Fatty acids of the female horseshoe crab Xiphosura (Limulus) polyphemus

The fatty acid composition of 9 different tissues and organs of the female horseshoe crab Xiphosura (Limulus) polyphemus — one of the very few recent representatives of the ancient arthropod class Merostomata — was investigated in reference to the distribution of fatty acids through the marine food web. Fatty acid spectra, in which polyunsaturated fatty acids are predominant, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 3), revealed features characteristic of marine lipids. However, rather large quantities of monoenoic fatty acids also occur in all organs. In the saturated fatty acid fractions, the high content of branched-chain components is worth noticing, particularly in the gills and the carapace (35%); in all probability, the high amount of the branched-chain fatty acids is associated with their protective function in surface lipids. Isoprenoid fatty acids such as pristanic and phytanic acid were absent.     

A GIS-based vulnerability assessment of coastal natural hazards,state of Pará, Brazil

Studies carried out in the NE coastal zone of the State of Pará (Brazil) have recorded, in the last 25 years, numerous evidence of natural impacts of the flood and erosion processes. As a consequence, diverse strategies and measures of population adaptation have been implemented but with limited success. Therefore, in order to subsidize the Coastal Zone Management Program of Pará, this paper aims to identify, assess and classify natural and socio-economic vulnerabilities of this coastal zone by means of a Geographical Information Systems (GIS)-based composite coastal vulnerability index (CVI). In spite of the data problems and shortcomings, using ESRI’s Arcview 3.2 program, the CVI score, to classify, weight and combine a number of 16 separate natural and socio-economic variables to create a single indicator provides a reliable measure of differences (5 classes) among regions and communities that are exposed to similar ranges of hazards. The results are presented in three maps referred to as Natural, Socioeconomic and Total Vulnerability. The confidence associated with the results obtained, the need to utilize another variables, and to frequently update the ones used already were analyzed and discussed.     

TNT and 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene influence on germination and early seedling development of tall fescue

Cost-effective and environmentally acceptable methods are needed to remediate munitions-contaminated soil. Some perennial grass species are tolerant of soil contaminants and may promote remediation because of their high water use and extensive fibrous root systems. The effects of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and its reduction product, 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene (4ADNT), on germination and early seedling development of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) were determined. Tall fescue seeds were germinated in nutrient-free agar containing 0-60 mg TNT litre(-1) or 0-15 mg 4ADNT litre(-1). Germination decreased linearly as TNT concentration increased but was not significantly affected by 4ADNT at these concentrations. Concentrations less than 30 mg TNT litre(-1) or 7.5 mg 4ADNT litre(-1) had little effect on seedling growth and development. Higher TNT or 4ADNT concentrations substantially delayed seedling development, caused abnormal radicle tissue development, and reduced secondary root and shoot growth. Seedling respiration rates decreased linearly with increasing TNT concentration. Experiments indicate that tall fescue may be grown in soils that maintain soil solution concentrations of 30 mg TNT litre(-1) or less.     

Three-dimensional ultrasound in prenatal diagnosis of skeletal dysplasia

A lethal form of bone dysplasia, platylospondylic lethal chondrodysplasia, was diagnosed prenatally using three-dimensional ultrasound. The various types of three-dimensional imaging mode provided diagnostic details not available by conventional two-dimensional ultrasound. The diagnosis was made after referral in the 23rd week of gestation, allowing termination of pregnancy due to the poor prognosis. Prenatal sonograms were compared with postnatal radiographs.