Bioaccumulation of metals in Spartina alterniflora salt marshes in the estuary of the World's Largest Choked Lagoon.

Salt marshes are capable of mitigating metal pollution in coastal environments, yet the efficacy of this remediation is contingent upon various environmental factors and the plant species involved. This study investigates the influence of different anthropogenic activities, including industrial, urban, recreational (in an insular area), and dredging operations, on the bioaccumulation of eight metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) within Spartina alterniflora Loisel. in the Patos Lagoon estuary, Brazil. The research aims to assess the pattern of metal bioaccumulation and distribution within the plant's leaves, stems, and roots while also examining metal presence in the sediment. Our main findings reveal that S. alterniflora exhibited elevated metal levels in its plant structure directly related with the metal concentrations in the surrounding sediment, which, in turn, is related to the different anthropogenic activities. The industrial area presented the highest metal levels in sediment and plant sections, followed by dredging, insular, and urban areas. This same pattern was mirrored for the bioconcetration factors (BCF), with the BCFs consistently indicating active metal bioaccumulation across all areas and for most of the metals. This provides evidence of the metal bioaccumulation pattern in S. alterniflora, with elevated BCFs in areas affected by activities with a higher degree of impact. Translocation factors (TF) showed varying metal mobility patterns within the plant's below-ground and above-ground sections across the different areas, with only Hg exhibiting consistent translocation across all study areas. Zn was the primary metal contributor in all plant sections, followed by Pb and Cu. It is worth noting that Pb is a non-essential metal for this plant, highlighting the relationship between elevated Pb contributions in the plant sections and the bioaccumulation of this metal within the plant's structure. Overall, this study emphasizes the bioaccumulation capacity of S. alterniflora and elucidate the intrinsic connection between different anthropogenic activities and their impact on the resultant availability and bioaccumulation of metals by this salt marsh plant.

Beneficial effects of mate-herb, Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil. against potassium dichromate-induced oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity.

Chimarrão is a typical beverage made from the infusion of dried and ground leaves and stems of Ilex paraguariensis (popularly known as Yerba mate or mate herb) which is widely consumed in parts of South America. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the chimarrão against nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by the potassium dichromate (PD) salt in male Wistar rats. The experiment lasted 17 days, and in the first 15 days animals ingested a chimarrão infusion or control drinking water and then submitted to an intraperitoneal injection (15 mg/kg) of PD (or saline solution) and euthanized after 48 hr at which time animals still received infusion or drinking water. Blood plasma and 24 hr-urine samples were collected to measure creatinine levels as an estimate of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Concomitantly oxidative stress was determined in the kidneys as evidenced by levels of carbonyl groups, malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals. Potassium dichromate induced oxidative stress in the kidneys and reduced GFR. Treatment with chimarrão during the 15 days prior to PD injection reduced PD salt-mediated oxidative stress. Further, treatment with post-injection chimarrão to PD-administered rats improved the GFR. Our findings support that the use of the chimarrão beverage may be considered as an important nephroprotective substance.

Oxidative damage in the Vesper mouse (Calomys laucha) exposed to a simulated oil spill-a multi-organ study.

Small wild mammals have been used to measure the damage caused by exposure to oil-contaminated soil, including deer mice. However, the study of toxic effects of crude oil using oxidative damage biomarkers in the wild rodent Calomys laucha (Vesper mouse) is absent. This investigation aimed to evaluate the effects of acute exposure to contaminated soil with different concentrations of crude oil (0, 1, 2, 4 and 8% w/w), simulating an accidental spill, using oxidative stress biomarkers in the liver, kidneys, lungs, testes, paw muscle, and lymphocytes of C. laucha. Animals exposed to the contaminated soil showed increases in lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation at the highest exposure concentrations in most organ homogenates analyzed and also in blood cells, but responses to total antioxidant capacity were tissue-dependent. These results showed that acute exposure to oil-contaminated soil caused oxidative damage in C. laucha and indicate these small mammals may be susceptible to suffer the impacts of such contamination in its occurrence region, threatening the species' survival.

Trends in pneumoconiosis in Brazil, 1979-2019.

BACKGROUND: Pneumoconiosis is a lung disease related to exposure to dust in the workplace. The disease can induce irreversible damage to health, especially in lung tissue, and can cause progressive and permanent physical disabilities. AIMS: This study evaluated the temporal and spatial distribution of mortality rates (1979-2019) and hospital admissions (1995-2019) for pneumoconiosis in Brazil. METHODS: The outcomes were hospitalization and death due to pneumoconiosis: codes 500-506 according to the ICD-9 and J60-J66 according to the ICD-10. Data from this retrospective ecological study were collected from the Brazilian Ministry of Health database. RESULTS: Hospitalization for pneumoconiosis has decreased in all regions of Brazil. Hospitalizations occurred predominantly in men aged over 40 years. Death rates showed a temporal increase in all regions. Deaths occurred predominantly in men aged over 50 years. The highest hospitalization and death rates were in the states of the Midwest and South Regions. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumoconiosis is a preventable occupational disease, and ongoing occurrences of hospitalizations and deaths highlight the importance of inspecting industries and controlling occupational and environmental exposures.

Unexpected reduction in ozone levels in a mid-size city during COVID-19 lockdown.

The current study evaluated ozone levels through passive samplers installed in 4 different points in a medium-sized city (Rio Grande, Brazil) with naturally low NO2 levels during a week of COVID-19 lockdown. Additionally, we evaluated the consequences of this response with regard to human health risk assessment and reduction of hospital admissions and ozone-related deaths. The reduction in ozone levels, one month after the implementation of containment measures, varied between 26 and 64% (average of 44%), in the different studied sites. The reduction of human mobility during the pandemic reduced the levels of ozone in Rio Grande city and consequently will bring benefits to health services in the municipality. This unexpected reduction in O3 levels must be related to the low 'natural' levels of NO2 in the city, which make the contribution of other precursors important for the fluctuation of O3 levels.

Health impact assessment of air pollution in an area of the largest coal mine in Brazil.

Coal exploration and burning activities are among the activities with the greatest potential to cause atmospheric pollution due to the combustion process of this mineral and the consequent release of particles that, in significant quantities, can pose a potential health risk, mainly respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The Candiota region, in the extreme south of Brazil, concentrates 40% of the national reserves of mineral coal, and its burning is capable of releasing air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM). Some environmental and epidemiological studies have been carried out in the region, but so far, there is no investigation to estimate the impact of PM on health outcomes. The current study aimed to estimate the mortality attributed to the PM, as well as the benefits in health indicators associated with the reduction of air pollution to the limits set forth in local legislation and the WHO. Daily data on PM levels collected from an air quality monitoring station over a year were used, as well as population data and health indicators from 7 cities influenced by mining activities, such as total mortality and cardiovascular diseases and hospitalizations for cardiac and respiratory problems. In a scenario where PM levels are within legal limits, a percentage greater than 11% of cardiovascular deaths was attributed to pollution by PM2.5, and the reduction in PM10 and PM2.5 levels may be responsible for the increase in the expectation of life in up to 17 months and monetary gains of more than $ 24 million, due to the reduction in hospitalizations and mortality. Studies of this nature should be important tools made available to decision-makers, with a view to improving environmental laws and a consequent improvement in the quality of life and health indicators of the population.

Influence of Lycium barbarum Extract Intake on Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

Abstract: This study aimed to analyze the effects of Goji Berry extract (GB, Lycium barbarum) gavage administration on liver tissue oxidative stress in Wistar rats as well as to identify and quantify the content of the major bioactive compounds of the fruit. Four diets were applied: SW - standard diet + water; SG - standard diet + Goji Berry extract (125 mg/kg of animal); PW - palatable diet + water; PG - palatable diet + Goji Berry extract (125 mg/kg of animal). Results showed a significant increase in catalase enzyme activity in the liver of rats treated with GB and also in those intaking the palatable diet without GB when compared to the SW group. An increased mRNA expression of this enzyme in the same tissue and groups was also verified. Regarding lipid peroxidation, the GB extract produced a significant decrease in the oxidation state in the SG and PG groups. The results also showed a significant amount of bioactive compounds in GB extract.

Health impact assessment of air pollutants during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Brazilian metropolis.

Studies around the world have revealed reduced levels of atmospheric particulate matter in periods of greatest human mobility restriction to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study aimed to carry out a health impact assessment in Recife, Brazil, hypothesizing a scenario in which the levels of PM10 and PM2.5 remained, throughout the year, as in the most restrictive period of human mobility. Particular material data (PM10 and PM2.5) were measured during the pandemic and population and health (mortality, hospital admissions for heart and respiratory problems) data from 2018 were used. We observed a reduction in the concentration of PM2.5 in up to 43.7% and PM10 up to 29.5% during the period of social isolation in the city of Recife. The reduction in PM2.5 would avoid 106 annual deaths from non-external causes and 58 annual deaths from cardiovascular diseases. In this scenario, $ 294.88 million would be saved ($ 114.88 million from heart problems and $ 180 million from non-external causes). When considering hospitalizations avoided by the decrease in PM10, we observed 57 fewer hospitalizations for respiratory diseases, 42 for heart diseases and a reduction of 37 deaths due to non-external causes. The reduction in spending on respiratory and cardiovascular hospitalizations would exceed $ 330,000. Therefore, the reduction of particulate matter could prevent hospital admissions, deaths and consequently there would be a reduction in disease burden in developing countries where economic resources are scarce. In this sense, governments should seek to reduce levels of pollution in order to improve the life quality and health of the population.

Health risk assessment in urban parks soils contaminated by metals, Rio Grande city (Brazil) case study.

Soils and artificial surfaces of urban parks can be contaminated by toxic substances and offer risk to the human health, especially to children. Rio Grande city, southern Brazil, is a peculiar site from the point of view of environmental contamination, since the current levels of contamination reflect an accumulation of different polluting sources started in the 18th century up to the urban and industrial sources of the present. The history of Hg contamination refers to the use of Hg salts in textile activities in the 18th century and the consequent use of contaminated sediments to land urban areas. The current contamination involves metals such as Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn is related to the high degree of urbanization in the city, as well as the petrochemical and fertilizer industry. The study aimed to achieve a human health risk assessment of urban parks soils, specifically for Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn. To carry out the risk assessment using the USEPA model, three urban parks with a history of contamination were studied, using different soil exposure pathways (oral, dermal and inhalation) in the carcinogenic (Ni and Pb) and non-carcinogenic (Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) scenarios for children and adults. The non-carcinogenic risk of Pb was found in the three urban parks studied, for children and Hg in two urban parks. Pb and Ni showed no carcinogenic risk. Even so, the high non-carcinogenic risk of Hg and Pb showed that the contamination of the past and the present are found in the urban parks of Rio Grande city, putting the health of children who use these collective spaces at risk.

Selenium dietary intake, urinary excretion, and toxicity symptoms among children from a coal mining area in Brazil.

Selenium (Se) is necessary for several physiological functions in the human body; however, high concentrations of this element in coal mining areas raise the possibility of Se-related health risks. Children are much more vulnerable and at risk to environmental hazards than adults. The largest coal mining area of Brazil is located in the city of Candiota, where previous studies point to significant urinary Se concentrations among children. Food intake is the main Se source. The study aimed to evaluate dietary Se intake, as well as urinary Se excretion and classic symptoms of Se intoxication among children from Candiota and a control city in the same region. A cross-sectional study was carried out, with participation from 242 children between 6 and 12 years old in two cities in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Socioeconomic variables, dietary intake, and Se toxicity symptoms were evaluated through a structured questionnaire, and urinary Se levels were measured. Children from both cities had normal levels of Se intake and urinary excretion; however, children from Candiota had significantly higher levels of Se in both parameters in relation to the control city, especially for Se urinary excretion. There was low prevalence of Se toxicity symptoms. We conclude that coal mining activities may increase Se intake in children and consequently its urinary excretion.

Multimarker approach to assess the exposure of the wild rodent Calomys laucha to a simulated crude oil spill.

A mysterious oil spill occurred in the ocean near Brazil in 2019, which affected coastal areas in northeastern Brazil. When oil pollution occurs in coastal zones, organisms such as small mammals can suffer deleterious effects to their health. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exposure to contaminated sandy soil with different crude oil concentrations in males of the species Calomys laucha. The exposure to crude oil resulted in multiple health issues for the subjects in the very first days of exposure. Furthermore, the exposure resulted in mutagenic damage to bone marrow blood cells and behavioral and morphological alterations, which were almost always in a dose-dependent form. The present study demonstrates the sensibility of the biomarkers used and highlights that small wild mammals such as C. laucha are useful for predicting environmental damage caused by the exposure to crude oil.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of a Goji Berry Extract (Lycium barbarum) in Rats Subjected to Inflammation by Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of a Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum) fruit extract in Wistar rats submitted to a palatable diet presenting systemic inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Forty-two Wistar female rats (Rattus Novergicus) were used with 60 days old. The animals were feed for 60 days and divided in six groups (n=7): standard diet+water; standard diet+L. barbarum; palatable diet+water; palatable diet+L. barbarum; standard diet+water+LPS; standard diet+L. barbarum+LPS. A significant difference was shown between the analyzed groups concerning C-reactive protein, with the standard diet+water+LPS group presenting the highest inflammatory response in comparison to the other groups. Decreased inflammatory response was observed in the group administered a palatable diet along with the fruit extract when compared to the group that received only a palatable diet. Significant decrease in glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase activity was observed in the standard diet+L. barbarum+LPS group compared to the standard diet+water group, as well as in the palatable diet+L. barbarum group compared to the palatable diet+water group. A significant increase in creatinine in the standard diet+water+LPS group was observed in according to the L. barbarum administration groups. The gene expression of the inflammatory markers genes in the liver showed a significant increase in TNF-α and IL-6 genes in the group treated with standard diet+L. barbarum+LPS when compared to the standard diet+LPS group. Thus, the administered L. barbarum extract displays the potential to reduce inflammatory responses induced by LPS and a palatable diet.

Association between DNA damage, dietary patterns, nutritional status, and non-communicable diseases in coal miners.

Several negative health effects have been associated with environmental pollution. Coal mining activities are related to DNA damage. However, the impact of lifestyle as well as environmental exposure must be considered when evaluating the extent of DNA damage. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyze nutritional status, dietary patterns, and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) among coal miners as well as to investigate the correlation of these variables with DNA damage. We used a questionnaire to assess demographics, health, and dietary habits. The nutritional status was measured in terms of BMI (body mass index) and DNA damage was assessed by the comet assay. The sample population was composed of 158 coal miners from the largest coal mining company in South of Brazil, and majority of them were classified as overweight (51.3%) or obese (28.5%). Hypertension was the most common CNCD (50.6%) and a majority of these workers consumed all groups of foods three or more times a week. There was a significant positive correlation between BMI and DNA damage (r = 0.1646, p = 0.04) and this association was stronger (r = 0.2556, p = 0.04) in coal miners with some CNCD. There was no significant correlation between dietary patterns and DNA damage in coal miners. These results suggest that the nutritional status and CNCD increase the extent of DNA damage in coal miners. Since this population is at high occupational risk, specific strategies should be designed to improve the health of these workers, aiming to achieve health equity.