1
|
Uhl M, Santos RR, Costa J, Santos O, Virgolino A, Evans DS, Murray C, Mulcahy M, Ubong D, Sepai O, Lobo Vicente J, Leitner M, Benda-Kahri S, Zanini-Freitag D. Chemical Exposure: European Citizens' Perspectives, Trust, and Concerns on Human Biomonitoring Initiatives, Information Needs, and Scientific Results. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:1532. [PMID: 33562859 PMCID: PMC7914422 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, citizen awareness and perception of chemical products has been a topic of interest, particularly concerning national and international policy decision makers, expert/scientific platforms, and the European Union itself. To date, few qualitative studies on human biomonitoring have analysed communication materials, made recommendations in terms of biomonitoring surveillance, or asked for feedback in terms of specific biomonitoring methods. This paper provides in-depth insight on citizens' perceptions of knowledge of biomonitoring, impact of chemical exposure on daily life, and claims on how results of research should be used. Four semi-structured focus groups were held in Austria, Portugal, Ireland, and the United Kingdom (UK). The cross-sectional observational qualitative design of this study allows for better understanding of public concern regarding chemicals, application, and use of human biomonitoring. The main findings of this study include citizens' clear articulation on pathways of exposure, the demand on stakeholders for transparent decision-making, and sensitivity in communication of results to the public. Validated and trustful communication is perceived as key to empowering citizens to take action. The results can be used to facilitate decision-making and policy development, and feeds into the awareness needs of similar and future projects in human biomonitoring. Furthermore, it also brings to light ideas and concepts of citizens' in shaping collaborative knowledge between citizens', experts, scientists, and policy makers on equal terms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Uhl
- Environment Agency Austria, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.L.); (S.B.-K.)
| | - Ricardo R. Santos
- Environmental Health Behaviour Lab, Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.R.S.); (J.C.); (O.S.); (A.V.)
| | - Joana Costa
- Environmental Health Behaviour Lab, Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.R.S.); (J.C.); (O.S.); (A.V.)
| | - Osvaldo Santos
- Environmental Health Behaviour Lab, Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.R.S.); (J.C.); (O.S.); (A.V.)
- Unbreakable Idea Research, 2550-426 Painho, Portugal
| | - Ana Virgolino
- Environmental Health Behaviour Lab, Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.R.S.); (J.C.); (O.S.); (A.V.)
| | - David S. Evans
- Health Service Executive, Department of Public Health, Merlin Park Regional Hospital, H91N973 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Cora Murray
- Health Service Executive, Environmental Health Service, H91EW40 Galway, Ireland; (C.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Maurice Mulcahy
- Health Service Executive, Environmental Health Service, H91EW40 Galway, Ireland; (C.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Dorothy Ubong
- Public Health England, London SE1 8UG, UK; (D.U.); (O.S.)
| | - Ovnair Sepai
- Public Health England, London SE1 8UG, UK; (D.U.); (O.S.)
| | | | - Michaela Leitner
- Environment Agency Austria, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.L.); (S.B.-K.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Prasannakumar MK, Mahesh HB, Desai RU, Kunduru B, Narayan KS, Teli K, Puneeth ME, Rajadurai RC, Parivallal B, Babu GV. Metagenome sequencing of fingermillet-associated microbial consortia provides insights into structural and functional diversity of endophytes. 3 Biotech 2020; 10:15. [PMID: 31879579 PMCID: PMC6904717 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-019-2013-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Endophytes confer unique ecological advantages to their host plants. In this study, we have characterized the diversity of endophytic consortia associated with the GPU-28 (GPU) and Udurumallige (UM) finger millet varieties, which are resistant and susceptible to the blast disease, respectively. Whole genome metagenome sequencing of GPU and UM helped to identify 1029 species (includes obligate endophytes) of microbiota. Among them, 385 and 357 species were unique to GPU and UM, respectively. Remaining 287 species were common to both the varieties. Actinobacteria and other plant-growth promoting bacteria were abundant in GPU as compared to UM. Functional annotation of genes predicted from genomes of endophytes associated with GPU variety showed that many genes had functional role in stress response, secondary metabolism, aromatic compounds, glutathione, and cysteine synthesis pathways as compared to UM. Based on in vitro and in planta studies, Bacillus cereus and Paenibacillus spp. were found to be effective in suppressing the growth of blast disease pathogen Magnaporthe grisea (strain MG03). In the future, these strains could serve as potential biocontrol agents to reduce the incidence of blast disease in finger millet crop.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. K. Prasannakumar
- Plant Pathogenomic Laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka India
| | - H. B. Mahesh
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Mandya, Karnataka India
| | - Radhika U. Desai
- Plant Pathogenomic Laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka India
| | - Bharath Kunduru
- Plant Pathogenomic Laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka India
| | - Karthik S. Narayan
- Department of Centre for Advanced Study in Botany, University of Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Kalavati Teli
- Plant Pathogenomic Laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka India
| | - M. E. Puneeth
- Plant Pathogenomic Laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka India
| | | | - Buella Parivallal
- Plant Pathogenomic Laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka India
| | - Gopal Venkatesh Babu
- Department of Centre for Advanced Study in Botany, University of Madras, Chennai, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nascimento SN, Göethel G, Baierle M, Barth A, Brucker N, Charão MF, Moro AM, Gauer B, Sauer E, Durgante J, Arbo MD, Thiesen FV, Pierre TDS, Gioda A, Moresco R, Garcia SC. Environmental exposure and effects on health of children from a tobacco-producing region. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:2851-2865. [PMID: 27838906 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-8071-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Children may be environmentally exposed to several hazards. In order to evaluate the health of children living in a tobacco-producing region, different biomarkers of exposure and effect, as well as hematological parameters, were evaluated. Biomarkers of exposure to the following xenobiotics were assessed: pesticides, nicotine, toxic elements, and organic solvents. Oxidative damage markers malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PCO), vitamin C, microalbuminuria (mALB) levels, and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity were also evaluated. Peripheral blood samples and urine were collected from 40 children (6-12 years), at two different crop periods: in the beginning of pesticide applications (period 1) and in the leaf harvest (period 2). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired data was used to evaluate the differences between both periods. Biomarkers of exposure cotinine in urine and blood chromium (Cr) levels were increased in period 1 when compared to period 2. Moreover, a significant reduced plasmatic activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) was observed in period 2 in relation to period 1. Blood Cr levels were above the recommended by WHO in both evaluations. The biomarkers MDA and PCO as well as the kidney dysfunction biomarker, mALB, presented levels significantly increased in period 1. Additionally, decreased lymphocytes and increased basophils were also observed. Cotinine was positively associated with PCO, and Cr was positively associated with PCO and MDA. The increased Cr levels were associated with decreased lymphocytes and increased basophils. Our findings demonstrate that children environmentally exposed to xenobiotics in rural area may present early kidney dysfunction, hematological alterations, as well as lipid and protein damages, associated with co-exposure to different xenobiotics involved in tobacco cultivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina N Nascimento
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analyses, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Ipiranga 2752, Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90610-000, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Göethel
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analyses, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Ipiranga 2752, Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90610-000, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Marília Baierle
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analyses, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Ipiranga 2752, Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Anelise Barth
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analyses, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Ipiranga 2752, Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Natália Brucker
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analyses, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Ipiranga 2752, Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Mariele F Charão
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analyses, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Ipiranga 2752, Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90610-000, Brazil
- Institute of Health Sciences, Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil
| | - Angela M Moro
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analyses, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Ipiranga 2752, Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Bruna Gauer
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analyses, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Ipiranga 2752, Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90610-000, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Elisa Sauer
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analyses, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Ipiranga 2752, Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90610-000, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Juliano Durgante
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analyses, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Ipiranga 2752, Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Marcelo D Arbo
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analyses, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Ipiranga 2752, Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90610-000, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Flavia V Thiesen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Tatiana D Saint' Pierre
- Department of Chemistry, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Adriana Gioda
- Department of Chemistry, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rafael Moresco
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Solange Cristina Garcia
- Laboratory of Toxicology (LATOX), Department of Analyses, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Ipiranga 2752, Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90610-000, Brazil.
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Morgott DA. Factors and Trends Affecting the Identification of a Reliable Biomarker for Diesel Exhaust Exposure. CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2014; 44:1795-1864. [PMID: 25170242 PMCID: PMC4118891 DOI: 10.1080/10643389.2013.790748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The monitoring of human exposures to diesel exhaust continues to be a vexing problem for specialists seeking information on the potential health effects of this ubiquitous combustion product. Exposure biomarkers have yielded a potential solution to this problem by providing a direct measure of an individual's contact with key components in the exhaust stream. Spurred by the advent of new, highly sensitive, analytical methods capable of detecting substances at very low levels, there have been numerous attempts at identifying a stable and specific biomarker. Despite these new techniques, there is currently no foolproof method for unambiguously separating diesel exhaust exposures from those arising from other combustion sources. Diesel exhaust is a highly complex mixture of solid, liquid, and gaseous components whose exact composition can be affected by many variables, including engine technology, fuel composition, operating conditions, and photochemical aging. These factors together with those related to exposure methodology, epidemiological necessity, and regulatory reform can have a decided impact on the success or failure of future research aimed at identifying a suitable biomarker of exposure. The objective of this review is to examine existing information on exposure biomarkers for diesel exhaust and to identify those factors and trends that have had an impact on the successful identification of metrics for both occupational and community settings. The information will provide interested parties with a template for more thoroughly understanding those factors affecting diesel exhaust emissions and for identifying those substances and research approaches holding the greatest promise for future success.
Collapse
|
5
|
Faniband M, Lindh CH, Jönsson BAG. Human biological monitoring of suspected endocrine-disrupting compounds. Asian J Androl 2014; 16:5-16. [PMID: 24369128 PMCID: PMC3901881 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.122197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting compounds are exogenous agents that interfere with the natural hormones of the body. Human biological monitoring is a powerful method for monitoring exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds. In this review, we describe human biological monitoring systems for different groups of endocrine disrupting compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, brominated flame retardants, phthalates, alkylphenols, pesticides, metals, perfluronated compounds, parabens, ultraviolet filters, and organic solvents. The aspects discussed are origin to exposure, metabolism, matrices to analyse, analytical determination methods, determinants, and time trends.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moosa Faniband
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Christian H Lindh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Bo AG Jönsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Budnik LT, Kloth S, Velasco-Garrido M, Baur X. Prostate cancer and toxicity from critical use exemptions of methyl bromide: environmental protection helps protect against human health risks. Environ Health 2012; 11:5. [PMID: 22284215 PMCID: PMC3807750 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-11-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2011] [Accepted: 01/27/2012] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although ozone-depleting methyl bromide was destined for phase-out by 2005, it is still widely applied as a consequence of various critical-use-exemptions and mandatory international regulations aiming to restrict the spread of pests and alien species (e.g. in globalized transport and storage). The withdrawal of methyl bromide because of its environmental risk could fortuitously help in the containment of its human toxicity. METHODS We performed a systematic review of the literature, including in vitro toxicological and epidemiological studies of occupational and community exposure to the halogenated hydrocarbon pesticide methyl bromide. We focused on toxic (especially chronic) or carcinogenic effects from the use of methyl bromide, on biomonitoring data and reference values. Eligible epidemiological studies were subjected to meta-analysis. RESULTS Out of the 542 peer reviewed publications between 1990-2011, we found only 91 referring to toxicity of methyl bromide and 29 using the term "carcinogenic", "neoplastic" or "mutagenic". Several studies provide new additional data pertaining to the mechanistic aspects of methyl bromide toxicity. Few studies have performed a detailed exposure assessment including biomonitoring. Three evaluated epidemiological studies assessed a possible association between cancer and methyl bromide. Overall, exposure to methyl bromide is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer OR, 1.21; 95% CI (0,98-1.49), P = 0.076. Two epidemiological studies have analyzed environmental, non-occupational exposure to methyl bromide providing evidence for its health risk to the general public. None of the epidemiological studies addressed its use as a fumigant in freight containers, although recent field and case reports do refer to its toxic effects associated with its use in shipping and storage. CONCLUSIONS Both the epidemiological evidence and toxicological data suggest a possible link between methyl bromide exposure and serious health problems, including prostate cancer risk from occupational and community exposure. The environmental risks of methyl bromide are not in doubt, but also its health risks, especially for genetically predisposed subjects, should not be underestimated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lygia T Budnik
- Division of Occupational Toxicology and Immunology, Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), Medical Faculty, University of Hamburg, University Medical Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kloth
- Division of Occupational Toxicology and Immunology, Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), Medical Faculty, University of Hamburg, University Medical Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marcial Velasco-Garrido
- Division of Clinical Occupational Medicine, Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Xaver Baur
- Chair for Occupational Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Hamburg, University Medical Center, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tucci M, Ruocco M, De Masi L, De Palma M, Lorito M. The beneficial effect of Trichoderma spp. on tomato is modulated by the plant genotype. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2011; 12:341-54. [PMID: 21453429 PMCID: PMC6640367 DOI: 10.1111/j.1364-3703.2010.00674.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Rhizosphere-competent fungi of the genus Trichoderma are widely used as biofertilizers and biopesticides in commercial formulates because of the multiple beneficial effects on plant growth and disease resistance. In this work, we demonstrate that genetic variability among wild and cultivated tomato lines affects the outcome of the interaction with two 'elite' biocontrol strains of T. atroviride and T. harzianum. The beneficial response, which included enhanced growth and systemic resistance against Botrytis cinerea, was clearly evident for some, but not all, the tested lines. At least in one case (line M82), treatment with the biocontrol agents had no effect or was even detrimental. Expression studies on defence-related genes suggested that the fungus is able to trigger, in the responsive lines, a long-lasting up-regulation of the salicylic acid pathway in the absence of a pathogen, possibly activating a priming mechanism in the plant. Consequently, infection with B. cinerea on plants pretreated with Trichoderma is followed by enhanced activation of jasmonate-responsive genes, eventually boosting systemic resistance to the pathogen in a plant genotype-dependent manner. Our data indicate that, at least in tomato, the Trichoderma induced systemic resistance mechanism is much more complex than considered so far, and the ability of the plant to benefit from this symbiotic-like interaction can be genetically improved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Tucci
- CNR-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Genetica Vegetale, Portici, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Behrens T, Mester B. The Assessment of Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Substances by Biomonitoring: Epidemiological Benefits. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2009; 106:507; author reply 507-8. [DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2009.0507b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
9
|
Jennrich P. The Assessment of Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Substances by Biomonitoring: Sum of Many Factors. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2009; 106:507; author reply 507-8. [DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2009.0507a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|