Emerging contaminant occurrence and toxic effects on zebrafish embryos to assess the adverse effects caused by mixtures of substances in the environment.

The contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) have been receiving global attention due to their worldwide presence in water bodies. The CECs could be originated from synthetic or natural sources, and they are not commonly monitored, although these substances are continuously reaching the aquatic environment. The main goal of this study was to determine the occurrence of some target CECs in São Paulo state surface water, once there is practically no information on the presence and concentration range of these substances at the studied sites. In addition, the present study aimed to assess adverse effects in the non-target fish embryo of Danio rerio (zebrafish) after exposure to surface water organic extract samples during 96 h using FET test. The CECs in surface water samples were determined by solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography coupled by mass spectrometry. A 2-year study was assessed in 7 rivers and 3 reservoirs at São Paulo state, where 25 of the 30 analyzed substances were quantified, being caffeine the substance with the highest concentration range (5.5 ng L-1 to 69 µg L-1) and detected in 95% of analyzed samples, followed by bisphenol A (6.5-1300 ng L-1) and carbendazim (4.7-285 ng L-1), found in 50% and 85% of the analyzed samples, respectively. The chemical analysis and biological test were not performed in order to show a direct relationship between concentrations and observed effects on embryos; however, the combined approach can provide a better understanding of the adverse effects caused by mixtures of substances at relevant environmental concentrations. Regarding the adverse effects, it was observed that in the samples from sites with higher anthropogenic activity in the surroundings, there was also a higher mortality rate in organisms. At the Ribeirão Pires River and Sapucaí-Guaçu River, the mortality rate during the 2-year study was 21.6% and 9.3%, respectively. The morphological abnormality rates were higher at Ribeirão Grande (21.4%) and Ribeirão Pires (29.5%) Rivers. The obtained results aim to show that even in low concentrations (ng-µg L-1) the CECs can cause adverse effects on non-target species, and because of that, new chemical indicators would be important to monitor the water quality and protect the aquatic biota.

Emerging contaminant occurrence and toxic effects on zebrafish embryos to assess the adverse effects caused by mixtures of substances in the environment

The contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) have been receiving global attention due to their worldwide presence in water bodies. The CECs could be originated from synthetic or natural sources, and they are not commonly monitored, although these substances are continuously reaching the aquatic environment. The main goal of this study was to determine the occurrence of some target CECs in São Paulo state surface water, once there is practically no information on the presence and concentration range of these substances at the studied sites. In addition, the present study aimed to assess adverse effects in the non-target fish embryo of Danio rerio (zebrafish) after exposure to surface water organic extract samples during 96 h using FET test. The CECs in surface water samples were determined by solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography coupled by mass spectrometry. A 2-year study was assessed in 7 rivers and 3 reservoirs at São Paulo state, where 25 of the 30 analyzed substances were quantified, being caffeine the substance with the highest concentration range (5.5 ng L−1 to 69 μg L−1) and detected in 95% of analyzed samples, followed by bisphenol A (6.5–1300 ng L−1) and carbendazim (4.7–285 ng L−1), found in 50% and 85% of the analyzed samples, respectively. The chemical analysis and biological test were not performed in order to show a direct relationship between concentrations and observed effects on embryos; however, the combined approach can provide a better understanding of the adverse effects caused by mixtures of substances at relevant environmental concentrations. Regarding the adverse effects, it was observed that in the samples from sites with higher anthropogenic activity in the surroundings, there was also a higher mortality rate in organisms. At the Ribeirão Pires River and Sapucaí-Guaçu River, the mortality rate during the 2-year study was 21.6% and 9.3%, respectively. The morphological abnormality rates were higher at Ribeirão Grande (21.4%) and Ribeirão Pires (29.5%) Rivers. The obtained results aim to show that even in low concentrations (ng–μg L−1) the CECs can cause adverse effects on non-target species, and because of that, new chemical indicators would be important to monitor the water quality and protect the aquatic biota.

Effects of gamma irradiation on mechanical behavior and calcification of glutaraldehyde-fixed bovine pericardium.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of gamma irradiation on glutaraldehyde-fixed bovine pericardium. METHOD: Glutaraldehyde-fixed bovine pericardium was exposed to gamma radiation (doses from 0 to 10000 Gy). Six samples from each of nine groups were evaluated by optic microscopy, and shrinking and mechanical tests and the denaturation temperature was determined. Additionally, they were subcutaneously implanted in rats and after four months they were explanted and Ca2+ levels measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. RESULTS: The Ca2+ levels were (in microg/mg): control (0 Gy) - 194.45; 50 Gy - 154.64; 100 Gy - 169.37; 200 Gy - 163.64; 500 Gy - 199.89; 1000 Gy - 184.02; 2000 Gy - 198.95; 5000 Gy - 227.95; 10000 Gy - 362.62. Gamma irradiation caused a significant effect on the biomechanical properties of the tissue. CONCLUSION: e-fixed bovine pericardium.

Efeitos da radiação gama no comportamento mecânico e na calcificação do pericárdio bovino fixado com glutaraldeído / Effects of gamma irradiation on mechanical behavior and calcification of glutaraldehyde-fixed bovine pericardium

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o comportamento mecânico e os efeitos no processo de calcificação pós-implante do pericárdio bovino tratado com glutaraldeído submetido a várias doses de radiação gama. MÉTODO: Pericárdios bovinos fixados com glutaraldeído foram submetidos a radiação gama, nas doses de 0 a 10000 Gy. Seis amostras de cada grupo foram avaliadas pela microscopia óptica, determinação da temperatura de desnaturação do colágeno e ensaio mecânico de tração e implantadas subcutaneamente em ratos. Após quatro meses do implante, as amostras foram explantadas e o conteúdo de Ca2+ determinado pela espectrometria de absorção atômica. RESULTADOS: Níveis de Ca2+ (em µg/mg): 0 Gy (controle) - 194,45; 50 Gy - 154,64; 100 Gy - 169,37; 200 Gy - 163,64; 500 Gy - 199,89; 1000 Gy - 184,02; 2000 Gy - 198,95; 5000 Gy - 227,95 e 10000 Gy - 362,62. Houve alteração significativa no comportamento mecânico do tecido irradiado, quando comparado ao grupo controle, mesmo com o emprego de baixas doses de radiação. CONCLUSÃO: O emprego da radiação gama no pericárdio bovino tratado com glutaraldeído não reduziu os níveis de Ca2+ em implantes subcutâneos em ratos por quatro meses e promoveu alteração significativa no comportamento mecânico do tecido, com redução na sua resistência, quando comparados ao grupo controle.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of gamma irradiation on glutaraldehyde-fixed bovine pericardium. METHOD: Glutaraldehyde-fixed bovine pericardium was exposed to gamma radiation (doses from 0 to 10000 Gy). Six samples from each of nine groups were evaluated by optic microscopy, and shrinking and mechanical tests and the denaturation temperature was determined. Additionally, they were subcutaneously implanted in rats and after four months they were explanted and Ca2+ levels measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. RESULTS: The Ca2+ levels were (in µg/mg): control (0 Gy) - 194.45; 50 Gy - 154.64; 100 Gy - 169.37; 200 Gy - 163.64; 500 Gy - 199.89; 1000 Gy - 184.02; 2000 Gy - 198.95; 5000 Gy - 227.95; 10000 Gy - 362.62. Gamma irradiation caused a significant effect on the biomechanical properties of the tissue. CONCLUSION: e-fixed bovine pericardium.

Tratamentos anticalcificantes do pericárdio bovino fixado com glutaraldeído: comparação e avaliação de possíveis efeitos sinérgicos / Anti-calcifying treatment of glutaraldehyde fixed bovine pericardium: comparisons and evaluation of possible synergic effects

OBJETIVO: Avaliar possível efeito sinérgico dos agentes anticalcificantes mais promissores investigados na literatura, por meio de tratamento seqüencial. MÉTODO: Pericárdios bovinos fixados com glutaraldeído foram tratados com: aquecimento a 50°C, éter dietílico 80 por cento, quitosana 0,125 por cento, heparina, NaBH4 e formaldeído 4 por cento. Amostras foram avaliadas pela microscopia óptica, determinação da temperatura de desnaturação do colágeno e ensaio mecânico de tração e implantadas subcutaneamente em ratos. Após quatro meses do implante, as amostras foram explantadas e o conteúdo de Ca2+ determinado pela espectrometria de absorção atômica. RESULTADOS: Níveis de Ca2+ (em æg/mg): Controle -194,45; aquecimento a 50°C - 6,87; éter dietílico - 3,69; quitosana - 68,89; quitosana+heparina - 6,81; formaldeído - 107,34; tratamento seqüencial - 0,17. O comportamento mecânico variou de acordo com os tratamentos empregados. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento seqüencial foi efetivo na inibição da calcificação e o tecido apresentou comportamento mecânico adequado à confecção de biopróteses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a possible synergic effect of the most promising anti-calcifying agents investigated in literature by sequential treatment. METHOD: Glutaraldehyde-fixed bovine pericardium was treated by: heating to 50°C, 80 percent ether, 0.125 percent chitosan, heparin, NaBH4 and 4 percent formaldehyde. Samples were evaluated by optic microscopy, shrinking and mechanical tests and implanted subcutaneously in rats. Four months later the samples were explanted and Ca2+ levels measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. RESULTS: Ca2+ levels were (in æg/mg): control - 194.45; heating at 50°C - 6.87; ether - 3.69; chitosan - 68.89; heparin - 6.81; formaldehyde - 107.34; sequential treatment - 0.17. The mechanical characteristics changed according to the treatments employed. CONCLUSION: Sequential treatment was effective to inhibit calcification and the tissue showed an adequate mechanical structure for the manufacture of bioprosthesis.

Comparative in vivo and in vitro study of the cytogenetic effects of 153Sm-EDTMP in lymphocytes of patients with bone metastases.

153Sm-EDTMP is a radiopharmaceutical used in nuclear medicine for relief of metastatic bone pain with promising results, but there are few studies about the effects of 153Sm-EDTMP in human cells. This study was conducted for the evaluation of the cytogenetic effects of 153Sm-EDTMP in blood lymphocytes from patients with bone metastases (without previous radio or chemotherapy), using the chromosome aberration technique. The degree of cytological damage found in in vivo blood cells of patients was compared with those found in in vitro in an adjusted dose-response curve. Blood samples were collected before and 1 hr after the administration of 153Sm-EDTMP(about 42.31 MBq/kg). The frequency of structural chromosome aberration per cell observed in 1 hr samples (0.054+/-0.035 CA/cell) was higher than basal ones (0.031+/-0.026 CA/cell), although this difference was not statistically significant (p= 0.101). For in vitro assay, blood samples were exposed to different concentrations of 153Sm-EDTMP, during 1 hr (0.37-1.11 MBq/ml). An increase in the frequency of chromosome aberration per cell as a function of the radioactive concentration was found. The data were adjusted by linear regression model (Y= 3.52+/-2.24 x 10(-2) + 11.15+/-3.46 x 10(-2) X). The frequency of aberration/cell found in vivo was 0.054 and for the same activity in vitro was 0.098, this difference being statistically significant (p = 0.02). This result may be related to blood clearance, osteoblastic activity and individual variability. For a more accurate analysis, the study of more donors is necessary.

Dano da radiaçäo gama em crotamina (Toxina da cascavel brasileira) / Damage of gamma radiation in crotamine (Toxin of brazilian rattlesnake)

Radiaçöes ionizantes afetam a estrutura das moléculas devido à destruiçäo das suas ligaçöes químicas. Estas alteraçöes químicas poderäo levar a uma mudança nas propriedades biológicas das mesmas, como tem sido demosntrado na literatura. A Crotamina foi obtida a partir de um "pool" do veneno de Crotalus durissus terrificus através de cromatografia de exclusäo molecular, sendo posteriormente irradiada em soluçäo numa concentraçäo de 2 mg/ml de NaCl 0,85% com radiaçäo gama produzida por uma fonte de 60Co. Foram adotadas as doses de 100 Gy, 250 Gy, 500 Gy, 1000 Gy e 2000 Gy (taxa de dose = 1,19. 10**3 Gy/h). Realizou-se os seguintes ensaios: presença de grupos SH livres, determinaçäo do número de bandas na SDS-PAGE (sugerindo a formaçäo de agregados protéicos) que foi proporcional ao aumento das doses. Pela imunodifusäo näo houve perda da atividade imunoquímica quando testadas contra o antisoro produzido pelo Instituto Butantan

Análise cromatográfica por exclusäo em amostras de veneno de cascavel irradiadas com 60/Co / Molecular exclusion cromatographic analysis on 60/Co irradiated rattlesnake

as radiaçöes ionizantes tem energia suficiente para quebrar ligaçöes químicas, que resultam em alteraçöes químicas e consequentemente mudanças nas propriedades biológicas. Neste trabalho foi estudado o efeito da readiaçäo gama de Co-60 no veneno de cascavel. Um "pool" de veneno de Crotalus durissus terrificus crotamina positivo foi dissolvido em NaCl 0,15 M e irradiado com Co-60. foram utilizadas doses de 100, 250, 500, 750, 1500, 2000 Gy, numa taxa de dose de 1190Gy/h. Nas doses acima de 500 Gy as soluçöes se tornaram turvas, sugerindo a ocorrencia de mudanças estruturais ou formaçäo de agregados entre os componentes do veneno. a concentraçäo proteíca do filtrado foi dosada pelo método de Lovry. Amostras de 1 ml foram eluídas em colunas Sephadex G-75 e as fraçöes lidas em 230 nm. Foram calculados os coeficientes de participaçäo e as respectivas áreas das três principais fraçöes obtidas

Otimizaçäo da extraçäo de hormônio de crescimento humano a partir de hipófises congeladas / Improvements of the extraction of human growth hormone from frozen hypophysis

Descreve-se a otimizaçäo de um método de extraçäo de hormônio de crescimento humano (hGH) a partir de hipófises humanas congeladas. As alteraçöes introduzidas na metodologia permitiram aumentar o rendimento para 8,7 mg de hGH por glândula processada. O hormônio obtido possui 21.587 daltons de peso molecular e a forma íntegra (hGH-22k) constitui 68% da preparaçäo. O hormônio isolado mostrou-se ativo em radioimunoensaio