Screening and formulation of chemoattractant coatings for artificial reef structures.

This study was carried out to augment the colonization of marine benthic communities on artificial reef structure. Increasing marine pollution along with various natural hazards cause severe damages to marine algae and associated fauna. In recent years, artificial reefs have been deployed in coastal regions of several parts of the world in order to increase the marine productivity. They are mainly built with concrete materials, however their leachates have considerable impacts on algae. Therefore to increase the algal colonization five chemoattractants such as ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, ammonium nitrate, sodium phosphate and ferrous lactate were screened against spores of a fouling alga, Ulva pertusa. FeSO4 / ZnO (8:2) and ferrous lactate coatings showed the highest spore attachment with 52 +/- 5.2 cm2 and 79.5 +/- 10.2 cm2 spores respectively (p<0.01). Furthermore using these chemoattractants, coating formulations were made and their performances were investigated at East coast (Ayajin harbor) and South coast (Meejo harbor) of Korea. A maximum fouling coverage (with green algae 25%, red algae 11.3% and brown algae 63.7%) was estimated from ferrous lactate coatings (p<0.01). Different composition of coating formulations and their chemoattractive properties were evaluated.

Seasonal variations of marine algal community in the vicinity of Uljin nuclear power plant, Korea.

Three marine algal sites were examined seasonally in an area of thermal discharge from the Uljin nuclear power plant in Korea to assess possible impacts from thermal stress. Quadrat samples were taken at three sites: cooling water intake, outfall and Chukbyon. The degree of wave exposure increased from intake, outfallto Chukbyon. Percent cover and biomass were response variables. All sites were, by numbers red algae, followed by brown and green algae. Over the year the maximum species diversity was also found at the Chukbyon (2.39), but the minimal one (1.67) was observed at the outfall. Seasonally generally among algal form-functional groups, filamentous and coarsely branched algae were most abundant throughout the year at the three sites. The numberof species in the jointed calcareous groups increased remarkably at the outfall. Based on these results, species richness appears tobe strongly affected by wave exposure and thermal stress. The higher proportion of calcareous form groups at the outfall sites indicates that these species are better adapted morphologically to thermal stress such as high temperatures.

Isolation of cadmium-induced DNA sequence in microalga Nannochloropsis oculata.

The gene induced in response to Cd exposure in microalga Nannochloropsis oculata was examined in this investigation. In order to isolate this gene by using nested PCR, degenerated primers were designed on the basis of highly conserved regions of the amino acid sequences of various phytochelatin synthase. The size of the nested PCR amplification product from Nannochloropsis oculata by using two degenerated primers was measured to be 266 bp. The 266 bp DNA fragment was sequenced, and it might be induced by Cd exposure in microalga Nannochloropsis oculata.

Effects of copper (I) oxide on growth and biochemical compositions of two marine microalgae.

In copper based antifouling (AF) paints Cu (I) oxide was largely used as booster biocide. In this study effect of Cu (I) oxide on two marine microalgae, Tetraselmis suecica and Dunaliella tertiolecta was demonstrated. EC50 (96 hr) concentrations estimated for T. suecica and D. tertiolecta were 1.3 mg l(-1) and 1.34 mg l(-1), respectively. Copper (I) oxide induced changes in growth, chlorophyll, carbohydrate and protein contents were observed in T. suecica and D. tertiolecta. At low concentration of 0.0625 mg l(-1), 3-26% and 1-16% growth stimulation was observed in T. suecica and T. tertiolecta respectively. Increasing Cu (I) oxide concentrations proportionately decreased the carbohydrate and protein contents. This study clearly indicates the toxicity of excessive Cu (I) oxide on growth and biochemical compositions of T. suecica and D. tertiolecta.

Euglenoid blooms in the floodplain wetlands of Barak Valley, Assam, North eastern India.

Red blooms of Euglena sp. in the floodplain wetland ecosystems of Barak Valley, Assam, India, were found to be induced by high concentrations of NH3-N, NO3, Fe, Mg and to some extent, PO4, Cu and Zn in their water. The trace elements were rapidly accumulated by the bloom organisms to high levels, whereby their concentrations in the water declined, leading to a collapse of the bloom, which tended to reappear as decomposition again led to the release of the nutrients. The bloom also harboured fairly high density of certain other algae and zooplankton, thereby acting as a sub-system within the wetland ecosystem. The bloom is non-toxic and is exploited as a fish food by the fish-farmers who artificially induce a bloom for augmenting the growth of surface-feeding species of fishes.

Actividad inhibitoria "in vitro" de algunos antisépticos frente a cultivos de Prototheca wickerhamii / \"In vitro\" inhibitory activity of some antiseptic drugs against Prototheca wickerhamii strains

Se estudió la acción inhibidora "in vitro" de los siguientes antisépticos: etil mercurio tiosalicilato de sodio, azida sódica, borato de sodio, yoduro de potasio, fenol y cloro, frente a cultivos de 5 cepas de Prototheca wickerhamii. La acción "in vitro" de estas drogas fue medida mediante el halo de inhibición que produjeron en los cultivos de Prototheca en medio de agar-miel de Sabouraud incubados a 28ºC. Los resultados obtenidos permitieron establecer que todas las cepas eran uniformemente susceptibles al etilmercurio tiosalicilato de sodio y a la azida sódica, la mayor parte fue inhibida por el yoduro de potasio, en tanto que, el borato de sodio, el fenol y el cloro resultaron inactivos en las diluciones utilizadas

Etude experimentale de l'effet des algues marines dans le traitement de l'obesite'

To test the potentiel effect of the seaweed algea on enhancing weight reduction, 10 obese women [age 38.6 +/- 3.1 y, weight 92.2 +/- 7.2Kg] received an algotherapy [twice weekly] in addition to energy restriction during a 3-month period. Results showed that the weight reduction - associated decrease in resting metabolic rate and glucose-induced thermogenesis were not affected by the algotherapy. Whereas, all obese patients reported a well-being, sleep amelioration and an improvement of skin tonicity

Effect of ivermectin on combined intestinal protozoal infection [giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis]

Ivermectin, a broad spectrum antiparasitic agent, has become a promising drug for treating parasitic infection and infestation. This study was carried out to investigate its activity against 2 common protozoal infection, giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis, in a rat model. The results of this study showed that ivermectin therapy is effective against both parasites at a dose of 200 mug/kg

Influence of clay minerals on selenium toxicity to algae

In this study, selenite was found to be acutely toxic to the fresh water algae Anabaena constricta and Chlorella ellipsoidea. However, the latter was more tolerant. Severe reduction in chlorophyll a content was significant reaching 65.2%, 61.4% for Anabaena and Chlorella respectively at 30mg L[-1] Se after 24 hrs incubation. The EC50 values were: 138 mg SeL-1, 141 mg Se L[-1] at one day; 120 mg Se L[-1], 126 mg Se L[-1] at 3 days; 91 mg Se L[-1], 100 mg Se L[-1] at 5 days and 67 mg Se L[-1], 70 mg Se L[-1] at 7 days for Anabaena and Chlorella, respectively. Addition of the clay minerals kaolinite and bentonite decreased selenite toxicity considerably, bentonite was more effective. The EC50 values for combined effect of selenium and either kaolinite or bentonite in reducing growth after 7 days incubation were 76,83 mg Se L[-1] for Anabaena and 73, 81 mg Se L[-1] for Chlorella. Phosphorus uptake by Chlorella was enhanced and went parallel with a concomitant elevation in pH values of the medium with increasing selenite concentrations, and observation which was controversely to that exhibited in Anabaena cultures. Acid and alkalize phosphatase activity decreased in both organisms with increasing Se concentrations

Toxicidad en las aguas y su impacto en la salud pública / Water toxicity and it impact on public health

Actualmente, la pureza de las aguas es uno de los bienes más preciados, sin embargo, cada día, la contaminación va en aumento siendo un problema mundial. Entre los contaminantes se encuentran múltiples compuestos, produciendo algunos de ellos graves situaciones de toxicidad para la vida acuática y la salud de las personas, cuando ésta se utiliza para la bebida. En este trabajo se presentan algunas de las principales contaminantes, así como los sistemas que son necesarios para detectar el daño real que estarían produciendo en la masa acuática. Es imperativo el implementar sistemas de igilancia eficientes, que permitan prevenir adecuadamente cualquier efecto nocivo a la salud de la población

Sterility and the disinfection potential of Indian contact lens solutions.

Ocular infection associated with microbial contamination of contact lens care products is a major problem in contact lens wearers. The sterility and the antimicrobial activity of contact lens care systems reflect their suitability for disinfection of contact lenses. These factors remain to be evaluated for the various newer contact lens care products manufactured in India. In this study, 35 bottles of contact lens solutions marketed by different manufacturing units in India were tested for sterility. Seven solutions were tested for antimicrobial effectiveness employing the D value method of analysis. The D value is defined as the time required to reduce a population of organisms by 90% (one log unit). A standard inoculum of the ocular isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium solani, and Acanthamoeba castellanii were used as challenge organisms. Bacterial contamination was detected in 20 (57.1%) solution bottles and none yielded fungus or Acanthamoeba. Pseudomonas species were the most commonly encountered contaminant (11/20; 55%). Only sterile solutions were analyzed for antimicrobial activity. D values ranging between 12 and 20 minutes were demonstrated by six of the seven solutions against bacterial challenge. Good antifungal activity was noticed in five solutions against Fusarium solani though results varied with Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans. All solutions were adequately effective against Acanthamoeba.

Effect of application of inorganic fertilizers on the benthic fauna of the Nozha hydrodrome [Egypt]

Qualitative and quantitative estimations of bottom fauna was carried out monthly in the Nozha Hydrodrme [Egypt] during the period October, 1986 September, 1987. As a result of the reduced conditions which prevailed at the botton after prolonged additions of inorganic and nitrate fertilizers and increased eutrophication of water perior to the present investigation, the chironomus larvae and the oligochaete paranais sp. Dominated the community and contributed numerically 59.4% and 34.2% of the total benthos respectively, while gammarus spp. Formed only 6.3%. previous estimations of the benthic fauna before application of these fertilizers revealed the dominance of Corophium spp. Which constituted more than 86% by number of the total benthos while they disappeared totally in the present investigation. Also the biomass of bottom fauna has decreased from 6.3 gm fresh wt/m[2] in 1955 to 2.06 gm fresh wt/m[2]. results emphasize the importance of carrying out parallel quantitative estimations of benthos beside that of the phytoplankton and zooplankton communities during periods of application of fertilizers in order to maintain the optimum concentration levels of these fertilizers which yield the most favourable balance between these 3 components

Inhibition of cytokinesis by lead (Pb2+) in a centric diatom.

Effect of inorganic and organo lead has been studied on the mitosis of a centric diatom Cyclotella meneghiniana f. unipunctata. Binucleate cells were formed in the presence of different concentrations of Pb2+ (1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 5.0 mM) due to inhibition of cell plate formation. Lead at 5.0 mM concentration was more inhibitory than the other concentrations. Organo lead was a powerful depressant of cytokinesis than inorganic lead. Failure of cytokinesis might be due to disruption of microtubules. Formation of distinct nuclei delayed post incubation cell divisions suggest partial damage of mitotic spindles.

Screening the mutagenic activities of commonly used antiparasite drugs by the simultest, a simplified Salmonella/microsome plate incorporation assay

As atividades mutagenicas de 16 drogas com acao anti-parasitaria foram avaliadas pelo Simultest em ensaios qualitativos (spot testes) e quantitativos (incorporacao em placa) com uma mistura das linhagens indicadoras de Salmonella typhimurium TA97, TA98, TA100 e TA102. Quatro drogas anti-doenca de Chagas (nifurtimox, benzonidazol, CL 64,855 e MK 436) e duas drogas anti-amebiase (metronidazol e tinidazol) deram resultados positivos em testes qualitativos e a incorporacao de fracao microssomal de figado de rato nao alterou os resultados. Curvas comparadas de efeito da dose da atividade mutagenica do metronidazol, benzonidazol e CL 64,855 detectadas oelo Simultest e linhagens indicadoras individuais demonstraram que as duas abordagens possuem sensibilidades semelhantes. Os resultados corroboram a validade do Simultest como uma versao simplificada, rapida e economica do teste de Ames no rastreamento preliminar de drogas potencialmente mutagenicas

Açäo in vitro do Bay n 7.133 sobre fungos, algas e actinomicetos aeróbios / In vitro activity of Bay n 7.133 against fungi, algae and aerobic actinomycetes

Estudou-se a atividade in vitro do BAY n 7.133 (novo derivado imidazólico) sobre fungos, algas e actinomicetos aeróbios. Dissolvido o produto em dimetilformamida, foram obtidas concentraçöes do fármaco de 128-64-32-16-8-4-2-1-0,5-0,25-0,125 e 0,062 microng/ml de meio. Todas as experiências foram realizadas em duplicata, utilizando-se em média, três amostras de cada microrganismo. Foram examinadas 153 "cepas", sendo 35 de leveduras (gêneros Candida, Cryptococcus, Torulopsis e Trichosporon), 22 de dermatófilos, 21 de "fungos dimórficos", 18 de Aspergillus, 36 de "outros fungos", 12 de actinomicetos aeróbios e nove amostras de algas. Os resultados obtidos in vitro mostram que, das espécies de Candida, a mais sensível foi a Candida pseudotropicalis, considerada como "padräo" ou de "referência" para a dosagem do produto em amostras de soro ou plasma. Os dermatófitos, os fungos dimórficos e "outros fungos" mostraram sensibilidade variável, sendo praticamente resistentes todas as amostras de actinomicetos aeróbios e algas. Fissuricella filamenta mostrou sensibilidade ao redor de 2 microng/ml, aproximando-se dos fungos em geral. Com exceçäo do Sporothrix schenckii, os outros fungos dimórficos sofreram boa sensibilidade à droga ensaiada. Em um grupo bastante heterogêneo de "outros fungos", incluindo agentes de eumicetomas, de infecçöes oportunísticas (oculomicoses, principalmente), de cromomicose, de feohifomicose e de basidiobolomicose, verificamos resistência do Chrysosporium parvum e relativa sensibilidade do Basidiobolus ranarum. Näo trabalhamos com zigomicetos da ordem Mucorales. Na base dos resultados obtidos in vitro após provas farmacológicas em animais, este produto poderá ser eventualmente aplicado em pacientes de paracoccidioidomicose, blastomicose norte-americana, histoplasmose, candidíases, dermatomicoses, criptococose, aspergilose, cromomicose, eumicetomas, feohifomicose e basidiobolomicose subcutânea