This study provides new information on the response of the immune system of Mytilus edulis exposed to untreated and treated sewage, linking immune response to ecologically relevant endpoints, such as disease resistance. Our goal was to assess the potential effects of sewage on the immune system (phagocytic activity and production of cytotoxic metabolites, disease resistance) and gills (light mi...

Increasing trends in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations in lakes and streams across Europe and North America have been reported. The widespread occurrence of these phenomena indicates large-scale causes, e.g. enhanced decomposition of organic soils, changes in hydrology or decreased acid deposition. The Simojoki River basin (3160 km) is located in the Northern Boreal Zone where human...

We have investigated, using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, the high temperature molecular organization of the linear oligothiophene α-sexithienyl (T6), well known for its organic electronics applications. We have found a smectic and a nematic liquid crystalline phase in the same temperature range where they had been experimentally reported but not fully characterized. We have microsc...

A comparative light and electron microscopy study was done on cauda epididymal spermatozoa obtained from correspondingly-aged sterile t6/tw32, and fertile T/tw32, T/t6 and BALB/c, mice. The results show that all of the males, regardless of age, contained defective gametes and that all contained the same types of aberrant gametes. The oldest males of each genotype contained more abnormal gametes...

Wastewater consists of a complex mixture of substances. During wastewater treatment these harmful substances can be eliminated or degraded. However, persistent compounds released with the treated sewage effluents enter the environment and pose a risk to animal and human life. To determine the potential risks involved, screening tests are needed to monitor wastewater for potential toxic contamin...

South America is responsible for about half of the cassava world production. In the 1970's productivity of the crop on the continent was about 15 ton/ha, and dropped continuously until reaching 12 ton/ha in 2004. India's productivity of cassava increased from 10 ton/ha in the 1970's to 28 ton/ha in 2004. Brazil contributed significantly to improving cassava crops through the Instituto Agronômic...

It is generally presumed that penetrating injuries of the orbit are associated with direct optic nerve injury. The incidence of TON after craniofacial trauma has been reported to be 0.5-1.5 % in older series. However, recent surveys report a higher figure; 2-5 % . This increased incidence may represent the diagnosis of subtle forms of TON closer to the time of injury. These types of cases appea...