多溴联苯醚对芳香烃受体的激活作用及其介导毒性的研究进展

多溴联苯醚(polybrominated diphenyl ethers,PBDEs)是一类全球广泛存在的有机污染物,由于具有环境持久性,远距离传输,生物可累积性及对生物和人体有毒害效应等特性,是当前环境科学的热点研究对象之一.PBDEs的毒性包括生殖毒性、神经毒性、内分泌干扰、DNA损伤、免疫影响等,对人类以及环境具有潜在的威胁.芳香烃受体(aryl hydrocarbon receptor,AhR)是一种配体激活转录因子,诱导许多编码药物代谢酶的基因,可以被二噁英强效激活并引发一系列毒性.PBDEs具有与二噁英相似的结构,而被认为是一种潜在的AhR配体,但是PBDEs通过AhR介导的毒性机理仍然不明确.本文介绍和讨论了近10多年来PBDEs对AhR激活作用的研究,以及诱导的基因表达和毒性效应.虽然各文献的研究手段以及结论不尽相同,大多数研究表明大部分PBDEs对AhR的激活效果较为微弱,但仍有些PBDE需要引起重视.例如,BDE-126在大鼠肝细胞中的激活作用比其同系物更为突出,BDE-99可以激活斑马鱼胚胎中的AhR.此外,大多数羟基化或甲氧基化多溴联苯醚在家禽胚胎肝细胞、大鼠肝癌细胞中可以激活AhR,且可能比PBDEs具有更高的毒性和生物积累性.     

多溴联苯醚的生物富集效应研究进展

研究污染物的生物富集效应对于预测污染物在生物体内的含量、建立环境标准以及评估污染物的生态风险具有重要的意义.论文结合近年来国内外有关多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)的生物富集及其沿食物链(网)生物放大效应的研究文献,对PBDEs的生物富集效应进行了综述.文献计算的生物富集因子(BAFs)、生物-沉积物/土壤生物富集因子(BSAFs)和生物放大因子(BMFs)表明,生物对大多数PBDEs具有生物富集作用,且生物对PBDEs的富集能力与其生物进化等级及其营养级有关.文献计算的营养级放大因子(TMFs)表明,大多数PBDE单体可以在食物网上产生生物放大效应,但只有较少单体具有统计上的显著性.生物的生理生化参数、化合物本身的特性以及环境条件等因素影响了PBDEs在生物体内及食物链(网)上的富集与放大.     

典型全氟烷基酸的光/电催化降解：性能提升策略与反应机制

全氟烷基酸(perfluoroalkyl acids,PFAAs)在全球水体中普遍存在,且对生物体和人体均具有潜在毒害作用,是近年来被广泛关注的主要污染物之一.水环境中PFAAs的去除和降解是降低其生态健康风险的重要手段,也是目前研究的焦点之一.PFAAs分子中所有C—H键均被C—F键取代,特殊的结构使PFAAs具有极高的化学稳定性,常规的氧化技术难以实现水环境中PFAAs的有效降解.光催化氧化和电催化氧化是目前处理难降解有机污染物的两种主要高级氧化技术,也是研究水环境中PFAAs降解去除的主流关键技术.以全氟辛基羧酸(perfluorooctanoic acid,PFOA)和全氟辛基磺酸(perfluorooctane sulfo nates,PFOS)为研究PFAAs降解的两类典型代表,本文综述了近年来光催化氧化和电催化氧化两种技术在水相PFOA和PFOS降解研究的文献报道,对提高PFAAs降解效率所采用的主要技术改进策略及其背后的理论机制进行了梳理和总结.基于提高催化反应活性物质产率,增加活性反应位点和反应物传质效率以及提高反应体系稳定性等优化策略,对光催化中催化剂和电催化中电极...     

多溴联苯醚暴露的神经行为效应及其毒理机制

溴代阻燃剂多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)是一类在各类环境介质、生物体和人体中均能检出的普遍存在的环境污染物。我国的主要污染源之一集中于东南部地区的电子废弃物回收场地。由于PBDEs具有结构稳定性、亲脂性和生物累积性,电子废弃物拆解回收活动对当地生态系统和居民健康存在着巨大的潜在风险。PBDEs的发育神经毒性受到研究者的极大关注,但其神经行为毒性效应和机制仍需深入研究。行为学效应既是内在神经毒性机制的外在反映,也是推测环境污染物在高级别生物学水平(如种群、群落)影响的最有力试验手段。近年来,基于视频追踪系统技术的商业行为学分析设备迅速发展,使行为学效应测试在环境毒理学领域具备极大的潜力。本文结合近年来国内外环境毒理学研究进展,回顾了PBDEs的神经行为毒性效应,包括运动行为、掠食行为和认知行为,并分析了其可能的毒理机制,最后总结了当前研究存在的问题和未来研究需要关注的重点方向。     

多溴联苯醚的环境毒理学研究进展

多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)是一类广泛使用的溴代阻燃剂,其大量生产和使用导致了越来越严重的环境污染.由于PBDEs具有较高的亲脂性,化学性质比较稳定,它们可远距离传输到地球各种环境介质中,并通过食物链累积放大,在生物体内蓄积产生毒性效应.本文针对近年来PBDEs毒性效应和致毒机制的研究进展,从PBDEs的内分泌干扰毒性、发...     

环境中多溴联苯醚分析方法的研究进展

多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)是一类性能优异的阻燃剂,被广泛添加到工业产品和日常生活用品中.研究表明很多PBDEs单体具有持久性有机污染物(POPs)的特性,其中五溴和八溴联苯醚已被列入POPs清单.它们在环境中广泛存在,对环境和生态系统带来健康风险.本文概述了环境中PBDEs的前处理方法和仪器分析的研究进展,对不同的方法进行了综述和比较,并提出了PBDEs分析方法研究的发展趋势.     

多溴二苯醚类化合物干扰人雌激素受体alpha活性机理的理论研究

基于分子对接方法探讨了多溴二苯醚(PBDEs)类化合物与人雌激素受体α亚型间的分子作用机理.对多溴二苯醚类化合物是否具有拟雌激素功能的研究得出:可通过对接打分值和化合物结构特征来推测PBDEs母体化合物是否具有拟雌激素活性;对HO-PBDEs,与氨基酸残基GLU53和/或ARG394形成氢键可能是影响其拟雌激素活性的重要因素;对MeO-PBDEs,疏水MeO-位于结合腔的疏水中部有利于拟雌激素活性.从结构及构象分析得出,邻位疏水基(Br-、MeO-)有利于PBDEs类化合物的拟雌激素活性.同时对多溴二苯醚类化合物是否具有抗雌激素功能的结合特征研究发现,表现出抗雌激素活性的部分PBDEs类化合物伸进通常被雌激素受体拮抗剂雷洛昔芬和4-羟基它莫西芬的烷基胺侧链占据的通道,而大多数未表现出抗雌激素活性的PBDEs类化合物的结合模式类似雌激素受体激动剂17β-雌二醇,位于结合腔,没有伸进通道.本研究从化合物结构及化合物在受体内结合的构象特征上解释化合物活性不同的原因,以期能够利用构象分析得到的结果进行筛选.     

模拟胃肠液用Tenax提取法测定多溴联苯醚的生物有效性

以室内灰尘和鱼样为介质,利用Tenax提取,采用动态方法模拟污染物在人体肠道中的消化吸收,研究多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)的口服生物有效性.结果表明,在18 mL模拟胃肠液中,随着胃肠液中Tenax质量增加,Tenax吸附的PBDEs(BDE28、47、66、100、99、85、154、153、138、183和209)增加,当Tenax的质量达到200 mg后,增加Tenax的用量不会增加PBDEs在Tenax中的吸附总量.对于灰尘,3—7溴BDEs的生物有效性为50.8%,而添加Tenax后,随着Tenax质量的增大,其修正后的生物有效性从84.9%增大到101.1%;类似,对于鱼样,PBDEs修正后的生物有效性从43.7%升高到70.7%.这种修正后的生物有效性比未进行修正的结果更接近活体实验测得的PBDEs的生物利用度数据.因此,在18 mL模拟胃肠液中,采用200 mg的Tenax,用于模拟小肠对胃肠液中PBDEs的吸收,可以获得最差场景条件下PBDEs的生物有效性.     

气相色谱-负化学离子源-质谱法分析母乳中多溴联苯醚

多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)是一种广泛使用的含溴阻燃剂.它和多氯联苯(PCBs)是一类具亲脂性、生物难降解性和高富集性的有机污染物,对人体健康具有一定的危害.     

北江沉积物中多溴联苯醚的含量水平和分布特征

多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)具有与多氯联苯(PCBs)相似的化学结构和环境行为,是一种典型的持久性有机污染物(POPs).本文研究了珠江第二大水系北江流域沉积物中PBDEs的含量水平、空间分布特征和可能来源.     

Importance of greater interdisciplinarity and geographic scope when tackling the driving forces behind biological invasions

Invasive non-native species are important drivers of ecosystem change, yet the driving forces of biological invasions themselves are poorly understood. Such information is essential to ensure policies focus on the most relevant drivers, and that future scenarios capture the full range of potential outcomes for invasive non-native species. I carried out a bibliometric analysis of articles published from 2000 to 2020 that address either invasive non-native species or biodiversity and ecosystem services and that also mention 1 or more drivers of ecosystem change. I examined 5 indirect drivers (demographic, economic, governance, sociocultural, and technological) and 6 direct drivers (climate change, invasive non-native species, land-use or sea-use change, natural hazards, pollution, and resource extraction). Using the Web of Science core collection of citation indexes, I undertook searches of article titles and keywords and retrieved 27,462 articles addressing invasive non-native species and 110,087 articles dealing with biodiversity or ecosystem services. Most research to date on biological invasions as well as on biodiversity and ecosystem services has focused on anthropogenic direct drivers of ecosystem change rather than indirect drivers. Yet currently, less than 18% of articles addressing biological invasions examined drivers of ecosystem change, a similar level to that found over 20 years ago for biodiversity or ecosystem services. Knowledge of the drivers of biological invasions is limited, emphasizes tractable drivers over those that require an interdisciplinary approach, and is biased toward developed economies. Drivers generally deemed important for biological invasions, such as governance and resource extraction, accounted for less than 2% of research effort. The absence of a systematic understanding of the forces that drive invasive non-native species and how they interact means that attempts to mitigate or forecast biological invasions are likely to fail. To address biological invasions requires a much better orientation of national and international research on drivers in relation to both their actual importance as well as their policy relevance.     

Mitigating the effects of climate change on the nests of sea turtles with artificial irrigation

For sea turtles, like many oviparous species, increasing temperatures during development threaten to increase embryonic mortality, alter offspring quality, and potentially create suboptimal primary sex ratios. Various methods are being implemented to mitigate the effects of climate change on reproductive success, but these methods, such as breeding programs, translocations, and shading, are often invasive and expensive. Irrigation is an alternative strategy for cooling nests that, depending on location, can be implemented relatively quickly and cheaply. However, multiple factors, including ambient conditions, nest substrate, and species characteristics, can influence irrigation success. Additionally, irrigation can vary in duration, frequency, and the volume of water applied to nests, which influences the cooling achieved and embryonic survival. Thus, it is critical to understand how to maximize cooling and manage risks before implementing irrigation as a nest-cooling strategy. We reviewed the literature on nest irrigation to examine whether artificial irrigation is feasible as a population management tool. Key factors that affected cooling were the volume of water applied and the frequency of applications. Embryonic responses varied with species, ambient conditions, and the timing of irrigation during development. Nest inundation was the key risk to a successful irrigation regime. Future irrigation regimes must identify clear targets, either primary or adult sex ratios, that maximize population viability. Monitoring population responses and adjusting the irrigation regime in response to population characteristics will be critical. Most studies reported on the manipulation of only one or two variables, further research is required to understand how altering multiple factors in an irrigation regime influences the cooling achieved and embryonic responses.     

Positive and Negative Effects of a Threatened Parrotfish on Reef Ecosystems

Species that are strong interactors play disproportionately important roles in the dynamics of natural ecosystems. It has been proposed that their presence is necessary for positively shaping the structure and functioning of ecosystems. We evaluated this hypothesis using the case of the world's largest parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum), a globally imperiled species. We used direct observation, animal tracking, and computer simulations to examine the diverse routes through which B. muricatum affects the diversity, dispersal, relative abundance, and survival of the corals that comprise the foundation of reef ecosystems. Our results suggest that this species can influence reef building corals in both positive and negative ways. Field observation and simulation outputs indicated that B. muricatum reduced the abundance of macroalgae that can outcompete corals, but they also feed directly on corals, decreasing coral abundance, diversity, and colony size. B. muricatum appeared to facilitate coral advancement by mechanically dispersing coral fragments and opening up bare space for coral settlement, but they also damaged adult corals and remobilized a large volume of potentially stressful carbonate sediment. The impacts this species has on reefs appears to be regulated in part by its abundance—the effects of B. muricatum were more intense in simulation scenarios populated with high densities of these fish. Observations conducted in regions with high and low predator (e.g., sharks) abundance generated results that are consistent with the hypothesis that these predators of B. muricatum may play a role in governing their abundance; thus, predation may modulate the intensity of the effects they have on reef dynamics. Overall our results illustrate that functionally unique and threatened species may not have universally positive impacts on ecosystems and that it may be necessary for environmental managers to consider the diverse effects of such species and the forces that mediate the strength of their influence. Efectos Positivos y Negativos de un Pez Loro Amenazado Sobre Ecosistemas Arrecifales     

Form-specific fragances fromOphrys insectifera L. (Orchidaceae) attract species of different pollinator genera. Evidence of sympatric speciation?

Two closely related forms ofOphrys insectifera were observed in the field to attract different pollinator species selectively.O. i. ssp.insectifera attracted males of two species ofArgogorytes (Sphecidae, Hymenoptera Aculeata) andO. i. ssp.aymoninii attractedAndrena combinata males (Andrenidae, Apoidea, Hymenoptera Aculeata). A third form,O. aff.i. ssp.insectifera, attracted none of these three species. Volatile compounds from flowers and inflorescences of the three forms (originating from Öland, Sweden, and Aveyron, France) were collected, using entrainment, enfleurage, and solvent extraction techniques, and identified by gas chromatography — mass spectrometry. Scent differences between the three forms were confirmed in the amounts of aliphatic hydrocarbons (C₁₁–C₁₉), methyl esters (C₁₄–C₁₈), short chain aliphatic 1-alcohols (C₆–C₁₂), and monoterpene alcohols (C₁₀).     

Estimation of the surface stress from the streamwise pressure gradient: The Kármán Integral Momentum Equation revisited

A method is developed to estimate the stress at the surface in a portable wind tunnel for wind erosion studies. The boundary layer height and the pressure gradient are used in a simple expression from the Kármán Integral Momentum Equation. Values of friction velocity u _* are within 10% of experimental values obtained through correlation techniques, including measurements of differential pressures with the Murdoch Turbulence Probe MTP and the X-wire, hot-wire anemometer XWA. Wind velocity and stress profiles reveal logarithmic trends and a constant stress layer near the surface in the DAWA portable wind tunnel. Realignment of the statistics with the mean wind is essential.     

Using decision science to evaluate global biodiversity indices

Global biodiversity indices are used to measure environmental change and progress toward conservation goals, yet few indices have been evaluated comprehensively for their capacity to detect trends of interest, such as declines in threatened species or ecosystem function. Using a structured approach based on decision science, we qualitatively evaluated 9 indices commonly used to track biodiversity at global and regional scales against 5 criteria relating to objectives, design, behavior, incorporation of uncertainty, and constraints (e.g., costs and data availability). Evaluation was based on reference literature for indices available at the time of assessment. We identified 4 key gaps in indices assessed: pathways to achieving goals (means objectives) were not always clear or relevant to desired outcomes (fundamental objectives); index testing and understanding of expected behavior was often lacking; uncertainty was seldom acknowledged or accounted for; and costs of implementation were seldom considered. These gaps may render indices inadequate in certain decision-making contexts and are problematic for indices linked with biodiversity targets and sustainability goals. Ensuring that index objectives are clear and their design is underpinned by a model of relevant processes are crucial in addressing the gaps identified by our assessment. Uptake and productive use of indices will be improved if index performance is tested rigorously and assumptions and uncertainties are clearly communicated to end users. This will increase index accuracy and value in tracking biodiversity change and supporting national and global policy decisions, such as the post-2020 global biodiversity framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity.     

Assessing the extent and nature of wildlife trade on the dark web

Use of the internet as a trade platform has resulted in a shift in the illegal wildlife trade. Increased scrutiny of illegal wildlife trade has led to concerns that online trade of wildlife will move onto the dark web. To provide a baseline of illegal wildlife trade on the dark web, we downloaded and archived 9852 items (individual posts) from the dark web, then searched these based on a list of 121 keywords associated with illegal online wildlife trade, including 30 keywords associated with illegally traded elephant ivory on the surface web. Results were compared with items known to be illegally traded on the dark web, specifically cannabis, cocaine, and heroin, to compare the extent of the trade. Of these 121 keywords, 4 resulted in hits, of which only one was potentially linked to illegal wildlife trade. This sole case was the sale and discussion of Echinopsis pachanoi (San Pedro cactus), which has hallucinogenic properties. This negligible level of activity related to the illegal trade of wildlife on the dark web relative to the open and increasing trade on the surface web may indicate a lack of successful enforcement against illegal wildlife trade on the surface web.     

Estimating freshwater turtle mortality rates and population declines following hook ingestion

Freshwater turtle populations are susceptible to declines following small increases in the mortality of adults, making it essential to identify and understand potential threats. Freshwater turtles ingest fish hooks associated with recreational angling, and this is likely a problem because hook ingestion is a source of additive mortality for sea turtles. We used a Bayesian‐modeling framework, observed rates of hook ingestion by freshwater turtles, and mortality of sea turtles from hook ingestion to examine the probability that a freshwater turtle in a given population ingests a hook and subsequently dies from it. We used the results of these analyses and previously published life‐history data to simulate the effects of hook ingestion on population growth for 3 species of freshwater turtle. In our simulation, the probability that an individual turtle ingests a hook and dies as a result was 1.2–11%. Our simulation results suggest that this rate of mortality from hook ingestion is sufficient to cause population declines. We believe we have identified fish‐hook ingestion as a serious yet generally overlooked threat to the viability of freshwater turtle populations.     

Content analysis of newspaper coverage of the Florida panther

Populations of large carnivores are declining globally, and analysis of public discourse about carnivores is useful for understanding public opinion and influences on management and policy. Portrayal of carnivores in the media affects public perceptions and support for their conservation. We conducted a content analysis of 513 articles about Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi) published from 2003 to 2006 in newspapers with local circulation in core panther habitat in southwest Florida and papers with statewide circulation to compare the differences in the amount of coverage and portrayals of panther risks to people and property on the basis of proximity of human communities to panthers. Local papers published significantly more news articles and significantly longer news articles primarily about panthers. Articles in local and statewide papers used both episodic frames, which focus on specific occurrences (e.g., a panther sighting or predation) and thematic frames, which focus on general trends (e.g., abundance of panthers over time). Local articles more often emphasized risks that panthers might harm people, pets, or livestock than statewide papers. Our results are consistent with theory that proximity to human-carnivore conflict influences perceptions and salience of risks posed by large carnivores. Most articles mentioned panthers as a secondary topic, which we believe was a result of the relevance an endangered carnivore has in discussions of public land management, development, and regulations in Florida. Claims made by sources quoted in each article had a neutral to positive depiction of panthers, and most quotations were from federal and state agency scientists. We suggest continued use by the media of agency sources provides the opportunity for clear, concordant messages about panther management. Content analysis provides a way to monitor media portrayal of carnivores for consistency with agency outreach goals.