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J. Xenobiot., Volume 11, Issue 4 (December 2021) – 6 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): The present study aims to introduce the application of silica nanoparticles as new promising nanotools in malaria and leishmaniasis treatment. Ion doped silica nanomaterials revealed antileishmanial activities indicating the positive role of calcium, magnesium and copper to the surface of the particles against Leishmania parasites. Artemisinin-loaded nanoparticles presented the most promising antiparasitic properties with a sustained release able to overcome the parasite invasion. The sustainable release of artemisinin guarantee both the maintenance of its potential efficacy and also introduce an administration of drug to avoid subsequent drug resistance. View this paper.

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13 pages, 1007 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Behavior of Drosophila melanogaster Fed with Genetically-Modified Corn or Roundup^®

by Raquel Elias, Becky Talyn and Erik Melchiorre

J. Xenobiot. 2021, 11(4), 215-227; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox11040014 - 17 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3087

Abstract

With the rise in concern about GMOs and pesticides on human health, we have utilized Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism for understanding the effects of Roundup-Ready^® GMO diets on health. We recorded dietary behavior during and after exposure to a medium containing GMO or non-GMO corn, Roundup^® in organic corn medium, and sucrose with or without one of the two Roundup^® formulations. No differences in behavior were observed when Drosophila were exposed to a medium containing Roundup-Ready^® GMO or non-GMO corn. Drosophila can detect and refrain from eating sucrose containing one Roundup^® formulation, Ready-to-Use, which contains pelargonic acid in addition to glyphosate as an active ingredient. Drosophila exhibited dose-dependent increased consumption of sucrose alone after exposure to a medium containing either Roundup^® formulation. This may indicate that flies eating a medium with Roundup^® eat less and were thus hungrier when then given sucrose solution; that a medium with Roundup^® is more difficult to digest; or that a medium with Roundup^® is less nutritious, as would be the case if nutritionally important microbes grew on control medium, but not one containing Roundup^®. Full article

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18 pages, 1094 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review on Multiple Facets of Drug Resistance: A Rising Challenge in the 21st Century

by Mousumi Saha and Agniswar Sarkar

J. Xenobiot. 2021, 11(4), 197-214; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox11040013 - 13 Dec 2021

Cited by 65 | Viewed by 11539

Abstract

With the advancements of science, antibiotics have emerged as an amazing gift to the human and animal healthcare sectors for the treatment of bacterial infections and other diseases. However, the evolution of new bacterial strains, along with excessive use and reckless consumption of antibiotics have led to the unfolding of antibiotic resistances to an excessive level. Multidrug resistance is a potential threat worldwide, and is escalating at an extremely high rate. Information related to drug resistance, and its regulation and control are still very little. To interpret the onset of antibiotic resistances, investigation on molecular analysis of resistance genes, their distribution and mechanisms are urgently required. Fine-tuned research and resistance profile regarding ESKAPE pathogen is also necessary along with other multidrug resistant bacteria. In the present scenario, the interaction of bacterial infections with SARS-CoV-2 is also crucial. Tracking and in-silico analysis of various resistance mechanisms or gene/s are crucial for overcoming the problem, and thus, the maintenance of relevant databases and wise use of antibiotics should be promoted. Creating awareness of this critical situation among individuals at every level is important to strengthen the fight against this fast-growing calamity. The review aimed to provide detailed information on antibiotic resistance, its regulatory molecular mechanisms responsible for the resistance, and other relevant information. In this article, we tried to focus on the correlation between antimicrobial resistance and the COVID-19 pandemic. This study will help in developing new interventions, potential approaches, and strategies to handle the complexity of antibiotic resistance and prevent the incidences of life-threatening infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial and Antiviral Strategies)

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34 pages, 1827 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

The Impact of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Male Fertility: Focus on the Action of Obesogens

by Luís Rato and Ana C. A. Sousa

J. Xenobiot. 2021, 11(4), 163-196; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox11040012 - 29 Nov 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5652

Abstract

The current scenario of male infertility is not yet fully elucidated; however, there is increasing evidence that it is associated with the widespread exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and in particular to obesogens. These compounds interfere with hormones involved in the regulation of metabolism and are associated with weight gain, being also able to change the functioning of the male reproductive axis and, consequently, the testicular physiology and metabolism that are pivotal for spermatogenesis. The disruption of these tightly regulated metabolic pathways leads to adverse reproductive outcomes. The permanent exposure to obesogens has raised serious health concerns. Evidence suggests that obesogens are one of the leading causes of the marked decline of male fertility and key players in shaping the future health outcomes not only for those who are directly exposed but also for upcoming generations. In addition to the changes that lead to inefficient functioning of the male gametes, obesogens induce alterations that are “imprinted” on the genes of the male gametes, establishing a link between generations and contributing to the transmission of defects. Unveiling the molecular mechanisms by which obesogens induce toxicity that may end-up in epigenetic modifications is imperative. This review describes and discusses the suggested molecular targets and potential mechanisms for obesogenic–disrupting chemicals and the subsequent effects on male reproductive health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Emerging Chemicals)

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8 pages, 1254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Silica Based Nanoparticles against Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania infantum parasites

by Ioannis Tsamesidis, Evgenia Lymperaki, Chinedu O. Egwu, Georgia K. Pouroutzidou, Konstantina Kazeli, Karine Reybier, Sandra Bourgeade-Delmas, Alexis Valentin and Eleana Kontonasaki

J. Xenobiot. 2021, 11(4), 155-162; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox11040011 - 16 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3048

Abstract

Malaria and Leishmaniasis are two major parasitic diseases, endemic in large areas of tropical countries with high morbidity and mortality across the world. Nanoparticles in small sizes are specifically considered in medicine due to their ability to enter the cells, control the distribution of the administered drug and carry the drug specifically to the place of action. The present study aims to introduce the application of silica nanoparticles as new promising nanotools in malaria and leishmaniasis treatment. Ion doped silica nanomaterials revealed antileishmanial activities indicating the positive role of calcium, magnesium and copper to the surface of the particles against Leishmania parasites. Artemisinin-loaded nanoparticles presented the most promising antiparasitic properties with a sustained release able to overcome the parasite invasion. The sustainable release of artemisinin guarantee both the maintenance of its potential efficacy and also introduce an administration of drug to avoid subsequent drug resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial and Antiviral Strategies)

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13 pages, 2017 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photodegradation of Flucetosulfuron, a Sulfonylurea-Based Herbicide in the Aqueous Media Is Influenced by Ultraviolet Irradiation

by Arnab Goon, Arijita Bhattacharyya, Bappa Ghosh, Rajiv Rakshit, Anupam Das, Suborna Roy Choudury, Chiranjit Kundu, Pritam Ganguly and Akbar Hossain

J. Xenobiot. 2021, 11(4), 142-154; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox11040010 - 6 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3287

Abstract

Photodegradation (photolysis) causes the breakdown of organic pesticides molecules by direct or indirect solar radiation energy. Flucetosulfuron herbicide often encounters water bodies. For this reason, it is important to know the behavior of the compound under these stressed conditions. In this context, photodegradation of flucetosulfuron, a sulfonylurea-based herbicide, has been assessed in aqueous media in the presence of photocatalyst TiO₂ and photosensitizers (i.e., H₂O_2, humic acid, and KNO₃) under the influence of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The influence of different water systems was also assessed during the photodegradation study. The photodegradation followed the first-order reaction kinetics in each case. The metabolites after photolysis were isolated in pure form by column chromatographic method and characterized using the different spectral data (i.e., XRD, IR, NMR, UV-VIS, and mass spectrometry). The structures of these metabolites were identified based on the spectral data and the plausible photodegradation pathways of flucetosulfuron were suggested. Based on the findings, photocatalyst TiO₂ with the presence of ultraviolet irradiation was found effective for the photodegradation of toxic flucetosulfuron residues under aqueous conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Soil to Plate: The Fate of Xenobiotics in the Food Chain with Ecological and Health Risk Implications)

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12 pages, 1983 KiB

Open AccessReview

Xenobiotics—Division and Methods of Detection: A Review

by Tea Štefanac, Dijana Grgas and Tibela Landeka Dragičević

J. Xenobiot. 2021, 11(4), 130-141; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox11040009 - 26 Oct 2021

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 11869

Abstract

Xenobiotics are compounds of synthetic origin, usually used for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes; in the environment, they are present in micropollutant concentrations and high concentrations (using ng/L to µg/L units). Xenobiotics can be categorized according to different criteria, including their nature, uses, physical state, and pathophysiological effects. Their impacts on humans and the environment are non-negligible. Prolonged exposure to even low concentrations may have toxic, mutagenic, or teratogenic effects. Wastewater treatment plants that are ineffective at minimizing the release of xenobiotic compounds are one of the main sources of xenobiotics in the environment (e.g., xenobiotic compounds reach the environment, affecting both humans and animals). In order to minimize the negative impacts, various laws and regulations have been adopted in the EU and across the globe, with an emphasis on xenobiotics removal from the environment, in a way that is economically, environmentally, and socially acceptable, and will not result in their accumulation, or creation of compounds that are more harmful. Detection methods allow detecting even small concentrations of xenobiotics in samples, but the problem is the diversity and mix of compounds present in the environment, in which it is not known what their effects are). In this review, the division of xenobiotics and their detection methods will be presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Industrial Chemicals Using Aquatic Models)

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