Ecotoxicological Evaluation of Artisanal Effluents on Bacillus, Enterobacter, Amorphotheca, Cladosporium and Penicillium Species in Brackish Water

Aim: To assess the effect of the hydrocarbon discharges from the artisanal refineries on the community structure of microbial mats in an aquatic environment Study Design: The study employs experimental design, statistical analysis of the data and interpretation. Place and Duration of Study: The microbial mats, surface water and sediments samples were collected from four hydrocarbon polluted stations (A, B, C and D) and a control sampling station in Yellow island (Iyalla kiri) in Degema Local Government Area, in Rivers state Nigeria. The samples were immediately transported with ice packs to the Microbiology Laboratory of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. The study lasted from March 2020 to February 2021, covering both wet and dry seasons. Methodology: Different concentrations of fresh effluent (0, 1.625, 3.25, 6.5, 12.5, 25, 50 and 75%) were prepared in test tubes to final volume of 10ml. Each of the test tubes was inoculated with one milliliter (1ml) of the test organism. Five sets of concentrations were prepared for the five test organisms (Bacillus subtillis MW808817, Enterobacter ludwigiiMW767009, Amorphotheca resinae EU040230, Cladosporium cladosporioides MW793722 and Penicillium chrysogenum MN184857). The organisms were exposed to the pollutant for duration of 0, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours and plated out using spread plate technique. The cultures were incubated for 24 hours for bacteria and five days for fungi. Median lethal concentration (LC50) was determined using SPSS version 20. Results: The results showed that the percentage logarithm survival of the test organisms decreased with increase in exposure time and concentration. The LC50 of Bacillus subtillis MW808817 was 30.93%, Enterobacter ludwigii MW767009 was 29.74%, Amorphotheca resinae EU040230 was 19.65%,Cladosporium cladosporioides MW793722 was 20.08% and Penicillium chrysogenum MN184857 was 17.77%, (noting; the lower the LC50 the more toxic the pollutant). Conclusion: The effluent discharge was more toxic on Penicillium chrysogenum MN184857 than the other test organisms. Also, the ecotoxicological evaluation of the effluents on the test organisms isolated from the study area showed that LC50 of the effluent was slightly toxic on the microbial population when the results obtained were compared to GESAMP Standard for Toxicity Ranking of Chemicals/Effluents in Marine Environment.

Analysis of a dose-response assay in Scaptotrigona bipunctatabees, Lepeletier, 1836 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) using the logistic regression model under the Bayesian approach

This paper shows the results of a dose-response study in Scaptotrigona bipunctatabees, Lepeletier, 1836 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) exposed to the insecticide Fastac Duo. The aim was to evaluate the lethal concentration that causes the death of 50% of bees (LC50) and investigate the odd of mortality after exposure to different concentrations, using the logistic regression model under the Bayesian approach. In this approach, it is possible to incorporate a prior information and gives more accurate inferential results. Three independent dose-response experiments were analyzed, dissimilar in their lead time according to guidelines from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in which each assay contained four replicates at the concentration levels investigated, including control. Observing exposure to the agrochemical, it was identified that the higher the concentration, the greater the odd of mortality. Regarding the estimated lethal concentrations for each experiment, the following values were found, 0.03 g a.i. L-1, for 24hours, 0.04 g a.i. L-1, for 48hoursand 0.06 g a.i. L-1for 72hours, showing that in experiments with longer exposure times there was an increase in LC50. Concluding, the study showed an alternative approach to classical methods for dose-response studies in Scaptotrigona bipunctatabees exposed to the insecticide Fastac Duo.

Bioinsecticide potential of Curcuma zedoaria rhizome essential oil / Potencial bioinseticida do óleo essencial dos rizom as de curcuma zedoaria

In this study the potential bioinseticide of the essential oil (OE) extracted from the rhizomes of the species Curcuma zedoaria (Zingiberaceae) was evaluated. The rhizomes were collected during dormancy (winter) and budding (summer). The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation (2h) and identified by GC/MS. In addition, a multivariate exploratory analysis was done to determine the analysis of the major compounds (PCA). The EO yield in dormancy was 0.61± 0.07 (%) and in budding 0.55 ± 0.08 (%). The bioassays on Aedes aegypti larvae and pupae were done by immersion test at different EO concentrations which ranged from 500.00 to 0.003 mg mL-1 (v/v). The results on the larvae and pupae indicated LC99.9 of (0.01 and 1.38 mg mL-1) for EO in dormancy, and (0.08 and 2.63 mg mL-1) for EO during budding, respectively. The action mechanism of EOs in both periods was determined by autobiographic method evaluating the inhibitory potential on the acetylcholinesterase enzyme, indicating greater inhibition of the EO enzyme during dormancy (0.039 mg mL-1) when compared to the EO during budding (0.156 mg mL-1). The projection representation of the EO chemical classes in both evaluated periods indicated that oxygenated sesquiterpenes are the major compound class (46.99% in dormancy) and (43.59% in budding). The projection of major chemical compounds of EOs presented three compounds with greater mass flow distancing: epicurzerenone (18.20% and 12.10%); 1.8 cineole (15.76% and 12.10%) and ß-elemene (4.43 and 0.01%) that are found in greater amounts in the dormancy EO when compared to budding, respectively. These results corroborate with the greater potential on Ae. aegypti larvae and pupae found for the dormancy EO. The results are promising because they show in which vegetative cycle phase C. zedoaria EO presents greater bioinsecticidepotential.

Neste trabalho foi avaliado o potencial bioinseticida do óleo essencial (OE) extraído dos rizomas da espécie Curcuma zedoaria (Zingiberaceae), coletados no período de dormência (inverno) e brotação das gemas (verão). O OE foi obtido por hidrodestilação (2h) e identificado por CG/EM foi observado rendimento 0,61 ± 0,07 (%) no óleo da dormência, quando comparado no período de brotação 0,55 ± 0,08 (%). Os bioensaios sobre as larvas e pupas de Aedes aegypti foram realizados pelo teste de imersão em diferentes concentrações dos OEs, que variaram de 500,00 a 0,003 mg mL-1 (v/v). Os resultados sobre as larvas e pupas indicaram uma CL99,9 de (0,01 e 1,38 mg mL-1) para o OE da dormência, e (0,08 e 2,63 mg mL-1) para o OE do período de brotação, respectivamente. Indicando maior atividade do OE da dormência. O mecanismo de ação dos OEs nos dois períodos foi determinado pelo método autobiográfico avaliando o potencial inibitório sobre a enzima acetilcolinesterase. Os resultados indicaram maior inibição da enzima do OE no período de dormência (0,039 mg mL-1), quando comparado ao OE de brotação (0,156 mg mL-1). A análise química destacou três compostos: epicurzerenone (18,20% e 12,10%) e 1,8 cineol (15,76% e 14,05%) e ß- elemeno (4,43 e 0,01%) em maior quantidade no período de dormência quando comparado ao período de brotação, respectivamente. Esta diferença pode explicar a maior ação inseticida do OE de dormência sobre as larvas e pupas do Ae. aegypti. Os resultados são promissores, pois estabelece em qual período do ciclo vegetativo o OE da C. zedoaria apresenta maior potencial bioinseticida.

Acute toxicity of nitrate in Litopenaeus vannamei juveniles at low salinity levels / Toxicidade aguda do nitrato em juvenis de Litopenaeus vannamei em baixa salinidade

ABSTRACT: Different technologies have been developed to improve the performance of Litopenaeus vannamei in low salinity, mainly in super-intensive systems like recirculation and BFT (Biofloc Technology System) systems. However, there is an accumulation of toxic nitrogenous compounds to the shrimps such as nitrate, that at high concentrations and depending on the salinity of the culture water can be lethal. Acute toxicity tests allow to analyze the relationship between the compound and other abiotic or biotic variables. The aim of this research was to determine the acute toxicity and safety level of nitrate (N-NO3 -) for juveniles of L. vannamei at salinities of 5 and 10g.L-1. For salinity of 5g.L-1, a control and 5 treatments were tested, with nitrate concentrations of 100, 500, 1500, 2500 and 3500mg.L-1.For salinity of 10mg.L-1, a 4500mg.L-1nitrate concentration was added. Juveniles were exposed to concentrations during 24, 48, 72, 96 hours in static system. The Mean Lethal Concentration (LCC50) was calculated and the recommended safety level for L. vannamei cultivation is 60.05 and 127.61mg.L-1 of nitrate for salinities 5 and 10g.L-1, respectively.

RESUMO: Diferentes tecnologias foram desenvolvidas para melhorar o desempenho do Litopenaeus vannamei em baixa salinidade, principalmente em sistemas super intensivos como sistema de recirculação e BFT (Biofloc Technology System). No entanto, há um acúmulo de compostos nitrogenados tóxicos aos camarões, como o nitrato, que em altas concentrações e dependendo da salinidade da água pode ser letal. Os testes de toxicidade aguda permitem analisar a relação entre o composto e outras variáveis ​​abióticas ou bióticas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a toxicidade aguda e o nível de segurança do nitrato (N-NO3 -) em juvenis de L. vannamei nas salinidades de 5 e 10g.L-1. Para a salinidade de 5g.L-1, um controle e cinco tratamentos foram testados, com concentrações de nitrato 100, 500, 1500, 2500 e 3500mg.L-1. Para salinidade de 10mg.L-1, foi adicionada uma concentração de nitrato de 4500mg.L-1. Os juvenis foram expostos às concentrações durante 24, 48, 72, 96 horas em sistema estático. A Concentração Letal Média (CL50) foi calculada e o nível de segurança recomendado para o cultivo de L. vannamei é de 60,05 e 127,61mg.L-1 de nitrato para salinidadesde 5 e 10g.L-1, respectivamente.

Acción larvicida de extractos alcohólicos de semilla de Annona Muricata (guanábana) sobre Aedes Aegypti y Aedes Albopictus / Larvicidal action of alcoholic extracts of the seed of Annona Muricata (soursop) on Aedes Aegypti y Aedes Albopictus

Cada vez es más frecuente el reporte de resistencia de diferentes especies de vectores a los insecticidas usados en los programas de control; por ello existe un interés creciente en el desarrollo de productos eficaces, económicos y más amigables con el medio ambiente que permitan el control de los vectores de enfermedades como el dengue. Los extractos crudos obtenidos a partir de diferentes plantas han demostrado poseer actividades larvicidas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la actividad larvicida de dos extractos alcohólicos (etanólico y metanólico) obtenidos a partir de las semillas de Annona muricata (guanábana) sobre Ae. aegypti (cepa Rockefeller) y Ae. albopictus exponiéndolas durante 24 h a diferentes diluciones de cada extracto. Las concentraciones letales (CL50) fueron las siguientes: a) para Ae. aegypti 41,8 mg L-1 (LC0,95=34,5-49,2 mg L-1) con el extracto etanólico y 32,8 mg L-1 (LC0,95=27,4-38,4 mg L-1) con el extracto metanólico; y b) para Ae. albopictus 299,6 mg L-1 (LC0,95=224,9-377,3 mg L-1) con el extracto etanólico y 326,1 mg L-1 (LC0,95=209,5-442,4 mg L-1) con extracto metanólico. El análisis de los resultados demostró que el efecto tóxico de ambos extractos sobre las larvas de Aedes fue similar y depende de la especie y de la concentración utilizada. Los resultados apuntan a que los extractos alcohólicos obtenidos a partir de A. muricata son una alternativa para el control de las especies de Aedes presentes en Venezuela.

Reports of resistance of different species of vectors to insecticides used in control programs are every time more frequent. Therefore, there is a growing interest to control harmful vectors (that transmit diseases such as dengue) by developing products that are effective, economical and environment friendly. Crude extracts obtained from different plants have demonstrated larvicidal activities. The objective of this research was to evaluate the larvicidal activity of two alcoholic extracts (ethanol and methanol) obtained from the seeds of Annona muricata (soursop) on Ae. aegypti (strain Rockefeller) and Ae. albopictus, exposed for 24 h to different dilutions of each extract. Lethal concentrations (LC50) were as follows: a) For Ae. aegypti 41.8 mg L-1 (LC0.95 =34.5 to 49.2 mg L-1) with ethanolic extract and 32.8 mg L-1 (LC0.95 =27.4 to 38.4 mg L-1) with methanolic extract; and b) For Ae. albopictus 299.6 mg L-1 (LC0.95=224.9 to 377.3 mg L-1) with ethanolic extract and =326.1 mg L-1 (LC0.95=209.5 to 442.4 mg L-1) with methanolic extract. The analysis of the results showed that the toxic effect of both alcoholic extracts on Aedes was similar and depends on the species and the concentration used. The results suggest that the alcoholic extracts obtained from A. muricata are an alternative for control of Aedes species present in Venezuela.

Model establishment and injury assessment of chlorpyrifos dynamic-inhalation of rats / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To establish a model for chlorpyrifos(CPF)whole-body dynamic inhalation exposure in SD rats and investigate the injury effects after acute exposure by CPF. METHODS By optimizing the aerosol parameters ,the animal acute dynamic inhalation exposure of CPF was established. Absorption sampling-gas phase detecting technology was used to monitor the concentration of CPF in the whole-body dynamic-inhalation exposure cabin by exploring the relationship between the concentration , particle size of CPF aerosol and the CPF inhalation time in the exposure cabin via a particle size detector. Using Bliss method,specific pathogen free SD male rats were allocated to the environment of CPF exposure at different lethal concentrations and time points. The symptoms and deaths of these SD male rats in different groups were recorded within the following 10 d. Based on the median lethal concentra?tion time(LCt50),the values of plasma cholinesterase(ChE)were checked at different time points after being exposed at different doses. RESULTS The mean concentrations of CPF aerosol at nine time points was 160.6 mg · m-3,the relative standard deviation value was 6.9%;the geometrical mean of aerosol particle size was 1.1 μm,and the geometric standard deviation was 1.8. The results met the technical requirements of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development regarding acute inhalation exposure. Under these equipment conditions,the LCt50 of CPF acute inhalation of SD male rats was 1654.2 mg · m-3 · h,suggesting that plasma ChE inhibitory rate was higher with the increase in the exposing dose,and that there was a significant difference as compared with the controls(P<0.05). CONCLU?SION The model for whole-body dynamic-inhalation exposure of CPF is applicable to rats,which can serve as an experimental platform and technical support to inhalation vulnerability and the research on prevention and cure of organophosphate industrial products and nerve agents.

Model validation and evaluation of developmental toxicity of five drugs using zebrafish embryos / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the toxicity and safety of five kinds of known positive drugs, cyclophosphamide, acetyl salicylic acid, tetracycline hydrochloride, dexa-methasone acetate and azacitidine, using zebrafish em-bryos. Methods We selected normally developed 4 hpf zygote, and used water bath infecting method to add the drug to the artificial seawater. Each drug had five concentrating groups, a separate control group and solvent control group. We observed the dead zebrafish embryos after 120 hpf drugs, counted the number of deaths and deformities of zebrafish embryos, and cal-culated mortality abnormal rate, the median lethal con-centration (LC50 ), concentration for 50% of maximal effect (EC50 ), therapeutic index (TI) under 120 hpf condition. We also used the formula TI = LC50 / EC50 to calculate positive drug therapeutic index. Based on measured LC50 we calculated most nonlethal concentra-tion (MNLC) of each drug setting, namely 1 / 10 MN-LC, 1 / 3 MNLC, MNLC,LC10 four concentration, tha-lidomide as a positive control, vitamin C as a negative control, artificial seawater as control, 0. 5% DMSO as solvent control. Put in 28. 5 ℃ environment for 120 hours,embryo development was observed daily for de-velopmental state,mortality,deforming rate and abnor-mal condition. Results The result of five drugs LC50 in descending order: cyclophosphamide > azacitidine> tetracycline hydrochloride > acetylsalicylic acid >dexamethasone acetate. EC50 in descending order: cy-clophosphamide > tetracycline hydrochloride > azaciti-dine > acetylsalicylic acid > dexamethasone acetate. The TI values of cyclophosphamide, acetyl salicylic acid, tetracycline hydrochloride, dexamethasone ace-tate, azacitidine were 1. 92, 1. 11, 1. 05, 1. 44, 2. 99, respectively. Conclusion Zebrafish embryo model can be used in the preliminary evaluation of drugs, and the study of early developmental toxicity and safety.

The antagonist of TRPV1 attenuates cytotoxicity of DRG neurons induced by lidocaine / 临床麻醉学杂志

Objective To determine whether or not capsazepine(CPZ),a transient receptor po-tential vanilloid-1(TRPV1)antagonist,attenuates lidocaine-induced cytotoxicity on rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG)neurons in vitro.Methods Adequate DRG neurons from 3-day neonatal Wistar rats were obtained,cultured and purified in vitro.To achieve higher cell viability,we reduced the concen-tration of trypsin to 0.125% compared with others.The purified DRG neurons were incubated with 0,2.5,5,10,20 and 40 mmol/L lidocaine for 10 min,respectively,their viabilities were examined using Cell Counting Kit(CCK-8)assay,and the lethal concentration 50(LC50 )of lidocaine on DRG neurons was calculated.Then,the variation of lidocaine-induced cell viability at LC50 ,when 0,1,10 and 100 μmol/L CPZ were respectively added to the incubations,was examined with CCK-8 assay. Results The purified percentage of DRG neurons was as high as 91% after digesting by 0.125%trypsin and purifying in vitro.Cell viability of DRG neurons in group L1,L2,L3,L4,L5 was signifi-cantly down regulated compared with the control group,to be specific,that of L3,L4,L5 being re-markably lower than that of L1,that of L4,L5 lower than that of L2 and that of L5 lower than that L3 and L4.After lidocaine induced DRG neurons for 10 min,LC50 was 30 mmol/L;10 μmol/L and 100 μmol/L CPZ significantly reduced LC50 DRG neuron toxicity induced by lidocaine (P <0.05). The effect of 10 μmol/L CPZ had reached the maximal effect,decreasing the cell viability decrease from 50% to 35%.Conclusion The novel method in this experiment is effective to obtain good DRG neurons,the LC50 of lidocaine on rat DRG neurons is 30 mmol/L,and CPZ attenuates the cytotoxicity induced by lidocaine on rat DRG neurons.

Evaluation of toxic effects with transition metal ions, EDTA, SBTI and acrylic polymers on Aedes aegypti (L., 1762) (Culicidae) and Artemia salina (Artemidae)

This work aimed to evaluate the toxicity of some insecticides compounds on Aedes aegypti and Artemia salina larvae. Bioassays were carried out to evaluate the toxic effect after of 24 and 72 h using the compounds or associations. The LC10, LC50 and LC90 values were obtained and utilized for toxicity comparations. For Ae. aegypti, LC50 were 32.65 mg L-1 in 24 h for Na2[EDTA-Cu(II)] and total mortality in 72 h for SAP-Na2[EDTA-Cu(II)].

Synergistic effect of Croton caudatus (fruits) and Tiliacora acuminata (flowers) extracts against filarial vector Culex quinquefasciatus

Objective:To investigate the synergistic effect of crude and solvent extract of Croton caudatus (C. caudatus ) (fruits) and Tiliacora acuminata (T. acuminata) (flowers) against the larval form of Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus). Methods: Crude and solvent [chloroform:methanol (1:1 v/v), benzene and ethyl acetate] extracts of two plants, C. caudatus (fruits) and T. acuminata (flowers) were examined separately against filarial vector Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae with gradually increasing concentration i.e. from 0.1%to 0.5%of crude extract and 25 ppm to 75 ppm of solvent extracts. To observe the synergistic effect, if any, extracts of these two plant parts were mixed at different concentrations and treated against mosquito larvae. Phytochemical analyses of extracts of both the plant parts were carried out. Results: In a 72-h bioassay experiment with plant extracts, highest mortalities were recorded at 0.5% (crude) and 75 ppm (solvent) concentration for fruits of C. caudatus and flowers of T. acuminata individually. For synergistic effect, only 0.2%of the mixture of these two crude extracts and 75 ppm concentration of chloroform:methanol (1:1 v/v) and ethyl acetate extracts showed 100%mortality after 24 h and 48 h of exposure respectively. Conclusions:In the field of mosquito control, insecticides of plant origin may serve as suitable alternative to the toxic chemicals. Some secondary metabolites in combination may be responsible for better larvicidal activity.

Toxicity of Methylcyclohexane and Its Effect on the Reproductive System in SD Rats

OBJECTIVES: There is limited data regarding the toxicity of methylcyclohexane, despite its wide use in rubber adhesives, paint diluents, and cleansing agents. This study aimed to verify the toxicity and influence on the reproductive system of methylcyclohexane after its repeated injection in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. METHODS: Methylcyclohexane was injected subcutaneously into male and female SD rats once a day, five times a week, for 13 weeks at different doses (0, 10, 100, and 1,000 mg/kg/day) for each group. The toxicity of testing material was verified by observing the change in body and organ weight, hematological change, pathological findings, and effect on the reproductive system at each different concentration. RESULTS: In the 1,000 mg/kg/day group, there were cases of animal deaths. In animals that survived, hematological changes, including a decrease in the red blood cell count, were observed. A considerable weight gain or loss and pathological abnormalities in the liver, kidney, and other organs were found. However, the 10 and 100 mg/kg/day groups did not cause deaths or other specific abnormalities. In terms of reproductive toxicity, there were changes in hormone levels, including a significant decrease in hormones such as estradiol and progesterone (p < 0.001) in male animals. Menstrual cycle change for female animals did not show concentration dependency. CONCLUSION: When injected repeatedly for 13 weeks, methylcyclohexane proved to be toxic for the liver, heart, and kidney at a high dose. The absolute toxic dose was 1,000 mg/kg/day, while the no observed adverse effect level was less than 100 mg/kg/day. The substance exerted little influence on the reproductive system.

Survival and gill morphology of different life stages of Tilapia guineensis exposed to the drilling fluid XP-07 / Sobrevivência e morfologia branquial de Tilapia guineensis expostos ao líquido de perfuração XP-07 em diferentes estágios de vida

The toxicity of drilling fluid XP-07 on gills of three life stages (fry, fingerling and post fingerling) of Tilapia guineensis was evaluated in a 96h static bioassay. The mortality rates of the organisms were determined using the same concentrations of XP-07 in all the life stages. At the end of 96h, the gills were examined for histopathological changes. The 96h median lethal concentrations for fry (Fr), fingerlings (F) and post fingerlings (PF) were 5.03, 7.77 and 6.93 percent XP-07 respectively. The median lethal time values decreased as concentration and time of exposure increased. The histopathological studies carried out on gills of T. guineensis showed injuries, which increased progressively with the concentration of the fluid. The fry stage was the most susceptible to the drilling fluid. This states the need for care to be taken in handling drilling fluids in Niger delta, since this area serves as breeding and nursery ground for several fish species.

A toxicidade do líquido de perfuração XP-07, nas brânquias de Tilapia guineensis, foi avaliada por meio de um bioensaio estático de 96h em três estágios da vida do peixe (larva, alevino e juvenil). As taxas de mortalidade do organismo foram avaliadas nas mesmas concentrações de XP-07 para todos os estágios de vida do peixe. As brânquias foram avaliadas ao final de 96 horas, com o objetivo de observarem-se mudanças histopatológicas. A concentração média letal para 96h foi de 5,03; 7,77 e 6,93 por cento para larvas, alevinos e juvenis, respectivamente. O tempo médio letal diminuiu à medida que a concentração e o tempo de exposição aumentaram. Os estudos histopatológicos realizados nas brânquias de T. guineensis indicaram lesões que aumentaram progressivamente com a concentração do fluido. A fase larval é a mais suscetível ao fluido de perfuração. Concluiu-se que é necessário cuidado no manuseio de fluidos de perfuração no Delta do Niger, uma vez que esta é uma área de reprodução e berçário para várias espécies de peixes.

Acute toxicity of copper and cadmium for piauçu, Leporinus macrocephalus, and curimatã, Prochilodus vimboides - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v31i3.5069 / Acute toxicity of copper and cadmium for piauçu, Leporinus macrocephalus, and curimatã, Prochilodus vimboides - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v31i3.5069

Ninety-six-hour static bioassays were conducted in the laboratory to determine lethal concentrations (96-h LC50) of copper and cadmium for curimatã (Prochilodus vimboides) and piauçu (Leporinus macrocephalus). The 96-h LC50 of copper were 0.047 and 0.090 mg L-1, and of cadmium 3.16 and 7.42 mg L-1 for curimatã and piauçu, respectively. Curimatã is a preferred indigenous species for toxicological studies in the Doce River basin due to its availability in the hatcheries of the region and high sensitivity to metals.

Ninety-six-hour static bioassays were conducted in the laboratory to determine lethal concentrations (96-h LC50) of copper and cadmium for curimatã (Prochilodus vimboides) and piauçu (Leporinus macrocephalus). The 96-h LC50 of copper were 0.047 and 0.090 mg L-1, and of cadmium 3.16 and 7.42 mg L-1 for curimatã and piauçu, respectively. Curimatã is a preferred indigenous species for toxicological studies in the Doce River basin due to its availability in the hatcheries of the region and high sensitivity to metals.

Acción biocida de plantas de Piper tuberculatum Jacq. sobre Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidóptera, Pyralidae)

En el presente trabajo evaluamos la acción biocida sobre larvas del III estadío de Diatraea saccharalis, usando extractos acuoso, diclorometano-metanol (DCM:MeOH, 2:1) y alcohólico (EtOH, 96%) de hojas, tallos y espigas maduras (con frutos y semillas) de Piper tuberculatum, en larvas del III estadío. El método de inoculación del extracto, previamente eluido con agua destilada, fue de aplicación tópica en el mesotorax de las larvas. Solamente los extractos DCM:MeOH y EtOH de espigas maduras y extracto DCM:MeOH de plantas in vitro mostraron niveles significativos de mortalidad larval. El mayor efecto tóxico correspondió a extractos de espigas maduras respecto a plantas in vitro y a extracto EtOH respecto a extracto DCM:MeOH, tal como lo expresan los resultados de las concentraciones letales a 50% (CL50) y 90% (CL90), en 72 h de exposición. Así tenemos que en el caso de espigas maduras fue: CL50 (0,11 mg/mL con EtOH y 0,16 mg/mL con DCM:MeOH) y CL90 (0,35 mg/mL con EtOH y 0,55 mg/mL con DCM:MeOH); en el caso de plantas in vitro, unicamente con DCM:MeOH, fue: CL50 0,39 mg/mL y CL90 2,62 mg/mL. Los resultados de las rectas valores probitos-mortalidad expresaron la misma tendencia.

The biocid action of DCM:MeOH (2:1), EtOH and aqueous extracts of leaves, stems and mature spikes (with fruits and seeds) of field plants and DCM:MeOH (2:1) extract of in vitro plants of Piper tuberculatum on III larval stage of Diatraea saccharalis was evaluated. The method was by inoculating the previously eluted extract with distillate water as topic applications on the larval mesothorax. Only DCM:MeOH and EtOH extracts of mature spikes and DCM:MeOH extract of in vitro plants showed significant levels of larval mortality. The corresponding highest toxic effect was (a) for mature spikes respect to in vitro plants and (b) EtOH extract respect to DCM:MeOH extract, according to the results showed for the lethal concentration to 50% (LC50) and 90% (LC90), in 72 hours of exposure. Thus, in the case of mature spikes was: LC50 0,11 mg/mL with EtOH and 0,16 mg/mL with DCM:MeOH) and LC90 (0,35 mg/mL with EtOH and 0,55 mg/mL with DCM:MeOH); and, in the case of in vitro plants, only with DCM:MeOH extract, was: LC50 0,39 mg/mL and LC90 2,62 mg/mL. The results of probit values-mortality lines showed the same tendency.

Experimental Studies on the Effects of Baicalin and Berberine against Trichomonas Vaginalis in Vitro / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objectives To explore the effects of Baicalin and Berberine against Trichomonas vaginalis(TV) in vitro. Methods The micro-double-dillution assay is used to measure the Minimal lethal concentration (MLC) of Baicalin and Berberine against 6 freshly isolated strains of TV, using metronidazole as control. Results MLC of Baicalin and Berberine against 6 isolated strains in vitro of TV ranges from 0.125 to 0.5 mg/mL and 0.25 to 1.0 mg/mL, respectively. The means of MLC are 0.229 mg/mL and 0.417mg/mL, respetively, with statistically significant difference (t=2.666, P