Article
Microbiology
Katelyn M. M. McKindles, Makayla Manes, Michelle Neudeck, Robert Michael McKay, George S. S. Bullerjahn
Summary: This study investigates the molecular characterization of Planktothrix-specific cyanophages in Sandusky Bay using metagenomic and transcriptomic data. The results show the presence of PaV-LD-like cyanophages in high abundance, but with low levels of viral gene expression.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaodi Duan, Chiqian Zhang, Ian Struewing, Xiang Li, Joel Allen, Jingrang Lu
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of an early-warning system that uses cyanotoxin-encoding genes to predict harmful cyanobacterial blooms in Harsha Lake, Ohio. The results showed that the abundances and transcript levels of cyanotoxin-encoding genes were significantly correlated with total cyanotoxin concentrations and accurately predicted cyanotoxin production. This early-warning system can be a useful tool for lake managers in predicting and preventing harmful cyanobacterial blooms.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Katelyn M. McKindles, R. Michael L. McKay, George S. Bullerjahn, Thijs Frenken
Summary: This article investigates the impact of fungal infections on cyanobacteria and harmful algal bloom formation. It reveals that competition between different fungal parasites can alter infection outcomes and prevalence.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ming Su, Yiping Zhu, Tom Andersen, Xianyun Wang, Zhiyong Yu, Jinping Lu, Yichao Song, Tengxin Cao, Jianwei Yu, Yu Zhang, Min Yang
Summary: This study investigates the relationships between two filamentous cyanobacteria in a drinking water reservoir and finds that light is the major driving force responsible for the succession between these cyanobacteria. Subtle niche differentiation may play an important role in shaping the cyanobacterial assemblages, leading to MIB odor problems in drinking water reservoirs.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kevin J. Erratt, Irena F. Creed, Erika C. Freeman, Charles G. Trick, Judy Westrick, Johnna A. Birbeck, L. Cynthia Watson, Arthur Zastepa
Summary: The risk of human exposure to cyanotoxins is influenced by the location of toxin-producing cyanobacteria in waterbodies. A case study of Sunfish Lake in Ontario, Canada, revealed a deep cyanobacteria layer with toxins. Multiple toxigenic cyanobacteria species were identified in the deep layer. Monitoring the entire water column can help identify waterbodies at elevated risk for deep cyanobacteria layers to protect drinking water supplies.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Li Liu, Mengyao Li, Gaowen Liu, Jian He, Yang Liu, Xuesong Chen, Yungui Tu, Jie Lin, Yue Feng, Xueshan Xia
Summary: This study developed a highly sensitive and efficient method for the detection of brucellosis using a one-tube nested quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) approach. The method showed an impressive analytical sensitivity of 100 fg/μL, surpassing conventional qPCR and allowing detection of low levels of Brucella DNA. An evaluation of 250 clinical samples demonstrated a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 98.6%, indicating its reliability and accuracy. Importantly, the new method significantly improved the detection rate of low-burden samples by reducing cycle threshold values by an average of 6.4. These findings highlight the immense potential of this approach for rapid and accurate brucellosis diagnosis, critical for disease management and control.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Cristiana Moreira, Ana Matos, Aldo Barreiro, Cidalia Gomes, Vitor Vasconcelos, Agostinho Antunes
Summary: This study investigates the effects of temperature on the occurrence of cyanobacteria and their toxins. It found that Microcystis aeruginosa is still common in Portuguese freshwater ecosystems, while Raphidiopsis raciborskii is invading colder regions. Higher temperatures were associated with higher detection frequencies of both cyanobacteria. Planktothrix agardhii was also found in new regions but had no statistical relation with air temperature, indicating higher ecological fitness.
Article
Microbiology
Ryan S. Wagner, Katelyn M. McKindles, George S. Bullerjahn
Summary: In this study, it was found that a certain fungal parasite (chytrid) can infect Planktothrix agardhii algae, leading to a high prevalence of harmful algal blooms. Further investigation revealed that water temperature and flow have a significant impact on this infection. Decreased water flow promotes parasite infection, while increased water flow reduces infection. This study has important implications for controlling harmful algal blooms.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Li-Hui Meng, Fei Ke, Qi-Ya Zhang, Zhe Zhao
Summary: The study revealed that the ORF123 and ORF124 genes of cyanophage PaV-LD encode an endopeptidase and a membrane-associated protein called holin, respectively. Both the endopeptidase and holin exhibited bacteriostatic activity, with their transmembrane domains being essential for this activity. Furthermore, expressing the endopeptidase and holin in cyanobacteria confirmed their bacteriostatic effects.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Paulo Roberto Queiroz, Marina Cassago Posso, Erica Soares Martins, Priscila Grynberg, Roberto Togawa, Rose Gomes Monnerat
Summary: Bacillus thuringiensis is an important bacterium in the Bacillus cereus group due to its insecticidal properties. The detection of cry genes is crucial for characterizing strains and indicating their toxic potential. A multiplex assay using specific primers was developed to identify the presence of cry1A, cry1C, and cry1F genes in samples of B. thuringiensis. The system was validated and shown to be reliable in characterizing strains.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGICAL METHODS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ming Su, Yiping Zhu, Zeyu Jia, Tingting Liu, Jianwei Yu, Michael Burch, Min Yang
Summary: The identification of MIB-producing cyanobacteria in source water is challenging for reservoir authorities. A protocol and risk model were developed to identify potential producers and evaluate the risk of MIB occurrence. Planktothrix was identified as the MIB producer in the reservoir, and the risk model showed that the probability of high MIB concentrations in water significantly decreases as the cell density of Planktothrix decreases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kangxu Wang, Meiling Che, Erhu Chen, Fuji Jian, Peian Tang
Summary: Resistance of Tribolium castaneum to phosphine is related to point mutations in DNA code corresponding to amino acid changes associated with a core metabolic enzyme DLD. Our developed ARMS-qPCR method can rapidly detect these mutations and determine strong resistant phenotypes. Additionally, there is a strong linear relationship between resistance ratio and resistance allele frequency among strong resistant populations.
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naila-Yasmine Benayache, Fatima-Zohra Afri-Mehennaoui, Saliha Kherief-Nacereddine, Bao Vo-Quoc, Kateryna Hushchyna, Tri Nguyen-Quang, Noureddine Bouaicha
Summary: From July 2017 to June 2018, a widespread bloom of the cyanobacterial species Planktothrix sp. occurred in the Beni-Haroun Reservoir in Algeria, resulting in a massive fish death. The study found high concentrations of microcystins (MC) in the water samples and in the tissues of the dead fish, suggesting a potential link between the cyanotoxins and the fish mortality.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Teruaki Tozaki, Aoi Ohnuma, Shinichi Iwai, Mio Kikuchi, Taichiro Ishige, Hironaga Kakoi, Keiichi Hirota, Kanichi Kusano, Shunichi Nagata
Summary: The study investigated the robustness of digital PCR and real-time PCR in transgene detection. Digital PCR was relatively robust when primer and probe sequences did not completely match the template transgene, while real-time PCR was less sensitive. Lowering the annealing temperature can improve PCR sensitivity.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jana Palicova, Pavel Matusinsky, Veronika Dumalasova, Alena Hanzalova, Ivana Svacinova, Jana Chrpova
Summary: The reaction of 25 winter wheat cultivars to Oculimacula yallundae and Oculimacula acuformis was evaluated over a period of three years (2019-2021). Cultivars with the resistance gene Pch1 showed the lowest levels of eyespot infection, while Turandot and RGT Sacramento were the most susceptible. The qPCR method was able to distinguish between the two eyespot pathogens, with O. yallundae being detected at higher concentrations. The highest infection rate occurred in 2020 due to favorable weather conditions.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lia Godinho, Lucia Solino, Catarina Churro, Viriato Timoteo, Carolina Santos, Neide Gouveia, Jorge Diogene, Pedro Reis Costa
Summary: The study reveals the potential threat of Gambierdiscus species and associated dinoflagellate community in the Selvagens Islands to ciguatera poisoning. This is the first investigation into the role of these islands in the incubation and proliferation of ciguatera-causing dinoflagellates in the NE Atlantic.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ines Pascoa, Rita Biltes, Joao Sousa, Marco Aurelio Correia Preto, Vitor Vasconcelos, Luis Filipe Castro, Raquel Ruivo, Isabel Cunha
Summary: Cyanobacteria produce secondary metabolites that can act as ligands for PPARs, making them a potential source of bioactive compounds. A cell-based PPAR transactivation activity biosensor was upgraded and used in a screening campaign for drug discovery.
Article
Microbiology
Ines Rosado Vitorino, Alexandre Lobo-da-Cunha, Vitor Vasconcelos, Olga Maria Lage
Summary: In this study, a novel bacterium, strain ICT_H6.2(T), was isolated from the brackish environment of the Tagus River estuary in Portugal. Through genetic analysis, it was classified as a member of the bacterial phylum Planctomycetota and family Lacipirellulaceae, with a 98.0% similarity to its closest relative Aeoliella mucimassa Pan181(T). The strain has a genome size of 7.8 Mbp and a DNA G+C content of 59.6 mol %. It is heterotrophic, aerobic and capable of microaerobic growth, and can tolerate high salt concentrations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Samuel Cavalcante do Amaral, Luciana Pereira Xavier, Vitor Vasconcelos, Agenor Valadares Santos
Summary: Cyanobacteria are a valuable source of secondary metabolites with diverse chemical and biological properties, including antifungal activity. This review examines the key features of these antifungal compounds, their sources, major targets, and the environmental factors involved in their production. A comprehensive analysis of 642 documents dating from 1980 to 2022, including patents, original research, review articles, and theses, was conducted for this study.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maria G. Hinojosa, Antonio Cascajosa-Lira, Ana I. Prieto, Daniel Gutierrez-Praena, Vitor Vasconcelos, Angeles Jos, Ana M. Camean
Summary: The incidence and interest of cyanobacteria have been increasing due to their ability to produce toxic secondary metabolites known as cyanotoxins. This study assessed the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress generation of different cyanobacterial extracts, and compared the effects of extracts containing and not containing cylindrospermopsin (CYN) in human neuroblastoma cells. The results showed that the CYN-containing extract was more toxic and induced oxidative stress compared to the CYN-free extract. This study highlights the importance of studying toxic effects of cyanobacteria in their natural environment.
Article
Biology
Martha Martinez-Garcia, Gloria Garduno-Solorzano, Graciliana Lopes, Begona Astrain Sanchez, Ralph Urbatzka, Guilherme Scotta Hentschke, Jorge E. Campos, Vitor Manuel Oliveira Vasconcelos
Summary: Using molecular markers, we confirmed the taxonomic status of Bacopa monnieri from Mexico and analyzed its chemical content and potential bioactivity. The results show that B. monnieri has great potential as a natural source of compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity properties. This plant's raw material can be effectively used as a nutritional and medicinal supplement.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ruben Luz, Rita Cordeiro, Jan Kastovsky, Jeffrey R. Johansen, Elisabete Dias, Amelia Fonseca, Ralph Urbatzka, Vitor Vasconcelos, Vitor Goncalves
Summary: This study described new genera and species of filamentous cyanobacteria isolated from aquatic habitats in the Azores archipelago through morphology, genetic data, and other analyses. It emphasizes the importance of taxonomic studies on cyanobacteria from less-studied habitats and geographical regions.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Margarida Silva, Marco Preto, Clara Grosso, Monica Vieira, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Vitor Vasconcelos, Mariana Reis, Lillian Barros, Rosario Martins
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that causes a decline in cognitive functions. It is the most common form of dementia and has no well-defined cause. Current treatments only manage to reduce symptoms, and there are only two drugs that can partially halt its progression. Natural compounds from mushrooms have been studied for their potential use in AD treatment due to their beneficial effects on various AD-related mechanisms such as enzyme inhibition, prevention of protein aggregation and neurotoxicity, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. While there have been studies linking mushrooms to neurodegenerative diseases, there is currently no publication summarizing the data specifically focused on AD. This review aims to fill that gap by compiling the potential anti-AD effects of mushroom extracts or compounds that target known AD-related mechanisms.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ruben Luz, Rita Cordeiro, Jan Kastovsky, Jeffrey R. Johansen, Elisabete Dias, Amelia Fonseca, Ralph Urbatzka, Vitor Vasconcelos, Vitor Goncalves
Summary: The taxonomy of cyanobacteria has been advanced through the use of molecular methods and morphology. In this study, four cyanobacterial strains from the Azores Archipelago were genetically characterized and classified as new species and genera. This research contributes to the understanding of the biogeography of cyanobacteria in remote oceanic islands and new terrestrial habitats.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Pedro Reis Costa, Catarina Churro, Susana Margarida Rodrigues, Barbara Frazao, Miguel Barbosa, Lia Godinho, Lucia Solino, Viriato Timoteo, Neide Gouveia
Summary: This study reviews the occurrence of ciguatera cases in the Madeira Archipelago since its first detection in 2008, discusses the implemented risk management strategy, and provides a summary of the available data on the bioaccumulation of ciguatoxins (CTX) in the marine food web.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vitoria Ramos, Mariana Reis, Leonor Ferreira, Ana Margarida Silva, Ricardo Ferraz, Monica Vieira, Vitor Vasconcelos, Rosario Martins
Summary: Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive and irreversible neuronal loss, and there are currently no available cures. Cyanobacterial compounds have anti-neurodegenerative properties and can be valuable in the field of treatment.
Article
Microbiology
Lamia Benredjem, Joao Morais, Guilherme Scotta Hentschke, Akila Abdi, Hajira Berredjem, Vitor Vasconcelos
Summary: This study isolated and identified cyanobacteria strains from the Cheffia Reservoir, revealing the importance of morphological features and the 16S rRNA gene in species determination. The research also discovered potentially toxic genotypes within this ecosystem, highlighting the need for adapted water treatment methods to prevent toxin release from picocyanobacteria.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Maria Joao Romeu, Joao Morais, Vitor Vasconcelos, Filipe Mergulhao
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of hydrogen peroxide on cyanobacterial biofilms and found that these biofilms were tolerant to hydrogen peroxide treatment, which may even lead to an increase in biomass.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
M. Fernandez-Martinez, J. Barquin, N. Bonada, M. Cantonati, C. Churro, J. Corbera, C. Delgado, M. Dulsat-Masvidal, G. Garcia, O. Margalef, R. Pascual, J. Penuelas, C. Preece, F. Sabater, H. Seiler, J. M. Zamora-Marin, E. Romero
Summary: This paper provides a synthesis of the main characteristics and functioning of Mediterranean spring ecosystems and highlights the main threats these ecosystems face, such as changes in climate patterns and increasing human pressures.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Isidro Tamele, Meryem Hassouani, Ilario Timba, Tiago Guimaraes, Rui Maia, Zizina Fale, Vitor Vasconcelos
Summary: The control and monitoring of mycotoxins in Mozambique have dropped significantly, with limited data available. There is a need for a national-level mycotoxin monitoring program to ensure public health.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE
(2022)