Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Teresa Bottari, Valeria Conti Nibali, Caterina Branca, Marco Grotti, Serena Savoca, Teresa Romeo, Nunziacarla Spano, Maurizio Azzaro, Silvestro Greco, Giovanna D'Angelo, Monique Mancuso
Summary: For the first time, anthropogenic microparticles (AMs) were found in samples of Trematomus bernacchii collected in 1998 in the Ross Sea. Most of the AMs identified were natural and synthetic fibers. These findings not only contribute to the understanding of pollution levels in the Antarctic ecosystem, but also highlight the presence of microplastics and anthropogenic fiber pollution in the Antarctic marine food web by the late '90s.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chiara Maria Motta, Palma Simoniello, Mariana Di Lorenzo, Vincenzo Migliaccio, Raffaele Panzuto, Emanuela Califano, Gianfranco Santovito
Summary: The study found that exposure of Antarctic teleost to copper and cadmium can lead to changes in the ovaries, including oocyte degeneration and significant alterations in the localization of hormone receptors, which may significantly impact their reproductive capacity.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Andrew W. Naslund, Brittany E. Davis, James A. Hobbs, Nann A. Fangue, Anne E. Todgham
Summary: The burning of fossil fuels is causing rapid global ocean warming and acidification, stressing the physiological limits and plasticity of many marine species. Antarctic species are particularly vulnerable to environmental changes, with warming affecting the growth rate of otoliths in juvenile emerald rockcod, while CO2-acidified seawater has no effect.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Elisa Giuliani, Alessandro Nardi, Marta Di Carlo, Maura Benedetti, Francesco Regoli
Summary: The study found that although metallothioneins and mRNA of antioxidant genes in the gills increased after Cd exposure, these effects were softened in warming and acidification scenarios. Limited effects were observed in the liver due to higher baseline antioxidant protection. Combined stressors resulted in increased genotoxic damage.
Article
Fisheries
Samuele Greco, Anastasia Serena Gaetano, Gael Furlanis, Francesca Capanni, Chiara Manfrin, Piero Giulio Giulianini, Gianfranco Santovito, Paolo Edomi, Alberto Pallavicini, Marco Gerdol
Summary: The Antarctic continent, though pristine, is highly vulnerable to climate change. This study focused on investigating the effects of a moderate increase in temperature on the emerald rockcod, Trematomus bernacchii, and identified the brain as the most susceptible tissue to heat stress.
Article
Fisheries
F. Buonocore, P. R. Saraceni, A. R. Taddei, A. Miccoli, F. Porcelli, S. Borocci, M. Gerdol, F. Bugli, M. Sanguinetti, A. M. Fausto, G. Scapigliati, S. Picchietti
Summary: The study discovered a NK-lysin antimicrobial peptide with antibacterial and cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines in Antarctic fish. Two synthetic peptides derived from this discovery showed antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria without harming mammalian cells, and one of the peptides selectively induced apoptosis in melanoma cells. These findings suggest that these peptides hold promise as candidates in the fight against antibiotic resistance and tumor proliferation.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessia Ametrano, Simona Picchietti, Laura Guerra, Stefano Giacomelli, Umberto Oreste, Maria Rosaria Coscia
Summary: This study characterized the gene encoding the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) in Antarctic teleost Trematomus bernacchii and compared it with other teleost species. The Antarctic pIgR gene showed unique features including long introns and adaptive amino acid substitutions. The transcripts of T. bernacchii pIgR were predominantly expressed in mucosal tissues.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Pedro Araujo, Cristina Truzzi, Ikram Belghit, Matteo Antonucci
Summary: This research investigates how the nutritional qualities of Antarctic fish species may change in response to predicted seawater warming. The study found that while seawater warming did cause changes in nutritional indices, these changes were not statistically significant. Therefore, the nutritional value of Antarctic fish species may be preserved even with an increase in water temperature.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rigers Bakiu, Sara Pacchini, Elisabetta Piva, Sophia Schumann, Anna Maria Tolomeo, Diana Ferro, Paola Irato, Gianfranco Santovito
Summary: This study investigated metal bioaccumulation and metallothionein expression in the gills and liver of Trematomus hansoni, an Antarctic fish, to evaluate its physiological responses to increased copper and cadmium concentrations. The results showed significant accumulation of both metals and increased gene transcription of MT-1. MT biosynthesis was observed mainly in specimens exposed to cadmium, but most of these proteins were soon oxidized, possibly due to their involvement in cell protection against oxidative stress.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Niraj Rayamajhi, Chi-Hing Christina Cheng, Julian M. Catchen
Summary: A robust genome assembly is crucial for genome-based research. Different phases of de novo assembly strategies have different error models. Hidden errors in short-read scaffolding and erroneous long-read contigs degrade the quality of short- and long-read hybrid assemblies. Long-read contig assembly is currently the best choice for achieving higher contiguity. These findings provide important guidance for genome research.
G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Manuel Novillo, Thomas Desvignes, Eugenia Moreira, Esteban Barrera-Oro
Summary: This study reports the recent ingestion of emerald notothens eggs by a large specimen of bullhead notothen in Paradise Bay, West Antarctic Peninsula, and discusses aspects of emerald notothen reproductive ecology. The findings suggest a lack of effectiveness in egg protection in this predator-prey interaction between two sympatric notothenioid species.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariano Dara, Piero Giulio Giulianini, Chiara Manfrin, Maria Giovanna Parisi, Daniela Parrinello, Claudia La Corte, Gerardo R. Vasta, Matteo Cammarata
Summary: The study isolated a Ca++-independent fucose-binding protein from the serum of Antarctic fish Trematomus bernacchii and characterized its carbohydrate binding properties, thermal stability, and potential ability to recognize bacterial pathogens. Results showed that the protein is a bona fide member of the FTL family, with binding activity at low temperatures and the ability to agglutinate bacteria, suggesting its involvement in host-pathogen interactions in cold environments.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Clive W. Evans, Selina Patel, Nicholas J. Matzke, Craig D. Millar
Summary: X-cells were first discovered in flatfish in the northern hemisphere in 1969, and later found in Antarctic fish, demonstrating their global distribution. X-cells have been identified as perkinsozoan parasites in various northern hemisphere fish species and three other Antarctic fish species. In this study, we describe the morphology of X-cells from the gill filaments of a bald notothen and identify a new genus and species of X-cell using genetic and morphological evidence.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Mario La Mesa, Fortunata Donato, Emilio Riginella
Summary: The bigeye notothen is a rare nototheniid fish with a putative circum-Antarctic distribution. Due to its deep water occurrence, limited catch, and confusion with other similar species, its biology is poorly known. Preliminary data suggest a summer spawning season and individual age ranging from 4 to 10 years.
Article
Virology
Joana Abrantes, Arvind Varsani, Paulo Pereira, Catarina Maia, Ines Farias, Ana Verissimo, Fabiana Neves
Summary: This article reports the identification of a novel polyomavirus, Raja clavata polyomavirus (RcPyV1), in a cartilaginous fish. The genome of RcPyV1 shares similarities with another polyomavirus found in another cartilaginous fish, supporting the hypothesis of a specific lineage of polyomaviruses in cartilaginous fishes.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Temitope O. C. Faleye, Amir Elyaderani, Peter Skidmore, Sangeet Adhikari, Abriana Smith, Nicole Kaiser, Helen Sandrolini, Sarah Finnerty, Rolf U. Halden, Arvind Varsani, Matthew Scotch
Summary: We investigated the presence and diversity of rhinoviruses in nasopharyngeal swab samples from 248 individuals with influenza-like illness (ILI). We identified at least 13 rhinovirus genotypes and 16 variants that contributed to the burden of ILI in the community. Additionally, we described the complete capsid protein gene of an unassigned rhinovirus A genotype (AZ88**).
INFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Elise N. Paietta, Simona Kraberger, Joy M. Custer, Karla L. Vargas, Koenraad Van Doorslaer, Anne D. Yoder, Arvind Varsani
Summary: This study identifies three oral papillomaviruses in critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemurs, including two highly similar viruses named Varecia variegata papillomavirus 1 (VavPV1) and a less similar one named Varecia variegata papillomavirus 2 (VavPV2). The discovery of these viruses suggests the presence of diverse papillomaviruses across lemurs.
ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Gabriella M. Cerna, Laurel E. K. Serieys, Seth P. D. Riley, Cecile Richet, Simona Kraberger, Arvind Varsani
Summary: Viruses belonging to the family Circoviridae were discovered in bobcats in California, with one new species identified. It is unclear whether these viruses infect bobcats, their prey, or their gut parasites.
ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Davey L. Jones, Jennifer M. Rhymes, Matthew J. Wade, Jessica L. Kevill, Shelagh K. Malham, Jasmine M. S. Grimsley, Charlotte Rimmer, Andrew J. Weightman, Kata Farkas
Summary: International air travel is recognized as a primary mechanism for the global spread of SARS-CoV-2. Monitoring wastewater from aircraft and transport hubs is proposed as an effective way to track viral pathogens. A study of UK adults found higher defecation rates on long-haul flights among males and younger age groups. Using these rates, it is estimated that aircraft wastewater captures 8-14% of SARS-CoV-2 cases entering the UK. However, wastewater monitoring alone is insufficient for complete surveillance.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Virology
Eric Olo Ndela, Simon Roux, Christian Henke, Alexander Sczyrba, Telesphore Sime Ngando, Arvind Varsani, Francois Enault
Summary: Through the analysis of metagenomic data sets from various aquatic ecosystems, we discovered sixteen complete microvirus genomes that are significantly smaller than previously known ones. These microviruses belong to two new subfamilies, named Reekeekeevirinae and Roodoodoovirinae. These small genome microviruses have a lower number of genes and shorter gene length, with fewer overprinted genes compared to phiX174. They exhibit differences in gene content and conserved protein sequences, indicating different strategies used by these related groups of small genome microviruses to complete their lifecycle with limited genes.
Article
Microbiology
Kata Farkas, Cameron Pellett, Rachel Williams, Natasha Alex-Sanders, Irene Bassano, Mathew R. Brown, Hubert Denise, Jasmine M. S. Grimsley, Jessica L. Kevill, Mohammad S. Khalifa, Igor Pantea, Rich Story, Matthew J. Wade, Nick Woodhall, Davey L. Jones
Summary: In this study, wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) coupled with reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to monitor the presence of COVID-19 variants in quarantine facilities. The results showed that PCR-based detection is a good predictor for variant presence, making WBE coupled with RT-qPCR a rapid and effective method to identify emerging variants at international borders and mass quarantining facilities.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jasmine K. M. Lopez, Charlotte Austin, Kata Farkas, Simona Kraberger, William Davison, Arvind Varsani
Summary: Sharp-spined notothen (Trematomus pennellii) is an icefish endemic to the southern ocean. From the stomach of an individual, we identified the genomes of 51 microviruses (family Microviridae). The major capsid proteins of most of these share the closest similarities to those identified in other marine organisms.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern, Natalie Sims, Kata Farkas, Kishore Jagadeesan, Kathryn Proctor, Matthew J. Wade, Davey L. Jones
Summary: This manuscript presents findings from a comprehensive study on wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) conducted in 10 cities and towns across England, with a population of approximately 7 million people. The study utilized multi-biomarker suite analysis to examine both chemical and biological determinants in wastewater samples, providing insights into city metabolism and community health. The results showed that population size played a significant role in the presence of chemical markers, but there were exceptions indicating specific chemical intake patterns and potential sources of exposure. The study also highlighted the variability in virus markers and their prevalence in different communities.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Sarah R. A. Shick, Megan L. L. Elrod, Annie Schmidt, Simona Kraberger, David G. G. Ainley, Grant Ballard, Arvind Varsani
Summary: South polar skuas migrate from subtropical regions to breed along coastal Antarctica. In a fecal sample collected on Ross Island, Antarctica, we identified 20 diverse microviruses (Microviridae) that share low levels of similarity to currently known microviruses; 6 appear to use a Mycoplasma/Spiroplasma codon translation table.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Virology
Arvind Varsani, Simona Kraberger, Tanja Opriessnig, Fabrizio Maggi, Vladimir Celer, Hiroaki Okamoto, Philippe Biagini
Summary: The Anelloviridae family consists of negative single-stranded circular DNA viruses. Among them, anelloviruses in the Gyrovirus genus are found infecting avian species, while those in the other 29 genera primarily infect mammal species. The 146 anellovirus species have been renamed according to the guidelines set by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV).
ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Karla L. Vargas, Simona Kraberger, Joy M. Custer, Elise N. Paietta, Melanie Culver, Adrian Munguia-Vega, Greer A. Dolby, Arvind Varsani
Summary: This study utilized viral metagenomics to identify a novel polyomavirus in fecal samples from wild rodents in the Baja California peninsula, Mexico. The discovery expands our understanding of rodent viral ecology and evolution.
ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Correction
Virology
Francisco Murilo Zerbini, Stuart G. Siddell, Elliot J. Lefkowitz, Arcady R. Mushegian, Evelien M. Adriaenssens, Poliane Alfenas-Zerbini, Donald M. Dempsey, Bas E. Dutilh, Maria Laura Garcia, R. Curtis Hendrickson, Sandra Junglen, Mart Krupovic, Jens H. Kuhn, Amy J. Lambert, Malgorzata Lobocka, Hanna M. Oksanen, David L. Robertson, Luisa Rubino, Sead Sabanadzovic, Peter Simmonds, Donald B. Smith, Nobuhiro Suzuki, Koenraad Van Doorslaer, Anne-Mieke Vandamme, Arvind Varsani
ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Anamarija Butkovic, Simona Kraberger, Zoe Smeele, Darren P. Martin, Kara Schmidlin, Rafaela S. Fontenele, Michelle R. Shero, Roxanne S. Beltran, Amy L. Kirkham, Maketalena Aleamotu'a, Jennifer M. Burns, Eugene Koonin, Arvind Varsani, Mart Krupovic
Summary: Anelloviruses, which are highly prevalent in mammals, including humans, have small circular single-stranded DNA genomes and encode unique proteins. The ORF1 protein of anelloviruses shows variation in size and has a projection domain predicted to have a role in virus-host interactions. The findings suggest classifying Anelloviridae as a new phylum, 'Commensaviricota', within the kingdom Shotokuvirae (realm Monodnaviria).
Article
Environmental Sciences
Devin A. Bowes, Katherine B. Henke, Erin M. Driver, Melanie Engstrom Newell, Izabella Block, Gray Shaffer, Arvind Varsani, Matthew Scotch, Rolf U. Halden
Summary: This study aimed to develop a reliable protocol for detecting the mpox virus (MPXV) in wastewater and tested this protocol on wastewater samples from different regions in the United States. The results showed that 8 out of 60 samples (13%) tested positive for MPXV. The study also found that pre-amplification decreased the rate of false negative detections and compared the wastewater detections with clinical datasets. The literature review revealed successful strategies for MPXV detection in wastewater and emphasized the need for further optimization and standardization.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
