Horseshoe crabs as potential sentinel species for coastal health: juvenile haemolymph quality and relationship to habitat conditions

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Billy K. Y. Kwan ◽  
Virginia K. Y. Un ◽  
S. G. Cheung ◽  
Paul K. S. Shin
Keyword(s):  
Horseshoe Crab ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Sentinel Species ◽  
Crab Species ◽  
Horseshoe Crabs ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Lead Nickel ◽  
Further Development

As an interface between terrestrial and marine environments, coastal and estuarine areas are particularly prone to various pollution stresses. Identification of sentinel species is, therefore, essential to provide precautionary information on coastal health conditions. Given their significant ecological roles in estuarine ecosystems, horseshoe crabs are a potential species to indicate the general health status of coastal habitats. The present study demonstrated that the changes in haemolymph composition pattern of two Asian juvenile horseshoe crab species (Tachypleus tridentatus and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda) are sensitive to reflect heavy metal (lead, nickel and iron) and nutrient (nitrate and ammonia) concentrations of intertidal sediments. In particular, a significant negative correlation was found for the amebocyte viability and ratio of granular–spherical to granular–flattened and degranulated dendritic-like morphological states of amebocytes in juvenile haemolymph with nitrate and lead concentrations respectively. There were also significantly higher concentrations of haemolymph haemocyanin and plasma protein in juvenile C. rotundicauda than in T. tridentatus on the same shore, possibly being related to the difference in foraging habitats of these two horseshoe crab species. Such non-lethal sampling of haemolymph from juvenile horseshoe crabs can be useful for a further development of the monitoring program in assessing potential environmental impacts by anthropogenic activities.

scholarly journals DNA Metabarcoding Revealed Interspecific Dietary Difference and Prey Selectivity in Juvenile Horseshoe Crabs Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda and Tachypleus tridentatus From Hong Kong

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Yee Lee ◽  
Kaori Wakabayashi ◽  
Simon Yung Wa Sin ◽  
Susumu Ohtsuka ◽  
Ling Ming Tsang
Keyword(s):  
Horseshoe Crab ◽  
Trophic Ecology ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Prey Selectivity ◽  
Crab Species ◽  
Invasive Approach ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Tachypleus Tridentatus ◽  
Dna Metabarcoding ◽  
Horseshoe Crabs

Horseshoe crabs provide important ecological services including bioturbation and linking of food web in the shallow waters, but their populations are declining globally, leading to major concerns on conservation of these iconic animals. Baseline information of horseshoe crab ecology, such as their trophic role and food source, is pre-requisite for habitat protection plan and captive restocking program. Trophic ecology of Asian horseshoe crabs is relatively poorly understood and previous studies on their juveniles have suggested that they are selective feeders rather than opportunistic generalists. This study demonstrates a non-invasive approach, using DNA metabarcoding analyses of the nuclear 18S rRNA gene on fecal samples to assess the dietary compositions of Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda and Tachypleus tridentatus juveniles to (1) determine their dietary compositions and trophic roles in their ecosystem, (2) determine any prey selectivity, and (3) distinguish the interspecific dietary differences with potential implications on the habitat requirement and ecological partitioning between these two horseshoe crab species. The results based on relative read abundance (RRA) suggested that oligochaetes were the major prey items for both C. rotundicauda (41.6%) and T. tridentatus (32.4%). Bivalves and crustaceans were second major prey groups for C. rotundicauda (8.6 and 8.4%, respectively). Surprisingly, anthozoans contributed a considerable portion of T. tridentatus’s diet (22.8%), which has never been reported. Furthermore, the major prey groups identified in the fecal samples were not the dominant benthic organisms in the studied area as revealed by environmental DNA (eDNA) analyses on the sediment samples, implying that both species are selective feeders rather than dietary generalists. Significant differences observed in the dietary compositions of the two species might be partially due to the difference in habitat preference between the two species. This study provides new insights into the trophic ecology of the two Asian horseshoe crab species in the estuarine habitat and establishes a new framework for future detailed molecular dietary analyses on all developmental stages of horseshoe crabs around the world, which will allow us to evaluate the food sources needed for the survival of horseshoe crabs and facilitate future conservation strategies without killing the animals.

scholarly journals Shellfish Toxin Uptake and Depuration in Multiple Atlantic Canadian Molluscan Species: Application to Selection of Sentinel Species in Monitoring Programs

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 168
Author(s):  
Wade A. Rourke ◽  
Andrew Justason ◽  
Jennifer L. Martin ◽  
Cory J. Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Sentinel Species ◽  
Paralytic Shellfish Toxins ◽  
Monitoring Programs ◽  
Paralytic Shellfish ◽  
Shellfish Toxin ◽  
Multiple Species ◽  
Toxin Uptake ◽  
Bivalve Shellfish ◽  
Selection Of

Shellfish toxin monitoring programs often use mussels as the sentinel species to represent risk in other bivalve shellfish species. Studies have examined accumulation and depuration rates in various species, but little information is available to compare multiple species from the same harvest area. A 2-year research project was performed to validate the use of mussels as the sentinel species to represent other relevant eastern Canadian shellfish species (clams, scallops, and oysters). Samples were collected simultaneously from Deadmans Harbour, NB, and were tested for paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) and amnesic shellfish toxin (AST). Phytoplankton was also monitored at this site. Scallops accumulated PSTs and AST sooner, at higher concentrations, and retained toxins longer than mussels. Data from monitoring program samples in Mahone Bay, NS, are presented as a real-world validation of findings. Simultaneous sampling of mussels and scallops showed significant differences between shellfish toxin results in these species. These data suggest more consideration should be given to situations where multiple species are present, especially scallops.

Low P50 in deer mice native to high altitude

1985 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 193-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. R. Snyder
Keyword(s):  
High Altitude ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Deer Mice ◽  
Hypoxic Stress ◽  
Hemoglobin Saturation ◽  
Partial Pressures ◽  
Theoretical Predictions ◽  
Low Altitude ◽  
The Difference

Whereas it is widely believed that animals native to high altitude show lower O2 partial pressures at 50% hemoglobin saturation (P50) than do related animals native to low altitude, that “fact” has not been well documented. Consequently, P50 at pH 7.4, PCO2(7.4), the CO2 Bohr effect, and the buffer slope (delta log PCO2/delta pH) were determined via the mixing technique in Peromyscus maniculatus native to a range of altitudes but acclimated to 340 or 3,800 m. PCO2(7.4) and buffer slope were substantially lower at high altitude. The change in P50(7.4) between acclimation altitudes was minimal (0.8% increase at 3,800 m), because of counterbalancing changes in PCO2, 2,3-diphospho-D-glycerate concentration, and perhaps other factors. At both acclimation altitudes there was a highly significant negative correlation between P50(7.4) and native altitude. Since pH in vivo probably increases slightly at high altitude, the data on P50 corrected to pH 7.4 are probably underestimates of the difference in in vivo P50 at low vs. high altitude. Hence these results corroborate theoretical predictions that low P50 is advantageous under severe hypoxic stress.

scholarly journals Joint regulation of cell size and cell number in the wing blade of Drosophila melanogaster

1997 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
JENNIE McCABE ◽  
VERNON FRENCH ◽  
LINDA PARTRIDGE
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Cell Number ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Cell Area ◽  
Wing Area ◽  
Compensatory Control ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Compensatory Regulation

We used Drosophila melanogaster to test for compensatory control of cell area and cell number in the regulation of total wing area. In two random bred wild-type base stocks collected from different geographic locations we found a negative association between the area and the number of cells in the wing blade. Three replicate lines were selected for increased or decreased wing area, with cell area maintained at the same level as in the three controls. After eight generations of selection, despite a large and highly significant difference in wing area between the large, control and small selection lines, cell area did not differ significantly between them. Rather, the difference in wing area between selection regimes was attributable to differences in cell number. Over the course of selection, the initially significant negative correlation between cell area and cell number in the wing increased, providing evidence for compensatory regulation of cell area and cell number. As a result of the increasingly negative association between the two traits, the variance in wing area declined as selection proceeded. It will be important to discover the mechanisms underlying the compensatory regulation of cell area and cell number.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Correlation between Commodity Grade and Quality ofAngelica sinensisby Determination of Active Compounds Using Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Chemometrics

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zenghui Wang ◽  
Dongmei Wang ◽  
Linfang Huang
Keyword(s):  
Ferulic Acid ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Significant Positive Correlation ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Grade Classification ◽  
The Difference

The contents of ferulic acid, senkyunolide A, butylidenephthalide, ligustilide, and n-butylphthalide were determined by UPLC analytical method; the correlation among the grade, average weight, and content was explored by correlation analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA); the different commercial grades with average weight and content were revealed by principal component analysis (PCA) and then rationality analysis grade classification ofA. sinensis. The results showed that various commercial grades can be distinguished by PCA analysis. And there was significant negative correlation between the commodity grades and average weight, commodity, and the content of bioactive compounds, while the content of senkyunolide A had significant negative correlation with commodity grades (P<0.01). Average weight had no correlation with chemicals compounds. Additionally, there was significant positive correlation among the bioactive compounds (content of ferulic acid and phthalides) of different grades ofA. sinensis. The content of senkyunolide A, butylidenephthalide, and ligustilide had significant positive correlation with the content of ferulic acid. The content of ligustilide and butylidenephthalide had significant positive correlation with the content of senkyunolide A. The content of ligustilide had significant positive correlation with the content of butylidenephthalide. The basis of grades classification is related with the difference levels of the bioactive compounds.

scholarly journals The Psychology of Creativity: A Discussion Between Creative Potential and Its Realization

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacek Gralewski
Keyword(s):  
Social Psychology ◽  
Creative Activity ◽  
Creative Potential ◽  
Social Conditioning ◽  
Creativity Research ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Psychology Of Creativity

AbstractThis text is devoted to a discussion of current achievements in the psychology of creativity, as well as to the further development of the field. It is concerned with a criticism of former and current theses in the field of the psychology of creativity discussed by Glăveanu (2014). The arguments presented indicate that, despite Glăveanu’s (2014) proposition, the psychology of creativity is not in crisis. It is pointed out that the difference in views between supporters of the social psychology approach to creativity and psychology researchers oriented towards the study of creative potential on how to conduct creativity research, stems from a concentration on different levels of creativity, and not necessarily from an ineffective theory of creativity. As a consequence of these different perceptions of creativity at its particular levels, determining the prime standard of creative potential is not sufficient to understand the social conditioning of creative activity and the social assessment of creativity, and vice versa.

Bled

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Jean Moore
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Quality Control ◽  
Horseshoe Crab ◽  
The United States ◽  
Standard Test ◽  
Nonhuman Animal ◽  
Laboratory Studies ◽  
Health Care Demand ◽  
Horseshoe Crabs

In 1964, Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL), developed from horseshoe crab blood, was discovered as an effective pryogen test. Limulus blood reacts to endotoxins by forming a gel. The LAL test, constructed from horseshoe crab amoebocytes, has become the standard test in the United States, Europe, and Asia to test pharmaceutical injectables and pharmaceutical insertables for biomedical and veterinary uses. Without it, endotoxins could contaminate all of our laboratory studies, our bodies, and other nonhuman animal bodies. We’ve made horseshoe crabs indispensable to our human and veterinary biomedicine. We need their blood, and as health care demand grows, we will need more and more. I explain how blood donations are detrimental to the crabs. Furthermore, I explain how the LAL test is a not lifesaving test but is instead used for quality control. Even with all of this information and the viability of a synthetic alternative, the bureaucracy surrounding the procedure for switching to the synthetic alternative will prevent the switch from happening until most of the crabs have died. They are not valued like humans are; they are instead valued for their use to humans and will be valued that way until they are used up.

scholarly journals Spatial variability of ammonium, nitrite and nitrate concentrations in water of Batang Arau River, West Sumatera, Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 1484-1492
Author(s):  
Denny Helard ◽  
Shinta Indah ◽  
Michella Oktavia
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Variability ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Nitrogen Concentration ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Quality Standard ◽  
Nitrite Concentration ◽  
Sampling Locations ◽  
Maximum Permissible Concentrations ◽  
Nitrate Concentrations ◽  
Nitrogen Concentrations

Abstract The objective of this study is to analyze the spatial variability of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate concentrations along the Batang Arau River, one of the most important rivers in West Sumatera, Indonesia. The results showed that the ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate concentrations were in the range of 0.180–0.510 mg/L, 0.0–0.178 mg/L, and 0.675–1.165 mg/L, respectively. The ammonium and nitrate concentrations were still below the maximum permissible concentrations for the river water quality standard of class II established by the Regulation Governor of West Sumatera at all of the sampling locations, except at midstream for ammonium, while the nitrite concentration had exceeded the quality standard from midstream to downstream of the river. The increase of the nitrogen concentration was observed from upstream to downstream of the river. Spatial analysis shows significant differences in nitrogen concentrations were obtained between the upstream and the midstream of the Batang Arau River (p &lt; 0.05) but were not observed between the midstream and the downstream. This indicates the effect of different anthropogenic activities along the river. Based on the obtained results, for an effective monitoring program of the nitrogen concentration along the Batang Arau River, reducing the sampling locations from eight to five could be implemented.

scholarly journals The role of vegetation in the CO2 flux from a tropical urban neighbourhood

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (20) ◽  
pp. 10185-10202 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Velasco ◽  
M. Roth ◽  
S. H. Tan ◽  
M. Quak ◽  
S. D. A. Nabarro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Respiration ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Co2 Flux ◽  
Accurate Estimation ◽  
Urban Vegetation ◽  
Co2 Uptake ◽  
Total Contribution ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Residential Neighbourhood

Abstract. Urban surfaces are usually net sources of CO2. Vegetation can potentially have an important role in reducing the CO2 emitted by anthropogenic activities in cities, particularly when vegetation is extensive and/or evergreen. A direct and accurate estimation of carbon uptake by urban vegetation is difficult due to the particular characteristics of the urban ecosystem and high variability in tree distribution and species. Here, we investigate the role of urban vegetation in the CO2 flux from a residential neighbourhood in Singapore using two different approaches. CO2 fluxes measured directly by eddy covariance are compared with emissions estimated from emissions factors and activity data. The latter includes contributions from vehicular traffic, household combustion, soil respiration and human breathing. The difference between estimated emissions and measured fluxes should approximate the flux associated with the aboveground vegetation. In addition, a tree survey was conducted to estimate the annual CO2 sequestration using allometric equations and an alternative model of the metabolic theory of ecology for tropical forests. Palm trees, banana plants and turfgrass were also included in the survey with their annual CO2 uptake obtained from published growth rates. Both approaches agree within 2% and suggest that vegetation sequesters 8% of the total emitted CO2 in the residential neighbourhood studied. An uptake of 1.4 ton km−2 day−1 (510 ton km−2 yr−1) was estimated as the difference between assimilation by photosynthesis minus the aboveground biomass respiration during daytime (4.0 ton km−2 day−1) and release by plant respiration at night (2.6 ton km−2 day−1). However, when soil respiration is added to the daily aboveground flux, the biogenic component becomes a net source amounting to 4% of the total CO2 flux and represents the total contribution of urban vegetation to the carbon flux to the atmosphere.

scholarly journals Changes in thick filament length in Limulus striated muscle.

1977 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 366-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
M M Dewey ◽  
B Walcott ◽  
D E Colflesh ◽  
H Terry ◽  
R J Levine
Keyword(s):  
Horseshoe Crab ◽  
Striated Muscle ◽  
Thick Filament ◽  
Filament Length ◽  
Thin Filaments ◽  
Thick Filaments ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Difference

Here we describe the change in thick filament length in striated muscle of Limulus, the horseshoe crab. Long thick filaments (4.0 microns) are isolated from living, unstimulated Limulus striated muscle while those isolated from either electrically or K+-stimulated fibers are significantly shorter (3.1 microns) (P less than 0.001). Filaments isolated from muscle glycerinated at long sarcomere lengths are long (4.4 microns) while those isolated from muscle glycerinated at short sarcomere lengths are short (2.9 microns) and the difference is significant (P less than 0.001). Thin filaments are 2.4 microns in length. The shortening of thick filaments is related to the wide range of sarcomere lengths exhibited by Limulus telson striated muscle.

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