Combined exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics and bisphenol A induces hepato- and intestinal-toxicity and disturbs gut microbiota in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus).

The widespread consumption of nanoplastics (NPs) and bisphenol A (BPA) affected the aquatic ecosystem and imposed risks to the safety of aquatic organisms. This study was aimed at assessing the ecotoxicological effects of single and combined exposure to BPA and polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) on the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). A total of 120 channel catfish were separated into four groups with triplicate (each contains 10 fish) and exposed to chlorinated tap water (control group), PSNP single exposure (0.3 mg/L), BPA single exposure (500 µg/L) and PSNPs (0.3 mg/L) + BPA (500 µg/L) co-exposure for 7 days. Our results showed a relatively higher intestinal accumulation of PSNPs in co-exposure group, compared to PSNP single exposure group. Histopathological analysis showed that single exposure to PSNPs and BPA caused breakage of intestinal villi and swelling of hepatocytes in channel catfish, while the co-exposure exacerbated the histopathological damage. In addition, co-exposure significantly increased SOD, CAT activities and MDA contents in the intestine and liver, inducing oxidative stress. In terms of immune function, the activities of ACP and AKP were significantly decreased. The expressions of immune-related genes such as IL-1ß, TLR3, TLR5, hepcidin and ß-defensin were significantly up-regulated, and the expression of IL-10 was down-regulated. Additionally, the co-exposure significantly altered the composition of the intestinal microbiota, leading to an increase in the Shannon index and a decrease in the Simpson index. In summary, this study revealed that mixture exposure to PSNPs and BPA exacerbated toxic effects on histopathology, oxidative stress, immune function and intestinal microbiota in channel catfish. It emphasized the threat of NPs and BPA to the health of aquatic organisms and human food safety, with a call for effective ways to regulate the consumption of these anthropogenic chemicals.

Effective removal of nanoplastics from water by cellulose/MgAl layered double hydroxides composite beads.

Micro/nanoplastic pollution is an emerging concern all over the world as it has a certain impact on the eco-environment and human health. In this study, cellulose/MgAl layered double hydroxides (LDHs) composite beads were prepared for the removal of polystyrene nanoparticles by utilizing the porous properties of cellulose and the unique positive charge of LDHs. The effects of pH, contact time, initial concentration, temperature, humic acid, and ionic strength on the attachment of nanoplastics were studied. The microstructure characteristics of the beads were also analyzed before and after the attachment of nanoplastics. The results indicate that nanoplastic attachment probably involves pore diffusion, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions. The attachment behavior can be successfully explained using the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.964), Webber-Morris (intra-particle diffusion) model, and Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.978). The maximum attachment capacity can reach 6.08 mg/g. Therefore, the cellulose/LDHs composite beads can be a promising adsorbent for removing micro/nanoplastics.

[Analysis on the allergens in allergic rhinitis patients in Changzhou district of Jiangsu].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution of positive allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis in Changzhou. METHOD: A total of 4242 cases with allergic symptoms and signs underwent skin prick test with 16 kinds of standardized allergens. The common allergens were found out. The samples were stratified on seven age groups to analysis the distributive characteristics of allergens responsible for each group. The samples were also stratified on children group and adults group to analysis their response degree to dust mite. RESULT: 2638 cases (62.19%) had the positive reaction, including male 1380 (52.3%) cases, female 1258 (47.7%) cases. Dermatophagoides farinae and dermatophagoides pteronyssinus had the highest positive ratio (85.86%, 83.55%) in inhalation group, followed cockroach (11.49%) and Humulus L. (9.82%), fungus (2.92%) in the lower positive ratio. Shrimp (5.76%) was the most common allergen in food group. The distribution of common allergens in different age groups was variable. There was significantly higher sensitivity to dust mite between children group compared to adults group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The study shows that Dust mite was the mostly responsible common allergen in Changzhou district. The distribution of common allergens in children group and adults group was variable.

[Endoscopic sinus surgery for the treatment of nasal inverted papilloma].

OBJECTIVE: To summary the clinical characteristics and outcomes of nasal inverted papilloma treated by intranasal endoscopic approach. METHOD: Fourty-six patients with nasal inverted papilloma were treated with endoscopic surgery from 1995 to 2005. There were 34 males and 12 females, age ranged from 18 to 76 years old. The period of follow-up was 12-72 months. RESULT: Only 5 cases recurred within 24 months after the surgery. The other cases had no recurrence during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic endonasal approach is an effective treatment for an inverted papilloma in selected cases. A combination of Caldwell Luc procedure and transnasal endoscopic sinus surgery may be needed for those patients with inverted papilloma in stage III.