Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shoichiro Kameoka, Daisuke Motooka, Satoshi Watanabe, Ryuichi Kubo, Nicolas Jung, Yuki Midorikawa, Natsuko O. Shinozaki, Yu Sawai, Aya K. Takeda, Shota Nakamura
Summary: The study compared 192 Japanese volunteers' fecal 16S analysis data using modified V1-V2 and standard V3-V4 primers. Results showed that the bacterial composition derived from the V34 region might differ from the actual abundance, suggesting that the modified V12 primer set is more desirable for analyzing the Japanese gut microbiota.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Christine Drengenes, Tomas M. L. Eagan, Ingvild Haaland, Harald G. Wiker, Rune Nielsen
Summary: This study found that the number of PCR steps can affect the final description of bacterial communities, especially for samples with low bacterial load. Although differences in relative abundance of specific bacterial genera were observed across different setups, the removal of contaminants did not resolve differences in results between sequencing setups. Further research is needed to understand how variations in PCR setups and reagents may contribute to observed protocol bias.
Article
Optics
Ayan Kumar Pal, Naveen Kumar, R. J. Kshirsagar
Summary: Acetylene is studied using external-cavity diode laser absorption spectroscopy to measure self-broadening coefficients and line intensities. The measurements were compared to a database, showing slight differences. The study provides important molecular parameters for modeling planetary atmospheres.
JOURNAL OF QUANTITATIVE SPECTROSCOPY & RADIATIVE TRANSFER
(2023)
Article
Optics
D. Jacquemart, O. M. Lyulin, A. M. Solodov, T. M. Petrova, A. . A. . Solodov
Summary: The Q-branch of the v1 + v3 + 3v4 cold band of 12C2H2 at 8330 cm-1 has been observed and a line list for this isolated and strong Q-branch has been obtained through analysis. This work completes a significant update of acetylene data in the AP = 13 spectral region (8200 and 8900 cm-1) in the 2020 edition of spectroscopic databases (HITRAN and GEISA).
JOURNAL OF QUANTITATIVE SPECTROSCOPY & RADIATIVE TRANSFER
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
H. Pendell Meyers, Alexander Bracey, Daniel Lee, Andrew Lichtenheld, Wei J. Li, Daniel D. Singer, Zach Rollins, Jesse A. Kane, Kenneth W. Dodd, Kristen E. Meyers, Gautam R. Shroff, Adam J. Singer, Stephen W. Smith
Summary: Background occlusion myocardial infarctions (OMIs) of the posterolateral walls are commonly missed by ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) criteria, with >50% of patients with circumflex occlusion not receiving emergent reperfusion and experiencing increased mortality. ST-segment depression maximal in leads V1-V4 (STDmaxV1-4) has been suggested as an indicator of posterior OMI.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. Chhimwal, R. K. Srivastava, A. Mudgal, S. Khan
Summary: Oxidation pond, as a traditional method of wastewater treatment, utilizes microbial diversity to degrade organic pollutants. This study used 16S V3-V4 rRNA analysis to reveal the microbial taxonomy in the oxidation pond, and found that bacteria dominated the microbial community. Species that contributed to nitrate and phosphate reduction, antibiotic resistance bacteria, and a potentially harmful pathogen were also identified. Overall, the oxidation pond system is a cost-effective approach for wastewater treatment in areas with available land.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Barbara Tuska-Szalay, Hannah Kelly, Nora Takacs, Jeno Kontschan, Jan Votypka, Sandor Hornok
Summary: Reptiles are commonly kept as pets and are important reservoirs of protozoa with veterinary-medical significance. In this study, fecal samples from 98 captive reptiles in an Irish reptile farm were examined, revealing the presence of various protozoa with potential clinicopathological significance.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Zichen He, Takeshi Naganuma, Ryosuke Nakai, Satoshi Imura, Megumu Tsujimoto, Peter Convey
Summary: This study compared the bacterial floras and potential metabolism of rock tripe lichens from two distinct Antarctic biological regions. The results showed clear differences in bacterial communities between the two regions and suggested that the sampling area's climate may influence the metabolism of the lichen-associated bacteria.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Atosa Ghorbani, Mohammad Hashemzadeh, Mansour Amin, Mojtaba Moosavian, Rohangiz Nashibi, Zahra Mehraban
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence of Legionella species in respiratory samples of pneumonia patients from Ahvaz, Iran using culture and real-time PCR. Real-time PCR was more effective in detecting Legionella species, with L. pneumophila identified as the most prevalent species in the region. Periodic monitoring programs are recommended to prevent epidemics caused by this bacterium.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Yuye Han, Cui Guo, Xuran Guan, Andrew McMinn, Lu Liu, Guiliang Zheng, Yong Jiang, Yantao Liang, Hongbing Shao, Jiwei Tian, Min Wang
Summary: The study compared the differences between two widely used markers, V4 and V9 regions of the 18S rRNA gene, in describing the diversity of microbial eukaryotes in deep-sea environments. It found that the V9 region identified more OTUs in deeper waters, while the V4 region provided greater Shannon diversity. The results showed clear differences between the two markers, mainly contributed by Retaria, Fungi, and Bicosoecida in deep waters.
Article
Ophthalmology
Spandita Pal, Gorati Vani, Sisinthy Shivaji, Pragnya Rao Donthineni, Sayan Basu, Kotakonda Arunasri
Summary: In this study, a less invasive approach of tear collection was used to establish the bacterial microbiome in healthy eyes. The results showed that tear microbiome is comparable with conjunctival swab microbiome, but differs in the abundance of the bacterial genera.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Bartosz Czech, Joanna Szyda, Kai Wang, Hanpeng Luo, Yachun Wang
Summary: This study analyzed the microbiome composition in Chinese Holstein cows and identified bacteria associated with heat stress. These bacteria can serve as biomarkers for further microbiological studies and provide insights into the effects of heat stress on cows.
Article
Parasitology
Wanyu Zhang, Haoruo Li, Yae Zhao, Chenglin Guan, Rong Chai, Chenxi Yang, Li Hu
Summary: Through motif analysis and secondary structure construction, the value of the E23-5-E23-6 stem-loop structure in the insertion region for molecular identification of lice was explored. Five pubic lice samples from China were identified as pubic lice based on V4 region, which were genetically different from Australian strains. The V4 secondary structure showed differences among lice parasitizing on pubic area, human, and chimpanzee, allowing for effective distinction and genotype identification.
Article
Microbiology
Malgorzata Sandzewicz, Nataliia Khomutovska, Lukasz Lach, Jan Kwiatowski, Toirbek Niyatbekov, Malgorzata Suska-Malawska, Iwona Jasser
Summary: Microbial mats in the cold, mountainous desert of Eastern Pamir in Tajikistan are dominated by photosynthetic cyanobacteria. The study reveals that salinity is a critical factor influencing the taxonomic composition and structure of these mats.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alok K. Sinha, Bhaskar V. Parli, N. Anilkumar
Summary: Twilight zones in oceans, specifically in the Indian Sector of the Southern Ocean, have been understudied in terms of microbial activities and diversity. This study collected samples from the depths of 200m in different eddy-influenced waters to better understand the microbial environment in this unique zone. The sequencing data of bacterial samples showed the presence of nine different phyla, with Synechococcales found only in STF waters and SAR 11_ Clades present in all stations.
Article
Water Resources
Jacqueline Noga, Jane Springett, Nicholas Ashbolt
Summary: There is no national policy for Water and Resource Recovery (WRR) in Canada, leading to specific projects being approved individually based on local context. Through workshops in Alberta, Canada, professionals in water and wastewater services discussed the importance of supportive regulations, government leadership, financial support, collaboration, knowledge sharing, education, communication, and managing risks for successful WRR implementation. This research aimed to connect experts in the field and develop ideas that resonate with those directly involved in delivering WRR systems.
Article
Water Resources
F. Bichai, P. Smeets, S. Barrette, D. Deere, N. J. Ashbolt, G. Ferrero
Summary: A survey was conducted to investigate the use and relevance of water safety plans in facing the challenges of the Covid-19 crisis. The analysis of responses from 86 respondents across 38 countries identified the water safety challenges faced and the advantages provided by water safety plans, including stronger communication links between utilities and governing agencies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rafik Dey, Elena Dlusskaya, Nicholas J. Ashbolt
Summary: Research shows that amoebae may play a role in the environmental persistence of SARS-CoV-2, with the virus remaining infectious within amoebae cysts for up to 2 months. Further studies suggest that amoebae promote viral survival within cells by triggering their mitochondria and inducing apoptosis.
JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH
(2022)
Correction
Environmental Sciences
Jason R. Vogel, Dale W. Griffin, Hon S. Ip, Nicholas J. Ashbolt, Matthew T. Moser, Jingrang Lu, Mary K. Beitz, Hodon Ryu, Jorge W. Santo Domingo
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuanyuan Qiu, Jiaao Yu, Kanti Pabbaraju, Bonita E. Lee, Tiejun Gao, Nicholas J. Ashbolt, Steve E. Hrudey, Mathew Diggle, Graham Tipples, Rasha Maal-Bared, Xiaoli Pang
Summary: Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 is a valuable tool for assessing population-level changes in community infections. This study validated a molecular testing method using ultrafiltration to concentrate viruses from wastewater and one-step RT-qPCR assay to detect SARS-CoV-2. The study optimized parameters such as sample storage condition, wastewater pH, RNA extraction, and RT-qPCR assay.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Caitlin Proctor, Emily Garner, Kerry A. Hamilton, Nicholas J. Ashbolt, Lindsay J. Caverly, Joseph O. Falkinham, Charles N. Haas, Michele Prevost, D. Rebecca Prevots, Amy Pruden, Lutgarde Raskin, Janet Stout, Sarah-Jane Haig
Summary: In recent years, drinking water-associated pathogens that can cause infections in immunocompromised or otherwise susceptible individuals have gained attention. Previous research focused on specific microorganisms or expertise areas, resulting in mitigation approaches that may have unintended consequences. To address this, a more holistic approach is needed that targets multiple microorganisms, involves experts from different disciplines, and promotes interdisciplinary communication.
Article
Microbiology
Sujani Ariyadasa, Craig Billington, Mohamed Shaheen, Nicholas J. Ashbolt, Conan Fee, Liping Pang
Summary: The engulfment of Legionella pneumophila by free-living amoebae in engineered water systems enhances the bacterium's survival and increases public health risk. By developing a biopolymer surrogate with similar characteristics, researchers have found a potential tool for studying these interactions.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Brian Pecson, Anya Kaufmann, Sybil Sharvelle, Brie Post, Harold Leverenz, Nicholas Ashbolt, Adam Olivieri
Summary: The study updated risk-based LRTs for multiple pathogens and an expanded set of end-uses, with LRT requirements typically within 1-log 10 of 2017 LRTs regardless of different approaches used. Cost and footprint estimates provide detailed information on implementing ONWS.
JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaole Yin, Xi Chen, Xiao-Tao Jiang, Ying Yang, Bing Li, Marcus Ho-Hin Shum, Tommy T. Y. Lam, Gabriel M. Leung, Joan Rose, Concepcion Sanchez-Cid, Timothy M. Vogel, Fiona Walsh, Thomas U. Berendonk, Janet Midega, Chibuzor Uchea, Dominic Frigon, Gerard D. Wright, Carlos Bezuidenhout, Renata C. Picao, Shaikh Z. Ahammad, Per Halkjaer Nielsen, Philip Hugenholtz, Nicholas J. Ashbolt, Gianluca Corno, Despo Fatta-Kassinos, Helmut Buergmann, Heike Schmitt, Chang-Jun Cha, Amy Pruden, Kornelia Smalla, Eddie Cytryn, Yu Zhang, Min Yang, Yong-Guan Zhu, Arnaud Dechesne, Barth F. Smets, David W. Graham, Michael R. Gillings, William H. Gaze, Celia M. Manaia, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, Pedro J. J. Alvarez, Martin J. Blaser, James M. Tiedje, Edward Topp, Tong Zhang
Summary: Surveillance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in environmental sectors is increasingly conducted to complement studies in human and animal sectors. However, comparing and synthesizing results from different studies using different test methods and bioinformatic analysis approaches pose substantial challenges. This article suggests a universal unit (ARG copy per cell) for reporting biological measurements of ARGs in order to improve comparability. By comparing commonly used quantification units, this study proposes a step towards standardization.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qiaozhi Li, Bonita E. Lee, Tiejun Gao, Yuanyuan Qiu, Erik Ellehoj, Jiaao Yu, Mathew Diggle, Graham Tipples, Rasha Maal-Bared, Deena Hinshaw, Christopher Sikora, Nicholas J. Ashbolt, James Talbot, Steve E. Hrudey, Xiaoli Pang
Summary: By analyzing a large dataset of 1,842 samples collected from 12 wastewater treatment plants over a period of 14 months, this study used Probit analysis to calculate the sensitivity of RT-qPCR detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater. It determined the number of new COVID-19 cases required to detect the virus in wastewater at different probabilities and provided an evidence-based framework for wastewater-based epidemiology surveillance. The study improves our understanding of the performance of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in wastewater using extensive data and a prolonged study period. It highlights the importance of estimating the COVID-19 burden that will result in positive detection in wastewater for the application of wastewater-based surveillance as a supplementary system for COVID-19 prevention and control.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rafik Dey, Elena Dlusskaya, Mariem Oloroso, Nicholas J. Ashbolt
Summary: Rising temperatures are expanding habitats for thermotolerant pathogens, including Naegleria fowleri, known as the 'brain-eating amoeba'. Although Naegleria species have not been found in environmental water sources in Canada, we identified other thermotolerant species, such as Naegleria pagei, Naegleria gruberi, Naegleria jejuensis and Naegleria fultoni, indicating the potential for supporting N. fowleri. It is recommended to continue monitoring and examining water for pathogenic amoebae in order to manage public health risks.
JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Michael A. Jahne, Mary E. Schoen, Anya Kaufmann, Brian M. Pecson, Adam Olivieri, Sybil Sharvelle, Anita Anderson, Nicholas J. Ashbolt, Jay L. Garland
Summary: In this work, the authors compare and synthesize the log10-reduction targets (LRTs) for pathogens in onsite non-potable water systems (ONWS) to inform the selection of pathogen LRTs. The results show that there were minor differences in LRTs for human enteric viruses and parasitic protozoa between 2017 and 2021 efforts, despite differences in pathogen characterization methods. The greatest differences were observed in stormwater due to the use of municipal wastewater data and different reference pathogens.
Review
Immunology
Nicholas John Ashbolt
Summary: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been extensively studied for their role in environmental persistence, dissemination, and infection of human enteric viruses. However, their role in the interaction between amoebae and Legionella pneumophila is poorly understood.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Brian M. Pecson, Anya Kaufmann, Daniel Gerrity, Charles N. Haas, Edmund Seto, Nicholas J. Ashbolt, Theresa Slifko, Emily Darby, Adam Olivieri
Summary: This study provides guidance on selecting science-based pathogen treatment requirements for direct potable reuse (DPR) systems, using probabilistic quantitative microbial risk assessments to determine log reduction targets. The findings and recommendations are applicable not only in California but also in the development of DPR regulations worldwide.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoli Pang, Tiejun Gao, Erik Ellehoj, Qiaozhi Li, Yuanyuan Qiu, Rasha Maal-Bared, Christopher Sikora, Graham Tipples, Mathew Diggle, Deena Hinshaw, Nicholas J. Ashbolt, James Talbot, Steve E. Hrudey, Bonita E. Lee
Summary: This study found a strong correlation between SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in wastewater and the number of COVID-19 cases in corresponding communities over 17 months. Wastewater-based surveillance provides an unbiased estimate of COVID-19 prevalence and can effectively monitor cases when the RNA levels reach detectable thresholds.
