Transcriptome analysis provides insights for understanding the adverse effects of endosulfan in Drosophila melanogaster

Indiscriminate use of agrochemicals worldwide, particularly, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), is of concern. Endosulfan, a POP, is used by various developing/developed nations and is known to adversely affect the development and the hormonal profiles of humans and animals. However, little is known about the molecular players/pathways underlying the adverse effects of endosulfan. We therefore analyzed the global gene expression changes and subsequent adverse effects of endosulfan using Drosophila. We used Drosophila melanogaster keeping in view of its well annotated genome and the wealth of genetic/molecular reagents available for this model organism. We exposed third instar larvae of D. melanogaster to endosulfan (2.0 μg mL⁻¹) for 24 h and using microarray, we identified differential expression of 256 genes in exposed organisms compared to controls. These genes are associated with cellular processes such as development, stress and immune response and metabolism. Microarray results were validated through quantitative PCR and biochemical assay on a subset of genes/proteins. Taking cues from microarray data, we analyzed the effect of endosulfan on development, emergence and survival of the organism. In exposed organisms, we observed deformities in hind-legs, reminiscent of those observed in higher organisms exposed to endosulfan. In addition, we observed delayed and/or reduced emergence in exposed organisms when compared to their respective controls. Together, our studies not only highlight the adverse effects of endosulfan on the organism but also provide an insight into the possible genetic perturbations underlying these effects, which might have potential implications to higher organisms.     

Screening and detection of biomarkers in chickpea plants exposed to chromium and cadmium

A broad screening protocol, covering the most general phytochemical groups of compounds, was developed on the basis of high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). A total of six TLC systems, comprising three derivatization reagents, two stationary phases and two mobile phases, were included. The screening method was applied for the identification of biomarkers in the chickpea plant exposed to cadmium and chromium. The biomarkers were selected on the basis of significant changes (0.26-4.6 fold) in concentration levels of phytochemicals. Totally, five different amino acids, three organic acids, one sulphur containing compound and one sugar were identified as biomarkers in chickpea exposed heavy metal.     

Production and Characterization of Sodium Alginate/Gum Arabic Based Films Enriched with Syzygium cumini Seeds Extracts for Food Application

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - Biodegradable sodium alginate/gum Arabic (SG) films were obtained. The influence of Syzygium cumini seeds extract (SCSE) incorporation in SG films on...     

Development of Hybrid Film Based on Carboxymethyl Chitosan-Gum Arabic Incorporated Citric Acid and Polyphenols from Cinnamomum camphora Seeds for Active Food Packaging

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - In this study, carboxymethyl chitosan with gum Arabic (CG) based novel functional films containing Cinnamomum camphora seeds extract (CCSE) at varying...     

金华江流域利用硅藻生物学特性监测水质研究

2012年7月对浙江省金华江流域18个监测断面进行了附着硅藻和水质调查，通过硅藻生态群落组成及SPI、BDI硅藻指数对水质进行了评价，并比较了硅藻指数评价与水质理化评价结果的异同性。本次调查共收集到硅藻75种（含变种和变型），隶属于2纲12科30属。硅藻生态类群组成显示各断面以喜中性、N自养、耐低污染和喜好很高氧饱和度硅藻为主。水质理化指标总体评价金华江各监测断面水质多为Ⅲ类及以上，仅有一个断面为V类，硅藻SPI和BDI指数评价各断面水质为中等及中等以上。二者评价结果总体上吻合，但同时存在一定差异。SPI与高锰酸盐指数和硝酸盐氮呈显著负相关，BDI与氨氮呈显著负相关。硅藻指数在金华江流域有一定的适用性，但其在国内其他流域的适用性、评价方法的指示性与稳定性有待进行更深入的研究     

青弋江流域不同级别河流底栖动物群落结构研究

2013年8月对青弋江流域不同级别河流底栖动物进行了调查。共采集到底栖动物60种，隶属于39科58属。从1级到4级河流，种类数表现出逐渐减少的趋势，分别为46、39、36和16种。1~3级河流中种类数最多的均是水生昆虫，4级河流中种类数最多的是软体动物。整个流域底栖动物密度和生物量分别为382 ind./m2和3643 g/m2。不同级别河流中，2级河流底栖动物密度最大，4级河流密度最小，且二者存在显著差异；2级和4级河流底栖动物生物量都较高，且显著高于1级河流。在功能摄食类群方面，整个流域以刮食者和过滤收集者为主。随着河流级别的增加，刮食者相对密度和相对生物量表现出先增加后下降的趋势；撕食者在1、2级河流所占比例较高；直接收集者和过滤收集者在1级和4级河流中所占比例较高     

X-ray diffraction and SEM study of kidney stones in Israel: quantitative analysis, crystallite size determination, and statistical characterization

Urinary calculi have been recognized as one of the most painful medical disorders. Tenable knowledge of the phase composition of the stones is very important to elucidate an underlying etiology of the stone disease. We report here the results of quantitative X-ray diffraction phase analysis performed on 278 kidney stones from the 275 patients treated at the Department of Urology of Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital (Jerusalem, Israel). Quantification of biominerals in multicomponent samples was performed using the normalized reference intensity ratio method. According to the observed phase compositions, all the tested stones were classified into five chemical groups: oxalates (43.2%), phosphates (7.7%), urates (10.3%), cystines (2.9%), and stones composed of a mixture of different minerals (35.9%). A detailed analysis of each allocated chemical group is presented along with the crystallite size calculations for all the observed crystalline phases. The obtained results have been compared with the published data originated from different geographical regions. Morphology and spatial distribution of the phases identified in the kidney stones were studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). This type of detailed study of phase composition and structural characteristics of the kidney stones was performed in Israel for the first time.     

鄱阳湖生态经济区交通格局演变及区域效应研究

应用ArcGIS空间分析和可达性评价模型，结合SPSS、Matlab等软件，以鄱阳湖生态经济区为研究区域，选取1998年、2008年及2020规划年为时间断面，用栅格法测算交通可达性，分析可达性格局空间演变特征。根据城市质量和时间距离，构建经济联系评价模型，回归分析预测2020年城市质量。对区域内经济总量空间集聚进行分析，并根据三个时间段的最大经济联系格局演变，分析城市间经济辐射范围和城市隶属关系变化。结果发现：区域内可达性改善明显，城市间可达性差距缩小，到2020年全区可基本实现一日交流；区域内经济总量集聚明显，且处于极化状态；由于鄱阳湖湖体的阻隔，区域内形成以南昌、九江、景德镇三大经济中心地，其他为隶属城市的经济联系格局；建议发展南昌至贵溪尤其是东乡至鹰潭段的交通，使鹰潭成为区内第四个经济中心地，实现全区均衡发展     

Two‐Steps of Gelation System Enhanced the Stability of Syzygium cumini Anthocyanins by Encapsulation with Sodium Alginate,Maltodextrin, Chitosan and Gum Arabic

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - An efficient method based on encapsulation efficiency of Syzygium cumini anthocyanin extract (ANC.E) was established by using a stable concentration from...     

Active Bio-composite Sodium Alginate/Maltodextrin Packaging Films for Food Containing Azolla pinnata Leaves Extract as Natural Antioxidant

The aim of the current work was to produce sodium alginate (SA) maltodextrins (MD) based functional films incorporated with phenolic extract of Azolla pinnata leaves fern (AF) by solution molding technique. AF with different concentrations (0.8, 1.2 and 1.6% w/w) were integrated inside SA.MD films. The resulted films were characterized to investigate the surface structure by scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermal disposal by (DSC), crystallization by X-ray diffraction (XRD), potential interaction by (FT-IR) and some mechanical properties. The SEM micrographs indicated that the higher concentration (1.6%) of AF extract caused development of wrinkles on the surface of films. And as a result, there were a significant decrease of elongation at break (EB) and tensile strength properties of films to 55.01 and 58.42%, respectively. By continues addition of AF extract to SA.MD films, the film thickness increased from 0.124 to 0.181 mm, the scavenging and antimicrobial properties were enhanced by the attendance of ferulic acid, rutin, thiamine, tamarixetin, astragalin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid and epicatechin inside extracts. Furthermore, the films solubility, swelling degree and water vapor permeability were decreased to 13.08%, 26.41% and 1.662?×?10^??10 g H₂O/m s p.a. The resulted films could be utilized as composite packaging material for different food applications.