Optimization of a methodology for the determination of organochlorine pesticides in surface water by SPME-GC/MS

In the present work experimental conditions were optimized for the analysis of organochlorine traces in water matrix using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) followed by gas chromatography with mass selective detector. The parameters including time of exposure of the fiber in the aqueous sample, fiber type, agitation speed, pH, ionic forces, temperature of adsorption, and time of desorption were evaluated. The best conditions to analyze organochlorine were obtained by using higher than room temperature, agitation of the sample, extraction time of 40 min, and polyacrylate fiber.     

The loss (in field and under laboratory conditions) of 65Zn by the postlarval rudd, Scardiniuserythrophthalmus L.

The loss of ⁶⁵Zn by postlarval rudd was followed in the laboratory and in the field experiments. It is concluded that the results obtained in the field and the laboratory cannot be comparable in the postlarval stage of the rudd fish.     

Serial depletion of marine invertebrates leads to the decline of a strongly interacting grazer.

We investigated the relative roles of natural factors and shoreline harvest leading to recent declines of the black leather chiton (Katharina tunicata) on the outer Kenai Peninsula, Alaska (U.S.A.). This intertidal mollusk is a strongly interacting grazer and a culturally important subsistence fishery for Sugpiaq (Chugach Alutiiq) natives. We took multiple approaches to determine causes of decline. Field surveys examined the significant predictors of Katharina density and biomass across 11 sites varying in harvest pressure, and an integrated analysis of archaeological faunal remains, historical records, traditional ecological knowledge, and contemporary subsistence invertebrate landings examined changes in subsistence practices through time. Strong evidence suggests that current spatial variation in Katharina density and biomass is driven by both human exploitation and sea otter (Enhydra lutris) predation. Traditional knowledge, calibrated by subsistence harvest data, further revealed that several benthic marine invertebrates (sea urchin, crab, clams, and cockles) have declined serially beginning in the 1960s, with reduced densities and sizes of Katharina being the most recent. The timing of these declines was coincident with changes in human behavior (from semi-nomadic to increasingly permanent settlement patterns, improved extractive technologies, regional commercial crustacean exploitation, the erosion of culturally based season and size restrictions) and with the reestablishment of sea otters. We propose that a spatial concentration in shoreline collection pressure through time, increased harvest efficiency, and the serial depletion of alternative marine invertebrate prey have led to intensified per capita predator impacts on Katharina and thus its recent localized decline.     

Yolk androgen deposition as a compensatory strategy

The deposition of androgens into the yolks of eggs can have long-lasting effects on the growth and development of young birds. It has been proposed that female birds and reptiles deposit yolk androgens according to the differential allocation hypothesis (DAH), which posits the allocation of more resources to offspring sired by more attractive, higher-quality males. We examined deposition patterns of yolk androgens in relation to mate attractiveness in the house finch Carpodacus mexicanus. Contrary to the predictions of the DAH, female house finches deposited significantly more androgens into eggs sired by less attractive males. We propose that, rather than serving as resources, androgens are used as mediators in a compensatory distribution strategy, enabling females to improve the quality of young produced with less attractive males.     

Modulation of branchial ion transport protein expression by salinity in glass eels (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Anguilla anguilla</Emphasis> L.)

The Anguillid juvenile glass eel must deal with the osmoregulatory consequences of highly variable environmental salinities on its recruitment migration from coastal to fresh waters. Changes in ionoregulatory parameters and branchial ion transport protein [Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, Na⁺:K⁺:2Cl⁻ cotransporter (NKCC), cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) anion channel, V-type proton ATPase] expression (activities, protein and/or mRNA level expression and/or cellular localization) in response to acclimation to a broad range of ionic strengths [distilled water (DW) to hypersaline water (HSW; 150%) sea water (SW 32‰)] was studied. The estuarine glass eels were very euryhaline and successfully acclimated to acute changes in environmental ionic strength from 50% SW, with high mortality only observed in HSW (51%) and sublethal osmoregulatory indicators (whole body water content and sodium levels) disturbed at the extremes (DW and HSW). Central to a high salinity acclimation were elevated branchial Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, NKCC and CFTR expression. At lower salinity, Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase expression was maintained and NKCC and CFTR expressions were reduced. Branchial chloride cells increased in size up to SW but decreased in HSW. During hypotonic disturbance (DW), no compensatory elevation in V-ATPase or Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase expression was observed.     

Laboratory study of effects of temperature and salinity on survival and larval development of a population of Rhithropanopeus harrisii from the Mondego River estuary,Portugal

Rhithropanopeus harrisii (Gould) is an introduced species in the estuary of the Mondego River (Portugal): it was first recorded from the Iberian Peninsula in 1989. The larval development of this population was studied under laboratory conditions at different temperatures and salinities, and showed a larval development pattern very similar to that reported for American estuarine populations of this species. Larval development was negatively correlated with temperature. Time to megalopa varied between 7 and 35 d; the first crab (C₁) was reached after a maximum of 11 to 43 d. Larval development was optimum at 25°C and 15S. Larval survival was maximum at 10, 15 and 20S at all three temperatures studied (20, 25 and 30°C). The percentage of abnormal megalopae increased with increasing salinity to a maximum (100%) at 30S; incidence of abnormality was not affected by temperature.     

PREP-PAC: a nutrient replenishment product designed for smallholders in western Kenya

Continuous cropping in the absence of external nutrient inputs to soils has led to the expression of poorly productive patches in farmers’ fields of western Kenya. Farmers attempting to correct these conditions are often confused by the spatial and symptomatic irregularity of affected plants and, until recently, no soil management product was commercially available that is specifically formulated to restore soil fertility to these patches. PREP-PAC consists of 2.0 kg of Minjingu rock phosphate (RP), 200 g of urea, seeds of various symbiotic nitrogen-fixing food legumes, rhizobial inoculant, gum arabic seed adhesive, lime for seed pelleting, and instructions for the use of these materials. It is intended for addition to 25 m² and produced at a cost of $ 0.56 per unit. The general principle is to apply slowly available RP sufficient for several cropping seasons with readily available nitrogenous fertilizer and to intercrop farmer’s maize (Zea mays) with a legume that provides residual fixed-nitrogen and organic inputs to the soil. This approach was tested in on-farm experiments conducted in collaboration with several grassroots rural development organizations. An experiment examined interactions between PREP-PAC components in a maize–soybean (Glycine max) intercrop in nutrient-depleted soils with sandy and clayey surface horizons. The treatments included ±RP, ±urea, and ±inoculants arranged as a 2³ factorial with four replicates at each location. Total value of the intercrops ranged between $ 0.83 in the unamended plots and $ 2.44 in plots treated with PREP-PAC. Significant positive effects were observed with the addition of RP (P<0.001), urea (P=0.04), and inoculant (P=0.01) and in interactions between RP and urea (P=0.02) or inoculant (P=0.07). The return ratio to PREP-PAC investment was 2.6 in the sandy soil and 3.7 in the clay. PREP-PACs were tested on-farm in 52 symptomatic patches containing maize–bean intercrops with and without an improved variety of climbing Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Flora. Unamended patches (25 m²=0.0025 ha) produced 1.6 kg maize and 0.08 kg bean. With addition of PREP-PAC containing Flora, yields increased to 4.1 kg maize and 1.1 kg bean (P<0.001 for both crops). Improvement in bean yield during the first cropping season nearly offset PREP-PAC’s investment costs. PREP-PAC is a strategic approach because all of its ingredients, except for urea, originate from East Africa, and are relatively inexpensive; the product is intended for distribution through existing retail and development networks.     

Prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 10 p in a twin pregnancy

A twin pregnancy with trisomy 10 p due to a paternal 10;12 translocation is reported. The prenatal diagnosis steps followed in twin pregnancies are reviewed and the concordant features of trisomy 10 p seen in both fetuses confirm previous reports on the clinical features of this chromosomal defect.