Marine Organisms Research Articles

Microplastics in Sediments and Antique Ark Cockles (Anadara antiquata) from Surabaya Coastline, East Java

Microplastic contaminating the environment has become a global issue and is known to be found in marine biota. Surabaya coastline is the main area of community activities, thus contributing to the release of microplastics into the environment. Antique Ark cockle (Anadara antiquata) as bivalve is susceptible to microplastic contamination from the surrounding environment. This study aims to determine the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in A. antiquata and sediments collected from mangrove-covered area of Gunung Anyar (MGA) and coastal area of Bulak District (BLK). The number of microplastics in cockles was found higher in BLK (5,1 particles/individual) compared to MGA (2,3 particles/individual). Fiber (BLK = 64.13%, MGA = 54.64%) and fragment (BLK = 35.87%, MGA = 45.36%) were found in cockles, fiber was found to be dominating in cockles from both locations. The number of microplastics in sediment was also higher in BLK (361, 31 particles/kg dry weight) compared to MGA (170,82 particles/kg). Fragments (52.45%), fibers (47.19%), and pellets (0.25%) were found in BLK. Meanwhile, the microplastics found in MGA are fragments (51.10%), fibers (46.26%), filaments (2.20%), and pellets (0.44%). Fragments are dominating in both locations. Mann-Whitney test shows a significant abundance between microplastics found at BLK and MGA from sediment and cockles.

The Impact of Mercury from Dental Amalgams on Pregnancy and Childhood: A Health and Risk Assessment Evaluation.

Mercury is a pervasive global pollutant, with primary anthropogenic sources including mining, industrial processes, and mercury-containing products such as dental amalgams. These sources release mercury into the environment, where it accumulates in ecosystems and enters the food chain, notably through bioamplification in marine life, posing a risk to human health. Dental amalgams, widely used for over a century, serve as a significant endogenous source of inorganic mercury. Studies have demonstrated that mercury vapor can be released from amalgams at room temperature due to material corrosion, potentially leading to chronic exposure. Pregnant women and children are particularly susceptible to mercury's toxic effects, with research linking prenatal mercury exposure to developmental delays, neurocognitive deficits, and conditions such as autism spectrum disorder. Moreover, the long-term accumulation of mercury in the body raises concerns about delayed health impacts in individuals exposed during childhood. Recent findings suggest even low levels of mercury exposure may contribute to kidney damage mediated by oxidative stress, highlighting the importance of monitoring mercury levels in vulnerable populations. Prenatal mercury transfer and postnatal exposure through breastfeeding further amplify the risks. This review critically assesses the health implications of mercury exposure from dental amalgams, focusing on its impact on pregnancy and childhood development. It underscores the need for updated regulatory measures to mitigate mercury-related risks and calls for further research to clarify the extent of mercury's long-term effects on human health.

Natural Anticancer Drugs: Efficacy, Safety, and Future Challenges.

The investigation of naturally derived anticancer drugs has gained prominence in cancer therapy research. Within a broad context, this review seeks to elucidate the molecular foundations and diverse mechanisms underlying these compounds to understand their pivotal role in advancing effective interventions. Additionally by employing a systematic approach, this study examined the interplay between cellular components, signaling pathways, and genetic factors, providing valuable insights into the regulatory networks governing the efficacy of these drugs. Categorization based on sources (plants, animals, marine organisms, and microbes) revealed unique bioactive constituents and therapeutic potential. Mechanistic investigations have revealed the ability of these compounds to induce apoptosis, inhibit angiogenesis, modulate metabolic processes, stimulate the immune system, and arrest the cell cycle. This overview encompasses both approved drugs and those undergoing clinical trials, highlighting their heightened efficacy and reduced toxicity compared to their synthetic counterparts. However, challenges persist in terms of standardization, quality control, and large-scale production. In conclusion, this review examined the potential of naturally derived anticancer drugs to contribute to advancements in cancer treatment and enhance patient outcomes. In addition to their effectiveness, natural anticancer drugs are generally less toxic and have fewer harmful side effects than conventional chemotherapies. This emphasizes the need for continued research, collaborative efforts, and addressing the regulatory and intellectual property challenges associated with natural products. This review provides a balanced perspective on the mechanisms, advantages, and prospects.

The Molecular Mechanism of Clock in Thermal Adaptation of Two Congeneric Oyster Species

Clock genes regulate physiological and metabolic processes by responding to changes in environmental light and temperature, and genetic variations in these genes may facilitate environmental adaptation, offering opportunities for resilience to climate change. However, the genetic and molecular mechanisms remain unclear in marine organisms. In this study, we investigated the role of a key clock gene, the circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (Clock), in thermal adaptation using DNA affinity purification sequencing (DAP-Seq) and RNA interference (RNAi)-based transcriptome analysis. In cold-adapted Crassostrea gigas and warm-adapted Crassostrea angulata, Clock was subject to environmental selection and exhibited contrasting expression patterns. The transcriptome analysis revealed 2054 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) following the knockdown of the Clock expression, while DAP-Seq identified 150,807 genes regulated by Clock, including 5273 genes located in promoter regions. The combined analyses identified 201 overlapping genes between the two datasets, of which 98 were annotated in public databases. These 98 genes displayed distinct expression patterns in C. gigas and C. angulata under heat stress, which were potentially regulated by Clock, indicating its role in a molecular regulatory network that responds to heat stress. Notably, a heat-shock protein 70 family gene (Hsp12b) and a tripartite motif-containing protein (Trim3) were significantly upregulated in C. angulata but showed no significant changes in C. gigas, further highlighting their critical roles in thermal adaptation. This study preliminarily constructs a thermal regulatory network involving Clock, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of clock genes in thermal adaptation.

Chemical Characterization of Bioactive Compounds in Extracts and Fractions from Litopenaeus vannamei Muscle

Marine organisms are a vital source of biologically active compounds. Organic extracts from the muscle of the Pacific white shrimp (L. vannamei) have shown antiproliferative effects on tumor cells, including breast adenocarcinoma. This study aimed to analyze these extracts’ composition and confirm their specificity for breast adenocarcinoma cells without harming normal cells. An organic chloroform extract from L. vannamei muscle was divided using a solvent partition procedure with methanol and hexane. The methanolic partition was fractionated through an open preparative liquid chromatography column to isolate compounds with biological activity, that were later tested on MDA-MB-231 (breast adenocarcinoma), and recently tested on MCF10-A (non-cancerous breast epithelial cells). Cells incubated with these fractions were assessed for viability and morphological changes using fluorescence confocal microscopy. Fractions F#13 and F#14 reduced MDA-MB-231 cancer cell viability at 100 µg/mL without affecting non-cancerous MCF-10A cells, inducing apoptosis-related changes in cancer cells. These fractions contained EPA and DHA free fatty acids, specifically F#13 contained free and esterified astaxanthin as well. The high levels of free linoleic acid 18:2 ω-6, EPA, and DHA (in a 2:1 ratio, EPA:DHA), along with free and esterified astaxanthin in F#13, significantly reduced breast adenocarcinoma cell viability, nearly to that achieved by cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug.

Offshore Submerged Aquaculture Flow-Net Interaction Simulation: A Numerical Approach for the Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Nets Produced from Different Materials

The mechanical and hydrodynamic characteristics of single-piece nets are key to the design and optimization of offshore aquaculture net cages. A numerical approach for offshore submerged aquaculture net materials based on the Morison equations and finite element is proposed, simulating the hydrodynamic characteristics of single-piece nets under varying parameters such as wire diameter, mesh size, and flow velocity, and simulating the impact of marine organism attachment on nets by modifying the drag coefficient. The simulation results of nets made from materials such as Copper–Zinc Alloy (Cu-Zn), Zinc–Aluminum Alloy (Zn-Al), Semi-Rigid Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), and Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) are compared, which provides a theoretical basis for optimizing design parameters and selecting materials for nets based on force conditions and hydrodynamic characteristics. The simulation results indicate that the current force on the net is positively correlated with flow velocity; the maximum displacement of the net is also positively correlated with the flow rate. Compared to other materials, the Cu-Zn net is subjected to the greatest water flow force, while the UHMWPE net experiences the greatest displacement; the larger the diameter of the netting twine, the greater the current force on the net; the mesh size is inversely related to the current force on the net. With increasing drag coefficient, both the maximum displacement of the net and the current force experiences increase, and UHMWPE material nets are more sensitive to increases in the drag coefficient, which indicates a greater impact from the attachment of marine organisms. The density and elastic modulus of the netting material affect the rate of increase in force on the net. The research results can provide a basis for further research on material selection and design of deep-sea aquaculture nets.

A Cedrane and a Fusarin from the Algicolous Fungus Fusarium graminearum 12Ⅱ2N and Response to Mycoparasitism.

The fungal genus Fusarium is a treasure-trove of structurally diverse secondary metabolites, contributed greatly by marine-derived strains. A new cedrane sesquiterpene, fusacedrol (1), and a new fusarin member, fusarin M (2), were isolated from F. graminearum 12Ⅱ2N that was isolated as an endophyte from the marine brown alga Sargassum sp. The planar structures of compounds 1 and 2 were incisively identified by analysis of spectroscopic data, inclusive of NMR and MS, and the relative configurations were ensured by NOESY correlations and a coupling constant. Quantum chemical calculations of specific optical rotations of compound 1 and cedrol solved the absolute configuration of compound 1. Compound 1 represents the first new cedrane derivative with a 5/5/6 tricyclic nucleus from marine-derived fungi, and this skeleton has also been reported rarely from other marine organisms. Compound 2 is an isomer of fusarin Y, and its production could be greatly reduced by coculture with Trichoderma flagellatum 12A1N of the same origin. The two isolates were assayed for inhibiting the bacterium Pseudoalteromonas citrea (bio-02684, a green-spot pathogen of Porphyra), but none of them were active unfortunately.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Health Risks in Crabs (Scylla senrata) from Oil and Non-Oil Producing Communities in Rivers State, Nigeria

Heavy metal contamination in aquatic environments poses significant risks to public health, particularly in regions affected by industrial activities such as oil exploration. These contaminants can accumulate in marine organisms, posing risks to both ecosystems and human health through dietary exposure. The study investigates the health risks associated with heavy metal contamination in Scylla senrata harvested from Abonnema (non-oil producing community, NOPC) and Kula (oil producing community, OPC) in the Niger Delta region, Nigeria, at both low and high tides. The metals analyzed include iron (Fe), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr). The analyses were conducted using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 21.0). The results showed significant variation in metal concentrations. Results showed elevated levels of Fe (94.7–146.8 mg/kg), Pb (8.3–38.28 mg/kg), Ni (3.62–6.45 mg/kg), Mn (42.79–71.43 mg/kg), Cu (18.5–27.95 mg/kg), and Cd (1.25–2.00 mg/kg) above WHO/FEPA (2003) limits, particularly in Kula. Chromium (Cr) levels were relatively lower, with concentrations ranging from 0.21 to 0.28 mg/kg at low tide and <0.001 mg/kg at high tide. In addition, zinc (Zn) concentrations remained within the permissible limit. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) calculations indicated that the concentrations of these metals are within safe limits for human consumption, with none of the THQ values exceeding the threshold of 1.0. In conclusion, these findings suggest that while anthropogenic activities, particularly oil exploration, contribute to metal contamination, the consumption of these crabs poses minimal health risk based on current metal exposure levels. Further research and continuous monitoring is recommended to evaluate long-term health and environmental impacts.

An Improved YOLOv9s Algorithm for Underwater Object Detection

Monitoring marine life through underwater object detection technology serves as a primary means of understanding biodiversity and ecosystem health. However, the complex marine environment, poor resolution, color distortion in underwater optical imaging, and limited computational resources all affect the accuracy and efficiency of underwater object detection. To solve these problems, the YOLOv9s-SD underwater target detection algorithm is proposed to improve the detection performance in underwater environments. We combine the inverted residual structure of MobileNetV2 with Simple Attention Module (SimAM) and Squeeze-and-Excitation Attention (SE) to form the Simple Enhancement attention Module (SME) and optimize AConv, improving the sensitivity of the model to object details. Furthermore, we introduce the lightweight DySample operator to optimize feature recovery, enabling better adaptation to the complex characteristics of underwater targets. Finally, we employ Wise-IoU version 3 (WIoU v3) as the loss function to balance the loss weights for targets of different sizes. In comparison with the YOLOv9s model, according to the experiments conducted on the UPRC and Brackish underwater datasets, YOLOv9s-SD achieves an improvement of 1.3% and 1.2% in the mean Average Precision (mAP), reaching 83.0% and 94.3% on the respective datasets and demonstrating better adaptability to intricate underwater environments.

Distribution of pharmaceuticals in marine surface sediment and macroalgae (ulvophyceae) around Mombasa peri-urban creeks and Gazi Bay, Kenya.

Pollution in marine creeks has been increasing due to anthropogenic activities and has been a global concern. Limited research has been conducted on pharmaceuticals in marine sediment and macroalgae in African countries. In the present study, the levels of pharmaceuticals were assessed in surface sediment and different species of macroalgae (ulvophyceae; Cladophora sudanensis, Chaetomorpha crassa, Chaetomorpha indica, Enteromorpha kylinii, Ulva reticulate, Ulva lactuca and Cladophora sibugae) in Mombasa peri-urban creeks (Tudor, Makupa and Mtwapa creek) and Gazi bay during dry and wet seasons. The concentration of pharmaceuticals in the surface sediment during dry and wet seasons ranged between 0.04-686.8ng/g and 0.01-2580.6ng/g, respectively. The highest concentration of pharmaceuticals was observed in Tudor creek in dry and wet seasons, with a sum concentration of ∑1013ng/g and ∑3111ng/g, respectively. Gazi Bay was used as a reference environment for this study, and pharmaceuticals were detected in dry and wet seasons with a concentration of 0.10-686.8ng/g and 0.18-93.5ng/g, respectively. There was no seasonal variation in the pharmaceutical concentration during the dry and wet seasons. For macroalgae of ulvophyceae species, pharmaceutical concentration ranged below the detection limit (DL)-11059ng/g. Compared to surface sediment, macroalgae showed a high concentration of pharmaceuticals in Tudor, Makupa and Mtwapa creeks. Tetracycline was higher in sediment and macroalgae in all the creeks than other pharmaceutical compounds. A high concentration of pharmaceuticals confirms sewage effluent into the marine environment of Mombasa peri-urban creek. Pharmaceuticals (acetaminophen, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, carbamazepine and nevirapine) in sediment posed a medium (- 1 < Log10 RQ < 0) to higher risk (Log10 RQ > 0) to algae, invertebrates and fish in the dry and wet seasons. There is a need to sensitise the residents of coastal cities on the impact of sewage effluent into the marine environment and enact strict measures to limit the discharge of sewage effluents containing these contaminants into the marine environment. Nevertheless, it is recommended to conduct further research on the distribution of pharmaceuticals in the marine environment and the long-term combined impacts of these substances of these compounds on marine biota.

Spatial Dynamics of Macrobenthos Assemblages in Different Breakwater Systems in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

The Sultan Mahmud Airport runway extension in 2008 resulted in coastal erosion along the Kuala Nerus shorelines. In response, different breakwater systems were constructed to mitigate erosion. Despite previous reports highlighting the effects of breakwaters on marine organisms, the local impact remains uncertain. Therefore, this study investigates the spatial impact of different breakwater systems on macrobenthos composition in the Kuala Nerus coastal area. Samplings were conducted at 12 substations across five main stations, covering sheltered and exposed areas. Results revealed 27,137 macrobenthos individuals, with groyne exhibiting the highest macrobenthos composition (8448.79 ± 2813.73 ind./m2). Gastropoda dominated (4971.01–41608.70 ind./m2), followed by Bivalvia (2927.54–12391.20 ind./m2) and Polychaeta (1000.00–4956.52 ind./m2). Macrobenthos compositions in the sheltered and exposed stations differed significantly (p &lt; 0.05). The coastal area is predominantly sandy (30.68%–77.32%) with relatively stable total organic matter (TOM) and heavy metal concentrations. Current speed and significant wave height (Hs) are lower in sheltered stations, while bathymetry is deeper in exposed stations (up to 8 m). The macrobenthos assemblages are influenced by soft-bottom characteristics and food availability, with the hydrodynamic stress from the breakwater system governing these two primary factors.

The Transport of Sediments from the Cartagena-La Unión Mining District Leads to the Incorporation of Metal(loid)s into the Marine Environment

Extraction activities can have a significant impact on the environment due to the mobilization of trace elements. These elements can pose a risk to soils, biota, water, and human health when incorporated into nearby ecosystems. To evaluate the transfer of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn from mine areas to the marine environment, a study was conducted in the Cartagena-La Union mining district (SE Spain). The study area included the mouth of a stream affected by waste materials from tailing ponds. In addition, a maritime area without mining influence was selected as a control site. Sediment samples were collected (three transects with nine sampling points and three depths) at the El Gorguel shoreline, and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, total metal(loid)s content, water-soluble anions, and metal(loid)s in chemical fraction distribution. Water and biota samples (Paracentrotus lividus, Patella vulgata, Hexaplex trunculus, Anemonia viridis, and Trachinotus ovatus) were also collected for metal(loid) content analysis. The results showed that the metal(loid)s concentration in the sediment increased compared to the control site, which was not influenced by mining activities. The chemical composition of metal(loid)s in the sediments revealed that Cd is the most hazardous element due to its high concentration in the labile fractions (20%), suggesting easy transfer to the marine environment. However, transfer mechanisms should be studied in various scenarios with different climatic, wave, and tidal conditions. Marine biota metal(loid)s concentrations showed an increase in specimens collected under the influence of mining activities but without exceeding limits that would affect incorporation into the trophic chain. Consequently, bioaccumulation and biomagnification processes must be considered in a future biomonitoring program.

IchthyNet: An Ensemble Method for the Classification of In Situ Marine Zooplankton Shadowgraph Images

This study explores the use of machine learning for the automated classification of the ten most abundant groups of marine organisms (in the size range of 5–12 cm) plus marine snow found in the ecosystem of the U.S. east coast. Images used in this process were collected using a shadowgraph imaging system on a towed, undulating platform capable of collecting continuous imagery over large spatiotemporal scales. As a large quantity (29,818,917) of images was collected, the task of locating and identifying all imaged organisms could not be efficiently achieved by human analysis alone. Several tows of data were collected off the coast of Delaware Bay. The resulting images were then cleaned, segmented into regions of interest (ROIs), and fed through three convolutional neural networks (CNNs): VGG-16, ResNet-50, and a custom model created to find more high-level features in this dataset. These three models were used in a Random Forest Classifier-based ensemble approach to reach the best identification fidelity. The networks were trained on a training set of 187,000 ROIs augmented with random rotations and pixel intensity thresholding to increase data variability and evaluated against two datasets. While the performance of each individual model is examined, the best approach is to use the ensemble, which performed with an F1-score of 98% and an area under the curve (AUC) of 99% on both test datasets while its accuracy, precision, and recall fluctuated between 97% and 98%.

Antarctic krill vertical migrations modulate seasonal carbon export.

Vertical migrations by marine organisms contribute to carbon export by consumption of surface phytoplankton followed by defecation in the deep ocean. However, biogeochemical models lack observational data, leading to oversimplified representation of carbon cycling by migrating organisms, such as Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba). Using a numerical model informed by 1 year of acoustic observations in the East Antarctic, we estimated the total particulate organic carbon (POC) flux from krill fecal pellets to be 9.68 milligrams of carbon per square meter per day (mg C m-2 day-1). A maximum of 25% of krill migrated to depths >200 m with a strong seasonality component, transporting <10% of the total krill POC flux (1.28 mg C m-2 day-1) to the deep ocean. Accurate carbon flux estimates are essential to inform climate policy and mitigation strategies, and models that include vertical migration will overestimate carbon export if this seasonality is not captured.

Hit the target: A new experimental method to select bioindicators of microplastic ingestion by marine fish.

Implementing biomonitoring programs for assessing the impact of microplastic ingestion on marine organisms is a priority to verify the effectiveness of measures adopted by legislative frameworks to deal with plastic pollution. At the European level, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive mandates Member States to establish a unified monitoring approach. However, due to the vast range and differences in marine regions, the selection of bioindicators must be tailored locally. The present study proposes a bioindication score to rapidly assess the aptitude of different species in providing an adequate description of the bioavailability of microplastics. The bioindication score is validated through the analysis of eight fish species from the Central Tyrrhenian Sea, for which a set comprising two pelagic (Scomber colias and Trachurus trachurus) and two benthopelagic/demersal species (Pagellus acarne and Mullus barbatus) is identified as the best group to obtain ecologically relevant data on microplastic ingestion in the study area.

Microplastic presence in dried and fresh fish from seafood markets in Sri Lanka

Context Microplastics have been found in aquatic ecosystems globally, including in many marine organisms. Despite this, understanding the occurrence of microplastics in seafood products prepared for human consumption has received less attention. Aims This study aims to determine the abundance and type of microplastic in dried and fresh fish purchased from seafood markets. Methods Four locally harvested species of anchovies and sardines were sampled from seafood markets across Sri Lanka. These pelagic species are popular seafood items and are commonly consumed whole. We analysed fresh (gastrointestinal tracts and whole body) and dried fish (whole body) under the microscope for microplastic presence (&gt;38 μm, &lt;5 mm), followed by polymer validation. Key results Across all fish sampled (N = 215), 82.3% had microplastic (3.64 ± 0.26 microplastics per individual), with fibre-shaped pieces making up more than 95% of all microplastic particles. Overall, contamination was higher in fresh fish than in whole dried fish. And, acrylic resin was the most common polymer. Conclusions Microplastics were found in nearly all fresh fish and almost half the dry fish from Sri Lanka, confirming the pervasive nature of microplastic contamination. Implications Differences in contamination levels in popular seafood products demonstrate how preparation and consumption habits can influence microplastic intake.

ZodiAq: An Isotropic Flagella-Inspired Soft Underwater Drone for Safe Marine Exploration.

The inherent challenges of robotic underwater exploration, such as hydrodynamic effects, the complexity of dynamic coupling, and the necessity for sensitive interaction with marine life, call for the adoption of soft robotic approaches in marine exploration. To address this, we present a novel prototype, ZodiAq, a soft underwater drone inspired by prokaryotic bacterial flagella. ZodiAq's unique dodecahedral structure, equipped with 12 flagella-like arms, ensures design redundancy and compliance, ideal for navigating complex underwater terrains. The prototype features a central unit based on a Raspberry Pi, connected to a sensory system for inertial, depth, and vision detection, and an acoustic modem for communication. Combined with the implemented control law, it renders ZodiAq an intelligent system. This article details the design and fabrication process of ZodiAq, highlighting design choices and prototype capabilities. Based on the strain-based modeling of Cosserat rods, we have developed a digital twin of the prototype within a simulation toolbox to simplify analysis and control. To optimize its operation in dynamic aquatic conditions, a simplified model-based controller has been developed and implemented, facilitating intelligent and adaptive movement in the hydrodynamic environment. Extensive experimental demonstrations highlight the drone's potential, showcasing its design redundancy, embodied intelligence, crawling gait, and practical applications in diverse underwater settings. This research contributes significantly to the field of underwater soft robotics, offering a promising new avenue for safe, efficient, and environmentally conscious underwater exploration.

Characterization and genome analysis of a novel phage BP15 infecting Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is pathogenic to both humans and marine animals. Antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria have been reported to cause mortalities in shrimp, with phage therapy presenting an alternative and eco-friendly biocontrol strategy for controlling bacterial diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate and characterize phages for their applicability in lysing Vibrio parahaemolyticus. A novel phage vB_VpaS_BP15 (BP15) belonged to the subfamily Queuovirinae with an icosahedral head measuring 69.11 ± 5.38 nm in length and 65.40 ± 6.89 nm in width, and a non-contractile sheathed tail measuring 139.81 ± 14.79 nm. The one-step growth curve indicated a latent period of 30 min and a burst size of 120 PFUs per cell. Phage BP15 exhibited tolerance to a range of temperatures and pH values. Infection dynamic curves demonstrated that BP15 was highly effective against BCRC12959 at MOIs ranging from 0.01 to 10; even at a low multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.001, BP15 still caused growth retention. Phage BP15 possessed a circular double-stranded DNA of 59,584 bp with a G + C content of 46.7% and lacked tRNA genes, virulence genes, and lysogeny genes. These findings highlight the promising potential of phage BP15 as a biocontrol agent against Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Taiwan.

Tyre rubber exposure causes oxidative stress and intracellular damage in the Baltic clam (Macoma balthica).

Car tyres are considered to release a substantial amount of particles to the environment. Due to the high emission volumes and the chemical risks associated with tyre rubber, there is an urgent need to quantify their ecotoxicological effects. The effects of exposure to particles derived from end-of-life tyres were investigated on the Baltic clam (Macoma balthica), which is one of the key invertebrate species living in the soft-bottom sediments of the northern Baltic Sea. Tyre rubber particles (10-188µm) were added to the aquaria in an environmentally relevant concentration (1.08g per kg dry sediment), and the clams had either direct or indirect contact to the particles for 5 and 29days. The effects of exposure were studied by applying a battery of biomarkers and cell ultrastructure examination of clam tissues, and the concentrations of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and trace metals originating from tyre rubber were quantified from the exposure water and clam tissues. The exposure did not affect the mortality of the clams but induced multiple sublethal responses, including an elevated glutathione S-transferase activity, a reduction in the activity of superoxide dismutase, and increased oxygen radical absorbance capacity during the prolonged exposure. Macromolecular damage was indicated by elevated cytogenetic damage and ultrastructural changes in mitochondria and lysosomes. The results demonstrate the potential of environmentally relevant concentrations of tyre rubber particles to disturb the health of marine biota and underline their importance as a yet understudied environmental contaminant.

Wet adhesives for hard tissues.

The development of wet adhesives capable of bonding in aqueous environments, particularly for hard tissues such as bone, tooth, and cartilage, remains a significant challenge in material chemistry and biomedical research. Currently available hard tissue adhesives in clinical practice lack well-defined wet adhesion properties. Nature offers valuable inspiration through the adhesive mechanisms of marine organisms, advancing the design of bioinspired wet adhesives. Beyond biomimetic approaches, alternative strategies have emerged for the design of wet adhesives. This review systematically summarizes the current design strategies for wet adhesives, focusing on their applications to hard tissues. Then, the unique chemical, physical, mechanical, and biological requirements for wet adhesives applied to hard tissues are also discussed. The importance of understanding natural adhesion mechanisms and the need for high-performance materials that can meet the complex demands of hard tissue adhesion in a complex and delicate physiological microenvironment are highlighted. Finally, this review clarifies the future research directions that can further facilitate the clinical application of wet adhesives for hard tissues. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The significance of this review lies in its comprehensive analysis of wet adhesives for hard tissues, a field that has been largely overlooked despite its critical importance in biomedical applications. The insights gained from studying natural adhesives and the translation of these mechanisms into synthetic materials have the potential to revolutionize medical procedures involving hard tissue repair and regeneration. This review meticulously addresses the distinct challenges and specific requirements of hard tissue adhesives, providing an exhaustive roadmap for researchers striving to develop wet adhesives that can endure the demanding physiological conditions inside the human body. In doing so, it aims to facilitate the transition from laboratory findings to practical clinical applications.