Behavior and Impact of Zirconium in the Soil–Plant System: Plant Uptake and Phytotoxicity

Because of the large number of sites they pollute, toxic metals that contaminate terrestrial ecosystems are increasingly of environmental and sanitary concern (Uzu et al. 2010, 2011; Shahid et al. 2011a, b, 2012a). Among such metals is zirconium (Zr), which has the atomic number 40 and is a transition metal that resembles titanium in physical and chemical properties (Zaccone et al. 2008). Zr is widely used in many chemical industry processes and in nuclear reactors (Sandoval et al. 2011; Kamal et al. 2011), owing to its useful properties like hardness, corrosion-resistance and permeable to neutrons (Mushtaq 2012). Hence, the recent increased use of Zr by industry, and the occurrence of the Chernobyl and Fukashima catastrophe have enhanced environmental levels in soil and waters (Yirchenko and Agapkina 1993; Mosulishvili et al. 1994 ; Kruglov et al. 1996)

Infectious Speciation Revisited: Impact of Symbiont-Depletion on Female Fitness and Mating Behavior of Drosophila paulistorum

The neotropical Drosophila paulistorum superspecies, consisting of at least six geographically overlapping but reproductively isolated semispecies, has been the object of extensive research since at least 1955, when it was initially trapped mid-evolution in flagrant statu nascendi. In this classic system females express strong premating isolation patterns against mates belonging to any other semispecies, and yet uncharacterized microbial reproductive tract symbionts were described triggering hybrid inviability and male sterility. Based on theoretical models and limited experimental data, prime candidates fostering symbiont-driven speciation in arthropods are intracellular bacteria belonging to the genus Wolbachia. They are maternally inherited symbionts of many arthropods capable of manipulating host reproductive biology for their own benefits. However, it is an ongoing debate as to whether or not reproductive symbionts are capable of driving host speciation in nature and if so, to what extent. Here we have reevaluated this classic case of infectious speciation by means of present day molecular approaches and artificial symbiont depletion experiments. We have isolated the α-proteobacteria Wolbachia as the maternally transmitted core endosymbionts of all D. paulistorum semispecies that have coevolved towards obligate mutualism with their respective native hosts. In hybrids, however, these mutualists transform into pathogens by overreplication causing embryonic inviability and male sterility. We show that experimental reduction in native Wolbachia titer causes alterations in sex ratio, fecundity, and mate discrimination. Our results indicate that formerly designated Mycoplasma-like organisms are most likely Wolbachia that have evolved by becoming essential mutualistic symbionts in their respective natural hosts; they have the potential to trigger pre- and postmating isolation. Furthermore, in light of our new findings, we revisit the concept of infectious speciation and discuss potential mechanisms that can restrict or promote symbiont-induced speciation at post- and prezygotic levels in nature and under artificial laboratory conditions

Labrum repair combined with arthroscopic reduction of capsular volume in shoulder instability

We performed arthroscopic treatment of traumatic anterior and anteroinferior shoulder instability combining three procedures— labrum repair, reduction of capsular volume and suture of the rotator cuff interval—with the aim of analysing the results with regard to stability and function. Between January 1999 and December 2003, 27 patients underwent arthroscopic treatment for labrum repair with metal anchors, reduction of capsular volume through thermal capsulorrhaphy and suture of rotator cuff interval. These patients were evaluated in the pre- and postoperative period using the UCLA and Rowe scales and in the postoperative period using the ASES scale. During a mean follow-up period of 32.4 months (range 22–74 months) all shoulders remained stable. Using the UCLA scale, there was improvement from the preoperative period, with a mean score of 24.7, to the postoperative period, with a mean of 32.81. Improvement was also shown by the Rowe scale, with a mean score of 39.81 in the preoperative period and 90.74 in the postoperative period. On the ASES scale the mean score was 92.22. All shoulders remained stable and there was marked functional improvement in the patients who were treated. These results are comparable to those obtained with open surgery, observing similar patient selection criteria

Evaluation of hydrogeochemical characteristics and the impact of weathering in seepage water collected within the sedimentary formation

A study was conducted by collecting eight seepage water samples that drain through the sedimentary rocks, mainly sandstone and shale, to evaluate the hydrogeochemical characteristics. The collected samples were analyzed for physico-chemical parameters using standard procedures. Three water types were identified in the Piper plot and the hydrogeochemical evolution starts from a Ca–Cl facies (type 1) via mixed Ca–Mg–Cl and Ca–Na–HCO3 facies (type 2) to Na–Cl facies (type 3). Increasing trend of electrical conductivity (EC) values were observed from type 1 water to type 3 water. Lower ionic concentrations with an average EC value of 35.7 µs/cm in Ca–Cl facies indicate the recharge water by monsoonal rainfall, and ion exchange/weathering process is reflected in the mixing zone. Higher ionic concentration with an average EC value of 399 µs/cm is noted in Na–Cl facies, which indicates the ion exchange during water–rock interaction. Higher log pCO2 values are also found in this facies, revealing the longer residence time of seepage water in the rock matrix, which release more ions into the water. The relative mobility of elements during weathering suggest that the order of mobility in both sandstone and shale is Na > Ca > Mg > K. It was observed that the hydrogeochemistry of seepage water is mainly controlled by the bedrock geology