Soil Hg Contamination Impact on Earthworms’ Gut Microbiome

Jeanine Brantschen; Sebastian Gygax; Adrien Mestrot; Aline Frossard

doi:10.3390/app10072565

Soil Hg Contamination Impact on Earthworms’ Gut Microbiome

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app10072565 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 2565 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jeanine Brantschen ◽

Sebastian Gygax ◽

Adrien Mestrot ◽

Aline Frossard

Keyword(s):

Gut Microbiome ◽

Soil Samples ◽

Toxic Heavy Metals ◽

Incubation Experiments ◽

Polluted Sites ◽

The Impact ◽

Methyl Hg ◽

Soil Hg ◽

Different Parts

Mercury (Hg) is one of the most toxic heavy metals and is known for its persistence in the environment and potential to accumulate along the food chain. In many terrestrial polluted sites, earthworms are in direct contact with Hg contamination by ingesting large quantities of soil. However, little is known about the impact of Hg soil pollution on earthworms’ gut microbiome. In this study, two incubation experiments involving earthworms in soils from a long-term Hg-polluted site were conducted to assess: (1) the effect of soil Hg contamination on the diversity and structure of microbial communities in earthworm, cast and soil samples; and (2) how the gut microbiome of different digestive track parts of the earthworm responds to soil Hg contamination. The large accumulation of total Hg and methyl-Hg within the earthworm tissues clearly impacted the bacterial and fungal gut community structures, drastically decreasing the relative abundance of the dominating gut bacterial class Mollicutes. Hg-tolerant taxa were found to be taxonomically widespread but consistent along the different parts of the earthworm digestive tract. This study revealed that although Hg might not directly affect the health of macro-organisms in the food-web such as earthworms, their metabolism and legacy in the soil might be impacted through changes in their gut microbiome.

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Prolonged Antibiotic Treatment Generates a Fluoroquinolone Resistant Gut Microbiome and Collateral Multi-Drug Resistance

10.1101/467001 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Vadim Dubinsky ◽

Leah Reshef ◽

Nir Bar ◽

Keren Rabinowitz ◽

Lihi Godny ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Small Bowel ◽

Antibiotic Treatment ◽

Broad Spectrum ◽

Gut Microbiome ◽

Point Mutations ◽

Prolonged Treatment ◽

Faecal Samples ◽

The Impact

One Sentence SummaryThe majority of the gut microbiome develops antibiotic resistance via point-mutations in addition to collateral resistance whereas its density is only moderately decreased following long-term antibiotic treatment.ABSTRACTAntibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens represents a growing threat to modern medicine. Limitation of lengthy and broad-spectrum antibacterial treatment regimens is generally recommended. Nevertheless, some conditions may require prolonged antibiotic treatment. The effects of such treatments on bacterial communities, specifically their resistome, is yet unknown. Here, we followed a unique cohort of patients with ulcerative colitis who underwent total large bowel resection and the formation of an ileal pouch from their normal small bowel. The majority of these patients tend to develop inflammation of this previously normal small bowel, known as “pouchitis”. Pouchitis is commonly treated with repeated or prolonged courses of broad-spectrum antibiotics. By using metagenomics of faecal samples obtained longitudinally from patients treated with antibiotics for prolonged periods, we hereby show that the majority of their gut commensal bacteria develop antibiotic resistance by point-mutations. In addition, some bacterial species had acquired multidrug resistance loci with genes that confer resistance to the drug used in the treatment (ciprofloxacin) but co-localized with genes encoding extended-spectrum β-lactamases and other resistance-conferring enzymes. We further show that bacterial density in faecal samples is only modestly reduced despite the long-term antibiotic treatment, thereby questioning the current rationale that antibiotic efficacy in treating pouch inflammation is due to the reduction of bacterial load. This study reveals the impact and dynamics of prolonged antibiotic treatment on human gut microbiomes and provides insights that may guide the development of future IBD therapies. It also provides novel insights into bacterial community recovery after cessation of such prolonged treatment, and highlights the increased risk of spreading mobile antibiotic resistance.

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Validation of the S5P Formaldehyde L2 product using MAX-DOAS network observations

10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-18189 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Isabelle De Smedt ◽

Gaia Pinardi ◽

Corinne Vigouroux ◽

Steven Compernolle ◽

Kai Uwe Eichman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

A Priori ◽

Retrieval Algorithm ◽

Comparison Results ◽

Seasonal And Diurnal Variations ◽

Wide Range ◽

Polluted Sites ◽

German Aerospace ◽

The Impact

The Sentinel-5 Precursor (S5P) was launched on the 13th of October 2017, with on board the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI). The formaldehyde (HCHO) L2 product is operational since the end of 2018. The prototype of the tropospheric HCHO retrieval algorithm is developed at BIRA-IASB and implemented at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in the S5P operational processor (De Smedt et al., 2018).In this work, we investigate the quality of the HCHO tropospheric column product and its validation within the MPC framework (Mission Performance Center) and the S5PVT NIDFORVAL project (S5P NItrogen Dioxide and FORmaldehyde VALidation). Within NIDFORVAL, the S5P HCHO product has been validated using the full FTIR and MAXDOAS dataset. Validation results have been assessed against reported product uncertainties taking into account the full comparison error budget, showing that the product quality reaches its requirements.Here, we focus on satellite-satellite comparison based on the OMI QA4ECV HCHO product and on ground-based validation using MAX-DOAS and Pandora network observations. About 15 HCHO measuring stations are involved, providing data corresponding to a wide range of observation conditions at mid and low latitudes, and covering remote, sub-urban, and urban polluted sites. Comparison results show usually negative biases for large HCHO columns, while a positive offset is observed for the lowest columns. For the MAX-DOAS stations providing vertical profile retrievals, the impact of a priori profiles on the comparison is assessed. The dataset allows to discuss validation results as a function of emission source. Seasonal and diurnal variations are compared. Long term variation are also monitored using the OMI and MAX-DOAS QA4ECV dataset.

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Towards Tailored Gut Microbiome-Based and Dietary Interventions for Promoting the Development and Maintenance of a Healthy Brain

Frontiers in Pediatrics ◽

10.3389/fped.2021.705859 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Ana Larroya ◽

Jorge Pantoja ◽

Pilar Codoñer-Franch ◽

María Carmen Cenit

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Brain Development ◽

Gut Microbiome ◽

Dietary Interventions ◽

Complex Interplay ◽

Ongoing Research ◽

Long Term Consequences ◽

The Impact

Mental health is determined by a complex interplay between the Neurological Exposome and the Human Genome. Multiple genetic and non-genetic (exposome) factors interact early in life, modulating the risk of developing the most common complex neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), with potential long-term consequences on health. To date, the understating of the precise etiology underpinning these neurological alterations, and their clinical management pose a challenge. The crucial role played by diet and gut microbiota in brain development and functioning would indicate that modulating the gut-brain axis may help protect against the onset and progression of mental-health disorders. Some nutritional deficiencies and gut microbiota alterations have been linked to NDDs, suggesting their potential pathogenic implications. In addition, certain dietary interventions have emerged as promising alternatives or adjuvant strategies for improving the management of particular NDDs, at least in particular subsets of subjects. The gut microbiota can be a key to mediating the effects of other exposome factors such as diet on mental health, and ongoing research in Psychiatry and Neuropediatrics is developing Precision Nutrition Models to classify subjects according to a diet response prediction based on specific individual features, including microbiome signatures. Here, we review current scientific evidence for the impact of early life environmental factors, including diet, on gut microbiota and neuro-development, emphasizing the potential long-term consequences on health; and also summarize the state of the art regarding the mechanisms underlying diet and gut microbiota influence on the brain–gut axis. Furthermore, we describe the evidence supporting the key role played by gut microbiota, diet and nutrition in neurodevelopment, as well as the effectiveness of certain dietary and microbiome-based interventions aimed at preventing or treating NDDs. Finally, we emphasize the need for further research to gain greater insight into the complex interplay between diet, gut microbiome and brain development. Such knowledge would help towards achieving tailored integrative treatments, including personalized nutrition.

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The long-term impact of two pasture production systems on soil acidification in southern Queensland

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture ◽

10.1071/ea98039 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 38 (4) ◽

pp. 335 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

A. D. Noble ◽

R. J. Jones ◽

C. H. Thompson ◽

R. M. Jones

Keyword(s):

Nitrogen Cycle ◽

Production Systems ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Soil Samples ◽

Pasture Production ◽

Exchangeable Acidity ◽

Intensively Managed ◽

Long Term Impact ◽

The Impact

Summary. Soil samples to a depth of 90 cm were collected in 1996 from adjacent 1 ha paddocks which had either been established to a leucaena-based or nitrogen-fertilised and irrigated pasture system in 1960 at Samford, south-eastern Queensland, to assess the impact of these production systems on soil chemical properties. The chemical properties were compared with those of soil samples collected from the site in 1960. Soil pH under both the nitrogen-fertilised and leucaena-based systems have declined significantly to a depth of 40 cm against that of the soil samples collected in 1960. However, the extent of acidification was higher under the more intensively managed nitrogen-fertilised system compared with the leucaena-based system. The acidification rates for the nitrogen-fertilised and leucaena-based pasture systems over the 36-year period are 5.1 and 1.0 kmol H+/ha.year, respectively, and are similar to values observed under annual pasture systems of temperate southern Australia. Associated with the decline in pH there was a decline in exchangeable Ca2+ in the nitrogen-fertilised system and a corresponding increase in exchangeable acidity. The contribution of the nitrogen cycle to net acidification for the leucaena-based pasture system was estimated to account for 20% of the total net acid addition. This result is discussed in the light of a similar study undertaken in the semi-arid tropics where the contribution of the nitrogen cycle by a similar leucaena-based system was estimated to be 78% of the net acidification.

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New conditions of competition in the European gas market

Public Administration ◽

10.22394/2070-8378-2020-22-5-84-92 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (5) ◽

pp. 84-92

Author(s):

PETER ILIEV PETROV ◽

Keyword(s):

Natural Gas ◽

Liquefied Natural Gas ◽

The European Union ◽

Practical Application ◽

Gas Industry ◽

Natural Gas Market ◽

Gas Market ◽

The Impact ◽

Different Parts

This article aims to discuss the process of liberalization of the natural gas market in the European Union (EU). The purpose of this research is to show the fundamental characteristics of the gas industry, the process of reconstruction of the European gas market, taking into account the ongoing changes in the context of geopolitical, ecological, and technological determinants of the international and European energy and gas sector. The article describes the structure of the modern European natural gas market, compares the competitiveness of gas transportation methods through trunk pipelines and gas tankers transporting liquefied natural gas. The article examines the impact of the increase in the supply of liquefied natural gas on the situation with the turnover of gas trade in the European market, in particular, how it affects the delivery of hydrocarbons and the growth in the scale of exchange trading. The article examines the Groningen model, which influences the development of gas exchange trading and natural gas trading through long-term contracts. The evolution of the European policy in the field of natural gas, the established strictly regulated version of the “well-functioning” gas market, remains as one too political and unstable experiment. The importance of natural gas changes all the time, depending on economics, the security of deliveries, and sustainability. Furthermore, the focus on that importance and its practical application vary in different parts of Europe. The conclusion is made that a “well-functioning” gas market is characterized by the presence of a large number of suppliers, and competition leads to a noticeable decrease in prices for natural gas. However, in the current situation, the demand for gas turns out to be unstable, and difficult conditions for pipeline supplies are emerging for traditional suppliers. In the long term, the “well- functioning” gas market scheme will remain highly politicized and unstable, with increased competition in supply and a downward trend in gas prices. Thus, the European gas market is transforming towards the formation of a “buyer’s market”.

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Genome instability in Chironomus annularius sensu Strenzke (Diptera, Chironomidae): A biomarker for assessment of the heavy metal contaminants in Poland

Journal of Limnology ◽

10.4081/jlimnol.2018.1710 ◽

2018 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Paraskeva Michailova ◽

Julia Ilkova ◽

Ewa Szarek-Gwiazda ◽

Andrzej Kownacki ◽

Dariusz Ciszewski

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metal ◽

Reference Data ◽

Genome Instability ◽

Control Site ◽

Nucleolar Organizers ◽

Polluted Sites ◽

C Value ◽

High Level ◽

The Impact

We studied the effect of heavy metal contaminations on genome instability of Chironomus annularius sensu Strenzke from three sampling sites on the River Chechło valley in southern Poland and a control site in Saraya, Bulgaria. The analysis of the heavy metal concentrations in sediments at the three river sites indicated concentrations higher than those in the fossil reference data (Zn 83-160 times, Pb 64-250 times, and Cd 210-793). According to the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), the sediments at all Chechło stations were classified as extremely polluted (Igeo class 6) by Cd, Pb and Zn while they were much less polluted by Cu (classes 1-3). The concentration of Cd, Pb and Zn in the sediments studied exceeded 21-79, 11-44 and 18-34 times the toxic effect threshold (TET) respectively; therefore, the sediments potentially have detrimental effects on the fauna. Genome instability was determined by somatic structural chromosome alterations (mainly heterozygous inversions) in the salivary gland chromosomes of C. annularius. On the basis of the number and frequency of these aberrations the somatic (S) and cytogenetic (C) indices were calculated as these indices allow a better quantification of the impact of heavy metals on organisms living in sediments. In the three Chechło sampling sites somatic aberrations occurred at a frequency significantly higher than in the control site (P<0.001). The three Chechło samples possess a high spectrum of somatic rearrangements with S index varying from 1.5 to 2.23 while in control site, S is 1.08. The C index of C. annularius from the polluted river sites varied from 0.163 to 0.380, far in excess of the C value of the control site (1.0), indicating strong pollution (<0.5) according to previous studies. In addition, a high level of inherited aberrations was detected (19 inherited band sequences, two of which were new). In all river stations the inverted homozygous band sequences A2.2 occurred in a high frequency (85%) and no standard sequences (A1.1) were observed. The transcription activity of Nucleolar Organizers (NORs) in chromosome arms A, C, E, G was often damaged and NOR activity was completely suppressed in 12.48% of larvae. Moreover, appearance of malformations in the external morphology of larvae was detected in 16.67% of larvae from all polluted sites. Therefore, the genome instability as estimated by two cytogenetic indices is a good biomarker of long-term toxicity and could be successfully implemented in the sediment monitoring procedures.

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Bacteriophages applications in agriculture

Bionatura ◽

10.21931/rb/cs/2019.02.01.24 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 02 (Bionatura Conference Serie) ◽

Author(s):

Airina Valentina Cordova ◽

Juan Carlos Laglaguano

Keyword(s):

Biological Control ◽

Life Cycle ◽

Soil Samples ◽

Bacterial Cells ◽

Control Applications ◽

Long Term Effect ◽

Nucleic Acids Delivery ◽

Two Stages ◽

Different Parts

The bacteriophages life cycle has two stages: a lytic stage where the phages reproduce inside the bacteria and lyse bacteria and a lysogenic stage where the phage is in a stationary stage where do not exist phage reproduction. The understanding of the life cycle of phages is fundamental to understand the advantages of phage offers as biological control applications and how engineered phages work. The bacteriophages are an alternative to fight against the antimicrobial or pesticides because phages offer advantages such as high host specificity, the ability of long term effect, are active against dividing or not dividing bacterial cells, effective elimination of biofilms and are capable vehicles for nucleic acids delivery. Phages have been isolated from water or soil samples in different parts of the world and for specific bacterial pathogens. In the following review, in the main topics in bacteriophages and its applications in agriculture: the bacteriophages life cycle, advantages of phages in biological control applications, the last isolated phages and described for different pathogens and the last advances in phage engineering applications for biological control.

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Suppressed, but Not Forgotten

Swiss Journal of Psychology ◽

10.1024/1421-0185/a000033 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 70 (1) ◽

pp. 5-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Beat Meier ◽

Anja König ◽

Samuel Parak ◽

Katharina Henke

Keyword(s):

Memory Trace ◽

Thought Suppression ◽

Test Phase ◽

Indirect Test ◽

Final Test ◽

Test Experiment ◽

And Control ◽

Cue Words ◽

The Impact

This study investigates the impact of thought suppression over a 1-week interval. In two experiments with 80 university students each, we used the think/no-think paradigm in which participants initially learn a list of word pairs (cue-target associations). Then they were presented with some of the cue words again and should either respond with the target word or avoid thinking about it. In the final test phase, their memory for the initially learned cue-target pairs was tested. In Experiment 1, type of memory test was manipulated (i.e., direct vs. indirect). In Experiment 2, type of no-think instructions was manipulated (i.e., suppress vs. substitute). Overall, our results showed poorer memory for no-think and control items compared to think items across all experiments and conditions. Critically, however, more no-think than control items were remembered after the 1-week interval in the direct, but not in the indirect test (Experiment 1) and with thought suppression, but not thought substitution instructions (Experiment 2). We suggest that during thought suppression a brief reactivation of the learned association may lead to reconsolidation of the memory trace and hence to better retrieval of suppressed than control items in the long term.

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