Abundance and biomass of mesozooplankton in the Levantine Basin during the Bilim 2 cruise in April 2008

The Sesame dataset contains mesozooplankton data collected during April 2008 in the Levantine Basin (between 33.20 and 36.50 N latitude and between 30.99 and 31.008 E longitude). Mesozooplankton samples were collected by using a WP-2 closing net with 200 µm mesh size during day hours (07:00-18:00). Samples were taken from 0-50, 50-100, 100-200 m layers at 5 stations in Levantine Basin The dataset includes samples analyzed for mesozooplankton species composition, abundance and total mesozooplankton biomass. Sampling volume was estimated by multiplying the mouth area with the wire length. Sampling biomass was measured by weighing filters and then determined by sampling volume. The samples were sieved sequentially through meshes of 500 and 200 micron to separate the mesozooplankton into size fractions. The entire sample (1/2) or an aliquot of the taxon-specific mesozooplankton abundance and the total abundance of the mesozooplankton were was analyzed under the binocular microscope. Minimum 500 individuals of mesozooplankton were identified and numerated at higher taxonomic level. Taxonomic identification was done at the METU- Institute of Marine Sciences by Alexandra Gubanova,Tuba Terbiyik using the relevant taxonomic literatures. Mesozooplankton abundance and biomass were estimated by Zahit Uysal and Yesim Ak.

Abundance of mesozooplankton in the Levantine Basin during the Bilim 2 cruise in October 2008

The Sesame dataset contains mesozooplankton data collected during October 2008 in the Levantine Basin (between 33.20 and 36.50 N latitude and between 30.99 and 31.008 E longitude). Mesozooplankton samples were collected by using a WP-2 closing net with 200 µm mesh size during day hours (07:00-18:00). Samples were taken from 0-50, 50-100, 100-200 m layer at 5 stations in Levantine Basin The dataset includes samples analyzed for mesozooplankton species composition, abundance and total mesozooplankton biomass. The entire sample (1/2) or an aliquot was analyzed under the binocular microscope. Minimum 500 individuals of mesozooplankton were identified and numerated at higher taxonomic level. Taxonomic identification was done at the METU- Institute of Marine Sciences by Alexandra Gubanova,Tuba Terbiyik using the relevant taxonomic literatures. Mesozooplankton abundance and biomass were estimated by Zahit Uysal and Yesim Ak Örek. Specification via marine planktonic copepods database (http://copepodes.obs-banyuls.fr/en/).

Abundance of mesozooplankton in the Cilician Basin during the Bilim 2 cruise in March 2008

The Sesame dataset contains mesozooplankton data collected during March 2008 in the Cilician Basin (between between 35.40'- 36.79 N latitude and 33.19- 36.07 E ). Mesozooplankton samples were collected by using a WP-2 closing net with 200 micron mesh size during day hours (07:00-18:00). Samples were taken in the 0-50, 50-100, 100-200 m layer at 6 stations in the Cilician Basin. The dataset includes samples analyzed for mesozooplankton species composition, abundance and total biomass (Dry weight(mg/m**3)). Taxon-specific mesozooplankton abundance: 1/2 sample or an aliquot was analyzed under the binocular microscope. Copepod species were identified and enumerated; the other mesozooplankters were identified and enumerated at higher taxonomic level (commonly named as mesozooplankton groups). Taxonomic identification was done at the METU-Institute of Marine Sciences by Tuba Terbiyik using the relevant taxonomic literatures. Mesozooplankton total abundance: 1/2 sample or an aliquot was analyzed under the binocular microscope. Copepod species were identified and enumerated; the other mesozooplankters were identified and enumerated at higher taxonomic level (commonly named as mesozooplankton groups). Taxonomic identification was done at the METU-Institute of Marine Sciences using the relevant taxonomic literatures

Abundance of mesozooplankton in the Marmara Sea collected during the Bilim 2 cruise in April 2008

The Sesame dataset contains mesozooplankton data collected during April 2008 in the Marmara Sea (between 40°15' - 34°00N latitude and 19°00 - 23°10'E longitude). Sampling was always performed in day hours (07:00-18:00 local time). Samples were taken at 6 stations in the Marmara Sea. Mesozooplankton samples were collected by using a WP-2 closing net with 200 µm mesh size. Sample was immediately fixed and preserved in a formaldehyde-seawater solution (4% final concentration) to be successively analyzed in the laboratory for species composition, abundance and total biomass. The algal organisms materials were then seperated from the mesozooplankton subsample at the dissecting microscope in the laboratory because of the contamination of the net samples with large-sized algae and mucilaginous organic matters. Afterwards, each samples were filtered on GF/C (pre combusted and weighed) for biomass measurements for dry weight. The dataset includes samples analyzed for mesozooplankton species composition, abundance and total mesozooplankton biomass. Sampling volume was estimated by multiplying the mouth area with the wire length. Sampling biomass was measured by weighing filters and then determined according to sampling volume. 1/2 sample or an aliquot was analyzed under the binocular microscope. Copepod species were identified and enumerated; the other mesozooplankters were identified and enumerated at higher taxonomic level (commonly named as mesozooplankton groups). Taxonomic identification was done at the METU-Institute of Marine Sciences by Tuba Terbiyik using the relevant taxonomic literatures.

Zooplankton distribution and migration in low-oxygen modewater eddies

The eastern tropical North Atlantic (ETNA) features a mesopelagic oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) at approximately 300-600 m depth. Here, oxygen concentrations rarely fall below 40 µmol O2 kg-1, but are expected to decline under future projections of global warming. The recent discovery of mesoscale eddies that harbour a shallow suboxic (<5 µmol O2 kg-1) OMZ just below the mixed layer could serve to identify zooplankton groups that may be negatively or positively affected by on-going ocean deoxygenation. In spring 2014, a detailed survey of a suboxic anticyclonic modewater eddy (ACME) was carried out near the Cape Verde Ocean Observatory (CVOO), combining acoustic and optical profiling methods with stratified multinet hauls and hydrography. The multinet data revealed that the eddy was characterized by an approximately 1.5-fold increase in total area-integrated zooplankton abundance. At nighttime, when a large proportion of acoustic scatterers is ascending into the upper 150 m, a drastic reduction in mean volume backscattering (Sv, shipboard ADCP, 75kHz) within the shallow OMZ of the eddy was evident compared to the nighttime distribution outside the eddy. Acoustic scatterers were avoiding the depth range between about 85 to 120 m, where oxygen concentrations were lower than approximately 20 µmol O2 kg-1, indicating habitat compression to the oxygenated surface layer. This observation is confirmed by time-series observations of a moored ADCP (upward looking, 300kHz) during an ACME transit at the CVOO mooring in 2010. Nevertheless, part of the diurnal vertical migration (DVM) from the surface layer to the mesopelagic continued through the shallow OMZ. Based upon vertically stratified multinet hauls, Underwater Vision Profiler (UVP5) and ADCP data, four strategies have been identified to be followed by zooplankton in response to the eddy OMZ: i) shallow OMZ avoidance and compression at the surface (e.g. most calanoid copepods, euphausiids), ii) migration to the shallow OMZ core during daytime, but paying O2 debt at the surface at nighttime (e.g. siphonophores, Oncaea spp., eucalanoid copepods), iii) residing in the shallow OMZ day and night (e.g. ostracods, polychaetes), and iv) DVM through the shallow OMZ from deeper oxygenated depths to the surface and back. For strategy i), ii) and iv), compression of the habitable volume in the surface may increase prey-predator encounter rates, rendering zooplankton and micronekton more vulnerable to predation and potentially making the eddy surface a foraging hotspot for higher trophic levels. With respect to long-term effects of ocean deoxygenation, we expect avoidance of the mesopelagic OMZ to set in if oxygen levels decline below approximately 20 µmol O2 kg-1. This may result in a positive feedback on the OMZ oxygen consumption rates, since zooplankton and micronekton respiration within the OMZ as well as active flux of dissolved and particulate organic matter into the OMZ will decline.

The joining (J) chain is present in invertebrates that do not express immunoglobulins.

Joining (J) chain is a component of polymeric, but not monomeric, immunoglobulin (Ig) molecules and may play a role in their polymerization and transport across epithelial cells. To date, study of the J chain has been confined to vertebrates that produce Ig and in which the J chain displays a considerable degree of structural homology. The role of the J chain in Ig polymerization has been questioned and, since the J chain can be expressed in lymphoid cells that do not produce Ig, it is possible that the J chain may have other functions. To explore this possibility, we have surveyed J-chain gene, mRNA, and protein expression by using reverse transcriptase-coupled PCR, Northern blot analysis, and immunoblot analysis in invertebrate species that do not produce Ig. We report that the J-chain gene is expressed in invertebrates (Mollusca, Annelida, Arthropoda, Echinodermata, and Holothuroidea), as well as in representative vertebrates (Mammalia, Teleostei, Amphibia). Furthermore, J-chain cDNA from the earthworm has a high degree of homology (68-76%) to human, mouse, and bovine J chains. Immunohistochemical studies reveal that the J chain is localized in the mucous cells of body surfaces, intestinal epithelial cells, and macrophage-like cells of the earthworm and slug. This study suggests that the J chain is a primitive polypeptide that arose before the evolution of Ig molecules and remains highly conserved in extent invertebrates and vertebrates.

The development of osseous fishes / by Alexander Agassiz and C. O. Whitman.

v.40:no.9 (1915)

The Cambridge natural history,

Vols. 1, 2, 5-7, 9 reprinted 1922; v. 3, 1927; and vols. 4, 8, 10, 1923.

The Cambridge natural history,

--VI. Insects, pt. II. Hymenoptera continued (Tubilifera and Aculeata), Coleoptera, Strepsiptera, Lepidotera, Diptera, Aphaniptera, Thysanoptera, Hemiptera, Anoplura. By David Sharp. 1901.--VII. Hemichordata, by S.F. Harmer. Ascidians and Amphioxus, by W.A. Herdman. Fishes (exclusive of th systematic account of Teleostei) by T.W. Bridge. Fishes (systematic account of Teleostei) by G.A. Bonlenger. 1904.--VIII. Amphibia and reptiles, by Hans Gadow. 1901.--IX. Birds, by A.H. Evans. 1900--X. Mammalia, by F.E. Beddard. 1902.

Primary cilia in vertebrate corneal endothelial cells

The presence of primary cilia in corneal endothelial cells of a range of species from six non-mammalian vertebrate classes (Agnatha, Elasmobranchii, Amphibia, Teleostei, Reptilia, and Aves) is examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Our aim is to assess whether these non-motile cilia protruding into the anterior chamber of the eye are a consistent phylogenetic feature of the corneal endothelium and if a quantitative comparison of their morphology is able to shed any new light on their function. The length (0.42-3.80 mum) and width (0.12-0.44 mum) of the primary cilia varied but were closely allied with previous studies in mammals. However, interspecific differences such as the presence of a terminal swelling in the Teleostei and Amphibia suggest there are functional differences. Approximately one-third of the endothelial cells possess cilia but the extent of protrusion above the cell surface varies greatly, supporting a dynamic process of retraction and elongation. The absence of primary cilia in primitive vertebrates (Agnatha and Elasmobranchii) that possess other mechanisms to control corneal hydration suggests an osmoregulatory and/or chemosensory function. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Morphology, characterization, and distribution of retinal photoreceptors in the Australian lungfish Neoceratodus forsteri (Krefft, 1870)

The Australian lungfish Neoceratodus forsteri (Dipnoi) is an ancient fish that has a unique phylogenetic relationship among the basal Sarcopterygii. Here we examine the ultrastructure, histochemistry, and distribution of the retinal photoreceptors using a combination of light and electron microscopy in order to determine the characteristics of the photoreceptor layer in this living fossil. Similar proportions of rods (53%) and cones (47%) reveal that N. forsteri optimizes both scotopic and photopic sensitivity according to its visual demands. Scotopic sensitivity is optimized by a tapetum lucidum and extremely large rods (18.62 +/- 2.68 mu m ellipsoid diameter). Photopic sensitivity is optimized with a theoretical spatial resolving power of 3.28 +/- 0.66 cycles degree(-1), which is based on the spacing of at least three different cone types: a red cone containing a red oil droplet, a yellow cone containing a yellow ellipsoidal pigment, and a colorless cone containing multiple clear oil droplets. Topographic analysis reveals a heterogeneous distribution of all photoreceptor types, with peak cone densities predominantly found in temporal retina (6,020 rods MM 2, 4,670 red cones mm(-2), 900 yellow cones mm(-2), and 320 colorless cones mm(-2)), but ontogenetic changes in distribution are revealed. Spatial resolving power and the diameter of all photoreceptor types (except yellow cones) increases linearly with growth. The presence of at least three morphological types of cones provides the potential for color vision, which could play a role in the clearer waters of its freshwater environment.

Nanotubos de carbono de parede simples funcionalizados com polietilenoglicol: avaliação de parâmetros in vivo e in vitro

Os nanomateriais apresentam uma escala na qual ao menos uma das dimensões varia entre 1 e 100 nm e possuem propriedades químicas, físicas ou biológicas dependentes da nanoestrutura e que lhes confere características funcionais de interesse para fins comerciais ou aplicações na área médica. Dentre os nanomateriais mais estudados e utilizados, destacam-se os de carbono, que incluem os fulerenos e os nanotubos de carbono (NT). Uma potencial utilização dos nanomateriais de carbono é na área biomédica, já que estes podem interagir com os sistemas biológicos em nível molecular e supramolecular com alto grau de especificidade. Em contrapartida, é importante considerar que os nanotubos de carbono podem exercer efeitos tóxicos, tendo como possível mecanismo o estresse oxidativo. Sendo assim, o objetivo desse trabalho foi investigar a ação dos nanotubos de carbono de parede única funcionalizados com polietilenoglicol (SWNT-PEG) em Danio rerio “zebrafish” (Teleostei, Cyprinidae). Avaliaram-se parâmetros bioquímicos, histológicos, comportamentais e de biodistribuição para entender como esse material se comporta in vitro e in vivo. Foi observado que o tipo de funcionalização é determinante para a ação desse material em meio biológico. No experimento in vitro o SWNT-PEG não mostrou efeito pró-oxidante nas avaliações de peroxidação lipídica, capacidade antioxidante total, conteúdo de GSH e atividade de GCL. Na exposição intraperitoneal em zebrafish constatou-se a agregação e geração de processo inflamatório, o que sugere que a cadeia de PEG utilizada para a funcionalização dos NT possui um tamanho inadequado e/ou uma funcionalização ineficiente para manter a estabilidade do material em meio biológico e evitar uma resposta inflamatória por parte do organismo exposto. Possivelmente devido a esta característica do nanomaterial, nas análises de biodistribuição, através de espectroscopia Raman, não se observou distribuição de SWNT-PEG no sistema nervoso central de zebrafish. No entanto, através da análise histológica foi observado processo inflamatório no tecido nervoso central, bem como alterações comportamentais avaliadas na tarefa de campo aberto.

Atividade colinesterásica no monitoramento ambiental: importância da determinação de parâmetros cinéticos em peixes estuarinos

Neste trabalho foram analisados os parâmetros cinéticos e a atividade colinesterásica de duas espécies de peixes estuarinos: a corvina Micropogonias furnieri (Teleostei, Scianidae) e o bagre Cathorops spixii (Teleostei, Ariidae), buscando avaliar o uso destas espécies como bioindicadores da presença de compostos anticolinesterásicos no meio aquático. Os exemplares de corvina e bagre, respectivamente, foram coletados nos estados do RS (Lagoa dos Patos) e PR (Baía de Paranaguá) no inverno (corvina) e verão (corvina e bagre) em dois pontos de coleta: um local controle e outro poluído. Os peixes foram anestesiados (bezocaína, 200 ppm) e os cérebros dissecados, homogeneizados e centrifugados. Foram estimados os parâmetros cinéticos (Vmax e Kmap), utilizando iodeto de acetiltiocolina como substrato, nas seguintes concentrações: 0,025; 0,05; 0,2; 0,8; 1,6; 3,2 e 9 mM. Nos estudos de inibição enzimática foi utilizado o carbamato eserina em concentrações de 0,3 a 10 mM e de 1x10-4 a 1 µM, a fim de determinar os parâmetros cinéticos de inibição e a concentração de eserina que inibia 50% da atividade colinesterásica (CI50), respectivamente. Os resultados mostraram pouca variação nos valores de Kmap nas duas espécies, porém diferenças significativas nos valores de CI50 foram observadas, indicando que a ChE do cérebro da corvina M. furnieri é resistente à inibição por eserina. Nos estudos de cinética de inibição da ChE do cérebro do bagre C. spixii, foram encontradas diferenças entre alguns parâmetros, quando foram comparados os peixes coletados no local controle com aqueles coletados no local poluído. Houve uma maior atividade colinesterásica de bagres coletados no local poluído (p<0,05), sendo que o mesmo resultado foi observado em exemplares de corvinas M. furnieri coletados durante o inverno no local poluído. Os resultados obtidos in vitro demonstram que a ChE de M. furnieri possui pouca sensibilidade à eserina. 5 Porém, o fato de ter sido registrada inibição colinesterásica nos organismos coletados durante o verão região poluída sugere a possibilidade de alterações significativas na capacidade de bio-oxidação de pesticidas nesta espécie, ou a possibilidade de inibição por outros contaminantes que também afetam a atividade colinesterásica, como por exemplo, metais. No caso de C. spixii, a determinação dos parâmetros cinéticos e de atividade colinesterásica sugere que pode estar ocorrendo alterações bioquímicas nos peixes previamente expostos a contaminantes no ambiente, provavelmente devido a respostas adaptativas ao ambiente impactado. Desta forma, o presente estudo indica a importância de estudos cinéticos prévios, quando se utiliza ou pretende utilizar, a atividade colinesterásica como bioindicador da presença de compostos anticolinesterásicos no ambiente em espécies aquáticas. 

Levantamento preliminar dos nemátodes anisaquídeos presentes no Gorz, Pagellus bogaraveo, (Br nnich, 1768), no estado selvagem na Região Autònoma da Madeira

Dissertação de mest. em Aquacultura, Faculdade de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente, Univ. do Algarve, 2001