Multilevel phenotypic selection on morphological characters in a metapopulation of Silene tatarica

This study partitions selection in a natural metapopulation of a riparian plant species, Silene tatarica, into individual- and patch-level components by using contextual analysis, in which a patch refers to a spatially distinct stand of individual plants. We estimated selection gradients for two morphological characters (plant height and number of stems), their respective patch means, and plant density with respect to reproductive success in a two-year study. The approach was also extended to partition selection separately within habitats with varying degrees of exposure to river disturbances and herbivory. The selection differentials and gradients for plant height were positive at both individual and patch levels, with selection forces highest in the closed habitat with low exposure to disturbance. This pattern suggests that local groups with taller than average plants are more visible to pollinators than to groups that are shorter than average plants; and, within patches, individuals with short stature are visited less often than taller ones. Selection on the number of stems was in opposition at individual and patch levels. At the individual level the character was selected toward higher values, whereas selection at the patch-level favored smaller mean number of stems. The strength of the latter component was associated with the intensity of herbivory in different habitats, suggesting that the patch-level selection against a large number of stems might be due to high attractiveness of such patches to the main herbivore, reindeer. Consequently, direction and strength of selection in spatially structured populations may depend significantly on fitness effects arising at the group level.     

Dietary exposure of Finnish children to heavy metal mixture – a cumulative assessment

A preliminary assessment of the cumulative exposure to heavy metals among Finnish preschool children is reported. Cadmium, lead, arsenic,and mercury affect many of the same organs in the human body. The effects are mostly caused by oxidative stress or disruption of enzyme function. The cumulative effects of the heavy metals on the central nervous system and on the kidneys are determined based on national concentration and consumption data, and comparison of the relative toxicity of the heavy metals is based on dose–response values found in the literature. The cumulative effects were assumed to be additive. The main contributors to kidney toxicity among the studied population groups were cadmium and lead, while lead was the main contributor to neurotoxic effects.     

Cloning,sequencing and enhanced expression of the Trichoderma reesei endoxylanase II (pI 9) gene xln2

The Trichoderma reesei xln2 gene coding for the pI 9.0 endoxylanase was isolated from the wild-type strain QM6a. The gene contains one intron of 108 nucleotides and codes for a protein of 223 amino acids in which two putative N-glycosylation target sites were found. Three different T. reesei strains were transformed by targeting a construct composed of the xln2 gene, including its promoter, to the endogenous cbh1 locus. Highest overall production levels of xylanase were obtained using T. reesei ALK02721, a genetically engineered strain, as a host. Integration into the cbh1 locus was not required for enhanced expression under control of the xln2 promoter.     

Measuring Eco-efficiency of Production with Data Envelopment Analysis

Aggregation of environmental pressures into a single environmental damage index is a major challenge of eco-efficiency measurement. This article examines how the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method can be adapted for this purpose. DEA accounts for substitution possibilities between different natural resources and emissions and does not require subjective judgment about the weights. Although DEA does not require subjective or normative judgment, soft weight restrictions can be incorporated into the framework. The proposed approach is illustrated by an application to assessing ecoefficiency of road transportation in the three largest towns of eastern Finland.     

Single nucleotide polymorphism -799C/T in matrix metalloproteinase-8 promoter region in arterial disease

Arterial disease is associated with elevated serum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 concentration. We studied the role of two promoter region single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MMP-8 gene in the arterial disease. The population comprised patients with arterial disease (n?=?124) and healthy blood donors (n?=?100) as a reference group for MMP-8 SNPs (-799C/T and -381A/G) genotypes and serum concentrations. Genotype frequencies for MMP-8 -799C/T SNP in arterial disease were C/C (43.5%), C/T (32.3%) and T/T (24.2%), and in the reference group they were C/C (50.0%), C/T (40.0%) and T/T (10.0%; P?=?0.012). The -799C allele frequency was lower in the patients (59.7%) than in the reference group (70.0%; P?=?0.023). The -799C allele showed protective effects against the arterial disease with an odds ratio [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 0.372 (0.141-0.980, P?=?0.045) after adjustment for age, gender, and serum MMP-8 and TIMP-1 concentrations. Only in the reference group and whole study population (n?=?224), the -799TT genotype significantly associated with an increase in serum MMP-8 concentrations (P?=?0.047, 0.025). The -799C allele appeared protective against the arterial disease. The genotype may have an effect on systemic MMP-8 levels which could not, however, be seen in the arterial disease patients probably as a result of the strong inflammation involved in the disease pathogenesis.     

Controls of organic and inorganic carbon in randomly selected Boreal lakes in varied catchments

Organic and inorganic carbon concentrations in lakes and the links to catchment and water quality were studied in variable landscapes using the Finnish Lake Survey data base including 874 randomly selected lakes sampled during autumn overturn. The median total organic carbon (TOC) in these boreal lakes was 7.8 mg l^?1, the median total inorganic carbon (TIC) 1.6 mg l^?1 and the median partial pressure of CO₂ (pCO₂) 900 μatm. When the data was divided into subgroups according to land use in the catchment, the proportion of TIC of the total carbon (TC) in lakes was highest (31%) in agricultural areas and lowest (10%) in peatland areas. Elevated TIC concentrations were associated with agricultural land in the catchment, whereas elevated TOC concentrations were observed in lakes with high peatland proportion in the catchment. Two contrasting important sources of CO₂ in lakes were identified on the basis of statistical analysis of the data; weathering processes in the catchments and decomposition of organic matter. CO₂ was also strongly associated with total nutrients TN and TP, implying the importance of quality of organic matter and availability of nutrients for the decomposition processes.     

Riedel's thyroiditis in a patient with multiple sclerosis

Our patient developed Riedel's thyroiditis soon after having an exacerbation of multiple sclerosis (MS). MS has been associated with other autoimmune diseases, including thyroiditis, and both Hashimoto's thyroiditis and subacute thyroiditis have been described in connection with MS. Yet, we are not aware of any other patient reported to have concomitant MS and Riedel's thyroiditis. The association between MS and Riedel's thyroiditis remains obscure but may reflect an autoimmune disorder common to both diseases.     

Construction of a Stable α-Galactosidase-Producing Baker's Yeast Strain

Molasses is widely used as a substrate for commercial yeast production. The complete hydrolysis of raffinose, which is present in beet molasses, by Saccharomyces strains requires the secretion of α-galactosidase, in addition to the secretion of invertase. Raffinose is not completely utilized by commercially available yeast strains used for baking, which are Mel⁻. In this study we integrated the yeast MEL1 gene, which codes for α-galactosidase, into a commercial mel⁰ baker's yeast strain. The Mel⁺ phenotype of the new strain was stable. The MEL1 gene was expressed when the new Mel⁺ baker's yeast was grown in molasses medium under conditions similar to those used for baker's yeast production at commercial factories. The α-galactosidase produced by this novel baker's yeast strain hydrolyzed all the melibiose that normally accumulates in the growth medium. As a consequence, additional carbohydrate was available to the yeasts for growth. The new strain also produced considerably more α-galactosidase than did a wild-type Mel⁺ strain and may prove useful for commercial production of α-galactosidase.     

Global change‐driven effects on dissolved organic matter composition: Implications for food webs of northern lakes

Northern ecosystems are experiencing some of the most dramatic impacts of global change on Earth. Rising temperatures, hydrological intensification, changes in atmospheric acid deposition and associated acidification recovery, and changes in vegetative cover are resulting in fundamental changes in terrestrial–aquatic biogeochemical linkages. The effects of global change are readily observed in alterations in the supply of dissolved organic matter (DOM)—the messenger between terrestrial and lake ecosystems—with potentially profound effects on the structure and function of lakes. Northern terrestrial ecosystems contain substantial stores of organic matter and filter or funnel DOM, affecting the timing and magnitude of DOM delivery to surface waters. This terrestrial DOM is processed in streams, rivers, and lakes, ultimately shifting its composition, stoichiometry, and bioavailability. Here, we explore the potential consequences of these global change‐driven effects for lake food webs at northern latitudes. Notably, we provide evidence that increased allochthonous DOM supply to lakes is overwhelming increased autochthonous DOM supply that potentially results from earlier ice‐out and a longer growing season. Furthermore, we assess the potential implications of this shift for the nutritional quality of autotrophs in terms of their stoichiometry, fatty acid composition, toxin production, and methylmercury concentration, and therefore, contaminant transfer through the food web. We conclude that global change in northern regions leads not only to reduced primary productivity but also to nutritionally poorer lake food webs, with discernible consequences for the trophic web to fish and humans.