Influence of biological and environmental factors on nitrogenous extractives of the spurdog Squalus acanthias

The influence of sex, sexual maturity, feeding habits and season on the most important nitrogenous extractives in the muscle tissue of the spurdog Squalus acanthias L. of the southern North Sea has been studied. Feeding habits and sex have no influence, whereas the contents of -amino nitrogen, -alanine, glutamic acid and glycine decrease after sexual maturity. Only peptides are influenced by season; higher amounts occur in the spring/summer period.     

Investigating stock structure and trophic relationships among island-associated dolphins in the oceanic waters of the North Atlantic using fatty acid and stable isotope analyses

Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) are the two most abundant cetacean species in the oceanic waters of Madeira and the Azores. They are of similar size, occur in similar habitats and are regularly observed in mixed-species groups to forage together. Genetic analyses suggested that, within each species, dolphins ranging around both archipelagos belong to the same panmictic population. We tested the hypotheses that (1) within each species, individuals from the two archipelagos belong to a single ecological stock; (2) between species, common and spotted dolphins have distinct trophic niches; using fatty acid (FA) and stable isotope (SI) analyses. Fatty acids and stable isotopes were analysed from 86 blubber and 150 skin samples of free-ranging dolphins, respectively. Sex-related differences were not significant, except for common dolphin FA profiles. In S. frontalis, FA and SI differences between archipelagos suggested that individuals belonged to different ecological stocks, despite the existence of gene flow between the two archipelagos. In D. delphis, differences were more pronounced, but it was not possible to distinguish between stock structure and a seasonal effect, due to differential sampling periods in the Azores and Madeira. Inter-specific comparisons were restricted to the Azores where all samples were collected during summer. Differences in FA proportions, noticeably for FA of dietary origin, as well as in nitrogen SI profiles, confirmed that both species feed on distinct resources. This study emphasizes the need for an integrated approach including both genetic and biochemical analyses for stock assessment, especially in wide-ranging marine top predators.     

Ontogenetic and seasonal changes in lipid and fatty acid/alcohol compositions of the dominant Antarctic copepods Calanus propinquus,Calanoides acutus and Rhincalanus gigas

Lipid compositions of the dominant Antarctic copepods Calanoides acutus, Rhincalanus gigas and Calanus propinquus from the Weddell Sea have been investigated in great detail. Copepods were collected during summer in 1985 and late spring/early winter in 1986. The analyses revealed specific adaptations in the lipid biochemistry of these species which result in very different lipid components. The various copepodite stages of C. acutus synthesize wax esters with long-chain monounsaturated moieties and especially the alcohols consisted mainly of 20:1(n-9) and 22:1(n-11). R. gigas also generates wax esters, but with moieties of shorter chain length. The fatty alcohols consisted mainly of 14:0 and 16:0 components, while the major fatty acids were 20:5, 18:4 and 22:6, of which 18:4 probably originated from dietary input. In contrast, C. propinquus accumulates triacylglycerols, a very unusual depot lipid in polar calanoid copepods. Major fatty acids in C. propinquus were the long-chain monounsaturates 22:1(n-9) and 22:1(n-11), which may comprise up to 50% of total fatty acids. In C. acutus and C. propinquus there was a clear increase of long-chain fatty acids with increasing developmental stage. In contrast, the fatty acid and alcohol composition of the R. gigas copepodite stages were characterized by the dominance of the polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as high amounts of the monounsaturates 18:1(n-9) and 16:1(n-7). There was a considerable decrease of the dietary fatty acid 18:4(n-3) towards the older stages during summer; in late winter/early spring 18:4 was only detected in very low amounts. This tendency was also found in the other two species, but was less pronounced. In all three species dry weight and lipid content increased exponentially from younger to older stages. The highest portion of wax esters, or of triacylglycerols in C. propinquus, was found in the adults. Dry weight and lipid content were generally higher during summer. In late winter/early spring the variability was more pronounced and lipid-rich specimens showed a selective retention of long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids, whereas in lipid-poor specimens these fatty acids were very much depleted.     

Induction of oxidative stress by non-lethal dose of mercury in rat liver: possible relationships between apoptosis and necrosis

Sprague Dawley strain of male rats weighing 200 +/- 10.0 g, were exposed intramuscularly to non-lethal dose of mercury for short acute duration of 24 and 48 hr. Mercury treatment increased thio-barbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and conjugated diene (CD) content with increase in duration when compared with control. This reflects possible increase in lipid peroxidation, revealing that sufficient intoxication was generated by non-lethal dose of mercury. Furthermore, mercury treatment decreased tissue glutathione (GSH) content to 2.07 and 1.49 microg GSH mg protein(-1) with concomitant decrease in glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity by 26.06 and 36.40% after 24 and 48 hr of exposure respectively. The elevations of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels measured exhibited increase of 287.5 and 214.5% after 48 hr of exposure respectively which were found to be highly significant compared with control. Western blot analysis indicated upregulation of caspase-9 and upsurge in effect or caspase-3 activity leading to apoptosis. The concluded findings of the present investigation suggests possible role of early mercury exposure in inducing oxidative stress mediated apoptosis in mammalian model systems as an indicator component of environmental toxicology.     

Changes in the fatty acid composition of Coscinodiscus eccentricus with culture-age and salinity

The fatty acid composition of the diatom Coscinodiscus eccentricus Ehrenberg, has been examined at six stages in the growth cycle for cells maintained in four different salinity media (20, 25, 30 and 35%) using gas-liquid chromatography. The predominant acids were those containing 16 carbon atoms (45 to 76% of the total); the higher percentages were found at the later growth stages. Several growth/salinity changes in the individual fatty acid compositions are described, and attention is drawn to the changes in the ratio of the 16:0:16:1 7 acids with growth in comparison with that previously published.     

Temporal shifts in the fatty acid profiles of rocky intertidal invertebrates

Fatty acid profiles were determined in rocky intertidal suspension-feeders (mussels and polychaetes) and grazers (limpets and sea urchins) on a monthly basis over 1 year to assess potential dietary overlap between consumers occupying the same trophic guild, and any temporal shifts in diets. Both reproductive and non-reproductive tissues were assessed in an attempt to separate influences of food quality with those of life cycle. Relative variability in fatty acids over time could not be predicted from the feeding guild occupied by a consumer, and influential factors of the temporal shifts included both dietary and reproductive dynamics (even in muscle tissues). Species in the same trophic guild occupied separate trophic niches throughout the year, hence minimising competitive interactions regarding food acquisition. Based on overall variation in fatty acid profiles of muscle tissues, the suspension-feeders Perna perna and Gunnarea gaimardi and the grazing limpet Cymbula oculus occupied narrower feeding niches relative to the grazing sea urchin Parechinus angulosus. Our results provide compelling evidence for potentially large changes in the lipid composition of intertidal invertebrate populations over relatively small temporal scales (i.e. month to month), and these have important implications for short-term field collections intended for assessing invertebrate diets.     

Metabolic dysregulation and inhibition of spermatogenesis by gibberellic acid in rat testicular cells

Enzymatic and histological change in the testicular cells of rats treated orally and intradermally for 45 days with gibberellic acid (GBA) in independent studies is reported. Assay of hexokinase (HK), acid phosphatase (AcP) and alkaline phosphatase (AkP) in rat testicular tissue homogenate preparations yielded results that suggested changes in these enzyme activities relative to their respective controls. Histological studies showed loss of germ cells, derangement of the germinal cells, and reduction in the size of the seminiferous tubules and dystrophy of Leydig cells. More importantly decreased sperm count in the lumen was observed. A dysregulatory role is thus established for GBA in rat testicular cell function. This compound may serve as an inhibitor of testicular cell function.     

Contrasts between male relationships in wild gorilla groups

Summary This paper examines proximate and ontogenetic causes of differences between the relationships of wild gorilla males. Two pairs belonging to different reproductive groups were observed. In both, the mature male was dominant over the younger one. However, in one, the males interacted extremely rarely, while in the other, affinitive behaviour, largely initiated by the younger male, was frequent. Three factors that could have influenced the nature of the relationships are discussed. These are their ontogeny, payoffs to the partners from each other's presence, and the ability of at least one partner to alter any imbalance in payoffs. The importance of understanding such proximate causes of variation within species to consideration of differences between species is emphasised.     

气候变化对树轮异常结构的影响及应用研究进展

树轮异常结构作为反映气候变化的一个重要参数,已被广大生态学家所重视并应用。树轮异常结构包括霜轮、浅轮、伪轮、畸形木材反应木、树脂道、火疤等。这些异常年轮结构与温度、降水、光照等气候因子有着复杂的相关关系。温度对年轮异常结构的影响主要表现在低温对形成层生长的抑制作用,从而形成霜轮、浅轮。生长期内干旱,形成层生长时间短,甚至使形成层生长减慢或停止,从而形成伪轮。高强度的光照会引起高温少雨,加剧旱情的发生,从而导致伪轮。另外,通过对树轮异常结构的分析,可用这些特征来重建森林干扰的历史,如火山喷发、火灾、冰灾、虫害、旱灾、地震等。这些研究在帮助人们了解和研究古气候变化对森林植被的影响,以及预测未来全球变化对陆地生态系统的影响有重要的理论和现实意义。文章综述了气候变化对树轮异常结构的影响的研究进展和应用,并概述了发展前景,希望能加快和拓宽这一领域的发展。     

Some relationships between growth,metabolism and food in the mussel Mytilus edulis

Measurements of ingested ration, assimilated ration and metabolic rate in Mytilus edulis L. of different sizes have been integrated to provide an estimate of energy balance, which in turn describes the physiological state of the animal. These data allow the empirical determination of growth efficiency and ration. Growth efficiency increases hyperbolically with increasing ingested ration to reach a maximum, after which efficiency decreases as ration is further increased. The optimum ration for efficient growth increases with increasing weight of the mussel; maximum growth efficiency decreases with increasing body weight.     

Ontogenic variations in fatty acid and alcohol composition of the pelagic amphipod <Emphasis Type="Italic">Themisto libellula</Emphasis> in Kongsfjorden (Svalbard)

The fatty acid and alcohol composition of the pelagic amphipod, Themisto libellula, was monitored during the 5 first months of its life cycle (4–20 mm length) in an Arctic fjord, Kongsfjorden, Svalbard. Fatty acids of the three major lipid classes, polar lipids (PL), triacylglycerol (TAG), and wax esters (WE), were analyzed to highlight ontogenic changes in their diet and metabolism. The PL composition of T. libellula did not show any strong variations along their growth except during the first month where an important increase of 20:5(n-3) (EPA) and 22:6(n-3) (DHA) was observed. The TAG composition revealed a clear gradient corresponding to a diet shift from omnivorous juveniles toward carnivorous sub-adults and adults. Indeed, fatty acid trophic markers of diatoms were dominant in the juveniles, whereas 20:1(n-9) and 22:1(n-11), the Calanus sp. trophic markers, overwhelmed in the older stages. The WE composition highlighted the same general trend, however, differences were found with the TAG and are discussed as a result of differences in turnover rates and assimilation pathways between the two lipid classes.     

Probiotics for dietary management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Environmental Chemistry Letters - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by an increase in fat content of liver cells, which is independent from alcohol intake. Here, we review...     

Trophic modification of essential fatty acids by heterotrophic protists and its effects on the fatty acid composition of the copepod Acartia tonsa

To test whether heterotrophic protists modify precursors of long chain n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn−3PUFAs) present in the algae they eat, two algae with different fatty acid contents (Rhodomonas salina and Dunaliella tertiolecta) were fed to the heterotrophic protists Oxyrrhis marina Dujardin and Gyrodinium dominans Hulbert. These experiments were conducted in August 2004. Both predators and prey were analyzed for fatty acid composition. To further test the effects of trophic upgrading, the calanoid copepod Acartia tonsa Dana was fed R. salina, D. tertiolecta, or O. marina that had been growing on D. tertiolecta (OM-DT) in March 2005. Our results show that trophic upgrading was species-specific. The presence of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the heterotrophic protists despite the lack of these fatty acids in the algal prey suggests that protists have the ability to elongate and desaturate 18:3 (n−3), a precursor of LCn−3PUFAs, to EPA and/or DHA. A lower content of these fatty acids was detected in protists that were fed good-quality algae. Feeding experiments with A. tonsa showed that copepods fed D. tertiolecta had a significantly lower content of EPA and DHA than those fed OM-DT. The concentration of EPA was low on both diets, while DHA content was highest in A. tonsa fed R. salina and OM-DT. These results suggest that O. marina was able to trophically upgrade the nutritional quality of the poor-quality alga, and efficiently supplied DHA to the next trophic level. The low amount of EPA in A. tonsa suggests EPA may be catabolized by the copepod.     

Essential fatty acid (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA) availability affects growth of larval herring in the field

Larval fish growth and survival depends not only on prey quantity, but also on prey quality. To investigate effects of prey fatty acid concentration on larval herring growth, we collected different prey organisms and larval herring (Clupea harengus L.) in the Kiel Canal during the spring season of 2009. Along with biotic background data, we analysed fatty acids both in prey organisms and in the larvae and used biochemically derived growth rates of the larvae as the response variable. Larval herring reached their highest RNA/DNA derived growth rates only at high docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentration. When the ratio of copepodids to lesser quality cirriped nauplii was low, larval growth and larval DHA concentration were both significantly negatively affected. This was true even as prey abundance was increasing. This finding indicates that even in mixed, natural feeding conditions, growth variations are associated with DHA availability in larval fish.     

Structure of pathways in ecological networks: relationships between length and number

In ecosystems network, structure determines adjacent (direct) and non-adjacent (indirect) pathways over which energy, matter, and information can flow. The more pathways, the more possible ways the conservative substance can move in zero-sum transactions between network nodes that the pathways interconnect, and the more possible non-conservative, nonzero-sum relations can be secondarily derived from these. Structural analysis is a tool we employ, from a family of input–output methods for exploring zero- and nonzero-sum attributes of environmental networks, to count pathways of varying length between network nodes. In this paper, we examine the relationship between pathway length (k) and number (P_k) as determined by system size (n, number of nodes) and extent and pattern of connectance (C). We develop a measure (m_a) of pathway growth in numbers with increasing length, and then normalize this to the maximum rate possible (m_a/m_c) for a given system size. These measures apply to two pathway types—paths, m_a(0) and m_a(0)/m_c(0), which forbid adjacent node repetitions, and walks, m_a(1) and m_a(1)/m_c(1), which allow them. We find that network size has a curvilinear effect on the pathway number versus length relationship, and extent and pattern of connectance are convolved. Values computed for the paths and walks of three ecosystem models (oyster reef, freshwater marsh, and reservoir cove) are used to compare their pathway structure.     

Nonlinear relationships between vital rates and state variables in demographic models

To accurately estimate population dynamics and viability, structured population models account for among-individual differences in demographic parameters that are related to individual state. In the widely used matrix models, such differences are incorporated in terms of discrete state categories, whereas integral projection models (IPMs) use continuous state variables to avoid artificial classes. In IPMs, and sometimes also in matrix models, parameterization is based on regressions that do not always model nonlinear relationships between demographic parameters and state variables. We stress the importance of testing for nonlinearity and propose using restricted cubic splines in order to allow for a wide variety of relationships in regressions and demographic models. For the plant Borderea pyrenaica, we found that vital rate relationships with size and age were nonlinear and that the parameterization method had large effects on predicted population growth rates, X (linear IPM, 0.95; nonlinear IPMs, 1.00; matrix model, 0.96). Our results suggest that restricted cubic spline models are more reliable than linear or polynomial models. Because even weak nonlinearity in relationships between vital rates and state variables can have large effects on model predictions, we suggest that restricted cubic regression splines should be considered for parameterizing models of population dynamics whenever linearity cannot be assumed.     

Continuous plankton records: relationships between species of phytoplankton and zooplankton in the seasonal cycle

Seasonal fluctuations in abundance and their geographical variations in the north-east Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea for 49 taxa of both phytoplankton and zooplankton have been studied by multivariate techniques. Most of the observed variability in both seasonal and geographical fluctuations in abundance can be attributed to differences between the taxa with respect to population growth rates modulated by temperature coupled with the distribution of overwintering stocks, with the overall pattern also influenced by the timing of the establishment and breakdown of vertical stability in the water column. The observations indicate that for any species, the similarity between its seasonal cycles in the various areas, which represent a wide range of hydrographic regimes, is appreciably greater than any differences induced by interaction between the species in any particular area.     

Etiological factors and mechanism involved in relationships between pesticide exposure and cancer

Professional as well as public exposure to pesticides raise cancer risk. Interaction with adjuvants and with other toxicants increases the actual risk. Endocrine disruption, procarcinogen activation by detoxification enzymes and intercellular communication impairment are involved in the carcinogenic processes. Organochlorine pesticides, including DDT, persist in human tissues for years, with correlated breast cancer incidence. One major point usually underestimated in risk evaluation is the individual variability in detoxification capabilities. Furthermore cellular sites of cancerisation are not necessarily identical to sites primarily exposed to toxicants. Post-diagnostic stress factors and iatrogenic effects of treatment concur to complication of the status of patients. The abnormal increase in the rates of cancer emergence denotes a failure in the application of the precautionary action principle.     

Symbiotic bacteria in the nudibranch mollusk Dendrodoris nigra: fatty acid composition and ultrastructure analysis

In the present study, the hypothesis that marine nudibranch mollusks harbor symbiotic bacteria was tested using analyses of fatty acids as biochemical markers and transmission electron microscopy of the tissues of Dendrodoris nigra (Gastropoda/Opisthobranchia/Nudibranchia). An aberrant level of the odd-numbered carbon chain and branched fatty acids, iso- and anteiso- that are specific for bacteria, was detected in the nudibranch tissues. Their amounts in the notum exceeded significantly that in the viscera. Rod-shaped gram-negative bacteria were revealed in the epithelial cells of the notum and the mantle edge as well as in the adjoining glycocalix. These bacteria were enclosed in secondary vacuoles in the epithelial cells. The consequent stages of inoculation of the bacteria into the cytoplasm of epithelial cells, from adhesion to the apical surface to invagination of the cell membrane and formation of the vacuole with an enclosed bacterium, were observed. The presence of dividing bacteria suggests that the epithelium includes a renewable, dividing population of symbiotic bacteria. No bacteria were detected in the gonads and the digestive system. Probable functions of these symbiotic bacteria such as involvement in protection or defense from predators and environmental impacts as well as their nutritional role in the nudibranch are discussed.     

Discrimination between two reared stocks of cod (Gadus morhua) from the Faroe Islands by chemometry of the fatty acid composition in the heart tissue

The composition of fatty acids in total lipids and in phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine in the heart tissue from two reared stocks of cod (Gadus morhua L.) was determined by a chemometric method, consisting of methanolysis, gas chromatography of the resulting fatty acid methyl esters and multivariate statistical treatment, by principal component analysis, of the analytical data. The two reared stocks of cod from the Faroe Bank and the Faroe Plateau had significantly different fatty acid profiles in all three groups of lipids. This difference is expected to be purely genetic and free of biotic and abiotic impacts on the fatty acid profiles. The observed clear-cut distinction suggests that the method may have the potential to discriminate between the corresponding wild stocks, although possible variation in the fatty acid profile caused by internal and environmental factors must be better understood. Received: 6 August 1999 / Accepted: 6 January 2000