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Editor’s Choice Articles

Editor’s Choice articles are based on recommendations by the scientific editors of MDPI journals from around the world. Editors select a small number of articles recently published in the journal that they believe will be particularly interesting to readers, or important in the respective research area. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of the most exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal.

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30 pages, 660 KB  
Review
Titanium and Zinc Based Nanomaterials in Agriculture: A Promising Approach to Deal with (A)biotic Stresses?
by Sónia Silva, Maria Celeste Dias and Artur M. S. Silva
Toxics 2022, 10(4), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10040172 - 31 Mar 2022
Cited by 49 | Viewed by 5399
Abstract
Abiotic stresses, such as those induced by climatic factors or contaminants, and biotic stresses prompted by phytopathogens and pests inflict tremendous losses in agriculture and are major threats to worldwide food security. In addition, climate changes will exacerbate these factors as well as [...] Read more.
Abiotic stresses, such as those induced by climatic factors or contaminants, and biotic stresses prompted by phytopathogens and pests inflict tremendous losses in agriculture and are major threats to worldwide food security. In addition, climate changes will exacerbate these factors as well as their negative impact on crops. Drought, salinity, heavy metals, pesticides, and drugs are major environmental problems that need deep attention, and effective and sustainable strategies to mitigate their effects on the environment need to be developed. Besides, sustainable solutions for agrocontrol must be developed as alternatives to conventional agrochemicals. In this sense, nanotechnology offers promising solutions to mitigate environmental stress effects on plants, increasing plant tolerance to the stressor, for the remediation of environmental contaminants, and to protect plants against pathogens. In this review, nano-sized TiO2 (nTiO2) and ZnO (nZnO) are scrutinized, and their potential to ameliorate drought, salinity, and xenobiotics effects in plants are emphasized, in addition to their antimicrobial potential for plant disease management. Understanding the level of stress alleviation in plants by these nanomaterials (NM) and relating them with the application conditions/methods is imperative to define the most sustainable and effective approaches to be adopted. Although broad-spectrum reviews exist, this article provides focused information on nTiO2 and nZnO for improving our understanding of the ameliorative potential that these NM show, addressing the gaps in the literature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Nanomaterials in the Environment)
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18 pages, 4967 KB  
Article
A Biomonitoring Pilot Study in Workers from a Paints Production Plant Exposed to Pigment-Grade Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)
by Enrico Bergamaschi, Valeria Bellisario, Manuela Macrì, Martina Buglisi, Giacomo Garzaro, Giulia Squillacioti, Federica Ghelli, Roberto Bono, Ivana Fenoglio, Francesco Barbero, Chiara Riganti, Antonella Marrocco, Sara Bonetta and Elisabetta Carraro
Toxics 2022, 10(4), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10040171 - 31 Mar 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4225
Abstract
Among particulate matter composing paints, titanium dioxide (TiO2) forms about 20% of the final suspension. Although TiO2 is broadly used in many applications, TiO2 powders represent an established respiratory hazard for workers with long-term exposure. In 35 workers of [...] Read more.
Among particulate matter composing paints, titanium dioxide (TiO2) forms about 20% of the final suspension. Although TiO2 is broadly used in many applications, TiO2 powders represent an established respiratory hazard for workers with long-term exposure. In 35 workers of a paints production plant (15 exposed and 20 not exposed), we assessed pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-17), surfactant protein D (SP-D) and Krebs von den Lungen-6 glycoprotein (KL-6) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC). In urine samples, we measured 8-isoprostane (Isop) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) as biomarkers of oxidative stress, and Titanium (Ti-U) as a biomarker of exposure. Health status, habits and occupational history were recorded. Airborne respirable dusts and Ti were quantified. Particle number concentration and average diameter (nm) were detected by a NanoTracer™ monitoring device. Ti was measurable in filters collected at the respiratory breathing zone (0.11–0.44 µg/m3 8-h TWA). IL-1β and IL-10 values were significantly higher in exposed workers, whereas SP-D was significantly lower (p < 0.001). KL-6 was significantly higher in workers than in controls (p < 0.01). MDA levels were significantly increased in exposed workers and were positively correlated with Ti-U. Exposure to TiO2 in paint production is associated with the subtle alterations of lung pathobiology. These findings suggest the need for an integrated approach relying on both personal exposure and biomarker assessment to improve the hazard characterisation in occupational settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future)
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16 pages, 1951 KB  
Systematic Review
Urinary Malondialdehyde (MDA) Concentrations in the General Population—A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
by Antonio Toto, Pascal Wild, Mélanie Graille, Veronica Turcu, Camille Crézé, Maud Hemmendinger, Jean-Jacques Sauvain, Enrico Bergamaschi, Irina Guseva Canu and Nancy B. Hopf
Toxics 2022, 10(4), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10040160 - 29 Mar 2022
Cited by 52 | Viewed by 7526
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been associated with various inflammation-related human diseases. It is defined as an imbalance between the production and elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can oxidize proteins, lipids, and DNA, and some of these oxidized products are excreted in urine, [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress has been associated with various inflammation-related human diseases. It is defined as an imbalance between the production and elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can oxidize proteins, lipids, and DNA, and some of these oxidized products are excreted in urine, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), which is considered a biomarker for oxidative damage of lipids. To interpret changes of this biomarker as a measure of oxidative species overproduction in humans, a background range for urinary MDA concentration in the general population is needed. We sought to establish urinary MDA concentration ranges for healthy adult populations based on reported values in the available scientific literature. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using the standardized protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020146623). EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane library databases were searched from journal inception up to October 2020. We included 35 studies (divided into 47 subgroups for the quantitative analysis). Only studies that measured creatinine-corrected urinary MDA with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with mass spectrometry (MS), fluorescence detection, or UV photometry were included. The geometric mean (GM) of urinary MDA concentration was 0.10 mg/g creatinine and 95% percentile confidence interval (CI) 0.07–0.12. Age, geographical location but not sex, and smoking status had a significant effect on urinary MDA concentrations. There was a significant increasing trend of urinary MDA concentrations with age. These urinary MDA values should be considered preliminary, as they are based on mostly moderate to some low-quality evidence studies. Although urinary MDA can reliably reflect excessive oxidative stress in a population, the influence of physiological parameters that affect its meaning needs to be addressed as well as harmonizing the chemical analytical methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future)
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23 pages, 5395 KB  
Article
Environmentally Toxic Solid Nanoparticles in Noradrenergic and Dopaminergic Nuclei and Cerebellum of Metropolitan Mexico City Children and Young Adults with Neural Quadruple Misfolded Protein Pathologies and High Exposures to Nano Particulate Matter
by Lilian Calderón-Garcidueñas, Angélica González-Maciel, Rafael Reynoso-Robles, Héctor G. Silva-Pereyra, Ricardo Torres-Jardón, Rafael Brito-Aguilar, Alberto Ayala, Elijah W. Stommel and Ricardo Delgado-Chávez
Toxics 2022, 10(4), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10040164 - 29 Mar 2022
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6610
Abstract
Quadruple aberrant hyperphosphorylated tau, beta-amyloid, α-synuclein and TDP-43 neuropathology and metal solid nanoparticles (NPs) are documented in the brains of children and young adults exposed to Metropolitan Mexico City (MMC) pollution. We investigated environmental NPs reaching noradrenergic and dopaminergic nuclei and the cerebellum [...] Read more.
Quadruple aberrant hyperphosphorylated tau, beta-amyloid, α-synuclein and TDP-43 neuropathology and metal solid nanoparticles (NPs) are documented in the brains of children and young adults exposed to Metropolitan Mexico City (MMC) pollution. We investigated environmental NPs reaching noradrenergic and dopaminergic nuclei and the cerebellum and their associated ultrastructural alterations. Here, we identify NPs in the locus coeruleus (LC), substantia nigrae (SN) and cerebellum by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) in 197 samples from 179 MMC residents, aged 25.9 ± 9.2 years and seven older adults aged 63 ± 14.5 years. Fe, Ti, Hg, W, Al and Zn spherical and acicular NPs were identified in the SN, LC and cerebellar neural and vascular mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, neuromelanin, heterochromatin and nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) along with early and progressive neurovascular damage and cerebellar endothelial erythrophagocytosis. Strikingly, FeNPs 4 ± 1 nm and Hg NPs 8 ± 2 nm were seen predominantly in the LC and SN. Nanoparticles could serve as a common denominator for misfolded proteins and could play a role in altering and obstructing NPCs. The NPs/carbon monoxide correlation is potentially useful for evaluating early neurodegeneration risk in urbanites. Early life NP exposures pose high risk to brains for development of lethal neurologic outcomes. NP emissions sources ought to be clearly recognized, regulated, and monitored; future generations are at stake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inducing-Toxicity in the Neurological System by Environmental Pollutants)
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29 pages, 1487 KB  
Review
Chemical Fractionation in Environmental Studies of Potentially Toxic Particulate-Bound Elements in Urban Air: A Critical Review
by Ryszard Świetlik and Marzena Trojanowska
Toxics 2022, 10(3), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10030124 - 4 Mar 2022
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4216
Abstract
In recent years, studies of heavy metal air pollution have increasingly gone beyond determining total concentrations of individual toxic metals. Chemical fractionation of potentially toxic elements in airborne particles is becoming an important part of these studies. This review covers the articles that [...] Read more.
In recent years, studies of heavy metal air pollution have increasingly gone beyond determining total concentrations of individual toxic metals. Chemical fractionation of potentially toxic elements in airborne particles is becoming an important part of these studies. This review covers the articles that have been published over the last three decades. Attention was paid to the issue of atmospheric aerosol sampling, sample pretreatment, sequential extraction schemes and conditions of individual extractions. Geochemical forms of metals occurring in the air in urban areas were considered in detail. Based on the data sets from chemical fractionation of particulate matter samples by three sequential extraction procedures (SEPs)—Fernández Espinosa, BCR and Chester’s—the compilation of the chemical distribution patterns of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn was prepared. The human health risk posed by these toxic and/or carcinogenic elements via inhalation of atmospheric particles was estimated for two categories of polluted urban areas: the commonly encountered pollution level and the high pollution level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Distribution of Particulate-Bound Heavy Metals and Its Impact on Health Risk Assessment)
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14 pages, 378 KB  
Review
The Other Face of Insulin—Overdose and Its Effects
by Szymon Rzepczyk, Klaudia Dolińska-Kaczmarek, Aleksandra Uruska and Czesław Żaba
Toxics 2022, 10(3), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10030123 - 3 Mar 2022
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 41399
Abstract
Insulin is the most effective glycemic-lowering drug, and for people suffering from type 1 diabetes it is a life-saving drug. Its self-dosing by patients may be associated with a higher risk of overdose, both accidental and deliberate. Insulin-induced hypoglycemia causes up to 100,000 [...] Read more.
Insulin is the most effective glycemic-lowering drug, and for people suffering from type 1 diabetes it is a life-saving drug. Its self-dosing by patients may be associated with a higher risk of overdose, both accidental and deliberate. Insulin-induced hypoglycemia causes up to 100,000 emergency department calls per year. Cases of suicide attempts using insulin have been described in the literature since its introduction into therapy, and one of the important factors in their occurrence is the very fact of chronic disease. Up to 90% of patients who go to toxicology wards overdose insulin consciously. Patients with diabetes are burdened with a 2–3 times higher risk of developing depression compared to the general population. For this reason, it is necessary to develop an effective system for detecting a predisposition to overdose, including the assessment of the first symptoms of depression in patients with diabetes. A key role is played by a risk-conscious therapeutic team, as well as education. Further post-mortem testing is also needed for material collection and storage, as well as standardization of analytical methods and interpretation of results, which would allow for more effective detection and analysis of intentional overdose—both by the patient and for criminal purposes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forensic Toxicology: A New Scientific Contribution)
18 pages, 6198 KB  
Article
A Rapid Method for Detecting Microplastics Based on Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Technology (FLIM)
by Fang Zhou, Xin Wang, Guangxin Wang and Yanxia Zuo
Toxics 2022, 10(3), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10030118 - 2 Mar 2022
Cited by 52 | Viewed by 8376
Abstract
With the increasing use and release of plastic products, microplastics have rapidly accumulated in ecological environments. When microplastics enter the food chain, they cause serious harm to organisms and humans. Microplastics pollution has become a growing concern worldwide; however, there is still no [...] Read more.
With the increasing use and release of plastic products, microplastics have rapidly accumulated in ecological environments. When microplastics enter the food chain, they cause serious harm to organisms and humans. Microplastics pollution has become a growing concern worldwide; however, there is still no standardized method for rapidly and accurately detecting microplastics. In this work, we used fluorescence lifetime imaging technology to detect four kinds of Nile red-stained and unstained microplastics, and the unique phasor fingerprints of different microplastics were obtained by phasor analysis. Tracing the corresponding pixels of the “fingerprint” in the fluorescence lifetime image allowed for the quick and intuitive identification of different microplastics and their location distributions in a mixed sample. In our work, compared with staining the four microplastics with a fluorescent dye, using the phasor “fingerprint library” formed by the autofluorescence lifetimes of the microplastics was more easily distinguished than microplastics in the mixed samples. The feasibility of this method was further tested by adding three single substances—SiO2, chitin and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), and surface sediments to simulate interferent in the environment, and the results providing potential applications for the identification and analysis of microplastics in complex environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Chemistry)
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32 pages, 1209 KB  
Systematic Review
Exposure to Metal Mixtures in Association with Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Outcomes: A Scoping Review
by Gyeyoon Yim, Yuting Wang, Caitlin G. Howe and Megan E. Romano
Toxics 2022, 10(3), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10030116 - 1 Mar 2022
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 6912
Abstract
Since the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) declared conducting combined exposure research as a priority area, literature on chemical mixtures has grown dramatically. However, a systematic evaluation of the current literature investigating the impacts of metal mixtures on cardiovascular disease (CVD) [...] Read more.
Since the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) declared conducting combined exposure research as a priority area, literature on chemical mixtures has grown dramatically. However, a systematic evaluation of the current literature investigating the impacts of metal mixtures on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and outcomes has thus far not been performed. This scoping review aims to summarize published epidemiology literature on the cardiotoxicity of exposure to multiple metals. We performed systematic searches of MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science to identify peer-reviewed studies employing statistical mixture analysis methods to evaluate the impact of metal mixtures on CVD risk factors and outcomes among nonoccupationally exposed populations. The search was limited to papers published on or after 1998, when the first dedicated funding for mixtures research was granted by NIEHS, through 1 October 2021. Twenty-nine original research studies were identified for review. A notable increase in relevant mixtures publications was observed starting in 2019. The majority of eligible studies were conducted in the United States (n = 10) and China (n = 9). Sample sizes ranged from 127 to 10,818. Many of the included studies were cross-sectional in design. Four primary focus areas included: (i) blood pressure and/or diagnosis of hypertension (n = 15), (ii) risk of preeclampsia (n = 3), (iii) dyslipidemia and/or serum lipid markers (n = 5), and (iv) CVD outcomes, including stroke incidence or coronary heart disease (n = 8). The most frequently investigated metals included cadmium, lead, arsenic, and cobalt, which were typically measured in blood (n = 15). The most commonly utilized multipollutant analysis approaches were Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), weighted quantile sum regression (WQSR), and principal component analysis (PCA). To our knowledge, this is the first scoping review to assess exposure to metal mixtures in relation to CVD risk factors and outcomes. Recommendations for future studies evaluating the associations of exposure to metal mixtures with risk of CVDs and related risk factors include extending environmental mixtures epidemiologic studies to populations with wider metals exposure ranges, including other CVD risk factors or outcomes outside hypertension or dyslipidemia, using repeated measurement of metals to detect windows of susceptibility, and further examining the impacts of potential effect modifiers and confounding factors, such as fish and seafood intake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluating Chemical Exposures and Toxicity of Complex Mixtures and Multiple Stressors)
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13 pages, 7602 KB  
Article
Removal of Hexavalent Chromium(VI) from Wastewater Using Chitosan-Coated Iron Oxide Nanocomposite Membranes
by Jung Eun Park, Jun-Ho Shin, Wonzin Oh, Sang-June Choi, Jeongju Kim, Chorong Kim and Jongho Jeon
Toxics 2022, 10(2), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10020098 - 19 Feb 2022
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 5615
Abstract
Chromium is a toxic and carcinogenic heavy metal that originates from various human activities. Therefore, the effective removal of chromium from aqueous solutions is an extremely important global challenge. Herein, we report a chitosan-coated iron oxide nanoparticle immobilized hydrophilic poly(vinylidene) fluoride membrane (Chi@Fe [...] Read more.
Chromium is a toxic and carcinogenic heavy metal that originates from various human activities. Therefore, the effective removal of chromium from aqueous solutions is an extremely important global challenge. Herein, we report a chitosan-coated iron oxide nanoparticle immobilized hydrophilic poly(vinylidene) fluoride membrane (Chi@Fe2O3–PVDF) which can potentially be used for efficient removal of hexavalent chromium(VI) by a simple filtration process. Membrane filtration is an easy and efficient method for treating large volumes of water in a short duration. The adsorption experiments were conducted by batch and continuous in-flow systems. The experimental data showed rapid capture of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) which can be explained by the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm model. The nanocomposite membrane exhibited high adsorption capacity for Cr(VI) (14.451 mg/g in batch system, 14.104 mg/g in continuous in-flow system). Moreover, its removal efficiency was not changed significantly in the presence of several competing ions, i.e., Cl−, NO3−, SO42−, and PO43−. Consequently, the Chi@Fe2O3-PVDF-based filtration process is expected to show a promising direction and be developed as a practical method for wastewater treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on the Removal of Pollutants by Nanomaterials)
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14 pages, 2968 KB  
Article
Removal of Polystyrene Microplastics from Aqueous Solution Using the Metal–Organic Framework Material of ZIF-67
by Hongyou Wan, Junkai Wang, Xiaoyu Sheng, Jingwei Yan, Wei Zhang and Ying Xu
Toxics 2022, 10(2), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10020070 - 4 Feb 2022
Cited by 124 | Viewed by 9077
Abstract
Due to the continuous and adverse effects of microplastics on the environment, an increasing number of studies have begun to focus on their migration patterns and removal from aquatic environments. Herein, our study innovatively evaluated the ability of the capacity of ZIF-67, a [...] Read more.
Due to the continuous and adverse effects of microplastics on the environment, an increasing number of studies have begun to focus on their migration patterns and removal from aquatic environments. Herein, our study innovatively evaluated the ability of the capacity of ZIF-67, a novel metal–organic framework (MOF) material, to adsorb polystyrene (PS) microplastics (MPs) from aqueous solutions, aiming to explore the potential of MOF materials to remove MPs from wastewater. The adsorption ratio of PSMPs (5 mg/L, 30 mL) by ZIF-67 reached up to 92.1%, and the PSMP adsorption equilibrium was achieved within 20 min at 298 K. The adsorption of PSMPs would be favored at a pH of 8, a PSMPs solution concentration of 5 mg/L, and a temperature of 298 K. Further analyses demonstrated that hydrogen bond interactions, π-π stacking, and electrostatic interactions played a crucial role in the adsorption of PSMPs by ZIF-67 in aqueous solutions. Our findings thus provide insight into novel methods to remove MPs from acidic and weakly alkaline aquatic environments and wastewater. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies to Decontaminate Pollutants in Water)
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17 pages, 3381 KB  
Article
In Vitro Cyto- and Genotoxicity Assessment of Antibacterial Paints with Triclosan and Isoborneol
by Micaela Machado Querido, Fernanda Rosário, Maria João Bessa, Francisca Mendes, José Carlos Teixeira, João Paulo Teixeira and Cristiana Costa Pereira
Toxics 2022, 10(2), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10020058 - 27 Jan 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3882
Abstract
Surfaces with antimicrobial properties are gaining notoriety as an efficient method to avoid surface contamination. Self-disinfecting paints are a promising strategy towards cleaner indoor environments by preventing the colonization of walls with microorganisms. However, its widespread use needs an appropriate toxicological safety evaluation [...] Read more.
Surfaces with antimicrobial properties are gaining notoriety as an efficient method to avoid surface contamination. Self-disinfecting paints are a promising strategy towards cleaner indoor environments by preventing the colonization of walls with microorganisms. However, its widespread use needs an appropriate toxicological safety evaluation due to the potential for biological disturbance associated to its biocidal activity. In this work, the cyto- and genotoxic assessment of two self-disinfecting paints containing the antimicrobial substances triclosan (TCS) and isoborneol (ISB) is performed. HaCaT and A549 cell lines models were selected for the in vitro assessment. To evaluate the cytotoxicity, tests by direct contact and on extracts obtained from leaching were performed following ISO 10993, whereas the genotoxicity was assessed by comet assay and cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. The results showed low levels of cyto- and genotoxicity under the models and conditions tested, indicating that these substances have commercial potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Toxicology)
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15 pages, 3806 KB  
Article
Neuronal and Astrocytic Morphological Alterations Driven by Prolonged Exposure with Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol but Not Cannabidiol
by Elisa Landucci, Costanza Mazzantini, Daniele Lana, Maria Grazia Giovannini and Domenico E. Pellegrini-Giampietro
Toxics 2022, 10(2), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10020048 - 21 Jan 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4847
Abstract
Cannabis derivatives are largely used in the general population for recreational and medical purposes, with the highest prevalence among adolescents, but chronic use and abuse has raised medical concerns. We investigated the prolonged effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in organotypic hippocampal [...] Read more.
Cannabis derivatives are largely used in the general population for recreational and medical purposes, with the highest prevalence among adolescents, but chronic use and abuse has raised medical concerns. We investigated the prolonged effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in organotypic hippocampal slices from P7 rats cultured for 2 weeks. Cell death in the CA1 subregion of slices was quantified by propidium iodide (PI) fluorescence, pre-synaptic and post-synaptic marker proteins were analysed by Western blotting and neurodegeneration and astrocytic alterations by NeuN and GFAP by immunofluorescence and confocal laser microscopy. The statistical significance of differences was analysed using ANOVA with a post hoc Dunnett w-test (PI fluorescence intensities and Western blots) or Newman–Keuls (immunohistochemistry data) for multiple comparisons. A probability value (P) of < 0.05 was considered significant. Prolonged (72 h) THC or CBD incubation did not induce cell death but caused modifications in the expression of synaptic proteins and morphological alterations in neurons and astrocytes. In particular, the expression of PSD95 was reduced following incubation for 72 h with THC and was increased following incubation with CBD. THC for 72 h caused disorganisation of CA1 stratum pyramidalis (SP) and complex morphological modifications in a significant number of pyramidal neurons and in astrocytes. Our results suggest that THC or CBD prolonged exposure induce different effects in the hippocampus. In particular, 72 h of THC exposure induced neuronal and glia alterations that must draw our attention to the effects that relatively prolonged use might cause, especially in adolescents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Poisoning Caused by Medicines and Drugs of Abuse)
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55 pages, 1931 KB  
Review
PFAS Molecules: A Major Concern for the Human Health and the Environment
by Emiliano Panieri, Katarina Baralic, Danijela Djukic-Cosic, Aleksandra Buha Djordjevic and Luciano Saso
Toxics 2022, 10(2), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10020044 - 18 Jan 2022
Cited by 342 | Viewed by 50726
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 4700 heterogeneous compounds with amphipathic properties and exceptional stability to chemical and thermal degradation. The unique properties of PFAS compounds has been exploited for almost 60 years and has largely contributed to their [...] Read more.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 4700 heterogeneous compounds with amphipathic properties and exceptional stability to chemical and thermal degradation. The unique properties of PFAS compounds has been exploited for almost 60 years and has largely contributed to their wide applicability over a vast range of industrial, professional and non-professional uses. However, increasing evidence indicate that these compounds represent also a serious concern for both wildlife and human health as a result of their ubiquitous distribution, their extreme persistence and their bioaccumulative potential. In light of the adverse effects that have been already documented in biota and human populations or that might occur in absence of prompt interventions, the competent authorities in matter of health and environment protection, the industries as well as scientists are cooperating to identify the most appropriate regulatory measures, substitution plans and remediation technologies to mitigate PFAS impacts. In this review, starting from PFAS chemistry, uses and environmental fate, we summarize the current knowledge on PFAS occurrence in different environmental media and their effects on living organisms, with a particular emphasis on humans. Also, we describe present and provisional legislative measures in the European Union framework strategy to regulate PFAS manufacture, import and use as well as some of the most promising treatment technologies designed to remediate PFAS contamination in different environmental compartments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Human Health Risk Assessment of POPs)
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30 pages, 9333 KB  
Review
Use of Nanotechnology to Mitigate Biofouling in Stainless Steel Devices Used in Food Processing, Healthcare, and Marine Environments
by Hugo Pérez, Gregorio Vargas and Rodolfo Silva
Toxics 2022, 10(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10010035 - 12 Jan 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5483
Abstract
In humid environments, the formation of biofilms and microfouling are known to be the detrimental processes that first occur on stainless steel surfaces. This is known as biofouling. Subsequently, the conditions created by metabolites and the activity of organisms trigger corrosion of the [...] Read more.
In humid environments, the formation of biofilms and microfouling are known to be the detrimental processes that first occur on stainless steel surfaces. This is known as biofouling. Subsequently, the conditions created by metabolites and the activity of organisms trigger corrosion of the metal and accelerate corrosion locally, causing a deterioration in, and alterations to, the performance of devices made of stainless steel. The microorganisms which thus affect stainless steel are mainly algae and bacteria. Within the macroorganisms that then damage the steel, mollusks and crustaceans are the most commonly observed. The aim of this review was to identify the mechanisms involved in biofouling on stainless steel and to evaluate the research done on preventing or mitigating this problem using nanotechnology in humid environments in three areas of human activity: food manufacturing, the implantation of medical devices, and infrastructure in marine settings. Of these protective processes that modify the steel surfaces, three approaches were examined: the use of inorganic nanoparticles; the use of polymeric coatings; and, finally, the generation of nanotextures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment of the (Eco)Toxicity of Nanomaterials)
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16 pages, 3312 KB  
Article
Excess Zinc Supply Reduces Cadmium Uptake and Mitigates Cadmium Toxicity Effects on Chloroplast Structure, Oxidative Stress, and Photosystem II Photochemical Efficiency in Salvia sclarea Plants
by Ilektra Sperdouli, Ioannis-Dimosthenis S. Adamakis, Anelia Dobrikova, Emilia Apostolova, Anetta Hanć and Michael Moustakas
Toxics 2022, 10(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10010036 - 12 Jan 2022
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 5489
Abstract
Salvia sclarea L. is a Cd2+ tolerant medicinal herb with antifungal and antimicrobial properties cultivated for its pharmacological properties. However, accumulation of high Cd2+ content in its tissues increases the adverse health effects of Cd2+ in humans. Therefore, there is [...] Read more.
Salvia sclarea L. is a Cd2+ tolerant medicinal herb with antifungal and antimicrobial properties cultivated for its pharmacological properties. However, accumulation of high Cd2+ content in its tissues increases the adverse health effects of Cd2+ in humans. Therefore, there is a serious demand to lower human Cd2+ intake. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the mitigative role of excess Zn2+ supply to Cd2+ uptake/translocation and toxicity in clary sage. Salvia plants were treated with excess Cd2+ (100 μM CdSO4) alone, and in combination with Zn2+ (900 μM ZnSO4), in modified Hoagland nutrient solution. The results demonstrate that S. sclarea plants exposed to Cd2+ toxicity accumulated a significant amount of Cd2+ in their tissues, with higher concentrations in roots than in leaves. Cadmium exposure enhanced total Zn2+ uptake but also decreased its translocation to leaves. The accumulated Cd2+ led to a substantial decrease in photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry and disrupted the chloroplast ultrastructure, which coincided with an increased lipid peroxidation. Zinc application decreased Cd2+ uptake and translocation to leaves, while it mitigated oxidative stress, restoring chloroplast ultrastructure. Excess Zn2+ ameliorated the adverse effects of Cd2+ on PSII photochemistry, increasing the fraction of energy used for photochemistry (ΦPSII) and restoring PSII redox state and maximum PSII efficiency (Fv/Fm), while decreasing excess excitation energy at PSII (EXC). We conclude that excess Zn2+ application eliminated the adverse effects of Cd2+ toxicity, reducing Cd2+ uptake and translocation and restoring chloroplast ultrastructure and PSII photochemical efficiency. Thus, excess Zn2+ application can be used as an important method for low Cd2+-accumulating crops, limiting Cd2+ entry into the food chain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Toxicity Effects on Plants)
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35 pages, 494 KB  
Review
Potentially Toxic Substances and Associated Risks in Soils Affected by Wildfires: A Review
by Maria Luisa Fernandez-Marcos
Toxics 2022, 10(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10010031 - 11 Jan 2022
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5243
Abstract
The presence of toxic substances is one of the major causes of degradation of soil quality. Wildfires, besides affecting various chemical, physical, and biological soil properties, produce a mixture of potentially toxic substances which can reach the soil and water bodies and cause [...] Read more.
The presence of toxic substances is one of the major causes of degradation of soil quality. Wildfires, besides affecting various chemical, physical, and biological soil properties, produce a mixture of potentially toxic substances which can reach the soil and water bodies and cause harm to these media. This review intends to summarise the current knowledge on the generation by wildfires of potentially toxic substances, their effects on soil organisms, and other associated risks, addressing the effects of fire on metal mobilisation, the pyrolytic production of potentially toxic compounds, and the detoxifying effect of charcoal. Numerous studies ascertained inhibitory effects of ash on seed germination and seedling growth as well as its toxicity to soil and aquatic organisms. Abundant publications addressed the mobilisation of heavy metals and trace elements by fire, including analyses of total concentrations, speciation, availability, and risk of exportation to water bodies. Many publications studied the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and other organic pollutants in soils after fire, their composition, decline over time, the risk of contamination of surface and ground waters, and their toxicity to plants, soil, and water organisms. Finally, the review addresses the possible detoxifying role of charcoal in soils affected by fire. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Developments in Soil Ecotoxicology)
12 pages, 901 KB  
Article
Determination of Parabens, Bisphenol A and Its Analogs, Triclosan, and Benzophenone-3 Levels in Human Urine by Isotope-Dilution-UPLC-MS/MS Method Followed by Supported Liquid Extraction
by Hsin-Chang Chen, Jung-Wei Chang, Yi-Chen Sun, Wan-Ting Chang and Po-Chin Huang
Toxics 2022, 10(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10010021 - 6 Jan 2022
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4102
Abstract
The development of a rapid analytical approach for determining levels of antibacterial agents, plasticizers, and ultraviolet filters in biosamples is crucial for individual exposure assessment. We developed an analytical method to determine the levels of four parabens—bisphenols A (BPA) and its analogs, triclosan [...] Read more.
The development of a rapid analytical approach for determining levels of antibacterial agents, plasticizers, and ultraviolet filters in biosamples is crucial for individual exposure assessment. We developed an analytical method to determine the levels of four parabens—bisphenols A (BPA) and its analogs, triclosan (TCS), triclocarban, and benzophenone-3 (BP-3)—in human urine. We further measured the levels of these chemicals in children and adolescents. We used a supported liquid extraction (SLE) technique coupled with an isotope-dilution ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-UPLC-MS/MS) method to assess the detection performance for these chemicals. Forty-one urine samples from 13 children and 28 adolescents were assessed to demonstrate the capability and feasibility of our method. An acceptable recovery (75.6–102.4%) and matrix effect (precision < 14.2%) in the three-level spiked artificial urine samples were achieved, and good performance of the validated ID-UPLC-MS/MS method regarding linearity, limits of detection, and quantitation was achieved. The within-run and between-run accuracy and precision also demonstrated the sensitivity and stability of this analytical method, applied after SLE. We concluded that the ID-UPLC-MS/MS method with SLE pretreatment is a valuable analytical method for the investigation of urinary antibacterial agents, plasticizers, and ultraviolet filters in humans, useful for human biomonitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plasticizer Exposure: Harmful Impact on Human Health)
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13 pages, 1385 KB  
Article
Critical Assessment of Clean-Up Techniques Employed in Simultaneous Analysis of Persistent Organic Pollutants and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Fatty Samples
by Lucie Drábová, Darina Dvořáková, Kateřina Urbancová, Tomáš Gramblička, Jana Hajšlová and Jana Pulkrabová
Toxics 2022, 10(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10010012 - 1 Jan 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3376
Abstract
Interference of residual lipids is a very common problem in ultratrace analysis of contaminants in fatty matrices. Therefore, quick and effective clean-up techniques applicable to multiple groups of analytes are much needed. Cartridge and dispersive solid-phase extraction (SPE and dSPE) are often used [...] Read more.
Interference of residual lipids is a very common problem in ultratrace analysis of contaminants in fatty matrices. Therefore, quick and effective clean-up techniques applicable to multiple groups of analytes are much needed. Cartridge and dispersive solid-phase extraction (SPE and dSPE) are often used for this purpose. In this context, we evaluated the lipid clean-up efficiency and performance of four commonly used sorbents—silica, C18, Z-Sep, and EMR-lipid—for the determination of organic pollutants in fatty fish samples (10%) extracted using ethyl acetate or the QuEChERS method. Namely, 17 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 22 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), 13 brominated flame retardants (BFRs), 19 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in this study. The clean-up efficiency was evaluated by direct analysis in real time coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DART-HRMS). The triacylglycerols (TAGs) content in the purified extracts were significantly reduced. The EMR-lipid sorbent was the most efficient of the dSPE sorbents used for the determination of POPs and PAHs in this study. The recoveries of the POPs and PAHs obtained by the validated QuEChERS method followed by the dSPE EMR-lipid sorbent ranged between 59 and 120%, with repeatabilities ranging between 2 and 23% and LOQs ranging between 0.02 and 1.50 µg·kg−1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Instrumental and Bioanalytical Methods for Food Contaminant Detection)
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3 pages, 186 KB  
Editorial
Cadmium Sources and Toxicity
by Soisungwan Satarug
Toxics 2019, 7(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics7020025 - 6 May 2019
Cited by 62 | Viewed by 8150
Abstract
This special issue of Toxics, Cadmium (Cd) sources and toxicity, consists of one comprehensive review [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cadmium Sources and Toxicity)
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