不同尺度纳米镍对秀丽线虫发育毒性的比较研究

应用模式生物-秀丽隐杆线虫研究金属纳米镍的生殖发育毒性。采用20nm和90nm镍分别以2.5和5.0μg·cm-2两个剂量对秀丽隐杆线虫进行染毒,并以微米镍和生理盐水作对照,采用后代数目、世代时间、形态和体长、寿命和半数致死率等生殖发育相关评价指标,对纳米镍生殖发育毒性进行评价。结果发现,与生理盐水对照组和微米镍组比较,秀丽线虫暴露于20nm和90nm镍的两个剂量组后,均表现出生殖和发育的异常(P<0.01),并有剂量依赖性。且90nm镍暴露对秀丽线虫后代数目、世代时间、形态和体长、寿命和半数致死天数等指标的缺陷作用均显著于20nm镍。研究表明,纳米镍可影响秀丽线虫的生殖和发育功能,这一效应与纳米粒径和暴露浓度有关。此结论可为制定纳米镍的接触限值标准提供参考。     

纳米二氧化硅对秀丽线虫的毒性作用研究

为探讨二氧化硅纳米颗粒(SiNP)的毒性作用.以微米SiO2和空白做对照,将尺寸为20和60 nm的SiNP分别以0.2,1.0和5.0 g·L-13个浓度对模式生物秀丽隐杆线虫进行染毒.通过第一代和第二代线虫体长、身体弯曲频率、头部摆动频率以及第一代线虫后代数目、世代时间等发育、运动和生殖的相关评价指标,对SiNP毒...     

玉米赤霉烯酮暴露导致的秀丽隐杆线虫生殖及发育毒性的世代间比较

利用模式生物秀丽隐杆线虫(Caenorhabditis elegans,C.elegans)对玉米赤霉烯酮(zearalenone,ZEN)暴露导致的生殖、发育缺陷在世代间的可传递性进行了研究。对亲代染毒,后代断毒恢复,实验结果显示,ZEN暴露导致的体长发育缺陷可在线虫后代中得到恢复,而生殖毒性可产生严重缺陷,且这种缺陷在后代中没有明显的恢复。通过多代持续染毒实验,发现ZEN对亲代P0、子一代F1和子二代F2线虫产生的生殖和发育毒性存在差异,其毒性作用强度为P0F2F1。线虫世代之间的发育缺陷和生殖缺陷表现出逐代修复的规律,但修复程度不同,推测与线虫自身修复的复杂应激活动有关。     

铬暴露导致的秀丽线虫多重毒性的世代间比较

利用模式生物秀丽线虫(Caenorhabditis elegans)对铬(Cr)暴露导致的多重毒性及其在世代间的可传递性进行了研究.发育、生殖、运动行为、行为可塑性与寿命等方面的参数被用于多重毒性的分析.结果表明,Cr能够导致线虫出现多种表型和行为缺陷.低浓度(2.5μmol·L-1)Cr暴露即可导致发育、生殖与寿命上的严重缺陷,而高浓度(75和200μmol·L-1)Cr暴露还可以导致运动行为与行为可塑性上的严重缺陷.而且,大部分高浓度Cr暴露导致的缺陷可以从暴露当代传递到后代,使后代仍然呈现出严重的表型与行为缺陷.在这些后代中,各表型与行为缺陷只能得到有限的恢复,或没有明显的恢复.因此,就秀丽线虫而言,Cr暴露导致的各表型与行为缺陷很大程度上可以从暴露当代传递到后代个体中.     

低剂量丙烯酰胺多世代持续暴露对秀丽隐杆线虫的损伤作用

论文研究了丙烯酰胺(acrylamide,AA)低剂量多代持续暴露对模式生物秀丽隐杆线虫(Caenorhabditis elegans,C.elegans)的发育、生殖、寿命和捕食行为能力的影响。将线虫暴露于不同剂量水平的AA中,检测对当代线虫的发育周期、后代数量、寿命和捕食行为的影响,结果显示,1.0 mmol·L~(-1)AA水平可诱发当代线虫发育周期延长和后代数量减少(P 0.05),0.05mmol·L~(-1)和0.001 mmol·L~(-1)水平可分别诱发捕食行为能力下降和寿命缩短(P0.05)。进一步选取对当代线虫不产生明显损伤效应的AA剂量,将线虫进行多代持续暴露处理,结果显示,0.01 mmol·L~(-1)AA分别可在第2代g1和第3代g2诱发发育周期延长和后代数量减少(P0.05),0.005 mmol·L~(-1)AA可在第2代g1引起摄食行为能力下降,0.0001 mmol·L~(-1)(约7μg·L~(-1),低于推测人的平均AA暴露水平)的AA在第2代g1即可诱发寿命缩短(P0.05)。以上结果表明AA生物学毒性可以在后代间积累,极低剂量AA多代持续暴露仍可诱发生物学损伤。     

玉米赤霉烯酮暴露对秀丽线虫生殖系统的损伤作用

环境雌激素玉米赤霉烯酮(ZEN)的生态安全性近年来受到越来越多的关注。以秀丽隐杆线虫(Caenorhabdites elegans)为模式生物研究ZEN对线虫的生殖损伤作用。在DIC显微镜下观察,48 h暴露后与对照组相比,暴露组线虫性腺臂明显萎缩,卵母细胞数目和大小均受到显著影响(P0.01),并且可见部分暴露组线虫产卵器严重畸形。这均表明ZEN暴露对秀丽隐杆线虫生殖系统的发育和功能可产生损害作用。     

空气负离子暴露对秀丽隐杆线虫（Caenorhabditis elegans）的生物学效应

利用模式生物秀丽隐杆线虫(Caenorhabditis elegans)研究了电晕法空气负离子(Electrically generated negative air ions,ENIs)暴露的生物学效应.将成年野生型和mev-1突变型线虫及新鲜虫卵持续暴露于空气负离子中(空气负离子剂量1×105～1.5×105ions·cm-3),观察空气负离子暴露对线虫发育周期、寿命、繁殖性能和性腺细胞凋亡的影响.结果表明:空气负离子暴露可显著加速野生型和mev-1突变型线虫发育(p<0.05),缩短寿命(p<0.05),与野生型相比,空气负离子暴露对mev-1突变线虫寿命影响更大(p<0.05);空气负离子暴露可显著降低线虫后代数量(p<0.05),原因可能在于空气负离子暴露显著诱导性腺细胞凋亡的增加(p<0.05).以上结果表明,持续空气负离子暴露对线虫具有损伤作用,mev-1基因突变导致线虫对空气负离子暴露更加敏感.     

重组人金属硫蛋白-Ⅲα短肽毒性效应的初步研究

研究重组人金属硫蛋白Ⅲα短肽(rh-MT-Ⅲα)致HaCaT细胞、L929细胞和秀丽隐杆线虫(Caenorhabditis elegans,C.ele-gans)毒性效应,为rh-MT-Ⅲα的安全应用提供实验基础.细胞暴露于不同浓度的rh-MT-Ⅲα溶液(0～400μg·mL-1),24h后检测细胞存活率和乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)活性,观察细胞形态并检测细胞凋亡情况.结果表明,各剂量组2种细胞的存活率,与对照组相比均无显著性差异,细胞形态也未观察到显著变化.在400μg·mL-1浓度下,LDH释放率明显增加,细胞凋亡率上升.线虫实验中,将线虫培养并同步化至L1期后进行染毒,剂量为5、50和500 μg·mL-1,暴露48 h后检测其运动行为(头部摆动和身体弯曲频率)、发育(体长)及摄食行为(咽泵频率),各指标均未有明显改变.研究表明,在一定的剂量水平下,rh-MT-Ⅲα对HaCaT细胞、L929细胞和秀丽隐杆线虫无明显毒性效应.     

量子点对秀丽隐杆线虫的毒性效应及其调控机制的研究进展

量子点(quantum dots,QD)作为一种纳米微晶体,由于其出色的光学特性,已经被广泛应用于电子、生物医学成像、生物传感器和药物递送中,因而量子点的生物安全性也变得至关重要.秀丽隐杆线虫作为一种简单的生物模型,生物学基础完善、生命周期短、繁殖量大、生活特征易获得,不仅可以提供全动物水平的生理相关数据,还允许在单细胞水平上进行分析,是量子点毒性试验的良好生物模型.本文总结了量子点对秀丽隐杆线虫毒性研究的进展,重点阐述了量子点导致线虫四大系统的毒性效应及其可能的毒作用机制,同时展望了今后秀丽隐杆线虫在量子点毒性研究甚至纳米毒性研究领域的广阔前景.     

砷与农药草甘膦、敌敌畏对秀丽隐杆线虫的联合毒性

农田常遭受砷和农药污染,这2种污染会产生联合毒性,影响生物体健康。利用野生型秀丽隐杆线虫进行砷、草甘膦和敌敌畏的24h单一毒性和联合毒性实验。结果表明,砷、草甘膦和敌敌畏对秀丽隐杆线虫24h-LC50分别为130.5mg·L-1、18.5mg·L-1、3.3μL·L-1;通过等效毒性相加法实验,发现砷与草甘膦对秀丽隐杆线虫的联合毒性为协同作用,砷与敌敌畏对秀丽隐杆线虫的联合毒性为拮抗作用。     

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.