Genotoxicity of five food preservatives tested on root tips of Allium cepa L

The effects of the food preservatives sodium benzoate (SB), boric acid (BA), citric acid (CA), potassium citrate (PC) and sodium citrate (SC) have been studied on root tips of Allium cepa L. Roots of A. cepa were treated with a series of concentrations, ranging from 20 to 100 ppm for 5, 10 and 20 h. The results indicate that these food preservatives reduced mitotic division in A. cepa compared with the respective control. Mitotic index values were generally decreased with increasing concentrations and longer treatment times. Additionally, variations in the percentage of mitotic stages were observed. The total percentage of aberrations generally increased with increasing concentrations of these chemicals and the longer period of treatment. Different abnormal mitotic figures were observed in all mitotic phases. Among these abnormalities were anaphase bridges, C-mitosis, micronuclei, lagging, stickiness, breaks and unequal distribution.     

Comparison of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of plutonium-239 alpha particles and mobile phone GSM 900 radiation in the Allium cepa test

The goal of this study was to compare the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of plutonium-239 alpha particles and GSM 900 modulated mobile phone (model Sony Ericsson K550i) radiation in the Allium cepa test. Three groups of bulbs were exposed to mobile phone radiation during 0 (sham), 3 and 9 h. A positive control group was treated during 20 min with plutonium-239 alpha-radiation. Mitotic abnormalities, chromosome aberrations, micronuclei and mitotic index were analyzed. Exposure to alpha-radiation from plutonium-239 and exposure to modulated radiation from mobile phone during 3 and 9 h significantly increased the mitotic index. GSM 900 mobile phone radiation as well as alpha-radiation from plutonium-239 induced both clastogenic and aneugenic effects. However, the aneugenic activity of mobile phone radiation was more pronounced. After 9 h of exposure to mobile phone radiation, polyploid cells, three-groups metaphases, amitoses and some unspecified abnormalities were detected, which were not registered in the other experimental groups. Importantly, GSM 900 mobile phone radiation increased the mitotic index, the frequency of mitotic and chromosome abnormalities, and the micronucleus frequency in a time-dependent manner. Due to its sensitivity, the A. cepa test can be recommended as a useful cytogenetic assay to assess cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields.     

Effects of cadmium on meristem activity and nucleus ploidy in roots of Pisum sativum L. cv. Frisson seedlings

The effects of cadmium (Cd) administration on primary root growth, mitotic activity of apical meristems, mitotic aberrations and percentage of nucleus ploidy classes of differentiated roots were examined in Pisum sativum L. cv. Frisson. Cadmium caused a reduction of root length related to concentration, with an almost complete block of growth in plants treated with 250 μM Cd, from 24 h of treatment. Root lengthening is generally related to apical meristem activity, however, in the examined pea plants, mitotic activity was suppressed by 2.5 and 25 μM Cd treatment, while the highest Cd concentration, 250 μM, caused the occurrence of mitotic figures consisting almost exclusively of prophases. The lack of relation between root lengthening and mitotic activity was explained by the meristematic activity in the first period of treatment and by a different cell elongation. Lower (0.25, 0.5 and 1 μM), non-blocking Cd concentrations induced a number of mitotic aberrations, mainly consisting of sticky metaphases and anaphase bridges, whose frequency increased with Cd concentration. Besides, Cd induced variations of the percentages of nucleus populations in the differentiated roots, increasing the percentage of 4C nuclei and decreasing that of 2C. The mechanisms involved in the nuclear response to Cd, and the possible relations between Cd alteration of meristem cell activity and nuclear ploidy of differentiated cells are discussed.     

Evaluation of Tris–citric acid,skim milk and sodium citrate extenders for liquid storage of Punjab Urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) spermatozoa

The Punjab Urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) is an endangered subspecie of ovidae, distributed as small scattered populations in the forest belt of the Himalayan foothills of Pakistan and in the areas enclosed by the Indus and the Jhelum rivers. The present study was conducted to evaluate the liquid storage of Punjab Urial spermatozoa in different extenders for use in future in situ conservation activities. Semen was collected by electro-ejaculation from three captive Punjab Urial rams. Suitable ejaculates of individual animals were pooled and divided into three aliquots for dilution with the experimental extenders (Tris–citric acid, skim milk and sodium citrate) at 37 °C. Extended semen was cooled from 37 °C to 5 °C in 2 h, and stored for three days at 5 °C. Sperm motility (%), viability (%; live/dead), acrosome integrity (%) and plasma membrane integrity (%) were assessed on days 1, 2 and 3 of storage. On day 1, sperm motility, viability as well as acrosome and plasma membrane integrity were similar (p > 0.05) in all three experimental extenders. On day 2, sperm motility, viability, acrosome and plasma membrane integrity were higher (p < 0.05) in Tris–citric acid extender compared to sodium citrate based extender. On day 3 of storage, the values of motility, viability and acrosome integrity were higher (p < 0.05) in Tris–citric acid extender than in skim milk and sodium citrate based extenders. In conclusion, Tris–citric acid extender appears to be a better option compared with skim milk and sodium citrate extenders for liquid storage of Punjab Urial semen.     

Zinc induced damage to kidney proximal tubular cells: Studies on chemical speciation leading to a mechanism of damage

This study was carried out to investigate whether zinc can potentiate renal toxicity using monolayer cultures of kidney proximal tubular cells and if so to establish the chemical species and the mechanism involved.MethodsZinc was prepared as the citrate complex at pH 7.4 in phosphate buffered saline. Monolayers of kidney proximal tubular cells under standard cell culture conditions were exposed to zinc concentrations of 0, 5 10, 20, 50 and 100 μmol/L. To assess cellular damage, thiazol blue (MTT) uptake, NAG and LDH release, DAPI staining and Tunel assay were used. Cytoprotective agents: trolox, cysteine, glutathione, ascorbic acid and sodium selenite were used to investigate if the damage was reversible.ResultsIncubation of kidney cells with zinc citrate showed a dose related reduction in cell viability (p < 0.005) associated with cellular uptake of zinc ions. After 24 h incubation with 100 μmol/L Zn citrate, NAG release was not significantly different compared to the control whereas LDH increased 3 fold. DAPI staining showed apoptotic bodies within the cells confirmed by Tunel assay using flow cytometry. Electron microscopy showed significant morphological changes including loss of brush border, vacuolated cytoplasm and condensed nuclei. Trolox almost completely (>85 ± 5%) and sodium selenite partially recovered (40 ± 4%) the viability of cells exposed to Zn but no protection was observed with other cytoprotectants, e.g. glutathione, cysteine or ascorbic acid.In conclusion zinc can induce damage to kidney cells by a mechanism dependent on zinc ions entering the cell, binding to the cell organelles and disrupting cellular processes rather than damage initiated by free radical and ROS production.     

Analysis of the germination rate,mitotic index and karyotype of Chromolaena barranquillensis (Hieron.) R.M. King & H. Rob.—Asteraceae

Chromolaena barranquillensis (Asteraceae) is an endemic plant of northern Colombia that has garnered economic and medicinal interest, because species from the genus Chromolaena have shown diverse biological activities. This study describes, for the first time, the karyotype, germination and mitotic indices of C. barranquillensis (Hieron.) R.M. King & H. Rob. The germination index was between 34% and 56% with an average germination rate of 1.2 ± 0.4 seeds/day. The mitotic index analysis allowed to determine the cell cycle time (4 h, 10 min) and the mitotic hours (3:00–8:00 h and 17:00 h). The mitosis time was 49 min, equivalent to ~ 20% of the cell cycle. Karyotype analysis showed that C. barranquillensis is a hexaploid species with a chromosomal formula 2n = 6x = 60 = 48 m + 12 sm, and the average chromosomal lengths were 1.7 ± 0.1 μm to 0.9 ± 0.3 μm. The Stebbins asymmetry index was 2B, and the total form percentage was ~ 41%. These results uncover differences between C. barranquillensis and Chromolaena odorata, one of the most abundant species found in the world and the most closely related species to C. barranquillensis.     

Nitric oxide protects sour pummelo (Citrus grandis) seedlings against aluminum-induced inhibition of growth and photosynthesis

Limited data are available on the amelioration of nitric oxide (NO) on aluminum (Al)-toxicity. Sour pummelo (Citrus grandis) seedlings were irrigated for 18 weeks with nutrient solution containing 0 and 1.2 mM AlCl₃·6H₂O × 0 and 10 μM sodium nitroprusside (SNP, an NO donor). Under Al stress, SNP increased root phosphorus (P) and Al, but decreased shoot Al. Al decreased photosynthesis, maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry (F_v/F_m) and total performance index (PI_tot,sbs), but increased inactivation of oxygen-evolving complex (OEC), K-band and relative variable fluorescence at I-steps (V_I). SNP alleviated Al-induced changes for all these parameters. SNP stimulated Al-induced secretion of malate and citrate by excised roots from Al-treated seedlings, while Al did not increase their contents in roots. Antioxidant system in leaves and roots was up- and down-regulated by Al, respectively. SNP prevented Al-induced accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) in roots and leaves. In conclusion, SNP alleviates Al-induced inhibition of growth and impairment of the whole photosynthetic electron transport chain. This occurs through increasing Al-immobilization and P level in roots and Al-induced secretion of malate and citrate from roots, and decreasing Al accumulation in shoots. Thus, the decrease of photosynthesis is prevented. Increased P level and Al-immobilization in roots through SNP may be effected through enhanced secretion of malate and citrate.     

Nutritional characterization of Mucuna pruriens: 4. Does replacing soybean meal with Mucuna pruriens in lamb diets affect ruminal,blood and tissue l-dopa concentrations?

The harmful effects of the 3,4-dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine (l-dopa) in Mucuna pruriens (Velvet bean) seeds have limited its use as a protein supplement for monogastrics and humans. Little is known about the extent of metabolism of Mucuna l-dopa in ruminants or its accumulation in ruminant tissues consumed as food by humans. This study aimed to determine if replacing soybean meal (SB) with Mucuna increases concentrations of l-dopa in rumen fluid, blood and muscle tissue of lambs. Twenty-seven RM lambs (RM; initial body weight, BW = 33.8 ± 5.44 kg) and 12 Florida Native (FN; initial BW = 24.9 ± 8.63 kg) lambs were assigned to four treatments and fed a basal diet of coastal bermudagrass hay, corn grain, and liquid molasses for 42 (FN) or 49 days (RM) and then slaughtered. Dietary supplements were formulated by substituting 0 (SB), 330 (Lo), 670 (Med) or at least 1000 (Hi) g/kg of SB with rolled Mucuna seeds (l-dopa, 24 g/kg dry matter, DM). Body weight was measured weekly and carcass characteristics and concentrations of l-dopa in rumen fluid, blood and the sterno-mandibularis muscle were measured at slaughter when concentrations of blood urea N, glucose, haptoglobin and cerruloplasmin were also measured. Lambs fed SB had higher (P<0.05) average daily gain than those fed Mucuna (0.20 versus 0.15 kg/day for RM; 0.21 versus 0.14 kg/day for FN). However, concentrate protein source did not affect dressing and concentrations of blood urea N, or blood glucose. Feeding the Hi diet versus the SB diet did not increase concentrations of blood cerruloplasmin, or l-dopa or concentrations of l-dopa metabolites in blood. No l-dopa was found in the ruminal fluid of the lambs and l-dopa concentrations in the sterno-mandibularis muscle were low (i.e., <5 ng l-dopa/g), and unaffected (P>0.05) by diet. Ingested Mucuna l-dopa was extensively metabolized in lambs, and did not accumulate to toxic levels in muscle tissues.     

Digestive capacities allow the Mexican long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris nivalis) to live in cold environments

Digestive capabilities of nectar-feeding vertebrates to assimilate sugars affect their ability to acquire and store energy and could determine the minimal temperatures at which these animals can survive. Here, we described the sugar digestive capability of Leptonycteris nivalis and related it with its capacity to live in cold environments. We measured the enzymatic activity, food intake rate and changes in body mass of bats feeding at four different sucrose concentrations (from 5 to 35% wt./vol.). Additionally, we used a mathematical model to predict food intake and compared it with the food intake of bats. L. nivalis was able to obtain ~ 111.3 kJ of energy regardless of the sugar concentration of their food. Also, bats gained ~ 2.57 g of mass during the experimental trials and this gain was independent of sugar concentration. The affinity (1 / K_m) of sucrase (EC 3.2.1.48) was one order of magnitude higher relative to that reported for its sister species Leptonycteris yerbabuenae (0.250 and 0.0189 mmol^? 1 L, respectively), allowing this species to have a higher energy intake rate. We propose that the high ability to acquire energy conferred L. nivalis the faculty to invade cold environments, avoiding in this way the ecological competition with its sympatric species L. yerbabuenae.     

Responses of milk protein,arterial AA concentration,and mammary AA metabolism to graded abomasal casein infusion in lactating goats

It has been generally assumed in postruminal protein or AA infusion studies that casein or AA mixtures mimicking the essential AA (EAA) composition of milk approach ‘ideal protein’ status, but the differences in postabsorptive metabolism of individual EAA may bring the assumption into question. Graded amounts of caseinate sodium were abomasally infused into lactating goats, and concentrations in the plasma of carotid, mammary uptakes and utilization efficiencies of amino acids were monitored in the present study. The results indicated that arterial concentrations of all the amino acids, except for Arg were increased with the increase of caseinate sodium infused (P < 0.05). The increments in plasma concentration differed with individual EAA. Concentrations of Ile, Leu, and Lys increased about two-folds, and that of Met, Thr, Phe, and His increased 58.33, 32.5, 29.87, and 61.66%, respectively, when data of the 99 g/day and the control treatment was compared. Mammary extraction efficiencies of Arg, Thr, Lys, Leu, and Phe increased with graded casein infusion (P < 0.05), while those of the other EAA were not significantly changed (P > 0.05). Mammary extraction efficiencies of individual non-essential amino acids (NEAA) varied greatly, and ranged from 9.18 to 33.89% in the control treatment. Except for Pro, mammary extraction efficiency of NEAA increased with graded casein infusion. Mammary uptake to milk output ratios (U/O) of sequestered AA was generally increased with the increase of casein infused, but that of Thr, His, and Ala was not insignificantly changed (P > 0.05). Compared with the data of previous researchers, the U/O of Thr recorded in the present study was much lower (<0.42). We speculate that Thr may be extracted in forms other than FAA (such as peptide bond AA) by the mammary under conditions of the present study. Consistent with the results of other authors, mammary uptake of Arg was two times more than milk output even in the control treatment, which suggests that there may be a requirement of Arg other than milk protein synthesis in the mammary.     

Aqueous biphasic system for the partial purification of Bacillus subtilis carboxymethyl cellulase

Carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) hydrolyses cellulose into glucose and is useful in various industrial applications. Conventional CMCase purification methods are rather complicated and time-consuming; thus, a cost-effective strategy for CMCase recovery is on demand. Polyethylene-glycol (PEG)/sodium citrate aqueous biphasic system (ABS) was adopted in this study to investigate the effectiveness of the ABS in the recovery of extracellular Bacillus subtilis CMCase from fermentation broth. Comprehensive optimization steps were executed that took into consideration the ABS variables of PEG molecular weight, tie-line length (TLL), volume ratio (V_R), crude loading, pH and the addition of sodium chloride (NaCl). A CMCase recovery yield (Y_B) of 88.82% ± 0.69, a purification fold (P_F) of 4.8 and a partition coefficient (K) of 0.44 ± 0.03 were achieved from the bottom phase of the PEG 6000/citrate ABS with TLL of 42.16% (w/w), V_R of 0.29, 1% of (w/w) NaCl, pH 7.0, and 20% (w/w) crude loading. CMCase was mainly segregated to the salt-rich bottom phase because of the hydrophilicity of the enzyme surface. The highly effective recovery technique was further confirmed by SDS-PAGE analysis. Overall, the present study suggests that the ABS is a potential purification strategy for extracellular CMCase.     

Influence of host plant nitrogen fertilization on hemolymph protein profiles of herbivore Spodoptera exigua and development of its endoparasitoid Cotesia marginiventris

Nitrogen has complex effects on plant–herbivore–parasitoid tritrophic interactions. The negative effects of low nitrogen fertilization in host plants on insect herbivores can be amplified to the higher trophic levels. In the present study, we examined the impact of varying nitrogen fertilization (42, 112, 196, and 280 ppm) of cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum L.) on the interactions between the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and the hymenopteran endoparasitoid Cotesia marginiventris (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). We predicted that the development and fitness of C. marginiventris would be adversely affected by low host plant nitrogen fertilization through the herbivore S. exigua. The percentage of C. marginiventris offspring developing to emerge and spin a cocoon, and total mortality of parasitized S. exigua larvae were unaffected by nitrogen level. The developmental time of C. marginiventris larvae in S. exigua larvae feeding on low (42 ppm) nitrogen cotton plants was approximately 30% longer than that of those feeding on higher (112, 196, and 280 ppm) nitrogen plants. Parasitoid size (length of right metathoracic tibia), a proxy for fitness, of C. marginiventris males was positively affected by nitrogen level. Total amounts of S. exigua hemolymph proteins were not affected by nitrogen level, but were reduced by parasitism by C. marginiventris. Two proteins with molecular weights of ca. 84 and 170 kDa dominated the S. exigua larval hemolymph proteins. Concentrations of the 170 kDa hemolymph protein were unaffected by nitrogen treatment, but parasitism reduced concentrations of the 170 kDa protein. Concentrations of the 84 kDa protein, on the other hand, were interactively affected by parasitism and nitrogen treatment: higher nitrogen fertilization (112, 196, and 280 ppm) increased protein concentrations relative to the 42 ppm treatment for unparasitized S. exigua larvae, whereas nitrogen treatment had no effects on parasitized larvae. For S. exigua larvae feeding on 42 ppm nitrogen plants, parasitism increased concentration of the 84 kDa protein, while for those feeding on 112, 196, and 280 ppm nitrogen plants, parasitism decreased concentrations of the protein. Possible mechanisms and ecological consequences for the extended development of C. marginiventris on S. exigua hosts grown on low-nitrogen plants are discussed.     

Extraction of peroxidase from bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) by three phase partitioning with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as organic phase

Three phase partitioning (TPP) is most renowned technique used for extraction and purification of natural products. In previous studies of TPP, t-butanol is mainly used as an organic phase. This is the first report that explores ability of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) in the field of TPP as an alternate solvent for t-butanol. In the present study TPP process with t-butanol and DMC as organic phase along with different salts was applied to waste bitter gourd powder to obtained peroxidase enzyme. DMC was found to be compatible with most of salts such as ammonium sulphate and sodium citrate and explored as more efficient solvent than t-butanol. This TPP system provides 4.84 fold purity of peroxidase enzyme at optimum source concentration of 0.15 g/mL, with a system comprising DMC as organic phase, sodium citrate (20%) as salt, agitation speed 120 rpm, pH 7, temperature 30 °C and extraction time of 3 h. Present study has aimed for extraction and separation of peroxidase from bitter gourd waste with TPP technique and ensures the scope of carbonated solvents in extraction and purification of proteins.     

First report of pathogenicity of entomopathogenic nematodes of the genus Heterorhabditis on partially engorged females of Dermacentor nitens (Acari: Ixodidae)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of the entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) Heterorhabditis bacteriophora HP88 and Heterorhabditis indica LPP1 on the reproductive biology of partially engorged females of Dermacentor nitens. Four groups were formed, with each group containing 10 females and exposed to concentrations of 0, 75, 300, and 1200 nematodes for each female. This procedure was performed separately for each nematode. The following biological parameters were evaluated: egg mass weight, egg production index, hatching percentage, and percentage of control. H. bacteriophora HP88 at the two highest concentrations (300 and 1200 EPNs/female) caused a reduction (p < 0.05) on the egg mass and egg production index. Was noted a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the percentage of hatched in all the treated groups. For H. indica LPP1, all treatments resulted in decreased (p < 0.05) values for all the parameters. The percentages of controls obtained at concentrations of 75, 300, and 1200 EPNs/female were 56.3, 89.3, and 98.8 and 77.5, 77.1, and 95.9 for H. bacteriophora HP88 and H. indica LPP1, respectively. Therefore, it is concluded that these nematodes showed pathogenicity toward partially engorged females of D. nitens, thereby negatively affecting the reproductive biology of this tick.     

Cadmium,lead and mercury concentrations and their influence on morphological parameters in blood donors from different age groups from southern Poland

Due to industrial development, environmental contamination with metals increases which leads to higher human exposure via air, water and food. In order to evaluate the level of the present exposition, the concentrations of metals can be measured in such biological materials as human blood. In this study, we assessed the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in blood samples from male blood donors from southern Poland (Europe) born in 1994 (n = 30) and between 1947 and 1955 (n = 30). Higher levels of Pb were seen in the group of older men (4.48 vs 2.48 μg/L), whereas the Hg levels were lower (1.78 vs 4.28 μg/L). Cd concentrations did not differ between age groups (0.56 μg/L). The levels of Cd and Pb in older donors were significantly correlated (Spearman R 0.5135). We also observed a positive correlation between the number of red blood cells (RBC) and Hg concentrations in the older group (Spearman R 0.4271). Additionally, we noted numerous correlations among morphological parameters. Based on our results, we can state that metals influence the blood morphology and their concentrations in blood vary among age groups.     

Optimizing l-(+)-lactic acid production by thermophile Lactobacillus plantarum As.1.3 using alternative nitrogen sources with response surface method

The effects of five alternative nitrogen sources, namely, malt sprout (MS), corn steep liquor (CSL), NH₄Cl, NH₄NO₃ and diamine citrate (DC) were investigated on the l-(+)-lactic acid (LA) production by thermophile Lactobacillus plantarum As.1.3. Through the statistical analysis of the results by three steps of response surface methodology (RSM) design, MS and CSL were found to have significant effects on the LA production and their optimal concentrations in the medium should be 16.0 g/L and 12.0 g/L, respectively. The verification of the optimized medium showed that the maximum specific growth rate (μ_m) was 1.09 h⁻¹, the cell yield coefficient (Y_X/S) and the l-(+)-lactic acid yield coefficient (Y_P/S) were 0.233 (OD₆₂₀/g) and 0.98 (g/g), and the maximum volumetric productivity and the average volumetric productivity were 13.0 g/L h and 3.20 g/L h, respectively. The results indicate that the LA production can also be enhanced with the inexpensive nitrogen source alternatives.     

Comparison of salinity tolerance of three Atriplex spp. in well-watered and drying soils

Members of the Chenopodiaceae are well adapted to both salt and drought stress and can serve as model species to understand the mechanisms of tolerance in plants. We grew Atriplex hortensis (ATHO), A. canescens (ATCA), and A. lentiformis (ATLE) along a NaCL salinity gradient under non-water-limited conditions and in drying soils in greenhouse experiments. The species differed in photosynthetic carbon fixation pathway, capacity for sodium uptake, and habitat preferences. Under non-water-limited conditions, ATLE (C4) maintained high growth rates up to 30 g L⁻¹ NaCl. ATHO (C3) had lower growth than ATLE at high salinities, while ATCA (C4) grew more slowly than either ATLE or ATHO and showed no net growth above 20 g L⁻¹ NaCl. ATHO and ATLE accumulated twice as much sodium in their shoots as ATCA, but all three species had increasing sodium levels at higher salinities. Potassium, magnesium and calcium levels were relatively constant over the salinity gradient. All three species showed marked accumulation of chloride across the salinity gradient, whereas nitrate, phosphorous and sulfate decreased with salinity. The effect of drought was simulated by growing plants in sealed pots with an initial charge of water plus NaCl, and allowing them to grow to the end point at which they no longer were able to extract water from the soil solution. Drought and salinity were not additive stress factors for Atriplex spp. in this experiment. NaCl increased their ability to extract water from the soil solution compared to fresh water controls. ATLE showed increased shoot dry matter production and increased water use efficiency (WUE) as initial salinity levels increased from 0 to 30 g L⁻¹ NaCl, whereas dry matter production and WUE peaked at 5 g L⁻¹ for ATHO and ATCA. Final soil moisture salinities tolerated by species were 85 g L⁻¹, 55 g L⁻¹ and 160 g L⁻¹ NaCl for ATHO, ATCA and ATLE, respectively. C4 photosynthesis and sodium accumulation in shoots were associated with high drought and salt tolerance.     

Arsenic reduced scale-insect infestation on arsenic hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata L.

Arsenic hyperaccumulation by Pteris vittata L. (Chinese brake fern) may serve as a defense mechanism against herbivore attack. This study examined the effects of arsenic exposure (0, 5, 15 and 30 mg kg^?1) on scale insect (Saissetia neglecta) infestation of P. vittata. Scale insects were counted as a percentage fallen from the plant to the total number of insects after 1 week of As-treatment. The arsenic concentrations in the fronds ranged from 5.40 to 812 mg kg^?1. Greater arsenic concentrations resulted in higher percentage of fallen-scale insects (17.2–55.0%). Lower arsenic concentrations (≤5 mg kg^?1) showed significantly lower effect on the population compared to 15–30 mg kg^?1 (p < 0.05). Arsenic content in the fallen-scale insects was as high as 194 mg kg^?1, which indicated that arsenic has been ingested by the scale insects via plant sap. This study is consistent with the hypothesis that arsenic may help P. vittata defend against herbivore's attack.     

Cord blood nesfatin-1 in large for gestational age pregnancies

ObjectiveTo investigate possible alterations in cord blood levels of adipokine nesfatin-1 (secreted by adipose tissue and pancreatic β-cells and implicated in glucose metabolism and insulin resistance), as well as insulin, in large (LGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) pregnancies, granted that these groups differ in body fat mass and metabolic/endocrine mechanisms.Materials and methodsCord blood nesfatin-1 and insulin concentrations were prospectively measured in 40 LGA (9 born from diabetic and 31 from non-diabetic mothers) and 20 AGA singleton full-term infants as well as their mothers.ResultsCord blood nesfatin-1 concentrations were significantly lower in LGA compared to AGA neonates (b = ?0.206, SE 0.07, p = 0.005). However, cord blood nesfatin-1 concentrations were elevated in infants born from mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), compared to those born from non-diabetic mothers, after controlling for group (b = 0.190, SE 0.10, p = 0.05). Finally, cord blood nesfatin-1 concentrations were lower in cases of vaginal delivery (b = 0.11, SE 0.05, p = 0.042). Insulin levels were significantly elevated, as customized centiles increased (b = 0.004, SE = 0.002, p = 0.016). No significant correlation was found between insulin and nesfatin-1 in maternal and umbilical cord levels.ConclusionsIn this study nesfatin-1 levels are decreased in LGA compared to AGA fetuses. Fetal nesfatin-1 concentrations are higher in cases of GDM and cord blood nesfatin-1 concentrations are lower in cases of vaginal delivery.     

Nutrient concentrations in tidal creeks as indicators of the water quality role of mangrove wetlands in Southwest Florida

Coastal mangroves have the potential to improve the water quality of urban and rural runoff before it is discharged into adjacent coastal bays and oceans; but they also can be impaired by excessive pollutants from upstream. Nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen), salinity, and other water quality parameters were measured in five mangrove tidal creeks in different hydrogeomorphic and urbanization settings during high and low tides over a calendar year of wet (June and August 2015) and dry (February and April 2016) seasons in the Greater Naples Bay area in Southwest Florida, USA. Nutrient concentrations (ave. ± std error) in the tidal creeks were 0.055 ± 0.008 mg-P/L for total phosphorus (TP) and 0.610 ± 0.020 mg-N/L for total nitrogen (TN), with an average N:P ratio of 11.4:1. Average wet season TP (0.075 ± 0.010 mg-P/L) was significantly higher than the dry season TP (0.033 ± 0.003 mg-P/L; p < 0.01, f = 15.17, f_crit = 3.89) and the average wet season TN (0.75 ± 0.03 mg-N/L) was significantly higher than dry season TN (0.52 ± 0.02 mg/L; p < 0.01, f = 64.14, f_crit = 3.89), suggesting that urban stormwater runoff is directly or indirectly affecting the nutrient conditions in these mangroves. Significant differences in nutrient concentrations between low tide and high tide were not found for either TP (p = 0.43, f = .63, f_crit = 3.88) or TN (p = 0.20, f = 1.66, f_crit = 3.89). These differences were confirmed by a PCA and cluster analyses, which found differences to be seasonal. We could not conclude from these results whether these five mangrove wetlands were sources nor sinks of nutrients based simply on the measurement of nutrient concentrations. But we illustrated that nutrient concentrations were indicators of the mangroves’ hydrogeomorphic settings, their tidal fluxes from Naples Bay, and the Bay's upstream watersheds, and less by direct urban runoff.