亚麻油替代鱼油对杂交鲟生长、脂肪酸组成及脂肪代谢的影响

为研究亚麻油替代不同水平的鱼油后对杂交鲟(Acipenser baeri Brandt♀×A. schrenckii Brandt♂)幼鱼[初均重(70.8±0.5) g]生长、脂肪酸组成、肝脏及肌肉脂肪沉积以及脂肪代谢的影响, 在油脂添加量为8%的饲料中用亚麻油分别替代0(LO0)、25%(LO25)、50%(LO50)、75%(LO75)和100%(LO100)的鱼油, 配制5种等氮(38.7%CP)等脂(10%CF)饲料。每组饲料随机设3个重复, 养殖周期为12周。结果表明,亚麻油替代100%的鱼油对杂交鲟幼鱼的生长没有显著影响, 而且随着饲料中亚麻油含量的上升, 饲料效率有所提高, 100%鱼油替代组的饲料效率明显高于100%鱼油组的(P<0.05); 但用亚麻油替代鱼油后, 肌肉和肝脏的粗脂肪含量以及血清中谷草转氨酶、谷丙转氨酶和乳酸脱氢酶活性明显升高(P<0.05); 肌肉亚麻酸和n-3多不饱和脂肪酸的含量与饲料中相应脂肪酸组成呈明显的线性相关关系(R2>0.69; P<0.05)。对于杂交鲟的脂肪代谢而言, 亚麻油的添加对血清中的游离脂肪酸、甘油三酯、高、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇的变化产生明显影响, 但亚麻油对血清总胆固醇和酮体影响不显著。考虑到亚麻油完全替代鱼油后, 肌肉中的EPA和DHA这两种长链高不饱和脂肪酸的含量仅下降了不到30%, 因此亚麻油应该是一种比较优质的鱼油替代品。     

Biomarker-enhanced assessment of reproductive disorders in Monoporeia affinis exposed to contaminated sediment in the Baltic Sea

Introducing biomarkers into monitoring programs requires understanding of their responses in relation to higher-level biological effects as well as modulating effects of confounding environmental factors. We evaluated relationships between the general toxicity biomarkers (acetylcholinesterase [AChE], lysosomal membrane stability [LMS], oxygen radical absorbance capacity [ORAC]) and reproductive performance (fecundity and embryo aberrations) in the amphipod Monoporeia affinis in the Baltic Sea. To further link biomarker response to contaminant (PCBs, PAHs and metals) levels in the surrounding sediments as well as environmental factors (salinity, bottom depth and total organic carbon in sediments [TOC]), correlation and partial least square regression (PLSR) analyses were applied. The observed contaminants levels were frequently elevated for heavy metals and PAHs, but not PCBs. In the amphipod populations, female ORAC values were positively related to the occurrence of females carrying malformed or membrane-damaged embryos and to the percentage of such embryos in their broods, but also to the fecundity. Female AChE activity was negatively related to the frequency of the membrane-damaged embryos, and positively to the frequency of embryos with arrested development in the broods. Moreover, higher AChE activity and ORAC values in the females occurred at elevated concentrations of metals and PAHs, while there was a negative correlation between embryo ORAC and some PCB congeners. The PLSR models explained over 80% of the variation in the female ORAC and AChE values by variation in contaminant concentrations in combination with environmental variables. Specifically, CB180 and PAM4,9 were identified as negative predictors for ORAC, whereas many PAHs and some metals were positive predictors. The AChE activity was positively related to some metals and negatively to PCBs. In the PLSR models, environmental factors had significant modulating effects, with positive effect of salinity on female ORAC and AChE, and negative effect of TOC on the AChE. The LMS data were less informative, with no apparent relation to any of the contaminants. Linking subcellular responses to the reproduction effects facilitates environmental stress assessment and understanding of the response mechanisms, but also calls for more experimental and field data providing a mechanistic understanding to these linkages.     

Conservation of Atlantic sturgeon <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus</Emphasis>: delineation of stock structure and distinct population segments

The anadromous Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus, a wide-ranging species along the Atlantic Coast of North America, is being considered for federal listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Identification of distinct population segments (DPS) is necessary but problematic for highly vagile species such as Atlantic sturgeon which may spend a high proportion of their lives outside of their natal estuaries. Characterization of genetic differentiation and estimates of gene flow provide a quantitative measure of the number of DPS into which species could be divided over their distribution and the reproductive independence of each unit. We sequenced a portion of the mitochondrial DNA control region to characterize population structure and gene flow across all naturally reproducing populations from which specimens could be obtained. We then considered these genetic data along with ancillary information on life history characteristics, historical fisheries data, and trajectories of abundance to determine the number of DPS into which this species should be divided. Our results suggest that philopatry is high for Atlantic sturgeon and that each U.S. estuary analyzed hosts genetically distinct populations of Atlantic sturgeon. We conclude that at least nine DPS of Atlantic sturgeon exist along the Atlantic Coast of the U.S. In contrast, the Atlantic Sturgeon Status Review Team has proposed a five DPS scheme for this subspecies based largely on results from nuclear DNA microsatellites, but with fewer populations represented and lower samples sizes. These different conclusions illustrate the somewhat arbitrary nature of the DPS concept, at least as applied to Atlantic sturgeon.     

Modeling Transport of Fluff Layer Material in the Baltic Sea

To estimate impacts of nutrients and pollutants discharged by river inflow on the ecosystem it is essential to quantify the sedimentation, resuspension and transport processes of fine particulate matter. The present study aims at the modeling of basic transport processes of fine material in the western Baltic. A three-dimensional model of the Baltic Sea, that is based on the Modular Ocean Model (MOM-3.1) (Pacanowski & Griffies 2000), was applied to study maximum bottom shear velocities. Comparing the calculated shear velocities with the critical value for resuspension of fluff layers allows an identification of potential areas of deposition and accumulation. Further, model experiments were conducted to study transport paths of fluff layers in the southwestern Baltic. The model results give information about the resuspension and accumulation areas of fine material and could provide indications of potential accumulation areas of diapause eggs or cysts.     

Recent developments in assessment methodology reveal that the Baltic Sea eutrophication problem is expanding

This study follows up on a previous assessment of eutrophication status in the Baltic Sea, which covered the period 2001–2006. The updated assessment is based on new eutrophication targets, an improved eutrophication assessment tool (HEAT 3.0) as well as monitoring data for the period 2007–2011. Based on classifications of eutrophication status in all Baltic Sea sub-basins, we reveal that during the assessment period 2007–2011, the entire open Baltic Sea was affected by eutrophication. This is a different conclusion compared to earlier assessments and studies. Whilst the confidence of the assessment was high or moderate in most basins, there were indications of declining confidence in some assessment units and improved confidence in others. The problems in confidence were mainly related to scarcity of in situ monitoring data on chlorophyll-a and Secchi depth. The potential implications of our results, e.g. the expansion of the eutrophic zone and declining confidence in the classifications of eutrophication status, are discussed in relation to the existing Baltic Sea-wide nutrient management strategy as well as future assessment activities.     

Effect of temperature on fatty acid composition and development of unfed Siberian sturgeon (A. baerii) larvae

The fatty acid metabolism in fish is influenced by various factors, including fish species, water temperature, water environment and diet supply. The aim of present work is to investigate the fatty acid composition of yolk‐stage Siberian sturgeon larvae reared at three different temperatures. Fertilized Siberian sturgeon eggs were transferred to the Lodi Aquaculture Research Center of the University of Milan, divided in three aquaria, each containing three incubators and incubated at 16°C. After hatching the temperature was switched to 16, 19 and 22°C. Larvae sampling was performed at the end of yolk sac reabsorption. No feed was dispensed during the trial. Eggs and larvae were weighed and fatty acid profile was determined by GC‐FID analysis after lipid extraction by chloroform/methanol mixture and fatty acid transesterification by methanolic hydrogen chloride. The fertilized eggs had a weight of 23.27 mg and a lipid content of 2.67 mg/egg. At hatching, the weight was 12.2 (0.17 SD) mg and lipid content 1.9 (0.6 SD) mg/larva. At the end of the trial, larvae mean weight was 33.6 (3.6 SD), 34.7 (1.8 SD) and 36.9 (1.1 SD) mg, while lipid content was 2.0 (0.3 SD), 2.1 (0.3 SD) and 2.0 (0.2 SD) mg for larvae reared at 16, 19 and 22°C respectively, without statistically significant difference. Larvae subjected to the highest water temperature showed a faster yolk‐sac absorption. No differences were found across temperatures regarding survival rates and regarding ontogenic development. The fatty acid composition of larvae was affected by the temperature. Larvae reared at 16°C had the lowest amount of saturated fatty acids, mainly due to a lower palmitic acid content, that was offset by a higher level of linolenic and linoleic acid, if compared with larvae reared at 19°C and 22°C. The study suggests that at a lower temperature sturgeon spare unsaturated fatty acid consuming preferably saturated fatty acids, increasing our knowledge of the fatty acid metabolism in this species.     

Trace elements in the muscle,ova and seminal fluid of key clupeid representatives from the Gdansk Bay (South Baltic Sea) and Iberian Peninsula (North-East Atlantic)

BackgroundBaltic herring and European sardine are pelagic, fish of particular ecological importance, on the one hand control numbers of planktonic organisms, and on the other hand exist as food for predators on higher trophic levels. Moreover, these fish are among the main species caught for human consumption. Rare earth elements (REEs) come mainly from geogenic sources but, due to their use in technology, agriculture and medicine, the importance of anthropogenic sources is growing steadily.MethodsSamples used for the study were available on the market. Fresh materials of fish muscle, ova and seminal fluid were mineralized and elements were determined by means of inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).ResultsThe conducted research indicated the presence of REEs in the muscles of the Baltic herring (∑REE = 0.076 ± 0.047 mg/kg) and European sardine (∑REE = 0.191 ± 0.163 mg/kg), with a clear dominance of heavy REEs in both fish species. Trace elements (TE) in the muscles of the tested fish demonstrated a similar system of concentration (Baltic herring: Zn > As > Se > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd; European sardine: Zn > As > Se > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > Cd). REEs and TEs in these fish were presence in ova and seminal fluid indicates intergenerational transfer.ConclusionChanges in the concentrations of some trace elements (As, Cu, Cd) in the muscles of herring indicate increases compared to the historical data. The availability of metals in the aquatic environment may be determined by ongoing climate changes, effected water salinity and warming increased availability of labile forms of trace metals. Decline trends in the condition of pelagic fish need to extend the research in the context of contemporary environmental threats.     

Regional differences in bacterial flora in harbour porpoises from the North Atlantic: environmental effects?

Aims:  Microbiological findings in harbour porpoises from different regions of the North Atlantic were compared. Results in animals from the North and Baltic Seas were evaluated over a period of 18 years for changes in the microbiological flora.
Methods and Results:  Microbiological investigations were performed on 1429 organ samples from the lung, liver, kidney, spleen, intestine, and mesenteric lymph nodes from harbour porpoises of the German North and Baltic Seas, Greenlandic, Icelandic and Norwegian waters. A large variety of bacteria, including potentially pathogenic bacteria like Brucella sp., Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae , β-haemolytic streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated . Those bacteria were associated with bronchopneumonia, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, pyelonephritis, myocarditis and septicemia.
Conclusions:  Organs from animals originating from Greenlandic and Icelandic waters showed clearly less bacterial growth and fewer associated pathological lesions compared to animals from the German North and Baltic Seas and Norwegian waters.
Significance and Impact of the Study:  Differences in bacterial findings and associated lesions between harbour porpoises from the German North and Baltic Seas and animals from Greenlandic, Norwegian and Icelandic waters may result from higher stress due to anthropogenic activities such as chemical pollutants in the North and Baltic Seas.     

How diverse were ferns in the Baltic amber forest?

Diverse temperate forest types and a high atmospheric humidity have recently been suggested for the Eocene source area of Baltic amber. However, ferns are astonishingly rare as inclusions in this amber, which is in contrast to other seed‐free land plants, fungi, and lichens. Moreover, the identities of some of the few described putative fern taxa are dubious, and some fossils were even assigned to the Paleozoic seed fern genera Alethopteris, Pecopteris and to the form genus Sphenopteris containing Paleozoic and Mesozoic fern‐like leaf fossils. Here, we review previously described fern inclusions from Baltic amber and identify further fern‐like leaf inclusions as belonging to the extant angiosperm genus Comptonia (sweet ferns, Myricaceae). We conclude that only one taxon, Matonia striata (Matoniaceae), can with confidence be identified as a Polypodiopsida representative. Although “Pecopteris” humboldtiana is so far only known as sterile foliage, its leaf morphology strongly suggests that also this taxon belongs to the Polypodiopsida rather than to any other tracheophyte lineage. We propose accommodating “Pecopteris” humboldtiana in the new genus Berendtiopteris. “Alethopteris” serrata and “Sphenopteris” phyllocladoides are not to be regarded as evidence of ferns from Baltic amber. Reinvestigation of the holotypes of these two taxa did not reveal to which tracheophyte lineages these fossils belong. We suggest that the scarcity of fern remains from Baltic amber may reflect both a relatively low fern diversity in the source area of the fossil resin, and an absence or rarity of epiphytic and climbing ferns as observed in modern temperate forest ecosystems.     

Detection of tick‐borne pathogens in ticks from migratory birds in the Baltic region of Russia

We report the finding of tick‐borne encephalitis (TBE)‐virus in indigenous Ixodes ricinus (L.), ‘Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis’ in exotic Ixodes frontalis (Panzer) and Rickettsia aeshlimannii in exotic Hyalomma marginatum Koch subadult ticks detached from 18.5% (107/577) infested migratory birds in the Baltic region of Russia. This is the first record of human pathogenic ‘Candidatus N. mikurensis’ in I. frontalis ticks. Moreover, seven other pathogens were identified in I. ricinus ticks. Spotted Fever Group rickettsiae were the predominant pathogen group and were detected only in nymphs. Future investigations are warranted to further characterize the role of birds in the epizootiology of tick‐borne pathogens in this region.