Gemma Gerber, Thembani Mkhize, Robertson-Andersson, Gan Moodley. Presented at the ninth Scientific Symposium of the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) 2015.
2010 - A new species of genus Metacystis from a Wastewater Treatment PlantWALEBUBLÉ
ABSTRACT. Unusual prostomatid specimens were found in the biological reactor of a wastewater treatment plant in a health resort in Valencia, Spain. These ciliates were attached to flocs unlike other free-swimming prostomatid ciliates described to date in the mixed liquor of activated sludge plants. The morphological study of this species led to a typically different combination of characteristics: elongated
cell shape, 20–30 somatic kineties, 2 perioral kineties, and 1 circumoral kinety, 1 large vacuole protruding at the terminal end, a lorica tapered toward the aperture with a smooth neck, and 11–16 annular ridges. These characteristics place this representative as a new species of the genus Metacystis—Metacystis galiani n. sp. This species became the dominant population within the biological reactor when high values of conductivity (4,244 mS/cm) and temperature (26.8 1C) were recorded.
Survivin Immunoreactivity in the Gastric Mucosa of Rats Feedind with Carpet S...IJRTEMJOURNAL
Survivin has been studied many times because of its overexpression in several types of cancer
including lung, kidney, skin, endometrium, stomach, colon, breast, prostate, over, hematologic, head and neck
cancers, histopathology features and polymorphisms in the promoter region which belongs to the inhibitör of
apoptosis gene family by researchers. There is no study of survivin immunoreactivity in the gastric mucosa of the
rats fed with carpet shell clam grown in the Dardanelles. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of
carpet shell clam fed rats on survivin production in the gastric mucosa. The carpet shell clam given as food to the
rats were removed from the Dardanelles Çardak region. Four groups of rats are included in the study, group 1
(n=6), control group fed with standard rat food, group 2 (n=6), 75% carpet shell clam and 25% standard rat
food daily, group 3 (n=6), 75% carpet shell clam and 25% standard rat food every two days, group 4 (n=6), 75%
carpet shell clam and 25% standard rat food every three days. To detect survivin localization in the tissues, the
LAB-SA Detection System was used. Survivin immunoreactivity was detected of epithelial cells in the gastric
mucosa of rats fed with carpet shell clam. After the immunohistochemical staining processing all gastric tissue
samples are evaluated in terms of survivin immunoreactivity with light microscopy and image analysis software.
Survivin immunoreactivity was detected 0% in the first group, 83.33% in the second group, 61.83% in the third
group and 32.67% in the fourth group. There was statistically significant difference between the survivin
immunoreactivity in the gastric gland cells of the rats in the experimental and control groups (p> 0.05). Survivin
production in the gastric mucosa of rats suggests that consumption of carpet shell clam may cause tissue damage.
2010 - A new species of genus Metacystis from a Wastewater Treatment PlantWALEBUBLÉ
ABSTRACT. Unusual prostomatid specimens were found in the biological reactor of a wastewater treatment plant in a health resort in Valencia, Spain. These ciliates were attached to flocs unlike other free-swimming prostomatid ciliates described to date in the mixed liquor of activated sludge plants. The morphological study of this species led to a typically different combination of characteristics: elongated
cell shape, 20–30 somatic kineties, 2 perioral kineties, and 1 circumoral kinety, 1 large vacuole protruding at the terminal end, a lorica tapered toward the aperture with a smooth neck, and 11–16 annular ridges. These characteristics place this representative as a new species of the genus Metacystis—Metacystis galiani n. sp. This species became the dominant population within the biological reactor when high values of conductivity (4,244 mS/cm) and temperature (26.8 1C) were recorded.
Survivin Immunoreactivity in the Gastric Mucosa of Rats Feedind with Carpet S...IJRTEMJOURNAL
Survivin has been studied many times because of its overexpression in several types of cancer
including lung, kidney, skin, endometrium, stomach, colon, breast, prostate, over, hematologic, head and neck
cancers, histopathology features and polymorphisms in the promoter region which belongs to the inhibitör of
apoptosis gene family by researchers. There is no study of survivin immunoreactivity in the gastric mucosa of the
rats fed with carpet shell clam grown in the Dardanelles. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of
carpet shell clam fed rats on survivin production in the gastric mucosa. The carpet shell clam given as food to the
rats were removed from the Dardanelles Çardak region. Four groups of rats are included in the study, group 1
(n=6), control group fed with standard rat food, group 2 (n=6), 75% carpet shell clam and 25% standard rat
food daily, group 3 (n=6), 75% carpet shell clam and 25% standard rat food every two days, group 4 (n=6), 75%
carpet shell clam and 25% standard rat food every three days. To detect survivin localization in the tissues, the
LAB-SA Detection System was used. Survivin immunoreactivity was detected of epithelial cells in the gastric
mucosa of rats fed with carpet shell clam. After the immunohistochemical staining processing all gastric tissue
samples are evaluated in terms of survivin immunoreactivity with light microscopy and image analysis software.
Survivin immunoreactivity was detected 0% in the first group, 83.33% in the second group, 61.83% in the third
group and 32.67% in the fourth group. There was statistically significant difference between the survivin
immunoreactivity in the gastric gland cells of the rats in the experimental and control groups (p> 0.05). Survivin
production in the gastric mucosa of rats suggests that consumption of carpet shell clam may cause tissue damage.
Few species are standardized and have been used as test organisms around the world in
ecotoxicological assays. In the case of sediment assessment, there are only two amphipod species
(Tiburonella viscana and Grandidierella bonnieroides) standardized protocols for toxicity test in South
Atlantic region.
Determinar la toxicitat dels sediments en els ecosistemes aquàtics és un repte, i és necessari per a una adequada avaluació del risc toxicològic en aquests ecosistemes. En les darreres dècades s’han estudiat i aplicat diferents eines (ex. tests de laboratori amb diferents concentracions, tests amb l’aigua intersticial, estudis de bioacumulació, índexs de toxicitat). Actualment es recomana l'aplicació conjunta d'eines químiques, ecològiques i toxicològiques per a una adequada avaluació. En aquest treball utilitzem l’aproximació de les Toxic Units, tests de toxicitat amb l’aigua intersticial (Vibrio fischeri, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata i Daphnia magna) i tests d'exposició amb el sediment (V. fischeri, Chironomus riparius), juntament amb l’estudi de la comunitat d'invertebrats, per detectar respostes a curt i llarg termini en quatre rius de la Península Ibèrica: el Llobregat, l’Ebre, el Xúquer i el Guadalquivir.
by Núria de Castro-Català, Maja Kuzmanovic, Neus Roig, Jordi Sierra, Antoni Ginebreda, Damià Barceló, Sandra Pérez, Mira Petrovic, Yolanda Picó, Marta Schumacher and Isabel Muñoz
Mekong Mollusc Biodiversity, Fisheries and their Relations to Climatic and Ph...Mekong Fish Network
Molluscs are a key component of freshwater ecosystems. The Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) is a hotspot zone that supports a high diversity of molluscs, including ~121 species of gastropods and ~39 species of bivalves. At least 111 gastropods and 5 bivalves are endemic. In the Tonle Sap Lake and River systems, molluscs are the second fishery production after fishes.
Research Inventy : International Journal of Engineering and Scienceinventy
Research Inventy : International Journal of Engineering and Science is published by the group of young academic and industrial researchers with 12 Issues per year. It is an online as well as print version open access journal that provides rapid publication (monthly) of articles in all areas of the subject such as: civil, mechanical, chemical, electronic and computer engineering as well as production and information technology. The Journal welcomes the submission of manuscripts that meet the general criteria of significance and scientific excellence. Papers will be published by rapid process within 20 days after acceptance and peer review process takes only 7 days. All articles published in Research Inventy will be peer-reviewed.
Microbiological Investigations of Selected Flies of Public Health Importance ...iosrjce
Bacteria associated with flies of public health importance in Nigeria are not well known and their
ecology is also not well understood. We aim to determine the bacteria associated with flies of waste dump site.
Three flies of public health significance were collected from a waste dump site of the Rivers State University of
Science and Technology, Port Harcourt. The three dipterous flies were Luciliasericata, Chrysomyasp and
Musca domestica..The three flies were all of medical importance.The microbial load on three species of flies
was investigated using standard plate count methods. The fly samples were collected from the Post Graduate
Entomology Laboratory was cultured to isolate and identify the microbes associated with them. The samples
were analyzed for total heterotrophic bacteria and fungi counts. The study revealed high heterotrophic bacteria
and fungi counts in all three species of the flies used, with Musca domestica having the highest count of 2.9 X
109Cfu/gram and Chrysomyasp with the least count of 3.4 x 10 5Cfu/g and fungi counts ranged from 3.1 X
103Cfu/g to 2.9 X 105Cfu/g. The bacteria isolated from these samples includes: Escherichia coli,
Pseudomonassp,, Bacillussp, Enterobactersp, Staphylococcussp,Salmonellasp, Proteussp, and Klebsiellasp,
while the fungi species isolated includes: Penicilliumsp,
Aspergillussp,Rhizopussp,Cladosporiumsp,Aspergillusflavus, Aspergillusniger, Fusariumsp and Trichoderma
sp.
Effect of Stocking Density on the Resistance to Fasting, Growth and Survival ...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract— After artificial reproduction of African catfish Heterobranchus bidorsalis, larvae of two days old and 2.18 ± 0.35 mg of mean weight were used to perform two experiments in order to assess the effect of stocking density on their fasting resistance, growth and survival. During the first experiment which lasted 11 days with four batches of larvae at densities of 1, 2, 3 and 4 individuals/ml, results showed that density did not significantly affect (p˂0,05) the resistance to fasting of larvae. However, first mortalities were observed at D5 for all the densities, the higher daily mortality was recorded at D10 and the last mortalities were obtained at D12.
Results of the second experiment revealed that the weight and growth performance of larvae decreased with the increasing of the density after 28 days of rearing. In contrast, the larval survival rate increased with the density. The values of survival rate were respectively 30.53 ± 4.32 and 55.30 ± 21.70 % for the densities 1 ind./l and 20 ind./l.
Assessment of the Plankton Biodiversity,Bay of Bengal, Cox's Bazar, BangladeshAbuMusa51
I am Abu Musa. This is my Internship Presentation. This is for partial fulfillment of the 4th-year final examination of the Department of Fisheries, University of Dhaka. This is based on my findings from one month of research on the Coxs Bazar coast. The research is done in the live feed lab of BFRI Cox's Bazar.
Preliminary evaluation of the larvicidal efficacy of coelomic fluid of Eudril...inventionjournals
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Invention (IJPSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Pahrmaceutical Science. IJPSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
Microplastics in marine organisms in KZN: A new conservation threat?MACE Lab
Refilwe Mofokeng, Gemma Gerber, Mathew Coote, Sipho Mkhize, Thembani Mkhize, Deborah Robertson-Andersson, Gan Moodley. Presented at the Symposium of Contemporary Conservation Practice 2015.
Through my PhD at the University of Malta, I wanted to share what I learn with everyone about microplastics in the marine environment (what I do, generalities, techniques).
Few species are standardized and have been used as test organisms around the world in
ecotoxicological assays. In the case of sediment assessment, there are only two amphipod species
(Tiburonella viscana and Grandidierella bonnieroides) standardized protocols for toxicity test in South
Atlantic region.
Determinar la toxicitat dels sediments en els ecosistemes aquàtics és un repte, i és necessari per a una adequada avaluació del risc toxicològic en aquests ecosistemes. En les darreres dècades s’han estudiat i aplicat diferents eines (ex. tests de laboratori amb diferents concentracions, tests amb l’aigua intersticial, estudis de bioacumulació, índexs de toxicitat). Actualment es recomana l'aplicació conjunta d'eines químiques, ecològiques i toxicològiques per a una adequada avaluació. En aquest treball utilitzem l’aproximació de les Toxic Units, tests de toxicitat amb l’aigua intersticial (Vibrio fischeri, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata i Daphnia magna) i tests d'exposició amb el sediment (V. fischeri, Chironomus riparius), juntament amb l’estudi de la comunitat d'invertebrats, per detectar respostes a curt i llarg termini en quatre rius de la Península Ibèrica: el Llobregat, l’Ebre, el Xúquer i el Guadalquivir.
by Núria de Castro-Català, Maja Kuzmanovic, Neus Roig, Jordi Sierra, Antoni Ginebreda, Damià Barceló, Sandra Pérez, Mira Petrovic, Yolanda Picó, Marta Schumacher and Isabel Muñoz
Mekong Mollusc Biodiversity, Fisheries and their Relations to Climatic and Ph...Mekong Fish Network
Molluscs are a key component of freshwater ecosystems. The Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) is a hotspot zone that supports a high diversity of molluscs, including ~121 species of gastropods and ~39 species of bivalves. At least 111 gastropods and 5 bivalves are endemic. In the Tonle Sap Lake and River systems, molluscs are the second fishery production after fishes.
Research Inventy : International Journal of Engineering and Scienceinventy
Research Inventy : International Journal of Engineering and Science is published by the group of young academic and industrial researchers with 12 Issues per year. It is an online as well as print version open access journal that provides rapid publication (monthly) of articles in all areas of the subject such as: civil, mechanical, chemical, electronic and computer engineering as well as production and information technology. The Journal welcomes the submission of manuscripts that meet the general criteria of significance and scientific excellence. Papers will be published by rapid process within 20 days after acceptance and peer review process takes only 7 days. All articles published in Research Inventy will be peer-reviewed.
Microbiological Investigations of Selected Flies of Public Health Importance ...iosrjce
Bacteria associated with flies of public health importance in Nigeria are not well known and their
ecology is also not well understood. We aim to determine the bacteria associated with flies of waste dump site.
Three flies of public health significance were collected from a waste dump site of the Rivers State University of
Science and Technology, Port Harcourt. The three dipterous flies were Luciliasericata, Chrysomyasp and
Musca domestica..The three flies were all of medical importance.The microbial load on three species of flies
was investigated using standard plate count methods. The fly samples were collected from the Post Graduate
Entomology Laboratory was cultured to isolate and identify the microbes associated with them. The samples
were analyzed for total heterotrophic bacteria and fungi counts. The study revealed high heterotrophic bacteria
and fungi counts in all three species of the flies used, with Musca domestica having the highest count of 2.9 X
109Cfu/gram and Chrysomyasp with the least count of 3.4 x 10 5Cfu/g and fungi counts ranged from 3.1 X
103Cfu/g to 2.9 X 105Cfu/g. The bacteria isolated from these samples includes: Escherichia coli,
Pseudomonassp,, Bacillussp, Enterobactersp, Staphylococcussp,Salmonellasp, Proteussp, and Klebsiellasp,
while the fungi species isolated includes: Penicilliumsp,
Aspergillussp,Rhizopussp,Cladosporiumsp,Aspergillusflavus, Aspergillusniger, Fusariumsp and Trichoderma
sp.
Effect of Stocking Density on the Resistance to Fasting, Growth and Survival ...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract— After artificial reproduction of African catfish Heterobranchus bidorsalis, larvae of two days old and 2.18 ± 0.35 mg of mean weight were used to perform two experiments in order to assess the effect of stocking density on their fasting resistance, growth and survival. During the first experiment which lasted 11 days with four batches of larvae at densities of 1, 2, 3 and 4 individuals/ml, results showed that density did not significantly affect (p˂0,05) the resistance to fasting of larvae. However, first mortalities were observed at D5 for all the densities, the higher daily mortality was recorded at D10 and the last mortalities were obtained at D12.
Results of the second experiment revealed that the weight and growth performance of larvae decreased with the increasing of the density after 28 days of rearing. In contrast, the larval survival rate increased with the density. The values of survival rate were respectively 30.53 ± 4.32 and 55.30 ± 21.70 % for the densities 1 ind./l and 20 ind./l.
Assessment of the Plankton Biodiversity,Bay of Bengal, Cox's Bazar, BangladeshAbuMusa51
I am Abu Musa. This is my Internship Presentation. This is for partial fulfillment of the 4th-year final examination of the Department of Fisheries, University of Dhaka. This is based on my findings from one month of research on the Coxs Bazar coast. The research is done in the live feed lab of BFRI Cox's Bazar.
Preliminary evaluation of the larvicidal efficacy of coelomic fluid of Eudril...inventionjournals
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Invention (IJPSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Pahrmaceutical Science. IJPSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
Microplastics in marine organisms in KZN: A new conservation threat?MACE Lab
Refilwe Mofokeng, Gemma Gerber, Mathew Coote, Sipho Mkhize, Thembani Mkhize, Deborah Robertson-Andersson, Gan Moodley. Presented at the Symposium of Contemporary Conservation Practice 2015.
Through my PhD at the University of Malta, I wanted to share what I learn with everyone about microplastics in the marine environment (what I do, generalities, techniques).
Detection and Identification of Microplastic Particles in Cosmetic Formulatio...PerkinElmer, Inc.
It is estimated that there is in excess of 150 million tons of plastic materials in the world’s oceans. Much of this pollution consists of large items such as discarded drink bottles and plastic bags. However, there is increasing research into the amount of much smaller materials, termed microplastics, in the river and ocean systems which present a different type of
problem for marine life.
Many cosmetic products, such as facial scrubs, toothpastes, and shower gels, currently contain microplastic beads as abrasive materials. These microplastics, which are typically submillimetre
in size, get washed down the sink and are too small to be filtered by sewage treatment plants consequently ending up in the river systems and ultimately in the oceans. These microplastics can be ingested by marine organisms and fish and end up in the human
food chain.
In 2014 a number of U.S. states banned the use of microplastics in cosmetic formulations and most cosmetic companies are voluntarily phasing out their use.
Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is the established technique for identifying polymer materials and has been used extensively for identifying large (over 100 micrometer) polymer materials. The Spectrum Two™ is a portable FT-IR spectrometer that can operate from a battery pack and has been used on boats for immediate identification of these polymers.1 For microplastics, down to a few micrometers in size, an IR microscope can be used for the detection and identification of these materials.
Refilwe Mofokeng, Gemma Gerber, Mathew Coote, Sipho Mkhize, Deborah Robertson-Andersson, Gan Moodley. Presented at the Symposium of Contemporary Conservation Practice 2015.
TIE microplastics immersed in Muskegon Lake, Michiganjeanniekane
Toxicity analysis of three different types of microplastics - polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene - immersed in the benthic and pelagic regions of Muskegon Lake, Michigan
STUDY ON MICROPLASTIC CHALLENGE – INDIAN STATUS AND SOLUTIONS Srinjoy Chatterjee
1. Microplastic (MPs) now has emerged as an alarming environmental pollutant and its prevalence is now widely observed in various ecosystems.
2. The term “microplastic” coined by Thompson et al in the year 2004 basically represents heterogeneous mixture of smaller plastic fragments in the size range of 0.001-5 mm.
3. They may originate either directly (primary sources) through engineered particles such as microbeads/microfibers widely used in Personal Care Products or through fragmentation of larger plastic particles as a result of various anthropogenic activities (secondary sources).
Examples - Fragments of fishing gear, packages and drink bottles, synthetic textiles, car tyres, paints, and cosmetics. Natural breakdown through UV rays of sunlight, microbial processes, or through thermal oxidative processes also account for fragmentation of large plastic particles into MPs.
4. MPs basically consists of six major types of plastic products namely, Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyamide (PA), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polystyrene (PS), Polyurethane (PUR), and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET).
.
.
.
WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS TO THIS MENACE?
1. SOLUTIONS BY REGULATORS, SCIENTISTS, GOVERNMENT AND MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
Microplastics are tiny and may not be easily noticed as a treat to both sea and human life, therefore there is an urgent need to combat it. The potential risk to food security, and thereby human health, has led:
• regulators to call for better understanding education and public awareness of the fate and effects of microplastic debris on marine life.
• to the call for urgent actions by scientists (researching more) government (putting right policies in place) and the manufacturing industries on the need for the reduction of the production and activities resulting in the availability and spread of microplastic into the marine environment.
• To the need to strengthen international and regional cooperation in this area among: decision-makers researchers and academias to raise awareness in addressing water-related issues.
2. PUTTING IN PLACE APPRORIATE PROHIBITIONS, LAWS AND BANS.
The following should be done:
• For Countries: Prohibiting or disincentivizing land-based materials causing marine litter such as the use of microbead plastics for toothpaste.
• For Manufacturing: National law and sub-national law should be put in place.
• At Retail Level: National Law and sub-national law should be put in place.
3. MEASURES TO DO AS AN INDIVIDUAL.
• Report plastics pollutions e.g by using hashtag #plasticspollution with the photo, date and location.
• Cut down on plastics by staying clear of plastic products. Look for natural alternatives or reuseable containers. Don’t buy cleansers and cosmetics with microbeads.
• Clean-up plastic pollution. When possible use a pool or aquarium skimmer to remove plastics debris from the water and throw the debris in the garbage.
Triclosan Persistence in Environment and Its Potential Toxic Effects on AlgaeAJASTJournal
Triclosan (TCS) is widely used as an antibacterial agent in various industrial products, such as textile goods, soap, shampoo, liquid toothpaste and cosmetics, and often detected in wastewater effluent. Triclosan is highly toxic to aquatic animals, and is particularly highly toxic to the algae, which was used as a test organism in this study. Algae represent the first nutritional base on the aquatic food chain due to their ability to synthesize organic molecules using sunlight and carbon dioxide. Thus, the cultivation of algae has been an integral part for the production of commercially important species on aquaculture. This has been the reason to make great efforts in order to understand effect of triclosan to natural periphyton communities (algae). However, there is a paucity of data on the toxicity of triclosan and its effects on aquatic organisms. In this study, the toxicity of triclosan to a microalga was examined. The present investigation showed that “chlorophyll a” pigment in control algae was 5.92 mg/L and it decreased, when algae was treated with different concentration of triclosan (10-50 ppm). The study revealed that, as the concentration of triclosan increased then algae growth declined. It was observed that conductivity also increased because of decreased “chlorophyll a” and decreased phytoplankton levels. This result indicates that triclosan exerts a marked influence on algae, which are important organisms being the first-step producers in the ecosystem; therefore, the possible destruction of the balance of the ecosystem is expected if triclosan is discharged into the environment at high levels. The bioaccumulation of TCS in human impregnation from foodstuff exposure (in particular fish) and likely risk for human population also.
Genotoxicity of Goji Berry (Lyciumbarbarum) In Vivo Mammalian Cellsinventionjournals
Lyciumbarbarum (Gojji berry) belongs to family Salonaceae which is found in China and Himalayan. This herb is used to prevent various diseases and in medical treatments as an alternative medicine being widely used for its antioxidant and revitalizing potential effects. In recent years, Gojji has become increasingly popular in Europe and North America as a "superfruit" and dietary supplement. The belief that herbal products do not bring any risk to health, is part of popular culture. However the term "natural" assigned to many products cannot assure no health risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible genotoxic effects of aqueous extract of Lyciumbarbarum (Gojji berry) by micronucleus test and comet assay. Thirty Rattus norvegicus were divided into three equal groups: 1) experimental group, submitted to Gojji berry (200mg/kg orally); 2) positive control group (cyclophosphamide), and; 3) negative control group (distilled water). Micronucleus Tests were done by smear method of bone marrow cells performed after 48h for acute, and 72h for chronic exposure. The comet assay was performed on peripheral blood taken from the tail of each animal 4h, and 24h after intervention. Cytotoxicity was assessed by observing the DNA damage measuring the percentage of DNA in the tail (% DNA- measurement of the proportion of the total DNA present in the tail) and the tail moment (TM-tail length times the percentage of DNA in the tail), calculated by 100 nucleoids per animal and the presence of micronuclei in 2,000 polychromatic erythrocytes per animal. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey test at 5% significance was used comparing the results. The data showed no significant difference in the frequency of DNA damage and the number of micronuclei between the experimental group and the negative control group. The results also suggest that the aqueous extract of Lyciumbarbarum (Gojji berry) at the dose of 200 mg/kg showed no genotoxic effect, which could, to a certain point, justifies its use.
Genotoxicity of Goji Berry (Lyciumbarbarum) In Vivo Mammalian Cellsinventionjournals
Lyciumbarbarum (Gojji berry) belongs to family Salonaceae which is found in China and Himalayan. This herb is used to prevent various diseases and in medical treatments as an alternative medicine being widely used for its antioxidant and revitalizing potential effects. In recent years, Gojji has become increasingly popular in Europe and North America as a "superfruit" and dietary supplement. The belief that herbal products do not bring any risk to health, is part of popular culture. However the term "natural" assigned to many products cannot assure no health risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible genotoxic effects of aqueous extract of Lyciumbarbarum (Gojji berry) by micronucleus test and comet assay. Thirty Rattus norvegicus were divided into three equal groups: 1) experimental group, submitted to Gojji berry (200mg/kg orally); 2) positive control group (cyclophosphamide), and; 3) negative control group (distilled water). Micronucleus Tests were done by smear method of bone marrow cells performed after 48h for acute, and 72h for chronic exposure. The comet assay was performed on peripheral blood taken from the tail of each animal 4h, and 24h after intervention. Cytotoxicity was assessed by observing the DNA damage measuring the percentage of DNA in the tail (% DNA- measurement of the proportion of the total DNA present in the tail) and the tail moment (TM-tail length times the percentage of DNA in the tail), calculated by 100 nucleoids per animal and the presence of micronuclei in 2,000 polychromatic erythrocytes per animal. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey test at 5% significance was used comparing the results. The data showed no significant difference in the frequency of DNA damage and the number of micronuclei between the experimental group and the negative control group. The results also suggest that the aqueous extract of Lyciumbarbarum (Gojji berry) at the dose of 200 mg/kg showed no genotoxic effect, which could, to a certain point, justifies its use.
Genotoxicity of Goji Berry (Lyciumbarbarum) In Vivo Mammalian Cellsinventionjournals
Lyciumbarbarum (Gojji berry) belongs to family Salonaceae which is found in China and Himalayan. This herb is used to prevent various diseases and in medical treatments as an alternative medicine being widely used for its antioxidant and revitalizing potential effects. In recent years, Gojji has become increasingly popular in Europe and North America as a "superfruit" and dietary supplement. The belief that herbal products do not bring any risk to health, is part of popular culture. However the term "natural" assigned to many products cannot assure no health risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible genotoxic effects of aqueous extract of Lyciumbarbarum (Gojji berry) by micronucleus test and comet assay. Thirty Rattus norvegicus were divided into three equal groups: 1) experimental group, submitted to Gojji berry (200mg/kg orally); 2) positive control group (cyclophosphamide), and; 3) negative control group (distilled water). Micronucleus Tests were done by smear method of bone marrow cells performed after 48h for acute, and 72h for chronic exposure. The comet assay was performed on peripheral blood taken from the tail of each animal 4h, and 24h after intervention. Cytotoxicity was assessed by observing the DNA damage measuring the percentage of DNA in the tail (% DNA- measurement of the proportion of the total DNA present in the tail) and the tail moment (TM-tail length times the percentage of DNA in the tail), calculated by 100 nucleoids per animal and the presence of micronuclei in 2,000 polychromatic erythrocytes per animal. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey test at 5% significance was used comparing the results. The data showed no significant difference in the frequency of DNA damage and the number of micronuclei between the experimental group and the negative control group. The results also suggest that the aqueous extract of Lyciumbarbarum (Gojji berry) at the dose of 200 mg/kg showed no genotoxic effect, which could, to a certain point, justifies its use.
Abstract: Microplastics in fish from the KwaZulu-Natal BightMACE Lab
Authors: Sipho Mkhize (MACE Lab NRF Intern 2015), Dr Deborah Robertson-Andersson, Gan Moodley.
Submitted and accepted for the Symposium of Contemporary Conservation Symposium (SCCP) 2016.
Abstract: The Use of Sub-tropical East coast copepod species as live feed for...MACE Lab
Raeesah Ameen, Deborah Robertson-Andersson, Gan Moodley. Presented at the ninth Scientific Symposium of the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) 2015.
Abstract: Using Social Media as a Tool to track the Social Impact of plastic ...MACE Lab
Kaveera SIngh, Surina Singh, Gan Moodley, Deborah Robertson-Andersson .Presented at the ninth Scientific Symposium of the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) 2015.
Nutraceutical market, scope and growth: Herbal drug technologyLokesh Patil
As consumer awareness of health and wellness rises, the nutraceutical market—which includes goods like functional meals, drinks, and dietary supplements that provide health advantages beyond basic nutrition—is growing significantly. As healthcare expenses rise, the population ages, and people want natural and preventative health solutions more and more, this industry is increasing quickly. Further driving market expansion are product formulation innovations and the use of cutting-edge technology for customized nutrition. With its worldwide reach, the nutraceutical industry is expected to keep growing and provide significant chances for research and investment in a number of categories, including vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and herbal supplements.
Professional air quality monitoring systems provide immediate, on-site data for analysis, compliance, and decision-making.
Monitor common gases, weather parameters, particulates.
Introduction:
RNA interference (RNAi) or Post-Transcriptional Gene Silencing (PTGS) is an important biological process for modulating eukaryotic gene expression.
It is highly conserved process of posttranscriptional gene silencing by which double stranded RNA (dsRNA) causes sequence-specific degradation of mRNA sequences.
dsRNA-induced gene silencing (RNAi) is reported in a wide range of eukaryotes ranging from worms, insects, mammals and plants.
This process mediates resistance to both endogenous parasitic and exogenous pathogenic nucleic acids, and regulates the expression of protein-coding genes.
What are small ncRNAs?
micro RNA (miRNA)
short interfering RNA (siRNA)
Properties of small non-coding RNA:
Involved in silencing mRNA transcripts.
Called “small” because they are usually only about 21-24 nucleotides long.
Synthesized by first cutting up longer precursor sequences (like the 61nt one that Lee discovered).
Silence an mRNA by base pairing with some sequence on the mRNA.
Discovery of siRNA?
The first small RNA:
In 1993 Rosalind Lee (Victor Ambros lab) was studying a non- coding gene in C. elegans, lin-4, that was involved in silencing of another gene, lin-14, at the appropriate time in the
development of the worm C. elegans.
Two small transcripts of lin-4 (22nt and 61nt) were found to be complementary to a sequence in the 3' UTR of lin-14.
Because lin-4 encoded no protein, she deduced that it must be these transcripts that are causing the silencing by RNA-RNA interactions.
Types of RNAi ( non coding RNA)
MiRNA
Length (23-25 nt)
Trans acting
Binds with target MRNA in mismatch
Translation inhibition
Si RNA
Length 21 nt.
Cis acting
Bind with target Mrna in perfect complementary sequence
Piwi-RNA
Length ; 25 to 36 nt.
Expressed in Germ Cells
Regulates trnasposomes activity
MECHANISM OF RNAI:
First the double-stranded RNA teams up with a protein complex named Dicer, which cuts the long RNA into short pieces.
Then another protein complex called RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex) discards one of the two RNA strands.
The RISC-docked, single-stranded RNA then pairs with the homologous mRNA and destroys it.
THE RISC COMPLEX:
RISC is large(>500kD) RNA multi- protein Binding complex which triggers MRNA degradation in response to MRNA
Unwinding of double stranded Si RNA by ATP independent Helicase
Active component of RISC is Ago proteins( ENDONUCLEASE) which cleave target MRNA.
DICER: endonuclease (RNase Family III)
Argonaute: Central Component of the RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC)
One strand of the dsRNA produced by Dicer is retained in the RISC complex in association with Argonaute
ARGONAUTE PROTEIN :
1.PAZ(PIWI/Argonaute/ Zwille)- Recognition of target MRNA
2.PIWI (p-element induced wimpy Testis)- breaks Phosphodiester bond of mRNA.)RNAse H activity.
MiRNA:
The Double-stranded RNAs are naturally produced in eukaryotic cells during development, and they have a key role in regulating gene expression .
Multi-source connectivity as the driver of solar wind variability in the heli...Sérgio Sacani
The ambient solar wind that flls the heliosphere originates from multiple
sources in the solar corona and is highly structured. It is often described
as high-speed, relatively homogeneous, plasma streams from coronal
holes and slow-speed, highly variable, streams whose source regions are
under debate. A key goal of ESA/NASA’s Solar Orbiter mission is to identify
solar wind sources and understand what drives the complexity seen in the
heliosphere. By combining magnetic feld modelling and spectroscopic
techniques with high-resolution observations and measurements, we show
that the solar wind variability detected in situ by Solar Orbiter in March
2022 is driven by spatio-temporal changes in the magnetic connectivity to
multiple sources in the solar atmosphere. The magnetic feld footpoints
connected to the spacecraft moved from the boundaries of a coronal hole
to one active region (12961) and then across to another region (12957). This
is refected in the in situ measurements, which show the transition from fast
to highly Alfvénic then to slow solar wind that is disrupted by the arrival of
a coronal mass ejection. Our results describe solar wind variability at 0.5 au
but are applicable to near-Earth observatories.
Multi-source connectivity as the driver of solar wind variability in the heli...
Microplastic uptake and retention in Perna perna (L.); Tripneustes gratilla (L.) and STomopneustes variolis (Lamarch).
1. Microplastic uptake and retention in Perna perna (L.);
Tripneustes gratilla (L.) and Stomopneustes variolaris (Lamarck).
Gerber. G., Mkhize, T., Robertson–Andersson, D.V. & Moodley, G. K.
University of KwaZulu–Natal; School of Life Sciences
INTRODUCTION
Microplastics particles (< 5 mm) are ubiquitous throughout the marine environment making them bioavailable to organisms in lower trophic levels such as filter-feeders that are likely to ingest these
particles1
.
Once ingested, microplastics may pose several physiological threats such as starvation, malnutrition, stunted growth as well as death in some organisms2
.
Additionally, the surfaces of microplastic particles may readily adsorb toxins (e.g. persistent organic pollutants (POP’s) and heavy metals), which may then be absorbed by the organism,
bioaccumulate and be transferred through the food web3
.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
REFERENCES
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2oQeXhURTgY/maxresdefault.jpg
http://www.engineering.com/portals/0/BlogFiles/composting-bottle_large.jpg
http://dynamicco.com/wp-content/uploads/Sand-blasting-of-container-ship.jpg
http://www.citizenscampaign.org/images/petition/slideshow/microbead-products.jpg
https://encounterswithwildlife.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/
wetland_ecology_group_university_of_helsinki_mytilus_edulis_microplastic.jpg
http://www.ramepbc.org/uploads/site_page_images/436_0_l.jpg
1. Andrady, A. L. 2011. Microplastics in the marine environment. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 62(8), 1596-1605
2. Van Cauwenberghe, L., Claessens, M., Vandegehuchte, M. B., & Janssen, C. R. 2015. Microplastics are taken up by mussels (Mytilus edulis) and
lugworms (Arenicola marina) living in natural habitats. Environmental Pollution, 199, 10-17.
3. Bakir, A., Rowland, S. J., & Thompson, R. C. 2014. Enhanced desorption of persistent organic pollutants from microplastics under simulated physio-
logical
conditions. Environmental Pollution, 185, 16-23.
Claessens, M., Van Cauwenberghe, L., Vandegehuchte, M. B., & Janssen, C. R. (2013). New techniques for the detection of microplastics in sediments
AIMS
1. Investigate filtration rates of microplastic fibres by P. Perna over a one hour and a 24 hour period.
2. Determine madreporite pore size in T. gratilla and S. variolaris to assess sizes of microplastics
potentially taken up into the water vascular system (WVS).
3. Determine whether microplastic uptake occurs via the water vascular system of T. gratilla
and S. variolaris.
METHODOLOGY
Perna perna, T. gratilla and S. variolaris were collected and maintained in 50 L of
recirculating artificial seawater (Red Sea Salt™) (22°C and 30 psu) for 24 hours to allow for depuration.
Filtration of microplastics in P. perna
Sixteen dead mussels were evenly distributed between four glass tanks each containing 8 L of artificial seawater.
1 mg/L UV fluorescent microplastics fibres (10 – 100 µm) were dispensed into each tank.
Fifty ml water samples were initially taken from each tank and again after one hour, thereafter each sample was filtered and
photographed at 40 X magnification using UV light microscopy.
Percentage differences in particle numbers before and after one hour were calculated. The procedure was repeated with
live mussels. The percentage difference in particle numbers for dead mussels was subtracted from the percentage
difference in particle numbers of live mussels as a correction factor.
The experiment was repeated using microplastic fiber concentrations of 2 mg/L and 5 mg/L.
Microplastic ingestion in P. perna
Ten live mussels were distributed into ten 5 L containers containing aerated, recirculating artificial seawater.
1 mg/L of microplastic fibres were dispensed into each container and mussels were allowed 24 hours to feed.
The gut and visceral mass were dissected and digested following methods described by Claessens et al. (2013).
Each sample was filtered and photographed at 40 X magnification using UV-light microscopy. Microplastic particle counts
for each mussel were calculated.
This procedure was repeated using microplastic fiber concentrations of 2 mg/L and 5 mg/L.
Madreporite pore-size of T. gratilla and S. variolaris
The madreporite was removed from each specimen and placed into a 25 % bleach-deionized water solution to
dissolve the soft tissue and spines.
The samples were gold-coated using a sputter coater (Quorum QI50R-ES) and observed with an SEM (LEO 1450 VP).
Ten random madreporite pores were measured per individual at 220 X magnification.
Uptake of microplastics into the WVS of T. gratilla and S. variolaris
Five live individuals of T. gratilla and S. variolaris were individually distributed among 10 tanks each containing 5 L artificial
seawater.
2 mg/L of microplastic fibres were dispensed into each tank and the experiment was run for 48 hours.
The WVS was removed from each specimen and digested following methods described by Claessens et al. (2013).
The samples were filtered and the residue viewed under UV-light to check for presence of microplastics.
Figure 1b: Microplastic fibres magnified under UV fluorescence
(40 X)
Figure 3: Log-transformed particle number present in gut and
visceral mass of P. perna (One-way ANOVA:
p < 0.000; F value = 31.98)
Figure 2: Particle number difference (%) filtered over one hour by
P. perna (One-Way ANOVA: p = 0.004; F value = 10.83)
Gerber, G. (2015)
Gerber, G. (2015)
Differences in microplastic quantities before and after one hour were 32.8 ± 20.4 %, 21.2 ± 9.6 % and < 1 ± 0 % for microplastic
concentrations of [1 mg/L], [2 mg/L] and [5 mg/L], respectively (Figure 2). Filtration rates of P. perna decreased with
increasing concentrations of microplastics within the first hour of microplastic introduction.
However, P. perna ingests more microplastic fibres with increasing concentrations of microplastics in 24 hours (Figure 3). Mean
particle numbers present in the gut and visceral mass of the mussels are 95 ± 83 particles, 204 ± 90 particles
and 994 ± 459 particles for [1 mg/L], [2 mg/L] and [5 mg/L], respectively.
Figure 1a: UV fluorescent microplastics inside the visceral
mass of P. perna.
Figure 4: SEM image of S. variolaris madreporite pores (220 X) Figure 5: SEM image of T. gratilla madreporite pores (220 X)
There is a significant difference in mean madreporite pore diameter between T. gratilla (70.2 ± 4.3 µm) (Figure 5) and
S. variolaris (63.3 ± 5.5 µm) (Figure 4) (Mann Whitney U= 577.0; p=0.005).
This study confirms for the first time that both T. gratilla and S. variolaris take up microplastics into their water-vascular
system via madreporite pores.
The investigation highlights the vulnerability of sea urchins to microplastic pollution via dual uptake mechanisms
(Gastric ingestion and madreporite uptake).
Mkhize, T. (2015)Mkhize, T. (2015)
CONCLUSIONS
Although higher microplastic concentrations result in an initial depression in filtration rates,
P. perna adapt within 24 hours and are able to cope with the highest
concentration tested [5 mg/L].
This data suggests that mussels are able to filter greater loads of microplastics in natural
systems, which has the potential to facilitate an increased uptake of toxins
(e.g. heavy metals and POP’s) to the mussels.
As mussels are an important subsistence food source for a large social sector, these
results highlight the potential impacts of microplastic pollution on human food sources
and emphasizes the need for further research on toxin transfer mechanisms.
The dual mechanisms of microplastic uptake in sea urchins are a cause for concern, since
sea urchins, including other Echinoderms, are potentially vulnerable to increased
microplastic retention and transfer of toxins.
This is problematic as Echinoderms are important marine ecosystem engineers and changes
in their abundance may result in cascade effects.
The authors would like thank
the NRF for research funds.