Biomonitoring of oil spill in a boreal archipelago by xenobiotic biotransformation in perch (Perca fluviatilis)

The effect of the accidental oil spill (250 tons) in a boreal archipelago (Gulf of Bothnia, Vaasa, Finland) on xenobiotic metabolism of local perch (Perca fluviatilis) was monitored for 1.5 years. The monooxygenase (benzo[a]pyrene, 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase, 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase) and conjugation (UDPglucuronosyltransferase, glutathione S-transferase) activities of perch liver were determined from control areas and those areas where oil had spilled. Only a slight induction in monooxygenase activities was seen in perch caught near the oil spill 4 months after the accident. The induction of monooxygenase activities detected with the fuel oil in laboratory experiments was, however, clear. After a single dose, it rose rapidly and quickly disappeared. Conjugation enzyme activities were not affected in the laboratory.     

DNA adducts in perch (Perca fluviatilis) living in coastal water polluted with bleached pulp mill effluents

DNA adducts were analyzed by (32)P-postlabeling in liver and intestine of perch (Perca fluviatilis). Fish were collected in the receiving water of a bleached kraft pulp mill at Norrsundet, Sweden, on the coast of the Bothnian Sea, and in three different reference areas. Sampling was carried out the last week in September 1993, 1995, and 1997. Since 1984/1985 the pulping process at Norrsundet has been successively modified and an external waste-water treatment has been installed, resulting in lowered and altered effluent discharges. Nevertheless, perch captured in the water area closest to the mill (2 km) had significantly elevated levels of aromatic/hydrophobic DNA adducts in both liver and intestine when compared to perch captured 8 km away and in the reference areas. Autoradiograms indicated a diagonal zone consisting of multiple overlapping adducts, a pattern typical of exposure to a complex mixture of aromatic/hydrophobic genotoxic substances. No significant difference in adduct levels was detected between the years. Results from this study reveal that fish in the area closest to the mill are exposed to substances with a genotoxic potential.     

Prevalence of Long-Term Sick Leave Among Female Home Care Personnel in Northern Sweden

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the occurrence, cause, and degree of long term sick leave among home care personnel. Home care personnel were compared with child caretakers, nursery school teachers, and teachers. The source population was residents in the four most northern counties in Sweden. Cases were persons on long-term sick leave (>29 days), and information was collected from the local insurance offices. The prevalence of long-term sick leave was highest among home care personnel, and an increase with age was also found within this group. Musculoskeletal complaints were very common as an underlying cause of long-term sick leave among home care personnel. Finally, full-time sick leave was the most common type of sick leave, especially among home care personnel.     

Effect of Acanthocephalus lucii Infection on Total Mercury Concentrations in Muscle and Gonads of Fish Host (Perca fluviatilis)

The samples from 13 perches (Perca fluviatilis) - muscle with skin and bones; fish gonads; and acanthocephalan parasites were analysed for mercury (Hg). Hg concentrations were present in all analysed samples. There were found no statistically significant difference in Hg concentration in fish tissues between perches either with or without infection by the acanthocephalan parasite, Acanthocephalus lucii). In this study there was no evidence that acanthocephalan worms accumulate mercury from hosts. For this reason, A. lucii is not a suitable bioindicator for mercury pollution.     

Puumala hantavirus genetic variability in an endemic region (Northern Sweden)

Puumala hantavirus (PUUV), naturally harboured and shed by bank voles (Myodes [Clethrionomys] glareolus), is the etiological agent to nephropathia epidemica (NE), a mild haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. Both host and virus are found throughout much of the European continent and in northern Sweden NE is the second most prevalent serious febrile viral infection after influenza. The reliability of diagnostics by PCR depends on genetic variability for the detection of viral nucleic acids in unknown samples. In the present study we evaluated the genetic variability of PUUV isolated from bank voles in an area of northern Sweden highly endemic for NE. Genetic variability among bank voles was also investigated to evaluate co-evolutionary patterns. We found that the viral sequence appeared stable across the 80km study region, with the exception of the southernmost sampling site, which differed from its nearest neighbour by 7%, despite a geographical separation of only 10km. The southernmost sampling site demonstrated a higher degree of genetic similarity to PUUV previously isolated 100km south thereof; two locations appear to constitute a separate PUUV phylogenetic branch. In contrast to the viral genome, no phylogenetic variance was observed in the bank vole mtDNA in this study. Previous studies have shown that as a result of terrestrial mammals' postglacial re-colonization routes, bank voles and associated PUUV of a southern and a northern lineage established a dichotomous contact zone across the Scandinavian peninsula approximately 100-150km south of the present study sites. Our observations reveal evolutionary divergence of PUUV that has led to dissimilarities within the restricted geographical scale of the northern host re-colonization route as well. These results suggest either a static situation in which PUUV strains are regionally well adapted, or an ongoing process in which strains of PUUV circulate on a geographical scale not yet reliably described.     

Evaluation of long-term biomarker data from perch (Perca fluviatilis) in the Baltic Sea suggests increasing exposure to environmental pollutants

Since 1988, biomarkers in female perch (Perca fluviatilis) have been analyzed at a reference site on the Swedish Baltic coast. Strong time trends toward increasing hepatic ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity and reduced gonadosomatic index (GSI) have been observed. This could be caused by pollutants as well as other factors, such as increasing water temperature or reduced mean age of sampled fish. Correlation analyses were used to find the most probable explanation for the time trends. The time trends were still significant for EROD (p < 0.001) and GSI (p < 0.001) when the correlations were controlled for age. Furthermore, increasing water temperature could not explain the time trends. Exposure to pollutants through runoff from land was found to be probable, because mean flow rate in a nearby river during the last 20 d before sampling correlated to EROD activity (p < 0.01). In addition, the sum of EROD activities during the life time of the perch (ERODlife) correlated significantly with GSI (p < 0.001). This suggests that perch exposed to more EROD-inducing chemicals during their lifetime have reduced or delayed gonad development. The time trend in GSI and the correlation between ERODlife and GSI were supported by data from a site in the Bothnian Bay (northern Baltic Sea; p < 0.05). The results indicate that increased rain fall (climate change) can affect the distribution and bioavailability of chemicals in coastal areas. The link between EROD and gonad size supports the common assumption that biochemical biomarkers can act as early warning signals for effects on higher levels, which commonly is difficult to show. The significant results can probably be attributed to the unique 20-year data set.     

Stimulation of oxyradical production of hepatic microsomes of flounder (Platichthys flesus) and perch (Perca fluviatilis) by model and pollutant xenobiotics

Stimulation of hepatic microsomal NAD(P)H-dependent hydroxyl radical (·OH) production by model compounds, viz. menadione (2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone) and nitrofurantoin (N-(5-nitro-2-furfurylidene)-1-aminohydantoin), and pollutant xenobiotics, viz. benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) diones (products of microsomal BaP metabolism), duroquinone (tetramethyl-1,4-benzoquinone—present in pulp mill effluent), and the pesticide lindane (-hexachlorocyclohexane), was examined in flounder Platichthys flesus. Duroquinone was also studied in perch Perca fluviatilis, a freshwater species used in studies of pulp mill effluents in the aquatic environment. Microsomal ·OH production was detected by the oxidation of the scavenging agent 2-keto-4-methiolbutyric acid (KMBA), using FeCl₃/EDTA as a promotor of the Haber-Weiss reaction (O ₂ ^– +H₂O₂=·OH+OH^–+O₂). All xenobiotics tested, except lindane, showed synergistic interactions with ferric/EDTA indicative of redox cycling of the xenobiotic. Inhibition of menadione- and nitrofurantoin-stimulated ·OH production by superoxide dismutase (50% inhibition) and catalase (80%) indicated respectively the involvement of O ₂ ^– and H₂O₂ in ·OH production. Maximal rates of KMBA oxidation (Vmax in nmol ethylene/min/mg protein) were similar for NADH and NADPH for menadione (4.58–4.61) and duroquinone (0.26–0.3 [flounder] and 0.93–0.99 [perch]), higher for NADPH than NADH for nitrofurantoin (1.21 and 0.77), and higher for NADH than NADPH for BaP diones, decreasing in the order 1,6-dione (1.12 and 0.14), 3,6-dione (0.75 and 0.25), and 6,12-dione (0.31 and 0.09). Rates for lindane, lacking a redox cycling structure, were low (0.01–0.05). Apparent K_m (app. K_m) values for xenobiotic were 1–2 orders of magnitude lower for BaP diones than the other compounds. App. K_m was lower for NADH than NADPH for 3,6-dione (1.23 and 1.66 M) and 6,12-dione (0.85 and 1.81 M), but the reverse of this was found for the 1,6-dione (1.41 and 0.78 M). App. K_m values were almost identical for menadione and duroquinone and lower for NADPH (32–44 M) than NADH (346–382 M). The reverse was seen for nitrofurantoin, viz., 76 M (NADH) and 269 M (NADPH). Hepatic 1000 g supernatants of P. flesus metabolized BaP to oxyradical-generating products, moreso for -naphthoflavone-induced than control fish, and production was reduced by UDP-glucuronic acid for the latter but not the former. The studies indicate a widespread potential for contaminant-stimulated oxyradical generation via redox cycling and other free radical interactions of xenobiotics and their metabolites.     

Mechanism of action of mercury on sperm morphology, adenosine triphosphate content, and motility in Perca fluviatilis (Percidae; Teleostei)

The main objectives of the present study were to investigate the performance of mercury chloride (HgCl2 ) on sperm function and structure, identify sites of action of HgCl2 , and investigate the mechanism of action of HgCl2 on fish (Perca fluviatilis L.) spermatozoa. Direct exposure of nonincubated sperm decreased sperm motility and velocity in a dose-dependent manner and was totally suppressed at 250?μM HgCl2 . Adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) content of sperm after activation in an activation medium (AM) containing more than 25?μM HgCl2 did not differ compared with nonactivated sperm. Motility and velocity of demembranated sperm decreased after activation in an AM containing 62?μM HgCl2 , and was totally suppressed at 250?μM HgCl2 . Incubation of sperm in an immobilizing medium (IM) containing HgCl2 enhanced HgCl2 effects after sperm activation in an AM containing HgCl2 . Sperm motility of incubated sperm in an IM without HgCl2 was totally suppressed at 125?μM HgCl2 after 3?h incubation. In case of incubated sperm in an IM containing HgCl2 , sperm motility was totally suppressed at 31?μM HgCl2 . Adenosine-5'-triphosphate content of sperm was significantly lower in an IM containing HgCl2 greater than 3?μM compared with those of the control (no HgCl2 ) and lower HgCl2 concentrations. Damage to the plasma membrane and axoneme were observed in sperm incubated in an IM containing HgCl2 compared with the control, when HgCl2 concentration and incubation time increased. In conclusion, HgCl2 acts on sperm through disruption of function of the plasma membrane, axoneme, and ATP content.     

Ultrastructural features of hepatocytes in cultured Eurasian perch ( Perca fluviatilis L.) as affected by nutritional and husbandry conditions

A wide range of factors can be attributed to the syndrome of fatty liver observed in some cultured fish species. The objective of the study was therefore to quantify different hepatocyte ultrastructural features as potentially influenced by twelve nutritional and husbandry factors, in order to discriminate the most influent factors in Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis), a typical carnivorous temperate fish species. Twenty-four groups of juveniles (initial weight 57.6 (SD 14.4) g) were intensively reared for 116 d and fed sixteen different isoproteic diets. The distribution of the experimental treatments was based on a multivariate fractional factorial design (L(24) 2(12)) with either high (+1) or low (-1) level of each of the following factors: diet (lipid and protein sources, lipid content, astaxanthin enrichment), feeding level, daily and weekly distribution frequency, fish density, initial weight heterogeneity, temperature, photoperiod, and light spectrum. Liver lipid droplets, glycogen, mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) were semi-quantified and analysed by a soft imaging system using transmission electronic microscopy photographs. Important variability of hepatocyte ultrastructural features was observed. The present study confirms that the rearing temperature, through its influences in the general metabolic activity, seems to be the main factor modifying mainly lipid droplet accumulation and RER development. However, factors that could be pooled under the designation of factors leading to food accessibility and lipid and protein quality intensify or compensate the effect of temperature.     

Effects of Dietary Exposure to 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in Adult Female Mink (Mustela vison)

Adult female mink were fed diets supplemented with 0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, or 100 ppb 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) for up to 125 days. There was a dose-dependent decrease in feed consumption and body weights indicative of the “wasting syndrome” previously reported for mink and other species exposed to chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds. Mortality reached 12.5, 62.5, and 100% by day 28 in the 1-, 10-, and 100-ppb groups, respectively, and by day 125, mortality increased to 62.5 and 100% in the 1- and 10-ppb groups, respectively. Adrenal gland weights were significantly greater in the three highest dose groups compared to the control group. The percentage of band neutrophils was also significantly greater in the TCDD-treated groups compared to the control. LC₅₀ (±SE) values for 28 and 125 days of dietary exposure to TCDD were calculated to be 4.8 ± 4.99 ppb and 0.85 ± 0.64 ppb, respectively. Based on feed consumption of control mink, these LC₅₀ concentrations approximate 0.264 and 0.047 μg TCDD/kg body weight/day for the 28- and 125-day exposure periods, respectively. These results confirm the sensitivity of mink to TCDD. Received: 4 August 1997/Accepted: 5 February 1998     

Trichodinid (Ciliophora: Trichodinidae) Infections in Perch <Emphasis Type="Italic">(Perca fluviatilis</Emphasis>) Experimentally Exposed to Pulp and Paper Mill Effluents

Wild-caught European perch (Perca fluviatilis) were exposed in the laboratory to untreated bleached pulp and paper mill effluent in two separate experiments. The first experiment was conducted at 7-8°C using effluent concentrations of 5 and 10%, and the second experiment was conducted at ambient river temperature of 4-20°C using an effluent concentration of 1%. Trichodinid ciliates were identified and enumerated at the end of the exposure using a mucus subsampling technique from gill and skin as well as a formalin immersion technique, which provided total counts on each fish. Four different trichodinid species were identified on the fish. Prevalence of infection, mean number, and mean density of Trichodina spp. decreased on fish exposed to effluents compared with controls. Prevalence of infection, mean number, and mean density of Trichodinella epizootica decreased on fish exposed to 5% and 10% effluents but increased on fish exposed to 1% effluents compared with controls. These results demonstrate that trichodinid ciliates vary in their susceptibility to at least certain types of contaminants and cautions against using trichodinids as environmental indicators without delineating species.     

Toxicity Investigations of (R)-3-Hydroxybutyrate Glycerides In Vitro and in Male and Female Rats

TCN006, a formulation of (R)-3-Hydroxybutyrate glycerides, is a promising ingredient for enhancing ketone intake of humans. Ketones have been shown to have beneficial effects on human health. To be used by humans, TCN006 must be determined safe in appropriately designed safety studies. The results of a bacterial reverse mutation assay, an in vitro mammalian micronucleus study, and 14-and 90-day repeat dose toxicity studies in rats are reported herein. In the 14- and 90-day studies, male and female Wistar rats had free access to drinking water containing 0, 75,000, 125,000 or 200,000 ppm TCN006 for 92 and 93 days, respectively. TCN006 tested negative for genotoxicity and the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for toxicity in the 14- and 90-day studies was 200,000 ppm, the highest dose administered. In the longer term study, the mean overall daily intake of TCN006 in the 200,000 ppm groups was 14,027.9 mg/kg bw/day for males and 20,507.0 mg/kg bw/day for females. At this concentration, palatability of water was likely affected, which led to a decrease in water consumption in both males and females compared to respective controls. This had no effect on the health of the animals. Although the rats were administered very high levels of (R)-3-Hydroxybutyrate glycerides, there were no signs of ketoacidosis.     

The Role of Functional Urban Areas in the Spread of COVID-19 Omicron (Northern Spain)

This study focuses on the space-time patterns of the COVID-19 Omicron wave at a regional scale, using municipal data. We analyze the Basque Country and Cantabria, two adjacent regions in the north of Spain, which between them numbered 491,816 confirmed cases in their 358 municipalities from 15th November 2021 to 31st March 2022. The study seeks to determine the role of functional urban areas (FUAs) in the spread of the Omicron variant of the virus, using ESRI Technology (ArcGIS Pro) and applying intelligence location methods such as 3D-bins and emerging hot spots. Those methods help identify trends and types of problem area, such as hot spots, at municipal level. The results demonstrate that FUAs do not contain an over-concentration of COVID-19 cases, as their location coefficient is under 1.0 in relation to population. Nevertheless, FUAs do have an important role as drivers of spread in the upward curve of the Omicron wave. Significant hot spot patterns are found in 85.0% of FUA area, where 98.9% of FUA cases occur. The distribution of cases shows a spatially stationary linear correlation linked to demographically progressive areas (densely populated, young profile, and with more children per woman) which are well connected by highways and railroads. Based on this research, the proposed GIS methodology can be adapted to other case studies. Considering geo-prevention and WHO Health in All Policies approaches, the research findings reveal spatial patterns that can help policymakers in tackling the pandemic in future waves as society learns to live with the virus.     

Predictors of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Female Sex Workers (FSWs) in a City of Northern India

Introduction:Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and Reproductive tract infections RTIs are important public health problems in India. The prevalence of these infections is considerably higher among high risk groups (HRGs) ranging from 20-30%. It is high time that a study should be conducted to explore different factors and conditions responsible for the practice of unsafe sex among female sex workers (FSWs) in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and the impact of this on social life and health of FSWs. As Lucknow provides a comprehensive opportunity in terms of tourism, occupation, and economy, it becomes a potential hub for sex work. Studying FSW in Lucknow can thus be considered as a yardstick for the entire FSW population of UP population. The present study was thus planned with the objective of knowing the STI prevalence and its determinants among FSWs.Results:The average age of FSWs was 31 years. FSWs were mostly Hindus and illiterate. The overall prevalence of STI as per Syndromic diagnosis was found to be 35.8%. However, the percentage of FSWs with STI was higher in street-based (50.6%) than home-based (29.8%). Majority (42.7%) of sex workers with STI had non-regular partners only while majority (52.4%) of sex workers without any STI had only regular partners. Condom usage with regular partners was poor. However, with the non-regular partners the condom usage was better. On multivariate analysis being single, having sex work as a sole means of earning, duration of sex work > 2 years, having pallor, and giving in to client''s demand for unsafe sex were found to be significant in causing STI.Conclusions:Prevalence of STI among the female sex workers as per Syndromic diagnosis was found to be 35.8%. Unemployment, anemia, and having sex without condom for extra money, failure to persuade the client and not doing anything were found to be important predictors for presence of STI.     

贫困山区开展产后出血防治可行性探讨

对5132例贫困山区农村妇女分娩前、后进行系统、简易保健,使用阶段预测产后出血评分法,筛选高危妊娠,进行重点防治。改产后出血目测法为测量法,推广统一、综合的适宜技术,有效地减少了产后出血量、产后出血发生率及孕产妇死亡率。     

家蝇雌成虫对溴氰菊酯的敏感性研究

目的 研究家蝇雌成虫在不同发育阶段对溴氰菊酯的敏感性变化，为家蝇的抗药性测定奠定基础。方法参照世界卫生组织成蝇抗药性测定的点滴法，测定羽化后1～8日龄的家蝇雌成虫(在未接触任何药剂的情况下，室内饲养30多年)对溴氰菊酯的LD50值。记录在不同剂量下的死亡率，通过比较其LD50值，分析其敏感性变化。结果羽化1d的雌成虫尽管体重最轻，但是对溴氰菊酯的敏感性较低；2～7d的敏感性相对稳定，羽化8d的敏感性显著增加；雄性成虫比雌性成虫敏感。结论测定家蝇对杀虫剂的抗药性一定要方法标准化。     

东营市女性农村居民甲型(H1N1)流感认知状况调查与研究

目的 了解农村15岁以上女性甲流知识认知情况,分析影响知识认知的因素,为有效开展该类人群的健康教育提供方法.方法 采用分层整群随机的多阶段抽样方法,采用自行设计的调查表进行资料收集,对总共54个村的896名女性居民进行调查.结果 东营市女性农村居民对甲流的相关知识了解不足,总体平均得分(x±s,4.99±4.47)分;年龄、文化程度、职业、卫生宣传教育的关注程度均对知识得分有影响.结论 该群体对甲流的认知水平不高,应加强宣传教育,提高其健康意识,进而能更好地预防和应对甲流的发生.