scholarly journals Hormetic Effects of Early Juvenile Radiation Exposure on Adult Reproduction and Offspring Performance in the Cricket (Acheta domesticus)

Dose-Response ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 155932581879749 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander M. Shephard ◽  
Vadim Aksenov ◽  
Jonathan Tran ◽  
Connor J. Nelson ◽  
Douglas R. Boreham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Dose ◽  
Acheta Domesticus ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Offspring Size ◽  
Radiation Stress ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Offspring Performance ◽  
Early Juvenile ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Survival And Reproduction

Exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation can have positive impacts on biological performance—a concept known as hormesis. Although radiation hormesis is well-documented, the predominant focus has been medical. In comparison, little research has examined potential effects of early life radiation stress on organismal investment in life history traits that closely influence evolutionary fitness (eg, patterns of growth, survival, and reproduction). Evaluating the fitness consequences of radiation stress is important, given that low-level radiation pollution from anthropogenic sources is considered a major threat to natural ecosystems. Using the cricket ( Acheta domesticus), we tested a wide range of doses to assess whether a single juvenile exposure to radiation could induce hormetic benefits on lifetime fitness measures. Consistent with hormesis, we found that low-dose juvenile radiation positively impacted female fecundity, offspring size, and offspring performance. Remarkably, even a single low dose of radiation in early juvenile development can elicit a range of positive fitness effects emerging over the life span and even into the next generation.

scholarly journals Transfer of Cobalt Nanoparticles in a Simplified Food Web: From Algae to Zooplankton to Fish

Applied Nano ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 184-205
Author(s):  
Nanxuan Mei ◽  
Jonas Hedberg ◽  
Mikael T. Ekvall ◽  
Egle Kelpsiene ◽  
Lars-Anders Hansson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Web ◽  
Crucian Carp ◽  
Environmental Fate ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Fish Feeding ◽  
Aquatic Food ◽  
Significant Uptake ◽  
Co Nanoparticles ◽  
Crucian Carp Carassius Carassius

Cobalt (Co) nanoparticles (NPs) may be diffusely dispersed into natural ecosystems from various anthropogenic sources such as traffic settings and eventually end up in aquatic systems. As environmentally dispersed Co NPs may be transferred through an aquatic food web, this study investigated this transfer from algae (Scendesmus sp.) to zooplankton (Daphnia magna) to fish (Crucian carp, Carassius carassius). Effects of interactions between naturally excreted biomolecules from D. magna and Co NPs were investigated from an environmental fate perspective. ATR-FTIR measurements showed the adsorption of both algae constituents and excreted biomolecules onto the Co NPs. Less than 5% of the Co NPs formed heteroagglomerates with algae, partly an effect of both agglomeration and settling of the Co NPs. The presence of excreted biomolecules in the solution did not affect the extent of heteroagglomeration. Despite the low extent of heteroagglomeration between Co NPs and algae, the Co NPs were transferred to the next trophic level (D. magna). The Co uptake in D. magna was 300 times larger than the control samples (without Co NP), which were not influenced by the addition of excreted biomolecules to the solution. Significant uptake of Co was observed in the intestine of the fish feeding on D. magna containing Co NPs. No bioaccumulation of Co was observed in the fish. Moreover, 10–20% of the transferred Co NP mass was dissolved after 24 h in the simulated gut solution of the zooplankton (pH 7), and 50–60% was dissolved in the simulated gut solution of the fish (pH 4). The results elucidate that Co NPs gain different properties upon trophic transfer in the food web. Risk assessments should hence be conducted on transformed and weathered NPs rather than on pristine particles.

scholarly journals Preparation and Characterization of Novel Magnesium Composite/Walnut Shells-Derived Biochar for As and P Sorption from Aqueous Solutions

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 714
Author(s):  
Vladimír Frišták ◽  
Martin Pipíška ◽  
Vladimír Turčan ◽  
Stephen M. Bell ◽  
Haywood Dail Laughinghouse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aqueous Solutions ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Walnut Shell ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
P Sorption ◽  
Sorption Efficiency ◽  
Walnut Shells ◽  
Potential Capacity ◽  
Sorption From Aqueous Solutions

Elevated or unnatural levels of arsenic (As) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in soils and waterbodies from anthropogenic sources can present significant hazards for both natural ecosystems and human food production. Effective, environmentally friendly, and inexpensive materials, such as biochar, are needed to reduce mobility and bioavailability of As and P. While biochar features several physicochemical properties that make it an ideal contaminant sorbent, certain modifications such as mineral-impregnation can improve sorption efficiencies for targeted compounds. Here, we conducted sorption experiments to investigate and quantify the potential utility of magnesium (Mg) for improving biochar sorption efficiency of P and As. We synthesized a Mg-modified walnut shells-derived biochar and characterized its ability to remove As and P from aqueous solutions, thereby mitigating losses of valuable P when needed while, at the same time, immobilizing hazardous As in ecosystems. SEM-EDX, FTIR and elemental analysis showed morphological and functional changes of biochar and the formation of new Mg-based composites (MgO, MgOHCl) responsible for improved sorption potential capacity by 10 times for As and 20 times for P. Sorption efficiency was attributed to improved AEC, higher SSA, chemical forms of sorbates and new sorption site formations. Synthetized Mg-composite/walnut shell-derived biochar also removed >90% of P from real samples of wastewater, indicating its potential suitability for contaminated waterbody remediation.

scholarly journals Effects of Temperature on Anoplophora chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Adult Survival, Reproduction, and Egg Hatch

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melody A. Keena ◽  
Paul M. Moore ◽  
Gregg Bradford
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Adult Survival ◽  
Optimum Temperature ◽  
Egg Hatch ◽  
Laboratory Conditions ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Survival And Reproduction ◽  
Summer Temperatures ◽  
Effects Of Temperature

Anoplophora chinensis (Forster) is an invasive species that can damage many tree species in orchard, urban, and forested habitats. Adult survival, reproduction, and egg hatch of A. chinensis from Italy and China are evaluated at eight constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 °C) under laboratory conditions. The estimated Tmax for longevity was 42 and 33 °C for females and 42 and 39 °C for males from China and Italy, respectively. The estimated Tmax, Tmin, and optimum temperature for fecundity were 35, 9, and 29 °C, respectively. Females laid eggs at 15–30 °C and eggs hatched at 15–35 °C. Days to first oviposition increased exponentially from 13 days at 30 °C to >300 days near 10 °C. The estimated Tmin for egg hatch was 13 °C, the Tmax at 38 °C, and the optimum 29 °C. Percentage hatch was estimated to be highest at 26 °C and have a Tmax of 31 °C and Tmin of 10 °C. These results indicate that summer temperatures over a wide range of latitudes should support beetle survival and reproduction, but at temperatures ≥35 °C, oviposition ceases, and adult survivorship declines. In addition, females may survive into the fall, but lay fewer eggs that may not hatch. These responses of A. chinensis to temperature can be used for developing phenological models to predict the timing of stages for management or eradication efforts.

scholarly journals Low Dose of Fluoride in the Culture Medium of Cordyceps militaris Promotes Its Growth and Enhances Bioactives with Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 342
Author(s):  
Xiaoshuai Li ◽  
Jia Wang ◽  
Huayue Zhang ◽  
Long Xiao ◽  
Zhongfang Lei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Dose ◽  
Radical Scavenging ◽  
Potassium Fluoride ◽  
Cordyceps Militaris ◽  
Carotenoid Content ◽  
Market Demand ◽  
Fruiting Bodies ◽  
Human Osteosarcoma Cells ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Bioactive Ingredients

Cordyceps militaris possesses several compounds with medicinal properties, and is commonly used in traditional Chinese functional food and medicine for a variety of health benefits. Because of its rare occurrence in nature, the market demand for artificial C. militaris is on the rise. Furthermore, efforts to increase its bioactive ingredients have also been considered in research. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of fluoride on the growth and enrichment of bioactive compounds in C. militaris. A wide range of potassium fluoride concentrations (0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mM) were added to the culture media as a source of fluoride during the cultivation of C. militaris fruiting bodies. The contents of fluorine and bioactive substances of the fruiting bodies in normal (NM) and fluorine-supplemented (FM) media were measured and compared. C. militaris raised in the growth medium supplemented with 0.01 mM potassium fluoride led to a 44.86% (1.55 ± 0.14 g/bottle) increase in biomass and a 23.43% (3161.38 ± 35.71 µg/g) increase in total carotenoid content in the fruiting bodies. Furthermore, a remarkable increase in superoxide dismutase-like activity (84.75 U/mg) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 2.59 mg/mL) was recorded. In human cancer cell-based assays, C. militaris raised in FM caused stronger cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest in human osteosarcoma cells. These results demonstrated that a low dose of fluoride could stimulate the growth of C. militaris fruiting bodies and enhance the production of bioactive ingredients that possess useful antioxidant and anticancer activities.

scholarly journals Environmental impact of the Midia Port - Black Sea (Romania), on the coastal sediment quality

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 174-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina Catianis ◽  
Constantin Ungureanu ◽  
Luca Magagnini ◽  
Elisa Ulazzi ◽  
Tiziana Campisi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Oil Spills ◽  
Environmental Concern ◽  
Sediment Quality ◽  
Industrial Wastes ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Water Runoff ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of potential pollution sources, mainly from the upstream anthropogenic sources and port-related activities. The in-vestigated area covered a wide range of anthropogenic im-pacts (e.g., industrial wastes, storm water runoff, acciden-tal oil spills, intentional discharges and shipping activities). The quality of water and Sediments was assessed us-ing Standard methods, as physical-chemical parameters, chemistry and biology (microbiology, ecotoxicology) aim-ing to figure the level of pollution and the effect of port-related activities. Seawater quality results agreed generally with environmental Standards. Though, in some samples the concentrations of sulphates (mg/1) and heavy metals (μg/1), as B, As and Se exceeded the recommended lim-its, without posing a serious environmental concern. Most of the surface sediment samples contain critical levels of hydrocarbons (C>12), (mg/kg), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (ng/g) and polychlorobiphenyls (ng/g). For some heavy metals (mg/kg), exchangeable concentrations were found to be very close or above the regulations. The signifi-cance of this study is incontestable taking into account the lack of previous relevant historical data of this area. In this sense, it was possible to indicate, in general, good environmental conditions, despite the industrial and concentrated local port-related activities in the investigated area.

Formation and structure of the biota of Kamchatka's natural ecosystems

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anatoliy Smetanin
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Education ◽  
Vascular Plants ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Functional Structure ◽  
Academic Disciplines ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Nature Protection ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Teachers And Students

The formation of the modern flora and fauna of Kamchatka, paleogeography, natural ecosystems are considered. The biological diversity of the most important groups of biota is analyzed: vascular plants, mollusks, echinoderms, crustaceans, insects, fish, birds, mammals. The most prominent representatives, including economically significant ones, are highlighted. Brief information on paleodendroflora is given, a brief analysis of currently flourishing vascular plants is given. The fossil forms of extinct and currently living animals inhabiting the natural ecosystems of Kamchatka are described. A polytomic analysis of the biota was performed and its functional structure was established. For researchers in the field of ecology and nature protection, teachers and students of relevant academic disciplines, as well as for a wide range of readers in order to learn about the nature of the region and environmental education.

Lepidium draba (hoary cress).

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Weyl
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Low Latitudes ◽  
Hoary Cress ◽  
Alkaline Conditions ◽  
Noxious Weed ◽  
Lepidium Draba ◽  
Pathogenic Agents

Abstract Lepidium draba is found in a wide range of habitats ranging from roadsides (highly disturbed sites) to rangelands, meadows and pastures, cultivated fields, home gardens, national parks and wasteland. It exists at high and low latitudes, above and below sea level. It is found under irrigation and in soils of high moisture content and also exists in arid regions. It invades all soil types, although it prefers alkaline conditions and can germinate in saline soils. All of these characteristics and adaptations provide exceptional advantages for this noxious weed and reflect its high potential to invade different agricultural systems. The absence of L. draba plants from plantations or sites where it has not been reported may not be due to the species' ability to invade, survive, grow or develop in these sites but rather to the absence of initial infestation. The weed can invade both agricultural and natural ecosystems (Larson et al., 2000). In summary, L. draba is a serious threat to agriculture and the environment. It is of a high ecological tolerance and is potentially harmful to human and animal health. Its ability to invade and reproduce by different means and to host plant pathogenic agents make this weed invasive with significant problems to man and natural resources.

scholarly journals Determinants and Values of Willingness to Pay for Water Quality Improvement: Insights from Chia Lagoon, Malawi

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (17) ◽  
pp. 4690 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodgers Makwinja ◽  
Ishmael Bobby Mphangwe Kosamu ◽  
Chikumbusko Chiziwa Kaonga
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Civic Education ◽  
Water Source ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Ceteris Paribus ◽  
Holistic Approaches ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Baseline Information

Water resources in the Chia lagoon in Malawi experience a possible threat to sustainability. Communities are seeking alternatives to improve water quality in the lagoon. This study quantified the communities’ willingness-to-pay (WTP) and their influencing factors while using contingent valuation (CV) techniques. A wide range of data collection procedures, including focus group discussions, key informant interviews, field observation, and CV survey, were employed. A sample of 300 households was randomly selected. The CV results showed that 57.4% of the households were willing to pay. The monthly individual aggregate WTP amount ranged from MK696.83 (US$0.95) to MK81697 (US$111.38), and on average MK7870.45 (US$10.73), generating aggregate annual values ranging from MK6, 689,568 (US$9126.29) to MK784, 294,080 (US$1,069,978), and on average MK75,556,320 (US$103,078) (ceteris paribus). Logistic regression model demonstrated a significant (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) relationship between demographic (gender, age, literacy level), social-economic (land ownership, main agriculture water source, and income), and institutional (civic education and social network, extension, institutional trust, household socio trust) factors and WTP. The findings from this study provide significant clues for further research and baseline information for local government and communities in the development of more effective and holistic approaches for improving water quality in natural ecosystems.

scholarly journals Merging Metagenomics and Spatial Epidemiology To Understand the Distribution of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes from Enterobacteriaceae in Wild Owls

2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Miller ◽  
Julia B. Ponder ◽  
Michelle Willette ◽  
Timothy J. Johnson ◽  
Kimberly L. VanderWaal
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Resistance Genes ◽  
Spatial Epidemiology ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Metagenomic Sequencing ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance Genes

ABSTRACT Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a well-documented phenomenon in bacteria from many natural ecosystems, including wild animals. However, the specific determinants and spatial distribution of resistant bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment remain incompletely understood. In particular, information regarding the importance of anthropogenic sources of AMR relative to that of other biological and ecological influences is lacking. We conducted a cross-sectional study of AMR in great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) and barred owls (Strix varia) admitted to a rehabilitation center in the midwestern United States. A combination of selective culture enrichment and shotgun metagenomic sequencing was used to identify ARGs from Enterobacteriaceae. Overall, the prevalence of AMR was comparable to that in past studies of resistant Enterobacteriaceae in raptors, with acquired ARGs being identified in 23% of samples. Multimodel regression analyses identified seasonality and owl age to be important predictors of the likelihood of the presence of ARGs, with birds sampled during warmer months being more likely to harbor ARGs than those sampled during cooler months and with birds in their hatch year being more likely to harbor β-lactam ARGs than adults. Beyond host-specific determinants, ARG-positive owls were also more likely to be recovered from areas of high agricultural land cover. Spatial clustering analyses identified a significant high-risk cluster of tetracycline resistance gene-positive owls in the southern sampling range, but this could not be explained by any predictor variables. Taken together, these results highlight the complex distribution of AMR in natural environments and suggest that both biological and anthropogenic factors play important roles in determining the emergence and persistence of AMR in wildlife. IMPORTANCE Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a multifaceted problem that poses a worldwide threat to human and animal health. Recent reports suggest that wildlife may play an important role in the emergence, dissemination, and persistence of AMR. As such, there have been calls for better integration of wildlife into current research on AMR, including the use of wild animals as biosentinels of AMR contamination in the environment. A One Health approach can be used to gain a better understanding of all AMR sources and pathways, particularly those at the human-animal-environment interface. Our study focuses on this interface in order to assess the effect of human-impacted landscapes on AMR in a wild animal. This work highlights the value of wildlife rehabilitation centers for environmental AMR surveillance and demonstrates how metagenomic sequencing within a spatial epidemiology framework can be used to address questions surrounding AMR complexity in natural ecosystems.

Plasma leptin concentration and its interrelation with some blood metabolites, metabolic hormones and the resumption of cyclic ovarian function in postpartum dairy cows supplemented with monensin or inert fat in feed

2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 405-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gy. Huszenicza ◽  
M. Kulcsar ◽  
J. A. Nikolic ◽  
J. Schmidt ◽  
P. Korodi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Metabolic Hormones ◽  
Delayed Onset ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Minimal Concentration ◽  
Plasma Leptin ◽  
Ovarian Cyclicity

AbstractThe postpartum changes in plasma leptin levels of dairy cows ovulated within 35 days after calving were compared to of those with delayed onset of cyclicity in two experiments. The cows were sampled for leptin, insulin, IGF-1, thyroid hormones (T4, T3, rT3), Cortisol and also for some metabolites (glucose, NEFA, BHB and TCH) on day 1-3 after calving and again four times 7 days apart (Exp. 1), or in weeks 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 postpartum (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1 also the standard low dose ACTH-induced Cortisol response and TRH-stimulated T4/T3 responses were determined on days 1-3 and 28-35. In cows of Exp. 1 the leptin level varied within a wide range with a mean of about 4 ng/ml HE in the first samples. Up to week 5 it remained unchanged in cows ovulated within day 35 but reduced in those with delayed onset of cyclicity, resulting in significant difference between the two group means.In cows of Exp. 2 the week 1 leptin levels were lower and less variable than that of Exp. 1. In weeks 2 and 3 a slightly increasing tendency of leptin pattern was seen in cows resuming their ovarian cyclicity within 35 days whereas in those with delayed onset of cyclicity the leptin level remained unchanged. Up to week 5 this tendency resulted in exactly the same leptin values as seen in Exp. 1 with significant differences between the group means in both of the weeks 5 and 10. It was concluded that the plasma leptin concentration in postpartum dairy cows may interfere with resumption of cyclic ovarian function, but its influence may be only permissive (e.g. a minimal concentration above a supposed threshold seems to be the prerequisite of the onset of cyclicity)

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