Bringing sex toys out of the dark: exploring unmitigated risks.

A majority of American adults report having used sex toys, which, by design, interact with intimate and permeable body parts yet have not been subject to sufficient risk assessment or management. Physical and chemical data are presented examining potential risks associated with four types of currently available sex toys: anal toy, beads, dual vibrator, and external vibrator. A standardized abrasion machine made real-time breakdown of products into microplastics and nanoplastics. The microplastics from the sex toys were then solvent extracted and analyzed using GC-MS. Rates of microplastics and nanoplastics released during abrasion testing from most microplastic release to least was the anal toy, beads, dual vibrator, external vibrator. Both micro- and nanoplastics particles were generated following the abrasion test, with the 50 percentile diameters (D50) ranging from the anal beads at 658.5 µm, dual vibrator at 887.83 µm, anal toy at 950 µm, and external vibrator at 1673.33 µm. The material matrix of each product was analyzed using ATR-FTIR, with results identifying the anal toy as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the anal beads as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the external vibrator as a silicone blend (polydimethylsiloxane [PDMS]), and the dual vibrator as a rubber mixture (polyisoprene). After extraction, phthalates known to be endocrine disruptors were present in all tested sex toys at levels exceeding hazard warnings. Analogous findings have been reported for similar materials that, when incorporated into other product categories, are subject to regulatory scrutiny in both the US and EU. This data set is not intended to be representative of sex toys as an entire class of products, nor are the abrasion experiments claiming to simulate exact use conditions. However, these exploratory data frame potential concerns, highlighting research questions and the need for prompt prioritization of protective action. Therefore, future studies and multi-stakeholder action are needed to understand and reduce risk for this class of products. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43591-023-00054-6.

Harnessing a decade of data to inform future decisions: Insights into the ongoing hydrocarbon release at Taylor Energy's Mississippi Canyon Block 20 (MC20) site.

The release of oil and gas at Mississippi Canyon Block 20 into the Gulf of Mexico has vexed response officials since 2004 when a regional seafloor failure toppled the Taylor Energy Company platform. Despite the completion of nine intervention wells, releases continue from the seafloor, mostly captured by a recently installed containment system. Toward informing resolution, this work applies chemical forensic and statistical analyses to surface sheens, sediments, and reservoir oil samples. Our results indicate sheens are chemically heterogeneous, contain remnant synthetic hydrocarbons likely discharged from well interventions prior to 2012, and require mixing of multiple chemically-distinct oil groups to explain observed variability in diagnostic ratios. Given the respite and opportunity afforded by containment we suggest leveraging ongoing collection activities to assess release dynamics, as well as engaging the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, to evaluate potential solutions, associated risks, and to consider policy ramifications.

Distribution of the Specialist Aphid Uroleucon nigrotuberculatum (Homoptera: Aphididae) in Response to Host Plant Semiochemical Induction by the Gall Fly Eurosta solidaginis (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Many plants use terpenoids and other volatile compounds as semiochemicals. Reception of plant volatiles by conspecifics may trigger a defensive phytochemical response. These same compounds can also function as host recognition signals for phytophagous insects. In this experiment, we find that when the specialist gall-forming fly Eurosta solidaginis (Fitch; Diptera: Tephritidae) attacks its tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima (L.; Asterales: Asteraceae)) host plant, the fly indirectly induces a phytochemical response in nearby tall goldenrod plants. This phytochemical response may, in turn, act as a positive signal attracting the goldenrod specialist aphid Uroleucon nigrotuberculatum (Olive; Hemiptera: Aphididae). Laboratory-based experiments exposing ungalled tall goldenrod plants to the volatiles released by E. solidaginis galls demonstrated a consistent increase in foliar terpenoid concentrations in ungalled plants. Analysis of tall goldenrod stem and gall tissue chemistry revealed induction of terpenoids in gall tissue, with a simultaneous decrease in green leaf volatile concentrations. Field experiments demonstrated a consistent spatial relationship in tall goldenrod foliar terpenoid concentrations with distance from an E. solidaginis gall. Both laboratory and field experiments establish consistent induction of the terpene ß-farnesene, and that this compound is a strong positive predictor of U. nigrotuberculatum aphid presence on goldenrod plants along with plant biomass and several other foliar terpenoids. These findings suggest E. solidaginis induced phytochemistry, especially ß-farnesene, may be acting as a kairomone, driving aphid distribution in the field.

Hurricane Isaac brings more than oil ashore: Characteristics of beach deposits following the Deepwater Horizon spill.

Prior to Hurricane Isaac making landfall along the Gulf of Mexico coast in August 2012, local and state officials were concerned that the hurricane would mobilize submerged oiled-materials from the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) spill. In this study, we investigated materials washed ashore following the hurricane to determine if it affected the chemical composition or density of oil-containing sand patties regularly found on Gulf Coast beaches. While small changes in sand patty density were observed in samples collected before and after the hurricane, these variations appear to have been driven by differences in sampling location and not linked to the passing of Hurricane Isaac. Visual and chemical analysis of sand patties confirmed that the contents was consistent with oil from the Macondo well. Petroleum hydrocarbon signatures of samples collected before and after the hurricane showed no notable changes. In the days following Hurricane Isaac, dark-colored mats were also found on the beach in Fort Morgan, AL, and community reports speculated that these mats contained oil from the DWH spill. Chemical analysis of these mat samples identified n-alkanes but no other petroleum hydrocarbons. Bulk and δ13C organic carbon analyses indicated mat samples were comprised of marshland peat and not related to the DWH spill. This research indicates that Hurricane Isaac did not result in a notable change the composition of oil delivered to beaches at the investigated field sites. This study underscores the need for improved communications with interested stakeholders regarding how to differentiate oiled from non-oiled materials. This is especially important given the high cost of removing oiled debris and the increasing likelihood of false positives as oiled-materials washing ashore from a spill become less abundant over time.

Emerging and traditional organic markers: Baseline study showing the influence of untraditional anthropogenic activities on coastal zones with multiple activities (Ceará coast, Northeast Brazil).

Molecular markers are useful tools to characterize natural and anthropogenic impacts on coastal zones. Distribution of n-alkanes showed that the Pacoti River was predominantly influenced by terrigenous input. Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) indices showed a mix of natural sources, especially pyrogenic influences. Sterol and hormone levels showed sewage discharge. Integrated geographic assessment showed that pyrogenic process and sewage discharge are predominant along the river because of natural and different anthropogenic activities. The upstream region is influenced by rural activities such as livestock and discharge from the sewage treatment plant, whereas the estuarine region is influenced by urban and industrial activities, predominantly the discharge of treated or untreated sewage, vehicle traffic, and manufacture of red ceramics. On the other hand, on the river mouth, there is the predominance of aquaculture activities. Traditional anthropogenic markers are not sufficient for producing a comprehensive assessment of anthropogenic impacts in areas with multiple activities.

Influence of anthropogenic activities and risk assessment on protected mangrove forest using traditional and emerging molecular markers (Ceará coast, northeastern Brazil).

Anthropogenic molecular markers were used to assess chemicals inputs and ecological risks associated from multiple sources to sediments in one of the largest tropical mangrove forests of South America, with a particular focus on lesser studied compounds resulting from rural activities. Total concentrations ranged from 23.4 to 228.2 ng g-1 for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (∑PAHs), 750.4 to 5912.5 ng g-1 for aliphatic hydrocarbons (∑AHs), 32.4 to 696.6 ng g-1 for pesticides (∑pesticides), 23.1 to 2109.7 ng g-1 for coprostanol and sterols (∑sterols), 139.3 to 580.2 ng g-1 for naturals hormones (∑natural hormones) and 334.1 to 823.4 ng g-1 for synthetics hormones (∑synthetic hormones). The PAHs and AHs used as traditional anthropogenic markers showed a mixture between natural and anthropogenic sources, related mainly to inputs from higher plants, phytoplankton and both, biomass and petroleum combustion. Rural activities linked to agricultural pest control are the predominant source of pesticides, although minor inputs from pesticides used in urban public health campaigns and household activities were also detected. Synthetic hormones levels are two to three orders of magnitude greater than natural hormones levels and no correlations were observed between the main sewage markers and synthetic hormone concentrations, rural activities such as animal husbandry, which use drugs in management, may be the predominant anthropogenic sources of these compounds in the region. Traditional markers failed to detect ecological risks in rural areas, where synthetic substances (e.g. pesticides and hormones) are widely used and introduced in the environment.

Pelagic tar balls collected in the North Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea from 1988 to 2016 have natural and anthropogenic origins.

Tar balls are prevalent in oceans and the coastal environment; however, their origins are not well constrained on a global scale. To address this, we used gas chromatography to analyze the molecular composition of a unique set of 100 pelagic tar balls collected in the Western North Atlantic and Caribbean Sea between 1988 and 2016. Hierarchal cluster analysis (HCA) was employed to classify the samples into groups based on the relative proportions of resolved and unresolved hydrocarbon distributions. Additional analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons revealed that 28% of samples originated from heavy fuel oils and therefore had anthropogenic origins consistent with the classifications based on HCA. Other samples examined could originate from anthropogenic or natural origins, such as natural seeps. This study provides a preliminary record of 100 classified pelagic tar ball samples and demonstrates an approach to determine their origin to the environment.

How Persistent and Bioavailable Are Oxygenated Deepwater Horizon Oil Transformation Products?

About half of the surface oil floating on the Gulf of Mexico in the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill was transformed into oxygenated hydrocarbons (OxHC) within days to weeks. These OxHC persist for years in oil/sand aggregates in nearshore and beach environments, and there is concern that these aggregates might represent a long-term source of toxic compounds. However, because this OxHC fraction is a continuum of transformation products that are not well chemically characterized, it is not included in current oil spill fate and effect models. This challenges an accurate environmental risk assessment of weathered oil. Here, we used molecular and bulk analytical techniques to constrain the chemical composition and environmental fate of weathered oil samples collected on the sea surface and beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. We found that approximately 50% of the weathering-related disappearance of saturated and aromatic compounds in these samples was compensated by an increase in OxHC. Furthermore, we identified and quantified a suite of oxygenated aliphatic compounds that are more water-soluble and less hydrophobic than its presumed precursors, but only represent <1% of the oil residues' mass. Lastly, dissolution experiments showed that compounds in the OxHC fraction can leach into the water; however, the mass loss of this process is small. Overall, this study shows that the OxHC fraction is prevalent and persistent in weathered oil/sand aggregates, which can act as a long-term source of dissolved oil-derived compounds.

Ongoing biodegradation of Deepwater Horizon oil in beach sands: Insights from tracing petroleum carbon into microbial biomass.

Heavily weathered petroleum residues from the Deepwater Horizon (DwH) disaster continue to be found on beaches along the Gulf of Mexico as oiled-sand patties. Here, we demonstrate the ongoing biodegradation of weathered Macondo Well (MW) oil residues by tracing oil-derived carbon into active microbial biomass using natural abundance radiocarbon (14C). Oiled-sand patties and non-oiled sand were collected from previously studied beaches in Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analyses illustrated that microbial communities present in oiled-sand patties were distinct from non-oiled sand. Depleted 14C measurements of PLFA revealed that microbes on oiled-sand patties were assimilating MW oil residues five years post-spill. In contrast, microbes in non-oiled sand assimilated recently photosynthesized carbon. These results demonstrate ongoing biodegradation of weathered oil in sand patties and the utility of 14C PLFA analysis to track the biodegradation of MW oil residues long after other indicators of biodegradation are no longer detectable.

Low dose monocrotaline causes a selective pulmonary vascular lesion in male and female pneumonectomized rats.

Purpose/Aim: Low doses (30-80 mg/kg) of monocrotaline are commonly used to create experimental models of pulmonary hypertension in rats. At these doses, monocrotaline causes pulmonary endothelial apoptosis and acute lung injury which ultimately results in pulmonary vascular disease. Higher doses of monocrotaline (300 mg/kg) are known to create severe liver injury, but previous investigations with lower doses have not reported histology in other organs to determine whether the vascular injury with monocrotaline is pulmonary-selective or generalized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We therefore sought to determine whether monocrotaline caused extra-pulmonary injury at doses commonly used in pulmonary hypertension studies. We performed left pneumonectomy on young male and female rats before administering 50-60 mg/kg monocrotaline 7 days later. We monitored serum chemistry and urine dipsticks during the first 3 weeks while the animals developed pulmonary hypertension. After 3 weeks, we sacrificed animals and stained the lungs and highly vascular visceral organs (kidney, liver, and spleen) for elastin to evaluate the degree of vascular injury and remodeling. RESULTS: We did not observe proteinuria or significant transaminitis over the 3 weeks following monocrotaline. As previously published, monocrotaline caused severe pulmonary vascular disease with neointimal lesions and medial hypertrophy. We did not identify significant large or small arterial damage in the kidneys, liver, or spleen. Two external veterinary pathologists did not identify histopathology in the kidneys, liver, or spleen of these rats. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that 50-60 mg/kg of monocrotaline causes a selective pulmonary vascular lesion and that male and female rats have little non-pulmonary damage over 3 weeks at these doses of monocrotaline.

Impact of Marcellus Shale natural gas development in southwest Pennsylvania on volatile organic compound emissions and regional air quality.

The Marcellus Shale is the largest natural gas deposit in the U.S. and rapid development of this resource has raised concerns about regional air pollution. A field campaign was conducted in the southwestern Pennsylvania region of the Marcellus Shale to investigate the impact of unconventional natural gas (UNG) production operations on regional air quality. Whole air samples were collected throughout an 8050 km(2) grid surrounding Pittsburgh and analyzed for methane, carbon dioxide, and C1-C10 volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Elevated mixing ratios of methane and C2-C8 alkanes were observed in areas with the highest density of UNG wells. Source apportionment was used to identify characteristic emission ratios for UNG sources, and results indicated that UNG emissions were responsible for the majority of mixing ratios of C2-C8 alkanes, but accounted for a small proportion of alkene and aromatic compounds. The VOC emissions from UNG operations accounted for 17 ± 19% of the regional kinetic hydroxyl radical reactivity of nonbiogenic VOCs suggesting that natural gas emissions may affect compliance with federal ozone standards. A first approximation of methane emissions from the study area of 10.0 ± 5.2 kg s(-1) provides a baseline for determining the efficacy of regulatory emission control efforts.

Organohalogen contaminants in blood of Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) from the Gulf of Mexico.

The threat that exposure to organohalogen (OH) contaminants poses to endangered populations of Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) is not well understood, partly because few OH data are available. Blood samples from live juvenile and sub-adult L. kempii (n = 46) and C. mydas (n = 9) from the Gulf of Mexico and from L. kempii from the southeastern US coast (n = 3) were extracted using microwave-assisted extraction, and analyzed by large volume injection gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for 85 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 25 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and 27 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Plasma chemistries, hematology and immune responses were also assessed. Concentrations of SigmaPCBs (geometric mean, range: 3190 pg g(-1), 227-21590 pg g(-1) blood), SigmaDDTs (geometric mean, range: 541 pg g(-1), 161-4310 pg g(-1) blood) and OCPs in L. kempii from the Gulf were comparable to those reported in L. kempii from the Atlantic. SigmaPBDEs were detected in all samples (geometric mean, range: 146 pg g(-1), 19.5-1450 pg g(-1) blood), with PBDE 47, 99, 100, 153 and 154 being the predominant congeners. SigmaPCBs, SigmaDDTs and Sigmachlordanes were one order of magnitude lower in green turtles, and SigmaPBDE concentrations were lower by half due to trophic level differences. L. kempii from the southeast USA had higher percentages of highly chlorinated PCBs indicating exposure to Aroclor 1268. Blood urea nitrogen was positively correlated to Sigmachlordanes, and SigmaPCBs were inversely correlated to creatine phosphokinase in L. kempii. These data help establish baseline contaminant concentrations in live L. kempii and C. mydas.

Comparison of five extraction methods for measuring PCBs, PBDEs, organochlorine pesticides, and lipid content in serum.

An increasing number of studies use blood obtained noninvasively to monitor organohalogen contaminants; however, blood can be difficult to analyze because of its aqueous nature and high protein content. We compared five methods for extracting polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organochlorine pesticides, and lipids from serum using National Institute of Standards and Technology Standard Reference Material 1589a PCBs, Pesticides, PBDEs, and Dioxins/Furans in Human Serum. Liquid:liquid (LLE), cavity-dispersed microwave-assisted (MAE), focused microwave-assisted (FME), solid-phase (SPE), and pressurized fluid (PFE) extraction techniques were compared. FME extraction yielded the optimal recovery of internal standards (IS). All methods resulted in similar contaminant concentrations that also agreed with the certified values for SRM 1589a, except for only a few compounds measured by methods other than FME. Based on these findings, the FME method was determined to be the best overall extraction method. One procedural factor was found to affect contaminant concentrations; use of IS carrier solvents that were immiscible with serum (or when the serum was not directly physically mixed with IS) resulted in a 30% underestimation of organohalogen concentrations. This study offers valid, novel extraction alternatives beyond traditional methods (e.g., LLE) for blood contaminant measurements.

Vascular smooth muscle-derived tissue factor is critical for arterial thrombosis after ferric chloride-induced injury.

Tissue factor (TF) initiates coagulation, regulates hemostasis, and plays a critical role in mediating arterial thrombosis. TF is up-regulated in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in atherosclerosis and arterial injury. To examine the biologic role of VSMC-derived TF, we crossed TF(flox/flox) mice with SM22alphaCre(+/-) mice. TF mRNA and activity were decreased in the aortic media of TF-deficient mice by 96% and 94.8%, respectively. There were no differences in TF activity measured in plasma or concentrated microparticles. TF-deficient mice were generated with the expected frequency, showed no evidence of bleeding or increased mortality, and had similar activated partial thromboplastin and tail vein bleeding times. Thrombus-mediated flow reduction in response to ferric chloride injury of the carotid arteries was significantly attenuated in VSMC-specific TF-deficient. Stable occlusion was seen in 11 of 12 wild-type mice, but in only 6 of 16 VSMC-specific TF-deficient mice (P = .001). These data suggest that VSMC-derived TF is critical in a macrovascular model of arterial thrombosis. This mouse model should be valuable in determining the contribution of VSMC-derived TF in other TF-mediated phenomena, such as restenosis.

Plexiform-like lesions and increased tissue factor expression in a rat model of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) occurs in idiopathic form and in association with diverse diseases. The pathological hallmarks are distal smooth muscle hypertrophy, obliteration of small pulmonary arteriole lumens, and disorganized cellular proliferation in plexiform lesions. In situ thrombosis is also observed. A detailed understanding of the disease progression has been hampered by the absence of an animal model bearing all the pathological features of human disease. To create a model with these characteristics, we gave young (200-g) rats monocrotaline 1 wk following left pneumonectomy; controls with vehicle treatment or sham operation were also studied. In experimental rats, pulmonary arteries had distal smooth muscle hypertrophy and proliferative perivascular lesions. The lesions had a plexiform appearance, occurred early in disease development, and were composed of cells expressing endothelial antigens. Three-dimensional microangiography revealed severe vascular pruning and disorganized vascular networks. We found that expression of tissue factor (TF), the membrane glycoprotein that initiates coagulation, facilitates angiogenesis, and mediates arterial injury in the systemic circulation, was increased in the pulmonary arterioles and plexiform-like lesions of the rats. TF was also heavily expressed in the vessels and plexiform lesions of humans with pulmonary arterial hypertension. We conclude that plexiform-like lesions can be reproduced in rats, and this model will facilitate experiments to address controversies about the role of these lesions in PAH. Increased TF expression may contribute to the prothrombotic diathesis and vascular cell proliferation typical of human disease.