Evaluation of the Morphological, Physiological and Biochemical Effects Induced by Coragen 20 SC in Some Non-Target Species.

Coragen 20 SC is an insecticide based on chlorantraniliprole that is applied on many crops. Considered an effective product with an incremental cost-benefit ratio, it has been widely used globally. Residual pesticides affect non-target organisms, so it is necessary to explore the possible effects induced by these xenobiotics on different species. This work aimed to assess some morphological, physiological and biochemical effects induced by Coragen 20 SC on two non-target species: Perca fluviatilis (Linné, 1758) and Triticum aestivum L. The concentrations used were the same for all tested species (0.0125, 0.025 and 0.05 mL L-1), and the experiments were of the acute, subchronic and chronic type. The toxicological effects of Coragen 20 SC on perch recorded behavioral changes, a decrease in respiratory rate and oxygen consumption, an increase in blood glucose levels and a decrease in the number of erythrocytes and leukocytes. The results obtained from the evaluation of Coragen 20 SC toxicity using the Triticum test indicate a weak to moderate phytotoxicity for the considered parameters at the applied doses. Only the assimilatory pigments were significantly modified at the concentration of 0.025 mL L-1 for the growth of the axial organs and the wet and dry weight, with the changes obtained not being statistically significant.

Cannabis and Cannabinoids in Multiple Sclerosis: From Experimental Models to Clinical Practice-A Review.

BACKGROUND: As far as 80% of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience disabling symptoms in the course of the disease, such as spasticity and neuropathic pain. As first-line symptomatic therapy is associated with important adverse reactions, cannabinoids have become increasingly popular among patients with MS. This review intends to provide an overview of the evidence of the role of cannabinoids in treating symptoms related to MS and to encourage further research on this matter. AREAS OF UNCERTAINTY: To date, the evidence supporting the role of cannabis and its derivatives in alleviating the MS-related symptoms comes only from studies on experimental models of demyelination. To the best of our knowledge, relatively few clinical trials inquired about the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids on patients with MS, with variable results. DATA SOURCES: We conducted a literature search through PubMed and Google Scholar from the beginning until 2022. We included articles in English describing the latest findings regarding the endocannabinoid system, the pharmacology of cannabinoids, and their therapeutic purpose in MS. RESULTS: Evidence from preclinical studies showed that cannabinoids can limit the demyelination process, promote remyelination, and have anti-inflammatory properties by reducing immune cell infiltration of the central nervous system in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Moreover, it has been established that experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice treated with cannabinoids experienced a significant reduction of symptoms and slowing of the disease progression. Given the complexity of human immune and nervous systems, cannabinoids did not have the anticipated effects on human subjects. However, data obtained from clinical trials showed some beneficial results of cannabinoids as a single or as add-on therapy in reducing the spasticity and pain related to MS. CONCLUSION: Considering their various mechanisms of action and good tolerability, cannabinoids remain an interesting therapy for spasticity and chronic pain related to MS.

Ecotoxicological Risk Assessment of Actellic 50 EC Insecticide on Non-Target Organisms in Parallel with the Application of Standardized Tests.

This paper contributes to the ecotoxicological risk assessment of the Actellic 50 EC insecticide (with 50% pirimiphos-methyl as the active substance) tested on non-target organisms. The insecticide concentrations tested were the same for all organisms (0.1, 0.01, and 0.001 mg L-1 of Actellic 50 EC), with an exposure of 3-5-21 days for plants and 4-5-14 days for animals. The non-target organisms tested were both plants (wheat and two ferns) and animals (the Prussian carp and marsh frog tadpoles). The tested insecticide significantly inhibited the growth of roots in wheat, a result that was also confirmed by a microbiotest application (62% root growth inhibition in sorghum and 100% germination inhibition in white mustard and garden cress). In ferns, even for the lowest concentration, the percentage of germinated spores was inhibited by 40% for Asplenium scolopendrium. The recorded toxicological effects of Actellic 50 EC upon the Prussian carp included a decrease in the respiratory rate and oxygen consumption, an increase in the number of erythrocytes and leukocytes, and an increase in blood glucose levels. The highest concentration (0.1 mg L-1 of Actellic 50 EC) caused a 50% decrease in the survival rate of marsh frog tadpoles after 5 days of exposure, negatively affecting body volume and length. Given the high degree of toxicity of the insecticide Actellic 50 EC, we recommend continuing investigations on non-target species, including both plants and animals, as the sub-chronic effects are quite little known in the scientific literature.

Ecotoxicological Studies on the Action of Actara 25 WG Insecticide on Prussian Carp (Carassius gibelio) and Marsh Frog (Pelophylax ridibundus).

The toxic action of the Actara 25 WG insecticide (it contains 25% thiamethoxam as an active substance) in non-lethal doses was studied in two species of aquatic organisms-the Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) and the marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus)-at two thermal levels, 6-8 °C (low temperature) and 18-20 °C (room temperature), respectively. In the Prussian carp, we recorded decreases in oxygen consumption and stimulation of the respiratory rhythm, changes that were more pronounced in the case of intoxicated fish and when the species were kept at room temperature. The histopathology of the lung in the frog illustrated the thickening of the conjunctival septum, an increase in the number of mucous cells, and an increase in the ratio between the diameter of the nucleus and the diameter of the pneumocyte. All of these changes were more pronounced in the animals kept at higher temperature. Our study looks at the extent to which temperature changes can influence the ability of poikilothermic organisms to withstand the presence of toxic substances in the environment as a result of the impact of the use of insecticides in agriculture. The two tested organisms are a common presence for the study area, which was affected in the last decade by climate change.

Plantago media L.-Explored and Potential Applications of an Underutilized Plant.

The search of valuable natural compounds should be directed towards alternative vegetal resources, and to the re-discovery of underutilized plants. Belonging to the Plantaginaceae family, the hoary plantain (Plantago media L.) represents one of the lesser studied species from the Plantago genus. The literature study revealed the under-utilization of the hoary plantain, a surprising aspect, considering its widespread. If the composition of Plantago media L. is rather well established, its applications are not nearly studied as for other Plantago species. The goal of the present paper is to summarize the findings regarding the applications of P. media, and, having as starting point the applications of related species, to propose new emerging areas of research, such as the biomedical applications validation through in vivo assays, and the evaluation of its potential towards industrial applications (i.e., development of food or personal care products), pisciculture or zootechny, phytoremediation and other environmental protection applications, or in the nanotechnology area (materials phytosynthesis). The present work constitutes not only a brief presentation of this plant's present and potential applications, but also an invitation to research groups world-wide to explore the available vegetal resources.

Evaluation of histophysiological alterations associated with ketoprofen administration in albino NMRI mice.

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes caused by the administration of ketoprofen to albino NMRI mice on some hematological, biochemical, and structural parameters. For this purpose, the mice were divided into two lots: a control batch and an experimental batch to which ketoprofen was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight per day for 7 days. A decrease in erythrocyte number and hemoglobin was observed altogether with the increase in white blood cells. Blood biochemistry indicates increased blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Enzyme values (AST, ALT, and ALP) show a significant increase. Hepatic pathology reveals the enlargement of sinusoidal capillaries, the presence of leukocyte infiltrates associated with necrosis zones.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Rescue Therapy in Post-cardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock: A Case Report.

Cardiogenic shock is a constant challenge for the intensivist when complicating a myocardial infarction, due to the high rate of associated morbidity and mortality, especially in the setting of mechanical complications such as papillary muscle rupture. We present the case of a 49-year-old woman with cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by severe mitral valve insufficiency due to papillary muscle rupture. She was treated initially by medical optimization, followed by mitral valve replacement and complete surgical revascularization, requiring rescue mechanical circulatory support by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). ECMO proved to be a rescue therapy in a patient with refractory cardiogenic shock after urgent cardiac surgery.

The application of essential oils as a next-generation of pesticides: recent developments and future perspectives.

The overuse of synthetic pesticide, a consequence of the rush to increase crop production, led to tremendous adverse effects, as they constitute a major pollutant for both soils and water, with a high toxicity towards humans and animals and, at the same time, led to development of pest resistance. In the last period, the researches were directed towards finding new solutions with a lower toxicity, less damaging behaviour towards the environment, and a better specificity of action. In this context, the use of essential oils, a complex and unique mixture of compounds, can be considered for the next-generation pesticides. This review aims to present the main applications of the essential oils as insecticides, herbicides, acaricides, and nematicides, as they emerged from the scientific literature published in the last 5 years (2015 to present). From the identified articles within the time period, only those dealing with essential oils obtained by the authors (not commercially available) were selected to be inserted in the review, characterized using established analytical techniques and employed for the envisaged applications. The review is concluded with a chapter containing the main conclusions of the literature study and the future perspectives, regarding the application of essential oils as next-generation pesticides.

The Influence of Six Pesticides on Physiological Indices of Pelophylax Ridibundus (Pallas, 1771).

The objective of the study is to screen for morphological, biochemical and histological changes induced by six widely used pesticides (Reldan 40EC, Actara 25WG, Tilt 250EC, Champion 50WG, Fusilade Forte, Dual Gold 960EC) in the amphibian species Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas, 1771). Highly degenerative changes were observed in animals cultured at 22-24°C, compared to those cultured at 4-6°C. The hepatosomatic index increased upon exposure to almost all of the pesticides, the erythrocyte number decreased upon exposure to all pesticides except Reldan 40EC, while leucopenia was observed only for Reldan 40EC and Actara 25WG. Hyperglycemia was observed upon administration of pesticides (except Champion 50WG and Fusilade Forte, for which hypoglycemia is registered), while a decrease in cholesterol levels was induced by nearly all pesticides. Triglycerides varied only slightly. The results suggest that chronic pesticides exposure can lead to alteration of various indices, as well as to hepatic lesions in amphibians.

The Protective Role of Thiourea on Leuciscus cephalus Exposed to Sublethal Doses of Pendigan 330EC (Pendimethalin) Herbicide.

The aim of the study was to investigate the protective role of thiourea on the physiological, hematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters of Leuciscus cephalus exposed to sublethal concentration of Pendigan 330 EC herbicide. The animals were divided in four experimental groups (control, animals subjected to 1 ‰ thiourea, animals subjected to 4 × 10(-4) mL/L herbicide and, respectively, animals subjected to 4 × 10(-4) mL/L herbicide and 1 ‰ thiourea). Exposure of European chub to herbicide administered in water for 2 weeks determined installation of pathological changes in the liver and gills tissues. Also, were observed a decrease in the number of white blood cells and oxygen consumption, breathing frequency, and an increase in the number of red blood cells and glycaemia values. Thiourea counteracts the toxic action, describing itself as normal liver parenchyma and normal gills in animals intoxicated with herbicide, without lesion, and a return to normal values of the studied markers.