Volume 71, Issue 7

It is well accepted that climate change will have a significant effect on aquatic environments and together with temperature as one of the most important variables, it will represent a major driver of shift in the ecosystem. The increasing temperature in waters of temperate zones will have stressful effect on coldwater adapted fish species that may lead to the shrink of their area of occurrence or even to their extinction. The fish species able to replace the disappearing native populations would be the ones characterized with high plasticity of phenotypes, and strong biological flexibility, which manifest in quick change of life-history traits. Such species are likely to track the changes in their environment relatively rapidly, whereas the responses of majority native species are slower. The given overview on this topic will try to predict and describe global effect of climate change on ecosystems, impact of invasive species on native fish communities and their possible replacement in the future.

Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a biodegradable polymer produced by many bacteria. Some of the properties are similar to thermoplastics like polypropylene, hence finding application PHB can directly replace non-biodegradable polymers. But the main barrier has been the cost difference. The utilization of mixed microbial cultures facilitates the use of complex substrates and thus can reduce the cost of PHB production. In the present study, mixed culture systems, where metabolite produced by one organism may be assimilated by the other organism, were employed. Bacillus firmus NII 0830, the first organism, was used for the production of PHB since it accumulates a large amount of PHB, while the second organism, Lactobacillus delbrueckii NII 0925, was used to provide acetic acid. Enzyme kinetic studies were performed on the PHB biosynthetic enzymes, such as β -ketothiolase, acetoacetyl CoA reductase and PHB synthase. PHB production by mixed culture was higher when compared to pure cultures. The mathematical model was then fitted to the experimental data, which can describe the dynamics of a mixed culture. The β -ketothiolase and acetoacetyl CoA reductase showed a Vmax value of 0.0093 μM/min and 0.0253 μM/min, respectively. The K m values were 140.8 μM and 183.5 μM, respectively. The enzyme kinetic studies gave an idea about the action of the enzymes.

Polysaccharide-based vaccine for Pseudomonas aeruginosa has failed due to toxicity of lipid-A portion in liposaccharide. As a result, efforts to develop vaccine against P. aeruginosa have mostly focused on outer membrane protein (OMP). Vaccine candidates based on P. aeruginosa OMP have emerged in the form of purified recombinant protein, as alternative strategy for vaccine development. In the present study, we have determined the immunogenicity and protective capacity of Lp1 protein (as antigen). For this work we have cloned lp1 gene (897 bp) into the pET32a expression vector and after expression a 34 kDa recombinant protein was obtained by induction with 0.5 mM isopropyl β -D-1-thiogalactopyranoside. The antigen was obtained as a recombinant protein in E. coli , purified and used to immunize mice. The antiserum developed against the lp1 antigen was capable to recognize the antigen by western blotting. After immunization, recombinant Lp1 induced bactericidal antibodies. These results suggest that Lp1 is a novel antigen worth to be included in a broadly protective P. aeruginosa vaccine.

Microemulsions (MEs), isotropic mixture of water, oil, surfactant and most frequently cosurfactant, have gained great interest in the pharmaceutical industries and food technology due to their great potential to act as antimicrobials as well as nanocarriers for antibiotics. In this study, the antibacterial activities of a ME, composed of 23.5% Cremophor EL, 12.5% transcutol, 30% ethyl decanoate and 34% distilled water, against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and its potential as a nanocarrier for cephalosporine (CEPH/ME) were assessed. The morphological structures of the ME and CEPH/ME, revealed by transmission electron microscopy, were spherical and their droplet diameters were 15.55 ± 3.17 nm and 10.56 ± 2.32 nm, respectively. ME was found to have great antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus . According to the mechanism of action study of ME, free cephalosporine (CEPH) and CEPH/ME against S. aureus , the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were 2 mL/10 mL of nutrient broth for ME and 1 mL/10 mL of nutrient broth for both of CEPH and CEPH/ME. The ME, CEPH and CEPH/ME have affected the S. aureus through changing cell morphology, cell wall composition (sugar, protein and phosphorus), potassium leakage and cellular respiration. They enhanced the cellular permeability, decreased the hydrophobicity and viability of the bacterial cells. This study suggests that ME formula has a good potential as an antibacterial agent and as a nanocarrier for CEPH.

Amphioxus is an intermediary species bridging invertebrates and vertebrates used to study the development and evolution of species and genes. In this study, the dominant bacterial strain was isolated from tail lesions of cultured amphioxus and designated WW1. Challenge by intramuscular microinjection revealed the 50% lethal dose of WW1 to be 9 × 10 2 bacteria/g amphioxus body weight. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence, physiological and biochemical characteristics, and species-specific collagenase gene marker, WW1 was identified as Vibrio alginolyticus . To our knowledge, this is the first report on the isolation of V. alginolyticus as pathogen from amphioxus. This study extends the known host range of V. alginolyticus and may provide information helpful in preventing and managing its occurrence in cultured animals.

In vitro regeneration and histological analysis of somatic embryogenesis derived from in vitro leaves were assessed in Phlox paniculata L. The explants were incubated on Murashige and Skoog medium containing 2.26–4.52 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) with or without 0.89 μM benzyladenine supplemented with 3% or 9% sucrose and vitamins. The intact leaf blades were cultured in the dark at temperature 22 ± 2°C. Two Phlox cultivars showed significantly higher regeneration capacity in the in vitro conditions when the cultivation media have been supplemented with 2,4-D at concentrations of 4.52 μM and 3% sucrose. The effect of 2,4-D on somatic embryo induction has been enhanced in presence of cytokinin benzyladenine. In cultivars, the embryogenic structures have been created on calluses derived from leaf sections within 6–9 weeks in culture. Meristematic zones with forming embryogenic structures were mostly localized adjacent to de novo forming tracheal elements in calluses in our experiments. In the absence of tracheal elements, the embryogenic structures have been surrounded by several layers of isodiametric cells. The embryo proper and the suspensor part could be clearly distinguished on the embryogenic structures. The embryogenic potential of cultures has been very high, so that even secondary and tertiary somatic embryos were formed. Within 6–9 weeks in culture, well differentiated embryogenic structures up to torpedo stages were developed. Cultivar ‘Fuji’ exhibited slightly higher embryogenic response in culture than cultivar ‘Starfire’. The cultures maintained their embryogenic potential for about 18 months. Embryogenic structures have been able to convert to complete plants within 3 months.

Zygophyllum xanthoxylum (Bunge) is a perennial woody succulent xerophyte that is one of the most drought-tolerant plant species identified to date. In this study, the gene encoding the novel C2H2-type zinc finger protein (ZFP) ZxZF was cloned from Z. xanthoxylum and expressed in both Arabidopsis thaliana and poplar (Populus × euramericana cl. Bofeng 1) under the control of the drought-inducible promoter rd29A . Overexpression in Arabidopsis resulted in a higher survival rate and enhanced root growth compared with wild type (WT) plants under osmotic stress conditions induced by mannitol. Overexpression in poplar under stress conditions induced by PEG6000 improved photosynthetic function as evidenced by a higher maximum photochemical activity of photosystem II (PSII) (Fv/Fm) and elevated chlorophyll content. Furthermore, leaf tissue of transgenic poplar accumulated less malondialdehyde (MDA), and both superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities were elevated in transgenic plants. These results suggest that ZxZF overexpression played an essential role in drought tolerance in both Arabidopsis and poplar. Incorporating overexpression of ZxZF and other A1 subgroup C2H2 zinc finger proteins in plant breeding programs may result in enhanced drought tolerance.

Plant communities were studied along two oligotrophic karstic rivers – Trebižat and Lištica – from 2007 to 2009. Based on 93 phytosociological relevés, using Braun–Blanquet methods, a total of 25 plant associations were recognised in the rivers and nearby surveyed area. These associations have been subordinated to 11 alliances, eight orders and six classes: Adiantetea capilli–veneris, Lemnetea minoris, Potametea pectinati, Phragmito australis–Magnocaricetea elatae, Molinio–Arrhenatheretea and Salicetea purpureae . In the Trebižat and Lištica rivers, 24 and 10 associations were found respectively. Only nine associations were common to both rivers. Data on the floristic composition of eight associations (Eucladio–Adiantetum capilli–veneris, Potametum perfoliati, Potametum graminei, Potametum lucentis, Potametum pectinati, Potamo pectinati–Myriophylletum spicati, Equiseto palustri–Iridetum pseudacori, Holoschoeno–Molinietum arundinaceae) in Bosnia and Herzegovina were presented for the first time. Altogether, four NATURA 2000 habitat types were recognized. The study revealed the great diversity of aquatic and marshland vegetation in the study area.

The results of a study on plant community diversity, floristic richness, and spatial patterns in volcanic temporary ponds of Sicily are presented. A total of 166 plots were analyzed, 103 for Etna and 63 for Hyblaean sites. For each plot, the floristic composition and species cover were determined using standard relevé methods. Moreover, for these ponds, pH, conductivity, temperature, rainfall, altitude, and a floristic richness and diversity index were assessed. The plant communities were analyzed using a hierarchical cluster analysis, while the ordination method Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling was used to establish spatial patterns in the scattergram and to generate hypotheses on the vegetation/environment relationships. A total of nine plant communities for Hyblaean and seven for Mount Etna with a specific floristic composition were recognized. The spatial patterns of plant communities mainly followed an ecological gradient related to hydroperiod of the ponds, as well as local topography and human activities. The results show a considerable difference in floristic richness between the two study areas, as well as a different distribution of the life forms. Furthermore, for each study area the floristic richness and diversity index increased from the deep zone towards the shallow zone.

A new erythraeid mite species, Erythraeus ( Erythraeus ) pistacicus sp. n., is described from southern Iran based on larvae. Corrected data and new measurements and meristic data for E . (E.) hilariae, E. (E.) akbariani and E . (E.) sabrinae are given.

The canyons in Dinaric karst are known to harbour a diverse aquatic fauna living in springs along the river mainstream. However, the knowledge on the ecology of these springs and also on the springs in mountainous areas of the Balkan Peninsula in general is poor. This study is focused on the macroinvertebrate assemblages of three different types of springs along the Cvrcka River (Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina). The aim of this study was to check whether existing criteria for regional spring zonations in Central Europe are applicable also for riparian springs with short springbrooks bordering high order streams. The macroinvertebrates were collected seasonally for one year at two different distances from the source: at the source, and approximately 2–3 m from the source (“springbrook”). At the spring sources, we found 59 species and higher taxa while in the springbrooks 61 species and higher taxa were recorded. Diptera represented the most abundant taxon, followed by Amphipoda and Trichoptera. No strong trend for the Margalef’s index for the spring source and springbrook was detected, while the Shannon’s diversity index increased in the springbrook of the studied springs. Our analysis did not prove significant differences between the macroinvertebrate assemblages from the source and springbrook. Based on faunistic data we suggest that small riparian springs with a short outflow likely do not exhibit true spring zonation but may show a “quasi-zonation” defined as a possible hidden differentiation between spring source and springbrook. Our study shows that criteria for spring zonation are not suitable for riparian springs bordering high order streams.

Monitoring the flight of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) by means of pheromone and light trapping are generally accepted and widely used methods. In the present study the catch data of 335 Hungarian light traps have been examined and compared to the field-observed results originated from light and pheromone traps in the quest of exploring potential differences in observation methods. There were obvious discrepancies in registered flight patterns between light and pheromone trap catches. In early summer, individuals of the migrant generation of H. armigera were not caught by Hungarian light traps. The recorded parameters in light and pheromone traps have revealed significant differences as shown by the Student t -values used for comparing the data. This phenomenon can be explained by the physiological features of H. armigera , the females (being heliophile) of the early, migrant generations which have more vitelline-cells in their ovaries.

As the biggest inner city national reserve in Germany, the Dönche in Kassel is characterized by its history and composition of ponds, reeds and varying woodlands. Due to artificial grazing, the structural open landscape with small-area wetland habitats was well preserved. In the last two decades, changes in aquatic ecosystems were becoming more obvious. From originally 400 water filled bomb crater only five are left and while several dry out in late spring or early summer, only three might keep enough water for amphibians to reproduce. After the project group “Amphibien- und Reptilienschutz in Hessen e.v.” (Agar) verified the existence of several amphibian species in the Dönche in 2002, no further detailed inventory on Salamandridae biodiversity and especially the northern crested newt had been conducted. Because of the long time since any latest survey and an obviously changing situation in the water household, we collected information on populations and species diversity for an inventory covering the entire breeding season between March and July. We followed movements of the great crested newt ( Triturus cristatus ) using a potentially novel tool for newt tracking using body patterns and analyzed the situation of the common newt ( Lissotriton vulgaris ) while attempting to get an overview on all present amphibian species with a focus on the water quality and water-cycle. As a result of our study we are stating the worrying condition of local amphibian populations due to a major decline in habitat suitability for all aquatic amphibians in the nature reserve Dönche, most likely caused by an increase in global temperature.

The aim of this study was to assess antioxidant status by measuring of antioxidant parameters (SOD – superoxide dismutase, GPx – glutatione peroxidase, CAT – catalase, Trolox, TAC – total antioxidant capacity, bilirubin, albumin) and parameters associated with oxidative stress (MDA – malondialdehyde, MDA Adduct – malondialdehyde adduct, H 2 O 2 – hydrogen peroxide) in rabbit blood after five weeks exposure to epicatechin alone or in combination with patulin in vivo . We investigated the protective role of epicatechin against possible negative effect of patulin in rabbits. Adult female rabbits ( n = 32) were used in the experiment. Animals were divided into eight groups with four rabbits in each group. In the experiment there were two control groups: one without addition of patulin and epicatechin and one with addition of patulin (10 μg kg −1 ). Rabbits in the experimental groups received three times a week intramuscular injection of low dose (10 μg kg −1 ), medium dose (100 μg kg −1 ) or high dose (1000 μg kg −1 ) of epicatechin alone or in combination with low dose (10 μg kg −1 ) of patulin. Patulin alone in low dose significantly ( P < 0.05) affected total antioxidant status in comparison with the experimental groups with the highest dose of epicatechin alone (1000 μg kg −1 ) and in combination with patulin. SOD was negatively affected by patulin. Enzymatic activity of this enzyme was significantly lower ( P < 0.05) in the experimental group with patulin in comparison with the experimental group receiving the lowest concentration of epicatechin (10 μg kg −1 ). Patulin can induce oxidative stress in rabbits in low dose and catechin could have possible protective effect. Our results showed that patulin negatively affected TAC, and SOD in rabbit blood. Further research needs to be focused on the generation of data dealing with antioxidant effects.