Monitorización de la capacidad de degradación de las nuevas bacterias haloalcalifílicas resistentes a cloruro de tributiltina (TBTCl) en una ubicación contaminada por butiltina / Monitoring the degradation capability of novel haloalkaliphilic tributyltin chloride (TBTCl) resistant bacteria from butyltin-polluted site

Tributyltin (TBT) is recognized as a major environmental problem at a global scale. Haloalkaliphilic tributyltin (TBT)-degrading bacteria may be a key factor in the remediation of TBT polluted sites. In this work, three haloalkaliphilic bacteria strains were isolated from a TBT-contaminated site in the Mediterranean Sea. After analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences the isolates were identified as Sphingobium sp. HS1, Stenotrophomonas chelatiphaga HS2 and Rhizobium borbori HS5. The optimal growth conditions for biodegradation of TBT by the three strains were pH 9 and 7% (w/v) salt concentration. S. chelatiphaga HS2 was the most effective TBT degrader and has the ability to transform most TBT into dibutyltin and monobutyltin (DBT and MBT). A gene was amplified from strain HS2 and identified as TBTB-permease-like, that encodes an ArsB-permease. A reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis in the HS2 strain confirmed that the TBTB-permease-like gene contributes to TBT resistance. The three novel haloalkaliphilic TBT degraders have never been reported previously.

Se considera a la tributiltina (TBT) como un problema medioambiental serio a escala global. Las bacterias haloalcalifílicas degradadoras de TBT pueden constituir un factor clave para remediar áreas contaminadas con dicho xenobiótico. En este estudio se aislaron 3 cepas de bacterias haloalcalifílicas procedentes de un sitio contaminado con TBT en el mar Mediterráneo. Tras analizar las secuencias del gen de 16S del ARNr, se identificaron los aislados como Sphingo-bium sp. HS1, Stenotrophomonas chelatiphaga HS2 y Rhizobium borbori HS5. Las condiciones de crecimiento óptimas para la biodegradación de TBT por parte de las 3 cepas fueron pH 9 y 7% (p/v) de concentración de sal. S. chelatiphaga HS2 fue el degradador de TBT más efectivo, con capacidad de transformar la mayor parte de ese compuesto en dibutiltina y monobutiltina (DBT y MBT). Se amplificó un gen de la cepa HS2, que fue identificado como tipo TBTB-permeasa, que codifica para una ArsB permeasa. Un análisis de la cepa HS2 por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa (RT PCR) confirmó que el gen TBTB-permeasa contribuye a la resistencia al TBT. Estos 3 nuevos degradadores haloalcalifílicos de TBT no habían sido reportados previamente.

Familial Mediterranean Fever With Complete Symptomatic Remission During Pregnancy

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder, ethnically restricted and commonly found among populations surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. FMF is the most prevalent autoinflammatory disease; is characterized by recurrent, self-limited episodes of fever with serositis; and is caused by Mediterranean fever gene (MEFV) mutations on chromosome 16. We describe a case of adult-onset FMF with complete symptomatic remission during pregnancy, without the use of colchicine. A 25-year-old woman had presented with periodic fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting since she was 21. Her abdominal computed tomography scan showed intestinal nonrotation. She underwent exploratory laparotomy and appendectomy for her symptoms 1 year prior. She had a symptom-free pregnancy period, but abdominal pain and fever recurred after delivery. Mutation analysis of the MEFV gene revealed two point mutations (p.Leu110Pro and p.Glu148Gln). We report an adult female patient with FMF in Korea with complete symptomatic remission during pregnancy.

Heavy metals and PAH assessment based on mussel caging in the north coast of Tunisia [Mediterranean Sea]

In the framework of the Mytilos project [Interreg IIIB Medocc], international research cruises were carried out in 2006 in order to evaluate the level of Heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAH] along the coast of the western basin of the Mediterranean Sea. Caged mussels [Mytilus galloprovincialis] were placed in situ at six sites in the North coast of Tunisia, Results showed total PAH levels were in the range 45.6-241.6 ng/g dry weight [dw]. The ranges of trace metals concentrations expressed in ug/gdw are: Hg [0.1-0.2], Pb [0.4-0.7], Cd [0.9-2.9], Cu [2.9-3.9], Fe [117-248] and Zn [250-426]. Higher concentrations were observed at Rades, La Galite and Tabarka which can be attributed to the industrial activities implanted in the coast of Algeria and in the city of Rades. Concentrations of PAH, Cd, Pb, Fe and Zn are generally different from initial concentrations [before caging], depending on the adaptability of transplanted mussels to be used as bio-indicator of contaminants. Yet bio-monitoring using mussels give information on compound bioavailability which depends on their ability to accumulate contaminants in its tissue

Determination of organochlorine compounds in coastal marine sediments from the southern west of the Mediterranean Sea

Recent evidence suggests that polychlorinated biphenyls might also have adverse reproductive, developmental and endocrine effects. Although, the use of polychlorobiphenyls in Algeria has been banned for more than two decades, large quantities of these compounds containing products remain disseminated, mainly stored in obsolete or damaged equipments. This research describes a study to assess polychlorinated biphenyls distribution in marine sediments collected from the seaside of Tamentfoust touristic resort located in the eastern side of Algiers Bay. After microwave-assisted extraction and purification with both concentrated sulphuric acid and activated silica gel, the extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography with an electron capture detector. Relatively high contamination levels of polychlorinated biphenyls were found in samples collected from the port of Tamentfoust [15 to 70 ng/g d.w.], while the concentrations were lower in the stations located outside the port [0 to 26 ng/g d.w.]. Compared with data previously reported by some other researchers, the polychlorobiphenyls concentrations found in this work showed an environmental persistence, but a decrease of approximately 5 times in 30 year i.e since the ban of the use of polychlorinated biphenyls. The predominant polychlorinated biphenyls congeners in all sediment samples were polychlorinated biphenyls 138, 153, 180 and 187. This composition was similar to industrial mixture [Aroclor 1260]. This probably indicated that the contamination originated from the port and has a continental source

Human poisoning after ingestion of puffer fish caught from mediterranean sea

Puffer fish poisoning is due to a powerful neurotoxin produced by bacteria living in this kind of fish. Though the sea of Lebanon [Mediterranean] is not endemic of puffer fish and incidence of its serious poisoning is rare, yet occasional incidences do occur. The purpose of this presentation is to raise the awareness of fishermen, fish-restaurant frequenters, public health organizations and the Ministry of Health, of its serious symptomology and to seek medical help as soon as possible

[Impact of phosphogypsum and other factory effluents on Meiofauna communities of Batroun coastal region]

Meiofauna assemblages were sampled in summer 2007 and winter 2008 at ten stations along Batroun coastal region in North Lebanon, offshore from the fertilizer factory. A survey of the major meiofaunal taxa was made in order to study the impact of chemical discharges [phosphogypsum] on meiofaunal population composition and density. There were significant changes in the community density and composition in the stations located in front of the plant [S5 to S8]. Total meiofauna abundance was the lowest in the stations located in front of the plant, ranging between 8.7 +/- 5.5 [S6] and 161.1 +/- 35.3 [S5] individuals 10 cm[-2] in August and between 10.5 +/- 9.4 [S6] and 42.3 +/- 31.2 [S5] individuals 10 cm[-2] in January. The highest densities were recorded at the stations located at the south and the north of the discharge pipe [S1 to S4 and S9 to S10]. At these stations total meiofauna abundance ranged between 344 +/- 68.4 and 827.1 +/- 58.2 individuals 10 cm[-2] in August and 167.6 +/- 31.3 and 758.6 +/- 274.2 in January. Nematodes, followed by copepods exhibited the greatest densities among the 22 meiofauna taxa recorded at the 10 stations. The diversity within meiofaunal assemblages was low at the stations located near the plant [2 to 6 taxa] and higher at the other stations [9 to 19 taxa]

[Evaluating sea water quality in the coastal zone of North Lebanon using Telemac-2D[TM]]

The coastal zones of the Mediterranean are undergoing rapid development with growing and conflicting demands on the natural resources. Coastal zones are often subjected to irreversible land degradation and environmental deterioration. Lebanon is located in the eastern part of the Mediterranean basin and the integrated management of the environment in the Lebanese coastal zone must be given concern. Most of the successful decisions addressing the environment protection or the elaboration of preventive measures in the coastal zone. These decisions depend on the availability of efficient simulation tools. The existence of these tools can help protecting the environment and establishing the ground for sustainable natural resources in the coastal zones. In this paper, a simulation tool called Telemac-2D[TM] software was used to simulate the business as usual, pessimistic, and optimistic status of the sea water quality in the coastal zone of Tripoli [North Lebanon]. The coastal zone is affected by the effluents of solid and liquid wastes from Abou-Ali river. The different quality states of the coastal zone represent the normal, high, and low flow of the effluents [plume pollutants] from Abou-Ali river. In addition, it represents the variation of different factors such as wind and sea currents speed and direction. This simulation will help the decision makers to implement pre-cautious measures before a disaster takes place by assessing the quality of the sea water near the coastal zones

Spatio-temporal distribution of soft-bottom epibenthic fauna on the Cilician shelf (Turkey), Mediterranean Sea

Spatio-temporal distribution of epifauna collected with a sledge was studied on the Cilician shelf of the Mediterranean Sea. There were two different communities: the shallow community was restricted to water at 5 and 10 m deep with sandy bottom inhabited abundantly by Conomurex persicus, Arnoglossus laterna and Murex trunculus. Conomurex persicus, an introduced tropical species predominated the shallow zone and distinguished it from the deep zone. The deep community (25-150 m) lacked shallow water species and was dominated by Arnoglossus laterna, Goneplax rhomboides and Parapenaeus longirostris. Seasonality was not a major factor in the epibenthic community structure of the entire shelf, but it is in the shallow waters. Bottom depth was main factor for structuring the community on the shelf. Sediment size and organic content is also a controlling factor for the distribution of the epibenthic fauna. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (4): 1919-1946. Epub 2008 December 12.

Se estudió la distribución espacio-temporal de la epifauna recolectada con un trineo en la plataforma de Armenia Menor, Mar Mediterráneo. Hubo dos comunidades diferentes: una comunidad de aguas someras entre los 5 y 10 metros de profundidad con fondo arenoso habitado en forma abundante por Conomurex persicus, Arnoglossus laterna y Murex trunculus. Conomurex persicus, una especie tropical introducida, predominó en la zona de aguas someras, y la diferenció de la zona profunda. La comunidad profunda (25-150 m) no presentaba especies de aguas someras y estaba dominada por Arnoglossus laterna, Goneplax rhomboides y Parapenaeus longirostris. La estacionalidad no fue un factor importante en la estructura de la comunidad epibentónica presente en toda la plataforma, pero sí lo fue en las aguas someras. La profundidad del fondo del mar fue el factor principal en la estructura de la comunidad en la plataforma. El tamaño del sedimento y el contenido de materia orgánica es también un factor que controla la distribución de la fauna epibentónica.

Synonymy and biogeography of the dinoflagellate genus Histioneis (Dinophysiales: Dinophyceae)

The genus Histioneis (=Parahistioneis) contains an excessive number of poorly described species, often based on the observation of a single specimen and ignoring the intraspecific variability. In order to investigate the validity of the species and to suggest synonyms, the original illustrations of all known species of Histioneis are reproduced and grouped based on the morphological similarity. The scarce records and the uncertainties on the identification at the species level are responsible of the lack of biogeographical information. Large and highly ornamented species tended to appear in tropical waters, whereas smaller and less ornamented species showed a wider distribution and they can also found in temperate waters such as the Mediterranean Sea. Rev. Biol. Trop. 55 (2): 459-477. Epub 2007 June, 29.

El género Histioneis (=Parahistioneis) tiene una cantidad excesiva de especies, descritas insuficientemente y a menudo a partir de un solo espécimen, ignorando la variabilidad intra-específica. Con el objetivo de investigar la validez de las especies y sugerir sinónimos, aquí se presentan las ilustraciones originales de Histioneis agrupadas según su parecido morfológico. Las escasas observaciones de Histioneis y las dudas en la identificación a nivel de especie son responsables de la falta de información sobre su distribución geográfica. Las especies de mayor tamaño y más ornamentadas son típicas de aguas tropicales. Las especies más pequeñas y menos ornamentadas presentan una distribución más amplia y pueden encontrarse también en aguas templadas, como el Mar Mediterráneo.

Some chemical and physical characteristics of Alexandria coastal water, Egypt

Seasonal collection of water samples were carried out at Alexandria coast from 18 selected stations during 2004 - 2005. The study area was divided into three sections A, B, and C. The study areas A and C are clearly affected by brackish polluted water discharge from El-Ammia, Rakta, Bughas, Umum, and Noubaria drains which were studied too. The hydrographic parameters [pH, DO, salinity, and OOM] were studied. This work aimed at evaluating some major ions level [average of 434.6 mg/l, 1.39 g/l, 3.11g/l, and 67.32 mg/l for Ca, Mg, SO[4], and Br in surface water and 449.12 mg/l, 1.48g/l, 3.42 g/l, and 75.68 mg/l in bottom water, respectively] in Alexandria coastal water and their chlorinity ratios relevant to the corresponding normal oceanic ones. The influence of dilution effect resulted from the discharge of different types and amount of land-based effluents was discussed. By all, the average chlorinity ratios of cations deviations from the respective oceanic values can detect as a resulting from the discharging of land -based effluents; [average of 0.074, 0.023, 0.004, and 0.172 for Mg/CI, Ca/CI, Br/CI and SO[4]/CI, respectively]. The correlation coefficients between the major cations and the hydrographic parameters were computed and discussed

Studies on Phyllobothrium lactuca [cestoda: phyllobothriidae] and Philometra salgadoi [nematoda: philometridae] parasitizing Boops boops from the Mediterranean sea, Egypt

A total of 30 specimens of Boops boops marine fishes were collected from Alexandria fish market. The fishes were dissected out for parasites. Phyllobothrium lactuca [Cestoda: Phyllobothriidae] was isolated from the intestine and Philometra salgadoi [Nematoda: Philimetridae] was isolated from the ovary. Both were identified using standard keys, and examined by Scan Electron Microscopy [SEM]. Some morphological features reported were unique. The two parasites represent new hosts record of B. hoops

Ecomicrobiological studies on Halophilic marine micro flora of Mediterranean Sea on the Egyptian coast

The distribution of halophilic marine bacteria, yeast and fungi able to grow in the presence of increasing concentration of NaCl [20% and 25%] in addition to sea water of three sites, Eastern Harbor [site I], El-Montazah [site II] and Abu Qir Bay [site III] was examined during different seasons over a period of 1995 until 1996. Sites I and III are areas polluted with sewage water and industrial sources while site I is less polluted marine area. The pollution of the sea water increased the population of marine microorganisms. Seasonal variation was noticed in the viable counts of bacteria able to grow in 20% and 25% NaCl. Highest viable counts of halophilic bacteria were recorded in the summer, while the lowest numbers were found in winter and autumn. The viable counts of halophilic bacteria were lower in 25% NaCl than 20%. The highest counts of halophilic fungi and yeast were recorded in summer at the three sites and the lowest counts were found in spring and autumn. The counts of halophilic yeast were decreased with the increase in the concentrations of NaCl. Seasonally, the population of halophilic bacteria in the three sites is generally higher than that of either fungi or yeast. Twenty halophilic marine yeasts isolated from Mediterranean Sea were identified as Aureobasidium sp., Debaryomyces hansenii and Saccharomyces rosei. Thirty-four halophilic fungi were identified as Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium brevicompactum, P. canescens, Zalerion maritimum, Alternaria maritima, Fusarium sp. and Phoma sp., which were also able to grow on high concentrations of NaCl [20% and 25%]. Aureobasidium sp. was the most abundant at site III [81.8%] in the summer, although Debaryomyces hansenii was predominated at site I [59.5%] in the winter. Penicillium brevicompactum was occurred in relatively low numbers at the three sites in all season. The results showed that Aureobasidium sp. and Penicillium brevicompactum were predominated in the summer at site III, however Debaryomyces hansenii was predominated at site I in winter. Seventy-three halophilic bacteria isolates were identified related to Micrococcus roseus, Micrococcus varians, Micrococcus sp., Bacillus sp. and Flavobacterium haemophilus. Although sea water and yeast extract stimulated the growth of some halophilic yeast and filamentous fungi on medium supplemented with high concentration of NaCl; Aureobasidium sp., Debaryomyces hansenii and P. brevicompactum were able to tolerate the high concentration of NaCl [30%] when mixture of vitamins [folic acid, riboflavin, biotin and pantothenic acid] was added to the growth medium

Interleukin-2 psoriasis evaluation of red vs. mediterranean sea bathing and uvb irradiation

Sixty psoriatic patients were studied to determine the effect of climatotherapy on their serum interleukin-2 and psoriatic lesions. They were divided into two groups bathed in Red and Mediterranean Sea water, followed by irradiation with incremental doses of UVB lamp three times weekly for four weeks. The study also included twenty healthy persons for detection of their serum IL-2 as a control group. The results showed a significant decrease of both serum IL-2 and PASI [psoriatic area and severity index] after treatment compared with those before treatment in both groups. The improvement may be due to a decreased number of Langerhans cells which decreased the immune reaction as a result of exposure to UVB. Also, sea water bathing may express osmotic pressure causing IL-2 to pass out of skin giving rise to improvement together with decrease of the mitotic rate of epidermis due to high salt concentration. There was no significant statistical difference in treatment with Red vs. Mediterranean Sea water bathing

Environmental studies of seawater along the Egyptian mediterranean beaches between Port-Said and Gamasa

Monthly sea water samples were collected from the beaches of Gamasa. Ras El-Bar [Damietta estuary] and port said during the period from July, 1992 to June, 1993. The environmental parameters, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, urea, phosphate and silicate were measured. The results reveal that, generally, port-said region exhibited higher leveles of nutrient salts with respect to those in the other areas mainly due to the outflowing of breackish water enriched with these nutrients from lake manzala. Also damietta branch has little effect on the sea as its Nile water has been efficiently damned in the branch 20 km landward by faraskour dam

Residue levels of organochlorine insecticides and polychlorinated biphenyl [PCB's] in some organisms from the mediterranean sea off Alexandria, Egypt

Four species of fish, three species of crustacean and one species of green algae were collected from the Mediterranean sea off Alexandria, and analysed for their DDT'S, PCB's and lindane content the results indicate that the higher concentration of PCB 's was found in Sardina spp. And the lower was found in penaeus japonicus. While the high level of lindane content was found in portunus pelagica. The concentration factor [cf] of EPCB' s EDDT' s and EHCH is high in sardine spp. Content. The ratios between DDE/PCB are significantly different for fish [0.22 +/- 0.12], while in crustaceans the ratio was 0.29 +/- 0.15 and 0.023 for algae. The results obtained for accumulation of pesticides within the food chain in marine organisms collected from the Egyptian waters are in good agreement with those obtained from other regions of the Mediterranean Sea

Chemical composition of some marine algae from the mediterranean sea off Alexandria, Egypt

Caulerpa racemosa, Enteromorpha intestinalis, Ulva Fasciata, U.lactuca, Halopteris scoparia, corallina mediterranea, hypnea musciformis and pterocladia capillacea are collected from two regions with different degree of pollution, Abu Qir and Eastern Harbour. Ash, inorganic and organic species of marine algae 1- Ashcontentreaching to 53.0 mg g[-1] for Ulva fasciata and 350.0 mg g[-1] for coralline mediterranea. 2- Inorganic carbon ranged between 110.0 and 451.0 mg.g[-1] for Enteromorpha intestinalis and coralline meditrranea respesctively. 3- Organic carbon content is degraded from 604.3 to 131.0 mg g[-1] for Caulerpa eacemosa and Corallina mediterranea. 4- Total carbohydrates vary from 36.0 and 92.0 mg g[-1] for Hypna musciformis and pterocladia capillacea, respectively. 5- Protein contents are more fluctuated from 68.0 to 343.0 mg g[-1] for coralline mediterranea and ulva fasciata, respectively. 6- the algal protein is characterized by high level of glutamic and aspartic acids, valine, leucine, arginine, lysine and phenylalanine

Vitamin C in some marine algae from the Mediterranean sea shore or Alexandria

Forty three species of marine algae belonging to Chlorophyta, Phaeophyta and Rhodophyta collected from Alexandria sea shore during the summer season of 1989 were analyzed for their content of vitamin C [Ascorbic acid AA and Dehydroascorbic acid DHA]. The spectrophotometric analyses showed that considerable amounts of vitamin C were observed in the brown algae: Cystoseira tamariscifolia, C. foeniculacea, Dictyot dichotoma and Taenia atomaria [average value 240.6 ug g[-1]fresh weight "f.w."] followed by the green alga Chaetomorpha linum [165.6 ug g[-1]f.w.] and the red alga Corallina mediterranea [141.01 ug g[-1]f.w.]. Generally the brown algae contained the highest amounts of vitamin C. With few exception, most species have DHA higher than AA. The AA/DHA ratio varied considerably from one alga to the other. This ratio may play an important role in controlling the growth of algae