Download or read book Biological Interactions Between Hosts Parasites and Mercury written by Laura Christina Lukas and published by . This book was released on 2021 with total page 75 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Coastal communities, including regions along the North Carolina coast, have seen impacts of sea level rise. These impacts include wetland salinization, loss of nursery habitat, and decreased protection from major storm events. Wetlands provide ecosystem services for our environment, including filtration of runoff from land pollutants. One of those major pollutants which affects North Carolina biota is the heavy metal, mercury.Mercury pollution in wetlands is mainly due to anthropogenic sources, including the burning of fossil fuels, and also natural sources, such as volcanic activity. Inorganic mercury is released into the atmosphere, where it eventually settles to the ground. Mercury can also be taken up by plants and stored in leaves which eventually fall to the ground. These processes of mercury deposition can ultimately make their way to wetlands through surface water runoff. Inorganic mercury, which is deposited in wetlands, can be converted through sulfate reducing bacteria within the sediment to a bioavailable form known as methyl-mercury. Methyl-mercury (MeHg) production may also depend on salinity concentrations in wetlands; therefore, sea level rise could affect mercury levels in wetlands, possibly leading to increases in MeHg in some locations. In general, mercury is a major health concern for North Carolina residents, especially those living near the coast. In particular, mercury poses a major health concern to animals, and can bioaccumulate and biomagnify through trophic levels, eventually reaching humans.Previous work has shown that parasites can take in pollutants, like mercury, from their host tissues and store those pollutants within their own tissues, thus acting like a sponge to pollutants in the host, and in some cases, lowering the levels of pollutants in the host. However, salinity may also have an impact on the amount of MeHg which gets produced within wetland sediments. One of my objectives looked at the mercury levels of uninfected host tissues compared to infected host tissues, and how this might change over a salinity gradient. In order to determine this, parasite life-cycles were taken into consideration and how parasites and mercury might transfer to different hosts.This study took place in two North Carolina estuaries, the Pamlico and Neuse Rivers. I had five sites along each river, from oligohaline to mesohaline localities. Over a one-year period, I collected three host species (two resident species: naked gobies and white-fingered mud crabs, and one mobile species: blue crabs) and recorded their parasite diversity and abundance. I then preserved host and parasite tissues and analyzed them for total mercury (THg) content. In addition, water samples were collected to measure DOC levels because DOC has also been shown to correlate with THg in biota. Also, sediment samples from each site were measured for THg and MeHg. Finally, I took abiotic measurements (most importantly salinity and temperature) as these measures were predicted to be important physical factors of MeHg concentrated in my study system. I predicted that hosts which were parasitized would have lower levels of THg in their tissues compared to hosts which were unparasitized, and that number of parasites would positively increase with salinity. For one type of parasite in the mud crabs, this prediction was upheld, but I did not observe this pattern for the other parasites in my study. In fact, results from THg analysis showed higher mercury levels in hosts which were parasitized compared to unparasitized hosts. This result could suggest that parasites are influencing the health of these hosts making them more prone to infection by parasites (i.e., susceptibility is higher when mercury levels are higher). In addition, I found THg and MeHg levels in sediments were higher at lower salinities than at higher salinities. In naked gobies, THg levels in tissues from the Neuse River were highest at the lowest salinity site. In the Pamlico River, THg in naked goby tissues showed a slight increase with increasing salinity. With increasing salinity, DOC decreased. Finally, for naked gobies in the Neuse River, parasites were found consistently throughout my sites, and in the Pamlico River parasites were most abundant in the second lowest salinity and at the highest salinity site. Altogether, this study provides important information for how parasite communities and THg levels change throughout an estuary; however, more investigation is needed to determine the THg levels of uninfected and infected hosts, and their parasites.

Download or read book Trace Metals and Infectious Diseases written by Jerome O. Nriagu and published by MIT Press. This book was released on 2024-06-11 with total page 501 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Experts explore the influence of trace metals on the pathogenesis of infectious diseases. Many parts of the world in which common infectious diseases are endemic also have the highest prevalence of trace metal deficiencies or rising rates of trace metal pollution. Infectious diseases can increase human susceptibility to adverse effects of metal exposure (at suboptimal or toxic levels), and metal excess or deficiency can increase the incidence or severity of infectious diseases. The co-clustering of major infectious diseases with trace metal deficiency or toxicity has created a complex web of interactions with serious but poorly understood health repercussions, yet has been largely overlooked in animal and human studies. This book focuses on the distribution, trafficking, fate, and effects of trace metals in biological systems. Its goal is to enhance our understanding of the relationships between homeostatic mechanisms of trace metals and the pathogenesis of infectious diseases. Drawing on expertise from a range of fields, the book offers a comprehensive review of current knowledge on vertebrate metal-withholding mechanisms and the strategies employed by different microbes to avoid starvation (or poisoning). Chapters summarize current, state-of-the-art techniques for investigating pathogen-metal interactions and highlight open question to guide future research. The book makes clear that improving knowledge in this area will be instrumental to the development of novel therapeutic measures against infectious diseases. Contributors M. Leigh Ackland, Vahid Fa Andisi, Angele L. Arrieta, Michael A. Bachman, J. Sabine Becker, Robert E. Black, Julia Bornhorst, Sascha Brunke, Joseph A. Caruso, Jennifer S. Cavet, Anson C. K. Chan, Christopher H. Contag, Heran Darwin, George V. Dedoussis, Rodney R. Dietert, Victor J. DiRita, Carol A. Fierke, Tamara Garcia-Barrera, David P. Giedroc, Peter-Leon Hagedoorn, James A. Imlay, Marek J. Kobylarz, Joseph Lemire, Wenwen Liu, Slade A. Loutet, Wolfgang Maret, Andreas Matusch, Trevor F. Moraes, Michael E. P. Murphy, Maribel Navarro, Jerome O. Nriagu, Ana-Maria Oros-Peusquens, Elisabeth G. Pacyna, Jozef M. Pacyna, Robert D. Perry, John M. Pettifor, Stephanie Pfaffen, Dieter Rehder, Lothar Rink, Anthony B. Schryvers, Ellen K. Silbergeld, Eric P. Skaar, Miguel C. P. Soares, Kyrre Sundseth, Dennis J. Thiele, Richard B. Thompson, Meghan M. Verstraete, Gonzalo Visbal, Fudi Wang, Mian Wang, Thomas J. Webster, Jeffrey N. Weiser, Günter Weiss, Inga Wessels, Bin Ye, Judith T. Zelikoff, Lihong Zhang

Download or read book Environmental Microbiology Fundamentals and Applications written by Jean-Claude Bertrand and published by Springer. This book was released on 2015-01-26 with total page 933 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is a treatise on microbial ecology that covers traditional and cutting-edge issues in the ecology of microbes in the biosphere. It emphasizes on study tools, microbial taxonomy and the fundamentals of microbial activities and interactions within their communities and environment as well as on the related food web dynamics and biogeochemical cycling. The work exceeds the traditional domain of microbial ecology by revisiting the evolution of cellular prokaryotes and eukaryotes and stressing the general principles of ecology. The overview of the topics, authored by more than 80 specialists, is one of the broadest in the field of environmental microbiology. The overview of the topics, authored by more than 80 specialists, is one of the broadest in the field of environmental microbiology.

Download or read book Infectious Diseases Microbiology and Virology written by Luke S. P. Moore and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2019-12-05 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A key resource for FRCPath and MRCP trainees, mapped to the current curriculum, using over 300 exam-style Q&A.

Download or read book Microbial Evolution written by Howard Ochman and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Bacteria have been the dominant forms of life on Earth for the past 3.5 billion years. They rapidly evolve, constantly changing their genetic architecture through horizontal DNA transfer and other mechanisms. Consequently, it can be difficult to define individual species and determine how they are related. Written and edited by experts in the field, this collection from Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology examines how bacteria and other microbes evolve, focusing on insights from genomics-based studies. Contributors discuss the origins of new microbial populations, the evolutionary and ecological mechanisms that keep species separate once they have diverged, and the challenges of constructing phylogenetic trees that accurately reflect their relationships. They describe the organization of microbial genomes, the various mutations that occur, including the birth of new genes de novo and by duplication, and how natural selection acts on those changes. The role of horizontal gene transfer as a strong driver of microbial evolution is emphasized throughout. The authors also explore the geologic evidence for early microbial evolution and describe the use of microbial evolution experiments to examine phenomena like natural selection. This volume will thus be essential reading for all microbial ecologists, population geneticists, and evolutionary biologists.

Download or read book Rapidly Evolving Genes and Genetic Systems written by Rama S. Singh and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2012-06-28 with total page 309 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A range of theories on the rates of evolution-from static to gradual to punctuated to quantum-have been developed, mostly by comparing morphological changes over geological timescales as described in the fossil record.

Download or read book Research Awards Index written by and published by . This book was released on 1985 with total page 1436 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The Biology of Crop Productivity written by Peter S. Carlson and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2013-09-11 with total page 490 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Biology of Crop Productivity attempts to reassess and restate what is known about the biology underlying crop productivity. The prime question which this volume attempts to address is, "What is known about the biology of crop productivity from a range of diverse biological disciplines, and what needs to be known?" Is it possible to formulate the important biological questions, can we begin to discern the biological mechanisms and limitations which underline crop production? This volume is certainly not an all-inclusive survey. It attempts to supplement and explicate material presented in other volumes. The volume is organized into five broad areas: the first deals with various interactions of plants and their environments; the second deals with the interactions of plants with other organisms; the third treats some aspects of the internal organization of plants; the fourth examines genetic manipulations utilizing plant materials; and the fifth outlines a perspective for future research efforts. This volume is intended primarily for persons interested or actively engaged in research in the agricultural plant sciences.

Download or read book Children s Health the Nation s Wealth written by Institute of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2004-10-18 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Children's health has clearly improved over the past several decades. Significant and positive gains have been made in lowering rates of infant mortality and morbidity from infectious diseases and accidental causes, improved access to health care, and reduction in the effects of environmental contaminants such as lead. Yet major questions still remain about how to assess the status of children's health, what factors should be monitored, and the appropriate measurement tools that should be used. Children's Health, the Nation's Wealth: Assessing and Improving Child Health provides a detailed examination of the information about children's health that is needed to help policy makers and program providers at the federal, state, and local levels. In order to improve children's health-and, thus, the health of future generations-it is critical to have data that can be used to assess both current conditions and possible future threats to children's health. This compelling book describes what is known about the health of children and what is needed to expand the knowledge. By strategically improving the health of children, we ensure healthier future generations to come.

Download or read book Advances in Animal Experimentation and Modeling written by Ranbir Chander Sobti and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2021-12-08 with total page 504 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Exploration in Laboratory Animal Sciences Understanding Life Phenomena updates our knowledge about the newer technologies such as molecular biology, genomics including sequencing, proteomics, transcriptomics, cell culture, stem cell culture, transgenesis and their translation to understand systematics and phylogeny of laboratory animals at molecular level. In seven sections Exploration in Laboratory Animal Sciences Understanding Life Phenomena resolves issues of conservation, applications in environment monitoring, production of drugs and others. Comparative research has enabled use of domestic animal models that translate the advances in basic biosciences to the schemes for human welfare including medicine. Molecular geneticists are unravelling the complexities of mammalian genes and the field of biotechnology is maturing at a fast pace. Additionally, research focused on immunology and animal behavior offer new insight into ways of enhancing animal welfare. The rise in consumption of animal proteins in addition to the challenges of sustaining our natural resources has given animal scientists a vast array of opportunities to engage in integrative systems-based research for meeting the challenges that behold us. Exploration in Laboratory Animal Sciences Understanding Life Phenomena also discusses the manipulation of animals as factories for the production of safe foods, drugs, and sensors and others to meet the contemporary challenges faced by mankind in the new world order created by pandemic of Covid 19. It also includes several chapters on the causation and management of certain diseases and impact of microbes on life. Provides insight to newer and futuristic technologies to understand disease process and drug design by animal models Addresses a wide variety of species and covers a wide variety of topics (such as animal species, the laboratory setting, regulatory guidelines, and ethical considerations) to fully prepare for work with all types of animals Gives a perspective on laboratory animal use that allows to explain the benefits of animal use as required by veterinary technology program accreditation procedure Includes examples of animal bio-technological techniques (including stem cell and tissue engineering) for their applications to humanity Offers new insight into ways of enhancing animal welfare by the inclusion of research results focused on immunology and laboratory animal behavior

Download or read book What You Need to Know about Infectious Disease written by Madeline Drexler and published by . This book was released on with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases written by and published by Geological Survey (USGS). This book was released on 1999 with total page 444 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Grand Challenges in Environmental Sciences written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2001-05-24 with total page 107 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Scientists have long sought to unravel the fundamental mysteries of the land, life, water, and air that surround us. But as the consequences of humanity's impact on the planet become increasingly evident, governments are realizing the critical importance of understanding these environmental systemsâ€"and investing billions of dollars in research to do so. To identify high-priority environmental science projects, Grand Challenges in Environmental Sciences explores the most important areas of research for the next generation. The book's goal is not to list the world's biggest environmental problems. Rather it is to determine areas of opportunity thatâ€"with a concerted investmentâ€"could yield significant new findings. Nominations for environmental science's "grand" challenges were solicited from thousands of scientists worldwide. Based on their responses, eight major areas of focus were identifiedâ€"areas that offer the potential for a major scientific breakthrough of practical importance to humankind, and that are feasible if given major new funding. The book further pinpoints four areas for immediate action and investment.

Download or read book The Human Microbiome Diet and Health written by Food Forum and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2013-02-27 with total page 197 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Food Forum convened a public workshop on February 22-23, 2012, to explore current and emerging knowledge of the human microbiome, its role in human health, its interaction with the diet, and the translation of new research findings into tools and products that improve the nutritional quality of the food supply. The Human Microbiome, Diet, and Health: Workshop Summary summarizes the presentations and discussions that took place during the workshop. Over the two day workshop, several themes covered included: The microbiome is integral to human physiology, health, and disease. The microbiome is arguably the most intimate connection that humans have with their external environment, mostly through diet. Given the emerging nature of research on the microbiome, some important methodology issues might still have to be resolved with respect to undersampling and a lack of causal and mechanistic studies. Dietary interventions intended to have an impact on host biology via their impact on the microbiome are being developed, and the market for these products is seeing tremendous success. However, the current regulatory framework poses challenges to industry interest and investment.

Download or read book Microbial Megaplasmids written by Edward Schwartz and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2009-01-29 with total page 348 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Megaplasmids are extrachromosomal genetic elements in the size range of 100 kb and larger. They are found in physiologically and phylogenetically diverse groups of bacteria and archaea. By definition, megaplasmids are not essential for the viability of their hosts under all growth conditions, but paradoxically many megaplasmids carry the genetic information for the defining and characteristic traits of the organism in which they reside. Microbial Megaplasmids reviews our knowledge of the extensively studied representatives, such as the catabolic plasmids of the pseudomonads, the rhizobial Sym plasmids, the Ti plasmids of the genus Agrobacterium and the giant enterobacterial virulence plasmids. It also presents snapshots of more recently discovered megaplasmids. The contribution of megaplasmids to the biology of their hosts is described, highlighting the interactions between megaplasmid and chromosomal genes.

Download or read book Marine Bivalve Molluscs written by Elizabeth Gosling and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2015-07-07 with total page 547 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Marine Bivalve Molluscs Marine Bivalve Molluscs is a comprehensive and thoroughly updated Second Edition of Bivalve Molluscs, covering all major aspects of this important class of invertebrates. As well as being an important class biologically and ecologically, many of the bivalves are fished and cultured commercially (e.g. mussels, oysters, scallops and clams) in a multi-billion dollar worldwide industry. Elizabeth Gosling has written a landmark book that will stand for many years as the standard work on the subject. Chapters in Marine Bivalve Molluscs cover morphology, ecology, feeding, reproduction, settlement and recruitment, growth, physiology, fisheries, aquaculture, genetics, diseases and parasites, and public health issues. A full understanding of many of these aspects is vital for all those working in bivalve fisheries and culture. An essential purchase for anyone concerned with this important class of animals, copies of Marine Bivalve Molluscs should be on the shelves of biologists, ecologists, environmental scientists, fisheries scientists and personnel within the aquaculture industry. Copies of the book should be available in all libraries and research establishments where these subjects are studied or taught. REVIEWS OF THE FIRST EDITION An admirable achievement...a valuable addition to marine sciences libraries everywhere. The back cover of this book says that it is a landmark text that will stand for many years as the standard work on this subject. I can only agree with this sentiment. ~ Aquaculture A welcome addition to the literature and provides the reader with a comprehensive overview of biological and environmental factors that affect and control both natural populations of marine bivalves and culture operations. ~ Aquaculture International The author has done an admirable job in compiling a wealth of information into a readable text. ~ Transactions of the American Fisheries Society Will serve well as a description of much of both the experimental biology and the aquaculture of bivalves. ~ Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology Provides excellent reviews of all major aspects...an extremely important reference for anyone engaged in bivalve research, fisheries management, and aquaculture. ~ Quarterly Review of Biology The book is very readable, in an easy style. It is well illustrated and there is a wealth of data and statistics presented. ~ Bulletin of the Malacological Society of London

Download or read book Climate Change and Infectious Fish Diseases written by Patrick T.K. Woo and published by CABI. This book was released on 2020-09-04 with total page 528 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This definitive reference work explores the effects of current and expected climate change, taking place throughout the world, on selected bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infectious fish diseases of economically important fish in tropical and temperate waters"--