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Algae are very large and diverse groups of simple, autotrophic organisms, ranging from unicellular to multicellular form. Most of them can conduct photosynthesis, in which the CO 2 and solar energy are transformed into sugar, subsequently become biomass. The ability of certain species of blue-green algae (also called cyanobacteria) carry out both photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation, which provide them ecological and agricultural advantages as a new type of bio-fertilizer, which can improve soil structure, especially saline–alkaline soil, and increase the yielding and quality of crops. These algae can also sequester CO 2 emitted from the industry or electric generation plant. Furthermore, the biomass of algae will increase over 30 times in rice filed at the right conditions; therefore the capacity of CO 2 sequestration is dramatically increased. In this communication, the principle and the research progress of algal bio-fertilizer in the world, especially in China were reviewed. The capacity of CO 2 sequestration by algal bio-fertilizer and the technical problems of algal bio-fertilizer were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new analytical method was developed for the detection of alkaloid cyanotoxins in harmful algal blooms. The detection of the nonproteinogenic amino acid β- N-methylamino- l-alanine (BMAA) and two of its conformation isomers, 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) and N-(2-aminoethyl) glycine (AEG), as well as three alkaloid cyanotoxins, anatoxin-a (ANA-a), cylindrospermopsin (CYN), and saxitoxin (STX), is presented. The use of a chemical derivatization with dansyl chloride (DNS) allows easier separation with reversed phase liquid chromatography. Detection with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) with the Q-Exactive enables high selectivity with specific fragmentation as well as exact mass detection, reducing considerably the possibilities of isobaric interferences. Previous to analysis, a solid phase extraction (SPE) step is used for purification and preconcentration. After DNS derivatization, samples are submitted to ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with heated electrospray ionisation and the Q-Exactive mass spectrometer (UHPLC-HESI-HRMS). With an internal calibration using isotopically-labeled DAB-D, the method was validated with good linearity ( R > 0.998), and method limits of detection and quantification (MLD and MLQ) for target compounds ranged from 0.007 to 0.01 μg L and from 0.02 to 0.04 μg L, respectively. Accuracy and within-day/between-days variation coefficients were below 15 %. SPE recovery values ranged between 86 and 103 %, and matrix effects recovery values ranged between 75 and 96 %. The developed analytical method was successfully validated with 12 different lakes samples, and concentrations were found ranging between 0.009 and 0.3 μg L except for STX which was not found in any sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcystins (MCs) comprise a group of cyclic heptapeptide toxins that share a common backbone and have two variable l -amino acids that yield at least 21 known analogs of varying potency. These hepatotoxins and potential tumor promoters are produced by certain cyanobacteria, including Microcystis aeruginosa . The cyanobacterium M. aeruginosa blooms in freshwater lakes and can potentially co-occur with other species such as Aphanizomenon flos-aquae , which is targeted and harvested for the production of dietary supplements known as blue-green algae (BGA). BGA supplements are currently marketed in the U.S. and internationally as a product that may elevate mood, increase energy, and alleviate attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, the potential for BGA dietary supplements to be contaminated with MCs is of concern, and there are currently no validated methods for detection of MCs in these products. This research focused on establishing screening methods for toxic Microcystis and MCs in BGA supplements. A DNA-based method employing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used as a prescreening tool to evaluate the dietary supplements and to detect the presence of toxin genes (i.e., presence of toxic Microcystis ). A rapid, sensitive surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor, directed towards recognition of all MC forms, was also developed and validated. This improved SPR biosensor incorporates a commercial Adda-group antibody (Ab) that has the capacity for broader recognition of MCs than previously developed sensors for BGA supplements that rely solely on an arginine-reactive Ab and can quantitate MC levels down to 0.24 ng/mL (equivalent to 0.24 μg per gram of BGA supplement) in less than 10 min. Such a rapid, quantitative screening method may allow for further surveillance of BGA products to assist risk assessment efforts, establishment of regulatory guidance levels, and response to potential consumer complaints related to BGA products. The PCR technique and SPR biosensor may be used in concert as prescreening and screening tools, respectively or individually, thereby limiting the number of samples that must be evaluated with confirmatory methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The applications of blue green algae for the treatment of urban and industrial sewage have received more attention during the recent years because they have the capacity to use nitrogenous compounds, ammonia and phosphates. In this study aimed to evaluate the ability of Spirolina platensis for absorption of nitrate and phosphate from urban sewage. The experiment was conducted in 6 treatments as a growth medium. To test these predictions, we conducted a 15 days in indoor place under similar laboratory conditions at temperature (30ºC ± 2ºC), Light (2500 ± 500) Lux, pH between 8.0 and 11 and with constant aeration. Regarding the culture media, a higher algal density was observed in the cultivation developed at treatment 5 (824 ±102 cell. mL-1). In our results showed higher efficiencies of phosphorus removal by S. platensis as compare to nitrate removal thus, S. platensis would be effective for nitrate removal only at relatively low concentrations and phosphorus removal at high concentrations. Chlorophyll-a, content in treatment 3 was higher than other treatments. Kruscal-Wallis test showed a significant difference in treatments at the level of P<0.05. Thus, we recommend here that Spirolina platensis to be better candidate for absorption phosphate more than nitrate and it could be used for the removal or biotransformation urban sewage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples of dihé , a natural food product traditionally consumed in the lake Chad region in Africa, made of dried algae of the Arthrospira genus, were analysed to evaluate their nutritional quality and some aspects of safety of use. Traditional dihé resulted to be a food of high nutritional quality, with an elevated content of high biological quality proteins, rich in mineral elements, with an interesting quantity of lipids containing essential unsaturated fatty acids, a generally sufficient and often very high content of folates, a good content of phenols and of vitamin E and an elevated content of carotenoid pigments, especially beta carotene. The dihé characteristics varied with the site and the season. Samples of dihé produced with a new experimental technique that allows to obtain a sand-free, microbiologically safer product, were also analysed. The comparison between traditional and improved dihé revealed that the improved technique is less protective of photosensitive and thermolabile nutrients, like folates, phenols, vitamin E and carotenoids. This study also revealed the presence, in both the traditional and the improved product, of heavy metals and other elements of toxicological interest. However, the potential danger represented by these elements is dependant on the level of consumption of dihé. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lake Markermeer, a large shallow lake in The Netherlands, suffers from turbidity and ecology problems. As part of a study aiming to mitigate these problems, we study flocculation processes in the lake; in particular, the possible mutual flocculation between algae and re-suspended bed sediments. We show that sediment re-suspended from the bed of the lake can flocculate, forming flocs for which size is a function of the turbulence level in the water column. Moreover, we also demonstrate that algae and re-suspended bed sediments can mutually flocculate, yielding organic-inorganic aggregates. These aggregates have different features to those of their individual components, some of which have been measured and characterized in this paper. Furthermore, the characteristics of the resulting organic-inorganic flocs are strongly influenced by the type of algae in the aggregate. We found that, in the case of flocs consisting of bed sediments and filamentous algae, flocculation yields smaller flocs than for bed sediments only, resulting in an increased turbidity in the water column. In the case of flocs consisting of bed sediments and colonial algae, flocs grow faster and become larger than bed sediment flocs, which may result in the depletion of most colonies from the water column. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Cyanotoxins are biological toxins produced by cyanobacteria (blue green algae) that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of liver tumors. Based on acute toxicity studies, the World Health Organization has designated 1.0 μg/L of cyanotoxin-contaminated drinking water as the safe allowable limit for daily oral consumption. The aim of this study was to determine whether long-term exposure to this concentration of cyanotoxins is capable of initiating or promoting the growth of liver tumors. Methods In the present study, four groups of adult, male CD-1 mice ( n = 20/group) were exposed to either drinking water alone (water group), drinking water containing 1.0 μg/L of microcystin- LR ( MC-LR group), MC-LR plus the tumor promoter thioacetamide ( MC-LR/ TAA group) or thioacetamide alone ( TAA group). Following 28 weeks of exposure, mice were killed and the livers examined for tumor number and size. Results No tumors were present in the water or MC-LR alone groups while five mice in the MC-LR/ TAA group and four in the TAA alone group developed liver tumors. The mean size of the tumors in the MC-LR/ TAA and TAA alone groups were similar as were the results of Ki-67 staining, number of atypical mitoses and liver cancer gene expression profiles. In vitro MC-LR (0.1-1000 μg/L) exposure did not induce malignant transformation of WB- F344 hepatic stem cells or increase the proliferative activity or invasiveness of PLC/ PRF/5 malignant hepatocytes. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that long-term, low dose cyanotoxin exposure is unlikely to result in liver tumor development or enhance existing tumor growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antibiotic properties of eight cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) species from Anzali Wetland was investigated on several bacterial species through vacuum distillation and simple mechanical methods. The result showed that Anabaena sp., A. variabilis, A. flos-aquae and Aphanizomenonflos-aquaehad negative effect on the growth of Staphylococcus aureusandA. flos-aquaeand A. oscillaroideshad negative effects on the growth of E. coli. The growth of Candida albicans yeast was greatly reduced by Aphanizomenonflos-aquae, A. variabilis, and A. oscillaroides. Among the investigated algae only A. oscillaroides could reduce the growth of Pseudomonassp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lake Erie, the world's tenth largest freshwater lake by area, has had recurring blooms of toxic cyanobacteria for the past two decades. These blooms pose potential health risks for recreation, and impact the treatment of drinking water. Understanding the timing and distribution of the blooms may aid in planning by local communities and resources managers. Satellite data provides a means of examining spatial patterns of the blooms. Data sets from MERIS (2002-2012) and MODIS (2012-2014) were analyzed to evaluate bloom patterns and frequencies. The blooms were identified using previously published algorithms to detect cyanobacteria (~25,000 cells mL-1), as well as a variation of these algorithms to account for the saturation of the MODIS ocean color bands. Images were binned into 10-day composites to reduce cloud and mixing artifacts. The 13 years of composites were used to determine frequency of presence of both detectable cyanobacteria and high risk (>100,000 cells mL-1) blooms. The bloom season according to the satellite observations falls within June 1 and October 31. Maps show the pattern of development and areas most commonly impacted during all years (with minor and severe blooms). Frequencies during years with just severe blooms (minor bloom years were not included in the analysis) were examined in the same fashion. With the annual forecasts of bloom severity, these frequency maps can provide public water suppliers and health departments with guidance on the timing of potential risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrestrial cyanobacteria dwelling on rocks and stone walls represent an important but still understudied part of global biodiversity, despite their substantial importance to the environment. Microbial biofilms, including those formed by cyanobacteria, play an essential role in the succession on rock habitats as they possess a unique ability to gradually change the biotope. In this review, we have gathered 180 research publications reporting on occurrence of 762 species of terrestrial cyanobacteria on rock surfaces worldwide. Despite the long history of phycological research in general, Europe remains the most thoroughly explored region in the field of terrestrial phycology. A total of 401 taxa records from aerial epilithic habitats have been reported from this subcontinent. With regard to the lack of comparably comprehensive studies from different areas of the world, reliable comparisons of species richness among different geographical regions and climatic zones are not available at the moment. Heterocytous and coccoid cyanobacteria prevailed on the rocks and stones in terms of biomass, however, the species richness seemed to be distributed equally among coccoid (269 taxa), simple filamentous (275 taxa), and heterocytous (218 taxa) forms. As the heterogeneity of the available data shows, further thorough research on this often neglected group of organisms is desirable. To set a starting point for such an effort, this review summarizes the current state of knowledge on aerial epilithic cyanobacterial communities on both natural and anthropogenic stone surfaces around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abnormal accumulation of iron in the brain has been suggested to be toxic to neuronal cells and proposed as a possible cause of neurodegenerative disorders. Particularly, studies on the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases have suggested that the excessive accumulation of iron in the specific brain regions may be responsible for neurodegenerative changes associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases. As a part of studies searching for natural substances protecting neuronal cells against the iron-evoked toxic injury, an aqueous extract containing the non-protein components of the cyanobacterium Arthrospira ( Spirulina) platensis, designated 'the protein-deprived extract', was prepared, and its effect on the iron-evoked damage to PC12 cells was examined in an in vitro model experiment. The protein-deprived extract caused a protective effect against the iron-evoked damage to PC12 cells as a consequence of preventing the free radical-evoked DNA degradation. Further studies showed that the extract has antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activities, which might be based on polyphenolic compounds in the extract. Thus, polyphenolic compounds contained in A. platensis are suggested to be potentially active substances responsible for the protective effect of Arthrospira extract against the iron-evoked neurotoxicity and possibly for the protection of neurodegenerative disorders induced by excessive iron accumulation in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmful cyanobacterial blooms have adversely impacted human and animal health for thousands of years. Recently, the health impacts of harmful cyanobacteria blooms are becoming more frequently detected and reported. However, reports of human and animal illnesses or deaths associated with harmful cyanobacteria blooms tend to be investigated and reported separately. Consequently, professionals working in human or in animal health do not always communicate findings related to these events with one another. Using the One Health concept of integration and collaboration among health disciplines, we systematically review the existing literature to discover where harmful cyanobacteria-associated animal illnesses and deaths have served as sentinel events to warn of potential human health risks. We find that illnesses or deaths among livestock, dogs and fish are all potentially useful as sentinel events for the presence of harmful cyanobacteria that may impact human health. We also describe ways to enhance the value of reports of cyanobacteria-associated illnesses and deaths in animals to protect human health. Efficient monitoring of environmental and animal health in a One Health collaborative framework can provide vital warnings of cyanobacteria-associated human health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) degrade water quality and produce toxins. The spatial distribution of HAbs may change rapidly due to variations wind, water currents, and population dynamics. Risk assessments, based on traditional sampling methods, are hampered by the sparseness of water sample data points, and delays between sampling and the availability of results. There is a need for local risk assessment and risk management at the spatial and temporal resolution relevant to local human and animal interactions at specific sites and times. Small, unmanned aircraft systems can gather color-infrared reflectance data at appropriate spatial and temporal resolutions, with full control over data collection timing, and short intervals between data gathering and result availability. Data can be interpreted qualitatively, or by generating a blue normalized difference vegetation index (BNDVI) that is correlated with cyanobacterial biomass densities at the water surface, as estimated using a buoyant packed cell volume (BPCV). Correlations between BNDVI and BPCV follow a logarithmic model, with r2-values under field conditions from 0.77 to 0.87. These methods provide valuable information that is complimentary to risk assessment data derived from traditional risk assessment methods, and could help to improve risk management at the local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Control of cyanobacterial blooms remains a major challenge in the restoration and management of eutrophic waters. In this study, a synergistic approach of snails and submerged plants was used for controlling cyanobacterial blooms in a series of simulated experiments. Individual and/or combined effects of a pulmonate ( Radix swinhoei) and a submerged plant ( Potamogeton lucens) on cyanobacterial blooms were determined. The effect of R. swinhoei on the cyanobacterial decrements was not obvious but inversely increased nutrient concentration. However, aquatic plants had certain effects reflected by decreased concentrations in chlorophyll a, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and the potassium permanganate index to 31.5, 17.9, 48.6 and 21.1%, respectively, after a ten days experimental period. Furthermore, when snails and plants were combined, these ratios disproportionately reached 76.2, 51.4, 55.6 and 31.6%, respectively. Results confirmed that use of a combination of snails and submerged plants to eliminate cyanobacterial bloom in eutrophic waters may be a helpful tool in eutrophication control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accelerated eutrophication of surface water sources has resulted in an increased presence of cyanobacterial blooms in fresh water. The release of hepatotoxins like microcystins from such blooms can have a catastrophic impact on local human and wildlife ecosystems. Therefore, a rapid, low-cost, reliable, and highly sensitive method for low-concentration detection of microcystins is needed to minimize risks to public health. In this paper, we report the first experimental demonstration of microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR) detection in water at low part-per-trillion levels using a portable optical sensor. The demonstrated biosensor utilizes a highly sensitive electromagnetic surface wave in periodically coupled artificial nanostructures to directly probe the interaction between immobilized antibodies and MC-LR. The surface customization reported here uses a layer-by-layer polyelectrolyte adsorption process to provide highly stable and site-directed immobilization of target antibodies. Steady-state analysis of the sensor's response confirms that the plasmonic sensor can detect the presence of MC-LR antigens at part-per-trillion levels. The demonstrated sensor is an important first step toward realizing a lab-on-a-chip sensing system for in situ, autonomous, real-time, distributed environmental monitoring of MC levels in drinking water. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Freshwater harmful algal bloom (FHAB) toxins can cause morbidity and mortality in both humans and animals, and the incidence of FHABs in the United States and Kansas has increased. In 2010, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) developed a FHAB policy and response plan. We describe the epidemiology of FHAB-associated morbidity and mortality in humans and animals in Kansas. Healthcare providers and veterinarians voluntarily reported FHAB-associated cases to KDHE. An investigation was initiated for each report to determine the source of exposure and to initiate public health mitigation actions. There were 38 water bodies with a confirmed FHAB in 2011. There were 34 reports of human and animal FHAB-associated health events in 2011, which included five dog deaths and hospitalization of two human case patients. Five confirmed human illnesses, two dog illnesses and five dog deaths were associated with one lake. Four human and seven dog cases were exposed to the lake after a public health alert was issued. Public health officials and FHAB partners must ensure continued awareness of the risks to the public, educate healthcare providers and veterinarians on FHAB-related health events and encourage timely reporting to public health authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanobacteria contain various types of bioactive compounds, which could cause adverse effects on organisms. They are released into surface waters during cyanobacterial blooms, but there is little information on their potential relevance for effects in vivo . In this study presence of bioactive compounds was characterized in cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa (Chroococcales), Planktothrix agardhii (Oscillatoriales) and Aphanizomenon gracile (Nostocales) with selected in vitro assays. The in vivo relevance of detected bioactivities was analysed using transgenic zebrafish embryos tg( cyp19a1b -GFP). Teratogenic potency was assessed by analysis of developmental disorders and effects on functions of the neuromuscular system by video tracking of locomotion. Estrogenicity in vitro corresponded to 0.95–54.6 ng estradiol equivalent (g dry weight (dw)) −1 . In zebrafish embryos, estrogenic effects could not be detected potentially because they were masked by high toxicity. There was no detectable (anti)androgenic/glucocorticoid activity in any sample. Retinoid-like activity was determined at 1–1.3 μg all-trans-retinoic acid equivalent (g dw) −1 . Corresponding to the retinoid-like activity A. gracile extract also caused teratogenic effects in zebrafish embryos. Furthermore, exposure to biomass extracts at 0.3 g dw L −1 caused increase of body length in embryos. There were minor effects on locomotion caused by 0.3 g dw L −1 M. aeruginosa and P. agardhii extracts. The traditionally measured cyanotoxins microcystins did not seem to play significant role in observed effects. This indicates importance of other cyanobacterial compounds at least towards some species or their developmental phases. More attention should be paid to activity of retinoids, estrogens and other bioactive substances in phytoplankton using in vitro and in vivo bioassays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue-green algae are known to contain biologically active proteins and non-protein substances and considered as useful materials for manufacturing the nutritional supplements. Particularly, Spirulina has been reported to contain a variety of antioxidants, such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C, thereby exerting their protective effects against the oxidative damage to the cells. In addition to their antioxidant actions, polyphenolic compounds have been speculated to cause the protection of neuronal cells and the recovery of neurologic function in the brain through the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in glial cells. Then, the protein-deprived extract was prepared by removing the most part of protein components from aqueous extract of Spirulina platensis, and the effect of this extract on BDNF gene transcription was examined in C6 glioma cells. Consequently, the protein-deprived extract was shown to cause the elevation of BDNF mRNA levels following the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the glioma cells. Therefore, the non-protein components of S. platensis are considered to stimulate BDNF gene transcription through the HO-1 induction in glial cells, thus proposing a potential ability of the algae to indirectly modulate the brain function through the glial cell activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of Russian and foreign studies on the process of eutrophication of water bodies are summarized. The main sources of export of nutrients in water bodies with catchment areas are discussed in the article. The toxins produced by blue-green algae and their effects on organisms are considered. Critical total phosphorus loads are estimated for some lakes of the Russian Federation and five largest lakes of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of harmful cyanobacterial blooms in surface waters has increased in frequency and outbreaks have become more severe. This research aimed at studying the effect of a culture of two green algal species as biological control of the growth of toxic blue-green algae. Nile tilapia of an initial mean weight of 55 g fish−1(SE 5) were used for each of four treatments in triplicate. All algal seedings were done at 4 × 103cells ml−1. Treatment I (untreated) served as a control, Treatment II was seeded withMicrocystis aeruginosa, Treatment III was seeded with green algaeChlorella ellipsoideaandScenedesmus bijuga, and Treatment IV was seeded with a mixture ofM. aeruginosaandC. ellipsoideaandS. bijuga. After 10 days, Treatment IV showed 3.4% viable cell survival, compared to 35% and 55% in Treatments II and III, respectively. Histopathological examination revealed mild degenerative changes and focal necrosis, as well as a depletion of haematopoietic tissues in Treatment IV compared to Treatment II. These findings suggest the efficacy ofC. ellipsoideaandS. bijugain controlling the growth ofM. aeruginosaand minimising its side effects on cultured Nile tilapia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoterpenes are widely used in food technology, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries and as compounds of agricultural importance. It is known that compounds comprising this class can be transformed by a variety of organisms, namely by: bacteria, fungi, yeasts, plants or isolated enzymes. Biotransformations, as one of the most important tools of green chemistry, allow obtaining new products using whole cells of micro-organisms or isolated enzymes in mild reaction conditions. Therefore, biotransformations of monoterpenes, by different type of reaction such as: epoxidation, oxidation and stereoselective hydroxylation, resulted in the production of so desired, enantiomerically defined compounds that can be advised as natural seem to be interesting. Bearing in mind that such processes are carried out also by easy to maintain, photoautotrophic micro-organisms cultivated at large scale, this paper is focused on biotransformations of acyclic, monocyclic and bicyclic monoterpenes by freshwater or haliphylic cyanobacteria and microalgae on the way of mainly stereoselective hydroxylation. Moreover, aspects of potential industrial application of obtained products in medicine, perfume, cosmetics and food industry are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We examined the effects of a proprietary herbal/botanical supplement (StemSport, Stemtech, San Clemente, CA.) suggested to increase circulating stem cells, decrease inflammation, and attenuate exercise induced muscle damage on recovery from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Methods: Sixteen subjects (male = 7, female = 9; age 23.8 ± 10 years; height 171.9 ± 10 cm, mass 72.2 ± 15 kg) were randomized in a crossover, double-blind, placebo controlled trial to receive a placebo or StemSport supplement (6150 mg/day) for 14 days. DOMS was induced on day 7 for both placebo and active conditions in the non-dominant elbow flexor group with repeated eccentric repetitions. Muscle swelling (biceps girth), elbow flexor isometric strength (hand held dynamometer), muscle pain/tenderness (visual analog scale), range of motion (active elbow flexion and extension), and inflammation (hsCRP, IL6, and TNF-α) were measured at baseline and at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 168 h (1 week) post eccentric exercise. The crossover washout period was ≥14 days. Results: No significant condition-by-time interactions between placebo and StemSport supplementation were observed with regard to measures of pain (p = 0.59), tenderness (p = 0.71), isometric strength (p = 0.32), elbow flexion (p = 0.45), muscle swelling (p = 0.90), or inflammation (p > 0.90). Decrements in elbow extension range of motion 48 h post-exercise were less after StemSport supplementation (Δ elbow extension 48 h post; StemSport, −2.0 deg; placebo, −10 deg; p = 0.003). Conclusions: These data suggest that compared to placebo, StemSport supplementation does not improve outcome measures related to muscle recovery after acute upper-arm induced DOMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: StemSport (SS; StemTech International, Inc. San Clemente, CA) contains a proprietary blend of the botanical Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and several herbal antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances. SS has been purported to accelerate tissue repair and restore muscle function following resistance exercise. Here, we examine the effects of SS supplementation on strength adaptations resulting from a 12-week resistance training program in healthy young adults. Methods: Twenty-four young adults (16 males, 8 females, mean age = 20.5 ± 1.9 years, mass = 70.9 ± 11.9 kg, stature = 176.6 ± 9.9 cm) completed the twelve week training program. The study design was a double-blind, placebo controlled parallel group trial. Subjects either received placebo or StemSport supplement (SS; mg/day) during the training. 1-RM bench press, 1-RM leg press, vertical jump height, balance (star excursion and center of mass excursion), isokinetic strength (elbow and knee flexion/extension) and perception of recovery were measured at baseline and following the 12-week training intervention. Results: Resistance training increased 1-RM strength (p < 0.008), vertical jump height (p < 0.03), and isokinetic strength (p < 0.05) in both SS and placebo groups. No significant group-by-time interactions were observed (all p-values >0.10). Conclusions: These data suggest that compared to placebo, the SS herbal/botanical supplement did not enhance training induced adaptations to strength, balance, and muscle function above strength training alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for nanoparticles is increasing tremendously, and so is the risk of their foreseeable discharge into the environment. Nanoparticles contain a variety of features, including anti-microbial properties, and have been shown to have toxic effects on aquatic organisms previously. However, the causes of nanoparticle toxicity under environmental conditions are still unknown. Exposure to nanoparticles in the environment is unavoidable as nanomaterials are used more prevalent in our daily lives, and as a result, nanotoxicity research is gaining traction. To understand the impact of nanoparticle toxicity on aquatic biota, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are an ideal model system. The cyanobacteria play an important role in ecological balance, nutrient cycling, energy flow, biological nitrogen fixation, and environmental remediation, and their susceptibility to nanoparticles can help in making a wise strategy for the mitigation of possible nano-pollution. This article presents an analysis of recent research findings on the toxicological influences of nanoparticles on the growth rate, biochemical changes, ultra-structural changes as well as the nanoparticle toxicity mechanisms in cyanobacteria. The finding suggests that the shading effect, generation of reactive oxygen species, membrane damage and disintegration of pigments are the main reasons for nanoparticle toxicity to the cyanobacteria., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

En dos ríos de Costa Rica que sirven como cuerpos receptores de aguas residuales domésticas, tratadas mediante lagunas de estabilización, se realizó un total de 28 muestreos en tres puntos de cada río y en las lagunas por un período de cinco años y medio. En cada nuestreo se recolectaron muestras de cinco tipos de sustratos y se cultivó una en dos tipos de medios artificiales. Se observó entre otras cosas, un aumento en la frecuencia de cianobacterias en los lugares con mayor contaminación y una sustitución de especies entre los diferentes lugares.In two Costa Rican rivers used as receptors for domestic sewage, treated by primary stabilization ponds, were taken a total of 28 samplings located at the pond exit and at three different sites in each river: 100 m before the ponds discharge, at the discharge and 100 m after the discharge. These sampling were done for a five and a half years including dry and rainy seasons. In each sampling site, samples were collected of five different substrates: stones, submerge and semi submerge vegetation, tree trunks or sticks, water and artificial substrates. For each sample were used two types of artificial cultures, WC and BG110. A total of 55 cyanobacteria species isolations were obtained, belonging to a 26 genera, between these the most common were Phormidium with nine species, Microcystis with five species, Leptolyngbya and Pseudanabaena with four species each and Oscillatoria with three species. More cyanobacteria species were isolated in water substrate and less isolations in tree trunks and submerge vegetation. Konvophoron, Cyanarcus and Pilgeria only were isolate from water samples inoculated in culture media WC and in few opportunities, while three Leptolyngbya species and four Phormidium species were isolated very often. At the stabilization ponds Phormidium sp4 was dominant in 25 of 28 sampling while in the last others were the chlorophycea I. In this study were observed an increase in the frequency of cyanobacteria at the higher contamination places, and a species substitution between different sampling points. There were no biomass studies, therefore is not possible to relate between different cyanobacteria species and some specific types of water quality.

The cyanobacteria are well recognized as producers of a wide array of bioactive metabolites including toxins, and potential drug candidates. However, a limited number of taxa are generally considered with respect to both of these aspects. That said, the order Stigonematales, although largely overlooked in this regard, has become increasingly recognized as a source of bioactive metabolites relevant to both human and environmental health. In particular, the hapalindoles and related indole alkaloids (i.e., ambiguines, fischerindoles, welwitindolinones) from the order, represent a diverse, and phylogenetically characteristic, class of secondary metabolites with biological activity suggestive of potential as both environmental toxins, and promising drug discovery leads. The present review gives an overview of the chemical diversity of biologically active metabolites from the Stigonematales—and particularly the so-called hapalindole-type alkaloids—including their biosynthetic origins, and their pharmacologically and toxicologically relevant bioactivities. Taken together, the current evidence suggests that these alkaloids, and the associated cyanobacterial taxa from the order, warrant future consideration as both potentially harmful (i.e., “toxic”) algae, and as promising leads for drug discovery.

Microcystins are acute hepatotoxins of increasing global concern in drinking and recreational waters and are a major health risk to humans and animals. Produced by cyanobacteria, microcystins inhibit serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1 (PP1). A cost-effective PP1 assay using p-nitrophenyl phosphate was developed to quickly assess water and rumen content samples. Significant inhibition was determined via a linear model, which compared increasing volumes of sample to the log-transformed ratio of the exposed rate over the control rate of PP1 activity. To test the usefulness of this model in diagnostic case investigations, samples from two veterinary cases were tested. In August 2013 fifteen cattle died around two ponds in Kentucky. While one pond and three tested rumen contents had significant PP1 inhibition and detectable levels of microcystin-LR, the other pond did not. In August 2013, a dog became fatally ill after swimming in Clear Lake, California. Lake water samples collected one and four weeks after the dog presented with clinical signs inhibited PP1 activity. Subsequent analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) detected microcystin congeners -LR, -LA, -RR and -LF but not -YR. These diagnostic investigations illustrate the advantages of using functional assays in combination with LC-MS/MS.

Diversity of Cyanophyceae/cyanobacteria is expressed by their morphological, biochemical and physiological properties, which enable them to settle and persist in a wide range of habitats. Their diverse morphology determined their taxonomic distinction based on phenotypic properties. The oxygenic photosynthesis which characterizes cyanobacteria and their sharing of ecological niches with eukaryotic algae, prompted their treatment in the phycological circles, where they were called blue-green algae, although their prokaryotic nature, akin to bacteria, has been recognized for over a century. The cyanobacteria are named under Botanical and Bacteriological Codes, and the usage of both systems at the same time causes considerable confusion as the rules of the Botanical Code are quite different from those of the Bacteriological one. Herbarium collections are perfect subjects for intensive phylogenetic studies and therefore can contribute to discussions on the traditional and newly emerging concepts of species and speciation in prokaryotes. This article reviews the present status of the taxonomy of cyanobacteria, describes earlier, classical and recent taxonomic approaches and the trends for future, emphasizing improvements in methodology as major catalysts for the progress of this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minnesota has compiled a fairly extensive database on the cyanobacterial toxin microcystin (MC). These data have been acquired through targeted lake studies, incident-based investigations, and stratified random surveys as a part of the US EPA's 2007 and 2012 National Lakes Assessments. This paper updates previous efforts and provides a statistical summary of all Minnesota MC data collected by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency from 2004 to 2012. These data provide a basis for (1) describing the influence sampling regimes have on reported MC values, (2) describing regional patterns in MC across 3 distinct Minnesota ecoregions, and (3) describing the relative risk of encountering elevated MC with respect to sampling regimes. This summary places MC concentrations in perspective for Minnesota and also provides a comparative database, which other entities that collect MC may use to place their results in perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An indirect competitive immunoenzyme method for the quantitative estimation of microcystins (MCs) in water (MC-ELISA) using prepared MC-specific polyclonal antibodies was developed. The threshold concentration of the most widespread and highly toxic MC-LR, which was reliably detected using MC-ELISA, was 0.05 ± 0.01 ng/mL; the 50% inhibition concentration was 0.41 ± 0.05 ng/mL; and the concentration range for the quantitative estimation of MC-LR was 0.1-5.0 ng/mL. The MC-ELISA made it possible to detect MC-LR in water at concentrations 10-20 times lower than the World Health Organization guideline level for drinking water and 100-200 times lower than the allowable MC concentrations in water bodies. A group of cross-reacting MCs and nodularin was detected using MC-ELISA. This method can be applied for monitoring MC concentrations in water bodies and drinking water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzo[alpha]pyrene (B[α]P) was used to test the possible antimutagenic effects of Arthrospira ( Spirulina) maxima (SP) on male and female mice. SP was orally administered at 0, 200, 400, or 800 mg/kg of body weight to animals of both sexes for 2 weeks before starting the B[α]P (intraperitoneal injection) at 125 mg/kg of body weight for 5 consecutive days. For the male dominant lethal test, each male was caged with two untreated females per week for 3 weeks. For the female dominant lethal test, each female was caged for 1 week with one untreated male. All the females were evaluated 13-15 days after mating for incidence of pregnancy, total corpora lutea, total implants and pre- and postimplant losses. SP protected from B[α]P-induced pre- and postimplant losses in the male dominant lethal test, and from B[α]P-induced postimplantation losses in treated females. Moreover, SP treatment significantly reduced the detrimental effect of B[α]P on the quality of mouse semen. Our results illustrate the protective effects of SP in relation to B[α]P-induced genetic damage to germ cells. We conclude that SP, owing mainly to the presence of phycocyanin, could be of potential clinical interest in cancer treatment or prevention of relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In development since 1996, AlgaeBase (http://www.algaebase.org) is an on-line database providing free access to authoritative taxonomic, distributional and nomenclatural information of more than 135,000 names of species and infraspecific taxa of algae set in the context of a taxonomic hierarchy. The project was initially funded by the Higher Education Authority, Department of Education and Science (Ireland) and the European Union (the SeaweedAfrica Project), and more recently by an industry sponsor in Ireland (Ocean Harvest Technology) and various phycological societies and organisations. The database currently includes more than 50,000 bibliographic references and incorporates the entire contents of the main phycological journals in addition to taxonomic, ecological, physiological and biochemical references in current and classical works. Nearly 10,000 PDFs are included, many of them of 19th-century taxonomic works that are rare and difficult to obtain. The data are searchable at all taxonomic levels from kingdom to species (and infraspecific names), and AlgaeBase strives to provide citations of the original publications of all taxa. For any of the 145,000 taxa (names of genera and above included), all subordinate taxa at the next lowest rank are indicated along with the number of species for each. Within each genus the species and infraspecies taxa are listed along with the current taxonomic status of each name. Nearly 17,000 images are provided for downloading and use in teaching or research, with copyright and other rights being retained by the original contributors or by AlgaeBase. This database is being used by 2,000-3,000 individual visitors each day with nearly 100,000 requests a day and receives over 7 million "hits" each year, increasing at about 20% per annum. A brief description of other main on-line algal resources such as Index Nominum Algarum, the Catalogue of Diatoms Names, CyanoDB, and AlgaTerra is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the occurrence of cyanobacteria, blue-green algae, in the drinking water of the cattle in extensive animal husbandry and its effect on the cattle's health. It mentions that the water samples from 19 ponds were collected and analyzed for the presence of cyanobacteria pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen. It also mentions that besides the occurrence or not of cianogenics several non-pathogenic algae genera were also detected.

Diazotrophic cyanobacteria are capable of fixing atmospheric N2 to satisfy their physiological nitrogen requirements. This process can result in the transfer of substantial amounts of "new" diazotrophic nitrogen (ND) to aquatic ecosystems during blooms of these taxa. Using in situ measurements of plankton natural abundance stable isotope composition and a combination of underway and fixed site survey data, the total ND flux into the Gippsland Lakes estuary (Australia) was estimated during a summer bloom of the diazotrophic cyanobacterium Nodularia spumigena. Over the course of the bloom, ND increased in the upper water column of the estuary from 33% ± 17% (mean ± SD) to 73% ± 13% of the standing pool of total particulate N. A conservative estimate of total ND flux (146 Mg) equates to an estimated 177% of the summer total N load and 22% of the annual total N load to the estuary. Combining natural abundance stable isotope measurements with relatively simple fixed and underway survey designs can provide a cost-effective approach for monitoring the ND flux into estuary or lacustrine environments. This approach relies on an isotopic differential between the diazotrophic and the non-diazotrophic components of the plankton community; it may not be appropriate in ecosystems that experience low-level blooms or blooms of intermittent N-fixing cyanobacteria. Large-scale blooms of diazotrophic cyanobacteria are considered uncommon in estuaries, yet it is clear that these blooms can represent major sources of new N to estuarine ecosystems when and where they occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue-green algae commonly referred to as cyanobacteria are known to grow in freshwater bodies when they are provided with suitable growth conditions such as nutrients, temperature and light. Algae biomass is known to contain a large amount of lipids, such as saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. In this study, fatty acids from algal cells were extracted using a newly developed extraction protocol using ionic liquid enhanced by direct transesterification at an elevated temperature. The identification and quantification of fatty acids was performed using gas chromatography coupled to a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (GC × GC-TOFMS). The extracted fatty acids were dominated by those with carbon chain of C16 and C18; [i.e. 7-hexadecenoic acid (C16:1) and hexadecanoic acid (C16:0) for C16, whereas C18 includes γ-linolenic acid (γ-C18:3); linoleic acid (C18:2); linolenic acid (C18:3); 6,9,12,15-octadecatetraenoic acid (C18:4); oleic acid (C18:1) and octadecanoic acid (C18:0)]. The obtained fatty acid composition was then compared with that obtained by organic solvent extraction using a mixture of chloroform and methanol. Statistical evaluation was performed using one-way ANOVA and found that there was no statistically significant difference ( P = 0.908) between the two extraction methods, a finding which indicates the usefulness of ionic liquid as a solvent to replace volatile organic solvent to minimize environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sediment-water interface in aquatic systems is an environment connecting bottom sediments with the overlying water column. This transition zone can be easily disturbed by mechanical mixing (bioturbation) caused by foraging fish and/or macroin-vertebrates moving around and stirring sediment layers. The sediment of still water ecosystems is largely known as a reservoir of resting stages of various planktonic plants, including cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and invertebrates. The ecological and evolutionary dynamics of cyanobacteria is in part a function of the numbers and ages of diapausing stages hatching from aquatic sediments. Successful recruitment from this "seed bank" must depend upon the resting stages being present at or near the sediment surface. Often, however, they are found as deep as 15 to 30 cm in the mud. Bioturbation may thus provide a mechanism for the regular return of buried cyanobacteria resting stages to the sediment surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]