scholarly journals Molecular Methods as Potential Tools in Ecohydrological Studies on Emerging Contaminants in Freshwater Ecosystems

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 2962
Author(s):  
Elzbieta Mierzejewska ◽  
Magdalena Urbaniak
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Contaminants ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Molecular Methods ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Ecotoxicological Assessment ◽  
Relationship Analysis ◽  
Multiple Indicator ◽  
Number Of Publications

Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) present a threat to the functioning of freshwater ecosystems. Their spread in the environment can affect both plant and animal health. Ecohydrology serves as a solution for assessment approaches (i.e., threat identification, ecotoxicological assessment, and cause–effect relationship analysis) and solution approaches (i.e., the elaboration of nature-based solutions: NBSs), mitigating the toxic effect of CECs. However, the wide array of potential molecular analyses are not fully exploited in ecohydrological research. Although the number of publications considering the application of molecular tools in freshwater studies has been steadily growing, no paper has reviewed the most prominent studies on the potential use of molecular technologies in ecohydrology. Therefore, the present article examines the role of molecular methods and novel omics technologies as essential tools in the ecohydrological approach to CECs management in freshwater ecosystems. It considers DNA, RNA and protein-level analyses intended to provide an overall view on the response of organisms to stress factors. This is compliant with the principles of ecohydrology, which emphasize the importance of multiple indicator measurements and correlation analysis in order to determine the effects of contaminants, their interaction with other environmental factors and their removal using NBS in freshwater ecosystems.

scholarly journals Microplastic Contamination in Soils: A Review from Geotechnical Engineering View

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 4129
Author(s):  
Mehmet Murat Monkul ◽  
Hakkı O. Özhan
Keyword(s):  
Geotechnical Engineering ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Soil Improvement ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Local Source ◽  
Solid Waste Disposal ◽  
Environmental Chemical ◽  
Geotechnical Structures ◽  
Geotechnical Design

Microplastic contamination is a growing threat to marine and freshwater ecosystems, agricultural production, groundwater, plant growth and even human and animal health. Disintegration of plastic products due to mainly biochemical or physical activities leads to the formation and existence of microplastics in significant amounts, not only in marine and freshwater environments but also in soils. There are several valuable studies on microplastics in soils, which have typically focused on environmental, chemical, agricultural and health aspects. However, there is also a need for the geotechnical engineering perspective on microplastic contamination in soils. In this review paper, first, degradation, existence and persistence of microplastics in soils are assessed by considering various studies. Then, the potential role of solid waste disposal facilities as a source for microplastics is discussed by considering their geotechnical design and addressing the risk for the migration of microplastics from landfills to soils and other environments. Even though landfills are considered as one of the main geotechnical structures that contribute to the formation of considerably high amounts of microplastics and their contamination in soils, some other geotechnical engineering applications (i.e., soil improvement with tirechips, forming engineering fills with dredged sediments, soil improvement with synthetic polymer-based fibers, polystyrene based lightweight fill applications), as potential local source for microplastics, are also mentioned. Finally, the importance of geotechnical engineering as a mitigation tool for microplastics is emphasized and several important research topics involving geotechnical engineering are suggested.

Isolation of Natural Compounds from Syzygium densiflorum Fruits and Exploring its Chemical Property, Therapeutic Role in Diabetic Management

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 168-176
Author(s):  
Krishnasamy Gopinath ◽  
Nagarajan Subbiah ◽  
Muthusamy Karthikeyan
Keyword(s):  
Density Functional ◽  
Chemical Reactivity ◽  
Natural Compounds ◽  
Structure Activity Relationship ◽  
Activity Relationship ◽  
Computational Studies ◽  
Therapeutic Role ◽  
Relationship Analysis ◽  
Structure Activity

Background: Syzygium densiflorum Wall. ex Wight & Arn (Myrtaceae) has been traditionally used by the local tribes of the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India, for the treatment of diabetes. Objective: This study aimed to isolate the major phytoconstituents from the S. densiflorum fruits and to perform computational studies for chemical reactivity and biological activity of the isolated compound. Materials and Methods: Two different compounds were isolated from ethanolic extract of S. densiflorum fruits and purified using HPLC. The structures of the compounds were elucidated on the basis of their 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 1H-1H COSY, HMBC, HRESIMS, and FT-IR data. Further, the chemical reactivity of the compounds was analyzed by density functional theory calculations and its therapeutic role in diabetic management was examined by comparing the structure of isolated compounds with previously reported bioactive compounds. Results: Of the two compounds ((6,6 & 1-kestopentaose (1) and 6-(hydroxymethyl)-3-[3,4,5- trihydroxy- 6-[(3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl)oxymethyl]oxan-2-yl]oxyoxane-2,4,5-triol)(2)). β-glucosidase, β-galactosidase, α-glucosidase and β-amylase inhibition activity of the compounds were predicted by structure activity relationship. Conclusion: Structure-activity relationship analysis was performed to predict the therapeutic role of isolated compounds. These computational studies may be performed to minimize the efforts to determine the therapeutic role of natural compounds.

scholarly journals Wood Pastures: A Transitional Habitat between Forests and Pastures for Dung Beetle Assemblages

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
László Somay ◽  
Viktor Szigeti ◽  
Gergely Boros ◽  
Réka Ádám ◽  
András Báldi
Keyword(s):  
Functional Group ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Dung Beetle ◽  
Dung Beetles ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Pitfall Traps ◽  
Assemblage Composition ◽  
Beetle Assemblages

Wood pastures are home to a variety of species, including the dung beetle. Dung beetles are an important functional group in decomposition. Specifically, in terms of livestock manure, they not only contribute to nutrient cycling but are key players in supporting human and animal health. Dung beetles, however, are declining in population, and urgent recommendations are needed to reverse this trend. Recommendations need to be based on solid evidence and specific habitats. Herein, we aimed to investigate the role of an intermediate habitat type between forests and pastures. Wood pastures are key areas for dung beetle conservation. For this reason, we compared dung beetle assemblages among forests, wood pastures, and grasslands. We complemented this with studies on the effects of dung type and season at three Hungarian locations. Pitfall traps baited with cattle, sheep, or horse dung were used in forests, wood pastures, and pasture habitats in spring, summer, and autumn. Dung beetle assemblages of wood pastures showed transient characteristics between forests and pastures regarding their abundance, species richness, Shannon diversity, assemblage composition, and indicator species. We identified a strong effect of season and a weak of dung type. Assemblage composition proved to be the most sensitive measure of differences among habitats. The conservation of dung beetles, and the decomposition services they provide, need continuous livestock grazing to provide fresh dung, as well as the maintenance of wood pastures where dung beetle assemblages typical of forests and pastures can both survive.

scholarly journals Should the BCRA1/2-mutations healthy carriers be valid candidates for hematopoietic stem cell donation?

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Fresa ◽  
Simona Sica
Keyword(s):  
Hematological Malignancies ◽  
Conditioning Regimen ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Brca Mutations ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Mutational Status ◽  
Stem Cell Donation ◽  
Radiation Treatments ◽  
Healthy Carriers

AbstractIt’s still not clear whether the mutational status of BRCA-mutated healthy hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) donors could have an impact on the engraftment. Comparing the studies present in literature, we focused on the correlation between BRCA mutations and the development of hematological malignancies and Fanconi anemia (FA); then, we explored HSCs types, frequencies, and functions in the presence of BRCA mutations, as well as the reconstitution of hematopoiesis after chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The role of BRCA mutations in the FA showed a possible involvement in the onset of the disease; the mutation carriers, indeed, did not show any sign of the typical phenotype of the FA. BRCA mutational status can be considered as a risk factor for hematological malignancies, but only for secondary malignancies and/or in the presence of bone marrow stress factors. Currently we don’t know if a conditioning regimen could be compensated by BRCA mutated HSCs, even if murine models tried to show the possible differences between fully mutated, haploinsufficient and normal HSCs. Thus, given the downregulating effect of the mutations on hematopoiesis, it could be questionable to use the HSCs of a BRCA-mutated donor in the presence of another available donor with the same compatibility.

scholarly journals Antioxidant and Signaling Role of Plastid-Derived Isoprenoid Quinones and Chromanols

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 2950
Author(s):  
Beatrycze Nowicka ◽  
Agnieszka Trela-Makowej ◽  
Dariusz Latowski ◽  
Kazimierz Strzalka ◽  
Renata Szymańska
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Oxygenic Photosynthesis ◽  
Ros Generation ◽  
Main Site ◽  
Storage Lipids ◽  
Abiotic Stress Factors ◽  
Cell Components ◽  
And Function

Plant prenyllipids, especially isoprenoid chromanols and quinols, are very efficient low-molecular-weight lipophilic antioxidants, protecting membranes and storage lipids from reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are byproducts of aerobic metabolism that can damage cell components, they are also known to play a role in signaling. Plants are particularly prone to oxidative damage because oxygenic photosynthesis results in O2 formation in their green tissues. In addition, the photosynthetic electron transfer chain is an important source of ROS. Therefore, chloroplasts are the main site of ROS generation in plant cells during the light reactions of photosynthesis, and plastidic antioxidants are crucial to prevent oxidative stress, which occurs when plants are exposed to various types of stress factors, both biotic and abiotic. The increase in antioxidant content during stress acclimation is a common phenomenon. In the present review, we describe the mechanisms of ROS (singlet oxygen, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical) production in chloroplasts in general and during exposure to abiotic stress factors, such as high light, low temperature, drought and salinity. We highlight the dual role of their presence: negative (i.e., lipid peroxidation, pigment and protein oxidation) and positive (i.e., contribution in redox-based physiological processes). Then we provide a summary of current knowledge concerning plastidic prenyllipid antioxidants belonging to isoprenoid chromanols and quinols, as well as their structure, occurrence, biosynthesis and function both in ROS detoxification and signaling.

scholarly journals COVID-19: systematic learning across boundaries requires a conceptual agreement

2021 ◽  
pp. 140349482110270
Author(s):  
Knut Ole Sundnes ◽  
Geir Sverre Braut
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Knowledge Base ◽  
External Validity ◽  
Evaluation Research ◽  
The Other ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Early Publication ◽  
Number Of Publications ◽  
Short Time

The COVID-19 epidemic has revealed a shortage of basic knowledge and understanding of pandemics, especially regarding their dynamics and how to contain them. The results are a host of governments’ decrees and instructions, one replacing the other, often within the same week. It has further, in a truly short time, resulted in an overwhelming number of publications, many of them prioritising early publication over quality. This commentary addresses the concept of structured research related to disasters and how the use of endorsed guidelines will facilitate well-designed evaluation research with improved rigour and external validity, even if applied retrospectively. The outcome should be a solidified knowledge base. Further, the important role of public health efforts is to be highlighted, as their role has proved crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Exploring the Changing Role of Chinese Entities in WMD Proliferation

2016 ◽  
Vol 225 ◽  
pp. 50-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Salisbury ◽  
Lucy Jones
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Government ◽  
Chinese Companies ◽  
State Owned Enterprise ◽  
Chinese State ◽  
Number Of Publications ◽  
Changing Role

AbstractThis paper seeks to provide an original examination of the nature of the proliferation of sensitive materials and technologies by Chinese entities. A number of publications have attempted to understand the issue of proliferation stemming from businesses based in China, with many having commented on the efforts undertaken both by international actors and by the Chinese government to prevent it. However, relatively few scholars have sought, in any systematic and sustained way, to understand the types of Chinese companies involved in proliferation and the evolution of their behaviour. This paper seeks to argue and account for the declining role of, and concern regarding, Chinese state-owned enterprise in the global proliferation problem. Different accounts for this change, and the relating proliferation challenge posed by China, are examined.

Role of PtrXTH1 and PnXTH1 Genes Encoding Xyloglucan Endo-Transglycosylases in Regulation of Growth and Adaptation of Plants to Stress Factors

2018 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-48
Author(s):  
B. R. Kuluev ◽  
Z. A. Berezhneva ◽  
A. V. Knyazev ◽  
Yu. M. Nikonorov ◽  
A. V. Chemeris
Keyword(s):  
Stress Factors ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Regulation Of Growth

scholarly journals Temporal and Spatial Coexistence of Archaeal and BacterialamoAGenes and Gene Transcripts in Lake Lucerne

Archaea ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth W. Vissers ◽  
Flavio S. Anselmetti ◽  
Paul L. E. Bodelier ◽  
Gerard Muyzer ◽  
Christa Schleper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Distribution ◽  
Water Layer ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizers ◽  
Lake Lucerne ◽  
Ammonia Oxidizing Archaea ◽  
Gene Transcripts ◽  
Temporal And Spatial

Despite their crucial role in the nitrogen cycle, freshwater ecosystems are relatively rarely studied for active ammonia oxidizers (AO). This study of Lake Lucerne determined the abundance of bothamoAgenes and gene transcripts of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) over a period of 16 months, shedding more light on the role of both AO in a deep, alpine lake environment. At the surface, at 42 m water depth, and in the water layer immediately above the sediment, AOA generally outnumbered AOB. However, in the surface water during summer stratification, when both AO were low in abundance, AOB were more numerous than AOA. Temporal distribution patterns of AOA and AOB were comparable. Higher abundances ofamoAgene transcripts were observed at the onset and end of summer stratification. In summer, archaealamoAgenes and transcripts correlated negatively with temperature and conductivity. Concentrations of ammonium and oxygen did not vary enough to explain theamoAgene and transcript dynamics. The observed herbivorous zooplankton may have caused a hidden flux of mineralized ammonium and a change in abundance of genes and transcripts. At the surface, AO might have been repressed during summer stratification due to nutrient limitation caused by active phytoplankton.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document