Climate change is predicted to negatively influence Moroccan endemic reptile richness. Implications for conservation in protected areas

The identification of species-rich areas and their prognosticated turnover under climate change are crucial for the conservation of endemic taxa. This study aims to identify areas of reptile endemicity richness in a global biodiversity hot spot (Morocco) under current and future climatic conditions and to investigate the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation under climate change. Species distribution models (SDM) were performed over the distribution of 21 endemic reptiles, combined to estimate current species richness at 1?×?1 km resolution and projected to years 2050 and 2080 according to distinct story lines and ensemble global circulation models, assuming unlimited and null dispersion ability. Generalized additive models were performed between species richness and geographic characteristics of 43 protected areas. SDM found precipitation as the most important factor related to current species distributions. Important reductions in future suitable areas were predicted for 50 % of species, and four species were identified as highly vulnerable to extinction. Drastic reductions in species-rich areas were predicted for the future, with considerable variability between years and dispersal scenarios. High turnover rates of species composition were predicted for eastern Morocco, whereas low values were forecasted for the Northern Atlantic coast and mountains. Species richness for current and future conditions was significantly related to the altitude and latitude of protected areas. Protected areas located in mountains and/or in the Northern Atlantic coast were identified as refugia, where population monitoring and conservation management is needed.

     

Preparation of antibodies and development of an enzyme immunoassay for determination of atrazine in environmental samples

An indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been developed and optimized for atrazine determination in soil at different depths (0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm) before and after 48 h of application, corn shoot and cow milk samples collected from Dina farm, Egypt. This assay was based on a specific polyclonal antibodies (PAb) raised by immunizing New Zealand rabbits with an immunogen prepared by coupling 3-{4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-1,3,5-triazine-2-yl} thiopropanoic acid to bovine serum albumin (BSA) via N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) active ester method. The sensitivity (estimated as IC?? value) was 17.5 μg mL?1 with a detection limit of 0.1 ng mL?1. The maximum atrazine concentration was found in soil especially in the deepest layer (325 and 890 μg kg?1 before and after application, respectively). Atrazine concentration in corn shoot was 333.28, μg kg?1 dry plant, while there was no detectable amount in milk. All samples screened by ELISA were validated by gas chromatography mass spectrometer procedure (GC/MS). Good correlation was achieved between the two methods (r = 0.997 for soil and 0.9814 for plant). This study demonstrates the utility and convenience of the simple, practical and cost-effective ELISA method in the laboratory for analysis of environmental samples. The method is ideal for the rapid screening of large numbers of samples in laboratories where access to GC/MS facilities, is limited or lacking.     

Preparation of antibodies and development of an enzyme immunoassay for determination of atrazine in environmental samples

An indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been developed and optimized for atrazine determination in soil at different depths (0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm) before and after 48 h of application, corn shoot and cow milk samples collected from Dina farm, Egypt. This assay was based on a specific polyclonal antibodies (PAb) raised by immunizing New Zealand rabbits with an immunogen prepared by coupling 3-{4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-1,3,5-triazine-2-yl} thiopropanoic acid to bovine serum albumin (BSA) via N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) active ester method. The sensitivity (estimated as IC₅₀value) was 17.5 μg mL^?1 with a detection limit of 0.1 ng mL^?1. The maximum atrazine concentration was found in soil especially in the deepest layer (325 and 890 μg kg^?1 before and after application, respectively). Atrazine concentration in corn shoot was 333.28, μg kg^?1 dry plant, while there was no detectable amount in milk. All samples screened by ELISA were validated by gas chromatography mass spectrometer procedure (GC/MS). Good correlation was achieved between the two methods (r = 0.997 for soil and 0.9814 for plant). This study demonstrates the utility and convenience of the simple, practical and cost–effective ELISA method in the laboratory for analysis of environmental samples. The method is ideal for the rapid screening of large numbers of samples in laboratories where access to GC/MS facilities, is limited or lacking.     

Antitumor effect of copper nanoparticles on human breast and colon malignancies

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Breast and colon carcinomas are two types of common cancers which lead to cancer-related deaths. Due to their cytotoxic potential against cancer...