Biosorption of Cu(II) ions from synthetic and actual wastewater using three algal species

The use of three freshwater microalgal cultures—Chlorella sorokiniana, Anabaena laxa, and Hapalosiphon welwitschii—for sorption of copper(II) from synthetic Cu(II) solutions and Marinduque, Philippines, wastewater was studied. The optimum amount of biomass for the three species was 0.025 g dry weight. The optimum contact time for both C. sorokiniana and A. laxa was 1 h, whereas that of H. welwitschii was 30 min. All three species exhibited maximum Cu(II) sorption at pH 4.0–6.0. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm was the best fit model for the three species. The three cultures were found to be effective biosorbents when used in synthetic wastewaters of low concentration (10–30 ppm). Maximum Cu(II) reductions obtained were 88.2, 88.6, and 91.7% for the C. sorokiniana, A. laxa, and H. welwitschii cultures, respectively. C. sorokiniana, A. laxa, and H. welwitschii removed 5.70, 11.16, and 7.15% of Cu(II), respectively, when applied to wastewater taken from Consolidated Mines Inc. (CMI) containing around 150 ppm Cu(II). C. sorokiniana and A. laxa, in combination, exhibited 14.05% Cu(II) removal from CMI wastewater. Desorption with 0.11 M HCl effected 73.20, 64.54, and 70.85% removal of Cu(II) from the surfaces of C. sorokiniana, A. laxa, and H. welwitschii, respectively. SEM-EDS spectra of the three species confirmed the presence of Cu(II) on their surfaces. Presented at the 6th Meeting of the Asia Pacific Society of Applied Phycology, Manila, Philippines.     

PPARα and PPARγ regulate the nucleoside transporter hENT1

Human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) is an important determinant for nucleoside analog based chemotherapy success. Preliminary data suggest hENT1 regulation by PPARs. Using A2780 cells, we investigated the role of PPARs on hENT1 expression and activity. PPARα and PPARγ agonists, Wy14,643 and RGZ, increased hENT1 expression, but only PPARα activation or overexpression resulted in higher hENT1 transport activity. On the other hand, promoter analysis showed two putative PPRE in hENT1 promoter and luciferase-coupled promoter constructs were generated and analyzed. Our results suggest that PPARα-but not PPARγ-mediated expression regulation of hENT1 is PPRE-dependent. In conclusion, PPARα and PPARγ activation modulate hENT1 expression.     

Multi-environment QTL mapping reveals genetic architecture of fruit cracking in a tomato RIL <Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum lycopersicum</Emphasis> × <Emphasis Type="Italic">S. pimpinellifolium</Emphasis> population

Key message

QTL and codominant genetic markers for fruit cracking have been identified in a tomato genetic map derived from a RIL population, providing molecular tools for marker-assisted breeding of this trait.

Abstract

In tomato, as well as in other fleshy fruits, one of the main disorders that widely limit quality and production is fruit cracking or splitting of the epidermis that is observed on the fruit skin and flesh at any stage of fruit growth and maturation. To elucidate the genetic basis of fruit cracking, a quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was conducted in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and the wild-relative species S. pimpinellifolium. The RIL population was evaluated for fruit cracking during three consecutive growing seasons. Construction of a high-density linkage map based on codominant markers, covering more than 1000 cM of the whole genome, led to the identification of both main and epistatic QTL controlling fruit cracking on the basis of a single-environment as well as multiple-environment analysis. This information will enhance molecular breeding for novel cracking resistant varieties and simultaneously assist the identification of genes underlying these QTL, helping to reveal the genetic basis of fruit cracking in tomato.

     

Efficacy of Neurofeedback Versus Pharmacological Support in Subjects with ADHD

Behavioral training in neurofeedback has proven to be an essential complement to generalize the effects of pharmacological support in subjects who have attention deficit with hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Therefore, this investigation attempts to analyze the efficacy of neurofeedback compared with pharmacological support and the combination of both. Participants were 131 students, classified into four groups: control (did not receive neurofeedback or pharmacological support), neurofeedback group, pharmacological support group, and combined group (neurofeedback + pharmacological support). Participants’ executive control and cortical activation were assessed before and after treatment. Results indicate that the combined group obtained more benefits and that the neurofeedback group improved to a greater extent in executive control than the pharmacological support group. It is concluded that this kind of training may be an alternative to stimulate activation in subjects with ADHD.     

High Occurrence of the Decapod Penstyldensovirus (PstDV1) Detected in Postlarvae of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Penaeus vannamei</Emphasis> Produced in Commercial Hatcheries of Mexico

The decapod penstyldensovirus (PstDV1) is a widely spread shrimp pathogen that causes high mortalities in the shrimp Penaeus stylirostris, while in P. vannamei, it has been associated with induction of the runt deformity syndrome. Using shrimp post-larvae (PL, stages PL13-PL21) collected from 16 commercial hatcheries from Mexico, and a sensitive PCR protocol for its detection, a survey of the PstDV1 prevalence in larvae was undertaken. A high overall prevalence of PstDV1 (49.5 %) in shrimp PL from the studied hatcheries was found. This study reveals that PstDV1 occurs persistently in PL populations, which may have significant implications for its dispersal.     

Effects of meteorological parameters and plantdistribution on Chenopodiaceae-Amaranthaceae, Quercus and Olea airborne pollen concentrationsin the atmosphere of Cartagena (Spain)

We have studied the effects of various meteorologicalparameters and plant distribution on the airborneconcentrations of three different pollen types:Chenopodiaceae-Amaranthaceae, Quercus and Olea, in the city of Cartagena, situated in SouthwestEurope. The aerobiological study has been carried outfrom March 1993 to March 1997, using a Hirst-typeLanzoni 2000 trap, situated on the roof of the citytrain station. Meteorological data were supplied bythe Environmental Service of Cartagena's Town Hall.Daily pollen concentrations were standardised.Correlation analysis showed the importance ofmeteorological data on airborne pollen concentrations.On the other hand, ANOVA analyses depicted theinfluence of vegetation distribution in relation tosampler location and wind directions. Finally,multiple regression analyses allowed us to developcorrelation models for the three different pollentypes considered, accounting for 32%(Chenopodiaceae-Amaranthaceae), 19% (Quercus),and 26% (Olea) of the variation in the airbornepollen concentration.     

Hypocalcemia-Induced Seizure: Demystifying the Calcium Paradox

Calcium is essential for both neurotransmitter release and muscle contraction. Given these important physiological processes, it seems reasonable to assume that hypocalcemia may lead to reduced neuromuscular excitability. Counterintuitively, however, clinical observation has frequently documented hypocalcemia’s role in induction of seizures and general excitability processes such as tetany, Chvostek’s sign, and bronchospasm. The mechanism of this calcium paradox remains elusive, and very few pathophysiological studies have addressed this conundrum. Nevertheless, several studies primarily addressing other biophysical issues have provided some clues. In this review, we analyze the data of these studies and propose an integrative model to explain this hypocalcemic paradox.     

The Arabidopsis 14-3-3 Protein RARE COLD INDUCIBLE 1A Links Low-Temperature Response and Ethylene Biosynthesis to Regulate Freezing Tolerance and Cold Acclimation

In plants, the expression of 14-3-3 genes reacts to various adverse environmental conditions, including cold, high salt, and drought. Although these results suggest that 14-3-3 proteins have the potential to regulate plant responses to abiotic stresses, their role in such responses remains poorly understood. Previously, we showed that the RARE COLD INDUCIBLE 1A (RCI1A) gene encodes the 14-3-3 psi isoform. Here, we present genetic and molecular evidence implicating RCI1A in the response to low temperature. Our results demonstrate that RCI1A functions as a negative regulator of constitutive freezing tolerance and cold acclimation in Arabidopsis thaliana by controlling cold-induced gene expression. Interestingly, this control is partially performed through an ethylene (ET)-dependent pathway involving physical interaction with different ACC SYNTHASE (ACS) isoforms and a decreased ACS stability. We show that, consequently, RCI1A restrains ET biosynthesis, contributing to establish adequate levels of this hormone in Arabidopsis under both standard and low-temperature conditions. We further show that these levels are required to promote proper cold-induced gene expression and freezing tolerance before and after cold acclimation. All these data indicate that RCI1A connects the low-temperature response with ET biosynthesis to modulate constitutive freezing tolerance and cold acclimation in Arabidopsis.