A comprehensive biochemical characterization of settlement stage leptocephalus larvae of bonefish (Albula vulpes)

Little is known about early development of the near-threatened bonefish (Albula vulpes), a member of superorder Elopomorpha. Members of Elopomorpha are partially defined by their synapomorphic leptocephalus larval stage, for which the nutritional requirements are not well understood. Characterizing the nutritional profile, including major nutrients (such as lipids) used for energetic processes, can help to gain a better understanding of the nutritional requirements for leptocephalus larvae. A total of 24 settlement stage A. vulpes leptocephalus larvae were collected at Long Caye Island, Belize. Samples were used to determine various biochemical characteristics including lipid class, fatty acid and glycosaminoglycan compositions. Each of these biochemical components plays a role in early developmental processes such as cellular membrane formation and is crucial for healthy development. Biochemical characteristics of settlement stage A. vulpes leptocephalus are presented in this study for the first time. The dominant lipid classes and fatty acids detected in these samples were consistent with prior studies using closely related species like the Japanese eel, indicating possible similarities in diets at this stage. In the future, similar analyses can be applied to other species that share the leptocephalus life stage to determine if nutritional requirements at this stage of development are unique to this species. The findings in this study will also help to facilitate the establishment of adequate aquaculture systems for captive bonefish, ultimately leading to improved management strategies for wild bonefish habitats.     

A trait-based approach predicting community assembly and dominance of microbial invasive species

Understanding the mechanisms underlying community assembly helps to define success and susceptibility to biological invasions. Here, we explored phytoplankton community assembly following niche and neutral paradigms and using a trait-based approach. Under the hypothesis that the morphology-based functional groups (MBFG) clusters species with similar niche, we analysed how trait-related differences in fitness influence dominance of an invasive species. This was based on literature review, field data and model simulations. We predict that invading species can be dominant if: 1) do not belong to the local MBFG but use unexploited areas of the niche, or 2) belong to the resident MBFG but exhibit a higher fitness due to a particular combination of traits. The invasive dinoflagellate Ceratium furcoides was used as the model species to evaluate these hypotheses, its morphological (e.g. volume) and physiological (e.g. growth rates) traits were compared with species from the same (V: photosynthetic flagellates) and different (VII: colonial cyanobacteria) MBFG. Fitness was estimated using models parametrized with MBFG rates (R*, ability to draw down phosphate) under different environmental conditions (i.e. flushing). Results contributed to support both hypotheses. First, the alternation of C. furcoides and cyanobacteria dominance was explained by the use of different niches. Secondly, species from MBFG V were dominant under similar environments. Within this group V C. furcoides showed higher fitness under low flushing and high predation, advantage provided by a distinctive combination of traits. The application of trait-based approaches to represent the niche and estimate fitness along environmental gradients was useful to evaluate community assembly and can be used to predict the dominance of microbial species invasions.     

Assessment of Environmental Hazards to Public Health in Temperate Urban Argentina

EcoHealth - Human health risk in urban areas depends on multiple environmental features. We performed a year-round survey in a highly urbanized district located in temperate Argentina (General San...     

Desulfurization of dibenzothiophene using the 4S enzymatic route: Influence of operational conditions on initial reaction rates

The influence of operational conditions (pH, temperature and oxygen transfer rate) on the initial reaction rates of the four reactions involved in the 4S biodesulfurization route of dibenzothiophenes (DBT) has been studied. The bioprocess was carried out using a genetically modified organism, Pseudomonas putida CECT 5279. The rates of the four reactions were calculated from the rates of production of different compounds involved in the 4S pathway, by matrix manipulation. The initial (zero time) reaction rates showed a slight dependence on oxygen transfer rate. Temperature and pH were optimal at 30°C and 9, respectively, temperature being the most important variable. This study also identifies the last reaction as the limiting step in the pathway.     

oiwa,a Female Gametophytic Mutant Impaired in a Mitochondrial Manganese-Superoxide Dismutase,Reveals Crucial Roles for Reactive Oxygen Species during Embryo Sac Development and Fertilization in Arabidopsis

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can function as signaling molecules, regulating key aspects of plant development, or as toxic compounds leading to oxidative damage. In this article, we show that the regulation of ROS production during megagametogenesis is largely dependent on MSD1, a mitochondrial Mn-superoxide dismutase. Wild-type mature embryo sacs show ROS exclusively in the central cell, which appears to be the main source of ROS before pollination. Accordingly, MSD1 shows a complementary expression pattern. MSD1 expression is elevated in the egg apparatus at maturity but is downregulated in the central cell. The oiwa mutants are characterized by high levels of ROS detectable in both the central cell and the micropylar cells. Remarkably, egg apparatus cells in oiwa show central cell features, indicating that high levels of ROS result in the expression of central cell characteristic genes. Notably, ROS are detected in synergid cells after pollination. This ROS burst depends on stigma pollination but precedes fertilization, suggesting that embryo sacs sense the imminent arrival of pollen tubes and respond by generating an oxidative environment. Altogether, we show that ROS play a crucial role during female gametogenesis and fertilization. MSD1 activity seems critical for maintaining ROS localization and important for embryo sac patterning.     

Comparison of Adoption Agency Breed Identification and DNA Breed Identification of Dogs

Governmental and other agencies may require dog caregivers (owners) to provide breed identification of their dogs. This study compares breed identification by adoption agencies with identification by DNA analysis in 20 dogs of unknown parentage. Of the 20 dogs who had been adopted from 17 different locations, the study identified 16 dogs as having (or probably having) 1 or 2 specific breed(s) in their ancestry. DNA analysis of these dogs indicated that 25% (4/16) did in fact contain genetic evidence of an adoption agency's identified breed as one of the predominant breeds in a dog's ancestry. DNA analysis did not detect all specified breeds in 14 of these dogs. That is, 87.5% of the dogs identified by an adoption agency as having specific breeds in their ancestry did not have all of those breeds detected by DNA analysis. The discrepancies between opinions of adoption agencies and identification by DNA analysis suggest that it would be worthwhile to reevaluate the reliability of breed identification as well as the justification of current public and private policies pertaining to specific dog breeds.