Unravelling biochemical responses in the species Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to the antineoplastics ifosfamide and cisplatin under different temperature scenarios.

This study investigates the chronic impact of two of the most widely consumed antineoplastic drugs, Ifosfamide (IF) and Cisplatin (CDDP), on the bivalve species Mytilus galloprovincialis under current (17 °C) and predicted warming conditions (21 °C). Accompanying the expected increase in worldwide cancer incidence, antineoplastics detection in the aquatic environment is also expected to rise. Mussels were exposed to varying concentrations of IF (10, 100, 500 ng/L) and CDDP (10, 100, 1000 ng/L) for 28 days. Biochemical analyses focused on metabolic capacity, antioxidant and biotransformation capacity, cellular damage, and neurotoxicity. Results showed temperature-dependent variations in biochemical responses. Metabolic capacity remained stable under IF, while CDDP exposure increased it at 1000 ng/L for both temperatures. Antioxidant enzyme activities were unaffected by IF, but CDDP activated them, particularly at 21 °C. Biotransformation capacity was unchanged by IF but enhanced by CDDP. Nevertheless, cellular damage occurred at CDDP concentrations above 100 ng/L, regardless of temperature. Integrated biomarker responses highlighted CDDP's greater impact, emphasizing the critical role of temperature in shaping organismal responses and underscoring the complexity of environmental stressor interactions.

Praseodymium and warming interactions in mussels: Comparison between observed and predicted results.

Being a crucial element for technological development, praseodymium (Pr) has been increasingly used, leading to a rise in its concentration in aquatic systems. However, its potential threats to organisms remain poorly understood. Besides contamination, organisms are also threatened by climate change-related factors, including warming. It is important to evaluate how climate change-related factors may influence the effects of contaminants. To address this, histopathological and biochemical analyses were performed in adult mussels of Mytilus galloprovincialis, following a 28-day exposure to Pr (10 µg/L) and warming (4 °C increase) separately, and in combination. Additionally, biochemical and physiological alterations were analysed in the sperm of mussels after 30-min exposure to the same treatments. Furthermore, it was used the Independent Action model to predict the interaction between Pr and warming. The results showed, in the case of adults exposed to Pr, an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) activities. However, it was insufficient, leading to histopathological injuries, redox imbalance, and cellular damage. In the case of sperm, Pr induced an increase of mitochondrial activity and respiration rate, in response to the increase in systemic metabolic rate and oxygen demand. Warming increased the metabolism, and induced redox imbalance and cellular damage in adults. In sperm, a rise in temperature induced lipid peroxidation and a decrease in velocity. Warming induced some alterations in how adult mussels responded to Pr, activating catalase instead of SOD, and in addition to GSTs, also activated carboxylesterases. However, it was not enough to avoid redox imbalance and cellular damage. In the case of sperm, the combination induced a decrease in H2O2 production, and higher oxygen demand, which prevented the decrease in motility and velocity. This study highlights the limitations of using models and emphasizes the importance of studying the impacts of emerging contaminants, such as rare earth elements, and their combination with climate change-related factors. Under environmental conditions, chronic exposure to the combined effect of different stressors might generate impacts at higher biological levels. This may affect organisms' respiratory and filtration capacity, nutrient absorption, defence capacity against infections or diseases, and sperm viability, ultimately resulting in reduced growth and reproduction, with consequences at the population level.

Development of silanized bacterial cellulose aerogels for the incorporation of natural oils with healing properties: Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis), bourbon geranium (Pelargonium X ssp.) essential oils and buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) vegetable oil.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) represents a promising biomaterial, due to its unique and versatile properties. We report, herein, on purposely-designed structural modifications of BC that enhance its application as a wound dressing material. Chemical modification of the functional groups of BC was performed initially to introduce a hydrophobic/oleophilic character to its surface. Specifically, silanization was carried out in an aqueous medium using methyltrimethoxisilane (MTMS) as the silanizing agent, and aerogels were subsequently prepared by freeze-drying. The BC-MTMS aerogel obtained displayed a highly porous (99 %) and lightweight structure with an oil absorption capacity of up to 52 times its dry weight. The XRD pattern indicated that the characteristic crystallographic planes of the native BC were maintained after the silanization process. Thermal analysis showed that the thermal stability of the BC-MTMS aerogel increased, as compared to the pure BC aerogel (pBC). Moreover, the BC-MTMS aerogel was not cytotoxic to fibroblasts and keratinocytes. In the second step of the study, the incorporation of natural oils into the aerogel's matrix was found to endow antimicrobial and/or healing properties to BC-MTMS. Bourbon geranium (Pelargonium X ssp.) essential oil (GEO) was the only oil that exhibited antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms, whereas buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) vegetable oil (BVO) was non-cytotoxic to the cells. This study demonstrates that the characteristics of the BC structure can be modified, while preserving its intrinsic features, offering new possibilities for the development of BC-derived materials for specific applications in the biomedical field.

The influence of temperature on the impacts of caffeine in mussels: Evaluating subcellular impacts and model predictions.

In aquatic ecosystems, the presence of pharmaceuticals, particularly caffeine (CAF), has been linked to wastewater discharge, hospital waste, and the disposal of expired pharmaceutical products containing CAF. Additionally, rising temperatures due to climate change are anticipated in aquatic environments. This study aimed to assess the toxicity of various CAF concentrations under current (17 °C) and projected (21 °C) temperature conditions, using the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis as a bioindicator species. Subcellular impacts were evaluated following 28 days of exposure to four CAF concentrations (0.5; 1.0; 5.0; 10.0 µg/L) at the control temperature (17 °C). Only effects at an environmentally relevant CAF concentration (5.0 µg/L) were assessed at the highest temperature (21 °C). The overall biochemical response of mussels was evaluated using non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) and the Integrated Biomarker Response (IBR) index, while the Independent Action (IA) model was used to compare observed and predicted responses. Results showed that at 17 °C, increased CAF concentrations were associated with higher metabolism and biotransformation capacity, accompanied by cellular damage at the highest concentration. Conversely, under warming conditions (21 °C), the induction of antioxidant enzymes was observed, although insufficient to prevent cellular damage compared to the control temperature. Regarding neurotoxicity, at 17 °C, the activity of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme was inhibited up to 5.0 µg/L; however, at 10.0 µg/L, activity increased, possibly due to CAF competition for adenosine receptors. The IA model identified a synergistic response for most parameters when CAF and warming acted together, aligning with observed results, albeit with slightly lower magnitudes.

Living under natural conditions of ocean acidification entails energy expenditure and oxidative stress in a mussel species.

We investigated the health conditions of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis recruited in the CO2 vents system of Castello Aragonese at Ischia Island (Mediterranean Sea). Individuals of M. galloprovincialis were sampled in three sites along the pH gradient (8.10, 7.7 and up to <7.4). Untargeted metabolomics and biochemical endpoints related to energetic metabolism, oxidative stress/damage, neurotoxicity and immune defense were analyzed. Corrosion of the valves occurred at low pH. A separation of the metabolome was observed along the pH gradient. Metabolites belonging to amino acids, nucleosides, lipids and organic osmolytes were significantly reduced in the organisms from the most acidified sites. The content of reactive oxygen species and the activity of glutathione peroxidase were reduced in organisms from the acidified sites compared to ambient pH, and no oxidative damage was induced. Overall results suggested the presence of an energy cost underpinning long-term survival in acidified conditions for this species.

Can exposure to Gymnodinium catenatum toxic blooms influence the impacts induced by Neodymium in Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels? What doesn't kill can make them stronger?

The presence in marine shellfish of toxins and pollutants like rare earth elements (REEs) poses a major threat to human well-being, coastal ecosystems, and marine life. Among the REEs, neodymium (Nd) stands out as a widely utilized element and is projected to be among the top five critical elements by 2025. Gymnodinum catenatum is a phytoplankton species commonly associated with the contamination of bivalves with paralytic shellfish toxins. This study evaluated the biological effects of Nd on the mussel species Mytilus galloprovincialis when exposed to G. catenatum cells for fourteen days, followed by a recovery period in uncontaminated seawater for another fourteen days. After co-exposure, mussels showed similar toxin accumulation in the Nd and G. catenatum treatment in comparison with the G. catenatum treatment alone. Increased metabolism and enzymatic defenses were observed in organisms exposed to G. catenatum cells, while Nd inhibited enzyme activity and caused cellular damage. Overall, this study revealed that the combined presence of G. catenatum cells and Nd, produced positive synergistic effects on M. galloprovincialis biochemical responses compared to G. catenatum alone, indicating that organisms' performance may be significantly modulated by the presence of multiple co-occurring stressors, such those related to chemical pollution and harmful algal blooms. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS: Neodymium (Nd) is widely used in green technologies like wind turbines, and this element's potential threats to aquatic environments are almost unknown, especially when co-occurring with other environmental factors such as blooms of toxic algae. This study revealed the cellular impacts induced by Nd in the bioindicator species Mytilus galloprovincialis but further demonstrated that the combination of both stressors can generate a positive defense response in mussels. The present findings also demonstrated that the impacts caused by Nd lasted even after a recovery period while a previous exposure to the toxins generated a faster biochemical improvement by the mussels.

The role of warming in modulating neodymium effects on adults and sperm of Mytilus galloprovincialis.

The use of rare earth elements (REEs) has been increasing and one of the most used is neodymium (Nd). Being an emergent contaminant, its negative impacts are poorly understood. Aquatic organisms are also threatened by climate change-related factors, as is the case of warming, which can change the effects of REEs. Thus, the impacts of Nd, warming, and the combination of both stressors were studied in adult mussels and sperm of the species Mytilus galloprovincialis, after an exposure period of 28 days (adults) and 30 min (sperm). The effects were evaluated through the analysis of biochemical and histopathological alterations in adults and biochemical and physiological responses given by sperm. The results showed that mussels only activated their biotransformation capacity when exposed to the stressors acting alone, which was insufficient to avoid lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, warming (alone and combined with Nd) also produces damage to proteins. The digestive gland was the most sensitive organ to Nd, presenting several histopathological alterations. In the case of sperm, all stressors induced lipid peroxidation, a higher oxygen demand, and a decrease in velocity, even if the sperm viability was maintained. It seems that warming influenced the effects of Nd to some extent. The present findings contribute significantly to the field of REEs environmental toxicology by offering valuable insights into the impacts of Nd on various biological levels of mussels. Additionally, within the context of climate change, this study sheds light on how temperature influences the effects of Nd. The obtained results indicate that both stressors can potentially compromise the overall health of mussel populations, thereby affecting other species reliant on them for food and habitat. Moreover, this study highlights impaired sperm health, which could adversely affect their reproductive capacity and ultimately lead to population decline.

The role of the macroalgae Ulva lactuca on the cellular effects of neodymium and mercury in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis.

Rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly being studied mainly due to their economic importance and wide range of applications, but also for their rising environmental concentrations and potential environmental and ecotoxicological impacts. Among REEs, neodymium (Nd) is widely used in lasers, glass additives, and magnets. Currently, NdFeB-based permanent magnets are the most significant components of electronic devices and Nd is used because of its magnetic properties. In addition to REEs, part of the environmental pollution related to electrical and electronic equipment, fluorescent lamps and batteries also comes from mercury (Hg). Since both elements persist in ecosystems and are continuously accumulated by marine organisms, a promising approach for water decontamination has emerged. Through a process known as sorption, live marine macroalgae can be used, especially Ulva lactuca, to accumulate potential toxic elements from the water. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the cellular toxicity of Nd and Hg in Mytilus galloprovincialis, comparing the biochemical effects induced by these elements in the presence or absence of the macroalgae U. lactuca. The results confirmed that Hg was more toxic to mussels than Nd, but also showed the good capability of U. lactuca in preventing the onset of cellular disturbance and homeostasis disruption in M. galloprovincialis by reducing bioavailable Hg levels. Overall, the biochemical parameters evaluated related to metabolism, antioxidant and biotransformation defences, redox balance, and cellular damage, showed that algae could prevent biological effects in mussels exposed to Hg compared to those exposed to Nd. This study contributes to the advancement of knowledge in this field, namely the understanding of the impacts of different elements on bivalves and the crucial role of algae in the protection of other aquatic organisms.

Removal of chromium(III) from contaminated waters using cobalt ferrite: how safe is remediated water to aquatic wildlife?

The release of hazardous elements by industrial effluents to aquatic ecosystems is a potential threat to the environment. Chromium (Cr) is one of the elements whose levels in several freshwater ecosystems should be reduced to promote water reuse. In recent years, magnetic materials have gained increasing interest as sorbents because of their easy removal from treated water through magnetic separation. In this study, colloidal cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) particles were investigated as magnetic sorbents for chromium-aqueous chemical species. The oxidative stress responses of Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels exposed to 200 µg/L of Cr, resembling remediated water, were evaluated. More than 95% of Cr was removed from contaminated solutions by CoFe2O4 aqueous suspensions at pH 6 and pH 10. The kinetics of sorption experiments were examined using pseudo-1st order, pseudo-2nd order and Elovich models to evaluate which mathematical model has a better adjustment to the experimental data. The present study revealed that the levels of Cr that remained in remediated water induced limited biochemical changes in mussels, being considered safe for aquatic systems. Overall, the use of cobalt ferrite-based sorbents may constitute a promising approach to remediate contaminated water.

From the cellular to tissue alterations induced by two rare earth elements in the mussel species Mytilus galloprovincialis: Comparison between exposure and recovery periods.

The global effort to achieve carbon neutrality has led to an increased demand for renewable energy technologies and their raw materials, namely rare earth elements (REEs). These elements possess unique properties and are used in various applications. However, the increased use of REE-based technologies has resulted in higher amounts of electronic waste, leading to elevated REEs concentrations found in the aquatic environment, with poorly understood threats to wildlife. Praseodymium (Pr) and europium (Eu) are two REEs that, despite their potential environmental risks, have almost unknown effects on aquatic organisms. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the impacts of different concentrations of Pr and Eu (0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 µg/L) in the mussel species Mytilus galloprovincialis, as well as their ability to recover from exposure to the highest concentration. Mussels accumulated both elements in a dose-dependent manner, with the accumulation of Pr being higher. Accompanying the increase of metabolism, mussels exposed to Pr not only enhanced the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (up to 40 µg/L) and glutathione reductase (at 80 µg/L) but also the activity of the biotransformation enzymes carboxylesterases (CbE's) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) (at 80 µg/L). Nevertheless, these defence mechanisms were not sufficient to prevent cellular damage. All the Eu concentrations induced cellular damage, despite an increase in the activity of biotransformation enzymes (CbE's and GSTs) in mussel tissue. According to the histopathology assessment, mussels were not able to recover after exposure to both elements and lower concentrations induced higher injuries in digestive tubules. This study highlights that exposure to Pr and Eu had adverse effects on M. galloprovincialis, even at the lowest tested concentration, which may eventually impact mussels' growth, reproductive capacity, and survival.

Yttrium effects on the Mediterranean mussel under a scenario of salinity shifts and increased temperature.

Climate change (CC) induces significant worldwide alterations in salinity and temperature, impacting ecosystems and their services. Marine organisms, susceptible to these changes, may experience modified vulnerability to anthropogenic contaminants, including rare-earth elements (REEs) such as yttrium (Y) derived from electronic waste. This study investigated the influence of temperature and salinity changes on the impacts of Y in Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels. Organisms were subjected to Y (0 and 10 µg/L) for 28 days under three salinity scenarios (20, 30 (control), and 40, at a control temperature of 17 °C) or to two temperatures (17 and 22 °C, at the control salinity of 30). Under these conditions, Y bioaccumulation and different biomarkers were evaluated. Results showed that salinity and temperature did not affect Y accumulation, indicating effective detoxification mechanisms and physiological adaptations in the exposed organisms. However, in Y-exposed mussels effects were intensified under decreased salinity, evidenced by increased metabolism, defense enzyme activities, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels. Similar responses occurred under heat stress with enhanced metabolic capacity, AChE activity, and activation of defense mechanisms such as glutathione S-transferases. These defense mechanisms mitigated cellular damage caused by Y, but under the highest temperature and especially lower salinity, Y-exposed mussels exhibited increased oxidative stress and decreased efficiency of activated defense enzymes, resulting in cellular damage compared to their uncontaminated counterpart. The present study sheds light on the effects that interactions between temperature, salinity, and the presence of emerging contaminants like REEs may have on marine organisms. Such assessments are crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of CC and protect the long-term health and resilience of marine ecosystems.

How predicted temperature and salinity changes will modulate the impacts induced by terbium in bivalves?

The threat of climate change, which includes shifts in salinity and temperature, has generated a global concern for marine organisms. These changes directly impact them and may alter their susceptibility to contaminants, such as terbium (Tb), found in electronic waste. This study assessed how decreased and increased salinity, as well as increased temperature, modulates Tb effects in Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels. After an exposure period of 28 days, Tb bioaccumulation and biochemical changes were evaluated. Results indicated no significant modulation of salinity and temperature on Tb accumulation, suggesting detoxification mechanisms and adaptations. Further analysis showed that Tb exposure alone caused antioxidant inhibition and neurotoxicity. When exposed to decreased salinity, these Tb-exposed organisms activated defense mechanisms, a response indicative of osmotic stress. Moreover, increased salinity also led to increased oxidative stress and metabolic activity in Tb-exposed organisms. Additionally, Tb-exposed organisms responded to elevated temperature with altered biochemical activities indicative of damage and stress response. Such responses suggested that Tb effects were masked by osmotic and heat stress. This study provides valuable insights into the interactions between temperature, salinity, and contaminants such as Tb, impacting marine organisms. Understanding these relationships is crucial for mitigating climate change and electronic waste effects on marine ecosystems.

Exploring toxicological interactions in a changing sea: The case of the alkaloids caffeine and caulerpin.

The bisindolic alkaloid caulerpin (CAU) is a bioactive compound isolated from green algae of the genus Caulerpa that are highly invasive in the Mediterranean Sea. On the other side, the purine alkaloid caffeine (CAF) is one of the most globally consumed psychoactive substances and a widespread anthropogenic water pollutant. Both compounds display a large panel of biological properties and are well known to accumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms and, in certain circumstances, co-occur in the human diet. On this premise, the present study aimed to investigate possible synergistic interactions between CAU and CAF by using the bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis as a model organism. Mussels were exposed to CAF via medium while they were fed with food enriched with CAU. After treatments, biochemical analysis confirmed the toxic potential of CAF, with increased AChE activity and lipid peroxidation. Also, histopathological alterations were observed in the gills and digestive tubules. The NMR-based metabolomics analysis detected higher levels of free amino acids under CAF treatments. Conversely, the food administration of CAU did not affect the above toxicological biomarkers. In addition, we did not observe any cumulative effect between CAF and CAU toward increased cellular damage and neurotoxicity. On the other hand, a possible action of CAU in decreasing CAF toxicity could be hypothesized based on our results. This hypothesis is supported by the activity of CAU as an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). PPARs mediate xenobiotic detoxification via cytochromes P450, which is involved in CAF metabolism. Overall, the results obtained not only rule out any cumulative adverse effects of CAF and CAU but also encourage further research to evaluate the possible use of CAU, a compound easily obtained through the valorization of biomass from invasive species, as a food additive to improve the clearance of xenobiotics.

Trace elements assessment in Cerastoderma glaucum from port areas in the Tunisian Mediterranean coast: The influence of parasites on bioaccumulation.

In the present study, the seasonal concentration of seven trace elements was investigated in sediment and the cockle Cerastoderma glaucum tissues from two port areas in the North-East and South of Tunisia comparing cockles non-parasitized (NP) and parasitized (P) with digenean parasites. Elements concentration in sediments analyzed in both sites revealed that Zinc (Zn), Chromium (Cr), and Lead (Pb) were the most abundant ones, while Cadmium (Cd) and Mercury (Hg) were less abundant. The bioaccumulation of trace metals and Arsenic (As) in the tissues of cockles seems to be modulated by both the infection state and the parasite species. The relationship between bioaccumulation of metals and As, trematode species and abiotic parameters showed that the availability of certain metals for uptake by P cockles of both sites was influenced by the salinity and temperature of the water. Our results corroborate the possibility of using digenean infecting bivalves in biomonitoring aquatic ecosystems.

Impact of the COVID-19 Health Crisis on Key Populations at Higher Risk for, or Living With, HIV or Hepatitis C Virus and People Working With These Populations: Multicountry Community-Based Research Study Protocol (EPIC Program).

BACKGROUND: Information concerning the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis on populations most affected by HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV; or key populations [KP]), and those working with these populations in community settings, is limited. Community-based organizations working in the field of HIV and viral hepatitis are well placed to identify and meet the new needs of KP owing to the health crisis. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the development and implementation of an exploratory and descriptive multicountry, community-based research program, EPIC (Enquêtes Pour évaluer l'Impact de la crise sanitaire covid en milieu Communautaire), within an international network of community-based organizations involved in the response to HIV and viral hepatitis. The EPIC program aimed to study the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis on KP or people living with HIV or HCV and people working with these populations at the community level (community health workers [CHWs]) and to identify the key innovations and adaptations in HIV and HCV services. METHODS: A general protocol and study documents were developed and shared within the Coalition PLUS network. The protocol had a built-in flexibility that allowed participating organizations to adapt the study to local needs in terms of the target population and specific themes of interest. Data were collected using surveys or interviews. RESULTS: From July 2020 to May 2022, a total of 79 organizations participated in the EPIC program. Across 32 countries, 118 studies were conducted: 66 quantitative (n=12,060 among KP or people living with HIV or people living with HCV and n=811 among CHWs) and 52 qualitative (n=766 among KP or people living with HIV or people living with HCV and n=136 among CHWs). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the EPIC program will provide data to describe the impact of the health crisis on KP and CHWs and identify their emerging needs. Documentation of innovative solutions that were put into place in this context may help improve the provision of services after COVID-19 and for future health crises. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/45204.

Epidemiological trends of isolated and non-isolated central nervous system congenital malformations in live births in a middle-income setting.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze, in the São Paulo state of Brazil, time trends in prevalence, neonatal mortality, and neonatal lethality of central nervous system congenital malformations (CNS-CM) between 2004 and 2015. METHODS: Population-based study of all live births with gestational age ≥22 weeks and/or birthweight ≥400 g from mothers living in São Paulo State, during 2004-2015. CNS-CM was defined by the presence of International Classification Disease 10th edition codes Q00-Q07 in the death and/or live birth certificates. CNS-CM was classified as isolated (only Q00-Q07 codes), and non-isolated (with congenital anomalies codes nonrelated to CNS-CM). CNS-CM associated neonatal death was defined as death between 0 and 27 days after birth in infants with CNS-CM. CNS-CM prevalence, neonatal mortality, and lethality rates were calculated, and their annual trends were analyzed by Prais-Winsten Model. The annual percent change (APC) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was obtained. RESULTS: 7,237,628 live births were included in the study and CNS-CM were reported in 7526 (0.1%). CNS-CM associated neonatal deaths occurred in 2935 (39.0%). Isolated CNS-CM and non-isolated CNS-CM were found respectively in 5475 and 2051 livebirths, with 1525 (28%) and 1410 (69%) neonatal deaths. CNS-CM prevalence and neonatal lethality were stationary, however neonatal mortality decreased (APC -1.66; 95%CI -3.09 to -0.21) during the study. For isolated CNS-CM, prevalence, neonatal mortality, and lethality decreased over the period. For non-isolated CNS-CM, the prevalence increased, neonatal mortality was stationary, and lethality decreased during the period. The median time of CNS-CM associated neonatal deaths was 18 h after birth. CONCLUSIONS: During a 12-year period in São Paulo State, Brazil, neonatal mortality of infants with CNS-CM in general and with isolated CNS-CM showed a decreasing pattern. Nevertheless CNS-CM mortality remained elevated, mostly in the first day after birth.

Gadolinium accumulation and its biochemical effects in Mytilus galloprovincialis under a scenario of global warming.

Electrical and electronic equipment reaching the end of its useful life is currently being disposed of at such an alarmingly high pace that raises environmental concerns. Together with other potentially dangerous compounds, electronic waste contains the rare-earth element gadolinium (Gd), which has already been reported in aquatic systems. Additionally, the vulnerability of aquatic species to this element may also be modified when climate change related factors, like increase in temperature, are taken into consideration. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of Gd under a scenario of increased temperature in Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels. A multi-biomarker approach and Gd bioaccumulation were assessed in mussels exposed for 28 days to 0 and 10 µg/L of Gd at two temperatures (control - 17 °C; increased - 22 °C). Results confirmed that temperature had a strong influence on the bioaccumulation of Gd. Moreover, mussels exposed to Gd alone reduced their metabolism, possibly to prevent further accumulation, and despite catalase and glutathione S-transferases were activated, cellular damage seen as increased lipid peroxidation was not avoided. Under enhanced temperature, cellular damage in Gd-exposed mussels was even greater, as defense mechanisms were not activated, possibly due to heat stress. In fact, with increased temperature alone, organisms experienced a general metabolic depression, particularly evidenced in defense enzymes, similar to the results obtained under Gd-exposure. Overall, this study underlines the importance of conducting environmental risk assessment taking into consideration anticipated climate change scenarios and exposures to emerging contaminants at relevant environmental concentrations.

Comparative subcellular responses to pharmaceutical exposures in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis: An in vitro study.

Pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) have raised concerns in the last decade due to their increased consumption and inadequate elimination during discharge, resulting in their introduction into water systems and potential significant threats to non-target organisms. However, few studies have investigated the sublethal impacts of PhAC exposure on marine invertebrates. Thus, the present study aimed to assess tissue-specific responses in Mytilus galloprovincialis to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), salicylic acid (SA), and caffeine (CAF) (4.0 mg/L, 4.0 mg/L and 2.0 µg/L, respectively). Short-term in vitro exposures with mussel digestive gland and gill tissues were conducted and biochemical responses related to antioxidant and detoxification capacity, cellular damage and neurotoxicity were assessed. The present results clearly showed significant differences in tissue sensitivity and biochemical responses to the contaminants tested. This study highlights the suitability of filter-feeder species as valuable model organisms for studying the sublethal effects of unintended environmental exposures to PhACs.

In vitro screening of imidazolium and pyrrolidinium based ionic liquids toxicity on subcellular fractions of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis.

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been considered eco-friendly alternatives to conventional organic solvents. However, several studies have reported that ILs exert toxicity towards aquatic invertebrates. Applying in vitro methodology, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential effect of three ILs on the biochemical performance of exposed Mytilus galloprovincialis digestive gland and gills cellular fractions. Carboxylesterase might be involved in the derived toxicity mechanism of ILs as activity levels increased significantly in digestive gland exposed fractions. This group of ILs did not seem to induce genotoxicity, except in gills cellular fractions exposed to 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. In the literature, in vitro methodology has been suggested as an important complement to animal testing and in silico studies. The present research underlines its efficacy as a quick pre-screening before in vivo testing, particularly with heterogenic groups of substances with high variability in composition, such as ILs and deep eutectic solvents.

Multi-biomarker approach for the (eco)toxicity of UV-filter environmental pollution on the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis in a multiple stressor context. The case of 4-MBC under salinity shifts.

Marine-coastal ecosystems are rapidly transforming because of climate change (CC). At the same time, the impacts of emerging organic contaminants (i.e., organic UV-filters) on these ecosystems are intensifying. In the Mediterranean, the consequences of these disturbances are occurring at a fast pace making this area a potential sentinel site to be investigated. While singular effects of organic UV-filters or CC-related factors on marine biota have been relatively described, their combined impact is still largely unknown. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the long-term responses of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis towards anticipated salinity changes (decreases-S20 or increases-S40) when exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of the UV-filter 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC). An integrated multi-biomarker approach was applied, featuring general and oxidative stress, antioxidant and biotransformation enzyme capacity, energy metabolism, genotoxicity, and neurotoxicity biomarkers. Results showed that both projected salinities, considered separately, exerted non-negligible impacts on mussels' health status, with greater biological impairments found at S 40. Combining both stressors resulted in an evident increase in mussels' susceptibility to the UV-filter, which exacerbated the toxicity of 4-MBC. The dominant influence of salinity in the climate change-contaminant interaction played a crucial role in this outcome. The most severe scenario occurred when S 20 was combined with 4-MBC. In this situation, mussels exhibited a decrease in filtration rate, metabolic capacity and deployment of energy reserves increased, with an upregulation of biotransformation and inhibition of antioxidant enzyme activities. This exposure also led to the observation of cellular and DNA damage, as well as an increase in AChE activity. Furthermore, salinity-dependent bioaccumulation patterns were evaluated revealing that the lowest values in contaminated mussels are found at S 20. Overall, the present findings provide evidence that projected CC/pollutant scenarios may represent high risks for mussels' populations, with global relevant implications for the ecosystem level.