The challenges faced after a major trauma at an expedition ship at a remote area. Report of one Case / Desafíos enfrentados después de un trauma mayor en un barco de expedición en un área remota. Informe de un caso

The challenges of practicing medicine in small ships on remote sites involve limited resources, lack of specialized support, and longer interactions with a patient in an isolated environment. This report describes the successful management of a patient who suffered a major injury after fell from the stairs in an expedition ship in the Southern Ocean in the Antarctic route. The patient was managed by the onboard physician for four days until the medical evacuation was possible.

Los desafíos de practicar la medicina en barcos pequeños en sitios remotos implican recursos limitados, falta de apoyo especializado e interacciones más prolongadas con el paciente en un entorno aislado. Este manuscrito describe el manejo exitoso de un paciente quien sufrió un trauma mayor producto de una caída en un barco de expedición en el Océano Austral en la ruta Antártica. El paciente fue manejado por el médico de a bordo durante cuatro días hasta que fue posible realizar la evacuación médica.

Identification of antarctic soil bacteria exhibiting antiproliferative activity against a colon cancer cell line / Identificación de bacterias de suelo antártico que presentan actividad antiproliferativa sobre una línea celular de cáncer de colon

SUMMARY: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world and colorectal cancer is the only cancer that has shown a sustained increase in mortality in the last decade. In the search for new chemotherapeutic agents against cancer, extremophilic microorganisms have shown to be a potential source to obtain molecules of natural origin and with selective cytotoxic action towards cancer cells. In this work we analyzed the ability of a collection of Antarctic soil bacteria, isolated on Collins Glacier from the rhizosphere of Deschampsia antarctica Desv plant, to secrete molecules capable of inhibiting cell proliferation of a colorectal cancer tumor line. Our results demonstrated that culture supernatants from the Antarctic bacteria K2I17 and MI12 decreased the viability of LoVo cells, a colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line. Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of the Antarctic bacteria showed that they were taxonomically related and nucleotide identity analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence identified the bacterium K2I17 as a species belonging to the genus Bacillus.

El cáncer es la segunda causa de muerte en el mundo y el cáncer colorrectal es el único que presenta un aumento sostenido de la mortalidad en la última década. En la búsqueda de nuevos agentes quimioterapeúticos contra el cáncer, se ha propuesto a los microorganismos extremófilos como una fuente potencial para obtener moléculas de origen natural y con acción citotóxica selectiva hacia las células cancerígenas. En este trabajo analizamos la capacidad de una colección de bacterias de suelo antártico, aisladas en el glaciar Collins desde rizosfera de la planta de Deschampsia antarctica Desv, de secretar moléculas capaces de inhibir la proliferación celular de una línea tumoral de cáncer colorrectal. Nuestros resultados demostraron que los sobrenadantes de cultivo de las bacterias antárticas K2I17 y MI12 disminuyeron la viabilidad de la línea celular de adenocarcinoma colorrectal LoVo, en un ensayo de reducción metabólica de MTT. La caracterización fenotípica y genotípica de las bacterias antárticas, demostró que estaban relacionadas taxonómicamente y el análisis de la identidad nucleotídica en base a la secuencia del gen ARNr 16S identificó a la bacteria K2I17 como una especie perteneciente al género Bacillus.

Fatty acid profiles of Antarctic cyanobacteria Leptolyngbya

Aim: Antarctic cyanobacteria may represent a potential resource of new and unique compounds with interesting capabilities. Profiling of fatty acids in Antarctic cyanobacteria can provide an overview of potential fatty acids present in them, that can be utilised in future applicationsMethodology: In total, 4 cyanobacteria previously isolated from Antarctic polar ice was used in this study. Molecular identification using 16S rRNA gene was used to ascertain their identities as Leptolyngbya spp. and their fatty acid profiles were determined using GCMS. Results: Morphologically, these cyanobacteria were found similar to Leptolyngbya sp. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences amplified further confirmed their identity and were designated as Leptolyngbya sp. A, B, D and E. Following fatty acid analysis using GCMS, it was determined that unsaturated fatty acids predominated the fatty acid profiles for Leptolyngbya sp. A, B and D, while saturated fatty acid was found dominant in Leptolyngbya sp. E. Leptolyngbya sp. D contained almost 100% of linoleic acid, whilst Leptolyngbya sp. A and Leptolyngbya sp. B contained 59.35% and 83.33% of linoleic acid, respectively. Besides linoleic acid, palmitoleic acid (18.45%), oleic acid (19.45%) and lauric acid (2.74%) were also present in Leptolyngbya sp. A. As for Leptolyngbya sp. B, other than linoleic acid, only oleic acid (16.67%) was detected. Interpretation: Findings from this study demonstrate that the Antarctic Leptolyngbya spp. A, B and D identified in this study possess high content of unsaturated fatty acids, while only saturated fatty acid was present in Leptolyngbya sp. E. Fatty acid profiles revealed the potential of these Antarctic Leptolyngbya species to be further exploited for other applications.

Gerenciamento do comportamento seguro para manutenção da vida na Estação Antártica Brasileira / Management of safe behavior to maintain life at the Brazilian Antarctic Station / Gestión del comportamiento seguro para mantenimiento de la vida en la Estación Antártica Brasileña

Em regiões polares, o gerenciamento do comportamento seguro é fundamental às operações de abastecimento para manutenção da vida (OPAMV). O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar aspectos do comportamento seguro nas OPAMV na Estação Antártica Comandante Ferraz (EACF) durante o inverno. A pesquisa foi descritiva, de abordagem qualitativa e procedimento de triangulação de observações e levantamento de dados. Foram realizadas observações da rotina de trabalho e entrevistas com a tripulação da Força Aérea Brasileira (n=12) e com o grupo-base (GB) da EACF (N=30). A autonomia do GB no trabalho minimiza o impacto das características extremas do inverno. As OPAMV na EACF repercutem diretamente na subsistência e na manutenção de laços afetivos externos. O estudo do gerenciamento do comportamento seguro aponta fatores com potencial de reduzirem riscos de acidentes e adoecimentos, impactando na permanência salutar no contexto. O aperfeiçoamento dos estudos pode contribuir para a atenção dos fatores humanos em condições polares.

In polar regions, the management of safe behavior is fundamental to supply operations to maintain life (OPML). The objective of this study was to control OPML at the Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station during the winter. The research was descriptive, with a qualitative approach and the procedure of triangulation of observations and survey. Routine questions and interviews with the crew (n = 12) and with the base group (BG) of Ferraz Station (N = 30) were conducted. The autonomy of the BG in the work minimizes the impact of extreme winter characteristics. OPML at Ferraz Station has direct repercussions on subsistence and on the maintenance of external affective bonds. The study of safe behavior points to factors with the potential to reduce the risks of accidents and illness, having impact on healthy permanence in this context. Improvement of these studies can contribute to attending to human factors in polar conditions.

En regiones polares, la gestión del comportamiento seguro es fundamental para las operaciones de aprovisionamiento y el mantenimiento de la vida (OPAMV). El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar aspectos del comportamiento seguro en las OPAMV en la Estación Antártica Comandante Ferraz (EACF) durante el invierno. La investigación fue descriptiva, cualitativa y de triangulación de observaciones y datos. Se realizaron observaciones de rutina de trabajo y entrevistas con la tripulación de la Fuerza Aérea Brasileña (n = 12) y con el grupo base (GB) de la EACF (N = 30). La autonomía del GB minimiza el impacto de las características extremas del invierno. Las OPAMV en la EACF repercuten directamente en la subsistencia y mantenimiento de vínculos afectivos externos. El estudio de la gestión del comportamiento seguro indica riesgos de accidentes y enfermedades, afectando a la permanencia saludable en el contexto. El perfeccionamiento de los estudios puede contribuir a la atención de los factores humanos en condiciones polares.

Exploration of standardized neurocognitive test battery for personnel in military isolated and confined environments / 第二军医大学学报

A standardized neurocognitive test battery is needed to study the effects of military isolated and confined environments on the cognitive functions of personnel. The cognitive tests currently in use have the following problems: inconsistency among different studies, no clear psychological processes, the presence of practice effect, absence of related normative data, and insufficiency in sensitivity, difficulty, and comprehensiveness. Therefore it is proposed that the neurocognitive tests for military isolated and confined environments should meet the following requirements: (1) easy to carry and easy to carry out the test; (2) the test time should be as short as possible (≤30 min); (3) suitable for repeated measuring, and the subjects can reach a stable level quickly; (4) preferably a complete set of test, the cognitive function should be comprehensively and should be closely related to specific tasks; (5) the test should be based on the norm of military isolated and confined environments and the changing curve with time, which can be used as controls; (6) the reliability and validity of the cognitive test should have been tested; (7) with high sensitivity and appropriate test difficulty; (8) the psychological process involved in the cognitive test is clear and simple, making it easy for result interpretation; and (9) the brain areas activated by cognitive test should be clear, which is convenient for further neuropsychological research. Cognition, American National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) neurocognitive test battery for spaceflight, almost perfectly fits the above nine requirements. In the future when our army develops the neurocognitive test tools based on NASA Cognition, we should emphasize the following four focuses: improving the portability of the cognitive test device, developing computerized adaptive cognitive tests, clarifying the inclusion criteria of cognitive tests, and developing parallel tests with consistent psychometrics characteristics.

Métodos de identificación polifásica aplicados a la búsqueda de microorganismos con potencial industrial / Polyphasic identification methods applied in searching for microorganisms with industrial potential

Introducción: La bioprospección de metabolitos de interés antropogénico emplea métodos de recolección de microorganismos en ecosistemas extremófilos o endémicos. La microbiota aislada en estos lugares puede o no incluir microorganismos patógenos. Es imprescindible un enfoque interdisciplinario que permita abordar la búsqueda de las especies de interés mientras se preserva la buena salud de los investigadores. Objetivo: Identificar molecular, bioquímica y morfológicamente microorganismos patógenos humanos en cepas celulolíticas de importancia industrial almacenadas en el banco de cepas del Laboratorio de Investigación de la Facultad de Ingeniería Química de la Universidad Central del Ecuador, procedentes del Yasuní, la Antártida y Balzapamba. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de bioprospección de bacterias celulolíticas empleando técnicas de microbiología ambiental. Se evaluaron las características morfológicas mediante tinciones, como por ejemplo Gram. Además, se realizaron pruebas bioquímicas y antibiogramas para bacterias Gram-negativas y Gram-positivas. Las pruebas moleculares utilizaron extracción de ADN bacteriano para la secuenciación Sanger del gen 16S. Resultados: Se encontraron las especies Klebsiella pneumoniae (Y2 y Y3r) y Nocardia asteroides (Y1 y Y3p) en las muestras de material lignocelulósico recolectadas en Yasuní, mientras que las especies aisladas en la Antártida y en Balzapamba corresponden a Bacillus subtillis. Conclusiones: Se identificaron cepas pertenecientes a diferentes géneros bacterianos. Las bacterias del género Klebsiella, en las muestras colectadas en Yasuní, podrían tener un potencial patógeno. Eso se puede corroborar con técnicas de genotipificación. Por lo tanto, puede existir riesgo para los seres humanos que realizan bioprospección en ese ecosistema y se deben tomar medidas de bioseguridad.

Abstract Background: The bioprospection of metabolites of anthropogenic interests employs methods of collecting microorganisms in extremophile or endemic ecosystems. The microbiota isolated in these places may or may not include pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, an interdisciplinary approach is essential to address the search of the species of interest while the good health of the researchers is preserved. Objective: To identify in molecular, biochemical and morphologically ways some human pathogenic microorganisms in cellulolytic strains of industrial importance stored in the strain bank of the Research Laboratory of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering at the Central University of Ecuador, from Yasuní, Antarctic and Balzapamba. Methods: IA bioprospecting study of cellulolytic bacteria was performed using environmental microbiology techniques. Morphological characteristics were assessed by Gram staining. In addition, biochemical tests and antibiograms were performed for Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The molecular tests used extraction of bacterial ADN for 16S gene Sanger sequencing. Results: The species Klebsiella pneumoniae (Y2 and Y3r) and Nocardia asteroides (Y1 and Y3p) were found in samples of lignocellulosic material collected in Yasuni, while the isolated species in Antarctica and Balzapamba correspond to Bacillus subtillis. Conclusions: Strains belonging to different bacterial genera were identified. The bacteria of the genus Klebsiella from the samples collected in Yasuní could have a potential pathogen. This can be corroborated with genotyping techniques. Therefore, there could be a risk to humans who perform bioprospecting in that ecosystem and biosecurity measures should be taken.

Mapeamento de Estressores no Trabalho de Expedicionários do Programa Antártico Brasileiro (PROANTAR) / Mapping of Stressors in the Work of Expeditionary Brazilian Antarctic Program (PROANTAR)

RESUMO O programa Antártico Brasileiro (PROANTAR) realiza expedições à Antártica, onde militares e civis são expostos a estressores. A presente pesquisa mapeou os estressores ambientais, ocupacionais e interpessoais percebidos por participantes do PROANTAR. Uma amostra de 38 pessoas, separadas em dois grupos, foi avaliada no início e final de uma expedição. Os resultados obtidos por meio de questionários e entrevistas indicaram prevalência de estressores ambientais (60,71%), ocupacionais (23,80%) e interpessoais (15,47%) no início, e de estressores interpessoais (55,97%), ambientais (32,08%) e ocupacionais (11,94%) ao final. Os resultados sugerem que a convivência forçada gera a percepção de estressores interpessoais se sobrepondo aos ambientais. Fenômenos psicológicos deveriam ser considerados no planejamento de futuras expedições, pois estão relacionados à saúde e desempenho das atividades.

ABSTRACT The Brazilian Antarctic Program (PROANTAR) conducts expeditions to Antarctica, where military and civilian are exposed to stressors. The present research mapped the environmental, occupational and interpersonal stressors perceived by PROANTAR participants. A sample of 38 people, separated into two groups, was evaluated at the beginning and end of an expedition. The results obtained through questionnaires and interviews indicated the prevalence of environmental (60.71%), occupational (23.80%) and interpersonal (15.47%) stressors at the beginning, and interpersonal (55.97%), environmental (32.08%) and occupational (11.94%) stressors at the end. The results suggest that the forced coexistence generates the perception of interpersonal stressors overlapping environmental ones. Psychological phenomena should be considered in the planning of future expeditions, as they are related to health and performance of activities.

Desiccation tolerance in the Antarctic moss Sanionia uncinata

BACKGROUND: One of the most extreme environments on our planet is the Maritime Antarctic territory, due to its low-water availability, which restricts the development of plants. Sanionia uncinata Hedw. (Amblystegiaceae), the main colonizer of the Maritime Antarctic, has effective mechanisms to tolerate this environment. It has been described that the tolerance to desiccation is mediated by the hormone abscisic acid (ABA), antioxidants systems, accumulation of compatible solutes and proteins of the late embryogenesis abundant (LEA). However, to date, these mechanisms have not been described in S. uncinata. Therefore, in this work, we postulate that the tolerance to desiccation in the Antarctic moss S. uncinata is mediated by the accumulation of ABA, the osmolytes proline and glycine betaine, and dehydrins (an LEA class 11 proteins). To demonstrate our hypothesis, S. uncinata was subjected to desiccation for 24 h (loss in 95% of water content), and the effects on its physiological, photosynthetic, antioxidant and biochemical parameters were determined. RESULTS: Our results showed an accumulation of ABA in response to water loss, and the activation of protective responses that involves an increment in levels of proline and glycine betaine, an increment in the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, APX and POD, and the accumulation of dehydrins proteins. CONCLUSION: The results showed, suggest that S. uncinata is a desiccation-tolerant moss, property mediated by high cellular plasticity regulated by ABA.

Photoprotection enhanced by red cell wall pigments in three East Antarctic mosses

BACKGROUND: Antarctic bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) are resilient to physiologically extreme environmental conditions including elevated levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to depletion of stratospheric ozone. Many Antarctic bryophytes synthesise UV-B-absorbing compounds (UVAC) that are localised in their cells and cell walls, a location that is rarely investigated for UVAC in plants. This study compares the concentrations and localisation of intracellular and cell wall UVAC in Antarctic Ceratodon purpureus, Bryum pseudotriquetrum and Schistidium antarctici from the Windmill Islands, East Antarctica. RESULTS: Multiple stresses, including desiccation and naturally high UV and visible light, seemed to enhance the incorporation of total UVAC including red pigments in the cell walls of all three Antarctic species analysed. The red growth form of C. purpureus had significantly higher levels of cell wall bound and lower intracellular UVAC concentrations than its nearby green form. Microscopic and spectroscopic analyses showed that the red colouration in this species was associated with the cell wall and that these red cell walls contained less pectin and phenolic esters than the green form. All three moss species showed a natural increase in cell wall UVAC content during the growing season and a decline in these compounds in new tissue grown under less stressful conditions in the laboratory. CONCLUSIONS: UVAC and red pigments are tightly bound to the cell wall and likely have a long-term protective role in Antarctic bryophytes. Although the identity of these red pigments remains unknown, our study demonstrates the importance of investigating cell wall UVAC in plants and contributes to our current understanding of UV-protective strategies employed by particular Antarctic bryophytes. Studies such as these provide clues to how these plants survive in such extreme habitats and are helpful in predicting future survival of the species studied.

Cold-active pectinolytic activity produced by filamentous fungi associated with Antarctic marine sponges

BACKGROUND: Pectinase enzymes catalyze the breakdown of pectin, a key component of the plant cell wall. At industrial level, pectinases are used in diverse applications, especially in food-processing industry. Currently, most of the industrial pectinases have optimal activity at mesophilic temperatures. On the contrary, very little is known about the pectinolytic activities from organisms from cold climates such as Antarctica. In this work, 27 filamentous fungi isolated from marine sponges collected in King George Island, Antarctica, were screened as new source of cold-active pectinases. RESULTS: In semi-quantitative plate assays, 8 out 27 of these isolates showed pectinolytic activities at 15 °C and one of them, Geomyces sp. strain F09-T3-2, showed the highest production of pectinases in liquid medium containing pectin as sole carbon source. More interesting, Geomyces sp. F09-T3-2 showed optimal pectinolytic activity at 30 °C, 10 °C under the temperature of currently available commercial mesophilic pectinases. CONCLUSION: Filamentous fungi associated with Antarctic marine sponges are a promising source of pectinolytic activity. In particular, pectinases from Geomyces sp. F09-T3-2 may be potentially suitable for biotechnological applications needing cold-active pectinases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the production of pectinolytic activity from filamentous fungi from any environment in Antarctica.

Isolation and molecular characterization of Thraustochytrium strain isolated from Antarctic Peninsula and its biotechnological potential in the production of fatty acids

ABSTRACT Thraustochytrids are unicellular protists belonging to the Labyrinthulomycetes class, which are characterized by the presence of a high lipid content that could replace conventional fatty acids. They show a wide geographic distribution, however their diversity in the Antarctic Region is rather scarce. The analysis based on the complete sequence of 18S rRNA gene showed that strain 34-2 belongs to the species Thraustochytrium kinnei, with 99% identity. The total lipid profile shows a wide range of saturated fatty acids with abundance of palmitic acid (16:0), showing a range of 16.1-19.7%. On the other hand, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid are present in a range of 24-48% and 6.1-9.3%, respectively. All factors analyzed in cells (biomass, carbon consumption and lipid content) changed with variations of culture temperature (10 °C and 25 °C). The growth in glucose at a temperature of 10 °C presented the most favorable conditions to produce omega-3fatty acid. This research provides the identification and characterization of a Thraustochytrids strain, with a total lipid content that presents potential applications in the production of nutritional supplements and as well biofuels.

Nanopartículas Sintetizadas por Bacterias Antárticas y sus Posibles Mecanismos de Síntesis / Nanoparticles Synthesized by Antarctic Bacteria and their Possible Mechanisms of Synthesis

En los últimos años microorganismos tales como hongos, levaduras y, en especial, las bacterias han sido utilizadas para realizar biosíntesis de nanopartículas. Existen varios tipos de bacterias descritas como productoras de nanopartículas, sin embargo, las bacterias psicrófilas y psicrotolerantes no han sido ampliamente estudiadas, aun cuando su utilización en la producción de nanopartículas podría entregar ventajas relacionadas con su estabilidad, el gasto energético de su producción, al mismo tiempo que son una alternativa amigable con el medio ambiente. Este artículo entrega una breve revisión de las bacterias antárticas psicrófilas y psicrotolerantes sintetizadoras de nanopartículas, los posibles mecanismos que se asocian a esta síntesis y perspectivas futuras relacionadas a la biosíntesis bacteriana de nanopartículas.

In recent years microorganisms as fungi, yeasts and especially bacteria have been used to produce nanoparticles biosynthesis. Several types of bacteria are described as nanoparticles producers, however, psychrophilic and psychrotolerant bacterias have not been studied widely, although its use in the production of nanoparticles could provide advantages related to the stability of nanoparticles, energy expenditure on its production, while being an environmentally friendly alternative. This article provides a brief overview of Antarctic bacterias, both psychrophilic and psychrotolerant that synthesis nanoparticles, possible mechanisms associated to this synthesis and future perspectives related to bacterial biosynthesis of nanoparticles.

Soluble carbohydrate content variation in Sanionia uncinata and Polytrichastrum alpinum, two Antarctic mosses with contrasting desiccation capacities

BACKGROUND: Cryptogamic vegetation dominates the ice-free areas along the Antarctic Peninsula. The two mosses Sanionia uncinata and Polytrichastrum alpinum inhabit soils with contrasting water availability. Sanionia uncinata grows in soil with continuous water supply, while P. alpinum grows in sandy, non-flooded soils. Desiccation and rehydration experiments were carried out to test for differences in the rate of water loss and uptake, with non-structural carbohydrates analysed to test their role in these processes. RESULTS: Individual plants of S. uncinata lost water 60 % faster than P. alpinum; however, clumps of S. uncinata took longer to dry than those of P. alpinum (11 vs. 5 h, respectively). In contrast, rehydration took less than 10 min for both mosses. Total non-structural carbohydrate content was higher in P. alpinum than in S. uncinata, but sugar levels changed more in P. alpinum during desiccation and rehydration (60-50 %) when compared to S. uncinata. We report the presence of galactinol (a precursor of the raffinose family) for the first time in P. alpinum. Galactinol was present at higher amounts than all other non-structural sugars. CONCLUSIONS: Individual plants of S. uncinata were not able to retain water for long periods but by growing and forming carpets, this species can retain water the longest. In contrast individual P. alpinum plants required more time to lose water than S. uncinata, but as moss cushions they suffered desiccation faster than the later. On the other hand, both species rehydrated very quickly. We found that when both mosses lost 50 % of their water, carbohydrates content remained stable and the plants did not accumulate non-structural carbohydrates during the desiccation prosses as usually occurs in vascular plants. The raffinose family oligosaccarides decreased during desiccation, and increased during rehydration, suggesting they function as osmoprotectors.

Jean-Baptiste Charcot and Brazil / Jean-Baptiste Charcot e o Brasil

Jean-Baptiste Charcot, a neurologist from the famous Salpêtrière school and a renowned maritime explorer, visited Brazil twice. The first visit was in 1903, when the first French Antarctic expedition, traveling aboard the ship Français, made a very short stopover in Recife, in the state of Pernambuco. The second took place in 1908, during the famous voyage of the Pourquoi Pas? to the Antarctic, when Charcot and his crew stayed in the city of Rio de Janeiro for eight days.

Jean-Baptiste Charcot, neurologista formado na famosa escola do hospital Salpêtrière, e famoso explorador marítimo, visitou o Brasil por duas vezes. A primeira em 1903, numa curta passagem, em Recife/Pernambuco, a bordo do navio Français, durante a primeira expedição francesa à antártica, e a segunda, em 1908, durante a famosa viagem do Pourquoi Pas? à Antártica, quando ele e sua tripulação permaneceram na cidade do Rio de Janeiro por oito dias.

Psychological changes arising from an Antarctic stay: systematic overview / Alterações psicológicas decorrentes da permanência na Antártica: revisão sistemática

Long-term stays in extreme environments, such as Polar Regions, may cause significant changes in the health and well-being of individuals. A systematic overview aimed to map studies about the psychological effects on Antarctic expeditioners. The reviewed data were categorized and divided into two thematic axes: Negative Effects, resulting from harmful psychophysiological variations caused by exposure to the polar stressors, which may present seasonal symptom patterns, altering cognitive performance, mood and interpersonal relationships; and Positive Effects, such as salutogenic results arising from successful adaption to environmental adversities. Due to the great deal of evidence, it is suggested that protection factors should be promoted through preventive approaches, such as psychological training and support in order to reduce symptoms and generate satisfactory adaptation to Antarctica...

A permanência em ambientes de condições extremas, como regiões polares, pode provocar alterações significativas na saúde e no bem-estar dos indivíduos. Por meio de uma revisão sistemática, objetivou-se mapear pesquisas sobre efeitos psicológicos em expedicionários antárticos. Os dados revisados foram categorizados e divididos em dois eixos temáticos: Efeitos Negativos, que resultam de variações psicofisiológicas nocivas causadas pela exposição aos estressores polares, podendo apresentar padrões sazonais nos sintomas, alterando o funcionamento cognitivo, estado de humor e relações interpessoais; e Efeitos Positivos, resultados salutogênicos, decorrentes da adaptação bem sucedida às adversidades ambientais. Devido ao número de evidências, sugere-se que fatores de proteção sejam promovidos por abordagens preventivas, como treinamento e suporte psicológico, a fim de reduzir sintomas e gerar uma adaptação satisfatória à Antártica...

Production of cold-adapted cellulase by Verticillium sp. isolated from Antarctic soils

Background: Cellulose can be converted to ethanol by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). The difference between the optimal temperature of cellulase and microbial fermentation, however, has been identified as the critical problem with SSF. In this study, one fungal strain (AnsX1) with high cellulase activity at low temperature was isolated from Antarctic soils and identified as Verticillium sp. by morphological and molecular analyses. Results: The biochemical properties of crude AnsX1 cellulase samples were studied by filter paper cellulase assay. The maximum cellulase activity was achieved at low temperature in an acidic environment with addition of metal ions. Furthermore, AnsX1 cellulase demonstrated 54-63% enzymatic activity at ethanol concentrations of 5-10%. AnsX1 cellulase production was influenced by inoculum size, carbon and nitrogen sources, and elicitors. The optimal culture conditions for AnsX1 cellulase production were 5% inoculum, wheat bran as carbon source, (NH4)2SO4 as nitrogen source, and sorbitol added in the medium. Conclusions: Our present work has potential to enable the development of an economic and efficient cold-adapted cellulase system for bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass into biofuels in future.

Antarctic marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas sp. KNOUC808 as a source of cold-adapted lactose hydrolyzing enzyme

Psychrophilic bacteria, which grow on lactose as a carbon source, were isolated from Antarctic polar sea water. Among the psychrophilic bacteria isolated, strain KNOUC808 was able to grow on lactose at below 5¨¬C, and showed 0.867 unit of o-nitrophenyl ¥â-D-galactopyranoside(ONPG) hydrolyzing activity at 4¨¬C. The isolate was gram-negative, rod, aerobic, catalase positive and oxidase positive. Optimum growth was done at 20¨¬C, pH 6.8-7.2. The composition of major fatty acids in cell of KNOUC801 was C12:0 (5.48 percent), C12:0 3OH (9.21 percent), C16:0 (41.83 percent), C17:0 ¥ø8 (7.24 percent) and C18:1 ¥ø7 (7.04 percent). All suthese results together suggest that it is affiliated with Pseudoalteromonas genus. The 16S rDNA sequence corroborate the phenotypic tests and the novel strain was designated as Pseudoalteromonas sp. KNOUC808. The optimum temperature and pH for lactose hydrolyzing enzyme was 20¨¬C and 7.8, respectively. The enzyme was stable at 4¨¬C for 7 days, but its activity decreased to about 50 percent of initial activity at 37¨¬C in 7 days.

Production of an extracellular protease by an Antarctic bacterial isolate (Bacillus sp. JSP1)as a potential feed additive / Proteasa extracelular de un aislado bacteriano Antartico (Bacillus sp. JSP1) con uso potencial como aditivo alimenticio para animales / Produção de proteasa extracelular por bactérias antárcticas isoladas, Bacillus sp. JSP1 como um aditivo potencial em concentrado

Extracellular proteolytic activity was found in JSP1, an Antarctic bacterial isolate. The strain was related to Bacillus sp, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The JSP1 protease was partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation. Optimal enzyme activity occurred at 40 C and pH 7.4. Enzyme activity was significantly enhanced in the presence of Mg2+ and Ca2+ and was completely inactivated in presence of Cu2+, Zn2+, Hg2+, EDTA and SDS. The enzyme hydrolyzed casein the most effectively among the protein substrates tested. The enzyme also exhibited relatively high activity on keratin and gluten, and was active against peptidyl conjugates such asL-Leu-p-Nitroanilide and N-Succinyl-L-Phe-p-Nitroanilide. This study suggests that JSP1 protease could be utilized as a potential environmentally-friendly feed additive in animal production.

Se reporta haber encontrado actividad proteolítica extracelular en una bacteria antártica denominada JSP1. Con base en el análisis de secuencia genética 16S ARNr, la cepa fué relacionada con Bacillus sp. La proteasa JSP1 fué parcialmente purificada por precipitación con sulfato de amonio. La actividad óptima de la enzima se produjo a 40 ºC y pH 7,4. La actividad enzimática fue significativamente mayor en presencia de Mg2+ y Ca2+ y se inactivó completamente en presencia de Cu2+, Zn2+ , Hg2+ , EDTA y SDS. Entre todos los sustratos ensayados, el más eficientemente hidrolizado por la enzima fue la caseína. La enzima tuvo actividad relativamente alta sobre la queratina y el gluten, y participó activamente contra conjugados peptídicos como la L-Leu-p-nitroanilida y la N-succinil-L-fenilalanina-p-nitroanilida. La enzima podría ofrecer potencial para su uso como aditivo alimenticio ecológico en producción animal.

A actividade proteolítica extracelular foi encontrada a partir de uma bactéria antárctica denominada JSP1, mediante uma análises de sequencia do gene 16S rRNA, a cepa foi relacionada para Bacillus sp. A proteasa JSP1 foi parcialmente purificada por precipitação com sulfato de amônia. Uma óptima actividade enzimática ocorreu em 40 ºC e pH 7,4. A actividade da enzima foi significativamente maior na presença de Mg2 + e Ca2 +, e foi completamente inactivada em presença de Cu2 + Zn2 +, Hg2 +, EDTA e SDS. A enzima hidrolisada de caseína foi mais eficaz entre os substratos de proteína testados, apresentando maior actividade na queratina e no glúten e foi activo contra os peptidil conjugados como L-Leu-p Nitroanilida e N-succinil-L-Phe-p-Nitroanilida. A enzima pode ser utilizado como aditivo ambiental na alimentação animal.

A comparative study of the Bivalvia (Mollusca) from the continental shelves of Antarctica and Brazil / Estudo comparativo dos Bivalvia (Mollusca) da plataforma continental da Antártica e do Brasil

During identification of bivalve molluscs collected in Antarctica, a rich taxonomic bibliography was gathered, stimulating comparisons with the Brazilian malacofauna. We listed a total of 68 and 368 known shallow-water species (less than 200 m depth) from Antarctica and Brazil, respectively, in order to find species, families and superfamilies in common, and to investigate how these malacofaunas differ in regard to these representative groups and their life habits. There are 23 superfamilies absent in Antarctica, but present in Brazil with at least one species; the reverse does not occur, as all superfamilies known from Antarctica are also recorded from Brazil. The number of Brazilian species is higher, being composed of a mixture of taxa from different biogeographical provinces, whereas in Antarctica there are only a few species adapted to its polar conditions, with minor components from elsewhere. Thus, many typical Caribbean species extend into Brazil, belonging to the diverse Arcoidea, Pectinoidea, Lucinoidea, Cardioidea, Veneroidea, and Tellinoidea. Cemented Ostreoidea, Plicatuloidea, Dimyoidea, Spondylidae (Pectinoidea), and Chamoidea are absent from Antarctica, as are wood (Teredinidae, Pholadoidea) and rock borers (Pholadidae, Pholadoidea; Gastrochaenoidea; and Lithophaginae, Mytiloidea). A large number of Brazilian species of infaunal (e.g., Tellinidae, Veneridae, Cardiidae, and Mactroidea) and epifaunal groups (Pectinidae, Mytilidae, and Arcidae) are absent from or poorly represented in Antarctica. Nuculanoidea, Limopsoidea, Lucinoidea, Galeommatoidea, Cyamioidea, and Cuspidarioidea are the richest groups in Antarctica; some of them are also represented by several species in Brazil, albeit in deeper waters. Three species are recorded as living in both places: Limatula pygmaea (Limidae), Lasaea adansoni (Lasaeidae), and Gaimardia trapesina (Gaimardiidae). Through the analysis of these groups from each fauna, it is possible to identify those that are taxonomically diverse in one place or another, and then emphasize them in ecological studies, eventually using them as model or monitoring organisms. The present paper can be a starting point for future discussion on the existing latitudinal gradients along the coast of eastern South America, stimulating studies on changes occurring in the composition of the faunas of bivalves from Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Antarctica.

Durante a identificação de moluscos bivalves coletados na Antártica, foi reunida uma rica bibliografia taxonômica, estimulando comparações com a malacofauna do Brasil. Assim, listamos um total de 68 espécies conhecidas para águas rasas (menos de 200 m de profundidade) da Antártica e 368 para o Brasil, procurando encontrar espécies, famílias e superfamílias em comum a ambos os locais, e investigando em que essas malacofaunas diferem em relação aos grupos representados e em relação ao hábito de vida das suas espécies. Vinte e três superfamílias não possuem representantes antárticos, mas estão presentes com pelo menos uma espécie brasileira; o oposto não ocorre, pois todas superfamílias que ocorrem na Antártica também são conhecidas para o Brasil. O número de espécies brasileiras é maior, composto por uma mistura de táxons de diferentes províncias biogeográficas, enquanto na Antártica existem somente poucas espécies adaptadas às condições polares, com uma minoria de representantes de fora da Antártica. Dessa forma, muitas espécies típicas do caribe se distribuem até o Brasil, pertencendo aos diversos Arcoidea, Pectinoidea, Lucinoidea, Cardioidea, Veneroidea e Tellinoidea. Cimentantes Ostreoidea, Plicatuloidea, Dimyoidea, Spondylidae (Pectinoidea) e Chamoidea não estão presentes na Antártica, como também não estão perfuradores de madeira (Teredinidae, Pholadoidea) e de rochas (Pholadidae, Pholadoidea; Gastrochaenoidea; e Lithophaginae, Mytiloidea). É notável o grande número de espécies brasileiras de grupos infaunais (exemplos, Tellinidae, Veneridae, Cardiidae e Mactroidea) e epifaunais (Pectinidae, Mytilidae e Arcidae), que são ausentes ou pobremente representados na Antártica. Nuculanoidea, Limopsoidea, Lucinoidea, Galeommatoidea, Cyamioidea e Cuspidarioidea são os grupos mais ricos em espécies antárticas, alguns deles também sendo especiosos no Brasil, entretanto, em maiores profundidades. Três espécies são registradas para ambos os locais: Limatula pygmaea (Limidae), Lasaea adansoni (Lasaeidae) e Gaimardia trapesina (Gaimardiidae). Através de análises dos grupos, é possível apontar aqueles que são taxonomicamente diversos em uma ou outra fauna, e então enfatizá-los em estudos ecológicos, utilizando-os como "organismos monitores" ou modelos. O presente trabalho pode ser um ponto de partida para futuras discussões sobre a ocorrência de um gradiente latitudinal ao longo da costa leste da América do Sul, estimulando trabalhos sobre mudanças que ocorrem na composição das faunas de bivalves do Brasil, Uruguai, Argentina e Antártica.

Isolation of Papulaspora halima and a new morphological variety of Halosphaeria tubulifera from seawater of potter cove (King George Island, South Shetland Island, Antarctica) / Aislamiento de Papulaspora halima y de una nueva variedad morfológica de Halosphaeria tubulifera desde agua de mar de Potter Cove (Isla Rey Jorge /25 de Mayo, islas Shetland del Sur, Antártida)

Marine fungi ascribed to the ascomycetes and the hyphomycetes are infrequently reported for the Southern Ocean. For this reason, the main objective of the present work was to detect the presence of these fungi seawater of Potter Cove, King George (25 de Mayo) Island, South Shetland Island, Antarctica. For this purpose marine fungi were grown on wood test panels, placed into plastic nets in the tidal zone, exposed to the Antarctic seawater for different periods of time, which ranged between 2 and 12 months.As a result of this survey, we were able to recover and identify two marine fungi, Papulospora halima (which represents the first report for this environment) and a new morphological variety of Halosphaeria tubulifera.

Los ascomicetes e hifomicetes marinos están escasamente documentados para el océano Atlántico Sur. Por este motivo, el principal objetivo del presente trabajo fue detectar la presencia de dichos hongos en las agua marinas de la Potter Cove, en la isla Rey Jorge/25 de Mayo (islas Shetland del Sur, Antártida). Para este propósito, los hongos marinos se desarrollaron en paneles de madera dentro de una red plástica en la zona tidal, expuestos al agua de mar antártica por diferentes períodos de tiempo que oscilaron entre 2 a 12 meses. Como resultado de este estudio, fuimos capaces de recuperar e identificar 2 hongos marinos, Papulospora halima (que representa el primer reporte para este ambiente) y una nueva variedad morfológica de Halosphaeria tubulifera.