Decolonialidade e Serviço Social: um debate emergente / Decoloniality and Social Work: an emerging debate

Resumo: Este artigo reflete acerca das contribuições do pensamento decolonial para o Serviço Social. Considera a colonialidade e a decolonialidade como ferramentas de análise e projeto ético e político, que oferecem alternativas de conhecimento e transformação social devido à diversidade epistêmica teórica, política e pedagógica. Propõe complexificar e questionar a lógica de produção de conhecimento moderna/ocidental, evidenciando categorias e conceitos úteis à prática e à produção científica da profissão.

Abstract: This article reflects on the contributions of decolonial thinking to social work. It considers coloniality and decoloniality as analysis tools and ethical and political projects that offer alternatives for knowledge and social transformation due to theoretical, political and pedagogical epistemic diversity. It proposes to make more complex and question the logic of modern/Western knowledge production, highlighting categories and concepts that are useful to the practice and scientific production of the profession.

Physicochemical properties of iodine and selenium biofortified Sparus aurata and Cyprinus carpio during frozen storage.

Fish biofortification with natural ingredients like iodine-rich macroalgae and selenized-yeast is an excellent strategy to enhance the nutritional quality of farmed fish. This study aimed to assess the effect of frozen storage during 12-months on physicochemical quality of biofortified seabream (Sparus aurata) and carp (Cyprinus carpio). Frozen storage reduced iodine content in biofortified seabream fillets (17%), as well as selenium content in biofortified carp fillets (24%). Yet, biofortified fillets still presented enhanced iodine and selenium contents at the end of the storage period. Increased lipid oxidation (3.45 mg MDA kg-1 for seabream and 2.41 mg MDA kg-1 for carp) and decreased water holding capacity (23-29% for seabream and 14-23% for carp) was observed during storage, whereas major changes in colour and texture occurred after 45 days (seabream) and 225 days (carp) of storage. In general, biofortified fish fillets maintained their nutritional value and quality after 360 days of frozen storage.

Strategies to reduce sodium levels in European seabass sausages.

Considering the increasing demand towards "ready-to-cook" processed seafood products, recognised as being potential contributors to high sodium (Na) intake by consumers, this study aimed to assess the effect of sodium chloride (NaCl) reduction on physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) sausages stored in chilling conditions during 5 weeks. Three formulations were tested in comparison with a control (100% NaCl, CTR): (i) 50% NaCl+50% ME (oleoresins microcapsules) (F1); (ii) 50% NaCl+50% KCl (F2); and (iii) only 50% NaCl (F3). The NaCl reduction mainly affected the texture and the salty taste, resulting in softer and perceived as less salty sausages after processing. However, hardness differences disappeared after 5 weeks. It seems that an antioxidant protection was obtained in sausages formulated with oleoresins microcapsules. No or low growth of psychrotrophic and mesophilic bacteria was observed (≤2.40 log CFU/g). Decreasing NaCl content and/or partially replacing it (50%) by KCl or oleoresins microcapsules seem to be suitable solutions to reduce Na (30.9-36.3%) levels, while maintaining the chilled sausages quality for 5 weeks. The partial replacement of NaCl by KCl also allows obtaining a product richer in K (997.2 mg/100 g), which ingestion may contribute for a cardiovascular protective effect.

Effects of steaming on health-valuable nutrients from fortified farmed fish: Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) as case studies.

Fish fortification with iodine-rich macroalgae (Laminaria digitata) and Selenium-rich yeast is expected to promote nutritional added value of this crucial food item, contributing to a healthy and balanced diet for consumers. However, it is not known if steaming can affect these nutrient levels in fortified fish. The present study evaluates the effect of steaming on nutrients contents in fortified farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fortified seabream presented enhanced I, Se and Fe contents, whereas fortified carp presented enhanced I, Se and Zn contents. Steaming resulted in increased I and Se contents in fortified seabream, and increased Fe and Zn levels in fortified carp, with higher elements true retention values (TRVs >90%). The consumption of 150 g of steamed fortified seabream contributes to a significant daily intake (DI) of I (up to 12%) and Se (up to >100%). On the other hand, steamed fortified carp contributes to 19-23% of I DI and 30%-71% of Se DI. These results demonstrate that steaming is a healthy cooking method, maintaining the enhanced nutritional quality of fortified fish. Moreover, the present fortification strategy is a promising solution to develop high-quality farmed fish products to overcome nutritional deficiencies.

Structural and molecular indices in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) fed n-3 PUFA enriched diet.

Sustainable freshwater aquaculture has been recently gaining attention owing to the potential of nourishing the world. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of finishing diets on the activity of 21 genes involved in hepatic lipid metabolism and intestinal homeostasis, liver and intestine histology, and the level of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids in common carp fillets. We compared two experimental diets: control diet mimicking a commercial feed (CTRL) and a test diet (CB) fortified with EPA and DHA retrieved from salmon by-products. An additional control (eCTRL) from extensively cultured carps was investigated. The study revealed that the expression of seven hepatic genes, e.g., lipoprotein lipase and fatty acid synthase, and six intestinal genes e.g., claudin-3c and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, was influenced specifically by the experimental diets and farming type. Fish from the eCTRL group had the smallest hepatocytes and the largest nuclei compared with CTRL and CB. No pathological signs were found in intestine samples. Additionally, the levels of EPA and DHA in fillets were significantly higher in fish receiving CB compared with CTRL and eCTRL. The use of fortified diets is a promising solution to produce freshwater species with enhanced nutritional value without compromising the safety of fillets.

Is it cost effective to use a 2% chlorhexidine wipes bath to reduce central-line associated blood stream infection? A quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Bathing with 2% chlorhexidine (CHG) wipes is an important measure regarding infection prevention in critically ill patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of CHG wipes bath to prevent central-line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in critically ill patients and determine if such measure is cost-saving. METHODS: a quasi-experimental study, conducted from July 2017 to April 2019. Daily bath with 2% CHG was used in all patients at the unit in the intervention period. The following were evaluated: CLABSI incidence density in both periods, 30- day mortality, guided antimicrobials used to treat CLABSI and 2% CHG costs. RESULTS: CLABSI incidence density dropped from 8.69 to 1.83 per 1.000 central line-days (p = 0.001), mainly by Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenen Resistant (Kp-KPC) (p = 0.05). Costs with guided antimicrobials for the treatment in pre-intervention were US$ 46,114.36, and in the intervention period, US$ 4,177.50. The 2% CHG monthly cost was US$ 2,698.00, achieving 30% savings when comparing both periods. DISCUSSION: An expressive reduction of 79% in CLABSI incidence density was observed, mainly due to Kp-KPC infection and also a reduction in guided antimicrobial costs. CONCLUSIONS: Bathing with 2% CHG led to evident CLABSI reduction.

Is it cost effective to use a 2% chlorhexidine wipes bath to reduce central-line associated blood stream infection? A quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND: Bathing with 2% chlorhexidine (CHG) wipes is an important measure regarding infection prevention in critically ill patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of CHG wipes bath to prevent central-line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in critically ill patients and determine if such measure is cost-saving. METHODS: a quasi-experimental study, conducted from July 2017 to April 2019. Daily bath with 2% CHG was used in all patients at the unit in the intervention period. The following were evaluated: CLABSI incidence density in both periods, 30- day mortality, guided antimicrobials used to treat CLABSI and 2% CHG costs. RESULTS: CLABSI incidence density dropped from 8.69 to 1.83 per 1.000 central line-days (p = 0.001), mainly by Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenen Resistant (Kp-KPC) (p = 0.05). Costs with guided antimicrobials for the treatment in pre-intervention were US$ 46,114.36, and in the intervention period, US$ 4,177.50. The 2% CHG monthly cost was US$ 2,698.00, achieving 30% savings when comparing both periods. DISCUSSION: An expressive reduction of 79% in CLABSI incidence density was observed, mainly due to Kp-KPC infection and also a reduction in guided antimicrobial costs. CONCLUSIONS: Bathing with 2% CHG led to evident CLABSI reduction.

Os caminhos das mulheres: das Minas coloniais a Vitoriano Veloso / The paths of women: from colonial Minas to Vitoriano Veloso / Los caminos de las mujeres: de las Minas coloniales a Vitoriano Veloso

Este artigo apresenta as reflexões resultantes do estudo etnográfico acerca das expressões do colonialismo e das resistências presentes na história, na historiografia e nas narrativas das mulheres do povoado de Vitoriano Veloso, Minas Gerais, realizada entre 2010 e 2017, e se constitui parte da tese de doutorado. No âmbito da psicossociologia, adota o diálogo epistemológico para desenvolver a análise das temporalidades na longa duração, as teorizações dos paradigmas Pós-Coloniais, Feministas, Subalternos e Decoloniais para refletir criticamente acerca desses movimentos de projeção de tempo longínquo e seus impulsos breves, bem como a metodologia de recorte antropológico que privilegia o testemunho e as experiências de subalternidade.

This article presents the reflections resulting from the ethnographic study about the expressions of colonialism and the resistances present in the history, historiography and narratives of the women of the village of Vitoriano Veloso, Minas Gerais, between 2010 and 2017, and constitute part of the thesis doctoral degree. In the context of psychosociology, it adopts the epistemological dialogue to develop the analysis of the temporalities in the long duration, the theories of the Postcolonial, Feminist, Subaltern and Decolonial paradigms to reflect critically on these movements of projection of distant time and its brief impulses, as well as the methodology of anthropological cut that privileges the testimony and the experiences of subalternity.

Este artículo presenta las reflexiones resultantes del estudio etnográfico acerca de las expresiones del colonialismo y de las resistencias presentes en la historia, en la historiografía y en las narrativas de las mujeres del pueblo de Vitoriano Veloso, Minas Gerais, realizada entre 2010 y 2017, y se constituye parte de la tesis de doctorado. En el ámbito de la psicosociología, adopta el diálogo epistemológico para desarrollar el análisis de las temporalidades en la larga duración, las teorías de los paradigmas Poscolonial, Feminista, Subalterno y Decolonial para reflexionar críticamente sobre estos movimientos de proyección del tiempo distante y sus breves impulsos, así como la metodología de corte antropológico que privilegia el testimonio y las experiencias de subalternidad.

Green tea infusion reduces mercury bioaccessibility and dietary exposure from raw and cooked fish.

Human exposure to mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) through the ingestion of seafood raises human health-related concerns. In contrast, green tea has health benefits and its consumption potentially reduces bioaccessibility of dietary Hg. The present study aimed to assess the effect of green tea in total mercury (THg) and MeHg bioaccessibility in raw and cooked marine fish species commonly having high Hg levels. Preliminary results demonstrated that significantly higher reductions of bioaccessible THg were attained after the co-ingestion of green tea infusion (1 cup or more) in the oral and intestinal phases. Overall, the present findings clearly show that the co-ingestion of green tea along with seafood grilling strongly reduces THg and MeHg bioaccessibility in all fish species and consequently diminishes the probability of exceeding MeHg provisional tolerable weekly intakes through the consumption of these species with high Hg levels. Such results point out the need to better understand the beneficial/preventive role of green tea infusions and other food processing techniques in bioaccessibility reduction of other chemical contaminants present in food products. Such information is certainly useful to help consumers to wisely select their food, and to enable food safety authorities to integrate such information in risk assessment.

Enriched feeds with iodine and selenium from natural and sustainable sources to modulate farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fillets elemental nutritional value.

Developing tailor-made fortified farmed fish is a promising solution to overcome nutritional deficiencies and increase consumer confidence in these products. This study evaluated the supplementation of three fortified diets with I-rich seaweed and selenised-yeast on essential and toxic elements levels in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fortified diets resulted in increased I, Se and Fe in fish muscle. Biofortified seabream and carp revealed lower Cu and Br. The reduction of fishmeal and fish oil in fortified diets resulted in lower Hg and Cd in seabream muscle. Contrarily, fortified diets increased As and Hg in carp fillets. The consumption of 150 g of fortified seabream enabled a significantly higher contribution to the daily recommended intake (DRI) of I (10%) and Se (76%) than non-fortified fish, whereas fortified carp fulfilled 23% of I DRI and 91% of Se DRI. Moreover, the exposure to Pb decreased with the consumption of biofortified seabream (23-82% BMDL01) and carp (26-92% BMDL01). These results support the strategy of developing eco-innovative biofortified farmed fish using sustainable, natural, safe and high-quality ingredients in feeds, to enable consumers to overcome nutritional deficiencies without significantly increased feed costs.

Does the addition of ingredients affect mercury and cadmium bioaccessibility in seafood-based meals?

Despite the bioaccessibility of nutrients and contaminants present in individual seafood products has been thoroughly studied, information is extremely limited in what concerns complete seafood-based meals, where interactions between ingredients may occur. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of different ingredients and cooking processes in mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) bioaccessibility in complete meals of tuna (Thunnus spp.) and edible crab (Cancer pagurus), respectively. The addition of ingredients/side dishes decreased Hg levels in cooked tuna meals, but increased Hg bioaccessibility (up to 31% of bioaccessible Hg in complete meals, against 13.5% in stewed tuna alone). Cd levels in edible crab meals were significantly decreased by the addition of ingredients (~36% and ~65% decrease in boiled crab and paté, respectively), but its' bioaccessibility was not significantly affected (>94% in all cases). Results showed that the weekly consumption of 2 complete tuna meals does not exceed MeHg tolerable weekly intake (TWI), whereas Cd's TWI is largely surpassed with the consumption of 50 g/week of edible crab meals. This highlights the importance of determining contaminant levels and bioaccessibility in a whole seafood-based meal context, as such approach enables a more realistic assessment of the risks that seafood can pose to consumers.

Paralytic Shellfish Toxins and Ocean Warming: Bioaccumulation and Ecotoxicological Responses in Juvenile Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata).

Warmer seawater temperatures are expected to increase harmful algal blooms (HABs) occurrence, intensity, and distribution. Yet, the potential interactions between abiotic stressors and HABs are still poorly understood from ecological and seafood safety perspectives. The present study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the bioaccumulation/depuration mechanisms and ecotoxicological responses of juvenile gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) exposed to paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) under different temperatures (18, 21, 24 °C). PST were detected in fish at the peak of the exposure period (day five, 0.22 µg g-1 N-sulfocarbamoylGonyautoxin-1-2 (C1 and C2), 0.08 µg g-1 Decarbamoylsaxitoxin (dcSTX) and 0.18 µg g-1 Gonyautoxin-5 (B1)), being rapidly eliminated (within the first 24 h of depuration), regardless of exposure temperature. Increased temperatures led to significantly higher PST contamination (275 µg STX eq. kg-1). During the trial, fish antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; glutathione S-transferase, GST) in both muscle and viscera were affected by temperature, whereas a significant induction of heat shock proteins (HSP70), Ubiquitin (Ub) activity (viscera), and lipid peroxidation (LPO; muscle) was observed under the combination of warming and PST exposure. The differential bioaccumulation and biomarker responses observed highlight the need to further understand the interactive effects between PST and abiotic stressors, to better estimate climate change impacts on HABs events, and to develop mitigation strategies to overcome the potential risks associated with seafood consumption.

Bioaccessibility of lipophilic and hydrophilic marine biotoxins in seafood: An in vitro digestion approach.

This study aimed to assess the bioaccessibility of different marine biotoxins in naturally contaminated shellfish and fish gonads using an in vitro digestion methodology. In general, hydrophilic toxins (domoic acid, paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins and tetrodotoxins) showed higher bioaccessibility than lipophilic ones (okadaic acid and azaspiracids). The bioaccessibility of toxins from the okadaic acid group ranged from 69% (raw European razor clams) to 74% (raw donax clams). Regarding azaspiracids, 47% of the initial content was bioaccessible in steamed blue mussel. As for hydrophilic toxins, 100% of the initial content was bioaccessible after digestion in raw shellfish and puffer fish gonads. The total tetrodotoxin bioaccessibility in puffer fish gonads decreased significantly after steaming. The profile of tetrodotoxins changed during the digestion process: TTX and 11-norTTX-6S-ol analogues decreased significantly after digestion, but the 5,6,11-trideoxy TTX analogue increased in both raw and steamed puffer fish gonads. These preliminary findings confirm the need to consider bioaccessibility data in future seafood risk assessment, as such information enables a more accurate and realistic estimation of potential seafood hazards, particularly in what concerns lipophilic toxins, therefore, constituting a crucial tool in the refinement of regulatory limits for the presence of biotoxins in seafood.

Controlling Legionella pneumophila in water systems at reduced hot water temperatures with copper and silver ionization.

BACKGROUND: Hospital-acquired Legionnaires' disease is associated with the presence of Legionella pneumophila in hospital water systems. In the United Kingdom, the Department of Health recommends maintaining hot water temperatures >55°C and cold water temperatures <20°C at the point of delivery to prevent proliferation of L pneumophila in water systems. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of copper and silver ionization to control L pneumophila at deliberately reduced hot water temperatures (43°C) within a newly installed water system in a new building linked to a large health care facility in the United Kingdom. METHODS: One thousand, five hundred ninety-eight water samples were collected between September 2011 and June 2017. Samples were tested using accredited methods for L pneumophila, copper and silver ion levels, and total viable counts. Energy consumption and water usage data were also collected to permit carbon emission calculations. RESULTS: The results of 1,598 routine samples from September 2011 to June 2017, and the recordings of temperatures at outlets in this facility, demonstrated effective (100%) L pneumophila control throughout the study period with an average hot water temperature of 42°C. The energy savings and reduction of carbon emissions were calculated to amount to 33% and 24%, respectively, compared to an equivalent temperature-controlled system. Water system management interventions were required to achieve consistently adequate levels of copper and silver across outlets. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that it is possible to control L pneumophila independent of temperature when copper and silver ionization is introduced into a new building in conjunction with an appropriately managed water system.

Living in a multi-stressors environment: An integrated biomarker approach to assess the ecotoxicological response of meagre (Argyrosomus regius) to venlafaxine, warming and acidification.

Pharmaceuticals, such as the antidepressant venlafaxine (VFX), have been frequently detected in coastal waters and marine biota, and there is a growing body of evidence that these pollutants can be toxic to non-target marine biota, even at low concentrations. Alongside, climate change effects (e.g. warming and acidification) can also affect marine species' physiological fitness and, consequently, compromising their ability to cope with the presence of pollutants. Yet, information regarding interactive effects between pollutants and climate change-related stressors is still scarce. Within this context, the present study aims to assess the differential ecotoxicological responses (antioxidant activity, heat shock response, protein degradation, endocrine disruption and neurotoxicity) of juvenile fish (Argyrosomus regius) tissues (muscle, gills, liver and brain) exposed to VFX (via water or feed), as well as to the interactive effects of warming (ΔT °C = +5 °C) and acidification (ΔpCO2 ~ +1000 µatm, equivalent to ΔpH = -0.4 units), using an integrated multi-biomarker response (IBR) approach. Overall, results showed that VFX toxicity was strongly influenced by the uptake pathway, as well as by warming and acidification. More significant changes (e.g. increases surpassing 100% in lipid peroxidation, LPO, heat shock response protein content, HSP70/HSC70, and total ubiquitin content, Ub,) and higher IBR index values were observed when VFX exposure occurred via water (i.e. average IBR = 19, against 17 in VFX-feed treatment). The co-exposure to climate change-related stressors either enhanced (e.g. glutathione S-transferases activity (GST) in fish muscle was further increased by warming) or attenuated the changes elicited by VFX (e.g. vitellogenin, VTG, liver content increased with VFX feed exposure acting alone, but not when co-exposed with acidification). Yet, increased stress severity was observed when the three stressors acted simultaneously, particularly in fish exposed to VFX via water (i.e. average IBR = 21). Hence, the distinct fish tissues responses elicited by the different scenarios emphasized the relevance of performing multi-stressors ecotoxicological studies, as such approach enables a better estimation of the environmental hazards posed by pollutants in a changing ocean and, consequently, the development of strategies to mitigate them.

Bioaccumulation and ecotoxicological responses of juvenile white seabream (Diplodus sargus) exposed to triclosan, warming and acidification.

Triclosan (TCS) is a synthetic microbial compound widely used in the formulation of various personal care products. Its frequent detection in marine ecosystems, along with its physical and chemical properties, suggest that TCS can be highly persistent, being easily bioaccumulated by biota and, therefore, eliciting various toxicological responses. Yet, TCS's mechanisms of bioaccumulation and toxicity still deserve further research, particularly focusing on the interactive effects with climate change-related stressors (e.g. warming and acidification), as both TCS chemical behaviour and marine species metabolism/physiology can be strongly influenced by the surrounding abiotic conditions. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess TCS bioaccumulation and ecotoxicological effects (i.e. animal fitness indexes, antioxidant activity, protein chaperoning and degradation, neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption) in three tissues (i.e. brain, liver and muscle) of juvenile Diplodus sargus exposed to the interactive effects of TCS dietary exposure (15.9 µg kg-1 dw), seawater warming (ΔTºC = +5 °C) and acidification (ΔpCO2 âˆ¼ +1000 µatm, equivalent to ΔpH = -0.4 units). Muscle was the primary organ of TCS bioaccumulation, and climate change stressors, particularly warming, significantly reduced TCS bioaccumulation in all fish tissues. Furthermore, the negative ecotoxicological responses elicited by TCS were significantly altered by the co-exposure to acidification and/or warming, through either the enhancement (e.g. vitellogenin content) or counteraction/inhibition (e.g. heat shock proteins HSP70/HSC70 content) of molecular biomarker responses, with the combination of TCS plus acidification resulting in more severe alterations. Thus, the distinct patterns of TCS tissue bioaccumulation and ecotoxicological responses induced by the different scenarios emphasized the need to further understand the interactive effects between pollutants and abiotic conditions, as such knowledge enables a better estimation and mitigation of the toxicological impacts of climate change in marine ecosystems.

Pharmaceuticals and endocrine disruptors in raw and cooked seafood from European market: Concentrations and human exposure levels.

Pharmaceuticals (PhACs) and endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are chemicals of emerging concern that can accumulate in seafood sold in markets. These compounds may represent a risk to consumers through effects on the human reproductive system, metabolic disorders, pathogenesis of breast cancer or development of microbial resistance. Measuring their levels in highly consumed seafood is important to assess the potential risks to human health. Besides, the effect of cooking on contaminant levels is relevant to investigate. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to study the presence and levels of PhACs and EDCs in commercially available seafood in the European Union market, to investigate the effect of cooking on contaminant levels, and to evaluate the dietary exposure of humans to these compounds through seafood consumption. A sampling survey of seafood from 11 European countries was undertaken. Twelve highly consumed seafood types were analysed raw and cooked with 3 analytical methods (65 samples, 195 analysis). PhACs were mostly not detectable or below quantification limits in seafood whereas EDCs were a recurrent group of contaminants quantified in the majority of the samples. Besides, cooking by steaming significantly increased their levels in seafood from 2 to 46-fold increase. Based on occurrence and levels, bisphenol A, methylparaben and triclosan were selected for performing a human exposure assessment and health risk characterisation through seafood consumption. The results indicate that the Spanish population has the highest exposure to the selected EDCs through seafood consumption, although the exposure via seafood remained below the current toxicological reference values.

Integrated multi-biomarker responses of juvenile seabass to diclofenac, warming and acidification co-exposure.

Pharmaceutical drugs, such as diclofenac (DCF), are frequently detected in the marine environment, and recent evidence has pointed out their toxicity to non-target marine biota. Concomitantly, altered environmental conditions associated with climate change (e.g. warming and acidification) can also affect the physiology of marine organisms. Yet, the underlying interactions between these environmental stressors (pharmaceutical exposure and climate change-related stressors) still require a deeper understanding. Comprehending the influence of abiotic variables on chemical contaminants' toxicological attributes provides a broader view of the ecological consequences of climate change. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the ecotoxicological responses of juvenile seabass Dicenthrachus labrax under the co-exposure to DCF (from dietary sources, 500 ±â€¯36 ng kg-1 dw), warming (ΔTºC = +5 °C) and acidification (ΔpCO2 ∼1000 µatm, equivalent to ΔpH = -0.4 units), using an "Integrated Biomarker Response" (IBR) approach. Fish were exposed to these three stressors, acting alone or combined, for 28 days in a full cross-factorial design, and blood, brain, liver and muscle tissues were subsequently collected in order to evaluate: i) animal/organ fitness; ii) hematological parameters and iii) molecular biomarkers. Results not only confirmed the toxicological attributes of dietary exposure to DCF in marine fish species at the tissue (e.g. lower HSI), cellular (e.g. increased ENAs and lower erythrocytes viability) and molecular levels (e.g. increased oxidative stress, protein degradation, AChE activity and VTG synthesis), but also showed that such attributes are altered by warming and acidification. Hence, while acidification and/or warming enhanced some effects of DCF exposure (e.g. by further lowering erythrocyte viability, and increasing brain GST activity and Ub synthesis in muscle), the co-exposure to these abiotic stressors also resulted in a reversion/inhibition of some molecular responses (e.g. lower CAT and SOD inhibition and VTG synthesis). IBRs evidenced that an overall higher degree of stress (i.e. high IBR index) was associated with DCF and warming co-exposure, while the effects of acidification were less evident. The distinct responses observed when DCF acted alone or the animals were co-exposed to the drug together with warming and acidification not only highlighted the relevance of considering the interactions between multiple environmental stressors in ecotoxicological studies, but also suggested that the toxicity of pharmaceuticals can be aggravated by climate change-related stressors (particularly warming), thus, posing additional biological challenges to marine fish populations.

Antidepressants in a changing ocean: Venlafaxine uptake and elimination in juvenile fish (Argyrosomus regius) exposed to warming and acidification conditions.

The presence of antidepressants, such as venlafaxine (VFX), in marine ecosystems is increasing, thus, potentially posing ecological and human health risks. The inherent mechanisms of VFX uptake and elimination still require further understanding, particularly accounting for the impact of climate change-related stressors, such as warming and acidification. Hence, the present work aimed to investigate, for the first time, the effects of increased seawater temperature (ΔT°C = +5 °C) and pCO2 levels (ΔpCO2 ∼1000 µatm, equivalent to ΔpH = -0.4 units) on the uptake and elimination of VFX in biological tissues (muscle, liver, brain) and plasma of juvenile meagre (Argyrosomus regius) exposed to VFX through two different exposure pathways (via water, i.e. [VFX ] ∼20 µg L-1, and via feed, i.e. [VFX] ∼160 µg kg-1 dry weight, dw). Overall, results showed that VFX can be uptaken by fish through both water and diet. Fish liver exhibited the highest VFX concentration (126.7 ±â€¯86.5 µg kg-1 and 6786.4 ±â€¯1176.7 µg kg-1 via feed and water exposures, respectively), as well as the highest tissue:plasma concentration ratio, followed in this order by brain and muscle, regardless of exposure route. Both warming and acidification decreased VFX uptake in liver, although VFX uptake in brain was favoured under warming conditions. Conversely, VFX elimination in liver was impaired by both stressors, particularly when acting simultaneously. The distinct patterns of VFX uptake and elimination observed in the different scenarios calls for a better understanding of the effects of exposure route and abiotic conditions on emerging contaminants' toxicokinetics.

Oral bioaccessibility of toxic and essential elements in raw and cooked commercial seafood species available in European markets.

The oral bioaccessibility of several essential and toxic elements was investigated in raw and cooked commercially available seafood species from European markets. Bioaccessibility varied between seafood species and elements. Methylmercury bioaccessibility varied between 10 (octopus) and 60% (monkfish). Arsenic (>64%) was the toxic element showing the highest bioaccessibility. Concerning essential elements bioaccessibility in raw seafood, selenium (73%) and iodine (71%) revealed the highest percentages. The bioaccessibility of elements in steamed products increased or decreased according to species. For example, methylmercury bioaccessibility decreased significantly after steaming in all species, while zinc bioaccessibility increased in fish (tuna and plaice) but decreased in molluscs (mussel and octopus). Together with human exposure assessment and risk characterization, this study could contribute to the establishment of new maximum permissible concentrations for toxic elements in seafood by the European food safety authorities, as well as recommended intakes for essential elements.