Radio-iodine treatment of hyperthyroid cats

Thirty-two elderly domestic shdrthaired cats (mean age 12.9 years) were treated with radioiodine (¹³¹I). The dose of ¹³¹I administered ranged from 39 mBq to 134 mBq. Twenty-eight cats became euthyroid after treatment, one became hypothyroid and three remained hyperthyrox-aemic. Two of the hyperthyroxaemic cats were successfully re-treated with ¹³¹I. Five cats died from concurrent diseases within one year of treatment. The administration of a dose of ¹³¹I selected by assessing the severity of the clinical signs, the size of the thyroid gland(s) and the serum level of thyroxine was an effective treatment for hyperthyroidism.     

Effects of including shrimp protein hydrolysate in practical diets on the growth and survival of redclaw crayfish hatchlings Cherax quadricarinatus (Von Martens, 1868)

An experiment was carried out to analyse the effects of substituting fish‐meal (FM) with soya bean meal and shrimp protein hydrolysate (SPH) on the percent survival, growth rate, feed efficiency and molt frequency of redclaw crayfish hatchlings, Cherax quadricarinatus. The experiment was performed in a closed recirculating‐water system over a 56‐day period. Five diets were tested: a control diet (SPH₀) comprising 100% FM without SPH, and four diets with 2.5%, 5.0%, 10.0% and 15.0% SPH substitution (diets SPH_2.5, SPH₅, SPH₁₀ and SPH₁₅ respectively). Analysis of water quality indicated that it was adequate to maintain a good growth and survival of hatchlings. The results showed that 100% survival was obtained for hatchlings fed with SPH₅, SPH₁₀ and SPH₁₅ diets. Higher mean values of final weight were obtained for the SPH₅ diet. The highest weight gain was observed in SPH_2.5 and SPH₅ diets. Hatchlings showed similar specific growth rates for all diets. The efficiency rate of the SPH₁₅ diet was lower compared to the other diets. Overall, individual feed consumption was higher in hatchlings fed diets of SPH₅ and SPH₁₅. It is recommended that 5.0% of SPH could be included in diets of hatchling redclaw crayfish to improve their growth efficiency.     

A follow‐up study of selected biomarkers of health in cod Gadus morhua L. collected from the southern Baltic off the Polish coast

Selected biomarkers of health were examined in 50 post‐spawning cod Gadus morhua collected in November 2015 from the southern Baltic. The biomarkers included condition factor (CF), macroscopic lesions, histopathology of spleen, liver and gonads, and morphometry of follicular atresia and hepatic and splenic melanomacrophage cells (MMC). All fish appeared in good body condition. One fish had a dermal ulcer, and in seven, macroscopic nematodes were noted within body cavity. Microscopic lesions in the liver included biliary myxozoanosis, microsporidial and necrocentric granulomas, parasitic hepatitis, multifocal necrosis, foci of cellular alterations, spongiosis, peliosis and cytoplasmic fibrillar inclusions. The spleen and gonads had microsporidial and/or necrocentric granulomas. Some of the biomarkers showed differences as compared to spawning cod collected in May from the same location in 2012, most importantly values an order of magnitude lower for splenic MMC in post‐spawning fish. In post‐spawning fish, there were statistically significant correlations between MMC, CF, follicular atresia, parasitic hepatitis and microsporidiosis. This is the first comparison of biomarkers of health in post‐spawning and spawning Baltic cod. Future studies need to examine the relationships of biomarkers to levels of pollutants in the environment and in tissues of cod.     

Comparison of histological features, and description of histopathological lesions in thyroid glands from three species of free-ranging sharks from the northwestern Atlantic, the blue shark, Prionace glauca (L.), the shortfin mako, Isurus oxyrhinchus Rafinesque, and the thresher, Alopias vulpinus (Bonnaterre)

Histomorphological features of piscine thyroids are widely accepted and frequently used as bioindicators of environmental pollution. This despite the fact that there is marked variation in thyroid morphology resulting from numerous pathological and physiological conditions. Our hypothesis was that there will be variations in histological features in thyroids collected from different shark species during the summer season in the northwestern Atlantic. To test our hypothesis, we examined histological features encountered in grossly normal thyroids from three species of sharks, the shortfin mako, Isurus oxyrhinchus , thresher, Alopias vulpinus and blue sharks, Prionace glauca . In addition, microscopic lesions from these thyroids were described. Ninety-four sharks were collected in summer 2001, 2002 and 2004. Routine, haematoxylin and eosin-stained paraffin-embedded sections were studied by light microscopy. We found inter-species but not intra-species variation in histological patterns of thyroids, which were distinct enough to allow 'blind' assignment of a thyroid to the specific species. The most common lesions encountered were lymphofollicular hyperplasia and chronic thyroiditis. In addition, one case each of intravascular larval nematodes and a myxosporean infection was found. Our results provide the first data on species-specific morphology of thyroids collected during summer months from sharks. The results indicate that familiarity with normal thyroid morphology is crucial before using shark thyroids in biomonitoring of environmental contamination or interpreting data from this gland in shark-health studies.     

外源营养物质对表征土壤质量的生物学指标的影响

土壤微生物指标(土壤微生物组成和多样性、土壤微生物生物量、土壤微生物活性)、土壤酶活性和土壤动物是表征土壤质量的三大重要生物学指标。这些指标极易受土壤环境因素和人为活动的影响。诸如土壤水分、温度、耕作制度以及外源有机、无机物质等均对它们有较大的影响。本文就外源有机、无机营养物质对上述生物学指标的影响进行了综述。     

Spatial variation in non-target effects of the insecticides chlorpyrifos,cypermethrin and pirimicarb on Collembola in winter wheat

Contiguous winter wheat fields of similar cropping history and soil type were used in a study of the responses of Collembola to summer sprays of cypermethrin and pirimicarb in southern England. Chlorpyrifos was included in the study as a toxic standard. Epigeic arthropods were captured by suction sampling and crop-inhabiting species obtained by dissecting wheat ears. Eight genera of Collembola responded significantly to the insecticide treatments. Collembolan abundance decreased after chlorpyrifos was applied but increased after use of cypermethrin. Negative effects of cypermethrin and pirimicarb on Collembola were not detected in this study. Effects of chlorpyrifos varied spatially as a result of faunal heterogeneity among the fields, despite apparent homogeneity of the site. Some species known to be susceptible to chlorpyrifos were absent from one or more of the fields. The implications of these findings for the interpretation of non-target pesticide effects and the potential use of Collembola as bioindicators in field studies with pesticides are discussed. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Bird communities and extended biotic index (EBI) in some tributaries of the Tiber river

1. Riparian birds and macroinvertebrates were studied in five reaches of four tributaries of the Tiber river (Italy). The first aim was to check if stream quality, assessed by extended biotic index (EBI) values, could represent change in the riparian zone, assessed through the bird community. The second was to consider whether stream quality affects the presence of riverine bird species. 2. Stream quality and richness of the riparian bird community were related. In streams with more disturbed macroinvertebrate communities, but also in agricultural areas, the relative frequency of granivorous species increased in the riparian zone. 3. Dippers Cinclus cinclus occurred exclusively in reaches with the best stream quality, but the relationship between grey wagtails Motacilla cinerea and stream quality was less clear. 4. These results support the judicious use of riverine and riparian birds as biological indicators. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

江蓠作为富营养化指示生物及修复生物的氮营养特性

近海环境的污染日趋严重,化学监测方法存在着其固有的缺陷,采用指示性生物来反映变化的水质已越来越为人们所接受.大型海藻江蓠(Gracilaria)为自养生物,易养殖,能忍受盐度、温度等环境条件相对较大的波动,是理想的研究材料;它能对环境中不同形态氮的浓度及来源,通过氨基酸组成、光合色素及组织氮含量等变化作出迅速而灵敏的响应;江蓠生长快,具有大的氮储存能力,及较高的经济价值等特性,已成为水体中营养变化的指示性生物及治理富营养化理想的修复植物.     

The use of invertebrate soil fauna in monitoring pollutant effects

A critical review of biological parameters used to indicate pollutant impact on soil quality was conducted. These parameters mention some soil invertebrates. The value of an indicative organism depends on its life expectancy, life style and specific importance. Nematodes, mites, collembolans, enchytraeids, earthworms, isopods and molluscs are good potential biological indicators. Biological indicators of bioaccumulation and biological indicators of effects (toxicological and ecological) can be distinguished. Bioaccumulation studies are difficult to interpret, as wide variations could be found, depending on taxonomic group, habitat, organ studied, soil type or even pollutant type. Some groups, such as Collembola, require in depth bioaccumulation studies. It is suggested to use a pool of macro-concentrators, including at least some earthworm, isopod and gastropod species. Toxicological indicators have been well studied and their lethal and sublethal pollutant effects are well known. However, studies have focused on only a few species, such as the earthworm Eisenia foetida or the collembolan Folsomia candida. These studies should be extended to other zoological groups, as well as to several species from the same group, to generate a representative test battery. Exposure biomarkers and physiological change studies should be emphasised, as they act as very early warning systems of contamination. Data are currently lacking on how soil biological processes malfunction due to pollution. We need to explore the links between pollutant effects on soil fauna and pollutant effects on soil functioning. Concerning ecological indicators, studies should develop sampling techniques and parameters, which are specific to ecotoxicological goals. Before-after impact control procedures should be carried out, to eliminate the background noise of the study site and only evaluate the influence of pollutants. On the other hand, ecological indices, such as taxonomic diversity or richness, should be used carefully especially concerning chronic pollution. Effects of pollutants on biological cycle studies seem very promising, but need further information on the life history strategies of many species. Furthermore, the pollutant tolerance of rare species should be considered. The different types of biological indicators yield complementary information on pollutant effects. They all need standard procedures. In this context, studies should be extended and diversified, and associate bioaccumulation, toxicological and ecological indicators to provide better information on soil quality.

Résumé

Une liste critique des paramètres biologiques utilisés dans certains travaux pour indiquer l'impact des polluants sur la qualité des sols a été établie. Ces paramètres font référence à un ou plusieurs invertébrés du sol. Le rôle d'organisme indicateur dépend de leurs caractéristiques biodémographiques, de leur mode de vie, de leur taille spécifique. Les nématodes, acariens, collemboles, enchytréides, vers de terre, isopodes et gastéropodes sont potentiellement des indicateurs biologiques. Indicateurs biologiques de bioaccumulation et indicateurs biologiques d'effets (toxicologiques et écologiques) peuvent être distingués. Les études de bioaccumulation sont difficiles à interpréter, car de fortes variations sont observées. Ces variations dépendent du groupe taxonomique étudié, de l'habitat, de l'organe étudié, du type de sol ou bien encore du type de pollution. Certains groupes, comme les collemboles demandent des études plus poussées à ce sujet. Il est suggéré d'utiliser un pool de macro-concentrateurs, avec au moins des espèces de vers de terres, isopodes et gastéropodes. Concernant les indicateurs toxicologiques d'effets, les études les plus nombreuses concernent les effets létaux et sublétaux. Toutefois ces études concernent peu de groupes taxonomiques (essentiellement le vers Eisenia foetida et le collembole Folsomia candida), et devraient être étendues à d'autres groupes zoologiques, ainsi qu'à différentes espèces du même groupe, afin de créer une batterie de tests représentatifs. Les travaux concernant les biomarqueurs et les changements physiologiques devraient être amplifiés, car ils permettent d'obtenir des systèmes d'alarme très précoces concernant l'impact des contaminants. Un manque persistant de données concerne les conséquences de pollutions sur le fonctionnement des écosystèmcs. Il est en effet important désormais d'explorer les liens entre les effets des polluants sur la faune du sol et les effets réels de ces mêmes polluants sur le fonctionnement des sols. Concernant les indicateurs écologiques, les travaux entrepris devraient développer des méthodes d'échantillonnage et des paramètres spécifiques au domaine écotoxicologique. Ainsi, il est préconisé d'entreprendre des études combinant les approches synchroniques et diachroniques. afin d'éliminer le bruit de fond induit par le site d'étude et évaluer uniquement l'influence du polluant. En outre, les indices écologiques, comme la diversité ou la richesse taxonomique, doivent être utilisés avec précautions, particulièrement lors des études de pollution chronique. Par ailleurs, les études concernant les effets de polluants sur les cycles biologiques semblent prometteuses, mais demandent de meilleures connaissances concernant les stratégies de vies des différentes espèces étudiées. De plus, la tolérance aux pollutions des espèces rares devrait être fortement prise en considération. Les différents types d'indicateurs biologiques fournissent des informations complémentaires. Ils demandent tous une standardisation des protocoles. Dans ce contexte, les études devraient être développées et diversifiées et associer les indicateurs de bioaccumulation avec les indicateurs biologiques d'effets pour améliorer l'information sur la qualité des sols.     

Root-zone temperature affects the phytoextraction of iron in contaminated soil

The effect of root temperatures on the uptake and content of iron (Fe) in different organs of potato plants was studied. Four different plastic covers were used (T1: transparent polyethylene; T2: white polyethylene; T3: white and black coextruded polyethylene), using plants without plastic covers as control (T0). The results of this study indicate that in treatments with the highest root temperature (T2 and T3), chelate-reductase activity significantly increased, that could enhance the uptake and subsequent accumulation of Fe in the different organs analyzed of the potato plant. In addition, the roots and particularly the tubers proved to be the main organs of Fe bioaccumulation in treatments T0, T2, T3, and T4. On the contrary, in the T1 treatment, the bioaccumulation of Fe was detected in the shoot (stems and leaves). Finally, the foliar bioindicators of Fe analyzed, chl a and b, carotenes, peroxidase activity and catalase activity reflected the foliar status of Fe.