Les groupes fonctionnels du phytoplancton en tant qu'outils de biosurveillance des lacs urbains: une étude de cas

We assessed changes in phytoplankton community structure in relation to environmental variables in an urban eutrophic shallow lake (Lake Lugano, Argentina) throughout one year following two classification systems according to the morpho-functional groups (MFG) approach and morphologically based functional groups (MBFG). We aimed to compare the different approaches and find a simple tool to biomonitor urban freshwaters regarding their phytoplankton structure. Values of transparency, nutrients and chlorophyll a concentrations confirmed the eutrophic/hypertrophic conditions of the lake. The potentially toxic Cyanobacteria Planktothrix agardhii representing MFG 5a and MBFG III was generally dominant and reached bloom densities (>62,000 ind ml 1 ). The multivariate analyses performed showed similar and overlapping results considering both approaches. Nutrients and transparency were the main environmental variables explaining the variance encountered. We conclude that MBFG classification was an adequate, easy-to-handle method for monitoring Lake Lugano. The functional approaches applied enabled the followup of potentially toxic Cyanobacteria in Lake Lugano. Further studies should include the estimation of cyanobacteria-derived toxin concentrations in water. We consider that the applicability of the MBFG approach deserves to be further explored as a promising tool for biomonitoring different types of urban water bodies.Nous avons évalué les changements dans la structure de la communauté phytoplanctonique par rapport aux variables environnementales dans un lac peu profond eutrophique urbain (lac Lugano, Argentine) tout au long d'une année selon deux systèmes de classification ; l'approche morphofunctional groups (MFG) et morphologically based functional groups (MBFG). Nous avons cherché à comparer les différentes approches et à trouver un outil simple pour surveiller les eaux douces urbaines en ce qui concerne leur structure phytoplanctonique. Les valeurs de transparence, de nutriments et de concentrations de chlorophylle a ont confirmé les conditions eutrophiques/hypertrophiques du lac. Les cyanobactéries Planktothrix agardhii potentiellement toxiques représentant MFG 5a et MBFG III étaient généralement dominantes et ont atteint des densités d'efflorescence (>62,000 ind ml 1 ). Les analyses multivariées effectuées ont donné des résultats similaires, se chevauchant pour les deux approches. Les nutriments et la transparence étaient les principales variables environnementales expliquant la variance rencontrée. Nous concluons que la classification MBFG était une méthode adéquate et facile à utiliser pour la surveillance du lac de Lugano. Les approches fonctionnelles appliquées ont permis le suivi des cyanobactéries potentiellement toxiques dans le lac de Lugano. D'autres études devraient inclure l'estimation des concentrations de toxines dérivées de cyanobactéries dans l'eau. Nous estimons que l'applicabilité de l'approche MBFG mérite d'être étudiée plus avant en tant qu'outil prometteur pour la biosurveillance de différents types de masses d'eau urbaines.Fil: Allende, Luz. Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento. Instituto del Conurbano. Area de Ecología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Fontanarrosa, María Soledad. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Ecosistemas y Desarrollo Sustentable; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil; ArgentinaFil: Murno, Ayelen. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Sinistro, Rodrigo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; Argentin

Phytoplankton functional group classifications as a tool for biomonitoring shallow lakes: a case study

We assessed changes in phytoplankton community structure in relation to environmental variables in an urban eutrophic shallow lake (Lake Lugano, Argentina) throughout one year following two classification systems according to the morpho-functional groups (MFG) approach and morphologically based functional groups (MBFG). We aimed to compare the different approaches and find a simple tool to biomonitor urban freshwaters regarding their phytoplankton structure. Values of transparency, nutrients and chlorophyll a concentrations confirmed the eutrophic/hypertrophic conditions of the lake. The potentially toxic Cyanobacteria Planktothrix agardhii representing MFG 5a and MBFG III was generally dominant and reached bloom densities (>62,000 ind ml−1). The multivariate analyses performed showed similar and overlapping results considering both approaches. Nutrients and transparency were the main environmental variables explaining the variance encountered. We conclude that MBFG classification was an adequate, easy-to-handle method for monitoring Lake Lugano. The functional approaches applied enabled the follow-up of potentially toxic Cyanobacteria in Lake Lugano. Further studies should include the estimation of cyanobacteria-derived toxin concentrations in water. We consider that the applicability of the MBFG approach deserves to be further explored as a promising tool for biomonitoring different types of urban water bodies

Indolyl aryl sulphones as HIV-1 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors: synthesis, biological evaluation and binding mode studies of new derivatives at indole-2-carboxamide.

New non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) that are active against the commonly occurring mutations of HIV are urgently needed for the treatment of AIDS. We synthesized new NNRTIs of the indolyl aryl sulphone (IAS) family, which are endowed with high antiviral potency against HIV-1 wt (wild-type), and the Y181C and K103N-Y181C drug resistant mutant strains. Several new compounds were highly active in lymphocytes infected with primary isolates carrying the K103N-V108I-M184V and L100I-V108I mutations. The design of new IASs was based on three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D QSAR) studies and docking simulations. A cross-docking study was also undertaken to gain some insights in to the binding mode of the newly synthesized IASs in the wt and mutated isoforms of reverse transcriptase

Spatial variation of picoplankton communities along a cascade reservoir system in Patagonia, Argentina

In this study we explored how picoplankton community structure and diversity varied along three cascade oligo-mesotrophic reservoirs of the Limay River (Patagonia, Argentina): Alicura, Piedra del Águila and Ramos Mexía. We analyzed the spatial changes, covering lotic and lentic stretches along a gradient of 262 km from Andes to steppe, and we also sampled the main affluent of the Limay River (Collon Cura). In all sampling sites the main limnological variables were measured, and the picoplankton abundance (autotrophic and heterotrophic) was analyzed by flow cytometry. The bacterial biodiversity was assessed using high throughput sequencing Illumina MiSeq. We expected an increase in the trophic state along this series of cascade reservoirs, which would determine spatial differences in the structure of the picoplankton communities. We also hypothesized that the lotic and lentic conditions along the system would influence the bacterial composition. The results showed a slight increase in trophic state together with an increase in overall picoplankton abundance downstream, towards Ramos Mexía Reservoir. Picocyanobacteria were represented by phycoerythrin-rich cells all along the system, in accordance to the pattern described for oligotrophic aquatic ecosystems. Multivariate analyses based on bacterial OTU composition and environmental variables showed a spatial ordination of sites following the trend of increasing trophic state downstream. Molecular analyses of bacterial OTU diversity also showed an increase in richness and a decrease in evenness at the lotic stretches, and the opposite pattern in the reservoirs, suggesting that water retention time may play a role in structuring the community composition.Fil: Bernal, María Carolina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Lu, Lunhui. Chinese Academy of Sciences; República de ChinaFil: Sabio y García, Carmen Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Sánchez, María Laura. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Vera, Maria Solange. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Porcel, Elisa María Sol. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Sinistro, Rodrigo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Li, Zhe. Chinese Academy of Sciences; República de ChinaFil: Izaguirre, Irina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; Argentin

Proinflammatory Modulation of the Surface and Cytokine Phenotype of Monocytes in Patients With Acute Charcot Foot

Despite increased information on the importance of an inappropriate inflammatory response in the acute Charcot process, there has been no previous attempt to define the specific pathways that mediate its pathogenesis. Here, the role played by monocytes was analyzed

Pemphigus autoantibodies generated through somatic mutations target the desmoglein-3 cis-interface

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune blistering disease of skin and mucous membranes caused by autoantibodies to the desmoglein (DSG) family proteins DSG3 and DSG1, leading to loss of keratinocyte cell adhesion. To learn more about pathogenic PV autoantibodies, we isolated 15 IgG antibodies specific for DSG3 from 2 PV patients. Three antibodies disrupted keratinocyte monolayers in vitro, and 2 were pathogenic in a passive transfer model in neonatal mice. The epitopes recognized by the pathogenic antibodies were mapped to the DSG3 extracellular 1 (EC1) and EC2 subdomains, regions involved in cis-adhesive interactions. Using a site-specific serological assay, we found that the cis-adhesive interface on EC1 recognized by the pathogenic antibody PVA224 is the primary target of the autoantibodies present in the serum of PV patients. The autoantibodies isolated used different heavy- and light-chain variable region genes and carried high levels of somatic mutations in complementary-determining regions, consistent with antigenic selection. Remarkably, binding to DSG3 was lost when somatic mutations were reverted to the germline sequence. These findings identify the cis- adhesive interface of DSG3 as the immunodominant region targeted by pathogenic antibodies in PV and indicate that autoreactivity relies on somatic mutations generated in the response to an antigen unrelated to DSG3

Climate change effects on phytoplankton depend on cell size and food web structure

We investigated the effects of warming on a natural phytoplankton community from the Baltic Sea, based on six mesocosm experiments conducted 2005–2009. We focused on differences in the dynamics of three phytoplankton size groups which are grazed to a variable extent by different zooplankton groups. While small-sized algae were mostly grazer-controlled, light and nutrient availability largely determined the growth of medium- and large-sized algae. Thus, the latter groups dominated at increased light levels. Warming increased mesozooplankton grazing on medium-sized algae, reducing their biomass. The biomass of small-sized algae was not affected by temperature, probably due to an interplay between indirect effects spreading through the food web. Thus, under the higher temperature and lower light levels anticipated for the next decades in the southern Baltic Sea, a higher share of smaller phytoplankton is expected. We conclude that considering the size structure of the phytoplankton community strongly improves the reliability of projections of climate change effects

Estructura de las comunidades planctónicas y análisis de sus interacciones tróficas en un humedal de la cuenca del Paraná Inferior (Reserva de Otamendi, Buenos Aires, Argentina)Structure of the planktonic communities and analysis of their trophic interactions in a wetland from the basin of the lower Paraná (Natural Reserve Otamendi, Buenos Aires, Argentine)

El estudio se centra en el análisis de las comunidades planctónicas y sus interacciones tróficas en un humedal de la cuenca del Paraná Inferior (Reserva Natural de Otamendi). Se analizó la variación de las variables ambientales y las comunidades algales en una transecta transversal, desde meandros abandonados hacia la laguna principal, resultando la cobertura de plantas flotantes uno de los factores principales en la regulación de la estructura de las comunidades planctónicas. Mediante experimentos en microcosmos se simuló el efecto de la atenuación de la luz debido a plantas flotantes sobre la estructura de las comunidades planctónicas microbianas, observándose cambios en la relación autótrofos /heterótrofos + mixótrofos de acuerdo a la penetración de la luz. Experimentos con bacterias marcadas (FLB), revelaron la presencia de especies fitoplanctónicas mixotróficas. Experimentos en mesocosmos permitieron evaluar el impacto de la predación del zooplancton sobre el fitoplancton, analizándose su efecto sobre abundancia, estructura de tamaños y la composición de especies. Se evaluaron también las respuestas en cascada a nivel de las cadenas microbianas (nanoflagelados heterotróficos, ciliados y picoplancton). Se estudió simultáneamente el efecto de los nutrientes (bottom-up) y el de predación (top-down) sobre las comunidades planctónicas. En lo que respecta al efecto top-down, se analizó el impacto de la predación de peces planctívoros sobre el zooplancton, y el sucesivo efecto en cascada sobre el fitoplancton. Por otro lado se evaluó el efecto del aporte de nutrientes por parte de los sedimentos naturales de la lagunaThe study focuses in the analysis of the planktonic communities and their trophic interactions in a wetland from the Low Paraná (Otamendi Natural Reserve). The variation in the environmental parameters and in the algal communities were analyzed along a transversal transect, from relict oxbow lakes to the main lake. The free-floating plants cover was one of the driving forces in the regulation of the structure of planktonic communities. Using microcosms experiments, the light attenuation effect posed by the free- floating plants on the structure of the microbial planktonic communities was simulated. Changes in the relationship autotrophs/heterotrophs + mixotrophs were observed depending on light penetration. Experiments with fluorescent- labeled bacteria (FLB), revealed the presence of mixotrophic phytoplankton species. Experiments at mesocosm scale allowed to assess the zooplankton predation impact on phytoplankton, analyzing their effect in the abundance, size fraction structure and species composition. The cascading responses of the microbial chains were also assessed (heterotrophic nanoflagellates, ciliates and picoplankton) The effect of nutrients (bottom up) and predation (top down) on the phytoplankton communities, were simultaneously assessed. Regarding the top down effect, the impact of planktivorous fish predation over zooplankton was analyzed, as well as the consecutive cascading effect on phytoplankton. On the other hand, the effect of nutrient input by natural lake sediments, was assessed.Fil:Sinistro, Rodrigo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina

Structure of the planktonic communities and analysis of their trophic interactions in a wetland from the basin of the lower Paraná (Natural Reserve Otamendi, Buenos Aires, Argentine)

El estudio se centra en el análisis de las comunidades planctónicas y sus interacciones tróficas en un humedal de la cuenca del Paraná Inferior (Reserva Natural de Otamendi). Se analizó la variación de las variables ambientales y las comunidades algales en una transecta transversal, desde meandros abandonados hacia la laguna principal, resultando la cobertura de plantas flotantes uno de los factores principales en la regulación de la estructura de las comunidades planctónicas. Mediante experimentos en microcosmos se simuló el efecto de la atenuación de la luz debido a plantas flotantes sobre la estructura de las comunidades planctónicas microbianas, observándose cambios en la relación autótrofos /heterótrofos + mixótrofos de acuerdo a la penetración de la luz. Experimentos con bacterias marcadas (FLB), revelaron la presencia de especies fitoplanctónicas mixotróficas. Experimentos en mesocosmos permitieron evaluar el impacto de la predación del zooplancton sobre el fitoplancton, analizándose su efecto sobre abundancia, estructura de tamaños y la composición de especies. Se evaluaron también las respuestas en cascada a nivel de las cadenas microbianas (nanoflagelados heterotróficos, ciliados y picoplancton). Se estudió simultáneamente el efecto de los nutrientes (bottom-up) y el de predación (top-down) sobre las comunidades planctónicas. En lo que respecta al efecto top-down, se analizó el impacto de la predación de peces planctívoros sobre el zooplancton, y el sucesivo efecto en cascada sobre el fitoplancton. Por otro lado se evaluó el efecto del aporte de nutrientes por parte de los sedimentos naturales de la lagunaThe study focuses in the analysis of the planktonic communities and their trophic interactions in a wetland from the Low Paraná (Otamendi Natural Reserve). The variation in the environmental parameters and in the algal communities were analyzed along a transversal transect, from relict oxbow lakes to the main lake. The free-floating plants cover was one of the driving forces in the regulation of the structure of planktonic communities. Using microcosms experiments, the light attenuation effect posed by the free- floating plants on the structure of the microbial planktonic communities was simulated. Changes in the relationship autotrophs/heterotrophs + mixotrophs were observed depending on light penetration. Experiments with fluorescent- labeled bacteria (FLB), revealed the presence of mixotrophic phytoplankton species. Experiments at mesocosm scale allowed to assess the zooplankton predation impact on phytoplankton, analyzing their effect in the abundance, size fraction structure and species composition. The cascading responses of the microbial chains were also assessed (heterotrophic nanoflagellates, ciliates and picoplankton) The effect of nutrients (bottom up) and predation (top down) on the phytoplankton communities, were simultaneously assessed. Regarding the top down effect, the impact of planktivorous fish predation over zooplankton was analyzed, as well as the consecutive cascading effect on phytoplankton. On the other hand, the effect of nutrient input by natural lake sediments, was assessed.Fil: Sinistro, Rodrigo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina

Top-down and bottom-up regulation of planktonic communities in a warm temperate wetland

This field experimental study simultaneously analysed the effects of predation (top-down) and nutrients (bottom-up) on planktonic communities (phytoplankton, zooplankton, heterotrophic nanoflagellates and ciliates) in a warm temperate wetland in South America. The top-down and bottom-up controls were investigated by assessing the impact of omnivorous-planktivorous fish (Jenynsia sp.) and the effects of nutrient input from natural lake sediments, respectively. Three treatments and a control were run in triplicate in mesocosms and samples were taken at Days 0, 3, 7 and 15. The control contained all the planktonic components while treatments included all planktonic components plus the addition of either planktivorous fish (F), natural wetland sediments in dialysis bags (S) or both of them (SF). A bottom-up effect due to nutrient release from sediment (mainly total phosphorus) was noticed in treatments S and SF. Phytoplankton abundance increased in all treatments compared with the control. Thus, phytoplankton appeared to be bottom-up controlled while fish exerted a strong predation pressure on zooplankton (top-down), because treatments F and SF showed a marked decrease in mesozooplankton abundance. The results obtained in this study agree with the hypothesis that phytoplankton regulation by zooplankton might be weaker in warm temperate systems than in temperate ones.Fil: Sinistro, Rodrigo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución. Laboratorio de Limnología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin