Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
M. I. Lanzl, M. H. Zwietering, T. Abee, H. M. W. den Besten
Summary: This study presents a new method (EMRT-PCR) for the rapid detection of Campylobacter in food. The method combines enrichment and multiplex real-time PCR assay, providing high sensitivity and fast detection.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Paul Dawson, Ahmet Buyukyavuz, Claudia Ionita, Julie Northcutt
Summary: The combination of PCR and DNA extraction techniques can be used to enumerate Campylobacter spp. from poultry gastrointestinal tract samples. The study developed a DNA standard curve for Campylobacter spp. DNA primers and a cell/genomic DNA extraction protocol for complex samples. The results showed that qPCR and standard plate count methods were highly correlated for enumerating Campylobacter spp. in the specified range.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jian Zhang, Xin Fang, Yu Mao, Haochen Qi, Jayne Wu, Xiaoru Liu, Fangshuo You, Wenci Zhao, Ying Chen, Lei Zheng
Summary: This study presents a strategy for detecting trace level spike-protein from SARS-CoV-2, with fast detection, high sensitivity, wide linear range, and low cost, suitable for cold-chain food quarantine.
NPJ SCIENCE OF FOOD
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
G. Papadakis, A. K. Pantazis, N. Fikas, S. Chatziioannidou, V Tsiakalou, K. Michaelidou, V Pogka, M. Megariti, M. Vardaki, K. Giarentis, J. Heaney, E. Nastouli, T. Karamitros, A. Mentis, A. Zafiropoulos, G. Sourvinos, S. Agelaki, E. Gizeli
Summary: A device for real-time colorimetric LAMP was developed, combining the accuracy of lab-based quantitative analysis with the simplicity of point-of-care testing, featuring rapid analysis, high quantification, crude sample-compatibility, low detection limit, smartphone operation, fast prototyping, and dye selection capabilities.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bong Kyun Kim, Sang-A Lee, Minju Park, Eui Ju Jeon, Mi Jung Kim, Jung Min Kim, Heesuk Kim, Seungwon Jung, Sang Kyung Kim
Summary: This article introduces a photonic PCR platform using hydrogel microparticles, which utilizes photothermal nanomaterials as heating elements for rapid and portable POCT. The researchers successfully demonstrate the ability to perform multiplex assays by loading multiple encoded pPIN microparticles in a single reaction.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yile Fang, Yue Wang, Xiangyi Su, Haoran Liu, Hui Chen, Zhu Chen, Lian Jin, Nongyue He
Summary: A portable nucleic acid detection system based on real-time PCR has been developed for point-of-care testing of infectious disease pathogens. The system integrates optical, thermal, and motion control modules to achieve sample-in, result-out while remaining compact. The fluorescence module plays a crucial role in the system as it directly impacts the accuracy and sensitivity of the testing results. In this study, a miniaturized, high-sensitivity, and integrated dual-channel fluorescence module has been proposed for the homemade PNAD system, demonstrating good stability and detection sensitivity compared to commercial instruments.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jin-Hee Kim, Se-Wook Oh
Summary: This study developed a combination of filtration-based enrichment methods for rapid detection of E. coli O157:H7 in food, which is faster and more efficient compared to traditional culture enrichment methods.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mohanapriya Jayapal, Hema Jagadeesan, Vinothkumar Krishnasamy, Gomathi Shanmugam, Vignesh Muniyappan, Dinesh Chidambaram, Satheesh Krishnamurthy
Summary: Real-time textile dyes wastewater contains hazardous chemicals that are difficult to degrade by conventional methods, impacting water quality and usage. A sequential anaerobic-aerobic plant-microbe system was evaluated at a pilot-scale on site, achieving significant decolorization and aromatic amine removal. Analysis indicated successful degradation of contaminants and interaction of microbe with vetiver plants, with toxicity removal confirmed through zebrafish analysis.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Avra Ghosh, Asfak Ali, Sangita Roy, Sheli Sinha Chaudhuri
Summary: This paper proposes a real-time video dehazing technique that uses a novel haze parameter called 'SATVAL' to process hazy scenes. By processing a few video frames, the method determines whether dehazing is needed, allowing for accurate real-time video dehazing.
JOURNAL OF REAL-TIME IMAGE PROCESSING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fei Yan, Jingnan Cui, Chao Wang, Xiangge Tian, Dawei Li, Yan Wang, Baojing Zhang, Lei Feng, Shanshan Huang, Xiaochi Ma
Summary: A highly sensitive fluorescent probe MDQ for sulfite detection was developed, along with a portable fluorescence detector for rapid monitoring of sulfite in various samples. This technology is expected to play an important role in quantitative analysis of sulfite in traditional Chinese medicines and surface water.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Lukas Sohlbach, Sushil Bhatta, Fernando Perez-Pena, Karsten Schmidt
Summary: Recently, there has been a lot of research on soft robots, particularly their artificial muscles. Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are considered the most capable technology for mimicking natural muscles in robotics and prosthetics applications. This paper focuses on the development of a real-time test bench for DEAs, providing specified environmental conditions and components. The experiment demonstrates the suitability of the selected laser sensor and high-voltage amplifier, but highlights the limitation of the data acquisition (DAQ) device in measuring actuator current.
Article
Optics
Ziao Jiao, Zhenya Zang, Quan Wang, Yu Chen, Dong Xiao, David Day Uei Li
Summary: We propose a portable AI fluorescence microscope (pi M) that utilizes a webcam and the NVIDIA Jetson Nano (NJN) for real-time target detection. The pi M achieves a physical magnification of x5 and can clearly image microscopic samples and fluorescent polystyrene beads. It has similar imaging quality to expensive benchtop microscopes but is more affordable, weighing only 250 g and costing $300. The integrated convolution neural network (CNN) allows for real-time analysis and accurate counting of beads and red blood cells without the need for data transfer or offline processing. Our CNN method outperforms other image processing methods in bead counting and feature extraction.
OPTICS AND LASER TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nur Ir Imani Ishak, Derek Chan Jiunn Chieh, Ooi Boon Seng
Summary: The gravity-driven ultrafiltration (GDU) membrane system was effective in treating river water under varying hydrostatic pressure conditions, showing high removal efficiency for suspended solids and humic substances. Cleaning methods such as chemical washing and backwashing were successful in removing surface fouling by humic substances and suspended solids.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Tchamie Kadja, Yvonne Sun, Vamsy P. Chodavarapu
Summary: Rapid and cost-effective biological sample testing systems are crucial for point-of-care diagnostics and other health applications. The recent COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for accurate and rapid identification of the genetic material of SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory specimens. Current extraction methods are expensive and time-consuming, but our proposed heat-mediated enzymatic assay improves PCR reaction sensitivity and offers a viable alternative.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Bowen Liu, Bingjian Sun, Pengle Cheng, Ying Huang
Summary: The paper presents a lightweight portable remote smoke front-end perception platform based on Raspberry Pi, which can efficiently detect smoke in real-time. The platform utilizes cascade classifiers and local binary patterns for target detection, achieving high detection accuracy and robustness. It provides a potential affordable lightweight smoke detection option for forest fire monitoring.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jenni Ikonen, Ilpo Nuutinen, Marjo Niittynen, Anna-Maria Hokajarvi, Tarja Pitkanen, Eero Antikainen, Ilkka T. Miettinen
Summary: Anthropogenic substances pose a major concern for aquatic ecosystems. Research conducted in Kuopio, Finland in spring 2019 revealed the presence of various anthropogenic substances in municipal wastewater effluent, with different disinfection methods showing varying degrees of reduction efficiency. Further studies are needed to fully evaluate the potential of these methods in removing anthropogenic substances from purified wastewater.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anna-Maria Hokajarvi, Annastiina Rytkonen, Ananda Tiwari, Ari Kauppinen, Sami Oikarinen, Kirsi-Maarit Lehto, Aino Kankaanpaa, Teemu Gunnar, Haider Al-Hello, Soile Blomqvist, Ilkka T. Miettinen, Carita Savolainen-Kopra, Tarja Pitkanen
Summary: Analysis of particulate matter in wastewater samples can enhance detection frequency. Storage conditions can affect RNA copy numbers of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and the persistence of norovirus at different temperatures.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Warish Ahmed, Stuart L. Simpson, Paul M. Bertsch, Kyle Bibby, Aaron Bivins, Linda L. Blackall, Silvia Bofill-Mas, Albert Bosch, Joao Brandao, Phil M. Choi, Mark Ciesielski, Erica Donner, Nishita D'Souza, Andreas H. Farnleitner, Daniel Gerrity, Raul Gonzalez, John F. Griffith, Pradip Gyawali, Charles N. Haas, Kerry A. Hamilton, Hapuarachchige Chandithal Hapuarachchi, Valerie J. Harwood, Rehnuma Haque, Greg Jackson, Stuart J. Khan, Wesaal Khan, Masaaki Kitajima, Asja Korajkic, Giuseppina La Rosa, Blythe A. Layton, Erin Lipp, Sandra L. McLellan, Brian McMinn, Gertjan Medema, Suzanne Metcalfe, Wim G. Meijer, Jochen F. Mueller, Heather Murphy, Coleen C. Naughton, Rachel T. Noble, Sudhi Payyappat, Susan Petterson, Tarja Pitkanen, Veronica B. Rajal, Brandon Reyneke, Fernando A. Roman, Joan B. Rose, Marta Rusinol, Michael J. Sadowsky, Laura Sala-Comorera, Yin Xiang Setoh, Samendra P. Sherchan, Kwanrawee Sirikanchana, Wendy Smith, Joshua A. Steele, Rosalie Subburg, Erin M. Symonds, Phong Thai, Kevin Thomas, Josh Tynan, Simon Toze, Janelle Thompson, Andy S. Whiteley, Judith Chui Ching Wong, Daisuke Sano, Stefan Wuertz, Irene Xagoraraki, Qian Zhang, Amity G. Zimmer-Faust, Orin C. Shanks
Summary: Monitoring pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater using RT-PCR is effective for public health information, but there is a lack of standardized protocols for wastewater surveillance. Key strategies for improving accuracy include QA/QC measures, representative sampling, virus concentration, and clear data interpretation guidelines.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joao Brandao, Chelsea Weiskerger, Elisabete Valerio, Tarja Pitkanen, Paivi Merilainen, Lindsay Avolio, Christopher D. Heaney, Michael J. Sadowsky
Summary: Beach sand and water are both important for human health and their microbiology has been studied for decades. The World Health Organization recently recommended including recreational beach sands in monitoring for enterococci and Fungi. Global climate change is affecting beach microbial contamination, and the changing world and human travel contribute to the spread of endemic allochthonous microbiota. In the future, alternative microbial standards will be necessary to ensure the health of beach users from both sand and water contaminants.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Ananda Tiwari, Vicente Gomez-Alvarez, Sallamaari Siponen, Anniina Sarekoski, Anna-Maria Hokajarvi, Ari Kauppinen, Eila Torvinen, Ilkka T. Miettinen, Tarja Pitkanen
Summary: This study characterized ARGs and MRGs in five well-maintained DWDSs in Finland, finding that non-disinfected DWDSs had the highest diversity of ARGs and bacterial communities. DWDSs using disinfectants contained more ARGs and MRGs, with an increase in antibiotic groups and mercury resistance genes.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tero Luukkonen, Mohammad Bhuyan, Anna-Maria Hokajarvi, Tarja Pitkanen, Ilkka T. Miettinen
Summary: Geopolymer-bentonite composite foam with silver nanoparticles was prepared and applied for water disinfection in this study. The results showed that the foam had a promising inactivation efficiency against Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci bacteria, but a poor inactivation efficiency against somatic coliphage viruses. These preliminary findings demonstrate the potential of geopolymer foam composites for point-of-use water disinfection.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ananda Tiwari, Anssi Lipponen, Anna-Maria Hokajarvi, Oskari Luomala, Anniina Sarekoski, Annastiina Rytkonen, Pamela Osterlund, Haider Al-Hello, Aapo Juutinen, Ilkka T. Miettinen, Carita Savolainen-Kopra, Tarja Pitkanen
Summary: Wastewater-based surveillance is a cost-effective method for monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic at a population level. This study in Finland monitored SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater samples from multiple treatment plants over a 10-month period. The detection rate of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater was 79%, and the surveillance proved to be a reliable indicator for COVID-19 incidence, independent of clinical testing strategies or individual testing willingness.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ettore Amato, Maximilian Riess, Daniel Thomas-Lopez, Marius Linkevicius, Tarja Pitkanen, Tomasz Wolkowicz, Jelena Rjabinina, Cecilia Jernberg, Marika Hjertqvist, Emily MacDonald, Jeevan Karloss Antony-Samy, Karsten Dalsgaard Bjerre, Saara Salmenlinna, Kurt Fuursted, Anette Hansen, Umaer Naseer
Summary: The number of non-travel-related vibriosis cases increased in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Poland, and Estonia in 2018, with a species-specific geographical disparity. Severe vibriosis was associated with causative species, age, and acquiring infections during summer.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ananda Tiwari, Sangeet Adhikari, Devrim Kaya, Md. Aminul Islam, Bikash Malla, Samendra P. Sherchan, Ahmad I. Al-Mustapha, Manish Kumar, Srijan Aggarwal, Prosun Bhattacharya, Kyle Bibby, Rolf U. Halden, Aaron Bivins, Eiji Haramoto, Sami Oikarinen, Annamari Heikinheimo, Tarja Pitkaenen
Summary: Monkeypox disease, caused by the monkeypox virus, has become a global concern. Wastewater-based surveillance can be a useful tool for early detection of the virus, but there are challenges to overcome.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ananda Tiwari, Ari Kauppinen, Pia Rasanen, Jenniina Salonen, Laura Wessels, Janne Juntunen, Ilkka T. Miettinen, Tarja Pitkanen
Summary: Understanding the decay characteristics of health-related microbes in surface waters is important for assessing public health risks. This study comprehensively evaluated the effect of temperature and light on the decay characteristics of health-related microbes in subarctic river water conditions, suggesting that cold and dark conditions result in slower decay compared to warm and light conditions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Vicente Gomez-Alvarez, Sallamaari Siponen, Ari Kauppinen, Anna-Maria Hokajarvi, Ananda Tiwari, Anniina Sarekoski, Ilkka T. Miettinen, Eila Torvinen, Tarja Pitkanen
Summary: The study used next-generation sequencing technologies to analyze the water microbiome in five waterworks in Finland. The presence and type of disinfectant residual exert selective pressure on the microbial community. The microbial community in non-disinfected drinking water systems is important and maintaining disinfectant residual is crucial for reducing microbial numbers and diversity.
Review
Microbiology
Ananda Tiwari, Paula Kurittu, Ahmad Al-Mustapha, Viivi Heljanko, Venla Johansson, Ocean Thakali, Shyam Kumar Mishra, Kirsi-Maarit Lehto, Anssi Lipponen, Sami Oikarinen, Tarja Pitkanen, Annamari Heikinheimo
Summary: Infectious diseases caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a serious threat to human and animal health. Active surveillance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria using a comprehensive one-health approach can help reduce their emergence and spread, reduce associated economic impacts, and guide antimicrobial stewardship programs. Wastewater surveillance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria provides composite samples for monitoring the total population, making it a promising tool for monitoring these pathogens. However, the clinical utility, sensitivity, and uniformity of wastewater surveillance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria remains poorly understood, especially in relation to clinical evidence in communities.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kevin J. Lyons, Jenni Ikonen, Anna-Maria Hokajarvi, Teemu Rasanen, Tarja Pitkanen, Ari Kauppinen, Katharina Kujala, Pekka M. Rossi, Ilkka T. Miettinen
Summary: Groundwater quality monitoring often relies on sporadic and slow manual sampling and laboratory analyses, which may result in undetected water quality deficiencies. In Finland, enhanced monitoring of untreated groundwater quality using real-time online monitoring, isotopic analysis, and microbial community analysis revealed indications of surface water intrusion and faecal contamination. The findings demonstrated the usefulness of supplementary methods and suggested their wider implementation to enhance groundwater quality monitoring.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Viivi Heljanko, Venla Johansson, Kati Raeisaenen, Veli-Jukka Anttila, Outi Lyytikaeinen, Jari Jalava, Irma Weijo, Jaana-Marija Lehtinen, Kirsi-Maarit Lehto, Anssi Lipponen, Sami Oikarinen, Tarja Pitkanen, Annamari Heikinheimo
Summary: Multi-drug resistance is emerging in Citrobacter freundii in Finland, and this study found that wastewater surveillance could detect CP C. freundii strains causing infections in humans. CP C. freundii isolates were detected in the hospital environment and untreated municipal wastewater, but not in hospital wastewater. Genomic comparison revealed three clusters of isolates from different sources, suggesting the hospital environment as a source of transmission. The study emphasized the persistence of CP C. freundii throughout the sewerage system and the potential of WWS for detection.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Johan Bengtsson-Palme, Anna Abramova, Thomas U. Berendonk, Luis Pedro Coelho, Sofia K. Forslund, Remi Gschwind, Annamari Heikinheimo, Victor Hugo Jarquin-Diaz, Ayaz Ali Khan, Uli Kluemper, Ulrike Loeber, Marmar Nekoro, Adriana D. Osinska, Svetlana Ugarcina Perovic, Tarja Pitkanen, Ernst Kristian Rodland, Etienne Ruppe, Yngvild Wasteson, Astrid Louise Wester, Rabaab Zahra
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global threat to human and animal health, and monitoring resistant bacteria and genes is crucial. However, monitoring of AMR in the environment is lacking, hindering our understanding of how resistant microorganisms are disseminated and the human health risks. This lack of knowledge includes the "normal" background levels of environmental AMR, high-risk environments for transmission, antibiotic concentration effects, and detecting non-circulating resistance genes. We need to address these knowledge gaps before implementing large-scale AMR monitoring in the environment.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
