Description of a new ultrasound sign to distinguish Crohn's anal fistula from cryptoglandular fistula: The rosary sign.

AIM: Endoanal and endorectal ultrasound are essential diagnostic tools for perianal fistula. Recent studies have examined ultrasound signs that help differentiate cryptoglandular anal fistula from perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease. The main aim of this work was to describe a new ultrasound sign for perianal fistula and to evaluate its ability to differentiate Crohn's disease from cryptoglandular anal fistula. METHOD: This study included 363 patients (113 women; mean age 46.5 ± 14.3 years). Overall, 287 (79.1%) patients had a cryptoglandular perianal fistula and 76 (20.9%) had fistulizing Crohn's disease. All patients underwent three-dimensional anal endosonography for perianal fistula. The reading was carried out by two observers. RESULTS: Observer 1, who was an experienced sonographer and colorectal surgeon, observed the ultrasound sign in 120 patients (33.1%), while observer 2, who was inexperienced, observed it in 129 patients (35.5%). The overall interobserver agreement was 67.22%. The Kappa coefficient measuring interobserver agreement was 0.273 (0.17-0.38). Among those patients with Crohn's disease, 48.68% had the sign and 16% did not (p = 0.001). A logistic regression study showed that the sign was a predictor of Crohn's disease (p = 0.001), with an odds ratio of 2.33 (1.39-3.91). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 38.68%, 71.08%, 30.83%, 83.95% and 66.39%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study provides a new ultrasound sign for perianal fistula (the rosary sign) in patients with Crohn's disease. The sign can be used to differentiate Crohn's disease from other types of fistula. This is useful in the management of patients with anal fistula.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 1436-1477.

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Argentina, Colletotrichum araujiae on leaves, stems and fruits of Araujia hortorum. Australia, Agaricus pateritonsus on soil, Curvularia fraserae on dying leaf of Bothriochloa insculpta, Curvularia millisiae from yellowing leaf tips of Cyperus aromaticus, Marasmius brunneolorobustus on well-rotted wood, Nigrospora cooperae from necrotic leaf of Heteropogon contortus, Penicillium tealii from the body of a dead spider, Pseudocercospora robertsiorum from leaf spots of Senna tora, Talaromyces atkinsoniae from gills of Marasmius crinis-equi and Zasmidium pearceae from leaf spots of Smilaxglyciphylla. Brazil, Preussia bezerrensis from air. Chile, Paraconiothyrium kelleni from the rhizosphere of Fragaria chiloensis subsp. chiloensis f. chiloensis. Finland, Inocybe udicola on soil in mixed forest with Betula pendula, Populus tremula, Picea abies and Alnus incana. France, Myrmecridium normannianum on dead culm of unidentified Poaceae. Germany, Vexillomyces fraxinicola from symptomless stem wood of Fraxinus excelsior. India, Diaporthe limoniae on infected fruit of Limonia acidissima, Didymella naikii on leaves of Cajanus cajan, and Fulvifomes mangroviensis on basal trunk of Aegiceras corniculatum. Indonesia, Penicillium ezekielii from Zea mays kernels. Namibia, Neocamarosporium calicoremae and Neocladosporium calicoremae on stems of Calicorema capitata, and Pleiochaeta adenolobi on symptomatic leaves of Adenolobus pechuelii. Netherlands, Chalara pteridii on stems of Pteridium aquilinum, Neomackenziella juncicola (incl. Neomackenziella gen. nov.) and Sporidesmiella junci from dead culms of Juncus effusus. Pakistan, Inocybe longistipitata on soil in a Quercus forest. Poland, Phytophthora viadrina from rhizosphere soil of Quercus robur, and Septoria krystynae on leaf spots of Viscum album. Portugal (Azores), Acrogenospora stellata on dead wood or bark. South Africa, Phyllactinia greyiae on leaves of Greyia sutherlandii and Punctelia anae on bark of Vachellia karroo. Spain, Anteaglonium lusitanicum on decaying wood of Prunus lusitanica subsp. lusitanica, Hawksworthiomyces riparius from fluvial sediments, Lophiostoma carabassense endophytic in roots of Limbarda crithmoides, and Tuber mohedanoi from calcareus soils. Spain (Canary Islands), Mycena laurisilvae on stumps and woody debris. Sweden, Elaphomyces geminus from soil under Quercus robur. Thailand, Lactifluus chiangraiensis on soil under Pinus merkusii, Lactifluus nakhonphanomensis and Xerocomus sisongkhramensis on soil under Dipterocarpus trees. Ukraine, Valsonectria robiniae on dead twigs of Robinia hispida. USA, Spiralomyces americanus (incl. Spiralomyces gen. nov.) from office air. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes. Citation: Tan YP, Bishop-Hurley SL, Shivas RG, et al. 2022. Fungal Planet description sheets: 1436-1477. Persoonia 49: 261-350. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2022.49.08.

A multibiomarker approach to assess toxic effects of wastewater treatment plant effluents and activated defence mechanisms in marine (Ruditapes philippinarum) and fresh water (Corbicula fluminea) bivalve species.

Since it has been demonstrated that urban effluents can have adverse effects on aquatic organisms, a multibiomarker study was used to evaluate the effects of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents discharged into the marine and freshwater environments on clams in Cádiz, Spain. One bioassay was performed in the Bay of Cádiz, exposing Ruditapes philippinarum (marine) to a reference site as well as two sites close to WWTP discharges for 14 days. A second bioassay was performed in the Guadalete River, exposing Corbicula fluminea (fresh water) to three sites for 21 days. The biomarkers analysed included defence mechanisms and various toxic effects. Results indicated that WWTP effluents activated defence mechanisms and induced toxic effects in clams exposed to both environments, thus indicating bioavailability of contaminants present in water. Elevated enzymatic activity was found in clams deployed in La Puntilla and El Trocadero compared to control clams and those exposed to the reference site, and 96% of clams deployed at G2 in the Guadalete River died before day 7. Clams exposed to G1 and G3 indicated significant differences in all biomarkers analysed with respect to control clams (p < 0.05). Both species were sensitive to contaminants present in studied sites. This is the first time that these species were used in cages to assess the environmental risk of wastewater effluent discharges in freshwater and marine column environments. The multibiomarker approach provided important ecotoxicological information and is useful for the assessment of the bioavailability and effect of contaminants from WWTP effluents on marine and fresh water invertebrates.

Treatment of transsphincteric fistula-in-ano with growth factors from autologous platelets: results of a phase II clinical trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to evaluate to the safety, feasibility and efficacy of a novel treatment for transsphincteric cryptoglandular fistula: injection of autologous plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) into the fistula tract accompanied by sealing using a fibrin plug created from the activated platelet-poor fraction of the same plasma. METHOD: This article is a prospective, phase II clinical trial. The procedure was externally audited. Thirty-six patients diagnosed with transsphincteric fistula-in-ano were included. All patients underwent follow-up examinations at 1 week and again at 3, 6 and 12 months after discharge. Main outcome measures safety (number of adverse events), feasibility and effectiveness of the treatment. RESULTS: A total of 36 patients received the study treatment, with the procedure found to be feasible in all patients. A total of seven adverse events (AE) related to the injected product or surgical procedure were identified in 4 of 36 patients. At the end of the follow-up period (12 months), 33.3% of patients (12/36) had achieved complete fistula healing and 11.1% of patients (4/36) had achieved partial healing. In total, this amounted to 44.4% of patients (16/36) being asymptomatic at final follow-up. In successfully healed patients, a gradual reduction in pain was observed, as measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (p = 0.0278). Compared to baseline, a significant improvement in Wexner score was seen in patients achieving total or partial healing of the fistula (p = 0.0195). CONCLUSIONS: The study treatment was safe and feasible, with apparently modest efficacy rates. Continence and pain improvement following treatment may be considered predictive factors for healing.

Ultrasonographic evidence of Gatekeeper™ prosthesis migration in patients treated for faecal incontinence: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Faecal incontinence (FI) is both a medical and social problem, with an underestimated incidence. For patients with internal anal sphincter damage, implantation of biomaterial in the anal canal is a recognised treatment option. One such material, Gatekeeper™, has previously shown promising short- and medium-term results without any major complications, including displacement. The main aim of the present study is to assess the degree to which displacement of Gatekeeper prostheses may occur and to determine whether this is associated with patient outcomes. METHODS: Seven patients (six females) with a mean age of 55.6 years [50.5-57.2] and a mean FI duration of 6 ± 2 years were prospectively enrolled in the study. Each subject was anaesthetised and underwent implantation of six prostheses in the intersphincteric region, guided by endoanal 3D ultrasound (3D-EAU). Follow-up was performed at post-interventional months 1, 3, and 12 (median 12 ± 4 months), during which data were obtained from a defaecation diary, Wexner scale assessment, anorectal manometry (ARM), 3D-EAU, and a health status and quality of life questionnaire (FIQL). RESULTS: At 3-month follow-up, 3D-EAU revealed displacement of 24/42 prostheses in 5/7 patients. Of these, 15 had migrated to the lower portion and 9 to the upper portion of the anal canal and rectum. Despite this migration, treatment was considered successful in 3/7 patients. In one patient, it was necessary to remove a prosthesis due to spontaneous extrusion. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that displacement of the Gatekeeper™ prosthesis occurs, but is not associated with poorer clinical outcomes.

Is the step-wise tiered approach for ERA of pharmaceuticals useful for the assessment of cancer therapeutic drugs present in marine environment?

Methotrexate (MTX) and tamoxifen (TMX) cancer therapeutic drugs have been detected within the aquatic environment. Nevertheless, MTX and TMX research is essentially bio-medically orientated, with few studies addressing the question of its toxicity in fresh water organisms, and none to its' effect in the marine environment. To the authors' knowledge, Environmental Risk Assessments (ERA) for pharmaceuticals has mainly been designed for freshwater and terrestrial environments (European Medicines Agency-EMEA guideline, 2006). Therefore, the purpose of this research was (1) to assess effect of MTX and TMX in marine organism using the EMEA guideline, (2) to develop an ERA methodology for marine environment, and (3) to evaluate the suitability of including a biomarker approach in Phase III. To reach these aims, a risk assessment of MTX and TMX was performed following EMEA guideline, including a 2-tier approach during Phase III, applying lysosomal membrane stability (LMS) as a screening biomarker in tier-1 and a battery of biochemical biomarkers in tier-2. Results from Phase II indicated that MTX was not toxic for bacteria, microalgae and sea urchin at the concentrations tested, thus no further assessment was required, while TMX indicated a possible risk. Therefore, Phase III was performed for only TMX. Ruditapes philippinarum were exposed during 14 days to TMX (0.1, 1, 10, 50 µg L(-1)). At the end of the experiment, clams exposed to environmental concentration indicated significant changes in LMS compared to the control (p<0.01); thus a second tier was applied. A significant induction of biomarkers (activity of Ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase [EROD], glutathione S-transferase [GST], glutathione peroxidase [GPX], and lipid peroxidation [LPO] levels) was observed in digestive gland tissues of clams compared with control (p<0.01). Finally, this study indicated that MTX was not toxic at an environmental concentration, whilst TMX was potentially toxic for marine biota. This study has shown the necessity to create specific guidelines in order to evaluate effects of pharmaceuticals in marine environment which includes sensitive endpoints. The inadequacy of current EMEA guideline to predict chemotherapy agents toxicity in Phase II was displayed whilst the usefulness of other tests were demonstrated. The 2-tier approach, applied in Phase III, appears to be suitable for an ERA of cancer therapeutic drugs in the marine environment.

Detection of p53 Mutations in Circulating DNA of Transplanted Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients as a Biomarker of Tumor Recurrence.

p53 is the most commonly mutated gene in malignant human cancers. To detect p53 mutations in circulating DNA (cirDNA) of transplanted hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients could be an interesting approach to know of any tumor recurrence. In this study, our objective was to determine the utility of this method in the diagnosis and the prognosis of HCC tumor recurrence.Twenty four liver transplanted HCC patients were included in the study together with a group of healthy controls. Detection of the specific p53 mutation in cirDNA was performed by high-resolution melting PCR (HRM-PCR) and COLD-PCR immediately before the transplantation. Serum anti-p53 was also determined using a p53-autoantibody ELISA kit.The results of the HRM-PCR and COLD-PCR showed two well-differentiated groups of transplanted patients after normalization by healthy controls. These data allow us to distinguish between patients with p53 mutated cirDNA and those with wild type cirDNA. Moreover, we have found that most of p53 mutated patients also presented elevated anti-p53 antibodies. The present results indicate that it is possible to detect mutated p53 genes with the cirDNA and that this could be used as a biomarker of tumor recurrence during the clinical evolution of the transplanted patients.

Distant Cutaneous Metastases of Prostate Cancer: A Report of 2 Cases. / Metástasis cutáneas a distancia de cáncer de próstata: 2 casos.

Cutaneous metastases of prostate cancer are extremely rare. We present 2 cases of distant cutaneous metastases at atypical locations of prostate adenocarcinoma, and highlight the value of 2 immunohistochemical stains-prostatic acid phosphatase and prostate-specific membrane antigen-that can aid diagnosis, particularly in cases with negative staining for prostate-specific antigen.

Toxicological evaluation of sediment samples spiked with human pharmaceutical products: Energy status and neuroendocrine effects in marine polychaetes Hediste diversicolor.

There is a lack of studies about the ecotoxicology of pharmaceutical products on marine environment. To predict possible adverse effects of pharmaceutical products on benthic biota, polychaetes Hediste diversicolor were exposed for 14-days to pharmaceutical-spiked sediments under laboratory conditions. Carbamazepine (CBZ), ibuprofen (IBP) and propranolol (PRO) at concentrations of 500ngg(-1), 50ngg(-1), 5ngg(-1), 0.5ngg(-1) and 0.05ngg(-1), fluoxetine (FX) and 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) at concentrations of 100ngg(-1), 10ngg(-1), 1ngg(-1), 0.1ngg(-1) and 0.01ngg(-1), including environmental concentrations (underlined), were spiked in marine sediment samples. After the exposure, cellular energy status (total lipids content - TLP; and mitochondrial electron transport activity - MET), metabolism of monoamines (monoamine oxidase activity - MAO) and inflammation properties (cyclooxygenase activity - COX) were observed in polychaetes. CBZ increased TLP content and MET activity, and decreased MAO activity in polychaetes. IBP did not interfere on the TLP level, but on the MET and MAO activities (environmental concentrations). FX did not cause changes in the energy status. Therefore, environmental concentration diminished MAO activity. EE2 did not affect the energy status, however, MAO activity was significantly lower in polychaetes exposed to environmental concentration. PRO increased TLP level in polychaetes, but not MET activity. MAO activity was significantly lower for polychaetes exposed to environmental concentration. Except FX, all pharmaceuticals showed anti-inflammatory properties confirmed by the decrease of COX activity. Pharmaceutical products affected H. diversicolor physiology and health. As a benthic top predator, adverse effects on sea-worms can potentially culminate in ecosystem perturbations.

Are WWTPs effluents responsible for acute toxicity? Seasonal variations of sediment quality at the Bay of Cádiz (SW, Spain).

Adverse effects of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) on sediment quality at the Bay of Cádiz (SW, Spain) were evaluated by a battery of acute bioassays and chemical contamination. Five sites directly affected by WWTPs effluents and one control site were chosen. Results evidenced clear deterioration of ecological sediment quality parameters and possible effects on aquatic communities towards WWTPs areas. Acute toxicity and chemical contamination varied significantly across the studied sites and differed between winter and summer seasons. The Bay of Cádiz is contaminated by PAHs, metals, detergents (SAS) and pharmaceutical products. Principal Component Analyses indicated metals, SAS and pharmaceutical products as the major environmental stresses. Sea-urchin embryo-larval and microalgae growth rate were the most sensitive bioassays to evaluate resuspension of contaminants (elutriate) from bulk sediment. Amphipods mortality and Microtox(®) solid phase test bioassays were recommended to evaluate bulk sediment quality. Therefore, the use of multiple-bioassays, sensitive to sediment pollution, may provide complementary information to diagnose environmental factors that can impair aquatic communities. The battery of bioassays is recommended to assess and monitor marine sediments directly affected by a mixture of contaminants released from WWTPs.

A candidate short-term toxicity test using Ampelisca brevicornis to assess sublethal responses to pharmaceuticals bound to marine sediments.

Lethal and sublethal responses related to different phases of metabolism (phases I and II enzymatic activities), neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase activity), oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities), and genetic damage (DNA strand breaks) were analysed to assess the possible adverse effects of pharmaceuticals bound to marine sediments. The crustacean amphipod Ampelisca brevicornis was chosen as the bioindicator species. Organisms were exposed for 10 days to sediment spiked with pharmaceutical compounds frequently used and previously detected in the environment: carbamazepine (CBZ), ibuprofen (IBP), fluoxetine (FX), 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2), propranolol (PRO), and caffeine (CAF). Short-term bioassay to evaluate amphipod mortality was recommended to assess pollution by CBZ, FX, and PRO. IBP and PRO were metabolized by phases I and II detoxification enzymatic activities. Oxidative stress was caused by PRO and CAF. Contrary to expected results, DNA damage (strand breaks) decreased after the exposure of amphipods to sediment spiked with IBP, FX, EE2, PRO, and CAF (including environmental concentrations). FX was neurotoxic to amphipods. The battery of biomarkers tested allowed the assessment of bioavailability, oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and neurotoxicity of the pharmaceuticals analysed. The results of this study suggested that pharmaceutical products at concentrations currently found in the environment might cause a wide variety of adverse effects (based on laboratory studies). The results obtained here are useful for environmental risk assessment of marine sediments contaminated by pharmaceuticals. Nevertheless, more research is needed using field-based marine sediments.

Bioavailability, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity and genotoxicity of pharmaceuticals bound to marine sediments. The use of the polychaete Hediste diversicolor as bioindicator species.

A set of "early warning responses", measured as biomarkers of exposure and effect, was applied in the marine bioindicator Hediste diversicolor, in a way to assess the environmental quality of sediment affected by pharmaceutical contamination. Sublethal responses were determined in the sea-worms after 14-days of exposure to sediment spiked with some of the most representative pharmaceutical products found in the environment: carbamazepine (CBZ), ibuprofen (IBP), fluoxetine (FX), 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) and propranolol (PRO), including the environmental concentrations. Phases I (ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase - EROD and dibenzylfluorescein dealkylase - DBF) and II (glutathione S-transferase - GST) of the metabolism, antioxidant system (glutathione peroxidase - GPX and glutathione reductase - GR), neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase - AChE) and oxidative effects (lipid peroxidation - LPO and DNA damage strand breaks) were selected to evaluate the sublethal responses in the sea-worms. FX, EE2 and PRO were detoxified by the phase I of the metabolism (EROD activity). On the other hand, phase II (GST-activity) did not respond in sea-worms exposed to pharmaceutical products, except for the environmental concentrations of CBZ (activation) and PRO (deactivation). Neurotoxicity was induced in sea-worms exposed to EE2 (only the environmental concentrations), FX, IBP and CBZ. Oxidative effect determined as LPO increased in sea-worms exposed to environmental concentrations of IBP, EE2 and PRO. Genetic damage increased in sea-worms exposed to IBP and diminished for FX, EE2 and PRO. Our results indicated the toxicity of pharmaceutical products and recommended the battery of biomarkers and the bioindicator specie H. diversicolor for the environmental quality assessment of sediment affected by pharmaceutical contamination.

Early responses measured in the brachyuran crab Carcinus maenas exposed to carbamazepine and novobiocin: application of a 2-tier approach.

One of the main consequences of the constant input of pharmaceuticals to the aquatic environment is that biota might develop unknown chronic effects, thus affecting their health even at low concentrations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the health status of Carcinus maenas employing a 2-tier approach, after 28 days of exposure to carbamazepine (CBZ) and novobiocin (NOV) at 0.1, 1, 10 and 50µgL(-1). Lysosomal membrane stability (LMS) is employed in tier 1. In tier 2 was applied a battery of biomarkers of exposure and effect (ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), dibenzyl flourescein dealkylase (DBF), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and DNA adducts) measured in gill, hepatopancreas, muscle and gonad tissues. Results show a dose-dependent effect. LMS in crabs exposed to environmental concentrations of pharmaceuticals was significantly lower compared to controls (p<0.05), indicating their stressed status. EROD activity was induced significantly (p<0.05) in all tissues by NOV (10-50µgL(-1)). DBF activity was induced significantly (p<0.05) in gill and hepatopancreas tissues by CBZ (10-50µgL(-1)). GST activity was activated in all tissues of crabs exposed to the highest concentrations tested (p<0.05). All tissues showed induction of GPX activity after exposure to selected drugs (p<0.05). LPO was activated in gill and hepatopancreas tissues by the pharmaceuticals at 50µgL(-1) (p<0.05). Crabs exposed to NOV (50µgL(-1)) presented DNA damage in gill and hepatopancreas tissues (p<0.05). Environmental concentrations of these pharmaceuticals have a measurable effect on the biomarkers studied. The 2-tier approach applied might be a suitable tool for the assessment of sublethal responses in crabs exposed to pharmaceuticals in the marine environment.

Integrated ecotoxicological assessment of marine sediments affected by land-based marine fish farm effluents: physicochemical, acute toxicity and benthic community analyses.

An integrated ecotoxicological assessment of marine sediments affected by land-based marine fish farm effluents was developed using physicochemical and benthic community structure analyses and standardised laboratory bioassays with bacteria (Vibrio fischeri), amphipods (Ampelisca brevicornis) and sea urchin larvae (Paracentrotus lividus). Intertidal sediment samples were collected at five sites of the Rio San Pedro (RSP) creek, from the aquaculture effluent to a clean site. The effective concentration (EC50) from bacterial bioluminescence and A. brevicornis survival on whole sediments and P. lividus larval developmental success on sediment elutriates were assessed. Numbers of species, abundance and Shannon diversity were the biodiversity indicators measured in benthic fauna of sediment samples. In parallel, redox potential, pH, organic matter and metal levels (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the sediment and dissolved oxygen in the interstitial water were measured in situ. Water and sediment physicochemical analysis revealed the exhibition of a spatial gradient in the RSP, evidenced by hypoxia/anoxia, reduced and acidic conditions, high organic enrichment and metal concentrations at the most contaminated sites. Whereas, the benthic fauna biodiversity decreased the bioassays depicted decreases in EC50, A. brevicornis survival, P. lividus larval success at sampling sites closer to the studied fish farms. This study demonstrates that the sediments polluted by fish farm effluents may lead to alterations of the biodiversity of the exposed organisms.

Stability of lysosomal membrane in Carcinus maenas acts as a biomarker of exposure to pharmaceuticals.

The presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment is now a major concern given their potential adverse effects on organisms, particularly human beings. Because the feeding style and habitat of the crab Carcinus maenas make this species vulnerable to organic contaminants, it has been used previously in ecotoxicological studies. Lysosomal membrane stability (LMS) in crabs is a general indicator of cellular well-being and can be visualized by the neutral red retention (NRR) assay. LMS in crab hemolymph has been evaluated as a cellular biomarker of adverse effects produced by exposure to pharmaceutical compounds. Crabs were exposed in the laboratory to four different pharmaceuticals for 28 days in a semistatic 24-h renewal assay. Filtered seawater was spiked every 2 days with various concentrations (from 0.1 to 50 µg · L(-1)) of caffeine, ibuprofen, carbamazepine, and novobiocin. Results showed that NRR time, measured at day 28, was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) after exposure to environmental concentrations of each pharmaceutical (caffeine = 15 µg · L(-1); carbamazepine = 1 µg · L(-1); ibuprofen = 5 µg · L(-1); and novobiocin = 0.1 µg · L(-1)) when compared with control organisms. The predicted "no environmental effect" concentration/measured environmental concentration results showed that the selected pharmaceuticals are toxic at environmental concentrations and need further assessment. LMS monitoring in crabs is a sensitive tool for evaluating exposure to concentrations of selected drugs under laboratory conditions and provides a robust tier 1 testing approach (screening biomarker) for rapid assessment of marine pollution and environmental impact assessments for analyzing pharmaceutical contamination in aquatic environments.

Chronic contamination assessment integrating biomarkers' responses in transplanted mussels--a seasonal monitoring.

This study aimed to provide the first biomonitoring integrating biomarkers and bioaccumulation data in São Paulo coast, Brazil and, for this purpose, a battery of biomarkers of defense mechanisms was analyzed and linked to contaminants' body burden in a weigh-of-evidence approach. The brown mussel Perna perna was selected to be transplanted from a farming area (Caraguatatuba) to four possibly polluted sites: Engenho D'Água, DTCS (Dutos e Terminais do Centro-Oeste de São Paulo) oil terminal (Sao Sebastiao zone), Palmas Island, and Itaipu (It; Santos Bay zone). After 3 months of exposure in each season, mussels were recollected and the cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A)- and CYP3A-like activities, glutathione-S-transferase and antioxidants enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) were analyzed in gills. The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, linear alkylbenzenes, and nonessential metals (Cr, Cd, Pb, and Hg) in whole tissue were also analyzed and data were linked to biomarkers' responses by multivariate analysis (principal component analysis-factor analysis). A representation of estimated factor scores was performed to confirm the factor descriptions and to characterize the studied stations. Biomarkers exhibited most significant alterations all year long in mussels transplanted to It, located at Santos Bay zone, where bioaccumulation of organic and inorganic compounds was detected. This integrated approach using transplanted mussels showed satisfactory results, pointing out differences between sites, seasons, and critical areas, which could be related to land-based contaminants' sources. The influence of natural factors and other contaminants (e.g., pharmaceuticals) on biomarkers' responses are also discussed.

Designing an integrated environmental monitoring plan for land-based marine fish farms located at exposed and hard bottom coastal areas.

The increase in aquaculture activities in the last few decades has not been accompanied by a corresponding increase in environmental controls and regulations. In this context, the application of environmental monitoring plans (EMPs) has become necessary to assess the environmental impact associated with fish farming wastes. The objective of this review paper is to evaluate the suitability of experimental and analytical procedures as monitoring tools for inclusion in EMPs for intensive land-based marine fish farms (LBMFFs). The strong hydrodynamics and, in particular, the lack of sediment on the rocky coasts where LBMFFs are usually located, greatly limit the monitoring tools that can be used. We propose EMPs that employ a weight-of-evidence approach to evaluate: contamination, trophic and toxic effects, and ecological integrity. Laboratory tests, in situ bioassays and field surveys of local species are presented as key tools for assessing the impact of LBMFFs on ecosystems. The δ(15)N signal along a spatial gradient is proposed for evaluating exposure to contaminants. Trophic effects can be determined by growth of transplanted macro- and microalgae. Toxic effects can be evaluated by responses at different levels of biological organization, including biochemical and histological changes, physiological alterations and survival, in species from different trophic levels. Fouling tests and analysis of community structures are recommended for assessing ecological integrity. This review contributes to the development of environmental controls for intensive LBMFFs, and for other activities that discharge wastewater to rocky shores.

Body dissatisfaction and socio-cultural factors in women with and without BED: their relation with eating psychopathology.

The goal of the present study was to assess the role of body dissatisfaction and socio-cultural factors on eating psychopathology in women with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and women without BED. Seventy obese women consecutively evaluated participated: 35 with BED and 35 without BED who attended for the first time in a weight loss program. All participants completed a battery of questionnaires, including: Body Shape Questionnaire, Questionnaire of Influences on the Aesthetic Body Shape Model, Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns, Three Factor Eating Questionnaire, and they were interviewed with the Interview for the Diagnosis of Eating Disorder-IV. The Body Mass Index, Waist-to-Hip Ratio and Body Fat were calculated. The results showed that 21% of obese women who participated in a weight reduction program met BED criteria. The scores of body dissatisfaction, influences of socio-cultural factors and eating psychopathology were higher in women with BED compared with women without BED. In the same way, significantly stronger correlations were found among influences of socio-cultural factors, specifically, influence of advertisement, social relations and eating psychopathology in women with BED than women without BED. It is concluded that the high body dissatisfaction as well as stronger associations among influence of socio-cultural factors and eating psychopathology could play an important role in women with BED.