scholarly journals The Water Cycle, a Potential Source of the Bacterial PathogenBacillus cereus

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julien Brillard ◽  
Christian M. S. Dupont ◽  
Odile Berge ◽  
Claire Dargaignaratz ◽  
Stéphanie Oriol-Gagnier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Cycle ◽  
Food Poisoning ◽  
Environmental Study ◽  
Water Compartments ◽  
Groundwater Samples ◽  
Animal Hosts ◽  
Rain Events ◽  
Agricultural Site ◽  
Aquatic Compartment ◽  
Bacillus Cereus Sensu Lato

The behaviour of the sporulating soil-dwellingBacillus cereus sensu lato(B. cereus sl) which includes foodborne pathogenic strains has been extensively studied in relation to its various animal hosts. The aim of this environmental study was to investigate the water compartments (rain and soil water, as well as groundwater) closely linked to the primaryB. cereus slreservoir, for which available data are limited.B. cereus slwas present, primarily as spores, in all of the tested compartments of an agricultural site, including water from rain to groundwater through soil. During rain events, leachates collected after transfer through the soil eventually reached the groundwater and were loaded withB. cereus sl. In groundwater samples, newly introduced spores of aB. cereusmodel strain were able to germinate, and vegetative cells arising from this event were detected for up to 50 days. This firstB. cereus slinvestigation in the various types of interrelated environments suggests that the consideration of the aquatic compartment linked to soil and to climatic events should provide a better understanding ofB. cereus slecology and thus be relevant for a more accurate risk assessment of food poisoning caused byB. cereus slpathogenic strains.

scholarly journals New techniques for gap-filling and partitioning of H<sub>2</sub>O and CO<sub>2</sub> eddy fluxes measured over forests in complex mountainous terrain

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minseok Kang ◽  
Joon Kim ◽  
Bindu Malla Thakuri ◽  
Junghwa Chun ◽  
Chunho Cho
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Water Cycle ◽  
Co2 Flux ◽  
Test Method ◽  
Co2 Fluxes ◽  
Gap Filling ◽  
New Techniques ◽  
Diameter Increment ◽  
Filling Method ◽  
Rain Events

Abstract. The continuous measurement of H2O and CO2 fluxes using the eddy covariance (EC) technique is still challenging for forests in complex terrain because of large amounts of wet canopy evaporation (EWC), which occur during and following rain events when the EC systems rarely work correctly, and the horizontal advection of CO2 generated at night. We propose new techniques for gap-filling and partitioning of the H2O and CO2 fluxes: (1) a model-stats hybrid method (MSH) and (2) a modified moving point test method (MPTm). The former enables the recovery of the missing EWC in the traditional gap-filling method and the partitioning of the evapotranspiration (ET) into transpiration and (wet canopy) evaporation. The latter determines the friction velocity (u*) threshold based on an iterative approach using moving windows for both time and u*, thereby allowing not only the nighttime CO2 flux correction and partitioning but also the assessment of the significance of the CO2 drainage. We tested and validated these new methods using the datasets from two flux towers, which are located at forests in hilly and complex terrains. The MSH reasonably recovered the missing EWC of 16 ~ 41 mm year−1 and separated it from the ET (14 ~ 23 % of the annual ET). The MPTm produced consistent carbon budgets using those from the previous research and diameter increment, while it has improved applicability. Additionally, we illustrated certain advantages of the proposed techniques, which enables us to understand better how ET responses to environmental changes and how the water cycle is connected to the carbon cycle in a forest ecosystem.

scholarly journals The Crystal Structure of Bacillus cereus HblL1

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 253
Author(s):  
Harley L. Worthy ◽  
Lainey J. Williamson ◽  
Husam Sabah Auhim ◽  
Stephen H. Leppla ◽  
Inka Sastalla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structure ◽  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Bacillus Cereus ◽  
Pore Formation ◽  
Food Poisoning ◽  
The Other ◽  
Bacillus Cereus Sensu Lato

The Hbl toxin is a three-component haemolytic complex produced by Bacillus cereus sensu lato strains and implicated as a cause of diarrhoea in B. cereus food poisoning. While the structure of the HblB component of this toxin is known, the structures of the other components are unresolved. Here, we describe the expression of the recombinant HblL1 component and the elucidation of its structure to 1.36 Å. Like HblB, it is a member of the alpha-helical pore-forming toxin family. In comparison to other members of this group, it has an extended hydrophobic beta tongue region that may be involved in pore formation. Molecular docking was used to predict possible interactions between HblL1 and HblB, and suggests a head to tail dimer might form, burying the HblL1 beta tongue region.

scholarly journals Support Vector Machine (SVM) based Rain Area Detection from Kalpana-1 Satellite Data

2014 ◽  
Vol II-8 ◽  
pp. 21-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Upadhyaya ◽  
R. A. A. J. Ramsankaran
Keyword(s):  
Satellite Data ◽  
Water Cycle ◽  
Flash Flood ◽  
Skill Score ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Support Vector ◽  
Rain Area ◽  
Heidke Skill Score ◽  
Rain Events ◽  
Global Precipitation

Rain is one of the major components of water cycle; extreme rain events can cause destruction and misery due to flash flood and droughts. Therefore, assessing rainfall at high temporal and spatial resolution is of fundamental importance which can be achieved only by satellite remote sensing. Though there are many algorithms developed for estimation of rainfall using satellite data, they suffer from various drawbacks. One such challenge in satellite rainfall estimation is to detect rain and no-rain areas properly. To address this problem, in the present study we have used the Support Vector Machines (SVM). It is significant to note that this is the first study to report the utility of SVM in detecting rain and no-rain areas. The developed SVM based index performance has been evaluated by comparing with two most popular rain detection methods used for Indian regions i.e. Simple <i>TIR</i> threshold used in Global Precipitation Index (GPI) technique and <i>Roca</i> method used in Insat Multi Spectral Rainfall Algorithm (IMSRA). Performance of the above considered indices has been analyzed by considering various categorical statistics like Probabil ity of Detection (POD), Probability of no-rain detection (POND), Accuracy, Bias, False Alarm Ratio (FAR) and Heidke Skill Score (HSS). The obtained results clearly show that the new SVM based index performs much better than the earlier indices.

scholarly journals Isotopic and Hydrochemical Study of Groundwater in an Area Between the Lesser Zab and Tigris River, Northern Iraq

2021 ◽  
Vol 54 (1F) ◽  
pp. 44-50
Author(s):  
Qusai Y. Al-Kubaisi
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotopes ◽  
Major Ions ◽  
Water Cycle ◽  
Saline Water ◽  
Regression Line ◽  
Local Source ◽  
Vapor Source ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Tigris River ◽  
Groundwater Samples

Stable isotopes (2H, 18O) in the water cycle can carry all the information about the movement of water molecules, their ratio different from one place to another in rainfall. Stable isotopes are the function of evaporation, relative humidity, temperature and different longitude, latitude and altitude. On this base. A total of 28 water sample (20 samples were analyzed for major ions and 8 samples for stable isotopes) were collected for two periods to study the origin and the type of groundwater in the area between Lesser Zab and the Tigris river The Results indicated that groundwater samples in the study area are brackish saline water and excessively mineralized water. The average groundwater was classified as Mg-Na-Calcium: Cl-Sulfate for two periods. The groundwater samples represent earth alkali with privilege sulfate and chloride according to the piper diagram. The mean values of 18H and 2O in the groundwater sample are -27.7 and -4.9, respectively for the dry period, and -29.8 and -5.2, respectively, for the wet period. The d-excess varies significantly depending on the humidity and temperature at the vapor source. Isotopic analysis of 2H -18O for groundwater in the study area shows that the origin of groundwater in the study area is of meteoric origin from global source and rain from a local source. The downward shifting of the regression line on the 2H-18O diagram indicates that the samples have undergone evaporation events.

scholarly journals Bacillus endospore appendages form a novel family of disulfide-linked pili

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brajabandhu Pradhan ◽  
Janine Liedtke ◽  
Mike Sleutel ◽  
Toril Lindbäck ◽  
Ann-Katrin Llarena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Poisoning ◽  
Bacterial Spores ◽  
Phylogenomic Analysis ◽  
Gram Positive ◽  
Disulfide Bonding ◽  
Helical Reconstruction ◽  
And Function ◽  
Β Sheet ◽  
Harsh Conditions ◽  
Bacillus Cereus Sensu Lato

SummaryBacillus cereus sensu lato is a group of Gram-positive endospore-forming bacteria with high ecological diversity. Their endospores are decorated with micrometer-long appendages of unknown identity and function. Here we isolate endospore appendages (Enas) from the food poisoning outbreak strain B. cereus NVH 0075-95 and find proteinaceous fibers of two main morphologies. By using cryo-EM and 3D helical reconstruction we show that Bacillus Enas form a novel class of Gram-positive pili. Enas consist of single domain subunits with jellyroll topology that are laterally stacked by β-sheet augmentation. Enas are longitudinally stabilized by disulfide bonding through N-terminal connector peptides that bridge the helical turns. Together, this results in flexible pili that are highly resistant to heat, drought and chemical damage. Phylogenomic analysis reveals the presence of defined ena clades amongst different eco- and pathotypes. We propose Enas to represent a novel class of pili specifically adapted to the harsh conditions encountered by bacterial spores.

scholarly journals Measures to Prevent Surface Leaks in a Periurban Area Using Responsible Environmental Approaches

2021 ◽  
Vol 1203 (2) ◽  
pp. 022055
Author(s):  
Marinela Lucut ◽  
Alina Gîrbaciu ◽  
Cristian Gîrbaciu ◽  
Camelia Stefanescu
Keyword(s):  
Urban Design ◽  
Environmental Degradation ◽  
Water Cycle ◽  
Low Impact Development ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Central Element ◽  
Water Sensitive Urban Design ◽  
Rainwater Runoff ◽  
Rain Events ◽  
Time Systems

Abstract Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat for Romania and for the whole world. Restoring nature will be a central element of the EU's recovery plan from the coronavirus pandemic, providing immediate investment opportunities to revive the European economy. Both urban and industrial developments are changing landscapes from vegetated permeable surfaces to a series of interconnected impermeable surfaces, resulting in large amounts of rainwater runoff, which requires management. Rainwater runoff is treated by the authorities as a liability and a nuisance that endangers human health and property. Starting from this aspect, over time, systems for collecting and transporting rainwater directly to watercourses have been designed, but without considering the conservation of ecosystems. Rainwater runoff is a source of pollutants washed off hard or compacted surfaces during rain events. These pollutants can be pesticides, herbicides, hydrocarbons, traces of metals but also organic compounds. Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD), Low Impact Development (LID), Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) are spatial planning and technical design approaches that integrate the urban water cycle, including stormwater management, groundwater and wastewater and water supply, in urban design to minimize environmental degradation and improve aesthetic and recreational attraction. The article presents possible solutions applicable to a locality in the west of Romania that is facing the drainage of meteoric waters. This locality was one of the most affected by the recent floods, with over 6,700 ha of almost destroyed crops, 300 flooded houses, 70% of compromised gardens, the most affected being the new residential neighbourhoods. Timiş County is one of the Romania counties with the largest network of hydrotechnical arrangements (about 480,000 ha on which hydro-amelioration works are executed and over 11,500 km of drainage, irrigation, and soil erosion control channels), it risks becoming a swamp again due to the indifference or ignorance of some of the decision - makers, the lack of appropriate legislation, the non - application of the existing one and the low underfunding after 1990.

scholarly journals Wildfire Effects on Groundwater Quality from Springs Connected to Small Public Supply Systems in a Peri-Urban Forest Area (Braga Region, NW Portugal)

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1146
Author(s):  
Catarina Mansilha ◽  
Armindo Melo ◽  
Zita E. Martins ◽  
Isabel M. P. L. V. O. Ferreira ◽  
Ana Maria Pereira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Quality ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Water Cycle ◽  
Sampling Period ◽  
Wildfire Occurrence ◽  
Public Supply ◽  
Groundwater Samples ◽  
Guideline Values ◽  
Supply Systems

Peri-urban areas are territories that combine urban and rural features, being particularly vulnerable to wildfire due to the contact between human infrastructures and dense vegetation. Wildfires may cause considerable direct and indirect effects on the local water cycle, but the influence on groundwater quality is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to characterize the chemistry of several springs connected to small public supply systems in a peri-urban area, following a large wildfire that took place in October 2017. Groundwater samples were collected in four springs that emerged within burned forests, while control samples were from one spring located in an unburned area. Sampling took place from October 2017 until September 2018, starting 15 days after the wildfire occurrence, to evaluate the influence of the time after fire and the effect of precipitation events on groundwater composition. Groundwater samples collected in burned areas presented increased content of sulfate, fluoride and nitrogen and variability in pH values. Iron, manganese and chromium contents also increased during the sampling period. Post-fire concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), mainly the carcinogenic ones, increased especially after intense winter and spring rain events, but the levels did not exceed the guideline values for drinking water.

scholarly journals New gap-filling and partitioning technique for H<sub>2</sub>O eddy fluxes measured over forests

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 631-647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minseok Kang ◽  
Joon Kim ◽  
Bindu Malla Thakuri ◽  
Junghwa Chun ◽  
Chunho Cho
Keyword(s):  
Forest Ecosystem ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Continuous Measurement ◽  
Water Cycle ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Gap Filling ◽  
Filling Method ◽  
Eddy Fluxes ◽  
Rain Events ◽  
Partitioning Technique

Abstract. The continuous measurement of H2O fluxes using the eddy covariance (EC) technique is still challenging for forests because of large amounts of wet canopy evaporation (EWC), which occur during and following rain events when the EC systems rarely work correctly. We propose a new gap-filling and partitioning technique for the H2O fluxes: a model–statistics hybrid (MSH) method. It enables the recovery of the missing EWC in the traditional gap-filling method and the partitioning of the evapotranspiration (ET) into transpiration and (wet canopy) evaporation. We tested and validated the new method using the data sets from two flux towers, which are located at forests in hilly and complex terrains. The MSH reasonably recovered the missing EWC of 16–41 mm yr−1 and separated it from the ET (14–23 % of the annual ET). Additionally, we illustrated certain advantages of the proposed technique which enable us to understand better how ET responds to environmental changes and how the water cycle is connected to the carbon cycle in a forest ecosystem.

scholarly journals Priority organic pollutants in the urban water cycle (Toulouse, France)

2011 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 541-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Sablayrolles ◽  
A. Breton ◽  
C. Vialle ◽  
C. Vignoles ◽  
M. Montréjaud-Vignoles
Keyword(s):  
Water Cycle ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Linear Alkylbenzene ◽  
Water Compartments ◽  
Run Off ◽  
Quantitative Monitoring ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
One Year

Application of the European Water Framework Directive requires Member States to have better understanding of the quality of surface waters in order to improve knowledge of priority pollutants. Xenobiotics in urban receiving waters are an emerging concern. This study proposes a screening campaign of nine molecular species of xenobiotics in a separated sewer system. Five sites were investigated over one year in Toulouse (France) using quantitative monitoring. For each sample, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, nonylphenols, diethelhexylphthalate, linear alkylbenzene sulphonates, methyl tert-butylether, total hydrocarbons, estradiol and ethinylestradiol were analysed. Ground, rain and roof collected water concentrations are similar to treated wastewater levels. Run-off water was the most polluted of the five types investigated, discharged into the aquatic environment. The wastewater treatment plant reduced xenobiotic concentrations by 66% before discharge into the environment. Regarding environmental quality standards, observed concentrations in waters were in compliance with standards. The results show that xenobiotic concentrations are variable over time and space in all urban water compartments.

Molecular Characterization and Risk Assessment of Bacillus cereus Sensu Lato Isolated from Ultrahigh-Temperature and Pasteurized Milk Marketed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

2017 ◽  
Vol 80 (7) ◽  
pp. 1060-1065 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeane Q. Chaves ◽  
Eislaine P. de Paiva ◽  
Leon Rabinovitch ◽  
Adriana M. Vivoni
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Cereus ◽  
Rio De Janeiro ◽  
Virulence Genes ◽  
Food Poisoning ◽  
Type I ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Phylogenetic Groups ◽  
Pasteurized Milk ◽  
Ultrahigh Temperature ◽  
Bacillus Cereus Sensu Lato

ABSTRACT The presence of Bacillus cereus in milk is a major concern in the dairy industry. In this study 27 Bacillus cereus sensu lato isolates from pasteurized and ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) milk (24 whole UHT and 4 pasteurized samples) collected at supermarket chains in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were evaluated to assess the potential risk for food poisoning. Toxigenic and virulence profiles were defined by gene-specific PCR. Affiliation to phylogenetic groups was assigned by panC sequencing. Microbiological analysis revealed the presence of B. cereus s.l. in eight (33.3%) brands (six brands of UHT and two brands of pasteurized milk). Twenty-seven isolates were recovered (13 B. cereus and 14 Bacillus thuringiensis). Predominant toxigenic patterns were type I (contains all toxin genes except ces) and type II (does not contain cytK and ces), with seven (25.9%) isolates each. Predominant virulence patterns were type 2 (does not contain hlyII or shp) and type 3 (contains all virulence genes), with five (18.5%) isolates each. All isolates belonged to phylogenetic groups III and IV. Presence of hbl, piplc, and sph was associated with group IV isolates. Our results suggest that B. thuringiensis and B. cereus sensu stricto should be considered potential foodborne pathogens. Because the majority of the milk isolates studied have the potential to cause food poisoning because of the high prevalence of toxin and virulence genes and the specific phylogenetic group affiliations, these milk products can be potentially hazardous for human consumption.

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