Dimethoate-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in Oncorhynchus mykiss

The present study was conducted in order to investigate pro-oxidant activity of dimethoate in liver and brain tissues following sublethal pesticide exposure for 5, 15 and 30 d by using SOD, GPx, CAT enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation as biomarkers as well as DNA damaging potential via detecting% Tail DNA, Tail moment and Olive tail moment as endpoints in erythrocytes of Oncorhynchus mykiss in an in vitro experiment. Antioxidant enzyme activities were found to elicit two staged response which was an initial induction followed by a sharp inhibition in liver tissue while a sustained increase in GPx activity and slight stimulation in SOD activity were detected in brain tissue. Lipid peroxidation showed an ascending pattern throughout the exposure period in both tissues and a decreasing trend was determined in tissue protein levels which was proved to be positively correlated with duration. Similar findings were obtained from outcomes preferred to quantify DNA damage and TM was decided to reflect the extent of damage more sensitively because of determined positive correlation with concentrations applied. Considering these results, it can be concluded that oxidative stress condition evoked by dimethoate could not be responded effectively and genotoxic nature of pesticide was proven by determined clastogenic effect possibly via being an alkylation agent or stimulating the production of reactive species.     

Bacterial community composition of sediments from Artificial Lake Maslak, Istanbul, Turkey

Small artificial lakes are ubiquitous in various natural environments. Small impoundments increase the residence time of water, thereby increasing the potential for retention of nutrients through biological and physical processes. We examined bacterial community structure of Lake Maslak, a small freshwater impoundment located in a densely populated region. The objective of our study was to investigate bacterial communities of the lake sediment which has not been determined and to elucidate the factors controlling bacterial diversity and the biogeochemical processes within the lake. For these purposes, surface water, lake bed sediments, and one core sample were collected. Microbiological characteristic of the lake bed and core sediments was determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Along with the microbiological studies, physicochemical (O(2), pH, temperature) and geochemical properties of the surface (NO (3) (-) , NO (2) (-) , NH (4) (+) ,PO (4) (-) ,SO (4) (2-) , K(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+)) and pore water (K(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+)) were determined in addition to heavy metals contents (Co Cu, Fe, Zn, Pb, Cd). Eight lake bed and one core sediments were also collected and analyzed for heavy metals and elemental compositions. Nitrate concentration in the surface water ranges from 0.27-1.8 mg/L, and ammonium (0.0-0.83 mg/L) appears to follow nitrate concentration. Sulfate concentration in the surface water (mean 60 mg/L) is greater than those measured in the pore water (mean, 37.5 mg/L). Fe, Zn, Pb, and Cd were not determined in the surface water, whereas Co was significantly higher both in the surface and pore water. Unlike Co, Pb, Zn, and Cd were not measured in the pore water. Lakebed and core sediments show significant enrichment in Pb, Zn, and Cu, indicating anthropogenic pollution. Consistent with geochemical parameters, microbiological analysis suggests a diverse bacterial community in the lake sediments and influence of anthropogenic pollution (e.g., atmospheric emission) on bacterial community.     

Determination of antimicrobial and heavy metal resistance profiles of some bacteria isolated from aquatic amphibian and reptile species

The aim of the present study was to determine the level of antibiotic resistance patterns and distribution of heavy metal resistance of bacterial isolates from aquatic animals (Lissotriton vulgaris, Pelophylax ridibundus, Emys orbicularis, Mauremys rivulata, and Natrix natrix) in Turkey (Kavak Delta). A total of 153 bacteria have been successfully isolated from cloaca and oral samples of the aquatic amphibians and reptilians which were found, namely, Aeromonas sp. (n?=?29), Plesiomonas sp. (n?=?7), Vibrio sp. (n?=?12), Citrobacter sp. (n?=?12), Enterobacter sp. (n?=?11), Escherichia sp. (n?=?22), Klebsiella sp. (n?=?22), Edwardsiella sp. (n?=?6), Hafnia sp. (n?=?1), Proteus sp. (n?=?19), Providencia sp. (n?=?8), and Pseudomonas sp. (n?=?4). In terms of antibiotic and heavy metal susceptibility testing, each isolate was tested against 12 antibiotics and 4 metals. There was a high incidence of resistance to cefoxitin (46.40 %), ampicillin (44.44 %), erythromycin (35.29 %), and a low incidence of resistance to gentamicin (6.53 %), kanamycin (8.49 %), chloramphenicol (9.15 %), and cefotaxime (10.45 %). The multiple antibiotic resistance index of each bacterial species indicated that bacteria from raised amphibians and reptiles have been exposed to tested antibiotics, with results ranging from 0 to 0.58. Most isolates showed tolerance to different concentrations of heavy metals, and minimal inhibition concentrations ranged from100 to >3,200 μg/mL. According to these results, a significant occurrence of bacteria in the internal organs of reptiles and amphibians, with a high incidence of resistance against antibiotics and heavy metals, may risk aquatic animals and the public health. These data appoint the importance of epidemiological surveillance and microbiological monitoring and reinforce the need to implement environment protection programs for amphibian and reptile species.     

Association between air quality and quality of life

Air quality—or its converse, air pollution—is a significant risk factor for human health. Recent studies have reported association between air pollution and human health. There are numerous diseases that may be caused by air pollution such as respiratory infection, lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma. In this study, the relationship between air quality and quality of life was examined by using canonical correlation analysis. Data of this study was collected from 27 countries. WHO statistics were used as the main source of quality of life data set (Y variables set). European Environment Agency statistics and (for outdoor air-PM10) WHO statistics were used as the main source of air quality data set (X variables set). It is found that there are significant positive correlation between air quality and quality of life.     

Toxic effects of deltamethrin and λ-cyhalothrin on Xenopus laevis tadpoles

This study evaluates the toxic effects of deltamethrin and λ-cyhalothrin on Xenopus laevis tadpoles after 168 h of exposure. The LC₅₀ of deltamethrin and λ-cyhalothrin at 168 h was calculated as the μg of active ingredient per liter (μg AI/L). According to these values, the LC₅₀ was 6.26 and 3.94 μg AI/L for deltamethrin and λ-cyhalothrin, respectively. Several enzymes were studied for early signs of intoxication following exposure to the pesticides for 24 h. Glutathione-S-transferase,carboxylesterase, and lactate dehydrogenase were inhibited by λ-cyhalothrin, and both pesticides inhibited acid phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase. In contrast, acetylcholinesterase was activated by deltamethrin. The results suggest that X. laevis is sensitive to the pyrethroids that were tested, and the enzyme responses suggest that they are potential biomarkers for evaluating the toxic effect of pyrethroids on amphibians in environmental conditions.     

Biochemical response to exposure to six textile dyes in early developmental stages of Xenopus laevis

The present study was undertaken to determine the toxic effect of a lethal concentration of six different commercially used textile dyes on the 46th stage of Xenopus laevis tadpoles. The tadpoles were exposed to Astrazon Red FBL, Astrazon Blue FGRL, Remazol Red RR, Remazol Turquoise Blue G-A, Cibacron Red FN-3G, and Cibacron Blue FN-R for 168 h in static test conditions, and thus, 168-h median lethal concentrations (LC₅₀s) of each dye were determined to be 0.35, 0.13, 112, 7, 359, and 15.8 mg/L, respectively. Also, to evaluate the sublethal effects of each dye, tadpoles were exposed to different concentrations of dyes (with respect to 168-h LC₅₀s) for 24 h. The alteration of selected enzyme activities was tested. For this aim, glutathione S-transferase (GST), carboxylesterase, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were assayed. After dye exposure, the GST induction or inhibition and LDH induction indicated some possible mechanisms of oxidative stress and deterioration in aerobic respiration processes induced by the tested dyes. Findings of the study suggest that selected biomarker enzymes are useful in understanding the toxic mechanisms of these dyes in X. laevis tadpoles as early warning indicators. Therefore, these selected biomarkers may evaluate the effect of environmental factors, such as textile dye effluents and other industrial pollutants, on amphibians in biomonitoring studies.     

Another outlook into energy-growth nexus in Mexico for sustainable development: Accounting for the combined impact of urbanization and trade openness

This study corroborates the importance of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG-7), intended to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable energy for all, and SDG-8, designed to promote decent work and sustainable economic growth. This article is motivated by the highlighted SDGs and empirically explores the long-run and causality relationship between energy consumption, urbanization, trade openness, and economic growth for annual frequency data from 1965 to 2021 for the case of Mexico. To this end, we leverage the use of fully modified ordinary least squares, dynamic ordinary least squares, and canonical regression estimation methods, while for the direction of causality, the gradual shift and wavelet coherence methods are used. According to the Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL), the bounds test traces a long-run relationship between the outlined variables over the sampled period. Empirical evidence validates the energy-induced growth hypothesis. This result resonates with the causality analysis, where energy consumption drives economic growth one way in Mexico. This suggests that Mexico cannot embark on energy-conservative policies, as such actions will hurt economic progress. In addition, unidirectional causality is seen between urbanization, trade openness, and economic growth. These findings have far-reaching implications for economic growth and macroeconomic indicators in Mexico. More insights are highlighted in the concluding section.     

Prenatal diagnosis of multiple pterygium syndrome associated with Klinefelter syndrome

A nonlethal form of multiple pterygium syndrome (MPS) was diagnosed prenatally at 16 weeks of gestation with associated Klinefelter syndrome in the same fetus. The ultrasound findings were cystic hygroma, hypertelorism, micrognathia, low-set ears, flexion contractures of upper and lower extremities and rocker-bottom foot. Genetic amniocentesis revealed a 47,XXY karyotype. After genetic counseling, the parents decided to have a therapeutic abortion. We presented this case for the purpose of further describing the early ultrasound findings and clinical features of multiple pterygium syndromes. Also, what makes our patient unique is the coincidental presence of Klinefelter syndrome with MPS. To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature in which a 47,XXY karyotype has been found in a fetus with multiple pterygium syndrome. The importance of delineating the exact subtype of MPS and making a precise differential diagnosis becomes critical during the process of evaluation of patients with MPS. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The value of site-specific information and the environment: technology adoption and pesticide use under uncertainty

Remote sensing technology offers an opportunity to significantly increase the amount of site-specific information about field characteristics such as pest populations. Coupled with variable rate application technologies, this added information has the potential to provide environmental benefits through reduced pesticide applications. However, producers face a complicated adoption decision because output prices and crop yields are uncertain. A model is developed to examine the potential value of remote sensing information to pesticide applications in an option-value framework under uncertainty. Simulations suggest that remote sensing information could decrease pesticide use, but uncertainty and irreversibility are likely to limit technological adoption by farmers. Potential cost-share subsidies are discussed.