Article
Environmental Sciences
Ruihong Wang, Shaojuan Guo, Bolun Kang, Lixin Yang
Summary: Methylmercury significantly affected gene expression in zebrafish embryos, particularly the genes involved in visual and sensory perception, phototransduction, ferroptosis, and GABAergic synapse. It also disrupted the expression of genes involved in metabolism, such as fatty acid, amino acid, and glutathione metabolism. Furthermore, genes associated with important developmental signaling pathways like Wnt, Shh, and Notch pathways were also affected. We identified 21 genes that were significantly altered by MeHg independent of concentration and stage, and these genes may serve as signatures for developmental toxicity and/or teratogenic effects.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Doug Crump, Emily Boulanger, Amani Farhat, Kim L. Williams, Niladri Basu, Markus Hecker, Jessica A. Head
Summary: Environmental risk assessment is often hindered by lack of toxicity data for ecological species. This study aimed to assess the impact of 4 chemicals on double-crested cormorants, finding varying levels of toxicity for different substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mike Cyterski, Orin C. Shanks, Pauline Wanjugi, Brian McMinn, Asja Korajkic, Kevin Oshima, Rich Haugland
Summary: This study uses statistical models to predict the concentrations of E. coli and coliphage, and finds that qPCR-based enterococci and Bacteroidales models have the highest predictive performance, while F+ coliphage consistently yields poor performing models. The influential covariates vary by microbial indicator and site.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Ortac Onmus, Elcin Soydan, Jose Pedro Tavares
Summary: The study investigates the wintering dynamics and strategies of the great cormorant using long-term census, climate, and environmental data. The overwintering population, population density, and distribution of the species in Turkey have notably increased, with correlations to different climatic factors explaining a significant portion of the variation in the total number of overwintering cormorants. Climate variables related to warmer autumn weather and increased winter snow cover had opposing effects on the total number of overwintering cormorants. The study also highlights the use of long-term census data to estimate the resident population size of the species during winter.
Article
Environmental Sciences
David E. Reed, Jeralyn Poe, Michael Abraha, Kyla M. Dahlin, Jiquan Chen
Summary: The eddy covariance method is widely used to quantify surface-atmosphere fluxes, but scaling up from single towers to landscapes is challenging. By utilizing 63 site years of data, an artificial neural network approach was used to accurately model carbon fluxes from different land-cover types at different sites, demonstrating the potential for scaling up observations beyond the footprint of individual towers.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-BIOGEOSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mary-Claire Buell, Cassandra Johannessen, Ken Drouillard, Chris Metcalfe
Summary: The sediments in the inner harbor of Owen Sound Bay in Ontario, Canada are contaminated with organic compounds, mainly from industrial sources. PAH concentrations exceed sediment quality guidelines, indicating contamination from pyrogenic sources and potentially from fuel spills.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ornithology
Ian C. Russell, Alastair C. Cook, Mark J. Ives, Phillip Davison
Summary: The recent increase in Cormorant numbers in the UK and their increasing use of inland feeding sites have led to conflicts at freshwater fisheries. This study found that Cormorants of different sex and subspecies have dietary differences, with bird size influencing foraging site selection.
Article
Ecology
Christine M. Custer, Thomas W. Custer, Paul M. Dummer
Summary: The study used tree swallows to assess the effectiveness of reducing PCB exposure to wildlife following sediment removal at locations across the Great Lakes. The accumulation rate of PCBs in tree swallow eggs and nestling carcasses was found to be a useful tool for assessing the effectiveness of sediment removal, showing significant decreases post-dredging.
Article
Ecology
John D. Fitzsimons, Scott B. Brown, Abdel H. El-Shaarawi
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between Lake trout stocks in the Great Lakes basin and a thiamine-dependent early mortality syndrome (EMS) and egg thiamine (B1) concentration. It was found that Finger Lakes lake trout are better able to cope with low egg thiamine concentration, possibly due to their lower thiamine utilization rates, which may result from adaptive genetic variation.
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY OF FISHES
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Dustin W. Jordan, Thomas M. Gehring, Nancy E. Seefelt, Elizabeth W. Alm
Summary: The Ring-billed Gull populations in the Great Lakes region have been increasing >4% annually since 2003. A radiotelemetry study conducted in a coastal region of Lake Michigan showed that the gulls prefer recreational beaches and landfill sites while avoiding agricultural fields. Five out of 14 gulls made at least 2 roundtrips between beaches and landfills during the study period.
NORTHEASTERN NATURALIST
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ka-Yi Man, Chi-On Chan, Hok-Him Tang, Nai-ping Dong, Francesco Capozzi, Ka-Hing Wong, Kevin Wing Hin Kwok, Hing Man Chan, Daniel Kam-Wah Mok
Summary: This study utilized mass spectrometry-based metabolomics to analyze the metabolite profiles of beef samples in Hong Kong, successfully distinguishing beef samples from different countries and feeding regimes. Metabolomics proves to be an efficient strategy for tracing and authenticating beef products, ensuring their quality and protecting consumer rights.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yasmeen Zahaby, Pu Xia, Doug Crump, Jennifer F. Provencher, Philippe J. Thomas, Bruce Pauli, Birgit M. Braune, Ryan P. Franckowiak, Michel Gendron, Guy Savard, Sailendra Nath Sarma, Mark L. Mallory, Jason O'Brien
Summary: The toxicogenomics approach developed for Arctic-breeding seabirds in the BBDS region of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago provided benchmark data for monitoring efforts and strategic environmental assessments. Differentiation in gene expression profiles between thick-billed murres and black guillemots from distinct colonies demonstrates the potential of this method for future monitoring in sensitive Arctic ecosystems undergoing change.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Malek Batal, Tiff-Annie Kenny, Louise Johnson-Down, Amy Ing, Karen Fediuk, Tonio Sadik, Hing Man Chan, Noreen Willows
Summary: This study used a multi-stage sampling strategy to survey First Nations adults living in Ontario. Linear programming was applied to create dietary models for the 100 most consumed food groups by men and women. The study found that contemporary First Nations diets deviated from healthier historic diets, suggesting the importance of including traditional foods in a culturally appropriate diet.
APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY NUTRITION AND METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Philippe J. Thomas, David C. Eickmeyer, Kristin M. Eccles, Linda E. Kimpe, Emiel Felzel, Abraham Brouwer, Robert J. Letcher, Bruce D. Maclean, Laurie H. M. Chan, Jules M. Blais
Summary: Although the oil and gas industry in Northern Alberta has economic benefits, concerns exist over the impact of increased oil production on the environment and human health. This study linked chemical analysis of sediment cores with biological effect assessments, showing the feasibility of evaluating toxicity in river systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Rudolf S. S. Wu, S. F. Leung, Shing Yip Lee, K. F. Leung, Paul K. S. Shin, Laurie Chan, Kenneth M. Y. Leung
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Maria Florian, Bai Li, Dominique Patry, Jocelyn Truong, Don Caldwell, Melanie C. Coughlan, Robert Woodworth, Jin Yan, Qixuan Chen, Ivan Petrov, Laziyan Mahemuti, Michelle Lalande, Nanqin Li, Laurie H. M. Chan, William G. Willmore, Xiaolei Jin
Summary: This study found that the experimental model of obese rats resembles the clinical presentation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in humans, and obesity may increase the retention of heavy metals such as mercury in serum and organs. Exposure to ethanol and a mixture of contaminants can alter the clinical profiles of obese rats, exacerbating disease progression and making the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to obesity more challenging.
CARDIOVASCULAR TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sailendra Nath Sarma, Philippe J. Thomas, Shama Naz, Bruce Pauli, Doug Crump, Yasmeen Zahaby, Jason M. O'Brien, Mark L. Mallory, Ryan P. Franckowiak, Michel Gendron, Jennifer F. Provencher
Summary: This study aimed to explore the effects of oil-related contaminants exposure on Arctic seabirds and detect biologically relevant biomarkers through metabolite analysis under different stressor conditions. The results showed significant differences in metabolomics profiles between the two seabird species, suggesting the potential risk of oxidative stress in thick-billed murres.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Adam D. Morris, Birgit M. Braune, Mary Gamberg, Jason Stow, Jason O'Brien, Robert J. Letcher
Summary: Temporal trends of mercury in Arctic wildlife are inconsistent and often insignificant. Weather and climate factors are related to mercury concentrations. This study compared time series of mercury concentrations in different species and found relationships with sea ice conditions, precipitation levels, and time-lagged Arctic and/or North Atlantic Oscillation indices.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jing Guo, Yanhong Shen, Xiaowei Zhang, Die Lin, Pu Xia, Maoyong Song, Lu Yan, Wenjun Zhong, Xiao Gou, Chang Wang, Si Wei, Hongxia Yu, Wei Shi
Summary: A RHT-based effect-directed analysis method was developed to comprehensively evaluate the effects and identify key contributors of contaminants in source waters. The method revealed more differentially expressed genes and pathways in the water sources along the Yangtze River, indicating heavier pollution. Hormone and immune pathways, especially the estrogen receptor pathway, were found to be the most noteworthy. Several pollutants were systematically identified and their contributions to water quality were determined.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mingming Tian, Pu Xia, Lu Yan, Xiao Gou, John P. Giesy, Jiayin Dai, Hongxia Yu, Xiaowei Zhang
Summary: Understanding individual susceptibility to the adverse health effects of air pollutants is challenging in health risk assessment. This study developed an integrated approach combining CRISPR screening and epidemiological analysis to identify individual susceptibility to formaldehyde-induced lung injury. The gene HTR4 was found to be genetically associated with COPD susceptibility, and functionality and enhanced expression of HTR4 were required for susceptibility to formaldehyde-induced lung injury. Specific genetic and epigenetic characteristics of HTR4 were associated with COPD progression and prevalence, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for individual susceptibility to formaldehyde-induced respiratory effects.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ryan C. Graydon, Michael Mezzacapo, Jennifer Boehme, Seth Foldy, Thomas A. Edge, Jordan Brubacher, Hing Man Chan, Matthew Dellinger, Elaine M. Faustman, Joan B. Rose, Tim K. Takaro
Summary: Climate change is impacting the North American Great Lakes ecosystem, and understanding the relationship between climate events and public health is crucial for adaptation and protection of public health.
JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Allison Loan, Joseph Wai-Hin Leung, David P. Cook, Chelsea Ko, Barbara C. Vanderhyden, Jing Wang, Hing Man Chan
Summary: This study found that adult mice prenatally exposed to the environmental pollutant methylmercury (MeHg) exhibited characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The researchers discovered that prenatal MeHg exposure caused premature neuronal differentiation in the embryonic cortex, leading to ASD-like behaviors in the adult mice. Further analysis revealed that MeHg exposure increased CREB phosphorylation and enhanced the interaction between CREB and CREB binding protein (CBP) in cortical radial glial precursors (RGPs). Interestingly, the FDA-approved drug metformin was able to reverse MeHg-induced premature neuronal differentiation through CREB/CBP repulsion.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kavita Singh, Scott Blechinger, Luc Pelletier, Subramanian Karthikeyan, Annie St-Amand, Eric N. Liberda, Hing Man Chan
Summary: The study analyzed the hair and blood mercury levels in the Canadian population and explored factors associated with higher/lower ratios. The results showed that the average hair:blood mercury ratio among Canadians exceeded the default ratio of 250:1 recommended by the WHO. Shellfish consumption was found to be the most important factor associated with the ratio.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Haoyue Tan, Pan Gao, Yiwen Luo, Xiao Gou, Pu Xia, Pingping Wang, Lu Yan, Shaoqing Zhang, Jing Guo, Xiaowei Zhang, Hongxia Yu, Wei Shi
Summary: This study systematically assessed the threats of new alternatives to phthalate esters (PAEs) on endocrine disruptions, finding that these alternatives can disturb endogenous hormones, especially thyroid hormone (TH) and androgen/estrogen-regulated pathways. The data collected will aid in the screening and development of greener alternatives.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sachiko Ouchi, Lori Wilson, Colette C. C. Wabnitz, Christopher D. Golden, Anne H. Beaudreau, Tiff-Annie Kenny, Gerald G. Singh, William W. L. Cheung, Hing Man Chan, Anne K. Salomon
Summary: This study examines the differences in fisheries portfolios before and after a social-ecological regime shift by using expert Indigenous knowledge and network analyses. The research finds that while the diversity of seafood types harvested and consumed by individuals decreased over time, the diversification of portfolios at the community level increased. Four key drivers of change, including commercial activities, intergenerational knowledge loss, adaptive learning, and seafood trading, were identified. The study emphasizes the importance of adaptation strategies that promote access to diverse fisheries, seafood exchange among communities, and knowledge transfer for social-ecological resilience, food security, and community well-being.