Search Results (292)

Introduction: Aquatic ecosystems are major reservoirs for both legacy and emerging contaminants, facilitating their distribution throughout the environment and bioaccumulation across different trophic levels. As such, wildlife acts as a valuable tool for biomonitoring these contaminants and serves as a key indicator of environmental pollution within the One Health framework. Despite this, knowledge regarding the application of this framework alongside the assessment of aquatic contaminants using wildlife species remains fragmented. Objective: This study aims to synthesize current evidence on aquatic contaminants using wildlife as sentinels of environmental pollution and to explore how the One Health concept is applied in this field. Methodology: A systematic database search was conducted in SCOPUS, and the retrieved studies were screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as their relevance to the One Health concept. Results: Despite its timely relevance, only fourteen studies have adopted the One Health approach to assess contaminants in aquatic species. The selected studies focused mainly on plastic particles (53.33%), such as macro- and microplastics; heavy metals (26.67%), such as mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and selenium (Se); persistent organic pollutants (13.33%), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and dioxin/furans; and metalloid (6.67%) arsenic (As). These contaminants were evaluated across four different taxonomic groups: fishes (61.54%), waterbirds (23.08%), mollusks (7.69%) and crustaceans (7.69%). Most studies were conducted in Portugal (37.5%) and the United States of America (18.75%), whereas other countries, including Canada, Australia, Ecuador, Mexico, Indonesia, and Turkey, were mentioned in only one study each (6.25%). Conclusions: Monitoring levels of contaminants in wildlife is essential not only to understand the dynamics of environmental pollution, but also to preserve the integrity of ecosystems while safeguarding animal and human health. However, the limited number of studies adopting a One Health perspective results in an incomplete representation of contaminant classes and affected taxa. These findings highlight the urgent need to expand wildlife-based monitoring strategies within a One Health framework, aiming to improve environmental risk assessment and deepen our understanding of the impacts of pollution across ecosystems, animals and humans. Full article

Two new anthraquinone derivatives, (±)-1′-O-methyl-6-chloroaverantin (1a and 1b) and 6-chloroaverythrin (2), and one new diphenyl ether 1-((E)-but-2-en-2-yl)-3,8-dihydroxy-6-((E)-4-hydroxybut-2-en-2-yl)-4,9-dimethyl-11H-dibenzo[b,e][¹,⁴]dioxepin-11-one (3), along with six known compounds, were isolated from the fungus Aspergillus sp. SCSIO 41331 collected from the deep-sea sediment in the cold-seep area of the South China Sea. Elucidation of planar structures was achieved via 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectrometry, whereas stereochemistry was validated through optical rotation and NOE correlations, chiral phase HPLC analysis and NMR calculation. All compounds were assessed for antitumor activity, among which compound 4 displayed moderate antiproliferative activity against HT29 cells and suppressed colony expansion. Full article

Remote alpine lakes on the Xizang Plateau are important archives for tracing the long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT) of persistent organic pollutants, yet historical records of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) from this region remain scarce. The main objective of this study was to reconstruct the historical record of PBDEs in Yamzho Yumco sediments and to evaluate whether this record reflects source evolution, atmospheric transport, deposition, and post-emission environmental fractionation in a remote alpine receptor system. To achieve this objective, 17 PBDE congeners were determined in a ²¹⁰Pb- and ¹³⁷Cs-dated sediment core spanning 1930–2023. Σ₁₇PBDE concentrations ranged from 5.80 to 263.13 pg/g dw, and depositional fluxes ranged from 2.67 to 121.04 pg/cm²/yr, both showing a marked increase after the 1970s and remaining elevated after 2000. Lower-brominated congeners, especially BDE-47, dominated the core, whereas nona- and deca-BDEs appeared mainly in recent sediments, indicating progressive source evolution in recent decades. Tri- to penta-BDEs remained the dominant homologue fraction throughout the record, while elevated post-2000 BDE-47/BDE-99 ratios point to congener-selective environmental fractionation during atmospheric transport and deposition. Together, these results suggest that Yamzho Yumco sediments preserve not only the history of regional PBDE input, but also the coupled imprint of source evolution, transport-related fractionation, and delayed environmental response in a remote high-altitude receptor system. This study highlights the value of Xizang Plateau Lake sediments for process-based interpretation of POP fate in mountain environments. Full article

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are widely used in automotive polymers and electronic components, yet vehicles remain an under-characterized and potentially high-exposure microenvironment, particularly in hot climates. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of BFR occurrence, sources, and exposure risks in vehicle dust from Saudi Arabia, addressing a critical regional data gap. This study systematically investigates the occurrence, compositional patterns, sources, and human exposure risks of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and selected alternative BFRs in dust from 80 vehicles (domestic cars and taxis; model years 2015–2022) operating in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Dust samples were collected using a standardized vacuuming protocol, extracted and cleaned using solvent extraction and silica SPE, and analyzed via GC–NCI–MS. Both legacy PBDE congeners and emerging alternatives (including DBDPE and TBB) were consistently detected, with BDE-209 dominating the overall BFR burden with mean concentrations of 6560 ng/g in domestic vehicles and 5454 ng/g in taxis, with maximum values reaching 220,860 ng/g. Lower-brominated PBDEs occurred at substantially lower concentrations, reflecting the ongoing global transition away from Penta- and Octa-BDE formulations. Taxis exhibited generally higher concentrations than domestic vehicles, likely due to prolonged occupancy, increased usage intensity, and enhanced dust resuspension dynamics. Multivariate analysis (PCA and correlation) revealed two distinct source categories: (i) legacy Penta-BDE-related congeners associated with polyurethane foam and textile materials and (ii) high-brominated PBDEs and DBDPE linked to hard plastics and electronic components. Human exposure assessment demonstrated that dust ingestion is the dominant exposure pathway, while dermal and inhalation routes contribute minimally. Non-carcinogenic hazard indices (HI) were well below unity for all compounds (HI < 1.67 × 10⁻⁶), and incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCR) for BDE-209 remained within or near accepted risk thresholds (7.52 × 10⁻⁶–1.04 × 10⁻⁵), although occupational exposure among taxi drivers was consistently higher. Overall, the results demonstrate that modern vehicle cabins act as significant microenvironments for chronic BFR exposure, particularly under high-temperature conditions. Despite generally low estimated risks, the combined effects of chemical persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and mixture toxicity—amplified by extreme in-cabin temperatures—highlight vehicles as overlooked yet significant exposure environments. These findings provide the first comprehensive dataset for the Arabian Peninsula and emphasize the need for climate-sensitive exposure assessment, safer material design, and targeted mitigation strategies in vehicle interiors. Full article

Benthic foraminifera, single-cell marine organisms found worldwide, represent an important component of seabed ecosystems. Due to their sensitivity to environmental pollution, they are often used as bioindicators, providing an efficient tool in toxicity studies. Among the pollutants affecting marine coastal and estuarine environments, persistent flame retardants, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), are frequently found. Low-level exposure to BDE-47, a PBDE congener, is known to affect organismal development. In this framework, this study aims to assess the effects of BDE-47 exposure on benthic foraminifera from coastal marine environments. Foraminifera specimens belonging to the symbiont-bearing Peneroplidae family were sampled and exposed to two different BDE-47 concentrations for up to 48 h. Vitality indicators such as changes in pseudopodial activity, movement, reproduction, loss of symbiont algae, and occasional mortality events were monitored during the experiment. Exposure to BDE-47 induced alterations in pseudopodial activity, movement, reproduction, and symbiont retention, with the progressive loss of vitality and limited mortality at increasing exposure levels, highlighting the sensitivity of this species to BDE-47. These findings suggest the harmful repercussions of PBDE pollution on marine coastal ecosystems, affecting benthic organisms and potentially contributing to biomagnification processes within the food web, with possible implications for human health. Full article

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), widely used as brominated flame retardants, are known to exert persistent adverse effects on the immune systems of humans and other organisms. Previous studies have demonstrated that 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), a prevalent congener, induces apoptosis, impairs phagocytic function, and triggers aberrant immune-inflammatory reactions in RAW264.7 macrophages via the induction of elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the underlying regulatory mechanism remains unclear. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE) signaling pathway is a key cellular defense system against oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the role of the Nrf2/ARE pathway in BDE-47-induced macrophage immunotoxicity. Network toxicology analysis identified Nrf2 as a hub gene within the BDE-47-associated immunotoxicity network. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggested a potential interaction between BDE-47 and the Keap1-Nrf2 complex, with moderate binding affinity. Experimental studies in RAW264.7 cells showed that BDE-47 exposure activated the Nrf2/ARE pathway, as evidenced by Nrf2 nuclear translocation and the differential upregulation of downstream genes (GCLC, GCLM, HO-1, NQO1, SOD1, and CAT). Importantly, Nrf2 knockdown via lentiviral shRNA or pharmacological inhibition with brusatol significantly exacerbated BDE-47-induced apoptosis and immune dysfunction, including enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine production and impaired phagocytosis. These results demonstrate that Nrf2/ARE pathway activation represents an adaptive antioxidant response and contributes to limiting BDE-47-induced cytotoxicity and immune impairment in macrophages. Full article

The etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) implicates genetic predispositions and environmental chemicals, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). We aimed to identify whether mitochondrial quality control (MQC) was involved in ASD-relevant behavioral changes induced by decabromodiphenyl ether (deca-BDE, BDE-209) and the alleviation by melatonin. Pregnant rats exposed to BDE-209 (50 mg/kg i.g.) were administrated melatonin through drinking water (0.2 mg/mL) during gestation and lactation. Behavioral assessments integrated open-field test, three-chamber social test, and Morris water maze; mitochondrial detections took transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and homeostasis together; hippocampal molecular network was identified through transcriptomics profiles, combining dendritic morphology analysis after Golgi-Cox staining. Melatonin supplementation attenuated BDE-209-reduced social and cognitive ability, accompanied by improvements in hippocampal synaptic plasticity (dendritic spines, PSD95, SNAP25). Mitochondrial dysfunctions, shown as decreases in complex IV activity, ATP content, and mtDNA copies, plus redox imbalance (ROS/SOD2) and resultant mitochondrial membrane potential disruption and apoptosis, together with fusion/fission dynamic (MFN2/DRP1), biogenesis (SIRT1-PGC1α-TFAM), and mitophagy (SIRT3-FOXO3-PINK1) suppression, were reversed by melatonin partially through SIRT1 (Sirtuin-1)-dependent pathways, as these protections were abolished by inhibitor EX527. This study highlighted the SIRT1–SIRT3 axis in MQC and behavioral effects, providing novel intervention for PBDEs’ neurodevelopmental impairment. Full article

Obtaining high-purity ⁹⁰Sr is crucial because it is the parent radionuclide of the ⁹⁰Sr/⁹⁰Y generator. However, ⁹⁰Sr products recovered from high-level liquid waste (HLLW) often fail to meet the stringent purity requirements. This necessitates the development of a novel extraction system that can seamlessly connect with existing separation processes to achieve the required purity level. A novel diglycolamide (DGA) ligand was designed and synthesized. The distribution ratios (D) of several traditional organic diluents and ionic liquids (ILs) as diluents were compared under the same experimental conditions; 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulphonyl)imide ([C₄mim][NTf₂]) was chosen as the optimal diluent. The HNO₃ concentration, ligand concentration, [C₄mim]⁺ concentration, etc., were assessed. The extraction mechanism was confirmed to ensure that the extraction proceeded mainly via the [C₄mim]⁺ and H⁺ exchange mechanisms. Slope analysis and the ESI-MS results revealed that the novel ligand N,N-diphenyl-N′,N′-dibutyl diglycolamide (DPDBDGA, L) in [C₄mim][NTf₂] formed a 1:3 complex with Sr²⁺. The experiments on Sr²⁺ indicated that it can be recovered completely with 1 M mineral acid within two stages. Furthermore, we predicted that the novel DGA ligand would provide a good extraction capacity for Sr²⁺ in dilute nitric acid in the [C₄mim][NTf₂] system. This system can be linked to the separation process of extracting Sr²⁺ from HLLW using N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctyl-diglycolamide (TODGA) or crown ethers as extractants. Consequently, high-purity ⁹⁰Sr products can be obtained. Full article

The aim of this study was to estimate the historical exposure to a selection of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and Dechlorane Plus (DP) concentrations and to identify the potential sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with this exposure. The study population (n = 134) was a subcohort of the GraMo Study, recruited in 2003–04 in Granada (Spain). Information on potential exposure-associated factors was collected through face-to-face interviews and a review of clinical records. Historical exposure was estimated by analyzing adipose tissue concentrations of 12 PBDEs and 2 DPs by means of gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer. Data analyses included multivariable linear regression analyses. Median (interquartile range) pollutant concentrations ranged from 0.13 (0.09, 0.23) ng/g lipid for BDE-99 to 1.34 (0.92, 2.43) ng/g lipid for BDE-153. The body mass index was inversely associated with anti-DP, syn-DP, and BDE-153, -183, and -197 concentrations. Males exhibited higher levels of BDE-28, -47, -153, and -209 than females. Compared to non-manual workers, manual workers exhibited increased BDE-154, anti-DP, and syn-DP concentrations but lower BDE-28 levels. These findings highlight the elevated prevalence of PBDE/DP exposure and the heterogeneous exposure patterns observed across the study population. Further research is warranted to elucidate the long-term implications for human health. Full article

This study assesses the presence and distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the surface waters of the Itupararanga Reservoir and the Sorocaba River, Brazil. Samples collected during the dry and rainy seasons were analyzed to determine their composition, spatial distribution, and seasonal variability. Results indicate the ubiquitous presence of PFAS, with significantly higher concentrations in the dry season, suggesting point sources of contamination, such as industrial and domestic discharges. Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were the predominant compounds, while 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate (6-2FTS) stood out for its abundance in areas with industrial activity. For PBDEs, marked seasonal variability was observed, with higher concentrations during the rainy season, suggesting the mobilization of these compounds by surface runoff. BDE-209 was the most abundant congener, representing over 58% of the total concentration of PBDEs detected. Concentrations of PFAS and PBDEs in the study area are comparable to those reported globally, although there are differences associated with industrial practices and local environmental dynamics. The increased presence of short-chain PFAS and Deca-BDEs highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and the implementation of regulatory measures to mitigate contamination in water sources used for human consumption. Full article

The evaluation of human exposure to environmental contaminants is a highly relevant topic for carrying out appropriate risk assessments and management. For this reason, although exposure assessment studies are continuously increasing, it is important to increase knowledge on the subject, especially when data gaps exist. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of substances for which the available data in the literature are not abundant compared to other more studied contaminants. In particular, the data available for the Italian population are even more limited. This study aimed to characterize the exposure of women of reproductive age to PBDEs in different Italian regions. We focused on the study on women of reproductive age because they are a sensitive category, and, furthermore, the exposure of mothers allows us to estimate that of newborns. Study results showed that the most abundant congeners in terms of relative concentration were BDE-153 > BDE-47 > BDE-100 > BDE-99, with median estimates, respectively, of 0.670, 0.245, 0.110, and 0.100 ng/g lipid in serum samples. Overall, the average exposure of the study population to the selected flame retardants appears to be relatively low compared to other industrialized countries. The observed levels could be related to the decline of PBDE concentrations in Europe due to a ban in the European Union on most PBDE commercial technical mixtures from 2001 onwards. Full article

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), widespread in aquatic environments, interfere with endocrine function in organisms and threaten ecosystem stability. Rotifers, critical live feed for marine fish, shrimp, and crab larvae, link EDC-induced reproductive impairment to marine ecosystem stability and aquaculture sustainability. This PRISMA-compliant review synthesizes key findings, consequences, and gaps in EDC–rotifer reproductive toxicity research. Traditional EDCs (heavy metals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), phenols, phthalate esters, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and steroid hormones) and emerging EDCs (disinfection byproducts, microplastics, pharmaceutical metabolites) induce distinct reproductive harm—e.g., Hg²⁺ shows extreme toxicity (24 h LC₅₀ = 4.51 μg L⁻¹ in Brachionus plicatilis), BDE-47 damages ovaries, and microplastics cause transgenerational delays. Rotifer species and exposure duration affect sensitivity (e.g., BDE-47: 96 h LC₅₀ = 0.163 mg L⁻¹ vs. 24 h LC₅₀ > 22 mg L⁻¹ in B. plicatilis). Oxidative stress is a universal mechanism, and combined EDC exposure produces context-dependent synergistic/antagonistic effects. EDC-induced impairment reduces rotifer population density, alters structure, and propagates through food webs, threatening aquaculture and biodiversity; transgenerational toxicity (e.g., 4-nonylphenol: F₁ inhibition 28% vs. 12% in F₀) weakens resilience. This review supports EDC risk assessment, with gaps including long-term low-concentration data, transgenerational mechanisms, EDC–microbiome interactions, and emerging PFAS toxicity—priorities for future research. Full article

This work describes the lead optimization of a promising class of antibacterial compounds, derived from a previously reported N-[4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl]-6-(methylsulfonyl)-2,6-diazaspiro [3.4]octane-8-carboxamide (LK1819), through systematic scaffold simplification. A novel series of amide derivatives were designed and synthesized, exploring key structural variations, including the replacement of the diphenyl ether core with a biphenyl system. All compounds were evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against the ESKAPE panel of pathogens. The most potent simplified analogs demonstrated exceptional, broad-spectrum activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) that were 10 to 100 times lower than the control antibiotic ciprofloxacin against many strains. Mechanistic studies using a reporter system and enzymatic assays revealed that the compounds do not inhibit protein synthesis but disrupt DNA replication, exhibiting a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on bacterial topoisomerase I and DNA gyrase. The compounds showed moderate toxicity against human cell lines, consistent with their DNA-targeting mechanism, but cytotoxicity assays indicated a sufficient selectivity window. We conclude that scaffold simplification successfully yielded highly potent antibacterial agents with a defined mechanism of action, presenting a promising foundation for further development as antibiotics and potentially as anticancer agents. Full article

This study was conducted to evaluate the comparative efficacy of graded levels of dietary organic selenium (OS) on the health, productivity, and egg quality of commercial laying hens. A total of 240 hens (26 weeks old) were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design: a control basal diet (0 ppm OS) and three diets supplemented with OS from selenium yeast (SY-2000 or SY-3000) to achieve levels of 0.20, 0.30, and 0.45 ppm, respectively. The experiment lasted for 72 days. Performance metrics were recorded weekly, and samples were collected at two time points to assess physiological responses. The results demonstrated that supplementation with 0.30 and 0.45 ppm OS significantly improved key productivity parameters. Egg production (p < 0.05), egg weight (p < 0.001), and cumulative egg mass (p < 0.001) were higher in these groups compared to the control. Nutrient digestibility, including dry matter, crude protein, and ether extract, was also significantly enhanced (p < 0.001) at the higher OS levels. The antioxidant defense system was strengthened, as evidenced by the increased serum activity of the glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.001), superoxide dismutase (p < 0.01), and diphenyl picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the humoral immune response against Newcastle disease showed a significant, dose-dependent improvement (p < 0.001). In contrast, feed intake, various egg quality parameters (shell thickness, specific gravity, and Haugh unit), and serum mineral profiles remained unaffected (p > 0.05) by OS supplementation. In conclusion, dietary OS supplementation at 0.30–0.45 ppm effectively enhances laying performance, nutrient utilization, systemic antioxidant capacity, and specific immunity, with the 0.45 ppm level demonstrating the most consistent and comprehensive benefits under the conditions of this study. Full article

Suaeda glauca is a typical halophyte distributed in coastal and inland zones of the Yellow River Delta. Its rhizosphere soil is a potential source for exploring various fungi and their metabolites. In this study, the rhizosphere fungal community of S. glauca was evaluated with high-throughput sequencing, suggesting that it was tightly associated with seasonal variation and soil physicochemical factors. The fungal diversity at the genus level when sampling in May was better than that in July and October. The physicochemical factors TK and TP exerted relatively positive effects on the fungal diversity, while SOM, pH and TDS exhibited negative ones. Using the dilution plating method, 55 cultivable fungal strains were further isolated from the rhizosphere soil of S. glauca, in which Aspergillus and Penicillium were the dominant ones. A total of 47 and 20 strains showed antifungal and herbicidal activity, respectively. Finally, bioassay-guided isolation from the representative strain A. tabacinus GD-25 obtained three polyketides (1–3) and one diphenyl ether (4). 1 (sydonic acid) and 4 (diorcinol) greatly inhibited mycelial vitality of Bortrytis cinerea, with IC₅₀ values of 75.4 and 67.4 mg/L, respectively. In addition, 50 μg/mL of 4 could almost inhibit seedling growth of Echinochloa crusgalli. Full article