Pub Date : 2012-01-01DOI: 10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZS002
J. Borrell
Habitat fragmentation represents an unprecedented threat to global biodiversity. Understanding the range at which individuals and populations can become reproductively isolated is vital to ecosystem management and the maintenance of genetic diversity. Here, I demonstrate an improved rapid assessment protocol for empirically measuring the settling velocity of pollen. I find significant differences in pollen settling velocity between species, suggesting different dispersal distances and population structures. It is also found that Stokes’ law is a reasonable theoretical predictor of pollen settling velocity in many cases. These findings predict that plant genetic connectivity is spatially localized, raisings concerns for highly fragmented populations. This method should provide a means of rapidly assessing species and populations at increased risk of erosion to genetic diversity.
{"title":"Rapid assessment protocol for pollen settling velocity: implications for habitat fragmentation","authors":"J. Borrell","doi":"10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZS002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZS002","url":null,"abstract":"Habitat fragmentation represents an unprecedented threat to global biodiversity. Understanding the range at which individuals and populations can become reproductively isolated is vital to ecosystem management and the maintenance of genetic diversity. Here, I demonstrate an improved rapid assessment protocol for empirically measuring the settling velocity of pollen. I find significant differences in pollen settling velocity between species, suggesting different dispersal distances and population structures. It is also found that Stokes’ law is a reasonable theoretical predictor of pollen settling velocity in many cases. These findings predict that plant genetic connectivity is spatially localized, raisings concerns for highly fragmented populations. This method should provide a means of rapidly assessing species and populations at increased risk of erosion to genetic diversity.","PeriodicalId":52095,"journal":{"name":"Bioscience Horizons","volume":"5 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2012-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZS002","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60765194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2012-01-01DOI: 10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZS006
S. Collins
Association of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene wear with osteolysis, leading to late aseptic loosening, has resulted in increased interest in alternative bearing prostheses. Alternative prostheses with cobalt-chrome bearing surfaces are now used more frequently, but research is needed to determine potential long-term biological effects of cobalt-chrome wear. The biological reactivity of cobalt-chrome particles may alter due to passivation and the storage of these particles in the laboratory; therefore, before any research can be carried out with these particles, an optimum storage protocol must be developed. This study aimed at determining any effects of the storage medium on the biological reactivity of cobalt-chrome wear. The viability of L929 cells was assessed following culture with clinically relevant cobalt-chrome particles stored in phosphatebuffered saline, in serum and dry at using condition the 3-[4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Storage of these cobalt-chrome nanoparticles (100 and 50 µm 3 cell −1 ) in serum resulted in a significantly greater reduction in cell viability compared with dry stored particles at the same dose, indicating that the storage of cobalt-chrome wear influ ences the biological reactivity of the particles. Therefore, it is suggested that studies investigating effects of cobalt-chrome wear particles should store them in serum prior to use in laboratory studies, these particles display the highest level of cytotoxicity and are how the particles are presented in vivo.
{"title":"Varied storage conditions on the cytotoxic potential of cobalt chrome nanoparticles when cultured with L929 fibroblasts","authors":"S. Collins","doi":"10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZS006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZS006","url":null,"abstract":"Association of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene wear with osteolysis, leading to late aseptic loosening, has resulted in increased interest in alternative bearing prostheses. Alternative prostheses with cobalt-chrome bearing surfaces are now used more frequently, but research is needed to determine potential long-term biological effects of cobalt-chrome wear. The biological reactivity of cobalt-chrome particles may alter due to passivation and the storage of these particles in the laboratory; therefore, before any research can be carried out with these particles, an optimum storage protocol must be developed. This study aimed at determining any effects of the storage medium on the biological reactivity of cobalt-chrome wear. The viability of L929 cells was assessed following culture with clinically relevant cobalt-chrome particles stored in phosphatebuffered saline, in serum and dry at using condition the 3-[4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Storage of these cobalt-chrome nanoparticles (100 and 50 µm 3 cell −1 ) in serum resulted in a significantly greater reduction in cell viability compared with dry stored particles at the same dose, indicating that the storage of cobalt-chrome wear influ ences the biological reactivity of the particles. Therefore, it is suggested that studies investigating effects of cobalt-chrome wear particles should store them in serum prior to use in laboratory studies, these particles display the highest level of cytotoxicity and are how the particles are presented in vivo.","PeriodicalId":52095,"journal":{"name":"Bioscience Horizons","volume":"5 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2012-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZS006","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60765285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2012-01-01DOI: 10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZS007
M. Hamilton
Marine protected areas (MPAs) can be used to conserve parts of marine ecosystems, including fish stocks exploited by fisheries. Social acceptance of MPAs must be achieved if they are to function as effective management tools. Artisanal fishers operating around tropical coral reef areas were questioned in an attempt to investigate their acceptance and perceptions of MPAs. Fishers from two areas were surveyed: Koh Rong Island, Cambodia, where MPAs are a new concept to fishers, and Southern Leyte, the Philippines, where MPAs have been used in management for over 10 years. Fishers’ opinions of MPAs from each study site were compared and variables affecting fishers’ opinions of MPAs were also investigated at each site. Although small sample sizes of fishers were observed at each study site, results showed that the majority of fishers at each site accepted MPAs as a management tool. Cambodian fishers felt the state of marine resources had worsened in the past decade (with regards to the number of fish, the size of fish and the number of species present in their catch), whereas most Filipino fishers had noticed an opposite trend. Older Cambodian fishers had greater acceptance of MPAs; age did not affect Filipino fishers’ acceptance, and did not affect any other opinions fishers had of MPAs at either site. Community-based management of MPAs was fishers’ preference at both sites. The study shows evidence of MPA support in Cambodia, with mobile gear users being more willing to be involved in MPA management. Most Filipino fishers felt that their MPA improved their catches, although there was evidence of conflict between fishers since the MPA was implemented.
{"title":"Perceptions of fishermen towards marine protected areas in Cambodia and the Philippines","authors":"M. Hamilton","doi":"10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZS007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZS007","url":null,"abstract":"Marine protected areas (MPAs) can be used to conserve parts of marine ecosystems, including fish stocks exploited by fisheries. Social acceptance of MPAs must be achieved if they are to function as effective management tools. Artisanal fishers operating around tropical coral reef areas were questioned in an attempt to investigate their acceptance and perceptions of MPAs. Fishers from two areas were surveyed: Koh Rong Island, Cambodia, where MPAs are a new concept to fishers, and Southern Leyte, the Philippines, where MPAs have been used in management for over 10 years. Fishers’ opinions of MPAs from each study site were compared and variables affecting fishers’ opinions of MPAs were also investigated at each site. Although small sample sizes of fishers were observed at each study site, results showed that the majority of fishers at each site accepted MPAs as a management tool. Cambodian fishers felt the state of marine resources had worsened in the past decade (with regards to the number of fish, the size of fish and the number of species present in their catch), whereas most Filipino fishers had noticed an opposite trend. Older Cambodian fishers had greater acceptance of MPAs; age did not affect Filipino fishers’ acceptance, and did not affect any other opinions fishers had of MPAs at either site. Community-based management of MPAs was fishers’ preference at both sites. The study shows evidence of MPA support in Cambodia, with mobile gear users being more willing to be involved in MPA management. Most Filipino fishers felt that their MPA improved their catches, although there was evidence of conflict between fishers since the MPA was implemented.","PeriodicalId":52095,"journal":{"name":"Bioscience Horizons","volume":"5 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2012-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZS007","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60765301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2011-06-01DOI: 10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR018
S. Webber
Exploration into the domain of consciousness and ‘self’ originated within the realm of philosophical thought. However, neuroscientific research facilitates the transition from conceptualization to empiricism, allowing scientists to locate the underlying neural mechanisms behind this phenomenon. Binding the multiplicity of conscious modalities, including the sense of ownership over one's experiences, agency over actions and first-person perspective relating to memory, emotion, spatial and environmental awareness, involves a specific integrative mechanism. It is suggested that the predominant candidate for this faculty lies with synchronous firing between distal assemblies of neurones. However, each cell assembly relates to a specific cognitive capacity, the majority of which is circumstantially recruited as and when necessary, and remains transient in nature. The pervasive and underlying aspect of the conscious self comes from the sensation of ownership over phenomenal experience. This remains omnipresent during waking consciousness and can be correlated with activity within the medial prefrontal cortex. This paper reviews evidence from fMRI and PET data, along with investigations involving lesions, neurological dysfunction and meditation providing a map of cooperative neurological regions associated with the various categories of the conscious self. These regions have been located predominantly within the parietal and prefrontal cortices.
{"title":"Who Am I? Locating the neural correlate of the self","authors":"S. Webber","doi":"10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR018","url":null,"abstract":"Exploration into the domain of consciousness and ‘self’ originated within the realm of philosophical thought. However, neuroscientific research facilitates the transition from conceptualization to empiricism, allowing scientists to locate the underlying neural mechanisms behind this phenomenon. Binding the multiplicity of conscious modalities, including the sense of ownership over one's experiences, agency over actions and first-person perspective relating to memory, emotion, spatial and environmental awareness, involves a specific integrative mechanism. It is suggested that the predominant candidate for this faculty lies with synchronous firing between distal assemblies of neurones. However, each cell assembly relates to a specific cognitive capacity, the majority of which is circumstantially recruited as and when necessary, and remains transient in nature. The pervasive and underlying aspect of the conscious self comes from the sensation of ownership over phenomenal experience. This remains omnipresent during waking consciousness and can be correlated with activity within the medial prefrontal cortex. This paper reviews evidence from fMRI and PET data, along with investigations involving lesions, neurological dysfunction and meditation providing a map of cooperative neurological regions associated with the various categories of the conscious self. These regions have been located predominantly within the parietal and prefrontal cortices.","PeriodicalId":52095,"journal":{"name":"Bioscience Horizons","volume":"4 1","pages":"165-173"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2011-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR018","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60765118","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2011-06-01DOI: 10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR017
A. Pickett
Heavy metals are naturally present in soils as trace elements but deposition from vehicle wear and tear increases concentrations found adjacent to highways and has been shown to disperse further in relation to traffic volume. The heavy metal cadmium (Cd), used in the manufacture of tyres, has toxic effects on some plant species, with soil acidity being a major factor in plant Cd uptake. In this study, levels of Cd in soil and root material from Calluna vulgaris were investigated along with soil pH on wet heather moorland in the Peak District National Park. In December 2009, samples were collected from 10 transects extending up to 125 m from a trunk road that has a daily vehicle use >23 000. The peat substrate of the study site was found to be highly acidic (mean pH ± S.D.: 3.44 ± 0.119). Reported Cd concentrations in peat core samples (50–200 mm depth) are within the UK rural soil distribution range (0.1–1.8 mg kg −1 ), but increase progressively up to 85 and 125 m on either side of the road probably assisted by the wind. Root samples from C. vulgaris showed a degree of Cd accumulation (mean ± S.D.: 17.78 µg g −1 ± 9.338) compared with normal concentrations in plants from unpolluted soils (0.1 µg g −1 ). Coupled with data from previous research, results from this study suggest that increased soil Cd concentrations could affect the competitive balance between C. vulgaris and other moorland plants such as Molinia caerulea. Advances in analytical techniques allowing a better understanding of plant responses to metal toxicity are also discussed.
{"title":"Cadmium dispersal on a raised heathland in the Peak District National Park adjacent to a major trunk road","authors":"A. Pickett","doi":"10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR017","url":null,"abstract":"Heavy metals are naturally present in soils as trace elements but deposition from vehicle wear and tear increases concentrations found adjacent to highways and has been shown to disperse further in relation to traffic volume. The heavy metal cadmium (Cd), used in the manufacture of tyres, has toxic effects on some plant species, with soil acidity being a major factor in plant Cd uptake. In this study, levels of Cd in soil and root material from Calluna vulgaris were investigated along with soil pH on wet heather moorland in the Peak District National Park. In December 2009, samples were collected from 10 transects extending up to 125 m from a trunk road that has a daily vehicle use >23 000. The peat substrate of the study site was found to be highly acidic (mean pH ± S.D.: 3.44 ± 0.119). Reported Cd concentrations in peat core samples (50–200 mm depth) are within the UK rural soil distribution range (0.1–1.8 mg kg −1 ), but increase progressively up to 85 and 125 m on either side of the road probably assisted by the wind. Root samples from C. vulgaris showed a degree of Cd accumulation (mean ± S.D.: 17.78 µg g −1 ± 9.338) compared with normal concentrations in plants from unpolluted soils (0.1 µg g −1 ). Coupled with data from previous research, results from this study suggest that increased soil Cd concentrations could affect the competitive balance between C. vulgaris and other moorland plants such as Molinia caerulea. Advances in analytical techniques allowing a better understanding of plant responses to metal toxicity are also discussed.","PeriodicalId":52095,"journal":{"name":"Bioscience Horizons","volume":"4 1","pages":"149-157"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2011-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR017","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60765051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2011-06-01DOI: 10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR014
F. Leach
High incidence of resistance to pharmaceutical antibiotics among microbes in hospital environments prompts the search for alternative sources of anti-microbial chemicals. A largely underexploited resource in this regard is plants used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In this investigation, anti-microbial properties of water extracts of two herbs used in TCM—Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Huang Qin) and Coptis chinensis Franch (Huang Lian)—against Escherichia coli B, coagulase-negative staphylococcus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were examined using the disc diffusion method with water as a negative control and vancomycin as the positive control for coagulase-negative staphylococcus. Coptis chinensis appeared more potent than S. baicalensis against the three microbes used in the main experiments. Against E. coli B, the mean width and standard error of the kill zone was 3.9 ± 0.6 and 13.3 ± 0.7 mm for S. baicalensis and C. chinensis, respectively. Against coagulase-negative staphylococcus, the mean kill zone widths were 6.6 ± 1.1 and 11.0 ± 1.0 mm for S. baicalensis and C. chinensis, respectively. Against S. cerevisiae, the mean kill zone widths were 8.4 ± 1.0 and 12.6 ± 1.4 mm for S. baicalensis and C. chinensis, respectively. When compared with the positive control, C. chinensis was comparable in effect to vancomycin against coagulase-negative staphylococcus, whereas S. baicalensis was less effective than vancomycin. Further experiments investigated the use of herbs in combination and minimum inhibitory concentration. A limited number of further tests were conducted with other bacteria; E. coli 8879 (NCIMB 8879), Staphylococcus aureus (NCIMB 9518), Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus megaterium; both herbs killed all of the other bacteria, but C. chinensis appeared more potent than S. baicalensis. Diffusion disc technique provided a useful method to evaluate the anti-microbial effects of the two herbs, both of which showed promise as new anti-microbial agents.
{"title":"Anti-microbial properties of Scutellaria baicalensis and Coptis chinensis, two traditional Chinese medicines","authors":"F. Leach","doi":"10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR014","url":null,"abstract":"High incidence of resistance to pharmaceutical antibiotics among microbes in hospital environments prompts the search for alternative sources of anti-microbial chemicals. A largely underexploited resource in this regard is plants used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In this investigation, anti-microbial properties of water extracts of two herbs used in TCM—Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Huang Qin) and Coptis chinensis Franch (Huang Lian)—against Escherichia coli B, coagulase-negative staphylococcus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were examined using the disc diffusion method with water as a negative control and vancomycin as the positive control for coagulase-negative staphylococcus. Coptis chinensis appeared more potent than S. baicalensis against the three microbes used in the main experiments. Against E. coli B, the mean width and standard error of the kill zone was 3.9 ± 0.6 and 13.3 ± 0.7 mm for S. baicalensis and C. chinensis, respectively. Against coagulase-negative staphylococcus, the mean kill zone widths were 6.6 ± 1.1 and 11.0 ± 1.0 mm for S. baicalensis and C. chinensis, respectively. Against S. cerevisiae, the mean kill zone widths were 8.4 ± 1.0 and 12.6 ± 1.4 mm for S. baicalensis and C. chinensis, respectively. When compared with the positive control, C. chinensis was comparable in effect to vancomycin against coagulase-negative staphylococcus, whereas S. baicalensis was less effective than vancomycin. Further experiments investigated the use of herbs in combination and minimum inhibitory concentration. A limited number of further tests were conducted with other bacteria; E. coli 8879 (NCIMB 8879), Staphylococcus aureus (NCIMB 9518), Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus megaterium; both herbs killed all of the other bacteria, but C. chinensis appeared more potent than S. baicalensis. Diffusion disc technique provided a useful method to evaluate the anti-microbial effects of the two herbs, both of which showed promise as new anti-microbial agents.","PeriodicalId":52095,"journal":{"name":"Bioscience Horizons","volume":"4 1","pages":"119-127"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2011-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR014","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60764942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2011-06-01DOI: 10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR016
Bethany P. J. Greenfield
Ixodes ricinus, the sheep tick, as a consequence of its habit of taking blood from mammalian hosts, can transmit disease from wild animals to humans. This is likely to be a particular problem in parks shared by humans and deer populations. These ticks were sampled, using cloth drags, from vegetation at 16 sites in Richmond Park, London, between 15 July and 22 August 2009. A total of 2436 ‘host-seeking’ ticks (2281 larvae, 151 nymphs and 4 adults; three males and one female) were collected, and attempts were made to identify the environmental factors affecting the distribution of these ectoparasites. Tick presence was closely related to soil moisture, light levels and humidity throughout the park. It is thought that improving our understanding of how these factors influence the presence of I. ricinus will facilitate methods of tick control and help to educate the public about where ‘hotspots’ for these parasites are likely to be within the park.
{"title":"Environmental parameters affecting tick (Ixodes ricinus) distribution during the summer season in Richmond Park, London","authors":"Bethany P. J. Greenfield","doi":"10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR016","url":null,"abstract":"Ixodes ricinus, the sheep tick, as a consequence of its habit of taking blood from mammalian hosts, can transmit disease from wild animals to humans. This is likely to be a particular problem in parks shared by humans and deer populations. These ticks were sampled, using cloth drags, from vegetation at 16 sites in Richmond Park, London, between 15 July and 22 August 2009. A total of 2436 ‘host-seeking’ ticks (2281 larvae, 151 nymphs and 4 adults; three males and one female) were collected, and attempts were made to identify the environmental factors affecting the distribution of these ectoparasites. Tick presence was closely related to soil moisture, light levels and humidity throughout the park. It is thought that improving our understanding of how these factors influence the presence of I. ricinus will facilitate methods of tick control and help to educate the public about where ‘hotspots’ for these parasites are likely to be within the park.","PeriodicalId":52095,"journal":{"name":"Bioscience Horizons","volume":"4 1","pages":"140-148"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2011-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR016","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60765031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}