Uncovering microplastics contamination in canned seafood.

There is limited research on the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in canned seafood. All types of canned seafood investigated in the present study were contaminated. After sample digestion in 30 % hydrogen peroxide, a total of 40 MPs were recovered.

Characterization of the cross-lamellar structure of Olivancillaria urceus (Gastropoda: Olividae) and its dissolution pattern.

In this work, we sought to characterize the cross-lamellar microstructure of the gastropod Olivancillaria urceus (Röding, 1798) and its profile after immersion in acid medium. For crystallographic analysis, segments of the valve were removed and crushed. The powder obtained was analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) and X-ray Diffractometry (XRD) techniques.

Microplastic contamination in large migratory fishes collected in the open Atlantic Ocean.

Fishes are one of the most important components of the oceans and are exposed to several anthropogenic pressures, namely microplastic (MP), contaminants that are now ubiquitous worldwide. Taking advantage of the 2020 Circumnavigation Expedition carried by the NRP Sagres tall ship of the Portuguese Navy, fish samples from the southern Atlantic ocean were collected to evaluate possible MP contamination. In a total of 14 weeks of campaign, seven large migratory fishes of commercial interest were collected across the middle Atlantic Ocean and along the South American Atlantic coast.

Optimization of an Analytical Protocol for the Extraction of Microplastics from Seafood Samples with Different Levels of Fat.

Marine organisms are affected by the ubiquitous occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment. Several protocols have been described to extract and quantify MPs in seafood, although their complex matrices, with high level of fat, can compromise the efficiency of MPs extraction. To solve this issue, the present study aimed to develop a detailed methodology suitable to process seafood samples with different levels of fat, namely fish and molluscs, from fresh and canned sources, including the immersive liquids from the cans.

Microplastics and plankton: Knowledge from laboratory and field studies to distinguish contamination from pollution.

Due to their ubiquitous presence, size and characteristics as ability to adsorb pollutants, microplastics are hypothesized as causing a major impact on smaller organisms, such as plankton. Despite this, there is a need to determine whether these impacts just relate to the environmental presence of the materials or their effects on biological processes. Therefore, we aimed to 1) review current research on plankton and microplastics; 2) compare field and laboratory experimental findings, and 3) identify knowledge gaps.

Identification of VIMP as a gene inhibiting cytokine production in human CD4+ effector T cells.

Many players regulating the CD4 T cell-mediated inflammatory response have already been identified. However, the critical nodes that constitute the regulatory and signaling networks underlying CD4 T cell responses are still missing. Using a correlation-network-guided approach, here we identified (VCP-interacting membrane protein), one of the 25 genes encoding selenoproteins in humans, as a gene regulating the effector functions of human CD4 T cells, especially production of several cytokines including IL2 and CSF2.

Optimization of processing parameters to control Maillard browning in ready-to-eat processed potatoes.

Relationship among pH, a and Maillard browning was investigated in processed potatoes ready-to-eat during cooking and sterilization in autoclave to prevent their colors changes. Central composite rotational design was used for optimization of color (L*, a* and b*), browning index and intermediate compounds index. Reduction in the L* value and increase in the a*, b* value and browning index, indicators for Maillard browning of the processed potatoes were mitigated at pH 4.

The role of welding techniques in the biomechanical behavior of implant-supported prostheses.

This in vitro study investigated the role of welding techniques of implant-supported prostheses in the 2D and 3D marginal misfits of prosthetic frameworks, strain induced on the mini abutment, and detorque of prosthetic screws. The correlations between the analyzed variables were also investigated. Frameworks were cast in commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti).

Effect of chemical cleaning agents on the flexural strength of acrylic and hard denture line resins.

This study sought to evaluate the disinfectants, Efferdent (EF) and 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (SH), and their effects on the flexural strength and modulus of elasticity of the hard denture liners, Kooliner (K) and New Truliner (NT), and a thermoacrylic resin, QC-20. Ninety specimens were made (50 mm x 10 mm x 3 mm) and divided into 9 groups (n = 10).