. Essential Oils.

Photoprotective agents obtained from plants provide benefits for the health of the skin. The present study aims to assess the total phenolic content (TPC) and in vitro UV-protective properties of twelve essential oils (EOs) from plants grown in Colombia and to evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of two species identified as photoprotective potentials: Cymbopogon flexuosus and Tagetes lucida. The composition of EOs was studied by GC/MS. The cytotoxicity of both EOs was examined using an MTT assay, and an H2-DCFDA probe was employed to estimate the intracellular production of ROS in HepG2 and Calu-1 cells. Major constituents (≥10%) were neral, geranial, geranyl acetate in C. flexuosus and estragole in T. lucida. The TPC for C. flexuosus and T. lucida EOs were ≥10 mg GAE/g of byproduct. Both EOs showed photoprotective properties (SPFin vitro: 13−14), and long-wavelength UVA protection (λc > 370 nm). HepG2 and Calu-1 cells exposed to C. flexuosus exhibited antiproliferative activity (˂50%) at 125 µg/mL, while T. lucida was at 250 and 500 µg/mL. The IC50 values for C. flexuosus were 75 and 100 µg/mL in HepG2 and Calu-1 cells, respectively, whereas those for T. lucida were >250 µg/mL. These EOs achieved significant inhibitory effects (between 15.6 and 40.4%) against H2O2-induced oxidative stress. The results showed that EO compounds recognized as antioxidants could counteract the effects elicited by H2O2.

There and back again; historical perspective and future directions for Vaccinium breeding and research studies.

The genus Vaccinium L. (Ericaceae) contains a wide diversity of culturally and economically important berry crop species. Consumer demand and scientific research in blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) and cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) have increased worldwide over the crops' relatively short domestication history (~100 years). Other species, including bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), and ohelo berry (Vaccinium reticulatum) are largely still harvested from the wild but with crop improvement efforts underway. Here, we present a review article on these Vaccinium berry crops on topics that span taxonomy to genetics and genomics to breeding. We highlight the accomplishments made thus far for each of these crops, along their journey from the wild, and propose research areas and questions that will require investments by the community over the coming decades to guide future crop improvement efforts. New tools and resources are needed to underpin the development of superior cultivars that are not only more resilient to various environmental stresses and higher yielding, but also produce fruit that continue to meet a variety of consumer preferences, including fruit quality and health related traits.

Essential and toxic elements in sardines and tuna on the Colombian market.

The presence of metals in canned fish has been associated with adverse effects on human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk-based fish consumption limits based on the concentrations of eight essential elements and four elements of toxicological concern in sardines and tuna brands commercially available in the Latin American canned goods market. One brand of canned sardines and six of canned tuna were collected and evaluated by ICP-MS and direct mercury analysis. The Hg content was much higher than that previously observed in scientific literature. According to the calculated hazard quotients, all brands may present some risk in terms of this element, especially brand F in which levels up to 3.1 µg/g were measured. Sardine samples surpassed the maximum limits of Mn and As. Stricter quality control in retail chains and industries should be implemented in order to guarantee safe levels in fishery products.

Biomonitoring of Lead Exposure in Children from Two Fishing Communities at Northern Colombia.

Lead (Pb) exposure is a growing concern in developing countries, especially in vulnerable children. The objective of this study was to evaluate blood lead levels (BLL) in children from two fishing populations at Northern Colombia, Loma de Arena and Tierrabomba, as well as their association with morphometric parameters, markers of hematological status, liver function, and mRNA expression of genes related to Pb toxicity. A total of 198 blood samples were collected from participants aged 5-16 years old. The mean (± standard error) BLL for the studied sample was 3.6 ± 0.3 µg/dL, and the 97.5th percentile was 21.0 µg/dL. The participants of Loma de Arena and Tierrabomba presented BLL of 3.9 ± 0.5 and 2.9 ± 0.3 µg/dL, respectively. Children born preterm had greater BLL than those born at full term. Boys had greater BLL than girls, which also occurred for participants between 12 and 16 years old, compared with those aged 5-11 years old. The BLL were negatively correlated with body mass index in children from Loma de Arena, but an opposite behavior was observed for Tierrabomba. In Loma de Arena, the mRNA expression of interferon gamma, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, increased with the BLL, but that of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydrogenase, a sensor for Pb poisoning, decreased. In Tierrabomba, gene expression did not change with BLL. These results show that in fishing communities, lead exposure promotes different health impacts depending on age, sex, and other site-specific factors. In any case, appropriate educational and intervention programs should be carried out to minimize Pb exposure in children.

Protective Effects of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Fridericia chica on Undifferentiated Human Neuroblastoma Cells Exposed to α-Zearalenol (α-ZEL) and ß-Zearalenol (ß-ZEL).

Fridericia chica (Bignoniaceae) is a traditional medicinal plant. The aim of this research was to determine the protective effects of the hydroethanolic extract from the F. chica leaves (HEFc) against the cytotoxicity of zearalenone (α-ZEL) and ß-ZEL on SH-SY5Y cells. Free radical scavenging activity of HEFc was evaluated using the DPPH method. The cytotoxicity of both zearalenone metabolites and HEFc was examined using MTT test, as was the cytoprotective effects of the HEFc on cells treated with these mycotoxins. The chemical composition of HEFc was determined using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. HEFc elicited good DPPH radical scavenging activity following a concentration-dependent relationship. Cells exposed to α-ZEL exhibited a viability ˂50% after 48 h of treatment (25 and 50 µM), while those exposed to ß-ZEL showed viability ˂50% (100 µM) and ˂25% (25-100 µM) after 24 and 48 h of exposure, respectively. HEFc showed a significant increase in cell viability after exposure to α-ZEL (25 and 50 µM) and ß-ZEL (6-100 µM) (p < 0.05). UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analyses allowed the identification of 10 phytochemical components in the HEFc. In short, the hydroethanolic extract of F. chica grown in Colombian Caribbean can protect against the effects of mycotoxins and it is a valuable source of compounds with antioxidant properties.