Biomonitoring of Heavy Metals: The Unexplored Role of Marine Sessile Taxa

Camilla Roveta; Anna Annibaldi; Afghan Afghan; Barbara Calcinai; Cristina Gioia Di Camillo; Chiara Gregorin; Silvia Illuminati; Torcuato Pulido Mantas; Cristina Truzzi; Stefania Puce

doi:10.3390/app11020580

Biomonitoring of Heavy Metals: The Unexplored Role of Marine Sessile Taxa

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11020580 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 580

Author(s):

Camilla Roveta ◽

Anna Annibaldi ◽

Afghan Afghan ◽

Barbara Calcinai ◽

Cristina Gioia Di Camillo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Marine Species ◽

Shallow Waters ◽

Anthropogenic Inputs ◽

Current Review ◽

European Water ◽

To Receive ◽

Sessile Organisms

Coastal areas are known to receive significant anthropogenic inputs, mainly deriving from metropolitan areas, industries, and activities related to tourism. Among these inputs, some trace elements are listed as priority pollutants in the European Water Framework Directive, due to their ability to bioaccumulate in organisms. Many studies have been conducted on heavy metals (HMs) accumulation and on their possible effects on different edible marine species. While the most studied sessile organisms are bivalves, in the current review, we focus our attention on other sessile taxa (sponges, cnidarians, bryozoans, polychaetes, cirripeds, and tunicates), proposed as bioindicators in coastal shallow waters. Although their potential as bioindicator tools has been repeatedly highlighted in the literature, these organisms are still poorly investigated and considered for monitoring. In this context, we analyze the available literature about this topic, in order to summarize the current knowledge and identify possible applications of these organisms in a bioremediation scenario.

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Phytochemicals Mediated Remediation of Neurotoxicity Induced by Heavy Metals

Biochemistry Research International ◽

10.1155/2015/534769 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Vivek Kumar Gupta ◽

Shweta Singh ◽

Anju Agrawal ◽

Nikhat Jamal Siddiqi ◽

Bechan Sharma

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Free Radicals ◽

Adverse Effects ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Protective Role ◽

Cellular Systems ◽

Cadmium Lead ◽

Abiotic And Biotic Factors ◽

Almost All

Almost all the environmental components including both the abiotic and biotic factors have been consistently threatened by excessive contamination of heavy metals continuously released from various sources. Different heavy metals have been reported to generate adverse effects in many ways. Heavy metals induced neurotoxicity and impairment in signalling cascade leading to cell death (apoptosis) has been indicated by several workers. On one hand, these metals are required by the cellular systems to regulate various biological functions of normal cells, while on the other their biomagnification in the cellular systems produces adverse effects. The mechanism by which the heavy metals induce neurotoxicity follows free radicals production pathway(s) specially the generation of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. These free radicals produced in excess have been shown to create an imbalance between the oxidative and antioxidative systems leading to emergence of oxidative stress, which may cause necrosis, DNA damage, and many neurodegenerative disorders. This mini review summarizes the current knowledge available on the protective role of varied natural products isolated from different herbs/plants in imparting protection against heavy metals (cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury) mediated neurotoxicity.

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Current Knowledge on Mechanisms Preventing Photosynthesis Redox Imbalance in Plants

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox10111789 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 1789

Author(s):

María-Cruz González ◽

Francisco Javier Cejudo ◽

Mariam Sahrawy ◽

Antonio Jesús Serrato

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Reducing Power ◽

Photosynthetic Electron Transport ◽

Adverse Conditions ◽

Redox Poise ◽

Life On Earth ◽

Power And Energy ◽

Sessile Organisms ◽

By Products

Photosynthesis includes a set of redox reactions that are the source of reducing power and energy for the assimilation of inorganic carbon, nitrogen and sulphur, thus generating organic compounds, and oxygen, which supports life on Earth. As sessile organisms, plants have to face continuous changes in environmental conditions and need to adjust the photosynthetic electron transport to prevent the accumulation of damaging oxygen by-products. The balance between photosynthetic cyclic and linear electron flows allows for the maintenance of a proper NADPH/ATP ratio that is adapted to the plant’s needs. In addition, different mechanisms to dissipate excess energy operate in plants to protect and optimise photosynthesis under adverse conditions. Recent reports show an important role of redox-based dithiol–disulphide interchanges, mediated both by classical and atypical chloroplast thioredoxins (TRXs), in the control of these photoprotective mechanisms. Moreover, membrane-anchored TRX-like proteins, such as HCF164, which transfer electrons from stromal TRXs to the thylakoid lumen, play a key role in the regulation of lumenal targets depending on the stromal redox poise. Interestingly, not all photoprotective players were reported to be under the control of TRXs. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding the mechanisms that allow an appropriate electron flux to avoid the detrimental consequences of photosynthesis redox imbalances.

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Impact of Heavy Metals on Human Male Fertility—An Overview

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox10091473 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 1473

Author(s):

Andrea López-Botella ◽

Irene Velasco ◽

Maribel Acién ◽

Paula Sáez-Espinosa ◽

José-Luis Todolí-Torró ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Heavy Metal ◽

Male Infertility ◽

Male Fertility ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Metal Exposure ◽

Heavy Metal Exposure ◽

Human Male ◽

Heavy Metal Assessment

Heavy metals are endocrine disruptors which interfere with processes mediated by endogenous hormones of the organism, negatively affecting endocrine functions. Some studies have correlated heavy metal exposure with male infertility. However, the number of studies conducted on humans are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to summarize the current knowledge on how heavy metals influence human male fertility. Hence, three distinct databases were consulted—PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science—using single keywords and combinations of them. The total number of identified articles was 636. Nevertheless, by using the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 144 articles were finally included in this work. Results display that the development of adequate instruments for heavy metal assessment may play an important function in human male fertility diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, clinical trials could be useful to confirm the role of heavy metals in human male fertility diagnosis. Overall, further research is required to fully understand the molecular and cellular basis of the influence of environmental and occupational exposure to heavy metals on human male infertility and reproductive outcomes.

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Mesophyll conductance: the leaf corridors for photosynthesis

Biochemical Society Transactions ◽

10.1042/bst20190312 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 48 (2) ◽

pp. 429-439 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jorge Gago ◽

Danilo M. Daloso ◽

Marc Carriquí ◽

Miquel Nadal ◽

Melanie Morales ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Main Role ◽

Mesophyll Conductance ◽

Future Studies ◽

Cell Structures ◽

Leaf Tissues ◽

Change Framework ◽

Chloroplast Stroma

Besides stomata, the photosynthetic CO2 pathway also involves the transport of CO2 from the sub-stomatal air spaces inside to the carboxylation sites in the chloroplast stroma, where Rubisco is located. This pathway is far to be a simple and direct way, formed by series of consecutive barriers that the CO2 should cross to be finally assimilated in photosynthesis, known as the mesophyll conductance (gm). Therefore, the gm reflects the pathway through different air, water and biophysical barriers within the leaf tissues and cell structures. Currently, it is known that gm can impose the same level of limitation (or even higher depending of the conditions) to photosynthesis than the wider known stomata or biochemistry. In this mini-review, we are focused on each of the gm determinants to summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms driving gm from anatomical to metabolic and biochemical perspectives. Special attention deserve the latest studies demonstrating the importance of the molecular mechanisms driving anatomical traits as cell wall and the chloroplast surface exposed to the mesophyll airspaces (Sc/S) that significantly constrain gm. However, even considering these recent discoveries, still is poorly understood the mechanisms about signaling pathways linking the environment a/biotic stressors with gm responses. Thus, considering the main role of gm as a major driver of the CO2 availability at the carboxylation sites, future studies into these aspects will help us to understand photosynthesis responses in a global change framework.

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Potential Uses of Vinegar as a Medicine and Related in vivo Mechanisms

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research ◽

10.1024/0300-9831/a000440 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 86 (3-4) ◽

pp. 127-151 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Zeshan Ali ◽

Zhenbin Wang ◽

Rai Muhammad Amir ◽

Shoaib Younas ◽

Asif Wali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chemical Structure ◽

Review Paper ◽

Heart Diseases ◽

Folk Medicine ◽

Active Role ◽

Current Review ◽

Different Types ◽

Positive Effect

While the use of vinegar to fi ght against infections and other crucial conditions dates back to Hippocrates, recent research has found that vinegar consumption has a positive effect on biomarkers for diabetes, cancer, and heart diseases. Different types of vinegar have been used in the world during different time periods. Vinegar is produced by a fermentation process. Foods with a high content of carbohydrates are a good source of vinegar. Review of the results of different studies performed on vinegar components reveals that the daily use of these components has a healthy impact on the physiological and chemical structure of the human body. During the era of Hippocrates, people used vinegar as a medicine to treat wounds, which means that vinegar is one of the ancient foods used as folk medicine. The purpose of the current review paper is to provide a detailed summary of the outcome of previous studies emphasizing the role of vinegar in treatment of different diseases both in acute and chronic conditions, its in vivo mechanism and the active role of different bacteria.

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Prospective Memory Development Across the Lifespan

European Psychologist ◽

10.1027/1016-9040/a000380 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 162-173 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sascha Zuber ◽

Matthias Kliegel

Keyword(s):

Prospective Memory ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Present Model ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Well Being ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cognitive Factors ◽

Everyday Functioning ◽

Integrative Framework

Abstract. Prospective Memory (PM; i.e., the ability to remember to perform planned tasks) represents a key proxy of healthy aging, as it relates to older adults’ everyday functioning, autonomy, and personal well-being. The current review illustrates how PM performance develops across the lifespan and how multiple cognitive and non-cognitive factors influence this trajectory. Further, a new, integrative framework is presented, detailing how those processes interplay in retrieving and executing delayed intentions. Specifically, while most previous models have focused on memory processes, the present model focuses on the role of executive functioning in PM and its development across the lifespan. Finally, a practical outlook is presented, suggesting how the current knowledge can be applied in geriatrics and geropsychology to promote healthy aging by maintaining prospective abilities in the elderly.

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Assessing the size of agricultural holdings

Voprosy Ekonomiki ◽

10.32609/0042-8736-2020-10-105-116 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 105-116

Author(s):

N. I. Shagaida

Keyword(s):

Russian Federation ◽

Vertical Integration ◽

Total Revenue ◽

Large Share ◽

State Support ◽

The Russian Federation ◽

Agricultural Organizations ◽

Business Entities ◽

To Receive

The article clarifies the concept of “agricultural holding”, using an approach to assessing the size on the basis of the total revenue of all agricultural organizations within the agricultural holding. It has been revealed that only 100 of the total number of agricultural holdings that were identified can be attributed to large business entities. They comprise about 3% of agricultural organizations in the country, while their share in the proceeds is about 37%. A large share of agricultural holdings — large business subjects under the control of Russian entities operate in one, and under the control of foreign legal entities — in three or more regions of the Russian Federation. Vertical integration within the framework of large agricultural holdings with different schemes for including the stages of processing and sale of products produced in their agricultural organizations allows them to receive advantages. Strengthening the role of large business entities in agriculture puts on the agenda the issue of differentiating approaches to taxation and state support in agriculture, depending on the size of the companies’ agricultural businesses.

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Provision of Remedies for Violation of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: A Comparative Study of the United Nations, Inter-American and African Human Rights Systems

African Journal of International and Comparative Law ◽

10.3366/ajicl.2020.0314 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 298-318

Author(s):

Roman Girma Teshome

Keyword(s):

Human Rights ◽

United Nations ◽

Comparative Study ◽

Economic Rights ◽

Regional Monitoring ◽

Cultural Rights ◽

The Past ◽

The United Nations ◽

To Receive

The effectiveness of human rights adjudicative procedures partly, if not most importantly, hinges upon the adequacy of the remedies they grant and the implementation of those remedies. This assertion also holds water with regard to the international and regional monitoring bodies established to receive individual complaints related to economic, social and cultural rights (hereinafter ‘ESC rights’ or ‘socio-economic rights’). Remedies can serve two major functions: they are meant, first, to rectify the pecuniary and non-pecuniary damage sustained by the particular victim, and second, to resolve systematic problems existing in the state machinery in order to ensure the non-repetition of the act. Hence, the role of remedies is not confined to correcting the past but also shaping the future by providing reforming measures a state has to undertake. The adequacy of remedies awarded by international and regional human rights bodies is also assessed based on these two benchmarks. The present article examines these issues in relation to individual complaint procedures that deal with the violation of ESC rights, with particular reference to the case laws of the three jurisdictions selected for this work, i.e. the United Nations, Inter-American and African Human Rights Systems.

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