This short-term study evaluated the effect of non-lethal high CO2 concentration on transcriptional response immune-related genes Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) cultured in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Two experimental groups were created: (47.67±2.04 mg L−1) and low (2.0±1.93 L−1). Shrimp 8.85±1.20 g placed randomly at a density equivalent to 100 individuals m−3 monitor...

Paraquat is a contact and non-selective herbicide which is used for controlling a wide range of terrestrial weeds and aquatic plants. A long-term contact with this xenobiotic can potentially lead to injuries in fishes as live non-target organisms. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of sub-lethal toxicity of paraquat on the pathology of gill, liver, and spleen tissues i...

Activated cyclophosphamides such as 4-sulfoethylthiocyclophosphamide (mafosfamide) are suitable for a local intracavitary chemotherapy, whereas cyclophosphamide requires a metabolic activation. Mafosfamide administered i.p. in mice was less toxic (50% lethal dose, 640 mg/kg) than its i.v. application (50% lethal dose, 480 mg/kg). A further remarkable reduction of toxicity with an increase of th...

Earthworm toxicity tests are useful tools for terrestrial risk assessment but require a hierarchy of test designs that differ in effect levels (behavior, sublethal, lethal). In this study, the toxicity of chlorpyrifos contaminated soil on earthworms was assessed. In addition to the acute and chronic tests, an avoidance response test was applied. Earthworms were exposed to sublethal and lethal c...

Human use of antibiotics has driven the selective enrichment of pathogenic bacteria resistant to clinically used drugs. Traditionally, the selection of resistance has been considered to occur mainly at high, therapeutic levels of antibiotics, but we are now beginning to understand better the importance of selection of resistance at low levels of antibiotics. The concentration of an antibiotic v...

BACKGROUND Metronidazole is drug of choice recommended by WHO for treatment of trichomoniasis, however, some reports claims drug resistance in Trichomonas vaginalis isolates recently. The objective of this study was to determine the minimum lethal concentration (MLC) of metronidazole in resistant and sensitive strains, as well as genetic patterns of these stains by PCR method. METHODS From Fe...

BACKGROUND Sub-lethal effects of pesticides on behavioural endpoints are poorly studied in carabids (Coleoptera: Carabidae) though changes in behaviour caused by chemical stress may affect populations of these non-targeted beneficial insects. General motor activity and locomotion are inherent in many behavioural patterns, and changes in these activities that result from xenobiotic influence mir...

The membrane attack complex of complement (MAC), apart from its classical role of lysing cells, can also trigger a range of non-lethal effects on cells, acting as a drive to inflammation. In the present study, we chose to investigate these non-lethal effects on inflammasome activation. We found that, following sublytic MAC attack, there is increased cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration, at least part...