Microplastics (<5 mm) are ubiquitous contaminants of growing concern. These have been found in multiple environmental compartments, including remote sites where anthropogenic activity is null. Once ...released, microplastics interact with multiple chemicals in the environment, many of which are classified as organic contaminants or heavy metals. Some contaminants have an affinity for microplastics, attributed to certain sorption mechanisms, and thus become vectors of hazardous chemicals. Here, we focused on the sorption behavior of degradable and non-degradable microplastics, including field and laboratory experiments. We reviewed the sorption mechanisms, namely hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic interactions, pore-filling, Van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and π-π interactions, and the factors strengthening or weakening these mechanisms. Then, we analyzed the literature investigating the sorption behavior of a wide range of chemicals contaminants on microplastics, and the current knowledge regarding the occurrence of organic contaminants and heavy metals on microplastics extracted from the environment. The future perspectives and research priorities were discussed. It is apparent that degradable microplastics, such as polylactic acid or polybutylene succinate, have a greater affinity for hydrophobic contaminants than conventional synthetic non-degradable microplastics according to recent studies. However, studies assessing degradable microplastics are scarce and much research is required to further prove this point. We stated several knowledge gaps in this new line of research and suggest the future studies to follow an integrative approach, allowing to comprehend the multiple factors involved, such as ecotoxicity, bioaccumulation, and fate of the chemical contaminants.
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•Microplastics (MPs) serve as vectors of chemical contaminants.•The sorption capacity of MPs depends on mechanisms and factors.•The sorption capacity of degradable MPs is similar or higher than nondegradable MPs.•Future research must focus on elucidating the full potential of degradable MPs.
In the present contribution, two nationwide surveys of personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution were conducted in Peru and Argentina aiming to provide valuable information regarding the ...abundance and distribution of PPE in coastal sites. Additionally, PPE items were recovered from the environment and analyzed by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and compared to brand-new PPE in order to investigate the chemical and structural degradation of PPE in the environment. PPE density (PPE m−2) found in both countries were comparable to previous studies. FTIR analysis revealed multiple polymer types comprising common PPE, mainly polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyester. SEM micrographs showed clear weathering signs, such as cracks, cavities, and rough surfaces in face masks and gloves. EDX elemental mapping revealed the presence of elemental additives, such as Ca in gloves and face masks and AgNPs as an antimicrobial agent. Other metals found on the surface of PPE were Mo, P, Ti, and Zn. XRD patterns displayed a notorious decrease in the crystallinity of polypropylene face masks, which could alter its interaction with external contaminants and stability. The next steps in this line of research were discussed.
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•Mean PPE density was 6.6 × 10−4 and 7.2 × 10−4 PPE m−2 in Peru and Argentina.•FTIR revealed that PP, PA, PET, and polyester were the main polymer types.•SEM micrographs showed signs of structural degradation in face masks and gloves.•XRD showed decreased crystallinity in PP face masks.•PPE aging could promote MPs and contaminant release into the environment.
Background
Dental and oral anomalies are among the most common long‐term side effects of childhood cancer therapy.
Aim
To evaluate chemotherapy as a risk factor for caries lesions and gingivitis in ...children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated with the ALL IC‐BFM 2009 chemotherapy protocol.
Design
A retrospective cohort study was designed. Clinical records of 23 paediatric patients with ALL exposed to chemotherapy in the Regional Hospital in Valdivia, Chile, and 46 unexposed patients assessed every 3 months for 24 months were analyzed. The data on gender, age, index of the number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth, and the presence of gingivitis were recorded (Mann–Whitney U test and logistic regression analysis, p ≤ .05).
Results
A significantly greater frequency of gingivitis (69.57%; p < .002) and a mean of new caries lesions were observed in children treated with chemotherapy than in the unexposed children (p < .01). The chemotherapy protocol presented a relative risk of 2.15 (95% CI = 1.22 ‐ 2.66; p = .01) for new caries lesions and 2.29 (95% CI = 1.76 ‐ 3.82; p = .002) for gingivitis.
Conclusion
The ALL IC‐BFM 2009 chemotherapy protocol in patients with ALL is a risk factor for new caries lesions and gingivitis.
El presente artículo tiene el propósito de analizar la normativa legal e interna referida a la administración y participación en los clubes profesionales del fútbol chileno. Como resultado del ...análisis, la regulación chilena presenta vacíos y defectos que permitirían la afectación de la integridad de la competencia deportiva por lo que se hace necesario reformar el sistema para asegurar su cumplimiento.
•Single-laboratory validation of a new method for folate quantification in food.•The single-enzymatic extraction step is used for folate analyses in food.•A plant origin hydrolase enables folate ...deglutamylation within 1 h.•Conversion between 10-HCO-PteGlu, 5,10-CH+=H4folate and 5-HCO-H4folate is studied.•50% of 5,10-CH+=H4folate is converted into 5-HCO-H4folate during folate analysis.
A rapid, sensitive and reproducible method for analysis of naturally-occurring folates and folic acid in food has been developed and validated. A single-enzyme extraction step, in which a pure recombinant enzyme of plant origin (Arabidopsis thaliana) was used, enabled fast and reproducible deglutamylation during folate extraction within the incubation time of 1 h. Six commonly occurring folate forms (tetrahydrofolate, 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate, 10-formylfolic acid, 5-formyltetrahydrofolate, folic acid and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate) were detected and quantified in 9 min using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). 13C5-labeled 5-formyltetrahydrofolate, 13C5-labeled folic acid and 13C5-labeled 5-methyltetrahydrofolate were used as internal standards for the quantification. The method is described by a calibration curve (R2>0.99 and trueness 85–115%), a limit of quantification at 0.1 μg/100 g, trueness at 80–120% in spiked samples and certified reference materials, and a precision <10%. However, the precision in quantification of tetrahydrofolate was not within the acceptable limits due to the lack of use of the corresponding internal standard. An interconversion study of unstable formyl forms was performed which showed that 50% of 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate is converted to 5-formyltetrahydrofolate during the analysis. The developed LC–MS/MS method is a candidate for a future standard method for folate analysis in food.
Chagalapoli (Ardisia compressa K.) is a tropical fruit of deep purple color with a high content of pigments. Anthocyanins, polyphenol composition, antioxidant activity and physicochemical ...characteristics of chagalapoli fruits (CF) are analyzed. The proximal and mineral composition is similar to that found in common berries (strawberry, blackberry and blueberry). A high content of total phenolics (1051.3±43.5mg of gallic acid equivalents/100g of FW) is present, among which anthocyanins predominated (796.0±2.3mg of cyanidin 3-O-glucoside equivalents/100g FW). Twelve anthocyanins were separated and ten of them identified by HPLC–DAD–MS. The main anthocyanins were malvidin-3-O-galactoside (35%), delphinidin 3-O-galactoside (28%) and petunidin 3-O-galactoside (19%). Other polyphenols identified included: flavonols, flavan-3-ols (catechin and proantocyanidin dimers) and hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives. The antioxidant activity of CF was 40% higher than that found in common berries, which were simultaneously analyzed. The high content of anthocyanins in CF and its peculiar anthocyanin profile make this under-utilized fruit a promising source of pigments and phenolic nutraceuticals.
•Chagalapoli (Ardisia compressa K.) fruits have an outstanding anthocyanin content (four times more than blueberries).•Anthocyanin's profile is dominated by malvidin (39%) followed by delphinidin and petunidin.•The most abundant anthocyanins in chagalapoli fruit were galactoside derivatives.•The antioxidant activity of chagalapoli fruit is higher than conventional berries.•Other phenols identified were flavonols, flavan 3-ols and phenolic acids.
In the search of innovative methods within radiation dosimetry to provide solutions to the high demanding modern ionizing radiation applications, this work proposes an original approach to combine ...microorganisms and gel dosimetry characteristics by adapting biotechnology and molecular biology procedures. The design of bacterial culture media and the evaluation of viability as systems for radiation dosimetry are reported. In preliminary assessments, a highly promising dose-response has been observed for samples stored at 4 °C, displaying a linear trend within the investigated dose range. This underscores a promising performance, indicating the potential utility of the system as a radiation dosimeter.
•A novel dosimeter integrating gelatin matrices with micro-organisms is presented.•Sample preparation along with their suitability for spectrophotometry analysis are described.•Agarose addition providing nutrients has negligible effects on sample's optical properties.•Successful bacterial growth is demonstrated using Staphylococcus-aureus strains.•High linear correlation is proven for the dose-response in the 0.5–3 Gy dose range.
Summary
Folate (vitamin B9) deficiency causes several health problems globally. However, folate biofortification of major staple crops is one alternative that can be used to improve vitamin intakes ...in populations at risk. We increased the folate levels in common bean by engineering the pteridine branch required for their biosynthesis. GTP cyclohydrolase I from Arabidopsis (AtGchI) was stably introduced into three common bean Pinto cultivars by particle bombardment. Seed‐specific overexpression of AtGCHI caused significant increases of up to 150‐fold in biosynthetic pteridines in the transformed lines. The pteridine boost enhanced folate levels in raw desiccated seeds by up to threefold (325 μg in a 100 g portion), which would represent 81% of the adult recommended daily allowance. Unexpectedly, the engineering also triggered a general increase in PABA levels, the other folate precursor. This was not observed in previous engineering studies and was probably caused by a feedforward mechanism that remains to be elucidated. Results from this work also show that common bean grains accumulate considerable amounts of oxidized pteridines that might represent products of folate degradation in desiccating seeds. Our study uncovers a probable different regulation of folate homoeostasis in these legume grains than that observed in other engineering works. Legumes are good sources of folates, and this work shows that they can be engineered to accumulate even greater amounts of folate that, when consumed, can improve folate status. Biofortification of common bean with folates and other micronutrients represents a promising strategy to improve the nutritional status of populations around the world.
•HHP treatment is an oxidative stress elicitor on papaya fruit cubes.•Carotenoid levels were significantly increased in stored HHP-treated.•Lycopene contents rise up to 11-fold after mild HHP and ...2-day storage.•Phytoene desaturase gene expression was upregulated after mild HHP treatment.•HHP triggers de novo carotenoid biosynthesis as a stress response in vegetables.
High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) processing is a non-thermal technology reported to increase desirable metabolites in plant foods. This work evaluated changes in carotenoid accumulation in fresh-cut papaya fruit as affected by HHP treatment (50–400 MPa for 3–60 min) and during subsequent storage at 4 °C; simultaneously, transcriptional activities of carotenoid biosynthetic genes and oxidative stress markers were evaluated. LC–MS analyses revealed that HHP treatment increased carotenoid precursors and carotenes contents following processing and storage: lycopene levels increased up to 11-fold compared to the non-treated samples, and H2O2 and lipid peroxidation were concomitantly increased. qRT-PCR of intact RNA showed that the amount of phytoene desaturase transcripts increased after HHP treatment, and that they were correlated with carotene accumulation. This is the first study to show that HHP treatment triggers de novo carotenoid biosynthesis, which is regulated at the transcriptional level, possibly by inducing oxidative stress signaling in fruit tissue.
Folates are essential micronutrients for humans, and their deficiency causes several detrimental effects on human health. Papaya fruit is an important natural source of some micronutrients. This ...paper presents a first complete characterization of folate derivatives accumulated in cv. Maradol papaya during fruit development and ripening processes. During postharvest ripening, the fruit accumulated up to 24.5% of the daily folate recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for an adult in a 1 cup (145 g) portion. Tetrahydrofolate (THF) and 5-methyl-THF were the predominant folate classes observed. Surprisingly, an unusually long polyglutamylation profile of tentatively up to 17 glutamates linked to 5-methyl-THF was detected; to the authors’ knowledge, this very long polyglutamyl tail has not been reported for any organism, and it is probably characteristic of this plant species. This polyglutamylation degree changed throughout fruit development and ripening, showing the largest differences at the onset of ripening. This work raises questions about the functional role of folate derivatives in fruit development.
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