The expression of CYP1A,vitellogenin and zona radiata proteins in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) after oral dosing with two commercial PBDE flame retardant mixtures: absence of short-term responses

The short-term effects of the commercial PBDE flame retardant mixtures Penta-BDE and cta-BDE on the expression of cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A), vitellogenin (Vtg) and zona radiata proteins (Zrp) were investigated in juvenile salmon (Salmo salar). For this purpose, groups of fish were dosed twice (oral intake at days I and 4) with 10 and 50 mg/kg body weight of both commercial mixtures. The fishes were sacrificed at day 7 (n = 5 for each group) and 14 (n = 6 for each group), and blood, liver, fillet, and brain were collected. Blanks and positive controls were also part of the experiment. The expressions of Vtg, Zrp, and CYPIA were measured with several techniques (EROD, ELISA, Western, Northern and Slot Blot). The values in the groups of fish treated with Penta-BDE or Octa-BDE did not significantly differ from the reference group for any of the parameters tested. In contrast, the positive control groups treated with estradiol-17beta for Vtg and Zrp expression, and beta-naphthoflavone for CYP1A expression did show a significant response, indicating the potential sensitivity of the fishes for the parameters measured. Since the results of the chemical analyses showed concentrations of a number of PBDE congeners in liver, fillet, and brain that were about three orders of magnitude above those of fish from the North Sea, it is concluded that the short-term toxicity of both commercial PBDE mixtures for these endpoints was low.     

Species, tissue and gender-related organochlorine bioaccumulation in white-sided dolphins, pilot whales and their common prey in the northwest Atlantic

Organochlorine concentrations were measured in white-sided dolphins, pilot whales, and their prey from the Gulf of Maine and used to identify species, tissue, and gender differences, and trophic transfer trends, in bioaccumulation. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations ([PCB]) in dolphin blubber (13 +/- 7.1 micrograms/g fresh wt.) were twice those in pilot whales, but pesticide concentrations (20 +/- 13 micrograms/g fresh) were similar between species. 4,4'-DDE, trans-non-achlor, Cl6(153) and Cl6(138) concentrations were highest. Skin tissues had more recalcitrant organochlorines than the internal organs. Male dolphins bioaccumulated higher concentrations of nonmetabolizable PCBs and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers, whereas pilot whales had no gender-related differences in bioaccumulation. Pilot whales, mackerel, and herring had proportionately higher concentrations of DDTs, whereas [PCB] were higher in dolphins and squid. Although these odontocetes feed at the same trophic level and store a similar suite of contaminants, dolphins bioaccumulated higher and potentially hazardous 4,4'-DDE and PCB concentrations from food in their more geographically restricted range.     

Population explosion in Africa: further implications

A serious problem associated with the population explosion in Africa is the widespread degradation of vegetation and soils. Various factors such as climate, animal overgrazing, overcultivation, fires, and soil erosion contribute to the social and economic impact in some areas. An increase of droughts due to lack of precipitation has damaged grasslands. In addition, increased animal population due to animal disease control, increased water supply, and social custom of measuring wealth in terms of herd size cause near wastelands from overgrazing. Also, overcultivation of commercial crops due to an increasing population has accelerated soil erosion by allowing shorter fallow periods, which causes lower crop yields and soil deterioration. Firing woodlands and grasslands to suppress new woody growth is damaging soil as well as encouraging the growth of coarse grasses that have little value for grazing animals. The barren land due to firing causes soil erosion both by water and wind; a total estimated drift of dust from western Africa is 60 million tons/year. These conditions indicate that deterioration will continue resulting in lower carrying capacities and lower productivity from cultivated land.     

腾冲火山研究综述

近３０年来，众多学对腾冲火山进行了大量的研究与考察工作，并在火山地质、地球化学、地热等方面取得了一批有价值的成果。本试图对部分有代表性的观点及研究成果进行综合性的介绍，供正在开展的《腾冲火山活动监测、预测与对策研究》重大项目的项专题研究参考。     

Biochemical alterations in juvenile carp (Cyprinus carpio) exposed to zinc: glutathione reductase as a target

The aim of this study was to investigate biochemical changes in juvenile carp (Cyprinus carpio) exposed to zinc chloride (10, 30 and 100 microM) for a period of 48 h. Zinc exposure caused a concentration-dependent reduction in glutathione reductase (GR) activity in gills, liver and brain. Gill glutathione S-transferase (GST) was reduced when animals were exposed to the highest concentration of 100 microM zinc. The phosphorylation of p38(MAPK) increased in the brain of fish exposed to zinc 100 microM, while phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) remained unchanged. Expression of proteins HSP60 and HSP70 were not affected by zinc exposure. Considering the significant concentration-dependent inhibition of GR in all tissues analyzed, this enzyme could be a potential biomarker of exposure to zinc, which has to be confirmed.     

水系分维的构造含义

本文运用分数维几何学,研究了河流水系分维与地壳里向运动、活动断裂格局及运动学特征的关联性。结果表明:1)地壳垂向运动控制大型河流主干的总体形态;2)活动断裂格局复杂、水平运动强烈的地区,水系分维值高;3)走滑断裂较斜滑断裂对水系发育的控制强烈,而后者主要起到对水系的分区作用。