Intraspecific variation and phylogeographic patterns of the grey-capped greenfinch . (Passeriformes: Fringillidae).

To study the intraspecific variation of the grey-capped greenfinch (Passeriformes: Fringillidae), we sequenced complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of the prevalent in Ulleung Island, Republic of Korea. The full length of the genome is 16,812 bp, containing 37 genes (2 rRNAs, 13 proteins, and 22 tRNAs) with a putative control region (D-loop). A total of 98 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the full mt genome were retained for Ulleung Island population and these SNPs were greater than those of inland population compared to the reference China subspecies.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Grey-capped Greenfinch subspecies, (Passeriformes: Fringillidae).

We sequenced the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of . The circular mt genome is 16,813 bp long and encodes 13 proteins, 22 transfer RNAs, and 2 ribosomal RNAs. Phylogenetic analysis based on full mt genome sequences confirmed that the is monophyletic group of the .

Mitochondrial genome of the black-throated loon, (Gaviiformes: Gaviidae): phylogeny and evolutionary history.

We sequenced the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of . The circular mt genome is 17,065 bp long, consisting of 37 genes (13 proteins, 22 transfer RNAs, and two ribosomal RNAs) and a control region. Phylogenetic analysis based on the full mt genome sequences confirmed that the genus is a monophyletic group, containing the , , and .

Trophic transfer of citrate, PVP coated silver nanomaterials, and silver ions in a paddy microcosm.

We used replicated paddy microcosm systems to estimate the tropic transfer of citrate-coated silver nanoparticles (AgNP citrate), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated AgNP (AgNP PVP), and silver ions (AgNO) for 14 days under two exposure regimes (a single high-dose exposure; 60 μg L and a sequential low-dose exposure at 1 h, 4 days and 9 days; 20 μg L × 3 = 60 μg L). Most Ag ions from AgNO had dispersed in the water and precipitated partly on the sediment, whereas the two Ag NPs rapidly coagulated and precipitated on the sediment. The bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of Ag from AgNPs and AgNO in Chinese muddy loaches and biofilms were higher than those of river snails in both exposure conditions.

Complete mitochondrial genome of a treefrog, (Anura: Hylidae).

The complete mitochondrial genome of a treefrog () was determined. The circular mitochondrial genome is 18,288 bp long and encodes 13 proteins, 22 transfer RNAs, and 2 ribosomal RNAs. Phylogenetic analysis of its full genome sequences showed that was closely related to and rather than , consistent with the results from each protein-coding gene and a cluster between 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA.

Influence of different types of nanomaterials on their bioaccumulation in a paddy microcosm: a comparison of TiO2 nanoparticles and nanotubes.

We investigated the environmental fate and bioaccumulation of TiO2 nanomaterials in a simplified paddy microcosm over a period of 17 days. Two types of TiO2 nanomaterials, nanoparticles (TiO2-NP) and nanotubes (TiO2-NT), were synthesized to have a negative surface charge. Ti concentrations in the environmental media (water, soil), crops (quillworts, water dropworts), and some lower and higher trophic organisms (biofilms, algae, plant-parasitic nematodes, white butterfly larva, mud snail, ricefish) were quantified after exposure periods of 0, 7, and 17 days.

Effects of methylmercury on epigenetic markers in three model species: mink, chicken and yellow perch.

We previously reported that methylmercury (MeHg) exposure is associated with DNA hypomethylation in the brain stem of male polar bears. Here, we conveniently use archived tissues obtained from controlled laboratory exposure studies to look for evidence that MeHg can disrupt DNA methylation across taxa. Brain (cerebrum) tissues from MeHg-exposed mink (Neovison vison), chicken (Gallus gallus) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) were analyzed for total Hg levels and global DNA methylation.

Elevated mercury exposure and neurochemical alterations in little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) from a site with historical mercury contamination.

Despite evidence of persistent methylmercury (MeHg) contamination in the South River (Virginia, USA) ecosystem, there is little information concerning MeHg-associated neurological impacts in resident wildlife. Here we determined mercury (Hg) concentrations in tissues of insectivorous little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) collected from a reference site and a MeHg-contaminated site in the South River ecosystem. We also explored whether neurochemical biomarkers (monoamine oxidase, MAO; acetylcholinesterase, ChE; muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, mAChR; N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, NMDAR) previously shown to be altered by MeHg in other wildlife were associated with brain Hg levels in these bats.

Multiple metals exposure and neurotoxic risk in bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) from two Great Lakes states.

In the present study, the authors determined concentrations of several elements (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Mn, Pb, Sb, Zn) in the brains and livers of 46 bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) from two Great Lakes states, Michigan and Minnesota. To explore whether exposures are of neurological concern, the authors assessed their associations with neurochemical receptors (N-methyl-D-aspartate [NMDA] and γ-aminobutyric acid A [GABA(A)]) and enzymes (glutamine synthetase [GS] and glutamic acid decarboxylase [GAD]) that play critical roles in vertebrate neurobehavior and reproduction. For most elements, levels in the livers and brains did not differ between region and gender.

High levels of uranium in groundwater of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Water samples collected from 129 wells in seven of the nine sub-divisions of Ulaanbaatar were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) using Clean Lab methods. The levels of many trace elements were found to be low with the average concentrations (ranges in brackets) being 0.9 (<0.

Mercury exposure and neurochemical impacts in bald eagles across several Great Lakes states.

In this study, we assessed mercury (Hg) exposure in several tissues (brain, liver, and breast and primary feathers) in bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) collected from across five Great Lakes states (Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin) between 2002-2010, and assessed relationships between brain Hg and neurochemical receptors (NMDA and GABA(A)) and enzymes (glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)). Brain total Hg (THg) levels (dry weight basis) averaged 2.80 μg/g (range: 0.

Multiple metals exposure in a small-scale artisanal gold mining community.

Urinary metals were characterized in 57 male residents of a small-scale gold mining community in Ghana. Chromium and arsenic exceeded health guideline values for 52% and 34%, respectively, of all participants. About 10-40% of the participants had urinary levels of aluminum, copper, manganese, nickel, selenium, and zinc that fell outside the U.

Rapid methods to detect organic mercury and total selenium in biological samples.

Background: Organic mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant of concern and selenium is believed to afford protection against mercury risk though few approaches exist to rapidly assess both chemicals in biological samples. Here, micro-scale and rapid methods to detect organic mercury (< 1.5 ml total sample volume, < 1.

A combined ecological and epidemiologic investigation of metal exposures amongst Indigenous peoples near the Marlin Mine in Western Guatemala.

In August 2009 a combined epidemiological and ecological pilot study was conducted to investigate allegations of human rights abuses in the form of exposures to toxic metals experienced by mine workers and Indigenous Mam Mayan near the Marlin Mine in Guatemala. In the human study there were no differences in blood and urine metals when comparing five mine workers with eighteen non-mine workers, and there were no discernible relationships between metal exposures and self-reported health measures in any study group. On the other hand, individuals residing closest to the mine had significantly higher levels of certain metals (urinary mercury, copper, arsenic, and zinc) when compared to those living further away.

Mercury contamination in spotted seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus: an assessment of liver, kidney, blood, and nervous system health.

Marine fishes in South Florida (Florida Keys-Florida Bay-Everglades region) accumulate higher concentrations of mercury (Hg) in their tissues than similar fishes from other areas of the southeastern U.S., though it is not known whether these elevated levels affect fish health.

Mortality factors and lead contamination of wild birds from Korea.

Wild birds have frequently been found dead in their natural habitats, but little is known about what ecological stressors may impact health of wild populations. Here, we report the potentially harmful lead (Pb) levels in tissues along with necropsies on 69 individuals of cranes, raptors, and waterfowl found dead between 2000 and 2003 in Korea. In all samples diagnosed, trauma (n = 22), severe emaciation (n = 15), and infectious diseases (n = 11) were identified.

Mercury and selenium levels in lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) in relation to a harmful red tide event.

Tissue levels of mercury (Hg; total, organic) and selenium (Se) were assessed in juvenile lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) from Florida nearshore waters collected during a harmful algal bloom (HAB, brevetoxin) event and compared with sharks not exposed to HABs. In all sharks studied, total Hg levels in the muscle were generally present in a molar excess over Se (which may protect against Hg toxicity) and mean muscle Hg levels (0.34 microg/g) exceed safe human consumption guidelines.

Neurochemical alterations in lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris) brains in association with brevetoxin exposure.

Brevetoxins are persistent, bioaccumulative, lipophilic polyether neurotoxins synthesized by Karenia brevis, a harmful algal bloom (HAB) dinoflagellate. Although some marine organisms accumulate potentially harmful levels of brevetoxins, little is known about neurotoxic effects in wild populations. Here, tissue (i.

Mercury-associated DNA hypomethylation in polar bear brains via the LUminometric Methylation Assay: a sensitive method to study epigenetics in wildlife.

In this paper we describe a novel approach that may shed light on the genomic DNA methylation of organisms with non-resolved genomes. The LUminometric Methylation Assay (LUMA) is permissive for genomic DNA methylation studies of any genome as it relies on the use of methyl-sensitive and -insensitive restriction enzymes followed by polymerase extension via Pyrosequencing technology. Here, LUMA was used to characterize genomic DNA methylation in the lower brain stem region from 47 polar bears subsistence hunted in central East Greenland between 1999 and 2001.

Functional analysis of avian metallothionein isoforms: an ecotoxicological approach for assessing potential tolerability to element exposure.

To assess the inducibility of avian metallothionein (MT) genes and potential tolerability of their protiens to element exposure, we investigated the transcriptional inducibilities of cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) and mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) MT genes in CV-1 cells by elements and detoxification potencies of their in vitro synthesized MT proteins. About 1.3 kb of 5'-upstream regions were sequenced for cormorant MT1 and 2 genes, where two metal-responsive elements were identified.

Abnormal lead exposure in globally threatened Cinereous vultures (Aegypius monachus) wintering in South Korea.

Globally threatened Cinereous vultures (Aegypius monachus) regularly over-winter in South Korea, and they have frequently been found dead in their natural habitats. As one possible factor for their mortality, we investigated tissues for heavy metal contaminants along with necropsies on 20 dead Cinereous vultures. Severe emaciation was found in the survey, being associated with 19 of the deaths.

Molecular characterization of two metallothionein isoforms in avian species: evolutionary history, tissue distribution profile, and expression associated with metal accumulation.

To characterize avian MTs, MT cDNAs were cloned from liver of cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) and mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). Expression profiles of MT isoforms and relationships between metal accumulation and MT mRNA expression in tissues were also investigated. We succeeded in cDNA cloning of MT1/2 from cormorant and MT1 in mallard.

Possible routes for lead accumulation in feral pigeons (Columba livia).

This study examined possible routes for lead (Pb) accumulation in resident pigeons collected from rural, urban, and four industrial sites in Korea. The accumulation pattern of Pb was comparable to the study sites. The highest Pb concentration was found in the bone, followed by kidney, liver, and lung of pigeons.

Reproductive effects of heavy metal accumulation on breeding feral pigeons (Columba livia).

To investigate the effects of heavy metal accumulations on breeding birds, we compared the egg size, eggshell thickness and some reproductive parameters in feral pigeon populations collected from Seoul and Ansan colonies. The results showed that concentrations of Pb in bone and Cd in kidney of adult pigeons in Seoul were three times higher than in Ansan colony. Significant positive correlation was also observed between Pb and Zn in bone and Cd and Zn in kidney of adult pigeons from Seoul, but not Ansan.