Editorial Material
Biodiversity Conservation
Sharon A. Robinson
Summary: Climate change poses a threat to polar landscapes and their unique biodiversity. Wild reindeer are cultural and ecological keystone species, active in the northern Eurasian Arctic; Antarctic terrestrial biodiversity is found on ice-covered islands. This article discusses how climate change threatens these marine and terrestrial habitats and the biodiversity they support.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Pablo R. Diaz, Maria J. Torres, Gabriela Petroselli, Rosa Erra-Balsells, Marcela Carina Audisio
Summary: This study isolated a strain of Bacillus from an artisanal tannery in Salta, Argentina, and found that the lipopeptides produced by this strain have potential antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against pathogenic bacteria.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
George A. Naclerio, Herman O. Sintim
Summary: HP-29, a newly developed halogenated phenazine, exhibits potent antimicrobial activity with a remarkable minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.08 mu M against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In addition to eradicating preformed biofilm through iron starvation, HP-29 is also non-toxic to mammalian cell lines and efficacious in wound infection models.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mohammad J. Hajipour, Amir Ata Saei, Edward D. Walker, Brian Conley, Yadollah Omidi, Ki-Bum Lee, Morteza Mahmoudi
Summary: The emergence of nanotechnology has brought unprecedented hopes for addressing issues such as antibiotic resistance in medicine. Nanotechnologies have shown promising applications in identifying, discriminating, and removing various pathogens, with recent insights in bacterial nanotechnology contributing to a better understanding of nanoparticle and bacteria interactions. Developed nanotechnology-based approaches for bacterial detection, removal, and biofilm eradication are summarized, along with a review of the challenging effects on beneficial bacteria and mechanisms of bacterial resistance to nanotherapeutics.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael G. Hadfield, Marnie L. Freckelton, Brian T. Nedved
Summary: The serpulid worm Hydroides elegans is a model organism for studying marine biofouling, development, and larval settlement induced by microbial films. Settlement can be induced by natural biofilms, biofilms formed by specific bacterial species, or a bacterial extract. Larvae lose their cilia and undergo morphogenesis during the settlement process, which can be induced by a bacterial extract containing complex tailocin arrays. Loss of cilia before attachment may result in larvae being swept away by turbulent flows in marine habitats.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Catherine Dunyach-Remy, Florian Salipante, Jean-Philippe Lavigne, Maxime Brunaud, Christophe Demattei, Alex Yahiaoui-Martinez, Sophie Bastide, Claire Palayer, Albert Sotto, Anthony Gelis
Summary: This pilot study aimed to characterize the evolution of the cutaneous microbiota of pressure ulcers in spinal cord injury patients. The results suggest that certain bacterial genera may be associated with wound degradation, with Proteus potentially representing a promising target in pressure ulcer management.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Huan Wang, Fanghan Li, Yuan Yong, Mingzhu Lv, Chenghui Liu, Qiqi Xu, Guobo Du, Jiani Xie, Yong You, Jiangwei Xiao, Guohui Jiang
Summary: In this study, full-spectrum photoreactive tungsten disulfide quantum dots were prepared to kill bacteria and promote wound healing through photocatalytic reactive oxygen species generation and glutathione depletion. These nanoplatforms exhibit excellent full-spectrum catalytic performance by hindering electron-hole recombination and can be further enhanced by redox reactions for accelerated wound healing. This work not only provides an effective full-spectrum photocatalytic reagent for antibacterial therapy and wound healing, but also offers a rational idea for the development of novel antibacterial agents in the field of biomedicine.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Cierra R. R. Braga, Kailey N. N. Richard, Harrison Gardner, Geoffrey Swain, Kelli Z. Z. Hunsucker
Summary: Biofilms are conglomerates of cells, water, and extracellular polymeric substances that can cause various functional and financial setbacks. This study compares the effects of different doses of UVC radiation on monocultured and field-developed biofilms. The results show that UVC radiation significantly reduces cell viability in the monocultured biofilms, while the field biofilms, which are more diverse, show inconsistencies. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of UVC radiation management plans targeting established biofilms.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Julia Depta, Paulina Niedzwiedzka-Rystwej
Summary: The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance is a global problem in human and animal health, posing a threat to human health and life. The problem is also affecting polar regions due to increased human activity, unmodernised sewage systems, and the movement of animals or microplastics containing resistant bacteria. There is a direct correlation between human activity and the spread and survival of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in polluted environments. Further research is needed to understand bacterial epigenetics and environmental stress, in order to develop strategies for minimizing the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hind Mubaraki, Navin Anand Ingle, Mohammad Abdul Baseer, Osamah M. AlMugeiren, Sarah Mubaraki, Marco Cicciu, Giuseppe Minervini
Summary: The use of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been shown to significantly reduce the growth of bacterial biofilms, indicating its potential as an effective treatment for dental caries. Further research is advised to explore the potential of SDF as a standard therapy choice for dental caries and to further investigate its relationship with bacterial biofilms.
Article
Microbiology
Byeollee Kim, Saru Gurung, So-Ra Han, Jun-Hyuck Lee, Tae-Jin Oh
Summary: The biofilm-forming abilities of Microbacterium sp. PAMC22086 and Microbacterium sp. PAMC21962 isolated from different environments in the South Shetland Islands were compared. Genomic analysis revealed different distributions of biofilm-related genes between the two strains, indicating their ability to survive in different niches by employing distinct strategies. This study provides a comprehensive profile of the genomic features of the Microbacterium genus and a preliminary understanding of biofilm formation in this genus.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jian He, Mian Hong, Wenqing Xie, Zhen Chen, Dongmei Chen, Shuyu Xie
Summary: Drug-resistant bacterial infections are becoming more severe, but nanomaterials-based therapy shows promise in replacing antimicrobial agents and enhancing antibiotics activity. This review analyzes the current situation, resistance mechanisms, and treatment difficulties, as well as the efficacy and mechanisms of nanomaterials against resistant bacteria. Factors affecting antibacterial efficacy and emerging challenges are also discussed.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ling Wang, Wan Liu, Jieliang Liang, Linna Zhao, Qiang Li, Chenfen Zhou, Hui Cen, Qingbei Weng, Guoqing Zhang
Summary: Microbes in acid mine drainage (AMD) play a key role in bioremediation, and the study analyzed samples from different mineral types to discover novel microorganisms and secondary metabolites. These datasets have the potential to advance AMD bioremediation research and aid in the discovery of new secondary metabolites.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mohamad Amin Halali, Charles-Francois de Lannoy
Summary: This study quantified the impact of self-cleaning mechanisms of electrically conductive membranes (ECMs) on Escherichia coli cells and biofilms, finding that electrical current-induced pH change at the membrane surface is more effective in reducing bacterial viability than H2O2 generation and more efficient than bulk pH changes. The research provides guidance for determining optimal current patterns to maximize the antifouling effects of ECMs.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patrick S. Druckenmiller, Gregory M. Erickson, Donald Brinkman, Caleb M. Brown, Jaelyn J. Eberle
Summary: The unexpected discovery of non-avian dinosaurs in Arctic and Antarctic settings has sparked debate about their reproductive capabilities at high latitudes. The study found evidence of dinosaur reproduction in northern Alaska, suggesting nonmigratory Arctic residents with specific life history strategies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Viacheslav I. Vasenev, Marina V. Slukovskaya, Zhongqi Cheng, Anna A. Paltseva, Thomas Nehls, Maria V. Korneykova, Ivan I. Vasenev, Olga N. Romzaykina, Kristina V. Ivashchenko, Dmitry A. Sarzhanov, Yulia L. Sotnikova, Oleg V. Ryzhkov, Lilia A. Alaeva, Anton V. Belik, Tatiana A. Devyatova, Sergey N. Gorbov, Olga S. Bezuglova, Andrey. V. Dolgikh, Pavel I. Konstantinov, Anastasia V. Konstantinova, Alexey M. Yaroslavtsev, Marina S. Chernyshova, Tatiana Morin, Alexey V. Ryazanov, Dmitry D. Gosse, Elvira A. Dovletyarova
Summary: Field excursions and trainings are essential for education in soil and environmental sciences, helping students develop practical skills and a deeper understanding of ecosystem complexity. A summer school focused on urban green infrastructure and soils in European Russia provided hands-on environmental assessment experiences for students from different regions. The use of express techniques for onsite soil analysis and discussions with local and international experts highlighted the importance of regional environmental issues and zonal changes in vegetation and soil properties. Positive student feedback emphasized the educational value of the program, with room for improvement in organizational aspects identified for future schools.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marina Slukovskaya, Viacheslav Vasenev, Kristina Ivashchenko, Andrey Dolgikh, Andrey Novikov, Irina P. Kremenetskaya, Liubov A. Ivanova, Stanislav Gubin
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the properties and functions of soils constructed from alkaline mining wastes for the remediation of industrial barren in the Subarctic region, resulting from long-term emissions of a copper-nickel factory. It was found that the soil constructions supported the development of plant and microbial communities, organic matter accumulation, and metal immobilization, providing a solution for protecting the environment from further pollution under continuous emissions.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nikita Mergelov, Andrey Dolgikh, Ilya Shorkunov, Elya Zazovskaya, Vera Soina, Andrey Yakushev, Dmitry Fedorov-Davydov, Sergey Pryakhin, Alexander Dobryansky
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2020)
Article
Microbiology
Margarita Smirnova, Uladzislau Miamin, Achim Kohler, Leonid Valentovich, Artur Akhremchuk, Anastasiya Sidarenka, Andrey Dolgikh, Volha Shapaval
Summary: Snow microorganisms, mainly bacteria, in the green snow of Antarctica are diverse, able to grow at lower temperatures, and show high enzymatic activity. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy can be used to differentiate between different bacterial isolates.
Article
Microbiology
Alina G. Kudinova, Andrey Dolgih, Nikita S. Mergelov, Ilya G. Shorkunov, Olga A. Maslova, Mayya A. Petrova
Summary: The study showed that a significant part of bacterial communities in Antarctic soils can pass through filters with pore sizes of 0.2 μm. During incubation at increased humidity and positive temperatures, the total number of cells and the FFB fraction showed an inverse relationship, while there were no significant changes in taxonomic diversity. Additionally, the transition of active bacterial cells to small dormant forms is seen as a survival strategy in extreme conditions, contributing to the stable functioning of microbial communities in Antarctic soils.
Article
Soil Science
D. A. Nikitin, L. Lysak, D. Badmadashiev, S. S. Kholod, N. S. Mergelov, A. Dolgikh, S. Goryachkin
Summary: The microbial activity in soils in the northern part of Novaya Zemlya is positively correlated with organic matter, carbon, and nitrogen content, but sharply decreases down the soil profiles. Fungi dominate in microbial biomass in this area, with longer hyphae than actinomycetes.
EURASIAN SOIL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Y. A. Dvornikov, V. Vasenev, O. N. Romzaykina, V. E. Grigorieva, Y. A. Litvinov, S. N. Gorbov, A. Dolgikh, M. Korneykova, D. D. Gosse
Summary: This study investigates the impact of urbanization on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in different soil conditions, showing that post-urban land cover types have a significant influence on the distribution of SOC.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Korneykova, Viacheslav Vasenev, Dmitry A. Nikitin, Anastasia S. Soshina, Andrey Dolgikh, Yulia L. Sotnikova
Summary: Urbanization in the Arctic has considerable and still poorly known environmental consequences, particularly on soil microbiome. This study found that urbanization altered soil morphological and chemical properties, leading to an increase in microbial biomass in urban subsoils.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
E. P. Zazovskaya, N. S. Mergelov, V. A. Shishkov, A. Dolgikh, A. S. Dobryansky, M. P. Lebedeva, S. M. Turchinskaya, S. Goryachkin
Summary: This study examines the spatial distribution of cryoconite on the surface of Aldegonda Glacier and investigates the pedogenic transformation of cryoconite material in the periglacial environments. It is found that cryoconite material can accelerate soil formation compared to nutrient-poor cryoconite.
EURASIAN SOIL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
M. Korneykova, V. Vasenev, D. A. Nikitin, A. Dolgikh, A. S. Soshina, V. A. Myazin, M. R. Nakhaev
Summary: Urban and technogenic landscapes in subarctic zones are not considered comfortable habitats for soil microbiota. However, green infrastructures in polar cities can provide a new niche for the development of a microbial soil community. Soil microbial biomass and the diversity of cultivable microfungi have been studied in relation to the chemical and morphological properties of urban soils in the polar city of Apatity. Urban soils show lower microbial biomass of microfungi and actinomycetes compared to forest soils, but increased bacterial biomass. The diversity and composition of microfungi in urban soils are different from those in forest soils, and some opportunistic fungi species have been identified, posing a risk of diseases for residents in the northern region.
Article
Biology
Volha Akulava, Uladzislau Miamin, Katsiaryna Akhremchuk, Leonid Valentovich, Andrey Dolgikh, Volha Shapaval
Summary: This study characterizes culturable fast-growing bacteria isolated from sea-affected temporary meltwater ponds in East Antarctica. The bacterial isolates belong to Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes, with most being psychrotrophs and showing the production of extracellular enzymes. The study also reveals multi-resistance against antibiotics in some isolates.
Article
Microbiology
Maria V. Korneykova, Vladimir A. Myazin, Nadezhda V. Fokina, Alexandra A. Chaporgina, Dmitry A. Nikitin, Andrey V. Dolgikh
Summary: The study of Arctic regions is becoming increasingly relevant due to the sensitivity of fragile ecosystems to climate change and human activities. This study characterizes the microbial communities and enzymatic activity of soils in the Rybachy Peninsula, which is located in the northernmost part of continental European Russia. The results show that the soil microbial biomass varies across different soil types, and changes in vegetation and anthropogenic impact lead to a shift in the structure of soil microorganisms. Despite the subarctic climate, the soils in this region exhibit high enzymatic activity, indicating their significant biological activity and importance for ecosystem productivity.
Article
Soil Science
V. I. Vasenev, M. I. Varentsov, D. A. Sarzhanov, K. I. Makhinya, D. D. Gosse, D. G. Petrov, A. V. Dolgikh
Summary: In the context of global warming, urban ecosystems are at increasing risk from climate stresses. Strategies for climate adaptation in major cities around the world focus on urban green infrastructure as a nature-based solution for carbon sequestration. However, the impact of urban climate on the spatiotemporal variability of CO2 emissions from urban soils is not well understood, which can lead to inaccurate estimates and inflated expectations of urban green infrastructure in achieving carbon neutrality. A study conducted in Moscow from 2019 to 2022 investigated the dynamics of CO2 emission and monitored soil temperature and moisture at three green infrastructure sites with different mesoclimatic conditions. The study found that soil temperature accounted for up to 70% of the total variance in CO2 emissions. The average annual soil temperature in the city center was 3-6 degrees Celsius higher than in peripheral areas, while soil moisture in the center was 10-15% lower. Soils under lawns and shrubs were 1-2 degrees Celsius warmer and 10-15% wetter than soils under trees. The annual CO2 emissions from soils under lawns were 20-30% higher than those from soils under tree plantations in the same area. The study highlights the vulnerability of urban soil carbon stocks to mesoclimatic anomalies and the potential for increased CO2 emissions from urban soils under climate change.
EURASIAN SOIL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Kristina Ivashchenko, Emanuela Lepore, Viacheslav Vasenev, Nadezhda Ananyeva, Sofiya Demina, Fluza Khabibullina, Inna Vaseneva, Alexandra Selezneva, Andrey Dolgikh, Sofia Sushko, Sara Marinari, Elvira Dovletyarova
Summary: The research focuses on assessing soil-like materials used for Technosols' construction in Moscow, revealing that sediments and low-peat mixtures are more effective in providing ecosystem services such as C-sequestration, climate regulation, and functional diversity, while urban cultural layers may result in ecosystem disservices.
Article
Geography, Physical
Filip Hrbacek, Goncalo Vieira, Marc Oliva, Megan Balks, Mauro Guglielmin, Miguel Angel de Pablo, Antonio Molina, Miguel Ramos, Gabriel Goyanes, Ian Meiklejohn, Andrey Abramov, Nikita Demidov, Dmitry Fedorov-Davydov, Alexey Lupachev, Elizaveta Rivkina, Kamil Laska, Michaela Knazkova, Daniel Nyvlt, Rossana Raffi, Jorge Strelin, Toshio Sone, Kotaro Fukui, Andrey Dolgikh, Elya Zazovskaya, Nikita Mergelov, Nikolay Osokin, Vladislav Miamin
Summary: Monitoring under the CALM-S program has been conducted at multiple sites across Antarctica to study active layer thawing depth and thickness, revealing spatial and temporal variability in the active layer depth in different regions of Antarctica. The study highlights the need for continued monitoring and expansion to enhance understanding of the thermal properties of Antarctic soil.