scholarly journals The Role of Cyanobacterial External Layers in Mass Transfer: Evidence from Temperature Shock Experiments by Noninvasive Microtest Technology

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 861
Author(s):  
Yan Xiao ◽  
Lingxin Liu ◽  
Zhe Li ◽  
Yuran Cheng

Groundwork on cyanobacterial external layers is crucial for an improved understanding of the persistent dominance of cyanobacteria in freshwaters. In this study, the role of two morphotypes of external layers in Microcystis and Nostoc in mass transfer and instantaneous temperature shock were explored by noninvasive microtest technology (NMT) after a series of pretreatments, to obtain the external layers retained or stripped samples. The results showed no statistical influence on photosynthetic activity between retained and stripped samples in both Microcystis and Nostoc. External-layer-retaining strains had higher net O2 effluxes than stripped strains. Moreover, the net NH4+ influx was significantly higher for the sheath retaining Nostoc than for the stripped sample, indicating that external layers might be an important feature driving mass transfer in cyanobacteria. However, the role of slime in NH4+ absorption was limited compared with that of sheath. In addition, external-layer-retaining strains exhibited a longer response time to instantaneous temperature shock, greater net O2 effluxes at a 4 °C shock and lower net O2 influx at a 35 °C shock, which were interpreted as reflecting a tolerance to temperature fluctuation over short time scales via a buffer function of external layers to stabilize cell activity, ameliorating the efficiency of photosynthesis and respiration. These results advance current knowledge regarding the external layers, especially the dense sheath, involved in the mass transfer in cyanobacteria, and provide new clues concerning the adaptive strategies of cyanobacteria under global climate changes.

Author(s):  
Alicja M. Buczek ◽  
Weronika Buczek ◽  
Alicja Buczek ◽  
Katarzyna Bartosik

This opinion piece highlights the role of migratory birds in the spread of ticks and their role in the circulation and dissemination of pathogens in Europe. Birds with different lifestyles, i.e., non-migrants residing in a specific area, or short-, medium-, and long-distance migrants, migrating within one or several distant geographical regions are carriers of a number of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. During seasonal migrations, birds that cover long distances over a short time and stay temporarily in different habitats can introduce tick and pathogen species in areas where they have never occurred. An increase in the geographical range of ticks as well as the global climate changes affecting the pathogens, vectors, and their hosts increase the incidence and the spread of emerging tick-borne diseases worldwide. Tick infestations of birds varied between regions depends on the rhythms of tick seasonal activity and the bird migration rhythms determined by for example, climatic and environmental factors. In areas north of latitude ca. 58°N, immature Ixodes ricinus ticks are collected from birds most frequently, whereas ticks from the Hyalomma marginatum group dominate in areas below 42°N. We concluded that the prognosis of hazards posed by tick-borne pathogens should take into account changes in the migration of birds, hosts of many epidemiologically important tick species.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcello Ceci ◽  
Vittoria Mariano ◽  
Nicla Romano

AbstractThe review is an overview of the current knowledge of neuronal regeneration properties in mammals and fish. The ability to regenerate the damaged parts of the nervous tissue has been demonstrated in all vertebrates. Notably, fish and amphibians have the highest capacity for neurogenesis, whereas reptiles and birds are able to only regenerate specific regions of the brain, while mammals have reduced capacity for neurogenesis. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a promising model of study because lesions in the brain or complete cross-section of the spinal cord are followed by an effective neuro-regeneration that successfully restores the motor function. In the brain and the spinal cord of zebrafish, stem cell activity is always able to re-activate the molecular programs required for central nervous system regeneration. In mammals, traumatic brain injuries are followed by reduced neurogenesis and poor axonal regeneration, often insufficient to functionally restore the nervous tissue, while spinal injuries are not repaired at all. The environment that surrounds the stem cell niche constituted by connective tissue and stimulating factors, including pro-inflammation molecules, seems to be a determinant in triggering stem cell proliferation and/or the trans-differentiation of connective elements (mainly fibroblasts). Investigating and comparing the neuronal regeneration in zebrafish and mammals may lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind neurogenesis, and the failure of the regenerative response in mammals, first of all, the role of inflammation, considered the main inhibitor of the neuronal regeneration.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 3092 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri Dornelles Zebral ◽  
Juliana da Silva Fonseca ◽  
Joseane Aparecida Marques ◽  
Adalto Bianchini

The emission of greenhouse gases has grown in unprecedented levels since the beginning of the industrial era. As a result, global climate changes, such as heightened global temperature and ocean acidification, are expected to negatively impact populations. Similarly, industrial and urban unsustainable development are also expected to impose local impacts of their own, such as environmental pollution with organic and inorganic chemicals. As an answer, biomarkers can be used in environmental programs to assess these impacts. These tools are based in the quantification of biochemical and cellular responses of target species that are known to respond in a sensitive and specific way to such stresses. In this context, carbonic anhydrase has shown to be a promising biomarker candidate for the assessment of global and local impacts in biomonitoring programs, especially in marine zones, such as coral reefs, considering the pivotal role of this enzyme in the calcification process. Therefore, the aim of this review is to show the recent advances in the carbonic anhydrase research and the reasons why it can be considered as a promising biomarker to be used for calcifying organisms.


Author(s):  
I. Makarov

The article focuses on the influence of global climate changes on the world economy. The author points out that this influence is broader than the direct damage from the transformation of environment caused by climate change. It involves a variety of issues including impact on the technological progress and formation of new carbon markets. Special attention is paid to the role of intergovernmental regulation and to the composition of climate-related policy which are to be substantially changed as the influence of climate change grows. Climate policy passes to the national level and switches to the priority of adaptation measures.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 429-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Gago ◽  
Danilo M. Daloso ◽  
Marc Carriquí ◽  
Miquel Nadal ◽  
Melanie Morales ◽  
...  

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sascha Zuber ◽  
Matthias Kliegel

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.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xun Zhu ◽  
Qiang Liao ◽  
Rong Chen ◽  
Ao Xia ◽  
Chao Zhang ◽  
...  

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