Mucous Aggregates Research Articles

Volcanic ash in the water column: Cellular, physiological and anatomical implications for the gastropod suspension-feeder Crepipatella peruviana (Lamarck, 1822)

The influx of volcanic ash into seawater alters particle composition with implications for the cellular, physiological and anatomical response of suspension-feeding organisms. Adult females of Crepipatella peruviana were exposed to three diets consisting of a fixed concentration of 50,000 cells ml−1 of the microalga Isochrysis galbana plus different concentrations of ash particles (30, 90 and 150 mg L−1). The objective was to determine the cellular, physiological and anatomical responses. Mortality increased with ash concentrations, while feeding and respiration rates, tissue weight, and condition index decreased. The gills showed severe degradation of cilia and the presence of large mucous aggregates of cilia and ash. An increase in ash resulted in decreased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls, but increased total antioxidant capacity and phenols. Thus, volcanic ash particles may exert a high impact at both cellular and physiological levels for C. peruviana, where inhibition of gill function reduces the ability to acquire food.

Mammoth grazers on the ocean's minuteness: a review of selective feeding using mucous meshes.

Mucous-mesh grazers (pelagic tunicates and thecosome pteropods) are common in oceanic waters and efficiently capture, consume and repackage particles many orders of magnitude smaller than themselves. They feed using an adhesive mucous mesh to capture prey particles from ambient seawater. Historically, their grazing process has been characterized as non-selective, depending only on the size of the prey particle and the pore dimensions of the mesh. The purpose of this review is to reverse this assumption by reviewing recent evidence that shows mucous-mesh feeding can be selective. We focus on large planktonic microphages as a model of selective mucus feeding because of their important roles in the ocean food web: as bacterivores, prey for higher trophic levels, and exporters of carbon via mucous aggregates, faecal pellets and jelly-falls. We identify important functional variations in the filter mechanics and hydrodynamics of different taxa. We review evidence that shows this feeding strategy depends not only on the particle size and dimensions of the mesh pores, but also on particle shape and surface properties, filter mechanics, hydrodynamics and grazer behaviour. As many of these organisms remain critically understudied, we conclude by suggesting priorities for future research.

High downward flux of mucilaginous aggregates in the Ligurian Sea during summer 2002: similarities with the mucilage phenomenon in the Adriatic Sea

AbstractThe DYFAMED sediment trap station in the Ligurian Sea (NW Mediterranean) has been active since 1986 and today comprises the longest time‐series of downward particle flux in the Mediterranean Sea. As such, it provides valuable information on the interannual variability of the particle flux, and also documents possible recent changes in the NW Mediterranean pelagic ecosystems. We report an unprecedented episode of downward flux of mucilaginous material at the DYFAMED station during summer 2002 in association with singular hydrometeorological conditions. The rain of mucilaginous aggregates clogged a PPS5 sediment trap at 260 m depth and was also clearly detected at 1080 m depth. The possible factors governing the development and sinking of the mucilaginous material are discussed. A very sharp increase of sea surface temperature during June and the presence of freshened waters in the surface the following month resulted in a stronger than usual stratification of the upper water column throughout the summer season. We suggest that the steepness of the vertical density gradient was responsible for the unusual accumulation of mucous aggregates. Additionally, a diatom bloom took place during the nutrient‐depleted conditions typical of summer, a factor which may have contributed to feed the pycnocline with transparent exopolymer substances. A storm occurring in the beginning of August relaxed the stratification and promoted the deposition of the mucilaginous aggregates accumulated in the upper water column during the preceding months. Important similarities of ambient conditions preceding the apparition of mucilaginous material in our open‐sea site and those reported in the Adriatic Sea during major mucilage events, suggest that general climatic conditions, rather than local factors, drive the occurrence of major accumulations of mucilaginous material in the water column at both sub‐basins of the Mediterranean Sea. In this regard, the strength of the air temperature increase during the onset of the stratified season is proposed as a major controlling factor.

Mucilage impact on gorgonians in the Tyrrhenian sea

The mucilage phenomenon has affected the Tuscan Archipelago since its first appearance (1991) in the Tyrrhenian Sea (Mediterranean Sea) [Innamorati M, Raddi E, Buzzichelli A, Melley S, Demoulin M. Le mucillaggini nel Mar Tirreno. Biol Mar Suppl Notiz 1992;1:23–26; Sartoni G, Sonni C. Tribonema marinum J. Feldmann e Acinetospora crinita (Carmichael) Sauvageau nelle formazioni mucillaginose bentoniche osservate sulle coste toscane nell'estate 1991. Inf Bot Ital 1991;23:23–30; Sartoni G, Cinelli F, Boddi S. Ruolo di Tribonema marinum J. Feldmann ed Acinetospora crinita (Carmichael) Sauvageau negli aggregati mucillaginosi bentonici delle coste toscane. Biol Mar Suppl Notiz 1993;1:31–34]. Seasonally, these mucous aggregates become very common in the benthic domain. The gorgonians are the most exposed organisms because they provide the best support for mucilage growth; indeed, their long branches positioned in orthogonally with respect to the current so as to capture plankton, also trap the filamentous mucilage present in the water. A 3-year monitoring programme at Capo Calvo (Island of Elba) was carried out in order to study the appearance of the mucilage phenomenon and its impact on three species of gorgonians ( Eunicella cavolinii, Eunicella singularis, and Paramuricea clavata). The composition of mucilage and the gorgonian recovery capacity, when damaged, were investigated. During the first year of study (1999), no relevant interactions between gorgonians and mucilages were recorded. Instead, massive presence of mucilages causing different types of damage to the different gorgonian species investigated was recorded during the second (2000) and third year (2001). The type and the extent of the impact of mucilages also depend on the season. Three species of algae ( Nematochrysopsis marina, Chrysonephos lewisii and Acinetospora crinita) constitute the principal components of the mucilaginous aggregates. In general, the first two species occur during the spring season, down to 20 m, while A. crinita occurs at greater depths. In July, when the mucilages reach their maximum development, C. lewisii is the predominant species. This species mainly affects E. cavolinii and E. singularis while A. crinita mainly affects P. clavata, which colonizes greater depths.

Do mucous aggregates affect macro-zoobenthic community and mussel culture? A study in a coastal area of the Northwestern Adriatic Sea

In June 2000 and July 2002, two mucous aggregation events of large proportion occurred in the Adriatic Sea. In order to assess the possible effects that the events had on the macrofauna, we studied macro-zoobenthic assemblages and mussel culture ( Mytilus galloprovincialis). Structural parameters of macro-zoobenthos and growth parameters of mussels were recorded. The study area was a mussel farm located 5 nautical miles off Porto Caleri (Rovigo, Italy) in the Northern Adriatic Sea. Between May 2000 and August 2002, two sites were sampled in this area and univariate and multivariate techniques were used to describe the macrobenthic community. Two-way ANOVA showed that mean values of species number, density (individuals m − 2 ) and Shannon–Wiener's diversity were significantly influenced ( p < 0.01) by site and period of sampling and by the interactions of these factors. The Pielou's J averages were significantly influenced only by period ( p < 0.01). Application of Tuckey's HSD test ( p < 0.05) to factors detected to be significant by ANOVA did not show significant differences between samples collected after the mucous aggregation events and the other periods. Cluster analysis and MDS ordination did not allow a clear distinction between the samples. Concerning mussels, one-way ANOVA showed that mean values of the shell length and the condition index (dry weight/shell weight) were significantly influenced ( p < 0.001) by the months. The mean values both for shell length and condition index were higher in 2001. The shell length trend revealed a slowing down of growth in June–July 2000 and July–August 2002, and the condition index trend showed a significant fall in samples of June 2000 and July 2002. The growth of M. galloprovincialis might be influenced negatively by mucous aggregates, whereas the soft-bottom macro-zoobenthos seems not to be directly affected by the event.

Occurrence of mucous aggregates and their impact on Posidonia oceanica beds

Mucous macro-aggregates of both pelagic and benthic origin are recurrently observed in the meadows formed by the seagrass Posidonia oceanica around the island of Ischia (Gulf of Naples, Italy). In the past two decades, major events occurred in 1991, 1993 and 2000, when a thick layer of mucilage covered vast areas of the meadows. To investigate the environmental triggers for mucilage formation and the effects of macro-aggregates on the functional and structural status of P. oceanica, a number of abiotic and biotic parameters were monitored over three years within the frame of a research project on Adriatic and Tyrrhenian mucilages (MAT). Basic environmental parameters (salinity, temperature, irradiance, dissolved oxygen concentration) in the water column and inorganic nutrient concentrations above and within P. oceanica meadows were measured. As descriptors of the status of the seagrass, shoot density and the nitrogen content of the leaves were monitored. Moreover, a reconstructive technique (lepidochronology) was employed to track back annual plant production. During the three-year study, mucous aggregates produced by benthic algae were observed in spring–summer and a major event of macro-aggregates of pelagic origin affecting P. oceanica canopy was observed in autumn 2000. Each of these episodes was observed for a few weeks to one month. We hypothesize nutrient limitation to explain the short duration of the benthic algal blooms that were responsible of macroaggregate formation; a highly dynamic circulation resulted in the dispersion of the pelagic aggregates deposited on the meadows. None of the descriptors of the structure of the meadow and of plant performance showed any obvious alterations in relation to the occurrence of mucilage coverage. Presumably, the short duration of the mucilage episodes recorded were not enough to induce such alterations, at least at the temporal and spatial scales considered.

Dynamics of transparent exopolymeric particles (TEP) production by Phaeocystis globosa under N- or P-limitation: a controlling factor of the retention/export balance

The concentration of transparent exopolymeric particles (TEP) was monitored during Phaeocystis globosa blooms that developed in mesocosms under different initial N:P ratios (from N- to P-limited conditions). TEP concentration was measured using the microscopic (TEP micro, ppm) and the colorimetric (TEP color, Xanthan equiv. L −1) methods. TEP concentrations varied from 5 to >75 ppm and from 60 to >1500 μg Xanthan equiv. L −1, and were relatively low until the mesocosms reached nutrient (either N or P) depletion and then increased abruptly. From the TEP micro versus TEP color concentrations comparison and from their relation to chlorophyll a concentrations, two phases for the dynamics of TEP production were identified: (1) production through active release of precursors during the growth phase of P. globosa — defined as TEP 1 — and their integration into the TEP pool through coagulation processes; (2) release of large TEP from the mucilaginous matrix of P. globosa colonies subsequent to disruption caused by nutrient depletion — defined as TEP 2 — and their direct integration into the TEP pool outside the constraint of coagulation. The formation of a multiorigin TEP pool during P. globosa blooms may have implications for the fate of the blooms, due to difference in TEP bioreactivity according to their source and to difference in timing and intensity of TEP 1 versus TEP 2 production according to N- or P-depletion. For P. globosa blooms developing under N-limiting conditions, the transition from the first source (i.e. TEP 1) to the second one (i.e. TEP 2) was a slow and continuous process. In contrast, the P. globosa bloom developing under P-limiting conditions showed the sudden formation of heavy mucous aggregates when P became depleted, that may have been caused by a massive release of TEP 2. Our study suggests that the nutrient regime may control the export vs. retention balance during P. globosa blooms, via production of a multiorigin TEP pool.

Phytoplankton composition and organic matter organization of mucous aggregates by means of light and cryo-scanning electron microscopy

Two types of northern Adriatic mucous macroaggregates—surface and cloud-like—collected in June 2000 at the sea surface and at the depth of the pycnocline, respectively, were studied by light and cryo-scanning electron microscopy. The combination of both techniques permitted investigation of species/particle composition and particle–organic matrix associations of copious mucous aggregates. Both types of macroaggregates had, on average, heterogeneous composition with diatoms the dominant biotic component, differing by the prevailing species and stage of degradation. Some differences in the organization of the basic fibrillar organic network of macroaggregates were observed. Clouds were characterized by a tighter organization of the polysaccharidic fibrils within the walls of the organic network constituting the cloud. This organization was looser in the organic network within surface aggregates. Plankton remains and inorganic particles could lead to lower porosity and greater rigidity of these aggregates. The more complex organization of the organic matter and the intense growth of Cylindrotheca closterium within the clouds probably reflect a longer physical diagenesis of the polysaccharidic fibrils in comparison to surface aggregates.

Giant aggregates: Importance as microbial centers and agents of material flux in the mesopelagic zone

By using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), we studied large mucous aggregates produced by the larvacean Bathochordaeus in Monterey Bay, California. These fragile structures or “houses,” cannot be sampled by typical water or net collecting devices, and likely represent a class of cosmopolitan, widely spaced aggregates in subsurface waters. ROV samples allowed us to determine the contribution of the aggregate‐associated communities to populations of microorganisms at depths of 100–500 m. Because the giant houses only average ˜1 per 100 m3, they harbor &lt;1% of the microorganisms in the water, although they are locally enriched. However, once abandoned, houses may play a significant role in transporting materials and organisms to depth. Flux calculations indicate they may seasonally account for 11–100% of some classes of sinking materials at 500 m. These calculations are based on house‐flux contributions predicted from house age (estimated), house abundance (ROV measured), and particle flux (measured by a nearby sediment trap). Based on our ROV observations of spatial and temporal characteristics of the giant aggregates, we calculate the probability that sediment traps collect the correct number of sinking aggregates. Our results suggest that rare particles, such as large aggregates and some sarcodines and pteropods, may be undersampled by commonly used, small sediment traps. Furthermore, the predictably infrequent capture of such comparatively rare particles can lead to erroneous interpretations of temporal or spatial patterns in the flux of material through the upper ocean.

Rose Bengal Staining and Cytologic Characteristics Associated With Lipid Tear Deficiency

To characterize ocular surface features of patients with an unstable tear film caused primarily by a lipid tear abnormality resulting from noninflamed meibomian gland dysfunction. Retrospective clinical data and results from rose bengal staining, modified meibography, and impression cytology were reviewed in 78 patients (142 eyes), all of whom had normal tear secretion and clearance verified by the fluorescein clearance test but an unstable tear film evidenced by tear breakup time +/- SD of 3.4 +/- 2.1 seconds (normal, > 8 seconds). Of 201 symptoms, 147 (73%) were presumably caused by an unstable tear film, 46 (23%) resulted from inflammation, and none were diurnally worsened. All patients had meibomian gland dysfunction characterized by poor or no meibum expression, orifice squamous metaplasia, or acinar atrophy. Rose bengal staining was negative in 95 eyes (67%), positive on nonexposure zones in 30 eyes (21%), and positive on exposure zones in 17 eyes (12%). Among 90 eyes receiving impression cytology, six (7%) were normal, 49 (54%) had pure "lytic" changes characterized by disrupted cell-cell junctions of normal small cells in the nonexposure zone, three (3%) had pure squamous metaplasia without mucous aggregates, two (2%) had squamous metaplasia with mucous aggregates (the latter being a frequent finding of aqueous tear deficiency), and 31 (34%) were mixed with lytic changes and squamous metaplasia. Preferential distribution of rose bengal staining in the nonexposure zone and lytic cytologic changes without squamous metaplasia characterize lipid tear deficiency and help to differentiate it from aqueous tear deficiency in patients with an unstable tear film.

Clearance of picoplankton-sized partides and formation of rapidly sinking aggregates by the pteropod, Limacina reiroversa

Findings from experiments showed that the web-feeding euthecosomatous pteropod, Limacina retroversa, can produce rapidly sinking, mucous aggregates. It is suggested that, by adhesion, these aggregates scavenged picoplankton-sized particles, which were thus effectively cleared from the medium. In contrast, Calanus finmarchicus was not able to clear these particles in our experiments. Sedimentation velocities of 10 aggregates measured in vivo were up to 1000 m day1, with an average of —300 m day-1 (not including two aggegates with neutral buoyancy). Mean veloci- ties measured for feces of C.finmarchicus, Calanus hyperboreus and Thysanoessa sp. were consider- ably lower. We suggest that the sedimentation of L.retroversa aggregates was the source of mucous floes collected in sediment traps (Bathmann et al., Deep-Sea Res., 38,1341-1360,1991) and at the sea floor at 1200 m depth in the southern Norwegian Sea. This process may be an important mediator of sedimentation to the deep sea, when these pteropods are present in surface waters in large abundance.

Effects of synthetic zeolite “A” and polycarboxylates on quality and quantity of diatom mucous exudates

With the objective to understand whether the introduction on the market of phosphorus-free detergents, namely of detergents based on Zeolite A and Poly Carboxylic Acid (PCA) as builder system, may have played a role in the development of the mucilage phenomenon in the Northern Adriatic Sea (Italy), a experimental study has been undertaken in laboratory. Using diatom Cylindrotheca closterium (Ehr.) Reimann and Lewin as inoculum, which is considered as the most important microalgal organism responsible for mucilage production, several tests have been carried out, adding the Zeolite A and PCA system, at various concentrations, fractions and ratios, to aged filtered seawater. Under controlled conditions the mucous aggregates formation has been followed and photographed, collecting and then measuring their volumes and dry weights, and at last calculating density, porosity and excess of density. Statistical analysis applied to all collected data has revealed an homogenous response of this microalgal species and comparable parameters for the mucous aggregates both in the blank and in the tests with Zeolite A and PCA. Our experimental study has not revealed any evident causal relationship between the presence of Zeolite A — PCA system and the formation of mucous aggregates.

The Influence of Mucous Aggregates on the Microphytobenthic Community in the Northern Adriatic Sea

Abstract. An extended reappearance of mumus aggregates in the Northern Adriatic Sea in 1991 gave rise to the hypothesis of a possible influence of the mucus, settled on the bottom, on benthic flora and fauna.This work investigates the variations in the microphytobenthic community in three stations of the Gulf of Trieste (AA1, AA2, AA3) during 1991, when mucous aggregates were present, and during the two following years, when no such aggregates were observed.Water samples were collected by Niskin bottle in the bottom layer for nutrient analysis, and sediment samples were collected by divers. The diatom species and cell densities were determined under an inverted microscope. All the data were processed with the aim to evaluate community composition and possible relations with the presence of mucous aggregates in 1991.The results showed a general decrease of benthic diatoms from 1991 to 1993, both in quality and quantity, for all the investigated sites. Statistical analyses on microphytobenthos, hydrological parameters, and nutrient concentrations indicated differences among the considered years. The microphytobenthic community in summer 1991 appeared to be quite different from those of the other years. The density of benthic diatoms was apparently not correlated with nutrient availability in the bottom layer, but was rather influenced by changes in temperature.The presence of a dense microphytobenthic community in 1991 might be explained by a combination of adequate conditions related to the presence of mucous aggregates, including a more undisturbed substratum caused by the interruption of dredging, decreased grazing pressure due to a declined filtering capacity of epifauna, and nutrient‐rich sediment for extra nutrient disposal remineralized at the mucus‐sediment interface. The mucilage aggregates therefore apparently stimulated the microphytobenthic community, in contrast to the effects on the benthic macrofauna, which were perturbed by the mucus.

Analyses of the Relationship Between Mucous Aggregates and Phytoplankton Communities in the Gulf of Trieste (Northern Adriatic Sea) by Multivariate Techniques

Abstract. Multivariate techniques (cluster analysis and Principal Component Analysis) applied on phytoplankton data collected in June, July, August, and September 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993 in the Gulf of Trieste (Northern Adriatic Sea) highlighted a clear temporal pattern from 1990 to 1993. In the summer of 1991, phytoplankton communities showed a dramatic increase in the dinoflagellatddiatom ratio. In particular, during June and July 1991 only few specimens of diatoms (Cylindrorhecu closreriurn. Probosciu alata, Nirzschio longissimu, and Nitzschiu spp.) were collected; this confirmed the diatom scarcity in the phytoplankton communities before and during the appearance of large mucous aggregates (mucilage) in July 1991 in the Gulf of Trieste. The differences observed between the structure of the phytoplankton communities inside the aggregates and in the ambient waters suggested two hypotheses: 1) the aggregates were not produced in the gulf, but were carried ints the gulf by the eastern bordering current; 2) the aggregates were produced by a few, scarce species with a high exudate production that are capable of quickly reaching a high reproductive rate within the aggregates.

Conjunctival Cytologiec Features of Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

To determine whether there are specific cytologic features associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS), the authors evaluated impression cytology specimens from three conjunctival sites (temporal bulbar [TB], inferior bulbar [IB], and inferior tarsal [IT]) from 38 SS eyes, 34 eyes of aqueous tear-deficient patients without SS, 35 eyes of seborrheic blepharitis patients, and 17 eyes of normal controls in a masked fashion. The following features were observed more frequently in SS eyes than in the eyes of the other groups: squamous metaplasia of the TB and IB (P < 0.05), extensive (>75%) goblet cell loss of the TB (P < 0.05), mucous aggregates of the bulbar conjunctiva (P < 0.05), and inflammatory cells intercalated with epithelial cells on the IT conjunctiva (P < 0.06). The conjunctival inflammatory cell infiltrate correlated with the presence of extensive squamous metaplasia (P < 0.01) in SS specimens. The inflammatory cells on the IT conjunctival epithelium were found to consist predominantly of T-lymphocytes by immunofluorescent staining of cytologic specimens from six eyes. Based on these findings, the authors speculated that conjunctival squamous metaplasia, in addition to aqueous tear deficiency, may be due to primary involvement of the dysfunctional immune system of SS.

The Leydig cell in larval amphibian epidermis. Fine structure and function.

AbstractThe large, presumably mucus and/or fluid secreting cells of Leydig have been studied in the epidermis of the newt, Taricha torosa, by light and electron microscopy. Mitotic activity in visibly differentiated Leydig cells results in their increasing numbers so that by mid‐larval stages they comprise the major cellular component of tailfin skin. Subsequently, the number of these cells diminishes as the epidermis thickens; their final disappearance coincides with metamorphosis and epidermal cornification. During the course of larval life, clear vesicles within Leydig cell cytoplasm accumulate granular material and, in time, assume the morphology of typical mucous aggregates. Concomitantly, the cytoplasm progressively becomes clear in appearance and nearly devoid of organelles.The surface of larval skin is normally provided with a thin mucous coat by continual production on the part of apical epidermal cells. When this surface is exposed to air, observation over a period of time reveals that the outer mucous coat hardens rapidly. There is no indication that additional fluid or mucus is provided to the drying surface from Leydig cells. Rather, light and electron micrographs of epidermis after various degrees of desiccation suggest that Leydig cells do respond to drying, but do so by adding fluid and perhaps mucous material to subsurface, extracellular compartments of the epidermis. The concept that Leydig cells provide an internal fluid reserve is discussed in relation to epidermal development and prevailing physiological and structural evidence bearing on intercellular compartments.