Article
Parasitology
Sandor Hornok, Andrei D. Mihalca, Jeno Kontschan, Nora Takacs, Denis Fedorov, Olivier Plantard, Attila D. Sandor
Summary: This study provides high-resolution digital pictures and molecular data of male and female I. rugicollis for the first time, and morphological comparison with I. cornutus could not resolve uncertainties in the latter species' validity. Further molecular comparisons with new specimens of I. cornutus are needed to confirm its status. This study represents the first comprehensive molecular phylogenetic analysis of western Palearctic Pholeoixodes species, including I. rugicollis, and confirms the phylogenetic position of the subgenus Eschatocephalus within Pholeoixodes.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Niki Mougiou, Antiopi Tsoureki, Spyros Didos, Ioanna Bouzouka, Sofia Michailidou, Anagnostis Argiriou
Summary: The analysis of table olives microbiome using next-generation sequencing has provided valuable information about the microbial community composition of this popular fermented food. This study used 16S and 18S rRNA sequencing to evaluate the microbial communities of table olives from five Greek popular cultivars, fermented by Greek or Spanish style. The results showed that different curing and fermentation methods had an impact on the microbial composition and biochemical properties of the olives.
Article
Soil Science
Ilonka C. Engelhardt, Pascal A. Niklaus, Florian Bizouard, David Bru, Marie -Christine Breuil, Nadine Rouard, Arnaud Mounier, Laurent Philippot, Romain L. Barnard
Summary: This study found that precipitation history has an impact on the microbial community's response to rewetting, which is related to the nitrogen status. Regardless of precipitation or nitrogen input history, active bacteria showed a small shift in community composition within 1 hour of rewetting, but did not change further for the remaining 28 hours analyzed. Active fungi did not respond to rewetting within 29 hours. These findings are important for understanding the short-term response of soil microbial communities and their effects on food web stability and soil biogeochemical cycling.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Tiago de Oliveira Santos, Felipe Jose Cury Fracetto, Valdomiro Severino de Souza Junior, Jose Coelho de Araujo Filho, Mario Andrade Lira Junior, Jose Petronio Mendes Junior, Marcos Siqueira Neto, Yure Romero Oliveira da Silva, Felipe Martins do Rego Barros, Giselle Gomes Monteiro Fracetto
Summary: Overexploitation of natural forest resources in the tropical semiarid region of Brazil leads to soil degradation, reduction in microbial and plant biomass, and loss of C and N from soils. This study found that degraded soils had significantly lower C and N stocks, abundance and activity of total bacteria and fungi, and decreased abundance of diazotrophic and phosphorus-mineralizing bacteria compared to preserved or partially degraded soils. However, the abundance of total bacteria and fungi genes and glomalin content remained unchanged. The alkaline phosphatase activity indicated that mineralizing microorganisms can still make phosphorus constantly available in soils without vegetation cover.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Blaire M. Padayhag, Michael Angelou L. Nada, Jake Ivan P. Baquiran, Marilou P. Sison-Mangus, Maria Lourdes San Diego-McGlone, Patrick C. Cabaitan, Cecilia Conaco
Summary: This study found that the microbial biofilm communities near mariculture areas can affect the settlement of coral larvae. The biofilm farthest from the mariculture area had a higher effectiveness in inducing the settlement of Acropora tenuis larvae. These biofilms were characterized by a greater proportion of crustose coralline algae and gammaproteobacterial taxa, while biofilms closer to the mariculture zone had a higher proportion of cyanobacteria and no crustose coralline algae. These findings suggest that nutrient enrichment from mariculture activities can alter the composition of biofilm-associated microbiome and indirectly affect coral larval settlement.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
R. G. Bulgarelli, M. F. A. Leite, M. De Hollander, P. Mazzafera, S. A. L. Andrade, E. E. Kuramae
Summary: The availability of soil phosphorus can affect plant growth, root-soil interactions, and rhizosphere microbial community composition. This study investigated the rhizosphere microbial communities of 24 species of eucalypts under low or sufficient soil phosphorus availability. It was found that eucalypt species identity was the main factor determining the composition of the rhizosphere microbial community, while the effect of phosphorus availability varied among species.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Gizem Cufaoglu, Ayse Nur Erdinc
Summary: Milk kefir and water kefir, although both considered as fermented health drinks, differ in physicochemical and microbial properties. The fermentation temperature affected the characteristics and sensory analysis of milk kefir, but not water kefir. Milk kefir had the highest dry matter, protein, and fat content at 20 degrees Celsius. Microbial loads differed slightly between the two kefir types, but both contained probiotic microorganisms.
Article
Parasitology
Kaihui Zhang, Yin Fu, Kelei Han, Fuchang Yu, Jianying Huang, Longxian Zhang
Summary: A new species of Cystoisospora, C. yuensis n. sp., was discovered in captive amur hedgehogs in Zhengzhou, China, with a prevalence rate of 12.5%, along with the known species C. rastegaievae at 50.0%. It showed the highest genetic similarity to C. timoni.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Anais Chanson, Corrie S. Moreau, Christophe Duplais
Summary: This study examines the impact of host ecology and evolutionary history on the microbial communities of Amazonian ants. The research shows that habitat does not play a role in structuring ant microbial communities, but ant diet and nesting mode do influence bacterial communities. Additionally, nesting mode is the determining factor for microbial eukaryote communities, while microbial diversity is not correlated with host phylogeny.
Article
Ecology
Maura Palacios Mejia, Connie A. Rojas, Emily Curd, Mark A. Renshaw, Kiumars Edalati, Beverly Shih, Nitin Vincent, Meixi Lin, Peggy H. Nguyen, Robert Wayne, Kelsey Jessup, Sophie S. Parker
Summary: This study investigates the impact of long-term contamination on the soil microbiome composition and diversity at an urban brownfield in Los Angeles. The findings suggest that the presence of heavy metals and organic pollutants shape the soil microbiome diversity, and certain bacteria and fungi show tolerance to these contaminants. The study recommends incorporating DNA-based multi-marker microbial community profiling in brownfield site assessment and restoration.
Article
Horticulture
Yongsan Zeng, Xiaoguan Chen, Yibei Ni, Chen Zhao, James Kerns, Lane Tredway, Joseph Roberts
Summary: The turfgrass industry in Guangdong province, China has experienced rapid development, with a large number of golf courses in the area. Recent surveys have identified five prevalent plant-parasitic nematodes, with Mesocriconema xenoplax and Meloidogyne graminis being the most common. Morphological and molecular characterization of these species has been conducted, providing valuable information for future research on pathogenicity, relationships with other pathogens, and control measures for these turf nematodes.
Article
Parasitology
Vikrant Sudan, Daya Shanker, Sanjhi Paliwal, Rahul Kumar, Amit Singh
Summary: In this study, isolates of S. buffalonis from buffaloes in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India were characterized for various genes. Multiple haplotypes were found for each gene, and the phylogenetic association between S. buffalonis and related Sarcocystis spp. was determined. This study provides important phylogenetic data about this under-studied parasite.
Article
Microbiology
James O'Brien, Erin L. McParland, Anna R. Bramucci, Martin Ostrowski, Nachshon Siboni, Timothy Ingleton, Mark V. Brown, Naomi M. Levine, Bonnie Laverock, Katherina Petrou, Justin Seymour
Summary: This study examines the relationship between microbial community dynamics and DMS concentrations in an oceanographic time series conducted on the east Australian coast. The results show that seasonal shifts in microbial community composition affect the net DMSP concentrations, with certain phytoplankton species producing more DMSP than others. Additionally, planktonic bacteria play a significant role in producing DMSP and DMSO in ocean surface waters.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Rongchang Yang, Siobhon Egan, Huimin Gao, Belinda Brice, Bruno P. Berto
Summary: A new coccidian species, Isospora elliotae n. sp., was identified from the Australian magpie Gymnorhina tibicen in Western Australia. Morphological and molecular analysis revealed unique characteristics of the oocysts and identified genetic similarities with other Isospora species.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anna M. Jazdzewska, Tammy Horton, Ed Hendrycks, Tomasz Mamos, Amy C. Driskell, Saskia Brix, Pedro Martinez Arbizu
Summary: The study analyzed genetic data of the deep-sea scavenging amphipods Paralicella tenuipes and Paralicella caperesca, revealing a single Molecular Operational Taxonomic Unit within P. tenuipes and six different MOTUs forming P. caperesca. Distribution patterns varied, with certain lineages being widely distributed, indicating contemporary population connectivity. Additionally, no recent demographic changes were observed within the studied taxa.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
J. Antonio Baeza, Werner P. Veldsman, Ka Hou Chu
Summary: This study reports the nervous system transcriptome of the Caribbean spiny lobster, providing insights into the molecular underpinnings of viral infection and behavioral immunity. The development of genomic resources for this species is crucial for understanding its biology, as well as for fishery management and conservation strategies.
Article
Fisheries
Lai Him Chow, Ling Ming Tsang, Ka Hou Chu, Ka Yan Ma
Summary: This study investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of the rare freshwater atyid shrimp Caridina logemanni in Hong Kong. The results showed strong genetic differentiation and low genetic diversity among the populations of C. logemanni. Historic hybridisation was evident, indicating that both populations were of hybrid origin. Future conservation efforts should focus on preventing anthropogenic hybridisation, prohibiting harvesting, and conducting continuous monitoring.
MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adnan Shahdadi, Katharina von Wyschetzki, Hung-Chang Liu, Ka Hou Chu, Christoph D. Schubart
Summary: The lack of visible barriers to gene flow in marine coastal species was challenged by molecular studies, which revealed geographically structured genetic differentiation. This study focused on the Parasesarma bidens species complex and found that it consists of at least five distinct clades, resulting from historical sea level changes and oceanic currents during the Pleistocene. The findings highlight the importance of understanding genetic structure and hidden diversity in coastal organisms.
Article
Engineering, Marine
Yichun Xie, Elaine Y. Y. Huang, Wenyan Nong, Sean T. S. Law, Yifei Yu, Khan Cheung, Yiqian Li, Cheuk Fung Wong, Ho Yin Yip, Patrick W. S. Joyce, King Ming Chan, Ka Hou Chu, Bayden D. Russell, Laura J. Falkenberg, Jerome H. L. Hui
Summary: The Hong Kong oyster is a native species with scientific, ecological, cultural and nutritional importance. However, limited information about its genetics, stress adaptation mechanisms, and gut microbiota has restricted the sustainable production and use of oyster resources. This study conducted population structure analysis, transcriptome analysis, and microbiota profiling to reveal the molecular basis for the oyster's adaptation to environmental conditions.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Allergy
Christine Y. Y. Wai, Nicki Y. H. Leung, Agnes S. Y. Leung, Sai Ming Ngai, Punchama Pacharn, Yat Sun Yau, Jaime Sou Da Rosa Duque, Mike Y. W. Kwan, Orathai Jirapongsananuruk, Wai Hung Chan, Gilbert T. Chua, Qun Ui Lee, Surapon Piboonpocanun, Po Ki Ho, Joshua S. C. Wong, Shanshan Li, Kary J. Y. Xu, Gary W. K. Wong, Ka Hou Chu, Patrick S. C. Leung, Pakit Vichyanond, Ting Fan Leung
Summary: The clinical management of shrimp allergy is limited by the lack of accurate tests. In this study, the allergen repertoire of shrimp was comprehensively investigated, and the sensitization pattern and diagnostic value of these allergens in allergic subjects from different populations were compared using molecular diagnosis.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lena Homberger, Jiawu Xu, Dirk Brandis, Tin-Yam Chan, Heleen Keirsebelik, Monika Normant-Saremba, Jonas Schoelynck, Ka Hou Chu, Christine Ewers-Saucedo
Summary: The Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, is a highly invasive species that has caused economic and ecological impacts in Europe. Recent research suggests that Japanese mitten crab, E. japonica, DNA has been found in populations in Europe, indicating possible hybridization between the two species.
Article
Cell Biology
Cheryl W. Y. Shum, Wenyan Nong, Wai Lok So, Yiqian Li, Zhe Qu, Ho Yin Yip, Thomas Swale, Put O. Ang, King Ming Chan, Ting Fung Chan, Ka Hou Chu, Apple P. Y. Chui, Kwok Fai Lau, Sai Ming Ngai, Fei Xu, Jerome H. L. Hui
Summary: This study sequenced and assembled the genome of the sea anemone Exaiptasia pallida and discovered potential genes involved in the late phase of cnidarian tissue regeneration, namely GLWamide neuropeptides and sesquiterpenoid pathway genes.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xidong Mu, Yexin Yang, Jinhui Sun, Yi Liu, Meng Xu, Changwei Shao, Ka Hou Chu, Wei Li, Chao Liu, Dangen Gu, Miao Fang, Chi Zhang, Fei Liu, Hongmei Song, Xuejie Wang, Jiehu Chen, Ka Yan Ma
Summary: This study developed the FishPIE primer set for phylogenetic analysis of ray-finned fishes. By testing it on 203 species and combining it with published genomes and transcriptomes, a phylogeny of 710 species was constructed, providing new insights into the fish tree of life.
Article
Fisheries
Chien-Hui Yang, Ka Yan Ma, Ka Hou Chu, Tin-Yam Chan
Summary: This study reconstructed a robust molecular phylogeny for Penaeus s.l. shrimps using the largest dataset to date. The findings revealed some paraphyletic genera within Penaeus s.l. Furthermore, the traditional morphological characters used for species differentiation are not synapomorphic or evolutionarily informative. Therefore, retaining these shrimps in a single genus is appropriate to reflect their evolutionary relationships.
Article
Fisheries
Yue Liang, Minnan Bao, Lang Lang, Lu Wang, Shijie Wang, Chien M. Chen, Ka-Hou Chu, Lan Wang
Summary: This study investigated the function and expression changes of proPO in freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense (ShproPO) in response to both cadmium (Cd) and Aeromonas hydrophila infection. ShproPO was found to be involved in the antibacterial process and its expression was promoted by low concentrations of Cd after A. hydrophila infection. Additionally, ShproPO was identified as a key enzyme in melanization response and was found to enhance phagocytosis of A. hydrophila-infected hemocytes.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chandler T. T. Tsang, Christoph D. Schubart, Ka Hou Chu, Peter K. L. Ng, Ling Ming Tsang
Summary: Thoracotremata is a large and successful group of true crabs with diverse lifestyles and well-known intertidal representatives. The research resolves interfamilial relationships of Thoracotremata and provides insights into their evolutionary pathways and taxonomy based on molecular markers and representatives from all nominal families. The study confirms the polyphyly of three superfamilies and suggests that terrestrialization played a major role in the diversification of Thoracotremata. Additionally, it highlights the importance of the Early Eocene and the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum in the origin and radiation of semi-terrestrial and terrestrial lineages within Thoracotremata, as well as the independent invasions into subtidal regions and freshwater habitats. The study also reveals the evolution of obligate symbiosis between Thoracotremata and other marine macro-invertebrates.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhi-wen Sang, Min-nan Bao, Yue Liang, Ka-hou Chu, Lan Wang
Summary: In this study, the ACP gene of the freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense was cloned and the impact of cadmium stress on the expression and function of ShACP was investigated. The findings revealed that ShACP enhances immune function, but high levels of cadmium stress inhibit its expression. This study provides a theoretical foundation for further research on crab immune systems and has significant implications for studying immune responses in crustaceans under heavy metal stress.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Ziwei Wu, Ka Hou Chu, Ka Yan Ma
Summary: We examined the transcriptomic changes in three immune tissues (gills, hepatopancreas, and hemocytes) of Penaeus vannamei infected with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), Vibrio parahaemolyticus acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (VPAHPND), and decapod iridovirus 1 (DIV1). The results showed tissue-specific differences in the immune responses of shrimp, with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in gills mainly related to environmental information processing and cellular processes, DEGs in hemocytes mostly involved in cellular processes, and DEGs in hepatopancreas primarily associated with metabolism. These findings provide new insights into the immune responses of Penaeus vannamei and contribute to sustainable shrimp farming.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Lai Him Chow, Terance Ho Him Wong, Ling Ming Tsang
